1933 CO s CO§ H K Poo HISTORY ov Walworth County, WISCONSIN, CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF ITS SETTLEMENT, GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCES ; AN EXTENSIVE AND MINUTE SKETCH OF ITS CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES— THEIR IMPROVEMENTS, INDUSTRIES, MANUFACTORIES, CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES; ITS WAR RECORD, BIOGRAPH ICAL SKETCHES, PORTRAITS OF PROMINENT MEN AND EARLY SETTLERS; THE WHOLE PRECEDED BY A HISTORY OF WISCONSIN, STATISTICS OF THE STATE, AND AN ABSTRACT OF ITS LAWS AND CON STITUTION AND OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. IliXiXTSTK-^LTEZD. CHICAGO : WESTERN HISTORICAL COMPANY. MDCCCLXXXII. PREFACE. THE writing of contemporaneous history is not easy. It can be but little more than a truthful chronicle of the times, as the color of local prejudice is too strong to become a part or parcel of the work. It has been the endeavor of the writers having the work in charge, to gather the historical facts, and put them in form for preservation, rather than to tell an inter esting story with rhetorical display. So the work, if it has any value in the estimation of those for whom it was written, will find appreciation in the mass of matter pertaining to the early settlement of Walworth County, which it has rescued from oblivion, and preserved for future generations. It has been the desire of the writers to incorporate all that could have any bearing on the growth and development of a prosperous and thrifty agricultural community, under the most favored conditions of the most advanced civilization the world has ever known. In this work the task has been more that of compilation than the gathering of facts. The people have co-op erated in the work with a cordiality never before experienced by the editors in a wide and extended experience, and it is only to avoid invidious mention that they refrain from thanking personally the many friends who have without exception assisted them during the writing of the work. It is sufficient to say that during the period the work was in process of compilation, not a single instance occurred when information was asked or assistance desired, that it was not given cheerfully and without stint. In the preparation of the work, the historians have availed themselves of all the printed matter which had been heretofore published of a historical character — Simmon's History of Geneva; Dwinnell's Reminiscences; Beardsley's Newspaper Sketches, etc. — from which all has been culled necessary to complete the work, and for which invaluable aid acknowledg ment is here given. In addition, the manuscript matter collected by the Old Settlers' Society has been fully collated, together with all that could be gathered from a careful search through all the county records, or gleaned from the memories of the early settlers still living. To make sure that our history is full and complete, we read our manuscript to several of the most prominent officials of the Old Settlers' Society, and secured their written approval. The town histories were also read and approved by the best-informed resident we could find who took interest in the matter, and when put in type the proofs were all sent to several different persons for correction. The biographies were all copied on a type writing machine and sent by mail to each person for revision. If omissions or errors are found, all we can say, is, we did all we could to- prevent them. It will be a matter of serious regret should the work resulting from the valuable material and aid furnished prove unsatisfactory to the many friends of the enterprise who will ever be remembered with heart-felt kindness by the Publishers. CONTENTS. Page. Antiquities 19 Indian Tribes 21 Pre-Territorial Annals 29 Wisconsin Territory 41 Wisconsin as a State 52 First Administration 52 Second Administration 57 Third Administration 59 Fourth Administration 62 Fifth Administration 64 Sixth Administration 66 Seventh Administration 67 War of Secession Commenced 69 Eighth Administration 76 Ninth Administration 85 Statistics of Volunteers 90 Tenth Administration 92 Eleventh Administration 93 Twelfth Administration 94 Thirteenth Administration 97 Fourteenth Administration 99 Fifteenth Administration 104 Sixteenth Administration 109 Topography and Geology 110 The Archaean Age 112 Paleozoic Time — Silurian Age 115 Devonian Age 119 Glacial Period 120 Climatology 121 Trees, Shrubs and Vines 128 Fauna 134 Fish and Fish Culture 134 Large Animals — Time of their Disap pearance 138 Peculiarities of the Bird Fauna 139 Educational 140 Original School Code 140 Agitation for Free Schools 141 School System under State Govern ment 141 School Fund Income 142 State University 143 Agricultural College 144 Normal Schools 144 Teachers* Institutes 146 Graded Schools 146 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Page. Educational : Township System , 146 Free High Schools 147 School Offices 147 State Teachers1 Certificates 147 Teachers' Associations 148 Libraries 148 State Superintendents 148 College Sketches 149 Female Colleges 150 Academies and Seminaries 151 Commercial Schools 151 Agriculture 151 Mineral Resources 162 Lead and Zinc 162 Iron 165 Copper 168 Gold and Silver 168 Brick Clays 168 Cement Bock 170 Limestone — Glass Sand 171 Peat — Building Stones 172 Railroads 173 Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 173 Chicago & Northwestern 176 Wisconsin Central 178 "Western Union 179 West Wisconsin 180 Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western 180 Green Bay k Minnesota 181 Wisconsin Valley 181 Sheboygan & Fond du Lac 181 Mineral Point 182 Madison & Portage 182 North Wisconsin 183 Prairie du Chien & McGregor 183 Chippewa Falls & Western 183 Narrow Gauge 183 Conclusion 184 Lumber 185 Banking 191 Commerce and Manufactures 198 Furs 199 Lead and Zinc — Iron 200 Lumber 201 Grain 202 Page. Commerce and Manufactures : Dairy Products 203 Pork and Beef. 203 Hops 204 Tobacco — Cranberries 205 Liquors 205 Miscellaneous 206 Water Powers 206 Manufactures 208 Conclusion 208 The Public Domain 210 Health 230 Geographical Position 230 Physical Features 230 Geology 231 Drainage 232 Climatology 232 Bain Character 233 Isotherms 234 Barometrical 234 Winds 235 Climatological Changes from Settling in the State 235 Influence of Nationalities '.....237 Occupations— Food — Education, etc 238* History of Disease 238 Ratio of Sickness, Ft. Howard and Win nebago 239 Education of the Blind 241 Institute of Deaf and Dumb 241 Industrial School for Boys 242 State Prison 242 State Hospital for the Insane 242 Northern Hospital for the Insane .243 City of Milwaukee 243 Health Resorts 244 Change of Diseases 246 Pulmonary Diseases 248 Statistics 249 Population, 1875, of Townships, Alpha betically Arranged by Counties 249 Population by Counties 258 Nativity by Counties 259 Valuation of Property 260 Acreage of Principal Crops 261, 262 ABSTRACT OF WISCONSIN STATE LAWS. Page. Actions 283 Arrest 283 Attachment 284 Adoption of Children 276 Assignment of Mortgage 274 Assessment and Collection of Taxes 267 Assessmentof Taxes 268 Bills of Exchange or Promissory Notes 272 Borrowed Money 267 Capital Punishment 278 Collection of Taxes 270 Commercial Terms 285 Common Schools 266 Damages for Trespass 279 Page. Elections and General Elections 263 Estrays 279 Exemptions 284 Fences 280 Forms of Conveyances 273 Forms of Mortgages 274 Garnishment 284 Highways and Bridges 270 Hours of Labor 273 Interest 277 Intoxicating Liquors 271 Judgments 284 Jurisdiction of Courts 277 Jurors 278 Page. Landlord and Tenant 281 Limitation o! Actions 285 Marks and Brands 281 Married Women 283 Stay Law 284 Surveyors and Surveys 282 Support of Poor 282 Suggestions to. Persons Purchasing Books by Subscription 285 Title of Real Property by Descent 275 Weights and Measures 278 Wills 276 Wolf Scalps 278 Page. Wisconsin State Constitution 287 U. S. Constitution 297 MISCELLANEOUS. Page. I Vote of Wisconsin for Governor and PreBi- Population of the State.. 1 dent 306-307 | Page. 308 CONTENTS. HISTORY of ivamvorth: county. CHAPTER I. page. Topographical 309 The Indians 310 The Indian Village 312 First Settlement of White Men 314 Formation of the County 315 The Eoads of 1836 315 The First Road Made by White Men.. 315 The First White Settlers 316 The Early Neighborhoods 317 War at Geneva 321 First Town Organizations 324 Further Subdivisions 324 Early Surveys 327 CHAPTER II. Incidents and Reminiscences — 1836 to 1842 329 First Thoroughfares 329 First Voyagers 330 Early Mail Facilities 331 Their Houses 332 Annoyances 333 Hardships 336 First Conflagration 337 Claim Associations 337 Legal Lore 340 The First Judge 345 The First Influx of Swine 346 PAGE. Recreation 346 The Pie Stories 348 Moral and Religious Germs 349 Moral Agitation 351 Walworth County Branch Under ground Railroad 353 The Beginning of Husbandry 354 CHAPTER III.— War History. Walworth County Militia 356 Sixth Regiment Wisconsin Militia 356 The Grand Muster 358 A Court Martial 360 Moral Indignation 360 The War or the Rebellion 363 Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry 364 Tenth Wisconsin Infantry 369 Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry 372 Twenty-second Wisconsin Infantry.... 378 Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry.... 383 Fortieth Wisconsin Infantry 389 Forty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry 390 Roster of OflQcersof Walworth County 391 Troops and Money Furnished 394 CHAPTER IV.— Walworth County Ag ricultural Society. Early Organizations 399 First County Fair 400 Fair Gronnds 401 Officers 402 Constitution 406 One of the Early Fairs 408 A Contrast 409 Agencies of Success 414 CHAPTER V.— Old Settlers' Society. Organization 418 Annual Reunions 419 to 429- Roster of Officers 429 Rosterof Members 432 CHAPTER VI. Railroads and Telegraphs 439 Corporate History 444 Early Fiscal Affairs 445 Early Schools and School Districts 446 County Property 447 Support of Paupers 448 Roster of County Officers, 1839 U 1881 450 Legislators 457 Constitutional Conventions 458 State Government 458 Courts and Officers 460 Walworth County Bar 461 Statistics 463- Press of County 468 Conclusion 471 Elkhorn. page. Organization 472 Location and Natural Features 472 Early Settlement 472 The Village 477 Park and Buildings 478 The Jails 480 Early Taverns 481 First Things 482 The War Period 483 The Largest Fire • 483 Corporation 484 First Town Meeting 484 Schools 486 Elkhorn in 1881 489 Business Firms 489 Hanks 490 Churches 491 Societies 493 Newspapers 493 Biographical Sketches 497 Town of East Troy. Organization 525 Natural Features 525 Early Settlement 526 Settlers of 1837 526 Settlers of 1838 527 Early Times and Events 528 Early Trials and Early Progress 530 The First Town Meeting 531 Separation of the Towns 532 Village of East Troy 534 Churches , 535 First Sunday school 537 The Press 538 Societies 538 Hotels 539 Bands 539 Insurance 539 Fire 640 Telegraph and Telephone Line 540 Oak Ridge Cemetery 540 Biographical Sketches 643 Town or Troy. Organization 652 Natural Features 552 Early Settlers 553 The Porter Settlement 556 Early Festivities 557 Growth and Development 558 Separation of the TownB 661 Town Meetings and Roster 562 Troy Center 563 Mayhew Station 564 Churches 564 War Record 665 HISTORY OF TOWNS. PAGE. Troy in 1881 565 Biographical Sketches 565 Town of Whitewater. Natural Features 571 Agriculture 571 Population 572 Town Organization 572 Schools 574 Early Settlement.. 575 Whitewater's Early Settlement 680 A Reminiscence 583 Untimely Suicide 585 Murder of William Hamilton 585 A Pioneer Festival 586 Charter Elections 588 The Village Roster 590 Whitewater During the War 591 Women'B Relief Work 597 Growth of Whitewater 598 Whitewater As It Is 598 Village Organization 599 Scho 1b 599 State Normal Schools 699 The Post Office 601 The Press 601 Churches 602 Societies 606 Business Topics 607 Banks 610 Hotels 611 Professional Directory 611 Business Directory 611 Railroad Communication 611 Biographical Sketches 612 Town of Delavan. Organization 657 Topography 657 Early Settlement 657 First Things 660 Official History 661 Delavan Village 664 Village Directory 666 Corporate Village History 666 Post Office , 670 Manufactories 671 Societies 672 Banks 674 Hotels 676 Wisconsin Dental College 675 Deaf and Dumb Asylum 676 Churches 679 Schools 681 Newspapers 682 The Delavan Guards 682 Muster Roll 683 PAGE. Circuses and Shows 683 The War Record 684 Biograpbidal Sketches 687 Town of Darien. Organization 732 Topography 732 Early Settlement 732 Firet Things and Events 734 Corporate History. 735 Village of Darien 73S Religious 741 Post Office 741 Town Hall 742 Societies 742 War History 742 Cheese Factories 742 Schools 743 Biographical Sketches 743 Town of Sharon. Organization 754 Natural Features 764 Pioneer History 754 Official 756 Village of Sharon 758 Post Office, 75& The Press 759 Societies 760 Churches * 760 Hotels 761 Banks 761 Cheese Factory 761 Steam Flouring Mill 762 Allen's Grove 762 Biographical Sketches .. 764 Town of Richmond. Organization 775 Situation and Natural Features 775 The First Settler 775 Other Early Settlers 776 Churches 777 Official 777 Biographical Sketches 780 Town of Walworth. Early Settlement of Big Foot Prairie.. 792 First Things 794. War Record 794 Corporate HiBtory 795 Roster of Town Officers 793 Biographical Sketches 797 Town of Lyons. Organization 808 Official ; 808 Water-Powers qjq Early Settlement gll Village of Lyons g^ CONTENTS. HISTORY OF TOWNS— Continued. PAGE. Springfield 815 WarHiBtory 815 Biographical Sketches 816 Town of La Grange. Natural Features 821 Organization and Early Settlement.... 821 Churches 824 Roster of Town Officers 824 War History 825 Biographical Sketches 826 Town or Bloomfieltj. Organization and Topography 835 First Settlers 835 Early Events 839 Genoa Junction 839 Churches 840 Town Roster 841 Biographical Sketches 846 Town of Geneva. Early Settlement .. 852 Early Pioneers (deceased) 853 First ThingB 865 Early Taverns 866 Corporate Town History 868 Geneva Lake 872 War Record 873 Schools 874 Newspapers 874 Bank of Geneva 875 Churches 876 Lake Geneva Seminary 879 PA-IE. Hotels 881 Kayes Park 882 PiBhcotaqua Park House 883 Parks and Camps 884 Marengo Park House 884 Camp Coolie 885 The Cisco 885 Societies 886 Directory for 1882 886 Fish Culture 889a Geneva Lake 890b The Water Power 894e Railroads 895f The John Haskins Manufacturing Co..895f Geneva Lake Mills 895f Corporate History 896g Biographical Sketches 898i Town of Spring Prairie. Organization 889 Topography 889 Spring Prairie in 1836 890 A Reminiscence .' 891 The Indians 892 Settlers of 1837 893 Settlers of 1838 893 Early Times and Events 896 Official History 899 The Mormon Church 902 Churches 904 Cemeteries 905 Pioneers i 905 PAGE. War History 911 Biographical Sketches 912 Town of La Fayette. Organization 921 Natural Features 921 First SettlerB '. 921 Recollections of 1836-37 922 War History 925 Town Roster. 925 Churches, Schools, etc 927 Biographical Sketches 928 Town of St/gar Creek. Organization 937 Topography 937 The Settlement 938 Corporate History 942 The First Town Meeting 942 Roster of Town Officers 942 War History 944 Churches, Schools, etc 944 Biographical Sketches 945 Town of Linn. Organization 950 Natural Features 960 Early Settlers 950 Early History 952 A Reminiscence 953 First Town Meetings 955 Roster of Town Officers 955 War Record 957 Biographical Sketches 958 page, Aram, James 685 Church, CyruB 805 Cravatb, Prosper 595 Collie, Rev. Joseph 415 Mabie, Jeremiah Douglas, C 397 Halterman, D. E 703 Harrington, N. M 631 Hollinshead, William 641 PORTRAITS. PAGE. James, Thomas Perry 788 Locke, Daniel 887 McDougald, William 821 , 343 Marsh, Sanger 577 Phcenix, Samuel F 325 Potter, John F 559 Rockwell, Le Grand 451 PAGE. Simmons, James 869 Spooner, Wyman 361 Salisbury, Daniel 469 Topping, Rev. Henry 433 Teeple, CharleB S 739 Wylie, George W 379 Williams, R. J 853 PAGE. Court House front. State Normal School 613 Institute for Deaf and Dumb 667 Views on Delavan Lake 721 Lake Geneva Seminary 880 Whiting House 881 I LI, TITRATIONS. PAGE. A. B. Church's Residence 882 Pishcataqua House 883 Summer Residence of D. L.Hamlin 884 Summer Residence of Maj. Anson Sperry 885 Summer Residence of Julien S. Rumsey.. 889a Summer Residence of Ed. Ayers 890b PAGE. Summer Residence of L. Z. Leiter. 892c Summer Residence of N. K.Fairbank 892c Summer Residence of Shelton Sturges S93d Summer Residence of G. L. Dunlap 893d Summer Residence of M. E. Burton 896g Map of Walworth County... M A PS. PAGK. I .... 307 I Map of Delavan Lake PAGE. ... 721 | Map of Geneva Lake.. PAGE. ... 891 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. BY C. W. BUTTEEFIELD. I.— WISCONSIN ANTIQUITIES. The first explorers of the valleys of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi and its tributaries. seem not to have noticed, to any considerable extent, the existence within these vast areas of monuments of an extinct race. Gradually, however, as the tide of emigration broke through the barriers of the Alleghanies and spread in a widely extended flow over what are now the States of the Northwest, these prehistoric vestiges attracted more and more the attention of the curious and the learned, until, at the present time, almost every person is presumed to have some general knowledge, not only of their existence, but of some of their striking peculiarities. Unfortunately, these signs of a long since departed people are fast disappearing by the never ceasing operations of the elements, and the constant encroachments of civilization. The earliest notices of the animal and vegetable kingdom of this region are to be found in its rocks ; but Wisconsin's earli est records of men can only be traced in here and there a crumbling earth-work, in the fragment of a skeleton, or in a few stone and copper implements — dim and shadowy relics of their handicraft. The ancient dwellers in these valleys, whose history is lost in the lapse of ages, are desig nated, usually, as the Mound-Builders ; not that building mounds was probably their distinctive employment, but that such artificial elevations of the earth are, to a great extent, the only evi dences remaining of their actual occupation of the country. As to the origin of these people, all knowledge must, possibly, continue to rest upon conjecture alone. Nor were the habitations of this race confined to the territory of which Wisconsin now forms a part. At one time, they must have been located in many ulterior regions. The earth- works, tumuli, or "mounds," as they are generally designated, are usually symmetrically raised and often inclosed in mathematical figures, such as the square, the octagon, and the circle, with long lines of circumvallation. Besides these earth-works, there are pits dug in the solid rock ; rubbish heaps formed in the prosecution of mining operations ; and a variety of implements and utensils, wrought in copper or stone, or moulded in clay. Whence came the inhabitants who left these evidences to succeed ing generations ? In other words, who were the Mound-Builders ? Did they migrate from the Old World, or is their origin to be sought for elsewhere ? And as to their manners and customs and civilization — what of these things ? Was the race finally swept from the New World to give place to Red men, or was it the one from which the latter descended ? These momentous ques tions are left for the ethnologist, the archseologist, and the antiquarian of the future to answer— if they can. 20 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Inclosures and mounds of the prehistoric people, it is generally believed, constituted but parts of one system; the former being, in the main, intended for purposes of defense or religion; the latter, for sacrifice, for temple sites, for burial places, or for observatories. In selecting sites for many of these earth-works, the Mound-Builders appear to have been influenced by motives which prompt civilized men to choose localities for their great marts; hence, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee and other cities of the West are founded on ruins of pre-existing structures. River terraces and river bottoms seem to have been the favorite places for these earth-works. In such localities, the natural advantages of the country could be made available with much less trouble than in portions of the country lying at a distance from water-courses. In Wisconsin, therefore, as in other parts, the same general idea of selecting points contiguous to the principal natural thoroughfares is found to have prevailed with the Mound-Builders ; for their works are seen in the basin of the Fox river of the Illinois, in that of Rock river and its branches, in the valley of Fox river of Green bay, in that of the Wisconsin, as well as near the waters of the Mississippi. While a few circumvallations and immense mounds, such as are common to certain other portions of the United States, are discoverable in Wisconsin, yet by far the largest number of earthworks have one peculiarity not observable, except in a few instances, outside the State. This characteristic is a very striking one The fact is revealed that they are imitative in form — resembling beasts, reptiles, birds, fish, man. All these, for convenience, are usually classed under the general name of "animal mounds," although some are in the similitude of trees, some of war clubs, others of tobacco pipes. Generally, these figures are in groups, though sometimes they are seen alone. For what purpose these earth-works were heaped up — they rise above the surface two, four, and sometimes six feet — or what particular uses they were intended to subserve, is unknown. It is, however, safe to affirm that they had some significance. A number resemble the bear; a few, the buffalo; others, the raccoon. Lizards, turtles, and even tadpoles, are out lined in the forms of some. The war eagle, and the war club has each its representative. All this, of course, could not have been a mere happening — the work of chance. The sizes of these mounds are as various as their forms. One near Cassville, in Grant county, very complete in its representation of an animal, supposed to be of the elephant species, was found, upon measure ment, to have a total length of one hundred and thirty-five feet. Another in Sauk county, quite perfect in its resemblance to the form of a man, was of equal length — a veritable colossus • prone, it is true, and soon to disappear, if it has not already been destroyed, by ravages of a superior civilization. In portions of Wisconsin, as well as in a few places outside the State, are found earth-works of another kind, but quite as remarkable as the "animal mounds," which, from their supposed use, have been styled "garden beds." They are ridges, or beds, about six' inches in height and four feet in width, ranged, with much apparent method, in parallel rows, sometimes rectangular in shape, sometimes of various but regular and symmetrical curves, and occupying fields of from ten to a hundred acres. The Mound-Builders have left many relics, besides their earthworks, to attest their presence in Wisconsin in ages past. Scattered widely are found stone and copper axes, spear-heads, and arrow-heads, also various other implements— evidently their handiwork. As these articles are frequently discovered many feet beneath the surface, it argues a high antiquity for the artificers. Whether they had the skill to mould their copper implements is doubtful. Such as plainly show the work of hammering, indicate an art beyond that possessed by the Red men who peopled America upon its first discovery by Europeans. In a few instances, fragments of human skulls have been found so well preserved as to enable a comparison to be drawn between the crania of THE INDIAN TEIBES OF WISCONSIN. 21 this ancient race and those of modern ones ; the results, however, of these comparisons throw little, if any, light upon " the dark backward and abysm " of mound-building times. The evidences of an extinct people of superior intelligence is very strikingly exhibited in the ancient copper mines of the Lake Superior region. Here are to be found excavations in the solid rock; heaps of rubble and dirt ; copper utensils fashioned into knives, chisels, and spear and arrow-heads; stone hammers; wooden bowls and shovels; props and levers for raising and supporting the mass copper; and ladders for ascending and descending the pits. These mines were probably worked by people not only inhabiting what is now the State of Wisconsin, but territory farther to the southward. The copper was here obtained, it is believed, which has been found in many places, even as far away as the northern shore cf the Gulf of Mexico, wrought into various implements and utensils. But there are no traces in Wisconsin of a " copper age " succeeding a " stone age," discernible in any prehistoric relics. They all refer alike to one age — the indefinite past ; to one people — the Mound-Builders. II.— THE INDIAN TRIBES OF WISCONSIN. When, as early, it is believed, as 1634, civilized man first set foot upon the territory now included within the boundaries of Wisconsin, he discovered, to his surprise, that upon this wide area met and mingled clans of two distinct and wide-spread families — the Algonquins and Sioux. The tribes of the former, moving westward, checked the advance of the latter in their excursions eastward. As yet there had been no representatives of the Huron-Iroquois seen west of Lake Michigan — the members of this great family, at that date dwelling in safety in the extensive regions northward and southward of the Erie and Ontario lakes. Already had the French secured a foot-hold in the extensive valley of the St. Lawrence ; and, naturally enough, the chain of the Great Lakes led their explorers to the mouth of Green bay, and up that water course and its principal tributary, Fox river, to the Wisconsin, an affluent of the Mississippi. On the right, in ascending this bay, was seen, for the first time, a nation of Indians, lighter in complexion than neighboring tribes, and remarkably well formed, now well known as the Menomonees. This nation is of Algonquin stock, but their dialect differed so much from the surrounding tribes of the same family, it having strange guttural sounds and accents, as well as peculiar inflec tions of verbs and other parts of speech, that, for a long time, they were supposed to have a distinct language. Their traditions point to an emigration from the East at some remote period. When first visited by the French missionaries, these Indians subsisted largely upon wild rice, from which they took their name. The harvest time of this grain was in the month of September. It grew spontaneously in little streams with slimy bottoms, and in marshy places. The harvesters went in their canoes across these watery fields, shaking the ears right and left as they advanced, the grain falling easily, if ripe, into the bark receptacle beneath. To clear it from chaff and strip it of a pellicle inclosing it, they put it to dry on a wooden lattice above a small fire, which was kept up for several days. When the rice was well dried, it was placed in a skin of the form of a bag, which was then forced into a hole, made on purpose, in the ground. They then tread it out so long and so well, that the grain bemg freed from the chaff, was easily winnowed. After this, it was pounded to meal, or left unpounded, and boiled ir» water seasoned with grease. It thus became a very palatable diet. It must not be inferred that this was the only food of the Menomonees ; they were adepts in fishing, and hunted with skill the game which abounded in the forests. For many years after their discovery, the Menomonees had their homes and hunting 22 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. grounds upon, or adjacent to, the Menomonee river. Finally, after the lapse of a century and a quarter, down to 1760, when the French yielded to the English all claims to the country, the territory of the Menomonees had shifted somewhat to the westward and southward, and their principal village was found at the head of Green bay, while a smaller one was still in existence at the mouth of their favorite stream. So slight, however, had been this change, that the country of no other of the surrounding tribes had been encroached upon by the movement. In 1634, the Menomonees probably took part in a treaty with a representative of the French, who had thus early ventured so far into the wilds of the lake regions. More than a score of years elapsed before the tribe was again visited by white men, — that is to say, there are no authentic accounts of earlier visitations. In 1660, Father Rene" Menard had penetrated the Lake Superior country as far, at least, as Kewenaw, in what is now the northern part of Michigan, whence some of his French companions probably passed down the Menomonee river to the waters of Green bay the following year ; but no record of the Indians, through whose territory they passed, was made by these voyagers. Ten years more — 1670 — brought to the Menomonees (who doubtless had already been visited by French fur-traders) Father Claudius Allouez, to win them to Christianity. He had previously founded a mission upon the bay of Chegoimegon, now Chaquamegon, or Ashland bay, an arm of Lake Superior, within the present State of Wisconsin, in charge of which, at that date, was Father James Marquette. Proceeding from the " Sault"on the third of November, Allouez, early in December, 1669, reached the mouth of Green bay, where, on the third, in an Indian village of Sacs, Pottawattamies, Foxes and Winnebagoes, containing about six hundred souls, he celebrated the holy mass for the first time upon this new field of his labors, — eight Frenchmen, traders with the Indians, whom the missionary found there upon his arrival, taking part in the devotions. His first Christian work with the Menomonees was performed in May of the next year. Allouez found this tribe a feeble one, almost exterminated by war. He spent but little time with them, embarking, on the twentieth of that month, after a visit to some Pottawattamies and Winnebagoes, " with a Frenchman and a savage to go to Sainte Mary of the Sault.'' His place was filled by Father Louis Andre1, who, not long after, erected a cabin upon the Menomonee river, which, with one at a village where his predecessor had already raised the standard of the cross, was soon burned by the savages ; but the missionary, living almost con stantly in his canoe, continued for some time to labor with the Menomonees and surrounding tribes. The efforts of Andre were rewarded with some conversions among the former ; for Mar quette, who visited them in 1673, found many good Christians among them. The record of ninety years of French domination in Wisconsin — beginning in June, 1671, and ending in October, 1761 — brings to light but little of interest so far as the Menomonees are concerned. Gradually they extended their intercourse with the white fur traders. Gradually and with few interruptions (one in 1728, and one in 1747 of a serious character) they were drawn under the banner of France, joining with that government in its wars with the Iroquois; in its contests, in 1712, 1729, 1730, and 1751, with the Foxes; and. subsequently, in its conflicts with the English. The French post, at what is now Green Bay, Brown county, Wisconsin, was, along with the residue of the western forts, surrendered to the British in 1760, although actual possession of the former was not taken until the Fall of the next year. The land on which the fort stood was claimed by the Menomonees. Here, at that date, was their upper and principal village, the lower one being at the mouth of the Menomonee river. These Indians soon became reconciled to the English occupation of their territory, notwithstanding the machinations of French traders who endeavored to prejudice them against the new comers. The Menomonees, at this time were very much reduced, having, but a short time previous, lost three hundred of their warriors THE INDIAN TRIBES OF WISCONSIN. 23 by the small pox, and most of their chiefs in the late war in which they had been engaged by the then French commander there, against the English. They were glad to substitute English for French traders ; as they could purchase supplies of them at one half the price they had previously paid. It was not long before the sincerity of the Menomonees was put to the test. Pontiac's War of 1 763 broke out, and the post of Mackinaw was captured. The garrison, however, at Green bay was not only not attacked by the savages, but, escorted by the Menomonees and other tribes, crossed Lake Michigan in safety to the village of L'Arbre Croche ; thence making their way to Montreal. The Menomonees continued their friendship to the English, joining with them against the Colonies during the Revolution, and fighting on the same side during the war of 1812-15. When, in July, 1816, an American force arrived at Green bay to take possession of the country, the Menomonees were found in their village near by, very peaceably inclined. The commander of the troops asked permission of their chief to build a fort. " My Brother!" was the response, " how can we oppose your locating a council-fire among us ? You are too strong for us. Even if we wanted to oppose you we have scarcely got powder and ball to make the attempt. ., One favor we ask is, that our French brothers shall not be disturbed. You can choose any place you please for your fort, and we shall not object.!' No trouble had been anticipated from the Menomonees, and the expectations of the government of the United States in that regard were fully realized. What added much to the friendship now springing up between the Menomonees and the Americans was the fact that the next year — 1817 — the annual contribution, which for many years had been made by the British, consisting of a shirt, leggins, breech-clout. and blanket for each member or the tribe, and for each family a copper kettle, knives, axes, guns and ammunition, was withheld by them. It was found by the Americans, upon their occupation of the Menomonee territory, that some of the women of that tribe were married to traders and boatmen who had settled at t.\e head of the bay, there being no white women in that region. Many of these were Canadians of French extraction ; hence the anxiety that they should be well treated, which was expressed by the Menomonees upon the arrival of the American force. At this period there was a consider able trade carried on with these Indians at Prairie du Chien, as many of them frequently win tered on the Mississippi. The first regular treaty with this tribe was " made and concluded" on the thirtieth ' day' of March, 1817, "by and between William Clark, Ninian Edwards, and Auguste Chouteau, commissioners on the part and behalf of the United States of America, of the one part," and the chiefs and warriors, deputed by the Menomonees, of the other part. By the terms of this compact all injuries were to be forgiven and forgotten ; perpetual peace established; lands, heretofore ceded to other governments, confirmed to the United States ; all prisoners to be delivered up ; and the tribe placed under the protection of the United States, " and of no other nation, power, or sovereign, whatsoever." The Menomonees were now fully and fairly, and for the first time, entitled to be known as " American Indians," in contradistinction to the term which had been so long used as descriptive of their former allegiance — " British Indians." The territory of the Menomonees, when the tribe was taken fully under the win£ of the Gen eral Government, had become greatly extended. It was bounded on the north by the dividing ridge between the waters flowing into Lake Superior and those flowing south into Green bay and the Mississippi ; on the east, by Lake Michigan ; on the south, by the Milwaukee river, and on the west by the Mississippi and Black rivers. This was their territory; though they were prac tically restricted to the occupation of the western shore of Lake Michigan, lying between the mouth of Green bay on the north and the Milwaukee river on the south, and to a somewhat indefinite area west. Their general claim as late as 1825, was north to the Chippewa country: 24 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. east to Green bay and Lake Michigan ; south to the Milwaukee river, and west to Black river. And what is most surprising is that the feeble tribe of 1761 had now, in less than three quarters of a century, become a powerful nation, numbering between three and four thousand. The Menomonee territory, as late as 1831, still preserved its large proportions. Its eastern division was bounded by the Milwaukee river, the shore of Lake Michigan, Green bay, Fox river, and Winnebago lake'; its western division, by the Wisconsin and Chippewa rivers on the west ; Fox river on the south ; Green bay on the east, and the high lands whence flow the streams into Lake Superior, on the north. This year, however, it was shorn of a valuable and large part by the tribe ceding to the United States all the eastern division, estimated at two and one half million acres. The following year, the Menomonees aided the General Government in the Black Hawk war. That the Menomonees might, as much as possible, be weaned from their wandering habits, their permanent home was designated to be a large tract lying north of Fox river and east of Wolf river. Their territory farther west, was reserved for their hunting grounds until such time as the General Government should desire to purchase it. In 1836, another portion, amounting to four million acres, lying between Green bay on the east and Wolf river on the west, was dis posed of to the United States, besides a strip three miles in width from near the portage north, -on each side of the Wisconsin river and forty-eight miles long — still leaving them in peace able possession of a country about one hundred and twenty miles long, and about eighty broad. Finally, in 1848, the Menomonees sold all their lands in Wisconsin to the General Govern ment, preparatory to their movement to a reservation beyond the Mississippi cf six hundred thousand acres ; but the latter tract was afterward re-ceded to the United States ; for, notwith standing there were treaty stipulations for the removal of the tribe to that tract, there were •obstacles in the way of their speedy migration, resulting, finally, in their being permitted to remain in Wisconsin. Lands, to the amount of twelve townships, were granted them for their permanent homes, on the upper Wolf river, in what is now Shawano and Oconto counties — a portion, but a very small one, of what was once their extensive possessions. To this reservation they removed in October, 1852. Thus are the Menomonees, the only one of the original tribes of Wisconsin who, as a whole, have a local habitation within its limits. This tribe refused to join the Sioux in their outbreak in 1861, and several of their warriors served as volunteers in the United States army during the late civil war. It is now over two centuries since the civilized world began to gain knowledge of the exist- •ence, in the far West, of a tribe of Indians known as the Winnebagoes — that is, men of the sea; pointing, possibly, to their early migration from the shores of the Mexican gulf, or the Pacific. The territory now included within the limits of Wisconsin, and so much of the State of Michigan as lies north of Green bay, Lake Michigan, the Straits of Mackinaw and Lake Huron were, in early times, inhabited by several tribes of the Algonquin race, forming a barrier to the Dakotas, or Sioux, who had advanced eastward to the Mississippi. But the Winnebagoes, although one of the tribes belonging to the family of the latter, had passed the great river, at some unknown period, and settled upon the head waters of Green bay. Here, this "sea-tribe," as early it is believed, as 1634, was visited by an agent of France and a treaty concluded with them. The tribe afterward called themselves Hochungara, or Ochunkoraw, but were styled by the Sioux, Hotanke or Sturgeon. Nothing more is heard of the Ouenibigoutz, or Winnebegouk (as the Winnebagoes were early called by the Jesuit missionaries, and the Algonquin tribes, meaning men from the fetid or salt water, translated by the French, Puants) for the next thirty-five years, although there is no doubt that the tribe had been visited meanwhile by adventurous Frenchmen, when on thesecond of December, 1669, some of that nation were noted at a Sac (Sauk or Saukis) village on Green bay, by Father Allouez. THE INDIAN TRIBES OF WISCONSIN. 25 As early at least as 1670, the French were actively engaged among the Winnebagoes trading. " We found affairs,'' says one of the Jesuit missionaries, who arrived among them in September of that year. " we found affairs there in a pretty bad posture, and the minds of the savages much soured against the French, who were there trading ; ill-treating them in deeds and words, pillag ing and carrying away their merchandise in spite of them, and conducting themselves toward them with insupportable insolences and indignities. The cause of this disorder," adds the mis sionary, " is that they had received some bad treatment from the French, to whom they had this year come to trade, and particularly from the soldiers, from whom they pretended to have received many wrongs and injuries." It is thus made certain that the arms of France were carried into the territory of the Winnebagoes over two hundred years ago. The Fox river of Green bay was found at that date a difficult stream to navigate. Two Jesuits who ascended the river in 1670, had "three or four leagues of rapids to contend with," when they had advanced " one day's journey " from the head of the bay, " more difficult than those which are common in other rivers, in this, that the flints, over which" they had to walk with naked feet to drag their canoes, were so " sharp and so cutting, that one has all the trouble in the world to hold one's self steady against the great rushing of the waters." At the falls they found an idol that the savages honored ; " never failing, in passing, to make him some sacrifice of tobacco, or arrows, or paintings, or other things, to thank him that, by his assistance, they had, in ascending, avoided the dangers of the waterfalls which are in this stream ; or else, if they had to ascend, to pray him to aid them in this perilous navigation." The devout missionaries caused the idol " to be lifted up by the strength of arm, and cast into the depths of the river, to appear no more " to the idolatrous savages. The mission of St. Francis Xavier, founded in December, 1669, by Allouez, was a roving one among the tribes inhabiting the shores of Green bay and the interior country watered by the Fox river and its tributaries, for about two years, when its first mission-house was erected at what is now Depere, Brown county. This chapel was soon after destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in 1676. The Winnebagoes, by this time, had not only received considerable spiritual instruction from the Jesuit fathers, but had obtained quite an insight into the mysteries of trading and trafficking with white men ; for, following the footsteps of the missionaries, and sometimes preceding them, were the ubiquitous French fur traders. It is impossible to determine precisely what territory was occupied by the Winnebagoes at this early date, farther than that they lived near the head of Green bay. A direct trade with the French upon the St. Lawrence was not carried on by the Winne bagoes to any great extent until the beginning of the eighteenth century. As early as 1679, an advance party of La Salle had collected a large store of furs at the mouth of Green bay, doubtless in a traffic with this tribe and others contiguous to them ; generally, however, the surrounding nations sold their peltries to the Ottawas, who disposed of them, in turn, to the French. The commencement of the eighteenth century found the Winnebagoes firmly in alliance with France, and in peace with the dreaded Iroquios. In 17 18, the nation numbered six hundred. They were afterward found to have moved up Fox river, locating upon Winne bago lake, which stream and lake were their ancient seat, and from which they had been driven either by fear or the prowess of more powerful tribes of the West or Southwest. Their inter course with the French was gradually extended and generally peaceful, though not always so, joining with them, as did the Menomonees, in their wars with the. Iroquois, and subsequently in their conflicts with the English, which finally ended in 1760. When the British, in October, 1761, took possession of the French post, at the head of 26 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Green bay, the Winnebagoes were found to number one hundred and fifty warriors only ; their nearest village being at the lower end of Winnebago lake. They had in all not less than three towns. Their country, at this period, included not only that lake, but all the streams flowing into it, especially Fox river; afterward extended to the Wisconsin and Rock rivers. They readily changed their course of trade — asking now of the commandant at the fort for English traders to be sent among them. In the Indian outbreak under Pontiac in 1763, they joined with the Menomonees and other tribes to befriend the British garrison at the head of the bay, assisting in conducting them to a place of safety. They continued their friendship to the English during the Revolution, by joining with them against the colonies, and were active in the Indian war of 1790-4, taking part in the attack on Fort Recovery, upon the Maumee, in the present State of Ohio, in 1793. They fought also on the side of the British in the war of 1812-15, aiding, in 1814, to reduce Prairie du Chien. They were then estimated at 4,500. When, in 1816, the government of the United States sent troops to take possession of the Green bay country, by establishing a garrison there, some trouble was anticipated from these Indians, who, at that date, had the reputation of being a bold and warlike tribe. A deputation from the nation came down Fox river and remonstrated with the American commandant at what was thought to be an intrusion. They were desirous of knowing why a fort was to be established so near them. The reply was that, although the troops were armed for war if necessary, their purpose was peace. Their response was an old one : " If your object is peace, you have too many men ; if war, you have too few." However, the display of a number of cannon which had not yet been mounted, satisfied the Winnebagoes that the Americans were masters of thesituation, and the deputation gave the garrison no farther trouble. On the 3d of June, 1816, at St. Louis, the tribe made a treaty of peace and friendship with the General Government; but they continued to levy tribute on all white people who passed up Fox river. English annuities also kept up a bad feeling. At this time, a portion of the tribe was living upon the Wisconsin river, away from the rest of the nation, which was still seated upon the waters flowing into Green bay. In 1820 they had five villages on Winnebago lake and fourteen on Rock river. In 1825, the claim of the Winnebagoes was an extensive one, so far as territory was concerned. Its southeast boundary stretched away from the source of Rock river to within forty miles of its mouth in Illinois, where they had a village. On the west it extended to the heads of the small streams flowing into the Mississippi. To the northward, it reached Black river and the upper Wis consin, in other words, to the Chippewa territory, but did not extend across Fox river, although they contended for the whole of Winnebago lake. In 1829, a large part of their territory in southwest Wisconsin, lying between Sugar river and the Mississippi, and extending to the Wis consin river, was sold' to the General Government; and, three years later all the residue lying south and east of the Wisconsin and the Fox river of Green bay ; the Winnebago prophet having before that date supported the Sacs in their hostility. Finally, in the brief language of the treaty between this tribe (which had become unsettled and wasteful) and the United States of the first of November, 1837, "The Winnebago Nation of Indians " ceded to the General Government " all their lands east of the Mississippi." Not an acre was reserved. And the Indians agreed that, within eight months from that date, they would move west of " the great river." This arrangement, however, was not carried out fully. In 1842, there were only 756 at Turkey river, Iowa, their new home, with as many in Wisconsin, and smaller bands e'.'.ewhere. All had become lawless, and roving. Some removed in 1848; while a party to the number of over eight hun dred left the State as late as 1873. The present home of the tribe is in Nebraska, where they have a reservation north of and adjacent to the Omahas, containing over one hundred thousand acres. However, since their first removal beyond the Mississippi, they have several times THE INDIAN TRIBES OF WISCONSIN. 27 changed their place of abode. Their number, all told, is less than twenty-five hundred. When the territory, now constituting the northern portion of Wisconsin, becai..j very generally known to the civilized inhabitants of the eastern part of the United States, it was found to be occupied by Indians called the Chippewas. Their hunting-grounds extended south from Lake Superior to the heads of the Menomonee, the Wisconsin and Chippewa rivers ; also farther eastward and westward. At an early day they were engaged in a war with the Sioux — a war indeed, which was long continued. The Chippewas, however, persistently maintained their position — still occupying the same region when the General Government extended its. jurisdiction over the whole country south of the Great Lakes and west to the Mississippi. By treaties with the Chippewas at different periods, down to the year 1827, the General Gov ernment had recognized them as the owners of about one quarter of what is now the entire State. The same policy was pursued toward this tribe as with neighboring ones, in the purchase of their lands by the United States. Gradually they parted with their extensive possessions, until, in 1842, the last acre within what is now Wisconsin was disposed of. It was the intention of the General Government to remove the several bands of the Chippewas who had thus ceded their lands to a tract reserved for them beyond the Mississippi; but this determination was afterward changed so as to allow them to remain upon certain reservations within the limits of their old- time hunting grounds. These reservations they continue to occupy. They are located in Bay field, Ashland, Chippewa and Lincoln counties. The clans are known, respectively, as the Red Cliff band, the Bad River band, the Lac Courte Oreille band, and the Lac de Flambeau band. Of all the tribes inhabiting what is now Wisconsin when its territory was first visited by white men, the Sacs (Sauks or Saukies) and Foxes (Outagamies) are, in history, the most noted. They are of the Algonquin family, and are first mentioned in 1665, by Father Allouez, but as separate tribes. Afterward, however, because of the identity of their language, and their asso ciations, they were and still are considered as one nation. In December, 1669, Allouez found upon the shores of Green bay a village of Sacs, occupied also by members of other tribes; and early in 1670 he visited a village of the same Indians located upon the Fox river of Green bay, at a distance of four leagues from its mouth. Here a device of these Indians for catching fish arrested the attention of the missionary. "From one side of the river to the other," he writes, " they made a harricade, planting great stakes, two fathoms from the water, in such a manner that there is, as it were, a bridge above for the fishes, who by the aid of a little bow-net, easily take sturgeons and all other kinds of fish which this pier stops, although the water does not cease to flow between the stakes." When the Jesuit father first obtained, five years previous, a knowledge of this tribe, they were represented as savage above all others, great in numbers, and without any permanent dwelling place. The Foxes were of two stocks : one calling themselves Outagamies or Foxes, whence our English name ; the other, Musquakink, or men of red clay, the name now used by the tribe. They lived in early times with their kindred the Sacs east of Detroit, and as some say near the St. Lawrence. They were driven west, and settled at Saginaw, a name derived from the Sacs. Thence they were forced by the Iroquois to Green bay ; but were compelled to leave that place and settle on Fox river. Allouez, on the twenty-fourth of April, 1670, arrived at a y^Tge of the Foxes, situated on Wolf river, a northern tributary of the Fox. "The nation," he declares, "is renowned for being numerous ; they have more than four hundred men bearing arms ; the number of women and children is greater, on account of polygamy which exists among them — each man having commonly four wives, some of them six, and others as high as ten." The missioaary found that the Foxes had retreated to those parts to escape the persecutions of the Iroquois. Allouez established among these Indians his mission of St. Mark, rejoicing in the fact that in less than 28 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. two years he had baptized "sixty children and some adults." The Foxes, at the summons of De la Barre, in 1684, sent warriors against the Five Nations. They also took part in Denonville's more serious campaign ; but soon after became hostile to the French. As early as 169.3, they had plundered several on their way to trade with the Sioux, alleging that they were carrying arms and ammunition to their ancient enemies — frequently causing them to make portages to the southward in crossing from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. Afterward they became recon ciled to the French; but the reconciliation was of short duration. In 1712, Fort Detroit, then defended by only a handful of men, was attacked by them in conjunction with the Mascou- tens and Kickapoos. However, in the end, by calling in friendly Indians, the garrison not only protected themselves but were enabled to act on the offensive, destroying the greater part of the besieging force. The nation continued their ill will to the French. The consequence was that their territory in 1716 had been invaded and they were reduced to sue for peace. But their friendship was not of long continuance. In 17 18, the Foxes numbered five hundred men and "abounded in women and children." They are spoken of at that date as being very industrious, raising large quantities of Indian corn. In 1728, another expedition was sent against them by the French. Meanwhile the Menomonees had also become hostile; so, too, the Sacs, who were now the allies of the Foxes. The result of the enterprise was, an attack upon and the defeat of a number of Menomonees ; the burning of the wigwams of the Winnebagos (after passing the deserted village of the Sacs upon the Fox river), that tribe, also, at this date being hostile ; and the destruction of the fields of the Foxes. They were again attacked in their own country by the French, in 1730, and defeated. In 1734, both the Sacs and Foxes came in conflict with the same foe; but this time the French were not as successful as on previous expeditions. In 1736, the Sacs and Foxes were "connected with the government of Canada; " but it is certain they were far from being friendly to the French. The conflict between France and Great Britain commencing in 1754, found the Sacs and Foxes allied with the former power, against the English, although not long previous to this time they were the bitter enemies of the French. At the close of that contest so disastrous to the interests of France in North America, these tribes readily gave in their adhesion to the con querors, asking that English traders might be sent them. The two nations, then about equally divided, numbered, in 1761, about seven hundred warriors. Neither of the tribes took part in Pontiac's war, but they befriended the English. The Sacs had migrated farther to the west ward; but the Foxes — at least a portion of them — still remained upon the waters of the river of Green bay, which perpetuates their name. A few years later, however, and the former were occupants of the upper Wisconsin ; also, to a considerable distance below the portage, where their chief town was located. Further down the same stream was the upper village of the Foxes, while their lower one was situated near its mouth at the site of the present city of Prairie du Chien. At this date, 1766, the northern portion of what is now Wisconsin, including all that part watered by the streams flowing north into Lake Superior, was the home of the Chippewas. The country around nearly the whole of Green bay was the hunting ground of the Menomonees. The territory of Winnebago lake and Fox river was the seat of the Winnebagoes. The region of the Wisconsin river was the dwelling place of the Sacs and Foxes. During the war of the Revolution, the Sacs and Foxes continued the firm friends of the English. At the commencement of the nineteenth century, only a small part of their territory was included in what is now Wisconsin, and that was in the extreme southwest. In 1804, they ceded this to the United States ; so that they no longer were owners of any lands within this State. From that date, therefore, these allied tribes can not be considered as belonging to the PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 29 Indian nations of Wisconsin. A striking episode in their subsequent histjpry — the Black Hawk War — comes in, notwithstanding, as a part, incidentally, of the annals of the State. Deserving a place in a notice of the Indian tribes of Wisconsin is the nation known as the Pottawattamies. As early as 1639, they were the neighbors of the Winnebagoes upon Green bay. They were still upon its southern shore, in two villages, in 1670 ; and ten years subsequent to that date they occupied, at least- in one village the same region. At the expiration of the first quarter of the eighteenth century, a part only of the nation were in that vicinity — upon the islands at the mouth of the bay. These islands were then known as the Pottawattamie islands, and considered as the ancient abode of these Indians. Already had a large portion of this tribe emigrated southward, one band resting on the St. Joseph of Lake Michigan, the other near Detroit. One peculiarity of this tribe — at least of such as resided in what is now Wisconsin — was their intimate association with neighboring bands. When, in 1669, a village of the Pottawattamies, located upon the southeast shore of Green bay, was visited by Allouez, he found with them Sacs and Foxes and Winnebagoes. So, also, when, many years subsequent to that date, a band of these Indians were located at Milwaukee, with them were Ottawas and Chippewas. These ¦" united tribes " claimed all the lands of their respective tribes and of other nations, giving the United States, when possession was taken of the western country by the General Government, no little trouble. Finally, by a treaty, held at Chicago in 1833, their claims, such as they were, to lands along the western shore of Lake Michigan, within the present State of Wisconsin, extending westward to Rock river, were purchased by the United States, with permission to retain possession three years longer of their ceded lands, after which time this " united nation of Chippewas, Ottawas and Pottawattamies " began to disappear, and soon were no longer seen in southeastern Wisconsin or in other portions of the State. Besides the five tribes — Menomonees, Winnebagoes, Chippewas, Sacs and Foxes, and Pottawattamies — many others, whole or in part, have, since the territory now constituting the State was first visited by white men, been occupants of its territory. Of these, some are only known as having once lived in what is now Wisconsin ; others — such as the Hurons, Illinois, Kickapoos, Mascoutens, Miamis, Noquets, Ottawas and Sioux, are recognized as Indians once dwelling in this region ; yet so transitory has been their occupation, or so little is known of their history, that they scarcely can be claimed as belonging to the State. Commencing in 1822, and continuing at intervals through some of the following years, was the migration to Wisconsin from the State of New York of the remains or portions of four tribes : the Oneidas, Stockbridges, Munsees and Brothertowns. The Oneidas finally located west of Green Bay, where they still reside. Their reservation contains over 60,000 acres, and lies wholly within the present counties of Brown and Outagamie. The Stockbridges and Munsees, who first located above Green Bay, on the east side of Fox river, afterward moved to the east side of Winnebago lake. They now occupy a reservation joining the southwest township of the Menomenee reservation, in Shawano county, and are fast becoming citizens. The Brothertowns first located on the east side of Fox river, but subsequently moved to the east side of Winnebago lake, where, in 1839, they broke up their tribal relations and became citizens of Wisconsin territory. III.— PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. When, in 1634, the first white man set foot upon any portion of the territory now consti tuting the State of Wisconsin, the whole country was, of course, a wilderness. Its inhabitants, the aboriginal Red men, were thinly but widely scattered over all the country. John Nicolet, a Frenchman, who had been in Canada since 1 618, and had spent several years among the 30 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Indians, was the first <|f civilized men to unlock the mystery of its situation and people. French authorities upon the St. Lawrence sent him as an ambassador to the Winnebagoes, of whom he had heard strange stories. On his outward voyage he visited the Hurons — allies of the French — a tribe seated upon the eastern side of the lake which bears their name, and Nicolet was empowered to negotiate a peace with them. " When he approached the Winnebago town, he sent some of his Indian attendants to announce his coming, put on a robe of damask, and advanced to meet the expectant crowd with a pistol in each hand. The squaws and children fled, scream ing that it was a manito, or spirit, armed with thunder and lightning ; but the chiefs and warriors regaled him with so bountiful a hospitality, that a hundred and twenty beavers were devoured at a single feast." Such was the advent of the daring Frenchman into what is now the State of Wisconsin. " Upon the borders of Green bay," wrote the Jesuit, Paul le Jeune, in 1640, " are the Meno monees; still farther on, the Winnebagoes, a sedentary people, and very numerous. Some Frenchmen," he continues, " call them the ' Nation of the Stinkards,' because the Algonquin word Winipeg signifies ' stinking water.' Now they thus call the water of the sea ; therefore, these people call themselves ' Winnebagoes,' because they came from the shores of a sea of which we have no knowledge ; consequently we must not call them the ' Nation of Stinkards,' but the ' Nation of the Sea.' " From these Men of the Sea, Nicolet passed westward, ascended Fox river of Green Bay, until nigh the portage to the Wisconsin, down which stream he could have floated easily to the Mississippi, the "great water" of his guides, which he mistook for the sea. This adventurous Frenchman, when so near re-discovering the river which has given immortality to De Soto, turned his face to the eastward ; retraced his steps to Green bay, and finally returned in safety to Quebec. This was the first exploration of what is now Wisconsin — only fourteen years after the landing of the Pilgrims upon the wild shores of New England. Wisconsin, for twenty-four years after its discovery, was left to its savage inhabitants. At length, in 1658, two daring fur traders penetrated to Lake Superior, and wintered there. They probably set foot upon what is now Wisconsin soil, as they made several trips among the sur rounding tribes. They saw, among other things, at six days' journey beyond the lake, toward the southwest, Indians that the Iroquois had driven from their homes upon the eastern shores of Lake Huron. These Frenchmen heard of the ferocious Sioux, and of a great river — not the sea as Nicolet had supposed — on which they dwelt. This was the Mississippi ; and to these traders is the world indebted for a knowledge of its existence ; as De Soto's discovery was never used and soon became well-nigh, if not entirely, forgotten. From these upper countries, in the Sum mer of 1660, the two returned to Quebec, with three hundred Indians in sixty canoes, laden with peltry. This was, indeed, the dawn— though exceedingly faint— of what is now the commerce of the great Northwest. Nineteen years after flashed a more brilliant light; for, in 1679, the "Griffin," laden with furs, left one of the islands at the mouth of Green bay, on its return- spreading her sails for Niagara, but never more to be heard of. Following in the footsteps of the fur traders came the Jesuit missionaries to Lake Superior • one of them, Father Menard, as early as 1660, reaching its southern shore as far to the westward' probably, as Kewenaw, in the present State of Michigan. There is no positive evidence, however' that he or his French companions, visited any portion of what is now Wisconsin ; although the next year, 1661, some of his associates probably passed down the Menomonee river to Green bay Following Menard came Father Claude Allouez, arriving on the first day of October, 1665 at " Chagowamigong," or "Chegoimegon," now Chequamegon, or Ashland Bay, " at the bottom of which," wrote the missionary, " is situated the great villages of the savages, who there plant their fields of Indian corn, and lead a stationary life." Near by he erected a small chapel of bark— the PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 31 first structure erected by civilized man in Wisconsin. At La Pointe, in the present Ashland county, he established the mission of the Holy Ghost. The next Catholic mission in what is now Wisconsin was that of St. Francis Xavier, founded also by Allouez. Upon the second of December, 1669, he first attended to his priestly devotions upon the waters of Green bay. This mission, for the first two years of its existence, was a migratory one. The surrounding tribes were all visited, including the Pottawattamies, Menom onees, Winnebagoes, and Sacs and FoxeS. However, in i67i,one hundred and five years before the Declaration of Independence, there was erected, at what is now Depere, Brown county, a chapel for the mission of St. Francis Xavier. Thus early did the Jesuit Fathers, in their plain garbs and unarmed, carry the cross to many of the benighted heathen occupying the country circumscribed by Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior, and' the " great river " — the Mississippi. French domination in Wisconsin dates from the year 167 1, the very year in which it seems the indomitable LaSalle, upon his first expedition, passed the mouth of Green bay, but did not enter it. France then took formal possession of the whole of the country of the upper lakes. By this time, the commerce with the western tribes had so attached them to her interests that she determined to extend her power to the utmost limits — vague and indeterminate as they were — of Canada. An agent — Daumont de St. Lusson — was dispatched to the distant tribes, proposing a congress of Indian nations at the Falls of Ste. Mary, between Lake Huron and Lake Superior. The invitation was extended far and near. The principal chiefs of Wisconsin tribes, gathered by Nicolas Perrot in Green bay, were present at the meeting. Then and there, with due ceremony, it was announced that the great Northwest was placed under the protection of the French government. And why not ? She had discovered it — had to a certain extent explored it — had to a limited extent established commerce with it — and her missionaries had proclaimed the faith to the wondering savages. But none of her agents — none of the fur- traders — none of the missionaries — had yet reached the Mississippi, the " great river,'' concerning which so many marvels had been heard, although it is claimed that, in 1669, it had been seen by the intrepid La Salle. But the time for its discovery, or properly re-discovery, was at hand, if, indeed, it can be called, with propriety, a re-discovery, since its existence to the westward was already known to every white man particularly interested in matters appertaining to the North west. Now, however, for the first time, its upper half was to be, to a certain extent, explored. For the first time, a white man was to behold its vast tribute, above the Illinois river, rolling onward toward the Mexican gulf. Who was that man ? His name was Louis Joliet ; with him was Father James Marquette. Born at Quebec, in 1645, educated by the Jesuits, and first resolving to be a priest, then turning fur-trader, Joliet had, finally, been sent with an associate to explore the copper mines of Lake Superior. He was a man of close and intelligent observation, and possessed considerable mathematical acquirements. At this time, 1673, he was a merchant, courageous, hardy, enter prising. He was appointed by French authorities at Quebec to " discover " the Mississippi. He passed up the lakes to Mackinaw, and found at Point St. Ignace, on the north side of the strait, Father James Marquette, who readily agreed to accompany him. Their outfit was very simple : two birch-bark canoes and a supply of smoked meat and Indian corn. They had a company of five men with them, beginning their voyage on the seventeenth of May, 1673. Passing the straits, they coasted the northern shores of Lake Michigan, moved up Green bay and Fox river to the portage. They crossed to the Wisconsin, down which they paddled their frail canoes, until, on the seventeenth of June, they entered — " discovered " — the Mississippi. So the northern, the eastern and the western boundary of what is now Wisconsin had been reached at this date ; therefore, it may be said that its territory had been explored sufficiently for the forming of a 32 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. pretty correct idea of its general features as well as of its savage inhabitants. After dropping down the Mississippi many miles, Joliet and Marquette returned to Green bay, where the latter remained to recruit his exhausted strength, while Joliet descended to Quebec, to report his "discoveries" to his superiors. Then followed the expedition of LaSalle to the west, from the St. Lawrence, when, in 1679, he and Father Louis Hennepin coasted along the western shore of Lake Michigan, frequently landing ; then, the return of Henri de Tonty, one of LaSalle's party down the same coast to Green bay, in 1680, from the Illinois; the return, also, the same year, of Hennepin, from up the Mis sissippi, whither he had made his way from the Illinois, across what is now Wisconsin, by the Wisconsin and Fox rivers to Green bay, in company with DuLhut, or DuLuth, who, on his way down the " great river " from Lake Superior, had met the friar ; and then, the voyage, in 1683, from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river, by the same route, of LeSueur, and his subsequent establishment at La Pointe, in what is now Ashland county, Wisconsin, followed several years after by a trip up the Mississippi. The act of Daumont de St. Lusson, at the Sault Sainte Mary, in 1671, in taking possession of the country beyond Lake Michigan, not being regarded as suffi ciently definite, Nicolas Perrot, in 1689, at Green bay, again took possession of that territory, as well as of the valleys of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, and extending the dominion of New France over the country on the Upper Mississippi, and "to other places more remote." The voyage of St. Cosme, in 1699, when he and his companions frequently landed on the west coast of Lake Michigan, upon what is now territory of Wisconsin, completed the explorations in the west for the seventeenth century. Following in the footsteps of early explorations, of self sacrificing attempts of the Jesuits to carry the cross to the wild tribes of the West, of the first visits of the lawless coureurs de bois, was the military occupation — if such it can be called — of what is now Wisconsin by the French. The ninety years of domination by France in this region were years of only nominal possession. The record of this occupation is made up of facts concerning the Indian policy of the French rulers ; their contests with the Sacs and Foxes ; their treaties, at various times, with different tribes ; their interest in, and protection of, the fur trade , and kindred subjects. The Indian tribes were, at most, only the allies of France. Posts — mere stockades without cannon, more for protection to fur-traders than for any other purpose — were erected upon the Mississippi at two points at least, upon what is now territory of Wisconsin. On the west side of Fox river of Green bay, "half a league from its mouth," was a French post, as early as 1721, where resided, besides the commandant and an uncouth squad of soldiers, a Jesuit missionary ; and near by were collected Indians of different tribes. Of course, the omnipresent fur-trader helped to augment the sum-total of its occupants. This post was, not long after, destroyed, but another was established there. When, however, France yielded her inchoate rights in the West to Great Britain — when, in 1761, the latter took possession of the country— there was not a French post within what is now Wisconsin. The " fort " near the head of Green bay, had been vacated for some years; it was found "rotten, the stockade ready to fall, and the houses without cover;" emblematic of the decay— the fast-crumbling and perishing state — of French supremacy, at that date, in America. Wisconsin, when England's control began, was little better than a howling wilderness. There was not within the broad limits of what is now the State, a single bona fide settler, at the time the French Government yielded up its possession to the English ; that is to say, there were none according to the present acceptation of the term "settler." The military occupation of Wisconsin by the British, after the Seven Years' War, was a brief one. La Bay — as the post at what is now the city of Fort Howard, Brown county, was called was, on the twelfth of October, 1761, taken possession of by English troops, under Captain Belfour, of the Eightieth regiment. Two days after, that officer departed, leaving Lieutenant PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 33 James Gorrell, in command, with one sergeant, one corporal and fifteen privates. There also remained at the post a French interpreter and two English traders. The name of the fortifica- tion was changed to Fort Edward Augustus. This post was abandoned by the commandant on the twenty-first of June, 1763, on account of the breaking out of Pontiac's War and the capture of the fort at Mackinaw by the savages. The cause of this war was this : The Indian tribes saw the danger which the downfall of the French interests in Canada was sure to bring to them. They banded together under Pontiac to avert their ruin. The struggle was short but fierce — ¦ full of " scenes of tragic interest, with marvels of suffering and vicissitude, of heroism and endur ance ; " but the white man conquered. The moving incidents in this bloody drama were enacted to the eastward of what is now Wisconsin, coming no nearer than Mackinaw, which, as just mentioned, the savages captured ; but it resulted in the evacuation of its territory by British troops, who never after took possession of it, though they continued until 1796 a nominal military rule over it, after Mackinaw was again occupied by them. An early French Canadian trading station at the head of Green bay assumed finally the form of a permanent settlement — the first one in Wisconsin. To claim, however that any French Canadian is entitled to the honor of being the first permanent white settler is assuming for him more than the facts seem to warrant. The title of " The Father and Founder of Wis consin " belongs to no man. After Pontiac's War, one of the noted events in this region was the journey of Jonathan Carver, who, in 1766, passed up Fox river to the portage, and descended the Wisconsin to the Mississippi. He noticed the tumbling-down post at what is now Green Bay, Brown county. He saw a few families living in the fort, and some French settlers, who cultivated the land opposite, and appeared to live very comfortably. That was the whole extent of improvements in what is now Wisconsin. The organization of the Northwest Fur Company ; the passage of an act by the British Parliament by which the whole Northwest was included in the Province of Quebec ; the joining of the Indians in this region with the British, against the Americans, in the War of the Revolution; the exploration of the lead region of the Upper Mississippi by Julian Dubuque; the passage of the ordinance of 1787 ; the first settlement of the territory northwest of the River Ohio ; and the Indian war which followed, are all incidents, during British occu pation, of more or less interest for the student of Wisconsin history. He will find that, by the treaty of 1783 and of 1795, with Great Britain, all the inhabitants residing in this region were to be protected by the United States in the full and peaceable possession of their property, with the right to remain in, or to withdraw from it, with their effects, within one year. All who did not leave were to be deemed American citizens, allowed to enjoy all the privileges of citizenship, and to be under the protection of the General Government. He will also find that less than two years was the whole time of actual military occupation of what is now Wisconsin by British soldiers, and that English domination, which should have ended at the close of the Revolu tion, was arbitrarily continued until the Summer of 1796, when the western posts, none of which were upon territory circumscribed by Lakes Michigan and Superior and the Mississippi river, were delivered into the keeping of the United States. Thus the supremacy of Great Britain over the Northwest was, after an actual continuance of thirty-five years, at an end. Although the General Government did not get possession of the region northwest of the Ohio, throughout its full extent, for thirteen years subsequent to its acquirement by the treaty of peace of 1783 with Great Britain, nevertheless, steps were taken, very soon, to obtain concessions from such of the colonies as had declared an ownership in any portion of it. None of the claimants, seemingly, had better rights than Virginia, who, by virtue of conquests, largely her own, of the Illinois settlements and posts, extended her jurisdiction over that country, erecting into a county 34 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. so much of the region northwest of the Ohio, as had been settled by Virginians' or might after ward be settled by them. But as, previous to her yielding all rights to territory beyond that river, she had not carried her arms into the region north of the Illinois or made settlements upon what is now the soil of Wisconsin, nor included any portion of it within the bounds of an organ ized county, it follows that her dominion was not actually extended over any part of the area included within the present boundaries of this State ; nor did she then claim jurisdiction north •of the Illinois river, but on the other hand expressly disclaimed it. Virginia and all the other claimants finally ceded to the United States their rights, such as they were, beyond the Ohio, except two reservations of limited extent ; and the General Govern ment became the undisputed owner of the "Great West," without any internal claims to posses sion save those of the Indians. Meanwhile, the United States took measures to extend its juris diction over the whole country by the passage of the famous ordinance of 1787, which established. a government over "the territory of the United States, northwest of the River Ohio." But this organic law was, of course, nugatory over that portion of the region occupied by the British. until their yielding possession in 1796, when, for the first time, Anglo-American rule commenced, though nominally, in what is now Wisconsin. By the ordinance just mentioned, "the United States, in congress assembled," declared that the territory northwest of the Ohio should, for the purposes of temporary government, be one district , subject, however, to be divided into districts, as future circumstances might, in the opinion of Congress, make it expedient. It was ordained that a governor, secretary and three judges should be appointed for the Territory; a general assembly was also provided for; and it was declared that religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education should forever be encouraged. It was also ordained that there should be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said Territory, " otherwise than in the punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted." Thus was established the first Magna Charta for. the five great States since that tine formed out of "the territory northwest of the River Ohio," and the first rules and regulations for their government. Under this act of Congress, Arthur St. Clair was appointed governor of the Northwestern Territory, as it was called, and Samuel H. Parsons, James M. Varnum, and John Armstrong, judges, — the latter not accepting the office, John Cleves Symmes was appointed in his place. Winthrop Sargeant was appointed secretary. At different periods, counties were erected to include various portions of the Territory. By the governor's proclamation of the 15th of August, 1796, one was formed to include the whole of the present area of Northern Ohio, west of Cleveland ; also, all of what is now the State of Indiana, north of a line drawn from Fort Wayne " west-northerly to the southern part of Lake Michigan ; " the whole of the present State of Michigan, except its extreme northwest corner on Lake Superior ; a small corner in the north east, part of what is now Illinois, including Chicago; and so much of the present State of Wis consin as is watered by the streams flowing into Lake Michigan, which of course included an extensive portion, taking in many of its eastern and interior counties as now constituted. This vast county was named Wayne. So the few settlers then at the head of Green bay had their local habitations, constructively at least, in " Wayne county, Northwestern Territory." It was just at that date that Great Britain vacated the western posts, and the United States took quiet possession of them. But the western portion of what is now Wisconsin, including all its territory watered by streams flowing northward into Lake Superior, and westward and southwestward into the Mississippi, was as yet without any county organization ; as the county of St. Clair, including the Illinois country to the southward, reached no farther north than the mouth of Little Macki naw creek, where it empties into the River Illinois, in what is now the State of Illinois. The PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. ' 35 "law of Paris," which was in force under French domination in Canada, and which by the British Parliament in 1774, had been continued in force under English supremacy, was still " the law of the land " west of Lake Michigan, practically at least. From and after the fourth day of July, 1800, all that part of the territory of the United States northwest of the Ohio river, which lay to the westward of a line beginning upon that stream opposite to the mouth of Kentucky river and running thence to what is now Fort Recovery in Mercer county, Ohio ; thence north until it intersected the territorial line between ¦ the United States and Canada, was, for the purposes of temporary government, constituted a separate territory called Indiana. It included not only the whole of the present State of Illinois and nearly all of what is now Indiana, but more than half of the State of Michigan as now defined, also a considerable part of the present Minnesota, and the whole of what is now Wis- • consin. The seat of government was established at "Saint Vincennes on the Wabash,'' now the city of Vincennes, Indiana. To this extensive area was added "from and after" the admission of Ohio into the Union, all the territory west of that State, and east of the eastern boundary line of the Territory of Indiana as originally established ; so that now all " the territory of the United States, northwest of the River Ohio," was, excepting the State of Ohio, included in Indiana Ter ritory. On the thirtieth day of June, 1805, so much of Indiana Territory as lay to the north of a liue drawn east from the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan to Lake Erie, and east of a line drawn from the same bend through the middle of the first mentioned lake to its north ern extremity, and thence due north to the northern boundary of the United States, was, for the purpose of temporary government, constituted a separate Territory called Michigan. Of course no part of the present State of Wisconsin was included therein ; but the whole remained in the Territory of Indiana until the second day of March, 1809, when all that part of the last men tioned Territory which lay west of the Wabash river, and a direct line drawn from that stream and " Post Vincennes," due north to the territorial line between the United States and Canada, was, by an act approved on the third of February previous, constituted a separate Territory, called Illinois. Meanwhile jurisdiction had been extended by the authorities of Indiana Territory over the country lying west of Lake Michigan, to the extent, at least, of appointing a justice of the peace for each of the settlements of Green Bay and Prairie du Chien. All of what is now Wisconsin was transferred to the Territory of Illinois, upon the organization of the latter, except a small portion lying east of the meridian line drawn through Vincennes, which remained a part of Indiana Territory. This fraction included nearly the whole area between Green bay and Lake Michigan. When, in 1816, Indiana became a State, "the territory of the United States northwest of the River Ohio,'' contained, besides Ohio and Indiana, the Territories of Illinois and Michigan, only ; so the narrow strip, formerly a part of Indiana Territory, lying east of a line drawn due north from Vincennes, and west of the western boundary line of Michigan Territory, belonged to nei ther, and was left without any organization. However, upon the admission of Illinois into the Union, in 1818, all "the territory of the United States, northwest of the River Ohio," lying west of Michigan Territory and north of the States of Indiana and Illinois, was attached to and made a part of Michigan Territory ; by which act the whole of the present State of Wisconsin came under the jurisdiction of the latter. During the existence of the Territory of Illinois, a kind of jurisdiction was had over the two settlements in what is now Wisconsin — rather more ideal than real, however. In 1834, Congress greatly increased the limits of the Territory of Michigan, by adding to it, for judicial purposes, a large extent of country west of the Mississippi — reaching south as far as 36 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. the present boundary line between the present States of Iowa and Missouri ; north, to the terri torial line between the United States and Canada; and west, to the Missouri and White Earth rivers. It so continued down to the fourth of July, 1836. A retrospective glance at the history of this region for forty years previous to the last men tioned year, including the time which elapsed after the surrender of the western posts, in 1796, by the British, discloses many facts of interest and importance. The Anglo-Americans, not long after the region of country west of Lake Michigan became a part of Indiana Territory, began now and then to cast an eye, either through the opening of the Great Lakes or the Mississippi, upon its rolling rivers, its outspread prairies, and its dense forests, and to covet the goodly land ; but the settlers at Green Bay and Prairie du Chien were mostly French Canadians at this date, although a few were Americans. The General Govern ment, however, began to take measures preparatory to its occupation, by purchasing, in 1804, a. tract in what is now the southwest portion of the State, of the Indians, and by holding the various tribes to a strict account for any murders committed by them on American citizens passing through their territories or trading with them. Comparative peace reigned in the incipient settle ments at the head of Green bay and at the mouth of the Wisconsin, which was changed by the breaking out of the war of 1812, with Great Britain. The English early succeeded in securing the Wisconsin Indian tribes as their allies in this war; and the taking of Mackinaw by the British in July, 1812, virtually put the latter in posses sion of what is now the eastern portion of the State. Early in 1814, the government authorities of the United States caused to be fitted out at St. Louis a large boat, having on board all the men that could be mustered and spared from the lower country, and sent up the Mississippi to protect the upper region and the few settlers therein. The troops landed at Prairie du Chien, and immediately proceeded to fortify. Not long after, Colonel McKay, of the British army, crossing the country by course of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, with over five hundred British and Indians, received the surrender of the whole force. The officers and men were paroled and sent down the river. This was the only battle fought upon Wisconsin soil during the last war with England. The post at Prairie du Chien was left in command of a captain with two compa nies from Mackinaw. He remained there until after the peace of 18 15, when the place was evacuated by the British. When it became generally known to the Indian tribes in what is now Wisconsin, that the contest between the United States and Great Britain was at an end, they generally expressed themselves as ready and willing to make treaties with the General Government — eager, in fact, to establish friendly relations with the power they had so recently been hostile to. This was, therefore, a favorable moment for taking actual possession of the country between the Missis sippi and Lake Michigan ; and United States troops were soon ordered to occupy the two prom inent points between Green Bay and Prairie du Chien. At the former place was erected Fort Howard ; at the latter Fort Crawford. At Green Bay, half a hundred (or less) French Cana dians cultivated the soil; at Prairie du Chien, there were not more than thirty houses, mostly occupied by traders, while on the prairie outside the village, a number of farms were cultivated. Such was Wisconsin when, at the close of the last war with Great Britain, it began in earnest to be occupied by Americans. The latter were few in number, but in 1818, they began to feel, now that the country was attached to Michigan Territory and the laws of the United States were extended over them, that they were not altogether beyond the protection of a government of their own, notwithstanding they were surrounded by savage tribes. Their happiness was increased upon the erection, by proclamation of Lewis Cass, governor of the Territory of Michigan, of three Territorial counties : Michilimackinac, Brown and Crawford. Their establishment dates PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 37 the twenty-sixth of October, 1818. The county of Michilimackinac not only included all of the present State of Wisconsin lying north of a line drawn due west from near the head of the Little Noquet bay, but territory east and west of it, so as to reach from Lake Huron to the Missis sippi river. Its county seat was established " at the Borough of Michilimackinac." The whole area in Michigan Territory south of the county of Michilimackinac and west of Lake Michigan formed the two counties of Brown and Crawford : the former to include the area east of a line drawn due north and south through the middle of the portage between the Fox river of Green bay and the Wisconsin ; the latter to include the whole region west of that line. Prairie du Chien was designated as the county seat of Crawford; Green Bay, of Brown county. On the 22d of December, 1826, a county named Chippewa was formed from the northern portions of Michilimackinac, including the southern shores of Lake Superior throughout its entire length, and extending from the straits leading from that lake into Lake Huron, west to the western boundary line of Michigan Territory, with the county seat " at such point in the vicinity of the Sault de Ste. Marie, as a majority of the county commissioners to be appointed shall designate." Embraced within this county, — its southern boundary being the parallel 460 31' north latitude, — was all the territory of the present State of Wisconsin now bordering on Lake Superior. Immediately upon the erection of Brown and Crawford counties, they were organized, and their offices filled by appointment of the governor. County courts were established, consisting of one chief and two associate justices, either of whom formed a quorum. They were required to hold one term of court annually in their respective counties. These county courts had origi nal and exclusive jurisdiction in all civil cases, both in law and equity, where the matter in dis pute exceeded the jurisdiction of a justice of the peace, and did not exceed the value of one thousand dollars. They had, however, no jurisdiction in ejectment. They had exclusive cog nizance of all offenses the punishment whereof was not capital, and the same power to issue remedial and other process, writs of error and mandamus excepted, that the supreme court had at Detroit. Appeals from justices of the peace were made to the county courts. The establishing of Indian agencies by the General Government ; the holding of treaties with some of the Indian tribes; the adjustment of land claims at Green Bay and Prairie du Chien ; the appointment of postmasters at these two points, were all indications of a proper interest being taken by the United States in the affairs of the country. But a drawback to this region, was the fact that, in all civil cases of over a thousand dollars, and in criminal cases that were capital, as well as in actions of ejectment, and in the allowance of writs of error, and man damus, recourse must be had to the supreme court at Detroit ; the latter place being the seat of government of Michigan Territory. However, in January, 1823, an act of congress provided for a district court, and for the appointment of a judge, for the counties of Brown, Crawford, and Michilimackinac. This court had concurrent jurisdiction, civil and criminal, with the supreme court of the Territory, in most cases, subject, however, to have its decisions taken to the latter tribunal by a writ of error. The law provided for holding one term of court in each year, in each of the counties named in the act ; so, at last, there was to be an administration of justice at home, and the people were to be relieved from all military arbitrations, which frequently had been imposed upon them. James Duane Doty was appointed judge of this court at its organiza tion. A May term of the court was held in Prairie du Chien ; a June term in Green Bay ; a July term in " the Borough of Michilimackinac," in each year. In 1824, Henry S. Baird of Brown county, was appointed district attorney. "Doty held the office of judge until May, 1832, when he was succeeded by David Irvin. This court continued until 1836, when it was abrogated by the organization of the Territory of Wisconsin. For a long time it had been known that there were lead mines in what is now the south- 38 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. western portion of the State ; but it was not until the year 1825, and the two following years, that very general attention was attracted to them, which eventuated in the settlement of different places in that region, by Americans, who came to dig for lead ore. This rapid increase of settlers awakened the jealousy of the Winnebago Indians, at what they deemed an unauthorized intrusion upon their lands, which, with other causes operating unfavorably upon their minds, aroused them in June, 1827, to open acts of hostility. Murders became frequent. Finally, the militia of Prairie du Chien were called out. On the twenty-ninth of August, Brigadier-General Henry Atkinson, of the United States army, with a strong force of regulars, ascended the Wis consin river to put an end to any further spread of Winnebago disturbances. He was joined on the first of September, by one hundred and thirty Galena volunteers, mounted, and under com mand of General Henry Dodge. The Winnebagoes were awed into submission. Thus ended the "Winnebago War." It was followed by the erection at the portage of Fort Winnebago, by the United States. After the restoration of tranquillity, the United States proceeded by treaty with the Indians, to secure the right to occupy the lead regions. This was in 1828. The next year, the General Government purchased of the Winnebagoes, Southwestern Wisconsin, which put an end to all trouble on account of mining operations. On the ninth of October, 1829, a county was formed, by the legislative council of the Territory of Michigan, comprising all that part of Crawford county lying south of the Wisconsin river. This new county was called Iowa. The county seat was temporarily established at Mineral Point. Following this was a treaty in 1831, with the Menomonees, for all their lands east of Green bay, Winnebago lake, and the Fox and Milwaukee rivers. There was now a crisis at hand. The most prominent event to be recorded in the pre-Ter- ritorial annals of Wisconsin is known as the Black Hawk War. This conflict of arms between the Sacs and Foxes and the United States arose from a controversy in regard to lands. By a treaty made at Fort Harmar, just across the River Muskingum from Marietta, Ohio, in January, 1789, the Pottawattamie and Sac tribes of Indians, among others, were received into the friend ship of the General Government, and a league of peace and unity established between the con tracting parties On the third of November, 1804, a treaty at St. Louis stipulated that the united Sac and Fox tribes should be received into the friendship of the United States, and also be placed under their protection. These tribes also agreed to consider themselves under the pro tection of the General Government and of no other power whatsoever. At this treaty lands were ceded which were circumscribed by a boundary beginning at a point on the Missouri river opposite the mouth of the Gasconade, and running thence in a direct course so as to strike the River Jefferson at the distance of thirty miles from its mouth, and down that stream to the Missis- s'ppi. It then ran up the latter river to the mouth of the Wisconsin, and up that stream to a point thirty-six miles in a direct line from its mouth ; thence by a straight course to a point where the Fox river of the Illinois leaves the small lake then called Sakaegan, and from that point down the Fox to the Illinois, and down the latter to the Mississippi. The consideration for this cession was the payment of goods to the value of two thousand two hundred and thirty-four dollars and fifty cents, and a yearly annuity of one thousand dollars — six hundred to be paid to the Sacs and four hundred to the Foxes — to be liquidated in goods valued at first cost. After ward, Fort Madison was erected just above the Des Moines rapids in the Mississippi, on the ter ritory ceded at the last mentioned treaty. Then followed the war with Great Britain, and the Sacs and Foxes agreed to take no part therein. However, a portion afterward joined the English against the Americans along with other Western tribes. At the restoration of peace the Sacs and Foxes held treaties with the United States. There was a renewal of the treaty of 1804. PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 39 Such in brief is a general outline of affairs, so far as those two tribes were concerned, down to the close of the last war with England. From this time, to the year 1830, several additional treaties were made with the Sacs and Foxes by the General Government : one in 1822, by which they relin quished their right to have the United States establish a trading house or factory at a convenient point at which the Indians could trade and save themselves from the imposition of traders, for which they were paid the sum of one thousand dollars in merchandise. Again, in 1824, they sold to the General Government all their lands in Missouri, north of Missouri river, for which they received one thousand dollars the same year, and an annuity of one thousand dollars for ten years. In 1830, they ceded to the United States a strip of land twenty miles wide from the Mis sissippi to the Des Moines, on the north side of their territory. The time had now come for the two tribes to leave the eastern shore of the Mississippi and retire across the " great water." Keokuk, the Watchful Fox, erected his wigwam on the west side of the river, and was followed by a large part of the two tribes. But a band headed by Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, or the Bl,ack Sparrow Hawk, commonly called Black Hawk, refused to leave their village near Rock Island. They contended that they had not sold their town to the United States ; and, upon their return early in 183 1, from a hunt across the Mississippi, finding their village and fields in possession of the whites, they determined to repossess their homes at all hazards. This was looked upon, or called, an encroachment by the settlers ; so the governor of Illinois took the responsibility of declaring the State invaded, and asked the United States to drive the refractory Indians beyond the Mississippi. The result was, the Indian village was destroyed by Illinois volunteers. This and the threatened advance across the'river by the United States commander, brought Black Hawk and his followers to terms. They sued for peace — agreeing to remain forever on the west side of the Mississippi. But this truce was of short duration. Early in the Spring of 1832, Black Hawk having assembled his forces on the Mississippi, in the vicinity of the locality where Fort Madison had stood, crossed that stream and ascended Rock river. This was the signal for war. The governor of Illinois made a call for volunteers ; and, in a brief space of time, eighteen hundred had assembled at Beardstown, Cass county. They marched for the mouth of Rock river, where a council of war was held by their officers and Brigadier-General Henry Atkinson, of the regular forces. The Indians were sent word by General Atkinson that they must return and recross the Mississippi, or they would be driven back by force. "If you wish to fight us, come on," was the laconic but defiant reply of the Sac chief. When the attempt was made to compel these Indians to go back across the " great river,'' a collision occurred between the Illinois militia and Black Hawk's braves, resulting in the dis comfiture of the former with the loss of eleven men. Soon afterward the volunteers were dis charged, and the first campaign of Black Hawk's War was at an end. This was in May, 1832. In June following, a new force had been raised and put under the command of General Atkinson, who commenced his march up Rock river. Before this, there had been a general "forting" in the lead region, including the whole country in Southwest Wisconsin, notwithstand ing which, a number of settlers had been killed by the savages, mostly in Illinois.. Squads of volunteers, in two or three instances, had encountered the Indians ; and in one with entire suc cess — upon the Pecatonica, in what is now Lafayette county, Wisconsin — every savage (and there were seventeen of them) being killed. The loss of the volunteers was three killed and wounded. Atkinson's march up Rock river was attended with some skirmishing; when, being informed that Black Hawk and his force were at Lake Koshkonong, in the southwest corner of what is now Jefferson county, Wisconsin, he immediately moved thither with a portion of his army, where the whole force was ordered to concentrate. But the Sac chief with his people had flown. Colonels Henry Dodge and James D. Henry, with the forces under them, discovered the 40 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. trail of the savages, leading in the direction of the Wisconsin river. It was evident that the retreating force was large, and that it had but recently passed. The pursuing troops hastened their march. On the twenty-first of July, 1832, they arrived at the hills which skirt the left bank of that stream, in what is now Roxbury town (township), Dane county. Here was Black Hawk's whole force, including women and children, the aged and infirm, hastening by every effort to escape across the river. But that this might now be effected, it became necessary for that chief to make a firm stand, to cover the retreat. The Indians were in the bottom lands when the pursuing whites made their appearance upon the heights in their rear. Colonel Dodge occupied the front and sustained the first attack of the Indians. He was soon joined by Henry with his force, when they obtained a complete victory. The action commenced about five o'clock in the afternoon and ended at sunset. The enemy, numbering not less than five hundred, sustained a loss of about sixty killed and a large number wounded. The loss of the Americans was one killed and eight wounded. This conflict has since been known as the battle of Wis consin Heights. During the night following the battle, Black Hawk made his escape with his remaining force and people down the Wisconsin river. The women and children made their way down stream in canoes, while the warriors marched on foot along the shore. The Indians were pursued in their flight, and were finally brought to a stand on the Mississippi river, near the mouth of the Bad Axe, on the west boundary of what is now Vernon county, Wisconsin. About two o'clock on the morning of the second of August, the line of march began to the scene of the last con flict in the Black Hawk War. Dodge's command formed the advance, supported by regular troops, under Colonel Zachary Taylor, afterward president of the United States. Meanwhile an armed steamboat had moved up the Mississippi and lay in front of the savages ; so they were attacked on all sides by the exasperated Americans. The battle lasted about two hours, and was a complete victory for the whites. Black Hawk fled, but was soon after captured. This ended the war. The survey of public lands by the General Government; the locating and opening of land offices at Mineral Point and Green Bay; the erection of Milwaukee county from a part of Brown, to include all the territory bounded on the east and south by the east and south lines of ¦the present State, on the north by what is now the north boundary of Washington and Ozaukee counties and farther westward on the north line of township numbered twelve, and on the west by the dividing line between ranges eight and nine ; and the changing of the eastern boundary of Iowa county to correspond with the western one of Milwaukee county; — are some of the important events following the close of the Black Hawk war. There was an immediate and rapid increase of immigration, not only in the mining region but in various other parts of what is now Wisconsin, more especially in that portion bordering on Lake Michigan. The interior was yet sparsely settled. By the act of June 28, 1834, congress having attached to the Territory of Michigan, for judicial purposes, all the country "west of the Mississippi river, and north of the State of- Missouri," comprising the whole of what is now the State of Iowa, all of the present State of Minnesota west of the Mississippi river, and more than half of what is now the Terri tory of Dakota, the legislative council of Michigan Territory extended her laws over the whole area, dividing it on the 6th of September, 1834, by a line drawn due west from the lower end of Rock island to the Missouri river into two counties : the country south of that line constituting the county of Des Moines; north of the line, to be known as the county of Dubuque This whole region west of the Mississippi was known as the Iowa district. Immediately after the treaty of 1832 with the Sacs and Foxes, the United States having come into ownership of a large tract in this district, several families crossed the Mississippi, and settled on the purchase but as WISCONSIN TERRITORY. 41 the time provided for the Indians to give possession was the first of June, 1833, these settlers were dispossessed by order of the General Government. So soon, however, as the Indians yielded possession, settlements began, but, from the date just mentioned until September, 1834, after the district was attached, for judicial purposes, to Michigan Territory, it was without any municipal law whatever. The organization of the counties of Dubuque and Des Moines on the sixth of that month, secured, of course a regular administration of justice. Before this time to facili tate intercourse between the two remote military posts of Fort Howard at Green Bay, and Fort Crawford at Prairie du Chien, a military road was commenced to connect the two points ; so, one improvement followed another. On the 1st of January, 1836, a session (the first one) of the seventh legislative council of Michigan Territory — that is, of so much of it as lay to the westward of Lake Michigan — was held at Green Bay, and a memorial adopted, asking Congress for the formation of a new Territory west of that lake ; to include all of Michigan Territory not embraced in the proposed State of Michigan. Congress, as will now be shown, very soon com plied with the request of the memorialists. IV.— WISCONSIN TERRITORY. The establishing of a separate and distinct Territory west of Lake Michigan, was the result of the prospective admission of Michigan into the Union (an event which took place not until the twenty-sixth of January, 1837), as the population, in all the region outside of the boundaries determined upon by the people for that State, would otherwise be left without a government, or, at least, it would be necessary to change the capital of the old Michigan Territory farther to the westward ; so it was thought best to erect a new territory, to be called Wisconsin (an Indian word signifying wild rushing water, or channel, so called from the principal eastern tributary of the Mississippi within its borders), which was done by an act of congress, approved April 20, 1836, to take effect from and after the third day of July following. The Territory was made to include all that is now embraced within the States of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and a part of the Territory of Dakota, more particularly described within boundaries commencing at the north east corner of the State of Illinois, running thence through the middle of Lake Michigan to a point opposite the main channel of Green bay ; thence through that channel and the bay to the mouth of the Menomonee river ; thence up that stream to its head, which is nearest the lake of the Desert ; thence to the middle of that lake ; thence down the Montreal river to its mouth ; thence with a direct line across Lake Superior to where the territorial line of the United States last touches the lake northwest ; thence on the north, with the territorial line, to the White Earth river ; on the west by a line drawn down the middle of the main channel of that stream to the Missouri river, and down the middle of the main channel of the last mentioned stream to the northwest corner of the State of Missouri ; and thence with the boundaries of the States of Missouri and Illinois, as already fixed by act of congress, to the place or point of beginning. Its counties were Brown, Milwaukee, Iowa, Crawford, Dubuque, and Des Moines, with a portion of Chippewa and Michili mackinac left unorganized. Although, at this time, the State of Michigan was only engaged, so to speak, to the Union, to include the two peninsulas (many of its citizens preferring in lieu thereof the lower one only, with a small slice off the northern boundary of the State of Ohio as now constituted), yet the marriage ceremony was performed, as has been stated, a few months afterward. The act of congress establishing the Territorial government of Wisconsin was very full and complete. • It first determined its boundaries ; then it declared that all authority of the govern ment of Michigan over the new Territory should cease on the fourth day of July, 1836, with a 42 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. proper reservation of rights in favor of the Indians. It provided for subsequently dividing tne Territory into one or more, should congress deem it wise so to do. It also declared that the executive power and authority in and over the Territory should be vested in a governor, at the same time defining his powers. It provided for the appointment of a secretary, stating what his duties should be. The legislative power was vested in the governor and legislative assembly, the latter to consist of a council and house of representatives, answering respectively to the senate and assembly, as states are usually organized. There was a provision for taking the census of the several counties, and one giving the governor power to name the time, place, and manner of holding the first election, and to declare the number of members of the council and house of representatives to which each county should be entitled. He was also to determine where the first legislative assembly should meet, and a wise provision was that the latter should not be in session in any one year more than seventy-five days. One section of the act declared who should be entitled to vote and hold office ; another defined the extent of the powers of the legislature, and a third provided that all laws should be submitted to congress for their approval or rejection. There was a section designating what offices should be elective and what ones should be filled by the governor. There were others regulating the judiciary for the Territory and declaring what offices should be appointed by the United States, providing for their taking the proper oaths of office and regulating their salaries. One, perhaps the most important of all, declared that the Territory should be entitled to and enjoy all the rights, privileges, and advantages granted by the celebrated ordinance of 1787. There was also a provision for the election of a delegate to the house of representatives of the United States ; and a declaration that all suits and indictments pending in the old courts should be con tinued in the new ones. Five thousand dollars were appropriated for a library for the accommo dation of the legislative assembly of the Territory and of its supreme court. For the new Territory, Henry Dodge was, on the 30th of April, 1836, by Andrew Jackson then President of the United States, commissioned governor. John S. Horner was commissioned secretary ; Charles Dunn, chief justice ; David Irvin and William C. Frazer, associate judges ; W. W. Chapman, attorney, and Francis Gehon, marshal. The machinery of a territorial gov ernment was thus formed, which was set in motion by these officers taking the prescribed oath of office. The next important step to be taken was to organize the Territorial legislature. The provisions of the organic act relative to the enumeration of the population of the Territory were that previously to the first election, the governor should cause the ceusus of the inhabitants of the several counties to be taken by the several sheriffs, and that the latter should make returns of the same to the Executive. These figures gave to Des Moines county, 6,257 ; Iowa county, 5,234; Dubuque county, 4,274; Milwaukee county, 2,893; Brown county, 2,706; Crawford county, 850. The entire population, therefore, of Wisconsin Territory in the summer of 1836, as given by the first census was, in precise numbers, twenty-two thousand two hundred and four teen, of which the two counties west of the Mississippi furnished nearly one half. The apportion ment, after the census had been taken, made by the governor, gave to the different counties thir teen councilmen and twenty-six representatives. Brown county got two councilmen and three representatives; Crawford, two representatives, but no councilmen; Milwaukee, two councilmen and three representatives ; Iowa, Dubuque and Des Moines, each three councilmen ; but of repre sentatives, Iowa got six ; Dubuque, five, and Des Moines, seven. The election was held on the tenth of October, 1836, exciting considerable interest, growing out, chiefly, of local considera tions. The permanent location of the capital, the division of counties,' and the location of county seats, were the principal questions influencing the voters. There were elected from the county of Brown, Henry S. Baird and John P. Arndt, members of the council; Ebenezer Childs, Albert WISCONSIN TERRITORY. 43 G. Ellis and Alexander J. Irwin, members of the house of representatives ; from Milwaukee, the councilmen were Gilbert Knapp and Alanson Sweet ; representatives, William B. Sheldon, Madison W. Cornwall and Charles Durkee : from Iowa, councilmen, EbenezerBrigham, JohnB. Terry and James R. Vineyard ; representatives, William Boyles, G. F. Smith, D. M. Parkinson, Thomas McKnight, T. Shanley and J. P. Cox : from Dubuque, councilmen, John Foley, Thomas McCraney and Thomas McKnight ; representatives, Loring Wheeler, Hardin Nowlin, Hosea T. Camp, P. H. Engle and Patrick Quigley : from Des Moines, councilmen, Jeremiah Smith, Jr., Joseph B. Teas and Arthur B. Inghram ; representatives, Isaac Leffler, Thomas Blair, Warren L. Jenkins, John Box, George W. Teas, Eli Reynolds and David R. Chance : from Crawford, repre sentatives, James H, Lockwood and James B. Dallam. Belmont, in the present county of LaFayette, then in Iowa county, was, by the governor, appointed the place for the meeting of the legislature ; he also fixed the time — the twenty-fifth of October. A quorum was in attendance in both branches at the time decided upon for their assembling, and the two houses were speedily organized by the election of Peter Hill Fngle, of Dubuque, speaker of the house, and Henry S. Baird, of Brown, president of the council. Each of the separate divisions of the government — the executive, the judicial, and the legislative — ¦ was now in working order, except that it remained for the legislature to divide the Territory into judicial districts, and make an assignment of the judges ; and for the governor to appoint a Ter ritorial treasurer, auditor and attorney general. The ac"t of congress establishing the Terri tory required that it should be divided into three judicial districts. The counties of Crawford and Iowa were constitued by the legislature the first district, to which was assigned Chief Justice Dunn. The second district was composed of the counties of Des Moines and Dubuque ; to it was assigned Associate Judge Irvin. The third district was formed of the counties of Brown and Milwaukee, to which was assigned Associate Judge Frazer. Governor Dodge, in his first message to the Territorial legislature, directed attention to the necessity for defining the jurisdiction and powers of the several courts, and recommended that congress should be memorialized to extend the right of pre-emption to actual settlers upon the public lands and to miners on mineral lands; also, to remove the obstructions in the rapids of the Upper Mississippi, to construct harbors and light-houses on Lake Michigan, to improve the navigation of Fox river and to survey the same from its mouth to Fort Winnebago, to increase the amount of lands granted to the Territory for school purposes, and to organize and arm the militia for the protection of the frontier settlements. The first act passed by the legis lature was one privileging members from arrest in certain cases and conferring on themselves power to punish parties for contempt. The second one established the three judicial districts and assigned the judges thereto. One was passed, to borrow money to defray the expenses of the session ; others protecting ad lands donated to the Territory by the United States in aid of schools, and creating a common school fund. A memorial to congress was adopted request ing authorization to sell the school-section in each township, and appropriate the money arising therefrom for increasing the fund for schools. During this session, five counties were " set off" west of the Mississippi river : Lee, Van Buren, Henry, Louisa, Muscatine, and Cook ; and fifteen east of that stream : Walworth, Racine, Jefferson, Dane, Portage, Dodge, Washington, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Calumet, Manitowoc, Marquette, Rock, Grant and Green. The principal question agitating the legislature at its first session was the location of the capital. Already the people west of the Mississippi were speculating upon the establishment of a Territory on that side the river, prospects for which would be enhanced evidently, by placing the seat of government somewhat in a central position east of that stream, for Wisconsin. 44 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Territory. Now, as Madison was a point answering such requirements she triumphed over all competitors ; and the latter numbered a dozen or more— including, among others, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Racine, Belmont, Mineral Point, Green Bay, and Cassville. The struggle over this question was one of the most exciting ever witnessed in the Territorial legislature. Madison was fixed upon as the seat of government, but it was provided that sessions of the legislature should be held at Burlington, in Des Moines county, until the fourth of March, T839, unless the public buildings in the new capital should be sooner completed. After an enactment that the legislature should thereafter meet on the first Monday of November of each year, both houses, on the ninth day of December, 1836, adjourned sine die. In the act of congress establishing the Territory of Wisconsin it was provided that a delegate to the house of representatives of the United States, to serve for the term of two years, should be elected by the voters qualified to elect members of the legislative assembly-, and that the first election should be held at such time and place or places, and be conducted in such manner as the governor of the Territory should appoint and direct. In pursuance of this enactment, Governor Dodge directed that the election for delegate should be at the time and places appointed for the election of members of the legislative assembly — the 10th of October, 1836. The successful candidate for that office was George W. Jones, of Sinsinawa Mound, Iowa county— in that portion which was afterward "set off" as Grant county. Jones, under the act of 1819, had been elected a delegate' for Michigan Territory, in October, 1835, and took his seat at the ensuing session, in December of that year. By the act of June 15, 1836, the consti tution and State government which the people of Michigan had formed for themselves was accepted, ratified and confirmed, and she was declared to be one of the United States of America, so that the term of two years for which Jones had been elected was cut short, as, in the nature of the case, his term could not survive the existence of the Territory he represented. But, as he was a candidate for election to represent the new Territory of Wisconsin in congress as a delegate, and was successful, he took his seat at the commencement of the second session of the twenty-fourth congress — December 12, 1836, notwithstanding he had been elected only a little over two months. The first term of the supreme court of the Territory was held at Belmont on the 8th day of December. There were present, Charles Dunn, chief justice, and David Irvin, associate judge. John Catlin was appointed clerk, and Henry S. Baird having previously been commissioned attorney general for the Territory by Governor Dodge, appeared before the court and took the oath of office. Causes in which the United States was party or interested were looked after by the United States attorney, who received his appointment from the president; while all cases in which the Territory was interested was attended to by the attorney general, whose commission was signed by the governor. The appointing of a crier and reporter and the admission of several attorneys to practice, completed the business for the term. The annual term appointed for the third Monday of July of the following year, at Madison, was not held; as no business for the action of the court had matured. At the time of the complete organization of the Territory of Wisconsin, when the whole machinery had been put fairly in motion ; when its first legislature at its first session had, after passing forty-two laws and three joint resolutions, in forty-six days, adjourned; — at this time, the entire portion west of the Mississippi had, in round numbers, a population of only eleven thousand; while the sparsely settled mineral region, the military establishments — Fort Craw ford, Fort Winnebago, and Fort Howard — and the settlements at or near them, with the village of Milwaukee, constituted about all there was of the Territory east of that river, aggregating about twelve thousand inhabitants. There was no land in market, except a narrow strip along WISCONSIN TERRITORY. 45 the shore of Lake Michigan, and in the vicinity of Green bay. The residue of the country south and east of the Wisconsin and Fox rivers was open only to preemption by actual settlers. The Indian tribes still claimed a large portion of the -lands. On the north and as far west as the Red river of the north were located the Chippewas. The southern limits of their posses sions were defined by a line drawn from a point on that stream in about latitude 460 30' in a southeasterly direction to the head of Lake St. Croix ; thence in the same general direction to "what is now Stevens Point, in the present Portage county, Wisconsin ; thence nearly east to Wolf river; and thence in a directior. nearly northeast to the Menomonee river. The whole country bounded by the Red river and Mississippi on the east; the parallel of about 430 of latitude on the south; the Missouri and White Earth river on the west; and the Territorial line on the north, was occupied by the Sioux. In the southwest part of the Territory, lying mostly south of latitude 430 — in the country reaching to the Missouri State boundary line south, and to the Missouri river west — were the homes of the Pottawattamies, the Iowas, and the Sacs and Foxes. Between the Wisconsin river and the Mississippi, and extending north to the south line of the Chippewas was the territory of the Winnebagoes. East of the Winnebagoes in the country north of the Fox river of Green bay were located the Menomonees, their lands extending to Wolf river. Such was the general outline of Indian occupancy in Wisconsin Territory at its organization. A portion of the country east of Wolf river and north of Green bay and the Fox river ; the whole of the area lying south of Green bay, Fox river and the Wisconsin ; and a strip of territory immediately west of the Mississippi, about fifty miles in width, and extending from the Missouri State line as far north as the northern boundary of the present State of Iowa, constituted the whole extent of country over which the Indians had no claim. The second session of the first legislative assembly of the Territory began at Burlington, now the county seat of Des Moines county, Iowa, on the 6th of November, 1837. The governor, in his message, recommended a codification of the laws, the organization of the militia, and other measures of interest to the people. An act was passed providing for taking another census, and one abolishing imprisonment for debt. By a joint resolution, congress was urged to make an appropriation of twenty thousand dollars in money, and two townships of land for a " University of the Territory of Wisconsin." The money was not appropriated, but the land was granted — forty-six thousand and eighty acres. This was the fundamental endowment of the present State university, at Madison. A bill was also passed to regulate the sale of school lands, and to prepare for organizing, regulating and perfecting schools. Another act, which passed the legislature at this session, proved an apple of discord to the people of the Territory. The measure was intended to provide ways and means whereby to connect, by canals and slack- water, the waters of Lake Michigan with those of the Mississippi, by way of Rock river, the Catfish, the four lakes and the Wisconsin, by the incorporation of the Milwaukee and Rock river canal company. This company was given authority to apply to congress for an appro priation in money or lands to aid in the construction of the work, which was to have its eastern outlet in the Milwaukee river, and to unite at its western terminus with Rock river, near the present village of Jefferson, in Jefferson county. The result was that a grant of land of odd- numbered sections in a strip of territory five miles on each side of the line of the proposed canal was secured, and in July, 1839, over forty thousand acres were sold at the minimum price of two dollars and fifty cents per acre. However, owing mainly to the fact that purchasers were compelled to pay double the government price for their lands — owing also to the circumstance of an antagonism growing up between the officers of the canal company and the Territorial officers intrusted with the disposition of the lands, and to conflicts between'the beneficiaries of 46 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. the grant and some of the leading politicians of the time — the whole scheme proved a curse and a blight rather than a blessing, and eventuating, of course, in the total failure of the project. There had been much Territorial and State legislation concerning the matter ; but very little work, meanwhile, was done on the canal. It is only within the year 1875 that an apparent. quietus has been given to the subject, and legislative enactments forever put at rest. Fourteen counties were set off during this session of the legislature at Burlington— all west of the Mississippi. They were Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Fayette, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Linn, Slaughter, Scott and Clayton. One hundred and five acts and twenty joint resolutions were passed. On the 20th of January, 1838, both houses adjourned until the second Monday of June following. The census of the Territory having been taken in May, the special session of the first legis lature commenced on the eleventh of June, 1838, at Burlington, pursuant to adjournment, mainly for the purpose of making a new apportionment of members of the house. This was effected by giving twelve members to the counties east of the Mississippi, and fourteen to those west of that stream, to be contingent, however, upon the division of the Territory, which measure was not only then before congress, but had been actually passed by that body, though unknown to the Territorial legislature. The law made it incumbent on the governor, in the event of the Terri tory being divided before the next general election, to make an apportionment for the part remaining, — enacting that the one made by the act of the legislature should, in that case, have no effect. Having provided that the next session should be held at Madison, the legislative body adjourned sine die on the twenty-fifth of June, 1838, the public buildings at the new capital having been put under contract in April, previous. Up to this time, the officers of the Territory at large, appointed by the president of the United States at its organization, had remained unchanged, except that the secretary, John S. Horner, had been removed and his place given to William B. Slaughter, by appointment, dated February 16, 1837. Now there were two other changes made. On the nineteenth of June, Edward James was commissioned marshal, and on the fifth of July, Moses M. Strong was commissioned attorney of the United States for the Ter ritory. By an act of congress, approved June 12, 1838, to divide the Territory of Wisconsin, and to establish a Territorial government west of the Mississippi, it was provided that from and after the third day of July following, all that part of Wisconsin Territory lying west of that river and west of a line drawn due north from its headwaters or sources to the Territorial line, for the purposes of a Territorial government should be set apart and known by the name of Iowa. It was further enacted that the Territory of Wisconsin should thereafter extend westward only to the Mississippi. It will be seen therefore that all that portion of the present State of Minnesota, extending eastward from the Mississippi to the St. Croix and northward to the United States boundary line, was then a part of Wisconsin Territory, even after the organization of the Terri tory of Iowa. The census taken in May, just previous to the passage of this act, gave a total population to the several counties of the Territory, east of the Mississippi, of 18,149. On the third Monday of July, 1838, the annual terms of the supreme court — the first one after the re-organization of the Territory of Wisconsin — was held at Madison. There were present Chief Justice Dunn and Associate Judge Frazer. After admitting five attorneys to practice, hearing several motions, and granting several rules, the court adjourned. All the terms of the Supreme Court thereafter were held at Madison. At an election held in the Territory on the tenth day of September, 1838, James Duane Doty received the highest number of votes for the office of delegate to congress, and was declared by Governor Dodge duly elected, by a certificate of election, issued on the twenty-seventh day of October following. Upon the commencement of the third session of the twenty-fifth congress WISCONSIN TERRITORY. 47 on Monday, December 10, 1838, Isaac E. Crary, member from Michigan, announced to the chair of the house of representatives that Doty was in attendance as delegate from Wisconsin Terri tory, and moved that he be qualified. Jones, the former delegate, then rose and protested against Doty's right to the seat, claiming that his (Jones') term had not expired. The basis for his claim was that under the act of 1817, a delegate must be elected only for one congress, and not for parts of two congressional terms; that his term as a delegate from Wisconsin did not commence until the fourth of March, 1837, and consequently would not expire until the fourth of March, 1839. The subject was finally referred to the committee of elections. This com mittee, on the fourteenth of January, 1839, reported in favor of Doty's right to his seat as dele gate, submitting a resolution to that effect which passed the house by a vote of one hundred and sixty-five to twenty-five. Whereupon Doty was qualified as delegate from Wisconsin Territory, and took his seat at the date last mentioned. On the 8th of November, Andrew G. Miller was appointed by Martin Van Buren, then president of the United States, associate judge of the supreme court, to succeed Judge Frazer, who died at Milwaukee, on the 18th of October. During this year, Moses M. Strong succeeded W. W. Chapman as United States attorney for the Territory. On the 26th day of November, 1838, the legislature of the re-organized Territory of Wis consin — being the first session of the second legislative assembly — met at Madison. Governor Dodge, in his message, recommended an investigation of the banks then in operation, memorial izing congress for a grant of lajads for the improvement of the Fox river of Green bay and the Wisconsin; the revision of the laws; the division of the Territory into judicial districts; the justice of granting to all miners who have obtained the ownership of mineral grounds under the regulations of the superintendent of the United States lead mines, either by discovery or pur chase, the right of pre-emption; and the improvement of the harbors on Lake Michigan. The attention of this Legislature was directed to the mode in which the commissioners of public buildings had discharged their duties There was an investigation of the three banks then in operation in the Territory — one at Green Bay, one at Mineral Point, and the other at Milwaukee. A plan, also, for the revision of the laws of the Territory was considered. A new assignment was made for the holding of district courts. Chief Justice Dunn was assigned to the first district, composed of the counties of Iowa, Grant and Crawford ; Judge Irvin to the second, composed of the counties of Dane, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth and Green; while Judge Miller was assigned to the third district, composed of Milwaukee, Brown and Racine counties — includ ing therein the unorganized counties of Washington and Dodge, which, for judicial purposes, were, when constituted by name and boundary, attached to Milwaukee county, and had so remained since that date. The legislature adjourned on the 2 2d of December, to meet again on the 21st of the following month. "Although," said the president of the council, upon the occasion of the adjournment, "but few acts of a general character have been passed, as the discussions and action of this body have been chiefly confined to bills of a local nature, and to the passage of memorials to the parent government in behalf of the great interests of the Territory; yet it is believed that the concurrent resolutions of the two houses authorizing a revision of the laws, is a measure of infinite importance to the true interests of the people, and to the credit and charac ter of the Territory." Tbe census of the Territory having been taken during the year 1838, showed a population of 18,130, an increase-in two years of 6,447. The second session of the second legislative assembly commenced on the twenty-first day of January, 1839, agreeable to adjournment. The most important work was the revision of the laws which had been perfected during the recess, by the committee to whom the work was intrusted, 48 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. consisting of three members from each house : from the council, M. L. Martin, Marshall M. Strong, and James Collins ; from the house of representatives, Edward V. Whiton, Augustus Story, and Barlow Shackleford. The act legalizing the revision, took effect on the fourth day of July following. The laws as revised, composed the principal part of those forming the Revised Statutes of 1839, a valuable volume for all classes in the territory — and especially so for the courts and lawyers — during the next ten years. The sine die adjournment of this legislature took place on the nth of March, 1839. On the 8th of March of this year, Henry Dodge, whose term for three years as governor was about to expire, was again commissioned by the president of the United States, as governor of the Territory of Wisconsin. At the July term of the supreme court, all the judges were pre sent, and several cases were heard and decided. A seal for the court was also adopted. The attorney general of the Territory at this time was H. N. Wells, who had been commissioned by Governor Dodge, on the 30th of March previous, in place of H. S. Baird, resigned. Wells not being in attendance at this term of the court, Franklin J. Munger was appointed by the judge attorney general for that session. The clerk, John Catlin having resigned, Simeon Mills was selected by the court to fill his place. From this time, the supreme court met annually, as pro vided by law, until Wisconsin became a State. The next legislature assembled at Madison, on the second of December, 1839. This was the third session of the second legislative assembly of the Territory.; The term for which mem bers of the house were elected, would soon expire ; it was therefore desirable that a new appor tionment should be made. As the census would be taken the ensuing June, by the United States, it would be unnecessary for the Territory to make an additional enumeration. A short session was resolved upon, and then an adjournment until after the completion of the census. One of the subjects occupying largely the attention of the members, was the condition of the capitol, and the conduct of the commissioners intrusted with the money appropriated by congress to defray the cost of its construction. The legislature adjourned on the thirteenth of January, 1840, to meet again on the third of the ensuing August. The completion of the census showed a population for the Territory of thirty thousand seven hundred and forty-four, against eighteen thousand one hundred and thirty, two years previous. Upon the re-assembling of the legisla ture—which is known as the extra session of the second legrlative assembly— at the time agreed upon, some changes were made in the apportionment of members to the house of representa tives ; the session lasted but a few days, a final adjournment taking place on the fourteenth of August, 1840. At the July term of the supreme court, Simeon Mills resigned the office of clerk, and La Fayette Kellogg was appointed in his place. Kellogg continued to hold the posi tion until the state judiciary was organized. At the ensuing election, James Duane Doty was re-elected Territorial delegate, taking his seat for the first time under his second term, on the eighth day of December, 1840, at the commencement of the second session of the twenty-sixth congress. The first session of the third legislative assembly commence^ on the seventh of December 1840, with all new members in the house except three. All had recently been elected under the new apportionment. Most of the session was devoted to the ordinary routine of legislation. There was, however, a departure, in the passage of two acts granting divorces, from the usual current of legislative proceedings in the Territory. There was, also, a very interesting contested election case between two members from Brown county. Such was the backwardness in regard to the building of the capitol, at this date, that a large majority of the members stood ready ro remove the seat of government to some other place. However, as no particular point could be agreed upon, it remained at Madison. The legislature adjourned on the nineteenth of February, WISCONSIN TERRITORY. 49 1841, having continued a term of seventy-five days, the maximum time limited by the organic act. Francis J. Dunn, appointed by Martin Van Buren, was commissioned in place of William B. Slaughter, as secretary of the Territory, on the 25th of January, 1841, but was himself super ceded by the appointment of A. P. Field, on the 23d day of April following. On the 15th of March, Daniel Hugunin was commissioned as marshal in place of Edward James, and on the 27th of April, Thomas W. Sutherland succeeded Moses M. Strong as United States attorney for the Territory. On the 26th of June, Governor Dodge commissioned as attorney general of the Territory, M. M. Jackson. On the 13th of September following, Dodge was removed from office by John Tyler, then president of the United States, and James Duane Doty appointed in his place. The appointment of Doty, then the delegate of the Territory in congress, by the president of the United States as governor, and the consequent resignation of the latter of his seat in the house of representatives, caused a vacancy which was filled by the election of Henry Dodge to that office, on the 27th of September, 1841; so that Doty and Dodge changed places. Dodge took his seat for the first time, at the commencement of the second session of the twenty- fifth congress — Monday, December 7, 1841. About this time, the Milwaukee and Rock river canal imbroglio broke out afresh. The loan agent appointed by the governor to negotiate a loan of one hundred thousand dollars for the work, reported that he had negotiated fifty-six thousand dollars of bonds, which had been issued ; but he did not report what kind of money was to be received for them. Now, the canal commissioners claimed that it was their right and duty not to recognize any loan which was to be paid in such currency as they disapproved of. This dispute defeated the loan, and stopped all work on the canal. During the year 1841, Thomas W. Sutherland succeeded Moses M. Strong as United States attorney. The second session of the third legislative assembly began at Madison, on the sixth of December, 1841. Governor Doty, in his message to that body, boldly avowed the doctrine that no law of the Territory was effective, until expressly approved by congress. "The act," said he, "establishing the government of Wisconsin, in the third sec tion, requires the secretary of the Territory to transmit annually, on or before the first Monday in December, ' two copies of the laws to the speaker of the house of representatives, for the use of congress.' The sixth section provides that 'all laws of J:he governor and legislative assembly shall be submitted to, and, if disapproved by the congress of the United States, the same shall be null and of no effect.' " "These provisions," he added, "it seems to me, require the laws to be actually submitted to congress before they take effect. They change the law by which this country was governed while it was a part of Michigan. That law provided that the laws should be reported to congress, and that they should ' He in force in the district until the organization of the general assembly therein, unless disapproved of by congress.' " The governor concluded in these words : " The opinion of my predecessor, which was expressed to the first legislature assembled after the organization of this government, in his message delivered at Belmont on the twenty-sixth day of October, 1836, fully sustains this view of the subject which I have presented. He said: 'We have convened under an act of congress of the United States establishing the Territorial government of Wisconsin, for the purpose of enacting such laws as may be required for the government of the people of this Territory, after their approval by con gress.'" This construction of the organic act resulted in a lengthy warfare between the gov ernor and the legislative assembly. At this session, the Milwaukee and Rock river canal again raised a tumult. " Congress had made a valuable grant of land to the Territory in trust. The Territory was the trustee ; the canal company the cestui que trust. The trust had been accepted, and a large portion of the lands had been sold, one tenth of the purchase money received, and ample securities held 50 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. for the balance." The Territory now, by its legislature, repealed all the laws authorizing a loan, and all which contemplated the expenditure of any money on its part in constructing the canal. The legislature resolved that all connection ought to be dissolved, and the Work on the canal by the Territory abandoned, and that the latter ought not further to execute the trust. They resolved also that the congress be requested to divert the grant to such other internal improvements as should be designated by the Territory, subject to the approval of congress; and that, if the latter should decline to make this diversion, it was requested to take back the grant, and dispose of the unsold lands. On the eleventh of February, 1842, a tragedy was enacted in the legislative council, causing great excitement over the whole Territory. On that day, Charles C. P. Arndt, a member from Brown county, was, while that body was in session, shot dead by James R. Vineyard, a member from Grant county. The difficulty grew out of a debate on motion to lay on the table the nomination of Enos S. Baker to the office of sheriff of Grant county. Immediately before adjournment of the council, the parties who had come together, after loud and angry words had been spoken, were separated by the by-standers. When an adjournment had been announced, they met again ; whereupon Arndt struck at Vine yard. The latter then drew a pistol and shot Arndt. He died in a few moments. Vineyard immediately surrendered himself to the sheriff of the county, waived an examination, and was committed to jail. After a short confinement, he was brought before the chief justice of the Territory, on a writ of habeas corpus, and admitted to bail. He was afterward indicted for man slaughter, was tried and acquitted. Three days after shooting Arndt, Vineyard sent in his resignation as member of the council. That body refused to receive it, or to have it read even ; but at once expelled him. The second and last session of the third legislative assembly came to a close on the eighteenth of February, 1842. The first session of the fourth legislative assembly commenced on the fifth day of Decem ber, 1842. The members had been elected under a new apportionment based upon a census taken in the previous June, which showed a total population for the Territory of forty-six thou sand six hundred and seventy-eight — an increase of nearly ten thousand in two years. A politi cal count showed a decided democratic majority in each house. Governor Doty's political proclivities were with the whig party. The contest between him and the legislature now assumed a serious character. He refused to "hold converse" with it, for the reason that, in his opinion, no appropriation had been made by congress to defray the expenses of the session, and, as a consequence, none could be held. The legislature made a representation to congress, then in session, of the objections of the governor, and adjourned on the tenth of December, to meet again on the thirteenth of January, 1843. It was not until the fourth of February following that a quorum in both houses had assembled, when the legislature, through a joint committee, waited on the governor, and informed him that they had again met according to adjournment, and were then ready to proceed to business. Previous to this time, congress had made an appropriation to cover the expenses of the legislature now in session, which it was supposed would remove all conflict about its legality. But the governor had, on the thirtieth day of January previous, issued a proclamation, convening a special session of the legislature on the sixth of March, and still refused to recognize the present one as legal. Both houses then adjourned to the day fixed by the executive. A final adjournment took place on the seventeenth of April following. The term of two years for which Henry Dodge was elected as delegate, having expired at the close of the third session of the twenty-seventh congress, he was, on the twenty-fifth of Sep tember, 1843, re-elected, taking his seat for the first time on his second term at the commence ment of the first session of the twenty-eighth congress, Monday, December 4, 1843. On the thirtieth of October of this year, George Floyd was commissioned by President Tyler as WISCONSIN TERRITORY. H secretary of the Territory, in place of A. P. Field. The second session of the fourth legislative assembly of the Territory, commencing on the fourth of December, 1843, and terminating on the thirty-first of January, 1844 — a period of fifty- nine days — accomplished but little worthy of especial mention, except the submission of the question of the formation of a State government to a vote of the people, to be taken at the gene ral election to be held in September following. The proposition did not' succeed at the ballot- box. The third session of the fourth legislative assembly did not commence until the sixth of January, 1845, as the time had been changed to the first Monday in that month for annual meet ings. Governor Doty having persisted in spelling Wisconsin with a " k " and an " a " — Wis- .fconsan — and some of the people having adopted his method, it was thought by this legislature a matter of sufficient importance to be checked. So, by a joint resolution, the orthography — Wisronsz'n — employed in the organic act, was adopted as the true one for the Territory, and has ever since been used. Before the commencement of this session Doty's term of office had expired. He was superseded as governor of the Territory by N. P. Tallmadge, the latter having been apppinted on the twenty-first of June, 1844. On the thirty-first of August, Charles M. Prevost was appointed marshal of the Territory, in place of Daniel Hugunin. There was the utmost harmony between Governor Tallmadge and the legislature of the Territory at its session in 1845. His message, which was delivered to the two houses in person, on the seventeenth of January, was well received. Among other items of interest to which he called the attention of the legis lative assembly, was, one concerning the construction of a railroad to connect Lake Michigan with the Mississippi. "The interests of the Territory," said he, "seem inperiously to demand the con struction of a railroad, or other communication, from some suitable point on Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river. Much difference of opinion seems to exist as to what it shall be, and how it is to be accomplished. There is a general impression," continued the governor, "that the con struction of the Milwaukee and Rock river canal, which was intended to connect those waters, is abandoned. It remains to be seen what shall be substituted for it." The session terminated on the twenty-fourth of February, 1845. James K. Polk having been inaugurated president of the United States on the fourth of March, 1845, Henry Dodge was again put into the gubernatorial chair of the Territory, receiving his appointment on the eighth of April, 1845. Other changes were made by the president during the same year, John B. Rockwell being, on the fourteenth of March, appointed marshal, and W. P. Lynde, on the fourteenth of July, United States attorney for the Territory, Governor Tall madge, on the twenty-second of January of this year, having commissioned the latter also as attorney general. On the twenty-second of September, Morgan L. Martin was elected delegate to the twenty-ninth congress, as the successor of Henry Dodge. The fourth and last session of the fourth legislative assembly was organized on the fifth of . Jarfuary, 1846. This session, although a short one, proved very important. Preliminary steps were taken for the formation of a State government. The first Tuesday in April next succeeding was the day fixed upon for the people to vote for or against the proposition. When taken it resulted in a large majority voting in favor of the measure. An act was passed providing for taking the census of the Territory, and for the apportionment by the governor of delegates to form a' State constitution, based upon the new enumeration. The delegates were to be elected on the first Monday in September, and the convention was to assemble on the first Monday in October, 1846. The constitution when formed was to be submitted to the vote of the people for adoption or rejection, as, at the close of the session, the terms of members of the council who had been elected for four years, and of the house, who had been elected for two years, all ended. The legislature 52 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. re-organized the election districts, and conferred on the governor the power and duty of making an apportionment, based on the census to be taken, for the next legislative assembly, when, on the third of February, 1846, both houses adjourned sine die. On the twenty-second of January, Governor Dodge appointed A. Hyatt Smith attorney general of the Territory. On the twenty- fourth of February, John Catlin was appointed Territorial secretary by the president. The census taken in the following June showed a population for the Territory of one hun dred and fifty-five thousand two hundred and seventy-seven. Delegates having been elected to form a constitution for the proposed new State, met at Madison on the fifth day of October. After completing their labors, they adjourned. This event took place on the sixteenth of December, 1846. The constitution thus formed was submitted to a popular vote on the first Tuesday of April, 1847, and rejected. The first session of the fifth legislative assembly com menced on the fourth of January of that year. But little was done. Both houses finally adjourned on the eleventh of February, 1847. John H. Tweedy was elected as the successor of Morgan L. Martin, delegate to the thirtieth congress, on the sixth of September following. On the twenty- seventh of that month, Governor Dodge issued a proclamation for a special session of the legislature, to commence on the eighteenth of the ensuing month, to take action concern ing the admission of Wisconsin into the Union. The two houses assembled on the day named in the proclamation, and a law was passed for the holding of another convention to frame a constitution ; when, after nine days' labor, they adjourned. Delegates to the new convention were elected on the last Monday of November, and that body met at Madison on the fifteenth of December, 1847. A census of the Territory was taken this year, which showed a population of two hundred and ten thousand five hundred and forty-six. The result of the labors of the second constitutional convention was the formation of a constitution, which, being submitted to the people on the second Monday of March, 1848, was duly ratified. The second and last session of the fifth legislative assembly — the last legislative assembly of Wisconsin Territory — commenced on the seventh of February, 1848, and adjourned sine die on the thirteenth of March following. On the twentieth of the same month, J. H. Tweedy, delegate from Wisconsin, introduced a bill in congress for its admission into the Union. The bill was finally passed; and on the twenty-ninth of May, 1848, Wisconsin became a State. There had been seventeen sessions of the legislative assembly of the Territory, of an average duration of forty days each : the longest one lasted seventy-six days ; the shortest, ten days. So long as the Territory had an existence, the apportionment of thirteen members for the council, and twenty-six for the house of representatives, was continued, as provided in the organic act. There had been, besides those previously mentioned, nine additional counties " set off " by the legislative assembly of the Territory, so that they now numbered in all twenty-eight : Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, Racine, Walworth, Rock, Green, Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Calu met, Brown, Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Marquette, Sauk, Portage, Columbia, Dodge, Dane, Iowa, La Fayette, Grant, Richland, Crawford, Chippewa, St. Croix, and La Pointe. V— WISCONSIN AS A STATE. First Administration. — Nelson Dewey, Governor— 1848, 1849. The boundaries prescribed in the act of congress, entitled " An Act to enable the people of Wisconsin Territory to form a Constitution and State Government, and for the admission of such State into the Union," approved August 6, 1846, were accepted by the convention which formed the constitution of Wisconsin, and are described in that instrument as " beginning at the north east corner of the State of Illinois — that is to say, at a point in the center of Lake Michigan WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 53 where the line of forty-two degrees and thirty minutes of north latitude crosses the same ; thence running with the boundary line of the State of Michigan; through Lake Michigan [and] Green bay to the mouth of the Menomonee river ; thence up the channel of the said river to the Brule river ; thence up said last mentioned river to Lake Brule ; thence along the southern shore of Lake Brule, in a direct line to the center of the channel between Middle and South islands, in the Lake of the Desert ; thence in a direct line to the head waters of the Montreal river, as marked upon the survey made by Captain Cram ; thence down the main channel of the Mon treal river to the middle of Lake Superior ; thence through the center of Lake Superior to the mouth of the St. Louis river ; thence up the main channel of said river to the first rapids in the same, above the Indian village, according to Nicollett's map ; thence due south to the main branch of the River St. Croix ; thence down the main channel of said river to the Mississippi ; thence down the center of the main channel of that river to the northwest corner of the State of Illinois ; thence due east with the northern boundary of the State of Illinois to the place of beginning." The territory included within these lines constitutes the State of Wisconsin, familiarly known as the "Badger State." All that portion of Wisconsin Territory, as formerly constituted, lying west of so much of the above mentioned boundary as extends from the middle of Lake Superior to the mouth of the St. Croix river, not being included in Wisconsin, the limits of the State are, of course, not identical with those of the Territory as they previously existed. The State of Wisconsin, thus bounded, is situated between the parallel of forty-two degrees thirty minutes and that of forty-seven degrees, north latitude, and between the eighty-seventh and ninety-third degrees west longitude, nearly. For a portion of its northern border it has Lake Superior, the largest body of fresh water in the world ; for a part of its eastern boundary it has Lake Michigan, almost equal in size to Lake Superior ; while the Mississippi, the largest river in the world but one, forms a large portion of its western boundary. The State of Michi gan lies on the east ; Illinois on the south ; Iowa and Minnesota on the west. Wisconsin has an average length of about two hundred and sixty miles; an average breadth of two hundred and fifteen miles. The constitution of Wisconsin, adopted by the people on the second Monday of March, 1848, provided for the election of a governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general, members of the State legislature, and members of congress, on the second Monday of the ensuing May. On that day — the 8th of the month — the election was held, which resulted in the choice of Nelson Dewey, for governor ; John E. Holmes, for lieutenant governor ; Thomas McHugh, for secretary of state ; Jairus C. Fairchild, for state treasurer ; and James S. Brown, for attorney general. The State was divided into nineteen senatorial, and sixty-six assembly districts, in each of which one member was elected ; it was also divided into two congressional districts, in each of which one member of congress was elected— -William Pitt Lynde in the first district, composed of the counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, Racine, Walworth, Rock, and Green ; Mason C. Darling, in the second district, composed of the counties of Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Calumet, Brown, Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Marquette, Sauk, Portage, Columbia, Dodge, Dane, Iowa, La Fayette, Grant, Richland, Craw ford, Chippewa, St. Croix, and La Pointe — the counties of Richland, Chippewa and La Pointe being unorganized. The first session of the legislature of Wisconsin commenced at Madison, the seat of govern ment for the State, on Monday, the 5th day of June, 1848. Ninean E. Whiteside was elected speaker of the assembly, and Henry Billings president of the senate, pro tempore. The democrats were largely in the majority in both houses. The legislature, in joint convention, on the 7th of June, canvassed, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, the votes given on the 8th of May previous, for the State officers and the two representatives in congress. On the same 54 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. day, the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary ot state, treasurer, and attorney general, were sworn into office in presence of both houses. All these officers, as well as the representatives in congress, were democrats. Dewey's majority over John H. Tweedy, whig, was five thousand and eighty-nine. William P. Lynde's majority in the first district, for congress, over Edward V. Whiton, whig, was two thousand four hundred and forty-seven. Mason C. Darling's majority in the second district, over Alexander L. Collins, whig, was two thousand eight hundred and forty- six. As the thirtieth congress, to which Lynde and Darling were elected would expire on the 4th of March, 1849, their terms of office would, of course, end on that day. The former took his seat on the 5th of June, the latter on the 9th of June, 1848. The constitution vested the judicial power of the State in a supreme court, circuit courts, courts of probate, and in justices of the peace, giving the legislature power to vest such juris diction as should be deemed necessary in municipal courts ; also, conferring upon it the power to establish inferior courts in the several counties, with limited civil and criminal jurisdiction. The State was divided into five judicial circuits; and judges were to be elected at a time to be provided for by the legislature at its first session. It was provided that there should be no election for a judge or judges, at any general election for State or county officers, nor within thirty days either before or after such election. On the 8th of June, 1848, Governor Dewey delivered his first message to a joint convention of the two houses. It was clear, concise, and definite upon such subjects as, in his opinion demanded immediate attention. His views were generally regarded as sound and statesmanlike by the people of the State. " You have convened," said he, "under the provisions of the con stitution of the State of Wisconsin, to perform as representatives of the people, the important duties contemplated by that instrument." " The first session of the legislature of a free people," continued the governor, " after assuming the political identity of a sovereign State, is an event of no ordinary character in its history, and will be fraught with consequences of the highest importance to its future welfare and prosperity. Wisconsin possesses the natural elements, fostered by the judicious system of legislation," the governor added, " to become one of the most populous and prosperous States of the American Union. With a soil unequaled in fertility, and productive of all the necessary comforts of life, rich in mineral wealth, with commercial advantages unsurpassed by any inland State, possessing extensive manufacturing facilities, with a .salubrious climate, and peopled with a population enterprising, industrious, and intelligent, the course of the State of Wisconsin must be onward, until she ranks among the first of the States of the Great West. It is," concluded the speaker, "under the most favorable auspices that the State of Wisconsin has taken her position among the families of States. With a population numbering nearly one quarter of a million, and rapidly increasing, free from the incubus of a State debt, and rich in the return yielded as the reward of labor in all the branches of industrial pursuits, our State occupies an enviable position abroad, that is highly gratifying to the pride of our people." Governor Dewey then recommended a number of measures necessary, in his judgment, to be made upon changing from a Territorial to a State government. The first important business of the legislature, was the election of two United States senators. The successful candidates were Henry Dodge and Isaac P. Walker, both democrats Their election took place on the 8th of June, 1848, Dodge taking his seat in the senate on the 23d of June, and Walker on the 26th of June, 1848. The latter drew the short term ¦ so that his office would expire on the 4th day of March, 1849, at the end of the thirtieth congress ¦ Dodge drew the long term, his office to expire on the 4th day of March, 1851, at the end of the thirty-first congress. The residue of the session was taken up in passing such acts as were deemed necessary to put the machinery of the new State government, in all its branches, in fair WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 55 running order. One was passed providing for the annual meeting of the legislature, on the second Wednesday of January of each year ; another prescribing the duties of State officers ; one dividing the State into three congressional districts. The first district was composed of the counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Walworth, and Racine ; the second, of the counties of Rock, Green, La Fayette, Grant, Dane, Iowa, Sauk, Richland, Crawford, Adams, Portage, Chippewa, La Pointe, and St. Croix ; the third, of the counties of Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Brown, Winnebago, Calumet, Fond du Lac, Marquette, Dodge, Jefferson, and Columbia. Another act provided for the election of judges of the circuit courts, on the first Monday of August, 1848. By the same act, it was provided that the first term of the supreme court should be held in Madison on the second Monday of January, 1849, and thereafter at the same place on the same day, yearly ; afterward changed so as to hold a January and June term in each year. An act was also passed providing for the election, and defining the duties of State superintendent of public instruction. That officer was to be elected at the general election to be holden in each year, his term of office to commence on the first Monday of January succeeding his election. Another act established a State university ; another exempted a homestead from a forced sale ; another provided for a revision of the statutes. The legislature, after a session of eighty-five days, adjourned sine die on the twenty-first of August, 1848. The State, as previously stated, was divided into five judicial circuits : Edward V. Whiton being chosen judge at the election on the first Monday in August, 1848, of the first circuit, com posed of the counties of Racine, Walworth, Rock, and Green, as then constituted ; Levi Hubbell of the second, composed of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dane ; Charles H. Larrabee, of the third, composed of Washington, Dodge, Columbia, Marquette, Sauk, and Portage, as then forrned; Alexander W. Stow, of the fourth, composed of Brown, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Winnebago, and Calumet ; and Mortimer M. Jackson, of the fifth circuit, composed of the counties of Iowa, LaFayette, Grant, Crawford and St. Croix, as then organized ; *the county of Richland being attached to Iowa county ; the county of Chippewa to the county of Craw ford ; and the county of LaPointe to the county of St. Croix, for judicial purposes. In the ensuing Fall there was a presidential election. There were then three organized political parties in the State : whig, democratic, and free-soil— each of which had a ticket in the field. The democrats were in the majority, and their four electors cast their votes for Lewis Cass and William O. Butler. At this election, Eleazer Root was the successful candidate for State superintendent of public instruction. In his election party politics were not considered. There were also three members for the thirty-first congress chosen : Charles Durkee, to represent the first district; Orsamus Cole, the second; and James D. Dotv, the third district. Durkee was a free-soiler; Cole, a whig ; Doty, a democrat — with somewhat decided Doty proclivities. The act of the legislature, exempting a homestead from forced sale of any debt or liability contracted after January 1, 1849, approved the twenty-ninth of July previous, and another act for a like exemption of certain personal property, approved August 10, 1848, were laws the most liberal in their nature passed by any State of the Union previous to those dates. It was prophe sied that they would work wonderful changes in the business transactions of the new State — for the worse ; but time passed, and their utility were soon evident : it was soon very generally acknowledged that proper exemption laws were highly beneficial — a real "good to the greatest number of the citizens of a State. So much of Wisconsin Territory as lay west of the St. Croix and the State boundary north of it, was, upon the admission of Wisconsin into the Union, left, for the time being, without a government — unless it was still "Wisconsin Territory." Henry Dodge, upon being elected to the United States senate from Wisconsin, vacated, of course, the office of governor of this fraction. John H. Tweedy, delegate in congress at the time Wisconsin became a State, made a formal 56 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. resignation of his office, thus leaving the fractional Territory unrepresented. Thereupon John Catlin, secretary of the Territory of Wisconsin as a whole, and now claiming, by virtue of that office, to be acting governor of the fractional part, issued a proclamation as such officer for an election on the thirtieth of October, 1848, of a delegate in congress. Nearly four hundred votes were polled in the district, showing "Wisconsin Territory" still to have a population of not less than two thousand. H. H. Sibley was elected to that office. On the fifteenth of January, 1849, he was admitted to a seat as "delegate from Wisconsin Territory." This hastened the formation of the Territory of Minnesota— a bill for that purpose having become a law on the third of March, when " Wisconsin Territory" ceased finally to exist, being included in the new Territory. The year 1848— the first year of the existence of Wisconsin as a State — was one of general prosperity to its rapidly increasing population. The National Government effected a treaty with the Menomoneee Indians, by which their title was extinguished to the country north of the Fox river of Green bay, embracing all their lands in the State. This was an important acquisition, as it opened a large tract of country to civilization and settlement, which had been for a consid erable time greatly desired by the people. The State government at the close of the year had been in existence long enough to demonstrate its successful operation. The electric telegraph had already reached the capital ; and Wisconsin entered its second year upon a flood tide of prosperity. Under the constitution, the circuit judges were also judges of the supreme court. An act of the legislature, approved June 29, 1848, providing for the election of judges, and for the classification and organization of the judiciary of the State, authorized the election, by the judges, of one of their number as chief justice. Judge Alexander W. Stow was chosen to that office, and, as chief justice, held, in conjunction with Associate Judges Whiton, Jackson, Larrabee, and Hubbell, the first session of the supreme court at Madison, commencing on the eighth day of January, 1^49. The second session of the State legislature commenced, according to law, on the tenth of January, 1849, Harrison C. Hobart being elected speaker of the assembly. Governor Dewey, in his message, sent to both houses on the nth, referred to the rapidly increasing population of the State, and the indomitable energy displayed in the development of its productive capacity. He recommended the sale of the university lands on a long credit, the erection of a State prison, and the modification of certain laws. On the seventeenth of January, the two houses met in joint convention to elect an United States senator in place of Isaac P Walker, who had drawn the short term. The democrats had a small majority on joint ballot. Walker was re-elected; this time, for a full term of six years, from the 4th of March, 1849. The legislature at this session passed many acts of public utility ; some relating to the boundaries of counties ; others, to the laying out of roads ; eighteen, to the organization of towns. The courts were cared for ; school' districts were organized ; special tax;- were authorized , and an act passed relative to the sale and superintendence of the school and university lands, prescribing the powers and duties of the commissioners who were to have charge of the same. These commissioners, consisting of the secretary of state, treasurer of state, and attorney general, were not only put in charge of the school and university lands held by the State, but also of funds arising from the sale of them. This law has been many times amended and portions of it repealed. The lands at present subject to sale are classified as school lands, university lands, agricultural college lands, Marathon county lands, normal school lands, and drainage lands, and are subject to sale at private entry on terms fixed by law. Regulations concerning the apportionment and investment of trust funds are made by the commissioners in pursuance of law. All lands now the property of the State subject to sale, or that have been State lands and sold, were derived from the Gen- WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 57 eral Government. Lands owned by the State amount, at the present lime, to about one and one half million acres. A joint resolution passed the legislature on the 31st of March, 1849, instructing Isaac P. Walker to resign his seat as United States senator, for "presenting and voting for an amend ment to the general appropriation bill, providing for a government in California and New Mexico, west of the Rio Grande, which did not contain a provision forever prohibiting the introduction of slavery or involuntary servitude " in those Territories. The senator refused to regard these instructions. The legislature adjourned on the second of April, 1849, after a session of eighty- three days. In July, 1848, the legislature of Wisconsin elected M. Frank, Charles C. Jordan, and A. W. Randall, commissioners to collate and revise all the public acts of the State, of a general and permanent nature in force at the close of the session. Randall declining to act, Charles M. Baker was appointed by the governor in his place. The commissioners commenced their labors in August, 1848, and were engaged in the revision the greater part of the time until the close of the session of the legislature of 1849. It was found impossible for the revisers to conclude their labors within the time contemplated by the act authorizing their appointment ; so a joint select committee of the two houses at their second session was appointed to assist in the work. The laws revised by this committee and by the commissioners, were submitted to, and approved by, the legislature. These laws, with a few passed by that body, which were introduced by individual members, formed the Revised Statutes of Wisconsin of 1849 — a volume of over nine hundred pages. At the general election held in November of this year, Dewey was re-elected governor. S. W. Beall was elected lieutenant governor ; William A. Barstow, secretary of state ; Jairus C. Fairchild was re-elected treasurer ; S. Park Coon was elected attorney general ; and Eleazer Root, re-elected superintendent of public instruction. All these officers were chosen as dem ocrats, except Root, who ran as an independent candidate, the term of his office having been changed so as to continue two years from the first day of January next succeeding his election. By the revised statutes of 1849, all State officers elected for a full term went into office on the first of January next succeeding their election. The year 1849 developed in an increased ratio the productive capacity of the State in every department of labor. The agriculturist, the artisan, the miner, reaped the well-earned reward of his honest labor. The commercial and manufacturing interests were extended in a manner highly creditable to the enterprise of the people. The educational interest of the State.began to assume a more systematic organization. The tide of immigration suffered no decrease during the year. Within the limits of Wisconsin, the oppressed of other climes continued to find welcome and happy homes. Second Administration. — Nelson Dewey, Governor (Second Term) — 1850, 185 1. On the first day of January, 1850, Nelson Dewey took the oath of office, and quietly entered -upon his duties as governor, for the second term. The third legislature convened on the ninth. Moses M. Strong was elected speaker of the assembly. Both houses had democratic majorities. Most of the business transacted was of a local character. By an act approved the fifth of Feb ruary, the " January term " of the supreme court was changed to December. The legislature adjourned after a session of only thirty-four days. An act was passed organizing a sixth judicial circuit, from and after the first Monday in July, 1850, consisting of the counties of Crawford, Chippewa, Bad Axe, St. Croix and La Pointe, an election for judge to be holden on the same day. Wiram Knowlton was elected judge of that circuit. 58 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. The first charitable institution in Wisconsin, incorporated by the State, was the "Wisconsin Institute for the Education of the Blind." A school for that unfortunate class had been opened in Janesville, in the latter part of 1859, receiving its support from the citizens of that place and vicinity. By an act of the legislature, approved February 9, 1850, this school was taken under the care of the Institute, to continue and maintain it, at Janesville, and to qualify, as far as might be, the blind of the State for the enjoyment of the blessings of a free government; for obtaining the means of subsistence ; and for the discharge of those duties, social and political, devolving upon American citizens. It has since been supported from the treasury of the State. ^ On the seventh of October, 1850, it was opened for the reception of pupils, under the direction of a board of trustees, appointed by the governor. The Institute, at the present time, has three departments: in one is given instruction such as is usually taught in common schools; in another, musical training is imparted ; in a third, broom-making is taught to the boys, — sewing, knitting and various kinds of fancy work to the girls, and seating cane-bottomed chairs to both boys and girls. On the thirteenth of April, 1874, the building of the Institute was destroyed by fire. A new building has since been erected. The taking of the census by the United States, this year, showed a population for Wisconsin of over three hundred and five thousand— the astonishing increase in two years of nearly ninety- five thousand! In 1840, the population of Wisconsin Territory was only thirty thousand. This addition, in ten years, of two hundred and seventy-five thousand transcended all previous experience in the settlement of any portion of the New World, of the same extent of territory. It was the result of a steady and persistent flow of men and their families, seeking permanent homes in the young and rising State. Many were German, Scandinavian and Irish; but the larger proportion were, of course, from the Eastern and Middle States of the Union. The principal attractions of Wisconsin were the excellency and cheapness of its lands, its valuable mines of lead, its extensive forests of pine, and the unlimited water-power of its numerous streams. By the Revised Statutes of 1849, Wisconsin was divided into three congressional districts — the second congressional apportionment — each of which was entitled to elect one representative in the congress of the United States. The counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Walworth and Racine constituted the first district ; the counties of Rock, Green, La Fayette, Grant, Iowa, Dane, Sauk, Adams, Portage, Richland, Crawford, Chippewa, St. Croix and La Pointe, the second district ; the counties of Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Brown, Winnebago, Calumet, Fond du Lac, Marquette, Columbia, Dodge and Jefferson, the third district. At »the general election in the Autumn of this year, Charles Durkee, of the first district ; Benjamin C. Eastman, of the second ; and John B. Macy, of the third district, were elected to represent the State in the thirty-second congress of the United States. Durkee, it will be remembered, represented the same district in the previous congress : he ran the second time as an independent candidate. Eastman and Macy were elected upon democratic tickets. The General Government this year donated to the State all the swamp and overflowed lands within its boundaries. The year 1850 to the agriculturist of Wisconsin was not one of unbounded prosperity, owing to the partial failure of the wheat crop. In the other branches of agriculture there were fair returns. The State was visited during the year by cholera ; not, however, to a very alarming extent. The fourth session of the legislature of the State commenced on the 8th of January, 1851. Frederick W. Horn was elected speaker of the assembly. The majority in the legisla ture was democratic. Governor Dewey, in his message, referred to the death of the president of the United States, Zachary Taylor; said that the treasury and finances of the State were in a WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 59 sound condition ; and then adverted to many topics of interest and importance to the people of Wisconsin. It was an able document. One of the important measures of the session was the election of an United States senator, in the place of Henry Dodge, whose term of office would expire on the 4th of March, next ensuing. In joint convention of the legislature held on the 20th of January, Dodge was re-elected for a full term of six years. On the 2 2d, the governor approved a joint resolution of the legislature, rescinding not only so much of the joint resolu tion of the legislative assembly of Wisconsin, passed March 31, 1849, as censured Isaac J. Walker, but also the instructions in those resolutions relative to his resigning his seat in the senate of the United States. Among the important bills passed at this session of the legislature was one providing for the location and erection of a State prison. Another one — the apportionment bill — was vetoed by the governor, and having been passed on the last day of the session, failed to become a law. The legislature adjourned on the eighteenth of March, 1851, after a session of seventy days. On the 1 st day of January, 1851, Timothy O. Howe took his seat as one of the associate judges of the supreme court, he having been elected judge of the fourth circuit in place of Alex ander W. Stow. The office of chief justice of the supreme court, which had been filled by Judge Stow, therefore became vacant, and so remained until the commencement of the next term — June 18, 1851 — when Levi Hubbell, judge of the second circuit, was, by the judges present, pursuant to the statute, elected to that office. By an act of the legislature approved March 14, 1851, the location and erection of a State prison for Wisconsin was provided ;for — the point afterward determined upon as a suitable place for its establishment being Waupun, Dodge county. By a subsequent act, the prison was declared to be the general penitentiary and prison of the State for the reformation as well as for the punishment of offenders, in which were to be confined, employed at hard labor, and governed as provided for by the legislature, all offenders who might be committed and sentenced accord ing to law, to the punishment of solitary imprisonment, or imprisonment therein at hard labor. The organization and management of this the first reformatory and penal State institution in Wisconsin, commenced and has been continued in accordance with the demands of an advanced civilization and an enlightened humanity. On the 29th of September, 1851, Judge Hubbell was re-elected for the full term of six years as judge of the second judicial circuit, to commence January 1, 1852. At the general election in November, 1851, Leonard J. Farwell was chosen governor; Timothy Burns, lieutenant governor ; Charles D. Robinson, secretary of State ; E. H. Janssen, State treasurer; E. Estabrook, attorney general; and Azel P. Ladd, superintendent of public instruction. All these officers were elected as democrats except Farwell, who ran as a whig ; his majority over D. A. J. Upham, democrat, was a little rising of five hundred. Third Administration. — L. J. Farwell, Governor — 1852-1853. Governor Farwell's administration commenced on the fifth day of January, 1852. Previous to this — on the third day of the month — Edward V. Whiton was chosen by the judges of the supreme court, chief justice, to succeed Judge Hubbell. On the fourteenth of that month, the legislature assembled at Madison. This was the beginning of the fifth annual session. James McM. Shafter was elected speaker of the assembly. In the senate, the democrats had a majority ; in the assembly, the whigs. The governor, in his message, recommended the memorial izing of congress to cause the agricultural lands within the State to be surveyed and brought into market ; to cause, also, the mineral lands to be surveyed and geologically examined, and offered for sale ; and to make liberal appropriations for the improvement of rivers and harbors. The question of " bank or no bank " having been submitted to the people in November previous, 60 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. and decided in favor of banks, under the constitution, the power was thereby given to the legis lature then in session to grant bank charters, or to pass a general banking law. Farwell recom mended that necessary measures be taken to carry into effect this constitutional provision. A larger number of laws was passed at this session than at any previous one. By a provision of the constitution, the legislature was given power to provide by law, if they should think it expe dient and necessary, for the organization of a separate supreme court, to consist of one chief justice and two associate justices, to be elected by the qualified electors of the State, at such time and in such manner as the legislature might provide. Under this authority, an act was passed at this session providing for the election of a chief justice and two associates, on the last Monday of the September following, to form a supreme court of the State, to supplant the old one, provision for the change being inserted in the constitution. There was also an act passed to apportion and district anew the members of the senate and assembly, by which the number was increased from eighty-five to one hundred and seven : twenty-five for the senate ; eighty- two for the assembly. An act authorizing the business of banking passed the legislature and was approved by the governor, on the 19th of April. By this law, the office of bank-comptroller was created — the officer to be first appointed by the governor, and to hold his office until the first Monday in January, 1854. At the general election in the Fall of 1853, and every two years thereafter, the office was to be filled by vote of the people. Governor Farwell afterward, on the 20th of November, appointed James S. Baker to that office. The legislature adjourned on the nineteenth of April, 1852. The second charitable institution incorporated by the State was the " Wisconsin Institute for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb." It was originally a private school for deaf mutes, near, and subsequently in, the village of Delavan, Walworth county. By an act of the legislature approved April 19, 1852, it was made the object and duty of the corporation to establish, con tinue and maintain this school for the education of the deaf and dumb, " at or near the village of Delavan, to qualify, as near as might be, that unfortunate class of persons for the enjoyment of the blessings of a free government, obtaining the means of subsistence, and the discharge of those duties, social and political, devolving upon American citizens." It has since been sup ported by annual appropriations made by the legislature. A complete organization of the school was effected in June, 1852, under the direction of a board of trustees appointed by the governor of the State. The institute has for its design the education of such children of the State as, on account of deafness, can not be instructed in common schools. Instruction is given by signs, by the manual alphabet, by written language, and to one class by articulation. Two trades are taught: cabinet-making and shoe-making. During this year, considerable interest was manifested in the projecting of railroads. At the September election, E. V. Whiton was elected chief justice of the new supreme court' and Samuel Crawford and Abram D. Smith associate justices. Under the law, the chief justice was to serve a term of four years from the first day of June next ensuing; while the two associates were to cast lots— one to serve for six years, the other for two years, from June 1, 1853 Craw ford drew the short term-Smith the long term. At the subsequent general election for mem bers to the thirty-third congress, Daniel Wells, Jr., was chosen from the first district B C Eastman from the second: and J. B. Macy from the third district. All were democrats ' A democratic electoral ticket was chosen at the same time. The electors cast their votes for Pierce and Butler. During 1852, the citizens of Wisconsin enjoyed unusual prosperity ip the ample products and remuneration of their industry and enterprise. Abundant harvests and high markets- at increase in moneyed circulation, and the downward tendency of the rates of interest; a prevail ing confidence among business men and in business enterprises; a continual accession to the WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 61 population of the State by immigration; the energetic prosecution of internal improvements under the skillful management of companies ; the extension of permanent agricultural improve ments ; and the rapid growth of the various cities and villages ; were among the encouraging prospects of the year. The sixth session of the Wisconsin legislature commenced on the twelfth of January, 1853. On the twenty-sixth of the same month, William K. Wilson, of Milwaukee, preferred charges in the assembly against Levi Hubbell, judge of the second judicial circuit of the State, of divers acts of corruption and malfeasance in the discharge of the duties of his office. A resolu tion followed appointing a committee to report articles of impeachment, directing the members thereof to go to the senate and impeach Hubbell. Upon the trial of the judge before the senate, he was acquitted. An act was passed to provide for the election of a State prison commis sioner by the legislature at that session — to hold his office until the first day of the ensuing January. The office was then to be filled by popular vote at the general election in November, 1853 — and afterwards biennially — the term of office to be two years from the first day of Jan uary next succeeding the election by the people. On the 28th of March, the legislature, in joint convention, elected John Taylor to that office. The legislature adjourned on the fourth day of April until the sixth of the following June, when it again met, and adjourned sine die on the thirteenth of July, both sessions aggregating one hundred and thirty-one days. By an act of the legislature approved February 9, 1853, the "Wisconsin State Agricultural Society," which had been organized in March, 185 1, was incorporated, its object being to promote and improve the condition of agriculture, horticulture, and the mechanical, manufacturing and household arts. It was soon after taken under the fostering care of the State by an appropria tion made by the legislature, to be expended by the society in such manner as it might deem best calculated to promote the objects of its incorporation; State aid was continued down to the commencement of the rebellion. No help was extended during the war nor until 1873; since which time there has been realized annually from the State a sum commensurate with its most pressing needs. The society has printed seventeen volumes of transactions and has held annually a State fair, except during the civil war. Besides these fairs, its most important work is the holding annually, at the capital of the State, a convention for the promotion of agriculture gen erally. The meetings are largely participated in by men representing the educational and industrial interests of Wisconsin. By an act of the legislature approved March 4, 1853, the " State Historical Society of Wisconsin" was incorporated — having been previously organized — the object being to collect, embody, arrange and preserve in authentic form, a library of books, pamphlets, maps, charts, manuscripts, papers, paintings, statuary and other materials illustrative of the history of the State ; to rescue from oblivion the memory of its early pioneers,, and to obtain and preserve narratives, of their exploits, perils, and hardy adventures; to exhibit faithfully the antiquities, and the past and present condition, and resources of Wisconsin. The society was also author ized to take proper steps to promote the study of history by lectures, and to diffuse and publish information relating to the description and history of the State. The legislature soon after took the society under its fostering care by voting a respectable sum for its benefit. Liberal State aid has been continued to the present time. The society, besides collecting a library of historical books and pamphlets the largest in the West has published eight volumes of collections and a catalogue of four volumes. Its rooms are in the capitol at Madison, and none of its property can be alienated without the consent of the State. It has a valuable collection of painted por traits and bound newspaper'files ; and in its cabinet are to be found many prehistoric relics. On the first day of June, 1853, the justices of the new supreme court went into office : Associate 62 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Justice Crawford, for twd years; Chief Justice Whiton, for four years, Associate Justice Smith for six years as previously mentioned. The first (June) term was held at Madison. La Fayette Kellogg was appointed and qualified as clerk. On the 21st of September, Timothy Burns, lieu tenant governor of Wisconsin, died at La Crosse. As a testimonial of respect for the deceased the several State departments, in accordance with a proclamation of the governor, were closed for one day— October 3, 1853. In the Fall of this year, democrats, whigs and free-soilers, each called a convention to nominate candidates for the various State offices to be supported by them at the ensuing election in November. The successful ticket was, for governor, William A. Bars- tow ¦ for lieutenant governor, James T. Lewis , for secretary of State, Alexander T. Gray, for State treasurer, Edward H. Janssen; for attorney general, George B. Smith ; for superintendent of public instruction, Hiram A. Wright; for State prison commissioner, A. W. Starks; and for bank comptroller, William M. Dennis. They were all democrats. The year 1853 was, to the agriculturists of the State, one of prosperity. Every branch of industry prospered. The increase of commerce and manufactures more than realized the expec tations of the most sanguine. Fourth Administration. — William A. Barstow, Governor — 1854-1855. On Monday, the second of January, 1854, William A. Barstow took the oath of office as governor of Wisconsin. The legislature commenced its seventh regular session on the eleventh of January. Fred* erick W. Horn was elected speaker of the assembly. Both houses were democratic. The legislature adjourned on the 3d of April following, after a session of eighty-three days. In the early part of March, a fugitive slave case greatly excited the people of Wisconsin. A slave named Joshua Glover, belonging to B. S. Garland of Missouri, had escaped from his master and made his way to the vicinity of Racine. Garland, learning the whereabouts of his- personal chattel, came to the State, obtained, on the 9th of March, 1854, from the judges of the district court of the United States for the district of Wisconsin, a warrant for the apprehension of Glover, which was put into the hands of the deputy marshal of the United States. Glover was secured and lodged in jail in Milwaukee. A number of persons afterward assembled and rescued the fugitive. Among those who took an active part in this proceeding was Sherman M.. Booth, who was arrested therefor and committed by a United States commissioner, but was released from custody by Abram D. Smith, one of the associate justices of the supreme court of Wisconsin, upon a writ of habeas corpus. The record of the proceedings was thereupon taken to that court in full bench by a writ of certiorari to correct any error that might have been committed before the associate justice. At the June term, 1854, the justices held that Booth was entitled to be discharged, because the commitment set forth no cause for detention. Booth was afterward indicted in the United States district court and a warrant issued for his arrest. He was again imprisoned; and again he applied to the supreme court — then, in term time — for a writ of habeas corpus. This was in July, 1854. In his petition to the supreme court, Booth set forth that he was in confinement upon a warrant issued by the district court of the United States and that the object of the imprisonment was to compel him to answer an indictment then pending against him therein. The supreme court of the State held that these facts showed that the district court of the United States had obtained jurisdiction of the case and that it was apparent that the indictment was for an offense of which the federal courts had exclusive jurisdiction. They could not therefore interfere ; and his application for a discharge was denied. Upon the indictment, Booth was tried and convicted, fined and imprisoned, for a violation of the fugitive slave law. Again the prisoner applied to the supreme court of Wisconsin, — his. WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 63 last application bearing date January 26, 1855. He claimed discharge on the ground of the unconstitutionality of the law under which he had been indicted. The supreme court held that the indictment upon which he had been tried and convicted contained three counts, the first of which was to be considered as properly charging an offense within the act of congress of Septem ber 18, 1850, known as the "fugitive slave law," while the second and third counts did not set forth or charge an offense punishable by any statute of the United States ; and as, upon these last- mentioned counts he was found guilty and not upon the first, he must be discharged. The action of the supreme court of Wisconsin in a second time discharging Booth, was afterward reversed by the supreme court of the United States ; and, its decision being respected by the State court, Booth was re-arrested in i860, and the sentence of the district court of the United States executed in part upon him, when he was pardoned by the president. By an act of the legislature, approved March 30, 1854, a " State Lunatic Asylum " was directed to be built at or in the vicinity of Madison, the capital of the State, upon land to be donated or purchased for that purpose. By a subsequent act, the name of the asylum was changed to the " Wisconsin State Hospital for the Insane. -: This was the third charitable institution established by the State. The hospital was opened for patients in July, i860, under the direction of a board of trustees appointed by the governor. All insane persons, residents of Wisconsin, who, under the law providing for admission of patients into the hospital for treatment, become resi dents therein, are maintained at the expense of the State, provided the county in which such patient resided before being brought to the hospital pays the sum of one dollar and fifty cents a week for his or her support. Any patient can be supported by relatives, friends or guardians, if the latter desire to relieve the county and State from the burden, and can have special care and be provided with a special attendant, if the expense of the same be borne by parties interested. The hospital is beautifully located on the north shore of Lake Mendota, in Dane county, about four miles from Madison. At the general election in the Fall of 1854, for members from Wisconsin to the thirty-fourth congress, Daniel Wells, Jr. was chosen from the first district ; C. C. Washburn, from the second, and Charles Billinghurst from the third district. Billinghurst and Washburn were elected as republicans — that party having been organized in the Summer previous. Wells was a democrat. The year 1854 was one of prosperity forjWisconsin, to all its industrial occupations. Abund ant crops and increased prices were generally realized by the agriculturist. It was a year also of general health. It was ascertained that the amount of exports during the year, including lumber and mineral, exceeded thirteen millions of dollars. The eighth regular session of the State legislature commenced on the 10th of January, 1855. C. C. Sholes was elected speaker of the assembly. The senate was democratic; the assembly, republican. On joint ballot, the republicans had but one majority. On the 1st of February, Charles Durkee, a republican, was elected United States senator for a full term of six years from the 4th of March next ensuing, to fill the place of Isaac P. Walker whose term would expire on that day. Among the bills passed of a general nature, was one relative to the rights of married women, providing that any married woman, whose husband, either from drunkenness or profligacy, should neglect or refuse to provide for her support, should have the right, in her own name, to transact business, receive and collect her own earnings, and apply the same for her own support, and education of her children, free from the control and interference of her husband. The legislature adjourned sine die on the second of April, after a session of eighty-three days. Orsamus Cole having been elected in this month an associate justice of the supreme court in place of Judge Samuel Crawford, whose term of office would expire on the thirty-first of May of that year, went into office on the first day of June following, for a term of six years. His office would therefore end on the thirty-first of May, 1861. 64 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. On the 27th of May, 1855, Hiram A. Wright, superintendent of public instruction, died at Prairie du Chien. On the 18th of June following, the governor appointed A. Constantine Barry to fill his place. On the 5 th of July, Garland, the owner of the rescued fugitive slave Glover, having brought suit in the United States district court for the loss of his slave, against Booth, the trial came on at Madison, resulting in the jury bringing in a verdict under instructions from the judge, of one thousand dollars, the value of a negro slave as fixed by act of congress of 1850. The constitution of the State requiring the legislature to provide by law for an enumeration of the inhabitants in the year 1855, an act was passed by that body, approved March 31, of this year, for that purpose. The result showed a population for Wisconsin of over five hundred and fifty-two thousand. In November, at the general election, the democratic ticket for State offi cers was declared elected: William A. Barstow, for governor; Arthur McArthur, for lieutenant governor ; David W. Jones, for secretary of State ; Charles Kuehn, for State treasurer ; Wil liam R. Smith, for attorney general ; A. C. Barry, for superintendent of public instruction ; William M. Dennis, for bank comptroller; and Edward McGarry for State prison commissioner. The vote for governor was very close; but the State canvassers declared Barstow elected by a small majority. The opposing candidate for that office was Coles Bashford, who ran as a republican. The year 1855 was a prosperous one to the farmers of Wisconsin as well as to all industrial occupations. There were abundant crops and unexampled prices were realized. Fifth Administration. — Coles Bashford, Governor — 1856-18^7. On the seventh day of January, 1856, William A. Barstow took and subscribed an oath of office as governor of Wisconsin, while Coles Bashford, who had determined to contest the right of Barstow to the governorship, went, on the same day, to the supreme court room, in Madison, and had the oath of office administered to him by Chief Justice Whiton. Bashford afterward called at the executive office and made a formal demand of Barstow that he should vacate the gubernatorial chair ; but the latter respectfully declined the invitation. These were the initiatory steps of " Bashford vs. Barstow," for the office of governor of Wisconsin. The fight now commenced in earnest. On the eleventh, the counsel for Bashford called upon the attorney general and requested him to file an information in the nature of a quo warranto against Barstow. On the fifteenth that officer complied with the request. Thereupon a summons was issued to Barstow to appear and answer. On the twenty-second, Bashford, by his attorney, asked the court that the information filed by the attorney general be discontinued and that he be allowed to file one, which request was denied by the court. While the motion was being argued, Barstow, by his attorneys, entered his appearance in the case. On the second of February, Barstow moved to quash all proceedings for the reason that the court had no jurisdiction in the matter. This motion was denied by the court ; that tribunal at the same time deciding that the filing of 'the motion was an admission by Barstow that the alle gations contained in the information filed by the attorney general were true. On the twenty-first of Febiuary, the time appointed for pleading to the information, Bar stow, by his attorneys, presented to the court a stipulation signed by all the parties in the case, to the effect that the board of canvassers had determined Barstow elected governor ; that the secre tary of State had certified to his election ; and that he had taken the oath of office. They submit ted to the court whether it had jurisdiction, beyond the certificates, of those facts and the canvass so made to inquire as to the number of votes actually given for Barstow,— Bashford offering to prove that the certificates were made and issued through mistake and fraud, and that he, instead of Barstow, received the greatest number of votes. This stipulation the court declined to enter tain or to pass upon the questions suggested ; as they were not presented in legal form. Barstow WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 65 was thereupon given until the twenty-fifth of February to answer the information that had been filed against him by the attorney general. On the day appointed, Barstow filed his plea to the effect that, by the laws of Wisconsin regulating the conducting of general election for State officers, it was the duty of the board of canvassers to determine who was elected to the office of governor ; and that the board had found that he was duly elected to that office. It was a plea to the jurisdiction of the court. A demurrer was interposed to this plea, setting forth that the matters therein contained were not sufficient in law to take the case out of court ; asking, also, for a judgment against Barstow, or that he answer further the information filed against him. The demurrer was sustained ; and Barstow was required to answer over within four days ; at the expiration of which time the counsel for Barstow withdrew from the case, on the ground, as they alleged, that they had appeared at the bar of the court to object to the jurisdiction of that tribunal in the matter, and the court had determined to proceed with the case, holding and exercising full and final jurisdiction over it; and that the) could take no further steps without conceding the right of that tribunal so to hold. Thereupon, on the eighth of March, Barstow entered a protest, by a communication to the supreme court, against any further interference with the department under his charge by that tribunal, " either by attempting to transfer its powers to another or direct the course of executive action." The counsel for Bashford then moved for judgment upon the default of Barstow. A further hearing of the case was postponed until March 18, when the attorney general filed a motion to dismiss the proceedings ; against which Bashford. by his counsel, protested as being prejudicial to his rights. It was the opinion of the court that the attorney general could not dismiss the case, that every thing which was well pleaded for Bashford in his information was confessed by the default of Barstow. By strict usage, a final judgment ought then to have fol lowed ; but the court came to the conclusion to call upon Bashford to bring forward proof, showing his right to the office. Testimony was then adduced at length, touching the character of the returns made to the State canvassers; after hearing of which it was the opinion of the court that Bashford had received a plurality of votes for governor and that there must be a judgment in his favor and one of ouster against Barstow ; which were rendered accordingly. The ninth regular session of the legislature of Wisconsin commenced on the ninth of January, 1856. William Hull was elected speaker of the assembly. The senate had a repub lican majority, but the assembly was democratic. On the eleventh Barstow sent in a message to a joint convention of the two houses. On the twenty-first of March he tendered to the legisla ture his resignation as governor, giving for reasons the action of the supreme court in " Bashford vs. Barstow," which tribunal was then hearing testimony in the case. On the same day Arthur McArthur, lieutenant governor, took and subscribed an oath of office as governor of the State, afterwards sending a message to the legislature, announcing that the resignation of Barstow made it his duty to take the reins of government. On the twenty-fifth, Bashford called on McArthur, then occupying the executive office, and demanded possession — at the same time intimating that he preferred peaceable measures to force, but that the latter would be employed if necessary. The lieutenant governor thereupon vacated the chair, when the former took the gubernatorial seat, exercising thereafter the functions of the office until his successor was elected and qualified. His right to the seat was recognized by the senate on the twenty-fifth, and by the assembly on the twenty-seventh of March, 1856. This ended the famous case of " Bashford vs. Barstow," the first and only " war of succession " ever indulged in by Wisconsin. The legislature, on the thirty-first of March, adjourned over to the third of September, to dispose of a congressional land grant to the State. Upon re-assembling, an important measure was taken up — that of a new apportionment for the legislature. It was determined to increase the 66 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. number of members from one hundred and seven to one hundred and twenty-seven. The session closed on the thirteenth of October. The general election for members to the thirty-fifth congress, held in November, resulted in the choice of John H. Potter, from the first district ; C. C. Washburn from the second ; and Charles Billinghurst, from the third district. They were all elected as republicans. The presidential canvass of this year was an exciting one in the State. The republicans were successful. Electors of that party cast their five votes for Fremont and Dayton. The year 1856 was not an unprosperous one, agriculturally speaking, although in some respects decidedly unfavorable. In many districts the earlier part of the season was exceedingly dry, which materially diminished the wheat crop. Other industrial interests were every where in a flourishing condition. The legislature commenced its tenth regular session at Madison, on the fourteenth day of January, 1857, with a republican majority in both houses. Wyman Spooner was elected speaker of the assembly. For the first time since the admission of the State into the Union, a majority of the members of both houses, together with the governor, were opposed to the democratic party. On the twenty-third the senate and assembly met in joint convention, for the purpose of electing a United States senator in place of Henry Dodge, whose term of office would expire on the fourth of March next ensuing. James R. Doolittle, republican, was the successful candidate for that office, for a full term of six years, from the fourth of March, 1857. The legislature adjourned on the ninth of March, 1857. At the Spring election, Judge Whiton was re-elected chief justice of the supreme court for a term of six years. The second reformatory State institution established in Wisconsin, was, by an act of the legislature, approved March 7, 1857, denominated a House of Refuge for Juvenile Delinquents, afterward called the State Reform School, now known as the Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys, and is located at Waukesha, the county seat of Waukesha county. The courts and several magistrates in any county in Wisconsin may, in their discretion, sentence to this school •any male child between the ages of ten and sixteen years, convicted of vagrancy, petit larceny, or any misdemeanor ; also of any offense which would otherwise be punishable by imprisonment in the State prison ; or, of incorrigible or vicious conduct in certain cases. The term of commit ment must be to the age of twenty-one years. At the State election held in November of this year, the republicans elected A. W. Randall governor; S. D. Hastings, State treasurer, and Edward M. McGraw, State prison commis sioner. The democrats elected E. D. Campbell, lieutenant governor ; D. W. Jones, secretary of State ; Gabriel Bouck, attorney general ; L. C. Draper, superintendent of public instruc tion, and J. C. Squires, bank comptrofler. The year 1857 was a disastrous one to Wisconsin, as well as to the whole country, in a finan cial point of view. Early in the Fall a monetary panic swept over the land. A number of prominent operators in the leading industrial pursuits were obliged to succumb. Agriculturally the year was a fair one for the State. Sixth Administration. — Alexander W. Randall, Governor — 1858-1859. Randall's administration began on the fourth day of January, 1858, when for the first time he was inaugurated governor of the State. On the eleventh of January the legislature commenced its eleventh regular session, with a republican majority in both houses. Frederick S. Lovell was elected speaker of the assembly. The legislature adjourned sine die on the seventeenth of March, after an unusually long session of one hundred and twenty-five days. " That a large majority of the members were men of integrity, and disposed for the public weal, can not WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 6T be doubted ; but they were nearly all new members, and without former legislative experience. They set out to accomplish a great good, by holding up to public scorn and execration the whole sale briberies and iniquities of the immediate past ; but they lacked concentration of effort, and. for want of union and preconcerted action, they failed to achieve the great triumph they sought, by providing a 'sovereign remedy ' for the evils they exposed." At the regular session of the legislature of 1856, an act was passed for a general revisi-n of the laws of the State. Under this, and a subsequent act of the adjourned session of that year, three commissioners — David Taylor, Samuel J. Todd, and F. S. Lovell — were appointed " to collect, compile and digest the general laws " of Wisconsin. Their report was submitted to the legislature of 1858, and acted upon at a late day of the session. The laws revised, which received the sanction of the legislature, were published in one volume, and constitute what is know as the Revised Statutes of 1858. t At the Fall election, John F. Potter from the first district, and C. C. Washburn from the second district, both republicans, were elected to the thirty-sixth congress ; while C. H. Larrabee, democrat, was elected to represent the third district. The twelfth regular session of the Wisconsin legislature commenced on the twelfth of January, 1859, with a republican majority in both houses. William P. Lyon was elected speaker of the assembly. The legislature adjourned sine die on the twenty-first of March, 1859, after a session of sixty-nine days. At the regular spring election, Byron Paine was chosen associate justice of the supreme court, for a full term of six years, as the successor of Associate Justice Smith. As it was a question when the term of the latter ended — whether on the 31st day of May, 1859, or on the first Monday in January, i860 — he went through with the formality of resigning his office, and the governor of appointing Paine as his successor, on the 20th of June, 1S59. On the twelfth of April, 1859, Edward V. Whiton, chief justice of the supreme court, died at his residence in Janesville. The office was filled by executive appointment on the 19th of the same month — the successor of Judge Whiton being Luther S. Dixon. Late in the Sum mer both political parties put into the field a full state ticket. The republicans were successful — electing for governor, Alexander W. Randall, for lieutenant governor, B. G. Noble- for secretary of state, L. P. Harvey ; for state treasurer, S. D. Hastings, for attorney general, James H. Howe ; for bank comptroller, G. Van Steenwyck ; for superintendent of public instruction, J. L. Pickard ; for state prison commissioner, H. C. Heg. Seventh Administration. — Alexander W. Randall, Governor (second term), 1860-1861. Alexander W. Randall was inaugurated the second time as governor of Wisconsin, on Monday, January 2, i860. One week subsequent, the thirteenth regular session of the legis lature commenced at Madison. For the first time the republicans had control, not only of all the State offices, but also of both branches of the legislature. William P. Lyon was elected speaker of the assembly. A new assessment law was among the most important of the acts passed at this session. The legislature adjourned on the second of April. At the sprin°- elec tion, Luther S. Dixon, as an independent candidate, was elected chief justice of the supreme court for the unexpired term of the late Chief Justice Whiton. In the presidential election which followed, republican electors were chosen — casting their five votes, in the electoral college, for Lincoln and Hamlin. At the same election, John F. Potter, from the first district ; Luther Hanchett, from the second, and A. Scott Sloan, from the third district, were elected members of the thirty-seventh congress. Hanchett died on the twenty-fourth of November, 1862, when on the twentieth of December following, W. D. Mclndoe was elected to fill the vacancy. All these congressional representatives were republicans. Wisconsin, in i860, was a strong repub- 58 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. lican State. According to the census of this year, it had a population of over seven hundred and seventy-seven thousand. On the ninth of January, 1861, the fourteenth regular session of the State legislature com menced at Madison. Both branches were republican. Amasa Cobb was elected speaker of the assembly. On the tenth, both houses met in joint convention to hear the governor read his annual message. It was a remarkable document. Besides giving an excellent synopsis of the operations of the State government for i860, the governor entered largely into a discussion of the question of secession and disunion, as then proposed by some of the southern states of the Union. These are his closing words : " The right of a State to secede from the Union can never be admitted. The National Government can not treat with a State while it is in the Union, and particularly while it stands in an attitude hostile to the Union. So long as any State assumes a position foreign, inde pendent and hostile to the government, there can be no reconciliation. The government of the United States can not treat with one of its own States as a foreign power. The constitutional laws extend over every Stat? alike. They are to be enforced in every State alike. A State can not come into the Union as it pleases, and go out when it pleases. Once in, it must stay until the Union is destroyed. There is no coercion of a State. But where a faction of a people arrays itself, not against one act, but against all laws, and against all government, there is but one answer to be made : ' The Government must be sustained; the laws shall be enforced! On the twenty-third of January the legislature met in joint convention to elect a United States senator to fill the place of Charles Durkee, whose term of office would expire on the fourth of Ma ch next ensuing. The successful candidate was Timothy O. Howe, republican, who was elected for a full term of six years from the 4th of March, 1861. One of the important acts passed at this session of the legislature apportioned the State into senate and assembly districts, by which the whole number of members in both houses was increased from one hun dred and twenty- seven to one hundred and thirty-three. Another act apportioned the State into six congressional districts instead of three. By this — the third congressional apportionment — each district was to elect one representative. The first district was composed of the counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha ; the second, of the counties of Rock, Jefferson, Dane, and Columbia; the third, of Green, La Fayette, Iowa, Grant, Crawford, Rich land, and Sauk; the fourth, of Ozaukee, Washington, Dodge, Fond du Lac, and Sheboygan; the fifth, Manitowoc, Calumet, Winnebago, Green Lake, Marquette, Waushara, Waupaca, Outa gamie, Brown, Kewaunee, Door, Oconto, and Shawano ; and the sixth, of the counties of Bad Axe, La Crosse, M nroe, Juneau, Adams, Portage, Wood, Jackson, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Pepin, Pierce, St. Croix, Dunn, Eau Claire, Clark, Marathon, Chippewa, Dallas, Polk, Burnett, Douglas, La Pointe, and Ashland. The legislature adjourned on the seventeenth of April, 1861. At the spring elections of this year, Orsamus Cole was re-elected as associate justice of the supreme court. On the ninth of May following, Governor Randall issued a proclamation convening the legislature in'extra session on the fifteenth of the same month. " The extraordinary condition of the country," said he, " growing out of the rebellion against the government of the United States, makes it necessary that the legislature of this State be convened in special session, to provide more completely for making the power of the State useful to the government and to other loyal States." The fifteenth or extra session began on the fifteenth of May, as designated in the governor's proclamation. The message of the governor was devoted entirely to the war. " At the close of the last annual session of the legislature," said he, " to meet a sudden emer gency, an act was passed authorizing me to respond to the call of the president of the United States, ' for aid in maintaining the Union and the supremacy of the laws, or to suppress rebellion WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 69 or insurrection, or to repel invasion within the United States,' and I was authorized, and it was made my duty, to take such measures as, in my judgment, should provide in the speediest and most efficient manner- for responding to such call : and to this end I was authorized to accept the services of volunteers for active service, to be enrolled in companies of not less than seventy-five jnen each, rank and file, and in regiments of ten companies each. I was also authorized to provide for uniforming ar«4 equipping such companies as were not provided with uniforms and equipments." " The first call of the president for immediate active service," con tinued the governor, " was for one regiment of men. My proclamation, issued immediately after the passage of the act of the legislature, was answered within less than ten days, by companies enough, each containing the requisite number of men, to make up at least five regiments instead of o..e. I then issued another proclamation, announcing the offers that had been made, and advising that thereafter companies might be enrolled to stand as minute men, ready to answer further calls, as they might be made, but without expense to the State, except as they were mustered into service. In less than one month from the date of my first proclamation, at least five thou sand men, either as individuals or enrolled companies, have offered their services for the war, and all appear anxious for active service in the field." " The time for deliberation," concludes the governor, " must give way to the time for action. The constitution of the United States must be sustained in all its first intent and wholeness. The right of the people of every State to go into every other State and engage in any lawful pursuit, without unlawful interference or molestation; the freedom of speech and of the press; the right of trial by jury; security from unjustifiable seizure of persons or papers, and all constitutional privileges and immunities, must receive new guarantees of safety." The extra session of the legislature passed, wtih a single exception, no acts except such as appertained to the military exigencies of the times. Both houses adjourned sine die on the twenty-seventh of May, 1861. As the administration of Governor Randall would close with the year, and as he was not a candidate for re-election, there was much interest felt throughout the State as to who his successor should be. Three State tickets were put in nomination : union, republican, and democratic. The republican ticket was successful, electing Louis P. Harvey, governor; Edward Salomon, lieutenant governor; James T. Lewis, secretary of state; S. D. Hastings, state treasurer; James H. Howe, attorney general; W. H. Ramsey, bank comp troller; J. L. Pickard, superintendent of public instruction; and A. P. Hodges, state prison commissioner. The War of Secession — Last Year of Randall's Administration. When Wisconsin was first called upon to aid the General Government in its efforts to sustain itself against the designs of the secession conspirators, the commercial affairs of the State were embarrassed to a considerable degree by the depreciation of the currency. The designs of the secessionists were so far developed at the ending of the year i860 as to show that resistance to the national authority had been fully determined on. It is not a matter of wonder, then, that Governor Randall in his message to the legislature, early in January, 1861, should have set forth the dangers which threatened the Union, or should have denied the right of a State to secede frpm it. " Secession," said he, " is revolution ; revolution is war ; war against the government of the United States is treason." " It is time," he continued, "now, to know whether we have any government, and if so, whether it has any strength. Is our written constitution more than a sheet of parchment ? The nation must be lost or preserved by its own strength. Its strength is in the patriotism of the people. It is time now that politicians became patriots; that men show their love of country by every sacrifice, but that of principle, and by 70 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. unwavering devotion to its interests and integrity." "The hopes," added the governor, most eloquently, " of civilization and Christianity are suspended now upon the answer to this question of dissolution. The capacity for, as well as the right of, self-government is to pass its ordeal, and speculation to become certainty. Other systems have been tried, and have failed ; and all along, the skeletons of nations have been strewn, as warnings and land-marks, upon the great highway of historic overnment. Wisconsin is true, a#d her people steadfast. She will not destroy the Union, nor consent that it shall be done. Devised by great, and wise, and good men, in days of sore trial, it must stand. Like some bold mountain, at whose base the great seas break their angry floods, and around whose summit the thunders of a thousand hurricanes have rattled — strong, unmoved, immovable — so may our Union be, while treason surges at its base, and passions rage around it, unmoved, immovable — here let it stand forever." These are the words of an exalted and genuine patriotism. But the governor did not content himself with eloquence alone. He came down to matters of business as well. He urged the necessity of legislation that would give more efficient organization to the militia of the State. He warned the legislators to make preparations also for the coming time that should try the souls of men. "The signs of the times," said he, "indicate that there may arise a contingency in the condition of the government, when it will become necessary to respond to a call of the National Government for men and means to maintain the integrity of the Union, and to thwart the designs of men engaged in organized treason. While no unnecessary expense should be incurred, yet it is the part of wisdom, both for individuals and States, in revolutionary times, to be prepared to defend our institutions to the last extremity." It was thus the patriotic governor gave evidence to the members of both houses that he " scented the battle afar off." On the 16th of January, a joint resolution of the legislature was passed, declaring that the people of Wisconsin are ready to co-operate with the friends of the Union every where for its preservation, to yield a cheerful obedience to its requirements, and to demand a like obedience from all others ; that the legislature of Wisconsin, profoundly impressed with the value of the Union, and determined to preserve it unimpaired, hail with joy the recent firm, dignified and patriotic special message of the president of the United States ; that they tender to him, through the chief magistrate of their own State, whatever aid, in men and money, may be required to enable him to enforce the laws and uphold the authority of the Federal Government, and in defense of the more perfect Union, which has conferred prosperity and happiness on the American people. " Renewing," said they, "the pledge given and redeemed by our fathers, we are ready to devote our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honors in upholding the Union and the constitution." The legislature, in order to put the State upon a kind of " war footing," passed an act for its defense, and to aid in enforcing the laws and maintaining the authority of the General Government. It was under this act that Governor Randall was enabled to organize the earlier regiments of Wisconsin. By it, in case of a call from the president of the United States to aid in maintaining the Union and the supremacy of the laws to suppress rebellion or insurrection, or to repel invasion within the United States, the governor was authorized to provide, in the most efficient manner, for responding to such call — to accept the services of volunteers for service, in companies of seventy-five men each, rank and file, and in regiments of ten companies each, and to commission officers for them. The governor was also authorized to contract for uniforms and equipments necessary for putting such companies into active service. One hundred thousand dollars were appropriated for war purposes; and bonds were authorized to- be issued for that amount, to be negotiated by the governor, for raising funds. It will be seen, therefore, that the exigencies of the times — for Fort Su.nter had not yet been surrendered — WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 71 were fully met by the people's representatives, they doing their whole duty, as they then under stood it, in aid of the perpetuity of the Union. Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours, until the quarters were entirely burned, the main gates destroyed, the gorge-wall seriously injured, the magazine surrounded by flames, and its door closed from the effects of the heat, four barrels and three cartridges of powder only being available, and no provisions but pork remaining, Robert Anderson, major of the first artillery, United States army, accepted terms of evacuation offered by General Beauregard, marched out of the fort on Sunday afternoon, the fourteenth of April, 1861, with colors flying and drums beating, bringing away company and private property, and saluting his flag with fifty guns. This, in brief, is the story of the fall of Sumter and the opening act of the War of the Rebellion. "Whereas," said Abraham Lincoln, president, in his proclamation of the next day, "the laws of the United States have been for some time past, and now are, opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals by law." Now, in view of that fact, he called forth the militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of seventy-five thousand, in order to suppress those combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed. " A call is made on you by to-night's mail for one regiment of militia for immediate service," telegraphed the secretary of. war to Randall, on the same day. In Wisconsin, as elsewhere, the public pulse quickened under the excitement of the fall of Sumter. " The dangers which surrounded the nation awakened the liveliest sentiments of patriotism and devotion. For the time, party fealty was forgotten in the general desire to save the nation. The minds of the people soon settled into the conviction that a bloody war was at hand, and that the glorious fabric of our National Government, and the principles upon which it is founded, were in jeopardy, and with a determination unparalleled in the history of any country, they rushed to its defense. On every hand the National flag could be seen displayed, and the public enthusiasm knew no bounds ; in city, town, and hamlet, the burden on every tongue was war." "We have never been accustomed," said Governor Randall, " to consider the military arm as essential to the maintenance of our government, but an exigency has arisen that demands its employment." "The time has come," he continued, " when parties and plat forms must be forgotten,. and all good citizens and patriots unite together in putting down rebels and traitors." "What is money," he asked, "what is life, in the presence of such a crisis? " Such utterances and such enthusiasm could but have their effect upon the legislature, which, it will be remembered, was still in session ; so, although that body had already voted to adjoura, sine die, on the fifteenth of April, yet, when the moment arrived, and a message from the governor was received, announcing that, owing to the extraordinary exigencies which had arisen, an amend ment of the law of the thirteenth instant was necessary, the resolution to adjourn was at once rescinded. The two houses thereupon not only increased the amount of bonds to be issued to two hundred thousand dollars, but they also passed a law exempting from civil process, during the time of service, all persons enlisting and mustering into the United States army from Wis consin. When, on the seventeenth, the legislature did adjourn, the scene was a remarkable one. Nine cheers were given for the star spangled banner and three for the Governor's Guard, who had just then tendered their services — the first in the State— under the call for a regiment of men for three months' duty. " For the first time in the history of this federal government," are the words of the gover nor, in a proclamation issued on the sixteenth of April, " organized treason has manifested iiseif within several States of the Union, and armed rebels are making war against it." "1 he treasuries of the country," said he, "must no longer be plundered; the public property must be 72 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.. protected from aggressive violence ; that already seized must be retaken, and the laws must be executed in every State of the Union alike." " A demand," he added, " made upon Wiscon sin by the president of the United States, for aid to sustain the federal arm, must meet with a prompt response." The patriotism of the State was abundantly exhibited in their filling up a regiment before some of the remote settlements had any knowledge of the call. On the twenty- second, Governor Randall reported to the. secretary of war that the First regiment was ready to go into rendezvous. The place designated was "Camp Scott," at Milwaukee; the day, the twenty-seventh of April. Then and there the several companies assembled — the regiment after ward completing its organization. With a wise foresight, Governor Randall ordered, as a reserve force and in advance of another call for troops by the president, the formation of two more regiments — the Second and Third, and, eventually, the Fourth. Camps at Madison, Fond du Lac, and Racine, were formed for their reception, where suitable buildings were erected for their accommodation. Companies assigned to the Second regiment were ordered to commence moving into "Camp Randall," at Madison, on the first day of May. On the seventh, the secretary of war, under call of the presi dent of the United States for forty-two thousand additional volunteers — this time for three years, or during the war — telegraphed Governor Randall that no more three months' volunteers were wanted; that such companies as were recruited must re-enlist for the new term or be disbanded. At the extra session of the legislature of Wisconsin, which, as already mentioned, com menced on the fifteenth of May, called by Governor Randall immediately upon his being notified of the second call of the president for troops, on the third of May, the law hurriedly passed at the close of the regular session, and under which the governor had organized the First regi- . ment, was found inadequate to meet the second call for troops. " A bill was introduced, and became a law, authorizing the governor to raise six regiments of infantry, inclusive of those he had organ ized or placed at quarters. When the six regiments were mustered into the United States service, he was authorized to raise two additional regiments, and thus to keep two regiments continually in reserve to meet any future call of the General Government. He was authorized to quarter and subsist volunteers at rendezvous— to transport, clothe, subsist and quarter them in camp at the expense of the State. Arms and munitions were to be furnished by the United States. Recruits were to be mustered into State service, and into United States service, for three years. Two assistant surgeons to each regiment were to be appointed, and paid by the State. The regi ments, as they came into camp, were to be instructed ^ in drill and various camp duties, to secure efficiency in the field. The troops, so called in, were to be paid monthly by the State, the same pay and emoluments as the soldiers in the United States army, from the date of enlistment. The paymaster general was authorized to draw funds from the State treasury for the payment of the State troops, and the expense incurred in subsisting, transporting and clothing them. The governor was authorized to purchase military stores, subsistence, clothing, medicine, field and camp equipage, and the sum of one million dollars was appropriated to enable the governor to carry out the law." Other laws were passed relating to military matters. One authorized the governor to pur chase two thousand stand of arms; and fifty thousand dollars were appropriated to pay lor the same. Another authorized counties, towns, cities and incorporated villages to levy taxes for the purpose of providing for the support of families of volunteers residing in their respective limits. The one passed at the previous session, exempting volunteers from civil process vhile in the service, was amended so as to include all who might thereafter enlist. One granted five dollars per month as extra pay to enlisted volunteers having families dependent upon them for support, payable to their families. Another authorized the governor to employ such aids, clerks and WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 73 messengers, as he deemed necessary for the public interests. Still another authorized the pay ment of those who had enlisted for three months, but had declined to go in for three years. The expenses of the extra session were ordered to be paid out of the " war fund." One million dollars in bonds were authorized to be issued for war purposes to form that fund. The governor, secretary of state and state treasurer were empowered to negotiate them. By a joint resolu tion approved the twenty-first of May, the consent of the legislature was given to the governor to be absent from the State during the war, for as long a time as in his discretion he might think proper or advisable, in connection with the military forces of the State. For liberality, zeal and genuine patriotism, the members of the Wisconsin legislature, for the year 1861, deserve a high commendation. All that was necessary upon their final adjournment at the close of the extra session to place the State upon a " war footing," was the organization by the governor of the various military departments. These he effected by appointing Brigadier General William L. Utley, adjutant general ; Brigadier General W. W. Tredway, quartermaster general ; Colonel Edwin R. Wadiworth, commissary general; Brigadier General Simeon Mills, paymaster gen eral; Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, surgeon general; Major E. L. Buttrick, judge advocate; and Colonel William H. Watson, military secretary. On the seventeenth of May, the First regiment, at "Camp Scott," was mustered into the United States service, and the war department informed that it awaited marching orders. The regimental officers were not all in accordance with the law and mode adopted afterwards. On the seventh of the month Governor Randall had appointed Rufus King a brigadier general, and assigned the First, Second, Third and Fourth regiments to his command as the Wisconsin brigade ; although at that date only the First and Second had been called into camp. This brigade organization was not recognized by the General Government. The secretary of war telegraphed the governor of Wisconsin that the quota of the State, under the second call of the president, was two regiments — so that the whole number under both calls was only three — one (the First) for three months, two (the Second and Third) for three years. Notwithstanding this, Governor Randall proceeded to organize the Fourth. As a number of the companies ordered into " Camp Randall " on the first day of May to form the Second regiment had only enlisted for three months, the order of the secretary of war of the seventh of that month making it imperative that all such companies must re-enlist for three years or during the war, or be disbanded, the question of extending their term of enlist ment was submitted to the companies of the regiment, when about five hundred consented to the change. The quota of the regiment was afterward made r.p, and the whole mustered into the service of the United States for three years or during the war, under the president's second call for troops. This was on the eleventh of June, 1861. The Third regiment having had its companies assigned early in May, they were ordered in June into " Camp Hamilton " at Fond du Lac, where the regiment was organized, and, on t'-.e twenty-ninth of June, mustered into the United States' service as a three years regiment. This filled Wisconsin's quota under the second call of President Lincoln. By this time war matters in the State began to assume a systematic course of procedure — thanks to the patriotism of the people, the wisdom of the legislature, and the untiring energy and exertions of the governor and his subordinates. The determination of the secretary of war to accept from Wisconsin only two three-years regiments under the second call for troops was soon changed, and three more were authorized, making it necessary to organize the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth. The Fourth was called into " Camp Utley " at Racine on the sixth of June, and was mustered into the service of the United States on the ninth of the follo-./ing month. By the twenty-eighth of June, all the companies of the Fifth had assembled at " Camp Randall," and on the thirteenth of July were mustered in as 74 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. United States troops. By the first of July, at the same place, the complement for the Sixth regiment had been made up, and the companies were mustered for three years into the service of the General Government, on the sixteenth of the same month. Governor Randall did not stop the good work when six regiments had been accepted, but assigned the necessary companies to form two more regiments — the Seventh and Eighth ; however, he wisely concluded not to call them into camp until after harvest, unless specially required to do so. " If they are needed sooner," said the governor, in a letter to the president on the first of July, " a call will be imme diately responded to, and we shall have their uniforms and equipments ready for them." "By the authority of our legislature," added the writer, ' I shall, after the middle of August, keep two regiments equipped and in camp ready for a call to service, and will have them ready at an earlier day if needed." About the latter part of June, W. P. Alexander, of Beloit, a good marksman, was commis sioned captain to raise a company of sharpshooters for Berdan's regiment. He at once engaged in the work. The company was filled to one hundred and three privates and three officers. It left the State about the middle of September under Captain Alexander, and was mustered into the service at Wehawken on the twenty-third day of that month, as Company " G " of Berdan's regiment of sharpshooters. On the twenty-sixth of July, a commission was issued to G. Van Deutsch, of Milwaukee, to raise a company of cavalry. He succeeded in filling his company to eighty-four men. He left the State in September, joining Fremont. The company was after ward attached to the fifth cavalry regiment of Missouri. About the 20th of August, Governor Randall was authorized to organize and equip as rapidly as possible five regiments of infantry and five batteries of artillery, and procure for them necessary clothing and equipments according to United States regulations and prices, subject to the inspec tion of officers of the General Government. The five regiments were to be additional to the eight already raised. One regiment was to be German. During the last week of August the companies of the Seventh regiment were ordered into " Camp Randall," at Madison. They were mustered into the service soon after arrival. On the 28th of August orders were issued for the reorganization of the First regiment for three years, its term of three months having expired. The secretary of war having signified his acceptance of the regiment for the new term, its mus tering into the service was completed on the nineteenth of October. This made six infantry regi ments in addition to the eight already accepted, or fourteen in all. On the same day orders were issued assigning companies to the Eighth regiment, — the whole moving to " Camp Randall," at Madison, the first week in September, where their mustering in was finished on the thirteenth. The Ninth, a German reginent, was recruited in squads, and sent into camp, where they were formed into companies, and the whole mustered in on the 26th of October, 1 861, at " Camp Sigel," Milwaukee. Companies were assigned the Tenth regiment on the 18th of September, and ordered into camp at Milwaukee, where it was fully organized about the first of October, being mustered into the service on the fourteenth of that month. The Tenth infantry was enlisted in September, 1861, and mustered in on the fourteenth of October, 1861, at "Camp Holton," Mil waukee. The Eleventh regiment was called by companies into " Camp Randall " the latter part of September and first of October, 1861, and mustered in on the eighteenth. The Twelfth was called in to the same camp and mustered in by companies between the twenty-eighth of October and the fifth of November, 1861. The Thirteenth rendezvoused at "Camp Treadway," Janes ville, being mustered into the United States service on the seventeenth of October, 1861. These thirteen regiments were all that had been accepted and mustered into the United States service while Randall was governor. From the commencement of the rebellion a great desire had been manifested for the orpan- WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 75 ization of artillery companies in Wisconsin, and this desire was finally gratified. Each battery was to number one hundred and fifty men, and, as has been shown, five had been authorized by the General Government to be raised in Wisconsin. The First battery was recruited at La Crosse, under the superintendence of Captain Jacob T. Foster, and was known as the " La Crosse Artillery." It rendezvoused at Racine^early in October, 1861, where on the tenth of that month, it was mustered into the United States service. The Second battery, Captain Ernest Herzberg, asserhbled at " Camp Utley," Racine, and was mustered in with the First battery on the tenth. The Third, known as the " Badger Battery," was organized by Captain L. H. Drury, at Madison and Berlin, and was mustered into the service on the same day and at the same place as the First and Second. The Fourth battery, recruited and organized at Beloit, under the supervision of Captain John F. Vallee, was mustered in on the first of October, 1861, at Racine. The Fifth battery was recruited at Monroe, Green county, under the superintendence of Captain Oscar F- Pinney, moving afterward to " Camp Utley," Racine, where, on the first of October, it was mus tered in, along with the Fourth. So brisk had been the recruiting, it was ascertained by the governor that seven companies had been raised instead of five, when the secretary of war was telegraphed to, and the extra companies — the Sixth and Seventh accepted; the Sixth, known as the " Buena Vista Artillery," being recruited at Lone Rock, Richland county, in September, Captain Henry Dillon, and mustered in on the second of October, 1861, at Racine; the Seventh, known as the "Badger State Flying Artillery," having organized at Milwaukee, Captain Richard R. Griffiths, and mustered in on the fourth of the same month, going into camp at Racine on the eighth. This completed the mustering in of the first seven batteries, during Governor Randall's administration ; the whole mustered force being thirteen regiments of infantry ; one company of" cavalry; one of sharpshooters ; and these seven artillery companies. "Wisconsin," said the gov ernor, in response to a request as to the number of regiments organized, " sent one regiment for three months, — officers and men eight hundred and ten. The other regiments r the war up to the Thirteenth (including the First, re-organized), will average one thousand men each ; one company of sharpshooters for Berdan's regiment, one hundred and three men ; and seven companies of light artillery." Of cavalry from Wisconsin, only Deutsch's company had been mustered into the United States, although three regiments had been authorized by the General Government before the close of Randall's administration. The governor, before the expiration Of his office, was empowered to organize more artillery companies — ten in all ; and five additional regiments of infantry — making the whole number eighteen. On the tenth of December, he wrote : " Our Fourteenth infantry is full and in camp. * * * Fifteenth has five companies in camp, and filling up. Sixteenth has eight companies in camp, and will be full by the 25th of December. Seventeenth has some four hundred men enlisted. Eighteenth will be in camp, full, by January 1. Seven maximum companies of artillery in camp. * * * Three regiments of cavalry — two full above the maximum; the third, ahout eight hundred men in camp." It will be seen, therefore, that a considerable number of men in the 'three branches of the service was then in camp that had not been mustered into the service ; and this number was considerably increased by the 6th of January, 1862, the day that Randall's official term expired; but no more men were mustered in, until his successor came into office, than those previously mentioned. The First regiment — three months' — left " Camp Scott," Milwaukee, on the ninth of June, 1861, for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — eight hundred and ten in number; John C. Starkweather, colonel. The regiment returned to Milwaukee on the seventeenth of August, 1861, and was mustered out on the twenty-second. The First regiment re-organized at "Camp Scott," Milwaukee. Its mustering into the service, as previously mentioned, was completed on the nineteenth of October. On the twenty- 76 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN eighth, it started for Louisville, Kentucky — nine hundred and forty-five strong— under command of its former colonel, John C. Starkweather. The Second regiment, with S. Park Coon as colonel, left " Camp Randall, Madison, for Washington city, on the eleventh of June, 1861 — numbering, in all, one thousand and fifty-one. The Third regiment started from " Camp Hamilton," Fond du Lac, for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, under command of Charles S. Hamilton, as colonel, on the twelfth of July, 1861,'with a numerical strength of nine hundred and seventy- nine. The Fourth regiment — Colonel Halbert E. Payne — with a numerical strength of one thousand and fifty-three, departed on the fifteenth of July, 1861, from "Camp Utley," Racine, for Baltimore, Maryland. The Fifth regiment left " Camp Randall," Madison, one thousand and fifty-eight strong, commanded by Colonel Amasa Cobb, on the twenty-fourth of July, 1861, for Washington city. On the twenty-eighth of July, 1861, the Sixth regiment, numbering one thousand and eighty-four, moved from Madicon, haying been ordered to Washington city. It was commanded by Colonel Lysander Cutter. The Seventh regiment — Joseph Van Dor, Colonel — with a numerical strength of one thousand and sixteen men — officers and privates, received orders, as did the Fifth and Sixth, to move forward to Washington. They started from Madison on the morning of the twenty-first of September, 1861, for active service. The Eighth infantry, nine hundred and seventy-three strong, commanded by Colonel Robert C. Murphy, left Madison, en route for St. Louis, Missouri, on the morning of the twelfth of October, 1861. The Ninth, or German regiment, with Frederick Salomon in command as colonel, did not leave "Camp Sigel," for active service, while Randall was governor. The Tenth infantry moved from " Camp Holton," Milwaukee, commanded by Colonel Alfred R. Chapin, on the ninth of November, 1861, destined for Louisville, Kentucky, with a total number of nine hundred and sixteen officers and privates. On the twentieth of November, 1861, the Eleventh regiment "broke camp" at Madison, starting for St. Louis, under command of Charles L. Harris, as colonel. Its whole number of men was nine hundred and sixteen. The Twelfth regiment, at " Camp Randall," Madison — Colonel George E. Bryant, and the Thirteenth, at " Camp Tredway," Janesville — Colonel Maurice Maloney — were still in camp at the expiration of the administration of Governor Randall : these, with the Ninth, were all that had not moved out of the State for active service, of those mustered in previous to January 6, 1861,— making a grand total of infantry sent from Wisconsin, up to that date, by the governor, to answer calls of the General Government, for three years' service or during the war, of nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-one men, in ten regiments, averaging very nearly one thousand to each regiment. Besides these ten regiments of infantry for three years' service, Wisconsin had also sent into the field the First regiment, for three months' service, numbering eight hundred and ten men ; Alexander's company of sharp shooters, one hundred and six; and Deutsch's company of cavalry, eighty-four: in all, one thousand. Adding these to the three years' regiments, and the whole force, in round numbers, was eleven thousand men, furnished by the State in 1861. Eighth Administration. — Louis P. Harvey and Edward Salomon, Governors — 1862-1863. Louis P. Harvey was inaugurated governor of Wisconsin on the sixth of January, 1862. The fifteenth regular session of the legislature of the State began on the eighth of the same month. In the senate, the republicans were in the majority ; but in the assembly they had only a plurality of members, there being a number of " Union " men in that branch enough, indeed, to elect, by outside aid, J. W. Beardsley, who ran for the assembly, upon the " Union " ticket, as speaker. Governor Harvey, on the tenth, read his message to the legislature in joint convention. " No previous legislature," are his opening words, " has convened under equal incentives to a disinterested zeal in the public service The occasion," he adds, "pleads WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 77 with you in rebuke of all the meaner passions, admonishing to the exercise of a conscientious patriotism, becoming the representatives of a Christian people, called in God's providence to pass through the furnace of a great trial of their virtue, and of the strength of the Government." On the seventh of April following, the legislature adjourned until the third of June next ensuing. Before it again assembled, an event occurred, casting a gloom over the whole State. The occasion was the accidental drowning of Governor Harvey. Soon after the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, on the seventh of April, 1862, the certainty that some of the Wisconsin regiments had suffered severely, induced the governor to organize a re.i f party, to aid the wounded and suffering soldiers from the State. On the tenth, Harvey and others started on their tour of benevolence. Arriving at Chicago, they found a large num ber of boxes had been forwarded there from different points in the State, containing supplies of various kinds. At Mound City, Paducah, and Savannah, the governor and his party adminis tered to the wants of the sick and wounded Wisconsin soldiers. Having completed their .mission of mercy, they repaired to a boat in the harbor of Savannah, to await the arrival of the Minne haha, which was to convey them to Cairo, on their homeward trip. It was late in the evening of the nineteenth of April, 1862, and very dark when the boat arrived which was to take the governor and his friends on board ; and as she rounded to, the bow touching the Dunleith, on which was congregated the party ready to depart, Governor Harvey, by a. misstep, fell overboard between the two boats, into the Tennessee river. The current was strong, and the water more than thirty feet deep. Every thing was done that could be, to save his life, but all to no purpose. His body was subsequently found and brought to Madison for interment. Edward Salomon, lieutenant governor, by virtue of a provision of the constitution of the State, upon the death of Harvey, succeeded to the office of governor of Wisconsin. On the third day of June, the legislature re-assembled in accordance with adjournment on the seventh of April previous, Governor Salomon, in his message of that day, to the senate and assembly, after announcing the sad event of the death of the late governor, said : " The last among the governors elected by the people of this State, he is the first who has been removed by death from our midst. The circumstances leading to and surrounding the tragic :.nd melancholy end of the honored and lamented deceased, are well known to the people, and are, with his memory, treasured up in their hearts." He died," added Salomon, " while in the exercise of the highest duties of philan thropy and humanity, that a noble impulse had imposed upon him." The legislature, on the thirteenth of June, by a joint resolution, declared that in the death of Governor Harvey, the State had " lost an honest, faithful, and efficient public officer, a high-toned gentleman, a warm hearted philanthropist, and a sincere friend." Both houses adjourned sine die, on the seventeuth of June, 1862. Business of great public importance, in the judgment of the governor, rendering a special session of the legislature necessary, he issued, on the twenty-ninth of August, 1862, his proc lamation to that effect, convening both houses on the tenth of September following. On that day he sent in his message, relating wholly to war matters. He referred to the fact that since the adjournment of the previous session, six hundred thousand more men had been called for by the president of the United States, to suppress the rebellion. " It is evident," said he, " that to meet further calls, it is necessary to rely upon a system of drafting or conscription, in Wisconsin." The governor then proceeded to recommend such measures as he deemed necessary to meet the exigencies of the times. The legislature levied a tax to aid volunteering, and passed a law giving the right of suffrage to soldiers in the military service. They also authorized the raising of money for payment of bounties to volunteers. The legislature adjourned on the twenty- sixth of September, 1862, after a session of sixteen days, and the enacting of seventeen laws. 78 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. On the 7th of October, James H. Howe, attorney general, resigned his office to enter the army. On the 14th of that month, Winfield Smith was appointed by the governor to fill the vacancy. . At the general election in the Fall of this year, six congressmen were elected to the thirty- eighth congress: James S. Brown from the first district; I. C. Sloan, from the second; Amasa Cobb, from the third ; Charles A. Eldredge, from the fourth ; Ezra Wheeler, from the fifth ; and W. D. Mclndoe, from the sixth district. Sloan, Cobb, and Mclndoe, were elected as republi cans ; Brown, Eldridge, and Wheeler, as democrats. The sixteenth regular session of the Wisconsin legislature, commenced on the fourteenth of January, 1863. J. Allen Barber was elected speaker of the assembly. The majority in both houses was republican. Governor Salomon read his message on the fifteenth, to the joint convention, referring, at length, to matters connected with the war of the rebellion. A large number of bills were passed by the legislature for the benefit of soldiers and their families. On the twenty-second, the legislature re-elected James R. Doolittle, to the United States senate for six years, from the fourth of March next ensuing. The legislature adjourned sine die on the second of April following. In the Spring of this year, Luther S. Dixon was re-elected chief justice of the supreme court, running as an independent candidate. By a provision of the Revised Statutes of 1858, as amended by an act passed in 1862, and interpreted by another act passed in 1S75, the terms of the justices of the supreme court, elected for a full term, commence on the first Monday in January next succeeding their election. At the Fall election there were two tickets in the field : democratic and union republican. The latter was successful, electing James T. Lewis, governor; Wyman Spooner, lieutenant governor; Lucius Fairchild, secretary of state; S. D. Hastings, state treasurer; Winfield Smith, attorney general ; J. L. Pickard, state superintendent ; W. H. Ramsay, bank comp troller ; and Henry Cordier, state prison commissioner. War of Secession — Harvey and Salomon's Administration. When Governor Randall turned over to his successor in the gubernatorial chair, the military matters of Wisconsin, he had remaining in the State, either already organized or in process of formation, the Ninth infantry, also the Twelfth up to the Nineteenth inclusive ; three regiments of cavalry ; and ten batteries — First to Tenth inclusive. Colonel Edward Daniels, in the Summer of 1 861, was authorized by the war department to recruit and organize one battalion of cavalry in Wisconsin. He was subsequently authorized to raise two more companies. Governor Ran dall, in October, was authorized to complete the regiment — the First cavalry — by the organiza tion of six additional companies. The organization of the Second cavalry regiment was author ized in the Fall of 1861, as an "independent acceptance," but was finally turned over to the State authorities. Early in November, 1861, the war department issued an order discontinuing enlistments for the cavalry service, and circulars were sent to the different State executives to consolidate all incomplete regiments. Ex-Governor Barstow, by authority of General Fremont, which authority was confirmed by the General Government, had commenced the organization of a cavalry regiment — the Third Wisconsin — when Governor Randall received information that the authority of Barstow had been revoked. The latter, however, soon had his authority restored. In October, Governor Randall was authorized by the war department to raise three additional companies of artillery — Eighth to Tenth inclusive. These three batteries were all filled and went into camp by the close of 1861. Governor Randall, therefore, besides sending out of the State eleven thousand men, had in process of formation, or fully organized, nine regiments of infantry, three regiments of cavalry, and ten companies of artillery, left behind in WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 79 various camps in the State, to be turned over to his successor. The military officers of Wisconsin were the governor, Louis P. Harvey, commander-in7 chief; Brigadier General Augustus Gaylord, adjutant general ; Brigadier General W. W. Tred- way, quartermaster general ; Colonel Edwin R. Wadsworth, commissary general ; Brigadier Gen eral Simeon Mills, paymaster general; Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, surgeon general; Major M. H. Carpenter, judge advocate ; and Colonel William H. Watson, military secretary. As the General Government had taken the recruiting service out of the hands of the executives of the. States,- and appointed superintendents in their place, the offices of commissary general and paymaster general were no longer necessary ; and their time, after the commencement of the administration in Wisconsin of 1862, was employed, so long as they continued their respective offices, in settling up the business of each. The office of commissary general was closed about the first of June, 1862 ; that of paymaster general on the tenth of July following. On the last of August, 1862, Brigadier General Tredway resigned the position of quartermaster general, and Nathaniel F. Lund was appointed to fill his place. Upon the convening of the legislature of the State in its regular January session of this year — 1862, Governor Harvey gave, in his message to that body, a full statement of what had been done by Wisconsin in matters appertaining to the war, under the administration of his predecessor. He stated that the State furnished to the service of the General Government under the call for volunteers for three months, one regiment — First Wisconsin ; under the call for volunteers for three years, or the war, ten regiments, numbering from the First re-organized to the Eleventh, excluding the Ninth or German regiment. He gave as the whole number of officers, musicians and privates, in these ten three-year regiments, ten thousand one hundred and seventeen. He further stated that there were then organized and awaiting orders, the Ninth, in " Camp Sigel," Milwaukee, numbering nine hundred and forty men, under Colonel Frederick Salomon ; the Twelfth, in " Camp Randall," one thousand and thirty-nine men, under Colonel George E. Bryant ; the Thirteenth, in " Camp Tredway," Janesville, having nine hundred and nineteen men, commanded by Colonel M. Maloney ; and the Fourteenth, at " Camp Wood," Fond du Lac, eight hundred and fifty men, under Colonel D. E. Wood. The Fifteenth or Scandinavian regiment, Colonel H. C. Heg, seven hundred men, and the Sixteenth, Colonel Benjamin Allen, nine hundred men, were at that time at " Camp Randall," in near readiness for marching orders. The Seventeenth (Irish) regiment, Colonel J. L. Doran, and the Eighteenth, Colonel James S. Alban, had their full number of companies in readiness, lacking one, and had been notified to go into camp — the former at Madison, the latter at Milwaukee, Seven companies of artillery, numbering together one thousand and fifty men, had remained for a considerable time in " Camp Utley," Racine, impatient of the delays of the General Govern ment in calling them to move forward. Three additional companies of artillery were about going into camp, numbering three hundred and thirty-four men. Besides these, the State had furnished, as already mentioned, an independent company of cavalry, then in Missouri, raised by Captain Von Deutsch, of eighty-one men ; a company of one hundred and four men for Ber dan's sharpshooters; and an additional company for the Second regiment, of about eighty men. Three regiments of cavalry — the First, Colonel E. Daniels ; the Second, Colonel C. C. Washburn ; and the Third, Colonel W. A. Barstow; were being organized. They numbered together, two thou sand four hundred and fifty men. The Nineteenth (independent) regiment was rapidly organ izing under the direction of the General Government, by Colonel H. T. Sanders, Racine. Not bringing this last regiment into view, the State had, at the commencement of Governor Harvey's •administration, including the First, three-months' regiment, either in the service of the United States or organizing for it, a total of twenty-one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three men. 80 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. The legislature at its regular session of 1862, passed a law making it necessary to present all claims which were made payable out of the war fund, within twelve months from the time they accrued ; a law was also passed authorizing the investment of the principal of the school fund in the bonds of the state issued for war purposes ; another, amendatory of the act of the extra session of 1861, granting exemption to persons enrolled in the military service, so as to except persons acting as fiduciary agents, either as executors or administrators, or guardians or trustees, or persons defrauding the State, or any school district of moneys belonging to the same ; also author izing a stay of proceedings in foreclosures of mortgages, by advertisements. ' The State Aid Law" was amended so as to apply to all regiments of infantry, cavalry, artillery and sharpshooters, defining the rights of families, fixing penalties for the issue of false papers, and imposing duties on military officers in the field to make certain reports. These amendments only included regi ments and companies organized up to and including the Twentieth, which was in process of organization before the close of the session. A law was also passed suspending the sale of lands mortgaged to the State, or held by volunteers ; another defining the duties of the allotment com missioners appointed by the president of the United States, and fixing their compensation. One authorized the issuing of bonds for two hundred thousand dollars for war purposes ; one author ized a temporary loan from the general fund to pay State aid to volunteers ; and one, the appoint ment of a joint committee to investigate the sale of war bonds ; while another authorized the governor to appoint surgeons to batteries, and assistant surgeons to cavalry regiments. The legislature, it will be remembered, took a recess from the seventh of April to the third of June, 1862. Upon its re-assembling, ict was passed providing . jr the discontinuance of the active services of the paymaster general, quartermaster general and commissary general. Another act appropriated twenty thousand dollars to enable the governor to care for the sick and wounded soldiers of the State. There was also another act passed authorizing the auditing, by the quartermaster general, of bills for subsistence and transportation of the "Wisconsin cavalry regiments. At the extra session called by Governor Salomon, for the tenth of September, 1862, an amendment was made to the law granting aid to families of volunteers, by including all regi ments of cavalry, infantry, or batteries of artillery before that time raised in the State, or that might afterward be raised and mustered into the United States service. It also authorized the levying of a State tax of two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars to be placed to the credit of the war fund and used in the payment of warrants for "State Aid" to families of volunteers. Another law authorized commissioned officers out of the State to administer oaths and take acknowledgments of deeds and other papers. One act authorized soldiers in the field, although out of the State, to exercise the right of suffrage ; and another gave towns, cities, incorporated villages and counties the authority to raise money to pay bounties to volunteers. On the fifth of August, 1862, Governor Salomon received from the war department a dispatch stating that orders had been issued for a draft of three hundred thousand men to be immediately called into the service of the United States, to serve for nine months unless sooner discharged ; that if the State quota under a call made July 2, of that year, for three hundred thousand vol unteers, was not filled by the fifteenth of August, the deficiency would be made up by draft ; and that the secretary of war would assign the quotas to the States and establish regulations for the draft. On the eighth of that month, the governor of the Stale was ordered to immediately cause an enrollment of all able-bodied citizens between eighteen and forty-five years of age, by counties. Governor Salomon was authorized to appoint proper officers, and the United States promised to pay all reasonable expenses. The quota for Wisconsin, under the call for nine months' men, was eleven thousand nine hundred and four. The draft was made by the governor in obedience to the order he had received from Washington ; but such had been the volunteering under the stim- WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 81 ulus caused by a fear of it, that only four thousand five hundred and thirty-seven men were drafted. This was the first and only draft made in Wisconsin by the State authorities. Subsequent ones were made under the direction of the provost marshal general at Wash ington. The enlisting, organization and mustering into the United States service during Randall's administration of thirteen regiments of infantry — the First to the Thirteenth inclusive, and the marching of ten of them out of the State before the close of 1861, also, of one company of cavalry under Captain Von Deutsch and one company of sharpshooters under Captain Alexander, con stituted the effective aid abroad of Wisconsin during that year to suppress the rebellion. But for the year 1862, this aid, as to number of organizations, was more than doubled, as will now be shown. The Ninth regiment left " Camp Sigel," Milwaukee, under command of Colonel Frederick Salomon, on the twenty-second of January, 1862, numbering thirty-nine officers and eight hun dred and eighty-four men, to report at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The Twelfth infantry left Wisconsin under command of Colonel George E. Bryant, ten hundred and forty-five strong, the eleventh of January, 1862, with orders to report at Weston, Missouri. The Thirteenth regiment — Colonel Maurice Maloney — left "Camp Tredway," Janesville, on the eighteenth of January, 1862, nine hundred and seventy strong, under orders to report at Leavenworth, Kansas, where it arrived on the twenty-third. The Fourteenth regiment of infantry departed from " Camp Wood," Fond du Lac, under command of Colonel David E. Wood, for St. Louis, Missouri, on the eighth of March, 1862, it having been mustered into the United States service on the thirtieth of January previous. Its total strength was nine hundred and seventy officers and men. It arrived at its destination on the tenth of March, and went into quarters at " Benton Barracks." The Fifteenth regiment, mostly recruited from the Scandinavian population of Wisconsin, was organized at " Camp Randall," Madison — Hans C. Heg as colonel. Its muster into the United States service was completed on the fourteenth of February, 1862, it leaving the State for St. Louis, Missouri, on the second of March following, with a total strength of eight hundred and one officers and men. The Sixteenth regiment was organized at "Camp Randall," and was mustered into the service on |he last day of January, 1862, leaving the State, with Benjamin Allen as colonel, for St. Louis on the thirteenth of March ensuing, having a total strength of one thousand and sixty-six. The reg.mental organization of the Seventeenth infantry (Irish), Colonel John L. Doran, was effected at " Camp Randall," and the mustering in of the men completed on the fifteenth of March, 1862, the regiment leaving the State on the twenty-third for St. Louis. The Eighteenth regiment organized at " Camp Trowbridge," Milwaukee — James S. Alban, colonel — completed its muster into the United States service on the fifteenth of March, 1862,' and left the State for St. Louis on the thirtieth, reaching their point of destination on the thirty- first. The Nineteenth infantry rendezvoused at Racine as an independent regiment, its colonel, Horace T. Sanders, being commissioned by the war department. The men were mustered into the service as fast as they were enlisted. Independent organizations being abolished, by an order from Washington, the Nineteenth was placed on the same footing as other regiments in the State, On the twentieth of April, 1862, the regiment was ordered to " Camp Randall " to guard rebel prisoners. Here the mustering in was completed, numbering in all nine hundred and seventy-three. They left the State for Washington on the second of June. 82 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. The muster into the United States service of the Twentieth regiment — Bertine Pinckney, colonel — was completed on the twenty-third of August, 1862, at "Camp Randall," the original strength being nine hundred and ninety. On the thirtieth of August the regiment left the State for St. Louis. The Twenty-first infantry was organized at Oshkosh, being mustered in on the fifth of Sep tember, 1862, with a force of one thousand and two, all told — Benjamin J. Sweet, colonel — leaving the State for Cincinnati on the eleventh. The Twenty-second regiment — Colonel William L. Utley — was organized at " Camp Utley," Racine, and mustered in on the second of September, 1862. Its original strength was one thou sand and nine. It left the State for Cincinnati on the sixteenth. On the thirtieth of August, 1862, the Twenty-third regiment — Colonel Joshua J. Guppey — was mustered in at "Camp Randall," leaving Madison for Cincinnati on the fifteenth. The Twenty -fourth infantry rendezvoused at " Camp Sigel," Milwaukee. Its muster in was completed on the twenty-first of August, 1862, the regiment leaving the State under Colonel Charles H. Larrabee, for Kentucky, on the fifth of September, one thousand strong. On the fourteenth of September, 1862, at " Camp Salomon," LaCrosse, the Twenty-fifth regiment was mustered into the service— Milton Montgomery, colonel! They left the State on ¦the nineteenth with orders to report to General Pope, at St. Paul, Minnesota, to aid in suppress ing the Indian difficulties in that State. Their entire strength was one thousand and eighteen. The regiment, after contributing to the preservation of tranquillity among the settlers, and deterring the Indians from hostilities, returned to Wisconsin, arriving at " Camp Randall " on the eighteenth of December, 1862. The Twenty-sixth — almost wholly a German regiment — was mustered into the service at "Camp Sigel," Milwaukee, on the seventeenth of September, 1862. The regiment, under com mand of Colonel William H. Jacobs, left the State for Washington city on the sixth of October, one thousand strong. The Twenty-seventh infantry was • ordered to rendezvous at "Camp Sigel," .Milwaukee, on the seventeenth of September, 1862 ; but the discontinuance of recruiting for new regiments in August left the Twenty-seventh with only seven companies full. An order authorizing the recruiting of three more companies was received, and under the supervision of Colonel Conrad Krez the organization was completed, but the regiment at the close of the year had not been mustered into the service. On the twenty-fourth of October, 1862, the Twenty-eighth regiment — James M. Lewis, of Oconomowoc, colonel— was mustered into the United States service at "Camp Washburn," Mil waukee. Its strength was nine hundred and sixty-one. In November, the regiment was employed in arresting and guarding -the draft rioters in Ozaukee county. It left the State for Columbus, Kentucky, on the twentieth of December, where they arrived on the twenty-second; remaining there until the fifth of January, 1863. The Twenty-ninth infantry— Colonel Charles R. Gill— was organized at " Camp Randall," where its muster into the United States service was completed on the twenty-seventh of Sep tember, 1862, the regiment leaving the State for Cairo, Illinois, on the second of November. The Thirtieth regiment, organized at "Camp Randall" under the supervision of Colonel Daniel J. Dill, completed its muster into the United States service on the twenty-first of October, 1862, with a strength of nine hundred and six. On the sixteenth of November, one company of the Thirtieth was sent to Green Bay to protect the draft commissioner, remaining several weeks. On the eighteenth, seven companies moved to Milwaukee to assist in enforcing the draft in Mil waukee county, while two companies remained in "Camp Randall" to guard Ozaukee rioters. WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 83 On the twenty-second, six companies from Milwaukee went to West Bend, Washington county, one company returning to "Camp Randall." After the completion of the draft in Washington county, four companies returned to camp, while two companies were engaged in gathering up the drafted men. The final and complete organization of the Thirty-first infantry — Colonel Isaac E. Mess- •more — was not concluded during the year 1862. The Thirty-second regiment, organized at "Camp Bragg," Oshkosh, with James H. Howe as colonel, was mustered into the service on the twenty-fifth of September, 1862 ; and, on the thirtieth of October, leaving the State, it proceeded by way of Chicago and Cairo to Memphis, Tennessee, going into camp on the third of November. The original strength of the Thirty- second was nine hundred and ninety-three. The Thirty-third infantry — Colonel Jonathan B. Moore — mustered in on the eighteenth of October, 1862, at " Camp Utley," Racine, left the State, eight hundred and ninety-two strong, moving by way of Chicago to Cairo. The Thirty-fourth regiment, drafted men, original strength nine hundred and sixty-one — Colonel Fritz Anneke — had its muster into service for nine months completed at " Camp Wash burn," Milwaukee, on the last day of the year 1862. Of the twenty-four infantry regiments, numbered from the Twelfth to the Thirty-fourth inclusive,* and including also the Ninth, three — the Ninth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth — were mus tered into the United States service in 1861. The whole of the residue were mustered in during the year 1862, except the Twenty-seventh and the Thirty-first. All were sent out of the State during 1862, except the last two mentioned and the Twenty-fifth, Thirtieth, and Thirty-fourth. The First regiment of cavalry — Colonel Edward Daniels — perfected its organization at " Camp Harvey," Kenosha. Its muster into the United States service was completed on the eighth of March, 1862, the regiment leaving the State for St. Louis on the seventeenth, with a strength of eleven hundred and twenty-four. The muster of the Second Wisconsin cavalry was completed on the twelfth of March, 1862, at "Camp Washburn," Milwaukee, the regiment leaving the State for St. Louis on the twenty- fourth, eleven hundred and twenty-seven strong. It was under the command of Cadwallader C. Washburn as colonel. The Third Wisconsin cavalry — Colonel William A. Barstow — was mustered in at " Camp Barstow," Janesville. The muster was completed on the 31st of January, 1862, the regiment leaving the State on the 26th of March for St. Louis, with a strength of eleven hundred and eighty- six. The original project of forming a regiment of light artillery in Wisconsin was overruled by the war department, and the several batteries were sent from the State as independent organizattbns. The First battery — Captain Jacob T. Foster — perfected its organization at "Camp Utley," where the company was mustered in, it leaving the State with a strength of one hundred and fifty-five, on the 23d of January, 1862, for Louisville, where the battery went into " Camp Irvine," near that city. The Second battery — Captain Ernest F. Herzberg — was mustered into the service at "Camp Utley," October 10, 1861, the company numbering one hundred and fifty- three. It left the State for Baltimore, on the 21st of January, 1862. The Third battery — Cap tain L. H. Drury — completed its organization of one hundred and seventy at " Camp Utley," and was mustered in October 10, 1861, leaving the State for Louisville, on the 23d of- January, 1862. The Fourth battery — Captain John F. Vallee — rendezvoused at "Camp Utley." Its muster in was completed on the 1st of October, 1861, its whole force being one hundred and fifty •one. The company left the State for Baltimore on the 21st of January, 1862. The Fifth bat- 84 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. tery, commanded by Captain Oscar F. Pinney, was mustered in on the ist of October, 1861, at " Camp Utley," leaving the State for St. Louis, on the 15th of March, 1862, one hundred and fifty-five strong. The Sixth battery— Captain Henry Dillon— was mustered in on the 2d of October, 1861, at " Camp Utley," leaving the State for St. Louis, March 15, 1862, with a numer ical strength of one hundred and fifty-seven. The Seventh battery— Captain Richard R. Grif fiths—was mustered in on the 4th of October, 1861, at " Camp Utley," and proceeded on the 15th of March, 1862, with the Fifth and Sixth batteries to St. Louis. The Eighth battery, com manded by Captain Stephen J. Carpenter, was mustered in on the 8th of January, 1862, at "Camp Utley," and left the State on the 18th of March following, for St. Louis, one hundred and sixty-one strong. The Ninth battery, under command of Captain Cyrus H. Johnson, was organ ized at Burlington, Racine county. It was mustered in on the 7th of January, 1862, leaving " Camp Utley " for St. Louis, on the 18th of March. At St. Louis, their complement of men- one hundred and fifty-five— was made up by the transfer of forty-five from another battery. The Tenth battery — Captain Yates V. Bebee— after being mustered in at Milwaukee, on the 10th of February, 1862, left " Camp Utley," Racine, on the 18th of March for St. Louis, one hundred and seventeen strong. The Eleventh battery — Captain John O'Rourke — was made up of the " Oconto Irish Guards " and a detachment of Illinois recruits. The company was organized at " Camp Douglas," Chicago, in the Spring of 1862. Early in 1862, Wiiliam A. Pile succeeded in enlisting ninety-nine men as a company to be known as the Twelfth battery. The men were mustered in and sent forward in squads to St. Louis. Captain Pile's commission was revoked on the 18th of July. His place was filled by William Zickrick. These twelve batteries were all that left the State in 1862. To these are to be added the three regiments of cavalry and the nineteen regi ments of infantry, as the effective force sent out during the year by Wisconsin. The military officers of the State, at the commencement of 1863, were Edward Salomon, governor and commander-in-chief; Brigadier General Augustus Gaylord, adjutant general; Colonel S. Nye Gibbs, assistant adjutant general ; Brigadier General Nathaniel F. Lund, quartermaster general ; Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, surgeon general ; and Colonel W. H. Watson, military secretary. The two incomplete regiments of 1862 — the Twenty-seventh and Thirty-first volunteers — were completed and in the field in March, 1863. The former was mustered in at " Camp Sigel " — Colonel Conrad Krez — on the 7th of March, and left the State, eight hundred and sixty-five strong, on the 16th for Columbus, Kentucky ; the latter, under command of Colonel Isaac E. Messmore, with a strength of eight hundred and seventy-eight, left Wisconsin on the ist of March, for Cairo, Illinois. The Thirty-fourth (drafted) regiment left "Camp Washburn," Milwaukee, on the 31st of January, 1863, for Columbus, Kentucky, numbering nine hundred and sixty-one, commanded by Colonel Fritz Anneke. On the 17th of February, 1863, the Twenty-fifth regiment left "Camp Randall" for Cairo, Illinois. The Thirtieth regiment remained in Wisconsin during the whole of 1863, performing various duties — the only one of the whole thirty-four that, at the end of that year, had not left the State. On the 14th of January, 1863, the legislature of Wisconsin, as before stated, convened at Madison. Governor Salomon, in his message to that body, gave a summary of the transac tions of the war fund during the calendar year; also of what was done in 1862, in the recruiting of military forces, and the manner in which the calls of the president were responded to. There were a number of military laws passed at this session. A multitude of special acts authorizing towns to raise bounties for volunteers, were also passed. No additional regiments of infantry besides those already mentioned were organized in 1863, although recruiting for old regiments continued. On the 3d of March, 1863, the congress of the United States passed the " Conscription Act." Under this act, Wisconsin was divided WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 85 into six districts. In the first district, I. M. Bean was appointed provost marshal ; C. M. Baker, commissioner; and J. B. Dousman, examining surgeon. Headquarters of this district was at Milwaukee. In the second district, S. J. M. Putnam was appointed provost marshal ; L. B. Caswell, commissioner; and Dr. C. R. Head, examining surgeon. Headquarters of this district was at Janesville. In the third district, J. G. Clark was appointed provost marshal; E. E. Byant, commissioner ; and John H. Vivian, examining surgeon. Headquarters at Prairie du Chien. In the fourth district, E. L. Phillips was appointed provost marshal ; Charles Burchard, commissioner ; and L. H. Cary, examining surgeon. Headquarters at Fond du Lac. In the fifth district, C. R. Merrill was appointed provost marshal ; William A. Bugh, commissioner ; and H. O. Crane, examining surgeon. Headquarters at Green Bay. In the sixth district, B. F. Cooper was appointed provost marshal; L. S. Fisher, commissioner; and D. D. Cameron, examining surgeon. Headquarters at LaCrosse. The task of enrolling the State was commenced in the month of May, and was proceeded with to its completion. The nine months' term of service of the Thirty-fourth regiment, drafted militia, having expired, the regiment was mustered out of service on the 8th of September. The enrollment in Wisconsin of all persons liable to the "Conscription" amounted to 121,202. A draft was ordered to take place in November. Nearly fifteen thousand were drafted, only six hundred and twenty-eight of whom were mustered in ; the residue either furnished substitutes, were discharged, failed to report, or paid commutation. In the Summer of 1861, Company " K," Captain Langworthy, of the Second Wisconsin infantry, was detached and placed on duty as heavy artillery. His company was designated as "A," First Regiment Heavy Artillery. This was the only one organized until the Summer of 1863; but its organization was effected outside the State. Three companies were necessary to add to company " A " to complete the battalion. Batteries " B," " C " and " D " were, therefore, organized in Wisconsin, all leaving the State in October and November, 1863. Ninth Adminisi ration — James T. Lewis, Governor — 1 864-1 865. James T. Lewis, of Columbia county, was inaugurated governor of Wisconsin on the fourth of January, 1864. In an inaugural address, the incoming governor pledged himself to use no> executive patronage for a re-election ; declared he would administer the government without prejudice or partiality ; and committed himself to an economical administration of affairs con nected with the State. On the thirteenth the legislature met in its seventeenth regular session.. W. W. Field was elected speaker of the assembly. The republican and union men were ira the majority in this legislature. A number of acts were passed relative to military matters. On the 1 st day of October, J. L. Pickard having resigned as superintendent of public instruction, J. G. McMynn was, by the governor, appointed to fill the vacancy. On the fif teenth of November, Governor Lewis appointed Jason Downer an associate justice of the supreme court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Byron Paine, who had resigned his position to take effect on that day, in order to accept the position of lieutenant colonel of one of the regiments of Wisconsin, to which he had been commissioned on the tenth of August previous. The November elections of this year were entered into with great zeal by the two parties, owing to the fact that a president and vice president of the United States were to be chosen. The republicans were victorious. Electors of that party cast their eight votes. for Lincoln and Johnson. The members elected to the thirty - ninth congress from Wisconsin at this election were : from the first district, H. E. Paine ; from the second, I. C. Sloan ; from the third, Amasa Cobb; from the fourth, C. A. Eldredge; from the fifth, Philetus Sawyer; and 86 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. from the sixth district, W. D. Mclndoe. All were republicans except Eldredge, who. was elected as a democrat. The Eighteenth regular session of the Wisconsin legislature began in Madison on the elev enth of January, 1865. W. W. Field was elected speaker of the assembly. The legislature was, as to its political complexion, "Republican Union." On the tenth of April,,the last day of the session, Governor Lewis informed the legislature that General Lee and his army had sur rendered. " Four years ago," said he, " on the day fixed for adjournment, the sad news of the fall of Fort Sumter was transmitted to the legislature. To-day, thank God ! and next to Him the brave officers and soldiers of our army and navy, I am permitted to transmit to you the official intelligence, just received, of the surrender of General Lee and his army, the last prop of the rebellion. Let us rejoice, and thank the Ruler of the Universe for victory and the pros pects of an honorable peace." In February preceding, both houses ratified the constitutional amendment abolishing slavery in the United States. At the Spring election, Jason Downer was chosen associate justice of the supreme court for a full term of six years. The twentieth of April was set apart by the governor as a day of thanksgiving for the overthrow of the rebellion -and restoration of peace. At the Fall election both parties, republican and democratic, had tickets in the field. The republicans were victorious, electing Lucius Fairchild, governor; Wyman Spooner, lieutenant governor ; Thomas S. Allen, secretary of state ; William E. Smith, state treasurer; Charles R. Gill, attorney general; John G. McMynn, superintendent of public instruction; J. M. Rusk, bank comptroller; and Henry Cordier, state prison commis sioner. War of Secession — Lewis' Administration. The military, officers for 1864 were besides the governor (who was commander-in-chief) Brigadier General Augustus Gay lord, adjutant general; Colonel S. Nye Gibbs, assistant adju tant general ; Brigadier General Nathaniel F. Lund, quartermaster and commissary general, and chief of ordnance ; Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, surgeon general ; and Colonel Frank H. Firmin, military secretary. The legislature met at Madison on the 13th of January, 1864. *'In response to the call of the General Government," said the governor, in his message to that body, " Wisconsin had sent to the field on the first day of November last, exclusive of three months' men, thirty - four regiments of infantry, three regiments and one company of cavalry, twelve batteries of light artillery, three batteries of heavy artillery, and one company of sharp shooters, making an aggregate of forty-one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five men." Quite a number of laws were passed at this session of the legislature relative to military matters : three were acts to authorize towns, cities and villages to raise money by tax for the payment of bounties to volunteers; one revised, amended and consolidated all laws relative to •extra pay to Wisconsin soldiers in the service of the United States ; one provided for the proper reception by the State, of Wisconsin volunteers returning from the field of service; anothei repealed the law relative to allotment commissioners. One was passed authorizing the gov ernor to purchase flags for regiments or batteries whose flags were lost or destroyed in the service: another was passed amending the law suspending the sale of lands mortgaged to the State or held by volunteers, so as to apply to drafted men ; another provided for levying a State tax of $200,000 for the support of families of volunteers. A law was passed authorizing the governor to take care of the sick and wounded soldiers of Wisconsin, and appropriated ten thousand dollars for that purpose. Two other acts authorized the borrowing of money for repel ling invasion, suppressing insurrection, and defending the State in time of war. One act pro hibited the taking of fees for procuring volunteers' extra bounty ; another one defined the resi dence of certain soldiers from this Sute in the service of the United States, who had received WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 87 local bounties from towns other than their proper places of residence. » At the commencement of 1864, there were recruiting in the State the Thirty-fifth regiment of infantry and the Thirteenth battery. The latter was mustered in on the 29th of December, 1863, and left the State for New Orleans on the 28th of January, 1864. In February, authority was given by the war department to organize the Thirty-sixth regiment of infantry. On the 27th of that month, the mustering in of the Thirty-fifth was completed at " Camp Washburn " — Colonel Henry Orff — the regiment, one thousand and sixty-six strong, leaving the State on the 1 8th of April, 1864, for Alexandria, Louisiana. The other regiments, recruited and mustered into the service of the United States during the year 1864, were : the Thirty-sixth— Colonel Frank A. Haskell ; the Thirty-seventh— Colonel Sam Harriman ; the Thirty-eighth— Colonel James Bintliff; the Thirty -ninth — Colonel Edwin L. Buttrick; the Fortieth — Colonel W.1 Augustus Ray; the Forty-first — Lieutenant Colonel George B. Goodwin; the Forty-second — Colonel Ezra T. Sprague ; the Forty-third — Colonel Amasa Cobb. The regiments mustered into the service of the United States during the year 1865 were: the Forty-fourth — Colonel George C. Symes ; the Forty-fifth— Colonel Henry F. Belitz; Forty- sixth — Colonel Frederick S. Lovell ; Forty-seventh — Colonel George C. Ginty ; Forty-eighth — Colonel Uri B. Pearsall; Forty-ninth — Colonel Samuel Fallows; Fiftieth — Colonel John G. Clark; Fifty-first — Colonel Leonard Martin; Fifty-second — Lieutenant Colonel Hiram J. Lewis; and Fifty-third — Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Pugh. All of the fifty-three regiments of infantry raised in Wisconsin during the war, sooner or later moved to the South and were engaged there in one way or other, in aiding to suppress the rebellion. Twelve of these regiments were assigned to duty in the eastern division, which con stituted the territory on both sides of the Potomac and upon the seaboard from Baltimore to- Savannah. These twelve regiments were: the First (three months), Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Nineteenth, Twenty-sixth, Thirty-sixth, Thirty-seventh, and Thirty-eighth. Ten regiments were assigned to the central division, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Northern Alabama, and Georgia. These ten were: the Tenth, Twenty-first, Twenty-second, Twenty- fourth, Thirtieth, Forty-third, Forty- fourth, Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth, and Forty-seventh. Added to these was the First (re-organized). Thirty-one regiments were ordered to the western division, embracing the country west and northwest of the central division. These were : the Eighth, Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-third, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, Twenty-ninth, Thirty-first, Thirty-second, Thirty-third, Thirty-fourth, Thirty-fifth, Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, Forty-first, Forty- second, Forty-eighth, Forty-ninth, Fiftieth, Fifty-first, Fifty-second, and Fifty-third. During the war several transfers were made from one district to another. There were taken from the eastern division, the Third and Twenty-sixth, and sent to the central division; also the Fourth, which was sent to the department of the gulf. The Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seven teenth, Eighteenth, Twenty-fifth, Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second were transferred from the western to the central department. The four regiments of cavelry were assigned to the western division — the First regiment being afterward transferred to the central division. Of the thirteen batteries of light artillery, the Second, Fourth, and Eleventh, were assigned to the eastern division ; the First and Third, to the central division ; the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth, to the western division. During the war, the First was transferred to the western division ; while the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Tenth, and Twelfth, were transferred to the central division. Of the twelve batteries of the First regiment of heavy artillery — " A," "E," "F," "G," "H," "I," "K," "L," and "M," were assigned to duty in the eastern division ; "B" and "C," to the central 88 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. division; and "D," to the western division. Company "G," First regiment Berdan's sharp shooters, was assigned to the eastern division. The military officers of the State for 1865 were the same as the previous year, except that Brigadier General Lund resigned his position as quartermaster general, James M. Lynch being appointed in his place. The legislature of this year met in Madison on the nth of January. "To the calls of the Government for troops," said Governor Lewis, in his message, "no State has responded with greater alacrity than has Wisconsin. She has sent to the field, since the commencement of the war, forty-four regiments of infantry, four regiments and one company of cavalry, one regiment of heavy artillery, thirteen batteries of light artillery, and one company of sharpshooters, making an aggregate (exclusive of hundred day men) of seventy-five thousand one hundred and thirty-three men." Several military laws were passed at this session : one authorizing cities, towns, and villages to pay bounties to volunteers ; another, incorporating the Wisconsin Soldiers' Home ; two others, amending the act relative "to the commencement and prosecution of civil actions against persons in the military service of the country." One was passed authorizing the payment of salaries, clerk hire, and expenses, of the offices of the adjutant general and quartermaster general from the war fund ; another, amending the act authorizing commissioned officers to take acknowledg ment of deeds, affidavits and depositions; another, amending the act extending the right of suffrage to soldiers in the field. One act provides for correcting and completing the records of the adjutant general's office, relative to the military history of the individual members of the several military organizations of this State ; another fixes the salary of the adjutant general and the quartermaster general, and their clerks and assistants; another prohibits volunteer or sub stitute brokerage. One act was passed supplementary and explanatory of a previous one of the same session, authorizing towns, cities, or villages, to raise money to pay bounties to volunteers- another, amending a law of 1864, relating to the relief of soldiers' families; and another, pro viding for the establishment of State agencies for the relief and care of sick, wounded, and disabled Wisconsin soldiers. There was an act also passed, authorizing the borrowing of money for a period not exceeding seven months, to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, and defend the State in time of war, — the amount not to exceed $850,000. On the 13th of April, 1865, orders were received to discontinue recruiting in Wisconsin, and to discharge all drafted men who had not been mustered in. About the first of May, orders were issued for the muster out of all organizations whose term of service would expire on or before the first of the ensuing October. As a consequence, many Wisconsin soldiers were soon on their way home. State military officers devoted their time to the reception of returning regiments, to their payment by the United States, and to settling with those who were entitled to extra pay from the State. Finally, their employment ceased — the last soldier was mustered out —the War of the Rebellion was at an end. Wisconsin had furnished to the federal army during the conflict over ninety thousand men, a considerable number more than the several requisitions of the General Government called for. Nearly eleven thousand of these were killed or died of wounds received in battle, or fell victims to diseases contracted in the military service, to say nothing of those who died after their discharge, and whose deaths do not appear upon the mili tary records. Nearly twelve million dollars were expended by the State authorities, and the people of the several counties and towns throughout the State, in their efforts to sustain the National Government. Wisconsin feels, as well she may, proud of her record made in defense of national existence. Shoulder to shoulder with the other loyal States of the Union, she stood-always ranking among the foremost From her workshops, her farms, her extensive pineries, she poured forth stalwart WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 89 men, to fill up the organizations which she sent to the field. The blood of these brave men drenched almost every battle-field from Pennsylvania to the Rio Grande, from Missouri to Georgia. To chronicle the deeds and exploits — the heroic achievements — the noble enthusiasm — of the various regiments and military organizations sent by her to do battle against the hydra- headed monster secession — would be a lengthy but pleasant task ; but these stirring annals belong to the history of our whole country. Therein will be told the story which, to the latest time in the existence of this republic, will be read with wonder and astonishment. But an out line of the action of the State authorities and their labors, and of the origin of the various military organizations, in Wisconsin, to aid in the suppression of the rebellion, must needs contain a reference to other helps employed — mostly incidental, in many cases wholly charitable, . but none the less effective : the sanitary operations of the State during the rebellion. Foremost among the sanitary operations of Wisconsin during the war of the rebellion was the organization of the surgeon general's department — to the end that the troops sent to the field from the State should have a complete and adequate supply of medicine and instruments as well as an efficient medical staff. In 1861, Governor Randall introduced the practice of appoint ing agents to travel with the regiments to the field, who were to take charge of the sick. The practice was not continued by Governor Harvey. On the 17th of June, 1862, an act of the legislature became a law authorizing the governor to take care of the sick and wounded soldiers of Wisconsin, and appropriated twenty thousand dollars for that purpose. Under this law several expeditions were sent out of the State to look after the unfortunate sons who were suffering from disease or wounds. Soldiers' aid societies were formed throughout the State soon after the opening scenes of the rebellion. When temporary sanitary operations were no longer a necessity in Wisconsin, there followed two military benevolent institutions intended to be of a permanent character : the Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee, and the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Madison. The latter, however, has been discontinued. The former, started as a State institu tion, is now wholly under the direction and support of the General Government. Whether in the promptitude of her responses to the calls made on her by the General Govern ment, in the courage or constancy of her soldiery in the field, or in the wisdom and efficiency with which her civil administration was conducted during the trying period covered by the war of the xebellion, Wisconsin proved herself the peer of any loyal State. TABULAR STATEMENT. We publish on the following pages the report of the Adjutant General at the close of the war, but before all the Wisconsin organizations had been mustered out. It shows how many brave men courageously forsook homes, friends and the comforts of peaceful avocations, offering their lives in defense of their country's honor. Twenty-two out of every hundred either died, were killed or wounded. Thirteen out of every hundred found a soldier's grave, while only 60 per cent of them marched home at the end of the war. Monuments may crumble, cities fall into decay, the tooth of time leave its impress on all the works of man, but the memory of the gallant deeds of the army of the Union in the great war of the rebellion, in which the sons of Wisconsin bore so conspicuous a part, will live in the minds of men so long as time and civilized governments endure. Table showing total number of Volnnteers originally in the several organizations from the State, and nnmerical strength at the close of war. ORGANIZATION. "4nOca GAIN BY RECRUITS. 1865. .2-3<§! GAIN BT DRAFT. ga LOSSES DURING THE SERVICE. X. CD a a a as First Infantry, three months First Infantry, three years Second Infantry, three years Third Infantry, three years Fifth Infantry, three years Sixth Infantry, three years Seventh Infantry, three years Eighth Infantry, three years *Ninth Infantry, three years Tenth Infantry, three years Eleventh Infantry, three years Twelfth Infantry, three years ¦^Thirteenth Infantry, three years Fourteenth Infantry, three years Fifteenth Infantry, three years Sixteenth Infantry, three years Seventeenth Infantry, three years Eighteenth Infantry, three years Nineteenth Infantry, three years Twentieth Infantry, three years Twenty-tret Infantry, three years.... Twenty-second Infantry, three years Twenty-third Infantry, three years. . . Twenty-fourth Infantry, three years... Twenty-fifth Infantry, three years.. Twenty-sixth Infantry, three years. Twenty-seventh Infantry, three years Twenty-eighth Infantry, three years... Twenty-ninth Infantry, three years... Thirtieth Infantry, three years Thirty-first Infantry, three years... Thirty-second Infantry, three years Thirty-third Infantry, three years.. Thirty-fourth Infantry, nine months... *Thirty -fifth Infantry, three years Thirty-sixth Infantry, three years Thirty-seventh Inf., one, two & three, Thirty-eighth Inf., one, two & three... Thirty-ninth Inf., one hundred days... Fortieth Infantry, one hundred days.. Forty-first Inf., one hundred days Forty-second Infantry, one year Forty-third Infantry, one year Forty-fourth Infantry, one year Forty-fifth Infantry, one year. ,. 810 945 1051 979 1058 1108 1029 973870916 10291045 970970 801 1066 941962973990 10021009 994 10031018 1002 865961961 906 87 993892961 1066 990 708913780776578877867877 859 75 57 70 210 58 74 52 109 20 72 84 169 60 20 7077 6126 12 2 1 '20 24 22 66 80 284684 171 343236 180 85 268314212439 76 547298 103 156120 152 139118 70 282 84 236 12C 114 220 188 370 164 14 9 25 8 407 7 25181262 43 290 50 79 189 16 1 179 "ill 110 25 6167 2422 33 41 1 12 10 34 56 15 444 10 2 68 1711 23 45 62 177 83 85 1 88 136 2854 1 24 "260 147 1 72 116 155 213200 19 2 71 130 223 6 1 3 32 1 1 95 13 100 15 76 104 135 136 130 38 235 142 1578 237204237218301219 13 363519392272 7 243287 178 270 810 15081266 2156225621431932 1643142210341965 2186 1931 2182 906 2200 196416371484 1129 11711505111710771444 10891196 113710891219 1078 1474 1066 961 1088101411441032 780776 678 1008 913 1114 1001 3 235261247285321391255 175 219348294 183 287267 363 221 220 136227288226 289 173422254246 231296 69 114 275196 20 256 296 211 108 13 2246 5 78 5 57 5151 105 794460 25 2125 267197 46 115157 208 46 4140 45 6 71 20 3156 31 39 526268 22 283 29 2129 65 7 47 134 9833 75 106 41 7 23 9 64 6 2347 383223 152 115 99 31 124 138 65 125 57 81 103 46 33 27 37 11 38 29 21 76 29846B 945 405 513 473 32019131G319 336 321 407204386448 265345222 261 196 281289 165232248 221 184 340167 189170 186 177214 195208 13 No B< sport. fi 2 18 40 48 8 57 149 1 121 86 138 3992 80 70 57 26 719 871 348810 1424 1148 912964 739 455 1264 1466 797 1355 320 1252 1101 843 805 524 483 1006 416406 772447585573 467 712 710 925 637 472 "445 680640 780763 570646 768 796 802 o 914927 828986942841486 380 3358 4 1616 2 25 9 193 164 212 30 140 947 985 832 1002 958843 511 389 215 26022510 25232305 93 303 243270294304 276 344329 296 279 134 342 188 25 361185171 230 153153156154163157155 154194 1533 244714 52 6868 34 9 48 28 86 8 366 271 215350 22 12 262424 ' 29 2925 6 24 3 30 14 ¦¦¦•MM* 8 28 67 6 141 87 42 V4 No B 91 103126 74 No Ke 7 63 15 159 13 6 4 20 2 25 3129 41 8736 173127 34 4147 634 557418474 48 306082 61 3668 53566017 105 39 854 Forty-seventh Infantry, one year 812 * 775 * 714 16 5 eport. 673364 2 port. 14 7 4 1 59 1 14 1 406 Fifty-third Infantry, one year 315 22 8318 18 16 1124 112711861047 83 155 153170151 155 157 158 161155 478799 156 295 137 324 32 1 17 5 35 15 18 40 2 4 89 1 86 597 630608810 202 76 61 385357 260 9 34 48 33 43 79 349266 78 11 89 31 1444 Second Cavalry, three years 1 59 23 1541 1691 Fourth Cavalry, three years f754 93 533532 60646450905330 1 121 22 42 2 2 212 188 Third Battery Light Artillery 177 1 1 11 10 6 2 6 2 10 2520 6 1171 224 3 13 932 38 1 171 Fifth Battery Light Artilley 213 2 3 197 237 Eighth Battery Light Artillery 1 223 227 91 2 81 8 92 Twelfth Battery Light Artillery 8 1 1 123 Thirteenth Battery Light Artillery 106 25 129 149 146146151151152151 150 148152152 105 13 103 8030 1112 29 12 7 8 39 2 3717 7 9 4 16 1 5 224031 67 1 6 10 101010 10 6 58 286 105 3 1 124 110 150 1 1 146 1 144 144 1 152 Battery K, Heavy Arlillery 3 144 145 3 34 145 43 1 1 37 9 8 4 43 47 1 ifi 32 171 546 14 12 do 33 46 168 5 97 21 5 1 do do 33 fir. 611 537 6217 394 , J6868 Total 66792 3361 11245 2752 2361 5961 1798 1325 15784 91379 10868 258 3362 2961 15193 54052 Remaining in service Nov. 1, 1865 4685 * November 1, 1866. f October 1, 18C5. J Drafted men who paid commutation; volunteers, substituted and drafted men, mustered out before assignment; musters in tho field reported by the "War Department, without stating organization. §To the number of 615 remaining 'in the service, November 1, 1865, should be added 145 transferred from the Twentieth and Twenty-third Regiments. 92 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Tenth Administration. — Lucius Fairchild, Governor — 1866-1867. The inauguration of the newly elected State officers took place on Monday, January r, 1866. The legislature, in its nineteenth regular session, convened on the tenth. H. D. Barron was elected speaker of the assembly. The " Union " and " Republican " members were in a majority in both branches of the legislature. " Our first duty," said Governor Fairchild in his message, " is to give thanks to Almighty God for all His mercies during the year that is past." " The people of no nation on earth," he continued, " have greater cause to be thankful than have our people. The enemies of the country have been overthrown in battle. The war has settled finally great questions at issue between ourselves." Among the joint resolutions passed at this session was one submitting the question of a constitutional convention to frame a new constitution for the State, to the people. The legislature adjourned on the twelfth of April, having been in session ninety-three days. At the general election in November of this year, there were elected to the Fortieth congress : H. E. Paine, from the first district ; B. F. Hopkins, from the second ; Amasa Cobb, from the third ; C. A. Eldredge, from the fourth ; Philetus Sawyer, from the fifth, and C. C. Washburn, from the sixth district. All were republicans except Eldredge, who was elected as a democrat. The proposition for a constitutional conven tion was voted upon by the people at this election, but was defeated. The twentieth session of the legislature commenced on the ninth of January, 1867. Angus Cameron was elected speaker of the assembly. The legislature was strongly " Repub lican-Union." The message of Governor Fairchild was read by him in person, on the tenth. On the twenty-third, the two houses, in joint convention, elected Timothy O. Howe United States senator for the term of six years, commencing on the, fourth of March next ensuing. This legislature pissed an act submitting to the people at the next Fall election an amendment to section twenty-one of article four of the constitution of the State, providing for paying a salary of three hundred and fifty dollars to each member of the legislature, instead of a per diem allowance, as previously given. A sine die adjournment took place on the eleventh of April, after a service of ninety-three days. To provide for the more efficient collection of license fees due the State, an act, approved on the day of adjournment, authorized the governor to appoint an agent of the treasury, to superintend and enforce the collection of fees due for licenses fixed by law. This law is still in force, the agent holding his office at the pleasure of the executive of the State. On the 27th of March, Chief Justice Dixon resigned his office, but was immediately appointed by the governor to the same position. At the election in April following, associate Justice Cole was re-elected, without opposition, for six years from the first Monday in January following. On the 16th of August, Associate Justice Downer having resigned, Byron Paine was appointed by the governor in his place. The republican State ticket, in the Fall, was elected over the democratic — resulting in the choice of Lucius Fairchild for governor ; Wyman Spooner, for lieutenant governor; Thomas S. Allen, Jr., secretary of state ; William E. Smith, for state -treasurer ; Charles R. Gill, for attorney general ; A. J. Craig, for superintendent of public instruction ; Jeremiah M. Rusk, for bank comptroller, and Henry Cordier, for state prison commissioner. Except Craig, all these officers were the former incumbents. The amendment to section 21 of article 4 of the constitution of the State, giving the members a salary instead of a per diem allowance, was adopted at this elaction. As it now stands, each member of the legislature receives, for his services, three hundred and fifty dollars per annum, and ten cents for every mile he travels in going to and returning from the place of the meetings of the legislature, on the most WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 93 usual route. In case of any extra session of the legislature, no additional compensation shall be allowed to any member thereof, either directly or indirectly. Eleventh Administration. — Lucius Fairchild, Governor (second term) — 1868-1869. The Eleventh Administration in Wisconsin commenced at noon on the 6th day of January, 1868. This was the commencement of Governor Fairchild's second term. On the eighth of January, 1868, began the twenty-first regular session of the legislature of Wisconsin. A. M. Thomson was elected speaker of the assembly. Of the laws of a general nature passed by this legislature, was one abolishing the office of bank comptroller, transferring his duties to the state treasurer, and another providing for the establishing of libraries in the various townships of the State. A visible effect was produced by the constitutional amendment allowing members a salary, in abreviating this session, though not materially diminishing the amount of bnsiness transacted. A sine die adjournment took place on the sixth of March. At the election in April, 1868, Chief Justice Dixon was chosen for the unexpired balance of ihis own term, ending on the first Monday of January, 1870. At the same election, Byron Paine was chosen associate justice for the unexpired balance of Associate Justice Downer's term, ending the ist day of January, 1872. At the Fall election in this year, republican electors were chosen over those upon the democratic ticket, for president and vice president ; and, as a consequence, Grant and Colfax received the vote of Wisconsin. Of the members elected at the same time, to the forty-first •congress, all but one were republicans — Eldredge being a democrat. The successful ticket was : H. E. Paine, from the first district ; B. F. Hopkins, from the second ; Amasa Cobb, from the third ; C. A. Eldredge, from the fourth; Philetus Sawyer, from the fifth, and C. C. Washburn, from the sixth district. These were all members, form their respective districts, in the previous congress — the only instance since Wisconsin became a State of a re-election of all the incum bents. On the thirteenth of January, 1869, began the twenty-second regular session of the State legislature. A. M. Thomson was elected speaker of the assembly. A very important duty imposed upon both houses was the election of a United States senator in the place of James R. Doolittle. The republicans having a majority in the legislature on joint ballot, the excitement among the members belonging to that party rose to a high pitch. The candidates for nomina tion were Matthew H. Carpenter and C. C. Washburn. The contest was, up to that time, unparalleled in Wisconsin for the amount of personal interest manifested. Both gentlemen had a large lobby influence assembled at Madison. Carpenter was successful before the republican nominating convention, on the sixth ballot. On the twenty-seventh of January, the two houses proceeded to ratify the nomirfation by electing him United States senator for six years, from the fourth of March following. One of the most important transactions entered into by the legis lature of 1869 was the ratification of the suffrage amendment to the constitution of the United States. Both houses adjourned sine die on the eleventh of March — a very short session. At the spring election, on the 6th of April, Luther S. Dixon was re-elected without opposition, chief justice of the supreme court, for a term of six years, from the first Monday in January next ensuing. In the Fall, both democrats and republicans put a State ticket in the field for the ensuing election: the republicans were successful, electing Lucius Fairchild, governor; Thad- deus C. Pound, lieutenant governor; Llywelyn Breese, secretary of state ; Henry Baetz, state treasurer ; S. S. Barlow, attorney general ; george F. Wheeler, state prison commissioner ; and A. L. Craig, superintendent of public instruction. The office of bank comptroller expired on the 31st day of December, 1869, the duties of the office being transferred to the state treasurer. 94 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. At this election, an amendment to sections 5 and 9 of article five of the constitution of the State was ratified and adopted by the people. Under this amendment, the governor receives, during his continuance in office, an annual compensation of five thousand dollars, which is in full for all traveling or other expenses incident to his duties. The lieutenant governor receives, during his continuance in office, an annual compensation of one thousand dollars. Twelfth Administration. — Lucius Fairchild, Governor (third term) — 1870-1871. On the third of January, 1870, commenced the twelfth administration in Wisconsin, Gov ernor Fairchild thus entering upon his third term as chief executive of the State ; the only instance since the admission of Wisconsin into the Union, of the same person being twice re-elected to that office. It was an emphatic recognition of the value of his services in the gubernatorial chair. On the twelfth of January, the twenty-third regular session of the legis lature of the State commenced at Madison. James M. Bingham was elected speaker of the assembly. Before the expiration of the month, Governor Fairchild received official information that over two hundred thousand dollars of the war claim of Wisconsin upon the General Govern ment had been audited, considerable more than one hundred thousand having the previous year been allowed. In the month of March, an energetic effort was made in the legislature, by members from Milwaukee, to remove the seat of government from Madison to their city ; but the project was defeated by a considerable majority in the assembly voting to postpone the matter indefinitely. According to section eight of article one of the constitution, as originally adopted, no person could be held to answer for a criminal offense unless on the presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in certain cases therein specified. The legislature of 1869 proposed an amendment against the " grand jury system " of the constitution, and referred it to the legislature of 1870 for their approval or rejection. The latter took up the proposition and agreed to it by the proper majority, and submitted it to the people at the next election for their ratification. The sine die adjournment of both houses took place on the seventeenth of March, 1870. On the first day of January, previous, the member of congress from the second district of the State, B. F. Hopkins, died, and David Atwood, republican, was elected to fill the vacancy on the fifteenth of February following. Early in 1870, was organized the " Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters." By an act of the legislature approved March 16, of that year, it was incorporated, having among its specific objects, researches and investigations in the various departments of the material, meta physical, ethical, ethnological and social sciences; a progressive and thorough scientific survey of the State, with a view of determining its mineral, agricultural and other resources; the advancement of the useful arts, through the application of science, and by the encouragement of original invention; the encouragement of the fine arts, by means of honors and prizes awarded to artists for original works of superior merit; the formation of scientific, economical and art museums ; the encouragement of philological and historical research ; the collection and preservation of historic records, and the formation of a general library; and the diffusion of knowledge by the publication of original contributions to science, literature and the arts. The academy has already published four volumes of transactions, under authority of the State. The fourth charitable institution established by Wisconsin was the " Northern Hospital for the Insane," located at Oshkosh, Winnebago county. It was authorized by an act of the legis lature approved March to, 1870. The law governing the admission of patients to this hospital. is the same as to the Wisconsin State Hospital. WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 95 On the third day of July, 1870, A. J. Craig, superintendent of public instruction, died of consumption, and Samuel Fallows was, on the 6th of that month, appointed by the governor to fill the place made vacant by his death. The census taken this year by the General Govern ment, showed the population of Wisconsin to be over one million sixty-four thousand. At the Fall election for members to the forty-second congress, Alexander Mitchell was chosen to represent the first district; G. W. Hazelton, the second; J. A. Barber, the third; C. A. Eldredge, the fourth; Philetus Sawyer, the fifth; and J. M. Rusk, the sixth district. Mitchell and Eldredge were democrats; the residue were republicans. The amendment to section 8, of article 7 of the constitution of the State, abolishing the grand jury system was ratified by a large majority. Under it, no person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process of law, and no person, for the same offense, shall be put twice in jeopardy of punishment, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself. All persons shall, "before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when the proof is ¦evident and the presumption great; and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended unless, when in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it. Governor Fairchild, in his last annual message to the legislature, delivered to that body at its twenty-fourth regular session beginning on the eleventh of January, i87i,said that Wisconsin State polity was so wisely adapted to the needs of the people, and so favorable to the growth and prosperity of the commonwealth, as to require but few changes at the hands of the legisla ture, and those rather of detail than of system. At the commencement of this session, William E. Smith wns elected speaker of the assembly. A very carefully-perfected measure of this legislature was one providing for the trial of criminal offenses on information, without the inter vention of a Grand Jury. A state commissioner of immigration, to be elected by the people, was provided for. Both bodies adjourned sine die on the twenty-fifth of March. On the thirteenth •of January preceding, Associate Justice Byroa Paine, of the supreme court, died ; whereupon ,the governor, on the 20th of the same month, appointed in his place, until the Spring election should be held, William Penn Lyon. The latter, at the election in April, was chosen by the people to serve the unexpired time of Associate Justice Paine, ending the first Monday of Jan uary, 1872, and for a full term of six years from the same date.. On the 3d of April, Ole C. Johnson was appointed by the governor state commissioner of immigration, to serve until his successor at the next general election could be chosen by the people. To the end that the administration of public charity and correction should thereafter be conducted upon sound principles of economy, justice and humanity, and that the relations existing between the State and its dependent and criminal classes might be better understood, there was, by an act of the legislature, approved March 23, 1871, a "state board of charities and reform" created — to •consist of five members to be appointed by the governor of the State, the duties of the members being to investigate and supervise the whole system of charitable and correctional institutions supported by the State or receiving aid from the State treasury, and on or before the first day of December in each year to report their proceedings to the executive of the State. This board was thereafter duly organized and its members have since reported annually to the governor their proceedings and the amount of their expenses, as required by law. The "Wisconsin State Horticultural Society," although previously organized, first under the name of the " Wisconsin Fruit Growers' Association," was not incorporated until the 24th of March, 1871 — the object of the society being to improve the condition of horticulture, rural adornment and landscape gardening. By a law of 1868, provision was made for the publication of the society's transactions in connection with the State agricultural society; but by the act 96 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. of 187 1, this law was repealed and an appropriation made for their yearly publication in separate form; resulting in the issuing, up to the present time, of nine volumes. The society holds annual meetings at Madison. At the November election both republicans and democrats had a full ticket for the suffrages of the people. The republicans were successful, electing for governpr, C. C. Washburn ; M. H. Pettitt, for lieutenant governor ; Llywelyn Breese, for secretary of state ; Henry Baetz, for state treasurer; Samuel Fallows, for superintendent of public instruction ; S. S. Barlow, for attorney general ; G. F. Wheeler, for state prison commissioner ; and O. C. Johnson, for state commis sioner of immigration. At this election an amendment to article four of the constitution of the State was ratified and adopted by the people. As it now stands, the legislature is prohibited from enacting any special or private laws in the following cases : 1st. For changing the names of persons or constituting one person the heir-at-law of another. 2d. For laying out, opening, or altering highways, except in cases of State roads extending into more than one county, and mili tary roads to aid in the construction of which lands may be granted by congress. 3d. For authorizing persons to keep ferries across streams, at points wholly within this State. 4th. For authorizing the sale or mortgage of real or personal property of minors or others under disability. 5th. For locating or changing any county seat. 6th. For assessment or collection of taxes or for extending the time for the collection thereof. 7th. For granting corporate powers or privileges, except to cities. , 8th. For authorizing the apportionment of any part of the school fund. 9th. For incorporating any town or village, or to amend the charter thereof. The legislature shall provide general laws for the transaction of any business that may be prohibited in the foregoing cases, and all such laws shall be uniform in their operation throughout the State. Industrially considered, the year 1871 had but little to distinguish it from the average of previous years in the State, except that the late frosts of Spring and the drouth of Summer dimin ished somewhat the yield of certain crops. With the exception of slight showers of only an hour or two's duration, in the month of September, no rain fell in Wisconsin from the eighth of July to the ninth of October — a period of three months. The consequence was a most calamitous event which will render the year 1871 memorable in the history of the State. The great drouth of the Summer and Fall dried up the streams and swamps in Northern Wisconsin. In the forests, the fallen leaves and underbrush which covered the ground became very ignitable. The ground itself, especially in cases of alluvial or bottom lands, was so dry and parched as to burn readily to the depth of a foot or more. For many days preceding the com mencement of the second week in October fires swept through the timbered country, and in some instances over prairies and " openings." Farmers, saw-mill owners, railroad men and all others interested in exposed property, labored day and night in contending against the advance of devouring fires, which were destroying, notwithstanding the ceaseless energies of the people, an occasional mill or. house and sweeping off, here and there, fences, haystacks and barns. Over the counties lying upon Green bay and a portion of those contiguous thereto on the south, southwest and west, hung a general gloom. No rain came. All energies were exhausted from " fighting fire." The atmosphere was every where permeated with smoke. The waters of the bay and even Lake Michigan, in places, were so enveloped as to render navigation difficult and in some instances dangerous. It finally became very difficult to travel upon highways and on railroads. Time drew on— but there came no rain. The ground in very many places was burned over. Persons sought refuge — some in excavations in the earth, others in wells. The counties of Oconto, Brown, Kewaunee, Door, Manitowoc, Outagamie and Shawano were all more or less swept by this besom of destruction ; but in Oconto county, and for some distance into Menomonee county, Michigan, across the Menomonee river, on the west shore of WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 97 the bay and throughout the whole length and breadth of the peninsula, — that is, the territory , lying between the bay and Lake Michigan, — the fires were the most devastating. The first week in October passed ; then came an actual whirlwind of fire — ten or more miles in width and of indefinite length. The manner of its progress was extraordinary. It destroyed a vast amount of property and many lives. It has been described as a tempestuous sea of flame, accompanied by a most violent hurricane, which multiplied the force of the destructive element. Forests, farm improvements and entire villages were consumed. Men, women and children perished — awfully perished. Even those who fled and sought refuge from the fire in cleared fields, in swamps, lakes and rivers, found, many of them, no safety there, but were burned to death or died of suf focation. This dreadful and consuming fire was heralded by a sound likened to that of a railroad train — to the roar of a waterfall — to the noise of a battle at a distance. Not human beings only, but horses, oxen, cows, dogs, swine — every thing that had life — ran to escape the impend ing destruction. The smoke was suffocating and blinding ; the roar of the tempest deafening ; the atmosphere scorching. Children were separated from their parents, and trampled upon by crazed beasts. Husbands and wives rushed in wild dismay, they knew not where. Death rode , triumphantly upon that devastating, fiery flood. More than one thousand men, women and children perished. More than three thousand were rendered destitute — utterly beggared. Mothers were left with fatherless children ; fathers with motherless children. Every where were homeless orphans. All around lay suffering, helpless humanity, burned and maimed. Such was the sickening spectacle after the impetuous and irresistible wave of fire swept over that portion of the State. This appalling calamity happened on the 8th and 9th of October. The loss of property has been estimated at four million dollars. At the tidings of this fearful visitation, Governor Fairchild hastened to the burnt district, to assist, as much as was in his power, the distressed sufferers. He issued, on the 13th of the month, a stirring appeal to the citizens of Wisconsin, for aid. It was promptly responded to from all portions of the State outside the devastated region. Liberal conrributions in money, clothing and provisions were sent — some from other States, and even from foreign countries. Northwestern Wisconsin also suffered severely, during these months of drouth, from large fires. A compilation of the public statutes of Wisconsin was prepared during the year 1871, by David Taylor, and published in two volumes, generally known as the Revised Statutes of 187 1. It was wholly a private undertaking ; but the legislature authorized the secretary of state to purchase five hundred copies for the use of the State, at its regular session in 1872. Thirteenth Administration. — C. C. Washburn, Governor — 1872-1873. The thirteenth gubernatorial administration in Wisconsin commenced on Monday, January 1, 1872. The only changes made, in the present administration from the previous one, were in the offices of governor and lieutenant governor. The twenty-fifth regular session of the legislature began on the 10th of January, with a republican majority in both houses. Daniel Hall was elected speaker of the assembly. The next day the governor delivered to a joint convention of the legislature his first annual message — a lengthy document, setting forth in detail the general condition of State affairs. The recent great conflagrations were referred to, and relief suggested. The work of this session of the Leg islature was peculiarly difficult, owing to the many general laws which the last constitutional amendment made nece-sary. The apportionment of the State into new congressional districts was another perplexing and onerous task. Eight districts were formed instead of six, as at the commencement of the last decade. By this, the fourth congressional apportionment, each district 98 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. elects one member. The first district consists of the counties of Rock, Racine, Kenosha, Wal worth, and Waukesha; the second, of Jefferson, Dane, Sauk, and Columbia ; the third* of Grant, Iowa, LaFayette, Green, Richland, and Crawford ; the fourth, of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, and Wash ington ; the fifth, of Dodge, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Manitowoc ; the sixth, of Green Lake, Waushara, Waupaca, Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Brown, Kewaunee and Door ; the sev enth, of Vernon, La Crosse, Monroe, Jackson, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Pepin, Pierce, St. Croix, Eau Claire, and Clark ; the eighth, of Oconto, Shawano, Portage, Wood, Juneau, Adams, Marquette, Marathon, Dunn, Chippewa, Barron, Polk, Burnett, Bayfield, Douglas, and Ashland. To this district have since been added the new counties of Lincoln, Taylor, Price, Marinette and New. After a session of seventy-seven days, the legislature finished its work, adjourning on the twenty-seventh of March. At the ensuing November election, the republican ticket for presi dent and vice president of the United States was successful. The ten electors chosen cast their votes in the electoral college for Grant and Wilson. In the eight congressional districts, six republicans and two democrats were elected to the forty-third congress ; the last mentioned from the fourth and fifth districts. C. G. Williams represented the first district ; G. W. Hazel- ton the second ; J. Allen Barber the third ; Alexander Mitchell the fourth ; C. A. Eldredge the fifth ; Philetus Sawyer the sixth ; J. M. Rusk the seventh ; and A. G. McDill the eighth district. Throughout Wisconsin, as in all portions of the Union outside the State, a singular pesti lence prevailed among horses in the months of November and December, 1872, very few escap ing. Horses kept in warm, well ventilated stables, avoiding currents of air, with little or no medicine, and fed upon nutritious and laxative food, soon recovered. Although but few died yet the loss to the State was considerable, especially in villages and cities, resulting from the diffi culty to substitute other animals in the place of the horse during the continuance of the disease. The twenty-sixth regular session of the State legislature commenced on the eighth day of January, 1873, with a republican majority in both houses. Henry D. Barron was elected speaker of the assembly. On the ninth, Governor Washburn's message — his second annual one — was delivered to the two houses. It opened with a brief reference to the abundant returns from agricultural pursuits, to the developments of the industries of the state, to the advance in manufacturing, to the rapid extension in railways, and to the general and satisfactory progress in education, throughout Wisconsin. He followed with several recommendations— claiming that "many vast and overshadowing corporations in the United States are justly a source of alarm," and that " the legislature can not scan too closely every measure that should come before it which proposed to give additional rights and privileges to the railways of the state." He also recommended that the " granting of passes to the class of state officials who, through their public office, have power to confer or withhold benefits to a railroad company, be prohibited." The message was favorably commented upon by the press of the state, of all parties. " If Governor Washburn," says one of the opposition papers of his administration, " is not a great statesman, he is certainly not a small politician." One of the first measures of this legislature was the elec tion of United States senator, to fill the place of Timothy O. Howe, whose term of office would expire on the fourth of March next ensuing On the twenty-second of January the two houses met in joint convention, when it was announced that by the previous action of the senate and assembly, Timothy O. Howe was again elected to that office for the term of six years. On the twentieth of March, the legislature adjourned sine die, after a session of seventy-two days. Milton H. Pettitt, the lieutenant governor, died on the 23d day of March following the adjournment. By this sudden and unexpected death, the State lost an upright and conscientious public officer. WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 99 Among the important acts passed by this legislature was one providing for a geological sur vey of the State, to be begun in Ashland and Douglas counties, and completed within four years, by a chief geologist and four assistants, to be appointed by the governor, appropriating for the work an annual payment of thirteen thousand dollars. An act providing for a geological survey, of the State, passed by the legislature, and approved March 25, 1853, authorized the governor to appoint a state geologist, who was to select a suitable person as assistant geologist. Their duties were to make a geological and mineralogical survey of the State. Under this law Edward Daniels, on the first day of April, 1853, was appointed state geologist, superseded on the 12th day of August, 1854, by James G. Percival, who died in office on the 2d of May, 1856, at Hazel Green. By an act approved March 3, 1857, James Hall, Ezra Carr and Edward Daniels were appointed by the legislature geological commissioners. By an act approved April 2, r86o, Hall was made principal of the commission. The survey was interrupted by a repeal, March 21, 1862, of previous laws promoting it. However, to complete the survey, the matter was reinstated by the act of this legislature, approved March 29, the governor, under that act, appointing as chief geologist Increase A. Lapham, April 10, 1873. Another act changed the management of the state prison — providing for the appointment by the governor of three directors; one for two years, one for four years, and one for six years, in place of a state prison commissioner, who had been elected by the people every two years, along with other officers of the State. At the Spring election, Orsamus Cole, who had been eighteen years upon the bench, was re-elected, without opposition, an associate justice of the supreme court, for a term of six years from the first Monday in January following. The two tickets in the field at the Fall election. were the republican and the people's reform. The latter was successful ; the political scepter passing out of the hands of the republicans, after a supremacy in the State continuing unbroken since the beginning of the seventh administration, when A. W. Randall (governor for a second term) and the residue of the State officers were elected — all republicans. The general success among the cultivators of the soil throughout the state during the year, notwithstanding "the crisis," was marked and satisfactory ; but the financial disturbances during the latter part of the Fall and the first part of the Winter, resulted in a general depreciation of prices. Fourteenth Administration. — William R. Taylor, Governor — 1874-75. The fourteenth administration of Wisconsin commenced at noon on Monday, the fifth day of January, 1874, by the inauguration of William R. Taylor as governor; Charles D. Parker, lieutenant governor; Peter Doyle, secretary of state; Ferdinand Kuehn, state treasurer; A. Scott Sloan, attorney general; Edward Searing, superintendent of public instruction; and Martin J. Argard, state commissioner of immigration. These officers were not elected by any distinctive political party as such, but as the representatives of a new political organization, including "all Democrats, Liberal Republicans, and other electors of Wisconsin, friendly to genuine reform through equal and impartial legislation, honesty in office, and rigid economy in the administration of affairs." Among the marked characteristics of the platform agreed upon by the convention nominating the above-mentioned ticket was a declaration by the members that they would " vote for no candidate for office whose nomination is the fruit of his own importunity, or of a corrupt combination among partisan leaders ;" another, " that the sovereignty of the State over corporations of its own creation shall be sacredly respected, to the full extent of protecting the people against every form of monopoly or extor tion," not denying, however, an encouragement to wholesome enterprise on the part of aggre- 100 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. gated capital— this "plank" having special reference to a long series of alleged grievances assumed to have been endured by the people on account of discriminations in railroad charges and a consequent burdensome taxation upon labor — especially upon the agricultural industry of the State. The twenty-seventh regular session of the Wisconsin legislature commenced at Madison on the fourteenth of January. The two houses were politically antagonistic in their majorities ; the senate was republican, while the assembly had a " reform " majority. In the latter branch, Gabriel Bouck was elected speaker. Governor Taylor, on the fifteenth, met the legislature in joint convention and delivered his message. " An era," said he, "of apparent prosperity without parallel in the previous history of the nation, has been succeeded by financial reverses affecting all classes of industry, and largely modifying the standard of values." "Accompanying these financial disturbances," added the governor, " has come an imperative demand from the people for a purer political morality, a more equitable apportionment of the burdens and blessings of government, and a more rigid economy in the administration of public affairs." Among the important acts passed by this legislature was one generally known as the " Potter Law," from the circumstance of the bill being introduced by Robert L. D. Potter, sen ator, representing the twenty-fifth senatorial district of the state. The railroad companies for a number of years had, as before intimated, been complained of by the people, who charged them with unjust discriminations and exorbitantly high rates for the transportation of passengers and merchandize. All the railroad charters were granted by acts at different times of the State leg islature, under the constitution which declares that " corporations may be formed under general laws, but shall not be created by a special act, exeept for municipal purposes and in cases where, in the judgment of the legislature, the objects of the corporations can not be attained under general laws. All general laws, or special acts, enacted under the provisions of this section, may be altered or repealed by the legislature at any time after their passage." The complaints of the people seem to have remained unheeded, resulting in the passage of the "Potter Law." This law limited the compensation for the transportation of passengers, classi fied freight, and regulated prices for its transportation within the State. It also required the governor on or before the first of May, 1874, by and with the consent of the senate, to appoint three railroad commissioners ; one for one year, one for two years, and one for three years, whose terms of office should commence on the fourteenth day of May, and that the governor, thereafter, on the first day of May, of each year, should appoint one commissioner for three years. Under this law, the governor appointed J. H. Osborn, for three years ; George H. Paul, for two years ; and J. W. Hoyt, for one year. Under executive direction, this commission inau gurated its labors by compiling, classifying, and putting into convenient form for public use for the first time, all the railroad legislation of the State. At the outset the two chief railroad corporations of the State — the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul, and the Chicago and Northwestern — served formal notice upon the governor of Wis consin that they would not respect the provisions of the new railroad law. Under his oath of office, to support the constitution of the State, it was the duty of Governor Taylor tc expedite all such measures as should be resolved upon by the legislature, and to take care that the laws be faithfully executed. No alternative, therefore, was left the chief executive but to enforce the law by all the means placed in his hands for that purpose. He promptly responded to the noti fication of the railroad companies by a proclamation, dated May 1, 1874, in which he enjoined compliance with the statute, declaring that all the functions of his office would be exercised in faithfully executing the laws, and invoking the aid of all good citizens thereto. " The law of the land," said Governor Taylor, " must be respected and obeyed." " While none," continued he, WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 101 " are so weak as to be without its protection, none are so strong as to be above its restraints. If provisions of the law be deemed oppressive, resistance to its mandates will not abate, but rather multiply the anticipated evils." "It is the right," he added, "of all to test its validity through the constituted channels, but with that right is coupled the duty of yielding a general obedience to its requirements until it has been pronounced invalid by competent authority." The railroad companies claimed not merely the unconstitutionality of the law, but that its enforcement would bankrupt the companies and suspend the operation of their lines. The governor, in reply, pleaded the inviolability of his oath of office and his pledged faith to the people. The result was an appeal to the courts, in which the State, under the direction of its governor, was compelled to confront an array of the most formidable legal talent of the country. Upon the result in Wisconsin depended the vitality of much similar legislation in neighboring States, and Governor Taylor and his associate representatives of State authority were thus compelled to bear the brunt of a controversy of national extent and consequence. The contention extended both to State and United States courts, the main question involved being the constitutional power of the State over corporations of its own creation. In all respects, the State was fully sustained in its position, and, ultimately, judgments were rendered against the corporations in all the State and federal courts, including the supreme court of the United States, and estab lishing finally the complete and absolute power of the people, through the legislature, to modify or altogether repeal the charters of corporations. Another act of the session of 1874 abolished the office of State commissioner of immigra tion, "on and after " the first Monday of January, 1876. The legislature adjourned on the twelfth of March, 1874, after a session of fifty-eight days. The office of state prison commissioner having, by operation of law, become vacant on the fifth day of January, 1874, the governor, on the twenty-third of that month, appointed for State prison directors, Joel Rich, for twj years; William E. Smith, for four years; and Nelson Dewey, for six years : these to take the place of that officer. On the sixteenth of June, Chief Justice Dixon, whose term of office would have expired on the first Monday in January, 1876, resigned his seat upon the bench of the supreme court, Governor Taylor appointing Edward G. Ryan in his place until his successor should be elected and qualified. At the November election of this year, the members chosen to the forty-fourth congress were — Charles G. Williams, from the first district; Lucian B. Caswell, from the second ; Henry S. Magoon, from the third ; William Pitt Lynde, from the fourth ; Samuel D. Burchard, from the fifth; A. M. Kimball, from the sixth; Jeremiah M. Rusk, from the seventh,. and George W. Cate, from the eighth district. Lynde, Burchard and Cate were " reform ; " the •residue were republican. At the same election, an amendment to section 3 of article 11 of the constitution of the State was duly ratified and adopted by the people. Under this section, as it now stands, it is the duty of the legislature, and they are by it empowered, to provide for the organization of cities and incorporated villages, and to restrict their power of taxation, assessment, borrowing money, contracting debts, and loaning their credit, so as to prevent abuses in assessments and taxation, and in contracting debts, by such municipal corporations. No county, city, town, village, school district, or other municip- corporation, shall be allowed to become indebted in any manner, or for any purpose, to 2- . ..ount, including existing indebtedness in the aggregate,. exceeding five per centum on the vai.e of the taxable property therein, to be ascertained by the last assessment for State and county taxes previous to the incurring of such indebtedness. Any county, city, town, village, school district, or other municipal corporation, incurring any indebt edness as aforesaid, shall, before, or at the time of doing so, provide for the collection of a direct 102 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. annual tax sufficient to pay the interest on such debt as it falls due, and also to pay and discharge the principal thereof within twenty years from the time of contracting the same. In 1872, the first appropriation for fish culture in Wisconsin was made by the legislature, subject to the direction of the United States commissioner of fisheries. In 1874, a further sum was appropriated, and the governor of the State authorized to appoint three commissioners, whose duties were, upon receiving any spawn or fish, by or through the United States commis sioner of fish and fisheries, to immediately place such spawn in the care of responsible pisci culturists of the State, to be hatched and distributed in the different waters in and surrounding Wisconsin. Two more members have since been added by law to the commission ; their labors have been much extended, and liberal appropriations made to further the object they have in view — with flattering prospects of their finally being able to stock the streams and lakes of the State with the best varieties of food fish. The year 1874, in Wisconsin, was characterized as one of general prosperity among farmers, excepting the growers of wheat. The crop of that cereal was light, and, in places, entirely destroyed by the chinch-bug. As a consequence, considerable depression existed in business in the wheat-growing districts. Trade and commerce continued throughout the year at a low ebb, the direct result of the monetary crisis of 1873. The legislature commenced its twenty-eighth regular session on the thirteenth of January, 1875, with a republican majority in both houses. F. W. Horn was elected speaker of the assembly. The governor delivered his message in person, on the fourteenth, to the two houses. " Thanking God for all His mercies," are his opening words, " I congratulate you that order and peace reign throughout the length and breadth of our State. Our material prosperity has not fulfilled our anticipations. But let us remember that we bear no burden of financial depression not common to all the States, and that the penalties of folly are the foundation of wisdom." In regard to the " Potter Law," the governor said, " It is not my opinion that this law expressed the best judgment of the legislature which enacted it. While the general principles upon which it is founded command our unqualified approbation, and can never be surrendered, it must be conceded that the law is defective in some of its details. . . . The great object sought to be accomplished by our people," continued the speaker, "is not the management of railroad property by themselves, but to prevent its mismanagement by others." Concerning the charge that Wisconsin was warring upon railways within her limits, the governor added, " She has never proposed such a war. She proposes none now. She asks only honesty, justice and the peace of mutual good will. To all men concerned, her people say in sincerity and in truth that every dollar invested in our State shall be lawfully entitled to its just protection, whencesoever the danger comes. In demanding justice for all, the State will deny justice to none. In forbidding mismanagement, the State will impose no restraints upon any management that is lunest and just. In this, the moral and hereditary instincts of our people furnish a stronger bond of good faith than the judgments of courts or the obligations of paper constitutions. Honest capital may be timid and easily frightened; yet it is more certain to seek investment among a people whose laws are at all times a shield for the weak and a reliance for the strong — where the wholesome restraints of judicious legislation are felt alike by the exalted and the humble, the rich and the poor." The first important business to be transacted by this legislature was the election of a United States senator, as the term for which M. H Carpenter had been elected would expire on the fourth of March ensuing. Much interest was manifested in the matter, not only in the two houses, but throughout the State. There was an especial reason for this ; for, although the then WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 103 incumbent was a candidate for re-election, with a republican majority in the legislature, yet it was well known that enough members of that party were pledged, before the commencement of the session, to vote against him, to secure his defeat, should they stand firm to their pledges. The republicans met in caucus and nominated Carpenter for re-election; but the recalcitrant members held themselves aloof. Now, according to usual precedents, a nomination by the domi nant party was equivalent to an election ; not so, however, in this case, notwithstanding the friends of the nominee felt sanguine of his election in the end. The result of the first ballot, on the twenty-sixth of January, was, in the senate, thirteen for the republican candidate ; in the assembly, forty-six votes, an aggregate of only fifty-nine. He lacked four votes in the assembly and an equal number in the senate, of having a majority 1.1 each house. On the twenty-seventh, the two houses, in joint convention, hiving met to compare the record of the voting the day previous, and it appearing that no one person had received a majority of the votes in each house for United States senator, they proceeded to their first joint ballot. The result was, no election. The balloting was continued each day, until the third of February, when, on the eleventh joint trial, Angus Cameron, of LaCrosse, haying received sitxty-eight votes, to Carpenter's fifty-nine, with five scattering, was declared elected. As in the previous session so in this, — one of the most absorbing subjects before the legisla ture was that of railroads; the " Potter Law" receiving a due share of attention in both houses. The result was an amendment in some important particulars without changing the right of State control : rates were modified. The law as amended was more favorable to the railroad compa nies and was regarded as a compromise. The legislature adjourned sine die on the 6th of Marc h. This was the shortest session ever held in the State except one of twenty-five years previous. On the 16th of February, O. W. Wight was appointed by the governor chief geologist of Wisconsin, in place of I. A. Lapham, whose appointment had not been acted upon by the Senate. On the 24th of the same month, J. W. Hoyt was appointed railroad commissioner for three years from the first day of May following, on which day his one-year term in the same office would expire. At the regular Spring election on the 6th of April following, Edward G. Ryan was elected, without opposition, chief justice of the supreme court for the unexpired term of Chief Justice Dixon, ending the first Monday in January, 1876, and for a full term of six years from the last mentioned date ; so that his present term of office will expire on the ist Monday in Jan uary, 1882. An act providing for taking the census of Wisconsin on or before the ist of July, 1875, was passed by the legislature and approved the 4th of March pievious. It required an enumeration of all the inhabitants of the State except Indians, who were not entitled to the right of suffrage. The result of this enumeration gave a total population to Wisconsin of one million two hundred and thirty-six thousand seven hundred and twenty-nine. At the November election, republican and " reform '' tickets were in the field for State officers, resulting in the success of the latter, except as to governor. For this office Harrison Ludington was chosen by a majority, according to the State board of canvassers, over William R. Taylor, of eight hundred and forty-one. The rest of the candidates elected were : Charles D. Parker, lieutenant governor; Peter Doyle, secretary of state; Ferdinand Kuehn, treasurer of state , A. Scott Sloan, attorney general ; and Edward Searing, superintendent of public instruction. The act abolishing the office of state commissionei of immigration was to take effect " on and after " the close of this administration ; so, 01 course, no person was voted for to fill that position at the Fall election of 1875. During this administration the principle involved m a long-pending controversy between the State and Minnesota relating to valuable harbor privileges at the head of Lake Superior, was suc cessfully and finally settled in favor of Wisconsin. The influence of the executive was largely 104 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. instrumental in initiating a movement which resulted in securing congressional appropriations amounting to $800,000 to the Fox and Wisconsin river improvement. A change was inaugu rated in the whole system of timber agencies over State and railroad lands, by which the duties of agents were localized, and efficiency was so well established that many important trespasses were brought to light from which over $60,000 in penalties was collected and paid into the Treasury, while as much more was subsequently realized from settlements agreed upon and proceedings instituted. By decisive action on the part of the governor an unsettled printing claim of nearly a hundred thousand dollars was met and defeated in the courts. During this period also appro priations were cut down, and the rate of taxation diminished. Governor Taylor bestowed unre mitting personal attention to details of business with a view of promoting the public interests with strict economy, while his countenance and support was extended to all legitimate enter prises. He required the Wisconsin Central railroad company to give substantial assurance that it would construct a branch line from Stevens Point to Portage City as contemplated by congress, before issuing certificates for its land grants. The closing year of the century of our national existence — 1875, was one somewhat discour aging to certain branches of the agricultural interests of Wisconsin. The previous Winter had been an unusually severe one. A greater breadth of corn was planted than in any previous year in the State, but the unusually late season, followed by frosts in August and September, entirely ruined thousands of acres of that staple. Fifteenth Administration. — Harrison Ludington, Governor — 1876-1877. The fifteenth administration of Wisconsin commenced at noon on Monday, January 3, 1876, by the inauguration of State officers — -Harrison Ludington, as previously stated, having been elected upon the republican ticket, to fill the chief executive office of the State ; the others, to the residue of the offices, upon the democratic reform ticket : the governor, like three of his predecessors — Farwell, Bashford, and Randall (first term) — having been chosen by a majority less than one thousand ; and, like two of his predecessors — Farwell and Bashford — when all the other State officers differed with him in politics. The twenty-ninth regular session of the legislature of Wisconsin began on the 12th of Janu ary, 1876, at Madison. The republicans were in the majority in both houses. Samuel S. Fifield was elected speaker of the assembly. On the 13th, Governor Ludington delivered in person, to a joint convention of that body, his message, communicating the condition of affairs of the State, and recommending such matters for the consideration of the legislators as were thought expedient : it was brief; its style condensed ; its striking peculiarity, a manly frankness. " It is not the part of wisdom," said he, in his concluding remarks, " to disguise the fact that the people of this State, in common with those of all sections of the Union, have suffered some abatement of the prosperity that they have enjoyed in the past." "We have entered," he continued, "upon the centennial of our existence as an independent nation. It is fit that we should renew the spirit in which the Republic had its birth, and our determination that it shall endure to fulfill the great purposes of its existence, and to justify the noble sacrifices of its founders." The legislature adjourned sine die on the 14th of March, 1876, after a session of sixty-three days. The chief measures of the session were : The amendment of the railroad laws, maintaining salutary restric tions while modifying those features which were crippling and crushing an important interest of the State ; and the apportionment of the State into senate and assembly districts. It is a pro vision of the constitution of the State that the number of the members of the assembly shall never be less than fifty-four, nor more than one hundred ; and that the senate shall consist of a number not more than one-third nor less than one-fourth of the number of the members of the WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 105 assembly. Since the year 1862, the aggregate allotted to both houses had been one hundred and thirty-three, the maximum allowed by the constitution; one hundred in the assembly and thirty- three in the senate. The number of this representation was not diminished by the apportion ment of 1876. One of the railroad laws abolished the board of railroad commissioners, confer ring its duties upon a railroad commissioner to be appointed by the governor every two years. Under this law. Dana C. Lamb was appointed to that office, on the 10th of March, 1876. On the 2d day of February, previous, George W. Burchard was by the governor appointed state prison director for six years, in place of Joel Rich, whose term of office had expired. On the same day T. C. Chamberlin was appointed chief geologist of Wisconsin in place of O. W. Wight. The application of Miss Lavinia Goodell, for admission to the bar of Wisconsin, was rejected by the supreme court of the State, at its January term, 1876. "We can not but think," .said Chief Justice Ryan, in the decree of refusal, " we can not but think the common law wise in excluding women from the profession of the law." "The profession," he added, "enters largely into the well-being of society, and, to be honorably filled., aiid safely to society, exacts the devotion of life. The law of nature destines and qualifies the female sex for the bearing and nurture of the children of our race, and for the custody of the homes of the world, and their maintenance in love and honor. And all life-long callings of women inconsistent with these radical and social duties of their sex, as is the profession of the law, are departures from the order of Nature, and, when voluntary, are treason against it." By a law since passed, no person can be denied admi-sion to any court in the State on account of sex; and Miss Goodell has been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court. By an act of the legislature, approved March 13, 1876, a State board of health was estab lished, the appointment of a superintendent of vital statistics, was provided for, and certain duties were assigned to local boards of health. The State board was organized soon after; the governor having previously appointed seven persons as its members. The object of the organization, which is supported by the State, is, to educate the people of Wisconsin into a better knowledge of the nature and causes of disease, and a better knowledge and observance of hygienic laws. By a law passed in 1868, as amended in 1870 and 1873, the secretary of state, state treasurer, and attorney general, were constituted a State board of assessment, to meet in the city of Madison, on the third Wednesday in May, 1874, and biennally thereafter, to make an equalized valuation of the property in the State, as a guide to assessment for taxation. In the tables of equalized valuations compiled by this board in 1876, the whole amount of taxable property in Wisconsin, is set down at $423,596,290 ; of which sum $337,073,148, represents real estate and $86,523,142 personal property. This being the year for the election of president and vice president of the United States, the two political parties in Wisconsin — republican and democratic — had tickets in the field. At the election on Tuesday, November 7, the republican presidential electors received a majority of the votes cast in the State, securing Wisconsin for Hayes and Wheeler. The eight congressional districts elected the same day their members to the forty-fifth congress, whose terms of office would expire on the 4th of March, 1879. Charles G. Williams was elected in the first district; Lucien B. Caswell, in the second; George C. Hazelton, in the third; William P. Lynde, in the fourth; Edward S. Bragg, in the fifth; Gabriel Bouck, in the sixth; H. L. Humphrey, in the seventh; and Thad. C. Pound, in the eighth district. A majority of the delegation was republican, the representatives from the fourth, fifth and sixth districts only, being democrats. 106 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. There was a general and spontaneous exhibition of patriotic impulses throughout the length and breadth of Wisconsin, on the part of both native and foreign-born citizens, at the com mencement of the centennial year, and upon the fourth of July. The interest of the people of the State generally, in the Exposition at Philadelphia, was manifested in a somewhat remarkable manner from its inception to its close. By an act of congress, approved March 3, 187 1, pro vision was made for celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of American Independence, by holding in that city, in 1876, an exhibition of arts, manufactures, and the products of the soil and mines of the country. A centennial commission, consisting of one commissioner and one alternate commissioner, from each State and Territory, was authorized to be appointed, to carry out the provisions of the act. David Atwood, as commissioner, and E. D. Holton, as alternate, were commissioned by the president of the United States, from Wisconsin. This commission gradually made progress in preparing for an international exposition. " The commission has been organized," said Governor Washburn, in his message to the legislature in January, 1873, "and has made considerable progress in its work. The occasion will be one to which t"he American people can not fail to respond in the most enthusiastic manner." The president of the United States, by proclamation, in July, 1873, announced the exhibition and national celebra tion, and commended them to the people of the Union, and of all nations. " It seems fitting," said Governor Taylor, in his message to the Wisconsin legislature in 1874, " that such a cele bration of this important event, should be held, and it is hoped it will be carried out in a manner worthy of a great and enlightened nation." By the close of 1874, a large number of foreign governments had signified their intention to participate in the exhibition. The legislature of Wisconsin, at its session in 1875, deeming it essential that the State, with its vast resources in agricultural, mineral, lumbering, manufacturing, and other products and industries, should be fully represented at Philadelphia, passed an act which was approved March 3, 1875, to provide for a " Board of State Centennial Managers." Two thousand dollars were appropriated to pay its necessary expenses. The board was to consist of five members to be appointed by the governor ; and there were added thereto, as ex-officio members, the United States centennial commissioner and his alternate. The duties of the members were to dis seminate information regarding the Exhibition ; to secure the co-operation of industrial, scien tific, agricultural, and other associations in the State ; to appoint co-operative local committees, representing the different industries of the State ; to stimulate local action on all measures intended to render the exhibition successful, and a worthy representation of the industries of the country ; to encourage the production of articles suitable for the Exhibition ; to distribute documents issued by the centennial commission among manufacturers and others in the State; to render assistance in furthering the financial and other interests of the exhibition ; to furnish information to the commission on subjects that might be referred to the board ; to care for the interests of the State and of its citizens in matters relating to the exhibition ; to receive and pronounce upon applications for space ; to apportion the space placed at its disposal among the exhibitors from the State ; and to supervise such other details relating to the representation of citizens of Wisconsin in the Exhibition, as might from time to time be delegated by, the United States centennial commission. The board was required to meet on the first Wednesday of April, 1875, at the capitol, in Madison, to organize and adopt such by-laws and regulations as might be deemed necessary for the successful prosecution of the work committed to their charge Governor Taylor appointed Eli Stilson, J. I. Case, J. B. Parkinson, T. C. Pound, and E. A. Calkins, members of the board. Its organization was perfected, at the appointed time, by the election of J. B. Parkinson as pre sident, and W. W. Field, secretary. The ex-officio members of the board, were David Atwood, WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 107 United States commissioner, and E. D. Holton, alternate. From this time forward, the board was untiring in its efforts to secure a full and proper representation of the varied interests of Wisconsin in the centennial exhibition of 1876. E. A. Calkins having resigned his position as member of the board, Adolph Meinecke took his place by appointment of the governor July 24, 1875. Governor Ludington, in his message to the legislature in January, 1876, spoke in commendation of the coming exhibition. " The occasion," said he, " will afford an excellent opportunity to display the resources and products of the State, and to attract hither capital and immigration." Soon after the organization of the United States centennial commission, a national organ ization of the women of the country was perfected. A lady of Philadelphia was placed at its head; and 0 presiding officer from each State was appointed. Mrs. A. C. Thorp assumed the duties of chairman for Wisconsin, in March, 1875, appointing assistants in various parts of the State, when active work was commenced. This organization was efficient in Wisconsin in arousing an interest in the general purposes and objects of the exhibition. By an act of the legislature, approved March 3, 1876, the sum of twenty thousand dollars was appropriated to the use of the board of centennial managers, for the purpose of arranging for, and making a proper exhibition of, the products, resources, and advantages of the State at the exposition. The treasurer of Wisconsin wa§, by this act, made an ex-officio member of the board. By this and previous action of the legislature— by efforts put forth by the board of managers — by individual enterprise — by the untiring labors of the "Women's Centennial Execu tive Committee," to whom, by an act of the legislature, approved the 4th of March, 1875, one thousand dollars were appropriated — Wisconsin was enabled to take a proud and honorable position in the Centennial Exposition — a gratification not only to the thousands of her citizens who visited Philadelphia during its continuance, but to the people generally, throughout the State. In Wisconsin, throughout the centennial year, those engaged in the various branches of agriculture and other useful avocations, were reasonably prosperous. The crop of wheat and oats was a light yield, and of poor quality ; but the corn crop was the largest ever before raised in the State, and of superior quality. The dairy and hog product was large, and commanded remunerative prices. Fruits were unusually plenty. Trade and business enterprises, however, generally remained depressed. By section five of article seven of the constitution of Wisconsin, the counties of the State were apportioned into five judicial circuits : the county of Richland being attached to Iowa, Chippewa to Crawford, and La Pointe to St. Croix. In 1850, the fifth circuit was divided, and a sixth circuit formed. In 1864, Crawford and Richland were made part of the fifth circuit. By an act which took effect in 1854, a seventh circuit was formed. On the first day of January, 1855, the sixth circuit was divided, and an eighth and ninth circuit formed, the county of Columbia being made a part of the last mentioned one. In the same year was also formed a tenth circuit; and, in 1858, Winnebago county was attached to it;- but, in 1870, that county was attached to the third circuit. In 1858, Kewaunee county was attached to the fourth circuit. An eleventh circuit was formed in 1864, from which, in 1865, Dallas county was detached, and made part of the eighth. By an act which took effect on the first day of January, 187 1, the twelfth circuit was formed. In 1876, a thirteenth circuit was " constituted and re-organized." At that time, the whole sixty counties of the State stood apportioned in the thirteen judicial circuits as follows: First circuit, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha; second circuit, Milwaukee, and Waukesha , third circuit, Green Lake, Dodge, Washington, Ozaukee, and Winnebago ; fourth circuit, Sheboygan, Calumet, Kewaunee, Fond du Lac, and Manitowoc ; fifth circuit, 108 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Grant, Iowa, La Fayette, Richland, and Crawford ; sixth circuit, Clark, Jackson, Monroe, La Crosse, and Vernon ; seventh circuit, Portage, Marathon, Waupaca, Wood, Waushara, Lincoln, and Taylor; eighth circuit, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, and St. Croix; ninth circuit, Adams, Columbia, Dane, Juneau, Sauk and Marquette ; tenth circuit, Outagamie, Oconto, Shawano, Door, and Brown • eleventh circuit, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, and Polk ; twelfth circuit, Rock, Green, and Jefferson ; and the thirteenth circuit, Buffalo, Eau Claire, and Trempeleau, Marinette and New are now in the tenth ; Price is in the seventh circuit. The thirtieth regular session of the legislature of Wisconsin commenced, pursuant to law, on the ioth of January, 1877. The republicans had working majorities in both houses. J. B. Cassoday was elected Speaker of the Assembly. Governor Ludington delivered his message to the joint convention of the legislature the following day. " We should not seek," said he, in his concluding remarks, " to conceal from ourselves the fact that the prosperity which our people have enjoyed for a number of years past, has suffered some interruption. Agriculture has ren dered less return; labor in all departments has been less productive, and trade has consequently been less active, and has realized a reduced percentage of profit." " These adverse circum stances," continued the governor, "will not be wholly a misfortune if we heed the lesson that they convey. This lesson is the necessity of strict economy in public and private affairs. We have been living upon a false basis ; and the time has now come when we must return to a solid foundation." The legislature adjourned sine die on the 8th of March, after a session of fifty- eight days, passing three hundred and one acts — one hundred and thirteen less than at the session of 1876 The most important of these, as claimed by the dominant party which passed it, is one for the maintenance of the purity of the ballot box, known as the " Registry Law." On the 3d day of April, at the regular Spring election, William P. Lyon was re-elected, without opposition, an associate justice of the supreme court for six years from the first Monday in January, 1878, his term of office expiring on the first .Monday of January, 1884. Under a law of 1876, to provide for the revision of the statutes of the State, the justices of the supreme court were authorized to appoint three re visors. The persons receiving the appoint ment were David Taylor, William F. Vilas and J. P. C. Cottrill. By an amendatory law of 1877, for the purpose of having the revision completed for the session of 1878, the justices of the supreme court were authorized to appoint two additional revisors, and assign them special duties on the commission. H. S. Orton was appointed to revise the criminal law and proceedings, and J. H. Carpenter to revise the probate laws. Governor Ludington declined being a candidate for renomination. His administration was characterized as one of practical efficiency. As the chief executive officer of Wisconsin, he kept in view the best interests of the State. In matters coming under his control, a rigid system of economy prevailed. There were three tickets in the field presented to the electors of Wisconsin for their suffrages at the general election held on the sixth of November, 1877 : republican, democratic, and the "greenback" ticket. The republicans were successful, electing William E. Smith, governor; James M. Bingham, lieutenant governor; Hans B. Warner, secretary of state; Richard Guenther] treasurer; Alexander Wilson, attorney general; and William C. Whitford, state superintendent of public instruction. At the same election two amendments to the constitution of the State were voted upon and both adopted. The first one amends section four of article seven ; so that, hereafter, " the supreme court shall consist of one chief justice and four associate justices, to be elected by the qualified electors of the State. The legislature shall, at its first session after the adoption of this amendment, provide by law for the election of two associa e justices of said court, to hold their offices respectively for terms ending two and four years, respectively after the WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 109 end of the term of the justice of the said court then last to expire. And thereafter the chief justices and associate justices of said court shall be elected and hold their offices respectively for the term of ten years." The second one amends section two of article eight ; so that, here after, " no money shall be paid out of the treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation by law. No appropriation shall be made for the payment of any claim against the State, except claims of the United States, and judgments, unless filed within six years after the claim accrued." The year 1877, in Wisconsin, was notable for excellent crops. A depression in monetary matters continued, it is true, but not without a reasonable prospect of a change for the better within the near future. Sixteenth Administration. — William E. Smith, Governor — 1878 — 1879. At noon, on Monday, January 7, 1878, began the sixteenth administration of Wisconsin, by the inauguration of the State officers elect. On the 9th of the same month, commenced the thirty-first regular session of the Legislature. A. R. Barrows was elected Speaker of the Assembly. On the day following, Governor Smith delivered his message — a calm, business-like document — to the Legislature. Both Houses adjourned sine die on the 21st of March following. On the ist day of April, Harlow S. Orton and David Taylor were elected Associate Justices of the Supreme Court; the term of the first named to expire on the first Monday of January, 1888 ; that of the last men tioned, on the first Monday of January, 1886. In obedience to a proclamation of the Governor, the Legislature convened on the 4th day of June, A. D. 1878, in extra session, to revise the statutes, A. R. Barrows was elected Speaker of the Assembly. The Legislature adjourned sine die on the 7th of the same month. In November following, the members chosen to the Forty-sixth Congress were C. G. Williams, in the First District ; L. B. Caswell, in the Second ; George C. Hazelton, in the Third ; P. V. Deuster, in the Fourth ; E. S. Bragg, in the Fifth ; Gabriel Bouck, in the Sixth ; H. L. Humphrey, in the Seventh; and T. C. Pound, in the Eighth. The thirty-second regular session of the Legislature commenced on the 8th day of January, 1879. D. M. Kelly was elected Speaker of the Assembly ; the next day, the message of the Governor — a brief, but able State paper — was delivered to both Houses. On the 21st, Matthew H. Carpenter was elected United States Senator for six years, from the 4th of March thereafter, in place of Timothy O. Howe. The Legislature adjourned sine die on the 5th of March, 1879. On trie ist day of April following, Orsamus Cole was elected Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, for a term of ten years. Wisconsin has many attractive features. It is a healthy, fertile, well-watered and well-wooded State. Every where within its borders the lights of each citizen are held sacred. Intelligence and education are prominent characteristics of its people. All the necessaries and many of the comforts and luxuries of life are easily to be obtained. Agriculture, the chief source of wealth to so many nations, is here conducted with profit and success. Generally speaking, the farmer owns the land he cultivates. Here, the laboring man, if honest and industrious, is most certain to secure a competence for himself and family. Few States have made more ample provisions for the unfortunate — the deaf and dumb, the blind, and the insane— than has Wisconsin. Nor has she been less interested in her reformatory and penal institutions. In her educational facilities, she already rivals the most advanced of her sister States. Her markets are* easily reached by rail ways and water-navigation, so that the products of the country find ready sale. Her commerce is extensive ; her manufactures remunerative ; her natural resources great and manifold. In morality and religion, her standard is high. Her laws are lenient, but not lax, securing the greatest good to those who are disposed to live up to their requirements. Wisconsin has, in fact, all the essential elements of prosperity and good government. Exalted and noble, there fore, must be her future career. TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. By T. C. CHAMBERLIN, A. M., State Geologist. The surface features of Wisconsin are simple and symmetrical in character, and present a con figuration intermediate between the mountainous, on the one hand, and a monotonous level, on the other. The highest summits within the state rise a little more than 1,200 feet above its lowest sur faces. A few exceptional peaks rise from 400 to 600 feet above their bases, but abrupt elevations of more than 200 or 300 feet are not common. Viewed as a whole, the state may be regarded as oc cupying a swell of land lying between three notable depressions ; Lake Michigan on the east, about 578 feet above the mean tide of the ocean, Lake Superior on the north, about 600 feet above the sea, and the valley of the Mississippi river, whose elevation at the Illinois state line is slightly below that of Lake Michigan. From these depressions the surface slopes upward to the summit altitudes of the state. But the rate of ascent is unequal. From Lake Michigan the surface rises by a long, gentle acclivity westward and northward. A similar slope ascends from the Mississippi valley to meet this, and their junction forms a north and south arch extending nearly the entire length of the state. From Lake Superior the surface ascends rapidly to the watershed, which it reaches within about thirty miles of the lake. If we include the contiguous portion of the upper peninsula of Michigan, the whole elevation may be looked upon as a very low, rude, three-sided pyramid, with rounded angles. The apex is near the Michigan line, between the headwaters of the Montreal and Brule rivers. The northern side is short and abrupt. The southeastward and southwestward sides are long, and decline gently. The base of this pyramid may be considered as, in round numbers, 600 feet above the sea, and its extreme apex 1,800 feet. Under the waters of Lake Michigan the surface of the land passes below the sea level before the limits of the state are reached. Under Lake Superior the land-surface descends to even greater depths, but probably not within the boundaries of the state. The regularity of the southward slopes is interrupted in a very interesting way by a remarkable diagonal valley occupied by Green bay and the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. This is a great groove, traversing the state obliquely, and cutting down the central elevation half its height. A line passing across the surface, from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi, at any other point, would arch upward from about 400 to 1,000 feet, according to the location, while along the trough of this valley it wduld reach an elevation barely exceeding 200 feet. On the northwest side of this trough, in general, the surface rises somewhat gradually, giving at most points much amplitude to the valley, but on the opposite side, the slope ascends rapidly to a well marked watershed that stretches across the state parallel to the valley. At Lake Winnebago, this diagonal valley is connected with a scarcely less notable one, occupied by the Rock river. Geologically, this Green-bay -Rock- TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. Ill river valley is even more noticeable, since it lies along the trend of the underlying strata, and was in large measure plowed out of a soft stratum by glacial action. Where it crosses the water shed, near Horicon marsh, it presents the same general features that are seen at other points, and in an almost equally conspicuous degree. Except in the southern part of the state, this valley is confined on the east by an abrupt ascent, and, at many points, by a precipitous, rocky acclivity, known as "The Ledge " — which is the projecting edge of the strata of the Niagara limestone. On the watershed referred to — between the St. Lawrence and Mississippi basins — this ledge is as conspicuous and continuous as at other points, so that we have here again the phenomenon of a valley formed by excavation, running up over an elevation of 300 feet, and connecting two great systems of drainage. On the east side of this valley, as already indicated, there is a sharp ascent of 200 feet, on an average, from the crest of which the surface slopes gently down to Lake Michigan. The uniformity of this slope is broken by an extended line of drift hills, lying obliquely along it and extending from Kewaunee county southward to the Illinois line and known as the Kettle range. A less conspicuous range of similar character branches off from this in the northwest corner of Walworth county and passes across the Rock river valley, where it curves northward, passing west of Madison, crossing the great bend in the Wisconsin river, and bearing northeastward into Oconto county, where it swings round to the westward and crosses the northern part of the state. As a general topographical feature it is not conspicuous and is rather to be conceived as a peculiar chain of drift hills winding over the surface of the state, merely interrupting in some degree the regularity of its slopes There will be occasion to return to this feature in our discussion of the drift. It will be observed that the southeastward slope is interrupted by valleys running across it, rudely parallel to Lake Michigan, and directing its drainage northward and southward, instead of directing it down the slope into the lake. The Mississippi slope presents several conspicuous ridges and valleys, but their trend is toward the great river, and they are all due, essentially, to the erosion of the streams that channel the slo;;e. One of these ridges constitutes the divide south of the Wisconsin river, already referred to. Another of these, conspicuous by reason of its narrowness and sharpness, lies between the Kickapoo and the Mississippi, and extends through Crawford, Vernon and Monroe counties. Still another is formed by the quartzite ranges of Sauk county and others of less prominence give a highly diversified character to the slope. Scattered over the surface of the state are prominent hills, some swelling upward into rounded domes, some rising symmetrically into conical peaks, some ascending precipitously into castel lated towers, and some reaching prominence without regard to beauty of form or convenience of description. A part of these hills were formed by the removal by erosion of the surrounding strata, and a part by the heaping up of drift material by the glacial forces. In the former case, they are composed of rock ; in the latter, of clay, sand, gravel and bowlders. The two forms are often combined. The highest peak in the southwestern part of the state is the West Blue mound, which is 1,151 feet above Lake Michigan; in the eastern part, Lapham's peak, 824 feet, and in the central part, Rib hill, 1263 feet. The crest of Penokee range in the northern part of the state rises 1,000 feet, and upwards, above Lake Michigan. The drainage systems correspond in general to these topograpical features, though several minor eccentricities are to be observed. The streams of the Lake Superior system plunge rapidly down their steep slopes, forming numerous falls, some of them possessing great beauty, prominent among which are those of the Montreal river. On the southern slope, the rivers, in the upper portion of their courses, likewise descend rapidly, though less so, producing a succession of rapids, and cascades, and an occasional cataract. In the lower part of their courses, the 112 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. descent becomes much more gentle and many of them are navigable to a greater or less extent. The rivers west of the Wisconsin pursue an essentially direct course to the Mississippi, attended of course with minor flexures. The Wisconsin river lies, for the greater part of its course, upon the north and south arch of the state, but on encountering the diagonal valley above mentioned it turns southwestward to the "Father of Waters." The streams east of the Wisconsin flow southerly and southeasterly until they likewise encounter this valley when they turn in the opposite direction and discharge northeasterly into Lake Michigan, through Green bay. Between the Green-bay-Rock-river valley and Lake Michigan, the drainage is again in the normal southeasterly direction. In the southern part of the state, the rivers flow in a gen eral southerly direction, but, beyond the state, turn westward toward the Mississippi. If the courses of the streams be studied in detail, many exceedingly interesting and instruc tive features will be observed, due chiefly to peculiarities of geological structure, some of which will be apparent by inspecting the accompanying geological map. Our space, however, forbids our entering upon the subject here. The position of the watershed between the great basins of the Mississippi and the St. Law rence is somewhat peculiar. On the Illinois line, it lies only three and one half miles from Lake Michigan and about 160 feet above its surface. As traced northward from this point, it retires from the lake and ascends in elevation till it approaches the vicinity of Lake Winnebago, when it recurves upon itself and descends to the portage between the Fox and the Wisconsin rivers, whence it pursues a northerly course to the heights of Michigan, when it turns westward and passes in an undulating course across the northern part of the state. It will be observed that much the greater area of the state is drained by the Mississippi system. The relationship which the drainage channels have been observed to sustain to the topo graphical features is partly that of cause and partly that of effect. The general arching of the surface, giving rise to the main slopes, is due to deep-seated geological causes that produce an upward swelling of the center of the state. This determined the general drainage systems. On the other hand, the streams, acting upon strata of varying hardness, and presenting different atti tudes, wore away the surface unequally and cut for themselves anomalous channels, leaving corresponding divides between, which gave origin to the minor irregularities that diversify the surface. In addition to this, the glacier — that great ice stream, the father of the drift — planed and plowed the surface and heaped up its debris upon it, modifying both the surface and drainage features Looked at from a causal standpoint, we see the results of internal forces eleviting, and external agencies cutting down, or, in a word, the face of the state is the growth of geologic ages furrowed bv the teardrops of the skies. GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. In harmony with the historical character of this atlas, it may be most acceptable to weave our brief sketch of the geological structure of the state into the form of a narrative of its growth. THE ARCHAEAN AGE. laurentian period. The physical history of Wisconsin can be traced back with certainty to a state of complete submergence beneath the waters of the ancient ocean, by which the material of our oldest and deepest strata were deposited. Let an extensive but shallow sea, covering the whole of the present territory of the state, be pictured to the mind, and let it be imagined to be depositing TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY 113 mud and sand, as at the present day, and we have before us the first authentic stage of the history under consideration. Back of that, the history is lost in the mists of geologic antiquity. The thickness of the sediments that accumulated in that early period was immense, being measured by thousands of feet. These sediments occupied of course an essentially horizontal position, and were, doubtless, in a large degree hardened into beds of impure sandstone, shale, and other sedi mentary rock. But in the progress of time an enormous pressure, attended by heat, was brought to bear upon them laterally, or edgewise, by which they were folded and crumpled, and forced up out of the water, giving rise to an island, the nucleus of Wisconsin. The force which pro duced this upheaval is believed to have arisen from the cooling and consequent contraction of the globe. The foldings may be imaged as the wrinkles of a shrinking earth. But the contor tion of the beds was a scarcely more wonderful result than the change in the character of the rock which seems to have taken place simultaneously with the folding, indeed, as the result of the heat and pressure attending it. The sediments, that seem to have previously taken the form of impure sandstone and shale for the most part, underwent a change, in which re-arrangement and crystalization of the ingredients played a conspicuous part. By this metamorphism, granite, gneiss, mica schist, syenite, hornblende rocks, chloritic schists and other crystalline rocks were formed. These constitute the Laurentian formation and belong to the most ancient period yet distinctly recognized in geology, although there were undoubtedly more ancient rocks. They are therefore very fittingly termed Archaean — ancient — rocks (formerly Azoic.) No remains of life have been found in this formation in Wisconsin, but from the nature of rocks elsewhere, believed to be of the same age, it is probable that the lowest forms of life existed at this time. It is not strange that the great changes through which the rocks have passed should have so nearly obliterated all traces of them. The original extent of this Laurentian island can not now be accurately ascer tained, but it will be sufficiently near the truth for our present purposes to consider the formation as it is now exposed, and as it is represented on the maps of the geological survey, as showing approximately the original extent. This will make it include a large area in the north-central portion of the state and a portion of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. All the rest of the state was beneath the ocean, and the same may be said of the greater portion of the United States The height of ttus island was doubtless considerable, as it has since been very much cut down by denuding agencies. The strata, as now exposed, mostly stand in highly inclined attitudes and present their worn edges to view. The tops of the folds, of which they are the remnants, seem to have been cut away, and we have the nearly vertical sides remaining. HURONIAN PERIOD. As soon as the Laurentian island had been elevated, the waves of the almost shoreless ccean began to beat against it, the elements to disintegrate it, and the rains of the then tropical climate to wash it; and the sand, clay and other debris, thus formed, were deposited beneath the waters around its base, giving rise to a new sedimentary formation. There is no evidence that there was any vegetation on the island : the air and water were, doubtless, heavily charged with carbonic acid, an efficient agent of disintegration: the climate was warm and doubtless very moist — circumstances .which combined to hasten the erosion of the island and increase the deposition in the surrounding sea. In addition to these agencies, we judge from the large amount of carbonaceous matter contained in some of the beds, that there must have been an abundance of marine vegetation, and, from the limestone beds that accumulated, it is probable that there was marine animal life also, since in later ages that was the chief source of limestone strata. The joint accumulations from these several sources gave rise to a series of shales, sandstones and limestones, whose combined thickness was several thousand feet. 114 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. At length the process of upheaval and metamorphism that closed the Laurentian period was repeated, and these sandstones became quartzites; the limestones were crystalized, the shales were changed to slates or schists, and intermediate grades of sediments became diorites, quartz- porphyries and other forms of crystalline rocks. The carbonaceous matter was changed in part to graphite. There were also associated with these deposits extensive beds of iron ore, which we now find chiefly in the form of magnetite, hematite and specular ore. These constitute the Huronian rocks. From the amount of iron ore they contain, they are also fittingly termed the iron-bearing series. As in the preceding case, the strata were contorted, flexed and folded, and the whole island was further elevated, carrying with it these circumjacent strata, by which its extent was much enlarged. The area of the island after receiving this increment was con siderably greater than the surface represented as Laurentian and Huronian on the accompanying map, since it was subsequently covered to a considerable extent by later formations. Penokee range, in Ashland county, is the most conspicuous development of the Huronian rocks in the state. The upturned edge of the formation forms a bold rampart, extending across the country for sixty miles, making the nearest approach to a mountain range to be found within the state. A belt of magnetic schist may be traced nearly its entire length. In the northern part of Oconto county , there is also an important development of this formation, being an extension of the Menomonee iron-bearing series. A third area is found in Barron county, which includes deposits of pipestone. In the south central part of the state there are a considerable number •of small areas and isolated outliers of quartzite and quartz-porphyry, that, without much doubt, belong to this series. The most conspicuous of these are the Baraboo quartzite ranges, in Sauk and Columbia counties, and from thence a chain of detached outliers extends northeasterly through several counties. The most southerly exposure of the formation is near Lake Mills, in Jefferson county. THE COPPER-BEARING SERIES. Previous to the upheaval of the Huronian strata, there occurred in the Lake Superior region events of peculiar and striking interest. If we may not speak with absolute assurance, we may -at least say with reasonable probability, that the crust of the earth was fissured in that region, and that there issued from beneath an immense mass of molten rock, that spread itself over an area of more than three hundred miles in length and one hundred miles in width. The action was not confined to a single overflow, but eruption followed eruption, sometimes apparently in quick succession, sometimes evidently at long intervals. Each outpouring, when solidified, formed a stratum of trap rock, and where these followed each other without any intervening deposit, a series of trappean beds were formed. In some cases, however, an interval occurred, during which the waves, acting upon the rock previously formed, produced a bed of sand, gravel and clay, which afterward solidified into sandstone, conglomerate and shale. The history of these beds is lithographed on their surface in beautiful ripple-marks and other evidences of wave- action. After the cessation of the igneous eruptions, there accumulated a vast thickness of sandstone, shale and conglomerate, so that the whole series is literally miles in thickness. The eruptive portions have been spoken of as traps, for convenience; but they do not now possess the usual characteristics of igneous rocks, and appear to have undergone a chemical metamorphism by which the mineral ingredients have been changed, the leading ones now being an iron chlorite and a feldspar, with which are associated, as accessory minerals, quartz, epidote, prenite, calcite, laumontite, analcite, datolite, magnetite, native copper and silver, and, more rarely, other minerals. The rock, as a whole, is now known as a melaphyr. The upper portion of each bed is usually characterized by almond-sized cells filled with the minerals above men tioned, giving to the rock an amygdaloidal nature. The native copper was not injected in a TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 115 molten state, as has very generally been supposed, but was deposited by chemical means after the beds were formed and after a portion of the chemical change of the minerals above mentioned had been accomplished. The same is true of the silver. The copper occurs in all the different forms of rock — the melaphyrs, amygdaloids, sandstones, shales and conglomerates, but most abundantly in the amygdaloids and certain conglomerates. This series extends across the northern portion of the state, occupying portions of Ashland Bayfield, Douglas, Burnett and Polk counties. When the Huronian rocks were elevated, they carried these up with them, and they partook of the folding in some measure. The copper- bearing range of Keweenaw Point, Michigan, extends southwestward through Ashland, Burnett and Polk counties, and throughout this whole extent the beds dip north-northwesterly toward Lake Superior, at a high angle; but in Douglas and Bayfield counties there is a parallel range in which the beds incline in the opposite direction, and undoubtedly form the opposite side of a trough formed by a downward flexure of the strata. PALEOZOIC TIME — SILURIAN AGE. Potsdam Sandstone. After the great Archsean upheaval, there followed a long period, concerning wnich very little is known — a "lost interval" in geological history. It is only certain that immense erosion of the Archaean strata took place, and that in time the sea advanced upon the island, eroding its strata and redepositing the wash and wear beneath its surface. The more resisting beds with stood this advance, and formed reefs and rocky islands off the ancient shore, about whose bases the sands and sediments accumulated, as they did over the bottom of the surrounding ocean, The breakers, dashing against the rocky cliffs, threw down masses of rock, which imbedded them selves in the sands, or were rolled and rounded on the beach, and at length were buried, in either case, to tell their own history, when they should be again disclosed by the ceaseless gnaw- ings of the very elements that had buried them. In addition to the accumulations of wash and wear that have previously been the main agents of rock-formations, abundant life now swarms in the ocean, and the sands become the great cemetery of its dead. Though the contribution of each little being was small, the myriad millions that the waters brought forth, yielded by their remains, a large contribution to the accumulating sediments. Among plants, there were sea-weeds, and among animals, protozoans, radiates, mollusks and articulates, all the sub-kingdoms except the vertebrates. Among these, the most remarkable, both in nature and number, were the trilobites, who have left their casts in countless multitudes in certain localities. The result of the action of these several agencies was the formation of extensive beds of sandstone, with interstratified layers of limestone and shale. These surrounded the Archsean nucleus on all sides, and reposed on its flanks. On the Lake Superior margin, the sea acted mainly upon the copper and iron- bearing series, which are highly ferruginous, and the result wa, the red Lake Superior sandstone. On the opposite side of the island, the wave-action was mainly upon quartzites, porphyries and gianites, and resulted in light-colored sandstones. The former is confined to the immediate vicinity of Lake Superior; the latter occupies a broad, irregular belt bordering the Archaean area on the south, and, being widest in the central part of the state, is often likened to a rude crescent. The form and position of the area will be best apprehended by referring to the accompanying map. It will be understood from the foregoing description, that the strata of this formation lie in a nearly horizontal position, and repose unconformably upon the worn surface of the crystalline rocks. The close of this period was not marked by any great upheaval; there 116 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. was no crumpling or metamorphism of the strata, and they have remained to the present day very much as they were originally deposited, save a slight arching upward in the central portion of the state. The beds have been somewhat compacted by the pressure of superin cumbent strata and solidified by the cementing action of calcareous and ferruginous waters, and by their own coherence, but the original character of the formation, as a great sand-bed, has not been obliterated. It still bears the ripple-marks, cross-lamination, worm-burrows, and similar markings that characterize a sandy beach. Its thickness is very irregular, owing to the uneven- ness of its Archsean bottom, and may be said to range from 1,000 feet downward. The strata slope gently away from the Archsean core of the state and underlie all the later formations, and may be reached at any point in southern Wisconsin by penetrating to a sufficient depth, which can be calculated with an approximate correctness. As it is a water-bearing formation, and the source of fine Artesian wells, this is a fact of much importance. The interbedded layers of lime stone and shale, by supplying impervious strata, very much enhance its value as a sourceof fountains. Lower Magnesian Limestone. During the previous period, the accumulation of sandstone gave place for a time to the formation of limestone, and afterward the deposit of sandstone was resumed. At its close, with out any very marked disturbance of existing conditions, the formation of limestone was resumed, and progressed with little interruption till a thickness ranging from 50 to 250 feet was attained. This variation is due mainly to irregularities of the upper surface of the formation, which is undulating, and in some localities, may appropriately be termed billowy, the surface rising and falling 100 feet, in some cases, within a short distance. This, and the preceding similar deposit, have been spoken of as limestones simply, but they are really dolomites, or magnesian limestones, since they contain a large proportion of carbonate of magnesia. This rock also contains a notable quantity of silica, which occurs disseminated through the mass of the rock; or, variously, as nodules or masses of chert ; as crystals of quartz, filling or lining drusy cavities, forming beautiful miniature grottos ; as the nucleus of oolitic concretions, or as sand. Some argillaceous matter also enters into its composition, and small quantities of the ores of iron, lead and copper, are sometimes found, but they, give little promise of value. The evidences of life are very scanty. Some sea-weeds, a few mollusks, and an occasional indication of other forms of life embrace the known list, except at a few favored localities where a somewhat ampler fauna is found. But it is not, therefore, safe to assume the absence of life in the depositing seas, for it is certain that most limestone has orignated from the remains of animals and plants that secrete calcareous material, and it is most consistent to believe that such was the case in the present instance, and that the distinct traces of life were mostly obliterated. This formation occupies an irregular belt skirting the Potsdam area. It was, doubtless, originally a somewhat uniform band swinging around the nucleus of the state already formed, but it has since been eroded by streams to its present jagged outline. St. Peter's Sandstone. At the close of this limestone-making period, there appears to have been an interval of which we have no record, and the next chapter of the history introduces us to another era of sand accumulation. The work began by the leveling up of the inequalities of the surface of the Lower Magnesian limestone, and it ceased before that was entirely accomplished in all parts of the State, for a few prominences were left projecting through the sand deposits. The material laid down consisted of a silicious sand, of uniform, well-rounded— doubtless well-rolled— grains. This was evidently deposited horizontally upon the uneven limestone surface, and so rests in a sense TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 117 unconformably upon it. Where the sandstone abuts against the sides of the limestone promi nences, it is mingled with material derived by wave action from them, which tells the story of its formation. But aside from these and other exceptional impurities, the formation is a very pure sandstone, and is used for glass manufacture. At most points, the sandstone has never become firmly cemented and readily crumbles, so that it is used for mortar, the simple handling with pick and shovel being sufficient to reduce it to a sand. Owing to the unevenness of its bottom, it varies greatly in thickness, the greatest yet observed being 212 feet, but the average is less than 100 feet. Until recently, no organic remains had ever been found in it, and the traces now col lected are very meager indeed, but they are sufficient to show the existence of marine life, and demonstrate that it is an oceanic deposit. The rarity of fossils is to be attributed to the porous nature of the rock, which is unfavorable to their preservation. This porosity, however, subserves a very useful purpose, as it renders this pre-eminently a'water-bearing horizon, and supplies some of the finest Artesian fountains in the state, and is competent to furnish many more. It occupies but a narrow area at the surface, fringing that of the Lower Magnesian limestone on the south. Trenton Limestone. A slight change in the oceanic conditions caused a return to limestone formation, accompa nied with the deposit of considerable clayey material, which formed shale. The origin of the limestone is made evident by a close examination of it, which shows it to be full of fragments of shells, corals, and other organic remains, or the impressions they have left. Countless numbers of the lower forms of life flourished in the seas, and left their remains to be comminuted and consolidated into limestone. A part of the time, the accumulation of clayey matter predominated, and so layers of shale alternate with the limestone beds, and shaly leaves and partings occur in the limestone layers. Unlike the calcareous strata above and below, a portion of these are true limestone, containing but a very small proportion ot magnesia. A sufficient amount of carbon aceous matter is present in some layers to cause them to burn readily. This formation is quite highly metalliferous in certain portions of the lead region, containing zinc especially, and con siderable lead, with less quantities of other metals. The formation abounds in' fossils, many of them well preserved, and, from their great antiquity, they possess uncommon interest. All the animal sub-kingdoms, except vertebrates, are represented. The surface area of this rock borders. the St. Peter's sandstone, but, to avoid too great complexity on the map, it is not distinguished from the next formation to which it is closely allied. Its thickness reaches 120 feet. The Galena Limestone. With scarcely a change of oceanic conditions, limestone deposit continued, so that we find reposing upon the surface of the Trenton limestone, 250 feet, or less, of a light gray or buff colored highly magnesian limestone, occurring in heavy beds, and having a sub-crystalline struc ture. In the southern portion of the state, it contains but little shaly matter, but in the north eastern part, it is modified by the addition of argillaceous layers and leaves, and presents a bluish or greenish-gray aspect. It receives its name from the sulphide of lead, — galena, of which it contains large quantities, in the southwestern part of the state. Zinc ore is also abundant, and these minerals give to this and the underlying formation great importance in that region. Else where, although these ores are present in small quantities, they have not developed economic importance. This limestone, though changing its nature, as above stated, occupies a large 'area in the southwestern part of the state, and a broad north and south belt in east-central Wisconsin. It will be seen that our island is growing apace by concentric additions, and that, as the several formations sweep around the central nucleus of Archaean rocks, they swing off into adjoining states, whose formation was somewhat more tardy than that of Wisconsin 118 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Cincinnati Shales. A change ensued upon the formation of the Galena limestone, by virtue of which there fol lowed the deposition of large quantities of clay, accompanied by some calcareous material, the whole reaching at some points a thickness of more than 200 feet. The sediment has never . become more than partially indurated, and a portion of it is now only a bed of compact clay. Other portions hardened to shale or limestone according to the material. The shales are of various gray, green, blue, purple and other hues, so that where vertical cliffs are exposed, as along Green bay, a beautiful appearance is presented. As a whole, this is a very soft formation, and hence easily eroded. Owing to this fact, along the east side of the Green-bay-Rock-river val ley, it has been extensively carried away, leaving the hard overlying Niagara limestone projecting in the bold cliffs known as " The Ledge." The prominence of the mounds in the southwestern part of the state are due to a like cause. Certain portions of this formation abound in astonish ing numbers of well preserved fossils, among which corals, bryozoans, and brachiopods, pre dominate, the first named being especially abundant. A little intelligent attention to these might have saved a considerable waste of time and means in an idle search for coal, to which a slight resemblance to some of the shales of the coal measures has led. This formation underlies the mounds of the lead region, and forms a narrow belt on the eastern margin of the Green-bay-Rock- river valley. This was the closing period of the Lower Silurian Age. Clinton Iron Ore. On the surface of the shales just described, there were accumulated, here and there, beds of pecu liar lenticular iron ore. It is probable that it was deposited in detached basins, but the evidence of this is not conclusive. In our own state, this is chiefly known as Iron Ridge ore, from the remarkable development it attains at that point. It is made up of little concretions, which from their size and co'or are fancied to resemble flax seed, and hence the name " seed ore," or the roe of fish, and hence oolitic ore. "Shot ore" is also a common term. This ii a soft ore occur ring in regular horizontal beds which are quarried with more ease than ordinary limestone. This •deposit attains, at Iron Ridge, the unusual thickness of twenty-five feet, and affords a readily accessible supply of ore, adequate to all demands for a long time to come. Similar, but much less extensive beds, occur at Hartford, and near Depere, besides some feeble deposits elsewhere. Large quantities of ore from Iron Ridge have been shipped to various points in this and neigh boring States for reduction, in addition to that smelted in the vicinity of the mines. Niagara Limestone. Following the period of iron deposit, there ensued the greatest limestone-forming era in the history of Wisconsin. During its progress a series of beds, summing up, at their points of great est thickness, scarcely less thm eight hundred feet, were laid down. The process of formation was essentially that already described, the accumulation of t!ie calcareous secretions of marine life. Toward the close of the period, reefs appeared, that closely resemble the coral reefs of the present seas, and doubtless have a similar history. Corals form a very prominent element in the life of this period, and with them were associated great numbers of mollusks, one of which {Pentamerus oblongus) sometimes occurs in beds not unlike certain bivalves of to-day, and may be said to have been the oyster of the Silurian seas. At certain points, those wonderful animals, the stone lilies (Crinoids), grew in remarkable abundance, mounted on stems like a plant, yet true animals. Those unique crustaceans, the trilobites, were conspicuous in numbers and variety, while the gigantic cephalopods held sway over the life of the seas. In the vicinity of thj reefs, TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 119 there seem to have been extensive calcareous sand flats and areas over which fine calcareous mud settled, the former resulting in a pure granular dolomite, the latter in a compact close-textured stone. The rock of the reefs is of very irregular structure. ¦ Of other portions of the formation, some are coarse heavy beds, some fine, even-bedded, close-grained layers, and some, again, irregu lar, impure and cherty. All are highly magnesian, and some are among the purest dolomites known. The Niagara limestone occupies a broad belt lying adjacent to Lake Michigan. Lower Helderberg Limestone. On Mud creek, near Milwaukee, there is found a thin-bedded slaty limestone, that is believed to represent this period. It has neglected, however, to leave us an unequivocal record of its history, as fossils are extremely rare, and its stratigraphical relations and lithographical character are capable of more than one interpretation. Near the village of Waubeka in Ozaukee county, there is a similar formation, somewhat more fossiliferous, that seems to repre sent the same period. The area which these occupy is very small and they play a most insignifi cant part in the geology of the state. They close the record of the Silurian age in Wisconsin. During its progress the land had been gradually emerging from the ocean and increasing its amplitude by concentric belts of limestone, sandstone and shale. There had been no general disturbance, only those slight oscillations which changed the nature of the forming rock and facilitated deposition. At its close the waters retired from the borders of the state, and an interval supervened, during which no additions are known to have been made to its substructure. DEVONIAN AGE. Hamilton Cement Rock. After a lapse of time, during which the uppermost Silurian and the lowest Devonian strata, as found elsewhere, were formed, the waters again advanced slightly upon the eastern margin of the state and deposited a magnesian limestone mingled with silicious and almuninous material, forming, a combination of which a portion has recently been shown to possess hydraulic properties of a high degree of excellence. With this deposition there dawned a new era in the life-history of Wisconsin. While multitudes of protozoans, radiates, mollusks and articulates. swarmed in the previous seas, no trace of a vertebrate has been found. The Hamilton period witnessed the introduction of the highest type of the animal kingdom into the Wisconsin series. But even then only the lowest class was represented — the fishes. The lower orders of life, as before, were present, but the species were of the less ancient Devonian type. Precisely how far the deposit originally extended is not now known, as it has undoubtedly been much reduced by the eroding agencies that have acted upon it. That portion which remains, occupies a limited area on the lake shore immediately north of Milwaukee, extending inland half a dozen miles. The cement rock proper is found on the Milwaukee river just above the city. At the close of the Hamilton period the oceanic waters retired, and, if they ever subsequently encroached upon our territory, they have left us no permanent record of their intrusion. The history of the formation of the substructure of the state was, it will be observed, in an unusual degree, simple and progressive. Starting with a firm core of most ancient crystalline rocks, leaf upon leaf of stony strata were piled around it, adding belt after belt to the margin of 'he growing island until it extended itself far beyond the limits of our state, and coalesced with the forming continent. An ideal map of the state would show the Archsean nucleus surrounded by concentric bands of the later formations in the order of their deposition. But during all the 120 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. vast lapse of time consumed in their growth, the elements were gnawing, carving and channeling the surface, and the outcropping edges of the formations were becoming more and more jagged, and now, after the last stratum had been added, and the whole had been lifted from the waters that gave it birth, there ensued perhaps a still vaster era, during which the history was simply that of surface erosion. The face of the state became creased with the wrinkles of age. The edges of her rocky wrappings became ragged with the wear of time. The remaining Devonian periods, the great Carboniferous age, the Mesozoic era, and the earlier Tertiary periods passed, leaving no other record than that of denudation. THE GLACIAL PERIOD. With the approach of the great Ice Age, a new chapter was opened. An immense sheet of ice moved slowly, but irresistibly, down from the north, planing down the prominences, filling up the valleys, polishing and grooving the strata, and heaping up its rubbish of sand, gravel, clay and bowlders over the face of the country. It engraved the lines of its progress on the rocks, and, by reading these, we learn that one prodigious tongue of ice plowed along the bed of Lake Michi gan, and a smaller one pushed through the valley of Green bay and Rock river, while another immense ice-stream flowed southwestward through the trough of Lake Superior and onward into Minnesota. The diversion of the glacier through these great channels seems to have left the southwestern portion of the state intact, and over it we find no drift accumulations. With the approach of a warmer climate, the ice-streams were melted backward, leaving their debris heaped promiscuously over the surface, giving it a new configuration. In the midst of this retreat, a series of halts and advances seem to have taken place in close succession, by which the drift was pushed up into ridges and hills along the foot of the ice, after which a more rapid retreat ensued. The effect of this action was to produce that remarkable chain of drift hills and ridges, known as the Kettle range, which we have already described as winding over the surface of the state in a very peculiar manner. It is a great historic rampart, recording the position of the edge of the glacier at a certain stage of its retreat, and doubtless at the same time noting a great climatic or dynamic change. The melting of the glacier gave rise to large quantities of water, and hence to numerous torrents, as well as lakes. There occurred about this time a depression of the land to the north ward, which was perhaps the cause, in part or in whole, of the retreat of the ice. This gave origin to the great lakes. The waters advanced somewhat upon the land and deposited the red clay that borders Lakes Michigan and Superior and occupies the Green bay valley as far up as the vicinity of Fond du Lac. After several oscillations, the lakes settled down into their present positions. Wherever the glacier plowed over the land, it left an irregular sheet of commingled clay, sand, gravel and bowlders spread unevenly over the surface. The depressions formed by its irregularities soon filled with water and gave origin to numerous lakelets. Probably not one of the thousands of Wisconsin lakes had an existence before the glacial period. Wherever the great lakes advanced upon the land, they leveled its surface and left their record in lacustine clays and sandy beach lines. ' With the retreat of the glacier, vegetation covered the surface, and by its aid and the action of the elements our fertile drift soils, among the last and best of Wisconsin's formations, were produced. And the work still goes on- CLIMATOLOGY OF WISCONSIN. By Prof. H. H. OLDENHAGE. The climate of a country, or that peculiar state of the atmosphere in regard to heat and moisture which prevails in any given place, and which directly affects the growth of plants and animals, is determined by the following causes: ist. Distance from the equator. 2d. Distance from the sea. 3d. Height above the sea. 4th. Prevailing winds; and 5th. Local influences, such as soil, vegetation, and proximity to lakes and mountains. Of these causes, the first, distance from the equator, is by far the most important. The warmest climates are necessarily those of tropical regions where the sun's rays are vertical. But in proceeding from the equator toward the poles, less and less heat continues to be received by the same extent of surface, because the rays fall more and more obliquely, and the same amount of heat-rays therefore spread over an increasing breadth of surface ; while, however, with the increase of obliquity, more and more heat is absorbed by the atmosphere, as the amount of air to be penetrated is greater. If the earth's surface were either wholly land or water, and its atmosphere motionless, the gradations of climate would run parallel with the latitudes from' the equator to the poles. But owing to the irregular distribution of land and water and the prevail ing winds, such an arrangement is impossible, and the determination of the real climate of a given region, and its causes, is one of the most difficult problems of science. On the second of these causes, distance from the sea, depends the difference between oce anic and continental climates. Water is more slowly heated and cooled than land ; the climates of the sea and the adjacent land are therefore much more equable and moist than those of the interior. A decrease of temperature is noticeable in ascending high mountains. The rate at which the temperature falls with the height above the sea is a very variable quantity, and is influenced by a variety of causes, such as latitude, situation, moisture, or dryness, hour of the day and season of the year. As a rough approximation, however, the fall of 1° of the thermometer for every 300 feet is usually adopted. Air in contact with any part of the earth's surface, tends to acquire the temperature of that surface. Hence, winds from the north are cold ; those from the south are warm. Winds from the sea are moist, and winds from the land are usually dry. Prevailing winds are the result of the relative distribution of atmospheric pressure blowing from places where the pressure is high est, toward places where it is lowest. As climate practically depends on the temperature and moisture of the air, and as these again depend on the prevailing winds which come charged with the temperature and moisture of the regions they have traversed, it is evident that charts show ing the mean pressure of the atmosphere give us the key to the climates of the different regions of the world. The effect of prevailing winds is seen in the moist and equable climate of West ern Europe, especially Great Britain, owing to the warm and moist southwest winds; and in the extremes of the eastern part of North America, due to the warm and moist winds prevailing in summer and the Arctic blasts of winter. 122 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Among local influences which modify climate, the nature of the soil is one of the most important. As water absorbs much heat, wet, marshy ground usually lowers the mean tempera ture. A sandy waste presents the greatest extremes. The extremes of temperature are also modi fied by extensive forests, which prevent the soil from being as much warmed and cooled as it would be if bare. Evaporation goes on more slowly under the trees, since the soil is screened from the sun. And as the air among the trees is little agitated by the wind, the vapor is left to accumulate, and hence the humidity of the air is increased. Climate is modified in a similar man ner by lakes and other large surfaces of water. During summer the water cools the air and reduces the temperature of the locality. In winter, on the other hand, the opposite effect is pro duced. The surface water which is cooled sinks to lower levels ; the warmer water rising to the surface, radiates heat into the air and thus raises the temperature of the neighboring region. This influence is well illustrated, on a great scale, in our own state by Lake Michigan. It is, lastly, of importance whether a given tract of country is diversified by hills, valleys and mountains. Winds with their warm vapor strike the sides of mountains and are forced up into higher levels of the atmosphere, where the vapor is condensed into clouds. Air coming in con tact, during the night or in winter, with the cooled declivities of hills and rising grounds becomes cooled and consequently denser and sinks to the low-lying grounds, displacing the warmer and lighter air. Hence, frosts often occur at these places, when no trace of them can be found at higher levels. For the same reason the cold of winter is generally more intense in ravines and valleys than on hill tops and high grounds, the valleys being a receptacle for the cold-air currents which descend from all sides. These currents give rise to gusts and blasts of cold wind, which are simply the out-rush of cold air from such basins. This is a subject of great practical impor tance to fruit-growers. In order to understand the principal features of the climate of Wisconsin, and the conditions on which these depend, it is necessary to consider the general climatology of the eastern United States. The chief characteristic of this area as a whole is, that ;t is subject to great extremes — to all those variations of temperature which prevail from the tropical to the Arctic regions. This is principally due to the topographical conditions of our continent. The Rocky mountains con densing the moisture of the warm winds from the Pacific and preventing them from reaching far inland, separate the climate of the Mississippi valley widely from that of the Pacific slope. Between the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic sea there is no elevation to exceed 2,000 feet to arrest the flow of the hot southerly winds of summer, or the cold northerly winds of winter. From this results a variation of temperature hardly equaled in any part of the world. In determining the climates of the United States, western Europe is usually taken as the basis of comparison. The contrast between these regions is indeed very great. New York is in the same latitude with Madrid, Naples and Constantinople. Quebec is not so far north as Paris. London and Labrador are equi-distant from the equator ; but while England, with her mild, moist climate, produces an abundance of vegetation, in Labrador all cultivation ceases. In the latitude of Stockholm and St. Petersburg, at the 60th parallel, we find in eastern North America vast ice fields which seldom melt. The moist and equable climate of western Europe in high latitudes is due to the Gulf Stream and the southwest winds of the Atlantic, which spread their warmth and moisture over the western coast. Comparison, however, shows that the climate of the Pacific coast of North America is quite as mild as that of western Europe ; and this is due to the same kind of influences, namely, to the warm, moist winds and the currents of the Pacific. And to con tinue the comparison still further, in proceeding on both continents from west to east, or from ocean into the interior, we find a general resemblance of climatic conditions, modified greatly, it is true, by local influences. CLIMATOLOGY OF WISCONSIN. 123 The extreme summer climate of the eastern United States is owing to the southerly and southwesterly winds, which blow with great regularity during this season, and, after traversing great areas of tropical seas, bear the warmth and moisture of these seas far inland, and give this region the peculiar semi-tropical character of its summers. The average temperature of summer varies between 8ov for the Gulf states, and 6o° for the extreme north. While in the Gulf states the thermometer often rises to ioo°,in the latitude of Wisconsin this occurs very seldom. During winter the prevailing winds are from the northwest. These cold blasts from the Arctic sea are deflected by the Rocky mountains, sweep down unopposed into lower latitudes, and produce all the rigors of an arctic winter. The mean temperature for this season varies between 6o° for the Gulf coast and 15 ° for the extreme northern part of Wisconsin. In the northern part of the valley the cold is sometimes so intense that the thermometer sinks to the freezing point of mercury. The extreme of heat and cold would give a continental climate if this extreme were not accom panied by a profusion of rain. The southerly winds, laden with moisture, distribute this moist ure with great regularity over the valley. The amount of rainfall, greater in summer than in winter, varies, from the Gulf of Mexico to Wisconsin, from 63 inches to 30 inches. On the At lantic coast, where the distribution is more equal throughout the year on account of its proximity to the ocean, the amount varies, from Florida to Maine, from 63 to 40 inches. The atmospheric movements on which, to a great extent, the climatic conditions of the eastern United States depend, may be summed up as follows : " 1. That the northeast trades, deflected in their course to south and southeast winds in their passage through the Carribean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, are the warm and moist winds which communicate to the Mississippi valley and the Atlantic slope their fertility. " 2. That the prevalence of these winds from May to October communicates to this region a sub-tropical climate. " 3. That in the region bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, the atmospheric disturbances are propagated from south to north ; but in the northern and middle states, owing to a prevailing upper current, from west to east. " 4. That while this upper current is cool and dry, and we have the apparent anomaly of rain storms traveling from west to east, at the same time the moisture supplying them comes from the south. "5. That, in the winter, the south and southeast winds rise into the upper current, while the west and northwest winds descend and blow as surface winds, accompanied by an extraor dinary depression of temperature, creating, as it were, an almost arctic climate. " 6. That the propagation of the cold winds from west to east is due to the existence of a warmer and lighter air to the eastward. "7. That in summer the westerly currents seldom blow with violence, because, in passing over the heated plains, they acquire nearly the same temperature as the southerly currents, but in winter the conditions are reversed." The line of conflict of these aerial currents, produced by unequal atmospheric pressure, shift so rapidly that the greatest changes of temperature, moisture, and wind, are experienced within a few hours, these changes usually affecting areas of great extent. In the old world, on the other hand, the mountain systems, generally running from east to west, offer an impediment, especially to the polar currents, and the weather is therefore not so changeable. Wisconsin, situated in the upper and central part of the Mississippi valley, is subject to the same general climatic conditions which give this whole area its peculiar climate. The highest mean summer temperature is 720 Fahrenheit in the southwestern part of the 124 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. state, and the lowest 64Q at Bayfield, Lake Superior. . During the months of June, July and , August, the thermometer often rises as high as 90°, seldom to ioo°. In 1874 the mercury reached this high point twice at LaCrosse, and three times at Dubuque, Iowa. There are usually two or three of these "heated terms " during the summer, terminated by abrupt changes of temperature. The isotherm of 700 (an isotherm being a line connecting places having the same mean tem perature) enters this state from the west, in the northern part of Grant county, touches Madison, takes a southerly direction through Walworth county, passes through southern Michigan, Cleveland, and Pittsburg, reaching the Atlantic ocean a little north of New York city. From this it is seen that southern Wisconsin, southern and central Michigan, northern Ohio, central Pennsylvania, and southern New York have nearly the same summer temperature. Northwestward this line runs through southern Minnesota and along the Missouri to the foot of the mountains. Eastern Ore gon, at 470 30' north latitude, has the same average summer temperature ; the line then returns and touches the Pacific coast at San Diego. The remarkable manner in which so large a body of water as Lake Michigan modifies the temperature has been carefully determined, so far as it relates to Wisconsin, by the late Dr. Lap- ham, of Milwaukee. It is seen by the map that the average summer temperature of Racine is the same as that of St. Paul. The weather map for July, 1875, in the signal service report for 1876, shows that the mean temperature for July was the same in Rock county, in the southern part of the state, as that of Breckenridge, Minn., north of St. Paul. The moderating effect of the lake during hot weather is felt in the adjacent region during both day and night. Countries in the higher latitudes having an extreme summer temperature are usually charac terized by a small amount of rain-fall. The Mississippi valley, however, is directly exposed in spring and summer to the warm and moist winds from the south, and as these winds condense their moisture by coming in contact with colder upper currents from the north and west, it has a profusion of rain which deprives the climate largely of its continental features. As already stated, the average amount of rain-fall in Wisconsin is about 30 inches annually. Of this amount about one-eighth is precipitated in winter, three-eighths in summer, and the rest is equally dis tributed between spring and autumn — in other words, rain is abundant at the time of the year when it is most needed. In Wisconsin the rainfall is greatest in the southwestern part of the state; the least on and along the shore of Lake Michigan. This shows that the humidity of the air of a given area can be greater, and the rainfall less, than that of some other. In comparison with western Europe, even where the mean temperature is higher than in the Mississippi valley, the most striking fact in the climatic conditions of the United States is the great range of plants of tropical or sub-tropical origin, such as Indian corn, tobacco, etc. The conditions on which the character of the vegetation depends are temperature and moisture, and the mechanical and chemical composition of the soil. " The basis of this great capacity (the great range of plants) is the high curve of heat and moisture for the summer, and the fact that the measure of heat and of rain are almost or quite tropical for a period in duration from one to five months, in the range from Quebec to the coast of the Gulf." Indian corn attains its full perfection between the summer isotherms 72° and 77°, in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas ; but it may be grown up to the line of 65 °, which includes the whole of Wisconsin. The successful cultivation of this important staple is due to the intense heat of summer and a virgin soil rich in nitrogen. While Milwaukee and central Wisconsin have a mean annual temperature of 45 °, that of southern Ireland and central England is 500 ; the line of 720, the average temperature for July, runs from Walworth county to St. Paul, while during the same month Ireland and England have a mean temperature of only 6o°. In Wisconsin the thermometer rises as high as 90S and above, CLIMATOLOGY OF WISCONSIN 125 while the range above the mean in England is very small. It is the tropical element of our sum mers, then, that causes the grape, the corn, etc., to ripen, while England, with a higher mean temperature, is unable to mature them successfully. Ireland, where southern plants may remain out-doors, unfrosted, the whole winter, can not mature those fruits and grasses which ripen in Wisconsin. In England a depression of 20 below the mean of 6o° will greatly reduce the quan tity, or prevent the ripening of wheat altogether, 6o° being essential to a good crop. Wheat, re quiring a lower temperature than corn, is better adapted to the climate of Wisconsin. This grain may be grown as far north as Hudson bay. Autumn, including September, October and November, is of short duration in Wisconsin. Norrii of the 42d parallel, or the southern boundary line of the state, November belongs properly to the winter months, its mean temperature being about 320. The decrease of heat from August to September is generally from 8° to 90 ; 11" from September to October, and 140 from October to November. The average temperature for these three months is about 450. A beautiful season, commonly known as Indian summer, frequently occurs in the latter part of October and in No vember. This period is characterized by a mild temperature and a hazy, calm atmosphere. According to Loomis, this appears to be due to "an uncommonly tranquil condition of the atmos phere, during which the air becomes filled with dust and smoke arising from numerous fires, by which its transparency is greatly impaired." This phenomenon extends as far north as Lake Superior, but it is more conspicuous and protracted in Kansas and Missouri, and is not observed in the southern states. Destructive frosts generally occur in September, and sometimes in August. " A temperature of 360 to 40" at sunrise is usually attended with frosts destructive to vegetation, the position of the thermometer being usually such as to represent less than the actual refrigeration at the open surface." In 1875, during October, at Milwaukee, the mercury fell seven times below the freez ing point, and twice below zero in November, the lowest being 14°. The winters are generally long and severe, but occasionally mild and almost without snow. The mean winter temperature varies between 23" in the southeastern part of the state, and 160 at Ashland, in the northern. For this season the extremes are great. The line of 200 is of im portance, as it marks the average temperature which is fatal to the growth of all the tender trees, such as the pear and the peach. In the winter of 1875 and 1876, the mean temperature for De cember, January and February, in the upper lake region, was about 4° above the average mean for many years, while during the previous winter the average temperature for January and Feb ruary was about 120 below the mean for many years, showing a great difference between cold and mild winters. In the same winter, i875-'76, at Milwaukee, the thermometer fell, only six times below zero, the lowest being 120, while during the preceding winter the mercury sank thirty-six times below zero, the lowest being 23". In the northern and northwestern part of the state the temperature sometimes falls to the freezing point of mercury. During the exceptionally cold Winter of 1872-3, at La Crosse, the thermometer sank nearly fifty times below zero; on Decem ber 24, it indicated 37° below, and on January 18, 430 below zero, averaging about 12" below the usual mean for those months. The moderating effect of Lake Michigan can be seen by observing how the lines indicating the mean winter temperature curve northward as they approach the lake. Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Two Rivers, and the Grand Traverse region of Michigan, have the same average wintei temperature. The same is true regarding Galena, 111., Beloit, and Kewaunee. A similar influence is noticed in all parts of the state. Dr. Lapham concludes that this is not wholly due to the presence of Lake Michigan, but that the mountain range which extends from a little west of Lake Superior to the coast of Labrador (from 1,100 to 2,240 feet high) protects the lake region in no inconsiderable degree from the excessive cold of winter. 126 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. According to the same authority, the time at which the Milwaukee river was closed wi.h ice, for a period of nine years, varied between November 15 and December 1 ; the time at which it became free from ice, between March 3 and April 13. In the lake district, snow and rain are interspersed through all the winter months, rain being sometimes as profuse as at any other sea son. In the northwestern part the winter is more rigid and dry. Northern New York and the New England states usually have snow lying on the ground the whole winter, but in the southern lake district it rarely remains so long. In 1842-43, however, sleighing commenced about the middle of November, and lasted till about the same time in April — five months. The average temperature for the three months of spring, March, April and May, from Wal worth county to St. Paul, is about 45 °. In central Wisconsin the mean for March is about 27", which is an increase of nearly 7 Q from February. The lowest temperature of this month in 1876 was 40° above zero. April shows an average increase of about g° over March. In 1876 the line of 45° for this month passed from LaCrosse to Evanston, 111., touching Lake Erie at Toledo, showing that the interior west of Lake Michigan is warmer than the lake region. The change from winter to spring is more sudden in the interior than in the vicinity of the lakes. "In the town of Lisbon, fifteen miles from Lake Michigan," says Dr. Lapham, " early spring flowers show themselves about ten days earlier than on the lake. In spring vegetation, in places remote from the lakes, shoots up in a very short time, and flowers show their petals, while on the lake shore the cool air retards them and brings them more gradually into existence." The in crease from April to May is about 15". In May, 1876, Pembina and Milwaukee had nearly the same mean temperature, about 55". The extremes of our climate and the sudden changes of temperature no doubt have a marked influence, both physically and mentally, on the American people. And though a more equable climate may be more conducive to perfect health, the great range of our climate from arctic to tropical, and the consequent variety and abundance of vegetable products, combine to make the Mississippi valley perhaps one of the most favorable areas in the world for the develop- ' •nent of a strong and wealthy nation. During the months of summer, in the interior of the eastern United States, at least three- fourths of the rain-fall is in showers usually accompanied by electrical discharges and limited to small areas. But in autumn, winter, and spring nearly the whole precipitation takes place in general storms extending over areas of 300, 500 and sometimes over 1,000 miles in diameter, and generally lasting two or three days. An area of low atmospheric pressure causes the wind to blow toward that area from all sides, and when the depression is sudden and great, it is accompanied by much rain or snow. On account of the earth's rotation, the wind blowing toward this region of low pressure is deflected to the right, causing the air to circulate around the center with a motion spirally inward. In our latitude the storm commences with east winds. When the storm center, or area of lowest barometer, is to the south of us, the wind gradually veers, as the storm passes from west to east with the upper current, round to the northwest by the north point. On the south side of the storm center, the wind veers from southeast to southwest, by the south point. The phenomena attending such a storm when we are in or near the part of its center are usually as follows : After the sky has become overcast with clouds, the wind from the northeast generally begins to rise and blows in the opposing direction to the march of the storm. The clouds which are now moving over us, discharge rain or snow according to circumstances. The barometer continues to fall, and the rain or snow is brought obliquely down from the northern quarter by the prevailing wind. After a while the wind changes slightly in diiection and then ceases. The thermometer rises and the barometer has reached its lowest point. This is the center of the storm. After the calm the wind has changed its direction to northwest or west. The CLIMATOLOGY OF WISCONSIN. 121 wind blows again, usually more violently than before, accompanied by rain or snow, which is now generally of short duration. The sky clears, and the storm is suddenly succeeded by a tempera ture 10 or 20 degrees below the mean. Most of the rain and snow falls with the east winds, or before the center passes a given point. The path of these storms is from west to east, or nearly so, and only seldom in other directions. These autumn, winter, and spring rains are generally first noticed on the western plains, but may originate at any point along their path, and move eastward with an average velocity of about 20 miles an hour in summer and 30 miles in winter, but sometimes attaining a velocity of over 50 miles, doing great damage on the lakes. In pre dicting these storms, the signal service of the army is of incalculable practical benefit, as well as in collecting data for scientific conclusions. A subject of the greatest importance to every inhabitant of Wisconsin is the influence of forests on climate and the effects of disrobing a county of its trees. The general influence of forests in modifying the extremes of temperature, retarding evaporation and the increased humidity of the air, has already been mentioned. That clearing the land of trees increases the temperature of the ground in summer, is so readily noticed that it is scarcely necessary to men tion it ; while in winter the sensible cold is never so extreme in woods as on an open surface exposed to the full force of the winds. " The lumbermen in Canada and the northern United States labor in the woods without inconvenience, when the mercury stands many degrees below zero, while in the open grounds, with only a moderate breeze, the same temperature is almost insupportable." " In the state of Michigan it has been found that the winters have greatly increased in severity within the last forty years, and that this increased severity seems to move along even-paced with the destruction of the forests. Thirty years ago the peach was one of the most abundant fruits of that State ; at that time frost, injurious to corn at any time from May to October, was a thing unknown. Now the peach is an uncertain crop, and frost often injures the corn.'' The precise influence of forests on temperature may not at present admit of definite solu tion, yet the mechanical screen which they furnish to the soil often far to the leeward of them, is sufficiently established, and this alone is enough to encourage extensive planting wherever this protection is wanting. With regard to the quantity of rain-fall, " we can not positively affirm that the total annual quantity of rain is even locally diminished or increased by the destruction of the woods, though both theoretical considerations and the balance of testimony strongly favor the opinion that more rain falls in wooded than in open countries. One important conclusion, at least, upon the meteorological influence of forests is certain and undisputed: the proposition, namely, that, within their own limits, and near their own borders, they maintain a more uniform degree of humidity in the atmosphere than is observed in cleared grounds. Scarcely less can it be questioned that they tend to promote the frequency of showers, and, if they do not augment the amount of precipitation, they probably equalize its distribution through the different seasons." There is abundant and undoubted evidence that the amount of water existing on the surface in lakes and rivers, in many parts of the world, is constantly diminishing. In Germany, observa tions of the Rhine, Oder, Danube, and the Elbe, in the latter case going back for a period of 142 years, demonstrate beyond doubt, that each of these rivers has much decreased in volume, and there is reason to fear that they will eventually disappear from the list of navigable rivers. " The ' Blue-Grass ' region of Kentucky, once the pride of the West, has now districts of such barren and arid nature that their stock farmers are moving toward the Cumberland mount ains, because the creeks and old springs dried up, and their wells became too low to furnish water for their cattle." In our own state " such has been the change in the flow of the Milwau- 128 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. kee river, even while the area from which it receives its supply is but partially cleared, that the proprietor?, of most of the mills and factories have found it necessary to resort to the use of steam, at a largely increased yearly cost, to supply the deficiency of water-power in ory seasons of the year." " What has happened to the Milwaukee river, has happened to all the other water courses in the state from whose banks the forest has been removed ; and many farmers who selected land uqon which there was a living brook of clear, pure water, now find these brooks dried up during a considerable portion of the year." Districts. stripped of their forest are said to be more exposed than before to loss of harvests, to droughts and frost. " Hurricanes, before unknown, sweep unopposed over the regions thus denuded, carrying terror and devastation in their track." Parts of Asia Minor, North Africa, and other countries bordering on the Mediterranean, now almost deserts, were once densely populated and the granaries of the world. And there is good reason to believe " that it is the destruction of the forests which has produced this devastation." From such facts Wisconsin, already largely robbed of its forests, should take warning before it is too late. TREES, SHRUBS AND VINES. By P. R. HOY, M.D. It is not the purpose of this article to give a botanical description, but merely brief notes on the economical value of the woods, and the fitness of the various indigenous trees, shrubs and vines for the purpose of ornament, to be found in Wisconsin. White Oak — Quercus Alba. — This noble tree is the largest and most important of the American oaks. The excellent properties of the wood render it eminently valuable for a great variety of uses. Wherever strength and durability are required, the white oak stands in the first rank. It is employed in making wagons, coaches and sleds ; staves and hoops of the best quality for barrels and casks are obtained from this tree ; it is extensively used in architecture, ship building, etc.; vast quantities are used for fencing ; the bark is employed in tanning. The domes tic consumption of this tree is so great that it is of the first importance to preserve the young trees wherever it is practicable, and to make young plantations where the tree is not found. The white oak is a graceful, ornamental tree, and worthy of particular attention as such ; found abun dantly in most of the timbered districts. Burr Oak— <2- Macrocarpa. — This is perhaps the most ornamental of our oaks. Nothing can exceed the graceful beauty of these trees, when not crowded or cramped in their growth, but left free to follow the laws of their development. Who has not admired these trees in our exten sive burr oak openings ? The large leaves are a dark green above and a bright silvery white beneath, which gives the tree a singularly fine appearance when agitated by the wind. The wood is tough, close-grained, and more durable than the white oak, especially when exposed to frequent changes of moisture and drying; did the tree grow to the same size, it would be preferred for most uses. Abundant, and richly worthy of cultivation, both for utility and ornament. Swamp White Oak — Q. Bicolor. — Is a valuable and ornamental tree, not quite so large or as common as the burr oak. The wood is close-grained, durable, splits freely, and is well worthy of cultivation in wet, swampy grounds, where it will thrive. Post Oak — Q. Obtusiloba. — Is a scraggy, small tree, found sparingly in this state. The tim ber is durable, and makes good fuel. Not worthy of cultivation. TREES, SHRUBS AND VINES. 129 Swamp Chestnut Oak — Q. Prinus. — This species of chestnut oak is a large, graceful tree, wood rather open-grained, yet valuable for most purposes to which the oaks are applied ; makes the best fuel of any of this family. A rare tree, found at Janesville and Brown's lake, near Bur lington. Worthy of cultivation. Red Oak — Q. Rubra. — The red oak is a well-known, common, large tree. The wood is coarse-grained, and the least durable of the oaks, nearly worthless for fuel, and scarcely worthy of cultivation, even for ornament. Pin Oak — Q. Palustris. — This is one of the most common trees in many sections of the state. The wood is of little value except for fuel. The tree is quite ornamental, and should be sparingly cultivated for this purpose. Shingle Oak — Q. Imbricaria. — Is a tree of medium size, found sparingly as far north as Wisconsin. It is ornamental, and the wood is used for shingles and staves. Scarlet Oak — Q. Coccinea. — This is an ornamental tree, especially in autumn, when its leaves turn scarlet, hence the name. Wood of little value ; common. Sugar Maple — Acer Saccharium. — This well-known and noble tree is found growing abun dantly in many sections of the state. The wood is close-grained and susceptible of a beautiful polish, which renders it valuable for many kinds of furniture, more especially the varieties known as bird's-eye and curled maples. The wood lacks the durability of the eak ; consequently is not valuable for purposes where it will be exposed to the weather. For fuel it ranks next to hickory. The sugar manufactured from this tree affords no inconsiderable resource for the comfort and even wealth of many sections of the northern states, especially those newly settled, where it would be difficult and expensive to procure their supply from a distance. As an ornamental tree it stands almost at the head of the catalogue. The foliage is beautiful, compact, and free from the attacks of insects. It puts forth its yellow blossoms early, and in the autumn the leaves change in color and show the most beautiful tints of red and yellow long before they fall. Worthy of especial attention for fuel and ornament, and well adapted to street-planting. Red Maple — A. Rubrum. — Is another fine maple of more rapid growth than the foregoing species. With wood rather lighter, but quite as valuable for cabinet-work — for fuel not quite so good. The young trees bear transplanting even better than other maples. Though highly orna mental, this tree hardly equals the first-named species. It puts forth, in early spring, its scarlet blossoms before a leaf has yet appeared. Well adapted to street-planting. Mountain Maple — A. Spicatum. — Is a small branching tree, or rather shrub, found grow ing in clumps. Not worthy of much attention. Silver Maple — A. Dasycarpum. — This is a common tree growing on the banks of streams, especially in the western part of the state, grown largely for ornament, yet for the purpose it is the least valuable of the maples. The branches are long and straggling, and so brittle that they are liable to be injured by winds. Box Maple — JVegundo Aceroides. — This tree is frequently called box elder. It is of a rapid growth and quite ornamental. The wood is not much used in the arts, but is good fuel. Should be cultivated. It grows on Sugar and Rock rivers. White Elm — Ulmus Americana. — This large and graceful tree stands confessedly at the head of the list of ornamental deciduous trees. Its wide-spreading branches and long, pendu lous branchlets form a beautiful and conspicuous head. It grows rapidly, is free from disease and the destructive attacks of insects, will thrive on most soils, and for planting along streets, in public grounds or lawns, is unsurpassed by any American tree. The wood is but little used in the arts ; makes good firewood ; should be planted along all the roads and streets, near every dwelling, and on all public grounds. 130 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Slippery Elm— V. Fulva— This smaller and less ornamental species is also common. The wood, however, is much more valuable than the white elm, being durable and splitting readily. It makes excellent rails, and is much used for the framework of buildings ; valuable for fuel ; should be cultivated. Wild Black Cherry— Cerasus Serotina.— This large and beautiful species of cherry is one of the most valuable of American trees. The wood is compact, fine-grained, and of a brilliant reddish color, not liable to warp, or shrink and swell with atmospheric changes; extensively em ployed by cabinet-makers for every species of furnishing. It is exceedingly durable, hence is valuable for fencing, building, etc. Richly deserves a place in the lawn or timber plantation. Bird Cherry — C. Pennsylvanica. — Is a small northern species, common in the state and worthy of cultivation for ornament. Choke Cherry — C. Virginiana. — This diminutive tree is of little value, not worth the trouble of cultivation. Wild Plum — Prunus Americana. — The common wild plum when in full bloom is one of the most ornamental of small flowering trees, and as such should not be neglected. The fruit is rather agreeable, but not to be compared to fine cultivated varieties, which may be engrafted on the wild stock to the very best advantage. It is best to select small trees, and work them on the roots. The gjrafts should be inserted about the middle of April. Hackberry — CeltisOccidentalis. — This is an ornamental tree of medium size ; wood hard, •close-grained and elastic ; makes the best of hoops, whip-stalks, and thills for carriages. The Indians formerly made great use of the hackbeiry wood for their bows. A tree worthy of a lim ited share of attention. American Linden or Basswood — Tilia Americana. — Is one of the finest ornamental trees for public grounds, parks, etc., but will not thrive where the roots are exposed to bruises; for this •reason it is not adapted to planting along the streets of populous towns. The wood is light and tough, susceptible of being bent to almost any curve ; durable if kept from the weather ; takes paint well, and is considerably ubed in the arts ; for fuel it is of little value. This tree will ¦flourish in almost any moderately rich, damp soil ; bears transplanting well ; can be propagated readily from layers. White Thorn — Crataegus Coccinea, and Dotted Thorn — C. Punctata. — These two species of thorn are found everywhere on the rich bottom lands. When in bloom they are beautiful, and should be cultivated for ornament. The wood is remarkably compact and hard, and were it not for the small size of the tree, would be valuable. Crab Apple — Pyrus Coronaria. — This common small tree is attractive when covered with its highly fragrant rose-colored blossoms. Wood 1 i, fine, compact grain, but the tree is too small for the wood to be of much practical value. Well worthy of a place in extensive grounds. Mountain Ash — P Americana. — This popular ornament to our yards is found growing in the northern part of the state and as far south as 43°. The wood is useless. White Ash — Fraxinus Acuminata. — Is a large, interesting tree, which combines utility with beauty in an eminent degree. The wood possesses strength, suppleness and elasticity, which renders it valuable for a great variety of uses. It is extensively employed in carriage manufact uring; for various agricultural implements ; is esteemed superior to any other wood for oars; excellent for fuel. The white ash grows rapidly, and in open ground forms one of the most lovely trees that is to be found. The foliage is clean and handsome, and in autumn turns from its bright grter, to a violet purple hue, which adds materially to the beauty of our autumnal syl van scenery. It is richly deserving our especial care and protection, and will amply repay all labor and expense bestowed on its cultivation. TREES, SHRUBS AND VINES. 131 Black Ash — F Sambucifolia. — This is another tall, graceful and well-known species of ash. The wood is used for making baskets, hoops, etc. ; when thoroughly dry, affords a good article of fuel. Deserves to be cultivated in low, rirh, swampy situations, where more useful trees will not thrive. Black Walnut — Juglans Nigra. — This giant of the rich alluvial bottom lands claims special attention for its valuable timber. It is among the most durable and beautiful of Ameri can woods ; susceptible of a fine polish ; not liable to shrink and swell by heat and moisture. It is extensively employed by the cabinet-makers for every variety of furniture.^ Walnut forks, are frequently found which rival in richness and beauty the far-famed mahogany. This tree, in favorable situations, grows rapidly; is highly ornamental, and produces annually an abundant crop of nuts. Butternut — J. Cinerea. — This species of walnut is not as valuable as the above, yet for its beauty, and the durability of its wood, it should claim a small portion of attention. The wood is rather soft for most purposes to which it otherwise might be applied. When grown near streams, or on moist side-hills, it produces regularly an ample crop of excellent nuts. It grows rapidly. Shell-Bark Hickory — Carya Alba. — This, the largest and finest of American hickories, grows abundantly throughout the state. Hickory wood possesses probably the greatest strength and tenacity of any of our indigenous trees, and is used for a variety of purposes , but, unfortunately, it is liable to be eaten by worms, and lacks durability. For fuel, the shell-bark hickory stands unrivaled. The tree is ornamental and produces every alternate year an ample crop of the best of nuts. Shag-Bark Hickory — C. Inclata. — Is a magnificent tree, the wood of which is nearly as valuable as the above. The nuts are large, thick-shelled and coarse, not to be compared to the C alba. A rare tree in Wisconsin ; abundant further south. Pignut Hickory — C. Glabra. — This species possesses all the bad and but few of the good qualities of the shell-bark. The nuts are smaller and not so good. The tree should be pre served and cultivated in common with the shell-bark. Not abundant. Bitternut — C. Amara. — Is an abundant tree, valuable for fuel, but lacking the strength and elasticity of the preceding species. It is, however, quite as ornamental as any of the hickories. Red Beech — Fagus Ferruginea. — This is a common tree, with brilliant, shining light-green leaves, and long, flexible branches. It is highly ornamental, and should be cultivated for this purpose, as well as for its useful wood, which is tough, close-grained and compact. It is much used for plane-stocks, tool handles, etc., and as an article of fuel is nearly equal to maple. Water Beech — Carpinus Americana. — Is a small tree, called hornbeam by many. The wood is exceedingly hard and compact, but the small size of the tree renders it almost useless. Iron Wood- — Ostrya Virginica. — This small tree is found disseminated throughout most of our woodlands. It is, to a considerable degree, ornamental, but of remarkably slow growth. The wood possesses valuable properties, being heavy and strong, as the name would indicate ; yet, from its small size, it is of but little use. Balsam Poplar — Populus Candicans. — This tree is of medium size, and is known by sev eral names : Wild balm of Gilead, cottonwood, etc. It grows in moist, sandy soil, on river bot toms. It has broad, heart-shaped leaves, which turn a fine yellow after the autumn frosts. It grows more rapidly than any other of our trees ; can be transplanted with entire success when eight or nine inches in diameter, and makes a beatiful shade tree — the most ornamental of pop lars. The wood is soft, spongy, and nearly useless. 132 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN- Quaking Aspen— P. Tremuloides. — Is a well-known, small tree. It is rather ornamental, but scarcely worth cultivating. Large Aspen— P. Grandidentata.—Is, the largest of our poplars. It frequently grows to the height of sixty or seventy feet, with a diameter of two and one-half feet. The wood is soft, easily split, and used for frame buildings. It is the most durable of our poplars. Cotton Wood— P. Monolifera — This is the largest of all the poplars ; abundant on the Mississippi river. Used largely for fuel on the steamboats. The timber is of but little use in the arts. Sycamore or Buttonwood — Platanus Occidentalis. — This, the largest and most majestic of our trees, is found growing only on the rich alluvial river bottoms. The tree is readily known, even at a considerable distance, by its whitish smooth branches. The foliage is large and beautiful, and the tree one of the most ornamental known. The wood speedily decays, and when sawed into lumber warps badly; on these accounts it is but little used, although susceptible of a fine finish. As an article of fuel it is of inferior merit. Canoe Birch — Betula Papyracea. — Is a rather elegant and interesting tree. It grows abund antly in nearly every part of the state. The wood is of a fine glossy ^rain, susceptible of a good finish, but lacks durability and strength, and, therefore, is but little used in the mechanical arts. For fuel it is justly prized. It bears transplanting without difficulty. The Indians manufacture their celebrated bark canoes from the bark of this tree. Cherry Birch — B. Lenta. — T.iis is a rather large, handsome tree, growing along streams. Leaves and bark fragrant. Wood, fine-grained, rose-colored ; used largely by the cabinet makers. Yellow Birch — B. Lutea. — This beautiful tree occasionally attains a large size. It is highly ornamental, and is of value for fuel ; but is less prized than the preceding species for cab inet work. Kentucky Coffee Tree — Gymnocladus Canadensis. — This singularly beautiful tree is only found sparingly, and on rich alluvial lands. I met with it growing near the Peccatonica, in Green county. The wood is fine-grained, and of a rosy hue ; is exceedingly durable, and well worth cultivating. June Berry — Amelanchier Canadensis. — Is a small tree which adds materially to the beauty of our woods in early spring, at which time it is in full bloom. The wood is of no particular value, and the tree interesting only when covered with its white blossoms. White Pine — Pinus Stratus. — This is the largest and most valuable of our indigenous pines. The wood is soft, free from resin, and works easily. It is extensively employed in the mechan ical arts. It is found in great profusion in the northern parts of the state. This species is readily known by the leaves being m fives. It is highly ornamental, but in common with all pines, will hardly bear transplanting. Only small plants should be moved. Norway or Red Pine — P Resinosa, and Yellow Pine — P Mitis.— These are two large trees, but little inferior in size to the white pine. The wood contains more resin, and is conse quently more durable. The leaves of both these species are in twos. Vast quantities of lumber are yearly manufactured from these two varieties and the white pine. The extensive pineries of the state are rapidly diminishing. Shrub Pine — P. Banksiana. — Is a small, low tree ; only worthy of notice here for the orna mental shade it produces. It is found in the northern sections of the state. Balsam Fir — Abies Balsamea. — This beautiful evergreen is multiplied to a great extent on the shores of Lake Superior, where it grows forty or fifty feet in height. The wood is of but TREES, SHRUBS AND VINES. 133 little value The balsam of fir, or Canadian balsam, is obtained from this tree. Double Spruce — A. Nigra. — This grows in the same localities with the balsam fir, and assumes the same pyramidal form, but is considerably larger. The wood is light and possesses considerable strength and elasticity, which renders it one of the best materials for yard's and top masts for shipping. It is extensively cultivated for ornament. Hemlock — A. Canadensis.— -The hemlock is the largest of the genus. It is gracefully orna mental, but the wood is of little value. The baik is extensively employed in tanning. Tamarack — Larix Americana. — This beautiful tree grows abundantly in swampy situations throughout the state. It is not quite an evergreen It drops its leaves in winter, but quickly recovers them in early spring. The wood is remarkably durable and valuable for a variety of uses. The tree grows rapidly, and can be successfully cultivated in peaty situations, where other trees would not thrive. Arbor Vit/e — Thuja Occidentalis. — This tree is called the white or flat cedar. It grows abundantly in many parts of the state. The wood is durable, furnishing better fence posts than any other tree, excepting the red cedar. Shingles and staves of a superior quality are obtained from these trees. A beautiful evergreen hedge is made from the young plants, which bear trans planting better than most evergreens. It will grow on most soils if sufficiently damp. Red Cedar — Junipcrus Virginiana. — Is a well known tree that furnishes those celebrated fence posts that " last forever." The wood is highly fragrant, of a rich rod color, and fine grained ; hence it is valuable for a variety of uses. It should be extensively cultivated. Dwarf Juniper — J. Sabina. — This is a low trailing shrub. Is considevably prized for. ornament. Especially worthy of cultivation in large grounds. Sassafras — Sassafras officinale. — Is a small tree of fine appearance, with fragrant leaves bark. Grows in Kenosha county. Should be cultivated. Willows. — There are many species of willows growing in every part of the state, several of/ which are worthy of cultivation near streams and ponds. White Willow — Salix alba. — Is a fine tree, often reaching sixty feet in height. The wood* is soft, and makes the best charcoal for the manufacture of gun-powder. Grows rapidly. Black Willow — S. Nigra. — This is also a fine tree, but not quite so large as the foregoing,,. It is used for similar purposes. There are many shrubs and vines indigenous to the state worthy of note. I shall, however:,. call attention to only a few of the best. Dogwoods. — There are several species found in our forests and thickets. All are ornamen tal when covered with a profusion of white blossoms. I would especially recommend : corns sericea, C. stolonifera, C. paniculata, and C. alternifolia. All these will repay the labor of trans planting to ornamental grounds. Viburnums. — These are very beautiful. We have viburnum leniago, V. prunifolium, V.nudum^. V. dentatum, V. pubescens, V. acerifolium, V. pauciflorum, and V. opulus. The last is known as the cranberry tree, and is a most beautiful shrub when in bloom, and also when covered with its red, acid fruit. The common snow-ball tree is a cultivated variety of the V. opulus. Witch Hazel — Hamamelis Virginica. — Is an interesting, tall shrub that flowers late in autumn, when the leaves are falling, and matures the fruit the next summer. It deserves more-. attention than it receives. Burning Bush — Euonymus atropurpureus. — This fine shrub is called the American straw berry, and is exceedingly beautiful when covered with its load of crimson fruit, which remains. during winter. 134 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Sumach — Rhus typhina. — Is a tall shrub, 11 known, but seldom cultivated. When well grown it is ornamental and well adapted for planting in clumps. Hop True— Ptclea trifoliata. — This is a showy shrub with shining leaves, which should be cultivated. Common in rich, alluvial ground. Bladder Nut — Staphylca trifolia. — ls a fine, upright, showy shrub, found sparingly all over the state. Is ornamental, with greenish striped branches and showy leaves. Vines. Virginia Creeper— Ampelopsis quinquefolia — This is a noble vine, climbing extensively by disc-bearing tendrils, so well known as to require no eulogy. Especially beautiful in its fall colors. Bitter Sweet — Celastrus scandens. — Is a stout twining vine, which would be an ornament to any grounds. In the fall and early winter it is noticeable for its bright fruit. Common. Yellow Honeysuckle — Lonicera flava. — Is a fine native vine, which is found climbing over tall shrubs and trees. Ornamental. There are several other species of honeysuckle; none, how ever, worthy of special mention. Frost Grape — Vitce cordifolia. — This tall-growing vine has deliciously sweet blossoms, which perfume the air for a great distance around. For use as a screen, this hardy species will be found highly satisfactory. FAUNA OF WISCONSIN. By P. R. HOY, M.D. FISH AND FISH CULTURE. Fish are cold blooded aquatic vertebrates, having fins as organs of progression. They have a two-chambered heart ; their bodies are mostly covered with scales, yet a few are entirely naked, like catfish and eels; others again are covered with curious plates, such as the sturgeon. Fish inhabit both salt and fresh water. It is admitted by all authority that fresh-water fish are more universally edible than those inhabiting the ocean. Marine fish are said to be more highly flavored than those inhabiting fresh waters ; an assertion I am by no means prepared to admit. As a rule, fish are better the colder and purer the water in which they are found, and where can you find those ccnditions more favorable than in the cold depths of our great lakes ? We have tasted, under the most favorable conditions, about every one of the celebrated salt-water fish, and can say that whoever eats a whitefish just taken from the pure, cold water of Lake Michigan will have no reason to be envious of the dwellers by the sea. Fish are inconceivably prolific; a single female deposits at one spawn from one thousand to one million eggs, varying according to species. Fish afford a valuable article of food for man, being highly nutritious and easy of digestion; they abound in phosphates, hence are valuable as affording nutrition to the osseous and nervous sys tem, hence they have been termed, not inappropriately, brain food — certainly a very desirable article of diet for some people. They are more savory, nutritious and easy of digestion when just taken from the water ; in fact, the sooner they are cooked after being caught the better. No fish should be more than a few hours from its watery element before being placed upon the table. For con venience, I will group our fish into families as a basis for what I shall offer. Our bony fish, FAUNA OF WISCONSIN. 135 having spine rays and covered with comb-like scales, belong to the perch family — a valuable family ; all take the hook, are gamey, and spawn in the summer. The yellow perch and at least four species of black or striped bass have a wide range, being found in all the rivers and lakes in the state. There is a large species of fish known as Wall eyed pike (Leucoperca americand) belonging to this family, which is found sparingly in most of our rivers and lakes. The pike is an active and most rapacious animal, devouring fish of consider able size. The flesh is firm and of good flavor. It would probably be economical to propagate it to a moderate extent. The six-spined bass (Pomoxys hexacanthus, Agas.) is one of the most desirable of the spine- rayed fish found in the State. The flesh is fine flavored, and as the fish is hardy and takes the hook with avidity, it should be protected during the spawning season and artificially propagated. I have examined the stomachs of a large number of these fish and in every instance found small crawfish, furnishing an additional evidence in its favor. Prof. J. P. Kirtland, the veteran ichthy ologist of Ohio, says that this so-callea " grass bass" is the fish for the million, The white bass (Roccus chrysops) is a species rather rare even in the larger bodies of water, but ought to be introduced into every small lake in the State, where I am certain they would flourish. It is an excellent fish, possessing many of the good qualities and as few of the bad as any that belong to the family. There is another branch of this family, the sunfish, Pomotis, which numbers at least six species found in Wisconsin. They are beautiful fish, and afford abundant sport for the boys; none of therri, however, are worth domesticating (unless it be in the aquarium) as there are so many better. The carp family (Cyprinidce) are soft finned fish without maxillary teeth. They include by far the greater number of fresh-water fish. Some specimens are not more than one inch, while others are nearly two feet in length. Our chubs, silversides and suckers are the principal mem bers of this family. Dace are good pan-fish, yet their small size is objectionable; they are the children's game fish. The Cyprinidce all spawn in the spring, and might be profitably propa gated as food for the larger and more valuable fish. There are six or seven species of suckers found in our lakes and rivers. The red horse, found every where, and at least one species of the buffalo, inhabiting the Mississippi and its trib utaries, are the best of the genus Catastomus. Suckers are bony, and apt to taste suspiciously of mud ; they are only to be tolerated in the absence of better. The carp (Cyprenius carpo) has been successfully introduced into the Hudsonriver. The trout family (Salmonidce) are soft-finned fish wi n an extra dorsal adipose fin without rays. They inhabit northern countries, spawning in the latter part of fall and winter. Their flesh is universally esteemed. The trout family embrace by far the most valuable of our fish, including, as it does, trout and whitefish. The famous speckled trout (Salmo fontinalis) is a small and beautiful species which is found in nearly every stream in the northern half of the State. Wherever there is a spring run or lake, the temperature of which does not rise higher than sixty-five or seventy in the summer, there trout can be propagated in abundance. The great salmon trout (Sal. amethystus) of the great lakes is a magnificent fish weighing from ten to sixty pounds. The Siscowit salmo siscowit of Lake Superior is about the same size, but not quite so good a fish, being too fat and oily. They will, no doubt, flourish in the larger of the inland lakes. The genus Coregonus includes the true whitefish, or lake shad. In this genus, as now restricted, the nose is square and the under jaw short, and when fjrst caught they have the fragrance of fresh cucumbers. There are at least three species found in Lake Michigan. In my 136 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. opinion these fish are more delicately flavored than the celebrated Potomac shad ; but I doubt whether they will thrive in the small lakes, owing to the absence of the small crustacei ',-, ,yhicn they subsist. The closely allied genus Argyrosomus includes seven known species inhabiting the larger lakes, and one, the Argyrosomus sisco, which is found in several of the lesser lakes. The larger species are but little 'inferior to the true whitefish, with which they are commonly confounded. The nose is pointed, the under jaw long, and they take the hook at certain seasons with activity. They eat small fish as well as insects and crustaceans. Of the pickerel family, we have three or four closely allied species of the genus Esox, armed with prodigious jaws filled with cruel teeth. They lie motionles eady to dart, swift as an arrow, upon their prey. They are the sharks of the fresh water. The pickerel are so rapacious that they spare not their own species. Sometimes they attempt to swallow a fish nearly as large as themselves, and perish in consequence. Their flesh is moderately good, and as they are game to the backbone, it might be desirable to propagate them to a moderate extent under peculiar circumstances. The catfish {Siluridce) have soft fins, protected by sharp spines, and curious fleshy barbels floating from their lips, without scales, covered only with a slimy coat of mucus. The genus Pimlodus are scavengers among fish, as vultures among birds. They are filthy in habit and food. There is one interesting trait of the catfish— the vigilant and watchful motherly care of the young by the male. He defends them with great spirit, and herds them together when they straggle. Even the mother is driven far off; for he knows full well that she would not scruple to make a full meal off her little black tadpole-like progeny. There are four species known to inhabit this State — one peculiar to the great lakes, and two found in the numerous ¦-affluents of the Mississippi. One of these, the great yellow catfish, sometimes weighs over one hundred pounds. When in good condition, stuffed and well baked, they are a fair table fish. The small bull-head is universally distributed. The sturgeons are large sluggish fish, covered with plates instead of scales. There are at least three species of the genus Acipenser found in the waters of Wisconsin. Being so large and without bones, they afford a sufficiently cheap article of food ; unfortunately, however, the quality is decidedly bad. Sturgeons deposit an enormous quantity of eggs ; the roe not unfrequently weighs one fourth as much as the entire body, and numbers, it is said, many millions. The principal commercial value of sturgeons is found in the roe and swimming bladder. The much prized caviare is manufactured from the former, and from the latter the best •of isinglass is obtained. The gar-pikes (Lepidosteus) are represented by at least three species of this singular fish. They have long serpentine bodies, with jaws prolonged into a regular bill, which is well provided •with teeth. The scales are composed of bone covered on the outside with enamel, like teeth. The alligator gar, confined to the depths of the Mississippi, is a large fish, and the more common species, Lepidosteus bison, attains to a considerable size. The Lepidosteous, now only found in North America, once had representatives all over the globe. Fossils of the same family of which the gar-pike is the type, have been found all over Europe, in the oldest fossiliferous beds, in the strata of the age of coal, in the new red sandstone, in oolitic deposits, and in the chalk and tertiary formations — being one of the many living evidences that North America was the first country above the water. For all practical purposes, we should not regret to have the gar-pikes follow in the footsteps of their aged and illustrious predecessors. They could well be spared. There is a fish (Lota maculose) which belongs to the cod-fish family, called by the fishermen the "lawyers," for what reason I am not able to say — at any rate, the fish is worthless. There are a great number of small fish, interesting only to the naturalist, which I shall omit to men tion here. FAUNA OF WISCONSIN. 137 Fish of the northern countries are the most valuable, for the reason that the water is colder and purer. Wisconsin, situated between forty-two thirty, and forty-seven degrees of latitude, bounded on the east and north by the largest lakes in the world, on the west by the " Great river," traversed by numerous fine and rapid streams, and sprinkled all over with beautiful and pictu resque lakes, has physical conditions certainly the most favorable, perhaps of any State, for an abundant and never-failing supply of the best fish. Few persons have any idea of the importance of the fisheries of Lake Michigan. It is difficult to collect adequate data to form a correct knowledge of the capital invested and the amount of fish taken ; enough, however, has been ascertained to enable me to state that at Milwaukee alone $ 100,000 are invested, and not less than two hundred and eighty tons of dressed fish taken annually. At Racine, during the entire season of nine months, there are, on an average, one thousand pounds of whitefish and trout, each, caught and sold daily, amounting to not less than $16,000. It is well known that, since the adoption of the gill-net system, the fishermen are enabled to pursue their calling ten months of the year. When the fish retire to the deep water, they are followed with miles of nets, and the poor fish are entangled on every side. There is a marked falling off in the number and size of white- fish and trout taken, when compared with early years. When fish were only captured with seines, they had abundant chance to escape and multiply so as to keep an even balance in number. Only by artificial propagation and well enforced laws protecting them during the spawning season, can we hope now to restore the balance. In order to give some idea of the valuable labors of the state fish commissioners, I will state briefly that they have purchased for the state a piece of property, situated three miles from Madison, known as the Nine Springs, including forty acres of land, on which they have erected a dwelling-house, barn and hatchery, also constructed several ponds, in which can be seen many valuable fish in the enjoyment of perfect health and vigor. As equipped, it is, undoubtedly, one of the best, if not the best, hatchery in the states. In this permanent establishment the commission design to hatch and distribute to the small lakes and rivers of the interior the most valuable of our indigenous fish, such as bass, pike, trout, etc., etc., as well as many valuable foreign varieties. During the past season, many fish have been distributed from this state hatchery. At the Milwaukee Water Works, the commission have equipped a hatchery on a large scale, using the water as pumped directly from the lake. During the past season there was a prodigious multitude of young trout and whitefish distributed from this point. The success of Superintendent Welcher in hatching whitefish at Milwaukee has been the best yet gained, nearly ninety per cent, of the eggs "laid down" being hatched. Pisciculturists will appreciate this wonderful success, as they well know how difficult it is to "manage the spawn of the whitefish. I append the following statistics of the number of fish hatched and distributed from the Milwaukee hatchery previous to 1878 : Total number of fish hatched, 8,000,000 — whitefish, 6,300,000; salmon trout, 1,700,000. They were distributed as follows, in the month of May, 1877 : Whitefish planted in Lake Michigan, at Racine, 1,000,000; at Milwaukee, 3^260,000; between Manitowoc and Two Rivers 1,000,000 ; in Green bay, 1,000,000 ; in Elkhart lake, 40,000. Salmon trout were turned out as follows : Lake Michigan, near Milwaukee, 600,000 ; Brown's lake, Racine county, 40,000; Delavan lake, Walworth county, 40,000; Troy lake, Wal worth county, 40,000 ; Pleasant lake, Walworth county, 40,000 ; Lansdale lake, Walworth county, 40,000; Ella lake, Milwaukee county, 16,000; Cedar lake, Washington county, 40,000; Elldiart lake, Sheboygan county, 40,000; Clear lake, Rock county, 40,000; Ripley lake, 138 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Jefferson county, 40,000; Mendota lake, Dane county, 100,000; Fox lake, Dodge county, 40,000 ; Swan and Silver lakes, Columbia county, 40,000 ; Little Green lake, Green Lake county, 40,000; Big Green lake, Green Lake county, 100,000; Bass lake, St. Croix county, 40,000; Twin lakes, St. Croix county, 40,000 ; Long lake, Chippewa county, 40,000; Oconomo- woc lake, Waukesha county, 100,000; Pine lake, Waukesha county, 40,000; Pewaukee lake, Waukesha county, ico,ooo; North lake, Waukesha county, 40,000; Nagawicka lake, Waukesha county, 40,000; Okanche lake, Waukesha county, 40,000. LARGE ANIMALS.— TIME OF THEIR DISAPPEARANCE. Fifty years ago, the territory now included in the state of Wisconsin, was nearly in a state of nature, all the large wild animals were then abundant. Now, all has changed. The ax and plow, gun and dog, railway and telegraph, have metamorphosed the face of nature. Most of the large quadrupeds have been either exterminated, or have hid themselves away in the wilder ness. In a short time, all of these will have disappeared from the state. The date and order in which animals become extinct within the boundaries of the state, is a subject of great interest. There was a time when the antelope, the woodland caribou, the buffalo, and the wild turkey, were abundant, but are now no longer to be found. The Antelope, Antilocarpa Americana, now confined to the Western plains, did, two hun dred years ago, inhabit Wisconsin as far east as Michigan. In October, 1679, Father Hennepin, with La Salle and party, in four canoes, coasted along the Western shore of Lake Michigan. In Hennepin's narrative, he says; " The oldest of them " (the Indians) " came to us the next morn ing with their calumet of peace, and brought some wild goats." This was somewhere north of Milwaukee. " Being in sore distress, we saw upon the coast a great many ravens and eagles " (turkey vultures), " from whence we conjectured there was some prey, and having landed upon that place, we found above the half of a fat wild goat, which the wolves had strangled. This provision was very acceptable to us, and the rudest of our men could not but praise the Divine Providence which took so particular care of us." This must have been somewhere near Racine. "On the 16th" (October, 1679), " we met with abundance of game. A savage we had with us, killed several stags (deer) and wild goats, and our men a great many turkeys, very fat and big." This must have been south of Racine. These goats were undoubtedly antelopes. Schoolcraft mentions antelopes as occupying the Northwest territory. When the last buffalo crossed the Mississippi is not precisely known. It is certain they lingered in Wisconsin in 1825. It is said there was a buffalo shot on the St. Croix river as late as 1832, so Wisconsin claims the last buffalo. The woodland caribou — Rangifer caribou— were never numerous within the limits of the state. A few were seen not far from La Pointe in C045. The last wild turkey in the eastern portion of the state, was in 1846. On the Mississippi, one was killed in 1856. I am told by Dr. Walcott, that turkeys were abundant in Wisconsin previoi's to the hard winter of 1842-3, when snow was yet two feet deep in March, with a stout crust, so that the turkeys could not get to the ground. They became so poor and weak, that they could not fly, and thus became an easy prey to the wolves, foxes, wild cats, minks, etc., which exter minated almost the entire race. The Doctor says he saw but one single individual the next winter. Elk were on Hay river in 1863, and I have little doubt a few yet remain. Moose are not numerous, a few yet remain in the northwestern part of the state. I saw moose tracks on the Montreal river, near Lake Superior, in the summer of 1845. A few panthers may still inhabit the wilderness of Wisconsin. Benjamin Bones, of Racine, shot ofle on the headwaters of FAUNA OF WISCONSIN. 139> Black river, December, 1863. Badgers are now nearly gone, and in a few years more, the only badgers found within the state, will be two legged ones. Beavers are yet numerous in the small lakes in the northern regions. Wolverines are occasionally met with in the northern forests. Bears, wolves, and deer, will continue to flourish in the northern and central counties, where underbrush, timber, and small lakes abound. All large animals will soon be driven by civilization out of Wisconsin. The railroad and improved firearms will do the work, and thus we lose the primitive denizens of the forest and prairies. PECULIARITIES OF THE BIRD FAUNA. The facts recorded in this paper, were obtained by personal observations within fifteen miles of Racine, Wisconsin, latitude 42 ° 46' north, longitude 87" 48' west. This city is situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, at the extreme southern point of the heavy lumbered district, the base of which rests on Lake Superior. Racine extends six miles further. into the lake than Milwaukee, and two mtles further than Kenosha. At this point the great prairie approaches near the lake from the west. The extreme rise of the mercury in summer, is from 900 to ioo° Fahrenheit. The isothermal line comes further north in summer, and retires further south in winter than it does east of the great lakes, which physical condition will sufficiently explain the remarkable peculiarities of its animal life, the overlapping, as it were, of two distinct faunas. More especially is this true of birds, that are enabled to change their locality with the greatest facility. Within the past thirty years, I have collected and observed over three hundred species of birds, nearly half of all birds found in North America. Many species, considered rare in other sections, are found here in the greatest abundance. A striking peculiarity of the ornithological fauna of this section, is that southern birds go farther north in summer, while northern species go farther south in winter than they do east of the lakes. Of summer birds that visit us, I will ennumerate a few of the many that belong to a more southern latitude in the Atlantic States. Nearly all nest with us, or, at least, did some years ago. Yellow-breasted chat, Tcteria virdis j mocking bird, Mimus pollyglottus ; great Carolina wren,. Thrioihorus ludovicianus ; prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citreaj summer red bird, Pyr&ngia tzs-iiva; wood ibis, Tantalus loeulator. Among Arctic birds that visit us in winter are : Snowy owl, Nyctea nivea; great gray owl, Syrnium cinerus; hawk owl, Surnia ululaj Arctic three-toed woodpecker, Picoides arcticus; banded three-toed woodpecker, Picoides hirsutus; mag pie, Pica hudsonica; Canada jay, Perisorius canadensis ; evening grosbeak, Hesperiphona vcsper- tinaj Hudson titmouse, Parus hudsonicus ; king eder, Somateria spectabilis ; black-throated diver, Colymbus arcticus; glaucus gull, Laurus glaucus. These examples are sufficient to indicate the rich avi fauna of Wisconsin. It is doubtful if there is another locality where the Canada jay and its associates visit in winter where the mock ing bird nests in summer, or where the hawk owl flies silently over the spot occupied during the warmer days by the summer red bird and the yellow-breasted chat. But the ax has already leveled much of the great woods, so that there is now a great falling off in numbers of our old familiar feathered friends. It is now extremely doubtful if such a collection can ever again be madf within the boundaries of this state, or indeed, of any other. EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. By Prof. EDWARD SEARING, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. From the time of the earliest advent of the families of French traders into the region now known as Wisconsin, to the year 1818, when that region became part of Michigan territory, education was mostly confined to private instruction, or was sought by the children of the wealthier in the -distant cities of Quebec, Montreal, and Detroit. The early Jesuit missionaries, and — subsequently to 1816, when it came under the military control of the United States — representatives of various other religious denominations, sought to teach the Indian, tribes of this section. In 1823, Rev. Eleazar Williams, well known for his subsequent claim to be the Dauphin of France, and who was in the employ of the Episcopal Missionary Society, started a school of white and half-breed children on the west side of Fox river, opposite " Shanty-Town." A Catholic mission school for Indians was organized by an Italian priest near Green Bay, in 1830. A clause of the treaty with the Winnebago Indians, in 1832, bound th_- United States to maintain a school for their children near Prairie du Chien for a period of twenty-seven years. The Original School Code. From 1818 to 1836, Wisconsin formed part of Michigan territory. In the year 1837, Michi gan was admitted into the Union as a state, and Wisconsin, embracing what is now Minnesota, Iowa, and a considerable region still further westward, was, by act of congress approved April 20th of the year previous, established as a separate territory. The act provided that the existing laws of the territory of Michigan should be extended over the new territory so far as compatible with the provisions of the act, subject to alteration or repeal by the new government created. Thus with the other statutes, the school code of Michigan became the original code of Wiscon sin, and it was soon formally adopted, with almost no change, by the first territorial legislature, which met at Belmont. Although modified in some of its provisions almost every year, this imperfect code continued in force until the adoption of the state constitution in 1848. The first material changes in the code were made by the territorial legislature at its second session, in 1837, by the passage of a bill " to regulate the sale of school lands, and to provide for organ izing, regulating, and perfecting common schools." It was provided in this act that as soon as twenty electors should reside in a surveyed township, they should elect a board of three com missioners, holding office three years, to lay off districts, to apply the proceeds of the leases of school lands to the payment of teachers' wages, and to call school meetings. It was also pro vided that each district should elect a board of three directors, holding office one year, to locate school-houses, hire teachers for at least three months in the year, and levy taxes for the support of schools. It was further provided that a third board of five inspectors should be elected annually in each town to examine and license teachers and inspect the schools. Two years subsequently (1839) the law was revised and the family, instead of the electors, was made the basis of the town organization. Every town with not less than ten families was made a school district and required to provide a competent teacher. More populous towns were divided into two or more districts. The office of town commissioner was abolished, its duties with certain others being transferred to the inspectors. The rate-bill system of taxation, previously in existence, was repealed, and a tax on the whole county for building school-houses and sunport- EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 141 frig schools was provided for. One or two years later the office of town commissioners was restored, and the duties of the inspectors were assigned to the same. Other somewhat important amendments were made at the same time. In 1840, a memorial to congress from the legislature represented that the people were anxious to establish a common-school system, with suitable resources for its support. From lack of sufficient funds many of the schools were poorly organized. The rate-bill tax or private subscription was often necessary to supplement the scanty results of county taxation. Until a state government should be organized, the fund accruing from the sale of school lands could not be available. Congress had made to Wisconsin, as to other new states, for educational purposes, a donation of lands. These lands embraced the sixteenth section in every township in the state, the 500,000 acres to which the state was entitled by the provisions of an act of congress passed in 1841, and any grant of lands from the United States, the purposes of which were not speci fied. To obtain the benefits of this large fund was a leading object in forming the state con stitution. Agitation for Free Schools. Shortly before the admission of the state the subject of free schools began to be quite widely discussed. In February, 1845, Col. M. Frank, of Kenosha, a member of the territorial legislature, introduced a bill, which became- a law, authorizing the legal voters of his own town to vote taxes on all the assessed property tor the full support of its schools. A provision of the act required its submission to the people of the town before it could take effect. It met with strenuous opposition, but after many public meetings and lectures held in the interests of public enlightenment, the act was ratified by a small majority in the fall of 1845, and thus the first free school in the state was legally organized. Subsequently, in the legislature, in the two constitutional con ventions, and in educational assemblies, the question of a free-school system for the new state soon to be organized provoked much interest and discussion. In the constitution framed by the convention of 1846, was provided the basis of a free-school system similar to that in our present constitution. The question of establishing the office of state superintendent, more than any other feature of the proposed school system, elicited discussion in that body. The necessity of this office, and the advantages of free schools supported by taxation, were ably presented to the convention by Hon. Henry Barnard, of Connecticut, in, an evening address. He afterward pre pared, by request, a draft of a free-school system, with a state superintendent at its head, which was accepted and subsequently embodied in the constitution and the school law. In the second constitutional convention, in 1848, the same questions again received careful attention, and the article on education previously prepared, was, after a few changes, brought into the shape in which we now find it. Immediately after the ratification by the people, of the constitution pre pared by the second convention, three commissioners were appointed to revise the statutes. To one of these, Col. Frank, the needed revision of the school laws was assigned. The work was acceptably performed, and the new school code of 1849, largely the same as. the present one, went into operation May first of that year. The School System under the State Government. In the state constitution was laid the broad foundation of our present school system. The four corner stones were: (1) The guaranteed freedom of the schools; (2) the school fund created ; (3) the system of supervision ; (4) a state university for higher instruction. The school fund has five distinct sources for its creation indicated in the constitution: (1) Proceeds from the sale of lands granted to the state by the United States for educational purposes ; (2) 142 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. all moneys accruing from forfeiture or escheat; (3) all fines collected in the several counties for breach of the penal laws ; (4) all moneys paid for exemption from military duty ; (5) five per cent. of the sale of government lands within the state. In addition to these constitutional sources of the school fund, another and sixth source was open from 1856 to 1870. By an act of the state legislature in the former year, three-fourths of the net proceeds of the sales of the swamp and overflowed lands, granted to the state by congress, Sept. 28, 1850, were added to the common- school fund, the other fourth going into a fund for drainage, under certain circumstances ; but if not paid over to any town for that purpose within two years, to become a part of the school fund. The following year one of these fourths was converted into the normal-school fund, leaving one-half for the common-school fund. In 1858, another fourth was given to the drainage fund, thus providing for the latter one-half the income from the sales, and leaving for the school fund, until the year 1865, only the remaining one-fourth. In the latter year this was transferred to the normal-school fund, with the provision, however, that one-fourth of the income of this fund should be transferred to the common-school fund until the annual income of the latter fund should reach $200,000. In 1870 this provision was repealed, and the whole income of the normal fund left applicable to the support of normal schools and teachers' institutes. At the first session of the state legislature in 1848, several acts were passed which carried out in some degree the educational provisions of the constitution. A law was enacted to pro vide for the election, and to define the duties, of a state superintendent of public instruction. A district board was created, consisting of a moderator, director, and treasurer ; the office of town superintendent was established, and provision was made for the creation of town libraries, and for the distribution of the school fund. The present school code of Wisconsin is substantially that passed by the legislature of 1848, and which went into operation May 1, 1849. The most important change since made was the abolition of the office of town superintendent, and the substitution therefor of the county superintendency. This change took effect January 1, 1862. The School-Fund Income. The first annual report of the state superintendent, for the year 1849, gives the income of the school fund for that year as $588, or eight and three-tenth mills per child. Milwaukee county received the largest amount, $69.63, and St. Croix county the smallest, twenty-four cents. The average in the state was forty-seven' cents per district. The following table will show at a glance the quinquennial increase in the income of the fund, the corresponding increase in the number of school children, and the apportionment per child, from 1849 to 1875, inclusive ; also, the last published apportionment, that for 1878. It will be seen that since 1855 the increase of the fund has not kept pace with the increase of school population : Year. NO. CHILDREN OF SCHOOL-AGE. INCOME OF SCHOOL FUND RATE PER CHILD. Year. NO. CHILDREN OF SCHOOL-AGE. INCOME OF SCHOOL FUND RATE PER CHILD. 1849--1850..1855-- 1860.. 70,45792,105 186,085 288,984 $588 00 47,716 00 125,906 02 184,949 76 $0.0083 .518 .67.64 1865.. 1870.. 1875--1878.. 335.582 412,481450,304478,692 I5I,8l6 34 159.271 38 184,624 64 185,546 OI .46 .40.41 •39 The amount of productive school fund reported September 30, 1878, was $2,680,703.27. The portion of the fund not invested at that date, was $58,823.70. EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 143 The State University. In his message to the first territorial legislature, in 1836, Governor Dodge recommended ^asking from congress aid for the establishment of a state educational institution, to be governed by the legislature. This was the first official action looking to the establishment of a state university. The same legislature passed an act to establish and locate the Wisconsin univer sity at Belmont, in the county of Iowa. At its second session, the following year, the legislature passed an act, which was approved January 19, 1838, establishing " at or near Madison, the seat -of government, a university for the purpose of educating youth, the name whereof shall be ' The University of the Territory of Wisconsin. " A resolution was passed at the same session, direct ing the territorial delegate in congress to ask of that body an appropriation of $20,000 for the erection of the buildings ot said university, and also to appropriate two townships of vacant land for its endowment. Congress accordingly appropriated, in 1838, seventy-two sections, or two townships, for the support of a " seminary of learning in the territory of Wisconsin," and this was afterward confirmed to the state for the use of the university. No effectual provision, how ever, was made for the establishment of the university until ten years later, when the state was -organized. Congress, as has been said, had made a donation of lands to the territory for the support of such an institution, but these lands could not be made available for that purpose until the territory should become a state. The state constitution, adopted in 1848, declared that pro vision should be made for the establishment of a state university, and that the proceeds of all lands donated by the United States to the state for the support of a university should remain a perpetual fund, the interest of which should be appropriated to its support The state legislature, at its first session, passed an act, approved July 26, 1848, establishing the University of Wisconsin, defining its location, its government, and its various departments, and authorizing the regents to purchase a suitable site for the buildings, and to proceed to the erection of the same, after having obtained from the legislature the approval of plans. This act repealed the previous act of 1838. The regents were soon after appointed, and their first annual report was presented to the legislature, January 30, 1849. This report announced the selection of a site, subject to the approval of the legislature, announced the organization of a preparatory ¦department, and the election of a chancellor or president. The university was thus organized, with John H. Lathrop, president of the University of Missouri, as its first chancellor, and John W. Sterling as principal of the preparatory department, which was opened February 5, 1849. Chancellor Lathrop was not fonnally inaugurated until January 16, 1850. Owing to the short-sighted policy of the state in locating without due care, and in apprais ing and selling so low the lands of the original grant, the fund produced was entirely inadequate to the support of the institution. Congress, therefore, made, in 1854, an additional grant of seventy-two sections of land for its use. These, however, were located and sold in the same inconsiderate and unfortunate manner, for so low a price as to be a means of inducing immigra tion, indeed, but not of producing a fund adequate for the support of a successful state univer sity. Of the 92,160 acres comprised, in the two grants, there had been sold prior to September 30, 1866, 74,178 acres for the sum of $264,570.13, or at an average price of but little more than $3.50 per acre.* Besides this, the state had allowed the university to anticipate its income to the ;extent of over $100,000 for the erection of buildings. By a law of 1862 the sum of $104,339.43 was taken from its fund (already too small) to pay for these buildings. The resulting embar rassment made necessary the re-organization of 1866, which added to the slender resources of the institution the agricultural college fund, arising from the sale of lands donated to the state by the congressional act of 1862. •Compare the price obtained for the lands of the University of Michigan. The first sale of those lands averaged -$22.85 per acre, and brought in a single year (1837) $150,447.90. Sales were made in succeeding years at $15, $17, onil Iftm npr acre. !44 HISTORY OF AVISCONSIN. The first university building erected was the north dormitory, which was completed in 185 1. This is no feet in length by 40 in breadth, and four stories in height. The south dormitory, of the same size, was completed in 1855. The main central edifice, known as University Hall, was finished in 1859. The Ladies' College was completed in 1872. This latter was built with an appropriation of $50,000, made by the legislature in 1870 — the first actual donation the univer sity had ever received from the state. The legislature of 1875 appropriated $80,000 for the erection of Science Hall, a building to be devoted to instruction in the physical sciences. This was completed and ready for occupancy at the opening of the fall term of 1877. The growth of this institution during the past fourteen years, and especially since its re organization in 1866, has been rapid and substantial. Its productive fund on the 30th day of September, 1877, aside from the agricultural college fund, was $223,240 32. The combined uni versity and agricultural funds amounted, at the same date, to $464,032 22. An act of the legis lature in 1867 appropriated to the university income for that year, and annually for the next ten years, the sum of $7,303.76, being the interest upon the sum taken from the university fund by the law of 1862 for the erection of buildings, as before mentioned. Chapter 100 of the general laws of 1872 also provided for an annual state tax of $10,000 to increase the income of the uni versity. Chapter 119 of the laws of 1876 provides for an annual state tax of one-tenth of one mill on the taxable property of the state for the increase of the university fund income, this tax to be "in lieu of all other appropriations before provided for the benefit of said fund income," and to be " deemed a full compensation for all deficiencies in said income arising from the dis position of the lands donated to the state by congress, in trust, for the benefit of said income." The entire income of the university from all sources, including this tax (which was $42,359.62), was, for the year ending September 30, 1878, $81,442.63. The university has a faculty of over thirty professors and instructors, and during the past year — 1877-8 — it had in its various depart ments 388 students. The law department, organized in 1868, has since been in successful oper ation. Ladies are admitted into all the departments and classes of the university. Agricultural College. The agricultural college fund, granted to the state by the congressional act of 1862, was by a subsequent legislative enactment (1866) applied to the support, not of a separate agricultural college, but of a department of agriculture in the existing university, thus rendering it unneces sary for the state to erect separate buildings elsewhere. Under the provisions of chapter 114, laws of 1866, the county of Dane issued to the state, for the purpose of purchasing an experi mental farm, bonds to the amount of $40,000. A farm of about 200 acres, adjoining the univer sity grounds, was purchased, and a four years' course of study provided, designed to°be thorough and extensive in the branches that relate to agriculture, in connection with its practical application upon the experimental farm. The productive agricultural college fund has increased from $8,061.86, in 1866, to $244 26^,18, in 1878. J Normal Schools. The propriety of making some special provision for the instruction of teachers was acknowledged in the very organization of the state, a provision for normal schools having been embod.ed in the const.tut.on itself, which ordains that after the support and maintenance of the EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 145 common schools is insured, the residue of the school fund shall be appropriated to academies and normal schools. The state legislature, in its first session in 1848, in the act establishing the Uni versity of Wisconsin, declared that one of the four departments thereof should be a department of the theory and practice of elementary instruction. The first institution ever chartered in the state as a normal school was incorporated by the legislature at its second session — 1849 — > under the title of the " Jefferson County Normal School." This, however, was never organized. The regents, when organizing the university, at their meeting in 1849, ordained the estab lishment of a normal professorship, and declared that in organizing the normal department it was their fixed intention " to make the University of Wisconsin subsidiary to the great cause of popular education, by making it, through its normal department, the nursery of the educators of the popular mind, and the central point of, union and harmony to the educational interests of the commonwealth." They declared that instruction in the normal department should be free to all suitable candidates. Little was accomplished, however, in this direction during the next ten years. In 1857 an act was passed by the legislature appropriating twenty-five per cent, of the income of the swamp-land fund '' to normal institutes and academies under the supervision and direction of a board of regents of normal schools," who were to be appointed in accordance with the provisions of the act. Distribution of this income was made to such colleges, acade mies, and high schools as maintained a normal class, in proportion to the number of pupils pass ing a successful examination conducted by an agent of the board. In 1859, Dr. Henry Barnard, who had become chancellor of the university, was made agent of the normal regents. He inaugurated a system of teachers' institutes, and gave fresh vigor to the normal work throughout the state. Resigning, however, on account of ill-health, within two years, Professor Chas. H. Allen, who had been conducting institutes under his direction, succeeded him as agent of the normal regents, and was elected principal of the normal department of the university, entering upon his work as the latter in March, 1864. He managed the department with signal ability and success, but at the end of one or two years resigned. Meantime the educational sentiment of the state had manifested itself for the establishment of separate normal schools. In 1865, the legislature passed an act repealing that of two years before, and providing instead that one-half of the swamp-land fund should be set apart as a normal-school fund, the income of which should be applied to establishing and supporting normal schools under the direction and management of the board of normal regents, with a proviso, however, that one- fourth of such income should be annually transferred to the common-school fund income, until the latter should amount annually to $200,000. This proviso was repealed by the legislature of 1870, and the entire income of one-half the swamp-land fund has since been devoted to normal- school purposes. During the same year proposals were invited for aid in the establishment of a normal school, in money, land, or buildings, and propositions from various places were received and considered. In 1S66, the board of regents was incorporated by the legislature. In the same year Platteville was conditionally selected as the site of a school, and as there was already a productive fund of about $600,000, with an income of over $30,000, and a prospect of a steady increase as the lands were sold, the board decided upon the policy of establishing several schools, located in different parts of the state. In pursuance of this policy, there have already been completed, and are now in very successful operation, the Platteville Normal School, opened October 9, 1866; the Whitewater Normal School, opened April 21, 1868 ; the Oshkosh Normal School, opened September 19, 187 1, and the River Falls Normal School, opened September 2, 1875. Each assembly district in the state is entitled to eight representatives in the normal schools. These are nominated by county and city superintendents. Tuition is free to all normal students. There are in the normal schools two courses of study — an 146 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. ¦elementary course of two years, and an advanced course of four years. The student completing the former, receives a certificate ; the one completing the latter, a diploma. The certificate, when the holder has successfully taught one year after graduation, may be countersigned by the sup erintendent of public instruction, when it becomes equivalent to a five-years' state certificate. The diploma, when thus countersigned, after a like interval, is equivalent to a permanent state certificate. It is believed that the normal-school system of Wisconsin rests upon a broader and more secure basis than the corresponding system of any other state. That basis is an independent and permanent fund, which has already reached a million dollars. The precise amount of this securely invested and productive fund, September 30, 1878, was $1,004,907.67, and the sum of $33,290.88 remained uninvested. Teachers' Institutes. In addition to the work of the normal schools, the board of regents is authorized to expend .•$5,000 annually to defray the expenses of teachers' institutes. A law of 1871, amended in 1876, provides for normal institutes, which shall be held for not less than two consecutive weeks, and appropriates from the state treasury a sum not exceeding $2,000 per annum for their support. There were held in the State, in 1878, sixty-six institutes, varying in length from one to two weeks. The total number of persons enrolled as attendants was 4,944 Graded Schools. Including those in the cities, the graded schools of the State number about four hundred. The annual 'report of the State superintendent for 1878 gives the number with two departments as 207, and the number with three or more as 225. A law of March, 1872, provided that "all graduates of any graded school of the state, who shall have passed an examination at such graded school satisfactory to the faculty of the univer sity for admission into the sub-freshman class and college classes of the university, shall be at once and at all times entitled to free tuition in all the colleges of the university." A consider able number of graduates of graded schools entered the university under this law during the next four years, but it being deemed an unwise discrimination in favor of this class of students, in 1876, in the same act which provided for the tax of one tenth of one mill, the legislature pro vided that from and after the 4th of July of that year no student, except students in law and those taking extra studies, should be required to pay any fees for tuition. Few graded schools of the state are able as yet to fully prepare students for entrance into the regular classes of the classical department of the university. The larger number prepared by them still enter the scientific department or the sub-freshman class. The Township System. In 1869 the legislature passed a law authorizing towns to adopt by vote the " township sys tem of school government." Under this system each town becomes one school district, and the several school districts already existing become sub-districts. Each sub-district elects a clerk, and these clerks constitute a body corporate under the name of the " board of school directors," and are invested with the title and custody of all school houses, school-house sites, and other prop erty belonging to the sub-districts, with power to control them for the best interests of the •schools of the town. The law provides for an executive committee to execute the orders of the EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 147 board, employ teachers, etc., and for a secretary to record proceedings of the board, have imme diate charge and supervision of the schools, and perform other specified duties. But few towns ha\e as yet made trial of this system, although it is in successful operation in Pensylvania, Mas sachusetts, and some other states, and where fully and fairly tried in our own, has proved entirely satisfactory. It is the general belief of our enlightened educational men that the plan has such merits as ought to secure its voluntary adoption by the people of the state. Free High Schools. In 1875 the legislature enacted that any town, incorporated village, or city, may establish and maintain not more than two free high schools, and provided for an annual appropriation of not to exceed $25,000, to refund one-half of the actual cost of instruction in such schools, but no school to draw in any one year more than $500. At the session of 1877 the benefits of the act were extended to such high schools already established as shall show by a proper report that they have conformed to the requirements of the law. If towns decline to establish such a school, one or more adjoining districts in the same have the privilege of doing so. The law has met with much favor. For the school year ending August 31, 1876 (the first year in which it was in operation), twenty such schools reported, and to these the sum of $7,466.50 was paid, being an average of $373.32 per school. For the year ending August 31, 1878, eighty-five schools reported and received a pro rata division of the maximum appropriation. The high school law was primarily designed to bring to rural neighborhoods the twofold advantages of (1) a higher instruction than the common district schools afford, and (2) a better class of teachers for these schools. It was anticipated, however, from the first that the immediate results of the law would be chiefly the improvement of existing graded schools in the larger villages and in cities. School Officers. The school officers of Wisconsin are, a state superintendent of public instruction, sixty-four county superintendents, twenty-eight city superintendents, and a school board in each district, consisting of a director, treasurer, and clerk. The state and county superintendents hold office two years, the district officers three years. In each independent city there is a board of educa tion, and the larger cities have each a city superintendent, who in some cases is also principal of the high school. He is appointed for one year. The county board of supervisors determine, within certain limits, the amount of money to be raised annually in each town and ward of their county for school purposes, levy an additional amount for the salary of the county superintend ents, may authorize a special school tax, and may under certain circumstances determine that there shall be two superintendents for their county. The town board of supervisors have authority to form and alter school districts, to issue notice for first meeting, to form union districts for high school purposes, and appoint first boards for the same, to locate and establish school-house sites under certain circumstances, to extinguish districts that have neglected to maintain school for two years, and to dispose of the property of the same. The district clerks report annually to the town clerks, the town clerks to the county superintendents, and the county and city superintend ents to the state superintendent, who in turn makes an annual report to the governor. State Teachers' Certificates. The state superintendent is authorized by law " to issue state certificates of high grade to teachers of eminent qualifications." Two grades of these are given, one unlimited, and the other good for five years. The examination is conducted by a board of three examiners, appointed annually by the state superintendent, and acting under rules and regulations prescribed by him. 148 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Teachers' Associations. Besides the Wisconsin State Teachers' Association, holding its annual session in the summer and a semi-annual or " executive " session in the winter, there are, in several parts of the state, county or district associations, holding stated meetings. The number of such associations is annually increasing. Libraries. The utility of public libraries as a part of the means of popular enlightenment, was early recognized in this state. The constitution, as set forth in 1848, required that a portion of the income of the school fund should be applied to the " purchase of suitable libraries and appa ratus" for the common schools. The same year the legislature of the state, at its first session, enacted that as soon as this income should amount to $60,000 a year (afterwards changed to $30,000), each town superintendent might devote one tenth of the portion of this income received by his town annually, to town library purposes, the libraries thus formed to be distributed among the districts, in sections, and in rotation, once in three months. Districts were also empowered to raise money for library books. The operation of this discretionary and voluntary system was not successful. In ten years (1858) only about one third of the districts (1,121) had libraries, embracing in all but 38,755 volumes, and the state superintendent, Hon. Lyman C. Draper, urged upon the legislature a better system, of " town libraries," and a state tax for their creation and maintenance. In 1857, the legislature enacted that ten per cent, of the yearly income of the school fund should be applied to the purchase of town school libraries, and that an annual tax of one tenth of one mill should be levied for the same purpose. The law was left incomplete, how ever, and in 1862, before the system had been perfected, the exigencies of the civil war led to the repeal of the law, and the library fund which had accumulated from the ten per cent, of the school fund income, and from the library tax, amounting in all to $88,784.78, was transferred to the general fund. This may be considered a debt to the educational interests of the slate that should be repaid. Meanwhile the single district library system languishes and yearly grows weaker. The re-enacting of a town library system, in which local effort and expenditure shall be stimulated and supplemented by State aid, has been recommended by the State Teachers' Association, and will, it is hoped, be secured, at no distant day, as a part of a complete town system of schools and of public education. List of State Superintendents. The act creating the office was passed at the first session of the state legislature, in 1848. The incumbents up to the present time have been as follows : NAME OF INCUMBENT. DURATION OF INCUMBENCY. Hon. E. Root .Three years — 1849-50-51. Hon. A. P. Ladd Two years — 1852-53. Hon. H. A. Wright* One year and five months — 1854-755. Hon. A. C. Barry Two years and seven months — 1855-56-57. Hon. L. C. Draper Two years — 1858-59. Hon. J. L. Pickardj- Three years and nine months — 1860-61-62-63. Hon. J. G. McMynn Four years and three months — 1863-64-65-66-67. Hon. A.J. CraigJ Two years and six months — 1868-69-70. Hon. Samuel Fallows Three years and six months — 1870-71-72-73. Hon. Edward Searing Four years — 1874-75-76-77, Hon. W. C. Whitford Two years— 1878-79. * Died, May 29, 1845. f Resigned, October 1, 1863. | Died, July 3, 1870. EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 149 Sketches of Colleges in Wisconsin.* Beloit College was founded in 1847, at Beloit, under the auspices of the Congregational and Presbyterian churches of Wisconsin and northern Illinois. In 1848, Rev. Joseph Emerson and Rev. J. J. Bushnell were appointed professors, and in 1849, Rev. A. L. Chapin was appointed president, and has continued such unti^ the present time. The institution has had a steady growth, has maintained a high standard of scholarship and done excellent work, both in its pre paratory and college departments. Two hundred and thirty-six young men have graduated. Its lands and buildings are valued at $78,000, and its endowments and funds amount to about $122,000. Lawrence University, at Appleton, under the patronage of the Methodist church, was ' organized as a college in 1850, having been an " institute " or academy for three years previous, under the Rev. W. H. Sampson. The first president was Rev. Edward Cook ; the second, R. Z. Mason ; the present one is the Rev. George M. Steele, D. D. It is open to both sexes, and has graduated 130 young men, and 68 young women. It still maintains a preparatory depart ment. It has been an institution of great benefit in a new region of country, in the northeastern part of the state. Receiving a liberal donation at the outset from the Hon. Amos A. Lawrence, of Boston, it has land and buildings valued at $47,000, at Appleton, and funds and endowments amounting to $60,000. Milton College, an institution under the care of the Seventh Day Baptists, was opened as a college in 1867, having* been conducted as an academy since 1844. Rev. W. C. Whitford, the president, was for many years the principal of the academy The institution has done much valuable work, particularly in preparing teachers for our public schools. The college has gradu ated 38 young men and women, having previously graduated 93 academic students. It has lands, buildings and endowments to the amount of about $50,000. Ripon College, which was known till 1864 as Brockway College, was organized in 1853, at Ripon, and is supported by the Congregational church. Since its re-organization, in 1863, it has graduated 77 students (of both sexes) in the college courses, and has always maintained a large and flourishing preparatory department. Under its present efficient head, the Rev. E. H. Mer- rell, A. M., it is meeting with continued success. Its property amounts to about $125,000. Racine College was founded by the Episcopal Church, at Racine, in 1852, under the Rev. Roswell Park, D. D., as its first President. It was for a long time under the efficient administra tion of Rev. James De Koven, D. D., now deceased, who was succeeded by Rev. D. Stevens Parker. It maintains a large boys' school also, and a preparatory department. It was designed, in part, to train young men for the Nashotah Theological Seminary. It has property, including five buildings, to the amount of about $180,000, and has graduated ninety-nine young men. Its principal work, in which it has had great success, is that of a boys' school, modeled somewhat after the English. schools.. The Seminary of St. Francis of Sales, an ecclesiastical school, was established at St. Fran cis Station, near Milwaukee, chiefly by the combined efforts of two learned and zealous priests, the Rev. Michael Heiss, now bishop of La Crosse, and the Rev. Joseph Salzmann. It was opened in January, 1856, with Rev. M. Heiss as rector, and with 25 students. ' Rev. Joseph •l alzmann was rector from September, 1868, to the time of his death, January 17, 1874, since which time Rev. C. Wapelhorst has held the rectorship. The latter is now assisted by twelve professors, and the students number 267, of whom 105 are theologians, 31 students of philosophy, .and the rest classical students. Pio Nono College is a Roman Catholic institution, at St. Francis Station, in the immediate neighborhood of the Seminary of St. Francis. It was founded in 187 1, by Rev. Joseph Salzmann, * The statistics in this division were obtained in 1877, and are for the orevious year. 150 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. who was the first rector. He was succeeded in 1874 by the present rector, Rev. Thomas Brue- ner, who is assisted by a corps of seven professors. Besides the college proper, there is a nor mal department, in which, in addition to the education that qualifies for teaching in common and higher schools, particular attention is given to church music. There is also, under the same management, but in an adjoining building, an institution for the instruction of the deaf and dumb. The pupils in the latter, both boys and girls, numbering about 30, are taught to speak by sounds, and it is said with the best success. An institution was organized in 1865, at Prairie du Chien, under the name of Prairie du Chien College, and under the care of J. T. Lovewell, as principal. In the course of two or three years it passed into the hands of the Roman Catholic church, and is now known as St. John's College. It has so far performed principally preparatory work. Sinsinawa Mound College, a Roman Catholic institution, was founded in 1848, through the labors of Father Mazzuchelli, but after doing a successful work, was closed in 1863, and in 1867 the St. Clara academy was opened in the same buildings. The Northwestern University, which is under the Lutheran church, was organized in 1865, at Watertown, under Rev. August F. Ernst, as president. It has graduated 21 young men, and has a preparatory department. Its property is valued at $50,000. Galesville University was organized in 1859, under the patronage of the Methodist church at Galesville, in the northwest part of the state. The first president was the Rev. Samuel Fal lows, since state superintendent. It has graduated ten young men and eight young women, its work hitherto having been mostly preparatory. It is now under the patronage of the Presby terian denomination, with J. W. McLaury, A. M., as president. It has property valued at $30,000, and an endowment of about $50,000. Carroll College was established at Waukesha, by the Presbyterian church, in 1846. Prof. J. W. Sterling, now of the state university, taught its primary classes that year. Under President John A. Savage, D.D., with an able corps of professors, it took a high rank and graduated classes ; but for several years past it has confined its work principally to academic studies. Under W. L. Rankin, A. M.,the present principal, the school is doing good service. Wayland University was established as a college, by the Baptists, at Beaver Dam, in 1854, but never performed much college work. For three years past, it has been working under a new charter as an academy and preparatory school, and is now known as Wayland Institute. In 1841, the Protestant Episcopal church established a mission in the wilds of Waukesha county, and, at an early day, steps were taken to establish in connection therewith an institution of learning. This was incorporated in 1847, by the name of Nashotah House. In 1852 the classical school was located at Racine, and Nashotah House became distinctively a theological seminary. It has' an endowment of one professorship, the faculty and students being otherwise sustained by voluntary contributions. It has a faculty of five professors, with Rev. A. D. Cole, D.D., as president, buildings pleasantly situated, and has graduated 185 theological students. Female Colleges. Two institutions have been known under this designation. The Milwaukee Female College was founded in 1852, and ably conducted for several years, under the principalship of Miss Mary Mortimer, now deceased'.,. It furnished an advanced grade of secondary instruction. The Wis consin Female College, located at Fox Lake, was first incorporated in 1855, and re-organized in 1863. It has never reached a collegiate course, is now known as Fox Lake Seminary, and admits both sexes. Rev. A. O. Wright, A. M., is the present principal. AGRICULTURE. 151 Academies and Seminaries. The following institutions of academic grade, are now in operation : Albion Academy ; Benton Academy; Big Foot Academy; Elroy Seminary; Fox Lake Seminary; two German and English academies in Milwaukee ; Janesville Academy ; Kemper Hall, Kenosha ; Lake Geneva Seminary, Geneva; Lakeside Seminary, Oconomowoc; Marshall Academy, Marshall; Merrill Institute, Fond du Lac ; Milwaukee Academy ; Racine Academy ; River Falls Institute ; Rochester Seminary; St. Catherine's Academy, Racine; St. Clara Academy; Sinsinawa Mound ; St. Mary's Institute, Milwaukee ; Sharon Academy ; and Wayland Institute, Beaver 'Dam. Similar institutions formerly in operation but suspended or merged in other institu tions, were : Allen's Grove Academy ; Appleton Collegiate Institute ; Baraboo Collegiate Insti tute; Beloit Female Seminary; Beloit Seminary; Brunson Institute, Mount Hope ; Evansville Sem inary; Janesville Academy (merged in the~high school); Kilbourn Institute; Lancaster Institute; Milton Academy; Platteville Academy ; Southport Academy (Kenosha); Waterloo Academy; Waukesha Seminary ; Wesleyan Seminary, Eau Claire ; and Patch Grove Academy. The most important of these were the Milton and Platteville Academies, the former merged in Mil ton College, the latter in the Platteville Normal School. Of the others, several were superseded by the establishment of public high schools in the same localities. Commercial Schools. Schools of this character, aiming to furnish what is called a business education, exist in Mil waukee, Janesville, Madison, LaCrosse, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. The oldest and largest is in Milwaukee, under the care of Prof. R. C. Spencer, and enrolls from two to three hundred students annually. AGRICULTURE. By W: W. DANIELLS, M.S., Prof, of Chemistry and Agriculture at the University of Wisconsin. The trend of the earliest industries of a country, is the result of the circumstances under which those industries are developed. The attention of pioneers is confined to supplying the immediate wants of food, shelter, and clothing. Hence, the firs tsettlers of a country are farm ers, miners, trappers, or fishermen, according as they can most readily secure the means of pres ent sustenance for themselves and their families. In the early history of Wisconsin this law is well exemplified. The southern part of the state, consisting of alternations of prairie and tim ber, was first settled by farmers. As the country has developed, wealth accumulated, and means of transportation have been furnished, farming has ceased to be the sole interest. Manufactories have been built along the rivers, and the mining industry of the southwestern part of the state has grown to one of considerable importance. The shore of Lake Michigan was first mainly settled tied by fishermen, but the later growth of agriculture and manufactures has nearly overshadowed the fishing interest ; as has the production of lumber, in the north half of the state, eclipsed the trapping and fur interests of the first settlers. That the most important industry of Wisconsin is farming, may be seen from the following statistics of the occupation of the people as given by the United States census. Out of each one hundred inhabitants, of all occupations, 68 were 152 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. farmers, in 1840; 52 in 1850; 54 in i860; 55 in 1870. The rapid growth of the agriculture of the state is illustrated by the increase in the number of acres of improved land in farms, and in the value of farms and of farm implements and machinery, as shown by the following table, com- piled from the United States census : ACRES IMPROVED LAND IN FARMS. VALUE OF FARMS, INCLUDING IMPROV ED AND UNIMPROV ED LANDS. VALUE OF FARM IMPLEMENTS TOTAL. TO EACH INHAB. AND MACHINERY. 1850 i8601870 1.045,499 3.746,167 5,899,343 3-4 4.8 5-6 $ 28,528,563 I3i.ir7.l64 300,414,064 S 1,641,568 5,758,847 14,239,364 Farming, at the present time, is almost entirely confined to the south half of the state the northern half being still largely covered by forests. A notable exception to this statement is found in the counties on the western border, which are well settled by farmers much farther north. The surface of the agricultural portion of the state is for the most part gently undulating, afford ing ready drainage, without being so abruptly broken as to render cultivation difficult. The soil is varied in character, and mostly very fertile. The southern portion of the state consists of undulating prairies of variable size— the largest being Rock prairie— alternating with oak openings. The prairies have the rich alluvial soil so characteristic of the western prairies, and are easily worked. The soil of the "openings " land is usually a sandy loam, readily tilled, fertile, but not as " strong " as soils having more clay. The proportion of timber to prairie increases passing north from the southern boundary of the state, and forests of maple, basswood and elm, replace, to some extent, the oak lands. In these localities, the soil is more clayey, is strong and fertile, not as easily tilled, and not as quickly exhausted as are the more sandy soils of the oak lands.' In that portion of the state known geologically as the " driftless " region, the soil is invariably good where the surface rock is limestone. In some of the valleys, however, where the lime-rock has been removed by erosion, leaving the underlying sandstone as the surface rock, the soil is sandy and unproductive, except in those localities where a large amount of alluvial matter has been deposited by the streams. The soils of the pine lands of the north of the state, are generally sandy and but slightly fertile. However, where pine is replaced by maple, oak, birch, elm and basswood, the soil is "heavier " and very fertile, even to the shores of Lake Superior. The same natural conditions that make Wisconsin an agricultural state, determined that during its earlier years the main interest should be grain-growing. The fertile prairies covering large portions of the southern part of the state had but to be plowed and sowed with grain to produce an abundant yield. From the raising of cereals the pioneer farmer could get the quickest returns for his labor. Hence in 1850, two years after its admission to the Union, Wis consin was the ninth state in order in the production of wheat, while in i860 this rank was raised to third, Illinois and Indiana only raising more. The true rank of the state is not shown by these figures. Were the number of inhabitants and the number of acres of land in actual culti vation taken into account in the comparison, the state would stand still higher in rank than is here indicated. There is the same struggle for existence, and the same desire for gain the world over, and hence the various phases of development of the' same industry in different civilized countries is mainly the result of the widely varying economical conditions imposed upon that industry Land is thoroughly cultivated in Europe, not because the Europeans have any inherent love for good cultivation, but because there land is scarce and costly, while labor is superabundant and cheap. In America, on the other hand, and especially in the newer states, AGRICULTURE. . 153 land is abundant and cheap, while labor is scarce and costly. In its productive industries each country is alike economical in the use of the costly element in production, and more lavish in the use of that which is cheaper. Each is alike economically wise in following such a course when it is not carried to too great extremes. With each the end sought is the greatest return for the expenditure of a given amount of capital. In accordance with this law of economy, the early agriculture of Wisconsin was mere land-skimming. Good cultivation of the soil was never thought of. The same land was planted successively to one crop, as long as it yielded enough to pay for cultivation. The economical principle above stated was carried to an extreme. Farm ing as then practiced was a quick method of land exhaustion. It was always taking out of the purse, and never putting in. No attention was paid to sustaining the soil's fertility. The only aim was to secure the largest crop for the smallest outlay of capital, without regard to the future. Manures were never used, and such as unavoidably accumulated was regarded as a great nuis ance, often rendering necessary the removal of stables and outbuildings. Straw-stacks were invariably burned as the most convenient means of disposing of them. Wheat, the principal product, brought a low price, often not more than fifty cents a bushel, and had to be marketed by teams at some point from which it could be carried by water, as this was, at an early day, the only means of transportation. On account of the sparse settlement of the country, roads were poor, and the farmer, after raising and threshing his wheat, had to spend, with a team, from two to five days, marketing the few bushels that a team could draw. So that the farmer had every obstacle to contend with except cheap and very fertile land, that with the poorest of cultivation gave a comparatively abundant yield of grain. Better tillage, accompanied with the use of manures and other fertilizers, would not, upon the virgin soils, have added sufficiently to the yield to pay the cost of applying them. Hence, to the first farmers of the state, poor farming was the only profitable farming, and consequently the only good farming, an agriculturo-economical paradox from which there was no escape. Notwithstanding the fact that farmers could economi cally follow no other system than that of land-exhaustion, as described, such a course was none the less injurious to the state, as it was undermining its foundation of future wealth, by destroy ing the fertility of the soil, that upon which the permanent wealth and prosperity of every agri cultural community is first dependent. Besides this evil, and together with it, came the habit of loose and slovenly farming acquired by pioneers, which continued after the conditions making that method a necessity had passed away. With the rapid growth of the northwest came better home markets and increased facilities for transportation to foreign markets, bringing with them higher prices for all products of the farm. As a consequence of these better conditions, land in farms in the state increased rapidly in value, from $9.58 per acre in 1850, to $16.61 in i860, an increase of 62 per cent., while the total number of acres in farms increased during the same time from 2,976,658 acres to 7,893,587 acres, or 265 per cent. With this increase in the value of land, and the higher prices paid for grain, should have come an improved system of hus bandry which would prevent the soil from deteriorating in fertility. This could have been accomplished either by returning to the soil, in manures and fertilizers, those ingredients of which it was being rapidly drained by continued grain-growing, or by the adoption of a system of mixed husbandry, which should include the raising of stock and a judicious rotation of crops. Such a system is sure to come. Indeed, it is now slowly coming. Great progress upon the earlier methods of farming have already been made. But so radical and thorough a change in the habits of any class of people as that from the farming of pioneers to a rational method that will preserve the soil's fertility and pay for the labor it demands, requires many years for its full accomplishment. It will not even keep pace with changes in those economical conditions which 154 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. favor it. In the rapid settlement of the northwestern states this change has come most rapidly with the replacement of the pioneer farmers by immigrants accustomed to better methods of culture. In such cases the pioneers usually ' go west " again, to begin anew their frontier farming upon virgin soil, as their peculiar method of cultivation fails to give them a livelihood. In Wis consin as rapid progress is being made in the system of agriculture as, all things considered, could reasonably be expected. This change for the better has been quite rapid for the past ten years, and is gaining in velocity and momentum each year. It is partly the result of increased intelligence relating to farming, and partly the result of necessity caused by the unprofitableness of the old method. The estimated value of all agricultural products of the state, including that of orchards, market gardens, and betterments, was, in 1870, as given in the census of that year, $79,°72,967, which places Wisconsin twelfth in rank among the agricultural states of the Union. In 1875, according to the " Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture," the value of the principal farm crops in this state was $58,957,050. According to this estimation the state ranks ninth in agri cultural importance. As has been before stated, Wisconsin is essentially a grain-growing state. This interest has been the principal one, not because the soil is better adapted to grain-growing than to general, stock, or dairy farming, but rather because this course, which was at an early day most immediately profitable, has been since persistently followed from force of habit, even after it had failed to be remunerative. The following table shows the bushels of the different grains raised in the state for the years indicated : Year. WHEAT. RYE. CORN. OATS. BARLEY. BUCK WHEAT. 1850 i860 1870---- 1875*--- 4,286,131 15.657,458 25,606,344 25,200,000 81,253 888,544 1,325,2941,340,000 1,988,979 7,517.300 15.033,98815,200,000 3,414,672 11,059,260 20,l8o,Ol626,600,000 209,672 7°7.307 1,645,019 2,200,000 79,8783S.987 408,897 275,000 From these statistics it will be seen that the increase in the production of grain was very rapid up to 1870, while since that time it has been very slight. This rapid increase in grain raising is first attributable to the ease with which this branch of farming was carried on upon the new and very rich soils of the state, while in the older states this branch of husbandry has been growing more difficult and expensive, and also to the fact that the war in our own country so increased the demand for grain from 1861 to 1866 as to make this course the most immediately profitable. But with the close of the war came a diminished demand. Farmers were slow to recognize this fact, and change the character of their productions to accord with the wants of the market, but rather continued to produce the cereals in excess of the demand. The chinch bug and an occasional poor season seriously injured the crops, leaving those who relied princi pally upon the production of grain little or nothing for their support. Hard times resulted from these poor crops. More wheat and corn was the farmer's usual remedy for hard times. So that more wheat and corn were planted. More crop failures with low prices brought harder times, until gradually the farmers of the state have opened their eyes to the truth that they can succeed in other branches of agriculture than grain growing, and to the necessity of catering to the ?Estimated in report of commissioner of agriculture. AGRICULTURE. 155 demands of the market. The value in 1869 of all farm products and betterments of the state was $79,072,967. There were raised of wheat the same year 25,606,344 bushels, which at $1.03 per bushel, the mean price reported by the Milwaukee board of trade, for No. 2 wheat (the lead ing grade), for the year ending July 31, 1870, amounts to $26,374,524, or one third the value of all agricultural products and betterments. The average production per acre, as estimated by the commissioner of agriculture, was 14 bushels. Hence there were 1,829,024 acres of land devoted to this one crop, nearly one third of all the improved land in the state. Of the wheat crop of 1869 24,375,435 bushels were spring wheat, and 1,230,909 bushels were winter wheat, which is 19. & bushels of spring to 1 bushel of winter wheat. The latter is scarcely sown at all on the prairies, or upon light opening soils. In some of the timbered regions hardy varieties do well, but it is not a certain crop, as it is not able to withstand the winters, unless covered by snow or litter. It is not injured as seriously by the hard freezing, as by the alternate freezing and thawing of Feb ruary and March. The continued cropping of land with grain is a certain means of exhausting the soil of the phosphates, and of those nitrogenous compounds that are essential to the production of grain, and yet are present even in the most fertile soils in but small quantities. To the diminished yield, partly attributable to the overcropping of the land, and partially to poor seasons and chinch bugs, and to the decline in prices soon after the war, owing to an over production of wheat, may largely be attributed the hard times experienced by the grain growing farmers of Wisconsin from 1872 to 1877. The continued raising of wheat upon the same land, alternated, if any alternation occurred, with barley, oats, or corn, has produced its sure results. The lesson has cost the farmers of the state dearly, but it has not been altogether lost. A better condition of affairs has already begun. Wheat is gradually losing its prestige as the farmers' sole dependence, while stock, dairy, and mixed farming are rapidly increasing. The number of bushels of wheat raised to each inhabitant in the state was in 1850 fourteen, in i860 twenty-three and eight tenths, in 1870 twenty-four, and in 1875 twenty and four tenths. These figures do not indicate a dimin ished productiveness of the state, but show, with the greatly increased production in other branches of husbandry, that farmers are changing their system to one more diversified and rational. Straw stacks are no longer burned, and manure heaps are not looked upon as altogether useless. Much more attention is now paid to the use of fertilizers. Clover with plaster is looked upon with constantly increasing favor, and there is a greater seeking for light upon the more difficult problems of a profitable agriculture Corn is raised to a large extent, although Wisconsin has never ranked as high in corn, as in wheat growing. Sixteen states raised more corn in 1870 than this state, and in 1875, seventeen states raised more. Corn requires a rich, moist soil, with a long extended season of warm sun shine. While this crop can be raised with great ease in the larger portion of the state, it will always succeed better farther south, both on account of the longer summers and the greater amount of rainfall. According to the statistics of the commissioner of agriculture, the average yield per acre for a period of ten years, is about 30 bushels. Corn is an important crop in the economy of the farmer, as from it he obtains much food for his stock, and it is his principal dependence for fattening pork. On these accounts it will, without doubt, retain its place in the husbandry of the state, even when stock and dairy farming are followed to a much greater extent than at present. Barley is cultivated largely throughout the state, but five states produced more in 1870, than Wisconsin. The great quantity of beer brewed here, furnishes a good home market for this grain. Barley succeeds best in a rather moist climate, having a long growing season. The dry, short summers of Wisconsin, are not well adapted to its growth. Hence the average 156 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. yield is but a medium one, and the quality of the grain is only fair. According to the returns furnished the commissioner of agriculture, the average yield for a period of ten years, is 22 bushels per acre. Next to wheat, more bushels of oats are raised than of any other grain. Wisconsin was, in i860, fifth in rank among the oat-growing states; in 1870, sixth. The rich soils of the state raise an abundant crop of oats with but little labor, and hence their growth in large quantities is not necessarily an indication of good husbandry. They will bear poor cultivation better than corn, and are frequently grown upon land too weedy to produce that grain. It is- a favorite grain for feeding, especially to horses. With the best farmers, oats are looked upon with less favor than corn, because it is apt to leave land well seeded with weeds which are difficult to exterminate. In the production of rye, Wisconsin ranked seventh in i860, and fourth in 1870. It is a much surer crop in this state than winter wheat, as it is less easily winter-killed when not protected by snow, than is that grain. Besides, it ripens so early as not to be seriously injured by drouth in summer, and succeeds well even upon the poorer soils. The average yield per acre is about 16 bushels. But few hops were grown in Wisconsin, up to i860, when owing to an increased demand by the breweries i.f the state, there was a gradual but healthful increase in hop culture. A few years later the advent of the hop louse, and other causes of failure at the east, so raised the price of hops as to make them a very profitable crop to grow. Many acres were planted in this state from 1863 to 1865, when the total product was valued at nearly $350,000. The success of those engaged in this new branch of farming, encouraged others to adopt it. The profits were large. Wheat growing had not for several years been remunerative, and in 1867 and 1868, the " hop fever " became an epidemic, almost a plague. The crop of Sauk county alone was estimated at over 4,000,000 pounds, worth over $2,000,000. The quality of the crop was excellent, the yield large, and the price unusually high. The secretary of the State Agricultural society says, in his report for that year, " Cases are numerous in which the first crop has paid for the land and all the improvements." To many farmers hop raising appeared to offer a sure and speedy course to wealth. But a change came quickly. The hop louse ruined the crop, and low prices caused by over production, aided in bringing ruin to many farmers. In 1867, the price of hops was from 40 to 55 cents per pound, while in 1869 it was from 10 to 15 cents, some of poor quality selling as low as 3 cents. Many hop yards were plowed up during 1869 and 1870. The area under cultivation to this crop in 1875, was, according to the "Report of the Secretary of State," 10,932 acres. The production of tobacco has greatly increased since i860, when there were raised in the state 87,340 pounds. In 1870, the product was 960,813 pounds. As is well known, the quality of tobacco grown in the northern states is greatly inferior for chewing and smoking, to that grown in the south, although varieties having a large, tough leaf, suitable for cigar wrappers, do well here. The variety principally grown is the Connecticut seed leaf. Tobacco can only be grown successfully on rich, fertile soils, and it is very exhausting to the land. Of the amount produced m 1870, there were raised in Rock county 645,408 pounds, and in Dane county, 229,568 pounds; the entire remaining portion of the state raised but 85,737 pounds. According to the report of the secretary of state, the whole number of acres planted to tobacco in 1875, was 3,296. Of this amount Rock county planted 1,676 acres, and Dane county, 1,454 acres, leaving for the remain der of the state but 166 acres. While the crop has been fairly productive and profitable, these statistics show that up to the present time tobacco-raising has been a merely local interest. The production of flax is another merely local industry, it being confined principally to the AGRICULTURE. 157 counties of Kenosha, Grant, Iowa and LaFayette. Of flax fibre, Kenosha county raised in 1869, nearly four fifths of the entire amount grown in the state, the total being 497,398 pounds. With the high price of labor and the low price of cotton now ruling, it is scarcely possible to make the raising of flax fibre profitable. Flax 'seed is raised to a small extent in the other counties men tioned. The present price of oil makes this a fairly profitable crop. If farmers fully appreciated that in addition to the oil, the oil cake is of great value as a food for cattle and sheep, and also that the manure made by the animals eating it, is of three times the value of that made by ani mals fed upon corn, doubtless much more flax seed would be raised than is at present. Ameri can oil-cake finds a ready market in England, at prices which pay well for its exportation. If English farmers can afford to carry food for their stock so far, American farmers may well strive to ascertain if they can afford to allow the exportation of so valuable food. When greater atten tion is paid in our own country to the quality of the manure made by our stock, more oil-cake will be fed at home, and a much smaller proportion of that made here will be exported. The amount of maple sugar produced diminishes as the settlement of the state increases, and is now scarcely sufficient in amount to be an item in the state's productions. The increase in the price of sugar from 1861 to 1868 caused many farmers to try sorghum raising. But the present low prices of this staple has caused an abandonment of the enterprise. Two attempts have been made in Wisconsin to manufacture beet-root sugar, the first at Fond du Lac in 1867 the second at Black Hawk, Sauk county, in 1870. The Fond du Lac company removed their works to California in 1869, not having been successful in their efforts. The Black Hawk com pany made, in 1871, more than 134,000 pounds of sugar, but have since abandoned the business. Both these failures may be attributed to several causes, first of which was the want of sufficient capital to build and carry on a factory sufficiently large to enable the work to be done economi cally ; secondly, the difficulty of sufficiently interesting farmers in the business to induce them to raise beets on so large a scale as to warrant the building of such a factory; and, thirdly, the high price of labor and the low price of sugar. The quality of beets raised was good, the polarization test showing in many instances as high as sixteen per cent, of sugar. The larger proportion, of hay made in the state is from the natural meadows, the low lands or marshes, where wild grasses grow in abundance, and hay only costs the cutting and curing. Cultivated grasses do well throughout the state, and " tame hay " can be made as easily here as elsewhere. The limestone soils, where timber originally grew, are of the uplands, most natural to grass, and, consequently, furnish the richest meadows, and yield the best pasturage. Ye e only soils where grasses do not readily grow, are those which are so sandy and dry as to be nearly barrens. Clover grows throughout the state in the greatest luxuriance. There is occasionally a season so dry as to make *' seeding down " a failure, and upon light soils clover, when not covered with snow, is apt to win ter-kill. Yet it is gaining in favor with farmers, both on account of the valuable pasturage and hay it affords, and on account of its value as a soil renovator. In wheat-growing regions, clover is now recognized to be of the greatest value in a " rotation," on account of its ameliorating influence upon the soil. Throughout the stock and dairy regions, clover is depended upon to a large extent for pasturage, and to a less extent for hay. There has been a growing interest in stock raising for the past ten years, although the increase has not been a rapid one. Many of the herds of pure-blood cattle in the state rank high for their great excellence. The improvement of horses has been less rapid than that of cattle, sheep, and swine ; yet this important branch of stock farming is improving each year. The most attention is given to the improvement of draught and farm horses, while roadsters and fast horses are not altogether neglected. There are now owned in the state a large number of horses of the heavier English and French breeds, which are imparting to their progeny their own characteristics 158 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. of excellence, the effects of which are already visible in many of the older regions of the state. Of the different breeds of cattle, the Short-horns, the Ayrshires, the Devons, and the Jerseys are well represented. The Short-horns have met with most favor with the general farmer, the grades of this breed being large, and possessing in a high degree the quiet habits and readiness to fat ten, so characteristic of the full-bloods. Without doubt, the grade Short-horns will continue in the high favor in which they are now held, as stock-raising becomes a more important branch of the husbandry of the state. Of pure blood Short-horns there are many herds, some of which are of the very highest excellence. At the public sales of herds from this state, the prices have ranked high universally, and in a few cases have reached the highest of " fancy " prices, showing the estimate placed by professional breeders upon the herds of Wisconsin. The Ayr shires are increasing in numbers, and are held in high esteem by many dairymen. They are not yet, however, as generally disseminated over the state, as their great merit as a milking breed would warrant. The rapid growth of the dairy interest will doubtless increase their numbers greatly, at least as grades, in the dairying region. Of pure bred Devons and Jerseys, there are fewer than of the former breeds. The latter are principally kept in towns and cities to furnish milk for a single family. The following table shows the relative importance of stock raising in the state for the years mentioned. The figures are an additional proof to those already given,. that the grain industry has held sway in Wisconsin to the detriment of other branches of farming, as well as to the state's greatest increase in wealth. YEAR. WHOLE NUM BER OF NEAT CATTLE. NO. TO EACH IOO ACRES OF IMPROVED LAND. WHOLE NUM BER OF SHEEP. NUMBER TO EACH IOO ACRES OF IMPROVED LAND. POUNDS OF WOOL PRO DUCED. POUNDS OF WOOL PER HEAD. I850 i860 1870 1875* 183,433 521,860 693,294922,900 171412II 124,896 332,954 1,069,2821,162,800 12 9 1814 253,963 I,OII,933 4,090,670 (?) 2.03304 3.82 (?) * Estimated in report of commissioner of agriculture. The growth and present condition of sheep husbandry, compare much more favorably with the general development of the state than does that of cattle raising. In a large degree this may be accounted for by the impetus given to wool raising during our civil war by the scarcity of cotton, and the necessary substitution to a great extent, of woolen for cotton goods. This. great demand for wool for manufacturing purposes produced a rapid rise in the price of this staple, making its production a very profitable branch of farming. With the close of the war came a lessened demand, and consequently lower prices. Yet at no time has the price of wool fallen below that at which it could be profitably produced. This is the more notably true when the value of sheep in keeping up the fertility and productiveness of land, is taken into account. The foregoing table shows the improvement in this branch of husbandry since 1850 Although many more sheep might profitably be kept in the state, the above figures show that the wool interest is fairly developed, and the average weight of fleece is an assurance of more than ordinarily good stock. The fine-wooled sheep and their grades predominate, although there are in the state some excellent stock of long-wools — mostly Cotswold — and of South- downs. Of all the agricultural interests of the state, no other has made as rapid growth during the last ten years, as has that of dairying. With the failure of hop-growing, began the growth S the factory system of butter and cheese making, and the downfall of the one was scarcely more- rapid than has been the upbuilding of the other: The following statistics of the production of butter and cheese illustrate this rapid progress. It will be remembered that for the years 1850, AGRICULTURE. 159 i860, and 1870 the statistics are from the U. S. census, and hence include all the butter and cheese made in the state, while for . the remaining years, only that made by factories and pro fessional dairymen as reported to the secretary of the State Dairymen's Association, is included' It has been found impossible to obtain the statistics of butter, except for the census years. YEAR. BUTTER. CHEESE. 1850 lbs. 3,633.750 13,611,32822,473,036 lbs. 400,283 I,IO4,3O0I.59L798 13,000,000 15,000,000 17,000,000 i860- 1870.-- 1874 1875 1876 The quality of Wisconsin dairy products is excellent, as may be judged by the fact that, at the Centennial Exhibition, Wisconsin cheese received twenty awards, a larger number than was given to any other state except New York, and for butter Wisconsin received five awards. No state received more, and only New York and Illinois received as many. Wisconsin received one award for each fourteen cheeses on exhibition. No other state received so large a proportion. New York received the largest number of awards, viz., twenty-one, but only secured one award for each thirty cheeses on exhibition. The number of cheese and butter factories is increasing each year, and there is being made in the better grazing regions of the state, as rapid a transition from grain to dairy-farming as is consistent with a healthful growth. This interest, which is now an important one in the state's industrial economy, has before it a promising future, both in its own development, and in its indirect influence upon the improvement of the agriculture of the state. The history 6"f the earlier attempts in fruit raising in Wisconsin would be little more than a record of failures. The pioneers planted apple, peach, plum, and cherry trees, but they gathered little or no fruit. As was natural, they planted those varieties that were known to do well in the older states of the same latitude. Little was known of the climate, and there was no apparent reason why those varieties should not do well here. The first orchards died. The same varie ties were replanted, and again the orchards died. Gradually, through the costly school of experience, it was' learned that the climate was different from that of the eastern states, and that to succeed here varieties of fruit must be such as were adapted to the peculiar climate of this state. These peculiarities are hot, and for the most part, dry summers, cold and dry winters, The dryness of the climate has been the greatest obstacle to success, as this is indirectly the cause of the great extremes of temperature experienced here. The summers are often so dry that the growth of the trees is not completed, and the wood- sufficiently well ripened to enable it to with stand the rigors of winter. And the clear, dry atmosphere of winter allows the sun's rays to pass through it so unobstructedly as to warm the body of the tree upon the sunny side, above the freezing point, even though the temperature of the air is much lower. The alternate thawing and freezing ruptures the tender cells connecting the bark and wood, producing a complete sepa ration of these parts, and often besides bursts the bark. The separation of bark and wood destroys the circulation of the sap upon that side of the tree, thus enfeebling the entire plant. The tree is not able to form new bark over the ruptured part, and a diseased spot results. Such a plant makes but a feeble growth of poorly ripened wood, and soon dies 160 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. altogether. Besides the above cause, the extreme cold weather occasionally experienced will kill healthy trees of all varieties not extremely hardy. Notwithstanding these natural obstacles, a good degree of success has been attained in the raising of apples and grapes. This success has - been the result of persevering effort upon the part of the horticulturists of the state, who have sought the causes of failure in order that they might be removed or avoided. It is thus by intel ligent observation that the fruit growers have gained the experience which brings with it a creditable success. The first requisite to success is the planting of varieties sufficiently hardy to withstand our severe winters. This has been accomplished by selecting the hardiest of the old varieties, and by raising seedlings, having besides hardiness, qualities sufficiently valuable to make them worthy of cultivation. The second requisite to success is in the selection of a situa tion having suitable soil and exposure, and thirdly, proper care after planting. Among the hardy varieties of apples regarded with greatest favor are Tetofski, Red Astrachan, and Duchess of Oldenberg, all Russian varieties, and Fameuse from Canada. Besides these there are a few- American varieties so hardy as to prove reliable in the south half of the state. Among these are a few seedlings that have originated in Wisconsin. Apple trees are less apt to be injured by the winter upon a site sloping to the northeast or north, where they are less directly exposed to the rays of the winter's sun. High ground is much better than low, and a good, strong, not too rich soil is best. Apples do better upon soils where timber originally grew than on the prairies, and they are grown more easily along the border of Lake Michigan than in the interior of the state. Pears are raised to but a slight extent, as only a few of the hardiest varieties will succeed at all, and these only in favorable situations. Grapes are grown in great abundance, and in great perfection, although not of the more tender varieties. The Concord, on account of its hardiness and excellent bearing qualities, is cultivated most generally. Next to this comes the Delaware, while many other varieties, both excellent and prolific, are raised with great ease. The season is seldom too short to ripen the fruit well, and the only precaution necessary to protect the vines during the winter is a covering of earth or litter. Cranberries grow spontaneously upon many marshes in the interior of the state. Within a] few years considerable attention has been given to improving these marshes, and to the cultivation of this most excellent fruit. Doubtless within a few years the cranberry crop will be an important one among the fruit pro ductions of the state. All of the small fruits adapted to this latitude are cultivated in abundance, and very successfully, the yield being often times exceedingly large. Altogether, the horticul tural interests of the state are improving, and there is a bright prospect that in the near future fruit growing will not be looked upon with the disfavor with which it has been regarded here tofore. Of the associations for advancing the agricultural interests of the state, the first organized was the " State Agricultural Society." The earliest efforts to establish such an organization were made at Madison in December, 1846, during the session of the first constitutional convention of the territory. A constitution was adopted, but nothing further was done. In February, i849> another meeting was held in Madison, at which it was " Resolved, That in view of the great importance of agriculture in the west, it is expedient to form a state agricultural society in Wisconsin." Another constitution was adopted, and officers were elected, but no effectual organization resulted from this second attempt. The " Wisconsin State Agricultural Society"— the present organization— had its inception in a meeting held at Madison, March 8, 185 1, at which a committee was appointed to report a constitution and by-laws, and to nominate persons to fill the various offices of said society. At its organization, the society was composed of annual members, who paid one dollar dues each year, and of life members, who, upon the payment of ten dollars, were exempt from the annual contribution. The annual membership was afterward AGRICULTURE. 161 abolished, and in 1869 the fee constituting one a life member was raised to twenty dollars. The first annual fair of the society was held in Janesville, in October, 1851 Fairs have been held annually since, except during the years 1861, 1862 and 1863. In 185 1 premiums were paid to the amount of only $140, while at the present time they amount to nearly $10,000. In 1851 there were five life members. At the present time there are over seven hundred, representing all the various industries of the state. The fairs held under the auspices of this society have been of excellent character, and have been fruitful of good to all the industries of the state, but more especially to the farmers. The state has been generous in aid of this society, having furnished commodious rooms for its use in the capitol building, printed the annual report of the secretary, a volume of about 500 pages, and donated annually, for many years, $2,000 toward its support, Besides its annual fairs, for the past five years there has been held an annual convention, under the auspices of this society, for the reading and discussing of papers upon topics of interest to farmers, and for a general interchange of ideas relating to fanning. These conventions are held in high esteem by the better class of farmers, and have added greatly to the usefulness of the society. The " Wisconsin State Horticultural Society" was originally the "Wisconsin State Fruit Growers' Association," which was organized in December, 1853, at Whitewater. Its avowed object was "the collecting, arranging, and disseminating facts interesting to those engaged in the culture of fruits, and to embody for their use the results ot the practice and experiments of fruit growers in all parts of the state." Exhibitions and conventions of the association were held annually up to i860, after which the society was disorganized, owing to the breaking out of the war of the rebellion A volume of " Transactions " was published by the association in 1855. In 1859 its transactions were published with those of the state agricultural society. From i860 to 1865 no state horticultural association was in existence. In September of the latter year the " Wisconsin Fruit Growers' Association " was reorganized as the " Wisconsin State Hor ticultural Society." The legislature had previously provided for the publication of the proceedings of such a society, in connection with those of the State Agricultural Society. The new society has held annual exhibitions, usually in connection with those of the State Agricultural Society, and annual conventions for the reading of papers upon, and the discussion of, horticultural subjects. In 1 87 1 an act was passed by the legislature incorporating the society, and providing for the separate printing of 2,000 copies annually of its transactions, of which there are now seven volumes. The most active, intelligent, and persevering of the horticulturists of the state are members of this association, and to their careful observation, to their enthusiasm and determined persistence in seeking means to overcome great natural difficulties, the state is largely indebted for the success already attained in horticulture. Besides these state associations, there are many local agricul tural and horticultural societies, all of which have been useful in aiding the cause for whieh they were organized. Farmers' clubs and granges of the "Patrons of Husbandry" have also done much, both directly and indirectly, to promote the industrial interests of the state. By then- frequent meetings, at which discussions. are held, views compared, and experiences related, much valuable intelligence is gained, thought is stimulated, and the profession of farming advanced. As agriculture, like all kindred professions, depends upon intelligence to direct its advancement, all means intended to stimulate thought among farmers will, if wisely directed, aid in advancing this most complex of all industries. To those above named, and to other like associations, is in a large degree to be attributed the present favorable condition of the agriculture of the state. Wisconsin is yet, comparatively, a new State. It was mainly settled by men who had little moneyed capital. Markets were distant, and means of transportation poor. The early settlers had consequently to struggle for a livelihood in the face of the greatest difficulties. When these opposing 162 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. circumstances are taken into account, and the improvement in methods of culture, and changes from grain to stock and dairy-farming that are now being made, are given their due weight, it must be acknowledged that the present condition of the agriculture of the state is excellent, and that the future of this most important industry is rich in promise of a steady, healthful growth, toward a completer development of all the agricultural resources of the state. MINERAL RESOURCES. By ROLAND D. IRVING, Professor of Geology, etc., at the University of Wisconsin. The useful mineral materials that occur within the limits of the state of Wisconsin, come under both of the two grand classes of such substances : the metallic ores, from which the metals ordinarily used in the arts are extracted ; and the non-metallic substances, which are used in the arts for the most part without any preliminary treatment, or at least undergo only a very partial alteration before being utilized. Of the first class are found in Wisconsin the ores of lead, zinc, iron and copper, besides minute traces of the precious metals ; of the second class, the principal substances found -axe brick-clay, kaolin, cement-rock, limestone for burning into quick-lime, limestone for flux, glass sand, peat and building stone. LEAD AND ZINC. These metals are considered together because they are found occurring together in the same region and under exactly the same circumstances, being even obtained from the same openings. Lead has for many years been the most important metallic production of Wisconsin, and, together with zinc, whose ores have been utilized only since i860, still holds this prominent position, although the production is not so great as formerly. Small quantities of lead and zinc ores have been found in the crystalline (Archaean) rocks of the northern part of the state and in the copper- bearing rocks of the Lake Superior country, but there are no indications at present that these regions will ever produce in quantity. All of the lead and zinc obtained in Wisconsin comes then from that portion of the southwestern part of the state which lies west of Sugar river and south of the nearly east and west ridge that forms the southern side of the valley of the Wis consin, from the head of Sugar river westward. This district is commonly known in Wisconsin as the " Lead Region," and forms the larger part of the " Lead Region of the Upper Missis sippi," which includes also smaller portions of Iowa and Illinois. What European first became acquainted with the deposits of lead in the upper portion of valley of the Mississippi is a matter of some doubt. Charlevoix (Histoire de la Nouvelle France, IIJ> 397. 398-) attributes the discovery to Nicolas Perrot, about 1692; and states that in 1721 the deposits still bore Perrot's name. Perrot himself, however, in the only one of his writings that remains, makes no mention of the matter. The itinerary of Le Sueur's voyage up the Mississippi, 1700-1701, given in La Harpe's History of Louisiana, which was written early in the 18th century, shows that the former found lead on the banks of the Mississippi, not far from MINERAL RESOURCES. 163 the present southern boundary of Wisconsin, August 25, 1700. Captain Johathan Carver, 1766, found lead in abundance at the Blue Mounds, and found the Indians in all the country around in possession of masses of galena, which they had obtained as " float mineral," and which they were incapable of putting to any use. There is no evidence of any one mining before Julien Dubuque, who, 1788 to 1809, mined in the vicinity of the flourishing city which now bears his name. After his death in 1809 nothing more was done until 1821, when the attention of American citizens was first drawn to the rich lead deposits of this region. By 1827, the mining had become quite general and has continued to the 'present time, the maximum production having been reached, however, between the years 1845 and 1847. The following table, prepared by the late Moses Strong, shows the mineral production of southwestern Wisconsin for the years i860 to 1873 in pounds: YEARS. GALENA. SMITHSONITE. YEAR. GALENA. SMITHSONITE. BLENDE. i860 l86l 320,000266,000 1,120,0003,173.333 4,198,200 7.373.333 18671868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 13 820,784 13,869,619 13,426,72113.754,15913,484,21011,62 2,668 9,919.734 5.181,445 4,302,3834,547,971 4,429.585 16,618,160 27,021,383 18,528,906 841,310 3.078,4356,252,420 7,414,022 9,303.625 16,256,970 15,074,664 1862 18631864 I8651866 I7.037.9!215.105.57713.014,21014.337,895 I4,02g,I92 Until within the last decade the lead mines of the Mississippi valley, including now both the " Upper " and the " Lower " regions — the latter one of which lies wholly within the limits of the state of Missouri — have far eclipsed the rest of the United States in the production of lead, the district being in fact one of the most important of the lead districts in the world. Of late years, however, these mines are far surpassed in production by the *' silver-lead " mines of Utah and other Rocky Mountain regions, which, though worked especially for their silver, produce incidentally a«very large amount of lead. Nevertheless, the mines of the Mississippi valley will long continue to be a very important source of this metal. The lead ore of the Wisconsin lead region is of one kind only, the sulphide known as galena, or galenite. This ore, when free from mechanically mingled impurities, contains 86.6 per cent, of lead, the balance being sulphur. Small quantities of other lead ores are occasionally found in the uppermost portions of the deposits, having been produced by the oxidizing influence of the atmosphere. The chief one of these oxidation products is the earthy carbonate known as cerussite. Galena almost always contains some silver, commonly enough to pay for its extraction. The Wisconsin galenas, however, are unusually free from silver, of which they contain only the merest trace. The zinc ores are of two kinds, the most abundant being the ferruginous sulphide, or the "black-jack '' of the miners. The pure sulphide, sphalerite, contains 67 per cent, of zinc, but the iron-bearing variety, known minerallogically as marmatite, generally contains 10 per cent, or more of iron. A ferruginous variety of the carbonate, smithsonile, also occurs in abundance, and is known to the miners as "dry-bone," the name being suggested by the peculiar structure of the ore. Both lead and zinc ores occur in limited deposits in a series of limestone beds belonging to the Lower Silurian series. The lead region is underlaid by a nearly horizontal series of strata, with an aggregate thickness of 2,000 feet, which lie upon an irregular surface of ancient crystal line rocks (gneiss, granite, etc.). The names and order of succession of the several strata are indicated in the following scheme, the last named being the lowest in the series : 164 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Formation, •* ^ckfiess. Niagara dolomitic limestone 3°° — 3°° feet- Cincinnati shales -- 6o — ioo r Galena dolomitic limestone 250 — 275 Lead Horizon -j Blue limestone 5°~ 75 ( Buff dolomitic limestone I5_ 20 Lower Magnesian (dolomitic) limestone -- 250 Potsdam sandstone series 800 — 1000 The first two of these layers, in the Wisconsin part of the lead region, are met with only in a few isolated peaks and ridges. The prevailing surface rock is the Galena limestone, through which, however, the numerous streams cut in deep and narrow valleys which not unfrequently are carved all the way into the Lower Magnesian. The lead and zinc ores are entirely confined to the Galena, Blue and Buff limestones, an aggregate vertical thickness of some 350 to 375 feet. The upper and lower strata of the series are entirely barren. Zinc and lead ores are found in the same kind of deposits, and often together; by far the larger part of the zinc ores, however, come from the Blue and Buff limestones, and the lowest layers of the Galena, whilst the lead ores, though obtained throughout the whole thickness of the mining ground, are especially abundant in the middle and upper layers of the Galena beds. The ore deposits are of two general kinds, which may be distinguished as vertical crevices and flat crevices, the former being much the most common. The simplest form of the vertical crevice is a narrow crack in the rock, having a. width of a few inches, an extension laterally from a few yards to several hundred feet, and a vertical height of 20 to 40 feet, thinning out to noth ing in all directions, and filled from side to side with highly crystalline, brilliant, large-surfaced galena, which has no accompanying metallic mineral, or gangue matter. Occasionally the vertical extension exceeds a hundred feet, and sometimes a number of these sheets are close together and can be mined as one. Much more commonly the vertical crevice shows irregular expan sions, which are sometimes large caves, or openings in certain layers, the crevice between retain ing its normal character, while in other cases the expansion affects the whole crevice, occasion ally widening it throughout into one large opening. These openings are rarely entirely filled, and commonly contain a loose, disintegrated rock, in which the galena lies loose in large masses, though often adhering to the sides of the cavity in large stalactites, or in cubical crystals. The vertical crevices show a very distinct arrangement parallel with one another, there being two systems, which roughly trend east and west, and north and south. The east and west crevices are far the most abundant and most productive of ore. The vertical crevices are confined nearly altogether to the upper and middle portions of the Galena, and are not productive of zinc ores. They are evidently merely the parallel joint cracks which affect every great rock formation, filled by chemical action with the lead ore. The crevices with openings have evidently been enlarged by the solvent power of atmospheric water carrying carbonic acid, and from the way in which the ore occurs loose in the cavities, it is evident that this solving action has often been subsequent to the first deposition of lead ore in the crevice. The "flat crevices," " flat sheets," and "flat openings," are analogous to the deposits just described, but have, as indicated by the names, a horizontal position, being characteristic of certain layers, which have evidently been more susceptible to chemical action than others, the dissolving waters having, moreover, been directed along them by less pervious layers above and below. The flat openings differ from the vertical crevices also, in having associated with the MINERAL RESOURCES. 165 galena much of either the black-jack or dry-bone zinc ores, or both, the galena not unfrequently being entirely wanting. Cleavable calcite also accompanies the ores in these openings in large quantities, and the same is true of the sulphide of iron, which i; the variety known as marcasite. These materials have sometimes a symmetrical arrangement on the bottom and top of the open ing, the central portion being empty. The flat openings characterize the Blue and Buff and lower Galena beds, and from them nearly all the zinc ore is obtained. It is not possible, in the limits of this short paper, even to mention the various mining districts. It may merely be said that the amount of galena raised from single crevices has often been several hundred thousand, or even over a million pounds, and that one of the principal mining districts is in the vicinity of Mineral Point, where there are two furnaces constantly engaged in smelting. Between the years 1862 and 1873, these two establishments have produced 23,903,260 pounds of metallic lead, or an average of 1,991,938 pounds, the maximum being, in 1869, 2,532,710 pounds, the minimum, in 1873, 1,518,888 pounds. The zinc ores were formerly rejected as useless, and have only been utilized since i860. An attempt to smelt them at Mineral Point was not successful, because the amount needed of fuel and clay, both of which have to come from a distance, exceeding even the amount of ore used, caused a very heavy expense for transportation. The ores are therefore now taken altogether to LaSalle, Illinois, where they meet the fuel and clay, and the industry at that place has become a flourishing one. The amount of zinc ore in the Wisconsin lead region is, beyond doubt, very great, and will be a source of wealth for a long time to come. Since the ores of zinc and lead in this region are confined to such a small thickness of strata greatly eroded by the atmospheric waters, the entire thickness having frequently been removed, it becomes a matter of great importance to know how much of the mining ground remains at every point throughout the district. The very excellent topographico-geological maps of the region, made by Mr. Moses Strong, and since published by the State in the Report of the Geological Survey, make this knowledge accessible to all. IRON. Iron mining in Wisconsin is yet in its infancy, although some important deposits are producing a considerable quantity of ore. A number of blast furnaces have sprung up in the eastern part of the state, but these smelt Michigan ores almost entirely. Much remains yet to- be done in the way of exploration, for the most promising iron fields are in the heavily timbered and unsettled regions of the north part of the state, and are as yet imperfectly known. It appears probable, however, that iron ores will, in the near future, be the most important mineral production of Wisconsin. The several ores will be noted in the order of their present im portance. Red Hematites. The iron in these ores exists as an anhydrous sesquioxide, which is, however, in an earthy condition, and entirely without the brilliant metallic luster that characterizes the specular hema tites. Pure hematite contains seventy per cent, of metallic iron, but the red hematites, as mined, are always so largely mingled with mechanical impurities that they rarely contain more than fifty per cent. The most important red hematite mined in Wisconsin is that known as the Clintoniron ore, the name coming from the formation in which the ore occurs. This fordiation is a member of the Upper Silurian series, and is named from a locality in Oneida county, New York, where it was first recognized. Associated with its rocks, which are limestones and shales, is con stantly found a peculiar red hematite, which is so persistent in its characters, both physical and 166 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. and chemical, that one familiar with it from any one locality can hardly fail to recognize it when coming from others. The iron produced from it is always "cold-short," on account of the large content of phosphorus ; but, mingled with siliceous ores free from phosphorus, it yields always a most excellent foundry iron. It is mined at numerous points from New York to Tennessee, and at some points reaches a very great total thickness. In Wisconsin the Clinton rocks merge into the great Niagara lira estone series of the eastern part of the state, but at the bottom of the series, in a few places, the Clinton ore is found immediately overlying the Cincinnati shales. The most important locality is that known as Iron Ridge, on sections twelve and thirteen in the town of Hubbard, in Dodge county. Here a north-and-south ledge of Niagara limestone overlooks lower land to the west. Underneath, at the foot of the ridge, is the ore bed, fifteen to eighteen feet in thickness, consisting of horizontally bedded ore, in layers three to fourteen inches thick. The ore has a concretionary structure, being composed of lenticular grains, one twenty-fifth of an inch in diameter, but the top layer is without this structure, having a dark purplish color, and in places a slight metallic appearance. Much of the lower ore is somewhat hydrated. Three quarters of a mile north of Iron Ridge, at Mayville, there is a total thickness of as much as forty feet. According to Mr. E. T. Sweet, the percentages of the several constituents of the Iron Ridge ore are as follows: iron peroxide, 66.38; carbonate of lime, 10.42; carbonate of magnesia, 2.79; silica, 4.72; alumina, 5.54; manganese oxide, 0.44; sulphur, 0.23 ; phosphoric acid, 0.73; water, ¦8.75 = 100 : metallic iron, 46.66. Two small charcoal furnaces at Mayville and Iron Ridge smelt a considerable quantity of these ores alone, producing an iron very rich in phosphorus. An analysis of the Mayville pig iron, also by Mr. Sweet, shows the following composition: iron, 95.784 per cent; phosphorus, 1.675 : carbon, 0.849; silicon, 0.108 = 100.286. The average furnace yield of the ore is forty- five per cent. By far the larger part of the ore, however, is sent away to mingle with other ores. It goes to Chicago, Joliet and Springfield, 111., St. Louis, Mo., Wyandotte and Jackson, Mich., and Appleton, Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wis. In 1872, the Iron Ridge mines yielded 82,371 tons. The Clinton ore is found at other places farther north along the outcrop of the base of the Niagara formation in Wisconsin , but no one of these appears to promise any great quantity -of good ore. Red hematite is found at numerous places in Wisconsin, highly charging certain layers of the Potsdam sandstone series, the lowest one of the horizontal Wisconsin formations. In the eastern part of the town of Westfield, Sauk county, the iron ore excludes the sandstone. forming an excellent ore. No developments have been made in this district, so that the size of the deposit is not definitely known. Brown Hematites. These ores contain their iron as the hydrated, or brown, sesquioxide, which, when pure, has about sixty per cent, of the metal; the ordinary brown hematites, however, seldom contain over forty per cent. Bog iron ore, a porous brown hematite that forms by deposi tion from the water of bogs, occurs somewhat widely scattered underneath the large marshes of Portage, Wood and Juneau counties. Very excellent bog ore, containing nearly 50 per cent, of iron, is found near Necedah, Juneau county, and near Grand Rapids, Wood county, but the amount obtainable is not definitely known. The Necedah ore contains: silica, 8.52 ; alumina, 3.77; iron peroxide, 71.40; manganese oxide, 0.27; lime, 0.58; magnesia, trace; phosphoric acid, 0.21; sulphur, 0.02; organic matter, 1.62; water, 13.46=99.85, metallic iron, 49.98- according to Mr. E. T. Sweet's analysis. An ore from section 34, twp. 23, range 6 east, Wood •county, yielded, to Mr. Oliver Matthews, silica, 4.81 ; alumina, 1.00; iron peroxide, 73.23; lime, .0.11, magnesia, 0.25; sulphuric acid, 0.07 ; phosphoric acid, o. 10; organic matter, 5.88; water, MINERAL RESOURCES. 167 14.24; =99.69: metallic iron, 51.26. Brown hematite, mingled with more or less red ore, occurs also in some quantity filling cracks and irregular cavities in certain portions of the Potsdam series in northwestern Sauk county and the adjoining portion of Richland. A small charcoal furnace has been in operation on this ore at Ironton, Sauk county, for a number of years, and recently another one has been erected at Cazenovia in the same district. Magnetic Ores and Specular Hematites. These are taken together here, because their geological occurrence is the same, the two ores occurring not only in the same group of rocks, but even intimately mingled with one another. These ores are not now produced in Wisconsin ; but it is quite probable that they may before many years become its principal mineral production. In magnetic iron ore, the iron is in the shape of the mineral magnetite, an oxide of iron containing 72 4 per cent of iron when pure, and this is the highest percentage of iron that any ore can ever have. Specular hematite is the same as red hematite, but is crystalline, has a bright, metallic luster, and a considerable hardness. As-. mined the richest magnetic and specular ores rarely run over 65 per cent., while in most regions; where they are mined they commonly do not reach 50 per cent. The amount of rich ores of this- kind in the northern peninsula of Michigan is so great, however, that an ore with less than 50 per cent, finds no sale; and the same must be true in the adjoining states. So largely does this mat ter of richness affect the value of an ore, that an owner of a mine of 45 per cent. " hard " ore in Wis consin would find it cheaper to import and smelt Michigan 65 per cent, ore, than to smelt his own, even if his furnace and mine were side by side. The specular and magnetic ores of Wisconsin occur in two districts — the Penokee iron dis trict, ten to twenty miles south of Lake Superior, in Bayfield, Ashland and Lincoln counties, and the Menomonee iron district, near the head waters of the Menomonee river, in township 40,, ranges 17 and 18 east, Oconto county. Specular iron in veins and nests is found in small quan tities with the quartz rocks of the Baraboo valley, Sauk county, and Necedah, Juneau county; and very large quantities of a peculiar quartz-schist, charged with more or less of the magnetic and specular iron oxides, occur in the vicinity of Black River Falls, Jackson county; but in none of these places is there any promise of the existence of valuable ore. In the Penokee and Menomonee regions, the iron ores occur in a series of slaty and quartzose rocks known to geologists as the Haronian series. The rocks of these districts- are- really the extensions westward of a great rock series, which in the northern Michigan peninsula contains the rich iron ores that have made that region so famous. In position, this rock series may be likened to a great elongated parabola, the head of which is in the Marquette iron district and the two ends in the Penokee and Menomonee regions of Wisconsin. In all of its extent, this. rock series holds great beds of lean magnetic and specular ores. These contain large quantities; of quartz, which, from its great hardness, renders them very resistant to the action of atmospheric erosion. As a result, these lean ores are found forming high and bold ridges. Such ridges of" lean ores have deceived many explorers, and not a few geologists. In the same rock series, for the most part occupying portions of a higher layer, are found, however, ores of extraordinary richness and purity, which, from their comparative softness, very rarely outcrop. The existence in quantity of these very rich ores in the Menomonee region has been definitely proven. One deposit, laid open during the Summer of 1877, shows a width of over 150 feet of first class specular ore ; and exceeding in size the greatest of the famous deposits of Michigan. In the Penokee region, however, though the indications are favorable, the existence of the richer ores is as yet an inference only. The Penokee range itself is a wonderful development of 1(58 HISTORYOF WISCONSIN. lean ore, which forms a continuous belt several hundred feet in width and over thirty miles in length. Occasionally portions of this belt are richer than the rest, and become almost merchant able ores. The probability is, however, that the rich ores of this region will be found in the lower country immediately north of the Penokee range, where the rocks are buried beneath heavy accumulations of drift material. Copper. The only copper ore at present raised in Wisconsin is obtained near Mineral Point, in the lead region of the southwestern part of the state, where small quantities of chalcopyrite, the yellow sulphide of copper and iron, are obtained from pockets and limited crevices in the Galena lime stone. Copper pyrites is known to occur in this way throughout the lead region, but it does not appear that the quantity at any point is sufficient to warrant exploration. Copper occurs also in the northernmost portions of Wisconsin, where it is found under alto gether different circumstances. The great copper-bearing series of rocks of Keweenaw point and Isle Royale stretch southwestward into and entirely across the state of Wisconsin, in two parallel belts. One of these belts enters Wisconsin at the mouth of the Montreal river, and immediately leaving the shore of Lake Superior, crosses Ashland and Bayfield counties, and then widening greatly, occupies a large area in Douglas, St. Croix, Barron and Chippewa counties. The other belt forms the backbone of the Bayfield peninsula, and crosses the northern part of Douglas county, forming a bold ridge, to the Minnesota line. The rocks of this great series appear to be for the most part of igneous origin, but they are distinctly bedded, and even interstratified with sandstone, shales, and coarse boulder-conglomerate, the whole series having generally a tilted position. In veins crossing the rock-beds, and scattered also promiscuously through the layers of both conglomerates and igneous rocks, pure metallic copper in fine flakes is often found. Mining on a small scale has been attempted at numbers of points where the rivers flowing northward into Lake Superior make gorges across the rock series, but at none of them has sufficient work been done to prove or disprove the existence of copper in paying quantity. Gold and Silver. Small traces of gold have been detected by the writer in quartz from the crystalline rocks of Clark county, but there is no probability that any quantity of this metal will ever be found in the state. Traces of silver have also been found in certain layers of the copper series in Ash land county. Judging from the occurrence of silver in the same series not far to the east in Michigan, it seems not improbable that this metal may be found also in Wisconsin. Brick Clays. These constitute a very important resource in Wisconsin. Extending inland for many miles fiom the shores of Lakes Michigan and Superior are stratified beds of clay of lacustrine origin, having been deposited by the lakes when greatly expanded beyond their present sizes. All of these clays are characterized by the presence of a large amount of carbonate of lime. Along Lake Superior they have not yet been utilized, but all through the belt of country bordering Lake Michigan they are dug and burned, fully 50,000,000 bricks being made annually in this region. A large proportion of these bricks are white or cream-colored, and these are widely known under the name of "Milwaukee brick," though by no means altogether made at Mil waukee. Others arc ordinary red brick. The difference between the light-colored and red bricks is ordinarily attributed to the greater amount of iron in the clay from which the latter are MINERAL RESOURCES. 1G9 burned, but it has been shown by Mr. E. T. Sweet that the white bricks are burned from clay which often contains more iron than that from which the red bricks are made, but which also contains a very large amont of carbonate of lime. The following analyses show (i) the compo sition of the clay from which cream-colored brick are burned at Milwaukee, (2) the composition of a red-brick clay from near Madison, and (3) the composition of the unutilized clay from Ashland, Lake Superior. Nos. 1 and 2 are by Mr. E. T. Sweet, No. 3 by Professor W. W. Daniells : (3) Silica Alumina Iron peroxide. . . Iron protoxide. _ Lime - Magnesia Carbonic acid.. (I) (2) (3) 38.22 75.80 58.08 9-75 11.07 25-38 2.84 3-53 4-44 1. 16 0.31 1 16.23 iM> 8.30 7-54 .08 ) 18.50 1.09 Potash... Soda Water...Moisture. Totals (I) (2) 2.16 0.650.95 1.85 1.74 O.4O 1-54 2 16 99-85 99.56 I 4.09 100.19 At Milwaukee 24,000,000 cream-colored brick are made annually ; at Racine, 3,500,000 ; at Appleton and Menasha, 1,800,000 each; at Neenah, 1,600,000; at Clifton, 1,700,000; at Wat erloo, 1,600,000; and in smaller quantities at Jefferson, 'Ft. Atkinson, Edgerton, Whitewater, Geneva, Ozaukee, Sheboygan Falls, Manitowoc, Kewaunee, and other places. In most cases the cream-colored bricks are made from a bright-red clay, although occasionally the clay is light- colored. At Whitewater and other places tile and pottery are also made from this clay. Although these lacustrine clays are much the most important in Wisconsin, excellent brick clays are also found in the interior of the state. In numbers of places along the Yahara valley, in Dane county, an excellent stratified clay occurs. At Madison this is burned to a red brick ; at Stoughton and Oregon to a fine cream-colored brick. At Platteville, Lancaster, and other points in the southwestern part of the state, red bricks are made from clays found in the vicinity. Kaolin (Porcelain - Clay — Fire - Clay). The word "kaolin." is applied by geologists to a clay-like material which is used in making chinaware in this country and in Europe. The word is of Chinese origin, and is applied by the Chinese to the substance from which the famous porcelain of China is made. Its application to the European porcelain-c/aty was made under the mistaken idea — one which has prevailed among scientists until very recently — that the Chinese material is the same as the European. This we now know to be an error, the Chinese and Japanese wares being both made altogether from a solid rock. True kaolin, using the word in its European sense, is unlike other ordinary clays, in being the result of the disintegration of felspathic crystalline rocks "in place,"' that is without being removed from the place of its first formation. The base of kaolin is a mineral known as kaolinite, a compound of silica, alumina and water, which results from a change or decay of the felspar of felspar-bearing rocks. Felspar contains silica, alumina, and soda or potash, or both. By perco lation through the rocks of surface water carrying carbonic acid, the potash and soda are removed and kaolinite results. Mingled with the kaolinite are, however, always the other ingre dients of the rock, quartz, mica, etc., and also always some undecomposed, or only partly decom posed felspar. These foreign ingredients can all, however, be more or less perfectly removed by a system of levigation, when a pure white clay results, composed almost wholly of the scales of 170 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. the mineral kaolinite. Prepared- in this way the kaolin has a high value as a refractory material, and for forming the base of fine porcelain wares. The crystalline rocks, which, by decomposition, would produce a kaolin, are widely spread over the northern part of Wisconsin ; but over the most of the region occupied by them there is no sign of the existence of kaolin, the softened rock having apparently been removed by glacial action. In a belt of country, however, which extends from Grand Rapids on the Wisconsin, westward to Black river, in Jackson county, the drift is insignificant or entirely absent ; the glacial. forces have not acted, and the crystalline rocks are, or once were, overlaid by sandstone, along whose line of junction with the underlying formation numerous water-courses have existed, the result being an unusual amount of disintegration. Here we find, in the beds of the Wisconsin, Yellow, and Black rivers, large exposures of crystalline rocks, which between the rivers are overlaid by sandstone. The crystalline rocks are in distinct layers, tilted at high angles, and in numerous places decomposed into a soft white kaolin. Inasmuch as these layers. strike across the country in long, straight lines, patches of kaolin are found ranging themselves into similar lines. The kaolin patches are most abundant on the Wisconsin in the vicinity of the city of Grand Rapids, in Wood county. They vary greatly in size, one deposit even varying from a fraction of an inch to a number of feet in thickness. The kaolin varies, also, greatly in character, some being quite impure and easily fusible from a large content of iron oxide or from partial decomposition only, while much of it is very pure and refractory. There is no doubt, however, that a large amount of kaolin exists in this region, and that by selection and levigation an excellent material may be obtained, which, by mingling with powdered quartz, may be made to yield a fire-brick of unusual refractoriness, and which may even be employed- in making fine porcelain ware. The following table gives the composition of the raw clay, the fine clay obtained from it by levigation, and the coarse residue from the same operation, the sample having been taken from the opening on the land of Mr. C. B. Garrison, section 5, town 22, range 6 east, Wood county: RAW CLAY. LEVIGATION PRODUCTS. RAW CLAY. LEVIGATION PRODUCTS FINE CLAY. COARSE RESIDUE. FINE CLAY. COARSE RESIDUE. 78.83 13-43 0.74 0.640.07 0-37 49-94 36.80 O.72 trace 0.51 Q2.86 2 08 0-74O.96O.IO 0.28 Carbonic Acid Water Totals 0.0.7 0.015-45 0.0S 11.62 O.05 Iron peroxide 2.53 99.60 99.67 IJ9.60 Potash Cement - Rock. Certain layers of the Lower Magnesian limestone, as at Ripon, and other points in the east ern part of the state, are known to produce a lime which has in some degree the hydraulic property, and the same is true of certain layers of the Blue limestone of the Trenton group, in the southwestern part of the state ; the most valuable material of this kind, however, that is as yet known to exist in Wisconsin, is found near Milwaukee, and has become very recently somewhat widely known as the " Milwaukee " cement-rock. This rock belongs to the Hamilton formation, and is found near the Washington street bridge, at Brown Deer, on the lake shore at Whitefish MINERAL RESOURCES. 171 bay, and at other points in the immediate vicinity of Milwaukee. The quantity attainable is large, and a very elaborate series of tests by D. J. Whittemore, chief engineer of the Milwau kee and St. Paul railroad, shows that the cement made from, it exceeds all native and foreign cements in strength, except the famous English " Portland " cement. The following are three analyses of the rock from different points, and they show that it has a very constant composition : 1. 2. 3- 45-54 32.46 17.56 1.41 3-03 48.29 29.19 17.36 1.402.24 41.34 34.88 i6.gg 5.00 1.79 • 100.00 98.68 100.00 Limestone for Making Quick - lime. ¦ Quick-lime is made from all of the great limestone formations of Wisconsin, but more is burnt from the Lower Magnesian and Niagara formations, than from the others. The Lower Magnesian yields a very strong mortar, but the lime burned from it is not very white. It is burned largely in the region about Madison, one of the largest quarries being on the south line of section 33 of that town, where some 20,000 bushels are produced annually, in two kilns. The lime from this place has a considerable local reputation under the name of " Madison lime." The Trenton limestone is burned at a few points, but yields an inferior lime. The Galena is not very generally burned, but yields a better lime than the Trenton. In the region about Watertown and White water, some 40,000 to 50,000 barrels are made annually from this formation. The Niagara, however, is the great lime furnisher of the northwest. From its purity it is. adapted to the making of a most admirable lime. It is burned on a large scale at numbers of points in the eastern part of the state, among which may be mentioned, Pellon's kilns, Pewau- kee, where 12,000 barrels are made weekly and shipped to Chicago, Grand Haven, Des Moines, etc.; and Holick, & Son's kilns, Racine, which yield 60,000 to 75,000 barrels annually. A total of about 400,000 barrels is annually made from the Niagara formation in eastern Wisconsin. Limestone for Flux in Iron Smelting. The limestones of Wisconsin are rarely used as a flux, because of their prevalent magnesian character. The stone from Schoonmaker's quarry, near Milwaukee, is used at the Bay View iron works, and is one of the few cases. There are certain layers, however, in the Trenton lime stone widely spread over the southern part of the state, which are non-magnesian, and frequently sufficiently free from earthy impurities to be used as a flux. These layers deserve the attention of the iron masters of the state. Glass Sand. Much of the St. Peter's sandstone is a purely siliceous, loose, white sand, well adapted to the making of glass. It is now being put to this use at points in the eastern part of the state. 172 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Peat. Peat exists in large quantities and of good quality underneath the numerous marshes of the eastern and central parts of the state. Whether it can be utilized in the future as a fuel, will. depend altogether upon the cost of its preparation, which will have to be very low in order that it may compete with superior fuels. As a fertilizer, peat has always a great value, and requires no TeliminarY treatment. Building Stones. All the rocky formations of Wisconsin are used in building, and even the briefest synopsis of the subject of the building stones of the state, would exceed the limits of this paper. A few of the more prominent kinds only are mentioned. Granite occurs in protruding masses, and also grading into gneiss, in the northern portions of the state, at numerous points. In many places on the Wisconsin, Yellow, and Black rivers, and especially at Big Bull Falls, Yellow river, red granites of extraordinary beauty and value occur. These are not yet utilized, but will in the future have a high value. The handsomest and most valuable sandstone found in Wisconsin, is that which extends along the shore of Lake Superior, from the Michigan to the Minnesota line, and which forms the basement rock of the Apostle islands. On one of these islands a very large quarry is opened, from which are taken masses of almost any size, of a very close-grained, uniform, dark brown stone, which has been shipped largely to Chicago and Milwaukee. At the latter place, the well known court house is built of this stone. An equally good stone can be obtained from the neigh boring islands, and from points on the mainland: A very good white to brown, indurated sand stone is obtained from the middle portions of the Potsdam series, at Stevens Point, Portage county; near,Grand Rapids, Wood county; at Black River Falls, Jackson county; at Packwau- kee, Marquette county ; near Wautoma, Waushara county ; and at several points in the Baraboo valley, Sauk county. A good buff-colored, calcareous sandstone is quarried and used largely in the vicinity of Madison, from the uppermost layers of the Potsdam series. All of the limestone formations of the state are quarried for building stone. A layer known locally as the " Mendota " limestone, included in the upper layers of the Potsdam series, yields a very evenly bedded, yellow, fine-grained rock, which is largely quarried along the valley of the lower Wisconsin, and also in the country about Madison. In the town of Westport, Dane county, a handsome, fine-grained, cream-colored limestone is obtained from the Lower Magne sian. The Trenton limestone yields an evenly bedded, thin stone, which is frequently used for laying in wall. The Galena and Niagara are also utilized, and the latter is capable, in much of the eastern part of the state, of furnishing a durable, easily dressed, compact, white stone. In preparing this paper, I have made use of Professor Whitney's " Metallic Wealth of the United States," and " Report on the Geology of the Lead Region;" of the advance sheets of Volume II of the Reports of the State Geological Survey, including Professor T. C. Chamberlin's Report on the Geology of Eastern Wisconsin, my own Report on the Geology of Central Wisconsin, and Mr. Strong's Report on the Geology of the Lead Region ; Mr. E. T. Sweet's account of the mineral exhibit of the state at the Centennial Exposition ; and of my unpublished reports on the geology of the counties bordering Lake Superior. WISCONSIN RAILROADS. By Hon. H. H. GILES. The territory of Wisconsin offered great advantages to emigrants. Explorers had published accounts of the wonderful fertility of its soil, the wealth of its broad prairies and forest openings, and the beauty of its lakes and rivers. Being reached from the older states by way of the lakes and easily accessible by a long line of lake coast, the hardships incident to weeks of land travel were avoided. Previous to 1836 but few settlements had been made in that part of the then territory of Michigan, that year organized into the territory of Wisconsin, except as mining camps in the southwestern part, and scattered settlers in the vicinity of the trading posts and military stations. From that time on, with the hope of improving their condi tion, thousands of the enterprising yeomanry of New England, New York and Ohio started for the land of promise. Germans, Scandinavians and other nationalities, attracted by the glowing accounts sent abroad, crossed the ocean on their way to the new world; steamers and sail-craft laden with families and their household goods left Buffalo and other lake ports, all bound for the new Eldorado. It may be doubted if in the history of the world any country was ever peo pled with the rapidity of southern and eastern Wisconsin. Its population in 1840 was 30,749; in 1850, 304,756; in i860, 773.693; in 187°, i.oS1^1; m l875, 1,236,729. With the develop ment of the agricultural resources of the new territory, grain raising became the most prominent interest, and as the settlements extended back from the lake shore the difficulties of transporta tion of the products of the soil were seriously felt. The expense incurred in moving a load, of produce seventy or eighty miles to a market town on the lake shore frequently exceeded the gross sum obtained for the same. All goods, wares and merchandise, and most of the lumber used must also be hauled by teams from Lake Michigan. Many of our early settlers still retain vivid recollections of trying experiences in the Milwaukee woods and other sections bordering on the lake shore, from the south line of the state to Manitowoc and Sheboygan. To meet the great want — better facilities for transportation — a valuable land grant was obtained from congress, in 1838, to aid in building a canal from Milwaukee to Rock river The company which was organized to construct it, built a dam across Milwaukee river and a short section of the canal ; then the work stopped and the plan was finally abandoned. It was early seen that to satisfy the requirements of the people, railroads, as the most feasable means of communication within their reach, were an indispensable necessity. Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. Between the years 1838 and 1841, the territorial legislature of Wisconsin chartered several railroad companies, but with the exception of the " Milwaukee & Waukesha Railroad Company,'' incorporated in 1847, none of the corporations thus created took any particular shape. The commissioners named in its charter met November 23, 1847, and elected a president, Dr. L. W. Weeks, and a secretary, A. W. Randall (afterward governor of Wisconsin). On the first Monday of February, 1848, they opened books of subscription. The charter of the company provided 174 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. that $100,000 should be subscribed and five percent, thereof paid in before the company should fully organize as a corporation. The country was new. There were plenty of active, energetic men, but money to build railroads was scarce, and not until April 5, 1849, was the necessary subscription raised and percentage paid. A board of directors was elected on the 10th day of May, and Byron Kilbourn chosen president. The charter had been previously amended, in 1848, authorizing the company to build a road to the Mississippi river, in Grant county, and in 1850, • its name was changed to the " Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad Company." After the company was fully organized, active measures were taken to push the enterprise forward to completion. The city of Milwaukee loaned its credit, and in 185 1 the pioneer Wisconsin railroad reached Waukesha, twenty miles out from Milwaukee. In the spring of 1852, Edward H. Broadhead, a prominent engineer, from from the state of New York, was put in charge of the work as chief engineer and superintendent. Under his able and energetic administration the road was pushed forward in 1852 to Milton, in 1853 to Stoughton, in 1854 to Madison, and in 1856 to the Mis sissippi river, at Prairie du Chien. In 1851 John Catlin of Madison, was elected president in place of Kilbourn. The proposed length of this article will not admit of any detailed statement of the trials, struggles and triumphs of the men who projected, and finally carried across the state, from the lake to the river, this first Wisconsin railroad. Mitchell, Kilbourn, Holton, Tweedy, Catlin, Walker, Broadhead, Crocker and many others, deserve to be remembered by our people as bene factors of the state. In 1859 and i860, the company defaulted in the payment of the interest on its bonds. A foreclosure was made and a new company, called the " Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien," took its place, succeeding to all its rights and property. The " Southern Wisconsin Railway Company'' was chartered in 1852, and authorized to build a road from Milton to the Mississippi river. When the Milwaukee and Mississippi road reached Milton in 1852, it was not authorized by its charter to go to Janesville, but, under the charter of the Southern Wisconsin, a company was organized that built the eight miles to Janesville in 1853. Under a subsequent amendment to the charter, the Milwaukee and Mississippi company was authorized to build from Milton to the Mississippi river. The Janesville branch was then purchased and extended to Monroe, a distance of about thirty-four miles, or forty-two miles west of Milton. Surveys were made and a line located west of Monroe to the river. The people of La Fayette and Grant counties have often been encouraged to expect a direct railroad communi cation with the city of Milwaukee. Other and more important interests, at least so considered by the railroad company, have delayed the execution of the original plan, and the road through the counties mentioned still remains unbuilt. The " LaCrosse & Milwaukee Railroad Company" was chartered in 1852, to construct a road from LaCrosse to Milwaukee. During the year in which the charter was obtained, the company was organized, and the first meeting of the commissioners held at LaCrosse. Among its pro jectors were Byron Kilbourn and Moses M. Strong. Kilbourn was elected its first president. No work was done upon this line until after its consolidation with the " Milwaukee, Fonddu Lac & Green Bay Railroad Company" in 1854. The latter company was chartered in 1853, to build a road from Milwaukee via West Bend to Fond du Lac and Green Bay. It organized in the spring of 1853, and at once commenced active operations under the supervision of James Kneeland, its first president. The city of Milwaukee loaned its credit for $200,000, and gave city bonds. The company secured depot grounds in Milwaukee, and did considerable grading for the first twenty- five miles out. Becoming embarrassed in January, 1854, the Milwaukee, Fonddu Lac & Green Bay consolidated with the LaCrosse & Milwaukee company. Work was at once resumed on the partially graded line. In 1855 the road was completed to Horicon, fifty miles. WISCONSIN RAILROADS. 175 The Milwaukee & Watertown company was chartered in 185 1, to build from Milwaukee to "Watertown. It soon organized, and began the construction of its line from Brookfield, fourteen miles west of Milwaukee, and a point on the Milwaukee & Mississippi road leading through •Oconomowoc to Watertown. The charter contained a provision that the company might extend its road by way of Portage to LaCrosse. It reached Watertown in 1856, and was consolidated -with the LaCrosse & Milwaukee road in the autumn of the same year. In the spring of 1856 congress made a grant of land to the state of Wisconsin, to aid in the building of a railroad from Madison, or Columbus, via Portage City, to the St. Croix river or lake, between townships 25 and 31. and from thence to the west end of Lake Superior, and to Bayfield. An adjourned session of the Wisconsin legislature met on September 3 of that year, to dispose of the grant. The disposal of this grant had been generally discussed by the press, and the public sentiment of the state seemed to tend toward its bestowal upon a new company. There is little doubt but that this was also the sentiment of a large majority of the members of both houses when the session commenced. When a new company was proposed a joint com mittee of twenty from the senate and assembly was appointed to prepare a bill, conferring the grant upon a company to be created by the bill itself. The work of the committee proceeded harmoniously until the question of who should be corporators was to be acted upon, when a difference of opinion was found to exist, and one that proved difficult to harmonize. In the mean time the LaCrosse and Watertown companies had consolidated, and a sufficient number of the members of both houses were "propitiated" by "pecuniary compliments" to induce them to pass the bill, conferring the so called St. Croix grant upon the LaCrosse & Milwaukee railroad •company. The vote in the assembly in the passage of the bill was, ayes 62, noes 7. In the senate it stood, ayes 17, noes 7. At the session of the legislature of 1858 a committee was raised to investigate the matter, and their report demonstrated that bonds were set apart for all who voted for the LaCrosse bill ; to members of assembly $5,000 each, and members of senate $10,000 each. A few months after the close of the legislative sesssion of 1856 the land grant bonds of the LaCrosse road became worthless. Neither the LaCrosse company nor its successors ever received any portion of the lands granted to the state. During the year 1857 the LaCrosse company completed its line of road through Portage City to LaCrosse, and its Watertown line to Columbus. The "Milwaukee & Horicon Railroad Company" was chartered in 1852. Between the years 1855 and 1857 it built through Waupun and Ripon to Berlin, a distance of forty-two miles. It was, in effect, controlled by the LaCrosse & Milwaukee company, although built as a separate branch. This line was subsequently merged in the LaCrosse company, and is now a part of the northern division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. The " Madison, Fond du Lac & Lake Michigan Railroad Company" was chartered in 1855, to build a road from Madison via Fond du Lac to Lake Michigan. In 1857 it bought of the LaCrosse company that portion of its road acquired by consolidation with the Milwaukee & Watertown company. Its name was then changed to " Milwaukee & Western Railroad Com pany." It owned a line of road from Brookfield to Watertown, and branches from the latter place to Columbus and Sun Prairie, in all about eighty miles in length. In 1858 and 1859 the La Crosse & Milwaukee and the Milwaukee & Horicon companies defaulted in the payment of the interest on their bonded debts. In the same years the bond holders of the two companies instituted foreclosure proceedings on the different trust deeds given to -secure their bonds. Other suits to enforce the payment of their floating debts were also com menced. Protracted litigation in both the state and federal courts resulted in a final settlement in 1868, by a decision of the supreme court of the United States. In the meantime, in 1862 and 176 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 1863, both roads were sold, and purchased by an association of the bondholders, who organized the " Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company." The new company succeeded to all the rights of both the La Crosse and Horicon companies, and soon afterward, in 1863, purchased the property of the Milwaukee & Western company, thus getting control of the roads from Mil waukee to La Crosse, from Horicon to Berlin, from Brookfield to Watertown, and the branches to Columbus and Sun Prairie. In 1864 it built from Columbus to Portage, from Brookfield to Milwaukee, and subsequently extended the Sun Prairie branch to Madison, in 1869. It also purchased the Ripon & Wolf River road, which had been built fifteen miles in length, from Ripon to Omro, on the Fox river, and extended it to Winneconne on the Wolf river, five miles farther, and twenty miles from Ripon. In 1867 the Milwaukee & St. Paul railway company obtained control of the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien railroad. The legislature of 1857 had passed an act, authorizing all stock-holders in all incorporated companies to vote on shares of stock owned by them. The directors of the Milwaukee & St. Paul company had secured a majority of the common stock, and, at the election of 1867, elected themselves, a board of directors for the Prairie du Chien company. All the rights, property and interests of the latter company came under the ownership and control of the former. In 1865, Alexander Mitchell, of Milwaukee, was elected president, and S. S. Merrill general manager of the Milwaukee & St. Paul railway company. They were retained in their respective positions by the new organization, and still continue to hold these offices, a fact largely owing to the able and efficient manner that has characterized their management of the company's affairs. The company operates eight hundred and thirty-four miles of road in Wisconsin, and in all two thousand two hundred and seven miles. Its lines extend to St. Paul and Minneapolis in Minnesota, and to Algona in Iowa, and over the Western Union to Savanna and Rock Island in the State of Illinois. The " Oshkosh & Mississippi Railroad Company " was chartered in 1866 to build a road from the city of Oshkosh to the Mississippi river. Its construction to Ripon in 1872 was a move on the part of citizens of Oshkosh to connect their town with the Milwaukee & St. Paul road. It is twenty miles in length and leased to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul company. In 1871 and 1872 the "Wisconsin Union Railroad Company," of which John W. Cary was president, built a road from Milwaukee to the state line between Wisconsin and Illinois, to connect with a road built from Chicago to the state line of Illinois. This new line between Milwaukee and Chicago was built in the interest of, and in fact by, the Milwaukee & St. Paul company to afford a connection between its Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota system of roads, and the eastern trunk lines centering in Chicago. It runs parallel with the shore of Lake Michigan and from three to six miles from it, and is eighty-five miles in length. The Chicago & Northwestern Railway. The territorial legislature of 1848 chartered the "Madison & Beloit Railroad Company" with authority to build a railroad from Beloit to Madison only. In 1850, by an act of the legislature, the company was authorized to extend the road to the Wisconsin river and La Crosse, and to a point on the Mississippi river near St. Paul, and also from Janesville to Fond du Lac. Its name was changed, under legislative authority, to the "Rock River Valley Union Railroad Company." In 1851, the line from Janesville north not being pushed as the people expected, the legislature of Illinois chartered the " Illinois & Wisconsin Railroad Company " with authority to consolidate with any road in Wisconsin. In 1855, an act of the Wisconsin legislature consoli dated the Illinois and Wisconsin companies with the " Rock River Valley Union Railroad Com pany," and the new organization took the name of the " Chicago, St, Paul & Fond du Lac Rail- WISCONSIN RAILROADS. 177 road Company." In 1854, and previous to the consolidation, the company had failed and passed into the hands of the bondholders, who foreclosed and took stock for their bonds. The old management of A. Hyatt Smith and John B. Macy was superseded, and Wm. B. Ogden was made president. Chicago was all along deeply interested in reaching the rich grain fields of the Rock river valley, as well as the inexhaustible timber and mineral wealth of the northern part of Wisconsin and that part of Michigan bordering on Lake Superior, called the Peninsula. It also sought a connection with the upper Mississippi region, then being rapidly peopled, by a line of railroad to run through Madison to St. Paul, in Minnesota. Its favorite road was started from Chicago on the wide (six feet) gauge, and so constructed seventy miles to Sharon on the Wis consin state line. This was changed to the usual (four feet, eight and one-half inches) width, and the work was vigorously pushed, reaching Janesville in 1855 and Fond du Lac in 1858. The Rock River Valley Union railroad company had, however, built about thirty miles from Fond du Lac south toward Minnesota Junction before the consolidation took place. The partially graded line on a direct route between Janesville and Madison was abandoned. In 1852 a new charter had been obtained, and the " Beloit & Madison Railroad Company " had been organized to build a road from Beloit via Janesville to Madison. A subsequent amendment to this charter had left out Janesville as a point, and the Beloit branch was pushed through to Madison, reach ing that city in 1864. The " Galena and Chicago Union Railroad Company" had built a branch of the Galena line from Belvedere to Beloit previous to 1854. In that year, it leased the Beloit & Madison road, and from 1856 operated it in connection with the Milwaukee & Mississippi, reaching Janes ville by way of Hanover Junction, a station on its Southern Wisconsin branch, eight miles west of Janesville. The consolidation of the Galena & Chicago Union and the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac companies was effected and approved by legislative enactment in 1855, and a new organization called the " Chicago & Northwestern Railwav Company " took their place. The "Green Bay, Milwaukee & Chicago Railroad Company " was chartered in 1851 to build a road from Milwaukee to the state line of Illinois to connect with a road from Chicago, called the Chicago & Milwaukee railroad. Both roads were completed in 1855, and run in connection until 1863, when they were consolidated under the name of the "Chicago & Milwaukee Railroad Company." To prevent its falling into the hands of the Milwaukee & St. Paul, the Chicago & Northwestern secured it by perpetual lease, May 2, 1866, and it is now operated as its Chicago. division. The " Kenosha & Beloit Railroad Company " was incorporated in 1853 to build a road from Kenosha to Beloit, and was organized soon after its chartenwas obtained. Its name was after ward changed to the " Kenosha, Rockford & Rock Island Railroad Company," and its route changed to run to Rockford instead of Beloit. The line starts at Kenosha, and runs through the county of Kenosha and crosses the state line near the village of Genoa in the county of Wal worth, a distance of thirty miles in the state of Wisconsin, and there connects with a road in Illinois running to Rockford, and with which it consolidated. Kenosha and its citizens were the principal subscribers to its capital stock. The company issued its bonds, secured by the usual mortgage on its franchises and property. Failing to pay its interest, the mortgage was foreclosed, and the road was sold to the Chicago & Northwestern company in 1863, and is now operated by it as the Kenosha division. The line was constructed from Kenosha to Genoa in 1862. The "Northwestern Union Railway Company " was organized in 1872, under the general rail road law of the state, to build a line of road from Milwaukee to Fond du Lac, with a branch to Lodi. The road was constructed during the years 1872 and 1873 from Milwaukee to Fond du Lac. The Chicago & Northwestern company were principally interested in its being built, to 178 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. shorten its line between Chicago and Green Bay, and now uses it as its main through line between the two points. The " Baraboo Air-Line Railroad Company " was incorporated in 1870, to build a road from Madison, Columbus, or Waterloo via Baraboo, to La Crosse, or any point on the Mississippi river. It organized in the interest of the Chicago & Northwestern, with which company it con solidated, and the work of building a connecting line between Madison and Winona Junction was vigorously pushed forward. Lodi was reached in 1870, Baraboo in 1871, and Winona Junc tion in 1874. The ridges between Elroy and Sparta were tunneled at great expense and with much difficulty. In 1874 the company reported an expenditure for its three tunnels of $476,743.32, and for the 129 1-10 miles between Madison and Winona Junction of $5,342,169.96, and a large expenditure yet required to be made on it. In 1867 the Chicago & Northwestern company bought of D. N. Barney & Co. their interest in the Winona & St. Peters railway, a line being built westerly from Winona in Minnesota, and of which one hundred and five miles had been built. It also bought of the same parties their interest in the La Crosse, Trempealeau & Prescott railway, a line being built from Winona Junction, three miles east of La Crosse, to Winona, Minn. The latter line was put in operation in 1870, and is twenty-nine miles long. With the completion of its Madison branch to Winona junction, in 1873, it had in operation a line from Chicago, via Madison and Winona, to Lake Kampeska, Minn., a distance of six hundred and twenty-three miles. In the year 1856 a valuable grant of land was made by congress to the state of Wisconsin to aid in the construction of railroads. The Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac company claimed that the grant was obtained through its efforts, and that of right it should have the northeastern grant, so-called. At the adjourned session of the legislature of 1856, a contest over the dispo sition of the grant resulted in conferring it upon the " Wisconsin & Superior Railroad Company,'' a corporation chartered for the express purpose of giving it this grant. It was generally believed at the time that the new company was organized in the interest of the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac company, and at the subsequent session, in the following year, it was authorized to consolidate with the new company, which it did in the spring of that year, and thus obtained the grant of 3,840 acres per mile along its entire line, from Fond du Lac northerly to the state line between Wisconsin and Michigan. It extended its road to Oshkosh in 1859, to Appleton in 1 86 1, and in 1862 to Fort Howard, forming a line two hundred and forty-two miles long. The line from Fort Howard to Escanaba, one hundred and fourteen miles long, was opened in Decem ber, 1872, and made a connection with the peninsular railroad of Michigan. It now became a part of the Chicago & Northwestern, extending from Escanaba to the iron mines, and thence to Lake Superior at Marquette. Albert Keep, of Chicago, is president, and Marvin Hughitt, a gentleman of great railroad experience, is general superintendent. The company operates five hundred and sixty-seven miles of road in Wisconsin, and in all sixteen hundred and sixteen miles. Its lines extend into five different states. Over these lines its equipment is run in common, or transferred from place to place, as the changes in business may temporarily require. Wisconsin Central Railroad. The " Milwaukee & Northern Railway Company " was incorporated in 1870, to build a road from Milwaukee to some point on the Fox river below Winnebago lake, and thence to Lake Superior, with branches. It completed its road to Menasha, one hundred and two miles from Milwaukee, with a branch from Hilbert to Green Bay, twenty-seven miles, in 1873, and in that vear leased its line to the " Wisconsin Central Railroad Company," which is still operating it. In WISCONSIN RAILROADS. 179 1864 congress made a grant of land to the state of Wisconsin to aid in the construction of a rail road from Berlin, Doty's Island, Fond du Lac, or Portage, by way of Stevens Point, to Bayfield or Superior, granting the odd sections within ten miles on each side of the line, with an indem nity limit of twenty miles on each side. The legislature of 1865 failed to dispose of this grant, but that of 1866 provided for the organization of two companies, one to build from Portage City by way of Berlin to Stevens Point, and the other from Menasha to the same point, and then jointly to Bayfield and Lake Superior. The former was called the " Winnebago and Lake Superior Railroad Company," and the latter the " Portage & Superior Railroad Company." In 1869 an act was passed consolidating the two companies, which was done under the name of the " Portage, Winnebago & Superior Railroad Company." In 1871 the name of the company was changed to the " Wisconsin Central Railroad Company." The Winnebago & Lake Superior company was organized under Hon. George Reed as president, and at once commenced the construction of its line of road between Menasha and Stevens Point. In 187 1 the Wisconsin Central consolidated with the " Manitowoc & Mississippi Railroad Company." The articles of consolidation provided that Gardner Colby, a director of the latter company, should be president, and that George Reed, a director of the former, should be vice president of the new organization ; with a further provision that Gardner Colby, George Reed, and Elijah B. Phillips should be and remain its executive committee. In 1-871, an act was passed incorporating the "Phillips and Colby Construction Company," which created E. B. Phillips, C. L. Colby, Henry Pratt, and such others as they might associate with them, a body corporate, with authority to build railroads and do all manner of things relat ing to railroad construction and operation. Under this act the construction company contracted with the Wisconsin Central railroad company, to build its line of road from Menasha to Lake Superior. In November, 1873, the Wisconsin Central leased of the Milwaukee & Northern com pany its line of road extending from Schwartzburg to Menasha, and the branch to Green Bay, for the term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years, and also acquired the rights of the latter com pany to use the track of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul company between Schwartzburg and Milwaukee, and to depot facilities in Milwaukee. The construction of the land grant portion of this important line of road was commenced in 1871, and it was completed to Stevens Point in November of that year. It was built from Stevens Point north one hundred miles to Worcester in 1872. During 1872 and 1873, it was built from Ashland south to the Penoka iron ridge, a dis tance of thirty miles. The straight line between Portage City and Stevens Point, authorized by an act of the legislature of 1875, was constructed between October 1, 1875, and October, 1876, seven ly-one miles in length. The gap of forty-two miles between Worcester and Penoka iron ridge was closed in June, 1877. E. B. Phillips, of Milwaukee, is president and general manager. This line of road passes through a section of our state hitherto unsettled. It has been pushed through with energy, and opened up for settlement an immense region of heavily timbered land, and thus contributed to the growth and prosperity of the state. The Western Union Railroad. The " Racine, Janesville & Mississippi Railroad Company" was chartered in 1852, to build a road from Racine to Beloit, and was organized the same year. The city of Racine issued its bonds for $300,000 in payment for that amount of stock. The towns of Racine, Elkhorn, Dele- van and Beloit gave $190,000, and issued their bonds, and farmers along the line made liberal subscriptions and secured the same by mortgages on their farms. The road was built to Burling ton in 1855, to Delavan early in 1856, and to Beloit, sixty-eight miles from Racine, during the same year. Failing to meet the interest on its bonds and its floating indebtedness, it was sur- 180 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. rendered by the company to the bond-holders in 1859, who completed it to Freeport during that year, and afterward built to the Mississippi river at Savannah, and thence to Rock Island. The bond-holders purchased and sold the road in 1866, and a new organization was had as the " West ern Union Railroad Company," and it has sinee been operated under that name. In 1869, it built a line from Elkhorn to Eagle, seventeen miles, and thus made a connection with Milwau kee over the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul line. The latter company owns a controlling interest it its line. Alexander Mitchell is the president of the company, and D. A. Olin, general superintendent. West Wisconsin Railroad. The lands granted by congress in 1856 to aid in the construction of a railroad in Wisconsin, from Tomah to Superior and Bayfield, were disposed of as mentioned under the history of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul company. The LaCrosse company, as we have seen, prevailed in the legislature of 1856, and secured legislation favorable to its interests; but it failed to build the line of road provided for, and forfeited its right to lands granted. In 1863, the " Tomah & Lake St. Croix Railroad Company" was incorporated, with authority to construct a railroad from some point in the town of Tomah in Monroe county, to such point on Lake St. Croix, between town ships 25 and 31 as the directors might determine. To the company, by the act creating it, was granted all the interest and estate of this state, to so much of the lands granted by the United States to the state of Wisconsin, known as the St. Croix grant, as lay between Tomah and Lake St. Croix. A few months after its organization, the company passed substantially into the hands of D. A. Baldwin and Jacob Humbird, who afterward built a line of road from Tomah, via Black River Falls, and Eau Claire to Hudson, on Lake St. Croix, one hundred and seventy-eight miles. Its name was afterward changed to the "West Wisconsin Railroad Company." In 1873, it built its road from Warren's Mills via Camp Douglass, on the St. Paul road to Elroy, and took up its track from the first-named place, twelve miles, to Tomah. A law-suit resulted, which went against the railroad company, and the matter was finally compromised by the payment of a sum of money by the company to the town of Tomah. The road was built through a new and sparsely settled country, and its earnings have not been sufficient to enrich its stock-holders. It connects at Camp Douglass with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road, and at Elroy with the Chicago & Northwestern railway company's line, which gives the latter a through line to St. Paul. It is operated in connection with the Chicago & Northwestern railway, and managed in its interest. It is now in the hands of Wm. H. Ferry, of Chicago, as receiver; H. H. Potter, of Chicago, as president'; and E. W. Winter, of Hudson, superintendent. The Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railway. In 1870, the "Milwaukee, Manitowoc & Green Bay Railroad Company "was chartered to build a road from Milwaukee to Green Bay by way of Manitowoc. It built its line from Mil waukee to Manitowoc in 1873, when its name was changed to " Milwaukee, Lake Shore & West ern Railroad Company." Under a decree of foreclosure, it was sold Dec. 10, 1875, and its name was changed to " Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railway Company," by which name it is still known. In 1866, the "Appleton & New London Railroad Company" was incorporated to build a road from Appleton to New London, and thence to Lake Superior. A subsequent amendment to its charter authorized it to extend its road to Manitowoc. It built most of the line from Appleton to that city, and then, under legislative authority, sold this extension to the Milwau- WISCONSIN RAILROADS. 181 kee, Lake Shore & Western railroad company. The last-named company extended it to New London, on the Wolf river, twenty-one miles, in 1876, where it connects with the Green Bay & Minnesota road. It now operates one hundred and forty-six miles of road, extending from Mil waukee to New London, passing through Sheboygan, Manitowoc and Appleton, which includes a branch line six miles in length from Manitowoc to Two Rivers. F. W. Rhinelander, of New York, is its president, and H. G. H. Reed, of Milwaukee, superintendent. The Green Bay & Minnesota Railroad. The line of road operated by this company extends from Fort Howard to the Mississippi river, opposite Winona, Minnesota. It is two hundred and sixteen miles in length, and was. built through a sparsely settled and heavily timbered section of the state. It began under most discouraging circumstances, yet was pushed through by the energy of a few men at Green Bay and along its line. It was originally chartered in 1866 as the "Green Bay & Lake Pepin Rail road Company " to build a road from the mouth of the Fox river near Green Bay to the Missis sippi river opposite Winona. But little was done except the making of preliminary surveys in 1870. During 1870 and 187 1, forty miles were constructed and put in operation. In 1872, one hundred and fourteen miles were graded, the track laid, and the river reached, sixty-two miles- farther, in 1873. In 1876, it acquired the right to use the " Winona cut-off " between Winona. and Onalaska, and built a line from the latter point to La Crosse, seven miles, thus connecting its. road with the chief city of Wisconsin on the Mississippi river. The city of LaCrosse aided this- extension by subscribing $75,000 and giving its corporation bonds for that amount. Henry Ketchum, of New London, is president of the company, and D. M. Kelly, of Green Bay, gen eral manager. Wisconsin Valley Road. The " Wisconsin Valley Railroad Company " was incorporated in 187 1 to build a road from' a point on or near the line of the Milwaukee & La Crosse railroad, between Kilbourn City and the tunnel in said road to the village of Wausau, in the county of Marathon, and the road to pass- not more than one mile west of the village of Grand Rapids, in the county of Wood. The roadi was commenced at Tomah, and graded to Centralia in 1872, and opened to that village in 1873,, and during 1874 it was completed to Wausau, ninety miles in its whole length. Boston capitalists furnished the money, and it is controlled in the interest of the Dubuque & Minnesota railroad,, through which the equipment wa^procured. The lumber regions of the Wisconsin river find an outlet over it, and its junction with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road at Tomah enables a connection with the railroads of Iowa and Minnesota. It gives the people of Marathon county an outlet long needed for a,large lumber traffic, and also enables them to receive their goods and supplies of various kinds for the lumbering region tributary to Wausau. James F. Joy, of Detroit, is president, and F. O. Wyatt, superintendent. Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railroad. The " Sheboygan & Mississippi Railroad Company " was incorporated in 1852, to build a- road from Sheboygan to the Mississippi river. It was completed from Sheboygan to Plymouth in 1858, to Glenbeulah in i860, to Fond du Lac in 1868, and to Princeton in 1872. The extension. from Fond du Lac to Princeton was built under authority of an act passed in 1871. Under a foreclosure in 1861 the line from Sheboygan to Fonddu Lac was sold, and the name of the company changed to "Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railroad Company." The length of 182 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. the line is seventy-eight miles, and it passes through a fertile agricultural country. The city of Sheboygan, county, city and town of Fond du Lac, and the towns of Riverdale, Ripon, Brooklyn, Princeton, and St. Marie, aided in its building to an amount exceeding $250,000. D. L. Wells is president, and Geo. P. Lee, superindendent. The Mineral Point Railroad. The "Mineral Point Railroad Company" was chartered in 1852,10 build a road from Mineral Point, in the county of Iowa, to the state line, in township number one, in either the county of Green or La Fayette. It was completed to Warren, in the state of Illinois, thirty-two miles, in 1855, making a connection at that point with the Illinois Central, running from Chicago to Galena. Iowa county loaned its credit and issued its bonds to aid in its construction. It was sold under foreclosure in 1856. Suits were brought against Iowa county to collect the amount of its bonds, and judgment obtained in the federal courts. Much litigation has been had, and ill feeling engendered, the supervisors of the county having been arrested for contempt of the decree of the court. Geo. W. Cobb, of Mineral Point, is the general manager. The Dubuque, Platteville & Milwaukee railroad was completed in July, 1870, and extends from Calamine, a point on the Mineral Point railroad, to the village of Platteville, eighteen miles, and is operated by the Mineral Point railroad company Madison & Portage Railroad. The legislature of 1855 chartered the " Sugar River Valley Railroad Company " to build a road from a point on the north side of the line of the Southern Wisconsin road, within the limits of "Green county, to Dayton, on the Sugar river. In 1857 it was-authorized to build south to the state line, and make its northern terminus at Madison. In 1861 it was authorized to build from Madi son to Portage City, and from Columbus to Portage City, and so much of the land grant act of 1856, as related to the building of the road from Madison, and from Columbus to Portage City, was annulled and repealed, and the rights and privileges that were conferred upon the LaCrosse company were given to the Sugar River Valley railroad company, and the portion of the land grant, applicable to the lines mentioned, was conferred upon the last named company. Under this legislation about twenty miles of the line between Madison and Portage were graded, and the right of way secured for about thirty of the thirty-nine miles. The La Crosse company had done considerable grading before its right was annulled. In* 1866 the company was relieved from constructing the road from Columbus to Portage City. In 1870 the purchasers of that part of the Sugar River Valley railroad lying between Madison and Portage City were incorporated as the " Madison & Portage Railroad Company," and to share all the rights, grants, etc., that were conferred upon the Sugar River railroad company by its charter, and amendments thereto, so far as related to that portion of the line. Previous to this time, in 1864 and 1865, judgments had been obtained against the Sugar River Valley company ; and its right of way, grading and depot grounds sold for a small sum. James Campbell, who had been a contractor with the Sugar River Valley company, with others, became the purchasers, and organized under the act of 1870, and, during the year 1871, com pleted it between Madison and Portage City, and in March, 1871, leased it to the Milwaukee & St. Paul company, and it is still operated by that corporation. In 187 1 the Madison & Portage company was authorized to extend its road south to the Illinois state line, and north from Portage City to Lake Winnebago. The same year it was consolidated with the " Rockford Central WISCONSIN RAILROADS. 183 Railroad Company," of Illinois, and it's name changed to the "Chicago & Superior Railroad Company," but still retains its own organization. The Madison & Portage railroad company claims a share in the lands granted by acts of congress in 1856, and have commenced proceed ings to assert its claim, which case is still pending in the federal courts. North Wisconsin Railroad. The "North Wisconsin Railroad Company" was incorporated in 1869, to build a road from Lake St. Croix, or river, to Bayfield on Lake Superior. The grant of land by congress in 1856, to aid in building a road from Lake St. Croix to Bayfield on Lake Superior, under the decision of the federal court, was yet at the disposal of the state. This company, in 187 1, built a short section of its line of road, with the expectation of receiving the grant. In 1873, the grant was conferred upon the Milwaukee & St. Paul company, but under the terms and restrictions con tained in the act, it declined to accept it. The legislature of 1874 gave it to the North Wiscon sin company, and it has built forty miles of its road, and received the lands pertaining thereto. Since 1876, it has not completed any part of its line, but is trying to construct twenty miles during the present year. The company is authorized to construct a road both to Superior and to Bayfield, but the act granting the lands confers that portion from Superior to the intersection of the line to Bayfield upon the Chicago & North Pacific air-line railroad. This last-named company have projected a line from Chicago to the west end of Lake Superior, and are the owners of an old grade made through Walworth and Jefferson counties, by a company chartered in 1853 as the " Wisconsin Central," to build a road from Portage City to Geneva, in the county of Walworth. The latter company had also graded its line between Geneva and the state line of Illinois. This grade was afterward appropriated by the Chicago & Northwestern, and over it they now operate their line from Chicago to Geneva. Prairie du Chien & McGregor Railroad. This is a line two miles in length, connecting Prairie du Chien in Wisconsin, with McGregor in Iowa. It is owned and operated by John Lawler, of the latter-named pl'ace. It extends across both channels of the Mississippi river, and an intervening island. The railroad bridge consists- of substantial piling, except a pontoon draw across each navigable channel. Each pontoon is four hundred feet long and thirty feet wide, provided with suitable machinery and operated by steam power. Mr. Lawler has secured a patent on his invention of the pontoon draw for railroad bridges. His line was put in operation in April, 1874. The Chippewa Falls & Western Railroad. This road was built in 1874, by a company organized under the general law of the state. It is eleven miles in length, and connects the " Falls " with the West Wisconsin line at Eau Claire. It was constructed by the energetic business men and capitalists of Chippewa Falls, to afford an outlet for the great lumber and other interests of that thriving and prosperous city. The road is substantially built, and the track laid with steel rails. Narrow Gauge Railroads. The " Galena & Southern Wisconsin Railroad Company " was incorporated in 1857. Under its charter, a number of capitalists of the city of Galena, in the state of Illinois, commenced. 184 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. the construction of a narrow (three feet) gauge road, running from that city to Platteville, thirty- one miles in length, twenty miles in Wisconsin. It runs through a part of La Fayette county to Platteville, in Grant county, and was completed to the latter point in 1875. Surveys are being made for an extension to Wingville, in Grant county. The "Fond du Lac, Amboy & Peoria Railway Company" was organized under the general law of the state, in 1874, to build a narrow gauge road from the city of Fond du Lac to the south line of the state in the county of Walworth or Rock, and it declared its intention to consolidate with a company in Illinois that had projected a line of railroad from Peoria, in Illinois, to the south line of the state of Wisconsin. The road is constructed and in operation from Fond du Lac to Iron Ridge, a point on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, twenty-nine miles from Fond du Lac. The "Pine River & Steven's Point Railroad Company" was organized by the enterprising citizens of Richland Center, and has built a narrow gauge road from Lone Rock, a point on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road, in Richland county, to Richland Center, sixteen miles in length. Its track is laid with wooden rails, and it is operated successfully. The ': Chicago & Tomah Railroad Company " organized under the general railroad law of the state, in 1872, to construct a narrow gauge road from Chicago, in Illinois, to the city of Tomah, in Wisconsin. Its president and active manager is D. R. Williams, of Clermont, Iowa and its secretary is L. M. Culver, of Wauzeka. It has graded about forty-five miles, extending from Wauzeka up the valley of the Kickapoo river, in Crawford county, Wisconsin. It expects to have fifty-four miles in operation, to Bloomingdale, in Vernon county, the present year (1877). The rolling stock is guaranteed, and the president is negotiating for the purchase of the iron. South of Wauzeka the line is located to Belmont, in Iowa county. At Wauzeka it will connect with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul line. The public-spirited citizens of Necedah, in Juneau county, have organized under the general law of the state, and graded a road-bed from their village to New Lisbon, on the Chicago, Mil waukee & St. Paul company's line. The latter company furnish and lay the iron, and will -operate the road. It is thirteen miles in length. Conclusion. The railroads of Wisconsin have grown up under the requirements of the several localities that have planned and commenced their construction, and without regard to any general system. Frequently the work of construction was begun before adequate means were provided, and bankruptcy overtook the roads in their early stages. The consolidation of the various companies, as in the cases of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, the Chicago & Northwestern, and others, has been effected to give through lines and the public greater facilities, as well as to introduce economy in management. At times the people have become apprehensive, and by legisla tive action prohibited railroads from consolidating, and have sought to control and break down the power of these corporations and to harmonize the interests of the companies and the public. The act of 1874, called the " Potter law," was the assertion, by the legislative power of the state, of its right to control corporations created by itself, and limit the rates at which freight and passengers should be carried. After a long and expensive contest, carried through the state and federal courts, this right has been established, being finally settled by the decision of the supreme court of the United States. Quite all the railroads of Wisconsin have been built with foreign capital. The plan pursued after an organization was effected, was to obtain stock subscriptions from those immediately LUMBER MANUFACTURE. 185 interested in the enterprise, procure the aid of counties and municipalities, and then allure the farmers, with the prospect of joint ownership in railroads, to subscribe for stock and mortgage their farms to secure the payment of their subscriptions. Then the whole line was bonded and a mortgage executed. The bonds and mortgages thus obtained, were taken to the money ¦centers of New York, London, Amsterdam and other places, and sold, or hypothecated to obtain the money with which to prosecute the work. The bonds and mortgages were made to draw a high rate of interest, and the earnings of these new roads, through unsettled localities, were insufficient to pay more than running and incidental expenses, and frequently fell short of that. Default occurring in the payment of interest, the mortgages were foreclosed and the property passed into the hands and under the control of foreign capitalists. Such has been the history of most of the railroads of our state. The total number of farm mortgages given has been 3,785, amounting to $4,079,433 ; town, county and municipal bonds, amounting to $6,910,652. The total cost of all the railroads in the state, as given by the railroad commissioner in his report for 1876. lias been $98,343,453.67. This vast sum is, no doubt, greatly in excess of what the cost should have been, but the roads have proved of immense benefit in the develop ment of the material resources of the state. Other lines are needed through sections not yet traversed by the iron steed, and present lines should be extended by branch roads. The questions upon which great issues were raised between the railway corporations and the people, are now happily settled by securing to the latter their rights; and the former, under the wise and conciliatory policy pursued by their managers, are assured of the sa-fety of their investments. An era of good feeling has succeeded one of distrust and antagonism. The people must use the railroads, and the railroads depend upon the people for sustenance and protection. This mutuality of interest, when fully recognized on both sides, will result in giving to capital a fair return and to labor its just reward. LUMBER MANUFACTURE. By W. B. JUDSON. Foremost among the industries of Wisconsin is that of manufacturing lumber. Very much of the importance to which the state has attained is due to the development of its forest wealth. In America, agriculture always has been, and always will be, the primary and most important interest; but no nation can subsist upon agriculture alone. While the broad prairies of Illinois and Iowa are rich with a fertile and productive soil, the hills and valleys of northern Wisconsin are clothed with a wealth of timber that has given birth to a great manufacturing interest, which employs millions of capital and thousands of men, and has peopled the northern wilds with energetic, prosperous communities, built up enterprising cities, and crossed the state with a net work of railways which furnish outlets for its productions and inlets for the new populations which are ever seeking for homes and employment nearer to the setting sun. If a line be drawn upon the state map, from Green Bay westward through Stevens Point, to where it would naturally strike the Mississippi river, it will be below the southern boundary of the pine timber regions, with the single exception of the district drained by the Yellow river, a tributary of the Wisconsin, drawing its timber chiefly from Wood and Juneau counties. The territory north of this imaginary line covers an area a little greater than one half of the state. The pine timbered land is found in belts or ridges, interspersed with prairie openings, patches of hardwood and hemlock, and drained by numerous water-courses. No less than seven large I8o • HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. rivers traverse this northern section, and, with their numerous tributaries, penetrate every county, affording facilities for floating the logs to' the mills, and, in many instances, the power to cut them into lumber. This does not include the St. Croix, which forms the greater portion of the boundary line between Wisconsin and Minnesota, and, by means of its tributaries, draws the most and best of its pine from the former state. These streams divide the territory, as far as numbering is concerned, into six separate and distinct districts : The Green bay shore, which, includes the Wisconsin side of the Menomonee, the Peshtigo and Oconto rivers, with a number of creeks which flow into the bay between the mouths of the Oconto and Fox rivers ; the Wolf river district; the Wisconsin river, including the Yellow, as before mentioned ; the Black river; the Chippewa and Red Cedar; and the Wisconsin side of the St. Croix. Beginning with the oldest of these, the Green bay shore, a brief description of each will be attempted. The first saw-mill built in the state, of which there is now any knowledge, was put in operation in 1809, in Brown county, two or three miles east from Depere, on a little stream which was known as East river. It was built by Jacob Franks, but probably was a very small affair. Of its machinery or capacity for sawing, no history has been recorded, and it is not within the memfory of any inhabitant of to-day. In 1829, John P. Arndt, of Green Bay, built a water- power mill on the Pensaukee river at a point where the town of Big Suamico now stands. In 1834, a mill was built on the Wisconsin side of the Menomonee, and, two years later, one at Peshtigo. Lumber was first shipped to market from this district in 1834, which must be termed the beginning of lumbering operations on the bay shore. The lands drained by the streams which flow into Green bay are located in Shawano and Oconto counties, the latter being the largest in the state. In 1847, Willard Lamb, of Green Bay, made the first sawed pine shingles in that district ; they were sold to the Galena railroad company for use on depot buildings, and were the first of the kind sold in Chicago. Subsequently Green Bay became one of the greatest points for the manufacture of such shingles in the world. The shores of the bay are low, and gradually change from marsh to swamp, then to level dry land, and finally become broken and mountainous to the northward. The pine is in dense groves that crowd closely upon the swamps skirting the bay, and reach far back among the hills of the interior. The Peshtigo flows into the bay about ten miles south of the Menomonee, and takes its rise far back in Oconto county, near to the latter" s southern tributaries. It is counted a good logging stream, its annual product being from 40,000,000 to 60,000,000 feet. The timber is of a rather coarse quality, running but a small percentage to what the lumbermen term "uppers." About ten per cent, is what is known as Norway pine. Of the whole amount of timber tributary to the Peshtigo, probably about one third has been cut off to this date. The remainder will not average of as good quality, and only a limited portion of the land is of any value for agricultural purposes after being cleared of the pine. There are only two mills on this stream, both being owned by one company. The Oconto is one of the most important streams in the district. The first saw-mill was built on its banks about the year 1840, though the first lumbering operations of any account were begun in 1845 by David Jones. The business was conducted quite moderately until 1856, in which year several mills were built, and from that date Oconto has been known as quite an extensive lumber manufacturing point. The timber tributary to this stream has been of the best quality found in the state. Lumber cut from it has been known to yield the extraordinarily high average of fifty and sixty per cent, uppers. The timber now being cut will not average more than half that. The proportion of Norway is about five per cent. It is estimated that from three fourths to four fifths of the timber tributary to the Oconto has been. cut away, but it will require a much longer time to convert the balance into lumber than was. necessary to cut its equivalent in amount, owing to its remote location. The annual production LUMBER MANUFACTURE. * 187 of pine lumber at Oconto is from 50,000,000 to 65,000,000 feet. The whole production of the district, exclusive of the timber which is put into the Menomonee from Wisconsin, is about 140,000,000 feet annually. The Wolf river and its tributaries constitute the next district, proceeding westward. .The first saw logs cut on this stream for commercial purposes were floated to the government mill at Neenah in 1835. In 1842, Samuel Farnsworth erected the first saw-mill on the upper Wolf near the location of the present village of Shawano, and in the following spring he sent the first raft of lumber down the Wolf to Oshkosh. This river also rises in Oconto county, but flows in a southerly direction, and enters Winnebago lake at Oshkosh. Its pineries have been very exten sive, but the drain upon them within the past decade has told with greater effect than upon any other district in the state. The quality of the timber is very fine, and the land is considered good for agricultural purposes, and is being occupied upon the lines of the different railways which cross it. The upper waters of. the Wolf are rapid, and have a comparatively steady flow, which renders it a very good stream for driving logs. Upon the upper river, the land is quite rolling, and about the head-waters is almost mountainous. The pine timber that remains in this dis trict is high up on the main river and branches, and will last but a few years longer. A few years ago the annual product amounted to upward of 250,000,000 feet; in 1876 it was 138,000,000. The principal manufacturing points are Oshkosh and Fond du Lac ; the former has 21 mills, and the latter 10. Next comes the Wisconsin, the longest and most crooked river in the state. It rises in the extreme northern sections, and its general course is southerly until, at Portage City, it makes a grand sweep to the westward and unites with the Mississippi at Prairie du Chien. It has numer ous tributaries, and, together with these, drains a larger area of country than any other river in the state. Its waters flow swiftly and over numerous rapids and embryo falls, which renders log- driving and raft-running very difficult and even hazardous. The timber is generally near the banks of the main stream and its tributaries, gradually diminishing in extent as it recedes from them and giving place to the several varieties of hard-woods. The extent to which operations have been carried on necessitates going further up the stream for available timber, although there is yet what may be termed an abundant supply. The first cutting of lumber on this stream, of which there is any record, was by government soldiers, in 1828, at the building of Fort Winne bago. In 1831, a mill was built at Whitney's rapids, below Point Bass, in what was then Indian territory. By 1840, mills were in operation as high up as Big Bull falls, and Wausau had a population of 350 souls. Up to 1876, the product of the upper Wisconsin was all sent in rafts to markets on the Mississippi. The river above Point Bass is a series of rapids and eddies ; the current flows at the rate of from 10 to 20 miles an hour, and it can well be imagined that the task of piloting a raft from Wausau to the dells was no slight one. The cost of that kind of transportation in the early times was actually equal to the present market price of the lumber. With a good stage of water, the length of time required to run a raft to St. Louis was 24 days, though quite frequently, owing to inability to get out of the Wisconsin on one rise of water, sev eral weeks were consumed. The amount of lumber manufactured annually on this river is from 140,000,000 to 200,000,000 feet. Black river is much shorter and smaller than the Wisconsin, but has long been known as a very important lumbering stream. It is next to the oldest lumber district in the state. The first saw-mill west of Green Bay was built at Black River Falls in 1819 by Col. John Shaw. The Winnebago tribe of Indians, however, in whose territory he was, objected to the innovation of such a fine art, and unceremoniously offered up the mill upon the altar of their outraged 188 HISTORY" OF WISCONSIN. solitude. The owner abruptly quitted that portion of the country. In 1839 another attempt to establish a mill on Black river was more 'successfully made. One was erected at the same point by two brothers by the name of Wood, the millwright being Jacob Spaulding, who eventually became its possessor. His son, Mr. Dudley J. Spaulding, is now a very extensive operator upon Black river. La Crosse is the chief manufacturing point, there being ten saw-mills located there. The annual production of the stream ranges from 150,000,000 to 225,000,000 feet of logs, less than 100,000,000 feet being manufactured into lumber on its banks. The balance is sold in the log to mills on the Mississippi. It is a very capricious river to float logs in, which necessitates the carrying over from year to year of a very large amount, variously estimated at from 150,000,000 to 200,000,000 feet, about equal to an entire season's product. This makes the business more hazardous than on many other streams, as the loss from depreciation is very great after the first year. The quality of the timber is fine, and good prices are realized for it when ¦sold within a year after being cut. The Chippewa district probably contains the largest and finest body of white pine timber now standing, tributary to any one stream, on the continent. It has been claimed, though with more extravagance than truth, that the Chippewa pineries hold one-half the timber supply of the state. The river itself is a large one, and has many tributaries, which penetrate the rich pine district in all directions. The character of the tributary country is not unlike that through which the Wisconsin flows. In 1828 the first mill was built in the Chippewa valley, on Wilson's ¦creek, near its confluence with the Red Cedar. Its site is now occupied by the village of Meno monee. In 1837 another was built on what is the present site of the Union Lumbering Company's mill at Chippewa Falls. It was not until near 1865 that the Chippewa became very prominent as a lumber-making stream. Since that date it has been counted as one of the foremost in the north west. Upon the river proper there are twenty-two saw-mills, none having a capacity of less than 3,500,000 feet per season, and a number being capable of sawing from 20,000,000'to 25,000,000 The annual production of sawed lumber is from 250,000,000 to 300,000,000 feet ; the production ¦of logs from 400,000,000 to 500,000,000 feet. In 1867 the mill-owners upon the Mississippi, between Winona and Keokuk, organized a corporation known as the Beef Slough Manufactur ing, Log-Driving and Transportation Company. Its object was to facilitate the handling of logs •cut upon the Chippewa and its tributaries, designed for the Mississippi mills. At the confluence of the two rivers various improvements were made, constituting the Beef Slough boom, which is capable of assorting 200,000,000 feet of logs per season. The Chippewa is the most difficult stream in the northwest upon which to operate. In the spring season it is turbulent and ungovernable, and in summer, almost destitute of water. About its head are numerous lakes which easily overflow under the influence of rain, and as their surplus water flows into the Chippewa, its rises are sudden and sometimes damaging in their extent. The river in many places flows between high bluffs, and, under the influence of a freshet, becomes a wild and unmanageable torrent. Logs have never been floated in rafts, as upon other streams, but are turned in loose, and are carried down with each successive rise, in a jumbled and confused mass, which entails much labor and loss in the work of assorting an 1 delivering to the respective owners. Previous to the organization of the Eagle Rapids Flooding Dam and Boom Company, in 1872, the work of securing the stock after putting it into the river was more difficult than to cut and haul it. At the cities of Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, where most of the mills are located, the current, under the influence of high water, is very rapid, and for years the problem was, how to stop and retain the logs, as they would go by in great masses and with almost resist less velocity. In 1847 is recorded one of the most sudden and disastrous floods in the history of log-running streams. In the month of June the Chippewa rose twelve feet in a single night, LUMBER MANUFACTURE. 189 and, in the disastrous torrent that was created, piers, booms, or " pockets " for holding logs at the mills, together with a fine new mill, were swept away, and the country below where Eau Claire now stands was covered with drift-wood, saw-logs, and other debris. Such occurrences led to the invention of the since famous sheer boom, which is a device placed in the river opposite the mill boom into which it is desired to turn the logs. The sheer boom is thrown diagonally across the river, automatically, the action of the current upon a number of ingeniously arranged "fins" holding it in position. By this means the logs are sheered into the receptacle until it is filled, when the sheer boom, by closing up the " fins" with a windlass, falls back and allows the logs to go on for the next mill to stop and capture its pocket full in like manner. By this method each mill could obtain a stock, but a great difficulty was experienced from the fact that the supply was composed of logs cut and owned by everybody operating on the river, and the process of balancing accounts according to the " marks," at the close of the season, has been one prolific of trouble and legal entanglements. The building of improvements at Eagle Rapids by the company above mentioned remedied the difficulty to some extent, but the process of logging will always be a difficult and hazardous enterprise until adequate means for holding and assorting the entire log product are provided. Upon the Yellow and Eau Claire rivers, two important branches of the Chippewa, such difficulties are avoided by suitable improvements. The entire lumber product of the Chippewa, with the exception of that consumed locally, is floated in rafts to markets upon the Mississippi, between its mouth and St. Louis. The quality of the timber is good, and commands the best market price in the sections where it seeks market. West of the Chippewa district the streams and timber are tributary to the St. Croix, and in all statistical calculations the entire product of that river is credited to Minnesota, the same as that of the Menomonee is given to Michigan, when in fact about one half of each belongs to Wisconsin. "The important branches of the St. Croix belonging in this state are the Apple Clam, Yellow, Namekogan, Totagatic and Eau Claire. The sections of country through which they flow contain large bodies of very fine pine timber. The St. Croix has long been noted for the excellence of its dimension timber. Of this stock a portion is cut into lumber at Stillwater, and marketed by rail, and the balance is sold in the log to mills on the Mississippi. Such is a brief and somewhat crude descriptiDn of the main lumbering districts of the state. Aside from these, quite extensive operations are conducted upon various railway lines which penetrate the forests which are remote from log-running streams. In almost every county in the state, mills of greater or less capacity may be found cutting up pine or hard-woods into lumber, shingles, or cooperage stock. Most important, in a lumbering point of view, of all the railroads, is the Wisconsin Central. It extends from Milwaukee to Ashland, on Lake Superior, a distance of 351 miles, with a line to Green Bay, 113 miles, and one from Stevens Point to Portage, 71 miles, making a total length of road, of 449 miles. It has only been completed to Ashland within the last two years. From Milwaukee to Stevens Point it passes around to the east and north of Lake Winnebago, through an excellent hard-wood section. There are many stave mills in operation upon and tributary to its line, together with wooden-ware establishments and various manufactories requiring either hard or soft timber as raw material. From Stevens Point northward, this road passes through and has tributary to it one of the finest bodies of tim ber in the state. It crosses the upper waters of Black river and the Flambeau, one of the main tributaries of the Chippewa. , From 30,000,000 to 50,000,000 feet of lumber is annually manu factured on its line, above Stevens Point. The Wisconsin Valley railroad extends from Tomah to Wausau, and was built to afford an outlet, by rail, for the lumber produced at the latter point. The extent of the timber supply in this state has been a matter of much speculation, and 190 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. is a subject upon which but little can be definitely said. Pine trees can not be counted or measured until reduced to saw-logs or lumber. It is certain that for twenty years the forests of Wisconsin have yielded large amounts of valuable timber, and no fears are entertained by holders of pine lands that the present generation of owners will witness an exhaustion of their supply. In some sections it is estimated that the destruction to the standing timber by fires, which periodically sweep over large sections, is greater than by the axes of the loggers. The necessity for a state system of forestry, for the protection of the forests from fires, has been urged by many, and with excellent reason ; for no natural resource of the state is of more value and importance than its wealth of timber. According to an esti mate recently made by a good authority, and which received the sanction of many interested parties, there was standing in the state in 1876, an amount of pine timber approximating 35,000,000,000 feet. The annual production of lumber in the districts herein described, and from logs floated out of the state to mills on the Mississippi, is about 1,200,000,000 feet. The following table gives the mill capacity per season, and the lumber and shingles manufactured in 1876 : Green Bay Shore Wolf River Wisconsin Central Railroad — Green Bay & Minnesota Railroad Wisconsin River Black River Chippewa River Mississippi River — using Wisconsin logs Total .-. SEASON CAPACITY. 206,000,000258,500,000 72,500.000 34,500,000 222,000,000 IOI,OOO,000 311,000,000509,000,000 1,714,500,000 LUMBER MANUFACTURED IN 1876. 138,250,000 138,645,077 31,530,00017,700,000 139,700,000 70.852.747 255,866,999380,067,000 1,172,611,823 SHINGLES MANUFACTURED IN I876. 85.400,000 123,192,000132,700,000 10,700,000 106.250,000 37,075,000 79.250.OOO 206,977,000 782,144,000 If to the above is added the production of mills outside of the main districts and lines of rail way herein described, the amount of pine lumber annually produced from Wisconsin forests would reach 1,500,000,000 feet. Of the hard-wood production no authentic information is obtainable To cut the logs and place them upon the banks of the streams, ready for floating to the mills* requires the labor of about 18,000 men. Allowing that, upon an average, each man has a family of two persons besides himself, dependent upon his labor for support, it would be apparent that the first step in the work of manufacturing lumber gives employment and support to 54,000 persons. To convert 1,000,000 feet of logs into lumber, requires the consumption of 1,200 bushels of oats, 9 barrels of pork and beef, 10 tons of hay, 40 barrels of flour, and the use of 2 pairs of horses. Thus the fitting out of the logging companies each fall makes a market for 1,800,000 bushels of oats, 13,500 barrels of pork and beef, 15,000 tons of hay, and 60,000 barrels of flour. Before the lumber is sent to market, fully $6,000,000 is expended for the labor employed in producing it. This industry, aside from furnishing the farmer of the west with the- cheapest and best of materials for constructing his buildings, also furnishes a very important market for the products of his farm. The question of the exhaustion of the pine timber supply has met with much discussion during the past few years, and, so far as the forests of Wisconsin are concerned, deserves a brief notice. The great source of supply of white pine timber in the country is that portion of the northwest between the shores of Lake Huron and the banks of the Mississippi, comprising the LUMBER MANUFACTURE. 191 "northern portions of the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. For a quarter of a century these fields have been worked by lumbermen, the amount of the yearly production having increased annually until it reached the enormous figure of 4,000,000,000 feet. With all of this tremendous drain upon the forests, there can he pointed out but one or two sections that are actually exhausted. There are, however, two or three where the end can be seen and the date almost foretold. The pineries of Wisconsin have been drawn upon for a less period and less amount than those of Michigan, and, it is generally conceded, will outlast them at the present proportionate rate of cutting. There are many owners of pine timber lands who laugh at the prospect of exhausting their timber, within their lifetime. As time brings them nearer to the end, the labor of procuring the logs, by reason of the distance of the timber from the water-courses, will increase, and the work will progress more slowly. In the future of this industry there is much promise. Wisconsin is the natural source of supply for a very large territory. The populous prairies of Illinois and Iowa are near-by and unfailingmarkets. The broad plains of Kansas and the rich valleys of Nebraska, which are still in the cradle of development, will make great drafts upon her forests for the material to construct cities in which the first corner-stone is yet unlaid. Minnesota, notwithstanding the fact that large forests exist within her own confines, is even now no mean customer for Wisconsin lumber, and the ambitious territory of Dakota will soon clamor for material to build up a great and wealthy state. In the inevitable progress of development and growth which must characterize the great "west, the demand for pine lumber for building, material will be a prominent feature. With the growth of time, changes will occur in the methods of reducing the forests. With the increasing demand and enhancing values will come improvements in manipulating the raw material, and a stricter economy will be preserved in the handling of a commodity which the passage of time •only makes more valuable. Wisconsin will become the home of manufactories, which will ¦convert her trees into finished articles of daily consumption, giving employment to thousands of artisans where it now requires hundreds, and bringing back millions of revenue where is now realized thousands. Like all other commodities, lumber becomes more valuable as skilled labor is employed in its manipulation, and the greater the extent to which this is carried, the greater is the growth in prosperity, of the state and its people. BANKING IN WISCONSIN. by john p. McGregor. Wisconsin was organized as a territory in 1836, and the same year several acts were passed i>y the territorial legislature, incorporating banks of issue. Of these, one at Green Bay and another at Mineral Point went into operation just in time to play their part in the great panic of 1837. The bank at Green Bay soon failed and left its bills unredeemed. The bank at Mineral Point is said to have struggled a little longer, but both these concerns were short lived, 3-rd their issues were but a drop in the great flood of worthless wild-cat bank notes that spread over the whole western country in that disastrous time. The sufferings of the people of Wis consin, from this cause, left a vivid impression on their minds, which manifested its results in the legislation of the territory and in the constitution of the state adopted in 1848. So jealous were the legislatures of the territory, of banks and all their works, -that, in every act of incorporation for any purpose, a clause was inserted to the effect that nothing in the act contained should be 192 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. taken to authorize the corporation to assume or exercise any banking powers ; and this proviso was even added to acts incorporating church societies. For some years there can hardly be said to have been any banking business done in the territory ; merchants and business men were left to their own devices to make their exchanges, and every man was his own'banker. In the year 1839 an act was passed incorporating the " Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company," of Milwaukee. This charter conferred on the corporation, in addition to the usual powers of a fire and marine insurance company, the privilege of receiving deposits, issuing certifi cates of deposit and lending money, — and wound up with the usual prohibition from doing a banking business. This company commenced business at once under the management of George Smith as president and Alexander Mitchell as secretary. The receiving deposits, issuing certifi cates of deposit and lending money, soon outgrew and overshadowed the insurance branch of the institution, which accordingly gradually dried up. In fact, the certificates of deposit had all the appearance of ordinary bank notes, and served the purposes of an excellent currency, being always promptly redeemed in coin on demand. Gradually these issues attained a great circulation all through the west, as the people gained more and more confidence in the honesty and ability of the managers ; and though " runs " were several times made, yet being successfully met, the public finally settled down into the belief that these bills were good beyond question, so that the amount in circulation at one time, is said, on good authority, to have been over $2,000,000. As the general government required specie to be paid for all lands bought of it, the Wis consin Marine and Fire Insurance company, by redemption .of its " certificates of deposit," furnished a large part of the coin needed for use at the Milwaukee land office, and more or less for purchases at land offices in other parts of the state, and its issues were of course much in request for this purpose. For many years this institution furnished the main banking facilities for the business men of the territory and young state, in the way of discounts and exchanges. Its right to carry on the operations it was engaged in, under its somewhat dubious and incon sistent charter, was often questioned, and, in 1852, under the administration of Governor Farwell, some steps were taken to test the matter ; but as the general banking law had then been passed' by the legislature, and was about to be submitted to the people, and as it was understood that the. company would organize as a bank under the law, if approved, the legal proceedings were not pressed. While this corporation played so important a part in the financial history and commer cial development of Wisconsin, the writer is not aware of any available statistics as to the amount of business transacted by it before it became merged in the " Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company's Bank." In 1847, the foundation of the present well-known firm of Marshall & Usley was laid by Samuel Marshall, who, in that year, opened a private banking office in Milwaukee, and was joined in 1849 by Charles F. Ilsley. This concern has always held a prominent position among the banking institutions of our state. About this time, at Mineral Point, Washburn & Woodman (C. C. Washburn and Cyrus Woodman) engaged in private banking, as a part of their business. After some years they were succeeded by Wm. T. Henry, who still continues the banking office.. Among the early private bankers of the state were Mr. Kellogg, of Oshkosh ; Ulmann and Bell, of Racine ; and T. C. Shove, of Manitowoc. The latter still continues his business, while that of the other firms has been wound up or merged in organized banks. In 1848, Wisconsin adopted a state constitution. This constitution prohibited the legislature from incorporating banks and from conferring banking powers on any corporation; but provided the question of " banks or no banks " might be submitted to a vote of the electors, a«i, if the decision should be in favor of banks, then the legislature might charter banks or migm- enact a BANKING IN WISCONSIN. 193 general banking law, but no such special charter or general banking law should have any force until submitted to the electors at a general election, and approved by a majority of votes cast on that subject. In 185 1, the legislature submitted this question to the people, and a majority of the votes were cast in favor of " banks." Accordingly the legislature, in 1852, made a general banking law, which was submitted to the electors in November of that year, and was approved by them. This law was very similar to the free banking law of the state of New York, which had then been in force about fifteen years, and was generally approved in that state. Our law authorized any number of individuals to form a corporate association for banking purposes, and its main provisions were intended to provide security for the circulating notes, by deposit of state and United States stocks or bonds with the state treasurer, so that the bill holders should sustain no loss in case of the failure of the banks. Provision was made for a bank comptroller, whose main duty it was to see that countersigned circulating notes were issued to banks only in proper amounts for the securities deposited, and upon compliance with the law, and that the banks kept these securities good. The first bank comptroller was James S. Baker, who was appointed by Governor Farwell. The first banks organized under the new law were the " State Bank," established at Madi son by Marshall & Ilsley, and the "Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company's Bank," established at Milwaukee under the old management of that company. These banks both went into operation early in January, 1853, and, later in that year, the " State Bank of Wisconsin " (now Milwaukee National Bank of Wisconsin), and the " Farmers' and Millers' Bank " (now First National Bank of Milwaukee), were established, followed in January, 1854, by the "Bank of Mil waukee " (now National Exchange Bank of Milwaukee). From this time forward banks were rapidly established at different points through the state, until in July, 1857, they numbered sixty — with aggregate capital, $4,205,000; deposits, $3,920,238; and circulation, $2,231,829. In October, the great revulsion and panic of 1857 came on, and in its course and effects tried pretty severely the new banks in Wisconsin. Some of them succumbed to the pressure, but most of them stood the trial well. The great source of loss and weakness at that time was found in the rapid decline of the market value of the securities deposited to protect circulation, which were mostly state bonds, and largely those of the southern states ; so that this security, when it came to be tried, did not prove entirely sufficient. Another fault of the system, or of the practice under it, was developed at this time. It was found that many of the banks had been set up without actual working capi tal, merely for the purpose of issuing circulating notes, and were located at distant and inaccessible points in what was then the great northern wilderness of the state ; so that it was expensive and in fact impracticable to present their issues for redemption. While these evils and their rem edies were a good deal discussed among bankers, the losses and inconveniences to the people _ were not yet great enough to lead to the adoption of thorough and complete measures of reform. The effect of these difficulties, however, was to bring the bankers of the stai.e into the habit of consulting and acting together in cases of emergency, the first bankers' convention having been held in 1857. This was followed by others from time to time, and it would be difficult to over value the great good that has resulted, at several important crises from the har.i onious and con- tervative action of the bankers of our state. Partly, at least, upon their recommendations the legislature, in 1858, adopted amendments to the banking law, providing that no bank should be located in a township containing less than two hundred inhabitants ; and that the comptroller should not issue circulating notes, except to banks doing a regular discount deposit and exchange business in some inhabited town, village, city, or where the ordinary business of inhabited towns, villages and cities was carried on. The-.e amendments were approved by the people at the fall 194 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. election of that year. Banking matters now ran along pretty smoothly until the election in i860, of the republican presidential ticket, and the consequent agitation in the southern states threatening civil war, the effects of which were speedily felt; first, in the great depreciation of the bonds of the southern states, and then in a less decline in those of the northern states At this time (taking the state ment of July, i860,) the number of banks was 104, with aggregate capital, $6,547,000; circula- tion, $4,075,918; deposits, $3,230,252. During the winter following, there was a great deal of uneasiness in regard to our state cur- rency, and co .tinuous demand upon our banks for the redemption of their circulating notes in coin. Many banks of the wild-cat sort failed to redeem their notes, which became depreciated and uncurrent; and, when the rebellion came to a head by the firing on Fort Sumter, the banking interests of the state were threatened with destruction by compulsory winding up and enforced sale at the panic prices then prevailing, of the securities deposited to secure circulation. Under these circumstances, on the 17th of April, 1861, the legislature passed " an act to protect the holders of the circulating notes of the authorized banks of the state of Wisconsin." As the banking law could not be amended except by approval of the electors, by vote at a general election, a practical suspension of specie payment had to be effected by indirect methods. So this act first directed the bank comptroller to suspend all action toward banks for failing to redeem their circulation. Secondly, it prohibited notaries public from protesting bills of banks until Dec 1, 1861. Thirdly, it gave banks until that date to answer complaints in any proceed ing to compel specie payment of circulating notes. This same legislature also amended the banking law, to cure defects that had been developed in it. These amendments were intended to facilitate the presentation and protest of circulating notes, and the winding up of banks failing to redeem them, and provided that the bank comptroller should not issue circulating notes except to banks having actual cash capital; on which point he was to take evidence in all cases; that after Dec. 1, 1861, all banks of the state should redeem their issues either at Madison or Milwaukee, and no bonds or stocks should be received as security for circulation except those of the United States and of the state of Wisconsin. Specie payment of bank bills was then practically suspended, in our state, from April 17 to December 1, 1861, and there was no longer any plain practical test for determining which were good, and which not. In this condition of things, bankers met in convention, and, after discus sion and inquiry as to the condition and resources of the different banks, put forth a list of those whose issues were to be considered current and bankable. But things grew worse, and it was •evident that the list contained banks that would never be able to redeem their circulation, and the issues of such were from time to time thrown out and discredited without any concert of •action, so that the uneasiness of people in regard to the financial situation was greatly increased. The bankers finally met, gave the banks another sifting, and put forth a list of seventy banks, whose circulating notes they pledged themselves to receive, and pay out as current, until Decem ber 1. There had been so many changes that this pledge was thought necessary to allay the apprehensions of the public. But matters still grew worse instead of better. Some of the banks in the " current " list closed their doors to their depositors, and others were evidently unsound, and their circulation so insufficiently secured as to make it certain that it would never be redeemed. There was more or less sorting of the currency, both by banks and business men, all over the state, in the endeavor to keep the best and pay out the poorest. In this state of things, some of the Milwaukee brinks, without concert of action, and acting under the apprehen sion of being loaded up with the very worst of the currency, which, it was feared, the country hanks and merchants were sorting out and sending to Milwaukee, revised the list again, and BANKING IN WISCONSIN. 195 threw out ten of the seventy banks whose issues it had been agreed should be received as current. Other banks and bankers were compelled to take the same course to protect their - selves. The consequence was a great disturbance of the public mind, and violent charges of bad faith on the part of the banks, which culminated in the bank riots of June 24, 1861. On that day, a crowd of several hundred disorderly people, starting out most probably only with the idea of making some sort of demonstration of their dissatisfaction with the action of the banks and bankers and with the failure to keep faith with the public, marched through the streets with a band of music, and brought up at the corner of Michigan and East Water streets. The banks had just sufficient notice of these proceedings to enable them to lock up their money and valuables in their vaults, before the storm broke upon them. The mob halted at the place above mentioned, and for a time contented themselves with hooting, and showed no dispo sition to proceed to violence; but, after a little while, a stone was thrown through the windows of the Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company's Bank, situated at one corner of the above streets, and volleys of stones soon followed, not only against that bank, but also against the State Bank of Wisconsin, situated on the opposite corner. The windows of both these institutions and of the offices in the basements under them were effectually demolished. Tne mob then made a rush into these banks and offices, and completely gutted them, offering more or less violence to the inmates, though no person was seriously hurt. The broken furni ture of the offices under the State Bank of Wisconsin was piled up, and the torch was applied by some of the rioters, while others were busy in endeavoring to break into the safes of the offices and the vaults of the banks. The debris of the furniture in the office of the Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company's Bank, was also set on fire, and it was plain that if the mob was not immediately checked, the city would be given up to conflagration and pillage — the worst elements, as is always the case with mobs, having assumed the leadership. Just at that juncture, the Milwaukee zouaves, a small military company, appeared on the scene, and with the help of the firemen who had been called out, the mob was put to flight, and the incipient fire was extin guished. The damage so far done was not great in amount, and the danger for the moment was over ; but the situation was still grave, as the city was full of threats, disturbance and apprehension. By the prompt action of the authorities, a number of companies of volunteers were brought from different places in the state, order was preserved, and, after muttering for three or four days, the storm died away. The effect of that disturbance and alarm was, however, to bring home to the bankers and business men the conviction that effectual measures must be taken to settle our State currency matters on a sound and permanent basis, and that the issues of all banks that could not be put in shape to meet specie payment in December, must be retired from circulation and be got out of the way. A meeting of the bankers was held; also of the merchants' association of Milwaukee, and arrangements were made to raise $100,000, by these two bodies, to be used in assisting weak and crippled banks in securing or retiring their circulation. The bankers appointed a committee to take the matter in charge. It happened that just at this time Governor Randall and State Treasurer Hastings returned from New York City, where they had been making unsuccessful efforts to dispose of $800,000 of Wisconsin war bonds, which had been issued to raise funds to fit out Wisconsin volunteers. Our state had. never had any bonds on the eastern market. For other reasons, our credit was not high in New York, and it had been found impossible to dispose of these bonds for over sixty cents on the dollar. The state officers conferred with the bankers to see what could be done. at homeland it was finally arranged that the bankers' committee should undertake to get the state banks to dispose of their southern and other depreciated state bonds on deposit to 196 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. secure circulation, for what they would bring in coin, in New York, and replace these bonds with those of our own state,. which were to be taken by our banks nominally at par — seventy percent. being paid in cash, and the different banks purchasing bonds, giving their individual obligation for the thirty per cent, balance, to be paid in semi-annual installments, with an agreement that the state should deduct these installments from the interest so long as these bonds should remain on deposit with the state. By the terms of the law, sixty per cent, of the proceeds of the bonds had to be paid in coin. The bankers' committee went to work, and with some labor and difficulty induced most of the banks to sell their southern securities at the existing low prices in New York, and thus produce the coin required to pay for our state bonds. From the funds provided by the merchants and bankers, they assisted many of the weaker banks to make good their securities with the banking department of the state. By the 19th of July, six of the ten rejected banks that had been the occasion of the riot, were made good, and restored to the list. The other four were wound up, and their issues redeemed at par, and, before the last of August, the value of the securities of all the banks on the current list were brought up to their circulation as shown by the comptroller's report. Wisconsin currency at the time of the bank riot was at a discount of about 15 per cent., as compared with gold or New York exchange. At the middle of July the discount was 10 to 12 per cent., and early in August it fell to 5 per cent. The bankers' committee continued their work in preparation for the resumption of specie payment on December 1. While the securities for the bank circulation had been made good, it was, nevertheless, evident that many of the banks on the current list would not be equal to the continued redemption of their bills in specie, and that they would have to be wound up and got out of the way in season. Authority was got from such institutions, as fast as possible, for the bankers' committee to retire their circulation and sell their securities. The Milwaukee banks and bankers took upon themselves the great burden of this business, having arranged among themselves to sort out and withhold from cir culation the bills of these banks, — distributing the load among themselves in certain defined proportions. Instead of paying out these doubted bills, the different banks brought to the bank ers' committee such amounts as they accumulated from time to time, and received from the committee certificates of deposit bearing seven per cent, interest, and these bills were locked up by the committee until the securities for these notes could be sold and the proceeds realized. Over $400,000 of this sort of paper was locked up by the committee at one time ; but it was all converted into cash, and, when the first of December came, the remaining banks of this state were ready to redeem their issues in gold or its equivalent, and so continued to redeem until the issue of the legal-tender notes and the general suspension of specie payment in the United States. In July, 1861, the number of our banks was 107, with capital, $4,607,000; circulation, $2,317,907 ; deposits, $3,265,069. By the contraction incident to the preparations for redemption in specie, the amount of cur rent Wisconsin bank notes outstanding December 1, 1861, was reduced to about $1,500,000. When that day came, there was quite a disposition manifested to convert Wisconsin currency into coin, and a sharp financial pinch was felt for a few days ; but as the public became satisfied that the banks were prepared to meet the demand, the call for redemption rapidly fell off, and the banks soon began to expand their circulation, which was now current and in good demand all through the northwestern states. The amount saved to all the interests of our state, by this successful effort to save our banking system from destruction, is beyond computation. From this time our banks ran along quietly until prohibitory taxation by act of congress drove the bills of state banks out of circulation. BANKING IN WISCONSIN. 197 The national banking law was passed in 1863, and a few banks were soon organized under it in different parts of the country. The first in Wisconsin was formed by the re-orgjnization of the Farmers' and Millers' Bank, in August, 1863, as the First National Bank of Milwaukee, with Edward D. Holton as president, and H. H. Camp, cashier. The growth of the new system, however, was not very rapid ; the state banks were slow to avail themselves of the privileges of the national banking act, and the central authorities concluded to compel them to come in ; so> facilities were offered for their re-organization as national banks, and then a tax of ten per cent. was laid upon the issues of the state banks. This tax was imposed by act of March, 1865, and at once caused a commotion in our state. In July, 1864, the number of Wisconsin state banks was sixty-six, with capital $3,147,000, circulation §2,461,728, deposits $5,483,205, and these figures were probably not very different in the spring of 1865. The securities for the circulating; notes were in great part the bonds of our own state, which, while known by our own people to. be good beyond question, had never been on the general markets of the country so as to be cur rently known there; and it was feared that in the hurried retirement of our circulation these bonds would be sacrificed, the currency depreciated, and great loss brought upon our banks and people. There was some excitement, and a general call for the redemption of our state circula tion, but the banks mostly met the run well, and our people were disposed to stand by our own state bonds. In April, 1861, the legislature passed laws, calling in the mortgage loans of the school fund, and directing its investment in these securities. The state treasurer was required to receive Wisconsin bank notes, not only for taxes and debts due the state, but also on deposit, and to> issue certificates for such deposits bearing seven per cent, interest. By these and like means the threatened panic was stopped ; and in the course of a few months Wisconsin state currency was nearly all withdrawn from circulation. In July, 1865, the number of state banks was twenty-six, with capital $1,087,000, circulation $192,323, deposits $2,284,210. Under the pressure put on by congress, the organization of national banks, and especially the re-organiza tion of state banks, under the national system, was proceeding rapidly, and in a short time nearly every town in our own state of much size or importance was provided with one or more of these institutions. In the great panic of 1873, a^ the Wisconsin banks, both state and national (in common with those of the whole country), were severely tried; but the failures were few and unimpor tant; and Wisconsin went through that ordeal with less loss and disturbance than almost any other state. We have seen that the history of banking in Wisconsin covers a stormy period, in which great disturbances and panics have occurred at intervals of a few years. It is to be hoped that a more peaceful epoch will succeed, but permanent quiet and prosperity can not rationally be expected in the present unsettled condition of our currency, nor until we have gone through the temporary stringency incidental to the resumption of specie payment. According to the last report of the comptroller of the currency, the number of national banks in Wisconsin in November, 1876, was forty, with capital $3,400,000, deposits $7,145,360, circulation $2,072,869. At this time (July, 1877) the number of state banks is twenty-six, with capital $1,288,231, deposits $6,662,973. Their circulation is, of course, merely nominal, though there is no legal obstacle to their issuing circulating notes, except the tax imposed by congress. COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. By Hon. H. H. GILES. The material philosophy of a people has to do with the practical and useful. It sees in iron, coal, cotton, wool, grain and the trees of the forest, the elements of personal comfort and sources of material greatness, and is applied to their development, production and fabrication for purposes of exchange, interchange and sale. The early immigrants to Wisconsin territory found a land teeming with unsurpassed natural advantages ; prairies, timber, water and minerals, invit ing the farmer," miner and lumberman, to come and build houses, furnaces, mills and factories. 'The first settlers were a food-producing people. The prairies and openings were ready for the plow. The ease with which farms were brought under cultivation, readily enabled the pioneer ¦to supply the food necessary for himself and family, while a surplus was often produced in a few months. The hardships so often encountered in the settlement of a new country, where forests must be felled and stumps removed to prepare the soil for tillage, were scarcely known, or greatly mitigated. During the decade from 1835 to 1845, so great were the demands for the products of the .soil, created by the tide of emigration, that the settlers found a home market for all their surplus products, and so easily were crops grown that, within a very brief time after the first emigration, tut little was required from abroad. The commerce of the country was carried on by the ¦exchange of products. The settlers (they could scarcely be called farmers) would exchange their wheat, corn, oats and pork for the goods, wares and fabrics of the village merchant. It =was an age of barter ; but they looked at the capabilities of the land they had come to possess, .and, with firm faith, saw bright promises of better days in the building up of a great state. It is not designed to trace with minuteness the history of Wisconsin through the growth of .its commercial and manufacturing interests. To do it justice would require a volume. The aim of this article will be to present a concise view of its present status. Allusion will only be incidentally made to stages of growth and progress by which it has been reached. Few states in the Union possess within their borders so many, and in such abundance, ¦elements that contribute to the material prosperity of a people. Its soil of unsurpassed fertility; its inexhaustible mines of lead, copper, zinc and iron; its almost boundless forests ; its water-powers, sufficient to drive the machinery of the world ; its long lines of lake shore on two sides, and the " Father of waters '' on another, — need but enterprise, energy and capital to "Utilize them in building an empire of wealth, where the hum of varied industries shall be heard in the music of the sickle, the loom and the anvil. The growth of manufacturing industries was slow during the first twenty-five years of our history. The early settlers were poor. Frequently the land they tilled was pledged to obtain means to pay for it. Capitalists obtained from twenty to thirty per cent, per annum for the use of their money. Indeed, it was the rule, under the free-trade ideas of the money-lenders foi them to play the Shy lock. While investments in bonds and mortgages were so profitable, few were ready to improve the natural advantages the country presented for building factories and work-shops. i * COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 199 For many years, quite all the implements used in farming were brought from outside the state. While this is the case at present to some extent with the more cumbersome farm machinery, quite a proportion of that and most of the simpler and lighter implements are made at home, while much farm machinery is now manufactured for export to other states. Furs. The northwest was visited and explored by French voyageurs and missionaries from Canada at an early day. The object of the former was trading and gain. The Jesuits, ever zealous in the propagation of their religion, went forth into the unknown wilderness to convert the natives to their faith. As early as 1624, they were operating about Lake Huron and Mackinaw. Father Menard, it is related, was with the Indians on Lake Superior as early as 1661. The early explorers were of two classes, and were stimulated by two widely different motives — the voyag eurs, by the love of gain, and the missionaries, by their zeal in the propagation of their faith. Previous to 1679, a considerable trade in furs had sprung up with Indian tribes in the vicinity of Mackinaw and the northern part of " Ouisconsin." In that year more than two hundred canoes, laden with furs, passed Mackinaw, bound for Montreal. The whole commerce of this vast region. then traversed, was carried on with birch-bark canoes. The French used them in traversing; wilds — otherwise inaccessible by reason of floods of water at one season, and ice and snow at another — also lakes and morasses which interrupted land journeys, and rapids and cataracts. that cut off communication by water. This little vessel enabled them to overcome all difficulties- Being buoyant, it rode the waves, although heavily freighted, and, of light draft, it permitted the traversing of small streams. Its weight was so light that it could be easily carried from one; stream to another, and around rapids and other obstructions. With this little vessel, the fur trade of the northwest ^vas carried on, as well as the interior of a vast continent explored. Under the stimulus of commercial enterprise, the French traders penetrated the recesses ot the immense forests whose streams were the home of the beaver, the otter and the mink, and in whose depths were found the martin, sable, ermine, and other fur-bearing animals. A vast trade in furs sprung up, and was carried on by different agents, under authority of the French government. When the military possession of the northwestern domain passed from the government of France to that of Great Britain in 1760, the relationship of the fur trade to the government changed. The government of France had controlled the traffic, and made it a means of strength ening its hold upon the country it possessed. The policy of Great Britain was, to charter companies, and grant them exclusive privileges. The Hudson bay company had grown rich and powerful between 1670 and 1760. Its success had excited the cupidity of capitalists, and rival! organizations were formed. The business of the company had been done at their trading-stations. —the natives bringing in their furs for exchange and barter. Other companies sent their voyageurs into every nook and corner to traffic with the trappers, and even to catch the fur-bear ing animals themselves. In the progress of time, private parties engaged in trapping and dealing; in furs, and, under the competition created, the business became less profitable. In 18 15. congress passed an act prohibiting foreigners from dealing in furs in the United States, or any of its territories. This action was obtained through the influence of John Jacob Astor. Mr. Astor organized the American fur company in 1809, and afterward, in connection with the North west company, bought out the Mackinaw company, and the two were merged in the Southwest company. The association was suspended by the war of 1812. The American re-entered the field in 1816. The fur trade is still an important branch of traffic in the northern part of the state, and, during eight months of the year, employs a large number of men. 200 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Lead and Zinc. In 1824, the lead ore in the southwestern part of Wisconsin began to attract attention. From 1826 to 1830, there was a great rush of miners to this region, somewhat like the Pike's Peak excitement at a later date. The lead-producing region of Wisconsin covers an area of about 2,200 square miles, and embraces parts of Grant, Iowa and La Fayette counties. Between 1829 and 1839, the production of lead increased from 5,000 to 10,000 tons. After the latter year it rose rapidly, and attained its maximum in 1845, when it reached nearly 25,000 tons. Since that time the production has decreased, although still carried on to a considerable extent. The sulphate and carbonate of zinc abound in great quantities with the lead of southwest Wisconsin. Owing to the difficulty of working this class of ores, it was formerly allowed to accumulate about the mouths of the mines. Within a few years past, metallurgic processes have been so greatly improved, that the zinc ores have been largely utilized. At La Salle, in the state of Illinois, there are three establishments for smelting zinc ores. There is also one at Peru, 111. To smelt zinc ores economically, they are taken where cheap fuel is available. Hence, the location of these works in the vicinity of coal mines. The works mentioned made in 1875, from ores mostly taken from Wisconsin, 7,510 tons of zinc. These metals are, therefore, impor tant elements in the commerce of Wisconsin. Iron. The iron ores of Wisconsin occur in immense beds in several localities, and are destined to prove of great value. From their product in 1863, there were 3,735 tons of pig iron received at Milwaukee; in 1865, 4,785 tons; in 1868, 10,890 tons. Of the latter amount, 4,648 tons were from the iron mines at Mayville. There were shipped from Milwaukee, in 1868, 6,361 tons of pig iron. There were also received 2,500 tons of ore from the Dodge county ore beds. During 1869, the ore beds at Iron Ridge were developed to a considerable extent, and two large blast furnaces constructed in Milwaukee, at which place there were 4,695 tons of ore received, and 5,059 tons were shipped to Chicago and Wyandotte. In 1870, 112,060 tons of iron ore were received at Milwaukee, 95,000 tons of which were from Iron Ridge, and 17,060 tons from Esca naba and Marquette, in Michigan. The total product of the mines at Iron Ridge in 1871 was £2,284 tons. The Milwaukee iron company received by lake, in the same year, 28,094 tons of Marquette iron ore to mix with the former in making railroad iron. In 1872, there were received from Iron Ridge 85,245 tons of ore, and 5,620 tons $>f pig iron. Much of the metal made by the Wisconsin iron company in 1872 was shipped to St. Louis, to mix with the iron made from Missouri ore. The following table shows the. production of pig iron in Wisconsin, for 1872, 1873 and 1874, an tons : Furnaces. Milwaukee Iron Company, Milwaukee. Minerva Furnace Company, Milwaukee Wisconsin Iron Company, Iron Ridge. Northwestern Iron Company, Mayville Appleton Iron Company, Apple! on Green Bay Iron Company, Green Bay. National Iron Company, Depere Fox River Iron Company, W. Depere. Ironton Furnace, Sauk county 1872. 1873. 21,818 29,326 5.822 3.350 4.155 5.033 4.137 4,888 8,044 6,910 6,141 3,420 7.999 5,600 6,832 1,780 1,528 I 52.797 73.98o 1874. 33.000 3.3063,0006,500 6,0006,500 7,0001,300 66,600 COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 201 The Milwaukee iron company, during the year 1872, entered into the manufacture of mer chant iron — it having been demonstrated that the raw material could be reduced there cheaper than elsewhere. The Minerva furnace company built also during the same year one of the most compact and complete iron furnaces to be found any where in the country. During the year 1873, the iron, with most other material interests, became seriously prostrated, so that the total receipts of ore in Milwaukee in 1874 amounted to only 31,993 tons, against 69,418 in 1873, and 85,245 tons in 1872. There were made in Milwaukee in 1874, 29,680 tons of railroad iron. In 1875, 58,868 tons of ore were received at Milwaukee, showing a revival of the trade in an increase of 19,786 tons over the previous year. The operation of the works at Bay View having suspended, the receipts of ore in 1876, at Milwaukee, were less than during any year since 1869, being only 31,119 tons, of which amount only 5,488 tons were from Iron Ridge, and the total shipments were only 498 tons. Lumber. The business of lumbering holds an important rank in the commerce of the state. For many years the ceaseless hum of the saw and the stroke of the ax have been heard in all our great forests. The northern portion of the state is characterized by evergreen trees, principally pine ; the southern, by hard-woods. There are exceptional localities, but this is a correct state ment of the general distribution. I think that, geologically speaking, the evergreens belong to the primitive and sandstone regions, and the hard wood to the limestone and clay formations. Northern Wisconsin, so called, embraces that portion of the state north of forty-five degrees, and possesses nearly all the valuable pine forests. The most thoroughly developed portion of this region is that lying along the streams entering into Green bay and Lake Michigan, and border ing on the Wisconsin river and other streams entering into the Mississippi. Most of the pine in the immediate vicinity of these streams has been cut off well toward their sources ; still, there are vast tracts covered with dense forests, not accessible from streams suitable for log-driving purposes. The building of railroads into these forests will alone give a market value to a large portion of the pine timber there growing. It is well, perhaps, that this is so, for at the present rate of consumption, but a few years will elapse before these noble forests will be totally destroyed. Most of the lumber manufactured on the rivers was formerly taken to a market by being floated down the streams in rafts. Now, the railroads are transporting large quantities, taking it directly from the mills and unloading it at interior points in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, and some of it in eastern cities. From five to eight thousand men are employed in the pineries in felling the trees, sawing them into logs of suitable length, and hauling them to the mills and streams during every winter in times of fair prices and favorable seasons. The amount of lumber sawed in i860, as carefully estimated, was 355,055,155 feet. The amount of shingles made was 2,272,061, and no account was made of the immense number of logs floated out of the state, for manufac ture into lumber elsewhere. The amount of logs cut in the winter of 1873 and 1874 was 987,000,000 feet. In 1876 and 1877 the Black river furnished 188,344,464 feet. The Chippewa, 90,000,000; the Red Cedar, 57,000,000. There passed through Beef Slough 129,384,000 feet of logs. Hon. A. H. Eaton, for fourteen years receiver of the United States land office at Stevens Point, estimated the acreage of pine lands in his district at 2,000,000, and, taking his own district as the basis, he estimated the whole state at 8,000,000 acres. Reckoning this at 5,000 feet to the acre, the aggregate pine timber of the state would be 40,000,000,000 feet. The log product annually amounts to an immense sum. In 1876, 1,172,611,823 feet were cut. This is about the average annual draft that is made on the pine lands. There seems to be no remedy for the 202 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. wholesale destruction of our pine forests, except the one alluded to, the difficulty of transporta tion, and this will probably save a portion of them for a long time in the future. At the rate of consumption for twenty years past, we can estimate that fifty years would see northern Wiscon sin denuded of its pine forests ; but our lumber product has reached its maximum, and will probably decrease in the coming years as the distance to be hauled to navigable streams increases. In the mean time lumber, shingles and lath will form an important factor in our commerce, both state and inter-state, and will contribute millions to the wealth of our citizens. Grain. Up to 1841, no grain was exported from Wisconsin to be used as food; but, from the time of its first settlement in 1836 to 1840, the supply of bread stuffs from abroad, upon which the people depended, was gradually diminished by the substitution of home products. In the winter of 1840 and 1841, E. D. Holton, of Milwaukee, purchased a small cargo of wheat (about 4,000 bushels), and in the spring of 1841, shipped it to Buffalo. This was the beginning of a traffic that has grown to immense proportions, and, since that time, wheat has formed the basis of the commerce and prosperity of the state, until the city of Milwaukee has become the greatest primary wheat mart of the world. The following table gives the exports of flour and grain from Milwaukee for thirty-two years, commencing in 1845 : FLOUR, bbls. WHEAT, bus. CORN, bus. OATS, bus. BARLEY, bus. RYE, bus. 18451846 18471848 1849185018511852.185318541855 1856,1857 1858.1859- i860.1861.1862.1863. 1864. 1865. 1866. 1867. 1868.1869.1870. 1871. 1872.1873. 1874. 1875 1876 7,550 15,756 34,840 92,732 136,657100,017 51,889 92.995 104,055145,032 181,568 188,455 228.442 298,668 282,956 457,343674.4747H.405603,525 4M,833 567,576 720,365 921,663 1,017,598 1,220,058 1,225,941 1,211,4271,232,036 1,805,200 2,217.579 2,163,346 2,654,028 95,5io 213,448 598,411602,474 1,136,023 297.570 317.285564,404 956,703 1,809,452 2,641,746 2,761,976 2,581,311 3,994,213 4.732,957 7,568,608 13,300,495 14,915,680 12,837,620 8,992,479 io,479.777 11,634,749 9.59S.452 9,867,029 14,272,79916,127,838 13,409,467 11,570,56524,994,26622,255,38022,681,020 16,804,394 2,500 5,000 13,828 2,220 270 164,908 112,132 21S 472 43.958 41,364 37.204 1.485 9.489 88,989 140,786 71,203 480,408 266,249 342,717 93.8o6 103,173 419.133 1.557.953 197,920556,563 226, S95 96,908 4,000 2,1007,S92 363, S41 I3L 7i6 404,999 13.833 5,4332,775 562,067 299,002 64,682 1,200 79,094 831,600811,634 326,472 1,636,595 622,469 536,539 35L768210,187772,929 1.323.234 990.525726,035 1,160,450 1.377.560 15,000 15,270 103,840 322,261 291,890 339.338 63,379 10,398 800 63,17853.2i628,056 5.220 44,800 133.449 23,47929.597 18,988 30,822 95,036 120,662 469.325 576,45393L725688.455 464,837 867,970 1,235.481 54,692SC365 H3.443 20,030 5,378 n.577 9.735 29,810 126,301 84,047 18,210 51.444 255.329 106,795 9!.443 78,035 62,494 208,896209,751 255,928 79.879 98,923 220,964 COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 20S Up to 1856, the shipments were almost wholly of Wisconsin products ; but with the comple tion of lines of railroad from Milwaukee to the Mississippi river, the commerce of Wisconsin became so interwoven with that of Iowa and Minnesota, that the data furnished by the transpor tation companies, give us no definite figures relating to the products of our own state. Dairy Products. Wisconsin is becoming largely interested in the dairy business. Its numerous springs, streams, and natural adaptability to grass, make it a fine grazing country, and stock thrives remarkably well. Within a few years, cheese-factories have become numerous, and their owners are meeting with excellent success. Wisconsin cheese is bringing the highest price in the markets, and much of it is shipped to England. Butter is also made of a superior quality, and is exten sively exported. At the rate of progress made during the last few years, Wisconsin will soon take rank with the leading cheese and butter producing states. The counties most largely inter ested in dairying, are Kenosha, Walworth, Racine, Rock, Green, Waukesha, Winnebago, Sheboy gan, Jefferson and Dodge. According to estimates by experienced dairymen, the manufacture of butter was 22,473,000 pounds in 1870; 56,130,000 in 1876; of cheese, 1,591,000 pounds in 1870, as against 17,000,000 in 1876, which will convey a fair idea of the increase of dairy produc tion. The receipts of cheese in Chicago during 1876, were 23,780,000 pounds, against 12,000,000 in 1875 ; and the receipts of butter were 35,384,184, against 30,248,247 pounds in 1875. It is esti mated that fully one-half of these receipts were from Wisconsin. The receipts of butter in Milwaukee were, in 1870, 3,779,114 pounds; in 1875, 6,625,863; in 1876,8,938,137 pounds ; ot cheese, 5,721,279 pounds in 1875, and 7,055,573 in 1876. Cheese is not mentioned in the trade and commerce reports of Milwaukee until 1873, when it is spoken of as a new and rapidly increasing commodity in the productions of the state. Pork and Beef. Improved breeds, both of swine and cattle, have been introduced into the state during a few years past. The grade of stock has been rapidly bettered, and stock raisers generally are striving with commendable zeal to rival each other in raising the finest of animals for use and the market. The following table shows the receipts of live hogs and beef cattle at Milwaukee for thir teen years : YEARS. LIVE HOGS. BEEF CATTLE. YEARS. LIVE HOGS. BEEF CATTLE. I876 1S75 1874--- I873-- 1872 1871 _.. 1870 254,317 144,961 242,326 241,099 138,106 126,164 66,138 36,80246,71722,748 17,262 14,172 9,220 12,972 1869-. 1868 1867 .1866 -. 1865 1864 1863. 52,296 . 48,71776,75831,881 7.546 42,250 56,826 12,52113,200 15,52712,955 14,230 18,345 14.655 I I 204 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. The following table shows the movement of hog products and beef from Milwaukee since 1862 • Shipments by Rail PORK, HAMS, MIDDLES AND SHOULDERS. LARD. BEEF. and Lake. Barrels. Tierces. Boxes. Bulk, lbs. Barrels. Tierces. Barrels. Tierces. Totals 1876 62,461 56,77853,702 80,01090,03888,94077,655 69,805 73,526 88,88874,726 34,013 67,9339°.387 56,432 15,43915,29217,124 24.954 20,115 20,19215,819 9.546 13,146 11,614 7,805 2,7135.927 15,811 12,685 42,67828,37439.57262,211 3g,2og 14.938 5,8755.298 3.239 4,522 34.164 5,000 11,634 5,123,818 2,736,778 1,494,112 1,915,610 4.557.950 5,161,941 4,717.630 2,325,150 1,768,190 454,786 863,746 3,301 601 9,110 4,065 6,276 3.9322,535 1,180 3,6372,5233.287 1,929 5.677 10,98713.538 21,356 18,95018,509 24,399 27,765 19.746io.gso 8,5685,055 8,8206,292 2,487 7,207 10,546 6,761 7,333 4,734 5,015 5,365 4,757 3,8g2 4,427 7,538 10,15018,98411,852 10,427 36 866 42,987 33,174 3439 421 707 462 1,500 1,606 " 1875 _ " 1874 1873 1872 ... 1871- ¦" 1870 925 2,185 2,2216,804 4,584 5,5285,871 6.3773,217 •" 1869 " 186S " 1867 " 1866 " 1865 1864 " 1S63 1862 Hops. The culture of hops, as an article af commerce, received but little attention prior to i860. In 1865, 2,864 bales only were shipped from Milwaukee. In addition, a large amount was used by the brewers throughout the state. In 1866, the amount exported was increased, and 5,774 bales were shipped to eastern markets. The price, from forty-five to fifty-five cents per pound, stimulated production, and the article became one of the staple products of the counties of Sauk, Columbia, Adams and Juneau, besides being largely cultivated in parts of some other counties. In 1867, 26,562 bales were received at Milwaukee, and the prices ranged from fifty to seventy cents per pound. The estimated crop of the state for 1867 was 35,000 bales, and brought over :$4, 200,000. In 1868, not less than 60,006 bales were grown in the state. The crop everywhere was a large one, and in Wisconsin so very large that an over-supply was anticipated. But few, however, ^ere prepared for the decline in prices, that far exceeded the worst apprehensions of those interested. The first sales were made at twenty-five to thirty-five cents per pound, and the prices were reluctantly accepted by the growers. The price continued to decline until the article was unsalable and unavailable in the market. Probably the average price did not exceed ten cents per pound. Notwithstanding the severe check which hop-growing received in 1868, by the unprofitable result, growers were not discouraged, and the crop of 1869 was a large one. So much of the crop of 1868 remained in the hands of the growers, that it is impossible to estimate that of 1869. The new crop sold for from ten to fifteen cents, and the old for from three to five cents per pound. Hop-cultivation received a check from over-production in 1868, from which it did not soon recover. A large proportion of the yards were plowed under in 1870. The crop of 1869 was much of it marketed during 1870, at a price of about two and one-half to three and one- half cents per pound, while that of 1870 brought ten to twelve and a half cents. During the year 187 1, a great advance in the price, caused by the partial failure of the crop in some of the eastern states, and the decrease in price causing a decrease in production, what was left over of the crop of 1870 more than doubled in value before the new reached the market. The latter opened at thirty cents, and steadily rose to fifty and fifty-five for prime COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 205 qualities. The crop of 1872 was of good quality, and the market opened at forty to fifty-five cents as the selling price, and fell fifteen to twenty cents before the close of the year. A much larger quantity was raised than the year previous. In 1873 and 1874, the crop was fair and prices ruled from thirty-three to forty-five cents, with increased production. About 18,000 bales were reported as being shipped from the different railway stations of the state. Prices were extremely irregular during 1875, and, after the new crop reached market, fell to a point that would not pay the cost of production. In 1876, prices ruled low at the opening of the year, and advanced from five to ten cents in January to twenty-eight to thirty in November. Over 17,000 bales were received at Milwaukee, over 10,000 bales being of the crop of the previous year. Over 13,000 bales were shipped out of the state.Tobacco. Tobacco raising is comparatively a new industry in Wisconsin, but is rapidly growing in importance and magnitude. It sells readily for from four to ten cents per pound, and the plant is easily raised. It is not regarded as of superior quality. It first appears as a commodity of transportation in the railway reports for the year 1871, when the Prairie du Chien division of the St. Paul road moved eastward 1,373,650 pounds. During the four years ending with 1876, there were shipped from Milwaukee an average of 5,118,530 pounds annually, the r. axi- mum being in 1874, 6,982,175 pounds; the minimum in 1S75, 2,743,854 pounds. The crop of 1876 escaped the early frosts, and netted the producer from five to seven cents per pound. The greater part of it was shipped to Baltimore and Philadelphia. Comparatively little of the leaf raised in the state is used here or by western manufacturers. The crop of the present year, 1877, is a largeone,and has been secured in good order. Itis being contracted for at from four to six cents per pound. Cranberries. The cranberry trade is yet in its infancy, But little, comparatively, has been done in devel oping the capabilities of the extensive bodies of marsh and swamp lands interspersed throughout the northern part of the state. Increased attention is being paid to the culture of the fruit ; yet, the demand will probably keep ahead of the supply for many years to come. In 185 1, less than 1,500 barrels were sent out of the state. In 1872, the year of greatest production, over 37,000 barrels were exported, and, in 1876, about 17,000 barrels. The price has varied in different years, and taken a range from eight to fifteen dollars a barrel. Spirituous and Malt Liquors. The production of liquors, both spirituous and malt, has kept pace with the growth of population and with the other industries of the state. There were in Wisconsin, in 1872, two hundred and ninety-two breweries and ten distilleries. In 1876, there were two hundred and ninety-three of the former and ten of the latter, and most of them were kept running to their full capacity. Milwaukee alone produced, in 1876, 321,611 barrels of lager beer and 43,175 barrels of high wines. In 1865, it furnished 65,666 barrels of beer, and in 1870, 108,845 barrels. In 1865, it furnished 3,046 barrels of high wines; in 1870, 22,867 barrels; and in 1875, 39,005. A large quantity of the beer made was shipped to eastern and southern cities. The beer made in 1876 sold at the rate of ten dollars per barrel, the wholesale price of the brewers bringing the sum of $3,216,110. The fame of Milwaukee lager beer is widely extended. This city has furnished since 1870, 1,520,308 barrels which, at the wholesale price, brought $15,203,170. The total production of beer by all the two hundred and ninety-three breweries of the state for 1876, was 450,508 barrels. 206 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. In 1876, Milwaukee produced 43,175 barrels of high wines, or distilled spirits, and the state of Wisconsin 51,959 barrels. In 1870, the former produced 108,845 barrels of beer and 22,867 barrels of distilled spirits, and in the same year the state of Wisconsin produced 189,664 barrels of beer and 36,145 barrels of distilled spirits. Miscellaneous. Porcelain clay, or kaolin, is found in numerous places in Wood and Marathon counties. The mineral is found in but few places in the United States in quantities sufficient to justify the investment of capital necessary to manufacture it. In the counties mentioned, the deposits are found in extensive beds, and only capital and enterprise are needed to make their development profitable. Clay of superior quality for making brick and of fair quality for pottery, is found in numerous localities. The famous " Milwaukee brick," remarkable for their beautiful cream color, is made from a fine clay which is abundant near Milwaukee, and is found in exten sive beds at Watertown, Whitewater, Edgerton, Stoughton, and several places on the lake shore north of Milwaukee. At Whitewater and some other places the clay is used with success for the making of pottery ware. Water-lime, or hydraulic cement, occurs in numerous places throughout the state. An extensive bed covering between one and two hundred acres, and of an indefinite depth, exists on the banks of the Milwaukee river, and not over one and a half miles from the city limits of Milwaukee. The cement made from the rock of this deposit is first-class in quality, and between twenty and thirty thousand barrels were made and sold last year. The capacity of the works for reducing the rock to cement has been increased to 500 barrels per day. Stones suita ble for building purposes are widely distributed throughout the state, and nearly every town has its available quarry. Many of these quarries furnish stone of fine quality for substantial and permanent edifices. The quarry at Prairie du Chien furnished the stone for the capital building at Madison, which equals in beauty that of any state in the Union. At Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, La Crosse, and many other places are found quarries of superior building stone. Granite is found in extensive beds in Marathon and Wood counties, and dressed specimens exhibited at the " Centennial " last year, attracted attention for their fine polish. Marbles of various kinds are likewise found in the state. Some of them are beginning to attract attention and are likely to prove valuable. The report of Messrs. Foster & Whitney, United States geol ogists, speaks of quarries on the Menomonee and Michigamig rivers as affording beautiful varie ties and susceptible of a high polish. Richland county contains marble, but its quality is gen erally considered inferior. Water Powers. Wisconsin is fast becoming a manufacturing state. Its forests of pine, oak, walnut, maple, ash, and other valuable woods used for lumber, are well-nigh inexhaustible. Its water-power for driving the wheels of machinery is not equaled by that of any state in the northwest. The Lower Fox river between Lake Winnebago and Green Bay, a distance of thirty-five miles, furnishes some of the best facilities for manufacturing enterprise in the whole country. Lake Winnebago as a reservoir gives it a great and special advantage, in freedom from liability to freshets and droughts. The stream never varies but a few feet from its highest to its lowest stage, yet gives a steady flow. The Green Bay and Mississippi canal company has, during the last twenty-five years, constructed numerous dams, canals and locks, constituting very valuable improvements. All the property of that company has been transferred to the United States government, which has entered upon a system to render the Fox and Wisconsin rivers navigable to the Mississippi. The fall between the lake and Depere is one hundred and fifty feet, and the water can be utilized COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 207 in propelling machinery at Neenah, Menasha, Appleton, Cedar, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Rapid Croche, Little Kaukauna and Depere. The water-power at Appleton in its natural advantages is pronounced by Hon. Hiram Barney, of New York, superior to those at Lowell, Paterson and Rochester, combined. The water-power of the Fox has been improved to a considerable extent, but its full capacity has hardly been touched. Attention has been drawn to it, how ever, and no doubt is entertained that in a few years the hum of machinery to be propelled by it, will be heard the entire length of the thirty-five miles. The facilities presented by its nearness to timber, iron, and a rich and productive agricultural region, give it an advantage over any of the eastern manufacturing points. The Wisconsin river rises in the extreme northern part of the state, and has its source in a great number of small lakes. The upper portion abounds in valuable water privileges, only a few of which are improved. There are a large number of saw-mills running upon the power of this river. Other machinery, to a limited extent, is in operation. The " Big Bull " falls, at Wausau, are improved, and a power of twenty-two feet fall is obtained. At Little Bull falls, below Wausau, there is a fall of eighteen feet, partially improved. There are many other water-powers in Marathon county, some of which are used in propelling flouring- mills and saw-mills. At Grand Rapids, there is a descent of thirty feet to the mile, and the water can be used many times. Each time, 5,000 horse-power is obtained. At Kilbourn City a large amount of power can be obtained for manufacturing purposes. Chippewa river has its origin in small streams in the north part of the state. Explorers tell us that there are a large number of water powers on all the upper branches, but as the country is yet unsettled, none of them have been improved, and very few even located on our maps. Brunette falls and Ameger falls, above Chippewa Falls city, must furnish considerable water- power, but its extent is not known At Chippewa Falls is an excellent water-power, only partially improved. The river descends twenty-six feet in three-fourths of a mile. At Duncan creek at the same place, there is a good fall, improved to run a large flouring mill. At Eagle Rapids, five miles above Chippewa Falls, $120,000 has been expended in improving the fall of the Chippewa river. The city of Eau Claire is situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, and possesses in its immediate vicinity water-powers almost unrivaled. Some of them are improved. The citizens of Eau Claire have, for several years, striven to obtain legislative authority to dam the Chippewa river, so as to improve the water-power of the Dells, and a lively contest, known as the " Dells fight," has been carried on with the capitalists along the river above that town. There are immense water-powers in Dunn county, on the Red Cedar, Chippewa and Eau Galle rivers, on which there are many lumbering establishments. In Pepin county also there are good powers. The Black river and its branches, the La Crosse, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Beaver, and Tamaso, furnish many valuable powers. The St. Croix river is not excelled in the value of its water privileges by any stream in the state, except the Lower Fox river. At St. Croix Falls, the water of the river makes a descent of eighty-five feet in a distance of five miles, and the vol ume of water is sufficient to move the machinery' for an immense manufacturing business, and the banks present good facilities for building dams, and the river is not subject to freshets. The Kinnekinnick has a large number of falls, some of them partially improved. Within twenty-five miles of its entrance into Lake St. Croix, it has a fall of two hundred feet, and the volume of water averages about three thousand cubic feet per minute. Rock river affords valuable water- privileges at Watertown (with twenty-four feet fall), and largely improved ; at Jefferson, Indian Ford and Janesville, all of which are improved. Beloit also has an excellent water-power, and it is largely improved. Scattered throughout the state are many other water-powers, not alluded 208 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. to in the foregoing. There are several in Manitowoc county ; in Marquette county, also. Itt Washington county, at West Bend, Berlin, and Cedar Creek, there are good water-powers, partly utilized. At Whitewater, in Walworth county, is a good power. In Dane county, there is a water-power at Madison, at the outlet of Lake Mendota ; also, a good one at Stoughton, below the first, or Lake Kegonsa ; also at Paoli, Bellville, Albany and Brodhead, on the Sugar river. In Grant county there are not less than twenty good powers, most of them well-developed. In Racine county, three powers of fine capacity at Waterford, Rochester and Burlington, all of which are improved. The Oconto, Peshtigo and Menomonee rivers furnish a large number of splendid water- powers of large capacity. The Upper Wolf river has scores of water-powers on its main stream and numerous branches ; but most of the country is still a wilderness, though containing resources which, when developed, will make it rich and prosperous. There are numerous other streams of less consequence than those named, but of great importance to the localities they severally drain, that have had their powers improved, and their waterfalls are singing the songs of commerce. On the rivers emptying into Lake Superior, there are numerous and valuable water-powers. The Montreal river falls one thousand feet in a distance of thirty miles. Manufactures. The mechanical and manufacturing industries of Wisconsin demonstrate that the people do not rely wholly upon agricultural pursuits, or lumbering, for subsistence, but aim to diversify their labors as much as possible, and to give encouragement to the skill and ingenuity of their mechanics and artisans. All our cities, and most of our villages, support establishments that furnish wares and implements in common use among the people. We gather from the census report for 1870 a few facts that will give us an adequate idea of what was done in a single year, remembering that the data furnished is six years old, and that great advancement has been made since the statistics were gathered. In 1870, there were eighty-two establishments engaged in making agricultural implements, employing 1,387 hands, and turning out products valued at $2,393,400. There were one hundred and eighty-eight furniture establishments, employing 1,844 men, and making $1,542,300 worth of goods. For making carriages and wagons there were four hundred and eighty-five establishments, employing 2,184 men, and their product was valued at $2,596,534; for clothing, two hundred and sixty-three establishments, and value of product $2,340,400 ; sash, doors and blinds, eighty-one shops, and value of product $1,852,370; leather, eighty-five tanneries, employing 577 men, and value of products $2,013,000; malt liquors, one hundred and seventy-six breweries, 835 men, and their products valued at $1,790,273. At many points the business of manufacturing is carried on more or less extensively; indeed, there is hardly a village in the state where capital is not invested in some kind of mechanical industry or manufacturing enterprise, and making satisfactory returns; but for details in this respect, the reader is referred to the department of local history. The principal commodities only, which Wisconsin contributes to trade and commerce, have been considered. There remains quite a number of minor articles from which the citizens of the state derive some revenue, such as flax and maple sugar, which can not be separately considered in this paper. Concluding Remarks. Statistics are usually dry reading, but, to one desiring to change his location and seeking information regarding a new country and its capabilities, they become intensely interesting and of great value. The farmer wishes to know about the lands, their value and the productiveness of the soil ; the mechanic about the workshops, the price of labor, and the demand for such wares COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 209 as he is accustomed to make ; the capitalist, concerning all matters that pertain to resources, advantages, and the opportunities for investing his money. Our own people want all the infor mation that can be gained by the collection of all obtainable facts. The sources of such infor mation are now various, and the knowledge they impart fragmentary in its character. Provision should be made by law, for the collection and publication of reliable statistics relating to our farming, manufacturing, mining, lumbering, commercial and educational interests. Several of the states of the Union have established a " Bureau of Statistics," and no more valua ble reports emanate from any of their state departments than those that exhibit a condensed view of the material results accomplished each year. Most of the European states foster these agencies with as much solicitude as any department of their government. Indeed, they have become a social as well as a material necessity, for social science extends its inquiries to the physical laws of man as a social being ; to the resources of the country ; its productions ; the growth of society, and to all those facts or conditions which may increase or diminish the strength.. growth or happiness of a people. Statistics are the foundation and corner-stone of social science, which is the highest and noblest of all the sciences. A writer has said that, " If God had designed Wisconsin to be chiefly a manufacturing state, instead of agricultural, which she claims to be, and is, it is difficult to see more than one partic ular in which He could have endowed her more richly for that purpose." She has all the mate rial for the construction of articles of use and luxury, the means of motive power to propel the machinery, to turn and fashion, weave, forge, and grind the natural elements that abound in such rich profusion. She has also the men whose enterprise and skill have accomplished most sur prising results, in not only building up a name for themselves, but in placing the state in a proud position'of independence. It is impossible to predict what will be the future growth and development of Wisconsin. From its commercial and manufacturing advantages, we may reasonably anticipate that she will in a few years lead in the front rank of the states of the Union in all that constitutes real great ness. Her educational system is one of the best. With her richly endowed State University, her colleges and high schools, and the people's colleges, the common schools, she has laid a broad and deep foundation for a great and noble commonwealth. It was early seen what were the capabilities of this their newly explored domain. The northwestern explorer, Jonathan Carver, in 1 766, one hundred and thirteen years ago, after traversing Wisconsin and viewing its lakes of crystal purity, its rivers of matchless utility, its forests of exhaustless wealth, its prairies of won derful fertility, its mines of buried treasure, recorded this remarkable prediction of which we see the fulfillment: "To what power or authority this new world will become dependent after it has arisen from its present uncultivated state, time alone can discover. But as the seat of empire from time immemorial has been gradually progressive toward the west, there is no doubt but that at some future period mighty kingdoms will emerge from these wildernesses, and stately palaces and solemn temples with gilded spires reaching to the skies supplant the Indian huts, whose only decorations are the barbarous trophies oftheir vanquished enemies." " Westward the course of empire takes its way ; The four first acts already passed, A fifth shall close the drama with the day [ Time's noblest offspring is the last." THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. By D. S. DURRIE. In the early part of the seventeenth century, all the territory north of the Ohio river, including the present state of Wisconsin, was an undiscovered region. As far as now known, it -was never visited by white men until the year 1634, when Jean Nicolet came to the Green bay •country as an ambassador from the French to the Winnebagoes. The Jesuit fathers in 1660 visited the south shore of Lake Superior ; and, soon after, missions were established at various points in the northwest. The French government appreciating the importance of possessing dominion over this sec tion, M. Talon, intendant of Canada, took steps to carry out this purpose, and availed himself of the good feelings entertained toward the French by a number of the Indian tribes, to establish the authority of the French crown over this remote quarter. A small party of men led by Daumont de St. Lusson, with Nicolas Perrot as interpreter, set out from Quebec on this mission in 1670, and St. Lusson sent to the tribes occupying a circuit of a hundred leagues, inviting the nations, among them the Wisconsin tribes inhabiting the Green bay country, by their chiefs and ambassadors, to meet him at the Sault Sainte Marie the following spring. In the month of May, 1671, fourteen tribes, by their representatives, including the Miamis Sacs, Winnebagoes, Menomonees, and Pottawattamies, arrived at the place designated. On the morning»of the fourteenth of June, " St. Lusson led his followers to the top of the hill, all fully equipped and under arms. Here, too, in the vestments of their priestly office were four Jesuits : Claude Dablon, superior of the mission on the lakes, Gabriel Druillettes, Claude Allouez, and Andre\ All around, the great throng of Indians stood, or crouched, or reclined at length with eyes and ears intent. A large cross of wood had been made ready. Dablon, in solemn form, pronounced his blessing on it ; and then it was reared and planted in the ground, while the Frenchmen, uncovered, sang the Vexilla Regis. Then a post of cedar was planted beside it, with a metal plate attached, engraven with the royal arms ; while St. Lusson's followers sang the exaudiat, and one of the priests uttered a prayer for the king. St. Lusson now advanced, and, holding his sword in one hand, and raising with the other a sod of earth, proclaimed in a loud voice " that he took possession of all the country occupied by the tribes, and placed them under the king's protection. This act, however, was not regarded as sufficiently definite, and on the eighth of May, 1689, Perrot, who was then commanding for the king at the post of Nadouesioux, near Lake Pepin on the west side of the Mississippi, commissioned by the Marquis de Denonville to manage the interests of commerce west of Green bay took possession, in the name of the king, with appropriate ceremonies, of the countries west of Lake Michigan as far as the river St. Peter. The papers were signed by Perrot and others. By these solemn acts, the present limits of Wisconsin with much contiguous territory, came under the dominion of the French government, the possession of which continued until October, 1761 —a period of ninety years from the gathering of the chiefs at the Sault Ste. Marie in 1671. From the commencement of French occupancy up to the time when the British took posses sion, the district of country embraced within the present limits of this state had but few white inhabitants besides the roaming Indian traders ; and of these few, the locations were separated by ¦a distance of more than two hundred miles in a direct line, and nearly double that distance by THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 211 the usual water courses. There was no settlement of agriculturists; there were no missionary establishments ; no fortified posts at other points, except at Depere and Green bay on Fox -iver, and perhaps at Prairie du Chien, near the junction of the Wisconsin and the Mississippi. The French government made no grant of lands; gave no attention to settlers or agricu.- turists, and the occupation of the country was strictly military. There were, indeed, a few grants of lands made by the French governors and commanders, previous to 1750, to favored indi viduals, six of which were afterward confirmed by the king of France. There were also others which did not require confirmation, being made by Cardillac, commanding at Detroit, under special authority of the king; of this latter kind, one for a small piece of thirty acres bears with it, says a writer, " so many conditions, reservations, prohibitions of sale, and a whole cavalcade of feudal duties to be performed by the grantee, that in itself, it would be a host in opposition to the agricultural settlement of any country." The grants just referred to, relate to that part of the French possessions outside the limits of the present state of Wisconsin. Within its limits there was a grant of an extensive territory including the fort at the head of Green bay, with the exclusive right to trade, and other valuable privileges, from the Marquis de Vaudreuil, in October, 1759, to M. Rigaud. It was sold by the latter to William Gould and Madame Vaudreuil, to whom it was confirmed by the king of France in January, 1760, at a very critical period, when Quebec had been taken by the British, and Montreal was only wanting to complete the conquest of Canada. This grant was evidently intended as a perquisite to entrap some unwary persons to give a valuable consideration for it, as it would be highly impolitic for the government to make such a grant, if they continued mas ters of the country, since it would surely alienate the affections of the Indians. The whole country had already been virtually conquered by Great Britain, and the grant of course was not confirmed by the English government. Of the war between the French and English governments in America, known as the French and Indian war, it is not necessary to speak, except in general terms. The English made a determined effort to obtain the possessions claimed by the French. The capture of Quebec in 1759, and -the subsequent capitulation of Montreal in 1760, extinguished the domination of France in the basin of the St. Lawrence ; and by the terms of the treaty of Paris, concluded February 10, 1763, all the possessions in, and all the claims of the French nation to, the vast country watered by the Ohio and the Mississippi were ceded to Great Britain. Among the first acts of the new masters of the country was the protection of the eminent domain of the government, and the restriction of all attempts on the part of individuals to acquire Indian titles to lands. By the King of England's proclamation of 1763, no more grants of land within certain prescribed limits could be issued, and all private persons were interdicted the liberty of purchasing lands from the Indians, or of making settlements within those prescribed limits. The indulgence of such a privilege as that of making private purchases of the natives, conduced to the most serious difficulties, and made way for the practice of the most reprehensible frauds. The policy pursued by the English government has been adopted and acted upon by the government of the United States in the extinguishment of the Indian title to lands in every part of the country. In face of the proclamation of 1 763, and within three years after its promulgation, under a pretended purchase from, or voluntary grant of the natives, a tract of country nearly one hundred miles square, including large portions of what is now northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, was claimed by Jonathan Carver, and a ratification of his title solicited from the king and council. This was not conceded ; and the representatives of Carver, after the change of government had 212 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. brought the lands under the jurisdiction of the United States, for a series of years presented the same claims before congress, and asked for their confirmation. Such a demand under all the circumstances, could not justify an expectation of success; and, of course, has often been refused. But notwithstanding the abundant means which the public have had of informing themselves of the true nature and condition of Carver's claim, bargains and sales of portions of this tract have been made among visionary speculators for more than half a century past. It is now only a short period since the maps of the United States ceased to be defaced by a delineation of Ihe "Carver Grant." The mere transfer of the dominion over the country from the French to the English govern. ment, and the consequent occupation of the English posts by the new masters, did not in any great degree affect the social condition of the inhabitants. By the terms of capitulation, the French subjects were permitted to remain in the country, in the full enjoyment of their civil and religious privileges. The English, however, did not hold peaceable possession of the territory acquired. The war inaugurated by Pontiac and his Indian allies on the military posts occupied by the English soon followed, and in the month of May, 1763, nine posts were captured with much loss of life. In the spring of 1764, twenty-two tribes who were more or less identified in the outbreak, concluded a treaty of peace with General Bradstreet at Niagara. The expedition of Colonel George Rogers Clark to the Illinois country, and the conquest of the British posts in 1778 and 1779, had the effect to open the way for the emigration of the Anglo-American population to the Mississippi valley; and at the close of the revolutionary war, Great'Britain renounced all claim to the whole territory lying east of the Mississippi river. The dominion of the English in the Illinois and Wabash countries, ceased with the loss of the military posts which commanded the Northwestern territory of the United States. As a result of the enterprise and success of Clark, Virginia obtained possession of the Illinois country ; his expedition having been undertaken and carried forward under the auspices of that state. Several of the eastern states under their colonial charters, laid claim to portions of the land comprised in the territory northwest of the Ohio river. The claim of Massachusetts was derived from a grant from King James of November 3, 1620 ; and included from lat. 42° 2' to* about lat. 45°, extending to the south sea; Connecticut claimed from lat. 410 north to 42° 2'. The claims of Virginia were from grants from King James, bearing date, respectively, April 10, 1606, May 23, 1609, and March 12, 1611, and an additional claim for the territory conquered by Clark in the Illinois country ; but they extended no farther north than the southern end of Lake Michigan. It is a popular impression that the territory of the present state of Wisconsin was compre hended in the lands northwest of the river Ohio, over which Virginia exercised jurisdiction, and, consequently, was included in her deed of cession of lands to the United States. This opinion so generally entertained by writers on American history, is a statement which does not appear to have any solid foundation in fact. Virginia never made any conquests or settlements in Wiscon sin, and at no time prior to the proffer of her claims to the general government had she ever exercised jurisdiction over it. In fact, there were no settlements in Wisconsin except at Green Bay and Prairie du Chien before that time, and these were made by French settlers who were in no wise interfered with while the revolution continued. In Illinois it was otherwise; and the possession of its territory by Virginia was an undisputed fact. During the revolution the title of the sovereignty in Wisconsin was actually in Great Britain, and so remained until the definite treaty of peace in 1783 ; at which date England yielding her right constructively to the United States, retaining possession, however, until 1796 ; at which time the western posts were transferred to the United States. THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 213 All the claiming states finally ceded their interests to the general government, giving the latter a perfect title, subject only to the rights of the Indians. The deed of cession from Virginia was dated March i, 1784. The other states ceded their claims, some before this date, others subsequent thereto. Virginia made a number of stipulations in her deed of cession; among others, that the French and Canadian inhabitants and the neighboring villages who had professed themselves citizens of Virginia, should have their possessions and title confirmed to them, and be protected in the enjoyment of their rights and liberties; that 150,000 acres of land near the rapids of the Ohio, should be reserved for that portion of her state troops which had reduced the country; and about 3,500,000 acres between the rivers Scioto and Little Miami be reserved for bounties to her troops on the continental establishment. In consequence of certain objectionable stipulations made by Virginia as to the division of the territory into states, the deed of cession was referred back to that state with a recommenda tion from congress that these stipulations should be altered. On the 30th of December, 1788, Virginia assented to the wish of congress, and formally ratified and confirmed the fifth article of compact which related to that subject, and tacitly gave her consent to the whole ordinance of 1787. The provisions of this ordinance have since been applied to all the territories of the United States lying north of the 360 40'. After the adoption of the constitution of the United States the the new congress, among its earliest acts, passed one, recognizing the binding force of the ordi nance of 1787. Of this ordinance it has been said : " It was based on the principles of civil liberty, maintained in the magna charta of England, re-enacted in the bill of rights, and incorporated in our differ ent state constitutions. It was the fundamental law of the constitution, so to speak, of the great northwest, upon which were based, and with which harmonized all our territorial enactments, as well as our subsequent state legislation, and, moreover, it is to that wise, statesman-like document that we are indebted for much of our prosperity and greatness." After the close of the revolutionary war, enterprising individuals traversed the whole country which had been ceded to the government, and companies were formed to explore and settle the fertile and beautiful lands beyond the Ohio ; but the determination of the British cabinet not to evacuate the western posts, was well known, and had its effect on the people who were disposed to make settlements. The western tribes were also dissatisfied and threatened war, and efforts were made by the government to settle the difficulties. A grand council was held at the mouth of Detroit river in December, 1787, which did not result favorably, and two treaties were subsequently held,. which were not respected by the savages who were parties to them. Soon an Indian war ensued,. /hich resulted at first disastrously to the American troops under Generals Harmar and St. Clair,, but finally with success to the American arms under General Wayne. The treaty of Greenville followed. It was concluded August 3, 1795. At this treaty there were present eleven hundred and thirty chiefs ajid warriors. It was signed by eighty-four chiefs and General Anthony Wayne,. sole commissioner of the United States. One of the provisions of the treaty was that in consid eration of the peace then established, and the cessions and relinquishments of lands made by the tribes of Indians, and to manifest the liberality of the United States as the great means of render ing this peace strong and perpetual, the United States relinquished their claims to all other Indian lands northward of the river Ohio, eastward of the Mississippi, and westward and south ward of the great lakes and the waters united by them, except certain reservations and portions before purchased of the Indians, none of which were within the present limits of this state. The Indian title to the whole of what is now Wisconsin, subject only to certain restrictions, became 214 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. absolute in the various tribes inhabiting it. By this treaty it was stipulated that, of the lands relin quished by the United States, the Indian tribes who have a right to those lands, were quietly to enjoy them ; hunting, planting, and dwelling thereon so long as they pleased ; but, when those tribes or any of them should be disposed to sell them, or any part of them, they were to be sold only to the United States, and until such sale, the United States would protect all of the tribes in the quiet enjoyment of their lands against all citizens of the United States, and all other white persons who might intrude on the same. At the same time all the tribes acknowledged them selves to be under the protection of the United States, and no other person or power what soever. The treaty also prohibited any citizen of the United States, or any other white man, settling upon the lands relinquished by the general government ; and such person was to be considered as out of the protection of the United States; and the Indian tribe on whose land the settlement might be made, could drive off the settler, or punish him in such manner as it might see fit. It will be seen that the Indians were acknowledged to have an unquestionable title to the lands they occupied until that right should be extinguished by a voluntary cession to the general government ; and the constitution of the United States, by declaring treaties already made, as well as those to be made, to be the supreme law of the land, adopted and sanctioned previous treaties with the Indian nations, and consequently admitted their rank among those powers who .are capable of making treaties. The several treaties which had been made between commissioners on the part of the United States and various nations of Indians, previous to the treaty of Greenville, were generally restricted to declarations of amity and friendship, the establishment and confirming of bounda ries, and the protection of settlements on Indian lands ; those that followed were generally for a cession of lands and provisions made for their payment. It is proposed to notice the several treaties that took place after that held at Greenville, showing in what way the territory of the present state, came into possession of the government. As will be seen hereafter, it required trea ties with numerous tribes of Indians to obtain a clear, undisputed title, as well as many years before it was fully accomplished. i. A treaty was held at St. Louis, November 3, 1804, between the Sacs and Foxes and the United States. William Henry Harrison was acting commissioner on the part of the govern ment. By the provisions of the treaty, the chiefs and head men of the united tribes ceded to the United States a large tract on both sides of the Mississippi, extending on the east from the mouth of the Illinois to the head of that river, and thence to the Wisconsin ; and including on the west considerable portions of Iowa and Missouri, from the mouth of the Gasconade north ward. In what is now the state of Wisconsin, this grant embraced the whole of the present counties of Grant and La Fayette and a large portion of Iowa and Green counties. The lead region was included in this purchase. In consideration of this cession, the general government agreed to protect the tribes in the quiet enjoyment of their land, against its own citizens and all others who should intrude on them. The tribes permitted a fort to be built on the upper side of the Wisconsin river, near its mouth, a/id granted a tract of land two miles square, adjoin ing the same. The government agreed to give them an annuity of one thousand dollars per annum. The validity of this treaty was denied by one band of the Sac Indians, and this cession of land became, twenty-eight years after, the alleged cause of the Black Hawk war. 2. Another treaty was held at Portage des Sioux, now a village in St. Charles county, Mis souri, on the Mississippi river, September 13, 1815, with certain chiefs of that portion of the Sac nation then residing in Missouri, who, they said, were compelled since the commencement of THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 215 the late war, to separate themselves from the rest of their nation. They gave their assent to the treaty made at St. Louis in 1804, and promised to remain separate from the Sacs of Rock river, and to give them no aid or assistance, until peace should be concluded between the United States and the Foxes of Rock river. 3. On the 14th of September, a treaty was made with the chiefs of the Fox tribe at the same place. They agreed that all prisoners in their hands should be delivered up to the govern ment. They assented to, recognized, re-established and confirmed the treaty of 1804, to the full extent of their interest in the same. 4. A treaty was held at St. Louis, May 13, 1816, with the Sacs of Rock river, who affirmed the treaty of 1864, and agreed to deliver up all the property stolen or plundered, and in failure to do so, to forfeit all title to their annuities. To this treaty, Black Hawk's name appears with others. That chief afterward affirmed that though he himself had "touched the quill " to this treaty, he knew not what he was signing, and that he was therein deceived by the agent and others, who did not correctly explain the nature of the grant; and in reference to the treaty of St. Louis in 1804, and at Portage des Sioux in 18 15, he said that he did not consider the same valid or binding on him or his tribe, inasmuch as by the terms of those treaties, territory was. described which the Indians never intended to sell, and the treaty of 1804, particularly, was; made by parties who had neither authority in the nation, nor power to dispose of its lands- Whether this was a true statement of the case, or otherwise, it is quite certain that the grant of lands referred to was often confirmed by his nation, and was deemed conclusive and binding by the government. The latter acted in good faith to the tribes, as well as to the settlers, in the disposition of the lands. 5. A treaty of peace and friendship was made at St. Louis, June 3, 1816, between the chiefs and warriors of that part of the Winnebagoes residing on the Wisconsin river. In this treaty the tribe state that they have separated themselves from the rest of their nation ; that they, for themselves and those they represent, confirm to the United States all and every cession of land heretofore made by their nation, and every contract and agreement, as far as their interest extended. 6. On the 30th of March, 1817, the Menomonee tribe concluded a treaty of peace ana friendship at St. Louis with the United States, and confirmed all and every cession of land before made by them within the limits of the United States. 7. On the 19th of August, 1825, at Prairie du Chien, a treaty was made with the Sioux,. Chippewas, Sacs and Foxes, Winnebagoes, Ottawas and Pottawattamies, by which the boundary between the two first nations was agreed upon ; also between the Chippewas, Winnebagoes and other tribes. 8. Another treaty was held August 5, 1826, at Fond du Lac of Lake Superior, a small settlement on the St. Louis river, in Itaska county, Minn., with the same tribes, by which the previous treaty was confirmed in respect to boundaries, and those of the Chippewas were defined, as a portion of the same was not completed at the former treaty. 9. A treaty was made and concluded August 1, 1827, at Butte des Morts, between the United States and the Chippewa, Menomonee and Winnebago tribes, in which the boundaries of their tribes were defined ; no cession of lands was made. 10. A treaty was made at ^Green Bay, August 25, 1828, with the Winnebagoes, Pottawat tamies and other tribes. This treaty was made to remove the difficulties which had arisen in consequence of the occupation by white men of that portion of the mining country in the south western part of Wisconsin which had not been ceded to the United States. A provisional 216 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. boundary was provided, and privileges accorded the government to freely occupy their territory until a treaty should be made for the cession of the same. This treaty was simply to define the rights of the Indians, and to give the United States the right of occupation. n. Two treaties were made at Prairie du Chien, on the 29th of July, 1829, and August 1, 1829 : at the first date, with the Chippewas, Ottawas and Pottawattamies,' by which these nations ceded all their lands which they claimed in the northwestern part of Illinois ; and at the latter date with the Winnebagoes, by which that nation ceded and relinquished all their right, title and claim to all their lands south of the Wisconsin river, thus confirming the purchase of the lead- mine region. Certain grants were made to individuals, which grants were not to be leased or sold by the grantees. By this important treaty, about eight millions of acres of land were added to the public domain. The three tracts ceded, and forming one whole, extended from the upper end of Rock river to the mouth of the Wisconsin, from latitude 410 30' to latitude 430 15', on the Mississippi. Following the meanderings of the river, it was about two hundred and forty miles from west to east, extending along the Wisconsin and Fox rivers, affording a passage across the country from the Mississippi to Lake Michigan. The south part of the purchase extended from Rock Island to Lake Michigan. 12. Another important treaty was made at Green Bay, February 8, 1831, between the Meno monee Indians and the United States. That nation possessed an immense territory. Its eastern division was bounded by the Milwaukee river, the shore of Lake Michigan, Green bay, Fox river, and Lake Winnebago ; its western division, by the Wisconsin and Chippewa rivers on the west, Fox river on the south, Green bay on the east, and the high lands which flow the streams into Lake Superior on the north. By this treaty all the eastern division, estimated at two and a half millions of acres, was ceded to the government. By certain other provisions, the tribe was to occupy a large tract lying north of Fox river and east of Wolf river. Their territory farther west was reserved for their hunting-grounds until such time as the general government should desire to purchase it. Another portion, amounting. to four millions of acres, lying between Green bay on the east and Wolf river on the west, was also ceded to the United States, besides a strip of country, three miles in width, from near the portage of the Wisconsin and Fox rivers north, on each side of the Wisconsin river, and forty-eight miles long — still leaving the tribe in peaceable possession of a country about one hundred and twenty miles long, and about eighty broad. By supplementary articles to the treaty, provision was made for the occupancy of certain lands by the New York Indians — two townships on the east side of Lake Winnebago. 13. At the conclusion of the Black Hawk war, in 1832, for the purpose of clearing up the Indian title of the Winnebago nation in the country, a treaty was made and concluded at Fort Armstrong, September 15, 1832. All the territory claimed by this nation lying south and east of the Wisconsin and Fox river of Green bay, was ceded to the United States, and no band or party of Winnebagoes was allowed to reside, plant, fish or hunt on these grounds, after June 1, 1833, or on any part of the country therein ceded. 14. On the 27th of October, 1832, articles of agreement were made and concluded at Green Bay between the United States and the Menomonee Indians, by the terms of which that nation ceded to the New York Indians certain lands on Fox river. 15. An important treaty was made at Chicago, September 26, 1833, between the United States and the Chippewas, Ottawas an-j Pottawattamies. Those nations ceded to the government all their lands along the western shore of Lake Michigan, and between that lake and the land ceded to the United States by the Winnebago nation at the treaty at Fort Armstrong, September THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 217 « 15, 1832, bounded on the north by the country lately ceded by the Menomonees, and on the south by the country ceded at the treaty at Prairie dn Chien, July 19, 1829 — containing about five millions of acres. 16. On the 3d of September, 1836, a tieaty was made at Cedar Point with the Menomonees, by which lands lying west of Green bay, and a strip on the upper Wisconsin, were ceded to the United States — the quantity of land ceded being estimated at four millions of acres in the Green bay portion ; on the Wisconsin river, a strip three miles wide on each side of the river, running forty-eight miles north in a direct line, equivalent to 184,320 acres. 17. On the 29th of July, 1837, a treaty was made with the Chippewas of the Mississippi, at Fort Snelling, and the United States, the nation ceding to the government all their lands in Wisconsin lying south of the divide between the waters of Lake Superior and those of the Mississippi. 18. Certain chiefs and braves of the Sioux nation of the Mississippi, while visiting Washing ton, September 29, 1837, ceded to the United States all their lands east of the Mississippi, and all their islands in said river. 19. The Winnebago nation, by the chiefs and delegates, held a treaty with the government at Washington, November 1, 1837. That nation ceded all their lands east of the Mississippi, and obligated themselves to remove, within eight months after the ratification of the treaty, to certain lands west of the river Mississippi which were conveyed to them by the treaty of Sep tember 21, 1832. 20. The Oneida or New York Indians, residing near Green Bay, by their chief and repre sentative, on the 3d of February, 1838, at Washington City, ceded to the United States their title and interest in the land set apart by the treaty made with the Menomonees, May 8, 183 1, and the treaty made with the same tribe, October 7, 1832, reserving about 62,000 acres. 21. Another treaty was made at Stockbridge on the 3d of September, 1839, by which the Stockbridge and Munsee tribes (New York Indians) ceded and relinquished to the United States the east half of the tract of 46,080 acres which was laid off for their use on the east side of Lake Winnebago by treaty of October 7, 1832 22. On the 4th of October, 1842, a treaty was made at La Pointe, on Lake Superior, with the Chippewas. All their lands in the northern and northwestern parts of Wisconsin were ceded to the United States. 23. The Menomonee nation, on the 18th of October, 1848, at Pow-aw-hay-kon-nay, ceded and relinquished to the United States all their lands in the state, wherever situated — the gov ernment to furnish the nation as a home, to be held as Indian lands are held, all the country ceded to the United States by the Chippewa nation August 2, 1847, the consideration being the sum of $350,000, to be paid according to the stipulations of the treaty. A supplementary treaty was made on the 24th of November, 1848, with the Stockbridges — the tribe to sell and relinquish to the United States the township of land on the east side of Lake Winnebago, secured to said tribe by treaty of February 8, 1831. 24. A treaty was made with the Menomonee nation, at the falls of Wolf river, May 12, 1854, being a supplementary treaty to one made October 18, 1848. All the lands ceded to that nation under the treaty last named was ceded to the United States — the Menomonees to receive from the United States a tract of country lying on Wolf river, being townships 28, 29 and 30, of ranges 13, 14, 15, 16. 25. A treaty was made with the Chippewas of Lake Superior, at La Pointe, on the 30th of September, 1854. That nation ceded to the United States all lands before owned by them in common with the Chippewas of the Mississippi — lying in the vicinity of Lake Superior in Wis- 218 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. consin and Minnesota. * 26. On the 5th of February, 1856, a treaty was held with the Stockbridge and Munsee tribes, at Stockbridge. All the remaining right and title to lands in the town of Stockbridge, possessed by them, was ceded to the United States ; and the said tribes were to receive in exchange a tract of land near the southern boundary of the Menomonee reservation, and by treaty made at Keshena, February 11, 1856, the Menomonees ceded two townships to locate the said tribes. With this last treaty, the Indian title to all the lands of the present state of Wisconsin was ceded to the United States government, except a few small reservations to certain tribes, and a perfect, indefeasible title obtained to all the territory within its borders. In the region of country which is now the state of Wisconsin, the settlements in early times were, as before stated, near Green Bay and at Prairie du Chien. Soon after the organization cf the Northwest territory, the subject of claims to private property therein received much attention. By an act of congress approved March 3, 1805, lands lying in the districts of Vincennes, Kas- kaskia and Detroit, which were claimed by virtue of French or British grants, legally and fully executed, or by virtue of grants issued under the authority of any former act of congress by either of the governors of the Northwest or Indiana territory, which had already been surveyed, were, if necessary, to be re-surveyed ; and persons claiming lands under these grants were to have until November 1, 1805, to give notice of the same. Commissioners were to be appointed to examine, and report at the next session of congress. An act was also passed, approved April 25, 1806, to authorize the granting of patents for lands, according to government surveys that had been made, and to grant donation rights to certain claimants of land in the district of Detroit, and for other purposes Another act was approved May n, 1820, reviving the powers of the commissioners for ascertaining and deciding on claims in the district of Detroit, and for settling the claims to land at Green Bay and Prairie du Chien, in the territory of Michigan ; the commis sioners to have power to examine and decide on claims filed with the register of the land office. and not before acted on, in accordance with the laws respecting the same. The commissioners discharged the duties imposed on them, and in their report to congress in reference to the claims at Green Bay, they said that the antiquity of this settlement being, in their view, sufficiently established, and that they, being also satisfied that the Indian title must be considered to have been extinguished, decide favorably on the claims presented. About seventy-five titles were con firmed, and patents for the same were sent to the proper parties by the government. In relation to the Prairie du Chien titles, they reported " that they had met few difficulties in their investi gations ; that, notwithstanding the high antiquity which maybe claimed for the settlement of that place, no one perfect title founded on French or British grant, legally authenticated, had been successfully made out; -and that but few deeds of any sort have been exhibited." This they attribute to the carelessness of the Canadians in respect to whatever concerned their land titles, and accords with whatever is known in this regard, of the French population throughout the country. They therefore came to the conclusion that whatever claim the people of the place possessed, and might have for a confirmation of their land titles, they must be founded upon proof of con tinued possession since the year 1796 The commissioners further say, that " since the ancestors of these settlers were cut off, by the treaty which gave the Canadas to the English, from all inter course with their parent country, the people both of Prairie du Chien and Green Bay have been eft, until within a few years, quite isolated, almost without any government but their own; and, although the present population of these settlements are natives of the countries which they inhabit, and, consequently, are by birth citizens of the northwest, yet, until a few years, they have had as little political connection with its government as their ancestors had with the British. Ignorant of their civil rights, careless of their land titles, docility, habitual hospitality, cheerful THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 219 submission to the requisitions of any government which may be set over them, are their universal characteristics.'' In reference to grants by the French and English governments, the commissioners say, they " have not had access to any public archives by which to ascertain with positive certainty, whether either the French or English ever effected a formal extinguishment of the Indian title at the mouth of the Wisconsin, which also may be said of the land now covered by the city of Detroit , that the French government was not accustomed to hold formal treaties for such purposes with the Indians, and when the lands have been actually procured from them, either by virtue of the assumed right of conquest, or by purchase, evidence of such acquisition is rather to be sought in the traditionary history of the country, or in the casual or scanty relations of travelers, than among collections of state papers. Tradition does recognize the fact of the extinguishment of the Indian title at Prairie du Chien by the old French government, before its surrender to the English; and by the same species of testimony, more positive because more recent, it is estab lished also, that, in the year 1781, Patrick Sinclair, lieutenant governor of the province of Upper Canada, while the English government had jurisdiction over this country, made a formal purchase from the Indians of the lands comprehending the settlement of Prairie du Chien." The territories and states formed from the section known as the Northwest territory, were : 1 The Northwest territory proper (1787-1800) having jurisdiction over all the lands referred to in the ordinance of 1787. In 1802, Ohio was organized as a state with its present boun daries. 1. Indiana terrritory was formed July 4, 1800, with the seat of government at Vincennes That territory was made to include all of the northwest, except what afterward became the state of Ohio. 3. Michigan territory was formed June 30, 1805. It was bounded on the south by a line drawn east from the south bend of Lake Michigan, on the west by the center of Lake Michigan. It did not include what is now Wisconsin. The upper peninsula was annexed in r836. The state of Michigan was formed January 26, 1837, with its present boundaries. 4. Illinois territory was formed March 2, 1810. It included all of the Indiana territory west of the Wabash river and Vincennes, and a line running due north to the territorial line. All of Wisconsin was included therein, except what lay east of the line drawn north from Vincennes. 5. Indiana was admitted as a state April 19, 18 16, including all the territory of Indiana territory, except a narrow strip east of the line of Vincennes, and west of Michigan territory, her western boundary. 6. Illinois was admitted as a state April n, 1818. It included all of Illinois territory south of latitude 420 30'. All of Wisconsin was added to Michigan territory. In the month of Octo ber of that year, the counties of Michilimackinac, Brown and Crawford were formed, comprising besides other territory, the whole of the present state of Wisconsin. 7. Iowa district was attached to Michigan for judicial purposes, June 30, 1834, out of which Des Moines and Dubuque counties were formed. 8. Wisconsin territory was formed April 20, 1836. The state was formed May 29, 1848. The territory of Wisconsin being a part of the Northwest territory claimed, and congress by direct action confirmed to her, all the righfs and privileges secured by the ordinance of 1787, one of which was that congress should have authority to form one or two states in that part of the territory lying north of an east and west line, drawn through the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan. Notwithstanding this plain provision of the ordinance, which is declared to. 220 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. be articles of compact between the original states and the people and states in the said territory, and forever to remain unalterable unless by consent ; yet congress, in establishing the boundaries of the state of Illinois, extended that state about sixty miles north of the line established by the ordinance. This action was claimed to be unjust and contrary to the spirit and letter of the compact with the original states. The legislative assembly of Wisconsin passed resolutions which were approved January 13, 1840, that it was inexpedient for the people of the territory to form a constitution and state government until the southern boundary to which they are so justly entitled by the ordinance of 1787 shall be fully recognized by the parties of the original com pact. Owing to various complications over which the territory had no control, her people never succeeded in obtaining from congress what they considered their just rights. It was also contended by many, that the portion of country set off to Michigan on Lake Superior given as a compensation in part for the strip of land awarded to Ohio from her south ern border, should also have constituted a portion of Wisconsin, especially as Michigan never made the least claim to it by her delegate in congress, who was decidedly opposed to the exten sion of Michigan beyond the limits of the lower peninsula. The first survey of the public lands northwest of the Ohio river, was made pursuant to an act of congress approved May 20, 1785 The geographer of the confederation was diected to commence the survey of the government lands on the north side of the river Ohio — the first line running north and south, to begin on said river at a point that should be found to be due north from the western termination of a line which had been run as the southern boundary of the state of Pennsylvania ; the first line running east and west, to begin at the same point, and to extend through the whole territory. The survey comprised seven ranges, composing ten counties of the present state of Ohio. Other surveys followed when the Indian title was extinguished. Thomas Hutchins, who held the office of geographer, is believed to be the inventor of the mode of laying out land which was then introduced by him, and is still in general use by the government. Soon after the government had acquired title to the Indian lands south of the Wisconsin river, the public authorities commenced a systematic survey of the lands, for the purpose of bringing the same into market at the earliest possible period. The public lands in Wisconsin are, as elsewhere in the west, surveyed in uniform rec tangular tracts, each six miles square, by lines running north and south, intersecting others running east and west. These townships are numbered from two lines called the principal meridian and the base line. The principal meridian by which the Wisconsin surveys are gov erned is that known as the fourth, and extends from the Illinois boundary line to Lake Superior, at the mouth of Montreal river, about two hundred and eighty-two miles. It divides Grant from LaFayette county, and passes through the eastern parts of Vernon, Monroe, Jackson, Clark, Chippewa, and Ashland counties. The base line separates Wisconsin from Illinois in north latitude forty-two degrees, thirty minutes. There are nearly seventeen hundred townships in the state. Each township is subdivided into thirty-six sections by lines running parallel to the sides of the township, one mile apart. A section is, therefore, one mile square, and contains six hundred and forty acres. In fractional townships, each section is numbered the same as the corresponding section in whole townships. Each section is subdivided into half-mile squares, called quarter-sections, each containing one hundred and sixty acres, and the subdivision is carried still further into half-quarter or quarter-quarter sections. It is found necessary to estab lish at stated intervals standard parallels, commonly called correction lines, to obviate the effect of the curvature of the earth's surface. The convergence in a single township is small, though quite perceptible, the actual excess in length of its south over its north line being in the state THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 221 about three rods. The townships north of the base line, therefore, become narrower toward the north, and if continued for too great a distance, this narrowing would cause serious inconvenience. In the state of Wisconsin there are four of these correction lines. The first is sixty miles north of the base line, and accordingly runs between townships ten and eleven. The second is between townships twenty and twenty-one, and so on. They are usually sixty miles apart. On these parallels, which form new base lines, fresh measurements are made from the principal meridian, and the corners of new townships are fixed six miles apart as on the original base line. This method of procedure not only takes up the error due to convergency of meridians, but arrests that caused by want of precision in the surveys already made. The northern or western sections of townships, which contain more or less than six hun dred and forty acres, are called fractional sections, for the reason that the surplusage or deficiency arising from errors in surveying, and from other causes, is by law added to or deducted from the western or northern ranges of sections according as the error may be in run ning the lines from east to west, or from north to south. As soon as the surveys were completed in southern Wisconsin and the Green Bay section, and a knowledge of the superior qualities of the land for agricultural purposes were known to the people, the emigration became large. In fact much land was taken possession of by settlers in advance of being surveyed and brought into market. As soon as the land offices at Green Bay, Mineral Point, and Milwaukee were located, public announcement was made by the govern ment, of the time of the sale, when the lands were put up to the highest bidder, and such as were unsold were afterward subject to private entry. The first sales were held at Green Bay and Mineral Point in the year 1835. The sale at Milwaukee was in 1839. From the reports of the general land office, it appears that from 1835 to 1845 inclusive, there were sold at the three land offices from public sale, 2,958,592-^r acres, amounting to $3,768,106.51. Fort Howard military reservation was set apart by order of the president March 2, 1829, and comprised all the lands lying upon Fox river and Green bay, in township 24 north, range 20 east, 4th principal meridian, being about four thousand acres. The lands were abandoned for military purposes, by the war department, December 4, 1850. By an act of congress approved March 3, 1863, the commissioner of the general land office was authorized and directed to cause the reservation, including the site of the fort, containing three and four-hundredths acres, situated in the county of Brown, between Fox river and Beaver Dam run, and which is not included in the confirmations to T. C. Dousman and Daniel Whitney, nor in the grant to the state of Wis consin, under resolutions of congress approved April 25, 1862, granting lands to Wisconsin to aid in the construction of railroads, to be surveyed and subdivided into lots not less than one- fourth of an acre, and not more than forty acres, deducting such portions of the same as the public interest and convenience may require ; and when so surveyed and platted, to be sold sep arately at auction. On the 10th of November, 1864, under directions of the commissioner, the lands were offered for sale at auction at the fort. About one-half of the lands were sold, and purchased by actual settlers, and but few for speculation. The fort and the lands contiguous were sold for six thousand four hundred dollars. The other lands sold brought about the sum of nineteen thousand dollars. That portion of the reservation unsold was to be subject to private entry at the appraised value, and that portion lying between Duck creek and Beaver Dam creek, was subject to entry as other public lands were offered. On the 20th of May, 1868, a joint resolution of congress was approved, by which the com missioner of the general land office was authorized and directed to cause a patent to be issued to the Chicago & Northwestern railroad company, in pursuance of a resolution passed by con- 222 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. gress, granting the same to the state of Wisconsin, approved April 25, 1862, and by act of the legislature approved June 16, 1862, granting the same to that company for eighty acres of land, as was .surveyed and approved by said commissioner June n, 1864. The lands thus donated are now used by the railroad company for their depot grounds The Fort Crawford military reservation was purchased from J. H. Lockwood and James D, Doty by the government in the year 1829, and covered the front and main portions of farm lots numbered thirty -three and thirty-four, of the private land claims at Prairie du Chien, and com prised about one hundred and sixty acres. Fort Crawford was built on this tract in 1829, 1830 and 1831. There was also a reservation of section eighteen, township seven, north of range four west, known as the Cattle Yard. This land was at the mouth of the Kickapoo river, and is now known as the village of Wauzeka. In addition to these lands which were located in Wis consin, there was a reservation of lands lying on the west side of the Mississippi river, in Iowa. The lands in Wisconsin were relinquished by the secretary of wai, January 10, 185 1, and were originally set apart by the president of the United States, February 17, 1843. In the month of April, 1857, the secretary of war authorized Hon. H. M. Rice, of Minne sota, to sell that part of the reservation not impioved, in tracts not exceeding forty acres each- and, in the month of June of that year, he sold at auction five hundred and seven acres of the reserve opposite Fort Crawford, none of which was claimed by actual settlers ; and in the month of December, 1857, he sold the remainder to claimants of lands, also on the west side, and the section in Wisconsin known as the Cattle Yard, amounting to 1773%- acres. A portion of this reservation was subdivided into town lots, 80 by 140 feet, with streets 66 feet and alleys 20 feet wide November 17, 1864, the acting commissioner of the general land office, by order of the war department, offered for sale at public auction at La Crosse the reservation at Fort Crawford, which had been surveyed and subdivided into town lots, eighty by one hundred and forty feet, with streets sixty-five feet and alleys twenty feet wide, conforming to the plat of the village of Prairie du Chien. The lands unsold were subsequently opened to private entry and disposed of. The lands of the Fort Winnebago reservation were set apart by order of the president, February 9, 1835, and consisted of the following territory: sections two, three, and that part of four lying east of Fox river, and fractional section nine, all in township twelve, north of range nine east , also fractional section thirty-three, in township thirteen, north of range nine east, lying west of Fox river, and the fraction of section four, township twelve north, of range nine east, lying west of claim numbered twenty-one of A. Grignon, and adjacent to Fort Winnebago, reserved by order of the president, July 29, 1851. the whole amounting to about four thousand acres. September the first, 1853, these lands were by order of the president offered for sale at public auction at the fort, by F. H. Masten, assistant quartermaster United States army, having previously been surveyed into forty acre lots, and were purchased by J. B. Martin, G. C Tallman, W. H. Wells, Wm. Wier, N. H. Wood, M. R. Keegan, and others. The first land offices in Wisconsin were established under an act of congress approved June 26, 1834, creating additional land districts in the states of Illinois and Missouri, and in the territory north of the state of Illinois. The first section provides " that all that tract lying north of the state of Illinois, west of Lake Michigan, south and southeast of the Wisconsin and Fox rivers, included in the present territory of Michigan, shall be divided by a north and south line, drawn from the northern boundary of Illinois along the range of township line west of Fort Winnebago to the Wisconsin river, and to be called — the one on the west side, the Wisconsin land district, and that on the east side the Green Bay land district of the territory of Michigan, which two districts shall embrace the country north of said rivers when the Indian title shall be THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 223 extinguished, and the Green Bay district may be divided so as to form two districts, when the president shall deem it proper ;" and by section three of said act, the president was author ized to appoint a register and receiver for such office, as soon as a sufficient number of townships are surveyed. An act of congress, approved June 15, 1836, divided the Green Bay land district, as estab lished in 1834, " by a line commencing on the western boundary of said district, and running thence east between townships ten and eleven north, to the line between ranges seventeen and eighteen east, thence north between said ranges of townships to the line between townships twelve and thirteen north, thence east between said townships twelve and thirteen to Lake Michigan ; and all the country bounded north by the division line here described, south by the base line, east by Lake Michigan, and west by the division line between ranges eight and nine east," to be constituted a separate district and known as the " Milwaukee land district." It included the present counties of Racine, Kenosha, Rock, Jefferson, Waukesha, Walworth and Milwaukee, and parts of Green, Dane, Washington, Ozaukee, Dodge and Columbia. An act was approved March 3, 1847, creating an additional land district in the territory. All that portion of the public lands lying north and west of the following boundaries, formed a district to be known as the Chippewa land district : commencing at the Mississippi river on the line between townships twenty-two and twenty-three north, running thence east along said line to the fourth principal meridian, thence north along said meridian line to the line dividing town ships twenty-nine and thirty, thence east along such township line to the Wisconsin river, thence up the main channel of said river to the boundary line between the state of Michigan and the territory of Wisconsin. The counties now included in this district are Pepin, Clark, Eau Claire, Dunn, Pierce, St. Croix, Polk, Barron, Burnett, Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Taylor, Chippewa, and parts of Buffalo, Trempeleau and Jackson ; also, the new county of Price. An act of congress, approved March 2, 1849, changed the location of the land office in the Chippewa district from the falls of St. Croix to Stillwater, in the county of St. Croix, in the proposed territory of Minnesota; and, by section two of the act, an additional land office and district was created, comprising all the lands in Wisconsin not included in the districts of land subject to sale at Green Bay,sMilwaukee, or Mineral Point, which was to be known as the Western land district, and the president was authorized to designate the site where the office should be located. Willow River, now Hudson, was selected. The district was usually known as the St. Croix and Chippewa district, and included St. Croix, La Pointe, and parts of Chippewa and Marathon counties. By an act of congress, approved July 30, 1852, so much of the public lands in Wisconsin as lay within a boundary line commencing at the southwest corner of township fifteen, north of range two east of the fourth principal meridian, thence running due east to the southeast corner of township fifteen, north of range eleven, east of the fourth principal meridian, thence north along such range line to the north line of the state of Wisconsin, thence westwardly along said north line to the line between ranges one and two east of fourth principal meridian, thence south to the place of beginning, were formed into a new district, and known as the Stevens Point land district, and a land office located at that place. The boundaries enclosed the present counties of Juneau, Adams, Marquette, Green Lake, Waushara, Waupaca, Portage, Wood, Marathon, Lincoln, Shawano, New and Marinette. The La Crosse land district was formed of the following territory : " Commencing at a point where the line between townships ten and eleven north touches the Mississippi river, thence due east to the fourth principal meridian, thence north to the line between townships fourteen and fifteen north, thence east to the southeast corner of township fifteen north, of range one east of the 224 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN fourth principal meridian, thence north on the range line to the south line of township number thirty-one north, thence west on the line between townships number thirty and thirty-one to the Chippewa river, thence down said river to its junction with the Mississippi river, thence down said river to the place of beginning." The present counties of Vernon, La Crosse, Monroe, Buf falo, Trempealeau, Eau Claire, Clark, and parts of Juneau and Chippewa were included in its limits. By act of congress, approved February 24, 1855, an additional district was formed of all that portion cf the Willow river land district lying north of the line dividing townships forty and forty-one, to be called the Fond du Lac district — the office to be located by the president as he might from time to time direct. The present counties of Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, and part of Burnett were included within its boundaries. By an act of congress, approved March 3, 1857, so much of the districts of land subject to sale at La Crosse and Hudson, in the state of Wisconsin, contained in the following boundaries, were constituted a new district, to be known as the Chippewa land district : North of the line dividing townships twenty-four and twenty-five north ; south of the line dividing townships forty and forty-one north; west of the line dividing ranges one and two east; and east of the line dividing ranges eleven and twelve west. The location of the office was to be designated by the president as the public interest might require. The present counties of Chippewa, Taylor, Eau Claire and Clark were in this district. There are at the present time six land offices in the state. They are located at Menasha, Falls of St. Croix, Wausau, La Crosse, Bayfield and Eau Claire. By the provisions of law, when the number of acres of land in any one district is reduced to one hundred thousand acres, sub ject to private entry, the secretary of the interior is required to discontinue the office, and the lands remaining unsold are transferred to the nearest land office, to be there subject to sale. The power of locating these offices rests with the president (unless otherwise directed by law), who is alsc authorized to change and re-establish the boundaries of land districts whenever, in his opinion, the public service will be subserved thereby. The pre-emption law of 1830 was intended for the benefit of actual settlers against compe tition in open market with non-resident purchasers. It gave every person who cultivated any part of a quarter section the previous year, and occupied the tract at the date mentioned, the privilege of securing it by payment of the minimum price at any time before the day fixed for the commencement of the public sale. To avail himself of this provision he was to file proof of cultivation and occupancy. As men frequently located claims in advance of the survey, it occasionally happened that two or more would find themselves upon the same quarter sectiont in which case the pre-emption law permitted two joint occupants to divide the quarter section equally between them, whereupon each party received a certificate from the land office, author izing him to locate an additional eighty acres, elsewhere in the same land district, not interfering with other settlers having the right of preference. This was called a floating right. This pro vision of the law was ingeniously perverted from its plain purpose in various ways. As fast as these evasions came to the notice of the department, all certificates given to occupants of the same quarter section in excess of the two first, or to more than one member of the same family, to employees, to any person who had not paid for eighty acres originally occupied, as well as those which were not located at the time of such payment, and the additional tract paid for before the public sale, were held to be worthless or fraudulent ; but a large number of these certificates had been issued, and passed into the hands of speculators and designing men, and were a source of almost endless vexation and annoyance to settlers. The law of 1830 THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 225 expired by limitation in one year from its passage, but was revived by the law of 1834 for two years. In the interim no settler could obtain his land by pre-emption. The law of 1834 extended only to those who had made cultivation in 1833, consequently the settlers of later date were excluded from its benefits. Meanwhile the fraudulent floats were freely used to dispossess actual settlers as late as 1835. The pre-emption law of congress, approved September 4, 1841, provided that every person who should make a settlement in person on public land, and erect a dwelling,' should be author ized to enter a quarter section (one hundred and sixty acres), at the minimum price (one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre), and thus secure the same against competition ; and if any person should settle upon and improve land subject to private entry, he might within thirty days give notice to the register of the land office of his intention to claim the land settled upon, and might within one year upon making proof of his right, enter the land at the minimum price. At the public land sales at Mineral Point, heldin 1835, all those tracts on which lead was found, or on which it was supposed to exist, were reserved to the United States, and were leased under certain regulations by the government for a rent of ten per centum of all the lead raised. The quantity of land thus reserved was estimated at one million acres. Considerable difficulty was found in collecting these rents, and subsequently it was abandoned, as the amount expended in collecting exceeded the value of the lead collected. In the period of four years the government suffered a loss of over nineteen thousand dollars. The act of congress, approved July n, 1846, authorized the sale of the reserved mineral lands in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, and provided that, after six months' public notice, the lands should not be subject to the rights of pre-emption until after the same had been offered at public sale, when they should be subject to private entry. The law also provided, that, upon satisfac tory proof being made to the register and receiver of the proper land office, any tract or tracts of land containing a mine or mines of lead ore actually discovered and being worked, would be sold in such legal subdivisions as would include lead mines, and no bid should be received therefor at less than the sum of two dollars and fifty cents per acre, and if such tract or tracts should not be sold at such public sale, at such price, nor should be entered at private sale within twelve months thereafter, the same should be subject to sale as other lands. This act was changed by an* act approved March 3, 1847, providing that any one being in possession by actual occupancy of a mine discovered prior to the passage of this act, who should pay the same rents as those who held leases from- the secretary of war, should be entitled to purchase the lands prior to the day of sale at five dollars per acre. Mineral lands were to be offered for sale in forty acre pieces, and no bids were to be received less than five dollars per acre, and if not sold they were then to be subject to private entry at the same price. In 1847 or 1848 the reserved mineral lands were sold at public sale at Mineral Point at two dollars and fifty cents per acre, and they were all disposed of at that price. Soon after the formation of Wisconsin territory, an act was passed by its legislature, approved January 5, 1838, incorporating the Milwaukee and Rock river canal company, and by an act of congress approved June 18 of the same year, a grant of land was made to aid in the construction of the canal. The grant consisted of the odd-numbered sections on a belt of ten miles in width from Lake Michigan to Rock river, amounting to 139,190 acres. Of those lands 43,447 acres were sold at public sale in July, 1839, at the minimum price of two dollars and fifty cents' per acre. Work was commenced on the canal at Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee river for a short distance from its outlet was improved by the construction of a dam across the river, which was made available for manufacturing and other purposes. A canal was also built about a mile in length and forty feet wide, leading from it down on the west bank of the river. Much 226 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. dissatisfaction subsequently arose ; the purchasers at this sale, and others occupying these canal and reserved lands felt the injustice of being compelled to pay double price for their lands, and efforts were made to repeal all laws authorizing further sales, and to ask congress to repeal the act making the grant. The legislation on the subject of this grant is voluminous. In 1862 the legislature of the state passed an act to ascertain and settle the liabilities, if any, of Wisconsin and the company, and a board of commissioners was appointed for that purpose. At the session of the legislature in 1863, the committee made a report with a lengthy opinion of the attorney-gen eral of the state. The views of that officer were, that the company had no valid claims for damages against the state. In this opinion the commissioners concurred. On the 23d of March, 1875, an act was approved by the governor, giving authority to the attorney-general to discharge and release of record any mortgage before executed to the late territory of Wisconsin, given to secure the purchase money or any part thereof of any lands granted by congress to aid in the construc tion of this canal. The quantity of lands unsold was subsequently made a part of the 500,000 acre tract granted by congress for school purposes. It is believed the whole matter is now closed against further legislative enactments. The next grant of lands made by congress ior internal improvements in Wisconsin, was one approved August 8, 1846, entitled " an act to grant a certain quantity of land to aid in the improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, and to connect the same by canal." By this act there was granted to Wisconsin on her becoming a state, for improving the navigation of the above-named streams, and constructing the canal to unite the same, a quantity of land equal to one-half of three sections in width on each side of Fox river, and the lakes through which it passes from its mouth to the point where the portage canal should enter the same, and each side of the canal from one stream to the other, reserving the alternate sections to the United States with certain provisions in relation thereto. On the 3d of August, 1854, an act of congress was approved, authorizing the governor of Wisconsin to select the balance of lands to which the state was entitled to under the provisions of the act of 1846, out of any unsold government lands sub ject to private entry in the state, the quantity to be ascertained upon the principles which gov erned the final adjustment of the grant to the state of Indiana, for the Wabash and Erie canal, approved May 9, 1848. In the years 1854 and 1855, acts of congress were passed, defining and enlarging the grant. Under the grants of 1846, 1854 and 1855, the number of acres donated foi this purpose and certified to the state, was 674,100. After the admission of Wisconsin into the Union, by an act of its legislature, approved August 8, 1848, a board of public works was created, through which the work of improving the said rivers, by the application thereto of the proceeds of the sale of the lands granted by con gress, was undertaken by the state. It soon became apparent that the moneys realized from the sale of lands were insufficient to meet the obligations of the state issued by its board of public works as they became due ; and in 1853 the work was turned over to the Fox and Wisconsin Improvement company, a corpora tion created under an act of the legislature of Wisconsin approved July 6, 1853. In 1856, by an act of the legislature of Wisconsin, approved October 3, 1S56, the lands granted by congress then unsold were granted by the state, through the said company, to trustees, with power to sell, and to hold the proceeds in trust for the payment of state indebtedness, the completion of the work, thereafter for the payment of bonds issued by the said company, and the balance, if any, for the company itself. In February, 1866, the trustees, in execution of the powers contained in the deed of trust made to them, and pursuant to a judgment of the circuit court of Fond du Lac county, sold at public sale at Appleton, Wisconsin, the works of improvement and the balance of lands granted THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 227 by congress then unsold, and applied the proceeds to the purposes expressed in the deed of trust. The proceeds were sufficient to pay in full the expenses of the trust, the then outstanding state indebtedness, and to provide a fund sufficient to complete the work according to the plan specified in the act approved October 3, 1856. Under an act of the legislature of Wisconsin approved April 13, 1861, and the acts amend atory thereof, the purchasers at said sale, on the 15 th day of August, 1866, filed their certificate in the office of the secretary of state, and thereby became incorporated as the Green Bay and Mississippi canal company, holding, as such company, the said works of improvement. At a subsequent date, under instructions from the engineer department of the United States, the surveys of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers were placed in the charge of General G. K. War ren, and by act of congress approved July 7, 1870, the secretary of war was authorized to appoint a board of arbitrators to ascertain how much the government should pay to the suc cessors of the Improvement company, the Green Bay and Mississippi canal company, for the transfer of all its property and rights; and by a subsequent act, approved June 10, 1872, an appropriation was made therefor. The legislation on matters connected with the Fox and Wisconsin river improvement would make a chapter of itself. The work is now in charge of the government, and will be prosecuted to completion in a satisfactory manner. On the 29th of May, 1848, an act was approved by the president "to enable the people of Wisconsin territory to form a constitution and state government, and for the admission of such state into the Union," by which certain propositions were to be submitted to the convention which were to be acted upon, and subsequently submitted to the people for their approval. The first constitutional convention was held in October, 1846, and, having framed a constitution, it was submitted to a vote of the people at the election in 1847, and it was rejected. The second convention met December 15, 1847, and, having formed a constitution, it was adopted by the people at the election in 1848. The following are the propositions proposed by congress : 1. That section sixteen numbered in every township of the public lands of said state, and where such section has been sold or otherwise disposed of, other lands equivalent thereto, and as contiguous as may be, shall be granted to the said state for the use of schools. 2. That seventy-two sections, or two entire townships, of land set apart and reserved for the use and support of a university by act of congress approved June 12, 1838, are hereby granted and conveyed to the state, to be appropriated solely to the use and support of such university in such manner as the legislature may prescribe. 3. That ten entire sections of land to be selected and located under the direction of the legislature, in legal subdivisions of not less than one quarter of a section from any of the unap propriated lands belonging to the United States within the state are granted to the state for completing the public buildings, or for the erection of others at the seat of government, under the direction of the legislature. 4. That all salt-springs within the state, not exceeding twelve in number, shall be granted to the state, to be selected by the legislature, and when selected, to be used or disposed of on such terms, conditions, and regulations as the legislature shall direct. The title to all lands and other property which accrued to the territory of Wisconsin by grant, gift, purchase, forfeiture, escheat, or otherwise, were, by the provisions of the constitution of the state, vested in the state ; and the people of the state, in their right of sovereignty, were declared to possess the ultimate property in and to all lands within its jurisdiction ; and all lands, the title of which shall fail from a defect of heirs, shall revert or escheat to the people. The act of congress for the admission of the state into the Union gave formal assent to the 228 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. grant relative to the Fox and Wisconsin river improvement, and the lands reserved to the United States by said grant, and also the grant to the territory of Wisconsin, for the purpose of aiding in opening a canal to connect the waters of Lake Michigan with those of Rock river, were to be offered for sale at the same minimum price, and subject to the same rights of pre-emption as other public lands of the United States. By the provisions of the state constitution, the secretary of state, the state treasurer and attorney-general, were constituted a board of commissioners for the sale of the school and university lands, and for the investment of the funds arising therefrom. In the year 1850 the commissioners put into market, for the first time, the school lands which had been donated to the state. The total quantity of lands offered was 148,021, 44-100 acres, which sold for the sum of $444,265.19. By an act of congress, approved September 4, 1841, there were granted to the state 500,000 acres of land, which were, by act of the territorial legislature of 1849, appropriated to the school fund, and the unsold lands of the Milwaukee and Rock river canal company, amounting to about 140,000 acres, were to be included as a part of the above grant. These lands, and the sixteenth section of each township, make up the whole of the school lands of the state. The whole number of acres sold up to the year 1877 is 1,243,984 acres, and there remain unsold, subject to entry, 216,016 acres. The state university land grant was made in 1838, and seventy-two sections set apart and reserved. The lands were selected in 1845 and 1846. On the 15th of December, 1854, an act of congress was approved, relinquishing to the state the lands reserved for the salt-springs, and seventy-two sections were granted in lieu thereof, in aid of the university of the state The number of acres amounts to 92,160, all of which have been sold except 4,407 acres, which are subject to entry. Under the re-organization and enlargement of the university, under provisions of chapter 114, of general laws of 1866, section thirteen provides, among other things, that the income of a fund to be derived from the sales of the two hundred and forty thousand acies, granted by congress by act approved July 2, 1862, entitled: "An act donating lands to the several states and territories which may provide colleges for the benefit of agriculture and mechanic arts," be devoted to the state university, and the funds arising therefrom to be known as the " agricultural college fund." All of the grant of lands have been sold except 51,635 acres. The quantity of lands donated by act of congress August 6, 1846, for the purpose of completing or erecting public buildings at the seat of government, known as " Capitol Lands," amounted to ten entire sections, or six thousand four hundred acres. A grant of lands was made to the state by act of congress, approved September 28, 1850, of all the swamp and overflowed lands within its limits. The total number of acres of this grant, as certified to the state from the government, to the year 1877, is 1,869,677. A grant of land was made by congress, approved March 3, 1863, for the construction of a military road from Fort Wilkins, Michigan, to Fort Howard, Wisconsin, of every alternate section of public lands, designated by even numbers for three sections in width on each side of said road, and subject to the disposal of the legislature. In 1865 sales of land were made to the number of 85,961.89 acres, which realized the sum of $114,856.54. An act of congress was approved June 25, 1864, granting lands to the state to build a military road from Wausau, Wisconsin, to Ontonagon, on Lake Superior, of every alternate section of land designated as odd sections, for three sections in width on each side of the road. The grant was accepted by the state by law, approved April 10, 1865. An act was also passed by congress, approved April 10, 1866, granting to the state of Wis consin a donation of public lands to aid in the construction of a breakwater and harbor and ship THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 229 canal at the head of Sturgeon bay, Wis., to connect the waters of Green bay with Lake Michigan. The grant was for 200,000 acres of land. The grant. was accepted by the legislature of 1868. In 1874, the samebody by resolution transferred to the Sturgeon bayandLake Michigan ship canal and harbor company 32,342 acres, and the remaining portion was authorized to be sold for agri cultural purposes by said company. The first railroad grant in Wisconsin was by act of congress, approved June 3, 1856, by the first section of which there was granted to the state, for the purpose of aiding in the construction of a railroad from Madison or Columbus, by the way of Portage City, to the St. Croix river or lake, between townships twenty-five and thirty-one, and from thence to the west end of Lake Superior and to Bayfield ; and from Fond du Lac, on Lake Winnebago, northerly to the state line, every alternate section of land designated by odd numbers, for six sections in width on each side of said roads, respectively; the land to be applied exclusively in the construction of said roads, and to no other purpose whatever, and subject to the disposal of the legislature, and the same shall remain public highways for the use of the government, free from toll and other charges upon the transportation of property or troops of the United States, with other conditions as to the disposal of said lands. The grant was accepted by the legislature by an act approved October 8, 1856, and on the nth of the same month an act was approved granting a portion of the lands to the La Crosse & Mississippi railroad company, who were to carry out all the requirements of the original grant. A supplementary act was approved the same session, October 13, incorporating the Wisconsin & Superior railroad, which company was required to commence the construction of their road on or before January 1, 1857, and to complete the same to Oshkosh before August 1, 1858. Of this land grant John W. Cary says : " That portion of the grant given to aid in the construction of a railroad northerly to the state line was conferred on the Wisconsin & Superior railroad company. This company was organized in the interest of the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac railroad company, and that part of the grant was transferred to it. The road was, in 1859, extended to Oshkosh, and thence to Menasha, and finally to Green Bay. In the panic of 1857, the company failed to meet its obligations, but was afterward enabled to go on, and continued in possession until June 2, 1859, when its road was sold on the foreclosures of the mortgages given thereon ; and on the sixth of the same month the present Chicago & Northwestern railroad company was organized under the statute, by purchasers at said sale, and took possession." A large portion of the original grant was given for the construction of a road from Madison or Columbus to the St. Croix river, as before stated. The La Crosse company, during the years 1857 and 1858, completed its main line to La Crosse; the Watertown line, from Watertown to Columbus, and partially graded the line from Madison to Portage City. Neither it nor its suc cessors ever received any part of the lands of the land grant. In 1856 and 1857, the La Crosse & Milwaukee railroad graded most of the line from Madi son to Portage. After the failure of the company, this line was abandoned, and so remained until 1870, when a new company was organized, under the name of the Madison & Portage City railroad company. In 1873, an act was passed chartering the Tomah & Lake St. Croix railroad company, and repealing and annulling that portion of the land grant which bestowed the lands from Tomah to Lake St. Croix upon the La Crosse company, and bestowing the same upon the company chartered by this act. This road is known as the West Wisconsin railroad. An act of congress was approved May 5, 1864, granting lands to aid in the construction of certain roads in the state. This was a re-enactment of the law of 1856, and divided the grant in three sections, one of which was for a road from a point on the St. Croix river or lake, between 230 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. townships twenty -five and thirty-one, to the west end of Lake Superior, and from some point on the line of said road, to be selected by the state, to Bayfield — every alternate section designated by odd numbers, for ten sections in width on each side of said road, with an indemnity extending twenty miles on each side, was granted, under certain regulations ; another, for aiding in building a road from Tomah to the St. Croix river, between townships twenty-five and thirty-one — every alternate section by odd numbers, for ten sections in width on each side of the road ; another for aiding and constructing a railroad from Portage City, Berlin, Doty's Island, or Fond du Lac, as the legislature may determine, in a northwestern direction, to Bayfield, on Lake Superior, and a grant of every alternate section designated by odd numbers, for ten sections in width on each side of said road, was donated. The legislature of 1865 failed to agree upon a disposition of the grant. The succeeding legislature conferred the grant partly upon the " Winnebago & Lake Superior Railroad Company," and partly upon the " Portage & Superior Railroad Company," the former April 6, 1866, and the latter April 9, 1866. The two companies were consolidated, under the name of the "Portage, Winnebago & Superior Railroad," by act of the legislature, March 6, 1869, and by act of legis lature approved February 4, 1871, the name was changed to the "Wisconsin Central Railroad." HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. By JOSEPH HOBBINS, M.D. An article on state health, necessarily embracing the etiology, or causes of disease, involves the discussion of the geographical position of the state ; its area, physical features ; its elevations, depressions; water supply; drainage; its mean level above the sea; its geology; climatology; the nationality of its people ; their occupations, habits, food, education ; and, indeed, of all the physical, moral and mental influences which affect the public health. Geographical Position. The geographical position of Wisconsin, considered in relation to health, conveys an imme diate and favorable impression, which is at once confirmed by a reference to the statistica. .alas of the United States. On its north it is bounded by Lake Superior, Minnesota, and thenorthern peninsula of Michigan; on the south by Illinois; on the east by Lake Michigan, and on the west by the Mississippi. It lies between 420 30' and 460 55' N. latitude, and between 870 and 92" 50' W. long.; is 285 miles long from north to south, and 255 in breadth from east to west, giving it an area of some 53,924 square miles, or 34,511,360 acres. Its natural surface divisions, or proportions, are 16 per cent, of prairie, 50 of timber, 19 of openings, 15 of marsh, mineral undefined. North of 45 ° the surface is nearly covered with vast forests of pine. The proportion of the state cultivated is nearly one-sixth. Physical Features. Among these, its lacustrine character is most conspicuous, so much so that it may not inaptly be called the state of a thousand lakes, its smaller ones being almost universal and innumerable. HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. 231 It has an almost artificially perfect arrangement of its larger rivers, both for supply and drainage, is rolling in its surface, having several dividing ridges or water sheds, and varies from 600 to 1,600 feet above the level of the sea, Blue Mounds being 1,729 feet above sea level. Its pine and thickly wooded lands are being rapidly denuded, and to some extent converted to agricultural purposes ; its marshes in the north are being reclaimed for cranberry cultivation, and in the more thickly settled parts of the state for hay purposes. The surface of the state is beautifully diver sified with stream, waterfall and rapids ; richly wooded bluffs several hundred feet in height, assuming the most romantic and pleasing forms, and composed of sandstone, magnesian limestone, granite, trap, etc. The health and summer resorts of Wisconsin are illustrative of its beauty, and its numerous mineral springs have long since formed an important feature of its character for salubrity. Geology. The geology of Wisconsin does not require from us but a very general notice, as it is only from its relation to disease that we have to consider it. This relation is in a measure apparent in the fact that everywhere the topographical features are governed by the strata below them. The relationship will be seen still further in the chemical or sanitary influence of the geological: structures. Through the greater part of the south half of the state limestone is found, the cliff prevailing in the mineral region, and the blue in the other parts ; while in the north part of the state the primitive rocks, granite, slate, and sandstone prevail. South of the Wisconsin river sandstone in layers of limestone, forming the most picturesque bluffs, abounds. While west of Lake Michigan extends up to these rocks the limestone formation, being rich in timber or prairie- land. Sandstone is found underneath the blue limestone. The general dip of the stratified rocks of the state is toward the south, about 8 feet to the mile. Medical geology treats of geology so far only as it affects health. Thus, some diluvial soils-. and sands are known to be productive of malarial fevers ; others, of a clayey character, retaining, water, are productive of cold damp, and give rise to pulmonary and inflammatory diseases ; while others still, being very porous, are promotive of a dry and equable atmosphere. In the Potsdam rocks arise our purest waters and best supply, while our magnesia* limestone rocks (a good quality of this kind of rock being composed of nearly equal parts of carbonate of lime and carbonate of magnesia) affect the water to the extent of producing simple diarrhoea in those. unaccustomed to drinking it, as is observed in southern visitors, and was especially noticeable in the rebel prisoners at Camp Randall, though singularly enough do not seem to produce. stone and gravel, as is alleged of the same kind of water in the north of England. Why this is. so — if so — is a question of some interest. Goitre and cretinism are both attributed to the use of the same magnesian limestone water. Goitre is by no means an uncommon affection here, but not common enough, perhaps, to warrant us in thinking its special cause is in the water.. Boiling the water is a preventive of all injurious effects. There is still another objection • — partic ularly applicable to cities — to this kind of water, the carbonates of lime and magnesia which it contains, not simply making it hard, but giving it the power to promote the decomposition of organic matters, and thus where the soil is sandy or porous, endangering the purity of our well- water. Geology in general affects all our soils and their products ; all our drainage ; even our architecture, the material with which we build. Our building stone for half of the state is a magnesian limestone, a rather soft or poor quality of which will absorb one-third of its bulk of water, or two and a half gallons to the cubic foot, while most kinds of sandstone are nearly as porous as loose sand, and in some of them the penetrability for air and water is the same. (A single brick of poor quality will absorb a pint of water). Such materials used in the construction 232 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. of our dwellings, without precautionary measures, give rise to rheumatism, other grave diseases, and loss of strength. Besides, this character of stone absorbs readily all kinds of liquid and gaseous impurities, and though hardening in dry air, decays soon when exposed to underground moisture. The material of which our roads are made, as well as the kind of fuel we use in our homes, have the same unquestionable relationship to geology and disease. Drainage. The natural drainage of the state, bearing in mind that the mean elevation of its hydro- graphical axis is about 1,000 feet above the sea level, is as excellent as it is obvious. (A line running from Lake Michigan across the state to the Mississippi, shows an elevation of about 500 feet). North its drainage is by a few rapid but insignificant streams into Lake Superior, while east it increases greatly and enters Lake Michigan by way of Green bay. The principal part of the supply and drainage, however, is from the extreme north to the southwest through the center of the state, by five large rivers, which empty themselves into the Mississippi at almost equal distances from each other. Climatology. The climatology of Wisconsin will be exhibited in the observations taken at different times, for longer or shorter periods, and at different points of the state. But it must be borne in mind that climate depends quite as much and very frequently more upon the physical surroundings, upon the presence of large bodies of water, like our lakes, upon large forests, like our pineries, like our heavy hard-woods, and of land elevations and depressions, upon isothermal lines, etc., as it does upon latitude. Our historic period is of a character too brief for us to assume to speak of our climate, or of all the changing causes which influence it — in a positive manner, our horticultural writers, to make the difficulty still greater, affirming that it has several climates within itself; still, sufficient data have been gathered from sufficiently reliable sources to enable us to form a tolerably accurate idea of the subject. The great modifiers of our climate are our lakes. These, bounding as they do, the one, Lake Superior (600 feet above the level of the sea. 420 miles long and 160 broad), on the north side of the state, and the other, Lake Michigan (578 feet above the sea level, 320 miles long and 84 broad), on the east side of the state, serve to govern the range of the thermometer and the mean temperature of the seasons, as much as they are governed in New England by the ocean. Our climate is consequently very much like that of the New England sea-board. They both exhibit the same extremes and great extremes, have the same broadly marked continental features at some seasons, and decided tropical features at others. It is of special interest in this con nection to know that the climate between the eastern coast and the lakes increases in rigor as one advances west until the lakes are reached, and again becomes still more rigorous as one advances into the interior west of the lakes, thus affording proof, if proof were wanting, of the modifying and agreeable influences of large bodies of water During the winter the mean temperature of the east on the New England coast is 8.38 higher than the west (beyond the lakes) ; during the spring 3.53 lower; during the summer 6.99 lower; and during the autumn 1.54 higher. In the mean temperature for the year there is buta fractional difference. That the winters are less rigorous and the summers more temperate on the Great Lakes is demonstrated to be owing not to elevation, but, as on the ocean, to the equal izing agency of an expanse of water. On the lakes the annual ratio of fair days is 117, and on the New England coast 215; the HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. 233 cloudy days are as 127 to 73; the rainy as 63 to 46 , and the snowy as 45 to 29 In the former the prevailing weather is cloudy, and in the latter it is fair. The immense forests on the upper lake shores of course exercise a considerable influence in the modification of our temperature, as well as in the adding to our rain-fall and cloudy days. A climate of this character, with its attendant rains, gives us that with which we are so abundantly supplied, great variety of food, both for man and beast, the choicest kinds of fruits and vegetables in the greatest profusion, and of the best quality, streams alive with fish, woods and prairies with game, the noblest trees, the most exquisite flowers, and the best breeds of domestic animals the world can boast of. The semi-tropical character of our summer, and its resemblance to that of New England, is shown by the mean temperature — 70^ — for three months at Salem, Massachusetts, at Albany, New York, at southern Wisconsin, Fort Snelling and Fort Benton on the Upper Missouri, being the same ; while at Baltimore, Cincinnati and St. Louis, it is 75", and around the gulf of Mexico it is 8ou Another feature of our climate is worthy the notice of invalids and of those who make the thermometer their guide for comfo t. It is a well-ascertained fact that during the colder seasons the lake country is not only relatively, but positively, warmer than places far south of it. The thermometer, during the severe cold of January, 1856, did not fall so low at the coldest, by ioQ to 15° at Lake Superior as at Chicago at the same time. This remark holds true of the changes of all periods of duration, even if continued over a month. The mean temperature at Fort Howard, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 600 feet above the level of the Atlantic, latitude 440 40', longitude 87 °, observations for nine years, is 44.93 ; and at Fort Crawford, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, 580 feet above the level of the Atlantic, latitude 430 3', longitude 90" 53', observa tions for four years, is 45.65, giving a just idea of our mean temperature for the state. Under the head of distribution of heat in winter, it is found that the maximum winter range at Fort Winnebago, Wisconsin, for sixteen years, is 9.4. Hyetal or Rain Character. Wisconsin is situated within what is termed the area of constant precipitation, neither affected by a rainy season, nor by a partial dry season. The annual quantity of rain on an average for three years at Fort Crawford, was 29.54 inches, and at Fort Howard the mean annual on an average of four years, was 38.83 inches. The annual quantity of rain, on an average of three years was 31.88 inches at Fort Winnebago, situate (opposite the portage between the Fox and Wisconsin rivers) 80 miles west of Lake Michigan and 112 miles southwest of Green Bay. The rain-fall is less in the lake district than in the valley of the Mississippi in the same latitudes. One of the peculiarities of our winters is the almost periodical rain-fall of a few days in the middle of the winter (usually in the middle of January), which extends to the Atlantic coast, while north and northwest of us the dry cold continues without a break, winter being uniform and severe, characterized by aridity and steady low temperature. Another peculiarity of our climate is, the number of snowy and rainy days is increased disproportionately to the actual quantity — the large bodies of water on the boundaries of the state, contrary to the popular opinion, reduc ing the annual quantity of rain in their immediate vicinity instead of adding to it, the heavier precipitation being carried further away. One of the most pleasing features of our climate is its frequent succession of showers in summer, tempering as it does our semi-tropical heat, increasing the fertility of the soil, and carpeting our prairies with a green as grateful to the eye as that of England. The hygrometric condition of Wisconsin may be judged of with proximate accuracy by that given of Poultney, Iowa : 234 HISTORY' OF WISCONSIN ¦p. i | Temperature j of Air. Temperature of Evaporat'n Humidity, per cent. Day. Temperature of Air. Temperature of Evaporat'n Humidity, per cent. IOth 12 92° 87 92 96 93 78°7577 8178 51 55 48 50 44 19th 20 __ 21 29 30 - 94° 9796 81 84 81° 81 8072 71 55 484763 50 13 -- --- 14 The average depth of snow for three years, at Beloit, Wisconsin, was twenty-five inches while at Oxford county, Maine, the average for twelve years was ninety inches. The isohyetal lines of the mean precipitation of rain and melted snow, for the year 1872, show that of Wiscon sin to be thirty-two. Isotherms. The mean tempnature of spring is represented by the isotherm of 45 ° F. which enters Wis consin from the west about forty miles south of Hudson, passing in a nearly southeast direction, and crosses the south line of the state near the west line of Walworth county. It then passes nearly around the head of Lake Michigan, then northeast until it reaches the latitude of Milwaukee, whence it passes in a somewhat irregular course east through Ontario, New York, and Massa chusetts, entering the ocean in the vicinity of Boston. The summer mean isotherm of 700 F. enters Wisconsin from the west but little farther north than the spring isotherm, and passes through the state nearly parallel with the course of that line, crossing the southern boundary near the east line of Walworth county ; passing through Chicago it goes in a direction a little south of east, and enters the Atlantic at New Haven. The mean isotherm of 47 ° F. for autumn, enters the state about twenty miles north of Prairie du Chien, passing' in a direction a little north of east through Portage, and enters Lake Michigan near Manitowoc. The isotherm of 20° F. representing the mean temperature of winter, enters the state near Prairie du Chien, passes east and north and enters Lake Michigan at Sturgeon bay. The annual mean temperature is repre sented by the isotherm of 45 ° F. which enters the state near Prairie du Chien, passes across the. state in a direction a little south of east, and enters Lake Michigan a little south of Milwaukee. What influence these isotherms have upon our belts of disease there are no data to show. But from their influence upon vegetable life, one can not but infer a similar good influence on the animal economy. This is a question for the future. Barometrical. Yearly mean of barometer at 32" F. as observed at the University of Wisconsin, altitude 1,088 feet above the sea : 1869 28.932 inches. 1870.. 28.867 " i87i._ __.28.986 1872 28.898 1873 28.892 inches. 1874 28.867 " 1875 28.750 " 1876 28.920 " Atmospheric pressure, as indicated by the barometer, is an important element in the causation of disease, far more so than is generally thought. The barometer indicates not only the coming of the storm, but that state of the atmosphere which gives rise to health at one time, and to disease at another. When the barometer is high, both the body and mind have, a feeling of elasticity, of vigor and activity, and when the barometer ranges low, the feelings of both are just the reverse ; and both of these states, commonly attributed to temperature, are mostly the result of change in the barometric pressure. Many inflammations, as of the lungs,' etc., commonly HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. 235 attributed to change in the temperature, have their origin in barometrical vicissitudes. Winds. Generally speaking, the atmospheric movement is from the west. It is of little purpose what the surface wind may be, as this does not affect the fact of the constancy of the westerly winds in the middle latitudes. The showers and cumulus clouds of the summer always have this movement. The belt of westerly winds is the belt of constant and equally distributed rains, the feature of our winds upon which so much of our health and comfort depends. Climatological Changes from Settling the State. There are many theories afloat concerning the effects of reclaiming the soil and the destruc tion of its forests. To us, a new people and a new state, the question is one of great moment,, the more so that it is still in our power not only to watch the effects of such changes, but still more so to control them in a measure for our good. As to the effects upon animal and vegetable life, it would appear that so far as relates to the clearing away of forests, the whole change of conditions is limited to the surface, and dependent for the most part on the retention and slow evaporation in the forest, in contrast with the rapid drainage and evaporation in the open space. The springs, diminishing in number and volume in our more settled parts of the state, do not indicate a lessening rain-fall. It is a well ascertained fact that in other places so denuded, which have been allowed to cover themselves again with forests, the springs reappear, and the streams are as full as before such denudation. With us, happily, while the destruction of forests is going on in various parts of the state, their second growth is also going on, both in the pineries, where new varieties of hard-wood take the place of the pine, and in the more cultivated parts of the state, cultivation forbidding, as it does, the practice so much in vogue some years ago, of running fires through the undergrowth. Thus, though the renewal of forests may not be keeping pace with their destruction, it would seem clear that as time advances, the springs and streams in the more cultivated sections of the state will fill and flow again, increasing in proportion as the second growth increases and expands. The change, however, from denudation, though strictly limited to the surface, affects the surface in other ways than simply in the retention and evaporation of rain. When the winter winds are blowing, the want of the sheltering protection of belts of trees is bitterly felt, both by man and beast. And so, too, in the almost tropical heats of the summer ; both languish and suffel from the want of shade. Nor is the effect of denudation less sensibly felt by vegetable life. The growing of our more delicate fruits, like the peach, the plum, the pear, the better varieties of the cherry and gooseberry, with the beautiful half-hardy flowering shrubs, all of which flourished sboto < 433231 87 379 191 82 11 5 13 47 14 827 434 195 Total 751 652 28 25 1,456 BUFFALO COUNTY. 296 34 307138 376 369 292277413339275215 402341717899 552 465 500 254293279 137 336321282227372309240 212 383306671 664501 421494 2 3 550 637 686 275 712 690574 504 785 648 515 427 785 647 1,388 1,563 1,053 886 994 Total 7,517 6,702 2 3 14,219 CALUMET COUNTY. 864666 1,061 668 1,0081,016 837910690 809507 1,000 592875 949753 865 639 12 16 3 1 161 7 16 4 156 1,6921,173 2,093 1,2671,8841,965 Chilton 1.590 2 092 1,329 7,720 6,989 193 183 15,085 CLARK COUNTY. Beaver Colby Eaton Fremont Grant Hewet Hixon Loyal Lynn Levis Mentor Mayville,... Pine Valley Perkins Sherman ... Unity Warner Weston Washburn . York Total.. 106303 IS 3 67 353 58 205 2112 84 151 347 137 789 36 132 132 186 22.1 70 171 91 210 142 47 310 43 123 237 71 113 307 123 736 37 120 107121 153 CM 135 3,294 197513 325 1IM 111,3 101 328499 155 211 I 65! 260 1,625 73 252 239 307379 138306 7,282 CHIPPEWA COUNTY. POPULATION. Towns, Cities and White. Colored a aCD a 6£ d!to« 361488654 3,286 329 1,3601,046 346442 269420 606 1,755 288 1,074 638252368 6 3 4 630 .9081,2605,050 „6"2,4341,688 598810 Sigel 8,312 5,670 6 7 13,995 COLUMBIA COUNTY. 512 639 481912662 662 376749515596 541 705 449 444 853 759130 2,164 630409 423 486580 33 497584 400 991 647618351712 497 506505743437 409862737119 2,161 556374347442 540 34 1,0091,223 1 43 7 135 1,9031,3091,280 Fort Winnebago 727 1,4611,0121,1031,046 1,448 886 858 1,721 1 496 249 4,337 1,186 783 Scott 770 West Point 928 1,120 West w. Vil. of Randolph. . 67 Total 14,710 14,069 15 9 28,803 CRAWFORD COUNTY. 177851755 798 313 498894 411429 404 184485704773 683 186765 688766 258404 326352535424209 468 687 697 511 42 12 3 35" 363 1,616 1443 1,564 571 902 Prairie du linen city- 720765 964 Third ward 82§ , Fourth ward 393 953 1,391 Dtlca 1,470 1,094 7,759 7,276 18 11 15,035 DOUGLAS COUNTY. Superior . 386 346 3 741 STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN. 251 DOOR COUNTY. DUNN COUNTY. DODGE COUNTY. DANE COUNTY. POPULATION. Towns, Cities and White. Colored & £3 toa a 0> a to 210 359 844244420 208 377 166 394 226268 290 881 286220 186 316279 210 382206 825 107 278 192 211259801244 181 396 675 623 454 802414 702 273 672 418 479 549 632 630 401 4,343 3,677 8,020 178 578 577261490239 1,959 130130 349327 156 879628 271400 128 212 170 458490231463 190 1,467 124115 313 203 146 308548 229 263 117188 5 1 i 2 348 1,036 1,067 492 954 429 3,433 264 245 662 531 302 687 1 2 1,176 503 663 245 400 7,394 6,021 7 5 13.427 742794 1,656 567593 451 694701724 471 451 985 1,143 591 907 156 833832 1,014 1,318 582 1,006 668956149 559 1,072 956586615 1,435 628 700 707 1,795 524 519403 636 701632381508911 1,097 599841 154 804 759 929 1,245 537951 653 912 168 506 1,026 806558618 1,520 441 4 25 1 28 1,442 1,501 3,455 1,091 1,112 854 1,330 Eiha 1,402 1,356 853 1,012 1.896 2,240 1,190 1,748 31 "3" 1 310 1,637 1,597 1,943 2,563 1,069 1,958 Portland 1,321 Rubicon 1,868 Randolph village, E. ward Shields.. „.. 318 1,065 Theresa ; 11 2,098 Trenton 1,762 Westford 1,145 Watertown city, 5 & 6 w'ds Waupun village, 1st ward, . 1,233 2,955 1,070 Total 24,785 23,641 35 33 48,394 population. Towns, Cities and White. Colored Villages. a "3 s to a £ to to u to to < 679592 451555559 579575853580703 597 493677 586 576419 4,858 813726866540655 530 470 569 592 553 522728585 515283 547546562813 629518 582543 446 474 531 558546740549727571413 575587575 361 5,174 818691850538704444448C87 559504 495 664 622 457306479491 555808 558 484 1 i1 4 41 3 2 1 11 3 1 4 20 1 2 1 1 1,261 1,135 897 1,030 1 090 1,137 1,121 1,5931,130 1,4301,168 906 1,253 1,173 1,051 788 10,093 1,635 1,417 1.718 1,079 1,359 974 919 1,057 1,151 1,057 1,018 1,392 1,207 972 589 1,026 1,039 1,118 1,621 1,191 1,003 26,894 25,814 60 30 52,798 FON DU LAC COUNTY. Ashford Auburn Alto Byron Calumet Eden Empire Eldorado FondduLac Forest Friendship Fond du Lac city- First ward Second ward Third ward Fourth ward Fiftli ward Sixth ward Seventh ward Eighth ward Lamartine Metomen Marshtield Oakfleld Osceola Ripon Rosendale Ripon city- First ward Second ward Springvale Taycheedah Waupun Waupun village, N. ward Total 1,064 877 725685'12:'. 763527840 768793 582 1,1091,156 1,0851,374 594739655 726 780918 1,055 748684630611872 777642783666498 25,149 :1:1s799686 661649 ', I 3 190 747676 686524 1,1751,2481,2041.398 563 7276597537319198916736675815S4981 II 580717 644478 24,604 98 80 2,006 1,676 1,4111,346 1,3721,476 1,0291,5871,4451,4791,107 2,300 2,409 2,2952,774 1,157 1,481 1,369 1,5231.5131,8381,952 1,4211,3511,2111,2001,854 1,647 1,2221,500 1,311 979 50,241 252 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN. EAU CLAIRE COUNTY. POPULATION. Towns, Cities and Villages. White. Colored CD a a!a to 3 g to u ¦ COto ¦< 549461419 4,646 221 158 701 496260 93 327393 507 383387 3,777 179 163553 463243 78 290327 'iis "4" 1,056 844706 8,440 400 1,254 959 503 171 617720 8,724 7,250 13 4 15,991 GREEN COUNTY. 476565585 669 695759348 450 867540 462 1,525 550 530 639 446 477520 437585 654 750654 751350433 84748644 i 1,693 558 445 597530 393496 "l" 6 2 1 2"3 1 913 1,1501,1381,428 1,349 1,510 701883 1,714 1,026 903 3,227 1,110 975 1,238 876870 1.016 York.. .... ...::::::::::::::::: 11,102 10,900 11 11 22,027 GRANT COUNTY. Beetown Blue River. Boscobel Bloomington ... Clifton.. 7. Cassville Ellenboro Fennimore Glen Havfri Hickory Grove., Hazel Green Harrison Jamestown Lima Liberty Lancaster Little Grant , Muscotla Marion Millville Mount Hoiio Paris.... Plattvllle Pofo.si Patcli (irove .SrneiHt-r Waterloo Watterstown . . . Wingvlllo Wyafusfng Woodman , 865 805 27 20 413 413 974 996 5 3 607 599 2 1 487 512 709 677 425 384 935 835 611 531 2 446 397 1,047 1,074 558 491 636 557 1 539 ¦181 458 423 1 1,376 1.358 6 2 359 319 671 604 369 357 HI!) 97 400 381 500 440 2.000 2,054 3 :i 1,373 1,268 2 1 429 401 16 9 716 613 1 486 469 330 274 536 481 380 354 293 269 20,037 18,944 65 40 1,717 826 1,9781,206 999 1,386 809 1,7701,144 843 2,121 1,0491,194 1,020 882 2,742 7118 1,275 7262(16781 940 4,0602,644 865 1,330 955604 1,017 734 39,086 GREEN LAKE COUNTY. POPULATION. Towns, Cities and White. Colored daMaj u $ tC < S3 to ^ to 548 1,58b 707 729 452630737537 1.076 390 2S2 554 1,755 691759 442654682521 1,015 336225 1,102 3,3411,3991,300 895 1,285 1,419 1,058 2,091 726 ,458 1 6 1 1 "6" 7,032 7,642 9 6 15,274 IOWA COUNTY. Arena Clyde Dodgeville Highland Linden Mifflin Mineral Point Mineral Point city Moscow Pulaski Ridgeway Waldwicfc Wyoming Total 1,004 924 0 390 367 1,854 1,870 1 1.565 1,459 1,078 972 5 3 818 705 3 806 715 4 i>. 1,458 1,581 11 4 484785 1,299 443712 1,174 480 434 362 358 12.384 11,714 2b 9 JACKSON COUNTY. JEFFERSON COUNTY. 1,930 757 .3.7253.024 2,059 1,5261,527 3,054 927 1.497 2,473 914720 21,133 1,428 699 549714669 226 613 12S 448565 1.334 620477554 5 1 2,768 1,3191.0261,2681,257 423 1,159 197 ;.... 82 429467 877 1,032 6,039 5,294 5 1 11,339 Coin-niil Odd Spring 669 770 375 1,215 665920 2,081 1,744 745799571798757 248 526 418 1,115 3,286 635 747350 1,192 608857 1,9581,810 720 752 51577872b 255489897 1,065 3,288 4 063 "2 1 21 "l' 43 3 5 "i' 13 1,312 1,522 734 2 415 Ilehmn Ivuiia JflllTJOll Koslikoiiiiiig 1.273 1,777 4,0413,556 L:iki. Mills 1.499 Milh.nl 1,551 Oakland 1,0861 576 Sulliv.iu 1,483 503 Waterloo 1,016 816 2,180 Watertown city, 1st, 2d, 3d, 4lli, and 7tli wards 6,569 17,702 17,137 40 29 34,908 STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN. 253 JUNEAU COUNTY. Towns, Cities axd Villagks. W Armenia Clearfield Fountain Germautowu Kildare Lemonweir Lludma Lisbon Lyndon Marion Mauston village Necedah New Lisbon village — Orange Plymouth Seven Mile Creek Summit Wonewoc Total POPULATION. White. 117135397390309 5535.-, 6 27 1 259 178 548 1,001 558267 748419510 774 7,993 119 115 343322219 5195102-1022 1 160 569 864573 2 IS 690 377460719 7,301 3 3 236250 740712558 1,0721,066 514 483 338 1,1181,865 1,133 516 1,438 796970 1,495 15,300 KENOSHA COUNTY. Brighton Bristol Kenosha city.... Paris Pleasant Prairie, Randall Somers Salem Wheatland Total 561 505 585 552 2 « 2,426 2,533 7 7 539 479 734 723 5 6 297 252 793 657 5 5 697 069 434 433 7,066 6,803 19 19 1,066 1,137 4,959 1,018 1,457 549' 1,4501,366 867 13,907 KEWAUNEE COUNTY. 687 532706 742 747 1,337 497 623917718 632506706 657726 1,233 440 534 780685 1,319 1,038 1,412 1,399 1,473 Kewaunee town & village. 2,570 937 1.157 1,697 1,403 Total 7,506 6,899 14,405 LA CROSSE COUNTY. 366667516528 919426863461 1,131 725 1,784 ' 596 1,195 712393482499 348 604485375940380839 402 1,205 640 1,916 753 982666 287 355 423 .> 1 33 6533 11 23 2 6 2 2 714 1,271 991 906 1,862 806 1.703 863 La Crosse city- 2,392 1,373 3,711 1,354 Fifth ward 2,183 1,378 Onalaska village Shelby 680837 Washington 922 Total 12,263 11,590 55 37 23,945 LA FAYETTE COUNTY. Towns. Cities and Villages. Argyle Belmont Benton Blancbard Darlington Elk Grove Kayette Gratiot Kendall Monticello New Diggings Seymour Shullsburg Wayne White Oak Springs Willow Springs Wiota Total POPULATION. 583 571 660 591 1 886 795 273 258 1,330 1,341 2 510 423 602 595 866 855 468 420 238 231 1 922 883 522 416 1,253' 1,287 1 554 527 231 215 555 509 935 866 1 11,388 10,781 2 4 1,154 1,251 1,681 529 2,671 933 1,1971,721 888469 1,805 9138 2,540 1,081 446 1,064 1,801 22,169 LINCOLN COUNTY. Jenny. 523 372 MARQUETTE COUNTY. 362884381260 459356 219 331277274 343 343163 338 370330 338271 425352179338253268 326807146304 1 732 719 884 398 669 530 542 669 650 309 JS42 4,490 4,207 1 8,697 MARATHON COUNTY. 109 585 359373 135 414 232307479 159 439 1,560 110 263 50 539 223 298 129 351235 238 430 119385 1,260 114 215 159 1,124 582 671 264 765 467 545 909 278 824 2,820 1 224 479 5,524 4,586 1 10,111 254 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. MANITOWOC COUNTY. Towns, Cities and Villages. population. Cato Centerviile, Cooperstown , Eaton , Franklin Gibson , Kossuth Liberty Manitowoc city Manitowoc town.., Mishicott Meeme Manitowoc Rapids. MapleGrove Newton Rockland. Schleswig Two Rivers village Two Rivers town. . . Two Creeks Total 951 955 824 780 881 883 773 791 935 887 934 875 1,176 1,084 728 692 3,226 3,4 98 1 606 528 885 767 901 853 1,060 1,014 779 644 1,057 1,016 594 549 1,005 953 1,019 932 858 857 343 313 19,535 18,921 1 MONROE COUNTY. Adrian Angelo Byron Clifton Glendale Greenfield.. Jefferson. La Fayette.. La Grange. . . Leon Little Falls.. Lincoln New Lyme.. Oak Dale.... Portland. . . . Rldgevllle.. Sheldon Sparta Tomah Wellington.. Wilton Wells 373 308 274 193 256 138 408 381 706 591 387 328 507 459 234 206 422 896 88 35 404 338 333 277 O 1 462 381 81 74 370 823 6 11 478 408 630 516 400 842 1,814 1,923 6 7 1,154 1,077 460 397 575 512 335 294 11,000 9.925 47 54 1,906 1,604 1,7141,5641,8221,809 2,260 1,420 5,7241,2341,6521,754 2,074 1,423 2,073 1,1431,9581,9511,715 656 38,456 MILWAUKEE COUNTY. Milwaukee city — 4,427 6,874 3.693 5,025 4,3153.9293,2893,332 4,3303,5843.397 2,026 1,758 945 1.343 2,416 1,232 1,155 2,876 1,812 5,1016,6173,483 5.4913,978 3,9953,774 3,3362,3283,577 3,250 1,988 1,694 878 1,299 1,8151,1991,0512,3701,755 1 8 70 7 7 3 6 7010 2 9,532 13,491 7,190 10.656 8,310 7,924 7,0726.6688,6587,1616.647 4,014 3,452 1,823 2.6464,233 2,4312,2065,2463,567 Eleventh ward Twelfth ward 1 2" 1 Greenlield Wauwatosa 61,758 60,979 96 94 122,927 6815311331789 1,297 715 966440ssn712613 84 3 155 710 886 1,146 742 3,7502,231 857 1,087 629 2i,026 OCONTO COUNTY. POPULATION. Towns, Cities and White. Colored Villages. e. a 1 0 S a to to0) 196 551 152 1,446 563 2,371 1,495 744 268 179 361 108 1,086 453 2.0861,022 537185 3 1 2 375912 269 2,537 1,017 4,4672,529 1,281 453 2 6 1 Stiles 7,786 6,017 3 13,812 OUTAGAMIE COUNTY. 3,307 489 538 546 836238536 170 689850 842 719562 980263 408 111 100 290 759 3,403 492429 463 718179 516 140 655731 811669533937 236 338 92 100 247 624 11 4 4 21 9 31 7 6,730 981974 1,0091,559 417 1,052 310 1,3531,5811,6531,3881,095 / 1,917 499 200 1,384 Total 13,233 12.313 22 20 25,558 OZAUKEE COUNTY. 1,376 1,043 992 910 1,617 1.4971,081 1,268 1,009 924 844 1.5221,481 979 2,644 2,052 1,916 1 1 1,756 3,139 2,978 2,060 8,516 8,029 1 1 16,545 PIERCE COUNTY. Clifton Diamond Bluff 388307 645 287380628 124556544 484 535963 430 167 408 513 297326 324250 554 248343542 101514 480 415544934 869 141 327454252253 1 29 10 4 24 92 712557 1,200 Gil man 535 723 Ilartland 1,170 Isabella 225 Murtell 1,070 Maiden Rook 1,024 Oak Grove 899 Prescott city 1,132 1.916 Rock Elm 799 Salem 308 75? Trlmbelle 9?3 549 579 Total ~%9Tt~ 7,045 44 35 .15,101 STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN. 255 POLK COUNTY. population Towns, Cities and White. Colored 8 6a CD to 6 S to 60QJU < 510376 266209425 399 209 61 160 105 486208 134 447318268 174 352 322 141 45 157 85 428 198 110 125610 9 47 9 957 694 555 383 777 721 453 106 317 209 914406 244 3.548 3,045 78 65 6,736 PORTAGE COUNTY. 650376 248 394277 126 522309244541571141 ' 651783 234 719741315 575345230332 232 120497295 199 496614 130 616 711134 612687 289 1 1,225 721 478 726 509 246 Hull 1,019 604 443 1,037 1,085 271 1,267 1,494 368 Stevens Point city- 1,331 1,428 604 Total 7,842 7,0" 1 14,856 PEPIN COUNTY. 194 497 271311 759315 693 120 181 478 233 274644 288635 117 2 375 975 504 585 1,406 606 1,128 237 Total 3,060 2,750 2 6,816 ROCK COUNTY. 445377 2,162 506 542966 1,060 613463 5,040 611 434698562 945483639609 522580 592 . 1,009 433 344 2,371 473498952950 523 400 6,015 676 387533615 930471603646 497 658637 1,015 2 39 2 "a" i 34 4 1 33" "l" 2 26 878 723 4,605 981 1.041 Clinton 1,922 2,011 1,136 853 10,115 1,191 822 1,131 1 1 1 1 1,079 1,877 9S4 1,242 Porter 2 1 1,155 Book 1,019 Spring Valley 1,138 WUrtle :..... ....;. 1,131 2 025 |p Total 19,758 19,127 90 64 39,039 RACINE COUNTY. POPULATION. Towns. Crass and White. Colored Villages. o fe 6 fcO OJ S-i to be < 1,403 1,502 538 1,237 506 6,571 824436 789 810 1,424 1,345 455 1,104 457 6,590 710408725755 1 1 4 62 2 51 2,827 2,847 993 2,341 963 13.274 1.534 1 e44 1.B14 1,565 14,616 13,973 69 53 28,702 RICHLAND COUNTY. Akan Bloom Buena Vista. Dayton Eagle Forest Henrietta... Ithaca Marshall Orion Richland Richwood...Rockbridge.Sylvan Westf ord. . . . Willow Total . . 361685 560 573598490463622463353902 749588527527 435 381 614526525587 422448 597 440334 965690 544 483 477403 742 1,299 1.086 1,0981,185 912 5 1 10 23 911 1,219 903 687 1,874 1,4401,1321,0101,004 851 8,896 8,436 16 5 17,353 ST. CROIX COUNTY. Baldwin Baldwin village Cady Cylon Erin Prairie Emerald Eau Galle Hammond Hudson Hudson city Kinnikinnick... Pleasant Valley Kush River Richmond Somerset Springfield Stanton Star Prairie St. Joseph Troy Warren Total 160 355 184 235 636173 277648346 979394 361 329604277372 • 358 164 520378 i,009 119 217 145 209 567 123 250 572 297993 331 260 316535 261 308 223314 166 396304 6,941 6 SAUK COUNTY. 27960S Sol 447 3,203 3v>3529 1,220 643 1,977 725621645 1,140 538680 482 672330916683 14.966 2,026 406416311 567 382 483560 1,931 402413 281485 342 449497 11 8 3,976 808 J29 1 1,057 256 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN. SAUK COUNTY.— Cont'd. POPULATION. Towns, Cities and White. Colored 3 4J ^ a> to tuboto 155 415 Palla 3,548 3,048 26 13 6,635 ?Stockbridge Indians. SHEBOYGAN COUNTY. 1,0041,1521,535 1,167 864637552 1,369 793 283 754 796 565 1,150 736 918993612872616 969 1.085 1,4021,149 793 544541 1,306 776 267 750 710631 1,192 683 953917563 815606 1 1,973 2,2372,9372,316 1,658 1.181 1,0932,675 1,569 550 1,5041,5061,196 2.342 1,419 1,871 1,9101,175 1.6871,222 Holland Mitchell Scott Sheboygan city— Third ward Sheboygan Falls village ... Wilson Total 17,368 16,652 1 34,021 TREMPEALEAU COUNTY. POPULATION. Towns, Cities and White. Colored Villages. Male. Female. 3 "S to Arcadia Albion Burn side Caledonia Dodge Ettrick Gale Hale Lincoln Preston Pigeon Sumner Trempealeau Total.... 1,464 1.368 201 169 547 493 293 212 285 291 774 741 889 856 557 463 410 335 755 706 3 316 303 406 412 882 795 1 7,844 7,144 4 TAYLOR COUNTY. I 542 1 297 1 711 3 VERNON COUNTY. WALWORTH COUNTY. 2,832 370 1,040 510576 1,5151,7451,020 745 1,464 619878 1,678 14,992 849 476 734 483506361703 358451650519584 642554 254464 659355 1,046 522 442403 458 640456451343638359 434569487524552561 223 435621266970 473441 344 936 1,374 939957 812 1,341 717 885 1,2191,0061,1081,1941,115 447899 1,280 55 11 53 1 Stark 2,016 Wheatland 883 Total 11,166 10,245 58 55 21,524 r.lonnifielil l'.uien 591713836 385 704 510836 541514 506 443736490 1,001 596502530655 2,060 516729 933379685589 844468495449427664 435 973584 476481616 8,325 7 1 72 9 "8" 8 1,1071,442 1,785 764 East Tuiv JCIklmrn.' Geneva village 1,389 1,099 1,680 1,010-1009 La lavetle I.a Grange 955 Linn 870 1.400 Richmond 926 Shnron 1,989 SprlngPrairle 1,180 Sugar Creek 978 1,011 Walworth 1,270 4,895 Total 13,149 13,067 18 25 26,259 STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN. 25'i WASHINGTON COUNTY. POPULATION. Towns, Cities and White. Colored- Villages. <6 a to 6 5 a; < 951660612878 1,0301,4031,028 731936921220 1,005 855451601 857689571839955 1,3211,014 703820819160907855444 624 i 1.808 1,350 1,1831,717 1,985 3 2,727 2,042 1,434 1,756 1,740 380 1,912 1,710 893 1,225 12,282 11,576 4 23,862 WAUKESHA COUNTY. 1,128 792617746761 1,205 778562766887464 759996 1,054 619657 1.0311,318 1,095 716605629658 1,143 736 573684820419 710 1,115 1,016 540588700 1,449 1 2,228 1,509 1,224 1,376 44 4 21 4 5 '16 1,421 2,348 1.522 1,135 1,450 1,707 893 1,474 2,121 2,080 1.159 1,247 1,735 2,807 Total 15,140 14,196 33 26 29,425 WAUPACA COUNTY. 393478426 131 411456 111 478388408534588 192 610875511566448205938418261427 384451390 119363 402 112 439 376363 203532 182 426 801 495 512397184 1,036 369287388 1 777 929 817 250 774 858 223917 764 771 Llnd 1,037 Little Wolf 1,120 372 2 2 4 966 1,682 1,0061,078 845 389 1,976 782 498815 10,146 9,451 5 4 19,646 WAUSHARA COUNTY. population. Towns, Cities and White. Colored Hi 0> "sfi a to o S 5 to •A U) 0>it)to 537692 137 256 122 223 443309300331459473193 180 384245322 347 473 666147 244 114 256399 279 369277397437 185186 319226 325361 4 6 1,0201,358 284 500 236 479 842 588 569 608 856 910 378 366 703 471 647 708 5,953 5,560 4 6 11,523 % WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 393459 691389 1,579 276 697573 2,062 610 1.622 8,672 463 1.055 579588596 1,342 460 396438 609 331 1,961 252 578550 1.961 510 1,690 8,263 405 1,018 499553 535 1,230 417 3 3 789 897 1,300 720 3,170 534 1,275 1,123 1 31 "3' 4 3 41 "3" I 4,023 1.124 3,312 17,015 868 2,079 1,0781,141 1.131 2,577 877 23,106 21,825 51 51 45,033 WOOD COUNTY, Aburndale Central ia city DexterGrant! Rapids city Grand Rapids Lincoln Port Edwards.,... Rudolph Remington Saratoga Sigel Seneca., Wood Total 102 74 176 429 371 1 800 191 113 304 737 680 1 1,418 376 297 3 1 677425 231 194 193 117 810 255 217 472 79 73 152 159 144 303 231 201 1 433 183 165 349 125 104 229 3,291 2,750 6 1 6,048 258 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN. POPULATION BY COUNTIES. SUMMARY FROM STATE AND FEDERAL CENSUS. AdamsAshlandBarron Bayfield Brown,Buffalo. Burnett. CalumetChippewa Clark ColumbiaCrawfordDaneDodgeDoorDouglasDunn Eau Claire, Fond du Lac Grsftit. GreenGreen Lake Iowa . . . Jackson Jefferson Juneau KenoshaKewaunee La Crosse La Fayette Lincoln Manitowoc Marathon Marquette.MilwaukeeMonroeOconto Ou tag ami Ozaukee Pepin PiercePolk...Portage Racine..RichlandRockSt. Croix Sauk Shawano Sheboygan TaylorTrempealeauVernon Walworth Washington Waukesha Waunaca _ Waushara.. Winnebago Wood Total In a note to the territory of Indiana returns appears the following: sippi, had 65, and Green Bay 50 inhabitants. * On the 1st of August, 1800, Prairie du Chien, on the Missis- WW m m iOOOCOeocOtO*.^ OS**, cn Cnt0-aOC0a0Q0atC0*»l-'OTC0^cOe0Wl0^C0^-3Cncno;M>-iC0cObs^oaooMosos^ococricocooi-'cna-M^.oscnto.p-coi-'cDtococswco^o^as^osoicocoos-^c^QOOtOMCCCOtOCneoMiOC»aOtO)UeCCOCOOMCOMMiO-qCO«DaocncntCaSM-q*i.OT Born in U; S. !-• I— • I— ' »—• M M M OS MM M M h-MtO tOtO l-i !-¦ MjP.^0S0SWM^0S*^MjOO7OS_K*jP. Mj^OOOOt30:^C01-0_CnMCS_>^CnCJl^KM_hU05DOWCO J-'.P.PP't^i-'*31'* i^i-* £° cpcncntOMcntoto-iM^^^toa^cocoeoffiostEoo^McowMw^ O-IOD CJ> hP- 4* >P- IOOCO-3 CO CneO-3 OS -3 MCO tO .P-O-Q tO CO tOCO CO a: COOO COtO -3 OS iO Ol CO © tO OS -2 O CC ?P-QOGOCOaStP-COOCOCCCntOCOCC Born iii Wis. MNWi*>;OOCncn^COtOMOCOMOC4ii-'WMffip^ JOCOCOCCCO COjP- »p.o OSOltOCnCO «Mb3iXC«MW^M»ftMWM^^aMCOM»SOlMWMWCCWW»MKD)^P.OD tO-Q >-* >P- co os Co !-• os cn COO m m ©GO © Os cn Os »p. f—OiOO os© coco os co 1-- as O cOas>P--i-3CO©cn>p.-3MO:-QCniP.CO-3CO-3tO-3 wcn*os»-*toi-ii-ii-ico -^cctocoto m mi- *. CO O OS OS >-HO QOCO CJ> O tC CKGO M-Q i-» 4^. OCO rfi.-^ » til mco o cn o m co 01 oco-301 to to 00 -5 as to i-'co m <¦ 'CncOtO tOtOCn OsCOCOi-'CCCncnCnlOtOM tOOSh-'O Mu to M |M-Qcn4^tOGD-3>P.CncOCOCncO©cOCOC©kp.*^COCoCOCC.p.cCiOas CT-3 >P- l©C0ticOC0MO-3OCn*.M^^C»Ml-'t0-3Me©asM0^asM©-qtP.asC0teN)rf-l0 M' M m M ,10 M _P> HM M4J-I hJ _t-»tO iOiO M _M MC005tntnCC-3COtOtO«0 P-tO.^-30;cWO:©tCi-'-3»tO*.©CO©OS>p.COi-'>-'©asCOCOM4^Ge-3ro rf->P> M-'tO "-* CO -3 -3 CO 10 tO CS OS tO CO ,P- OS © i-1 CO CO tO KJ CO Cn tO tO 1-1 4- -3 CO CO UIGO CO CO fP.-3-Cl CO tO tO M tO-3-3 OS GO Mcnast0Ol-3©MtOt0hP.-3GOCn !_> 05 M M hJiP. tO OTM MM )-i i_i i-i_0 tO*. 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COOStP-COl- 05 «; 01 ; -•cocowco; >p.-$-aw: co os tP> m to k- tOMi-j to •__)¦¦ too osco-3tP-coM coi-'OcnMcn — i tocn 4-»p. cntc-3tocoM>p. co **i— coco*, —¦combos coco! >p-co: •— ' coococnastoocno^cocotoi-'OM-^cnooc^^orf-osco-^i-'cocot-'h^-QO^'iP-osi-'f-'-ctcocoo i-n-*. 4-: British America. England & Wales. Germany. Sweden & Norway. Switzerland. o M a o 2> t— I HI— I ccH M c o cc oow I— I — j_u_i'tw cw ^ 1— • 1—1 • ¦ CO" ' ¦ o«toa:c»-ct loos -ci to cn coJ^om. »--cnas co ; co cro^-icni-t' >-»Mt-»eoiocn cococoMtp. toto* " -a' ¦ • co Mcoco-cicotococccsi-'0ococotoo3t^-~;icnco. acnoiiooi. oococn^h-^cncn. cocntococDMMcoto-4»-'i-'cocooto> • m. ¦ . to Denmark. to 260 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. VALUATION OF PROPERTY IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. Assessed Valuation of Taxable Property for the year 1876. Counties. Adams Ashland Barron Bayfield Brown Buffalo Burnett Calumet Chippewa....Clark Columbia Crawford Dane Bodge Door Douglas Dunn. Eau Claire... Fonddu Lac. Grant , Green Green Lake. . Iowa Jackson Jefferson... . Juneau Kenosha Kewaunee....La Crosse La Fayette... Lincoln Manitowoc . , . Marathon Marquette Milwaukee...Monroe Oconto Outagamie Ozaukee Pepin Pierce Polk Portage Racine Richland Rock St. Croix Sauk Shewano Sheboygan.... Taylor Trempealeau.Vernon Walworth Washington..Waukesha. . . . Total.. Value of per. sonal property. $ 179,771 42.666 146,374 21,705 442,287438,501 32.419 373,946 965,624 281,813 1,875.049 527,043 4,610.768 2,446,793 135,107 19,434 1,052,300 1,354,142 2,489,7592,502,795 1,966,599 789,736 1,233,676 472,124 1,753,985 660,125 1.320,957 546.678 1,336,2711,196,502 13,654 1,141,320 335,078 326,668 15,345,281 658,191 455,741 623,744 381,784 235,283 738.082 237,567564,079 2,418,248 612,171 4,462,048 816,768 1,364,772 121,267 1,903,861 53,812 840,378924,835 3.187,722 1.062,347 3,165,504 480.837343,509 8,081,308 251,669 Value of real estate. S 803.939932,189 1,190,338 554,872 2,637,3401,328,529 475.184 2,481,157 5,324,869 2,637,785 8,958,9411,984,629 19,492,947 13,461,111 .794,757 429.661 2,927,448 5,558,375 14,139,528 9,541,9968,257,428 4.275.5555,582,128 1,512,541 9,650,818 2,267,3705,809,143 3,107,3195,351,8395,971.9191,546,196 6,431.923 2,079.979 1,360,635 61,832,564 2,653.1023,867,2983,972,0113,185,472 830,599 3,173,^01 1,359.166 2,156.097 10,490,059 2.520,557 18,393,458 3.927,2135,401,585 807.184 9,000,031 870,283 2,745,3663,213.255 13,747,241 5.989,981 15,057,623 2,307.745 1,686.538 12,891.598 850,589 $274,417,873 8351,780,354 Valuation of Untaxed Property, from Assessors' Returns for 1875 and 1876. Co., town, city and village property. 5 6,147 2,340 "'MOO 43,325 15,300 "i;ib'6 "s! 350 29,785 "'7;200 45,800 "17; 163 "72,130 49.32052,505 25,650 'l5\28u 600 12,600 "iftsbo 10,75031,000 28,210 15,700 5.680 1,318,506 5,368 "10,406 5,280 25 13,950 "" 8,060 22,700 525 28,000 11,400 9.0002,000 10,725 350 1,500 70,200 7,500 700 250 21,350 6,3801,500 : ,063,(18 School, col lege and academy property. * 9,900 4,925 ""iii'o'o 102.635 27,787 1,500 ""5,160 3,000 115,605 11,000 "86; 680 ""si.ni 3,200 16,933 60.500 197,405 66,875 "36; 774 "ee; ado '"ie. 365 17,720 3,500 55,930 9,640 21,248 27,202 8,735 771,265 13,200 "96;290 18,415 S.247 73.67510,940 25,91624,625 "56; 606 7,2114. 1 2.-1 '-'.MIO 2,000 "l 50, 200 500 84,940 21,08029,495 2,735,817 S 4,713 1,00(1 125 2,685 83,369 29,760 3.000 13,220 55,014 1,300 91,142 4,100 359,390 121.075 7,029 2.3513.200 56,930 259.900109,405 76,995 23,84055,026 15.075 172,300 19,280 46,86018,521 110,643 71,610 "'54,874 16,82512,080 1,212,390 33,15838,10073,37532,920 4,180 25,115 5.272 42,470 236,000 37,915 242,650 41,370 87,670 5,714 123,895 "aMOO 2,325 129,310 120,670 218,760 34,41022,524 ' 86.86027,000 Railroad property. 81,220,000 146,901 50,653 l,27i;60'6 17.585 76,720 347,515 136,000 22,026 751.950 68.720 22,500 "sfcjfso 386,400 8,300 "l 8ft 000 2,300 84,780 2,720 4,774,828 7,487,627 1,662,388 18,524,195 $ 400 94,025 150 2,780 900 73 175,885 04 095 110.000 89,800 84,400 1,340 10,421 100 252,987 14,400 421,604627,155 95,450 2,000 60,000 16,780 33,245 61,50075,000 237.915120,000 51,800 300 2,730 600 31200 6.275 10.500 2,525 15,300 74,800 400 3,595 682.800 2,340 "MOO 3,470 9.8351,000 5,735 900 120,950 '34.650 5,8501,150 41,600 775 1.300 140 000 60,033 200 2,325 1,200 1,550 7,740 Total. % 21,158 STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN. 261 ACREAGE OF PRINCIPAL CROPS GROWN IN 1876. Counties. number of acres. Wheat. Corn. Oats. Barley. Rye. Hops. Tobacco. Flax-seed. 5,146 5 4,0701$ 11,456 26 639)$ 20 13,923 9,213!$ 216M 4,583 2,734 1.596 40.274 19.173 84,07329,4015$ 352 5 9,671 11,76518,208)$98.70958,168 15,608 46,080 8,(171}$ 28,379 11,848}$ 15,S ' i 1,1 -yi 10,581 61,549 5,353 84 3,477)$ 15 5,732 12,573}$ 637 9,8589,032 2,408 24.071 10.58467,120 35,592)$ 3,391 00 13,833 7,183 20,763 62,05434,191 8,013 34,43312,189}$16,84514,272}$ 14,174] '1.632 349 . . 194 712 31,437}$ 5,030 4,873 10.2 1. 1M 12,fo4 3,4122,447}$ 9.473 4,47 1 8.3.J i 1,842 9.086}$ 15,241}$11.606M60.103 17,541 24.4693$ 4.408}$ 16,704 54)$ 15,034 23.055 28 225 14,104 18,980 7,448 8.847 13,813 1,029 83 8,488 2823$ 660 5}$ 2 v 759}$ 27 16,384 48.507X 1,179 32,860)$ 10,442 2,457 64,472 19,054 89.253 128 708 4,771 5,0122,751 58 4,048%' 1,258 208 7.694 3.913 23,499 11,463 696 5,254 870 264 231)$ 185 95 7 648 1.588 7,410 2,134}$ 788 17}$ 9}$ 3910}$ 3 5935$ 18 317)$136 9 ClarK 21$ 15 2,459}$ 8 153K Ik Dunn 2- "18 '. (5 , ,j12 2K,043 4,409 37,06421,676 19,953 33,56!) 11,598)$ 4,782 17.702 38,' ' 4, j 262 4,538)$4.54H9,517 11,77431,634 2,490 ( "70 f :6H . ..jOii 41,187 9.293 15.701}$ 7.884X 13.22&K 12.384}$ 77,810 27,701 6,485 45,959 60)$ 53.656 42,37720,588 53,691 34,14013.51612 573 49 999637 1.5601,242 8 554 3,839 666}$ 1,170 2,609}$ 1,739 8,773 445 1,649 2.1643,045 1,273 20 4,299 670 93 5,0631,769 357940}$ 4,116}$ 6133$ 2,851 440 1,284)$ 2,22815 5894$ 19.424 2.0222,197)$ 205 7,519 2 2.381}$ 5.542 8.934}$6.614 8,527 1,060 636K 1,427 29)$ 1,156 933754)$ 3,2963,793)$3,455 1,892 613 7,611 • 3,137 611 3.5208,177 1,735 68 11 44 11SH 28 212 179)$ 71)$ 840 1,169 82 249)$ 13 1M H 2944 22 1 10,145 100 3,434 7 J*2}$ 16,670 854)$355 15,121 M04K J 2,608 ', 14 4 i61 .'. otiiX 6,924 8,904 4,104 1 ',076 ' !>04}$ ' 160K l .,041)$ 5,390 33,81 6K 1,904 8,244 33 12.106 22,499 45.45611,613 26.318 9.524 18.726}$15,404 958 5,233 116 10,503 3,0743$ 1,377 724514 3,430}$ 563258326 7,665)$ 2,212 1,7703$ 15,038)$ 17b 6,164)$ 1,160)$ 4,332 3 550633 4,875)$ 6,0027.659 4,363 "-15,416 982372)$ 3 1 2 139 65 390 3 11)$ 15 25)$ 3 7 22 X 11}$ 10 2 3 5843$ 31}$ 499)$ 41M % 2)$ 2,105% 4,285)$ Richland Rock 282 4 Sauk 3,118)$ H 49 )$ 42 187 1073$ 29 239295340110 14 13 Tavlof Walworth 14 9 1,169 113 5 3 3 3 9 3 wood...*..'.'.'.'.'."'.'." ;::;•• 2 Total 1,445,650)* 1,025.8015$ 854.861}$ 133.0305$ 175,314)$ 11,184)$ 4,842 62,008% 262 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN. ACREAGE OF PRINCIPAL CROPS GROWN IN 1876. Counties. Adams Ashland Barron Bayfield Brown Buffalo Burnett •Calumet Chippewa Clark Columbia Crawford Dane Dodge Door Douglas Dunn Eau Claire... Fond du Lac. Grant Green Green Lake.. Iowa Jackson Jefferson Juneau Kenosha Kewaunee... La Crosse La Fayette Lincoln Manitowoc Marathon Marquette Milwaukee Monroe Oconto Outagamie Ozaukee Pepin Pierce Polk Portage Racine Richland Rock St. Croix Sauk Shawano Sheboygan Taylor Trempealeau.. Vernon Walworth Washington... Waukesha Waupaca Waushara Winnebago ... Wood.... Total. NUMBER OF ACRES. Cultivated Grasses. 3,161 241 1,843)$ 100 5,769)$ 39 13.361 9.348 32,326 4,925 53.219 29.552 257 100 10,032 " "41,609 37,792 28,833 13,92015,566 5,316 17,407 8,705 ' 29,856 5,665 11.390 22.719 316 32,256)$ 5.4533.387 20,557 14,217 6,170 11,681 8,528 '" 12,974 2,643 10,142}$ 21,515)$ 18,924)$ 57,132)$ 14.293 25,2223$ 4,111 40,123 173 18,738 211,19745.093 6.513 38.629 13.540 9,770 23,433 235 889.018)$ 771 266341)$ 30 150 120)$ 1,017 425 1,9183$ 2,4933,585 3,780}$ 20 100 2,701}$3,038 1,159 921 1,650}$ 510 2.209 1,7381,0601,487 781 1,633 106 2,251 667 926 3.030)$ 1,520 836 51 1,5665$ 6 75 555$ 25)$ 17)$ 37 104 618 80 10 219 61}$ 16 5 4641 94 52^ 183$ 10 9926 Apples. 1 ... .vatecl Cr.iiiii. rries. 108 138 50 137)$ 99 7113 100 41 1781285$ 46)$ 10)$ 132)$ 10 104K 64)$ 133 3441}$ 140 55)$ 9,430 383 98 45 35 13.6243$ 58 28<4 5 219 '552)$ 78 1.533)$ 2,460 4.830)$ 16.254 2 61)$ 2,9353$2.7665,980)$ 1.4671,987 100 2.233 339 2.170 44 239994 689 46 1.856 1,9343$ 406 1,2665$ 77 11 60* 16,004 479 3,676 457 1.0543$ 73)$ 1,730 2 279)$749 4.056)$ 50,095 4,952 205 836)$ 1,561 139,891)$ 4)$ 4,000 45 "526 '2, 757)$ 2 151 1 4,412 20 1 2 13$ 137 30 185 1,053 194 400 17,664)$ 25,040 1,152,000 24,175 12,739 ".'57; 463 " 186; 000 51,879 "li L 463 49,369}$ "566; 666 5,414 "ii; 986 126,116 20.313}$22,393 51.026 53 680 33,774 "19; 896 37,57329.763 24.037 "257.34'i"26; 525 16.211 33,756 "19.433 22.077 ' 1 82; 671 Clover Seel Bushels. 12.149 91.19450,22150 080 42,69082,98566,510 25,737 93,242 4.090 226)$ 553 1,733 "i',689 50 2.969)$ 2.48SJS 1.500 3.848 1.037 566 1,515 107 5,369 781 1.324 1,174 30 1.007 ""T7« 1,073 113 1,666 131 52,150 343 28.718}$ 840 65.394 2,160)$ 57,587)$ 5,416 3,606 80 88.058K 1,348k 80.533 16 68,057 10,738 1,134 2.798 16,080 1,539 610 117 730 76,945!$ ABSTRACT OF LAWS WISCONSIN. ELECTORS AND GENERAL ELECTIONS. Sec. 12. Every male person of the age of twenty-one years or upward, belonging to either of the following classes, who shall have resided in the State for one year next preceding any election, shall be deemed a qualified elector at such election : 1. Citizens of the United States. 2. Persons of foreign birth who shall have declared their intention to become citizens con formably to the laws of the United States on the subject of naturalization. 3. Persons of Indian blood who have once been declared by law of Congress to be citizens of the United States, any subsequent law of Congress to the contrary notwithstanding. 4. Civilized i . .-i ins of Indian descent not members of any tribe. Every person convicted of bribery shall be excluded from the right of suffrage unless restored to civil rights ; and no person who shall have made or become directly or indirectly interested in any bet or wager depending upon the result of any election at which he shall offer to vote, shall be permitted to vote at such election. Sec. 13. No elector shall vote except in the town, ward, village or election district in which he actually resides. Sec. 14. The general election prescribed in the Constitution shall be held in the several towns, wards, villages and election districts on the Tuesday next succeeding the first Monday in November in each year, at which time there shall be chosen such Representatives in Congress, Electors of President and Vice President, State officers, and county officers as are by law to be elected in such year. Sec. 15. All elections shall be held in each town at the place where the last town-meeting was held, or at such other place as shall have been ordered at such last meeting, or as shall have been ordered by the Supervisors when they establish more than one election poll, except that the first election after the organization of a new town shall be held at the place directed in the act or proceeding by which it was organized; and all elections in villages constituting separate elec tion districts and in the wards of cities, shall be held at the place to be ordered by the Trustees of such village, or the Common Council of such city, at least ten days before such election, un less a different provision is made in the act incorporating such village or city. Sec. 16. Whenever it shall become impossible or inconvenient to hold an election at the place designated therefor, the Board of Inspectors, after having assembled at or as near as prac ticable to such place, and before receiving any votes may adjourn to the nearest convenient place for holding the election, and at such adjourned place shall forthwith proceed with the election. Upon adjourning any election as hereinbefore provided, the Board of Inspectors shall cause proc lamation thereof to be made, and shall station a Constable or some other proper person at the place where the adjournment was made, to notify all electors arriving at such place of adjourn ment, and the place to which it was made. 264 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN. Sec. 20. A registry of electors shall annually be made : 1. In each ward or election district of every city which, at the last previous census, had a population of three thousand or more. 2. In each ward or election district of every incorporated village in which, by law, sep arate elections are held ; which village at the last preceding census, had a popula tion of fifteen hundred or more. 3. In every town containing a village which, at said census, had a population of fifteen hundred or more, in which village separate general elections are not by law required to beheld. 4. In all towns any part of which shall have been embraced in any part of any city or village in which a registration by this chapter is required. • Such registration shall be made in the manner provided by this chapter. The persons authorized by law to act as Inspectors of Election in each of such towns, wards or election dis tricts shall constitute the Board of Registry therefor. Sec. 21. The said Inspectors shall have their first meeting on Tuesday, four weeks pre ceding each general election, at the place where said election is to be held ; and in election . districts at which there were polled at the previous general election three hundred votes or less, they shall sit for one day, and in districts at which there were more than three hundred votes polled, they shall have power to sit two days if necessary, for the purpose of making such list. They shall meet at 9 o'clock in the forenoon and hold their meetings open until 8 o'clock in the evening of each day during which they shall so sit. The Clerks appointed by law to act as Clerks of Election shall act as Clerks of the Board of Registry ou the day of election only. The proceedings shall be open, and all electors of the district shall be entitled to be heard in relation to corrections or additions to said registry. They shall have the same powers to preserve order which Inspectors of Election have on election days, and in towns vacancies in the Board shall be filled in the same manner that vacancies are filled at elections. Sec. 22. The said Inspectors at their first meeting, and before doing any business, shall severally take and subscribe the oath of Inspectors at a general election, and said Inspectors shall at their first meeting make a registry of all the electors of their respective districts, placing thereon the full names, alphabetically arranged according to surnames, in one column, and in another the residence by number and name of street or other location, if known. If any elector's residence is at any hotel or public boarding-house the name of the hotel or boarding-house shall be stated in the registry. They shall put thereon the names of all persons residing in their elec tion district appearing on the poll-list kept at the last preceding general election, and are author ized to take therefor such poll-list from the office where kept, omitting such as have died or removed from the district, and adding the names of all other persons known to them to be elect ors in such district. In case of the formation of a new election district since the last preceding general election, the said Board therein may make such registry from the best means at their command, and may, if necessary, procure therefor certified copies of the last poll-list. They shall complete said registry as far as practicable at their first meeting, and shall make four copies thereof, and certify the original and each copy to be a true list of the electors in their district so far as the same are known to them. One of said copies shall be immediately posted in a conspicuous place in the room in which their meeting was held, and be accessible to any elector for examina tion or making copies thereof, and one copy shall be retained by each Inspector for revision and correction at the second meeting. They shall within two days after said first meeting file the original registry made by them, and said poll-list in the office of the proper town, city or village clerk,, and may, in their discretion, cause ten printed copies of said registry to be made and posted in ten of the most public places of said election district, or may publish the same in a newspaper at an expense not exceeding one cent for each name. Sec. 23. The Inspectors shall hold their second meeting at the same place designated for holding elections on the Tuesday two weeks preceding the election. They shall meet at 9 o'clock in the forenoon. In election districts having less than three hundred voters, as shown by the ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 265 preliminary registry, the Board shall complete the registry on the same day ; but if there are more than that number of voters, they shall sit two days. They shall remain in session until 8 o'clock in the evening. They shall revise and correct the registry first by erasing the name of any person who shall be proved to their satisfaction by the oaths of two electors of the district to be not entitled to vote therein at the next ensuing election, unless such person shall appear and if chal lenged, shall answer the questions and take the oath hereinafter provided ; secondly, by entering thereon the names of every elector entitled to vote in the district at the next election who shall appear before the Board and require it, and state his place of residence, giving street and num ber, if numbered, or location, as hereinbefore provided, if challenged answer the questions, and take the oaths provided in case of challenge at an election ; but if any person shall refuse to answer all such questions or to take such oath, his name shall not be registered. Any person who is not twenty-one years of age before the date when the registry is required to be corrected, but will be if he lives until the day of election, shall have his name put on the registry if he be other wise qualified to be an elector. Any elector who did not vote at the previous general election shall be entitled to be registered either at the preliminary or the final registration of electors by appearing before the Board of Registration of his election district and establishing his right to be registered, or, instead of a personal appearance, he may make his application to be registered to the Board in writing. Such application shall state the name and period of continuous resi dence in the election district and place of residence therein, giving the number and street of the applicant, and, in case the person making the application is of foreign birth, he shall state when he came to the United States and to the State of Wisconsin, and the time and place of declaring his intention of becoming a citizen of the United States, and that he is entitled to vote at the election. Upon receiving such application, the Board of Registration shall register the name of such applicant, if it appears to the Board that the applicant is, by his statement, entitled to vote. Such statement shall be made under oath, and shall be preserved by the Board and be filed in the office of the village or city clerk, as the case may be. All city and village clerks shall keep blanks for making the application for registration, as provided by this section. The form shall be prescribed by the Secretary of State. Every person named in this section shall be subject to the same punishment for any false statement or other offense in respect thereto as is provided in case of such false statement or other offense by an elector offering to vote at an election. After such registry shall have been fully completed on the days above mentioned, no name shall be added thereto by any person or upon any pretext. Within three days after the second meeting the said Board shall cause four copies of the registry to be made, each of which shall be certified by them to be a correct registry of the electors of their district, one of which shall be kept by each Inspector for use on election day, and one shall forthwith be filed in the offioe of the proper town, city or village clerk. All registries shall at all times be open to pub lic inspection at the office where deposited without charge. Sec. 24. On election day the Inspectors shall designate two of their number at the opening of the polls, who shall check the names of every elector voting in such district whose name is on the registry. No vote shall be received at any general election in any ward or election district defined in Section 20, if the name of the person offering to vote be not on said registry made at the second meeting as aforesaid, except as hereinafter provided ; but in case any one shall, after the last day for completing such registry, and before such election, become a qualified voter of the district, he shall have the same right to vote therein at such election as if his name had been duly registered, provided he shall, at the time he offers to vote, deliver to the Inspectors his affi davit, in which he shall state the facts, showing that he has, since the completion of such regis try, become a qualified elector of such district, and the facts showing that he was not such elector on the day such registry was completed, and shall also deliver to such Inspectors the affi davits of two freeholders, electors in such election district, corroborating all the material state ments in his affidavit. In case any person who was a voter at the last previous general election shall not be registered, such person shall be entitled to vote on making affidavit that he was enti tled to vote at the previous election, and that he has not become disqualified by reason of removal 266 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. from the election district or otherwise, since that election, which affidavit shall also be corrobo rated by the affidavits of two freeholders, as is provided for other non-registered voters. No one freeholder shall be competent to make at any one election corroborating affidavits for more than three voters. All of said affidavits shall be sworn to before some officer authorized by the laws of this State to take depositions. The Inspectors shall keep a list of the names and residence of the electors voting whose names are not on said completed registry, and attach said list to the registry and return it, together with all such affidavits, to the proper town, city or village clerk. No compensation shall be paid or received for taking or certifying any such affidavits. On the day following the election, one of said poll-lists and one copy of the registry so kept and checked shall be attached together and filed in the office of the proper town, city or village clerk, and the other of said poll-lists and copy of the registry so kept and checked shall be returned to the County Clerk with the returns of the election. Such Inspectors shall give notice by advertisement in a newspaper printed in the city, village or town where such registration was made, of the registry, and shall include in such notice all additions to and omissions from the preliminary list, and shall also state where the election is to be held. In case there be no newspaper printed in such city, village or town, such notice shall be given by posting copies thereof in three or more public places in each ward or election district in such city, village or town. For publication of such notice in any such newspaper the publisher thereof shall be entitled to tne same compensation per folio as is prescribed for publishing other legal notices. COMMON SCHOOLS. Sec. 413. The formation of any school district shall be by written order of the Town Board, describing the territory embraced in the same, to be filed with the Town Clerk within twenty days after the making thereof. The Supervisors shall deliver to a taxable inhabitant of the district their notice thereof in writing, describing its boundaries, and appointing a time and place for the first district meeting, and shall therein direct such inhabitant to notify every quali fied voter of the district, either personally or by leaving a written notice at his place of resi dence, of the time and place of such meeting, at least five days before the time appointed therefor, and said inhabitant shall notify the voters of such district accordingly, and indorse thereon a return containing the names of all persons thus notified, and said notice and return shall be recorded as a part of the record of the first meeting in such district. Sec. 414. In case such notice shall not be given, or the inhabitants of a district shall neg lect or refuse to assemble and form a district meeting when so notified, or in case any school dis trict having been formed or organized shall afterward be disorganized, so that no competent authority shall exist therein to call a special district meeting, in the manner hereinafter pro vided, notice shall be given by the Town Board, and served in the manner prescribed in the pre ceding section. Whenever a district meeting shall be called as prescribed in this and the preceding section, it shall be the duty of the electors of the district to assemble at the time and place so directed. Sec. 415. Whenever it shall be necessary to form a district from two or more adjoining towns, the Town Boards of such towns shall meet together and form such districts by their writ ten order, describing the territory embraced in such district, signed by at least two of the Super visors of each town; and shall file one such order with the Town Clerk of each town, and deliver the notice of formation to a taxable inhabitant of such district, and cause the same to be served and returned in the time and manner hereinbefore prescribed ; and any such district may be altered only by the joint action of the Town Boards of such towns in the same manner that other districts are altered. Sec. 416. Every school district shall be deemed duly organized when any two of the offi cers elected at the first legal meeting thereof shall have consented to serve in the offices to which they have been respectively elected, by a written acceptance thereof filed with the clerk of the first meeting, and recorded in the minutes thereof; and every school district shall be considered ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 267 as duly organized after it shall have exercised the franchises and privileges of a district for the term of two years. Sec. 425. The annual meeting of all school districts in which graded schools of two or more departments are taught, shall be held on the second Monday of July, and of all other school districts on the last Monday of September, in each year. The hour of such meeting shall be seven o'clock in the afternoon, unless otherwise provided by a vote of the district, duly recorded at the last previous annual meeting ; but at any annual meeting a majority of the electors present may determine that the annual meeting of such district shall be held on the last Monday of August instead of the last Monday of September. Said determination to take effect when a copy of the proceedings of said annual meeting in reference to such change shall have been filed with the Town Clerk in which the schoolhouse of such district is situated, and to remain in force until rescinded by a like vote of the electors of such district. Sec. 426. The Clerk shall give at least six days' previous notice of every annual dis'trict meeting, by posting notices thereof in four or more public places in the district, one of which shall be affixed to the outer door of the schoolhouse, if there be one in the district, and he shall give like notices for every adjourned district meeting when such meeting shall have been adjourned for more than one month ; but no annual meeting shall be deemed illegal for want of due notice, unless it shall appear that the omission to give such notice was willful and fraudulent. Sec. 427. Special district meetings may be called by the Clerk, or, in his absence, by the Directors or Treasurer, on written request of five legal voters of the district, in the manner prescribed for calling an annual meeting ; and the electors, when lawfully assembled at a special nu'uting, shall have power to transact the same business as at the first and each annual meeting, except the election of officers. The business to be transacted at any special meeting shall be particularly specified in the notices calling the same, and said notices shall be posted six full days prior to the meeting. No tax or loan or debt shall be voted at a special meeting, unless three-fourths of the legal voters shall have been notified, either personally or by a written notice left at their places of residence, stating the time and place and objects of the meeting, and specifying the amount proposed to be voted, at least six days before the time appointed therefor. Sec. 428. Every person shall be entitled to vote in any school district meeting who is qualified to vote at a general election for State and county officers, and who is a resident of such school district. ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF DISTRICT TAXES. Sec. 469. All school district taxes, unless otherwise specially provided by law, shall be assessed on the same kinds of property as taxes for town and county purposes ; and all personal property which, on account of its location or the residence of its owner, is taxable in the town, shall, if such locality or residence be in the school district, be likewise taxable for school district purposes. BORROWING- MONEY. Sec. 474. Whenever, upon any unusual exigency, any school district shall, before the annual meeting, vote a special tax to be collected with the next levy, the district may, by vote, author ize the District Board to borrow for a period not exceeding one year a sum not exceeding the amount of such tax, and by such vote set apart such tax when collected to repay such loan, and thereupon the District Board may borrow such money of any person and on such terms and exe cute and deliver to the lender such obligation therefor, and such security for the repayment, including a mortgage or pledge of -any real or personal property of the district, subject to the directions contained in the vote of the district as may be agreed upon and not prohibited by law. Sec. 498. Every District Clerk who shall willfully neglect to make the annual report for his district as required by law shall be liable to pay the whole amount of money lost by such 268 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. district in consequence of his neglect, which shall be recovered in an action in the name of and for the use of the district. Sec. 499. Every Town Clerk who shall neglect or refuse to make and deliver to the County Superintendent his annual report, as required in this chapter within the time limited therefor, shall be liable on his official bond to pay the town the amount which such town or any school district .therein, shall lose by such neglect or refusal, with interest thereon ; and every County Superintendent who shall neglect or refuse to make the report required of him by this chapter to the State Superintendent shall be liable to pay to eich town the amount which such town or any school district therein shall lose by such neglect or refusal, with interest thereon, to be recovered in either case in an action prosecuted by the Town Treasurer in the name of the town. Sec. 503. Every member of a district board in any school district in this State in which a list of text-books has been adopted according to law, who shall, within three years from the date of such adoption, or thereafter, without the consent of the State Superintendent, order a change of text-books in such district, shall forfeit the sum of fifty dollars. Sec. 513. Every woman of twenty-one years of age and upward may be elected or appointed as director, treasurer or clerk of a school district, director or secretary of a town board under the township system ; member of a board of education in cities, or county superintendent. Sec. 560. In reckoning school months, twenty days shall constitute a month and one hun dred days five months. ASSESSMENT OF TAXES. Sec. 1035. The terms "real property," "real estate" and "land," when used in this title, shall include not only the land itself, but all buildings, fixtures, improvements, rights and privileges appertaining thereto. Sec. 1036. The term " personal property," as used in this title, shall be construed to mean and include toll-bridges, saw-logs, timber and lumber, either upon land or afloat, steamboats, ships and other vessels, whether at home or abroad ; buildings upon leased lands, if such build ings have not been included in the assessment of the land on which they are erected ; ferry-boats, including the franchise for running the same ; all debts due from solvent debtors, whether on account, note, contract, bond, mortgage or other security, or whether such debts are due or to become due ; and all goods, wares, merchandise, chattels, moneys and effects of any nature or description having any real or marketable value and not included in the term " real property," as above defined. Sec. 1037. The improvements on all lands situated in this State, which shall have been entered under the provisions of the act of Congress entitled " An act to secure homesteads to act ual settlers on the public domain," approved May twentieth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and which shall be actually occupied and improved by the person so entering the same, or his heirs, shall be subject to taxation, and such improvements shall be assessed as personal property. All taxes levied thereon shall be collected out of the personal property of the occu pant of such lands, and in no other manner. Sec. 1038. The property in this section described is exempt from taxation, to wit: 1. That owned exclusively by the United States or by this' State, but no lands contracted to be sold by the State shall be exempt. 2. That owned exclusively by any county, city, village, town or school district ; but lands purchased by counties at tax sales shall be exempt only in the cases provided in Sec tion Eleven Hundred and Ninety-one. 3. Personal property owned by any religious, scientific, literary or benevolent association, used exclusively for the purposes of such association, and the real property, if not leased, or not otherwise used for pecuniary profit, necessary for the location and con venience of the buildings of such association, and embracing the same not exceeding ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 269 ten acres ; and the lands reserved for grounds of a chartered college or university, not exceeding forty acres ; and parsonages, whether of local churches or districts, and whether occupied by the pastor permanently or rented for his benefit. The occasional leasing of such buildings for schools, public lectures or concerts, or the leasing of such parsonages, shall not render them liable to taxation. 4. Personal property owned and used exclusively by the State or any county agricultural society, and the lands owned and used by any such society exclusively for fair grounds. 5. Fire engines and other implements used for extinguishing fires, owned or used bv any organized fire company, and the buildings and necessary grounds connected therewith, owned by such company, and used exclusively for its proper purposes. 6. The property of Indians who are not citizens, except lands held by them by purchase. 7. Lands used exclusively as public burial-grounds, and tombs and monuments to the dead therein. 8. Pensions receivable from the United States. 9. Stock in any corporation in this State which is required to pay taxes upon its property in the same manner as individuals. 10. So much of the debts due or to become due to any person as shall equal the amount of bona-fide and unconditional debts by him owing. 11. Wearing apparel, family portraits and libraries, kitchen furniture and growing crops. 12. Provisions and fuel provided by the head of a family to sustain its members for -six months ; but no person paying board shall be deemed a member of a family. 13. All the personal property of all insurance companies that now are or shall be organized or doing business in this State. 14. The track, right of way, depot grounds, buildings, machine-shops, rolling-stock and other property necessarily used in operating any railroad in this State belonging to any railroad company, including pontoon, pile and pontoon railroads, and shall henceforth remain exempt from taxation for any purpose, except that the same shall be subject to special assessments for local improvements in cities and villages and all lands owned or claimed by such railroad company not adjoining the track of such company, shall be subject to all taxes. The provision of this subdivision shall not apply to any railroad that now is or shall be operated by horse-power, whether now or hereafter constructed in any village or city. 15. The property, except real estate, of all companies which are or shall be engaged in the business of telegraphing in this State. 16. The real estate of the Home of the Friendless in the city of Milwaukee, not exceeding one lot in amount, is exempted, so long as the same shall continue to be used as such home. 17. All property of any corporation or association formed under the laws of this State for the encouragement of industry by agricultural and industrial fairs and exhibitions, which shall be necessary for fair grounds, while used exclusively for such fairs and exhibitions, provided the quantity of land so exempt shall not exceed forty acres. 18. Such tree-belts as are or may be planted and maintained in compliance with chapter sixty -six of one of these statutes. Sec. 1191. Real property, upon which the county holds any certificates of tax sale, shall continue liable to taxation and to sale for unpaid taxes, and the county shall be the exclusive purchaser at the sale ; but when a tax deed shall be issued to the county, and it shall hold tax certificates of sale unredeemed on the same property for two successive years subsequent to the date of the sale on which such deed shall issue, including certificates of sale made prior to the passage of these statutes, such property shall thereafter be exempt from taxation until the same is sold by the county. The County Clerk shall annually, before the first day of June, furnish to the Assessors of each town a list of the lands in such town exempt under this section. Noth ing in this section shall be so construed as to apply to lands owned by minors, married women, widowed women, idiots or insane persons. 270 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. COLLECTION OF TAXES. Sec. 1089. The Town Treasurer of each town, on the receipt of the tax-roll for the cur rent year, shall forthwith post notices in three or four public places in such towns, that the tax- roll for such town is in his hands for collection, and that the taxes charged therein are subject to payment at his office at any time prior to the first day of January in such year; and after the said first day of January he shall proceed to collect the taxes charged in such roll and remaining unpaid, and for that purpose shall call at least once on the person taxed, or at any place of his usual residence, if within the town, and demand payment of the taxes charged to him on such roll. Sec. 1090. On all taxes paid or tendered at the office of such Treasurer prior to said first day of January, he shall remit all of the 5-per-cent collection fees, except so much thereof as he is authorized by law to have for his fees upon taxes so paid. Sec. 1091. Town orders shall be receivable for taxes in the town where issued, and shall be allowed the Town Treasurer on settlement of town taxes ; and county orders and jurors' cer tificates shall be receivable for taxes in the county where issued, and shall be allowed such Treas urer on settlement of county taxes with the County Treasurer, but no Town Treasurer shall receive town orders in payment for taxes to a larger amount than the town taxes included in his assessment-roll exclusive of all taxes for school purposes, nor county orders and jurors' certifi cates to a greater amount than the county tax included therein. Sec. 1097. In case any person shall refuse or neglect to pay the tax imposed upon him, the Town Treasurer shall levy the same by distress and sale of any goods and chattels belong ing to such person, wherever the same may be found within his town ; and if a sufficient amount of such property cannot be found in such town, the Town Treasurer may levy the same by dis tress and sale of the goods and chattels belonging to such person, wherever the same may be found in the county or in any adjoining counties. Sec. 1098. The Town Treasurer shall give public notice of the time and place of such sale, at least six days previous thereto, by advertisement, containing a description of the prop erty to be sold, to be posted up in three public places in the town where the sale is to be made. The sale shall be at public auction, in the daytime, and the property sold shall be present; such property may be released by the payment of the taxes and charges for which the same is liable, to be sold ; if the purchase-money on such sale shall not be paid at such time as the Treasurer may require, he may again, in his discretion, expose such property for sale, or sue, in his name of office, the purchaser for the purchase-money, and recover the same with costs and 10-per-centum damages. Sec. 1099. If the property so levied upon shall be sold for more than the amount of tax and costs, the surplus shall be returned to the owner thereof; and if it cannot be sold for want of bidders, the Treasurer shall return a statement of the fact, and return the property to the person from whose possession he took the same ; and the tax, if unsatisfied, shall be collected in the same manner as if no levy had been made. HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES. Sec. 1223. The Supervisors of the several towns shall have the care and supervision of the highways and bridges therein, and it shall be their duty : 1. To give directions for repairing the highways and bridges within their respective towns, and cause to be removed all obstructions therefrom. 2. To cause such of the roads used as highwavs as have been laid out but not sufficiently described, and such as have been lawfully laid out and used as such up to the then present time, but not fully and sufficiently recorded, to be ascertained, described and entered of record in the Town Clerk's office. ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 271 3. To cause bridges which are or may be erected over streams intersecting highways to be kept in repair. 4. To divide their respective towns into so many road districts as they shall judge conven ient, and specify every such division in writing under their hands, to be recorded in the office of the Town Clerk ; but no such division shall be made within ten days next preceding the annual town meeting. 5. To assign to each of the said road districts such of the inhabitants liable to pay taxes on highways as they think proper, having regard to the nearness of residence as much as practicable. 6. To require the Overseers of Highways from time to time, and as often as they shall deem necessary, to perform any of the duties required of them by law. 7. To assess the highway taxes in their respective towns in each year, as provided by law. 8. To lay out and establish upon actual surveys, as hereinafter provided, such new roads in their respective towns as they may deem necessary and proper ; to discontinue such roads as shall appear to them to have become unnecessary, and to widen or alter such roads when they shall deem necessary for public convenience, and perform all other duties respecting highways and bridges directed by this chapter. INTOXICATING LIQUORS. Sec. 1548. The Town Boards, Village Boards and Common Councils of the respective towns, villages and cities may grant license to such persons as they may deem proper, to keep groceries, saloons or other places, within their respective towns, villages or cities, for the sale in quantities less than one gallon of strong, spirituous, malt, ardent or" intoxicating liquors, to be drank on the premises ; and in like manner may grant licenses for the sale in any quantity of such liquors not to be drank on the premises. The sum to be paid for such license for the sale of such liquor to be drank on the premises shall not be less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred and fifty dollars ; and for the sale of such liquors not to be drank on the premises shall be not less than ten nor more than forty dollars. Sec. 1549. Every applicant for such license shall, before delivery thereof, file with such town, village or city clerk a bond to the State in the sum of five hundred dollars, with at least two sureties, to be approved by the authorities granting the license, who shall each justify in double its amount over and above their debts and liabilities and exemptions, and be freehold ers and residents of the county, conditioned that the applicant, during the continuance of his license will keep and maintain an orderly and well-regulated house ; that he will permit no gambling with cards, dice or any device or implement for that purpose, within his premises or any out-house, yard or shed appertaining thereto ; that he will not sell or give away any intoxi cating liquor to any minor, having good reason to believe him to be such, unless upon the writ ten order of the parents or guardian of such minor, or to persons intoxicated or bordering upon intoxication, or to habitual drunkards ; and that he will pay all damages that may be recovered by any person, and that he will observe and obey all orders of such Supervisors, Trustees or Aldermen, or any of them, made pursuant to law. In case of the breach of the condition of any such bond, an action may be brought thereon in the name of the State of Wisconsin, and judgment shall be entered against the principals and sureties therein named for the full penalty thereof; and execution may issue thereupon by order of the court therefor, to satisfy any judgment that may have been recovered against the principal named in said bond, by reason of any breach in the conditions thereof, or for any penalties of forfeitures incurred under this chap ter. If more than one judgment shall have been recovered, the court, in its discretion, may apply the proceeds of said bond toward the satisfaction of said several judgments, in whole or in part, in such manner as it may see fit. Sec. 1550. If any person shall vend, sell, deal or traffic in or for the purpose of evading this chapter, give away, any spirituous, malt, ardent or intoxicating liquors or drinks in any 272 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. quantity whatever without first having obtained license therefor, according to the provisions of this chapter, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof shall be punished by fine of not less than ten nor more than forty dollars, besides the costs of suit, or, in lieu of such fine, by imprisonment in the county jail of the proper county not to exceed sixty days nor less than twenty days ; and, in case of punishment by fine as above provided, such per son shall, unless the fine and costs be paid forthwith, be committed to the county jail of the proper county until such fine and costs are paid, or until discharged by due course of law ; and, in case of a second or any subsequent conviction of the same person during any one year, the punish ment may be by both fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court. Sec. 1551. Upon complaint made to any Justice of the Peace by any person that he knows or has good reason to believe that an offense against this chapter, or any violation thereof, has been committed, he shall examine the complainant on oath, and he shall reduce such com plaint to writing and cause the same to be subscribed by the person complaining. And if it shall appear to such Justice that there is reasonable cause to believe that such offense has been committed, he shall immediately issue his warrant, reciting therein the substance of such com plaint and requiring the officer to whom such warrant shall be directed forthwith to arrest the accused and bring him before such Justice, to be dealt with according to law ; and the same war rant may require the officer to summon such persons as shall be therein named to appear at the trial to give evidence. Sec. 1552. The District Attorney of the proper county shall, on notice given to him by the Justice of the Peace before whom any such complaint shall be made, attend the trial before such Justice and conduct the same on behalf of the State. Sec. 1553. Every supervisor, trustee, alderman and justice of the peace, police officer* marshal, deputy marshal and constable of any town, village or city who shall know or be credi bly informed that any offense has been committed against the provisions of this chapter shall make complaint against the person so offending within their respective towns, villages or cities to a proper Justice of the Peace therein, and for every neglect or refusal so to do every such officer shall forfeit twenty-five dollars, and the Treasurer of such town, village or city shall pros ecute therefor. Sec. 1557. Any keeper of any saloon, shop or place of any name whatsoever for the sale of strong, spirituous or malt liquors to be drank on the premises in any quantity less than one gallon, who shall sell, vend or in any way deal or traffic in or for the purpose of evading this chapter, give away any spirituous, ardent or malt liquors or drinks in any quantity whatsoever to or with a minor, having good reason to believe him to be such, or to a person intoxicated or bordering on a state of intoxication, or to any other prohibited person before mentioned, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor ; nor shall any person sell or in any way deal or traffic in, or, for the purpose of evading this chapter, give away, any spirituous, ardent, intoxicating or malt liquors or drinks in any quantity whatsoever within one mile of either of the hospitals for the insane ; and any person who shall so sell or give away any such liquors or drinks shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. BILLS OF EXCHANGE AND PROMISSORY NOTES. Sec. 1675. All notes in writing made and signed by any person or for any corporation, and all certificates of the deposit of money issued by any person or corporation, whereby he or it shall promise to pay to any person or order, or unto the bearer, any sum of money, as therein mentioned, shall be due and payable as therein expressed, and shall have the same effect and shall be negotiable in like manner as inland bills of exchange, according to the custom of mer chants. But no order drawn upon or accepted by the Treasurer of any county, town, city, village or school district, whether drawn by any officer thereof or any other person, and no obligation nor instrument made by such corporation or any officer thereof, unless expressly authorized by law ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 273 to be made negotiable, shall be, or shall be deemed to be, negotiable according to the customs of merchants, in whatever form they may be drawn or made. Sec. 1680. On all bills of exchange payable at sight, or at future day certain, within this State, and all negotiable promissory notes, orders and drafts payable at a future day cer tain, within this State, in which there is not an express stipulation to the contrary, grace should be allowed in like manner as it is allowed by the custom of merchants on foreign bills of exchange payable at the expiration of a certain period after date or sight. The provisions of this section shall not extend to any bill of exchange, note or draft payable on demand. Sec; 1684. All notes, drafts, bills of exchange or other negotiable paper maturing on Sunday or upon any legal holiday shall be due and payable on the next preceding secular day. HOURS OF LABOR. Sec. 1728. In all manufactories, work-shops and other places used for mechanical or manufacturing purposes, the time of labor of children under eighteen years of age and of women employed therein, shall not exceed eight hours in one day; and any employer, stockholder, director, officer, overseer, clerk or foreman who shall compel any woman or any child to labor exceeding eight hours in any one day, or who shall permit any child under fourteen years of age to labor more than ten hours in any one day in any such place, if he shall have control over such child sufficient to prevent it, or who shall employ at manual labor any child under twelve years of age in any factory or work-shop where more than three persons are employed, or who shall employ any child of twelve and under fourteen years of age in any such factory or work shop for more than seven months in any one year, shall forfeit not less than five nor more than fifty dollars for each such offense. Sec. 1729. In all engagements to labor in any manufacturing or mechanical business, where there is- no express contract to the contrary, a day's work shall consist of eight hours, and all engagements or contracts for labor in such cases shall be so construed ; but this shall no/ apply to any contract for labor by the week, month or year. FORM OF CONVEYANCES. Sec. 2207. A deed of quitclaim and release of the form in common use or of the form hereinafter provided, shall be sufficient to pass all the estate which the grantor could lawfully convey by deed of bargain and sale. Sec. 2208. Conveyances of land may be in substantially the following form: WARRANTY DEED. A B, grantor of County, Wisconsin, hereby conveys and warrants to C D, grantee, of County, Wisconsin, for the sum of dollars, the following tract of land in County. [Here describe the premises.') Witness the hand and seal of said grantor this day of , 18 — . In the presence of") [seal.] j QUITCLAIM DEED. [SEAL.} A B, grantor, of County, Wisconsin, hereby quitclaims to C D, grantee, of County, Wisconsin, for the sum of dollars, the following tract of land in County, (Here describe the premises.) Witness the hand and seal of said grantor this day of , 18 — . In presence of ") I SEAL. SEAL. 274 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Such deeds, when executed and acknowledged as required by law, shall, when of the first of the above forms, have the effect of a conveyance in fee simple to the grantee, his heirs and assigns of the premises therein named, together with all the appurtenances, rights and privileges thereto belonging, with a covenant from the grantor, his heirs and personal representatives, that he is lawfully seized of the premises ; has good right to convey the same ; that he guaran tees the grantee, his heirs and assigns in the quiet possession thereof; that the same are free from all incumbrances, and that the grantor, his heirs and personal representatives will forever war rant and defend the title and possession thereof in the grantee, his heirs and assigns against all lawful claims whatsoever. Any exceptions to such covenants may be briefly inserted in such deed, following the description of the land ; and when in the second of the above forms, shall have the effect of a conveyance in fee simple to the grantee, his heirs and assigns, of all the right, title, interest and estate of the grantor, either in possession or expectancy, in and to the prem ises therein described, and all rights, privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging. MORTGAGES. Sec. 2209. A mortgage may be substantially in the following form : A B, mortgagor, of County, Wisconsin, hereby mortgages to C D, mortgagee, of County, Wisconsin, for the sum of dollars, the following tract of land in County. (Here describe the premises.) This mortgage is given to secure the following indebtedness : 'Here slate amount or amounts and form of indebtedness, whether on note, bond or otherwise, time or times when due, rate of interest, by and to whom payable, etc.) The mortgagor agrees to pay all taxes and assessments on said premises, and the sum of dollars attorney's fees in case of foreclosure thereof. Witness the hand and seal of said mortgagor this day of , 18 — . In presence of | > [seal. j [seal." when executed and acknowledged according to law shall have the effect of a conveyance of the land therein described, together with all the rights, privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging in pledge to the mortgagee, his heirs, assigns and legal representatives for the payment of the indebtedness therein set forth, with covenant from the mortgagor that all taxes and assess ments levied and assessed upon the land described during the continuance of the mortgage shall be paid previous to the day appointed by law for the sale of lands for taxes, as fully as the forms of mortgage now and heretofore in common use in this State, and may be foreclosed in the same manner and with the same effect, upon any default being made in any of the conditions thereof as to payment of either principal, interest or taxes. ASSIGNMENT OF MORTGAGE. Sec. 2210. An assignment of a mortgage substantially in the following form : For value received I, A B, of , Wisconsin, hereby assign to C D, of , Wis consin, the within mortgage (or a certain mortgage executed to by E F and wife, of County, Wisconsin, the day of , 18—, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds of County, Wisconsin, in Vol. of mortgages, on page -), together with the and indebtedness therein mentioned. Witness my hand and seal this day of , 18 — . In presence of \ \ A B. [SEAL.] ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 275 shall be sufficient to vest in the assignee for all purposes all the rights of the mortgagee under the mortgage, and the amount of the indebtedness due thereon at the date of assignment. Such assignment, when indorsed upon the original mortgage, shall not require an acknowledg ment in order to entitle the same to be recorded,. TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY BY DESCENT. Sec. 2270. When any person shall die, seized of any lands, tenements or hereditaments, or any right thereto, or entitled to any interest therein in fee simple, or for the life of another, not having lawfully devised the same, they shall descend subject to his debts, except as provided in • the next section, in the manner following : 1. In equal shares to his children, and to the lawful issue of any deceased child, by right of representation ; and if there be no child of the intestate living at his death, his estate shall descend to all his other lineal descendants ; and if all the said descendants are in the same degree of kindred to the intestate, they shall share the estate equally, otherwise they shall take according to the right of representation. 2. If he shall leave no lawful issue, to his widow ; if he shall leave no such issue or widow, to his parents, if living ; and if either shall not be living, the survivor shall inherit his said estate. If a woman shall die, leaving no issue, her estate shall descend to her husband, if she shall have one at the time of her decease, and if she shall leave, surviving her, neither issue nor husband, to her parents, if living; and if either shall not be living, the survivor shall inherit her said estate. 3. If he shall leave no lawful issue, nor widow, nor father, nor mother, his estate shall descend in equal shares to his brothers and sisters, and to the children of any deceased brother or sister, by right of representation. 4. If the intestate shall leave no lawful issue, widow, father, mother, brother nor sister, his estate shall descend to his next of kin in equal degree, except that when there are two or more collateral kindred in equal degree, but claiming through different ances tors, those who claim through the nearest ancestor shall be preferred to those claiming through an ancestor more remote ; provided, however, 5. If any person die leaving several children, or leaving one child, and the issue of one or more other children, and any such surviving child shall die under age, and not having been married, all the estate that came to the deceased child, by inheritance from such deceased parent, shall descend in equal shares to the other children of the same parent, and to the issue of any such other children who shall have died, by right of representation. 6. If, at the death of such child, who shall die under age, and hot having been married, all the other children of his said parent shall also be dead, and any of them shall have left issue, the estate that came to said child by inheritance from his said parent, shall descend to all the issue of the other children of the same parent ; and if all the said issue are in the same degree of kindred to said child, they shall share the said estate equally ; otherwise they shall take according to the right of representation. 7. If the intestate shall have no widow nor kindred, his estate shall escheat to the State, and be added to the capital of the school fund. Sec. 2271. When the owner of any homestead shall die, not having lawfully devised the same, such homestead shall descend free of all judgments and claims against such deceased owner or his estate, except mortgages lawfully executed thereon, and laborers' and mechanics' liens, in the manner following : 1. If he shall have no lawful issue, to his widow. 2. If he shall leave a widow and issue, to his widow during her widowhood, and, upon her marriage or death, to his heirs, according to the next preceding section. 3. If he shall leave issue and no widow, to such issue, according to the preceding section. 4. If he shall leave no issue or widow, such homestead sh»ll descend under the next pre ceding section, subject to lawful liens thereon. 276 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. OF WILLS. Sec. 2277. Every person of full age, and any married woman of the age of eighteen years and upward, being of sound mind, seized in his or, her own right of any lands, or of any right thereto, or entitled to any interest therein, descendible to his or her heirs, may devise and dis pose of the same by last will and testament in writing ; and all such estate not disposed of by will, shall descend as the estate of an intestate, being chargeable, in both cases, with the pay ment of all his debts or her debts, except as provided in the next preceding chapter, and in sec tion twenty-two hundred and eighty. Sec. 2278. Every devise of land in any will shall be construed to convey all the estate of the devisor therein, which he could lawfully devise, unless it shall clearly appear by the will that the devisor intended to convey a less estate. Sec. 2279. Any estate, right or interest in lands acquired by the testator, after the making of his will, shall pass thereby in like manner as if possessed at the time of making the will, if such shall manifestly appear, by the will, to have been the intention of the testator. Sec. 2280. When any homestead shall have been disposed of by the last will and testa ment of the owner thereof, the devisee shall take the same, free of all judgments and claims against the testator or his estate, except mortgages lawfully executed thereon, and laborers' and mechanics' liens. Sec. 2281. Every person of full age, and every married woman of the age of eighteen years and upward, being of sound mind, may, by last will and testament in writing, bequeath and dispose of all his or her personal estate remaining at his or her decease, and all his or her rights thereto and interest therein, subject to the payment of debts ; and all such estate not dis posed of by the will shall be administered as intestate estate. Sec. 2284. All beneficial devises, legacies and gifts whatsoever, made or given in any will to a subscribing witness thereto, shall be wholly void, unless there be two other competent sub- ' scribing witnesses to the same ; but a mere charge on the lands of the devisor for the payment of debts, shall not prevent his creditors from being competent witnesses to his will. Sec. 2285. But if such witness, to whom any beneficial devise may have been made or given, would have been entitled to any share of the estate of the testator, in case the will was not established, then so much of the share that would have descended or been distributed to such witness as will not exceed the devise or bequest made to him in the will, shall be saved to him, and he may recover the same of the devisees or legatees named in the will, in proportion to and out of the parts devised or bequeathed to them. Sec. 2286. When any child shall be born, after the making of his parent's will, and no provision shall Be made therein for him, such child shall have the same share in the estate of the testator as if he had died intestate ; and the share of such child shall be assigned to him, as pro vided by law, in case of intestate estates, unless it shall be apparent from the will that it was the intention of the testator that no provision should be made for such child. Sec. 2290. No will, or any part thereof, shall be revoked, unless by burning, tearing, can celing or obliterating the same, with the intention of revoking it, by the testator, or by some person in his presence, and by his direction, or by some other will or codicil in writing, executed as prescribed in this chapter, or by some other writing, signed, attested and subscribed in the manner provided in this chapter, for the execution of a will ; excepting, only, that nothing con tained in this section shall prevent the revocation implied by law, from subsequent changes in the condition or circumstances of the testator. The power to make a will implies the power to revoke the same. OF THE ADOPTION OF CHILDREN. Sec. 4021. Any inhabitant of this State may petition the County Court, in the county of his residence, for leave to adopt a child not his own by birth; but no such petition made by a married person shall be granted, unless the husband or wife of the petitioner shall join therein; ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 277 nor shall any such petition be granted, unless the child, if of the age of fourteen years, or more, shall consent thereto in writing, in the presence of the court. Sec. 4022. No such adoption shall be made, without the written consent of the living parents of such child, unless the court shall find that one of the parents has abandoned the child, or gone to parts unknown, when such consent may he given by the parent, if any, having the care of the child. In case where neither of the parents is living, or if living, have abandoned the child, such consent may be given by the guardian of such child, if any ; if such child has no guardian, such consent may be given by any of the next of kin of such child, residing in this State, or, in the discretion of the court, by some suitable person to be appointed by the court. 2. In case of a child not born in lawful wedlock, such consent may be given by the mother, if she is living, and has not abandoned such child. Sec. 4023. If upon such petition and consent, as herein provided, the County Court shall be satisfied of the identity and the relations of the persons, and that the petitioners are of suffi cient ability to bring up, and furnish suitable nurture and education for the child, having refer ence to the degree and condition of its parents, and that it is proper that such adoption shall take effect, such court shall make an order, reciting said facts that, from and after the date thereof, such child shall be deemed, to all legal intents and purposes, the child of the petitioners ; and by such order the name of such child may be changed to that of the parents by adoption. Sec. 4024. A child so adopted, shall be deemed for the purposes of inheritance and succes sion by such child, custody of the person and right of obedience by such parents by adoption, and all other legal consequences and incidents of the natural relation of parents and children, the same to all intents and purposes as if such child had been born in lawful wedlock of such parents by adoption, excepting that such child shall not be capable of taking property expressly limited to the heirs of the body of such parents. The natural parents of such child shall be deprived, by such order of adoption, of all legal rights whatsoever, respecting such child, and such child shall be freed from all legal obligations of maintenance and obedience to such natural parents. INTEREST. The legal rate of interest is 7 per cent. A higher rate of interest, not exceeding 10 per cent, may be contracted for, but the same must be clearly expressed in writing. If a higher rate than 10 per cent is collected or paid, the party so paying may, by himself or his legal rep resentative, recover treble the amount so paid above the 10 per cent, if the action is brought within one year, and all bills, notes, or other contracts whatsoever, whereby a higher rate than 10 per cent is secured, shall be liable for the principal sum, but no interest shall be recovered. JURISDICTION OF COURTS. The Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal actions within their respective circuits, subject to a re-examination by the Supreme Court. The County Courts shall have jurisdiction over the probate matters in their respective counties, and shall have exclusive appellate jurisdiction in the counties of Brown, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee and Winnebago in all cases of appeals from Justices of the Peace in civil actions, and all cases commenced in Justices' Courts therein, there shall be an answer put in, showing that the title of lands will come in question. And such Courts shall have concurrent and equal jurisdiction in all civil actions and pro ceedings with the Circuit Courts of said counties to the following extent respectively : The County Court of Brown, when the value of the property in controversy, after deduct ing all payments and set-offs, shall not exceed five thousand dollars. The County Court of Dodge County, when such value shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars. 278 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. The County Court of Fond du Lac, when such value shall not exceed twenty thousand dollars. The County Court of Milwaukee, when such value does not exceed five million dollars. The County of Winnebago, when such value does not exceed twenty thousand dollars. They shall have jurisdiction of all actions for foreclosure where the value does not exceed the above amounts, and of all actions for divorce or for affirmation or annullment of marriage contract. Justices of the Peace have jurisdiction in civil matters where two hundred dollars or less are involved. The criminal jurisdiction of Justices extends to all cases where the fine is one hundred dol lars, or the imprisonment six months. JURORS. All persons who are citizens of the United States, and qualified electors of the State shall be liable to be drawn as jurors, except as provided as follows : The following persons shall be exempt from serving as jurors : All officers of the United States, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Superintendent and Treasurer ; all Judges, Clerks of Courts of Record ; all county officers, Constables, attorneys and counselors at law, ministers of the Gospel of any religious society, practicing physicians, surgeons, dentists, and the President, professors and instructors of the University and their assistants, and of the several colleges and incorporated academies ; all teachers of the State Normal Schools, one teacher in each common school, the officers and employes of the several State institutions, one miller in each grist-mill, one ferry man at each licensed ferry, one dispensing druggist in each prescription drug-store, all telegraph operators and superintendents, conductors, engineers, firemen, collectors and station-agents of any railroad or canal, while in actual employment as such ; all officers of fire departments, and all active members of fire companies organized according to law ; all persons more than sixty years of age, and all persons of unsound mind or subject to any bodily infirmity amounting to disability ; all persons who have been convicted of any infamous crime, and all persons who have served at any regular term of the Circuit Court as a grand or petit juror within one year, except he shall be summoned on a special venire or as a talesman. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. Capital punishment has been abolished in this State. WOLF SCALPS. A bounty of five dollars is paid for each wolf scalp. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. Whenever either of the articles, as commodities hereafter mentioned, shall be sold by the bushel, and rro special agreement as to measure or weight thereof shall be made by the parties, the measure shall be ascertained by weight, and shall be computed as follows : Sixty pounds for a bushel of wheat, clover seed, potatoes or beans. Fifty pounds for a bushel of green apples ; fifty-six pounds for a bushel of rutabagas, flax seed, rye or Indian corn shelled, and seventy pounds of Indian corn unshelled ; fifty pounds for a bushel of rape seed, buckwheat, beets, carrots or onions ; forty-eight pounds for a bushel of barley ; forty-five pounds for a bushel of timothy seed ; forty-four pounds for a bushel of pars nips ; forty-two pounds for a bushel of common flat turnips ; thirty-two pounds for a bushel of- oats ; and twenty-eight pounds for a bushel of dried apples or dried peaches. ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 279 No person shall sell, buy or receive in store any grain at any weight or measure per bushel other than the standard weight or measure per bushel fixed by law ; and, for any violation, the offender shall forfeit not less than five nor more than fifty dollars. DAMAGES FOR TRESPASS. Any person who shall willfully, maliciously or wantonly destroy, remove, throw down or injure any fence, hedge or wall inclosing any orchard, pasture, meadow, garden, or any field whatever on land belonging to or lawfully occupied by another, or open and leave open, throw down, injure, remove or destroy any gate or bars in such fence, hedge or wall, or cut down, root up, sever, injure, destroy or carry away when severed, any fruit, shade, ornamental or other tree, or any shrub, root, plant, fruit, flower, grain or other vegetable production, or dig up, sever or carry away any mineral, earth or stone, or tear down, mutilate, deface or injure any building, sign-board, fence or railing, or sever and carry away any part thereof, standing or being upon the land of another or held in trust, or who shall willfully, maliciously or wantonly cut down, root up, injure, destroy or remove or carry away any fruit, ornamental or other tree, or any shrub, fruit, flower, vase or statue, arbor, or any ornamental structure, standing or being in any street or public ground in any city or village, in any private inclosure or highway, or destroy, remove, mutilate or injure any milestone or board, or any guide-post or board erected in any highway or public way, or on any turnpike, plank-road or railroad, or deface or obliterate any device or inscrip tion thereon, or cut down, break down, remove, mutilate or injure any monument erected or tree marked for the purpose of designating the boundaries of any town or tract of land or subdivision thereof, or deface or obliterate any figures, letters, device or inscription thereon, made for such purpose, or break, remove, destroy or injure any post, guard, railing or lamp-post or lamp thereon, erected or being on any bridge, street, sidewalk, alley, court, passage, park, public ground, highway, turnpike, plank or rail road, or extinguish or break any lamp on any such lamp-post, or tear, deface, mutilate or injure any book, map, pamphlet, chart, picture -or other property belonging to any public library, or take and carry away the same with intent to con vert to his own use, or shall injure or destroy any personal property of another, shall be pun ished by imprisonment in the county jail not more than six months, or by fine not exceeding one hundred dollars. Any person who shall willfully, maliciously or wantonly kill, maim, mutilate, disfigure or injure any horse, mule, cattle, sheep or other domestic animal of another, or administer poison to such animal, or expose any poison, with intent that the same may be taken or swallowed by such animal ; and any person who shall overdrive, overwork, overload, maim, wound, torture, torment, cruelly beat or kill any such animal belonging to himself or another, or being the owner or having the care or charge thereof, shall fail to provide necessary food, water or shelter for any such animal, or who shall turn out and abandon, without proper care and protection, or cruelly work any such animal when old, diseased, disabled or unfit for work, or shall carry or confine any live animal, fowl or bird, in a cruel or inhuman manner, or who shall cause, procure or abet any cruelty above mentioned, or the fighting or baiting of bulls, dogs or cocks, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail not more than six months or by fine not exceeding one hun dred dollars. ESTRAYS. No stray, except horses and mules, shall be taken up by any person not a resident of the town in which it is found ; nor unless it is found upon land owned or occupied by him. Every finder for a stray must notify the owner, if he is known, within seven days, and request him to pay all reasonable charges and take the stray away. If the owner is not known, he must file a notice with the Town Clerk within ten days, who shall transmit a copy thereof to the County Clerk. If the stray is not worth five dollars, the finder shall post a copy of such notice in two pub lic places in such town; if it exceed five dollars in value, he shall publish such notice four 280 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. successive weeks either in some newspaper published in the county or in an adjoining county, if one be published nearer his residence than any published in his county ; but if no newspaper is pub lished within twenty miles of his residence, then he must post such notice in three public places in his county. Such notice shall describe the stray by giving its marks, natural or artificial, as near as possible, the name and residence of the finder, specifying the section and town, and the time when such stray was taken up. For neglect to post up or publish as required, the finder shall be liable to double the amount of damages sustained by the owner. For neglect to post or publish for one year, the finder shall be liable for its full value, to be recovered in the name of the town, and the amount recovered to be added to the school fund of such town. The finder shall, within one month, cause the stray to be appraised by a Justice of the Peace and a certificate of such appraisal signed by such Justice filed in the Town Clerk's office. The finder shall pay the Justice fifty cents for such certificate, and ten cents per mile for each mile necessarily traveled to make the same. The owner may have the same restored to him any time within one year after such notice is filed in the town Clerk's office, by proving that the stray belongs to him, and paying all lawful charges incurred in relation to the same. If the owner and finder cannot agree as to the charges, either party, on notice to the other, may apply to a Justice of such town to settle the same, who, for that purpose, may examine witnesses upon oath, and the amount found due, with the costs, shall be a lien upon such stray. If no owner applies for the return of such stray, as pro vided, and the same is not worth more than ten dollars, it shall become the absolute property of such finder ; but if the appraisal shall exceed ten dollars, it shall be sold at public auction by the Sheriff or any Constable of the county, on the request of the finder, and he shall be entitled to one-half the proceeds, and the other half shall be paid to the Treasurer of the town within ten days. If the finder shall neglect or refuse to cause such sale, he shall pay to the town the value of such stray, to be recovered by the town. If any person, without the consent of the owner, shall take away such stray,- without first paying the lawful charges, he shall be liable to the finder for the value of such stray. If the finder shall neglect to do any act prescribed above, he shall be precluded from acquiring any right in such stray, and from receiving any charges or expenses relative thereto. FENCES. The Overseers of Highways in their respective towns, the Aldermen of cities in their respective wards, and the Trustees of villages in their respective villages, shall be Fence Viewers, and in towns having less than three road districts, the Supervisors shall be Fence Viewers. All fences four and a half feet high, and in good repair, consisting of rails, timber, boards or stone walls, or any combination thereof, and all brooks, rivers, ponds, creeks, ditches and hedges or other things which shall be considered equivalent thereto, in the judgment of the Fence Viewers, within whose jurisdiction the same may be, shall be deemed legal and sufficient fences. Every partition of a fence, or line upon which a fence is to be built, made by the owners of the adjoining lands, in writing, sealed and witnessed by two witnesses, or by Fence Viewers in writing, under their hands, after being recorded in the Town Clerk's office, shall oblige such owners and their heirs, as long as they remain owners, and" after parting with the ownership, until a new partition is made. A division of a partition fence, or line upon which a partition fence between adjoining lands shall be built, may be made by Fence Viewers in the following cases : 1. When any owner of uninclosed lands shall desire to inclose the same, he may have the line between his land and the adjoining land of any other person divided, and the portion upon which the respective owners shall erect their share of the partition fence assigned, whether such adjoining land be inclosed or not. 2. When any lands belonging to different persons in severalty, shall have been occupied m common, or without a partition fence between them, and one of the occupants shall be desirous ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 281 to occupy his part in severalty, and the others shall refuse or neglect, on demand, to divide with him the line where the fence ought to be built, or to build a sufficient fence on his part of the line, when divided, the occupant desiring it may have the same divided, and the share of each assigned. 3. When any controversy shall arise about the right of the respective occupants in parti tion fences, or their obligations to maintain the same, either party may have the line divided, and the share of each assigned. In either case, application may be made to two or more Fence Viewers of the town where the lands lie, who shall give reasonable notice in writing to each party, and they shall in writing under their hands, divide the partition fence or line, and assign to each owner or occupant his share thereof, and in the second and third cases direct within what time each party shall build or repair his share of the fence, having regard to the season of the year, and shall file such deci sion in the Town Clerk's office. If either party shall neglect or refuse to build or repair within the time so assigned, his part of the fence, the other may, after having completed his own part, build or repair such part, and recover doublo the expense thereof. Where the whole or a greater share than belongs to him has been built by one of the occu pants, before complaint to the Fence Viewers, the other shall be obliged to pay for his share of such fence. Where xininclosed land is afterward inclosed, the owner shall pay for one-half the partition fence upon the line between him and any other owner or occupant. If any person shall determine not to keep inclosed any part of his land adjoining any par tition fence, andshall give six months' notice of such determination to all adjoining occupants, he shall not be required to maintain any part of such fence during the time his lands shall lie open. LANDLORD AND TENANT. The common law right to destrain for rent is abolished. The atonement of a tenant to a stranger shall be absolutely void, and shall not in anywise effect the possession of his landlord, unless it be made 1. With the consent of the landlord ; or 2. Pursuant to, or in consequence of, a judgment or order of a court of competent juris diction; or 3. To a purchaser upon a judicial sale, who shall have acquired title to the lands by a conveyance thereof, after the period for redemption, if any, has expired. A tenancy, a will or sufferance may be determined by the landlord, giving one month's notice to quit, or the tenant giving one month's notice of his intention to quit, or if the terms'of payment are for less than a month, notice equal to the time between payments, or for non-payment of rent, fourteen days' notice to quit. Such notice shall be served by delivering the same to such tenant, or to some person of proper age residing on the premises, or if no such person can be found, by affixing the same in a conspicuous part of the premises, where it may be conveniently read, and, at the expi ration of the time required after the service of such notice, the landlord may re-enter, or main tain an action for the recovery of the possession thereof, or proceed in the manner prescribed by law to remove such tenant without further or other notice to quit. If, after giving notice of deter mination to quit, the tenant neglects or refuses to deliver up the premises, he shall be liable to double the rent agreed upon, to be collected the same as single rent. MARKS AND BRANDS. Every Town Clerk shall, on application of any person residing in his town, record a description of the marks or brands with which such person may be desirous of marking his horses, cattle, sheep or hogs ; but the same description shall not be recorded or used by more than one resident of the same town. If any person shall mark any of his horses, cattle, sheep 282 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. or hogs, with the same mark or brand previously recorded by any resident of the same town, and while the same mark or brand shall be used by such resident, he shall forfeit for every such offense $5 ; if any person shall willfully mark or brand any of the horses, cattle, sheep or hogs, of any other person with his mark or brand, he shall forfeit for every such offense $10 ; and, if any person shall willfully destroy or alter any mark or brand upon any of the horses, cattle, sheep or hogs of another, he shall forfeit $10, and pay to the party injured double damages. SURVEYORS AND SURVEYS. A County Surveyor is elected every two years. The surveyor may appoint and remove deputies at will, on filing a certificate thereof with the County Clerk. He shall be responsible on his bond for the faithful performance by every deputy of his duties. • , % It shall be the duty of the County Surveyor : (1.) To execute, himself or by his deputy, any survey which may be required of him by order of court, or upon application of any individual or corporation. (2.) To make a record of the plat and field notes of each survey made by him or his deputies, in record books kept therefor, and to so arrange or index the same as to be easy of reference, and to file and preserve in his office the original field notes and calculations thereof. (3.) To safely keep all books, records, plats, files, papers and property belonging to his office ; afford 'opportunity to examine the same to any person desiring, and deliver the same to his successor in office. (4.) To furnish a copy of any record, plat or paper in his office, to any person on demand and payment of his legal fees therefor. (5.) To administer to every chainman and marker assisting in any survey, before com mencing their duties as such, an oath or affirmation faithfully and impartially to discharge the duties of chainman or marker, as the case may be ; and the surveyor and his deputies are empowered to administer the same. (6.) To perform such other duties as may be required by law. The surveyor and his deputies may demand and receive the following fees, except it be other wise agreed upon with the parties employing them, to wit : For each day's service, $3. For each mile traveled in going from his office to the place of rendering service and return ing, 10 cents. For plat and certificate, except town plats, 50 cents. For recording a survey, 50 cents. For each chainman and marker necessarily employed, $1.50 per day, unless they be fur nished by the person for whom the survey is made. For making a copy, 10 cents a folio, and 25 cents for his certificate. SUPPORT OF THE POOR. Every town shall relieve and support all poor and indigent persons lawfully settled therein, whenever they shall stand in need thereof, excepting as follows: The father, mother and children, being of sufficient ability, of any poor person, who is blind, old, lame, impotent or decrepit, so as to be unable to maintain himself, shall, at their own charge, relieve and maintain such poor person in such manner as shall be approved by the Super visors of the town where such person may be, and, upon the failure of any such relative so to do, the Supervisors shall apply to the County Judge for an order to compel such relief. Legal settlement may be acquired by one year's residence in a town of this State. ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 283 MARRIED WOMEN. In Wisconsin, the marriage of a femme sole, executrix or administratrix, extinguishes her authority ; and of a female ward, terminates the guardianship as to custody of person, but not as to estate. The husband holds his deceased wife's lands for life, unless she left, by a former husband, issue to whom the estate might descend. Provisions exist by which powers may be given to married women, and regulating their execution of them. If husband and wife are impleaded, and the husband neglects to defend the rights of the wife, she applying before judg ment, may defend without him ; and, if he lose her land, by default, she may bring an action for ejectment after his death. The real estate of females married before, and the real and per sonal property of those after February 21, 1850, remain their separate property. And any married woman may receive, but not from her husband, and hold any property as if unmarried. She may insure the life of her husband, son, or any other person, for her own exclusive benefit. The property of the wife remains to her separate use, not liable for her husband's debts, and not subject to his disposal. She may convey her separate property. If her husband desert her, or neglect her, she may become a sole trader; and she may insure his life for her benefit. Her husband is not liable for her debts contracted before marriage ; the individual earnings of the wife are her separate property, and she may sue, and be sued alone, in regard to the same. She may make and hold deposits in savings-banks. She may, by a separate conveyance, release her dower in any lands which her husband has conveyed. If a woman has authority, she can transact all her husband's Business for him ; and while they' live together, the wife can buy all family things necessary for the support of the family, and for which he is liable. The husband is responsible for necessaries supplied to his wife, if he does not supply them himself ; and he continues so liable, if he turns her out of his house, or otherwise separates him self from her without good cause. But he is not so liable, if she deserts him (unless on extreme provocation), or if he turns her away for good cause. If she leaves him, because he treats her so ill, that she has good right to go from him, this is the same thing as turning her away, and she carries with her his credit for all necessaries supplied to her ; but what the misconduct must be, to give this right, is uncertain. In America the law must be, and undoubtedly is, that the wife is not obliged to stay and endure cruelty and indecency. If a man lives with a woman as his wife, and represents her to be so, he is responsible, the same as if she were his wife, even if it is known that she is not his wife. ACTIONS. All distinctions have been abolished, and there is now but one form, which must be prose cuted in the name of the real party in interest, except in case of executors, administrators and trustees, and which is begun by the service of a summons on the defendant, to be answered within twenty days. ARREST. Defendant may be arrested : 1. In an action to recover damages not on contract, where the defendant is a non-resident, or is about to remove from the State, or where the action is for injury to the person or character, or for injury to, or wrong taking, detaining or converting property, or in an action to recover damages for property taken under false pretenses. 2. In an action for a fine or penalty or for money received or property embezzled or fraudulently misapplied by a public officer or attorney, solicitor, or counsel or officer of a corpora tion as such, or factor agent or broker, or for misconduct or neglect in official or professional employment. 3. In an action to recover property unjustly detained where it is so concealed that the Sheriff cannot find the same. 284 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 4. Where the defendant was guilty of fraud in contracting the debt, or in concealing or disposing of the property for the taking, detaining or disposing of which the action is brought. An affidavit must be made on the part of the plaintiff, stating the cause of action and one of the above causes. ATTACHMENT is allowed on an affidavit that the defendant is indebted to plaintiff, and stating the amount and that it is due on contract ; and, 1. That defendant has absconded, or is about to abscond, or is concealed to the injury of his creditors. 2. That defendant has assigned, disposed or concealed his property or is about to do so with intent to defraud creditors. 3. That the defendant has removed, or is about to remove, his property from the State with intent to defraud creditors. 4. That the debt was fraudulently contracted. 5. That he is a non-resident. 6. Or a foreign corporation. 7. That he has fraudulently conveyed or disposed of his property with intent to defraud creditors. The amount sued for must exceed $50. GARNISHMENT is allowed on an affidavit on behalf of the creditor, that he believes that any third person (naming him) has property effects, or credits of defendant, or is indebted to him, also in execution, on a similar affidavit. JUDGMENT is a lien on real estate in the county where rendered from the date of docketing, and in other counties from the time of filing a transcript, and the lien continues for ten years. It bears interest at 7 per cent, or as high as 10 per cent if stipulated for in the contract. STAY LAWS. In Justices' Courts, on giving bond with surety within five days after judgment was ren dered, stay of execution is allowed, as follows : On sums not exceeding $10, exclusive of costs, one month ; between $10 and $30, two months ; between $30 and $50, three months ; over $50, four months. EXEMPTIONS. A homestead not exceeding forty acres, used for agriculture and a residence, and not included in a town plat or a city or village ; or, instead, one-quarter of an acre in a recorded town plat, city or village. Also, 1, Family Bible ; 2, Family pictures and school-books ; 3, Private library ; 4, Seat or pew in church ; 5, Right of burial ; 6, Wearing-apparel, beds, bed steads and bedding, kept and used in the family, stoves and appurtenances, put up and used, cooking utensils and household furniture to the value of $200, one gun, rifle or fire-arm to the value of $50 ; 7, Two cows, ten swine, one yoke of oxen and one horse or mule, or, in lieu thereof, a span of horses or mules, ten sheep and the wool therefrom, necessary food for exempt stock for one year, provided or growing or both, one wagon, cart or dray, one sleigh, one plow, one drag and other farm utensils, including tackle for the teams to the value of $50 ; 8, Provis ions and fuel for the family for one year ; 9, Tools and implements or stock-in-trade of a ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 285 mechanic or miner, used and kept, not exceeding $200 in value, library and implements of a professional man to the value of $200 ; 10, Money arising from insurance of exempt property destroyed by fire; 11,- Inventions for debts against the inventor; 12, Sewing-machines; 13, Sword, plate, books or articles presented by Congress or Legislature of a State ; 14, Printing- material and presses to the value of $1,500 ; 15, Earnings of a married person necessary for family support for sixty days previous to issuing process. LIMITATIONS OF ACTIONS. Real actions, twenty years ; persons under disabilities, five years after removal of the same. Judgments of Courts of Record of the State of Wisconsin and sealed instruments when the cause accrues within the State, twenty years. Judgments of other Courts of Record and sealed instruments accruing without the State, ten years. Other contracts, statute liabilities other than penalties and forfeitures, trespass on real property, trover detinue and replevin, six years. Actions against Sheriffs, Coroners and Constables, for acts done in their official capacity, except for escapes, three years. Statutory penalties and forfeitures, libel, slander, assault, battery and false imprisonment, two years. Actions against Sheriffs, etc., for escapes, one year. Persons under disabilities, except infants, may bring action after the disability ceases, provided the period is not extended more than five years, and infants one year after coming of age. Actions by representatives of deceased persons, one year from death ; against the same, one year from granting letters testamentary or of administration. New promise must be in writing. COMMERCIAL TERMS. $ — Means dollars, Being a contraction of U. S., which was formerly placed before any denomination of money, and meant, as it means now, United States currency. £ — Means pounds, English money. @ — Stands for at or to ; ft for pounds, and BB1. for Barrels ; ^ for per, or by the. Thus : Butter sells at 20@30c ^ ft, and Flour at $8@12 f Bbl. % for per cent., and # for numbers. May 1. Wheat sells at $1.20@$1.25, " seller June." Seller June means that the person who sells the wheat has the privilege of delivering it at any time during the month of June. Selling short is contracting to deliver a certain amount of grain or stock at a fixed price, within a certain length of time, when the seller has not the stock on hand. It is for the interest of the person selling short to depress the market as much as possible, in order that he may buy and fill his contract at a profit. Hence the "shorts" are termed "bears." Buying long is to contrive to purchase a certain amount of grain or shares of stock at a fixed price, deliverable within a stipulated time, expecting to make a profit By the rise in prices. The " longs " are termed " bulls," as it is for their interest to " operate "so as to " toss " the prices upward as much as possible. SUGGESTIONS TO THOSE PURCHASING BOOKS BY SUBSCRIPTION. The business of publishing books by subscription having so often been brought into disre pute by agents making representations and declarations not authorized by the publisher, in order to prevent that as much as possible, and that there may be more general knowledge of the relation such agents bear to their principal, and the law governing such cases, the following statement is made : A subscription is in the nature of a contract of mutual promises, by which the suBscriBer agrees to pay a certain sum for the work described ; the consideration is concurrent that the publisher shall publish the book named, and deliver the same, for which the subscriber is to pay the price' named. The nature and character of the work is described by the prospectus and sample shown. These should be carefully examined before subscribing, as they are the 286 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. basis and consideration of the promise to pay, and not the too often exaggerated statements of the agent, who is merely employed to solicit subscriptions, for which he is usually paid a com mission for each subscriber, and has no authority to change or alter the conditions upon which the subscriptions are authorized to be made by the publisher. Should the agent assume to agree to make the subscription conditional or modify or change the agreement of the publisher as set out by the prospectus and sample, in order to bind the principal, the subscriber should see that such condition or changes are stated over or in connection with his signature, so that the publisher may have notice of tho same. All persons making contracts in reference to matters of this kind, or any other business should remember ' that the law as written is, that they cannot be altered, varied or rescinded verBally, But, if done at all, must Be done in writing. It is therefore important that all persons contemplating suBscriBing should distinctly understand that all talk Before or after the sub scription is made, is not admissible as evidence, and is no part of the contract. Persons employed to solicit suBscriptions are known to the trade as canvassers. They are agents appointed to do a particular business in a prescribed mode, and have no authority to do it in any other way to the prejudice of their principal, nor can they bind their principal in any other matter. They cannot collect money, or agree that payment may be made in anything else but money. They cannot extend the time of payment beyond the time of delivery, nor bind their principal for the payment of expenses incurred in their business. It would save a great deal of trouble, and often serious loss, if persons, before signing their names to any subscription book, or any written instrument, would examine carefully what it is ; if they cannot read themselves call on some one disinterested who can. CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. CONDENSED. PREAMBLE. We, the People of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom ; in order to secure its blessings, form a more perfect government, insure domestic tranquillity, and promote the general welfare, do establish this Constitution. Article I. DECLARATION OF RIGHTS. Section 1. All men are born free and independent, and have, among other rights, those of life, liherty and pursuit of happiness. Governments are instituted to secure these rights. Sec. 2. There shall he neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except for the punish ment of crimes. Sec. 3. Liherty of speech and of the press shall not he abridged. Sec. 4. The right of the people to peaceahly assemBle to consult for the common good shall never Be abridged. Sec. 5. The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate. Sec. 6. Excessive bail shall not Be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel pun ishments inflicted. Sec. 7. In criminal prosecutions, the rights of the accused shall Be protected. Sec. 8. Criminal offenses shall be prosecuted on presentment of a grand jury. No one shall be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense, nor be compelled to be a witness against himself. Every one shall have the right of giving bail except in capital offenses ; and the writ of habeas corpus shall not Be suspended, except in case of reBellion or invasion. Sec 9. Every person is entitled to a certain remedy for all injuries or wrongs. Sec. 10. Treason consists in levying war against the State, or giving aid and comfort to its enemies. Two witnesses are necessary to convict a person of the crime. Sec. 11. The people are to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures. Sec. 12. Bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, or laws impairing obligation of contracts, shall never Be passed. Sec. 13. No property shall be taken for puBlic use without compensation. Sec. 14. All laws in the State are allodial. Feudal tenures are prohihited. Sec. 15. The rights of property are the same in resident aliens and citizens. Sec. 16. No person shall Be imprisoned for deBt. Sec 17. Wholesome exemption laws shall Be passed. Sec. 18. Liberty of conscience and rights of worship shall never be aBridged. The public money shall never Be applied to sectarian uses. Sec. 19. No religious test shall ever Be required as a qualification for any office. 287 288 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Sec. 20. The military shall Be in strict suBordination to the civil power. Sec. 21. Writs of error shall never Be prohihited by law. Sec. 22. A free government can only Be maintained By adhering to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality and virtue. Article II, BOUNDARIES. Section 1. The Boundary of the State, beginning at the northeast corner of the State of Illinois, runs with the boundary line of Michigan, through Lake Michigan and Green Bay, to the mouth of the Menominie River ; up that stream and the Brule River to Lake Brule ; along the southern shore of that lake to the Lake of the Desert ; thence in a direct line to the head of Montreal River; down the main channel of that stream to the middle of Lake Superior; thence through the center of said lake to the mouth of St. Louis River ; up the channel of that stream to the first rapids ; thence due south to the main branch of the St. Croix ; down that river and the Mississippi to the northwest corner of Illinois ; thence due eas^t with the northern boundary of that State to the place of beginning. Sec. 2. The propositions in the enahling act of Congress are accepted and confirmed. Article III. SUFFRAGE. Section 1. The qualified electors are all male persons twenty-one years of age or upward, who are (1.) white citizens of the United States ; (2.) who are white persons of foreign birth that have declared their intentions, according to law, to become citizens ; (3) who are persons of Indian blood and citizens of the United States ; and (4.) civilized Indians not members of any tribe. Sec. 2. Persons under guardianship, such as are non compus mentis or insane, and those convicted of treason and felony and not pardoned, are not qualified electors. Sec. 3. All votes shall be by ballot, except for township officers when otherwise directed by law. Sec. 4. No person shall be deemed to have lost his residence by reason of his absence on business for the State or United States. Sec. 5. No person in the army or navy shall become a resident of the State in conse quence of being stationed therein. Sec. 6. Persons convicted of bribery, larceny or any infamous crime, or those who bet on elections, may be excluded by law from the right of suffrage. Article IV. legislative. Section 1. The Legislative power is vested in a Senate and Assembly. Sec. 2. MemBers of the Assembly shall never number less than fifty-four, nor more than one hundred; of the Senate, not more than one-third, nor less than one-fourth of the mem bers of the Assembly. Sec. 3. Census shall be taken, every ten years, of the inhabitants of the State, beginning with 1855, when a new apportionment of members of the Senate and Assembly shall be made; also, after each United States census. Sec. 4. Members of the Assembly shall be chosen on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November of each year. Sec 5. Members of the Senate shall be elected for two years, at the same time and in the same manner as members of the Assembly. CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. 289 Sec. 6. No person shall be eligible to the Legislature, unless a resident of the State one year, and a qualified elector. Sec. 7. Each House shall be the judge of the qualifications of its members. A majority shall be necessary to form a quorum. Sec 8. Each House shall make its own rules. Sec 9. Each House shall choose its own officers. Sec. 10. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceedings. * Sec 11. The Legislature shall meet at the seat of government once a year. Sec. 12. No member shall be eligible to any other civil office in the State, during the term for which he was elected. Sec 13. No member shall be eligible to any office of the United States, during the term for which he was elected. Sec 14. Writs of election, to fill vacancies in either House, shall be issued by the Gov ernor. Sec 15. Except treason, felony and breach of the peace, members are privileged from arrest in all cases ; nor subject to any civil process during a session. Sec 16. Members are not liable for words spoken in debate. Sec 17. The style of all laws shall Be, " The people of the State of Wisconsin rep resented in Senate and AssemBly, do enact as follows : " Sec 18. Private or local Bills shall not emhrace more than one suBject. Sec. 19. Bills may originate in either House, and a bill passed by one House may be amended by the other. Sec. 20. Yeas and nays, at the request of one-sixth of the members present, shall be entered on the journal. Sec 21. [Each member shall receive, as an annual compensation, three hundred and fifty dollars and ten cents for each mile traveled in going to and returning from the seat of gov ernment]. As amended in 1867. Sec 22. Boards of Supervisors may be vested with powers of a local, legislative and administrative character, such as shall be conferred by the Legislature. Sec 23. One system only, of town and county government, shall be established by the Legislature. Sec 24. The Legislature shall never authorize any lottery, or grant any divorce. Sec. 25. Stationery, for State use and State printing, shall be let by contract to the low est bidder. Sec 26. Extra compensation to any public officer shall not be granted after service is rendered, nor shall his compensation be increased or diminished during his term of office. Sec. 27. The Legislature shall direct, by law, in what manner and in what Courts suits against the State may be brought. Sec. 28. Public officers shall all take an oath of office. Sec 29. The Legislature shall determine what persons shall constitute the militia, and may provide for organizing the same. Sec 30. Members of the Legislature shall vote viva voce in all elections made by them. Sec. 31. [Special legislation is prohibited (1) for changing the names of persons, or con stituting one person the heir-at-law of another ; (2) for laying out, opening or altering high ways, except in certain cases; (3) for authorizing persons to keep ferries; (4) for authorizing the sale of the property of minors ; (5) for locating a county seat ; (6) for assessment of taxes ; (7) for granting corporate powers, except to cities ; (8) for apportioning any part of the school fund ; and (9) for incorporating any town or village, or to award the charter thereof]. Added by amendment, in 1871. Sec. 32. [General laws shall be passed for the transaction of any business prohibited by Section 21 of this Article.] Added by amendment, in 1$71. 290 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Article V. Section 1. The executive power shall be vested in a Governor, who shall hold 5iis two years. A Lieutenant Governor shall be elected at the same time and for the same i erm Sec. 2. Governor and Lieutenant Governor must be citizens of the United Stales, and qualified electors of the State. Sec 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected at the times and places of choosing members of the Legislature. Sec. 4. The Governor shall be (1) commander-in-chief of the military and naval forces of the State ; (2) he has power to convene the Legislature in extra session ; (3) he shall communi cate to the Legislature all necessary information; (4) he shall transact all necessary business with the officers of the State; and (5) shall expedite all legislative measures, and see that the laws are faithfully executed. Sec 5. [The Governor's salary shall be five thousand dollars per annum.] As amended in 1869. Sec 6. The Governor shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons. Sec 7. The executive duties shall devolve upon the Lieutenant Governor when, from any cause, the executive office is vacated By the Governor. Sec. 8. The Lieutenant Governor shall be President of the Senate. The Secretary of State shall act as Governor when both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are incapacitated from any causes to fill the executive office. Sec 9. [The Lieutenant Governor shall receive a salary of one thousand dollars per annum.] As amended in 1869. Sec 10. All legislative bills shall Be presented to the Governor for his signature before they Become laws. Bills returned By the Governor without his signature may become laws by agreement of two-thirds of the members present in each house. Article VI. administration. Section 1. A Secretary of State, Treasurer and Attorney General shall be elected at the times and places of choosing members of the Legislature, who shall severally hold their offices for two years. Sec 2. The Secretary of State shall keep a record of the official acts of the Legislature and Executive Department. He shall be ex officio Auditor. Sec 3. The powers, duties and compensation of the Treasurer and Attorney General shall be prescribed by law. Sec 4. Sheriffs, Coroners, Registers of Deeds and District Attorneys shall be elected every two years. Article VLT. judiciary. Section 1. The Senate shall form the Court of Impeachment. Judgment shall not extend further than removal from office ; but the person impeached shall be liable to indictment, trial and punishment, according to law. Sec 2. The judicial power of the State is vested in a Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, Courts of Prohate, and in Justices of the Peace. Municipal courts, also, may Be authorized. Sec 3. The Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction only. T,rial by jury is not allowed in any case. The Court'' shall have a general superintending control over inferior courts, and power to issue writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, injunction, quo warranto, certiorari, and '-ther original and remedial writs. Missing Page Missing Page CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. 293 Sec. 4. [The Supreme Court shall consist of one Chief Justice, and four Associate Justices, each for the term of ten years.] As amended in 1877. Sec 5. The State shall be divided into five Judicial Circuits. Sec. 6. The Legislature may alter the limits or increase the number of the circuits. Sec. 7. There shall be a Judge chosen for each Circuit, who shall reside therein ; his term of office shall be six years. Sec. 8. The 'Circuit Courts shall have original jurisdiction in all matters civil and crim inal, not excepted in this Constitution, and not prohibited hereafter by law, and appellate juris diction from all inferior courts. They shall have power to issue writs of habeas corpus, man damus, injunction, quo warranto, certiorari, and all other writs necessary to carry their orders and judgments into effect. Sec. 9. Vacancies in the office of Supreme or Circuit Judge shall be filled by the Gover nor. Election for Judges shall not Be at any general election, nor within thirty days Before or after said election. Sec. 10. Judges of the Supreme and Circuit Courts shall receive a salary of not less than one thousand five hundred dollars, and shall hold no other office, except a judicial one, during the term for which they are respectively elected. Each Judge shall be a citizen of the United States, and have attained the age of twenty-five years. He shall also be a qualified elector within the jurisdiction for which he may be chosen. Sec. 11. The Supreme Court shall hold at least one term annually. A Circuit Court shall be held at least twice in each year, in each county of this State organized for judicial pur poses. Sec 12. There shall be a Clerk of the Circuit Court chosen in each county, whose term of office shall be two years. The Supreme Court shall appoint its own Clerk. Sec 13. Any Judge of the Supreme or Circuit Court may be removed from office by vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to both Senate and Assembly. Sec 14. A Judge of Probate shall be elected in each county, who shall hold his office for two years. Sec 15. Justices of the Peace shall be elected in the several towns, villages and cities of the State, in such manner as the Legislature may direct, whose term of office shall be two years. Their civil and criminal jurisdiction shall be prescribed by law. Sec 16. Laws shall be passed for the regulation of tribunals of conciliation. These may be established in and for any township. Sec 17. The style of all writs and process shall be u The State of Wisconsin." Criminal prosecutions shall he carried on in the name and by authority of the State ; and all indictments shall conclude against the peace and dignity of the same. Sec. 18. A tax shall be imposed by the Legislature on all civil suits, which shall consti tute a fund, to be applied toward the payment of the salary of Judges. Sec 19. Testimony in equity causes shall be taken the same as in cases * t law. The office of Master in Chancery is prohibited. Sec 20. Any suitor may prosecute or defend his case in his own proper person, or by attorney or agent. Sec 21. Statute laws and such judicial decisions as are deemed expedient, shall be pub lished. No general law shall be in force until published. Sec 22. The Legislature at its first session shall provide for the appointment of three Commissioners to.revise the rules of practice in the several Courts of Record in the State. Sec 23. The Legislature may confer judicial powers on one or more persons in each organized county of the State. Powers granted to such Commissioners shall n^t exceed that of a Judge of a Circuit Court at chambers. 294 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Article VIII. finance. Section 1. Taxation shall be uniform, and taxes shall be levied upon such property as the Legislature may prescrihe. Sec. 2. [No money shall Be paid out of the treasury except in pursuance of an appro priation By law. Claims made against the State must he filed within six years after having accrued.] As amended in 1877, Sec 3. The credit of the State shall never Be given or loaned in aid of any individual, association or corporation. Sec 4. The State shall never contract any puhlic deBt, except in the cases and manner provided in this Constitution. Sec 5. A tax shall Be levied each year sufficient to defray estimated expenses. Sec. 6. DeBts not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars may Be contracted By the State, which shall Be paid within five years thereafter. Sec 7. The Legislature may Borrow money to repel invasion, suppress insurrection or defend the State in time of war. Sec 8. All fiscal laws in the Legislature shall be voted on by yeas and nays. Sec. 9. State scrip shall not be issued except for such debts as are authorized by the sixth and seventh sections of this article. Sec 10. No debt for internal improvements shall be contracted by the State. Article IX. eminent domain and property of the state. Section 1. The State shall have concurrent jurisdiction on all rivers and lakes border ing on Wisconsin. Sec 2. The title to all property which has accrued to the Territory of Wisconsin shall vest in the State of Wisconsin. Sec. 3. The ultimate property in and to all lands of the State is possessed by the people. Article X. education. Section 1. The supervision of public instruction shall be vested in a State Superintend ent and such other officers as the Legislature shall direct. The annual compensation of the State Superintendent shall not exceed twelve hundred dollars. Sec 2. The school fund to support and maintain common schools, academies and nor mal schools, and to purchase apparatus and libraries therefor, shall be created out of (1) the proceeds of lands from the United States ; (2) out of forfeitures and escheats ; (3) out of moneys paid as exemptions from military duty ; (4) out of fines collected for breach of penal laws; (5) out of any grant to the State where the purposes of such grant are not specified; (6) out of the proceeds of the sale of five hundred thousand acres of land granted by Congress Sep tember 14, 1841 ; and (7) out of the five per centum of the net proceeds of the public lands to which the State shall become entitled on her admission into the Union (if Congress shall con sent to such appropriation of the two grants last mentioned.) Sec 3. District schools shall be established by law which shall be free to all children be tween the ages of four and twenty years. No sectarian instruction shall be allowed therein. Sec 4. Each town and city shall raise for common schools therein by taxation a sura equal to one-half the amount received from the school fund of the State. CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. 295 Sec 5. Provisions shall be made by law for the distribution of the income of the school fund among the several towns and cities for the support of common schools therein ; but no appropriation shall be made when there is a failure to raise the proper tax, or when a school shall not have been maintained at least three months of the year. Sec. 6. Provision shall be made by law for the establishment of a State University. The proceeds of all lands granted for the support of a university by the United States shall consti tute "the University fund," the interest of which shall be appropriated to the support of the State University. No sectarian instruction shall be allowed in such university. Sec 7. The Secretary of State, Treasurer and Attorney General shall constitute a Board of Commissioners to sell school and university lands and for the investments of the proceeds- thereof. Sec 8. School and university lands shall be appraised and sold according to law. The Commissioners shall execute deeds to purchasers, and shall invest the proceeds of the sales of such lands in such manner as the Legislature shall provide. Article XL corporations. Section 1. Corporations without banking powers may be formed under general laws, but shall not be created by special act, except for municipal purposes, and in cases where, in the judgment of the Legislature, the objects of the corporation cannot be attained under general laws. Sec 2. No municipal corporation shall take private property for public use, against the consent of the owner, except by jury trial. Sec. 3. Cities and incorporated villages shall be organized, and their powers restricted by law so as to prevent abuses. [No county, city, town, village, school district, or other municipal corporation, shall become indebted to exceed five per centum on the value of the taxable property therein.] As amended in 1874. Sec. 4. Banks shall not be created except as provided in this article. Sec 5. The question of " bank " or "no bank " may be submitted to the voters of the State; and if a majority of all the votes cast shall be in favor of banks, the Legislature shall have power to grant bank charters, or pass a general Banking law. Article XII. Section 1. Amendments to the Constitution may Be proposed in either house of the Legis lature, and referred to the next Legislature and published for three months previous. If agreed to by a majority of all the members elected to each house, then the amendment or amendments shall submit them to the vote of the people ; and if the people shall approve and ratify such amendment or amendments, they shall become a part of the Constitution. Sec 2. If a convention to revise or change the Constitution shall be deemed necessary by the Legislature, they shall recommend to the electors of the State to vote at the next general election for or against the same. If the vote shall be for the calling of such convention, then the Legislature, at its next session, shall provide for the same. Article XIII. miscellaneous provisions. Section 1. The political year for Wisconsin shall commence on the first Monday in Jan uary in each year. General elections shall be holden on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday in November. Sec 2. A duelist shall not be qualified as an elector in this State. Sec 3. United States officers (except Postmasters), public defaulters, or persons convicted of infamous crimes, shall not be eligible to office in this State. 296 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. Sec 4. A great seal for the State shall be provided, and all official acts of the Governor (except his approbation of the laws), shall be authenticated thereby. Sec 5. Residents on Indian lands may vote, if duly qualified, at the polls nearest their residence. Sec 6. Elective officers of the Legislature, other than the presiding officers, shall be a Chief Clerk, and a Sergeant-at-Arms, to be elected by each House. Sec. 7. No county with an area of nine hundred square miles or less, shall be divided, without submitting the question to the vote of the people of the county. Sec. 8. [The Legislature is prohibited from enacting any special or private laws, for locating or changing any county seat.] See amendment adopted in 1871, as Sec. 31 (Subdivision 5) of Art. IV. Sec. 9. Officers not provided for by- this Constitution shall be elected as the Legislature shall direct. Sec. 10. The Legislature may declare the cases in which any office shall be deemed vacant, and also the manner of filling the vacancy, where no provision is made for that purpose in this Constitution. Article XIV. SCHEDULE. Section 1. All rights under the Territorial government are continued under the State government. Territorial processes are yalid after the State is admitted into the Union. Sec 2. Existing laws of the Territory of Wisconsin not repugnant to this Constitution shall remain in force until they expire by limitation or are altered or repealed. Sec. 3. All fines, penalties or forfeitures accruing to the Territory of Wisconsin shall inure to the use of the State. Sec. 4. Territorial recognizances, bonds and public property shall pass to and be vested in the State. Criminal prosecutions, offenses committed against the laws, and all actions at law and suits in equity in the Territory of Wisconsin shall be contained in and prosecuted by the State. Sec. 5. Officers holding under authority of the United States or of the Territory of Wis consin shall continue in office until superseded by State authority. Sec 6. The first session of the State Legislature shall commence on the first Monday in June next, and shall be held at the village of Madison, which shall be and remain the seat of government until otherwise provided by law. Sec 7. Existing county and town officers shall hold their offices until the Legislature of the State shall provide for the holding of elections to fill such offices. Sec 8. A copy of this Constitution shall be transmitted to the President of the United States to be laid before Congress at its present session. Sec. -9. This Constitution shall be submitted to the vote of the people for ratification or rejection on the second Monday in March next. If ratified, an election shall be held for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Attorney General, members of the State Legisla ture and members of Congress, on the second Monday of May next. Sec 10. {Omitted. See Section 1, Chapter 3, Acts of Extra Session of 1878.] Sec 11. The several elections provided for in this Article shall be conducted according to the existing laws of the Territory of Wisconsin. Sec 12. [Omitted. See Section 1, Chapter 3, Acts of Extra Session of 1878.] Sec. 13. The common law in force in the Territory of Wisconsin shall continue in force in the State until altered or suspended by the Legislature. Sec. 14. The Senators first elected in the even-numBered Senate districts, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and other State officers first elected under this Constitution, shall enter upon their duties on the first Monday of June next, and hold their offices for one year from the first Monday of January next. The Senators first elected in the odd-numhered districts and the CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 297 members of the Assembly first elected shall enter upon their duties on the first Monday of June next, and continue in office until the first Monday in January next. Sec 15. The oath of office may be administered by any Judge or Justice of the Peace, until the Legislature shall otherwise direct. We, the undersigned, members of the Convention to form a Constitution for the State of Wisconsin, to be submitted to the people thereof for their ratification or rejection, do hereby certify that the foregoing is the Constitution adopted by the Convention. In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, at Madison, the 1st day of Feb ruary, A. D. 1848. Morgan L. Martin, President of the Convention and Delegate from Brown County. Thomas McHugh, Secretary. CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. CONDENSED. PREAMBLE. We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. ARTICLE I. Section 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. Sec 2. The House of Representatives shall Be composed of memBers chosen every second year By the people of the States, and electors shall have qualifications for electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature. Representatives must he twenty-five years of age, and must have been seven years citizens of the United States, and inhabitants of the State in which they shall be chosen. Representatives and direct taxes shall he apportioned among the several States according to population, which shall Be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, including apprentices and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. The enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of Congress, and every ten years there after in such manner as Congress shall by law direct. States shall have one Representative only for each thirty thousand, but each State shall have at least one Representative ; and until such enumeration shall be made, New Hampshire shall choose three ; Massachusetts, eight ; Rhode Island, one; Connecticut, five; New York, six; New Jersey, four; Pennsylvania, eight; Del aware, one ; Maryland, six ; Virginia, ten ; North Carolina, five ; South Carolina, five, and Georgia, three. Vacancies in the representation from any State shall be filled by elections, ordered by the executive authority of the State. 298 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other officers, and shall have the sole power of impeachment. Sec 3. The Senate shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six years ; and each Senator shall have one vote. Senators shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes immediately after assem bling, in consequence of the first election. The first class shall vacate their seats at the expira tion of the second year ; the second class, at the expiration of the fourth year, and the third class, at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-third may be chosen every second year; and vacancies happening by resignation or otherwise during the recess of the Legislature of any State may be filled by temporary appointments of the Executive until the next meeting of the Legislature. All Senators shall havo attained the age of thirty years, and shall have been nine years citizens of the United States, and shall be inhabitants of the State for which they shall be chosen. The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided. ¦ The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the office of President, The Senate shall have the sole power to try impeachments. When sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the President is tried, the Chief Justice shall pre side, and concurrence of two-thirds of the members present shall be necessary to conviction. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall be limited to removal from office and disqualifica tion to hold any office under the United States ; but the party convicted shall be liable to trial and punishment according to law. Sec. 4. The Legislature of each State shall prescribe the times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, but Congress may make or alter such regu lations, except as to the place of choosing Senators. Congress shall assemble annually, on the first Monday in December, unless a different day Be appointed. Sec. 5. Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business ; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may compel attendance of absent members, under penalties. Each House may determine its own rules of proceeding, punish its members, and, by a two- thirds vote, expel a member. Each House shall keep a journal, which shall be published at their discretion, and one-fifth of those present may require the yeas and nays to be entered on the journal. Neither House shall adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other, nor to any other place than that in which they are sitting. Sec. 6. The compensation of Senators and Representatives shall be fixed by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall be privileged from arrest during attendance at the session of their respective Houses, except for treason, felony and breach of the peace, and shall not be questioned in any other place for any speech or debate in either House. No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the United States which shall have been created or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time ; and no person holding office under the United States shall be a member of either House during his continuance in office. Sec 7. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives, but may be amended by the Senate. Every bill passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the President ; if he approve, he shall sign it ; but if not, he shall return CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 299 it, with his objections, to that House in which it originated, who shall enter the ohjections on their journal and proceed to reconsider it. If, after reconsideration, two-thirds shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, with the objections, to the other House, and, if approved by two- thirds of that House, it shall become a law. But in all such cases, the yeas and nays shall be taken, and entered upon the journal of each House, respectively. Any bill not returned by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, shall be a law, as if he had signed it, unless Congress, by adjournment, shall prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a law. Every order, resolution or vote requiring the concurrence of the Senate and House of Rep resentatives (except a question of adjournment), shall be approved by the President Before tak ing effect ; or, Being disapproved By him, shall he repassed By a two-thirds vote of each House, as in the case of a bill. Sec 8. Congress shall have power : To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States ; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States ; To borrow money on the public credit ; To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several States and with the Indian tribes ; To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bank ruptcies ; To coin money, regulate the value thereof and foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures; To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United To establish post offices and post roads ; To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries ; To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court ; To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offenses against the laws of nations ; To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water ; To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years ; To provide and maintain a navy ; To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces ; To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insur rection and repel invasions ; To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, and for governing such parts of them as may be employed in the service of the United States — the several States to appoint the officers and to train the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress ; To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases, over the seat of Government, and over all forts, magazines, arsenals, dock -yards and other needful buildings ; and To make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution all powers vested By this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. Sec 9. Foreign immigration or the importation of slaves into the States shall not Be pro hibited by Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed not exceeding ten dollars for each person so imported. The writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless required by the public safety in cases of rebellion or invasion. No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed. 300 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census or enu meration hereinbefore directed to be made. No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any State. ' In regulating commerce or revenue, no preference shall be given to the ports of one State over those of another ; nor shall vessels bound to or from one State be obliged to enter, clear or pay duties in another. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury unless appropriated by law ; and accounts of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time. No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States ; and no person holding any office under them shall accept any present, emolument, office or title from any foreign State without the consent of Congress. Sec. 10. No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance or confederation ; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts ; pass bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility. No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any, imposts or duties on imports or exports, except for the execution of its inspection laws; and all such duties shall be for the use of the United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control of Congress. No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another State or with a foreign power, or engage in war unless actually invaded or in imminent and immediate danger. Article II. Section 1. The executive power shall be vested in a President. He shall hold office for four years, and, together with the Vice President chosen for the same term, shall be elected as follows : Each State shall appoint in the manner directed by the Legislature, a number of electors equal to the whole number of its Senators and Representatives in Congress; but no Senator or Representative or person holding any office under the United States shall be appointed an elector. [ The third clause of this section has been superseded and amended by the 12th Amendment] Congress may determine the time of choosing the electors, and the day on which they shall give their votes, which day shall be the same throughout the United States. A natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, only shall be eligible to the office of President; and he must have attained the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States. If the President be removed from office, die, resign, or become unable to discharge the duties of his office, the same shall devolve upon the Vice President, and Congress may provide by law for the case of removal, death, resignation or inability of both the President and Vice President, declaring what officer shall then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed or a President elected.* The President shall receive a compensation for his services, which shall be neither increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been electedf and within that period he shall not receive any other emolument from the United States or from any of them. Before entering upon office he shall take the following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will, totiie best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United Ot this bjin:r the first religious meeting. Rev. Mr. Griffin held an open-air prayer-meeting in East Troy Sunday, July 3, 1636. No sermon was preached on the occasion. 350 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. an earnest advocate of temperance. He instituted and conducted the first series of weekly prayer-meetings held in the county. Of his early religious work, he gives the following ac count: " The first prayer-meeting in the county was established in May, 1837, at the cabin of D. Campbell, on Spring Prairie, on the spot where Deacon Bacon and his son John have since lived. Some of those who attended walked from Burlington, and others from the northwest part of Spring Prairie an extreme of ten miles, and made an assembly of about a dozen in all. The first sermon was preached in June, or July, by a visiting Methodist minister — the only one I heard for some eleven months, at the same house. The earliest Sabbath school known to me was commenced at my house in June, in 1838, by my wife and myself." Elder Benjamin Perce was the first ordained minister who preached a sermon and held public religious services in the western part of the county. The service was held at the house of Allen Perkins, in Delavan, on the evening of October 7, 1836; his text was from Matthew xix, 20—" What lack I yet? " The first denominational Christian organization in the county was effected by the Method ists in East Troy. The old Aztalan Circuit held a quarterly meeting at that place, February 3, 1838. The Presiding Elder was Rev. Salmon Stebbins. The meeting was held at the house of Daniel Griffin, where a class was formed. The first preacher was Rev. Jesse Halstead. There was occasional preaching at other points in the county on Mr. Halstead's circuit during that and the following year; at Meacham's Prairie (Troy), Spring Prairie and Elkhorn. In 1839, the Aztalan Circuit was divided and a new circuit formed from its southern half. It was called the Walworth Circuit and at first took in Burlington and Rochester, with various points in Walworth County. In 1840, Burlington and Rochester were detached and made into a new circuit, and the name of the Walworth Circuit changed to Troy, as the oldest and largest class was at that place (now East Troy). At that time, Mr. Halstead was succeeded on the cir cuit by Rev. James McKean. The following sketch of the labors of himself and his immediate successor, Rev. L. F. Malthrop, is from Dr. W. G. Miller's book, entitled, "Thirty Years in the Itineracy." The sketch also alludes to work done in the county during the same years by Rev. David Worthington, who had charge of the Rochester and Burlington Circuit after it was formed, in 1840, and did missionary work in the towns of Walworth County nearest his charge. The sketch is as follows: " On the new charge (Rochester and Burlington), there were two classes formed by Bro. Worthington during this year. The first was formed in Puffer's Schoolhouse on Spring Prairie in the summer of 1840, and included in its membership, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Cowham, Lan sing Lewis and Mrs. Lewis, his mother. ' Bro. Cowham was the leader. The other class was organized in Lyonsdale, with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lyon, Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Lyon, Mr. and Mrs. Ansel Waite, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall and Mrs. Jones. Hon. William P. Lyon, of the Supreme Court, subsequently became identified with the society. * * * ## * # * * * % % " In 1841, Rev. L. F. Moulthrop was appointed to the Troy Circuit. He remained the second year, and had as a colleagua the excellent Rev. Henry Whitehead, so long and well known by the preachers of the Northwest in connection with the Chicago Book Depository. " At Round Prairie a class was formed. The members, as far as ascertained, were' Rev. James Flanders, local preacher, Mr. and Mrs. Houghten, Mrs. Norcross, Father Cornice and Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Cornice. "At Heart Prairie, the services were held in Father Worthington's log house, wherea class was also organized. Father Worthington, his wife and two sons, Elijah and Theodore and Mrs. Lewis, were the first members. "At Delavan, the meetings were held alternately in Mr. Bradway's log house in the village, and at the residence of Mr. Phoenix on the prairie. The class at this place was small, and I ana unable to in-nrfc in the racard mora than the name3 of Mr. and Mrs. Bradway. "Elkhorn at this early day, but, as the county seat, commanded an appointment." The first Baptist Church in the county was organized in Delavan September 21, 1839. Rev. Henry Topping was the first pastor. An extended notice of this church appears in the town history of Delavan. A little later, during the year following— IS 40 — a Baptist Church HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 351 was formed in Geneva. The first meeting, at which the organization was effected, was held at the house of C. M. Baker. The first pastor was Rev. P. W. Lake. Still another Baptist Church was formed in Spring Prairie May 27, 1841. Rev. William R. Manning was the first pastor. It was an offshoot from the Baptist Church at Rochester, which was organized by the Baptists of Spring Prairie, Burlington and Rochester in the fall of 1837. Further mention of this church appears in the town history of Spring Prairie. The three above mentioned are believed to be the earliest Baptist Churches organized in the county. The Congregationalists organized a church in Spring Prairie in 1840. The first meeting was held in the schoolhouse of District No. 5. The church membership comprised those of like faith living in the town of Burlington, a3 well as those of Spring Prairie. Rev. S. A. Dwinnell was one of the organizers of the church. Rev. Cyrus Nichols was the first pastor. The Presbyterians organized a church in Geneva in the spring of 1839. Rev. Lemuel Hall was the first preacher. This was the first church organized in Geneva, and the first of that •denomination in the county. The Congregationalists of Whitewater were the first to organize a church in that part of the county— perhaps the first in the county. The exact date of the organization at Spring Prairie cannot be obtained; that of the church at Whitewater was July 3, 1840. The first pastor was Rev. Daniel Smith. Further mention of this church appears in the historical sketch ¦of the village of Whitewater. The first Episcopalian Church in the county was organized in Elkhorn in October, 1841 — ¦St. John's Church in the Wilderness. It was established by Bishop Kemper, and was, in its earlier years, under the pastoral charge of the Reverend professors of the Nashotah Divinity School — Breck Hobert and Adams — who held services alternately. These are believed to be the earliest churches organized in the county. They are all now in existence, having stood through two generations as the early watch-towers on the walls of Zion. Thus it appears that the instrumentalities of church organization early became a potent element in the development of the character of the growing community. The pioneer ministers did no holiday work. They were conscientious laborers in the Master's vineyard, and felt the heavy weight of responsibility that rested on them as the guardians of His trust in a " far country." They were poor in purse, and many of them eked out a livelihood by cultivating the land in addition to the scanty income derived from their clerical work. Much of their work gave only the return of the approval of their consciences, and the hopes of the coming verdict of approval — " Well done, thou good and faithful servant " — after earth's labors had ended. Funerals were attended wherever called, at whatever distance, regardless of the hardships incurred. Their efforts in missionary work, before the churches were organized, involved labor and privations that could have been performed and endured only under the exaltation that comes from a thorough devotion to duty and an unquestioning, un complaining and trustful spirit. The devoted followers of Loyola, at the command of the church, went to the uttermost parts of the earth to plant the seed of the church, " without staff or scrip, without question and without hope of earthly reward." In obedience to the commands of the Most High, the pioneer preachers of forty years ago, with the same spirit of self-sacrifice, came into the wilderness to plant the colors of the Christian Church in the van of the coming civilization of the West. Among the earliest clergymen were Benjamin Perce, Lemuel Hall, P. W. Lake, Orra Mar tin, Henry Topping, A. Gaston, C. Morgan, Daniel Smith, Cyrus Nichols, William R. Manning and Jesse Halstead. There were other vigorous workers who preached as occasion offered — Solomon A. Dwinnell, Col. Samuel F. Phoenix, Daniel Griffin and others, whose names cannot be remembered. In the town histories, further mention will be found of these early pioneers in Christian work. MORAL AGITATION. Without discussing the merits or demerits of the moral questions that forced themselves into notice, not only in this county but all over the land, it is a matter to be recorded in history that the initiative sources of agitation, far back of the times when they entered into politics, are to be traced to the early churches. The abolition of slavery became one of the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and resulted in its separation into two organizations, North and 352 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. South. Out of this and other churches, to which must be added a few sturdy and conscientious men outside, came the early agitators of the slavery question on purely moral grounds. They were the early Abolitionists. The agitation of the temperance question began vigorously at an early day, and has kept Wal worth County foremost in the line of reform and prevention of the evil of intemperance even to the present time. In this it is not intended to attribute the entire moral force on the temper ance side to the churches, but to treat them as the most aggressive and best organized opponents to the evil, leaving it an open question as to the wisdom of their varied and various methods of propagating the reform. Allusion has been already made to the earnest and efficient work of Col. Phcenix,- one of the first religious exhorters who ever preached in the county, to establish temperance as the hand-maid of religion in his infant colony at Delavan. His brother Henry was no less zealous in the temperance cause. Solomon A. Dwinnell, a clergyman as well as a reformer, thus wrote of his early labors in the temperance cause: "I came to Wisconsin a teetotaler, having assisted in forming the first society in the United States pledged against the use of all that intoxicates, at Andover, Mass., June, 1832. I have here labored to sustain these principles. In July, 1838, I lectured at Spring Prairie Corners, and assisted in forming a society of about twenty members — the first known to us in Walworth County. " On the 1st day of January, 1839, twenty of us, men and women, met in a small room at Elkhorn, exchanged greetings, some for the first time, listened to an address by B. C. Perce, Esq., of Gardner's Prairie, and organized a County Temperance Society which lived many years and its influence Still survives. Among those present were C. M. Goodsell, S. F. Phoenix, J. Spooner, J. W. Vail and John F. Potter. " In January, 1840, a small band of us met in a log schoolhouse in Troy, the same in which the Presbyterian and Congregational Convention was organized, in October of the same year, and formed a society for the Territory. We were very zealous and full of hope for the future. Addresses were given by S. F. Phcenix, Stephen Peet, A. Finch, Jr., M Frank and others." Another temperance society was formed in Geneva, December 25, 1839. The first meeting was held at the house of C. M. Baker. Fifty members took the pledge at the time of its organi zation. During the year 1840, seventy more joined the society. The first officers of this vigor ous association were: President, Benjamin Ball; Vice President, John Chapin; Secretary, C. M. Baker; Executive Committee, C. M. Goodsell, William K. May and Morris Ross. Among the articles of faith of the first Baptist Church in Delavan, were the following: Article 16 — Believing the use of all intoxicating drinks as a beverage to be needless, dangerous and hurtful, we will neither drink nor vend, nor manufacture the same to be drank, nor admit to our communion any who do not conform to this rule. Article 17 — Believing that American slavery is an institution in opposition to the law of God and the advancement of the kingdom of Christ, and the happiness and sacred priveleges of more than 100,000 of our brethren, therefore, we, in the face of God, solemnly protest against it, and cannot fellowship those who are directly or indirectly engaged in it. Thus this, the first Baptist Church in the county .became a temperance society and an anti- slavery organization. On December 9, 1843, the articles and covenants of the Spring Prairie Baptist Church were revised, and in the covenant the following clause was inserted: That we will not countenance the use of, or the traffic in, intoxicating liquors, or the buying or holding of human beings as property. Thus another of the early churches arrayed herself beside her elder sister. It is quite likely that a perusal of the articles and covenants of the other early churches would show that they had taken a like positive stand against the twin evils. The above have come to notice, and are recorded as showing the general stand taken on these two absorbing questions, one of which was washed out in rivers of blood, the other, unhappily, remaining yet to vex the souls of humani tarians and Christians who, with forty years of faithful labor, have stayed the flood of tribula tion and sorrow, but have not dried its sources. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 353 THE WALWORTH COUNTY BRANCH UNDER-GROUND RAILROAD. As has already been stated, the anti-slavery cause found stanch adherents in Walworth County from the beginning. Even among the comers of 1836 were several of the then unpopular race of Garrisonian Abolitionists. Dwinnell, the Phoenixes, Dyer, Elder Manning and many others, were the uncompromising enemies of the system and braved danger and contumely in defense of their principles. The first " Underground Railway " from Milwaukee to Canada was located through the eastern part of the county as early as 1843, and no fleeing slave was ever captured on the Wal worth section of the line. The first passenger sent safely through was the slave girl, Caroline Quarlles, a quadroon who had escaped from her owners and fled to Milwaukee, to which place her pursuers had tracked her. It soon came to the ears of the Abolitionists of the town that she was to be claimed by process of law and returned to slavery. It was at once determined to ship her to Canada by the Underground Railway. The starting-point of the journey was in Waukesha County, to which point she was carried in the night, being conveyed across the river and out of the city by Asahel Finch, now one of the leading lawyers of Milwaukee. From the boundary of the city she was taken to Pewaukee by Samuel Brown, father of the present Mayor of Milwaukee. On the way he was met by a party from Waukesha, who were returning from a fruitless search for the girl. They passed him, not suspecting that he carried the object of their search in the bottom of his wagon. Farther on, his vehicle broke down. He mounted his horse, took the girl before him, and landed her at the first station of the Underground Rail way, in Pewaukee, before daylight. For several days she was secreted there, in Waukesha, and other parts of Waukesha County, being removed from place to place by night to avoid her pur suers, as often as they discovered her place of concealment. Early in August, 1843, her journey to Canada and freedom by the Underground Railway began. Lyman Goodenow, of Waukesha, was the man chosen to take Caroline through to Canada. She had been sent into Walworth County for safety, from whence Goodenow was to take her on her perilous journey. She was at first secreted in the house of Solomon A. Dwinnell, who gives the following account: " Early of an August morning, in the year 1843, a loud rap was heard at our door at Spring Prairie, Walworth County. I at once arose, and, upon opening the door, was accosted by Deacon Ezra Mendall, of Waukesha, and two associates, with a slave girl apparently about eighteen years old, of fine figure and light yellow complexion. They said to me, "We have work here for you. This girl is hotly pursued, and a large reward is offered, and many are out hunting for her. We wish you to conceal her to-day, and to-night remove her to another place, so that she cannot be tracked. We will come in a few days and take her. We must leave at once to avoid being seen here by daylight. As they arose to leave, the poor girl looking at them anxiously, and with an expression of terror that I can never forget, inquired, 'Are you leaving me with friends? Am I safe here? ' Giving her an affirmative answer, they took leave. The girl was concealed during the day, and the following night was placed in care of Deacon J. C. P., at Gardner's Prairie, where she remained a few days, when the cars of the Underground Railroad conveyed her to what was then " the land of the free " in the dominion of the British Queen, where at the last advices she was prosperous and happy." Goodenow and Deacon Mendall, having left the slave in the care of Dwinnell, returned to Waukesha. The story is continued substantially in his own words : " We came home by a different route from that on which we went, and found everything serene. We had not been missed from Prairieville (Waukesha). Those fellows were satisfied she had left the place, and, for two or three days, a few friends of us talked of the affair, and concluded that, though the people the girl was with were stanch Abolitionists, we did not know how good managers they were. The more we talked the more fearful we were she would be found. Finally, we decided that one of us should go and take the girl through to some station on the Underground Railroad, and they pitched upon me, being an old bachelor with no family to keep me from going, as the proper one to do the job. At this time money was not plenty in Prairieville, as every one was paying for his land. I had to start away with very little money. I rode my horse to Deacon Edmund Clinton's, as I always did when I wanted to get him shod, 354 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. with a rope-halter on so as not to look suspicious. It was about dark. I told the Deacon I wanted his saddle, bridle and all the money he had. ' I am going on a skeerup, and I may be obliged to pay the Queen a visit before I get back,' said I. He handed me $5, all the money he had by him. That made $8 with what I had, to start with. I mounted my horse and started for the oak openings. Went through North Prairie, Eagle and to West Troy. Before reaching the last place it began to rain, and it was the darkest night I had ever seen. Lost my way several times, and did not reach my destination till 7 or 8 o'clock in the morning, I had break fast, baited my horse and dried my clothes till noon. I was startled to find Caroline gone. I was more easy, however, when I found that they had moved her Tuesday night to Gardner's Prairie (two miles from Burlington), where she was left, but they didn't know at whose house. I started for Gardner's Prairie to hunt her up, and on the way stopped at Elder Manning's. He had not heard there was such a girl as Caroline, and knew nothing about the excitement con nected with her case, having been confined to the house by illness. He declared his intention of going with me to the Prairie to find the girl, in spite of the pleadings of his wife, who thought it too great a risk for his health, this being his first day out of bed. The weather had cleared and we started, the Elder going straight from his bed to his horse. We rode to Mr. Peffers', who, knowing the Elder, upon being questioned, said the girl was there. I was ac quainted with the brothers Arms, Abolitionists, and went to them. They called in two or three other friends to consult what to do, and, while talking, Dr. Dyer, father of Judge Charles E. Dyer, came along. He proved to be the Commander-in-chief — a strong Abolitionist, the greatest and best friend to humanity. We could not keep the doctor from seeing the girl ; so we all went down where she was, and held another consultation, when it was decided that I should take Mr. Chenery's buggy and harness and continue the journey to safety and freedom. Dr. Dyer went home and made preparations. He came back with a pillow-case full of cakes, pies and cheese, to be used in case of an emergency. He inquired into my finances. I told him what I had. He. commanded the friends to draw their wallets, and took up enough to make $20 with what I had. The doctor gave me a recommendation, the best I ever had, and an appeal to the friends of hu manity to assist me without question to the extent of my asking. I believe there was never an appeal like that written by mortal man before or since. It would almost stir the heart of a stone. " While at this place just before night, who should we see coming up the hill but Arnold and Spencer, still wearily but doggedly pursuing the fugitive girl. Caroline, myself and the rest of the party were out in the yard, but, fortunately, were not seen. When night came on, we started from Dr. Dyer's, Caroline on the buffalo-robe in the bottom of the buggy, which covered her so no one would know but that I had a sheep or a quarter of veal." Mr. Chenery accompanied Goodenow to the next stopping- pi ace, which was Elder Fitch's; thence by stages, mostly at night, stopping with trusted friends by day, through Hlinois and Michigan, to Windsor, Canada, opposite Detroit, where the fugitive was left a free woman on British soil by her faithful conductor. The journey going and returning took Goodenow five weeks, during which time he was fed and sped from station to station by the willing employes of the Underground Railway, a branch of which, as will be seen by the above story, ran through the eastern part of Walworth County. THE BEGINNING OF HUSBANDRY. In 1881, there were, under cultivation in Walworth County, 95,000 acres of plowed land- Besides, there were 47,000 acres of fenced mowing and pasture land, giving sustenance to 10," 000 horses, 27,000 neat cattle. 108,000 sheep and lambs and 25,000 swine. There were also 4,000 acres of fruit-bearing trees. At the commencement of the year 183,6, the plow had never turned a furrow; there was not a white inhabitant in the county, nor horse, nor ox, nor sheep, nor swine. That year saw the beginning of the vast agricultural domain of 1881 above mentioned. The first sod was turned by Palmer Gardner, still living in Burlington, Racine County, and owning the land he first tilled. He commenced plowing on Section 25 in the present town of Spring Prairie, May 2, 1836, and plowed eighteen acres, which he sowed to wheat, barley and oats. This was also the first of these cereals sown in the county. About a week later, Othni HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 355 Beardsley plowed a few acres around some quarter stakes in Troy, to secure his claim, and the same spring Jesse Meacham and Adolphus Spoor plowed Borne eight acres. Mr. David Pratt and Solomon Harvey plowed five acres each in Spring Prairie, in June, 1836, on Section 30. On it they planted a few potatoes and sowed the rest to buckwheat. Isaac Chase and William J. Bentley also broke ground and put in their first seed in the same year, on Sections 28 and 29. Daniel Salisbury broke four acres in the summer of 1836, which was planted to potatoes in 1837. According to Mr. Solomon A. Dwinnell, who came in himself in 1836, the above consti tutes the whole of the tillage of 1836. He wrote, January 1, 1868: " Thirty-one years ago, there were but four fenced and plowed fields in the county within my knowledge. Spoor and Meacham had one at Honey Creek, now Troy, of ten acres; David Pratt and Solomon Harvey, one of five acres each, fenced together, where Calvin Hempsted now lives, on Spring Prairie; Isaac Chase and William J." Bentley, a field of twelve acres just east of the large burr-oak tree on the present farm of R. B. Billings, a mile east of Spring Prairie Cor ners and Palmer Gardner, one of forty acres, on his farm just east of his present residence on Gardner's Prairie. The grain then raised must have been limited to a few hundred bushels of sod corn and buckwheat, and the vegetables to a score or two of bushels of potatoes and turnips." The total number of acres cultivated the first year could not have exceeded one hundred acres, including a few small patches of vegetable garden at Geneva, Delavan and East Troy. The first apple-seeds were planted by Daniel Salisbury on his claim in Spring Prairie in the fall of 1836. They grew well and made stocks on which to graft. Mr. Salisbury obtained the seeds from Mrs. William Phoenix. Samuel C. Vaughn, of Spring Prairie, brought from Michigan two dozen grafted apple trees and put them out in March, 1837. They bore the first apples grown in the county. Mr. E. Cheesebro, of Darien, brought about two quarts of apple- seeds in when he came, in 1837, and planted them the same fall. Many of the trees are still living and bear good fruit. John Bell had quite a nursery on Palmer Gardner's farm, in Spring Prairie, in 1837 and 1838. He furnished the trees for many of the earliest orchards set out. In 1837, the comers of 1836, having got generally settled in their cabins, went at the soil in earnest and tracts were put under cultivation in nearly every town in the county. Some very large tracts were plowed, the largest of which mention is made was on Big Foot Prairie, where Van Slyke, who settled there in the fail of 1836, plowed 100 acres, and Collins Wadhams took a contract to break 500 acres for five settlers between Walworth Center and the State line. The furrows were two and one half miles long. The Phoenixes, at Delavan, the colony at Elk horn and others all over the county, plowed large tracts and farming may be said to have been fairly begun that year "In 1836," says Mr. Dwinnell, "there were about one hundred head of cattle in the county, five or six horses, a few swine, perhaps fifty, and no sheep.. From these small beginnings the increase and progress was unexampled, as will be seen by the following reliable statistics of the county for 1839, which are taken from the United States census report of 1840: Population, 2,611; domestic animals— 409 horses, 2,861 neat cattle, 410 sheep and 6,380 swine. Products of 1839—59,580 bushels of wheat, 1,499 bushels of barley, 35,155 bushels of oats, 205 bushels of rye, 40,837 bushels of corn, 42,455 bushels of potatoes, 3,624 tons of hay and 1 pound of reeled silk. It will be seen by the above statement that at the close of 1839, the settlers had, from the crops of only two years, come to have a surplus of grain, beef and pork, far beyond their wants, and were, so far as provisions went, a prosperous and forehanded community. Such sudden and bounteous returns for agricultural labor were unprecedented, and the fame of the Walworth farming country brought in a deluge of immigration, which made its rapid settlement no less phenomenal than its fertility. At the beginning of 1837, the population did not exceed 200 ; at the close of that year, it had increased to 1,019; in 1840, it had more than doubled, being 2,611, which number again more than doubled in the succeeding two years, being, in 1842, 4,618. OHAPTEE III. WAR HISTORY. vValworth County Militia — Sixth Regiment Wisconsin Militia — The Grand Muster — A Court Martial — Moral Indignation — The War of the Rebellion — Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry — Tenth Wisconsin Infantry — Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry — Twenty- second Wisconsin In fantry — Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry — Fortieth Wisconsin Infantry — Forty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry — Roster of Officers Walworth County — Troops and Money Furnished. walworth county militia. THE statutes of the Territory of Wisconsin were profuse in provisions for the enrollment, organization, equipment, drill and inspection of the militia, and in accordance therewith, the first Governor, Henry Dodge, had an enrollment taken, commissioned the officers, and had the whole militia force of the Territory- on a war footing, on paper. There was, however, little military ardor among the pioneers. They were more engrossed in the serious business of sub duing the soil and making for themselves homes, than in playing soldier in time of peace. So it came to pass that the military statutes, by common consent, were disregarded, and the ap pointed Captains and Colonels had never mustered their commands in accordance with the law, nor even seen them, except in small squads, plowing in the fields, or in detachments at the var ious " raisings " in the county. Thus it was in January, 1842, when Gov. Doty took the gubernatorial chair. At that time, rumors were rife that an alliance had been formed by all the various tribes of Indians west of the Mississippi, who had ceded their lands, with the intent of invading the Territory, massacreing the whites, and re-possessing themselves of their former hunting-grounds. The rumor obtained sufficient credence to impel Gov. Doty to prepare for the impending danger. He accordingly issued his proclamation for a thorough organization of the militia throughout the Territory, and ordered the officers then commissioned to see their commands fully enrolled, drilled and mustered for review, at the time and in manner as by law provided, on pain of the penalties prescribed for non-performance of military duty. The law required, first, that the commissioned and non-commissioned officers and musicians of the several regiments and separate battalions should meet within their several districts not less than three nor more than six days, successively, between the 1st day of June and the 1st day of September in each year, for the purpose of discipline and improving in martial exercise; second, all uniformed companies were to meet, in addition to the general rendezvous, not less than three nor more than eight days in each year, and as much oftener as a majority of all the members of their company may direct, for the purpose of drill and martial exercise; third, the regiments, or separate battalions, to meet once in each year, between the 10th day of September and the 15th day of October, at such time and place as the commanding officer of the brigade should direct, for the purpose of inspection, review and martial exercise. The penalties varied in accordance with the offense committed — $10 fine against any person refusing to give information to the enrolling officer; $5 for non-attendance of a private, besides such other penalties as a court martial might inflict. At the time the tocsin was sounded, the militia of Walworth County was known as the SIXTH REGIMENT OF WISCONSIN MILITIA. Col. Edward Elderkin held command. It is not within the province of this department of history to enlarge on the varied accomplishments or qualities of Col. Elderkin in the walks o* civil life. He was a lawyer oE good repute, one of the first admitted to the Walworth County bar. He has served the county in various capacities. He was the faithful Secretary of the HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 357 Walworth County Agricultural Society for twelve years. He has been an enterprising and stir ring man of affairs. He is remembered as a man of large heart and most jovial disposition. He still lives amid the scenes of his younger days to tell of the good old times of forty years ago. These traits must receive merited mention elsewhere. It is of the military career of Col. Elder kin, detached from his civil life, though surrounding it with a halo which years have not dis pelled, that now rivets the attention. The Colonel was at that time in the heyday of early manhood, straight as an arrow, and, when fairly mounted, sat a horse as no other man in Walworth County could. Remarkable sim ilarities are often noted in the careers of men widely separated by distance and time. A parallel is not wanting in this instance. Col. Elderkin was, when he assumed command of his regiment, of the same age of Napoleon when appointed to the command of the army of Italy. He also weighed in the same notch of the steelyards, and was of his exact height — five feet six inches. Here, much to the credit of the Colonel, the parallel dissolves into marked contrast. Napoleon waxed fat; Col. Elderkin grew lean. Napoleon deluged his country and Europe in blood; Col. Elderkin spilt no gore in Walworth County or elsewhere. Napoleon allowed his ambition " to o'erleap itself," and died an exile and a prisoner, at middle age, on the island of St. Helena ; Elderkin, more level-headed, curbed his ambition, and, avoiding exile and death, his " arms hung up as monuments," he lives in the ripeness of his years, to show that " peace hath her victories no less than war." That his likeness in stature and weight to Napoleon the Great was no matter of mere chance, and that he, like his renowned prototype, was a " child of destiny," is illustrated by an incident in his early childhood. The male members of his family were men of gigantic stature and her culean strength. His father stood six feet three in his stockings, and his brothers were taller still. He was a sizable baby, and grew prodigiously till six years of age, having at that time attained to nearly his present height. Another year of such growth would have made him taller than Napoleon. The fates here interposed. At that time, he was drowned. Fortunately for himself and his country, his father succeeded in resuscitating him after the doctors had given up the job, but his further growth was stopped for the succeeding ten years. He himself avers that, on teaching his first school, at the age of sixteen, he wore the identical jacket in which he was drowned. His early military service peculiarly fitted him for a militia command. He had known Gen. John Crawford in St. Lawrence County; N. Y., before his removal to Milwaukee in 1836. In 1841, the General was appointed as Chief Marshal of the Day for the Fourth of July celebration of that year. His regimentals and accouterments had grown musty with disuse. His sword was rusty in its scabbard; from his epaulets the glitter had fled, and the buttons of his coat were lusterless. In this dilemma, he sent for his friend Elderkin, who, in the short space of three days, by dint of hard labor and the use of much chalk, whiting and other scouring materials, restored the ancient uniform to its pristine glory. Tne General appeared in it on the 4th, and was himself the finest military display ever held in the Territory. Elderkin did not go unre warded for his arduous but modest service. His skill in the polishing of accouterments soon reached the ear of Gov. Dodge, and, in February, 1841, he received his commission, which read as follows: HENRY DODGE, Governor of the Territory of Wisconsin. •To ail to whom these presents may come, Greeting : KNOW YE, That reposing special trust and confidence in the valor, patriotism and ability of Edward lderkin, I have nominated, and, by and with the consent of the Legislative Council, appointed him Colonel °f the Sixth Regiment of Wisconsin Militia. And I do hereby authorize and empower him to execute and fulfill the duties of that office according to law: To have and to hold the said office, with all the rights, privileges and emoluments thereunto belong ing, until the Governor of the said Territory for the time being shall think proper to determine and revoke this Commission. ~' — In testimony whereof I have caused these letters to be made Patent, and the GREAT SEAL ] t o ) of the Territory to be hereunto affixed. 1 ) GIVEN UNDER MY HAND, at Madison, this tenth day of February, in the year of our Lord -— . — • one thousand eight hundred and forty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the sixty-fifth. HENRY DOTY. By the Governor. 358 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Thus Col. Elderkin stood at the head of the militia at the beginning of the year 1842. The sudden effort of Gov. Doty to put the troops of Walworth County on a war footing would have put a less courageous officer to his trumps. Not so with the Colonel. He immediately scoured up his accouterments, and summoned his staff and a few trusty officers to a council of war. The field officers and officers of the line, so far as they can be ascertained, were as follows: Colonel, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Lieutenant Colonel, Urban D. Meacham, Troy; Major, James A. Maxwell, Big Foot; Adjutant, Abel W. Wright, East Troy. The Captains were: Lucius Allen, East Troy company; James Harkness, Sr., La Fayette company; P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek company; Capt. Palmer, La Grange company; J. L. Pratt, Whitewater company; and several others not remembered. It was decided that there should be thorough work during the summer, and that the general muster should show to the Indians and the rest of mankind that the soldiery of Walworth County were able to defend their hearthstones and homes against any force from without that might assail. The whole county was up in arms. Between the company trainings and the officers' drills, held at various points in the county, the Colonel and his staff were kept extremely busy, and slept but little during the summer, except in the saddle. The command had never yet been mustered for regimental parade or drill, but, as the time approached, the Colonel and his staff looked forward with confidence, believing that, as a whole, they would prove unsurpassed and unsurpassable in perfection of tactics and strictness of military discipline. The martial spirit was still further aroused by the following order, issued by Maj. Gen. Graves, on assuming com mand, late in the summer: DIVISION ORDERS, NO. 1. Head Quarters, First Division Wisconsin Militia, / Milwaukee, August 8, 1842. )" 1. The undersigned having been appointed Major General of the First Division Wisconsin Militia, here by assume command of the same. 2. Pursuant to instructions from the Commander-in-Chief, the commanding officers of the several regi ments, constituting the First Division Wisconsin Militia, will report direct to the Adjutant General as soon as practicable, the number of their several commands (without waiting for a general muster), in order that a cor rect aggregate may be returned to the Secretary of War, and the full quota of arms to which Wisconsin is entitled may be received. 3. Commanding officers of regiments will immediately ascertain whether the Captains in their several commands have caused enrollments to be made according to law, and if any have neglected their duty, report them to the Commander-in-Chief, and at the same time nominate men to that office who will discharge the duties of such office. 4. The Brigadier Generals will see that every regiment in the First Division Wisconsin Militia, are ordered out for general inspection, and will inform me as early as practicable, of the time and place of holding such general inspections. 5. The division staff officers will hold themselves in readiness to accompany me, in full uniform, on a tour of inspection the coming fall. 6. Any neglect of duty on the part of officers or privates composing the First Division Wisconsin Mili tia, will be visited with the penalties of the law. 7. Harvey Birchard and Henry 8. Brown are hereby appointed Aids-de-Camp to the Major General; W. W. Brown. Division Paymaster, in place of JSliplialei Cramer, who declines the appointment, and William A. Barstow, Division Inspector, in place of Charles Delafield, deceased. They will be obeyed and respected accordingly. (Signed.) George E. Graves, Henry S. Brown, Aid-de- Camp. Maj. Gen. Commanding First Division Wisconsin Militia. Ample preparations for the review were made. In addition to the regular music, fife and drum, furnished by each company, a regimental band was engaged from abroad. The commis sary department was placed in charge of Emery Thayer and Gorham Bunker, of East Troy, who began the erection of their dining-hall two days before the time appointed for the muster. When completed, it was capable of feeding as many at a time as could find standing room, and, as will be seen, played no small part in the military drama. THE GRAND MUSTER. The time appointed for the rendezvous of the " Sixth" was October 5, 1842; the place, Elk horn. On the preceding evening, several companies marched into camp to the music of the fife and drum. Some took up their quarters for the night in the then unfinished building, after- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY 359 ward the Center House, and in the court house. Some found hospitable entertainment at the dwellings of the citizens. Many took lodgings in the stables and such other places of shelter as showed an open door. Elkhorn was full of soldiery, who tossed in troubled sleep, dreaming of the big event that was at hand. As rose the " sun of Austerlitz," so rose the sun of the Walworth County muster, shedding its brightest rays over the fields and woods, brown with the touch of early frosts, and beautiful in the hazy embrace of the Indian summer. Up rose the sun, and up rose the soldiers at Elk-' horn, at Sugar Creek, at Walworth, at Whitewater, at Delavan, at La Fayette, at Troy, at Ge neva; the shrill fife and the snarling drum drowned the song of birds, and tore the air with war like din as it was never torn before. All were marching to the place of rendezvous. At 9 o'clock, the companies began to arrive, each being greeted with volleys of musketry and shouts of wel come by their brothers in arms more early on the field. At 10, the last company had reached the field and the line was formed. In addition to the companies of the " Sixth " were detachments from several companies of the Racine County regiment, who were entertained as guests at com missary headquarters. They all took place in line, and added not a little to the number and magnificence of the cohort. With a few tangles and snarls, the regiment was formed in line of review on Walworth street, the left resting on Elder Lee's tavern, and the line extending south an indefinite distance toward Delavan. The sight as a military display was never equaled in Walworth County. The rank and file, including visiting soldiers from Burlington and other towns of Racine County, numbered not less than twelve hundred. The soldiers were clad diversely. Prosper Cravath states that they came "some with hats and some without, some with coats and some without, and those who had shirts wore them, and those who did not have them came without" Be this as it may, they were in line. Their arms, through no fault of theirs, were not of a uniform pattern, but the best the county afforded. Every shot-gun, long-torn, bell-muzzle, rifle, horse-pistol or other firearm in the county was in the line, yet over half were obliged to go through the manual drill with laths, broom-sticks, ax-handles, and such other substitutes as would pass the consider ate inspection of Inspector General Champion T. Hutchinson, of Rockport, whose duty it was that day to see that they came " armed and epuipped as the law directs." What the soldiers lacked in soldierly apparel and arms was amply made up by their own martial bearing and the gay uniforms of the officers of the line, all of whom wore imported suits, glittering side-arms, with pompous epaulets, etc,, etc. The field officers were dressed in the full military dress of that day — a sort of composite transition style, between the old continental and the modern — cocked hats, enormous epaulets, blue coat and pants trimmed with gold, and a crimson silk sash. Knee breeches had gone out of fashion even at that early day. The inspection was followed by the grand review, by Brig. Gen. Bullen, of Racine. It passed off much to the credit of the command, and Col. Elderkin was highly complimented by Gen. Bullen on the soldierly bearing, excellent drill and fine discipline of his regiment, which, he affirmed, surpassed that of any other regiment he had seen in the State. The review being over, the soldiers were given an intermis sion for refreshment and rest before the battalion drill and marching exercises of the afternoon should commence. They broke ranks and repaired to the commissary department for refresh ments, which were partaken of in true picnic style by broken squads scattered about under the trees of the park. Would that the curtain of oblivion could be drawn over the further exercises of that day! Loyalty to the truth of history only, impels to the continued recital. At 2 o'clock, the long roll called the scattered soldiers to the line. They came with alacrity, but many of them with unsteady steps. Some soldiers lost their companies, and it is stated that one Captain could not recognize his own command, but insisted on assuming a new command, elbowing the rightful officer out of his place. In vain were the efforts to form the regiment in double file, though the command, " Form in two streaks," rang through the woods and along the line. An hour brought the most of them out of the woods into the street, where the commander could look them in the eye The sorrowful truth flashed upon him from along the whole crooked line that his regiment had fallen from its high estate, and was, as a whole, slightly intoxicated. He saw with chagrin that discipline was lax. Some of his best soldiers were whittling up their arms before his very eyes. The Fife Major insisted on playing while the commands were being given, and the Drum Major showed his skill simultaneously by beating that marvel of execution 360 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. on the snare-drum known as the double-drag. The Colonel, the Lieutenant Colonel, the Major and the Adjutaut blushed crimson with shame, from their noses up their foreheads and down their necks. They retired, to the commissary stand for consultation. Before their return, the boozy regiment had got through their heads the command given by the Colonel some fifteen minutes before — "By platoons, by the right flank, march!" — and, led by the Fife Major, had started on the march to Delavan. The officers, on returning to the field, saw the rear of the ine briated regiment, with a peculiar swaying gait, weaving its way along the road, which, wide as it was, could scarcely furnish room for the open order and sudden obliques to the right and left that characterized its march. It was getting under fearful headway, and no time was to be lost in bringing it under control. To halt it by word of command was as impossible as it had been to start it a short time before. The field officers, by a rapid detour, came out in front at the first cross-road, where, by violent gesticulation and shouts, they headed them off, and, by a rounda bout way, got them back to Elkhorn. The hilarious element, overpowered by the labors of the day, fell out along the line of march; the balance stood up soberly in line, and, after receiving the thanks of the Colonel for their soldierly behavior during the trying scenes of the day, were dismissed, and betook themselves to their homes. They were followed by their less abstemious companions at intervals, as fast as they became sufficiently sober to understand that the muster was over. These last to leave the field carried renown mingled with the odor of rum to the utter most parts of the county. The militia law provided that each commandant of a regiment or separate battalion, within twenty days after the annual inspection, " should furnish the commandant of his brigade a local description of such regiment or separate battalion, together with a roster of the commissioned officers of such regment." Neither the Colonel nor any of his staff ever attempted to furnish a description of the regi ment as it appeared on that day. A COURT MARTIAL. A court martial was held in accordance with law, at Elkhorn, November 25, 1842, and sat ten days. Maj. James A. Maxwell was Judge Advocate. P. G. Harrington was President of the Court. All delinquents for disorderly or unmilitary conduct, absence, or other violation of the militia law, were then brought to judgment. The board was relentless in imposing fines for absence, which, in the aggregate, amounted to several hundred dollars. The warrants were placed in the hands of the Sheriff, who collected sufficient to pay the expenses of the court, and some other incidental expenses attending the muster. What more he collected, if anything, he put in his pocket for his trouble, as he was authorized to do by the court. The Sheriff had some trouble in forcing collections, owing to various mistakes which occurred in the premises, and occasionally shot so wide of the mark as to have only his labor for his pains. In the Spring Prairie company were enrolled four Salisburys liable to military duty — Daniel (Sergeant), and Christopher, Ansel and Elisha. Sergeant Daniel, one of the upright soldiers of that day, called the roll and checked off Elisha as absent. The court martial tried Chris. and issued a warrant for the collection of the fine from the Orderly, Daniel himself. Thus, when the attempt to collect was made, the Salisbury tribe were thrown into inextricable confu sion, and the Sheriff gave up the job long before matters were unsnarled. MORAL INDIGNATION. The regiment, as has been intimated, showed signs of inebriety on the afternoon of muster day. Of the individual soldiers on parade, probably not one in three took a drop of anything strong, but the others took sufficient to make the regiment average not sober. The temperance element were scandalized, and, when the court martial had risen without taking any cognizance of the scandal, it was determined to prosecute the commissary department in behalf of the Gov ernment for selling liquor in violation of law. Accordingly, Gorham Bunker and Emery Thayer were indicted. The trial was held in Elkhorn, and nearly the entire regiment were summoned to testify. Strange as it may seem, it was, in the face of the fact of two hundred men drunk on the occasion, quite difficult to prove the offense. Those who got drunk could remember nothing, and those who kept sober knew nothing about it. After the trial had proceeded for nearly a day, the case was brought to a summary close, and a nolle prosequi entered, on presentation of ^t# HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 363 the written permission of the commanding officer allowing the accused to furnish refreshments and drinks, backed by. the following very explicit clause of law: " If any person, during parade, shall encroach on the parade ground previously designated, or shall then and there sell, or offer to sell or give away, any spirituous liquors, without per mission of the commanding officer, or shall have in his possession any gambling table or other gambling device, such persons may be put and kept under the guard by such commander until the setting of the sun on the same day; and such liquor, gaming table, or other gambling de vice, may be abated or destroyed as a nuisance, by order of the commandant." Bunker and Thayer were acquitted, and, after a hilarious gathering and supper, returned to East Troy vindicated, or at least acquitted of all intent to violate the law. There are no records vouching for the correctness of the foregoing recital. It is gathered from tradition, and is doubtless faulty in many particulars. The Indian scare died out, as did all military ardor. For twenty years thereafter, scarcely a company rallied in Walworth County. When next the call came, with equal zeal the call was answered, and in numbers thousands strong. The story is one of bravery, fortitude, patriotism, victory, death — marked by the graves of Walworth's sons all over the South. Smiles melt to 'tears as the story is told of the reality of war that fell upon the sons of the men who mustered on the field of Elkhorn in 1842. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. On Monday, April 15, 1861, the Governor of Wisconsin received the following dispatch from the Secretary of War: To His Excellency, A. W. Randall, Governor of Wisconsin: Call made on you by to-night's mail, for one (1) regiment of militia for immediate service. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. The letter referred to in the telegram, was received by the Governor, giving special instruc tions in regard to the mustering-in of the regiment, -the rendezvous, which was to be at Madison — the quota assigned to each State, etc. On the following day, April 16, Gov. Randall issued the following proclamation: To the Loyal People of Wisconsin. For the first time in the history of this Federal Government, organized treason has manifested itself within several States of the "Union, and armed rebels are making war against it. The proclamation of the President of the United States tells of unlawful combinations, too powerful to be suppressed in the ordinary manner, aid calls for military forces to suppress such combinations, and to sustain him in executing the laws. The treasures of the country must no longer be plundered; the public property must be protected from ag gressive violence; that already seized must be retaken, and the laws must be executed in every State of the Union alike. A demand made upon Wisconsin by the President of the United States for aid to sustain the Federal arm must meet with a prompt response. One regiment of the militia of this State will be required for im mediate service, and further services will be required as the exigencies of the Government may demand. It is a time when, against the civil and religious liberties of the people, and against the integrity of the Govern ment of the United States, parties and politicians must be as dust in the balance. All good citizens, every where, must join in making common cause against a common enemy. Opportunities will be immediately offered to all existing military companies under the direction of the proper authorities of the State for enlistment to fill the demand of the Federal Government, and I hereby in vite the patriotic citizens of the State to enroll themselves into companies of seventy-seven men each, and to advise the executive of their readiness to be mustered into service immediately. Detailed instructions will be furnished on the acceptance of companies, and the commissioned officers of each regiment will nominate their own field officers. . . In times of public danger, bad men grow bold and reckless. The property of the citizen becomes unsafe, and both public and private rights liable to be jeopardized. I enjoin upon all administrative and peace offi cers within the State renewed vigilence in the maintenance and execution of the laws, and in guarding against excesses leading to disorder among the people. Given under my hand and the great seal of the State of Wisconsin, this 16th day of April, A. D. 18bl. By the Governor Alex- w- Randall. L. T. Harvey, Secretary of State. In seven days from the time of this first preclamation, thirty-six companies had tendered their service to the country, and on the roll of honor was the company from Geneva, Capt. Roundy, at first enrolled as Company F, Fourth Wisconsin Infantry, and afterward known as Company F, Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry. 364 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. The thirty-six companies that so early proffered their services were ordered to rendezvous at Madison, and the First Regiment was immediately organized. When the companies were origi nally formed, it was supposed that the call was for three months only, but when it was known that the Government required enlistment for three years or during the war, they, with one ex ception, accepted the proposition, and were embodied in the first six regiments raised by the State, participating in the severest actions of the war, and ranking everywhere and at all times among the most brave and reliable companies. The Whitewater company, Capt. Curtice, re ported ready for service a very short time after the Geneva — probably only a few days — and its officers received their commissions on the same day — April 25. It was also assigned to the Fourth Infantry, as Company A. The following were the first officers of the two companies: Company A (Whitewater Light Infantry) — Captain, Charles E. Curtice, Whitewater; First Lieutenant, Frank L. Riser, Whitewater; Second Lieutenant, Philo A. Castle, WThitewater. Charles E. Curtice served until March 28, 1863, when he was honorably discharged, and after ward re-entered the service as Paymaster of the Fourth Cavalry. Frank L. Riser resigned September 6, 1861. Philo A. Castle was promoted to First Lieutenant September 26, 1861; resigned March 3L 1862. Company F (Geneva Independents) — Captain, Daniel C. Roundy, Geneva; First Lieuten ant, George H. Brown, Geneva; Second Lieutenant, Harris Durkee, Geneva. Daniel C. Roundy received a commission as Assistant Surgeon of Fourth Infantry June 24r 1861; was promoted to Surgeon of Thirty-seventh Infantry on May 7, 1864. George H. Brown resigned in December, 1861. H. Durkee was promoted to First Lieutenant December 27, 1861 ; resigned February 4, 1863. Nelson F. Craigue, of Delavan, took command of the company October 29,. 1862; was pro moted to Major of the Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry June 9, 1864 (the regiment was changed to cavalry September 1, 1863); was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel January 6, 1865, and to Colonel November 9, 1865, remaining in service until the close of the war. Any history of companies after their assignment to regiments must necessarily be in a great measure the history of the regiment itself, but their special movements can be partially traced, and the name of every Walworth County soldier that appears on record as having been killed or wounded in action, or died of disease, has been carefully noted. Nevertheless, it is scarcely probable that anything like a complete list has ever been sent to Madison, or can, after this length of time, be obtained. FOURTH WISCONSIN CAVALRY. Companies A and F were assigned to the Fourth Regiment, Col. Halbert E. Paine commanding, early in May, and were ordered to rendezvous at Camp Utley, Racine, early in June. They were mustered into the United States service on the 2d of July, and left the State on the 15th of the same month, under orders to report at Baltimore, Md., at which place they arrived on the 23d. The regiment was supplied with efficient arms at Baltimore, and detailed to guard the railroads in that vicinity, in which duty it was employed until the 4th of November. At that time, it em barked on an expedition to the eastern shore of Virginia, being absent from Baltimore a little more than a month. On the 19th of February, 1862, the regiment was ordered to Fortress Mon roe, and thence to Newport News, where it remained in camp until March. March 12, it joined Gen. Butler's forces on Ship Island, on the north shore of the Gulf of Mexico. The fleet of Capt. Farragut, the mortar-boats of Capt. Porter and Gen. Butler's forces had united at this point preparatory to the operations against New Orleans. On the 15th of March, the Fourth again embarked, and sailed toward the Southwest Pass, and remained from the 17th to the 27th, cruising about in search of a foothold. The forts below the city were surrendered to Commo dore Farragut on the 29th, a detachment of the Fourth being landed in the rear of Fort St. Philip to prevent the escape of its garrison before the surrender. The city was entered by our troops on the 1st of May, the Fourth Wisconsin being the second regiment to land. The regi ment remained at quarters in the custom house until the 8th, when it embarked with the brigade for Vicksburg. On the 18th, they arrived at that point, and, in an action on shore between a small detachment of the regiment and some rebel cavalry, Maj. Chittenden and Private E. B. Perry, both of Company A, were wounded— the first casualties of the regiment. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 365 On the expedition to Vicksburg, July 14, 1862, Lewis Castle, of Company A, and Charles Van Norman, of Company F. were killed on board the gunboat Tyler, by the explosion of a shell. The regiment was stationed at Baton Rouge through the remainder of the summer, the forces being once attacked by Gen. Breckinridge, who was defeated. The Fourth also formed a part of the expedition which attacked a large body of guerrillas near Bonne Carre Point with signal success. Im the early part of 1863, the regiment moved to Bayou Plaquemine, on the west side of the Mississippi. On the 6th of March, it again returned to Baton Rouge, and, on the 13th, took part in the first expedition of Gen. Banks to Port Hudson. The Fourth, Col. Bean commanding, left Baton Rouge on the 3d of April to take part in the Teche expedition. They reached Berwick City and went into camp on the 9th ; commenced their march on the 11th, skirmishing constantly with the enemy. On the 12th, they arrived at Bisland's plantation, a narrow strip of land between Bayou Teche and a large swamp, where they found the rebels stongly intrenched. The Fourth was posted for the night at a sugar house near the bayou, five companies being thrown out 200 yards in advance on picket, and forty picked marksmen stationed on the banks of the bayou to attend to the rebel gunboat Diana. The battle commenced the next morning and raged until night, when our army had advanced to within 200 yards of the enemy's works. The Fourth took position in the morning in the deep plantation ditches that ran nearly parallel with the fortifications, and formed cover for the infantry supports of the artillery. During the night, the enemy evacuated the works, which the Fourth was the firs's to enter in the morning. The only casualty reported in the two Walworth County companies was one wounded in Company A — Private E. Goodrich. The enemy was pursued, our army reaching Alexandria on the 7th, the Fourth being again in the advance and the first to enter the town. The enemy had left a few hours before. From the 7th to the 17th, the army remained at Alexandria, and pn the 10th, while on a scouting expedition, the Fourth captured the entire rear guard of " Dick " Taylor. The regiment was the last to leave the city, and acted as rear guard on the march to the Mis sissippi. On the 26th of May, the troops arrived at Port Hudson, and in the first terrible assault on that place, May 27, the Fourth Wisconsin, led by its young and gallant Colonel, was again in the front. The Adjutant General's report says: " In the commencement of the action, the reg iment was assigned position in the third line of battle, but soon, after marching over dead and wounded men, they found themselves in front, face to face with the enemy, who disputed every inch of ground over which he was retreating. A storm of camnster and shell was hurled upon them from siege guns to the right. In twenty minutes, they had driven the enemy inside his works and gained a commanding position within 100 yards of the fortifications, which they held for six days before being relieved." This position was held until the surrender. The Fourth Wisconsin men soon silenced every gun of the enemy within range, but they were exposed day and night to the bullets of the sharpshooters. Col, Bean was shot on the 29th and instantly killed. The Walworth County companies suffered heavily. In Company F, the casualties were re ported as follows : Killed — Sergts. William Parks and E. C. Farnum, Corp. J. S. Luce and Private A. C. Butters. Wounded— Capt. N. F. Craigue, Privates William H. Campbell (after ward died), William H. Stormes, F. H. Bunth, A. C. Butters, George P. Crandell and L. Waffle. In Company A, Lieut. N. H. Chittenden was wounded. On the 1st of June, the regiment took part in Col. Grierson's cavalry expedition to Clinton, where Corp. Fish, of Company A, was wounded, and First Lieut. Daniel Maxson, of Delavan, received wounds from which he died three days later. At the assault on the works of Port Hudson on the 14th of June, the Fourth Wisconsin was again one of the two regiments which were thrown forward as skirmishers. They did their work faithfully and nobly, but met with terrible loss. They made the first assault on the works, many falling under them killed or wounded, and some going over to be made prisoners. Many of those captured succeeded in making their escape. Company A lost in this engagement: Killed —Sergts. Moses Ranney and Clark N. Kenyon, Corps. Thomas Duffey, William T. Ludemann and Henry A. Terry, Private Ashbel Patterson. Wounded — Corps. G. Finch and Thomas. 366 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Gill, Privates James Cardee, A. J. Chamberlain, William H. Dake, Moses Duncomb, Orlando M. Griggs and R. T. Moody. Missing — First Sergt. Hiram S- Nyce (afterward died in New York City), Sergt. S. L. Smith, Privates Jehiel Creiger, Austin Kittleson, Nels Nelson and Daniel A. Proctor. Company F — Killed — Sergts. William H. Harkell and Daniel O'Leary, Privates William Lee, William Tabor and J. P. Tupper. Wounded — Sergt. W. W. Winter, Corp. C. D. Utter, Privates G. Blanchard, John Britfcain, John H. Bush, W. Burton, R. R. Cronk, C. C. Coffee, S. W. Dodge, M. Fitzgerald, J. S. Gibbs, J. S. Perkins, Levi Smith, W. W. White, A. F. Wilson. J. N. Mead, A: Jerome and George P. Parker. On the 25th of July, the regiment returned to Baton Rouge, where they were joined by some of the companies that had been detailed for special duty, and by numbers that had been in hospital. Theyremained in camp until, by special orders of the War Department, the Fourth Regiment, on the 1st of September, 1863, was fully equipped and changed to a cavalry regi ment, being known thereafter as the Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry. After its organization as cavalry, the Fourth was actively engaged in scouting, picketing, etc., and in various expeditions against bands of guerrillas, who were constantly annoying the outposts in the vicinity of Baton Rouge. On the 11th of October, Companies F and K, Capt. Craigue commanding, were detached for duty along the left bank of the Mississippi, from Baton Rouge to opposite Donaldsonville, to protect navigation, prevent trade in contraband goods, etc. They constructed a stockade work as a defense to their post, which was called Highland Stock ade. On the '39th of October, Company A was detached for the post of Plaquemine, remaining there until February, 1864. They were principally engaged in scouting. * On the 8th of March, a scouting party was sent out from Baton Rouge, under command of Lieut. Williams, of Company A. When five miles out, the advance guard was fired upon from an ambush, one of the men mortally wounded, and Lieut. Williams killed. His last words before the minie ball did its fatal work were: "Fight them, boys; don't run !" The little band of twenty did fight, holding their ground against a hundred rebels, until re-enforcements arrived and the enemy fled. Lieut. Williams was a Whitewater boy. He was a great favorite with his company, and was considered one of the best scouting officers in the regiment. On the 24th of May, Capt. N. F. Craigue was promoted Major of the First Battalion, and on the 27th of June, the regiment went into camp at Morganza. On the 9th of August, the regiment returned to Baton Rouge, and, on the 25th, accompanied an expedition to Clinton, La. When they reached Olive Branch, they found the bridge across the Comite River destroyed, and the enemy with artillery on the opposite bank. Three hun dred men of the Fourth crossed the river a little lower down and flanked the rebels. They fled, and Maj. Craigue, with 100 men, swam across the river and started in pursuit. He pursued them as far as Clinton with his little force, when his ammunition gave out and he was obliged to wait on the outskirts of the town for re-enforcements. The rebels made the most of the delay and escaped from the town, which was occupied by our troops at noon. On the 6th of October, 1864, the Fourth Cavalry, with other regiments under Gen. Lee's command, marched in less than six hours from Baton Rouge to Clinton, La. — a distance of forty miles. When they arrived near Clinton, a small band of cavalry under command of Maj. Craigue dashed into the place in advance of the main column and captured a Colonel, several line officers and twenty-eight privates. On the 7th of November, Companies D and F, under command of Maj. Craigue, were detailed to Highland Stockade to re-establish a post at that point. Return ing to headquarters at Baton Rouge, the regiment again started, on the evening of the 14th of November, as part of the expedition of Gen. Lee to Liberty and Brookhaven, Miss. On the 17th, they reached Liberty, and on the 18th Maj, Craigue, with 400 men, effected a forced march of fifty miles, surprising the enemy at Brookhaven, capturing ten officers and fifty-nine men, and destroying much valuable Confederate property. Maj. Craigue, with a detachment from the Fourth, was also the first to enter Tangipaha, on the Pascagoula expedition', under com mand of Gen. Davidson. On this expedition, the regiment marched about three hundred miles from Baton Rouge, arriving at Pascagoula on the 13th of December. They remained in that place two weeks, when they embarked for New Orleans, and arrived at Baton Rouge on the 5th of January, without losing a man. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 367 On the 6th of January, Maj. Craigue was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel. During the latter part of the winter, Company F was employed in constructing a strong earthwork near Baton Rouge. With other cavalry forces, the regiment was in the vicinity of Mobile at its capitulation, and afterward formed part of an expedition which marched through Alabama into Georgia, returning by way of Montgomery, Ala.-, to Columbus, Miss., and thence across the State, of Mississippi to Vicksburg, where they arrived on the 5th of June, nearly ex hausted from their long march. On the 26th, Companies A and F, with two others, embarked on transports for Shreveport, on the Red River, arriving on the 2d of July. On the 9th, they left, and arrived at San An tonio, Texas, on the 2d of August, where they remained until the 11th of October. Two expeditions, each under command of Lieut. Col. Craigue, were sent out from San Antonio, being the first Union troops that penetrated the country west of that place. On the 11th of October, the regiment marched for the Rio Grande. Detachments of the regiment were stationed at various points on the Rio Grande — Company F, under command of Capt. Mower, at Los Guavas, 100 m'les; Company A and Company D, at Redmond's Ranche, 180 miles; and Lieut. Col. Craigue at Ringgold Barracks, headquarters of the regiment, with several companies, 120 miles from Brownsville.- During their stay on the Rio Grande, they were employed in scouting expeditions, frequently against Indians. The regiment remained -in service, with headquarters at Ringgold Barracks, Lieut. Col. Craigue commanding, until May, 1866. On the 3d of May, orders were received for the mustering-out of the regiment. On the 20th, the various detachments were re-united. The regiment was mustered out on the 28th, and on the 2d of June, Companies A and F, with the rest of the regiment, started for home. On the 16th of June, 1866, the Fourth Veteran Cavalry reached Madison, and, after being paid, was formally disbanded, and the companies returned to their respective homes. The following is a list of the deaths from disease in Company A: At Baton Rouge, La. — George Holden, June 18, 1862; James H. Adams, July 8, 1862; Irwin Sabine, July 8, 1864; Hubbard G. Walden, September 28, 1864; Winfield L. Gardner, August 26, 1864; Frank Peters, November 20, 1864; James P. Morrell, December 30, 1864. At Carrollton, La. — William O. Sax, September 28, 1862: Amos H. Beckhart, October 11, 1862; Nelson O. Griffin, November 27, 1862; Calvin S. Lovejoy, November 3, 1862; William W. Mallo, December 11, 1862. At New Orleans— Nathan S. Carr, July 16, 1864; Emanuel P. Gleason, May 30, 1865; Edward P. Walsh, August 16, 1864. At Vicksburg— Charles Krebs, July 20,1862; Charles H. Lewis, July 18, 1862; Charles E. Vodre was drowned in the Mississippi River August 6, 1862; Will iam Thomson died on board a steamer August 12, 1865; William C. Tolles died at Fort Ewell, Texas, October 19, 1865; and Charles A. Knight died at Whitewater, Wis., November 28, 1864. The deaths in Company F were as follows: At the Relay House, Md.— William H. Dodge, August 24, 1861; George M. Walker, Octo ber 20, 1861. At Vicksburg— William H. Dyer, July 20, 1862; Richard D. Carmichael, July 26, 1862; Charles H. Bull, June 15, 1865. At New Orleans— Horace G. Beardsley,* August 10, 1862; William H. Campbell, June 2, 1863; Joseph Blake, January 14, 1865. At Baton Rouge —Alfred Sherman, June 24, 1862; John Smith, August 4, 1862 ; James Mathews, August 9, 1862; Gustavus G. Viles, June 13, 1863; George F. Marshall, July 18,1864; Francis J.Parker, October 20, 1864; Charles L. Carter, September 2, 1864; Robert Baker, August 24, 1864; Henry Smith, August 24, 1864; Levi Smith died at Andersonville, Ga., September 8, 1864; John H. Squires, at Springfield, Wis., October 22, 1864; Jacob Frederick, at Cairo, 111., October 19, 1864; Hans Hanson, at Spring Brook, Wis., January 12, 1865; Henry Putnam, at Geneva, Wis., January 1, 1866; and Edward N. Herriman, at Edinburg, Texas, April 30, 1866. The rosters following each company sketch were transcribed from the State records at Madison. Rosteh of Company A. Officers. — James B. Farnsworth, Captain, enlisted July 2, 1861; appointed First Sergeant January 17, 1862; Second Lieutenant, August 11, 1862; First Lieutenant, June 24, 1863; Cap tain, September 24, 1864; transferred from Company I August 22, 1865; Gilbert B. Finch, First Lieutenant, enlisted July 2, 1861; appointed Corporal April 19, 1862; Sergeant, "Horace G. Beardsley was the first soldier who enlisted from Elk hum. rifc 368 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. July, 1863; Second Lieutenant, Maty 24, 1864; First Lieutenant, January 5, 1865; Frank N. Thomas, Second Lieutenant, enlisted July 2, 1861; appointed Corporal January 17, 1862; Ser geant, July 15, 1863; First Sergeant. August 18, 1864; Second Lieutenant, November 25, 1864; transferred from Company I August 22, 1865; Charles E. Curtice, Captain, honorably dis charged March 28, 1863; Henry W. Ross, Captain; enlisted July 2, 1861; transferred from Com pany B; discharged August 30, 1864, for disability; Charles W. Steele, discharged August 23, 1865, on consolidation of regiment; James E. Williams, First Lieutenant, killed in action March 8, 1864, near Baton Rouge, La.; Frank L. Kiser, First Lieutenant, resigned September 12, 1861; Philo A. Castle, First Lieutenant, resigned March 31, 1862, on account of disability; Alfred E. Chaffee, First Lieutenant, resigned January 16, 1863; disability; Newton H. Chit tenden, First Lieutenant, transferred to regimental staff as Adjutant; Hiram S. Nyce, Second Lieutenant, died October 7, 1863, of wounds received at Port Hudson. Sergeants. — Joseph A. Walker, First Sergeant; Gideon J. Wire, commissioned Second Lieutenant; Emit Goodrich; George Hill; Wilmot Roberts ; Josiah C. Miller; William H. Moff- att; Newcomb Bingham. Corporals. — Arad Stebbins, First Corporal; John Boyle, Charles H. Price, Lorenzo Getman, David A. Seely, Alfred I. Sherer, Jason Root, Mark Hubbard ; Charles K. Scheuk and Phillotas A. Haydon, trumpeters; Frederick Shallar, blacksmith; Daniel Nolop, farrier; William S. Jackson, saddler; Amos Bacon, wagoner. Privates. — Silas W. Anadon, Charles A. Adams, Thomas Burt, Clinton D. Childs, Absalom Ereckson, John E. Felch, Jacob Freiler, Henry H. Fisher, Robert Gressom, Hiram Getman, Charles S. Hubbard, Delos S. Hubbard, Stephen Halpin, Irvin McLallen, Edson S. Moore, Elbridge Perkins, Lucius M. Putnam, John D. Rouse, John Smith, I_ra Swim, Leverett Smith, George Turner, John W. Wheeler, William D. Weed, Ole Wilson, John Wood, Alexander Kerr, William H Luther, George Wilsey, Joseph L. Wines. Discharged — J. W. Harrington, First Ser geant; Joseph F. Brown, Corporal; William R. Farnsworth, Corporal; Wilber H. Brewer, Lewis G. Castle, Charles A. Dean, Norman H Dewing, George J. England, Henry L. Fones, William S. Hor- ton, William J. Harlan, Hiram J. King, Samuel Mulligan, Marcus W. Morton, Ole B. Oleson, Sam uel J. Philips, Charles E. Perry, Homer W. Beckley, Sergeant; Charles E. Branch, Corporal; John G. Rowe, Corporal; Marshall E. Boswell, J. A. Chamberlain, Manville W. Dewing, Oscar Dunbar, Samuel D. Ferguson, Charles Green, F. B. Hamilton, Nels Johnson, Josiah C. McManns, Charles S. Miller, Noble O. Moses, Alanson Plumb, Jacob Phillips, George G. Potter, Isaiah J. Robinson, David E. Simmonds, John Toopey, William H. Wenham, Oliver K. Eaton, Sidney L. Smith, James Ennis, Steven L. Fish, Isaac Booker, Lawrence Cavanaugh, John B. Skinner, Moses Duncombe, Michael Alton, Charles Bloss, Joseph Beckwith, Charles Cadman, James G. Conklin, William H. Dake, Isaac English, Orlin M. Griggs, Sanford A. Haynes, John Humphry, James Scott, Calvin Smith, Heal West, Joseph P. Whelan, Thomas J. Gill, Jerome H. Buck, Frank H. Allen, Franklin M. Robinson, Samuel Stillman, Lyman Walker, Chauncy C. Chappell, Parkman Cray, Anson Ayers, George R. Baker, Sidney D. Burnett, James Cardie, George K. Courtwright, Edwin Darwin, Chester E. W. Felch, James J. Hall, Henry K. Horn, John Johnson, Walter M. King, Frederick W. Lardeman, John Murphy, Patrick O. Reily, William Peters, Henry B. Quick, Hezekiah M. Riggs, George H. Summers, Milo Sykes, Lawrence Tibley, John H. Vankirk, Horace N. Wilsey, Major P. Webb, Austin Kittelson, Reuben T. Moody, Henry Nolop, Calvin Parker, Stephen Preedy, William H. Ralston, Theodore Russell, Jerome Swim, Charles M. Taylor, Jotham F. Turner, Daniel W. Wilbur, James J. Wilsey. Transferred — William Newton, Jerome B. Humphry, Obediah Driskill, Arad Stebbins, Lorenzo Getman, Edward L. Moody, Jehiel J. Creiger, Walter Goodenough, John Boyce, Charles H. Price, Alfred L. Sherer, Charles H. Scheuk, Francis J. Blair, Henry T. French, Daniel A. Proctor, George W. White, David A. Seely, Silas S. Allen, John W. Bridge, Abram Higby, John H. Sausman, Lawrence White. ROSTKR OF COMPANY F. Officers. —H. C. Mower, Captain; appointed Sergeant May 29, 1862; First Sergeant Decem ber 22, 1862; Second Lieutenant December 26, 1862; First Lieutenant April 13, 1864; Captain October 11, 1864; transferred from Company K August 22, 1865; C. C. Coffee, First Lieuten ant; appointed Corporal January 10, 1862; Sergeant S-ptember 2, 1863; First Sergeant July 9, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 369 1864; Second Lieutenant September 15, 1864; First Lieutenant January 4, 1864; George W. Pierce, Second Lieutenant; appointed Corporal December 1, 1862; Sergeant August 31, 1863; First Sergeant, 1865 ; Second Lieutenant September, 1865 ; Nelson F. Craigue, Captain; wounded May 27, 1863, at Port Hudson; commissioned Major June 9, 1864; Milo Seeley, Captain; mus tered out August 22, 1865 ; Daniel 0. Roundy, Captain ; discharged September 10, 1862, disa bility; George H. Brown, First Lieutenant; resigned in December, 1861; Harris Durkee, First Lieutenant; resigned February 4, 1863; Daniel B. Maxon, First Lieutenant; wounded and died at Clinton, Miss., in 1863; Charles A. Johns, First Lieutenant; transferred to regimental staff as Quartermaster; Isaac N. Mead, First Lieutenant; resigned August 3, 1864; A. J. Weather- wax, Second Lieutenant; resigned January 8, 1862; Jerry Cummings, Second Lieutenant; re signed September 1, 1865. Sergeants. — Philip Edler, First Sergeant, veteran ; transferred from Company K; appointed First Sergeant March 1, 1866; Asbery R. Burdick, appointed Sergeant October 4, 1864; Rich ard Aylwood, appointed Sergeant May 14, 1866; Luther Clarke, appointed Sergeant March 1, 1864; Melville Johnson, appointed Sergeant May 14, 1866; transferred to Company K; Charles Lyons, appointed Sergeant May 14, 1866; transferred to Company K; Thomas J. Handy, ap pointed Sergeant May 14, 1864. Corporals. — Rollin C. Blodgett, First Sergeant; appointed May 14, 1866; James Forkins, transferred from Company K August 22, 1865; William S. Haswell, appointed May 14, .1866; Frederick H Bunth, appointed May 14, 1866; Daniel W. Thompson, appointed May 14, 1866; transferred from Company K; Lansing A. Wilcox, appointed May 14, 1866; Samuel Shaffer, appointed May 14, 1866; William W. Phillips, appointed May 14, 1866. Washington Rass, Bugler; Samuel A. Mulligan, veteran; farrier and blacksmith; Abram C. Jacobs, saddler. Privates. — Emery L. Beebe, George P. Crandall, Benjamin F. Dow, Gilman G. Goodwin, Andrew C. Hoist, Timothy Rouse, George W. Smith, Hiram H. Ward, Nathan Burton, Van Ren sselaer Darling, Calvin Darling, Peter Hanner, Jacob W. Phillips, Joshua Shults, Adna War ner. Discharged — Lewis W. David, Leroy Kingsbury, John H. Doyle, John Lange, Asad E. Wilson, Cyrus D. Utter, Chenery Puffer, John Hotchkiss, Erastus C. Buttles, Reuben R. Cronk, Jacob Ripley, Charles Bloom, Joseph M. Johnson, Melville A. Barry, John Billings, Joseph B. •Churchill, Patrick Carroll, H. R. Davidson, Sidney W. Dodge, Martin Dake, Frank Eaton, George Emery, Robert B. Gray, Albert A. Jerome, John Brittain, James R. Cole, Charles H. M. Neil, Chtistian Boesler, Leroy Eastwood, Albert Burdick, William Baldwin, Oscar E. Bennett, Fritz Breudler, Joseph S. Corey, Wesley Clow, E. F. Chamberlain, C. P. Drinkwine, Ebenezer Davidson, Henry Denmling, Michael Fitzgerold, Andrew Fee, James Gibson, Patrick Hart, James Hassett, Edward Henderson, Allen Johnson, Daniel Jacobs, Stewart W. Keyes, Jonathan Leach, Oliver Leroy, Augustus Leyreau, Charles H. McKinstry, Henry Magill, Daniel G. Nellis, Daniel W. Nichols, Henry Norton, J. Olds, J. S. Perkins, Ralph Ryder, Alexander Rawley, John Hutchcraft, Thomas B. Haverland, Ephraim Hopkins, Thomas A. Jones, John Klemp, Marquis A. Klock, John Lange, Joseph Lee, William H. Mathews, Lansing Miller, Collins McVien, Lull Noyce, Henry N. Neff, Isaac Noble, J. D. Parks, Charles C. Powell, Manuel Rock, Horace Sher man, James H. Shaver, William H. Storms, Charles Simmons, David S. Tewksberry, Fitz James Trumble, Alvaro Tupper, Monroe J. Weatherwax, Leander Waffle, Martin W. Weeks, John Wood, Walter Wilcox, Harvey L. Snow, Charles Sherman, Martin Toughey, Benjamin F. Toffl- emier, Jerome B. Tupper, Charles R. Van Norman, Watson A. Winslow, Patrick Whalan, Theo dore Weeks, William H. Winter, James H. Young. Transferred — David W. Hurlburt, George H. Farrar, George Hart, Joseph Newcomb, George E. Parker, Nelson W. White, John W. Dike- man, James Gibbs, Edgar S. McGraw, Aaron Payne, Luman G. Sterns, Horace D. Green. TENTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY, (WALWORTH COUNTY GUARDS). This company way; Second, Cephas Hurlburt, East Troy. One Year Old Colts— First, Hiram Brewster, Troy; Second, S. D. Edgerton, Troy. Bull of any Age— First, Josiah F. Brooks, East Troy; Second, Jacob Burgit, East Troy. Year Old Bull— First, James Lauderdale, La Grange ; Second, Francis Baker, Spring Prairie. Spring Calf— First, Homer Brooks, East Troy; Second, Gorham Bunker, East Troy. 400 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Milch Cow— First, Homer Brooks; Second, Jacob Burgit, East Troy. Yearling Heifer— First, Homer Brooks, East Troy; Second, S. H. Tibbets, Sugar Creek. _ Working Oxen— First, Cephas Hurlburt, East Troy; Second, Jacob Burgit, East Troy; Third, Mr. Holmes, East Troy.Three Year Old Steers— First, Michael O'Reagan, East Troy. _ Sheep, premium on pen of five— Josiah F. Brooks, East Troy; Second, Mr. Smedley, Hudson. On Ram, for fleece— First, Mr. Smedley, Hudson; Second, Josiah F. Brooks, East Troy. On Ram, for carcass— First, Mr. Booker, East Troy; Second, Josiah F. Brooks, East Troy. On pen of five Sheep, for carcass— Josiah F. Brooks, East Troy; Second, Josiah F. Brooks, East Troy. Cattle— First, Paris Pettit. Butter— First, Joel Pond; Second, William Child. Cheese — First, Augustus Smith. The Committee on Miscellaneous Articles awarded to F. K. Phoenix, of Delavan, for several varieties of apples raised by him $1.50; to Mr. McNair, for flannel sheets, $1.90; to E. Pound, for garden vegetables, 50 cents; to W. Taylor and Calvin, for garden vegetables, 50 cents each; to Alfred Payne, for paintings, $1; to James F. Willson, for flower-baskets, 50 cents; to C. W. Powers, for coat and pants, $1; to C. Bull, for cabi net work, $1; to William Bates, for buggy, $1; to Mrs. J. A. Larkin, for fringed gloves, $1; to William Child, for carpet, $1 ; to Samuel Gilliard, for garden vegetables, 50 cents. The plowing match was deferred until October 25, in consequence of the copious showers in the after part of the day. The competitors were not numerous, but very spirited, and showed how the "Badger Boys" can handle the plow when excited by a proper spirit of rivalry. The time occupied in plowing a quarter of an acre, varied from fifty-three minutes to one hour and four minutes. One yoke of cattle, used and owned by Mr. Pettit, made their time in one hour and two minutes; work done in a superior manner. All passed off in good feeling, and a lively interest was manifested. After the plowing was disposed of, the sale of two Durham bulls took place. Bull, Herod, seven years old, imported by Josiah F. Brooks, from Western New York, was sold to Jacob Burgit, of East Troy, for $210; bull, Defiance, five years old, to Stephen Koshon, of Rockford, 111., for $150. The members then proceeded to elect their officers for the ensuing year. The vote stood: For President, William Child; Vice President, Robert K. PoUer; Secretaries, Edward Elderkin and Seymour Brooks ; Treasurer, S. M. Rockwood ; Managers, T. Mower, Jr., William Hollinshead, Jacob Burgit. Resolved, That we publish our proceedings in the Wisconsin Farmer, and procure two hundred copies for distribution. Augustus Smith, President. East Troy, October 25, 1850. Seymour Brooks, Secretary. No records of the receipts of this fair are to be found. What money was disbursed for pre miums was subscribed by those instrumental in getting it up, and much of it came back to them in premiums, as they were the principal exhibitors. Although it was, as will be seen by scanning the premium list, virtually an East Troy exposition, it brought some competitors from other towns and awakened an interest throughout the county, and it was at that time resolved by those present to complete the organization of the society, and thereafter hold an annual fair which should represent the agricultural interests and resources of the entire county. The first meeting looking to the completion of the organization of a county society was held at Elkhorn April 25, 1851, at which Robert K. Potter, of La Fayette, presided. It does not appear that any constitution was adopted at that meeting. It was, however, resolved " to enlarge the scope" of the society, so that it should embrace the whole county, and premiums were offered for the best, second-best and third-best acre of wheat, and the best, second-best and third-best cultivated farm in the county. A committee was appointed to view the competing acres and the competing farms, and, as appears in the awards at the ensuing fair, the committee made an award on the best and second-best acre of winter wheat. No awards were made on the best cul tivated farms. THE FIRST COUNTY FAIR. It was held in Elkhorn October 14 and 15, 1851. The exhibition of stock was held on the lot now occupied as a residence by H. Bradley. In addition to the stock exhibit, the ladies made their show of household industries at the court house. It was, as compared with the magnificent exhibition of later years, quite meager, consisting of quilts, bed-spreads, rag-carpets, woolen blankets, bonnets, bread, butter and cheese. A full list of those who bore off the prizes at this pioneer contest so many years ago, appears elsewhere, in contrast with the premium list of 1881. Mrs. H. J. Starin was awarded the prize, $3, as the best bread-maker; Mrs. J. W. Newton received $2 for the best cheese; Mrs. Crosier received $1 for the best bed-quilt; Mrs. N. Beckwith, 50 cents for the best bonnet; Mrs. G. Bunker, $1 for the best rag-carpet, and Mrs. C. D. Long, 50 cents for the best woolen blanket. At this meeting the present agricultural society was organized. A constitution (which ap pears elsewhere) was adopted and the first officers elected. They were: President, David Will- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 401 iams, Geneva; Vice President, Augustus Smith, Troy; Secretaries, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Seymour Brooks, East Troy; Treasurer, Edwin Hodges, Elkhorn; Managers, M. R. Brittain, Spring Prairie; William Hollinshead, Delavan; H. J. Starin, Whitewater. The total amount of premiums paid were $133.75. The receipts for membership were $45. The deficit was made up by private subscriptions. There was no immediate effort made to perpetuate the society by the purchase of grounds, thereby giving it an individuality and a local habitation, as well as a name. It consequently, for a few years succeeding its organization, led a vagrant, peripatetic sort of life, depending en tirely upon the weather and the whims of the people for a continuation of its existence. During these years of infancy, it held fairs as follows: 1852, at Elkhorn; receipts for membership, $45; 1853, Delavan; receipts not stated; 1854, Elkhorn; receipts for membership, $65. Up to this time the society had struggled along with only success sufficient to prolong its existence. Its real life and vigor, which has developed it into the most successful institution of its kind in the State, dates from 1855. At that time the first purchase of land was made, which, by subsequent additions, has grown into the extensive and well-appointed fair grounds now owned by the society in Elkhorn. It consisted of six acres of ground, which was purchased by the society from Edward Elderkin, for $100 per acre, on ten years' time at 10 per cent interest. The energetic President, Otis Preston, backed by the Executive Committee, stipulated to fence the lot and make the other improvements necessary, looking to the receipts of the coming fair, the success of which depended on the weather and a hundred other contingencies for his re-imbursement. Fortunately for Mr. Preston and the future of the society, the weather was superb and the crowds that attended were unprecedentedly large, sufficiently so to place the society for the first time on a sound financial basis. The imperfect records of the Treasurer show receipts of nearly $1,100, and a balance on hand at the close of the fiscal year of $648. Annually, since that time the county fair has been held on the grounds, and the society has continued to grow in strength and numbers. It is to-day the foremost county agricultural society in the State, and has done more to develop the husbandry interests of the county to their present high grade of excellence than all other agencies combined, and to the spirit of emulation it begets, the mutual exchange of in dividual experiences it enables, and the yearly exhibit of improvement made and new inventions tried and approved or condemned — though there are many other advantageous means, all center ing around, or having their inception in the society, Walworth County has become the banner county, with a more diversified and a more profitable showing of agricultural results than can be shown elsewhere in the State. Fair week has now become the gala week of the year, and is the unmistakable index of the prosperity, refinement and contentment of a people, than which, none more thrifty or prosperous dwells upon the earth. THE FAIR GROUNDS. They now embrace a tract of 23.51 acres inside the inclosure, besides a small tract outside the main entrance, bought of Robert Richmond August 21, 1868. The grounds are located north east of the center of Elkhorn Village, on the southwest quarter of Section 31, Town 3, Range 17 —a part of the La Fayette Township, prior to the denning of the limits of the present town of Elkhorn. In shape, the plat is irregular. It has live sides of unequal length. The south line runs due east and west from the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad— Eagle Branch — to the land of Virgil Cobb; thence due north to the intersection of the old plank road; thence northeast, on the line of the plank road, to the land of J. H. Snyder; thence southeasterly to the line of the railroad before mentioned, that road being the eastern boundary of the grounds. Al though a five-sided polygon in shape, it is, for practical purposes, a square, varying but little in its extreme length and extreme breadth. The land was purchased at different times as follows: Six acres, under contract and bond, from Edward Elderkin, in August, 1855 ; five and seventy-eight one hundredths acres, from Mr. Elderkin, in 1859, at which time the first bond was canceled and the society received a war rantee deed from E. Elderkin for both tracts, 11.73 acres in consideration of $1,173; February 10, 1870, the society purchased 11.78 acres of adjoining land from Mr. Elderkin for $824.60. August 21, 1868, the society bought from Robert Richmond a small triangular piece, outside the inclosure, at the intersection of the western boundary line with the plank road, at the entrance 402 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. where the ticket office now stands, for the sum of $5. The purchase cost of the grounds, 23.51 acres, with entrance, was $2,002.60. Few of the old improvements remain. The old fence and speaker's stand, with the booths, pens and other buildings first put up, have been repaired or replaced by more substantial struct ures. The speaker's stand was a large raised platform, capable of seating two or three hundred persons. It occupied the site of the present floral hall. It was, on fair days, gay with bunting, and demonstrative in big-lettered mottoe3, evincing the big pride and unfettered hopes that in spired the society. Of the mottoes, these are remembered: "Walworth County — Her Sons and Daughters Will Vindicate the Dignity of Labor;" 'Agriculture and Mechanical Arts — Their In terests Rest not upon the Mudsills of an Indolent Aristocracy, but upon the Solid Granite of an Educated Damosracy." The stand was, during the earlier years, the grand center of attraction. Orations, concerts, declamations, competitive readings, announcements of awards and a hundred other incidents will be remembered in connection with the old stand. It is gone, but in the memories of the earlier members of the society and attendants of the fair, it still remains the central figure whenever they recall the fairs of Auld Lang Syne. The grounds to-day, as has been stated, comprise nearly twenty- four acres. They are in closed by a substantial board fence. The entrance is on the west side from the plank road. A small building for office business and the selling of tickets during exhibitions, stands at the en trance. Permanent sheds and pens line the south and west sides of the ground. The priacipal buildings are floral and agricultural halls, both standing southeast of the entrance. They are adjacent, and, when connected, give an exhibiting area of 350x30 feet under one roof. In ad dition, the society own a canvas pavilion, which, when erected, covers half the space of the halls. There is a fine half mile track on the grounds, with stand and terrace seats. There are several wells, the deepest being bored to the depth of 128 feet, with windmill and pumping apparatus. Altogether, it is as finely appointed a fair ground as is owned by any county organization in the SGate. The property, with improvements, cost not less than $7,000, and would sell above that valuation. OFFICERS. The officers of the preliminary East Troy Society, as well as those chosen in 1851, after the constitution was adopted and the society fully organized have been already mentioned. Below is a full list of officers from that date to the present year: 1852 — President, H. J. Starin, Whitewater; Vice President, William Hollinshead, Delavan ; Secretaries, H. Latham, Elkhorn; D. Williams, Geneva; Treasurer, Peter Golder, Elkhorn; Man agers, William Child, George W. Paul, Samuel Pratt, Seymour Brooks, Lyman H. Seaver. 1853 — President, J. C. Mills, La Fayette; Vice President, John Williams, Darien; Secre taries, H. Latham and P. Golder, Elkhorn; Treasurer, William Hollinshead, Delavan; Managers, H J. Starin, Hiram Cross, O. W. Carter, Orra Martin and David Williams. 1854 — President, Hiram Cross, La Grange; Vice President, S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Secretaries, Edward Elderkin and Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Treasurer, E. Hodges, Elkhorn; Managers, Emory Thayer, Charles Martin, O. Armstrong, Abial Manning and Charles Wales. 1855— President, Otis Preston, Elkhorn; Vice Presidents, H. J. Starin, Whitewater; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; P. S. Carver, Delavan; Secretaries, Edward Elderkin and H. S. Winsor, Elkhorn; Treasurer, S. Mallory, Elkhorn ; Managers, Emery Thayer, O. Armstrong, Abial Mann ing, P. G. Harrington, R. T. Seymour, H. M. Ray, Charles Martin", Abram Bloodgood, A M. Perry. This year, by amendment of the constitution, the Board of Managers was increased to nine. 1856— President, R. T. Seymour, La Fayette; Vice President, Seymour Brooks, East Troy, Secretaries, Edward Elderkin and Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Treasurer, E. Hodges, Elkhorn; Managers, A. M. Perry, C. Wiswell, O. G. Ewing, H. J. Starin, E. M. Rice, Orra Martin, Charles Wales, William Hollinshead, William Bell. 1857— President, Otis Preston, Elkhorn; Vice President, S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Secre taries, Edward Elderkin and S. L. Carpenter, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Edwin Hodges, Elkhorn; Executive Committee (increased to one from each town), R. Cheeney, Jr., Whitewater; E. M. Rice, Richmond; O. H. Gilbert, Darien; James Cummings, Sharon; William Bell, Walworth; William Hollinshead, Delavan; J. R. Kinne, Sugar Creek; E. P. Eaton, Elkhorn; O G Ewing, La Grange; A. M. Perry, Troy; Joseph Potter, La Fayette; Dr. P. Maxwell, Geneva; George HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 403 Allen, Linn; Cyrus Rugg, Bloomfield; Thomas W. Hill, Hudson; Charles Martin, Spring Prairie; Emery Thayer, East Troy. The election did not occur as heretofore at the September meeting, but was postponed to January 6, 1858 — the old officers holding over — so that the above list of officers were the offi cers for the year 1858, and thus in the chronological record following 1858 is omitted. 1859 — President, Otis Preston, Elkhorn; Vice President, R. Cheney, Jr., Whitewater; Secretaries, E. Elderkin, Elkhorn; E. K. Frost, Sugar Creek; Treasurer, E. Hodges, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, J. L. Pratt, Whitewater; O. G. Ewing, La Grange; A M. Perry, Troy; S. B. Edwards, East Troy: Charles Martin, Spring Prairie; George W. Wylie, La Fayette; P. G-. Harrington, Sugar Creek; E. M. Rice, Richmond; O W. Carter, Darien; Homer Coleman, Delavan; Charles Wales, Geneva; Ebenezer Dayton, Hudson; Cyrus Rugg, Bloomfield; George Allen, Linn; Joseph Rector, Walworth; William P. Allen, Sharon; E. P. Eaton, Elkhorn. 1860 — President, Otis Preston, Elkhorn; Vice President, R. Cheney, Jr., Whitewater; Sec retaries, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Charles Martin, Spring Prairie; Treasurer, Edwin Hodges, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, George G. Williams, Whitewater; John Fearnly, La Grange; A. M. Perry, Troy; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Capt. E. F. Weed, Spring Prairie; R. B. Flack, La Fayette; P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; E. M. Rice, Richmond; John DeWolf, Darien; Charles Wales, Geneva; Thomas W. Hill, Hudson; W. D. Chapin, Bloomfield; J. W. Groesbeck, Linn Joseph Rector, Walworth; John jeffers, Sharon; Hollis Latham, Elkhorn. 1861 — President, Seymour Brooks, East Troy; Vice President, George W. Wylie, Elkhorn Secretaries, Edward Elderkin, Recording; Hollis Latham, Corresponding; Treasurer, J. F. Brett. Elkhorn; Executive Committee, J. L. Blount, Whitewater; E. M. Rice, Richmond; J. W. Sea ver, Darien; John Jeffers, Sharon; Joseph Rector, Walworth; William Holliste«\ Delavan Hiram Taylor, Sugar Creek; John Fearnly, La Grange; A. M. Perry, Troy; A. Jewell, La Fay ette; E. P. Eaton, Elkhorn; Charles Wales, Geneva; A. Merriam, Linn; W. D. Chapin, Bloom field; U. C. H. Nickerson, Hudson; Roswell Coburn, Spring Prairie; Emery Thayer, East Troy. 1862 — President, Otis Preston, Elkhorn; Vice President, William Hollinshead, Delavan; Recording Secretary, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Corresponding Secretary, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Treasurer, John F. Brett, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, S. B. Edwards, East Troy; A. M. Perry, Troy; Hiram Cross, La Grange; J. L. Blount, Whitewater; E. M. Rice, Richmond; Hiram Taylor, Sugar Creek; Jonathan' Potter, La Fayette; E. F. Weed, Spring Prairie; Le Grand Rockwell, Elkhorn; Thomas W. Hill, Hudson; Charles Wales, Geneva; A. H. Taggart, Delavan; J. W. Seaver, Darien; John Jeffers, Sharon; E. L. Gilbert, Walworth; George Allen, Linn; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield. 1863 — President, William Hollinshead, Delavan; Vice President, Charles Wales, Geneva; Recording Secretary, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Corresponding Secretary, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Treasurer, John F. Brett, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, Emery Thayer, East Troy; A. M. Perry, Troy; John Fearnly, La Grange; Charles Clark, Whitewater; E. M. Rice, Rich mond: William H. Bartram, Sugar Creek; R. B. Flack, La Fayette; Roswell Coburn, Spring Prairie; William H. Conger, Elkhorn; Thomas W. Hill, Hudson; A. Goodspeed, Geneva; A. H. Taggart, Delavan; William Hollister, Darien; John Jeffers, Sharon; Joseph Rector, Wal worth; George Allen, Linn; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield. 1864— President, William Hollinshead, Delavan; Vice President, Charles Wales, Geneva; Secretaries, E. Elderkin and Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Treasurer, John F. Brett, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, Emery Thayer, East Troy; A. M. Perry, Troy; John Fearnly, La Grange; Charles M. Clark, Whitewater; E. M. Rice, Richmond; Hiram Taylor, Sugar Creek; R. B. Flack, La Fayette; M. R. Brittain, Spring Prairie; William H. Conger, Elkhorn; Thomas W. Hill, Hudson; A. Goodspeed, Geneva; H. Vanderpool, Delavan; John DeWolf, Darien; John Jeffers, Sharon; Joseph Rector, Walworth; George Allen, Linn; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield. 1865— President, William Hollinshead, Delavan; Vice President, Charles Wales, 'Geneva; Secretaries, Edward Elderkin and H. Latham, Elkhorn; Treasurer, John F. Brett, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, A Richmond, Whitewater; E. M. Rice, Richmond; John DeWolf, Darien; S. G. Arnold, Sharon; Joseph Rector, Walworth; H. Vanderpool, Delavan; P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; Hiram Cross, La Grange; A. M Perry, Troy; J. P. West, La Fayette; D. L. 404 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Flack, Geneva; George Allen, Linn; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; Thomas W. Hill, Hudson; Charles Martin, Spring Prairie; Emery Thayer, East Troy; William H. Conger, Elkhorn. 1866 — President, George W. Wylie, Elkhorn; Vice President, Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; Secretary, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Treasurer, John F. Brett, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, A. Richmond, Whitewater; John Clark, Richmond; C. P. Soper, Darien; John Jeffers, Sharon; Joseph Rector, Walworth; A. H. Taggart, Delavan; M. L. Ladd, Sugar Creek; Hiram Cross, La Grange; A. M. Perry, Troy; R. B. Flack, La Fayette; Charles Dunlap, Geneva; George Allen, Linn; Charles High, Bloomfield; T. W. Hill, Lyons; Charles Martin, Spring Prairie; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; C. Wiswell, Elkhorn. 1867 — President, Charles Wales, Geneva; Vice President, T. W. Hill, Lyons; Secretary, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Le Grand Rockwell, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, John Jeffers, Sharon: G. W. Lamont, Darien; E. M. Rice, Richmond; A. Richmond, Whitewater; H. W. Randolph, Walworth; A. H. Taggart. Delavan; S. G. West, Sugar Creek; James Holden, La Grange; A. Merriam, Linn; John Flack, Geneva; G. W. Wylie, La Fayette; J. G. Smith, Troy; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; A. H Farnum, Lyons; M. H. Foot, Spring Prairie; H. A. Taylor, East Troy: W. H. Conger, Elkhorn. 1868- — President, Charles Wales, Geneva; Vice President, Thomas W. Hill, Lyons; Secre tary, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Le Grand Rockwell, Elkhorn; Board of Managers, John Jeffers, Sharon; C. P. Soper, Darien; James Sherman, Richmond; George Ester ly, White water; S. H Van Schaick, Walworth; Willard Isham, Delavan; Hiram Taylor, Sugar Creek; Hiram Cross, La Grange; John Merriam, Linn: C. K. Phelps, Geneva; J. P. West, La Fayette; William Mayhew, Troy; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; F. A. Buckbee, Lyons; Charles Martin, Spring Prairie ; H. A. Taylor, East Troy.; D. R. Johnson, Elkhorn. 1869 — President, Charles Dunlap, Geneva; Vice President, Wellington Hendrix, La Fay ette; Secretary, S. G. West, Sugar Creek; Treasurer, L. G. Rockwell, Elkhorn; Board of Man agers, Henry Dennis, Sharon; John DeWolf, Darien; John Clark, Richmond; A. Richmond, Whitewater; C. L. Douglass, Whitewater; William Hollinshead, Delavan; Hiram Taylor, Sugar Creek; James Sanford, La Grange; William Merriam, Linn; Thomas W. Hill, Geneva; James Child, La Fayette; Daniel Hooper, Troy; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; Enos Kinney, Lyons; Charles Martin, Spring Prairie; W. A. Taylor, East Troy; W. D. Lyon, Elkhorn. 1870 — President, Charles Dunlap, Geneva; Vice President, Charles Martin, Spring Prairie; Secretary, S. G. West, Sugar Creek; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Board of Managers, J. Jeffers, Sharon; D. Williams, Darien; E. Hulce, Richmond; William DeWolf, Whitewater; Cyrus Church, Walworth; A. H. Taggart, Delavan; Harmon Gray, Sugar Creek; G. A Ray, La Grange; S. J. Nichols, Linn; J. G. Flack, Geneva; Alonzo Potter, La Fayette; A. M. Perry, Troy; S. Buell, Bloomfield; Enos Kinney, Lyons; Orris Pratt, Spring Prairie; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; W. D. Lyon, Elkhorn. 1871 — President, P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; Vice President, D. L. Flack, Geneva; Secretary, S. G. West, Sugar Creek; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Board of Managers, Reuben Wessel, Sharon; U. S. Hollister, Darien; H. D. Locke, Richmond; Emory Thayer, Whitewater; James Holden, La Grange; Hiram Taylor, Sugar Creek; H. G. Hollister, Delavan; Mark F. Pierce, Walworth; George Allen, Linn; C. K. Phelps. Geneva; S. R. Edgerton, La Fayette; D. J. Sheffield, Spring Prairie; G. V. Weeks, Lyons; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; J. H. Lauderdale, Elkhorn. 1872 — President, P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; Vice President, Charles Martin, Spring Prairie; Secretary, S. G. West, Sugar Creek; Treasurer, Hollis Latham; Board of Managers, Hiram Cross, Whitewater; H. D. Locke, Richmond; U. S. Hollister, Darien; John Jeffers, Sharon; M. F. Pierce, Walworth; William Hollinshead, Delavan; R. Thomas, Sugar Creek; James Holden, La Grange; W. H. Morrison, Troy; Nelson West, La Fayette; C. K. Phelps, Geneva; John W. Boyd, Linn; W. D. Chapin, Bloomfield; Enos Kinney, Lyons; Orris Pratt, Spring Prairie; D. P. Webstor, East Troy; L. G. Latham, Elkhorn. ^ 1873— President, D. L. Flack, Geneva; Vice President, S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Secretary, S. G. West, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Board of Managers, Charles Root, Sharon; U. S. Hollister, Darien; W. A. Knilans, Richmond; A. Richmond, Whitewater; C. P. Maxon, Walworth; William Hollinshead, Delavan; P. S. Wiswell, Su-rar Creek; William Mc- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 405 Dougald, LaGrange; W. H. Morrison, Troy; Henry Hubbard, La Fayette; Samuel Gray, Geneva; George Allen, Linn; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; L. S. Weeks, Lyons; Charles Martin, Spring Prairie; Seymour Brooks, East Troy; O. Hand, Elkhorn. 1874— President, S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Vice President, U. S. Hollister, Darien; Sec retary, S. G. West, Elkhorn: Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Board of Managers, John Jeffers, Sharon; N. Johnson, Darien; W. A. Knilans, Richmond; C. M. Clark, Whitewater; Cyrus Church, Walworth; William Hollinshead, Delavan; Hiram Taylor, Sugar Creek; W. H. Morrison, Troy; G. W. Wylie, La Fayette; 0. P. Standish, Geneva: O. P. Merriam, Linn; Sid ney Buell, Bloomfield; Edward Moorhouse, Lyons; Orris Pratt, Spring Prairie; Seymour Brooks, East Troy; 0. G. Ewing, La Grange; E. M. Mills, Elkhorn. 1875 — President, Charles Martin, Spring Prairie; Vice President, R. D. Harriman, La Fayette; Secretary, S. G. West, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham., Elkhorn, Board of Man agers, Reuben Wessel, Sharon; U. S. Hollister, Darien; W. A. Knilans, Richmond; George Doubleday, Whitewater; M. F. Pierce, Walworth; A. H. Allyn, Delavan; P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; Hiram Cross, La Grange; Joseph Reek, Linn; J. G. Flack, Geneva; W. G. Der- thick, La Fayette; W. H. Morrison, Troy, S. Buell, Bloomfield; E. Kinney, Lyons; H. D. Barnes, Spring Prairie; E. M. De Puy, East Troy; S. Mallory, Elkhorn. An Advisory Committee of ladies was chosen this year for the first time, to act with the Ex ecutive Committee in the revision of the premium lists in such departments as they had an in terest. The committee was constituted as follows: Mrs. Orris Pratt, Spring Prairie; Miss Hat tie Edwards, East Troy; Mrs. R. D. Harriman, La Fayette; Mrs. John A. Cowles, Geneva; Miss Libbie Hollinshead, Delavan. 1876 — President, John Jeffers, Sharon; Vice President, William H. Morrison, Troy; Secre tary, S. G. West, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Board of Managers, Jared Topping, Sharon; C. P. Soper, Darien; W. A. Knilans, Richmond; C. M. Clark, Whitewater; M. F. Pierce, Walworth; A. H. Allyn, Delavan; George Kinne, Sugar Creek; James Holden, La Grange; D. S. Allen, Linn; T. W. Hill, Geneva; Jonathan Potter, La Fayette; A. O. Richmond, Troy; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; H. I. Hawks, Lyons; H. D. Barnes, Spring Prairie; S. Brooks, East Troy; R. Brown, Elkhorn; Ladies' Advisory Committee, Mrs. Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; Mrs. John Derthick, La Fayette; Mrs. W. J. Stratton, Elkhorn; Mrs. R. D. Harriman, Elkhorn; Miss Libbie Hollinshead, Delavan. 1877 — President, Asa Foster, Sugar Creek; Vice President, W. G. Durthick, La Fayette; Secretary, S. G. West, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, George Mansfield, Sharon; C. P. Soper, Darien; W. A. Knilans, Richmond; N. D. Williams, Whitewater; Mark F. Pierce, Walworth; M. L. Hollister, Delavan; I. E. Weaver, Sugar Creek; Alvin Cook, La Grange; George Allen, Linn; T. W. Hill, Geneva; J. P. Wylie, La Fayette; John Matheson, Troy; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; J. B. Smith, Lyons; Orris Pratt, Spring Prairie; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Charles Wales, Elkhorn. 1878 —President, Sidney Buell, Bloomfield ; Vice President, H. G. Hollister, Delavan; Secretary, William H. Morrison, Troy; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Executive Commit tee, A. L. Mason, Sharon; Caleb Babcock, Darien; T. P. James, Richmond; G. D. Doubleday, Whitewater; C. L. Douglass, Walworth; M. L. Hollister, Delavan; G. G. Wilcox, Sugar Creek; S. M. Case, La Grange; S. J. Nichols, Linn; T. W. Hill, Geneva; Jonathan Potter, La Fayette; John Matheson, Troy; A. H. Abell, Bloomfield; Joel B. Smith, Lyons; John Derthick, Spring Prairie; Seymour Brooks, East Troy, S. G. West, Elkhorn; Ladies' Advisory Committee, Mrs. Silas Patten, Mrs. S. Buell, Mrs. J. J. Johnson, Mrs. Wm. Burgit and Miss Libbie Hollinshead. 1879 — President, H. G. Hollister, Delavan; Vice President, C. R. Gibbs, Whitewater; Sec retary, W. H. Morrison, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, John Jeffers, Sharon; Caleb Babcock, Darien; W. A. Knilans, Richmond; F. W. Tratt, White water; C. L. Douglass,. Walworth; Alex. Allyn, Delavan; Philip Wiswell, Sugar Creek; C. R. Gibbs, La Grange; D. S. Allen, Linn; T. W. Hill, Geneva; A. D. Harris, La Fayette; J. R. Kling, Troy; G. R. Allen, Bloomfield; H. I. Hawks, Lyons; Orris Pratt, Spring Prairie; H. A Taylor, East Troy; I. W. Coman, Elkhorn. 1880 — President, C. R. Gibbs, Whitewater; Vice President, William Meadows, Lyons; Sec retary, W. H. Morrison, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, 406 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. John Mereness, Sharon; G. W. Hall, Richmond; S. B. Edwards, Whitewater; M. F. Pierce, Walworth; W. S. Dunbar, Delavan; Asa Foster, Sugar Creek; Sextus Case, La Grange; Joseph Reek, Linn; C. K. Phelps, Geneva; S. R. Edgerton, La Fayette; John Matheson, Troy; A H. Abell, Bloomfield; C. P. Taylor, Lyons; O. T. Hubbard, Spring Prairie; Seymour Brooks, East Troy, S. G. West, Elkhorn; C. S. Babcock, Darien. 1881— President, William Meadows, Lyons; Vice President, W. A Knilans, Richmond; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Secretary, W. H. Morrison, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; James E. Seaver, Darien; C. K. Phelps, Geneva; J. B. Smith, Lyons; Nelson West, La Fayette; A. R. Langley, Richmond; Asa Foster, Sugar Creek; J. E. Reynolds, Troy; C. R. Gibbs, Whitewater; R. H. Bristol, Delavan; W. J. Stratton, Elkhorn; Seymour Brooks, East Troy; Joseph Reek, Linn; E. Bromley, La Grange; Orris Pratt, Spring Prairie; John Mereness, Sharon; Cyrus Church, Walworth. 1882 — President, W. A. Knilans, of Richmond; Vice President, Orris Pratt, Spring Prairie; Secretary, W. H. Morrison, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn. For each year since 1875, there has been appointed a Ladies' Advisory Committee. The names of ladies serving do not appear in the records of the society, from which the foregoing list of officers is compiled, except for the years in which they appear in the foregoing rosters. The names of officers on the fair grounds — Superintendents, Committees of Award, etc., etc., are not recorded. CONSTITUTION. It was adopted in 1851 and re-adopted September 11, 1856. The re- adoption was in order to enable the society to avail itself of some advantages offered by the State, and was made in accordance with the following resolutions adopted at the annual meeting: 1 ^Sj Whereas, The Legislature of Wisconsin did, at its last session, pass an act, entitled, "An act for the encouragement and promotion of Agriculture," which act was approved March 31, 1856 ; and, whereas, it is proper and expedient that the society should bring itself under the provisions of said act, and avail itself of the benefits therein conferred upon the County Agricultural Societies of this State by a re-organization of said society, therefore, Resolved, That the members of the Walworth County Agricultural Society do now re-organize themselves and associate themselves together, under and by virtue of a law of the State of Wisconsin, entitled, " An act for the promotion of Agriculture," approved March 31, 1856, and that we adopt the constitution and by-laws which have heretofore governed us, and are now on record, and that we do now proceed to complete said organization by the election of officers for the ensuing year. The original constitution adopted in 1851, and re-adopted in 1856, in accordance with the above resolution, was as follows : Article I. This association shall be called the Walworth County Agricultural Society. Art. II. The object of this association shall be the promotion of agriculture, horticulture, household manufactures and mechanical work. Art. III. Any person may become a member of the society by paying an admission fee of one dollar to the Treasurer, and may continue a member on payment of a like sum, on or before the annual meeting in each year thereafter.Art. IV. The officers of the society shall be a President, Vice President, two Secretaries and a Treas urer, who, together with nine managers, to be chosen by the society, shall constitute an Executive Committee, all to be elected annually by a majority of the votes of the members present — and said committee shall have full power to fill any vacancies occurring in their own body. Art. V. The President, and, in his absence, the Vice President, shall preside at all meetings of the society, of the board of managers and at all exhibitions and fairs of the society, upon which last occasion the President shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, an address upon appropriate subjects ; and, in case of the absence of both the President and Vice President, the Board of Managers shall have power to appoint a President pro tern. Art. VI. The Executive Committee shall appoint committees to examine farms, crops, stock and all other articles that may be offered for premiums, whose duty it shall be to report with all convenient speed thereon ; and, it shall also be the duty of the Executive Committee to obtain members, collect funds and per form all duties connected with the objects of the society. Art. VII. A majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum, who shall exercise a general supervision of the society, appropriate the funds in such a manner as will, in their judgment, best secure its interests and promote its objects. They shall have power to call special meetings of their own body, or of the society, to offer premiums to lie awarded by the Examining Committees ; to receive and distribute all seeds, plants and other property donated to the society, appropriate for distribution. Art. VIII. The annual fair and cattle show shall be held on the fair grounds of .the society, at Elkhorn, at such time in each year as shall be provided and determined by the Executive Committee of the society. Art. IX. The annual election of officers of this society shall be in the evening of the first day of the fair. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 407 Art. X. All competitors for premiums must be members of the society, and the wife and children of a member may also compete for premiums. Art. XI. This constitution may be amended or changed at any annual meeting for the election of officers, by a majority vote of all the members present. ' "^The present Constitution and^By-Laws, as amended, and.now]in']force, reads as follows : Constitution. Preamble. The name of this association shall be the "Walworth County Agricultural Society." Its object shall be improvement in the character and operations of agriculture, horticulture and the mechanical and household arts. Article I. Any person may become a life member of this society by subscribing his name to this consti tution, and paying to the Treasurer of the society the sum of ten dollars. Any person may become an annual member by paying to said Treasurer the sum of one dollar. Art. II. The officers of this society shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, to be elected annually at the annual meeting of the society by ballot. Also, one Manager from each town in the county, to be chosen at the said annual meeting, who, together with the above-named officers, shall con stitute an Executive Committee. The President, Secretary and three of the managers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Art. III. The President, and, in his absence, the Vice President, shall preside at all meetings of the aociety, the Executive Committee, and at the exhibitions and fairs of the society. It shall also be the duty of the President at each annual fair, to deliver, or procure some person to deliver, an address upon appropriate subjects. In case of the absence of both President and Vice President, the Executive Committee shall have power to appoint a President pro tern. Art. I V . The Secretary shall keep the minutes and records of the society, carry on all the correspondence of the society with its members, officers and committees, and with other societies, and read the minutes of the last meeting, as the first order of business after the meeting is duly organized. He shall take charge of and preserve or distribute, as shall be proper, all seeds, plants, books, implements, models and other property transmitted to the society. It shall also be his duty, unless otherwise directed by the Executive Committee, to take charge of the fair grounds, and all other property appertaining thereto, belonging to the society, see that the same is kept in proper repair and preservation. He shall also have charge of all communications designed for publication for the use or benefit of the society, and, with the advice of the Executive Committee, shall ¦ arrange and publish the same in such manner as will best promote the interests of the society. He shall make out and submit to the society, at its regular annual meeting in each year, a report of its doings, which report shall be recorded in the records of the society. It shall be his duty also to make out and publish in each year, previous to the annual meeting, a statement of expenditures, improvements, reports and doings of the preceding year, in conformity with the laws of the State, as they may at that time exist. Art. V. The Treasurer shall hold the funds of the society, and disburse them in payment of proper claims against the society. He shall make a full report of his receipts and disbursements at the annual meetings, which shall be read as the second order of business. He shall give bonds for the sum of twice the amount that shall be likely to come into his hands, with two sufficient securities, to be approved by the President and Secretary, conditional for the faithful performance of his duty, and to deliver over to his successor all moneys, books, papers and other things in his hands belonging to the society. It shall also be his duty to comply with the law of the State, in regard to transmitting to the Secretary of State, and to the Secretary of the State Agricultural Society, a statement of all the moneys received from the State, and from members and other sources, as said law now does or may exist at the time of making such statement. Art. VI. The Executive Committee shall annually make out and publish a premium list of all animals and articles on which a premium is offered, together with the amount offered on each animal or article. They shall fix the time of holding the annual fair. They shall make all needful rules and regulations in regard to, or necessary for, the annual exhibition, and appoint a Marshal, and an}- other officers necessary to conduct the same. They shall appoint the Examining Judges to pass upon the several animals or articles exhibited, and they shall also have power to fill all vacancies which may occur in any of the offices before the time of the annual meeting. Art. VII. The society shall hold its annual meeting on the seeond Wednesday in January in each year, at the village of Elkhorn, at which time all of its officers shall be elected. Provided, That in case general attendance of members at the annual meeting is prevented by some general unavoidable obstacle, then, such members as may be present, at their discretion, may postpone the election to some future time, not exceeding two weeks, at which adjourned meeting, the usual and appropriate business of the annual meeting shall be performed. Art. VIII. The society shall hold an annual cattle show and general fair on their fair grounds, in the village of Elkhorn, on such day or days as may be appointed by the Executive Committee, and the President, Secretary and Treasurer, or a majority of three, shall have power to call extra or special meetings of the society or of the Executive Committee, by giving proper notice of the same. Art. IX. The fiscal and official year of this society shall commence on the first day of January in each year. Provided, That all officers shall hold their places until their successors are elected. Art. X. This constitution may be amended by a vote of the members present at any regular annual meeting. By-Laws. Number 1. All animals or articles from other counties or states shall be allowed to compete for premiums on the same footing, as though owned or manufactured in this county. 408 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. No. 2. No animal or article shall be entitled to draw the first premium for two successive years in the same class, but shall be entitled to notice of merit. No. 3. Premiums will be awarded when there is merit, although there be no competition. No. 4. Persons entering thoroughbred stock will be required to furnish written or printed pedigrees of the same. No. 5. No animal or article shaJl compete for or take more than one premium at the same exhibition, except in the payment of an additional entrance fee, in any class, as fixed by the society. No. 6. Persons, who are not members of the society, must become such before entering articles for premiums or notice of merit. No. 7. All animals and articles, while on exhibition, to be at the risk of the owner, although the society pledges itself to the utmost vigilance, to secure articles from loss or injury. No. 8. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee, at its annual meeting, to appoint a committee of three from their number, who, together with the President and Secretary, shall constitute an Auditing Committee, whose duties it shall be to meet at such times and places as shall become necessary, for the purpose of auditing all miscellaneous accounts against the society. No. 9. These rules may be amended or changed at any regular annual meeting, by a vote of a majority of the members present, or by a vote of a majority of the Executive Committee at any regular meeting. In addition to the above, the following was passed at the annual meeting of 1875 : Resolved, That the Executive Committee shall not have authority to change the import of any resolution, rules or resolutions made at the annual meeting immediately preceding the meeting of the Executive Committee, said resolution shall be known as By-law No. 11. ONE OF THE EARLY FAIRS. To those who remember the society in the heyday of its youth, the following account of the fair of 1858, given by Prof. J. W. Hoyt, will be read with interest : The Walworth County Fair, at Elkhorn, likewise fell upon as pleasant days as it is within the power of sunshine and a charming locality to produce. The last day particularly, October 1, was the fairest of the fair. A somewhat intimate acquaintance with the enterprising officers of the society, together with assurances that Walworth was to be the banner county on fairs, had prepared us for a fine display, and the crowded trains from Beloit and Racine gave evidence that every body was going to see whether the hopes of friends were not ' too sanguine. The village, when we arrived, was literally full of people. Brass bands, of which there were five in competition for premiums, were discoursing excellent music in different quarters, and several fire and military companies were parading up and down the streets to and from the depot with beautiful banners, keep ing alive their own excitement, and kindling the enthusiasm of every man, woman and child within the cor poration. We were immediately conducted to the grounds, which we found ample, splendidly fitted up, and filled to overflowing. The area, of some twelve acres, was bordered with stalls and pens full of some as fine stock as we have seen in the State; implements of all sorts strewed the lawn, and a very large hall near the center of the grounds was absolutely stuffed with fruits of the earth, products of the dairy and household and works of art. Next year we hope this hall will be elongated about a hundred feet, so that articles may be better dis played", and visitors may get about with more satisfaction. Among the numerous articles worthy of mention, did space permit, we noticed fine premium specimensof wheat, raised by our friends, E. and F. Perkins, of Spring Prairie; excellent premium cheeses, from the dairy of Messrs. S. A. & A. H. Thurston, and beautiful bread and cake, made by Miss Louisa Preston, daughter of the efficient President. The speaker's stand, a large square-covered platform erected in the center of the inclosure, was orna mented with flags and appropriate mottoes, and surrounded with seats for the multitude, which, during the address and declaring of awards, thronged about to the number of five to ten thousand. The riding and trotting came off in the afternoon, and were witnessed by some eight thousand delighted spectators. In the trotting-match, "David Hill," the same that, afterward took the premium at the State Fair, won the prize. Among the new features of this mammoth fair, there are several with which we were particularly pleased. First, the grounds are fitted up in particularly attractive style. Secondly, premiums were offered for many things not absolutely agricultural, but well calculated, by their essentiality to a true social life, to exert a refin ing influence upon the too rigid and stoical farmer. We would not have the substantial products of the farm and workshop superseded by works of art, nor would we have the useful encouraged to the exclusion of the beautiful. The more the people of the town can be brought into contact with the real producers of the coun try, and the people of the rural districts with the refinements of city life, without either forsaking their proper sphere, the better for both; the pale-faced, aristocralif dweller in the city will learn to respect and foster that noble, primal art upon which his own existence and the life and business of the world depend; and the sturdy, hardy-fisted old farmer will more fully appreciate the truth that it is not all of life— even the farmer's life— to produce fat calves and big potatoes, and plod like nil nx from the cradle to the grave. Our advice, then, to all agricultural societies would be to make agriculture pre-eminent, but to avail themselves of those refining in fluences which, while they heighten the immediate interest of public exhibitions, also promote the amenities of the farming life. In addition to the five bands of music, already referred to, there was vocal music of a high order, as any of our readers, who heard the "Farmer's Home," by the Badger Club, at the State Fair, will be prepared to believe. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 409 Thirdly, the premiums were chiefly preservable as mementoes, consisting of silver table-ware, and agri cultural books. Among the latter, the Wisconsin Farmer appears to have been popular, inasmuch as 313 copies of the bound volumes for 1856 and 1857 were awarded. The fourth novel feature was the delivery of the books and silverware at the time of declaring the awards. When a prize is announced, it affords us pleasure to see the victor, and we think it a capital idea to call them upon the stand and let the people enjoy their modest blushes. On the occasion referred to, one young lady of thirteen years, Miss L. May Gardner, by a strange, good fortune, was called to the platform three successive times to receive prizes on best wheat bread, biscuit and worsted embroidery, each time modestly retiring amid the shouts of the multitude. A CONTRAST THEN AND NOW. The growth, both of the society and of the agricultural industries of the county, during the past thirty years, is shown in the following contrasted premium lists and other details of the first and last fairs held by the society. The premiums awarded at the first fair, held in Elkhorn October 14 and 15, 1851, were as follows: Grain and Roots. — Best acre of winter wheat, James Baker, $3; second best, J. R. Kinne, $2; best acre of corn, S. H. Tibbets, $3. Horses. — Best stock horse, J. Van Slyke, $3; second best, M. Buckley, $2; third best, George Whitmore, |1; the best breeding mare, Richard Flack, 13; second best, William Hol linshead, $2; third best, Daniel Heimbauch, $1; best span of pleasure horses, Robert Richmond, $3; best span of carriage horses, Emery Thayer, $2; second best, E. H. Ball, $1; best span of draft horses, George W. Wylie, $3; second best, Emery Thayer, $2; third best, Daniel Heim bauch, $1; best yearling colt, Dudley Harriman, $2; second best, John Dunlap, $1; best two- year-old colt, J. R. Kinne, $2; second best, N. D. Niblack, $1; best three-year-old colt, Will iam Aldrich, $2; second best, Richard Flack, $1. Neat Stock. — Best bull of any age, Jacob Burgit, $3; second best, G. Bunker, $3; third best, J. Lauderdale, $1; best milch cow, H. Lake, $3; second best, R. K. Potter, $2; third be3t, S. Brooks, $1; best two-year-old heifer, H. Brooks, $2; second best, E. Hodges, $1; best stock cow, H. Brooks, $2 ; best pair of working oxen, R. K. Potter, $3 ; second best, H. Cross, $2; third best, H. Cross, $1; best pair of three-year-old steers, C. Wiswell, $2; second best, C. K. Phelps, $1; best calf, J. Burgit, $3; second best, S. Brooks, $2; third best, W. Matti- son, $1. Sheep. --Best buck (in quality and quantity), C. H. Smedley, $3; second best, C. H. Smed ley, $2; third best, J. F. Brooks, $1; best buck (in regard to carcass), S. M. Rockwood, $2; second best, S. M. Rockwood, $1 ; best pen of ewes, six in number, C. H. Smedley, $2. Hogs. — Best breeding sow, E. Hodges, $2; second best, A. K. Smith, $1; best four pigs, E. Hodges, $2; second best, S. Walling, $1. Bread.— Best loaf of bread, Mrs. H. J. Starin, $3; second best, Mrs. M. R. Brittain, $2; third best, Mrs.' D. A. Smith, U. Dairy Products. — Best twenty-five pounds cheese, J. W. Newton, $2 ; second best, A. Smith, II; best ten pounds of butter, Mrs. M. R. Brittain, $2; second best, Mrs. J. W. Newton, $1. Discretionary Articles. — Best steel spring buggy, W. Isham, $1; second best specimen of brick, Levi Lee, 50 cents; best pair of boots, John Krotchman, 50 cents; best bushel of apples, I. Williams, $1 ; best samples of pears and grapes and the greatest variety of apples, F. K. Phce nix, $1; best broad-cast sower and spring- tooth harrow, S. B. Edwards, 75 cents; best double harness, F. S. Walling, $1; best single harness, F. S. Mason, $1; best jack and jenny, U. C. H. Nickerson, |1; best specimen of brick, O. Eldred, $1; best mule, Z. Chittenden, $1. Plows. ^— Best cast-steel plow, H. Armstrong, $3. Plowing Match. — Best quarter-acre plowing (with horses), William Hollinshead, $3; sec ond best, J. J. Olds, $2; third best, R. Richmond, $1; best quarter- acre plowing (with oxen), R. B. Flack, $3; second best, R. Richmond, $2. Female Skill, Taste and Industry. — Best bed-quilt, Mrs. Crosier, $1; second best, Mrs. Meacham, 50 cents; third best, Mrs. Conklin, 50 cents; best variegated bed-spread, Mrs. H. Freeman, $1; best rag carpet, Mrs. G. Bunker, $1; best specimen of needle work, Ladies' Social Union Society, $1; best bead purse, Miss Bunker, 50 cents; best overcoat, Mrs. Hugh Long, 50 cents; best woolen blanket, Mrs. C. D. Long, 50 cents; best bonnet, Mrs. N. Beckwith, 50 cents. Total amount of awards, $133. 75. 410 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. The premium list of 1881 is too extended for publication entire. A condensed statement is given below: Cattle Department. — Judges, Classes 1, 2 and 3, H. S. Manning, Chairman, Lyons; Wilson Stockdale, La Grange; S. J. Nichols, Linn; Classes 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, Washington Ross, Chairman, Geneva; A. R. Langley, Richmond; R. H. Gage, Richmond. Class 1, Short- Horns, sixteen premiums, $90; Class 2, Short-Horns (special), sixteen premiums, $90; Class 3, Devons, seventeen premiums, $100; Class 4, Ayrshires, seventeen premiums, $100; Class 5, Jerseys and AlderneyR, seventeen premiums, $100; Class 6, Holsteins, seventeen premiums, $100 ; Class 7, natives and grades, eight premiums, $45 ; Class 8, steers and dairy cows, nine premiums, $54. Total, 117 premiums, $679. Horse Department. — Judges, Classes 9 and 10, H. D. Barnes, Chairman, Spring Prairie;. I. E. Weaver, Sugar Creek; L. S. Wilson, Richmond; Class 11, F. W. Tratt, Chairman, White water; L. G. Foster, Lyons; James Grier, Bloomfield. Class 9, stallions, thirty premiums, $87; Class 10, carriage, draft, single and horses for general purposes, twelve premiums, $71; Class 11, brood mare, mare and gelding colts, thirty premiums, $117. Total, seventy-two prem iums, $275. Sheep Department. — Class 12, Judges, Eugene A. Watrous. Chairman, East Troy; Johnson, Matteson, Darien; Garrett Mereness, Sharon; Class 13, H. H. Austin, Chairman, East Troy, John Matheson, Troy, M. W. Kinney, Lyons. Class 12, fine-wool sheep and long-wool sheep, thirty- two premiums, $158; Class 13, wool, nine premiums, $18. Total, forty-one premiums, $173. Swine Department. — Judges, Joseph Potter, Chairman, La Fayette; Edward Bromley, La Grange; Henry Van Voorhees, Richmond. Class 14, Poland-China, Chester White, Berkshire, Essex and Suffolk, fifty premiums, $210. Poultry Department. — Judges, Joseph Reek, Chairman, Linn; O. T. Hubbard, Spring Prai rie; C. R. Gibbs, Whitewater. Class 15, Division A, Asiatic, fourteen premiums, $21; Division B, Dorkings, Dominiques and Plymouth Rocks, six premiums, $9; Division C, Spanish, six premiums, $9; Division D, Hamburg, four premiums, $6; Division E, Polish, four premiums, $6; Division F, French, two premiums, $3; Division G, turkeys, four premiums, $4; Division H, ducks, twelve premiums, $12; Division I, geese, four premiums, $4; Division J, rabbits, three premiums, $3. Total, fifty-nine premiums, $77. Farm Products. — Judges, William Hollinshead, Chairman, Delavan; Rodney Seaver, Darien; Amos Ives, Richmond. Class 16, cereals, forty-one premiums. $71; Class 17, vegeta bles, forty premiums, $64. Total eighty-one premiums, $135. Farm Implements. — Judges, A. H. Abell, Chairman, Bloomfield; J. E. Seaver, Darien; George Brewster, Troy. Class 18, reapers, mowers, plows, and all farming machinery and utensils, thirty-five diplomas and three premiums, $45; Class 19, carriages and sleighs, eighteen diplomas. Mechanic's Department. — Judges, same as Classes 18 and 19. Class 20, furniture, cloth ing, boots and shoes, harnesses, etc. , eleven diplomas. Household Manufactures. — Judges, Class 21, Mrs. H. A. Briggs, Chairman. Delavan; Mrs. J. A. Cowles, Geneva; Miss Alice A. Salisbury, Elkhorn; Class 22, Mrs. Sidney Buell. Chairman, Bloomfield; Mrs. Nellie Gray, Sugar Creek; Miss Alice Green, Spring Prairie; Class 23, Mrs. Peter Orrell. Chairman, Lyons; Mrs. J. W. Brownson, Sharon; Mrs. Seymoui' Brooks, East Troy. Class. 21, carpets, quilts, shirts, plain sewing, exhibition of tact and skill in making clothing, etc., seventy premiums, $87; Class 22, ornamental work, 135 premiums, $131; Class 23, pantry stores, bread, cake, pickles, canned fruits, jellies, etc., seventy-six premiums, $109. Total, 281 premiums, $327. Fruit. Department.— Judges, F. K. Phcenix, Chairman, Delavan; James L. Tubbs, Elk horn; J. A. Herrick, Geneva. Class 24, apples, plums and grapes, seventy-four premiums, $9 o. Youth's Department— Judges, Mrs. M. L. Van Alstine, Chairman, Delavan; Mrs. J. B. John son, Darien; Miss Ella Mereness, Sharon. Class 25, boys under sixteen, girls under fourteen years of age, drawing, penmanship, mechanical work, needle work, bread-making, etc. , 108 premiums, *"' HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 411 Parlor and Conservatory Requisites. — Judges, same as Class 25. Class 26, fountains, aquaria, ferneries, vases, bird-cages, stuffed birds, natural curiosities, seven diplomas and two premiums, $10. Fine Arts. — Judges, Mrs. H. H. Rogers, Chairman, East Troy, Mrs. C. R. Gibbs, White water; Mrs. Henry Bradley, Elkhorn. Class 27, oil paintings, painting in water colors, crayon work, pencil drawing, wax work of flowers and fruit, sixty-one premiums, $109. Flowers and Plants. — Judges, E. Balsley, Chairman, La Fayette; Mrs. Orris Pratt, Spring Prairie; Mrs. J. J. Johnson, Darien. Class 28, cut flowers, flowers and fragrant plants in pots, climbing plants, bouquets, foliage plants in pots, house plants, eighty-one premiums, $138. Dairy Products. — Judges Asa Foster, Chairman, Sugar Creek; C. R. Beach, Whitewater; Miss Clara Nourse, Troy. On Cheese, J. M. Hawks, of Lyons, and T. W. Curtis, of Syracuse, N. Y. Class 29, butter and cheese, nine premiums, $67. Miscellaneous Department. — Judges, same as Class 29. Class 20 embraced all articles not provided for in the foregoing classes, which, if meritorious, were to be awarded suitable prem iums. Trials of Speed. — Judges, Charles Dunlap, Chairman, Geneva; H. G. Hollister, Delavan; John Matheson, East Troy. Class 31, five divisions were advertised, fifteen premiums, $530. The total number of premiums offered was 1, 054. The aggregate amounts of premiums offered was $2,968. Total number of entries made, 4,098. The average attendance was not far from 5,000. On Thursday, the crowd could not have numbered less than 12,000 people. ^ ? On the following pages will be found a tabular statement of the financial progress of the society, so far as shown by the records. Those of the earlier years are necessarily in complete, as the books, if any were kept, are not now to be found : TABULAR STATEMENT OF FINANCES OF THE WALWORTH COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, £ to WITH LIST OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS FROM 1861 TO 1881 INCLUSIVE. (COMPILED FROM THE RECORDS.) NAMES OF OFFICERS, ETC. SOURCES OF INCOME. DISBURSEMENTS. Executive Officers. Date and place of Fair. c o p.a .£3 sI — o SIH Wo c H TABULAR STATEMENT OF FINANCES OF THE WALWORTH COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY— CONTINUED. NAMES OF OFFICERS, ETC. SOURCES OF INCOME. DISBURSEMENTS. i Executive Officers. Date and place of Fair. •6 sQ O 1 .a a a oa < aou ® 5 m f S" o M JS o. '« oa) «"c H a I. = 1 ¦o o, a x amf» ^ '3 c = 1 o 2 O«a — o i 3 Sri o 1-3ft ao dtz! 4-I— 1 414 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. AGENCIES OF SUCCESS. The different agencies that have combined to render this one of the most successful societies of its kind in the country are worthy of mention. The fundamental element of success to which all others are subordinate, and lacking which the executive ability of its officers, and all other correlative agencies, would have proved value less, is to be found in the constant and faithful support it has had from the farmers and stock- growers of the county, who, by their never-failing appearance with stock and other material go ing to make the agricultural attractions of the fair, have furnished the show itself, from which the income has been derived. Some have exhibited, regardless of distance, unfavorable weather or personal expense, at every fair, from the first, held in East Troy, to the present time. Seymour Brooks, of East Troy, with his brother, Homer, are among the number who nursed the society in its feeblest infancy, and, as its constant friends, have sustained it through thick and thin up to the present day. Special mention is made of them, as they were two of the leading exhibitors at the East Troy fair of. 1850, and have not failed to lend their aid at each and every fair since. Others no less reliable might be named. They are examples of the unfailing sources from which comes the material of which the exhibit is made. Hardly less important as an auxiliary to success has been the faithful and constant work of the women of the county, who have been its stanch friends from the first exhibit of the products of their household skill at East Troy, more than thirty years ago, to their last, in Floral Hall, which they filled to repletion with articles evincing their skill in the useful household arts, and the more refined, if less important, feminine accomplishments that make up the embellishments of the affluent and refined life they have come to enjoy, through the honest toil of the years gone by. During the whole life of the society, the women have kept even pace with the men, and vied with them in the increasing excellence and variety of each annual display. Floral Hall is the necessary outgrowth of the women's work, and was erected especially to furnish suitable and commodious room for their exhibition, which, for its utility and attractiveness, stands only sec ondary in value, and first in sustaining an interest in the annual fairs, and rendering them each year an assured success. The hall, since its erection, has been under the direction of a Super intendent and a corps of female assistants, appointed to the charge of the several departments for which they were peculiarly fitted by their taste or education. In addition to the household departments, which display in every conceivable form the excellence of their dairy products, and their skill in cookery and needle work, is a floral exhibition, including a display of rare house plants; an art gallery of paintings and drawings, many of them of rare excellence; min eral and geological collections, curiosities, musical instruments, embroidery, fine needle work, etc., etc. Whatever the weather, this feature of the fair is each year an increasing success. The hall has, from its building, been fortunate in its Superintendents. It was in charge of Mr. Thomas W. Hill, a man of intelligence, refined taste, and possessing rare ability for the posi tion, from 1865 to the time of his death, which occurred in 1879. He was succeeded by Mr. S. G. West, the long-time Secretary of the society. He still remains in charge of that department, [replaced this year by Gen. I. 0. Abbott], and has shown the ability to hold it to the high stand ard of excellence it had attained under his lamented predecessor. Another element of success is found in the good fortune which has attended the society in the selection of its executive officers, all of whom have proved exactly fitted for the emergencies of the time. From the first start of the society in its career of financial prosperity in 1855, to 1881, no serious mistakes have occurred. The best evidences of the managing ability of the va rious incumbents is given in the financial exhibits of the annual fairs which have been heretofore given. As the details of the work of inaugurating and conducting the annual fairs have increased, the clerical labors have grown to be more laborious and important, and the executive work has devolved more and more upon the Secretary of the society, the work of the President and other officers becoming more advisory. Indeed, from the beginning, the labors of an efficient Secretary have been indispensable. He must of necessity take the laboring oar, and do the greater share of the perplexing, and oftentimes thankless, labor that is essential to the successful work of an agricultural society. For this most important office, the society has had the good fortune to have, in succession, four incumbents as efficient as could be found in the county, and having no HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 417 superiors elsewhere. It showed wisdom in retaining them through long terms of service. Ed ward Elderkin served twelve years, and was the faithful friend of the society through the critical period of its infancy, and till long after it had attained to full strength. Hollis Latham suc ceeded Elderkin, and served four years. He has for the past twelve years held the fiduciary office of Treasurer. He was succeeded by Stephen G. West, who, after a faithful and efficient service of nine years, on the death of Mr. Thomas W. Hill, was selected his successor as Super intendent of Floral Hall. Mr. West was succeeded by the present incumbent, Mr. W. H. Mor rison, who has served for the past four years, and has evinced such ability as to place him in the foremost rank of agricultural officials in the State. Mr. Hollis Latham and Mr. George W. Wylie have served as officers of the society the longest periods, Mr. Latham having served almost continuously as Corresponding or Recording Secretary and Treasurer for twenty-six years; Mr. Wylie having served as Chief Marshal since 1856, with the exception of three years, during one of which he was President of the society, and the remaining two being absent in the army service during the war. Without further individual mention, it will be seen that the long terms of meritorious offi cers is peculiar to the society, and doubtless has had much to do in promoting its welfare and prosperity. The rules and principles adopted for the conducting of the annual fairs are in some feat ures characteristic, as the following resolutions, adopted in 1873," and since then generally ad hered to, will show. The resolutions are as follows: Whereas, Petitions from the ladies of several towns of the county of Walworth have this day been pre - sented to the Walworth County Agricultural Society now in session at the court house in Elkhorn, asking said society to suppress and prohibit the sale of intoxicating and malt liquors and cider on the grounds of the society and the grounds adjacent to them, now therefore be it Resolved, By the members of said Walworth County Agricultural Society that hereafter, at our annual fair, all intoxicating and malt liquors and cider shall be totally suppressed and prohibited on the grounds of the society, and the grounds adjacent to them; and for such violation of the rule, each offender shall be liable on conviction before a proper officer of said society, to the highest penalty known to the laws, and shall also be forthwith expelled and prohibited from any future participation in the interests of said society. And all lotteries and gambling devices are equally prohibited and forbidden by said society. The excellence of the police regulations is another element of success. There has never been any serious disorder, and the detective force is so admirable that roughs, pick-pockets and other disreputable gentry who ply their trades and reap their harvests in unsuspecting crowds, no longer put in an annual appearance on the grounds. The conduct of the business of the society from the beginning has been strictly non-parti san and non-sectarian. No political party or religious sect has ever prostituted the professed objects of the society to selfish purposes. The officers know no political or religious affiliations in the common and definite objects which the society was organized to promote, to wit, " to pro mote improvement in the character and operations of agriculture, horticulture, and the mechan ical and household arts. " The variety of entertainments provided from year to year, in addition to the display of cat tle, horses, agricultural implements and machinery, household and dairy products, and all else that goes to make up an agricultural fair, has had much to do with the large attendance and financial profits accruing to the society. Public addresses, essays, poems, military displays, concerts, band contests, firemen's contests, trials of speed, plowing matches, velocipede races, foot races, and numerous other public entertainments that the officers could devise, have, at different fairs, been added to the ordinary exhibition to enhance its interest andswell the receipts. The excellence of entertainment at the various dining-booths, all conducted by the women of Walworth County, has, from the beginning, been a great element of success. The fame of the Walworth County Fair dinners is co-extensive with that of the society itself. The booths are generally rented for a small sum to the ladies of various religious societies, who, with the in signia of the sect they represent spread in bold letters over the entrance, forthwith forget that they are Baptist, Congregationalist, Methodist, Universalist or Catholic, and set about the friendly emulation of providing the best dinner, knowing full well that sectarianism does not appeal to the empty stomach with the force of a well-cooked meal. These are among the agencies that have brought the society to its present high state of effi ciency and excellence. Other societies can have no surer guarantee of prosperity than in fol lowing the example of this, the model agricultural society of the State. u OHAPTEE V. OLD SETTLERS' SOCIETY. Organization — Annual Re-Unions— Eoster of Officers— Roster of Members. organization. This society was, after several preliminary meetings, permanently organized and a consti" tution adopted March 30, 1869. The first meeting was held at the above-mentioned date, in the village of Darien, in Clark's Hotel. At this meeting, a constitution was adopted, and the first officers chosen as follows: President, Daniel Salisbury, Spring Prairie; Vice Presidents, Pros per Cravath, Whitewater; Thomas P. James, Richmond; John Bruce, Darien; Cyrus Lippitt, Sharon; Cyrus Church, Walworth; Henry Barlow, Delavan; P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; William Houghton, La Grange; Sylvester G. Smith, Troy; George W. Dwinnell, La Fayette; Le Grand Rockwell, Elkhorn,; Osborn Hand, Geneva; Allen McBride, Linn; William D. Cha pin, Bloomfield; Z. B. Burk, Lyons; A. L. Merrick, Spring Prairie; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Recording Secretary, James Simmons, Elkhorn; Corresponding Secretary, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, P. Golder, S. G. West, G. W. Wylie, J. W. Peck and Charles Wales. Except the adoption of a constitution and the choice of the officers above named, no busi ness was transacted. It was voted that the next meeting should be held at Elkhorn. The constitution was as follows: Article I. The first settlers of Walworth County do hereby associate themselves together under the name and style of the " Old Settlers' Society of Walworth County, Wisconsin." Art. II. The objects and aims of this society shall be to revive and perpetuate the friendly associations heretofore existing among its members, by a yearly social re-union; to collect and preserve in our records the names of all the early settlers of this county, and especially of those who have already passed from earth, together with such incidents in their and our pioneer life, and such statistics of the early settlements of the county as may be of interest to the present and future generations; and generally to promote such ends as may be deemed worthy the consideration of the society. Art. III. The officers of this society shall be a President, a Vice President from each town, a Record ing Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Central Executive Committee of five; all of whom shall hold their offices until the next annual meeting succeeding their election, and until others are elected to fill their places. Art. IV. The duties of these several officers shall lie such as usually appertain to like officers in organi zations established for mutual benefit. The President shall preside at ail meetings of the society, or, in his absence, the senior Vice President who may be present. The Recording Secretary shall keep the records of the society. The Corresponding Secretary shall correspond with early settlers in each town, with a view to collect all such items pertaining to the early settlement of the county as may be of interest to the society. The Treas urer shall faithfully keep all moneys belonging to the society, and disburse the same upon the order of its Ex ecutive Commitee. Art. V. The annual meeting of this society shall be held on the first Tuesday of October in each year, at such place as the preceding annual meeting may have determined by a majority vote. Art. VI. Each old settler of the county who came into it to reside in the year 18-15, or previous thereto, may become a member of this society by subscribing his name to this Constitution, and paying 50 cents into its Treasury. Art. VII. The members of the press of Walworth County shall be ex officio members of this society. Art. VIII. This Constitution may be amended at any annual meeting by a vote of two-thirds the mem bers present. The amendments to the constitution as above adopted have been few. The time of the annual meeting, as appointed in Article 5, was changed by amendment, passed October 5, 1 869, to " the second Wednesday in Juno, " and for six years that was the anniversary day. June 9, 1875, the anniversary day was again changed to the "fourth Wednesday of June," and June 21, 1876, again changed to the "third Wednesday in June," which still remains the established old settlers' day. One other quite important amendment was made at the meeting June 14, 1871. At that meeting, Article 6 changed the eligibility to membership, and amended so as to admit " any HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 419 person who shall have resided in this State for a period of twenty-five years, and is an actual resident of this county. " This last amendment was not passed without quite earnest opposition on the part of the pioneers, who felt that, by right of prior occupation, they had the right of succession. An amendment was offered " that all members who settled prior to 1840 should be denominated pioneers," and those between 1840 and 1850 as " old settlers." The amendment did not pass. So the society was put on a continuous basis of life. The old settlers die, and their children, in their time, become "old settlers," and "their children's children to the latest generation. " Since the organization of the society, it has been vital — not an anniversary has passed un observed, and it is now the sturdiest society of its kind in the State. The old settlers still live in sufficient numbers to make the annual re-unions memorable, and as each year thins their ranks, the occasion of their re-union becomes more and more a time to be remembered. Each year addresses have been made, eulogies pronounced on those who had died, and a memorial service been held for the days of auld lang syne. Following is a synoptical sketch of the an nual gatherings : FIRST ANNUAL MEETING. The first annual meeting was held at Elkhorn, October 5, 1869, on the fair-grounds. Or der of exercises was as follows: Opening remarks by the President; prayer by Rev. J. D. Stevens, who came to Wisconsin as a missionary to the Indians in 1827; business session; din ner; business session; singing by the Elkhorn Glee Club; historical address by Hon. Charles M. Baker, of Geneva; election of officers; music; speech by Prosper Cravath, Esq., of White water; music, Auld Lang Syne, by the Elkhorn Glee Club; adjourned. The address by Mr. Baker was the first effort ever made to give a history of Walworth County. It was prepared under many difficulties, and during the intervals of leisure torn out of a very active professional life. It was a model of its kind, and, at the risk of detracting somewhat from the originality of this work, extracts are given from the address sufficiently full to show its general scope. The following is an extract from address of Hon. Charles M. Baker : Old Friends — permit me to call you — old in years as well as in associations, for a whole generation of men has been swept from the earth since first most of us here pitched our tents for our final earthly home. One-third of a century almost have we held intercourse, not only in the ordinary duties of life, but also in those pertaining to citizenship, in organizing and sustaining civil government. We have together shared com mon privations, common hopes and joys, and it is meet now in the autumn of our lives that we should come up, as we have this day from all parts of our goodly county, to look again upon each other's faces, and take each other by the hand, and here together from this central outlook review the last thirty years or more, as they move past in solemn march with all their pleasant, all their sad memories. There are no more enduring ties than those formed by companions in dangers, hardships and privations, and they are as unselfish as enduring. Travelers who have together crossed arid plains and penetrated gloomy forests, forded rivers and scaled mountains, exposed to innumerable dangers; soldiers who have long shared the same tent, endured together the toils of weary marches, have stood sentinel in the same bivouac, and fought shoulder to shoulder in the same battles, form attachments enduring as life. And so is it with those who to gether in a new country have taken upon them the burden of subduing nature to the uses of man, and planting and watering the seeds of human society. ********** ********** Walworth and Rock Counties composed one election district up to February 24, 1845, when they were sep arated. Col. James Maxwell, then of Big Foot Prairie, was the first member of the Council for the two coun ties, and Gen. William B. Sheldon, of Janesville, the first member of the House; Othni Beardsley, of Troy, was the first member of the House from this county for the joint district, and was elected in the summer or fall of 1838. The first member of the council from this county, after its separation from Rock in 1845, was, if I am not mistaken, Jesse C. Mills. And the first members of the House were Caleb Croswell, Warner Earl and Gaylord Graves. The first land sale for the Milwaukee land district, of which we formed a part, was appointed for Novem ber 16, 1838, but at the earnest request of the settlers, who desired longer time to raise funds to purchase, it was postponed till into February, 1839, when it took place. As near as I have been able to ascertain, Walworth County was surveyed in 1835 and the spring of 1836, the running of the section lines being completed at the latter period by John Brink and John Hodgson, the surveyors under the Government contractor, one Millett, of Detroit. The first election of county officers was held in 1838. The first county officers elected and appointed were, for Commissioners, Benjamin Ball, Nathaniel Bell and William Bowman. They organized the board at the house of Daniel E. Bradley, Elkhorn, on the 7th of January, 1839, and appointed Volney A. McCracken, Clerk. Gen. S. Walling was elected Sheriff, LeGrand Rockwell, Register of Deeds, and he was also appointed Clerk of the District Court. Joseph Griffin was appointed Judge of Probate, and C. M. Baker, District Attorney, in the winter of 1838 and 1839. William 420 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Hollinshead was elected County Treasurer, Edward Norris, Surveyor, and H. Latham, Coroner, all at the first election. » The first District Court was held by Hon. David Irwin, Judge, in April, 1839, in a small frame building erected that spring by LeGrand Rockwell for a Register's and Clerk's office. I believe it is still in existence, though removed From its original site near the northern limit of the public square in Elkhorn. The courts were held here a number of terms. They were next held for some time in a small frame schoolhouse situated near the western boundary of the public square. The old log jail was built soon after, and stood an unsightly monument of the olden time, till within a recent period, the terror of no one, except, perhaps, unruly boys. The present court house was built in 1841-42, by Levi Lee, the contractor, and the first term of court was held in it in April, 1843. In these mementos of the early history of our county, Judge Irwin, our first United States District Judge, is deserving a passing notice. He was a Virginia gentleman of the old school. Social, kind-hearted, aristo cratic as became a Virginian of the F. F.'s, he was a bachelor with his whims and peculiarities. He was a great lover of hunting, particularly of prairie hens, in the shooting of which he was an expert, and in which he prided himself, and no one must excel him if he would keep in his good graces. He was also learned in the knowledge of horses and dogs, as well as in the law, and his own horse, Pedro, and his dog, York, to whom he was much attached, and whose superior blood often formed the theme of his conversation, were as well known to the bar as the Judge himself. They were necessary appendages of the Judge and the court, and it was said by the wags, if one wanted to win his case before the Judge, he must praise his dog and his horse. But in truth it can be said of him, he was a lover of justice, detested meanness, was well-grounded in the principles of the law, and was possessed of very respectable perceptive reasoning powers. He seldom consulted law books, of which the bar of those days was poorly supplied; but on the whole, for the times, was a fair and respectable Judge. He suffered much from neuralgia in the back, and, on that account, had his judicial bench constructed in the form of a lounge with one end raised, into which were fastened iron clamps to sustain an upright board slanting back a little, against which he could recline whilst trying cases. Permit me to say that this ancient seat of justice is in existence, in my office, confessed by me here publicly, to be the property of Walworth County, and I think they could do no more worthy act than to donate it to the Old Settlers' Society of Walworth County. Following, Mr. Baker gave a detailed sketch of each town in the county. The address aroused a strong feeling of brotherhood among the old settlers, and was the first starting-point in the compiling of the pioneer history of the county. The interest in the work has never slept since,- and, although circumstances have not favored the publication of a complete history under the direct auspices of the society, much valuable material has been gathered and preserved, which will become the basis of the early history, of which this is a part. SECOND ANNUAL MEETING. The second annual meeting was held June 8, 1870, at the court house in Elkhorn. The programme was as follows: Announcements of the decease of members were made. H. S. Winsor announced the death of L. G. Rockwell, and pronounced an eulogy on his character as a business man; C. D. Long announced the death of John Bruce, of Darien; Edward Elderkin announced the death of Hezekiah Wells, an early settler of Delavan. A vote was taken to ascertain the year of settlement of members present, which resulted in the decision that there were present three of 1835, five of 1836, fourteen of 1837, ten of 1838, eight of 1839 and seven of 1840. Resolutions commemorative of deceased members — Rockwell, Bruce and Wells — were pre sented by Edward Elderkin, and passed by the society. The election of officers followed, after which the orator of the day, Hon. Prosper Cravath, an old pioneer of Whitewater, pronounced his address, from which the following extracts are given: Fathers and Mothers! Members of the Old Settlers' Society of Wvi.worth County- To-day you meet on your annual festival day, to fulfill the object and aim of your society, as expressed in Article H ot your Constitution the first and prominent object as therein written, being "to revive and perpetuate the friendly associations heretofore existing among its members." All who came into the county to reside in 1M4.J, or previous thereto, are cordially invited to attend this, our annual gathering. And well it is to assem- nrfrt m^f Xi ww £* 7/ 1?ccas,°n' and -to, <'xt(|nd to.each other ^ grip and password of a squatter sovereign, and meet with that heartfelt greeting which only a pioneer can know or feel t„f,„A(fa,toof a century has gone since those of 1845 first united themselves to Walworth County, and rSteherl vnnr ?," f e.leb™teTtIle»- 'flel' wedding. A generation has passed away since you, the first pioneers, pitched your tents in this Land of Promise. v • mostttS„n?lnl!;H1n1rat;d7hat Kl™ Wa'worth County, you found a country of prairie and opening, with a ZthJand son h g w \ ' v?th "w'"- T', V10™^")*: but a range of bluffs extending across the country, ofthctand !„„!¦ *• a solltary white inhabitant could be found; the red man then reigned-sole possessor red ™ ^«. « hP,«J,T % °Pem?Ss- ™W fr°m the rubbish of the year by the annual fires kindled by the red man were as destitute of any undergrowth of shrubs as the most carefully kept lawn, and presented to the HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 421 eye an extended and unobstructed range of vision, ever opening to view new delights and fresh beauties. No sound of the ax had then invaded these solitudes; no plow had turned the rich and virgin soil, but delicately tinted flowers bloomed where now are seen fields of growing grain, or meadows over which herds of cattle roam. No habitation met the traveler's view, giving promise of welcome; no track was seen to mark his route save a little path made by the former occupants. This highway of a nation was but a narrow path, scarce fifteen inches broad; but deep worn by the tread of many feet. One trail, extending from Chicago to Green Bay crossed the country, passing through Geneva, Whitewater and other towns on the line. Another extending from Milwaukee to Mineral Point, crossed the northern part of the county, passing through La Grange and Whitewater. These crossed each other on Section 5 in Whitewater, while paths less worn branched off leading to their hunting and fishing grounds. Such, farmers, you who were first to erect a dwell ing, first to stir the soil, first to bring forth food for the new-comers— such was this land when you first spied it out. You looked over the land; you saw it dotted with small lakes and traversed by creeks, brooks, rivulets, but with no streams worthy the name of river. You examined the soil, you pronounced it rich and product ive, and for the purposes of agriculture, unsurpassed. You came not for commerce, you came not as manu facturers, not as miners to dig for gold and silver, but you came to till the soil, and to combat the thorn and thistle, if any there should be, by "the sweat of your brow," to secure for yourselves a comfortable dwelling place, and to provide the means of support in your declining years. Yes, farmers, you are the first in any new country to follow the fur trader and trapper. You came the first of pioneers; you realized when you selected your location that a dwelling must be erected, the yet undisturbed soil must be plowed, roads laid out and worked, bridges built, schoolhouses and churches erected, marshes drained, and highways constructed across themjyet, having energy, strong muscles and a determined will, you here pitched your tents. When your dwelling was erected, each stood ever ready to throw open his door and welcome the trav eler in search of a homestead, and often from two to eight, or even more, would find a well-prepared meal and rest in a log house, 16x20 feet in size or less. After the new-comer had selected his quarter-section, came the raising at which all around stood ready and willing to lend a helping hand, and a right jovial time you had. With a hearty good will you rolled up the logs (men six feet and strong were then in demand). You talked and chatted, and chatted and talked, occasionally drinking something from a jug or bottle that added glibness to the tongue. After a game of ball or other athletic exercise, all turned homeward wishing blessings and nothing but blessings on the new-comer. Next, roads and schoolhouses were to be located, and to say where commenced the fight. All did not think alike, one wanted it in one place, and one in another — each was sure he was right, each expressed his views freely, and was often tenacious in maintaining them; would get together and spar, call hard names; sometimes, not often, would have a brush — all showed pluck. But one thing was of note; after the location was decided upon, all was then good feeling, no pouting, no grumb ling after; the hatchet was then buried, the pipe of peace was smoked, and the next day were as good friends as ever, and as ready to assist each other. * * * * Following the pleasant remembrances recalled above, Mr. Cravath, continued, giving remin iscences of early times, and alluding feelingly to the recently deceased members. third' annual meeting. The third annual meeting was held June 14, 1871, at the court house in Elkhorn. Mem orial resolutions were passed on the death of A. C. Goodrich, of Lyons, and officers chosen. After dinner, Hon. J. W. Boyd addressed the assembly extemporaneously. Short speeches were also made by Hon. Samuel Pratt, P. G. Harrington, PTon. Wyman Spooner and many others. fourth annual meeting. The fourth annual meeting was held June 12, 1872, at Elkhorn. The programme was as follows : Called to order by Vice President P. G. Harrington, President Hon. C. M. Baker having died since the last meeting. An examination of the list showed four members deceased during the year, viz. : Hon. C. M. Baker, of Geneva; J. Ward, of Bloomfield; Samuel H. Tibbets, of Sugar Creek; Samuel Dun bar, of Geneva. Fitting resolutions were passed and short eulogies read by E. Elderkin, Rev. P. S. Van Nest and others. Officers chosen, and the general number of short after-dinner speeches made by the old settlers. FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. The fifth annual meeting met June 11, 1873, at Elkhorn. Proceedings were opened by prayer by Deacon Daniel Salisbury, no clergyman being pres ent. Music was furnished by the Springfield Cornet Band. The Secretary read the proceed ings of the last annual meeting; also, the constitution and list of members. The only member reported deceased during the past year was G. Frank Brewster, as to whose life and character appropriate remarks were made by O. Hand. No oration was pronounced, but, in its place, the 422 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. address of Judge Andrew G. Miller, recently delivered before the Old Settlers' Club of Mil waukee, was read By F. J. Harrington. Officers were elected, and the meeting adjourned to assemble in Geneva next year. SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING. The sixth annual meeting was held at Geneva June 10, 1874. The weather being unfavor able for out-of-door exercises, the meeting was held in Walker's Hall. Prayer by Rev. J. D. Pulis. After singing by the choir, the minutes were read by the Secretary, and four deaths of members, occurring during the past year, were noted, viz. : Asher Johnson, of Darien; John Hutton, of Delavan; Newton McGraw, of Delavan; Myron E. Dewing, of Elkhorn. The annual addresses were delivered by James Simmons, Esq. , of Geneva, and Hon. T. D. Weeks, of Whitewater. The addresses were followed by the election of officers, report of the Treasurer, reading of communications, and short speeches from members and guests. Appro priate resolutions were adopted in memory of the deceased members. A resolution of thanks was passed as follows : Resolved, That the thanks of the old settlers of Walworth County are hereby tendered to J. Simmons, Esq,, for his very excellent poem; to Hon. T. D. Weeks, for his eloquent address; to Hon. Robert H. Baker, for his appropriate address; to Hon. A. T. Wheeler, of Iowa, for his excellent speech, and also to the Springfield Band for the splendid music discoursed to us by them. SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING. The seventh annual meeting was held at Geneva June 9, 1875. The day was stormy. The meeting was held in the office of C. L. Oatman. Little was done except the routine business of hearing the Treasurer's report, and the election of officers, when the meeting adjourned, to meet again at Geneva in two weeks. The adjourned meeting was held in the grove, in front of the Seminary Boarding-House, in Geneva, June 23, 1875. Nearly six hundred old settlers and their descendants were pres ent. Prayer was offered by Rev. Orra Martin, a pioneer of 1840; a hymn was sung to the tune of old " Lenox, " under the leadership of W. H, Hammersley. Hon. W. C. Allen, of Racine. delivered an excellent address, full of reminiscences of the past, and sketches o£ the lives and characters of prominent early settlers. "Auld Lang Syne" was then sung, after which the fol lowing resolutions were adopted: Whereas, Since our last annual gathering, eight members of our organization have been called to their last account, to-wit: Lemuel R. Smith, of Spring Prairie, who was the first presiding officer of this society, and claimed to be the earliest settler of Walworth County; Maj. Ira Buell, of Linn; B. B. Freeman, of Rich mond; Mrs. Patience Meacham, of Troy, widow of the late Maj. Meacham; N. H. Carswell, Joseph Viles, and Gen. Sheldon Walling, of Elkhorn, and John B. Shepherd, of Delavan, Thereupon, Resolved, That this comparatively large number of deaths from our society during the past year, cannot but remind us, each and- all, of our own mortality, and, that before many years shall pass— and it may be within the cun-ent year— many, and perhaps an equal or greater number of us may also be called to bid adieu to all things here below. In view, therefore, of the ffreat uncertainty of life, we may well ponder on the truism, " In the midst of life we are in death." Resolved, That without discrimination we, as a society, will cherish in memory the virtues and the useful lives of our departed members, among whom are two of our very first settlers, Mr. Smith and Mrs. Meacham, even as we hope that our own-may be cherished, when the places that know us now, shall know us no more forever. Resolved, That we sympathize with the more intimate friends and relatives of the deceased in the greater loss they have sustained, and trust that they have a consolation in the hope that these friends have gone to a higher and a brighter sphere, where they who have gone and they who remain will again be united. After further addresses the meeting adjourned. EIGHTH ANNUAL MEETING. The eighth annual meeting was held at Elkhorn June 21, 1876. Opened by prayer by Rev. G. A. Cressey, of Elkhorn. The election of officers was held, and it was voted that Rev. A. C. Barry, the oldest pioneer Universalist minister in the West, should be invited to address the meeting. The records give no account of his response to the invitation. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 423 The memorial resolutions passed were as follows : Whereas, The following named members of our society have deceased since our last meeting, viz. : John Curtis, Stephen Ingham, Israel Stowell, Mrs. David Vaughn, Robert W. Warren and John Williams, Resolved, That we, as old settlers, having experienced suffering and sorrow, know how to sympathize and do sympathize with those more nearly related to the deceased, in their afflictions, and with them will ever cherish in memory, the virtues of the departed. Short speeches followed from J. W. Boyd, P. S. Van Nest, C. F. Ellsworth, Luke Taylor, Osborn Hand, P. G. Harrington and others. " Old Hundred " was sung, and the meeting ad journed. NINTH ANNUAL MEETING. The ninth annual meeting was held at Delavan June 20, 1877. Music was furnished by the Delavan Cornet Band. Prayer was offered by Rev. D. E. Halteman, and an address of welcome by Rev. Joseph Collie. A severe wind and rain storm interrupted the proceedings. After the abatement of the storm, addresses were made by Hon. Harrison Ludington, Governor of Wisconsin, and Hon. Pliny Norcross, of Janesville. The memorial resolutions adopted were as follows: Resolved, That we learn with great sorrow of the loss from our ranks by death, during the past year, of eight valued members, viz. : William Bell, Charles S. Bailey, Willard Isham, Robert Stewart, Perry G. Har rington, Mrs. P. G. Harrington, Jedediah W. Peck and Samuel Pratt; that by their loss we are reminded that we, too, are mortal, and shall soon pass from earth; and that having experienced much of sorrow and suffer ing ourselves, we know how to feel for and with the relatives and more intimate friends of the departed, and we tender them our sincere and heartfelt sympathies. Short eulogies of the deceased members were made : On Perry G. Harrington, by Stephen G. West; on Samuel Pratt, by Otis Preston; on J. W. Peck, by H. S. Winsor; on William Bell, by W. C. Allen; on C. S. Bailey, by George Cotton; on Willard Isham, by A. D. Thomas. Mr. West also spoke of the death of A. B. Beardsley, an old settler, not a member of the so ciety. After singing "America, " the meeting adjourned, to meet at Delavan the next year. TENTH ANNUAL MEETING. The tenth annual meeting was held at Delavan June 19, 1878. The order of the day opened with a procession, led by the Delavan Cornet Band, and Delavan Fire Department. The Dela van Glee Club furnished the vocal music. Prayer was offered by Rev. D. E. Halteman, and the annual routine business done. The annual address was delivered by Rev. Joseph Collie. Obituary and eulogistic addresses were given on the members deceased during the past year by the following gentlemen: Otis Preston, in commemoration of Hon. Wyman Spooner; N. M. Littlejohn, for Hon. Samuel A. White; Charles Martin, for Mrs. Daniel Salisbury; S. G. West, for T. P. Barker and C. F. Ellsworth; Rev. T. C. Wilson, for Hiram Downer and Daniel Rowe; and Edward Elderkin, for Mrs. Bet sey Bradley. The meeting was one of the most successful ever held, and, in addition to the enjoyment of the occasion, resulted in the addition of fifty names to the list of members. ELEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING. The eleventh annual meeting was held at Whitewater June 18, 1879. This meeting, ow ing to its being held on the direct line of the railroad from Milwaukee, and the exertions of President Preston and other members of the society, drew a large concourse of old settlers, not only from all parts of the county, but from all parts of the State. At 10 o'clock A. M. , a procession was formed under the direction of the Marshals, preceded by the Whitewater Cornet Band. The military was represented by the " Custer Rifles. " Pio neer life was represented by a covered wagon drawn by an ox team and loaded with the house hold goods and numerous family of the emigrant; a large plow, drawn by several yoke of oxen — a moving scene of industrial life in-doors, and one of farm life without. Following were the St. Patrick's C. T. A. Society, in uniform, headed by their cornet band; the Whitewater Hose Company, and a long procession of officers, committees, guests and old settlers, on foot and in carriages. 424 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. The meeting was held in a large tent provided for the occasion. After music, the exercises were opened by prayer by Rev. S. C. Thomas; music, song of welcome, by the Whitewater Glee Club; address by Hon. N. M. Littlejohn; volunteer addresses from John Nazro, ex-Gov. Luding ton, W. P. Merrill and James S. Buck, of Milwaukee; William Rumsey, of Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Henry Keep, of Chicago; and Prosper Cravath, of Whitewater. Dinner occupied two hours, during which time sixty-five new members were enrolled. The afternoon exercises were opened by music by Evan's Orchestra, followed by an address from C. R. Beach, of Whitewater. After the address were the memorial addresses on the mem bers deceased during the past year. They were as follows: S. G. West, on Mrs. Tibbets; C. R. Gibbs, on Emery Thayer; 0. Hand, on John Dunlap; James Simmons, on the deaths of Thomas W. Hill and Reuben Rockwell. The following resolutions were passed commemorative of the deceased: Resolved, That in our joy at meeting our old friends and acquaintances, the men and women who were our co-workers in laying the foundations and building up the walls of our civilization, we do not forget nor will we ever forget, those who have been taken from our ranks by death during the past year, but the names and virtues of Thomas W. Hill, Reuben Rockwell, Samuel F. Randall, Emery Thayer, Allen Merriam, John C. Ford and Sylvester G. Smith shall ever be cherished in our memories. We feel deeply the rending of the cords which bound us to them, and we sincerely sympathize with the families and more intimate friends of the deceased. The following preamble and resolutions, which embody the inception of the plan which has resulted in the publication of this history, were presented by Hollis Latham, and adopted: Whereas, It is among the declared objects and aims of this society "to collect and preserve such sta tistics of the'early settlement of the county as may be of interest to the present and future generations," and, whereas, our pioneers are fast passing away, and many facts worthy of preservation, which are now unwritten, but stored in their memories will soon become inaccessible and utterly lost, therefore Resolved, 1. That we cannot better carry out that object of our society, than by taking measures to aid or procure the publication of a brief and authentic history of this county, and that in the absence of any present prospect of such a work being provided, we deem it high time for us to move in the matter. 2. That while we recognize the utility and importance of extended and minute town histories, and would give all encouragement in our power to the collection and preservation of all the incidents of pioneer life in this vicinity, which can be of interest to our posterity or" the world in general, yet, we deem it a sufficient undertaking for us at the present time to procure a more general history of the whole county. 3. That in the effort to accomplish this object, we need and have a right to expect the earnest co-operation of all the surviving pioneers and of their descendants, and we confidently appeal to them for written state ments of such facts relating to the early settlement of their own, or other towns as have come to their observa tion, and sketches of the lives and characters of deceased pioneers, as they may think will be useful in the preparation of the proposed work. 4. That the President and Vice President of this society be authorized and directed to appoint, as soon as practicable, one or more such persons in each town as will be most likely to interest themselves in the work, to collect material therefor, and transmit the same to the Historical Committee, consisting of three members of the society, to be in like manner appointed by the President and Vice Presidents, and that it shall be the duty of said Historical Committee to examine the material so collected, and advise as to how much and what portions thereof are not of sufficient general interest to be inserted at length in the proposed history, but the whole shall be preserved among the records of the society. 5. That for the purpose of directing inquiries for the needed facts, the Historical Committee be authorized to issue at the expense of the society, and circulate as widely as they may deem advisable through the county, letters of inquiry containing questions to be answered. 6. That said committee be requested to use their best efforts to push forward the work, so that it may be completed during the present year, and that they be authorized to select and employ some suitable person to take the materials so provided, and from them and all other authentic sources of information accessible to him, whether heretofore published or otherwise, to write, prepare for the press, and superintend the publication of a history of the whole county, giving the history of each town with as much minuteness as said committee may deem practicable, without too greatly enlarging the work, and that, they be authorized to make such arrangements for compensating the person so employed out of the proceeds of the work, or otherwise as they may be able to do without seriously burdening the society or its members. The meeting adjourned, but, in pursuance of the resolutions last quoted, a special meeting was held at the court house in Elkhorn September 2, 1S79. SPECIAL MEETING. A special meeting was held at Elkhorn September 2, 1879. At this meeting, the Histor ical Committee appointed was as follows: James Simmons, Geneva; Stephen G. West, Elk horn; Rev. Joseph Collie, Delavan. Town committees for the collection of historical infor mation were appointed as follows: Troy, Soldan Powers, J. R. Kling; Lyons, Z. B Burk, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 425 Enos Kinney, C. P. Taylor; Darien, H. A. Johnson, Arthur Maxon, C. D. Long, Julius Seaver; Sharon, Henry Dennis, Julius A. Treat, Jared H. Topping, Alfred L. Mason; Sugar Creek, Jesse R. Kinne, John Rand, Daniel Bigelow, Harmon Gray; Whitewater, P. Cravath, C. R. Gibbs; Elkhorn, Hollis Latham, S. G. West. The other towns not being represented, it was resolved "that the Vice Presidents of the towns not now represented here be appointed Chairmen on the committees in their own towns, and be empowered to appoint such persons as they may select to assist them in the work. " TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. The twelfth annual meeting was held at Whitewater June 22. 1880. A procession opened the exercises of the day, led by the Whitewater Cornet Band. Like that of the year before, it had moving representations suggestive of pioneer life and early times. The exercises on the grounds were opened by prayer by Rev. Daniel Smith, a pioneer of 1847, followed by an ad dress of welcome from Hon. T. D. Weeks; song of welcome, written for the occasion by Mr. Goodman, and sung by the Arion Club ; the oration, by Hon. Eleazar Wakeley, of Omaha, Neb., a former resident of Whitewater. After the oration, short addresses were made by George W. Peck and others. A poem, "The Old Breaking Team, "was read by its author, Prof. S. S. Rockwood. Dinner was followed by a business session, more speaking, and the customary resolutions of thanks to the officers, speakers, musicians and citizens who had rendered, by their joint efforts, the re-union a grand success. The resolution in memory of the dead was as follows: Resolved, That our memories shall ever cherish the virtues and good deeds of Loren Ferry, Freeman Pratt, Seth M. Billings, Mrs. Jennie Williams, E. O. Vaughn and James Holden, who have left us during the past year, and gone, we hope, to join the band of pioneers in a higher and better sphere. Their faults, if any, we will forget, but emulate all that was worthy in their lives. THIRTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. The thirteenth annual meeting was held at Elkhorn June 22, ]881. The programme for the day was as follows: Music, cornet band; opening remarks by the President; invocation, Rev. S. E. Sweet; music, East Troy Glee Club; address of welcome, E. H. Sprague; address, Rev. J. Collie; music, cornet band; poem, Mrs. D. L. Fairchild; music, glee club; dinner; music, cornet band; business of the society; obituaries; music, glee club; Early Settlement of Bloomfield and Linn, Mrs. Buell; Early Settlement of Big Foot Prairie, Cyrus Church; music, cornet band; doxology, everybody. The address of welcome by E. H. Sprague was followed by the annual address, by Rev. Joseph Collie, of Delavan. It is given below, as embodying the spirit of the good old times which still stirs the hearts of the old settlers who yearly come up to the Mecca of their early memories : Friends of Old Settlers' Association : The memories of olden times, like wine, grow richer with age. Again we meet to sit down at the banquet of these memories. There can be but a single race of pioneers in a county. A first settlement can come but once ; but memories of it are for all time. So many are the recollections which throng upon us at such an hour, that in order to avoid utter confusion we must fix attention on some single point, and bid memory busy itself around that. I would place prairie breaking before you as that one object. The days of prairie breaking ! In the center of the vision which rises before you at the utterance of these words, stands the prairie-breaking plow. We know the name of the inventor of the locomotive, and his name goes down illustrious to posterit}'. But what genius contrived the prairie-breaker ? Let our antiquarians take up the subject as it deserves, and let the name be linked with that of Stephenson and Fulton, and, in the midst of our grandest prairie, let his monument arise ! The prairie-breaking plow ! Where did it originate ? As I remember it in the year 1836, it came on to the field — not fresh from the shop — but work-worn and scarred. How massive the beam ! How peculiar the handle ! Like necessity they knew no law. How primitive the trucks — chopped out of some log not quite round — one wheel in the furrow and one out. They were guiltlessof the acquaintance of saw, or plane or paint. How musical they were, all day long, squeaking out their song of the future ! But, like the song of the Indian brave and maid, it has passed from these prairies and openings, never to be heard again. 426 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Recall the prairie-breaking team ! Four or five yoke of oxen, huge and sleek— Buck and Brown, Duke and Diamond, etc. How well some of them could shy a kick, when the " gad" came too feelingly upon the flank ! With what appearance of reserved strength, they march to their task ! What so akin to the majestic movement of the freight train, as the calm and potent tread of the prairie-breaking team ? Some of us will recall that matchless scene in the annals of peaceful industry, when the new settler, sallying forth from the newly-built log cabin in the edge of the timber, with ox team and plow, went out to plow round his claim It is a beautiful morning in June. Was there ever seen such an expanse of fertility 1 Did Nature ever spread such a carpet, or loom ever weave its equal ? How rich the green ! How profuse the bloom ! How marvelous the floods of sunlight ! What emotions of hope and gladness stir the breasts of the new settler, as he surveys the scene and thrusts his plowshare into the bosom of the virgin prairie ! It is the wedding day of fertility and industry ! Hear the creaking of the plow-truck ! What does it say ? It squeaks like a king. It cries in the ears of the new settlers, " Get a plenty while you're getting ; get a plenty while you're getting." Yes, he heeds that advice, and the furrow grows marvelously long. He is marking out a dukedom, and princes shall inherit it. Sometimes, there was something even of the sublime in prairie-breaking. The grand old plow is rolling over the green ribbons of fertile soil, spangled with flowers— prairie rose and prairie lily. It is the burial of the wild flowers. On that spot they shall be seen no more. They died not as their ancestors died— by the breath of autumn or the touch of Time. The earthquakes of a coming civilization strikes them, and they meet an untimely fate. See them as they tremble on the curve of the wooden mold board, " Like the htiow flake on the river, A moment bright then gone forever." Some of you, at least, will recall the circumstances of striking a " red root." That was the prairie-breaker's opportunity. ¦ Then he showed his mettle. Then his reserves were called forth. The share has struck the hidden root, and all the chains tingle with tension, but in vain— vain the shout, vain the gad. The march of civilization is at a standstill. The team is backed ; the plow is backed ; the file is drawn ; the share is sharpened. Then the ponderous instrument of human progress is righted up, and, if the new settler has boys, they are bidden to mount the beam. The decisive moment has come. American history shall not stop here. A shout — a grand explosion of whip ! These repeated in startling succession ! Duke and Diamond know that America expects them to do their duty. There is a tingling of chains ; there is a forward pushing of resistless shoulders ; there is a groaning of trucks ; a creaking of plow joints ; a rumbling under ground ; a final crack — the red root is conquered, and Western progress goes on victoriously. Shall we suffer the services of the prairie-blow to go unrecorded, or its image to fade from our memory ? In its day it had but one rival — its namesake — the prairie-breaker pig. The mounted brigade of hogdom, indispensable in the conquest of the country, independent, self-reliant, long-gpared, slab-sided, sharp-snouted, quick-witted, ready to root, to fight, or to run, his whole unique personage terminating in a cabalistic quirk, which seemed to say, "I could a tail unfold." In the days of prairie-breaking, life had a freshness and a zeal which no succeeding improvements can restore. Common tasks took on the form of romance and grandeur. There was a romance in going to mill. You remember it. The day before you started, food was cooked and things got ready ; you were up with the dawn, and good-byes were said, and you started on what was really a career of adventure — adventure in bottomless sloughs ; adventure in bridgeless streams ; adventure over night by the side of some haystack on the prairie, or adventure on the mill floor, where you passed the night waiting for the grist, and listening to the music of the wooden wheels which turned the stone. There are fathers and mothers here who could tell you that there is now no such courting as was done in the prairie-breaking days. I have heard your modern orchestras, such as Thomas leads, but I have never heard strains more charming than those seemed which fell on my boyish ears at the first wedding in the days when we were breaking prairie. Give all praise to the heroism of your modern firemen ; but let it be not forgotten how grand a thing it was to fight a prairie fire while the prairies were yet unbroken. Shall we ever forget the wild, fierce charge, the flames, maddened by the winds, made on the stock yard ? Or the brave band of men, women and children which sallied from the log house to repel the deluge ? Time would fail me to speak of the delights of going to school in winter, after breaking prairie in the summer. What schoolhouses we had ! A log taken out of the side, and a sash filled with 7x9 glass put in the log's place ; auger holes bored in the log below the window ; pieces of rail driven in ; a board as long as the schoolhouse laid on, and that was the desk. A slab, with the bark side down ; legs driven in auger holes, and that was the seat. Nothing in the world to attract our attention from our books. How delightful it was to learn ! What rounds of spelling we had ! How the heart beat as we dashed through the conjugations ! How thrilling the victories in the rule of three which we won ! How manly the boys ! How noble the girls, who stood side by side ! Funerals have become so common that the community takes little note of them. Grief grows tame. It is overburdened with demonstrations. There are no funerals ; none such as we attended when breaking prairie. In the midst of that is the rushing tide of life. When Hope reigned, when every pulse beat high and strong, when life seemed all renewed and fresh, how strange a thing was Death ! Was there ever a sorrow more honest melted the young settlement, than when the first one was lowered into the grave, and Death began his settlement ? How the heart melts to-day in the recollection of that lone grave, where timber and prairie meet ! Yes! The days of prairie-breaking are past. But the 'grand results go marching on. You know not what you did, as you drove out your prairie-breaking team that bright May'morning. The great results lay hid from view. But, when you were breaking prairie, you were bringing in the day of railroads and telegraphs, of mighty cities, of cylinder presses, of colleges and churches, and all the marvelous machinery by which a nation has, under God, been transformed from an infant to a man. In breaking prairie, you were shaping destiny. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 427 The poem of Mrs. Fairchild was as follows : Dear friends, who felled the forest oak, The stubborn prairie soil first broke, To each and all a greeting. We come old friendships to renew. Past joys and sorrows to review At this our yearly meeting. To welcome those who saw this land, In primal beauty from God's hand; While yet the Indian's wigwam stood By crystal lake and stream and wood, Ere telegraph and iron rail Supplanted quite the Indian trail. Those who had for their evening cheer, The flesh of pigeon, quail or deer, Who gave for whoop and savage yells, The musi'c of sweet Sabbath bells. A wealth of verdure now abounds To rival tropic bowers, The air is full of pleasant sounds And swells with flowers. Let happy voices all around Make glad the hours. We thank our father, for this land Of prairie, grove and hill, That He, through nature's generous hand Pours rich profusion still. And thanks for grove-embowered lakes, Where weary care a respite takes In quiet nook. Where childhood's happy feet may turn " Of the Creator's works to learn," From nature's book. Old friends of thirty-six and seven, We're here to thank you yet; The hardships which you then endured We never will forget. Your vigorous hands plowed deep and well, Your care good seed supplied, And though your whitening locks now tell That you are growing old, The loving smile and hearty grasp Say, "Hearts have not grown cold." Ogden and Latham, tell us now Of hardships they remember still, Although their feet are far adown The westward sloping hill. And firmly through this wayward land, Still walks unscratched our friend 0. Hand. "Finger and voice," he yet doth raise, The wrong to chide, the good to praise. And Golder, sage with probate lore, His ripened wisdom still doth lend To those by "death afflicted sore." "The widow's and the orphan's friend." Still, Preston keeps his pleasant ways, And smiling wears new added bays. Let Elderkin, now, since he will, Remain the peerless speller still, Winsor, with sparkling wit and jest, The quaint old story tells the best. Now, Wylie checks the wily ways Of stealthy thieves and crafty knaves, And quick detects the cunning snare, They for the innocent prepare. And Bradley is the hunter bold He ever was in days old. There's not a duck upon the lake, Nor chicken hiding in the brake, 428 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. No timid quail or partridge shy, But knows her latter end is nigh, Whene'er she sees him coming by. And, early came those younger men, OneCowdery, with the graceful pen, Beckwith, who wields with finished skill The painter's brush, the ready quill. The hand of Dewing still can hold The line, as deftly as of old, And Walton's mantle never fell On one, who plied the pen so well. We come, with retrospective eye, To look on vanished days, To keep the memory green of those Who brightened once our ways. To teach our children to revere The memory of each pioneer, And from their good examples draw Reverence of God and love of law. Teach them that blessings, such as these, Were never won by slothful ease; That thinking brain and toiling hand Will make a garden of the land. Their hands have cleared the brush awaj', And smoothed the path we tread to-day. Of present toil for future good They made a willing choice, And, all unheeding, turned away From Pleasure's tempting voice. Their busy lives found little time For culture or for rest; The firm foundations of a State (Which since has grown both rich and great), They left as their bequest. And we must leave no baleful weeds Of indolence or pride, To choke the germinating seeds Of truth they scattered wide; For, if we weed and water well Each tender plantlet fair, An ever-spreading banyan tree Will well repay our care. Who would abundant harvest reap, Must pluck the summer tare; And we must keep on every hill The church-spire and the schoolhouse still. We come to drop a tender tear, Since, as we meet, from year to year, More thinned our lessening ranks appear. Some loved, familiar hand "is not; " Some hand with warm emotion grasped, The "Icy King" for age has clasped, " Gone home, but not forgot." In " Hazel Ridge " some sweetly sleep, And some 'neath Greenwood's scented bloom; "Hillside" and " Grove " dear sleepers keep; Each church-yard has for some made room. Some, long with suffering worn, would weep That weary years so slowly creep. Glad closed the tired eye in unwaking sleep. Departed friends, the crown is won; Yours the reward of duty done; A conscience clear, a source from whence There flows a recompense. To-day, your happy spirits come, In aureoled beauty, every one. This place your holy presence fills, A sacred influence distills, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 429 Like that which fills the quiet air, Where we retire for silent prayer. Oh, sires! your foibles, few, are hid — Deep buried 'neath the good you did. \ No roofless stranger sought in vain Their lowly open door, Nor ever was forbidden res't Upon the cabin floor. They had known want, and quick could feel When they another's sorrows heard, And hospitality was not A poor, unmeaning word. Oh, may their influence daily prompt Ourselves to better deeds; To help the needy one; nor ask His color or his creeds. Thanks for your patience, friends, and may The lengthened evening of your day Be warm with mellow Tight; May health and plenty with you stay, And love, to make your pathway bright, When, at the end of your duration, You take the final emigration, Heavy with years, to lay away The soul' sold mantle, worn and gray. May loving angels kindly come And bear the unfettered spirit home. At this last and perhaps most interesting meeting of the society, in addition to what has already been stated, obituary addresses in memory of the deceased members of the year were pronounced as follows: H. J. Wilkinson, Whitewater, in remembrance of Mrs. C. R. Beach; Judge C. R. Gibbs, of Mrs. S. B. Edwards; John Jeffers, of Mrs. Lydia Lippitt; C. D. Long, of Leander Dodge; M. P. Bishop, of C. P. Ellis; W. D. Chapin, of Mrs. Betsey Tupper; and an obituary of Mrs. Tripp, of Whitewater, was promised for publication. Mrs. Sidney Buell and Mr. Cyrus Church read papers on pioneer life in Walworth and Bloomfield. At a late hour, after singing, the meeting adjourned. The foregoing reports of the annual re-unions, though far from complete, will give the reader an idea of the constantly increasing interest that centers about the pioneer society. It is to-day the most vigorous society of its kind in the Northwest. Its efforts to compile a history of Walworth County, as shown in its action at the eleventh annual meeting, held at Whitewater in June, 1 879, although not resulting in a printed volume, resulted in the gathering of much valuable historical information that would otherwise have been lost, but which is now compiled, with everything which can be gathered from extraneous sources, in this history. The officers of the society from its organization to the present time have been as follows : roster or officers. President, Daniel Salisbury, Spring Prairie; Vice Presidents, Prosper Cravath, White water; Thomas P. James, Richmond; John Bruce, Darien; Cyrus Lippitt, Sharon; Cyrus Church, Walworth; Henry Barlow, Delavan; P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; William Hough ton, La Grange; Sylvester G. Smith, Troy; George W. Dwinnell, La Fayette; Le Grand Rock well, Elkhorn; Osborn Hand, Geneva; Allen McBride, Linn; William D. Chapin, Bloomfield; Z. B. Burk, Lyons; A. L. Merrick, Spring Prairie; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Recording Sec retary, James Simmons, Elkhorn; Corresponding Secretary, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Treas urer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Central Executive Committee, P. Golder, S. G. West, G. W. Wylie, J. W. Peck, Charles Wales. 1869-70 — President, Le Grand Rockwell, Elkhorn ; Vice Presidents, Prosper Cravath, Whitewater; Thomas P. James, Richmond; John Bruce, Darien; Cyrus Lippitt, Sharon; Cyrus Church, Walworth; Henry Barlow, Delavan; P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; William Hough ton, La Grange; S. G. Smith, Troy; George W. Dwinnell, La Fayette; Albert Ogden, Elk- 430 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. horn; Osborn Hand, Geneva; Allen McBride, Linn; William D. Chapin, Bloomfield; Zenas B. Burk, Lyons; Daniel Salisbury, Spring Prairie; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Recording Sec retary, James Simmons, Elkhorn; Corresponding Secretary, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Treas urer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, Peter Golder, S. G. West, J. W. Peck, George W. Wylie, Charles Wales. 1870-71— President, Charles M. Baker, Geneva; Vice Presidents, P. Cravath, Whitewater; Thomas P. James, Richmond; Josiah Dodge, Darien ; J. A Treat, Sharon; C. L. Douglass, Wal worth; William Hollinshead, Delavan; P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; Orson G. Ewing, La Grange; S. G. Smith, Troy; J. W. Peck, La Fayette; Albert Ogden, Elkhorn; Osborn Hand, Geneva; A. McBride, Liim; T. H. Fellows, Bloomfield; Z. B. Burk, Lyons; Samuel Pratt, Spring Prairie; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Recording Secretary, James Simmons, Elkhorn; Corre sponding Secretary, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn. 1871-72 — President, C. M. Baker, Geneva; Vice Presidents, S. M. Billings, Whitewater; E. Hulce, Richmond; H. A. Johnson, Darien; William P. Allen, Sharon; S. H. Van Schaick, Walworth; William Hollinshead, Delavan; P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; James Holden, La Grange; Mark Watson, Troy; J. W. Peck, La Fayette; S. G. West, Elkhorn; T. W. Hill, Ge neva; J. W. Boyd, Linn; W. D. Chapin, Bloomfield; Z. B. Burk, Lyons; A L.Merrick, Spring Prairie; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Recording Secretary, James Simmons, Geneva; Corre sponding Secretary, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn. 1872-73 — President, P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; Vice Presidents, Daniel Salisbury, Spring Prairie; A. Ferguson, Linn; Prosper Cravath, Whitewater; T. P. James, Richmond; H. S. Winsor, Elkhorn; S. B. Edwards,' East Troy; Mark Watson, Troy; William Houghton, La Grange; H. M. Curtis, La Fayette; W. D. Chapin, Bloomfield; Z. B. Burk, Lyons; C. L. Oat- man, Geneva; Cyrus Church, Walworth; J. R. Kinne, Sugar Creek; John Jeffers, Sharon; John Williams, Darien; George Cotton, Delavan; Recording Secretary, James Simmons, Gene va; Corresponding Secretary, Peter Golder, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn. 1873-74— President, Gen. John W. Boyd, Linn; Vice Presidents, W. D. Chapin, Bloom field; Leander Dodge, Lyons; Samuel Pratt, Spring Prairie; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; S. G. Smith, Troy; A. D. Harris, La Fayette; C. L. Oatman, Geneva; Allen McBride, Linn; C. L. Douglass, Walworth; William Hollinshead, Delavan; Dr. H. Gray, Sugar Creek; James Hol den, La Grange; Emery Thayer, Whitewater; Elisha Hulce, Richmond; H. A. Johnson, Da rien; J. Mereness, Sharon; Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Recording Secretary, James Simmons, Geneva; Corresponding Secretary, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elk horn; Marshal, George W. Wylie, La Fayette; Executive Committee, C. L. Oatman, C. W. Smith, James Simmons, G. Montague and T. W. Hill. 1874-75 — President, Gen. John W. Boyd, Linn; Vice Presidents, John Loveland, Bloom field; Enos Kinney, Lyons; Daniel Salisbury, Spring Prairie; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Sol- dan Powers, Troy; H. M. Curtis, La Fayette; Andrew Ferguson. Geneva; George Allen, Linn; D. C. Porter, Walworth; Henry Barlow, Delavan; Jesse R. Kinne, Sugar Creek; William Houghton, La Grange; Emery Thayer, Whitewater; V. Arnold, Richmond; C. D. Long, Da rien; William P. Allen, Sharon; Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Recording Secretary, James Simmons, Geneva; Corresponding Secretary, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elk horn; Marshal, George W. Wylie, La Fayette; Executive Committee, C. L. Oatnxan, C. W. Smith, J. Simmons, G. Montague, Thomas W. Hill. 1875-76— President, John W. Boyd, Linn; Vice Presidents, S. W. Benson, Bloomfield; Enos Kinney, Lyons; Daniel Salisbury, Spring Prairie; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Soldan Powers, Troy; H. M. Curtis, La Fayette; A. Ferguson, Geneva; George Allen, Linn; D. C. Porter, Walworth; George Cotton, Delavan; Jesse R. Kinne, Sugar Creek; William Houghton, La Grange; Emery Thayer, Whitewater; Varnum Arnold, Richmond; William P. Allen, Sharon; Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; J. E. Irish, Darien; Recording Secretary, James Simmons, Geneva; Corresponding Secretary, E. Elderkin, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Marshal, George W. Wylie, La Fayette. 1876-77— President, George Cotton, Delavan; Vice Presidents, Daniel Salisbury, Spring Prairie; Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; H. M. Curtis, La Fayette; S. B. Edwards, East Troy; Syl vester G Smith, Troy; J. H. Sanford, La Grange; Harmon Gray, Sugar Creek; P. Cravath, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 431 Whitewater; Varnum Arnold, Richmond; Josiah Dodge, Darien; John Mereness, Sharon ; Cyrus Church, Walworth; W. D. Chapin, Bloomfield; A. Ferguson, Geneva; George Allen, Linn; Henry Barlow, Delavan; Enos Kinney, Lyons; Corresponding Secretary, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Secretary, J. Simmons, Geneva; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Executive Com mittee, N. M. Harrington, H. G. Hollister, Frank Leland, George Passage, Henry Barlow. 1877-78 — President, H. A Johnson, Darien; Vice Presidents, A. L. Merrick, Spring Prai rie; Albert Ogden, Elkhorn; William Burgit, East Troy; James G. Briggs, Troy; James Lau derdale, La Grange; J. R. Kinne, Sugar Creek; Emery Thayer, Whitewater; T. P. James, Richmond; C. D. Long, Darien; A. L. Mason, Sharon; Henry Van Schaick, Walworth; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; C. L. Oatman, Geneva; Albert D.Harris, La Fayette; Allen McBride, Linn; Z. B. Burk, Lyons; James Aram, Delavan; Corresponding Secretary, Edward Elderkin, Elk horn; Recording Secretary, James Simmons, Geneva; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Exe cutive Committee, E. Latimer, James Aram, Augustus Parish, H. G. Hollister, N. M. Harrington. 1878-79 — President, Otis Preston, Elkhorn; Vice Presidents, Daniel Salisbury, Spring Prairie; Stephen G. West, Elkhorn; W. S. Keats, East Troy; J. R. Kling, Troy; William Houghton, La Grange; J. R. Kinne, Sugar Creek; Emery Thayer, Whitewater; T. P. James, Richmond; Josiah Dodge, Darien; J. A. Treat, Sharon; Cyrus Church, Walworth; Sidney Buell, Bloomfield; Lewis Curtis, Geneva; H. M. Curtis, La Fayette; J. W. Boyd, Linn; Enos Kin ney, Lyons; E. Latimer, Delavan; Corresponding Secretary, E. Elderkin, Elkhorn; Recording Secretary, James Simmons, Geneva; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Executive Committee,. John S. Partridge, N. M. Littlejohn, Charles M. Clark, H. S. Knapp, Frank Tratt. 1879-80 — President, Charles R. Beach, Whitewater; Vice Presidents, Seymour Brooks, East Troy; J. R. Kling, Troy; O. G. Ewing, La Grange; C. R. Gibbs, Whitewater; John Pem berton, Richmond; Jesse R. Kinne, Sugar Creek; George W. Wylie, La Fayette; A. M. Aldrich, Spring Prairie; C. P. Taylor, Lyons; D. L. Flack, Geneva; S. G. West, Elkhorn; H. G. Hollis ter, Delavan; H. A. Johnson, Darien; Henry Dennis, Sharon; Cyrus Church, Walworth; George Allen, Linn; A. H. Abell, Bloomfield; Recording Secretary, James Simmons, Geneva; Corre sponding Secretary, E. Elderkin, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Executive Com mittee, William De Wolf, C. M.. Sykes, William E. Wright, George A. Ray, C. M. Clark. Sub sequently, at a special meeting held at Elkhorn, the Historical Committee was elected as follows : James Simmons, Geneva; Rev. Joseph Collie, Delavan; and Stephen G. West, Elkhorn. 1880-81 — President, Stephen G. West, Elkhorn; Vice Presidents, Seymour Brooks, East Troy; J. R. Kling, Troy; O. G. Ewing, La Grange; C. R. Gibbs, Whitewater; John Pember ton, Richmond; Jesse R. Kinne, Sugar Creek; George W. Wylie, La Fayette; A. M. Aldrich, Spring Prairie; C. P. Taylor, Lyons; D. L. Flack, Geneva; W. H. Morrison, Elkhorn; H. G. Hollister, Delavan; H. A. Johnson, Darien; Henry Dennis, Sharon; Cyrus Church, Walworth; George Allen, Linn; William D. Chapin, Bloomfield; Recording Secretary, James Simmons, Geneva; Corresponding Secretary, E. Elderkin, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Executive Committee, W. H. Morrison, Virgil Cobb, Hugh Paden, Charles Dunlap and Asa Foster. 1881-82 — President, Seymour Brooks, East Troy; Vice Presidents, Hiram Taylor, East Troy; J. R. Kling, Troy; O. G. Ewing, La Grange; S. B. Edwards, Whitewater; Elisha Hulce, Richmond; Jesse R. Kinne, Sugar Creek; George W. Wylie, La Fayette; A. A. Hoyt, Spring Prai rie; C. P. Taylor, Lyons; D. L. Flack, Geneva; W. H. Morrison, Elkhorn; H. G. Hollister, Delavan; H. A. Johnson, Darien; John Mereness, Sharon; Cyrus Church, Walworth; George Allen, Linn; W. D. Chapin, Bloomfield; Recording Secretary, James Simmons, Geneva; Cor responding Secretary, Edward Elderkin, Elkhorn; Treasurer, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Exec utive Committee, Charles Wales, Lucius Allen, H. A. Briggs, Delos Harrington and David L. Flack. The society is not now what it started to be — an association of first settlers. It embraces. such residents of the county as have resided, at the time they became members, thirty years in Wisconsin, and are present residents of Walworth County. It is not only proper, but almost imperative, to draw the distinction between the first settlers, who came in prior to 1846, and their descendants and later comers, who, with the lapse of years, will themselves become the old settlers in their town. 432 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. The following is a full roster of members, with place and date of settlement, as recorded in the books of the society: Allen, William C, Delavan, Nov. 13, 1841. Acker, James, La Fayette, January, 1842. Armstrong, Samuel, Elkhorn, August, 1843. Allen, Lucius, East Troy, October, 1836. Ashley, James, Lyons, 1844. Arnold. Varnum, Richmond, 1844. Arnold, Mrs. Julia, Richmond, 1844. Allen, George, Linn, 1852. Alexander, William, Geneva, October, 1839. Aram, James, Delavan, May, 1840. Aram, Mrs. Susan, Delavan, May, 1840. Aldrich, A. M., Spring Prairie, 1847. Allen, L. E., Sharon, 1845. Allen, Carrie, Sharon, 1843. Allen, Lester, Elkhorn, 1846. Allen, Lucy A., Elkhorn, 1846. Abell, Alfred, Bloomfield, 1848. Arveson, Harvey, Whitewater, 1844. Aplin, Rev. N. J., Fond du Lac, 1854. Aplin, Mrs. N. J., Fond duLac, 1854. Barlow, Henry, Delavan, June, 1837. Bruce, Jno., Darien, June, 1837, died December, 1869. Barnes, Rufus, La Fayette, 1843. Babcock, George F., La Fayette, 1843, Burdick, G. H, Walworth. Brittain, M. R., Spring Prairie, May 34, 1839. Billings, Seth M., Whitewater, 1839, died 1880. Bunnell, A. H., La Fayette, June 20, 1837. Bailey, L. P., Delavan, 1841, died March 9, 1874. Bigelow, Daniel, Sugar Creek, 1837. Ballas, Peter Adam, Bloomfield, 1844, died . Brewster, Deodat, Geneva, 1838, died October, 1881. Brewster, G. F., Geneva, 1838, died July, 1872. Bradley, Andrew, Geneva, 1837. Bell, William, Walworth, 1837, died 1876. Bradley, Milo E., Geneva, 1837. Brittain, Samuel, Geneva, 1836. Beals, Alvin, Elkhorn, 1842. Baker, F., Spring Prairie, 1837. Baker, C. M., Geneva, 1838, died Feb. 5, 1872. Bailey, C. S., Delavan, 1837, died 1877. Boyd, J. W., Linn, 1844. Blair, Gaylord, Darien, 1846, died Feb. 24, 1874. Beach, Wm. W., La Fayette, 1849. Billings, R. M., Spring Prairie, 1836. Buell, Sidney, Bloomfield, 1845. Brewster, Mrs. Achsah, Troy, July 6, 1841, died 1877. Bell, George, Spring Prairie, August, 1839, died April, 1878. Brigham, M. H, Delavan, September, 1842. Baker, Mrs. Eliza H, Geneva, 1843. Bartram, Wm. II., Elkhorn, April, 1843. Baker, Robert II., Geneva, June, 1839. Barker, T. P., Sugar Creek, 1837, died 1877. Barlow, Mrs. Henry, Delavan, 1839. Buell, Ira, Linn, 1849, died 1874. Balcom, John E., Geneva, October, 1840. Benson, S. W., November, 1845. Bell, Mrs. George, Spring Prairie, November, 1836. Barber, Joel, Geneva, 1848. Bowman, Joseph, La Fayette, 1841. Bartholf, J. E., Spring Prairie, 1847. Brandow, C. E., 1839. Brandow, Mrs. C. E., Linn, 1838. Bell, Mrs. Fanny, Linn, 1846. Bangs, Mrs. B. 8., Elkhorn, 1847. Babcock, W. B., Darien, 1846. Briggs, James G., La Fayette, 1843. Burk, Z. B., Lyons, October, 1842. Bell, J. A., Delavan, 1837. Brown, George W., Walworth, 1841. Brown, Cornelia A., Walworth, 1842. Bird, Henry, Sharon, 1844. Bird, Mary, Sharon, 1846. Bishop, M. P., La Grange, 1845. Bishop, Mrs. Mary E., La Grange, 1845. Brooks, Seymour, East Troy, 1843. Beach, J. S., Whitewater, 1843. Benton, W. S., Koshkonong, 1843. Bronson, H. L., La Grange, 1844. Beach, C. R., Lima, 1861. Bunnell, Mrs. A. H., La Fayette, October, 1837. Barnes, H. D., Spring Prairie, 1848. Blackman, A. P., Darien, 1845. Bristol, R. H, Delavan, 1848. Bristol, Mrs. R. H., Delavan, 1848. Buell, Mrs. Sidney, Bloomfield, 1855. Bangs, B. S., Delavan, 1857. Chapin, William D., Bloomfield, June, 1837. Church, Cyrus, Walworth, February, 1837. Cotton, George, Darien, 1844. Carter, William, Darien, December, 1837. Carter, Orange W., Darien, June 15, 1838. Crosby, Nelson, Delavan, September 20, 1839. Cramer, George, Walworth, April, 1844. Curtis, Hill, La Fayette, 1840. Cowles, John, Geneva, 1842. Campbell, Duncan, Geneva, 1837. Carswell, N. H, Spring Prairie, 1843, died No vember 11, 1874. Campbell, Daniel, Lyons, 1836, died . Curtis, Lewis, Geneva, 1840. Chappell, M. H, Delavan, 1845. Cross, Hiram, La Grange, July, 1842, died January, 1882. Chambers, I. G, Geneva, 1844. Cowles, Cyrus F., Lyons, 1840. Curtis, John, Geneva, 1843, died April, 1875. Curtis, Mrs. Harvey, La Fayette, 1851. Cameron, T., Richmond, 1843. Cameron, Mrs. T., Richmond. Cameron, James, Richmond, 1842. Cheesebro, Mrs. Isabella A., Darien, June, 1839. Cowdery, M. D., Geneva, 1845. Coburn, George, Geneva, 1844. Cain, George, La Fayette, 1846. Chafin, Parthena, East Troy, 1837. Chafin, C. P. F., East Troy, 1837. Collie, Rev. Joseph, , ; honorary. Coburn, Roswell, Spring Prairie, 1852. Crittenden, C. S., Hebron, 1844. Coorabe, Thomas, Troy, 1849. Cartwright, D. W., Sullivan, June, 1842. Cameron, Mrs. Olive, Sugar Creek, 1847. Castle, M. A., Whitewater, 1845. Crandall, W. H, Linn, 1857. Chapin, Lorette, Bloomfield, 1846. Cady, Mrs. Rachel M., Pleasant Prairie, 1835. Chatfield, S. B., Troy, 1846. Chatfield, Mrs. S. B. Troy, 1846. Dodge, Josiah, Darien, July 1, 1843. Douglass, C. L., Walworth, October, 1837. Dudley, James, Delavan, September, 1844, died 1878. Dalton, John, Delavan, 1842. Dame, John, Spring Prairie, 1842. Delap, A., Elkhorn, 1844. sLtfrzays a/cwyfo^G ['deceased xt HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 435 Downer, Hiram, Bloomfield, 1839, died April, 1878. Dennis, Henry, Sharon, 1842. Dewing, Myron E., Elkhorn, 1843, died March, 1874. Dewing, Ely B., Elkhorn, 1843. Dunbar, Samuel, Geneva, 1839, died 1872. Dunlap, John, Geneva, fall, 1838, died 1879. Downer, W. H., Troy, April 22, 1844. Dalton, G. W., Delavan, 1844. Doxstader, Christopher J., June 16, 1843. Dewey, J. J., Geneva, May, 1844. Downer, Mrs. Julia Ann, Bloomfield, 1840. DePuy, E. M., Troy (Mukwonago), 1843. Dame, Mrs. Henry, Spring Prairie, 1843. Dillenbeek, John, Linn, 1844. DeWolf, William, Whitewater, 1841. DeWolf, Mrs. Eunice, Whitewater, 1841. Dunlap, Charles, Geneva, 1839. Dunlap, Mrs. Bethania, Geneva, 1851. Denison, J. W., East Troy, 1847. Dann, George, Whitewater, 1845, died . Dann, Mrs. Lucretia J., Whitewater, 1845. Dodge, William R., Darien, 1839. Dodge, Mrs. Susan, Darien, 1839. Elderkin, Edward, Elkhorn, 1839. Ewing, 0. G., La Grange, 1838. Edwards, S. B., East Troy, 1839. Edwards, S. R., Sugar Creek, 1839. Ellsworth, Dr. C. F., Root River Rapids, 1835, died 1878. Eames, F. H., Spring Prairie, June, 1843. Edwards, J. L., Sugar Creek. Ellsworth, S. S., La Fayette, 1846, died 1881. Evans, John M., Richmond, 1849. Evans, Nancy, Richmond, 1845. Ellis, C. P., La Grange, 1842, died . Eaton, Mrs. Jane, Walworth, 1843. Flaek, John G., Geneva, 1843. Fuster, Bemis, Troy, 1837. Ford, John C, Linn, 1838, died March, 2, 1879. Foster, D. G., Delavan, 1838. Foster, A.M., Troy, 1837. Field, J. W., La Grange, 1840. Foster, Franklin, April, 1846. Freeman, B. B., April, 1846, died 1874. Farley, Michael, Lyons, 1838. Ferry, Loren, Troy, 1843. Flack, J. A., Geneva, 1843. Flack, D. L., Geneva, 1846. Fuller, Joseph, Bloomfield, 1843. Ferguson, Andrew, Geneva, July, 1836. Foster, Mrs. Clarissa L., Sugar Creek, 1840. Fuller, Mrs. Mary Ann, Bloomfield, 1843. Fleming, Henry, Menominee, November, 1849. Ferow, Leah, Walworth, 1843. Fountain, Thomas, Sugar Creek, 1852. Fay, C. G., Whitewater, 1846. Fay, Jane E., Whitewater, 1844. Fairchild, David L., Whitewater, 1854. France, William, Sharon, 1843. Fiske, Jane M., Delavan, 1843. Flanders, P. W„ La Fayette, 1849. Golder, Peter, Elkhorn, August, 1842. Goodrich, A. C, Lyons, June, 1844, died 1871. Gray, Harmon, Sugar Creek, 1840. Gardner, Palmer, Spring Prairie, April, 1836. Godfrey, Levi, Rochester, May, 1836. Gray, T. B., Geneva, May 24, 1846. Green, Porter, La Fayette, 1843. Gray, James, Geneva, 1846. Gray, Elihu, Geneva, 1846. Gott, Edward L., Lyons, 1842. Godfrey, Thomas, Walworth, June, 1837, died 1878. Gray, Samuel A., Geneva, 1846. Gardner, Simeon, Geneva, 1844, died 1878. Gilbert, E. L., Walworth, 1844. Gardner, Elijah R., Geneva, June, 1841. Goff, M. B., Delavan, 1842. Graves, L. H., Delavan, 1844. Graves, Mrs. L. H., Delavan, 1840. Gibbs, C. R., Whitewater, 1845. Gibbs, Mrs. Frances, Whitewater, 1845. Graves, Gaylord, East Troy, 1838. Graves, Mrs. Mary A. P., East Troy, 1840. Graham, Mrs. Alexander, Whitewater, 1852. Gage, R. H., Richmond, 1845. Gage, Mrs. R. H., Richmond, 1837. Goodrich, R. W., Troy, 1838. Harrington, N. M., Delavan, July 4, 1843. Hollinshead, William, Delavan, June, 19, 1837. Hand, Osborn, Geneva, May 29, 1843. Harrington, Riley, La Fayette, Oct. 10, 1837. Hollister, H. G., Delavan, June 30, 1843. Hicks, Herrit, Spring Prairie, April, 1845. Houghton, William, La Grange, 1838. Hatch, S. N., Linn, 1841. Hand, Jared, Geneva, May, 1844. Herrick, Jason A., Geneva, 1841. Humphrey, E., Lyons, 1843. Hutton, John, Geneva, 1845, died October, 1873. Harris, A. D., La Fayette, 1845. Hay, Washington, La Fayette, 1842. Hill, Thomas, W., Geneva, 1837, died May 26, 1879. Hollister, William, Richmond, 1838. Holden, James, La Grange, Feb., 1, 1837. Hulce, Elisha, Richmond, May 10, 1845. Hollister, E. B., Delavan, 1843. Harrington, P. G., Sugar Creek, May 39, 1836, died September 19, 1876. Hibbard, A., Troy, June 20, 1839. Hibbard, Mary A., Troy, June 20, 1839. Hollister, Cyrenus, Darien, May, 1839. Hicks, Elias, Elkhorn, September, 1836. Ham, H. B., La Fayette, 1849. Harrington, Mrs. Marietta, Sugar Creek, 1836. Hollister, M. L., Delavan, 1843. Haskin, James, Geneva, June, 1842, Hand, Nathan, Lyons, May, 1840. Hill, Mrs. Thomas W., Lyons, 1841. Harlow, E. G, La Grange, June, 1840. Harris, Rev. E. L., Beloit, October, 1850. Harris, Mrs. S. M., Beloit, October, 1850. Howe, S. B., Geneva, 1843. Hall, G. W., Richmond, 1842. Hall, Mrs. Evean, Richmond, 1842. Hopkins, J?. G, Springfield, 1846. Hatch, C. L., Whitewater, 1843. Hubbard, E. A., Troy, 1845. Heath, Charles, East Troy, 1837. Hopkins, Mrs. Eunice, Springfield, 1846. Hamilton, David, Whitewater, 1842. Howard, W. N, Mukwonago, 1837. Hudson, L. W., Johnstown, 1838. Hanson, S., Whitewater, 1855. Hanson, Mrs. R. D., Whitewater, 1855. Harris, Mrs. Maria, La Fayette, 1844. Hardy, Ava, Lima, 1840. Hull, J., Lima, 1840. Hollister, Mrs. William, Richmond, 1840. Hall, Joseph W., Racine, 1846. Harrington, S. L., Lima, 1837. Harlow, J C, La Grange, 1849. Hare, Clara, Elkhorn, 1840. 436 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Hoyt, J. A., Honey Creek, 1837. Hartwell, Daniel, La Fayette, 1837. Hess, Henry. Richmond, 1843. Hay, F. I., Darien, born 1843. Hollister, J. H., Delavan, 1855. Irish, J. E., Delavan, March 9, 1842. Ives, A., Darien, 1843. Isham, Willard, Delavan, 1845, died 1877. Ingham, Dr. Stephen, Geneva, 1840, died 1875. Johnson, H. A., Darien, December, 1838. Johnson, J. J., Spring Prairie, March, 1839. Johnson, Asher, Darien, December, 1838, died July, 1873. Jones, E. P., Sharon, June 7, 1843. Jewell, A., Spring Prairie, 1845. James, Thomas P., Richmond, 1837. Johnson, Andrew, , May 39, 1843. Johnson, Mrs. Almira, Darien, 1838. Jones, Ahijah, Darien, 1843. Johnson, Joseph, Darien, 1846. Johnson, Levi, Whitewater, 1839. Johnson, W. W., La Grange, 1854. Johnson, David R., Elkhorn, 1851. Johnson, Mrs. D. R., Elkhorn, 1851. King, John, La Grange, 1841. Kinne, Jesse R., Sugar Creek, 1843. Kinney, Enos, Lyons, 1844. Keats, W. S., Troy, 1837. Ketchpaw, Jacob, Burlington, September, 1840. Kimball, Orra, Bloomfield, June, 1837. Keyes, J. C, Spring Prairie, 1845. Keyes, Mrs. Z. M„ Spring Prairie, 1845. Kling, J. R., Troy, August, 1839. Kingman, Edmund, Sugar Creek, May 1, 1849. Knapp, H. S., Whitewater, 1837. Knaub, Michael, Sharon, 1843. Kinne, Mrs. A. C, Sugar Creek, 1847. Lyon, Isaac, Lyons, June 4, 1841. Lippitt, Cyrus, Sharon, Aug. 19, 1837. Long, C. D., Darien, June 21, 1839. Loomer, Leonard, Sugar Creek, June, 1837. Loomer, Jonathan, Sugar Creek, March, 1838. Latham, Hollis, Elkhorn, February, 1837. Latham, L. G., Elkhorn, 1839. Lum, W. S., Troy, 1840. Locke, H. B., Geneva, 1842. Locke, Daniel, Geneva, 1843. Loveland, John, Geneva, May 19, 1841. Leland, F., Kenosha, 1846. Latham, Loren, Elkhorn, May, 1844. Latimer, E., Delavan, August, 1846. Lawson, Robert, Darien, July, 1838. Loveland, Mrs. Elizabeth C, Bloomfield, 1841. Ludington, Gov. Harrison, honorary. Lauderdale, James, La Grange, August, 1843. Lauderdale, Mrs. Margaret, La Grange, August, 1842. Lefevre, George, Elkhorn, 1838. Lawton, J. H, La Grange, 1846. Maxon, Arthur W., Darien, May, 1837. Mereness, John, Darien, May, 1842. Merrick, P. H., Spring Prairie, June, 1837. Mather, Philo, Troy, July 8, 1840. Matteson, Albin, Sharon, Sept. 33, 1843. McGraw, Alonzo, Sharon, June 3, 1839. Merrick, A. L, Spring Prairie, June 15, 1836. McGraw, Newton, Delavan, June 14, 1839, died March 1874. McBride, Allen, Linn, 1837. Moody, Levi, Bloomfield, 1838. Martin, Orra, Spring Prairie, 1840. McDougald, William, Sugar Creek, March, 1837. Mallory, Samuel, Elkhorn, fall 1844. Matteson, F., Lyons, October, 1841. Matthews, John T., Linn, 1845. Mallory, Mrs. Samuel, Elkhorn, 1844. Muzzy, Pliny, Whitewater, 1839. Merriam, Amzi, Linn, 1843. Meacham, William P., Troy, 1836, first child born in Troy. Meacham, Mrs. Patience, Troy, May 26, 1836, died March 11, 1875. Marshall, James, Geneva, 1843. Martin, Charles, Spring Prairie, 1844. Merriam, Allen, Linn, June, 1843, died April 15, 1879. Merriam, Fordyce, Linn, June, 1843. Montague, Gurdon, Geneva, 1845. Moody, Alfred, Geneva, 1841. Mower, Timothy, Troy, 1842. Menzie, Silas W., Delavan, 1849. Mason, A. L., Walworth, 1840. Mason, Mrs. Sophronia, Walworth, 1840. Matteson, Mrs. Sarah, Sharon, 1842. Martin, Mrs. Caroline, Spring Prairie, 1840. Matheson, John, Troy, 1843. Matheson, Mrs. J., Troy, 1846. Mackenzie, R., La Fayette, 1843. Marsh, Mrs.' Sanger, Whitewater, 1839. Northrop, Theodorus B., Spring Prairie, 1839. Noyes, Charles A., Sr., Geneva, 1836, died 1881. Nichols, Daniel W., Geneva, 1841. Newton, John W., Geneva, October, 1843. Norcross, Pliny, honorary. Nyce, C. R., Sugar Creek, 1851. Nyce, Mrs. Maggie, Sugar Creek, 1851. Nourse, H. E., Troy, 1849. Norcross, W. W. , La Grange, 1840. Onderdonk, Hiram, Delavan, 1842. Ogden, G. W., Elkhorn, June, 1841. Odell, A. H, Troy, June 9, 1836. Ogden, Albert, Elkhorn, February, 1837. O'Brien, Peter, Troy, April 22, 1844. Oatman, C. L., Geneva, 1838. O'Connor, R,, Whitewater, 1842, died 1882. O'Connor, Mrs. R., Whitewater, 1845. Potter, Alonzo, La Fayette, 1844. Peck, J. W., La Fayette, 1842, died 1877. Porter, Doric C, Walworth, 1839. Patten, Silas, Spring Prairie, May, 1844. Peck, R. T., Walworth, September, 1845. Phoenix, William H., Delavan. June, 1839. Puffer, J. O., Spring Prairie, May, 1839. Pratt, Samuel, Spring Prairie, 1845, died 1877. Perry, A. M., Troy, 1837. Phelps, Cyrus K, Geneva, 1840. Purdy, P. L., Lyons, June, 1844. Potter, Joseph, La Fayette, 1842. Perry, John A., 1844. Parish, J., Darien, 1841, died 1877. Potter, Jonathan, Troy, June, 1846. Phelps, Amos, Darien, June, 1846. Porter, Mrs. Alexander, Geneva, July, 1841. Passage, George, Delavan, 1842. Pierce, John A., Sugar Creek, 1845. Powell, Samuel T., Linn, 1845, died 1878. Paul, S. S., Darien, 1847. Preston, Otis, Elkhorn, Oct. 29, 1846. Phoenix, Mrs. Sarah A., Delavan, 1837. Pemberton, John, Richmond, 1845. Parish, A. T., Delavan. Partridge, John S., Whitewater, 1846. Partridge, Mrs. H. J., Whitewater, 1848. Patten, Mrs. C. T., Spring Prairie, 1846. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 437 Parsons, A. B., Delavan, August, 1838. Persons, F., Waukesha, 1842. Pollock, Thomas, La Fayette, 1840, died February, 1882. Partridge, John S., Whitewater, 1849. Park, M. T., Turtle, 1847. Phoenix, Henry, Delavan, 1836. Porter, Clarrissa, Elkhorn, 1845. Rockwell, Le Grand, Elkhorn, 1837, died 1869. Reed, Ovid, Darien, Aug. 23, 1843. Ross, William, Geneva, 1838. Raleigh, John, Spring Prairie, 1844. Rich, Harrison, Geneva, #uly, 1844. Reed, Solon, Bloomfield, 1844. Ross, Washington, Geneva, 1845. Rice, E. M., Whitewater, June 17, 1841. Ross, George, Geneva, 1838. Rowe, Dan, Bloomfield, 1838, died 1878. Reader, John, Walworth, February, 1837, died 1879. Rugg, Cyrus, Bloomfield, 1839. Rockwell, Reuben, Geneva, 1843, died March 1, 1879. Reynolds, B. O., Racine, June, 1848. Richardson, E. D., Geneva, 1841. Randall, S. F., Troy, 1842, died 1879. Randall, W. F., Troy, 1842. Randall, S. P., Troy, 1842. Roberts, A. W., Bloomfield, June, 1850. Rowe, J. H., Bloomfield, 1839. Ryland, Mrs. Elizabeth, Linn, 1837. Rounds, G. W.; La Grange, August, 1845. Rounds, Mrs. Louisa A., La Grange, August, 1845. Rodman, R. L., Walworth, 1846. Reed, Mrs. Jane M. Seaver, Darien, 1840. Richmond, A. O., Troy, 1846. Richardson, William, Whitewater, 1844. Richmond, Amaziah, Whitewater, 1854. Richmond, Mrs. Anson O., Troy, 1846. Randolph, H. W., Walworth, 1850. Spooner, Hon. Wyman, Sugar Creek, 1846, died No vember 18, 1877. Simmons, James, Geneva, Aug. 9, 1843. Salisbury, Daniel, Spring Prairie, May 25, 1836. Smith, E. B., La Fayette, June 27, 1843, died March 10, 1882. . Stowell, Israel, Darien, June 24, 1838, died Jan. 38, 1876. Southerland, C, Walworth. Smith, L. R., Spring Prairie, Dec. 29, 1835, died No vember, 1874. Stone, Randall, Darien, March, 1842. Stilwell, J. M., Delavan, 1839. Storms, W. P., Spring Prairie, May, 1845. Stevens, Edward, Geneva, March, 1839. Spooner, Jeduthan, Sugar Creek, 1841. Spooner, Henry F., Sugar Creek, 1842. Smith, Sylvester G., Spring Prairie, March, 1837, died 1878. Smith, Mrs. C. W., Geneva, 1839. Spun-, Peter, La Grange, July, 1841. Sanford, J. H., La Grange, spring, 1841. Smith, D. T., La Fayette, 1839. Sanford, S. C, La Grange, 1842. Sturtevant, W. W., Delavan, 1842. Short, Z., La Fayette, 1842. Shepherd, J. B„ September, 1841, died June 1875. Stewart, James, La Grange, October, 1841. Salisbury, Joel, Sharon, October, 1843. Smith, H. G, Richmond, 1842. Sturges, George W., Racine, 1844. Stewart, Robert, 1837, died 1877. Stewart, John, 1840. Shepherd, S. H.1, Delavan, 1841. Sanders, John, La Grange, September, 1849. Stow, Cyrus C, Elkhorn, 1848. Stowe, William L., Elkhorn, 1840. Safford, M., Delavan, October, 1850. Sturtevant, C. H, Delavan, 1841. Smith, Daniel, Delavan, 1847. Sharp, E. M., Delavan, June 25, 1850. Stewart, Samuel, Richmond, 1842. Sharp, Mrs. John, Delavan, June 18, 1800. Schilling, George F., Delavan, 1853. Snyder, J. H., Elkhorn, 1845. Snyder, Eliza R., Elkhorn, 1845. Shegar, Henry, Sharon, 1843. Shegar, Mrs. Eva, Sharon, 1843. Smith, Caroline W., Spring Prairie, 1837. Sherman, William, Jericho, 1836. Sherman, Mrs. Louisa, Jericho, 1836. Sprague, E. H, Grant County, 1848. Salisbury, Albert, Lima, 1843. Salisbury, Ansel, Whitewater, 1837. Sentenn, A., Whitewater, 1845. Smith, James, Whitewater, 1845. Simmons, Mrs. James, Geneva, 1844. Seaver, H. E., Darien, 1840. Seaver, Mrs. H. E., Darien, 1837. Sweet, Rev. S. E., Kenosha, 1845. Starin, Fred. J., Whitewater, 1840. Starin, Mrs. Fred. J., Whitewater, 1853. Stratton, W. J., Troy, 1843. Stratton, Mrs. W. J., Troy, 1854. Taylor, H. A., Troy, 1844 Tupper, A. W., Bloomfield, 1844. Tibbets, Samuel H., Sugar Creek, 1840, died 1872. Thayer, Emery, East Troy, August, 1842, died 1879. Taylor, Luke, Gardner's Prairie, May, 1836. Taylor, Hiram, Sugar Creek, November, 1843. Thomas, T. D., Darien, 1836. Taylor, C. P., Lyons, 1845. Thomas, A. D., Darien, 1837. Thomas, Rial, Sugar Creek, 1843. Taylor, J. L., East Troy, July 3, 1843. Turner, Ira, Linn, 1843, died Feb. 22, 1880. Turner, Mrs. Ira, Linn, 1842. Treat, J. A., Sharon, 1844. Tallman, George B., Delavan, 1849. Treat, George, Sharon, 1843. Thomas, Rev. S. C, Elkhorn, 1851. Thomas, Mrs. Isabella, Elkhorn, 1851. Tallman, Charles B., Delavan, 1847. Thiele, H. F., Whitewater, 1848. Teetshorn, Lewis, Richmond, 1838. Taylor, Mrs. Lydia, Lyons, 1845. Taylor, Henry M., Cold Spring, 1856. Taft, James R., Whitewater, 1854. Tupper, Mrs. Betsey, Bloomfield, 1837, died 1880, Van Schaick, S. H., Walworth, July, 1842. Viles, Joseph, Geneva, 1845, died 1874. Vaughn, David T., La Fayette, August, 1838. Vincent, Jarvis, Geneva, 1845. Vaughn, B. F., Spring Prairie, 1837. Vaughn, E. O., Spring Prairie, 1837, died 1879. Vaughn, Mrs. David, Spring Prairie, 1838, died 1876. Voorhees, S. W., Sharon, 1849. Van Velzer, Cornelius R., Geneva, 1836. Wales, Charles, Geneva, 1846. Williams, John, Darien, May 15, 1839, died 1876. Wells, Hezekiah, Delavan, 1842, died 1869. Wait, Russell, Lyons, 1838. Ward, Jonathan, Geneva, 1836, died April, 1872. Warren, Robert W., Geneva, June, 1836, died Dec. 31, 1875. 438 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Wylie, Calvin H., La Fayette, October, 1842. Welch, Freeborn, Sugar Creek, 1836. Watson, Mark, Troy, May, 1841. Winsor, H. S., Elkhorn, November, 1839. Wyckoff, J. L., Walworth, 1841. Winsor, R. B., Kenosha, 1836. Wylie, W. J., Spring Prairie, 1842. Willis, L. H., Delavan, 1840. Webster, C. D., East Troy, 1847. Walling, S., Elkhorn, July 2, 1838, died April, 1875. Wylie, Geo. W., La Fayette, October, 1842. Wait, J. E., Lyons, October, 1843. Williams, Israel, Linn, 1836. Webb, A. L., Mukwa, September, 1843. West, Stephen G., Troy, 1840. Weeks, Lewis S., Lyons, 1844. Wilcox, Alonzo C, Lyons, 1845. Weeks, T. D., Whitewater (Lyons), 1843. Wheeler, A. C, Walworth, October, 1846. Warren, Mrs. Mary, Geneva, June, 1836, died 1879. Wylie, J. P., La Fayette, October, 1842. Wylie, Mrs. J. P., La Fayette, March, 1837. Willis, William, Delavan, 1843. Whitmore, Joseph, Spring Prairie, 1837. Whitmore, Mrs. J., Spring Prairie, 1845. ^Vest Nelson. Williams, Royal J., Linn, 1836. Weter, Mrs. Sarah, Linn, 1843. Woodward, Archibald, Sharon, 1839. Woodward, Mrs. Mary, Sharon, 1839. Weter, J. A., Linn, 1843. Wilson, Rev. T. C, Bloomfield, 1844. Wylie, Mrs. Jane, Elkhorn, 1842. Wintermute, Septer, Whitewater, 1846. Wintermute, Emeline, Whitewater, 1846. Waite, Isaac, N., Darien, 1844. Webber, G. W., Walworth, 4838. Williams, Daniel, Sugar Creek, 1849. Wilkinson, H. J., Linn, 1847. Weld, J. W., La Grange, 1841. Warner, A. B., Whitewater, 1847. Warner, Mrs. Ruth, Whitewater, 1847. Webb, S. T., Geneva, 1849. Wheeler, Mrs. I. U., Whitewater, 1840. Warner, Ambrose, Whitewater, 1847. Wilson, Lewis, Richmond, 1854. Wells, Walter M., Delavan, 1843. Young, G. H., Elkhorn, 1843. —^ OHAPTEE VI. Railroads and Telegraphs — Corporate History — Early Fiscal Affairs — Early Schools and School Districts — County Property — Support of Paupers — Roster of County Officers 1839 to 1881 — Legislators — Constitutional Conventions — State Government — Courts and Offices — Walworth County Bar — Statistics — Press of County — Conclusion. railroads and telegraphs. THE advent of railroads had a marked influence in developing the resources of the county. The first to enter it was the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad, which was built through Whitewater and beyond as far west as Milton during the year 1852. This road was continued to Stoughton, in 1853, and through to Prairie du Chien in 1856. It was afterward known as the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien Railroad till merged into the Chicago, Milwaukee & St Paul Railway. It is now designated as the Prairie du Chien Division of that road. Whitewater was the first town in the county to derive advantages from railroad facilities, which, in con nection with the manufacturing enterprises that centered there soon after, made it the leading village of the county, both in size and commercial importance, and it has maintained its su premacy ever since. This road was first incorporated as the Milwaukee & Waukesha Railroad Company and was organized November 23, 1847. At that time its terminus was undecided. The Milwau- keeans were only seeking to open some more reliable avenue than the muddy roads of those days provided with the interior tributary country. The charter was subsequently amended, empowering the company to build the road to the Mississippi River, in Grant County, and its name changed to the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad Company. After many trials on the part of the projectors of the road, it was completed to Waukesha in 1851. The money of the eompany realized on bonds of the City of Milwaukee, was expended on this twenty miles, and for farther extension the directors depended largely on subscriptions and loans of town credit along the line of the proposed road. The location of the route at that time was to be deter mined not so much by the engineers as by the amount of subscriptions and aid that could be obtained along within hailing distance on either side of a direct line to the Mississippi. It was said that the directors were ready to build the road in any direction from Waukesha that led away from Lake Michigan and toward Grant County, provided sufficiently liberal local in ducements were held out. Strong efforts were made to establish the route south of its present location, through Mukwonago, East Troy and thence on to Janesville, nearly over the line of the old stage road. Neither the advantages nor disadvantages of a railroad were then so well understood as they have come to be sinee that time. Sentiment was far from unanimous in its favor among the inhabitants of the towns along the proposed route at the outset, and, as the subject was discussed, a strong feeling of opposition was developed. It was claimed that the immense travel over the highway would cease, that the tavern business would be ruined and the villages along the line would cease to flourish; that there would be no further use for horses, etc., etc. — in fact, they gave the innovation the cold shoulder, and allowed the road to be built farther north, through Eagle and Palmyra. They, however, sought to hold the travel and traffic over the old route by improving the thoroughfare. A plank road was projected over the whole route, and built from Milwaukee as far as Mukwonago. The efforts of the conserva tives did not avail against the railroad, and the main travel and traffic over the thoroughfare fell oft, being diverted to the railroads as soon as they were built, leaving the old stage road desert ed, except by the stage and mail lines, which still go over it together with the local travel. Thus the fears of the old tavern-keepers were realized through the competition they feared, al though its route was not established through their towns. In a certain way, this early victory re-acted disastrously to the towns. The sudden growth of Whitewater after the railroad reached that point, created a revulsion of popular feeling, and the advantages of railway communication earne to be as much over-rated as they had been formerly decried. So, when the project was 440 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. broached to build a line from Milwaukee to Beloit, to pass through East Troy and Troy, crossing the old stage road, but not running parallel with it, it found the Troy people, as well as others along the line, all too ready to further the project by loaning the credit of the towns, or by the still more imprudent means of personal subscriptions or loans, secured by mortgages on their farms. The litigation that grew out of the railroad farm-mortgages, and the hardships they brought upon the farmers all over the county before they were finally wiped out, would, if fully detailed, furnish ample material for a chapter, and a record of bad faith on the one side and credulity on the other, almost unparalleled in business history. It is sufficient here to explain the plan and workings of the farm-mortgage system, as it came into vogue as a means of build ing railroads through the new country, and the outcome of it at a later day when the day of payment came. As it is well known, when the railroad fever first began to rage in Wisconsin, there was absolutely no surplus capital in the State. It was, therefore, necessary to raise the capital at the Eastern money centers, which could easily be done if by any means a margin of home capi tal could be raised, sufficient to guarantee the Eastern capitalists from ultimate loss. This was effected through various methods — by obtaining stock subscriptions from those most directly in terested in the road; by obtaining stock subscriptions from counties and towns along the pro posed route, for which municipal and county bonds were paid; and by the more reprehensible means of inducing individual farmers to subscribe for stock, mortgaging their farms on five or ten years' time as security for their ultimate payment for the stock taken. With these in hand, the directors would issue bonds, on which annual or semi-annual interest was to be paid, the bonds running a series of years, giving as security the municipal bonds, the farm-mortgage bonds and all the rights and franchises of the road. On these bonds thus secured, money was raised (often at ruinous sacrifice), wherewith to build the roads. Some were pushed to com pletion, others were abandoned, half finished, and a few were scarcely begun. It is- believed that in every case the roads were sold or went into the hands of the bond-holders, when built; not one- of them being now owned or controlled by the original stockholders. These roads were, many of them, started during the years 1852, 1853, 1854 and 1855. Those finished before the close of 1856 are now running under the control of new owners. Those in process of construction when the financial panic of 1857 paralyzed business, and brought all enterprises requiring money to a stand-still, have never been built. The municipal bonds, as well as the farm mortgages, had, however, all passed into the hands of Eastern money lenders, and, after years of litigation, they were decided by the higher courts to be valid, and payment enforced, whether the railroad for which they were given had been built or not. When it is stated that nearly half the farms in the county were mortgaged, and that two of the prin cipal roads projected through the county were never built, the injustice, and, in some cases, villainy, of the transaction is apparent. For years, this cloud of debt, incurred without con sideration, and the payment of which was enforced in accordance with law, but in violation of right and equity, hung over the county and overshadowed its prosperity. Some farmers lost their homes and many toiled for years before the incumbrances were removed. Having thus given an outline sketch of the processes by which the roads were built or be gun, the history of the railroad system of the county can be given without further digression. From 1853 to 1855, three lines were projected through the county, viz., the Wisconsin Central, diagonally across the county from the southeast to the northwest corner; the Mil waukee & Beloit, from the northeast to the southwest corner, and the Racine, Janesville & Mississippi, extending from east to west through the center of the county. Of these three roads only one was completed before the panic of 1857. The Racine, Janesville & Mississippi Railway Company was chartered in 1852. The route as originally laid out was in nearly a direct line from Racine to Janesville, and passed through the northern half of Lyons, Geneva, Delavan and Darien, touching the village of Delavan. Through local inducements held out, the route was changed before the road was built. Beloit became the first objective point, instead of Janesville, and the course was deflected north to Elkhorn. These. changes were effected through the energetic efforts of the enterprising citizens of the towns named. Elkhorn subscribed |20, 000— $15,000 in bonds and $5,000 in individual cash subscriptions; Delavan subscribed $25,000 in bonds; Beloit and vicinity succeeded in HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 441 drawing the road from Janesville to that place by a large issue of bonds to aid in its construc tion. Farm mortgages were resorted to before it was finished to Beloit. The road was com pleted to the eastern border of the county in 1855, and through to Beloit during the following year. This was the first general railroad communication established through the county. In 1859, the road passed into the hands of the bondholders, and the original stock became worth less. The road was completed to Freeport that year, and subsequently built to Savannah, thence to Rock Island. In 1866, the road was sold by the bondholders, and a new organization effected under the name of the Western Union Railroad. A controlling interest was purchased a few years after by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Company, which has since operated it as a division of its road, designated as the Southwestern Division. The Eagle Branch road from this road, running from Elkhorn to Eagle, and connecting with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at that point, was built in 1869. It passes through La Fayette and Troy. It was built by the Western Union corporation, and is a part of that road, but, like the main trunk road, is a part of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul system. Although the aid given this road never brought any direct return to towns granting it, the object was attained. The road was built and the general enhancement of the value of property along the line, with other benefits derived from it, if computed, would far exceed the individual and municipal losses sustained in its establishment. The Wisconsin Central Railroad Company was chartered in March, 1853. The leading spirits of the organization were residents of Elkhorn, and the officers' of the embryo railroad were at that place. Le Grand Rockwell was the first President; Edwin Hodges was Treasurer, and Messrs. Winsor and Smith, attorneys. The Board of Directors took in citizens favorable to the project all along the line of the road, with a fair proportion of Elkhorn men. Otis Pres ton and George Bulkley, as well as Rockwell and Hodges, were on the board; also Rufus Che ney, of Whitewater, C. M. Baker, of Geneva, and other leading citizens of the county, whose names are not remembered. The charter empowered the company to construct a railroad from the terminus of the Fox River road, at the State line, at Genoa Village, to some point on the head- waters of Lake Superior. Its proposed connection with Lake Michigan was with Chicago via the Fox River road to Elgin, 111. , thence to Chicago over the Chicago & Galena Railroad. The route through Walworth County passed diagonally through the county from Genoa in the extreme southeast corner, through the villages of Geneva, Elkhorn and Whitewater, in the northwestern corner. Thence, in nearly a direct line via Jefferson and Portage, it was to take to the woods and come out on Lake Superior at some point near where Superior City is now sit uated. The project at once became extremely popular, and liberal subscriptions in money were made and bonds issued by the towns to give it a start all along the line as far as Jefferson, in Jefferson County, which was to be the first resting-point in building before extending it farther north. Whitewater, Elkhorn and Geneva all issued bonds in aid of the enterprise — Geneva, $25,000; Elkhorn, $15,000; Whitewater, $40,000. The work of building the road did not progress with the vigor shown by the directors in raising the stock. Considerable grading was done at various points along the line as far as Whitewater, and the rails were laid as far as Geneva, in June, 1856. Then the panic of 1857 overtook it, and the enterprise fell into a state of confusion and insolvency. The offices and books were transferred to Whitewater, when the company dragged out a sickly corporate exist ence for a few years in vain endeavors to raise funds to revive it, and then gave up the ghost, leaving only a heritage of blasted hopes, unfulfilled pledges, the unfinished road-bed and eight een miles of railroad, with its corporate name and franchises to show that it once lived a plaus ible dead4ieat life, and drew its sustenance from the too credulous inhabitants of the county. The history of the completed portion of the road, from Genoa to Geneva, and the hand Geneva took in the Central Railroad game, is given in Simmons' History of Geneva as follows: " Many, if not a majority of our citizens, preferred a connection with Racine or Kenosha, but some believed that a direct line to Chicago would prove most beneficial to the interests of the village. That, at all events, was the best we could secure, and it seemed just within our grasp. Consequently our capitalists directed their means and their energies to the construction of that road. The same year an act was passed authorizing the towns along the road to issue 442 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. their bonds in aid of its construction. Under this provision, a special town meeting was held August 21, 1855. and a vote passed by a majority of fifty-seven, to issue bonds to the amount of $25,000, payable in twenty years with 8 per cent interest, to be exchanged for stock of the road. The bonds were issued accordingly on the 27th of February, 1856. This was considered a glo rious opportunity to get something for nothing, as the bonds would pay for the stock — and the stock would in turn pay the bonds — and the dividends would pay the interest. ********* "In June of this year the long-expected railroad was completed to the eastern boundary of the village, and a great jubilee was held upon the occasion of the arrival of the first train of cars from Chicago. Trains immediately commenced running daily to and from Elgin, in con nection with the Chicago trains on the Galena road, and great benefits were anticipated from the opening of this communication with that great mart of the West. A heavy job of grading through the hill in the east part of the village remained to be completed before the rails could be extended to the permanent depot grounds at the head of Broad street, and, as no great delay was anticipated, there was no inducement for any one to build warehouses for the reception of produce at the temporary stopping-place, and consequently but little was purchased to be shipped over the road. In 1857, A. Ferguson and James Simmons erected the red warehouse which stood near the depot grounds until the spring of 1873, purposing to use it for storing grain and produce; but, on the arrival of the railroad at that point, it was rented and used for a depot. Shortly before this, a great, financial crash had put a quietus upon nearly all railroad projects, and it was only by the aid of subscriptions among the citizens that the cars were brought into our village. For several years they continued to visit us regularly, the travel and freight constantly increasing, notwithstanding the general stagnation of trade through the country, and the failure of crops, and we began to realize some of the benefits we had so long anticipated, but some time in the fall of 1860 they ceased coming. The road being, laid with the old style of iron, in long flat bars spiked to wooden stringers, previously used on the Galena road, had become out of repair, and business on so short a route was hardly sufficient to war rant any extensive outlay for its improvement. For some two years after the trains ceased to run, a flat car was operated by a pair of horse or mule engines under the superintendence of Ben Fish and others, during which time one of the engines jumped the track and broke its back, and the other was compelled to go it alone. "In October, 1867, the holders oE the bonds issued by the town in aid of the Wisconsin Central Railroad, submitted to our electors a proposition to accept half the face of the bonds in full satisfaction. Our people knowing that they had received no value for them, and believ ing that they were neither morally nor legally bound to pay them, almost unanimously rejected the proposition. The decision proved unfortunate, as the bonds subsequently fell into the hands of unscrupulous parties, who have succeeded in overcoming all our defenses and recovered their 'pound of flesh.' " In 1871, the citizens of Geneva obtained a charter under the name of the State Line & Union Railroad Company, C. M. Baker, President. The charter authorized them to construct a road from the State line, at Genoa, to Columbus and onward to some point on the Fox or Wisconsin River, at or between Sauk City and Berlin. The company contracted with the Chicago & North -Western Railway Company to construct the road over the grade of the old Central, which had been in disuse since I860, to the village, they leasing the road to that com pany for ninety- nine years. The road was thus completed a second time to Geneva, July 26, 1871, thus renewing her railroad connection with Chicago after an interim of eleven years. This branch has been run to that point since its construction to the present time. That the old Wisconsin Central was considered a totally defunct institution is shown in the fact that its name (Wisconsin Central) was ruthlessly appropriated in June, 1871, by the Portage, Winne bago & Superior Railroad Company, and is still retained by it. Its franchises, right of way, road-bed and whatever else was left of the old wreck, is now claimed by the Chicago, Portage- & Superior Company, under a sale on foreclosure of a mortgage. The company was chartered by the Illinois Legislature in 1872. The route is intended to be an air-line from Chicago to the southern terminus of the old Central at Geneva, thence, under its franchises, over the old road-bed through Walworth and Jefferson Counties in a direct line to Duluth. Under the stim- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 443 ulus of land grants in Wisconsin, considerable work has already been done in Northern Wis consin as well as in Illinois, and it is not improbable that, after the lapse of thirty years under this company, the rails may yet be laid along the old line, and the sanguine hopes and vision - ary schemes of the projectors of the old Central become a reality to the later generations.* The Milwaukee & Beloit Railway was chartered in 1854 or 1855. It was a Milwaukee en terprise. The offices of the company were there. Horatio Hill, of that city, was the President. Of the directors, a majority of them were Milwaukee men. It was proposed to run the route in nearly a direct line from Milwaukee to Beloit, passing in a southwesterly direction through East Troy, Troy, Elkhorn to Delavan, thence over the route of the Racine & Mississippi road through Darien and Allen's Grove, to Beloit. It was a feasible railroad project for Milwaukee, and running in a direct line through a rich farming country, held out plausible hopes of being a paying road, if built. Having raised sufficient cash capital among its Milwaukee friends to give it a start, the ordinary methods of obtaining aid from the towns along the road', and by farm-mortgages were resorted to. The farmers along the whole line through East Troy, Troy, La Fayette, Elkhorn and Delavan, were thoroughly canvassed, and almost a clean sweep of farm- mortgages in those towns was made. It was the old story — considerable grading done, some bridges built, the road nearly ready for the rails, the crash of 1857, credit gone, a struggle for a few years and a total collapse. The road was never built, and thus far no successor has ap peared upon the scene of its ruin, to renew the enterprise, as in the case of its unfortunate com panion in tribulation — the Wisconsin Central. Every dollar of stock subscribed proved a clear loss. The farm-mortgages had not all been disposed of at the time of the financial collapse in 1857, and, as it was impossible to negotiate loans on them East, during the long period of de pression that followed, many of them were sold to Western money-lenders in lots to suit pur chasers and at prices to suit the emergencies of the occasion. They gradually floated into strong hands and payment in full was enforced through the courts, when compromises were not effected. The poor farmers, in addition to the injustice of being forced to submit to legalized robbery, were subjected to the bitter chagrin and helpless humiliation arising from the knowledge that the holders of the mortgages, with whom they were forced to settle, had, in many cases, doubled their money by the nefarious speculation. It is no wonder that, remembering the bitter experi ences of twenty years ago, an undercurrent of bitterness toward railroad corporations prevails among the farmers even to the present day. In addition to the roads already mentioned, two others have just entered the boundaries of the county. The Kenosha & Beloit Railroad Company was incorporated in 1853, to build a road from Kenosha to Beloit. The route was afterward changed to Rockford, and the road became known as the Kenosha, Rockford & Rock Island Railway. It runs west through Kenosha County, striking the State line at Genoa. It was finished to that place in 1862. Like all other rail roads of that time, it failed, and was sold out on foreclosure. It is now a part of the Chicago & North- Western system, and is designated as the Kenosha Division of that road. The Chicago & North- Western Railway Company, after various discouragements in its in fantile struggles for existence, under various names and diverse charters, both in Wisconsin and Illinois, got consolidated and fairly on its feet under the name it now bears, in 1855. In 1856, the Wisconsin Division was completed to Janesville, passing through Sharon, the south western town of the county. The railroad connections and communications which have grown out of the efforts, labors and sacrifices of thirty years are summarized as follows: The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway (South-Western Division) passes through the towns of Lyons, Geneva (the northern part), Elkhorn, Delavan and Darien. There are within the county on this road six passenger and freight stations, viz. , Lyons, Springfield, where stage connections was made with Geneva Village, Elkhorn, Delavan, Darien and Allen's Grove. Two passenger and two freight trains pass over the road East and West daily. The Eagle- Branch, connecting with the road at Elkhorn, passes through La Fayette and Troy. It has three stations in the county — Peck's Station, in La Fayette, and Mayhew and Troy Center, in * Since the text was written, a transfer of $1,000 .000, paid-up stock of the Chicago, Portage & Superior Railway Comp my to the Chicago* St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway Company, operand to transfer the land grant also to the latter-named Company, whirh, apparently, will not best serve its own interests by building the road bo long hoped for by the people of Walworth County, to wit, from Chicago, by way of Geneva, Elkhorn and Whitewater, to Jefferson or Portage. 444 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. the town of Troy. A mixed train, freight and passenger, passes over the road each way daily. The Chicago & North-Western runs three trains through Genoa to Geneva each day. The village of Sharon, situated on the main trunk line of the Wisconsin Division, has all the facili ties of the most favored stations on that well-appointed and well-managed road. Three passen ger trains pass daily, going north and south. Telegraphs were established along the lines of the railroads nearly as soon as they were built, and offices established at every depot. In addition, a telephone line is completed from the office at Mayhew Station to East Troy, which is the only point lying off the main lines having telegraphic communication. CORPORATE HISTORY. The, corporate history of Walworth County began January 7, 1839, at which time the first meeting of the first Board of Commissioners was held at the house of Daniel Bradley, in Elk horn, where the first county business was transacted. There were present Benjamin Ball, Na thaniel Bell and William Bowman, who constituted the first Board of Commissioners. The board proceeded to organize by appointing a clerk. The first and only business done at this meeting was to grant a license to R. W. Warren ' ' to keep a tavern at the village of Geneva, for the sum of $5," after which the board adjourned to meet at the same place on the 8th day of March, 1839. At the adjourned meeting, the full board being present, Hollis Latham was appointed Clerk pro tern. , aud it proceeded to select ' ' the following named persons for grand and petit jurors, to serve at the District Court (the first held), April term, 1839: " First Grand Jurors — Joseph Griffin, Isaac Williams, R. W. Warren, George Clark, Rod erick Merrick, Palmer Gardner, Charles Dyer, Solomon A. Dwinnell, David Whitmore, Elias Jennings, James Tripp, Adolphus Spoor, William Weed, Morris F. Haws, Asa Blood, Marshall Newell, ZerahMead, Jeduth an Spooner, Christopher Douglass, Henry Phcenix, Salomon Thomas, John Bruce, Nicholas Comstock. First Petit Jurors — William Stork, William K. May, Allen McBride, C. M. Baker, Allen Perkins, Benjamin C. Pierce, A. L. Merrick, Solomon Harvey, Elias Hicks, Milo E. Bradley, Gaylord Graves, Truman Hibbard, Othni Beardsley, Gorham Bunker, Edwin Perry, George W. Kendall, Elijah Worthington, Willard B. Johnson, Israel B. Cornish, Joseph Barker, James Maxwell, John Lippitt, William Hollinshead, William A. Bartlett. Following the selection of jurors, the board received a petition for the first county road which was ' ' to commence at the center of the county, and running to Mr. Barker's house, thence north to the north line of the county." The board then adjourned sine die. At the next meeting, held April 1, 1839, election precincts were designated and Judges of Election appointed as follows: Geneva — At the house of Robert W. Warren; Judges, Charles M. Goodsell, William K. May, Thomas McKaig. Spring Prairie — At the house of A. A. Hemenway; Judges, Thomas Miller, Roderick Mer rick, Solomon A. Dwinnell. Troy — At the house of Othni Beardsley; Judges, Gaylord Graves, Augustus Smith, Sylvanus Spoor. Delavan — At the house of Milo Kelsey; Judges, Henry Phcenix, William Hollinshead, John Bruce. Elkhorn— At the house of Elijah Worthington; Judges, George W. Kendall, Jared B. Cornish, Zerah Mead. Walworth — At the house of James A. Maxwell; Judges, Christopher Douglass, Amos Bailey, William Bell. William Hollinshead was appointed County Treasurer, following which appointment it was voted "that there shall be a special election held in the county of Walworth for the purpose of electing to wuship officers on Thursday, the 9th of May next, in the several towns of said county, said elections to be held at the several places above mentioned." It was further voted that the ' ' Board of Commissioners require that the following persons make an application to them immediately for license to keep an inn or public house in their HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 445 respective towns, and that the said persons applying for such license shall pay $5 for each license." The early landlords thus invited to contribute were G. S. Warren, A. A. Hemenway, Israel Williams and Othni Beardsley. It was further voted that the following named persons ' ' shall make immediate application for license to keep a store or sell goods, etc.," for which license they were to pay $10 into the County Treasury. The early merchants thus mulcted were Andrew Ferguson, Geneva, and H. & S. F. Phcenix, of Delavan. It is presumable that they were at that time the only men in the county doing a mercantile business. Following the defining of the road districts, the laying out of several new roads, the grant ing of a license to sell goods, to H. & S. F. Phcenix, and a tavern license to G. S. Warren, the meeting adjourned. At these meetings the county was fairly started in its corporate career. Its further his tory will partake less of detail or chronological order, presenting, in varied form and manner, all points on which the county records throw light. EARLY FISCAL AFFAIRS. The first assessment was ordered by the Board of Commissioners July 1, 1839, and was laid at 5 mills on a dollar on the whole amount of real estate and personal property as taken by Perez Merrick, Assessor of said county. The assessment roll of Mr. Merrick is not on file in the Clerk's office and was not copied. The amount realized from the tax levied was $1,868.82, which, added to $291.54, delinquent tax, gives as the total tax raised in 1839, $2,160.36. This sum being the result of a tax on the valuation of 5 mills on the dollar, the total valuation of the county at that time is computed at $432,000. The first Treasurer's report is a model of brevity, if not perspicuity. It was rendered on the first Monday of January, 1840, and reads as follows : Amount received $1,874 64 Amount paid out 1,786 69 Balance in treasury $ 87 95 February 5, 1840, the first detailed statement of the financial affairs of the county was re corded. It was as follows : The following is a statement of the receipts and expenses of the county of Walworth for the year 1839: Amount paid for surveying and locating county roads $ 208 00 Amount for Territorial roads 557 75 Amount for books and stationery 80 26 Amount for paupers 76 76 Amount for furniture for court-room 47 50 Amount for wolf bounties : 28 50 Amount for the county quarter-section and expenses of surveying and platting 374 37 Amount for expenses of the District Court 225 56 Amount for criminal expenses ¦ 94 36 Amount for pay for county officers ¦' 637 84 Amount for expenses of elections 205 50 Total $2,536 40 Amount of taxes paid into treasury 1,868 82 Amount for licenses 70 00 Total $1,938 82 Deduct Treasurer's percentage 35 70 Total $1,903 12 Balance against the county 533 78 Amount of taxes on lands returned, the taxes not being paid 291 54 „ „, , Christophbb Douglass, > 0omAy Commissioners. Attest: Hollis Latham, Clerk. William Bowman, ) The total tax levied in 1840 was $4,447. 97— county, $3,770.29; school, $1,029.78. The county tax was to be 1 per cent on half the valuation of real estate and 1 per cent on the full 446 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. value of personal property. No record of the valuation appears. From the above statement it will be ascertained to be, approximately, say $650,000, real estate. The Treasurer's report for 1840 showed the county's finances in a healthy condition. It was as follows: Amount received for tavern license $ 40 00 Amount received for county tax 3,770 29 Amount received for school tax 1,029 78 Amount received for fines 15 32 $4,855 39 Amount of orders paid and canceled $3,634 52 Amount of jury fees paid 9 32 Territorial draft (balance of 1839) 26 73 Territorial draft 8 19 Total $3,678 76 Balance in the treasury 1,176 63 William Hollinshead, Treasurer. Attest: Hollis Latham, Clerk. In 1841, no new valuation is recorded. The complete assessment roll for the year amounted to $3,550.73. The amount raised for schools was $610.79. In 1842, the first complete equalized valuation list by towns is recorded. It is as follows: Troy (two townships), $112,002; Elkhorn (two townships) $92,202; Geneva (four townships), $168,494; Walworth (two townships), $86,547; Richmond, $29,984; Whitewater, $31,968; Spring Prairie (two townships), $155,443; Delavan, $54,148; Darien, $52,970; total, $783,758. The number of acres taxed is given in all towns but Geneva, then embracing the four towns in the southeast quarter of the county. In the towns given, the total number of acres taxed was 144,- 344. Estimating Geneva at 40,000 acres, the land subjected to taxation in 1841 amounted to 188,344 acres. The total amount of tax raised was $2,600. In 1843, the valuation was not essentially changed, the total being $789,301. Amount of taxes raised, $2,675. From 1844 to 1881, the valuation of property each year, so far as it appears on the records, will be hereafter presented in tabular form. EARLY SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS. Mention of the first schools established appears in the town histories. The county in its corporate capacity made the establishment of schools only secondary to that prime necessity in all new countries — the establishment of roads. In 1840, the first school tax was raised, amount ing to $1,029.78. The first complete report of the schools on record bears date April 4, 1842, of which a summary is given below. The reports of the Clerks of the several school districts gave the number of scholars as follows: Turtle Prairie School District, No. 4, comprised the towns of Walworth and Darien — 48 scholars; Richmond District, No. 2, 21 scholars; Geneva District, No. 5, 11 scholars; Delavan District, No. 1,. 53 scholars; Spring Prairie District, No. 2, 25 scholars; Walworth District, No. 3, 30 scholars; Darien District, No. 3, 20 scholars; Geneva District, No. 2, 18 scholars; Geneva District, No. 1, 67 scholars; Spring Prairie District, No. 1, 49 scholars; Spring Prairie District, No. 7, 18 scholars ; East Troy District, No. 4, 36 scholars ; Darien District, No. 4, on Turtle Prairie, 42 scholars; Elkhorn District, No. 1, 31 scholars; Spring Prairie District, No. 8, 31 scholars; Walworth District, No 2, 24 scholars; Darien District, No. 2, 21 scholars; Darien District, No. 6, 28 scholars; Troy District, No. 9, 21 scholars; Troy District, No. 2, 18 scholars; Whitewater District, No. 5, 15 scholars; Troy District, No. 4, 21 scholars; Troy Dis trict, No. 1, 13 scholars; Big Foot District, No. 1, 24 scholars; Elkhorn District, No. 1, 36 scholars;* Elkhorn District, No. 1, 19 scholars; Whitewater District, No. 1, 36 scholars; Geneva District, No. 3, 13 scholars; Center District, No. 2, 8 scholars. The total number of districts reported was 27; number of schools, 29; number of scholars, 797, In addition were three disiricts in which schools were not taught during the preceding year, viz., Delavan District, No 2, Geneva District, No. 4. and Geneva District, No 3. * Nobody here ran explain why three districts were " Elkhorn No. 1." It is a truo copy of lecord.— A. C. Beckwith. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 447 The following is the amount of school money apportioned the several districts for the year 1842: Geneva District, No. 1, $46.90; Geneva, No. 2, $12.60; Darien, No. 3, $14; Walworth, No. 3, $21; Spring Prairie, No. 2, $17.50; Delavan, No 1, $37.10; Walworth and Darien, No. 4, $33.60; Union, No. 2, from Walworth County, $5.60; Geneva, No. 5, $7.70; Richmond, No. 2, $14.70; Spring Prairie, No. 7, $10.50; Whitewater, No. 1, $25.20; Sugar Creek, No. 1 (Elk horn), $25.20; Big Foot, No. 1 (Walworth), $16.80; Troy, No. 1, $9.10; Troy, No. 4, $14.70; Center, No. 5, (Whitewater and Richmond), $10.50 ; Troy, No. 2, $12.60; Darien, No. 6 $19.60; Darien, No. 2, $14.70; Elkhorn, No. 1, $21.70; Elkhorn, No. 1, $13.30; Spring Prai rie, No. 8, $21.70; Turtle Creek, No. 4, $29.40; Troy, No. 4, $25.20; Spring Prairie, No. 1, $34.30; Whitewater, No. 2, $16.80; Delavan, No. 2, $15.60; Geneva, No. 4, $10.50; Geneva, No. 3, $10.50; Walworth, No. 2, $16.80; total amount apportioned, $582.20. Thus early were schools established in every considerable settlement in the county. They have increased in number with the increase of population, and in excellence with the increase of wealth. Further mention of their progress and present state appears elsewhere. COUNTY PROPERTY. The property of the county consists of the park (eleven acres) with buildings thereon and jail lot with buildings, in Elkhorn, and the poor-farm (160 acres), situated on Section 4, in the town of Geneva. In addition, the title of small lots of property in several towns and villages is vested in the county. These have been deeded by old or decrepit persons to secure a home for life, or other benefits from the county, and are not considered as permanent investments, being sold whenever an advantageous sale can be effected. The Elkhorn park was purchased at the land sale of 1839, at the Government price of $1.25 per acre, it being a part of the county quarter-section bought at that time. A more extended sketch appears in the Elkhorn history. The jail lot, on which the present jail and jailer's buildings are built, is located on the north west corner of Church and Walworth streets. It was purchased in 1877-78, at a cost of $1,000. The county buildings now standing are: The jail building, on the lot last mentioned, which was finished in 1878 at a cost (including lot) of $10,546; the courthouse, finished in November, 1875, cost $21,287, with furniture, $2,467, making a total cost of $23,755; the fire-proof office building, erected in 1866, at a cost of $4, 265. A fuller account and a description of these and the old county buildings appears in the town history of Elkhorn, the county seat. The poor-farm is situated on Section 4, in the present town of Geneva. It embraces a quarter-section (160 acres). It has been purchased at different times. The first purchase (of eighty acres) was made of Dudley Harriman December 23, 1852, and was described as the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 4, in Town 2, Range 17 east. There was a good-sized farmhouse upon it. The farm, with improvements, cost $1,500. April 29, 1865, an additional forty acres was purchased of Jesse Rhodes for the sum of $875. November 26, 1872, forty acres more, lying adjacent and in the same section, was purchased of Charles Dualap and wife for the sum of $1,800. The total amount paid for the farm (160 acres) is $4,175. The first house was used for the county poor. It was a wooden structure, 18x24 feet, in size and one and one-half stories high, with a one-story wing of 16x28 feet. To these accommodations were added during the year 1852, another dwelling-house, 24x40 feet in size, costing $850. The same year was built a separate building for insane paupers, 20x24 feet in size, at a cost of $300. Subsequently, a brick building was built for the insane inmates. A barn was also built in 1853. These first buildings have, with the exception of the asylum buildings, all been de stroyed by fire and rebuilt. The barn burned in the spring was rebuilt in 1868. The dwelling- house was totally destroyed by fire December, 1872. It was rebuilt in 1873. The members of the building committee were N. M. Littlejohn, James Aram, Charles Dunlap, T. W. Hill, Hollis Latham. The contractors were Messrs. Sykes & Hulbert. The total cost of the new building was $9,885.12. It is built of brick and the size and dimensions and description of the building are as follows: The main building is 38x58 feet in size, three stories high; the wings on either side are 30 feet long by 28 feet deep, two stories in height; a cellar extends under the whole structure. The basement is divided into various rooms for laundry purposes, a milk room and the storage of vegetables, provisions and fuel. On the first floor are the living rooms for the overseer and family, three dining-rooms, a sewing-room and a few rooms for inmates. On the 448 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. second floor are the women's apartments, consisting of a sitting-room, a sick-room and dormi tories. The stairs leading from the first floor to the third have no connection with the second floor, which is occupied entirely by the female inmates. The third floor is fitted up as sleeping apartments for the male inmates. The old asylum building was enlarged and modernized in 1881, at an expense of $1,300. The addition is of brick, 24x36 feet in size and two stories in height. The buildings are all fitted up with modern improvements and appliances for the health and comfort of the inmates, as well as for the most convenient and economical working of the farm, which is a model of excellence for the purposes for which it was designed. The total cost of the farm and present buildings was nearly $18,000. SUPPORT OF PAUPERS. The poor have been carefully provided for from the first organization. The separate towns, after the town system was adopted, each supported their own poor, except such as had by some means become a charge to the county, but could not justly be charged to the towns. The bills were rendered by the several towns and audited by the County Board, and paid from the poor fund. As the towns increased in population, the bills became more numerous, entail ing yearly more trouble on the board and not a little local dissatisfaction when the town bills were questioned or cut down by the Auditing County Committee. It was accordingly determined to abolish the whole cumbersome system and adopt that which has been since so successfully car ried out. November 23, 1852, the following resolutions were adopted abolishing the town pau per system: Resolved, By the Board of Supervisors of Walworth County, that all distinction between Town and County paupers be, and the same is hereby abolished, from and after the first day of April, 1853, and that said determination be filed in the office of the Register of Deeds of said County, as required by law. (2.) That there be levied a tax of one and one-half mills on the dollar as assessed, for the purpose of purchasing a farm not to exceed 160 acres, and the necessary stock and implements for the management of the same. (3.) That there be elected at this session of the board, three Superintendents, who shall decide by lot the length of time that each shall serve; one for one year, one for two years and one for three years; and at the annual meeting of the board hereafter there shall be elected one Superintendent who shall hold his office for three years and till another is elected to fill his place. (4.) That the Superintendents be hereby instructed as soon as consistent after the notice of their election, to proceed to purchase a farm and the necessary stock and implements for the same, and that the Clerk and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors be authorized to issue the necessary orders for the amount ordered to be paid for said purchase by said Superintendents, and that said Superintendents be required to give bonds to the Treasurer of said County in double the amount of taxes to be raised, conditioned for the faithful per formance of their duty. (5). That the per diem allowance of said Superintendents be established at $2 per day while necessarily, employed in the discharge of their duties. In accordance with these resolutions, the first Superintendents of the Poor were elected. They were: N. L. Gaston, for three years; H. B. Clark, for two years; David Williams, for one year. They purchased the farm, as heretofore stated, and, in May, 1853, opened it for in mates, and inaugurated the present system. From their first annual report, the items below are given as showing the initial success of the new system. Earl M. Irish was employed as overseer of the farm at a salary of $350 per year. A fe male assistant was employed at $90 per year. The cost of starting the farm and providing for the inmates, exclusive of farm and buildings, was as follows: Stock, $176; tools, $100; seed grain, $30; household furniture, $306; total, $612. They rented, for $56 per year, an adjoin ing forty acres of land. The crop raised the first year was: Oats, 150 bushels, valued at $30; wheat, 300 bushels, $225; corn, 800 bushels, $280;' barley, 350 bushels, $122.50; hay, 30 tons, $120; potatoes, 100 bushels, $20; total, $797.50. There were, during the first six months, for which the above report was made, eighteen paupers cared for, three of whom were insane, at a cost of $400. The report showed the experiment a sudcess. The Superintendents of the Poor, from the purchase of the farm to 1881, have been, dating from the fall of each year when elected, as follows: 1852 to 1853— N. L. Gaston, H. M Clark and David Williams. 1854 to 1857— Hollis Latham, N. L. Gaston and David Williams. 1858— Hollis Latham, E. M. Rice and David Williams. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 449 1859 to 1864 — Hollis Latham, Elisha Hulce and Thomas Gage. 1865 to 1879— Hollis Latham, Elisha Hulce and Thomas W. Hill. 1879 to 1882— Hollis Latham, Elisha Hulce and Charles Dunlap. The resident overseers have been: Earl M. Irish, one year; Joseph B. Irish, two years; Charles S. French, one year; Elihu Gray, five years; Thomas Gray, five years; Thomas Hill (oDe of the Board of Superintendents), from 1866 till the time of his death, in the spring of 1879; Charles Dunlap (one of the Board of Superintendents), from the fall of 1879 to the present time. The following sketch of the inmates and management, published in the Walworth County Independent, November 17, 1881, was written by Mr. M. T. Park, editor of that paper, who visited the farm with A. O. Wright, Secretary of the State Board of Charities and Reforms, on his annual tour of inspection: "There are now in the county charge fifty- two persons — twenty-seven men and twenty-five women, varying in age from twenty years to the oldest, Miss Mary Gilbert, who is seventy-six years of age. She came from the town of Richmond but a few years since, where she had worked for a livelihood until old age came, and she found a home in her present place of abode. Every time Supervisor Hulce, Richmond, comes to the house, she thanks him over and over again for sending her to such a good home. Among the charter members are Mary Hutchin son, from Lyons, and Betsey Thompson, from Troy, who each count twenty-eight years of life as county charges. The " character " of the institution is Mrs Stearns, sixty-six years of age. She was brought to the home from Whitewater twenty-one years ago. After remaining a short time, she was sent to the hospital for the insane, Madison, but after a few years she was re turned as incurable, since which time she has presided, as she thinks, over the whole institution. She issues her orders with the confidence of a queen that they will be obeyed, and the language and invectives of a pirate. Tirelessly she toils in the laundry, as chamber-maid, mopping the rooms, working on as landlady of a great hotel. Her "boarders" pay her $1,000 a day. In her little room she takes her meals alone, accepting nothing from the common table, only such as comes from the Superintendent's table. Occasionally, the little table is set for two, herself and 'George,' it is supposed a son, but he comes not and her life goes on from day to day, nearing the goal where there is perfect rest. Mrs. Stearns was, years ago, a successful teacher in Richmond and WThitewater. Her maiden name is unknown. A few years of married life, a son born to her, deserted by her husband, crazed, she is now as she is. The son, it is said, was a cripple, and no one knows what became of him. This is all that can be said of the wreck of a once beautiful, accomplished woman. A victim of man's desertion, a life, may be, uncom- prehended by herself, she will pass away unknown by relatives or friends of early days. One cannot walk through these rooms without feelings of sorrow at the spectacle of human misery, mind and body, crippled, sufferers from loathsome diseases, idiots, the insane, most of whom are in this condition from gratifying their appetites and passions, and now their possessors are wrecks of the worst description. Others there are, who, from sickness and misfortunes, occupy their present places. A lesson to all can be learned frcm these poor inmates. " Hon. Charles Dunlap is Superintendent. In his onerous duties he is ably assisted by Mrs. Dunlap, who has an eye to all the inner management of the various affairs of the house. Mrs. Eaton is matron, and has the charge of certain portions of the work. Any person who will take the pains to visit them and pass through the various apartments, will need no assertions to convince him that those in charge are faithful to their trust, that there is no management of the poor that excels the care and discipline of the unfortunates of Walworth County. Not only are the physical wants fully attended to, but strenuous efforts are made to so engage those not incurably insane as to lead them from the thought of their woes, to dispossess their minds of the mania controlling them. Every person who can has some light task to perform. In this, as well as some other features, the partial insane are better cared for than in any insane hospital in the land. The managers of the poor-house are indeed faithful public servants. Their po sitions are no sineciires. The man who so faithfully carries on the work so ably performed by the late T. W. Hill, will not be found in the person of every applicant. Mr. Dunlap ably per forms his trust. The county cannot afford to do without him. In his efforts to make the insti tution perfect in its way, .the Superintendent receives the cordial support of the other two mem- 450 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. bers of the board, Hons. Hollis Latham, of Elkhorn, and E. Hulce, of Richmond. Notwith standing the comparative small expense attending the keeping of these paupers, from $1.25 to $1.50 a week, per capita, they are remarkably well cared for They have good, palatable food, comfortable clothing and good rooms. The whole matter, in a nut shell, was given by Secretary Wright when he said to the writer: ' You are welcome to say for the State Board of Chanties and Reform that the Walworth County Poor House is the best in the State. The report of the Superintendents of the Poor for the year 1881 shows an annual expenditure for the support of the poor of $1,555.70, for outside relief, and $118.11 for transient paupers (tramps). The whole number of inmates of the poor-house for the year was seventy-three. The average number was fifty-six. The cost of their maintenance per capita, exclusive of what was raised on the farm, was $64.04 per annum, or $1.23 per week. The products of the farm were: Wheat, 150 bushels; corn, 1,500 bushels; oats, 505 bushels; potatoes, 350 bushels; bar ley, 26 bushels; onions, 25 bushels; beets, 200 bushels; tobacco, 1,000 pounds; hay, 60 tons; hogs sold, 7,660 pounds; hogs slaughtered, 5,400 pounds; beef slaughtered, 3,000 pounds; 40 turkeys; 70 chickens; 34 pigs; 32 lambs. The inventory of personal property aggregated $6,- 714.05. ROSTER OF COUNTY OFFICERS FROM 1839 TO 1881. 1839— Commissioners, Nathaniel Bell, Benjamin Ball, William Bowman; Clerk, V. A. McCracken; Register of Deeds, LeGrand Rockwell. 1840 — Commissioners, Christopher Douglass, Chairman, Nathaniel Bell, William Bowman; Clerk, Hollis Latham; Register of Deeds, LeGrand Rockwell; Treasurer, William Hollinshead. 1841 — Commissioners, Christopher Douglass, Nathaniel Bell, Gaylord Graves; Clerk, Hol lis Latham; Register of Deeds, LeGrand Rockwell; Treasurer, William Hollinshead. 1842— Commissioners, Gaylord Graves, Chairman; Robert Holley, George W. Armes; Clerk, Milo Kelsey; Register of Deeds, B. B. Davis; Treasurer, William Hollinshead. 1842 — Supervisors,* John M. Capron, Geneva, Chairman; Israel Williams, Walworth; William A. Bartlett, Delavan; Salmon Thomas, Darien; John Teetshorn, Richmond; Jesse C. Mills, Spring Prairie; Harmon Gray, Elkhorn; Gaylord Graves, Troy; James Tripp, White water; Clerk, John Fish; Register of Deeds, B. B. Davis; Treasurer, Horatio S. Winsor. 1843 — Supervisors, Gaylord Graves, Chairman, East Troy; John Bruce, Darien; Hender son Hunt, Delavan; A. C. Kinne, Elkhorn; Thomas Hovey, Geneva; J. C. Mills, La Fayette; Edwin De Wolf, La Grange; Thomas P. James, Richmond; H. Smith Young, Sharon; B. C. Pierce, Spring Prairie; Jesse Meacham, Troy; George H. Lown, Walworth; Oliver C. Magoon, Whitewater; Clerk, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Register of Deeds, John S. Boyd. 1844 — Supervisors, Oliver C. Magoon, Whitewater, Chairman; Salmon Thomas, Darien; William Phcenix, Delavan; Smith, East Troy; William K. May, Bloomfield; Levi Lee, Elkhorn; Nathaniel Bell, La Fayette; E. J. Hazzard, La Grange; Ira Turner, Linn; John A. Farnum, Geneva; Reuben Rockwell, Hudson ; Thomas P. James, Richmond; E. P. Conrick, Shar on; B. C. Pierce, Spring Prairie; Jesse Meacham, Troy; James A. Maxwell, Walworth; Clerk, Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Register of Deeds, John S. Boyd; Treasurer, Levi Lee. 1845 — Supervisors, Nathaniel Bell, La Fayette, Chairman; John Bruce, Darien; William Phcenix, Delavan; Cyrus Rugg, Bloomfield; Gorham Bunker, East Troy; P. G. Harrington, Elkhorn; Edwin De Wolf, La Grange; JohnW. Boyd, Linn; John A. Farnum, Geneva; Lewis Brown, Hudson; James Cotter, Richmond; E. P. Conrick, Sharon; L. D. Lewis, Spring Prairie; Elias Hibbard, Troy; P. W. Mink, Walworth; T. K. Le Barron, Whitewater; Clerk, Hollis Latham; Register of Deeds, John S. Boyd; Treasurer, Curtis Bellows. 1846 — Supervisors, J. A. Farnum, Geneva, Chairman; Newton McGraw, Darien; Charles H. Sturtevant, Delavan; T. Fellows, Bloomfield; U. D. Meacham, Elkhorn; Austin Carver, East Troy; E. K. Frost, La Fayette; O. G. Ewing, La Grange; John W. Boyd, Linn; J. A. Farnum, Geneva; Z. B. Burk, Hudson; James Cotter, Richmond; Pliny Allen, Sharon; Perry G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; Roderick Merrick, Spring Prairie; Elias Hibbard, Troy; John Reader, Walworth; Prosper Cravath, Whitewater; Clerk, Edwin Hodges; Register of Deeds, Isaac Lyon; Treasurer, Samuel Mallory. *The first Board of Supervisors under the " town system" of government was elected in April, 1842. New boards eleoted at the spring e lections annually. ,«r ^tsfcia^sCA^ HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 453 1847 — Supervisors, George Gale, Elkhorn, Chairman; Newton McGraw, Darien; Charles H. Sturtevant, Delavan; Cyrus Rugg, Bloomfield; Gaylord Graves, East Troy; Christopher Wiswell, La Fayette; James Lauderdale, La Grange; Israel Williams, Linn; John A. Far num, Geneva; John Teetshorn, Richmond; Thomas W. Hill, Hudson; Pliny Allen, Sharon; William Flitcroft, Sugar Creek; A. L. Merrick, Spring Prairie; Adam E. Ray, Troy; Beard sley Lake, Walworth; F. C. Patterson, Whitewater; Clerk, A. A. Thompson; Register of Deeds, Eli K. Frost; Treasurer, Henry H. Hartson; Coroner, Horace N. Hay; Surveyor, Thomas McKaig. 1848 — Supervisors, George Gale, Elkhorn, Chairman; Gaylord Blair, Darien; Samuel Jones, Delavan; Pliny Allen, Sharon; William Patterson, Richmond; Isaac U. Wheeler, White water; Beardsley Lake, Walworth; Perry G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; James Lauderdale, La Grange; John P. Snell, Linn; S. W. Spafard, Geneva; Harvey M. Curtis, La Fayette; R. J. Northrop, Troy; Samuel Allen, Bloomfield; Reuben Rockwell, Hudson; Ephraim Foot, Spring Prairie; Joel Pound, East Troy; Clerk, Eli K. Frost; Register of Deeds, Eli K. Frost; Treasurer, Henry H. Hartson; Coroner, Horace N. Hay; Surveyor, Thomas McKaig. 1849 — Supervisors, A. E. Ray, Troy, Chairman; George Cotton, Darien; Henry Mallory, Delavan; David Wilcox, Sharon; A. Whiting, Richmond; George G. Williams, Whitewater; Beardsley Lake, Walworth; Perry G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; James Lauderdale, La Grange; S. C. Burdick, Linn; C. M. Goodsell, Geneva; Ralph Patrick, La Fayette; Cyrus Rugg, Bloom field; Thomas W. Hill, Hudson; Roderick Merrick, Spring Prairie; Gaylord Graves, East Troy ; E. R. Utter, Elkhorn; Clerk, A. A. Thompson; Register of Deeds, Eli K. Frost; Treasurer, Henry H. Hartson; Coroner, Horace N. Hay; Surveyor, Thomas McKaig. 1850 — Supervisors, John P. Snell, Linn, Chairman; George Cotton, Darien; James Aram, Delavan; Darius B. Mason, Sharon; A. Whiting, Richmond; Solmous Wakeley, Whitewater; David Coon, Jr., Walworth; Perry G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; E. J. Hazzard, La Grange; S. W. Spafard, Geneva; Nathaniel Bell, La Fayette; Timothy Mower, Troy; David W. Carey, Bloomfield; Z. B. Burk, Hudson; Ephraim Foot, Spring Prairie; Henry B. Clark, East Troy; George H. Young, Elkhorn; Clerk, Lyman Cowdery. 1851 — Register of Deeds, Chester D. Long; Treasurer, Henry H. Hartson; Coroner, David Williams; Surveyor, Thomas McKaig; Supervisors, H. S. Winsor, Elkhorn, Chairman; George Cotton, Darien; S. S Barlow, Delavan; John Dickson, Sharon; Jacob M. Fish, Richmond; Leander Birge, Whitewater; David Coon, Jr., Walworth; Perry G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; James Lauderdale, La Grange; John P. Snell, Linn; David Williams, Geneva; John Bell, La Fayette; Soldan Powers, Troy; H. C. Stewart, Bloomfield; Charles L. Gillett, Hudson; Thomas Gage, Spring Prairie; Henry B. Clark, East Troy; Clerk, Lyman Cowdery. 1852 — Register of Deeds, Chester D. Long; Treasurer, Hollis Latham; Coroner, David Williams; Surveyor, Thomas McKaig; Supervisors, George Cotton, Darien, Chairman; S. W. Voorhees, Sharon; Jacob M. Fish, Richmond; Solmous Wakeley, Whitewater; D. C. Porter, Walworth; Norman L. Gaston, Delavan; Perry G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; David S. Elting, La Grange; William H. Lewis, Linn; David Williams, Geneva; John Bell, La Fayette; Garret Winne, Troy; S. W. Bronson, Bloomfield; Hiram B. Reed, Hudson; Austin L. Merrick, Spring Prairie; Henry B. Clark, East Troy; Le Grand Rockwell, Elkhorn; Clerk, Lyman Cowdery. 1853 — Register of Deeds, John A. Perry; Treasurer, Henry H. Hartson; Coroner, Samuel Pratt; Surveyor, Samuel C. Kelsey; Supervisors, Le Grand Rockwell, Chairman, Elkhorn; S. W. Voorhees, Sharon; Salmon Thomas, Darien; J. E. Irish, Richmond; S. Wakeley, White water; David Coon, Jr., Walworth; A. H. Taggart, Delavan; J. R. Kinne, Sugar Creek; James Lauderdale, La Grange; A. T. Wheeler, Linn; J. A. Farnum, Geneva; Harvey Curtis, La Payette; Garret Winne, Troy; W. D. Chapin, Bloomfield; H. B. Reed, Hudson; Thomas Gage, Spring Prairie; Gorham Bunker, East Troy; Clerk, C. W. Sibley. 1854 — Register of Deeds, John A. Perry; Treasurer, Henry H. Hartson; Coroner, Samuel Pratt; Surveyor, Samuel C. Kelsey; Supervisors, E. K. Frost, Sugar Creek, Chairman; Henry Dennis, Sharon; E. M. Rice, Richmond; C. D. Long, Darien; S. Wakeley, Whitewater; David Coon, Walworth; James S. Mott, Delavan; E. K. Frost, Sugar Creek; James Lauder dale, La Grange; George Allen, Linn; Joseph Gates, Geneva; James Harkness, La Fayette; 454 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. S. S. Potter, Troy; W. D. Chapin, Bloomfield; Reuben Rockwell, Hudson; Thomas Gage, Spring Prairie; Gorham Bunker, East Troy; Otis Preston, Elkhorn; Clerk, C. W. Sibley. 1855 — Register of Deeds, Henry Adkins; Treasurer, Samuel Mallory; Coroner, William H. Pettit; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs; Supervisors, E. K. Frost, Chairman, Sugar Creek; Pliny Allen, Sharon; H. A. Johnson, Darien; E. M. Rice, Richmond; Solmous Wakeley, White water; Amos Bailey, Walworth; E. P. Conrick, Delavan; Richard Fairchild, La Grange; George Allen, L:nn; C. W. Smith, Geneva; James Harkness, La Fayette; A. M. Perry, Troy; W. D. Chapin, Bk<. infield; Z. B. Burk, Hudson; Thomas Gage, Spring Prairie; John F. Pot ter, East Troy; Otis Pieston, Elkhorn; Clerk, C. W. Sibley. 1856 — Register oil:1 , Henry Adkins; Treasurer, Samuel Mallory; Coroner, William H. Pettit; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs; Supervisors, Adam E. Ray, Troy, Chairman; George Mans field, Sharon; C. D. Long, Darien; A. Whiting, Richmond; J. W. Wheeler, Whitewater; Elijah Easton, Walworth; E. P. Conrick, Delavan; P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; D. W. C. Barron, La Grange; A. McBride, Linn; C. W. Smith, Geneva; R. T. Seymour, La Fayette; C. Rugg, Bloomfield; Russell Wait, Hudson; James McNay, Spring Prairie; D. W. Patterson, East Troy; A. J. Frost, Elkhorn; Clerk, C. W. Sibley. 1857 — Register of Deeds, Henry Adkins; Treasurer, D. P. Handy; Coroner, J. B. Hutch- ins; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs; Supervisors, Adam E. Ray, Chairman, Troy; George Mans field, Sharon; Josiah Dodge, Darien; Andrew Whiting, Richmond; J. L. Pratt, Whitewater; Elijah Easton, Walworth; E. P. Conrick, Delavan; P. G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; Hiram Cross, La Grange; James Emery, Linn; Alonzo Potter, Geneva; R. T. Seymour, La Fayette; Cyrus Rugg, Bloomfield; Ebenezer Dayton, Hudson; Jonathan Leach, Spring Prairie; Austin Carver, East Troy; J. C. Mills, Elkhorn; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1858 — Register of Deeds, Henry Adkins; Treasurer, D P. Handy; Coroner, J. B. Hutch- ins; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs; Supervisors, E. P. Conrick, Delavan, Chairman; David Wil cox, Sharon; H. A. Johnson, Darien; A. Whiting, Richmond; R. O'Connor, Whitewater; E. L. Gilbert, Walworth; S. G. Frost, Sugar Creek; S. Hanson, La Graoge; Charles Cornue, Linn; C. W. Smith, Geneva; R. B. Burroughs, La Fayette; Daniel Hooper, Troy; Cyrus Rugg, Bloomfield; H. B. Reed, Hudson; Daniel Salisbury, Spring Prairie; Gorham Bunker, East Troy; J. F. Brett, Elkhorn; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1859 — Register of Deeds, B. B. Humphrey; Treasurer, D. P. Handy; Coroner, Daniel C. Roundy; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs; Supervisors, E. P. Conrick, Delavan, Chairman; F. P. Arnold, Sharon; G. W. Lamont, Darien; A. Whiting, Richmond; E. S. Redington, White water; E. L. Gilbert, Walworth; S. G. Frost, Sugar Creek; S. Hanson, La Grange; B. F. Groesbeck, Linn; A. S. Palmer, Geneva; R. B. Burroughs, La Fayette; M. Taylor, Troy; A. Stafford, Bloomfield; H. B. Reed, Hudson; D. Salisbury, Spring Prairie; William Burgit, East Troy; O. Preston, Elkhorn; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1860 — Register of Deeds, B. B. Humphrey; Treasurer, D. P. Handy; Coroner, Daniel C. Roundy; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs; Supervisors, Edwin Hodges, Elkhorn, Chairman; F. P. Arnold, Sharon; P. M. Cole, Darien; Elisha Hulce, Richmond; J. L. Pratt, Whitewater; S. C. Moody, Walworth; Salmon Thomas, Delavan; Thomas Davis, Sugar Creek; Charles Heath, La Grange; James Emery, Linn; A. S. Palmer, Geneva; C. Wiswell, La Fayette; S. S. Porter, Troy; W. D. Chapin, Bloomfield; H. B. Reed, Hudson; Fred Perkins, Spring Prairie; William Burgit, East Troy; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1861 — Register of Deeds, B. B. Humphrey; Treasurer, John F. Brett; Coroner, G. C. Gardner; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs; Supervisors, E. Hodge, Chairman; F. P. Arnold, Sharon; P. M. Cole, Darien; Elisha Hulce, Richmond; S. M. Billings, AVhitewater; David Coon, Wal worth; Thomas Davis, Sugar Creek; Charles Heath, La Grange; A. S. Palmer, Geneva; C. Wiswell, La Fayette; S. S. Porter, Troy; William Burgit, East Troy; S. Thomas, Delavan; W. D. Chapin, Bloomfield; H. B. Reed, Hudson; W. P. Storms, Spring Prairie; B. F. Groesbeck, Linn; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1862— Register of Deeds, B. B. Humphrey; Treasurer, John F. Brett; Coroner, G. C. Gard-r ner^Surveyor, James L. Tubbs; Superintendent of Schools, A. J. Cheney; *Supervisors— •State law; March 28, 1861:— One Supervisor to each Assembly District. This law was repealed February 17. 1869. and the town system re-established. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 4 55 Charles H. Sturtevant, Chairman; S. Wakeley, Thomas W. Hill, J. L. Edwards, Charles Martin; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1863 — Register of Deeds, Otis B. Houghton; Treasurer, John F. Brett; Coroner, Julius A. Treat; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs ; Superintendent of Schools, A. J. Cheney; Supervisors, T. W. Hill, Chairman; S. Wakeley, J. L. Edwards, Charles Martin, Charles H. Sturtevant; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1864 — Register of Deeds, Otis B. Houghton; Treasurer, John F. Brett; Coroner, Julius A. Treat; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs; Superintendent of Schools, A. J. Cheney; Supervisors, Thomas W. Hill, Chairman; Christopher Wiswell, George Allen, F. P. Arnold, J. L. Edwards; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1865 — Register of Deeds, Otis B. Houghton; Treasurer, John F. Brett; Coroner, Henry Adkins; Surveyor, Warren Beckwith; Superintendent of Schools, A. J. Cheney; Supervisors, Thomas W. Hill, Chairman; Christopher Wiswell, George Allen, F. P. Arnold, J. L. Edwards; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1866 — Register of Deeds, Otis B. Houghton; Treasurer, John F. Brett; Coroner, Henry Adkins; Surveyor, Warren Beckwith; Superintendent of Schools, O. T. Bright; Supervisors, George Allen, Chairman; Thomas W. Hill, George A. Ray, Lucius Allen, E. F. Crumb; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1867 — Register of Deeds, James H. Lawton; Treasurer, Newton McGraw; Coroner, G. C. Gardner ; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs; Superintendent of Schools, O. T. Bright; Supervis ors, Lucius Allen, Chairman; Thomas W. Hill, George A. Ray, John M. Evans, W. G. Wright;. Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1868 — Register of Deeds, James H. Lawton; Treasurer, Newton McGraw ; Coroner, G. C. Gardner ; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs ; Superintendent of Schools, O. T. Bright; Supervisors,. R.T.Seymour, Chairman; W. D. Chapin, W. H. Conger, W. G. Wright, John M. Evans; Clerk,. M. E. Dewing. 1869 — Register of Deeds, Charles A. Noyes; Treasurer, David L. Fairchild; Coroner, Wellington Hendrix; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs; Superintendent of Schools, Elon Lee.* Supervisors, W. D. Chapin, Chairman; W. H. Conger, James Aram, Cyrus Church, Thomas Davis; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1870 — Register of Deeds, Charles A. Noyes; Treasurer, David L. Fairchild; Coroner, Wel lington Hendrix; Surveyor, James L. Tubbs; Superintendent of Schools, Melzer Montague; Supervisors, E. D. Richardson, Geneva Village, Chairman; William Aldrich, Spring Prairie; George Brown, Richmond; J. W. Church, East Troy; C. L. Douglass, Walworth; P. G. Har rington, Sugar Creek; J. F. Lyon, Darien; C. L. Oatman, Geneva; J. W. Peck, La Fayette; George A. Ray, La Grange; Amos Stafford, Bloomfield; C. P. Taylor, Lyons; James Aram, Delavan; James Emery, Linn; E. Latimer, Delavan Village; N. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; W. H. Mayhew, Troy; John Mereness, Sharon; S. A. White, Whitewater Village; C. Wiswell, Elkhorn; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1871 — Register of Deeds, Charles A. Noyes; Coroner, A. G. Leland; Surveyor, Warren Beckwith; Superintendent of Schools, Melzer Montague; Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Darien, Chair man; F. P. Arnold, Sharon; N. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; S. A. White, Whitewater Village; C. L. Douglass, Walworth; James Aram, Delavan; N. McGraw, Delavan Village; J. T. Isham,. Sugar Creek; James Lauderdale, La Grange; James Emery, Linn; James Simmons, Geneva; E. D. Richardson, Geneva Village; C. H. Wylie, La Fayette;' L. J. Smith, Troy; Amos Stafford, Bloomfield; C. P. Taylor, Lyons; A. M. Aldrich, Spring Prairie; Alexander Frazer, East Troy; C. Wiswell, Elkhorn; Benajah Clark, Richmond; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1872 — Register of Deeds, Charles A. Noyes; Treasurer, David L. Fairchild; Coroner, A. G. Leland; Surveyor, Warren Beckwith; Superintendent of Schools, Melzer Montague; Super visors, J. F. Lyon, Darien, Chairman; J. A Treat, Sharon; W. A. Knilans, Richmond; IS. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; T. D. Weeks, Whitewater Village; C. L. Douglass, Walworth; James Aram, Delavan; N. McGraw, Delavan Village; Thomas Davis, Sugar Creek; James Lauderdale La Grange; James Emery, Linn; Charles Dunlap, Geneva; S. H. Stafford, Geneva Village Calvin H. Wylie, La Fayette; L. J. Smith, Troy; Amos Stafford, Bloomfield; John Brown To All vacancy. 456 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Lyons; A. M. Aldrich, Spring Prairie; A. O. Babcock, East Troy; Wyman Spooner, Elkhorn; Clerk, M. E. Dewing. 1873— Register of Deeds, Charles A. Noyes; Treasurer, David L. Fairchild; Coroner, Charles D. Root; Surveyor, Warren Beckwith; Superintendent of Schools, Melzer Montague; Super visors, R. T. Seymour, La Fayette, Chairman; W. R. Herron, Sharon; Daniel Rodman, Darien; AV. A. Knilans, Richmond; N. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; S. A. White, Whitewater Village; E. R. Swinney, Walworth; James Aram, Delavan; George Cotton, Delavan Village; Thomas Davis, Sugar Creek; James Lauderdale, La Grange; J. W. Boyd, Linn; Charles Dunlap, Geneva; C. L. Oatman, Geneva Village; James E. Reynolds, Troy; T. H. Fellows, Bloomfield; E. B. Farnum, Lyons; A. M. Aldrich, Spring Prairie; Alex Frazer, East Troy; E. B. Dewing, Elk horn; Clerk, *M. E. Dewing. 1874 — Register of Deeds, Charles A. Noyes; Treasurer, David L. Fairchild; Coroner, Charles D. Root; Surveyor, Warren Beckwith; Superintendent of Schools, S. P. Ballard; Supervisors, John W. Boyd, Linn, Chairman; W. R. Herron, Sharon; J. F. Lyon, Darien; W. A. Knilans, Richmond; N. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; J. W. Denison, Whitewater Village; C. L. Douglass, Walworth; James Aram, Delavan; E. M. Sharp, Delavan Village; Ole Jacob- son, Sugar Creek; William Greening, La Grange; Charles Dunlap, Geneva; B. O. Reynolds, Geneva Village; H. M. Curtis, La Fayette; James E. Reynolds, Troy; S. W. Benson, Bloom field; E. B. Farnum, Lyons; A. M. Aldrich, Spring Prairie; Alex Frazer, East Troy; Chris topher Wiswell, Elkhorn Village. 1875 — Clerk, fDyar L. Cowdery; Register of Deeds, Arthur L. Sanborn; Treasurer, David L. Fairchild; Coroner, William H. Bell; Surveyor, Warren Beckwith; Superintendent of Schools, S. P. Ballard; Supervisors, David Williams, Darien, Chairman; J. A. Treat, Sharon; John Pemberton, Richmond; William DeWolf, Whitewater; C. L. Douglass, Walworth; J. W. Denison, Whitewater Village; H. G. Hollister, Delavan; George Cotton, Delavan Village; S. R. Edwards, Sugar Creek; William Greening, La Grange; A. Merriam, Linn; Charles Dunlap, Geneva; B. O. Reynolds, Geneva Village; A. C. Norton, La Fayette; James E. Reynolds, Troy; S. W. Benson, Bloomfield; A. M. Aldrich, Spring Prairie; William Burgit, East Troy; E. B. Dewing, Elkhorn Village 1876 —Clerk, Dyar L. Cowdery; Register of Deeds, Arthur L. Sanborn; Treasurer, David L. Fairchild; Coroner, William H. Bell; Surveyor, Warren Beckwith; Superintendent of Schools, Fred W. Isham; Supervisors, John De Wolf, Darien, Chairman; J. A. Treat, Sharon; W. A. Knilans, Richmond; N. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; J. W. Denison, Whitewater Village; A. H. Hitchcock, Walworth; H. G. Hollister, Delavan; George Cotton, Delavan Village; Donald Stewart, Sugar Creek; M. P. Bishop, La Grange; G. W. Barr, Linn; Charles Dunlap, Geneva; B. O. Reynolds, Geneva Village; Joseph Potter, La Fayette; John Matheson, Troy; A. H. Abell, Bloomfield; William Meadows, Lyons; A. M. Aldrich, Spring Prairie; Alex Frazer, East Troy; E. B. Dewing, Elkhorn Village. 1877 — Clerk, Dyar L. Cowdery; Register of Deeds, Arthur L. Sanborn; Treasurer, F. W. Blomiley; Coroner, William H. Bell; Surveyor Jamos Child; Superintendent of Schools, Fred W. Isham; Supervisors, J. A. Treat, Sharon, Chairman; J. B. Johnson, Darien; T. P. James, Richmond; N. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; J. W. Denison, Whitewater Village; C. L. Douglass, Walworth; H. G. Hollister, Delavan; George Cotton, Delavan Village; S. R. Edwards, Sugar Creek; M. P. Bishop, La Grange; D. S. Allen, Linn; S. H. Stafford, Geneva; E. D. Richard son, Geneva Village; J. P. Wylie, La Fayette; John Matheson, Troy; A. H. Abell, Bloomfield; William Meadows, Lyons; A. M. Aldrich, Spring Prairie; William Burgit, East Troy; Lucius Allen, Elkhorn. 1878 —Clerk, Dyar L. Cowdery; Register of Deeds, Arthur L. Sanborn; Treasurer, F. W. Blomiley; Coroner, William H. Bell; Surveyor, James Child; Superintendent of Schools, Fred W. Isham; Supervisors, M. P. Bishop, La Grange, Chairman; J. A. Treat, Sharon; W. A. Kni lans, Richmond; N. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; J. W. Denison, Whitewater Village; C. L. Douglass, Walworth; K G. Hollister, Delavan; E. Latimer, Delavan Village; S. R. Edwards, Sugar Creek; D. S. Allen, Linn; Charles Palmetier, Geneva; W. H. Hammersley, Geneva Vil- *Died March, 1874, and E. B. Dewing appointed to fill vacancy. fOowdery elected in November, 1874. Term began January 1, 1875. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 457 lage; C. H. Wylie, La Fayette; John Matheson, Troy; A. H. Abell, Bloomfield; William Mead ows, Lyons; E. D. Page, Spring Prairie; William Burgit, East Troy; 0. C. Chase, Elkhorn Village. 1879 — Clerk, Dyar L. Cowdery; Register of Deeds, William H. Morrison; Treasurer, F. W. Blomiley; Coroner, William H. Bell; Surveyor, James Child; Superintendent of Schools, Fred W. Isham; Supervisors, M. P. Bishop, La Grange, Chairman; J. A. Treat, Sharon; John De Wolf, Darien; W. A. Knilans, Richmond; N. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; W. L. R. Stewart, Whitewater Village; E. R. Maxon, Walworth; H. G. Hollister, Delavan; E. Latimer, Delavan Village; S. R. Edwards, Sugar Creek; D. S. Allen, Linn; H. W. Hammersley, Geneva; S. H. Stafford, Geneva Village; Virgil Cobb, La Fayette; W. N. Mayhew, Troy; A. H. Abell, Bloom field; M. W. Kinney, Lyons; E. D. Page, Spring Prairie; William Burgit, East Troy; W. H. Hurlbut, Elkhorn Village. 1880 — Clerk, Dyar L. Cowdery; Register of Deeds, William H. Morrison; Treasurer, F. W. Blomily; Coroner, William H. Bell; Surveyor, James Child; Superintendent of Schools, William R. Taylor; Supervisors, D. S. Allen, Linn, Chairman; A. Kull, Jr., Bloomfield; J. B. Johnson, Darien; H. G. Hollister, Delavan; James Aram, Delavan Village; William Burgit, East Troy; C. Wiswell, Elkhorn Village; W. H. Hammersley, Geneva; B. O. Reynolds, Geneva Vil lage; Virgil Cobb, La Fayette; William Greening, La Grange; D. S. Allen, Linn; M. W. Kin ney, Lyons; W. A. Knilans, Richmond; W. R. Herron, Sharon; E. D. Page, Spring Prairie; Donald Stewart, Sugar Creek; J. G. Briggs, Troy; Zina Cotton, Walworth; N. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; W. L. R. Stewart, Whitewater Village; Clerk, Dyar L. Cowdery. 1881 — Register of Deeds. William H. Morrison; Treasurer, F. W. Blomiley; Coroner, William H. Bell; Surveyor, James Child; Superintendent of Schools, William R. Taylor; Supervisors, W. D. Chapin, Bloomfield, Chairman; J. B. Johnson, Darien; H. G. Hollister,. Delavan; James Aram, Delavan Village; H. H. Rogers, East Troy; Lucius Allen, Elkhorn Village; W . H. Hammersley, Geneva; B. O. Reynolds, Geneva Village; Theodorus Nor throp, La Fayette; M. P. Bishop, La Grange; D. S. Allen, Linn; M. W. Kinney, Lyons; W. A. Knilans, Richmond; W. R. Herron, Sharon; Orris Pratt, Spring Prairie; Donald Stewart, Sugar Creek; J. E. Reynolds, Troy; C. L. Douglass, Walworth; N. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; J. W. Denison, Whitewater Village. 1882— Clerk, Dyar L. Cowdery; Register of Deeds, William H. Morrison; Treasurer, F. W. Blomily; Coroner, William H. Bell; Surveyor, James Childs; Superintendent of Schools, William R. Taylor. LEGISLATORS. Walworth County was not organized at the time of the first Territorial Legislative Assem bly, but at the four sessions of the second Assembly, held during the years 1838, 1839 and 1840, the two counties of Walworth and Rock were represented in the Council by James Maxwell, of Big Foot Prairie, Walworth County, and in the Assembly by Othni Beardsley, of Troy, Wal worth County, and Edward V. Whiton, of Janesville, Rock County. At the first session of the Third Territorial Assembly, James Maxwell was President of the Council, representing the two counties at this and the succeeding session — winters of 1840-41 and 1841-42. The members in the Assembly from Walworth County during these two sessions were Jesse C. Mills, Elkhorn; Hugh Long, Darien, and James Tripp, of Whitewater, in place of Hugh Long, resigned. Fol lowing are the names of the members representing Walworth County in the subsequent Terri torial Assemblies: First Session of Fourth Legislative Assembly, 1842-43— Council, Charles M. Baker, Ge neva; Assembly, James Tripp, Whitewater; John M. Capron, Geneva; William A. Bartlett, Delavan. Second Session, 1843-44 — Same as above. Third Session, 1845 — Council, Charles M. Baker, Geneva; Assembly, Stephen Field, East Troy; Jesse C. Mills, Elkhorn. Fourth Session, 1846 — Council, Charles M. Baker, Geneva; Assembly, Caleb Croswell, Delavan; Warner Earl, Whitewater; Gaylord Graves, East Troy. First Session of Fifth Legislative Assembly, 1847 — Council, Henry Clark, Walworth; Assembly, Charles A. Bronson, Palmer Gardner, Spring Prairie. 458 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Special Session of Fifth Assembly, 1847— Council, Henry Clark, Walworth; Assembly, Elea zar Wakeley, Whitewater; George Walworth, Spring Prairie. Second Session of Fifth Assembly, 1848— Council, Henry Clark, Walworth; Assembly, Eleazar Wakeley, Whitewater; George Walworth, Spring Prairie. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. The first Constitutional Convention assembled at Madison on the 5th day of October, 1846, and adjourned on the 16th day of December, 1846, having framed a constitution which was sub mitted to a vote of the people on the first Tuesday in April, 1847, and the same was rejected. The following were the members from Walworth County: Solmous Wakeley, Whitewater; Joseph Bowker, Delavan; Charles M. Baker, Geneva; John W. Boyd, Geneva; William Bell, Walworth; Lyman H. Seaver, Darien; Sewall Smith, East Troy; Josiah Topping, Delavan; William Berry, Spring Prairie. The second convention assembled at Madison on the 15th of December, 1847, and framed a constitution which was submitted to a vote of the people and adopted. The following were the members from Walworth County: James Harrington, Spring Prairie; Augustus C. Kinne, Sugar Creek; George Gale, Elkhorn; Experience Estabrook, Geneva; Hollis Latham, Elkhorn; Ezra A. Mulford, Walworth. STATE GOVERNMENT. The first session of the State Legislature was held at the capitol at Madison on Monday 4he 5th day of June, A. D. 1848. Below are given the names of the members representing Walworth County in the Senate and Assembly. 1848- -Senate, John W. Boyd, Geneva; Assembly, Gaylord Graves, East Troy; Prosper Cravatb, Whitewater; E. D. Richardson, Geneva; Hugh Long, Darien; Milo Kelsey, Delavan. 1849 — Senate, John W. Boyd, Geneva; Assembly, Samuel Pratt, Spring Prairie; Enos I. Hazzard, La Grange; Samuel D. Hastings, Geneva; George H. Lown, Walworth; Milo Kelsey, Delavan. 1850 — Senate, George Gale, Elkhorn; Assembly, A. O. Babsock, East Troy; Rufus Cheney, Jr., Whitewater; Alexander S. Palmer, Geneva; George Sikes, Sharon; Wyman Spooner, Elk horn. 1851 — Senate, George Gale, Elkhorn; Assembly, Adam E. Ray, Troy; H. C. Hemenway, Richmond; Experience Estabrook, Whitewater; Elijah Easton, Walworth; Wyman Spooner, Elkhorn. 1852 — Senate, Eleazar Wakeley, Whitewater; Assembly, Stephen S. Barlow, Elkhorn; Joel H. Cooper, Spring Prairie; Timothy H. Fellows, Genoa; Zerah Mead, Whitewater; Lewis N. Wood, Walworth. 1853 — Senate, Eleazar Wakeley, Whitewater; Assembly, John Bell, La Fayette; James Lauderdale, La Grange; Joseph W. Seaver, Darien; Timothy H. Fellows, Genoa; Oscar F. Bartlett, East Troy; Thomas W. Hill, Springfield. 1854 — Senate, Eleazar Wakeley, Whitewater; Assembly, William P. Allen, Sharon; Oscar F. Bartlett, East Troy; Phipps W. Lake, Walworth; Simeon W Spafard, Geneva; Perry G. Harrington, Sugar Creek; Anderson Whiting, Richmond. 1855 — Senate, Eleazar Wakeley, Whitewater ; Assembly, George Allen, Linn ; Daniel Hooper, Troy; Solmous Wakeley, Whitewater; Levi Lee, Elkhorn; Willard Isham, Delavan; Samuel Pratt, Spring Prairie. 1856— Senate, Jesse C. Mills, Elkhorn; Assembly, Asa W. Farr, Geneva; Robert T. Sey mour, La Fayette; Salmon Thomas, Darien; John F. Potter, East Troy; James Lauderdale, La Grange; William D. Chapin, Bloomfield. 1857 -Senate, Jesse C. Mills, Elkhorn; Assembly, Speaker, Wyman Spooner; David Will iams, Springfield; Samuel W. Voorhees, Sharon; Solmous Wakeley, Whitewater; Wyman Spooner, Elkhorn. 1858— Senate, John W. Boyd, Geneva; Assembly, Elijah Easton, Walworth; Butler G. Noble, Whitewater; John McKibbin, Geneva; James Baker, East Troy. 1859— Senate, John W. Boyd, Geneva; Assembly, Reuben Rockwell, Springfield; Edward P. Conrick, Delavan; Newton S. Murphey, Whitewater; Daniel Hooper, Troy. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 459 1860 — Senate, President, Butler G. Noble, Lieutenant Governor; Oscar F. Bartlett, East Troy; Assembly, Clarkson Miller, Geneva; John De Wolf, Delavan; Anderson Whiting, Rich land; James Child, East Troy. ^1861 — Senate, President, Butler G. Noble, Lieutenant Governor; Oscar F. Bartlett, East Troy; Assembly, Schuyler W. Benson, Bloomfield; Chester D. Long, Darien; Francis Smith, Millard; Wyman Spooner, Elkhorn. 1862 — Senate, Wyman Spooner, Elkhorn; Assembly, Fayette P. Arnold, South Grove; Syl vester Hanson, La Grange; Hilton W. Boyce, Geneva; Hollis Latham, Elkhorn. i 1863 — Senate, President, pro tern., Wyman Spooner, Elkhorn; Assembly, Samuel Pratt, Spring Prairie ; Thomas W. Hill, Springfield; Charles H. Sturtevant, Delavan; George H. Foster, Whitewater. 1864 — Senate, President, Wyman Spooner, Lieutenant Governor; N. M. Littlejohn, White water; Assembly, John Jeffers, Darien; Daniel Smith, Richmond; Daniel C. Roundy, Geneva; Lucius Allen, East Troy. 1865 — Senate, President, Wyman Spooner, Lieutenant Governor; N. M. Littlejohn, White water; Assembly, Hezekiah C. Tilton, Allen's .Grove; Thomas Davis, Millard; Benjamin F. Groesbeck. Linn; Horatio S. Winsor, Elkhorn. 1866 — Senate, President, Wyman Spooner, Lieutenant Governor; N. M. Littlejohn, White water; Assembly, William C. Allen, Delavan; Thomas Davis, Sugar Creek; S. O. Raymond, Geneva; Paris Pettit, East Troy. , 1867 — Senate, President, Wyman Spooner, Lieutenant Governor ; N. M. Littlejohn, White water; Assembly, William C. Allen, Delavan; Frank A. Buckbee, Springfield; Thompson D. Weeks, Whitewater. 1868 — Senate, President, Wyman Spooner, Lieutenant Governor; N. M. Littlejohn, White water; Assembly, Joseph F. Lyon, Darien; John A. Smith, Geneva; George A. Ray, La Grange. ¦ -j( 1869 — Senate, President, Wyman Spooner, Lieutenant Governor ; N. M. Littlejohn, Whitewater; Assembly. Alphonso G. Kellam, Delavan ; John A. Smith, Geneva; Daniel Hooper, Troy. 1870 — Senate, Samuel Pratt, Spring Prairie; Assembly, Henry Hall, Walworth; Stephen R. Edgerton, Spring Prairie; William Burgit, East Troy. 1871— Senate, Samuel Pratt, Spring Prairie; Assembly, John Jeffers, Darien; Amzy Mer riam, Geneva; Samuel A. White, Whitewater. 1872 — Senate, Samuel Pratt, Spring Prairie; Assembly, Elijah M. Sharp, Delavan; Amos W. Stafford, Geneva; Samuel A. White, Whitewater. 1873 — Senate, Samuel Pratt, Spring Prairie: Assembly, Carlos L. Douglass, Walworth; Prank Leland, Elkhorn; Charles R. Gibbs, Whitewater. 1874— Senate, T. D. Weeks, Whitewater; Assembly, Wilson R. Herron, Sharon; FranciB A. Buckbee, Springfield ; William Burgit, East Troy. 1875 — Senate, T. D. Weeks, Whitewater; Assembly, Elijah M. Sharp, Delavan; Charles Dunlap, Elkhorn; Nathaniel M. Bunker, Troy Center. 1876— Senate, Asahel Farr, Kenosha, Wis. ; Assembly, Charles S. Teeple, Darien; Benoni 0. Reynolds, Geneva; D. Mansfield Stearns, Elkhorn. 1877— Senate, Asahel Farr, Kenosha, Wis. ; Assembly, Alfred H. Abell, Geneva; Wilson R. Herron, Sharon; William Greening, Little Prairie. 1878— Senate, B. O. Reynolds, Geneva; Assembly, Alma M. Aldrich, Spring Prairie; Edwin Delos Coe, Whitewater; John Pemberton, Delavan. 1879— Senate, B. O. Reynolds, Geneva; Assembly, Ely B. Dewing, Elkhorn; Albert L. Mason, Sharon; Edwin Delos Coe, Whitewater. 1880— Senate, J. V. Quarles, Kenosha, Wis. ; Assembly, George R. Allen, Bloomfield; D wight B. Barnes, Delavan; C. S. Blanchard, East Troy. 1881— Senate, J. V. Quarles, Kenosha, Wis. ; Assembly, William Meadows, Lyons; Dwight B. Barnes, Delavan; Lindsey J. Smith, Troy. 1882— Senate, Charles Palmetier, Geneva; Assembly, Walter G. Derthick, La Fayette; John W. Broonson; Donald Stewart, Sugar Creek. 460 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. The apportionment for representation of Walworth County in the Legislature since 1848 has been as follows : 1848— Senate, one district, No. 14; Assembly, five districts; First District, Troy, East Troy, Spring Prairie; Second District, Whitewater, Richmond, La Grange; Third District, Geneva, Hudson, Bloomfield; Fourth District, Darien, Sharon, Walworth, Linn; Fifth District, Delavan, Sugar Creek, La Fayette, Elkhorn. 1852— Senate, one district, No. 12; Assembly, six districts; First District, Whitewater, Richmond, La Grange; Second District, Sugar Creek, La Fayette, Troy; Third District, East Troy, Spring Prairie; Fourth District, Elkhorn, Geneva, Hudson; Fifth District, Delavan, Darien, Sharon; Sixth District, Walworth, Linn, Bloomfield. 1856 — Senate, one district, No. 12; Assembly, four districts; First District, Bloomfield, Linn, Geneva, Hudson; Second District, Walworth, Sharon, Darien, Hudson; Third District, Sugar Creek, Richmond, Whitewater, La Grange ; Fourth District, Elkhorn, La Fayette, Spring Prairie, Troy, East Troy. 1861 — Senatorial and Assembly Districts remained unchanged. 1866 — Senate, one district, No. 12; Assembly, three districts;. First District, Sharon, Darien, Richmond, Walworth, Delavan; Second District, Linn, Geneva, Elkhorn, La Fayette, Bloomfield, Lyons, Spring Prairie; Third District, Whitewater, La Grange, Sugar Creek, Troy, East Troy. 1871 — Senatorial District, Walworth and Kenosha united in one district — No. 8; Assembly Districts unchanged. 1876 — Representation unchanged; the numbers designating the Assembly Districts were changed, the Second being named the First, and the First the Second; the Third remained un changed. The apportionment of 1881 gave to Walworth County two Assembly Districts. It proved invalid, and the old apportionment remains in force till a new apportionment is made. COURTS AND OFFICERS. The first United States District Court was held in Elkhorn in April, 1839, by Hon. David Irwin, Judge. This court held sessions for the whole Territorial period, and constituted the principal Court of Appeal till the State was organized and the State Circuit Courts established, in 1847. During that time Judge Irwin occupied the bench. He appointed Le Grand Rockwell as Clerk of the Court, who held the office so long as Judge Irwin presided. The Territorial Sheriffs were: Sheldon Walling, two years; R. H. Mallory, two years; William K. May, two years; Nathaniel Bell, two years. The District Attorneys for the same period were: C. M. Baker, two years; E. Estabrook, two years; S. S. Barlow, four years. Judges of Probate were: Joseph Griffin, 1839 to 1841; John F. Potter, 1841 to 1847. The State courts were organized in 1848, and Walworth County became a part of the First Circuit, embracing the counties of Rock, Walworth, Kenosha, Racine and Green. The desig nating number of the circuit has remained unchanged. In 1869, Rock and Green Counties were detached from the circuit, which has since embraced the three remaining counties — Racine, Kenosha and Walworth. The Judges and court officers of Walworth County have been as be low stated: Judges — The first Judge was Hon. Edward V. Whiton. He was elected to the Supreme bench before the expiration of his term. Hon. Wyman Spooner succeeded him by ap pointment, for the October term of 1853. He was succeeded by Hon. James R. Doolittle, who was elected in June, 1852, taking his seat as Judge in January, 1853. He re signed in the spring of 1856, and resumed the practice of his profession; but he was elected to the United States Senate, January 23, 1857. Hon. Charles M. Baker was ap pointed to serve the unexpired term, but declined to be a candidate for election before the people. He was succeeded by Hon. John M. Keep, who, in 1858, was forced to resign from ill health before the expiration of his term of office. Hon. David Noggle served by appointment the unexpired term, and also for a term full by election. He was succeeded by Hon. William P. Lyon, January 1, 1860, who was elected to the Supreme bench January 20, 1871. The va cancy was filled by the appointment of Hon. Robert Harkness, who served till February, 1875, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 461 when he resigned. Hon. Ira C. Paine served ad interim till the election of John T. Went- worth. He served till the expiration of the term, which expired December 31, 1877, and was re-elected. His present term expires on the first Monday in January, 1884. District Attorneys — Elected as follows: Urban D. Meacham, 1848 to 1852; Stephen S. Bar low, 1852; A. S. Spooner, 1853; H. F. Smith, 1854; A. S. Spooner, 1855; John T. Wentworth, 1857 and 1859; N. S. Murphey, 1861; A. O. Babcock, 1863; Robert Harkness, 1865, 1867 and 1869; A. D. Thomas, 1871, 1873 and 1875; A. S. Spooner, 1877; Jaynes B. Wheeler, 1879; Edward H. Sprague, 1881. Clerks of the Court— Elected as follows: William H. Pettit, 1848, 1850 and 1852; Henry Cousins, 1854, 1856 and 1858; James Simmons, 1860, 1862, 1864, 1866 and 1868; John T. Wentworth* 1870, 1872 and 1874; Joseph F. Lyon, 1875; Levi E. Allen, 1877, 1879 and 1881. Sheriffs— Elected as follows: Otis Preston, 1848; Philetus S. Carver, 1850; Joseph C. Crumb, 1852; Joseph Gates, 1854; John A. Perry, 1856; Hiram A. Stone, 1858; George W. Wylie, 1860; Seth M.Billmgs, 1862; George W. Wylie, 1864;. Hiram A. Stone, 1866; William Humphrey, 1868; Charles G. Fay, 1870; Cyrus P. Taylor, 1872; Sidney C. Goff, 1874; Cyrus P. Taylor, 1876; S. S. Babcock, 1878; George W. Wylie, 1880. Probate Judges — Elected as follows: Wyman Spooner, 1848; William C. Allen, 1849, 1853; John F. Potter,f 1856; Peter Golder, 1857, 1861, 1865, 1869, 1873, 1877 and 1881. WALWORTH COUNTY BAH. The list following comprises, so far as they can be ascertained, the names of those who have been admitted to the bar, and such as have been known as regular practitioners in the Walworth County Courts, from 1839 to 1881. It has been compiled from the court rolls and further supplemented by the revision of the oldest surviving members now in practice: Territorial List. NAMES. Date of Admission Living or Deceased. Present Residence. Residence at time of Death. Remarks. Charles M. Baker ... Wyman Spooner Edward Elderkin S. S. Barlow :... Urban D. Meacham.. H. S. Winsor George Gale Lyman Cowdery T. D. Grant F. C. Patterson E. Estabrook C. D. Pulver Milo Kelsey Warner Earle A. 0. Babcock Eleazar Wakeley Prosper Cravath. James Simmons. 183918421839 1841 1841 18441840 18421842 18451844 Deceased DeceasedLiving . . . Living ... Living ... Living ... Deceased Deceased DeceasedDeceased Living . . . Deceased Deceased Living ... DeceasedLiving ... Living ... Living ... Elkhorn, Wis. Baraboo, Wis. Freeport, 111... Elkhorn. Wis. Omaha, .\eh.. California Omaha, Neb.. Milwaukee, Wis. Geneva, Wis Geneva, Wis.. Geneva. Wis.. Galesville, Wis.. Elkhorn California Whitewater Delavan. Wis. East Troy . United States Judge under James Buchanan. Retired from active practice. •Resigned in 1875. t Elected to Congress in 1857. Lyman Cowdery served by appointment a few months, till the election of Peter Golder. 462 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. State List. NAMES. Thomas McHugh... Robert R. Menzie. James J. Pettit Peter Golder Charles P. Fine .... Henry Cousins John F. Potier James Lewis G. H. Chatterton H. W. Boyce E. W. Cornes Zeohariah Paddock ... Allan Bennett -John Frazer H. F. Smith Levi Lee Henry 0. Montague ., Robert Harkness , Elbert 0. Hand N. A. Hamilton P. H. M. Groesbeck . S. B. Van Buskirk... Charles D. Handy Thompson D. Weeks- John T. Fish Fayette P. Arnold James Redfield M. P. McLaughlin A. G. Kellam Walter C. Dunton Seth P. Hall D. B. Maxson Luther F. S. Viele •Charles E. Griffin John R. Hickox William E. Sheffield N. M. Harrington A. D. Thomas C. E. Perkins Elliott D. Converse James D. Robinson Hiram T. Sharp John A. Smith Joseph H. Page Silas W. Menzie Charles N. Parsons Curtis H. Winsor James H. Merrill Philip V. Coon Bishop Perkins George W. Baker Frank E. Baker Alonzo McLaughlin -George W. Steele Henry F. Wogan John F. Collins Daniel E. Sherman, Jr.... Joseph F. Lyon Newton McGraw IE. S. Weeden Date nf Admission. Jan. 18, 1849. June 9, 1849. Oct. 8, 1850... Oct. 9, 1850 ... Oct. 10, 1850 . May 24, 1852. May 19 1852.. May 19, 1852... May 24, 1866... Oct. 12, 1857 .. Oct. 8, 1857 May 20, 1858.... May 20, 1858.. March 23, 1859. May 20, 1850... Jan. 4, 1861 Oct. 1, 1859 May 17, 1858... Oct. 1, 1859 Sept. 22, 1860. Sept. 21, 1858. Sept. 21, 1858. Sept. 22, 1858. Sept. 28, 1859. July 18, 1859... July 18, 1859.. July 13, 1859... July 13, 1859.. July 13, 1859.. July 14, 1859... Sept. 25, 1858. March 19, 1861 March 17, 1862, March 17, 1862 March 29, 1862 July 8, 1862 July 8, 18152 March 18, 1803. Sept. 22, 1863... March 26, 1864. March 26, 1864. July 18, 1864... Jan. 11, 1865... Jan. 9, 1866 Sept. 19, 1866.. Sept. 17, 186(i.. March 30, 1868, Sept. 22, 1868.., Sept. 22, 1868.., Jan. 12, 1869... March 17, 1869, Sept. 22, 1869., Sept. 22, 1869., Sept. 20, 1809., Oct. 7, 1869 Sept. 20, 1870., Sept. 20, 1870., June 12, 1871... Oct. 2, 187) Feb. 27, 1872... Living or Deceased. Deceased Living Deceased Living ... DeceasedLiving . Living . Living Decea-ed Living ... Living .. Living ... Irving ... Deceased Living ... Living... Living... DeceasedLiving ... Living ... Living ... LivingDeceased Deceased DeceasedLiving ... Living ... Deceased DeceasedDeceased Living Living ... Living .. Deceased Living ... Deceased Living... Living... Living ... Living ... Living . Living . Living ... Living ... Deceased Living ... Freseut Place of Residence. Delavan, Wis. Elkhorn, Wis Arizona Territory. East Troy, Wis.. Mazomanie, Wis. Delavan, Wis... Durand, Wis... Elkhorn, Wis. Colorado Salt Lake City, U. T, Racine, Wis Kenosha, Wis Salt Lake, U. T Whitewater, Wis.. Racine, Wis Chamberlain, D. T. Minnesota.. Kansas City Darien Deadwood, D. T. Geneva, Wis.. Whitewater, Wis.. Delavan, Wis Joplin, Mo Sioux Falls, D. T.. Chicago.. Springfield, 111.. Geneva, Wis.. Elkhorn Chioanfo, 111. Residence at Time of Death. Delavan.. Kenosha., Geneva Elkhorn, Wis... Lynn . Sharon, Wis.... Chicago Palmyra, Wis.. Delavan, Wis. Delavan, WiB. Beloit, Wis. Geneva, Wis.. Delavan.. Remarks. Died at Palatka, Fla. Judge of Probate. Registrar of United States Land Office. Retired from praotioe. Died in the United States Army service. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. State List. — Continued. 463 NAMES. Date of Admission. Living or Deceased. Present Place of Residence. Residence at Time of Death. Remarks. Charles H. Brownson.. Henry Heady John B. Simmons A. h. Shader Henry F. Merritt Jaynes B. Wheeler Oliver Brown John T. Wentworth, Jr... Joseph D. Arnold Ernest Merton Edwin T. Cass Frank H. Winsor Fred E. Latimer E. H. Sprague Augustus B. Knowlton Arthur L. Sanborn A.J. Fidler Henry A. Cooper Charles S. French Foster E. Parsons William M. Tomson .... H. S. Dunlap Edward H. Morris N. S. Murphy John T. Wentworth June 15, 1872.. Feb. 3, 1873 Feb. 21, 1873... June 9, 1873... June 7, 1875 June 12,1876... June 17, 1876... March 7, 1877.. Sept. 10, 1877 Dec. 11, 1877... Feb. 11, 1878 June 10, 1878... Aug. 12, 1878 Aug. 13, 1878... Sept. 9, 1878 Oct. 7, 1878 Dec 28, 1878... Feb. 24, 1879... March 5, 1879.. Feb. 16, 1880... Feb. 24, 1880... Sept. 24, 1881... Sept. 28, 1881.. Oct., 1856. Living... Living ... Living ... Living...Living...Living... Racine, Wis Whitewater, Wis. Geneva, Wis Chicag', 111 Chicago, 111 Elkhorn, Wis.... Living . . Racine, Wis. A. S. Spooner... Samuel Bishop.. Pitt Cravath Edson Kellogg .. Seth L, Carpenter ... H. M. Eastman J. Andrew Stevens.. H. D. Patchen A. W. Farr F. Murphey L. L. Baxter Erastus Foote William H. Pettit.... John L. Forrest John Winneck N.A.Millard Calvin Serl A. B. Webber Henry Burlingame . William C. Allen .... A. B. Braley A. It. Barnes . Henry W. Clark. Living . . . Living. Living . Living...Living.. Living..Living.. Living .. Living..Living .. Living.. Living .. Living .. Living ... Living .. Living .. June, 1850 . 1865 1865 1857 1849 or 1850. 1858., 1853., Burlington, Wis.. East Troy, Wis.... Mitchell, D. T Delavan, Wis Elkhorn, Wis South Carolina..., Madison, Wis...., Racine, Wis , Racine, Wis Geneva. Wis Rochester, Wis... Chicago, 111 Elkhorn, Wis .... Chicago, III Milwaukee, Wis. Racine, Wis Living .. Living .. Living.. Deceased Living ... Unkn' wn Unkn' wn Deceased Deceased Decea-edDeceased DeceasedLiving Living .. Living .. Delavan, Wis Whitewater, Wis. Whitewater, Wis. Michigan Black Hills, D. T.. Decorah, Iowa- Racine, Wis.... Madison, Wis. Whitewater., Geneva Milwaukee . . Washington. Elkhorn Darien., 1854 Living... 1858 Living... Chicago, 111 Fargo, D. T. statistics. Growth of Population. Present Circuit Judge — Ad mitted in Rook County in 1856. In Milwaukee. Accidentally shot hunting. while Practiced in Practiced in Assassinated band. Practiced in Practiced in Practiced in Practiced in Practiced in Practiced in Practiced in Delavan.Delavan. by Quantrell's Geneva. Geneva.Geneva. Elkhorn. Elkhorn. Whitewater. Whitewater. Practiced in Richmond. Practiced in Sharon. County Judge, 1849 to 1853. Judge of the Municipal Court. Practiced in Delavan ; Asso ciate Justice, Dakota. The population, including villages, by census of 1880: Bloomfield, 1,097 (Genoa Junction, 303; rest of town, 794); Darien, 1,394 (village, 427; part of Allen's Grove, 85; rest of town, 882); Delavan, 2,560 (village, 1,798; rest of town, 762); East Troy, 1,407 (village, 368, rest of 464 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. town, 1,039); Elkhorn, 1,122; Geneva, 2,899 (village, 1,969; rest of town, 930); La Fayette, 1,028; La Grange, 921; Linn, 823; Lyons, 1,312 (village, 223; Springfield, 130; rest of town, 959); Richmond, 882; Sharon, 1,956 (village, 657; part of part of Allen's Grove, 116; rest of town, 1,183); Spring Prairie, 1,107 (village, 80; Honey Creek, 56; Vienna, 50; rest of town, 921); Sugar Creek, 980; Troy, 964; Walworth, 1,278; Whitewater, 4, 519 (village, 3,617; rest of town, 902). Presidential Votes, 1848—1880. The political complexion and changes in sentiment are shown by the votes polled at the various Presidential elections since the organization of the State. They have been as follows: 1848— Zachary Taylor, Whig, 804; Martin Van Buren, Free-Soil, 1,494; Lewis Cass, Democrat, 550. 1852— Winfield Scott, Whig, 965; John P. Hale, Free-Soil, 1,432; Franklin Pierce, Dem ocrat, 1,141. 1856 — John C. Fremont, Republican, 3,518; James Buchanan, Democrat, 1,297. 1860 — Abraham Lincoln, Republican, 3,909; Stephen A. Douglas, Democrat, 1,590; scat tering, 18. 1864 — Abraham Lincoln, Republican, 3,455; George B. McClellan, Democrat, 1,192. 1868 — Ulysses S. Grant, Republican, 4,184; Horatio Seymour, Democrat, 1,568. 1872 — Ulysses S. Grant, Republican, 3,512; Horace Greeley, Democrat, 1,970; scattering, 19. 1876 — Rutherford B. Hayes, Republican, 4,212; Samuel J. Tilden, Democrat, 1,499; scat tering, 190. 1880— James A. Garfield, Republican, 4,361; W. S. Hancock, Democrat, 1,886; J. B. Weaver, Greenback, 39. The vote of the county at the Presidential election of 1880, by towns, was : Bloomfield Darien Delavan East Troy Elkhorn Geneva La Fayette La Grange Linn Lyons Richmond Sharon Spring Prairie. Sugar Creek Troy Walworth Whitewater Totals.. Garfield Hancock. Weaver. Republican Ma jority. ?18 59 159 218 102 116 431 179 252 223 130 94 169 96 73 473 162 2 311 1 8 87 71 193 45 2 148 137 49 88 188 140 1 48 130 110 20 401 94 307 173 78 95 156 65 8 91 140 1H5 3 35 257 89 168 696 296 23 400 4361 1886 39 2475 Increase in Wealth. The first full valuation of farming property by townships as they now exist (with the ex ception of Elkhorn, which then comprised what is now Sugar Creek), was made by the County Supervisors October 1, 1844, and was as given in the table below: HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Valuation of 1844. 465 TOWNS. La Grange East Troy Walworth La Fayette Richmond Elkhorn Geneva Spring Prairie. Bloomfield Linn Whitewater Darien Sharon Delavan Troy Hudson Totals $243539 Number of Acres. 1294617310 15-.84 1889310623 14091 ) 16,76 20841 1409913477 13490 16705 1377715628 14608 14892 Value per Acre. $3 28 3 50 2 96T% 3 67J 3 02 3 55 3 43& 3 32$ 3 21^ 3 19 3 32 3 "A 2 32 3 07T«5 3 29 3 38 Total Value. $42620 60690 4SJ.5669435 3210650039 57909692774507042925449025206631914 48073 4805250348 $791581 Equalized Value per Acre. $3 28 3 50 3 30 3 40 3 25 3 40 3 40 3 50 3 25 3 20 3 25 3 30 3 20 3 40 3 40 3 40 Total Equalized Value. $42620 60690514276416834525 47906 5635872943 45812 43126 438425512644086531354966750632 $816063 In contrast with the above, and showing increase in wealth during the past thirty-seven years, the assessed valuation of property, as made in 1881, is given below: VALUATION OF 1881. FARMING LANDS. Village Property. Total Real Estate. Personal Property. TOWNS. Number of Acres. Valuation. Total Valuation. 226532270820035 21700 2142 19713 22188 2204319415 22592226242285123007 21570 22401 2200320520 $497860 639590 484325441545 109390382155 526496414165620565524164 417966 757075 625350 459195453313582538386782 $ 37900 41745 247000 51525 200085 436565 $ 5:s5760 681335 731325 493070 309475 818720526496414165520565568144 417966843825625350459195 4^7263 589158 1149332 $141700 235156 420475 190759 249891218760 170854 139560134504 145546 92134 319624 159876 111204 94613 154282 502454 $ 677460 916491 1151800 East Troy 683829 Elkhorn 559366 1037470 697350 553725 43980 655069 * 713690 510100 86750 1163449 785225 570399 Troy 39506620 762550 551876 Walworth.... 743440 1651786 Totals 350065 $8222474 $1918670 $10141144 $3481381 $13622526 466 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. TABLE showing the assessed value of property in Walworth County each year, from 1842 to 1881. • Fahminc Lands. Village Property. Total Real Estate. Personal Property. TEAR. Number of Acres. Valuation. Valuation. 1842 137320 243538 269279296909301162 312091323365 336101343524344379344083350851 346700348424 346973347421349458 348015 348015349533349415349107 350483350283350926349929351011349717350011350030 350114 350115350156350068 $ 512140 789560 844618932838 975684 1061569159215117513781734815 992732 10913741112898 1962953 2416965249089955088155230681 4996202 5216083523834550512909030305868493290813019092332 9195866 9160090 8687714 8482409 8648316 8447079 8143243849974082513808222474 $ 1908 14189 109784 2390624797 118993 $ 514048 Not given. Not given. 421576* 326723*542352*619663*344045 187158 190659 167708 228768274687290783 380100 366412 1350415 886895 1642833191141216539371769900 355001434920003856000354500035190003509000344500034520003364000332000032330003270000 3265487 3481381 $ 514048 1844 789560 1845 858807 1042622 999590 10363661592151 1280383 1846 1399884 1847 1541942 1848 1656029 1849 1936746 1850+ 1938536 1851 166314 178859 177838 129893167382241550 479960 1121023 11752461048365 976724 992788 10486041887485179500017050001725000162100016310001621000 193200019320001938000191400018990001934628 1918670 19011291171591 12692121242791 213033526583152970789 6629838 64059276044967619280762311336099894 10917790 10479932 107863011081733210816866 10791090 1030871410414409 10580316 10385079 10057243 10398740 10186008 10141144 1925474 1852 1237387 1853 1456983 1854 1490478 1855.... 2421118 3038416 1857 3337201 1858 7980253 1859 7292822 1863 7687400 1865 8104219 1866 7885100 1867 7869794 1868 14467884 1869 13971932 1870 14642301 1871 14362332 1872 14335866 1873 14300090 1874 13753714 1875 13866409 1876 13764316 1877 13705079 1878 13560243 1879 13669740 1,880 13451495 1881 13622525 Note. — There is no record given for the years 1843, 1860, 1861, 1862 and 1864; but they were probably unchanged from the previous year * Included improvements. + Original aasesament roll lost. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. FARMING STATISTICS— CROPS GROWN IN 1880. 467 TOWNS. 1 n CD m •s D1 m "3 S3 i o ¦8 S M >>CD T2 at B ¦S pa co 1 s"o s o CM "3 ft S "8 •S a m p. < m >o o ¦sl oa 4 apo Ph s" 1 a0o CMn 03 So ft. o jaD 7838 1956021436 35177 950 6564 28874 34947 5905 1454425979 9750 15075 26016 34750 1079417854 75075 176910 94880 70225 11190 128100 84170 102760 186800151240 100150 97600 87900 124575 61180 114230142280 54245 94374 84899 48630 8985 61050 51239 49675 59785 4336841940 32700 5629066498 3433866474 39578 3854 34943 26863 •1155 895 5670 15722 12403 1555 11222 3864812820 8040 •15426 5142 10596 1791 590 1240 635 3020 60 400 534 4002 206 1250 98 395 1850 850 1576 891 6800 1195016150 10278 3795 500420 1345 400 10880 15400 24410 10544 6010 50000 5789 161661679510750 11030140501620017499 9251 10296 10950 107 9421 100 1010 30 29 15 142 100 5538 18 1467 1649 671 100 5 642 69 169 403 107 549 588 243 389187 2467 243 28000 79331 54880 2843 3110 2922 2469 454 1500 4381 21342833 2129 1091 262537052451 1952 25903029 86960 6850087016 5019326426 150000 49770 83290 101650 47350 5625036225685004964047902 65465 45025 75700 89845 35480 67879 3200 5000 La Fayette, (1879) 71808006 50509392 7788 5900 73109806 75097945 10684 1646 400 355150 40 440 1580 1200 27200 61800 42749 140 159000 Troy 340 12400 150448 121120 6000 360 109390 366430 31001S 1809265 874068 20674i 17597'l38693 13475 256019J1769 9948 175451 42218 1099152 1312041 Tobacco, Pounds— Darien, 1300; La Grange, 12700; Troy, 9220; Whitewater, 500; total, 23720. ACREAGE UNDER CULTIVATION IN 1881. Total No. of Acres Grains. Potatoes and Boot OropH. Acres. Apple Oeohabd. Grazing and Grasses Acres. Growing Timber. Acres. M i s c e 1- laneous Acres. Much Cows. TOWNS. Number of Acres. Number of Bearing TreeB. Number. Value. Bloomfield 4391 832668356388 523 3560613668044516 55418027 529451626465 5331 67435848 80 102135 97 32 105 8881 476 115 94 122 85 106 80 91 119 159370 267258 72 170 241 190 225255 107 240 341275215259259 4430 7940 13207 6632 3310 4360 75158070938882945776 8700982086566223 7350 7835 2437274938932138 503 1800 28404027 3517 1864 3633 182033913339 3005 3410 3037 2411 1877 26263188 202800 381953473000 31423885 1550 3231 3309262722262163 33 129 62 644 12 17 682028 4 3 824907 595 526 165 700 705621890933473821 706 738 452 859 1378 $21556 22676 18356 East Troy 10520 4070 17600 La Fayette (1880) 13225 19160 22000 19283 Richmond 10548 17175 20700 Sugar Creek 14064 8552 19323 22374 93890 2008 3903 127506 47403 46403 390 12293 $281080 4(58 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. SCHOOLS. Latest School Statistics, compiled from Report of County Superintendent— 1881. TOWNS. Bloomfield Darien Delavan East Troy Elkhorn •Geneva La Fayette La Grange Linn Lyons Richmond Sharon Spring Prairie Sugar Creek... Troy Walworth Whitewater.... Totals .... .0 t- 55 87 1° fc-a . ? CM , - bfl S-.a B co. ; ? 358422 7li3 462 330 1023 261 301 34045230rJ6i5307367 329386 1456 c~ B_; o » o t.P 2 CD cd J 1 co CD s bO 231283542 349 273625 19G 211 199 303204596 252 185 230282 751 511 *4 -^ 5712 8 12 126 ¦=¦§ s I 10 13 95 12 8 10 8 16 9 5 15 160 ¦sSfe P °. * ja 2 g » S < s,?.2 $43 75 55 00 56 65 40 50 88 87 37 25 32 37 32 00 26 25 27 66 34 00 40 50 30 00 26 00 35 83 28 28 47 30 » IX! „E^ ® ® Tj .2 * a * a £ 2 »H isa $27 82 19 95 24 37 23 50 45 00 21 36 20 87 21 75 19 25 24 55 21 00 26 11 24 30 24 31 21 92 22 25 38 74 111"I 125 85 200 22 246 678 TOWNS. Number of achool- honees. Total valua tion of all school- bouses. Total valua tion of bll school sites. Total valua tion of all school appa ratus, etc. Total valua tion of all libraries. Total valua tion of all school prop erty. Amount of money received for 1881. Amount of money expended for 1881. Bloomfield Darien Delavan East Troy Elkhorn Geneva La Fayette La Grange Linn Lyons Richmond Sharon Spring Prairie. Sugar Creek Troy Walworth Whitewater 8 12 95 7 $2000 00 3600 00 12950 00 6000 00 10000 00 21900 00 3000 00 3000 00 2800 00 10000 00 2000 00 8950 00 5950 00 3000 00 4837 00 3500 00 15950 00 $700 00 425 00 875 00 670 00 1000 00 1330 00 300 00 250 00 320 00 400 O'O 240 00 950 00 660 00 190 00 315 00 1220 00 2725 00 *& $200 00 295 00 85 00 65 00 100 00 70 00 100 00 25 00 120 00 200 00 125 00 50 00 200 00 100 00 25 00 93 00 40 00 5 00 150 00 420 00 155 00 $2900 00 4320 00 14035 00 6785 00 1130Q 00 23400 00 3400 00 '3275 00 3240 00 1060O 00 2240 00 9925 00 6703 00 3230 00 5157 00 5025 (0 19095 On $2348 00 2921 41 7184 54 3113 02 4773 55 6900 90 2053 69 2063 06 1793 18 2535 24 1800 38 4592 41 2339 26 2571 73 3473 39 2374 61 8227 22 $1990 99 2593 87 5597 32 2625 83 3165 62 5304 28 1643 51 1854 39 1366 52 2321 86 1350 96 4314 68 2176 58 2552 00 3129 67 1944 48 7816 27 Totals 126 $119437 00*12570 00 $1993 00 $630 00 $134630 00 $60565 59 $51748 83 PRESS OP THE COUNTY. The growth of the county press can be traced in detail by a reference to the histories of the towns. To give an idea of its progress, however, a statement follows, in chronological order, of the establishment by towns of the first journals throughout the county, with a men tion of those at present alive. The first paper, the Western Star, was established at Elkhorn August 8, 1845, by George Gale. In 1848, the Geneva Gazette was founded by David M. Keeler. The first paper published at Delavan, and the third in the county, was the Wal worth County Journal, established in December, 1852, by J. C. Runner. Next, in order of time, was the Whitewater Gazette, started by H. J. Curtice, in January, 1855. The Register was founded by H. L. & L. H. Rann, in March, 1857. In 1868, Rev. J. G. Schaffer commenced ..,..,.. t . .. .A . . 'asyi+sJy ffltxJjuAruhi' HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 471 the publication of the Sharon Mirror, the first joui'nal born in that town, East Troy following her example in August, 1879, by the issuing of the Gazette, by F. D. Craig. The principal papers in the county, at present published, are the Whitewater Register, E. D. Coe, editor; the White water Chronicle, Pitt Cravath, editor; the Walworth County Independent, S. S. Rockwood, editor; Delavan Republican, W. G. Weeks, editor; Delavan Enterprise, E. W. Conable, editor; Geneva Herald, J. E. Heg; Geneva News, J. S. Radger; Sharon Reporter, Messrs. Phelps & Ziegaus, proprietors; East Troy Gazette, C. A. Cook, editor. Detailed accounts of the above publications will be found in the town histories. CONCLUSION. The foregoing chapters contain the chronicles of the early settlers. How they came to the country, how they lived, how they thrived, how they buried their dead, how they tilled the earth, how they got possession of their land, how they established schools and churches, how they came to be a wealthy and prosperous community — all that combined to make the county what it is, has been recounted — quite imperfectly, but sufficiently to give the future historian data from which to write a history of Western civilization. An agricultural community has little of the sensational in its life or growth. It keeps the even tenor of its way, unvexed by the storms that rage in the great centers. The history of Walworth County is that of the growth of a prosperous community, under the fostering care of the best Government the sun ever shone upon. Forty -five years ago, the settlement of Walworth County begun. The man who first put plow into the virgin sod, Palmer Gardner, is still alive. Outside of the American Republic, it has never before been recorded that the fathers should live to see their sons established in a new country. Here the earliest settlers, who came in in 1836, and viewed the country in all the wild loveliness of nature, still live to see it the home of their children. The history is not eventful. It is nevertheless instructive. It shows how out of nothing which man possesses, much which God wills can be made, and as such may prove instructive far beyond the intrinsic worth or literary merits of the work itself. 472 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. ELKHORN. ORGANIZATION. The present town of Elkhorn embraces but a single section of the original town within its limits. The prairie from which the town took its name abounded in the antlers of the elk, when the first white explorers visited it, and from that circumstance its name was derived. The honor of naming the prairie Elkhorn is given to Col. Samuel F. Phcenix, the founder of Delavan, who, in his journal, states that on a journey from Swan Lake (Delavan) in the early part of July, 1836, on coming out upon the prairie, where the army trail crossed it, about a mile or mile and a half east of the present village of Elkhorn, as he lay down to rest under a huge burr-oak, he saw in the forks of the tree the antlers of an elk, which some passer-by had hung there, which, suggested to him the name of Elkhorn for the prairie, and he so christened it on the spot. Certain it is that all subsequent comers knew it by that name. The original town of Elkhorn was one of the five organized by act of the Territorial Leg islature, January 2, 1838, and embraced the four townships in the northwest quarter of the county now known as Whitewater, La Grange, Richmond and Sugar Creek, comprising an area of 144 square miles. The first town meeting was held at the house of Asa Blood, who lived in what is now the town of Sugar Creek, on the bank of Silver Lake. The town was divided by act of August 13, 1840, Whitewater being formed from the two western townships, Nos. 3 and 4 in Range 15, now Whitewater and Richmond. March 21, 1843, the town of La Grange was detached from the remaining territory (Town 4, Range 16), leaving under the name of Elkhorn Town 3, Range 16, it being the present town of Sugar Creek, less a single section. Its boundaries remained unchanged until February 2, 1846, at which time, by act of».the Legislature, a new town of Elkhorn was incorporated, which embraced but a single section of the original town, viz., Section 36, in Town 3, Range 16. By that act, the present town of Elkhorn was established. The boundaries were described as fol lows: "All that part of the county of Walworth comprised in Section 36, in the town of Elk horn; Section 1, in the town of Delavan; Section 6, in the town of Geneva, and Section 31, in the town of La Fayette, is hereby set off and organized into a separate town by the name of Elkhorn," and except Section 36, the remaining part of Elkhorn was organized as a new town under the name of Sugar Creek The town of Elkhorn, as organized by the act of February 2, 1846, is a square of two miles, embraces the geographical center of the county, and is the seat of justice. The history of Elkhorn is properly confined to its present boundaries, leaving the earlier chronicles of the old domain of the town to be treated in the histories of the towns formed therefrom. LOCATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. The present town and village of Elkhorn lies on the summit of the water-shed of the county, and was, before its settlement, one of the most beautiful spots in the county. Nearly all of Section 6, and the southern part of Section 1, was a beautiful prairie (a part of Elkhorn Prairie). The edge of timber just skirted along the north part of Section 6, and ran in a southwesterly direction to the middle of the western line of Section 1, Sections 36 and 3, were all covered with a growth of old oak trees, and were what was termed oak opening, being quite free from undergrowth, sufficiently so to enable teams to drive through without hindrance. It was one vast natural park. The soil is generally a black loam, with a clay subsoil. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The town was first settled in the spring of 1837, or, to give the exact date of the first set tlement, February 27, 1837. The circumstances resulting in the settlement were as follows: The county of Walworth was set off and its limits defined in 1836. The Government survey was completed that year, and the general excellence of the land had become quite well known to the residents of the lake villages at the close of that year, and, as settlers had begun to come HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 473 in quite rapidly, a mania seized nearly everybody to secure claims for speculative purposes. Among the sharp men then entering the business of land speculation was Le Grand Rockwell, of Milwaukee. He was possessed of some means and was one of the shrewdest young business men in the Territory. He conceived the plan of pre-empting the land at the geographical center of the county, judging, as has proved quite correctly, that it would become the seat of justice whenever the county should become sufficiently settled to organize a complete county government. Accordingly, he, with a friend, whom he had enlisted, in the enterprise, Horace Coleman, came out to look the ground over and find the center. On their way out, they stopped at the house of Dr. Hemenway, where Hollis Latham, then a young, unmarried man, had been living for several months. Latham joined them, and the three prospectors reached Elkhorn, and found the intersections of the lines that marked the center of the county, February 13, 1837. The general aspect of the country in the winter showed none of the beauties that so en tranced those who viewed it for the first time clad in the verdure and bloom of spring and sum mer. The exact center was a sort of slough, but at a little distance in all directions, the country seemed all that was desirable for settlement, even should the embryo county seat never be established there. The three returned, however, without making any claim. The specula tive inducements did not strike deep enough into Coleman' s heart to take root, and he did not return. Mr. Rockwell, however, was more favorably impressed, and had no difficulty in making up a syndicate in Milwaukee to secure the land he desired. The company as organized con sisted of Le Grand Rockwell, J. S. Rockwell, L. J. Higby, Allen W. Hatch and Daniel E. Bradley. It was proposed that the company should claim the four quarter-sections, one square mile, commencing at the center of the county, and start thereon a dairy farm until such time as the county seat project might develop. Accordingly, a party was organized to immediately secure possession of the promised land. It consisted, on their arrival, of four persons — Le Grand Rockwell, representing the interest of himself and brother; Milo E. Bradley, who repre sented the interest of himself and father, Daniel E., he having gone East for the family; Albert Ogden, then a young man in the employ of Higby, and Hollis Latham, who came on with them from Spring Prairie. The four men reached Elkhorn February 27, 1837. They brought a moderate stock of supplies, and a small tent which they pitched about a mile east of the center, in a poplar grove on the edge of the timber. They immediately made their claims to the four coveted quarter-sections, and commenced building a rude log shanty half a mile east of the center of their claim, near the north line of Section 6. The shanty was completed in about a fortnight, and the party moved in, all except Rockwell, who started for Indiana to purchase cows wherewith to start the dairy business. The young men, Latham and Ogden, not being^nterested in the claims of the Milwaukee company, took claims for themselves, Latham directly east on the northeast quarter of Section 6, Range 17 east, and Ogden directly west of the company's claims, on the northwest quarter of Section 1, Range 16 east. The company's claim at the center was designated in the Government survey as follows: The southeast quarter of Section 36, Town 3, Range 16 east; the southwest quarter of Section 31, Town 3, Range 17 east; the northwest quarter of Section 6, Town 2, Range 17 east; the northeast quarter of Section 1, Town 2, Range 16 east. In addition to these claims, the com pany made large claims in Township 2, Range 17, lying southeast of the claims above de scribed. The center of the claim was at the southeast corner of the lot in Elkhorn Village now occupied by O. Livingston as a blacksmith- shop and residence, at the southwest corner of South and East streets. The occupants of the shanty, after the departure of Rockwell (Ogden, Latham and Brad ley), enjoyed all that labor, novelty and youthful hope could give them. They set to work with their axes to cut down the trees and hew the timber for a frame house for the expected colony, consisting of the Bradley families whom Daniel E. would bring with him, and in get ting out fence rails to inclose some parts of the claims made. They were none of them expert housekeepers nor good cooks, but took turns in cooking — one day Ogden fried the pork, the next Latham tried his hand at pan-cakes, and the next Bradley made saleratus cake or some other mysterious compound from the material at hand. It mattered little with their good ap petites what was set before them. With the assurance that it was not poison, it all went down. They had tea and coffee, with sugar. They labored assiduously — cut the oak timber, hewed 474 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. and framed it, and some time in May had the frame of the first house in Elkhorn raised. In raising, they were assisted by two men named Cook and Smith, who had taken claims some two miles west, and had "shantied" with them while preparing a shelter for themselves on their own claims. The covering of the house, oak siding, and the flooring were obtained from the Geneva saw-mill, just fairly started. The windows were bought in Milwaukee. , The chimney, also, consisting of a few joints of stove-pipe, came from the same metropolis, then consisting of three stores, two taverns and other buildings, enough to make a village of perhaps 400. The interval of ten weeks, while this house was being built, was enlivened with such episodes as fall only to the lot of pioneers in a country possessing no resources except those in nature's own store house. The colony did not suffer any actual privations, but they occasionally came, by stress of circumstances, to the verge of short rations. In addition to the labors of house-building, the provisions were to be obtained from a distance. Mr. O. Preston, in an article in the Elkhorn Independent, March 11, 1880, gives an entertaining account of the foraging efforts of the party during the period. Beginning with the building of the shanty, it is as follows: ' ' A cabin of logs was at once decided upon, and immediately commenced, yet it was some two weeks before the exceptionally cold weather yielded sufficiently to admit of filling in the crevices between the logs, so as to make it habitable. After two weeks of dreary waiting, the cold so far abated as to admit of digging up the earth to the south side of the cabin, and, with hot water, obtained a plastic mud, with which, with wooden paddles, the chinking was done, and the new residence was thus completed. The inhabitants of the whole town were Rockwell, Bradley, Latham and Ogden — four persons — who occupied the new building, the first dwelling of Elkhorn, the future county seat of Walworth County. "The larder question next became the paramount subject of solicitude and inquiry; so Milo Bradley improvised a hand-sled, with which he and Ogden made a trip to Spring Prairie for supplies. Be it borne in mind that flour, meal and salt pork were, at that time, the stand ard necessaries of the day. Having successfully made the trip, they there also learned that one Alpheus Johnson, who had a cabin in what was then and is now called the Dwinnell Settle ment, in La Fayette, had a few potatoes, and it was decided to add that excellent vegetable to their frugal fare. Accordingly, the next day Ogden, equipped with the hand-sled, made his way through the brush for thj much-coveted luxury. The trip was void of success. The old man positively denied the suspicion of having any potatoes. As he was slowly wending his way homeward, he discovered in the softening crust of snow, coon tracks, which were but another confirmation of the maxim that Providence or Hercules helps the persevering. A new field of enterprise was here opened; he followed the trail until he found where the coon had ensconced himself for his night' s repose. Returning to the cabin for an axe and re-enforcements, the siege of the coon commenced. The coons had probably heard of the discussion of one of his relatives with Capt. Scott, and, being like-minded, surrendered. Two of them were captured and brought alive to town, and, for a few days, the colonists fared sumptuously on 'baked coon.' But at that time, the example of the boy and the woodchuck had not materialized, but the analogy of being 'out of meat' had. The day of such a luxury was drawing to a close; so Hollis Latham started on foot for Milwaukee for the purpose of purchasing provisions. He went by the way of Skunk' s Grove, Racine County, near what is jiow Franksville, and contracted with Mr. Jo seph Nickson to haul out some provisions. Reaching Milwaukee, the provisions were pur chased, and Nickson agreed to be at Elkhorn as soon as Latham, who determined to return by the way of Mukwonago, a nearer route. When he arrived here, no Nickson had appeared, and the sequel showed that Nickson on his return by way of his home, had concluded to accept an invitation to a wedding in Kenosha County, and it was some ten days before he put in an ap pearance. In the meantime, having nothing except the rib bones of some salt pork, Ogden' s rifle was brought into requisition, to the detriment of the prairie chickens, of which, with the rib bones, they made a stew; and the chickens feeding at that season of the year upon hazel buds, they were about as savory as the celebrated political crow, which politicians sometimes diet upon, and it is a notable fact that at this day, none of the old settlers at that period en thuse worth a cent during the chicken season." The house was not entirely finished till the middle of the summer, but sufficiently so for the occupancy of a num erous family, on the arrival of the Bradley families early in June. It HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 475 was, for the times, a very pretentious structure. Its size was 18x30 feet. It was a story and a half high It had two outside doors, the main entrance being on the south side, the other at the southeast corner, on the east end. The whole east half of the lower floor was in one room, being kitchen, dining.-room and general sitting-room. The west half was divided into three small rooms. The upper floor' was unpartitioned and constituted a grand dormitory, sheets being hung up to define personal rights and insure privacy. It was guiltless of paint, and a stove funnel, stuck through the roof, did duty as a chimney. A small dairy or cheese-room was subsequently attached to the northeast corner of the house. The order of architecture was un- definable, and suggested comfort and utility more than aesthetic taste. It has given way to more modern and convenient dwellings, but is still remembered as the abode of comfort by the early settlers, and the welcome place of sojourn of many a weary traveler of the early days. Rockwell returned from Indiana with his drove of stock early in June — about the 5th. He brought some twenty-five cows, three yoke of oxen and a horse. They were not what a farmer of Walworth County would to-day call a fancy lot; there is not, probably, in all the county, among the thousands, twenty-five as scurvy as those which constituted Rockwell's drove. As they were safe from the disgrace of comparison, there being no others near, they were satisfac tory to their owners, and were put to grazing on the fresh-grown grass of Elkhorn Prairie. The colony luxuriated on bread and milk till the women might arrive. It is not believed that either of the men attempted to churn before that time. Soon after Rockwell's return, Daniel E. Bradley arrived in Racine with the families of himself and Milo. The ox-team was immediately dispatched for them, and they reached Elk horn and took up quarters in the frame house, not yet plastered, June 12, 1837. This addition of women and children made the colony complete. The families who arrived with Mr. Daniel E. Bradley consisted of three women — Mrs. Daniel E. Bradley and daughter (now Mrs. Hollis Latham), and Mrs. Milo E. Bradley, with six children, the oldest of whom, then a youth of four teen years, is the present Postmaster of Elkhorn — Mr. Henry Bradley. The census taken at that time showed the population (all inmates of the new house) to number fourteen, viz., five men, three women and six children. Mr. Bradley, Sr., with his wife, constituted the head of the united family. Business began in earnest. Some twenty-five acres of prairie were broken during the latter part of June, partly on the claim of the company on Section 5, in what is now the town of Geneva, and a few acres on each of the claims of Latham and Ogden, on Sections 6 and 1, within the present limits of the town of Elkhorn. So the first land broken by the plow for cultivation was by Messrs. Latham and Ogden on their respective claims. The crops that year consisted principally of corn, with a bounteous crop of rutabaga turnips, taken from six acres, which helped the cows through the following winter. Bradley' s house, besides being the home of the colony, was a tavern and a favorite stop ping-place for travelers. It was the first tavern in Elkhorn, and in subsequent sketches it should be so understood. Travelers never asked Mr. Bradley to " show them a room " — there was only one, embracing all up-stairs — they were only too glad to be shown a bed. It is not certain that any other actual settlers came into the town during the year 1837, though prospectors were plenty, mostly unmarried men, looking about for a favorable location. As a peculiar interest attaches to these early pioneers, and the company who first claimed the land, their history, as a whole, is continued out of the consecutive line of narrative. The members of the company, consisting of the Rockwells, Higby, Hatch and Daniel E Bradley, kept a joint interest but a short time. Hatch's interest never amounted to much, being con tingent on putting something into the venture, which it is believed he did not do, and his in terest, such as it was, lapsed into the hands of the other partners. Mr. Hatch is still living in Milwaukee, an old and respected citizen. L. J. Higby kept his interest for a year; growing business interests in Milwaukee then engrossed his entire attention, and he accordingly sold out in the fall of 1838. In the divide, he took a large share of the stock, which was driven into Milwaukee by Mr. Ogden, and the dairy business was thereafter abandoned. Mr. Higby became one of the leading business men of Milwaukee, at one time almost controlling the ware- Bouse business of the city He subsequently removed to New Orleans, where he died in 1878 or 1879. Mr. Daniel E. Bradley also retired from the co-partnership late in 1838 or very early in 476 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1836. He took the house and fifty acres of land on which was the site, and the northeast quarter of Section 7, in the present town of Geneva. He lived but a few months after. He was a na tive of Vermont, but had lived some years in Delaware County, N. Y., prior to emigrating to Wis consin. He was a carpenter by trade, and, at the time of his death, was not far from fifty -five years old. Thus, before the first land sale of February, 1839, the company was dissolved, and all the claims made by it were purchased and became the property of the Rockwell brothers — L. G. and J. S. — except what fell into the possession of Daniel E. Bradley, as before stated. The Rock well brothers both died some years ago. Further biographical mention of them appears else where in this work. Not a member of the original firm, except Hatch, of Milwaukee, is now living. With the actual settlers, who made up the colony, time has dealt kindly. Mr. Hollis Latham and wife and Mr. Albert Ogden are still living in Elkhorn; as is Henry Bradley, the oldest of the chil dren. Milo E. Bradby is still living in West Salem, Wis. His wife, who came in in 1837, is deceased. Of the six children, all are alive but one; William, son of Mrs. Latham, died some years since. More extended notices of these survivors appear in the biographical department of this work. At the land sale of 1839, the Rockwells, Latham and Ogden, bought in their claims as originally made, thereby perfecting their title to a large part of what is now the site of Elkhorn Village. Milo E. Bradley made a claim for himself, in the fall of 1837, on Section 4 in the town of Geneva, built a house and moved into it with his family, leaving the Elkhorn colony reduced to nine persons. The next year, Gen. Sheldon Walling came in with his three boys, bought a few acres of the Rockwells, on which he erected a log house. This was near the present residence of Ed ward Elderkin. He also made claim of the southwest quarter of Section 7, in the present town of Geneva — the place now owned by Fred Baker. His wife came in the fall of 1838. The family occupied the cabin and did some farming on the claim. This was the only accession iu 1838. The only other building done was the erection of a house by Le Grand Rockwell, for the occupancy of his hired man, Mr. Daniel Bowen, who, with his family, attended to the farm ing interests on the Rockwell estate; also a building for office purposes, on the east side of the present park, which afterward became historic as the first court-room of Walworth County. It was a one-story building, 18x22 feet in size. The buildings described, viz., the frame house first built, the log house occupied by Daniel Bowen, the log house of Gen. Walling and the office of the Rockwells, were all on the present site of Elkhorn when it became the county seat, and the total population did not exceed twenty -three. In the fall of 1838, by vote of the citizens of the county, the center, at the center of the present town, was selected as the county seat by a majority of thirty-five votes over the com peting points of Spring Prairie, Geneva and Delavan. The selection did not bring any great accession to the population, as, in October, 1839, when the first court was held, it does not ap pear that any other buildings had been erected, or any permanent settlers came in, except Mr. Edward Elderkin, who, having already studied law, appeared on the first opening of the United States Circuit Court, October 25, 1839, and tried his first case during the term. He was the first lawyer of Elkhorn, and the second in the county, Hon. C. M. Baker, of Geneva, being the first. H. S. Winsor came ic December, 1839. The accessions of that year comprised only these two lawyers, and the families of Gen. Walling and Mr. Bowen, before mentioned. Unlike Geneva and Delavan, there were no special natural advantages which indicated Elk horn as a favorable location for a village. There was no water power nor was it in the line of travel between any settled points ; nor a converging point favorable to trade ; nothing but its position as the geographical center of the county gave it any prominence or promise as the site of a future village — indeed, the location was handicapped with many serious disadvantages, as against the two points named. Nevertheless, owing to dissensions and jealousies between the other competing points, added to the fact that it had next to no population of its own to raise enmity, it was selected as the seat of justice, and consequently as the central village of the county. The selection gave the Rockwells the realization of their hopes when they made their1 claims, and they had only to enter in and enjoy their fruition. With the prestige appertaining to a shire town, Elkhorn did not grow rapidly. The settlers of the following two years were HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 477 not numerous. Among the comers of 1840 were Moses Bartlett, from the State of Maine, with a family of five children; James Farnsworth, Richard Hogaboom; Benjamin Arnold, William Coulson, Hudson Van Brunt, George Watson, John Hall and H. H. Hartson and family. In 1841, there came Zenas Ogden, with his family, consisting of a wife and three children, from Delaware County, N. Y. ; Phineas M. Johnson and family, Levi Lee and family, Richard Beals and family, Isaac Beals and family, from the State of New York, and Hon. George Gale, from Vermont. In 1842, B. B. Davis and J. O. Eaton came in and built stores in Elkhorn. In 1843, settlers came in in large numbers, and took nearly all the Government lands left for pre-emption. Among the arrivals of that year were William E. Gregory, George Young and family, Dr. George H. Young and family, Dexter Dewing and family, George Dewing and family, Sanford Garfield and family, William Garfield and family, C. N. Meigs and Miss A. C. Beardsley. Others doubtless made settlements within the present limits of the town prior to 1843, but ihose mentioned above are all of whom authentic inf ormation can be obtained. The biographical sketches will supplement what is lacking in the above record. The growth of the settlement was slow for the first ten years, notwithstanding it was the county seat. In August, 1842, there were but nine buildings, an increase of five in four years. Two of ithem were stores, and the first hotel (except Bradley' s, before mentioned) stood on the corner where Snyder's Hotel now stands. A log jail was also one of the buildings. There were nine families and the population had increased to fifty- three. The village was platted and the park reserved and the streets laid out essentially as they now are. THE VILLAGE. The village, as will be seen, was the result of the selection of the center as the county seat. This occurred in the fall of 1838. By a Congressional act, each county on the selection of a location for the seat of justice, had the guarantee of the first pre-emption right to a quarter- section, for county purposes; on the payment of the Government price — $1.25 per acre. The Rockwells relinquished to the county their claim to the southeast quarter of Section 36, Town ¦3, Range 16, and it was purchased by the county from the Government at the land sale of 1839. The tract was located north and west of the southeast corner of O. Livingston's lot, comprised 160 acres, and covered the park and a large part of the site of the present village. It was platted by Edward Norris, then a surveyor living in Delavan. The county made special reservation for specific purposes — one lot for a jail; one lot for a schoolhouse, donated to the village of Elkhorn; four lots, numbered 9, 10, 11 and 12, at the northeast corner of Walworth and Wisconsin streets, to whoever would erect and maintain a commodious hotel on that cor ner; and the entire block, now " the park," for the site of the county buildings and for the other county offices. Thus laid out, its progress was as detailed below. THE GROWTH OF THE VILLAGE. The growth from 1843 to 1849 was that of a healthy Western village with a fine local trade, and at the last-named date, it had attained to a population of 539. The build ings had increased to eighty. For several years after, the population increased but slightly. Many of the inhabitants emigrated to California. In 1849, the exodus began. The gold-seek- ¦ers of that year were: Z. Chittenden, Lewis Lewis, Edward Pentland, John Wood, D. G. Weston and family, F. S. and George Walling, and George Allen. In 1852, the fever was at its height, and took off many citizens believed to be permanent residents of the town. They went mostly overland. Among the emigrants of that year were: Henry Bradley and wife, An drew Mayo, Asaph Gregory, Frank S. Mason, H. Van Brunt, J. A. Norris, Wyman Spooner, Jr., John Gillispie, S. P. Townsend, Stanbury Ogden, John Cromley, J. Pettit, Henry Clem- ¦ens, Alex. S. Brown and family, Nathan Colburn and family, and Edward Pentland and wife. Also, by steamer, via New York, during that and the following year: H. F. Spooner, William Pentland, Lewis Lee, Dyar L. Cowdery, Samuel Mayo, Horatio Potter, H. N. Hay, Solomon Hicks, Chester and Philo Baird, John Schleyburg, Carrie and Fannie Beardsley, Mrs. Susan Church and Mrs. Pearce. Many returned, and some of them are still residents of the town, 478 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. while not a few found graves in " El Dorado." Among those who never returned were: H. N. Hay and Solomon Hicks, who died on the voyage and were buried at sea; Misses Fannie and Caroline Beardsley, Lewis Lee, Smith P. Townsend, Nathan Colburn, Mrs. Alex. S. Brown and her son, Daniel, C. Baird, Charles Garfield, Lewis Lee and John Gillispie. Smith P. Town- send, Chester Baird, Charles Garfield and John Gillispie, of 1852, came home and went again after some stay here, and died in California. The list above given of those who went or those who never returned is by no means com plete, but sufficient to show that a serious depletion was made in the population at that time. It was sufficient to check the growth of the town for some years, and not till the railroad fever broke out, in 1854, did the town take a fresh start. At that time, the leading citizens of Elk horn had obtained a charter for the Wisconsin Central Railroad, of which a full account will be found in the county history. And the old Racine & Mississippi road was also in process of construction, although not then located, as it eventually was, so as to pass through the village. Still another road — the Milwaukee & Beloit — was chartered, which was to pass through the town. With a junction of two roads crossing the county diagonally, and the probability of still another, the Racine & Mississippi, it became evident that Elkhorn would become the most im portant railroad center in the county, and one of the most important in the State. The village took a fresh start. Real estate rapidly increased in value, and large accessions were made to the population. At the beginning of 1854, the population did not exceed 500; in June, 1855, in had increased to 737. In September, 1856, the population exceeded 1,000, which, in another year, had increased to 1,500. In 1856, there were erected sixty-eight new buildings, and in 1857, before the panic of that year, forty more were added. At that time, there were 220 dwellings and a population exceeding 1.500. For population, this was near the maximum it has ever attained. The financial crash of that year dissolved into thin air the hopes that had been based on the Central and the Milwaukee & Beloit Railroads. The Racine & Mis sissippi road was, by extraordinary efforts of the citizens of Elkhorn, backed by bonds and subscriptions to the amount of $20,000, diverted from the original route and brought through Elkhorn in 1856. This remained the only railroad connection till 1870, at which time the road was built from Elkhorn to Eagle. During the three years of general depression which followed the financial crash of 1857, the village lost ground, and the population was still further depleted during the war. It has never since contained so large a population as was reported at that time. It has, however, im proved with age in general appearance. Finer private buildings have been built, which, to gether with the new county buildings, churches, and the excellent and commodious school building, render it one of the handsomest inland villages in the State. As a center of trade, it has not fulfilled the expectations of the sanguine years of its youthful existence, though it shares in just proportion with the neighboring town of Delavan the local traffic of the sur rounding towns. THE PARK AND BUILDINGS. The Elkhorn park is one of the finest in the State. It contains, including the bordering streets, an area of eleven acres, being forty-four rods long by forty rods wide. It was reserved by the county for its use, and has been adorned and beautified by the county and village au thorities. In a state of nature, it was a magnificent oak opening, quite clear from under growth, and fairly shaded by burr, white and black oaks, all old when the first white man saw them. The old oaks still stand, and among them have been planted the maple, hickory, and many evergreen trees. It still, however, retains the ancient, pristine beauty of the early days, and is, to the old settlers, one of the few oak openings spared to remind them of the woods as they first saw them. It has no fence, and requires none, as cows and hogs, by ordinance of the village corpora tion, are not allowed to run at large. It was formerly inclosed, the expense of erecting the fence being defrayed partly by the county and partly by the citizens of Elkhorn. The time when the fence was built is in doubt — probably in 1853. It is certain that the authorities were exercised on the fence question as early as November, 1852. Prior to that time, it had been an open park, like a New England common. At that time the subject of inclosing the park HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 47 & was presented to the County Board of Commissioners, and referred to a special committee, which reported as follows: Your committee, to whom was referred the fencing of the public square, make the foll&wing report: First. That they have had the matter under consideration, and have had the estimate of a good me chanic, and find that the lumber will cost $279.84, aside from some other materials that will be necessary, and, in consideration of the_ above, your committee have come to the conclusion to recommend that this Board raise $250, in consideration that the citizens of Elkhorn will go on and construct a good and substantial post and rail fence (according to a diagram herewith submitted), as pledged by divers citizens of Elkhorn, which said pledge is herewith attached, and that the Clerk be authorized to draw orders for the same, it being under stood that the citizens of Elkhorn are to paint said fence with two coats of mineral paint and oil. (Signed), P. G-. Harrington, A. E. Merrick, Le Grand Rockwell, Members of said committee. November 25, 1852, the work of building the fence was put into the hands of a citizens' committee, consisting of Hollis Latham, Edwin Hodges and Otis Preston, and, through the efforts of that committee, the fence was built and the park inclosed. The funds were furnished jointly, in accordance with the resolution above quoted, and remained till the spring of 1880, at which time it was removed by Mr. Jacob Ketchpaw, who purchased it of the county for the sum of $22. The pavilion, which still stands, in the eastern part of the park, was built by private subscription. Squire Stanford was the builder. It first served as a speakers' stand and rally - ing-point for the old settlers' meeting, June 12, 1872, and has ever since been the point of rendezvous for the Fourth of July celebrations, old settlers' meetings, and other important out- of-door gatherings of the village and country. The court was for some years held in buildings outside the park — first, in a frame build ing, owned by Mr. Le Grand Rockwell, which served as court room, post office, grocery store, lawyer's office, and for all other uses that the wants of the public or the private necessities of the owner required. The first court house, a wooden structure, two stories in height, with quite an imposing fagade, supported by four pillars and surmounted by a cupola, was built for the county by Levi Lee, in 1841—42. It was occupied for court purposes for the first time in April, 1842. It was, at the ime of its completion, the second best court house in the State, and was an object of local pride to all residents of the county. In 1846, Sheldon Walling built for the county a one-story fire-proof building at a cost, when completed, of $534. It was erected on the site of the present fire-proof office building, and, with the court house above mentioned, continued to adorn the park till it was torn down and the old court house moved to its present site, to make room for the present county buildings. Mr. Lee received his pay for the court house in land deeded to him by the county, which embraced a large part of the present site of the vil lage. Further mention of Mr. Lee appears in the biographical part of this work. The old court house, still standing on the south side of Walworth street, was bought, and is still owned, by Mr. Edward Elderkin. It is one of the few old structures remaining to remind of the early days. The present fire-proof county building, now occupied by the Register of Deeds, the County Judge, and containing all the probate and abstract records of the county, was erected during the summer of 1866. The builders were Squire Stanford, A. Stevens and George Dewing. The cost of the building was $4, 265. It is a plain brick structure, well adapted to the uses for which it was designed. The court house was completed and the final accounts rendered by the building committee, consisting of N. M. Littlejohn, Alex. Frazer and E. B. Dewing, at the annual session of the Board of Supervisors, in November, 1875. The entire work was done by Squire Stanford, the original contract being made for completing the building for the sum of $19, 249. Additional work increased the cost of the building to $21,287. The furniture, fixtures and incidental cost amounted to $2,467, making the entire cost of the new structure $23,755. It is two stories in height, built of brick, on a raised basement of stone. A cupola rises above the roof, surmounted by a statue of Justice. Its style of architecture is not ornate, but impresses with an idea of solidity and utility. It is one of the finest court buildings in the State. It has two entrances, 480 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. in the center, from the north and south. The first floor is fitted up for county offices for the Sheriff, Superintendent of the Poor, County Clerk, County Treasurer, Clerk of the Circuit Court, and session room for meetings of the County Board The second floor is devoted to court purposes^ and contains a commodious court room, jury room and Judges' apartment. It is a permanent structure, built to endure the ravages of time for many generations yet to come. THE JAILS. The jails, as public buildings, although always standing outside the park, deserve mention, more especially the old log jail, long ago gone, which was the first building erected by the county. It was built in 1840, by W. B. Johnson, in accordance with the plans and specifica tions furnished by Mr. A. K. Allen. The specifications were as follows : Description of the building of the jail for "Walworth County — 14x20 feet, 7 feet between floors. Of oak timber 10 inches in thickness — square; floors of the same, to be grooved into the side logs, 5 inches deep and 4 inches wide; a partition across the house of the same description of timber, to be dove-tailed into the side logs. Two doors, the one in the partition, the other in the side, to be made of oak plank 1| inches in thick ness — double, the plank on one side crossing those on the other at right angles, and nailed with 20-penny nails, in rows an inch apart each way, perpendicularly and horizontally. The doors to be hung with strap hinges, 2xi inches at one end, and lx£ inch at the other, of a regular taper, and to extend across the door, with the exception of being split at the butt end, in such a manner as to straddle the shank of the hook; the hooks to be proportionably stout, with pins to go through both branches of the straps. The logs of the body of the house and of the partition to be spiked together at the corners and at each side of the doors — (the corners formed by the ends of the partition with the sides of the house excepted) in the following manner: The logs at the corners to be lapped together across each other — let into each other in such a manner as to fit down tight upon the logs under them, and spiked with f inch spikes, where the logs lap at the corners, by boring through the upper log and driving the spike 5 inches into the log under it without boring. A plate to be put above the upper floor and spiked down in the manner of the other logs. Two windows in the one room, 8x10 inches, with a bar of iron across each way at right angles, two in the other, large enough for four lights of 7x9 glass, the logs to be spiked at the sides of them as at the corners of the house, and the larger two to be grated with inch iron bars, three each way to each window, and the whole to be covered with a good shingle roof. The cracks between the logs to be pointed with good lime and sand mortar, upon the outside. The gable end to be studded and sided. The above job to be let to the lowest bidder, and the Commissioners reserve one bid. The whole to he completed by the 1st of April, 1840, and to acceptance of the Commissioners of said County of Walworth. The person taking the job can have the privilege of getting timber on the county qr. for the purpose of building said jail. Terms of payment — county orders when the job is finished. If the Commissioners do not accept of the building when the contractor supposes it to be finished, it is to be decided by three disinterested persons chosen by the parties. There is a diamond to be made in the door in the partition 7 inches square. The person taking the job to give bonds in the sum of $500, condition for the faithful performance of the contract. The fastenings of the doors to be put on agreeable to the directions of the Commissioners, and will be paid for by said Commissioners separate from the other part of the building. The jail was conscientiously built in accordance with these specifications, and served the purposes of impending justice for many years. It kept few people in who desired to get out, and was finally condemned by the Grand Jury as unfit for the purposes for which it was in tended. Among the tenants best remembered was William Brown, a young German boy, who «ame into its hospitable boundaries after it had fallen into a somewhat dilapidated state. He was arrested for horse-stealing, but, having but a moderate command of the most broken En glish, and showing none of the characteristics of the hardened thief, he rather won the affection of all who saw him, and there seemed to be no very energetic move made for his indictment. He was held in durance vile till two Grand Juries had failed to find a bill against him, when, under constitutional limitations, he was set free. The lenity of the citizens to the unfortunate and friendless boy did not, in this instance, prove misplaced. He became a respected citizen, and was never after suspected even of criminal intent. During his nominal incarceration, his home was in the old log jail. Otis Preston was at that time Sheriff, and shared the general sentiment of the people toward his prisoner. He allowed him the " freedom of the yard," which took in all Elkhorn at that time. He spent pleasant days in clearing up the park. Rainy days and evenings he stayed at home in the jail and played'" seven up," and other innocent games, with such of his acquaintances as might drop in. Mr. Preston noticed that his company occa sionally kept late hours, and brought him up at one time with a round turn by telling him that the " jail hours " closed at 9 P. M., and that if, thereafter, the light was not out and his visitors HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 481 dispersed at that hour, he would take the key away from him. On the failure of the jury to find an indictment, the Judge delivered his discharge papers to Sheriff Preston, who found him some where on the park grounds, read him the paper, demanded the key of the prisoner, walked over to the jail and locked him out. About the year 1852, the old jail was condemned, and a better one built near the northwest corner of the park, at the intersection of Church and Court streets. This, in turn, gave way to the present jail, which was completed in 1878. The old building, with lot, was sold, and the present site purchased, at the northwest corner of Church and Walworth streets. The new lot cost $1,000, and the buildings thereon — jail, barn, shed and jailer's house — $9,546. The total cost of the property was $10, 546. The buildings were erected by Messrs. Nolan & Shearer, of Janesville; the plans were furnished by architects Koch & Co., of Milwaukee. The jail and appurtenances are fitted with all modern appliances for the safety and health of those confined. It is a model of perfection for the uses for which it was built. EARLY TAVERNS. The first effort to build a tavern on the site reserved by the county for that purpose was made by Richard Hogaboom, James Farnsworth and Benjamin Arnold. Neither of them nor all of them had sufficient capital for the undertaking. They nevertheless determined to build the tavern, and thereby become the proprietors of the most valuable corner in the embryo city of Elkhorn. They bought a frame in Sheboygan, had it shipped to Racine, and from there hauled it by horse teams to Elkhorn. Before it was fairly erected, they came to the too com mon grief of many whose hopes overleap their powers, and were obliged to sell out to a man having less hope but more money. Rev. Levi Lee finished the building, and, at the same time, took off their hands the contract they had made to erect the court house. He completed the tavern in 1842, and received his deeds for the lots early in 1843. There were residuary inter ests that installed James Farnsworth as the first landlord. He did not remain long. Gen. Sheldon Walling succeeded him, as a lessor of Elder Lee, who owned the tavern. Walling was too genial to suit the ideas of Mr. Lee, who desired the tavern to be run on strictly temperance principles. This had perhaps less to do with the change than the fact that Gen. Walling was not over-scrupulous in the prompt payment of his rent. At any rate, Mr. Lee concluded to run the hotel himself, and moved in as landlord some time in 1842. In 1843, George Young, the father of Dr. George H. Young, now a resident of Elkhorn, leased the house. He remained one year, at the expiration of which time Mr. Lee again took the house himself. In 1845, Wilmot Brothers took tt,e house. They were followed by D. B. Packer, who remained till Mr. Lee felt constrained to make another change. The succeeding landlords were: Dewing & Bemis, Baird Brothers, and John Aiken. About 1850, E. P. Eaton bought the house of Mr. Lee, improved it, and kept for several years one of the best taverns in the county. Mr. Eaton sold out to Lyman Edwards and moved to Iowa. Edwards rented to S. C. Russ, who kept the house in splendid shape till the hotel was purchased by the present proprietor, John H. Snyder, who came into possession April 10, 1869. Since that time, he has so completely metamorphosed the house that it is unrecognizable to old visitors. It was in early days a square, two-story house, on the corner; now it extends eighty-two feet on Wisconsin street, sixty-six feet on Wal worth street, and is three stories high, with a double veranda on two sides. Nothing is left to remind the early traveler of the old house save the old oak paneled doors, and the iron thumb door-latches, bought by Farnsworth over forty years ago. They still do duty at the entrances of the remodeled hotel. Some time in 1842, Edward Elderkin built a second hotel, nearly on the site now occupied by the old court house. A part of the building is still standing, directly east of it. It was, on its completion, leased to C. Bellows. He kept it but a short time. Samuel Mallory bought his lease and furniture, and opened the house October 28, 1844. It was known as the Wal worth Center House, and, under the management of Mr. Mallory and his very efficient family, became one of the best taverns in the county, and drew largely on the patronage of the rival house, then kept by the Wilmot Brothers. Mr. Mallory ran the house, with a short intermis sion, for nearly five years, during which its reputation as a first-class tavern never waned. The 482 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. following rhythmic announcement, which appeared in the first number of the Western Star, is sued at Elkhorn August 28, 1845, tells of the excellences of the hotel at that time: WALWORTH COUNTY CENTER HOUSE. " S. Mallory takes pleasure to inform The public that he lives at Elkhorn, And that he has a public house in charge, To which he invites the public at large. Accommodations of all kinds, and good cheer, With choicest liquors and strong beer; Lemonade, soda beer, and Tom and Jerry, Which gentlemen can have to make them merry. His table is furnished with the substantials of life, Cooked and prepared by his daughters and wife. Myself will attend you and give you the food, With desserts and pastry, which shall all be good. My barn is furnished with wild and tame hay, Which gentlemen can have for ready pay. My oats I will sell at one shilling a peck, And that I will have, in spite of Tom Dick. As for barn room to feed, you can have it free, If yourself you will feed with me; But, as I want a part of the fleece, If you don't feed yourself, it's a sixpence apiece. Call at the Walworth Center Souse, if you mistake not, For the Elkhorn House is kept by D. C. Wilmot. A mistake in the house, you can plainly see, Is a loss of your custom, and a damage to me. My charge shall be reasonable, according to times; My attention shall be strict, and I'll do without rhimes. I'll undergo fatigue, and be always on hand To retain the reputation the house now commands." This hotel changed landlords often after Mr. Mallory left it, and fell from its high estate as age dilapidated it. It has been abandoned as a hotel for many years, and stands now a melancholy reminder of the good cheer of other days, gone never to return. EARLY HAPPENINGS AND FIRST THINGS. The first frame house was built by Hollis Latham, Albert Ogden and Milo Bradley, in the spring of 1837. It was first occupied by the family of Daniel E. Bradley, June 12, 1837. Some part of it is still in existence, being a part of Henry M Eastman' s barn. The first plowing was done on Section 6 and Section 1. on the claims of Albert Ogden and Hollis Latham, in May, 1837. The first marriage was that of Hollis Latham to Louisa, daughter of Daniel E. Bradley, April, 1838. Their oldest son, Le Grand Latham, was the first child born in the town. He was born January 7, 1839. Other early marriages were: John Jones to Mary Hicks, in 1840-41; Albert Ogden to Charlotte Boyce, September. 1843; Edward Elderkin to Mary M. Beardsley, December, 1843; Le Grand Rockwell to Frances Hickok, August, 1844; H. S. Win sor to Maria L. Husted, January, 1845. The first store was started by Le Grand Rockwell, iu 1838. Le Grand Rockwell was also the first Postmaster, appointed in 1838 ; the first Clerk of the Court, appointed in April, 1839; the first Register of Deeds, appointed February, 1839. He also established the first bank, August 10, 1856. The first post office, the first store and the first court were in a building built by him. The first schoolhouse was built in the summer of 1840. The money was raised by sub scription. It was a wooden structure, on the school lot, west of the park, where the house of Mr. Belden Weed now stands. The first schoolmistress was Lydia Carr; Mary Brewster was the second; Adelaide C. Beardsley was the third. The first schoolmaster was Edward Elderkin. He taught an evening school in the new schoolhouse in the winter of 1841. He was also the first lawyer. He arrived in October, 1839. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 483 The first physician was Dr. George H. Young, who came in 1843. He is still living in Elkhorn and practicing his profession. The first minister who preached in the town was Rev. Jesse Halstead, a Methodist in 1838 or 1839. The first blacksmith was Anthony Delap. The first shoemaker was Peter Golder, who had his house near the geographical center of the county, south of the lot now owned by Mr. O. Livingston. Here he lived and did work at his trade. He is and has been for a quarter of a century the Probate Judge of Walworth County. The first carpenter was Milo E. Bradley. The first tailor was J. Matheson. The first church organized was St. John's Church in the Wilderness, Episcopal, October, 1841. The first church edifice built was the Baptist, in 1853. The first church bell was purchased in Chicago, for the St. John's (Episcopal) Church, in the summer of 1856. The first apple-trees were raised from the seed. Gen. Sheldon Walling planted the seed and started a nursery on the Bradley place in 1838. The first hotel was begun by Hogaboom, Farnsworth and Arnold. It was finished by Levi Lee in 1842, and occupied the corner of the present site of the Central House. James Farns worth was the first landlord. The first tavern was the old frame building built and occupied by the first settlers in 1837, and kept open to all travelers by the Bradleys till the " hotel " above mentioned was built. The first prisoner imprisoned in the log jail was William Johnson. He was committed ' from Whitewater for some slight offense, for a term of ten days. Sheriff Walling was away, and the jail as yet unfinished and guiltless of locks. Under Sheriff Albert Ogden, however, put the prisoner in jail and fastened him by a leaning timber against the outside of the door. The first dog came in from Geneva, on the trail of Hollis Latham and Albert Ogden, in 1839. He owned no master, but was a sort of neighborhood dog. He was black, good-natured, a plucky fighter, a splendid hunter and a general favorite. He was as well and favorably known as any inhabitant of the village. His name was Barney Ogden, and, as such, was at tached to the petition for the post office and the appointment of Le Grand Rockwell as Post master. Perhaps, through the weight of his name, Rockwell got the appointment. Certain it is that, for years after, Barney received his public documents from Washington with as much regularity and in as large quantity as other Walworth County constituency. Here he lived for twelve years, the terror of snakes, wild hogs, deer, rabbits and squirrels, and the friend of every man, woman and child in the settlement. He grew old and stiff, blind and deaf, and came to a tragical end by being accidentally ruu over by an ox-sled in 1849. He was properly interred, but, as no stone marks his grave, the place of his final rest is not known. The first singing school was taught in the schoolhouse, by Seth Cowles, in the winter of THE WAR PERIOD. During the war of the rebellion, Elkhorn stood shoulder to shoulder with the other towns in the county in vigorous and stanch support of the Union cause. The history of the loyal work of the men and women of the several towns is so interwoven that no attempt will be made to give a separate account. The county was one of the earliest to respond to the first call for troops, and Elkhorn was among the first of the towns. During the years of the war, she raised for the families of volunteers $1,600; for bounties to furnish her full quota, $8,280 — a total amount of $9, 880. Thirty-eight citizens of the little town did personal service. During the whole war period, the women worked incessantly, having a vigorous and effective Woman' s Aid Society. For further and more specific and merited mention, the reader is referred to the war record, in the history of the county at large. THE LARGEST FIRE. The most destructive conflagration that has ever visited the village broke out on the night of February 26, 1867. It commenced in the store of F. C. Odell, and resulted in the entire de- 484 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. struction of the Centralia Block, and several buildings north and south of it. Otis Preston lost three stores, worth $3,000. They were occupied by R. C. Preston and Edwin Hodges. South, in the same block, was the store of Charles Dunlap, occupied by F. C. Odell, all of whom were completely burned out. Mr. Stephen C. Leggett also lost his dwelling house by the same fire. Anthony Graff was also burned out. The fire at the time was a great disaster to the place. It was the work of an incendiary. Charles Hay, a simple young man, was tried and sentenced to the penitentiary. He was generally believed to have been the tool of more designing and crafty parties. CORPORATE HISTORY. The affairs of the town were administered under the act of incorporation until 1857, at which time the village was incorporated, embracing within its corporate limits the entire town. Thus the town government was entirely superseded, and, as the two are co-extensive, no effort need be made to draw any line of demarcation or separation between the administration of affairs under the two forms of government further than to state, as above, the time at which the change occurred. The roster of officers and other chronological details will therefore appear without further mention of the change. FIRST TOWN MEETING. The first town meeting of Elkhorn was held at the court house on Tuesday, April 7, 1846. Levi Lee was chosen Moderator, and Alonzo Piatt Secretary. It was resolved that the Moderator should appoint a committee of three to report the amount of money necessary to be raised for town expenses the ensuing year. Le Grand Rockwell, Horace N. Hay, and H. S. Winsoi were appointed such committee, and reported: For contin gent fund, $45 ; for road fund, $20 ; for school fund, $20, recommending that $10 of the con tingent fund be used to pay the Town Clerk, and that, in addition to the above, $5 be raised for a poor fund. The report of the committee was considered, each proposition being voted on separately, and each and all were adopted. It was also resolved that the compensation of the town officers should be $1 per day, and that the Town Clerk should purchase three suitable books for the use of the town, " the cost of all which shall not exceed $6." The following is the first poll list of the town: Samuel Mallory, Edward Elderkin, H. Van Brunt, William L. Stowe. Levi Lee, Alonzo Piatt, C. N. Meigs, Zenas Ogden, Russell Crandall, Edward Winne, Hollis Latham, George Watson, Curtis Bellows, William H. Mickle, William K. May, Samuel Tubbs, Job O. Mattison, James L. Tubbs, H. H. Hartson, Levi Thomas, George H. Young, Horace N. Hay, Maj. Cooley, Orrin Maxham, John S. Boyd, H. S. Winsor, Clark McCarty, Reuben R. Bourn, U. D. Meacham, John Gillispie, William Garfield, Dexter Dewing, Zophar Chittenden, William E. Gregory, John Matheson, Edwin Hodges, Alex. S. Brown, John F. Bruce, George Humphrey, Lucius J. Wil mot, E. K. Frost, David Hartson, George Gale, Le Grand Rockwell, E. G. Hartson, George Dewing, Lewis Bemis, Davis Reed, Charles Garfield. F. A. Utter, Noah Harriman, John G. Parker, Booth B. Davis. Total number of votes polled, fifty-three, all of which for State Gov ernment. The following officers were elected: Supervisors, Urban D. Meacham, Chairman; Zenas Ogden, Horace N. Hay; Assessor, Hollis Latham; Town Clerk, Edward Elderkin; Collector, William Garfield; Treasurer, Edwin Hodges; Justices of the Peace, Hollis Latham, Levi Lee, George Gale; Road Commissioners, William E. Gregory, Curtis Bellows, Samuel Mallory; School Commissioners, George H. Young, Edward Winne, H. S. Winsor. Following is the roster of town and village officers from 1847 to 1881, inclusive: 1847— Supervisors, George Gale, Chairman; George H. Young, Albert Ogden; Clerk, Ed ward Winne; Treasurer, Alex S. Brown. 1848— Supervisors, George Gale, Chairman; George Humphrey, Lot Mayo; Clerk, Sam uel W. Henderson; Treasurer, Amplias Chamberlain (moved), George Bacheldor (appointed). 1849- -Supervisors, E. R. Utter, Chairman ; H. N. Hay, William Garfield; E. K. Frost, Clerk; H. H. Hartson, Treasurer. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 485 1850 — Supervisors, George H. Young, Chairman; Cyrus C. Stow, Albert Ogden; W. H. Pettit, Clerk; H. H. Hartson, Treasurer. 1851 — Supervisors, H. S. Winsor, Chairman; Alonzo Angel, C. C. Stow; Alvah J. Frost, Clerk; H. H. Hartson, Treasurer. 1852 — Supervisors, Le Grand Rockwell, Chairman; Daniel P. Handy, Thomas W. Miller; Alvah J. Frost, Clerk; Hollis Latham, Treasurer. 1853 — Supervisors, Le Grand Rockwell, Chairman; William Garfield, Lot Mayo; Alvah J. Frost, Clerk; H. H. Hartson, Treasurer. 1854 — Supervisors, Otis Preston, Chairman; H. S. Winsor, Harley F. Smith; Myron E. Dewing, Clerk; Myron E. Dewing, Treasurer. 1855 — Supervisors, Otis Preston, Chairman; Zenas Ogden, William Garfield; Myron E. Dewing, Clerk; Myron E. Dewing, Treasurer. 1856 — Supervisors, Alvah J. Frost, Chairman; Zenas Ogden, William Garfield; Charles D. Handy, Clerk; David R. Johnson, Treasurer. 1857 — Supervisors, Jesse C. Mills, Chairman; Squire Stanford, Delos Brett; Henry Brad ley, Clerk; John L. Holley, Treasurer. 1858 — Supervisors, John F. Brett, Chairman; Edward Elderkin, Robert Holley; Henry Bradley, Clerk; H. H. Hartson, Treasurer. 1859 — Supervisors, Otis Preston, Chairman; Amos Eastman, Edward Elderkin; Charles Lyon, Clerk; Zebina Houghton, Treasurer. 1860 — Supervisors, Edwin Hodges, Chairman; W. H. Conger, H. F. Smith; Henry Brad ley, Clerk; Alexander Stevens, Treasurer. 1861 — Supervisors, Edwin Hodges, Chairman; William H. Conger, H. F. Smith; Henry Bradley, Clerk; Alexander Stevens, Treasurer. 1862 — Supervisors, W. H. Conger, Chairman; H.F. Smith, Lester Allen; H.Bradley, Clerk; P. C. Gilbert. Treasurer. 1863 — Supervisors, H. S. Winsor, Chairman; Lester Allen, B. B. Humphrey; E. C. Stevens, Clerk; P. C. Gilbert, Treasurer. 1864— Supervisors, Edwin Hodges, Chairman; *L. C. Merrick, George Bulkley; fW. H. Moorhouse. Clerk; P. C. Gilbert, Treasurer. 1865— Supervisors, Edwin Hodges, Chairman; H. S. Winsor, George Bulkley; Henry Brad ley, Clerk; P. C. Gilbert, Treasurer. 1866— Supervisors, H. S. Winsor, Chairman; Lester Allen, D. R. Johnson; Henry Bradley, Clerk; P. C. Gilbert, Treasurer. 1867— Supervisors, Edwin Hodges, Chairman; George Bulkley, Robert Harkness; J. S. J. Eaton, Clerk; P. C. Gilbert, Treasurer. 1868— Supervisors, William H. Conger, Chairman; J. L. Edwards, Squire Stanford; John K. Burbank, Clerk; J. S. J. 'Eaton, Treasurer. 1869— Supervisors, W. H. Conger, Chairman; H. S. Bunker, John A. Norris; Henry Brad ley, Clerk; Joseph S. J. Eaton, Treasurer. 1870— Supervisors, C. Wiswell, Chairman; E. B. Dewing, Israel Smith; Henry Bradley, Clerk; Waldo W. Hartwell, Treasurer. 1871— Supervisors, C. Wiswell, Chairman; N. Catlin, J. H. Lauderdale; H. Bradley, Clerk; W. W. Hartwell, Treasurer. 1872— Supervisors, Wyman Spooner, Chairman; Squire Stanford, Hollis Latham; Henry Bradley, Clerk; Dyar L. Cowdery, Treasurer. 1873— Supervisors, E. B. Dewing, Chairman; C. Wiswell, S. Stanford; George W. Ogden, Clerk; D. L. Cowdery, Treasurer. 1874— Supervisors, E. B. Dewing, Chairman; C. Wiswell, Lucius Allen; E. M. Latham, Clerk; John Cromley, Treasurer. 1875— Supervisors, E. B. Dewing, Chairman; C. F. Ellsworth, J. H Lauderdale; E. M Latham, Clerk; John Cromley, Treasurer. 1876— Supervisors, E. B. Dewing, Chairman; C. F. Ellsworth, C. Wiswell; George W. Ogden, Clerk; John Cromley, Treasurer. *Merrick moved away, and H. S. Winsor appointed Supervisor. fMoorhonse moved away, Henry Adkins was appointed Clerk. 486 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1877 — Supervisors, Lucius Allen, Chairman; Dewitt Stanford, Hollis Latham; Joseph Liedl, Clerk; John Cromley, Treasurer. 1878— Supervisors, O. C. Chase. Chairman; Dewitt Stanford, R. D. Harriman; Joseph Liedl, Clerk; Charles Lyon, Treasurer. 1879— Supervisors, William H. Hurlbut, Chairman;' J. A. Perry, John Hare; Clerk, J. M. Barker; Treasurer, Charles Lyon. 1880 — Supervisors, Christopher Wiswell, Chairman ; W. J. Stratton, Hollis Latham; Clerk, E. M. Latham; Treasurer, H. C. Norris. 1881 —Supervisors, Lucius Allen, Chairman; W. J. Stratton, J. W. Hayes; Clerk, E. M. Latham; Treasurer, H. C. Norris. SCHOOLS. The first school district organization of the present town was effected April 22, 1846. The School Commissioners were George H. Young, Edward Winne and H. S. Winsor. The whole town was at that time made one school district, and has so remained ever since. The school fund at the disposal of the committee at the outset was not over-large, as appears from the rec ords. It was voted that " the sum of $9, now in the treasury, and the further sum of $20, raised by vote of the town, be applied to the use of said District No. 1 in said town." So Dis trict No. 1 was ushered into existence possessed of an old wooden schoolhouse, 20x20 feet in size, and cash in hand amounting to $29. There was at that time a population of perhaps two hundred, and not far from forty scholars. No records of the enumeration of scholars appears at that date. The first schoolhouse which was occupied on the organization of the district came as a her itage from the old town district, No. 1. It was built in the summer of 1840, on Lot 8, Block 9, on the west side of the park, the original lot reserved for school purposes by the Commis sioners when th^ town was platted. It served the district till 1850, at which time it was re placed by a more commodious brick structure, which still stands on the lot, and is now the res idence of Mr. Belden Weed. This building was the village schoolhouse for eighteen years. In 1868, it was sold, and the present building erected. It is located at the eastern terminus of Walworth street, where ample grounds were secured by vacating the street, which formerly extended further eastward, and by the purchase of ground on either side. It stands in the center of the street terminus, facing the street approach from the west. It is built of brick, in a substantial manner, and is surmounted with a belfry, or observatory. It is two stories in height. The body of the building is 60x45 feet, with a frontal projection, for entrance and stairways, of fifteen feet. There are four schoolrooms — two on the first floor, one on either side of the hall, and two on the floor above. The rooms below are occupied by the primary and intermediate departments; those on the second floor, by the gram mar and high schools. The plan of the building was furnished by G. P. Randall. Squire Stanford did the carpenter work, and Stevens & Dewing the masonry. The total cost, includ ing lot, fence and furniture, was $14,994.37. It has a seating capacity for 200 scholars. It is now inadequate for the scholars enrolled, and additions will be made in the near future. The schools were conducted under the old class system till 1851. At that time, the graded system was adopted. The change was effected under the administration of Le Grand Rockwell, H. F. Smith and Edwin Hodges, who constituted the School Board at that time, and under the supervision, as teachers, of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, who at that time were engaged to teach the school. The last report of the County Superintendent of Schools gives the following statistics of the district: Total valuation of all school property, $11,300; amount of money received for 1881, $4,773.55; amount expended, $3,165.62; number of teachers, 5; number of scholars enu merated, 330; number attending school, 273; number of volumes in library, 200; average monthly wages of teachers, male, $88.89; female, $45. Joseph F. Lyon is the present School Clerk, and Howard L. Smith Principal. SELECT SCHOOLS. Since the organization of the high school department, no select schools have been sustained. Prior to that time, for many years, such schools were sustained. Among the earliest teachers Missing Page Missing Page HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 489 remembered who taught the higher branches were Misses Friend, Hattie M. Perkins and Huxley. Lorenzo Hand and Everett Chamberlain also taught what was known as the Elkhorn Academy. These schools were taught in a building still standing on South street, and used by the Lu therans as a place of worship. There was also a private school taught for a time in the basement of the Methodist brick church, afterward burned. ELKHORN IN 1881. The population of Elkhoru by the Federal census of 1880 was 1,122. At the close of 1881, it is estimated from the last school census to considerably exceed 1,200. About 10 per cent of the population are farmers. The average value of the farming lands is $40 per acre. The lands are productive, and under a high state of cultivation. The farm ing area, owing to the small dimensions of the town (four square miles), is not even one-tenth that of the average of the full townships of the county. The showing of crops in proportion to the area compares favorably with the best agricultural towns of the county. The grain crops of 1880 were as follows: Wheat, 950 bushels; corn, 11,190 bushels; oats, 8,985 bushels; bar ley, 895 bushels. There were also made 26,426 pounds of butter* and 67,879 pounds of cheese. The hay crop amounted to 454 tons. There were 523 acres sown to grain; 503 acres of pasture and mowing; 72 acres of apple orchard; and 202 acres of growing timber. The village contains, besides the county buildings, one schoolhouse and seven churches. It has seven clergymen, six lawyers, six doctors and three dentists. BUSINESS FIRMS. The principal firms now doing business are as follows: W. J. Stratton, druggist and stationer; established by Bennett & Eaton in 1861; present proprietor since 1876; Stratton & Son since 1882. Camp & Isham, drugs and stationery; established by James H. Camp in 1857. J. H. Young, drugs; established in 1877. J. H. Lauderdale, grocer; established in 1865. John Beamish, grocer; successor to G W. Ferris; present proprietor in 1881. Lyon Brothers, grocers ; established by Levi C. Merrick, now of the firm of Spaulding & Merrick, Chicago, in 1860; present proprietor since 1864. T. W. Morefield, grocer; established in 1870. F. A. Warning, grocery, saloon and public hall; established in 1856. Otis Preston (Shanty), dry goods and clothing; established in 1851. Edwards & Preston, dry goods; established in 1876. C. E. Wing, dry goods, clothing, millinery and groceries; established in 1881. G. W. Ferris, grocer, 1882. 0. Carswell, groceries and news depot; established in 1862. John Hare, agricultural implements; established in 1878. John Hare, livery stable; established by William T. Jones in 1855; present proprietor since 1868. John Meigs, hardware and stoves; established in 1854. H. C. Norris, hardware and stoves; successor to Meigs & Norris since 1879. Anthony Graff, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes; established in 1859. William L. Stowe, furDiture; established by William L. Stowe & Son in 1875. Lucius Allen, furniture; established in 1876. F. A. Bunnell, confectioner; established in February, 1881. Independent Printing Office, M. T. Park, proprietor since January 1, 1879; Park & Ken ney, January 1, 1882; S. S. Rockwood, April 1, 1882. Central Hotel, first built in 1842; John H. Snyder, proprietor since 1869; E. S. Waring, from April, 1882. D. T. Barker, lumber, coal and building material; established in 1871. N. Carswell, dealer in grain, and proprietor of grain elevator since 1880. G. C. Huntress, manufacturer and dealer in harness; established in 1865. T7" 490 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. J. W. Gaylord & Son, carriage and wagon manufacturers; established in 1851 by J. W, Gaylord. N. Hanson & Co , manufacturers of sleighs, carriages and farm wagons, and blacksmiths; established in 1848, by Frank Russell. Edward McDonald ran it from 1860 to 1870; present proprietors since 1870. There are, in addition, milliners, artists, painters, butchers, shoemakers, carpenters, and followers of every other industrial calling which goes to make up a refined and thrifty com munity. There is at present (1882) a wind-mill for custom grinding, and a cheese factory, formerly a steam grist-mill, which, with what have been before enumerated, comprise all industrial pur suits within the town limits. BANKS. < The Elkhorn Bank was organized August 10, 1856, by Le Grand Rockwell and D. D. Spen cer, with a capital stock of $25,000. The business was conducted by these gentlemen, Mr. Rockwell being President, and Mr. Spencer, Cashier, until August 5, 1857, at which time Mr. Rockwell sold his interest totMr. Spencer, and Mr. J. C. Mills was elected President in his place. Mr. Spencer soon withdrew; and the business of the bank was virtually suspended. March 16, 1858, the business was re-organized, Mr. Mills remaining President, and Mr. J. A. Pierce being appointed Cashier. July 5, 1858, Mr. Mills resigned, and Mr. J. A. Pierce was elected his successor; and Mr. George Bulkley, Cashier. January 14, 1861, Mr. Pierce withdrew, and Mr. J. L. Edwards was elected President, Mr. Bulkley still retaining his place as Cashier. This arrangement continued until March 25, 1865, when the Elkhorn Bank ceased to exist, and the First National Bank of Elkhorn was organized. The First National Bank of Elkhorn was organized January 9, 1865, by the officers and a portion of the stockholders of the Elkhorn Bank, its predecessor, and some other parties. The amount of capital subscribed was $50,000, in shares of $100 each. The shareholders and num ber of shares subscribed by each were as follows: J. L. Edwards, .150; George Bulkley, 100; W. H. Conger, 80; George W. Wylie, 70; Amos Fellows, 50; O. Hand, 50. The necessary authority and approval of the Comptroller of the Currency was obtained, bearing date January 31, 1865, and the first meeting of the stockholders was held February 4, 1865, when th« following persons were elected Directors, a portion of the original stock sub scribed having, in the meantime, changed hands : J. L. Edwards, George Bulkley, R. T. Sey mour, O. Hand, W. H. Conger. At a subsequent meeting of the Board of Directors, held on the same day, the following officers were elected: President, J. L. Edwards; Vice President, William H. Conger; Cashier, George Bulkley. In November, 1869, Mr. William H. Conger was appointed Cashier, vice George Bulkley, resigned. Soon after its organization, the bank purchased for its office and place of business the build ing previously occupied by the Elkhorn Bank. In the summer of 1880, the bank building was thoroughly remodeled and repaired. A new vault was built, a new safe purchased, and other improvements made, which make it equal in safety and convenience to any country banking house, and superior to most. With the exception of the temporary move in the summer of 1880, while the building was remodeled, the bank has been continuously located in the same place. The present officers are: C. Wiswell, President since 1870; J. L. Edwards, Vice President since 1869, and President from the organization of the bank to that time; William H. Conger, Cashier since 1869, and Vice President from the organization of the bank to that time; Henry Adkins, Assistant Cashier, and Teller or Assistant Cashier since the organization of the bank. The present capital of the bank is $50,000, and surplus, $7,800. Its deposits are large for a country bank, its stockholders are wealthy, and it promises to be one of the permanent insti tutions of Walworth County. The Exchange Bank of Rockwell & Co. was organized August 17, 1857, by Le Grand Rockwell and John R. Wheeler. Mr. L. R. Rockwell was admitted as partner April, 1858. After continuing in business for a short time under this management, the name of the bank was changed to " Rockwell & Co.'s Bank," and it was made a bank of issue, with a capital stock of HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 491 $25,000. In 1861, the circulation was retired, the bank continuing business until November 20, 1871, when, the senior partner, Mr. L. G. Rockwell, having died in 1869, the bank was closed. CHURCHES. St. John's Church in the Wilderness. — This was one of the earliest mission churches estab lished by the Episcopal Church in the State, and the earliest in the county. It was founded through the direct and personal efforts of three young men — Hobart, Adams and Breck — who, with headquarters at Nashotah, Waukesha County, did faithful and persistent missionary labor , at various points in the State. The church was organized October, 1841, with David Hartson, first warden, and Le Grand Rockwell, Edward Elderkin, H. S. Winsor and H. H. Hartson. [ first vestrymen. At first, services were held in the schoolhouse, Revs. Hobart, Breck and Adams officiating alternately. In 1848, the society was re-organized conformable to the statutes of the State, and services were held at the court house by Revs. J. McNamara and J. Ludlum. In 1853, the name of the church was changed, it being known simply as " St. John's Church at Elkhorn." Rev. G. E. Peters was chosen Rector, and, during his pastorate, the present lot was purchased, and the church erected and furnished. The ladies connected with the society carpeted and cushioned the house, purchased the melodeon and subsequently purchased a par sonage lot. In 1856, the church edifice was enlarged, and since 1875 improvements have been made to the value of about $2,000. The church has been repaired, a parsonage built, an organ purchased and a fence built around the church and rectory lot. The number of communicants at present is thirty-nine. The first record of baptisms was made December 25, 1853, Rev. G. E. Peters officiating; the whole number since that time is 212. Since the close of Rev. G. E. Peters' pastorate, in 1856, the following clergymen have officiated: Revs. H. M, Thompson, J.. McNamara, Joseph H. Nichols, J. C. Passmore, C. T. Seibt, A. F. W. Falk, D D.; C. N_ Spaulding, D. D., George W. Dean, D. D., G. W. Harrod, B. D. E. H. Rudd, B. D, C. M_ Pullen, B. D., Henry Hughes, B. D. The Baptist Church of Elkhorn. — This society was organized on the 18th of December,.. 1852, at an adjourned meeting held in the court house, Rev. Thomas Bright, Moderator, and William H. Pettit, Clerk. At this meeting, articles of faith and covenant were adopted, and it was voted to call a council to meet on the 13th day of January following to consider their claims to recognition as a regularly constituted Baptist Church. The following were the constituent members: Rev. Thomas Bright, Eliza J. Bright, Levi Jackson, Lydia Jackson,. Nelson Lee, Mary Lee, Jane Mallory, H. H. Leonard, J. Parmlee, Alvina Frost, H. N. Hay, Margaret Hay, D. P. Handy, L. W. Handy, Joseph Viles, Eleanor Viles, G. G. Viles, Diadema ' Dewing, Christopher Wiswell, Almira Wiswell, John Martin, Eliza Martin, Edward McDonald Meleta McDonald. At the council, which met according to call, the churches at Delavan, Geneva, Spring Prairie, Sugar Creek and East Delavan, were represented by delegates, consisting of the pastors of the several churches and a number of lay members. The council was duly organized and voted that the organization of the church at Elkhorn was satisfactory. Rev. Thomas Bright was accordingly installed as pastor, with the Usual religious exercises. He remained with the- church four years, and has been succeeded by the following clergymen : Revs. G. W. Gates, Thomas-. Brande, J. H. Dudley, J. E. Johnson, Levi Parmly, F. M. lams, A. L. Wilkenson, F. D. Stone, G. A. Cressey, and S. E. Sweet, the present pastor. The following persons have served as Beacons: Levi Jackson, E. McDonald, D. P. Handy, C. Wiswell, D. R. Johnson, P. R. Jackson, S. D. Littlefield, L. Knapp, H. C. Paden. The following have served as Clerks: D. P. Handy, D. R. Johnson (twenty-two years), W. E. Osborn, C. H. Burbank, H. Jackson and Daniel Salisbury. In 1853, a church edifice was erected, on the corner of Court and Broad streets, at a cost of $2,200. The building is thirty-five feet by fifty -five, has been kept. in good repair and is a pleasant and convenient place of meeting. It was dedicated on the 1st day of January, 1854. At the time of its organization, the church had twenty-four members- This number has been increased to 263, comprising all who have been connected with it since its organization. The present membership is 100, and the Sabbath school, which was organized in 1857, now numbers 130, P. R. Jackson being the present Superintendent. The Lutheran Church. — In 1870, the Lutherans of Elkhorn and vicinity, who had pre viously been obliged to go to Burlington to attend church, determined to organize a society o£ 492 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. their own. They accordingly invited Rev. H. P. Duborg, of Whitewater, to become their pastor, purchased a building that had been previously used for a schoolhouse, of L. G. Rockwell, for $400, and fitted it up for a church building. Mr. Duborg afterward moved to Illinois, and Rev. J. J. Meier took charge of the society, but resided at Wheatland, Racine County. On the 29th of March, the society was re-organized under the name of ' ' The Evangelical Lutheran Peace Congregation, ' ' and, during the year, it was received into the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the State of Wisconsin. In 1876, the congregation bought a parsonage house. Rev J. J. Meier removed, in 1879, and was succeeded by Rev. William Buehring, followed by Rev. Jo hannes Dejung. The church has now a membership of twenty-five, and church property valued at $1,100. First Congregational Church of Elkhorn was organized as such at the Elkhorn House, then kept by George Young, on the 9th of December, 1843. Rev. Amnon Gaston was chosen temporary Chairman, and James O. Eaton, Clerk. The organizing members numbered eight, as follows: James O. Eaton, from the Congregational Church of Sutton, Mass.; Mrs. Mary M. Eaton, from the Congregational Church of Middlebury, Mass.; Mrs. Ann Walling, Mrs. Lydia Hickox, from the Congregational Church of Victor, N. Y.; Mrs. Sophronia F. East man, from the Congregational. Church of Newbury, Vt. ; Mr. Jacob H. Young and Misses Margaret and Gertrude Young, from the Reformed Dutch Church, Princeton, N. Y. The pas- . tors in the order given have been Revs. D. Pinkerton, Samuel E. Miner, J. D. Stevens, L. H. John son, J. B. L. Soule, J. D. Peet, C. C. Adams, A. L. P. Loomis, P. S. Van Nest, J. G. Sabin, H. Fowle, and Newton Barrett, the present pastor, settled May 1, 1881. The' church building is located on the west side of South street. It was built at an early day as a union church, but is now the property of the society. The present number of communicants is 100. The Sabbath school numbers upward of 100 scholars, with an average attendance of sixty- five. It has a small library — about 100 volumes. The church society is in a healthy condition financially, being out of debt, and about to build a new and commodious church building. Universalist Church. — The Universalists held services many years ago in the old court house. No reliable information can be obtained concerning this early movement, except that the first preacher was Rev. H. D. L. Webster. He preached at stated times to a small but faithful parish for some years. Following his pastorate, the interest languished, and the or ganization lost life. Occasional services were held by A. C. Barry. D. D., then living in Racine, and, in 1874, a new interest was awakened. In 1875, a neat church, named Barry Chapel, in honor of the pastor, was built. In 1876, Mr. Barry became resident pastor; he remained two years. In 1878, the society was re-organized. The officers elected at the first annual meeting held at Barry Chapel, January 7, of that year, were: Moderator, Squire Stanford; Treasurer, Charles Wales; Clerk, Dewitt Stanford; Standing. Committee, Yirgil Cobb, Stewart Ells worth, William Ellsworth. At that date, there were thirty members of the parish. The present membership is about thirty. Rev. M. G. Todd, residing at Columbus, Wis., has had pastoral charge of the parish since 1878, holding services one Sabbath in each month. There is a flourishing Sabbath school connected with the church. The Catholic Church was organized at an early period. The first mass was said i,n Elk horn by Father Pendergrass, at the house of Mr. Fahey in the fall of 1852. Meetings were held thereafter at the houses of Messrs. Hatton, Dumphy and Morrissey, and in Squire Stan ford's carpenter-shop. The church was organized in 1860, at which time the old tannery was purchased and fitted up as a place of worship. The Executive Committee were James Lennon, Wm. Fanning and P. Morrissey. In 1865, the building was enlarged and thoroughly repaired. The committee at that time was: James Lennon, Michael Bagnall, P. Morrissey and A. Graff. Services were held'in the old church till 1880, at which time the present edifice was completed sufficiently for occupancy. It was finished in 1881. The church property is valued at $10,000. The ministering priests have been: Fathers James, one year; Braunan, five years; Roach, two years; Kinney, two years; Dumphy, six years; Vahey, the first resident pastor, since 1879. The congregation comprises ninety-five families, fifty young men and as many young women. Methodist— The society was organized as early as 1840 or 1841. In 1855, the society erected a fine brick church, which was subsequently burned. Their present place of worship is a plain substantial wood church. The society is small, numbering some thirty families. The present pastor is Rev. H. G. Sedgwick. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 493 SOCIETIES. Harmony Lodge, A., F. &. A. M., was established at Elkhorn. in 1848. It was the first Masonic lodge in the county, and one of the earliest in the State. It was subsequently removed to Delavan. Its charter was surrendered many years ago. Dispensation for Harmony Lodge was granted by M. W. A. D. Smith in the year 1848. The first officers and members were as follows: Officers— Reuben R. Bourn, W. M.; Lot Mayo, S. W.; Caleb Croswell, J. W.; Thomas Harrison, Treasurer; Lyman Cowdery, Secretary; Oliver Cowdery, S. D.; Edwin Daniels, J. D.; Robert Wylie, Winthrop Norton, Stewards; S. W. Henderson, Tiler. Members— William Berry, Isaac Meacham, Elisha Mayo, J. D. Monell, Jr., Daniel B. Packer, Edward Winne, Will iam L. Stowe, Caleb P. Barnes, Daniel Dobbs, William H. Hyatt, Joseph Bowker, Horace Rust, Thomas -McHugh, John Bromagham, Edwin A. Cooley, Sheldon Walling. Lodge No. 159, I. O. 0. F., was organized in 1851. Charter members were: H. S. Winsor, Edwin Hodges, George Buckley, Christopher Wiswell, P. S. Carver. Present officers are : W. G, S. G. Huntress; V G, J. F. Smith; R. S., George W. Ferris; T., H. C. Norris; P. S, J. W. Gaylord. Elkhorn Lodge, No. 77, A., F. & A. M., was organized by dispensation May 21, 1856; char tered June 11, 1857. Charter members, Lot Mayo, Delos Brett, Ed Winne. First officers — W. M., Lot Mayo; S. W., E. Winne; J. W., Delos Brett; Treasurer, W. L. Stowe; Secretary, S. Remer; S. D., S. W. Henderson; J. D., J. A. Ball; Tiler, John W. Henderson; Stewards, C. Davis, 0. Eldred; Chaplain, H. D. L. Webster. Present officer— W. M., Charles Lyon; S. W., E. M. Latham; J. W., B. Dunlap; Treasurer, H. Bradley; Secretary, J. W. Hayes; S. D., D. L. Cowdery; J. D., George W. Ogden; Tiler, E. W. Gray; Stewards, H. S. Bull, S. G. West; Trustees, J. M. Barker, H. Bradley, D. L. Cowdery. Present membership, twenty- eight. Elkhorn Chapter, No. 17, R. A. M. — Dispensation granted, April 8, 1857, to S. Walling, William M. Brett and John M. Henderson. Chartered February 4, 1858. First officers— H. P., Sheldon Walling; King, W. M. Brett; Scribe, O. Eldred; C. H., Lot Mayo; P. S., E. P. Johnson; R. A. C, C. D. Handy; M. of 3d V., A. Beckwith; M. of 2d V, Levi Lee; M. of 1st V., Ed Winne; Chaplain, Rev. R. P. Lawton. Present membership, thirty-three. Elkhorn Council, No. 20, Royal and Select Masters.— Charter granted, February 31, 1881. Officers — Thrice Illustrious Master, J. M. Barker; Deputy Master, H. D. Barnes; Principal Conductor of Work, H. A. Hubbard; Recorder, J. W. Hayes. Membership, twelve. Elkhorn Lecture Association. — Organized in 1879. Has held lecture courses with success during each winter since its organization. Present officers are: President, J. M. Barker; Sec retary, W. D. Lyon; Treasurer, J. W. Hayes. The Southern Wisconsin Board of Trade was organized in February, 1881. The object of the association as stated in the by-laws, are " to foster, maintain and encourage the dairy and other agricultural and commercial interests of the community." Officers — President, D. L. Flack, Geneva; Vice President. S. Faville, Delavan; Treasurer, W. D. Lyon, Elkhorn; Secre tary, W. H. Morrison, Elkhorn; Directors, S. Faville, Delavan; Asa Foster, Sugar Creek; C. B. McCanna, Springfield; R. Pearson, Sharon; Alonzo Potter, La Fayette. Sale days are Wed nesdays of every other week'. The first sale day was February 16, 1881; total sales were $1,- 519.36; 3,652 pounds of butter at 22 to 32 cents per pound, and 4.320 pounds of cheese at 11£ cents per pound. Sales have since been held regularly. The aggregate sales have reached as high as $4,000. NEWSPAPERS. The Western Star was the first newspaper published in Elkhorn and the first in the county. Its chief claim to notice rests on the priority of its establishment. It was, when first issued, a folio sheet, 7fxl2 inches in size. It was subsequently enlarged. No. 1, Vol. 1, was issued August 8, 1845. The advertisements give positive proof to these later generations that at that date D. C. Wilmot kept the Elkhorn House; George H. Young, M. D., practiced medicine and surgery in Elkhorn and vicinity; George Gale was editor of the paper, also an attorney at law, and one of the proprietors of the firm of Gale & Utter, who published the paper. J. O. Eaton spread himself miscellaneously all over the pages, as the leading dry goods marl. He was about " pulling up stakes,' ' and. notified everybody to call and settle accounts, " if they wished 494 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. to settle with J. O. Eaton," a delicate hint that George Gale, Edward Elderkin or H. S. Win sor, resident lawyers in the town, might "have the bills of delinquents put in their hands for .collection. The marriage announcement of the week, August 8, 1845, was as follows: Married.— On the 3d ult., by A. Wilson, Esq., Mr. Simeon Standish to Miss Angeline Quiggle, all of La Fayette." Poetry was not ignored in the new journal. Miss H. G., now old and gray, if she is .alive, published the following lines: "O, In-other, time flies swiftly past, And still you're far from me; Two changing years are gone since last I gazed, dear one, on thee. Yet on my heart is deeply traced The memory of that day, And never will it be effaced While you remain away." Four more stanzas follow, telling of "hours of care," and how there was a "void none else •could fill," and how " still I dream oE you ; " how she would " rush his hand to grasp," and •" O, that it was so," etc., etc. John Matheson put in his advertisement as follows : \ A GREAT DISCOVERY. The most important discovery ever made was that made by our grandfather, Adam, when he discovered the art of tailoring. His descendants have followed it and improved it through every generation down to the pres ent day. The subscriber would respectfully inform the inhabitants of Elkhorn and vicinity, that, having profited by the experience of all generations since Adam, he is now prepared to execute all business entrusted to his ¦care, with neatness and dispatch and in the latest fashionable style. Cutting done on short notice and warranted to fit if properly made up. JOHN MATHESOX. Elkhorn, August 5. 1845. 15y The paper, in addition to the above, contained notes on the geography and history of the county, from which the compilers of this work have copiously drawn. The Walworth County Democrat was begun by Edwin' A. Cooley, in 1848. and ended by him in about two years. The materials were sold and taken out of the county. The Star was published for years. It was succeeded by the Walworth County Reporter, •published by Dr. E. R. Utter, and F. A. Utter, his son. It was a lively Democratic paper while it lived, and was discontinued immediately after the Presidential election of 1856 ^not from want of patronage but from pressure of outside business, which demanded the attention of the proprietors. The material was sold out to the Elkhorn Independent at the time of its discon tinuance —a Republican paper, which had been established some years before by Edgar J. F arnum. The Walworth County Independent is the present survivor of journalism in the town, and traces its genealogy to the first paper published in the county — the Western Star. As the Elk horn Independent, it was established June, 1S53, by Edgar J. Farnum, of North Geneva, as a -seven-column-to-the-page folio. Mr. Farnum, after publishing the paper a few months, sold it to James Deusmore, who continued its publication for four years — until June, 1857. While publishing the paper, Mi'. Deusmore associated with him Mr. John Hotchkiss, and the paper was published under the firm name of Deusmore & Hotchkiss until June, 1857. Mr. Densmore then sold his interest in the Indejieutlent to Frank Leland and George S. Utter, who for the year previous had been publishing the Geneva Express, and the circulation of the two papers was combined. Mr. Utter retiri'd from the firm'after a few weeks, and the Independent •continued to be published by Hotchkiss & Leland for two years and a half — until January, 1860 — when S. F. Bennett purchased the interest of John Hotchkiss, and the paper continued under the management of Leland & Bennett. In 1863, Mr. Bennett sold his interest in the paper to Mr. Leland, who continued to be the sole editor and publisher until July, 1874, when JohnD. Devor purchased Mr. Leland' s interest, and continued as the editor and publisher until HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 495 January 1, 1877, at which time he sold his interest to J. W. & D. J. Sankey. Mr. Sankey died December 18, 1878, and, on the 1st of January, 1879, the Independent was purchased by M. T. Park and C. M. Treat. After continuing in the paper for a few months, Mr. Treat sold his interest to M. T. Park, and retired from the paper, and Mr. Park continuing the sole editor and proprietor. Some time prior to 1878, the name was changed to the Walworth County Independent. It is the leading organ of the dominant party in the county. Mr. M. T. Park, the late editor, is now (1882) Assistant Secretary of State. The proprietorship changed January 1, 1882, Mr. Eugene Kenney becoming a partner, and the firm name Park & Kenney. C. H. Burdick, for merly of the Geneva News, took charge of the local columns. He has been connected with jour nals of the county and as correspondent of metropolitan papers for the past ten years. (April 1, 1882, its ownership and editorship passed to S. S. Rockwood, formerly a teacher in the Nor mal School at Whitewater, and more recently Assistant State Superintendent of Schools "for Wisconsin.) The Walworth County Liberal was started in October, 1873, three numbers being issued prior to the gubernatorial election of that year, which resulted in the election of William R. Taylor as Governor of Wisconsin. The first proprietor was Isaac B. Bickford, formerly of the Creston (Illinois) Times. His connection with the paper extended over about two months. Being an entire stranger, and unacquainted with local political affairs, his editorial connection with the paper^was merely nominal. The editorial functions were delegated chiefly to Judge Wyman Spooner and Otis Preston, Judge Spooner writing all articles pertaining to national politics, leaving the local and State matters to the care- of Mr. Preston. Mr. Bickford, though a young man of fair ability, could not make it available in the new enterprise, and, having gone in with too much hope and too little capital, found himself embarrassed before the paper was fairly established, and sold out to a syndicate of Democratic reformers, desirous of estab lishing an'organ in the county. It was made up of some of the leading citizens, who, on the completion of the purchase, installed in possession and management Mr. Albert C. Beckwith and Eugene Kenney, under the firm name of Beckwith & Kenney as publishers. Mr. Beck with assumed the entire editorial control from that time. The paper under its new management retained the good will of its former editors, Messrs. Spooner & Preston, who continued for a time to contribute to its columns. It increased rapidly in circulation, and soon ranked among the leading Democratic country journals of the State. June 27, 1874, Mr. Henry H. Tubbs, a printer, bought ¦ into the concern, and the firm name was thenceforth changed to Beckwith, Kenney & Tubbs. July 2, 1875, the office, with its entire contents, was burned. The fire is believed to have been incendiary, as the office was detached from other buildings, and had had no fire in it for a week previous to its destruction. The slip shown on the following page, issued by the proprietors the day following the disaster, gives all that was known or probably ever will be known as to the fire or its origin. The fire resulted in the dissolution of the firm. Albert C. and Edward S. Beckwith, made a determined attempt to go on, and, under the revised name of the Elkhorn Liberal, started again July 16, 1875. Totally bankrupted by the fire, with even their books and subscription list gone, the denouement of this desperate attempt to recover was what might have been ex pected. They had the sympathy of the entire community, but it did not take such tangible form as to perpetuate the paper, and the Beokwiths, seeing the struggle to be hopeless and thankless, issued the last number January 7, 1876. The paper was ably conducted during its existence, and its demise was regretted, not more by its political friends than by its fair-minded opposers. It was one of the ablest Democratic papers ever published in the county. In addition, there have been several papers started and run for a time in the local interest of Elkhorn. The Conservator was, started by Mr. Otis Preston October 10, 1857. It was in magazine form and contained twenty- eight pages. Its birth was at an inauspicious time, and only one number was published. It contained much valuable information concerning the town of Elk horn and vicinity. It went out before it was fairly established, one of the victims of the financial crash of 1857. 496 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. WALWORTH CO. LIBERAL. VOL II. ELKHORN, WISCONSIN, JULY i!. 1875. NO. 37. The Walworth County Liberal. THE ONLY OPPOSITION PAPER IN THE COUNTY. Published by Beckwith, Kenney & Tubbs. TERMS : 180 CENTS PER J^NNTJM.. About 12 o'clock, as nearly as can now be learned, on Thursday night, the Liberal office was discovered to be on fire, ap parently beginning in the lower southeast corner (in front), and being already under such headway that its fate was certain. The building was a light frame affair, two stories in height, the upper one unoccupied, about 23 feet by 36 on the ground. It was the property of James R. Brown, Esq., of Racine. Whether insured or not, we have no present means of knowing. There had been no Are in the printing office for about a week. The stove and pipes were, besides, habitually in excellent order. No lights had been used since Wed nesday evening. No smoking was indulged in on the premises. As to the publishers, the affair was a total loss, not being insured to the amount of a dollar. The Liberal was started in 1873, almost without capital, and was slowly laying the groundwork for one of the very best news and job offices in the county. Its publishers had wrought daily, and often nightly, with their own hands, and the reward began to be visible in the distance. Not a particle of property was saved ; not even the books of the firm. The loss in type, presses and material, is about $1,600. As to the origin of the fire, we would speak with due caution ; but, from the time and circumstances as told above, and from the further fact that the day and night had been rainy and almost without wind, we are compelled to think that it was not purely accidental. More than this cannot now be stated. The publishers are not aware of such a degree of ill-feeling as would he likely to prompt such wrong-doing ; but they are, perhaps, not in the best position to judge. The Liberal has no useless whine or reproach to make ; its business is to square accounts as well as may be done without the books ; and, at the earliest day possible, resume its weekly labors again. We do not doubt the justice or generosity of the people among whom our lot has for so long been cast, and fear nothing but useless delays. The building next, north of the Liberal office, belonged to the Hartwell Estate, and was occupied by John Hatch, who, with his family, was obliged to bundle out in a much less orderly manner than he moved in. The building was saved, with a loss of, say, a hundred dollars, owing mainly, per haps, to a Babcock Extinguisher, and the pluck of William T. Jones, J. L. Edwards, Hiram Bell, W. L. Stowe, J. D. Devor and several other citizens, whose names do not now occur to us. Several large lights of glass were broken by the heat in Warning's store front, and, whatever resemblance to walnut his doors may have once had, was hopelessly blis tered out. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 497 The Live Man was started by Mr. Otis Preston June 24, 1864. It was a trade paper, showing considerable ability in its editorial conduct. It was peculiarly local, and aimed to draw trade to Elkhorn and bring the importance of the town as a trade center before its readers. It flourished in 1864 and 1865, and was revived for a short season in 1867. Its circulation was free, and its merits were entirely beyond the fate which places it as one of the defunct papers of the county. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. GEN. I. C. ABBOTT, State Agent for Fairbanks Scale Manufacturing Company, Elkhorn. He is a native of Allegany Co., N. Y. , town of Burnes; is the son of E. A. and Nancy Gregory Abbott; was born Dec. 24, 1824. In 1835, moved to St. Joseph Co. , Mich., and resided near White Pigeon; in 1854, he began business as a dealer in general merchandise at a place called Burr Oak, of that county; in 1855, he was appointed Postmaster of Burr Oak; he continued the mercantile business until 1857, when he closed out, and went into the grain business; he resigned his commission as Postmaster, April 19, 1861, and enlisted the same day in'the 1st Michi gan, three months' volunteers; was commissioned Captain of Company G of that regiment May 1, 1861. He participated in the first battle of Bull Run, and was slightly wounded; his com pany lost twenty-two men in killed, wounded and prisoners. Capt. Abbott rescued the regi mental colors, as they were about to fall into the hands of the enemy, and carried them off the field; it was around those colors the regiment finally rallied by the little stone church near Sudley's Ford. At the expiration of three months, the regiment returned to Michigan, and was re-organized, and Capt. Abbott was commissioned Captain of Company B Aug. 17, 1861, for three years. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac in the spring, arriving at Ft. Monroe, Va. , on March 12, 1862. He was commissioned Major April 28, 1862, and participated in the Peninsular campaign, with McClellan. Aug. 30, 1862, after the second battle of Bull Run, he was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel, and March 18, 1863, was commissioned Colonel. At the battle of Fredericksburg, December 12, 1862, he received two gunshot wounds ; was also wounded twice at Chancellorsville, May 2", 1863 ; was wounded again July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg. For meritorious conduct at this battle, he was brevetted Brigidier General. In January, 1865, having served with honor and distinction nearly four years, having participated in most of the hard-fought campaigns, and having been wounded several times, he found his health seriously impaired, and tendered his resignation. He returned to Michigan, and was appointed to the United States Revenue Service, where he served from 1866 to 1869. He came- to Wisconsin in 1873, and located at Evansville, Rock Co., where he continued to reside until the fall of 1875, when he moved to Delavan, then to Elkhorn (1880), where he now resides. HENRY ADKINS, Assistant Cashier, First National Bank of Elkhorn. Mr. Adkins has held his present position since the organization of the bank. He is a native of the County of Kent, England; is the son of Henry and Martha Adkins; he was born Dec. 23, 1812. Having arrived at a suitable age, he was apprenticed to learn the drug busine s, and served three and one half years. When twenty-one years of age, in 1833, he emigrated to the United States; made his home in Oneida Co., N. Y., until 1841, when he moved to the town of Sugar Creek, Walworth Co. , Wis. ; he located on a farm, and one year later moved to the town of La Grange, same county, and entered an 80-acre tract of Government land on Sec. 14; in the au tumn of 1854, he was elected Register of Deeds of Walworth County; in December of that year, he moved to Elkhorn, and entered upon the duties of the office;, he was re-elected for the Bucceeding term and served four years. During his service as Register, he had laid the foun dation for an abtract of titles of Walworth County. He continued the abstract business until 1863, when he engaged as bank clerk in the Bank of Elkhorn; was with that institution till its close, in March, 1865; on the organization of the First National Bank of Elkhorn, he was in stalled as Teller, and has performed the duties of that office and of Assistant Cashier from that time to this date in a manner that has commanded the confidence of the officers and directors. He was married at New York Mills, Oneida Co., N. Y, to Miss Betsey A. Adams, daughter of William Adams. Mrs. Adkins was born in the State of New York; they had seven children. Elizabeth is the wife of Reuben Eastwood, now a resident of Sharon, Wis. ; Mr. E. was a soldier of the late war and a member of the 30th W. V. I. ; Henry B. was a member of the same 498 HISTORY OF "WALWORTH COUNTY. regiment; he is married to Emma Cronk, and living in Elkhorn; Charlotte Adkins is also living in Elkhorn; Zeruah, now the wife of C. D. Root, of Sharon, who was in the late war. William E. was a member of the same regiment as his brother, and served in the late war; he is married, and resides at Tomah, Wis. ; Mary E. is the wife of P. H. Smith, of Hays City, Kan. , and John C. also resides at Hays City. LEVI E. ALLEN, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Walworth County, Wis. Mr. Allen was born in the town of Loraine, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Jan. 25, 1840; is the son of John and Mary Allen; in 1815, he came with his parents to Walworth Co., Wis., and made his home on a farm in the town of Sharon; he received a common-school education, and, on the 13th of October, 1861, he enlisted for service in the late war as a private of Company C, 13th W. V. I., and was in his company and regiment in all the engagements participated in by them till he was trans ferred to the 65th Regiment U. S. C. T., April 13, 1864, of which he was Quartermaster with the rank of First Lieutenant; he served until May 26, 1866, covering a period of four years and eight months. ,He received an honorable discharge, on account of physical disability. On his return from the army, he resumed farming, and continued that occupation until 1872, when he engaged in the hardware business, which he continued from 1872 to 1880; he was elected Clerk of the Court of Walworth County in the fall of 1877 on the Republican ticket; was re elected in 1879, and renominated this year (1881), which, in this county, is equivalent to ah election. Mr. A. has 480 acres of land in Dakota, lying in McCook and Hanson Counties. He was married at Darien, in this county, April 4, 1864, to Miss Carrie Wilkins, daughter of Joseph R. and Celesta Wilkins. Mrs. A. was born in the. town of Darien in this county; they have five children — Plieny, William P., Albery J., Mary C. and Alice. Since his election, Mr. A. has made his home in Elkhorn. LUCIUS ALLEN, undertaker, manufacturer of and dealer in furniture, Elkhorn; business established in 1876; succeeded D. R. Johnson. Mr. Allen was born in Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., Feb. 13, 1816; is the son of Daniel and Olive English Allen. The father was a physician who settled in New York in 1810. Lucius A. served a regular apprencticeship of the carpenter and joiner' s trade in Hamburg. He moved to Geauga Co., Ohio in 1836. He was married May 27, 1837, to Mary L. Spoor, and, in October, 1838, he came to Wisconsin, settled at East Troy> Wal worth Co., and engaged in carpenter and joiner's work. Mrs. A died in November, 1838, and was buried at East Troy. She is supposed to have been the first white person buried at that place; they had one child, named Augustus O, now married to Laesmeralda King, and living at Ft. Dodge, Iowa. Mr. Allen was married at Auburn, Ohio, July 10, 1842, to Miss Sarah A. Barns; they had two children; the eldest Fayette L., was a soldier of the late war; was a mem ber of Company I, 28th W. V. I., and died at Little Rock, Ark, in February, 1864; the second, Frances A., is now Mrs. Duncan Wright, of the town of La Fayette. Mrs. Allen died in the fall of 1837. In August, 1848, Mr. A. was married in Auburn, Ohio, to Juliet Barns; they had five children— Otis H, married to Mary Clark and living at Racine i Etta, now Mrs. Gilbert Potter, of Vesta, Neb.; Alice W. is'the wife of Harley C. Norris, of Elkhorn; Charles S. is at Leadvdlle; Hattie resides at home. Iu 1859, Mr. A. moved to a farm of 120 acres in Spring Prairie that he had purchased at the land sale of February, 1839. Though making his home on the farm, he still continued at his trade in East Troy and vicinity; in 1869, he moved to Elkhorn, and, in 1870, sold hisfarm, and has since made his home at that place; worked at his trade until 1 87(5, when he established himself in the furniture business. Mrs. A. died March 11, 1878. Mr. A. served two terms as Chairman of the town of Spring Prairie; was a member of the Wisconsin Legislature in I SIM; he also served two years as member of the Board of County Supervisors whon the county board consisted of five members. Since coming to Elk horn, he has been a member of the town board two terms, and is now serving as Chairman, having been elected on the temperance issue in the spring of 1881. DR. JOSEPH M. BARKER, dental surgeon; established in practice at Elkhorn, Febru ary, 1808; he is a native of Nunda, Livingston Co., N. Y.; is the son of Amos and Sophia Barker; was born Dec. 1, 1837; studind dentistry with Dr. A. J. Kingsley, of Nunda, and commenced the practice of his profession at Whitesville, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1860; in July, 1862, ho enlisted in Company I, 1st New York Dragoons, and' served three years in the late war. During his service, he participated in the following battles: Battle of Deserted HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 499 Farm, siege of Suffolk, Manassas Junction, Travillian Station, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania Court House, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Waynesborough, Dinwiddie Court House, Five Forks, Sutherland Station, Amelia Court House, Sailor's Creek, Appomattox Court House and at the surrender of Gen. Lee, besides taking part in numerous raids and skirmishes. On his return from the service, the Doctor opened an office at Nunda, where he continued to practice his profession until 1868, when he moved to Wiscousin and established himself in practice at Elk horn, which he has continued to this date, and is enjoying a lucrative practice. He was mar ried at Nunda, N. Y, Nov. 15, 1866, to Miss Mary E. Carver, daughter of Ralph W. and Relief Carver. Mrs. B. is a native of Nunda. WILLIAM A. BARNES, proprietor of feed mill, Elkhorn; is the son of Rufus and Han nah Barnes; was born in La Fayette, Walworth Co., Wis., Feb. 27, 1844; when of suitable age, he learned the carpenter trade. He was married, in Lincoln, Adams Co., Wis., Oct. 31, 1867, to Miss Martha J. McFarlin, daughter of Alexander and Mary McFarlin. Mrs. Barnes was born in Coitsville, Trumbull Co. , Ohio. They have one child — Helen M. , aged 13 years. In the fall of 1876, Mr. Barnes moved to Elkhorn, where he worked at his trade. During the latter part of the fall and early winter of 1880-81, he fitted up the machinery and the building that he now occupies for a feed-mill, and commenced running Feb. 22, 1881. Has a 15-horse-power engine and one run of stone. The mill has a capacity of 300 bushels per day. He also has saws and machinery for making pole fencing. Mrs. Barnes established a milliner shop in Elkhorn in November, 1876, where she does a general milliner and hair business. Mr. Barnes' parents settled in La Fayette the year before he was born (1843), where his father was engaged in farming until 1872, when he moved to Jefferson Co., Iowa. JOHN BEAMISH, grocer, is the son of George and Margaret B. ; was born in Palmyra, Jefferson Co., Wis., June 24, 1853; received a common school education, and began teaching school in Walworth County, in 1871, and has taught every winter since until 1881; was engaged in farming in the town of Sugar Creek two years; in September, 1881, he bought the grocery business of Mr. G. W. Ferris, at Elkhorn, and removed to that place, where he has since re sided. He was married in the town of Sugar Creek, Oct. 22, 1879, to Miss Alice Harrington, daughter of Commodore H. Mrs.B. was born in Sugar Creek; they have one child, a daughter, named Tessa. HENRY BRADLEY, Postmaster, Elkhorn; was appointed by Abraham Lincoln and en tered upon the duties of the office May 1, 1861; has been re-appointed, and held the office con tinuously for twenty years, being the present incumbent. Mr. B. was born in Sidney, Dela ware Co., N. Y., Dec. 26, 1823; is the son of Daniel E. and Betsey Sturges Bradley. In 1837, when fourte'en years of age, he came with his parents to Elkhorn, arriving June 12, 183 / ; two years after, his father died; they continued on the farm some three years longer, and then commenced in the mercantile business at Elkhorn, 1847. In 1816, he was appointed Under Sheriff of Walworth County, and held that position two years; in 1852, he', in company with his wife, went overland to California, where he was engaged in mining until 1855, when he returned to Elkhorn. Shortly after his return, he was appointed Deputy Clerk of Court; in 1859, he made a second trip to California, this time leaving his family behind him. Not realizing his expectations, he returned to Elkhorn in January, 1860. In April, 1861, he was appointed Postmaster of Elkhorn, and May 1, of that year, entered upon the duties of the office, since which time he has, by holding over, and by re- appointment, held that office continuously now twenty years. Mi-. B' was married in Elkhorn April 18, 1847, to Miss Nancy J. Mallory, daughter of Samuel M. Mrs. B. was born in Thomkins Co. , N. Y. ; they have three children living — Lillie J., now the wife of S. J. Kenyon, of New Hampton, Iowa; William M., who is a student in the Law Department of Wisconsin State University, at Madison; the youngest is Ruth A., aged ten years; two were lost in childhood — Rosa, aged fourteen months and four days; W. B. has served as Justice of the Peace of Elkhorn ten years and Village Clerk about the same length of time. FRANK A. BUNNELL, proprietor of candy factory, Elkhorn, and dealer in candies, con fectionery, groceries, cigars and tobacco, ice cream and oysters in season; business was estab lished in 1881. Mr. B. was born in the town of La Fayette, Walworth Co., Wis., Dec. 8, 1852; is the son of Theron and Catharine Bunnell. He learned the candy-making business at 500 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Whitewater, and, in .1877, started business for himself in the village of Waukesha. A few months later, he returned to Whitewater, and worked at his trade until the fall of 1878, when he came to Elkhorn and started in the candy business. The first year, he went West to Omaha and Council Bluffs, worked at his trade in those places until February, 1881, returned to Elk horn and engaged in the candy business. WILLIAM W. BYINGTON, retired merchant and farmer, was born in Chitteh- don Co., Vt, Jan. 9, 1822; is the son of Anson and Theoda Byington. In June, 1845, he came to Bloomfield, Walworth Co., Wis., where he was married the same year to Miss Adeline Wing, daughter of Abner Wing; a daughter and son were born to them — Synthia A. and Clar ence N. The daughter is the widow of Robert B. Daniels, of Elkhorn. Mr. Byington carried on his farm until 1857, when he moved to Geneva, of the same county, and engaged in the hard ware business. Mrs. B. died May 20, 1872. Mr. B. was married again Oct. 22, 1873, at Geneva, to Mrs. Sarah B. Pier, widow of Norman Pier, of Fond du Lac, Wis., and daughter of Thomas T. Newton. Mrs. B. was born in Vermont; she had three children by her former marriage-^ two daughters and a son — Mary N. , now Mrs. M. H. Crocker, of Ishpeming, Mich; Julia is the wife of Thomas G. Morris, of Chicago; the son, Norman O. Pier, died, aged 3£ years. Mrs. B. was a resident of Fond du Lac in 1843. Mr. B. was in the hardware business at Geneva about eighteen years. The year 1874, he spent in Calif ornia with his wife; in 1875, he removed to Elkhorn, where, having retired from active business, Mr. B. finds such employment as he needs in superintending the cultivation of the small but tasteful farm that constitutes his home. CAMP & ISHAM, dealers in drugs, medicines, books, etc; business established in April, 1857; carry a $4,000 stock. Fred W. Isham was born in the town of Sugar Creek, Walworth Co., Wis., Feb. 23, 1850; is the son of Mary J. and Joseph T. Isham; was educated in the State Normal School, at Whitewater, and graduated in 1875; was elected County Superintendent of Schools of Walworth County in the fall of 1875; was re-elected in 1877. and served in all four years; in April, 1880, he formed a partnership with J. H. Camp in the drug business, at Elkhorn, under the firm name of Camp & Isham. Mr. I. was married in the town of La Fay ette Jan. 6, 1878, to Miss Julia Weed. Mrs. I. was born in the State of New York, and came to Wisconsin in 1857. NATHANIEL CARSWELL, of the firm of N. Carswell & Co., proprietors of the' Elkhorn elevator, and dealers in all kinds of grain and farm produce, Elkhorn ; succeeded Mr. C. E. Remer, in November, 1880, and doing a successful business. Mr. C. is a native of Racine Co., Wis.; is the son of N. H. and Louisa Carswell; was born April 16, 1845. He came to Elkhorn in 1853; was educated in the common schools; went to Kansas in 1870, and was engaged in the grocery business one year; he then returned to Elkhorn and engaged in clerking until 1875, when he formed a partnership with Mr. Chase, under the firm name of Carswell & Chase, dealers in general merchandise; also had a branch store at Peck's Station, under the firm name of Chase & Co.; continued business at the latter place until 1878, and at Elkhorn until 1879; in November, 1880, he began business with Mr. Theo Northrop, in the grain and produce business; in 1876, he and Mr. Case remodeled a building into a cheese factory at Elkhoru, which business they have carried on to the present time. They manufacture 200,000 pounds of cheese annually. ORLAND CARS WELL, dealer in groceries and general merchandise, Elkhorn; business established in 1862. Mr. C. is a native of Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y. ; is the son of N. H. and Louisa H. Carswell; was born April 28,1842; in 1843, the family moved to Spring Prairie, Walworth Co., Wis.; from there, they moved to the town of Yorkville, Racine Co., where his father carried on a blacksmith shop and kept a country store; they next moved to Rochester, same county, where they continued to reside until March, 1853, when they moved to Elkhorn, Walworth Co., in 1862. Mr. Orland C. is a dealer in general merchandise; May 16, 1864, leaving his business in the care of his father, he enlisted as a private for 100 days in Company F, 40th W. V. I., and served out the term of his enlistment; on his return from the1 army, he resumed charge of his business, which he has continued to this date. He was married in Elkhorn, April 18, 1867, to Miss Sarah Patterson, daughter of William Patterson; they have two sons— Frank T. and Joseph L. Mr. C.'s father was a native of Washington Co., N. Y.'; was born in 1815; was married in Washington Co., N. Y., to Laura H. Taylor; his death oc curred at Elkhorn Nov. 11, 1874; the mother died March 24, 1868. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 501 WILLIAM K. CHAMBERS, superintendent of construction, Elkhorn; now in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway; settled in Walworth County June 18, 1844. Mr. Chambers was born in Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., May 1, 1839; is the son of William and Phcebe Chambers; came to Wisconsin in 1844, and settled in the town of Geneva; was brought up on a farm; in 1860, he crossed the plains to California; was a resident of that State five years, during which time he was connected with the California Stage Company; on his return to Wisconsin, he commenced railroading as foreman of constrnction on Eagle Branch, of what is now a part of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, from Elkhorn to Eagle, having general charge of that work; has been engaged in railroad work nearly ever since. He was married at Elkhorn Sept. 14, 1865, to Miss Marinda Gray, daughter of Daniel C. Gray. Mrs. Chambers was born in St. Lawrence Co. , N. Y. ; they have two children — a daughter, aged 1,5. years, named Gracie, and a son, . aged 1 year, named Willie C. Mr. Chambers has made his home in Elkhorn since Nov. 12, 1878; his father died in 1876; his mother makes her home with him, and is hale and hearty, and in the full possession of her faculties at the ad vanced age of eighty -five years. ISAAC W. COMAN was born March 17, 1820, in Luzerne, Warren Co., N. Y., and was brought up on a farm. While a youth, he began the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr< Fletcher, of Saratoga Springs, and subsequently, with Dr. Houghton, of Hadley, N. Y. , and in Unionville, Ohio, with Dr. Harvey Marvin, and later, was under the tuition of Prof. Frank H. Hamilton, one of President Garfield's physicians. He attended a course of his lect ures at the Buffalo Medical College, and was in daily attendance at the hospital, where he held his clinics and performed his surgical operations. He attended his first course of lectures at the Castleton Medical College, Vt. , and graduated at the Western Medical College, of Cleve land, Ohio. He began practice at Jefferson, Ohio, where he practiced over six years, then re moved to the city of Buffalo, where he devoted himself to his profession for a number of years. After spending two years traveling in the south, he came to Elkhorn, in September, 1859, where he has since resided, except two years spent in Delavan. Dr. C. has no army service to report, but he, keeps as a '.souvenir a letter from Dr. Walcott, Surgeon General, offering him a position on the surgical staff. He resides near town; has lately given his time considerably to stock- raising; has 133 acres of land. W. H. CONGER, Cashier of the First National Bank of Elkhorn. Mr. Conger is a native of the town of Stanford, Dutchess Co., N. Y. ; is the son of Benjamin and Amelia (Downs) Conger, and was born on the 3d of June, 1821; he received a common-school education, and was brought up on a farm; in the fall of 1845, he came to the town of La Fayette, Walworth Co., Wis., and established himself on a farm, which business he followed for eight years; he then engaged in the real estate and money loaning business in Western Wisconsin; continued this busi ness about four years, when he returned to Elkhorn and purchased his present residence (1857). Prom this date, he was engaged at this place in loaning money and speculating till 1869, when he entered the bank as Cashier. He has served one term ,s a member of the County Board of Commissioners under the old system, and has served two terms as Chairman of the town of Elk horn. He was married in Wayne Co. , N. Y. , in the fall of 1845, to Miss Catharine M. Johnston, daughter of Clark Johnston. Mrs. Conger was born in Dutchess Co. , N. Y. ; they have one daughter named Cora. D. L. COWDERY, County Clerk of Walworth County, Elkhorn, was born in Arcadia, Wayne Co. , N. Y. , Jan. 8, 1833 ; is the son of Lyman and Eliza Cowdery. The father was a native of New Hampshire, and his mother of Vermont. While the subject of this sketch was quite young, the family removed to Ontario County, and, when four years old, to Lake Co. , Ohio, and to Elkhorn, Wis., in 1846. Mr. C. commenced his education in the Western Reserve Seminary, at Kirk- land, Ohio. After coming to Wisconsin, he completed his education in the common schools at Elkhorn; in 1850, he went to Milwaukee, and served a regular apprenticeship in the office of the Commercial Advertiser; in 1853, he went to California by the overland route and engaged in.mining and lumbering, continuing in California until 1859. He then returned to the State of Wisconsin; was engaged as foreman of the printing office of the Elkhorn Independent till 1875, when he was elected to his present position — County, Clerk— on the Republican ticket; was re-elected twice; is now serving his third term; was married at Richmond, 111., Nov. 24, 502 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1864, to Miss Lydia M. Aldrich. Mrs. C. was born at South Bend, Ind. ; their children are Kirke L. and a daughter, Edith A. JULIUS L. EDWARDS, senior partner of the firm of Edwards & Preston, merchants, Elkhorn. The subject of this sketch is the son of Julius and Theodosia Edwards, and was born in Northampton, Mass., Sept. 29, 1821; in May, 1839, he came to Wisconsin, with his parents, and located on Government land on Sugar Creek, where he still owns a farm of 143 acres. Mr. E. served as Assessor of that town six years, and served four years as a member of the Board of County Commissioners when the board consisted of five members; served as such during the war. He was married at Waterford, Racine Co., March 5, 1846, to Miss Wealthy A. Rust, daughter of Seth Rust; they have two children — Francis A. and Alice E. , now the wife of J. 'E. Wheeler, of Colorado Springs, Colo. Mr. E. was elected President of the bank of Elkhorn Jan. 14, 1861, and held that position until March 25, 1865, when the bank was merged into the First National Bank at Elkhorn. On the organization of the latter, Mr. E. became one of the largest share-holders and was elected its first President, which position he held until 1869; since 1869 to the present time he has held the position of Vice President. In the fall of 1866, Mr. E. moved to the village of Elkhorn, leaving the farm in the care of a tenant; in 1876, he began business in Elkhorn as a general merchant with Mr. Preston as a partner in the business; they have continued to this date. EDWARD ELDERKIN, attorney at law; established at Elkhorn Oct. 25, 1839, and con tinued in practice at this place forty-two years; he was the second attorney to establish a prac tice in Walworth County, Mr. C. M. Baker being the first; he is now the oldest living repre sentative of the pioneer attorneys in the county. The subject of this sketch is a native of Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. ; is the son of Anthony Y. and Pamela Fuller Elderkin; was born Jan. 5, 1815; he was educated at the St. Lawrence Academy of New York, and commenced the study of law in the office of Silas Wright, at Canton ; read in that office and continued his studies witti Judge Fine, at Ogdensburg, N. Y. , where he remained six years. He was admit ted to the bar in August, 1838, in the city of Utica, and commenced the practice of his profes sion at Potsdam, and continued at that place until 1839, when he moved to Elkhorn, Walworth Co., Wis. ; he settled there October 25 of that year, and at once began the practice of law. He has maintained his residence there to this date, November, 1881, or a little more than forty-two years. He was appointed Deputy Register of Deeds under Register Le Grand Rockwell, the first Register of Deeds of Walworth County; was also appointed Deputy of the Court and Deputy Postmaster, and discharged the duties of these offices several years. He was married in the old Elkhorn Court House, on Christmas Eve, 1843, by the Rev. William L. Breck, to Miss Mary M. Beardsley, daughter of Bennett B. , of Delaware Co., N. Y. Mrs. Elderkin is a native of Walton, Delaware Co. ; they had three sons and four daughters — Emma; Adelaide, now Mrs. William A. Brown, of Racine, master painter in the shops of Fish Bros. ; Edward A., married Miss Laura Glass, and lives at Racine; Noble H. , a printer by trade; Frank B., married Emma Garretson, and resides at Winterset. Iowa; Susie G. is the wife of Dr. Wilcox, of Washburn, Grant Co., Wis; Hattie, now Mrs. Frank Parder. of East Grove, 111. In ad dition to this large family, Mr. Elderkin brought up several orphan children, relatives of his wife, and it can be truly said of him that his house was always opened to those in distress, and he was always fearless in the care of the sick about him. • ELI B. DEWING, Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court for Walworth County— appointed in 1878; born June 21, 1834, in Chautauqua Co. . N. Y. ; son of Dexter and Demia (Weaver) Dewing; came, with his parents, to Wisconsin iu 1843, locating at Elkhorn, Walworth Co., where he now lives; had attended district school four or five years in Chautauqua County, and enjoyed a year or two more of like schooling at Elkhorn. At the age of twelve, he went to Centerville, St. Joseph Co., Mich., and worked a year in the office of the St. Joseph County Advertiser, and continued at the printing business another year or two in Elkhorn, in the offices of the Democrat and the Reporter. Abandoning the compositor's stick and rule, he returned to St. Joseph Co., Mich., and engaged as clerk in a general merchandise store. In 1855, asso ciated with his brothers, George and Myron E., he engaged in mercantile business at Elkhorn; sold out, in 1858, and resumed the occupation of salesman; from 1868 to 1876, was associated with John T. Lumsden, under the firm name of Dewing & Lumsden in the clothing business at HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 503 Elkhorn. In 1873, he was elected Chairman of the village of Elkhorn, and re-elected in 1874, 1875 and 1876; was Deputy County Clerk under his brother, Myron E., and, upon said brother's death, in March, 1874, became ex officio Clerk for the unexpired term ; has served continuously 'several terms as Assessor of the village of Elkhorn; represented the First Assembly District of Walworth County in the Legislature of 1879; has been, for six or seven years past regular Elk horn correspondent for the Lake Geneva Herald. Mr. D. married, at White Pigeon, Mich. , Elizabeth Dixon, who was born in England, and came with her parents to America in her child hood. Mr. and Mrs. D. had one child, MaryM., who died Feb. 5, 1876, while at school in Monroe, Mich. , aged nineteen years. MYRON E. DEWING (deceased), son of Dexter and Demia (Weaver) Dewing, was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. , March 27, 1832, and came with his parents to Wisconsin in the fall of 1843, when the family located in Elkhorn. When about one year old, he escaped from the room in which his mother supposed he was safely confined, and, walking up to a smouldering heap of chips in the woody ard, pitched forward, striking both hands squarely in the burning embers. After long and almost hopeless illness, he recovered, but with the total loss of both hands. This cruel accident, in a great measure, disqualified him for the performance of man ual and mechanical labor, although he was able to do almost anything that could be done with hands. His attention was early given to books. He acquired a good educatiun, and was ever a close student and great reader. In early manhood, he taught school a few years ; and, in 1856, he was elected County Clerk (then styled Clerk of the Board of Supervisors) of Walworth County, holding that office by successive re-elections until his death, March 26, 1874. He greatly enjoyed books, and was acquainted with standard literature of all ages. He had perhaps the most valuable and extensive private library in the county. Politically, he was a Republican. He was not a member of any religious society; but he admired, attended and supported the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was a man of fine intellect, high culture, genial manner and perfect integrity. He died at the age of 42, of inflammation of the lungs, mourned by all who knew him. GEORGE GALE (deceased) was born in Burlington, Vt., Nov. 30, 1816, of Revolutionary and Puritan ancestors. In 1839, after he had obtained a fair education, b« commenced reading law, and was admitted to the bar in 1841. Locating in Elkhorn during the same year, he prac ticed his profession, edited the Western Star and engaged in various literary undertakings. After serving in the second constitutional convention, he served as District Attorney and State Senator. In 1844, Mr. Gale married Miss Gertrude Young; in 1851, he removed to La Crosse, where he acted as County and Circuit Judge for twelve years; he had, in the meantime, pur chased the present site of Galesville, organized Trempealeau County, founded and endowed the Galesville University, and settled upon his farm. The last years of his life were spent in the South in quest of health. He died in April, 1868. J. W. GAYLORD, of the firm of Gaylord & Son, wagon and carriage makers and black smiths; business established in 1851. Mr. Gaylord was born in Shalersville, Portage Co., Ohio, Sept. 3, 1824; is the son of Josiah and Cynthia (Bigelow) Gaylord. He learned the car riage-maker's trade with N. D. Clark & Co., Ravana, Ohio, commencing when 17 years of age; served till 21 years old, then worked as a journeyman till 1849, when he came to Elkhorn, Wal worth Co., Wis., where he worked at his trade two years, and then started in business for him self. About 1860, he sold out and engaged in farming in the town of La Fayette, still retain ing his residence in Elkhorn; in September, 1862, he enlisted in the 12th Wis. V. I. as a musician, and served ten months; was mustered out and returned home; in September, 1864, he re-enlisted in the Quartermaster Department, at Nashville, Tenn. , and served till the close of the war. On his return from the South, he went to Racine, where he was in the employ of Mitchell, Lewis & Co. two and a half years. In June, 1867, he returned to Elkhorn, and re sumed business for himself, which he has continued to this date. In July, 1881, his son Charles was admitted as a partner. This firm does quite an extensive business, having several shops and storerooms for all the different branches of their business. Mr. Gaylord was mar ried at Shalersville, Ohio, March 3, 1847, to Miss Nancy O. Coe, daughter of Curtis P. Coe. Mrs. Gaylord was born at Shalersville, Ohio; they had four children, of whom all are living except one — Amy, Charles, Charles C. and Lily; the first Charles died when 5 years of age; the second is married to Lillian Garfield, and in business with his father as given above. 504 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. JUDGE PETER GOLDER, County Judge of Walworth County, Wis.; was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., July 5, 1819; is the son of Peter and Deborah Golder; he received a com mon-school education and came to Elkhorn in 1842; commenced the study of law in 1849 with Judge Wyman Spooner; was admitted to the bar in 1852, in the Circuit Court of Walworth County; he was elected Justice of the Peace in the spring of 1849; was re-elected and served four years; in April, 1857, he was elected County Judge of Walworth County; on a vacancy oc curring a few weeks later in the office, he was appointed to fill said vacancy. Jan. 1, 1858, he entered upon the regular term to which he had been elected. He has been re-elected each term up to 1881, having held the office for twenty-five consecutive years, and now entering upon an additional term to which he was elected in the spring of 1881. The Judge has served.a greater number of years in the office of County Judge than any other man in the State. In the dis charge of the duties of the office, he has proven himself so efficient and reliable that he has won the universal confidence and respect of the people of the county. OSBORN HAND, retired farmer; P. O. Elkhorn; son of Lemuel and Lydia Doubleday Hand; was born in New Lebanon, Columbia Co., N. Y. , Aug. 27, 1810; he received a common- school education, learned the trade of carpenter and joiner; was engaged in teaching and work ing at his trade until 24 years of age, when he married, Nov. 6, 1834, in his native town, to Miss Maria Cowles, daughter of Moses Cowles. Mrs. Hand was born in New Lebanon, N. Y. Mr. H. and wife made their home in Otsego, N. Y. , where they lived seven years. In the spring of 1842, they moved to the town of Geneva, Walworth Co., Wis. ; here Mr. H. bought a half section of land, 320 acres, 100 of which he holds at this date. He was engaged in farm ing until 1871, when he retired to the village of Elkhorn. Mr. H. sold a large part of his land at an early day, and has, by judiciously loaning his money, accumulated a small fortune; his family consists of his wife and six children — Laroy S., the eldest, married Miss Anna West; he is a Congregational minister, and living near St. Louis, Mo.; George C. was a member of Company A, 36th Wis. V. I. ; was a graduate of Wheaton College, 111. ; died in Salisbury Prison; was 24 years old; Birney married Ada Richard, and is a printer of Chicago; Charles O. married Emma Durland, and resides in Sugar Creek, Walworth Co. ; Pamela A. is a teacher of Chicago; Lydia resides at home; Eva is a student of Wheaton College; two children died in infancy. Mr. H. has served as Chairman of the town of Geneva one term and Town Super intendent of Schools at Elkhorn several terms. JOHN HARE, proprietor of Elkhorn Livery and Sale Stable, and dealer in all kinds of farm machinery, Elkhorn ; business was established in the fall of 1868; he was born in Lincolnshire, England, Feb. 15, 1837; he is the son of Clement and Fannie Hare; he came to America in 1852 with his father; his mother died in England. He located on a farm in the town of La Fayette. Walworth Co., Wis. ; he was engaged in farming up to the time of starting in his present business in 1868; he was married, in Elkhorn, March 29, 1859, to Mrs. Clara A. Christian, daughter of S. G. and Rebecca West. Mrs. C. was born in the State of New York, Chenango Co. She had three children by her former marriage, all of whom she has lost since her second marriage; their names were Charles E., Clara A. and Florence I. Christian; they died at the ages of — Charles, 16; Clareuce, 19; Florence, 7; seven children have been born of the present marriage; four of those are dead; they died at the ages of — Everett, 3; Milo, 4; Walter, 2 ; Myra, 3 ; those living at the present time are John West, Dora Bell and Mabel May Hare. Mr. Hare was appointed Deputy Sheriff in 1881; has served as a member of the Town Board of Supervisors one term, and two years as Street Commissioner of Elkhorn. R. D. HARRIMAN, of the firm of Harriman & Fairchild, proprietors of meat market, and dealers in live stock, Elkhorn, successors to Harriman & Latham, who established the busi ness in February, 1876, and continued it until 1881, when Mr. Latham sold out to Mr. G. W. Fairchild; the firm does a general butcher and live stock business. Mr. Harriman was born at Toledo, Ohio, Feb. 25, 1841; is the son of Mary and Dudley Harriman; in 1842, he came with his parents to Wisconsin. The family located in the town of Summit, Milwaukee Co., where they resided until 1848, when they moved to the town of Geneva, near Elkhorn Village; in 1858, they moved to the town of La Fayette, where the father still resides. R. D. was brought up a farmer, and followed that business until 1876, when he moved to Elkhorn and en gaged in his present avocation. He was man-ied, at Elkhorn, March 31, 1864, to Miss Phebe Missing Page Missing Page HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 507 Vaughn, daughter of Samuel C. Vaughn; Mrs. H. was born in the town of Spring Prairie; they have one daughter named Rispah May. JOHN W. HAYES, station agent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, Elk horn; has held this position since April 1, 1865, and has been an employe of the road under its different managements twenty years, nineteen of which he has been station agent without losing a day's time. He was born in Center Co., Penn., Sept. 30, 1833; is the son of J. W. and Isabella Hayes; in 1858, he moved to Stephenson Co., 111., and, in 1861, entered the employ of the Racine & Mississippi Railroad; in 1862, he was appointed station agent of Dakota Station, TI1., and continued in that position until 1865, when he was assigned to Elkhorn Station, and has been on duty continually to this date — 1881. He was married, May 19, 1863, at Des Moines, Iowa, to Miss Sarah E. Fleming, daughter of Henry Fleming. Mrs. H. was born in Mifflin Co., Penn; they have three children -Harry E. , Carrie B. and Charles F. Mr. Hayes is one of the present Supervisors of Elkhorn. DR. S. W. HENDERSON (deceased), was born in Willoughby, Ohio, Dec. 17, IS 17; was the son of Johi^ Henderson, M. D. The subject of this sketch began the study of medicine with his father. He subsequently attended a regular course of lectures in the Cleveland Medical College, from which he graduated and received his diploma. He also attended lectures at the Willoughby Medical College, and was awarded a diploma. He established an extensive prac tice in Herkimer Co., N, Y. He was married, Jan. 11, 1845, to Miss Rebecca Hicks, daughter of Nathan Hicks. They had six sons, four of whom are living — John H. , Edward G. , A. Eugene and Samuel W. Dr. Henderson subsequently established a lucrative practice in Ohio, at or near Mentor, as a partner of Dr. Seeley. In 1847, he emigrated to Wisconsin, and estab lished a large practice in Walworth County, having his home in Elkhorn. His death occurred May 6, 1857. His son, John H. , was a soldier of the late war, serving two years as a member of 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. ELIAS HICKS, farmer; P. O. Elkhorn; settled in Walworth County September, 1836; was bom in Bristol Co., Mass., June 2, 1800; is the son of Nathaniel Hicks. Was married, in 1822, to Eliza Wetherspoon; moved to Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1824; came to Walworth. Co.. Wis., on foot, and made his claim in Spring Prairie; arrived there September, 1836; moved his family in July, 1837, arriving on the 3d; found his claim "jumped," made another, and lived on his farm until 1865, when he moved to Elkhorn and bought another farm, which he also sold; now lives in the village. Had a family of eight children — three sons and five girls. Mr. Hicks has probably endured as many hardships as usually falls to the lot of any pioneer, and tells many interesting accounts of the same. WILLIAM HOLLINSHEAD, farmer, Sec. 3, Delavan; P. O. Elkhorn; has 420 acres of land; settled in the county June 20, 1837, on the farm which he now occupies. He was born near Stroudsburg, Northampton Co., now Monroe, Penn., Sept. 3, 1806; is the son of James and Sarah Hollinshead; was brought up a farmer and came to Wisconsin in 1837, early in July; located on Government land on Sec. 3, town of Delavan; went East in 1842, and was married in Stroudsburg, Penn. , June 20 of that year, to Miss Caroline, daughter of James and Deborah Burson; Mrs. H. is a native of Stroudsburg; they have one daughter — Elizabeth, now Mrs. Herman A. Briggs, residing at her old home. Mr. H. has held various town offices in the town of Delavan, and a leader in advancing the agricultural interests of the county; in 1880, he retired from active farm business, having turned the farm over to his son-in-law, Mr. Briggs. Though not an aspirant for public office, Mr. H. has always been influential in local matters, and, by his intelligence and purity of character, has commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. B. B. HUMPHREY, proprietor of abstract of titles of Walworth County. The first ab stracts of this county were made by Mr. Henry Adkins, and kept up by him until 1870, when he sold out to Mr. C. A. Noyce, who continued the work till October, 1873, when the business was purchased by the present proprietor, who has continued it to this date, making his a com plete abstract of titles of Walworth County. Mr. B. B- Humphrey was born in Portage Co. , Ohio, Nov. 23, 1824; is the son of Hiram and Mary (Blodgett) Humphrey; when 4 years old, he went with his parents to Lucas Co. , Ohio, where he continued to reside until 1840, when he came to the town of La Fayette, Walworth Co., Wis., and settled on Sec. 6, buying a claim of 508 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Morris Kain, covering the west one-half of the-west one-half of Sec. 6. Mr. Kain had made his claim in 1837. Mr. H. resided on this place till Jan. 1, 1859, when, having been elected Register of Deeds, he removed to Elkhorn; was re-elected and served four years. In 1863, he moved to East Troy, Wis. , and engaged in milling; continued that business about one and a half years, when he sold out and moved to Elkhorn and started in the mercantile business, which he continued from 1865 to 1873; he then bought the abstract of titles of Mr. C. A. Noyce, which business he has continued to this date. Mr. Humphrey was married in the town of Sugar Creek, Walworth Co., to Miss Juliet Smith; two children were born to them, the eldest, Jennie L., now the wife of C. A. Noyce, Postmaster of Geneva; Louis B. married Nettie Crane, and lives at Minneapolis, Minn. Mrs. Humphrey (the mother) died in the autumn of 1863. Mr. H. was married to his second wife, Miss Mary J. Walling, in Champaign Co., 111., in 1865; two children were born of this marriage, named Hattie and David. Mrs. H. died in February, 1871. Mr. Humphrey was married again Nov. 26, 1873, to Mrs. Frances L. Rockwell; no children were born of the latter marriage. Mrs. Humphrey died Feb. 20, 1877. Mr. H. was United States Internal Revenue Assessor from 1870 to 1873 inclusive; he has also held some of the minor local offices. GIDEON C. HUNTRESS, harness-maker and dealer in harness and saddles. Mr. H. is a native of Vermont; is the son of Gideon Huntress; was born September 3, 1844; went to Wisconsin with his parents in 1852 ; went to Johnstown and stayed one year, and then went to Green County, and stayed two years ; then went back to Johnstown and stayed two years ; then went to Turtle Prairie and stayed two years; from there, he went to the town of Darien, Wal worth Co., where he resided until 1859, when he went to Elkhorn, one year; from there, he returned to Darien, and, April 1, 1861, began learning the harness-maker's trade; served his apprenticeship with Noah Dudley, three years, then went to Elkhorn again, and, in 1865, opened a harness-shop ; was engaged in business off and on for several years; since 1875, he has carried on his present shop, in which he does a general harness business. JACOB KETCHPAW, of the firm of Ketchpaw & Son, dealers in fish and salt meats, Elk horn. Mr. K. has 200 acres in the town of Sugar Creek and 40 acres in the town of La Fayette. Mr. K. settled in Walworth County October, 1844. He was born in Canada March 27, 1820; is the son of Jacob and Eleanor Ketchpaw. In 1837, he came to the United States and resided in La Porte Co., Ind., till 1840. He then moved to Burlington, Racine Co., Wis.; here he en gaged in the brick business till 1844, when he removed to the town of Sugar Creek, Walworth Co. ; was engaged in farming in that town until 1866, when he moved to the village of Elkhorn, having rented his farm out; while a resident of Sugar Creek he served one term as a member of the town board. Since residing in Elkhorn, he has been running a harness-shop and meat market; started his present shop in the winter of 1880. He was married, at Rochester, Wis., April 22, 1843, to Miss Abigail S. Baker, daughter of Eben Baker. Mrs. K. was born in the town of Richmond, Ontario Co., N. Y. ; they have six children — Morille W., is married to Miss Harriet Lee and residing at Freeport, 111.; Morillo was a member of Company D, 20th W. V. I., and served three years in the late war; Anna M., now Mrs. Warren Thomas, of Elkhorn: Grove A., married Josephine Comstock; Abbie A., now Mrs. Andrew McDonald, of Chicago; Marshall B., married Miss Louisa Verney, and living in Chicago; Byron F., married Ella Roach; he is junior partner of J. Ketchpaw. HOLLIS LATHAM, Superintendent of the Poor of Walworth County; was born in the town of Northfield, Washington Co., Vt., March 2, 1812; is the son of James and Polly Rob inson Latham: the parents were of New England origin. The subject of this sketch was edu cated in the common schools of his native town. In 1836, he came to Wisconsin, arriving in Milwaukee July 10 ; in December following, he went to Spring Prairie and engaged with Dr. A. Hemenway; while there, in February, 1837, he joined a prospecting party, and first came to the place, now Elkhorn Feb. 13, 1837, and returned to Spring Prairie on the 27th of the same month and located on his land on the northeast quarter of Sec. 6, Town 2, Range 17 ; since his residence at Elkhorn, he has been engaged in farming and official business: he was appointed Justice of the Peace of Walworth County by Gov. Dodge, and was afterward elected to the same office, and re-elected each term till 1877, with a few exceptions, serving in all about twenty years; he was elected a delegate to the constitutional convention of 1847-48, which framed the present HISTORY OF WAL WORTH COUNTY. 509 State constitution; was elected, and served ten or more years as Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Walworth County; served as County Treasurer from 1851 to 1853; about 1856, he was appointed one of the Board of Trustees of the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb, at Delavan, and has held that office twenty-four years, or until the office was abolished by act of Legislature; in 1862, he served as member of the Assembly in the Legislature from Walworth County; he has also held several local minor offices; was Secretary of the Walworth County Agricultural Society twelve years, and was elected Treasurer of said society in 1871 ; has held that office continuously to this date; he was elected Superintendent of the Poor of Walworth County in 1855, and was re-elected each term to this writing — a period of twenty-seven years. Mr. Latham was married, in Elkhorn, in 1838, to Mrs. Lemira Lewis, daughter of Daniel E. Bradley. Mrs. L. was born in Vermont; they had two sons, the oldest, Le Grand, married Miss Adelia Vaughn, and is a stock dealer of Elkhorn; Edward M. married Miss De Jane Gray, and is engaged in the carpenter trade at Elkhorn. Mr. L. was one of the very first settlers of the place, he and Mr. Albert Ogden having come here together, and located claims at the geographical center of the county, now the county seat, where no other white men were living within sight of their situation, Feb. 27, 1837. L. G. LATHAM, dealer in lumber, Darien ; is the son of Hollis and Lemira Latham? was born in Elkhorn Jan. 4, 1839 ; he was educated in Elkhorn school, and brought up a far mer, which business he followed until 1876, when he engaged in the butchering business with- Mr. R. D. Harriman, at Elkhorn; he continued that business until May, 1881, when he sold out to Mr. G. W. Fairchild; gave his attention to the live stock trade until Jan. 1, 1882, when he removed to Darien and engaged in his present business. He was married, March 26, 1861, in the town of Spring Prairie, to Miss Cordelia B. Vaughn, daughter of Samuel C. Vaughn- Mrs. L. was born in Tecumseh, Mich. ; they have two children — Hollis S. and Louisa I. JAMES H. LAUDERDALE, dealer in groceries, crockery and provisions, Elkhorn; busi ness established in 1864; carried a stock of $2,000. He was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., April 2, 1834; is the son of John and Jannett (Hallenbeck) Lauderdale; came to Wisconsin in 1852, and located at Milwaukee, where he engaged in the grain business one year; he then moved to- the town of La Grange, Walworth Co., and purchased, a flouring-mill, which he operated about twelve years. In 1864, he moved to Elkhorn and opened a grocery store, which business he has continued to the present time. He was married, in the town of Palmyra, Jefferson Co., Wis., Aug. 22, 1858, to Miss Zelia M. Gibson, daughter of Daniel Gibson. Mrs. L. was born in Vermont: they had one daughter— Jannett, who died when 20 years of age, and three sons. who are living, one son, George, who died when 1 year old; those living are Charles F., Frederick E. and William G. Mr. L. has served several years as a member of the village board of Elkhorn. LYON BROTHERS, dealers in groceries and crockery, provisions and farm produce, Elkhorn ; business established in the spring of 1865, and continued continuously to this date; they carry a $4,000 stock. Wilson D. Lyon is a native of the town of Green, Chenango Co., N. Y.; is the son of David and Rosanna Lyon, and was born Jan. 9, 1832. The father was of New England birth and the mother of New York. He came to Elkhorn in the fall of 1854, and was engaged one year in hotel business; next, clerked one year for Sibley, Buckley & Mills; he- was then appointed agent of the Elkhorn Station of the Racine & Mississippi Railway, now the Southwestern Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul ; he entered upon the duties of his position July, 1857, > was in the employ of the company eight years; he then established his present business. He was married, Sept. 15, 1858, in Elkhorn, to Miss Augusta Baker, daughter of Erastus Baker. Mrs. Lyon was born in Syracuse, N.Y.; they have three children — Mariam B., Willie B. and Jessie A. Mr. L. is Treasurer of the Elkhorn Board of Trade. CHARLES LYON, grocer, of the firm of Lyon Bros., Elkhorn; was born in the town of Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y., Oct. 21, 1834; is the son of David W. and Rosanna Lyon; in the spring of 1857, came to the village of Elkhorn, and that summer engaged as As sistant Cashier of the Exchange Bank of Rockwell & Co. , and continued in the employ of the bank till 1867. Having previously become interested with his brother, W. D. , in the gro cery business, he then joined him in the store, and has since devoted his attention to that busi ness. He was married, at Elkhorn, Oct. 20, 1866, to Miss Lavina Dewing, daughter of George Bewing. Mrs. L. was born in Elkhorn; two children were born to them — Lena M. and George D. Mr. Lyon has served one year as Town Clerk and two years as Treasurer of Elkhorn. 510 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. JOSEPH F. LYON; Elkhorn; business established in Elkhorn in 1875; he was born in Susquehanna Co., Penn., April 23, 1825; is the son of Isaac and Sally (Blodgett) Lyon; when 19 years of age, in 1844, he started from his home in Pennsylvania for Illinois, traveling the most of the way on foot. He reached Little Foot, now Waukegan; here he engaged in clerking, and soon after was the means of getting his father's family to move to the West. He remained at Little Foot until 1850, when he removed to Woodstock, 111. , where he engaged in the mercan tile business until 1854; he then came to Walworth Co., Wis., and made his home in the town of Darien; having previously studied law with Mr. Blodgett, of Waukegan, he continued his studies while engaged as a commercial traveler for a New York clothing house, a business which he had commenced in 1852, and which he pursued until 1855. He was appointed Postmaster at Woodstock, 111., by President Fillmore, and served three years; he was also engaged at times in the practice of law in Justices' courts. He was married, at Beloit, July 26, 1854, to Arima- thea Jones, daughter of Truman Jones. The Jones family were among the pioneers of Darien of 1838. Mrs. L. was one of the early teachers of Walworth County. In the spring of 1859, Mr. L. went over with an ox-team to California, and returned in the fall of 1860; on his return to Darien, he resumed the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1864, in the Circuit Court of Walworth County: was a member of the Legislature of 1868; he continued his resi dence in Darien and the practice of law until 1875, when he was appointed Clerk of the Court to fill vacancy; was afterward elected to the same office, which he held until Jan. 1, 1878; on his appointment to the office of Clerk of the Court, he moved to Elkhorn, and has continued to reside there to this date in the practice of his profession. Mrs. L. died at Darien Nov. 7, 1872, leaving three children — A. May, Vernette M. and Jay E. While a resident of Darien, Mr. L. served as Chairman of the town ten years; he has also served as Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors two years; was elected Justice of the Peace at Elkhorn in 1879, and is serving as the present Clerk of the Elkhorn Schools. Mr. L. was married, in the town of Lyons, of this county, Dec. 10, 1873, to Miss Amelia Dodge, daughter of Harriet and Leander Dodge. Mrs. L. was born in Darien in 1840. Her people were among the early settlers of that town. THOMAS M. McHUGH (deceased) was a native of Ireland, born in November, 1822. He re ceived a good academic education and commenced the study of law. His family located in Dela van in 1844, and was admitted to the bar in Elkhorn January 18, 1849. He served for several terms as Secretary of the Territorial Council; afterward as Secretary of the Constitutional Convention and of the new State of Wisconsin. He also creditably filled the office of Deputy United States Attorney General, and was Chief Clerk of the Assembly during 1853 and 1854. Mr. McHugh was brilliant, kind and modest, but his great activity wore upon his bodily strength, and the young man died in Florida in 1856, whither he had gone to regain his broken health. SAMUEL MALLORY, retired farmer; P. O. Elkhorn. Mr. M. was born in the town of Sharon, Litchfield Co.. Conn., April. 18, 1798; is the son of David and Sally Eldridge Mallory; when 11 years of age, he went to the town of Kent; worked on a farm two years with Lewis Root; was then apprenticed to Reuben H. Booth until 21 years of age; he then went to Trum bull, Fairfield Co., Conn. ; worked at his trade one year; then went 210 miles on foot, in Feb ruary, 1820, before any railroads were talked of, to Homer, Cortland Co. , N. Y. , about six years after the first settlers; in the spring following, he went to Penn Yan, then Ontario Co., N. Y. ; worked one year; went back to Homer, and took a carding machine on shares; that year he carded 17,000 pounds of wool; married his first wife, who was a daughter of Dr. Hooper, in August, 1823; in the spring of 1824, he moved to Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y. ; took his carding machine, and hired water-power; worked there one year and cleared over $300; the next spring, he bought a water privilege and erected a shop for carding and cloth dressing; occupied these works for three years; sold out and bought water privilege and 10 acres of land, built a shop and saw-mill, put in new machinery for carding, cloth dressing and a chair factory, which busi ness he carried on till 1836; employed from ten to thirty men; the plaoe is now called Mallory - ville. Everything was prospering finely till Feb. 15, when the factory took fire and all was lost, with ten years' hard labor. In the meantime, he lost his wife, and, on May 2, 1829, mar ried Miss Hart, daughter of Amos Hart; they had four daughters— Nancy J. is the wife of Henry Bradley, Postmaster of Elkhorn; Ruth A., now Mrs. Stanbury Ogden, of Benton Harbor, Mich. ; Almira is the wife of William A. Barlow, of Chicago; Betsey F. is the wife of Judge HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 511 Robert Harkness, of Salt Lake City. Mr. M. engaged in hotel keeping, which business he followed at various places in the State of New York until August, 1844, when he moved to Wisconsin and located at Elkhorn, arriving here Oct. 10 of that year. Oct. 28, 1844, he bought out Mr. Bellows, the Center House, at that place; after keeping it two years, he went out of the business; returning after six months, he ran the house another two years. While keeping hotel, he had purchased a farm in the town of Elkhorn, on which he made a permanent home from 1852 to 1876, when he sold out and moved to the village. He was elected County Treas urer of Walworth County in 1845, and served one term; was re-elected and served the term of 1855 and 1856. He was the originator of the plat of the Def endorf, Spencer & Mallory Addition to the village of Elkhorn, consisting of 170 acres, 70 of which were surveyed and platted. WILLIAM H. MAYHEW, teacher and cabinet-maker; was born in the town of Troy, Walworth Co., Wis., July 14, 1844; is the son of John and Lucinda Allen Mayhew. Mr. M.'s friends were pioneers of Walworth County, having settled in the county in 1838. The subject of this sketch enlisted in the late war in August, 1862, as a private of Company I, 28th W. V. I, and served until May 30, 1863, when he was discharged for physical disability; on his re turn from the army, he engaged in farming in the town of Troy, devoting his winters to school teaching, beginning in the winter of 1866. He has taught in all to this date, eight terms, including one term of graded school at Troy. He was elected a member of \the town board of Troy in 1869, and, in 1870, was elected Chairman and Representative of the County Board of Supervisors, and re-elected to the same position in 1879; he was married at Auburn, Ohio, Sept. 15, 1870, to Miss Anna L. Dutton, daughter of Charles O. Dutton. Mrs. M. was born in Auburn, Ohio; they had two children — Charles D. and Etta M. ; the latter died in childhood. Mr. M. lost his wife, who died Jan. 10, 1874; in August, 1875, he bought the Palmyra & Mil waukee Stage Line, which he ran one year and then sold out; he then engaged as clerk in Austin's store, at East Troy, five months, and next, in the store of Mr. Schwantz, of Troy Cen ter, where he remained two and a half years; in January, 1881. he went into the furniture busi- ' ness at Elkhorn, which business he followed until the July following, when he sold out. JOHN MATHESON, merchant tailor, Elkhorn; business established in September, 1844, and continued to the present day, embracing a period of thirty-seven years. Though two others did work in his line in the village prior to his advent, he is the first merchant tailor es tablished in business here, and was the first to erect a sign. Mr. Matheson is a native of the Highlands of Scotland; he is the son of John and Jessie Matheson; was born in 1820; Mr. Matheson learned the tailor's trade in the city of Inverness,- serving six and a half years; he then worked as a journeyman till 1840, when he emigrated to the United States; on his arrival in this country, he worked at his trade for awhile in the city of Milwaukee as a journeyman, and then started in business for himself. In 1844, he moved to Elkhorn and established his present business. He was married, in Elkhorn, in ] 849, to Miss Lovetta Lee, daughter of the Rev. Luther Lee (Mrs. Matheson's people were of New England origin). They have three children living — one waiting for them; Jessie is the wife of Charles Wescott, of Colorado; John and Louis S. are in Arizona engaged in mining; Benson died when 16 years of age. JOHN MEIGS, dealer in stoves, hardware and tinware, Elkhorn; business was established in 1854; Mr. M. was born in Albany, N. Y., Dec. 28, 1819; is the son of Hannah M. and John Meigs, who were also natives of Albany. Mr. M. learned the tinner's trade in Albany, and went to New York City in 1841, where he Worked at his trade until 1847, when he came to Elk horn, Wis. ; remained but a short time, when he went to Milwaukee, where he worked at his trade until 1854, when he returned to Elkhorn and opened a hardware and tin store. In 1862, he closed out his stock, and went West; he spent between two and three years in Virginia City, Nev., working at his trade; then went to California, in 1864, and the same year returned to Elkhorn, and again commenced business in the former line, which he has continued to this date; he carries a stock of $2,500. He was married, at Chardon, Ohio, in 1853, to Miss Ellen Corbin. Mrs. M. was born in Chardon; they have one daughter — Alice. THOMAS W. MOREFIELD, proprietor of bakery and restaurant and dealer in fancy groceries, gloves, mittens, notions, Elkhorn; business established in August, 1870; car ries a full stock. Mr. M. is the son of Thomas and Hannah Morefi eld; was born in Wal worth Co., Wis., March 18, 1849; his father is a native of England, and the mother of 512 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Nova Scotia. Th9y emigrated to Walworth County in 1848; the family remained only two years in the town of Walworth, and then moved to the town of Linn, where the father still re sides, the mother having died in 1863. When the subject of this sketch was only 14 years of age he enlisted as a private in Company F, 40th W. V. I. for 100 days; at the expiration of that time he soon afterward re-enlisted in the 1st Wis. Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war; in 1864, he mat with an accident which caused a permanent injury of the left side; he was con fined to the general hospital at Memphis, Tenn. , six weeks. While at Ft. Elsworth, Va. , he re ceived an injury in the left eye, which caused his removal to the hospital at Ft. Lyons, where he submitted to an operation which only partially relieved the difficulty. His injuries were such at that time which finds him permanently injured as to his left side, and with a shattered constitution, to constantly remind him of his youthful patriotism. For some years after his re turn from the army, he was unfitted for active business. In 1870, having partially recovered, he came to Elkhorn aad commenced his present business. He was married, March 18, 1871, in Klkhorn, to Miss Genora Wales, daughter of Frederick Wales. Mrs. Morefield was born in Plymouth, Chenango Co., N. Y. ; they have three children — Alice G., Rose L. and Olive. WILLIAM H. MORRISON, Register of Deeds of Walworth Co., Wis.; was born in Oneida Co., N. Y, near Utica, July 19, 1837; is the son of John and Rachel Morrison; his parents were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to the United States, in early youth; when twelve years of age, young Morrison moved to Troy, Walworth Co., Wis., in 1849. He began his education in the common schools and ended in Milton College, Wis., under Prof. W. C. Whit ford. On the completion of his studies, he engaged in farming in the town of Troy; he was elected Register of Deeds of Walworth County in the fall of 1878 for the term of 1879-80; re elected in 1880; elected Secretary of Walworth County Agricultural Association Jan. 9, 1878, and re-elected four times since, being ihe present incumbent. Mr. M. has proven one of the most efficient Secretaries the association has ever had; his skill and ingenuity in advertising' the annual fairs, the general fairness and increasing diligence displayed in the discharge of the duties of the office, has placed Mr. M. among the leading executive officers of agricultural associations of the State. He was married, in the town of La Grange, of this county, Sept. 24, 1862, to Miss Julia M. V. Heath, daughter of Charles Heath. Mrs. M. was born in Walworth County; her family was one of the pioneer families of Troy; they have two children — J. Howard, aged 16, and Birdie M. E. H, aged 10. Mr. M. has one of the largest and finest farms in the county. It consists of 480 acres, situated in the town of Troy, on Sees. 8, 9 and 28. Since his election to the office of Register of Deeds, he. has made his home in Elkhorn. NORRIS & SON, dealers in hardware, stoves and tinware, Elkhorn; business established in 1867. John A. Norris, senior partner of the above firm, was born in England and came to America when fifteen years of age; made his home in Cayuga Co., N. Y., for a short time,- and then moved to Summit Co., Ohio. From there, he came to Walworth Co., Wis., in 1847, where he engaged in farming, which business he continued twenty years; in 1867, he moved to the village of Elkhorn, and the following year, 1N68. he began business in the hardware line, and has continued it to this date. Mr. Norris was married, in Ohio, in 1846, to Miss Julia M. Richardson, daughter of Daniel .Richardson. Mrs. Norris was born in Connecticut; they have five children — John E., William R., Harley C. (married Miss Alice W. Allen, and is the junior partner of this firm), Daniel and Elizabeth (who is the wife of George Spoor, uf Burlington, Racine Co.). HARLEY C. NORRIS, junior partner of the firm of Norris & Son, was born in the town of Sugar Creek, Walworth Co., Wis., Feb. 11, 1854; is the son of John A. and Julia (Richard son) Norris; he was educated in the common schools of Elkhorn, and clerked for his father till March, 1 880, when he was admitted as a partner in the hardware business. He was married, June 10, 1879, in Elkhorn, to Miss Alice W. Allen, daughter of Lucius Allen. Mrs. Norris was born in Troy, Wis. ; they have one son — Edwin L. ALBERT OGDEN, retired farmer; P. 0. Elkhorn; he was born in the town of Walton, Delaware Co., N. Y., Feb. 1, 1815; is the son of Zenas and Julia Marsh Ogden; he received a common school education in his native town, and, in 1836, moved to Wisconsin, remaining at Milwaukee until February, 1837, when he came to Walworth County, and, in company with Mr. Hollis Latham, located at the geographical center of the county, now the site of the village HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 513 of Elkhorn. The exact date of the settlement of these gentlemen was February 27, 1837, this fact is of peculiar interest from the fact that they were the first white men to locate at this point (see history of Elkhorn). Mr. Ogden made a claim of the northwest quarter of Sec. I, Town 2, Range 16, and the southwest quarter of Sec. 36, Town 3, Range 16, making 320 acres. He subsequently took up the east one-half of the southwest quarter of Sec. 1, 80 acres, and 80 acres in Geneva. Mr. O. was appointed Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Walling, who was the first Sheriff pf the county. Mr. O. was married, in the town of Delavan, Sept. 7, 1843, to Miss Charlotte, daughter of Peter Boyce. Mrs. O. only survived about a year, her death occurring July 25, 1844. Mr. O. was married, at Elkhorn, April 29, 1847, to Miss Emna O. Watkins, daughter of Miner Watkins. He was born in Vermont and has always followed farming as his business since he came to Elkhorn. Though public-spirited and liberal, Mr. O. has never sought ¦ positions in public life, preferring to devote his attention to his farming interests. He has been gratified by seeing the county seat established on the site he and a few others selected for it when there was not a white man's habitation in view. His farmhouse now is situated in the suburbs of the village, where he has 30 acres of land and 40 in Delavan. M. T. PARK, editor and proprietor of the Walworth County Independent and Assistant Secretary of State; he is the son of Benjamin and Sarah Park; was bom in New London, Huron Co., Ohio, July 25, 1841; came to Wisconsin in 1847, when six years old, with his parents, who located in the town of Turtle, Rock Co. He was educated at Milton College and adopted the vocation of teacher, commencing in Rock County in 1860. He taught country and village schools six years; from there, he went to Racine to accept the position of Principal of the 2d District School of the city, which he conducted for eight years. He proved one of the most successful and popular teachers of Racine — a city noted for its superior schools and able teach ers; he left Racine to accept the appointment of teacher in the State normal schools at Oshkosh, which position he held more than three years. During this time, Mr. Park fully maintained his position as one of the leading educational men of the State. In addition to his general ex perience in teaching, he has served as President of the Wisconsin State Teachers' Association, from July, 1876, to the same month of 1877. January, 1879, he purchased the office of the Walworth County Independent of Elkhorn, and assumed its general management, editorially and otherwise. The investment proved a good one, as under Mr. Park's able management, the business of the office and circulation of the paper have been largely increased; he accepted the appointment of Assistant Secretary of the State, and entered upon the duties of the office Jan. 2, 1882. He was married, at Clinton, Rock Co., Wis., Sept. 26, 1861, to Miss Mary E. Ham mond, daughter of D. P. Hammond. Mrs. Park was born in Scottsville, Monroe Co., N. Y. ; they have three children — E. Maud, Charles M. and Maurice H. OTIS PRESTON, is a native of Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Mass., where he was born May 13, 1813; at the age of three years, be removed with his parents to Lenox, Mass., where he lived until 7 years of age; at that age, he removed to Ashley Falls, in Berkshire Co., where he lived with his parents until 13 years of age; his parents were poor, and he had, up to this time, scarcely any educational advantages except the home precepts and the influence of a most ex cellent mother, and nine years, when most children are at school, he was at work, helping in an extremely small way to eke out his own small living. He worked at anything that he was tall enough to reach in and about a carding and cloth-dressing establishment, a plaster-mill, saw mill, grist-mill and any place where a little fellow could earn a sixpence or ninepence; at the age of 13, he was apprenticed to a tailor, named French, in the town of Sheffield, where he served as a faithful but unappreciated drudge at his apprenticeship for three years and one half, enduring the petty tyranny, and oftentimes, abuse, which small-minded and small-hearted men only can heap upon those whom the inscrutable ways of Providence sometimes place in their power. His master was a good workman, and as a partial compensation for the ills he endured, he managed to thoroughly learn his trade, and, having grown of sufficient stature to give physical emphasis to his desires for reform, he peremptorily brought his term of apprenticeship to a close by flogging, in Oliver Twist style, some overbearing members of the family, and leaving his master's house; in short, he ran away; after one or two ineffectual attempts to find employment in shops of the neighboring towns, the friendless boy, after a frank confession of his experience with his late master, found a true friend and a just employer in Elijah Foster, of Great Barrington, Mass. He 514 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. remained in his employ for f our and one-half years, the last two years as foreman of the establish ment which at that time was one of the largest in that part of the State; during these years, he won not only the confidence and respect of his employer, but his warm regard; he was treated as one of the family of which he was a member, in fact as well as in name; there, encouraged, advised and instructed by his friends, added daring his leisure hours to the little of school education he had received; it would, to one having less natural aptitude and taste for learning, have been considered'a small addition indeed, but, supplemented as it was, by a vigorous and healthy in telligence and rare powers of observation, it c.ime to serve him in such manner as might well put to shame the many paupered collegiates who ruthlessly waste the priceless opportunities that were denied him; he learned the rudiments of mathematics, became well read in the current literature of the times, acquired an excellent and ready command of his native tongue; through the study of a dictionary, which was his constant companion, he became a ready and fluent ' speaker and debater through that best of all controversial schools, a New England debating club, which was established in the village where he worked. At the age of 21, he left the scenes of his youthful struggles, and sought his fortune in the great West: his capital consisted of health, hope, energy, a trade, the education and wisdom learned in the school of privation and toil, and a sufficient amount of money to start on his uncertain journey. His first settlement in the West was at White Pigeon, Mich., in 1834, where he commenced his active life of manhood; he began by opening a tailor shop and working diligently at his trade; in two years, he had added to his shop a merchant tailor's store, and, in eight years, was engaged in a large and thriving mercantile business, having a large store and doing a leading business in the town. He became a leading man of affairs in the home of his adoption, and, in 1841, was elected by his constitu ents as a member of the Michigan Assembly, and became an active politician, taking a prominent part in the political affairs of the State. In common with nearly all the pioneer merchants of the West, the uncertain and depressed times that followed the crash of 1837. though not at first overwhelming, culminated, after years o£ struggle, in reverses that determined him to seek another fortune in the far West. He came to Wiscunsin in 1S46, arriving in Racine Oct. 28; he was unsuccessful in finding there a place to open business, and came on to Spring Prairie to visit his uncle, Hon. Herr Samuel Pratt, then residing at that place. This visit resulted in his opening a shop there and commencing business at his trade ; he remained there until 1848, at which time he was elected Sheriff of the county on the Free-Soil ticket, and he moved to Elkhorn, which has since been his home. At the close of his term of office, he again worked at his trade for a short time, then went into general mercantile business under the firm name of Preston & Hay. Subsequently, Hay retired, and Preston con tinued alone for a time; the firm was next Preston & Pope; this firm did a leading business for some years; they built a warehouse and did a large grain and shipping business in connection with their store. This business was sold out to L. C. Merick, in 1858. Mr. Preston built a block of three stores, known as Centralia Block; it was burned in 1869, entailing a large loss, as the building was but slightly insured; his son, Robert Clark Preston, suffered a large loss, losing most of his stock of goods, which was uninsured. The disaster by no means overcame the inherent energy of Mr. P. ; in two weeks, he had another store erected, which he christened the shanty, where, with the remnants saved from the vicissitudes of business and the loss by fire, he again started in business. Both he and his son Clark have made the shanty their busi ness headquarters from the time of its erection to the present. Mr. P.,, since his residence in Elkhorn, has been the energetic friend and stanch defender of his town; his energy and enter prise were conspicuous at every stage of its growth ; in the securing of the first railroad con nections, of the development of trade and in all ways his ingenuity could devise, or his energy execute, his labors were unceasing. He published at different times the Conservator and the Live Man, both devoted to the interests of the town; he has served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors -several years, and as President of the Walworth County Agricultural Society, as appears in the sketch of that society. He has always been a prominent politician, and for many years was an active member of the Walworth County Democracy. His oratorical powers have been no small factor in his influence as a public speaker. He has taken rank with the best in the county; his eulogies before the Old Settlers' Society, on the death of Hon. Wyman Spooner and Hon. Samuel Pratt, are remembered as models of that style of oratory. Mr., P. was mar- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 515 ried, May 18, 1836, to Miss Julia A. Corbin, of White Pigeon, Mich.; the children were — Or- ville Marshell, born July 30, 1837 ; died at Elkhorn Oct. 5 ; Louise, now Mrs. Henry Courins, born Oct. 26, 1840, living in Eau Claire, Wis. ; Robert Clark, born March 13, 1843, now in the employ of his father at Elkhorn. Mr. P. has, in a measure, withdrawn from participation in public affairs, but carries sturdily and lightly the weight of increasing years; he still carries on an extensive business at the shanty, which has become a household word throughout the county. LE GRAND ROCKWELL (deceased) was born in Butternuts, Otsego Co., N. Y, March, 1812; was the son of Ards and Betsey (Shaw) Rockwell; he moved to Bainbridge, Chenango Co., N. Y., where he was engaged in mercantile business; he came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1836, and remained in Milwaukee till February, 1837, when he came to Walworth County, and, in company with Hollis Latham and Albert Ogden, he selected and laid out the plat of Elkhorn Village, with a view of making it the county seat, which result was subsequently accomplished. Being a man of superior ability, energetic and enterprising, he was at once recognized as a leading spirit in the little colony of Elkhorn. He was appointed the first Postmaster, first Reg ister of Deeds and Clerk of the Court. The duties of these several offices were discharged with fidelity and ability. He was the first to organize a banking house in the village, and was sub sequently engaged in the business during his life time; in conducting this branch of business, he was an exception to the rule, and often accommodated needy and irresponsible people, trust ing to their sense of honor for security rather than refuse them on account of inability to furnish the customary indorsement or security. It is said of him that he was very seldom a loser by misplaced confidence. Of all public enterprises of merit, he was a powerful champion; his liberal efforts in behalf of the best interestg of Elkhorn are fresh in the memory of his old neighbors and friends. His generous nature, the purity of his public and private life com manded the respect and esteem of all who knew him. In the family circle, he was a kind and loving husband and an affectionate and considerate father. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, for which he labored earnestly, faithfully and conscientiously. He was mar ried, at Elkhorn., Aug: 22, 1844, to Miss Frances A. Hickox; four children were born to them -John C, Edward H', Ella L. and Le Grand; the eldest, Joht, O, died April 22, 1867; the daughter, Ella L., is the wife of Oliver W. Shepard; the loss of his son and financial troubles, growing out of the robbery of his bank, preyed upon the mind of Mr. R., undermining his health until his death, which occurred at his home in Elkhorn, Dec. 23, 1869. In his death, Walworth County lost one of its most influential and respected citizens. AUGUSTUS SMITH was born in Chester, Mass., Oct. 25, 1801; is the son of William and Sarah Smith; was married in Westfield in 1826, to Miss Almira Stiles. Their children were William A. (Ruth H., Sarah A., deceased); Sarah A., the second of that name, is now Mrs S. R. Edwards, of Sugar Creek (Mary A. M., deceased); Franklin H., Oliver P. and Austin E. ; the two younger were born in Wisconsin. Mr. Smith and family emigrated to Troy, Wis., in October, 1838, where he resided until July, 1854, when he removed to Beloit, Wis. , where he still resides. While a resident of Walworth County, he held many local offices; was one of the first, if not the first, President of the Walworth County Agricultural Society. He was an active member of the Congregational Church, and was much respected. HARLEY FLAVEL SMITH, oldest son of Richard and Sarah (White) Smith; was born in Townshend, Windham Co., Vt., Sept. 28, 1808; he received his primary education in the common schools; was next a student in several classical and select schools; he prepared to enter Middlebury College in an advanced grade in the Junior year at the Chester Academy, Chester, Windsor Co., Vt.; from Chester, he removed to Saratoga Springs, N. Y., where, Sept. 1, 1830, he entered the office of Thomas J. Marvin, attorney at law, as a student and clerk; at the close of 1831, he changed to the office of William L. F. Warren, of the same place. Mr. W. was at that time District Attorney of the county of Saratoga, and Master and Examiner in Chancery, and had a wider range of practice than any other lawyer in the county. He remained in the office of Warren until June, 1833, when he removed to the village of Wyoming, then in the county of Genesee, where he entered upon the duties of teacher of the Latin and Greek lan guages and mathematics, in a school in which the Rev. Joseph Elliott was Principal. In the spring of 1835, he removed to the village of Pike, then in Allegany Co., N. Y., where he was 516 HISTORY OF WALW'ORTH COUNTY. engaged in a select school as a teacher, in the same branches as at Wyoming; at the same time, he was pursuing his studies and serving a clerkship in the law office of the Hon. Luther. C. Peck, then one of the leading lawyers of Western New York He continued thus engaged until May, 1838, when he was admitted as an attorney of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, at the May term of that court, held in the city of New York. In August, 1838, he removed to Castile, then in the county of Genesee, where he practiced his profession until the close of 1848. At that time, in hope of regaining his impaired health, he came West; he remained in Chicago and vicinity for several months, and finally came to Wisconsin and located at Elkhorn May 13, 1850; he formed a law partnership with H. S. Windsor, of that place. This con nection was continued over a period of eighteen years, during which time the firm had a very respectable practice and was classed among the leading law firms of the county. Mr. S. was ad mitted to practice in the Walworth Circuit Court May 20, 1850, and in the Supreme Court of Wisconsin June, 1851. At this writing, he has practiced over thirty years in the Supreme Court of the State. Mr. Smith, during his extensive practice in that court, has argued many important cases successfully, and commands the respect and confidence of the court and bar. He is still in practice at Elkhorn, where his well-known ability and long experience in his profession have . established his reputation as one of the leading lawyers of his section of the State. On the 15th day of September, 1833, he was married to Lydia Ann Nourse, of Rockingham, Windham ¦Co., Vt., daughter of Daniel and Nancy Nourse. She was a young lady of estimable character, good education, and was born in Rockingham Dec. 4, 1809, and died at Elkhorn, Wis., May 7, 1881 ; they had one daughter — Nettie Smith, their only child, born in Pike, Allegany Co., N. Y., Sept. 19, ]835, who, since her mother's death, has directed her father's household affairs. Mr. Smith's father, Richard Smith, was born in Townshend, Vt., May 26, 1782; was in early life a teacher, and possessed a high order of intellectual power. His father, David S., was "born in Providence, R. I., in 1761, and was a soldier of the Revolution under Washington at Valley Forge. Sarah White Smith, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was born in Towns hend, Vt., Dec. 9, 1786; was a daughter of Edward White, of Attleboro, Mass., a descendant of the family of that name who came to America in the Mayflower. Her mother, Sarah Tourtelott White, was a descendant of a French Huguenot, named Tourtelott, who emigrated from Paris to Rhode Island in the early settlement of that State. HOWARD L. SMITH, Principal of the Elkhorn schools; commenced with the term begin ning Sept. 26, 1881. The school consists of four departments, with a membership of 230 scholars; four assistant teachers are employed. Miss A. J. Dann is the high school assistant; Miss Jesse E. Wiswell is in charge of the grammar school; Miss Addie M. Spooner of the intermediate, and Miss Lizzie Townsend of the primary. Mr. Smith was born in Madison, Wis., March 29, 1861; is the son of John Y. and Sarah A. (Warner) Smith; he is a graduate of the State Uni versity, of the class of June, 1881; he has taught one term of school (Blooming Grove) previous to coming to Elkhorn. JOHN H. SNYDER, proprietor of the Central House, Elkhorn; business established in 1869. This house has thirty-five well-furnished rooms, is pleasantly and centrally located, be ing situated opposite the southeast corner of the court house square ; at this date, is the only hotel in the village. Mr. S. is a native of the town of Hudson, Columbia Co., N. Y.; is the son .of Henry J. W. and Catharine S. ; was born December 24, 1834. He came to Wisconsin in 1846, with his grandparents; made his home in Mukwanago, Waukesha Co., where he was sub sequently engaged in farming and the hotel business, keeping the Mukwanago House. April 10, 1869, he moved to Elkhorn, purchased a hotel and named it the Central House. In 1876, he bought a farm of 270 acres in town of Elkhorn. He was married, at Rochester, Racine Co., July 3, 1857, to Miss Eliza R. Munson, daughter of Edwin H. M. Mrs. S. was born in Roch ester, N, Y. They have four children— Fred H., Clifford F., John H., Jr., and Maud E. WYMAN SPOONER, deceased, was born inHardwick, Worcester Co. , Mass. , July 2, 1795. He was bred on a farm, and received the ordinary educational advantages of the common dis trict school till he was fourteen years old, when he was apprenticed to the printer's trade. He served his full term, and graduated master of the trade. At the age of twenty-one, he became connected with a newspaper, and remained, first as a compositor and last as editor-in-chief, for twelve years, and there laid the foundation for his future intellectual life. During his editorial HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 517 life, he read extensively all the works pertaining to fundamental law, and, in 1833, commenced practice. He removed, soon after being admitted to the bar, to Canton, Ohio, and. from there to Racine, Wis., in 1842. He subsequently removed to Elkhorn, Wis., where he made his home for thirty-five years. During his residence in Wisconsin, he was honored by marks of esteem and confidence from his fellow-citizens which come only to men of the highest standing, both as to moral worth and intellectual strength. In 1846, he was Judge of Probate; in 1853, he was elected Judge of the Circuit Court, which office he held till 1857; he was member of the As sembly in 1850, 1851, 1857, 1861; Speaker of the House in 1857; a member of the State Senate in 1862-63, being its presiding officer the latter year; elected Lieutenant Governor for three successive terms — 1864 to 1870. On retiring from office in 1870, he ceased all active work in public affairs. He died at the residence of his son, in Lyons, Walworth Co., Nov. 18, 1877, at the age of 82 years. Mr. Spooner left an unexceptionably pure record. He was in person tall, spare and erect. He spoke deliberately, in a harsh, high, but not unpleasant voice. He was a model presiding officer, and is remembered by his cotemporaries as the best parliamenta rian of his time. If not great, he was true, and his memory, untarnished by vice or the low tricks of his time, is that of one of the best of the early statesmen of Wisconsin. His political pre dilections were Republican. During the latter years of his life, like Horace Greeley and others who followed his lead, he broke somewhat from his old party affiliations. W. J. STRATTON, dealer in drugs, medicines, paints, oils, wall-paper, books, etc., Elk horn; business established in 1876. ' He is a native of Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y. ; is the only son of James and Ann Stratton; was born July 22, 1834. His parents were natives of En gland, and emigrated to New York the year of his birth. In the fall of J 843, the family moved to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Troy, Walworth Co. Mr. S. spent the early years of his life on his father's farm; received a common-school education. He studied daguerreotyping at Delavan, and in 1853 began business in that line for himself. After three years' experience as a photographer, he quit the business and engaged in farming until 1864, when he sold hi.s farm and enlisted in Company L, 3d W. V. C. ; on the re-organization of the regiment, he was assigned to Company D, and served until the close of the war. On his return from the army, he bought a farm of 120 acres in the town of La Fayette, Sec. 2, and followed farming until 1873, when he rented the farm and moved to Elkhorn. In January, 1875, he sold his farm, and the following year he began in his present business. Mr. S. was married, in the town of Troy, March 26, 1 856, to Miss Jane A. , daughter of Robert and Ann Wolf enden. Mrs. S. was born in the city of New York. They have three children — Charles J., aged 23 years; Iva A., aged 19 years; and Lyle W., aged 4J years. Mr. S. was elected Justice of the Peace in 1877, and has been a member of the Town Board of Elkhorn two terms; is a member of the present board. * REV. SYLVESTER E. SWEET, Pastor of the Regular Baptist Church of Elkhorn since November, 1879. He is a native of Leeds Co., Canada West; is a son of Abijah and Maria (Rhodes) Sweet: was born Nov. 18, 1838. In 1845, he came to the United States with his par ents, and, made his home at Southport, Wis. ; two years later, they moved to Portland, Dodge Co., and, in 1854, to the town of Bear Creek, Sauk Co. He enlisted, in June, 1861, in the 6th Battery, Wisconsin Light Artillery; was promoted to a Second Lieutenancy; was with his com mand in the various engagements in which they participated —nine in all; he received a gun shot wound in the head at the battle of Champion Hills, June, 1863, and served until the close of the war. He was educated in a common school, and at the Wayland University, at Beaver Dam, Wis., from which he graduated in the class of 1872. He was regularly ordained a min ister of the Regular Baptist Church at Marble Ridge, Sauk Co., and began preaching at De Soto, Vernon Co., Wis. ; he has been constantly employed since as a minister of the Gospel. He served as Pastor of the Beaver Dam Church two years, and supplied the pulpit of the Randolph Church for a considerable time; he had charge of the Trempealeau Church three years, the Monticello Prairie Church two years, and came from there to Elkhorn in November, 1879. Mr. Sweet was married, at Marble Ridge,. Sauk Co., Wis., Feb. 20, 1866, to Miss Achsa Perry, daughter of Daniel T. and Salome (Burdick) Perry. They have four children — Lewis E. P., George E., Emma E. and Ella E. ; the two youngest are twins. 518 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. JAMES L. TUBBS, surveyor. He is a native of the town of Augusta, Oneida Co., N. Y. ; is the son of Samuel and Polly (Frost) Tubbs, and was born Sept. 10, 1824. When 9 years of age, he moved with his parents to Victor, Ontario Co. , N. Y. He received a common-school education. Since 1857, has made his home in Elkhorn. REV. J. W. VAHEY, resident, priest at St. Patrick's Church, Elkhorn, Wis., was appointed to his present parish in 1878. He was born in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, on the 15th of April, 1829, and is the son of Janies and Mary Vahey. In the spring of 1848, he emigrated to this country and entered the Lazarist Seminary, at St. Louis, Mo., in which he finished his ecclesiastical studies, and in which, for three years subsequent, he taught Latin, Greek, phil osophy and the Holy Scriptures. From there he went to Buffalo, N. Y. ; studied law in the office of Austin & Scroggs; returned to Missouri, was admitted to the practice of law by Judge Stone, and practiced, his profession for some four years in the Ninth Judicial District of Missouri. He then went to Dubuque, Iowa, and, after nine months, during which he taught philosophy, was or dained priest by Bishop Loras. He founded the Ft. Dodge Catholic colony, built a church and residence there, and entered on arduous missionary labor. During the war, he was Chaplain at the Alton, 111., military prison, and did good service to the Union cause. In 1864, he came to Wisconsin to teach in the seminary, but scarcity of priests forced Bishop Henni to appoint him to the Waukesha parish Father Vahey has been one of the most effective and vigorous members of the priesthood. During his ministry, he built eighteen churches, five parochial residences and two large schoolhouses. In addition to this, his pen was not idle, for several well-known publications are from his pen — " A Priest Among Scientists," which is now being published in New York; " Julia, or Sister Agnes," a charming novel; " The Four Seasons," a controversy with D. W. Spaulding, Episcopal minister; and " Lectures on Scientific Subjects," which were published within the last seven years. In politics, he is Republican, and goes in for universal freedom and toleration, allowing each one to support and profess belief in the re ligion of his choice. Know-Nothingism he opposed, with all the energy of his soul, as unchristian and detrimental to the growth and spirit of our country, and hence he may be classed with Ste phen A. Douglas, of Illinois, and H. A. Wise, of Virginia, as stamping out this monster. In Wisconsin, there is no man more respected by all parties than Father Vahey. Long may he continue his usefulness at Elkhorn, and enjoy the grand church he has built there. CHARLES WALES, farmer, P. O. Elkhorn; has 200 acres of land situated on Sees. 5 and 8, town of Geneva. Mr. W. was born in <\he town of Plymouth, Chenango Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1818; is the son of George and Sally (Crain) Wales. He was brought up a farmer; was mar ried, in Cortland Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1848, to Eliza A. Crandall, daughter of Richard Crandall. Mrs. W. was born in the town of ^Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y. They have four children — Ruth E. is a resident of San Juan, South America, and is engaged in teaching; the second is Rosa P. ; the third is Belle B., now the wife of Clinton Dewing, of Mitchell, D. T.; the young est, Charles M., is a student of the State University of Madison, and is fitting himself for the calling of mechanical engineer. Mr. W. came to Wisconsin in 1845; all of his children were born in this State. He settled on the farm which he still owns, in the town of Geneva. Mrs. W. died April 6, 1867. Mr. W. has served as Assessor of Geneva one term, and Supervisor two terms. He was married again, this time at Elkhorn, on Dec. 20. 1869, to Lorahamia, daughter of Elijah Butler. Mrs. W. was born in Maine. They had one child, named Jennette. Mr. W. moved to Elkhorn in 1875, where he has continued to reside, still conducting his farm. FRED A. WARNING, proprietor of Warning's Hall, and dealer in groceries, provisions and liquors, Elkhorn; for description of hall, see history of Elkhorn. Mr. Warning was born in Mecklenberg-Schwerin, Germany, Dec. 3, 1832; is the son of F. A. and Anna L. S. Warn-- ing. He lost his father in his youth, and in 1851, emigrated to America with his mother; made his home in Racine, Wis., where he kept a barber-shop till 1856. In 1855, he came to Elkhorn and purchased some lots, on which he built a wooden building, and, in November, 1856, moved his family to Elkhorn. Mr. Warning opened a barber-shop and grocery at his new place of business. In 1866, he quit the barber business for good; made a trip to Germany in March of that year, and remained till July, when he returned to America. He continued the grocery business at the old stand till 1873, when he built the substantial and commodious brick building which he now occupies as a store, saloon and public hall; the building is eighty deep by forty- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 519 ¦four feet in width, and cost $10,000. He was married, in the town of Caledonia, Racine Co., Wis., May 17, 1860, to Miss Caroline Schmidt, daughter of Carl Schmidt. Mrs. Warning's father was Postmaster at the county line station, and was killed by the cars in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Warning had nine children — Mary L., Lucy A., Frances S., Minnie M., Frederick A. (died m childhood), Charlotte F. (died when 4 years of age), Annie I. (living), Caroline (died in in fancy), Ida H. (living). Mr. Warning's hall is a popular place of resort for parties, theaters and entertainments. JOSEPH PHILBRICK WEBSTER, deceased, was born on the banks of the Blue Merri mack, in Manchester, Hillsboro Co., N. H., in 1820. His early educational advantages were those of all New England boys whose parents were in what were called moderate circumstances. He attended the common schools and acquired a good English education. He afterward grad uated from the Pembroke Academy, New Hampshire, then under the charge of Isaac Kinsman. The late J. W. Webster, of Kenosha, and Rev. Dr. William H. Ryder, of Chicago, were his class mates. He early showed an inordinate love for music, and mastered all that his humble sur roundings would allow of musical knowledge. He played the violin, the flute and the fife almost intuitively, and was at an early age a musical prodigy in the section where he lived. At fifteen years of age, he played all instruments he had ever seen, with facility, but knew not one note from another. At this age, he began his tuition in the New England Singing School, which in one term ripened him into a successful rudimental teacher. Beyond that he never could tell how he became the master of harmony and melody he was. It is known that he taught the ru diments in New Hampshire while yet a boy, and that in 1840 he came to Boston. At that time, he had never seen a piano forte, or other keyed instrument with a finger register. Under the tuition of Dr. Lowell Mason, George James Webb and B. F. Baker, he remained three years, mastering, meanwhile, the science of harmony, counterpoint and thorough bass, and the tech nique of the piano and organ. Thus fortified., the young musician went to New York in 1843, where he fell in with Bernard Covert, one of the noted tenor singers of that time. With him he began his career as a concertist. They sang for a season in New York and vicinity with suc cess. Subsequently, Mr. Webster removed to Connecticut, where he lived six years as a teacher of music. The loss of his voice, in 1848, restricted his musical work to instrumental practice and composition. He became the leader of a musical troupe well remembered by all New En- glanders of that time — the Euphonians — who, under his leadership and . through his composi tions, shared the popular favor with the Hutchinsons, their only rivals in their special depart ment at that time. From 1850 to 1855, he resided in the 'South, where he pursued his profes sion as a music-teacher, and imbibed that intense hatred of slavery which broke out in his war songs years after. He returned to the North in .1855, and first became known to the West as a musical composer of merit through the publication of some ballads by an Indianapolis house. He had already won an Eastern reputation as a ballad writer, prior to his living in the South. The well-known music firms of Firth, Pond & Co., of New York, and Oliver Ditson, of Boston, had published sufficient of his compositions to establish him as a favorite composer. He at once took a leading position as the song writer of the West. He made his home, with his wife and two children, in Racine, Wis., a few years later, and afterward removed to Elkhorn, where he resided till his death, which occurred Jan. 18, 1875. During his later years, while living in Elkhorn, his genius blossomed and bore fruit that has rendered him immortal, and ranks him as one of the most exalted song writers of his time. His works were voluminous, and covered the whole realm of sentimental song. No chord of the heart he failed to touch, no hope left un inspired, no grief unassuaged. The most commonplace versification, when wedded to his har monies, "glowed with his own inspiration and became alive with a warmth of expression and a depth of meaning that was not there before. " The Sweet By and By " shows the power of cre ative genius. Pleasant verses, but not remarkable either for originality of idea or felicity of expression, have become the heart song of hope to the civilized world, and Webster, from the ethereal heights, may, perchance, hear his own songs sung in all lands and in many tongues — his. heritage to the tired soul through all the ages. But an imperfect list of his productions shows his wonderful versatility, and undoubted proof of the high order of his genius, as evinced in their continued and increasing popularity as the years go by. Following are the titles of a few, destined to the perennial life which true genius breathes into its work: "Green Old Hills 520 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. of our Country's Glory; " " There's a Change in the Things I Love: " " I'm Standing By Your Grave, Mother; " " Lorena; " "Hattie Bell;" " Willie's Grave;" "Home is Sad Without a Mother;" " Little Frock and Shoes." War songs— " Brave Men, Behold your Fallen Chief; " " Brother and Fallen Dragoon; " " Scott and the Veteran; " " New Star Spangled Banner; " " Our Coun try' s in Danger ; " " Fill Up the Ranks, Boys ; " " Irish Volunteer. " These are but a few of his efforts up to the close of the war. After the death of Lincoln, Mr. Webster wrote his largest work — a grand cantata of the rebellion, in which he shows his great patriotism and his great sorrow at the loss of the nation's savior. After this, his compositions were strictly ballads, as before, with the exception of one Sunday school work and a light operetta, entitled the " Beati tudes." His songs, " Under the Beautiful Stars," " When I Lie Dreaming," " Touches of Little Hands," "I Stand on Memory's Golden Shore," "Little Maud," "The Old Man Dreams," "Don't Be Sorrowful, Darling," " Summer Sweets Shall Bloom Again," " It Will be Summer Time By and By," and " The Sweet By and By," all speak of the author's ability, genius and power to touch the hearts and inspire the souls of all music loving people, and they need not the assistance of any tongue or pen. The song " Golden Stair " spread like wildfire all over the land, and "Drifting Into Harbor" met a like favorable reception. "The Unfinished Prayer," "Oh, How Fast the Days are Passing," and "I am Weary, Let me Rest," are also selling at more rapid rates than ever before. Space does not allow a more extended sketch of this gifted man. The common lot of men came to him in January, 1875, He left a sorrow-stricken family, con sisting of a wife and four children, to mourn his death, and in the hearts of all who knew him a heaviness that only his own great faith in the sweet by and by can lighten. His memory is embalmed beyond chance of desecration in the warm and grateful hearts of a loving people. His family still live in Elkhorn — Mrs. Webster, with their four children, Joseph Haydn, Maryt Louie Beethoven and Frederick Handel. The three boys were named out of his great love and admiration for the old musical masters. BELDEN WEED, retired farmer, has a farm of 160 acres in the town of La Fayette, Wal worth Co. Mr. Weed was born in Albany Co., N. Y., March 31, 1805; is the son of Justus and Lucy Weed; was brought up a farmer. He moved to Greene Co., N. Y., in 1855, where he remained only one year, and then moved to Walworth Co., Wis., and settled in the town of La Fayette, where he was engaged in farming till 1878, when he retired from active work and moved to the village of Elkhorn. STEPHEN G. WEST, farmer; residence and P. O. Elkhorn Village. Mr. West has two farms, one lying in the town of Sugar Creek, which is conducted by his son, Walter A. ; the other is situated in Elkhorn, where he resides, the aggregate acreage being 389 acres. The subject of this sketch is a native of North Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y.; he is the son of Ste phen G. and Rebecca (Pike) West, and was born Nov. 5, 1826. In 1839, he came to Wisconsin, in company with Mr. S. B. Edwards, and joined his father and brothers in the town of La Fayetter who had already started a home in that town. He received a common-school education, and was brought up on a farm; he was married, at Troy Center, Dec. 31, 1852, to Miss Martha A., daughter of Nelson Lake. Mrs. West was born in Otsego Co., N. Y. Immediately after his marriage, he made his home on his farm of 120 acres in the town of La Fayette; continued his residence at that place till 1856, when ho sold out and bought a farm of 200 acres in the town of Sugar Creek. He pursued his business of farming in that town till 1867, when he bought a tract of 35J acres in the village of Elkhorn, where he has made his home to this date (18S1). Mr. and Mrs. West have had eight children— De Witt C. is a graduate of the Indiana Dental College, Indianapolis, Ind., of the class of 1881 (March); married Miss Cora Goff, daughter of Dr. Goff, and is prac ticing dentistry at Elkhorn; Walter A. married Miss Rosabelle Fitch; he was a teacher "for sev eral years, and is now managing his father's farm in the town of Sugar Creek; Helen R. and Charles L. are at home; Stephen G, Jr., is now a student of Beloit College ; Penn, born the day Mr. Lincoln was assassinated and died on the day Mr. Garfield was shot, aged 16 years; Cora died at the age of 9 years; Hattie O. is at home. Mr. West has served two years as Su pervisor, and two years as Assessor of the town of La Fayette, and one term as. Assessor of Sugar Creek; has been the nominee of the Democratic party of his district for mem ber of Assembly, and was defeated with the balance of the ticket. Since residing in Elkhorn, he has served several years as Clerk of the Elkhorn School Board. He was also Secretary of the HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 521 Walworth County Agricultural Society for nine, years in succession, and still holds the important position of superintendent of floral-hall. JAYNES B. WHEELER, District Attorney of Walworth County, Wis.; was elected in 1879; Mr. W. is a native of Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vt. ; is the son of Lyman and Sally Wheeler, and was born Feb. 28, 1853; he received an academic education at the Dean Academy of Franklin, Mass., and at the Oneida Academy, of Oneida, N. Y., and took a regular course at the Albany Law School; graduated in 1876, and was admitted to the bar of the State of New York May 17, 1876. Mr. Wheeler came to Elkhorn June 19, 1876, and began the practice of law; Feb. 19, 1877, he formed a law partnership with Mr. H. F. Smith, under the firm name of Smith & Wheeler, which has continued to this date. Mr. W. was married, at Maquoketa, Iowa, to Miss Ella F. Shaw, daughter of D. O Shaw. Mrs. Wheeler was born in Maquoketa, Iowa; they have one child — a daughter, Daisy S. HORATIO S. WINSOR, of the law firm of Winsor & Sprague, attorneys at law, Elkhorn, Wis. Mr. W. is a native of Rhode Island; is the son of Matthewson and Nancy P. Winsor; was born Dec. 21, 1815; while quite young, he moved with his parents to Ontario Co., N. Y. ; received his education at the common schools and at the seminary of Lima, N. Y. ; he com menced the study of law in the East, and, in 1839, came to Elkhorn, Wis., arriving at this place Nov. 15, he pursued his law studies in the office of Edward Elderkin; was admitted to the bar in the Territorial District Court, Judge Irvin presiding; was admitted to the Territorial Supreme Court of Wisconsin, and subsequently, to the Supreme Court of this State and to the United States Circuit Courts. He was elected District Attorney for Walworth County in an early day, and served one term as County Treasurer; in 1864, he was elected to the Legislature of 1865 from Walworth County; in 1850, he formed a law partnership with Mr. H. F. Smith, which was continued until 1869 ; in 1880, he formed the existing partnership with Mr. E. H. Sprague. Mr. W. was married, Jan. 1, 1846, in the village of Elkhorn, Wis., to Miss Maria L. Husted. Mrs. W. was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y. ; they have three sons; one daughter, Ella, died at the age of 18 years; the sons are Curtis H., practicing attorney of Sioux Falls, Dak., married to Miss Josie Benedict; Frank H., who is an attorney of Mitchell, Dak., and Edward F., who is a clerk in the United States Land Office, at Mitchell, Dak. Mr. W. has a farm of 360 acres, situated in the town of Delavan; he was the second attorney to establish himself in prac tice at the place, and now ranks as one of the lawyers of the countv. CHRISTOPHER WISWELL, retired farmer, and President of the First National Bank of Elkhorn. He settled in the county in June, 1840 ; has been President of the bank since January, 1870. Mr. Wiswell is a native of the town of Dalton, Berkshire Co., Mass.; he is the son of Henry and Betsy (Salter) Wiswell, and was born Jan. 1, 1813. When the subject of this sketch was 4 years of age, the family moved to Chenango Co., N. Y., town of Norwich, where he was brought up on a farm. In 1840, he moved to the town of La Fayette, Walworth Co., "Wis., and engaged in farming; had a farm of 247 acres; he sold out and moved to the village of Elkhorn in 1865; here he bought a farm of 40 acres, which he still retains; besides, he still has 80 acres in the town of La Fayette. Mr. Wiswell was married, in Norwich, N. Y, Aug. 13, 1838, to Miss Almira West, daughter of Stephen G. West. Mrs. Wiswell was born in the town of Sherburne, Chenango Co., N. Y. ; they have seven children — Jennett is the wife of William Elsworth, of La Fayette; Henry C. is married and living in Manistee, Mich.; Charles was a member of the 3d Wis. Cavalry, and died at Little Rock, Ark, in 1864; Phillip S. married Louisa Harriman, and resides in La Fayette; Francis A., now Mrs. E. Rouse, of Michigan; Jennie is the wife of William L. Holden, of Merrill, Wis.; Jessie is a teacher by profession; George married Clarissa Perry, and is employed as a commercial traveler for a Milwaukee house, and resides at Elkhorn. Mr. Wiswell has served four years as Supervisor from La Fayette; was a member of the Board of County Commissioners under the county system of five Commissioners. He has also served as Supervisor of the town of Elkhorn several years. GEORGE W. WYLIE, Sheriff of Walworth Co., Wis., and now serving his third term. Mi'. W. ib a native of the town of Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. Y.; is the son of Robert and Susan (Hemsted) Wylie; was born April 55, 1826; was student at Kirtland Academy, Ohio, for two years; he came with his parents to Walworth Co., Wis., in 1842; the family located in the town of La Fayette, where George W. grew to manhood on his father' a farm, receiving his educa- 522 HISTORY OF WALWTORTH COUNTY. tion in the common schools of the day; he was elected Sheriff of Walworth County for the term of 1861-62, and made his home at Elkhorn; he served until September, 1862, when he resigned to accept the position of Quartermaster of the 28th W. V. I., and served two years in the late war; then, on account of physical disability, was obliged to resign his commission and return home. He was elected Sheriff again, this time for the term 1865-66 ; at the expiration of his term of office, he returned to his farm in La Fayette; he has 276 acres and one of the best farms in the county. He remained on his farm until January, 1881, when, having been re-elected Sheriff, he again removed to Elkhorn and entered upon and discharged the duties of his office; he has served twenty years as Assessor of the town of La Fayette, and Town Clerk five years. He was married, in the town of Lyons, of this county, June 7, 1846, by William P. Lyon, now a Judge of the Supreme Court, to Jane Bristol, daughter of Henry Bristol. Mrs. W. was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y. ; they have four children — Susan, now Mrs. George W. Fairchild, of Elkhorn; Elizabeth, now the wife of Charles Knapp, of Hebron, 111.; Nettie and Halbert E.. Mr. W. is an efficient officer, a worthy citizen and genial gentleman. GEORGE H. YOUNG, M. D., physician and surgeon, Elkhorn; he came to Elkhorn Sept. 3, 1843, and established himself in practice; he has been in practice in the place now over thirty-eight years — a period longer by many years than any other resident physician can claim. He is a native of Duanesburgh, Schenectady Co., N. Y. ; was the son of George and Nancy (Waldron) Young; was born March 8, 1817; after completing his studies in the common branches, he began to study medicine under Dr. B. F. Joslyn, a regular physician and a pro fessor of Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. ; he then took a course at the Fairfield College and a final course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Castleton, Vt., from which he grad uated in 1837, when not quite 21 years of age; he then commenced the practice of his prof ession, at Guilderland Albany Co., N. Y.; after one year's practice at this place, he removed to Scho harie Co., N. Y., where he practiced four years; then, in September. 1843, he came to Elkhorn, where he has continued to practice to this date. He was married, in March, 1838, in the town of Sharon, Schohaire Co., N. Y., to Miss Hester, daughter of Peter Hilton. Mrs. Y. is a native of Schoharie County; they have five children — Anna is the wife of Thomas J. Hayes,. of Maquo keta, Iowa; Mary is now Mrs H. F. Phillips, of the same place; Hester is the wife of Dr. M. L. Saunders, of Thompson, 111.; George H. is a physician of Elkhorn; he graduated at the Chicago Medical College in 1881; Dr. George H., Jr., was married to Miss Laura Potter; the youngest child is now Mrs. J. S. Brown, residing in Elkhorn. Dr. Young has never been a poli tician; the only office he was ever known to accept was that of Chairman'of the town of the Board of Elkhorn. Missing Page Missing Page HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 525 TOWN OF EAST TROY. ORGANIZATION. East Troy, the extreme northeastern town in Walworth County, and known in the Govern mental Survey as " Town 4, Range 18," was organized by act of Legislature March 21, 1843. From 1838, the time when the five original towns of the county were formed, up to this date, the territory comprised in the present towns of Troy and East Troy (Towns 4, Ranges ] 7 and 18 east) constituted a single town, known as the town of Troy. NATURAL FEATURES. The scenery of East Troy is varied and very picturesque, the northern portion, in the vicin ity of Crooked Lake, being broken and hilly; the southern and western, level or gently rolling; and the eastern, rolling. The soil in the higher portions is mixed with clay, and, on the lower and level portions, a rich, dark loam. It is watered in the central part by Honey Creek, which enters the town on Section 30, runs in a general easterly direction, with a northerly bend on Sections 23 and 24, and leaves the town on Section 25. Crooked Lake, Potter's Lake and Army Lake are in the northern part of the town, and Spring Brook runs through the southern part. Crooked Lake covers an area of 800 acres. Its southern extremity is on Section 18. It extends over the northwest corner of Section 17, thence diagonally to northeast corner of Sec tion 8, spreading over the northern half of Section 9, and southwest portion of Section 4. It is extremely crooked, as its name indicates. On the southeast shore, it is wooded, with occasional swamps; on the northwest, there are fine farms, that of Seymour Brooks — Lake View farm — be ing at its northern outlet. The old mills were situated between the two forks of the stream that formed the outlet. Buck Island is in the northern part of the lake; two small ones, called Twin Islands, near the western shore, in Sectien 8; and Floating Island, near its center. The line of its shore, particularly the eastern, is very irregular, and on Section 9, it constitutes a series of deep indentations. The lake is crossed by a bridge at the western extremity of West Bay, on Section 18, its narrowest point, and its waters, before finding their outlet at the north ern extremity, form a small detached lake, or pond, on Section 4, known as Mill Lake. Potter's Lake, on Sections 10 and 11, covers an area of 300 acres, being one mile in length and a half in width. The lake has no natural outlet, its surplus waters flowing over the low, marshy land on its southern side. It is a beautiful sheet of water, and was, in the olden time, a favorite fishing-ground of the Indians. This lake belongs to the United States Govern ment. It is a meandered lake. Hon. John F. Potter, whose home, " Lake Side Farm," is on its northern shore, on Section 11, he was the first and for many years the only settler on its shores. Army Lake, with its one tiny island, is on Section 6, and Mud Lake is on Section 18. Spring Brook, which has its source in Spring Prairie, runs through the large marsh on Sections 33, 28 and 27, and, taking a northeasterly course through Section 26, empties into Honey Creek on Section 23. There is a large swamp in the southern part of Sections 26 and 27, extending through the southeast corner of Section 28, and into the southwest corner of Section 33, and southeast of Section 32, also, quite an extensive marsh, extending from the southwest part of Potter' s Lake into the northern part of Section 15; and on Section 13, a swamp covered with a growth of tamarack. ' Honey Creek enters the town of East Troy on Section 30, and runs through the entire town from west to east, passing through Sections 30 and 29; the northwest corner of 28, and south east corner of 21 ; across 22, 23, and to the eastern verge of 24, where it makes a sharp bend and runs south to about the center of Section 25, where it leaves the town. 526 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Spring Brook takes its rise in springs in the town of Spring Prairie, runs northeast through the marshy lands of East Troy, and empties into Honey Creek on Section 23. There is comparatively little prairie in East Troy, the land being rolling, with openings of oak similar to the neighboring towns. The leveler portions of the town are in the southern and western sections. The eastern and northern parts are rolling, with occasional hills about the lakes. The soil is a clay loam on the higher lands, and a dark marl on the leveler tracts. It is rich, and well adapted to the growth of cereals, and is excellent for pasture lands. EARLY SETTLEMENT OP EAST TROY, The first settlers of East Troy were not emigrants fleeing from the malarious districts of Indiana and Ohio, or leaving the rocky and sterile farms of New England to find a richer soil and more abundant harvest in the young and growing West. Neither were they men wearied with business cares and anxieties, seeking change and rest in a new life, away from the turmoil and noise of a great city. On the contrary, " the tide of immigration," which afterward peo pled the town with all these classes, " set in " early in the spring of 1836, in the person of one lone young man, who, having just sold his claim a few sections further west, decided to " pitch his moving tent ' ' and make another claim on Section 29. This pioneer, Mr. Roberts by name, was soon joined by Mr. Asa Blood, who settled on the same section, built a house, and boarded the younger man. The house was on the north bank of Honey Creek, near the present site of the mills, and was the first house in East Troy. Messrs. Blood and Roberts lived on their claim about a year, during the time making prep arations for the erection of a saw-mill. After getting out their lumber, etc. , they sold the property to Mr. Jacob Burgit, who commenced building in the fall of 1837, and completed the work March, 1838 — the first saw-mill in East Troy. After selling his claim on Section 29, Mr. Blood moved to Sugar Creek and bought out William Davis, who had already a cabin on Section 14, near Silver Lake. He lived in this place several years, when he removed to Independence, Iowa, where he died a few years ago. During the year (1836), there arrived and settled at East Troy the following: Austin- McCracken built the second log cabin on the north side of Honey Creek, near where the East Troy Hotel now stands. His claim was located on Section 20. Daniel P. Griffin, with his family and his son-in-law, Allen Harrington and family, arrived July 4, 1836, and made a claim on Section 20, just east of the present village. (More particu lar notice of the circumstances attending his arrival are given in another part of this sketch. ) Mr. Harrington claimed the northwest quarter of Section 21. Cyrus Cass, from the State of New York, made his first claim on the bank of Honey Creek, and afterward bought on Section 21. Lyman Hill located on Section 3. Oliver Rathburn located on Section 2. J. Haller, from Switzerland, located on Section 35, claiming the southwest quarter. Until within a few years, his farmhouse was still the only one on that section. So far as can be learned, these are all that settled in East Troy with their families in 1836. SETTLERS OF 1837. Jacob Burgit came early in 1837, bought the claim of Blood and Roberts, and improved the water-power on Honey Creek. (See village of East Troy. ) Gorham Bunker, the first blacksmith in town, located a claim in 1836, and settled with his family in 1837. Elias Jenning settled on Section 23, and in 1847 built a grist-mill there, now known as "Atkinson's Mills." William Weed, an Eastern merchant, ruined in fortune in the commercial crisis of the time, came from Buffalo, N. Y. , to East Troy, and remained a few years. Two of his children died during his residence here, and, the health of Mrs. Weed becoming impaired, she returned to her old home in Connecticut, and soon died also. Mr. Weed removed, after the death of his wife, to Waukesha, and thence to Beaver Dam. He was a most worthy and exemplary man. and a leader in all the reforms of his time. HISTORY' OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 527 Mr. James W. Vail and wife were also Eastern people seeking to retrieve, their fortunes in the new and rapidly growing West. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vail were among the early and stanch supporters of the Presbyterian Church in East Troy, and active in temperance and other re forms. They soon removed to Geneva. Dr. James Tripp entered land on Sections 5 and 6, and built a saw-mill at the outlet of Crooked Lake. The lake, in early times, was known as " Tripp's Lake," and the mill as "Tripp's Mill." Dr. Tripp was also one of the early Whitewater pioneers, to which place he subsequently removed, founded the village, and died there in 1844. Benjamin Jennings settled near the present village; resided there some years; moved away in 1854, but returned in 1865 or 1866. He died in East Troy some years since. Benjamin Whitcomb lived near the outlet of Crooked Lake. He has been dead several years. Dr. William M. Gorham located on Section 2 in 1837. He had previously located at Mil waukee in the spring of 1836 (May 13), bringing in a large stock of merchandise, but, the goods not beingwell adapted to the market, the venture proved unprofitable, and Dr. Gorham returned to the duties of his profession. While yet a resident of Milwaukee, the Doctor was called on one day to attend a farmer at Spring Prairie, upon whom a tree had fallen, rendering it necessary that the patient should be trephined. The distance was formidable, with not even a trail to follow, but the Doctor came out to Spring Prairie, performed the operation, and, the following spring, the grateful farmer went to Milwaukee with men, teams, plow, and feed for all his force, plowed a thirty-acre lot, fenced one side of it, and, using seed that he had brought for the purpose, sowed as much wheat as gave to his medical attendant 200 bushels of excellent ;grain. Dr. Gorham also was the regular attendant, during this time, of four families who had settled at Rock River. After residing some years in East Troy, the Doctor returned to Mil waukee, where he now resides, probably the only physician now living who settled in the county at that early date. • Henry Powers located on Section 3, and the first post office was kept in his house during 1838 and 1839. • 'Gaylord Graves, in the spring of 1837, came with his family from Oswego, N. Y., and set tled upon the northwest quarter of Section 21. The property is now owned by Cyrus Cass. Mr. Graves was popular among his neighbors, and, being a man of affairs, held several local offices, being County Commissioner, one of the first Justices of the Peace, etc. He was ap pointed to the latter office by Gov. Dodge, January 3, 1838, his commission being for three years. In 1846, he represented the county in the Territorial Legislature. He removed to Whitewater nearly twenty-five years ago. In 1880, Mr. Graves removed to Northwood, Iowa, where he lives in a contented retirement. Henry Powers, of Plattsburg, N. Y. , came with a young daughter, made his claim and built his cabin on Section 3. He remained there until 1840, when he sold to StillmaD Dewey. His daughter, Antoinette, became the wife of A. F. Pratt, of Waukesha. John Larkin, from Vermont, located no land, but was a sort of peripatetic shoemaker — the first shoemaker in town. SETTLERS OF 1838. The settlers of 1838, so far as can be ascertained, were the following: John F. Potter came in the spring, a young man under twenty, made his claim, built his cabin and settled on Section 11, on the northern bank of the lake which bears his name. The place selected by Mr. Potter over forty years ago is still his home. (Further mention will be found in biography.) Lucius Allen arrived October 28, 1838, and bought a farm on Section 31. He was a car penter, and, in 1841, built the first framed store in East Troy, occupied by Sewell Smith. He afterward bought on Section 6, in Spring Prairie, and resided there many years; is now a resi dent of Elkhorn. Stephen Field, in 1838, purchased the claim of Daniel Griffin, on Section 20, about a mile east of the village (now owned by Stephen F. Field, his son). In 1837, Dr. James Tripp entered a claim on Sections 4 and 5, and, in the succeeding year, built a saw-mill at the outlet of Crooked or Tripp's Lake. This property was bought by A. W. 528 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. and N. W. Cole, who erected what was called the " Troy Lake Mill." The mill was started, but the flume gave out, and, unfortunately, the money also gave out at about the same time, so that the property passed into other hands. E. H. Ball & Co. bought the mill, had the neces sary repairs made, and, in 1852, sold it to Seymour Brooks and Timothy Mower. E. H. Ball & Co: again bought the mill, and subsequently sold it to Timothy Mower, who sold it to Mar tin Medbury, of Milwaukee. In 1861, it was bought by Farrar & Williams, and from them passed successivelv into the hands of Messrs. B. B. Humphrey, W. H. Gorseline, Nathaniel Aiken, Little & Burnham, and finally to J. P. Thomson. It was burned in February, 1876, nothing now remaining but the wheel. Samuel Chafin settled on the northeast quarter of Section 3. He died many years ago; his widow died March 15, 1882. Christopher Chafin, brother of Samuel, came at the same time and settled on Section 4. Martin Pollard, from Vermont, and Stillman P., his brother, located claims on the south east quarter of Section 3. Martin afterward bought on Section 2. Wilder M. Howard, a young shoemaker, settled in 1838, and still resides in the town. He did not work at his trade until later. ( In 1839, there came, among others, the following: Seth Beckwith, who settled on the southwest quarter of Section 12; afterward sold out to George Ray. S. B. Edwards removed from Troy to the village during this year and opened a blacksmith shop. There he erected the third frame building in East Troy, occupying the lower floor for his shop and the upper part for family use. In 1842, Mr. Edwards built a regular frame house, and, the next year, commenced farming. He removed to Whitewater in 1878, where his wife died November 21, 1880. In 1841, Sewell Smith, a merchant from Vermont, removed with his family to East Troy. George H. Smith, his son, was at that time quite a young boy. Mr. Smith lived over his store, having bought land on Section 19. George H. lived with his father until 1856 or 1857. Lu cius Allen built Mr. Smith' s store, which was the first one in town. Capt. George Fox, father-in-law of I. F. Potter, left Maine in 1830, and, after residing for a time in Michigan, came to Wisconsin and settled on Section 11, in East Troy. William Burgit, from New York, located on Section 29, where be now resides. (See biog raphy. In 1840, there came, among others, Stillman Dewey, from Green Bay, and Amasa Botch- kiss EARLY TIMES AND EVENTS. Of those two important events, the first birth and the first marriage, no authentic record can be obtained. The first death that occurred in East Troy was that of Mrs. Lucius Allen, who was buried November 15, 1838, on the hill, then first used as a cemetery, a little west of the present vil lage. Miss Auger (now Mrs. Charles Taylor) taught the first school in the old Methodist Chapel, probably in the summer of 1840. The early winter schools were also taught in this building and it is stated that one of the most severe punishments the teacher could inflict was to cause the delinquents to stand in the corners of the room away from the stove in the center. This brought to terms the most refractory. Hon. John F. Potter was the first lawyer in East Troy, having a monopoly of that business until A. O. Babcock opened his office in 1843. Dr. William M. Gorham was the only physician until the arrival of Dr. Bowman in 1840. Mr. Lucius Allen built the first framed store in 1841. The first blacksmith -shop was that of S. B. Edwards. Mr. Austin McCracken, kept the first tavern, on strictly temperance principles. Strictly speaking, his house was not kept as a tavern, although he more frequently entertained the trav eling public than any one else. His place became a full-fledged, licensed tavern in 1838 or 1839, at which time Austin Wright rented the place, and it was run by him not on strictly tem perance principles. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 529 When the Presbyterian Church was organized, Rev. Lemuel Hall, the first Walworth County missionary, preached occasionally during the first year. The first settled pastor was Rev. A. D., Sherman, a descendant of the famous Roger Sherman, one of the committee of five that drafted the Declaration of Independence. Rev. Mr. Sherman was a man of fine culture and highly educated, having been President of a college in one of the older States. He died at Ra cine in the year 1843. After the years <->f 1840 and 1841, immigration increased so rapidly that, in a few years, all the land in the town was taken up, and no separate mention of the settlers' names would be possible; but especial mention of many who came early; and have left "their mark upon the town, will be found among the biographies. Gaylord Graves was born at Richfield Springs, in the State of New York, May 22, 1804. being the son of James N. Graves, who emigrated from Springfield, Mass., at an early day. Gaylord received a common-school education, and, at the age of eighteen, commenced the battle of life empty-handed. In 1824, January 18, after he had gathered a small capital by working on a farm, Mr. Graves married Miss Nancy Tuckerman, removed to Northern New York, and took up some land for himself. This occupation proved so profitless that he was obliged to re sort to teaching, during the winter months, to eke out a living. The demands of a growing family, joined to his own ambition as a man, pressed his steps Westward. Removing to Os wego, he lived there until 1836, when his hopes induced him to make another change further west. Accordingly, in September of that year, he left Oswegn, traveling to Buffalo by stage. Next, embarking on board the steamboat Michigan for Detroit, he reached that port, but not "haven of rest," after a stormy passage of five days. Mr. Graves traveled through the State from east to west, then through Indiana, and arpund the southern end of Lake Michigan to Chicago. From there he followed the trail made by the detachment of soldiers under Gen. Wil kinson in pursuit of Black Hawk four years before. At this time, there was no settlement be yond until Burlington was reached, where he heard of Daniel P. Griffin, of Honey Creek, with whom he had a slight acquaintance. Being highly pleased with the country, Mr. Graves made a claim adjoining his of a quarter-section, making arrangements with Mr. Griffin to break three acres of land that fall. Returning again on foot, his intention was to bring back his family during the winter. This he found inexpedient, but, being afraid that he would lose his claim if he remained away too long, he shouldered his pack again, March 18, 1837, and performed the entire journey on foot in thirty-two days. Floundering through snow, rain and mud, the courageous pioneer at length set foot oh his own claim, in Township 4 north, Range 18 east. The summer was spent in improving his little log cabin for the reception of his family. In the fall he returned to Oswego on foot, this being his third journey by this mode of conveyance. Mr. Graves left Oswego with his wife and four children, February 9, 1838, and, on his return, found a commission from Gov. Dodge, dated January 3, 1838, appointing him a Justice of the Peace for three years. By the persuasion of his friends, he was induced to accept the office, and, at the expiration of his term, the commission was renewed. When the office became elect ive, he was repeatedly returned. In 1845, he was elected to the Territorial Assembly, and again, to the first session of the State Legislature in 1848. Mr Graves also held the office of County Commissioner, and took the census of the northern part of Walworth County. At the sale of the Rock River District, he bid off the lands for Troy and East Troy. In fact, all through the early days of the county, he was one of the most prominent of the men of its northwestern por tion. In the year 1844-45, typhoid fever prevailed in Troy and adjoining towns, removing by death many valuable lives, among the number being Mr. Graves' wife, who died January 5, 1845, leaving five children — iwo sons and three daughters. The latter part of the same year, he was united in marriage with Miss Keziah Freeman, a daughter of Dr. Freeman, of Washington County, N. Y. In the spring following, she died with consumption. Again, in the year 1848, March 15, Mr. Graves was married to Mrs. Mary Ann Pike, the then widow of Col. Calvin Pike, and daughter of I. U. Wheeler, Esq., of Whitewater, who were among the very early settlers of Walworth County. Mr. Graves was connected with most of the early organized efforts for the advancement of the material, intellectual and moral advancement of the county, and had the satisfaction of being among the very last to leave the scene of the pioneer labors which made possible the present unparalleled prosperity of this section of the county. 530 HISTORY" OF WALWORTH COUNTY'. EARLY TRIALS AND EARLY PROGRESS. The discomforts and hardships of the pioneers of East Troy were similar in character to those of their neighbors in the adjacent towns. While there was perhaps little actual suffer ing, it was a continual struggle to make the supply of the actual necessities of life equal to the demand. For the women particularly it must have been in daily and hourly discipline in the weary task of "making bricks without straw." Meals to prepare that should sustain the strength of the toiling husband without and satisfy the keen, if not fastidious, appetites of the hungry brood withinf and this with no convenience of stove or cooking utensils, save a few kettles that could be hung on the "crane" if they were so fortunate as to possess even that. ' ' Patent flour ' ' and ' ' self-raising meal ' ' were unheard of ; baking-powder and compressed yeast did not gladden the eyes, or lighten the labors or the bread of the weary housewives of 1836. They " bless 3 d God and took courage," if the barrel of flour brought from Milwaukee or Racine, and paid for with the savings of months, proved fit for the use of the family. Then the winters were long and cold, and clothing will wear out even in ever so new a country. The needle must have been busily applied every spare moment of the day to keep the big and little garments ready for use, and when the light waned, there was always the ever-ready and never- ending knitting. In those days, mothers could not send for their "old family physician," if the little ones were sick, or their own health failed; but through the long hours they must "watch, and wait," only depending upon their own resources for the strength and skill which should, with the help of God, restore them to strength. It was days of weary waiting, not idle waiting, with hands full of care, hearts full of forebodings, and nerves tense with anxiety that made the lives of the pioneer wives and mothers peculiarly hard. The actual perils and dangers attending the settlement of a new country are soon over, but the deprivations and hardships must remain until it is sufficiently advanced to contain within itself all the essentials of comfort, and it must always be true that these deprivations and hard ships will fall most heavily upon the women. After 1836 and 1837, the sharp edges of pioneer life became smoothed down, and the settlers in the new towns began to feel that their homes were taking on a more comfortable aspect. It was not until 1838 or 1839, however, that the harvested grain could be made into flour, without a long and tiresome journey. When the grist-mill was built at Geneva, in 1838, by C. M. Goodsell, and the settlers of East Troy could have wheaten bread made from, flour that was fresh and sweet, it was a day of rejoicing. The ride of fourteen or fifteen miles that lay between the harvest-field and the mill seemed but a slight affair to men inured to the privations and sacrifices of a life in an unsettled country. The ' ' Big Trail ' ' that led Meacham and Spoor and Beardsley and Roberts into the country, had given place to roads that were passably good, and, in 1838, a mail route was established from Milwaukee to Janesville and a Government road laid out. which passed through what now is the village of East Troy. This road became the great thoroughfare from Lake Michigan to the western part of the Territory, and, as East Troy was a central point, and furnished the best accommodations that could be found far ' ' the traveling public ' ' of the day, it soon became a place of considerable business importance. It is related that nearly every house in the village turned itself, at times, into a hotel, in order to accommodate the wants of the rapidly increasing number of travelers and teamsters. In 1841, the Beloit & Milwaukee road was established, and loaded stage coaches soon became familiar objects to the eyes of the villagers. In 1839, the first post office was established, and the first appointed Postmaster was John F. Potter. The office was at first located on Section 3, at the house of Henry Powers, and con tinued in that place two years. At the expiration of that time, at the request of Mr. Potter, the office was removed to the village, and, through his instrumentality, Mr. Sewell Smith was appointed Postmaster. Mr. Smith had recently removed from Vermont and opened a store at the village, and the office was kept at the store. After his appointment, Mr. Smith retained the office about two years, when it was discontinued, owing to disagreements in regard to the separ ation of the two towns. After a year, it was re-established and Mr. Smith was again appointed Postmaster. He servod in this capacity several terms, making an aggregate of fifteen years. Mr. Smith held the office first until 1848, when he was succeeded by E. H. Ball. In 1853, John D. Hawes was commissioned and remained in posession for a short time only, being followed by Thomas Russell, who held the office until Mr. Smith's second appointment in 1861. In 1866, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 531 H. B. Clark was commissioned and remained in possession three years, being succeeded by J. W. Church. Mr. Church held the office for three months only, and was followed by the present incumbent, P. O. Griste. The office was made a money order office in August, 1870. The first order issued was to A. O. Babcock, and the first order drawn was by Peter Yoss, at Manistee, Mich. The first assessment list for the town of East Troy was made in May, 1844 — a year after its organization. This list shows 113 resident and 26 non-resident land holders. In 1844, Mr. Jacob Burgit built a grist-mill on Honey Creek, just south of the village, which was run under his proprietorship until 1854. The old breast- wheel is still running in its oaken frame, and the solid walls of the present mill, made of the same substantial material, testify to the thoroughness of the work done nearly forty years ago. Mr. Burgit disposed of the mill to -H. B. Evans. It has since been owned by the following persons in their respective order. Ball & Dennison, Mr. Brown, Mr. Smith, Mr. Fox, C. F. Zastrow, and is now owned by Mr. Charles Smith. The mill in size is 30x40, two stories high, with a basement. It has two run of stone, and a capacity of seventv-five barrels of flour per day. It represents a valua tion of $5,000. THE FIRST TOWN MEETING. In accordance with the following notice, the voters of the town of Troy (then comprising the present towns of Troy and East Troy) assembled, April 5, 1842, for their first town meeting: , Notice is hereby given to the Electors of the town of Troy that a meeting will be held at the house occupied by Austin McCracken in said town, on the 5th day of' April, 1842, between the hours of 9 and 11 o'clock A. M., to elect such officers as required by law, and do and transact all necessary business for the organization of town and county government, as required by the act of 1841. '• : Milo Kelsey, Clerk. Met in accordance with above notice. Moderator, Gaylord Graves; Clerk, A. W. Wright. Oath of office administered by Esquire Powers. The poll list numbered seventy, and was as follows: Albert W. Bryant, Robert Auger, Royal C. Flanders, A. W. Wright, Henry C. Porter, Stillman Pollard. Elias Jennings, Samuel Kyburg, George Fox, Allen Harrington, Cryton Bigalow, Isaac Cobb, Stillman Dewey, John F. Potter, Benjamin Jennings, Hiram Perry, Ebenezer Robinson, Leland Patch, Seth Beckwith, John A. Larkin, William Perry, Christopher Meinser, Sherrod Chapman, Lewis Griffin, Orlando Jennings, Gorham Bunker, Lucius Allen, Henry M. Filley, Ebenezer Dregg, Orwin Moffit, Selah S. Porter, Abijah De Witt, Calvin Harrington, Amasa Witherel, Martin Pollard, Samuel E. Chapin, Delanson Griffin, Hersey H. Estis, Roderick Kellogg, Reuben Griffin, William Porter, C. R. Hertz, Cyrus Cass, Jerod B. Newell, Sawyer Carter, Franklin Bigelow, William Whitney, Edwin W. Meacham, Curtis Bellows, George Robinson, Buel Parker, George Edwards, Aaron Smith, Calvin Cary, Edgar Meacham, Chauncy Eggleston, A. H. Odell, Gaylord Graves, A. H. Wright, William B. Hibbard, Alban M. Perry, Amos Wiltsie, Philo Clark, Hiram Brewster, David Whitman, Benjamin F. Miner, Solden Powers. S B. Edwards, Nathaniel McDuffey, Gay lord Graves and A. H. Wright. The officers elected were: Supervisors, Gaylord Graves, Chairman; Stephen Field, Jesse Meacham; Town Clerk, Sewell Smith; Assessors, Gorham Bunker, Franklin Bigelow; Treas urer, Jacob Burgit; Highway Commissioners, Gorham Bunker, Soldan Powers; School Commis sioners, Soldan Powers, Henry M. Filley, Sewell Smith; Constables, Simon B. Edwards, Alban M. Perry; Fence Viewers, Jacob Burgit, George Matthews, Gorham Bunker; Sealer of Weights and Measures, Austin McCracken; Path Masters, Soldan Powers, George Hibbard, Delanson Griffin, Stephen Field. The compensation voted to town officers was $1 per day, except to the Sealer of Weights and Measures, who received 6 cents for each weight and measure sealed; the Town Clerk, who received 10 cents per folio of 100- words; and the Treasurer, who received 1 per cent on all moneys received and collected. It was voted that the Board of Supervisors should provide for the poor on the credit of the town, and the expenses thus incurred should be collected on the next assessment roll. Fifty dollars was appropriated for the contingent expenses of the town. The only other business done was to pass resolutions forbidding any dangerous animal to roam at large, under penalty of a fine. 532 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. SEPARATION OF THE TOWNS. March 21, 1843, the townships of Troy were separated, and East Troy, as such, commenced its new and independent existence. The territory embraced in the present town has been, from the first, called by that name, to prevent confusion in the minds of those who have always known it as such, and to whom the fact of a person settling upon a certain section in the town of Troy would convey a very indefinite idea. The first town meeting held by the voters of the present town of East Troy was on the 10th day of April, 1843, at which time the following officers were elected: Supervisors, Gaylord Graves, Stilman Dewey, Gorham Bunker; Town Clerk, Sewall Smith; Treasurer, Jacob Bur git; Assessors, Stilman Dewey, Leland C. Patch, Emory Thayer; Collector, John Dunkin; Commissioners of Schools, Sewall Smith, Henry M. Filley, A. W. Wright; Constables, John Dunkin, Marcus L. Jewett, Williams Porry. The following is a roster of the town officials to and including the year 1881 : 1844 — Supervisors, Sewall Smith, Chairman; Gorham Bunker, A. W. Wright; A. O. Bab cock, Clerk; Jacob Burgit, Treasurer; Gaylord Graves, Assessor; John Dunkin, Collector; John Sprague, A. O. Babcock, Austin Carver, Justices of the Peace; John Lowth, A. O. Babcock, Henry M. Filley, Commissioners of Schools; John Dunkin, Williams Perry, M. L. Jewett, Con stables. 1845 — Supervisors, Gorham Bunker, Chairman; Emery Thayer, Urban D. Meacham; Sewell Smith, Clerk; Jacob Burgit, Treasurer; Gaylord Graves, John E. Cameron, Leland C. Patch, Assessors; John Dunkin, Collector; Sewell Smith, Gaylord Graves, Leland C. Patch, Commis sioners of Schools; John Dunkin, Marcus L, Jewett, Ruel Parker, Constables. 1846 — Supervisors, Austin Carver, Chairman; S. B. Edwards, James W. Bartholf ; A. 0. Babcock, Clerk; H B. Clark, Treasurer; James W. Bartholf, Ebenezer Drake, Shubel Bunker, Assessors; John Dunkin, Collector; A. O. Babcock, Austin Carver, Cyrus Bull, Justices of the Peace; John P. Gallup, Amos Stilwell, Cyrus E. Rosenkranz, Commissioners of Schools; John Duncan. John Wilcox, Edward F. Edwards, Constables. 1847 — Supervisors, Gaylord Graves, Chairman; Joel Pound, Stephen Knapp; Edward H. Ball, Clerk; Joseph Edwards, Treasurer; Gorham Bunker, George Curtis, James W. Bartholf, Assessors; Amos Stilwell, Collector; Cyrus E. Rosenkranz, Levi D. Rosenkranz, Forest H. Har- wood, Commissioners of Schools; Amos Stilwell, Hiram Stilwell, William Haynes, Constables. 1848 — Supervisors, Joel Pound, Chairman; S, B. Edwards, James W. Bartholf; A. O. Babcock, Clerk; Jacob Burgit, Treasurer; Stilman Dewey, Shubel Bunker, Jacob Burgit, Assessors; John Dunkin, Collector; Augustus C. Brady, Austin Carver, Cyrus Bull, Justices of the Peace; Cyrus E. Rosenkranz, Levi D. Rosenkranz, A. O. Babcock, Commissioners of Schools; Marcus L. Jewett, L. J. Edwards, John Dunkin, Constables. 1849 — Supervisors, Gaylord Graves, Chairman; William Burgit, Matthew Coleman; Wilder M. Howard, Clerk; H. B. Clark, Treasurer; William Burgit, Assessor; Forest H. Harwood, Superintendent of Schools ; Marcius D. Cowdery, C. S. Blanchard. A, O. Babcock, Joel Pound, Justices of the Peace; Nelson Beckwith, Elias S. Bailey, Daniel Thompson, Constables. 1850 — Supervisors, H. B. Clark, Chairman; Jacob Funk, George A. Ray; George H. Smith, Clerk; Seymour Brooks, Treasurer; James W. Bartholf, Assessor; Samuel P. Cole, Superin tendent of Schools; A. O. Babcock, C. L. Oatman, Joel Calef, Joel Pound, Justices of the Peace; Seymour Brooks, Nelson Beckwith, William P. Edwards, Constables. 1851 — Supervisors, H. B. Clark, Chairman; David Van Zandt, Nathan P. Randall; Greg ory Bentley, Clerk; George Edwards, Treasurer; Gorham Bunker, Assessor; William Van Zandt, Superintendent of Schools; A O Babcock, Gregory Bentley, Justices of the Peace; Nel son Beckwith, J. L. Wilcox, Adolphus Northrop, Constables. 1852 — Supervisors, H. B. Clark, Chairman; George Bunker, William Mcintosh; A. C. Brady, Clerk; Emery Thayer, Treasurer; William Burgit, Assessor; A. C. Brady, Superin tendent of Schools; Timothy Mower, Jr., John Frazer, Justices of the Peace; Joseph Cummings, Charles Hillard, Nelson Branch, Constables. 1853 — Supervisors, Gorham Bunker, Chairman; William Mcintosh, William Burgit; Greg ory Bentley, Clerk; Lucius S. Moody, Treasurer; James H. Hall, George A. Ray, Assessors; Harrison V. Train, Superintendent of Schools; Gregory Bentley, Henry Cousins, James W. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 533 Bartholf, Justices of the Peace; L. J. Edwards, Daniel Hinebauch, Nelson M. Branch, Con stables. 1854 — Supervisors, Gorham Bunker, Chairman; William Mcintosh, S. B. Edwards; George Bentley, Clerk; Lucius S. Moody, Treasurer ; James H. Hall, George A. Ray, Assessors; Gregory Bentley, Superintendent of Schools; John Frazer, Jesse Thombleson, Justices of the Peace; Nelson Beckwith, Freeman Ackley, Daniel Hinebauch, Constables. 1855 — Supervisors, John F. Potter, Chairman; William Burgit, Jerrod S. Knapp; Wilder M. Howard, Clerk; Thomas Burgit, Treasurer; Lucius Allen, William Burgit, Assessors; O. F. Bartlett, Superintendent of Schools; H. B. Evans, John F. Potter, James W. Knight, Justices of the Peace; Cephus Sawyer, Erastus Holmes, Charles M. Hillard, Constables. 1856 — Supervisors, Austin Carver, Chairman; L. J. Edwards, Wright Patterson; Gregory Bentley, Clerk; Thomas Russell, Treasurer; Sidney B. Tullar, Simeon Bunker, Assessors: Sim eon Bunker, Superintendent of Schools ; Gregory Bentley, John Frazer, Justices of the Peace ; Nelson Beckwith, Joseph Cummings Daniel Hinebauch, Constables. 1857 —Supervisors, Austin Carver, Chairman ; D. G. Billings, Gorham Bunker ; H. I. Cowles, Clerk; J. W. Church, Treasurer; John Frazer, Shubel Bunker, Assessors; R. A. Spencer, Superintendent of Schools; Henry Adams, Lucius Allen, Justices of the Peace; Charles Frazer, Alanson Beckwith, Frederick House, Constables. 1858 — Supervisors, ti. B. Clark, Chairman; Gorham Bunker, Jesse Thombleson; Gregory Bentley, Clerk; James Palmer, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor; R. A. Spencer, Superintend ent of Schools; Gregory Bentley, R. C. Flanders, Justices of the Peace; C. G. Smith, S. Dartt,. Charles Frazer, Constables. 1859 — Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; John Frazer, J. M. Stilwell; Newton King, Clerk; P. M. Clark, Treasurer; Orrin Moffit, Assessor; R. A. Spencer, Superintendent of Schools; Seymour Brooks, William Miller, R. A. Spencer, Justices of the Peace; S. Dartt, Isaac Bear, Charles Miller, Constables. 1860 — Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; Stephen F. Field, David Holmes; A. O. Babcock, Clerk; M. Coleman, Treasurer; Orrin Moffit, Assessor; A. Sedgwick, Superintendent of Schools; S. B. Tullar, Elisha Stilman, Seymour Brooks, Justices of the Peace; S. Dartt, L. J. Edwards, Charles Miller, Constables. 1861 — Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; Stephen F. Field, E. Baker; J. W. Church, Clerk; Thomas Russell, Treasurer; Orrin Moffit, Assessor; William Miller, Superintendent of Schools; William Miller, A. O. Babcock, Justices of the Peace; D. P. Webster, C. S. Miller, L. J. Edwards, Constables. 1862 — Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; Stephen F. Fields, Edwin Baker; J. W. Church, Clerk; George Bentley, Treasurer; Orrin Moffit, Assessor; E. Stilman, Seymour Brooks, William Miller, Justices of the Peace; S. Dartt, Charles Miller, John Adkins, Constables. 1863 — Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; H. Adams, Alexander Frazer; H B. Clark, Clerk; S. Dartt, Treasurer; Seymour Brooks, Assessor; William Miller, A. O. Babcock, Justices of the Peace; John Adkins, W. Titus, Joseph Cummings, Constables. 1864— Supervisors, Edwin Baker, Chairman; W. G. Wright, I. L. Knapp; H. B. Clark, Clerk; W, G. Keats, Treasurer; Seymour Brooks, Assessor; Seymour Brooks, S. B. Tullar, J. I. White, Justices of the Peace; S. Dartt, E. Stom, Charles Patterson, Constables. 1865— Supervisors, A. O. Babcock, Chairman; Jesse Thombleson, Alexander Dowman; S- B. Tullar, Clerk; Charles M. Hillard, Treasurer; William G. Wright, Assessor; William Miller, J W. Church, Justices of the Peace; Charles Miller, Alanson Beckwith, Frederick Hawse, Con stables. 1866— Supervisors, A. O. Babcock, Chairman; Enos H. Stone, Luther Chamberlain; S. B. Tullar, Clerk; John W. Stoney, Treasurer; Alexander Dowman, Assessor; S B. Tullar, Enos Stone, W. S. Keats, Justices of the Peace; Emery O. Cole, Jesse Thombleson, David Dolman, Constables. 1867— Supervisors, C. S. Blanchard, Chairman; Drake H. Phillips, Enos R Stone; S. B. Tullar, Clerk; Harvey Ambler, Treasurer ; Seymour Brooks, Assessor; William Miller, James H. Merrill, Justices of the Peace; S. Dartt, Reinhold Krush, Jesse Thombleson, Constables. 1868 — Supervisors, A. O. Babcock, Chairman; Alexander Frazer, J. W. Stoney; W. S. 534 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Keats, Clerk; C. S. Miller, Treasurer; Seymour Brooks, Assessor; W. S. Keats, E. H. Stom, Justices of the Peace; William Foss, George Patterson, James W. Webster, Constables. 1869— Supervisors, A. O. Babcock, Chairman; Alexander Frazer, J. W. Stoney; W. S. Keats, Clerk; W. G. Keats, Treasurer; C. D. Webster, Assessor; William Miller, E. Berry, Justices of the Peace; J. W. Jones, S. C. Goff, Charles H. Miller, Constables. 1870— Supervisors, J. W. Church, Chairman ; Alexander Frazer, J. W. Stoney; W. S. Keats, Clerk; Harry Amber, Treasurer; D. H. Phillips. Assessor; W. S. Keats, E. H Stone,. E. D. Holmes, Justices of the Peace; J. W. Jones, Henry Adkins. Alfred Potter, Constables. 1871— Supervisors, Alexander Frazer, Chairman; J. W. Church, Seymour Brooks; W. S. Keats, Clerk; George H. Smith, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor; S. B. Tullar, William Mil ler, Justices of the Peace; D. H. Dowman, E. F. Adkins, S. C. Goff, Constables. 1872— Supervisors, A. O. Babcock, Chairman; William Mcintosh, D. W. Patterson; W. S. Keats, Clerk; George H. Smith, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor; W. S. Keats, D. P. Webster, Justices of the Peace; W. G. Keats, D. S. Waters, George Crites, Constables. 1873 — Supervisors, Alexander Frazer, Chairman; Richard Brownlee, Charles S. Miller; W. S. Keats, Clerk; W. G. Keats, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor; S. B. Tullar, Charles Frazer, Justices of the Peace; F. Chafin, J. Mcintosh, D. H. Dowman, Constables. 1874 — Supervisors, Alexander Frazer, Chairman; Homer Brooks, Charles S. Miller; W. S. Keats, Clerk; W. G. Keats, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor; W. S. Keats, D. P. Webster, Justices of the Peace; E. Merton, F. Chafin, S. Edwards, Constables. 1875— Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; Charles S. Miller, C. P. F. Chafin; W. S. Keats, Clerk; George H. Smith, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor ; S. B. Tullar, Charles Frazer, Justices of the Peace; E. Merton, S. Edwards, F. Chafin, Constables. 1876 — Supervisors, Alexander Frazer, Chairman; C. P. F. Chapin, C. S. Miller; W. S. Keats, Clerk; W. S. Keats, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor; W. S. Keats, D. P. Webster, Justices of the Peace; C. M. Hillard, 1. Chafin, John Funk, Constables. 1877— Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; J. M Hunter. C. P. F. Chafin; W. S. Keats, Clerk; W. H. Meadows, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor; S. B. Tullar, Charles Frazer, Seymour Brooks, Justices of the Peace ; A. Stebbins, J. J. Haller, F. Chapin. Constables. 1878— Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; J. M. Hunter, C. P. F. Chafin; W. S. Keats, Clerk; James Monaghan, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor; W. S. Keats, Seymour Brooks, Justices of the Peace; A. Stebbins, John J. Kavanaugh, John Funk, Constables. 1879 — Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; J. M. Hunter, J. Doyle; W. S. Keats, Clerk; James Monaghan, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor; S. B. Tullar, Charles Frazer, Justices of the Peace; C. M. Hillard, J. J. Haller, F. Chafin, Constables. 1880— Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; C. P. F. Chafin, J. M. Hunter; W. S. Keats, Clerk ; James Monaghan, Treasurer ; S. B. Tullar, Assessor ; W. S. Keats, Seymour Brooks, Justices of the Peace; J. Cummings, Frank Chafin, Lon Green, Constables. 1881 — Superivsors, H. H. Rogers, Chairman; Lindsey Atkinson (resigned, and C. F. P. Chafin appointed June 27), J. M. Hunter; W S. Keats, Clerk; James Monaghan, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor; S. B. Tullar, Frank Frazer, Justices of the Peace: A. Stebbins, J. J. Haller, F. Chafin, Constables. VILLAGE OF EAST TROY. The first settlers on the site of the present village of East Troy were Mr. H. Roberts, Asa' Blood, Austin McCracken and Jacob Burgit. The account of their settlements has already been given in the early history of the town of East Troy, as well as all the early history of the village previous to its being platted. The platting of the village occurred in March, 1847, Martin Fields, of Mukwanago doing the surveying. All that part of the village lying north of the main street, was owned and platted by Austin McCracken, and that south of the main street by Jacob Burgit. McCracken and Burgit, the proprietors of the village, offered special inducements to the peopling of the village by giving to each person a lot, providing he would build on this lot a house and improve it in various other ways. They also set apart a certain number of lots for religious societies on which churches have since been built. In this manner, numerous persons were induced to settle in the village, and in a few years it assumed considerable im portance, and is now one of the most prosperous and flourishing villages in the county. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 535 The first store was built for Sewall Smith by Lucius Allen in 1841. In this building Mr. Smith opened the first stock of goods. This building is now standing opposite the East Troy House, and is owned by D. Gleason, and at present unoccupied. The second store was built and opened by Austin Wright in the following year — 1842. This building stood on the present site of the drug store of P. O. Griste. Among the other early merchants were R. H. Mallory, who purchased the stock of goods belonging to Mr. Smith, and commenced business in the store building owned by Mr. Wright, he in the meantime closing out his stock of goods and removing from the village Mr. Mallory subsequently associated with himself as a partner C. L. Oatman, and they continued the business together for some time. Stone & Markham were also early merchants. Mr. Markham remained as a partner of Mr. Stone's for some time, and was suc ceeded by a Mr. Hurlburt, and he in turn by H. J. Cowles, Stone & Cowles, then Austin & Dor- rance, who were succeeded by H. H. Austin, who still continues the business. Alonzo Piatt was also one of the early merchants. The first school in the village of East Troy was taught by a Miss Auger in 1839. It was held in the Methodist Chapel, which was the first frame building erected in the village. The first schoolhouse was built in 1846. This was a one-story frame building, in size 20x36. The present schoolhouse was built in 1853 or 1854, the old one being too small to accommodate all the school children. The old schoolhouse has been remodeled, and is now owned and used by J. Bailey as a dwelling-house. The present house is in size 34x60, two stories high, with ac commodations for about two hundred scholars. The school is graded, employing three teachers. The schools are in a prosperous condition under the principalship of L. E. Peck. CHURCHES. While Spring Prairie claims'the honor of the first sermon preached in Walworth County, July 10, 1836, East Troy claims the first public religious service — a kind of patriarchal service, held on the beautiful eminence just south of Army Lake, where Mr. Lawler now resides. The date is given as Sunday, July 4, 1836, but it must have been July 3, if on Sunday. This was just a week before the meeting in Spring Prairie. Mr. Daniel Griffin, with his family, was on his way from his old home in Oswego, N. Y., to the new home in Wisconsin. He had already selected his location, and Saturday night found him yet a mile from the chosen spot. His sons who came with him had arrived at man's estate, and were heads of families; so that quite a little colony encamped that July night on the hill, and, on the following day, they were gathered to render thanks to God for bringing them thus far on their journey in safety, and to ask His divine blessing on their new undertaking. Mr. Griffin was a zealous and enthusiastic Methodist, and the second quarterly meeting of the Aztalan Mission, Rev. Salmon Stebbins, Presiding Elder, was held at his house on February 3, 1838. This mission embraced all the country lying between the Fox River on the east, the Rock River on the west, State line on the south and John son's Rapids on the north. At the meeting at the house of Mr. Griffin, the Methodist Episco pal Church of East Troy was organized — said to have been the first church organized in Wal worth County. The members of the class formed at this meeting were Daniel P. Griffin, Daniel Griffin, his son, Mrs. McCracken, Mr. aDd Mrs. John S. Spoor and Benjamin Jennings. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Vail and Mr. and Mrs. William Weed joined the class temporarily, or until they should be able to organize the church of their choice. Revs. Jesse Halstead and Samuel Pillsbury were the first preachers on this circuit, and managed to keep their appointments in the face of difficulties which were well-nigh insurmountable. During this first year, Mr. Halstead' s horse becoming disabled, the undismayed pioneer, like a soldier indeed, bravely marched on foot from post to post, determined that he would "hold the fort" if once it was gained. I. B. Cor nish was Secretary. At the organization of the Methodist Church, John S. Spoor and Samuel S. Porter were made class-leaders, holding the position the greater part of their residence in the town. Mr. Spoor was also Sunday school Superintendent, and both he and Mr. Griffin filled the offices of Trustee and Steward. . Mr. Griffin also held an exhorter' s license until the time of his death. The church held its meetings at Mr. Griffin's house for a number of months, when a log house was erected on the present parsonage site, which was called "the Parsonage," or the "Mission 536 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. House," and became the place of meeting immediately, although it was not entirely completed for two years. • The building known as the " Methodist Chapel " —the first frame building in the village of East Troy— was probably erected during the winter of 1839-40. It was built as a union church, and so used by all denominations for several years. It received its name from the fact that the Methodists were at that time the predominating sect, and used the "Chapel" most fre quently, having the only organized church. For many years this old landmark served many and various purposes — town hail, schoolhouse, etc. After the various denominations that once worshiped here in common had each a "local habitation and a name," the Methodists used it alone until they erected their present church edifice in 1850. The " Old Methodist Chapel ' ' is now historic, and the children and grandchildren of the old settlers can see upon the lot of Mrs. Flowers, of East Troy, the church where, in the early days, sects and denominations forgot their differences of belief and opinion, and only remembered that they were brethren needing the care and protection of the same Good Father. About 1850, the Methodists erected a neat frame structure in the central part of the village for a church building. At the time the house was built, the church numbered over one hundred members, but removals and deaths have somewhat decreased the number since that time. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Samuel Pillsbury, succeeded by Revs. Jesse Halstead, James Flanders, James McKean, D. Worthington, L. F. Moulthrop, William Hanson, Henry White head, N. Swift, M. L. Read, J. C. Gallup, J. Bean, M. Butler, J. M. Snow, J. C. Dame, William M. Osborn, H. V Train, William F. Delap, H. Hersey, S. Watts, R. P. Lawton, J. G. Pingree, T. Wilcox, T. C. Wilson, R. Cooley, W. W. Painter, Isaac Searles, L. F. Cole, T. Peep, S. Rey nolds, J. D. Wilson, F. C. Parsons, A. Porter, M. J. Olmstead and S. C. Thomas. The second quarterly meeting held in East Troy was October 16 and 17, 1841, John T. Mitchell, Presiding Elder. East Troy was attached to the old Aztalan Circuit one year (1837), then to Honey Creek (1838). next to Walworth (1839), to the Troy Circuit from 1840 to 1854, since which time it has been known as East Troy. The Presbyterian Church was organized June 22, 1839, by Rev. Stephen Peet, of Green Bay, assisted by Rev. Lemuel Hall, of Geneva. The organization was at the house of Mr. J. W. Vail, the present site of the Du Puy farm. The constituent members of the church were William Weed, Betsey Weed, J. W. Vail, Rebecca Vail, Amasa Hotchkiss, Araby Hotchkiss, C. A. Hotchkiss, Stilman Dewey, Caroline Dewey, William Trumbull, Elizabeth Chafin and Polly Burgit. William Weed was chosen Elder, and Amasa Hotchkiss elected Deacon. The church held religious services in the house of Mr. Vail for about two years, and, from that time until the erection of their own church edifice, they worshiped in common with other denominations in the Methodist Chapel. In 1848, the society commenced the construction of a building for public worship. The job was let, the meeting-house to be 25x30 feet. ' ' all to be done in good and workmanlike manner." It was to be built for $500. The movers in this enterprise had already experienced many delays and disappointments, and were again obliged to wait another season for their new church, the roads of that new country being so nearly impassable that the contractors failed to get their lumber to the selected spot. The building was finally completed, and, June 21, 1849, it was dedicated, during the last year of the pastorate of Rev. C. E. Rosen- krans. In June, 1855, this church changed its name and adopted the Congregational polity. The society and church rapidly increasing in numbers, soon outgrew the little meeting-house, and early in 1856 it was decided to erect one larger and more commodious, and which was better adapted to the wants of the rapidly growing town. In 1S57. the basement of the build ing was completed' and occupied by the society. The financial crisis of 1857, which crippled the resources of business men from one extreme of the country to the other, did not spare even the new towns of the West. The work on the church building was abandoned, and, as it is very hard to lift anew a load once laid down, so for fourteen years little was done toward the completion of the church. June 21, 1871, Rev. H. Fowle, then pastor of the church, held a memorial service — just twenty-two years before the old church had been consecrated to the service of God. Old memories stirred in the hearts of the surviving members, inspiring them with courage to make another attempt toward carrying out the long-delayed project. This awakened zeal re-acted upon the newer members, and in a year the work was finally completed, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 537 and, in' September, 1872, the church was dedicated. The following have been pastors of the church: Rev. Hall, during the first year; Rev. D. A. Sherman, two or three years; Rev. C. E. Rosenkrans, six years ; Rev. Charles Morgan, twenty years, with an interval of two years, which was filled by Rev. A. Sedgwick and Rev. Miles Doolittle ; Rev. H. Fowle, four years ; Rev. A. W. Curtis, three years, who was succeeded by Rev. J. Beardsley, the present pastor. The old church, built in 1849, has recently passed into the possession of the Lutheran Church, and is again to be refitted and used as a place of worship. The third church organized in East Troy was the Baptist. October 5, 1842, the organizing council met in the Methodist Episcopal Chapel, Rev., Burgess, Moderator; Rev. H. Topping, Clerk. The seven Baptist Churches of Geneva, Delavan, Rochester, Sugar Creek, Mukwanago, Spring Prairie and Whitewater, were represented. The following are the names of its ten con stituent members: William Duncan, Irena Duncan, Horace Smith, Eliza Sperry, Gaylord Graves, Nancy Graves, Elvira Duncan, Gilbert Waters, Polly Waters and Betsy Ann Edwards. Rev. Alvah Burgess was the first pastor, for the space of two years, succeeded by Rev. James Delany, four years; Rev. M. B. Tremain, two years; Rev. James Squier, two years; Rev. G W. Gates, three years; Rev. P. Conrad, two years; Rev. O. Martin, about a year; Rev. A. Weaver, one year; Rev. D. Dye, three years; Rev. E. L. Schofield, two and a half years; Rev. C. J. B. Jack son, nearly two years; Rev. James Delaney, nearly four years, succeeded by Rev. W. A. Rupert, the present pastor. Of the constituent members of this church only one is still living — Irene Duncan (now Mrs. Irene Cole). The present church edifice was commenced in the year 1846, and completed in the spring or early summer of 1847, its dedication taking place in June of that year. The original contract price for building was $1,350, and the house has since received various improvements and modifications, making it a convenient and commodious church build ing . 1 'The Catholic Church of East Troy was organized by Rev. Father Martin Kundig in 1848. After its organization, services were held at the residences of some of its members until, in 1854, they built their first house of worship. This was a frame building, in size, 30x40 feet, costing about $1,200. This building was used until 1870, when, on account of its being inade quate to meet the wants of the congregation, their present elegant stone structure was erected in- the northwestern part of the village. This building is in size 40x80 feet, and cost $16,000. The church numbers at present 165 families, or some over 500 communicants. The present pastor is Rev. Father Allan. The German Lutheran Church was organized in the spring of 1874 by Rev. Morsk, of Waterford. It was organized with fifteen families. Their services were held in the Baptist Church until 1879, since which time they have been held in the Methodist Church. About a year ago, the Lutheran Church purchased the old Congregational Church building, which has been refitted and refurnished and is now ready for occupancy. The church has at present a membership of twenty-two families. The present pastor is Rev.' D. Young. FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL. In 1838, probably soon after the organization of the Methodist Church, the Christian men and women of East Troy made their first attempt to " gather in the children for religious instruction. The enterprise was not a sectarian one, but was engaged in by all who recognized the necessity and usefulness of this branch of the Christian Church. It culminated in the estab lishment of a union school, which was continued until the various denominations had their own separate places of worship. According to general remembrance, the school was organized at the house of Mr. McCracken in the spring of 1838. Mrs. McCracken and her sister, Miss Arte- mesia McLeod, being among the most zealous Methodist working women of the town. Mr. John D. Spoor was made Superintendent at the organization. Its meetings were held at Mr. Griffin's, at"Mr. Vail's, at the parsonage, after its erection in the fall, and after the building of the "Methodist Chapel," that became the usual place of assembly. There are no records by which the progress of the school, or the particulars of the work that was done, can be traced, but the names of those who so early started the good work should always be gratefully remem bered. In 1839, Mrs. J. W. Vail, a lady of culture and refinement, supplemented her labors in the 538 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Sabbath school by opening a boarding-school for young ladies in her own house. The schoo. combined secular and religious training, and soon became a success. A good school and good home united was somewhat of an anomaly in the new country, and it is said that Mrs. Vail had pupils from many of the surrounding towns, and even from the " metropolis — Milwaukee. When Mr. Vail removed to Geneva, his wife again opened a school of similar character in that place. THE PRESS. The East Troy Gazette was established August 6, 1879. by F. D. Craig. Mr. Craig edited and published the paper until July, 1880, when it was purchased by C. A. Cook, then proprietor of the Chrisman Advance, at Chrisman, 111. The paper was then edited by H. W. Metcalf until June, 1881, when F. D. Craig purchased and became its possessor. The paper is a six-column folio; in politics, neutral. Its circulation is 750 copies, its day of issue being Wednesday. F. D. Craig is its editor and publisher. The American Merino, a sheet published in the interest ef the American Merino Sheep Breeders' Association, was established by F. D. Craig in November, 1881. This paper is also a six-column folio, published monthly. Its editor is A. H. Craig, with F. D. Craig as publisher. SOCIETIES. Trojan Lodge, No. 45, I. O. 0. F., was instituted February 19, 1850, by R. O'Connor, D. D. G. M. Their charter is dated January 18, 1850. The chartered members were Emery Thayer, Matthew Coleman, Elisha Stillman, Francis Winne, Daniel Eggleston, F. H. Harwood, James Palmer, Andrew E. Elmore. The first persons initiated into the mysteries of the order were Timothy Mower, Henry P. Taylor, William T. Walker, Sewall Smith, Henry B. Clark, Russell H. Mallory, Simon B. Edwards, John D. Hawes, Garrett Winne, Alexander 0. Babcock, Herman H. Winchell and Cyrus L. Oatman. The officers elected and appointed at its organiza tion were: F. H. Harwood, N. G.; Andrew E. Elmore, V. G.; A. O. Babcock, Secretary; Emery Thayer, Treasurer; Matthew Coleman, Warden; Francis Winne, Conductor; Sewall Smith, I. G.; James Palmer, O. G; Timothy Mower, R. S. N. G. ; Russell H. Mallory, L. S. N. G; John D. Hawes, R. S. V. G ; William T. Walker, L. S. V. G. The present officers are: T. H. Conklin, N. G; C. M. Hillard, V. G.; W. S. Keats, R. S.; W. H. Meadows, P. S.; W. M. Howard, Treasurer; C. W. Smith, W.; Will Child, G; C. Densmore, R. S. N. G; George Brewster, L. S. N. G. ; C. S. Blanchard, R. S. V. G ; J. H. Miller. L. S. V. G. ; A. J. Bliss, R. S. S. ; H. Montague, L. S. S. The order has a membership at present of thirty-three. They have fitted up a hall over the drug store of P. O. Griste at an expense of abput $400. Their meetings are held on every Tuesday evening. St. James Lodge, No. 41, F. d: A. M. — This Masonic body was instituted at the lodge room of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, under a dispensation granted March 14, 1851. Their charter is dated June 16, 1853. The chartered members were: L. Mayo. Hiram Medbury, J. Califf, Stephen G. West, J. A. Larkin and H. Clemmons. The first officers were: Hiram Med bury, W. M.; Stephen G West, S. W.; A. M. Pern-, J. W. The present officers are: W. S. Keats, W. M.; N. J. Randolph, S. W.; O. F. Winne, J. W.; E. R. Hicks, Treasurer; E. T. Cass, Secretary; C. A. Dingman, S. D.; H. B. Reeves, J. D. ; J. E. Reynolds, E. S. Kellogg, Stew ards; W. E. Du Puy, Tiler. The order at present has a membership of thirty-fiva Their hall has been well furnished, at a considerable expense. It is in the second story of Rogers' Block, and has been occupied by the institution since August, 1881. The Library Association was organized January 10, 1863, by some of the citizens of East Troy. The officers elected were as follows: T. Mower, President; William Anyan, Vice Presi dent; J. G Dorrance, Secretary; C. W. Smith, Treasurer; H. B. Clark, Librarian; S. B. Ed wards, H. H. Austin, William Burgit, Trustees. The first donation was made by John F. Potter, and consisted of a set of American State papers. Dramatical entertainments, etc. , have from time to time been held to assist in the pro curation of books, the volumes at present numbering 1,000. The membership- amounts to $2, with the annual fees of $1. The present officers, elected at the nineteenth annual meeting, are as follows: William Burgit, President; W. M. Howard, Vice President; W. S. Keats, Secr'e. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 539 tary; William Burgit, Treasurer; T^ H. Conklin, Librarian; P. O. Gristle, F. Dickerman, H. B. Gilbert, Trustees. The library room is in the boot and shoe store of W. M. Howard. Har rison Conklin is the Librarian. There are now 950 volumes in the library, valued, with book- oase, at $767. HOTELS. East Troy House.— The first hotel kept on the site of this house, as well as in the village, was in a small log building, erected by Austin McCracken in 1836. Mr. McCracken kept the hotel until 1842, when he sold out to Emery Thayer, who built the ease half of the present hotel in 1845. It was in size 28x42, two stories high. In 1855, Timothy Mower purchased (he hotel property and kept it until 1856, and disposed of it to L. J. Edwards, and he in turn io S. B. Edwards in 1862. In 1864, Orson B. Morse purchased the property and disposed of it to Henry B. Clark in 1868. In 1872, H. H. Rogers purchased a half-interest in the hotel of Mr. Clark, and, during that year, Clark & Rogers purchased the old Catholic Church and moved it to the west side of the main hotel, and it now forms a part of the whole building. It is in size 30x40, and two stories high. Over this part of the hotel is a large hall, which is used mostly for dancing purposes. The annex, which formed the alcove of the church build ing, was added to the north end of the main building, and now forms the sample room. This is in size 14x20. Mr. Rogers is a very obliging and accommodating landlord, and his house is one of the best in the county. In connection with the hotel is one of the finest barns in the State, erected by Mr. Rogers in 1879. The main building is 40x60, with two wings,one 24x36, and the other 16x30. Buena Vista House. — This hotel, a three-story stone structure, in size 40x60, commenced building in 1846, by Samuel Bradley. Mr. Bradley was his own architect, carpenter and ma son, constructing the building as far as the roof with no help. The stones he drew from the quarry with one horse and wagon, and the cobble-stones, with which it is faced on all four sides, he gathered on the shores of the lakes in the vicinity. The building was not completed until late in the fall of 1849, when it was opened as a hotel, with Bradley as landlord. On account of his failure to meet certain demands, the hotel has since passed into the hands of various par ties, and is now owned under a tax title deed by Richard Hotton. He is also its present pro prietor. BANDS. Ray & Goff's String Band was organized in 1874, with J. M. Ray, Chauncey Goff, H. A. Tullar and W. J. Ware as the members. There has been no change in the band since it was Organized, and it is now one of the best in the county. The East Troy Cornet Band was organized in August, 1881, with H. A. Tullar aB leader. The members are, besides Mr. Tullar, F. Conrad, D. F. Tullar, J. Conrad, Warren Smith, Herbert Smith, Will Smith, S. Medbury, J. Monaghan, F. Howard, A. Dickerman and A. Smith. The band, since its organization, has been training under the supervision of Thomas Williams, of Milwaukee. INSURANCE. The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Troy and East Troy was organized in 1875, with Alexander Fraser, President; William Burgit, Secretary; S. B. Edwards, Treasurer. The first policy was given to C. S. Miller, and bears date September 4, 1875. According to their last annual report, in January, 1881, the amount of capital stock was $374,616, and the number of policies 263. The whole amount of loss thus far in 1881 is $2. The general office of the com pany is in East Troy. The present officers are: Alexander Fraser, President; "William Burgit; Secretary; and Homer Brooks, Treasurer. East Troy, like many other localities in this section of the country, has its mineral spring. It is situated on the farm of William Burgit, and the water, analyzed by Gustavus Bode, of Milwaukee, was found to contain 22.377 grains of soluble matter to one gallon, as follows: Chloride of sodium, .371 grains; sulphate of soda, 1.074 grains; silica, 1.315 grains; carbonate of lime, 11.880 grains; carbonate of magnesia, 7.745 grains. On account of this spring, and the beautiful location and surroundings of the village, East Troy is undoubtedly destined soon to become one of the attractive pleasure resorts of the coun- 540 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. ty. Added to this, also, is the. summer resort owned by H. H. Rogers. In the spring of 1881, Mr. Rogers purchased 107 acres of land on the north and east shores of Booth's Lake, m the town of Troy. On Troy Island he erected a building 18x40 for the shelter and comfort of pleasure-seekers. In partnership with S. P. Keyes, he built a small steamer, the Lady Anna, at a cost of $1,500. This "resort" being insufficient, Mr. Rogers has now purchased what is known as " Brooks' Island," located in Crooked Lake. This island contains about forty acres of land, and is one of the most delightful places in the vicinity. Mr. Rogers will erect on this island buildings sufficient to accommodate all summer tourists who may wish to spend a few days here in fishing, etc., and the Lady Anna will be transferred to this lake. When this is done, Crooked Lake will be as widely known as many of the other resorts, and much credit is due Mr. RogerB for his undertaking. FIRE. ¦ East Troy, like most country towns, has had its experience in this respect. About 3 o'clock in the morning of Thanksgiving Day, in 1876, the cry of- " Fire! " was heard, and was found to be well under way, in the tailoring establishment of Fred Besch. A west wind was blowing at the time, and all efforts to extinguish it were useless. The four buildings on that street eastward were entirely consumed, as follows: Store building, owned by Joseph Doyle and oc cupied by Fred Besch as a tailor-shop and clothing store; store building, owned by S. Baldwin and occupied by J. M. Killips as a general dry goods and grocery store, with living rooms in the second story; store building, owned and occupied by J. Bailey as a jewelry store; store building, owned by J. 'Bailey and occupied by Charles Hith as a grocery. These buildings have since been replaced with neat brick and frame stores. The total loss of this fire amounted to about $5,000, with no insurance. TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE LINE. In 1881, a telegraph and telephone line was erected by H. H. Rogers and John Matheson, from Rogers' hotel in East Troy to the store of John Matheson, at Mayhew Station, the distance being about four miles. This line is in successful operation at present, the rates being 15 cents for ten words, and one cent extra for each additional word. OAK RIDGE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION. This burial-ground was under the control of the town of East Troy until March 31, 1876, when, by a vote of the town, the Cemetery Association was formed, with S. B. Edwards, Pres ident; W. S. Keats, Secretary; William Burgit. Treasurer. Since the association was formed, the cemetery has been re-surveyed, and various improvements have from time to time been made. The present officers of the association are: Stephen F. Fields, President; W. S. Keats, Secretary; William Burgit, Treasurer. THE VILLAGE AS IT IS. The village of East Troy is at present represented by the following business and profes sional men: Dry Goods and Groceries, etc. — C. W. Smith & Co., H. H. Austin, Wilrner Bros. Grocery and Meat Market — O. B. Rogers. Grocery and Jewelry — J. Bailey. Drugs and Medicines — P. O. Griste. [ Hardware —Meadows Bros., H. A. Tullar. ! Harness and Saddlery — A. C. Deist, Wendt & Keiber. Photographer — S. K. Graves. Hotels— East Troy House, H H. Rogers, proprietor; Buena Vista House, Richard Hotton, proprietor. Newspapers— East Troy Gazette, F. D. Craig, editor and publisher; American Merino, F. D. Craig, publisher; A. H. Craig, editor. Millinery and Dress-Making — Julia Cowley & Co., Mrs. Trainer, and the Misses Dwyer. Physicians— D. W. Rector, T. F. Johnson, C. F. Blanchard. l Dentist— A. Stebbins. ¦ i ¦;¦..¦,¦ .-. j ¦'.-,¦',.',". ¦ »3; • . kfyyx- JuP'l C cm^j h-t-^ ^ll) HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 543 Blacksmiths- — James Monaghan, O. F. Winne, D. S. Waters. Wagon-Makers — S. Dartt, S. P. Keyes. Machine Repairing-Shop — Harry Dickman. Cooper — William C. Knapp. EAST TROY IN 1881. The population of the town, according to the Federal census of 1880, was 1,407. The grain and other agricultural products of 1880 were: Wheat, 35,000 bushels; corn, 70,- 000 bushels; oats, 48,630 bushels; barley, 1,100 bushels; rye, 3,000 bushels; potatoes, 10,000 bushels; apples, 10, 500 bushels; hay, 2,500 tons; butter, 50,000 pounds. In 1881, there were 5,388 acres sown to grain; 258 acres of apple orchard; 2,138 acres of mowing and pasturage; and 3,188 acres of growing timber. There were 526 milch cows, val ued at $10, 500. There were seven whole and two joint school districts. The total enumeration of scholars between the ages of four and twenty years was 462, of which number 349 attended school. Nine teachers were employed, at' monthly wages of $40.50 for male, and $23.50 for female, teachers. The town had seven schoolhouses, valued at $6,670, including the sites. The annual expenditure for school purposes was $3,100. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. H. H. AUSTIN, dealer in general merchandise, one of the prominent merchants of Wal worth County, was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1832; received an academic education; helped his parents on the farm and continued to reside in his native State until the spring of 1854, when he came to Wisconsin with a view of teaching school. He stopped in the vicinity of Be loit, but, as he was unsuccessful in obtaining a situation, he returned to New York; but, in the fall, he again returned to Wisconsin, this time to East Troy, where he engaged as clerk in the store of J. R. Stone & Co., a former schoolmate of his. Three years subsequently, in partnership with John G. Dorrance, he purchased an interest in the business, when the firm became Stone, Dorrance & Co., and so continued until 1861, when Mr. Stone withdrew and left the firm Dor rance & Austin up to 1864. Mr. Austin then purchased his partner' s interest and continued alone. In 1865, he purchased the stock of C. W. Smith, and for three years did business in the store now occupied by C. W. Smith & Co. In 1868, he purchased his present store, associated G. H. Willis as partner, and did business under firm name of Austin & Willis until 1873, at which time Mr. Austin purchased his partner' s interest, since which he has been alone, doing a general mercantile business; also deals in wool, etc. He carries a stock of $7,000 to $8,000. Mr. Austin is a successful merchant and a good financier. He is a stanch Republican, but seeks no offices. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Helen M., daughter of Samuel and Ann Fowler, of Troy. They have three children — Lucy F., Mary Belle and Charles H. ALEXANDER O. BABCOCK, deceased. Among the early settlers of East Troy was A. 0. Babcock. He was a native of Homer, N. Y., and came to East Troy in 1843. Here he estab lished a law office and continued in the practice of his profession till his death, in 1875. He was a wise and safe counselor, rising above the standard of his profession, and always remained true to. the cause which he believed right; and, while he was a man of decided convictions, and never temporized nor apologized for his views, he was charitable toward those who differed from him in opinion. Mr. Babcock was a leader in public sentiment, and did much toward molding the opinions of others. His plain, simple manner of statement carried conviction with its logic. The people of his town and county were not slow to perceive his ability and integrity of character, and employ it for the public good by bestowing on him offices of trust and honor. He served as Justice of the Peace, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, County Attorney and member of the Assembly, and the duties of all these positions he discharged with zeal and fidelity to his con stituents. He was a real child of nature, in full harmony with her work. He loved to roam in solitude by the lakes, and, equipped with fishing tackle, many a fine catch were trophies of his skill in that direction. He had quite a passion for hunting. Shooting was his delight, and he was very successful therein, and he was never so engrossed in business or pleasure as to forget 544 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. his faithful dog. Mr. Babcock had not long been a resident of our village before he selected a Bite and built a mansion for his future home. With fine taste and great perseverance, he adorned his grounds, making his home one of the most delightful retreats to be found in the county. Here his widow still resides, and, in the sorrow of her widowhood, seems to find her sweetest comfort in continuing the work of beautifying her lonely home. SEYMOUR BROOKS, son of David and Catharine (Simpson) Brooks, was born in Ovid, Seneca Co., N. Y., July 24, 1821. His father was one of the foremost farmers in that section of the State, and Seymour was bred to the same occupation, receiving a good practical education in the common schools and at the Ovid Academy. In 1838, he moved into Livingston Co., N. Y, where he remained till 1843. At that time, in company with his brother Homer, he came West and settled in the town of East Troy, which has ever since been his home. The two young men brought with them the first threshing machine, with separator, ever brought into the county, and ran it together the first season after their arrival, doing a very profitable business. Homer sold out the threshing business to Seymour at the end of the first year, and gave his attention to farming. Seymour ran the machine one or more seasons after, meantime purchasing 120 acres of land on Sec. 18, to which he added by subsequent purchases till his whole farm embraced some 500 acres. He did not, while the owner of this farm, give his entire attention to its man agement. He lived on it but one year, it being occupied and worked, during the remaining time of his ownership by a tenant. He utilized, it, however, for his stock-raising purposes, it being there that his first importations were placed and his first herds and flocks bred. In 1845, David Brooks, their father, sent the boys, Homer and Seymour, a Durham bull and three heifers of the same breed. These were the first blooded cattle brought into the county, and perhaps the first into the State. Seymour, though constantly interested and engaged in stock-farming, also became engaged in mercantile business. In 1846, he entered the employ of Edward H. Ball, a young merchant from Monroe Co., N. Y., who opened a store in the village of East Troy at that time. He remained as his clerk for three years, and as his partner, under the firm name of E. H Ball & Co., for eight years longer. In company with Timothy Moore, he, for a short time during this period, ran the store, Mr. Ball remaining a silent partner, with but a small in terest in the firm, the style remaining unchanged. During this partnership, a fire made a clean sweep of their stock of goods, amounting to some $14,000, which nearly swept away the capital of the two active partners. Moore soon after left the firm, and E. H. Ball put in more capital and resumed his place as an active partner with Mr. Brooks. The fire occurred about the year 1855. Among other property which had come into the possession of the firm during this co partnership was the large farm at the foot of Crooked Lake, on the eastern half of Sec. 5, and land adjacent, comprising some 400 acres of the best farming land in the town. In the disso lution of the copartnership, Mr. Brooks took the farm, on which he has since lived. It has, under his skillful management, been brought to the highest state of excellence, and, with the commodious and substantial dwellings, barns, sheds, and all conveniences that experience could devise, constitutes a model farm and a model home. The farm, known as " Lake View," has been, from the time of its occupancy by Mr. Brooks, devoted to the raising of blooded stock- cattle, sheep, swine and horses. It is the largest and best-appointed stock farm in the county, with possibly one exception— that of Charles Clark, of Whitewater, being its only rival. Dur ing Mr. Brooks' long residence in East Troy, he has served his fellow-citizens in nearly every position of trust or honor within their gift, having been Supervisor, Assessor, Treasurer and Justice of the Peace. He has held the latter office from time immemorial. Throughout the county he is best known as one of the originators and constant friends of the Walworth County Agricultural Society, and the leader in the importation and improvement of stock. As a citizen, his life has been without blemish, and name without reproach. Mr. Brooks was married to Miss Susan Bulmun, of Oneida, N. Y, June 19, 1N47. Their living children are Hattie, James S., Martha, Alice, John Franklin and Edward Louis. HOMER BROOKS, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. East Troy; one of the most prominent farmers of Walworth County; is a son of David and Catharine Brooks; was born in Seneca Co., N. Y, in September, 1819. He received a common-school education; helped his parents on a farm until 1843, when, with his brother Seymoiu-, he came to Wisconsin, bringing along a threshing machine and horses; they landed in Milwaukee and started in search of work, but, as they were HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 545 strangers, and the machine a new thing (it being the first separator ever in this part of the State), the people would nut employ them; so they finally arrived at East Troy, where, after agreeing to do the work for nothing if not satisfactory, they obtained permission of Adolphus Spoore to do his threshing, and, while doing that job, the neighbors came to see the new ma chine, and as they were all well pleased, they immediately requested the Brooks brothers to do their work. Thus the machine was furnished work for several months. In December, Homer went back to his native State, driving a team and wagon all the way. While there, he associated N. R. Wilson as partner, purchased 2,000 Merino ewes, and drove the same from New York to East Troy; this required three months; Mr. Brooks kept his sheep, also worked some at farming, and in 1848 purchased 160 acres of his present farm. The year following, he was married to Almine Burgit, daughter of Jacob and Polly Burgit, and has since made farming his principal business. In 1854, his father sent him a few head of Durham stock, which was the first in the vicinity of East Troy. He now owns 218 acres of land, valued at $60 per acre, it being a good grain and stock farm. He now keeps 22( ) Merino sheep, besides other stock, etc. He is a Re publican, and has held local office, but takes little interest in politics. The children are Walter, Kitty (now Mrs. Henry Schwartz, of Spring Prairie) and William. WILLIAM BURGIT, farmer. Sec. 29; P. O. East Troy; oldest son of Jacob and Polly Gardner Burgit; was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., in 1818; was brought up on a farm; received a commou-school education. In the fall of 1835, he removed with his parents to St. Joseph Co., Ind., and, in March, 1837, came to Walworth County. Here he helped his father in saw and grist mill; also worked some at farming until 1862, when he was married, at Rochester, N. Y., to Miss Maria J. Burleigh, and has since followed farming on the homestead of his father, which is located just south of the village of East Troy, and contains 270 acres of well-improved land, Worth $40 per acre. Mr. Burgit is a gentleman who is highly respected by his fellow-meji; a Republican in politics; was a member of the Town Board many years, and, as he always has taken an interest in educational affairs, he has been a member of the School Board for many years. He has one daughter — Edith. He is the oldest living settler in East Troy. EDWIN T. CASS, attorney, son of Cyrus and Elizabeth (Thomas) Cass, was born in East Troy April 4, 1854 ; was educated at the graded schools of the vi llage. In 1873, he went to Ocon omowoc and studied one year with Rev. James Magoffin. The following year, he had charge of the Boys' Department of the Lake Side Seminary. In 1875, he entered the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, with the intention of becoming a civil engineer; but he soon entered the law class, from which he graduated in March, 1877, since which time be has been doing a general law and collection business at East Troy, meeting with good success. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M., and the I. O. O. F. ; politics, Republican. C. P. F. CHAFIN, farmer, Section 4; P. O. East Troy, Mukwanago, Waukesha Co. ; one of the pioneers of 1837; son of Samuel and Elizabeth Chafin, the former of New Hampshire and the latter of Massachusetts. The subject of this sketch was born in Weston, Vt. , April 9, 1819; was left fatherless at the age of 5 years. In 1837, with his mother and two brothers, he came to Wisconsin, and settled in the town of East Troy. He at once located land on Sec. 4, which he commenced to improve, boarding with his mother until 1849, when he was married to Miss Parthena Graves, then of East Troy, but a native of St. Lawrence County, of New York. He now owns 200 acres of land, 160 of which he purchased at the land sale of 1838, which he now has well improved, and is valued at $40 per acre. He is a Republican, and has been a Super visor during the past six years. He has had two children, one of whom is living — Frank. H. B. CLARK, deceased, was born at Southbury, Conn., May 21, 1814, and, as his parents died while he was in his youth, he commenced work at the tailor's trade, which he followed in his native State until 1836, by which time he became impressed with the future possibilities and probabilities of the West, and, believing that the chances were better for him in this broad do main than in his native State, he came alone to Milwaukee, where he continued his trade until 1843. He then came to East Troy, and at once became a silent partner of the firm of Austin & Wright, at the same time working at his trade. In April, 1845, he was married to Miss Char lotte H. Stewart, a native of Wellsville, N. Y. In August, 1845, Mr. Wright died, and the bus iness of Austin & Wright closed out. Mr. Clark was then in business as merchant tailor alone until 1858, when he engaged in general merchandise, being a member of the firm of Clark, 546 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Church & Co., afterward Clark & Houghton. In 1863, he purchased his partner' s interest and continued alone until January, 1866, when he associated H. H. Rogers as partner; continued under firm name of H. H. Rogers & Co. until 1868, when the firm sold to Austin & Willis. Mr. Clark then purchased the East Troy House, subsequently deeded a one-half interest to H. H. Rogers, and spent his remaining years in hotel business. Mr. Clark was a thoroughly good, wholly use ful and truly honest man. He was a kind husband and loving father, and a most excellent citi zen — a man who probably had as few enemies as it is possible for any one to have. But a short time before his death, he made the remark chat, although he had not accumulated as much of this world's goods as he might have, he was able to say that he could "die an honest man." He was a Democrat in politics, and for many years was Chairman of the Town Board. His death took place Oct. 12, 1875, and the funeral ceremonies were conducted by the Trojan Lodge, No. 45, I. O. O. F., East Troy, and the East Troy Encampment, No. 43, I. O O. F., of which he was Past Grand and Past Chief Patriarch. He left a wife and one daughter. A. C. DEIST, dealer in harness, trunks, robes, etc. , is a native of Germany, born Oct. 7, 1853, but was brought by his parents to the United States when he was but 6 months old. The family at once came to Wisconsin, and settled in East Troy. The father worked at his trade of mason a few years, then purchased land, and has since followed farming. A. C. lived with his parents until 18 years of age, when he concluded to learn the harness-maker's trade; he there fore served an apprenticeship of twu years with Mr. J. W. Church, when he purchased the busi ness. In 1875, he removed to his present location, and is now doing a good business. He was married, Jan. 23, 1876, to Miss Isabella I., daughter of Charles and Mary Fraser, of East Troy. They have two children — Mary E. and W. Foster. In politics, he is a Republican. HON. STEPHEN FIELD, deceased, was bom in Windsor Co., Vt., Jan. 10, 1791; was married in his native State, in 1814, to Miss Mary Jordan. Mr. Field emigrated to Wisconsin in 1838; spent one winter in Mukwanago, Waukesha Co., and, in the spring of 1839, moved to East Tr,oy; settled on Sec. 20, where he had a fine farm of 320 acres. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly from Walworth County in the winter of 1845, and held various minor offices in his town. Mr. and Mrs. Field had a family of five children, all born in Vermont. The eldest, Martin, married an adopted daughter of Maj. Meacham, and lives in Mukwanago, Wis.; Mary is the wife of A. E. Elmore, of Ft. Howard, Wis.: Augusta died in 1873, aged 55 years; Stephen F. married Ellen Elmore, and is a farmer of East Troy; Rosanna is the widow of A. O. Babcock, an attorney of East Troy. Mr. Field was engaged in farming till 1857, when he moved to the village of East Troy, where he resided till his death, which occurred Jan. 27, 1879. In politics, he was a Whig, then Federalist, in early life, and, after the organization of the Republican party, he became an earnest supporter of that party. Mr. Field was one of the earliest of the pioneers of this section, and, during the forty years of his life spent in this com munity he was always known as an honorable and upright citizen, who commanded the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. STEPHEN F. FIELD, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. East Troy; has 300 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Windsor Co., Vt., Feb. 2, 1822; is the son of Stephen and Mary (Jordan) Field; emigrated to Wisconsin in January, 1838; made his home in Mukwan ago, Waukesha Co., till the spring of 1839, when he came to East Troy and settled on Sec. 20, where he has made farming his business to this date. He was married, in Lloyd, Ulster, Co., N. Y., Sept. 18, 1848, to Ellen Elmore, daughter of Job'Elmore, of that county. One child, a son, was born to them, named Albert, which died in childhood. P. O. GRISTE, druggist, was born in Ohio in September, 1840; received a common-school education, and at the age of 18 commenced to clerk in a general store. In 1862, he came to East Troy and served as clerk for C. W. Smith & Co. most of the time until 1865, when he pur chased the drug business of E. K. Barker, which was established in 1864, and has since been the only druggist in East Troy. He removed to his present location in August, 1880, at which date he completed his present store, building a wood structure, 22x55, and two stories in height; the first floor he uses for drug store and post office, and the second floor furnishes a lodge room for the I. O. O. F. He is a Republican, and has been Postmaster since 1868. He was married, at Hampden, Geauga Co., Ohio, Aug. 31, 1866, to Miss Millicent L. Quiggle, of Geauga Co., Ohio. Gertie, their only child, died Aug. 23, 1881, aged 11 years. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 547 WILDER M. HOWARD, dealer in boots and shoes, one of the pioneers of Wisconsin, is a native of Andover, Windsor Co., Vt., born Oct. 21, 1821. When 4 years of age, his parents moved to St. Lawrence County, State of New York. At the age of 12 years, his mother died, leaving five children — four boys and one girl. In about one year after, he, with his father and brothers, returned to Vermont; hired out for one year to Dr. Burton to work on a farm; at the end of the year, he hired to John A. Larkin to learn the shoemaker's trade; stayed with Larkin about one year, then worked one summer in Chester, Vt., at wool-carding and cloth-dressing; in the spring of 1837, hired to Webber Andrews, and in the following September, he, with Andrews and wife, left Vermont for Wisconsin; arrived sometime in October, and settled in Mukwanago, at 16 years of age, working most of the time on a farm until the winter of 1839.-40, then went to Troy and attended one of the first schools in this part of the then Territory; in the spring of 1841, went to Milwaukee and hired to Cornelius Howard to finish learning the shoemaker's trade; in the summer of 1842, carried United States mail from Waukesha, Wis., to McHenry, 111., and in the fall of the same year returned to Vermont, after an absence of five years, to visit relatives and friends; remained in Vermont about eighteen months, working most of the time at his trade. May 16, 1844, he was married to Miss Electa L. Howard, and, during the same month, started for Wisconsin; arrived and settled in East Troy about the 1st of July, 1844. where he has since been in business. He is a citizen who is highly respected; is a Republican, and, in August, 1864, enlisted in Co. E, 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery; was appointed Company Clerk, and left the State for Washington, D. C, and arrived at Ft. Lyon Oct. 8, and in a short time transferred to Ft. O'Rourk, Va., where we remained in defense of Washington until the close of the war; returned home at East Troy July 3, 1865. His wife died Dec. 5, 1878, leaving one child —Frank W. Dec. 2, 1879, was married to Miss Elizabeth Fountaine, of Racine, Wis. ; is still in the boot and shoe business. J. M. HUNTER, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. East Troy, Caldwell Prairie, Racine Co.; was born in Montgomery, Orange Co., N. Y., in 1817; received a common-school education; brought up on a dairy farm, and was thoroughly educated in the art of butterTmaking. He was married Feb. 1, 1839; removed to Wisconsin in 1857, and first settled in Waukesha County. Three years later, he removed to the Soldiers' Home, Milwaukee Co., where he was the First Superintendent of the Farming Department. In 1869, he purchased his present farm, which contains 200 acres, valued at $8,000, and has since been engaged in dairying. He now keeps forty cows, manu factures butter on the Orange County plan, and sells the same to regular customers in Milwau kee at 30 cents a pound, delivering the same every two weeks; is a Democrat, and has been Su pervisor for five years. The children are Fanny, now married, and living in Orange Co., N. Y. ; David, Albert and Henry. GEORGE MEADOWS, hardware merchant, firm of Meadows Bros., is the oldest son of William and Elizabeth Howker Meadows; is a native of England, who emigrated to the United States in 1839 ; lived in Oneida Co., N. Y., until 1849, when they removed to Wisconsin and settled on Sec. 32, East Troy, where they brought up a family of five children — George; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Joseph Wolfenden, of Troy; William; Sarah, now Mrs. Edward Bromley, of La Grange; and Alice, now Mrs. L. H. Clark, of Horicon, Wis. The mother died in 1865, and the father still resides on the farm. . George was born in Oneida County Oct. 13, 1842; came West with his parents and lived with them until 1866, when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Holden then of Springfield, Walworth Co., but a native of England; purchased a farm of 189 acres on Spring Prairie, and lived on the same until 1872, since which time, in partnership with his brother William, he has been engaged in hardware business. In 1881, they built their present store, a brick structure, 26x75, and two stories in height; they removed into the same in Novem ber, and now do a leading hardware business, carrying a stock of $4,000. Mr. Meadows is a Republican, but takes no interest in politics more than to perform his duties as a citizen. The children are Mary J., Jennie E. and Frank H. Meadows. WILLIAM MEADOWS, firm of Meadows Bros., son of William and Elizabeth Meadows, was born in Rome, N. Y., Sept. 4, 1849; came West with his parents, and, in 1869, went to Del avan, where he learned the tinner's trade. In 1872, he engaged in the hardware business with his brother at East Troy, and is now doing a leading hardware trade. He was married, in Sep tember, 1878, to Miss Clara S., daughter of R. W. and C. M. Goodrich. Politics, Republican. 548 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. JOHN F. POTTER was among the earliest settlers of East Troy. He is a native of Au gusta, Me., born in 1817, and comes from the good old Puritan stock that emigrated to Con necticut as early as 1637. His grandfather, who was pastor of the First Congregational Church of Lebanon, N.*H., full of the patriotism that fired many noble hearts, went into the army as Chaplain, and served in that capacity at the battle of Saratoga; and, although the battle com menced before the good Chaplain had finished the morning prayer, yet he never shortened it one particle by reason of the cannon's roar. While his ancestors had been, many of them, grad uates of Yale, and his father of Dartmouth College, N. H., Mr. Potter took his course of study at Phillips Exeter Academy, which has long ranked one of the first educational institutions of New England. In 1836, lie came to Chicago, and spent that and the following year in Michi gan. Visiting his old home in Maine in the spring of 1837, he resolved upon locating in Wis consin, and came West for that purpose in the spring of 1838. He was charmed by the beauti ful country and the lake which now bears his name, and resolved to make a claim on its shores. He built a shanty a little north of the lake, and not far from the great Indian trail leading from Waukesha through Mukwanago to Big Foot, now Geneva, Lake. Here he lived alone for awhile. In course of time, a companion from the East joined with him in life's partnership, and contin ued with him the pilgrimage till death snatched her away, during their future residence in Washington. Mr. Potter' s father was a prominent lawyer in Augusta, and his son, naturally of a legal turn, had studied with his father before coming to Wisconsin. He was early admitted to the bar, and is one of the oldest members of the bar in the State. He practiced law in Burling ton some four years, and served as County Judge in this county ten years. He has served the town in several capacities. He was its first Postmaster, receiving his appointment in 1839. He was a member of our State Legislature in 1856, and acted a prominent part in the memorable events of that year. Being Chairman of the committee appointed for investigating the election frauds, he did much in uncovering and bringing to light the irregularities which made such an excitement in political circles. During the same year, he was chosen as United States Repre sentative from this district, and for three consecutive terms was continued in that capacity at Washington. Those were stormy days. The fire-eaters of the South were more defiant than ever before, and their insolence became too much for human endurance. Mr. Potter proved to be the right man in the right place. Southern chivaTry could not frighten him a particle. He manfully and fearlessly stood for the rights of his constituents. Incensed at some things which had transpired, Roger A. Pryor sent Mr. Potter a challenge to mortal combat, which he very promptly accepted: but when he named, as was his right, bowie knives as the weapons to be used, Mr. Pryor refused to fight, urging as a reason, " the conditions were barbarous." The fact was, he feared to come into such close contest with the brave Representative from " Woody Wis consin." The whole transaction gave Mr. Potter notoriety at home and abroad. Notwithstand ing threats made that placed his life in great and constant peril, he continued, in all his service at Washington, to advocate the cause of liberty without fear of man. The slave found in him a friend and helper. He strove to be a true representative of the wishes of his constituents. He was their servant, and felt it his duty to do their bidding, cost what it might. After his service as Representative, he was appointed Consul General at Montreal, Canada Since then, he has retired to the peaceful rest and quiet which he finds at his own home ; and, after a public life so stormy aud dangerous as that through which he has passed, rest at home seems doubly sweet, and no one can say he has not dearly earned the rest which he now so much enjoys. H. H. ROGERS, proprietor of the East Troy House. This enterprising gentleman and genial landlord is the eldest son of Adam and Harriet Wiggins Rogers. He was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Aug. 15, 1S43. In 1N55, he came with his parents to Wisconsin, and four years sub sequently he launched his bark on the ocean of life and commenced to build his fortune. He first served as clerk for Clark, Church & Co., of East Troy, two yours; then, to better fit himself in business, he spent a term at Lincoln Commercial College, Milwaukee; subsequently, he clerked two years for L. A. Tanner, of Whitewater, and six months for Sherwin, Nowell & Pratt, of Milwaukee, when he returned to East Troy, and, in August, 1864, responded to the call of his country by enlisting in Company G, 3d W. V. C, and served until the close of the conflict, when he was mustered out as Sergeant Major. Returning to East Troy, he clerked for H. B. Clark until 1866, when he became a partner in business, under the firm name of H. H. Rogers HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 549 & Co., until February, 1868, when the firm sold to Austin & Willis. Mr. Clark then purchased the East Troy House, and soon deeded a one-half interest to Mr. Rogers, who has since been proprietor of the place. He also keeps a livery in connection with the house. His bar, erected in 1878, is one of the first in the State; he also owns and runs the only billiard hall in East Troy. Mr. Rogers is one of those enterprising men who is found ever ready in making public improvements that may be needed in the village, town or county. In 1881, in copartnership with John Mathson, he erected a Bell telephone from East Troy to Mayhew, a distance of four miles, which is now in successful operation. As a landlord, he is a general favorite with the public, being ever ready to accommodate his guests. He is a citizen who is highly respected; a Democrat in politics, and is at present Chairman of the Town Board. He has one child living —Edgar A. 0. B. ROGERS, merchant, son of Adam and Harriet E. Rogers, was born in Oneida Co. , N. Y., in 1848; came with his parents to Milton, Wis., in 1855; soon after, moved to East Troy, thence to Elkhorn, county seat of Walworth County; in 1871, went to Nebraska and took a Gov ernment claim. Returning one year afterward, in 1874 was married to Miss Ella J., daughter of Edmund M. and Catharine S. Mills; in fall of 1876, engaged in the meat business, first in Elkhorn, then in Burlington; in spring of 1878, bought a farm in La Fayette; in January, 1880, exchanged for property in East Troy, and has since been engaged in the meat and grocery bus iness; built his present store in 1881, being a substantial wood structure, 22x55 feet, and two stories in height, using first floor for his business and second floor for dwelling; is a Republican; has two children — Herschel E. and Mabel M. SEWALL SMITH, deceased. The name of Sewall Smith is one worthy of special men tion. He was among the early settlers, and, by reason of the influence which he has exerted and the positions which he has occupied, has done much for the welfare of the place. Mr. Smith was a native of Andover, Vt. , where he resided until his removal to Wisconsin. In the fall of 1840, he came West on a tour of inspection, and, being pleased with East Troy, resolved upon locating there. He contracted for the building of a store, designing to enter into mercantile , business when he should move there. Returning to Vermont, he removed his family to East Troy in July, 1841, and resided in the upper part of the store, while on the day after his arrival he opened his store for trade, it being the first store in the place. Here he continued in trade some four years, and then rented his store for a time to R. H. Mallory. At the expiration of the lease, he returned to the store, in which he continued some four or five years, and then sold out to Stone & Hurlbut, with the stipulation that he would not engage in trade for a period of three years. He had now built a house on Hie corner now occupied by the store of C. W. Smith & Co. In 1855, he built the fine mansion now occupied by Mrs. Hibbert. In 1856, he built the store now occupied by his sons, and, at the expiration of the three years' limitation re opened a store, which has for the most of the time since been occupied by his sons. Mr. Smith has served the town in several positions, in all of which he has shown himself not only compe tent, but faithful to the trusts placed in his care. He was the first Postmaster in the village of East Troy. For this he had special fitness, having already served ten years as Postmaster in Vermont; and, although he lost the office two or three times by a change of administration at Washington, yet it was sure to come back to him again, so that he has been a public servant in that capacity not less than fifteen years. He was a member of the first Constitutional Conven tion; was the first Town Clerk for Troy, before East Troy was set off, and served as Chairman ¦of the Board of Supervisors, and as Treasurer. Mr. Smith has always taken a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the town, State or nation, and has ever kept in sympathy with every movement for the good of humanity. Whatever he undertook, he undertook in earnest. He was always decided and outspoken in his views, which may sometimes have called out the opposition of those who differed from him in sentiment, but it also endeared him the more to his friends, who always relied upon him as true to his convictions. Mr. Smith was born in 1802; married Miss Nancy Mansur in 1825, and died in January, 1880, leaving five sons and one daughter, and his widow, now aged 77 years. His children are George H. and C. W., of the firm of C. W. Smith & Co. ; E. A., now living at Lawrence, Kan. ; Nancy, Mrs. L. A. Tanner, of Whitewater; W. F., clerk for C. W. Smith & Co.; and O. M., now residing at Philadelphia. 550 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. GEORGE H. SMITH, firm of C. W. Smith & Co., oldest son of Sewall and Nancy Mansur Smith, was born in Windsor Co., Vt., in 1827; came with his parents to East Troy in 1841, where he has led a mercantile life in the store of his father. In 1852, he went to Whitewater, where he was engaged in business until 1855. The following years he was a member of the firm of S. Smith & Son, when he again went to Whitewater, and was senior member of the firm of S. Smith & Co. until 1868, when he returned to East Troy, and has since been a partner of the firm of C. W. Smith & Co. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Ann Aliza, daughter of Jacob and Polly Gardner Burgit. They now have two children —Ida and Warren. He is a Republi can, and has held local offices. C. W. SMITH, of the firm of C. W. Smith & Co., son of Sewall and Nancy Mansur Smith, was born in Windsor Co,, Vt. , in 1834; came with his parents to East Troy in 1841; was edu cated in the school of the village, and the Lawrence University of Appleton. In 1858, he pur chased the business of S. Smith & Son, and carried on the same until 1868, when he associated with his brother George H., since which time the firm has been C. W. Smith & Co. They now" carry a stock of $10,000, and are therefore doing a leading mercantile business. Mr. Smith is a Republican, but takes very little interest in politics, more than to perform his duties as a citi zen, as he has but once in his life permitted his name to go before the people as a candidate for office. He was married, at Fredonia, N. Y., in 1862, to Miss Mary B. Edwards, daughter of F. S. and Julia White Edwards. They now have four children living — Leonard S., Carrie J, Her bert C- and Mary L; Hattie Belle, deceased, died in July, 1881, aged 7 years. EMERY THAYER, deceased, an old settler and a prominent man of East Troy, was born in Medway, Mass., March 7, 1806, and spent his early days in Brookfield, N. Y. When 22 years of age, he removed to Saratoga Co., N. Y., where, and in adjoining sections, he continued in bus iness for fifteen years. Failing to advance his fortunes in the East, in July, 1842, he embarked on the steamer " Indiana " for Detroit. There Mr. Thayer met Sewall Smith, an old and suc cessful merchant of Walworth Co., who was on his way to New York to purchase goods. The unsuccessful, but plucky merchant, was induced to go to East Troy, where he purchased ihe McCracken tavern property, Gaylord Graves drawing the necessary papers. The venture proved the turning-point in his fortunes. Mr. Thayer gathered so goodly a share of this world' s goods, and such a fund of esteem from the community, that he retired, in the spring of 1853, to his farm near the village, to live a life of contentment and peace. He, however, continued in the stock-raising business, and was active in organizing the Walworth County Agricultural Society. Mr. Thayer removed to Whitewater in 1870, where he died April 12, 1879. The services were conducted by Rev. B. D. Conkling, of the Congregational Church, and the remains were interred in Hillside Cemetery. SIDNEY B. TULLAR, Justice of the Peace, one of the prominent men of East Troy, is a native of Vermont, born Aug, 22, 1814. While yet a small boy, he was taken by his parents into the State of New York, where he was brought up on a farm; received a common-school education. In 1835, he was married, at Hammond, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y, to Miss Ruth Bromaghim, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Carey Bromaghim, native of State of New York. Mr. Tullar then continued farming in said State until 1848, when he concluded to go West. He therefore removed his family to Wisconsin, and first settled near Beloit, but, two years subse quently, he purchased property in East Troy, and has since been a resident of the village. Here he served as Justice of the Peace and Town Clerk; also pursued farming until 1861, when he responded to his country's call by enlisting in Co. B, 16th W. V. I., and served until July, 1862, when he was discharged on account of physical debility. Returning home, his health did not permit him to do much business for about two years, since which time he has spent most of his time dtoing town business, as he has been Justice of the Peace the entire time, and Assessor for twelve years. The children living are C. B., Hattie E., Hobert A. and Dell S. A. WILMER, firm of Wilmer Bros., dealers in general merchandise, son of Bernard and Elizabeth Wilmer. He was born in East Troy March 10, 1843; was educated at the village school, also the public schools and Spencerian College of Milwaukee. Subsequently, he taught school for several terms, and, in 1868, was married to Miss Mary A. Boyle, then of East Troy, but a native of Scotland. After marriage, Mr. Wilmer, in partnership with Theo Haller, en gaged in mercantile business, which they continued under the firm name of Wilmer & Haller HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 551 for about three years, when Mr. Wilmer sold his interest to A. E. Oviatte. In 1871, he erected the store he now occupies, associated his brother, Bernard, as partuer, and has since been doing a general merchandise business under firm name of Wilmer Bros. , carrying a stock of about $6,000, The children are Charley and Mary. Mr. Wilmer is a Democrat, but takes nu interest more than to perform his duty as a citizen. B. WILMER, Jr., merchant, firm of Wilmer Bros., son of Bernard and Elizabeth Wilmer, who were natives of Prussia and emigrated to the United States in 1837 ; was married, at Bos ton, Mass. , in 1840, and in the same year came to Wisconsin and settled in East Troy, and still resides on a farm on Sec. 34. Bernard, Jr., was born in July, 1845, received a common-school education and lived with his parents until 1871, since which time he has been a member of the firm of Wilmer Bros. He was married, in 1876, to MisB Eliza Boyle, then of East Troy, but a native of Cohoes, N. Y. ; politics, Democratic. 552 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. „TOWN OF TROY. ORGANIZATION. At the organization of Walworth County in 1838, all the territory covering the northern half of the northeast quarter of the county, being Town 4, Ranges 17 and 18 east, was given the name of Troy. This territory was divided by act of Legislature, March 21, 1843, the eastern half (Town 4, Range 18 east) receiving the name of East Troy, and the western half (Town 4, Range 17 east) retaining the original name. This sketch is restricted to a narration of events connected with the town as existing within its present geographical limits. NATURAL FEATURES. The southwestern portion of Troy is swampy, but the central, northern and eastern parts are diversified with lakes, groves of oak and other varieties of wood, beautiful prairie lands, run ning streams and all the various accessories that help to make a lovely and attractive landscape. The town is watered by Honey Creek, Crooked Creek and several small lakes. Honey Creek was christened in the fall of 1835 by Meacham and Spoor, in their first exploring expedition to Wis consin. When they arrived at the beautiful stream, they found that the bees had discovered the flowery prairie just beyond, and laid up a store of choice food for the coming winter. It had been many long days since the hungry prospectors had tasted such delicious sweets, and they " jumped the claim " of the provident little "settlers," and took possession of their dwelling with all it contained. In remembrance of the confiscated meal, Honey Creek received its name. It enters the town of Troy on Sectioa 31, runs in a general easterly direction through Sections 29, 28, 27, 26 and leaves on Section 25. Crooked Creek, starting on Section 9, runs with countless meanderings into Section 10, curves to the north and enters Section 3, makes a sharp bend to the southeast and empties into Lake Lulu on Section 2. There is also a small creek on Section 13. which forms the outlet of Pickerel Lake. The beautiful little sheet of water, with its one Fairy Island, on Sections 13 and 24, received its name, like Honey Creek, at a veiy early day, Rev. Mr. Beardsley. in his reminiscences of the early history of Troy, says: "An elderly gentleman by the name of Booth came into the country with the Meacham family. He had been in their family a number of years before coming here, and continued with them some years after their emigration here. He was a quiet, retiring man, that seemed not much burdened with worldly cares and labors. He was enchanted with the beautiful lake on Sections 13 and 24 of Troy, and was wont, to spend a large part of his time on the lake, either in fishing or in some other manner. If any one in quired for him, they were probably informed that he was down to the lake. And so it came to pass that it was often remarked by some one, ' Let us go down to the lake and see what Booth is about.' At last, the beautiful little body of water, not surpassed by any in the State, came to be called 'Booth's Lake,' a name which it has continued to hold to this day." Lake Lulu is on Section 2, and Swift's Lake on Section 8. Besides these, there are small ponds scattered all over the State. There is a large swamp, covering about 3,000 acres, in the southwestern part of the town, extending from Sections 31 and 33 over the whole of Section 29, a large portions of Sections 28 and 27, the northwest corner of Section 34 and a part of Sections 33 and 32. There is also quite an extensive swamp in the northern part of the county on Sections 9 and 10. The soil varies according to the locality, that of the level portions, and the small prairies being a vegetable mold, and the higher grounds and oak openings being mixed with clay or sand. Like all the towns in the county, it has lands well adapted to all the various branches pertaining to agricultural pursuits, and that its natural advantages have not been neglected, the fine farms, orchards and harvest-fields bear witness. ! There is a good water-power on Honey Creek, at the site of the old village. It was early improved by the construction of a dam, which, by causing the water to flow back over the marsh, created quite a large pond a little west of the village. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 553 EARLY SETTLERS. The two men who first visited the region of Honey Creek, appreciated its beauty and natural advantages for a permanent location, and decided to make it ' ' their home and the home of their kindred, ' ' were Jesse Meacham and Adolphus Spoor. Of the history of Mr. Spoor, prior to his departure from Lodi, Mich., on his prospecting tour to Wisconsin, there is but a meager account, but of Mr. Meacham more has been preserved. He was born in Burlington, OtBego Co. , N. Y. , about the year 1792, was bred a farmer and received what educational advan tages could be derived from the district schools of the period. At that early time the annual "muster" and review of the militia retained much of the flavor which it had imbibed at its first organization. The Revolutionary fathers were yet alive, and their thrilling stories of op pression and determined resistance yet sounded in the ears of their sons. Young Meacham was infected with the prevailing spirit, and, at the breaking-out of the war of 1812, he entered the American army. He was taken prisoner, and, after suffering many hardships and dangers, barely escaping shipwreck in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and enduring much suspense as to his ultimate fate, he was finally exchanged and reached his home in safety. His title of : ' Major, ' ' therefore, was not an empty one, but earned by actual service. In 1828, he was married to his brother's widow. He never had children of his own, but her three sons stood to him in their place, and he was to them a father. Soon after his marriage, he removed to Lodi, Mich. , bought a farm and remained there about eight years. In the fall of 1835, having sold his fatrm, he decided to look farther west before again lo cating. Adolphus Spoor, his neighbor, being also desirous of exploring the new "Territory of Wisconsin," they started together from Lodi, in September, 1835, on their prospecting tour. The first point made was Milwaukee. At that little village, they were joined by two companions, Andrews and Camp, also explorers and prospectors, then proud in the possession of ' ' one frame house," built by Solomon Juneau, and rejoicing in their newly located post office, the little party placed themselves under the guidance of one Milo Jones, who had some knowledge of the region they desired to visit. They struck the ' ' Big Indian Trail, ' ' from Milwaukee to Rock River, and followed it west, stopping at "Waukesha's Village" and " Mukwanago' s Village," as these places were then called, on their way. Reaching the region now known as East Troy, they proceeded west until they reached the little stream now called Honey Creek, near the site of the present mill. From Honey Creek (so named by them at the time), they went on to where Janesville is now located and still farther on to the present sites of Beloit and Rockford, and thence, turning eastward, passed through Belvidere and Chicago on their way back to Lodi. When passing through Elkhart, Ind. , they remained overnight. Being full of enthusiasm, and delighted with the new and beautiful country they had visited-— particularly with the locality of Honey Creek, where they had determined to settle — they expatiated perhaps in too glowing terms for their own interest, on its manifold advantages and attractions. The description prob ably awakened a desire in their listeners to "see for themselves" this land that was flowing with honey, if not milk, and led to quite a disappointment for the explorers on their return. After returning to Lodi, Messrs. Meacham and Spoor immediately began to make prepara tions for their departure with their families early in the coming spring. Mr. Meacham had a family of eight, and Mr. Spoor one of six, to take to the new home. Many things must be made ready before such a number of persons could start on a long journey, which was to end in a wil derness, entirely beyond the reach of the most common necessaries of life. About the 1st of May, 1836, the little colony set forth. Their heavy household goods were ¦shipped to Milwaukee, and the indispensables for the journey were laden upon immense covered wagons — each family having one, drawn by two yoke of oxen. Mr. Meacham had a horse in addition to the oxen. After reaching Chicago, the party proceeded north along the lake shore to Racine, and thence west to Fox River. They found but one house on their route — at Call's, now Ives' Grove. The party arrived at Fox River, at the point where the village of Rochester now is, May 21. They crossed the river the next morning. Mr. S. A. Dwinnell gives a graphic account of the difficulties they encountered in the passage: " The stream — some sixty yards wide — was much swollen by recent rains. The Major had with him a fine blooded horse with which the men forded the river several times to ascertain the best place for crossing. He then placed his goods-boxes upon grain measures in his wagon 554 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. to raise them above the water. Upon the boxes, he placed the women. In this perilous po sition, with the driver on horseback, they attempted to ford the stream. When they reached the current, the horse began to flounder, and the oxen were frightened, and all but one com menced to plunge and back water. They were in great danger of upsetting; but one ox, raising up his head and tail so that they nearly met, went straight through upon the bottom, taking the others with him, and they were landed in safety, upon which the men raised a shout of joy for their deliverance. The Major declared that the ox which had thus saved them in their peril should never be killed or sold. He kept him until he died a natural death, and then gave him a decent burial. ' ' The party, after crossing the river, found one solitary family, consisting of Levi Godfrey and wife, who had been settled barely long enough to get up their log cabin, but long enough to be ready to give new-comers a welcome and entertain them hospitably, as the following extract shows. Mr. Isaac F. Smith, in his " Journal of 1836," says: " We were awakened next morn ing without being summoned by that modern contrivance called a gong, and, before sunrise, forded Fox River waist deep, and in good time for breakfast arrived at neighbor Godfrey's (Mr. Godfrey had expressed himself as very glad that Mr. Smith, who was about to settle on the Rock River, would be so near a neighbor to him), where we discussed his hospitalities in a manner to satisfy the ambitions of the most fastidious cook in the country. At this place, we met the families of Maj. Meacham, Mr. Spoor and two others on their way to Troy. ' ' Mr. Smith also says, in another place, that " at this timejino wagons had ever yet been west of God frey' s. " A wagon had certainly been, as Palmer Gardner drove his into Spring Prairie April 15 — a month earlier. The women remained at Mr. Godfrey's four days, while the men went to Honey Creek, a distance of twelve miles, to select their sites upon which to build, and blaze the trees as a guide1 to the selected location. The entire party reached the place of their destination May 27, 1836. When Messrs. Meacham and Spoor reached Honey Creek, to their surprise and consternation, they found that the coveted prize, which they had taken so much pains to reach, and supposed just within their grasp, had apparently escaped them. . The especial " claims ' * Upon which their hearts were set, had the settler's mark upon them — the plow had broken the land in a circle which took in a corner of each quarter-section, and other indisputable marks of prior claim had been made. They submitted to the disappointment as best they might, and made the best of it by purchasing the claims. Mr. Othni Beardsley, with his brother Alexander, and a young man named Roberts were the fortunate possessors of the claims on Honey Creek. They had also been prospecting, and had selected this location and made their claims. Mr. Othni Beardsley and his brother, after selling their first claims, selected others in the vicinity upon which they located, Othni upon Sections 23 and 26, and Alexander finally settling still farther to the west. Mr. Roberts moved to the east and became the first East Troy settler. Mr. Meacham's claim was on Section 25, Mr. Adolphus Spoor' s on the same section, but farther east. In a few weeks, Sylvanus Spoor and his brother John joined the settlers, Sylvanus locating a claim on Section 24. where he lived until the time of his death, and where his widow still resides. John Spoor bought the claim of Alexander Beardsley. A young man by the name of Ruggles, and an elderly man by the name of Booth, came in with the ' Meacham party. There is no record of their making any claims unless Mr. Booth located his on the lake which bears his name. The Meacham party commenced their houses immediately after their arrival, and. as they were pretty well supplied with the necessary implements, they were able to saw the logs by hand, so as to commence housekeeping with a floor and other unusual luxuries in their log house. An old settler who visited them in the fall of 1836, speaks of their surroundings thus: "At Meacham's Prairie, now Troy, I found the families of A. Spoor, Maj. Jesse Meacham and Othni Beardsley. The latter was the first settler there, arriving a few days previous to the other two, who had made claims the previous autumn. They were all from the Territory of Michigan, and reached the spot about the middle of May, 1836. They were each possessed of considerable property, and, having the advantage of rich prairie lands upon which to locate, surrounded with timber in abundance, with a fine stream of durable water at hand, they were able to make their families comfortable at once, and the wilderness to blossom as the rose. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 555 Their log houses were neatly constructed, having floors of boards, which had been sawed by hand with whipsaws. ' ' Othni Beardsley commenced plowing May 16, 1836. Mr. Palmer Gardner, of Spring Prairie, got the start of him by a few days. Mr. Othni Beardsley was a resident of Troy for many years, and also a prominent citizen of the county. He was the first member of the House from Walworth County for the joint Dis tricts of Walworth and Rock. He was first elected in 1838, and re-elected in 1839 and 1840. Adolphus Spoor located on the eastern part of Section 25; died in 1867. Sylvanus Spoor located on Section 24, and lived there until 1878, when he removed to the village of East Troy. He died in 1879. John Spoor bought the claim of Alexander Beardsley. He lived ten years on Section 30, East Troy, and then removed to Lyons; died April 9, 1867. John R. Robinson and two brothers located on the northeast quarter of Section 23, in the fall of 1836, and George R. on 22 and 23 in 1837. During the summer of 1837, quite a colony emigrated from Hadley, Mass., and settled near the present village of Troy. The particular locality they selected was known by the name of Hadley Hill. Deacon George Hibbard and family, Charles Heath and family and Deacon Augustus Smith and family composed the colony. Deacon Smith came in June, 1838, and bought Alexander Beardsley's claim. A. M. Perry located in May, 1837, and returned for his father in 1838. During the next summer, Mr. Perry and his son, Albon M. Perry, located at Troy Center. Bemis and A. M. Foster settled in the west part of the town. Marcus Montague, from Massachusetts, made a claim in 1837, but lived only a few years after settling in the place. His widow, Mrs. Rice, still lives in Troy; also two children — Harry Montague and Mrs. Dean. Horace Smith, from Massachusetts, a carpenter by trade, but worked little at that occupa tion, was active in all religious matters and a stanch, reliable citizen. - Elias, Truman and William. B. were adult members of the two Hibbard families that settled on "Hadley Hill." Elias was the first Treasurer for the new town of Troy, served faithfully in some public capacity for many years, and died in the town he selected for his early home. Truman died in Milwaukee several years ago, and William B., after residing in the same city for many years a prominent and influential citizen, removed to Chicago, where he now resides. Soldan Powers arrived in, Troy May, 1837, and located his claim on Section 10 just north of the present village of Troy Center. At the first town meeting, April 5, 1842, Mr. Powers was honored by being elected to three offices — School Commissioner, Highway Commissioner and Fence Viewer. Since the division of the town, he has served fourteen terms as Town Clerk, besides filling various other offices. He was born June 14, 1805, in the town of, Marshfield, Washington Co. , Vt. , and received his education at the common schools and academies in the vicinity. After leaving Vermont, he resided three years in Franklin County, N. Y., two years in Orleans County, same State, two years in Jackson County, Mich., and came to Wisconsin in May, 1837, selecting a claim of 169 acres in Troy and settling upon it. During the first winters in Troy, he taught school, one at East Troy and one at Troy Center. His first school in the territory was taught at Whitewater, and was the first school of Whitewater. In the fall of 1838, the first board of county officers was elected, and, as Walworth had not, at that time, been detached from Racine County,, the returns had to be made to Southport (now Kenosha), the county seat of Racine County. Mr. Powers, being a member of the election board, went on foot with the returns to Southport, and at that place was unfortunately robbed by his fellow-lodger of all his cash, save 18 pence — a rather small amount for hotel bills and expenses home. In May, 1842, Mr. Powers married Miss Anna Flanders, of Stanstead, Canada East. Of their children now living, there are Levi P. , Sarah A. (Mrs. E. Harrington, Kansas), Clarence L. and Mary A. (Mrs. W. C. Gregg, Troy). George W. Blanchard came in with Soldan Powers May, 1837, and settled on Section 11. He has been dead about twenty-seven years. His widow made her home with J. E. Reynolds, her son-in-law, until her death, December, 1881. J. R. Kling located on Section 29 and 30. Jacob Kling did not arrive until many years 556 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. after. The latter was born in New York in 1784; is now ninety-seven years of age, and has a family of twelve children, some of whom are grandparents. He now lives with J. R. Kling m Troy. A. H. Odell settled on Section 35, in the southern part of the town. He and his descend ants still live on the same place. Jesse Mayhew came in 1840 or 1841, and settled in the southern part of the town. THE ''PORTER SETTLEMENT." Samuel L. Porter, a native of Long Island, settled in Troy in 1837, but afterward removed to Delavan and thence, to Baraboo, Sauk County, where he died. Mr. Porter built and run a hotel for many years. That building, which he also occupied as a house, is still standing. Mr. Porter did not enter his land until October 10, 1838, his claim being on Section 17. Among those that arrived in 1837 were Henry C. and Selah S. Porter, with their families. The Porter brothers were natives of Long Island. Henry C. was married in New York City. Removed, after his marriage, to New London, Conn.; back to the city of New York in 1822; to Holly, Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1832, and, in 1837, to Wisconsin. He arrived, with his family j in Troy, October 9. Selah S. Porter, after leaving his home on Long Island, went to the city of New York and learned the printer's trade. He married, and, after some years, removed to Wis consin, arriving at Troy, with his family, in company with his brother, Henry C. Samuel L., who came the preceding season, was living in his log house, and the newly-arrived brothers, with their families, moved in with him. The united families counted sixteen, and the little house served for a tavern at the same time. December 24, Henry C. moved into his own log house — at the time minus a roof. Mr. Porter entered his land in the northwest quarter of Section 20, which claim is recorded March 1, 1839. The Porter families, with their children, were the basis of what was known as the " Porter Settlement," near the western central portion of the town. Within the next few years after their arrival, settlers came in very rapidly, among others, there was James Stratton, father of W. J. Stratton, who located on Section 20, in the summer of 1843. His family consisted of his wife and only child. His brother-in-law, Moses Kelloway, had arrived the previous year, and both settled upon the same section. During the winter of 1843, the first district school established near the settlement was opened near S. B. Chatfield' s house, and the then youthful W. J. Stratton confesses that he has good cause to remember who taught it — John Stewart, of La Grange. After the people of the district had used the little log building for educational and religious purposes for some seven years, a faction, which may be denominated the aristocratic element, clamored for a frame structure. Their opponents were sturdy, and the last meeting held in the building ended in open warfare. The meeting dis persed, but those who believed that they had outgrown the log schoolhouse did not go to their homes. Before the next morning sun rose, the log building was leveled to the ground, and a frame building duly made its appearance. The first religious services were held at about the time the log schoolhouse was built, by Rev. James Flanders and Rev. James Delaney. The latter, now a resident of Whitewater, was then living in East Troy. Previous to this period, S. Fowler had settled upon Section 22 and Loren Ferry upon Sec tion 21. In 1844, M. Watson and his brother-in-law, H. Drake, settled on Section 21; also S. Richmond and his family. It was at about this time that the famous controversy over the location of the " quarter line road " occurred. The Porters opposed it, as it would leave them out in the "cold." The dis pute lasted for a couple of years, more than one fence being scattered to the winds and as pluckily erected, while the road was being "fixed," as it runs at present. It is now a fine thoroughfare, but the memories of the former heat of battle still cling to objects adjacent. The cemetery is known as the ' ' Quarter Line Cemetery, ' ' and the first stone erected in it marks the burial-place of James Stratton, who died January 1, 1849. There was the "Quarter Line Schoolhouse, ' ' and the boys of those men who were ' ' Quarter Liners ' ' were known all over the town as " Quarter Line Boys. ' ' HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 557 FIRST THINGS AND EVENTS. William Pitt Meacham, a grandson of Mrs. Patience Meacham, and son of Urban D. Meacham, was born in Troy, September 27, 1836 — the first birth in the town, and also in the' county. The earliest marriage of which there is record was that of Sylvanus Spoor and Caroline Goodrich, November 16, 1837. Another early marriage was that of Rev. James Flanders, a Methodist minister, to Miss An^Elizabeth Porter, daughter of H. 0. Porter. Rev, Jesse Halstead (Methodist) was the first minister, being attached to the old Aztalan Circuit. Iti 1837, one of his appointments was at "Meacham's Prairie," and the quarterly meeting of that year was held at the same place. In the winter of 1839-40, a school was taught in the log house of Samuel L. Porter, by Mrs. Ladd, of Mukwanago. The entire number of pupils, taking in all the " grades, " was seven. One of the old residents of the town, then a youth, says they occasionally had a spell ing school, and one of His early triumphs was achieved on such an occasion; he " spelled the school down." The scholars consisted almost, if not entirely, of the Porter children. The earliest district school was in the northern part of the township, taking in a portion of the northwest part of East Troy. The school was taught by Edmund Butts, at a salary of $10 per month, raised by assessment on the parents, according to the number of children sent. Mr. Butts and his wife lived in the house in which the school was taught. It was District No. 1, and existed as early as 1839. ;. The first post office established was in 1837-38; Jesse Meacham, postmaster, at the old village of Troy. Albert Hibbard carried the first mail, from Troy to Elkhorn, in 1838. The first Postmaster at Troy Center was John A. Perry. There are now post offices at Adams, Little Prairie, Mayhew, Troy and Troy Center. S. B. Edwards, who opened the first blacksmith-shop in the town in 1839, now resides in Whitewater. He came from Chenango County, N. Y. , and landed in Milwaukee May 10 of that year. S. G. West, then a young boy, was his companion, and the two footed it through to Wal worth County together. There he at once went to work at his trade, and, as he was the only general blacksmith on the direct road between Milwaukee and Janesville, he had more business than he could attend to. Mukwanago, Troy, East Troy, Eagle, La Grange, Sugar Creek, Rock Prairie, Elkhorn, and that region round, patronized him. So great was the demand upon his skill that his customers would be obliged to wait two or three days for their turn to come. They would turn out their teams to pasture, and patiently suffer the inevitable without a frown or a grumble. But the bulk of Mr. Edwards' work was the repairing of plows. In the mean time, he had returned East and brought back his wife. After residing two years in Troy, he removed to East Troy, where he continued to follow his profitable trade for a number of years. One of the first blacksmiths was A. Hutchinson, who, in 1840, opened a shop in the ex treme western part of the town. After residing here a few years, he removed to Dodge County. Mr. Hutchinson, the last heard from, was following his old trade, at Neosho, in that county. EARLY FESTIVITIES. The atmosphere of a home, while yet the children are young, is very nearly what the par ents make it. If they are joyous, youthful in their feelings, and ready to start the merry game, or tell the wonderful tale in the evening — if the noise, and bustle, and laughter, and «mg, are pleasant to them — then their home very soon becomes the favorite resort of all the fundoving children in the neighborhood. It is the place where they can " have a real good time. " So with the new town. In the earlier years of its growth, some leading spirit, or spirits, instinctively and with no special volition of their own, determine its general atmos phere. It would seem that in the early days Troy was one of the homes where the " boys and girls " of Walworth County loved to gather when they felt the need of a good, genuine, hearty frolic —something to relieve the monotony and loneliness of a pioneer life. There are many tales 558 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. told of merry doings at "Meacham's Prairie," and many pleasant memories connected with the hospitable founders of the place. " The Major " and " Mother Meacham," or "Aunt Patience " —the names by which she is remembered now — still hold a large and very warm place in the hearts of all who knew them. In speaking of the latter, an old friend, who knew her long and well, recently said: "There was never a better woman lived; kind, generous, hospitable, never turning the needy from her door — from the Mississippi to Lake Michigan there was not a woman better known or better loved than ' Mother Meacham. ' " When she passed away, March 11, 1875, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, with her mental faculties unimpaired and her kindly spirit unchanged, the whole county mourned her loss. During the early winters, the log houses of Troy were the scenes of many a merry dance; and, although the music might sound a little thin to ears accustomed to the stringed bands of to-day, it served its purpose well, and what the music lacked, the enthusiasm and exuberant spirits of the dancers supplied. When the festivities of the winter were over, and the seed was sown, and the garden planted, and the prairie was brigiit with verdure and flowers, there was a chance to rest a little and "kindle the fires of patriotism." The Fourth of July was cele brated in Troy just as soon as there were enough people to be got together to make a celebration — in 1837 — and celebrated in style, too, with a banquet and toasts, and a dance in the evening. One of the toasts has been preserved. It was given by Dr. James Tripp, of East Troy, and was as follows: " To that important personage, the Devil — may he never be permitted to make vis its abroad, nor to receive company at hume. " This celebration was at the house of Othni Beardsley. Another notable celebration was that of July 4, 1840. The service comprised reading of the Declaration of Independence, by Lucius Allen; an oration by Hon. Edward Elderkin; a short speech by Urban D. Meacham; music, etc., ending with a banquet. Dr. Tripp was Pres ident of the Day. The literary part of the programme was to be carried out in Jesse Meacham's new barn, and, for the convenience of the orator, ladies, band, and some of the distinguished guests, a platform was constructed at one extremity of the building. The Declaration was read, and Mr. Elderkin commenced his speech. He grew warm and waxed eloquent, when, just as the American eagle was taking one of his loftiest flights, the unstable platform gave way, and orator, ladies, bass drums and fifes, " distinguished guests " and " prominent citizens " came down in a promiscuous heap. The orator of the day was among the first of the disarranged celebrators to make his ap pearance "right side up," and is said to have been entirely oblivious to possible bodily injuries until his wild question, " Where's my speech"? " had been satisfactorily answered. As no one was seriously injured, it was very funny, and, after shaking off the dust and smoothing out their disheveled clothing, the patriotic crowd went on with the ceremonies. The glorious bird resumed his flight as cheerfully as if nothing had interrupted it, and the fes tivities of the occasion were in no measure marred by the sudden downfall. At the dinner which succeeded the oration, toasts were given, and Dr. Tripp gave one which, in the ears of Maj. Meacham, savored too strongly of Whigism, whereupon the stanch old Democrat respond ed with: " The Whigs— they should wear a longer jacket, or steal a shorter fish." The dinner was furnished by Clark & Brewer, landlords of the old hotel, and served to the guests in the open air on the green in front of the tavern. An old settler of Troy relates, among his early experiences, one, of attending a wedding, at which the groom was summarily called from his bride just as the knot was being tied. The pigs had escaped from the pen and made themselves heard at the door. There was no time to be wasted, and the minister, bride and company had to wait until the pigs were caught and securely imprisoned before the ceremony could proceed. The narrator of the story mentioned, also, the fact that he " sung at the wedding. " GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. When the first settlers of Troy entered the town, they had with them only such articles as were essential for their immediate wants. They brought no cattle nor stock of any kind, and the HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 561 first thing to be done, after the houses were built and the families under cover, was to provide themselves with the requisites for profitable farming. Accordingly, Messrs. Meacham and Spoor made a journey to Illinois in the fall of 1836, to buy cattle; another, the following spring, for hogs; and again, to Indiana, for seed grain for the crop of 1837. There was at this time no grist-mill in the county, and it required long and laborious journeys to procure even the most common comforts of life. The season was too far advanced when Messrs. Meach am, Spoor and Beardsley reached Troy to raise much except vegetables that season. In 1837, various kinds of grain were raised, but it was not until 1838 that any large quantity of wheat was raised. Had it not been for the fishing-rod and the gun, the larders of those days would have been even more scantily supplied than they were. After the Milwaukee & Janesville mail route was laid out, in 1838, and an office established at Troy (Meacham's, or Honey Prairie), the village grew quite rapidly, and bid fair to become a place of considerable importance. Maj. Meacham was appointed Postmaster of the new office, and continued to hold the position for many years. Mr. Soldan Powers states that he must have performed the duties of Postmaster before the mail route was established, as he met the Major in May, 1837, on his way to Milwaukee for the mail, Mr. Powers being at the time on his way to Troy to select his claim. At this time, Maj. Meacham was probably the most influ ential man in the county. His prompt decision and equally prompt action, combined with his cheerful, hearty spirit, seemed to infuse life into the town where be lived. About 1838 or 1839, he opened, a public house on the Milwaukee & Janesville road, which he kept for a long time. About 1843, he erected a barn, which served as a sort of public hall for a time. It was 40x100 feet — the largest in the county, and, perhaps, in the Territory. The Troy Flouring- Mill was built by hirn in 1844, on Honey Creek, near his residence. It was a three-story building, very fine for the time in which it was built. A public or district school was started at Troy as early as 1839. It was District No. I, and the school tax was levied upon the parents of the scholars in proportion to the number of children they sent. A log schoolhouse was erected, and a teacher, Miss Lucinda Allen — now Mrs. Young; she taught the next summer in District No. 3. Edmund Butts afterward taught, at $10 per month, the first winter school in a private house. Mr. Butts and his wife lived in the house. The number of scholars was ten. The school was in the northern part of the town. Miss Allen taught in District No. 3. Butts taught the first school iu town (in District No. 1). The first assessment list of Troy (1842) shows 130 resident landholders and 35 non-resident owners. The land came into market three years previous. SEPARATION OF THE TOWNS. The old town of Troy was divided, by act of Legislature, March 21, 1843. The question of division had been agitated for some time, as the size of the town proved a source of incon venience in arranging for public meetings which embraced the citizens from its extreme limits. The western part of the town was gradually becoming known as West Troy, and letters to the residents were so addressed. As that portion had the claim of priority of settlement, the set tlers wished to retain the old name, and accordingly, a petition was presented to the Legislature signed by leading citizens of the west part of the town, praying that their portion might be set off from the township as it then existed, and that it might still retain the name of Troy. The petition was partially granted — the town was set off, but, to the utter disgust and indignation of Maj. Meacham, it was given the name of " Meacham." The Major was not a man easily thwarted when he had set his mind on carrying a measure, and, believing that it was through the influence of citizens of the eastern portion of the town that the old name was denied, he lost no time, but immediately started for Madison to fix things more in accordance with his sense of justice and propriety. He arranged matters to his entire satisfaction; as he expressed it, " I let them know there was a God in Israel. " The petition was granted according to the original request, and the citizens and the Major rejoiced at the name of simple, unprefixed " Troy. " So the older town (by a few weeks) received no more letters bearing the offensive ad dress of " West Troy, " and the younger, to its soitow, had no office for " East Troy " letters to be addressed to for the space of a year. 562 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. TOWN MEETINGS AND ROSTER. The first town meeting of Troy (before its separation from East Troy) was held, according to notice, " at the house occupied by Austin McCracken in said town, on the 5th day of April, 1842, between the hours of 9 and 11 o'clock A. M." (See East Troy.) The first town meeting held by the voters of the present town of Troy was at the house of Augustus Smith, on the first Monday in May, 1843. The meeting was organized by appointing Augustus Smith, Moderator, and Soldan Powers, Clerk. The meeting then adjourned to the schoolhouse near Jesse Meacham' s residence. Upon again calling the meeting to order, Au gustus Smith was again chosen Moderator, and Henry C. Porter, Clerk. The officers elected at this meeting were as follows: Supervisors, Jesse Meacham, Chairman; Franklin Bigelow, A. M. Perry; Town Clerk, Alonzo Dougherty; Treasurer, Elias Hibbard; Assessors, Selah S. Porter, Timothy Mower; Collector, William B. Hibbard; Commissioners of Highways, Hiram Perry, Cryton Bigelow, Edwin Meacham; Commissioners of Schools, Timothy Mower, Alonzo Daugherty, William H. Gilbert; ConstableB, William B. Hibbard, A. M. Perry. Among other resolutions, the following were passed at this meeting: " That the town raise $50 for the support of the public schools for the ensuing year; that the town officers should re ceive 50 cents per day for services rendered; and that the town raise $75 for its contingent ex penses for the ensuing year." The following is a list of the town officials from the organization of the town, in 1843, to and including the year 1881 : 1844 — Supervisors, Jesse Meacham, Chairman; A. M. Perry, Selah S.Porter; Town Clerk, A Daugherty; Treasurer, Elias Hibbard 1845 — Supervisors, Elias Hibbard, Chairman; Selah S. Porter, Alexander F. Bunker; Town Clerk, Soldan Powers; Treasurer, Augustus Smith. 1846 — Supervisors, Elias Hibbard, Chairman; Selah S. Porter, Timothy Mower, Jr. ; Town Clerk, Soldan Powers; Treasurer, Augustus Smith. 1847 — Supervisors, Adam E. Ray, Chairman; Timothy Mower, Jr., Mark Watson; Town Clerk, John A. Perry; Treasurer, Augustus Smith. 1848 — Supervisors, R. J. Northrop, Chairman; Mark Watson, Elias Hibbard; Town Clerk, John A. Perry; Treasurer, I. W. Hibbard. 1849 — Supervisors, Adam E. Ray, Chairman; Henry C. Porter, Chapman Crafts; Town Clerk, L S. Dean; Treasurer, Augustus Smith. 1850 — Supervisors, Timothy Mower, Chairman; Sylvanus Spopr, Salmon C. Harmon; Town Clerk, Soldan Powers; Treasurer, Adam E. Ray. 1851 — Supervisors, Soldan Powers, Chairman; Elias Hibbard, Chester C. Beach; Town Clerk, H. C. Porter; Treasurer, A. M. Perry. 1852 — Supervisors, Garrett Winne, Chairman; C. C. Beach, James G. Briggs; Town Clerk, John A. Perry; Treasurer, A. M. Perry. 1853 — Supervisors, Garrett Winne, Chairman; John Swift, Hiram Brewster; Town Clerk, Daniel Hooper; Treasurer, Jacob R. Kling. 1854 — Supervisors, S. S. Porter, Chairman; George Hibbard, C. C. Beach; Town Clerk, Sol dan Powers; Treasurer, A. M. Perry. 1855— Supervisors, A. M. Perry, Chairman; Thomas Emerson, H. B. Thayer; Town Clerk, Soldan Powers; Treasurer, Donald Stewart. 1856 -Supervisors, Adam, E. Ray, Chairman; John Swift, H. B. Thayer; Town Clerk, Sol dan Powers; Treasurer, Selah S. Porter. 1857- Supervisors, Adam E. Ray, Chairman; S.G.Smith, H. B.Thayer; Town Clerk, Sol dan Powers; Treasurer, A. B. Dibble. 1858— Supervisors, Daniel Hooper, Chairman; H. A. Taylor, S. C. Harmon; Town Clerk, Soldan Powers; Treasurer, R. M. Hibbard. 1859— Supervisors, Morris Taylor, Chairman; E. A. Hubbard, C. C. Beach; Town Clerk, James G. Briggs; Treasurer, R. M. Hibbard. 1860— Supervisors, S. S. Porter, Chairman; S. G Smith, George H. Willis; Town Clerk, James G. Briggs; Treasurer, R. M. Hibbard. HISTORY OF .WALWORTH COUNTY. 563 1862 — Supervisors, E. L. Dean, Chairman; W. P. Johnston, Lyman Clemons; Town Clerk, Soldan Powers; Treasurer, S. S. Porter. 1863— Supervisors, N. M. Bunker, Chairman; S. G. Smith, M. P. Bishop; Town Clerk, Soldan Powers ; Treasurer, Charles D. Baldwin. 1864 — Supervisors, N. M. Bunker, Chairman; William Vandenburgh, George Hibbard; Town Clerk, Soldan Powers; Treasurer, A. M. Perry. 1865 — Supervisors, S. S. Porter, Chairman; Samuel Murdock, James G. Briggs; Town Clerk, Soldan Powers ; Treasurer, A. M. Perry. 1866 — Supervisors, E. A. Hubbard, Chairman; Daniel Vandenburgh, S. C. Harmon; Town Clerk, L. J. Smith; Treasurer, W. A. Dean. 1867 — Supervisors, E. A. Hubbard, Chairman; H. E. Nourse, C. B. Ackley; Town Clerk, L. J. Smith; Treasurer, A. J. Bliss. 1868 — Supervisors, E. A. Hubbard, Chairman; William Vandenburgh, C. B. Ackley; Town Clerk, L. J. Smith; Treasurer, J. W. Medbury. 1869 — Supervisors, L. J. Smith, Chairman; J. B. Lagrange, W. H. Mayhew; Town Clerk, P. L. Andrus; Treasurer, N. M. Bunker. 1870 — Supervisors, W. H. Mayhew, Chairman; William Vandenburgh, Austin Randall; Town Clerk, B. Reynolds (elected but did not serve), Soldan Powers (appointed); Treasurer, W. A. Dean. 1871 — Supervisors, L.J. Smith, Chairman; D. Hooper, Austin Randall; Town Clerk, Paul Schwartz, Jr.; Treasurer. O. F. Winne. 1872 — Supervisors, L. J. Smith, Chairman; J. A. Schwartz, J. B. Lagrange; Town Clerk, Paul Schwartz, Jr. ; Treasurer, W. H. Morrison. 1873 — Supervisors, J. E. Reynolds, Chairman; Fred Owen, O. L. Winne; Town Clerk, Paul Schwartz, Jr. ; Treasurer, Charles Dingman. 1874 — Supervisors, J. E. Reynolds, Chairman; John Baker, R. M. Hibbard; Town Clerk, L. J. Smith; Treasurer, H. L. Randolph. 1875 -Supervisors, J. E. Reynolds, Chairman; John Matheson, John Chapman; Town Clerk, H. L. Randolph (did not serve), L. J. Smith (appointed); Treasurer. C. B. Babcock. 1876 — Supervisors, John Matheson, Chairman; Fred Owen, Frank Minett; Town Clerk, Soldan Powers; Treasurer, C. B. Babcock. 1877 — Supervisors, John Matheson, Chairman; O. L. Dingman, Fred Owen; Town Clerk, E. L. Andrus; Treasurer, C. D. Baldwin. 1878 — Supervisors, John Matheson, Chairman; George Terwilleger, John Bluett; Town Clerk, F. L. Andrus; Treasurer, C. D. Baldwin. 1879 — Supervisors, W. H. Mayhew, Chairman; William Vandenburgh, -H. L. Rice; Town Clerk, P. B. Stratton; Treasurer, John Hooper. 1880 — Supervisors, J. G. Briggs, Chairman; William Vandenburgh, E. T. Atkins; Town Clerk, P. B. Stratton; Treasurer, Fred Owen. 1881— Supervisors, J. E. Reynolds, Chairman; William Vandenburgh, E. T. Atkins; Town Clerk, P. B. Stratton; Treasurer, Thomas Donahue. TROY CENTER. The village of Troy Center is located on Sections 14 and 15 in the town of Troy. Pre vious to the coming of the railroad, a " neighborhood " had sprung up about half a mile north of the present village on Sections 10 and 11. The first settlers there were Soldan Powers, A. M. Perry and George W. Blanchard, in May, 1837. They, with the exception of Mr. Blanch ard — who came from Milwaukee — came from Chicago. The first house built was of logs, in size 10x12 feet, and covered with oak bark. This they lived in until a larger one, 16x22, one and a half stories high, was built, in which they lived during the following winter. A few dwellings were subsequently erected here, but the place assumed no importance until the com ing of the railroad, in 1871, when the village was moved to its present location. The land on which the village is built was purchased from J. G. Briggs by some of the railroad officials in 1871, and platted into village lots. Charles Wyman erected the first house on the village plat, during the same year. J. A. Schwartz also built and opened a store at that time. Will- 564 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. iam H. Dewitt built a warehouse in 1871. In November, 1870, N. M. Bunker and L. J. Smith associated themselves under the firm name of Bunker & Smith, and purchased this ware house, which they are still operating, dealing in grain, wool, live stock, etc. The Troy Center Hotel was built by George Dewitt, in 1871, and purchased by Bingham Sprague. Mr. Sprague kept it until he disposed of it, in 1876, to its present proprietor, Abram Beachtel. The flouring-mill at Troy was built by Jesse Meacham in 1844. It has since been burned down twice, and rebuilt each time. It is now owned by J. A. Pierce, of Sugar Creek, and ope rated by George McCarty. It is known as the Empire Mills. It is two stories high and has three run of stone. At a very early day, a saw-mill was built on Section 31. There was afterward a grist-mill started in the same locality, known as the Foster Mill, built by Bemis Foster, of Elkhorn. It was first run by Mr. Foster, and afterward by Patterson & Lane until the former's death, No vember 13, 1881. It is now run by Mr. Lane. MAYHEW STATION. In 1871. a warehouse was built at this point by subscription, under the supervision of John Mather, and the railroad company established a station there. Subsequently, the ware house was burned down, and, in 1872, was rebuilt by John Matheson. Mr. Matheson, at about the same time, built and opened a store, blacksmith-shop, etc. In 1873, he was commissioned as Postmaster at this point, in accordance with a petition presented to the Post Office Depart ment asking for the establishment of the office. During the same year, he was made railroad and express agent, and telegraph operator. Mr. Matheson carries a general stock of goods, and deals in live stock, grain, wool, and all kinds of produce. Mayhew Station is connected with East Troy by a telephone line, built by John Matheson and H. H. Rogers. Little Prairie is a small hamlet in the extreme northwestern part of the town of Troy. Adam E. Ray and the Bigelow families were among the prominent early settlers. The Methodist Episcopal Church was the earliest organized in that section, Elder Butts, a Tevivalist, being the first mover in its formation. A small building was erected for the society, which, after being moved several times, was finally sold to John Credicutt. The Bible Christians organized a society at Little Prairie about the year 1858, holding their first services in a schoolhouse. They subsequently purchased the " Temperance Hall," and remodeled it into a church building, which was destroyed by fire. About 1874, the society built another church, and organized a society, the first members of which were Joseph Lackey, James Baird, Jerome Cook, Henry Cook, William H. Morrison, William Malcolmson, Thomas Coombs and others. A Sabbath school has been maintained in connection with the church. The first pastor was Rev. Henry Ebbetts, who has been succeeded by the following clergymen: Revs. William Jolliffe, Wait, I. Dumbleton, Samuel Jolliffe, T. H. Day. Greenway, Williston and George Haycraft. The society of the Seventh-Day Adventists of Little Prairie held their first meeting Jan uary 19, 1867, at the house of C. W. Olds, in the town of Eagle, Waukesha Co., Wis. The first Trustees were Pliny Potter, C. W. Olds and William Cartley. The society owns a church build ing, but it is not at present in a very flourishing condition. The school grounds are all in Troy; the district comprises two and a half acres, being situated in four towns -Troy, La Grange, Eagle and Palmyra. The school property is valued at $1,800. CHURCHES. Methodist. — In 1837, the old Aztalan Circuit was organized, and an appointment established at Troy. The first preachers were Revs. Samuel Pillsbury and Jesse Halstead. A quarterly meeting was held during the year at Meacham's Prairie. The Congregational Church was organized August 17, 1839, by Rev. Lemuel Hall. There were twenty -five constituent members. In the ten years following its organization, the church was increased by eighty-three, having had, in all,, a membership of 108. In 1848, the church and society erected a church edifice costing $1,400, with a seating capacity of about 300. HISTORY' OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 565 There was at this time a Sunday school connected with the church, which was largely at tended and very successful. There have been connected with the church as pastors: Rev. Lemuel Hall, Rev. M. Ordway, Rev. D. A. Sherman, Rev. S. Chaffee, Rev. C. E. Rosenkranz, Rev. R. R. Snow, Rev. Millon Wells, Rev. James Hall and Rev. E. Sedgwick. The church be came .weakened in consequence of some internal disagreement, and, about 1860, it was sold, and is now used for school purposes. THE WAR RECORD. Troy stood the siege of the war days in the spirit of her namesake several centuries ago. She furnished her full quota, and raised $12,659 as her share of blood money in putting down the rebellion. Her record, as found in the general war history, is one over which she need not blush. troy in 1881. The population of Troy, according to the Federal Census of 1880, was 964. The grain and other agricultural products were: Wheat, 34,750 bushels; corn, 61,000 bushels; oats, 34,000 bushels; barley, 5,100 bushels; rye, 1,500 bushels; potatoes, 7,500 bush els; apples, 9,000 bushels; tobacco, 9,000 pounds; hay, 1,952 tons; butter, 48,000 pounds; cheese, 6,000 pounds. In 1881, there were 5,331 acres sown to grain, 215 acres of orchard, 3,000 acres of mowing and pasture lands, and 2,600 acres of growing timber. There were five whole and five joint school districts. The scholars between the ages of four and twenty years numbered 329, of which number 230 attended school. There were seven schools, taught by eight teachers, at monthly wages averaging $35.83 for male, and $21.92 for female teachers. The total amount expended during the year for school purposes was $3,473. There were seven schoolhouses, valued, including the sites at $5,150. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. _ F. A. BENNETT, farmer, Section 20, Troy; P. O. Adams; one of the prominent farmers of Walworth, was born at New Berlin, Waukesha Co., Wis., August 2, 1847; received a com mon-school education and was brought up a farmer. In 1872, his father gave him 160 acres of land, located on Section 20, Troy, since which time he has been farming the same. He now has fine buildings and other good improvements, so that his land is valued at $45 per acre. He was married, October 15, 1873, to Miss Celia S. Kling, daughter of J. R. and Emily (Bliss) Kling, and have one child — Blanche. In politics, he is a Republican, with temperance principles. J. M. BREWSTER, farmer, Section 22, Troy; P. O. Troy Center; was born in Troy Jan. 17, 1847; received a common-school education; remained with his parents on the farm, and, in December, 1870, was married to Miss Roxie Randolph, daughter of Charles and Anna (Cowel'I) Randolph, and is now engaged farming on the estate of his father, Hiram Brewster, deceased. The children are Carrie J. and Charles H. HIRAM BREWSTER (deceased), one of the early pioneers of Walworth, was a native of New Hampshire, born near Dover Dec. 21, 1806; learned the trade of a machinist, and, in 1841, was married to Miss Achsha Mansur, a native of Vermont, born in 1812. He then came to Wis consin, lived in [East Troy two years, when he settled on Section 22, Troy, where he followed farming during the remainder of his life. At his death, which occurred Jan. 18, 1861, he owned 300 acres of land, which he left to his wife, who has since carried on the same. She now owns 437 acres, 280 of which is worth $40 per acre and the balance valued at $20 per acre. The children are J. M. and George, both of whom are now helping take care of the estate. NATHANIEL M. BUNKER, of the town of Troy, Sec. 10; P. O. Troy Center; one of the prominent farmers and senior member of the firm of Bunker & Smith, Troy Center; was born in the town of Milan, Dutchess Co., N. Y, Aug. 31, 1817. He lived at home until 18 years of age, when he commenced to work in a foundry in the city of Troy, N. Y, which was his principal business, although he worked at various employments until 1840, when he was married to Miss Phebe E. Prescott, removing to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., serving as foreman in the foundry of A. J. Coffin & Co. for fourteen years. His wife died in 1853, leaving three children — Henrietta S. 566 HISTORY" OF WALWORTH COUNTY. now Mrs, L. E. Perry, of Dunham Park, Kan. ; Sarah M., now Mrs. Charles B. Babcock, and Nathaniel P., deceased. In 1854, he married Miss Phebe S. Coffin, and came to Wisconsin March 17, 1855; settled in the town of Troy on a farm of 160 acres, valued at $40 per acre. The children by his second wife are Carrie C, WardS. and George W.- Since November, 1875, has been in partnership with L. J. Smith, in the warehouse at Troy Center. Mr. B. is a Re publican in politics, has held several town offices, and, in 1 876, represented his own district in the Assembly. S. B. CHATFIELD, farmer, Section 18; P. O. Adams; one of the early settlers and prom inent farmers of Walworth; is a native of Connecticut, born Oct. 21, 1822, when he was but 2 or 3 years old, the family removed to Chenango Co., N. Y. ; here the mother died, when he was but 7 years old, and, three years later, the father died. Thus, at the age of 10 years, he was left at the mercy of the world to take care of himself. He was soon bound out by his uncle, who was his guardian, to a farmer by the name of Theodore Burchard, of the town of Hamilton, Madison Co. , with whom he lived until he was 18 years of age, when Mr. B. rented his farm to Mr. James Stratton, and, as Mr. S. wished to have young Chatfield remain on the farm, he served out the balance of his time with Mr. S. Upon reaching his majority, he was given $100, two suits of clothes and a Bible, and, as he was now his own master, he served as a la borer for farmers also attended school one term, and, in 1846, started West to seek his fortune. On his way West, he stopped with his guardian, David Bard, who then resided in Ohio. Here he received $87, which was his share of his father's estate. He then came to Wisconsin, arriv ing at Troy Nov. 1, 1846, with $301 in money and a few carpenter's tools, which he purchased on his way to the West. He at once went to James Stratton, who had come West, and settled in Troy in 1843, where he made it his home until Dec, 22, 1849, when he was married to Mary E. Holcomb; he then settled where he now resides, having previously purchased 80 acres of his present farm.. Dec. 31, 1854, his wife died, leaving two children — Norman A. and Levi L. In 1857, he was married to Miss Catherine L. G. Kling, daughter of Jacob and Dorothy Kling, by whom he had seven children — George K, , born June 8, 1858; Dewitt C, born Aug. 11, 1862; Omer O, born April 24, I860; Jane E., born Feb. 22, 1864; Jane E., who was accidentally burned to death, June 28, 1871, her clothing taking fire while asleep from sparks flying out of the stove; S. Libbie, born July 27, 1869; Alice J., born June 22, 1873; Senecca B.,born November 15, 1875. Mr. C. now owns 118J acres of land (24 acres of marsh land, on Section 32, at $10 an acre), which has good improvements and is valued at $60 per acre. In politics, he is a Republican, and in religion, a Baptist. He has raised sugar cane and manu factured cane syrup for fifteen years, taking an interest in its growth and best methods of manu facture. THOMAS COOMBE, Section 18; P. O. Adams; a native of Cornwall, England; was born in 1814; brought up on a farm, and, in 1839, was married to Miss T. B. Hutchingb. In 1849, they emigrated, to the United States with their three children; settled in the town of Palmyra, where he purchased a farm of 80 acres; continued working and improving the same until the year 1866, when he sold the said farm for $900 more than the purchasing price; in the same year, he bought an adjoining farm of 160 acres, harvesting four crops and then selling the same for $1,600 more than it cost him, and, in June, of 1870, when he purchased his present farm, which contains 240 acres, situated on Section 18, town of Troy, where he has since resided. His family consists of ten children — John, Elizabeth, Serena, Oliver, Rosepha, Eliza, Emma, Henry, Levi and Ella. Death has never visited the house of this hardy pioneer. For many years past, both have been consistent members of the Bible Christian Church, father and sons being Repub licans. ALBERT HALL, farmer, Section 1 ; P. O. Troy Center; his father, W. H. Hall, is a native of Vermont, born March 14, 1821; in 1828, the family removed to St. Lawrence, N. Y., and to Monroe County, from which place, in 1840, they came to Wisconsin, arriving at Whitewater No vember 4, but settled at Koshkonong, Jefferson Co., where W. H. was married, Feb. 24, 1845. In 1858, he removed to Whitewater, where he followed farming until 1869, when he purchased 160 acres of land, located on Section 1, Troy, and Section 6, East Troy, where he continued farming until 1881, in which year, on the 8th day of February, his wife died, leaving three children— James J., of Marshalltown, Iowa; Albert W., of Troy, and Lansing E., of. Genesee, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 567 Waukesha Co. Mr. Hall is a Democrat, and, in 1861, enlisted in Company H, 13th W. V I., and served three years and two months. A. W. Hall was born at Koshkonong, Jefferson Co., Wis., Aug. 6, 1848; has always lived with his parents, and, in 1873, was married to Miss Mary E. Webb, daughter of James and May (Stacy) Webb, and they now have one child — William. Mr. A. Hall now owns the homestead which he purchased in August, 1881, and is valued at $6,000. E. A. HUBBARD, farmer, Section 24; P. O. East Troy; one of the early settlers; is the eldest son of Alfred and Hannah (Steel) Hubbard; born in Greene Co., N. Y., March 12, 1824. When he was but 2 years of age, he was taken by his parents to Livingston County, where he received a common-school education, helped his parents till the soil, and subsequently clerked in a store two years. In 1845, he was married to Miss Eliza Kinney, daughter of Ezra and Louisa (Clough) Kinney, and the same year came to Wisconsin and first settled in East Troy, where he purchased. land, and followed farming until 1847, when he purchased his present farm of 160 acres, at $12 per acre, which he has well improved. The children are Hannah L., Frank A., Edward A., Clara A., Willis P. and Paris P. In politics, Mr. H. is a Republican, and has held local offices. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. J. R. KLING, farmer, Section 19; P. O. Adams; one of the early pioneers and prominent men of Walworth; is a son of Jacob and Dorothy (Gasper) Kling, and was born in Schoharie Co.jN. Y. , Jan. 7, 1815; received a common-school education; subsequently, was engaged on the canal, having charge of cargoes to and from New York City; during those years, he always had a desire to go West; he, therefore, in the fall of 1835, went to Michigan, where he pur chased land, and, in the spring, went back East; he subsequently went to Michigan, and was exposed to many pioneer hardships. In the fall of 1839, he concluded to go farther West; this time he came to Wisconsin and soon found his way to Walworth; he at once purchased land on Section 1, La Grange, and, two years later, purchased the land on which he now resides; during those years, he kept bachelor's hall, sewed on his own buttons and took care of himself, but, as this kind of life grew more and more monotonous year by year, he began to look for a partner, and, Jan. 25, 1843, he was married to Miss Emily Bliss, daughter of Gideon and Prudence (Pease) Bliss; continued farming with marked success and reared a family of eight children, seven of whom are now living — Mary E. , now Mrs. George A. Matthews, of Woodbine, Iowa; Henry B., resident of Woodbine, Iowa; Celia S., now Mrs. F. A. Bennett, of Troy; Willard J., of Lake City, Colo., and Frank W., Edith A. and Ruby, living at home. Mr. Kling now owns 160 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. He is an active worker for the Republican party, always taking a great interest in conventions, and has held local offices. He is also an active worker for the cause of temperance. In religion, he is a Baptist. JACOB KLING, who is at present the oldest living man in Walworth Co., Wis., was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y, Dec. 27, 1784; was brought up on a farm, and, in 1808, was married to Dorothy Gasper, and brought up a family of twelve children, all of whom are now living, al though the youngest of the children is nearly fifty years of age. The names of the children are JohnL., born Jan. 25, 1810, resides at Syracuse, N. Y. ; Peter, born Dec. 2, 1811, resides in Schoharie Co., N. Y; Henry, born Feb. 10, 1813, resides in Syracuse,-N. Y; Jacob R., born Jan. 7, 1815, resides in Troy, Wis. ; Mary Ann, born July 30, 1817, now Mrs. John Anderson, resides in Troy, Wis. ; William, born November 14, 1819, resides in Mason City, Iowa; Hiram, born Sept. 4, 1821, resides in Algonia, Iowa; Elizabeth, born July 27, 1823, now Mrs. H. E. Nourse, resides in Troy, Wis. ; Norman, born May 7, 1825, resides in Rome, N. Y. ; Christopher, born March 19, 1827, resides in Utica, N. Y. ; George H., born Jan. 29, 1829, resides in Chi cago, 111. ; Catharine L. G. , born May 10, 1832, now Mrs. S. B. Chatfield, resides in Troy, Wis. In about 1850. the aged couple came to Wisconsin to spend their remaining years with their son Jacob R., where the mother died, in 1874, at the age of 81 years; the father still liv -a with his son at the advanced age of 97; he is in quite good health and able to walk to the neigh bors'. WILLIAM S. LUMB, farmer, Section 30; P. O. Adams; one of the pioneers who settle! in Walworth in 1842; is a native of England, born Feb. 10, 1819; reared a sailor, and, in 1841, emigrated to the United States, and, after living one year in Oneida Co., N. Y, came to Wisconsin and settled in Walworth. First, he lived in La Grange one year-, then on Section 18, Troy, about seventeen years, after which he purchased his present farm and has since resided 568 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. on the same. He now owns 160 acres, valued at $20 per acre. Mr. Lumb is a man of more than ordinary intelligence and has a good memory. He was married, in 1841, to Ann Rayner, a native of England. She died in 1869, leaving four children — William H. lives at Pensaukee, Oconto Co.; Frank B., lives at Rockdale, Milan Co., Texas; Ben; Lettie, now Mrs. James Shearer, of Eagle, Waukesha Co. Mr. L. is a Democrat. Ben Lumb was born in Troy, Wis. , in 1857; received a common-school education; has been brought up a farmer; spent two years in the iron mines of Northern Michigan, and now has charge of his father's farm. GEORGE MacCARTHY, proprietor of Empire Mills, Troy; is a native of Ireland; born in 1844; learned the miller's trade, and, in the year 1865, emigrated to the United States, landing at Portland, Me. He then went to New York City, where he landed March 17, and immediately started for Wisconsin and first stopped with his brother, who resides at Palmyra, Jefferson Co. But within one week he enlisted in Company H, 51st Wisconsin, and served until the close of the war, when he was mustered out as Corporal. Returning to Wisconsin, he worked at his trade at Janesville a few months, then at Quincy, Mich., a short time, when he came to Walworth County and worked in the East Troy Mills three years; then a short time at Richland Center, after which, in partnership with his father, he rented a mill at Dover, Iowa Co., which they ran six months. He then returned to Walworth, and, for the next two years, 1870 and 1871, was head miller in the East Troy Mills. The next seven years he was foreman iu the City Mills, of Madison, since which time he has been proprietor of the Empire Mills, having rented the same May 15, 1880. In 1881, he leased the Lake Mills, of La Grange, and now runs the same. He also owns 120 acres of land in Eagle, Waukesha Co.. valued at $30 per acre. The children living are Tessie, George, Lizzie, Fred and Jennie. L. MARTIN, farmer, Section 18; P. O. Adams; was born in the State of New York May 4, 1824; reared on a farm, received a common-school education, and, in 1844, came to Wisconsin and soon purchased his present farm. In 1846, he was married to Miss Dyantha Bliss, daughter of Gideon and Prudence Bliss, and has since followed farming with the exception of the time from 1856 to 1865, when he was engaged in the blacksmith and wagon business at Troy. He now owns 120 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. The children living are Chester, Frances (now Mrs. Fred Bowman, of Iowa), Arthur, Hattie and Willie. In politics, Mr. M. is a Repub lican; in religion, a Baptist. W. P. MEACHAM, farmer, Section 25; P. O. Troy; is a son of U. D. and Prudence (Gidds) Meacham, and grandson of Maj. Jesse Meacham; he was born in Troy Sept. 27, 1836, and is, therefore, the first male child born in Walworth County. When he was 8 years of age, he moved to Elkhorn, and, in 1852, to Freeport, 111. The next four years, he spent in rambling about in different States, when he returned to Freeport and followed farming at that place for about eight year, during which time, in 1861. he was married at Monroe, Wis., to Miss Celesta J. Smith, daughter of Stephen and Amanda M. (Carter) Smith. In February, 1865, returned to Troy to take charge of his grandfather, Maj. Meacham, and subsequently, on the death of his grandfather, he came in possession of the estate, which he now owns, the same containing 210 acres, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. M. now keeps forty cows, manufactures about 8,000 pounds of butter per annum and about 600 pounds of curd per week. He is a Democrat in politics and has held local offices; he is not a religious man, but is an honest, upright citizen, who is highly respected by his fellow-men. The children are Carrie and Herford C. FRANCIS MINETT, farmer, Section 21; P. O. Troy Center; is a native of England, born Oct 21, 1835; in 1849, with his parents, William and Sarah Minett, he came to the United States and at once came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Troy. Francis lived at home but little, as he spent most of his time in the employ of other parties until 1855, when he was married to Polly, daughter of Edwin and Mary Randall. She was born Jan. 16, 1837, in Gen esee County, State of New York. He then followed farming for a number of years on Section 16, Troy, where he purchased his present farm, which contains 190 acres, valued at $35 per acre. The children are Albert F., Charles S., Jennie May, Hattie, Frank F. and Mattie E. Mr. M. is a Republican and has held local offices. He also took part in the war of the late rebellion. His father died Nov. 19, 1868, aged 83 years; Sarah, his mother, died Sept. 22, 1859, aged 73 years. The children were born as follows: Albert F., born Feb. 10, 1857; Charles S., born March 2, 1860; Jennie M., born June 20, 1866; Hattie, born March 18, 1872; Frank F., born Au<*. 31, 1876; Mattie E, born Jan. 8, 1879. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 569 H. E. NOURSE, farmer. Section 20; P. O. Adams; one of the prominent farmers of Walworth County; is a native of Vermont, born in May, 1824. In 1825, they removed to Her kimer Co., N. Y. Here he received a common-school education, helped till the soil, and, in February, 1849, was married to Miss Elizabeth Kling, daughter of Jacob and Dorothy Kling, and the following May came to Wisconsin and at once settled where he now resides and has since followed farming with marked success. He now owns 180 acres of land, 100 of which is improved and valued at $40 per acre, and 80 acres unimproved, valued at $10 per acre. He keeps a dairy of thirty cows and manufactures large quantities of butter and Dutch cheese ; he has one daughter — Clara F. Mr. N. is a Republican in politics and has held local offices; in religion, he is a Baptist. N. J. RANDOLPH, farmer, Section 22; P. O. Troy Center; son of Charles and Ann (Cowell) Randolph. He was born in Spencer, Tioga Co., N. Y., Sept. 11, 1845; was brought by his parents to Wisconsin and lived with them in Granville, Milwaukee Co., seven years, when the family removed to Walworth County, and settled in the town of Troy. Here he helped till the soil, and, in 1876, was married to Miss Ella, daughter of Edwin and Catharine De Puy, of East Troy; in January, 1879, his father deeded his farm, which contains 120 acres, valued at $50 per acre. His parents are both living with him. In politics, he is a Republican. CHARLES RANDOLPH, is a native of Fredericksburg, Va. ; when three years of age, was tfiken by his parents to Tioga Co., N. Y., where, Oct. 28, 1834, he was married to Anna Gowell. In 1848, he came to Wisconsin and lived in Granville, Milwaukee Co., until 1855, when he came to Walworth, purchased 120 acres of land on Section 22, Troy, which he culti vated until January, 1879, when he deeded the same to his son, Nathan J. The children are Harvey L., of Troy Center; Mary E., now Mrs. M. Lytton, of Talbot Co.,Md.; William H., of Illinois; Nathan J., of Troy, and Roxie, now Mrs. John Bresster, of Troy. JOHN A. SCHWARTZ, merchant, Troy Center; oldest son of Paul and Elizabeth (Wag ner) Schwartz; was born at Saline, N. Y., in 1840; was brought by his parents to Troy, Wis., in 1843, and* here helped till the soil until 1867, when he was married to Elizabeth Wilmer, daughter of Bernard and Elizabeth, of East Troy. He then engaged in mercantile business at East Troy, which he continued for one year, then carried on a general huckster trade eighteen months, at the end of which time he came to Troy Center, where he has since been doing a general mercantile business, carrying a stock of about $3,500. He is a Republican, but takes no interest in politics, more than to perform his duties as a citizen. His children are Albert, Bernard, Flora, George, Edna, John and Walter. PAUL SCHWARTZ, retired; P. O. Troy Center; a native of Bavaria, Germany, born in 1811, and, in 1832, the family emigrated to the United States and settled in the State of New York In 1838, Paul Schwartz was married to Miss Elizabeth Wagner, and, in 1843, he came to Wisconsin, arriving in the town of Troy with less than $400, but he immediately went to work, purchased 80 acres of land on Section 11, and, as he was a good financier, he purchased more land from time to time until he owned 339 acres, valued at $40 per acre. His wife died May 17, 1881, and, as he was getting pretty well along in years, he sold his farm to his son, John A., and retired from active life. His children are John A., Paul, Joseph, Caroline (now Mrs. Will iam Porter, of Spring Prairie), Mary (now Mrs. John A. Gould, of Cherokee, Iowa), Henry and Eliza (now Mrs. John Randall, of East Troy). AUGUSTUS SMITH was born in Chester, Mass.. Oct. 25, 1801; is the son of William and Sarah Smith; was married in Westfield in 1826, to Miss Alniira Stiles. Their children were William A. (Ruth H., Sarah A., deceased); Sarah A., the second of that name, is now Mrs S. R. Edwards, of Sugar Creek (Mary A. M., deceased); Franklin H., Oliver P. and Austin E. ; the two younger were born in Wisconsin. Mr. Smith and family emigrated to Troy, Wis., in October, 1838, where he resided until July, 1854, when he removed to Beloit, Wis. , where he still resides. While a resident of Walworth County, he held many local offices; was one of the first, if not the first, President of the Walworth County Agricultural Society. He was an active member of the Congregational Church, and Was much respected. L. J. SMITH, farmer, Section 15; P. O. Troy Center; one of the prominent business men of Walworth County and a member of the firm of Bunker & Smith; son of Sylvester G. and Diana Smith; was born in the town of La Fayette, Walworth Co., in January, 1840. He was 570 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. left motherless at the age of 12 years. In 1862, he responded to the call of his country by en listing in Company I, 28th Wisconsin; was chosen First Lieutenant before entering the field, and afterward was promoted to Captain, in which capacity he served until the close of the con flict, being mustered out of service in September, 1865. He then returned to his home in Troy, took charge of the homestead, and has since lived on the same, as he subsequently purchased it. He now owns 160 acres of well-improved land, valued at $40 per acre. Mr. Smith is a successful farmer, a good business man and a gentleman highly respected by his fellow-citizens. He is a Republican in politics, has held -local offices, and was a member of the Assembly in 1881. He was married, in December, 1871, to Miss Helen M. Stewart; they have four children— Rollin, Mary, Clara and Carroll. JAMES STRATTON (deceased) was born in Wiltshire, England, Feb. 14, 1804. Here he passed his early days, married in 1832, and the next year came to America, settling in Hamil ton, Madison. Co., N. Y. Living as a farmer in the East for over ten years; he came West in the summer of 1843 and settled in Troy with his wife and only child — W. J. Stratton. Mr. Stratton died, Jan. 1, 1849. His widow was married two years later to Jacob Watson. She still resides on Section 20. Their only child — a daughter — E. A. Watson, is now Mrs. Webb, and lives in Durango, Colo. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 571 TOWN OF WHITEWATER. NATURAL features. The town of Whitewater is in the extreme northwestern portion of the county. The sur face varies, the southeastern corner of the town being rolling land or hilly. Fully three- fourths of the town, however, is comparatively flat, of which one-fourth consists of swamp land. West of the village of Whitewater is a prairie covering two sections. With the above exceptions, the town originally consisted of openings, with patches of white and black oak and poplar. Its soil is that usually found in a flat country, but is occasionally of a light sandy variety. Near the village are several limestone quarries. The town is watered by Whitewater Creek, consist ing of two branches, one rising in the town of Lima, the other in Richmond; they both flow north into the Bark River. Bass, Whitewater and Round Lakes are all in the southeastern part of the town, and abound in pickerel and bass ; there is also the pond south and east of the village. Several mineral springs have been discovered in this latter vicinity, but have not been analyzed. Originally, four Indian mounds of quite imposing dimensions existed a short dis tance from the northeast corner of Section 7 ; the largest was sixty-five feet long, twenty feet wide and five and a half feet high. When C. R. Gibbs came into possession of the property, the mound was leveled for the site of his residence. Excavations to unearth its contents have never been made. Northeast of this mound, about 120 rods, are three other elevations of cone-like form, twenty feet across at the base and seven feet high. Aside from this locality, no other signs of prehistoric life, within the present limits of the town, have been found. Limestone quarries have been discovered near the village. AGRICULTURE. Whitewater is an agricultural town, fully one-quarter of its population following that pur suit. A quarter of its farms are devoted to dairying, there being several cheese factories in the town. Corn, oats, wheat, barley and buckwheat are the chief grain products. The first land was broken and the first crop raised by Dr. Edward Brewer, who came from Milwaukee in May, 1837, took up a claim in the southwest quarter of Section 7, and then contracted for the tilling of ten acres of land during 'the coming season. He had been accompanied by William and Leander Birge, the three returning in July with Charles Hamilton, bringing with them seven yoke of cattle, one wagon and two breaking plows. The party was five days coming from Mil waukee, and gladdened the heart of their host, Samuel Prince, the first permanent settler, by bringing with them all the " solids " of metropolitan fare — pork, potatoes, tea, coffee, flour, etc., etc. Dr. Brewer and Hamilton then went to work to improve the claim on Section 7. The Birges went on to Cold Spring, but returned, jumped Norman Pratt's claim to the southeast quarter of Section 2, and commenced to till the soil as the second farmers. The expense of living in those times was simply enormous, but, with the advent of new settlers and the raising of abundant crops in 1839, the condition of the pioneers commenced to " look up." The next year, an assessment of property was made, preparatory to raising a tax for a court house and school purposes. The total valuation of the town property was $57,974.- From the old books of Benjamin Bosworth, who had opened the, first store in Whitewater the previous year, it ap pears that the farmers were not getting wealthy from the sales of their products : Spring wheat, 36 to 40 cents per bushel; winter wheat, 40 to 46 cents; corn, 30 cents; butter, 16 cents per pound; eggs, 8 cents per dozen. The next four years witnessed unusual growth in the settle ment of Whitewater and in the prosperity of the town. But the Assessors will have to explain the decline in the value of property to $52,863. This figure was based upon 13,540 acres of land, including the village which had been taken up, five-sevenths of which was owned by resi dents. There were over 10,000 acres of Goverment land yet in the market. The harvest of 1844 was good, and put the early settlers in splendid spirits. During the winter, the farmers hauled 572 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. their produce principally to Milwaukee, and returned laden with household provisions, goods or cash. The succeeding eight years passed away, and the country became thickly settled with prosperous farmers, who demanded some easier means of getting their grain to market. The crops for 1846 to 1851 were poor— the latter year a total failure. The "pink-eye" years will long be remembered by all the early farmers of the town and county. The Milwaukee & Miss issippi Railroad was completed to Whitewater in September, 1852, and the whole condition of things was changed. Business men and the farmers who had mortgaged their lands, rejoiced with new hope. Only the dozen tavern-keepers between Whitewater and Milwaukee, who, in past time, had reaped such a harvest from the constant and necessary travel- only they put on long faces. In October, 1853, winter wheat was selling at Janesville for 80 cents per bushel, and in Milwaukee, during September, for as high as $1.30. At the close of 1854, the town was free from debt and "booming." No set-back occurred during the next year. Prices advanced — then came the hard times of 1857. The season opened well, especially for barley and wheat. But with the stagnation of business, the agricultural element suffered. The year 1860 made up for all previous disappointments, however. Then the town passed through the war and beyond. It is not necessary to detail its growth up to the present time. It is now prosperous and filled with all that goes to make up comfort. In 1881, there were growing in the town 5,848 acres of grain; 119 of potatoes and root crops; 259 of apples (7,835 trees); 3,037 acres of grazing land and grasses and 2,163 acres of timber. Of milch cows, the town possesses 1,378, valued at $22,374. And it must be remembered that the town is but half of its size when the first assessment was made. In 1 880, the following crops were grown and products raised: 17,854 bushels of wheat; 142,280 of corn; 39,5/8 of oats; 1,791 barley; 891 rye; 10,634 potatoes; 1,200 root crops; 10,950 apples; 18 clover seed; 243 timothy seed; 500 pounds tobacco; 3,029 tons grasses; 45,025 pounds butter; 365,430 pounds cheese. The assessed valuation of real estate and personal property for 1881 was : 20,520 acres, valued at $386,782; village property, $762,550; total real estate, $1,149,332; personal property, $502,454; grand total, $1,651,786. POPULATION. Since, and including 1860, the increase in population of the town has been as follows: 1860, 3,746; 1865, 4,005; 1870, 4,286; 1875, 4,385; 1880, 4,523. This increase has been in the village, the population outside the corporation having decreased from 1,006 to 902. TOWN ORGANIZATION. The fi\e original towns of the county, Troy, Spring Prairie, Elkhorn, Delavan and Geneva, were organized by Territorial act, January 2, 1838. On August 13, 1840, the town of White water was set off from Elkhorn, comprising Townships 3 and 4, Range 15. The first meeting of the Board was held at the public house in Whitewater — the Powers House — which had just been completed on the land donated to Joseph and D. J. Powers by Dr. Tripp. Zerah Mead had been a resident of the town for three years, and it was chiefly through his efforts that a divison was made. The town of Richmond was erected from Whitewater January 12, 1841, and comprised Township 3, Range 1 5, thus reducing Whitewater to its present dimensions. The name Whitewater was given by the Government surveyors, from Milwaukee, who divided the county into townships, and who noticed the clearness and white color of the creek which waters the territory now embraced by the town. Other authorities have it that Solomon Juneau, who, with his son, "spent much of his time hunting in this region, gave the creek the name, which he received from the Indians. The settlement itself was either called " the creek," or nothing, up to the time it was surveyed by Prosper Cravath, iu 1840. An election was held at the Powers House (which was owned by Freeman L. Pratt) on Sep tember 27, 1841, at which it was decided to adopt the system of town government provided for by the Legislature of the preceding winter. Norman Pratt, Warren Earl and Asad Williams acted as Inspectors of Election. The Legislature of February, 1842, accordingly appointed the annual meeting of the various towns for the first Tuesday of the succeeding April. Upon that day, the election occurred at Whitewater. I. U. Wheeler was chosen Moderator, and Warren Earl, Clerk. After resolving that $1 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 573 was sufficient for each day's official service, $30 for the support of schools, $10 for paupers and $50 for contingencies, the first town board was elected. Their names are given in full, as being the "honored first," and succeeding them to 1882 appear the Supervisors, Treasurers and Clerks who have served the town of Whitewater. 1842-43 — Supervisors, James Tripp, Chairman; Dr. Oiiver C. Magoon and William Birge ; Warner Earl, Clerk; Asad Williams and Azor Kinney, Assessors; William H. Wheeler, Col lector; Zerah Mead, Oliver C. Magoon and Calvin Pike, Road Commissioners; Dr. J. A. Clark, Harrison Bishop and Oliver C. Magoon, School Commissioners; Isaac U. Wheeler, Treasurer; Leander Birge, Charles Robinson and William H. Wheeler, Constables; Norman Pratt, Samuel Prince and Thomas Van Home, Fence Viewers, and Sidney S. Workman, Sealer of Weights and Measures. This long list of officials included most of the " solid " men of the town — those who paid most of the taxes'— and, as is inevitably the case in new countries, the servants of the people, however small at first their duties, felt themselves bound to stay and develop its untried re sources. That the majority of these early settlers were industrious men and not mere advent urers is evident from the fact that the pauper fund remained untouched for five years. 1843-44 — Supervisors, O. C. Magoon, Azor Kinney and William Birge; Treasurer, J. W. Maynard; Clerk, O. A. Babcock. 1844-45 — Supervisors, O. C. Magoon, John P. Folson and Norman Pratt; Treasurer, J. W. Maynard; Clerk, Robert W. Earl, but William A. Harding appointed to serve. 1845-46 — Supervisors, Thomas K. Le Baron, S. C. Hall and Zerah Mead; Treasurer, Fred C; Patterson; Clerk, P. C. Patterson. 1846-47 — Supervisors, Prosper Cravath, Joseph A. Clark and J. W. Maynard; Treasurer, Fred C. Patterson; Clerk, F. C. Patterson. 1847-48 —Supervisors, F. C. Patterson, George Dann, Warren Cole, J. W. Maynard; Clerk, Prosper Cravath. ¦•> 1848-49 — Supervisors, I. U. Wheeler, George Dann, Warren Cole; Treasurer, J. W. May nard; Clerk, Prosper Cravath. 1849-50 — Supervisors, George B. Williams, I. B. Decker, George B. Hall; Treasurer, G. W, Lee, but D .C. Tripp served a portion of 1850; Clerk, S. Wakeley. 1850-51 — Supervisors, S. Wakeley, Leander Birge, Asad Williams; Treasurer, L. A. Win chester; Clerk, P. H. Brady. 1851-52 — Supervisors, Leander Birge, William H. Wheeler, S. C. Hall; Treasurer, Jacob J. Starin; Clerk, E. Wakeley. 1852-53 — Supervisors, S. Wakeley, William H. Wheeler, George G. Williams; Treasurer, Philetus S. Carver; Clerk, E. Wakeley. 1853-54— Supervisors, S. Wakeley, J. L. Pratt, George G. Williams; Treasurer, William H. Wheeler; Clerk, Prosper Cravath. 1854-55— Supervisors, S. Wakeley, I. U. Wheeler, William De Wolf; Treasurer, William H, Wheeler; Clerk, Prosper Cravath. 1855-56 —Supervisors, S. Wakeley, G G Williams, J. S. Partridge; Treasurer, Seth M. Billings; Clerk, Prosper Cravath. 1856-57— Supervisors, R. O'Conner, S. Clark, Thomas Bassett; Treasurer, Isaac Joslyn; Clerk, E. Wakeley. 1857-58— Supervisors, R. O'Conner, S. Clark, J. L. Pratt; Treasurer, Ira C. Day; Clerk, H.-J. Curtice. 1858-59— Supervisors, R. O'Conner, L. A. Winchester, J. L. Pratt; Treasurer, S. Barnes; Clerk, N S. Murphv. 1859-60— Supervisors, Rufus Cheney, E. S. Redington, George Dann; Treasurer, S. Barnes; Clerk, H. O Montague. 1860-61— Supervisors, Rufus Cheney, C. E. Curtice, J. L. Pratt; Treasurer, David Chaffee; Clerk, H. O. Montague. 1861^62— Supervisors, J. L. Pratt, C. E. Curtice, J. C. Cole; Treasurer, Thomas Mount- ford; Clerk, F. C. Kiser. 574 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1862-63— Supervisors, George Bunker, George Dana, George H. Foster; Treasurer, Joseph C. Bower; Clerk, E. D. Converse— J. C. M. Mead appointed. 1863-64— Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn, George T. Ferris, George H. Foster; Treasurer, Joseph C. Bower; Clerk, E. D. Converse. 1864-65— Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn, George H. Smith, O. Gallt; Treasurer, George A. Caswell; Clerk, O. Montague. 1865-66— Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn, O. W. Fowler, Ansil Salisbury: Treasurer, George A. Caswell; Clerk, William H. Lull. 1866-67— Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn, Zerah Mead, J. L. Pratt; Treasurer, I. U. Wheel er: Clerk, James D. Robinson. 1867-68— Supervisors, Prosper Cavath, N. H. Allen, O. W. Fowler; Treasurer, Fred Hul- burt; Clerk, W. L. R Stewart. 1868-69— Supervisors, Prosper Cravath, Sylvester Hanson, C. C. Danforth; Treasurer, Fred Hulburt; Clerk, WT. L. R. Stewart. 1869-70 — Supervisors, Prosper Cravath, S. Hanson, John W. Dennison; Treasurer, Duane Starin: Clerk, E. D. Converse. 1870-71— Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn. S. H. Tuttle, R. McBeath: Treasurer, Duane Starin; Clerk, E. D. Converse. 1871-72- Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn, S. H. Tuttle, R. McBeath; Treasurer, George C. Rowed (J. C. Bower appointed); Clerk, E. D. Converse. 1872-73 — Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn, S. H. Tuttle, R. McBeath; Treasurer, Joseph 0. Bower; Clerk, E. D. Converse. 1873-74— Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn, S. H. Tuttle, C. M. Blackman, elected, S. M. Bil lings appointed; Treasurer, Joseph C. Bower; Clerk, M. De Wolf. 1874-75— Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn, George O. West, Gilbert Anderson; Treasurer, Joseph C. Bower; Clerk, M. De Wolf. 1875-76 — Supervisors, William De Wolf, George O. West, C. R. Beach; Treasurer. Joseph C. Bower; Clerk, W. L. R. Stewart. 1876-77 — Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn, J. J. Starin, John P. Cutler; Treasurer, Joseph C. Bower; Clerk, W. L. R. Stewart 1877-78 — Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn, J. J. Starin, Andrew Engebretsen; Treasurer, Jo seph C. Bower; Clerk, W. L. R. Stewart. 1878-79 — Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn, J. J. Starin, Andrew Engebretsen; Treasurer, Joseph C. Bower; Clerk, W. L. R. Stewart. 1879-80 — Supervisors, N. M. Littlejohn, H. A. Congar, Andrew Engebretsen; Treasurer, Joseph C. Bower; Clerk, Henry Heady. 1880-81 — Supervisors, H. M. Littlejohn, H. A. Congar, George A. Ray; Treasurer, Joseph C. Bower; Clerk, H. Heady. 1881-82— Supervisors, H. M. Littlejohn, Cyrus Teetshom, George A Ray ; Treasurer, Joseph C. Bower; Clerk, Henry Heady. Zerah Mead, who was appointed the first Justice of the Peace for the village, served almost continuously up to the time of his' death, in 1875. I. U. Weeler, who also commenced to serve in that capacity, in 1844, held the office nearly every year up to 1S67, or three years before his death. Mr. Wheeler died February 9, 1870, in his eighty-fourth year, respected by the entire community. Prosper Cravath, still alive and teeming with local history and reminiscences, also served two terms between 1849 and 1852. SCHOOLS. In 1840, before the town of Richmond had been organized from Whitewater, the old log schoolhouse was built in the village. Afterward, in the winter of 1843—44, the town was divided into three school districts — No. 1 comprising the north third thereof, and Nos. 2 and 3, the re mainder, being known as the "Island" and "Bluff" Districts. A new building was erected in No. 1 — the village- -during the summer of 1844, on Lot 5, Block 4, for $240. This was the be ginning of the present district system, which embraces the public schools of the town. At present, there are five school districts and seven joint districts, in which are 1,456 children of HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 575 school age. Of this number, 751 attend. Fifteen teachers have charge of the schools. Accord ing to the latest returns, the valuation of sohool buildings is $15,950; of sites, $2,725, and of apparatus, $420; total, $19,095. During the year 1881, $8,227.22 was received, and $7,816.27 expended in the maintenance of the public school system in the town. EARLY SETTLEMENT. Previous to 1836, not a single white person had set foot within the present town of White water for the purpose of settlement. Says Prosper Cravath in his Reminiscences: "Then (1836), no habitation met the traveler's view giving promise of rest and welcome; no track was seen tomark his route, save a little path, seemingly made by the former occupants of the soil. The highway of a nation was but a narrow path, scarce fifteen inches broad, and deep-worn by the tread of many feet. It extended in a continuous line between the cities of Milwaukee and Galena, sending off at the present site of this village branches toward the north and west — one in the direction of Fort Atkinson, starting from Birge's Addition ; the second from the east side of the creek toward Bark River. A little below the poiut where Birge's mill now is, it crossed Whitewater Creek, then a silver thread half hidden by its grassyjbanks, its waters unobstructed by opposing dams, but flowing undisturbed from their fountainhead. On the eastern bank of the stream upon the first rise of ground, there stood among the native oaks, about thirty skele ton huts, the ' deserted village ' of a former tribe. These huts were circular in form, each covering an area of about eighteen feet in diameter. They were formed of poles nearly fifteen feet in length placed at a distance of about five feet apart and bent together at the tops so as to give them a dome-like appearance. On the west side of the croek, the original village, and that part known as Chapman & Ludington's Addition, were then covered with openings, thickly wooded, as were most of the openings, composed, on the addition, mostly of burr oaks, and in the village proper of about an equal quantity of burr and yellow oaks. The rise of ground on Block 14, between Second and Third streets, extended across Block 13, and, at the point of its greatest altitude, which was in the vicinity of Bower's Block, it attained an elevation of about three feet greater than the highest point near William Richardson's house. A little distance west of the village, upon the farm of John M. Clark, and on the south side of the street, usually known as the Prairie road, was an oblong mound built upon the summit of a bluff and extending north and south, sixty-five feet in length, twenty in width and at the center nearly five feet in height; 120 rods northeast of this were found three other mounds of a cone-like form, about twenty-five feet in diameter at the base and nearly seven feet high — records left behind by those rude savages who inhabited these regions before the white man came, to tell the simple story that here they had lived and died. * * * Such was the country as f ound by the first set tlers. * * They found themselves in possession of a tract of country rich in resources, yet, in some respects, disadvantageously situated; for toward the east there lay a low piece of land, bounded by a range of bluffs; toward the south and north, wide marshes blocked the way, while toward the west was a country easy of access.'' . In the fall of that year, or during the succeeding spring, Alvah Foster marked a free upon the east bank of Whitewater Creek, and passed on to make other like " claims." A colony of stalwart pioneers, guided by the indomitable " Joe Nichols," started from Milwaukee in April. Three of them, Messrs. Nichols, Kelley and Brown, were accompanied by their wives. Benoni Finch with his four brothers; Calvin West and William Ban-on came unmarried. The party numbered twenty, and their household goods were loaded onto two wagons. They had no guide but Joseph Nichols, who went in advance and marked the route which afterward became known as "Finch's Track." But if ever there was a box and compass, Joe was both combined. It is said of him by those who knew him best that, after a short study of the surveyor's maps, he would start without guide of any kind, and, after journeying through scores of miles of unbro ken forests, bring up at any section of a town required. Whatever the trait was— instinct, judg ment or memory— it was wonderful. Mr. Nichols was also a man of prodigious strength and endurance, and when he set foot in the town it possessed a decided character. Leaving the women and children in camp, after William Barron had jumped the Foster claim, the party pushed on to explore Continuing on the east side of the creek, they reached the army trail below Horton's Mills and brought up at a point a few miles beyond Fort Atkinson, where the 576 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Finches and Mr. Barron made their claims and settled. In July, Mr. Barron returned and made his title clear to his claim upon Section 4, by felling some trees for a log house. Mr. Foster, in the meantime, having become convinced that on account of the poor water-power the claim was not worth contesting, did not contest his interest. Mr. Foster was a champion of Fort Atkinson. Mr. Barron returned to his home near the latter place, but not before the first permanent settler in the town of Whitewater had both located his claim and built his house. About two weeks after the arrival of the colony from Milwaukee, Samuel Prince journeyed from Waukesha to Fort Atkinson (then a great rendezvous for the early explorers of this region), and then, taking the trail, turned toward Geneva Lake, came upon Whitewater Prairie, west of the present village. Putting his name, with the date of his claim, upon a tree in the southeastern quarter of Section 6, he made a tour of the surrounding country, but "returned to his first love," about July 1, and there built the first permanent residence in the town of Whitewater. The structure was twelve feet square and eight feet high, being built of small logs. Mr. Prince was a widower from Vermont, and no doubt his intention was to keep " bachelor's hall" for awhile on this new and beautiful spot. And so he did; but a jolly kind of a specimen it was. First, as has been stated, came William and Leander Birge, Dr. Brewer and Charles Hamilton, and he took them in and slung them up in bunks, sailor fashion, until they could decide upon a location — and long after. In July, 1837, Norman Pratt came from New York and claimed Section 8 for him self, the north half and southeast quarter of Section 5 for his brother Freeman L., and the north half of Section 6 for Dean Williams, a neighbor. Having made arrangements at Fort Atkinson to have land broken on each section, in order to protect his claims, he returned, with his brother, accompanied by the two Mrs. Pratts and Dean Williams. The party came on the old steamer " De Witt Clinton," from Buffalo, and were eleven days making the trip. By mistake, the boat ran past Milwaukee to Chicago, laid there awhile and then leisurely returned. At Milwaukee they hired a team, and, after stopping with True Rand and Elijah Worthington, upon Heart Prairie, proceeded to Fort Atkinson. Mrs. F. L. Pratt was then little more than a girl, having married her husband when but seventeen, and her experience in the wilds of the West was something quite new to her and not devoid of terror. They brought with them their infant boy, which fact of itself was not calculated to allay a mother's fears. They were obliged to be carried over the river in canoes, and Dwight Foster — Maj. Foster— .obtained the safest craft he could, and embarked himself, with the young woman — who had then as she has now, a mortal terror of water. The Major was a very heavy man, and their conveyance was a canoe, hollowed, it is true, from the largest tree that could be found. Those who have had any ex perience with this kind of craft will not need further detail as to the state of Mrs. Pratt's feel ings, and her joy when she landed safely and came in sight of Fort Atkinson. This was a few years after the Black Hawk war, and. the defenses and tent paraphernalia of the military were still standing. Mr. Alvin Foster's house, where the Mesdames Pratt were left to board, was built of rough-looking logs, but there were brightness and sunshine inside. At that time, the house accommodated seven families. The Pratts and Mr. Williams having so pleasantly settled the women folks, returned to take up their claims near Whitewater Creek. They found that the Birges had " jumped " the claim to the southeast quarter of Section 5. Quite a warm dis pute followed, which resulted in the Pratts relinquishing that claim. The Pratts still retained Section 8, however. They then all went to work to build their two houses, living like brothers with Mr. Prince, now called "Captain." The bunks had to be increased by three, but it was all the jollier. When the new log houses were up, the inmates thereof often returned the good treatment which the "boys" had received in "Bachelor's Hall." Having thus established their homes in the wilderness, it happened sometimes that the Pratt sisters were left to keep a kind of a "Widows' Retreat" while their husbands were away on business. They were quite often put to their wit's end to keep off the horrors— in other words, the Pottawatomies —dirty and disagreeable, but, as they afterward found, not dangerous. On one occasion, when the two women were alone, one of the noble specimens of red men advanced stealthily toward the Pratt residence, and placed his greasy blanket over the only window which admitted cheerful light. He then, to the extreme horror of the young women, strode into their living room where the table was set. This arrangement seemed to strike him in so favorable a light that Mrs. Freeman invited him to partake of the viands. The Pottawatomie had forestalled the invitation, how- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 579 ever, and was making most alarming preparations for a "sweep." Having accomplished this move in a scientific maimer, his keen eyes roamed in search of other tasks to undertake in the same agreeable line. Spying several bottles on a shelf, filled with pepper sauce — the good, hot old kind — he made vigorous motions for " whisky ! whisky!" Mrs. Pratt shook her head, but the persistent son of the forest was not to be thus satisfied. He evidently thought he was being fooled. Seeing that nothing but the pepper sauce would do, Mrs. Pratt took down a bottle and passed it over. The Pottawatomie emptied its contents, rubbing his stomach and smacking his lips under the impression that he tapped a brand of XXX "fire-water" which went "right to the spot." To the great relief cf the frightened women, the big red man left, hi-, face express ing as much satisfaction as could be stamped on his copper cast. That he appreciated the favor shown was proven from the fact that soon afterward the Pottawatomie returned with a fine- looking woman— his squaw — and presented Mrs. Freeman with a fine pair of moccasins. From the first, he seemed to have slighted her sister, Mrs. Norman; and upon that occasion partially explained his antipathy by. looking at her and rubbing his own hair vigorously. Her hair was of a fiery red and did not comport with his idea of female beauty. Suffice it to say that, al though they received several severe frights from the Indians during the first of their stay in Whitewater, no harm came to them. In September of that year (1837), Zerah Mead arrived from St. Lawrence County, N. Y. , to select a home for himself and young bride. He put up at the Prince House, and commenced the erection of an edifice (18x22 feet) with a shingle roof! Oh, the glory of that roof! It was meant to honor the young bride, no doubt, and it did. It was the first shingle roof which ever showed itself in Whitewater. In October, the Pratts had finished their house and returned for their wives. Soon after, Squire Mead finished his "residence," and went back to Northern New York for his wife, which left Prince's boarding-house compratively empty again. " Deacon " Willard B. Johnson was also one of that jolly bachelor crew, who, with Dr. Brewer and Charles Hamilton, had claims on Sections 7 and 18. William Birge, just after he had settled down in his new house, sold the old Barron claim on Section 4 (which he had purchased), to Daniel Butts, who built a house south of where the plow factory afterward stood. In December, Rufus Clark came, with his wife, to live with the Birges. Thus, by the close of the year 1837, the entire northwestern ,part of the town, including the site of the present village of Whitewater had been "sparsely settled." This first winter of 1837-38 proved to the old settlers what a jewel they had among them in the person of "Joe Nichols," who had made a claim and settled in the adjoining town of Lima. Possessed of a large dog, as hardy as himself, he made frequent ex cursions throughout the country, and was surveyor, message-bearer — everything required by a new country. He made one trip to Milwaukee, taking with him 200 pounds of honey on a sled and returning with provisions. On another occasion, trusting to a pair of unruly oxen, they broke from his control when upon the seductive and level surface of Round Prairie, upset his barrel of honey and scattered the sweets upon the plain. He was such a favorite that when the Pratts and Birges and others heard of his catastrophe, a subscription paper went a circuit of twenty miles and "Joe" was more than reimbursed. The records do not indicate that the hardy marshal of the " Sovereigns " ever trusted oxen with honey again. To digress a little from the straight line of narrative, the " Sovereigns " composed a court which sat upon the claims of the town and vicinity, which were entered in a book — and woe be to him who did not recognize the entries therein as law and gospel. Representatives were al ways present at the land sales in Milwaukee. During the one of 1839, it is said that some rash mortal dared to bid for land upon which another had a claim, and whose name was entered in black and white in that awful book of judgment. " Joe Nichols " being the executive officer of the court, had the offender by the collar before the last figure had escaped from his mouth, and good authority stamps it as a fact that the guilty man was never relieved by so much as the quiver of a muscle until he had been thoroughly ducked in the waters of Menomonee River. Such was the " Sovereigns " code — sometimes harsher — but unrelenting in the prosecution of its judgments at all times. In October, 1838, Richard Hoppin and David J. Powers arrived at the creek, the former claiming the southwest quarter of Section 1. The latter came here through the instrumentality of Mr. Johnson, who remained most of the time in Milwaukee acting as a kind of immigration 580 HTSTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. agent for this section of country. Mr. Powers came alone and on foot, and the next year built the first store in the village and town for Benjamin Bosworth. By the spring of 1838, "the sameness " of being obliged to go to Elgin, 111., or to Milwau kee, for flour, became simply intolerable. Mr. Butts must either improve the water-power and erect a grist-mill, or leave the job to some one who could. Mr. Butts could not, but thought his brother-in-law, John Shaw, could. By the fall of the year, it became patent that Mr. Shaw couldn't. The Sovereigns resolved to drive Mr. Shaw off the premises if he didn't build or give somebody else a chance to. Under the circumstances, he protested. A committee then proceeded to Milwaukee to look up a capitalist who could build them a grist-mill. Asaph Pratt, who had just come West to visit his sons, suggested Dr. James Tripp, whom he had met on the lakes as a proper person to carry on the enterprise. Suffice it to say here that arrangements satisfactory to all concerned were completed. Dr. Tripp came to Whitewater from East Troy and built the mill, which he had in running order by the next April. His generosity and business qualities, combined with the money which his wife brought into the new settlement — $12,000 — a large sum then — made him the virtual founder of the village of Whitewater. The history of the early settlement of the village will be given more in detail in succeeding pages. Other early settlers, up to 1845, outside the village, may be mentioned: H J. Starin, northeast quarter of Section 4, September, 1840; F. J. Starin, in the southern portion of Section 10, 1840; Ole Tolf- liou, Section 27, 1843; Hans Arverson, Sections 27, 28 and 34, 1845; Thomas Thomison, Sec tion 34. Afterward came A. Larson, G. Erickson and quite a colony of Norwegian's, in the southeastern part of the town. Whitewater's early settlement. The early history of the town of Whitewater has embraced the narrative attempting to picture pioneer life in the settlement and in its vicinity during the first two years, up to the time when arrangements were made with Dr. James Tripp, of East Troy, to build the grist-mill. The committee of Sovereigns which went to Milwaukee in anticipation of the land which over looked the water-power being bid off at the Government sale, advertised for November 19, 1838, consisted of Messrs. W. B. Johnson, David J. Powers and Norman Pratt. At the meeting of the Sovereigns held previous to their departure, it had been resolved that " the interest of the settlement demanded the erection of a grist-mill on Whitewater Creek, at the mill site on the south half of Section 4, and that no one should be permitted to bid off the said south half at the land sale unless he would give sufficient bond to erect a mill and have it in operation within one year; that Shaw should either give the bond or sell out at a fair price; and, if he would do neither, to drive him off the premises." A few days before the sale was expected to take place, the above gentlemen, backed by the Sovereigns and their resolution, proceeded to Milwaukee to look up a moneyed man. Several were willing to build the mill, but no one would pay Shaw anything for his claim. But Shaw was on hand, and, aided by several relatives from Rock Prairie, proposed to hug his treasure until he got a good price for it. But after threatenings and eounter-threatenings — the Sovereigns even admit to this day that Shaw was plucky, if he wasn't rich— bloody talk from the Sovereigns and defiance expressed, but more implied, a trade was made before the 19th, by which the claim was passed over to the committee for $500. Dr. Tripp, who had been on a visit to his native State, New York, had struck up a pleasant ac quaintance in the boat with Asaph Pratt, on his way to visit his sons in Whitewater. The Doc tor, in the course of their conversations, mentioned his desire to buy a water-power, and this was the fortunate combination of circumstances that gave the settlement its grist-mill. Then and there Dr. Tripp agreed to take the property off their hands and make the improvements. On the 20th, a quit-claim deed was executed as follows : This agreement made this 20th of November, 1838, between Willard B. Johnson, Norman Pratt and David J. Powers, of the first part, and James Tripp of the second part, witnesseth, as follows, to wit : Whereas, the said parties of the first part have this day conveyed by quit-claim to said party of the second part, all their right, title and interest to the south half of Section 4, Township 4, Range 15, in Walworth County ; and, whereas, the sum of five hundred dollars ($500) has this day been advanced by said Tripp, and placed in the hands of Elisha Newell, of Rock County, to be paid to John Shaw, Stephen Butts and Daniel Butts, from whom said Johnson, Pratt and Powers purchased said premises; provided they the said Shaw, Butts and Butts shall not in any manner interfere so as to prevent the said Johnson, Pratt and Powers from purchasing said premises at the coming land sale at the minimum price. Now, if the said Tripp shall in any HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 581 ¦manner be prevented from purchasing said premises at said sale, then said Johnson, Powers and Pratt are to refund to the said Tripp the sum of five hundred dollars. The said party of the second part agrees to and with the said parties of the first part, that he will erect, or cause to be erected and put in operation on said premises, within one year from the coming land sale in this district, a good, substantial grist-mill, such as the wants of the inhabitants of the surrounding country shall require. In witness whereof the said parties have set their hands and seals this 20th of November, 1838. In presence of W. Hooker. Willard B. Johnson. Norman Pratt. James Tripp. D. J. Powers. seal.seal. SEAL.SEAL. Of the $500, $200 were paid by the Buttses to William Birge for his interest in the Barron claim, $60 to Barron, and $240 was divided with Shaw. The land sale was postponed to the succeeding February, but the temporary scare was the means of getting the grist-mill erected sooner than it otherwise would have been. By the middle of April, Dr. Tripp commenced to build the dam and mill, and, on June 27, the frame was raised. The following is from the graphic pen of Prosper Cravath, who had settled in the town of Lima in March: " It was a raising in which every one felt interested, and all were present, ready with a right good will to lend a helping hand whenever required. Men came from Lima, Johnstown, Richmond, La Grange and the fort, for they felt scarcely less anxious than the home population for the success and speedy accomplishment of the work. Near the old log house, a stone oven had been built, and this was the occasion of its first trial. Mrs. Tripp was on hand to superintend its manage ment, aided and abetted by plenty of female help, and it was astonishing to behold what tri umphs of culinary skill were drawn from its capacious recesses. When the frame was raised and the last rafters properly joined, all repaired to the house, where a well-provided repast, got ten up in Mrs. Tripp's inimitable style, awaited them. After partaking heartily of the good things, and doing full justice to both their appetites and the dinner, they adjourned to the prairie, which is now Birge's Addition, and dividing into companies, enjoyed a good round game of ball, varied with other athletic exercises." In September, one run of stones was in operation, and William Birge got his grist to the mill first and had it ground. The previous month, Seth M. Billings had become a resident of the settlement, and Samuel Taft built a blacksmith-shop. In October, 1839, Benjamin Bosworth, who emigrated from McHenry County, 111., opened the first store. It was built by D. J. Powers, who says of it: "Mr. Bosworth made his appearance and contracted with me to put up a log house, which was done, as per contract, in the thirty days of September, although I had to draw all the logs four miles for the body, and to raft the lumber from Bark Mills (Hebron) for the finish ; $160 was the price paid. The goods lay ,in the building three days and three nights without door or window, unwatched and unstolen, although people by this time had become quite plenty (they in fact came to mill from as far as Sun Prairie, Dane County). I mention this circumstance simply to show the primitive honesty and friendship of early settlements; theft and meanness of- most kinds are usually an after- . growth." Mr. Bosworth never resided in the village, a young man named Weed acting for him. Mr. Powers also used to tell a story illustrating the straits to which the women of those times were sometimes put to satisfy their social longings: "In 1839, the ladies in the neigh- 'borhoodof Whitewater — the men being absent to attend the land sale — paid Mrs. Powers a visit, yoking up the oxen themselves. After getting through their visit, they undertook again to hitch tip, but, having forgotten how to do it, they got the oxen hitched to the sled, but they were un fortunately put on with their heads to it; but, by perseverance, they finally succeeded in getting the oxen reversed and went home all right. This might "seem a trifling matter now, but it was evidence of pluck on the part of these pioneer women." Many commenced to take up land around the settlement at this period, especially in the town of Lima. They threw their business into the creek — not literally — and it became evident that a future village was to be. Joseph and D. J. Powers, now living on the "Joe Nichols" claim, in Lima, wished to build a hotel, but wanted to see something more in the shape of a village before they accepted Dr. Tripp's donation of land. The Doctor hesitated for awhile, arguing that this would seem like making too much fuss over a mill, a blacksmith-shop and a store, but finally sent for Prosper Cravath, from Lima, to survey and plat. The following is Mr. Cravath's account of his work, written in 1858: "On that day (October 20), Dr. Tripp,. 582 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. together with most of the settlers and the surveyor, repaired to the highest point of Block 13, there in solemn council assembled, to determine the plan of the village, which they agreed should be christened Whitewater. The place chosen for their observations afforded an unob structed view of the grounds to be surveyed, and they could note the most pleasant places for residences, as to also determine where a street would accommodate the greatest number of de sirable locations. Main street was established as a Territorial road; this "was a fixed fact. Taking this as a starting-point, they located Whitewater and Center streets where they now run, and the cross streets the same as in the present plan of the village proper, except that First street extended to Whitewater with the same angle as in Second street, and what is now Block 9 and Lot 9. Block 13, was to be a common or kind of appurtenance to the village. It was never designed for a public park, or a public triangle, but was to be used for no particular pur pose, or, as the Doctor said, 'it was to be kept as a place for the boys to play ball on.' The space between Church and Franklin streets was reserved for church and cemetery grounds. Having fixed upon the plan, the Powers made choice of their acre, where Whitewater Hotel now stands — Lot 1, Block 1. The surveyor then proceeded to stake out the lots in Blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4, between Main and North streets and the lots fronting Whitewater street, being Blocks 2, 3, 4. 5 and 6, Tripp's Addition. These extended back to the pond, and no one then dreamed that,kin coming time, they should be crossed by the track of the iron-horse. These they con cluded would be of sufficient number for all that would build for several years to come. " But the founders of the village were happily disappointed. In the summer of 1851, Chapman & Ludington' s Addition was platted, and the next year, R. A. Tripp caused to be surveyed Tripp's Addition. Birge's Addition increased the limits of the village in 1854; Dann's Addition in 1855. Scores of buildings graced these sections of Whitewater, and it began to assume its present ap pearance of picturesque comfort. But this is going on too fast. A death, the first in the village, occurred on September 1 9, 1839, and the occasion was doubly draped in mournful feelings, because a young man, only in his twenty-second year, was stricken down in the flower of his hope. Jothan N. Baker was buried near where the Methodist Church now stands. As the cemetery site changed, his re mains were removed. The ceremonies were conducted by Deacon Justus Carpenter, of Cold Spring. And let local history not fail to make mention that a year previous to this unti mely event, in November, 1838, the first sermon was delivered by Elder James Flanders, a Methodist circuit preacher, in the house of W. B. Johnson. In April, 1839, Warren Earl, a young law yer, settled in Cold Spring, but moved into the village in October, presumably to give more at tention to the first suit regularly tried there. In June, the summons had been issued, and, in October, Mr. Earl and his legal opponent, Prosper Cravath, was on hand to meet him, the case being William Birge vs. W. B. Johnson, a suit for payment of a certain amount on account of work performed and various articles of produce furnished by plaintiff. Mr. Johnson denied the correctness of the charges. Mr. Cravath, for the defendant, obtained a decision in his favor from Squire Mead, before whom the suit was tried. This was his first case, although he did not then claim to be a regular practicing attorney. This was the first of Mr. Earl's practice also, whom Mr. Cravath cheerfully accords the honor of being the first lawyer who conducted the first regular law-suit in town. Squire Mead, who had been appointed Justice of the Peace in the spring by Gov. Dodge, had just obtained a copy of the Territorial statutes to help him over the rough placeB, and was quite more than moderately elevated over the legal tone which he had been able to instill into his decision. His tenure of office was virtually a life one. When alive, he often would laugh over his harrowing experience of the first few months in his tenure of office, when he neither had legal authorities for his decisions, nor could obtain a scrap of help from his brother Justices — William Bowman and Jeduthan Spooner. The next year (1840), "Squire" Wheeler was appointed Justice, so that Squire Mead was seconded in his glory— in other words, he was not alone in his glory. Settlement rapidly in creased around Whitewater. In July, Powers' House was opened by a grand dance, in which the boys went for their girls for miles around; a Congregational society was formed; a post office established in April ; the town subdivided and the old log schoolhouse erected— in short, everything was astir, as will be shown more in detail under the proper heads. In October, 1840, Dr. Tripp moved into his log house in the village, and, November 18, 1840, Julius Birge, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 583 William's son, was born and took his rank as the first white child who commenced life in the town of Whitewater. Dr. Tripp continued his regular policy of donating lots to every one who would settle in Whitewater, and W. B. Johnson kept up the supply of new-comers from Mil waukee. In the winter and spring of 1841-42, the Exchange Hotel, now the Kenney House, was erected by Squire Parsons. Its opening was celebrated on July 5 — the 4th being too un- propitious for outdoor sport. During 1843, W. B, Johnson relinquished all his claims here, having failed to meet cei tain payments upon the lands. This was considered a village calamity. An event looked upon in the nature of a loss was also the departure at about the same time of David J. Powers, who went to found the village of Palmyra. But an irreparable loss was the departure from this life of Dr. James Tripp, on September 4, 1844. Earnest, kind-hearted, he died in the harness of hard work, in his fiftieth year — passed away before he had reaped the fruits of his labors. Dr. Tripp died in "the best room" of the log house, still standing near Whitewater Creek, as part of the Winchester & Partridge Company's Works. His friend, that sturdy young blacksmith, L. A. Winchester, was with him the last night which he passed on earth, and helped to bear his body to its last resting-place. The old log house, with its rough- hewn rafters and plastered crevices, still stands. One of its sides is boarded up; its roof is shingled; another side is still exposed in its original shape, but weather-beaten by forty years of storms. The old oak tree, looking as if it had grown into the old log house, still throws its rough and protecting arms over it. The two old doors still open into the little low kitchen and the more spacious "best room; " but the euchre-players, who made the rafters of the bed-room above ring with their mirth are gone — Mrs. Tripp's generous oven is gone — and in the place of the good old times stands an old warehouse, filled with the products of a great manufactory. When Mr. Winchester looks through the dark windows, he sees something more than spokes and axletrees. Dr. James Tripp was born in Schenectady, N. Y. , September 5, 1795, and was his wife's senior by seven years. Mrs. Tripp lived in Whitewater thirty-seven years after her husband's death. A REMINISCENCE. In December, 1872, Zerah Mead wrote as follows: " Walking along the railroad east of the depot, one sees a great many buildings on the east side of the track, which, on inquiry, are found to belong to and are occupied by Winchester & Partridge for the manufacture of wagons, plows and scrapers — all of which I pass over as a marvel of enterprise, except the south side of the railroad track. One day last week, walking along the track and seeing the clump of build ings on the south side, I took a fancy to see what they contained, and, on inspection, found sheds and buildings in all directions, filled to the roof with felloes, spokes, axles, tongues, bol sters, hounds, boards for boxes, plow and scraper material, plank, and the Lord knows what else. Winding my way through this labyrinth of lumber, I came upon what is known as the 1 Tripp House,' it being the residence of Dr. James Tripp, the enterprising founder of the vil lage of Whitewater. It is a double house, one part log and the other part frame, and in this house Dr. Tripp lived with his family, and there he died. I helped to take his remains out of this house and bury them in Grove Cemetery. The sight of the old house awakened some rem iniscences of those early days, which I offer as an apology for doing what I am not accustomed to do, viz., appearing in print before the public. Another reason I have for this communication is that there are some erroneous ideas about the first settlement of our village which I would like to set right before I and the old house pass into oblivion, as there is only one person besides myself remaining in Whitewater that was here when the old house was built, and that is my friend and fellow- townsman, Freeman L. Pratt. " In the spring of 1837, Samuel Prince erected a shanty of poplar poles on Section 6, about one mile west bf the mill, where his .widow now resides; some time during the ensuing summer, William and Leander Birge came, and soon after, Norman and Freeman Pratt, Dean Williams, Charles Hamilton and Edward Brown. In the month of September following, I came, and we all camped and cooked our provisions in Prince's shanty. In the early spring, four or five broth ers by the name of Finch moved from Milwaukee to Lake Koshkonong, and their route was through Whitewater, but they saw nothing there to tempt them to stop, but one of their employes 584 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. by the name of Barron cut the initials of his name on a tree on the bank of the creek, which constituted what was then called a ' jack-knife claim. ' This claim he subsequently sold to Will iam Birge, who gave his note for $200. " In the fall of 1837, Norman Pratt built the first house (except the Prince shanty), log, of course, on Section 8, near Noyes' stone quarry. William and Leander Birge built a log house on Section 5. Charles Hamilton- and Edward Brewer, on Section 7, where the Clark family now reside, and I put up the body of a log house on Section 10 — which, I think, were all that were built in 1837. In the spring of 1838, William Birge sold his claim to a man by the name of Shaw, and he built the log part of the old Tripp house, the identical old house that now stands in Winchester & Partridge' s lumber-yard. He built it to hold his claim to the water- power and 320 acres on a half -section of land. The claim rules required that a certain amount of improvements should be made within a given time. The land was not in market at that time, and we did not then know how soon it would be. But, as it happened, the land was proclaimed to be sold m November following, and every preparation was made for the sale, but at the last hour, and after we had all assembled in Milwaukee to attend the sale, a proclamation came from the President of the United States adjourning it to February, 1839. A good deal of in terest was felt about the sale of the water-power, as we wanted a mill built as soon as possible, as there was none at that time nearer than Geneva or Beloit, and we were well aware that Mr. Shaw, the claimant, had not the requisite capital. A short time before the sale, a meeting of the set tlers was had to consider what course to pursue, and a committee of three, consisting of Norman Pratt, David J. Powers and Roger B. Clark were chosen. They were intrusted to find some capitalist who would buy out Shaw and give a bond to the inhabitants that a mill should be built and one run of stone in operation within one year from the time of purchase. The com mittee worked diligently till the morning of the sale, and, while they were taking their break- fast at the old Milwaukee House, the news came that a steamboat from the lower lakes had ar rived. The committee started to go down to the landing, and on their way they met Dr. Tripp, who had just landed. They made the proposition to him, and it secured his attention. After hearing the story of the committee, he was induced to buy the property and to pay Mr. Shaw $500 for his claim and the old log house. He bought 320 acres, being the south naif of Section 4. He had never been there, had never seen the property, and had no time to go where it was, as the sale was to take place the next day. But he bought it 'and paid Shaw $500 without -see ing it, on the representation of others, and it was two weeks after he made the purchase before he came to see it. He built part of the frame portion of the present mill, and had one run of stone in operation during the ensuing fall. He moved into the old log house, and built the frame addition afterward. He also built the mill house where Mr. Brown now resides. His miller, a Mr. Cawker, occupied it some time before the Doctor died. He also built the Ostrander house, near the paper-mill, and the old saw-mill where the paper-mill now stands. " Dr. Tripp died in the month of September, 1844, aged forty-nine years — so says the in scription on his monument. The village had quite a start at the time of his death; there were quite a number of houses erected for residences, several stores, two public houses, one church, meshanic-shops of various kinds, a post office and schoolhouse. The place was making some little progress toward the town which it now is. When I first came here, in 1S37, the Potta watomie Indians had possession, ami had a temporary wigwam over the creek near where the boys play base-ball. Game was plenty. Deer might be seen in droves of twenty or thirty. Grouse, as they call them, or prairie hens, were very plenty; also quails. The country was charming. The Indians had kept it burnt over every fall, so that when I came not a bush was to be seen. The old burr-oak trees looked like old orchards, the wild flowers were in gorgeous bloom, and the whole country looked like some gentleman' s fancy park. I have never seen it look so beautiful since, and never expect to see it appear as well again." Building and settlement were now so rapid that it becomes certain that " the early days " —those days when men are almost forced into brotherhood for self-protection and existence- had passed. The prominent names who, since that time, have built up the society and pros perity of Whitewater, are mentioned hereafter. By 1858, it had grown from a little hamlet to a beautiful and thriving village of 2,000 inhabitants. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 585 UNTIMELY SUICIDE. Thomas K. Le Barron, on January 2, 1846, was a young man in his twenty-seventh year, engaged in business in the village of Whitewater. During his five years' residence here, he had become a universal favorite. He was frank and affable, fair and upright, sensitive to mor bidness, quite unassuming, conscientious in his smallest actions and most minor beliefs. Com ing from Boston, where he had been educated in the Unitarian way of thinking, partly from necessity and partly from a desire to better his condition, he had devoted himself steadfastly to business, apparently giving but little thought to the opinions and utterances of different relig ious teachers around him. Appearances are as apt to be deceptive as real. On that particular forenoon, none of his friends would have noticed that he was more gloomy than he had often been of late. He had built up a good business, and, what was better, a good character, and the outlook for the year 1846 did not seem to be desperate. But who can fathom the reality of a soul's doubts and struggles — that misery which heartless people and soulless people sometimes call "mock misery?" Who? This young man, instead of going to a brother for help, took his own life in his own hands and went to God. Between 11 and 12 o'clock, the sharp report of a pistol was heard in a small building near his store, and soon after, his clerk found him, with a ball through his heart. Several letters were found in his trunk, directed to different persons in the village. In a long letter, dated December 26, 1845, he says, in conclusion: " What shall I say to you for myself — to the citizens generally? I say to them, I am more astonished than they will be. It seems to me it cannot be possible. But it must be so. I have been crazy for the last two months. I have attended to my business by routine — as a matter of course — but the situation I have been in has been horrible!" In a conversation just before his death, he said: " I have heard the clergymen of each denomination, and each classes me, and all belonging to the same church, among infidels and disbelievers of the Bible. Do they believe me the wretch they represent me to be? " Undoubtedly, in a state of religious and mental despair, he threw away one of the fairest lives which had glimmered for a shcrt^season in Whitewater. MURDER OE WILLIAM HAMILTON. A most sad affair, in the nature of a tragedy, occurred at the house of Richard N. Pease on the'night of January 18, 1858. William H. Hamilton, George D. Doubleday, Joel Doubleday, Lewis Castle and Charles Pease were young men who had often formed a charivari party with the above Richard. But when Richard himself married and settled in his little home, two miles south of the village, both he and his father, who lived near by, "dared them" to come on, when they heard of the young men's intentions some time before they determined to carry them out. It was all fun and good nature on their part, but it seems that the Peases took the matter more seriously. The young couple had been living with the "old people" for a few weeks after their marriage, but now had moved into their little home a few rods distant. This had delayed the serenade, the party not wishing to disturb the elders; and the affair might have turned out as disastrously as it did, for old Mr. Pease had himself borrowed a gun and ammunition with the intention of using it. But now everything seemed propitious. So, at about 10 o'clock, the youngsters met at the schoolhouse, three-quarters of a mile distant from their prospective scene of operations, minus Charles Pease, who joined them later. With a light fowling piece, loa'ded with powder and paper wads, two cow-bells, a tin horn, a fire poker and a stick, they started out for a bit of noisy fun such as " Dick " Pease had often indulged in with them. Arriving within a few rods of the house, William Hamilton took charge of the gun, while two of the boys, carry ing the other weapons of war, advanced. They climbed the fence back of the house, Hamilton discharged one barrel of the gun, and the music commenced. Fire poker, tin horn and cow-bell went " rattle-te-bang " in the air, against the fence and house. It certainly was not a blissful awakening for a young married couple, but the occupants knew who were making these noisy salutations. The door of the house opened and the boys flew over the fence as only boys on a frolic can fly. They had advanced only a few steps toward where Hamilton and Joel Doubleday stood, when they were startled by the loud report of a gun from behind. But, after consulta tion, no one was found the wiser, and the party came to the conclusion that it was an innocent " scare." They now noticed that the residence of old Mr. Pease was lighted up, and soon after, Charles Pease, a younger brother of the serenaded, joined the boys in a companionable and 586 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. pleasant manner, but told them they'd better not go to the house any more. But tkey did go nearer, in order to give their friend Richard the benefit of a few songs, with the tin horn and the cow-bell swung on a string for accompaniment. Joel, aged fourteen, was swinging it with all the ardor of his years, when the string broke, or slipped from his hands, and the bell flew into the air and landed with a terrible racket upon the roof of the house. Joel started to regain the bell. Ham ilton said, " Considerable noise, that." A man rose from the ground near the house, advanced a few steps toward the latter, said, savagely, " D — n you, I'll give you ! " and discharged his gun full at him. Hamilton fell to the ground pierced with a multitude of large shot in his left side. Joel, who had regained the bell and was standing behind Hamilton, was badly wounded in the arm, and the others barely escaped injury. The man who had accomplished this piece of cruelty returned at once into the house, and, as Charles Pease told the boys that neither Richard nor his father could be prevailed to receive the wounded man, they were obliged to carry him to- Mr. Hunt's house, about half a mile east. William Hamilton never spoke a word after being shot, and breathed but once or twice after reaching his shelter. Mr. Pease was tried for murder at the May term of the Circuit Court, before Judge Keep, convicted of the crime, and sentenced to imprisonment for life. THE FIRST IN THE STATE. The Pioneer Festival, which was given in the Montour House December 31, 1858, was truly a pioneer celebration, being the first old settlers' meeting ever held in the State of Wisconsin. Following is the report, which appeared in the Whitewater Register the next morning, and the sentiments are so well put, and so many who participated in the festivities are either living or have been laid to rest in Whitewater, that the report is reproduced entire: A large crowd assembled at the Montour House last evening to participate in the Pioneer Festival. We have no means of judging accurately of the number present ; but should think 300 would be within the mark. The table was loaded with the choicest delicacies of the season, and in its design was a masterpiece of art. We have never seen a large company who enjoyed themselves more fully. Every department wa9 conducted in the most admirable manner, and the occasion was one of universal hilarity and good feeling. The glee class were in their glory, and never acquitted themselves with greater credit. The tables were set three or four times, and yet some failed to achieve a dinner. The exercises at table were as follows : Song— "Happy New Year."— Glee Class. REGULAR TOASTS. .— srs of Wisconsin, who roup' to do them honor. REGULAR TOASTS. 1. The Pioneers of Wisconsin, who sought, found and possessed the Promised Land. We are met to-night. d them honor. May their names ever be held in kind remembrance. ' Their hands are hard ; their cheeks are brown Their coats are hodden gray ; No courtly phrase hangs on their tongue, No trifle stops their way : Among the stately, stubborn oaks, The ax is ringing clear — The forest falls before the stroke— The Western Pioneer. maker Responded to by William Birge in a very happy speech, although he expressed himself as no speech- iua».tir. He said if he was to pioneer a new settlement, he should do so with energy, but he was not prepared to speak. He was glad to see so many of the old veterans present on this interesting occasion, and wished them a happy New Year. 2. The Badger State— The brightest jewel in Old Virginia's early gift. Its setting— the largest of lakes. and mightiest of rivers. Song by the Glee Class— " Our Wild Wisconsin Home." WISCONSIN. " Why long to visit lands remote, Whose beauties charm the eye ? Where could we find a fairer spot, Beneath a clearer sky ? Aye ! here's a place to live and die, Without a wish to roam ; Our natal spot ; a long good-bye, We've found another home. Then cheerily we'll raise the cry, We never wish to roam, For there's no place like Wisconsin, Our wild Wisconsin home ! HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 587 " And truly, at no distant day, Our home was wild and drear ; The gray wolf hunted for his prey Among the antlered deer. And troops of painted Indians here, With stealthy steps have come, To scalp the hardy pioneer, And spoil his fairest home. But now we fear no danger near, For better days have come, And there's no place like Wisconsin, ' Our wild Wisconsin home ! " The pathless woods have disappeared; The prairies wave with green ; And sounds of industry are heard, Throughout our wild domain. Now taste and wealth united reign ; Religion wears her dome ; While busy commerce flows amain, And learning finds a home. Their songs resound, a home we've found Across the ocean's foam ! . Oh ! there's no place like Wisconsin, Our wild Wisconsin home ! " Upon our chosen, favorite State, Our warmest blessings rest ; Still rich and prosperous be her fate, The Belle of all the West. Betide what may, we'll love her best, Nor ever seek to roam, And in her broad and fertile breast, We'll find our final home. So here we'll rest ; here end our quest, No more we'll seek to roam, For there's no place like Wisconsin, Our wild Wisconsin home !" 3. Twenty Tears Ago — The time when strong hands and willing hearts made for themselves a home in the pathless prairie, and formed the nucleus of fair and flourishing Whitewater. Prosper Cravath responded, in a most excellent speech, reviewing the scenes and incidents of the early day. "Home, Sweet Home," on the flute, by Mr. Ainsworth, of New Haven, Conn. — a beautiful thing. 4. Our Working Men — The farmers and mechanics ; the miner and the merchant. Behold the works they have wrought ! Song— "The Song of Labor," by the Glee Class. 5. The Pioneer Women of the West— Leaving comfortable' Eastern homes to share with their husbands the toils and dangers of frontier life, they have lived to gather around them the comforts and luxuries of former days. Judge Baker, of Geneva, was called for ; was not present. Mr. Sherman M. Booth was called for ; and, after repeated calls," arose and said he had long ago learned one lesson, which was, when a man had nothing to say, he had better say nothing. He thought some of the husbands of the pioneer women ought to respond to that toast. Mr'.D. J. Powers, of Madison, was then called and said, that he had much rather not speak in response, after so many honorable gentlemen had declined to do so ; but rather than see so noble a toast go unresponded, to, he would use his feeble efforts to do justice to the noble band of pioneer women. He gave a clear state ment of the trials and pleasures of that early day, and of the prominent part taken in the settlement of the country by the women. He also gave a history of a ball at Bark Woods, something like twenty years ago, and stated that there were one or two ladies and gentlemen present who were at that ball. The ball opened as balls usually do, some coming on sleds and some on foot. The ball held till morning, and, though he was a strong temperance man, yet he must confess that some of the gentlemen became exceedingly nimble before the ball broke up. This was the first regular ball held in this part of the country. VOLUNTEER TOASTS. Our Young Women — Great in any line ; but peculiarly great in crinoline. Flute solo — "What Fairy-like Music," with variations, by Mr. Ainsworth. By Aug. H. Scoville : Young America — The battery which will yet furnish the successful spark for the Atlantic cable. Responded to by Edson Kellogg, Esq. • By Aug. H. Scoville : Agriculture — The first industrial pursuit — the basis of all wealth. By Rufus Cheney, Jr. : Solomon Juneau— The founder of our commercial city. Plant the evergreen on bis tomb. 588 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Responded to by Rufus Parks, Esq., who paid a beautiful tribute to the memory of his early friend. He had known him in his business connections, in his social connections, and in the family circle, and he could testify to his uniform benevolence, kindness and integrity. He was a friend to the friendless ; was never over- elated with prosperity, and never grew morose under adversity. Mrs. Juneau was a woman bred in the Western wilds ; but she possessed a sweetness and affability of temper which was peculiarly refined and pleasant, and she possessed, besides, an unusual degree of intelligence. He was glad the name of his friend had been mentioned, and he hoped we should bear it in mind. By C. M. Baker, of Geneva : Whitewater— As I saw her in 1838, and as she is in 1858. Then beautiful, adorned by nature ; now more beautiful, embellished by art. Song— "My Own Sweet Native Vale," by the Glee Class. By William Berge : Pioneers of Wisconsin— -They fearlessly braved the dangers and hardships to which they were daily exposed, in carving out their homes and paving the way for a dense population, causing the wilderness to bud and blossom as the rose, affording countless blessings to the present and future generations. May they be crowned with long and honorable lives, and the choicest blessings of earth and heaven be theirs. Responded to by Capt. J. E. Culver, of Milton, who gave a bird's-eye view of the commerce of the lakes in 1835-36, though there was but one house in Racine at that time. He emigrated to this country for perma nent settlement in 1837. The First Log House in Whitewater.— Mrs. Tripp was called for, and she, in turn, called upon Hon. Rufus Cheney, Jr., who made a few brief and pertinent remarks. By D. C. Tripp : 1858— The Memory of the Early Pioneers of Wisconsin, who have departed this life, emigrated to that new country, "not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," already "cleared up" for their occupation. Responded to in an affecting speech, by Hon. Prosper Cravath, who paid a feeling and becoming tribute to the memory of his departed friends and early companions. By William Berge : The Glee Singers of Whitewater— -The nightingales of the West— for skill and taste in music, none can excell. May their songs and joys increase in sweetness, as the cycles of time roll on. Song — "The Shepherd's Pipe," by the Glee Class, with flute accompaniment by Mr. Ainsworth. By William De Wolf : The Press of Wisconsin. Responded to in an exceedingly neat speech, by Sherman M. Booth, of Milwaukee. Song — "Ode to Science," by the house. Letters were read from Hon. Josiah A. Noonan, of Milwaukee, and Judge David Noggle, of Janesville, who were unable to be present. One was received from Hon. A. D. Smith, of Milwaukee, hut too late to be read. CHARTER ELECTIONS. During the years 1856-57, the growth of Whitewater was marked. As an example of its prosperity, it is stated by the Register that in May of the latter year as many as one hundred buildings were in course of erection. The outcome of such prosperity was with Whitewater as with other thriving settlements — a cry for a village organization. On March 6, 1858, appeared a call for a public meeting, at Metropolitan Hall, to be held on the evening of that day, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of applying for a village charter. It was signed by Aug. H. Scoville, P. H. Brady, O. Montague, S. C. Hall, William Birge, N. M. Little john, H. B. Shed, O. Gallt, T. Bassett, Lewis Cook, D. S. Cook, I. C. Day, M. E. Congar, 0. Cooley, J. S. Partridge, Joseph McHose, M. P. McLaughlin, A. Y. Chamberlain, J. Woodhull, J. W. Fuller, J. L. Pratt, Alex. Graham, William W. Card, George Easterly, Edward Barber, W. Cole, H. L. Rann, George G. Williams, R. O'Connor, S. Field, J. M. Crombie, William De Wolf, L. A. Winchester, T. S. Bunner, N. M. Branch, J. L. Pratt, S. M .Billings, Isaac Joslin, L. C. Smith, D. C. Tripp and Daniel Graham. The meeting was held, J. L. Pratt, Chairman. Messrs. A. H. Scoville, N. M. Littlejohn, J. S. Partridge, Warren Cole, Edson Kellogg, R. O'Connor and William De Wolf were appointed a committee to draft a charter. At another gathering, held on the 13th, it was resolved to send the charter to Madison. Al though a remonstrance was sent in by those who thought Whitewater was going too fast, the bill of incorporation passed the Senate by the latter part of March and was signed by the Gov ernor. On Tuesday, May 4, the first charter election was held, the Union ticket being success ful. N. M. Littlejohn was President of the Board of Trustees, receiving a majority of eighty- eight over R. O'Connor, the Democratic candidate. At the first meeting of the newly-elected board, held May 12, a series of by-laws for the government of the Trustees and the welfare of the village were adopted, the standing commiltees appointed, books and papers for the proper conducting of a village government ordered and a petition presented by Mr. Scoville from citi zens owning property on Whitewater street, asking for the construction of a plank sidewalk' on the north side of said street, from Second to Janesville street. It may be in the line of historic research and faithfulness to note that this first petition presented to the Board of Trustees' of the village of Whitewater, was favorably reported upon at a subsequent session. Hundreds of HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 589 other documents of a like nature from citizens praying for " sidewalk relief " were passed upon with favor. At the next meeting of the board, held on the 18th, the temperance issue was raised— license or no license — and for years it has been at the bottom of many of the local political conflicts which have stirred the village. Mr. Easterly, from the Committee on Licenses .submitted a majority report against granting licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors. Mr.' Curtice, from the same committee, submitted the minority report. On the heels of these re ports, J. Van Cott petitioned for a saloon license, and his paper was referred to the proper cus todian. Of course, Mr. Easterly at the next meeting, reported against his prayer and all others similar to it. Mr. Curtice as promptly favored the granting of the licenses. He and his sup porters triumphed for the time. Mr. Easterly thereupon resigned at the next meeting of the board, and the would-be saloon-keepers flocked in to the Trustees like hungry birds. Mr. Scoville isoon after resigned also. Although "license or no license" was continually agitated, the dan gers of rebellion, the smoke of battles, the blood of sons and the tears of f athers.and mothers, overcast and drenched all other considerations for the next few years. Within a few years past, the issue has been fought over with vigor on both sides. The " no license ' ' party gained the elections of 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, 1878, 1880 and 1881. The vote was very close in 1878, and the license advocates had but forty-seven majority in 1879. The contest in the courts ¦commenced over the result of 1878, when Sylvester Hanson was returned as elected President of the Board of Trustees. After a long and skillfully conducted fight on both sides, Mr. Hanson was finally ousted on the ground that the charter amendment extending the time of voting from 4 to 6 o'clock P. M. was unconstitutional, and that enough persons voted after 4 o'clock to change the result of the election. The peculiar features of the contests in 1880 and 1881 are more worthy of being recorded as a singular epoch in the charter history of Whitewater. On May 4, 1880, the charter election resulted as follows: License— President of the Board of Trustees, F. C. Kiser, 301; Trustees, G. S. Marsh, 299; C. M. Brown, 301; O. B. Williams, 294; F. W. Tratt, 299; Supervisor, John W. Denison, 298; Marshal, Douglas Sykes, 300. No License — President, H. Warne, 299; Trustees, Joseph Haubert, 301 ; G. Halverson, 300; J. Casserly, 300; T. A. Stevens, 302; Supervisor, W. L. R. Stewart, 300; Marshal, L. C. Baker, 299. H. Heady for Clerk, and John T. Smith for Treasurer, ran on both tickets. It will be at once seen that the contest was over the election of Trustees. The Clerk de clared the following elected: F. C. Kiser, President; C. M. Brown, Joseph Haubert and T. A. Stevens, Trustees. Messrs. Halverson and Casserly tied. Of the board declared elected, Messrs. Kiser and Brown only qualified. Mr. Haubert declined to act with them, as he held that his opponent was not elected. This left the new board without a quorum for the transac tion of other business than the calling of a charter election, which privilege they took advan tage of in 1881, as will be explained further on. The old board, of which Messrs. Warne and Haubert were members, continued, with several changes in its composition, to transact the busi ness of the corporation. Messrs. Warne and Halverson were ousted in a suit brought against them by Marshal Sykes. The day before the regular time for holding the charter election, May -, 1881, Joseph Haubert, President pro tern. ; Byron Brown, James Casserly and G. Halverson, Trustees, met at the office of Pitt Cravath and adopted the following: # Resolved, That no village election will be held on Tuesday, May 3, as provided by the charter. We feel justified in postponing said election for the reason that the committees appointed by our citizens for that pur pose haying failed to agree upon any plan calculated to promote harmony, under the present state of affairs no good citizen desires to subject himself to litigation by accepting a village office. Our charter perpetuates itself and provides that in case an annual election is not held at the appointed time, it may be held at any subsequent time by giving ten days' notice. Whenever our citizens can agree to elect officers, and permit them to hold the offices for which they were elected, without prosecution, an election will be legally called and conducted. Notwithstanding this manifesto, F. C. Kiser, President, and C. M. Brown, Trustee, of the hoard, declared elected in 1880, and Henry Heady, Clerk, with about twelve citizen electors, proceeded to a building on Second street for the purpose of holding the election. Finding the door of the hall locked, they assembled upon the sidewalk below, and the electors appointed the three above-named gentlemen Inspectors of Election. Furthermore, the caucus adopted a resolution that as "it was inconvenient to hold the election at the village office and lock-up on 590 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Second street," it be adjourned to Bower's Hall. An adjournment was taken, the oaths adminis- ered to the Inspectors of Election, the polls opened and the " No License " candidates were, with a trifling exception, unanimously chosen to guide the ship of village for the next year. The officers were: S. B. Edwards, President of the Board of Trustees; Trustees, S. H. Tuttle, J. S. Partridge, G. W. Esterly and E. B. Crandall; H. Heady, Clerk; J. P. Cutler, Treasurer; J. W. Denison, Supervisor; G. G. Williams, Justice of the Peace; E. S. Redington, Marshal; W. M. King, Constable. In the evening, the board met and qualified, then resigned, and a new organization was effected by appointment, the legal ground for this action being that prose cutions would not hold against them if brought by the old board. To make a long story short, other resignations and re- appointments followed until the board finally stood: S. H. Tuttle, President; George Easterly, J. S. Partridge, S. B. Edwards, E. S. Redington, Trustees; H. Heady, Clerk. The board and Clerk were sued by Henry Cornish, in the name of the State, on the ground that as the officers were not legally elected, their appointments were null and void. The next step in this strange complication of governments was taken by the Supervisors of the town of Whitewater. They held a meeting June 6, 1881, and adopted the following resolutions: Whereas, We, as the Board of Supervisors of this town, are advised by our attorney that, under the decision of the Circuit Court, for this judicial circuit, there are not at present, and cannot be, under the pres ent charter of the village of Whitewater, any legal officers for said village, and that in the absence of all legal officers, there exists no village government, and that in the absence of all such government, it becomes the duty of the Supervisors of the town to extend town government over the territory embraced within the village incorporation ; therefore, Resolved, That we, the Supervisors of the Town of Whitewater, do hereby declare our intention of ex ercising the powers and duties of Supervisors, as fully within the territory embraced in the incorporated vil lage of Whitewater as in any other parts of said town. Upon which resolution being adopted, licenses for the sale of liquor in the village were issued and paid for — $40 a piece. To make another long story shorter, the suits brought vir tually by the old board against the new, went against them, and prosecutions were brought and convictions obtained against those who had been selling liquor under the town license. The cases were brought in the Circuit Court before Judge Wentworth. The suit of the State of Wisconsin ex rel. Henry Cornish vs. S. H. Tuttle, President of the elected board, was made a test case. Judge Wentworth decided that the Board of Trustees were de jure officers of the village. The case was carried to the Supreme Court, which, on September 27, 1881, confirmed the decision of the lower court. The clause of the charter requiring a twenty-day residence was declared null — all else valid. And here the matter rests at present. The result of the contest has been a grand total of fifteen law-suits, one way and another, which have now all disappeared from the courts. THE VILLAGE ROSTER. 1858-59 — Board of Trustees, N. M. Littlejohn, President ; Aug. H. Scoville, George Esterly, S. Field, C. E. Curtice; Treasurer, Ed. Barber; Marshal, E. F. Tarr; Clerk, L. H. Rann. 1859-60— Board of Trustees, N. M. Littlejohn, President; P. H. Brady, G. G. Williams, D. C: Tripp; Treasurer, Ed. Barber; Marshal, E. F. Tarr; Clerk, L. H. Rann. 1860-61 — Board of Trustees, J. L. Pratt, President; G. Caswell, Joseph Haubert, I. Clark, C. M. Skyes; Marshal, E. F. Tarr; Clerk, James McBeath. 1861-62— Board of Trustees, George G. Williams, President; J. S. Partridge, J. D. Sweetland, John Wilson, J. Haubert; Clerk, John L. Pratt; Treasurer, T. Hempel; Marshal,. H. N. Wilkinson. 1862-63 — Board of Trustees, George G. Williams, President; Joseph Haubert, Edson Kel logg, Ole Rosman, Sylvester Barnes; Treasurer, John Wilson; Marshal, John S. Lathrop;. Clerk, I. U. Wheeler, 2d. 1863-64— Board of Trustees, William De Wolf, President; F. L. Kiser, H. L. Rann, Edson Kellogg, C. C. Danforth; Treasurer, Theodore Hempel; Clerk, I. U. Wheeler, 2d Marshal, George L. Lawrence. 1864-65— Board of Trustees, William De Wolf, President; C. C. Danforth, Edson Kel logg, H. L. Rann, F. L. Kiser; Treasurer, Lewis Cook; Clerk, I. U. Wheeler, 2d; Marshall, S. D. Ferguson. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 591 1865-66 — Board of Trustees, Jacob J. Starin, President; A. W. Curtice, Fred A. Hurlbut, Joseph Haubert, C. C. Lewis; Treasurer, A. Van Valkenburg; Clerk, U. B. Woodbury; Mar shal, S. D. Ferguson. - 1866-67— Board of Trustees, William De Wolf, President; John M. Crombie, C. C. Dan forth, S. H.. Tuttle, T. D. Weeks; Clerk, I. U. Wheeler, 2d; Treasurer, W. L. R. Stewart; Marshal, S. D. Ferguson. 1867-68— Board of Trustees, W. L. R. Stewart, President; G. W. Esterly, I. U. Wheeler, Cr. T. Ferris, Pitt Cravath; J. D. Robinson, Clerk; Treasurer, E. D. Converse; Marshal, N. D. Fowler. 1868-69— (High License ticket— $100)— Board of Trustees, George W. Esterly, President; W. L. R. Stewart, C. C. Lewis, Benjamin M. Frees, Henry McGraw; Clerk, Fred E. Day; Treasurer, E. D. Converse; Marshal, S. M. Billings. 1869-70 —Board of Trustees, J. L. Pratt, President; A. Y. Chamberlain, R. McBeath, S. H, Tuttle, Gilbert Anderson; Clerk, C. D. Chaffee; Treasurer, T. D. Weeks; Marshal, George W. Caward. 1870-71— Board of Trustees, William De Wolf, President; George G. Williams, A. Y. Chamberlain, G. Anderson, C. M. Sykes; Clerk, M. Allen; Treasurer, J. Haubert; Marshal, S. D. Ferguson. . . 1871-72— Board of Trustee's, William De Wolf, President; George G. Williams, A. Y. Chamberlain, G. Anderson, C. M. Sykes; Clerk, M. Allen; Treasurer, J. Haubert; Marshal, D. M. Fowler; Village Supervisor, S. A. White. 1872-73— Board of Trustees, J. S. Partridge, President; S. H. Tuttle, H. Montague, Thomas Goodhue, Byron Brown; Village Supervisor, T. D. Weeks; Treasurer, Joseph Haubert; Clerk, George W. Steele; Marshal, D. N. Fowler. 1873-74 — Board of Trustees, Thomas Bassett, President; George G. Williams, H. O. Mon tague, Ansil Salisbury, Gilbert Anderson; Village Supervisor, S. A. White; Clerk, H. Heady; treasurer, Joseph Haubert; Marshal, William H. Noyes. 1874-75 — Board of Trustees, S. Hanson, President; T. A. Brown, R. Coburn, Ole Sobye, Jas. Gleason; Supervisor, J. W. Denison; Treasurer, George S. Marsh; Justice of the Peace, WahMead; Marshal, George O. West; Clerk, W. H. J. Hewitt. 1875-76 — Board of Trustees, Sylvester Hanson, President; T. A. Braun, R. Coburn, J. S. Partridge, 0. Sobye; Clerk, W. H. J. Hewitt; Treasurer, George S. Marsh; Marshal, Douglas Sykes; Justice of the Peace, N. M. Branch; Village Supervior, J. W. Denison. 1876-77— Board of Trustees, T. A. Brown, President; R. Coburn, J. S. Partridge, Job Harrison, Jr., L. C. Smith; Village Supervisor, J. W. Denison; Justice of the Peace, N. A. Spooner; Treasurer, George S. Marsh; Clerk, Ira Pearson; Marshal, J. W. Hall. 1877-78— Board of Trustees, T. A. Brown, President; G. W. Esterly, F. W. Tratt, O. W. Fowler, E. F. Donnelly; Village Supervisor, J. W. Denison; Marshal, Marcellus W. King; Justice of the Peace, George G. Williams. 1878-79— Board of Trustees, S. Hanson, President; E. D. Coe, A. I. Dexter, E. T. Don nelly, C. J. Partridge; Clerk, I. U. Wheeler; Treasurer, G. S. Marsh; Village Supervisor, J. W. Denison; Marshal, W. M. King; Justice of the Peace, Henry Heady. 1879-80— Board of Trustees, G. A. Ray, President; R. C. Shepard, Henry Warne, G. Halverson, J. Casserly; Clerk, Henry Heady, Treasurer, J. Taylor Smith; Village Supervisor, W. L. R. Stewart; Marshal, N. A. Kinney. At this point occurs the interesting break which has been accorded full explanation. Facts merely are stated and no opinions expressed as to the merits of the case. WHITEWATER DURING THE WAR. " Old Walworth," where citizens for years had been noted the State over for a certain dig nity and steadfastness of character, redeemed herself during the war from any taint of sluggish blood. No county of the State was filled with more and better practical workers for the defense and maintenance of the Union. The town of Whitewater itself was in earnest, clear to the backbone, of indignation and patriotic love — old men and matrons, stalwart men, girls and boys, all united either to pour out their strength in the work of relief or place their bodies upon the 592 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. rack of torture or before the shafts of death. Of the women's work, a separate division will be made; of the men's, labors in the raising of troops and money, ah account follows; of the pass age of the brave boys in blue through the bloody battles of the war, the general war history of Walworth County gives a full account. The inauguration of President Lincoln and the firing upon Sumter, separated by only a month and a week, had the effect to firmly cement the North upon a leader and a policy. It meant patriotism and war, and Whitewater was stirred to ac tivity with the country, the State and the county. One of the first soldiers to enlist from Wal worth was the gallant John F. Potter, who enlisted as a private in a- Washington company, and then returned to his home in East Troy for a few days, to arrange his business and family affairs, so that upon his return, he could either join the Army of the Potomac, in the defense of the national capital, or join the army of Union Congressmen in the defense of the national policy. Though in less prominent walks of life, the patriots at Whitewater were equally prompt. The first war meeting at Whitewater was held at Metropolitan Hall, and was attended by one of the largest and certainly one of the most enthusiastic assemblages which ever gave expression to earnest feelings there. George G. Williams and J. L. Pratt were called to the chair. Speeches were made by Messrs. Cravath, Stebbins, Cheney, Murphy and others. Devotion to the Union was the watchword. It was evident, as an eye-witness observed, that there were no traitors in Walworth County, and that " the home of John F. Potter harbors no traitors and countenances no treason." By the last of the month, the "Whitewater Light Infantry " had been raised to its full quota under the exertions of Capt. C. E. Curtice and his co workers. The company numbered 103, including officers. At a meeting, held on the 20th, it had been resolved to pay the wife of each volunteer $5 per month and $2 for each child. In two days from that time, the subscription to this fund had reached over $7,000, exclusive of the $1,000 to be raised by tax on village property. At that gathering, as stirring and earnest as the first, thirty-five young men volunteered their services and $4, 000 was subscribed on the spot. Such men as N. M. Lit tlejohn, T. D. Weeks, William De Wolf, Edson Kellogg, George G Williams, S. Wakeley, L. Cook, J. Haubert, R. Cheney, Jr., Willard Stebbins, J. L. Pratt and many others, put their shoulders to the wheel then and kept them there persistently and faithfully. A committee was appointed to take charge and disburse the fund, aud another to hold meetings in adjoining towns. The good work of raising money and troops went on, interspersed by meetings and poll raisings. Finally, on June 12, the company was inspected by Col. S. A. Bean, Fourth Regi ment. The boys were eager for the fray — one stout, plucky (but, unfortunately, little) fellow, deserving special notice for his "war tactics," which he considered fair because of the state of the country. But his attempt to elevate himself half an inch by filling his stockings with paper failed so disastrously that he was promptly, though courteously, rejected. A few nights after, the boys were presented with Bibles by Rev. E. J. Miner, and with pin-cushions, needles and thread — gifts of the ladies — also with a flag, made expressly for them by Mrs. George Esterly. A beautiful bouquet to each soldier came from the hands of Miss Frank Cheney. Then fol lowed the dance — and who knows how many hearts ached for the girls to be left behind; and who knows whether those little pin-cushions and things had not as much to do with brave after- conduct as the Bibles and their moral precepts. The next morning, June 15, the company de parted to join the Fourth Regiment at Camp Utley, Racine. They were drawn up in front of the Exchange Hotel, where relatives and friends from all parts of the county, shook them by the hands and gave them God-speed. Citizens fell into line, escorted them to the cars, gave them three rousing cheers in strong, cheerful voices, but beneath all was the mutual knowledge that sad feelings and smothered tears were all ready to overwhelm this show of stout an un daunted hearts. Of the feelings of one father, as he saw the last two of five sons " go off to the wars," history saith naught. A. Sentenn, of Whitewater, was one of its humble but most sincere patriots. One of his sons, who was for years a resident of Charleston, S. G, was im pressed into the secession ranks, but managed to escape the day before the bombardment of Fort Sumter, and fled to New York; here, in company with his younger brother, he joined the Union forces. Of the other three boys, one joined the First Regiment, and two, the Whitewater Light Infantry. Such is war— the blood shed quietly by the "old folks at home " comes from a deeper spring of anguish than that shed in the confusion of battle. There is good cause for doubting the boys' enduring patriotism, too; for in January, an advertisement appeared offering HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 593 $30 reward for the deserter, M. O. Sentenn, aged nineteen! It was signed by Capt. George H. Walther, Company I, Seventh Regiment, and written from Camp Arlington, Va. , With the departure of Whitewater's first company, those remaining breathed easier, but did not abate their exertions in the field of agitation, money -raising and general preparation for the war, which they commenced to realize was to demand so much of every community. Before preparations for raising another company were commenced under the September call for troops, the people of Whitewater had a chance to look upon one of the finest bodies of men which ever met the enemy from Wisconsin — the Sixth Regiment, which, under command of Col. Lysander Cutler passed through the village, August 28, en route for Washington. During the first part of September, J. L. Pratt received a commission from the Governor to raise a second company. Opening an office under the bank of Whitewater, he set to work with energy. By November 1, with the assistance of La Grange and Sugar Creek, the company was ready for service. Messrs. Noble, Kellogg and Cravath, by their stirring appeals in the surrounding districts had done much to make the ' ' Lander Body Guard " possible. It was so named in honor of Col. Lander, the second of Hon. John F. Potter, in the celebrated Prior affair. The Guards were presented with a flag by N. S. Murphy, who made an eloquent speech in behalf of the ladies; pocket Bibles and needle-books were showered upon the boys, both for use and memory' s sake, and fitting responses and speeches were made at a meeting held on November 1, preparatory to the company's departure for Janesville. The next day witnessed a repetition of the scenes growing out of the departure of the Whitewater Infantry in June. Although for a number of months, Whitewater was not called upon to bid adieu to a whole company of ' ' boys " raised in (he village and vicinity, enlistments continued in her midst, and numbers had joined the "Wal worth County Plowboys, " the ' ' State Line Rifles" or the ' 'Treadway Rifles. " The ladies were now fairly organized in their work of relief, and were nobly doing their part to sustain the cause. Interest — a breathles interest — was also maintained in the struggle by letters from members of the Fourth and Thirteenth Regiments, some of which appeared in public print; but more were perused in solitude or brought as a treasure before the broken family circle. From a letter written home to Mrs. C. E. Curtice, by her husband, the Captain of the Whitewater Light In fantry, the following extract shows how the boys acquitted themselves in their first fight, just below Vicksburg, May 18, 1862. After detailing the incidents connected with the taking of Baton Rouge and Natchez, and giving an account of a personal reconnoissance which the Cap tain made by order of Brig. Gen. Williams below Vicksburg, for the purpose of getting in- I formation concerning the land approaches to the city from below, he continues: " A party of men went on shore for wood half a mile from the steamer. An escort to the party was detailed from my company. They were obliged to go ashore in small boats. Soon after landing, the boys discovered a rebel cavalry soldier near them. An artillery Captain from our boat ordered the escort to follow the rebel, take him prisoner or shoot him. This they attempted to do, and, having followed him to the top of a hill and fired at him several times, a company of rebel cavalry concealed on the hill, rushed from their hiding-place in the bushes and commenced an attack upon the four or five boys who had reached the top of the hill. My men returned the fire with deadly aim, killing three with their four shots. They retired, loading as they went. In the meantime, Charles Perry, of my company, was wounded and fell, but sprang to his feet and made his escape to his companions, where he fell again, and by them was picked up and borne away. The rebels lacked the courage to follow and take the whole escort prisoners or kill them, which they could easily have done if they had had the pluck to do so. Perry is badly wounded; one ball passed through his left arm, breaking the bone between the elbow and shoulder, one through the fleshy part of the right thigh, a buckshot in the nose and a flesh wound on the wrist. From the number of wounds, you can judge of the amount of shooting the rebels did. James Scott was slightly wounded in the arm, and F. W. Ludeman had a ball pass through the seat of his pantaloons. The Sergeant Major of our regiment was also wounded in the leg. Thus ends the first fight the Whitewater company has been in." During the summer of 1862, two more calls for troops had been made. Both Capt. Pratt and Capt. Curtice had returned home broken in health, the former having gone into business again, and the latter merely passing through the sieges of a sick furlough. On August 5, a rousing meeting was held at Metropolitan Hall to raise another volunteer company. Patriotic 594 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. speeches were made and a paper was presented, signed by forty citizens, including a number of ladies, pledging themselves to use their utmost endeavors to obtain men to fill up the company, J. S. Partridge and Edson Kellogg being appointed a committee to ascertain the number of men required of the town. They proceeded to Madison and returned with a commission au thorizing E. S. Redington to enlist the men. At a subsequent meeting, Messrs. S. Wakeley, Lewis Cook, William De Wolf, George Bunker, Prosper Cravath and J. Haubert were appointed a committee to make arrangements with other portions of the county for raising the quota of volunteers, to avoid the more unpatriotic process of a draft. A large county meeting was held at Elkhorn August 15, and another of a local nature at Whitewater on the 19th. A number of young ladies, some of them daughters of leading citizens, agreed to capably fill the places of a like number of ' ' stay-at-homes " — mostly sellers of tape and buttons. The quota of men to be raised in Walworth County was yet 581, a crisis in the affairs of the county had been reached, and Whitewater partook of the general alarm, excitement and determination. The draft for "300,000 more" was made by President Lincoln, August 14, soldiers from Troy, La Grange, Sugar Creek and Delevan — the "Federal Guard" — were being drilled in the village by Capt. E. B. Gray (home on a furlough) — nationally and locally everything was warlike again. And yet the town of Whitewater had already furnished fifteen in excess of her quota. On the 16th, the companies commanded by E. S. Redington and Capt. James R. Kenyon went into camp at Milwaukee, to follow the fortunes of the Twenty-eighth Regiment. The officers of Capt. Red- ington's company, with the exception of Sergt. W. G. Palmer, were from Whitewater, with eighty of the privates. Tfie total enlistment was 109 men, over half of whom were honest, sturdy mechanics. The first engagement of any account was that at Halena, Ark., July 4, 1863; and what is strange, although over a hundred letters were written to friends and relatives in Wisconsin by members of the company, the only epistle which reached its destination was that sent by Capt. Redington himself. By mere accident, he inclosed his letter in an official package, and can only account for the freak of luck in this way. When the folks at home heard that news had been received from their boys, the Redington home held something of a reception for the next few days, delegations coming as far as from Waukesha. In October, the town voted to raise $6,000 for the support of families of volunteers, and orders were issued in sums of 25 and 50 cents. By January, 1863, it appears that of the $5,626 seised for the bounty fund, only $75 remained uncollected; that " A. Castle's cow, not used " and "O. Montague's house returned." One of the sad local events which cast a shadow over the marked decline of the rebellion during the winter of 1863, was the death of Lieut. James M. Mead, at Helena, Ark. , February 13. A large concourse of living relatives and warm friends attended his funeral at Whitewater on the 22d of that month. The lamented young soldier, in his twenty-fifth year, had been away from home but two months. Union meetings were held with renewed vigor, the tone of encouragement and manly endeavor which had permeated former gatherings having given place to one of certainty in the immediate success of the Union arms. Lieuts. Chaffee and Cross, in June of this year, were busily engaged in recruiting men for the Thirteenth Artillery. During the previous year, a number of men had gone from this vicinity in "Barston's Cavalry," which facts must be remembered when the work which the town accom plished during the war is summed up. In October, the President called for "300,000 more," and of the 112 drafted at Milwaukee, for the town of Whitewater, forty paid for substitutes, two reported for duty and seventy deserted their country. The Government now offered $402 as the bounty for veteranB and $302 for new recruits. The cold weather of December and Jan uary did not freeze the heat of local patriots, for, at a special town meeting, held on the last day of 1863, it was resolved to raise $4,000 by tax to pay the bounty of the thirty-eight men to be raised, provided a like amount should be subscribed. The soliciting committee to procure volunteers rushed through the frosty air of that "snap," ranging from zero to 28 degrees below, but obtained their money and their men. Let the names of the heroic eleven be recorded: N. S. Murphy, Henry Newton, T. D. Weeks, F. L. Kiser, Ole Rosman, Emery L. Caswell, D. O'Donnell, Patrick Cummings, Thomas Thompson, E. D. Converse and O. B. Williams. On the 13th another meeting was held, and it was voted to raise a tax of $8,000 upon town prop erty. Those who had already subscribed to the first fund were somewhat put out, but the trouble passed over. In April, Capt. Redington left for his command, having, during his stay - ¦ ! ':':¦-¦ \. , >*¦ $t^tfb&f*7~ ^. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 597 here, recruited seventy men for the Twenty-eighth Regiment. Many of those who had served in Capt. Curtice's company enlisted. Next in the order of time was the recruiting of the 100- day, by N. S. Murphy. Several of the wealthy men of the village set a good example by en listing, among others, Rufus Cheney, who had served during a portion of the war as United States Paymaster, Edwin R. Caine and Oreb Montague. Of the boys from sixteen to twenty-five years who enlisted, were Pitt Cravath, Charles Birge, Ed Andrews, Charles Black, James Glea son, Thomas Jefford and William Brennon. On September 21, they returned safe, sound and happy. On July 18, the call for "500,000 more" startled the country. It was the desire again of all good citizens to escape a draft by volunteering their services, and subscription papers were soon circulating in all directions for the raising of a sufficient fund — $10,000. To the credit of the town by September 5, Whitewater filled her quota of sixty-eight, and was out of the draft being fifteen men ahead to apply upon any future emergency. On August 8, 1 864, the young ladies of Whitewater gave a festival in honor of the veterans of the Fourth, who had returned — J. G. Conklin, O. K. Eaton, W. M. King, A. Kittleson, J. Johnson, J. H. Buck, Whitewater; S. L. Smith, Richmond; F. M. Robinson, S. Phillips, Lima; 0. M. Cregg, Johnston; G. H. Summers, Cold Spring. On December 20, appeared the final call for "300,000 more," and, on January 16, the town voted to pay each volunteer $200. By subscription was raised $3, 070, and by tax $4, 800, re cruiting in the town recommenced, and, by March 6, the quota was filled by volunteers. Those who left on this last call joined the Fifty-second Regiment. Thus the strain upon the hearts, minds and pockets of the people of Whitewater ended. Lee's surrender, Lincoln's assassination — joy and gloom — closed that terrible epoch with them as with the country. Balm to hearts and wounds and broken homes must now be applied — and the women — God bless them! — con tinued their ministrations. A list of the soldiers who served in the three companies which Whitewater may call her own, and who most of them reside in the village, or its immediate vicinity, is given below: Whitewater Light Infantry. — Captain, C. E. Curtice; A. E. Chaffee, William Ludeman, Charles Steele, Jehial Criger, Clinton Childs, Charles Cadman, Charles A. Green, J. A. Cham berlain, Jacob Phillips, Austin Kettleson, I. Robinson, Whitewater; William Ross, Geneva; W. D. Hoard, of the Jefferson County Union, was also a member of this company. Capt. Curtice died June 4, 1866. Lander Guards. — Captain, J. L. Pratt; J. Collins, Ole Jacobson, George Godding, Dr. E. G. Horton, Dr. C. J. Miller, Prof. S. S. Rockwood, G. W. Steele, John Garbott, Whitewater; H. Babcock, D. Chatfield, William Jones, W. Olds, Little Prairie; W. H. Hall, Troy Center; J. Hodkis, Adams; Alex. Murdock, East Troy. Capt. Pratt died January 17, 1877. Capt. Redington's Company. — Captain, E. S. Redington; Myron Hollis, H. N. Hayes, D. K. Sanford, William G. Palmer, C. W. Rockwell, G. E. Nickerson, Oscar Smith, Charles W. Schroble, Patrick Keenan, Charles Homes, John Grant, Joseph Kershaw, Hiram Edwards, Francis Kinney, John W. Harrison, George Trautman, Jacob Thomas, Henry Lingemann, George Corkett, Charles Bonnett, Frank Faust, David N. Goodrich, Andrew Strong, George M. Winslow, Lewis Carpenter, Silas Fero, H. N. Wilkinson. James B. Taylor, John Early, John Rogers, A. R. Wood, D. K. Sanford, Heart Prairie; G. W. Wiley, Elkhorn; Duncan Wright, E. Edwards, E. M. Depuy, East Troy; Capt. L. J. Smith (Company I), Charles Dingman, Troy Center. Veteran Battalion of Whitewater and vicinity. — This is a soldier's organization formed on July 4, 1878, and which represents one hundred regiments from nearly every Northern State. An annual encampmant is held for one week in August, and an election of officers, on May 30, Decoration Day. The memories of camp and field and the fires of patriotism are thus kept alive. About 340 names appear on the books of the battalion, most of them those who went from Walworth County. W. M. King is Commander; D. N. Goodrich, Lieutenant Com mander; J. J. Criger, Adjutant; Louis Ammon, Quartermaster; Rev. James Delaney, Chap lain; Dr. E. G. Horton, Surgeon; T. W. Morefield (Elkhorn), Drum Major. women's relief work. On Thanksgiving Day, 1857, a relief society was formed in Whitewater to assist the suffer- 598 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. ing who had been caught fast in the toils of hard times. It consisted of leading men Of the village and their wives, and the good they did for long after will live after them. The society has never disbanded, but was partially swallowed up in the Soldiers' Aid Society, which formed under a call from the National Sanitary Commission, at Washington. In November, 1861, an organization was effected by Mesdames R. A. Tripp, B. G. Noble, S. C. Hall, J. S. Partridge, Prosper Cravath, J. L. Pratt, William De Wolf and H. B. Shedd. They were joined quickly by other noble-hearted women, who did much to sustain Whitewater's name as a patriotic and large-souled Union village. They, and scores of the ladies of Whitewater, were active in sea son and out of season, and as promptly met a call for supplies as their husbands did for troops. For example, within three days after the call for supplies, in September, 1863, they had donated thirty-two sheets, six pair of socks, ninety pillow-cases, six pair of drawers, seventy-eight shirts, five pair of pillows, one double gown, thirty-six bottles of wine and jellies, several pack ages of dried fruit, corn and delicacies, besides a large quantity of lint and bandages. They gave festivals and dances to raise money, and showed a business capacity in its disbursement, which the male sex does not always pattern after. It would be a mere repetition of what is generally known that all through the war the ladies of Whitewater did their duty. And when the cruel war was over, they labored with other sisters throughout the State for the establish ment of the magnificent Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee. GROWTH OF WHITEWATER. It will be seen, if a perusal has been given the early history of Whitewater, that few fami lies had fixed upon this spot as a home by 1840. The entire property within the present cor porate limits of Whitewater did not then amount to $10,000. The growth of the settlement was steady for ten years, but, in 1852, it received a fresh impetus by the completion of the rail road between Milton and Whitewater. In September of that year, the grand consummation of the event so long wished for, took place, and Whitewater felt that it had a right to be jubilant. By 1855, several additions had been made to the village, and its population had reached 2, 224. Two years later, the assessed valuation of village property had reached $191, 956 — far below its true valuation. For three years, the population increased continuously, the expectations raised by the organization of the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company having served to draw immi gration hither. While the war lasted and there was a continual drain of men from the village, the increase was not marked. The following figures represent the growth from 1860: 1860, 2,- 831; 1865, 2,958; 1870, 3,304; 1875, 3,394; 1880, 3,621. WHITEWATER AS IT IS. Whitewater is a thriving village of nearly four thousand inhabitants, situated upon the Prairie du Chien Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad — the old Milwaukee & Mississippi line completed to Whitewater, as stated, in 1852. It is in the northwestern por tion of the eounty, and is located in the midst of some of the richest farming country in the State. A number of busy manufactories also strengthen its business stability. Socially, White water is noted for its refinement, its splendid normal school being as prominent in influence as it is in location. Main and Center streets, with the cross thoroughfares, are lined on either side with tasteful and costly residences or cozy homes, to each of which is allotted a generous domain for pleasure grounds. The Congregationalists, Methodists, Episcopalians and Universal- ists have beautiful and commodious houses of worship. Grove and Hillside Cemeteries are beautifully situated east of the creek and pond, the rail road passing between. The former is situated about a quarter of a mile east of Dr. Tripp's old mill claim, but on the other side of the creek. When the village was first settled, a lot near the site of the Episcopal Church was set apart for burial purposes. After a few interments had been made, the plat of ground east of the village was selected and donated by Dr. Tripp. This was in November, 1848, when a cemetery association was formed, and the burying-ground passed from the control of the Town Supervisors. Additions were afterward made until the grounds contained ten acres. In May, 1858, the directors of the association purchased the beautiful knoll across the pond, and the two cemeteries are now known as the ' ' old and the new burying- grounds." From either, a striking view of the pretty and clean village can be obtained. The HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 599 pure breezes blow over them both, and the thundering horse, with his limbs of steel and his heart of fire, goes rushing between — a picture of Whitewater — a place to live in or to die. In the old cemetery lie the bodies of such men as Dr. James Tripp, Samuel Prince, Deacon Pros per Cravath, Rev. E. G. Miner, William Birge, Zerah Mead, F. L. Pratt, E. Wakeley, I. U. Wheeler, Dr. 0. C. Magoon, etc., etc. ; in the new, the boys in blue as calmly sleep — Capt. C. E. Curtice, Capt. J. L. Pratt and comrades, Edson Kellogg, Dr. John Deichman, and men who acted as noble though a later part in the history of Whitewater. VILLAGE ORGANIZATION. The act to incorporate the village of Whitewater was approved by Gov. Randall, April 21, 1858. The elective officers were President and four members of the Board of Trustees, Mar shal, Treasurer and Clerk. No specific provision was made for a fire department. In 1870, however, an engine-house was built on the creek, and the Babbitt system of water-works intro duced. A water-wheel and rotary force-pump in the engine-house, water-mains with connections and hydrants at suitable points, comprise the provisions which the village have made to guard against fire. Serious fires have occurred in the establishments of George Esterly & Son and Winchester & Partridge. On March 25, 1875, the conflagration which broke out in the post office destroyed many valuable documents. SCHOOLS. The first regular district school was taught by Sheldon C. Powers, of East Troy, who opened the log building situated near the R. A. Tripp house, in December, 1840. This build ing, 16x18 feet, was thus thrown open to the public, to accommodate the northern half of the town of Whitewater. A more commodious frame structure took its place, but the advent of a regular system of public education for the village dates from January, 1856. On the 7th of that month, the schoolhouse on Center street, enlarged and improved so much since, was viewed by twenty -five or thirty taxpayers and citizens interested in education, and found to be a good, comfortable two-story brick building — the lower story divided by a hall into two apartments, the upper consisting of an assembly chamber. Here they held a meeting, Mr. Birge, Chairman, and.discussed the question of school books. W. A. Baldwin, A. A. Lewis, William De Wolf, H. A. Congar, M. E. Congar, W. K. Cash, S. S. Workman and S. M. Billings all said some thing to the point. The result of the discussion was the adoption of these text-books: Thomp son's arithmetics, Clark's grammar, Montieth & McNally's geography, Sanders' readers and spellers. The school opened with an attendance of 130, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Lewis, teachers. A Mr. Henderson soon afterward took charge, with Miss C. Leffingwell and Miss Mary Billings to attend to the .juveniles. But one school proved insufficient for the growing population and the growing ideas, consequently Union School, No. 2, was completed in September, 1857. That was also a brick structure, 24x36 feet, two stories, and cost $1,500. It provided for sixty additional pupils. The enrollment of scholars at present in the two schools — the Center Street and East Side— is 600—350 for the former and 250 for the latter. They are in charge of L. L. Clarke, who is assisted by five teachers in the Center Street School and four in the East Side. ALMOST A SEMINARY. On March 28, 18.65, S. A. White, N. M. Littlejohn, George Esterly, J. S. Partridge, Will iam De Wolf and Ole Rossman became the incorporators of the WThitewater Seminary, whose establishment had been urged for several years by the best people of Whitewater. Subscription books were opened, but not enough was subscribed before the Board of Regents of the normal Bchools invited proposals for the location of sites from different sections of the State. The special town meeting, held in August, voted to raise $20,000 for that purpose, and the seminary project was abandoned. STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. It is provided by the State constitution that the residue of the income of the school fund, aside from the amount expended in the maintenance of the public schools, shall be appropriated to the support of academies and normal schools. In 1857, nine years after the constitution was adopted, an income of 25 per cent of the swamp land fund was set apart for their support 600 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. and a Board of Regents appointed to oversee its disbursements. In 1865, the fund was divided into two equal parts, one applied to drainage purposes, the other to the support of normal classes in high schools and academies. Its disbursement was still controlled by a Board of Regents. Under the provisions of this same act, it was provided that one-fourth of the income should be transferred to the common school fund, until the annual income of the latter should reach $200,000. In 1866, the State Board of Regents was incorporated, and, as the normal school fund had reached $600,000, and was rapidly increasing, it was resolved to commence the establishment of regular State institutions. The fund now amounts to over $1,000,000. The law provides that ' ' the exclusive purpose of each normal school shall be the instruction and training of persons, both male and female, in the theory and art of teaching, and in all the various branches that pertain to a good common-school education, and in all subjects needful to qualify for teaching in the public schools; also, to giye instruction in the fundamental laws of the United States and of this State, in what regards the rights and duties of citizens." Eight representatives are allowed from each Assembly District ;n the State, nominations to be made by city or county Superintendents. Each candidate must be sixteen years of age, of sound bodily health and good moral character. Diplomas are not granted to those less than nineteen years of age. In February, Platteville was selected, conditionally for the first site, and in May, White water received the second preference to accommodate the southeastern part of the State. On the 16th, the school was permanently located at Platteville, so that really the establishment of the one at Whitewater takes priority. It was opened April 21, 1868, Oliver Arey, A. M., for merly connected with the normal schools in New York. He had achieved a marked success in bringing the high school at Buffalo to a high state of efficiency, and was afterward at the head of the New York State Normal School, at Albany. Moreover, Prof. Arey was assisted by his talented and finely educated wife, a graduate of Oberlin. At the dedicatory ceremonies, a brief historical sketch of the enterprise was read by Hon. William Starr, President of the Board of Regents. Addresses were delivered by the Principal, State Superintendent A. J. Craig and others. The faculty was composed of the following: Oliver Arey, Principal and Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy and of the Theory and Practice of Teaching; J. T. Lovewell, Professor of Mathematics and Latin; Mrs. H. E. G. Arey, Preceptress and Teacher of English Literature, French and Drawing; Miss Emily J. Bryant, teacher of history, grammar and geog raphy; Dr. H. H. Greenman, Teacher of Vocal Music ; Miss Virginia Dechman, Teacher of Instru mental Music. During the first year, 150 students were enrolled. In 1877, Prof. Arey resigned his position, and Prof. WTilliam F. Phelps assumed the responsibilities of the principalship. He remained two years, when J. W. Stearns, A. M. , was called to WThitewater from the Argentine Republic, where he had been at the head of a large normal school for a few years previous. The faculty for 1880-81 is as follows: J. W. Stearns, LL. D. , President, Prof essor of Mental Science and Pedagogics; Albert Salisbury, A. M., Reading, History and Political Economy, and Conductor of Institutes, Second District; W. S. Johnson, Natural Sciences and Drawings; J. N. Humphrey, S. B., Latin; Miss Mary L. Avery, A. B., English Language and Literature; Miss Mary De Lany, Geography, Civil Government and United States History; Mrs. E. M. Knapp, Vocal Music; Miss Harriet Salisbury, Principal of the Preparatory Department; Miss Margaret E. Conklin, Super intendent and Critic of Practice of Teaching; Miss Kate E. N. Tupper, Ancient Languages and Principal of the Grammar Grade, Model School; Miss Ellen A. Persons, Assistant Gram mar Grade; Mrs. Ada Ray Cooke, Teacher Intermediate Grade; Miss Ellen J. Couch, Teacher Primary Grade. The total number of members enrolled in the normal school is 477 — 303 in the normal department, 94 in the academic and grammar departments, 54 in the intermediate and 29 in the primary. The model and training department is made up of a primary, inter mediate and higher grade of pupils, mostly from the immediate locality of the school. Each grade occupies a separate room under the charge of an experienced teacher with such assistants, either temporary or permanent, as may be necessary; and the most thorough and practical methods of teaching are employed. Connected with the school are a reading-room, library and apparatus. Two literary societies also serve to bind the students together outside the routine of study. The school edifice is of cream-colored brick, and is in the modern style of architecture. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNT Y. 601 The main building is 108x67 feet, with an extension or wing 86x46 feet. The entire structure is three stories high above the basement, and is heated by eleven hot-air furnaces with liberal provisions for ventilation. The grounds embrace an area of ten acres in an elevated position, overlooking the surrounding country for many miles. They have been handsomely laid out in walks and lawns, and are ornamented with trees, shrubbery, evergreens and flowers. THE POST OFFICE. The post office was established at Whitewater April 1, 1840, D. J. Powers, Postmaster. Before this, the people had depended upon Milwaukee. A weekly mail was established with Troy, and Mr. Powers carried " the bulk of it " for some time in his coat-pocket. Within a month, the mail was received direct at the office in Whitewater. Since then the Postmasters have been T. K. Le Barron, Warner Earl, E. Wakeley, G. G. Williams, I. U. Wheeler, L. H. Rann, E. B. Gray. H. 0. Montague, Prosper Cravath and H. McGraw. THE PRESS. The Whitewater Gazette was established by H. J. Curtice January 5, 1855. J. A. Leonard and A. Emerson purchased the paper the next year and removed it to Waukesha. The first number of the Whitewater Register appeared March 25, 1857, H. L. & L. H. Rann, editors and proprietors. Both of these gentlemen were vigorous writers, L. H. Rann being especially fond of purely literary topics. The paper was a seven-column folio. In regard to its first number, five columns and a half were devoted to advertisements. The first page was given up to mis cellaneous reading matter and the business cards of H. J. Curtice, attorney and chancellor at law ; Richardson & Smith, planing-mill ; Winchester & De Wolf, foundry and. machine-shop; E. A. Smith & Co. , wholesale and retail merchants, dealers in fancy and dry goods, crockery, hardware, etc.; S. C. Hall &Co., ditto; Brady, Starin & Cook, dry goods, groceries, hardware, boots, shoes; etc.; B. G. Noble, drugs, stationery, etc.; O. H. Congar & Co., ditto; L.W. Cutler, groceries, pure wines, whisky, etc. ; T. Bassett, groceries, provisions, garden seeds, stoneware, boots, shoes, etc.; J. F. Barker, ambrotype and photographic gallery; Dr. H. S. Klein, surgeon dentist. The salutatory on the second page excuses editorial shortcomings by the " good looks " of the paper — which, in all walks of life covers a multitude of sins. It indorses the platform of the Republican party, adopted in Philadelphia in June, 1856 — "doctrines equally removed" from the fanaticism of pro-slavery-ism or that of abolitionism." The Register, however, agreed to attack "the Sevastopol of slavery in its outworks and chief defenses" — the sham Democracy. It would strive to become a family paper and avoid vulgarity — " while having no holy terror of a joke, and being disposed to look upon a funny story as a sin of less magnitude than forgery or horse-stealing." On the same page, it brought out the circumstances that the world-re nowned Hutchinson family was still "on the wing" and would sing at Metropolitan Hall; that the Cougars had dissolved partnership; that the Wisconsin Farmers and Mechanics' Club had thrown open its books for subscriptions; that Baldwin's Tannery would tan anything under heaven; that the Whitewater Seminary would teach young ideas how to shoot up from the pri maries to the higher branches, "bills payable in advance;" that "No. 1 drug store" would compound wine — "just the thing for a spring medicine" — and that O. G. Fay would supply the solids at his eating-saloon; and finally, that Prosper Cravath would sell 200 village lots — $100 for residence sites— $125 to $300 more choice— and $250 to $800, located for business, 24 to 33 feet front. Other city advertisements filled nearly half of the second page and a portion of the fourth. The paper was, in short, excusable for editorial delinquencies, on account of its "good looks." It had been the intention of the proprietors to issue a month earlier, but they were delayed by the non-arrival of their No. 4 hand-press from New York and their type from the new foundry of Edward Miller, Milwaukee. In 1868, L. H. Rann retired, and the business was conducted by H. L. Rann, who soon after associated with himself H. G. Parsons. The paper was enlarged, newly dressed and its form changed from a folio to a quarto. For two years, the Register was one of the handsomest and most ably edited papers in the State. But the proprietors made reputation faster than money, and the senior editor' s health showed un mistakable signs of giving entirely away. So a purchaser was sought, and, in April, 1870, Dr. E. G. Benjamin became proprietor and editor. He changed the form of the paper and assumed 602 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. "patent insides," with a view of making his investment a paying one. When it came into the hands of its present ablo editor and proprietor, E. D. Coe, in 1871, it was as a six-column quarto, ' ' patent insides. " Upon assuming management, on November 1 of that year, he discarded the "insides" and changed the form to a folio, eight columns to the page. On March 25, 1875, the Register office was destroyed in the post office fire, but, through the generosity of the Wau kesha Democrat establishment, the former never missed an issue. The following week, the paper appeared in its own new dress, and has since been issued, with but one exception, on its publication day. The Register was established as a Republican paper, and so remains. Politics, however, are secondary to its aim of presenting a faithful and full register of local and county affairs. Its agricultural department is a feature — and one thoroughly appreciated by farmers. Three power presses run by steam, have succeeded to the single hand press, which, for a number of years, was adequate for all the needs of the office, and indicate somewhat the extent of the business which has grown up from the moderate beginnings and expectations of early years. The Whitewater Chronicle was established June 1 1, 1879, as a five-column quarto. It is now a four-column journal, fourteen pages, pamphlet form. Pitt Cravath has continued its editor and pioprietor. It is an independent weekly paper, devoted to the local interests of Whitewater. It sticks to its text and succeeds. CHURCHES. First Methodist Episcopal Church. — Li the fall of 1837, when the pioneer settlers had but fairly located upon the present site of Whitewater, Rev. Jesse Halstead preached one of the first sermons ever delivered in the town. When the old log schoolhouse was built, in 1840, occasional meetings were held there by the Methodists and other denominations. It will be readily appreciated how "few were gathered together" at that early day, but, under the lead . of Rev. Alpha Warren and other Methodist clergy men, the services were all the more homelike and hearty. In 1843, Whitewater became a separate charge under his pastorate, and a class was formed composed of these members: J. K. Wood, leader; Mrs. J. K. Wood, Henry Johnson, A. R. Eaton, Mrs. A. R. Eaton, Mrs. Dr. Clark, Mrs. J. J. Starin, Roxana Hamilton and Miss Whitcomb. Meetings were next held in the new brick schoolhouse for a time. In 1849, the society, then in charge of Rev. J. Har rington, felt strong enough to commence the erection of a church edifice. It was completed under the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Walker, in 1852, and dedicated in February of that year. The building was enlarged while the society was in charge of Rev. A. C. Huntley. The present commodious and elegant edifice on Center street, one of the finest outside of Milwaukee, was dedicated by Bishop Merrill, October 19, 1873. It was built at a cost of $30,000. Among those who were foremost in carrying on the undertaking to its present full completion may be mentioned Rev. C. N. Stowers, then pastor, O. Gault, F. L. Pratt, Prof. Rockwood, O. D. Hamilton, R. Rockfellow, Mrs. H. M. Caine, James Cox, T. H. Webb, Ansil Salisbury, A. S. Kinney, William Mclntyre, C. M. Rockwell, Leroy Brockway and others. In 1880, under the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Wells, the church building was cleared of debt, the ladies' society assuming $750. They have since paid about half this amount. The society under its present pastor, Rev. Henry Sewell, is full of life, strong and growing. As stated, the first pastor of the society was Rev. Alpha Warren. Rev. J. Harrington and Rev. J. M. Walker served after him up to the year 1852. Next in order were Revs. Hendrickson and Robinson; Rev. A. C. Huntley, 1860-64; Rev. W.H. Sampson, 1861-62; Rev. R. C. Parsons, 1862- 04; Rev. R. H. Stinchfield, 1864-65 and Rev. E. W. Kirkham, 1865-68. The latter, a Welshman in nationality, was so natural, pathetic and gifted, both in utterance and conduct, that he made a lasting impression upon every one with whom he came in contact. He had been transferred from Cincinnati, and remained with the society three years. At last, worn out with labor, he died at Winona, in 1871, having retired frorn the ministry on account of broken health. From 1868 to 1871, Rev. A. C. Manwell had charge of the society — which experienced a remarkable revival under the influence of Mrs. Van Cott. ' Following came Rev. C. N. Stowers, 1871- 74 ; Rev. O. J. Cowles, 1874-75 ; Rev. H. C. Tilton, 1875-76; Rev. C. N. Stowers and Rev. A. A. Reed, 1876-77 ; Rev. G. W. Wells, 1877-80 ; Rev. Henry Sewell, 1880-81. Connected with the church, under the latter's ministrations, are the ladies' HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 603 societies for charitable and missionary work, and a large and prosperous Sunday school. It numbers 140 and is superintended by H. P. Goodman. There is also a fine Bible class and a Young People's Assembly, which meets at 6 o'clock every Sabbath evening for Bible study and religious exercises. Whitewater has been the seat of the General Conference three years — in 1859, Bishop Ames presiding; 1873, Bishop Merrill; 1881, Bishop Fobs. First Congregational Church. — Although first established under a Presbyterian form of government, the organization which merged into the First Congregational Church, of White water, was the pioneer religious society of the county. On the 3d of July, 1840, at the resi dence of Deacon Prosper Cravath, in Lima, the following persons assembled to form "The Presbyterian Church of Whitewater:" Deacon Prosper Cravath, Deacon Zerah Hull, Justus Carpenter, Levi Kinney, James Hull, Meriam Cravath, Ada Kinney, Laura Cravath (Smith), Emily Cravath (Salisbury), Sophronia Cravath, Wealthy A. Carpenter, Jenny Williams, Roxy Hull, Harriet Hull and Maria Cravath. The by-laws for the organization of the society' were prepared by Prosper Cravath, and were so satisfactory that they were in demand for some years by various bands of Christians throughout the State, who desired to form societies but did not see their way clear as to the preliminaries. These first members joined by letter, and the first sermon to the small but enthusiastic band was preached soon after. Services were held during the year preceding the concentration of the society in the village, at the houses of Messrs. Cra vath, Johnson, Carpenter and Kinney. In June, 1841, the congregation began to worship in the old log schoolhouse, near Mrs. Tripp's subsequent residence. Sometimes the members would prefer an open-air meeting under the old trees before the .door; or they might choose O. A. Weed's wagon-shop, on Main street, or Judge Pike's or Sid ney Workman's house. Rev. Daniel Smith, their first minister, began his services in the fall of 1839, before the formation of the regular society. Being a missionary of the Presbyterian Church, he could give but one-third of his time to the society at Whitewater. But that portion he gave cheerfully and faithfully. In June, 1841, he was succeeded by Rev. Seth Smalley, who preached one of the first sermons in the village of Whitewater under some oak trees where now stands the Methodist -Church. Leaving the ministry to engage in agriculture, Mr. Smalley was succeeded the next year by Rev. H. F. Case, of Canton, Conn. With the Baptists, who had formed a society in 1842, the Presbyterians held their services in the upper story of Mr. Weed's wagon-shop. In November, 1843, the Congregationalists of Whitewater organized a society and united with the Presbyterian Church to form the society now known as the First Congregational Church. Twenty-six signed the constitution. Justus Carpenter and W. B. Johnson had been authorized to build a church, if sufficiently encouraged. A one-story frame building, 26x36 feet, ten feet high under the eaves, had accordingly been erected on the lot where now stands the magnificent edifice of the society. Its cost was $467, and all the slips were sold except four, the subscriptions mostly being paid in "labor performed." When com pleted, it was found that the society had no legal existence; hence, the formation of the new organization to whom the building was deeded. Dr. Tripp donated the land for the site. Fol lowing the close of Mr. Case's labors, in 1844, came Rev. M. P. Kinney, of Homer, N. Y. At the commencement of his ministry, which lasted nine years, a purely Congregational mode of government was adopted. In 1850, another and more commodious church edifice was completed. In 1854, the pulpit having been irregularly supplied during the preceding year, Rev. William A. Baldwin began his ministry. He was succeeded, in September, 1858, by Rev. E. G. Miner, of Geneva, formerly of Dr. Adams' Church, Boston. Mr. Miner was pastor several years; came here • in September, 1858, and left July, 1866. In the summer of 1866, he received a call to Beloit College, and was succeeded, in" October, by Rev. T. G. Colton. In 1871, an elegant building was erected on the site of the old church at a cost of $18,000. Three years thereafter, in the autumn of 1874, Mr. Colton resigned his pastorate, and was succeeded by Rev. B. D. Conklin, who remained until July 1, 1880, when the present incumbent, Rev. E. P. Salmon as sumed the charge. Previously, however, on February 9, 1880, the church edifice was entirely destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $25,000 upon the society. Upon this property was an in surance of about $16,000. Immediate steps were taken to rebuild, and a magnificent structure is now nearly completed, on Church street. Its cost, with site, will be over $22,000. The 604 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. membership of the society is over two hundred. The Congregational Church is one of the strongest and most prosperous in Whitewater. , St. Luke's Episcopal Church.— In the fall of 1841, Father R. Cadle, founder of the Oadle Homes, which have accomplished so much good throughout the State, came to Whitewater and held services in the log schoolhouse which stood on the present site of the park. Several at tempts, during the next ten years were made to organize a society, none of which proved suc cessful. Dr. James Tripp and his wife, Rosepha Ann, had donated land for the erection of a church, on the present site, corner of Church and Center streets. At length, in March, 1852, an organization was effected. Dr. Tripp died in 1844, but his good and energetic wife con tinued her useful connection with the church until February 2, 1881, when, in her seventy- ninth year, she was called by death to the church universal. It is safe to say that no ono who ever lived in Whitewater was more generally respected. Her funeral was largely attended, Bishop Welles officiating, assisted by Rev. S. D. Stearns, present pastor of the church. As stated, an organization was effected in 1852, by Mrs. Tripp, Mr. and Mrs. George Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Z. Mead, Mr. and Mrs. Hoppin and others. Rev. L. R. Humphrey, who had been officiating every fifth Sunday since October, 1851, became the regular pastor of the society upon the consecration of the little wooden church building by the Bishop, Right Rev. J. Kemper, April 22, 1852. Mr. Humphrey resigned on account of injuries received in a railroad accident in 1861. From 1862 to 1864, the pulpit was variously supplied, but in April of the latter year, Rev. H. W. Spalding, of Janesville, was called to the charge, but resigned, in January, 1865, and was succeeded by Rev. John McNamara, late Chaplain of the First Wisconsin Infantry. The year 1867 saw the church building renovated, greatly improved and free of debt. Mrs. Flavia White presented the society with a fine $500 bell, whose mellow metal still forms a part of the present musical instrument. Mr. McNamara resigned July 1, 1868, being succeeded by Rev. W. E. Walker. The parsonage was refitted during this year, but, unfortunately, in Feb ruary, 1869, when every outlook seemed so prosperous, the church building was destroyed by fire and all its contents burned, except a valuable communion set. Three days after the fire — February 20 — -a meeting was held by leading church members, and it was resolved to rebuild at a minimum cost of $10,000. Services were held in the district schoolhouse until July 1, 1869, when the corner-stone of the church was laid by Bishop Kemper. On November 3, it was opened for worship by the celebration of the Holy Communion, the sermon being preached by Rev. H. W. Beers, D. D., Dean of the Milwaukee Convocation. Having been cleared of debt, the building was consecrated on Easter of the year 1873. The edifice is a gem of solid English setting, gray stone without and tasteful wood finish within. Its cost, when completed, with the rectory, amounted to over $20,000. Rev. C. J. Hendley became the pastor of St. Luke's Church in 1870, remaining one year. Temporary supplies filled out the next year, but in 1872, Rev. Erastus B. Smith assumed the pastorate, which he retained until May, 1873. In September of that year, Rev. R. D. Stearns, present pastor, took charge of the society, which is now one of the leading religious forces in Whitewater. It numbers sixty communicants. In 1879, occurred the death of another pillar of the church — Judge S. A. White. In 1880, his mother donated an expensive and richly toned memorial organ. The society, in short, is free of debt, and rich in heart, mind and estate. St. Patrick's Church (Catholic). — In the fall of 1851, the Catholics of the village selected the lot which is now occupied, and an edifice was erected in 1852-53. The society now consists of about 900 members. Connected with it is also a flourishing school of 80 members; also a total abstinence society, which has done a power of good. The property consists of a large piece of land, in a fine location, on which are the church, school, sisters' and priest's houses. The present priest in charge is Rev. Father J. Fitzgibbon. The first priest who visited Whitewater was Very Rev. Martin Kundig, Vicar General of the diocese. No church then existed in Whitewater, and Father Kundig celebrated mass, bap tized children, etc. , in the houses of a few Catholics, who had settled among the bluffs south east of the village. He commenced the erection of the church, which was completed before the coming of Rev. Father James M. Doyle, of Waukesha, in 1853. For nearly four years, he continued his visits to Whitewater, once in two weeks. It was under his pastorate that the HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 605 present parochial residence was built. The first resident pastor was Rev. R. Dunphy, who became pastor in 1857, and remained in charge of the congregation for about twelve years. Many improvements were made in his time; the new church was built and partly paid for. It cost about $11,000. Rev. Father T. Kirwan was the next pastor, who remained about one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Father H. F. Fairbanks, who continued pastor for about eleven years. Under his charge, the remaining debts were paid, schoolhouse erected, Sisters' house built and other improvements made, amounting in all (payments of debts and. for im provements) to about $12,000, besides current expenses. He was succeeded by Father George L. Willard, and he in turn by Rev. Father James Fitzgibbon, late pastor of East Troy, Wal worth Co. Very Rev. Father Kundig died in Milwaukee in the Cathedral House, and Rev. Father Doyle in St. Mary's Hospital, Milwaukee. Rev. Father Dunphy is at present in Ireland in poor health. Rev. Father Kirwan died in Kenosha. Rev. Father Fairbanks is pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Milwaukee, and Rev. Father Willard is in Yankton, Dak. Immanuel Church (Evangelical Association). — The first work of this association began in the year 1856 in the town of Cold Spring, Rev. John Meier preaching in the district school- house near Henry Cooper's. That gentleman and Rev. John Hammetter held regular- services at the same place, also visiting Whitewater the same year. Among the first attendants at these meetings were Victor Egloff and family. In 1869, the church building on Janesville street was erected, being dedicated October 17 of that year, Rev. B. D. Beyers, of Illinois, preaching the sermon. The cost, with parsonage, was about $3,400. In 1865, the missions of Cold Spring and Whitewater were united, the two joining together in the erection of the Immanuel Church building. The pastors of the charge have been: Rev. G. Miller, 1857-58; Rev. C. A. Schnake, 1859-60; Rev. W. F. Schneider, 1861-62; Joseph Harlacher, 1863-64; Rev. J. G. Eslinger, 1865; Rev. John Mieer, 1866-67; Rev. J. M. Hammetter and Rev. Tobias Rabus, 1868; Bev. William Huelster, 1869; Rev. C. F. Zimmermann, 1870-71; Rev. John Dietrich, 1872; Rev. F. William Pfefferkorn, 1873-75; Rev. Schneider, 1876-78; Rev. L. Strobel, 1879-80; Rev. J. Kahl, 1881. The present parsonage was built during Mr. Strobel's admin istration. The membership of the society is at present between thirty and forty — that is exclusive of the members residing in Cold Spring. First Universalist Church. — In February, 1868, a conference of Universalists was held in the Congregational Church to see what could be done toward establishing a society here. Ser mons were preached by Bev. Sumner Ellis, of Milwaukee, Dr. A. C. Barry, of Racine, and others. The feeling seemed so encouraging that subscription papers were put in circulation. Rev. B. F. Rogers was engaged as pastor, a constitution for the government of the society having been presented by him, J. H Cushing and F. J. Starin and adopted. On May 15, a meeting was called to take into consideration the propriety of building a church structure. Over $4,000 had already been subscribed. The lot on Center street was purchased, and, on September 10 of that year, the corner-stone of the fine church was laid, Dr. Barry delivering the sermon. The basement was fitted up for use, and the society had a home. The dedicatory ceremonies occurred July 14, 1869, Rev. S. H. Tuttle, of Minneapolis, preaching the sermon. When completed, the total cost of the building was $10,000. On October 17, 1871, Rev. Jud- son Fisher took charge of the society, Mr. , Rogers having resigned during the previous month. He filled an engagement of four years until January 1, 1876. Services were suspended until April, 1877, when Rev. B. F. Rogers was recalled, and continued with the society until the latter part of 1879. In March, 1881, there having been an interval of over a year during which the church was without a pastor, Rev. H. Slade assumed the charge. First Baptist Church was organized in the summer of 1842, with sixteen members. Elder A. B. Winchell was soon after engaged as its first pastor. For the first eight years, meetings were held in Mr. Weed's carriage-shop and other places that could be obtained. A church was built and dedicated in 1850. The society now numbers about fifty members, but has no settled pastor, Rev. P. W. Mills supplying the pulpit. There is also a Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church on the East side, Rev. O. L. Han son, pastor. The building was erected in October, 1873, at a cost of $1,400. The small so- cieity of Free Methodists have no pastor: Services are occasionally held by Rev. Henry Lewell. •606 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. SOCIETIES. Whitewater Lecture Association. — In the fall of 1857, a library association was formed in Whitewater to cultivate popular taste, M. Paris McLauthlin, President. This organization -continued to be in favor for a number of years, being especially upheld with enthusiasm in 1858 and 1859. The Whitewater Lyceum succeeded it, and numbers of other like organiza tions have borne witness to the elevated standard of Whitewater society. The Whitewater Lecture Association is the latest and the best of these socieities, its objects being, as stated in the constitution, " the furnishing of financial and moral support to lecture courses and other agencies for the promotion of intelligence, good taste and rational enjoyment among the people of Whitewater and vicinity. " Its members must be stockholders to the extent of one or more , ¦shares. The meeting for the formation of the association was called at the residence of J. S. Partridge, November 12, 1877, when the constitution was adopted and T. D. Weeks elected President; Albert Salisbury, Secretary, and George W. Esterly, Treasurer. There has been no change in officers, except that Joseph H. Cushing now acts as Treasurer. Since the estab lishment of the lecture courses, none but the best talent — musical and literary — has been en gaged. Such names as Wendell Phillips, Prof. Richard A. Proctor, Benjamin F. Taylor, Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, Eliza Cady Stanton, Paul du Chaillu, "Bob" Burdette, Gen. Kilpatrick, Helen Potter, Olive Logan, Litta Concert Company, Remenyi Concert Company, etc., etc., which have appeared upon them indicate the taste which is being "pandered" to. The lecture association is a great success, and every man, woman and child in Whitewater will subscribe to that declaration.St. John's Lodge, No. 57, A., F. & A. M. — The hall of this society is located in Central Block. Date of dispensation August 29, 1853; charter granted June 15, 1855. The first -officers of the lodge were as follows: G G. Williams, W. M. ; J. W. Maynard, S. W. ; Milton Rowley, J. W. ; J. S. Partridge, Secretary. Present officers: J. W. Roberts, W. M. ; D. W. Fowler, S. W. ; H. Stauss, J. W. ; W. G. Schultz, Secretary; J. T. Smith, Treasurer. The membership is sixty- six. Walworth County Encampment, I. 0. O. F., was organized December 7, 1865, with the following charter members: Seymour Lewis, Oscar Smith, A. S. McCutchin, G. C. Rowed, E. F. Donnelly, A. H. Laurence and H. Johnson; R. H. Hotchkiss, Grand Patriarch, and L. B. Hills, Grand Scribe. Halcyon Lodge, No. 15, I. O. O. F., was organized by Grand Master Sam Ryan January 20, 1870, as the continuation of an old society by that name formed in 1848, but which had dis banded. The charter members were: John T. Smith, R. M. Beach, George Dann, R. O'Conner and J. L. Pratt. It has just refitted a beautiful little hall over Mr. Crosby's dry goods store. Its members, which number ninety-six, meet Tuesday nights. Present officers: H. Crail, N. G. ; William Fish, V. G. ; O. L. Giesey, R. S. : G. C. Rowed, Per. S. ; W. E. Spooner, Treas urer. Whitewater Lodge, No. 39, A. O. U. W.— Organized August 22, 1878, with twenty-six charter members. Its first officers were: A. S. McCutchin, P. M. W. ; J. H. Rockfeller, M. W. ; William Smith, G. F. ; L. Sykes, O. ; Lee Stillman, Recorder; O. F. Farrer, Financier; A. McCutchin, Receiver; D. E. Barnes, G.; E. Colbert, I. W.; N. B. Burtch, O. W. Present officers: E. N. Congar, P. M. W. ; Albert Salisbury, M. W.; E D. Geer, G. F.; W. J. Mc- Intyre, O.; Gorge H. Johnson, Financier; C. M. Brown, Receiver; Harry D. Bell, Recorder; C. F. Burrell, G W; George W. Coburn, I. W; Andrew Scholl, O. W. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, occupying an elegant hall, nearly furnished and free of debt Its present membership is 122. The people of Whitewater commenced to agitate the temperance question at a very early day, and have continued in that course ever since. One of the first organizations was that formed November 28, 1847— Rev. M. P. Kinney, President; E. Wakeley, Vice President; F. F. Fuller, Secretary; membership, 167—93 men and 74 women. Eleven years from that period, it is recorded by one who follows these matters with a keen eye: "Of the men, only seven have openly and frequently violated their pledge, and, of the youth who signed, all but two are temperate and respected citizens." Ever since then lodges have been springing up, some of the most recent organizations being HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 607 active— Division, No. 131, Sons of Temperance and Crystal Fountain Lodge, No. 37; the latter was organized in October, 1880, and has a membership of over fifty — Rev. H. Sewell, W. C. ; Mrs. Boltz, W. V., and E. Lawrence, Secretary. The stirring temperance revival under Dr. Tracy, in December of that year, resulted in the formation of a strong union — 900 members and a Band of Hope. The Custer Rifles is a military company organized July 7, 1877. Its present membership is sixty-five, and its officers are as follows: Captain, J. E. Bassett; First Lieutenant, J. D. Ho gan; Second Lieutenant, J. Rogers. The Whitewater Brass Band was organized in the fall of 1874. It consists of twelve mem bers, Joseph Hall, leader. BUSINESS TOPICS. In preceding pages, the business of Whitewater has been brought up to the building of its first mill and its first store. In the succeeding fall after the Bosworth store was built, Joseph and Benjamin Stanton purchased the good will of the proprietor, with his goods, and erected a frame buildiDg. I. U. Wheeler, with his sons Egbert and William, came in October, the latter building a blacksmith- shop and turning out steel plows. Patrick McLaughlin also opened a tailor shop. The next important addition to the business of the village was the brickyard which William Wood established on Dann's Addition, in the spring of 1841. He burned 40,000 brick in his first kiln. Thomas K. Le Barron, a young man just of age, from Boston, bought out the Stantons in September; Philander Peck had a store build for him by that industrious mechanic, Mr. Powers, and others came to settle and help build up the young community. In the spring of 1842, Charles E. Curtice, then without the title "Captain," appeared as a new-comer, and went into the grocery business. In the fall of 1842, R. O'Connor became a respected resident of the village. He died in December, 1881. In the spring of 1843, O. A. Weed's wagon-shop was completed, and thereafter for years all struggling religious societies made its upper part a -place of refuge. In the fall, Sheldon C. Hall, Henry C. Leffingwell and a host swarmed into the village. L. A. Winchester showed his form in the streets of Whitewater — rather, over a blacksmith's forge — in the spring of 1844. He had erected a shop on Tripp's Addition, Lot 3, Block 1. By summer, he had worked up so good a business that he took Joseph Rogers into partnership with him. Harvests had been good for several seasons, immigration was on the increase and many commenced to be attracted hitherward from other points in the county. Among others, Deacon William Potts moved in from Geneva. In the spring and summer of 1845, Dr. Rice, E. Wakeley (a lawyer) and J. L. Pratt, afterward the well-known wagon-maker and brave soldier, settled in Whitewater and became noteworthy additions. In the winter of this year, there came from York State two warm friends and men who made their mark — San ger Marsh and J. S. Partridge. They opened up with a stock of general merchandise. In 1847, George G.- Williams bought some land of Norman Pratt, in Section 8, and went into the pottery business, while Rufus Cheney, of Milwaukee, became a fixture of Whitewater, going into partnership with S. C. Hall to build up a general trade. By 1850, a list of its prominent busi ness houses and professional men presented the following appearance: General merchants, Peck, Keep & Co., S. C. Hall & Co., Marsh & Partridge, Rufus Cheney, Jr., Levi Powers, R. O'Connor; groceries, Caswell & Curtice, D. Giddings, Robert Campbell; saddle and harness-makers, J. Witting, Worm & Schenhart; tailors, P. McLaughlin, R. McBeath, A. Sentenn and J. Bon- nell; Drs. Clark and Rice, Lee & Warne; lawyers, E. Wakeley, E. Brown and P. Cravath. In March of the next year, Messrs. Peck, Keep & (Jo. sold out to P. H. Brady, J. J. Starin and D. S. Cook, leaving for larger fields in Chicago. At this time, the population of the village was be tween 700 and 800, but when the railroad was completed the next year, a depot erected, Edward Barber appointed agent, and all the signs were in preparation for prosperity and growth — why, prosperity and growth came. In June, 1852, Mr. Peck's body was brought back here for inter ment. He had left for larger fields than either Whitewater or Chicago. The same year, Will- iam De Wolf, who had been a resident of La Grange for over ten years, started out in his suc cessful business career by going into partnership with Mr. Winchester in the manufacture of plows. They employed seven men the first year, and their "power" was one horse. The second year they put in a small portable engine, at which piece of recklessness many of their friends shook their heads, predicting ruin. In March, 1853, the old Tripp Mill was purchased 608 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. by William Birge and the water-power much improved. In the summer, arose the magnificent " Emporium Block," Warren Cole, proprietor. It was then the finest establishment in the vil lage. J. T. Smith, L. W. Cutler and others were added to the business population about this time. Except for the slight setback of the cholera during the summer and fall of 1854, the village continued on the up-grade nntil- the hard times of 1857. Dr. O. C. Magoon, who came to Whitewater in company with Warner Earl, in 1839, was a victim of the cholera year. N. N. Littlejohn, an important business acquisition, came to White water and started a lumber yard in the fall of 1856. Not only in business but in politics, he has been one of the foremost. In the spring of 1857, two more lawyers were attracted to the village— N. S. Murphy and Edson Kellogg. The former is now a resident of Milwaukee; the latter died in Whitewater October 20, 1865. A most important event for the manufacturing in terests of the place occurred this year (1857). George Esterly, who had been mannfacturing his reapers at Elkhorn and Racine, as well as at Whitewater, concentrated his whole business here, erected shops, moved his family to the village and became a permanent and most valuable fixture. Three large lumber firms were now doing a large busiuess — Littlejohn & Co., Salisbury & Co. and G. Bunker. Previous to the hard times, it was a large shipping point for wheat, 165,000 bushels having been sent over the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad for nine months previous to June, 1857. The high prices and inflated business of war times followed so closely after this depression that Whitewater soon regained her lost ground. Although her growth since the war has not been remarkable, it has been steady, and she now possesses scores of sub stantial houses in all lines of trade. Winchester & Partridge Manufacturing Company. — L. A. Winchester, the senior member of the company, and its President, settled in Whitewater in 1844. He established himself as a black smith in a small shop located on the ground now occupied by the present extensive works, and near the log house of his friend, Dr. James Tripp. Mr. Winchester took Joseph Rogers into partnership with himself, the connection continuing for three years. For the next five years, he sturdily pounded out his fortune alone. In 1825, William De Wolf moved in from Heart Prairie and engaged with Mr. Winchester in the manufacture of plows. The firm of Winchester & De Wolf employed seven men the first year, depending upon one horse for their "power." They made fifty plows and melted 1,000 pounds of cast iron per week. The business expanded so much that they put in a small portable engine the second year, at which many of their best friends shook their heads, and ominous whispers of "ruin" went round. But additions were made to the works, as their patronage extended far beyond the limits of the county, and ghastly ruin may have grinned from afar, but kept his distance. In 1S57, J. S. Partridge, who had been a resident of Whitewater for twelve years, became a partner in the manufactory. He has retained his connection ever since, being now the Secretary and Treasurer of the Company. In that year, under the energetic management of Winchester, De Wolf & Co., the business of the firm took a great stride toward its present high standing. Li 1864, the manufacture of wagons was added to their list of goods, and new shops were built to accommodate the growing' demand of customers. The first year's manufacture was 350 wagons. In 1867, Mr. De Wolf retired from the firm, and the business continued under Winchester & Partridge. In 1874, the Win chester and Partridge Manufacturing Company was formed, with L. A. Winchester as President, and J. S. Partridge as Secretary and Treasurer. The manufacture of plows has been discon tinued, the company confining their efforts to the work of turning out farm, freight and spring wagons and the Osage corn and cob mill, which are unexcelled for durability and convenience. Since the first year, the firm have manufactured 70,000 wagons, and the quality of their work has been the means generally of raising the standard and lowering the price of these articles. From that small blacksmith-shop, buildings have sprung up which cover ten acres of ground, used for both manufacturing and storage purposes. The main building is 250 feet in length, two stories. Since the manufacture of wagons was commenced, the " Whitewater Wagon" has acquired a world-wide reputation, being selected for several reasons, both by the United States Government and by the agents of the England's Northwestern Boundary Expedition, for its great superiority over other makes. It has therefore been rightly branded " Government Stand ard." It was the only wagon to which a medal was awarded at the Centennial Exhibition. The company now employ 160 men, and the works have an annual capacity of 5,000 wagons, instead HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 609 of 350. Over twenty tons of cast iron are absorbed weekly, and the lumber which is constantly carried in stock would fill 500 cars. In a word, the Winchester & Partridge Manufacturing Company is one of several establishments which has drawn an enormous amount of business to Whitewater and kept it here — an honor to the village and to the men who represent it. George Esterly & Son. — The senior member of the firm was born in Ulster County, N. Y., in 1809 ; came to Wisconsin in 1836, and moved his family to Walworth County in 1837. He commenced the manufacture of his "Header" for harvesting grain in 1844, on his farm in the town of La Grange, and took out his first patent in that year; continued their manufacture until 1855, when he brought out his hand-raking reaper. In 1856, he manufactured his reapers at White water, at Elkhorn and at Racine, Wis. ; in 1857, he concentrated his business at Whitewater, put up shops and moved his family here. As his business increased year by year, he added to his works, which are now represented by the following floors: Blacksmith-shop, 40x80 feet; foundry, etc., 40x70 feet; trip-hammer, etc., 20x45 feet; wood-shop, 40x100 feet; machine- shop, 40x100 feet; carpenter-shop, 40x100 feet; paint-shop, 50x450 feet; warehouse, etc., 40x 160 feet; repair-room, 40x80 feet; steam fire-engine, 20x40 feet; pattern-shop, etc., 20x50 feet; office, 25x30 feet. In 1865, he brought out what is now so widely known as the celebrated Es terly Broadcast Seeder and Cultivator combined, of which this factory has manufactured more than 20,000. In 1870, he added his present self-raking reaper to his list. In 1872, his son, George W. Esterly, who had had charge of the office for something more than ten years, was admitted as a member of the firm now known as George Esterly & Son. In 1875, they began to supply the public with their " no-canvas " harvester, with which they were, last season, unable to furnish more than half the number ordered. In 1880, they are introducing to the public the celebrated Appleby Cord-Binding Harvester, in addition to their other lines of machinery. This firm now employ about 100 hands, and they put on the market this year goods to the amount of about $120,000. Their monthly pay-roll is about $3,500. In addition to the above, Mr. George Eaterly is now proprietor of the Whitewater Furniture Factory, which was organized in the spring of 1874. This is a large brick structure, 50x200 feet, having three floors; also has a steam dry-house 40x60 feet, and a shipping-room and storehouse 40x60 feet, with two floors, in connection with the same. This establishment employs from seventy-five to ninety hands and their pay-roll amounts to from $25,000 to $30,000 per annum, and their annual production from $75,000 to $100,000. The product of these two establishments finds market all over the Northwestern States and Territories. Since 1880, the shops of George Esterly & Son have been very much enlarged and the business greatly extended The sales of both concerns this year will exceed $600,000, and, to keep pace with the growing demand for their goods, will require the doubling of their present facilities. The De Wolf Wire Cloth Manufacturing Company was formed three years ago by William De Wolf and Son. An experiment was made with two looms, but the business was so success ful that their new factory now incloses twenty-four looms. It is a large two-story wooden building, 120x32 feet, over thirty-five hands are employed, the nature of the manufacture being wire netting for screens. This year 2,000,000 square feet will be turned out of this busy establishment. The Whitewater Paper Mills were built by Messrs. Tripp & Crombie in 1860. J. W. Deni son and L. A. Tanner, present proprietors, came into possession of the property in 1866. The mills were destroyed by fire in 1868, but rebuilt the next year, and increased in capacity. They consist of a large two-story brick building. Some twenty hands are employed, forces being run night and day. The principal manufacture for the past two years has been brown wrapping-paper — between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds being turned out daily. C. M. Brown & Co., flour and feed mill. This is the old original Dr. Tripp Mill, with the additions made by William Birge, as noted. The wooden portion is 50x60 feet, two stories and a half, the stone portion, 40x50, built by William Birge in 1856, three stories and basement In 1873, Mr. Brown came into possession of the property, forming a partnership with A. F. and G. S. Bridge, and later with A. I. Dexter in 1881. The capacity of the mill is 75 barrels of flour, and 100 bushels of feed per day — four run of stone. Its brands are "Our Best," "O. K." and "XXX." 610 HTSTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Branch Mill. — This mill was built by Asaph Pratt in 1843, and operated by Ansil Salis bury and others until 1862. John Lean & Co. have been the proprietors for a number of years. The mill and machinery have been greatly improved, the run of stone having increased from two to five since the property passed from Mr. Salisbury. This mill is situated a mile south of the village, but has an office in WThitewater. . Whitewater Brewery. — The original one-story brick building was erected by William Mar shall in 1860. N. Klinger purchased it in 1864, and three years after commenced to make additions to it. His main building is now 42x48 feet, with a nest of smaller edifices near by. The capacity of the brewery is 2,000 barrels of beer per year. Mr. Klinger also manufactures a small quantity of ale. Cheese Factories (near village).— William Marshall, R. Springsteen, H. A. Starin, Will iam Galloway, firm of McCutchen, Coburn & Billett Butter Factories. — Rann Brothers, H. A. Congar & Son. Machine Shop and Planing Mill. — J. Vandewater. Furniture Factory. — H. Stauss. Carriage and Blacksmith Shops. — Whitewater Union Works, E. J. Morey, proprietor ; M. M. Webb, A. & O. Fowler, W. H. Noyes, Henry Lingermann, J. McGill. Wood Works. — Daniel McLean, A. McCloy, A. L. Giesey, John McCollins. Marble Works. — J. J. Criger, Haskell & Severance. Brick Yard. — Joseph Dann. Pottery. — Michael Ohnhaus. BANKS. The early banking history of Whitewater varies little from that of other sections throughout the State during the troublous times of 1857 and 1858. During that prosperous year — 1855 — A. Graham and A. H. Scoville opened an exchange and banking office in Bower's Block. But the most noteworthy attempts to establish permanent banking institutions in the village were those which resulted in the formation of the Merchants' and Mechanics' and the Bank of White water. The former opened her doors to the public in August, 1857, issuing notes of $1 and $2 denominations. These first bank bills were covered with the figures, expressive of the denomi nation, in red ink. On the $1 note, the vignette in the center represented an old-fashioned husking frolic. At the right end, the figure $1 had a train of cars steaming past it below, passing evidently through rich farming land and brisk villages. At the left, a Goddess of Lib erty and an Indian guarded another figure 1 from the skillful counterfeiter, and under them the State arms appeared to awe him into a proper sense of his duties as an American citizen, to let the money of the realm alone. On the $2 bill, the central work of art was a farming scene. The figure 2 appeared over the face of the bill in various positions, but the left, a sailor and a girl — his wife, perhaps — his star — beamed upon the world, dividing a figure 2, as the sum-total of their perceptible possessions. The girl and her sailor was protected by the State arms. A. S. Scoville acted as President, and J. S. Partridge as Cashier. A brief career of a little over a year closed its sphere of usefulness, the Bank of Whitewater having in the meantime sprung into being under the patronage of S. C. & E. C. Hall. But on April 4, 1865, this well-known firm failed for a large amount on account of an unfortunate " deal " in pork and the general de cline of prices from the war standard. For twenty years they had been leading business men — foremost in all undertakings for the good of the village. Their failure caused the suspension of the bank The village, however, was not left without banking facilities, for, on January 1 , 1864, the First National Bank of Whitewater had opened its doors, with Sanger Marsh, President, and C. Morris Blackman, Cashier; other stockholders, L. A. Winchester, J. S. Partridge, William De Wolf, F. F. Farnham and J. A Allen. The first report made on that day exhibited as follows: Capital, $33,471.15; liabilities, due depositors, $75.40. The bank was regularly organized November 12, 1863. Mr. Marsh remained President up to October, 1873, when Mr. Blackman succeeded him. The latter gentleman has retained the position to the present time. In the spring of 1864, the capital of the bank was increased $25,- 000, and, in July, of the same year, another $25,000. Its present condition is represented by the following figures, taken from the report of October 1, 1881: Capital, $100,000; surplus, $33,- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 611 000; undivided profits, $5,784.49; national bank-notes outstanding, $90,000; deposits, $360,- 937.38. Its officers are C. M. Blackman, President; Lewis Cook, Vice President; George S. Marsh, Cashier; C. M. Blackman, George S. Marsh, J. W. Denison, Lewis Cook and N. H. Allen, Directors. HOTELS. The first hotel built in Whitewater was the Powers House, erected by Joseph and D. J. Powers in 1840, upon land donated by Dr. James Tripp. In October of that year, Freeman L. Pratt became its proprietor, built an addition the next year, and called it the Whitewater Hotel.. In the summer of 1843, Mr. Pratt rented the hotel to E. F. & S. Davis. Eli King, the next pro prietor, sold out to S. Wintermute in 1850. Ten years thereafter, he enlarged the hotel and called it the Montour House. In 1865, Mr. Wintermute sold it to G. A Mosher, and, two years later, the hotel was burned to the ground. Upon its site, in 1879, Mr. Wintermute erected a two-story brick building, which he now uses as a livery stable. The Whitewater exchange, now the Kinney House, was completed by Squire Parsons in July, 1842. Its present proprietor is- 0. G. Bunn. The Bowers House was opened in September, 1880 — J. C. Bowers, proprietor. The other hotels are the Courtland House, E.White, proprietor; the Whitewater Hotel, A. Cook, proprietor. PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY. Newspapers. — Whitewater Register, E. D. Coe, proprietor ; Whitewater Chronicle, Pitt Cravath, proprietor. Lawyers. — Weeks & Steel, J. H. Page, Bishop & Cravath, H. Heady. Physicians.— -Dr. E. D. Cary, Dr. E. G. Leland, Dr. C. J. Miller, Dr. D. D. Belknap, Dr. H. Warne, Dr. W. Rice, Dr. J. C. Salsman, Dr. H. E. Lindsay, Dr. E. G. Horton, Dr. J. Green. Dentists. — Dr. James Parsons, S. Saxe. Photographers. — J. P. Whipple, H. P. Goodman. BUSINESS DIRECTORY. Flour Feed, Salt, Etc.—F. B. Hall, R. Coburn. /Butter, Eggs, Etc. — A. I. Dexter. Lumber, Sash, Doors, Blinds, Etc. — -N. M. Littlejohn. Plows, Agricultural Implements, Etc. — T. A. Stephens & Son, John Knight, Tostig Halver son. Liveries. — S. Wintermute, Foyer & Newkirk, Hull & Black. Dry Goods, Etc.—O. Crosby & Co., Creighton Brothers, Cook & Bell, Gallt, Bulkley & Co.,. Cleland, McBeath & Co., F. Campbell & Co., T. H. Kyle. Millinery. — Mrs. E. M. Williams. Clothing Stores. — R. McBeath, G. Halverson & Son, G. Anderson. Boots and Shoes. — P. & G. Trautmann, J. Pilon, Harvey Arveson. Harness and Saddlery. — Joseph Hanbert, J. Scherrer. Hantams— William DeWolf & Son, Burton & Dewey, W. L. R. Stewart. Jewelers.— John T. Smith, B. F. Wood, V. Egloff. Furniture. — Fairchild & Co., Thiele & Goodhue. Druggists. — H. & H. L. Warne, A. V. Burk. Cigar Makers. — G. R. Home, T. H. Packard. Barbers, — A. Hahn, R. J. Pelzer. ' Grocers.— Bortle & Thayer, Ed. Engebretsen, W E. Spooner, N. Steenson, Bridge Bros., S.. Barns, J. C. Cox, Helgeson Brothers, H. N. Inman, "Chicago Branch Store" (L. Ericson). Meat Markets. — Ewing & Dunn, Charles Fose, William Smith. RAILROAD COMMUNICATION. In September, 1852, the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad reached Whitewater and sup plied a long-felt want. This is now the Prairie du Chien Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St Paul road. There was a probability that more direct communication would be opened with points to the north and south by the construction of the Wisconsin Central Air-Line, in 612 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1857. How this project and all other railroad schemes affecting Whitewater and the county at large finally turned out has been fully explained in the history dealing with general county topics. The old scheme— the Wisconsin Central, and later, the Chicago & Northern Pacific- is now vigorously revived in the Chicago, Portage & Superior Line, which is expected to run from Superior City to Chicago via Chippewa Falls and Portage. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. NATHAN H. ALLEN. He was born in Mercer, Kennebec Co., Me., June 23, 1808; is the son of John and Susan Allen. He was brought up a farmer. When 19 years of age, he moved to Orono, Penobscot Co., where he engaged in the lumber business. He subsequently became interested in banking, and for several years was President of the Orono Bank. He was elected to the Legislature of Maine in 1852. * He was married, in Orono, Nov. 3, 1836, to Miss Char lotte Read, daughter of John Read. Four children were born to them — Lauraette, died July 30, 1855, aged 17 years; Margaret C. is the wife of D. M. Platte, of Red Cloud, Neb.; May R. is Mrs. Edward Morris, of Savannah, I. T. ; Harriet R. died in infancy. Mrs. Allen died April 9,- 1852. Mr. Allen was married again, May 3, 1853, to Mrs. Maria F. Frees, widow of Ben jamin M. Frees, whose death occurred Dec. 6, 1846, at his home in Orono; they were married Dec. 5, 1844. Mrs. Frees had one child, a son, Benjamine M. (see sketch.) She is the daughter of Col. Samuel and Mary Buffum, and was born in Palermo, Waldo Co., Me.; her father was an officer of the war of 1812. In 1856, Mr. Allen closed up a prosperous business and moved to Wisconsin, in hopes of benefiting his wife's failing health. They made their home in Monroe, where Mr. Allen engaged in the lumber business, which he continued till August, 1863, when he moved to Whitewater. On coming to this place, he entered upon his former line of business — lumber — and continued it until 1874, when he sold out and retired from active business. They have one child by their present marriage, a son, Charles F., now a lumber merchant of Guide Rock, Neb. He is married to Miss Alice M. Burrows. GILBERT ANDERSEN is a native of Norway, the son of Andrew and Sarah Gulbrandsen; was born in Norway Sept. 4, 1838. He came to America in 1853, and directly to Whitewater, where he has since resided In 1862, he commenced in the clothing business. He carries a good line of ready-made clothing, hats, caps, gents' furnishing goods and merchant tailoring; also, agent for steamship lines to and from Europe. He was married, in Whitewater, Wis., Feb. 14, 1865, to Ellen C. Falk, daughter of J. Falk. Mrs. Andersen is a native of Norway, and came to America in 1864. They have one son and four daughters — Albert J., Ida S.,Emma M., Emilie and Clara. HARVEY ARVESON, dealer in and manufacturer of boots and shoes. He was born in Norway May 28, 1841 ; is the son of Hans and Ester Arveson; came to America with his parents in 1844, and directly to Whitewater, where his father purchased a farm five miles south of the village, where his mother still resides. His father was engaged in farming there till his death, which occurred Dec. 29, 1873. His farm consisted of 280 acres of land. Harvey Arveson con tinued on the farm till he was 25 years of age. He then spent some years in clerking and farm ing alternately, till April, 1879, when he embarked in his present business. He has a well- stocked store, and employs a number of workmen. He was married, July 4. 1871. at Elkhorn, to Carrie, daughter of Christian Mason. Mrs. Arveson was born in Norway, and emigrated to America in 1845. SYLVESTER BARNS, grocer, was born in Stonington, Conn., Feb. 22, 1823; is the son of Amos and Margaret Barns. When 10 years of age, he moved with his parents to Central New York (Oneida County). He was brought up a farmer, and also learned the carpenter and joiner's trade. In 1855, he emigrated to Whitewater, Wis. , and for ten years worked at his trade in that place. He then engaged with the Winchester Manufacturing Company, under contract, on wood work, and continued that connection fifteen years. In April, 188.1, he entered upon his present business, that of grocer and dealer in provisions. Mr. Barns has never been an office-seeker, the public positions he has held being that of Village Treasurer, and one of the Board of Village Trustees. He was married, in Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. Y., Oct. 7, 1848, to Miss Cornelia E. Parker, daughter of Ephraim Parker. They have two daughters— Carrie g GO «00 W CO HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 615 P. and Maggie D. Although only a short time in mercantile business, Mr. Barns is building up a very satisfactory trade. LEWIS BENNETT, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Whitewater; has 120 acres; was born in Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y. When 3 years of age, he moved to the town of Cort land; and 19 years old, to Tompkins County, where he made his home till 1848, when he moved to Wisconsin and made his home in Whitewater and engaged in the chain-pump busi ness, being the first to introduce that style of pumps into use in Wisconsin; followed that busi ness about three years; made his home in the village of Whitewater till 1866, excepting one year spent on a farm. In 1866, he moved to his present farm, on Sec. 16. He was married, in Palmyra, Wis., Nov. 2, 1850, to Miss Mary A. Kriger, daughter of John Kriger. Mrs. Ben nett was born in Ontario, Canada, and came to Wisconsin in 1846. They have three sons and two daughters — Alfred S. , Eliza A. , Alvin C. , Jessie H. and Clarence B. Alfred S. married Ella Peacock, and lives in the town of Whitewater; Eliza A. is the wife of Winfield Kanouse, of Livingston Co. , Mich. Mr. Bennett served in the late war as a Government employe in the engineer's department, at Nashville, Tenn. SETH M. BILLINGS, deceased, was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1814; was brought up a farmer. He was married, Feb. 16, 1835, to Miss Lena Markle. In 1839, he emigrated to Whitewater. Being a man of excellent business ability and executive talent, he was frequently called upon to accept positions of public trust and honor. He was elected Sheriff of Walworth County, and served during the term of 1861-62. In all matters of public interest, he was ac tive and liberal. In his private and social life, he was courteous, kind and generous. He was a conscientious member of the Congregational Church. His death occurred Jan. 18, 1880. GEORGE R. BIRGE, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Whitewater; has 80 acres in Whitewater and 40 in Cold Spring; was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1819; is the son of Elijah and Mary Richmond Birge; learned the carpenter's trade, serving his time in Kinderhook, N. Y. ; worked at his trade in New York City several years ; went to Sing Sing, where he was in charge of the construction of the south wing of the State Prison; came to Whitewater, Wis., in 1858, and engaged as a builder and contractor; had charge of the building of the first normal school at Whitewater; went to Chicago right after the great fire, and had charge of several large buildings in the rebuilding of that city. He also had charge of the building of the Bidwell House at Palmyra, Wis. In 1863, he purchased his present farm in Whitewater, but did not occupy it until 1876. He was married, in Columbia Co. , N. Y., Nov. 2, 1841, to Miss Alice Palmer, daughter of Ahira Palmer. They have two children, a son and a daughter — William W. and Libbie M. In politics, Mr. Birge is a Republican. C. M. BLACKMAN, President of the First National Bank of Whitewater, which position he has held since the fall of 1873. He was born in Bridgewater, N. Y. , Oct. 10, 1833. He is the son of Alva and Almira Briggs Blackman; was educated at the Sauquoit Academy, Oneida Co., N. Y. He emigrated with his parents to Wisconsin in 1847, and made his home at Stough- ton, Dane Co. In the fall of 1856, he engaged in the mercantile business, in which he contin ued seven years. In November, 1863, he moved to Whitewater, where he helped to organize the First National Bank, of which he was the first Cashier. He continued in that capacity till the time of the death of Mr. Sanger Marsh (its President), October, 1873, when he was elected President, and has held that position to this date — 1882. Mr. Blackman was married, at Whitewater, Aug. 10, 1860, to Miss Mary E. Billings, daughter of Seth M. Billings. Mrs. Blackman was born in Cleveland, Ohio. They have four children — Edith, Jessie, Mary and Thane M. Mr. Blackman is a zealous member of the Congregational Church, and has served fourteen years as Superintendent of its Sabbath school. JOHN BORTLE was born on the Livingston Manor tract, New York, Oct. 18, 1811; is the son of Richard Bortle. He was married, in Verona, Oneida Co., N. Y., Feb. 21, 1836, to Sarah Wood, daughter of David Wood. Mrs. Bortle was born inVerona. They had nine children, of whom six are living — Sarah M., now Mrs. James Hackett, of Whitewater; J. Wilson, died Nov. 5, 1867, aged 26 years; he was a member of the 28th W. V. I., and served three years in the late war; Mary L. is Mrs. Warner Hadley, of Johnstown, Wis. ; Luther O. died March 4, 1848, in childhood; Almeda G. is Mrs. Wesley Saxe, of Whitewater Village; Almeron died March 3, 1848, in childhood; Rhoda is the widow of Vernon Taft, of Whitewater; Cecil O. married Mary 616 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Cleland; lives at the old homestead; Oscar married Eva McLean, and is a grocer of Whitewater. Mr. Bortle came from New York to Wisconsin in 1843, and settled on Sec. 32, where he still has a farm of 120 acres. He continued his residence on the farm till March, 1878, when he removed to Whitewater Village, his present residence. CECIL BORTLE, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Whitewater; he has 40 acres of land, and his father 117 acres. Cecil was born in Whitewater, Wis., Jan. 7, 1850; is the son of John and Sarah Bortle; was brought up a farmer; married, March 29, 1877, in Lima, Rock Co., Wis., to Miss MaryCleland, daughter of James and Mary (Wilson) Cleland. Mrs. Bortle was born in Koshkonong, Jefferson Co. , Wis. They have one child, a daughter, Clara Belle. JOSEPH C. BOWER, contractor and builder, and proprietor of the Bower House, a first- class hotel, and of Bower's Opera Hall. The Bower House was built in 1879; opened for bus iness Sept. 9, 1880. The house is a fine brick and stone structure, fifty-four feet front on Main street, and 109 feet on Second street, 54x85 is three stories, balance two stories. The building contains forty rooms, exclusive of two fine stores fronting on Main street. Mr. Bower will in crease the dimensions of the house the coming summer, so that it will be 54x144, raising the rear part and adding thirty rooms. The public hall known as " Bower's Hall " is a substantial brick and stone structure, 100x75 feet. The hall proper is 100x44 feet 18 feet high, with stage room 20x44, exclusive of dressing rooms, and has a seating capacity of 800 persons. The hall is supplied with six changes of scenery. This hall was built in 1870, on the site of the old hall that was built in 1850 and burned May 9, 1870. The subject of this sketch was born in York shire, England, Dec. 9, 1821; is the son of William and Sarah Bower; came to America with his parents in 1827, who made their home in Dutchess Co. , N. Y. They moved from there to Bridgeport, Conn., and from there to Derby. When of suitable age, he learned the machinist's trade, in Birmingham, Conn., where he served three years. He then emigrated to Wisconsin and located in Raymond, Racine Co., 1841, where he was engaged in fanning till 1843. He then went to Milwaukee and learned the mason's trade, which he worked at three years. In 1846, he came to Whitewater to help build the brewery at that place, since which time he has made his home here. Mr. Bower, by his energy and enterprise, has probably done more toward the development of this town than any other one man. He has been the contractor and builder of a large proportion of the brick buildings of the place, and at one time was the owner of twelve brick business buildings. He was married, in Cold Spring, Jefferson Co., Wis., in 1853, to Miss Adelia A. Marsh, daughter of Jonathan Marsh. Mrs. Bower was born in Ferrisburg, Ad dison Co., Vt. They have four children, two boys and two girls, living — George W., Albert E., Emma and Nellie. Mr. Bower has served eleven years as Town Treasurer, and is the present incumbent. PETER H. BRADY, deceased, was born in New York Jan. 3, 1821. When grown to man hood, he went to Illinois, and was employed as merchant's clerk in Aurora till 1841, when he moved to Whitewater, Wis., and engaged as clerk in the general store of P. Peck, continuing under the firm of Peck & Keep, till 1848, when he was admitted as a member of the firm. This connection continued until 1851, when the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Brady entered into part nership with Jacob Starin and D. S. Cook in the same line. La 1857, he sold his interest to his partners, and bought into the Whitewater Foundry, with Allen & Powers, under the firm name of Powers, Allen & Co. He closed out his interest in this concern and went to Piano, 111., in 1865. Here he bought a half -interest with his brother Jesse in a fruit farm. As the cli mate proved injurious to his health, he sold out after the first year, and returned to Whitewater. He only survived a short time after his return, dying Oct. 10, 1866. During his residence in Wisconsin, he had various offices of public honor and truat. In 1858 and 1859, he was elected Secretary of the Wisconsin Central Railway. In 1863, he was appointed Postmaster of the Wisconsin Senate, and in 1864 was elected Assistant Chief Clerk of the Assembly. He was married, April 22, 1852, to Margaret U. Rameau. Two children were born to them — Howard R. and George P. The elder brother, Howard R. , is conductor in the employ of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway; the younger, George, is a student of the Whitewater Normal School. Mr. Brady lost his wife in 1861. Her death occurred Feb. 9. He was married again, Oct. 18, 1865, to Harriet A. Wilkinson, who survives him, One child, a daughter, was born of this marriage, named Anna C. Words of praise of the departed are too often hollow and mean- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 617 ingless; but in the present instance, space will not permit the writer to pay more than a pass ing tribute to the virtues of a most worthy man: Strictly conscientious and upright in all bus iness transactions, genial and courteous in his intercourse with all, he was universally liked, and one of the most popular merchants that ever did business in Whitewater. In the words of one of his old partners — a gentleman whose good opinion is a compliment to any one — "he was a grand, good man." ALBERT F. BRIDGE, of the firm of Bridge Bros., grocers and millers, was born in Jefferson Co., Wis., March 28, 1854; is the son of Robert and Isabel Bridge. He was educated in the common schools, and at the State Normal School of Whitewater. In 1876, he engaged in the grocery business at Whitewater with Edward Engebretsen, under the firm nf.me of Bridge & Engebretsen, with store located at Bower's Hall Block. This connection was con tinued until 1879, when it was dissolved by mutual consent; and Mr. Bridge began business at the corner of Center and Second streets, which he continued until 1881. In January, 188L, his brother George entered the firm, and it has since been known as Bridge Bros. They carry a full line of staple and fancy groceries, crockery and queensware, and do an extensive business in farm produce. They have a large refrigerator in connection with their establishment, which enables them to handle perishable produce to advantage. They are also interested in what is known as the Stone Mill of Whitewater, cf which they own one-third. A. F. is equally inter ested in a similar store to the Whitewater which is located at Marshalltown, Iowa, his partner being his "brother Charles, who is in charge of the business. BYRON BROWN, of the firm of Brown & Holloway, millers, Fall River, Columbia Co., Wis. , resident of Whitewater, was born in South Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 20, 1827; is the son of Joseph and Sarah Brown. In early youth, he entered his father's mill, where he learned the miller's trade. In March, 1850, he came to Delavan, Wis. , and engaged as miller with E. F. & J. Mabie, of that place, and continued in that mill thirteen years. He was mar ried, at Bergen, Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1855, to Amelia T., daughter of Luke and Susan Taylor. Mrs. Brown was born in Delavan, Wis., Oct. 12, 1837, being the first white child born Within the limits of the town; and in 1863 Mr. Brown bought the flouring-mill at East Troy, which he operated until 1866, when he bought the Stone Mills at Whitewater, in company with John Lean. One year later, he bought Mr. Lean's interest, and operated the mill alone until May 12, 1873, when he sold a half -interest to C. M. Brown, and went to California in company with his wife, returning after a few weeks. In 1876, he sold the balance of the mill to Girdon Montague, of Geneva, and went to California in company with two of his daughters, one of them, Allie, an invalid, who, they were in hopes, would regain her health from a change of cli mate. But alas ! the disease had made too much of an inroad on the poor girl, and, in less than two and one-half years, death saved her from further pain. Mr. Brown returned to Whitewater in 1877, and, in 1878, bought into the Stone Mills again; continued in business at Whitewater until June, 1881, when he sold out and bought the Fall River Mills, at Fall River, Columbia Co., in company with John Holloway, where he has since continued in business. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had nine children — Carrie A. ; Alice M., died in California, aged 20 years; Nettie A. is the wife C. H. Sproat, of Dakota; Fred E., Ada L., Dean M., Eva M., Edna E. and Helen T. CHARLES M. BROWN, of O. M. Brown & Co., proprietors of Stone Mill. He was born in Schoharie, Schoharie Co., N. Y, Dec. 17, 1840; is the son of William B. and Mary H. Brown When 5 years of age (1845), he came to Walworth Co., Wis., with his parents, and made his home in the town of Walworth. He was brought up on a farm until 1860, when he began learning the miller's trade in the Big Foot Flouring-Mills; was there one year, and then went to Eau Claire, where he engaged in the same business. From that time till 1873, he operated as a journeyman miller in various places. May 12 of that year, he bought into the Stone Mills, and has continued the business to this date. He was married, in Walworth, June 21, 1862, to Miss C. M. Douglass, daughter of G. L. Douglass. Mrs. Brown was born in Walworth. They have had four children. Glennie, a son, died when 2 years of age; Alice A, is aged 14 years; Willie D., 12; and Grace A., 7 years. OTIS G. BROWN, lessee of the Kinney House, was born in South Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y, Oct. 11, 1834; is the son of Joseph and Sarah Brown. He was brought up a farmer, and 618 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. emigrated to Wisconsin in 1854; located on a farm near Delavan, Walworth Co.; was married, in Delavan, July 4, 1860, to Miss Frances A. Stowell, daughter of Israel Stowell. Mrs. Brown was born in Delavan, Wis. They have had three children— Nellie, Cady and Herbert. Cady died in infancy. Mr. Brown moved to Darien, where he was engaged in farming eight years. In the fall of 1872, he moved to Whitewater, where he has since resided He has served as Marshal of Whitewater one year, and as Constable five years. In 1881, he leased the Kinney House, which he is keeping at this writing, and, by his superior management, has made it one of the popular hotels of the place. BULKLEY, CRANDALL & CO., dealers in dry goods, carpets, groceries and crockery. This firm was organized January, 1882, and are successors to Gallt, Bulkley & Co., which firm was organized January, 1876, and were successors to Gallt, Birge & Co. The business was first started by Orlando Gallt in 1855, in a wooden store situated on the present site of Bower's store block, near the post office. There he did a general merchandising business (see sketch of Mr. Gallt). Mrs. Helen M. Caine, daughter of Mr. Gallt, represents the Gallt interest in the present business. The firm now occupy the fine corner store in the Bower Hotel block, cor ner of Second and Main streets. Their salesroom is 85x30 feet, and thoroughly stocked with everything in their line. Four clerks are employed. Brownell Bulkley, senior partner of the above firm, was born in Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y, Aug. 18, 1844; is the son of Samuel and Phoebe Bulkley; while quite young, moved with his parents to Madison County. He was edu cated at the Union School of Fayetteville, Onondaga Co. , and began his business life as a mer chant's clerk in Cazenovia. After six years' experience, he was given general charge of the business, and, in addition to a stated salary, was allowed an interest in the net proceeds of the business. He continued in this business eight years under the above arrangement, making four teen years in all that he was with the house. He was married, June 3, 1872, at Cazenovia, to Miss Amelia M., daughter of Andrew J. Crandall. Mrs. Bulkley was born in Owego, N. Y. They have one son, Robert C. JAMES BURTON, of the firm of Burton & Dewey, dealers in hardware, tinware and stoves, was born in Malone, Franklin Co. , N. Y. , April 16, 1821 ; is the son of Curtis qnd Phebe Bur ton; was educated in the public schools and in the Western Reserve College at Hudson, Ohio. His father was a tanner by trade, and proposed to make the son adopt the same business; but, on becoming informed that it was very distasteful to him, he gave his consent that his son might seek some more congenial business. So, at the age of 15, he struck out for himself. He went to Ohio City, now a part of Cleveland, where, on noticing an advertisement for a boy to learn the printing business, he applied at the office of the Ohio City Transcript, where he was engaged, and served two and one-half years. At the expiration of that time, he entered the office of the Ohio Observer, at Hudson, Ohio, where he was employed two years. He then at tended the Western Reserve College at this place. Before completing the course, he had an opportunity to become proprietor of the Ashtabula Sentinel, which he published thirteen years. In 1853, he came to Milwaukee, Wis. , and engaged as salesman with the wholesale house of Ball & Goodrich; was in the employ of that firm twenty-eight years, twelve of which he was travel ing for said firm. On Nov. 24, 1879, he engaged in his present business with Mr. Dewey. LUTHER CADMAN, carpenter and builder, was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., Jan. 18, 1810; is the son of George and Desire (Bebee) Cadman; when 14 years of age, moved to May- field, Montgomery Co. ; came to Whitewater in the fall of 1843 ; was actively engaged at his trade of carpenter and builder; built a large proportion of the early structures, including the second church in the village; built the American House and kept it twenty- two and a half years, beginning in 1853; was carpentering nine years, farming two years; went to Nebraska in May, 1878, and returned to Whitewater in March, 1881. He was married, April 3, 1836, in Fulton Co., N. Y., to Miss Maria Miller, daughter of Fred Miller. Mrs. Cadman was born in Montgomery County. They had four children, of whom two sons only are living — George and Charles. George married Celia McKinley, and lives in Nebraska; Charles married Louisa Car penter, and lives in Whitewater. He was a member of the 4th W. V. C. , and served two and a half years, till the close of the war. Mrs. Cadman died Feb. 28, 1880. When Mr. Cadman came to Whitewater, the whole town constituted one road district. There are but two or three men now living in the village who were there when he settled in the place. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 619 JOHN M. CLARK, deceased, was born in Pawiett, Rutland Co., Vt., March 3, 1803; was the son of Ozias Clark, who was an early settler of that county. He was brought up a farmer; was married, in Granville, Washington Co., N. Y, in 1837, to Miss Julia A. Beckwith, daugh ter of Harry Beckwith. In 1845, Mr. Clark, in hopes of bettering his fortunes, came to Wis consin and selected a site for a farm in the town of Whitewater, Walworth Co. ; returning to Vermont for his family, he moved to the new home in the West in the spring of 1846. He had secured a tract of land comprising 800 acres, situated on Sec. 7 and adjacent section. This tract embraces some of the finest land in this fertile region. The following year, Mr. Clark bought a flock of 270 thoroughbred Merino, or fine- wool sheep, which came from Connecticut, and thus laid the foundation for that branch of farming which has since developed to such an extent that the town of Whitewater and vicinity is at this writing the center of attraction for the sheep-breeders of Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Clark had three children — two sons and a daugh ter. The oldest son is Henry B. The daughter, Frances, is the wife of Judge C. R. Gibbs, of Whitewater; the youngest son, Charles M., is a farmer, and owns the old homestead in White water. Mr. Clark continued to farm successfully on the wisely chosen location till the time of his death, which occurred May 18, 1864. No words of eulogy are necessary to refresh the mem ory of friends and neighbors as to the many sterling qualities of the deceased, but as this work is intended for a record, as well for the coming generations as the present, it will be proper to state that he was an enterprising, thrifty, upright citizen, who was always right on questions of public interest, liberal in encouraging the support of schools and churches; a zealous mem ber of the Congregational Church, his liberal donations and generous example aided in securing the success of that society ; a modest and unassuming man, he won and deserved the friendship and esteem of all who knew him. In politics, he was first a Whig, and, on the organization of the Republican party, became one of the most earnest supporters of its policy. CHARLES M. CLARK, farmer and breeder of registered Spanish Merino sheep and Short- Horn cattle, Sec. 7; P. O. Whitewater. He is a native of Pawiett, Rutland Co., Vt.; is the son of J. M. and Julia B. Clark; was born Nov. 25, 1833. He was brought up a farmer, and, in 1846, came to Wisconsin with his parents and located on Sec. 7, town of Whitewater, Walworth Co., where his father purchased a tract of 800 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was married, in Plainfield, Mass. , Nov. 4, 1859, to Miss Ellen Bassett, daughter of Thomas Bas- sett, of Plainfield. One son was born to them — Henry L. Mrs. Clark died at her home in Whitewater, Dec. 30, 1864. Mr. Clark was married again, Feb. 22, 1866, in Orwell, Vt., to Miss Ellen, daughter of Daniel Holbrook. Mrs. Clark was born in Orwell, Addison Co., Vt. Two daughters were born to them — Jennie and Julia. Mr. Clark's father was interested in breeding fine-wool sheep in Vermont, and, on coming to Wisconsin, purchased a fine flock of pure-blooded Merinos from Vermont, his being the third hand from the importers. These sheep have been bred by both father and son with the greatest of care, and improved, until, at this writing, Mr. Clark has a flock of 250 head of fine-bred sheep, that will compare favorably with any registered sheep in the country. He has been breeding thoroughbreds since 1875, and is recognized as one of the most successful stock-growers in the State. His herd of high-topped Bates Short-Horned cattle are remarkable for their purity and perfection. They are mostly from the best Kentucky herds ; are considered to be among the finest in Wisconsin. His herd ranges from seventy-five to one hundred. He has a fine farm of 400 acres, lying just outside of the village of Whitewater, complete in its appointments, and justly noted as a place of attraction to all lovers of fine stock. The general hospitality of its proprietors makes the stranger always welcome, in the genuine, old-fashioned frontier style. DR. J. A. CLARK, deceased, was one of the first physicians who settled in Whitewater. Although not identified with any church, he was an honest man — " the noblest work of God. " He was born in Stowe, Vt., Sept. 23, 1814. When 17 years of age, his father removed to Townshend, Ohio. After studying medicine for three years with Dr. Lathrop, of Bellevue, Ohio, Dr. Clark came to Whitewater in 1839, and commenced the practice of his profession. He afterward took a course in Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which institution he grad uated with honors. The lamented deceased left a widow and four children. SIMEON COBB, deceased, was born in Rutland Co., Vt., in the year 1800; was the son of Joshua Cobb. He was brought up a farmer. He moved to Oneida Co., N. Y., where he was 620 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. married, Dec. 12, 1857, to Miss Betsy Hungerford, daughter of Jacob Hungerford. Mrs. Cobb was born in Vernon, Oneida Co. , N. Y. Five children were born to them— Henry E., Henry H, Caroline E., Ellen M. and Elizabeth E. The eldest, Henry E., died when 2 years of age; Henry H. is a farmer of Whitewater; Caroline died when 10 years of age; Elizabeth E. is the wife of Frank W. Tratt, of Whitewater. Mr. Cobb emigrated to Wisconsin in 1855, and en gaged in farming in the town of Whitewater, where he resided until his death, which occurred Oct. 12, 1866. Though never ambitious of public distinction, he was widely and favorably known as an upright, honorable man, a good neighbor and worthy citizen. Mrs. Cobb survives her husband, and resides with her son, Henry H., on the old homestead, adjacent to the village of Whitewater. Henry H. was born in Oneida, Madison Co., N. Y, Nov. 28, 1831. He came to Whitewater in 1853, and located on his present farm of 150 acres. GEORGE W. COBURN, drayman and dealer in coal and wood, commenced business in 1877 with one team; now runs three teams; employs four men; handles 1,700 tons of coal and 400 cords of wood annually. Mr. Coburn was born in Ohio Dec. 11, 1842; is the son of F. H and Lodema Coburn; came to the town of Whitewater, Walworth Co., Wis., with his parents, in 1848, where his father bought a farm of 392 acres; George was brought up on a farm; was married, Feb. 25, 1868, to Miss Ada, daughter of Joseph Hawes. Mrs. Coburn was born in New York Mr. Coburn was engaged in farming until 1877, when he moved to Whitewater and engaged in his present business. ROSWELL COBURN, proprietor of elevator or warehouse, dealer in general produce. His business was established in 1879, under the firm name of Slocum & Coburn. In Septem ber, 1880, Mr. Coburn bought out Mr. Slocum, and has since conducted the business alone; deals in wheat, oats, barley, rye, clover seed and feed. He was1 born in Cornish Flats, N. H, in 1820; when 5 years of age, went to Rochester, N. Y. , where he grew to manhood. On achieving his majority, he went to Kalamazoo, Mich., where he resided until 1851, when he moved to Walworth Co., Wis., and settled in East Troy; was engaged in farming until 1865, when he sold out and moved to Delavau, and engaged in the hardware business. In 1873, he moved to Whitewater and engaged in the same line of business until 1879, when he entered upon his present business. He was married, near Rochester, N. Y. , Oct. 22, 1848, to Miss Eliza beth, daughter of Peter V. Shulters. Mrs. Coburn was born in Herkimer Co. , N. Y. EDWIN D. COE, editor and proprietor of the Whitewater Register, was born in Jefferson Co., WTis., town of Ixonia, June 11, 1840. He is the son of Orris K. and Paulina S. Coe. He was educated in the common schools and Wayland University, and in the State University at Madison. Shortly before he was to have graduated, he enlisted in Co. A, 2d W. V. I., April 15, 1861, for three months. The regiment did not leave the State under the three-months' call, and he re-enlisted, August, 1865, in Co. A, 1st W. V. C. , in which he served two years, during which time he participated in the battles of Cape Girardeau, Chalk Bluff, Bloomfield, Horners- ville, and various skirmishes. On his return from the army, he began the study of law at Watertown with Gill & Barber, with whom he continued six months. He next spent one year in the office of Bennett, Cassoday & Gibbs, of Janesville, and was admitted to the bar May, 1865. Soon after, he engaged in the lumber business with his father, in Watertown, which connection lasted two years. He then, in the summer of 1868, bought into the Watertown Republican office, with Mr. J. H. Keyes; severed his connection with that paper about a year and a half later, and went to Beloit, where he published the Beloit Journal and Free Press till October, 1871, when he came to Whitewater and purchased the Whitewater Register office. Under his man agement, the circulation of the paper and business of the office have been increased until Mr. Coe may be said to have the largest and best-appointed office in the county. Mr. Coe has served two years in the Wisconsin Legislature, 1878 and 1879, being elected as a Republican, of which party he is a zealous member. He was married, at Janesville, Sept. 26, 1865, to Miss Emma E. Spaulding, daughter of Joseph Spaulding. Mrs. Coe was born in Janesville. They have five children — four sons and one daughter — Florence E., Elsworth S., Dwight D., Joseph S., Robert K. Mr. Coe is the present Chief Clerk of the Wisconsin Assembly. J. W. CONVERSE, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Whitewater; was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Oct. 6, 1812; is the son of Thomas and Lydia Converse; was brought up a farmer, arid, when 21 years of age, went to Jefferson County, where he was married, Oct. 5, 1837, to Miss Susan HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 621 Doane, daughter of Azariah Doane. Mrs. Converse was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson Co. One son was born to them — Azariah D. In 1856, Mr. Converse and family moved to Whitewater, Wis., where they have since resided. The son, Azariah D., was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 1838; came to Wisconsin with his father in 1856; was married, in the town of Whitewater, Feb. 18, 1872, to Miss Marian Crossett. Mrs. Converse was born in She boygan, Wis. They have one child, a daughter, Stella May, aged 6 years. Mr. Converse and his father have a farm of 200 acres, situated on Sec. 19, Whitewater, which they have occupied since 1871. In 1873, they began the breeding of Ayrshire cattle; have now a stock of forty head, one-quarter of which are full-bloods, imported from Jefferson Co. , N. Y. Having also a large stock of other cattle, they do an extensive dairy business. ORRAMEL COOK, farmer, and breeder of registered thoroughbred Spanish Merino sheep and Durham Cattle; P. O. Whitewater; farm comprises 200 acres, and situated partly in Sees. 9, 10 and 15. Mr. Cook began breeding Merino sheep in 1864, getting stock bred by Tyler Stickney, of Shoreham, Vt. ; also of L. C. Remele and Germain Cutting of the same place; also of R. Gleason, O. C. Bacon, Chester Roach, Dennison Blackmer, of Vermont. Mr. Cook has a flock of 200 choice sheep. His first start in Durham cattle was bred by E. G. Douglass, Elgin, 111. ; A. Kirshaw, Du Page Co. , 111. ; Samuel Tenhy, Durham Hill Post Office, Waukesha Co. , Wis. ; John Zuill, Johnstown, Rock Co. , Wis. ; George W. Havenden, Galva, Henry Co. , 111. ; and Richard Wray, Richmond, McHenry Co., 111. He has now a fine herd of Short-Horns. Mr. Cook was born in Charlton, Saratoga Co., N. Y., April 6, 1821. He is the son of Zebulon and Margaret Cook. He was brought up on a farm until 18 years of age, when he served a regular apprenticeship of three years at the carpenter's trade. He was married, in Ballston, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Jan. 22, 1845, to Miss Clarissa Curtis, daughter of Luzon and Susan Cur tis. They had two children born in the East — Emma C. and Willard O. Emma is now Mrs. Edward I. Morey, of Whitewater. In the fall of 1854, Mr. Cook and family moved to Walworth Co., Wis., and settled on their present farm. Two children were born to them in Whitewater, a daughter and son — Mararetl, S. and Frank H. Mr. Cook and wife are members of the Con gregational Church, Whitewater. PITT CRAVATH, attorney at law, editor and proprietor of Whitewater Chronicle, was born in Lima, Rock Co., Wis., Aug. 1, 1844; is the son of Prosper and Maria P. (Noble) Cravath; came to Whitewater with his parents in 1845. He was educated in the public schools and the State University; graduated in 1863, and, the following year, attended the Albany Law School -of Albany, N. Y. ; graduated, and was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of New York in 1865. He returned to Wisconsin and began the practice of law at Whitewater, in company with N. S. Murphy, of the Milwaukee Sentinel; continued that connection three years, and then went to New Orleans, 1868, where he was elected Assistant Secretary of State of Louisiana, which office he held two years ; also served as Secretary of the Senate two years. He then re turned to Wisconsin and spent a year or more in the office of Carpenter & Murphy, at Milwau kee. From there he went to Algona, Iowa, where he practiced law and purchased the office of the Upper Des Moines; remained there five years, and returned to Whitewater, Wis., 1879. He started the Whitewater Chronicle, a weekly newspaper, steam power press, which he still publishes. In the fall of 1879, he formed a law partnership with Mr. Samuel Bishop, as Bishop & Cravath. Mr. Cravath was married, in Waukesha, Wis., Oct. 20, 1867, to Miss Marcia Dowd, daughter of Capt. John Dowd. Mrs. Cravath was born in New York. PROSPER CRAVATH, attorney at law, Whitewater, Wis. He was born in Cortland, Cortland Co., N. Y., May 28, 1860; is the son of Prosper and Mariam Cravath. When 20 years of age, he began the study of law in the office of Mr. Hawks, a prominent lawyer of Cort land. After pursuing the study two or three years, he turned his attention to other pursuits. He was married, March 28, 1834, to Miss Maria Noble, daughter of Solomon Noble. Mrs. Cravath was born in Massachusetts. Two children were born to them. The daughter, Emma. is the wife of Dr. Willard Rice, of Whitewater. The son, Pitt, is an attorney at law and edi tor and proprietor of the Whitewater Chronicle (see sketch). In 1839, Mr. Cravath emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in Lima, Rock Co. , near the town line of Whitewater. He resumed the •study of law, and was admitted to practice in the Circuit Court of Jefferson, Wis. , in the fall of 1843. In 1845, he moved to the village of Whitewater, where he has since resided. He was 622 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. elected a member of the first Wisconsin Legislature, held several local offices and for eight years was Postmaster. For upward of forty years, Mr. Cravath has been an honored resident of Whitewater. He found it a wilderness, without roads, churches or schools. He has lived to see it grow to a beautiful, prosperous town, of nearly four thousand people. He surveyed its streets and lots, and has always been a zealous worker in behalf of all worthy public enter prises. He has done more than any other resident of the town in preserving a correct record of its history. Many valuable articles of great historical importance have been written by his pen, and to him are the publishers of this work under obligations for much of the interesting matter that goes to make up their history of Whitewater. Mr. Cravath is now nearly 73 years of age, but his interest in the town seems just as fresh and earnest as ever, and his voice is still heard with pleasure by his fellow-townsmen as he discusses the local issues of the day. A gen ial, kind-hearted and honorable man, a good citizen and true friend, when this generation shall have passed away, and the future historian shall treat of Whitewater and its pioneers, he will find no subject more worthy of his pen than Prosper Cravath. J. J. CRIGER, manufacturer of and dealer in imported and native marble and granite; business established in 1876. He was born in Niagara Co., N. Y. , Nov. 20, 1838; is the son of Wm. Criger; came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1842 ; they located near Brodhead, Rock Co. ; three years later, moved to Whitewater. He enlisted, April 23, 1861, on the first call for 75,000 troops for the late war; was mustered in as a private of Co. A, 4th W. V. I. for three years; served the term of his enlistment; participated in most every engagement in which his company and regiment took part; re-enlisted at Baton Rouge, La. ; was taken prisoner at the storming of Port Hudson, in May, 1863, and held till the capture of that point by the Union forces; was promoted to Sergeant Major July 4, 1864, from 3d Corporal, and served till mustered out, Oct. 14, 1865. After the close of the war, on returning from the army, he engaged in the marble business with Spooner & Marsh, in the spring of 1866. From the last of October, 1872, to the last of October, 1875, he worked as a journeyman. He then ran a shop at Whitewater about 'two years, In the fall of 1875, he went to Monroe, Wis. , and carried on the same busi ness there about a year, and returned to Whitewater and started in the marble business again at that place. He was married, in Whitewater, April 27, 1864, to Miss Sarah M. , daughter of Levi Edmunds. They have two children — Frederick H. and H. Frank. JOHN W. DENISON, of the firm of Denison & Tanner, paper manufacturers, proprietors of the Whitewater Paper- Mills. Mr. DeDison was born in Durham, Greene Co., N. Y., April 6, 1819; when 10 years of age, moved with his parents, John and Martha Coe Denison, to Genesee County. On arriving at manhood, he engaged in mercantile, grain and produce business at Spencerport, Monroe Co., N. Y., in company with C. Church & Co. In 1847, without severing his connection with the firm, he went to Wisconsin and established a branch house at East Troy, Walworth Co., under the name of E. H. Ball & Co., Mr. Ball being a member of the old firm of Eastern partners. In 1854, Mr. Denison, purchasing the other interest in the business at Spencerport, conducted it until 1856, when he closed it up and returned to Wisconsin, and re sumed business at East Troy with Mr. Ball. In 1860, they sold out to Clark, Church & Hough ton. Mr. Ball went to Milwaukee, where he has since been known as a member of the firm of Ball & Goodrich, wholesale jobbers. Mr. Denison remained at Troy, settling up the old busi ness of the company, and dealing in wool and other produce. In 1866, he came to Whitewater, and, in company, with Mr. Tanner, bought the paper-mills. In 1868, the mills were burned. They rebuilt them the following year, so that they resumed manufacturing that fall. Mr. Den ison was married, at Spencerport, N. Y., March 9, 1854, to Mary A. Perkins, daughter of Jul ius A. Perkins. Mrs. Denison was born in Cortland Co., N. Y. Their family consists of three daughters and one son— Mary, Nellie, John J. and Hattie— all born in East Troy. Mary is the widow of F. W. Winchester, of Whitewater. Mr. Denison is a member of the County Board of Supervisors, representing the village of Whitewater. H. B. DEWEY, of the firm of Burton & Dewey, hardware merchants, was born in Albany, N. Y., May 4, 1844; is the son of D. L. and Eveline Knapp Dewey. In 1856, he came to Ber lin, Wis., with his parents, where he was educated in the city schools. He began learning the tinner's trade in 1868, and served an apprenticeship of three years. He then went to .Luding ton, Mich., worked as a journeyman three years, and then formed a partnership with J. D. Hus- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 623 ton in the hardware business, which connection was continued two years. He then returned to Wisconsin and engaged in the same line at Spring Green, Sauk Co. Three years later, he sold out and came to Whitewater, and, in company with Mr. James Burton, entered upon his present business, Nov. 24, 1879. He was married, at Ludington, Mich., in the spring of 1877, to Miss Lena R. Eggleston, daughter of H. L. Eggleston. Mrs. Dewey was born in Paw Paw, Mich. They have two children — Addie and Belle. WILLIAM D. DE WOLF, hardware merchant and wire-cloth manufacturer, was born in Bridgewater, Oneida Co., N. Y., July 21, 1821; is the son of Jabez and Thankful (Fairchild) De Wolf, who were the parents of thirteen children, seven of whom are living at this date, the youngest being over 58 years of age. He was brought up a farmer, and, when nearly 21 years of age, he emigrated to Wisconsin, arriving at Milwaukee, his cash capital amounted to 75 cents, which was absorbed in paying for his conveyance to hotel and a night's lodging on the floor of a crowded hotel. The next morning, on falling in with a neighbor of his brother, who resided in Heart Prairie, La Grange, Walworth Co., he started for that town. By the kindness of his brother's friend, he obtained a dinner on the road, and arrived^ at his brother's on the 15th of May, 1842. He soon after bargained with his brother for 250 acres of land for $1,000, to be paid at some future time. Thus, when scarcely of age, he was the owner of a large farm, sit uated on the south side of Heart Prairie, and $1,000 in debt. By working out, he earned the means to improve his farm, and was shortly enabled to pay off his indebtedness. He was mar ried, in November, 1845, in the town of Richmond, to Miss Eunice L. , daughter of Esquire F. Hawes, an early pioneer of that town. Mrs. De Wolf was born in Tyrone, Steuben Co. , N. Y. Mr. De Wolf's desperate efforts to secure a clergyman or some one competent to perform the marriage ceremony were interesting and arduous. His first venture was a letter to the Rev. Mr. William C. Reger, an Episcopal clergyman of Janesville. On the failure of that gentleman to put in an appearance on the day before the one set for the wedding, or to give notice of his coming, Mr. De Wolf became nervous, and, being determined to have no postponement of the nuptials, he sallied forth in search of a substitute for the tardy dominie. He first visited Delavan, only to be dis appointed, then tried Elkhorn with little success; from there he went to Troy Center; the only encouragement he received was a promise from a Justice of the Peace that he would try and get a Methodist minister he knew of to come to his relief. On the way to the home of his bride the next day, he intercepted the Episcopal clergyman on his way to the wedding. On arriving at their destination,' they were surprised to find the Justice and the Methodist minister on the ground ready for duty. This complication only added zest to the occasion, and the knot was duly tied by the Rev. Mr. Reger. Mr. and Mrs. De Wolf prospered in worldly affairs, and, in the course of time, were blessed with a family of six children, three sons and three daughters— Delos, Sarah W. D., Mannering, William, Gertrude and Lizzie W. The oldest son, Delos, died at Denver, Colo., in 1876, aged 31 years; his widow is a resident of Rock Prairie, Wis.; Sarah is the wife of Henry McGraw, Postmaster of Whitewater; Mannering married F. A. Salisbury, and is in business with his father at Whitewater; William married Mary E. Cook, and is also in business with his father In 1852, William De Wolf moved to Whitewater and entered into partnership with Mr. L. A. Winchester in the manufacture of plows and in hardware merchan dising. He continued this connection until 1865, when, on dissolving partnership, he took the hardware trade. Subsequently, he engaged in the manufacture of wire cloth, in the fall of 1877. See sketch elsewhere of the latter business. Since 1875 and 1877, his sons have been in part nership with him. Mr. De Wolf has never been an aspirant for public office, but has served his town, Whitewater, three terms as Chairman. GEORGE D. DOUBLEDAY, farmer, and grower of blooded horses, sheep and cattle, Sec. 17; P. O. Whitewater; has 400 acres; was born in Scott, Cortland Co., N. Y, Sept. 12, 1836; is the son of Charles D. and Mary J. Doubleday; came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1848, and settled in the town of Whitewater, Walworth Co. He was married, Jan. 14, 1867, in Chi cago, to Miss Carrie Rockfellow, daughter of Rufus R. Rockfellow. Mrs. Doubleday was born in New York City. They have four children — Emma L., George D., Everette and Lewis. With the exception of eight years spent in the mining region of Colorado and in New York City, Mr. Doubleday has been a resident of Whitewater since cdming here, in 1848. He has long been a successful grower of blo'oded horses, and his stables turn out some of the best steppers in the West 624 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. GEORGE ESTERLY, manufacturer of farm machinery, was born in Ulster Co ,N. Y, Oct. 17, 1809; is the son of Peter and Rachel Esterly. He was brought up on a farm, and, in 1837, came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of La Grange, Walworth Co., where he purchased 1,120 acres of land and engaged in farming. As early as 1843, he had 300 acres under wheat. The difficulty and expense of harvesting by hand, what was in that day a great number of acres for one farmer to have, led him to inquire into the nature of the machinery that had been in vented for harvesting purposes. Not being satisfied with what he found in use, he became an inventor, suffering the usual fluctuations of hope and fear, success and disappointment, till finally he got on solid ground. His immense works in operation at Whitewater, covering acres of ground and giving employment to hundreds of men, afford the best proof of his success. See sketch of his reaper works in history of Whitewater. Mr. Esterly is the author of sundry pam phlets on the currency, in which enlarged views of national importance are presented in a clear and forcible manner. SIMON B. EDWARDS was born in Windsor, Broome Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 1815; is the son of Joseph and Abigal Buell Edwards. When 7 years of age, he moved with his parents to Chenango Co. , N. Y. , where he was brought up on a farm till 16 years of age, then learned the blacksmith's trade; served four years. He was married, at Sherburne, March 8, 1838, to Miss Betsey Ann Wheeler, daughter of I. U. Wheeler, since a well-known pioneer of Walworth Co. , Wis., late of Whitewater. Mrs. Edwards was bora in Dutchess Co., N. Y., April 18, 1818. In the spring of 1839, Mr. Edwards came to Walworth Co. , Wis. , on a tour of inspection. He selected a location at a point now called East Troy. As it became known that he was a practi cal blacksmith, the settlers rolled up some logs for a shop, and, procuring some tools near by, he began operations in that line. He returned East in the fall, and in October he moved his family to their new home. He built a frame shop, with dwelling in the second story. This was the first frame structure in East Troy. He alse located the southeast quarter of Sec. 11, Town 4 north, Range 18 east, 160 acres. He subsequently increased his acreage till at one time he had 800 acres. He worked at his trade about four years after coming to East Troy, and then devoted his attention to farming. In 1852, he sold out, and bought a large farm in Troy. However, he remained only one year in that town, and then returned to East Troy, where he was engaged in milling and dealing in real estate. Mr. Edwards was Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Mallory; was also the first Treasurer of the two Troys, and Supervisor of East Troy several years. In 1878, he moved to Whitewater, where he purchased a fine residence, just 'completed by Mr. Coburn, situated on Main street, adjacent to the normal school. Since coming to Whitewater, he has been called on to part with his wife, who had been an invalid for some time previous to moving to Whitewater. Her death occurred Nov. 21, 1880. She was an honored member of the Baptist Church from early life, having been admitted to membership in Norwich, N. Y. She was known as an exemplary wife and mother, beloved and respected by a largo circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards' family consisted of six daughters and two sons — Helen M. is the widow of Lieut. George H. Wright, of the 7th Infantry, U. S. A. ; Hattie A. is the wife of Hon. Lem uel Duelle, State Senator, of Northwood, Iowa; Sarah K. is now Mrs. Robbins Parker, of Da kota; Melville died when 7 years of age; Herbert is in the employ of a lar^e wholesale hardware house at St. Paul, Minn.; Mary L, is a teacher in the Whitewater school; Etta L. is also a teacher, of Northwood, Iowa; Anna W. is a teacher in Necedah, Wis. Mr. Edwards was in fluential, in company with Mr. Seymour Brooks, of East Troy, in organizing the Walworth County Agricultural Association, and these two are probably the only surviving members of the few who first movH.l in the matter. Mr. Edwards has been faithful in his efforts for the success of the association, and, with the exception of the year when he lost his wife, he has never missed a meeting of the association. EDWARD ENGEBRETSEN, grocer, was born in Whitewater, Wis., April 8, 1854; is the son of Andrew and Ester Engebretsen. His parents are natives of Norway, and emigrated to Whitewater, Wis., in 1849, where they still reside. His father is a millwright, and helped build the Stone Mill of Whitewater. He was educated in the public school at Whitewater. He began his mercantile education as a clerk with John A. White, with whom he was employed two years. He next engaged with John D. Alcott, grocer, as a clerk, and, on that gentleman selling out and going to Stillwater, Minn. , he accompanied him, and was retained as clerk in Mr. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 625 Lowell's store at that place two years. He returned to Whitewater, and, in October, 1876, he entered upon his present business. Mr. Engebretsen has a large and well-stocked store in his line of groceries, provisions and crockery. He is also agent for the Domestic sewing machine. He was married, Oct. 10, 1878, in Cold Spring, Jefferson Co. , Wis. , to Miss Florence Steele, daughter of Hugh Steele. Mrs. Engebretsen was born in Cold Spring. They have one child, a daughter, Pearl V. DAVID L. FAIRCHILD, of the firm of D. L. Fairchild & Co., undertakers and dealers in furniture. The business was established in 1879, under the firm name of Case, Fairchild & Houston. Mr. Fairchild bought out the other parties July 18, 1881, and formed the present partnership with Mr. L. C. Smith, of D. L. Fairchild & Co. The subject of this sketch is a 'native of Hunter, Greene Co. , N. Y. ; is the son of Edward and Sally (Winter) Fairchild. When 7 years of age, he moved with his parents to Cattaraugus County, where he resided until 1850. He then went to Nashville, Tenn., and remained till September, 1854; then came to the town of Walworth, Wis., and engaged in farming till 1867, when he moved to Elkhorn; was elected Treasurer of Walworth County; was re-elected, and served eight years in succession. He then moved to the village of Whitewater, where he has continued to reside to this date. He was married, in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., June, 1854, to Miss Cornelia M. Luce, daughter of Robert and Philomela Luce. Mrs. Fairchild was born in Cattaraugus Co. , N. Y. They had five chil dren; the eldest, Matthew, died in infancy; Robert L. died when 3J years; the eldest liviDg is H Laura; next, Mary G. ; and the youngest, David L. In addition to other official duties, Mr. Fairchild served as Superintendent of Schools in the town of Walworth several terms. The firm of D. L. Fairchild & Co. have a large assortment of furniture, including some of the latest and finest designs. They are also provided with a fine hearse and undertakers' goods, and have also a branch store in Ft. Atkinson, under the management of A. H. Downing, who is the junior partner. They carry an equally large stock in Ft. Atkinson, where they have another fine hearse and complete outfit in the undertaking line. This firm handle the walnut and ash fur niture manufactured by Berkey & Gay, Grand Rapids, Mich., and white ash goods manufact ured by the Widdicomb Furniture Company, of the same place, both justly celebrated for their fine workmanship. CHARLES G. FAY, Deputy Sheriff, was born in the town of Fenner, Madison Co., N. Y., Nov. 27, 1826; is the son of Alvin and Roxa E. Fay. He was educated in the Theological Seminary at Cazenovia, Madison Co. He learned the trade of carpenter and builder, at which he worked till 1849, when he moved to Wisconsin and located in Koshkonong, Jefferson Co. The next year, 1850, he came to Whitewater and engaged at his trade. He was elected Con stable; re-elected, and served ten years. In the fall of 1870, he was elected Sheriff of Wal worth County for the term of 1871-72. Since the expiration of his term of office, he has served as Deputy Sheriff continuously, excepting two years. He has also served as Deputy State Treasurer Agent for the past ten years, being the present incumbent. He was married, in Koshkonong, Wis.. Nov. 6, 1851, to Jane E. Beemer, daughter of Simon Beemer. Mrs. Fay was born in Sussex Co. , N. J. They have one child, a son, named Elton A. REV. JAME.S FITZGIBBON, Pastor of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Whitewater, is a native of Clare Co. , Ireland, the son of James Fitzgibbon, and was born June 22, 1830. The subject of this sketch emigrated to America in 1849, and made his home in Chicago, 111. He was educated for the priesthood at St. Mary's University of that city, and was ordained at St. Louis, by Archbishop Kenrick, June 14, 1854. His first charge was St. Mary's Cathedral, of Chicago, and subsequently was assigned to the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Springfield, 111. , where he labored eight years. On the breaking-out of the late war, he was appointed Chaplain of the Post Hospital, with headquarters at Harper's Ferry, Va., receiving his commission from President Lincoln, which position he held till the close of the war, since which time he has been laboring in Wisconsin. In October, 1881, he was called to his present charge at Whitewater. CAPT. BENJAMIN M. FREES, of the Kirby-Carpenter Company, lumber-dealers, Chi- «ago, formerly a resident of Whitewater, is the son of Benjamin M. and Maria F. Frees; was born in Orono, Penobscot Co., Me., in 1846; lost his father while an infant; came to Wisconsin with his stepfather, Mr. Nathan H. Allen, in 1856, and from there to Whitewater in August, 626 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1863. He enlisted, Aug. 27, 1864, as a private of Co. H, 38th W. V. I. ; was commissioned First Lieutenant of the same company Sept. 6, ten days after his enlistment. He distinguished himself at the battle of Petersburg, Va. , as a brave and efficient officer, and was promoted to Captain Jan. 14, 1865, his superior officer, Capt. Cory, having been relieved for physical disability. At the time of his promotion, Capt. Frees was but a little more than 18 years old, being proba bly the youngest of his rank in the service from Wisconsin. He was with his command in all actions in which they participated till the close of the war. He was married to Miss Etta R. Adams, removed to Chicago, and entered upon his present business. J. O. FULLER, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Whitewater; has 240 acres of land; was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., March 14, 1836. He is the son of Shubel and Harriet Fuller; was brought up a farmer, and came to Wisconsin in 1857, and located in Walworth County, town of Whitewater.' He was married, Dec. 16, 1857, in Whitewater, to Miss Elizabeth M., daugh ter of Dr. Magoon. Mrs. Fuller was born in Onondaga Co. , N. Y. Her people came to Wal worth County at an early day. One child was born of this marriage, named Anna. Mrs. Ful ler died in 1875. Mr. Fuller was married, May 1, 1877, to Emma Woodhouse, daughter of Belinda and William Woodhouse. Mrs. Fuller was born in Delaware Co. , N. Y. ORLANDO GALLT, deceased, was born in the State of New York July 29, 1809; spent his boyhood days in Oneida County. In early life, he engaged in mercantile business at Weeds- port, Cayuga Co. , where he was for several years at the head of a prosperous business on the community or co-operation plan. He was married at this place, in September, 1831, to Miss Anna Fink. In June, 1854, he moved to Whitewater, Wis. , where he was engaged in mercantile busi ness with his sons-in-law, Mr. Cain and Cole, and for twenty-five years his name has stood at the head of the firm, his other partners during these years beiDg William H. Birge and Mr. Brownell Bulkley. Four years previous to his death, he retired from active business on ac count of failing health. His death occurred while at the residence of his son-in-law, Warren Cole, Jr. , at Leon, Iowa, April 12, 1881. Mr. Gallt was an exemplary and public-spirited citi zen; a liberal supporter of religion, he was charitable to those in distress, social in nature, ar dent and conscientious in his political views; devotedly attached to his home, family and friends. His success was due to his strict attention to his business, and to his unquestioned honesty and integrity. Mr. Gallt had two children, daughters; the elder, Helen M., is the widow of Edwin R. Caine, and resides at Whitewater; the younger, Elizabeth A., is the wife of Warren Cole, Jr., of Keokuk, Iowa. JUDGE CHARLES R. GIBBS, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Whitewater: has 240 acres of land. He was born in Granville, Washington Co., N. Y. , Dec. 14, 1813. He is the son of Leonard and Betsy Roberts Gibbs, who were natives of New York, of English descent. His grandfathers were both soldiers of the Revolution. He received an academic education, read law with his brother, Leonard Gibbs, three years, and. in 1832, went to Georgia, where he resided until 1839, holding the position of Postmaster during the years of 1835 ami 1836. He pursued the study of law with Hon. Turner H. Trippe; was admitted to the bar of the State of Georgia, and practiced his profession in that State until 1839. He then moved to Shelby Co. , Ala., where he was Judge of the County Court from 1841 to 1846. He then moved to Rock Co., Wis. , making his home near Janesville, where he was engaged in farming. In 1848, he was an unsuccessful candidate for the State Senate, running on the Free-Soil ticket. He was beaten only by thirty-five votes on a poll of over three thousand, running considerably ahead of his ticket. In 1854, he was elected Register of Deeds of Rock County, and served the term of 1855-56. He was Commissioner at Large of Schools, and Secretary of the Board of Education for the city of Janesville three years, during the war, and also held other local offices. During the years from 1854 to 1858 inclusive, he served at Secretary of the Rock County Agricultural Association, which embraced the most prosperous years of its history. In 1858, he formed a law partnership with John R. Bennett and John B. Cassoday, of Janesville, under the firm name of Bennett, Cassoday & Gibbs, which connection lasted seven years. He was appointed member of the Board of Managers of the Industrial School for Boys by Gov. Harvey, and was connected with the board from April, 1862, to April, 1880. In 1866, he moved to Whitewater and engaged in farming, and breeding fine-wool sheep, Short-Horned cattle, blooded horses and Poland-China hogs, having as fine a stock of the different kinds as can be found in the State. In 1872, he HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 6 27 was elected to the Assembly from the Third District of Walworth County, comprising the towns of East Troy, La Grange, Sugar Creek, Troy and Whitewater, receiving 1,168 votes as a Re publican against 549 cast for the Democratic nominee, Perry G. Harrington. He was appointed by Gov. Taylor as a delegate to the National Prison Congress held at St. Louis in 1874, being also a delegate from the Industrial School. Taking an active interest in agricultural matters, he has served as President of the Walworth County Agricultural Association for the year 1880, up to that date the most successful year of the association. He was married, in Georgia, June 4, 1838, to Miss Martha H. , daughter of Wilie Pope. They had seven children, of whom only four are living — Pope, Frank L., Helen and John. Mrs. Gibbs died March 12, 1860, at Janes ville. Judge Gibbs was married, Nov. 20, 1860, to Mrs. Frances Birge, widow of Leander Birge, and daughter of John M. and Julia B. Clark. They have one child, a daughter named LYMAN GOODHUE, deceased, was born in Westminster, Vt., May 20, 1800. He was married at the age of 21, in his native State, to Miss Goodell, and at once moved to Summer Hill, Cayuga Co. , N. Y. , where he opened up a farm in the wilderness. They had four children born to them. The eldest, George, died aged 27 years; Eliza, when 16 years of age; Fannie A. is the wife of I. N. Norton, of Whitewater; Lyman M. married to Cynthia A. Burlingame, and is now junior partner of the firm of Thiele & Goodhue, furniture-dealers, Whitewater. In 1850, Mr. Goodhue emigrated to Wisconsin and located on a farm in Lima, Rock Co. ; seven years later, he moved to Whitewater, where he resided till his death, which occurred March 23, 1882. He was a prominent member of the Congregational Church Society, contributed liberally toward the building of the churches, and was always a free giver in sup port of the society. Some time in 1864, his sight failed him, and for eighteen years he bore patiently the great affliction of blindness. L. G. GUILD, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Whitewater; has 61 acres; was born in Conway, Mass., Jan. 22, 1806. When 25 years of age (1831), he was married, near Boston, Mass., to Miss Lucy Converse, and moved to Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. They had three children born to them — Charlotte, Edward and Mary. The eldest, Charlotte, was the wife of William Stewart, and died in 1851; Edward was a soldier of the late war; was a member of the 22d W. V. I.: served three years; was captured and held a prisoner fourteen days; he is now a resident of Glidden, Iowa; Mary died aged 3 years. Mr. Guild and family subsequently moved to Buffalo, N. Y, where they lived till 1837, when they moved to Muskego, Waukesha Co., Wis., where he purchased 240 acres and was engaged in farming twenty-six years. In 1839, he lost his wife, and was married again, in 1840, to Polly Shields. They had one daughter, Lucy A., who died when 14 years of age. Mr. Guild moved to Whitewater, Walworth Co., Nov. 1, 1863, and set tled on Sec. 2, where he now resides. He lost his second wife Dec. 31, 1873, and was married again, Aug. 16, 1874, to Mrs. Caroline Storms, daughter of James Betts and widow of Daniel Storms. Mrs. Guild was born in Staten Island, N. Y. She had four children by her former marriage— Sylvia, James, Elizabeth and Emma; Sylvia is the wife of Benajah Clark, of Rich mond, Wis.; James married Laura Rogers and lives in Whitewater; Elizabeth died aged 4 years; Emma is the wife of James Lea, of Waukesha. ABRAHAM HACKETT, retired farmer, was born in Hamilton, Canada, Sept. 30, 1811 ; is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Moore) Hackett. His parents were from New Jersey. He was married, in 1834, to Mary Randall, daughter of Joseph Randall. Seven children were born to them— Jacob, died aged 40 years; William W. married Kate Van Scork, and lives in Huntley, HI; Abraham J. married Mary Ridge and lives in Whitewater; Joseph R. married Lydia Hol den and also lives in Whitewater; Mary J., now Mrs. Samuel Reams, Hampshire, 111.; Elenor A. is the wife of John Vote, of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; Ryan G. lives in Oregon. Mr. Hackett emi grated to Whitewater, Wis., in 1839; arrived in that town Aug. 10; settled on Sec. 17; had a farm of 176 acres. Mrs. Hackett died in 1852. He was married again, in 1853, to Mrs. Lydia M. Waterbury, daughter of Samuel Bouns; had one child by this marriage— Lindsay S., married Maria Bradway and lives in California. Mr. Hackett moved to Cold Spring, Jefferson Co., in 1860, and, one year later, to Hebron, same county; lived in the latter town two years, and returned-to Cold Spring; four years later, sold out and moved to Whitewater. His second wife died in 1879. His son, Joseph R., enlisted in the late war in 1861, under Capt. J. L. Pratt, in the 4th W. V. I. ; was discharged while at Vicksburg for physical disability. 628 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. JAMES HACKETT, farmer, P. O. Whitewater; settled on Sec. 21 of 120 acres of land; was born in Upper Canada July 3, 1836; is the son of John and Eliza Hackett; came to White water, Wis. , with his parents in October, 1840. His father made his home on the farm now occupied by the son. James was married, Nov. 16, 1856, to Miss Sarah M. Bortle, daughter of John and Sarah M. Bortle. Mrs. Hackett was born in the State of New York. They have- eight children— Elizabeth, Dora, Lyman, William, Etta M., Elsie, Loyal and Pearl. GULLIK HALVERSON, of the firm of G. Halverson & Son, merchant tailors and cloth iers. He was born in Valebo, Norway, Sept. 9, 1822; is the son of Halver Halverson. He emigrated to America with his parents June 11, 1845, and located in Richmond, Walworth Co., Wis., and for the succeeding three years worked by the day and month in the different parts of the county. In 1848, he took a Government claim in Richmond, on which claim he worked till 1859, when he traded his farm for village property, and for the next two years was an employe as painter in the reaper works of George Esterly. In 1861, he formed a part nership with Mr. Chist Gunderson and engaged in the clothing business, with a very small cap ital, which connection was held until 1862, when they dissolved. He then carried on the bus iness alone until 1863, when he formed copartnership in the same business with Gilbert Ander son, under the firm name of Anderson & Halverson, which connection was held until Feb. 1, 1873, when they dissolved by mutual consent. From that time until February, 1881, he carried on the business alone, on a more extensive scale. Feb. 1, 1881, his son, Miner, was admitted as partner, under the firm of G. Halverson & Son. They carry a large stock and are doing a good business. Mr. Halverson was married, in Norway, May 8, 1845, to Miss Dorothy Mason, daughter of Mads Mason. They have five children living, and have lost three. Mary Ann is now Mrs. E. Mason, of the town of Whitewater; Carrie is the wife of S. Simonson, of Whitewater; Julia is now Mrs. E. Rosman, of the same town; Miner is in business with his father; Halbert, the youngest, is a clerk in the store. Mr. Halverson has served several terms on the Village Board. DAVID HAMILTON, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Whitewater; is a native of Lansingville, Tompkins Co. , N. Y. ; was born in 1802. He was a carpenter by occupation, and a teacher of the public schools for several years. He was married, in Lansing, N. Y. , in 1827, to Miss Belina Brown. Their family consisted of nine children — Frances E. is the wife of Jacob J. Starin, of Whitewater, Wis. ; Roxana M. is the wife of R. M. Hamilton, of Willington, 111.; Nathaniel A. married Miss Emma Scott, and is practicing law at St. Joseph, Mich. ; Bethana J. is the wife of A. V. Mills, of Lake Mills, Wis.; William H. died at the age of 22 years; Mary L. was the wife of George W. Swan, of Oakland, Cal. , and died at that place January, 1879; Ada A. is a teacher of the same place; Jesse B. married Mintie Tryon, and resides in Lansing, Mich. ; was a member of Co. A, 1st W. V. C. Edgar C. married Emma Wood, and lives at Mason City, Iowa; was a member of Co. E, 47th W. V. I. ; Mr. Hamilton and family moved to Wisconsin in 1842 and located in the town of Whitewater, where he and his wife still live, in the enjoyment of good health and a fair share of this world's comforts. The eldest son and all five of the daughters have been school-teachers. SYLVESTER HANSON, manufacturer of sorghum syrup, is a native of Greene Co., N. Y. ; is the son of Samuel and Sarah Hanson; was born Dec. 24, 1808, in the town of Windham; was brought up a farmer; was married in his native county, June 9, 1831, to Rebecca D. Win ter, daughter of Rogers and Ruth Winter. They have one son, Horatio- V., who is married to Jane Warren and residing in Montana Territory. Mr. Hanson, in 1837, removed to Hamilton Co., N. Y. ; was elected Justice of the Peace, and held the office for fifteen years. He was also one of the Justices of Sessions of the Court of Common Pleas two years; served as Supervisor ten years in succession of the town of Morehouse; he also served two years as Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was engaged in farming, hotel-keeping and in mercantile business. In 1853, he went to California and remained until 1855, when he came to Wiscon sin and located in Heart Prairie, Walworth Co., and engaged in farming. He was elected Jus tice of the Peace and served in that capacity till 1866, when he moved to Whitewater. Soon after coming to Whitewater, he was elected to the same office, and served a number of years. In 1862, he represented his district in the Legislature. He has served one term as Supervisor, and three years as President of the village of Whitewater. Since his residence in this town, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 629 he has been engaged in the manufacture of sorghum syrup, for which he has the most improved apparatus. The maximum number of gallons manufactured at his works in any one season is 5,000 gallons. The average is 3,000. ELISHA G. HARRIS, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Whitewater; has 101 acres. The subject of this sketch was born in Windham Co., Conn., April 21, 1831; is the son of Elisha and Hannah Harris; was brought up a farmer, and came to Wisconsin in 1866; made his home in White water till 1869, when he moved to Cold Spring, Jefferson Co. , where he was engaged in farm ing till the spring of 1874, when ho sold out and purchased his present farm, in the town of Whitewater. He was married, at Narragansett Bay, R. I. , March 9, 1859, to Miss Rebecca O. Millard, daughter of William B. and Eveline Millard. Six children were born to them — James E., George B. (deceased, died in childhood), Alice A., Ira C, Anna D., Ina B. and Ida H. The two latter are twins, aged 10 years, and so nearly alike that strangers cannot tell them apart. Mr. Harris and family are Episcopalians. In politics, he is a Republican. JOSEPH HAUBERT does a general harness business, the establishment of which dates back to September, 1859. He is a native of the village of Tholey, Rhine, Prussia/and a son of Joseph and Angelika (Hoffman) Haubert. He was born Feb, 24, 1821. Having arrived at a suit able age, he entered his father's harness-shop in his native town as an apprentice, served five years; he then traveled in Germany and France, working as a journeyman harness-maker. During his travels, he spent two years in the city of Metz, afterward so noted as a fortress in the late Franco-Prussian war. In 1847, he emigrated to America, and came direct to Milwau kee, where he engaged at his trade. Shortly after, he went to Elkhorn, Walworth Co. , where he opened the first harness-shop in the town, working in the interest of Gen. Walling. He continued in that shop till 1849, when he returned to Milwaukee, where he rented a room for $3 a month, and, borrowing $100 to buy some lace with, he started in business for himself in 1851. He had soon cleared enough so that he could supply himself with stock, and also moved to bet ter quarters. Elated with his good prospects, he must have some one to share his joys, so, on the 19th of August of that year, 1851, he was married, in Milwaukee, to Miss Mary Rust, daugh ter of Herman Rust. Mrs. Haubert was born in the city of Bremen, Germany. Mr. Haubert continued business in Milwaukee with such success that in a few years he had accumulated a snug fortune. Being tempted by the speculative spirit of the times, he invested largely in real estate. He had the misfortune to lose his residence and business house by fire, both in the same year, by which he lost heavily. The commercial crisis of 1857 completed the wreck. He closed out in Milwaukee, and, with very limited means, came to Whitewater, September, 1859, and started a small shop. By fair dealing and strict attention to business, he was soon on solid ground again financially, having extended his business and increased the number of hands em ployed. Again he invested a surplus in real estate, this time buying a brick store on Center street. This property was subsequently burned, in 1873, entailing a heavy loss above the in surance. Mr. Haubert has now a first-class harness-shop, in which he employs four men. His Btock is the largest of the kind in the county. His family of ten living children are named respectively, Anna, Mary, Julius, Henry, Libbie, Rosalia, George, Cecilia, Louisa and Sophia. Two have passed away. Mary is now Mrs. Francis Lungershausen, of Whitewater; Julius married Ella Smith, and is a harness-maker of Ft. Atkinson; Henry married Bella McCutchin, and is with his brother in Ft. Atkinson. Libbie is Mrs. W. C. Spielman, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Haubert has served seven years on the Village Board, and three years as Treasurer. LUCERNE E. HAWES, son of Morris F. and Sarah (Launsbury) Hawes, was born in Chau tauqua Co., N. Y., Aug. 14, 1829. He accompanied his parents to Michigan in 1833, and to Walworth County in 1837. In 1852, he engaged in the livery business at Whitewater, which he continued about fifteen years. He then moved to his present farm, on Sec. 18, where he has since resided. He was married, in Albion, N. Y., Dec. 26, 1854, to Miss Clara Beemer, daugh ter of Samuel Beemer. They have had six children— Stella B., Hattie C, Mabel L., Fred E., Maurice J. and Francis M. The eldest, Stella, died in childhood, aged 4| years. HENRY HEADY, attorney at law, holds the offices of Justice of the Peace, Court Commis sioner, Town and Village Clerk. He was born in Norwich, N. Y. , Aug. 8, 1838, and is the son of John and Electa Heady. In early boyhood, he learned the tanner and currier's trade in his father's tannery, and worked at that occupation until 25 years of age, when he enlisted, June, 630 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1864, in Co. F, 89th N. Y. V. I. ; participated in the battles of Cold Harbor, first battle of Petersburg, and at the siege of Petersburg and Richmond. He received a gun-shot wound at the capture of Petersburg, by which he lost his right arm. He was detained at the hospital until October, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge and returned to his home in Norwich, N. Y. , and engaged in the tanning business, which he followed three years. He then took up the insurance business and began the study of law. After pursuing his studies two years, at Norwich, he went to Minnesota and engaged in teaching in the public schools of Minneapolis. In the spring of 1872, he came to Whitewater, Wis., resumed his law studies, and was admitted to the bar in the Circuit Court of Walworth County in February, 1873. Since his residence at Whitewater, he has served five years as Justice of the Peace, and is now serving the sixth; has served as Town Clerk three years, and Village Clerk four years, being the present incumbent in both offices. He was married, in Guilford, N. Y. , in September, 1867, to Miss Lucy Delavan, daughter of Nathan Delavan; Mrs. Heady was born in Guilford. They have had three chil dren — Wealthy, John H. and Lucy S. The eldest, Wealthy, died in childhood. THOMAS HEMSLEY, deceased, was born in Putsey, England, in 1797; in his younger days, traveled several years in Europe; came to America in 1821; was married, in Chatham, State of New York, in 1824, to Anna Woodruff; moved to Middlefield, Mass; had a family of five children — Mary J. is the wife of Samuel Hull, of Johnstown, Wis. ; Esther is Mrs. Luther Smith, of Richmond; George married Melissa York; died in 1871: Laura is the widow of Gil bert Johnson, of Oregon, Dane Co. , Wis. ; Emeline is the wife of James Smith, of Whitewater. Mr. Hemsley came to Whitewater, Wis. , in the fall of 1843, and settled on Sec. 33, where he was engaged in farming. His death occurred in 1876. He was an intelligent, well-read man, who had seen much of the world; was respected and highly esteemed by all who knew him. His wife died in March, 1835. DR. E. G HORTON, physician and surgeon, is a native of Stockbridge, Madison Co., N. Y. He is the son of Norman and Esther Horton; was born Aug. 20, 1830. In 1842, he came with his father to Wisconsin, and settled in Koshkonong, Jefferson Co., where he was brought up on a farm till 21 years of age, during which time he received an academic education at the Adams Academy of Ft. Atkinson. He then began the study of medicine with Dr. Luther, at Ft. Atkinson, which he continued for three years. He then took two regular courses of lectures at the Rush Medical College of Chicago, during the winters of 1853-54—55; graduated March, 1855. After receiving his diploma, he practiced his profession three years at Ft Atkinson, and, in 1858, moved to Whitewater, where he has since resided He enlisted in the late war, and, in November, 1861, was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the 13th W. V. I., and served until Nov. 21, 1864. His superior officer was Surgeon John Evans, with whom he served three years, it being a noticeable fact that no change was made in the medical staff of the regiment during that time. On his return from the army, he resumed practice at Whitewater, which has been continued to this date. His experience in surgery and his skill as a physician entitle him to rank among the leading medical men of his section of the State. He was married at Ft. At kinson, April 1, 1855, to Miss Harriet Rawsan, daughter of Emery and Julia A. Rawsan. Mrs. Dr. Horton was born in Stockbridge, Madison Co., N. Y They had one daughter and a son. The daughter, Minnie I., is now the wife of Prof. G. W. Reigle, Principal of the high school at Spring Green, Wis. The son, Emery N., died at Minneapolis at 21 years of age, after three days' illness. JAMES W. HULL, proprietor of livery stable; has a farm of 145 acres situated on Sec. 21, Whitewater. The subject of this sketch was born in Norfolk, Litchfield Co., Conn., March 27, 1829; when 7 years of age, accompanied his parents to Scott, Cortland Co., N. Y. In 1848, he moved to Wisconsin and located on Sec. 21, Whitewater. He was married, at Ft. Atkinson, in 1860, to Miss Martha Castle, daughter of Ashel Castle. Mrs. Hull was born in Canada, but of New England parentage. They have two children — Emma and James. Mi-. Hull was engaged in farming till Oct. 22, 1881, when he moved to Whitewater and engaged in the livery business, still retaining the ownership of his farm. Mr. Hull has served as Assessor of the town of White water eight or nine years. LEVI JOHNSON, farmer, Sec. 31, Cold Spring, adjacent to village or Whitewater; P. O Whitewater; has 156 acres of land; was born in Guilderland, Albany Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1815: ¦¦¦¦' HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY 633 is the son of Henry and Elizabeth Johnson; when quite young, moved with his parents to Stock- bridge, Madison Co., where he was brought up on a farm. In 1835, he went to Michigan Ter ritory, and in 1836 to Chicago, and from there to Milwaukee, making the entire distance from Detroit, Mich., to Milwaukee on foot. After exploring Wisconsin a few weeks, he set out on his return to his home in the East, where he arrived, having traveled 700 miles of the distance on foot. He had married in New York, previous to his exploring tour, June, 1836. His wife was Miss Sarah S. Page, daughter of William Page, of New York. They had one son born to them in the East, which died in infancy. In 1839, he emigrated to Wisconsin, arriving in Whitewater in April of that year; he selected a claim in Cold Spring, Jefferson Co., adjoining the village of Whitewater, where he has continued to reside to this date. Three children were born to them — Emegene E., died when 14 years of age; Josephene C. is now the wife of E. F. Donnelly, foreman of the paint-shops of Esterly's reaper works ; Lucia died in infancy. Mr. Johnson lost his wife, who died in 1849. He was married again in 1855, in Lake Mills, Wis. , to Minerva, daughter of Rufus Reynolds. Mrs. Johnson was born in Ohio. One child, a daughter, was born of this marriage, named Sarah M. , now the wife of D. C. Hall, of Edger ton, Wis. Mr. Johnson was the first Supervisor of Cold. Spring, receiving all but one vote cast at the election. He was subsequently elected Assessor, and served in that capacity. Mr. John son was one of the earliest pioneers of his section of the State. Beginning with almost noth ing, he suffered all the inconveniences of pioneer life. His first cow was obtained by trading off his cook-stove. He has now a fine farm of 156 acres, a commodious residence, and sur rounded by all the conveniences of a wealthy farmer. Though not a politician, Mr. Johnson takes a warm interest in the administration of public affairs, and casts his vote with the Demo cratic party. W. S. JOHNSON, teacher, and Professor of Natural Science of the Whitewater Normal School. He was born in Rutland Co., Vt., Nov. 6, 1847 ; is the son of C. D. Johnson. He came with his parents to Waukesha, Wis., and from there to Kilbourn City; was educated in the public schools and by subsequent private study. At the age of 20 years, he began his career as a teacher; was elected. Superintendent of Schools and County Surveyor of Dunn County in 1871, and seiwed until 1874; waB Principal of the New Lisbon school three years.' In 1877, he came to Whitewater to accept the position of teacher of drawing and book-keeping. About a year ago, he was assigned to his present position — that of Professor of Natural Science. He was married, in Menominee, Dunn Co., Wis, Aug. 3, 1873, to Miss Cora E. Smith, daughter of Royal Smith. Mrs. Johnson was born in Maine. They have two sons — Paul F. and Carl F. JOHN LEAN, of John Lean & Co., proprietors of the Branch Mills, Whitewater, Wis. See sketch of these mills in history of Whitewater. Mr. Lean purchased these mills in 1866, enlarged and improved them, substituting two turbine wheels for the old overshot wheel, and increasing the run of stone from two to five. The mill has machinery for and turns out the finest flour by the new process; capacity of the mill is seventy barrels per day; does a general custom and merchant business. The mill is 36x60 feet in size; has an abundant power, having a twenty- seven-foot head. It is located just south of the village limits, on a branch of the Whitewater. John Lean was born in Cornwall, England, near Plymouth, Aug. 8, 1833; is the son of William and Martha Lean. He learned the miller's trade, and in 1848 came to the United States; spent oneyearin traveling in this country, and returned to England. In 1851, he emigrated to America: made his home in Chestnut Ridge, Dutchess Co., N. Y. In 1854, he went to Markham, Canada West; remained in Canada till 1867, working at his trade. In the last-mentioned year, he came to Walworth Co., Wis., and located at Delavan; was employed in the Delavan Mills two years, then went to La Grange and operated the Lauderdale Mills two years. He also operated the Genoa Mills two years; worked in various places in WTalworth County until 1865. when he bought an interest in Stone Mills at Whitewater, with Mr. Bryan Brown. One year later, he sold out, and bought the Branch Mills, which he operated alone until recently. He was married in Delavan, in September, 1858, to Miss Susan Jones. Mrs. Lean was born in Utica,_ N. Y. They have two children, a son and a daughter — Sarah J. and John W. Mr. Lean has 57 acres adjacent to his mill property. DR. A. G. LELAND, surgeon and homceopathist physician, commenced practice in White water, Wis., in June, 1865. He was born in Otto, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Dec. 17, 1830. 634 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNT! . When 8 years of age, he lost his father, Asa Leland, by death, and, about three months after ward, his mother. He was then adopted by his uncle, C. R. Leland, a prominent lawyer in New York State. He received his education at Cornell's Private School and Irving Institute. After spending some time in his uncle's office and in teaching, in 1848 he began the study of medicine. The next year, he removed with his uncle to Milwaukee. As the latter died about two months after his arrival at Milwaukee, he concluded, for pecuniary reasons, to temporarily suspend his medical studies and accept a clerkship in the Milwaukee Post Office. Subsequently, he was teller in a bank, and afterward served three years as Secretary and Local Treasurer of the Milwaukee & Chicago Railroad Company, now Chicago & North- Western. He then resumed the study of medicine, under the instruction of Drs. Tracy & Brown; attended lectures and graduated at Hahnemann College in February, 1865. He commenced to practice in Milwau kee, but, in June of the same year, was induced, to take the practice of Dr. Fish and remove to Whitewater, where he has continued the practice of his profession with marked success. He was married, in 1857, to Gertrude H. , daughter of Prof. A. Mills, of New York City. They have three children — Frank, Abram M., Lillie G. HON. NEWTON M. LITTLEJOHN, lumber-dealer, is a native of Litchfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y. He is the son of Tilly and Nancy Littlejohn; was bom July 23, 1823. While quite young, he removed to Hamilton, N. Y. He was educated in De Lancy Lastitute, Hampton Springs, and, in 1852, went to Illinois, where he remained until 1854. From there he removed to Chesterfield Court House, Va., and from there returned to Hamilton, N. Y., in 1856, remain ing only a short time in that place. He came to Wisconsin in 1856 and located at Whitewater, Walworth Co., where he engaged in the lumber business. In that early day, before the railroad had intersected the county and created markets every ten miles or less, Whitewater was a popu lar trading-point for a radius of many miles. Mr. Littlejohn was enabled to build up an exten sive business, his annual sales amounting to 3,000,000 feet of lumber. At this writing, it is only about half that amount However, with a full stock of dressed lumber, sash, doors, blinds, etc., in addition to his general stock, he has a very satisfactory trade. He was elected Chair man of Whitewater in 1861, and re-elected each term during the late war, and many terms since, having served eighteen years in all. He is the present Chairman. During the trying years of the war, he was active in procuring the necessary quota of troops for his town, and performed the arduous and often unpleasant duties of his office in those trying terms in a most satisfactory and credible manner. He was elected to the State Senate from Walworth County in the fall of 1863, on the Republican ticket, for the term of 1864-65; was re-elected the two successive terms, serving in all six years. During these eventful years, when grave questions were pend ing, both in State and national matters, Mr. Littlejohn proved himself an able and patriotic leg islator. In addition to other public trusts confided to his care, he was chosen President of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Madison, and served four years. He was married, at Hamilton, N. Y Sept. 8, 1848, to Miss Jane S. Newton, daughter of A. Newton. Mrs. Littlejohn was born in Bridgewater, Oneida Co.. N. Y. They have two children- — Jessie and Ernest. SANGER MARSH, deceased, for over a quarter of a century a leading business man and a public-spirited citizen of Whitewater, was a native of Alexander, N. Y. , where he was born Aug. 27, 1815. His father, Wolcott Marsh, was a farmer, and the son passed his youthful days iD acquiring a good basis of health and education for his long business career. After reach ing his majority, Mr. Marsh, believing that his destiny was not to be worked out as an agricult urist, 1 eft the old homestead, and, furnished with a small capital by his father, resolved to become a merchant; was in business at Nunda and Attica, N. Y. Seeing that there were better oppor tunities for a young, pushing man in the active and growing West, in 1845, Mr. Marsh, in com pany with J. S. Partridge, a near and a dear friend, settled in Whitewater and opened a general store. For ten years thereafter, he followed in the straight and onward career of a merchant, continually growing in worldly influence and establishing himself in the confidence and hearts of the community. At the expiration of that period, he was enabled to retire from active busi ness. In 1863, Mr. Marsh and C. M. Blackman organized the First National Bank of White water, and the former continued its President up to the day of his death, Oct. 29, 1872. An un fortunate accident, by his team running away, brought his life to a close and left a widow and four children to mourn his untimely end. Mr. Marsh was twice married — the first time to Miss HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 635 Harriet N. Horton, of Nunda, N. Y., in January, 1841. His wife died Jan. 22, 1843, and left to the care of the young widower his only son, George S. Marsh, now Cashier of the First Na tional Bank. In January, 1851, he married Miss Chelsea Pratt, by whom he had three daugh ters, two of whom reside in Whitewater. The deceased was a broad-minded, broad-hearted bus iness man, and earned success and the warmest place in hundreds of hearts by his strict integrity and his kind treatment of all, in whatsoever condition of life he found them. He was a man of mind and of heart, and when his presence was taken from the community, it left a great and a sad gap behind. GEORGE S. MARSH, Cashier of the First National Bank of Whitewater, Wis., was ap pointed to his present position in 1872. He was born in Nunda, N. Y., Jan. 17, 1843. He is the son of Sanger and Harriet Marsh. He came to Whitewater in 1857; was educated in the public schools, and student of the State University during the years. 1860-61. On completing his studies, he was engaged as merchant's clerk, which occupation he pursued three years. In 1864, he was employed as book-keeper in the same bank of which he is now cashier. In 1872, he was promoted as cashier, and has occupied that position to this date. He was married, June 6, 1865, at Stoughton, Wis. , to Miss Harriet Blackman. Mrs. Marsh was born in Bridge- water, N. Y. Two sons were born to the^i — Fred B. and Henry H. The older died at the age of 13, and the younger at the age of 11 years. Mr. Marsh lost his wife, who died Aug. 2, 1872. He was married to Miss Rebecca Wight, his present wife, at Whitewater, Wis., May 20, 1874. Mrs. Marsh is the daughter of J. Wright; was born in Girard, Penn. They have two children — Alice F. and Fitch G. ROBERT McBEATH, merchant tailor, established himself in business in Whitewater in 1850, in company with Mr. Patrick McLaughlin, which connection lasted till 1858, when, on the death of his partner, Mr. McBeath bought out the heirs and has since conducted the business alone. He was born in Paisley, Scotland, March 15, 1828; is the son of John and Mary Mc Beath. He served a regular apprenticeship to the tailor's trade with his father, in his native town, and, in 1847, came to America. He spent a few months at Lonsdale, R. I. , and then re moved to Quincy, Mass. , where he remained one and a half years. From there he went to Chi cago, and, in April, 1850, came to Whitewater, Wis. , and began business as given above. In 1854, he and Mr. McLaughlin built the first three-story brick building in Whitewater. He has had no time to devote to public business, but has served on the Town Board of Supervisors three terms, and as a member of the Village Board one term. He was married, in Cambridge, Wis., Nov. 13, 1856, to Mrs. E. A. Bell, widow of Alexander Bell and daughter of Alexander Stew art, an officer of the British Army. Mrs. Bell had one son and one daughter — Ellen A., died in her 12th year — by her former marriage; Harry D. Bell, now of the firm of Cook & Bell, mer chants, of Whitewater. Mr. and Mrs. McBeath were blessed with five children, of whom four are now living. The eldest, Mary E. , is the wife of Charles F. Hill, of Geneva, Wis. ; Robert and John were twins; John died in infancy; the next born was named John A., and the young est, Edward N. Mr. McBeath, while one of the oldest of the Whitewater merchants, is also one of the most substantial and respected citizens. H. H. McGRAW, Postmaster of Whitewater, was appointed Jan. 12, 1879, and entered Upon the duties of the office Feb. 1 following. Mr. McGraw was born in Cortland Co. , N. Y. , March 30, 183.9; is the son of John and Minerva McGraw. He came to Wisconsin in 1855 and spent one and a half years at Delavan, Walworth Co. At the expiration of that time, he returned East, where he resided till October, 1865, when he moved to Whitewater, and has since made this place his home. He has been engaged in nursery business, and subsequently engaged in the grocery line; has been in the latter business four years. He was married, at Whitewater, Dec. 16, 1869, to Miss Sarah W. De Wolf, daughter of William De Wolf, a pioneer of Wal worth County. Mrs McGraw was born in La Grange, Wis. They have three children — Will iam H, Elizabeth G. and Arthur G. JOHN McINTYRE, retired farmer, has a farm on Sees. 9 and 15, Whitewater, of 240 acres. He was born in county of Annapolis, Nova Scotia, Nov. 17, 1809; is the son of James C. Mclntyre. In 1828, he moved to London District, Upper Canada, and from there to White water, Wis., in September, 1845; made his home on the farm described above, and pursued the occupation of farmer till April, 1881, when he leased his farm and retired to the village of 636 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Whitewater, where he now resides. He was married in Canada, Jan. 7, 1838, to Miss Hannah Edison, daughter of Moses Edison. Mrs. Mclntyre was born in Canada. They had six chil dren, the three eldest born in Canada, the others in Whitewater, Wis. Eliza is now Mrs. F. E. Worthington, of Racine; Susan is the wife of George Ferris, of Whitewater; Hannah; William died Jan. 1, 1880, aged 33 years; Margaret is the wife of John Sercomb, of Chicago; Louisa is the wife of Niles J. Burton, of Richmond, 111. Mr. Mclntyre, though often solicited to, has never served to any extent in official positions, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his farming interests, in which he was eminently successful. ZERAH MEAD, one of the most prominent and most respected of the early citizens, of Whitewater, was born in Rutland, Vt. , June 4, 1800. He spent his boyhood days on his fa ther's farm; removing to Wadington, N. Y., in 1825, built a woolen factory, which he operated till 1832; afterward, he settled at Niagara Falls, Canada, 1832, where he operated a woolen- mill. Oct. 6, 1835, he married Miss Fama Mott, his surviving widow, at Wadington, N. Y. The next year, he bade his wife good-by and started for the West, September, 1837, to fashion out a home in the forests of Wisconsin. How well he succeeded — shingle roof and all — has already been learned. Returning to Wadington, he brought back his wife to their new home in Whitewater the succeeding spring, and engaged actively in farming. Although Mr. Mead shunned public offices, the people of the town and village had such confidence in the justness of his character that they favored him with almost a life term as Justice of the Peace. Their only child and son, James M. Mead, was born at Niagara Falls, May, 1837, and, when the war was at its height, received his commission as Lieutenant of Co. D, 28th W. V. I. The young man left the State with his company Dec. 20, 1862, and in two months and two days from that time, his body was returned for burial to his grief-stricken parents and a sorrowing community. He died at Helena, Ark., Feb. 13, 1863, while waiting to join the Yazoo Pass expedition. Mr. Mead would have been 25 years of age in May. His death was a sad blow to his parents, but they bravely bore up under it. On March 23, 1875, the mother was made a widow. Mr. Mead had been a remarkably active man, and his death was occasioned by bilious pneumonia. His wish that no lingering disease should wear away his strength was gratified, and he passed away in the full enjoyment of his faculties, and possessed almost of his early manhood strength. JEREMIAH MILLIS, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Whitewater; he has 160 acres of land; set tled in Whitewater in December, 1842. He was born in Gallatin, Columbia Co. , N. Y. , March 1, 1818; is the son of Teal and Olive Millis. While quite young, he moved to Yates County with his parents, and from there to Whitewater, Wis. , in December, 1842. He was married, in Johnstown, Rock Co. , Wis. , Jan. 10, 1844, to Sarah A. , daughter of John and Nancy Courtier. Mrs. Mills was born in Bedford Co. , Penn. They have had twelve children, of whom only four are living — Montgomery, James, Cordelia and Lemuel; Orin D. died aged 17 years. Mr. Millis was one of the pioneers of Whitewater. He was elected one of the early Road Commissioners, and helped to lay out many of the roads in this town. He and his family participated in the hardships of pioneer times of this town. Mr. and Mrs. Millis are members of the M. E. Church. In politics, Mr. Millis is a Republican. PETER B. MILLIS, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Whitewater; he has 180 acres of land; was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., April 27, 1820; was married, at Barrington, N. Y., Oct. 13, 1844, to Miss Eliza J., daughter of Samuel and Martha Vance; moved to Whitewater, Wis., in 1846, where they have since resided. They have five children — Mary E. , Henry C. , Myron B. , Martha A. and Arthur W. E. I. MOREY, of the Union Carriage Works. He, in company with Andrew McCloy and E. D. Holmes, organized this business under the above-written title Jan. 18, 1879. Mr. Morey has charge of the blacksmithing department, Mr. McCloy of the wood-shop, and Mr. Holmes of the paint-shop. They employ eight hands and do a general carriage-making business, and turn out about fifty new jobs a year. They had operated together in the same line in another shop the year previous to the opening of their present shops. Mr. Morey was born in Homer, Cort land Co., N. Y., July 21, 1847; is the son of Reuben and Abby Morey. He learned the trade in Wausaw, N. Y., commencing when 15 years of age, and serving a four-years apprenticeship. He then worked as a journeyman in Illinois a short time, and came to Wisconsin in 1866 and spent one and a half years in Delavan, working at his trade. He then attended the State Nor mal School at Normal, 111. , one year, worked at Ottawa, 111. , one year, and then attended the HISTORY OP WALWORTH COUNTY. 637 Chicago University one year; returned to Wisconsin and worked at his trade in Milwaukee and Janesville; came to Whitewater in 1877, where he has since resided. He was married, in Whitewater, April 13, 1881, to Miss Emma C. Cook, daughter of O. Cook. Mrs. Morey was born in Saratoga Co. , N. Y. RICHARD O'CONNOR was one of the pioneer business men of Whitewater of the early days of 1842. He was born in New York City March 17, 1816. While a young man, he was employed as salesman in the dry goods house of Nathaniel Weed, where he acquired a thorough business education. He came to Wisconsin in 1846 and selected Whitewater as his future home; returning to New York soon after, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Morgan. Mrs. O'Connor was born in the same city as her husband. Almost immediately after their marriage, they emigrated to Whitewater, and Mr. O'Connor began business as a druggist and dealer in books and stationery. By the exercise of the superior business ability with which he was blessed, and a fair and honorable manner of conducting all transactions, he soon built up a prosperous business, and firmly established himself in the esteem and confidence of the fellow- citizens. For more than a score of years, he discharged the duties of Assessor of the town with unparalleled satisfaction. He was prominently identified with the establishment and embellish ment of the beautiful cemetery of Whitewater. In fact, all local enterprises calculatad to im prove or benefit the place received his hearty encouragement. Possessed of a wide range of general information and gifted with superior conversational powers, he was always entertaining and instructive in his intercourse in his family circle and acquaintances. For forty years, he was a potent factor in the business and social life of the home of his adoption, and his influence was always good. There is no danger that his virtues will fade from the memory of his gen eration, but it is appropriate that, in preserving the annals of the town so long his home, that some record of so worthy a man should be preserved. Death came to him amidst the happy holidays of the Christian world, Dec. 27, 1881, at the age of 63 years. His family left to mourn his loss consists of his wife and six children — Lilla, Josephine (now the widow of F. E. Day, of Nebraska), Dora, Nellie, Frederick and Harry. DR. CHARLES M. PALMER, was born in Lincolnville, W7aldoCo., Me., June 23, 1823; is the son of Nathaniel and Susan Palmer; came to Wisconsin in 1850 and made his home in Fitchburg, Dane Co. , where he was engaged in farming. He began the study of medicine in 1861. The following April, 1862, he enlisted, and was commissioned Captain of Co. F, 2d W. V. I. , and served until July, 1863, when he was obliged to resign on the account of physical disability. On his return from the army, he was engaged in farming in Dane County. He was married, in Canaan, Me. , in 1846, to Miss Sarah E. Plummer. Eight children were born to them: Georgia and Mary E., the two eldest, married the " Wallace Bros.," of Lebanon Mo. ; Velma, the third daughter, married W. B. Kerve, but she died a few years after her marriage; her death occurred in March, 1876 ; Florence, the fourth daughter, is the wife of Hiram Dodge, of Minnesota; Charlie, the eldest son, married Miss Mattie Herndon, of Lebanon, Mo., where they still reside; also the younger brother, Arthur; both are in the employ of the " W'allace Bros.;" Susie died at the age of 15 mouths; Birdie the youngest, has been with her eldest sister since her mother's death, which occurred in the autumn of 1872, at the age of 46 years. Dr. Palmer went to Colorado in April, 1879, and practiced his profession in Colorado Springs, when he was married, March 27, 1881, to Miss Frances E. Hawes, fifth daughter of Morris F. Hawes, of Wisconsin, when they returned to spend the winter of 1881-82, in October, when they will again return to Colorado. JOHN S. PARTRIDGE, Secretary and Treasurer of the Winchester & Partridge Manu facturing Company. Mr. Partridge is a native of Covington, Genesee Co. , N. Y. ; is the son of Rufus and Priscilla Ashley Partridge; was born Jan. 28, 1819. His parents were descended from old New England families. When 18 years of age, he went to Lockport, N. Y., where he spent a couple of°years, and from there to Nunda, N. Y., and engaged as merchant's clerk, which employment was continued five years, when he moved to Attica, N. Y., and began business for himself as a merchant. In the fall of 1846, he emigrated to Wisconsin with Sanger Marsh, now deceased. They located at Whitewater and engaged in mercantile business. On the com pletion of the railroad to this place, they erected what is still known as the " Big Warehouse," and, in connection with their other business, they bought grain and produce extensively. In 1856, he closed out with Mr. Marsh, and was associated with Mr. Alex. Graham in the same 638 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNT'S . business one year. They both sold out, and Mr. Partridge helped to organize the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank of Whitewater, of which he became Cashier. In the fall of 1857, he pur chased an interest in the manufacturing business of Winchester & De Wolf, and the firm was known as Winchester, De Wolf & Co., since which time his business history has been identical with that of Winchester & Partridge Manufacturing Company, of which he ^ is Secretary and Treasurer. The present prosperity and assured success of the company testifies to the faithful and able manner in which he has discharged the duties of his department. JOHN PEACOCK, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Whitewater; has 200 acres; was born in Cam bridgeshire, England, Dec. 9, 1830; is the son of Richard and Lucy Peacock; came to America in 1853; made his home in Cook Co., 111., one year and a half, then came to Whitewater, Wis.; was married in that town, May 10, 1856, to Miss Caroline Doubleday, daughter of Charles and Mary J. Doubleday. Mrs Peacock was born in Scott, Cortland Co., N. Y. They have two chil dren—Ella J. and Millie; Ella is the wife of Alfred Bennett, of Whitewater. In 1860, Mr. Peacock and family moved to Central City, Colo., where they resided five years, and then returned to Whitewater, where they have since resided. ANDREW PEDERSON, blacksmith and farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Whitewater; has 72 acres; was born in New Christian, Norway, Feb. 5, 1835; is the son of Peter and Carrie Anderson. He learned the blacksmith's trade in his native country, and came to America in 1866; made his home at Madison, Wis., oue year; went from there to Stoughton, where he worked one and a half years. He then came to Whitewater and engaged with Winchester & Partridge; worked in their shops ten years. In 1877, he purchased his present farm, on Sec. 22; three years later, he moved on to it, continuing his work in town. In the fall of 1881, he built a substantial blacksmith shop on his farm, where he is doing a good business. He was married, in Norway, April, 1857, to Miss Torriana Christianson. They had three sons born to them in Norway — Peter, Samuel and Christian. Four other children were born to them in America — Charlie, Alfred, Caroline and Carrie. The two younger died in infancy. WILLIAM POTTS died April 4, 1861, under such peculiar circumstances as call for nar ration. He was born in England and trained to the sea. He held office in the British Navy. For many years, he had been a member of the Baptist Church. On the day in question, he left Elkhorn, with his wife, in his usual health. When a short distance from the former place, find ing her questions unanswered, she turned to look in his face, and found him dead. In 1843, Mr. Potts built a saw-mill on Sec. 27, and operated it a number of years. He was generally respected, and his quiet demise was universally mourned. HENRY H. PHC3NIX, farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Whitewater; is the son of William and Susan Phcenix, and was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., April 16, 1819. He came to Walworth Co., Wis,, with his parents, arriving in what is now Delavan, Sept. 26, 1836. That town boasted only one settler at that date, a man by the name of Perkins, who lived in a rude log shanty on the north side of Turtle Creek Mr. Phoenix, then a lad of 17 years, assisted in getting out the timbers for the first mills built in the town, and, in fact, for the first regular buildings. During the next few years, he assisted his father in opening up a farm and establishing a home. He then traveled through the north and eastern parts of the Territory, then a wilderness, visiting the sites of Watertown, Waupun, Fond du Lac and many other places, whose whole claim to towns consisted of from one to three log buildings. The years 1841, 1842 and 1843 he spent in Manitowoc; lived in Packwaukee from 1852 to 1857, when he moved to his present home in Whitewater. He was married, at Utter's Corners (the southwest corner of Whitewater), Oct. 20, 1842, to Harriet R., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Utter. Mrs. Phcenix was born in Bradford Co., Penn. They have six children — four sons and two daughters — John W., James, Samuel A., Susan E., Sarah E. and William C. The eldest, John W., married Amelia Inger- soll; James married Lina Richards; Samuel A. married May Wilson; these three brothers live at or near Emmetsburg. Iowa; Susan E. is the wife of James Blount, of Kossuth, Iowa; Sarah E. is now Mrs. A Wilson, of Richmond; William C. is at home. ASAPH PRATT, father of Freeman L., came to Whitewater from Madison Co., N. Y, in 1839. His family comprised a wife and eight children. He purchased a large tract of land in the town of Whitewater. He built the flouring-mill now owned by Mr. John Lean, situated just south of the village. He was a man of culture, and enjoyed the highest respect and warm regard of his fellow-townsmen. His death occurred in 1844. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 639 FREEMAN L. PRATT, deceased, was born in Eaton, Madison Co., N. Y., July 31, 1814; was the son of Asaph and Hannah Pratt. When he was 5 years of age, his family moved to Stockbridge, of the same county, where he grew to manhood in the healthful atmosphere of a farm. He was married, at Smithfield, Madison Co., N. Y., March 24, 1836, to Miss Melinda Mack, daughter of Levi and Catharine De Mott Mack. The following year, 1837, Mr. Pratt and family in company with his brother Norman and family, emigrated to Wisconsin Territory and made their home on the present site of Whitewater. These were the first families to estab lish themselves at this place. The Pratt brothers built the first log house. There was one shanty in the town when they came, which was occupied by a party of bachelors, consisting of Charles Hamilton, Dr. Brewer, William Birge, Leander Birge and others. Mr. Pratt built the first log house in the town — in fact, the only other habitation there was, the shanty above men tioned. For the next three years, he was engaged in farming. In 1840, he purchased the Pow ers House, which he re-named the Whitewater House, and engaged in hotel-keeping, still retain ing his farm. In 1845, he sold the hotel to Warner Earl, and resumed farming, which he con tinued until 1873, when, on the account of failing health, he retired from active business. His death occurred Feb. 18, 1880. His family consists of wife and four children, two sons and daughters — Morgante, married Anna Colton, and resides in Baraboo; Katie E. died when 5 years of age; Luella J., when 7 years of age; William H. resides in Whitewater with his mother. Mr. Pratt never sought political distinction, but rather enjoyed a quiet, peaceful life in the circle of his family and friends, and among whom his lot was cast. An upright, honor able man, of warm sympathies and generous nature, he may well be claimed among the worthy pioneers of Walworth County. CAPT. EDWARD S. REDINGTON, dealer in hay, produce and stock, was born in Mon treal, Canada, Nov. 1, 1820, during a temporary residence of his parents in that city. His parents were New England people, and his grandfather on his father's side was a soldier of the Rovolution In early childhood, he accompanied his parents to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where he was brought up a farmer and lumberman. In 1847, he came to Wisconsin and located in Cold Spring, Jefferson Co. In the spring of 1850, he joined a party bound for the gold fields of California, by the way of the plains. He drove a four-horse team from Whitewater to Cali fornia. In the winter of 1851, he returned to Wisconsin, and was married, the following Feb ruary, 1852, in Cojd Springs, to Mrs. Mary A. Brink, daughter of William Greenleaf . Mrs. Red ington was born in the State of New York They have four children, one son and three daugh ters — William R., who married Louisa Renwick, at Holyoke, Mass., where he now resides; Lillie C, now the wife of Prof. J. H. Chamberlin, of Marietta College, Ohio; Etta J. and Sarah B. Mr. Redingion moved to Whitewater, Wis., in 1853, and then made another trip to California overland, with a four-horse team, making the second team of the kind that he drove over that route without losing an animal. His last trip he was only gone ten months, and returned to Whitewater January, 1854. He engaged in farming, and followed that business a few years, and then engaged in the produce business. August, 1862, he recruited a company for the 28th W. V. I. in the late war; was commissioned Captain. He was at the battle of Helena, Ark., July 4, 1863; took part in the Yazoo Pass expedition; was detailed with his company by Gen. Steel to act as pioneers for the Army of Arkansas. In the march from Helena to Little Rock, after the capture of the latter place, he received orders to organize a pioneer corps for the department, and remained in command of the same until the Mobile expedition was planned, when he was ordered to join his regiment and command his company through that campaign. After the surrender of Mobile, he was ordered to Texas in command of pioneer corps ; was mus tered out at Brownsville, Texas, and returned to Madison, Wis., Sept. 16, 1865. On his return from the army, he resumed farming and engaged in the produce business at Whitewater, which he has continued to this date. E. M. RICE, farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Whitewater; was born in Bridgeport, Addison Co., Vt, Feb. 13, 1817; is the son of Jonas and Hannah (Hemenway) Rice; was married, Dec. 24, 1840, in his native town, to Miss Laura E. Wicker, daughter of Ira Wicker. Mrs. Rice was born in the same town as her husband. In June, 1841, they emigrated to Wisconsin, and located on Sec. 5, Richmond, Walworth Co., where they had a farm of 160 acres. Mr. Rice was elected Superintendent of the Poor of Walworth County in 1856, and served six years. Mr. 640 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. and Mrs. Rice have been members of the Congregational Church since 1841. Mr. Rice was elected Deacon of the Richmond Congregational Church, and served fifteen years. They have two daughters— Mary B. and Ada E. The elder, Mary B. , is the wife of Edward Weed, of Minnesota. The younger, Ada E., is now Mrs. Levi A. Nichols, of Linn, Walworth Co., Wis. Mr. Rice and family moved to Whitewater in 1867, where they have since resided. S. S. ROCKWOOD is a teacher by profession, but at this writing is editing the Whitewater Register. He is a native of Frankfort, Herkimer Co., N. Y.; is the son of S. M. and Catharine Root Rockwood; was born Dec. 21, 1837. When 4 years of age, in 1841, he accompanied his parents to Wisconsin and settled in La Fayette, Walworth Co. He was educated in the Milton Academy and at the State University at Madison. Before completing his course in the uni versity, he enlisted in the 13th W. V. I., Co. E, August, 1861, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant before leaving the State. Nine months later, he was appointed Commissary of Sub sistence, with rank of Captain, and served in that capacity till the close of the war, just previous to which time he was brevetted Major for meritorious service, and was mustered out in October,. 1865. During his enlistment, he served in the Army of the Tennessee as a general staff officer, and was at one time for three months Acting Chief Commissary of the 13th Army Corps. While in discharge of his duty, he made many trips up and down the Mississippi, and, though often in danger of fire from masked batteries, he escaped without injury. On his return from the army, he engaged in business in Chicago as a produce commission merchant, and was for three years a member of the Board of Trade. He next spent two and a half years as a Professor of Mathematics in Milton College, Milton, Wis. , and subsequently was engaged for many years as Professor of Mathematics in the State Normal School at Whitewater. He has also served one year as Assistant State Superintendent of Public Instruction, under WTilliam C. Whitford. His long experience as a teacher and well-known scholarship have given him a prominent position among the leading educational men of the State. He was married, March 23, 1859, in Milton, Wis., to Miss Flora A. Hawley, daughter of A. L. H Hawley. Mrs. Rockwood was born in Essex^ Vt. They have two sons—S. Hawley and George H. E. S*. ROSWELL, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Whitewater; he has 160 acres of land, and half- interest in the cheese factory, and also in the house. He was born in Norway June 24, 1816; is the son of Solwee and Carrie Gunderson Roswell; came to America in 1843, and settled in Ashippun, Dodge Co., Wis., where he lived one year. He then went to Milwaukee, where he learned the carpenter's trade. He was married in Milwaukee, in 1847, to Miss Paulina, daugh ter of P. Paulson. In 1849, he went to California; in 1850, returned to Wisconsin, bought a farm of 200 acres of land in Ashippun, and also opened a country store in 1851, and took his wife to California for her health; the journey was fruitless; his wife died the following year, 1852. Mr. Roswell returned to Wisconsin, and he and his brothers bought a farm containing 320 acres of land in the town of Raymond, Racine Co. He lived one year there, and was mar ried again, Aug. 20, 1854, to Miss Engber Claven, daughter of Igel Claven, then moved back to- Ashippun, in his old place, in 1855. He lived here seventeen years, and had seven daughters and three sons — Edman, Paulina, Carrie, Henry, Annie, Ida, Hilda, Gustava, Dena, Emma. The latter died aged 7 years; Paulina is now married to Mr. Elias Johnson, of Milwaukee. He then sold in Ashippun and moved to the town of Whitewater, Walworth Co., Wis., in 1872. Mr. Roswell has never aspired to public office, but has always taken a warm interest in public affairs. It was through his good judgment and determined energy, while acting as Road Com missioner, that gravel was first used in his road district. The greatly improved condition of roads in his portion of the town is owing to his efforts and example. ALBERT SALISBURY, Conductor of Institutes, and Professor of History and Political Economy in the Whitewater State Normal School. He was born in Lima, Rock Co., Wis., Jan. 24, 1843; is the son of Oliver and Emily Salisbury; was educated at Milton College, Milton, Wis. ; graduated in 1870; has served three years as the Principal of the public schools of Brod- head, Wis., and nine years in his present position in the State Normal School, commencing March 1, 1873. Mr. Salisbury is a soldier of the late war. He enlisted, in December, 1863, in Co. H, 13th W. V. I., and served two years. During a portion of his term of service, he was- detailed as military Postmaster at New Orleans, and mail agent for Texas. He was married, in November, 1866, in Sullivan, Jefferson Co., Wis., to Miss Abba A. Maxson, daughter of Dr. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 641 John Maxson. Mrs. Salisbury was born in Allegany Co., N. Y. She died May '25, 1881, leaving four children, three daughters and a son — L. Gertrude, Oliver M. , Grace E. , Abba W. Mr. Salisbury's people were among the very earliest pioneers of Lima. The subject of this sketch is the oldest white person born in that town. ANSIL SALISBURY, retired farmer, was born in Cortland Co. , N. Y. , town of Cincin- natus, May 15, 1809. He was brought up a farmer by his parents, Silas and Lydia (Dodge) Salisbury. In May, 1837, he came to Spring Prairie, Walworth Co., Wis. He purchased a claim on the site where Vienna now stands, which he sold soon after, and, at the land sales of February, 1839, he bought another claim, and purchased of the Government 160 acres in another part of the town. He was married, in Michigan, in 1843, to Olive Dame, daughter of Joseph Dame. They had seven children — four sons and three daughters; the two eldest were twins —Egbert and Eddie; Eddie died when 13 years of age; Egbert married Jane Galbrath and lives in Iowa; the next younger, Scott, married Mary Earl, and is employed as freight agent at Whitewater; the eldest daughter, Stella, is now Mrs. Clarence J. Partridge, of Whitewater; the second daughter, Effie, is Mrs. Mannering De Wolf, also of this place; Willard is a clerk in the Whitewater Post Office ; Jessie, the youngest, resides with her parents. In 1846, Mr. Salisbury moved to Lima, Rock Co., where he was engaged in farming till 1854, when he moved to White water, where he had a farm of 80 acres lying in the village limits. About 1860, he purchased ihe Branch Mills, near Whitewater, which he owned six years, and then sold to T. Vincint. Mr. Salisbury is a large property owner of Whitewater. He has recently built a fine brick block, fronting on First and Center streets. NELSON SALISBURY, deceased, was born in Marathon, Cortland Co., N. Y, Jan. 1, 1813. He was married, in his native county, in 1841, to Miss Esther Cravath, daughter of Prosper and Marian Cravath. They had one child, a daughter — Helen — now the wife of Mr. L L. Clark, Principal of the Whitewater- Schools. In 1839, Mr. Salisbury came to Wisconsin and selected a farm in Lima, Rock Co.; returned to New York, and, in 1841, emigrated to his new home in Wisconsin. A few years later, he bought the farm now owned by Capt. Ellingwood, in the same town, where he pursued the occupation of farmer, working with well-directed energy, which was crowned with merited success. In 1845, he lost his wife, who died April 18. In 1856, he suld out and moved to the village of Whitewater, and engaged in the lumber business. Some time later, he became interested in banking, and for several years was Cashier. He was married again, in January, 1860, to Mrs. Julia Hemengway, widow of Henry C. Hemengway and daughter of Josiah Whiting. Mrs. Salisbury was born in New Marl borough, Berkeshire, Mass. For the last ten years of his life, Mr. Salisbury was engaged in building several fine residences, including those now owned by Mr. L. A. Winchester, Mrs. Sanger Marsh and Mrs. Salisbury. His death occurred in September, 1880. He is spoken of by his old neighbors as a man of industrious and systematic habits, possessed of superior intel ligence and strict integrity. He was justly classed among the most reliable of the business men of Whitewater. DR. STEPHEN SAXE, dental surgeon, was born in Greene Co., N. Y.,. March 30, 1834. He is the son of C. F. and Rebecca Saxe. In 1844, he moved with his parents to Lima, Rock Co., Wis. ; was brought up on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools and at Milton Academy, now Milton College; was engaged in teaching several years; was engaged in farming in Lima until 1871. About 1874, he moved to Whitewater and began the study of dentistry with Dr. Greenman. In 1878, he opened a set of dental rooms on First street, and, later bought out the office formerly used by Dr. Greenman, where he has since operated success fully. He was married, in Underhill, Chittenden Co., Vt, Oct. 8, 1857, to Miss Fanny M. Woodruff, daughter of Eli Woodruff. They have two children — Homer S. and Mary R. The son is the local reporter for the Daily Beloit Outlook. LUCIUS W. SEVERANCE, marble dealer. He was born in Essex, Essex Co., N. Y, Dec. 23, 1824; is the son of Samuel Severance. When 20 years of age, he went to Manchester, Mass., where he learned the machinist's trade, at which he worked as an operator of machinery, being employed in one mill at Manchester seventeen years. He was married, May 22, 1851, in Willsboro, Essex Co., N. Y., to Miss Lucretia M., daughter of David Hayward. Mrs. Sever ance was born in Essex, N. Y. Mr. Severance continued his residence at Manchester, where his 642 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. two children were bom— Charles L., born April 28, 1852; and Frank H., born Nov. 28, 1856; Charles L. was educated at Beloit College, Wisconsin; studied medicine, and attended two courses of lectures at the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago. He was a young man of rare promise, but was cut off at the opening of his career. His death occurred while in his 20th year. The younger brother, Frank H., is a graduate of Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y., tak ing a regular scientific course. He is now engaged as night editor of the Buffalo Express. In May, 1862, Mr. Severance emigrated to Wisconsin and located at Whitewater, Walworth Co., where he continues to reside to this date. On coming to Whitewater, he engaged with Mr. S. D. Wright in the marble business; continued for one year, then worked at his trade until 1876, when he went into partnership with S. C. Haskell in the marble business again; this connection lasted until March, 1882; the firm is now Severance & Steel, manufacturing the finest of mon uments from the best foreign and American marble, and of Scotch and native granite. R. C. SHEPARD, agent United States Express Company; has been in employ of the com pany eleven years. The subject of this sketch was born in Knoxboro, Oneida Co., N. Y, May 11, 1840; is the son of Joseph and Phebe Shepard; came to Whitewater in the spring of 1856; was with D. S. Cook twelve years, as salesman. In the fall of 1870, he entered the service of the United States Express Company, and, Nov. 1, 1871, he was appointed agent, and has held that position to this date — 1882. He was married, in Lima, Rock .Co. , Oct. 15, 1867, to Miss Augusta M Baker, daughter of Harvey Baker. Mrs. Shepard was born in the State of New York. They have one child — Frank R. ANDREW W. SHERMAN, farmer, Sec. 31; P.O. Whitewater; has 34 acres of land; his wife has 50 acres making in all 84 acres, formerly belonging to the Utter estates; was born in Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y., Oct. 17, 1829; is the son of Erastus and Rhoda T. Bostwick Sherman; was brought up a farmer, and, in May, 1844, came to Whitewater, Wis., with his parents. He was married, Nov. 13, 1871, in Lima, "Rock Co., Wis., to Mrs. Sally S. Rock well, widow of Eurotes Rockwell, and daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Utter. Mrs. Sherman was born in Genesee Co., N. Y. She had three children by her former marriage; the eldest one, H. M. Rockwell, died; the other two, twins, Henry Edwin and Harriet Ellen, are still livings the son married Rachel M. Yonker, of Green Lake Co. , Wis. ; Harriet Ellen is the wife of James Chapel, of Green Lake Co., Wis. Erastus Sherman, deceased, was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y, Aug. 23, 1798. He was brought up a farmer, and moved to Cortland County. He was married, at Charlton, Saratoga Co., Oct. 15, 1818, to Miss Rhoda T. Bostwick. They had seven children, five of whom are living — Louisa is Mrs. J. L. Blunt; Harriet was the wife of James L. Hull, and died aged 32 years; Andrew (see sketch); Selina; Mary C. is Mrs. Ben Doud, of Whitewater; Curtis H. married Harriet E. Hull, and lives in the town of Whitewater. The subject of this sketch moved to Whitewater, Wis., in May. 1844, and was engaged in farm ing until the time of his death, which occurred June 22, 1 866. Mrs. Sherman was born May 21, 1802, and died June 6, 1870. JAMES SMITH, farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Whitewater; has 240 acres of land. He was born in Verona, Oneida Co. , N. Y. , Dec. 2, 1824 ; is the son of Nathaniel C. and Susan Hul bert Smith; was brought up a farmer, and emigrated to Wisconsin with his parents in June. 1845; made his home with his father, on Sec. 3, Richmond, till he was married, Dec. 25, 1851, in Sugar Creek, to Miss Emeline, daughter of Thomas Hemsley. Mrs. H. was born in Mid- dlefield, Mass. After his marriage, Mr. Smith established himself on Sec. 34, Whitewater. In the fall of 1881, they moved to their present home, on Sec. 33. They have had eight children, five of whom are living — James E. was born Nov. 28, 1852, died Sept. 7, 1864; Charles E., bom Oct. 28, 1854, died Oct. 10, 1864; Susan E., born Feb. 24, 1857, now Mrs. S. Taft, Whitewater; Emma G., born Sept. 2, 1860, and died April 16, 1873; Olin N., born Dec. 22, 1862; Alvin E., born Dec. 25, 1866; Mary E., born Dec. 17. 1870; Clara E., born Sept. 2, 1876. J. TAYLOR SMITH, watch-maker and jeweler, established business in Whitewater in February, 1851. He is the son of John and Kittie Smith; was born in Ashton-under-Lyne, England, Sept. 2, 1827; served four years in learning the watch-maker and jeweler's trade in Manchester, and worked at it three years in Liverpool. In 1848, he emigrated to the United States and settled on a farm near Milton, Rock Co., Wis. Three years of farming satisfied his HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 643 ambition in that direction. He then came to Whitewater, where he worked for a short time as journeyman at his trade, and then a small shop in his line, which he carried on for two years. He then traveled in the South awhile, and in 1853 returned to England, with the intention of going into business in Liverpool, but, failing to arrange matters to his satisfaction, he changed his plans; was married, May 25, 1853, at the cathedral and parish church of Manchester, by the Rev. R. Remington, M. A, to Isabella Calvert, daughter of Thomas Calvert. Mrs. Smith was born in England. Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Smith came to America, and directly to Whitewater, Wis., where Mr. Smith engaged in business, which he has mate rially increased, and continued to this date. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were blessed with three sons. The oldest, Alfred C, married Libbie Loveland, July, 1881, and resides in Boston, Mass., where he is in charge of the office of the Waltham Watch Company; his second son, George C, is traveling for the same company, and is now in New Mexico. The youngest son, Sidney C, is in the Chicago office of the same company. Mr. Smith has never been an aspirant for public office, but has held the position of Village Treasurer two terms. He is thoroughly imbued with American ideas, sympathies and prejudices, and is to all intents and purposes an American. LEONARD C. SMITH, of the firm of D. L. Fairchild & Co., undertakers, and dealers in furniture, was born in Orwell, Rutland Co., Vt., Oct. 9, 1825; is the son of Caleb and Abigail Pierce Smith; was brought up a farmer; was married, Oct. 24, 1848, in his native town, to Miss Amanda M. Herbert, daughter of Reuben Herbert. Mrs. Smith is also a native of Orwell, Vt. In October, 1856, Mr. Smith emigrated to Wisconsin and located in Whitewater, where he has since resided. They have no children of their own, but have brought up a nephew of Mrs. Smith's — George L. Teeple — whom they regard as a son. On coming to Wisconsin, Mr. Smith, in company with Mr. A. F. Knox, engaged in the importation of fine-wool American Merino sheep, bringing them from Vermont. They intoduced over one thousand blooded sheep into this section of the State, one lot of fifty-three costing $6,500. Though not the very first to bring in fine-wool sheep to this section, they were among the earliest to materially aid in improving the breed of sheep in Wisconsin. Mr. Smith spent ten years at this business and farming; was a partner in the Whitewater Cutter Works during 1877, 1878 and 1879; July, 1881, joined Mr. Fairchild in the present business. WALLACE E. SPOONER, grocer, was born in Monkton, Addison Co., Vt, Feb. 22, 1845; is the son of Truman B. and Electa Spooner ; when 3 years of age, accompanied his parents to Norfolk, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and from there to Elkhorn, Walworth Co., Wis., in August, 1853. Here he passed ten years of his boyhood and school life, and, in 1863, moved to White water and completed his schooling in the public schools of that town. He was initiated into the mercantile business in the store of Mr. N. A. Spooner, a cousin of his father's, where he spent three years. He then engaged in the grocery business in company with his father, on the corner of Second and Center streets. In September, 1880, he purchased his father's inter est, and has since conducted the business alone. In April, 1881, he started a second store in the same line, situated a few doors west of the old stand. Mr. Spooner has two well-stocked stores in the line of groceries, provisions, crockery and glassware, and has an extensive and increasing trade. H. J. STARIN lived in Whitewater for forty years, ' and, if the old saying be true that the man is blessed who maketh a leaf or a blade of grass to grow where one was not before, then truly is the deceased blessed for that one effort of his life. In September, 1840, he arrived from Fultonville, Montgomery Co., N. Y, and spent his forty years in Whitewater as an agricultur ist or horticulturist. Shade troes he made a specialty, and very much of the acquired beauty of the village is due to his labors. Mr. Starin was one of the best-known men in the town, and the whole community was shocked when he was found dead in his bed on the morning of May 13, 1880. He was in his 72d year at the time of his death. The deceased was a Universalist, the burial services being conducted at the house, by Rev. G. W. Laurence, of Janesville. H. A. STARIN, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O.Whitewater; has 180 acres; was born in Whitewater, November, 1842; is the son of Henry J. and Eva G. (Schermerhorn) Starin. Mrs. Starin was the daughter of Judge Schermerhorn, who was a pioneer of Wisconsin of 1841. The subject of this sketch was brought up a farmer; was married, in Whitewater, in 1869, to Theodora Hare, daughter of Walter Hare. One child was born to them, which died in childhood. Mrs. Starin 644 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. died in April, 1870. Mr. Starin was married again, in 1873 to Miss Eliza A. Rawson, daugh ter of Emery Rawson. They have three children — Minnie M., George F. and Florence E. Mr. Starin has never been an office-seeker, but has served three years as Justice of the Peace of Whitewater. JACOB J. STARIN was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Aug. 16, 1825; is the son of John J. and Elizabeth Starin; came to Wisconsin in September. 1840, with his uncle, Henry J.; located at Whitewater. In 1844, he engaged as merchant's clerk, with P. Peck, afterward Peck & Keep; in 1848, he bought an interest in the business, making the firm Peck, Keep & Oo. Changes occurred, and the firm subsequently became Brady, Starin & Cook. Mr. Starin was engaged about nineteen years in that line of business. He was married, Oct. 2, 1852, by the Rev. R. Humphry, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Whitewater, to Miss Frances E. Hamilton, daughter of David and Belina Brown Hamilton. Mrs. Starin was born in Lansingville, Tomp kins Co. , N. Y. They have two sons — Philander P. and William A. ; the eldest is book-keeper in the land department of the Chicago & North- Western Railroad at Chicago; the younger is an attorney, also of Chicago. J. W. STEARNS, President of the State Normal School of Whitewater, was appointed in August, 1878. He was born in Sturbridge, Mass., Aug. 10, 1839; is the son of O. O. Stearns; was educated at Harvard University, graduating in 1860. He accepted a position as teacher in the State Normal School of Minnesota at Winona in 1861, which position he held a little more than a year. He next engaged in newspaper work at Winona, and from there went to Chicago, where he held the position of Professor of Latin in the Chicago University until 1874. He then went to the Argentine Republic, South America, where he organized a normal school at Tucuman, which he conducted successfully four years, serving as President. He then visited Europe, where he spent several months in travel. While in Europe, in 1878, he received an offer of the Presidency of the Normal School of Whitewater, Wis., which he accepted. Returning to the United States, he proceeded to Whitewater and entered upon the discharge of his duties in August of that year. He was married, at Winona, in 1862, to Miss Florence, daughter of David Blood. Mrs. Stearns was born in Dracut, Mass. They have two children living — Fred W. and Florence. REV. RUFUS D. STEARNS, resident pastor of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Whitewater, since September, 1873. The subject of this sketch was born in Edmeston, Otsego Co., N. Y, Feb. 18, 1821; is the son of Isaac H. and Lois (Doane) Stearns. He received an academic edu cation at Belleville Academy, Belleville, Jefferson Co., N. Y.; took a regular course at Union College, Schenectady, from which he graduated iu 1844. He then took a three-years' course at the Episcopal Theological Seminary of New York City, and was ordained in Grace Church, New York, June, 1847. He proceeded at once to Sackett's Harbor, New York, where he was the established pastor of St. Luke's Church four years. From there he went to Medina, Or leans Co., and officiated as pastor of St. John's Church seventeen years; then to Boonton, N. J., where he presided over St. John's Church five years. From there he came to White water in September, 1873, and has since performed the duties of St. Luke's Church. Mr. Stearns was married, at Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Sept. 23, 1850, to Miss Elizabeth P. Cooke, daughter of Dr. A. B. Cooke, of the United States Navy. Mrs. Stearns was born in Brooklyn, N. Y They have two sons and one daughter living: have lost three; the eldest, William R., died when 1 year old; Emily B. died at the age of 15 years; Edwin A. is at Blair, Neb.; Charles W. married Jessie Mallory, and is living at Elgin, 111.; one child died in infancy; the youngest is an adopted daughter, Bessie B. N. H. STEENSON, grocer, was born in Norway July 18, 1848; is the son of Rev. Christo pher and Anna Steenson. He emigrated with his parents in 1850 to America, and settled in the town of Richmond, Walworth Co. In 1856, his father having been ordained a Methodist min ister, the family moved to Cambridge, Wis., where the father was the resident pastor. N. H. Steenson was educated in the common schools and in the Albion Academy of Edgerton, Wis. In 1869, he came to Whitewater and engaged as clerk in the general store of Mr. James Bridge; continued in his employ five years, or until the time of his death. He then formed a partner ship with Charles Bridge, and bought out the old store. One year later, he sold out to Mr. Bridge, and remained with him one year as clerk. Then, on the account of poor health, he quit HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 645 business for awhile, and attended the normal school till January, 1875, when he engaged in the present business. In addition to a full line of groceries, he carried a full stock of buffalo robes, blankets, gloves and mittens. By fair dealing and strict attention to the wants of his custom ers, he has built up a very substantial trade. He was married, in Whitewater, Dec. 25, 1878, to Miss Josephene, daughter of Edward and Ann Toal. Mrs. Steenson was born in Eagle, Waukesha Co., Wis. T. A STEPHENS, dealer in farm machinery; business established in the spring of 1872. He was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., April 28, 1816; is the son of Sylvanus H. and Mary Fair- child Stephens. Having arrived at a suitable age, he learned the tanner and currier's trade, at which he worked twenty-five years. He went to Buffalo, N. Y., in the spring of 1837, and, in September of that year, he came to Wisconsin, landed at Milwaukee, then only a hamlet, and from there came to Walworth County with an uncle the same fall, and located in Sugar Creek, on Sec. 1 ; remained two years ; sold his claim to Mr. Pike West, and returned to the East. He was married, in Herkimer Co., N. Y, April 21, 1841, to Miss Mary C, daughter of Mathew Smith. He resided in Columbia, Herkimer Co., until the spring of 1858, when he moved to Whitewater, Wis., and engaged in farming. In 1868, he moved to the village of Whitewater, and in 1872 engaged in the present business. He attended the first settlers' meeting in the winter of 1838, to locate the county seat of Walworth County, and it was voted to Elkhorn as the center of the county. He has four sons and two daughters — William R., Theodore, Sylvanus H, Lyman J., Martha Ann and Emma Bonheur ; the oldest, William R., is married, and resides at Chicago; Theodore is married, and lives at Brodhead, Wis. ; Sylvanus H. is married and is in business with his father at Whitewater; Martha Ann is the wife of Archer C. White, of Whitewater. JOHN D. SWEETLAND, retired merchant, was born in Stafford, Genesee Co., N. Y, April 8, 1815; is the son of J. D. Sweetland; when 13 years of age, accompanied his family to Chau tauqua County, where he was brought up on a farm. He was married in that county, in 1842, to Miss Eliza Leffingwell, daughter of Erastus Leffingwell. They had one child born in the East, named Albert, now of Whitewater. Mr. Sweetland moved to Whitewater in 1854, and engaged as clerk for S. C. Hall, merchant; three years later, he formed a partnership with Cushing & Stewart in the hardware and dry goods business, under the firm name of Cushing, Sweetland & Stewart, which connection lasted till 1877, when he sold out and went to Colorado ; returned to Whitewater after a few months, and has since been in no active business. One son was born to him in Whitewater — Edgar C, now of South Park, Colo. CYRUS TEETSHORN, farmer; P. O. Whitewater; has a farm of 200 acres in Lima, Rock Co., Wis.; was born in Greene Co., N. Y. ; when 7 years of age, moved to Boston, Erie Co., N. Y, and, in September, 1838, left New York for Wisconsin, and arrived in Richmond, Walworth Co., October of that year; was brought up a farmer on his father's place, on the west county line, on Sec. 6. He was married, Sept. 7, 1851, in Milton, Rock Co., to Miss Mary Johnson, daugh ter of Porter and Martha Johnson, of Linn, Walworth Co. Mrs. Teetshorn was born in Niagara Co., N. Y, and came to Walworth County with her people in 1838. They have two sons — Frank E. and Marshall E.; the elder, F. E, is Train Dispatcher at Green Bay, for the Green Bay, Winona & St. Paul Railway; Marshall is agent and operator at Black Creek, Wis., on the same line. After his marriage, Mr. Teetshorn lived in Lima, Rock Co., where he still has the farm previously mentioned, situated on Sees. 33 and 34; he resided on that farm eighteen years, and then moved to Lima Center, where he lived ten and one-half years ; from there, moved to White water, in September, 1880. Mr. Teetshorn is at present a member of the Board of Supervisors of the town of Whitewater. HENRY F. THIELE, of the firm of Thiele & Goodhue, undertakers, and dealers in furni ture, is a native of Hanover, Germany, the son of Henry and Carolina Thiele. He was born Jan. 23, 1832. He partly learned the cabinet-maker's trade in his native country, and, in 1848, emigrated to America; settled in Milwaukee, Wis., where he resumed work at his trade; resided in Milwaukee six years, two of which he spent as a merchant's clerk; at the expiration of that time, he went to Ft. Atkinson, where he was engaged in the furniture business. In 1858, he came to Whitewater, where he worked awhile as a journeyman, then began in the undertaking business; in 1862, he stocked a store with general furniture, and was building up a fine trade, 646 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. when, by the burning of an adjacent building, he was burned out in 1864, and sustained a loss of $4,000. He rebuilt immediately and resumed business; at this time, had a partner, Mr. F. Achtenhagen, now of Milwaukee. Everything was running smoothly with them till 1870, when they were burned out, this time also from outside fires; the partnership was then dis solved. Mr. Thiele resumed business again, which has continued to this date. He formed a partnership with Mr. Goodhue Sept. 20, 1881. They occupied their present tasty and commo dious rooms, with fronts on both First and Center streets. Their stock is full and complete in their line, embracing the most modern and elegant designs. Two hearses are employed in the business, one of which is of the finest finish. Mr. Thiele has had many years' experience as an undertaker in Whitewater; he built the first hearse in town, and has furnished the supplies at. about three thousand funerals. This firm are also dealers in pianos, organs and other musical instruments. Mr. Thiele was married, at Delavan, May 27, 1855, to Miss Barbara Loetz, daugh ter of Michael Loetz. They had nine children, of whom seven are living — Henry, the eldest, is married to Annie Veitenheimer and lives in Milwaukee; Jennie died aged 7 years; Frankie died aged 5 years; the others are William T., Frederick, Clara, Joseph, Annie and Lizzie. William T. is a promising young musician. As a cornet player, he is scarcely excelled in tho State. DR. JAMES TRIPP, deceased, was bom in Schenectady, N. Y, in 1795. He received his medical education in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Western District of New York at Albany, from which he graduated about 1817. He engaged in the practice of medicine at Mobile, Ala., which he continued till 1819, when he returned to New York and was married, in Laurens, Otsego Co., to Miss Rosepha Comstock, daughter of William Comstock He was commissioned Surgeon of the 60th N. Y. V. I. June 11, 1822. He continued to practice medicine till 1835, when he decided to turn farmer. Two years later, 1837, he emigrated to Wisconsin Territory and made his home in Troy, Walworth Co., where he built a saw-mill. In 1839, he moved to Whitewater and became one of the founders of that thrifty town, in which he was one of the largest property owners. During his residence in Wisconsin, he only prac ticed when called in counsel in critical cases. His skill as a physician and thorough knowledge of his prof ession were well known and appreciated. He died in September, 1844, leaving a wife and two sons — Daniel and William J. Mrs. Dr. Tripp survived her husband many years, her death occurring Feb. 2, 1881. As one of the pioneer women of Whitewater, she will long be remembered for her many sterling qualities by her old neighbors and friends. She was gener ous and kind to those in distress, possessed of quick perception and sound judgment, combined with great force of character. She was a leader in those schemes of benevolence and reform which the ladies of a Christian community are likely to interest themselves in. A consistent member of the Episcopal Church, she was always liberal in its support. MRS. ROSEPHA ANN TRIPP, deceased, wife of Dr. James Tripp, was born in Lau rens, Otsego Co., N. Y, Nov. 2, 1802, and died in Whitewater Feb. 2, 1881. Her maiden name was Comstock. She was married to Dr. Tripp Jan. 4, 1825. The young couple removed first to Montgomery County, but a dozen years' residence in the East convinced them that their star of fortune would rise in the West. They accordingly removed to East Troy in 1837, Mrs. Tripp bringing with her a comfortable little fortune. Her husband built a saw-mill at the outlet of Troy Lakes, but, being persuaded by the Pratts, Powers and others, of Whitewater, that a grist-mill in that vicinity would be more profitable, he removed to that settlement in 1840, having in the meantime put that manufactory in working order. His wife assisted him in more ways than one, and the credit of firmly establishing the village of WThitewater belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Tripp. Mrs. Tripp was a woman of strong will and quite remarkable business capacity, and when her husband died, in September, 1844, she continued the work he had left undone. Though less active in her later years, her influence was felt wherever she went. All her life, Mrs. Tripp was a stanch member and supporter of the Episcopal Church, and when she died, her zeal in its cause was recognized by Bishop Welles, who conducted the funeral exer cises. FRANK W. TRATT, farmer, and breeder of Durham (Short- Horn) cattle and registered Merino sheep, Sec. 6; P. O. Whitewater; has 560 acres of land. Mr. Tratt was bom in Somer setshire, England, June 28, 1840; is the son of Thomas and Betsey Tratt. In 1844, he came to- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 64T America with his parents, and was brought up on his father's farm, in Palmyra, Jefferson Co., Wis. In 1857, he removed to Whitewater, where he was married, Oct. 18, 1862, to Miss Eliza beth E. Cobb, daughter of Simon E. Cobb. Mrs. Tratt was born in Madison Co., N. Y. They have an interesting family of seven sons — Willis J., Clarence, Walter F., Alfred H., Paul, Ralph and one unnamed. PHILIP TRAUTMANN, of the firm of P. & G. Trautmann, manufacturers of and dealers in boots and shoes. This firm is doing an extensive business, having also a branch house in Marshall, Iowa, under the junior partner. They have been doing business in Whitewater since 1860, and for the past fifteen years have occupied their present roomy establishment. The sub ject of this sketch was born in Alsace, France, now Germany, Feb. 13, 1837 ; is the son of Philip and Lena Trautmann. He came to America in 1855, and located at Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y. Two years later, he moved to Madison, Wis., and from there to Whitewater in 1860, where he engaged in business with his brother George, as given above. He was married, in Whitewater, May 8, 1861, to Miss Mary Butz, daughter of John Butz. Mrs. Trautmann was born in Switzerland. They have six children — three boys and three girls — Minnie, May, Carrie, Ed ward, George and Philip. SALMON H. TUTTLE was born in Sheffield, Berkshire Co., Mass., Jan. 1, 1820; is the Bon of Salmon Tuttle; went to Columbia Co., N. Y., when 13 years of age, and remained till he was 22, then returned to Massachusetts, and, two years later, went to Claverack, N. Y In 1856, he moved to Whitewater and bought the distillery, which he operated with Mr. Schultz two years. The distillery was then destroyed by fire. He built a new one, which he operated awhile, then bought into the planing-mill and sash factory, which connection lasted four years. In the spring of 1874, he went to Colorado and located at San Juan, 100 miles beyond the end of the wagon trails, at a place called Animas Forks, where he and his party were the pioneer miners; was engaged in mining at this point four years, and is still largely interested there in silver mining. He returned to his home in Whitewater, where he still resides. Mr. Tuttle was mar ried, in Sheffield, Mass., in November, 1843, to Miss Mary E. Mclntyre, daughter of Heman Mclntyre. Mrs. Tuttle was born in Salisbury, Conn. They have one child, a daughter, named Louise E., now the wife of Charles E. Densmore, of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Mr. Tuttle has served as Supervisor of Whitewater three years, two years as member of the Village Board, and at this writing is President of the village, having been elected in the spring of 1881. JOSEPH VAN DE WATER, of the firm of Van De Water & Son, proprietors of machine- shop and feed- mill; also do planing and sawing; business established in March, 1878. Mr. Van Be Water was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., July 31, 1833; is the son of John and Catharine Van De Water; came to Whitewater in 1841. January, 1857, he went to Milwaukee, where he spent two years in learning the machinist's trade; returned to Whitewater and engaged in the reaper works of George Esterly, and continued in his employ twenty-three years, eighteen of which he held the responsible position of foreman. In April, 1878, he engaged in his present business, in company with his son Fred. The enterprise has proved an entire success. Mr. Van De Water was married, in Whitewater, Wis., in May, 1857, to Miss Eulalie M. Ellis, daughter of S. and A. Ellis. They have two children — Fred and Bertha. WILLIAM H. VAN GIESON, deceased, son of Samuel Van Gieson, was bom in Bloom field, N. J., June 8, 1835. When about 15 years of age, he went to Canada, where he was em ployed three or four years as a locomotive engineer. From Canada he went to New York and worked as a machinist. He was married, in Paterson, N. J., in 1856, to Miss Sarah Houghton, daughter of William Houghton. Mrs. Van Gieson was bom in Paterson. After his marriage, Mr. Van Gieson made his home in Newark. Having a genius for mechanical pursuits, he be came an inventor. Having patented an improved brass nail for upholstering, he sold the patent for a goodly sum to New York parties, and then made a tour to Europe, where he introduced the invention. At Birmingham, England, ie established a factory for the manfuacture of his im proved brass nail. One year and a half later, he returned to the United States; studied law at Waterbury, Conn.; was in practice only a few years; his old love of invention prevailed over professional ambition, and the result of his labors was an invention of a machine for the manu facture of gun cartridges. After securing his patent, he again visited Europe, and established a large shop for the manufacture of cartridges at Vienna. After one and one-half years spent 648 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. in establishing the business, he sold out, having made a success of the invention. He returned to New Jersey. His various patents had proved valuable, and the income derived therefrom placed him in independent circumstances. In 1868, he moved to Milwaukee, Wis., and, one year later, to Whitewater, where he made his permanent home till his death, which occurred July 21, 1881. Soon after coming to Wisconsin, he became interested in mining and mining machinery in Colorado. He built several stamp-mills. He was the owner and operator of the Little Annie Mine at Summit, which proved rich and profitable. He then built the extensive lixiviation works at Lake City, Colo. He was engaged at that point one year, then sold out, having spent nearly six years in all in Colorado. He died suddenly while at home in White water, leaving a wife and daughter to mourn his loss. His daughter, Sarah, is the wife of Oliver P. Posey, of Whitewater. His only other children, two sons, died in childhood. Mr. Van Gieson died comparatively a young man — aged 47 years. Beginning for himself at the early age of 15 years, gifted with superior intelligence and great energy, he made good use of his talent as an inventor. He not only knew when he had a good thing, but he had the enter prise and force of character to make the world acknowledge it. SALMOUS WAKELEY, deceased, was born in New Milford, Litchfield Co., Conn., March 17, 1794. His youth and early manhood were spent in cultivating an unkindly soil, picking up a few scraps of regular education, which he improved to their utmost, and learning the shoe maker's trade, which he also turned to good advantage in after years. Herein seemed to lay the great strength of his character — that he made the most of everything; so that, although his education was limited, by constant application yoked with native penetration, he became a broad-minded citizen, firmly grounded in his beliefs and able to defend them. In 1818, Mr. Wakeley married Hannah Thompson, a woman of uncommon stability and purity of character. He emigrated to New York in early life, where he resided, until 1836. He then removed to Lorain Co., Ohio, where he remained seven years, coming to Whitewater in the spring of 1843. Mr. Wakeley became a member of the constitutional convention in 1846, where he made up in common sense what he lacked in brilliancy. In 1855 and 1857, he also represented Whitewater in the Assembly. On Jan. 12, 1867, occurred his death, at the residence of his son, E. Wakeley, in Madison. An acute attack of pneumonia was the cause of his decease, he having retained his bodily and mental vigor to the last. His widow, three sons and two daughters survived him, E. Wakeley and Charles T. Wakeley having established good reputations as lawyers, the former in Nebraska, the latter in Madison, Wis. Mrs. Wakeley has since died. S. D. WARD, deceased, was born in Madison Co., N. Y., March 18, 1821; was brought up a farmer, and also learned the trade of chair -maker, which he worked at several years. He was married, in Henderson, N. Y., Feb. 20, 1842, to Miss Charlotte Comee, daughter of Benjamin Comee. Three children were born to them — Emiline L., who was the wife of O. B. Williams, of Whitewater; her death occurred in 1881; Benjamin C. married Lues Marsh, daughter of Sanger Marsh, and resides at Whitewater; is a painter by trade; Samuel D. died in childhood. Mr. Ward came to Wisconsin in 1857, and direct to Whitewater; remaining here only a short time, he moved to Hebron, Jefferson Co. ; one and a half years later, he returned to Whitewater, where he was engaged in various mechanical pursuits till the time of his death, which occurred Dec. 6, 1874; his widow is still a resident of Whitewater. Mr. Ward was a man of peculiar mechanical genius; whatever he wanted to make, he made; all he needed was the necessary tools and materials; and his finished work was in everything he undertook — would compare favorably with that of master workmen in the same line. DR. HENRY WARNE, physician and druggist, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y, June 10, 1825; is the son of Benjamin and Lucy (Beckwith) Warne. He received his medical education at the Indiana State Medical School at La Porte, Ind, from which he graduated in 1848. He had previously come to Wisconsin and located in Ft. Atkinson in 1845. In August, 1850, he moved to Whitewater and entered upon the practice of his profession, which he has continued to this date. In 1874, he entered into the drug business, which he still carries on in company with his eldest son, who was taken as a partner in April, 1881. Dr. Warne'was married, in Jef ferson Co., Wis., Dec. 1, 1859, to Miss Cordelia Curtis, daughter of Cyrus Curtis, a pioneer of Whitewater of 1836. While away to Milwaukee for provisions, his claim was jumped; rather than contest it, Mr. Curtis went to Jefferson County and made his home, where he built the HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 651 Curtis Mills. Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Warne have a family of five sons and four daughters — Henry L., Mary, Rodell G, Hattie, George, Ida, Jessie, Lucius and Cyrus; the eldest son, Henry, is a graduate of the Philadelphia School of Pharmacy of the class of 1881; Mary is a teacher of the village schools; Rodell C. is a student of the State University. A. B. WARNER, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Whitewater; has 80 acres of land; was born in Camillus, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Oct. 19, 1807; is the son of Amos and Mary Warner; he was married, in 1832, to Miss Harriet, daughter of William Palmer. One child, a son, was born to them, named Ambrose. In 1833, Mr. Warner and family moved to Galena, La Porte Co., Ind, where he engaged in farming; while there, he lost his wife, who died Oct. 12, 1840; he was married to Ruth Webster, daughter of Samuel Webster, Dec. 27, 1840; Mrs. Warner was born in Camillus, Onondaga Co., N. Y.; three children were born to them, all of whom are dead; Harriet L. died in childhood; Vienna L. died aged 21 years; and Amos H., who died at the age of 24 years. In 1846, Mr. Warner came to Whitewater, Wis., and purchased the one-half of southwest quarter of Sec. 6 ; returning to Indiana, he moved his family to their new home the following spring, 1847, where they have since resided. Mr. Warner is a member of the Universalist Church, and has always been a stanch Democrat in politics. Ambrose, Mr. War ner's only surviving son, was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Oct. 7, 1833; was married, in He bron, Jefferson, Co., Wis., May 13, 1862, to Miss Martha Folts, daughter of Jonas Folts; Mrs. Warner was born in Oneida Co., N. Y. ; they have three sons and two daughters — A. J., H. Ray, Hattie M. , Nettie and Jay F. T. D. WEEKS, senior partner of the law firm of Weeks & Steel, established his practice at Whitewater January, 1860. He was born in Northampton, Mass., Nov, 5, 1833; is the son of Spencer Weeks and Elvira Dimock Weeks; came with his parents to Wisconsin in the fall of 1843; they located in Hudson, now Lyons, Walworth Co. ; after acquiring a primary education in the common schools of his town, Mr. Weeks went to Appleton and took a regular course at the Lawrence University of that city, from which he graduated in 1858; from there he went to Albany, N. Y, and spent one year as a student of the Albany Law School; here he graduated in 1859, and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, June 1, 1859; he then returned to Wisconsin and entered upon the practice of his profession at Racine. while pursuing his reading in the office of Lyon & Adams; six months thereafter, he removed to Whitewater, opened a law office, was admitted to the bar of Walworth County at the fall term of court, 1859 ; he was soon after admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of this State, and has continued to practice his profession at Whitewater to this date — January, 1882 ; he was elected to the Legislature of 1867 from the Third District of Walworth County, and to the State Senate for the years 1874 and 1875; he has been one of the Regents of the State Normal Schools for twelve years; he was married, in the village of Whitewater, June 7, 1865, to Miss Adda Hall, adopted daughter of S. C. Hall; they have two children — Helen Louise, aged 15 years; and Charles S., aged 13; in 1875, Mr. Weeks entered into a law partnership with Mr. George W. Steel, which has been continued to this date, under the firm name of Weeks & Steel. I. U. WHEELER was born at Oyster Bay, L. I., N. Y, in 1787; his father was a Baptist minister; when I. U. was 11 years of age, he went to Dutchess Co., N. Y, where he learned the carpenter's trade; he was married, in 1817, to Miss Lavina Duncan; six children were born to them; Sarah, the oldest, was the wife of Jesse R. Kinne; her death occurred in Sugar Creek, Wis., Nov. 1, 1873; Mary A is the wife of Gaylord Graves, of Iowa; Egbert C. died at White water, Wis., in 1870; Harriet, deceased, was the wife of Daniel Salisbury; her husband is now an honored resident of Elkhorn; Betsey A., deceased, was the wife of S. B. Edwards, of whom a sketch is given elsewhere in this work; her death occurred Dec. 21, 1880; William H. died at Whitewater Oct. 4, 1857. Mrs. Wheeler died at Sherburne, N. Y, in 1835. Mr. Wheeler mar ried again, Jan. 26, 1837, at Sherburne; his second wife was Miss Nancy Palmer, who was bom in Chenango Co., N. Y. Mr. Wheeler emigrated to Wisconsin in 1840, and made his home at Whitewater, of which place he was the popular Justice of the Peace almost continuously until his death, which occurred Feb. 9, 1870. During his life-time, from his earliest manhood, he was distinguished by being chosen to hold some position of honor and public trust; as early as 1812, he organized a volunteer rifle company, of which he was commissioned Captain by Gov. Tompkins, of New York, June 21, 1815; he served as Constable many years, and was appointed 652 msroBT of waiwobih: gocxtx. Deprty Sheriff of Mseoanty Jan. 1,1S^ which ab^ he held fenr years; he was feen elected Jastieeof fee Peace in 1S33, ard re-elected each term daring his residence is 5ew Tork— as o^wlridikre^dwos^tomitMraSwiaM':™!^^^ appointed Jasfiee at fee Peace of Walworth Cbanty, by Gor. Doty, and, o® fee organization at foe town, was elected fee firs* Justice; be was reelected, and held fee ontee eeatisnondy nata Ms deafly ex cept foro years feat he was Postmaster ander TavJor and FiBmere; hewas possessed of a dear aad remarkably correct hidgment; his large experience had made Mat tamSSeac wife points of law; his decision wero very rarely appealed front, aad sean^ ever nsversed; his EamMes ware so well preserved that he discharged fats duties at fee ontee np to wifein a very few days of Ms death, which happened when he was M jeans aad 6 nwnfes <9ld? Msananory teelaerishedbya large eirele of friends. Mrs. Wheeler ^tttit&s her husband; is stiD a resident ot Ma&wmttfk Cdanfy. JOBS?. WM1PPLSL photographer; business estaMisfaed is Whitewater in 1^@% he was bora in Solon, Somerset Co., Me, Feb. 22. 1%20? « fee son of John Whipple; went to Ohm in 1551 and learned fee dagaerrean art. aad carried oat fee business a short tmn^fem came to Wfeeonsmandopened a gallery at Sheboyganuwfaiehteea^ fromfeere,weat fe» Two Rivers; from feeie to Green Bay; where he was engaged in fee same basinem, wife fee improved methods; he enlisted, in 188^ in Co. A. 25fe W. T, I., and served natal fee close of fee war: after retarning from fee army, he engaged in fee photograph fanjintuir at Port Washington i£IllS@g>: he feen reamed to Whitewater aad estafafished Ms present gaBary: Washington i£IllS@g>: he feen reamed to Whitewater aad estafafished Ms present gaflery- Mr. Whipple has facilities for doing all work in his line in fee beet style; heafa&faasavfenrwagBn for landtrape work, Mr. Whipple » what is known as an infidel, and k Tery held it ezpress- ing his views. B05. SAMUEL AUSTIN WHITE, deceased. The safajeetof fefe sfe«L was hers, in Franklin. Delaware Co.. 51 X.. Ang 10, 1§§3; he was feesocof Samaeland Flavia White; when IS years of age, La graduated front Hamiiten College. Clinton. 51 T; he then began fee study of law in fee oinee of Judge Mason, of Hamilton. 5. Y_ and, later, panned Ms studies wife EKjafa Ford, at BaSkkt In 184% he came to Wisconsin and located at Genoa, Wahtorfe Co.; having taught school in Ms student days, he Terr naturally adopted fee saate vocation in Ms new home, and so engaged as teacher of fee Geneva school: he seen changed Ms place of residence to Pott Washington,. Ozaukee On, where he entered upon fee f acttee of his profes sion; in 1S§^ he was appointed Postmaster by President Pierce; was elected to fee Assembly in lSSiSr from Ozaukee County, and County Judge in 1SS1; an earnest Demoerat in pofifirr le was. by virtue of his principles; a thorough TTna-JH man, and. in fee dark days of fee beginning of fee late war. was firm and consistent in juppurt of fee Gooernmenx: is fee turbulent seeses feat hare fceeoase historic as fee "draft riots" of Ozankee County. Jadg^ Whale look as aesite part in support of fee Government; not being in sympathy with fee popiJar sentiment of feat locality, and being desirous of enjoying better educational advantages for Ms eMkires fean Port Washington afihrded, he moved to Whitewater, Walworfe Cot, in Jane, 1S88; he was mar ried, in Q^ce^a. Wis., in 1&4&, to Miss Mary Ferguson, diiaJtfYr of Andrew Ferguson; Ma. White was V>th. in Cboperstewn. M. T.; feeir famtlr eonabted of seven. eMldren— ^afeariae L.rM Flaria, Bnfas S^ WaKston A., JaneL.. George I>. and Henry: fee eldest son. Bnfas&, died Jan. 24. 1S82. In ISM. *K%e White was appawted Assisfent Bank Goanpianilei^ nader W. BL ITiiiniiiji-, and serred dnring the tens of lS$£-€&: ne was appointed Regent of Sbrmal Sehoofe htl$rJ9r and held feat positkm tin Itti, dnring wMeh thne fee second Slate 5er«al Sehe«d was established at Whitewater; h* was elected to fee Assembly from fee WMfewaeer Iliatrkt in IiT»>. and ie-«{eeted in IS71 — alfeongh a Demoerat hi an ^verwhebningh/ Bepab- Bean d^riet. receiving 864 votes against 567 for WilBam Bnrgit, BepabGcan; inl§»4. he was again made Besident Regent of SormalSehoois. feiswaslnsh^pnbCepnaawnv iaL*i^teiBg too mnehoatof heaffe to attend tofeedntiesof fee officer he resigned; he was prcatn^enfer before fee people as a candidate far State Senator in. 1S77. aad. aflaWagh he received a ay*, mnhl home indatsemeat, he eonld not orereonK fee heavy Repafdhsan majority in fee dcszics. and was defeated wife fee rest id fee ticket; at fee early ageof 15 yeats* after a saeceajfhl bassoem in which he had amassed a large fartane. aad after many years of hooorabie pnbfie sirronnded by fnattj and friends aad aB feat mates fife dear, he was called HISTOEY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 653 death came to him on the evening of March 4, 1878. In the death of Judge White, Whitewater lost one of its ablest and most highly respected citizens — a man gifted with superior intelli gence, who always did well whatever duty devolved upon him; all works of public improvement, and all calculated to elevate or ameliorate the condition of mankind, received his hearty and generous support; he won and deserved the good opinion of all who knew him; as an evidence of public sentiment in relation to the deceased, may be appropriately submitted a copy of the preamble and resolutions adopted by the faculty of the Whitewater State Normal School, March 5, 1878: Whereas, We have received with profound sorrow, the intelligence of the death of Hon. S. A. White, late and for many years an active and efficient resident member of the Board of Regents of the State Normal School, and Whereas, The eminent public services of the deceased, no less than his upright and honorable private character, are entitled to that just and generous recognition of those who survive him. Therefore Resolved, That in the death of Judge White the cause of education in Wisconsin has lost a firm, intelli gent and liberal champion and friend, the community and State a high-minded and upright citizen, and his family a generous and kind-hearted husband and father. Resolved, That in view of the long continued and eminent services of the deceased in behalf of this institution, and of the high respect we entertain for his character, we deem it due to his memory to suspend the session of the school during the funeral obsequies of our departed friend. Resolved, That we tender to his afflicted family the assurance of our profound sympathy in their irrepar able loss. Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolutions be transmitted to the family of the deceased, and to the Madison and Whitewater papers for publication. W. S. Johnson, Secretary. William F. Phelps, President. WILLIAM E. WIGHT, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Whitewater; he has 134 acres of land; he was born in Benton, Luzerne Co., Penn., June 11, 1839; is the son of Lyman and Levina Wight, who were descended from New England people. The first family of Wights came from the Isle of Wight, England, about the middle of the seventeenth century, and settled in Massachusetts. Mr. Wight was brought up a farmer, and came to Wisconsin in 1856; located on his present farm in Whitewater; he was married, Oct. 2, 1861, in Whitewater, to Miss Albina, daughter of Freman and Eliza Leighton; Mrs. Wight was born in Maine. In politics, Mr. Wight is a Re publican. ASAD WILLIAMS, deceased, was born in Stonington, Conn., Sept 26, 1781; he was brought up a farmer; moved to Massachusetts, where he was married, by Rev. S. Taggart, Oct. 13, 1808, to Jennie McGee, daughter of Jonathan McGee. Mrs. Williams was born in Colerain, Franklin Co., Mass., Sept. 27, 1781. About 1814, they moved to Herkimer Co., N. Y; they had two children born to them in Massachusetts — Asad D. and Mary Ann; the daughter died in infancy; while residing in Herkimer County, they had two children born to them — Eliza J. and Garrett L.; from there they moved to Stockbridge, Madison Co., where four children were born to them —Jonathan M., Nathan D., Clarissa A. and Thomas W. Asad D. was married to Cynthia Pow ers, Sept. 2, 1839, by Squire Zera Mead, of Whitewater, and is now living near Ft. Atkinson, Wis.; Eliza J. married Norman Pratt in 1833; they now reside at Cheyenne, W. T.; Garrett L. was married, in 1855, to Miss Amelia Leland; died when 48 years of age; Jonathan M. was married, Nov. 27, 1854, in Whitewater, to Miss Sarah M. Hamilton, by M. Rowley, and is a farmer of Whitewater, Wis. ; Nathan D. was married by the Methodist Episcopal minister, L. Anderson, May 2, 1844, to Betsy Ann Allen, and is a farmer of Whitewater; Clarissa A. was' drowned in childhood; Thomas W. married Carrie Hammond, and lives in Milwaukee. In 1839, Mr. Williams and family moved to Wisconsin; arriving in Whitewater June 11, he located on Sec. 6, where he was engaged in farming; for several years he served as Assessor; in politics, be was a Republican; he lived a successful, honest life, winning the respect and esteem of his neighbors;, his death occurred May 16,1864; his wife lived to the advanced age of 99 years and 6 months; she died Feb. 11, 1880. MRS. JENNY WILLIAMS, deceased, relict of Capt. Asad Williams, died Feb. 11, 1880, in her 99th year. When " Aunt Jenny Williams " died, the village of Whitewater — all who had ever been sick or unfortunate felt, if they had been anywhere within the kind souPs embrace, that a common mother had passed away. She was one of the first five members of the Congre gational Church; but churches were put out of sight where any one was sick, hungered or in distress of body and soul, and needed to be ministered unto; there she was ever to be found; 654 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. and the tears which fell were from the purest heart-springs when the old, busy hands were folded and the kind old heart ceased its feeble beating. The following, from the pen of one of her friends, fittingly tells the story of her helpful life: "Feb. 13, 1880, Mrs. Jenny Williams, in remembrance of whom these lines are written, was tenderly carried to her last resting-plaee by her four surviving sons. Though a sad duty to perform, to them it seemed more appropriate that loving hands should lay one away who had so long loved and labored for them. Being one of the early pioneers of this place, a short history of her life is given by request. She was born Sept. 27, 1781, in Colerain, Mass. She was one of eight children, all of whom lived to a good old age. One brother is still living, over 80 years of age. Her father died in middle life; her mother at the age of 97. They were of Irish and Scotch descent, and her mother's ancestors were remarkable for longevity. Her maiden name was McGee, and, at the age of 27, Oct. 13, 1808, she was married to Asad Williams, by Rev. T. Taggard, the officiating clergyman of the Presbyterian Church of which she was a member. For more than half a century they journeyed together, through sunshine and storms, on life's highway. Sixteen years ago, her husband died, in his 83d year. Eight children were born to them. Five now survive her — four sons and one daughter. To the latter the sad privilege was not given to stand by the grave of her mother, with her brothers, and mingle their tears together. For si* years after their marriage, they resided in her native place, where two children were born — Asad Dean and Mary Ann — -the lat ter dying in infancy. They then removed to Herkimer Co., N. Y.; from there to Stockbridge, Madison Co., N. Y., it then being a wilderness. In that State her other six children were born, namely, Eliza Jane, Garret Lansing, Jonathan McGee, Nathan Dennison, Clarissa Ann and Thomas. In 1839, they moved to Whitewater, Wis., settling on the farm where two of her sons now reside. She was one of the first members of the Congregational Church of our village. Nearly eighty years ago, she united with the church in her native place, and never did she lose her faith in Christianity or cease to lean upon the arm of Him who never tires. At the church of her choice, the officiating clergyman, Rev. B. D. Conkling, preached her funeral sermon, and for his kind and Christian sympathy and words of counsel the friends extend their heartfelt thanks. Intelligent, refined, with positive conviction of right and wrong, it was always pleasant to hear the subject of this memoir converse. Until her eyesight failed so that she could not read, she took a lively interest in all the political and social questions of the day. As old age crept upon her, she gave up the cares of life; she knew no ambition but the good of her loved ones, constantly fearing to make others trouble. For many years, she has seen that her chil dren and grandchildren were supplied with stockings from her own hands. When in her 97th year, she knit forty pairs of stockings, and, but a few days before she was taken sick, she called for more yarn, which, however, she never used, for ner busy hands grew weary, and she folded them to rest. With her, industry was one of the Christian graces." JONATHAN M. WILLIAMS, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Whitewater; has 135 acres of land; is tie son of Asad and Jenny (McGee) Williams; was born in Stockbridge, Madison Co., N. Y, March 17, 1820; was brought up a farmer, and came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1839; located on Sec. 6, where he now resides, June 11 of that year; an elder brother, Asad D., had preceded him, coming in September, 1837; tie had made the claim on which the family located on their arrivial, two years later. Mr. Williams was married, in the town of Whitewater, Nov. 27, 1854, to Miss Sarah M. Hamilton, daughter of Dr. Thomas Hamilton, of Rochester, N. Y. ; they have three sons — Frank H., Leo A. and Charles M. NATHAN D. WILLIAMS, farmer and musician, Sec. 6; P. O. Whitewater; has 80 acres of land; he was born in Madison Co., N. Y, March 9, 1823; is the son of Capt. Asad Williams; he came to Wisconsin with his parents June 12, 1839; located on Sec 6, Whitewater; in the spring of 1840, having a natural talent for music, he and his brother, Thomas W., began prac ticing wind instruments, while making sugar on the banks of Bark River; they next were in strumental in organizing the Whitewater Cornet Band, which is still in existence; Mr. Will-, iams and Mr. G. H. Johnson are the only remaining members of the original organization; he is also a member of the Severance & Williams String Band; this band has been in existence thirty-three years, without a break or change of membership, and is probably the oldest band in the State; his brother is prominently identified with the Milwaukee Musical Organization. Mr Williams was married, in Stockbridge, Madison Co., N. Y., May 2, 1844, to Betsey A. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 655 Allen; they have five children-— George W., married, and is now a practicing physician of Marshalltown, Iowa; Alma is the wife of John Fryer, of Ackley, Iowa; Caius C. is a teacher of music at Ackley, Iowa; Linn A. is also a musician of Ackley; Leona B. is a telegraph ope rator, also of Ackley; George served one year in the late war in the Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. 0. B. WILLIAMS, foreman of the wood department of the Winchester & Partridge Wagon Works; he was born in Huron Co., Ohio. Aug. 11, 1838; is the son of James T. and Harriet (Moody) Williams; came to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1846, and in the same year to Genesee, Wau kesha Co. ; in 1859, he came to Whitewater and entered the employ of Winchester & Partridge, inthe iplow works; on the organization of the wagon works, was placed in charge of the wood department yards, and has discharged the duties of that position with satisfaction to the com pany to this date. He was married, in Hebron, Jefferson Co., Wis., Aug. 27, 1859, to Miss Emeline L. Ward, daughter of S. D. Ward; Mrs. Williams was born in Henderson, N. Y.; her death occurred Aug. 3, 1881. L. A. WINCHESTER, President of the Winchester & Partridge Manufacturing Company, was born in Hartford, Windsor Co., Vt., Sept. 22, 1821; is the son of D. D. and Sarah Wilson AVinchester; he received a common-school and academic education; when 4 years of age, moved to Woodstock, Vt., and from there to Springfield; when 17 years, he learned the blacksmith's trade, and, in 1843, came to Wisconsin — Milwaukee — where he worked at his trade till the fol lowing March, 1844; he then came to Whitewater, and, in company with Joseph Rogers, he ¦ carried on a general blacksmithing business; a full account of his change of business and his history as a manufacturer is given in the sketch of the works, and would only be a repetition here. In justice to Mr. Winchester, it should be stated that his remarkable success in starting with a common blacksmith shop and developing the magnificent business that he has, has been due to his continuous application to the details of his works, a natural adaptation to mechanical employment, and to the good business ability of his partners; with the exception of one year, 1848 or 1849, which he spent in business at Fulton, Rock Co., Wis., Mr. Winchester has been established in Whitewater since 1844; about 1860, he spent nearly a year in the mountains at Pike's Peak, running a quartz-mill, which he did successfully; his business at Whitewater was continued by his partner without interruption; he is still interested in mining property in that region. SEPTER WINTERMUTE, proprietor of livery stable; business established in 1852. Mr. Wintermute was born in Sussex Co., N. J., May 10, 1810; is the son of Peter Wintermute; he was brought up on a farm, and was married, January, 1832, to Emeline Bartholf, daughter of James Bartholf; Mrs. Wintermute was born in the same county as her husband; they moved to Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1837, and from there to Bernadott, Fulton Co., HI, in 1840, and from there, in 1844, to Pekin, 111. , where they lived two years, and then, in 1846, came to White water, Wis. ; on coming to Whitewater, Mr. Wintermute rented the Exchange Hotel, now the Kinney House; two years later, it was sold; he then moved to Richmond Center, where he farmed and kept public house till the spring of 1850, when he returned to Whitewater and bought the Whitewater Hotel, which he kept till 1865; shortly after selling, the house was burned, and the land reverted to him, when he built his present substantial brick stables on the site of the old hotel; in 1870, Mr. Wintermute bought a large farm in the town of Whitewater, containing 400 acres, which he still owns; he had also a good livery stable in connection with his hotel, which he started in 1852 ; with the exception of two years since that time he has been in that business continuously to this date. Mr. Wintermute's family consists of five children, three sons and two daughters — James, Peter, Elizabeth, Ellen and Frank; the eldest, James, married Caroline Burch, and lives in Whitewater; Peter is in the livery business at Muskegon, Mich., and married Lucy Clapp. Mr. Wintermute has a fine herd of Holstine cattle on his farm, which he has been perfecting for several years. HENRY WRIGHT, farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. Whitewater; he has 220 acres of land; was born in England May 20, 1839; is the son of Joseph and Priscella Wright; served a regular apprenticeship as a seaman; sailed in the British merchant service till he was 21 years of age; he then came to the United States and sailed in American vessels; in 1854, he enlisted in the United States Navy, sailing in the frigates San Jacinto, Potomac and Waubash; was in the lat ter vessel when she was employed in bringing home the Walker filibusters; was in the United 656 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. States naval service three years; he followed the sea until 1861, when he settled on his land in Whitewater; he has continued farming to this writing, except two seasons that he spent sailing on the lakes; he was married, June 6, 1866, in Belvidere, 111, to Miss Sarah, daughter of John Rogers; Mrs. Wright was born in England; they have four children — John, George, Elizabeth P. and William. B. F. WOOD, jeweler, was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., June 5, 1845; is the son of George F. and Lydia C. (Cutting) Wood; when 9 years of age, he moved to Sauk Co., Wis.; learned his trade in Reedsburg; subsequently lived in Woodland and Ironton; carried on the jeweler's business in the latter place about two years, t':en went to Oregon, and, shortly afterward, came to Whitewater, where he established his present shop Feb. 20, 1880; he was married, in Hebron, Jefferson Co., Wis., to Miss M. Delphine Coryell; Mrs. Wood was born in Rock Co., Wis; they have two children, daughters — Lydia and Lina. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 657 TOWN OF DELAVAN. ORGANIZATION. The town of Delavan is one of the original towns into which the county was divided by act of the Territorial Legislature of January 2, 1838. By that act, it received its name, and, as then defined, embraced the southwestern quarter of the county, and comprised what are now the towns of Darien, Sharon, Walworth and the present town. The original town was divided by setting of Towns No. 1, in Ranges 15 and 1 6 east, in 1839, to which was given the name of Walworth. Subsequently, January 6, 1840, Darien, lying immediately west of the present town, being Town No. 2, in Range 1 5 east, was set off, leaving the limits of Delavan as they now are, with the exception of a single section, No. 1, which waB set off February 2, 1846, to help form the present town of Elkhorn. It was named Delavan in honor of E. C. Delavan, a prominent temperance advocate of Albany, N. Y. TOPOGRAPHY. The surface of the town is generally quite rolling, but a very small portion being flat and level. There is considerable marsh land, the greater portion of it lying in the vicinity of Dela van Lake. These marshes now constitute great natural hay meadows. Around Delavan Lake was originally a large amount of timber, mainly oak, with some hickory and a little red cedar and poplar. Extending nearly across the town, from the village of Delavan to Elkhorn, is a level tract of land known as Delavan Prairie, while in the western part is Blooming Prairie, which is smaller and of less importance. The soil in all portions of the town is a heavy, rich, clay loam, varying only in its color, that in the southern and lower portious being of light color, while that on the prairies and higher portions is mixed with a rich alluvial deposit of a darker shade. In the southwestern part of the town and extending in a northeasterly direction, and covering principally Sections 22, 28 and 32, is Delavan Lake, a body of water about three miles in length by one and a half miles in width, in which abound the catfish, bass, pike, bull -head, pickerel and most other fish common to Western inland lakes. The stream constituting the inlet of the lake enters the town ¦on Section 12, and, running in a general southwesterly direction, empties into the lake on Sec tion 22. Nearly opposite this, about one mile west, Delavan Creek, the outlet of the lake, has its source. This stream runs in a westerly direction across Sections 21, 20 and 19, and, crossing "the town line into Darien, takes an abrupt turn and returns again to the town of Delavan and extends in a northerly direction. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first settlers of Delavan, Henry and Samuel F. Phoenix, were men of strong religious principles, who were seeking a home in the new Territory of Wisconsin that they might found "there a colony composed of people of like ideas with themselves. They believed if such a colony could be started, far away from the temptations of towns and cities, they might see grow up around them a community pledged to temperance, sobriety and religion; and " where, should •a poor despised colored man chance to set his foot, he might do it in safety." With this design, the brothers left a flourishing business and pleasant homes in Perry, N. Y, and, in the month of May, 1836, started for the Rock River region, which, even at that early day, was noted for its fertility and beauty. After spending several weeks on the journey and in exploring the Fox and Wisconsin River Valleys, in the northern part of Illinios, the pros pectors decided to explore the new and comparatively unknown Territory of Wisconsin. They reached the little settlement at Spring Prairie about the 1st of July, 1836— a month after Dr. Hemenway, David Pratt and Solomon Harvey had arrived there with their families, and when there was no settlement between that point and Janesville. The first week after their arrival was spent in exploring the country in the vicinity of Sugar Creek, in the town of Spring Prairie, and as far west as Rock River, in search of a mill site, and suitable place for the site of a village. On the 6th of July, Henry, the elder of the brothers, returned to New York to the business 658 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. there, and Samuel, not having yet decided upon a location, continued his explorations and in vestigations alone. July 8, two days after his brother left, he started from his headquarters at Spring Prairie, mounted on " Wall," his horse. He took with him his ax, surveyor's compass and luncheon, and explored the country as far southwest as Duck Lake (now Como), and thence southwest through the heavy timber between that point and Big Foot Lake (now Geneva). He obtained assistance at the outlet of Big Foot Lake, and marked some claims, and about sunset took the Indian trail for Dr. Hemenway's tavern at Spring Prairie, ten miles distant, where he arrived about 10 o'clock. Mr. Phcenix came nearer giving up the idea of settling in Wisconsin while away on this trip than at any other period of his prospecting tour. In the midst of the untraversed wilderness, tormented by hungry mosquitoes and bewildered in trying to trace the indistinct and sometimes hardly discernible surveyor's lines, no wonder his heart was hungry for the pleasant home in the East, and that for a brief time he felt like giving up the task he had voluntarily taken upon himself, and following his brother Henry to New York. He was not, however, a man to yield long to feelings of discouragement, and he tells us in his journal: " Upon further consideration, I concluded it would give our journey to the country the appear ance of a farce, and would be too faint-hearted a business to comport with our character; so I sought the Lord for wisdom to guide and strength to succor under these sinkings of mind. Thus committing my way to Him, I resolved to persevere." Col. Phoenix spent the Sabbath, July 10, at Spring Prairie, preaching the first sermon in Walworth County to an audience of fifteen persons. The next four days were spent in exploring portions of Spring Prairie and what is now the town of La Fayette. On Friday, July 15, he once more started toward the southwest. Passing through the present town of Geneva by the head of Duck Lake, and along the northern shore of Big Foot Lake, he turned toward the north, and reached Swan (now Delavan Lake) in time to make sur veys of the lake and adjoining prairie before dark. Toward night, he discovered the outlet of the lake. He says in his journal: "It is about the size of Sugar Creek at the crossing of the army trail, and with a current as brisk. " The first night in Delavan was spent in a deserted Indian wigwam near the lake. After covering the wigwam with mats which the Indians had left there, he made his supper of the bread he had brought from Spring Prairie, moistened with water from the lake, and making his bed of the remaining mat, not forgetting to " acknowledge the good hand of the Lord in His protection and guidance," he laid down to rest and quietly slept through the night, on the very spot, where, four years after, he was attacked with his last mortal illness. On the following morning, he made some explorations under water with hook and line, but here his good fortune failed him, and the disappointment doubtless made the poor breakfast of bread and lake water taste even dryer than before. It is no wonder that, under the circum stances, he felt that " it went down rather hard." Pursuing his explorations in search of a mill-site, he was rewarded by finding one on Swan Creek, with land adjacent which he thought would be a good site for a village, should his undertaking prove a success. He also found a fine spring of pure clear water, which both he and "Wall" enjoyed exceedingly. The remains of his luncheon were disposed of, and after following Swan Creek to its outlet into Turtle, he turned his face again toward Spring Prairie. The trip back was pretty uncomfortable. He and his horse were both hungry; it was hot July weather, insects of all kinds were " abroad in the land," and, by the time Col. Phcenix reached the prairie south of the present Shiretown of Walworth County, he was very willing to lay down and rest, and '• Wall " was glad to have one good meal of the luxuriant prairie grass. Col. Phcenix found the spot where he rested beautiful but nameless. Since that visit, it has been "Elkhorn Prairie." After Col. Phcenix had consulted some of the " neighbors " (living only three miles apart) at Spring Prairie, it was decided that a road from Racine to Wisconsin City, on Rock River, must cross Turtle Creek just above the mouth of Swan Creek, the present site of the village of Dela van. He accordingly decided to return and make his claim. On Tuesday, July 19, he set out, taking a more northerly route than before, crossed Elkhorn and Delavan Prairies, and ar rived at the wigwam he had left the Saturday before full of enthusiasm and courage, and more than ever determined to carry out the design to which he and his brother had consecrated them selves. Mr. Phcenix made, at this time, the usual marks to secure his claim, by blazing trees HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 659 and corner stakes, and, in addition, he christened the claim on the spot ' ' Temperance Colony Claim. " It was while engaged in securing it that the Colonel killed a rattlesnake, and was encouraged by the good omen to believe that the serpent intemperance might likewise be crushed in his litde colony. Having taken three days' provisions from Dr. Hemenway's, the Colonel spent the next day in examining the country in the vicinity of the present village of Delavan. At night, he returned to his home in the wigwam, but was not as fortunate as at his previous visits. A drenching rain set in, and a part of the night was spent in keeping his fire alive and himself dry. On Thursday, July 21, he returned to Spring Prairie, meeting on the route Allen Perkins, who had also been to Turtle Creek and selected a claim eighty rods west of the present site of Delavan Village, on Turtle Creek. On this claim, Mr. Perkins built the first house in the town of Dela van. Mr. Dwinnell thus speaks of it: "After wandering in the darkness for an hour, we heard a cow-bell, and were guided by it to the cabin of Allen Perkins, who lived a few rods west of the present village of Delavan. He had a cabin twelve feet square, with a wife and five children, but in this limited space found room to entertain travelers. It was a characteristic of the pio neers that, however small their cabin or numerous their family and guests, they always found room foi one more — their latch-string was always out" When Col. Phcenix met Mr. Perkins, the latter was wandering about in the vicinity of the present site of Elkhorn Village. After selecting his claim at Turtle Creek, he attempted to fol low the track of a passing stage team, and became bewildered, and finally, utterly lost. At the time the Colonel met him, he had become nearly exhausted, but succeeded in reaching Dr. Hem enway's, where he received the attention that he so much required. In the latter part of July, Col. Phoenix pitched his tent on the present site of the village. On August 5, 1836, he moved his furniture and provisions to the^place, and, with three hired men, really commenced to live in Delavan. At this time, the hoped-for weekly stage wagon had been started from Racine to Wisconsin City, a prospective town on Rock River, near the present city of Janesville. (It proved to be only a prospective town.) One trip had been made the week previous, and Col. Phcenix was full of hope in regard to the route, although disappointed at his failure to receive letters, as he had not heard from home for about three months. He says, in regard to the stage line, in a letter to his brother Henry: "The road is nearly straight for sixty-five miles, and better ground cannot be found for the same distance in any of the Western States. The Turtle Creek Crossing is the worst spot on the route, and that can be easily made passable." Notwithstanding the natural advantages of the route, it was destined, like many others in those days, to be a failure, as the stage made but a, few trips. It is said that the stage-driver on one of these routes, on arriving at the " city," which was his destination, finding no house nor Postmaster there, dis mounted, opened the bag, and, taking out the letters destined for the place, fastened them to a stake and drove on. Although Col. Phcenix was eventually disappointed in the road to "Wisconsin City," he went to work with a will and energy that effectually prevented any disappointment in the mat ter of founding the future village. The fall of 1836 and the following winter were busy times for himself and little crew of men. One hundred tons of hay were put up, thirty acres of prairie broken ready for the coming spring, and rails prepared for two miles of fence. In No vember, he went to Illinois and bought his provisions for the winter and seed grain for spring. In October, William Phcenix, a cousin, arrived with hiB family, being the first of the ex pected colony that settled on the chosen spot. A house was built immediately, 20x22 feet in size, with puncheon floor and shake roof. The house was built near the bank of the creek, on what is now Terrace street, and was the first house bailt on the present site of Delavan Village. The family of William Phcenix and Col. Phcenix, with his men, moved into the house in the fall, although it was not completed until later, as the boards for the chamber floor were drawn from Root River Rapids, forty miles distant, through deep snow during the following winter. On October 25, Col. Phcenix attended the " Belmont Legislature " as a lobby member, and it was mainly through his influence that the county at that time received the name of Walworth. •At the next session of the Legislature, when the county was divided into towns, the southwest 660 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. quarter was given the name of Delavan, in honor of Edward C. Delavan, a prominent temperance man of Albany, N. Y. In March, 1837, Col. Phoenix went to New York for his family and returned to Delavan in the following July, arriving on Tuesday, July 12, 1837. In September, the family moved into the log house on the farm at Swan Lake, not far from the wigwam where the father passed the first nights during his prospecting tours. Henry Phoenix arrived with his family in June, 1838, and the brothers set about active business — opening farms, laying out a village and erecting mills. The immigration of 1837 did not set in until late in the season, owing to the length and severity of the winter. Among others who came then were Henry Barlow and A. H. Taggart, young men from Castile, N. Y, arrived in June, by boat, from Buffalo. The former was married July 3, 1841, to Emeline La Bar, this being the first marriage in the town. He had settled on Section 5. Daniel E. La Bar, William Hollinshead and Isaac Burson came from Pennsylvania (by horse team), and arrived June 20. Mr. Burson settled on Section 4, Mr. Hollins head on Section 3 and Mr. La Bar on Sections 6 and 7. The first two were single men. Mr. La Bar did not bring his family until two years after. William A. Bartlett came during the summer and settled on Delavan Lake, near where Samuel Phoenix had built his log house. During the same season, Charles Bailey, from Vermont, located on Section 25. Hiram Cal kins, from New York, arrived about the same time and lived with Mr. Bailey for several months until he made a claim on Section 26 for himself and moved on to it. A Mr. Smith and a Mr. Cook settled on Section 2. They remained until early in July, when they sold their claim to Peter Boyce, who arrived July 11. James Hollinshead, a brother of William Hollinsehad, ar rived in August and located on Section 3. Among others who increased the population of the colony at this time were Milo Kelsey, David, Cyrus and Edwin Brainerd and father, Luke Tay lor and J. E. Bell. Mr. Kelsey was by profession a lawyer, and was, therefore, the first in the town. Henry Barlow and William Hollinshead are the only ones who are still living where they first located; of the remainder, most are dead, save a few who have moved away. These, how ever, formed the nucleus of the* first white settlement of what afterward became the town of Delavan. In 1838, the tide of immigration was at its highest, and any attempt to men tion individual names, or to follow the growth and struggles of this young community, would lengthen this article to tediousness, but it would be incomplete without mentioning a few of the incidents which at that time excited universal interest. Col. S. F. and Henry Phcenix were al ways open-handed in promoting enterprises which promised well for the public good. During 1837 and 1838, they were improving the water-power and getting out timber for a saw-mill. It was completed in February, 1839. The building was situated one and a half miles above the village. Here the timber and logs were sawed for a grist-mill, which went into operation a few months thereafter. Amos Otis was master builder. The frame of this mill was probably the tallest and heaviest that had at that time been erected in the county. It was raised on Thursday, May 16, 1839, and all the people for a distance of twelve miles were invited and veiy generally turned out to assist in the operation. The first store was opened by the Phcenix brothers in the fall of 1838, near Swan Lake, about a quarter of a mile from the saw-mill. They opened a 86,- 000 stock of goods which they disposed of in a short time. The goods were offered for sale in a shed that had been built for the use of the cattle, but which was divided into rooms and oc cupied by the family of Mr. Samuel Phcenix, for six weeks after their arrival, until their log house, on Section 15, could be finished. The goods were in "the west room," and Mrs. Phoenix and her son Franklin attended to the selling of them. The store was removed to the village of Delavan, and kept in the log house of William Phcenix, later in the same season, under the firm name of H. & S. F. Phoenix. Delavan having now a population of perhaps one hundred souls, the next requirement was the establishment of a post office, followed by the opening of schools, churches, etc. FIRST THINGS IN THE TOWN OF DELAVAN. The first post office was established in 1837, and William Phcenix was appointed Postmaster- At this time, they had a semi-weekly mail, the contractor being William B. Sheldon, of Racine- Previouslv. the nearest, nnst, nffir.fi was at. t.Vinf tmmt Previously, the nearest post office was at that point. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 661 The first church was organized by the Baptists during 1838. The organization consisted of sixteen members. The first school was taught in the log house occupied by William Phcenix, in the summer of 1839, by Miss Julia Dyer. She had about twelve scholars. The. first settler was Samuel F. Phcenix, in 1836. The first log house was built by Allan Perkins, in 1836. The first land plowed and cultivated was by Samuel F. Phoenix, in the fall of 1836. The first religious meeting was held by Samuel F. Phcenix, August 7, 1836. The first sermon preached by an ordained minister was by Elder Benjamin Pierce, October 7, 1836. The first lawyer was Milo Kelsey, who settled in 1837. The first white child born in the town was Amelia T. Taylor, daughter of Luke Taylor, on October 12, 1837, now the wife of Byron Brown, of Whitewater. A. H. Thomas who is said to have been the first child born there, was born over the line, in what i3 now Darien, August, 1837. The first burial was a child of Salmon Thomas, which was brought from Racine, in June, 1837, and buried where the old cemetery now is. The first death was Daniel E. La Bar, which occurred iu July, 1839. He was buried a short distance north of the present village of Delavan, between the old and new cemeteries. On January 2, 1841, Rev. Henry Topping baptized a number of persons at what may be called the "first regular christening." They were Wyckum Cheesbro, Ira P. Larnard, Joseph Newcomb, Benjamin Bradway, Matthew Fuller, S. Rees La Bar, Hannah A. La Bar, Mariah H. Cheesbro, Sarah Topping, Jane Hollinshead, Caroline Cramer and Betsey A. Bartlett. The first marriage was that of Henry Barlow and Emeline La Bar, July 3, 1841. The first school was taught in 1839 by Julia Dyer. The first railroad connection was made in 1856, at which time the Racine & Mississippi Railroad was completed through the village. It is now the only railroad passing through the town. OFFICIAL HISTORY OF DELAVAN. Delavan was set off and organized as a separate town in 1838, but it seems to have been> till 1840, only the boundaries of a voting precinct. No record of any town meeting for the election of town officers can be found prior to 1842. At the first town meeting of the electors of the town of Delavan, held at the house of Israel Stowel on the 5th day of April, 1842, Ira Utter was chosen Moderator, and Benjamin F. Hart, Clerk. It was voted at this meeting that but one Assessor and but two Constables be chosen, and that one-half of 1 per cent upon the assessment be raised for a school fund for the following year; that the compensation of the Supervisors be $1 per day. A committee was ap pointed consisting of Thomas Topping, William Phcenix and William A. Bartlett, whose duty it should be to report a bill of fees for all the town officers not provided for by law. This com mittee reported as follows : " That the compensation for the services of Town Clerk for the town of Delavan be the same as the fee bill of the State of New York, except when he shall preside with any of the town officers, in which the law makes it his duty to preside, for which he shall be entitled to receive $1 for each day actually so employed. Also, that every town ¦officer whose compensation is not prescribed by law shall be entitled to $1 per day actually employed in the duties of his office." It was also voted that the Treasurer receive 1 per cent for receiving moneys and 1 per cent for paying out the same. The first election of town officers occurred on this same date. The whole number of votes «ast was fifty-six and the following-named persons were elected to their respective offices: William A. Bartlett, Chairman; William Hollinshead and C. S. Bailey, Supervisors; S. S. Barlow, Town Clerk; J. C. Church, Assessor; Jasper Griggs, Treasurer; Benjamin F. Hart, Collector (resigned. and Nehemiah Barlow elected); Edward A. Hollinshead, Hiram Calkins and Edward Norris, Commissioners of Highways ; Henderson Hunt, A. B. Parsons and Hiram Calkins, School Commissioners; Israel Stowel and Albert Ogden, Constables; Thomas Topping, Sealer of Weights and Measures; M. B. Goff, Road Supervisor; Peter Boys, Ira Utter and Isaac Burson, Fence Viewers. The following is a list of the officers since the organization of the town: 662 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNT1". 1843— Henderson Hunt, Chairman; Hiram Calkins and J. C. Church, Supervisors; Will iam Hollinshead, Assessor; S. S. Barlow, Clerk; Jasper Griggs, Treasurer; A. Gaston, C. H. Sturtevant and A. B. Parsons, School Commissioners; John L. Ward, Collector; Levi Gloyd and John L. Ward, Constables ; William A. Bartlett, Sealer. 1844— William Phoenix, Chairman; George Passage and Calvin B. Carington, Supervisors; C. Brainard, Clerk; I. C. Church, Jasper Griggs and Joseph Bowker, Justices of the Peace;' William Hollinshead, Henry Barlow and R. G. Wright, Assessors; J. R. Bradway, Edward Brainard and Samuel Jones, School Commissioners; H. Wells, Treasurer; John L. Ward, W. G. Hemour and R. G. Wright, Constables; John L. Ward, Collector; Elida Carver, Sealer. 1845 — William Phoenix, Chairman; William Hollinshead and Ira Utter, Supervisors; C. Brainard, Clerk; J. R. Bradway, S. S. Barlow and L. H. Willis, School Commissioners; S. R. Crosby, Collector; S. R. Crosby and J. L.Ward, Constables; H. Stewart, Treasurer; Asa Glovey, Sealer. 1846— C. H. Sturtevant, Chairman; H. Mallory and George Passage, Supervisors; Hugh Bradt, Clerk; J. L. Ward, Collector; A. H. Taggart, Treasurer; William Phcenix, S. S. Barlow and Jasper Griggs, Justices of the Peace; J. R. Bradway, Daniel Clough and Uriah M. Perry, School Commissioners; S. R. La Bar and William Phcenix, Assessors; J. L. Ward, John Will iams and Isaac Kent, Constables; James H. Mansfield, Sealer. 1847 — C. H. Sturtevant, Chairman; Samuel Jones and Peter Boys, Supervisors; K G. Wright, S. R. La Bar and Alexander McBeth, Assessors; Joseph R. Bradway, Daniel Clough, Jr., and E. H. M. Bailey, School Commissioners; John Williams, Collector; Charles Smith, Clerk; John Williams, P. S. Carver and L. G. Calkins, Constables; J. D. Monell. Treasurer; Henry H. Phcenix, Sealer. 1848 — Samuel Jones, Chairman; Charles S. Bailey and Willard Isham, Supervisors; Charles Smith, Clerk; C. W. Allen, S. S. Barlow and Ira Utter, Justices of the Peace; Alfred Stewart, Treasurer; E. H. M. Bailey, Joseph R. Bradway and A. B. Parsous, School Commissioners; William A. Bartlett, Isaac Burson and K. G Wright, Assessors; P. S. Carver, L. G. Calkins and John Dal ton, Jr., Constables; P. S. Carver, Collector; James H. Mansfield, Sealer. 1849 — Henry Mallory, Chairman; K. G. Wright and Asa Congdon, Supervisors; Samuel C. Kelsey, Clerk; William C. Allen, S. S. Barlow and William Hollinshead, Justices of the Peace; William Pierce, William A. Bartlett and Asa Congdon, Assessors; Willard Isham, Treasurer; Thomas Liddle, L. G. Calkins and L. H. Willis, Constables; Joseph R. Bradway, School Superintendent 1850 — Asa Congdon, Chairman; James Aram, Samuel Utter, Supervisors; Hugh Bradt, Clerk; P. S. Carver, Treasurer; J. R. Bradway, School Superintendent; William Hollinshead, Ira Utter, S. S. Barlow, Milo Kelsey, Justices of the Peace; Arnos Eastman, John L. Ward, Charles S. Bailey, Assessors; Sanford Jones, P. S. Carver, C. P. Calkins, Constables. 1851 — S. S. Barlow, Chairman; James Aram, K. G. Wright, Supervisors; Hugh Bradt, Clerk; William W. Clark, Treasurer; J. R. Bradway, School Superintendent; A. S. Spooner, L. H. Willis, Justices of the Peace; A. H. Taggart, William Pierce, William Hollinshead, Assessors; C. P. Calkins, S. S. Babcock, Sanford Jones, Constables. 1852 — Norman L. Gaston, Chairman; Hilas Meacham, James Dilley, Supervisors; Hugh Bradt, Clerk; William Pierce, Joseph S. Mott, N. M. Harrington, Assessors; William H. Clark, Treasurer; Samuel C. Kelsey, School Superintendent; Milo Kelsey, R. R. Menzie,- Justices of the Peace; Sanford Jones, H. B. Hier, Charles Smith, Constables. 1853 — A. H. Taggart, Chairman; Daniel Clark, S. W. Barlow, Supervisors; E. H. M. Bai ley, Clerk; S. S. Babcock, Treasurer: Charles S. Sturtevant, William Hollinshead, L. P. Bailey, Assessors; J. V. Bradway, School Superintendent; A. S. Spooner, Henry Mallory, Justices of the Peace; Nicholas Thorn, Sanford Jones, Charles Smith, Constables. 1854 — Joseph L. Mott, Chairman; Richard Williams, C. S. Bailey, Supervisors; E. H. M Bailey, Cierk; W. W. Bradley, Treasurer; Levi Gloyd, Henry O. Johnson, Samuel Utter, Asses sors; W. A. Blanchard, School Superintendent; Thomas Bolls, Newton McGraw, L. H. Mills, Justices of the Peace; Sanford Jones, W. W. Clarke, Chauncey Woodford, Constables. 1855— E. P. Conrick, Chairman; P. D. Kendrick, Samuel Utter, Supervisors; G. F. H. Betts, Clerk; Chauncey Betts, H. 0. Johnson, C. P. Calkins, Assessors; L! H. Willis, James HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 663 Lewis, Richard Williams, Justices of the Peace; P. M. Keeler, N. Thorn, C. S. Babcock, Con stables. 1856 — E. P. Conrick, Chairman; S. R. La Bar, Samuel Utter, Supervisors; H. J. Briggs, Clerk; E. H. M. Bailey, School Superintendent; Charles Smith, Treasurer; J. C. Church, M. N. McGraw, Justices of the Peace; B. F, Burr, T. D. Thomas, C. T. Smith, Assessors; Charles Smith, P. M. Keeler, B. F. Burr, Constables. 1857 — E. P. Conrick, Chairman; L. P. Bailey, S. R. La Bar, Supervisors; C. M. Bradt, Clerk; Charles Smith, Treasurer; G. H Briggs, School Superintendent; T. D. Thomas, James M. Gaskill, Richard Vanalstiue, Assessors; Charles S. Bailey, Justice of the Peace; N. A. Keeler, R. C. Perry, John Utter, Constables. 1858— E. P. Conrick, Chairman; P. D. Kendrick, S. W. Barlow, Supervisors; C. M. Bradt, Clerk; G. F. H. Betts, Treasurer; George H Briggs, School Superintendent; N. McGraw, A. Bennett, Justices of the Peace; Homer Coleman, Chauncey Betts, C. S. Bailey, Assessors; D. B. Moor, Ira C. Perry, Sanford Jones, Constables. 1859 — E. P. Conrick, Chairman; James Aram, M. R. Chever, Supervisors; James S. Dilley, Clerk; E. W. Phelps, Treasurer, Jasper Griggs, Richard Williams, L. H. Willis, Justices of the Peace; H. 0. Johnson, George W. Paul, L. P. Bailey, Assessors; G. W. Briggs, School Su perintendent; L. C. Luther, C. Y. Fitzer, George Tutlow, Constables. , 1860— Salmon Thomas, Chairman; James Aram, Samuel Utter, Supervisors; Sardis Brain ard, Clerk; B. D. White, Treasurer; D. B. Maxson, School Superintendent; H. W. Clark, New ton McGraw, Justices of the Peace; E. H. Chandler, J. M. Gaskill, Henry Mallory, Assessors; D. B. Maxson, C. Y. Fitzer, George Tutlow, Constables. 1861 — Salmon Thomas, Chairman; James Aram, James M. Gaskill, Supervisors; Sardis Brainard, Clerk; Charles H. Sanborn, Treasurer; D. B. Maxson, School Superintendent; Richard Williams, L. H. Willis, Justices of the Peace; E. H. Chandler, L. P. Bailey, S. L. Rice, Asses sors; C. Y. Fitzer, P. M. Keeler, Chauncey Woodford, Constables. 1862— James Aram, Chairman; J. M. Gaskill, Samuel Utter, Supervisors; E. K. Barker, Clerk; removed and S. Brainard deputized; S. Brainard, Treasurer; Newton McGraw, Charles E. Griffin, Justices of the Peace; E. H Chandler, S. L. Rice, H. G. Hollister, Assessors; C. Y. Fitzer, Lewis Harris, C. Woodford, Constables. 1863— James Aram, Chairman; E. Latimer, Henry Mallory, Supervisors; Charles E. Griffin, Clerk; J. F. Latimer, Treasurer; George Cotten, H. G. Hollister, James M. Gaskill, Assessors. (No records of the remaining officers of this year can be found.) 1864— James Aram, Chairman; Homer Coleman, L. P. Bailey, Supervisors; K. N. Hollis ter, Clerk; Newton McGraw, Treasurer; E. Latimer, H. G. Hollister, R. H Bristol, Assessors; Newton McGraw, Homer Coleman, Justices of the Peace; C. C. Blanchard, Austin Woodford, P. M. Keeler, Constables, 1865— James Aram, Chairman; Homer Coleman, L. P. Bailey, Supervisors; H. T. Sharp, Clerk; removed and E. B. Hollister deputized; E. P. Conrick, H. G. Hollister, J. M. Gaskill, Assessors; Newton McGraw, Treasurer. (No records of the remaining officers of this year to be found. ) 1866— James Aram, Chairman; H. G. Hollister, Henry Barlow, Supervisors; Charles E. Griffin, Clerk; Newton McGraw, Treasurer; R. H. Bristol, E. Hall, E. M. Sharp, Assessors; Newton McGraw, Charles E. Griffin, Justices of the Peace; Austin Woodford, L. C. Luther, Charles Blanchard, Constables. 1867— James Aram, Chairman; H. G. Hollister, Henry Barlow, Supervisors; Charles E. Griffin, Clerk; E. Hall, L. P. Bailey, S. L. Rice, Assessors; C. D. Woodford, Richard Williams, Justices of the Peace; Henry 0. Hunt, Treasurer; Austin Woodford, Jr., C. C. Blanchard, L. C. Luther, Constables. 1868— James Aram, Chairman; H. G. Hollister, Henry Barlow, Supervisors; Charles E. Griffin, Clerk; Henry C. Hunt, Treasurer; A. G. Kellam, James M. Gaskill, L. H. Willis, As sessors; Newton McGraw, Charles E. Griffin, Justices of the Peace; Austin Woodford, Jr., L. H Graves, C. C. Blanchard, Constables. 1869— James Aram, Chairman; H G. Hollister, Henry Barlow, Supervisors; Charles F. Griffin, Clerk (died and I. P. Larnard appointed); E. M. Sharp, Treasurer; C. D. Woodford, 664 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. S. W. Menzie, Justices of the Peace; A. H. Taggart, Assessor; C. C. Blanchard, B. Bassler,. Austin Woodford, Jr., Constables. 1870— James Aram, Chairman; H. G. Hollister, Henry Barlow, Supervisors; I. P. Larnard, Clerk; E. M. Sharp, Treasurer; S. R. La Bar, Assessor; Newton McGraw, William Hollinshead, Justices of the Peace; Austin Woodford, B. Bassler, I. Y. Fitzer, Constables. 1871 — James Aram, Chairman ; Henry Barlow, H. G. Hollister, Supervisors; I. P. Larnard, Clerk; E. M. Sharp, Treasurer; C. D. Woodford, S. W. Menzie, D. B. Devendorf, Justices of the Peace; Austin Woodford, B. Bassler, I. Y. Fitzer, Constables; S. R. La Bar, Assessor. 1872 — James Aram, Chairman; Henry Barlow, H. G. Hollister, Supervisor; I. P. Larnard, Clerk; E. M. Sharp, Treasurer; Newton McGraw, A. S. Spooner, Justices of the Peace; S. R. La Bar, Assessor; B. Bassler, I. Y. Fitzer, Austin Woodford, Constables. 1873 — James Aram, Chairman; H. G. Hollister, L. P. Bailey, Supervisors (Mr. Bailey died March 9, 1874, and Henry Barlow was appointed to fill the vacancy); I. P. Larnard, Clerk; N. A. Keeler, Treasurer; S. R. La Bar, Assessor; S. W. Menzie, C. D. Woodford, Justices of the Peace; B. Bassler, Austin Woodford, F. Donaghue, Constables. 1874 — James Aram, Chairman; William Hollinshead, M. L. Hollister, Supervisors; I. P. Larnard, Clerk; F. A. Smith, Treasurer; S. R. La Bar, Assessor; A. S. Spooner, Mark Mc Graw, Justices of the Peace; B. Bassler, Austin Woodford, T. Q. Low, Constables. 1875 — H. G. Hollister, Chairman; William S. Howe, William Hollinshead, Supervisors; I. P. Larnard, Clerk; William B. Munsell, Treasurer; S. R. La Bar, Assessor; S. W. Menzie, L. H. Willis, Justices of the Peace ; Austin Woodford, B. Bassler, L. C. Luther, Constables. 1876 — H. G. Hollister, Chairman; W. S. Howe, S. V. Barlow, Supervisors; I. P. Larnard, Clerk; William B. Munsell, Treasurer: R. H. Bristol, Assessor; A. Bennett, A. S. Spooner, Justices of the Peace; Benjamin Bassler, W. C. Van Velzer, John Briggs, J. S. Devendorf, Constables. 1877 — H G. Hollister, Chairman; William Redford, A. H. Allyn, Supervisors; I. P. Lar nard, Clerk; W. H. Nichols, Treasurer; R. H. Bristol, Assessor; S. S. Babcock, T. F. Williams, Justices of the Peace; J. S. Devendorf, James Devone, Henry Dalton, Constables. 1878 — H. G. Hollister, Chairman; William Redford, A. H. Allyn, Supervisors (William Redford moved away, and J. S. McDougal appointed in his place October 8); I. P. Larnard, Clerk; W. H. Nichols, Treasurer; R. H. Bristol, Assessor; S. W. Menzie, A. Bennett, Justices of the Peace; H. Dalton, W. C. Van Velzer, B. Bassler, Constables. 1879— H. G Hollister, Chairman; J. S. McDougal, A. H. Allyn, Supervisors; I. P. Lar nard, Clerk; I. Y. Fitzer, Treasurer; R. H. Bristol, Assessor; T. F. Williams, A. Van Dyke, Justices of the Peace; Henry Dalton, E. Edwards, James Devone, Constables. 1880 — H. G. Hollister, Chairman; John McDougal, A. H. Allyn, Supervisors; I. P. Lar nard, Clerk; I. Y. Fitzer, Treasurer; R. H. Bristol, Assessor; S. W Menzie, A. S. Spooner, Justices of the Peace; Albert Hollister, Even Edwards, W. C. Van Velzer, Constables. 1881 — H. G. Hollister, Chairman; J. S. McDougal, A. H. Allyn, Supervisors; I.' P. Lar nard, Clerk; G. H. Briggs, Treasurer; R. H. Bristol, Assessor; A. Van Dyke, T. F. Williams, Justices of the Peace; W. C. Van Velzer, Ora Williams, Even Edwards, Constables. DELAVAN VILLAGE. The village had its birth nearly cotemporaneously with the town. Its past life has already been shown in the account of the settlement of Mr. Phcenix and the building of the mill on Turtle Creek. The village itself grew as a trade center for the surrounding country from the time Mr. Phcenix first made his claim. In January, 1846, the village contained six blachsmiths, two wheelwrights, two saddle and harness-makers, one sash-maker, nine carpenters and joiners, one fanning-mill shop, two paint ers, two cabinet-makers, nine boot and shoe makers, two tailors, three physicians, five lawyers, two land surveyors, six dry-goods stores, two groceries, one tavern, one plow factory, five minis ters of the Gospel — one Baptist, two Presbyterian, one Methodist, one Episcopalian — forty-three dwelling houses, sixty- three families and 400 people; one common and one select school, two temperance societies, of which three-fourths of the adults in town were members. The village was incorporated by act of the Legislature in 1855-56. The limits as defined HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 665 in the act of incorporation were:. The whole of Section 18, the west half of Section 17, the north west quarter of Section 20 and the north half of Section 19, Township No. 2 north, of Range 6 east, being one and a half miles square. The first charter was obtained during the session of the Legislature in the winter, of 1857-58. This charter was amended March 25, 1867, and again March 6, 1868, and, in 1880, a charter under the general laws of the State was obtained. The village was first laid out in 1841 by S. F. and Henry Phcenix, Edward Norris doing the surveying. Additions have since been made by Ann Phcenix, in 1846; T. K. Phcenix, in 1852; Passage, Aram and Downie, consisting of 134 acres, in 1854; L. E. Downie, in 1856, and J. B. Devendorf, in 1858. It is situated in the best portion of the county, which, as a county, is only second for the value and variety of its agricultural products and first in the State for the amount of its products, proportionate to its area. The first house in the village, as before stated, was built by S. F .Phcenix near the southeast corner of Block 15, in Terrace street. Among the first improvements of the village was a flouring-mill, which will be spoken of hereafter; a church, built by the Baptists, near the present one, on Block 16, in 1841, the first in the village; a hotel, built by Israel Stowel, on Block 9, in 1839, also the first in the village, together with many others. The first physician was Henderson Hunt, who settled in 1841, while S. S. Barlow, afterward Attorney General of the State, attended to all legal questions to the entire satisfaction of the one side and utter disgust of the other in every suit at law. The first substantial brick building was built in 1842 by A. H. Taggart and George Passage, in which they opened a $4,000 stock of goods, consisting of a general assortment. This build ing is now standing where it was built, on Lot 11, Block 14, and is used as a dwelling house. The first blacksmith was Alonzo McGraw, who built a shop and commenced business in 1840. This shop was two stories high, the upper story being used for some time for a church and school room. It is now standing and used for a barn and storehouse. The first permanent pastor was Rev. Henry Topping, a Baptist, who came in 1839. The first merchants of the village were the Phcenix Bros., Thomas Topping, Hezekiah Wells, Caleb Croswell, George Passage, A. H. Taggart, N. M. Harrington and J. D. Monell, the first store being opened by the Phoenix Bros, and the second by Thomas Topping. The first banking and exchange office was opened by N. M. Harrington in the spring of 1853. This was the first in the county, as well as in the village. Less than forty-five years ago, the voice of civilization, culture, education and refinement could not be heard where now are busy streets, bounded with neat places of bnsiness, art and progress on either side. The beautiful elevations where then the untutored savage walked with princely mien, clad in native simplicity, caring for naught but present physical want, are now locations of churches, school and houses of refinement. The Indian trail has given place to the iron rail that bears to our seaboards the product of industry and toil, and the wild screech of the juvenile savage is succeeded by the merry song of the school-boy. Forty years ago, the pride of the then new town consisted in a grist-mill, a hotel of a small degree, one or two stores, a blacksmith-shop and perhaps a dozen dwellings, accommodating not over a hundred souls. Now she boasts of improved walks, streets and residences; of an execellnt and popular mill; of a cheese factory; of the celebrated " Pump and Wind- Mill Works; " of the Deaf and Dumb Asy lum, and of numerous other works of manufacture and enterprise, that have done so much in adding to the growth and prosperity of the village. A two-story schoolhouse and five churches are proof that the people have not been asleep as to the wants of educational or spiritual im provement, and the civic and social relations among the inhabitants are eminently harmonious. Two good hotels now furnish accommodations to strangers and the traveling public, and Delavan, with its creek and lake inducements to the sporting man has become a desirable locality to re cuperate the overgrown energies of sedentary life. VILLAGE DIRECTORY. Delavan is now represented by the following business and professional men: Agricultural Implements — D. McLean, C. S. Babcock, Bowers & Parish. Attorneys at Law — R. R. Menzie, S. W. Menzie, A. S. Spooner, A. Bennett. Bakers — T. Downs, P. Fleming. 666 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Books and Stationery— A. J. Woodbury. Boots and Shoes— W. H. Haines & Son, Trinen & Wright, L. H. Nichols, T. B. Ward, ^BLcSths— Z. F. Bashaw, Goodrich & Fishman, George Sturtevant, J. M. Fitzer, David McLean, George W. Leech. Banks — E. Latimer & Co. , Citizens' Bank. Billiard Halls— Delavan House, Andrus House, W. H. Fleming. Cigars and Tobacco — Van Velzer Bros. Clothing— W. W. Bradley, M. Gavett. Coal and Wood— O. G. Stowell & Co., D. B. Devendorf. Dentists — George Morrison, John Morrison. Druggists— K. N. Hollister, G. H. Briggs, H R. Doane, J. H. Camp. Dry Goods and Groceries— George Passage, J. H. Goodrich. Dry Goods— W. M. & E. Wells, Topping & Co. Groceries— K. N. Hollister, Sage & Goodrich, S. P. Wilbur, J. B. Delaney, James & Irish. Hardware— K. N. Hollister, T. J. Smith, C. T. Isham. Marble Works — J. B. Bossi. Furniture — Norris & Son. Livery Stables— H. G. Hollister, Livingston & Phillipp. Meat Markets — John Allott, Lowe & Utley, also dealers in live stock. Tailors— Thomas Ege, C. Wolf. Barbers — Samuel Perry, George Conklin. Gunsmith — H. L. Clark. Millinery — M. Jones & Co., Mrs. O. H. Hunt, the Misses;Sharp. Hotels — Delavan House, Andrus House. Saloons— P. Fleming, P. Downs. Jewelry— H H. Williams, F. A. Winn, S. D. Littlefield. Harness and Saddlery —John Shulz. Physicians— F. L. Von Suessmelch, C. C. Blanchard, H D. Ballard, T. W. Martin, D. B. Devendorf, J. B. Hemenway, Abraham Patrick. Cheese Factory— J. M. Weeks. Pump and Wind-Mill Manufactory — O G. Stowell & Co. Grain Dealer- -N. W. Hoag. House and Sign Painters — H. A. Higgins and J. A. Dudley. Sewing Machines and Musical Instruments — F. A. Smith. Job Printing — Republican, Enterprise. Insurance Agents — C. H. Sturtevant, A. T. Parish. Omnibus Line — H. G. Hollister. Flouring Mills — Amos Phelps. Lumber— D. T. Barker & Co. Nursery — F. K. Phcenix. Carriage and Wagon Makers — Goodrich & Fishman, G. W. Leech. Music — Howard Williams, Mason & Hamlin's Organs. CORPORATE VILLAGE HISTORY. The first election of village officers under the charter was held April 29, 1856, at Monell's Hall. L. E. Downie, J. D. Monell, Jr., and N. L. Gaston were appointed as Judges of the Election, with James Lewis and C. M. Gregory as Clerks. The whole number of votes cast was 202. Two sets of candidates were voted for, except E. F. Mabie, T. D. Thomas and N. Thome, whose names were on both tickets. Charles Smith was on one ticket for Treasurer and on the other for Assessor. The result of this election, as well as all succeeding annual elections, was as follows: 1856 — Leonard E. Downie, President; William C. Allen, James Aram, E. F. Mabie, T. D. Thomas, J. D. Monell, Jr., Willard Isham, Trustees; James Lewis, Clerk; Newton McGraw, Treasurer; N. M. Harrington, E. Latimer, Assessors; Nicholas Thorne, Marshal. DOR [VI 1TOHY 8U1LD1N& -. .¦.:-¦»:'¦¦¦'¦-¦ -- ¦ ;¦ --¦¦ L'"- ¦¦¦ ¦ - ¦ WmBr MAIN 8UILPINQ. SCHOOL BUILDING. INSTITUTEpoeDEAFand I3XJMB , DELAVAN. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 669 1857— A. H. Barnes, President; J. D. Monell, Jr., E. H. Chandler, L. E. Downie, Willard Ieham, M. B Goff, E. B. Gates, Trustees; Joseph Baker, Clerk: Newton McGraw, Treasurer; T. J. Smith, C. H. Sturtevant, Assessors; N. Thorne, Marshal; Willard Isham, Street Commis sioner. 1858 — George Cotton, President; E. Latimer, James Aram, C. Y Fitzer, L. L. Frost, D. B. Devendorf, T. J. Smith, Trustees; J. B. Webb, Clerk; G. W. Hewes, Treasurer; S. W. Bow- ker, J. C. Church, Assessors; Sanford Jones, Marshal; James Aram, Street Commissioner. 1859— C. Betts, President, E. H. Chandler, Newton McGraw, J. H. Mansfield, T. J. Smith, "W. W. Dinsmore, E. Latimer, Trustees; P. H. Conklin, Clerk; E. W. Phelps, Treasurer; H. C. Johnson, H. S. Devendorf, Assessors; James Aram, Street Commissioner. 1860* — James Aram, President; George Passage, L. S. Frost, Ira Goodrich, D. B. Deven dorf, E. W. Phelps, T. J. Smith, Trustees; B. D. White, Treasurer; Salmon Thomas, E. H. Chandler, Asesssors; L. C. Luther, Marshal; S. Brainard, Street Commissioner. 1861* — S. S. Babcock, President; George Cotton, Ludwig Von Suessmilch, George Passage, Hiram Burdick, Edward Hall, E. W. Phelps, Trustees; H. C. Johnson, Treasurer; E. H. Chand ler, Salmon Thomas, Assessors; L. C. Luther, Marshal; S. Brainard, Street Commissioner. 1862* — S. S. Babcock, President; George Cotton, Ludwig Von Suessmilch, E. H. Chandler, W. W. Dinsmore, James Aram, Trustees; Charles E. Griffin, Clerk; S. Brainard, Treasurer; C. Y. Fitzer, Marshal; George Cotton, Street Commissioner. 1863*— E. Latimer, President; H. B. Sutherland, C. H. Sturtevant, W. Aug Ray, E. B. Gates, Trustees; J. F. Latimer, Treasurer; P. Gormley, E. H. Chandler, Assessors; L. C. Lu ther, Marshal; George Cotton, Street Commissioner. 1864*— C. Betts, President; E. Hall, E. W. Phelps, Joseph Bates, W. C. Van Vleck, T. P. Ford, Joseph Walton, Trustees; Newton McGraw, Treasurer; E. Latimer, C. Y. Fitzer, Asses sors; C. C. Blanchard, Marshal; C. D. Hooker, Street Commissioner. 1865*— C. H. Sturtevant, President; J. D. Monell, Jr., H. T. Sharp, T. Weed, T. J. Smith, L. Eddy, J. B. Devendorf, Trustees; Richard Williams, Clerk; Newton McGraw, Treasurer; L. C. Luther, Marshal; C. Y. Fitzer, Street Commissioner. 1866 — S. S. Babcock, President; James Latimer, James Caldwell, L. H. Nichols, Charles Smith, E. Hall, C. H. Sturtevant, Trustees; Richard Williams, Clerk; Newton McGraw, Treasurer; E. Hall, T. J. Smith, Assessors; H. A. Stone, Marshal; G. Munsell, Street Commis sioner. 1867— Charles E. Griffin, President; B. B. Bates, C. S. Smith, F. L. Von Suessmilch, D. B. Devendorf, J. F. Latimer, L. H. Nichols, Trustees; Richard Williams, Clerk; Henry C. Hunt, Treasurer; E. Hall, H. C. Hunt, Assessors; Benjamin Bassler, Marshal; G. Munsell, Street Commissioner. 1868*— A. G. Kellam, President; J. B. Hemenway, C. M. McKee, H. H. Williams, A. D. Thomas, F. L. Von Suessmilch, M. Abon, Trustees; Richard Williams, Clerk; H. C. Hunt, Treasurer; C. C. Blanchard, Marshal; G. Munsell, Street Commissioner. 1869— James Aram, President; A. Shultz, W. W. Bradley, J. W. Patterson, P. Gormley, J. B. Hemenway, W. M. Wells, Trustees; R. M. Williams, Clerk; E. M. Sharp, Treasurer; A. H. Taggart, Assessor; I. Y. Fitzer, Marshal; L C. Luther, Street Commissioner. 1870* — E. Latimer, President; Edgar Topping, R. H. James, H. J. Ross, J. B. Hemenway, H. M. Hunt, D. B. Devendorf, Trustees; Richard Williams, Clerk; E. M. Sharp, Treasurer; C. C. Blanchard, Marshal ; G. Munsell, Street Commissioner. 1871*— E. Latimer, President; T. J. Smith, John C. Shultz, K. N. Hollister, P. Gormley, H. H. Staley, W. M. Wells, Trustees; Richard Williams, Clerk; E. M. Sharp, Treasurer; I. Y. Fitzer, Marshal. 1872*— S. S. Babcock, President; P. Gormley, H. Buckley, D. B. Barnes, Willard Isham, A. Phelps, O. Crosby, Trustees; Richard Williams, Clerk; E. M. Sharp, Treasurer; L. C. Lu ther, Marshal; G. Munsell, Street Commissioner. 1873*— Newton McGraw, President (died in March, 1874, before his term of office had ex pired); J. M. Gaskill, W. W. Bradley, J. M. Goff, C. C. Blanchard, Amos Phelps, J. J. Wat- *The records of the village are very incomplete, and in many instances the names of cert .in village officers are omitted. U 670 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. son, Trustees; Richard Williams, Clerk; John Menzie, Marshal; T. D. Thomas, Street Com missioner. 1874— Willard Isham, President; C. C. Blanchard, N. M. Harrington, James M. Gaskill, P. Gormley, H. G. Hollister, Amos Phelps, Trustees; Richard Williams, Clerk; F. A. Smith,, Treasurer; S. W. Menzie, Police Justice; E. M. Sharp, Supervisor; William Nichols, Marshal; G. Munsell, Street Commissioner. 1875—0. Crosby, President; W. W. Bradley, H. H Williams, J. B. Hemenway, F. A. Winn, C. L. Williams, G. W. Bushnell, Trustees; Richard Williams, Clerk; W. B. Munsell, Treasurer; S. W. Menzie, Police Justice; George Cotton, Supervisor; E. Edwards, Marshal; L. A. Barnes, Street Commissioner. 1876*— J. B. Hemenway, President; C. L. Williams, K. N. Hollister, H. G. Hollister, Dana Gove, John C. Shultz, S. L. Rice, Trustees; F. E. Latimer, Clerk; W. B. Munsell, Treas urer; S. W. Menzie, Police Justice; George Cotton, Supervisor; L. A. Barnes, Marshal. 1877— J. B. Hemenway, President; W. M. Wells, S. S. Babcock, O. Crosby, E. M. Sharp,. I. R. Stall, H. G Hollister, Trustees; A. H. Kendrick, Clerk; W. H Nichols, Treasurer; S..W. Menzie, Police Justice: George Cotton, Supervisor; W. J. Devoue, Marshal; L. A. Barnes, Street Commissioner. 1878—0. Crosby, President; N. W. Hoag, E. Wells, H. G. Hollister, C. H. Sturtevant, E. Young, J. C. Shultz, Trustees; S. S. Babcock, Clerk; W. H. Nichols, Treasurer; J. M. Gas kill, Police Justice; I. Y. Fitzer, Marshal; T. L. Flanders, Street Commissioner. April 15, 1879, a special election was held, at which time the question, whether the village of Delavan should continue to exist under the special act of the Legislature incorporating the same, or will be re- incorporated under the general laws of the State, in accordance with Chapter 140 of the revised statutes of 1878. The question was carried in favor of re- incorporation by a vote of 132 to 28. 1879— L. Von Suessmilch, President; H. G. Hollister, Amos Phelps, E. Wells, C. H. Sturtevant, James Weed, John Shultz, Trustees; A. H. Kendrick, Clerk; I. Y. Fitzer, Treas urer; C. H. Sturtevant, Police Justice; E. Latimer, Supervisor; L. H. Hollister, Marshal; F. A. Smith, Street Commissioner. 1880*— J. B. Hemenway, President; W. W. Bradley, John Utter, J. F. Fishman, C. C. Blanchard, F. A. Winn, A. J. Woodbury, Trustees; A. H. Kendrick, Clerk; I. Y. Pitzer, Treas urer; James Aram, Supervisor; Chauncey L. Sage, Marshal; I. Y. Fitzer, Street Commissioner. 1881— H. G. Hollister, President; John Utter, F. A. Winn, Fred Fishman, C. C. Blanch ard, John B. Delaney, A. J. Woodbury, Trustees; A. H Kendrick, Clerk; G. H. Briggs, Treasurer; James Aram, Supervisor; Chauncey L. Sage, Marshal; C. H. Sturtevant, Police Justice; J. M. Gaskill, Justice of the Peace; J. M. Fitzer, Constable. The first journal of the Board of Trustees was purchased of C. M. McKee for the sum of $3. The by-laws were adopted at a meeting of the board June 2, 1856. The room where James Lewis then kept his office was used by the first Board of Trustees, they paying one-half rent The purchase of furniture for this room consisted of eight chairs at " 15 shillings and a sixpence," and a table for $6. The first license granted by the board was on May 16, 1856, for the exhibition of Langrishe & Co. 's theater — fee, $5. The second license was granted June 2, 1856, to James L. Perry to set up and use a ' ' Merry-go-round, " for one day only — fee, $2. The first committees appointed by the President of the board were as follow: On Finance — James Aram, T. D. Thomas, Willard Isham; on Judiciary — William C. Allen, J. D. Monell, Jr., Willard Isham; on Folios — William C. Allen, James Aram, Willard Isham; on Fire De partment — E. F. Mabie, T. D. Thomas, James Aram; on Printiug — J. D. Monell, Jr., W. C. Allen, E. F. Mabie; on Licenses — Willard Isham, J. D. Monell, Jr., E. F. Mabie; on Streets and Alleys — T. D. Thomas, James Aram, J. D. Monell, Jr. POST OFFICE. As stated, the post office was first established in 1837, and William Phcenix appointed Postmaster. He held the office until 1845, when he was succeeded by Cyrus Brainard. He held the office but one year, being succeeded by W. C. Allen in 1846. Mr. Brainard was re- *The records of the village are very incomplete, and in many instances the names of certain village officers are omitted. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 671 appointed in 1847, and remained in possession until 1849, when Norman L. Gaston was ap pointed. Mr. Gaston held the office until 1853, when N. M. Harrington was commissioned. He, however, resigned the following year, after having greatly increased the mail facilities. He was succeeded by George Cotton, who held the office for a short time only, being succeeded by J. H. Mansfield, and he in turn by Charles Smith. Mr. Smith was in possession of the office until 1870, when Martin Mulville, the present Postmaster, was commissioned. Mr. Mul ville discharges the duties of Postmaster in a manner to win the praise of the patrons of the office. MANUFACTORIES. The situation of Delavan, its water-power and access to the markets of the country, make it a good manufacturing point, which at present is only partly developed. The first manufactory of importance was the Phcenix Mills, which were erected by the Phcenix brothers in 1839. The building was 30x50 feet, two stories high, with two run of stone. Caleb Croswell purchased them subsequently, and, after operating them for sometime, they were purchased by his brother, Edwin Croswell, who in turn disposed of them to E. F. Mabie. In 1853, Mr. Mabie built a new mill. The old one was squared around with the street, and the new one built against it, putting them both under the same roof, since which time the old mill has been used as a storeroom for grain and grists. Mr. Mabie also put in three run of stone. Amos Phelps purchased the mills in 1869 for $30,000, and they are now known as the Phelps Mills. Mr. Phelps has made various improvements to the amount of $4, 000, among which is the addition of one run of stone. The mill is three and a half stories high, with a basement. In the basement is the cockle separator and the water-wheels, two in number; the first floor is the grinding floor; on the second floor, are the purifyers and bolts, and on the third floor are bolts, smutter, separator and dust-room. It has a capacity of 100 barrels per day, and about one-fourth of the flour manufactured is merchant flour, while the remainder is custom work. The Pump and Wind-Mill Manufactory was built in 1861 by Trumbull D. Thomas. Mr. Thomas manufactured 5,000 wooden pumps per year, besides doing a general planing and re pairing business. He was succeeded by Wood & McGregory, and in 1865 by D. S. Wood and P. M. Gormley, the firm becoming " Wood & Gormley." They enlarged the factory and in creased the capacity of the works, continuing together for a few years, when Mr. Gormley purchased Mr. Wood's interest. In 1867, Mr. Gormley admitted A. D. Thomas as a partner under the firm name of P. M. Gormley & Co. They further increased the capacity of the works, and continued the business together until 1871, when J. J. Watson was admitted as a partner, and the firm name became Gormley, Watson & Co. At this time, they commenced the manufacture of iron pumps and the U. S. Star Wind- Mill, and added a foundry and machine- shop. The works were continued under this management until 1873, when A. H. Barnes was admitted as a partner, the firm's name remaining unchanged. In 1878, Mr. Watson withdrew from the firm, and, in 1879, Mr. Gormley died, since which time the business has been conducted under a lease by O. G. Stowell under the firm name of O. G. Stowell & Co. The factory is situated iu the southeastern part of the village, near the depot, and has a capacity of 15,000 pumps and 1,800 wind-mills per year. The foundry and machine-shop are built of brick, the remainder being of frame. Thirty-five hands are steadily employed. The motive power con sists of a sixty horse-power engine. The product of the factory is shipped to all parts of the United States, but more particularly throughout Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. A cheese factory was built in 1873 by a Mr. Logan, who operated it for a few years and sold out to D. G. Cheever. In January, 1881, it was purchased by J. M. Weeks. The factory is of frame, 24x50 feet; and two stories high, and represents an investment of $2,000. It con sumes the milk of about 300 cows. In August, 1881, Mr. Weeks manufactured 15,877 pounds of cheese, consuming 10|- pounds of milk in the making of a pound of cheese. This cheese is sold mostly at the factory to Eastern merchants. Besides the manufacture of cheese, about sixty pounds of butter per day are made during the fall. Cigar Manufactory, No. 725, was established in 1878 by the Van Velzer Brothers. They employ five men and manufacture yearly 125,000 cigars, which are shipped to various points throughout the surrounding country. Their favorite brands are the " Cash," " La Excellencia" and "LaPluma." 672 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. In 1875, N. W. Hoag erected a two-story frame elevator, in size 24x136 feet. It was first operated by horse-power, but the business increased to such an extent that a fifteen horse-power engine was added in 1876. Mr. Hoag ships about 500,000 bushels of grain per year. SOCIETIES. Harmony Lodge, No. 12, A., F. & A. if., was organized previous to 1854, but the charter was surrendered in 1859, and Delavan Lodge, No. 121, was instituted. Their dispensation was granted by G. M. Tracy, Grand Master, October 1, 1859, and their charter is dated June 13, 1860. The first officers were: L. H. Nichols, W. M. ; Isaac Y. Fitzer, S. W. ; Charles H. San born, J. W. ; Charles Smith, Secretary; Newton McGraw, Treasurer; J. W. Patterson, S. D. ; W. L. Daggart, J. D.; David Lynus, Tiler. The present officers are: L. H. Nichols, W. M.; F. D. Goodrich, S. W.: A. J. Woodbury, J. W. ; T. J. Smith, Treasurer; F. L. Von Suessmilch, Secretary; James Davidson, S. D. ; M. Vedder, J. D. ; David Lynus, Tiler. The order at present numbers seventy-two members. They have fitted up a hall at an expense of about $300, and their meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Delarctn Chapter, No. .W, R. A. M., was instituted November 26, 1867, under a dispensa tion granted November 7 of the same year by David H. Wright, G. H. P. The charter mem bers were N. A. Keeler, F. L. Von Suessmilch, Volney Brundage, Stephen D. Searl, Silas W. Bowker, Lucius W. Conkey, James Stryker, David A. Christie and Thomas P. Ford. Their charter is dated February 5, 1868. The first officers were: N. A. Keeler, H. P.; Stephen D. Searl, K. ; James Stryker, S. ; T. J. Smith, Treasurer; F. L. Von Suessmilch, Secretary; E. S. Patterson, C. of H. ; George H. Downie, P. S. ; George Marsh, R. A. C. ; David Lynus, G. ; L. H. Nichols, M. 3d V. ; H. W. Worth, M. 2d V. ; C. H. Blair, M. 1st V. The present offi cers are: S. S. Paul, H. P. ; Isaac Y. Fitzer, K. ; D. B. Devendorf, S. ; T. J. Smith, Treasurer; F. L. Von Suessmilch, Secretary; K. N. Hollister, C. of H. ; H. C. Gaskell, P. S. ; J. B. Will iams, R. A. C. ; David Lynus, G. ; M. Vedder, M. 3d V. ; A. J. Woodbury, M. 2d V. ; James Davidson, M. 1st V. There are at present forty members. Their meetings are held in the hall of Delavan Lodge on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Olive Branch Lodge, No. .9, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 14, 1871, with Isaac Y. Fitzer, H. B. Dunham, T. Q. Low, David Lynus, Newton McGraw and C. Low as the charter mem bers. Their charter is dated December 8, 1871. The first officers were: Isaac Y. Fitzer, N. G. ; T. Q. Low, V. G ; Silas W. Menzie, R. S. The present officers are: T. Q. Low, N. G. ; Elias Dewey, V. G. ; F. A. Smith. R. S. ; T. Moore, P. Sec. ; A. H Kendrick, Treasurer. There are at present sixty -five members, and their meetings are held every Friday evening. They have rented and fitted up a hall at an expense of $500. George H. Thomas Post, No. 6, G. A. R., was organized November 25, 1879, with the fol lowing-named persons as the charter members: Elias Dewey, Martin Mulville, Dr. H. D. Bul- lard, F. W. Hutchins, Rev. Joel Clark, E. B. Judson, W. A. Knilans, Dr. C. C. Blanchard, A, Corbin. W. P. Webster, Thomas Mosher. Evan Jones, W. B. Moffatt. Dr. D. B. Devendorf, I. C. Abbott, H. C. Clark, N. C. Williams. Charles Van Wagner, Peter Nelson and James Will iams. Their charter is dated November 25, 1879, and the first regular meeting was held on December 3 of the same year. The first officers were: Elias Dewey, Com.; Dr. D. B. Devendorf, S. V. Com.; F. W. Hutchins, J. V. Com.; Dr. H D. Bullard. Adj ; Martin Mulville, Q. M.; Dr. C. C. Blanchard. Surgeon; Charles Van Wagner, O. D. ; H. L. Clark, O. G.; Rev. Joel Clark, Chaplain. They have fitted up a hall at an expense of $75, and have one of the most prosperous institutions of the kind in the county. From the 1st of October to the 1st of June, meetings are held every Saturday evening, and, on the first and second Saturdays of each month during the remainder of the year. The present officers are: Elias Dewey, Com.; George C. Clark. H. V. Com.; H. L. Mailery, J. V. C. ; Dr. D. B. Devendorf, Surgeon; Martin Mulville, Q. M ; R. S. Miner, O. D. ; Charles Burr, O, G. : Schilling, Chaplain. The institution at present numbers eighty-two members. Delrwau Cornet Band, -June 2, 1868, a meeting was held at the room of K. N. Hollister for the purpose of organizing a brass band. K. N. Hollister was made Chairman of this meet ing and D. B. Barnes, Secretary. The organization was effected with the following members: K. N. Hollister, E. S. Patterson, Joseph Hall, D. B. Barnes, F. A. Winn, E. Thomas, R. Will- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 673 iams and H. Clark. The officers elected were K. N. Hollister, President; D. B. Barnes, Secre tary; E. S. Patterson, Treasurer; Joseph Hall, leader. Instruments were soon afterward pur chased by the band at a cost of about $350. Their advancement in musical skill and science was so great that they soon had.the reputation of being one of the best in this part of the State, and their services were generally in request on public occasions. This organization existed until 1876, when it was abandoned. April 28, 1880, the band was re-organized by the election of F. Burrows as President; F. Hemenway, Secretary, W. C. Van Velzor, Treasurer, and E. Bailiff, leader. F. A. Winn was soon afterward elected leader in place of Mr. Baluff, who moved from the village. This organization has purchased an entire new set of instruments at a cost of about $300. The present members are: F. A. Winn, Fred Burrows, Howard Williams, B. F. Williams, Charles Crary, George Briggs, Charles Shultz, George Camp, Charles Briggs, James Parsons, R. Laughlin, Ed Leech and G. L. Collie. The officers are: F. A. Winn, leader; Fred Burrows, President; Howard Williams, Secretary; E. F. Williams, Treasurer. Fire Department. — In July, 1876, a mass meeting was held in " Maple Grove Park, " at which time the subject of the organization of a fire department was discussed. A committee was appointed to await upon the Board of Trustees and request them to purchase fire apparatus, etc. They subsequently purchased a Babcock fire-extinguisher, together with 300 feet of hose, for $2,200. Delavan Company, No. 1, was duly organized July 8, 1876, by the election of D. B. Barnes, Foreman; A. W. Pierce, First Assistant Foreman; G. F. Hemenway, Second Assist ant Foreman; D. T. Gifford, Engineer; N. O. Francisco, Assistant Engineer; H. Gorman, Captain of hose; G. H. Sturtevant, First Assistant Captain of hose; W. H. Decker, Second Assistant Captain of hose; C. J. Walton, Secretary; L. H. Nichols, Treasurer. At the elec tion of officers in 1877, D. B. Barnes was elected as Foreman; L. H. Nichols, First Assist ant Foreman; J. E. Menzie, Second Assistant Foreman; C. J. Walton, Secretary; W. B. Munsell, Treasurer. At the election of officers in 1878, F. A. Smith was elected as Foreman; L. H. Nichols, First Assistant; S. W. Menzie, Secretary; W. B. Munsell, Treasurer. At the election in 1879, S. W. Menzie was elected as Foreman; J. Davidson, First Assistant Fore man; L. H. Nichols, Second Assistant Foreman; J. Devendorf, Secretary; J. B. Bossi, Treas urer. In October, 1879, Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2, was organized with L. H. Nichols, Foreman; W. H. Decker, First Assistant Foreman; M. Vedder, Second Assistant Foreman; J. E. Mosher, Secretary; C. A. Sage, Treasurer. The Board of Trustees had made, at a cost of $300, a hook and ladder truck, which is now equipped with 142 feet of ladder, hose reel, buckets, etc. At the election of officers for Delavan Company, No. 1, in 1880, C. J. Walton was elected Foreman; F. A. Winn, First Assistant Foreman; C. T. Isham, Second Assistant Foreman; E. Madden, Jr., Secretary; J. B. Bossi, Treasurer. The officers of Pioneer Company, No. 2, for 1879, were re-elected in 1880. The present officers of Delavan Company, No. 1, are F. A. Smith, Foreman; F. A. Winn, First Assistant Foreman; J. R. Will iams, Second Assistant Foreman; E. Madden, Jr., Secretary; J. B. Bossi, Treasurer. The present officers of Pioneer, No. 2, are M. Vedder, Foreman; Will Blanchard, First Assistant Foreman; F. C. Van Velzer, Second Assistant Foreman; F. W. Hoag, Troasurer; Bert Webster, Secretary. ' The first fire that occurred after the fire department was organized was a large barn belonging to H. B. Worth, which was struck by lightning and entirely consumed at a loss of $400. The second fire was a dwelling house belonging to the same person, which occurred in April, 1878. This, however, was extinguished. The loss was $150. The third was at the ele vator of N. W. Hoag, in September, 1878, which was extinguished with but a small loss. Soon after this occurred the company received the following notice : F. A. Smith, Foreman: Dear Sir— Will you please accept a small contribution ($10) herewith inclosed, for the benefit of your company, as a matter of gratitude for the prompt manner in which the company responded to the call on the alarm of fire at the new elevator, running half a mile, from the engine house to the elevator, in just three and a half minutes from the first tap of the gong. James Aram. At the same time, N. W. Hoag presented the company with an elegant brass trumpet, on which is neatly engraved the date of ths fire. The next fire that occurred was the residence of George Leach, in°January, 1879, which was also extinguished, the loss amounting to about 674 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. $100. The next and the last fire was the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, in September, 1879, the building being entirely consumed, at a loss of nearly $40,000. In May, 1880, the office of Fire Marshal was established. S. W. Menzie was elected to that office and re-elected in 1881. Delavan Temperance Society. — Probably the first temperance organization in Wisconsin. "At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Delavan, convened at the house of Milo Kelsey, on the 29th of December, 1838, for the purpose of forming a temperance association, a pre amble and constitution was adopted. The following officers were elected: Solomon Thomas, President; Charles S. Bailey, Vice President; C. Brainard, Secretary." The first twenty-four names of members recorded are: Ichabod Brainard, C. S. Bailey, Edwin Brainard, A. B. Par sons, W. A. Bartlett, E. G. Warner, Samuel F. Phoenix, Daniel Gates, Franklin K. Phcenix, Milo Kelsey, Oscar Mitteson, Henry Phoenix, Susan H. Phcenix, Ann Phcenix, Hannah Older, Mary A. Phoenix, Mary C. Phoenix, Mary A. Bartlett, Caroline B. Foster, Mary Bruce, Amanda Lippert, Betsey Thomas, Jane Pepper, Sarah A. Phoenix. A list of 305 members is given on the records up to January 1, 1843, without dates of admission. From that date, January, 1843, to December, 1847, 246 additional members are recorded. The first move to unite temperance and politics was made at a meeting of the society at Milo Kesley's house, held March 30, 1839. On motion of Edward Norris, the following resolution was adopted: Resolved, That the friends of Temperance and lovers of philanthropy should, regardless of party politics or sectional interest, as they go to the polls, cast their votes for Temperance men instead of others, other things being equal. This resolution was rescinded February 12, 1840. Probably the first move toward prohibition in the Territory of Wisconsin was made at a meeting held February 12, 1840, at the house of Alonzo E. Grows. Meeting opened by prayer. The following resolution was offered by E. Norris and adopted: Whereas, Believing the present law of this Territory licensing the retail traffic in alcoholic drinks as a beverage to be immoral in its tendency and destructive in its influences, not only upon our political and moral but upon our social institutions, therefore Resolved, That this Society recommends the Territorial Temperance Society to take measures at or pre vious to the next session of the Legislature of this Territory, to secure not only the repeal of the law above named, but the passage of a law prohibiting the retail traffic in alcoholic drinks as a beverage in this Territory! A revised constitution was adopted instead of the old one, at a meeting held in the Bap tist Church, December 29, 1841. May 2, 1844, a resolution was adopted prohibiting members of the society from stopping at a tavern where intoxicating drinks are sold, when any temperance house is accessible. Minutes of last meeting noted in book of records, as follows : July 28, 1847. — The society met agreeable to public notice. Opened by prayer; a song by S. R. La Bar. The meeting then listened to an address by S. S. Barlow, Esq. Song by A. B. Parsons. Edward Norris ap pointed speaker for the next meeting. Then adjourned. H. M. Sandford, Sec. Of those mentioned at this meeting, La Bar and Parsons only are living. Mr. Parsons is authority for the statement that that was the end of the society as an organization. Others suc ceeded it, of which we have no account. The Delavan Christian Temperance Union was organized November 26, 1881. Silas W. Menzie, President; E. W. Conable, F. D. Goodrich and James Parsons, Vice Presidents; H. L. Clark, Secretary; Miss D. Johnson, Corresponding Secretary; Miss Libbie De Wolf, Treas urer. Membership, January 23, 1882, 850. This organization is doing a grand work and pros pering beyond all expectations. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union is an organization that has been in operation some time. banks. The Walworth County Bank was established 'in about 1856, with W. C. Allen, President, and W. H. Dinsmore, Cashier. This continued to flourish, doing a heavy banking business until 1865, when it was succeeded by the National Bank of Delavan, which was incorporated June 9 of that year. The incorporators were W. Aug Ray, Anson H. Barnes, Sarah P. Kel sey, W. C. Allen, D. B. Barnes, Milo Bell, A. D. Thomas, L. Pitkin, James A. Bell, Otho Bell, Henry M. Ray, Ebenezer Latimer, Ira Ford, J. Mabie, Charles T. Smith, Salmon Thomas and HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 67.5 W. W. Sturtevant. Its first President was Otho Bell, with W. Aug Ray as Cashier. The amount of capital stock was $50,000. Mr. Bell was succeeded as President by Charles T. Smith ;and he in turn by E. Latimer. The bank continued to exist until January 8, 1880; oppressive taxation, gradual decline on Government bonds, expense attending the redemption of circula tion, etc., being the principal reasons for its closing. It was succeeded by the banking house of E. Latimer & Co., this organization being an unlimited partnership. The parties at its organi sation were E. Latimer, F. L. Von Suessmilch and A. H. Kendrick. March 16, 1881, N. M. Harrington, James Aram and J. J. Johnson were admitted as equal partners, increasing the re sponsibility of the firm to over $300,000 — an amount not equaled by any banking institution in the county, and making it one of the strongest banking institutions in the State, and for this reason, viz., that each and every partner is individually responsible to every depositor, and that such responsibility is not limited to an assessment simply, as is the case in all national, State and stock banks. In other words, every depositor in this banking institution has the same security for his money that he would have had he a promissory note signed jointly by its six partners. The President of this bank is E. Latimer, with A. H. Kendrick, Cashier. The Citizens' Bank of Delavan was organized early in the year 1875, by a number of the leading citizens and capitalists of Delavan and surrounding towns. Prominent among the con stituent stockholders of this bank were Edgar Topping, Otho Bell and Hon. Willard Isham, all since deceased. Others were S. R. La Bar, C. H. Sturtevant, A. T. Parish, Frank Leland, James H. Camp, J. H. Goodrich, of Delavan, with John De Wolf and Charles S. Teeple, of Darien; T. P. James, of Richmond; H. G. Reichwald, of Janesville, and others. These are all stockholders at the present time. The bank was legally organized February 24, 1875, and commenced busi ness in the building it now occupies March 11 of the same year. Its first President was Hon. Frank Leland, who served the bank efficiently three years, when he resigned to accept the ap pointment of United States Consul at Hamilton, Canada. On the retirement of Mr. Leland, the stockholders elected Hon. George Cotton to the vacant presidency, which position he has since and still fills with honor and efficiency. T. P. James, of Richmond, is Vice President; Charles B. Tallman was elected Cashier at the first meeting of the stockholders and has been unani mously re-elected at each successive election. Mr. Tallman has given to the bank the best energies of a young but well-disciplined business man. The bank was organized by and under the statutes of Wisconsin, and is what is known as a " State Bank," making semi-annual reports to the State authorities. It took a leading position at once in the community upon its organi zation, and its business has steadily increased until now there are but few banks in the State outside of the large cities that do the volume of business done by this bank. It is managed upon the most conservative principles, never speculating or investing its funds in speculative paper. It is chartered to February 24, A. D. 1900. HOTELS. The Andrus House was built by F. K. Phcenix in 1847-48. It is a brick three-story build ing, in size, 40x60, and represents a valuation of $7,000. Its first landlord was a Mr. Hoyt. Mrs. Samuel Phcenix became the possessor of the house in 1850 and still owns it. E. Andrus has been its proprietor since 1867. The Delavan House was built in 1850 by Horace Duyree. Its first landlord was Ward Mallory. Mr. Duyree sold the property to Alfred Mott in 1852, and he in turn to C. W. Phil lips, who disposed of it to Strowe Brothers. Its present proprietor is Ed Strowe, The hotel is frame, 30x55, and three stories high, representing an investment of $6,000. WISCONSIN DENTAL COLLEGE. This college was incorporated July 17, 1880, under the general law of Wisconsin, for the purpose of teaching all the branches belonging to dentistry proper, with the following faculty: D. B. Devendorf, M. D., Professor of Dental Anatomy; John Morrison, D. D. L., Demonstrator of Operative Dentistry; George Morrison, D. D. L., Demonstrator of Mechanical Dentistry. Notwithstanding this college having met with some opposition, owing to the fact that it makes merit the qualification for graduation regardless of the number of terms spent at the college, is at the present time, in a prosperous condition, and holding its third term with students from many States in the Union. t> 676 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM. The Wisconsin institution for the education of the deaf and dumb is located in the north western part of the village of Delavan, and the beauty and desirability of its location can hardly be surpassed. This institution is educating that portion of the children and youth of the State, who, on account of deafness, cannot be educated in the public schools. The school is divided into primary, intermediate and academic departments, in addition to which a department of ar ticulation is in successful operation under the management of experienced teachers. Instruction is given by signs, by written language and by articulation. In the primary department, few- books are used, slates, crayons, pictures and other illustrative apparatus being the means em ployed. In the intermediate department, the books used are prepared especially for the deaf and dumb; more advanced pupils study the text-books used in our common schools. The school gives instruction in the different branches of natural science, in mathematics, and a continuous seven years' drill in language and composition. The instruction is direct, personal and prac tical. Four trades are also taught — cabinet-making, shoemaking, baking and printing. The cabinet-shop was opened in March, 1860; the shoe-shop commenced business in 1867 and the printing office was established in 1878. A weekly paper, the Wisconsin Deaf Mute Times, is now printed by the pupils. In October, 1881, a new Prouty printing press was added to the printing office. While the pecuniary profit derived from them ought not to be a test of their worth, which consists chiefly in fitting boys and girls for earning an independent livelihood, yet these shops are nearly self-sustaining. The law provides that all deaf and dumb residents of the State, of the age of ten years and under twenty-five years, of suitable age and capacity to receive instruction, shall be received and taught free of charge for board and tuition, but parents and guardians are expected to furnish clothing and pay the traveling expenses. The whole number of deaf and dumb of the State, according to the census of 1875, numbers 720, about one-third of whom are of proper age to receive instruction. This institution was organized in 1852, at which time but three of that unfortunate class for whom it was designed, received its benefits, and from that small beginning, it has gradually but steadily increased until now it dispenses its untold blessings to nearly two hundred persons, who, without its beneficent aid, would still be groveling in the lowest depths of ignorance — unfit for citizens or companions — a heavy charge on their parents or depending on the charities of the public for a common sub sistence. By the aid and benefits imparted to their otherwise dark and benighted understand ings, the dumb are taught to speak and fitted to discharge the duties incumbent on them as citizens, to pursue honorable vocations; to be obedient to the government under which they live, and to discharge all the duties required of those who are blessed with all the full. developments, of all the mental and physical faculties. To teach the dumb the use of language, the blind to see and restore reason to the insane, are objects that should enlist the most serious attention of the benevolent, the wise and the good. No state or philanthropist can bestow charities for a more laudable purpose than in contributing to the elevation of these unfortunate classes. The idea of a school for deaf mutes was first advanced in Walworth County by Mrs. Mary Lee, wife of Nelson Lee and daughter of Ebenezer Cheesbro. Having a sister who was a deaf mute, and, having informed herself as to the law in regard to establishing such an institution, she circulated a petition in favor of raising a sufficient sum of money to organize such a school. She first circulated the paper in Elkhorn, with a view to starting the school in that place, but met with very little encouragement. Next, she tried Delavan, with worse success. Finally, her father, Ebenezer Cheesbro, offered to furnish a room and bear the expense himself. Miss Isabella Cheesbro, a sister of Mrs. Lee, took an active part in the enterprise. She secured several scholars from that unfortunate class for whom the school was to be founded, hired the first teacher, Mr. John A. Mills, a deaf mute, whose compensation was fixed at $10 a month and board, and the school was opened at Mr. Cheesbro's house in the town of Darien. The school was kept at Mr. Cheesbro's four months, solely at Mr. Cheesbro's expense, when, on account of the noise made by the scholars, which was very annoying to Mrs. Cheesbro, the school was moved to a room in Delavan. At Mr. Cheesbro's request, Hon. C. M. Baker drew up for him a petition to the Legislature, then in session, for a law founding an institute for the education of the deaf and dumb at or near the village of Delavan. Mr. Cheesbro procured signatures to this petition and was active HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 677 in obtaining the passage of the act for that purpose, which became a law in the following April. This was the origin of the movement which resulted in founding that institution so creditable to the State, and whose buildings are so ornamental to the beautiful locality they adorn. The land first occupied by the institution was donated by F. K. Phcenix, one of its first trustees, and com prised eleven and forty-six one hundredths acres, and these boundaries were subsequently en larged by the purchasing of twenty-two acres more, of E. B. Gates, for $2,000, making in all a little over thirty -three acres, which are well situated for the wants of the institution, affording adequate pasture and water and play-grounds for the pupils. The board was organized in June, 1852, at which time the following officers were chosen: W. Hunt, President; Wyman Spooner, Treasurer; F. K. Phcenix, Secretary; J. R. Bradway, Principal. Subsequently, Wyman Spooner tendered his resignation and A. H. Taggart was chosen instead, and Rev. Lucius Foot in place of J. R. Bradway, also resigned. The first Trus tees were as follows: Wyman Spooner, E. Cheesbro and W. C. Allen for one year; C. G. Will- jams, J. A. Maxwell and H. Hunt for two years; J. C. Mills, P. W. Lake and F. K. Phoenix for three years. At the time of the organization of the board, measures were taken to open the school, and, in July, it was commenced. An appropriation of $1,000 a year for three years having been made for the construction of a building, a building committee was appointed who re ported a series of plans and specifications, prepared by S. C. Kelsey, architect of Delavan, which were adopted by the board and approved by the Governor. According to this, the contract was let to Thomas Bolles, and a building of brick, 34x44, and two stories high, besides the attic and basement, was constructed at a cost of $2,981.25. This building had accommodations for thirty- five pupils, and formed but part of the whole design which was afterward perfected with great care and at a considerable expense. The building, when perfected, was five stories high, 56x60, including basement and attic. It was finished, in 1857, at a cost of $30,000. It stood in taste ful elegance upon a sightly elevation, attracting the eye of the traveler for miles around, inside of which there existed an air of homelike comfort. Among the other improvements made during that year was the construction of a work-shop, 24x48, two stories in height, at a cost of $1,500, together with a large barn. A terrible calamity befell the institutiou, in 1879, in the shape of a fire, which entirely consumed the entire building. A little after 8 o'clock on the morning of the 16 of September, the alarm of fire was given. It was found to be well started under the roof of the main building, near the head of the spiral staircase and at the base of the dome, where there was an excess of combustible material and draft, and beyond the reach of any means of extinguishing it. In a few minutes, the whole upper part of the main building was in flames. The wind, from the southwest, carried the fire at once to the east wing, and it was evident that that part of the building could not be saved. For some time strenuous efforts were made to pre vent the fire from spreading to the west wing and laundry building on the north; but the un protected connections made passages for the flames which all means were insufficient to check. In two hours, the whole building was in ruins. Fortunately, none of the scholars were injured. The school was immediately removed to the Methodist Church, but was taught there for a few days only, when it was again removed to the shops, etc. , on the grounds which were temporarily arranged for that purpose. New buildings-— four in number — have since been constructed. They are constructed of brick, surmounting solid stone foundations. Their dimensions are as follows: Main building, 50x100; chapel, 45x75; dining-hall, 45x75, with seating capacity of 250 persons. The school building is 66x122, and is supplied with water and heated by steam. There are eight school rooms on each floor, which are pleasant, light and airy. These buildings represent an invest ment of $64,000, in addition'to which $5,000 has been invested in boilers and steam heating apparatus. The contract was let on the 4th day of May, 1880, to O. F. Nowland, of Janesville, and completed as contracted, January 3, 1881. E. F. Mix, of Milwaukee, was the architect. The total amount of money paid from the State treasury for buildings and current expenses of this institution since ic was established is $757,848.18. The appropriation, for 1880, in cluding the amount received from counties, was $114,000. The following is a list of its Trustees and officers: 1853— Salmon Thomas, W. C. Allen, J. A. Maxwell, J. C. Mills, E. Chesebro, C. G. Will iams, H. Hunt, P. W. Lake, F. K. Phcenix, Trustees; H. Hunt, President; F. K. Phcenix, Sec retary; A. H. Taggart, Treasurer. 678 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1854-55 — W. C. Allen, O. W. Blanchard, N. M. HarringtoD, P. W. Lake, Salmon Thomas, H. Hunt, J. D. Monell, Jr., J. C. Mills, C. Betts, Trustees; H. Hunt, President; W. C. Allen, Secretary; N. M. Harrington, Treasurer. 1856— W. C. Allen, O. W. Blanchard, N. M. Harrington, Salmon Thomas, H. Hunt, J. D. Monell, Jr., C. Betts, Moses M. Strong, Harrison Reed, Trustees; H. Hunt, President; N. M. Harrington, Secretary; J. D. Monell, Jr., Treasurer. 1857— W. C. Allen. Moses M. Strong, Harrison Reed, Salmon Thomas, H Hunt, J. D. Monell, Jr., Joseph Baker, Willard Isham, Trustees; officers same as 1856. 1858 — H. Hunt, N. M. Harrington, J. D. Morrell, Joseph Baker, Willard Isham, Solomon Thomas, C. Betts, W. C. Allen, Moses M. Strong, Trustees; H. Hunt, President; N. M. Har rington, Secretary. 1859— W. C. Allen, C. Betts, Willard Isham, E. P. Conrick, Samuel Collins, C. Miller, Hollis Latham, Timothy Mower, Martin Field, Trustees; E. P. Conrick, President; N. M. Har rington, Secretary; W. W. Dinsmore, Treasurer. 1860— W. C. Allen, C. Betts, Willard Isham, E. P. Conrick, C. Miller, Hollis Latham, Timothy Mower, Martin Field, C. D. Long, Trustees; officers same as in 1859. 1861— W. C. Allen, C. Betts, Willard Isham, Hollis Latham, Timothy Mower, Martin Field, C. D. Long, A. H Barnes, N. M. Harrington, Trustees; W. C. Allen, President; N. M. Harrington, Secretary; W. W. Dinsmore, Treasurer. 1862— C. Betts, Hollis Latham, Timothy Mower, C. D. Long, A. H Barnes, N. M Harring ton, Thomas M. Martin, Salmon Thomas, Trustees; Salmon Thomas, President; N. M. Harring ton, Secretary; W. W. Dinsmore, Treasurer. 1863— C. Betts, Hollis Latham, C. D. Long, A. B. Barnes, N. M. Harrington, Thomas W. Martin, Salmon Thomas, W. 0. Allen, Willard Isham, Trustees; Salmon Thomas, President; N. M. Harrington, Secretary; W. Aug Ray, Treasurer. 1864 — Trustees and officers same as in 1863. 1865 — Hollis Latham, C. D. Long, A. H Barnes, N. M. Harrington, Salmon Thomas, W. C. Allen, Willard Isham, A. L. Chapin, H. L. Blood, Trustees: officers same as 1863-64. 1866 — Trustees same as in 1865; W. C. Allen, President; Charlas H Sturtevant, Secretary; Alfred Thomas, Treasurer. 1867-68 — Trustees and officers same as in 1866. 1869 — Hollis Latham, C. D. Long. A. H. Barnes, Salmon Thomas, W. C. Allen, A. L. Cha pin, H. L. Blood, W. C. Whiting, W. D. Bacon, Trustees; officers same as 1867-68. 1870 — Trustees same as in 1869; W. C. Allen, President; C. D. Long, Secretary; Alfred Thomas, Treasurer. 1871 — Hollis Latham, C. D. Long, A. H. Barnes, A. L. Chapin, H. L. Blood, Trustees; A. H. Barnes, President; C. D. Long, Secretary; A D. Thomas, Treasurer. 1872 — Hollis Latham, A. H. Barnes, H. L. Blood, A. L. Chapin, James Aram, Trustees; officers same as in 1871. 1873 — Hollis Latham, James Aram, A. L. Chapin, H. L. Blood, Edward D. Holton, Trust ees; A. L. Chapin, President; George L. Weed, Secretary; A. D. Thomas, Treasurer. 1874 — Hollis Latham, James Aram, A. L. Chapin, H. L. Blood, J. E. Thomas, Trustees; offi cers same as in 1873. 1875 — Willard Isham, A. L. Chapin, H. L. Blood, J. E. Thomas, Joseph Hamilton, Trust ees; A. L. Chapin, President; Joseph Hamilton, Secretary; J. E. Thomas, Treasurer. 1876— Willard Isham, A. L. Chapin, J. E. Thomas, Joseph Hamilton, S. R. La Bar, Trust ees; A. L. Chapin, President; S. R. La Bar, Secretary; J. E. Thomas, Treasurer. 1877 — A. L. Chapin, Joseph Hamilton, S. R. La Bar, D. G. Cheever, Hollis Latham, Trust ees; A. L. Chapin, President; S. R. La Bar, Secretary; Hollis Latham, Treasurer. 1878— A. L. Chapin, S. R. La Bar, D. G. Cheever, Hollis Latham, E. D. Holton, Trust ees; officers same as in 1877. 1879-80— Trustees and officers same as in 1878 ; A. L. Chapin resigned, and Albert Salis bury superseded him iD November, 1880. By an^ act of the Legislature in April, 1881, the Board of Trustees was abolished, and a Board of Supervisors was established, having supervision over all charitable and penal institu- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 679 tions of the State. This board at present consists of George W. Burchard, President; Charles Luling, James Bintliff, C. D. Parker and L. A. Proctor, Supervisors. The number of pupils each year are as follows: In 1852, 8; 1853, 14; 1854, 31; 1855, 34; 1856,49; 1857,56; 1858,52; 1859,79; 1860,87; 1861, 86; 1862, 83; 1864, 80; 1865, 91; 1866, 104; 1867, 108; 1868, 85; 1869,112; 1870, 144; 1871,149; 1872,164; 1873, 176; 1874, 176; 1875, 181; 1876, 191; 1877, 182; 1878, 180; 1879, 200; 1880, 194; 1881, 218. The present officers, teachers and employes are: John W. Swiler, Superintendent; R. A. Gates, Steward; Julia A. Taylor, Matron; Edgar A. Fiske, Supervisor of Boys; Ruth Sturtevant, Supervisor of Girls; W. A. Cochrane, George F. Schilling, Zachariah McCoy, Eleanor McCoy, Emily Eddy, Mary E. Smith, Rosetta C. Ritsher and Mary H. Hunter, Teachers; E. Young, Foreman of the Cabinet-Shop; R. S. Miner, Foreman of the Shoe-Shop; N. E. Derby, Fore man of the Printing Office; John Rouk, Engineer; George Fiske, Assistant Engineer. CHURCHES. Congregational Church society was organized on the 31st of July, 1841. It had at that time ten members, who had letters from other churches. On the 1st of August of the same year, the church became connected with the Congregational and Presbyterian convention, which con nection is still continued. In 1844, a house of worship was erected on the central lot of Block 13, on Birney street, and fronting the public park on the north side. The pulpit and permanent seats were not put in until 1848. This was a frame building, and cost $1,000. It contained forty- six pews and afforded seats for nearly two hundred persons. It is now a part of the pump fac tory buildings. In the spring of 1855, measures were adoptud to erect a new church building, the old one being too small to accommodate the congregation. Work was begun on this build ing during the ensuing summer. It was dedicated to the worship of God on the 7th day of Feb ruary, 1856. This is the building now used as a place of worship. It is built of brick, 42x70, and has a seating capacity of 450 persons. Its original cost was $5,000, but the interior has been remodeled at a cost of $1,500. In addition to this, the cost of the bell and pipe organ was $1,700. In the autumn of 1866, a chapel, 38x44, was put up at the north end of the church building. This contains an audience room 30x38, together with four side rooms. Its cost was $2,500, making the total cost of the church building $10, 700. The first pastor of this church was Rev. A. Gaston, who took charge in October, 1841. He supplied the pulpits in Elkhorn and Sugar Creek, as well as in Delavan. His connection with the church continued four years, Rev. F. H Pitkin taking charge of the pulpit on the 20th day of October, 1845, and laboring in this connection till April 26,' 1847. In October, 1847, the services of Rev. Lucius Foote were secured, and he continued in the pastoral care of the church until October, 1854. The present pastor, Joseph Collie, D. D. , was employed as a stated supply, on the 2d day of October, 1854, and was ordained April 9, 1855, and installed as pastor November 4, 1857. The present mem bership of the church is 240. Episcopal Church. — The following statement is transcribed from .the records, where it stands above the signature of Stephen McHugh: In the month of July, in the year of our Lord 1844, the undersigned, a missionary appointed by the Do mestic Committee of the Church Missionary Society, arrived at this place, and, as soon as circumstances would admit, organized a parish under the above name and title. There was no diocese organized, nor was there any territorial law by which to be guided, hence the organization was according to the revised, statutes •of the State of New York and the usages of the church in that State. The first Wardens and Vestrymen were as follows: Nehemiah Barlow and Hezekiah Wells, Wardens; Caleb Croswell, Stephen Barlow, B. J. Newbery, Joseph Rector, Salmon Thomas and Dr. Sherwood, Vestrymen. Having no church edifice, we were -compelled to worship in school rooms and other places. It pleased the Divine Head of the Church to bless a strenuous effort on the part of the few belonging to our communion who then resided here, toward the erection of a house of worship, and with limited means they succeeded. The building was small, it is true, and un attractive in its appearance, but then it was our own, and sufficiently capacious to contain all who attended -our services. In November, 1845, the subscriber received and accepted a call to Madison, and, after some time, was succeded by Rev. Mr. Bartlett, then in Deacon's orders, who continued to officiate for some time; but in April, 1848, the undersigned received a call from the Wardens and Vestrymen to resume the pastoral charge of the parish. In May, 1849, he was appointed agent on the part of the parish to solicit aid from our friends at the East to enlarge our place of worship. On his return, instead of enlarging, after mature consid- ¦eration, it was thought best to erect an entirely new edifice. A gracious God blessed the undertaking, and on the 7th day of April 1850, the present house of worship was consecrated to the worship and service of Al mighty God, by the Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, D. D., Bishop in charge of the Diocese of Wisconsin, since 680 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. which time the parish has gone on subject to the mutations so incidental to small parishes in a new country. On the first day of the present month, the undersigned ceased his connection with the parish he had planted. May it please God to give others the increase and the fruits. [Signed,] Stephen McHugh. October, 1851. The " small, unattractive house " above alluded to was only 20x30, and at the time of its building there were seventeen communicants, while at the organization of the parish there were fourteen. The house was located on the east side of the church lot south of the public park. This house now forms a part of the drug store of H. R. Doane. The second house of worship was also built on the south side of the park, at a cost of $1, 200. This house was afterward en larged to meet the needs of the congregation. In 1877, the erection of their present church was begun, and, July 9, 1879, it was consecrated by Rt. Rev. E. R. Wells, Bishop of Wisconsin. The first baptisms on record are Edgar Napoleon Lawson, January 21, 1845 ; and Sarah Ann Lawson, January 22, 1845. The first confirmations were Nancy Van Tandt and Isabella Mc Hugh, May 4, 1845. The first max-riage was James H. Mansfield to Elizabeth Feroe, July 30, 1845. The first burial was Edgar Napoleon Lawson, February 2, 1845. The succession of ministers is as follows: Stephen McHugh, 1844 to 1845; Rev. Bartlett, 1845 to 1848; Stephen McHugh, 1848 to 1851; G E. Peters, 1853 to 1856; Joseph Adderly, 1856 to 1860; J. H. Nichols, I860; A. S. Nicholson, 1862; G. M. Skinner, 1862 to 1865; George W. Dean, 1865 to 1870; F. C. Brown, 1870 to 1875; E. R. Sweetland, 1875 to 1878; Joel Clark, 1878 to 1880; Charles Holmes, 1881. The membership of the church numbers eighty -nine. - The First Baptist Church was organized September 21, 1839, with seventeen members. Their first house of worship was erected in 1841, on lots donated by the founders of the village. It was a plain wood structure, without tower or spire, and capable of seating 200 persons Its size was 36x40, and cost about $1,500. It was located on the southeast corner of the "present church lot, but was subsequently removed, and is now the main part of the City Livery Stable. Their second house of worship was a brick structure, 40x60, and, including the gallery, had a seating capacity of 350 persons. It cost $4,000. The third and present house of worship was erected in 1 880. This church is built on the same lots as the first church, and fronts Main street. This building in size is 70x128, and its entire cost, including building, furnishing, etc., was $15,322.79. The valuation of all their church property, including lots, sheds, bell and the house of worship, with all its furnishing, is $20,000. There have been added to this church, including the constituent members, in its history and labors of forty -two years, a little more than twelve hundred persons, and at present, there are 435 members. The first anti-slavery conven tion held in the State of Wisconsin was held in the Baptist Church of Delavan. The conven tion assembled at the call of Charles H. Sturtevant and William H. Pettit. Jeduthan Jones, then of Elkhorn, was one of the speakers. The initial meeting, out of which grew the present Wisconsin Baptist Convention, was held in this church, also, in July, 1S44. The succession of ministers is as follows: Henry Topping, from October, 1839, to October, 1843; John H. Dud ley, from April, 1844, to October, 1849; Mead Bailey, from 1850 to 1853; N. Boughton, from 1853 to 1854; Albert Sheldon, from 1854 to 1858; Jeremiah D. CoJe, from 1858 to 1860; John Williams, from 1860 to 1861; David Burbank, from 1862 to 1864; E. B. Palmer, from 1864 to 1865; J. E. Johnson, from 1865 to 1867; Charles T. Roe, 1868 to 1869; D. E. Halteman, from 1869 to the present time. Methodist Episcopal Church. — In 1841, Rev. L. F. Moulthop was appointed to Troy Cir cuit, having as a colleague Rev. Henry Whitehead. The circuit included Troy, Eagle, Hart Prairie, Round Prairie, Turtle Prairie, Delavan and Elkhorn. At Delavan, the meetings were held in Broadway's log house in the village, alternating with the residence of Mr, Phcenix, on the prairie. The number of members of the Delavan Methodist class at this its beginning is not known. From 1841 up to 1856, the Methodist society at Delavan was united with one or more societies of the neighboring villages. At this time, it began a separate existence, having church property valued at $2,500, and a full membership of eighty, with forty-four on the roll of probationers. Thomas White was the pastor. The pastors since that time have been: R. P. Lawton, White, S. Scammon, J. B. Cooper, W. C. Manwell, R. B. Curtis, G. W. De HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 681 Lamatyr, C. S. McChesney, A. M. Bullock, A. C. Higgins, 0. A. Curtis, Henry Fairlie, E. G. Updike, J. S. Dans. In 1 864, its present house of worship, on Second street, was erected. Its size is 44x64 feet, two stories high, and cost $6,500. The number of communicants reported at the conference of 1881 was 100. St. Andrews' Catholic Church. — The first mass of this church was celebrated in 1851, and, before a place of worship was built, their meetings were held at the residences of Francis De laney and Morris O'Connor, and at Monell's Hall. Their church building was erected in 1856, at a cost of $750. In 1867, this building was enlarged, at a cost of $2,000, and various im provements, to the amount of $500, are now being made. At its organization, the communicants numbered about fifty families, and at present there are 150 families, which make about five hun dred members. Their first pastor was Father Pendergrast, and he has been followed by Fa thers Mallon, Brennan, Smith, Roach, Kenney, Morris, Dumphy, Allan and the present pastor, Rev. M. J. Taugher. Their church building is located in the southern part of the village, in Block 19, and fronts Fourth street. Until 1880, the pastors of this church have held services iD Elkhorn also. The Baptist Church of East Delavan was formed February 14, 1845, Rev. Henry Topping being its first pastor. Seventeen members comprised the organization — Ira Utter and wife, L. H. Willis and wife, H. Beals and wife, Daniel P. Handy and wife, Mrs. Laura Bailey, Mrs. Clar issa Wright, Lucy Pierce, Jerre P. Ward and wife, Nelson Calkins and wife, Elihu Eaton and Mrs. Clarissa Vincent. This meeting for organization was held in the old log schoolhouse, but a church building was erected the next year. Their present neat and substantial edifice was built in 1869. This is the only religious organization in the town outside the village, and is in a healthy condition in every respect. The society has a membership of sixty-five, but no settled pastor at present writing. Since Mr. Topping's departure, the pulpit has been occupied by El ders Reed, Morton, Bailey, Dudley, Sheldon, Barrel, Harris, Farnham, Hutchinson, Dye and Adams. * SCHOOLS. The first school of Delavan was a private school, organized and taught by Dr. J. R. Brad way, from 1842 to 1845. The building used was located on what is now Walworth avenue, nearly opposite the present site of Mr. Leech's blacksmith shop. The school was well managed, and. as prosperous as could be expected in a new country. The building was burned in 1845, being the first fire that occurred in the new village. The private school was afterward taught in the old Baptist Church, by E. D. Barber. In September, 1842, the Commissioners of Common Schools, consisting of Messrs. H Hunt, A- B. Parsons and Hiram Calkins, for the town, divided the town into five school districts, and the village of Delavan was in School District No. 1. Proceedings were at once instituted to pro vide a schoolhouse and organize a common school. The first common school wasi opened in the summer of 1843, in a log building owned by Mr. Phoenix, on Terrace street. In the year 1845, a wood building was erected on the site of the present building, and is remembered as the " Old Red Schoolhouse." The lot on which it was built was donated by Mr. Phcenix, and has since been enlarged by purchasing other lots on the south. In the years 1852 and 1853, the north wing, and in the years 1865 and 1866, the hall aDd south wing, of the present brick building were erected. The common school has always been well supported by the inhabitants of the town, and its interests well guarded. Dr. F. L. Von Suessmilch, who now holds the office of Treasurer, has served the district as such for the past sixteen years, and has done much, by his interest in and fidelity to the cause of education, to advance the schools. Some of the best teachers of the State have been employed from time to time, among whom are Maj. A. J. Cheney, President W. D Parker, of the State Normal School at Black River Falls, Prof. T. C. Chamberlain, State Geologist, and Prof. R. W. Lang, afterward Professor in the University of Minnesota. Miss Nellie B. Stevens, Principal of the grammar school, has held her present position for a number of years. The school has been under the care of Elias Dewey for the past ten years, who has thor oughly graded it and arranged a course of study. There are four departments, each of which 682 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. consists of four grades. The four upper grades constitute the high school. Pupils who complete the course of study and graduate from the high school are awarded a diploma by the Board of Education. The high school was organized as a free high school, under the statutes of the State, in the year 1877. Miss Mary A. Ford built a building on the lot where Mr. A. Shulz's residence now stands in 1856, and opened a private school. In the year 1859, she moved the building to the east side of Fifth street, north of Walworth avenue, built an addition and continued the school until the year 1874. The school was very popular as a primary, and Miss Ford is gratefully remembered by many who enjoyed the privileges of the school. NEWSPAPERS. The Walworth County Journal was the first paper published in Delavan. It was started in December, 1852, by J. C. Bunner, who was editor and proprietor. He was aided in the enter prise by the citizens, who subscribed some $300 at the time it was established. It did not' prove a permanent success, aDd at the end of two years the paper suspended publication. The Messenger was started in the fall of 1855. It was, like its unfortunate predecessor, aided by citizens' subscriptions to the amount of $500. Joseph Baker and William M. Doty were editors and proprietors. Mr. Doty sold his interest to Mr. Baker soon after the paper started. Mr. Baker sold a half -interest to J. W. Lawton, and subsequently, his remaining half to H. L. Devereaux. Mr. Devereaux, after a time, sold his interest to Mr. Lawton, who re mained sole proprietor for several years. In 1862, it adopted the name of the Delavan Repub lican. The Delavan Republican, as appears by the foregoing sketch, was first established under the name of the Messenger, in 1855. It took its present name in 1862. It was, at the time it assumed its present name, owned and edited by J. W. Lawton. In 1861, a rival paper was started by E. G. Wheeler, under the name of the Delavan Patriot, which, in 1863, was bought by Mr. Lawton, and became merged with the Republican, under the enlarged name of the Dela van Republican and Patriot. The old name was again resumed in 1865. Mr. Lawton, owing to ill health, retired from the paper, and died in Delavan in 1871. His successors were N. D. Wright and N. G. Woodbury. Mr. Woodbury's connection with the paper was of short dura tion. Mr. Wright retained his proprietorship till April, 1875, at which time he sold out to George B. Tallman. Mr. W. G. Weeks, the present editor and proprietor, bought and assumed control April 1, 1881. It is Republican in politics, and is conducted with ability. The Walworth County Democrat was started in Delavan in 1859, by George Andrews, but ceased its publication in 1861. The Enterprise, an independent Republican paper, was established August 8, 1878, by C. R. Conable. At the expiration of one year, it passed into the hands of its present editor and proprietor, Mr.. E. W. Conable. It is a worthy candidate for favor, and is winning its way by careful and painstaking editorial work. It is yet young in years, and its history is to be made in the long, bright future that lies before it. THE DELAVAN GUARDS. The Delavan Guards, a company of the Wisconsin National Guards, was organized in Del avan, Wis., early in the spring of 1880. Tney were mustered into the State service April 19, 1880, by Col. Nicholas Smith, of Janesville, Wis., under Act 80 of the Revised Statutes. The following officers were commissioned by Gov. William E. Smith, April 27, 1880: Captain, Fred B. Goodrich; First Lieutenant, Charles T. Isham; Second Lieutenant, Menson Vedder. The company was assigned to the First Battalion, headquarters at Janesville, Wis. , and armed with Springfield breech-loading rifles. The officers immediately adopted a regulation national guard uniform, at a cost of $1,200. The company went into camp at Rockford, 111., in August with the battalion, together with the Third and Sixth Illinois Regiments, and Tobey's Battery,. of Chicago. The Delavan Guards were numerically the strongest company in camp, and were particularly complimented by the Governor and Adjutant General when the brigade passed in review. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 683 At the annual inspection, in November, they mustered fifty-three men, and received an ap propriation of $565 from the State. The following is the Adjutant General's report made to the Governor on their standing: Strength of company, sixty-one men; uniform, national guard pattern, excellent style, quality and fit; discipline and instruction — discipline, very good; instruction, good, considering time company has been organized; armory, fair; answer for ordinary drilling; remarks — too much praise cannot be given Capt. Goodrich and his Lieutenants for the interest, energy and forbear ance displayed in organizing and drilling the Delavan Guards. They have had many discour agements, and have won honorable success. The company has complied with the law in all respects. MtfSTER ROLL. Captain, F. B. Goodrich; First Lieutenant, C. T. Isham; Second Lieutenant, M. Vedder; First Sergeant, E. B. Judson; Second Sergeant, W. Austin; Third Sergeant, L. Reeder; Fourth Sergeant, D. M. Jacobs; Fifth Sergeant, George Shepherd; First Corporal, N. Washburne; Second Corporal, F. D. Goodrich; Third Corporal, W. C. Remey; Fourth Corporal, N. Will iams; Fifth Corporal, J. B. Reeder; Sixth Corporal, John Belton; Seventh Corporal, Jos. Devendorf; Privates, Frank Austin, William Bioughton, William Brown, G. M. Corbin, Charles Conklin, F. C. Devendorf, George Ford, C. Y. Fitzer, E. Gormley, H. S. Hoag, William Haines, H. Jones, H. Kuehn, L. R. Laughlin, G. E. Leach, W. H. Marbecker, W. L. McCoy, C. C. Martin, S. W. Menzie, P. A. Nelson, F. M. Pounder, J. S. Parsons, W. D. Paddock, F. F. Rice, H. E. Rice, William Blanchard, A. Reeder, F. B. Smith, C. H. Schultz, J. Sturtevant, C. T. Spooner, Jay Seaver, H. W. Trafford, F. Thomas, G. B. Tallman, H. Utley, G. B. Wash burne, W. L. Williams, I. W. Wilday, R. J. Wilson, W.. Chappell, George Besicker, Frank Besicker, A. McCoy, E. N. Ware, J. M. Smith. CIRCUSES AND SHOWS. Quite a novel feature in the history of the town is its identification with the circus and show business. It was for many years the winter quarters, from which, in the early spring, some of the largest and best-appointed shows of the time started on their annual exhibition through the country. Thus, what to most country villages is a novelty, became a part of the life of Delavan, and the keeping and training of wild animals, the riding school, the fitting-out of shows, and all the accompaniments and paraphernalia of the modern circus and menagerie were as common to the citizens of Delavan as the surroundings of ordinary country life. In 1850, E. F. & J. Mabie, proprietors of Mabie's Circus and Menagerie, bought a large farm near the village and made it the headquarters for their shows. They bought the old Congre gational Church, in which they wintered their animals. They had at that time one of the largest traveling shows in the country. The brothers continued the business together until 1864, at which time Mr. E. F. Mabie sold out to his brother, who carried on the business the following year alone. In 1865, Mr. J. Mabie formed a copartnership with James Melville, and they or ganized a " boat-show, " with which they traveled on the lakes during the summer, and sold out . to Adam Forepaugh and O'Brien, of Philadelphia. The Mabie brothers both died some years since. Their widows are still residents of the village. In 1857, H. Buckley and S. S. Babcock organized a circus in the town. They exhibited in the Southern States and in Cuba. They continued in business two years. In 1869, W. C. Coup and Dan Castello organized a circus and camel team. They exhibited one year, when they became associated with P. T. Barnum, merged their show into his, and traveled in the East two seasons by wagons. In 1872, they traveled by rail, wintering in Dela van. In the spring of 1873, Mr. Coup formed a copartnership with P. T. Barnum, and built the New York Hippodrome. He soon after withdrew and built the New York Aquarium. In 1876, Coup organized W. C. Coup's New York Monster Circus and Menagerie, which is still in full operation. Delavan was Mr. Coup's home for many years. He was the inventor of the " steam man," and the designer and getter-up of the well -remembered wax figures representing the assassination of Lincoln. In 1858, Holland & Mosher organized a big tent show in Delavan. They had 100 horses, and riders and performers in proportionate number. They traveled two years. 684 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. In 1865, Phillips & Babcock organized a tent and variety show, which they operated suc cessfully two years. In 1874, H. Buckley & Co.'s Roman Hippodrome was organized in Delavan. This was one of the largest in the country. Their daily expenses were $2,000. They sold out, after traveling one season, to Haight, De Haven & Tory, of New York. One of the peculiar sights in the streets of Delavan during the organization of this show was the " Indian band," consisting of the chief, Black Eagle, and 100 of his warriors, who constituted a part of the troupe. In 1875, Harry Buckley, and E. W. Colvine started a circus and menagerie, and traveled in the East and South. Dan Rice was their clown. In 1876, Dan Castello's Centennial Circus was organized in Delavan. It was owned by W. C. Coup and Dan Castello. James Hutchinson, now a partner of P. T. Barnum, and one of the leading showmen in the country, first commenced the business in 1857, starting from Delavan as a " side-show solicitor. " Many who have been identified with the numerous shows fitted out from Delavan are still residents of the town. It has fitted out more shows than any other single town in the United States. It has now ceased to be a business. Many curious stories and incidents of the circus days of Delavan, among which is the follow ing, of the monster elephant, Romeo. He escaped from his keeper one winter and took to the woods. The regular keeper had been discharged, and the new man had no control over him. The animal ranged about the country, creating a reign of terror. He amused himself by tearing down fences, destroying wagons or farming tools, and chasing any person who came in his way. At one time, he had quite a number of the inhabitants treed. The old keeper was recalled at last. On his arrival, he armed himself with a double-barreled shot-gun and undertook his capt ure. On calling the beast, he seemed to know his old keeper's voice, and came toward him. As he approached, the man's confidence failed him, and he discharged one barrel of the gun into his trunk and ran. The elephant gave chase. When he had nearly overtaken the keeper, the remaining barrel was given him. This checked him sufficiently to enable the keeper to reach the building that had been prepared for the elephant's recapture. Passing in the large door, closely pursued by the animal, the keeper was quickly drawn through a hole on the opposite side by his assistants. Some planks composing the floor (near the door) were arranged so that they could be displaced quickly. The elephant did not attempt to pass over the space. A framework of timbers was then constructed close about him, and the process of subduing him commenced. Several sharp-pointed irons were heated red-hot, and with these he was prodded. At first, he disdained to show any sign of pain, but finally began to bellow, when the torture was suspended, the frames removed, and the animal found subdued and tractable. THE WAR RECORD. The war record of Delavan is that of all loyal communities of the North — the same labors, the same sacrifices and the same sad memories. The women of Delavan did their noble part in constant labor in the sanitary department. A flourishing Auxiliary Ladies' Aid Society was kept up during the whole war period. The quota of the town on all calls for troops during the war was 144. One hundred and forty-nine men were furnished — an excess of five over the required number. Delavan raised by tax, for war purposes, $13,798. For further accounts of the part her soldiers bore in the struggle the reader is referred to the war history of the county at large. SUMMARY. In common with the other villages of Southern Wisconsin, Delavan has become a summer resort. Delavan Lake, abounding in fish, is one of the most beautiful of those that have ren dered the whole region famous throughout the country. A summer hotel at the lake, cottages, a steamboat, sail-boats, fishing tackle and other sports men's outfit, with all modern hotel conveniences, both at the lake and village, render it a de lightful summer retreat. The population of DelavaD, according to the Federal census of 1880, was: Town, 930; village, 1,798; total, 2,728. The valuation of 1881 was: Town, $484,325; village, $247,000; personal property, $420,475; total valuation, $1,151,800. ^(Uva^ (kMwn/ HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 687 The grain crops of 1880 were: Wheat, 21,436 bushels; corn, 94,880 bushels; oats, 84,899 bushels; barley, 26,863 bushels; rye, 635 bushels. There were also raised 54,880 pounds of flax, and 2,922 tons of hay. The dairy products were 87,016 pounds of butter and 35,480 pounds of cheese. In 1881, the number of acres sown to grain was 6,835. There were also of mowing land and pasturage 2,437 acres; of orchard, 267 acres; and of growing timber, 2,626 acres. The town had, in 1881, five whole and four joint school districts. The total number of scholars enrolled was 763, of whom 542 attended school. There were seven schools, of which one was graded. Thirteen teachers were employed, at monthly wages — for males, $56.65; for females, $24.37. The amount expended for schools was $7,000. The number of schoolhouses was six, valued, with lots, at $13,825. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JOHN ALLOTT, proprietor of city meat market in 1862. He was born in Yorkshire, En gland, July 11, 1827; is the son of John and Sarah Allott. He learned the millwright's trade, and came to America in 1846, and made his home in Canada till 1851, when he moved to Wis consin and settled at Beloit, and went into grocery business till 1862. He then came to Dela van and engaged in his present business, and also dealing in live stock. He was married in Buffalo, N. Y. , in 1849, to Miss Lucy Smith. They have three children living — John F. , Henry and Nellie. John is married and living in Nebraska. Henry is interested in the market with his father. EDWARD AMOS, farmer, Section 3; P. O. Elkhorn; has 162 acres of land; was born in Thornberry, Gloucestershire, England, Nov. 20, 1837; is the son of Ezra and Mary Amos; came to America with his parents in 1840; made his home in Albany, N. Y. ; moved to Milwaukee, Wis. , in 1849, where he resided until the fall of 1861, when he moved to Spring Prairie, Wal worth Co. ; was the owner of several different farms in that town; sold out, and, in the fall of 1881, purchased his present farm, one of the best in the town, and made his home in Delavan. He was married, in Caledonia, Racine Co. , Wis. , Dec. 4, 18.61, to Miss Mary C. , daughter of John H. Chambers. Mrs. Amos was born in Ulster Co. , N. Y. Her people were among the earliest pioneers of that section of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Amos have had eight children — Mary J., James T., John H., Edward, Jr., George C, James H, William H. and Ezra. The second child, James T., died in childhood; the youngest, Ezra, died in infancy. ELON ANDRUS, proprietor of the Andrus House, was born in the town of Arlington, Ben nington Co., Vt. While quite young, moved to Washington County with his parents, where he was brought up on a farm; was married, in Hampton, Washington, Co., New Yerk, to Miss Ellen Merritt, a daughter of Daniel Merritt. They have two daughters — Nett and Belle. In 1850, Mr. Andrus moved with his family to Geneva, Walworth Co. , where he was engaged in the lumber and livery business; also carried on a farm. After a residence of sixteen years at Geneva, he moved to Whitewater, where he kept the Cortland House one year. From there he moved to Delavan, and purchased the Mallory House, which be named the Andrus House, and has kept it to this date. The house is deservedly popular with the traveling public. Mr. Andrus, while a resident of Geneva, served three years as Assessor of that town, and held other minor offices. JAMES ARAM, Vice President of banking house of E. Latimer & Co. He was born near Utica, N. Y, Aug. 9, 1813; is the son of Matthias and Elizabeth Aram. He was engaged in farming in early life. He came to Wisconsin in 1838, and, in May, 1840, made his home in the town of Delavan. He engaged in mercantile business four years, and then changed to real estate, lumber and produce business. He was a stockholder in Walworth County Bank, and a stockholder and Director in the National Bank of Delavan; in 1880, was elected Vice President of the banking house of E. Latimer & Co. He has held many local offices. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1845, and held that office only a short time. He has served five years as President of the village of Delavan, and about the same time as one of the Trustees; has been Chairman of the Town Board fifteen years, and Side Supervisor for five years. He is the pres- 688 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. ent representative to the County Board from the village; has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Institute for the Deaf aud Dumb three years. He was married, at Perry, Wyoming Co. , N. Y. , Jan. 6, 1836, to Miss Susan Rood, daughter of James Rood. Mrs. Aram was born in Scipio, Cayuga Co. , N. Y. They had three children, all of whom were called away. Mary E. died in Delavan, aged 13 years; Eveline, at the age of 7 years; and Marion A., in her 15th year. Mr. Aram, in speaking of early times in Walworth County, relates as a part of his experience that, at one time, being obliged to leave home on business, he found his boots to be so dilapidated that they were not presentable among strangers. On trying to buy a pair at the usual trading-points, he discovered that there was not a pair to be bought in the -county. Finding a neighbor with a good pair that would fit him, he leased them for a day, paying 25 cents for the use of them. Speaking of closeness of the early money market, he states that one summer his only cash capital was one bright shilling, which he treasured with great care six months. STEPHEN S. BABCOCK, Under Sheriff of Walworth Co., Wis., was born in the town of Jerusalem, N. Y. , June 16, 1824; is the son of Stephen and Betsey Babcock; when 3 years of age, moved with his parents to Wayne County, where he was brought up on a farm. In 1846, he came to Wisconsin, arriving in Delavan in July of that year. He remained in that place only a short time, when he moved to the town of Darien and engaged in farming; three years later, 1859, he returned to Delavan, where he was engaged in the nursery, grocery and other business, still retaining his farm in Darien till 1875, when he sold out. He was elected Justice of the Peace and served two years; was re-elected, and resigned to accept the office of Sheriff of Walworth County, to which he was elected for the term of 1879-80. On the expiration of his term of office, he was appointed Under Sheriff, which office he holds at this writing. He has also served two terms as President of the village of Delavan. Mr. Babcock was married at Del avan, Nov. 15, 1849, to Miss Eliza J. Barlow, daughter- of Nehemiah Barlow. Mrs. Babcock was born in Rochester, N. Y. They have one child, a daughter, named Mary. CALEB S. BABCOCK, dealer in farm machinery; business established in the spring of 1871; is the son of Stephen and Betsey Babcock, and was born in Rose, Wayne Co., N. Y., July 15, 1 833 ; moved with his parents to Walworth Co. , Wis. , in 1843, and located in the town of Darien, lived there four years, and then moved to Delavan; was engaged in farming, and in the manufacture of brick with his brother, Stephen S., about four years. In 1871, he returned to the farm, and at the same time engaged in the sale of farm machinery, which he has continued to this date; makes a specialty of Walter A. Wood's machinery, Fish Bros.' lumber wagons, Cortland buggies, Emerson & Talcott's seeders and cultivators, and also keeps a general stock of farm machinery supplies. Since the fall of 1880, he has made his home in Delavan. He was married in this town, June 4, 1869, to Miss Sarah E. Brundage. They have two children — a daughter, May J., and son, Sly W. Mr. Babcock has an agency for his line of goods estab lished in Sharon and in Troy Center. BURR S. BANGS, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Delavan; has 80 acres of land. He was born in Stanford, Delaware Co., N. Y., and is the son of Joseph and Huldah Bangs; moved to Tecumseh, Lenawee Co. , Mich. , with his parents when 7 years of age; was brought up a farmer; was married in Michigan, Feb. 12, 1844, to Armena Fisher, daughter of John Fisher; Mrs. Bangs was born in Massachusetts. They had six children — Anna; Samuel, died aged 2 years; Olive, was the wife of Ed. Rollins; her death occurred at the age of 23 years; the three younger are Josephine, Francis B. and Cora E. Mr. Bangs and family moved to Wisconsin in 1854, and to Delavan in 1858, and settled on his present farm. Mrs. Bangs died Nov. 3, 1870. Mr. Bangs was married again, Dec. 31, 1872, in Elkhorn, to Mrs. Rebecca Henderson, widow of Dr. S. W. Henderson and daughter of Nathaniel Hicks. Mrs. Bangs was born in Westmoreland Co., N. B. She has four living sons by her former marriage— John H., Edward G., A. Eugene and Samuel W. Her former husband was one of the pioneer physicians of Elkhorn. See sketch elsewhere. D. T. BARKER, Elkhorn, dealer in lumber, coal, brick, etc. ; business established in 1871 ; has a branch yard in Delavan in company with his son, A. R. , under the firm name of D. T. Barker & Co. Mr. Barker was born in New London, Conn., Dec. 3, 1824. He is the son of Phineas and Grace Barker. In 1845, he came to Milwaukee, Wis., and engaged in business with his HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 689* brother, Phineas, as a dealer in hats, caps, etc. , which business he continued fifteen years. He came to Walworth County, located in the town of Delavan and engaged in farming; in 1871, he moved to Elkhorn and established his present business. He was married, in New London, Conn. , in 1848, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Gordon A. Andrews. They have four children — Albert R., married to Miss Abbie Wilson and living at Delavan; Eugene, living at Elkhorn; Hattie, now Mrs. Charles Sercomb; and Charles H., living in Elkhorn. A. R. BARKER, of the firm of D. T. Barker & Co. , dealers in lumber. He was born in Milwaukee Jan. 22, 1853, son of D. T. and Eliza Barker; moved to Delavan in 1867, and was engaged in milling; in 1875, went to Mason City, Iowa, where he rented a mill and operated it until September, 1879, when he returned to Delavan and engaged in the lumber business with his father, under the firm name of D. T. Barker & Co. In addition to the lumber business, this firm deals in doors, sash, lime and brick, carry an average stock of $10,000, and handle 2,- 000,000 feet of lumber annually. Mr. Barker was married, at Mason City, Iowa, Aug. 17, 1874, to Miss Abbie Wilson. They have one child, a son, named Gordon H. HENRY BARLOW, farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Delavan; has 200 acres of land; settled in the town June 6, 1837 ; is accounted the oldest living representative of the pioneers of this town now residing here. He was born at Ballston Spa, Saratoga Co., N. Y. , Nov. 23, 1815; is the son of Nehemiah and Orlinda Barlow. He was brought up on a farm. In 1837, he came to Wis- i consin and located on the northwest quarter of Sec. 5, Delavan, which he still owns. Being a single man, he found it convenient to spend his summers in Illinois, in the construction of a grade for a railroad, for the first few years, but invariably passed his winters on his land in Delavan, so that he maintained a residence here all of the time. He was married, at the resi dence of Mrs. Hannah R. La Bar, in the town of Delavan, July 3, 1841, to Miss Emeline La Bar, daughter of Daniel E. La Bar. Mrs. Barlow was born in Stroudsburg, Penn. This was the first marriage consummated in the town. They had eight children — four sons and four daughters — all of whom are living — Hattie L., James R., Anna, Cornelia, George S., Horace, Edith E. and Frederick G. James R. married Adel E. Jackson, and lives in Delavan; Anna is the wife of Dr. T. W. Morse, of Beloit; Cornelia is a teacher of the village school of Delavan; George S. is an employe of Wisconsin Central Railroad at Portage City; Horace resides at home; Edith E. is now the wife of Mr. R. E. Holston, of Portage, Wis. ; Frederick G. is living in Valley City, D. T. Mr. Barlow has been a resident of Delavan continuously since coming here. He has served several years on the Town Board of Supervisors, and many years as Treasurer of the school district. SAMUEL W. BARLOW, retired farmer, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Feb. 4, 1802; moved to Genesee County; he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, and was married, in Niagara .Co. , Feb. 24, 1831, to Almira Wright, daughter of William Wright. Mrs. Barlow was born in Vermont. They had five children born in Niagara County — Ruth, now Mrs. William E. Wood, of Walworth; Silas V., of Delavan; Elizabeth S., wife of Josiah Shelden, of Lima, Pepin Co., Wis.; William W., of Cottonwood Co., Minn.; and Samuel W., Jr., of Wrights- town, Wis. Mr. Barlow and. family emigrated to Wisconsin in September, 1845, and located in Delavan, Wis., Sees. 31 and 32. Two children were born to them in this town — Josiah W., now of Minnesota, and James L. , of Delavan. Mr. Barlow moved to Walworth in the fall of 1861, where he engaged in farming until January, 1882, when, on losing his wife, who died Jan. 19 of that year, he moved to Delavan. He still owns his farm of 160 acres. He has served as a member of the Town Board of Delavan two years. Two of his sons were in the army of the late war. William W. served three years in the 22d W. V. I. ; Samuel W. was a member of the 49th 111. V. I. SILAS V. BARLOW, dealer in agricultural implements; has a farm of 80 acres of land on Sec. 10, Delavan. He was born in Royalton, Niagara Co., N. Y., Jan. 9, 1835; is the son of Samuel W. and Almira Barlow; came to Wisconsin with his parents in September, 1845, and made his home in the town of Delavan, Sec. 31. He was married, in La Grange, Jan. 30, 1859, to Miss Antoinett Goff, daughter of S. C. Goff. Mrs. Barlow was born in La Grange, Wis. They have one child, a son, Richard H., who was born April 2, 1862. Mr. Barlow has been engaged in his present business for the past fifteen years; handles George Ester ly^s reap ers and mowers, and other farm machinery, Seymour, Sabine & Co. 's threshing machines, of Stillwater, Minn. ; makes his home in the village of Delavan. 690 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. JUDGE A. H. BARNES came from New York to Delavan in 1855; was a practicing at torney till 1872, when he was appointed one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Dakota Ter ritory, with headquarters at Fargo. He established the first court ever held at Bismarck, of that Territory. CHAUNCEY BETTS, deceased, was born in Troy, N. Y., March 27, 1796; was married, in 1819, to Maria H. Mather, and moved to the town of Lysander, Onondaga Co. The site of his old home is still known as Betts' Corners. He was engaged in mercantile and lumber business at this point till 1852, when he moved to Delavan, Wis. On his arrival at this place, he began business as a dealer in grain, wool and live stock, and continued it till shortly before his death, which occurred Feb. 18, 1869. Before leaving the East, Mr. Betts had served as a member of the New York Legislature, and, after coming to Wisconsin, was conspicuous in public affairs. He took an active part in securing aid and in encouraging the building of the Racine & Mis sissippi Railway through Walworth County; he was President of the village of Delavan, and for eight years a member of the Board of Trustees of the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb. He was possessed of devout religious opinions, and was a member of the Congregational Church for forty-eight years. There were three daughters and two sons born to him. The eldest, Charles A. H, and the second, George F. , are spoken of in a separate sketch. The eldest daughter, Harriet, is the wife of E. S. Clark, of Salem, N. Y. ; Julia F. is now Mrs. Joseph Hall, of Mich igan; Carrie M. was the wife of Samuel Kelsey, one of the pioneers of Delavan; her death oc-» curred in the spring of 1859. Mrs. Betts was also a respected member of the Congregational Church. She died at Albany, N. Y. , while on a visit to friends, Nov. 26, 1872. CHARLES A. H. BETTS, son of Chauncey and Maria A. Betts, was born in Onondaga, N. Y. , Sept. 20, 1820. On arriving at manhood, he engaged in the lumber and mercantile business in Oswego Co., N. Y. , commencing in 1846; he continued it until 1851, when he moved to Van Buren Co. , Mich. ; was engaged in farming in the town of LawtoD, and was afterward station agent at Lawton for the Michigan Central Railroad. In the fall of 1855, he went to Lawrence and engaged in the mercantile and lumber business; continued that business until 1862, when he came to Delavan and joined his brother, George F. , in the live stock and grain trade. Three years later, he went to Pennsylvania and embarked in the oil business; spent several years in that State and returned to Delavao, where he has since resided. GEORGE F. H. BETTS, son of Chauncey Betts, came to Delavan in 1851 and engaged in mercantile business. On the completion of the Racine & Mississippi Railroad to this place, he became an extensive dealer in grain and live stock. In 1862, he was joined by his brother, C. A. H. , and together they carried on a large business. In 1872, George F. moved to Syracuse, N. Y. , where he still resides. He is well remembered by the citizens of Walworth County as an enterprising business man, and, while resident here, was one of the leading men of the place. CHARLES C. BLANCHARD, M. D., was born in Arcadia, Cayuga Co., N. Y, Aug. 7, 1844; is the son of Dr. O. W. and Nancy (Foster) Blanchard; came to Racine, Wis., with his parents while a child, where he lived till 1851, when he moved to Delavan and studied medicine with his father, Dr.. O. W. Blanchard, a physician of the old school. He attended a course of lectures at the Rush Medical College of Chicago. Later, he attended a course of lectures at the Bennett Medical - College of Chicago, of the eclectic school, from which he graduated in 1863. He returned to Wisconsin and entered upon the practice of his profession in the town of Wal worth. One year later, he moved to Sharon, where he practiced eight months. In 1868, he formed a partnership with his father at Delavan, and succeeded to his practice after his death, which occurred March 25, 1879. In 1880 and 1881, Dr. Blanchard attended a course of lect ures at the Chicago College of Ophthalmology, and graduated in 1881. He has been Secretary of the State Medical Society three years; is a member of National Medical Association, and was elected an honorary member of the National Institute of Eclectic Medicine and Surgery at St. Louis. The Doctor has shown his interest in local politics by serving four years as a member of the Village Board of Trustees. He was married, Sept. 25, 1871, in the town of Walworth, Walworth Co., Wis., to Miss Nellie E. Weaver, daughter of Edward Weaver. Mrs. Dr. Blanch ard is a native of Detroit, Mich. The subject of this sketch served in the late war for a period of three years and ten months. He enlisted in the 22d W. V. I. in 1862, as a private, and went into camp at Racine; was transferred to the medical department, where he served two HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 691 years; while on duty in Kentucky he was taken sick and discharged for physical disability. On his return to his home, he did not regain his health till expiration of ten months. He then re-enlisted in the 100-days' service, and was commissioned Hospital Steward; was stationed at Memphis dur ing the term of his enlistment. He then re-enlisted in the 49th W. V. I. , under Col. Samuel F. Allows. During the latter part of his service, he was put in charge of the hospital at St. Louis. So faithfully did he discharge the duties of that position that he was recommended by the Medical Director for the position of Assistant Surgeon. The commission was issued, but did not arrive till the day before he was mustered out of the United States service. ORIN W. BLANCHARD, M. D., deceased, was born in Clarendon, Vt., Oct. 22, 1808; was the son of Willard and Sarah (Piatt) Blanchard. The family is of French origin, descend ed from a Count of the same name. The first of the family who emigrated to America settled in Rhode Island five generations ago Dr. Blanchard's father was a soldier of the war of 1812 ; his grandfather participated in the Revolutionary war, while he and his sons were in the serv ice of the Government during the late war with the South. He was educated in the academy at Auburn, N. Y., and began the study of medicine with Dr. Daniel D. Waite, of Cayuga County, and later, pursued his studies under Dr. Cady, of Senate, near Auburn. He then attended a course of lectures at the medical college of Castleton, Vt. , and begun practice near Auburn, N. Y. , in 1828, under a diploma from the State of New York. He continued practicing with marked success, and, in 1841, took a second course of lectures, this time at the medical college of Pitts- field, Mass. In 1842, he moved to Racine, Wis. , and established himself in practice in company with Dr. B. B. Cary. Two years later on, Dr. Cary being appointed to a Government position, the partnership was dissolved. He continued his practice at Racine till 1847, when, in hopes of improving his wife's health by removing her from the lake winds, he removed to Delavan. In a few years, he had secured a satisfactory practice, which he continued till 1851, when he was appointed Assistant Surgeon in the regular army, and served three years in New Mexico. He then returned to Delavan and was in active practice till he was appointed Surgeon of the 40th Regiment, W. V. L (100 days' men); he was subsequently commissioned Surgeon of the 49th Regiment, and served till the close of the war. So faithfully did the Doctor discharge the duties of his station, that, in testimonial of the kind regards of his comrades, he was presented with an elegant gold-headed cane by the 40th, and by the 49th with a fine gold watch. After the close of the war, he resumed his practice in Delavan. During the latter years of his life, he was employed principally in surgery, and as a physician in critical cases and consultations. An enthusiast in his profession, a thorough student, ripe in experience, Dr. Blanchard, by his uniform skill and success, justly ranked among the leading surgeons and' physicians of the State till the time of his death, which occurred March 25, 1879. He was married, at Arcadia, Scho harie Co., N. Y., March 27, 1831, to Miss Nancy Foster. Three sons were born to them. JOSEPH BOWKER, deceased, was born in Locke, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Oct. 9, 1797. He removed to Wisconsin in 1844. He first settled at Geneva, then removed to Delavan, where he held the office of Justice of the Peace for many years. He kept a store for awhile in the town. Mr. Bowker died in Delavan March 26, 1856. He was a member of the first constitutional con vention of 1846. He was the son of Silas Bowker, and married for his wife Eliza Maynard, Oct. 19, 1817. WALLACE W. BRADLEY, merchant, dealer in dry goods and clothing; business estab lished in 1848. He was born in Tompkins Co., town of Groton, N. Y., May 20, 1826; is the son of Dr. Enos and Adah Bradley, who were Connecticut people, and moved to New York in an early day; when about 6 years of age, went with his parents to Darien, Genesee Co., where he remained until 1845, when he came to Wisconsin and located at Southport, now Kenosha. In 1848, he moved to Delavan and opened a clothing store, being the first to bring a stock of ready-made clothing to the village. With the exception of one year, 1865, he has been in busi ness in Delavan to this date, 1881. During a greater part of the time, he has dealt in both dry goods and clothing. He was married, in Delavan, July 23, 1850, to Miss Cynthia Keeler, daughter of P. M. Keeler. Mrs. Bradley died Dec. 31, 1853, leaving one child, a daughter, which subsequently died at the age of 12 years. Mr. Bradley was married again, April 21,. 1855, at Delavan, to Miss Esther Larnard, daughter of Elisha Larnard. They have two daugh ters— Allie • and Eva. The older, Allie, is the wife of William H. Tyrrell, of Delavan. Mr. 692 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Bradley served as Treasurer of Delavan during the years 1851 and 1852, and has served as a member of the Village Board of Trustees four years. SYLVANUS BRAINARD, farmer in the 'village of Delavan. He was born in Brooklyn, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, March 1, 1824; is the son of Job and Mary Brainard; was brought up a farmer, and married, in his native town, 'March 22, 1848, to Mrs. M. S. Hoyt, widow of L. H. Hoyt and daughter of Hiram Ellis. Mrs. Brainard was born in Middlebury, Addison Co. , Vt. ; has one daughter by her former marriage — Isadora E. Hoyt, now Mrs. Frank Farnham, of Chi cago. Mr. and Mrs. Brainard moved to Wheatland, Kenosha Co., Wis., in the spring of 1852, where they had a farm of 200 acres. Mr. Brainard enlisted in Battery A, of Chicago, in the fall of 1864; was discharged for disability early in January, 1865. In 1868, he sold out in Wheatland and locat3l at Delavan, purchased his present farm, and has made it his home since. They had two daughters born to them in Wheatland. Sylvia C. , the elder, is the wife of John W. Butler, merchant, of Neola, Pottawattamie Co., Iowa; the youngest, Jennie C, is now Mrs. Charles R. Neitzsch, Deputy Postmaster of Missouri Valley, Harrison Co. , Iowa. Mr. Brainard is a Republican in politics. DR. GEORGE H. BRIGGS, druggist and physician. He established his practice in Dela van in 1856, which was continued until 1867. During nine years of this time from 1857 to 1866 he was Physician to the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb. He began in the drug business in 1863, which he has continued to this date. He is a native of Keene, N. H. where he resided until 12 years of age. He then went to Nunda, Livingston Co., N. Y., and received his educa tion at the Nunda Academy; studied medicine with Drs. Turner & Warner, at Nunda; took a course of lectures at the Geneva Medical College, and also attended a regular course in the med ical department of the Buffalo University, from which he graduated in 1852. He began the practice of his profession at Nunda, remaining at that place one year. He then attended a course of lectures at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. In May, 1854, he came to Delavan, Wis., but only remained a few months, and then went to Elkhart, Ind., where he was in practice one year. He then returned to Wisconsin and located in Sauk City, Sauk Co., where he remained one year. He returned to Delavan in 1856, and practiced medicine until September, 1862, when he was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the 18th W. V. I. , and served in the late war until June, 1863, when he resigned on account of ill health and returned to Del avan. He then bought out Mr. E. H. Chandler in the drug business, which he has continued to this date. About 1867, he retired from active practice of his profession. He was married, at Elkhart, Ind., Sept. 10, 1856, to Miss Helena Chamberlain, daughter of Milo Chamberlain. Mrs. Briggs was born "near Syracuse, N. Y. They have five children — three sons and two daughters — Charles A., Helen E., George L., Mary L. and Edward C. Dr. Briggs was Super intendent of Schools of Delavan in 1857 and 1858, and is the present Town Treasurer. MARTIN H. BRIGHAM, farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. East Delavan; has 200 acres; was born in Perry, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Aug. 29, 1821; is the son of Jabez and Elizabeth Brigham. He came to Delavan Sept. 17, 1842, and made his home in the town of Delavan. He was mar ried, May 7, 1846, in East Delavan, to Betsey Richardson, and made his home on their present farm. Mrs. Brigham died Feb. 4, 1876. They have had f our children— Randall W. , Catha rine, Samuel and Sarah J. The eldest, Randall W., married Lizzie Smith, and lives at West Libertyville, III; Catharine, is the widow of Irwin Barnhart, and has one son; Sarah J. is the wife of Oliver Hatch, of Delavan, and has an infant daughter. Mr. Brigham has always voted the Republican ticket since the organization of that party. REUBEN H. BRISTOL, farmer, Sees. 16 and 9; P. O. Delavan; has 186 acres of land. He was born in Lewis, Essex Co., N. Y., Oct. 31, 1828; is the son of Isaac and Sophia Bristol; was brought up a farmer; moved to Delavan, Wis., October, 1848: was married in Delavan, July 5, 1852, to Miss Sabra A. Shepard, daughter of John B. and Rachel Shepard. Mrs. Bris tol was born in Mayfield, Montgomery Co. , N. Y. Her people were among the early settlers of Delavan (1841). Mr. and Mrs. Bristol have had six children— four daughters and two sons- Marion M, Henry J., Clara S., Stella R., Lena L. and Chester R. The second child. Henry J. , died in childhood. Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Bristol made his home on his pres ent farm. During war times, he served three years as Assessor of Delavan; since that time, has held the same office six years in succession, and is the present incumbent. In 1868, he moved HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 693 his family to the village of Delavan, where they lived till 1874, when they returned to their old home on the farm. HARRY D. BULLARD, M. D., was born in Shrewsbury, Vt., April 19, 1839, son of Dan iel and Nancy Gates Bullard. The father was the seventh generation descended from Benjamin Bullard, who was one of that historic band who came to America in the Mayflower in 1620. In 1790, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch moved from Massachusetts to Vermont, and established the family in that State. When 15 years of age, Harry D. went to reside with his uncle, in Western New York, where he spent a year and a half. From there he went to Cedar Falls, Iowa, remaining six months. He then moved to Delavan, Wis. , in 1856. One year later, he went to Racine, and attended McMynn's High School; spent two years there and in teaching. From Racine he went to Beloit, where he was engaged in teaching till September, 1861. On the 14th of that month he enlisted in the 4th Battery Wis. Vols. After one year's service, he was detailed as Hospital Steward, and served in that capacity till the expiration of his three years' term of enlistment. His health being badly impaired, he returned North, and began the study of medicine in New York; attended a course of lectures at the Long Island Hospital Med ical College. He subsequently attended a regular course at the Bellevue Hospital Medical Col lege, and graduated in the class of 1866. He then came to Delavan, Wis. , and was married, April 2, 1866, to Miss Amanda Sheldon, daughter of the Rev. Albert Sheldon. She was born in Rhode Island. Immediately after his marriage, Dr. Bullard moved to Gillespie, 111, and entered upon the practice of his profession; continued in practice at that place eight years, when, in hopes of improving the health of himself and family, he returned to Delavan in June, 1874, and has since been in active practice at that place. He lost his wife March 17, 1880. Her death was lamented by a large circle of warm friends. Since 1875, Dr. Bullard has adhered to the homoeopathic practice of medicine; is a member of the State Homoeopathic Medical Society. HORACE L. CLARK, sewing machine and gunsmithing. The subject of this sketch was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Dec. 20, 1848; is the son of Luther and Angeline Clark; when 1J years old, moved with his parents to Johnstown, Rock Co. , Wis. ; received a common-school education; he enlisted in the late war, in May, 1864, as a private in Co. F, 40th W. V. I., and served four months; he then went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and became a student of Eastman's National Business College; he graduated from there in 1865, and returned to Wisconsin and engaged as clerk in the drug store of McKee & Wheeler, of Delavan, Wis. ; he remained in that store under its different proprietors until 1869, when he went to Illinois, and from there to St. Joseph, Mo, where he was engaged in the drug business; he made a thorough study of pharmacy, and passed a creditable examination before the Examining Board of the Missouri Valley Pharmaceutical Association; he was married, at St. Joseph, Dec 6, 1871, to Miss Mary M., daughter of James A. Matney; Mrs. Clark was born in St. Joseph, Mo; they have three children — Robert L., Mary A. and Dosia L. Mr. Clark moved to Troy, Kan., in 1875, and en gaged in the drug business, which he continued one year; he then returned to Wisconsin and engaged with Warren Collins, of Janesville, as book-keeper in the music business; this connec tion lasted till the fall of 1878; he then came to Delavan, and, in February, 1879, established his present business. Mr. Clark has been a member of the Congregational Church for many years, and, while a resident of Johnstown, was Superintendent of the Sunday school. REV. JOSEPH COLLIE, D. D., Pastor of the Congregational Church since Oct. 1, 1854, to this date, 1882. He has now been pastor of this church over twenty-seven years, being a longer period in charge of one church than any other minister in the State, save one. He is a native of Aberdeenshire, Scotland; is the son of George and Helen Collie; was bora Nov. 24, 1824. He came to the United States in the summer of 1836 with his mother and his brothers, his father having died in his youth. The family located on the uanks of the Fox River, near Aurora, 111. Remaining at this place about three years, they moved to Kendall County, and from there to Grant Co., Wis., near Plattville. Mr. Collie began his education in the common schools of that day, continuing his studies in the academy at Mineral Point. He next attended a regular course at Beloit College, which was just opened. Like many other young men in a new country who were ambitious of acquiring a college education, Mr. Collie found himself short of the requisite funds to accomplish the end desired. But, unlike many others, he did not give up the project. On leaving home, his cash capital amounted to just $7; 694 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. but, by industry and frugality, he succeeded in maintaining himself independently. He secured the appointment of janitor, and, by chopping wood and ringing the college bell, he earned enough to pay his way. After graduating at Beloit College, he went to Massachusetts and took a regular course at the Andover Theological School, from which he graduated in the summer of 1854. On leaving this school, he offered his services to the Home Mission Society, with the understanding that he was to be assigned to some charge in Wisconsin. On his arrival at Be loit, on Saturday, Sept. 30, 1854, he was instructed to proceed to Delavan and take charge of the church here. Catching a ride part of the way, he hired a conveyance for the balance, and ar rived at Delavan at 9 o'clock that night. The following Sunday, Oct. 1, he preached his first sermon from the pulpit of the Congregational Church of this place. He was regularly ordained April 9, 1855, at Delavan. He continued to supply the congregation, and, on Nov. 4, 1857, was regularly installed as pastor, since which time he has been the only pastor of the church. Mr. Collie was married, in Delavan, Nov. 4, 1856, to Miss Ann E. Foote, daughter of Rev. Lu cius Foote. Mrs. Collie was born near Cleveland, Ohio. They had four sons and one daugh ter — George L., Martha L. (died in childhood), J. Arthur, Winfred R. and Henry G. Mr. Collie has been a pioneer of Wisconsin, and has endured most of the hardships incident to a life on the frontier. He is now in the enjoyment of the comforts and blessings of modern civiliza tion, secure in the esteem and affection of his congregation and fellow-townsmen. EDWARD S. COLMAN, farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Delavan; has 80 acres of land; settled in the town in 1854; was born in the town of Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y. , July 20, 1833; is the son of Homer and Malvina Colman. He spent his early years on a farm, and moved to Wis consin in 1854 with his parents, and located on Sec. 5, town of Delavan; married to Miss Mary S. Shepard, daughter of J. B. Shepard. Mrs. Colman was born in the town of Darien, Gene see Co. , N. Y. , and came to this town with her parents in 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Colman have brought up one adopted child, a son. The daughter, Alice P. , is the wife of Horatio B. Gre- nell. The son, Harris M. Colman, married Harriet A. Dockstader, and lives in the town of Delavan. Mr. Colman's brother, Anson D., enlisted in the 12th Iowa V. I., Co. F, in the late war, from Iowa, and died at Selma, Ala. E. W. CONABLE, editor and proprietor of the Delavan Enterprise. His connection with the paper commenced August, 1879, and he became sole proprietor June, 1880. Mr. Conable is the son of W. W. and Jane Conable; was born in Darien, Walworth Co., Wis., Nov. 25, 1848; when 5 years of age, moved with his parents to Buchanan Co., Iowa. In the fall of 1865, he commenced learning the printer's trade at Independence, Iowa. From this time until 1879, he was actively engaged as compositor, foreman and editor on various Iowa, Missouri and Illinois papers. Among the papers with which he was connected were Independence Conserva tive, Clinton County Advertiser, Clinton Daily Herald (of which he was foreman several years), Mechanicsville Press as editor and foreman, foreman and editor of the Stanwood Express, and had charge of the same office after it moved to Clarence, and called the Clarence Express. He was also foreman of the office of the Iowa Age two years, had sole charge of the Clinton Daily Herald one year, under contract, then, in company with J. C. Hopkins, purchased the Lyons Advocate, changed the name to Clinton County Advertiser; was interested at the same time in three other papers in the county; sold out and went to Chicago, where he spent one year, then returned to Iowa and took the foremanship of the Buchanan County Bulletin, which position he has held since, four years, and then came to Delavan, Wis., and formed a partnership with his brother, C. R. Conable, August, 1879, in the publication of the Delavan Enterprise. In June, 1880, he bought his brother's interest, and has since been editor and sole proprietor. He was married, at Lyons, Iowa, Aug. 8, 1870, to Miss Althea A. Oakes, daughter of Samuel Oakes. Mrs. Conable was born in Maine. They had one son, Wallace O., born Aug. 20, 1878; died at the age of 11 months. GEORGE COTTON, President of the Citizens' Bank of Delavan, Wis. He is a native of Claremont, N. H. ; is the son of Nathaniel and Prudence Goodwin Cotton; was born Jan. 5, 1815; was educated in the Hopkinton Academy, N. H., and at the military university of Norwich, Vt., Capt. Alden Partridge, President. The winter of 1837-38 he passed in the South for his health, spending the most of his time in Mississippi and Louisiana. He returned to the East in the spring of 1838; then, in April, 1839, he went to La Salle Co., 111., where he remaind HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 695 three years, and again returned to the East. In 1844, he came to the town of Darien, Wal worth Co., Wis., and purchased a farm. He returned to the East, and was married in New port, N. H. , May 8, 1844, to Miss M. Maroa, youngest daughter of Samuel Chellis. Mrs. Cot ton was bom at Newport, N. H. Immediately after their marriage, Mr. Cotton and wife pro ceeded to their home in Darien, Wis. , where Mr. Cotton was engaged in farming for the next few years. In 1846, he was elected Justice of the Peace and School Commissioner. In 1848, he was elected Chairman of the Town Board of Darien, and re-elected each year during his residence in that town. He was elected Chairman of the County Board of Walworth County in 1851. In 1853, he moved to Delavan Village, and in 1854 was appointed Postmaster, under President Pierce, and held that office till 1858. He has served as President of the village and Supervisor of Delavan, and as a member of the Board of Trustees; has also served as Assessor of the town of Delavan. Mr. Cotton was one of the charter members of the Old Settlers' Asso ciation, and served one term as President. In February, 1878, he was elected President of the Citizens' Bank of Delavan, and has held that position to this date — 1882. JOHN B. DELANY, grocer, established his present business in the fall of 1877. He is the son of Frank and Ann Delany, and was born in Delavan March 17,1850; received a common- school education and served a regular apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade. In the winter of 1874, he joined Gordon & Witcher's party and went to the Black Hills. They were captured by United States troops as trespassers on Indian reserve, but afterward released; spent one and a half years in the Hills, prospecting and mining, then returned East and arrived in Delavan in 1877 and commenced his present business. He was married, at Delavan, April 29, 1880, to Miss Maggie Delany, daughter of James and Margaret Delany. He is a member of the present Village Board of Delavan. D. B. DEVENDORF, M. D., was born in Columbia, Herkimer Co., N. Y., March 17, 1820; is the son of Henry S. and Elizabeth (Bellinger) Devendorf. He was educated at the Liberal Institute, Clinton, Oneida Co. , N. Y. , and took a three-years' course at the Geneva (N. Y) Medical College, graduated, and received his diploma January, 1845. He next spent one year in the New York City Hospital. He then established himself in practice at Frankfort, Herkimer Co., N. Y., where he remained eight years. He then moved to Mohawk, remained one year, and from there to Tonawanda, remaining nearly two years. In 1856, he came to Del avan, Wis. , and has been active in the practice of his- profession to this date — 1882. He was appointed Assistant Surgeon to the 1st W. V. I. in September, 1861, and remained with the regiment one year; was then detailed and made Post Surgeon at Danville, Ky., until April, 1863; in May, was commissioned Surgeon of the 19th W. V. I., then stationed at Suffolk, Va. Gen. James A. Garfield, Chief of Gen. Rosecrans' Staff, at Murfreesboro, Tenn. , issued the last order he received while in the Department of the Cumberland, to report to his regiment in Vir ginia, where he remained four months; was then appointed Surgeon of the 4th Brigade in the 18th Army Corps, and served as such until the spring of 1864, when he was appointed by Gen. William F. (" Baldy ") Smith as Medical Inspector on his staff, and remained with him until October following, when he was ordered by Gen. B. F. Butler on duty at the Chesapeake Hos pital, at Ft. Monroe, Va. , where he remained until March, 1865. He was then detailed as Med ical Purveyor of the Army of the James, with headquarters on the James River, at Deep Bottom, a short distance below Butler's famous " Dutch Gap Canal. " When the Dutch Gap was opened, he sailed, the first boat, the hospital tug Constitution, through the canal. On his return frum the army, in the fall of 1865, he resumed his practice at Delavan. He held the position of Physician for the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb six years. On the establishment of the Wisconsin Dental College at Delavan, he was appointed Professor of Surgery and Anatomy, and is now serving as such. He was married, at Fish House, Fulton Co., N. Y., Oct. 20, 1853, to Miss Helena, daughter of Warner Dygert, a custom house officer of New York City. They have two sons and one daughter. Joseph S. is employed on the United States survey in Colo rado; Nora L. and Frank H.' are twins; Nora is now the wife of George J. Schuster, a whole sale tobacco dealer of Milwaukee; Frank is at home. The Doctor is Examining Surgeon for United States Pensions at Delavan. ELIAS DEWEY, Principal of the Delavan Schools. He was born in Malone, Franklin Co. , N. Y, April 5, 1834; is the son of Elias and Rhoda Mayo Dewey. He began his education in 696 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Franklin Academy at Malone; entered Middlebury College, Vt., in 1854, and graduated in the class of 1858. He commenced teaching school when only 15 years of age, teaching several months of each year while pursuing his studies, and during that time, passed the required examination and received a New York State certificate. In the spring of 1859, he came to Wisconsin, lo cated at Whitewater and commenced teaching as Principal of the public schools. He taught a year and a half, then went to Trempealeau, Wis., where he taught one year; from there to Ocon omowoc, Wis. , where he taught until he enlisted in the army, in August, 1862, in Co. G, 20th W. V. I., and served until the close of the war; was on detached service a great part of the time — first as Hospital Steward, then as Chief Clerk at department headquarters, Springfield, Mo. He participated in the battles of Prairie Grove, Ark., and Springfield, Mo. Onhis return from the war, he was again employed as Principal of the Whitewater Schools for five years. He then left Whitewater and taught one year at Eagle, Waukesha Co. , from there went to St. Joseph Mich, where he taught one year, then went to Delavan in the fall of 1872 and took charge of the schools. He has graded the school and arranged a course of study, and has been retained as Principal to this date, and is one of the oldest and most successful teachers in the State. He was married, in Oconomowoc, Sept. 3, 1860, to Miss Priscilla A. Rockwell, daughter of Anson Rockwell. Mrs. Dewey was born in the town of Butternuts, Otsego Co. , N. Y. They have had five children, four of whom are living. Helen A. died when 3 years old; those living are Winifred C. , Laura Mayo, Mary Rockwell and Isabella Starr. Mr. Dewey is Commander of George H. Thomas Post, No. 6, G. A. R. , Department of Wisconsin. HARRISON R. DOANE, druggist; business established in February, 1877. The subject of this sketch is the son of William and Harriet Doane, and was born in Gerard, Penn. , Jan. 1837. In 1838, moved with his parents to Weathersfield, Wyoming Co., Penn.; was edu cated at the Alfred University, Steuben Co. , N. Y. ; spent five years in the lumber trade in Pot ter Co. , Penn. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A. , 3d N. Y. V. C. , served one year, and was discharged for physical disability. In 1863, he came to Delavan and engaged in the photograph business, which he carried on successfully till 1876, having at that time one of the best-appointed galleries in the State. He also carried on the millinery business on the first floor. April, 1876, he was burned out, sustaining a loss of $3,000. Mr. Doane was married, in Wyoming Co., N. Y. , June 1, 1864, to Miss Lrma Doane, daughter of Dan Doane. Mrs. Doane was born in Weathersfield, and was a professional teacher. WINDSOR S. DUNBAR, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Elkhorn; son of Samuel Dunbar. He was born in the town of Geneva in April, 1842. He lived at home until about 25 years of age, when he went West, spending about three years in Nevada and Montana. He purchased his farm in 1867. He married Miss Sarah Sanders, daughter of John and Jane Sanders, who came to Walworth County from Albany, N. Y. , in the fall of 184S, and settled in the town of Sugar Creek. Mrs. Dunbar was born in Albany, N. Y. , in 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar have two sons and two daughters — Carrie May, Bertha Jane, Roy and Frank. Mr. Dunbar's farm con tains 195 acres. MISS EMILY EDDY, teacher of articulation in the Institution of the Deaf and Dumb, has been constantly employed as a teacher of the institution since 1857. She is a native of West ern New York; and is the daughter of Rev. Chauncey and Julia Eddy; was educated at Jacksonville, 111., and came to Delavan, Wis., in 1S56. THOMAS EGE, merchant tailor, is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, the son of Wolf gang and Barbary Ege; was born Dec. 10, 1838. After completing his schooling, he was ap prenticed to the tailor's trade, but, before completing his term of service, he emigrated to Amer ica, arriving at Detroit, Mich., in 1854. He perfected himself in his trade in that city, where he worked three years. He then moved to Darien, Wis. , and pursued the same occupation till 1867, when he moved to Sharon and engaged in farming, continued iu that business seven years, and then moved to Delavan and resumed work at his trade. In 1879, he opened in bus inesses a merchant tailor. He does a general custom business, and is very popular with his customers. Mr. Ege was married at Delavan, Jan. 6, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth H. Sears, daughter of Thomas Sears. Mrs. Ege was born in England, and came to America in child hood, and was brought up in Baltimore, Md. They have seven children — Mary J., Frank J., Henry J., Emma R., Ida V., William T. and Annie L. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 697 GEORGE P. FLANDERS, deceased, was born in Hatley, Lower Canada, Sept. 8, 1812; was married in Canada in April, 1838, to Miss Mary Jones. He was engaged in milling in his native country, and in 1849 moved to Wisconsin, located in La Fayette, Walworth Co., where he was engaged in farming. He subsequently moved to the town of Delavan, where he pur sued a like business. Though hot conspicuous in public matters, he was highly respected as a good citizen, neighbor and friend. His death occurred Aug. 7, 1871. His wife survives him GEORGE F. FLANDERS, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Elkhorn; has 160 acres of land; was born in Hatley, Lower Canada, March 31, 1840; is the son of George P. and Mary Flanders. He emigrated to Wisconsin with his parents in 1S49. His family located on Sec. 32, La Fay ette, Walworth Co. In 1865, he moved to Sec. 2, Delavan. He was brought up a farmer; from 1860 to 1867, was engaged in teaching; in 1874, he engaged in the meat market business in Delavan, which he carried on four years; in the fall of 1879, he returned to his farm. He was man-ied, in Burlington, Wis, , May 16, 1877, to Miss lone Royce, daughter of Lewis Royce, an attorney of Burlington, Wis. Her father settled in that village when the town consisted of only two houses. Mrs. Flanders is an experienced teacher, having taught school successfully in Bur lington, Delavan, Rochester, Geneva and in Iowa. DANIEL G. FOSTER, farmer, Sees. 6 and 7; P. O. Delavan; has a well-cultivated farm of 300 acres; settled in the town of Delavan June 20, 1838, on See. 21, where he resided about six years, then moved to another farm on Sec. 6, and from there to his present home, on Sec. 7, in 1854, still retaining his farm on Sec. 6. He was born in New Hampshire in 1802 ; is the son of Daniel and Mary Davis Foster; when 2 years old, went with his parents to the State of New York, and settled in the town of Butternuts, Otsego Co. ; resided in that county until 1816, then moved to Cayuga County, where they lived ten years; then to Genesee County, town of Perry. He was married, Dec. 25, 1829, to Miss Caroline Brainard, daughter of Ichabo'd Brainard. Five children were born to them in Perry — William H. , Judson B. , Charles R. , Daniel G. , Jr. , and Elon G. In the fall of 1837, Mr. Foster went on an exploring tour; had a tempestuous voyage of nine days from Buffalo to Milwaukee; traveled from Milwaukee to Troy, Walworth Co. ; from there west to Delavan, had only an Indian trail, and had to wade a slough in Troy of some eighty rods; it being dark before he reached Delavan Prairie, he could not keep the trail, but succeeded in reaching Delavan about 9 o'clock. On arriving in the town of Delavan, where he had friends, he selected a tract of land for a farm, and returned to his home in New York. The following June, 1838, he moved his family to their new home in Wisconsin, arriving in Dela van June 20 of that year. Two children were born to them in Wisconsin — Ellen A. and James M. Ellen A. was the wife of Olin D. Barker, of Milwaukee, and died Nov. 2, 1S71; James was a soldier of the late war; was a member of the 22d W. V. I. : he died April 16, 1870. Of the older children, William H. married Ellen J. Rice, and is living in Chicago; Judson B. married Sarah C. Dyke, and is a farmer of Delavan; Charles R. married Allie L. Lane, his first wife, whom he lost, and his present wife, Kitty Wilcox, resides in Chicago; Daniel G., Jr., man-ied to Melissa J. Case, lives in Chicago; Elon G., married to Lina I. Smith, also of Chicago; Charles R. and Elon G. were both soldiers of the late war, and members of the 10th W. V. I. E. B. GATES (deceased) was born in East Haddam,Conn., Aug. 25, ISO i . When 10 years of age, he moved to Utica, N. Y., where he was married, Nov. 23, 182S, to Miss Mary Hickcox, daughter of Preserved Hickcox. Mrs Gates was born in Utica. Mr. Gates was a cabinet-maker by trade, and carried on that business at Utica and at Frankfort, N. Y. In June, 1844, he came to Wis consin, and purchased a farrn in the town of Darien, near the village of Delavan; returned to the East, and, in September, 1845, moved his family to Wisconsin; spent seven years on his farm, and then engaged in the cabinet business at Delavan, which he continued until the time of his death, Nov. 25, 1S74. Mr. Gates was a man of superior intelligence and good judgment; he was a zealous member of the M. E. Church, and assisted in building two church structures. His widow is still a resident of Delavan. They had six children — two sons and four daughters. JEROME E. GATES, deceased, was born in Frankford, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Nov. 3, 1834; was the son of E. B. and Mary E. Gates; he came to Wisconsin with his parents in Sep tember, 1845; made his home in Delavan; in his early manhood, he was engaged with his fa ther in the furniture business; he was subsequently employed as traveling agent for upward of ten years; for several years previous to his death, which occurred June 13, 1881, he was em- 698 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY . ployed as agent of Wood & Son, reaper manufacturers, as traveling agent; at the time of his death, he held the responsible position of general agent for that firm in Northwestern Illinois; he died suddenly, at Wynett, 111, after three days' illness; he was a thorough business man, and enjoyed the fullest confidence of his employers and the respect and esteem of all who knew him; he was married, in November, 1856, in Elkhorn, Wis., to Miss Louisa M. Irish, daughter of Deacon EastmaQ Irish; Mrs. Gates was born in the State of New York; three children were born to them, two sons and a daughter — R. A. , Rita B. and Earl M. ; the eldest, R. A. , is the present Steward of the Wisconsin Institution for the Deaf and Dumb at Delavan. R. A. GATES, Steward of the Wisconsin Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, has been an employe of the institution since March 14, 1876. He is the son of Jerome E. and Louisa Gates; was born Aug. 22, 1857 ; he was educated in the public schools of Delavan. March 14, 1876, he was engaged as night-watch for the deaf and dumb. On the 1st of July following, he was appointed Supervisor of the Boys; Aug, 15, 1878, was employed as Clerk, which position he held till June 7, 1881, when he was appointed Steward, with greatly increased responsibilities; under j the new regulation, the financial management devolves upon the Steward Mr. Gates was married in the institution, July 7, 1880, to Miss Kate De Motte, daughter of W. H. De Motte, Superintendent of the institution. Mrs. Gates was born in Indianapolis, Ind They have one child, a son, named Jerome E. NORMAN L. GASTON, M. D., deceased, was born in New York; studied medicine in Au burn. About 1848, he emigrated to Wisconsin and established himself in practice at Delavan. He was a man well up in his profession, and was a popular pLysician. He was prominent in local politics; was Postmaster at Delavan for several years; his death resulted from a stroke of paralysis. DR. IRA GOODRICH, deceased, was born in Weathersfield, Conn, in 1807 ; was a grad uate of the class of 1832 of the Geneva Medical College of New York; practiced in Fairfield, N. Y, and subsequently in Susquehanna Co., Penn. In 1858, he moved to Delavan, Wis., and formed a partnership with Dr. O. W. Blanchard, which was continued till 1860, since which time he continued to practice alone till the time of his death, which occurred June 8, 1862. He was married, at Fairfield, N. Y., in 1838, to Miss Margaret Van Valkenburg, of Kinderhook, N. Y They had four sons — Jaman H., now a merchant of Delavan; Myron S., a resident of Tombstone, Arizona; Fred B., of the firm of Sage & Goodrich, grocers, of Delavan; Frank D., carriage-maker, also of Delavan. FRED B. GOODRICH, of the firm of Sage & Goodrich, grocers, and operator for the Western Union Telegraph Company at Delavan, was born at Dundaff, Susquehanna Co., Penn., July 11, 1848; came to Delavan, Wis., with his parents in 1858, and was educated at the pub lic schools at this place. He learned telegraphing in the office of the Racine & Mississippi Railroad Company, where he was employed two years. He then spent three years as operator in the principal cities of the South. Returning to the North, he was employed ten years in the general office of the Western Union Telegraph Company at Chicago, where he was appointed to the position of Assistant Chief Operator, and was Manager of the Board of Trade Telegraph Office three years previous to the Chicago fire. He was married, at Conquest, Cayuga Co., N. Y. in 1868 to Miss Ella A. Bell ; from her afterward separated. One child, a daughter, was born of this marriage Dec. 31, 1869, named Maud H In 1877, Mr. Goodrich returned to Delavan, Wis., where he was married, May 16, 1877, to Miss Belle Sage, daughter of H. W. Sage. Mrs. Goodrich was born in Palmyra, Wis. The same year, 1877, Mr. Goodrich formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Charles A. Sage, in the grocery business, under the name of Sage & Goodrich, and has continued in business to this date. He was instrumental in organizing the military company Delavan Guards, of which he was commissioned Captain. See history ol the company elsewhere in this work. REV. DAVID E. EALTEMAN, Pastor of the Baptist Church, Delavan, Wis., which posi tion he has held since 1869. He is a native of Germantown, Penn, is the son of John and Julia Halteman; was born Aug. 28, 1834. He was educated in Denison University, Granville, Licking Co., Ohio, and at the Theological Seminary of Rochester, N. Y. He was ordained a minister of the First Baptist Church at Bloomfield, Edgar Co., 111., January, 1857. His first regu lar settlement as pastor was at Marengo, 111. He was in charge of this church twelve years, com- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 699 mencing June, 1857. In 1869, he moved to Delavan to accept his present position. At this writing, December, 1881, he has served twelve years as pastor of this church. It is only justice to Mr. Halteman to state that the church over which he has been called to preside the past twelve years, though always strong and prosperous, has made good its reputation for progress and substantial development under his care. See history of this church elsewhere in this work. Mr. Halteman was married, at Marengo, 111, May 29, 1861, to Miss Mary L. Ford, daughter of E. E. Ford. She was born in Parish, Oswego Co., N. Y: They have had five children, three of whom are living. Mary Gertrude is a student of Wayland University, Beaver Dam, Wis. ; Hat tie H. ; Francis W., died at the age of 5 years; Chancy, died in infancy; the youngest. Robert J, is living, aged 6 years. May 24, 1861, Mr. Halteman was appointed Chaplain of the 15th 111. V. I. and served until May 1, 1862. During this year, he was understood to be absent from his church on furlough. For eight years, he has served as President of the Baptist State Con vention. He has served as a member of the Board of the Wayland University, at Beaver Dam, many years. NICHOLAS M. HARRINGTON,* Delavan. The personal history of this gentleman is worthy of record and a fixed place in the annals of the earlier days of Wisconsin's mergence from her once barbaric state, when the stalwart Winnebago occupied, or later, when the wily chieftain, Black Hawk, invaded her territory to wrest it from the intruding white man. Mr. Harrington may be ranked with the class called " self-made men," but his career through life thus far illustrates more than the common meaning of that appellation in its ordinary applica tion; for, from his boyhood, he has stood aloof and far above what usually are regarded irresis tible influencing surroundings; and it is this strongly marked feature of his character, without apparent studied effort or ostentation, as best known to his boyhood acquaintances, that renders the history and progress of his life of peculiar value to those of coming generations who would be directed by example, and what has been and what may be achieved, as a rule and guide for life efforts and duties, rather than by the laggard plea and defense of " destiny " and " fixed fate." Mr. Harrington, therefore, stands before his generation, and is an example to those who follow — as, from first effort, establishing himself on a pedestal of elevated moral principle and always cultivating order and system in his habits; thus acquiring, as a result, perfect mastery over inclination, passion, and the directing attributes of organization, physical and mental, until he has been able to subordinate all to a rational control of judgment, and, really, a pleas urable direction in the line of duties, that has marked his manhood and career. It is in this light that his history is of special value to the coming man, as strikingly illustrative of what one may do for and of themselves when once imbued with a love of being right, and an ambition to climb the hill of life among those to be known and valued for their virtues and successes, always assuming, as a rule for himself, that the ' ' individual is wholly responsible for the use made of the talents with which he is endowed, and that the seed of usefulness is in his own hands. ' ' Mr. Harrington was born in Rhode Island, at West Greenwich, July 1 5, 1815, and was the son of David Harrington and Amy Andrews, the widow of William Corey, a sea Captain. His paternal ancestors on both sides were fugitives from religious persecution under Cromwell in the seventeenth century, and settled in Smithfield, R. I. They and their descendants par ticipated in the French and Indian wars and the Revolution. Two brothers and a near relative on his father's side were engaged in the opening fight for independence at Lexington, and two of them were killed, viz. , Jonathan and Caleb Harrington. (See Lossing's Field Book of the Revolution, Vol. I, p. 554.) The whole race of emigrants and descendants seem marked with courage, good, strong common sense and sound judgment, and vigorous intellects. In 1817, Mr. Harrington became a resident of the town of Potter, Yates Co., N. Y, by the emigration of his parents in connection with his maternal grandparents and family, Mr. Samuel Andrews. Here he spent his youth and early manhood, cultivating his mind by every means within his limited reach, and achieving a marked character for earnest yet consistent love of duty, and a faithful discharge of it, both to himself and others; hence he became a man without vicious or demoralizing habits, and with principles fixed in heart and habit. His early educational ad vantages were very limited, his attendance at school not being more than one year, previous to his 19°th birthday. At this time, he began teaching at $11 per month, an occupation which he •Written bv the Hon. R. H. Williams, of the State of New York. 700 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. continued during seven winters and two summers. During this time, he attended the Yates County Academy, and the Franklin Academy, of Prattsburgh, N. Y. , and, by close application to his studies, in and out of school, acquired a good English education and some knowledge of Greek and Latin. He has all through his life been devotedly attached to books of the best authors, and, with his first earned 50 cents, invested it in a three-months' subscription to a newspaper. In 1843, he became an inhabitant of the Territory of Wisconsin, making Delavan, then an in fantile hamlet, his first stopping-place,' and soon fixed upon it as his permanent home, and en tered into business life under the firm name of Harrington & Monell, as merchants, his partner being J. D. Monell, Jr. , of Hudson, N. Y. Subsequently, he assumed the whole business, and pursued it to a successful issue in the year 1850, when he retired from this line of business and devoted his time and attention to travel, and afterward to banking, insurance, and various agen cies and speculative purchases, and sale of real estate, in which he has been eminently success ful, never having failed to meet his business engagements to a day for the whole period of his business career, and rendering universal satisfaction to those who committed business trusts to his hands; yet thus careful and exact in his dealings, no fair man will charge him with mean ness or oppression, while his neighbors award him universal respect With regard to ambitious aspirations for public positions, he disclaims any lack of appreciation of the honors, but says that the people can find just as good servants for less pay than he can afford to abstract his services and skill from his own affairs, and therefore has occupied comparatively but few pub lic positions, except where constrained to do so from a conscious obligation, and in those only where the emolument was nothing, or nominal, and that, too, without regard to the responsi bility or labor involved; hence he gave his services to the Deaf and Dumb Institute, located at Delavan, for fourteen years, as Trustee, Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary, and his best fostering care, without salary, and until this asylum of mercy had gained a hold upon the charities of the State that now carries it along triumphantly. He also accepted the office of Postmaster under the administration of Franklin Pierce, unsolicited, for the purpose of obtain ing additional mail facilities for Delavan at this time — 1853 — when there were but three mails each week from the East, and three from the West, making a tri-weekly mail. So effectual were his efforts and influence with the Post Office Department that, in one and one-half years after his acceptance of the post office, Delavan could boast of forty-six mails each week. When these additional weekly, semi-weekly and daily mails were secured, he resigned the office of Postmaster. In this connection it seems quite proper to say that Mr. Harrington is an admitted attorney at law in the courts of the State, which, with his other business qualifications emi nently fit him for the intelligent discharge of all duties assumed. In politics, he is usually associated with the Democracy, but in the late war period he lent his influence earnestly to the preservation of the Union. He holds decided religious opinions, and is a zealous member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and also a Freemason of a high order, to which institution he is strongly and conscientiously attached. Socially, he has few superiors; ever ready to draw, from all rational sources, knowledge and pleasure, he gratefully contributes, in return, from his exhaustless fund of carefully collected facts and points of history and interest, to the pleasure and profit of those about him. In his domestic relations, his treasure of a wife with him presides over the household in genial unison, and their home is the seat of domestic peace, plenty and happiness, without excess or stint. For some years, they have mutually devoted their first care and attention to the rearing and education of their four children, viz. , three sons and one daughter; and, for the purpose of training his sons to practical business duties, Mr. Harrington has to some extent resumed merchandising, and now, since he has passed his sixth decade, is engaged in establishing himself and family permanently at a rural home one and one- half miles distant from the village, which shall embrace the practical facilities of farm life with that of cultivated moral taste and freedom from fancied town life restraints. To this end is he occupied in the erection of a country residence and outbuildings that shall vie with any in the State for taste, convenience and practical uses, and with other improvements of lawn and soil to correspond, and render it a success, both agriculturally and artistically. This, he says, is to- be the climax of his ambition, and to this end he is sparing neither skill nor money, and,' when consummated, it will compare favorably with anyplace in the State for its combination of taste, convenience and utility. Another feature of Mr. Harrington's character is an ardent love of his HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 701 kindred and friends, never forgetting and never failing to extend an up-lifting aid to their ne cessities and deficiencies, that seems almost by intuition to elevate and advance them above the plane of their ordinary personal dependence, and place them where hope and prosperity bear them onward. It is with a most commendable pride that he points to scores nf individuals whose lives and fortunes verify this fact, and that, too, without an instance where the ends do not more than justify the means and affirm the value and blessing of an elevating hand and spirit. His sympathies have always been deeply engaged in the welfare of the weak and those in distress, and for the aid of all such his labors have never been withheld. It is no purpose of the writer to eulogize or flatter the subject of this life sketch beyond the statement of simple facts, and from them find evidences that confirm and bear out the philosophy of his life rule, viz. : " Sys tern in all things that we do, a hearty, honest purpose to attain a higher and better and more perfect plane of human usefulness than from whence we start, and, by patient industry and per severance, secure success. " Such has been his course, his aim and faith, and the results are before the world; yet, with all this, I would not claim that he is not without eccentricities, pe culiarities, and even faults — for who that is human is? His is a life and he a sample of what consistent effort, directed by correct principles, may aim at and hope for. Mr. Harrington has been thrice married; his two first wives died in early wedded life, without children; therefore it is with his present companion, the mother of his children, that his paternal ties have been formed, and, by mutual bearing and forbearing, a most genial unity has been maintained and cemented, and which, doubtless, largely contributes to secure results so favorably distinguish ing their lives and condition. Mrs. Harrington's maiden name was Catharine M. Crosby, daughter of Eber Crosby, a descendant of Enoch Crosby, alias Harvey Burch, Cooper's Spy of the Revolution. She was born at Patterson, Putnam Co. , N. Y. , Oct. 27, 1825, and is a lady of culture and sterling qualities, and a most fitting balance and aid to her husband. Mr. Har rington is now a Justice of the Peace for the town of Darien, where he now resides at his country home. ' ELIAS HARRIS, carpenter and joiner, settled in the town of Delavan in March, 1846. He was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., July, 1819; is the son of Joseph Harris; moved to Gene see County, where he lived thirteen years, and from there to Erie County, near Buffalo. In 1838, he went to Will Co. , 111. , and resided at Plainfield till March, 1846, when he came to Wisconsin and located in the town of Delavan. In the fall of 1852, he began work in Delavan as a carpenter and builder, which he has continued to this date. He was married, in the win ter of 1838, to Miss Harriet Southwell. They had three children, none of whom are living. Mrs, Harris died in 1868. Mr. Harris was married to his present wife, whose maiden name was Miss Rachel, daughter of Deacon John Reader, Jan. 17, 1870. Mrs. Harris was born in Walworth, Wis. , of which town her people were early pioneers. See sketch of her father. Since 1854, Mr. Harris has resided in the village of Delavan. JAMES B. HEMINWAY, M. D., physician and surgeon; practice established in Delavan in 1856. He was born in Shrewsbury, Rutland Co., Vt., March 7, 1820; is the son of Sewell and Polly Bullard Heminway; was educated at Castleton Medical College, Fair Haven, Vt., and at Ludlow, Vt. , studied medicine with Middleton Goldsmith, of Vermont, taking a regular course of lectures, and began practice of his profession. After practicing six years, he attended three courses of lectures at the Castleton Medical College, Vermont, and graduated in 1855; continued to practice at Middleton till 1856, when he came to Wisconsin and established him self in practice at Delavan, which he has continued to this date, or during a period of twenty- five jtears. He was married, at Ira, Vt., Jan. 26, 1843, to Miss Mary Harrington, daughter of Joshua Harrington and sister of Judge C. B. and Philander Harrington, of Burlington, Iowa. They had two daughters. The older, Mary M., was born May 26, 1846, died when 2 years of age;" Lillie H. was born Oct. 29, 1849; was married to S. M. Parish, of Chicago, Jan. 20, 1869. Dr. Heminway has been a member of the School Board several years, and President of the vil lage of Delavan four years. He is the present physician of the State Institution for the Deaf and Dumb at Delavan, having been appointed from time to time for many years. N. W. HOAG, proprietor of Delavan, Clinton and Elkhorn elevator, and dealer in grain and live stock; business established in 1875. He was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Aug. 24, 1835; is the son of Enoch I. and Sarah Wing Hoag. He came to Wisconsin in 1856, and 702 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. located at Darien, Walworth Co., where he was engaged in mercantile business, also grain and lumber business, till 1872, when he closed out and moved to Door County and engaged in the lumber business there ; three years later, he sold out and moved to Delavan, built the elevator which he is now operating, and engaged in his present business. The elevator has a capacity of 50,000 bushels. Mr. Hoag handles about five hundred thousand bushels of grain annually. He was married, at Darien, to Miss Laura A. Dodge, daughter of Leander Dodge. Mrs. Hoag was born in Genesee Co., N. Y. They have three children. The oldest, Frank D., is book keeping in Chicago; Henry S. is engaged in the live stock business at Delavan; the youngest is a daughter, Gertie W. Mr. Hoag has served eleven years in succession as Town Clerk of Darien, Wis. WILLIAM HOLLINSHEAD, farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Elkhorn; has 420 acres of land; set tled in the county June 20, 1837, on the farm on which he now lives; he was born near Strouds burg, Northampton Co. (now Monroe), Perm., Sept. 3, 1806; he is the son of James and Sarah Hollinshead; was brought up a farmer and came to Wisconsin in 1837 ; early in July, located on the Government land in Sec. 3, town of Delavan; went East in 1842; was married, in Stroudsburg, Penn, June 20 of that year, to Miss Caroline, daughter of James and Deborah Bur son; Mrs. Hollinshead is a native of Stroudsburg; they have one daughter, Elizabeth, now Mrs. Herman A. Briggs, residing at her old home. Mr. Hollinshead has held various town offices in the town of Delavan, and leader in advancing the agricultural interests of the county; in 1880, he retired from active farm business, having turned his farm over to his son-in-law, Mr. Briggs. Though not an aspirant for public office, Mr. Hollinshead has always been influential in local matters; by his intelligence and purity of character, has commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. C. N. HOLLISTER, retired farmer. His farm comprises 700 acres, lying mostly in Da rien, of which town Mr. Hollister was an early settler —June 10, 1839. He is the son of Kinner and Mary Winchel Hollister; was born in Olive, Ulster Co., N. Y., Dec. 11, 1808; when quite young, moved to Dryden, Tompkins Co. , with his parents, where he was brought up a fanner. He was married in that county, May 7, 1837, to Maria C. Latimer. Mrs. Hollister was born in Ulster Co., N. Y. One child was born to them in the State of New York — Uriah S., nov uar- ried to Emma Morrison, and living at St. Paul, Minn. In June, 1839, Mr. Hollister anc" im- ily moved to Wisconsin and located on Sec. 5, Darien, Walworth Co. , where he resided tw nty- seven years, and then moved to Delavan. Six children were born to them while living in Dar ien. Kinner N. married Frances M. Tilden, and is a merchant of Delavan; Eugene B. married Nellie V Jones, resides at Delavan; Helen L. died in infancy; Lillian, now Mrs. A. H Ken drick, of Delavan; Warren C. is an employe of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad; Elmer L. is a student of the Chicago Medical College. EDWARD B. HOLLISTER, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Delavan; has 120 acres; was 'iorn in Wyoming Co., N. Y, Nov. 23, 1825; is the son of Seth L. and Catharine Hollister; came to Wisconsin in 1842, arriving in Delavan Nov. 13. He took up a quarter-section of lam on Sec. 24, subsequently deeded 80 acres of it to his father, who came to Delavan some years later. He was married, in Geneva, Wis., May 24, 1849, to Miss Harriet Eaton, daughter of Francis Eaton. Mrs. Hollister was born in Erie Co., N. Y. They have three children — Jehial E., of Chicago; Adelia, of Geneva, and Albert. The latter married Ida Burdick, and resides at Delavan. Mr. Hol lister, though never conspicuous in public affairs, is well and favorably known in the county as a worthy citizen, and at home as a genial, kind-hearted neighbor and friend. HENRY G. HOLLISTER, farmer and proprietor of livery stable; business established July, 1875. He has resided in Delavan .since 1871; was bore in Perry, Wyoming Jo., N. Y., May 19, 1826; is the son of Seth L. and Catharine Brigham Hollister. In 1843, he came to Wisconsin and located on a farm in the town of Delavan, Walworth Co., Sees. 13 and 14, where he still has a farm of 280 acres. In 1871, he moved to the village of Delavan and engaged in the butchering and live-stock business. During 1874 and 1875, he was interested in buying and shipping horses. In 1875, he entered into partnership with Mr. C. W. Phelps in the livery business; continued that connection till May, 1880, since which time he has conducted the business alone. He was married, at Elkhorn, Dec. 21, 1848, to Miss Mary Ann Mallory, daugh ter of Henry Mallory. They have had four children— Seth H, John H, Pemelia and Ella. ¦¦'¦ ¦..-.¦.¦ > '¦ ^pPlK fMBfrik .^UD^ck.Ji^j^iiAAj^u^ HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 705 John H. married Miss May Howe, and lives in Iowa; Pemelia died when 18 years old; Ella is living at Colorado Springs. Mrs. Hollister died Dec. 29. 1873. Mr. Hollister was married, at Rockford, 111., Nov. 29, 1877, to Mrs. Helen C. Crary, widow of William Crary and daughter of Peter M. Keeler. She was born at Darien, N. Y. Mr. Hollister has been Chairman of the town of Delavan six years; is the present incumbent. K. N. HOLLISTER, of Hollister & Jackson, merchants, successors to K. N. Hollister, who commenced business in 1865 as a manufacturer of patent medicines. In 1871, he added a gen eral drug store; in 1875, added groceries; and in 1879, stoves, hardware and tinware, having a double store, with a frontage of fifty-seven feet and depth of seventy-five feet. In the fall of 1881, Mr. S. L. Jackson became associated with him in the business, under the firm name of Hollister & Jackson. They have one of the most extensive and complete stock of goods in the county. Mr. Hollister was born in Darien, Walworth Co., Wis., Jan. 21, 1841; is the son of Cyrenus N. Hollister. Ho ^pent his boyhood on his father's farm. When 20 years of age, he started a hardware store in Delavan, which he carried on from 1861 till 1864, when he enlisted in the 40th W. V. I. for 100 days; he received a Captain's commission; spent the winter of 1864-65 at Nashville, Tenn. Ou his return the following year, he began in the patent medi cine business. He was married, Feb. 3, 1870, at Delavan, to Miss Fannie Tilden, a daughter of I. D. and Margaret Tilden. Mrs. Hollister was born in Utica, N. Y., and was a popular teacher of Delavan. They have four children — Kenneth, Margaret, Warren D. and Ned. SETH L. HOLLISTER, deceased, was born July 19, 1792, in Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y. ; was married, April 2, 1818, to Catharine Brigham; Mrs. Hollister was born in Barrington, Mass., Feb. 10, 1796; about 1824, they moved to Perry, Genesee Co., N. Y., where they lived till September, 1843, when they emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in the eastern part of Del avan, Walworth Co. , where Mr. Hollister was engaged in farming; his death occurred March 16, 1867; his wife survived him a little more than a year; she died May 12, 1868. MRS. BRIDGET HUTTON resides in Sec. 13; P. O. Elkhorn; she is the widow of John Hutton, who was born in England about 1804 and came to the United States when 18 years of age; his first wife was Mary Fay, born in Ireland; she died in the town of Delavan, Jan. 1, 1864. Mr. Hutton was one of the early settlers of the town of Geneva; he settled in Delavan about 1858; his second wife, formerly Miss Bridget Mack, now owns the homestead; Mrs. Hut ton is a native of Ireland, and came to the United States with her parents when she was a child. Mr. Hutton had seven children by his first wife, six of whom are living, and two of them reside at the homestead, viz., Frank, born in the town of Geneva in 1853, and Henry, born May, 1856. Mrs. Hutton has four children — George, Sarah, Eliza and Alice; her farm contains 160 acres. CAPT. HENRY C. HUNT, master of the pleasure steamer D. A. Olin, of Delavan Lake. He was born in the town of Perry, Wyoming Co., N. Y, Dec. 26, 1833; is the son of Henry and Mary Hunt. When 20 years of age, he came to Delavan, Wis., and engaged in farming near the village; continued on the farm till 1859, when he went to Pike's Peak, Colo.; spent three years in the mountains, in mining and such other employment as he found available. On re turning to Wisconsin, he devoted one year to farming, and in January, 1864, enlisted in Co. D, 22d W. V. I. ; participated in the battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Lost Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. At the latter battle, July 20, 1864, he received a gun-shot wound by which he lost his left leg below the knea He was discharged from hospital in June, 1865, and, on his return to his home at Delavan, he was obliged to submit to a second amputation of the limb, which, in his enfeebled condition, nearly cost him his life. On recovering his health, he engaged as salesman in the clothing store of Myers & Alcin, Delavan, which position he held five years. During this time, he served as Town Treasurer two terms. He next engaged with J. H. Good rich as salesman, and continued in that capacity five years; next engaged in the tobacco busi ness, which he continued five years. In 1874, he was employed as master of the pleasure steamer D. A. Olin, on Delavan Lake, and has served as her Captain to this date— 1881. Capt. Hunt was married, Sept. 25, 1863, at Delavan, to Miss Mary E. Rewey, daughter of Addison Rewey. Mrs. Hunt was born in the State of New York WILLARD W. ISHAM, deceased, was born in Smyrna, Chenango Co., N. Y, March 24, 1820; died Nov. 26, 1876. He was the son of Enoch and Mary Isham, and was married to Eluah N. Francis March 1, 1843. They had six children— Hattie, Frank, Delia, Charles, Lena 706 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. and Minnie— all of whom are living. At the age of 18, he went to learn the carriage-maker's trade. In 1843, he started a carriage-shop of his own at Earlville, N. Y. In 1845, he sold out his business there, coming to Wisconsin and locating at Delavan, where he and C. H Sturte vant went into partnership, making carriages, wagons, coffins, and doing carpenter work. In 1849, they bought out another shop, making plows, of a Mr. Stewart, which they added to their other business. In 1851, they sold the blacksmith shop to Charles Fitzer for $1,100 in gold. In 1853, he bought out C. H. Sturtevant and continued aloDe for one year, when Joseph Wal ton bought one-half of the business. They were together for three years, when he sold the rest of the business to his partner, Joseph Walton. He was then out of business for one year, when, in 1858, he bought out J. D. Monell, of the firm of Sturtevant & Monell, dealers in dry goods and groceries, etc. The firm then continued as Isham & Sturtevant .until 1861, when they sold to W. W. Sturtevant. During the same year, they built the large brick wagon and carriage shop on the north side of Walworth avenue, where they built wagons and carriages that had few equals for durability and good workmanship. They shipped their work to the northern part of the State and Iowa, and remained in the business until 1869, when they closed out their stock and discontinued the manufacture. In the same year, they sold one-half of the building to A. H. Barnes to be used for bank and offices, and W. Isham started a hardware store in the west half of the brick building, where he continued in business until his death, when the stock was purchased by C. T. Isham & Co. During his life, he held many offices of trust In 1855. he served one term in the Wisconsin Legislature. He served six terms as Trustee of the Wisconsin Deaf and Dumb Asylum, his death occurring while in office. He has also been Mayor, Treasurer, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and Clerk of the School Board CHARLES T. ISHAM, hardware merchant; business established in January, 1877. Mr. Isham was born in Delavan, Wis., April 20, 1854; is the son of Willard and Eluah Isham. He learned the tinner's trade with his father, commencing when 18 years of age. Jan. 1, 1877, he began business for himself in the hardware line, which he has continued to this date. He car ries a general stock of hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural implements: average value, $5,000. Mr. Isham was married, at Delavan, September, 1877, to Miss Etta De Wolf, daughter of John De Wolf. Mrs. Isham was born in Darien, Wis. They have one child, Willard ROBERT H. JAMES. The subject of this sketch is a native of Richmond, Washington Co., R. I., where he was born May 12, 1825; he is the son of the late Thomas James, of Dela van; his mother was Dorcas Perry, also a native of Richmond, R. I. ; his father and grandfather on his father's side were- born in the same town of Richmond, and resided on the same farm, the old homestead having been in the possession of the James family for nearly or quite a century; the family was one of the oldest in Rhode Island Colony, and originally came to America from Wales; the subject of this sketch came with his father's family to Richmond, Walworth Co., Wis., in February, 1838, when but a boy of 12 years; he spent the time until he was of age on his father's farm, taking his share of the labor of the place; Mr. James is gifted by nature with superior mental endowments, and had a thirst for the possession of knowledge; but his edu cational advantages were only such as were afforded by the common country school of that early day; of these limited and often crude facilities he made the most in his power, and fitted him self as thoroughly as possible for the business of his life; he followed the occupation of a farmer for a number of years, his farm lying adjacent to that of his father's, in the town of Richmond; but the failure of his health obliged him to abandon farming; having disposed of his farm, he moved to Delavan in 1864; after a year spent in recuperation and the prosecution of business on a small scale, he became a member of the well known firm of Topping & Co. , in which relation he continued until the dissolution of the firm, which took place in 1868 ; the Top pings removed from Delavan, and Mr. James continued the grocery part of the old firm, build ing up a successful and constantly growing business; the house is now thoroughly established, and one of the best known in the county, under the firm name of James & Irish; as. a business man, Mr. James is prudent and circumspect; in all the details of business, he is scrupulously exact, meeting all his business engagements with conscientious fidelity, he is known among bus iness men as above reproach, and the very soul of honor; it is, however, as a Christian man that Mr. James is most widely known; he is a member and officer of the First Baptist Church of Delavan; in addition to his faithful devotion to all the interests of the church of which he is a HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 70T member, he manifests in many ways a deep interest in the prosperity of the denomination to which he belongs; the young members of the church find in him a kind and judicious counselor; to the work of the Sunday school and the religious education of children he zealously gives his time and influence; he is a warm friend of Christian missions, and enters heartily into all the movements, religious and philanthropic, which look to the social and moral improvement of the community; few men accomplish more than he for the good of his fellows and the honor of re ligion, with the same power and opportunity which he possesses; he is a man of peace, and of a meek and quiet spirit, and while many men are endowed with more splendid gifts, few exhibit in their daily lives a brighter assemblage of virtues; feeble health through many years has largely curtailed his active Christian work, and yet his earnest Christian purpose and self-deny ing devotion has made him a man of marked usefulness. On Nov. 17, 1848, Mr. James mar ried Miss Mary R. Paul, daughter of the late George W. Paul, extensively known among the early settlers; they have no children; Mrs. James is in full sympathy with her husband's Chris tian work, and to a large extent shares it with him; many friends desire for them many years of usefulness in the village and the church. S. REES LA BAR, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Delavan; has 300 acres; settled in Delavan July 4, 1839, with his parents, On the same farm which he now occupies, and has occupied continu ously since, except three years spent in the village of Delavan. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Stroud, Monroe Co., Penn., Jan. 17, 1820; is the son of Daniel E. and Hannah La Bar. He was brought up on a farm, and, in 1839, came to Wisconsin Territory with his parents, arriving in Delavan July 4 of that year. His father entered the northwest quarter of Sec. 7, the southwest quarter of Sec. 6, and the west half of the northwest quarter of Sec. 6, Town 2 north, Range 16, east (Delavan). The La Bars experienced the usual inconven iences incident to a pioneer life; but, having, luckily or prudently, selected a site for a home possessed of great natural advantages, common to Walworth County, they prospered, and soon found themselves owners of a valuable farm. The subject of this sketch was married, at Del- ton, Sauk Co., Wis., Nov. 10, 1856, to Miss Harriet N. Topping, daughter of Rev. Henry Top ping, of whom a sketch is given elsewhere in this work. Mrs. La Bar was born in Charleston, Montgomery Co., N. Y. ,and came with her parents to Delavan in 1839. They have had eight children — Daniel, Charles H., Gilbert, Nina, James, Frank, Ruth and Julia. Of these, four only are living. Charles H died when 19 years of age; Nina, July, 1881, aged 16 years; James died in infancy; Julia died in childhood. Mr. La Bar was elected Assessor of Delavan in 1845; was a member of the Board of Supervisors in 1856 and 1857; was re-elected another term; was elected Assessor again in 1869, and served six years in succession. He was ap pointed a member of the Board of Trustees of the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb in 1876, and served five years, or until the system of management was changed by law. IRA P. LARNARD, Town Clerk, and agent of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee. He has been Town Clerk since April, 1869, and agent of the insur ance company since 1869. He was born in the town of Barton, Tioga Co., N. Y., Jan. 20, 1821; is the son of Elisha and Nancy Larnard; his father was a native of Vermont, and his mother of Connecticut. In 1841, he came to Wisconsin, arriving in Delavan June 1 ; was en gaged in farming about three years, then worked at the carpenter and joiner's trade a few months, then bought out a wagon-shop, and, in the spring of 1845, he returned East to his old home on a visit, but only stopped a short time, then came back to Delavan and continued the business of wagon-making eight years. He then sold out, and purchased an- interest in a brick business; was only connected with that enterprise one year and a half. While engaged in the brick bus iness, in 1853. he formed a partnership with E. H. M. Bailey & Co. in the dry goods mercantile line, under the firm name of Larnard, Bailey & Co. One year later, they took in Mr. William A. Bartlett, and the firm was changed to Larnard, Bailey & Bartlett. Next, Mr. Bartlett sold his interest to Mr. M. B. Goff, and the firm name became Larnard, Bailey & Goff. Mr. Larnard continued the connection until the fall of 1858, when he sold out to Charles H Topping & Co., and went to Pike's Peak, leaving Delavan in March, 1859. He remained in the mountains until September, 1859, and then returned to Delavan. He then bought out a small grocery, which he carried on two years, when he sold out to James Topping & Co., since which time he has been engaged in book-keeping, performing the duties of Town Clerk, and conducting the 708 HISTORY" OF WALWORTH COUNTY. agency of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, commencing in 1869 with the latter. In 1869, he was elected Town Clerk of Delavan, and has held the office to this date — 1SS1. He was married, Sept. 6, 1848, at this place, to Miss Hannah A. Bradway, daughter of Benoni Bradway. Mrs. Larnard was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y. They have two daughters living — Lrma A. and Edna. They lost two — Emma, aged 9 years; and Ida, 7 years; both died of diphtheria. Mr. Larnard is a pronounced temperance man, and can boast of that which few men can, that he has lived nearly sixty-one years without drinking as much as one gill of intoxicating liquor, and not a drop of lager beer. E. LATIMER, President of the banking house of E. Latimer & Co. Mr. Latimer is a na tive of Ulster Co., N. Y.; is the son of Alexander and Nellie Smith Latimer; was born Oct. 25, 1818. He served a regular apprenticeship at the carpenter and joiner's trade, and, in 1844, engaged as a builder in the city of New York In 1847, he moved to Wisconsin and located in the town of Darien, Walworth Co., where he purchased a tract of 280 acres of land and en gaged in farming, continuing at this occupation until 1854, when he moved to Delavan, and, in company with Mr. O. Bell, built an elevator and engaged in the grain trade. He continued in this line about sixteen years, part of which time he was in partnership with his brother, J. F. Latimer. In 1865, he participated in the organization of the National Bank of Delavan, and became one of its largest shareholders. He was elected President of the bank in 1873, and held that position seven years. On the organization of the present bank, he was elected President, and has held that position to this date. He has served as President of the Village Board two terms, and has been a member of the County Board of Supervisors two years, as Supervisor from the village of Delavan. Mr. Latimer was married, in the town of Darien, Feb. 21, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Weed, daughter of Rial N. Weed. Mrs. Latimer was born in Livingston Co. , N. Y. They have two children — a son, Fred E., an attorney of Delavan, and a daughter, Mary. NELSON LEE, farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Delavan; has 97 J acres; settled in the county in 1847. Mr. Lee was born in Guilford, New Haven Co., Conn., March 1, 1814; is the son of Elon and Lydia Palmer Lee; when 2 years of age, moved with his parents to Monroe Co., N. Y. ; lived at Cattaraugus and Niagara till 1847, when he moved to Wisconsin and located in the town of Darien, Walworth Co., where he lived one year, then moved to the town of Sugar Creek, where he was engaged in farming till 1867, when he moved to his present farm in Delavan. He was married, at Clarkson, Monroe Co., N. Y, in 1837, to Miss Mary E. Chesebro, daughter of Eben ezer Chesebro. Mrs. Lee was born in the town of Berne, Albany Co., N. Y. They have two sons — Elon N., married Annie Bastin and lives at Webster City, Iowa; George P., married Edna Johnson and lives in Sugar Creek, Wis. Elon N. was Superintendent of Schools of Walworth County one term. He served in the late war as a member of the 10th W. V. I. ; was discharged for disability, and re-enlisted in an Illinois regiment. 100-days service. G. W. LEECH, proprietor of wagon and blacksmith shops; established his business in Del avan in 1850. He was born in St. Albans, Me., May 10, 1832; is the son of William R. and Hannah (Sewell) Leech. About 1848, he began learning the wagon and carriage maker's trade; worked at it one year, then, in 1849, came West and located at Delavan, Wis. ; worked at his trade one year, and then started in business for himself in 1850. He now operates two shops, and has been in business continuously in this place for thirty-one years. He was married, in Delavan, July 5, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Willis, daughter of Amos Willis. Mrs. Leech was born in Darien, N. Y. They. have three children — George E., Mary E. and William L. F. C. LIVINGSTON, of the firm of Livingston & Phillips, proprietors of livery stable, was born in Bradford, Rock Co., Wis., April 30, 1852; is the son of Ezer and Elizabeth Livingston. His parents were from the State of New York, and settled in Rock Co., Wis., in 1845. The subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm, and, in 1877, went to Clinton, Wis., where he was employed as merchant's clerk till 1879, when he came to Delavan and engaged with Mr. D. M. Phillips in the livery business April 1. They have a well-stocked livery, and are doing a good business. Mr. Livingston is managing the establishment at Delavan, his partner, Mr. Phillips, being a resident of Clinton, Wis., where he is conducting another stable. Mr. Liv ingston was married at Elkhorn, Dec. 27, 1881, to Miss Helen, daughter of William Hall, of Delevan. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 709 EDMUND F. MABIE, deceased, was born in Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y., in 1810. About 1840, he, in company with his brother, Jeremiah, and a Mr. Hawes, organized and ope rated the celebrated Mabie Circus and Show. The Mabies were the pioneer circus men of the West and South, and were among the few men in their line who maintained their popularity and made money at the same time. While on one of their Western tours, in 1847, they were attracted, by the peculiar natural advantages of Walworth Co., Wis., and the sub ject of this sketch selected a large tract of land, about 1,000 acres, near Delavan Lake, and adjacent to the village of Delavan, besides purchasing various lots and other property in the village. This property was owned jointly by the two brothers, who had for years been partners in all their business relations. They also purchased the Delavan Mills. Mr. Edmund Mabie was married, at Delavan, Nov. 25, 1850, to Miss Laura Buckley, daughter of Matthew Buckley. Mrs. Mabie was born in Philadelphia. Eight children were born to them — Marline, Marianne C, Ann Mary, Sarah E., Matthew G. (died when 4 years of age), Edmund G., Gurdon M., E. Foster (died in childhood). The eldest, Marline, is now the wife of J. M. Hawes, of Delavan; Marianne is now Mrs. Frank Sturtevant, of Delavan. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Mabie gave up traveling with the show, and made his home in Delavan, where he devoted himself to the care of the farms, mills and other property belonging to himself and brother. He was active in encouraging the building of the plank road from Racine to Delavan, and later, in aiding in securing the construction of the Racine & Mississippi Railway to that point. He was generally recognized as an active, enterprising business man, liberal in his views in regard to public im provements, in all of which he was cheerfully seconded by his brother. Mr. Mabie was a zeal ous member of the Congregational Church. He served as President of the village of Delavan, and was a member of the Walworth County Agricultural Association. His widow was married to Mr. Orlando Crosby, Dec. 5, 1870, at Delavan, where she still resides. JEREMIAH MABIE, deceased, was born in Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y, June 12, 1812; was brought up on a farm. About 1840, in company with a brother, Edmund, and Seth Howes, he organized a circus, known as Mabie Circus, giving the first performance in his native town of Patterson. They traveled in the State of New York the first season; the next, in Canada; returned to New York, and, in 1843, made a tour of the West. Several years later, in 1846, Mr. Howes sold out to the Mabies, who continued the business. In the spring of 1847, they had purchased a large farm near the village of Delavan, and, suitable buildings being constructed, the circus was wintered here in the winter of 1848-49. From that out to the time of their deaths, the Mabies made this their headquarters. The older Mabie had made his home here, but the subject of this sketch, having, in 1852, married, in his native county, Miss Anna Mary, daughter of Solomon Field, he made his home in the East until 1862, when, on the account of failing health, he was obliged to retire from the show business, and established his home on the beautiful farm near Delavan Lake, known as Lake Lawn Farm. Some years previous, the brothers had divided the property, which "had before been in common, the older, Edmund, taking the mill property at Delavan, and certain tracts of land, and houses and lots, as his share, while Jeremiah received as his share the circus and menagerie, and the farm on Delavan Lake. Mr. Mabie disposed of the show in 1864, and continued his residence at the lake until the time of his death, which occurred Aug. 31, 1867. He died leaving a wife and three children — Mary, Antoinette and Elizabeth F. ' The only son, Joshua, died when 5 years of age. Mr. Mabie was well known throughout the United States as a successful showman. He had a peculiar turn for the busi ness; quick to appreciate the demands of the amusement- loving public, his good judgment and great executive ability made success crown his efforts. The Mabies were the pioneer circus men of the West. ROBERT R. MENZIE, attorney at law, established in practice in June, 1849, at Delavan. He is the oldest living representative of Delavan. He was born in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, April 1, 1809; is the son of Robert and Christiana Menzie; came to America when 3 years of age, with his parents, who located in Delaware Co., N. Y. He was educated by his father and at the high school at Lancaster, Penn. When 18 years old, he began the study of medicine at Garratts- ville,.Otsego Co. , N. Y. , and was also engaged in teaching school. He attended a regular course of lectures at the New Haven Medical College of Connecticut, and graduated one month before coming of age. He began the practice of medicine at Garrattsville, Otsego Co. , N. Y. He then 710 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. began the study of law at New Berlin, in Chenango County, with Ely & Bennett, remaining in that office one and one-half years, and then went to Hobert and completed his studies with La- vinus Munson, of that place. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of New York in 1837, and also as a solicitor in chancery at the same time; two years later, as counselor of the same court. Shortly after, he went to Schoharie Co., N. Y., where he practiced several years. From there he went to Greene County. On the breaking-out of the Mexican war, in the spring of 1845, he raised the 46th Regiment of Volunteers, and was commissioned Colonel, and served with honor under Gens. Scott and Taylor until the close of the war. After his return to New York, he came to Wisconsin, in June, 1849, and went direct to Delavan. He was ad mitted to practice in Circuit Court of Walworth County Dec. 10, 1850, and to the United States Court June 1, 1857. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Illinois in 1865, and maintained an office in Chicago three years — 1872, 1873, 1874 — since which time he has practiced in Wisconsin. He was married, at Hobert, N. Y., June, 1836, to Rebecca A. Thorpe, a grand-daughter of Joseph Johnson, a soldier of the Revolution. They have had three chil dren — Charles H. , a locomotive engineer, married to Emily Beebe, and resides at Freeport, 111. ; John E. married Pricilla R. Ellis, is also a locomotive engineer, and lives at La Grange, Wis. ; Silas W., an attorney of Delavan. Mrs. Menzie died April 11, 1860. Mr. Menzie was married, in the spring of 1867, at Belvidere, 111. , to Mrs. Amanda F. Hageman, daughter of Pardon Miller. Charles Menzie was a member of Co. D, 22d W. V. I., and served from 1862 to the close of the war. SILAS W. MENZIE, of the firm of R. R. & S. W. Menzie. attorneys at law; the father established the business in 1849; the son, S. W., became associated with his father in the prac tice of law in 1866. The subject of this sketch was born in Gilboa, Schoharie Co. , N. Y. , June 2, 1842; he is the son of Robert R. and Rebecca A. Menzie; came to Delavan with his parents in 1849, and was educated in the Delavan High School; in 1861, he went to California across the plains; was purchasing agent of the California Stage Line till July 1; when on his return to the States, in the bummer of 1862, he was a passenger on the ill-fated steamer Golden Gate, that was burned off the coast of Mancinello, Aug. 12; he was saved by drifting ashore on a hen coop, being one of thirty-one persons who were saved out of a total of 750 who were on the burned steamer; he then returned to California and remained there until December, 1862, when he returned to Delavan, arriving in January, 1863 ; the following April, he was employed by the United States Government at Pilot Knob, Mo. , and had charge of the post trains and Gov ernment stables until August of the same year; in April, 1864, he made another trip overland to California, and remained there until December of the same year, then went to Central Amer ica to accept a position from the Pacific Mail Steamship Company; he continued in the service of that company till June, 1866, when he returned to Delavan; he then resumed the study of law in his father's office at that place, and was admitted to the bar at Elkhorn in the Circuit Court, in September, 1866, and entered upon the practice of his profession; he was admitted to the Supreme Court of Wisconsin at Madison, Feb. 29 , 1878 ; in 1868, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and re-elected each term since till this date — 1882 ; he has also held the office of Court Commissioner six years, and Fire Marshal of Delavan two years. R. S. MINER, foreman of the shoe-shop of the Institution of the Deaf and Dumb; was ap pointed to his present position July 1, 1S77; has from sixteen to twenty -five boys in his depart ment, ranging from 14 to 20 years. Mr. Miner was born in Utica, N. Y, Aug. 25, 1840; is the son of J. G. and Mary A. Miner; when 6 years of age, moved with his parents to Texas; lived near San Antooia four years; from there went to Indian Territory; lived at Tuckabacha, among the Creek Indians, three years; then came to Racine, Wis., in 1854, where he learned the shoe maker's trade; went from there to Kenosha, and from there to Delavan. He enlisted from Sharon, Sept. 13, 1861, in Co. C, 13th W. V. I., and served until Nov. 24, 1865, when he was discharged; had been promoted to Sergeant, and, in absence of his superior officers, was in com mand of the company on its return to the North. On his return from the war, he made his home in Sharon. He was married, Jan. 13, 1867, to Miss A. O. Sutherland, daughter of Henry Sutherland. Mrs. Miner was born in Cook Co., 111. In the spring of 1870, they moved to La bette Co., Kan. ; spent three years in that State; at the end of that time, returned to Wiscon sin; spent some years in this State and in Minnesota. Since his appointment to his present position, 1877, he made his home in Delavr.n. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 711 GEORGE MORRISON, D. D. S., President of the Wisconsin Dental College, incorporated under the general law of Wisconsin, has practiced his profession at Delavan since 1871. He was born at Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y, April 24, 1837; is the oldest son of John and Eliza beth Morrison, from Aberdeen, Scotland. He was educated at Madrid, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where he studied dentistry with Dr. E. G. Fitch, and commenced the practice of his profes sion the year 1861. He is the inventor of what is known as Morrison's artificial teeth plate, pat ented April 13, 1869, and Dec. 12, 1871, which has given him a professional standing in the United States. See history of Delavan for history of Wisconsin Dental College. JOHN MORRISON, D. D. S. Practice established in Delavan Dec. 1, 1874. He was born at Madrid, St. Lawrence Co. , N. Y. , Jan. 26, 1841 ; is the son of John and Elizabeth Morrison. He enlisted, m August, 1862, in Co. G, 126th N. Y. V I., and served until July 25, 1865. On his return from the army, he began the study of dentistry at Ogdensburg, N. Y. He then came to Palmyra, Jefferson Co., Wis., and practiced one and a half years; from there he went to Paxton, 111, where he practiced two years; went from there to Harvard, 111, and remained till 1874, when he came to Delavan, Wis., where he remained until his death, which occurred Jan. 22, 1882. He was married, at Palmyra, Wis., in 1871, to Miss Mandana Allen, daughter of J. A. Allen. Mrs. Morrison was born in Palmyra, Wis. She died at Delavan in 1873. Dr. Morrison was married again, June 6, 1877, at Hebron, 111, to Miss Addie Wickham, daughter of G. L. Wickham. She was born in Hebron, 111. THOMAS MOSHER, of the firm of Eaton & Mosher, undertakers, and dealers in furniture, was born in Schoharie, Schoharie Co., N. Y., July 4, 1835; is the son of William and Sally A. Mosher; came with his parents to Wisconsin in 1854, and located in Darien, Walworth Co.; learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked till the second year of the late civil war, when he enlisted, Aug. 15, 1862, in Co. D, 22d W. V. I.; was captured at Brentwood, Tenn., March 25, 1863; was taken to Richmond and Libby Prisons; was paroled and returned to his home; was soon after exchanged and sent to the front at Nashville, Tenn. He participated in battles of the Atlanta campaign, and Sherman's march to the sea: served till the close of the war, and received an honorable discharge at Milwaukee, June, 1865. He was married, Dec. 27, 1866, at Delavan, to Miss Ann M Matteson, daughter of Phillip and Abbie Matteson. Mrs. Mosher was born in Abington, Luzerne Co., Penn., March 2, 1843, and came to Delavan with her parents. They have three children — Mary E., Minnie B. and William M. Mr. Mosher moved from Darien to Owatonna, Minn., in 1869; returned to Wisconsin in 1871, and made his home at Delavan, where he worked at his trade till Feb. 1, 1882, when he formed his pres ent business connection with Mr. Eaton. MARTIN MULVILLE, Postmaster, Delavan, appointed May, 1870, is the son of Mathew and Bridget Mulville; was born in Ireland Aug. 3, 1843. Having lost his father in childhood, he came to America with his mother in 1851, and for the next two years resided at Oyster Bay, L. I, N. Y From there they moved to Albany, where they made their home till July, 1857, when they moved to the town of Delavan, Walworth Co., Wis. Mr. Mulville spent the succeed ing four years on a farm. Sept. 9, 1861, at the age of 19 years, he enlisted in the late war as a private of Co. A, 10th W. V. I. , and served with his company and regiment in all the battles and engagements participated in by them till after the battle of Chickamauga. During this battle, Sept. 20, 1863, he lost his left arm by a gun-shot wound, and received an honorable dis charge for physical disability, June 24, 1864. He was married, at Delavan, July 13, 1864, to Miss Kate Golden. Mrs. Mulville was born in Ireland, and came to America when quite young. They have three children— Cora E., Julia and James. Mr. Mulville served one term as Dep uty Sheriff and Jailer of Walworth County, and was appointed to his present position in May, 1870. L. H. NICHOLS, manufacturer of and dealer in boots and shoes; business established in 1864; was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Nov. 27, 1832; is the son of John and Eliza Nichols; learned his trade with his father in New York, beginning in 1842; served three years, then worked as a journeyman till 1854, when he came to Wisconsin and located at Delavan, where he worked as a journeyman till 1864, when he started in business for himself , which he has con tinued to this date. He was married, in Delavan, Dec. 6, 1860, to Miss lone McGraw, daugh ter of Newton McGraw. Mrs. Nichols is a native of Wisconsin. They have one child, a daugh- 712 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. ter, named Lionne. Mr. Nichols has, by good work and fair dealing, established a prosperous business. ALVIN B. PARSONS, retired farmer, Delavan Village, settled in the town of Delavan Aug. 20, 1838; is the son of James and Olive Beach Parsons; was born at Johnstown, Mont gomery Co., N. Y., Jan. 10, 1812. He received a common-school education and was brought up a farmer. He moved to Covington, Genesee Co. , where he was engaged with a brother in the manufacture of gloves and mittens; from Covington he moved to Wisconsin, starting, Aug. 6, 1838, by team to Buffalo, from there by boat to Chicago, and from Chicago to Delavan by team, which he brought from the East, guided by Indian trail to Delavan, Walworth Co. , Wis. , where he arrived Aug. 20. He made his home on his brother's claim, on Sec. 8. At the land sale of February, 1839, he bought three-eighties on Sec. 9, and one on Sugar Creek, making 320 acres in all, all of which he has sold, and now owns only 40 acres on Sec. 7. On his ar rival at what is now the village of Delavan, he found only one house, and that uninhabited. It was built of logs, and used on Sabbaths for holding meetings by the few settlers on the prairies. He was married, May 21, 1847, in the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., to Miss Catha rine A. Steward, daughter of Alexander Steward. Mrs. Parsons was born in Johnstown, Montgomery Co., N. Y. They have had three children — Myra E., Ann Maria and James S. The oldest, Myra E. , died when 7 years of age. The next two years succeeding his marriage, himself and family lived on the same land with his father; he then moved to his present home in the village of Delavan. He was one of the constituent members of the Congregational Church of Delavan at its organization in 1841. The first membership was eleven, of which his father's family furnished seven. When Mr. Parsons located in Delavan, there was but one other Congregationalist in the town. That was Mr. Charles S. Bailey, who lived with Samuel Phoenix, and was the first Justice of the Peace in the town. Mr. Parsons was the first Sunday School Superintendent. The school was organized as a Baptist Sunday school. He also wrote the constitution and by-laws for the first temperance organization in the town. GEORGE PASSAGE, merchant, Delavan; business established in 1842, being the oldest dry goods merchant in the county. Mr. Passage was born in Duanesburg, Schnectady Co., N. Y., Feb. 5, 1817 ; is the son of John and Eleanor (Corell) Passage. When quite young, he moved to Castile, Wyoming Co., where he spent four years in a hotel. He then came to Wisconsin, arriving at Delavan, Walworth Co., in June, 1842. He at once built a brick store, the first building of the kind in the village, and commenced business in the mercantile line. The building was situated on Walworth avenue, corner of Terrace street In company with A. H Taggart, he carried on the business seven years, under the firm name of Taggart & Passage. He next formed a partnership with Mr. James Aram in the same business, which business was conducted under the name of Passage & Aram seven years. He was next engaged in mercantile business with W. W. Bradley, under the firm name of Passage & Bradley. In 1870, he formed a. partnership with Myson Goodrich, as Passage & Goodrich, merchants, since which time Mr. Passage has conducted the business alone. Mr. Passage was active in encouraging the building of the railroad to this place, in which he sunk about $8,000. In 1865, he went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania, where he built and operated two livery stables — one at Titusville and one at Pithole. Both were burned, by which he sustained a loss of $7,000. He returned in May, 1866; was married, at Gainesville, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Feb. 26, 1840, to Miss Altie Davinson. They had six children — five girls and one boy. Eva is now the wife of J. A. Vaughn, of California: Georgiana is now Mrs. Myron Goodrich, of Arizona; Emma J. is the wife of Dr. Sawyer, of Milwaukee; Rose V., now Mrs. T. M. Stacus, of Dowerville, Cal.; Frank married Miss Barnum, and lives at Breckinridge, Minn. ; Ella is the wife of Mr. Page Buckley, of Del avan. Mrs. Passage died in December, 1866. Mr. Passage was married again, in New Scot land, Albany Co., N. Y., in November, 1867, to Miss Ann Vanderpool, her father now living, at the age of 99 years. He has one son by this marriage — William. Mr. Passage has 18 acres of land in the corporation limits, besides twenty-five village lots. He has served several times as a member of the Village Board of Trustees. SYLVANUS S. PAUL, farmer; P. O. Delavan; has a farm of 200 acres situated on Sec. 1, Darien, and Sec. 36, Richmond. He was born in Chili, Monroe Co., N. Y, March 4, 1828; is the son of Zebulond and Malinda Spery Paul. He was brought up a farmer; came to Wiscon- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 713 sin in 1847 and located on his present farm in Darien. He was married, on Christmas 1855 in Ohio, to Miss Sophia Gibson, daughter of Prof. John Gibson. Mrs. Paul was a native of Massachusetts. They had two children— Dephonzo G. and Walter C. The older, Dephonzo, married Miss Eva Tenny, and resides in California; the younger died at the age'of 5 years'. Mrs. Paul died April 14, 1860. Mr. Paul was married again, Sept. 10, 1862, in Richmond, Wis., to Miss Elizabeth Green, daughter of John Green. Mrs. Paul was born in Cayuga Co.' N. Y. Mr. Paul conducted his farm until 1881, when he leased it and moved to Delavan. The winter of 1881-82, he, in company with Mark Calkins, went to California, where he contem plates making his future home. AMOS PHELPS, proprietor of Delavan Mills, has owned and operated the mills since 1869. He is a native of Canada East, but of New England parentage. He is the son of Jeremiah and Margaret Phelps; was born June 15, 1823. He came to Wisconsin in 1846, and located at Bur lington, Racine Co., where he was engaged in milling and farming till 1865, except two years which he spent in California, in 1850-52. He went to Minnesota in 1865, and engaged in mill ing at Sheldon, Mauston Co. He continued at that place until 1869, when he came to Delavan and bought a half interest in a flouring-mill at this place. In 1870, he bought out his partner, and since that time has conducted the business alone. Mr. Phelps was married, at Burlington, Racine Co., Wis., Feb. 25, 1853, to Miss Maria C, daughter of Isaac Lyon. Mrs. Phelps was : born in Columbia Co., N. Y. They have two daughters living, the eldest having died at Mad ison in 1874. CHESTER W. PHILLIPS, deceased. He was born in Glover, Vt, in December, 1833; when 18 years of age, bought his time of his father; remained in his native town until his ma jority, then moved to Worcester, Mass., where he resided until 1861, when he came to Delavan, Wis. For the two years succeeding his arrival in this place, he kept the Delavan House. At the same time he was engaged in the livery business; sold out in 1870, and devoted his attention to farming and the growing of blooded stock and fast horses. He was the owner of a great number of the best trotters in the West. He was also interested in the extensive carriage works at Clinton Junction, Wis. His farm, situated near Delavan Lake, two miles east of Delavan, was known as Lake Lawn Stock Farm. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Hannah J. Barker. They had five children, all of whom are dead. Mr. Phillips lost his wife in March, 1868. He was married again, Jan. 27, 1869, to Mrs. Anna Mary Mabie, widow of Jeremiah Mabie, and daughter of Solomon Field. Mrs. Phillips was born in South East, Putnam Co., N. Y. She was the mother of three children by her former marriage. Three were also born by the later marriage — two sons and a daughter — Ernest F., born Nov. 8, 1869; Huldah A., born Nov. 1, 1873, died in infancy; Chester W., Sept. 8, 1874. Mr. Phillips continued to carry on the stock business on an extensive plan till the time of his death, which occurred Sept. 26, 1878. Mi-. Phillips was a man who, through his own unaided efforts, native shrewdness and enterprise, had acquired a large property, but, from the nature of his business, with its many uncertainties and temptations, like many others engaged in growing fancy stock, he became embarrassed. Too proud to humble himself by changing his mode of living, he let his trouble prey upon his mind until they were ended in his untimely death. He is remembered as a true friend by those of his acquaintances worthy of his regard, and by his family as a kind and affectionate husband and father. HENRY PHG5NIX, deceased, was born in the town of Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., June 28, 1792; was the son of John and Martha Martin Phcenix. His father died when the subject of this sketch was 6 years of age. Some years later, he apprenticed to a tanner named Shark, at Painted Post, N. Y. , where he served till he was of age. On the death of his em ployer, he was given charge of the business. Later, he went to Dansville, and, in company with his brother, Samuel F. , he started a tannery, which they carried on till they moved to Painted Post, and from there to Perry, Genesee Co. ; was there five years, then went to Troops- burg; retained the business at Perry under the management of Samuel F. ; at this place, they were engaged in mercantile and other business. Henry was Postmaster. In 1836, in company with his brother, Samuel F., he came to Wisconsin Territory in search of a new home. They selected a site for a village and farms in Walworth' County, naming the town Delavan, after the great temperance advocate of that name. They returned to the East, and went back to e** 714 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Wisconsin that winter with men and teams to make improvements on their land. Henry re turned to the East, and, in the summer of 1838, having settled up the business in the East, he then set out with his family, arriving in Delavan in June of that year. His brother having moved his family the year before, and erected a saw-mill and house on the outlet to Delavan Lake, Henry brought a stock of goods with him, which was opened in the log house of his brother, and which was the first mercantile business established in the town. The following year, 1839, they built the grist-mill, a store and shops, on the present site of Delavan, had the town surveyed and platted, and thus founded the village of Delavan The subject of this sketch was married, at Painted Post, Steuben Co., N. Y., November, 1819, to Miss Ann Jennings, daughter of John Jennings. Eleven children were born to them, five of whom are living at this date— 1881. The eldest, Mary O, is the wife of Mr. John F. McKee, of the town of Darien, their farm lying adjacent to the village of Delavan; Martha is the widow of Aaron H Taggard, and resides in Delavan; Betsy P. is the wife of L. S. Frost, of Chicago; William H. is living at Rockford, 111. ; Ann J. is now Mrs. J. W. Patterson, of Oakland, Cal. ; Ellen M. was the wife of H. B. Sullivan, and died in September, 1879, at Oakland, Cal. ; four died in infancy in the East, and one in Delavan. Mr. Phcenix, while a resident of New York, represented his district in the Legislature of that State one term (1827). He was a man of pronounced religious and •temperance principles, and a zealous member of the Regular Baptist Church. Full of energy and public spirit, his influence was potent in shaping the development and aiding the growth of the village of which he and his brother were the founders. His plans were cut short by his death, which occurred Feb. 27, 1842, a little less than five years after his settlement in Dela van. The early history of this village bears witness to the excellent traits of character of the Phcenix brothers, and will always stand as a monument to their memory. Mrs. Henry Phoenix was killed by the cars at Delavan in 1857. WILLIAM PH03NIX, deceased, one of the earliest pioneers of Walworth County, was born in Sussex Co. , N. J. , March 17, 1793. By occupation he was by turns farmer, clerk and school teacher. While quite young, he moved to what was known as the lake country of New York. He was married at Milo, Yates Co., July 18, 1818, to Miss Susan Bruce, daughter of John Bruce (who was subsequently one of the early settlers of Darien, Walworth Co., Wis.). Soon after his marriage, Mr. Phoenix moved to Tioga Co., Penn.. where he lived four years, and then moved to Franklinville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., where he was engaged in mercantile business. He subsequently returned to Pennsylvania, and went from there to Perry, Genesee Co., N. Y., from where he emigrated to Wisconsin in 1836, arriving in what is now the town of Delavan, Walworth Co., Sept. 26. The only settler in the town at that date was a man by the name of Perkins, who lived in a log shanty on the north side of Turtle Creek. The Phcenix family were the first settlers in the village. He was the first Postmaster of Delavan, being ap pointed to that position in the summer of 1837. He was elected Chairman of the Town Roard of Delavan, and re-elected several times. He also served as Justice of the Peace. In 1855, he moved to Packwaukee. His death occurred Nov. 25 of that year. His widow survives him; at this writing, makes her home in Packwaukee. They had five children. The eldest, Henry H, is a resident of Whitewater; the second, Mary A., is now Mrs. Edwin Brainard, of Eau Claire, Wis.; Samuel A. married Frances Bentley, of Packwaukee, Wis.; William A. was killed in Calif ornia while on duty as Sheriff of Calavaras County, aged 24 years; John W. died in Dela van, aged 11 years. SAMUEL F. PHCENIX, deceased, was born in Dansville. N. Y., Dec. 18, 1798. His father died while he was a mere infant, and he was reared by his stepfather, Joshua Bartlett, a man of education, at that time employed in teaching. His education, so far as it was confined to books, was gained in the common schools of his district, and was completed at the early age of 15 years, at which period he entered into business in connection with his brother Henry, a relation which continued until severed by the death, Samuel nearly twenty years after. Oct. 24. 1822, he was married, at Smyrna, N. Y\, to Miss Sarah A. Kelsey, daughter of Samuel Kelsey, of the town of Sherburne, N. Y. Until 1837, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Phcenix was in Genesee Co., N. Y. In the spring of 1836, Messrs. Samuel and Henry Phcenix made a journey of exploration and inspection to the new Territory of Wisconsin, arriving during the first days of July at the present site of the village of Delavan. After making several prospect HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 715 ing tours in the country, on the 6th of July Henry returned to New York. On July 19, 1836, Samuel made his first claim in Delavan by blazing trees, etc., and christened it Temperance Colony Claim. This claim was near Swan, now Delevan Lake. Early in the spring of 1837, Mr. Phcenix returned to Perry, N. Y, for his family, arriving with them at Delavan in Sulj, 1837. In February, 1838, the brothers built a saw-mill on the outlet of Delavan Lake, and, in 1839, a large grist-mill. Becoming convinced in a short time that Turtle Creek would be a more favorable location for the future village of Delavan, they determined on the present site, and, securing a tract of about 4,000 acres, located many claims for their friends, who soon fol lowed them from the far East, and thus laid the foundation for the present beautiful and flour ishing village. In all their enterprises, they were assisted and encouraged by William Phce nix, their cousin, who came with his family in October, 1836. The Phcenix brothers were men of high moral and religious principles, who were desirous of encouraging the settlement of the better class of emigrants in the little colony. To this end they encouraged and materially aided the building of schoolhouses and churches, and the sale of lots in the young village. They also provided for the prohibition of the sale of liquors, by stipulation, in the early conveyances, that none should be sold on property sold by them. They were energetic, thrifty people, and would undoubtedly have made their influence felt in shaping the destiny of Delavan had their lives been spared. Unfortunately, they both died while the village was in its infancy — Samuel, on Sept. 6, 1840, and Henry, Feb. 28, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. S. Phoenix had only one child, a son, named Franklin K, of whom a sketch is given elsewhere in this work. The mother, still full of energy, and with mental faculties unimpaired, is an honored member of society in the village founded by her husband forty- years ago. FRANKLIN K. PHCENIX, proprietor of the Phcenix Nursery, of Delavan, Wis., is the son of Samuel F. and Sarah A. Phoenix; was born in Perry, Genesee Co., now Wyoming Co. , N. Y., March 3, 1825. In July, 1837, he came to Walworth Co. , Wis. , with his parents, and located on See. 15, town of Delavan, in September of that year. He returned East in the spring of 1841, and attended school in his native town one year; returned to Delavan in 1842 and estab lished a nursery, which he carried on until June, 1854, when he moved to Bloomington, 111., where he engaged in the same business on an extensive scale, having at one time 600 acres un der stock, making one of the largest nurseries in the country, if not in the world; annual sale amounted to $200,000. Owing to a succession of unfavorable seasons, he became embarrassed, and was obliged to close out the business in 1877. He remained at Bloomington one year later, then went to the State of New York, where he remained until August, 1879, and then returned to Delavan, there he has since resided. On his return to Delavan, he re-established a nursery. He was married, at Darien, Walworth Co., Wis., Dec. 2, 1850, to Mary E. Topping, daughter or Thomas Topping. Mrs. Phcenix was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y. They had seven chil dren — five sons and two daughters — Samuel T. , A. Melville (died at 18 years of age), Fred S. , F. May, Frank, John J. , Carrie. EDWARD POWERS was born in Dutchess County, State of New York, on Sept. 1, 1830. His father was Col. Charles Wesley Powers, whose grandfather, Justus Powers, emigrated to that county from Naumburg, in Germany, about the year 1752. His mother, whose maiden name was Jane Ann Benjamin, was a descendant of an English family of some note. Edward was the fifth of a family of eight children, of whom four besides himself are now living, one being Rev. Dr. Horatio N. Powers, an Episcopal clergyman of prominence, and another being Dr. Frederick Powers, at present a practicing physician in Westport, Conn. The subject of this sketch was educated at Amenia Seminary, an institution situated in the vicinity of his early home. He was brought up a farmer, but, upon reaching the age of 21, he abandoned that occupation, and adopted, temporarily, that of teacher, using his leisure time for the study of the higher mathematics, in order to fit himself for the profession of civil engineering. In 1853, he entered into that profession, commencing in a subordinate capacity on a projected railroad in his native State, called the "Lebanon Springs Railroad," now known as he " Har lem Extension, and rising from that to a higher position on a projected road in the same State, called the Sackett's Harbor & Saratoga Railroad. He also assisted for a time in the construc tion of the second irack of the Hudson River Railroad. In the spring of 1856, he came West, accepting a position in Iowa on what was then called the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad, 716 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. one of the pioneer roads of Iowa, and forming now a part of the Chicago & North-Western Rail way. In the location and construction of this road, he was employed the better part of three years, during which time occurred the great financial crisis of 1857. As this disturbance in the financial world had a tendency for some time to retard railroad building in general, Mr. Powers, in 1859, went South, and, after doing some engineering in connection with the Mississippi levees, he engaged in the work of making topographical maps of cotton plantations in Mississippi and Louisiana, having his headquarters at Natchez. He was so employed at the time of the secession of the South and of the breaking-out of the war, and in May, 1861 , he returned North, his business in the South having collapsed and his surroundings having become unpleasant. Early in 1862, he entered the serv ice of the United States as a clerk in the Quartermaster's Department of the army, retaining this position until the close of the war. In 1866, he accepted a position in the engineering department of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. In this capacity he made, under the direction of the Chief Engineer, Mr. E. H. Johnson, the first survey for the great bridge over the Mississippi River between Rock Island and Davenport, built jointly by that company and the United States, his plans and estimates forming the basis of the action of Congress in making ap propriations for the work. The present bridge was subsequently built under the direction of United States engineers. As an engineer on the Rock Island road, Mr. Powers had charge of the location and construction of about 100 miles of the line westward from Des Moines, in Iowa. In 1869, he resigned his position on that road to take charge of a railroad in Illinois — the Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur Railroad — as Chief Engineer. In 1871, he entered into the service of the Chicago & North-Western Railway Company, having charge of the location and construction of their line from Green Bay to Escanaba, 114 miles, which was built during that and the follow ing year. He has also at different times had charge of various other surveys and works of rail way construction, embracing engineering operations in the States of Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Michigan, and elsewhere, including the location of 195 miles of railway in Dakota in 1879, for the Chicago & North-Western Railway Company. On Oct. 27, 1874, Mr. Powers- was married, in Delavan, Walworth Co. , Wis. , to Miss Elizabeth Adelia Sharp, youngest daughter of Capt John Sharp, deceased, and from that time this place has been his home. In 1877, he purchased his present residence in that beautiful village. He has one child, a daughter, named Sarah Cornelia. He is at present in the employ of the Chicago & North-Western Railway Company, with office at Escanaba, Mich. , where he is Resident Engineer of a branch of that road called the Escanaba & Lake Superior Railway. Mr. Powers has attained some prominence outside of his profession as an advocate of the practicability of producing rainfalls by condens ing the aqueous vapor of the atmosphere by means of concussions of artillery firing. While connected with the army, he noticed that, as a rule, great battles were followed by heavy rains, and later, he investigated the subject and wrote a book upon it entitled " War and the WTeather," in which he cited numerous instances of rain apparently brought on by artillery firing, and in which he elaborated a theory of the cause of the phenomenon. He has also lectured on the subject in Washington City, New York, Chicago, and other places, and has made some efforts to induce Congress to authorize experiments in the matter by the War Department. In these efforts, made some years since, he received much encouragement from many prominent public men, among whom were Gen. James A. Garfield, our late lamented President, as shown by a testi monial in Mr. Powers' possession bearing the signature, among others, of this noble man, whose death the nation has so recently been called upon to mourn. Mr. Powers has faith that, sooner or later, though perhaps not in his own lifetime, his theory will be proved to be correct, and that man will be able to control the weather so far as to abolish droughts in this country. DEACON JOHN READER, deceased, was born in Head Corn, Kent Co., England, Feb. 21, 1803; is the son of Thomas and Elisabeth Reader; was brought up a farmer. In 1822, he was married to Miss Elisabeth Featherstone. They had one child, Elisabeth, born in England, and, in 1824, emigrated to America. On arriving in the United States, he located in Oneida Co., N. Y, where he was engaged in farming until the fall of 1836, when he left the East for Wisconsin Territory. On arriving in Walworth County, he selected a site for a home in Sharon. There he kept bachelor's hall until the following year, being the first white man to effect a settlement in that town. In 1837, he returned to the East, and, in September of that year, brought his family to Wisconsin and settled on Big Foot Prairie, Sec. 18, town of Walworth. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 717 He was eventually owner of 400 acres of land. Nine children were born to them in New York, so they came to Wisconsin with a family of ten — seven daughters and three sons: Elizabeth is Mrs. Edward Hall, of Beloit, Wis.; Phebe is the widow of James Bending, of Chicago; John J. is a resident of Delavan (see sketch); Richard was an enlisted mechanic in the late war, and died in 1864 from disease contracted in the army; Mary is now Mrs. D. Searl, of Rockton, 111; James married Almena Judd, and lives in California; Martha is the wife of Franklin Trahern, of Rockford, 111. ; Caroline is the wife of David Jacobie, of Sharon, Wis. ; Eliza is now Mrs. Robert Spensley, of Walworth; Rebecca married Jasper Voorhees, lived in California, and died July 5, 1873; Rachel is the wife of Elias Harriss, of Delavan; Stephen married Emma Van Wort, and resides in California; Amanda is now Mrs. Richard Wilson, of Delavan, Wis. Mr. Reader and family endured many privations and hardships during the early days of their set tlement in Walworth — more than usually fall to the lot of pioneers. Having a large family, of whom the oldest were all girls, Mr. Reader had none on whom he could rely for assistance, or who could share his responsibilities; his log house, hastily built of green poplar logs, and plastered with clay, had no floor, except a few split logs, or " puncheons," as they were called; as they only covered a small space about the stove, the balance of the room was covered with brush at first, and, after being cleared, presented a surface covered with stubs, muddy when wet, or rough with nubs when frozen. The youngest child, an infant at the breast, was sick on the road, and died within two weeks after they had taken possession of their new home. The father had to make the coffin and bury the baby with his own hands, unaided, for neighbors he had none to assist him. In January, 1838, he was obliged to go to Chicago for provisions with his ox team, leaving scant supplies to subsist his family while away. Soft weather set in, which opened up the streams and marshes, which were then unbridged., and made it impossible for him to return until many days after the time set. The mother economized her scanty stores until they were reduced to some corn- meal bran; this meal sifted and re-sifted, and finally the hulls eaten, starvation seemed inevitable, when, late, at night, the welcome rattle of the wagon was heard by the watchful wife and mother, who had spent many hours in listening for that same joyful sound. Hastening out, she stopped her husband some distance from the house, that he might not wake the children, who were sleeping the troubled sleep of hunger, until she could prepare some food for them. Hunger had not been their only trouble. The weather had set in cold again, and all were more or less frozen, especially about the feet. As spring approached, the cattle began to show the effect of the poor quality of hay on which they were kept. Mr. Reader, coming so late, was unable to do his haying till after the frost had cut the grass. Consequently, the cattle failed and grew weak, until it was necessary for the family to turn out in the morning and assist in getting them on their feet. The new grass soon came, and they rallied. Ground was broken, potatoes and corn planted, when again the provisions grew scant. The pork which had been bought at Chicago in the winter at $27 per barrel had turned out to be mostly hogs' heads. The flour that cost $18 ber barrel was exhausted. An other trip was made to Chicago as soon as the oxen were strong enough to travel. This trip lasted sixteen days. Again the provisions gave out, and the former experience was likely to be repeated; but the mild spring weather had brought out a bountiful supply of yellow-blossomed cowslips in the meadows, which made excellent greens, and for a few days constituted their only food. After the first crop was grown, they had no further trouble for the want of provisions. Mr. Reader prospered, and became one of the leading men of the town. He always enjoyed the confidence and warmest regards of his neighbors and fellow-townsmen. For eighteen years, he served as Chairman of the town, and at different times held other minor offices. At an early day in the history of the Baptist Church at Delavan, he had become a member, and on the estab lishment of the church in Walworth he was elected Deacon, which position he held until his removal to Delavan in 1864. In October, 1868, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his faithful wife, who had so nobly shared his struggles in his dark days, and gladdened the hap pier hours of his prosperity. He survived her a little more than ten years, his death occurring on Christmas morning, in the year of 1878. MRS. ELIZABETH READER, deceased, mother of- Deacon John Reader, was born in Kent Co., England, June 12, 1781; she was the wife of Thomas Reader, an English farmer; came to America with her husband, and settled in Walworth, Walworth Co., Wis., May 3, 1854; 718 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. she lived to the remarkable age of 96 years, and at the time of her death, May 3, 1876, could boast of 128 living descendants, which included four of the fifth generation; there were thirty grandchildren. She was a consistent Christian, and for many years a member of the Baptist- Church of Walworth. JOHN J. READER, dealer in pumps and wind-mills, has been engaged in this line of bus iness over twenty years. He was born in Waterville, Oneida Co., N. Y, April 7, 1828; is the son of John and Elizabeth Reader. In October, 1838, he came to Wisconsin with his parents, and made his home on Sec. 18, Walworth, Walworth Co., where his father had 400 acres of land. He continued with his father until 25 years of age. He then went to Minnesota and remained two years, and then returned to Walworth County and engaged with Wood & Gormly, pump-manufacturers; continued with that company until after Mr. Gormly's death, since which time he has been engaged in business for himself, making his home in Delavan since 1863. He was married, in Walworth, in 1852, to Miss Charlotte W., daughter of Amos Hitchcock. Mrs. Reader was born in Rochester, N. Y. They have six children— Ada M., Leonard J., Amos H, John B., Eddie L. and Gertie L. Ada is the wife of James Davidson, of Delavan. Mr. Read er's father was the first white man who made a claim in the town of Sharon, Walworth Co. , in 1837. See sketch. PETER SAFFORD, butcher, was born in Cobleskill, Schoharie Co., N. Y, March 22, 1820; is the son of Levi and Mary Safford. His mother lived to the remarkable age of 102 years. Mr. Safford learned the butcher's trade in the city of Albany, N. Y., where he lived fifteen years. He then came to Delavan, Wis., where he has since resided. During the years 1853 and 1854, he carried on the meat market business at this place. He was married, in Wester lo, Albany Co., N. Y., to Miss Elizabeth Ward, daughter of Nathan Ward. Mrs. Saf ford is a native of Albany County. They had three children, and have lost them all. Levi died in childhood; Benjamin, when 4 years of age; and George, in childhood. H. W. SAGE was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., Aug. 11, 1824; when only 4 years of age, moved with his parents to Oneida Co. , N. Y. , near the town of Rome. In 1846, he came to Wisconsin and located near Southport, now Kenosha, where he continued to reside till the spring of 1854, when he moved to Delavan, Walworth Co. On coming to this place, he kept the Dela van House six years; then traveled for Wood & McGregor, pump manufacturers, and their suc cessors, ten years. For the past few years, he has been with his son, of the firm of Sage & Goodrich, grocers. Mr. Sage was married, in 1849, in the town of Yorkville, Racine Co., Wis., to Miss Mary Hewes, daughter of Otis Hewes. Mrs. Sage was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y They have two children — Anna Belle and Charles A. The daughter is the wife of Fred B. Goodrich, of Delavan; the son married Miss Clara McCormick, and is in partnership with his brother-in-law, Fred B. Goodrich, in the grocery business, under the firm name of Sage & Goodrich. GEORGE F. SCHILLING, teacher in the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. He has served in that capacity for thirteen years; is a native of Prussia, the son of Christian and Caro line Schilling; was born Jan. 24, 1839; was educated in Germany until 1852, when he emi grated to America and made his home in and about Almond, in Portage Co.. Wis. He com pleted his education at Lawrence University, Appleton. from which he graduated in 1868. In November of that year, he was employed as a teacher in the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb at Delavan, which position he has held to this date — 1882. He was married, in Fond du Lac Wis., April 25, 1869, to Christine Spies. They had one child, a daughter, named Alice C. Mrs. Schilling died Feb. 14, 1874. Mr. Schilling was married to his present wife, at Fond du Lac, Wis., July 22, 1875, whose maiden name was Miss Mary Hunting. They have one son and a daughter — George E. and Mabel L. Mr. Schilling's long experience and faithful service have made him deservedly popular as a teacher of the institution. Since 1868, he has made his home in Delavan. HON. ELIJAH MATTISON SHARP, United States Consular Agent at Paris, Canada, ap pointed July 3, 1878. He is the oldest son of Capt. John Sharp and Sarah Mathers Sharp. He was born in the town of Reading, near Watkins' Glen, Schuyler Co., State of New York, Oct. 21, 1832. He received a common and select school education; came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1850, and settled on the south side of Delavan Lake, in the town of Delavan, Walworth Co. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 719 He assisted his father on the farm until the winter of 1854, when he taught a district school. The following winter, he entered the dry goods store of H. & W. M. Wells as a clerk, and remained in their employ three years. Early in the spring of 1858, he engaged in mercantile business with Mr. John L. Ward, under the firm name of Ward & Sharp, and continued this connection six years; then, on account of failing health, he sold out and moved to the old farm on Delavan Lake. He operated the farm three years, and, regaining, in a measure, his health, he returned to the village and engaged in the grocery business with N. M. Harrington, under the firm name of E. M. Sharp & Co. He subsequently bought out Mr. Harrington's interest, and the name of the firm was changed to E. M. Sharp & Bro, his youngest brother, John M. Sharp, taking an active partnership in the business. Three years later, Mr. Sharp sold out, and started again in the dry goods business, this time alone. He continued in the same line of business until July 1, 1878, when he was appointed United States Consul at Paris, Canada, which position he now holds. He took a warm interest in politics early in life, and has always been an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party. He has served as Chairman of the Republican Assembly District Committee, and was for several years Chairman of the Republican Town Committee; has been Supervisor, and was Treasurer of the town of Delavan for three years. In 1871, he was elected member of the Wisconsin Legislature for the term of 1872, and again in 1875. He was a friend and political supporter of the late Senator Matthew H. Carpenter, and took an active part in the memorable contest in the Wisconsin Legislature in 1875 for Mr. Carpenter's re-election to the United States Senate. Mr. Sharp was married, in Darien, Gen esee Co., N. Y, Sept. 30, 1862, to Miss Sarah A. Williams, daughter of Roswell and Martha Will iams. Mrs. Sharp was born in the town of Alexander, Genesee Co., N. Y.,Dec. 13, 1836. They have three children living — Mary E., aged 10 years; Elizabeth, aged 5 years; and Hiram Manly, born in Canada, aged 1 year. They have lost four — Martha B., aged 12 years; Elisha M.,aged 10 years; James Mattison, aged 7 years; and John W., aged 16 months — all of whom died of malignant diphtheria, within the brief period of two weeks, in August, 1876. Mr. Sharp's next younger brother, Hiram T. Sharp, is an attorney at law in Minneapolis, Minn. The next younger brother, Elisha, died in the service of his country in the war of the rebellion. His youngest brother, John M., is in Northern Michigan, civil engineering. CAPT. JOHN SHARP, deceased. In rehearsing the names of the early settlers of Wal worth County, that of Capt. John Sharp is worthy of prominent mention; he was born Feb. 5, 1801, in Hunterdon Co. , N. J. ; was the eldest son of Jacob Sharp and Esther Mattison Sharp, who were natives of the same State; their ancestors were Scotch and Welsh, who emigrated to America and settled in the then colonial province of New Jersey some two generations prior to the Revolutionary war, and were active participants in that long and weary struggle for inde pendence. In the year 1812, Capt. Sharp removed with his parents to Western New York, residing for a few years at Jacksonville, Tompkins Co., but subsequently settled near Watkins' Glen, at the head of Seneca Lake, in Steuben County; it was during his residence here that he was made Captain of New York State Militia, receiving his commission from Gov. William L. Marcy. In June, 1850, he came to Wisconsin with his family and purchased a farm on the south shore of Delavan Lake, five miles south of the village of Delavan, where he lived until the spring of 1867, then removed to Delavan, where he died Dec. 20, 1871. Capt. Sharp was a quiet, unassuming man, yet social in his nature, and an inbred gentleman, a man of sound judg ment, generous and noble impulses, of sterling integrity; scrupulously honest and honorable in all his dealings, he had many warm friends, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He was married, Nov. 27, 1827, to Miss Sarah Mather (a descendant of the Rev. Cotton Mather), who is still living; following are the names of their children: MaryE. Sharp, now wife of Charles A. Bassett, Esq. ; E. M. Sharp, present United States Consul at Paris, Canada; Miss Susan Sharp; H. T. Sharp, an attorney at law; Elisha Sharp, medical student, who was killed while in the service of the United States in the war of the rebellion; John M. Sharp, merchant; Sarah A. Sharp, now wife of William M. Shepard, Esq. ; Miss Clara Sharp; Elizabeth A. Sharp, now wife of Prof. Edward Powers. REV. ALBERT SHELDON, deceased, was born in Rhode Island in October, 1818; studied for the ministry, and was ordained in the Baptist Church of Coventry, R. I., in 1842; was actively engaged in the discharge of duties in his native State twelve years, and, in 1854, moved 720 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. to Wisconsin; he made his home in Delavan, preaching in the church of his denomination at that place about three years; then, on account of failing health, he moved to a farm near the village, where he was engaged in farming something over seven years; in the meantime, he acted as supply to some neighboring churches, as his health would permit; at the expiration of that time, he moved to the village, and, two years later, to Macoupin Co., 111. ; he served in his profession in that locality as his health would admit during the five years of his residence there; he then returned to Delavan and officiated as pastor of the church at East Delavan, and subsequently at Sugar Creek, which was his last charge; his death occurred April 7, 1874, about two years after his return to Delavan. Mr. Sheldon was married, in Richmond, R. I., in January, 1837, to Miss Eliza Phillips, daughter of Bartholomew Phillips; Mrs. Sheldon was born in the town in which she was married; they had five children, of whom only one is living; the eldest, Thomas A., died in childhood; Amanda M. was the wife of Dr. H. D. Bullard, of Delavan; her death occurred in March, 1880; Thomas B. married Emma King, and lives at Rockford, 111. ; Eugene A. was a soldier of the late war, and died at St. Louis, Mo. ; Burras B. died in infancy. Mr. Sheldon was well and favorably known in Wisconsin; was an earnest worker in his holy calling, and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew him; his wife survives him. HORACE F. SHELDON, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Delavan; was born in Washington Co., R. I., town of Hopkinton, March 15, 1822; is the son of Thomas and Rhode Sheldon; was mar ried, in his native town, Jan. 30, 1843, to Miss Eliza A. Irwin, daughter of M. T. and Sophia Irwin; Mrs. Sheldon was born in Coventry, Kent Co., R. I. ; in 1855, they emigrated to Iowa, where they resided two years, and, in 1857, came to Richmond, Walworth Co. , Wis. , and pur chased a farm; resided in that town nine years, and, in 1866, purchased their present farm of 132 acres on Sec. 7, Delavan, where they have since resided. JOHN B. SHEPARD, deceased, was born in Mayfield, Fulton Co., N. Y, Aug. 25, 1803; he was the son of Platiah and Elizabeth (Thompson) Shepard; was married, March 28, 1826, to Rachel Willis, daughter of Benjamin and Bridget (Cole) Willis; five children were born to them, two sons and three daughters — Stephen H. , married Lemira Paul, who is now deceased; Stephen lives in Delavan; Sabra A. is the wife of R. H. Bristol, of Delavan; Ann A. resides with her brother, Linus D; Mary S. is now Mrs. Edward S. Colman, of the town of Delavan; Linus D. married Clarinda Z. Sawyer, and lives in the town of Delavan. Mr. Shepard came to Wisconsin with his family in September, 1841, and located in the town of Delavan, Walworth Co. ; the following year, he moved to Sec. 5, same town, where he resided till the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 3, 1875; his wife died Dec. 24, 1872. STEPHEN H. SHEPARD, farmer, Sec. 4 ; P. O. Delavan; has 108 acres of land; was born in Mayfield, Fulton Co., N. Y, Jan. 1, 1827; is the son of John B. and Rachel (Willis) Shepard; came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1841; made his home in the town of Delavan; was married, June 11, 1856, in Delavan, to Miss Lemira G., daughter of G. W. Paul; Mrs. Shepard was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y.; they have four children — Edna M., born Jan. 31, 1858; George A., born June 28, 1860; Robert B., born May 24, 1862; and Mary R., born Oct. 28, 1864. Mrs. Shepard died Aug. 20, 1867. LINUS D. SHEPARD, farmer, Sec. 5; P. O, Delavan; has 80 acres of land; is the son of John B. and Rachel Shepard; was born in Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y, June 19, 1838; came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1841, and located in the town of Delavan, where he has since resided. He was married, in the town of Sugar Creek, June 4, 1873, to Clarinda Z., daughter of Adna Sawyer; Mrs. Shepard was born in Richmond, Walworth Co.; they have five children —John Adna, Eunice R., Alfred H., Earl L. and Alice E. Mi-. Shepard's father, John B. Shep ard, was the son of Pelatiah Shepai'd and Elizabeth Thompson; he was born atMayfield, Fulton Co., N. Y., Aug. 25, 1803; was married, March 28, 1826, to Rachel Willis, daughter of Benja min Willis and Bridget Cole; they moved to Delavan, Walworth Co., Wis., in 1841, with his children, Stephen Henry, Sabra Amelia, Ann Augusta, Mary Selina and Linus Delavan. Mrs. Shepard's father, Adna Sawyer, was born in Harvard, Mass, Feb. 11, 1824; came to Wisconsin in July, 1849, and located in Walworth County; lived at Elkhorn, Richmond and Sugar Creek; in the latter town he still has a farm of 120 acres; he was married, at Elkhoru, Nov. 10, 1849, to Serena N. Viles, daughter of Alfred Viles. Mr. Shepard was boru in Somerset Co., N. Y.; they have had five children— Alfred V. lives in Richmond; is married to Emma H. Stone; Clar- LAKE LAWN PARK, DELAVAN LAKE. STROW'S PARK, DELAVAN LAKE , WIS. f/IISS MAMIE MABIE, PROPRIETOR.. E.M.STROW, PROPRIETOR, PLEASURE STE>\JVlEr\ D A.OLI.N; "Pi »VAK LAKE, WIS. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 723 inda Z. is the wife of Linus D. Shepard; Lucy died at the age of 17 years; Zebulon M. died in childhood; Eunice M. died when 16 years old. Mr. Shepard and wife are now living in the town of Delavan. Mrs. Shepard had one daughter by a previous marriage, now Mrs. Hannah H. Flitcioft, of Delavan. J. C. SHULZ, harness-maker; business established in 1853; he was born in Prussia May 3, 1832; is the son of William Shulz; he came to America in 1853; spent six months in Chicago, and then came to Delavan, Wis., arriving at this place in September of that year; he learned the harness-maker's trade with his brother, A. Shulz, who had established himself in business here in June of the same year; in 1858, he formed a partneiship with his brother, which was continued until 1875, since which time he has conducted the business alone. He was married, in Delavan, Oct. 17, 1857, to Miss Frederika Gretzinger; Mrs. Shulz was born in Wurtemberg, Germany; they have two children — Charles H. and Ida L. Mr. Shulz has served four years as Village Trustee of Delavan; his business is established on a firm basis, and his stock com prises everything usually found in a first-class harness-shop. THOMAS J. SMITH, hardware merchant, came to Walworth Co., Wis., in 1848; he was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Feb. 17, 1823; is the son of Sarah G. and John Smith; he learned the tinner's trade, commencing in 1841 at Fulton, Stark Co., Ohio; in 1844, went to Waynes- burg, where he carried on business about one year; he then went to Mansfield, worked two years, then to Racine, Wis., in 1848; stopped a short time, and then came to Delavan, Wal worth Co., Wis., where he spent the winter of 1848-49; then he returned to Racine and worked at his trade until 1852; then moved to Geneva, worked at his trade two years, and, in 1854, returned to Delavan and started in the hardware and tin business, which he has carried on suc cessfully to this date; he was married, in September, 1856, at Geneva, Wis., to Miss Julia C. Cooper, daughter of Thomas Cooper; Mrs. Smith was born in Vermont; they have one son and two daughters — Fred B., Caro L. and Mary B. Mr. Smith has been a member of the Village Board six years. CHARLES T. SMITH, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Delavan; has 141 acres. Mr. Smith was born in Stockbridge, Madison Co., N. Y., March 3, 1816; is the son of Joel and Ann Mallory Smith; was married, Sept. 30, 1841, in Augusta, Oneida Co., N. Y., to Miss Melicent Hinman, daughter of Truman and Abigail Hinman; Mrs. Smith was bom in Augusta, N. Y.; they ha\e had seven children — Ann S., wife of Marshall Topping, of Delavan; Alfred M., of Dakota; Or- ville S., a Congregational minister of Chicago; his wife was Miss Hannah Lawson; Charles E. and Homer H. are single. Mr. Smith moved to Delavan in 1845, and has since resided on his farm near the village. A S. SPOONER, attorney at law; practice established in 1850; was born in Keene, Essex Co., N. Y, March 3, 1819; is the son of Joel and Lydia Spooner, who were natives of Massa chusetts; he was educated in the common schools and at the Jamestown Academy, Chautauqua County; he commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Marvin, at Jamestown, N. Y. ; studied a short time, and then returned to Essex, where he learned the shoemaker's trade, and was engaged in that business ten years; in 1849, he moved to Delavan, Wis., and resumed the study of law with Judge William C. Allen, of that place; was admitted to the bar of the Circuit Court of Walworth County in June, 1850; he then attempted to establish a practice at Beloit; after a few months, he returned to Delavan; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1851, and re elected in 1853; was elected District Attorney in 1853, and re-elected in 1855; was appointed Assistant United States Assessor October, 1863, and held that position until June, 1870; was appointed United States Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue June, 1870, and held till January, 1871; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1872, and held it until 1877, when he resigned to accept the office of District Attorney; was re-elected Justice of the Peace in the spring of 1880, and re signed in 1881. Mi-. Spooner was married, at Lewis, Essex Co., N. Y, Dec. 25, 1844, to Miss Sarah M., daughter of Isaac Bristol; Mrs. Spooner was born in Lewis; they have had nine children, seven now living — Mary C. died when 2 years of age; Carrie M. is a teacher of the La Crosse High School; Adelaide M. is a teacher at Elkhorn; Luella J. is a teacher by profession; Charles T. is a farmer of Delavan; William L. died in childhood; Alma L., teacher of a private school; Alfred K. and Etta E. are students of the Delavan High School. 724 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. EDGAR M. STROW, proprietor of the Delavan House, which he purchased of C. W. Phillips in the spring of 1866. Mr. Strow was born in Hartford, Washington Co., N. Y, Jan. 14, 1830, son of William and Abigail Strow; in 1848, he moved to Argyle, N. Y, where he was engaged in hotel-keeping till the spring of 1866; he then came to Delavan, Wis., and, in com pany with his brother, George B., purchased the Delavan House; subsequently, his brother, John W., bought out George B.'s interest; since 1875, the subject of this sketch has been sole proprietor of the hotel; this hotel is in good repair, is provided with sample rooms, billiard room and bar, and has ample accommodations for seventy guests. Mr. Strow was married, at Burlington, Wis., Sept. 25, 1881, to Miss Julian J. Leslie. ISRAEL STOWELL, deceased, was born in New Hampshire Sept. 10, 1812 ; was brought up a farmer; married, in Cortland Co., N. Y., Feb. 11, 1835, to Polly M. Jones, daughter of Truman Jones. In 1838, he moved to Wisconsin and settled in the village of Delavan; he built the first frame building in that village, which is still standing, now occupied as a dwelling; there he kept hotel for many years; owned a livery stable, and the stage line between Chicago and Delavan; the latter was one of the institutions of the times; the stages were of the old-fash ioned Concord style, drawn by four horses; the arrival and departure of those ancient convey ances attracted more attention than does a train of cars at this time; during the early days at Delavan, Mrs. Stowell and Mrs. Ann Phcenix were the only ladies in the place, and, whenever it was deemed necessary to organize a sewing society or other ladies' gatherings, it was desirable that both should be president in order to have a quorum. Mr. and Mrs. Stowell were blessed with five children; the eldest, Rowena, was the wife of James Hay, now deceased; the second, Stata M., died in childhood; the third, Frances A., is now Mrs. Otis G. Brown, of Whitewater; Alida is the wife of William H. Cory, of Milton, Wis. ; Charles died when 16 years old In 1856, Mr. Stowell moved to Darien. Mrs. StowelPs death occurred May 8, 1873. Mr. Stowell married again, Jan. 27, 1875, his second wife being Mrs. Mary Hughes, of Delavan, who sur vives her husband, who died suddenly of apoplexy, Jan. 27, 1876, his sickness lasting only a few minutes. Mr. Stowell was a large-sized, large-hearted man, whom all loved and respected that knew him; he was a man whose influence was always good; many of his old neighbors are liv ing who love to testify t ¦ his many admirable qualities. OLIVER G. STOWELL, manufacturer of pumps and wind-mills, was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y, town of Antwerp, July 28, 1842; is the son of Guy and Catharine (Stroud) Stowell; he learned the tinner's trade, then enlisted, in May, 1861, in the 1st N. Y. A., served one year, and was discharged fcr disability; on his return from the army, he engaged in the hardware business at Antwerp, N. Y. ; continued business two years, and, in 1868, moved to Wisconsin; stopped at Delavan, where he was married, Feb. 22, to Miss Adelaide Tilden, daughter of Luke Tilden; Mrs. Stowell was born in Oneida Co., N. Y; they have one child, Guy; he went to Sharon the same year and engaged in the hardware business, which he continued three years; he then moved to Delavan and engaged with George W. Baily and Burr Robbins; traveled with them three years, then returned to Delavan and engaged in his present business. CHARLES H STURTEVANT, insurance, loan and collection agent, was born in Orange Co., Vt., June 3, 1818; is the son of Francis and Jerusha Bartlett Sturtevant; Mr. Sturtevant's family were remarkable for longevity and numbers, he being one of the family of eighteen children of the same mother, eight of whom are living at this date, four being over 70 years of age; some of his ancestors lived to be over 100 years old. In the spring of 1837, Mr. Sturte vant sought his fortunes in the West, making his home at Chicago until 1841, when he moved to Delavan, Wis., and has resided here since; he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he worked at for a few years, then engaged in the carriage and wagon making business in com pany with the late Willard Isham for several years; next was a merchant eight years, then, with Mr. Isham, built a carriage-shop, and followed that business from 1861 to 1869, since which time he has been in the insurance and collecting business; he represents the following compa nies: The Phcenix, of Hartford; North British Mercantile, London Assurance, and the Water- town, of New York. He was married, in Darien, September, 1842, to Miss Prudence Keeler, daughter of Peter M. Keeler; they had six children, four of whom are living; the oldest, Sarah, is the widow of George Martin, of Delavan; Charles M. married Bertha Dike, and lives at Dela van; Helen U. is an assistant teacher of the Delavan High School; Francis W. married Marian HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 725 Mabie; two were lost in childhood — Azel and Mary L. Mrs, Sturtevant died in October, 1855. Mr. Sturtevant was- married, in Allegany Co., N. Y, January, 1847, to Miss Amanda Brown, daughter of Orlando Brown; Mrs. Sturtevant was born in the State of New York; four children were born to them — Harry B., graduated at the State University in the class of 1880, and is a civil engineer in the employ of the Chicago & North-Western Railroad; James B. is at Still water, Minn.; J. Lou is a student at the State University; the youngest, Jack L., is at home. Mr. Sturtevant has been Chairman of Delavan two terms; was one of the five County Commis sioners of Walworth County one term, and was elected to the Wisconsin Legislature of 1863; he was one of the signers of the call for the first anti-slavery convention ever held in the State, whioh convention was called and held at Delavan in 1843, Jeduthan Spooner presiding. W. WARREN STURTEVANT, farmer; P. O. Delavan; has a farm of 145 acres, situated on Sec. 12, town of Darien. The subject of this sketch was born in West Fairlee, Orange Co., Vt., March 9, 1832; is the son of Francis and Jerusha (Bartlett) Sturtevant; he came to Wis consin in 1843 and located in the village of Delavan, Walworth Co. ; for the succeeding ten years, was engaged as a builder and merchant; be then devoted his attention to farming; his farm lying adjacent to the village, he has operated it without changing his place of residence. He was married, in Darien, Wis., Sept. 30, 1862, to Mary E. Ray, daughter of Henry M. Ray and sister of W. Augustus Ray, of Chicago; Mrs. Sturtevant was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., and came to Wisconin with her parents in 1852 ; they have three children, two sons and one daugh ter; the eldest son, Ray, aged 20 years, is a resident of Chicago; the younger son, J. Shep, and daughter, Susie, aged 9 years, are at home. Mr. Sturtevant has never been an office-seeker, but has always been active in politics; ever since the organization of the Republican party, he has been a member and Chairman of the Town Committee, and has frequently served as delegate in Republic conventions. JOHN W. SWILER, Superintendent of the Institution for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb; received his appointment in 1880, the month of June; he was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Dec. 14, 1844; is the son of Christopher and Mary Swiler; he moved to Monmouth, 111., with his parents in 1852, and was educated in Monmouth College, graduating in 1864; he spent two years in commercial pursuits, being engaged in the book trade; in 1867, moved to Jackson ville, 111, where he was employed as teacher in the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb at that place, a position which he held until June, 1880, when he was appointed to his present posi tion; during the last Eour years of his stay in Jacksonville, he was Professor of the Mathe matics of that institution; since entering upon his duties at the Delavan Institute, Mr. Swiler has, by close attention to the many important duties of his office, and by a conscientious dis- oharge of the obligations devolving upon him, proven himself a competent and trustworthy offi cer. He was married, in Spring Grove Church, Des Moines Co., Iowa, June 9, 1869, to Miss Hattie Chandler, only child of George and Matilda Chandler; they have two children — Ruth and George. AARON H. TAGGART, deceased. He was born in Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y, Dec. 30, 1816; he came to Wisconsin Territory in 1837, and located at Delavan, Walworth Co. ; he engaged in the mercantile business with Mr. George Passage in the summer of 1842, under the firm name of Taggart & Passage; they built a small brick building, in which they did busi ness, which was the first brick store in the town; it is still standing; this business connection lasted seven years; he was subsequently engaged in farming; about 1856, he moved to his farm, in the southern limits of the village, where he resided until his death, which occurred April 25, 1874. Mr. Taggart was married, at Delavan, Sept. 1, 1846, to Miss Martha Phcenix, daughter of Henry Phcenix; Mrs. Taggart was born in Troopsburg, N. Y., and came to Delavan with her parents in June, 1838; they had seven children— Sarah A., Henry H, Ada E., George M., Will iam P., Louis H. and Fred H.— all of whom are living but Sarah A., who died May 3, 1874, aged 27 years. Mrs. Taggart still resides on the farm, where she has 155 acres of land, lying pai'tly within the village limits. Mr. Taggart was a good business man, and well thought of in the community; he was a member of the Village Board; was active in encouraging the building of the Racine & Mississippi Railroad; he was a man possessed of great moral as well as phys ical courage, and never failed to speak boldly and plainly his opinion on all subjects; had great resolution and determination in carrying out any project in which he was interested;- was Treas- 726 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. urer of the first Board of Deaf and Dumb Institute, and largely interested in the building of plank roads, being stockholder and member of board in the company; also interested in getting first telegraph line from Racine to Delavan, office being in his store, the operator being one of the clerks, Henry Briggs, the first operator in Delavan. Mr. Taggart was one of the prime movers in establishing the first printing-press in Delavan. LUKE TAYLOR, one of Walworth County's early pioneers, was born in Byron, Genesee Co., N. Y, Dec. 15, 1809; was brought up a farmer; while yet a young man, traveled through Michigan and Indiana; returned to New York, where he was married, in 1834, to Susan An drews, daughter of Dr. John Andrews; soon after their marriage, they emigrated to Wisconsin and located at Racine, in May, 1835 ; remaining in Racine only a short time, they moved to Gardner's Prairie in the fall of 1836, and from there to Delavan, Walworth Co., in the spring of 1837, and built a log house just north of the present pond; his daughter, T. Amelia, now Mrs. Byron Brown, of Whitewater, was the first white child born in Delavan, Oct. 12, 1837, within the present boundaries. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor lost four children in childhood; one daughter, Mrs. Alex. McGinty, died aged 22 years; one son, George L., married Maggie Flan ders, resides in Minnesota. Mrs. Taylor died in 1854. Mr. Taylor spent two years in Cali fornia; returned to Delavan, and, Dec. 23, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 13th W. V. I., and served till November, 1862; he is now a resident of Milwaukee. NICHOLAS THORNE, dealer in horses, was born in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co., N. Y, May 24, 1825; is the son of Nicholas and Eliza Thorn. When only a lad of 17 years, he shipped on a whale-ship, from Greenport, L. I., and when 20 years of age he had crossed the Equator four times; spent two years in the whaler, then shipped in a packet-ship sailing be tween New York and New Orleans, and New York and Liverpool; during his six years of sea faring life, he visited many strange countries, and gratified his love of travel and acquired con siderable knowledge of foreign lands, both civilized and barbaric. In 1848, he left the sea and came to Wisconsin, and purchased a fine farm of 322 acres near Delavan Lake, Walworth County; in 1855, he sold out and returned to the East; he spent five years traveling with the Mabie Circus and buying horses; about 1870, he went to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he was engaged in the horse business; in the fall of 1875, he returned to Delavan, and has since made that village his home. He was married, at Beloit, Wis. , in May, 1858, to Miss Maria Gaston, daughter of M. B. Gaston; Mrs. Thorn was born in Auburn, N. Y. ; they have four children — Harry P. , Amie, William and Maria L. Mr. Thorn has served as Constable six years, and Mar shal of Delavan four years. REV. HENRY TOPPING, deceased, was born at Charleston, Montgomery Co., N. Y, March 14, 1804; he was the son of Jared and Sarah Topping; was educated at the common schools of his day, and by private instruction; in early manhood, he engaged in teaching school, and subsequently became a merchant of Leesville, Schoharie Co., N. Y. He was married, at Sloansville, of the same county, Dec. 31, 1828, to Miss Nuel Van Doren, daughter of William Van Doren; she was born in Sloansville. Mr. Topping was ordained a minister of the Gospel of the Regular Baptist Church at Leesville, in 1835, and served as pastor of that church till 1839; being a man of deep convictions of religious faith, full of zeal in his calling, he became impressed with the belief that it was his duty to devote himself to missionary work in the front ier settlements of the country; ha ring friends in Walworth Co., Wis., he came hither with his family, and took up 80 acres of land on Turtle Prairie; very shortly after his arrival at his new home, he was visited by the Phcenix brothers, of Delavan, who had been hoping for such an acquisition to their little colony; they being favorably impressed with his earnest Christian zeal, at once invited him to fill the pulpit of the Baptist Church at that place; he accepted the prop osition and became the pastor of that church, being the first regularly established minister at Delavan; two years after his arrival in Walworth County, he moved to the village of Delavan (1841) ; in addition to his regular charge, he performed the duties of missionary in adjoining towns and counties, where he did substantial work in his holy calling; in 1845, he was called to take charge of the church at East Delavan and the church in the town of Walworth, and con tinued his labors in that field till his health again failed him; in 1850, he moved with his fam ily to Delton, Sauk Co., where he was engaged in mercantile business, and, as his health per mitted, performed the duties of minister of the Gospel; he remained at Delton seven years, and HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 727 then returned to Delavan, where he engaged in the mercantile business with his sons, continu ing this business till 1867; he moved with his family to the extreme southern limits of Illinois, in the vicinity of Cairo; here he engaged in the growing of small fruit for two years; finding the climate unhealthful, he again moved, this time to Franklin, Ottawa Co., Kan., where he resided till the time of his death, which occurred Nov. 20, 1870; he left a family of four chil dren — Charles H., now senior member of the firm of Topping & Co., of Delavan; Harriet N., now the wife of Mr. S. R. La Bar, of the town of Delavan; Marshall, now book-keeper of the firm of Topping & Co. ; Emma, now Mrs. M. W. Elmore, of Ottawa, Kan. His wife, Mrs. Nuel Topping, died Oct. 11, 1880. Mr. Topping was a man of advanced opinions on the great moral questions of temperance and anti-slavery, and throughout his life was an enthusiastic and able champion of these two important subjects; the commencement of his efforts in behalf of temperance and freedom dates back to the year 1825; he was a man of warm impulses, rigid in his views on the subjects of morality and sobriety, without being unkind or uncharitable; he was a man whose influence was always good, and who commanded the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens of all classes. CHARLES H. TOPPING, merchant, Delavan, is a native of Charleston, Montgomery Oo. , N. Y. ; is the son of Rev. Henry and Nuel Van Doren Topping; was born May 27, 1830; he came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1839, and made his home in Walworth County; in 1851, he began business for himself as a merchant in Delton, Sauk Co., Wis.; continued business there until 1857, when he moved to Delavan and engaged in mercantile business with his father and brother; seven years later, his father and himself withdrew, and Mr. S. R. La Bar was taken as partner; the business was continued until 1867, when it was closed up; he then accom panied his father to Southern Illinois, where two years were spent in fruit-growing; from there he went to Ottawa, Kan. , and was engaged in nursery business ; he returned to Delavan and re established himself as a merchant at this place under the old firm name of C. H. Topping & Co. Mr. Topping was married, at Sharon Springs, N. Y. , April 10, 1855, to Miss Mary, daughter of James Parsons; Mrs. Topping was born at Sharon Springs; they have five sons; Henry, the oldest, was admitted a member of the firm of C. H. Topping & Co. (the firm name is now ;changed to Topping & Son) February, 1881; the youngest sons are James P., Wandell, Albert R. and Louis. The house of C. H. Topping & Son are extensive dealers in dry goods, carpets and ladies' fine shoes, and carry an average stock of $20,000. PETER TRINEN, manufacturer of and dealer in boots and shoes. The subject of this sketch was born in Prussia, Germany, April 19, 1846; is the son of John and Annie Trinen; he began learning the shoemaker's trade in his native country; came to America in 1867, and located in Racine, Wis.; shortly afterward, moved to Salem, Kenosha Co., where he worked at his trade one year; he then moved to Geneva, Walworth Co.; worked there till May, 1869, when he came to Delavan; worked as a journeyman till 1871, when he engaged in his present busi ness; he was married, in Delavan, Jan. 14, 1874, to Miss Eliza Hageman, daughter of Theo dore Hageman; Mrs. Trinen was born in Germany, and came to America when 2 years of age; they have two children, daughters — Gertrude and Caroline. HORACE W. UTLEY, of the firm of Lowe & Utley, proprietors of Delavan meat market and dealers in live stock, successors to Hollister & Co., commenced business Dec. 5, 1881. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Richmond, Walworth Co., Wis., Nov. 6, 1861; is the son of Edward and Caroline Utley. In 1869, he moved with his parents to Delavan; shortly after, moved to Nebraska, where his father was engaged in stock-growing; remained in Nebraska three years, and then returned to Delavan, where he attended school till 1875; he then engaged in the meat market business with his father; continued this business about five and a half years, when they sold out; was out of business from that time till Dec. 5, 1881, when he formed a partnership with Mr. Lowe in their present business. Mr. Utley was married, at Delavan, Nov. 15, 1881, to Miss Katie Crosby, daughter of Nelson Crosby; Mrs. Utley was born in Delavan. Mr. Utley's father was a pioneer of the town of Richmond, having settled there in 1839, where he still owns a farm, while he resides in the village of Delavan. SAMUEL UTTER, farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. East Delavan; has 164 acres; was born in Wash ington Co., N. Y., Jan. 23, 1807; is the son of Abraham and Marilda Utter; was brought up a farmer; when 20 years of age, went to Castile, Genesee Co., where he lived till September, 728 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1843, when he moved to Delavan, Wis., and made his home on the farm which he now occupies. He was married, Feb. 23, 1832, to Charlotte Ferris; they had two children, who died in child hood Mrs. Utter died Sept. 26, 1840. Mr. Utter was married again, in Castile, Sept. 9, 1841, to Harriet A. Winston, daughter of John Winston; Mrs. Utter was born in Chenango Co., N. Y. ; they had three children born to them — Amanda, Loretta and John W. ; Amanda is Mrs. John S. Spencer, of Cook Co., 111. ; Loretta died at 3 years of age; John W. married Ella Vir gil, and lives in town of Delavan. Mr. Utter has never been desirous of public office, but has served his town (Delavan), three or four terms as Supervisor; during the many years of his residence in Delavan, he has won the esteem and confidence of his neighbors and fellow-citi zens as an upright, honorable man. JOHN UTTER, dealer in live stock. He was born in Washington Co., N. Y, Nov. 1, 1825; is the son of Abram and Marilda Utter; when 2 or 3 years of age, he accompanied his parents to Castile, Wyoming Co., where he was brought up a farmer. In the spring of 1856, he emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Delavan, Sec. 35, where he had a fine farm of 200 acres; he sold out and moved to Delavan Village in 1871; was engaged in milling one year with Mr. Amos Phelps; he was next engaged in the grocery business; sold out to Mr. Wilbur, and continued in the wool and stock business, in which he had been operating in con nection with the other business; he has dealt in and handled stock for the past twenty-four years. He was married, in Wyoming Co., N. Y., May 2, 1848, to Miss Louisa Lapham, daugh ter of Winsor Lapham; Mrs. Utter was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y.; they have two children — Eva M. and Floyd W., one a resident of Delavan, Wis., and the other of Chicago, 111. RICHARD VAN ALSTINE, deceased, was born in Albany, N. Y, in 1824; was a shoe maker by trade. He was married, in Sloansville, N. Y. , to Miss Maria L. Snyder, daughter of John Snyder; Mrs. Van Alstine was born in the State of New York; four children were born to them; the eldest, George H. , died when 3 years of age; Clarence E. resides at Delavan, Wis.; Richard married Miss Fanny Dobbin and lives at Edson, Chippewa Co., Wis. ; the youngest, Mary, is now Mrs. A. L. Hathaway, of Bloomington, 111. Mr. Van Alstine emigrated to Delavan, Wis consin in the spring of 1850, where he engaged in the boot and shoe business; he continued in that business about six years, and then devoted his attention to farming and dealing in real estate, which business he followed to the time of his death, which occurred June 22, 1878. CLARENCE E. VAN ALSTINE, farmer; P. O. Delavan; is the son of Richard and Maria L. Van Alstine; was born in Sloansville, Schoharie Co., N. Y. , Sept. 20, 1849; came to Dela van, Wis., with his parents in the spring of 1850, where he has resided to this date; he has a large farm on Sec. 27, town of Delavan, which he manages, but resides in the village. See sketch of Richard Van Alstine, elsewhere in this work. W. C. VAN VELZER, of the firm of Van Velzer Bros., cigar manufacturers, was born in Hudson, Walworth Co., Wis., Dec. 18, 1847; is the son of Philander Van Velzer; has served as Deputy Sheriff and Constable since 1876; in 1877, he became interested with his brother in the cigar business; their factory turns out 200,000 cigars annually, and gives employment to six hands; among their most popular brands are La Pluma, Cash, Dart and King Charles; W. C. , not being a practical cigar man, does the traveling and outside work, in addition to his offi cial duties. He was married, Nov. 12, 1872, at East Delavan, to Ella, the adopted daughter of L. Wilcox; her family name was Bradley; they have two children — Millie C. and Ferdi nand P. FERDINAND P. VAN VELZER, of the firm of Van Velzer Bros., cigar-manufacturers, was born in Hudson, now Lyonsdale, Wis., Sept. 12, 1852; is the son of Philander and Pru dence Van Velzer; in 1875, he began learning the cigar-maker's trade at Clinton, Wis. ; served two years, and then came to Delavan, and, in company with his brothers, started their first cigar factory. DR. FREDERICK LUDWIG VON SUESSMILCH-HOERNIG was born at Wurzen, Saxony, Oct. 26, 1820; when a few weeks old, went with his father, who was an officer in the army, to Dresden; when 12 years old, went to the Gymnasium of Grimma; his father being transferred to Leipzig, he also went, and was a student of the Nicholai College; from there his father was transferred to Bautzen as commander of the district called Lusatia;. there he finished his college education, graduated May, 1843, and went to Leipzig to study medicine, and in HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 729 1845 went to the Royal Surgical and Medical College at Dresden, and passed his exam ination in the spring of 1848; from there he went to Wuerzburg, but, being on the Republican side, arraigned against his family, all officers and Royalists, he considered it better to go to America, which he did Sept. 12, 1848 ; arriving in New York, he spent some time without any particular aim,- and then came to Milwaukee, Wis. ; after a short sojourn in the city, he went to Waterford, Racine Co., where he formed a partnership with Dr. Flanhardt in the practice of medicine; not having then acquired a knowledge of the English language, he only remained a few months, and returned to Milwaukee, where he was assistant of Dr. Frederick August Luen- ing for nearly two years; in 1850, he went to Burlington, Racine Co., and entered upon the practice of his profession; from there he went, with Mr. John Bruce, in July, 1851, to Darien, Walworth Co. ; after practicing eleven months at that place, he moved to Delavan, where he has resided ever since. He was married, in April, 1852, at Darien, to Miss Caroline Older, daugh ter of John D. and Laura Older; they had two children — Charles Frederick and Amelia May; his wife died April, 1857 ; he married again, to Miss Francis Maria Stowell, daughter of Guy 0. and Catharine G. Stowell, of Antwerp, Jefferson Co., N. Y. ; they have six children living — Charles Guy, Charlotte Amelia, Katharine Hedwig, Ernest Ludwig, George Oliver Otto and Henrietta Theresa; the second wife died Oct. 11, 1880. Dr. F. L. Von Suessmilch is the son of Karl Frederick Von Suessmilch-Hoernig, who was a General in the Saxon army at the time of his death; the mother's maiden name was Charlotte Amelia Mai. The Doctor has served nine years as Trustee of the village of Delavan, and one year as its President; has been sixteen years Treasurer of the School Board, and was twice appointed Notary Public. Dr. Von Suessmilch is widely and favorably known as a skillful physician and surgeon, loved and trusted by his friends, respected and feared by his enemies; he is the owner of several fine farms, aggregating 500 acres, situated in the town of Delavan. JOHN M. WALKER, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Delavan; has 80 acres of land; was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y, July 13, 1831; is the son of John and Margaret Walker; was brought up a farmer; when 18 years of age, learned the molder's trade in Livingston Co., N. Y. ; on becoming of age, he went to Vaughn, Canada, where he worked at his trade about thirteen years. He was married, in Vaughn, Dec. 29, 1859, to Miss Hannah Kirby, daughter of Nathan iel Kirby; Mrs. Walker was born in Markham, Canada; three children were born to them in Canada — Walter W., Hattie M. and John K. In 1866, Mr. Walker and family emigrated to Delavan, Wis.; purchased his present farm on Sec. 10, where he has since resided; three chil dren were born to them in Delavan — Charles H, Durward E. and Edith M. .ELISHA WELLS; of the firm of W. M. & E.Wells, merchants, Delavan, was born at Al bany, N. Y, Feb. 9, 1841; is the son of Hezekiah and Eliza (Morgan) Wells; he came to Mil waukee, Wis. , with his parents in the summer of 1842, and to Delavan in January, 1843 ; was admitted a partner in the dry goods business with his father and brother in 1869; since his father's death, Dec. 7, 1869, he has been the junior member of the firm of W. M. & E. Wells, in the same business; he spent the winter of 1880-81 in Colorado, New Mexico and California, returning May 1, 1881; he was married, Dec. 10, 1867, at Delavan, to Miss Maria Eddy, daugh ter of the Rev. Chauncey Eddy; Mrs. Wells was,, born in Saratoga, N. Y.; they have two sons- Walter A., aged 12 years, and Julius, aged 4 years. WALTER M. WELLS, of the firm of W. M. & E. Wells, merchants of Delavan, was born in Albany, N. Y, June 16, 1829; is the son of Hezekiah and Eliza (Morgan) Wells; he came with his parents to Wisconsin in 1842; spent a short time in Milwaukee, and then came to Del avan, January, 1843, where he has continued to reside to this date. In 1849, he commenced business as a merchant, being admitted as a partner in the business established by his father in 1843; subsequently (1869), his brother, Elisha, was admitted a member of the firm, and since the father's death, Dec. 7, 1869, the business has been conducted by the sons under the firm name of W. M. & E. Wells; the house, a first-class dry goods establishment, has been in exist ence ;since 1843, extending over a period of thirty-eight years. The subject of this sketch, Walter M.fWells, was married; at Poultney, Vt., Sept. 28, 1870, to Miss Lucretia A. Mallary, daughter of Samuel Mallary; Mrs. Wells was born in Sandusky, Ohio. From April, 1870, to October, 1871, Mr. Wells was interested in the stove business at Chicago, in company with Mr. 730 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. William A. Barlow; they were burned out in the great fire of that year, since which time Mr. Wells has devoted his attention to his business at Delavan. WILBUR G. WEEKS, editor and publisher of the Delavan Republican, of which he be came proprietor in April, 1881; he was born in the town of Spring Prairie, Walworth Co., March 23, 1859; is the son of Samuel and Charlotte Vantine Weeks; began learning the printer's trade in the office of the Elkhorn Independent, where he spent one year; then went to Waukesha and was employed two years on the Waukesha Democrat; having served a regular apprentice ship at the business, he next engaged as journeyman on the Milwaukee Sentinel, where he was employed one year; he was subsequently employed as compositor in other offices in the State until 1880, when he came to Delavan, and was foreman of the Enterprise office from December, 1880, till April, 1881, when he bought out the Republican office; under his management, the paper is making good progress, having a subscription list of 700. SAMUEL P. WILBER, grocer, was born in Schoharie, Schoharie Co., N. Y., Aug. 26, 1839; is the son of Martin and Permilia Wilber; he came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1847, and located at Clinton, Rock Co., where he was brought up on a farm, and continued in that business until 1874, when he sold out and engaged in the grocery business at Delavan, with Mr. S. G. Allen; the following year, he moved his family 'to Delavan, where he has aince re sided; he continued his connection with Mr. Allen two years, then sold out, and was out of business about one year; he then started in the same business with Mr. J. R. Williams, under the style of Wilber & Williams; two years later, he bought out his partner, since which time he has carried on the business alone. He was married, in Allen's Grove, Wis., Nov. 28, 1865, to Miss Sarah M. Allen, daughter of Philip and Caroline Allen; Mrs. Wilber is a native of Roches ter, N. Y. L. H. WILLIS, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Delavan; he has 240 acres of land; settled in the county in 1840; he was born in Sparta, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 14, 1817, son of William and Elizabeth Hoyt Willis; his grandfather on his mother's side was a soldier of the Revolu tion; was promoted captain for meritorious conduct, and served through the seven years' struggle for independence; when 8 years of age, L. H Willis went to Wyoming County, where he remained until 17 years old; he then returned to Sparta, where he resided until 1840; in August of that year, he came to Walworth Co., Wis., and made his home in the town of Delavan, on his present farm, which has been his home to this date. He was married, in Pennsylvania, in May, 1842, to Miss Mary M. Bowers, daughter of Orsemus Bowers; Mrs. Willis was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y. ; they had seven children, of whom five are living — Arthur, Sarah, Charles, George and Hattie; one son, named Charles, died at the age of 2 years; William R. was mar ried to Cynthia Paddock, and died aged 27 years; one child died in infancy; Arthur married Amelia Esterly, and lived in Ottawa, Kan ; Sarah is the wife of Charles E. Howe, of Wauke gan, 111. ; Charles married Ann Irons and lives in Harvey Co. , Kan. ; George married Flora Williams and lived in Geneva, Wis. Mr. Willis lost his wife in 1871, her death occurring July 5; he was married to his present wife, Elizabeth Adriance, daughter of Jacob Adriahce, Aug. 21, 1872, in Scipio, N. Y; Mrs. Willis is a native of that town. Mr. Willis has served as Su pervisor of Delavan four years; served as Assessor two years; has been a member of the Baptist Church for more than fifty years, and took the lead in forming the Baptist Church in East Del avan in 1845; he took the lead in forming the school district in East Delavan, and was kept on the School District Board for thirty years; he served as Justice of the Peace for twenty years; he has always been called upon to take the lead in every important measure that has occurred in town; he commenced life without any property. In politics, he is a Republican; helped organize that party in Delavan, and has voted the ticket ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Willis are members of the Baptist Church. HEZEKIAH WELLS, deceased, was born at Milford, Conn., Dec. 24, 1796; was married, at Albany, N. Y, to Mary Eliza Morgan; was born Sept. 28, 1802, died Nov. 30, 1854. Mr. Wells was engaged in the mercantile business at Albany, N. Y, twenty years, then removed to Milwaukee, Wis., October, 1842, and for a short time kept a hotel, then known as the Milwau kee House, which was situated on Wisconsin street, near where the custom house now stands; the following January, he removed to Delavan, 1843, and commenced business again as a mer chant, having the only store in the place. He was married again, June 11, 1855, at Delavan, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 731 Wis., to Mary (Moor) Huntington, who was born at Woodstock Conn., Oct. 8, 1809; she is still living at Delavan. Mr. Wells became a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Albany when a young man, and continued an active and consistent churchman to the close of his life; he was instrumental in organizing Christ's Church at Delavan in 1844, and was chosen one of its Wardens, and held the office till the time of his death; he had eight children, all born of the first marriage; the eldest, Minot Morgan Wells, was a clergyman of the Episcopal Church; he was married, at Sing Sing, N. Y., to Emma Hoffman ; his death occurred Oct. 15, 1873 ; Henry died Jan. 12, 1849; Walter Morgan married Lucretia Adams, of Poultney, Vt., and is at this date a merchant of Delavan; Lyman R. died Nov. 25, 1837; Sarah B. died Jan. 11, 1854; Spencer R. is a Congregational clergyman, late missionary to India; married Mary Seiper, of Atlanta, 111., now residing at Delavan; Elisha married Maria W. Eddy, of Delavan, and is now a merchant of this place; William A. is deceased. Mr. Wells continued business at Delavan till the time of his death, Dec. 7, 1869, being 73 years of age. H. H. WILLIAMS, born in Dublin, Ireland, 1815; served an apprenticeship of six years to a Liverpool watch manufacturer; settled in Delavan, Wis., May, 1849; bought Lot 8, Block 12; erected the first store on Block 12, and opened the first jewelry store in Delavan in June, 1849, and carries on the same business now, in connection with his son, Howard Williams. He was married, in Ireland, to Jane Curran; six children were born to them; the eldest daughter, Susie, is the wife of C. P. James, of Beloit, Kan. ; the eldest son, Henry, is married, and lives at Bon- ham, Texas; the second daughter, Ella, is teaching at the Blairsville Ladies' Seminary, Penn sylvania; Jennie lives with her parents at Delavan; Robert married Gracia Marsh, and lives at Burlington, Kan. ; Nettie is the wife of Rev. I. J. Atwood, of Oberlin, Ohio, a Congregational minister, destined to serve as a missionary to China. Mr. Williams' first wife died, and he married Mrs. A. A. Curtiss, daughter of P. M. Keeler; three sons were born of this marriage, the first dying in infancy; the second son, Howard, is associated with his father in the jewelry business; the youngest, Ed. F., is in the Citizens' Bank of Delavan as Assistant Cashier. A. J. WOODBURY, dealer in books, stationery and fancy goods, successor to D. L. Shader, who established the business in 1871. The present proprietor purchased the establishment Aug. 1, 1878. Mr. Woodbury was born in McHenry Co., Ill, near McHenry, July 9, 1846; is the son of William H. and Allura B. Woodbury. Mr. Wood-bury resided in his native county till 1867, when he came to Delavan and engaged in the drug business, which he continued one year, when he was appointed Steward of the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb, and served in that capacity from 1870 to 1878. He was married, at Delavan, Aug. 9, 1873, to Miss Alice Jacobs; they have two children — Ida L. and Ethel L. 732 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. TOWN OF DARIEN. ORGANIZATION. When, by act of the Territorial Legislature, approved January 2, 1838, the town of Dela van was created, consisting of four townships, the one now forming Darien was among the number. By an act approved January 6, 1840, Town 2 north, in Range 15 east, was formed into a separate town, by the name of Darien, from a town of the same name in New York, from which most of the early settlers came. The surface of the town is generally quite level, the greater portion of the rolling land being near the central and northern part. TOPOGRAPHY. The soil is of excellent quality throughout, being easy of cultivation and highly product ive. The town is very fairly timbered with the various varieties indigenous to this part of the State. The inhabitants are mostly Americans, with a small admixture of other nationalities. The population of 1875 was 1,442; it is now 1,394. The Turtle Creek, the largest and most important stream in the town, enters on Section 13, and, after a circuitous bend, passes through the town south' and westerly, leaving it on Section 18. This stream furnishes some water-power, but it is too level to be of superior value as such. Muzzy Creek enters on Section 33 and flows a little to the northwest, leaving the town on Sec tion 31, and empties into the Turtle in Rock County. Spring Brook Creek enters on Section 31 and leaves the town on the same section, emptying into the Muzzy in Rock County. For some distance on either side of the Turtle is considerable marsh land, and also in the southwestern part of the town, in the vicinity of the Muzzy and Spring Brook Creeks. Turtle Prairie, so called from the creek of the same name, extends across the town east and west, a little south of the center, the others being Ridge Prairie, in the northeast; Rock Prairie, in the northwest; Hazie Prairie, on Section 13, and Blooming Prairie, north of and near the center. The original oak openings were in the north and northeast part of the town. There are still existing a few of the Indian mounds, supposed to have been built by the ancient Mound-Builders, but these are of small size and almost undiscernible. These are principally on Section 18. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The town of Darien was first settled by Christopher Chesebro and E. Belding, who came in April, 1837 — the former from Otsego County, N. Y., the latter from Hadley, Mass. Mr. Chese bro settled on Section 14, built a house, broke a few acres of land, and planted corn, beans and a few other vegetables. Mr. Belding located on Section 11, and also broke a few acres of land. He is now a resident of Delavan. Mr. Chesebro died in the spring of 1839, his death being the first in town. At the time of their coming to the town of Darien, both of these pioneer settlers were* unmarried. Next came N. S. Comstock, from Delaware County, N. Y., on horseback, the date of his advent being May 28, and the locality of his settlement Section 7. After erecting a log house, he broke twenty acres of land and returned to New York for his family. Being pos sessed of some money, Mr. Comstock escaped many of the hard " rubs " which most of the pio neers were obliged to endure. A. W. Maxson, now of Janesville, furnishes further interesting information of the settlers of 1837 and 1838, in the following words : " Joseph Maxson, a native of Rhode Island, settled in Allegany County, N. Y. , in 1804. He was then seventeen years of age, and his worldly wealth consisted of a scanty wardrobe and 2 cents in money. He sold his only pair of shoes for an ax, and, going eight miles into the wilderness, cleared' himself a farm — the site of the present village of Centerville. (The old ax and one of these cents are still kept'by his son as precious relics.) In the spring of 1837, he took his son, A. W. Maxson, then seventeen years"of age, the old ax for which he traded his shoes in 1804, a few tools, and, with one horse and a wagon, started for Wisconsin. He arrived on Turtle Prairie May 29. It was then in full bloom, and covered with wild flowers. Locating on Section 18, they cut the sod HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 733 from the prairie with an ax, and planted beans and melons. Soon after they were located in their new home, the father fell from his horse, and, striking a stone, broke five of his ribs. His son, with the assistance of two young men (William Moore and Hiram Kingsley), who had that day arrived from Illinois, undertook the duties of surgeon and nurse. They bled' him with a jack-knife, buckled a strap around his body, and in three weeks he assisted in building their cabin, cutting the first tree with the same old ax which cut the first tree in Centerville in 1804. Remaining about a month, he went back to New York for more supplies. Moore and Kingsley then broke a few acres of land on Sections 5 and 19, sowing part of it to buckwheat. They re turned to Illinois, leaving the crop in charge of young Maxson. He cut it with a cradle, con structed of a grass scythe and a few oak branches, threshed it on the ground, allowed the wind to clean it, and then ground it in a coffee-mill. This was the first grain raised in the town of Darien. In the month of June, John Lippett, Cyrus Lippett, John Bruce, Salmon Thomas and Trumbell D. Thomas arrived. Soon after, a child of Mr. Thomas' died, and Mrs. Thomas gave birth to a child — Alfred W., since District Attorney, the first white child born in the town of Darien. In the fall of 1837, Benjamin Moore arrived with a large family. William Carter came in December and built a log house on Section 21, which was burned the following spring by prairie fires. In the spring of 1838, Amos Older settled on the same section, his father, a gray.haired old man, accompanying him. During the winter also came Austin Maxson, from the State of New York, walking the entire distance to Wisconsin. At this time, the largest wild animals were wolves and deer, although a lynx and a panther are said to have been killed. Mills had not been built, and the settlers went to Dundee, 111., to have their grain ground. The first saw-mill was built by Joseph Maxson and his son A. W., in 1841, and was replaced in 1850 by a grist-mill, also erected by them." Salmon Thomas, with his family, and his brother, Trumbull D.. moved into the present town of Darien in June, 1837. Mr. Thomas' brother had made his claim in the fall of 1836, and paid a man to put a log house on it, but when the family arrived they found the logs rolled up and covered, but no door or windows. They were obliged to cut a door through before they could get in. The most prominent settlers who came to the town of Darien previous to 1841 are as fol lows: In the spring of 1838, O. W. Carter, Jr., Leander Dodge, Jacob S. Cook, Jacob A. Sea, Lyman and Loren K. Jones, Asher Johnson, Hiram A. Johnson, Jared Fox and Charles Ells worth in the summer and fall of 1838 ; William and C. Hollister, in the spring, and Ebenezer Chesebro, Elijah Belden, Rev. Mr. Kingsley, John V. Walker, Hugh Long and Chester D. Long in June of 1839; Nicholas Perry and two sons, Jabez B. Chesebro, Lyman H. Seaver, William A. Waterhouse, Alvah Johnson, Joseph Wilkins and Robert Lawson in the summer and fall of 1839; Archibald Woodard, John Curtis, Lemuel Hollister, Elisha McCollister, Will iam G. Mayhaw, Jasper Griggs, Hiram A. Stone, John Wilkins, M. Woodhull and Robert A. Houston in 1840. Of these persons, W. E. Chesebro, Cyrus Lippett, William and Orange W. Carter, Hiram A. Jphnson, Chester D. Long, Alvah Johnson, Cyrenius and William Hollister, and Salmon Thomas, are still residents of Darien, while Nicholas S. Comstock, Joseph Maxson, Benjamin Moore, E. B. Gates, John Bruce, Loren K. Jones, Leander Dodge, Amos Older, Reuben Knapp, Asher Johnson, Hugh Long, Lyman H. Seaver, Ebenezer Chesebro, Newton McGraw, Robert Lawson, Nicholas Perry, Henry Topping, Jesse Older, Eugene Flaherty and Jasper Griggs are known to be dead. The settlers of a later date are Valentine Aldrich, Robert Hutchinson, Archibald Woodard, John Wilkins, Peter M. Keeler, Eli King, H. B. Greenman, Cornelius Dykeman, Jacob Niskern, John Niskern, Ira P. Lanard, Asa Foster, Randall Stone, Isaac Vail, Levi Bedell, Josiah Vrooman, John .B. Hastings, Josiah Dodge, Samuel W. Dodge, George Wal ker, Moses McKee, Henry Frey, Ezekiel Tripp, Jeremiah Bradway, Jamas Dilley, Hiram Onder- donk, John Rhinehart, Ovid Reed, S. C. and Amos Ives, Joshua Parish, Carey Welch, Lucius Relyea, James Dudley, Zebulon T. Lee, Levi Blakeman, Rial N. Weed, James McKey, William Woodard, Eusebias Barwell, Rufus, Alexander and James Gallup, John B. Cook, Stephen Mc Hugh, Thomas McHugh, John F. McKee, Willard Blanchard and Elisha Hunt. A majority of the above-named persons were from the town of Darien, N. Y. When, the town was first settled, the settlers came in with very limited means; many of 734 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. them had not sufficient to purchase their land at the land sales, and had to borrow money by the process called " machine shave. " They paid $200 for eighty acres, and on the whole amount of money 12 per cent interest. But they, however, came to stay, and the wealthy farmers of the town bear evidence to how well they have carried out their intentions. RESUME. The town of Darien was first settled by Elijah Belding and Christopher C. Chesebro, in April, 1837. Mr. Belding came from Hadley, Mass., and settled on Section 10, while Mr. Chesebro came from Otsego County, N. Y., and settled on Section 15. They were both unmar ried at the date of their settlement. Mr. Chesebro died in the spring of 1839, his death being the first in the town Mr. Belding is now a resident of Delavar. In 1837 came Joseph and Arthur Maxson, who settled on Section 18; Nicholas S. Comstock, on Section 27; Salmon and Trumbull D. Thomas, on Section 12; William Moore, on Section 15; W. E. Chesebro, on Section 18; Benjamin Moore, on Section 5; Hiram Kingsley, on Section 18; John Bruce, on Section 27; Cyrus and John Lippett, on Section 35; Lorenzo Carter, on Section 35; Loren K. and Lyman Jones, on Section 10; William and Orange W. Carter, on Section 21; E. B. Gates, on Section 8 ; and Martin Moore is said to have come in at this time, but made no permanent settlement. The settlers of the spring of 1838 are Leander Dodge, on Section 28 ; Amos Older, on Sec tion 21; Jacob A. Sea, on Section 35: Reuben Knapp, on Section 24; Asher Johnson, on Sec tion 17; Hiram A. Johnson, on Section 18; Hugh and Chester D. Long, on Section 28; Alvah Johnson, on Section 20; Lyman H. Seaver, on Section 33; Ebenezer Chesebro, on Section 11; William A. Waterhouse, on Section 33; Newton McGraw, on Section 10; Cyrennius Hollister, on Section 4; William Hollister, on Section 8; Robert Lawson, on Section 10; Jared Fox, on Sec tion 11 ; Jabez B. Chesebro, on Section 19 ; John V. Walker, on Section 33 ; Nicholas Perry, on Section 34; Henry Topping, on Section 35; Jesse Older, on Section 20. FIRST THINGS AND EVENTS. In 1839, Caleb Blodgett, of Beloit, was united in marriage to Lorinda Jones, of Blooming Prairie. This was the first marriage in town. Other early marriages were those of M. S. Pratt to Lydia Comstock, March 28, 1841 ; Peter Bowen to Hannah Older, May 4, 1840; William Carter to Adaline Seaver, December 15, 1841. Rev. H. Topping tied the nuptial knots. The first birth in the town was A. D. Thomas, a son of Salmon Thomas, in August, 1837. He has since been District Attorney of Walworth County, and is now an attorney at law in Deadwood, D. T. The first death was C. C. Chesebro, in the summer of 1839. He was Postmaster at the time of his death. In the summer of 1840, a private school was taught by Mrs. Mary Carter, in Cyrus Lippett's house, being the first in the town. In the fall of the same year, a school was taught in what is now District No. 4, by C. D. Long. He commenced his school the 1st of November, in a school- house which had been previously built. Miss Adaline Seaver also taught a school that fall in the house of William A. Waterhouse, in what is now District No. 6. She commenced later in the month than Mr. Long. There are now five whole and seven joint school districts in the town. In the summer of 1841, a saw- mill was built by Joseph and Arthur Maxson, on the north bank of the Turtle, on Section 18. A flouring-mill was built by the same parties in 1850, and is now owned by E. G. Chesebro. It is a two-story frame, custom mill, with two run of stone. - The first crops were raised in the fall of 1837, by William Moore and Hiram Kingsley. (See A. W. Maxson's recollections. ) In 1880, the following crops were raised: Wheat, 19,580 bushels; corn, 176,910 bushels; oats, 94,374 bushels; barley, 34,943 bushels; rye, 1,240 bushels; potatoes, 11,590 bushels; root crops, 500 bushels; apples, 15,400 bushels; timothy seed, 1,467 bushels; flax, 28,000 pounds; tobacco, 1,300 pounds; grasses, 3,110 tons; butter, 58,500 pounds; cheese, 89,845 pounds, and, in 1881, Wheat, 700 acres; corn, 2,960 acres; HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 735 oats, 2,160 acres; barley, 2,460 acres; rye, 46 acres; potatoes, 101 acres; flax, 123 acres; grasses, 2,749 acres; tobacco, 6 acres; growing timber, 1,877 acres; apple orchards, 370 acres, with 7,940 bearing trees; root crops, 1^ acres. The report of the County Superintendent of Schools for 1881 states that in the town of Darien there are five whole districts and five joint discricts; the number of male children in the town over four and under twenty years of age is 213;. female, 209; total, 422; there are eight schoolhouses in the town, with accommodations for the seating of 473 pupils; the cash value of all these houses is $3,600; cash value of sites, $425; cash value of apparatus, $295; total valuation of all school property is $4,320. The amount of school money on hand, August 31, 1880, was $685.09. The amount received from taxes levied on building and repairing was $63.50; from taxes levied for teachers' wages, $1,797.50; from taxes levied by County Supervisors, $188.16; from income of school fund, $169.56; from all other sources, $17.60; total amount received during the year, $2,921.41. The amount paid out for building and repairing was $98.67; for apparatus, etc., $2.94; for teach ers' services, $2,181.50; for school furniture, etc., $39.80; for all other purposes, $271.31; total amount paid out during the year, $2,593.87; money on hand August 31, 1881, $327.54. CORPORATE HISTORY. The first town meeting and election of officers, according to the provisions of the act setting off and organizing the town of Darien, was held at the house of John Bruce, in the present vil lage of Darien, on Tuesday, the 5th day of April, 1842. Salmon Thomas was chosen Chairman of this meeting, and J. W. Seaver, Clerk. Among other resolutions passed were the following: " That the town elect three Assessors; that the town elect two Constables; that a sum of money be raised equal to one-fourth of 1 per cent, for the support of the common schools ; that the officers of the town be allowed at the rate of $1 per day for their services ; that the town raise a sum of money equal to one-half of 1 mill on a dollar on the valuation of the taxable property, to defray the contingent expenses of the town; that all services of town officers rendered which cannot be computed by the day shall be referred to the Board of Supervisors, and by them au dited as they shall deem just, and that such amounts, when so audited, shall be paid by drafts on the Town Treasurer. " Fifty- three votes were polled at this election, as follows: W. A. Waterhouse, John Bruce, William Older, Samuel Fowle, Edwin Taylor, T. D. Thomas, Asa Foster, Reuben Knapp, Eli sha McAllister, William A. Older, Asher Johnson, J. B. Cook, Leander Dodge, Isaac Vail, J. W. Seaver, John Williams, Jabez B. Chesebro, Nicholas S. Comstock, John Lippett, Amos Older, Newton McGraw, William G. Mayhew, Ebenezer Chesebro, L. K. Jones, Benjamin Moore, Homer L. Greenman, Silas Haskins, Hiram A. Johnson, L. H. Seaver, C. D. Long, Wickham E. Chesebro, Richard Cook, Minthorn Woodhull, Elijah Belding. Cyrus Lippett, Jesse Older, Will iam Hollister, William Carter, Jared Fox, David Linsley, Jacob S. Cook, Lorenzo Carter, Sal mon Thomas, Valentine Aldrich, Hiram A. Stone, George Clapper, Henry King, Timothy Knapp, Barney Bedell, Orange Carter, Eli King, Orange W. Carter and Jacob A. Sea. The names of the officers elected at this meeting appear further on, in the roster of town officials. The amount of money raised for the support of common schools for 1842 was $132.42; the amount raised to defray the contingent expenses of the town was $101.48; the proportion of countv expenses, as per certificate of the Clerk of the Board, was $175.70; the Collector's fees were $20.48; total amount raised for 1842 was $430.08. The school districts were set off as follows: Ridge Prairie District, No. 1, and Blooming Prairie District, No. 2, September 21, 1840; Darien District, No. 3, September 28, 1840; Turtle Creek District, No. 4; Turtle Prairie District, No. 5; and Spring Brook District, No. 6, Septem ber 30, 1840. The number of scholars between the ages of four and sixteen in these districts in 1842 was 138, as follows: No. 2, 17 scholars; No. 3, 23 scholars; No. 4, 48 scholars; No. 5, 27 scholars; No. 6, 23 scholars. The $132.42 raised for the support of these schools was propor tioned as follows: No. 2, $16.31; No. 3, $22.07; No. 4, $46.09; No. 5, $25.91; No, 6, $22.07. The following is a roster of town officials from the organization of the town to and including the year 1881: 1842 — Supervisors, Salmon Thomas, Chairman; Lyman H. Seaver, Asher Johnson; Joseph 736 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. W. Seaver, Clerk; Loren K. Jones, Treasurer; Newton McGraw, Collector; Jared Fox, H. A. Stone, David Linsley, Assessors; John Lippett, T. D. Thomas, William Carter, Commissioners of Highways; J. W. Seaver, C. D. Long, Cyrus Lippett, Commissioners of Schools; Newton McGraw, Reuben Knapp, Constables; Timothy Knapp, Sealer; Lyman Jones, Jacob S. Cook, John Wilkins, Benjamin Moore, J. A. Sea, Silas Haskins, Amos Older, Fence Viewers; David Linsley, L. K. Jones, Overseers of Highways. 1843 — Supervisors, John Bruce, Chairman; Jared Fox, John Lippett; Joseph W. Seaver, Clerk; Hiram A. Stone, Treasurer; Newton McGraw, Collector; Loren K. Jones, Valentine Aldrich, Assessors; T. D. Thomas, Jacob S. Cook, Hugh Long, Commissioners of Highways; Chester D. Long, Joseph W. Seaver, Amos Older, Commissioners of Schools; Newton McGraw, David B. Linsley, Constables. 1844 — Supervisors, Salmon Thomas, Chairman; Loren K. Jones, Hugh Long; Joseph W. Seaver, Clerk; Leander Dodge, Treasurer; Edson B. Older, Collector; T. D. Thomas, Valen tine Aldrich, Joseph Maxson, Assessors; Hiram A. Stone, William G. Mayhew, Asher Johnson, Commissioners of Highways; C. D. Long, J. B. Hastings, N. S. Comstock, Commissioners of Schools; Newton McGraw, Zebulon T. Lee, Joseph Chamberlain, Justices of the Peace; Edson B. Older, William A. Older, Homer L. Greenman, Constables. 1845 — Supervisors, John Bruce, Chairman; Asher Johnson, Orange W. Carter; Joseph W. Seaver, Clerk; Asa Foster, Treasurer; N. S. Comstock, Salmon Thomas, Assessors; Alexander Gallup, Collector; Jacob A. Sea, John Wilkins, William G. Mayhew, Commissioners of High ways; John B. Hastings, Rial N. Weed, Charles P. Soper, Commissioners of Schools; Amos Older, Justice of the Peace; Alexander Gallup, Homer L. Greenman, David B. Linsley, Con stables. 1846 — Supervisors, Newton McGraw, Chairman; John Williams, George Cotton; Joseph W. Seaver, Clerk; Asa Foster, Treasurer; Levi Beadle, Collector; Jared Fox, Valentine Aldrich, William Hollister, Assessors ; Hiram A. Stone, Randall Stone, William Hollister, Commsisioners of Highways; Chester D. Long, George Cotton, Salmon Thomas, Commissioners of Schools; Loren K. Jones, Amos Older, Hiram Babcock, Justices of the Peace; Cyrus Lippett, John Tay lor, Levi Beadle, Constables. 1847 — Supervisors, Newton McGraw, Chairman; John Williams, Rial N. Weed: Andrew J. Weatherwax, Clerk; Jonathan Hastings, Treasurer; Salmon Thomas, John B. Hastings, Ben jamin Case, Assessors; Cyrus Lippett, Collector; Hiram A. Stone, Trumbull D. Thomas, Elisha McAllister, Commissioners of Highways; De Witt C. Seaver, Charles P. Soper, George Cotton, Commissioners of Schools; Cyrus Lippett, Alexander Gallup, Rial N. Weed, Constables. 1848 — Supervisors, Gaylord Blair, Chairman; Charles P. Soper, Asher Johnson; Jonathan Hastings, Clerk; Henry Fry, Treasurer; Lyman H. Seaver, Assessor; W. A. Waterhouse, Col lector; Josiah Dodge, Levi Blakeman, Joseph R. Wilkins, Commissioners of Highways; Charles P. Soper, Chester D.- Long, George Cotton, Commissioners of Schools; William H. Moore, George Cotton, Asher Johnson, Justices of the Peace; W. A. Waterhouse, Homer L. Green man, Francis Wilkins, Constables. 1849 — Supervisors, George Cotton, Chairman; Willard Blanchard, Josiah Dodge; Calvin Serl, Clerk; Henry Fry, Treasurer; E. P. Conrick, Essessor; Chest ?r D. Long, Sup -rintendent of Schools; Amos Older, George Cotton, Asher Johnson, Willard A. BlaDchard, Justices of the Peace; Francis Wilkins, Cyrus Lippett, Anson Perry, Constables. 1850- -Supervisors, George Cotton, Chairman; Gaylord Blair, Rufus Conable; Charles P. Soper, Clerk; Hugh Long, Treasurer; William H Moore, Assessor; Chester D. Long, Superin tendent of Schools; Willard Blanchard, Archibald Woodward, Levi Blakeman, John W. Seaver, Justices of the Peace; Francis Wilkins, Treadwell Soper, Joseph Nelson, Constables. 1851— Supervisors, George Cotton, Chairman ; Ebenezer Latimer, Hiram Onderdonk; Charles P. Soper, Clerk; W. A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; William H. Moore, Assessor; Parker M. Cole, Superintendent of Schools; Archibald Woodward, Joshua Parish, John W. Seaver, Justices of the Peace; Jesse M. Scofield, Francis Wilkins, Joseph Nelson, Constables. 1852— Supervisors, George Cotton, Chairman; Asher Johnson, Hiram Onderdonk; Charles P. Soper, Clerk; W. A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; William H. Moore, Assessor; John B. Hastings, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 737 Superintendent of Schools; George Cotton, Calvin Serl, Rufus Conable, Justices of the Peace; Joseph Nelson, Francis Wilkins, W. A. Waterhouse, Constables. 1853 — Supervisors, Salmon Thomas, Chairman; Hiram A. Johnson, Hiram Onderdonk; E. W. Grow, Clerk; Lyman H. Seaver, Assessor; William A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; Jonathan Hastings, N. S. Comstock, Justices of the Peace; John B. Hastings, Superintendent of Schools; William A. Waterhouse, Samuel F. Chesebro, Constables. 1854 — Supervisors, Chester D. Long, Chairman; Hiram A. Johnson, Joshua Parish ; Charles P. Soper, Clerk; James Gale, Treasurer; Cyrus Lippitt, Assessor; James W. Seaver, Superin tendent of Schools; William A. Waterhouse, John Williams, Salmon Thomas, Justices of the Peace; James Gale, Alexander Gallup, P. S. Carver, Constables. 1855 — Supervisors, Hiram A. Johnson, Chairman; Salmon Thomas, Lyman A. Seaver; William A. Waterhouse, Clerk; William Harper, Treasurer; Hiram Onderdonk, Assessor; Jo seph W. Seaver, Superintendent of Schools; C. P. Soper, C. Serl, J. J. Johnson, Justices of the Peace. 1856 — Supervisors, John B. Hastings, Chairman; John De Wolf, Charles P. Soper; Will iam A. Waterhouse, Clerk; John D. Older, Treasurer; Henry Hodgkinson, Julius H. Seaver, Willard B. Babcock, Assessors; E. L. Harris, Superintendent of Schools; John Williams, R. N. Weed, Justices of the Peace; John D. Older, Walter Hodgkinson, Constables. 1857 — Supervisors, Josiah Dodge, Chairman; Lyman H. Seaver, Hiram A. Stone; Joseph W. Seaver, Clerk; William A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; William H. Williams, Willard B. Bab cock, Henry Hodgkinson, Assessors; Thomas Williams, Henry M. Ray, Hiram A. Johnson, Jus tices of the Peace; Chester D. Long, Superintendent of Schools; Ovid Reed, Charles P. Soper, Calvin Serl, Constables. 1858 — Supervisors, Hiram A. Johnson, Chairman; John De Wolf, G. W. Lamont; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; Gaylord Blair, Assessor; William A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; Calvin Serl, Henry Hodgkinson, Justices of the Peace; C. D. Long, Superintendent of Schools; William A. Water- house, J. F. Lyon, A. Jones, Constables. 1859 — Supervisors, G. W. Lamont,' Chairman; M. O. Grinnell, James Gale; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; W. A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; Hugh Long, Assessor; C. D. Long, Superintendent of Schools; William Harrison, M. B. Stone, Justices of the Peace: John F. Lyon, P. Roundy, L. K. Jones, Constables. 1860 — Supervisors, P. M. Cole, Chairman; James Gale, L. K. Jones; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; William Harper, Treasurer; C. P. Soper, Assessor; J. L. Sutherland, Superintendent of Schools; 0. H. Gilbert, R. W. Pardy, C. Serl, Justices of the Peace; P. W. Roundy, William Harper, Constables. 1861— Supervisors, P. M. Cole, Chairman; Edgar Topping, W. B. Rabcock; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; W. A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; C. P. Soper, Assessor; U. S. Hollister, Superintendent of Schools; Calvin Serl, Justice of the Peace; P. W. Roundy, A. Jones, Isaac Lyon, Con stables. 1862— Supervisors, P. M. Cole, Chairman; P. M. Latimer, A. Jones; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; William A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; D. Rodman, Assessor; John S. Dodge, O. H. Gilbert, John Flaherty, Justices of the Peace; W. A. Waterhouse, M. Flaherty, Isaac Lyon, Constables. 1863 — Supervisors, John De Wolf, Chairman; H. E. Seaver, J. J. Johnson; Orange Will iams, Clerk; John S. Dodge, Treasurer ; W. A. Waterhouse, Assessor; J. F. Lyon, G. W. La mont, Justices of the Peace; J. O. Fuller, H. A. Stone, James Stryker, Constables. 1864— Supervisors, H. E. Seaver, Chairman ; C. S. Teeple, C. M. Fuller; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; W. A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; A. Jones, Assessor; Calvin Serl, K. W. Maxson, Justices of the Peace; W. A. Waterhouse, Joseph Chilson, Alpheus Grant, Constables. 1865— Supervisors, J. J. Johnson, Chairman; T. P. Davis, C. P. Soper; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; J. F. Lyon, Treasurer; A. Jones, Assessor; J. F. Lyon, G. W. Lamont, Justices of the Peace; A. Jones, L. Borst, J. S. Dodge, Constables. 1866— Supervisors, J. J. Johnson, Chairman; U. S. Hollister, H. E. Seaver; N. W Hoag, Clerk ; J. F. Lyon, Treasurer ; A. Jones, Assessor; C. B. Sperry, C. P. Soper, Justices of the Peace; L. S. Wilkins, D. Clough, A. Jones, Constables. 1867— Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; I. W. Babcock, A. W. Maxson; N. W. Hoag, 738 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Clerk; W. A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; A. Jones, Assessor; J. F. Lyon, U. S. Hollister, Justices of the Peace; John Owens, J. McKinney, G. W. Lamont, Jr., Constables. 1868 — Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; I. Stowell, C. P. Soper; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; W. A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; A. Jones, Assessor; O. H. Gilbert, C. P. Soper, Justices of the Peace; John H. Owens, H. Waterhouse, William Hollister, Constables. 1869 — Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; O. W. Carter, Daniel Rodman; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; J. M. Vanderhoof, Treasurer; A. Jones, Assessor; David Williams, A. W. Maxson, Jus tices of the Peace; Richard Taylor, L. O. Robinson, D. E. Bennett, Constables. 1870 — Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; U. S. Hollister, A, A. McKay; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; Leroy Dodge, Treasurer; A. Jones, Assessor; A. Woodard, W. R. Jones, Justices of the Peace; John Owens, John L. Ormsley, John McKinney, Constables. 1871 — Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; U. S. Hollister, H. A, McKay; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; A. H. Stone, Treasurer ; A. Jones, Assessor; A. W. Maxson, David Williams, J. M. Vanderhoof, Justices of the Peace; John McKinney, L. C. Waite, L. O. Robinson, Constables. 1872 — Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; U. S. Hollister, W. B. Johnson; T. R. Mor gan, Clerk; A. H. Stone, Treasurer; A. Jones, Assessor; A. Woodard, O. H. Gilbert, Justices of the Peace; L. C. Waite, J. C. McKinney, Constables. 1873 — Supervisors, Daniel Rodman, Chairman ; Israel Stowell, E. E. Hillman; H E. Seaver, Clerk; L. C. Waite, Treasurer; A. Jones, Assessor; David Williams. J. M. Vanderhoof, Justices of the Peace; A. Jones, J. McKinney, James Stryker, Constables. 1874— Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; W. H. Williams, U. S. Hollister; H. E. Seaver, Clerk; L. C. Waite, Treasurer; Darwin Clough, Assessor; A. Woodard, J. F. Lyon, Justices of the Peace; J. McCannon, James Stryker, James Mansfield, Constables. 1875 — Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; Charles Allen, W. H Williams; H. E. Seaver, Clerk; James Stryker, Treasurer; D. P. Clough, Assessor; David Williams, C. P. Soper, Jus tices of the Peace; John F. McKinney, James Stryker, J. H. Owens, Constables. 1876 — Supervisors, John De Wolf, Chairman; Charles Allen. A. J. Rodman; T. R. Mor gan, Clerk; James Stryker, Treasurer; D. P. Clough, Assessor; J. M. Vanderhoof, A. Woodard, Justices of the Peace; J. McKinney, Orange Starin, James Stryker, Constables. 1877 — Supervisors, J. B. Johnson, Chairman; W. H. Williams, W. H. Griswold; T. R. Morgan, Clerk; D. P. Clough, Treasurer; J. M. Vanderhoof, Assessor; A. Maxson, A. Woodard, Justices of the Peace; James Stryker, John McKinney, O. Starin, Constables. 1878— Supervisors, D. P. Clough, Chairman ; L. Downs, W. B. Babcock ; T. R. Morgan, Clerk; Rodney Seaver, Treasurer; J. M. Vanderhoof, Assessor; C. D. Long, A. W. Maxson, Jus tices of the Peace; J. F. McKinney, O. Starin, S. Hare, Constables. 1879 — Supervisors, John De Wolf, Chairman; I. W. Babcock, Charles Allen; T. R. Mor gan, Clerk; Rodney Seaver, Treasurer; C. P. Soper, Assessor; W. H. Williams, David Will iams, E. H. Smith, Justices of the Peace; James Stryker, John McKinney, Constables. 1880— Supervisors, J. B. Johnson, Chairman; Arthur H. Stewart, I. W. Babcock; J. M. Vanderhoof, Clerk; Rodney Seaver, Treasiu'er; D. P. Clough, Assessor; W. H. Williams, C. D. Long, Justices of the Peace; J. H. Owens, John S. Ormsby, John F. McKinney, Constables. 1881— Supervisors, J. B. Johnson, Chairman; J. G. Matteson, A. H. Stewart; J. M. Van derhoof, Clerk; W. E. Clough, Treasurer; E. E. Hillman, Assessor; N. M. Harrington, H. E. Seaver, E. H. Smith, Justices of the Peace; Martin Dean, J. H. Owens, F. C. Folts, Constables. VILLAGE OF DARIEN. The village of Darien is located on Section 27 of the town of Darien, on the South- Western Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, which enters the town on Section 24 and passes out on Section 31. The village was first settled by John Bruce, in 1837, who pur chased all the land where the village now is, and erected a small house, which afterward became a hotel. James Dilley and John B. Cook were subsequent settlers of the village. In July, 1856, the village was platted by Henry Frey, Hiram A. Stone and Edgar Topping, proprietors, since which time additions have been made by these gentlemen and John Bruce. In 1843, the first regular hotel was built by James R. Bruce. This is now standing, and wSm d^ (deceased) HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 741 still kept as a hotel. Henry Frey built the first store and opened a $5,000 stock of goods in May, 1844. Previous to the coming of the railroad, which passes through the village, it did not improve to any great extent, there being but few other dwellings in the locality than the cabins of the first settlers; but time is the magic wand that changes all things it touches, and which often makes the realization far better than the most sanguine hopes. The growth of the village, how ever, has at no time been rapid, but constant and gradual. The business done here has always been largely in excess of the apparent resources of the place, and in some respects it has been much greater than that done by towns of much greater size throughout the country. Socially and religiously, this village " holds its own " with the others in the county, having a number of different denominational and secular organizations. They have first-class schools here, which maintain a high educational standard. The railroad reached this point early in 1856, and Parker M. Cole soon afterward erected a small warehouse. This has since been removed, and is now used as a cheese factory. This had a capacity of about 8,000 bushels. Hiram Onderdonk built a warehouse during that year also. It has a capacity of 10,000 bushels, and is now owned and used by J. J. Johnson. In 1857,* John Williams built a warehouse, in size 30x80, two stories high, and with a capacity of 15,000 bushels. It is now owned by William Blakely and H. A. Johnson, and used as a gen eral storehouse. John Bruce built a warehouse in 1858. This has a capacity of 5,000 bushels; is owned by D. P. Clough and J. B. Johnson, and used as a general storehouse. In 1861 or 1862, M. B. Stone built a warehouse, two stories high and with a capacity of 20,000 bushels. It is now used in the buying and shipping of grain. The shipments of grain and stock from this point annually have been, during some years, simply enormous. In 1860, the shipments of wheat alone amounted to 206,000 bushels. This is the largest stock-shippers' point in the county, and said to be the largest on this line of road between Milwaukee and the Mississippi River. Darien has now two general stores, two groceries, one drug store, one cabinet-shop and salesroom, two harness-shops ant salesrooms, one shoe-shop and salesrooms, two shoe-shops, one hotel, one barber-shop and three mechanics' shops. RELIGIOUS. The first church organized in the village was that of the Baptists, in 1850. Their church building is in size 30x60, and cost $2,000. It was built in 1858. At present, it has no resi dent minister. Rev. D. Halteman, of Delavan, has it in charge. The Methodist Church building was erected in 1870, at a cost of $2,500. It is in size 30x50. The dedicatory sermon was preached in November of that year, by Rev. Samuel Fel lows. The church society was organized a short time previous to the building of the church, with between fifty and sixty members. Most of the original members have died or moved away, so that the present membership numbers about twelve. Three hundred persons can easily be seated in their church building. The churches in Allen's Grove and Darien are a separate charge, and are presided over by the same minister. POST OFFICE. The first post office in the town of Darien was established in 1838, on Blooming Prairie, and C. C. Chesebro was appointed Postmaster. Delavan was at this time in his district, his appointment being obtained through the influence of Mr. Phoenix. In 1839, a petition was presented to the Post Office Department at Washington for the establishment of an office at this point, which petition was favorably received and acted upon. John Bruce was made Postmaster. Mr. Bruce held the office some time, and was succeeded by Henry Frey, and he in turn by Ed ward Topping and Moses B. Stone. The latter held the office until 1861 , when N. W. Hoag and Joseph Lyon held the office for a number of years. Then C. S. Teeple was commissioned, and he was succeeded, in 1875, by the present Postmaster, G. F. Lathrop. *H. A. Johnson, Esq., makes a memorandum in correcting of proofs that Stone built the warehouse. 742 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. TOWN HALL. For several years the question of building a town hall was agitated, but it was not until August 14, 1869, that a vote was reached authorizing the construction of a hall. The hall was built in the fall of that year, at a cost of $2,000. It is in size 28x60, with sixteen-feet posts. SOCIETIES. Darien Lodge, No. 126, A., F. & A. M., was organized March 29, 1860, and their charter is dated June 13, 1860. There were ten charter members, as follows: Alexander Smith, P. W. Wooley, John Dickson, H. A. Johnson, Calvin Serl, Samuel Bailey, Levi Blakeman, Alex ander Reed, La Fayette Chesley and S. K. Clark. Calvin Serl, W. M. ; S. K. Clark, S. W. ; Samuel Bailey, J. W. , were the first officers, and so named in the charter. The present officers- are: David Williams, W. M. ; Harvey L. Saxton, S. W. ; William Blakely, Jr., J. W. ; Samuel Bailey, Treasurer; George F. Lathrop, Secretary; H. E. Seaver, S. D. ; H W. Seaver, J. D.; A. J. Redman, J. M. Vanderhoof, Stewards; James Stryker, Tiler. The lodge hold their meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The present number of members is forty- one. Of the charter members, but one, Samuel Bailey, is now a member of the lodge. John Dickson, Calvin Serl, Levi Blakeman and Alexander Reed have passed to the celestial lodge on high, while the others, with the exception of H. A. Johnson, who is still a resident but not a member, have moved away. The lodge occupies a rented hall on Lot 4, Block 26, which they have fitted up at an expense of about $300. Abraham Lincoln Post, No. 3, G. A. R., Department of Wisconsin,was organized August 26, 1879, by Deputy Commander Griff J. Thomas, of Berlin, Wis., and their charter is dated August 16 of the same year. The charter members were: J. B. Johnson, Rodney Seaver, J. P. Waite, Edwin E. Park, A. M. Cook, L. H. Stebbins, W. F Enos, John McCannon, J. M. Vanderhoof, H. M. Fitzgerald, E. E. Hillman and Rosell S. Miner. The first officers were: J. M. Vanderhoof, P. C; H. M. Fitzgerald, S. V. C; Rodney Seaver, J. V. C; A. M. Cook, Sur geon; L. H. Stebbins, Chaplain; A. M. Cook, Adjutant; J. B. Johnson, Quartermaster; John McCannon, O. D; W. F. Enos, O. G.; J. F. Capen, S. M.; E. E. Hillman, Q. M. S. The pres ent officers are: J. M. Vanderhoof, P. C; E. E. Hillman, S. V. C; Michael Flaherty, J. V. C; H M. McCannon, Surgeon; Benjamin Blass, Chaplain; Rodney Seaver, Adjutant; W. F. Enos, Quartermaster; J. H Owens, O. D.; Stephen Hare, O. G; E. E. Park, S. M; Riley Wheeler, Q. M. S. The post has a relief fund for the benefit of their worthy comrades in need. The membership at present numbers fifty, and their meetings are held weekly, in Williams' Hall, which they have partially fitted up at an expense of $75. The post is one of the most flour ishing of its kind in the county. WAR HISTORY. Darien's war record is good She raised nearly $15,000 for all purposes, and furnished one man in excess of her quota, which was 102. The reader is referred to the general war history for the individuals who gave " a hearty pull and a pull altogether " to bring this about. DARIEN IN 1881. The population of Darien, including the villages, was, according to the Federal census of 1880, 1,394. The principal farm products for 1880 were: Wheat, 19,560 bushels; corn, 176,- 910 bushels; oats, 94,374; barley, 34,943 bushels; rye, 1,240 bushels; potatoes, 11,950 bushels; apples, 15,400 bushels; timothy seed, 1,649 bushels; flax, 79,331 pounds; tobacco, 1,300 pounds; hay, 3,110 pounds; butter, 58,500 pounds; cheese, 89,845. In 1881, there were 8,326 acres of growing grain, 370 acres of orchard, 2,749 acres of mow ing and pasturage, and 1,877 acres of growing timber; the number of milch cows was 907. val ued at $22,675. CHEESE FACTORIES. • id^1856' Parker M' Cole built a warehouse in the village of Darien, which was moved, and *n j°™> °°™d into a cheese factory. Mr. Cole operated it until his death, which occurred an 18/7, and it is now owned by his widow, a resident of Milwaukee, and operated by Robert HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 743 Pearson, of the firm of Pearson Brothers, of Sharon. The factory consumes the milk of 300 cows, which makes nine cheeses per day, of an average weight of sixty-five pounds. Most of this cheese is sold at the factory to Eastern merchants. The building is 24x60, one story in height, and represents a valuation of $1,500. The cheese factory at Fairfield was built by Edward Chesebro, on Section 18. It is a good building, but the factory is not now running. SCHOOLS. There were five whole and seven union school districts. The whole number of scholars between the ages of four and twenty years was 422, of which number 283 attended school. There were eight schools, taught by ten teachers, at average monthly wages of $55 for male and 119.95 for female teachers. There were eight schoolhouses, valued, including sites, at $4,025. The total amount annually expended for schools was $2,921. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JAMES ASHLEY, Sr., miller; P. 0. Fairfield, Rock Co.; was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1812; was married to Julia Ann Morehouse in 1833. Emigrated to Wisconsin in the spring of 1844, and settled in what is now the town of Lyons, Walworth Co., where he resided with his family until 1880, when he took up his residence in Nebraska, where most of his children reside. James, Jr., is still a resi dent of Darien. He was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 1836, since his father came here in 1843; his wife was Louisa Meacham, who was born in Racine Co., Wis., in 1842. Her father came to Wiscon sin from the State of New York in 1 840. They have four children — Louisa, Jeptha, James and Jesse. ISAAC W. BABCOCK, farmer, Section 21 ; P. O. Darien ; son of Hiram Babcock, who was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Nov. 30, 1796, and married Olive Wetmore. He emigrated with his family to Wis consin in 1843, and settled in the town of Walworth, Walworth Co., where he lived two years. He then removed to Darien, where he kept hotel for several years ; he then removed to Delavan, where he engaged in the same business. He then removed to Manchester, Delaware Co., Iowa, where he died Feb. 28, 1875. His wife died in February, 1 864. The parents of Mr. Babcock had seven children, three sons and four daughters ; two sons and three daughters are living. Isaac W., was born November, 1 825. He went to California in 1850, where he resided until 1862 ; he was engaged in mining for two years, and the remain der of the time in merchandising, He bought his present farm of G.I. Vanderhoof; has 160 acres. Mrs. Babcock's maiden name was Mary Plummer, born in Yates Co., N. Y., in 1830. She removed to Illinois with her parents in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have no children, except — adopted daughter — Anna. WILLARD B. BABCOCK, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Delavan; was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1822. His father, Stephen Babcock, died in the State of New York, Wayne Co. In 1837, the rest of his family, consisting of his mother and four children, came to Walworth County and settled on the farm now owned by W. B. since 1845. The farm originally consisted of 120 acres ; W. B. has now about 600 acres. His mother died in 1850 ; her children were Betsy Jane, W. B., S. S. and C. S. W. B. married Louisa Burnett, born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. WILLIAM BLAKELY, Darien. He is a native of North Ireland, of Scotch and English parent age. He emigrated with his father to Rutland Co., Vt., in 1832. He was brought up to the business of wool manufacturing. He sold his manufacturing interest in 1865. Since that time he has been engaged in speculating. He came to Darien in 1869. Is an active, and successful business man, and is at present in company with Messrs. Clough & Johnson in the firm of William Blakely & Co., engaged in wool buy ing. He makes a specialty of breeding improved American Merino sheep. He is a large land owner ; has about 600 acres of land in the town of Darien. His wife was Abigail Eldred, born in Washington Co.. N. Y. They have four children, Abbie, now Mrs. H. D. Long; William B., Minnie E. and Byron J. MRS. ELLEN S. BLAKELY, Sec. 28 ; P. O. Darien ; she is the widow of Robert Blake'y, who was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1802, but emigrated to Vermont. When Mr. Robert Blakely and his first wife emigrated to America they did not have means to bring their four children with them. After reaching America, they both went to work, and after two years they sent means to their brother, who came with their children to America. Mr. Robert Blakely was a very industrious man ; he acquired a handsome property. He gave to his children, by his first wife, Mr. William Blakely and his sister, 744 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Mrs. Margaret Pepper, now residing at Darien, the only ones now surviving, nearly all the means they have, besides leaving his second wife and her son, Robert L. Blakely, in pretty good circumstances. Was engaged for twenty years as a woolen manufacturer at Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vt. He lost his first wife in Vermont ; married his present wife, then Miss Ellen S. Adams, born in the town of Peru, Bennington Co., Vt. They came to Walworth County and settled on the farm now owned by Mrs. Blakely in 1870, which was purchased from Mr. William Carter. Mr. Blakely had five children by his first wife. Mrs. Blakely has one son, Robert L., born in Pawlet, February, 1865. She lost a daughter, Mary E., born in Pawlet, who died in 1872, at five years of age. A. P. BLAKEMAN, farmer, Sec. 21; P. 0. Darien; born in Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1824, where he lived till 21 years of age, or till 1845, when he came to Walworth Co. His parents were Levi and Susan Blakeman. His father came out from the State of New York and made the location where his son now lives, in 1844. This farm has been in the possession of the family since that time. Mr. Levi Blakeman died in February, 1864. His wife died several years previous to that time. Mr. Blakeman was married to Mary Francis Burr, born in Connecticut. They have ten children, four boys and six girls. The oldest is 26, and the youngest 6 years of age. Mr. Blakeman's farm contains 160 acres. B. F. CARTER, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Delavan ; son of John Carter, who was born at Oxford, England, about 18i)8. He came to the United States when a young man, and to Walworth Co. in_1847, and^suttled on Sec. 2, where he died in 1S79. His wife was also a native of England, and still lives at the homestead. She has ten children, only two of whom are at the homestead. B. F. was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1845. His wife died in 1871 ; he has one child, Norton. B. F. works the home farm. Susie also lives at home. The farm contains 104 acres. WILLIAM CARTER, farmer, P. 0. Darien; born in Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1812. His father was Orange Carter, who settled in Walworth Co. in 1 838, and was one of the earliest settlers of Genesee Co., N. Y. Mr. William Carter went to Milwaukee in the fall of 1837, and to Walworth Co. in the early part of the following winter. He made a location on Sec. 21. The Carter family, including Mr. Orange W. Carter, of Darien, are among not only the earliest, but most prominent families of Walworth Co. Mr. William Carter was married to Adaline Seaver; daughter of Warren Seaver ; they have no children. Mr. Carter settled i^ the village in 1871. DAVID A. CHRISTIE, farmer, Sec. 7; P. 0. Fairfield, Rock Co. ; born in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1812. His father, Andrew C, was also a native of that county, as is also his grandfather, David C. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in Tompkins Co., N. Y., about 1838. David A. came to Walworth County Oct. 5, 1843; he engaged to work for Mr. P. S. Child, but soon after bought a piece of land in Richland, which, however, he soon exchanged for another farm. He bought the farm he now owns in 1862. His wife was Jane Stewart, daughter of Arthur Stewart, born in Ireland. They have one son, George. His farm consists of 196 acres. DARWIN P. CLOUGH, dealer in stock, etc., Darien. He was born in Madison Co., N. Y., in 1838. He was brought up a farmer ; came to Wisconsin in March, 1863, and purchased a farm on Sec. 28, in the town of Darien, and engaged in farming till 1875, and opened a meat market in the village. He sold his business in the spring of 1881, and is now as a member of the firm of Blakely & Co., engaged in buying stock, wool, etc. His wife was Miss Alice Bucknall, daughter of Henry Bucknall, of the town of Sharon. They have four children — Josie, Kittie, Edwin and an infant son. MRS. SARAH JOHNSON DEAN, physician and surgeon, Darien, formerly Miss Sarah Johnson, was born in Harlem, Winnebago Co., 111., in 1841. She was married to Mr. Martin Dean in 1857, they came to Darien in 1874. She became a student of medicine in 1876, under the instruction of Dr. E. N. Huntley, of Rockford, 111., and graduated at the University of Michigan, Department of Medicine and Surgery, July 1, 1880. Although Mrs. Dean has been in the practice of medicine but two years, she has already acquired an extensive and lucrative practice. Her thorough knowledge of her profession and energetic character, her sympathetic nature, and the love for her chosen profession are fast winning for her an en viable reputation. Her husband is a native of Oneida Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1835. They have three children — Charlie A. Clara M. and Hettie B. JOHN DeWOLF, farmer, Sec. 13; P. 0. Delavan. Mr. DeWolf is one of the prominent and suc cessful farmers of Walworth Co. He is a native of Herkimjr, N. Y., where he was born in 1817. When 30 years of age he removed to the county of Oswego, where he lived until 1854, when he came to Walworth County, and purchased his present farm of Mrs. Orinda Barlow. Mr. De Wolf has a fine and valuable farm, adjoining the village of Delavan. His improvments, buildings, etc., are among the best in the county. His farm contains 208 acres. Mrs. DeWolf, formerly HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 74 & Miss Susan E. Vinton, was born in Herkimer Co. They have three children — Delavan, a Baptist clergyman, now of Bristol, Conn.; Libbie E., and Etta, now Mrs. Charles T. Isham. They lost their oldest son, Myron, born 1839, and died in 1873. Mr. DeWolf has been a Republican since the organization of that party. He represented his district in the Legislature of 1859 and 1860. MRS. AURELIA J. DICKSON, Allen's Grove, is the widow of Dr. John Dickson, who was born near Meadville, Crawford Co., Penn., Sept. 26, 1820. He graduated from Allegheny College at Meadville in, 1845, and entered the Cleveland Medical College after his graduation, and received a di ploma from that institution in 1847. He came to Wisconsin in 1848 and began the practice of his pro fession at Mount Zion, Rook Co. ; but soon after removed to Allen's Grove, where a more inviting field presented itself. He was a man of marked traits of character, possessing vigor of will, and steadiness of purpose, and had a generous and sympathetic nature. He was married September, 1850, to his present widow, then Miss Aurelia J. Lee, daughter of Z. T. Lee, of Darien. He was one of the oldest members of the State Medical Society, of which he was Vice President in 1872. During the war of the rebellion, he was on duty a- portion of the time, as examining and enrolling surgeon, in the First Congressional District of the State. His untiring devotion to his professional duties proved that there was a limit to human endurance. He suffered occasionally from irregular action of the heart, and he was apprehensive of serious results. H& died instantly on Dec. 15, 1875, just as he had returned from a visit to a patient a few miles from home. Mrs. Dickson was born in Pembroke, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1831. She came to Walworth Co. with her parents, who settled in the town of Darien, in 1842. Mrs. Dickson has four children — Kate, wife of Dr. Winn, Marcus L., William R. and John. CHRISTOPHER I. DOCKSTADER, farmer, Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Delavan; was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., 1810, where he was brought lip. Came to Walworth Co. in 1843, and settled in Richmond, where he resided till 1865, when on account of the declining health of his wife, he sold his farm and removed to Dela van, where he lived about four years, when he exchanged his property in Delavan for his present farm, on which he now resides. His first wife was Eliza Ann Smith, born in Madison Co., N. Y. She died in Delavan, in 1870. His present wife was Mrs. Eliza R. Thompson; her maiden name was Nelson; she was born in Otsego Co.,N. Y. Mr. Dockstader has seven children by first wife, only one of whom is living, Thomas Perry, born in the town of Richmond in 1848. LEANDER DODGE, deceased brother of Josiah Dodge, was born in April, 1802, in Seneca Co., N. Y. He moved to Genesee Co. with his parents ; was married in 1827 to Harriet Carter, a sister of William and Orange Carter. He came to Walworth Co. in the fall of 1838, and settled on Sec. 28, in Darien, where he resided until 1866, when he removed to what is now the town of Lyons, where he died Oct. 22, 1880, leaving a widow and ten children-Eugene, Wilson R., Levant, Laura, Le Roy, Amelia L, Clara, Bettie, Hattie and William. Mr. Dodge was an upright citizen, and his memory is cherished by all that have had the pleasure of knowing him. Several of his children are still residents at Walworth Co., and numbered among the most intelligent and respected of her citizens. Wilson, residing on Sec. 7 ; he was born in Genesee Co., in 1831 ; married Susan F. Lippit, daughter of Cyrus Lippit. They have four sons — William A., James E., Allen and Bruce. JOSIAH DODGE, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Darien ; he was born inSeneca Co., N. Y., in 1810. His father, Josiah Dodge, was a native of Massachusetts, born in Hampshire Co., in that State, in 1771. Emigrated to Seneca Co., N. Y., and to Genesee Co., in that State, in 1818, where he died in 1851. He had eight children. Josiah, Jr., was married in Genesee Co., in 1834, to Julia Long, daughter of Hugh Long, and removed to Walworth Co., in 1843, and bought his present farm of his father-in-law, Mr. Long. Mr. Dodge was the first settler on this farm, no improvements having been made when he purchased it. He lost his wife in June, 1867 ; his present wife was Mrs. Susan (Champion) Hastings, widow of Mr. Charles Hastings. Mrs. Dodge was born in Alexander, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1819. Mr. Hastings died in 1869 ; she was married to Mr. Dodge in 1872. Mr. Dodge has six children by first wife— Losette, Mary Hugh, Phebe, Julia and Delia ; his farm contains 80 acres. MICHAEL FLAHERTY, farmer, resides on Sec. 16 ; P. O. Darien ; son of Eugene Flaherty, who was born in Ireland, and emigrated to this country, and resided in the East for some years, and came to Walworth Co. in 1840, and settled in the town of Darien, where he died April 18, 1877. The parents of Mr. Flaherty had four sons and three daughters ; the four sons and one of the daughters are living ; the mother died several years previous to the death of the father. Michael was born in Sullivan Co., N. Y., in 1838 : married Elizabeth Welch, a daughter.of Cary Welch. She was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1844 ; they have three children—Mary, Cary and Arthur ; Mr. Flaherty served two years in the army during the rebellion, as a member of the 2d Wis. V. C. 746 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. HENRY M. FITSGERALD, Darien, born in the city of Limerick, Ireland, September, 1841 ; his father came to this country from Ireland when Henry was a small child ; his mother, sister and youngest brother died of cholera during the prevalence of that disease as an epidemic in Ireland, leaving him alone in the world ; his father hearing of the death of his mother, sent for him, and he came to New York in September, 1851, when 10 years old; his father provided a home for him in a farmer's family, and soon after disappeared, and has not since been seen by his son, and that was nearly 30 years ago. The selection of a home for his boy, by his father, proved to have been a very unfortunate one, as the people were unkind, and were cruel to the boy, but some one came to the rescue, and he found a home with a kind old farmer, with whom he remained until he reached manhood ; for this man and his family he has the kindest remem brances; he enlisted in 1861 in the 97th N. Y. V. I.; he re-enlisted at the end of his term of service and served until the close of the war ; he enlisted as a private, wis regularly promoted to a First Lieutenancy, and at the close of the war received a commission as Captain; he participated in many of the most important battles of the war, including 2d Bull Run, battle of Chancellorville, Gettysburg, Miue Run, campaign of the Wilderness ; was at the siege of Petersburg, taking of the Weldon Railroad, etc. ; he was a gallant sol dier, and his war record is one of which he may well be proud ; he came to Walworth Co. in 1865, and settled at Darien, which is still his home ; he has been engaged in farming, in railroading, and hotel keep ing successively since he came to Wisconsin ; he married Mary Soper, daughter of C. P. Soper, an early settler of the town of Darien ; they have two children — Lottie and Katie. HENRY FLEMING, farmer, Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Delavan ; Mr. Fleming was born at Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1830 ; he went to Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1849 ; he taught school in Waukesha Co., several terms. He came to Walworth Co. in 1855 ; he worked on a farm several seasons and also taught school several terms, after coming to Walworth Co. ; he bought the farm which he now owns in 1859 ; he has one son, Charles G. DAVID FOLTS, merchant at Allen's Grove, was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1822, where he was brought up ; came to Walworth Co. in 1853, and settled on Sec. 30, in the town of Darien. Mr. Folts and brother's farm formerly contained 520 acres; apart of this farm his brother gave to his son?, who now occupy it. Mr. Folts has been engaged in agricultural pursuits for the greater part of his life ; failing health compelled him to discontinue farming, which was the cause of his engaging in his present pursuit of business. His wife was Harriet M. House, born in Herkimer Co., N. Y. Theyhavesix children — Mary E., Frank C., Jacob J., Minnie E., Lizzie G. and W. A. A. JOHN H. FULLER, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Delavan; son of C. M. Fuller, who was born in Ver mont, and came to Walworth Co. about 1859, and settled in the town of Darien ; he now lives in the town of Delavan; Mr. Fuller's wife was Elizabeth Sperbeck, daughter of Jacob Sperbeck ; they have one daughter — Lena. Mrs. Betsy (Correll) Sperbeck, mother of Mrs. Fuller lives with her son-in-law, Mr. Fuller ; she was born near Albany, N. Y., Nov. 7, 1795 ; her husband, Jacob Sperbeck, was also born in the State of New York. They came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1843 and settled in the town of Darien ; Mr. Sperbeck died in March, 1870. Mrs. Sperbeck has had ten children, eight of whom are living. Mrs. Fuller was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1840. JOHN GOCHEY, blacksmith, Darien, was born in Lower Canada; his father was Francis Gochey, also a native of Lower Canada, of French descent. The parents of Mr. Gochey removed to "Vermont when he was a child; he learned the trade of blacksmith with his father in Vermont. He went to Elgin, HI., in 1851, where he lived two years, and then to Lake Co., in same State. He came to Darien iu Sep tember, 1860 ; his wife was Sarah J. Sanders, daughter of Jacob G. Sanders, one of the very earliest settlers of Walworth Co. He was born near Boston, Mass., but brought up in Franklin Co., Vt.; he was married in Franklin Co., Vt., to Hannah White. Mr. Sanders emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Walworth, Walworth Co., in February, 1837. They have six children, three of whom are living — Samuel C. resides in Ogle Co., 111., Sarah J., born in Vermont, in 1832, and Polly, now Mrs. Francis Imes. The father of Mrs. Gochey died in 1876 ; Mrs. Gochey lived with her son Samuel, Mr. and Mrs. Gochey, only one child living — Harvey F. M. O. GRENELL, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Darien; was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1817, where he was brought up. He came to Walworth Co. in the fall of 1853, and settled on his present farm. His wife was Miss Eliz i Goddard ; they have three children — Julia K., Sarah and H. B. Farm contains 120 acres. REV. EDWARD L. HARRIS, Sec. 13; P. 0. Delavan; was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Jan. 12,1816. Soon after his birth his parents removed to Vermont, their former place of residence ; when he was 16 years of age his parents returned to the State of New York. He prepared fir college at El- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 747 dredge Academy, in Onondaga Co., and graduated at Madison University, New York, in 1843. He began preaching at " Pike," Alleghany Co., N. Y., in 1843, where he was ordained Aug. 31, 1843, and was mar ried the day of his ordination to Miss Sarah M. Fuller, daughter of Rev. C. M. Fuller. Mrs. Harris was horn at Grafton, Vt., Aug. 1, 1814; Mr. Harris was pastor of the Baptist Church for two and a half years, and five years at Rushford; then went to Beloit, Wis., in 1850, where he was pastor of a church for three and a half years; his health failing he was obliged to relinquish ministerial labor to a certain extent, and has devoted much ¦of his time to farming since he came to his present location, in 1854 ; he has, however, done much in con nection with the ministry since he came here. Was pastor of the church at Walworth four years, at Burr Oak and Lawrence one year, and he organized the Baptist Church at Darien, and was its pastor eleven years. During the time of the rebellion he was Chaplain of the 3d Colored Heavy Artillery ; was also for a time engaged in teaching the Freedman. Mr. Harris' mother, Mrs. Julia Taylor Harris, lives with her son ; his father died in 1842. They have two sons — Andrew Fuller and Walter Carroll. They lost their ¦oldest son when he was only 4 years old, they have also an adopted son, Roger Williams, now doing business in Chicago. MRS. MARY E. HARWOOD resides on Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Darien ; is the widow of Silas B. Har wood, who was born in Bennington Co., Vt., in August, 1829. Mrs. Harwood's maiden name was Mary E. Louis, born in Suffield, Conn., in 1831. They came to Darien in 1853, and settled on the farm where she now resides; her husband died in 1879. Mr. Harwood was an upright, honorable man, and a good citizen. Mrs. Harwood has two children — John, born September, 1856, and Helen, born Feb ruary, 1859. LEMUEL HOLLISTER, farmer, Sections 4 and 5 ; P. 0. Delavan ; was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Oct. 12, 1818, where he was brought up; was married to Gertrude A. Latimer, born in Ulster Co., N. Y. They came to Walworth Co. from the State of New York in 1843, and settled where they now reside. The parents of Mrs. Hollister, Alexander and Nellie Latimer, came to Walworth Co. about 1850, settled in Delavan, where they resided till their death. Mr. and Mrs. Hollister have had nine children, seven of whom are living— Adelaide, now Mrs. Harry Ellis ; Mary F., now Mrs. Theodore Kingsbury; Irene B., now Mrs. William Cheney ; Helen I., now Mrs. Clarence R. Conable ; Lorenzo D.; Melburn, Evalyn J.; Helen I., their fourth child, died at the age of 17 months ; another daughter, a twin of Adelaide, died in infancy. Lorenzo was born at the homestead in 1855, married Lillian North, a daughter of Mr. Fred. North ; she was born in Rock Co. in 1857. Mr. Hollister is one of the successful farmers of the town of Darien. He has two brothers, Cyrenus and William, who also settled in this town at an early day, and are also numbered among the prosperous farmers of Walworth Co. H. A. JOHNSON, of Darien, is a representative of a numerous family, which is among the earliest settlers of the town. He was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., July 14,1814; on Sept. 25, 1838, his father, with the entire family of married and unmarried children, except one daughter, Mrs. Delilah Smith, started westward in wagons. They reached Attica, on the Wabash River, about the middle of November. They intended to settle in Jay Co., Ind., but learning that Walworth offered greater inducements to set tlers of limited means they continued their journey to Attica, Fountain Co. The grandfather of Mr. Johnson, Samuel Smith, being taken ill at Attica, it was decided to remain there during the winter. The names of the children of Mr. Asher Johnson, who accompanied him West, were Alvah and H. A., and their families, Mrs. Joseph Wilkins, John J. Asher, Frank Erastus, and Samuel, also two unmarried sisters, Ursula and Emily. In December, Hiram A. and his father came to Walworth Co. for the pur pose of making a location. In the winter or month of February, 1839, the family continued their journey to Walworth Co. The following summer, H. A. and family made their home at Delavan. In the fall of this year, he built a log house on his land into which he removed his family. In 1847, he built a substantial frame house. Mr. Johnson is one of the substantial men who have arisen from small begin nings to a competence. He possesses sound business principles, is positive in his ideas of right and wrong, and fearless in sustaining what he believes to be just, right and honorable. He was married in Steuben Co. to Miss Almira W. Bundy, Sept. 25, 1836, born in Cooperstown, Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1815. They have had seven children— Napoleon, William, Mary, Rhoddy, Ursula, Joseph and Cyrus ; four of whom are living— Mary, now Mrs. Richard Chesebro; Rhoda, wife of William Rood; Ursula, wife of Ira Liv ingston, and Joseph Johnson, the only surviving son, who married Miss Amelia Maxson, and lives on the old homestead, which H. A. Johnson first entered in 1839. He was married to Miss Almira W. Bundy, in Steuben Co., N. Y., Sept. 25, 1836. ALVAH JOHNSON, farmer, Section 17 ; eldest son of Asher Johnson. He came to Walworth Co. with his father in 1838 ; has been a resident of the county ever since. His first wife he married in 748 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. the State of New York. His present wife was Jane Kerns ; has three children by first wife and five by second ; two children dead, one by the first and one by the second wife. JOHN J. JOHNSON, Darien ; son of Asher Johnson. Mr. Johnson was born in Steuben Co., N- Y., October, 1821. He came to Walworth Co. in March, 1839. He assisted his father in opening a farm on Section 20, town of Darien. He was engaged in lumbering on the Wisconsin River till 1849. Was married to Eda Howard, daughter of Sylvester Howard. Mrs. Johnson is a native of Maine. She came to Wisconsin with her parents about 1844. Mr. Johnson settled in the village of Darien in the fall of 1863. He is a prominent and successful business man. Has been engaged in buying grain and stock for many years. Is an extensive land owner. He also owns the greater part of the original home stead. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one daughter, Lillie, born in 1859. They lost one daughter, Emma. Mr. Johnson's father was born Sept. 22, 1791, and died 1874. His mother was born in New Jersey Dec. 25, 1793. The parents of Mrs. Johnson emigrated to Rock Co., Wis, from Maine, in 1844; her father died in Rock Co. Her mother died at the house of her son-in-law, Mr. Johnson, January, 1881, aged 87 years. TRUMAN H. JONES, farmer, Section 10 ; P. 0. Delavan ; son of Loren K. Jones, who was born in the State of New York, and came to Walworth Co. and laid claim to a homestead on Section 10. Lyman A., brother of L. K. Jones, located a farm the same time, adjoining, which he still owns. Mr. Loren Jones died in 1861. He was married in the State of New York, to Miss Laura Greenman ; they had ten children ; four sons and six daughters, all of whom are living. Only Truman H. and Orcelia, wife of T. Q. Low, who resides at Delavan, are residents of Walworth Co. Truman H. was born in the State of New York, September, 1836. He owns a farm adjoining the homestead, and also has charge of the latter, where his mother still resides. Mr. Jones has been married twice ; his first wife was Sarah Nicholas ; his present wife was Lottie Rumbles ; he has no children. STEPHEN KERNS, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. O. Darien; was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1835 ; he removed with his parents when 2 years old to Algonquin, McHenry Co., Ill, where he dwelt until 1873, when he came to Walworth Co. and bought his present farm of Jacob Sweet; he was married to Helen Skinner in 1868, daughter of Hiram Skinner ; her parents emigrated from the State of New York to Allen Co., Ind., from there to McHenry Co., Ill, where they still five. They have no children. Stephen Kerns enlisted in Co. F, 15th 111. V I., May 24, 1861, at Freeport, 111. Discharged at Springfield, III, June 18, 1864; was in seven engagements. G. F. LATHROP, general merchant, Darien; is a native of Genesee Co., N. Y.; is a son of L. Lathrop, who came to Walworth Co. with his family in 1866 ; his father settled in the town of Sharon and engaged in farming; he died in 1871. The parents of Mr. Lathrop had two children — H. L., now now a resident of Michigan, and G. F. Mr. Lathrop's mother lives with him. He came to the village of Darien and engaged in business with Mr. C. S. Teeple, with whom he continued eight years; Mr. Lathrop has been alone in business since March 15, 1880. He keeps a general stock in merchandise, the largest stock found in Darien. He is Postmaster at Darien, a position he has held since Oct. 18, 1875. He was mar ried to Delia M. Dodge, daughter of J. Dodge. They have two children— Charles D., born December, 1872, and Carrie J., born November, 1877. FREDERICK LINDEMAN, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. O. Darien ; owns a farm on Sec. 34 ; was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1826; came to the United States in 1847; lived in Philadelphia about ten years, though he had previously lived in Delaware City for a time. He came to Walworth Co. in 1858; located in Darien, and engaged in the butchering business. His wife was also born in Germany. They have had eight children, three sons and five daughters. JOHNSON MATTESON, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Darien ; Mr. Matteson was born in Genesee Co., N. C, Nov. 5, 1823. His father was Price Matteson, born April 17, 1803. Mr. Matteson came to Wal worth Co. in the spring of 1845; he purchased the farm where he now lives the same year. His brother, Carlos Matteson, came to Darien several years ago, with Mr. William Carter; Carlos now lives in Nevada. Another brother, Cyrus Matteson, came in 1849 ; he was killed by the Mormons or Indians, while on his way to California, the same year. Mr. Matteson was married in 1848, to Lucy Barnes; she died Decem ber, 1855. His present wife was Laura Franklin, born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1838 ; her parents- (now deceased) came to Wisconsin, October, 1844. Mr. Matteson had two children by his first mar riage— Orra, now Mrs. H. L. Stone, and Price, who died January, 1880, aged 25 years; has seven chil dren by present wife— George I., Cyrus A., Frank M., Lizzie A., Johnson G., Clara L. and Marion. Mr. Matteson's farm contains 160 acres. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 749 ARTHUR W. MAXSON, farmer, Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Fairfield, Rock Co.; he is a representative of one of the pioneers of Walworth Co., in fact is himself a pioneer ; was born in the town of Centerville Allegany Co., N. Y., March 10, 1820. His father was Joseph Maxson, a native of Rhode Island' where he was born in 1787, but removed to Otsego, N. Y., with his parents when a child, 17 years of age, in 1804. The father of the subject of this sketch left his home in Otsego Co. for Allegany Co., for the purpose of making him a home at that then Western wilderness ; when he reached his destination, he was not in very affluent circumstances ; he wore a substantial suit of clothes, a respectable pair of shoes, and had in his pockets 2 copper cents. These constituted his earthly possessions ; the shoes he exchanged for an ax, and with this he cleared away the forest, and made for himself and family a comfortable home ; this ax, together with the log-chain used by his father in clearing this farm more than three-fourths of a century ago, is still in the possession of his son, Arthur W., as is also one of the pennies above mentioned. In May, 1837, Mr. Arthur W. Maxson, then 17 years of age, came with his father to Walworth Co. for the purpose of making a location of a future home ; the location was made ; the land not being in the market, Arthur W. remained, and kept possession until February, 1839; when it was purchased, he re turned to New York in June of same year ; the years which he passed alone on his place were lonely ones in the extreme ; his nearest neighbor was at Delavan, a distance of eight miles; his father came again in 1841, and in the^fall of 1842 brought out his family. His father died in 1864, his mother in 1846. He is probably the oldest settler living in the town of Darien. Three settlers, Elijah Belden, Christopher Cheesbro and N. S. Comstock, were here when he came. His parents had seven children, two sons and two daughters living, viz. — Arthur W., Orrin T., Caroline Barnes and Ellen Lyon. Mr. Maxson was married to Lucy A. Baldwin, born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio ; her parents removed to Rock Co. in 1840. They have five children — Amelia, Orrie H., Orrin E., Clara May and Mattie A. For the purpose of giving his children better advantages of education, he removed his family temporarily to Janesville, but his home is still where it has been for nearly forty-five years, at Maxonville. JOHN MOORE, farmer, Sec. 17; P. 0. Darien. Mr. Moore was born in New Jersey, in 1820, where he lived till 1854. Married Lorena Hart, also born in New Jersey. They came to Walworth County in the fall of 1854. Bought present farm of Charles Fitzer. Mr. Moore resided in Iowa from 1872 till 1878, during which time his son took charge of the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have seven children— Daniel H., W. H., John T., Charles F., Edwin H., Eva L. and Minnie E. The four oldest children were born in the State of New Jersey. Daniel H. is station agent at Rudd, Iowa. William H. resides at Trenton, N. J. John T. resides in Oswego, N. Y. Charles F. was born in New Jersey in 1854; married Ada Rose, born in Illinois ; they have one daughter, Nina Ethel, and reside at home. Edwin H., telegraph operator and station agent at Glendale, on B. C. & Northern R. R, Eva, now Mrs. Arthur Robins, at Rockford, Iowa. Minnie, born October 4, 1865, lives at home. DAVID NICHOLAS, farmer, Sec. 12; P. 0. Delavan. Mr. Nicholas was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1812. He was married to Sarah Rider. They came to Walworth County in the spring of 1846, and settled on the farm which Mr. Nicholas still owns. His wife died in 1861. His present wife was Mrs. Polly B. Dunham, formerly Miss Willard. Mr. Nicholas had seven children by his first wife, only one of whom, Edward L., is living. His son now occupies the homestead, and Mr. Nicholas resides near the village of Delavan. Mrs. Nicholas has two children by her first marriage — Amelia M. and Will iam F. Mrs. Nicholas was born in the town of Stockbridge, Mass., Berkshire County, in 1815. Her parents removed to the State of New York, when she was a child, where she was married to Mr. J. Dun ham. They came to Wisconsin about 1852, and settled in Jefferson County. Mr. Dunham enlisted in August, 1862, and died in October of that year. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas were married Nov. 3, 1867. CYRUS PALMERTON resides at Allen's Grove; born in the town of Dryden, Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1822. He removed, when a child, with his parents to Allegany Co., where he lived till 16 years of age. He then went to the town of Covington, Genesee Co., where he lived until 21 years of age. He came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1842, and settled on Sec. 24, in the town of Bradford, Rock Co. This farm he still owns. He removed to the village of Allen's Grove, in the fall of 1879, and has been married twice. His first wife was Harriet Dykeman, daughter of Cornelius Dykeman. She died Dec. 23, 1876. His present wife was Lucy Anderson. He has two children by his first wife — William and George; has an adopted daughter, Ellen, now Mrs. Robert More. EDWIN E. PARK, farmer; resides on Sec. 20, on the farm of J. J. Johnson ; P. 0. Darien. He was born in Chemung Co., in March, 1831. When 20 years of age, he started out to get a knowledge of the world. Arming himself with a pair of tin trunks, well supplied with such small articles which are needed in every family, including pins, needles, thread, etc., he started West, on foot, " to grow up with 750 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. the country.'' He peddled his wav on foot to Portage, Columbia Co., being about six months on the route, following the adage of •' go slow "and learn to peddle." He returned, however, to New York, and came permanently to Wisconsin in 1856, and settled at Black River Falls, where he worked at the business of masonry. He enlisted, in August, 1862, in the 95th 111. V. I., and served till the close of the war. He participated in many important battles and campaigns of the war, including the siege of Vicksburg, Bank's Red River campaign ; was at the battle of Nashville, Spanish Fort, etc. After the war, he re turned to Illinois, where he was residing when he enlisted. He came to Walworth Co. in 1869. His wife was Miss Mary A. Clearwater, born in Chemung Co., N. Y. They have four children— William, M. D., P. A. and Mabel A. SETH B. PEPPER, blacksmith, Darien, was born in Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vt., Dec. 2, 1823. He resided in Rutland and Bennington Cos. until 1870, when he went to Michigan and worked at black- smithing for one and a half years; then went to Jackson, Mich., and engaged in the mercantile business till 1874 ; came to Darien, Walworth Co., and established in his present business. Mrs. Pepper, formerly Mar garet Blakely, was born in Ireland. They have five children — Robert L., now agent on the C, B. & Q. R. R., at Carman, Henderson Co., 111. ; Amelia, now Mrs. S. P. Curtis, lives in Rutland, Vt. ; Maggie, wife of J. K. Franklin, died Nov. 12, 1877 ; Mary Bell, now Mrs. R. C. Smith, lives at Petoskey, Mich. ; Mattie E., lives at home, aged 15 years. JUDSON J. PETTY, firm of Stanbro, Petty & Co., merchants at Darien, was born in Northern Illinois in 1855; he spent several years in Californii ; then engaged in business in Sharon, in February, 1880, in the firm name of Stanbro & Petty. The firm is now Stanbro, Petty & Co. They established their store at Darien May 3, 1880. Mr. Petty has charge of the store at Darien, his partners con ducting the business at Sharon. Mr. Petty keeps a general store, has a large stock of goods, and is establishing a fine trade. OVID REED, farmer, Sec. 33; P. 0. Darien; born in Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y., Nov. 3, 1820. His father, Alexander Reed, was also a native of the State of New York. Mr. Reed was brought up a farmer. In 1842, he went to Cleveland, thence to Pittsburgh, and thence down the river to St. Louis, and passed the following winter in Pike Co., 111., where he taught a term of school. In the spring of 1843, he came to Walworth Co. He returned to the State of New York the same season, but came back to Walworth Co. the following fall, and has been a permanent resident of the town of Darien ; his father came the following year and settled in the town of Sharon; he died in the fall of 1869 ; his wife, Betsy (Crosby) Reed, died in 1864 ; Mr. Reed was married, January, 1846, to Jane Seaver, daughter of Joseph W. Seaver, who came to Wisconsin, October, 1840, and settled in the town of Darien. The parents of Mrs. Reed had seven children, all of whom were born in Genesee Co., N. Y.; her father died Aug. 1, 1864 ; her mother, Mary Long Seaver, died August, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have had eleven children, nine of whom are living — Lewis S., Mary E. (now Mrs. E. L. Green, lives in Sacramento, Cal), Ann E. (in California), Clara J., D. H. (also in California), Harry D. (in Omaha), Hattie M., George and Alex. Lewis is engaged in business in Omaha ; the names of the children lost were Ida and DeWitt. ANDREW J. RODMAN, M. D., was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1830; he graduated at Union College, at Schenectady, N. Y., in 1854, and was for several years engaged in teaching before studying medicine ; he taught in the New York Conference Seminary, at Charlotteville, N. Y., and afterward in the Academy at Perry, Wyoming Co., N. Y. (of which latter institution he was for a time Principal). He began the study of medicine in Perry, and continued it in Delavan and Geneva, in Walworth Co. after moving to Wisconsin, in 1856 ; he began practice in Woodstock, 111., in 1858, and thence moved to Huntley, in the same State, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine six teen years. He graduated at Rush Medical College in 1865, and was a Sanitary Surgeon in the Union army during the rebellion ; he came to Darien in October, 1874, succeeding Dr. Sutherland. In 1858, he was married to Miss Helen A. Streeter, of Geneva, Wis.; they have four children — Carrie, Willis, Archer and Helen. DANIEL RODMAN, dealer in lumber, sash, doors, lime, cement, building paper, etc., Darien ; he was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1831, where he was brought up ; he came to Darien in the spring of 1857 ; he is a carpenter and builder by trade, and was engaged in that business for many years ; he taught school for some time, when a young man ; he engaged in the grain business in 1870 ; has been engaged in the lumber trade since 1876 ; he is doing a large and increasing business; his wife was Miss Phebe M. Wharton, born in Schoharie Co. They have three children — Edward, Willard, Abina. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. . 751 MARTIN S. ROGERS, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Darien. Mr. Rogers was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., in 1838, where he lived till 1866, when he removed to McHenry Co., Ill, where he lived till 1875, when he came to the town of Darien and took charge of the farm of J. J. Johnson, on which he now resides. His wife was Asenath Park, born in Chemung Co.; they have three children — Willis E., George C. and Ida G. J. F. ROOD, M. D., Darien ; he is the son of Erastus Rood, who emigrated to Wisconsin from the State of New York, and settled in the town of Darien in 1838. The Doctor was born in the town of Darien in 1858 ; he entered the office of Dr. George E. Catlin, of Geneva, as a student of medicine, in 1876 ; he graduated at the Chicago Medical College in the spring of 1881 ; he located at Darien as a practicing physician in April of that year ; he began the study of medicine from a love of the science, it having been his favorite study from a child ; although engaged in practice but a short time, he has a large and rapidly increasing business. HARVEY SAXTON, Darien, foreman on railroad section ; son of J. I. Saxton ; he was born in the village of Darien Nov. 30, i848 ; married Emma Lippitt, daughter of Hezekial Lippitt, born in the State of New York, in 1846. Mr. Saxton has occupied his present position since 1872; they have no children of their own, but have one adopted daughter ; the father of Mrs. Saxton came to Walworth Co. in 1849. J. I. SAXTON, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Darien. Mr. Saxton was born in Ulster Co., N. Y.,in 1822, where he was brought up ; he was married in 1843 to Melissa Relyea, also born in Ulster Co. ; Mr. Saxton came to Darien in 1844, his father-in-law, Lucas Belyea, came at the same time. Mr. Saxton engaged in work at his trade, that of wagon-making ; he established the first business of that kind in the village of Darien ; he settled on his farm where he now lives in 1864, but worked more or less at his trade till 1870. His father-in-law, Mr. Relyea, died in the spring of 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Saxton have six children — Henrietta, Harvey, Isaac, Frank, James and Lizzie; they have lost two children ; Mr. Saxton's farm con tains 80 acres. JULIUS H. SEAVER, Darien; born in Washington Co., N. Y., in 1825; he removed with his parents, Lyman H. and Sally Seaver, to Genesee Co., when he was but 3 months old ; he came to Wal worth Co. with his father's family, consisting of parents and seven children, six sons and one daughter, in September, 1839, and settled on Sec. 33, town of Darien ; Julius H. still owns a part of the original home stead; his parents resided where they first settled till 1861, when they removed to the village of Darien. His father died June 1, 1864 ; his mother died Aug. 28, 1878 ; his parents had eleven children, two of whom died in the State of New York ; two were born in Wisconsin ; five sons and one daughter are still living. Mr. Seaver has been married twice ; his first wife was Martha J. Heron, born in Washington Co., N. Y. ; she died in 1858 ; his present wife was Sarah M. Clerwater ; has two children by first wife— Sarah J. and J. M. The father of Mr. Seaver was a native of Arlington, Vt., born in 1796 ; he was prominent among the early settlers of Walworth Co., and a member of the First Constitutional Convention of Wisconsin, and otherwise prominently identified with the early history of the country. JAMES E. SEAVER, farmer, Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Darien ; son of Lyman H. Seaver (see sketch of Julias H. Seaver); was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., in June, 1837 ; came to Walworth Co., with his parents, in 1839. Mrs. Seaver was formerly Phebe L. Dodge, daughter of Josiah Dodge ; she was born in the town of Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1841. They have five children— Marcus D., Bertha L., William L., Claja M. and Josiah H. Mr. Seaver made his first' home in the town of Sharon, where he lived until 1864; settled on present farm in that year ; his farm contains 114 acres. JAMES SHERWOOD, retired, Darien; born in Geneseo, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1816; was brought up as a farmer; came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Rock in 1844, but returned to New York State, and was married to Daphne S. Patterson in 1847. Mrs. Sherwood was born in the town of Conesus, Livingston Co., in 1821. Mr. Sherwood resided on his farm in Rock till 1849, when he came to Walworth Co. and settled in the town of Darien ; he settled in the village in the fall of 1869. They have three children— Franklin, born 1852, a farmer at Bradford Center; Clark L., born 1860, now station agent at Clinton ; and Eva, born in 1862. WILLIAM L. STOWELL, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Delavan. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Delavan, Walworth Co., Wis., Feb. 13, 1851 ; is the son of Elijah and Lucinda Stowell. He was brought up a farmer, and was married March 23, 1881, to Josephene Stevens, daughter of Daniel A. Stevens. Mrs. Stowell was born at Whitney's Point, Broome Co., N. Y., and came to Wisconsin in her childhood with her parents, and resided in Johnstown, Rock Co. Mr. Stowell's people were among the very early settlers of Walworth Co. ; his father came to Delavan in 1844. 752 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. HON. C. S. TEEPLE, deceased, whose portrait appears in this work, was for twenty-five years a well known citizen and prominent business man of Walworth Co. He was a native of Schoharie Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1830. His parents were prudent and substantial farmers, and upon the farm our subject passed his earlier years, receiving a good common-school education. Deciding upon a merchantile career, he went to New York City and began his business life as clerk in a dry goods house. In 1856, he came to Wisconsin, locating at Darien, where he remained identified until his death, Nov. 29, 1881. Mr. Teeple began business here as a partner of N. W. Hoag, in the general merchandise line ; subsequently continuing business alone until 1872, when G. F. Lathrop became associated with him, under firm name of Teeple & Lathrop. This copartnership was successfully continued until 1880, when Mr. Lathrop re tired, and our subject continued until failing health forced him to close. He was appointed Postmaster at Darien in 1865, holding that office until 1876. Mr. Teeple was prominent in advancing all public meas ures of enterprise and progress, taking a leading interest in educational affairs, and also those of a political nature. In 1876, he was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature, and in 1879 was ap pointed Deputy United States Marshal. When the Citizens' National Bank was organized at Delevan he was chosen one of its directors, holding that position until his death. He was a consistent member of the Baptist Church during his later years, taking special interest in Sunday school work. In business he was careful, industrious and honorable ; possessing a genial, sunny nature he made hosts of friends, and in all the relations of life was accorded universal esteem and respect. His untimely death, when in the prime of life, was a servere blow to the community, where for a quarter of a century he had been ont. of the lead ing spirits. Mr. Teeple was united in marriage in October, 1858, to Miss Emily Enders, also a native of Schoharie Co., N. Y. Four children are descendants — Kate E., Matie, Maude and Charles S., Jr. LUCIUS C. WAITE, harness-maker in Darien ; son of Isaac N. Waite, who came to the town of Darien from the State of New York in May, 1844 . Lucius was born in town of Darien in February, 1846 ; learned the trade of harness-maker of Noah Dudley, who came from Orleans Co., N. Y., to Darien, in the fall of 1858. Mr. Dudley died in August, 1879. Mr. Waite was married to Ophelia E. Dudley, a daughter of Noah Dudley ; they have four children — Beulah, Hattie, Herman and Alice. Mr. Waite worked for Mr. Dudley from June 1869, to August, 1875, when he succeeded his father alone in business. CARY WELCH, farmer, Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Darien ; was born in the town of Windham, Conn., Jan- 13, 1799, where he lived till 12 years of age., when he removed with his parents to Cortland Co., N. Y., where he was brought up ; he was married to Eliza Bond May 28, 1826, who was born at Peterboro, Mad ison Co., N. Y., July 6, 1805. They came to Walworth Co. with their family in 1844, though Mr. Welch had been here the previous year, and made a location ; he first settled on Sec. 15 ; has lived where he does now since 1863. They have five children — William C; Reuben M., George S., Elizabeth and Melissa; farm contains 121 acres. Mr. Welch, though 83 years of age, retains in a remarkable degree his strength and activity, and he and his excellent wife are journeying down the hill together, after a long and well- spent life. JAMES WILKINS, retired farmer; P. 0. Allen's Grove; Mr. Wilkins was born in New Jersey in 1805, where he was brought up. He was married to Hannah Ferguson, and removed to Steuben County, N. Y., where he lived seven years. He came to Walworth County in 1843, and settled in the town of Darien. He afterward settled in Rock County, where he still owns a farm. He came to the village of Allen's Grove about 1862 ; has nine children, five sons and four daughters, his wife died April, 1878. JOSEPH R. WILKINS, farmer, resides at Allen's Grove. Owns a farm on Sees. 30 and 31, town of Darien; P. 0. Allen's Grove. Mr. Wilkins was born in the State of New Jersey in 1817; he removed to Steuben County, N. Y., with his parents, John and Susan Wilkins. He married Celestia Johnson, daughter of Asher Johnson. He removed with his father-in-law to McHenry County, 111., in 1838, and accompanied him the following year to Walworth County. He purchased a farm in the town of Darien, in 1841. This land constitutes a part of his present farm. He retired from farming and removed to the village of Allen's Grove in 1871. They have three children— Albert, Caroline and Alice, DAVID WILLIAMS, of Darien, is a settler of 1846 ; was born in Darien, Genesee County, N. Y., Jan. 6, 1818; settled in the town of Geneva, Walworth County, in 1846, and engaged in farming until 1868, when he moved to Darien ; the farm he then purchased is still in his possession. Mr. Williams has held various town offices; was elected member of the Legislature in 1857 ; has been Justice of the Peace twelve years, doing additional business of colleotor and insurance agent., etc., most of the time since he came here; was President of the State Agricultural Society for the years 1864 and 1865, and President of the County Agricultural Society for a number of years ; he is a prominent member ot the Masonic fraternity ; he has been Master of the lodge at Darien for several years ; his wife was Miss HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 753 Adelia Phelps, a native of Genesee County, N. Y., daughter of Daniel Phelps ; they have two children —Henry (a resident of the homestead) and Bettie C. They lost one son, before coming to Wisconsin. Mr. W. is a gentlemen well informed on the topics of the day ; he is an extensive reader, and a man of general intelligence. WILLIAM H. WILLIAMS, farmer, Sec. 17; P. 0. Fairfield, Rock County; was born in Gene see County, N. Y., in 1826 ; his parents were John and Ann Williams; he was married to Margaret A. Vanderhoof ; they have five children — Daniel, Ida, Lillie, Dora and May. Mr. Williams bought his present farm of Mr. James Sherwood ; settled in Darien in 1850; her father died March, 1881- her mother died in 1860. DELOS WILLIAMS, druggist, Darien; was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in the year 1824; his father was John Williams, an early settler of Darien. Mr. Williams engaged in farming for several years. After coming to Walworth County, he went to California in 1850, and. engaged in min ing ; returned in 1855, and resumed the occupation of farming ; settled in the village in 1858, and engaged in the drug business the following year ; his drug store was the first in the village ; was estab lished by Messrs. Phelps & Williams ; the latter was a brother of the present proprietor. Mr. Williams was married to Miss Lydia M. Phelps, born in the State of New York. They have one child — Elizabeth, born in Darien May 18, 1867. The father of Mr. Williams has quite an extensive family. There were ten children, six sons and four daughters ; five sons and one daughter are still living. ADRIAN WINNE, wagon-maker, Darien ; was born in Albany County, N. Y., in 1818, where he was brought up, and learned his trade of James Goold, in Albany, with whom he remained six years. Mr. Winne was in the employ of the Government as wagon-maker for twenty-six, years. He was employed at Watervliet Arsenal, near Albany, for a long time, then to Washington, D. C. ; was also in the State of Georgia for a time, while in the service of the Government. He removed from the State of New York to Clinton, Rock County, Wis., in 1867 ; he came to Darien in the fall of 1868. His wife was Mary Ann Groat, born in Albany, in the State of New York. They have two children — Mary A. and Maude (now Mrs. Fred Johnson). JOHN YALE, M. D., of the town of Darien Section, one mile west from Delavan Village ; was born in the town of Guilford, Chenango County, N. Y., Dec. 27, 1821 ; is the son of Stephen and Sally R. (Ives) Yale. Dr. Yale is a direct descendant from the founder of Yale College. He received his medical education at the Geneva Medical College of New York, and at the New York City Hospital, from which he graduated March 9, 1846. He entered into practice of his profession at Mt. Upton, N. Y., where he remained until 1859, when he moved to Corning, Steuben County, and practiced until 1863 ; he then moved to Bainbridge, Chenango County, and continued the practice of medicine at that place until 1875, when he came to Walworth County, Wis., and settled on a small farm of thirty acres, situated on Sec. 12, town of Darion, west of Delavan Village. He has virtually retired from practice, but his well known skill and experience causes him to be sought in critical cases, and in consultation. He was married at Mt. Upton, N. Y., in September, 1846, to Miss Mary J. Chamberlain. They had one son — John C. (now residing with his father). Mrs. Yale died in December, 1856 ; the Doctor was married again June 23, 1857, at Norwich, N. Y., to Miss Emily Hoag, daughter of Philo Hoag. Mrs. Dr. Yale was born in Nor wich, N. Y. S. ZIEBACH, grain-buyer, Darien. He engaged in buying grain for J. Williams, of Freeport, 111., who does an extensive business at various points on this railroad and elsewhere. Mr. Ziebach came here in 1878. He has had large experience in the grain and stock business, and bears an excellent reputation as an upright, honorable business man. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1810. He went to Northern Illinois in 1866. Has been engaged in the grain business most of the time since. His wife was born in Pennsylvania. They have four children. 754 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. TOWN OF SHARON. ORGANIZATION. When the county of Walworth was first divided into towns, by act of the Territorial Legis lature, approved January 2, 1838, the territory now constituting the town of Sharon was a portion of the town of Delavan; it so remained until the early part of 1839, when Towns No. 1, in Ranges 15 and 17 east, were set off from Delavan, and formed a separate town by the name of Walworth. By an act of the Territorial Legislature, approved March 21, 1843, Town 1 north, in Range 15 east, was set off from Walworth, and formed into a separate town and called Sharon. The first town meeting in accordance with this act was held at the house of Josiah Topping, on the 4th day of the succeeding month. NATUEAL FEATURES. The surface of the town of Sharon is rolling. There are about two thousand acres of marsh land, principally in the southeastern part, and on Sections 4 and 11, together with a number of small marshes in various portions of the town. Turtle Prairie extends into the town some distance, covering principally Sections 1 and 2. Burr-oak openings are scattered promis cuously throughout nearly the whole town. On Section 29 and on Section 22 are the head waters of two small streams, which flow in a northerly direction, and, uniting in the southern part of Section 7, form the South Branch of Turtle Creek, which, with many a circuitous bend, flows in a general northerly direction, and leaves the town on Section 6, near the village of Allen's Grove. Near this branch of Turtle Creek, and on Section 7, are large quarries of lime stone. The Piscasaw Creek rises on Section 24, and flows almost straight south, leaving the town on Section 36. As an agricultural town, Sharon is not equaled by any town in the county, the soil being generally excellent in quality,'' of a heavy clay loam on the higher lands, with rich alluvial de posits in the lower lying bottoms. The timber is similar to that of the surrounding towns, being in the main white and burr oak, interspersed with hickory, poplar, ash and other indigenous varieties. The streams already mentioned, with their small tributaries, constitute the water supply. While wheat and the other small grains, such as were mainly raised in early days, are still raised to considerable extent, the attention of the farmers during the later years has been more devoted to the raising of stock, hay, wheat and corn. The inhabitants of Sharon are principally Americans, with a generous sprinkling of Germans and Norwegians. The social and religious condition of the town is good, and excellent schools are maintained. The population in 1875 was 1,989; it is now 1,956. PIONEEE HISTORY. To John Reeder is due the credit of having been the first settler in this town He located on Section 27, in what is now Reeder's Grove, as early certainly as in February, 1837. He remained here but a short time, and built a small log shanty. Mr. Reeder was an Englishman, and had his family with him. Good authority says " that, late one afternoon, Mr. Reeder no ticed two horses following up the old army trail that led across the county from the head of Geneva Lake, and about a mile north from where he had located. In a few moments afterward, he saw two men following the same trail and in the same direction. This led him to think that he probably had some neighbors in that vicinity; so, early the next morning, he started out to- see if he could find them. He soon reached the present village of Darien, where he found and made the acquaintance of John Bruce and a companion, who were then engaged in erecting a small cabin. On the preceding night, their horses had broken loose, and they followed and caught them, and were the men that Mr. Reeder had seen." The same authority says that at one time, soon after he located here, Mr. Reeder went to Chicago for provisions. He was delayed r HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 755 longer than he expected on account of bad roads, etc., and when he returned his family had been for four days with nothing to eat but a few dry crusts of bread. Mr. Reeder did the first breaking in the town of Sharon. He afterward removed into the town of Walworth, where he resided until a few years ago, when he removed to the village of Delavan, where he died. Among the other early settlers who located in the town of Sharon are H. Smith Young, on Sec tion 12; Robert Young, on Section 13; Timothy O'Connor, on Section 2; G. Langdon, on Sec tion 6; Josiah Topping, on Section 1; J. H. Topping, on Section 2; Henry Darrow, on Section 6; George Winters, on Section 17; Theodore Wheeler, on Section 17; M. Winters, on Section 17; D. J. Best, on Section 17; Joseph Brown, on Section 17; J. McKonkey, on Section 1; J. and M. Auchampach, on Section 10; M. B. Goff, on Section 1; Mr. Blake, on Section 28. Mr. Billings, on Section 9; J. Van Ostrand, on Section 33; H. and I. Case, on Section 14; D. Wil cox, on Section 14; D. Wilcox, on Section 23; Mr. Condor, on Section 26; J. Bell, on Section 31; Henry Dennis, on Section 31; E. L. Reynolds, on Section 36; W. Van Wormer, on Section 1; A. Matteson, on Section 13; John Mereness, on Section 3; Mr. Kirby, on Section 33; and Derias Mason, on Section 13. Some of these persons are still living where they first located, while some have died, and others have moved away. The lands in Sharon are excellent, which invited emigration, and it is now one of the most respectable and wealthy farming towns in the county. A few incidents of the early settlement, which the old settlers yet like to laugh over, may be pardonable. It is said that money was scarce among them in an early day, and one of the greatest hardships they had to endure was paying taxes. Potatoes were nearly as scarce as- money. The first Collector discovered a hole of potatoes belonging to a person who had neg lected to pay his taxes, and advertised a " potato hole " for sale. The tax-payers, before the day of sale, took the potatoes out and left the hole as advertised, to the great merriment of all but the Collector. It is related again that D. J. Best and William P. Allen embarked in the mercantile busi ness at a very early day, and with very little money. They were in need of goods, and accord ingly went to Chicago and made application to Charles Walker for a stock of goods on time. Mr. Walker, after looking the gentlemen over rather closely, and making some inquiries, finally said: " Gentlemen, I don't know you." Mr. Best, with his usual wit, quickly replied: "Neither do we know you, but we will take our chances if you will." It is needless to state that these gentlemen obtained all the goods they wished. In the early settlement of the country, farmers from Darien and Turtle Prairie put in their winters hunting timber from Government land in Sharon, and many of them yet say that they worked harder for " Uncle Sam " during the winters than they did for themselves. The settlers of Sharon finally became somewhat indignant at these proceedings. A new settler finally came in and commenced the erection of a house, but could get no lumber for rafters or roof. Some of the older settlers said to him one evening: " We can help you some, as there is a big log on a sled by the side of the road up by G 's place, that L S— — , from Turtle Prairie, could not draw. Now, we will take our ' stags,' and you put your horses on, and we will soon have some lumber for you." They accordingly drew the log to Pierce's saw-mill, rolled it over all the logs in the log- way, had it sawed, and drew the lumber home. They then drew the sled back where they found it; all this being done before L S came back in the morning. L S , a good-natured fellow, when he arrived, said: "Well, boys, you have played smart, hain't you? Now, let me tell you that hereafter you will have to load your logs." The first mill was built on Section 7, on Turtle Creek, by a Joseph Pierce, in 1841. It is now owned by Pramer & Winters, and has two run of stone. Another small mill was built at Allen's Grove, on the same stream, but was run only a short time, as it never paid expenses. The first church was built by the Lutherans, on Section 34, in 1848. This was moved into the village of Sharon in 1860. The first school was taught in 1841, on Section 2, on Turtle Prairie. This school was taught in the first schoolhouse built in the town, during that year. Two " neighborhoods " sprang up in the town of Sharon soon after it was first settled- South Grove and Sharon Corners. At Sharon Corners, the first regular store in the town was opened by M. Van Winters. Here also the first hotel was built, by J. Jones, at about the same time. The first post office in the town was established at this point in 1843, and Isaac Case 756 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. received the appointment as Postmaster. Various persons have held the position since, and in 1881 the office was discontinued. At South Grove, a store was opened by D. J. Best in 1845, and a post office established during the same year, with Mr. Best as Postmaster. This office has continued under the ad ministration of various persons until a few years ago, when it was also discontinued. Mr. Best made the first boots and shoes that were made in the town at this place. These places have become almost extinct since the village of Sharon sprang up. The first death in the town occurred in 1842, and was Michael Kilmartin. He was buried at South Grove. The first frame house was built by D. J. Best, in the summer of 1842, and the first brick house was built by M. B. Goff, in 1843 or 1844. OFFICIAL. The town of Sharon, as before stated, was set off and organized as a town by special act of the Territorial Legislature, approved March 21, 1843. The first town meeting and election of officers in accordance with this act was held at the house of Josiah Topping, on Section 1, April 4, 1843. Amos Wheeler was appointed as Moderator, and Aaron Carr as Clerk of this meeting. Among others, the following resolutions were passed: " That but one Assessor and one Constable be elected; that one-half of 1 per cent upon the assessment roll be raised as a school fund; that the compensation of the Supervisors be $1 per day for their services, and that of the remainder of the officers be the same as is allowed in the State of New York" The officers elected at this meeting were as follows, forty-three votes being cast: F ~i Supervisors, H. Smith Young, Chairman ; Dearborn Blake, George Winters ; J. V. W. Severson, Clerk; Amos Wheeler, Assessor; John Auehampach, Collector; John H. Topping, Treasurer; William Van Ostrand, George Winters, Myron Auehampach, Commissioners of Highways; William Case, G. E. Taylor, M. B. Goff, Commissioners of Schools. The following is a list of the officers since the organization of the town: 1844 — Supervisors, Edward P. Conrick, Chairman, George Winters, David Wilcox ; David Lar kin, Clerk ; John H. Topping, Treasurer ; D. J. Best, Assessor ; Edward Topping, Collector ; M. B. Goff, Michael Van Winter, George Taylor, Justices of the Peace ; M. B. Goff, Benjamin Wheeler, William P. Allen, Commissioners of Schools ; Edward Topping, James E. Bell, Hiram Gunn, Con stables. 1845 — Supervisors, Edward P. Conrick, Chairman, David Wilcox, Christian Pramer ; David Larkin, Clerk ; David Wilcox, M. B. Goff, David J. Best, Assessors ; Walter F. Cansburg, Treasurer ; Edward Topping, Collector ; William P. Allen, Alvah Salisbury, E. L. Tisdel, Commissioners of Schools ; Edward Topping, S. W. Smith, E. P. Jones, Constables. 1846 — Supervisors, Pliny Allen, Chairman, E. C. L. Reynolds, Josiah Topping ; Luke 0. Ladd, Clerk ; John H. Topping, Treasurer ; Alvah Salisbury, George Sykes, Assessors ; David J. Best, Collector ; William P. Allen, A. Matteson, H. Smith Young, Commissioners of Schools ; David Lar kin, Julius A. Treat, M. B. Goff, Justices of the Peace ; Lewis Pramer, Horace Smith, George Dens- more, Constables. 1847 — Supervisors, Pliny Allen, Chairman, L. J. Filkins, Alvah Salisbury ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; John H. Topping, Treasurer ; John D. Older, David Wilcox, David W. Baldwin, Assessors ; George D. Reed, Collector ; M. B. Goff, George Mansfield, David W. Larkin, Commissioners of Schools ; Albert L. Mason, George Densmore, Charles E. Case, Constables. 1848— Supervisors, Pliny Allen, Chairman, L. J. Filkins, David Wilcox : William P. Allen, Clerk ; Alonzo McGraw, Treasurer ; John Chapin, Jr., Collector ; Alvah Salisbury, Isaac Searl, John D. Older, Assessors ; J. A. Treat, Aaron Budlong, David W. Larkin, Justices of the Peace ; George Mansfield, Thomas Ken, William P. Allen, Commissioners of Schools ; John Chapin, Jr., Rolland F. Sheldon, William Loucks, Constables. 1849— Supervisors, David Wilcox, Chairman, L. J. Wilkins, David Hoard ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; George Sykes, Assessor ; Alonzo McGraw, Treasurer ; M. W. Empie. Superintendent of Schools ; J. A. Treat, Isaac Searl, Aaron Budlong, M. B. Goff, Justices of the Peace : J. G. Calen der, William Loucks, R. F. Sheldon, Constables. 1850— Supervisors, D. B. Mason, Chairman, John Mereness, M. B. Goff; William P. Allen, Clerk ; David E. Hoard, Treasurer ; George Treat, Assessor ; M. W. Empie, Superintendent of HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 757 Schools ; D. W. Larkin, Pliny Allen, J. A. Treat, Isaac Searl, Justices of the Peace ; B. G. Dow, D. W. Baldwin, A. L. Mason, Constables. 1851 — Supervisors, John Dickson, Chairman, Henry Van Horn, John S. Burrows ; Willian P. Allen, Clerk ; J. A. Treat, Assessor ; David C. Hoard, Treasurer ; M. W. Empie, Superintendent of Schools ; Aaron Budlong, D. W. Larkin, Justices of the Peace ; .A. L. Mason, Aaron Gardiner, D. W. Baldwin, Constables. 1852 — Supervisors, S. W. Voorhees, Chairman, George Mansfield, George Winter ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; John Ladd, Assessor ; John Mereness, Treasurer ; M. W. Empie, Superintendent of Schools ; George Densmore, J. A. Treat, Isaac Searl, Justices of the Peace ; D. W. Baldwin, B. G. Dow, Alvin Beardsley, Constables. 1853 — Supervisors, S. W. Voorhees, Chairman, Henry Dennis, David Wilcox ; Jay G. Callender, Clerk ; John Ladd, Assessor ; John Mereness, Treasurer ; M. B. Goff, Superintendent of Schools ; D. E. Hoard, William P. Allen, Z. T. Lee, Justices of the Peace ; William Loucks, B. G. Dow, Ezra Graves, Constables. 1854 — Supervisors, Henry Dennis, Chairman, F. P.' Arnold, D. V. Milmine ; J. G. Callender, Clerk ; D. W. Baldwin, Assessor ; B. G. Dow, Treasurer ; John Dickson, Superintendent of Schools ; William P. Allen, John Hutchins, Justices of the Peace ; B. G. Dow, Marvin Joiner, William Rafe- ty, Constables. 1855 — Supervisors, Pliny Allen, Chairman, Justin Wright, Jay G. Callender ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; James W. Snyder, Treasurer ; S. W. Voorhees, John W. Bronson, N. E. Bennett, Assessors ; N. E. Bennett, Superintendent of Schools ; A. L. Mason, Seth Doolittle, A. Woodward, William P. Allen, Justices of the Peace ; Marvin James, William Rafety, B. G. Dow, Constables. 1856 — Supervisors, George Mansfield, Chairman, Walter Stocking, S. W. Voorhees ; William P. Allen. Clerk ; P. G. Spencer, Treasurer ; D. V. Milmine, Assessor ; J. B. Hutchins, Superintendent of Schools ; J. W. Bronson, A. L. Mason, Justices of the Peace ; William Rafety, B. G. Dow, W. H. Voorhees, Constables. 1857 — Supervisors, George Mansfield, Chairman, George Densmore, D. E. Hoard ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; Michael Knaub~ Treasurer ; J. A. Treat, Assessor ; C. A. Hutchins, Superintendent of Schools ; A. Woodward, William P. Allen, Justices of the Peace ; B. G. Dow, Sardis Pixley, Will iam Voorhees, Constables. 1858 — Supervisors, David Wilcox, Chairman, George Densmore, Justin Wright ; John Good- land. Clerk ; Joseph Stam, Treasurer ; J. A. Treat, Assessor ; J. B. Hutchins, Superintendent of Schools ; A. L. Mason, Seth Doolittle, Justices of the Peace ; Samuel C. Sanders, Sardis Pixley, W. C. Van Elten, Constables. 1859— Supervisors, F. P. Arnold, Chairman, Walter Stocking, Justin Wright ; John Goodland, Clerk; B. P. Levalley, Treasurer ; J. A. Treat, Assessor ; N. E. Bennett, Superintendent of Schools ; John Goodland, A. Woodward, Justices of the Peace ; Sardis Pixley, S. C. Sanders, H. W. Randall, Constables. I860— The names of the officers for this year, have never been entered in the town book, and consequently there is no record to be found. 1861— Supervisors, F. P. Arnold. Chairman, Nathan Gill, C. B. Miner ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; J. C. Sanders, Treasurer ; J. A. Treat, Assessor ; Charles Allen, Superintendent of Schools ; George Winters, S. G. Arnold, Justices of the Peace ; William H. Babcock, Sardis Pixley, S. C. Sanders, Constables. 1862— Supervisors, F. P. Arnold, Chairman, Charles Allen, Walter Stocking ; John Goodland, Clerk ; Garrett Mereness, Treasurer ;• A. L. Mason, Assessor ; John Goodland, A. L. Mason, John Dickson, Justices of the Peace ; W. H. Babcock, Charles Lewis, A. B. Clark, Constables. 1863— Supervisors, F. P. Arnold, Chairman, Charles Allen. George Mansfield ; William P. Al len, Clerk ; John Goodland, Treasurer ; A. L. Mason, Assessor ; St. E. Bennett, William Pramer, Justices of the Peace ; D. W. Baldwin, A. B. Clark, Joseph Conley, Constables. 1864— Supervisors, Walter Stocking, Chairman, Justin Wright, George Mansfield ; C. A. Hutch ins, Clerk ; William J. Arnold, Treasurer ; A. L. Mason, Assessor ; William P. Allen, A. L. Mason, George Pramer, Jr., Justices of the Peace ; W. V. Clymer, P. M. Ottoman, Joseph Conley, Constables. 1865 and 1866— The names of the officers for the two years have not been entered in the town records, and are not to be found. . 1867— Supervisors John Mereness, Chairman, Jeremiah Daniels, Henry Dennis ; William V. Allen, Clerk ; William Humphrey, Treasurer ; J. A. Treat, Assessor ; A. L. Mason, William P. Al- 758 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNT"* . len, Miles Chafee, Justices of the Peace ; William Humphrey, W. H. Babcock, Martin Conrad, Con stables. 1868— Supervisors, Henry Dennis, Chairman, M. R. Hoard, Justin Wright ; William P. Allenr Clerk ; Levi E. Allen, Assessor ; Jacob Staley, Treasurer ; Miles Chafee, A. Matteson, John Dick son, Justices of the Peace ; Jacob Staley, Henry Babcock, George Horn, Constables. 1869— Supervisors, F. P. Arnold, Chairman, George Sykes, George Winter ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; Jacob Staley, Treasurer ; Levi E. Allen, Assessor ; William P. Allen, C. R. Treat, A. L. Ma son, Joseph Brand, Justices of the Peace ; George Horn, W. H. Babcock. F. W. Hutchins, Constables. 1870 — Supervisors, John Mereness, Chairman, S. W. Voorhees, Joseph Conley ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; C. A. Brownson, Treasurer ; A. L. Mason, Assessor ; D. G. Morris, N. E. Bennett, F. W. Hutchins, Justices of the Peace ; W. H. Babcock, George Markle, P. H. Hausbergh, Constables. 1871 — Supervisors, F. P. Arnold, Chairman, Joseph Conley, S. W. Voorhees ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; C. H. Bronson, Treasurer ; William P. Allen, Assessor ; William P. Allen, George Treat, Justices of the Peace ; P. M. Ottman, William H. Babcock, S. W. Parks, Constables. 1872 — Supervisors, J. A. Treat, Chairman, Justin Wright, G. Mereness ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; George Pramer, Treasurer ; A. L. Mason, Assessor ; John Dickson, D. G. Morris, N. E. Ben nett, Justices of the Peace ; W. H. Babcock, Peter Flansburgh, L. W. Parks, Constables. 1873 — Supervisors, W. R. Herron, Chairman, George Winters, George Sikes ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; H. B. Howell, Treasurer ; A. L. Mason, Assessor ; Williaul P. Allen, 8. W. Voorhees, Justices of the Peace ; P. M. Ottman, W. H. Babcock, B. M. Cary, Constables. 1874 — Supervisors, W. R. Herron, Chairman, George Winters, George Sikes ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; H. B. Howell, Treasurer ; A. L. Mason, Assessor ; W. L. Stocking, John Dickson, William Hutchins, Justices of the Peace : P. M. Ottman, W. H. Babcock, W. L. Adams, Constables. 1875 — Supervisors, J. A. Treat, Chairman, George Sikes, J. H. Topping ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; C. R. Treat, Treasurer ; A. L. Mason, Assessor ; William P. Allen, Justin Wright, A. C. Le- baron, Justices of the Peace ; Henry Truax, William Hamlin, W. H. Babcock, Constables. 1876 — Supervisors, J. A. Treat, Chairman, George Sikes, Jared Topping ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; A. L. Mason, Treasurer ; 0. C. Moon, A. Woodard, Jr., A. Matteson, Justices of the Peace ; Henr3' Truax, Henry Babcock, Elmer Mattesen, Constables. 1877 — Supervisors, J. A. Treat, Chairman, George Sikes, J. H. Topping ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; C. F. Arnold, Treasurer ; A. L. Mason, Assessor ; William P. Allen, A. Woodard, Jr., How- land Fish, Adam Peters, Justices of the Peace ; James Welch, William Markle, Alden Field, Con stables. 1878 — Supervisors, J. A. Treat, Chairmau, George Sikes, George Winters ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; C. F. Arnold, Treasurer ; A. L. Mason, Assessor ; Howland Fish, A. P. Wilkins, A. L. Ma son, Justices of the Peace ; W. H. Babcock, Henry Truax, Elmer Matteson, Coustables. 1879 — Supervisors, J. A. Treat, Chairman, G. Mereness, J. Daniels ; William P. Allen, Clerk ; W. E. Mereness, Treasurer ; J. W. Brownson, Assessor ; William P. Allen, A. Woodard. Jr., A. Schellenger, A. Matteson, Justices of the Peace ; J. W. Welch, W. H. Babcock, Elmer Matteson, Constables. 1880 — Supervisors, W. R. Herron, Chairman, Jerry Daniels, Morris Isaacs ; L. P. Ballard, Clerk; William S. Hamlin, Treasurer ; S. G. Bardwell, Assessor ; A. Schellenger, C. F. Arnold, Justices of the Peace ; John Stockbridge, George Markle, W. H. Babcock. Constables. 1881 — Supervisors, W. R. Herron, Chairman, Jerry Daniels, Morris Isaacs ; L. P. Ballard, Clerk ; William S. Hamlin, Treasurer ; H. G. Bardwell, Assessor ; A Woodard, Jr., William P. Allen, A. L. Mason, Justices of the Peace ; Peter Gosso, D. McDonald, H. Miller, Frank Moon, Constables. VILLAGE OF SHARON. The village of Sharon is located on Section 33 of the town of Sharon, on the Wisconsin Division of the Chicago & North-Western Railroad, which enters the town on Section 34, and, running in a northwesterly direction, passes out on Section 30. The first settlers of the village were William Van Ostrand and a Mr. Southard, who located in 1842. Previous to the coming of the railroad, there were no other dwellings in the vicinity than those of the first settlers. For some time, the location of the depot and grounds was uncertain —whether it should be a mile east of where it now is, on the State line, or about the same dis tance west. This uncertainty, however, was dispelled in 1855, when it received its present HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 759 location. About this time, Robert Campbell, of Oshkosh, having purchased the land on which the village is now located, laid out forty acres into village lots. The first lots were purchased by H. H. Bidwell. The railroad was built through in 1856, and since then the village has had rather a rapid and permanent growth. H. H. Bidwell was the first station agent. The first store was built and opened by George Millmine, in 1856. Sam Sanderson kept the first saloon. The first blacksmith was John Gochey. He is now living in Darien. The first hotel was built by Seymour Rice, in 1857. This building was a small two-story frame, and is now standing and used as a dwelling house. Mr. Rice previously kept a " stopping-place " in a log house built by William Van Os- trand. A Mr. Wilson was the first to blister, bleed and dose with calomel, while F. P. Arnold at tended to all legal matters to the entire satisfaction of the one side and the utter disgust of the other in every suit at law. Leslie Low was the first white child born in the village, in 1858. A male child of Dr. Wilson's died of the small pox in 1857, and was the first death. Sharon's business is at present represented by four stores, carrying a stock of clothing, dry goods, hats and caps, boots and shoes, etc. ; one grocery store, three drug stores, two hardware stores, one variety store, two shoe stores, three restaurants, two hotels, one flouring-mill, one cheese factory, seven physicians, five ministers, and a number of mechanics and mechanics' shops. A schoolhouse was built near the site of the present one in the village of Sharon in about 1848. This was replaced by the present schoolhouse a few years afterward, which has from time to time been remodeled and added to. It is situated in the northern part of the village, and is a two-story frame building, representing a valuation of about $3,000. Through the efforts of Rev. J. G. Schaeffer, then pastor of the Lutheran Church, a normal institute was formed in October, 1866. A building was erected through the enterprise of pub lic-spirited citizens, and the Sharon Academy, as it was then called, commenced its first session in December, 1867, with ninety-six students, under the principalship of Mr. Schaeffer and Prof. E. S. Chadwick, of Beloit. The next year, a regular training school was organized. In June of that year, Mr. Schaeffer resigned on account of ill health and the pressure of multitudinous duties, to, the sincere and publicly expressed regret of all those interested in the growth and permanency of the Sharon Academy. To push the enterprise, he also established and edited the Mirror, which made its first appearance June 5, 1868. The school greatly flourished under his management, and continued actively in the field of education until 1878, when it was closed. The building is a two story frame structure, situated in the southern part of the village, on a commanding eminence. In 1880, a free high school was organized, its Principal being James Ellis. POST OFFICE. In 1858, a petition was presented to the Post Office Department at Washington for the es tablishment of a post office at this point, which petition was acted upon favorably and the office opened, with John Hodgdon as Postmaster. It was then kept in the corner building, formerly owned by Seth Doolittle, and now the property of William Veley, who is about to erect a business block in its place. The receipts at this time amounted to from $25 to $30 per quarter. Mr. Hodgdon remained in possession of the office until 1861, when W. R. Herron was commissioned. Mr. Herron removed the office to the corner building, then occupied by himself as a dry goods store, and now occupied by Lyman Brothers. Under his administration, the quarterly receipts were increased to about $70. In 1868, the present Postmaster, William P. Allen, was ap pointed. Mr. Allen has kept the office in various places until, 1873, it was removed to its pres ent location, in the building owned and occupied by S. P. Ballard. Under Mr. Allen's admin istration, the quarterly receipts have been increased to about $160. THE PRESS. The first paper published in Sharon was the Mirror, edited by Rev. J. G. Schaeffer, Pastor of the Lutheran Church and Principal of the Sharon Academy. Its first number was issued 760 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. June 5, 1868. In December, 1869, C. C. Hanford took charge of the Mirror, and continued to act as editor and proprietor until January 13, 1871. S. B. Ballard then assumed charge, and continued its publication until September 15 of that year, when the paper was suspended. December 1, 1871, George F. Brigham established the Gazette, and remained inits control until September 12, 1873. During that month, J. C. Keeney, now proprietor of the Weyauwega Chronicle, established the Sharon Inquirer. In September, 1876, Clarence Conable purchased the establishment, and remained its proprietor until August 8, 1876, when he removed to Dela van. His presses and much of his office material were purchased by James H. Phelps and George Ziegaus. Starting out with a fresh subscription list of 200 names, they founded the Sharon Reporter, as a five-column quarto, the first number appearing August 29, 1878. There has been no change in form or proprietorship since, but there is a marked difference in the sub scription list, which now numbers 725 names. The office, neat, convenient and airy, is located in Daniel's Block. In addition to the patronage which the paper has earned by its faithful at tention to local and county matters, the job work turned out, of every variety, is a source of pros perity. Connected with the establishment is also a store for the sale of music and musical in struments. The Reporter is independent in politics, but sensibly confines itself almost entirely to home industries and home 'interests. SOCIETIES. Sharon Lodge, No. 116, A., F. & A. M. — This Masonic body was instituted in 1879, and their charter is dated June 15, 1879. The charter was issued by the Grand Lodge, in session at Milwaukee, with George R. Milmine, W. M. ; R. Wilson, S. W.; E. Thompson, J. W. The charter was signed by Luther Martin Tracy, Grand Master; L. M. Strong, Grand Senior War den; and Algernon Sidney Wood, Grand Junior Warden. The present officers are: W. R. Herron, W. M. ; A. Schellenger, S. W. ; John Goelzer, J. W. ; W. S. Hamlin, Secretary; Joseph M. Yates, Treasurer; G. W. Scott, S. D.; A. D. Truax, J. D.; David McDonald, Tiler. They have fitted up a hall at an expense of about $500, and their meetings are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month. The present number of members is fifty-four. Brown Lodge, No. 354, I. O. G. T, was instituted May 16, 1881, by a Mrs. Brown, of Mil waukee. The charter members were: Mrs. E. E. Yates, Mrs. R. Wesell, James Ellis, Mrs. S. L. Ellis, Mont Goff, Marius Hanford, Mrs. E. Hutchins, Miss B. Hutchins, Miss Louise Keyes, Charles Milmine, Andy Nicholson, Dana Sizer, Ida Searles, Herbert Woods, Charles Woods, Fred Woods, Miss Effie Warren, Mrs. Bertha Yates, Misses Cora and Hattie Yates, Willie Yates and Owen Bird. The first officers were: James Ellis, W. C. T. ; Mrs. Bertha Yates, W. V. T. ; Mrs. E. Hutchins, W. C. ; Marius Hanford, W. S. ; Dana Sizer, W. F. S. ; Miss Louise Keyes, W. T. ; Miss Blanche Hutchins, W. M. ; Miss Ida Searles, I. G. ; Andy Nicholson, O G. The present officers are: James Phelps, W. C. T. ; Miss Cora Turner, W. V. T. ; Miss Cora Yates, W. O; Jason Sizer, W. S.; Dana Sizer, W. F. S.; Miss Emma Bird, W. T.; Owen Bird, W. M. ; Amelia Bird, I. G. ; Jessie Scheelenger, O. G. ; James Ellis, P. W. C. T. The order has at present a membership of forty-two. Meetings are held in the lecture room of the Congrega tional Church every Monday evening. CHURCHES. The Lutheran Church was built on Section 34, in 1853. It was built at a cost of $2,000- After the village of Sharon sprang up, it was moved there, and was dedicated to the worship of God June 7, 1860, a Rev. Mr. Dox, of New York, delivering the dedicatory sermon. The Methodist Church society was organized at South Grove in 1843, with about twelve members. They first held prayer meetings in the private dwellings, and subsequently obtained the services of a circuit preacher. After the village of Sharon had obtained a start, the place of meeting was then removed, and in 1856 a church edifice was erected, at a cost of $2,000. It is a wooden structure, and is in size 46x56. Its present membership is eighty-five The Congregational Church society was formed June 10, 1868, by a council from the Con gregational Church at Beloit. It had at its organization nineteen members. Their church ^1nnnWarn1ereJ0ted the same year- E is of frame- and in size 40x60, constructed at a cost of 14,000. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Dr. Whiting, of Janesville, in November of HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 761 that year. Its first pastor was Rev. J. G. Schaeffer. It has at present no resident minister, the pulpit being supplied by Prof. O. U. Whitford. Its present membership is sixty-five. The Protestant Episcopal Church. — Work began in St. Mary's Mission, of this church, by a few lay members, as early as the year 1866, under the leadership of George F. Brigham, one of their members. Services were held for about eight years in the railway station. On the 11th day of June, 1876, Mr. Brigham was made Deacon, and, in the winter and spring of 1879-80, a chapel was built. Its size is 18x32, with a wing 8x16, and cost $600. The mission was formally organized by Bishop Wells, April 17, 1880, with thirteen communicants. The mission has at present a total membership of forty persons, with Mr. Brigham as pastor. The Free Methodist Church society was organized in 1874, with seven or eight members. In 1876, they erected a house of worship, which is of frame, and in size 36x44, at a cost of $1, 200. Its present membership is twelve. HOTELS. Central House. — This hotel was built in 1864, by Mr. Vedder, and was called the Vedder House. Its first landlord was a Mr. Colgrove. The hotel has changed hands several times, and in 1877 was purchased by its present owner and proprietor, William Veley, and its name changed to the Central House. It is in size 40x50, and three stories high, and represents a valuation of about $8,000. Mr. Veley has made numerous repairs on the house since he purchased it; it is now an elegant and imposing structure. On the first floor is the office, billiard room, dining room, kitchen, etc. ; on the second floor is the parlor, sitting room and sleeping rooms. In the third story is a hall 30x40 feet, and a number of sleeping rooms. The house is situated in the main business block near the depot. Yates' Block and Hotel. — This large brick structure was commenced in 1874 and finished in 1876. It is in size 23x132, with an ell on south side 20x25. It cost $15,000. The building fronts Plain street on the north and Baldwin street on the east. On the first floor is the drug store of Snowden & Ladd, the hotel office, etc. , and bank. The part of the building occupied as a store is two stories high, the remainder of the building being three stories in height. In the second story, over the store, is Yates' Hall, 23x65, and in the hotel part is a parlor, sitting room and sleeping rooms. In the third story are sleeping rooms. In the basement is the kitchen, dining room and billiard room. The building is finished with all the modern improvements, is located in the main business block, and is an ornament to the village. The present proprietor of the hotel is H. M. Fitzgerald. BANK OF SHARON. In 1874, J. M. Yates and Howland Fish established a private bank in Sharon, with a cap ital stock of $10,000. J. M. Yates was President, and Howland Fish, Cashier. A short time ago, Mr. Fish withdrew, and George C. Mansfield became a partner, and is now Cashier, with Mr. Yates still President. They transact a general banking business, and sell exchanges on Chicago, New York, and all principal cities of Europe. The bank is in Yates' Block, on Plain street. CHEESE FACTORY. In 1870, a factory was built in Sharon by Robert Pearson and H. H. Bent. In the spring of 1874, William Pearson purchased the interest of Mr. Bent, and the factory is now owned and operated by Pearson Brothers. The f aetory is of frame, in size 30x60, with a south wing 27x30. The main part is two stories high, with the wing but one story. It represents a total valuation of $5,000. When the factory was first started, it consumed the milk of about three hundred cows. This number has since been increased, and at present the milk of 1,500 cows is used. The Pearson Brothers superintend the manufacture of the cheese themselves, making about forty- seven cheeses per day, or about three thousand pounds. This cheese is sold mostly at the fac tory to Eastern merchants. Seven hands are employed. The largest amount of milk received at the factory in any one day was 30,160 pounds. About the 1st of September, they commence making butter, and continue it until the 1st of May, making, on an average,. 150 pounds per day. On account of this, through the winter they manufacture " skimmed milk cheese," and " full cream cheese " through the summer. This is the largest factory in the State. 762 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. STEAM FLOURING-MILL. This mill was built by the citizens of Sharon in 1875, and the machinery was put in by James Ashley as soon as completed. The mill is 30x40, two stories high, with an engine room 15x24, a coru-shelling room 12x14, and a coal shed 10x24. The mill has four run of stone, and the motive power is a thirty-five horse-power engine. Two run of stone are for flour, and the other two for feed and middlings. In 1877 or 1878, Mary A. Slocum purchased a half in terest in the-mill, and in 1879 Mr. Ashley sold the remaining interest to John Ladd. It is now owned by these parties, and operated by William Fisk. The mill has a capacity of twenty bar rels of flour per day, and represents an investment of $5,000. THE VILLAGE OF ALLEN'S GROVE. The village of Allen's Grove is situated on Section 31 of Darien, and Section 6 of Sharon. It is on the South- Western Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. That part of the village in Sharon was laid out by Pliny Allen in 1852, and that in Darien by Sidney Allen in 1856. The village is unincorporated. It was first settled in 1845, by a colony of sixty- five persons from New York, the proprietors of this colony being Pliny, Sidney, Asa Keyes, Harvey and Philipp Allen, Jr. — five brothers. The following account is given by Sidney Allen, the sole survivor of this colony and a resi dent of the village: " In 1843, I was residing in the city of Rochester, N. Y. In June of that year, my wife and myself left home, ostensibly for Buffalo, but came directly to Chicago. My wife took the stage there for Belvidere and Rockford, where we had friends, and I went to Mil waukee, and from there to Rockford across the country. After a week's visit there, I returned to Chicago, and then home. During that trip, I became possessed of the " Western fever " so badly that I never recovered, and the next spring I purchased and shipped to Chicago a two- seated light wagon, together with a harness, spade, ax, rifle, pocket compass, and a good-sized provision chest, which was fitted under the back seat of the wagon and served to hold the other articles. On the 1st day of July, 1844, my brother Pliny, who resided in Brooklyn, N. Y. , and myself, started West. At Ypsilanti, Mich., we were joined by my oldest brother, Asa Keyes Allen, and his son, Dr. J. C. Allen. We continued our journey toward Chicago, and the cars dropped us at Marshall, the then terminus of the railroad. From there we took the stage, and on the 4th day of July, at noon, arrived in Chicago, and stopped at the American, a temperance house. Before eating dinner, I purchased the fine bay team that drew us to the hotel in the omnibus. Immediately after dinner, I had the horses hitched to the wagon which I had shipped, while the others, in the meantime, filled the " chest " with such eatables as they desired. We then " started West," but had not proceeded more than perhaps a mile before we were convinced that to go farther would be dangerous, as the prairie was covered with water and there was no sign of a road. We returned to the hotel, and there luckily found a man who kept a tavern on our route, twelve miles distant. He had just arrived at the hotel, and was intending to remain overnight, but we gave him $2 and agreed to stop with him overnight besides if he would guide us through safely. He therefore went ahead, and we followed, and, later on, arrived safely at his abode. The axletrees of our wagon were under water most of the distance. On the next day, we drove to Racine, and on the next to Milwaukee. Before leaving home, we had decided to drive between Racine and the Rock River. At Milwaukee, we procured maps showing all the vacant lands, and on the following day drove as far as Geneva. • We started early the next morning, driving to Summerville, one and a half miles west of here, where we took dinner, and then to Rockford, where we spent the Sabbath among our friends. From Rockford we went to Belvidere, where my brother, Asa K, and the Doctor, left us. Pliny and myself then went to where Allen's Grove now is, where we remained ten days, and purchased some over a thousand acres of land. We then went to Kenosha, where we sold our team and took the boat around the lakes to Buffalo, and then overland to Rochester. On the 1st of May, 1845, my brothers, Pliny, Harvey, Philipp, Jr., and myself, loaded two canal-boats with furniture, doors, windows, nails, hardware, paints, etc. , etc. , enough for each of us a house, and with our families, a sister — Mrs. Scofield— and our father, then eighty-eight years of age, started for Kenosha. At Buffalo, we took passage on a steamboat, and arrived at Kenosha on the 14th of May. On the 15th, we all, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 763 sixty-five in number, went to Darien. There we rented two houses for father, sister and others to live in. My family and some of the others went to Belvidere, while others still went to Rockford. On the 16th, my brothers and myself, together with the four carpenters we had in the company with us, came here to what afterward became Allen's Grove, and, on the same day, put up a small shanty of two rooms. We then built a cottage for the hired men, and by the 1st of September each had a house up and inclosed, but no plastering was done that winter. We then, with our families, took our permanent abode in Allen's Grove. When the first house was inclosed, being brother Philipp's, the Congregational Church society was organized there on the 10th of August. Thereafter, during pleasant weather, a new wagon was drawn into the grove, and served as a pulpit, being occupied by Rev. S. H. Thompson. " In 1847, a schoolhouse, 25x40, was built. This was used as a church also until 1852, when the society built a church. " On the 29th of June, 1845, a Sabbath school was organized, and on the 4th of July, 1846, we had a Sabbath school celebration, when 777 scholars and teachers were present. In July, 1845, our honored father died, and was buried in the cemetery where now my four brothers and their wives are buried. This was the first death in the village. The first marriage ceremony was performed at my house, in 1846, the contracting parties being Preston W. Smith and Miss Frances Scofield. The first child born was Preston H Allen, in 1846, now of Rochester, N. Y. In that year, my brother, Asa Keyes Allen, his son, Dr. Joseph C. Allen, and his son-in-law, Ezra P. Teale, came with their families from Michigan. The Doctor and Ezra Teale erected a store building that year and opened a $6,000 stock of goods, they being our first merchants, under the firm name of Teale & Allen. " The first blacksmith in the village was Jacob Harp. The first lawyer was A. Woodard. The first physician was J. C. Allen. The first carpenters were Harvey Allen and a Mr. Young, now and for many years a me chanic in Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Delavin. The first shoemaker was a Mr. Geer. The first resident minister was Rev. Calvin Waterbury. The first school was taught in 1846, over the store building built in that year. The teach er was Miss Mary Wallingford. The schoolhouse was built in 1847. The present school- house was built in 1856, as an academy. It was afterward occupied for a number of years by Rev. M. Montgomery as such. The main building is 20x40, with an ell 20x22, each two stories high. It is situated in the western part of the village, in a beautiful grove of five acres. A male and female teacher are employed both summer and winter. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. The society of this church was organized August 10, 1845, at the house of Pliny Allen, with but few members. The church building was built in 1852. It is in size 35x55, and cost about $2,000. At present, they have no resident minister. THE METHODIST CHURCH. The Methodist Church society was organized November 26, 1858, with twenty-six members. They soon afterward built a church, in size 36x56, at a cost of $1,800. THE POST OFFICE. The post office was established in 1846, and Philipp Allen, Jr., was appointed as Post master. The office was held at his house for some time. He has been succeeded by Aaron Budlong, John Dixon, E. P. Teale, Mrs. Eliza Wilkins, and the present Postmaster, Edward Hall. * CHEESE FACTORY. The cheese factory was built by Simon Noyes in 1865. Since 1871, it has been run by T. P. Davis. It consumes the milk of about, 730 cows, or 11,000 pounds of milk daily. One hun dred and twenty thousand pounds of cheese are made yearly, which is mostly sold at the factory to Eastern merchants. The factory represents an investment of $1,500. 764 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. WAR HISTORY. The town of Sharon, during the war, sent out 108 men. Their names and the part taken by them in the bloody fights will be found in the general war history. The town also raised her share of money. SHARON AS IT IS. The population of Sharon, according to the Federal census of 1881, was 1,956. The principal farm products of 1880 were: Wheat, 9,750 bushels; corn, 97,600 bushels; oats, 32,700 bushels; barley, 12,820 bushels; rye, 395 bushels; potatoes, 5,900 bushels; apples, 14,000 bushels; timothy seed, 588 bushels; hay, 2,625 tons; butter, 36,225 pounds; cheese, 159,000 pounds. In 1881, there were 5,294 acres of growing grain, 240 acres of apple orchard, 1,820 acres of mowing and pasturage, and 1,550 acres of growing timber; the number of milch cows was 821, valued at $17,175. There were seven whole and seven union school districts. The number of scholars between four and twenty years of age was 645, of which number 596 attended school. There were twelve schools, one of which was graded Sixteen teachers were employed, at monthly average wages of $40.50 for male and $26.11 for female teachers. There were twelve schooDaouses, valued at $9,900, including the sites. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. WILLIAM P. ALLEN, Postmasterof Sharon ; was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1821, where he lived till 21 years of age. He then went to Portageville in his native State, where he engaged in teaching; he has been a resident of Sharon since 1845. After coming to Walworth Co., was engaged for some time in teaching ; has been a resident of the village since 1850 ; was engaged here in merchandising for a num ber of years ; has held several town offices for a long series of years. He has been Town Clerk during the great er part of the time he has resided here ; has been a Justice of the Peace the same length of time, and has been Postmaster since 1873. Mr. Allen, during his long residence in Sharon, has acquired and main tained a reputation for uprightness and fair dealing, that has secured for him, in an eminent degree, the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. Mrs. Allen, formerly Miss Sophrona L. Lyman, was born in Jefferson Co. They have no children. HERMAN ALLEN, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. O. Sharon. He was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1834 ; son of John and brother of Wm. P. and L. E. Allen; he came to Sharon in 1845 ; moved to McHenry Co., 111., in 1853, and engaged in farming; moved to Sharon again in 1870. He married Martha C. Silsburg, born in Schoharie Co., N. Y. ; his present wife was Amelia Welch. He had three children by first wife — Burleigh E., Alvah and Julitte; has two children by present wife — Mary M. and Dora. He purchased his farm, which contains 100 acres, of Lewis Pramer ; the farm was originally settled by Benjamin Wheeler. SALMON G. ARNOLD, retired farmer; born in Washington Co., N. Y., July 15, 1820, where he- was brought up ; came to Walworth Co. in June, 1851, and settled at South Grove in the town of Sharon; was a very successful and'prominent farmer, and well-known through the county ; never sought office, but held the office of Justice of the Peace with several other offices. Was a member of the M. E. Church. Re sided on the farm at South Grove till the fall of 1875 ; he still owns the farm where he first settled. Mrs. Arnold was Miss Ann Eliza Hotchkiss, of Hampton, Washington Co., N. Y. They have five children — Mary, now Mrs. N. J. Davis; Maria, now Mrs. H. Wilson; Alice, wife of J. B. Wise ; Luther S. married Minnie Brigham, of Sharon ; and Willard G. EDWARD BILYEA, carpenter and farmer, Sec. 34 ; P. O. Sharon ; was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1831 ; came to Walworth Co. in spring of 1855, and engaged in work at his trade; he made a location at Douglass Corners that year, which was his home till 1871, when he settled where he now lives ; his par ents, Nathaniel and Polly B., came to Walworth Co. in 1865, and settled in the town of Walworth, where- they resided till their death ; his wife was Esther L. Ostrom, born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., and came to Walworth Co. with her parents, Daniel and Sarah Race Ostrom, in 1848, who settled in Sharon. They have two children — Cora R. and Floyd E. Mr. Bilyea's farm contains 60 acres. GEORGE F. BRIGHAM, station agent, Sharon ; was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1827 ; was a telegraph operator in the early history of telegraphy ; he learned the art of telegraphing in Fredonia, N. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 765 Y., more than thirty years ago, when the science was in its infancy. The practice of dispatching trains by telegraph was first attempted on the N. Y. & Erie R. R. and he as operator sent the first dispatch in that experiment, thus inaugurating a system of running trains, which is wonderful, and almost startling to oontemplate. In 1863, he went to Chicago, where he was employed in the U. S. telegraph office for sev eral years ; he came to Sharon in 1866, and has had charge of the station here since that time ; he has long been a student and laborer in the interests of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Through his labors, a society has been organized of that church, in Sharon, and a neat and comfortable chapel was built; he took orders as Deacon, in Milwaukee, in 1876, and since that time has officiated as pastor of the church ; his wife was formerly Miss Aurilla A. Douglass, born in Genesee Co., N. Y. They had six children, four of whom are living, viz., Edmund D., Fannie A., George F., Jr., and Henry. J. W. BROWNSON, of the firm of Wolf & Brownson, Sharon. Mr. Brownson was born at Gaines ville, Wyoming Co., N.Y., in 1842 ; his father, John W. Brownson, emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Sharon, in the spring of 1852. The parents of Mr. Brownson had three children — Ellen, now Mrs. J. A. Treat ; J. W. and Charles A. The latter is the present County Judge of Racine Co. J. W. enlisted in September, 1861, in the 13th W. V. I., and served until December, 1865. The firm of Wolf & Brownson has existed since 1866. Mr. Brownson was married to Miss E. Allen, daughter of Henry Allen. They have one daughter — Laura ; they lost their first child — Allen. JOHN S. BURGET, blacksmith, resides on Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Sharon ; he was born in Fulton, Scho harie Co., N. Y., in 1828 ; his parents were Storm A. and Sally (Banner) Burget; his father was of Dutch decent ; his grandfather, Millbury Burget, was born in Holland, and came to the United States with several brothers ; he was Fife Major during the Revolutionary war ; was at the battle of Saratoga, when Gen. Burgoyne was taken prisoner, and after the war was pensioned as a Revolutionary soldier ; his father was a native of Schoharie Co., N. Y., and resided in that State till his death. Mr. Burget came to Walworth Co., in May, 1858, and settled where he now lives ; his wife was Mary Welch, born in Schoharie Co. They have two children — Addison and Storm Abram. ACKLEY CARTER, farmer, Sec. ] ; P. 0. Darien ; is a brother of William and Orange Carter, of Darien, born in the town of Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1808 ; he came to Walworth Co., with his brother, Orange, in the spring of 1839 ; he, however, loeated in Milwaukee, which was his home for many years; he was engaged in the grocery trade while in Milwaukee; he settled on Sec. 21, in the town of Sharon, in 1849 ; he went to California in 1850, and engaged in mining ; returned in 1856, and soon after removed to Dakota Co., Minn., where he lived ten years ; he bought his present farm in 1867 ; was married to Melissa Hough, born in Genesee Co., N. Y. ; she died December, 1 878. Mr. Carter hastwo children — Edwin B. and Annette. CHARLES W. CRANDALL, painter and grainer, Walworth ; son of Welcome B. Crandall, who was born in Brookfield, Madison Co., N. Y. ; married to Emily Dowse, and came to Walworth Co. and settled in the town of Walworth in 1855. Mr. Welcome B. Crandall had five sons, four of whom are living— Roswell, Charles W., William and Paul, all of whom are residents of the town of Walworth but William. John was a member of 13th W. V. I., and died at Columbus, Ky. Charles W. enlisted in 22d W. V. I., and served about one year, when he was discharged for disability. Paul was a member of the 40th W. V. I. Charles W. was born in 1833 ; has followed the business of painting constantly since 1865, also for several years previous to the war ; he married Frances Dennison, born in the State of New York. They have two children — Hattie and Fannie. B. M. COREY, Sharon, born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1810, where he was brought up ; married Maria L. Arnold, daughter of Jeremiah Arnold ; she died at Glens Falls, N. Y., Sept. 25, 1843 ; he was married Aug. 30, 1846, to Mellisse Arnold, a sister of his first wife. They came to Sharon in June, 1848. Mr. Corey engaged in farming until the breaking-out of the war, when he enlisted in the 13th W. V. I. ; he served one year; his oldest son. Charles H. (by his first wife) enlisted at the same time, in the same regiment, and died at Leavenworth, Kan., Feb. 21, 1862; Mr. Corey has two sons by present wife —George, born July 14, 1848, and Albert L., born Sept. 26, 1852; they reside at Marengo, 111. IRA DAVIS, farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Sharon ; he was born in Vermont in 1808. His parents re moved to what is now the town of Holland, Erie Co , N. Y., when he was less than 1 year old. When he was 13 years old he removed to the town of Machias, Cattaraugus Co., where he lived till 21 years of age ; he returned to Erie Co. and was married to Betsy Ann Stevens, who was born in the town of War ren, Otsego Co., N. Y., in February, 1819. In 1843, they removed to Racine Co., Wis., where Mr. Davis took up a farm, but removed to Sharon in Deoember, 1844, and settled on his present farm, where he has since resided. His farm contains 154 acres. They have no children living. They have had two 766 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. sons, Lendol S., born April, 1844, and died March, 1847 ; Jesse S. was born October, 1846, married Emily Judge ; died April 12, 1881. He left a widow and one child, a daughter, Jessie. HENRY DENNIS, retired farmer, Sharon : born in Union Co., Penn., in 1813. He removed to Medina, Ohio, in 1834. His father was Michael Dennis. Mr. Henry Dennis was married to Margaret Smith, born in Chester Co., Penn. They came to Walworth Co. in 1842, and settled on Sec. 31, where he resided until the spring of 1869. He then retired from farming and settled in the village. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis have seven children — Harrison, Morris, Eliza, Francis, Kate, Ellen and Clarence. Mr. D. has sold the farm on Sec. 31, where he resided for so many years. He has a pleasant home in the vil lage, which he built in 1868. WILLIAM DOUGALL, farmer, Sec. 33; P.O. Sharon; born inSchenectady Co., N. Y.,in 1807. His parents, John and Ellen Miller Dougall, were natives of Scotland and emigrated to the State of New York in 1800. His parents had five sons and one daughter. William is the only one who came West to reside; his brother James, however, came with him to Walworth Co. but soon after returned to the State of New York. Mr. D. bought his farm of Mr. Wheeler Hunt; he returned to the State of New York the same year, and brought out his family. He married Miss Anna Kelly, born in Montgomery Co., in 1815 ; she died December, 1880. Mr. D. has six children — Thomas, Jane H., Hannah, John, George and Senath. He lost six children — Nettie, aged 24 years ; Rachel, aged 22 years; William, aged 32 years ; and three chil dren in infancy. His farm consists of 260 acres. CHAS. C. HANFORD, grocer, Sharon; was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1827 ; was reared in the same county ; was engaged for many years in the mercantile business at Scottsville ; came to Sharon in April, 1868. His health having become impaired by the long and constant confinement incident to a mercantile life, he came for the purpose of engaging in the culture of hops, which at that time promised to be a renumerative business, and which would afford him the out-of-door exercise which he required. He was one of the very first to engage in the culture of hops in Walworth Co. He put out his first yard in April, 1868, and gathered his first crop in September, 1869. He engaged quite extensively in the business for several years. His present business was established in 1870, in the firm name of Hanford & Co., his brother engaging in business with him ; this brother is now a resident of Iowa. Mrs. Hanford was formerly Miss Lois Parmelee, born in Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y. They have one son, Marius P., born in Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1863. WILSON R. HERRON, Sharon; son of James Herron, who was born in Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., and removed to Walworth Co. with his family in 1844, and settled on Sec. 29, town of Sharon, where he lived till 1868, when he removed to the village, where he resided till his death, which occurred July 20, 1876. He was born October 4, 1792. His wife, Hannah (Whitney) Herron, was born October, 1791, in Washington Co., N. Y., and died July 17, 1874. W. R., the youngest of the children, was born in Washington Co. in 1831 ; he came West with his parents, engaged in farming till 1858, when he came to the village, erected a store and engaged in general merchandising. This building he occupied till 1867, when it was removed and he erected upon its site the store now occupied by Lvman Bros. He continued in trade till 1872. In 1874, he re-opened business at the same place, and sold out in 1877. Since that time he has been variously engaged ; bought wool for several years, etc. Mr. Herron repre sented the 2nd Assembly District in the Legislature in 1874 and 1877. He is at present Chairman of the Board of Sharon, a position he has held for several years. His wife was Miss Adelia Loucks; born in Montgomery Co., N. Y. They have two children — Belle and Fred W. MANNING R. HOARD, retired, Sharon ; was born in Bristol Co., Mass , in 1818, where he lived till 8 or 9 years of age, when he removed with his parents to Allegany Co., N. Y. His parents were Manning and Prudency Hoard. Mr. Hoard lived in Western New York till 23 years of age, when he went to the State of Illinois, and came to Walworth Co. in the fall of 1843; settled on a farm in the town of Sharon. His brother, David E. Hoard, came at same time, and settled on the same section. Mr. Hoard engaged in farming for a number of years, and then settled in the village. His wife was Miss Lydia A. Burton, daughter of Philip and Nancy (Quackenbush) Burton. Her father was born in New Jersey; removed to Montgomery Co., N. Y., and thence to McHenry Co , 111. Mrs. Hoard was born in Montgomery in 1826. They have two children— Louise, now Mrs. C. B. Wolcot, and Marcus K. DAVID E. HOARD was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., about 1820. He came to Walworth Co. and settled in the town of Sharon in 1843, on Sec. 26. In 1859, he engaged in the lumber trade with J. A. Treat, buying the lumber interests of Mr. D. Wheeler. He continued in the lumber business until his death, which occurred in 1873. His wife was Miss Burton, a daughter of Philip Burton ; she died several years previous to the death of her husband ; Mr. Hoard married a second time ; his widow survives HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 767 him; he had five children by his first marriage, two of whom are living — W. E. and Andrew J. The former was born in the town of Sharon in 1851 ; he succeeded to the lumber business of his father at his death in 1873 ; he was married to Emma, daughter of F. P. Arnold. They have one son — Ralph ; they lost their first, child, a daughter. F. P. Arnold, Esq., father of Mrs. Hoard, was born in the town of Gainsville, Washington Co., N. Y., in 1826 ; he was educated at the Poultney Academy, Vermont ; he studied law in his native town, and came to Sharon in 1850, and was admitted to the bar at Elkhorn in 1851 ; he represented the Second Assembly District in the Legislature of Wisconsin in 1862, and was Chairman of the Town Board of Sharon for sixteen years. Mr. Arnold was a man who possessed the respect and esteem of all ; as a lawyer, he always counseled the settlement of differences without resort to litiga tion, thus disregarding his own interest to produce an amicable settlement between neighbors ; his influence is still felt in Sharon, and a lawsuit to adjust a difference is an uncommon occurrence ; he was an honest citizen and a good man, and his memory is held in marked respect by all who knew him ; he died Jan. 19, 1872 ; he was married in Washington Co., N. Y., to Jane Willis, born in 1830 ; he had five children, four of whom are living — Cassius, Emma S., wife of Mr. W. E. Hoard ; Ella, wife of William Pearson ; and Laura. He lost one daughter, Jennie ; his wife is now Mrs. Royal Perkins, of the town of Sharon. H. B. HOWELL, proprietor of a livery stable in Sharon, was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1827. In the fall of 1855, he went to Green Lake Co., Wis., and came to Sharon in the spring of 1856 ; he was engaged for a time in farming, then in the farm and stock business till 1870, when he purchased the livery business of Elias Griffin, and has followed that business since that time ; his wife was Hannah LeFevre, daughter of George LeFevre ; they have two children — James and Rae. MORRIS ISAACS, farmer, Sec. 2; P. 0. Darien; born in Wales in 1831. He emigrated to the State of New York with his brother Edward in 1853 ; the latter died the following year. Mr. Isaacs went to Delavan, Walworth Co., in 1855 ; he went to Minnesota in the fall of 1856, and returned to Walworth Co. in the fall of 1857, and bought his farm of William C. Allen, where he has 3ince resided ; his farm contains 120 acres. Mrs. Isaacs was formerly Miss Mary Allen, daughter of Jacob Allen ; she is a native of the State of New York. JOHN JEFFERS, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. O. Darien. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1822 ; but was brought to this country when an infant by his parents, who settled in Oneida Co., N. Y. ; he was married to Miss Flora Ann Armstrong ; they came to Walworth Co. in 1852, and purchased the farm which he now owns ; he went back to the State of New York and returned with his family the fol lowing year ; he has a fine farm of about 200 acres ; he represented the Second Assembly District in the Legislature of 1864, and again in 1871 ; he was President of the Walworth Co. Agricultural Society in 1876. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living— William A., Ann Eliza, now Mrs. Van Schaiok ; John W., Henry, Susan (now Mrs. M. B. Conant). Flora and Adeline. The names of the chil dren deceased are Thompson and Edward. LAVERNO V. KENYON, farmer, Sec. 31 ; P. O. Sharon ; son of James Nelson Kenyon, who was born in the State of New York, and was one of the earliest settlers in the town of Sharon ; he came to Walworth Co.,from Steuben Co., N. Y., and purchased eighty acres of land of the Government, on Sec. 31, town of Sharon ; he lost his eye-sight by accident when he was 27 years of age, yet notwithstanding the fact that he was totally blind, he came West, settled on a new farm, which he cleared up with his own hands, and carried on the business of farming successfully. In fact, he is a wonderful example of what may be accomplished by determined will, when deprived of one of the most valuable blessings of life, the sense of sight ; he not only cleared up and cultivated his eighty acrei, but eventually numbered among the most wealthy farmers of Walworth Co., owning 430 acres of land; he was married to Mary A. Benedick, born in the State of New York ; they have six children — Vestelina, now Mrs. Olender Salisbury ; Neumentia, now Mrs. Henry McCormick, a Professor in the State Normal School of Illinois ; Ferdinand Claudius, Brazillo and Laverno V., the latter owns the original homestead where he was born in 1860 ; he was married to Bessy Dullam, daughter of Thomas and Mary D., natives of England, and came to the United States in 1840 ; Mrs. Kenyon was born in Boone Co., 111., in 1859. JOHN LADD, Sharon ; Mr. Ladd is one of the prominent and well-known early settlers of the town of Sharon ; in 1844 he, with an older brother, Luke O. Ladd, came to Walworth Co. and pur chased a farm on Sec. 20 in this town ; his brother died Aug. 27, 1845. In 1849, Mr. Ladd returned to the State of New York, and was married to Miss Sarah Willmarth, born in Oneida Co.; on account of failing health Mr. Ladd retired from farming and settled in the village in 1874 ; he is now engaged in the drug business, under the firm name of Snowdon & Ladd. Mr. and Mrs. Ladd have six children— Samuel H., Scott M., John, Esther E., Orrin 0. and Nathan B. They have lost their two oldest children— Willmarth, died at the age of 19 years, and Sarah, at the age of 4 years. 768 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. GE3RGE W. LAMONT, farmer, Sec. 4, Allen's Grove; born in the town of Summit, Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1821, where he was brought up and where he lived, in Charlotteville, until 1856, when he came to Walworth Co. and settled in the town of Darien, purchasing the farm of Mr. James Sherwood, which he sold to Orange Carter in 1867 ; he then went to Chicago and engaged in the real estate business ; he afterward went to Janesville, Wis., and engaged in the mercantile business; thence to Clinton, Rock Co.; he returned to Walworth Co. in January, 1881, and purchased his present farm of Mr. E. H. Whit ney. He married Mrs. Harriet Simmons Morrison in September, 1844 ; they have had seven children, only two of whom, George H. and Ruth E., are living ; the former lives in Nebraska, the latter is the wife of Mr. J. W. Hartshorn, of Clinton, Rock Co. Mrs. Lamont has one daughter by former marriage, now the wife of Archibald Woodward, Jr.; five children of Mr. and Mrs. Lamont died between the ages of 3 and 24 years. His farm contains 266 acres. ABRAHAM B. LOWELL, farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Sharon; he was born in the town of Sharon, Schoharie Co., N. Y., in January, 1805 ; his father, Abram Lowell, was born in the State of Connecti cut, but was brought up in the State of Vermont; he moved from there to Schoharie Co., N. Y., where he resided until his death. Abram B. Lowell was married in December, 1827, to Anna Seeber, who was born in Cherry Valley, Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1812; they came to Walworth Co. in 1844 ; Mr. Lowell brought with him from the State of New York, his wife and six children ; he had no money with which to enter Government land, but he pre-empted eighty acres and began a struggle for a home with nothing but a strong arm and a determined will to aid him ; probably very few if any of the pioneers of Walworth Co., who afterward arose to a position of affluence, fought harder for a start in life than he ; he hired a man with an ox team to move his family and goods from South Grove to the spot where he decided to make his home. A hastily-made tent of rude construction, the sides being of bed quilts, fastened to poles which supported the roof, that was of straw, was the only home, the only shelter, he could provide for his family, and this afforded but a slight protection against a terrible wind and thunder storm that visited them on the first night after their arrival, during which the family were aroused, and those that were able were obliged to help hold the quilts down around the sides of the tent, which the wind threatened at every moment to overturn ; and the mother put the smaller ones on a box to keep them out of the water that run over the ground through the tent, and held the umbrella over them to keep them from being drowned by the torrents of water that came through the roof; and this was only a sample of the hardships that beset them during the first years of their life in this county ; he erected a log house the first season. He was a brick-maker, also a pump-maker by trade, and although the county was sparsely inhab ited yet, an occasional job helped him to procure money wilh which to enter his land ; and even then, he was so hard pressed at one time that he was obliged to sell his only cow to raise money for that purpose ; but perseverance and hard work finally prevailed, and he veritably became the owner of 500 acres of valua"ble farming land, and is numbered among the wealthiest and most successful farmers of Walworth Co. His first wife, Anna Seeber Lowell, died in 1869 ; his second wife, Mrs. Sarah L. Northrop Owles Lowell, to whom he was married in September, 1869, died March, 1876; his present wife was Mrs. Maiy S. Lamphear Ilett, to whom he was married November, 1876. Mr. Lowell had ten children by his first wife, nine of whom are living, seven of them having settled in Walworth Co. and two in McHenry Co., 111. He has twenty-five grandahildren ; his oldest child, Clarissa M., born May, 1831, married Mr. H. Zimheck, September, 1854 ; Darius W., born May, 1833, married Miss A. P. White, November, 1869 ; Lorenzo D., born July, 1836, married Miss Sarah Miller, July, 1862 ; Celia E., born September, 1840, married Mr. George Horn, July, 1859 ; Emery E., born March, 1843, married Miss Caroline Whitlock, January, 1865 ; Abram A., born March, 1845; Atharida J., born February, 1847, married Mr. F. E. Kinyon February, 1863 ; Angevine D., born June, 1849, married Miss J. A. Kinyon, January, 1873; Reuben D., born August, 1851, married Miss Etta Clement, March, 1877; Othello D., born October, 1855, died April, 1877. LYMAN BROTHERS, general merchants, Sharon ; sons of George B. Lyman, an early settler of Rock Co. The Lyman Brothers succeeded W. B. Herron in business in 1877 ; they do a general mer chandising business, carrying a large stock of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, etc. ; their sales for 1880 amounted to $36,000. B. G. Lyman was born in Rock Co. in 1851 ; A. A. Lyman was born in Rock Co. in 1854 ; was married to Rachael Stevens, daughter of J. H. Stevens. » GEORGE C. MANSFIELD, Cashier of the Bank of Sharon, son of George Mansfield, who was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1818, and came to Wisconsin in 1842 ; was engaged in teaching for a time near Milwaukee, before he settled on his farm, on Sec. 26, which was taken up in 1844 ; there he resided till his death, which occurred Nov. 22, 1877. Mr. George Mansfield was married to Miss Huldah HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 769 Mulford, daughter of Dr. Mulford, who was born in Albany Co., N. Y., in 1804, and came to Walworth Co., in 1845, and settled on Big Foot Prairie, where he died Nov. 1, 1861 ; he was a member of the con vention that framed the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin ; he owned a large farm and was also en gaged in the practice of his profession. Mrs. Mansfield had four children, of whom two are living, a son and a daughter. George C. Mansfield was born in the town of Sharon in 1856 ; he has been cashier of the Bank of Sharon since February, 1879. ALBERT L. MASON, farmer, Sec. 13 ; P. 0. Sharon ; son of Darius B. Mason, who was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., in 1800 ; he removed to the State of New York with his parents when a boy. Was married to Harriet C. Starr, born in Danbury, Conn.; who also moved to the State of New York at an early age. Mr. D. B. Mason came to Walworth Co. in 1836, and made a claim on Sec. 30, town of Wal worth ; he returned the same season to the State of New York for his family ; he did not return until September, 1840 ; he of course had forfeited his claim, but he bought at Government price land on Sec. 24, town of Sharon; also bought land in the town of Walworth ; he cleared up a farm and sold it to its present owners, Marvin and Harris Wilson. He also owned other land in Walworth Co.; he was a resi dent of the town of Sharon until 1854, when he removed to Mason City, Iowa, where he now resides. The parents of Mr. Mason had eleven children, eight of whom are living, four sons and four daughters. Albert L. is the only one living in Walworth Co., he was born in Cooperstown, Otsego, N. Y., in 1824; he came to Walworth Co. with his parents, in 1840 ; he has lived within three miles of his present residence since that time. His wife was Miss Sophronia Joiner, a daughter of William Joiner, who came to Wal worth Co. from the State of New York in 1847. They have two children — Darius B. and Jessie. They lost a daughter. Mr. Mason received an academic education, has held various town offices, including Justice of the Peace and Assessor ; he was also Postmaster of Sharon Post Office for a number of years ; he represented the Second Assembly District in the Legislature of 1879, without opposition, receiving 950 votes. He settled on his present farm in 1855 ; he has 204 acres ; he built his first house in 1853 ; he has owned a number of farms ; he has probably cleared and broke more land than any other man in the town of Sharon. ALBIN MATTESON, retired farmer, Sec. 13 ; P. O. Sharon ; he was born in Shaftsbury, Ben nington Co., Vt., in'1813, where he lived until 21 years of age, when he went to Geneva, Ontario Co., N. Y., where he was employed in clerking. > He was married in Vermont, to Philena Stockwell, born in Vermont ; she died in Geneva. Mr. Matteson came to Walworth Co. in the fall of 1842 ; he made his home at Mr. Warren Matteson's for several years, in the town of Walworth. He was married in 1845 to Sarah, widow of Warren Matteson. Mrs. Matteson was born in England, and came to America when three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Matteson have three children — Elmer J., who resides at the homestead; Edgar A., in Col orado, and Albin W.; they lost one son, a twin brother of Albin, who died at the age of 12J years ; El mer j. was born Nov. 20, 1846; Edgar A. was born March 26, 1850, and Albin W. was born May 20, 1856. The farm of Mr. Matteson contains 98 acres. He settled here in the fall of 1846. BENJAMIN P. PATTEN, retired farmer, Sharon, born in the town of Pompey, Onondaga Co.i N. Y., May 9, 1809 ; his father was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in 1773, but removed to the town of Bennington, Vt., with his parents when a child, but afterward removed to the State of New York. Mr. Patten resided in the State of New York until 1845, when he removed to the town of Le Roy, Boone Co., 111., where he lived until 1869, when he retired from farming and settled in Sharon. His wife was Maria Sutherland, born in the town of Pompey, Feb. 9, 1812. They have had four children, two of whom are living ; their oldest son, James A., enlisted in the war of the rebellion as a member of the 13th W. V. I., he lost his health in the army and died at home in 1864. Their second son, Duane, enlisted in the 7th Mich. V. I., and was killed in the campaign of the Wilderness, near Spotsylvania, in 1864. Their oldest child, Ellen, resides at home. H. Millard is an engineer on the C. W. R. R. Mr. Patten, though over 70 years of age, is remarkably well preserved for a man of his age ; his memory of events, and the date of their occurrence is certainly remarkable. WILLIAM PEARSON, of the firm of Pearson Brothers, proprietors of the Sharon Cheese Fac tory. William was born in Scotland, in 1851; emigrated to Jefferson Co., N. Y., withhis parents in 1853; he came to Sharon in 1874. Married Miss Ella H. Arnold, daughter of F. P. Arnold. Robert Pearson was born in Scotland, in 1843 ; he came to Wisconsin in 1870. FRANKLIN PEETS, farmer, Sec. 12 ; P. O. Darien. He was born in Washington Co., N. Y., but removed to Wyoming Co. ; he was married in Washington to Margaret Blake. They came to Wal worth Co. in June, 1852, and settled on present farm. They have three children— T. S ; Maria, now Mrs. N. Keeler, and Minnie, now Mrs. John Passage. T. S. was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Septem- 770 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. ber, 1831; married Miss Charlotte White, born in Castile, Wyoming Co., N. Y. They have one sod William, who resides on Sec. 1. WILLIAM PELLINGTON, farmer, Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Sharon ; born near Newark, N. J., in 1819. His parents removed to the city of New York, when he was one year of age. Mr. Pellington was brought up in the city of New York, where he learned the trade of a silversmith ; his father also followed that business. His parents resided in the city of New York till their death. Mr. Pellington removed to McHenry Co., 111., in 1850, and engaged in farming. He lived in Illinois till 1866, when he came to the town of Sharon ; he bought his farm of Reuben Wessell. The farm was first settled by Wheeler Hunt. Mrs. Pellington was formerly Miss Helen Church, daughter of James B. Church, who removed to McHenry Co. in 1850. They have one son, William H, born in McHenry Co., in 1857. They lost their oldest son, James, aged 17 years. Mr. Pellinston's farm contains 100 acres. ROYAL PERKINS, farmer, Sec. 33 ; P. O. Sharon. Mr. Perkins was born in Vermont, in 1824 ; he removed to the State of New York, with his parents, when a boy, and thence to McHenry Co., 111., where his parents resided till their death. He came to the town of Walworth in November, 1876. He lost his first wife in Illinois. His present wife was Mrs. Jane (Willis) Arnold (See sketch of W. E. Hoard). Mr. Perkins had five children by his first wife, four of whom are living — Emma, Mary, Harvey and Jay. PHELPS & ZIEGAUS, editors and proprietors of the Sharon Reporter. James H. Phelps was born in Whitewater, Walworth Co., Wis., Jan. 4, 1857. His father died when he was 5 years of age. He was adopted by Mr. Yeoman Kitely, of the town of Sharon, with whom he lived until he was 21 years of age. He received an academic education in the village of Sharon ; engaged in teaching for a time, and learned the printing business in the office of the Sharon Inquirer. Geo. Ziegaus was born in Bavaria, Germany, in December, 1854. He is the son of Michael Ziegaus, who emigrated to the United States, with his family, in July, 1868, and settled in Jefferson Co., Wis. He began learning the printing business at Edgerton, Rock Co., and completed his apprenticeship in the office of the Weekly Recorder, of Janesville. In 1877, he came to Sharon, and worked in the office of the Sharon Inquirer for about one and a half years. When the Inquirer was discontinued, in August, 1878, Phelps & Ziegaus established their present paper, which now has a circulation of 750 copies per week. JOHN PRINDLE, Sharon, was born in Williamston, Mass., in 1815. His father, John Prindle, was a native of Connecticut. He went from Massachusetts to Lake Co., 111., near Kenosha, where he purchased a farm, but soon after settled in the town of Leroy, where he purchased a farm from the Government in 1842; he resided in Boone Co. till he came to Sharon in 1869. He was married in Massachusetts to Cornelia Walley, who was born in the town of Bethlehem, Albany Co., N. Y. They have had five children, four of whom are living— Franklin, enlisted in the 13th W. V. I., and died in the hospital at Leavenworth in 1862. The names of the other children are Steven W., Juniette, Martha and Lydia. Mr. Prindle owns a farm of 380 acres, where he first settled, in Boone Co. He has a cheese factory on his farm, and manufactures a large amount of cheese annually. BENJAMIN ROGERS, farmer ; resides in village of Allen's Grove ; was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., March, 1828 ; his father was Wm. Rogers. Mr. Rogers came to Wisconsin from Tompkins Co., and settled in the town of Sugar Creek. He came to Allen's Grove in March, 1878. His wife was Catherine Tremper ; born in Cayuga Co., N. Y. They have six children — Libbie (now Mrs. Charles Williams), Jennie (now Mrs. Sewell Phillips), Lyra (now Mrs. Monroe Mowers), Benjamin, William and Calvin. CAPT. ALMON SCHELLENGER; Sharon ; born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 1834. He removed with his parents, Hector and Cynthia Schellenger, to Boone Co., Ill, in 1853. He enlisted Aug. 11, 1862, in the 95th 111. V. I. On the organization of the regiment he was elected to a First Lieuteuancy. The Captain of his company being killed at the siege of Vicksburg, his commission as Captain dates from that event. He participated in fourteen general engagements, and was brevetted Major for gallant and meri torious conduct at the battle siege of Mobile in March, 1865. Among the battles that he participated in were Champion Hills, Siege of Vicksburg, Banks' Red River expedition, battle of Guntown, Miss., where his regiment lost seven officers out of fourteen, including the Colonel. On the death of the Colonel, Capt. Schellenger took command of the regiment. He was a gallant and faithful soldier ; notwithstanding the many and severe battles in which he was engaged, escaped without a wound from the enemy, though he was once severely wounded by a bayonet accidentally thrust in the hands of one of his own men. He re turned to Boone Co. at the close of the war and engaged in farming. He came to Sharon in November, 1877. His wife was Rachael Robbins, born in Ohio. They have five children— Jesse, Hattie, Emma, Nellie and Lottie. Capt. Schellenger lost his father in 1854. His mother, Cynthia (Parker) Schellenger,. was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1809, and lives with her son. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 771 ISAAC SEARL, retired farmer, of Sharon. He was born in the town of Whitehall, Washington Co., N. Y., May 26, 1814 ; when he was 9 years of age, his parents removed to Cattaraugus Co., town of Ellicottville, where his parents resided until their death. Mr. Searl was married in 1839, to Deliah Densmore, daughter of George Densmore. She was born in Warsaw, Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1816. They came to Walworth Co. in the fall of 1845, and settled on Sec. 3, town of Sharon, where they lived until 1860, when they removed to McHenry Co., 111., where they lived one year, and then removed to Boone Co., where they lived four years, then they settled in Sharon. The father of Mrs. Searl removed to Boone Co., HI, from the State of New York, in 1846, where they resided until their death. They have three children — B. F. S., who resides in the city of Rockford, 111. ; Melissa (now Mrs. E. Perrin), and Chas. Wilsou. JACOB SHUNK, farmer, Sec. 1, town of Leroy, Boone Co., 111. ; P. 0. Sharon. He resides on the Illinois side of the State line that separates Sharon and Leroy Townships, and a large part of his farm lies in the town of Sharon. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1815. He emigrated to Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 1837, and then to Schoharie Co. He came to Walworth Co. in 1843. He was married to Miss Betsy Herron, born in Washington Co., N. Y., in 1816. They have five children — John, Mary J., James H., Wilson L. and Frank J. They lost two children, Hannah M., their second child aged 32 years, and an infant son. He has a fine farm which consists of 234 acres in the town of Sharon, and 140 acres in town of Leroy ; has also another farm in Boone Co. 111. CHARLES A. SIKES, farmer, Sec. 26; P. 0. Sharon; son of George Sikes, who was born in Con necticut December, 1816. He removed with his parents to the State of New York, where he was brought up. When a young man, he went West and South ; was in Louisiana and Mississippi, and elsewhere along the Mississippi River, variously engaged for eleven or twelve years. He came to Walworth Co. and purchased a farm of the Government in Sec. 23, just north of the farm of his son, Charles A. This farm he still owns. After purchasing his farm he went to Galena, and was engaged in chooping wood. In the following spring, he settled on his farm, in 1844 ; was a member of the Wisconsin Legislature in 1850 ; married Miss Alvira Perkins, daughter of Wesley Perkins, an early settler of Boone Co., HI. They have five children — Charles A., Mary, Martha, Clara and George ; Charles A. was born on the homestead in 1849 : married Ella Dennis, a daughter of Henry Dennis. They have one child, Albert H., born. in 1879. Mr. Sikes' farm contains 100 acres ; his father's farm contains 200 acres. GEORGE C. SMITH, farmer ; Sec. 36, P. O. Sharon; he was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1827 ; his father was Jabes H. Smith ; was a native of Vermont ; his mother was Annie R. Smith. He removed from New York to the State of Ohio with his parents in 1834, and to Walworth Co. in 1840, and settled in Big Foot Prairie, town of Walworth, in December, 1843 ; his father removed to the farm where George now lives, and died here in 1862 ; his mother died in 1876. His parents had six children, three of whom are now living — Lucius, Horace G. and George C. The names of the deceased children were Sophie, Ma ria and Caroline. George was married to Mrs. Polly Foot, born in Delaware Co., N. Y. Her father was William Dennins ; Mr. Smith has no children ; his wife has two — Delia and Harry Foot. Mr. Smith's farm contains 80 acres. REV. DAVID H. SNOWDEN, M. D., PH. D., Sharon ; was born at Fairview Court House, Va.t in 1841 ; was educated at Jefferson College, in Pennsylvania; was also a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College; at the breaking-out of the rebellion, he enlisted in the Third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the first battle of Bull Run ; at the expiration of his term of service, he re-enlisted in the Twelfth West Virginia Regiment ; he was appointed Surgeon in the regular army, in 1864, and served in that capacity until December, 1865. After the close of the war, he engaged in the practice of medicine at Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1869, he entered the ministry of the M. E. Church, where he remained seven years. He then entered ihe ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church ; he resigned the pastorate of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1878, and came to Sharon and resumed the pas toral charge of the church of his denomination of this place. The Doctor entered the lecture field in 1866, and since that time has visited various parts of the Union. During his lecture seasons, he lectured on various subjects, scientific and literary, and his popularity as a public speaker and his well-known abilities attest his success in the lecture field. His wife is the daughter of Gen. Robert E. Faulkner, of Pennsyl vania. They have one daughter — Mary Elizabeth. Dr. Snowden is of splendid physique; stands con siderable over six feet in height, and weighing over two hundred pounds, and is well proportioned. Though a Virginian by birth and education, he quickly espoused the cause of the Union, when his native State joined in the slaveholders' rebellion. He was a gallant soldier ; was several times severely wounded, and was a prisoner in the hands of the enemy, for a year, being confined in Libby Prison and Bell Isle, Va. 772 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. W. A. STANBRO, of the firm of Stanbro, Petty & Co., general merchants, Sharon. The business of this house was established in August, 1878, under the firm name of Stanbro & White. In the follow ing February, the firm became Stanbro & Petty, and afterward became Stanbro, Petty & Co. This firm do an extensive business, their sales amounting to abjut $40,000 a year. They have another store at Darien, in charge of Mr. Petty. The business at the latter plac amounts to about $30,000 per annum. Mr. Petty was born in Erie Co., N. Y., in 1854. He was well versed in the dry goods trade before com ing to Sharon, having been six years with J. V. Farwell & Co., Chicago. NELSON J. STORY, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. O. Sharon ; son of Nelson Story (deceased), who was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1811, where he was brought up. He was married to Dilla Camp, born in Oswe go Co., N. Y. ; came to Walworth Co. in the spring of 1842, and lived in the town of Spring Prairie for two years. They came to the town of Sharon in April, 1844, and settled on the farm where Nelson J. now lives, purchasing of Government. Mr. Nelson Story died Jan. 28, 1881 ; Mrs. Dilla Story has six children— Hannah, now Mrs. Wm. Adams; Mary, now Mrs. Henry Wheeler; Sarah, now Mrs. Seth Ad ams; Nelson J., Franklin and William. Nelson J. was born in the town of Spring Prairie in 1844; married Emma Searles, born in Bradford Co., Penn. They have one son— Judson. Farm contains 140 acres. RENSELAER L. STORY, retired farmer, Sec. 24 ; P. O. Sharon ; was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1802, where he was married to Rosannah Olmstead, and came to Walworth Co. in July, 1844, and set tled where he now lives. He purchased 40 acres of his farm of the Government; it now contains 120 acres. His wife died Jan. 23, 1880. They have had nine children, five of whom are living— Emiline, now Mrs. Benjamin Gibson ; Melvin, now Mrs. Ophelia Hardver ; Elliott and Alwilda. The latter was born at the homestead, in the town of Sharon, in 1845 ; Maud, now Mrs. Ayers, has two children — Earl and Ophelia. The names of the deceased children were John Q., Mitty Bullen, Columbus, Lunnetta and Downings. L. P. SWART, retired farmer, Sharon, born in the town of Davenport, Delaware Co., N. Y., July, 1807 ; he came to Delavan in May, 1845, and from there went to Walworth Co. in 1845 ; in August of that year he purchased a farm on the State line on the Illinois side in the town of Leroy, Boone Co., 111., which he still owns ; his wife was Julia Boys, daughter of Peter Boys, who came to Walworth Co. in 1837, and settled in Delavan, where they resided until their death. Mrs. Swart was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1813 ; came to Wisconsin with her parents in 1837, but returned to the State of New York in 1839, and was married to Mr. Swart in 1840. The parents of Mr. Swart had seven children, five of whom are living ; he has lived in the village of Sharon since 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Swart have two children — Riley, who enlisted in the W. V. I., and served three years ; he now resides in Chicago, and is engaged in the bakery business ; their second son, Albert, resides on the homestead, in McHenry Co., 111. JULIUS A. TREAT, lumber dealer, Sharon ; he was born at Aurora, Erie Co., N. Y., in 1814; his father was Oren Treat, born near Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y. ; he is still living in Erie Co., at the age of 95 years ; he learned the business of surveying when a young man, which he followed to a greater or less extent for many years ; he came to Walworth Co. from the State of New York, in November, 1844, and located a farmer on Sec. 25, in the town of Sharon; here he resided for several years, and owned the farm until within a few years ; he lived on the farm for a few years and then removed to Elton, in this town, and engaged in the mercantile business, which he continued two or three years, when he sold out and returned to his farm ; he removed to the village of Sharon in 1858 ; in 1859 engaged in the lumber trade with Mr. David Hoard ; he has been engaged in same trade since that tirne/though the partnership with Mr. Hoard continued but a few years ; he now owns lumbering interests on the Menominee River, in this State ; is President of the J. A. Treat Lumber Company ; he has had an active and successful business life ; he is known as a man of some business principles, and is an upright, reliable citizen, and in an eminent degree possesses the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens ; he was Chairman of the Town Board five years" and Chairman of the County Board one year, and Justice of the Peace for many years ; he has been mar ried twice ; his present wife was Miss Ellen Brownson, born in Gainesville, Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1835 ; he has two children — -Fayette, born in the town of Sharon in 1846, he is now in charge of a lumber yard at Appleton, Wis., and Jennie, now Mrs. D. E. Sedgewick, a physician at York, Neb. GEORGE TREAT, farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. O. Sharon ; he was born in Erie Co., N. Y., in 1818; he is the son of Oren Treat, and a brother of Julius A. Treat, Esq. ; he went to the State of Ohio in Decem ber, 1839 ; in the spring of 1842 he came to Walworth Co., and has been a resident of same county since that time ; his wife was Sarah C. Foster, daughter of Thomas Foster, who settled in Walworth Co. in 1847. They have four children— Flora L., now Mrs. M. W. Pierce ; Mattie H, now Mrs. J. C. Miller ; HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 773 Grace and Mamie. Mr. Treat entered a part of his present farm in 1843 ; made first improvements in 1847; the parents of Mrs. Treat, Thomas and Lucinda Foster, removed from Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1837, thence to Illinois, and to Walworth Co. in 1847 ; her father died at the house of Mr. Treat in the spring of 1879 ; her mother died many years before in Whiteside Co., 111. JARED H. TOPPING resides on Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Darien ; son of Thomas T., who was born in Mont gomery Co., N. Y., where he was brought up ; came to Walworth Co. in 1840, and settled at Delavan the following year, where he engaged in the mercantile business, starting the first general store in that village ; his family came in 1841 ; in 1842, while on a trip East for the purchase of goods, the father of Mr. Top ping was accidently killed ; this sad event occurred in Montgomery Co., N. Y. Mr. Thomas Topping left a widow and five children, of whom Jared was the oldest. The family continued to reside at Delavan for five years after the death of the head of the family, and then removed to what has since been known as Topping's Corners, in the town of Sharon, and settled on the farm which Mr. Topping, Sr., had purchased in 1840. The names of the children of Thomas Topping were Jared H; Mary, who married Mr. F. K. Phoenix ; Sarah, who married Mr. W. Carpenter ; Joseph A. and John. The surviving children are Jared, Mrs. Phoenix and Mrs. Carpenter; their mother died at Delavan in 1871. Jared H. was born in the State of New York in 1828 ; he purchased his present farm in 1852, but after a residence there of two years he removed to Delavan and engaged in business; he returned to his farm in 1865 ; he has 152 ai-res of land. They have eight children, four sons and four daughters. Mr. Josiah Topping, a brother of Thomas (who named the town of Sharon from town of same name in Schoharie Co., N. Y. ; he is also the oldest settler of the town of Sharon, now living in the town), settled on Sees. 1 and 12 in this town in 1838 ; he still lives where he first located ; he was born in Montgomery Co. in 1798 ; the wife of Mr. Jared Topping was Miss Mary Conrick ; her parents settled in the town of Sharon in the year of 1843. S. W.- VOORHEES, retired, Sharon; he was born in Cherry Valley, Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1816 ; he learned the business of boot and shoe-making, which he followed for many years ; he was for a long time located in the village of Sharon, Schoharie Co., N. Y. ; he was married to Maria Loucks, born in Schoharie Co., N. Y. ; he came to Walworth Co. and settled in the town of Sharon in 1849, and engaged in farming. Mr. Voorhees removed to Janesville in the fall of 1864, where he lived two and one-half years ; he also lived in Darien one year ; he settled in the village in March, 1874, and engaged in the boot and shoe trade, which he continued four years. They have four children — Albert P., born March, 1840, now residing at Napa City, Cal. ; George L., born June, 1843, now of Vallejo, Cal. ; Mary, born in 1847, wife of Walter Vankirk ; and Hannah M., born January, 1849. Albert P. enlisted in 2d W. V. C. at the breaking-out of the rebellion ; was made a 2d Lieutenant,, but soon after resigned and went to California. George was a member of the 22d W. V. I., and served till the close of the war. Mr. Voorhees represented the Second Assembly District in the Legislature in 1857 ; he visited his children in California in 1867, and again in Novemhcr, 1878, remaining in California until the following August. HARRIS E. WILSON, farmer, Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Sharon ; son of Marvin Wilson, who was born in Connecticut, March, 1793, and moved to Otsego Co., N. Y., when a young man. He was married to Nancy Hubbell. They came to Walworth Co. in June, 1844 and settled on Sec. 24, town of Sharon, where the father of Mr. Wilson still lives at an advanced age of 88 years ; his wife died April, 1870. The parents of Mr. Wilson had five children when they came to Walworth Co., only two of them, Harris and Hannah, now Mrs. Nelson Harvey, are living. Harris E. was born in New York in 1 826 ; he came to Wiscon sin with his parents; married Esther Ottman, daughter of David and Mary Ottman. The parents of Mrs. Wilson were of German descent, born in Schoharie Co., moved to Wisconsin in 1845. Her father died in 1859, and her mother in 1877. They have three children — Isabel, now Mrs. Secor ; Ruby, now Mrs. Cramer; and Maud, born August, 1870. They lost one son, Clarence, who died Nov. 23, 1862, at the age of 9 years. The names of the deceased children of Mr. Marvin Wilson were Elijah, Harriet and Nancy, being a twin sister of Hannah, now Mrs. Nelson Harvey. J. B. WISE, merchant, Sharon, son of Joseph Wise, who was born in France in 1816, and came to the United States when a young man ; he resided in the State of New Jersey for several years, and came to Wal worth Co. in 1842, and settled on Sec. 29, town of Sharon, purchasing his farm of the Government, where he resided until 1870, when he settled in village of Sharon, where he now resides. He purchased his farm at Government price in 1842, and sold it in 1870 for $60 per acre. Mr. J. Wise was born on Sec. 29, in 1848 ; he came to the village in 1869, and was engaged as clerk for Mr. L. Carter for 3 years ; he then became a partner in the business with Mr. Carter and W. R. Herron, and, in 1876, became sole proprietor of the business. He has just completed an elegant store, which is part of a fine brick block, and which he was instrumental in building. His room is 24x90 feet, and filled with a complete stock of general mer- 774 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. chandise, clothing, etc. His wife was Miss Alice Arnold, daughter of S. G. Arnold. The have one daughter — Pearl . L. WOLF, of the firm of Wolf & Brownson, general merchants, Sharon. He is one of the earliest business men of Sharon; he was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1834; he came to the United States in 1851 ; he came to Walworth Co., and located at Darien, in 1856, where he engaged in business ; he came to Sharon in 1857, and opened a general store, consisting of clothing, dry goods, etc. He has been con stantly engaged in business here since that time. Mr. Wolf owns the store in which the firm do business. This is a fine double brick store, 46x100 feet. This firm do a large business, and have one of the largest stocks of goods to be found in the country. Mr. Wolf has always made a specialty of clothing, and the firm is largely engaged in handling ready-made clothing, and in manufacturing, employing a large number of hands in their tailoring establishment. He has dealt in real estate considerably, and has proved a suc cessful business man. His wife was formerly Miss Maggie Smith, daughter of Benjamin Smith. They have two children — Alma and Charles. They lost their oldest boy by death ; his name was Grant. JOHN WOODS resides on Sec. 21, on the farm of John Ladd ; P. 0. Sharon. Mr. Woods was born in Surrey, England, in 1829, where he was brought up. He went to Canada in 1857, and thence to Niagara Co.. N. Y., in 1860. He came to Walworth Co. in 1862, and has been a resident of the town of Sharon since that time. His wife was Sophia Owen Bromfield, born in England. They have seven children — Edward J., Frederick W., Herbert W., Charles W., Warren W., Lewis R. and Frank P. Mr. Woods has charge of the farms of Mr. Ladd, which aggregate 500 acres. He is extensively engaged in dairying, keeping a large number of cows, and in sheep raising. He owns one-half the stock. JOSEPH M. YATES, banker and capitalist, Sharon ; he, though not numbered among the old set tlers of Sharon, has done much toward- building up the village; perhaps no one has contributed more freely than he toward making Sharon the active and enterprising village that it is now ; he is a native of the State of New York. When a young man he learned the trade of a cabinet-maker ; he engaged for several years in piano making at Albany, for Boardman & Gray ; he was afterward engaged in the foundry business at Fultonville for a number of years. In 1862, he engaged in the paper business in the city of New York with William N. Hubbs ; owing to poor health, he gave up business there in 1871, and came west. Having a brother here, he decided to make Sharon his home for a time ; but he is not fitted— either by nature or education — for a life of ease, and he was again soon embarked in business ; he lost his first wife in the East, also his only children, a son and a daughter ; his present wife was Mrs. Anna Fowler ; she has two children, a son and a daughter. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 775 TOWN OF RICHMOND. ORGANIZATION. When, by act of the Territoral Legislature, approved February 2, 1838, the county of Wal worth was first divided into towns, the territory now constituting the town of Richmond was a part of the town of Elkhorn. It so remained until February 13, 1840, when, by an act of the Legislature approved on that day, what is now the towns of Whitewater and Richmond — being Towns 3 and 4 in Range 15 east — were erected into a single town and called Whitewater. By an act of the Territorial Legislature, approved January 12, 1841, the south half of the town of Whitewater, being Town 3 in Range 15 east, was erected into a new one and called Richmond, from a town of the same name in Rhode Island, from which came a few of its earliest settlers. SITUATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. ' The town is situated in the western part of the county, on the western boundary line, from which it is separated from the town of Johnstown, in Rock County. The surface in the south western part of the town is a level prairie; in the northwest, it is more rolling, interspersed with beautiful oak openings; in the northeast, the surface is quite hilly, there being a range of hills extending in a northeasterly and southwesterly direction across Sections 2 and 3 ; in the south eastern part of the town, there is considerable marsh land, which is of no value as farming land, and too wet to be of superior value as meadow land. Rock Prairie, which covers about seven sections in the southwest part of the town, is considered the choicest locality in the town. There are several small lakes in the town, the principal ones being Lake No. 9, on Section 9; Lake No. 10, on Section 10; and Turtle Lake, covering portions of Sections 11, 12, 13 and 14. The outlet of the last-named lake is Turtle Creek, which flows in a general southerly direc tion across Sections 14, 23, 26, 35 and 36, leaving the town in the southeastern corner of the last-numbered section. Most of the marsh land of the town spoken of above lies for a consider able distance on either side of this creek. Whitewater Creek rises on Section 3 and flows in a northerly direction, leaving the town on the same section. On either side of this creek is also some marsh land. The soil is a heavy clay loam in the openings and higher portions, while on the prairie and in the lowlands it is mixed with a rich alluvial deposit. The land is generally of excellent quality, being easy of cultivation and highly productive. The town is fairly tim bered with the various varieties indigenous to this part of the State. THE FIRST SETTLER. The following facts are from the pen of Prosper Cravath, of Whitewater: " To Morris F. Hawes is due the credit of having been the first settler in the town of Richmond. He arrived on the 1st day of August, 1837, and immediately laid claim to the south half of Section 1. The night previous to their arrival, they camped upon Rock Prairie, a few miles distant, and now, as soon as they had halted, preparations were made for breakfast. These were quite primitive in their character, and soon finished. Their table was formed of a board laid across some poles; chairs were taken from the wagon, and all sat down to their first meal in their new home. 1 Squire Hawes ' had removed from Michigan, and was among the more wealthy of the early settlers. His equipage, when he started from Chicago, consisted of four yoke of oxen and three wagons. One of these wagons was boarded up at the sides and back, about four and a half feet from the box, and covered at the top with a deck roof. This served them not only as a family carriage, but also as parlor, bedroom and pantry. His family consisted of a wife and six chil dren—young ladies, lasses and lads. Their daily progress was from twelve to twenty miles. They found a track as far as Geneva, but, aEter leaving that place, their only guide was an In dian trail, which led northward to Fort Atkinson. When they stopped for the night, they 'put up ' at no hotel, and had no landlord, landlady or cook of whom to complain, for all were their own hotel -keepers. When the shade of evening warned them that it was time to secure a 776 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. resting-place for the coming night, they selected some place near which flowed a stream or spring of clear water, and where wood could be procured. Their first business was to collect fuel for the building of a fire. This duty devolved upon the men of the party. The women then succeeded to the peculiarly feminine task of preparing the meal. This ready, they all sat round their rude table in truly gipsy style. Though their fare was simple, yet the feast of an epicure could not have been partaken of with a keener relish. In the morning, they proceeded upon their way with the rising of the sun, and, after traveling four or five miles, would halt for breakfast. This disposed of, and the dishes being washed and packed away, they would start anew, not stopping again until night, their dinner consisting of a lunch taken in the wagon If they chanced to be in the vicinity of a dwelling near dark, they would stop for the night, using the fire of the house for cooking purposes, and the strangers were always sure of a hearty welcome, for a lack of hospitality could not be charged against the early settlers. Such, in brief, was the mode of traveling then, at once wild and fascinating, and yet wearisome and full of care. But even when their journey was accomplished and they had reached their destina tion, the prospect before them must have seemed somewhat dark and dubious. Their surround ings were certainly little calculated to inspire hope. With no roof to shelter their heads, no neighbors within miles of them, a trackless prairie upon the one side and a wood as trackless upon the other; huge oaks of a century's growth stood thick around, but these were to be felled and hewn and joined together before they could serve for protection and shelter alike from sun shine and storm. An easily tilled and productive soil lay ready for their hands, but much labor was required, and the sun must again complete his annual round before they could hope to reap of the fruits of the earth. Yet, nothing daunted, and with hopeful hearts and cheerful faces, they went right heartily to work, and soon their cabin was so far completed as to allow of its occupation by the family. The logs were rough-hewn on the inside ; the roof was made of shakes, which resembled staves, and were about four feet long, being riven either from the white or yellow oak. They were placed upon poles laid lengthwise of the building, and over them were placed larger poles to keep them firm. The Squire had brought glass and sash for his windows from Chicago. For frames, he took the boards which, on the road, had formed their wagon home. The floor was made of the wagon boxes, and it might seem strange to the unini tiated to know the different uses to which these same boxes were put, now being used as a floor, and now as wagon boxes in going to mill, the ground meanwhile serving as floor and carpet, for in those days there was no superfluous lumber, and a board was a treasure. " Mr. Hawes, after a number of years, moved from Richmond into the town of Whitewater, and subsequently into the village of Whitewater, where he died January 14, 1868, his wife hav ing preceded him by nine years. OTHER EARLY SETTLERS. The subsequent settlers of 1837 are as follows: Thomas James, on Section 34; Arthur and Andrew Stewart, on Section 33; Perkins S. Childs, on Section 17. Of these, Mr. James came from Rhode Island; Arthur and Andrew Stewart, from Pennsylvania; and Mr. Childs, from Ver mont. Among the settlers of 1838 are the following-named persons: Charles Hamilton, who located on Section 4; Thomas P. James, on Section 34; George E. James' on Section 33; Ira Sanborn, Cyrennus Wilcox and Joseph Compton, on Section 5; John Teetshorn, on Section 6. In 1839 came William Campbell, S. W. Newbury and Joseph Prentice, who located on Sec tion 18 ; Joseph and James G. Humphrey and Anderson Whiting, on Section 7 ; Stephen and Isaac Kelch, on Section 6. In 1840 came Asa Congdon and William Hatton, who settled on Section 35; Robert Moore, on Section 29; Daniel Wilkins and Morris Ensign, on Section 6; Alden Wilkins, on Section 3; Edwin M. Rice, on Section 5 ; H. E. Hemminway, on Section 8 ; James Cotter, Jasper Hum phrey and William Patterson, on Section 19; Harrison and Silas Bishop, on Section — ; Gor don Florentine, on Section 17.' In 1841, Elijah Belding settled on Section 29: A. P. Newbury, on Section 18; Freeman Emerson, on Section 19; John Balfour, on Section 20; Andrew Mills, on Section 19. In 1842 came H. G. Smith and C. J. Dockstader, who located on Section 28; John A. Bowen and John Langley, on Section 20; Solomon Wakeley, Ambrose Moore, James and David HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 777 Compton, on Section 5; James Sanford, on Section 1; James Matthews, on Section 9; Norman Humphrey, on Section 7; J. McCart, on Section 13; Peter Smith, O. H. Smith and' Richard Bradt, on Section 36; Joseph E. Irish, on Section 25; Warren Congdon, on Section 26; Henry Hess, Charles J. Morgan and Amos Ives, on Section 35; Samuel Stewart, on Section 32; Edward Mitchell and Jones Gage, on Section 29; John C. Dockstader, on Section 33; Robert Sherman on Section 27; Emery Gage, on Section 17; Irving Gage, on Section 21; Joseph Hall, on Sec tion 19. Among the other early settlers were Harvey Prentice, Nathaniel Smith, Joseph Smith, Rial Thomas, Solomon Finch, William Hurd, Horace B. Kinney, George Osborne, Richard and John Pemberton, Charles Claxton, Elisha Hulce, Lester Hulce, Oliver Holinson, John Almy, Orrin West, Oliver Perkins, James Cameron, Peter Johnson, Jared Hall, Lucius Conse, Norman Conse, Varnum Arnold, Joseph Langworthy, William Carpenter, Alexander Rowley, Sylvester Moore, George W. Paul, A. G. Low, R. H. Cockerell, Joseph Hall, Seth Hill, David Christie, James McKoy and Isaac Spicer. The first marriage in Richmond was Elijah Belding to Mary James, April 18, 1839. He was married by Israel Williams, of Geneva. The first death was that of Dorcas James, the wife of Thomas James, which occurred April 9, 1842. CHURCHES. The. Methodist Episcopal Church at Utter's Corners was organized in 1852. The one near Richmond Post Office was organized in about 1854, and services were first held in the school- house. The society was again organized in the spring of 1872, and the building erected in the summer of the same year. The building is 30x44 feet, and costj $2, 300. There are about forty members. Its first regular pastor was Rev. I. S. Eldridge; its present, Rev. C. A. Wilson. OFFICIAL. The first town meeting and election of officers was held^at the Richmond House, kept by Perkins S. Childs, April 5, 1842. John Teetshorn was appointed Moderator, and Asa Congdon, Clerk, of this meeting. Among other resolutions, the following were introduced and adopted: " That the town raise one-fourth of 1 per cent on the taxable property of the town for the sup port of the common schools for the ensuing year, and that the town officers receive 4 shillings per day for their services." The officers elected at this meeting were as follows: Supervisors, John Teetshorn, Chairman; William Patterson, Joseph Humphrey; Asa Cong don, Clerk; Perkins S. Childs, Treasurer; William Campbell, Thomas P. James, Assessors; Anderson Whiting, Collector; Jasper Humphrey, Daniel Wilkins, Elijah Belding, Commission ers of Highways; Horatio N. Teetshorn, Edwin M. Rice, Charles Hamilton, Commissioners of Schools; Jasper Humphrey, Anderson Whiting, Constables. The following is a list of the town officials from the organization of the town to and includ ing the year 1881 : 1843 — Supervisors, Thomas James, Chairman; William Patterson, Joseph Humphrey; Asa Congdon, Clerk; Perkins S. Childs, Treasurer; Horatio N. Teetshorn, Thomas P. James, Assess ors; Jasper Humphrey, Collector; James G. Humphrey, John A. Bowen, Perkins S. Childs, Commissioners of Schools; Jasper Humphrey, Norman Humphrey, Constables. 1844 — Supervisors, Thomas James, Chairman; Morris F. Hawes, Joseph Humphrey; Asa Congdon, Clerk; James Cotter, Treasurer; Jasper Humphrey, Collector; Thomas James, James G, Humphrey, Assessors; Thomas James, Morris F. Hawes, John Langley, Commissioners of Highways; Hiram C. Bull, Edwin M. Rice, Henry G. Smith, Commissioners of Schools. 1845— Supervisors, James Cotter, Chairman; Arthur Stewart, Horace B. Kinne; John A. Bowen, Clerk; Robert Moore, Treasurer; David A. Cliristie, Collector; Ira Sanburn, Thomas P. James, Assessors; Andrew Stewart, John A. Bowen, Horatio N. Teetshorn, Commissioners of Schools; Jasper Humphrey, John C. Dockstader, John Teetshorn, Justices of the Peace. 1846 — Supervisors, James Cotter, Chairman; Arthur Stewart, Horatio N. Teetshorn; John A. Bowen, Clerk; Robert Moore, Treasurer; David A. Christie, Collector; Joseph Hall, Robert 778 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Moore, Assessors; Varnum Arnold, Andrew Stewart, John A. Bowen, Commissioners of Schools; John Teetshorn, William Patterson, Alexander Bowley, Jr. , Justices of the Peace. 1847— Supervisors, John Teetshorn, Chairman; Thomas P. James, Joseph Hall; Jacob M. Fish, Clerk ; Simeon W. Newberry, Treasurer; Peter Johnson, Collector; Cyrus Teetshorn, * Oliver Smith, Assessors; Jacob M. Fish, William Rowley, Andrew Stewart, Commissioners of Schools. 1848— Supervisors, John A. Bowen, Chairman; James Cotter, Sylvester Moore; Jacob M. Fish, Clerk; Curtis Bellows, Treasurer; John Balfour, Collector; Morris F. Hawes, Simeon W. Newbery, Robert Moore, Assessors; Jacob M. Fish, Horatio N. Teetshorn, John A. Bowen, Commissioners of Schools; Curtis Bellows, Morris F. Hawes, John M. Balfour, Justices of the Peace. 1849— Supervisors, Anderson Whiting, Chairman; John M. Balfour, Elisha Hulce; John Langley, Clerk; Edwin M. Rice, Treasurer; Joseph Hall, Morris F. Hawes, Assessors; Will iam N. Conse, Superintendent of Schools; Joseph Langworthy, William Patterson, Justices of the Peace. 1850— Supervisors, Anderson Whiting, Chairman; Joseph E. Irish, Stephen H. Smith; William Fish, Clerk; Joseph Campbell, Treasurer; George E. James. Orrin West, Assessors; James N. Sherman, Superintendent of Schools; Morris F. Hawes, Joseph Langworthy, George W. "Paul, Justices of the Peace. 1851— Supervisors, Jacob M. Fish, Chairman; Robert Moore, David A. Christie; Stephen H. Smith, Clerk; James Cotter, Treasurer; William H. Washburn, Andrew Stewart, John C. Docks, Assessors; Varnum Arnold, Superintendent of Schools; Morris F. Hawes, Rial Thomas, David H. Warner, Justices of the Peace. 1852 — Supervisors, Jacob M. Fish, Chairman; Albert H. Morse, Christopher J. Dockstader; Stephen H. Smith, Clerk; James Cotter, Treasurer; Varnum Arnold, Assessor; John M. Evans, Superintendent of Schools; David A. Spikerman, Robert Moore, William H. Washburn, Jus tices of the Peace. 1853 — Supervisors, Joseph E. Irish, Chairman; Elisha Hulce, Thomas P. James; John Langley, Clerk; George E. James, Treasurer; Anderson Whiting, Assessor; A. L. Gibbs, Super intendent of Schools; George W. Paul, Joseph Langworthy, D. H. Warner, Justices of the Peace. 1854 — Supervisors, Joseph Langworthy, Chairman; Elisha Hulce, Oliver Smith; Erastus Porter, Clerk; John M. Clark, Treasurer; Varnum Arnold, Alfred Hadley, John M. Evans, Assessors; George Brown, Superintendent of Schools; John Clark, Joseph Hall, George Arnold, Justices of the Peace. 1855 — Supervisors, E. M. Rice, Chairman; A. Clark, O. H. Smith; Erastus Porter, Clerk; John M. Clark, Treasurer; George Brown, Assessor; A. L. Gibbs, Superintendent of Schools; William Holbrook, Robert A. James, Anderson Whiting, Justices of the Peace. 1856 — Supervisors, Anderson Whiting, Chairman; M. Holbrook, C. Low; B. H. Stark, Clerk; O. H. Smith, Treasurer; A. G. Low, Assessor; Henry Fleming, Superintendent of Schools; Jared Hall, Charles Claxton, Elisha Hulce, Justices of the Peace. 1857 — Supervisors, Anderson Whiting, Chairman; M. Holbrook, G. E. James; Stephen H Smith, Clerk; A. H. Morse, Treasurer; Varnum Arnold, Alfred Hadley, John M. Evans, Assess ors; George Brown, Superintendent of Schools ; John Clark, Joseph Hall, George Arnold, Jus tices of the Peace. 1858 — Supervisors, Anderson Whiting, Chairman; Solomon Finch, Horatio N. Lawrence; John M. Evans, Clerk; John Pemberton, Treasurer; William Patterson, Assessor; Benjamin H. Starks, Superintendent of Schools; Charles Claxton, Sylvester Paul, John C. Dockstader, Justices of the Peace. 1859 — Supervisors, Anderson Whiting, Chairman; Solomon Finch, Horatio N. Lawrence; John M. Evans, Clerk; John Pemberton, Treasurer; William Patterson, Assessor; B. H. Stark, Superintendent of Schools; Joseph Hall, Merit Bishop, Justices of the Peace. 1860 — Supervisors, Elisha Hulce, Chairman ; Stephen H. Smith, George Brown; John Langley, Clerk; H. O. Crumb, Treasurer; Varnum Arnold, Assessor; James Coakley, Superin tendent of Schools; Charles Claxton, A. H. Morse, Truman Loomis, Justices of the Peace. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 779 1861 — Supervisors, Elisha Hulce, Chairman; S. H. Smith, Varnum Arnold; John Lang ley, Clerk; H. O. Crumb, Treasurer; John M. Evans, Assessor; George Brown, Superintendent of Schools; Joseph Hall, H. G. Smith, Justices of the Peace. 1862 — Supervisors, William Patterson, Chairman; John Pemberton, A. E. Mason; John Langley, Clerk; A. H. Morse, Treasurer; Truman Loomis, Assessor; Charles Claxton, George Brown, Robert Knilans, Justices of the Peace. 1863 — Supervisors, Elisha Hulce, Chairman; John Pemberton, Solomon Finch; John M. Evans, Clerk; Arthur Bowers, Treasurer; Varnum Arnold, Assessor; O. L. West, H. F. Sheldon, Justices of the Peace. 1864 — Supervisors, George Brown, Chairman; Varnum Arnold, John Holbrook; John M. Evans, Clerk; Joseph Smith, Treasurer; William Holbrook, Treasurer; George Brown, J. L. Viles, H. F. Sheldon, Justices of the Peace. 1865 — Supervisors, George Brown, Chairman; Varnum Arnold, A. H. Morse; A. J. Stew art, Clerk; J. H. Jones, Treasurer; William Patterson, Assessor; O. L. West, Thomas Bing ham, Joseph Hall, Justices of the Peace. 1866 — Supervisors, John M. Evans, Chairman; J. H. Brown, A. H. Morse; A. J. Stewart, Clerk; H. A. Stone, Treasurer; H. D. Locke, Assessor; J. Harder, Elisha Hulce, J. H. Jones, Justices of the Peace. 1867 — Supervisors, John M. Evans, Chairman; Varnum Arnold, John Pemberton; B. Clark, Clerk; E. E. Sholes, Treasurer; John Clark, Assessor; Elisha Hulce, O. L. West, Justices of the Peace. 1868 — Supervisors, Elisha Hulce, Chairman; H. A. Stone, George Brown; John M. Evans, Clerk; S. L. Smith, Treasurer; Varnum Arnold, Assessor; James Harder, A. H. Morse, E. C. Sholes, Justices of the Peace. 1869 — Supervisors, Elisha Hulce, Chairman; George Brown, William Mack; John M. Evans, Clerk ; Benjamin Clark, Treasurer; A. H Morse, Assessor; S. Paul, O. L. West, H. Holbrook, S. H Smith, Justices of the Peace. 1870 — Supervisors, George Brown, Chairman; S. L. Smith, Benjamin Clark; John M. Evans, Clerk; Stephen H. Smith, Assessor; S. Paul, Elisha Hulce, Justices of the Peace. 1871 — Supervisors, B. B. Freeman, Chairman; Thomas Bingham, Benjamin Clark; John M. Evans, Clerk; C. G. Sperry, Treasurer; Charles Claxton, Assessor; S. Paul, Charles Clax ton, 0. L. West, Justices of the Peace. 1872 — Supervisors, B. B. Freeman, Chairman; George Sturtevant, George McFarland; Frank Mitchell, Clerk; Robert Knilans, Treasurer; Charles Claxton, Assessor; James Conley, M. W. Chapman, L. Teetshorn, Justices of the Peace. 1873— Supervisors, W. A. Knilans, Chairman; B. B. Freeman, George McFarlane; Frank Mitchell, Clerk; Robert Knilans, Treasurer; Charles Claxton, Assessor; L. Dunbar, Charles Claxton, Justices of the Peace. 1874— Supervisors, W. A. Knilans, Chairman; J. H. Converse, James Hennesy; Frank Mitchell, Clerk; C. G. Sperry, Treasurer; Charles Claxton, Assessor; W. W. Chapman, James Hoveder, O. L. West, Justices of the Peace. 1875— Supervisors, John Pemberton, Chairman; Joseph Smith, Julius Steenson; S. H. Smith, Clerk; C. G. Sperry, Treasurer; Charles Claxton, Assessor; George Cheesebro, S. B. Lowe, Oscar Anderson, Justices of the Peace. 1876— Supervisors, W. A. Knilans, Chairman; W. R. Taylor, Lewis Saxe; Joseph Mitch ell, Clerk; George Newbery, Treasurer; Charles Claxton, Assessor; O. L. West, Charles Clax ton, Justices of the Peace. 1877— Supervisors, T. P. James, Chairman; W. R. Taylor, J. G. Kestol; S. H. Smith, Jr., Clerk; J. D. Spickerman, Treasurer; Charles Claxton, Assessor; S. B. Lowe, R. H. Gage, H. D. Locke, Justices of the Peace. 1878— Supervisors, W. A. Knilans, Chairman; Amos Ives, Richard Booker; Robert Kni lans, Clerk; A. R. Langley, Treasurer; Charles Claxton, Assessor; Charles Claxton, H. D. Locke, W. D. Sturtevant, Robert Ellis, Justices of the Peace. 1879— Supervisors, W. A. Knilans, Chairman; W. R. Taylor, J. G. Kestol; S. H. Smith, 780 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Clerk; Markham Calkins, Treasurer; Charles Claxton, Assessor; G. W. Hall, W. Dockstader, Justices of the Peace. 1880— Supervisors, W. A. Knilans, Chairman; Lewis Teetshorn, Amos Ives; Robert Kni lans, Clerk; A. R. Langley, Treasurer; Charles Claxton, Assessor; Charles Claxton, M. W. Chapman, James Connelly, Chester Lyman, Justices of the Peace. 1881 — Supervisors, W. A. Knilans, Chairman; O. Oslock, J. P. Davis; Robert Knilans, Clerk; O. Peterson, Treasurer; Charles Claxton, Assessor; R. H. Gage, Charles Loomer, Jus tices of the Peace. CLOSING SUMMARY. Richmond is exclusively a farming town. The grain crops of 1880 were: Wheat, 26,000 bushels; corn, 100,000 bushels; oats, 42,000 bushels; there were also raised 8,000 bushels of potatoes, 11,000 bushels of apples, 550 bushels timothy seed and 1,000 tons of hay; 56,000 pounds of butter were produced. In 1881, 8,000 acres were sown to grain; there were 107 acres of orchard, having 5,776 fruit-bearing trees; also 3,633 acres of pasturage and mowing, and 3,885 acres of growing tim ber. There are six whole and five union school districts. The whole number of scholars enrolled between the ages of four and twenty years is 309, of which number 204 attended school. Eight teachers were employed, at average monthly wages of $34 for male and §21 for female teachers. There are eight schoolhouses, valued at $2,240. The annual expenditure for school purposes is $1,800. Its population in 1880 was 882. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. EDWARD AKIN, deceased, was born in Johnstown, N. Y., April 18, 1803; when 5 years of age, moved with his father to Venice, Cayuga Co., where he was married Sept. 24, 1823, to Miss Adeline Morgan, daughter of Jacob Morgan. Mrs. Akin was born Dec. 20, 1805. They had a family of ten children — William (died aged 10 years), Lucy A. (is now Mrs. 0. L. West, of Richmond), George S. (is a physician of Harrisonville, Mo.), Lois M. (was the wife of John Hicks, died March 24, 1861), Eunice F.. (now Mrs. Ezra Cramer of Kansas), Jacob M. (of Rock Co., Wis.), Levanjah (now Mrs. A. Wilcock, of Rock Co., Wis.), Adeline M. (was the wife of Wilson Martin, died June 19, 1880), William F. (of Rock Co., Wis.), Emily W. (lives with her brother William). Mr. Akin died Jan. 1 6, 1878 ; his wife survived him a year; her death occurred Jan. 13, 1879. VARNUM ARNOLD, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Richmond ; has 580 acres ; was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Jan. 18, 1819 ; is the son of Joseph and Susannah Arnold ; was brought up a farmer; was married in the city of Auburn, N. Y., Jan 22, 1845, to Julia A. Butts, daughter of Denison and Lucy Butts. Mrs. Arnold was born in Albany, N. Y. In the spring of 1845, Mr. Arnold moved to Wiscon sin, and made his home on his present farm, Sec. 32, Richmond, Walworth Co.; he has never been ambi tious of public office, but has served six years as Assessor ; also as Superintendent of Schools, and three terms as member of the Board of Supervisors ; in politics he is Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold have no children of their own, but have brought up four adopted ones — Lovina Moore (now Mrs. Thompson Cameron, of Richmond), Delbert Taylor (of Nebraska), Abigail and Willard Ultey (now at home). Mr. Arnold has by industry and judicious management accumulated a large property, and is one of Richmond's most respected citizens. GEORGE CALKINS, farmer, Sec. 28 ; P. O. Delavan ; has 200 acres ; was born in Lincolnshire, England, Aug. 8, 1821 ; is the son of William and Elizabeth Calkins ; was brought up a farmer ; was married in Lincolnshire, Nov. 28, 1850, to Miss Mary A. Markham, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Markham. Mrs. Calkins is also a native of Lincolnshire ; they came to America in June, 1853, and located in Brockport, Monroe Co., N. Y.; two and a half years later, moved to Richmond, Walworth Co., Wis.; settled on Sec. 16, where they resided till March, 1866, when they removed to their present farm on Sec. 28. They have six children— S. Markham, Sarah E., Laura S., Henry W., Mary A. and George W. The eldest, S. Markham, was born in England ; is married to Ida L. Smith, and resides in Richmond ;. Sarah E. is the wife of Emory E. Holbrook, also of Richmond. Mr. Calkins is Republican in politics. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 781 JAMES CAMERON, deceased, was born in Kinroshire, parish of Orwell, village of Milwarthort Scotland, Sept. 15, 1803 ; was the son of James and Isabell Cameron ; was brought up a farmer. He was married Oct. 9, 1825, in his native shire, to Miss Catharine, daughter of John Thompson ; Mrs Cameron was born in the same shire as her husband. Two children were born to them in Scotland William (who died July 23, 1832), John (who is now married and lives in Iowa). Mr. Cameron and family emigrated to the United States in 1829 ; made their home in New York City until 1834, whin they moved to Rockland Co., N. Y., where they resided until October, 1842, when they moved to Wis consin. They spent one season in Johnstown, Rock Co. Mr. Cameron then bought a farm of 200 acres on Sec. 30, Richmond, Walworth Co., where he continued to reside until the time of his death, which occurred March 17, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron had five children born to them in America— Isabella (was the wife of M. E. Utley, her death happened Sept. 9,1866), James (married Emma Sawyer and lives in Iowa), William (died Sept. 17, 1866), Thompson (married Lavina J. Moore, and resides in Rich mond— see sketch), Charles (died Aug. 31, 1839); Mrs. Cameron died Feb. 11, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron 'were among the most respected and honored of the citizens of Richmond. THOMPSON CAMERON, farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. O. Richmond ; he has 320 acres of land ; he was born in Clarkston, Rockland Co., N. Y., Sept. 22, 1835. He is the son of James and Catharine Thomp son Cameron ; came to Wisconsin in 1843 ; was brought up a farmer, making his home on Sec. 30, town of Richmond, Walworth Co. He was married, Jan. 25, 1864, in Richmond, to Lovina J. Moore, daugh ter of Benjamin Moore, one of the prominent pioneers of Walworth Co., Wis. Mrs. Cameron was born in the town of Darien Oct. 5, 1842. They had three children— Julia A., born Dec. 30, 1866 ; May Belle, born June 19, 1870, died April 18, 1879 ; Frank V., born Feb. 28, 1872. BENAJAH CLARK, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Johnstown; son of John and Martha Clark, was born in Sheridan, N. Y., Aug. 25, 1833; he came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1844; lived in Rock Co. till 1856, when he removed to his present home ; he was married in Whitewater, Wis., Nov. 25, 1862, to Miss Sylvia Storms, daughter of Daniel Storms. Mrs. Clark was born in Mohawk, Herkimer Co., N. Y. They have three children — William G., Martha B. and John D. Mr. Clark enlisted in the late war, Feb. 14, 1865, in Co. D, 49th W. V. I., and served till the regiment was mustered out in November of that year ; he has served one year as Treasurer of Richmond, and two years as Supervisor. JOHN CLARK, farmer, Sec. 18 ; P. O. Johnstown, Rock Co., Wis.; in company with his son, has 123 acres of land ; was born in Rupert, Bennington Co., Vt., Jan. 10, 1810; is the son of Andrew Clark; when 7 seven years of age he moved to Sheridan, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. ; was married in that town April 16, 1832, to Martha Tubbs, daughter of Martin Tubbs. Mrs. Clark was born in Hanover, Chautauqua Co. Three years after their marriage, they moved to Pennsylvania, where they spent three years and returned to Sheridan. In the fall of 1844, they emigrated to Johnstown, Rock Co., Wis. Mr. Clark was engaged in farming in that town till 1856, when he moved to his present home, in the town of Richmond. He served as Chairman of Johnstown one year, and held other minor offices ; he has served as Justice of the Peace four or five years in the town. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have only one child — Ben- ajah, who was born in New York, Aug. 25, 1833. (See sketch.) CHARLES CLAXTON, farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. O. Richmond ; has 100 acres of land, was born in Suffolk, England, Dec. 12, 1818 ; is the son of John and Maria (Turner) Claxton ; he learned the baker's trade and carried on the business in London eight years ; was married in London, April 10, 1837, to Miss Mary A. Quinton, daughter of Benjamin and Martha Quinton. Mrs. Claxton was born at Great Yarmouth, England, Oct. 31, 1813. Two children were born to them in England — Mary A. is the wife of Robert Knilans, of Richmond, Wis.; Martha M. is Mrs. J. Borst, also of Richmond. Mr. Claxton and family emigrated to America in 1843, coming direct to Richmond, Wis. Selected his home on the bank of a beautiful little lake on Sec. 9, where he has continued to reside to this date. Mr. and Mrs. Claxton had two daughters born to them in their new home — Rosella, now the wife of E. Stoller, of Richmond, Charlotte, now Mrs. Ambrose B. Hare, also of Richmond. Mr. Claxton has been Assessor of Richmond twelve years, and Justice of the Peace twenty-five years. JOHN P. DAVIS, Overseer of the Walworth County Poor House and Farm, town of Geneva ; P. O. Elkhorn ; his farm is situated on Sec. 7, Richmond ; he was born in county of Kent, England, July 9, 1834; is the son of Peter and Rebecca Davis; he came to the United States with his parents in 1849. They made their home in Deansville, Oneida Co., N. Y., where they lived till 1855, when they came to Wisconsin and located in Oakland, Jefferson Co. The subject of this sketch was mar ried in Stockbridge, Madison Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1855, to Miss Mary, daughter of John Mack. Mrs. Davis was born in Madison Co., N. Y. They have three children— Emma L. (now Mrs. Franklin Gage, 782 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. of Rock Co.) Edgar M. and Mabel J. Mr. Davis was engaged in farming in Jefferson Co. till March 1, 1876, when he sold out and bought his present farm and moved to Richmond ; while in Oakland he served one term as Town Clerk, two as Assessor, and one as Supervisor. In January, 1882, he was appointed Overseer of the Walworth County Poor House and Farm ; his official term commenced March 1, 1882. JOHN W. DELANEY, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Delavan; has 320 acres of land; he was born in Queen's Co., Ireland, in 1838; is the son of James and Julia Delaney. In 1846, he emigrated to Amer ica with his parents ; lived ten years in Dutchess Co., N. Y., and in July, 1856, he came to Walworth Co., Wis., with his parents, and made his home on Sec. 30, in 1861 ; was married, Oct. 14, 1867, in Delavan, to Miss Annie Stewart, daughter of James F. Stewart. Mrs. Delaney was born in Delaware, came to Wisconsin in childhood, and lived in Richmond. They have seven children — James F., Mary A., Will iam J., Lizzie, Julia, Frederick W. and Annie. Mr. Delaney has resided on his present farm since 1867; he was a candidate on the Democratic ticket of 1880, for member of Assembly from First District of Walworth Co.; he ran ahead of his ticket but was defeated, his party being the minority in the district. JOHN M. EVANS, farmer, Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Richmond ; has 145 acres of land ; he was born in Thet- ford, Vt., June 28, 1 829 ; is the son of Michael and Cassendana Evans ; spent his boyhood in Vermont and New Hampshire. In October, 1849, he came to Wisconsin and made his home in Richmond, Wal worth Co., Sec. 19 ; he was married in Johnstown, Rock Co., Sept. 2, 1854, to Miss Nancy Hill, daughter of Seth Hill. Mrs. Evans was born in Danby, N. Y. Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Evans located on his present farm ; he has served in various public official positions ; was Town Superintendent of schools in 1851, was Assessor two years, Town Clerk eight years, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors two years, and one of the Board of County Commissioners two years. B. B. FREEMAN (deceased) was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., Sept. 2, 1816 ; is the son of John Freeman ; when 21 years of age went to Cortland Co., and in 1840 came to Lima, Rock Co., Wis., where he was engaged in farming. Mr. Freeman was married in Kalamazoo, Mich., June 7, 1842, to Miss Marcia Kendall. Two children were born to them — Clarissa K., died March 16, 1874; Frank married Melvina Holbrook, and lived in Iowa. Mr. Freeman's wife died April 23, 1850 ; he was married March 6, 1851, in Racine, to Eveline 0. Hurlbut, daughter of Ira Hurlbut. Mrs. Freeman was born in Benson, Vt. They have three sons and one daughter — Fred, Arthur, Ira J. and Alice. Mr. Freeman moved to Richmond in 1867 and purchased the fine farm of 160 acres now occupied by his family ; he was a Dem- crat in politics and was once elected Chairman by that party, but was obliged to resign on account of fail ing health ; his death occurred Feb. 9, 1875 ; although he was a resident of Richmond but a few years, he had in that short time won the respect and esteem of the citizens generally, who recognized in him a kind neighbor and an upright and worthy man. JARED HALL (deceased) was born in Massachusetts April 19, 1815 ; while quite young, accompa nied his parents to Greenville, Greene Co., N. Y., where he grew to manhood on his father's farm ; he was married, Oct. 7, 1844, to Miss Phila Gates, daughter of Elias Gates. Mrs. Hall was born in New Hamp shire, Cheshire Co. Mr. Hall and family emigrated to Wisconsin in October, 1844, and located on the northwest quarter of Sec. 30, Richmond, Walworth Co., on the farm now occupied by the widow and son, and which has been increased to 280 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Hall were blessed with four children, three sons and one daughter — Mary E. is the wife of Marvin B. Keith, of Richmond ; William died aged 28 years ; Jared G. lives with his mother on the old homestead ; George died in childhood. Mr. Hall was always known as a worthy and respected citizen, who never troubled himself about public matters, but attended strictly to his farming interests until his death, which occurred Sept. 10, 1867. JAMES HARDER, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. O. Richmond ; he has recently sold his farm of 160 acres, reserving 20 acres of timber land ; he was born in Livingston, Columbia Co., N. Y., Aug. 31, 1821 ; is the son of Peter and Lana Harder ; when 10 years of age, moved to Madison Co. with his parents, and in 1854 to Wisconsin ; made his home on Sec. 30, Richmond, Walworth Co ; he was married iu Eaton, Madison Co., N. Y., Oct. 27, 1846, to Miss Sarah M. Holbrook, daughter of John Holbrook. They had four chil dren— Francelia, died Jan. 8, 1874 ; Lovancha, died Feb. 4, 1856 ; Anngelett, died Feb. 5, 1856 ; Florence, the only living child, is now Mrs. Fred Morse, of Whitewater. Mrs. Harder died Nov. 8, 1869. Mr. Harder was married Oct. 1, 1873, in Darien, Wis., to Mrs. Rachel Proctor, and daughter of John Niskivn, of Schoharie, N. Y. A. B. HARE, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. O. Richmond ; has 40 acres of land and works a large tract under lease; was born in Canada, Jan. 24, 1844 ; is the son of C. E. and Mary Hare ; he came to Wau- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 783 kesha, Wis., when 6 years of age ; subsequently lived in Hebron, Jefferson Co., and moved from there to La Grange, and in 1859 to Richmand ; settled in the central part of the town ; he enlisted in De cember, 1862, in Company I, 13th W. V. I., and served two years and one month, or until the close of the war ; he was married in Whitewater, Jan. 5, 1867, to Miss Charlotte Claxton, daughter of Charles Claxton. Mrs. Hare was born in Richmond, Wis. They have two children — Mary and Henry. MORRIS F. HAWES was born at Warwick, Orange Co., N. Y., Nov. 12, 1797, and in early child hood removed with his parents, William and Martha (Wood) Hawes, to Steuben Co., where he remained until about 21 years of age, and during which time he served as a volunteer (though but a boy) in the war of 1812. His father, also a native of New York, participated in the war of the Revolution, and the subject of this sketch was the youngest of a numerous family of boys. Mr. Hawes married, May 17, 181 8, Miss Sarah, the eldest daughter of Capt. Nathan Lounsbury, of Rutland, Vt., one of Col. Ethan Allen's "Green Mountain Boys," of Revolutionary renown, who reached the remarkable age of 101 years and 8 m mths; dying at Rutland August, 1857. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Hawes moved to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he led for some twelve years the quiet, happy life of a prosperous young farmer, cheered and assisted by his loving and ambitious wife, a most loyal young helpmate. Though fitted by birth and educa tion to grace a higher social station, she was ever light-hearted, brave and content, surrounded by her thrifty flock of girls and boys, of whom six were born to them during thsir residence in that State. About the year 1830, Mr. Hawes, hoping to better the prospects of his growing young family, made another push to the Westward, this time halting in Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he resumed his occupation of farming, -and also kept for a time a small hotel, about half way between the villages of Jonesville and Coldwater, on the great stage route between Detroit and Toledo and Chicago. Here he remained until the spring of 1837, when becoming dissatisfied with his success and prospects, and heariug much from returning ex plorers of the wondrous beauty and fertility of the " Rock River Valley," he resolved to make one more adyance, and this time to the famed prairies beyond all the great lakes. With Mr. Hawes, to resolve was to act, and with his heroic wife and arms full of babies, he set out for the Territory of Wisconsin, reaching what is now the town of Richmond in August, 1837. Here he selected a claim and erected a cabin — the first home of civilization in the township — and here, on Jan. 5, 1838, a son was added to his family ; the first born in the township, if not in Walworth Co. After a few months spent in improving his land, he sold the claim for $500, and located another, three miles to the eastward, on the town line between Rich mond and Whitewater. On a corner of this farm was subsequently built, by Mr. Hawes and some three or four neighbors, the first schoolhouse in the town. The first teacher was piid $1.25 per week, Mr. Hawes' family constituting a majority of all the pupils. Nevertheless, the handful of settlers were in pos session of a free school. For twenty years, Mr. Hawes continued to till the acres he had reclaimed, much respected by the growing community, by whom he was retained in the minor offices of the county for nearly the whole time, and by whom he was elected to the first Constitutional Convention, called at Mad ison Oct. 5, 1846. In 1857, his wife having long been an invalid, and his sons not following the chosen •occupation of their father, Mr. Hawes decided to relinquish the cares of a large farm, and removed to Whitewater, where, on July 28, 1859, the gentle partner of his busy life folded her weary, loving hands in final rest. Of his family, the eldest, Lucretia, the wife of B. P. Plato, of Rock Co., died in 1866. Lucy, the second, died in childhood, in New York. Lucinda M. is the widow of Joel Clapp, late of Mil waukee ; Lucena E. is the wife of William De Wolf, of Whitewater ; Lucius J. married Miss Eliza Hunter, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and lives at that place ; Lucerne E. married Miss Clara Beemer, of Albion, N. Y., and lives at Whitewater; Frances E is the wife of Dr. C. M. Palmer, of Colorado; Francis M. married Miss Jennie Housel, of Owen Co., Ky., and resides at Milwaukee; and Dean M. is the wife of Hiram S. Teall, of the same city. A single incident of Mr. Hawes' career will sufficiently illustrate a strong feature of his character. When chosen to serve as a member of the Cons' itutional Convention, on arriving at Madison, and before qualifying, he was called home by the serious and subsequently fatal illness of his wife. He was detained so long that upon his return to the convention the duties of that body were virtually completed. He was then urged by his fellow-members to qualify, that he might be properly en rolled and receive his compensation as a member. This he stubbornly refused to do, claiming that he had performed no public duty for which he was entitled to compensation. He died at Whitewater Jan. 13, 1868, in the 71st year of his age. Few words are needed to give to the memory of Morris F. Hawes its fit place in the annals of this State. In all the relations of life he was a just man. ^Witli scarce an exception, he was honored and trusted and loved by all who knew him. He was punctilious and persis tent in the discharge of every moral and business obligaton. He lived an open-handed life of usefulness. He died no man's debtor. His name will be honored as long as they live who understand and value the virtue, the heroism, the wisdom and the dignity of the mm who shaped the destinies of the proud State of Wisconsin. 784 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. HENRY C. HEMENWAY (deceased) was born in Orwell, Vt., January, 1806 ; moved to La Porte, Ind., in early life ; resided there several years, and in 1836 came to Wisconsin and selected a site for a home in what is now Richmond ; shortly afterward, he returned to Indiana and emigrated to Wis consin in 1839. He was married in the spring of 1846, to Miss Julia Whiting, daughter of Josiah Whiting; she was born in New Marlboro, Berkshire Co., Mass. Mr. Hemenway had a fine farm of 410 acres ; he devoted his attention to the care of his farm and to the purchase and sale of live stock. He was chosen to the Legislature of 1851, and held various minor offices ; his death occurred in April, 1856. HENRY HESS, farmer, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Delavan ; has 160 acres of land lying partly in Sec. 36 and partly in Sec. 35 ; Mr. Hess was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., June 1, 1817 ; is the son of Garret and Catharine (Shumaker) Hess; he was brought up a farmer and emigrated to Wisconsin in 1843, and located on his present farm, Sec. 36, Richmond. He was married in Richmond, Oct. 30, 1854, to Mary Ann Hulburt ; they had no children of their own, but adopted a son (George) whom they brought up ; he is a farmer of Richmond ; married Fanny Barber, and has a farm of eighty acres. Mrs. Hess died Dec. 11, 1879; Mr. Hess married again Oct. 25, 1880; his present wife was Mrs. Caroline Jensen, daughter of Christopher Wrigglesworth ; she was born in Leeds, England, and came to America in 1869 ; she had two children by her former marriage — Rosa J. A. and Alice ; the elder (Rosa) died in infancy. JOHN HOLBROOK (deceased) was born in Madison Co., N. Y., May 14, 1811; he was brought up a farmer, and in 1837 moved to Indiana, in charge of the goods of Joseph French, with whom he made his home, in French Town, Adams Co., until he was married in Bluffton, Wells Co., July 31, 1839, by Justice Parmalie, eight miles from their home, there being none nearer to perform the ceremony. Then he moved on a farm he had purchased the year previous, in the town of Hartford, Adams Co., and remained there until he moved to Wisconsin ; his wife was Miss Angeliue French, daughter of Joseph French, who moved to Indiana in September, 1837, and was the first settler in the town, which he named French, after himself ; eight children were born to them in Indiana — -Orlando, who died, aged 14 years ; R. Clotilda is Mrs. Byron Dunbar, of Richmond ; Amanda M. is Mrs. G. Hartwig, of Richmond ; Adel bert, died in childhood; Rollin D., Cora A., Oscar J. and Clarence D. Mr. H. and family emigrated to Wisconsin in March, 1857, and located in Richmond, Walworth Co.; the following year he pur chased the fine farm on Rock Prairie, Sec. 29, now the home of his widow and family; the farm now consists of 140 acres. Three children were born to them in Richmond — Edgar A., George M. and James M.; Mr. H. was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors of Richmond, and served two terms ; he was devoted to the interests of his family, and pursued the occupation of a farmer till his death, which occurred Sept. 9, 1875 ; Mrs. H. survives her husband, and with the help of her sons, carries on the farm. HARVEY HOLBROOK, farmer, Sec. 4 ; P. O. Whitewater; has 112 acres ; was born in Madison Co., N. Y., April 3, 1815 ; is the son of John and Sally (Barstow) Holbrook ; was married May 1, 1839, in Ontario Co., N. Y., to Miss Angeline Cline, daughter of Mark and Betsy (Wells) Cline ; Mrs. H. was born in Ontario Co., N. Y.; Mr. H. was engaged in farming in Ontario and Madison Cos. till 1850, when he came to Wisconsin and located on his present farm, in the town of Richmond. Mr. and Mrs. H. have had eight children — Sarah A., wife of H. Snow, of Palo Alto Co., Iowa ; Mary A., wife of A. P. Wilking, of Whitewater ; Helen A., died in childhood ; Melvina, wife of F. Freeman, of Emmetsburg, Iowa ; Ellen E , died in childhood ; Emery O, of Richmond ; Ida M., wife of Rev. B. White, of Somers, Kenosha Co., Wis; Erwin J., died in infancy; Emery C. Holbrook, farmer, on Sec. 4; P. 0. White water, was born in Richmond, Wis., July 31, 1856 ; son of Harvey Holbrook ; was brought up a farmer ; was married Nov. 28, 1878, in Richmond, to Miss Sarah E. Calkins, daughter of George Calkins. ELISHA HULCE, farmer and Superintendent of the Poor of Walworth Co., Wis., Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Richmond; has 139 acres of land; ho was born in Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y., Dec. 17, 1817 ; is the son of Elisha and Hannah Hulce ; was brought up a farmer; was married Jan. 30, 1839, to Hannah A., daughter of Joseph Simons ; Mrs. Hulce, was born in Amsterdam, N. Y.; four children were born to them ; Alonzo is married to Adelpha Mack ; resides in Richmond, Wis. ; Mary E. is the wife of Mat thew Marshall, of Kansas ; Harvey, of Sugar Creek ; Lester died, aged 26, leaving a widow (nee Ellen King). Mr. H. and family moved to Richmond, Wis., in April, 1845. and located in their present home ; Mr. Hulce lost his wife April 22, 1854 ; he was married again April' 6, 1856, to Miss Laura Sanburn, daughter of Ira Sanburn ; three children were born of this marriage— Albert, Stillman A. and Flora E. Mr. H. has been Chairman of Richmond several years ; he was elected Superintendent of the Poor in 1862, and with the exception of one year, he has held the office ever since, or in all, about twenty vears. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 785 Mrs. Laura Hulce died July 25, 1863. Mr. H. was married in Oakland, Wis., Nov. 8, 1864, to Miss Alice L. Parkyn, daughter of Rev. Joseph Parkyn. Mrs. Hulce was born in Arkwright, Chautauqua Co., N. Y.'; three children were born of this marriage — Jennie, Charles and George. Mr. H. has made an efficient Superintendent of the Poor ; his long continuance in office is the result of his faithful discharge of his duties. AMOS IVES, farmer, Sec- 35 ; P. 0. Delavan ; has 270 acres of land, lying partly in different towns. He was born in Sheldon, Genesee, now Wyoming Co., N. Y., Dec. 5, 1823 ; son of Riley H. and Electa (Mann) Ives. He was brought up a farmer; came to Wisconsin in May, 1843; settled in Darien, Walworth Co., where he lived four years. He then returned to the East ; was married in the fall of 1848, in Wyoming Co., to Miss Susan, daughter of John and Nancy Parish. Mrs. Ives was born in Java, Wyoming Co. Three children were born to them — Leaman J., died aged 3 % years ; Au gusta L., died aged 10 years; and Clinton, who died in infancy. In 1850, Mr. Ives moved to Darien, Wis., where he lost his wife, who died Deo. 6, 1853. He was married again, Oct. 5, 1854, iu Trumbull Co., Ohio, to Miss Lydia C. H., daughter of Joseph Tift. Mrs. Ives was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio. Mr. Ives and wife proceeded to Wisconsin, and the following year, 1855, settled in Bichmond, Sec. 35. They had four children — Clinton P., who married Helen Whaley (resided in Sugar Creek) ; Leaman J., John W. and Riley A. Mrs. Ives died Jan. 25, 1875. Mr. Ives has never sought public office, his ex perience consisting in two terms in the Board of Supervisors, of Richmond, and the holding of some minor offices. He was married April 1, 1876, in Delavan, to Mrs. A. D. Clark, widow of Arnold B. Clark and daughter of Horace Hitchcock. Mrs. Ives is a native of Wirt Center, Allegany Co., N. Y. ; she had four children by her former marriage — Mary E., Henry M. ; Emma G., died in infancy ; Myra L., died aged 9 years. THOMAS JAMES (deceased) was a native of Richmond, R. I., where he was born June 9, 1782. His ancestors on his father's side were of Welsh descent, having settled in Rhode Island at an early date of its history. It is not positively known what year the family emigrated from Wales, but probably as early as 1700. The family were farmers, and the grandfather, father and the subject of this sketch lived on the tame farm in the town of Richmond, for nearly or quite a century, The early years of Mr. James were spent in his native town. He was endowed with good native faculties, but his educational advantages were confined to those afforded by the common school of his day and neighborhood. When he reached manhood, he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, and subsequently he devoted some time to mer chandise. He was married May 30, 1805, to Miss Dorcas Perry, daughter of Mr. George and Anna Perry, of the town of Richmond. She was a woman of great excellence of character, devoted piety, and her influence in her family was of the most salutary kind. Her sons and daughters still bear the marks of her molding and guiding power. She was an esteemed member of the Baptist Church. The fruit of this marriage was a family of eleven children — Fanny, the eldest, was the wife of Gardner Kenyon (both are deceased) ; Nancy is the widbw of Joseph Barber, of California; Hannah is the widow of Robert Sherman, of Delavan; Susan is the widow of Asa Congden, of Delavan; Thomas Perry married Eliza beth McClary, and resides in Richmond ; George E. married, for his first wife, Miss Elizabeth Odell, and upon her death, for his second wife, Miss Ellen Delaney, and resides in Beloit, Kan. ; Dorcas is the widow of Jonathan Church, of Delavah ; Mary is the wife of Elijah Belding, of Delavan (they were the first couple married in the town of Richmond) ; Robert H. married Mary R. Paul, and is a merchant of Del avan ; Sarah T. is the wife of David Irish, and resides in Beloit, Kan. ; Elizabeth, the youngest member of the family, is tho wife of E. M. Irish, and resides in the town of Darien. Mr. James lived long enough to see this large family of sons and daughters grow up into manhood, married and com fortably established in life, and useful and esteemed members of society. Though somewhat scattered now, for many years they nearly all resided in the town of Richmond, and no family circle was more widely known or more highly esteemed. Having broken up his home in Richmond, R. I., and after a residence for a short time in the city of Providence, Mr. James immigrated with his family to the town of Richmond, Wal worth Co., Wis., February, 1838, having made his claim the year previous. He entered the town with the earliest pioneers, and took a prominent part in laying the foundations for society in this then far West. He gave the town the name of Richmond after his native town in Rhode Island, and took an active part in the forma tion of its early government. He was honored by his neighbors with various local offices, and was a rec ognized leader in local politics. In his native State, Mr. James had held numerous positions of trust and honor, among them that of Sheriff of his county, and member of the State Legislature of his district, serving in these positions several terms ; and all these trusts he discharged with ability and fidelity. Mr. James hav ing decided to retire from business, sold his farm in Richmond, in 1854, and having purchased a home 786 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. in Delavan, moved there, to spend the evening of life in quietude and retirement. In April, 1842, his beloved wife, the mother of his children, died. He was married again, June 22, 1847, to Mrs. Sarah Stowell, widow of Mr. Bulver Stowell. In this marriage, Mr. James was most fortunate. She was a devoted wife, faithful and kind in all her relations, and won the sincere rspect and love of Mr. James' sons and daughters; and when she died, which event occured July 30, 1867, she was sincerely mourned by them. Mr. James died June 17, 1858, having through his long life served his generation well. He was a man of unsullied integrity, sound judgement, unselfish in his devotion to his family and friends, and en joyed the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends nd neighbors. THOMAS PERRY JAMES, farmer. Sec. 34, Richmond; P. 0. Delavan; has a well-cultivated farm of 390 acres ; settled in the county February, 1838. The subject of this sketch is a native of Rhode Island; is the son of Thomas and Dorcas James, and was born June 15, 1816. In 1838, he em igrated to Wisconsin Territory, arriving in Richmond, Walworth Co., in February of that year ; he lo cated on Government land, Sec. 34, where he has continued to reside to this date, a period of forty-four years; he was married in Richmond, Wis., Nov 25, 1852, to Elizabeth McClary, daughter of Daniel McClary. Mrs. James was born in Albany Co., N. Y. They have six children, four daughters and two sons — I'orcas P., Thomas, Daniel M., Eliza S., Susan and Fanny L. Mr. James has occupied various positions of honor and trust in the town where- he resides ; he was one of the first Assessors of Richmond ; has been a member of the Board of Supervisors a number of years, and in 1877 served as Chairman. In his public as well as private life, he has shown himself a man of superior intelligence, sound judgment, and unquestioned iniegrity ; in his home is where he is known at his best, commanding the love and re spect of an intelligent and appreciative family ; welcoming the stranger to his fireside with the old-time, genial hospitality of the frontier. It is such men as Mr. James who, while progressing with the advanced civilization of the times, preserved the warm-hearted, generous kindliness of the pioneer. MARVIN B. KEITH, farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. Johnstown; has 127 acres; was born in Carlisle, Lorain Co., Ohio, Feb. 18, 1844 ; is the son of Martin H. and Rachel Keith ; he was brought up a' farm er, and during the late war he enlisted as a member of Co. K, 35th Ohio V. I., for one hundred days, and served the term of his enlistment. In 1869, he came to Richmond, Walworth Co., Wis., and was married in Richmond, July 11, of that rear, to Miss Mary E. Hall, daughter of Jared Hall. Mrs. Keith was born in this town. They have five children — -Effie E., Burton B., William H., Alice C. and George G. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Keith made his home on his present faim. GEORGE K. KNILANS, farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Whitewater ; has 131 acres of land ; Mr. Knilans was born in Ireland April 1, 1844; came to America with his parents in 1849 ; made his home in Rich mond, Walworth Co.; is the son of Daniel and Sarah Knilans. He enlisted, Aug. 15, 1862, in Co. D, 22d W. V. I., and served two years and nine months; he was wounded at Murfreesboro, Tenn., receiving a gunshot wound through the body, and again at Atlanta, Ga., by a gunshot wound through the hand. He was married at Whitewater, Wis., Dec. 22, 1874, to Annie Bingham, daughter of Thomas Bingham. Mrs. Knilans was born in Eagle, Waukesha Co., Wis. Mr. Knilans engaged in farming in Richmond, subsequently sold out and went to Minnesota; returned to Richmond in 1881, and bought his pres ent farm. J. K. KNILANS, farmer, Sec. 33; P. 0. Delavan; has 100 acres, is a native of Ireland; was born March 1, 1839 ; is the ron of Daniel and Sarah (Allen) Knilans; he came to America with his parents in 1849, and has made his home in the town of Richmond, Walworth Co., Wis., ever since. He enlisted in the late war, August, 1862, as a member of Co. I, 13th W. V. I., and served three years. He bought his present farm in 1867 ; was married Nov. 28, 1871, in Richmond, Wis., to Miss Fannie Stur tevant, daughter of George Sturtevant. Mrs. Knilans was born in Oneida Co., N. Y. They have four children — Frederick D., Clarence G., Harrison J. and Eva J. WILLIAM A. KNILANS, farmer, Sec. 33; P. 0. Delavan; had 187 acres of land; he is a na tive of Ireland; is the son of Daniel and Sarah Knilans; was born Nov. 22, 1833 ; came to the United States with his parents in 1849 and directly to Richmond, Wis. ; was brought up a farmer, and was married in Delavan, Feb. 20, 1867, to Miss Eleanor F. Stewart, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Mitch ell Stewart. Mrs. Knilans was born in Richmond, Wis. They have three children. — William A., Alice E. and Daniel A. Mr. Knilans enlisted, Nov. 9, 1861, in the late war, as a member of Co. I, 13th W. V. I., and served four years and four months; entering the army as a private soldier, he was promoted for meritorious conduct through the regular succession to the rank of Captain. Though a Democrat in politics, he has been chosen ten times to serve as Chairman of the Republican town of Richmond ; he has served nine years, and is the present incumbent ; is also President of the Walworth County Agricultural Society. Mr. and Mrs. Knilans are members of the Episcopal Church. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY". 787 GEORGE McFARLANE, farmer, Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Johnstown, Rock Co.; has 238 acres ; he is the son of John McFarlane, and is a native of Scotland ; he was born in Perthshire July 15, 1827 • he was brought up a farmer, and emigrated to America in the fall of 1856 ; he made his home in Johnstown, Rock Co., Wis. He was married the same year to Miss Christina J. Jenkins, daughter of John Jenkins! Mrs. McFarlane is also a native of Perthshire, Scotland, and came to America in 1856. They have had seven sons and one daughter — John, James, Joanna (George who died in childhood), George W., Peter J., Duncan and Wm. D. The eldest son John, was married, in 1881, to Dora E. Williams, and they reside in Richmond. EDWARD MITCHELL, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Richmond ; he has 160 acres of land ; he was born in County Cavin, Ireland, Nov. 23, 1809 ; came to America, and directly to Richmond, Wis., in 1842, arriving July 7 ; he purchased a fine farm on Rock Prairie, Sec. 29, where he still resides. Mr. Mitchell was married in his native land, in 1842, to Harriet Fisher. Four children were born to them after coming to America — Ester died aged 21 J years, Mary died aged 21 years, Francis, of Richmond; John died in infancy. Mrs. Mitchell died in 1849. Mr. Mitchell was married again July 1, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth Clark, daughter of Joseph Clark. Mrs. Mitchell was born in Perry Co., Penn. Two children were born of this marriage — Joseph C. and. Maggie E. Joseph was married to Adelia M. Jones, Sept. 21, 1881. They live at the old homestead. Mr. Mitchell was one of the pioneers of Rich mond, who stuck by his first choice, and has .now a large and valuable property. They were brought up strict Presbyterians. He is recognized as one of the most respected citizens of Richmond. ROBERT MOORE, deceased, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, March 10, 1809 ; was the son of James Moore. He emigrated to the United States with his parents in 1826 and made his home in Ohio. In 1840, he came to Wisconsin, and spent a few months in Richmond, Walworth Co. He returned to Ohio, and in 1842 came back to Richmond ; made a claim on the north side of the town, sold out soon after, and made another claim, this time on east one-half of the southeast one-fourth of Sec. 29. He afterward added to it until he had a fine farm of 400 acres. He was married July 28, 1843, to Miss Nancy Stewart, daughter of Arthur Stewart. Mrs. Moore was born in Cavin Co., Ireland. They had six children — Isabell J., Edwin, James, Allen, Margaret and Mary H. Mr. Moore served several years as Supervisor of Richmond. His death occurred July 15, 1869. He died honored and respected by all who knew him. His widow and children are still residents of the old homestead. SIMEON W. NEWBERRY (deceased), was born in Erie Co.,N. Y., Aug. 6, 1816 ; was brought up a farmer; came to Walworth Co., Wis., in 1839, and settled in Richmond; was married Sept. 15, 1844, to Miss Lucy A. Akin, daughter of Edward Akin ; Mrs. Newberry was born in Scipio, N. Y., Aug. 16, 1826; two children were born to them — Julia, now Mrs. E. C. Sholes, of Richmond, and George A., who married Alice Brady ; is living at Harrisonville, Mo. Mr. N. was engaged in farming till his death, which occurred Oct. 4, 1851. WILLIAM PATTERSON, deceased, was born in New Lebanon, Columbia Co., N. Y. ; moved from thence to Tompkins Co., and in 1841 to Illinois. In 1842, he moved to Richmond, Walworth Co., Wis. He was married in Danby, N. Y., to Adelia E. Hill, daughter of Seth Hill. During the late war, they sent four sons to the army, three of whom lost their lives in defense of their country. Joseph, Ashbel and William were members of Wisconsin regiments. Ashbel was killed at the storming of Port Hudson. The others died of disease. Another son, Martin B,, was a member of a Minnesota regiment. Mr. Patterson served as Postmaster, Assessor, and Justice of the Peace several years. His death occurred in May, 1874. His wife survives him and is living in Kansas. IRA SANBURN, deceased, was one of the very first settlers of Richmond^ of 1837 or 1838. He was born in Vermont, and emigrated to Wisconsin in 1837 or 1838, and located on the southwest quarter of Sec. 5, Richmond. He was married and had a large family, seven daughters and two sons ; the only liv ing member of the family in this section at this date is Lorilla (now Mrs. George Rowe of Johnstown, Wis). Mr. Sanburn was engaged in farming in Richmond till about 1868, when he removed to Hamilton, Mo., where his death occurred in 1871. His wife survived him but a year. LEWIS SAXE, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Johnstown, Rock Co.; has 50 acres. He was born in Cat- skill, Greene Co., N. Y., Oct. 11 , 1824 ; is the son or John and Mariam Saxe ; was brought up a farmer ; was married Sept. 1, 1848, to Elizabeth A. Greene, daughter of William Greene. Mrs. Saxe was born in Greene Co N Y Mr. Saxe and family moved to Richmond, Wis., in February, 1854. He enlisted in February, 1865, as a member of Company K, 49th W. V. 1., and served till November the same year- He has never taken an active part in local politics ; has served one term as a member of the town Board of Supervisors. 788 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. ROBERT SHERMAN, deceased, was born in Rhode Island Oct. 11, 1799; when of suitable age, he learned the mason's trade, and for some years was employed in that occupation ; he was married, Jan. 25, 1827, to Miss Hannah James, daughter of Thomas James, also a native of Rhode Island. Three children were born to them — James N., Francis and Mary. James N. the eldest, married Miss Sarah Smith, and is a farmer of Richmond; Francis, is the wife of Arthur Bowers, of Delavan ; Mary died at the age of 20 years. Mr. Sherman emigrated to Wisconsin in June, 1843, located on Sec. 27, Richmond, on the farm now owned by his son, James N., and pursued the occupation of farmer till the time of his death, which occurred July 14, 1867 ; his wife survives him, and is now a resident of Delavan, Wis. JAMES N. SHERMAN, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Delavan ; has 200 acres of land; he was born in Washington Co., Rhode Island, Dec. 18, 1827 ; is the son of Robert and Hannah (James) Sherman. In June, 1843, he emigrated to Wisconsin with his parents ; he was married Aug. 8, 1853, to Miss Sarah Smith, daughter of Stephen H. Smith. Mrs. Sherman was born in Surrey, England, in 1831. Mr. Sherman has made his home on his present farm since his marriage, and is a successful farmer. He has participated but little in public affairs ; during the early years of his residence in Richmond he served two years as Town Superintendent of Schools. NATHANIEL C. SMITH (deceased) was born in Clarendon, Rutland Co., Vt., April 13, 1796; was the son of John and Dolly Smith ; when 18 years of age, he moved to Madison Co., N. Y., with his brother Isaac. He was married in that county about, 1819, to Miss Susan Hulbert, daughter of James Hulbert. Mrs. Smith was born in Colerain, Mass., March 2, 1797. Immediately after their marriage they moved to Verona, Oneida Co., N. Y. Five children were born to them — Luther (now of Richmond, Wis.), Joseph (also of Richmond), James (of Whitewater, Wis.); two named Olin died in childhood. Mr. Smith moved to Richmond, Wis., in May, 1845, and located on Sec. 3, where he had 95 acres. He continued to lead the life of a farmer till his death, which occurred Dec. 16, 1879, at the age of 82 years. Mrs. Smith died Oct. 21, 1877. STEPHEN H. SMITH, Sr. (deceased), was born at Hadlow Kent, England, Jan. 2, 1803; served a regular apprenticeship at the mercantile business, and subsequently was engaged in business as a general merchant ; was united in marriage to Jane Neal. Seven children were born to them — the eldest, Sarah J., is the wife of James N. Sherman, of Richmond ; Susannah is Mrs. S. H. Patterson, of Kansas; Stephen H., Jr., married Mira Morse, and is a farmer, of Richmond ; Sidney L. died in May, 1878 ; Selina M., born Sept. 15, died on the Atlantic May 2, 1841. The above mentioned were born in England. In 1841, Mr. Smith emigrated to the United States and located at Homer, Portland Co., N. Y., where he was engaged in farming until June 1, 1848, when he moved to Wisconsin and settled on Sec. 20, Rich mond, Walworth Co., where he was engaged in farming. They had one child born at Homer, N. Y. — Selina Esther, now Mrs. Thomas Congdon, of Delavan. Sidney was a soldier of the late war ; he enlisted at the first call in the Three-months Regiment ; was promoted to Sargeant, and served three years and three months ; was twice wounded ; served as Town Clerk of Richmond several years ; his death occurred Jan. 21, 1879 ; his wife survived him but a week, dying Jan. 28, 1879. H. G. SMITH, farmer, Sec. 28 ; P. O. Richmond ; has a farm of 320 acres situated partly on Sees. 20, 21 and 28 ; was born in White Creek, Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1810 ; is the son of Abraham and Annie (Bowen) Smith ; when 12 years of age, moved to Monroe Co., near Rochester, N. Y., where he lived until 1839, when he moved to Orleans Co., N. Y., thence to Wisconsin in the year 1842, and settled on his present farm in 1869 ; he leased his farm and moved to Janesville, Wis., and after five years' resi dence in that city returned to his farm in Richmond ; he was married in Chili, Monroe Co., N. Y., March 28, 1838, to Miss Charlotte Paul, daughter of Zebulum and Melinda (Sperry) Paul ; Mrs. Smith was born in Chili, N. Y„ in 1822. They have six children— Julia M., Byron G., Julius P., Ella A., Frank M., and Ida L. The oldest, Julia M., is the wife of Graham Sperry, of California. Byron was a member of Company K, 13th W. V. I., and served three years in the late war, from October, 1861 ; is now a mer chant of Nevada. Julius married Sadie Barker, is now in Europe, but makes his home in San Francisco, Cal. Ella is now Mrs. Anson Rosancrans, of Richmond, Wis. Frank M. married Mollie Wri°ht and resides in Oakland, Cal. Ida is the wife of S. Mark Calkins, of Richmond, Wis. Julius was als°o a sol dier of the late war ; he enlisted in October, 1861, and served three years, in Company E, 22d W V I • was wounded at the battle of Resaca, was taken prisoner in March, 1862, was an inmate of various prisons several months before he was exchanged. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have spent some time in California in the year 1880. They are members of the M. E. Church. In politics Mr. Smith is a Republican. _ £U,™R ^1™, farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. O. Whitewater ; has 210 acres of land ; was born in Oneida Co., JN. X ., Jan. I, 1820 ; is the son of Nathaniel and Susan Smith ; came to Wisconsin in May, 1845 ; (/$*ry few^ HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 789 made his home in Whitewater, Walworth Co., Wis.; he was married in that town, April 13, 1848, to Miss Esther M. Hemsley, daughter of Thomas and Anna Hemsley. Mrs. Smith was born in Chatham, Colum bia Co., N. Y. They have had five children— George S., married Mary McCourt, has lost his wife and lives in Richmond ; Annie E. died aged 21 years ; Flora E. is Mrs. Fred Capman, of Milton, Wis. ; Mary died aged 4 years ; Mytie is the youngest. After his marriage, Mr. Smith made his home on Sec. 33, Whitewater, until March, 1881, when, having bought the fine farm on which he now lives, he moved to Richmond. JULIUS D. SP1CKERMAN was born Oct. 16, 1851, in Richmond ; he was brought up a farmer ; was married Nov. 4, 1874, in Richmond, to Miss Ettie A., daughter of Henry A. Stone. They had two sons and a daughter — Eugene D., Elmer H. and Eliza A. Mr. Spickerman has served two terms as Town Treasurer, three terms as Constable and two years as Justice of the Peace ; he has 120 acres on Sec. 19, and 20 acres on Sec. 17. DAVID W. SPICKERMAN was born in Albany Co., N. Y., Feb. 28, 1807 ; was the son of Philip Spickerman ; when two years of age, he went with his parents to Cayuga Co., N. Y., where he learned the blacksmith trade. He was married in Cayuga Co., Sept. 9, 1827, to Isabel Van Vleet. Four children were horn to them — Rachel, Orestus, Amelia and Absalom. The oldest, Rachel, is the wife of James Balfour, of Rice Co., Kan.; Orestus is married, and lives in Monmouth, 111.; Amelia is the wife of Henry Smith, of Chillicothe, Mo.; Absalom married, and lives in Keokuk, Iowa. Mrs. Spickerman died Sept. 28, 1842. Mr. Spickerman was married again, Jan. 7, 1845, in the same town, to Eliza A., daughter of Benjamin Higbee. Mrs. Spickerman was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y. Mr. Spickerman and family started for Wisconsin in the spring of 1845 ; on their arrival here, three months were spent in Jefferson Co. They then came to Richmond, Wis., where Mr. Spickerman opened a blacksmith shop, which he operated until 1859, when he purchased the farm now occupied by his son, on Sec. 19. One child was born of the latter marriage — Julius D. (see sketch). Mr. Spickerman was appointed Postmaster of Richmond, and served several years as Justice of the Peace. His death occurred Sept. 9, 1879. Mrs. Spickerman sur vived her husband but a few months, dying Feb. 8, 1880. ARTHUR STEWART, deceased, was born in Cavin Co., Ireland, in 1793 ; was married when 24 years of age to Jane Simpson. He emigrated to America in 1833 ; made his home in Philadelphia until 1839. He then moved to Richmond, Walworth Co., Wis., where he bought a quarter section of Govern ment land on Sec. 33, and subsequently purchased 80 acres more. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart had four children — Andrew, Nancy, Jane and Margaret. The son died ; Nancy is the widow of Robert Moore, of Rich mond ; Jane is Mrs. David Christie, of Darien, Wis.; Margaret is Mrs. C. L. Douglas, of Walworth. Mr. Stewart was one of the earliest pioneers of Richmond. He served as Supervisor of the town shortly after its organization ; continued the occupation of farmer until his death, which occurred in September, 1862. WILLIAM R. TAYLOR, farmer and Superintendent of Schools of Walworth Co., Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Whitewater ; has 280 acres of land. He was born in La Grange, Walworth Co., Wis., Nov. 5, 1843. He is the son of Joshua and Betty Taylor ; his parents are of English birth. His father came to America in 1839 ; was married in Sauquoit, Oneida Co., N. Y., and came to Wisconsin in June, 1843, and made their home in La Grange, where they still reside. The son, William R., was brought up on the farm and received his primary education in the district schools ; then took a regular course at the Milton Academy (since Milton College), from which he graduated in 1864. He enlisted in June, 1864, in Co. C, 40th W. V. I, for 100 days. Re-enlisted in February, 1865 ; was commissioned Second Lieutenant, Co. F, 49th W. V. I ; was promoted, receiving a Captain's commission in August, 1865 ; was mustered out in November of the same year. Previous to joining the army, he had been engaged in teaching and farming. Having taught several winters, on returning from the war he resumed his former pursuits. He was married in La Grange, Dec. 24, 1865, to Miss Mary T., daughter of George A. Ray. Five children were born to them— Ray W., Homer S., Fanny, Alice and Howard. Mr. Taylor has been chosen to fill several posi tions of public trust, and has always made a popular officer. He was elected and served five years as Town Clerk of La Grange, and has served as a member of the Town Board of Richmond three or four years. He lost his wife, who died Dec. 3, 1878. In the fall of 1879, he was elected Superintendent of Schools of Walworth Co.; served two years, was re-elected, and is now serving his second term. He was married, Oct. 24, 1880, in La Grange, to Miss Almira G. Stockdale, daughter of Wilson Stockdale. Mrs. Taylor was born in La Grange, Walworth Co., Wis. Mr. Taylor has proven himself an efficient and competent Superintendent of Schools. JOHN TEETSHORN (deceased), was born in Greene Co., N. Y., July 6, 1792 ; learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, and was' married Dec. 14, 1817, by the Rev. Ostrander, to Margaret Saxe; Mrs 790 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Teetshorn was born Oct. 27, 1798 ; they moved to Erie Co., and from there to the Territory of Wiscon sin, in the fall of 1838 ; he came at once to Richmond and bought the claim of Morris Hawes, on Sec. 6, for which he paid $500 ; this was perhaps the first sale of real estate in the town, of which Mr. Morris Hawes was the first settler. Mr. and Mrs. Teetshorn had a family of ten children — Horatio, of Johnstown; Cyrus, of Whitewater ; Lewis and Marcellus, of Richmond ; John died when he was 16 years of age ; Chauncy, of Iowa; James died, aged 16 years; Orlando, of Johnstown; Julia is the wife of W. Preston, of Nebraska ; Margaret is Mrs. Henry Cornell, of Racine. Mr. Teetshorn served several terms as Justice of the Peace and as Chairman of the Town Board ; he and his sons were noted as successful hunters ; their principal game was deer, of which they killed large numbers ; they discov ered that they could approach nearer the deer with a team than when on foot. As the country was all open in the early days, they could drive where they pleased, and, as the saying is, they used to bring home "dead loads" of deer. Mr. Teetshorn continued a-resident of Richmond till his death, which occurred Sept. 18, 1855 ; his wife survived him till February, 1880, dying, aged 82 years. LEWIS TEETSHORN, farmer, Sec. 6; P. 0. Whitewater; was born in Greene Co., N. Y., May 22, 1824; came to Wisconsin with his parents in the fall of 1838, and settled on Sec. 6, Richmond, Walworth Co.; he was married in Jefferson Co., Wis., in August, 1855, to Miss Rosetta Royce, daughter of Origen Royce ; Mrs. Teetshorn was born in Royalton, Greene Co., N. Y.; they have two children — Alice and William L. Mr. Teetshorn has never been an aspirant for public office, but has served several terms as a member of the Town Board. O. L. WEST, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Richmond ; was born in Pulaski, Oswego Co., N. Y., May 15, 1829 ; he came to Wisconsin, July 4, 1845 ; made his home in Richmond, Walworth Co.; was married Oct. 11, 1853, to Mrs. Lucy A. Newberry, widow of Simeon W. Newberry, and daughter of Edward Akin. Mr. West was engaged in farming; was also engaged with Gormley, Watson & Co., of Delavan, in the wind-mill business ; this connectiion lasted about five years ; for the past year he has been in the employof George Esterly & Son, reaper manufacturers, of Whitewater, Wisconsin ; Mr.W. has served several terms as Justice of the Peace of Richmond. Mr. and Mrs. West had three children — Addie L., who died in childhood ; Edward W. and Mary M. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 791 THE TOWN OF WALWORTH. Walworth is known in the Government survey as Town 1, Range 16 east. It was formerly, under the act of 1838, a part of the town of Delavan. In 1839, it was set off, with what is now Sharon, into a separate town and named Walworth. Subsequently, by act of the Legislature, March 21, 1843, Sharon was erected into a separate town, leaving its geographical limits as they now are. • It embraces a single Congressional township of six miles square. It is bounded north by Delavan; east by Linn; south by the State line, and west by the town of Sharon. It is largely prairie land, Big Foot Prairie covering the southern half of the town. There the land is a rich, black, alluvial, deposit. The northern part is somewhat broken, was formerly quite heavily wooded, and not so valuable as farming land as the prairie. There the soil was a light, clayey loam. It was not at first considered valuable to settlers, and got the not very pre possessing cognomen of Hard Scrabble. Later, its virtues have come to be better appreciated, and some most excellent farms are cultivated within the old tabooed territory. The town, in some regards, is more historic, or pre-historic, than any other part of the county. It had located near the head of Geneva Lake, which nearly covers Section 12 and a part of Section 11, the only considerable Indian village at tho time the white settlers began to come in in 1836. Big Foot, a chief of the Pottawatomies, had his residence and council house there, and from there he took his final leave of the Walworth County hunting-grounds, in the latter part of that year, when the terms of the treaty whereby his lands were ceded demanded his evacuation. .There, it is told, that the body of his son, a youth of some fifteen years, was left, inclosed in a rude log casket, in a tree overhanging the lake. There has been some dis pute as to whether the remains were those of a lad or of an adult person. Some old settlers over that it was the body of an old man, and was that of Big Foot's father, instead of his son. There seems little doubt that the casket hung in the tree when the first white man came, but what be came of it — whether desecrated or given more^Christian sepulture-^is not known. A fuller account of Big Foot, his village and his final leave-taking, which was witnessed by Mrs. James Van Slyke (the first white woman in the town), is given in the early history of the county. As has been stated, Lake Geneva has its head in the northeastern part of the town, cover ing considerably more than a square mile. About the shores of the lake and back on the near borders of Big Foot Prairie, the first set tlements were made. James Van Slyke made the first settlement, near the Indian village. He built his cabin there and moved his family into it from Geneva, late in the fall of 1836. It is believed that Mrs. Van Slyke was the only woman who spent the winter in the town. There were other men besides Van Slyke, but they were unmarried, or did not bring their families in till the following spring. The Williams families were on the south side ox the lake, some two miles away. There were no other families nearer than Geneva Village or Delavan. A peculiar case, attended with great hardship and evincing the wonderful nerve and decision of Mrs. Van Slyke, is related as occurring that winter. It is related that in February, 1837, Van Slyke, with Nathan Disbrow, driving in a drove of hogs from Illinois were caught in the memorable sudden cold that came on. They were obliged to leave their drove four miles from the house and make their way to the cabin as rapidly as possible to save freezing to death. They arrived at last, but Disbrow's feet were so frozen that he lost the toes on one foot, which were amputated by Mrs. Van Slyke with the only surgical instrument she had, viz., a pair of scissors and a butcher knife. The fame of the beautiful prairie became widely known in the spring of 1837, and many settlers came in to possess themselves of the land. The following information concerning the comers of 1837 is believed to be from reliable sources: 792 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Mr. William Bell, who came himself in the spring of 1837, wrote concerning the settlers of that spring, to Hon: C. M. Baker, in September, 1869. He wrote: "I came to the town of Walworth in the spring of 1837, and found in the town Cyrus Church, Jacob G. Saunders, James Van Slyke, Marcus Russell, Robert Russell, J. C. Church, Thomas Godfrey, John Reader, James A. Maxwell, Ira Starr, Israel Williams, Amos Bailey and J. Ward." The whereabouts of these in 1869, when Mr. Bell wrote, were partially given by him as follows: "Cyrus Church, Thomas Godfrey and Marcus Russell are now in the town of Wal worth; J. C. Church and John Reader, in Delavan; J. G. Saunders, in Illinois; William Bell, in Elkhorn." As throwing still more light on the very early settlement of the town, the following paper, read at the Old Settlers' Re-union of 1880, is given entire: EARLY SETTLEMENT OP BIG FOOT PRAIRIE. BY CYRUS CHUECH. " About the 1st of February, 1837, I started from my home in Trumbull County, Ohio, with a valise on my back, to find a home in the far West. Passing through Chicago to Crystal Lake, where I expected to stop and make a claim on Government land for my future home, I found a few families from Virginia had settled there the year before, and stopped with one John Mc- Lure for a few days. I expected to stay longer, but one night a very genteel-looking man called to stay overnight, and in conversation told me his home was at the head of Geneva Lake, about twenty miles distant, in Wisconsin Territory. He had been to Chicago and sold a part of his claim for $4,000, getting $2,500 cash down. He appeared to think it was an almost inex haustible amount of money, it being in bills of small denominations. He had them loose in his pockets, frequently pulling out a handful of bills and making a wonderful display of them, say ing he expected to make a mark in the world yet. He was dressed in a new suit of clothes, with a tall stovepipe hat; had a mar, and with a string could show us the head of Geneva Lake was in a direct line between Chicago and the Four Lakes at Madison; also between St Louis and Milwaukee, and so on between any two places that were likely to be of importance most anywhere in the West. He said it had been the home of Big Foot, the chief of the Pottawato mie Indians, the largest tribe in the West, the trails centering there from every direction, con sequently it must be a very important place in "the Western country, and urged me very anx iously to come and see Big Foot Prairie, the very Eden of the world, for myself. "About the 25th of February, it being a clear, cold morning, I started alone for the promised lsnd. There had been a thaw a few days previous, so as to get the water running in the streams, and then it turned cold, making very fair walking on the crust, the snow being about ten inches deep. I soon came to a stream of running water, with no alternative but wade through, and probably find more of the same sort, or go back. Pausing for a few moments, I soon decided to go ahead, and on I went, the ice holding me until I reached near the current, then in I went, wacliug through, the water being about three and a half feet deep for some twenty feet, passing on to find several others to go through the same way. Finally, it began to grow dark, and, knowing full well if I didn't find a house within a few minutes, I was doomed to cold lodging for the night — not very pleasant to think of — I hurried on, and in a few minutes saw the smoke curling up through the trees from Van Slyke's cabin. I need not say to you it was a very pleas ant sensation. I found two families living in the cabin, it being about 14x16, and not a sawed board about the place. I was very kindly entertained for the night. The beds being all occu pied, I slept on the floor, it being made of split logs laid on the ground, with a small blanket over me, with feet to the fire, the fire being at one end of the cabin, and a hole at the top for the smoke to escape. " I found there, in that rude cabin, kind, warm-hearted friends indeed. After living with one of the families for several years afterward, I ever cherish in my memory the kindest regards for them. The next morning, I went to look around and see what sort of a place I was in, the little cabin in- which I had been so kindly entertained being the only one in the town of Wal worth. Everything around seemed to have a wild, romantic appearance —no mark of civiliza tion to be seen but the rude cabin. The beautiful, clear waters of the lake were hidden under HISTORY" OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 793 the ice and snow. A little way from the house could be seen the deserted wigwams of the In dians, they having been removed some three or four months before. Big Foot's wigwam was far superior to the others. A few rods from there, in the top of a tree which is now standing, was deposited the body of a boy about fifteen years of age, a son of the chief. His remains were in a butternut log, very nicely prepared for that purpose. His features were all perfect at that time, but some ruthless hand had torn it down and robbed him of his ornaments. After look ing around a little, my first work was to make a three-story bedstead in the corner of the room, with one post only. The only tools to do it with were two augers and an ax. The beds were made of prairie feathers, commonly called marsh hay. " In a few days, travelers wanted to be accommodated, and, there being a lack of room, we stuck three poles across the room overhead and took a bark off from Big Foot's tent and laid it across them, and I slept on it for about five months. " Our post office was at Chicago for the first year, and the next it was at William Phoenix's, a little way from the east end of Delavan Lake; and many a time have I followed an Indian trail there and paid 25 cents postage on a letter from home. " When warm weather came, emigrants came also, and about the 1st of June I helped build the first house on Big Foot Prairie, for Mr. Thomas Godfrey, and in the course of two years there was a goodly number of families in the town of Walworth, but they are not here now. They have gone to another country. " The persons named by Mr. Bell were the earliest settlers of the town, but were by no means all who came in and took up land that summer. Of those he named as surviving in 1869, only a few are left. Mr. Bell himself died some years ago in Kansas. John Reader, Marcus Rus sell and Thomas Godfrey have since died. Among those who came in prior to 1840, the following are remembered, and their first loca tion given, from the memory of those still living: Cyrus Church, oldest living settler, February, 1837, on Section 21; Jake G. Saunders, on Section 22, in 1837, removed to Illinois many years ago; P. Van Slyke, on Section 14, made the first claim made in town in fall of 1836; moved away many years ago; present whereabouts, if living, not known; Marcus Russell, in 1837, on Section 15, died in 1875; Robert Russell, in 1837, on Section 15, now living in Iowa; J. C. Church, in 1837. on Section 10, died in Delavan; Thomas Godfrey, in 1837, on Section 20, died in 1877 or 1878; John Reader, in 1837, on Section 18, died in 1879; James A. Maxwell, in 1837, on Section 27, moved to Nevada; Israel W. Starr, in 1837, on Section 13; Amos Bailey, in 1837, on Section 11; Jonathan Ward, in 1837, on Section 13; William Bell, in 1837, on Sec tion 16; moved to Elkhorn, then to Kansas, where he died some years ago; D. C. Porter, fall of 1837, on Section 24, still living; C. L. Douglass, in 1837, first on Section 26, now living on Section 15; Drs. H. Clark and L. N. Wood, in 1837-38, both settled on Section 23, first physi cians in the town, and among the earliest in the county; both deceased; their widows living; Matthias Mohr, in 1837, bought a part of Van Slyke's claim on Section 14; still living in the town; John Cummings and John Cummings, Sr., in as early as 1838; Joseph Bailey, in 1838, on Section 21, died in the town many years ago; Bartholomew, in 1838, on Section 14, moved to Iowa, where he died; Jonathan Fish, in 1838, on Section 33, died in Walworth in 1881; Jesse Bowman, in 1838 or 1839, on Section 18, deceased; place now owned by G. W . Webber; Thomas Waddle, in 1838, section not certain— probably 18 ; moved to Illinois early; David Davids, in 1839, Section 27, now living in Baraboo, Wis. ; William Reed in 1838, on Section 14, deceased; son still lives on the old place; Elder P. W. Lake, in 1838 or 1839, on Section 34, died some years since; Mrs. Lake still lives on the place, at the advanced age of ninety years; Beardsley Lake, their son, lives in Harvard, 111. ; Lucius Smith, m 1840 on Sec tion 28, now lives in Sharon; Newell Crooks came in with the Douglass family in 1838; mar ried one of the daughters; settled on Section 15; now living in California; Sylvester Hawver, now in California, came in 1838 or 1839; Thadeus Smith, an unmarried man, came m 1838; Henry W Stevens, in 1839 or 1840, on Section 28, now in Colorado; William Rumsey, in 1837, on Section 30, now in Iowa; Mills Church, in 1838, on Section 28, now in Missouri The very full biographical sketches of present residents of the town, many of whom are the descendants of early settlers, will supplement any omissions in the above list, which is as full as could be obtained. 794 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. FIRST OCCURRENCES AND THINGS. The cultivation of the land began in earne.st as soon as the frost was out in the spring of 1837. James Van Slyke did the first plowing. He had broken that season 100 acres. In the early summer, Collins Wadhams broke 500 acres for five settlers on the prairie. The furrows were two and one -half miles long. Clara Anna Bell, daughter of William and Susao Bell, was born July 8, 1837. She was the first white child born in the town. The first white boy born was Henry Godfrey, in the summer or fall of 1837. The first death was that of a child of Amo-; Bailey, in the summer or fall of 1837. Mrs. Joy, from Massachusetts, died in the winter of 1838. Mrs. Cummings, mother of Mrs. Van Slyke, died about the same time. There was at the time no minister in the town, and the sad but friendly funeral services were performed by the neighbors. Mr. William Bell related that this was the first burial he attended in the town. There is a tinge of deeper melancholy than • usual in his simple recital. He writes: "Mr. Reader and myself were digging her grave, about forty rods from the house, when I was informed that they wanted me to officiate as min ister. I left Mr. Reader to finish the grave and went to the house, which I found filled with friends. I was furnished with papers containing some sermons, and a hymn book, from which I selected a sermon and hymns appropriate to the occasion. The singing was excellent, Mr. James Maxwell being the leader. The sermon was also pronounced very appropriate." The first religious meetings were held at the house of James A. Maxwell, by Elder P. W. Lake. The first church was organized by Elder Henry Topping, in the spring of 1844. The first schoolhouse was built in 1839, and the first school district organized in the fall of 1840. Dr. L. N. Wood, James A. Maxwell and Beardsley Lake were the Trustees. Mrs. Moses Williams was the first teacher. The school numbered five scholars. The first marriage was that of Robert Russell to Miss Hannah Williams. The ceremony was performed by Israel Williams, Esq. The first post office was established in 1839, and William Bell appointed Postmaster. The mails came in on the south road from Geneva twice each week. Present Postmaster, A. H. Hitchcock. The first log house was built on Big Foot Prairie, by Thomas Godfrey, in June, 1837. Israel Williams, Jr., was the first Justice of the Peace. The first frame house was built by James Maxwell in 1839. Dr. L. N. Wood was the pioneer physician in the county. WAR RECORD.. The war record of Walworth is inseparable from and so interwoven with that of the other towns of the county as to render it well-nigh impossible to separate it. For personal accounts of her soldiery, the reader is referred to the war history of the county at large. The full quota of the town was eighty-five. She furnished ninety-^-a larger percentage of excess than any town in the county except Elkhorn. Of the number furnished, seventy-six were volunteers. The population of the town, by the Federal census of 1880, was 'l,27N. The number of bushels of grain raised in 1880 was: Wheat, 10,794: corn, 114,000; oats, 50,000; barley, 10,500; rye, 7,800; there was also raised 10,000 bushels of potatoes, 11,000 bushels of apples, 2,500 bushels timothy seed and 2,600 tons of hay; the dairy products were 05,000 pounds of butter and 109,000 pounds of cheese. In 1881, the number of acres sown to grain was 5,743: there were 259 acres of apple or chard, having 7,350 fruit-bearing trees; 3,410 acres of mowing and pasturage, and 2,226 acres of growing timber; the numberof milch cows was 859, valued at $19,323. There were, in 1881, eight schoolhouses. valued at * 1,720. The number of scholars enrolled between the ages of four and twenty years was 3S0, of which number 282 attended school. Eight teachers were em ployed, at average monthly wages of $28.28 for male and 822.25 for female teachers. The an nual amount expended for schools is nearly $2,400. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 795 There are no villages in the town except at the post office at what was formerly known as Douglass Corners, now known as Walworth. Here is the most considerable hamlet in the town. A post office, a good schoolhouse, a church, two general stores, a shoe store, a cheese factory, two blacksmith shops, together with several neat dwellings, make up the little village. The church is that of the Seventh-Day Baptists, That denomination is numerically the strongest in the town, and embraces among its members many of the reliable, intelligent and exemplary citizens. This church was organized at the house of Dr. Henry Clarke, December, 1845, with seven constituent members, viz. : Deacon Alfred Maxson, John R. Maxson, N. L. Bassett, William Davids, Charles W. Dowse, Mrs. Harriet E. Coon, Mrs. Hannah M. Coon. The present membership is 170. The congregation that attends worship numbers about two hundred and fifty. The following persons have served the church as preacher and pastor since its organization: Elder Stillman Coon, Elder Daniel Babcock, Elder O. P. Hull, Elder Varnum Hull, Elder William M. Jones, Elder Charles M. Lewis, Elder James Bailey, Elder Solomon Carpenter, Elder L. M. Cottrell, L. E. Livermore, O. M. Whitford. The meetings, both religious and business, were held in the cobble-stone schoolhouse in the eastern part of the town of Walworth till April, 1855, when they were held alternately in said schoolhouse and at the schoolhouse in the village of Walworth. In 1857, Big Foot Academy was finished, and an academic school opened therein in Decem ber of that year. The meetings were then held in the academy until the completion of the new meeting-house. The new church edifice was finished and dedicated in March, 1874. The build ing is gothic in style, has a fine basement room for the Sabbath school and business meetings, and has one of the finest audience rooms above probably to be found in the county. The edifice, with its upholstering and furnishings, cost $6,000, and there is no debt upon it. There are seven churches of like faith in this State, and three of them have large member ships. We do not differ from other evangelical churches in our tenets, except on the day of the Sabbath; the only difference between us and the Baptist denomination of our country is upon the Sabbath. We keep Saturday, the seventh day of the week; we believe it to be the Bible Sabbath; that the Fourth Commandment is still binding upon all; that it has never been changed. Their creed is as follows: " We believe that the New Testament teaches us that Christ and His apostles obseiwed the seventh day of the week, and hence we have the authority of the Fourth Commandment and the example of Christ- and His apostles for keeping the seventh day. The change from the seventh day to Sunday observance was made, as we hold, by the church and state, under the rale of Emperor Constantine, A. D. 321, without any divine authority. We give these statements, not as an argument, but as reasons for our being a separate denomination and called the Seventh- Day Baptists. We are called Jews by many, but we are neither Jews in descent norm religion, but are as evangelical as the most evangelic church in our land." ,.,000 a tt ttj. v The post office is the only one in the town, and was first established in 18d9. A. M. Hitch cock is the present Postmaster. . 1 _ . . There is also a flourishing Baptist Church in the town. It was organized as early as 1844, by Rev. Henry Topping. The church edifice is of brick, and is located on Section 18. lne present pastor is Rev. Adams. Fontana is the name of one of the delightful summer resorts at the head of Lake Geneva, now owned by Messrs. Montague & Porter. It is being improved by the proprietors from year to year, and is destined to be the nucleus of a large summer population at no distant day. lhe name is historic. The grounds on Section 14 embrace the site of the old Indian village, and was the first land taken by white men in the town. It was part of the old Van Slyke claim, and was purchased as early as 1838, of Van Slyke, by Matthias Mohr Amos Bailey and Dr. Henry Clark, who platted thereon an embryo village, which they named Fontana. It never existed except in the sanguine imaginations of its projectors. It is not unlikely that, after a lapse of forty years, it may yet become what it was planned to be when named so long ago. 796 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Big Foot Mills, the only mills in the town, are located on a small creek on Section 15, which gives a reliable water-power. They are owned by Mr. C. L. Douglass. There was first built there a saw-mill in 1845, by Richard Mongtague; in 1858, Mr. C. L. Douglass erected a grist-mill on the same privilege, which he has owned and run ever since. He has all the mod ern improvements, including rollers and other machinery for doing the best merchant work. It is run constantly, and the flour ranks with the best spring wheat manufactured. The old mill is now used as a feed-mill and saw-mill. There are here also two stores and one blacksmith shop. The trout hatchery and pond of N. K. Fairbanks is near by on the same section. CORPORATE HISTORT. The first town meeting held in Walworth after its limits were as now established was held at the schoolhouse near John Bowman's, on Big Foot Prairie, Tuesday, April 4, 1843. Sixty dollars was raised for contingent expenses; $20 for the poor; $100 for schools; and a special tax for the relief of poor citizens, named in the records, amounting to $30.75. The officers elected were: Supervisors, George H. Loun, Chairman; Darius B. Mason, Amos Bailey; Clerk, James M. Clark; Treasurer, Joseph Bailey; School Commissioners, Christopher Douglass, Amos D. Johns, Henry Clark; Commissioners of Highways, John Reader, Jabez H. Smith, Curtis H. Eaton; Assessor, William Bell; Collector, Cyrus Church; Constables, Lucius W. Smith, Cyrus Church, Levi Lake; Moderator, Phipps W. Lake. ROSTER OF TOWN OFFICERS. The roster of town officers from 1844 to 1881, inclusive, is as follows: 1844 — Supervisors, James A. Maxwell, Chairman; William Ramsey, Amos D. Johns; Clerk, James M. Clalk; Treasurer, Elijah Church. 1845 — Supervisors, Philip W. Mink, Chairman; Jonathan Fish (a tie vote prevented the election of the third member of the board); Clerk, James M Clark; Treasurer, E. Church. 1846 — Supervisors, James M. Clark, Chairman; Curtis H Eaton, John Reader; Clerk, Robert S. Dunn; Treasurer, E. Church. 1847 — Supervisors, Beardsley Lake, Chairman; David Ottman, Cyrus Church; Clerk, Jere miah Pollard; Treasurer, E. Church. 1848 — Supervisors, A. Coleman, Chairman; Dorick C. Porter, Christopher Douglass; Clerk, A. H. Holly; Treasurer, Elijah Church. 1849 — Supervisors, Beardsley Lake, Chairman; Philip W. Mink, ; Clerk, Seth Doolittle; Treasurer, Cyrus Church. 1850 — Supervisors, David Coon, Chairman; Amos D. Johns, P. W. Mink; Clerk, S. Doolittle; Treasurer, Cyrus Church. 1851 — Supervisors, David Coon, Chairman; C. W. Huff, J. C. Crumb; Clerk, S. Doolittle; Treasurer, C. H. Conant. 1852 — Supervisors, D. C. Porter, Chairman; Moses R. Cheeney, John Reader; Clerk, David Coon, Jr. ; Treasurer, C. H. Conant. 1853 — Supervisors, David Coon, Jr., Chairman; Benjamin Clark, D. C. Porter; Clerk, S. Doolittle; Treasurer, C. H. Conant. 1854 — Supervisors, David Coon, Jr., Chairman; Benjamin Clark, Riah Bailey; Clerk, H. W. Randolphe; Treasurer, C. H. Conant. 1855 — Supervisors, Amos Bailey, Chairman; C. H. Elon, Benjamin Clark; Clerk, H. M. Coon; Treasurer, William H. Redfield. 1856— Supervisors, Elijah Eaton, Chairman; E. L. Gilbert, C. L.Douglass; Clerk, H. M. Coon; Treasurer, J. N. Lanphre. 1857— Supervisors, Elijah Eaton, Chairman; E. L. Gilbert, H. W. Randolph ; Clerk, H. M. Coon; Treasurer, J. N. Lanphre. 1858— Supervisors, E. L. Gilbert, Chairman; B. Lake, G. G. Green; Clerk. H. M. Coon; Treasurer, Orrin Coon. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 797^ 1859— Supervisors, E. L. Gilbert, Chairman; B. Lake, D. C. Porter; Clerk H M Coon- Treasurer, Orrin Coon. 1860— Supervisors, S. H. Moody, Chairman; B. Clark, Joseph Rector; Clerk H. M Coon- Treasurer, Orrin Coon. 1861— Supervisors, David Coon, Chairman; Joseph Rector, C. L. Douglass; Clerk H M Coon; Treasurer, Orrio Coon. 1862— Supervisors, Henry Hall, Chairman; Barnabas Ball, William B. Maxon; Clerk H M. Coon; Treasurer, Henry Ferve. 1863— Supervisors, B. Lake, Chairman; F. W. Maxon, Stephen Mink; Clerk, H. M Coon- Treasurer, D. P. C. Carney. 1864— Supervisors, B. Lake, Chairman; Mark F. Pierce, Stephen Mink; Clerk William B. Maxon; Treasurer, A. D. Crumb. 1865— Supervisors, C. L. Douglass, Chairman; Mark F. Pierce, Joseph Rector; Clerk Nathan J. Read; Treasurer, A. D. Crumb. 1866— Supervisors, C. L. Douglass, Chairman; Joseph Rector, M. F. Pierce; Clerk N. J Read; Treasure?, W. B. Maxon. 1867^Supervisors, C. L. Douglass, Chairman; C. W. Clark, Lina Cotton ; Clerk, H. M. Coon; Treasurer, A. H. Hitchcock. 1868— Supervisors, C. L. Douglass, Chairman; Cyrus Church, A. Colburn; Clerk, Amos H. Hitchcock; Treasurer, Harrison Davis. 1869— Supervisors, C. L. Douglass, Chairman; C. R. Clark, P. W. Scott; Clerk, A. H. Hitchcock; Treasurer, H. Davis. 1870— Supervisors, C. L. Douglass, CLairman; E. B. Swinney, S. C. Burdick; Clerk, A. H. Hitchcock; Treasurer, Henry Marriott. 1871— Supervisors, C. L. Douglass, Chairman; E. B. Swinney, P. A. Bowen; Clerk, A. H. Hitchcock; Treasurer, C. H. Burdick. 1872— Supervisors, C. L. Douglass, Chairman ; E. B. Swinney, J. D. Clark ; Clerk, A. H. Hitchcock; Treasurer, Mark Ayars. 1873 — Supervisors, E. B. Swinney, Chairman; A. D. Johns, Mahon Colburn; Clerk, A. H. Hitchcock; Treasurer, H. Marriott. 1874 — Supervisors, C. L. Douglass, Chairman; H. M. Coon, P. A. Bowen; Clerk, A. H. Hitchcock; Treasurer, A. D. Truax. . 1875-— Supervisors, C. L. Douglass, Chairman; David Coon, L. B. Ripley; Clerk, A. H. Hitchcock; Treasurer, George McKesson. 1876— Supervisors, A. H. Hitchcock, Chairman; R. S. Trumbull, G. W. Webber ; Clerk, G. N. Coon; Treasurer, E. L. Church. 1877 — Supervisors, C. L. Douglass, Chairman; M. F. Pierce, Lina Cotton; Clerk, J. E. Van Schaick; Treasurer, Frank Wright. 1878 —Supervisors, C. L. Douglass, Chairman; H. R. Whiteley, Edwin J. Sherburne; Clerk, A. H. Hitchcock; Treasurer, Mahlon Colburne. 1879 — Supervisors, Edgar Maxon, Chairman; Mark F. Pierce, Russell S. Trumbull; Clerk, A. H. Hitchcock; Treasurer, M. Colburn. 1880 — -Supervisors, Lina Cotton, Chairman ; M. F. Pierce, J. C. McKesson ; Clerk, A. H. Hitchcock; Treasurer, J. E. Van Schaick 1881 — Supervisors, C. L Douglass, Chairman; S. E. Parker, H, Francis; Clerk, A. H. Hitchcock; Treasurer, Delaney Peck. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. REV. SPENCER G. ADAMS, pastor of the Baptist Church of Walworth. Mr. Adams was born in Ohio in 1844; he received his literary education at Denison University, Licking Co., and took his theolog ical course at the " Baptist Union Theological Seminary," at Morgan Park, Chicago ; he officiated as student pastor of the Baptist Church at Thompsonville, Racine Co., for a time; he assumed pastoral charge of his present church May, 1877. Mr. Adams was married to Nancy Alice Williams, daughter of John Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have five children. 798 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. ELI AYERS, farmer, Sec. 20 and 21 ; P. 0. Walworth. Mr. Ayers was born in Salem Co., N. J., in 1822 ; he was brought up in Cumberland Co. ; he was married to Anna Elizabeth Swinney. Mr. Ayers and his father-in-law came to the town of Walworth in the spring of 1852, and purchased of Mr. A. Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Ayers have two children— Arthur L. (who married Miss L. Russell), and Julia (wife of Mr. Truman A. Saunders). Mr. and Mrs. Saunders have one son, Arthur B. REV. ALBERT R. BALDWIN, Baptist minister ; Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Walworth; he is a native of the town of Orange, Essex Co., N. J., where he was born in 1814 ; he lived in New Jersey until 24 years of age ; he went to Ohio in 1838. In 1840, he entered Granville College, in that State, where he graduated in 1844 ; he then entered Newton Theological Seminary, in Massachusetts, where he graduated m 1847. After the completion of his course there, he preached at Calais, Me., for a few months, thence to North Wrenthan, where he was pastor of a church for one year, thence to Haddam, Conn., for two years, then to Winchendon, Mass., for about fouryears. Owing to failing health, he gave up preaching in 1857, came West, and settled on the farm where he now lives. From the spring of 1863, to the fall of 1866, he was pastor of the Walworth Baptist Church ; since that time he has only preached by supply. In Decem ber, 1873, Elder Baldwin met with an accident, which at a time threatened to deprive him for a time of the sense of sight, in fact for a time he lost the sight of both eyes, but the sight of one was finally restored. He was married to Sarah H. Rhoades, born in Boston, Mass. ; she has been dead several years. Elder Baldwin has but one child— Albert R., born February, 1859; he lost a daughter. Albert was married to Carrie Ryer, born in Canada. She removed from Canada to Michigan when she was a child, thence to Illinois, and afterward to the town of Sharon, where her parents now live. They have one child — Albert R. (born Aug. 16, 1881). HIRAM S. BELL, farmer, Sec. 21 ; P. O. Walworth ; son of William and Sarah Bell. His father was born in Berne, Albany Co. N. Y., in 1806, and his mother at Rensselaerville, N. Y ; the former was born in 1810 ; they came to Walworth Co. from the State of New York, in 1837, and settled on Sec. 17. The parents of Mr. Bell lived on Sec. 17 till 1865, when they removed to Elkhorn ; they afterward returned and removed to Lawrence, Kan., where his father died in 1876 ; his mother still lives at Lawrence. The parents of Mr. Bell had thirteen children, six of whom are living — Hiram S. is the only member of his father's family still residing in Walworth Co. ; three of the children live in Kansas, one in Iowa, and one in Michigan. Hiram S. was born in the town of Walworth, within one-half mile of where he now lives, in 1844 ; he has always been a resident of Walworth Co. ; he went to Elkhorn, where he resided ten years ; settled where he now lives in 1877 ; bought his farm of Joseph Bailey. He was married to Luceila C. Bailey, daughter of Joseph Bailey, in 1869 ; she was born on the farm where she now lives in 1847. They have one son, Clifford W., born in September, 1873. Mr. Joseph Bailey died on this place in 1873. The mother of Mrs. Bell resides at Elton, Walworth Co. MR. WILLIAM BELL was born in Be'rne, in 1806, Albany Co., N. Y. He received a good com mon-school education, and in his early manhood was several years a teacher. In 1828, he moved to Albany, where he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he* worked for eight years. In 1829, he married Miss Sarah Mosier, and in 1837, they moved to the then Territory of Wisconsin, making their home in Wal worth Co. He took an active part in all the interests of town and State, being the first Justice of the Peace (which office he held for sixteen years), the first Postmaster for fourteen years, and the first County Assessor. In 1847, he was a member of the convention which formed the State Constitution. He was a man of marked character, firm and earnest in his opinions, a zealous lover of liberty, and an independent thinker both in regard to religion and politics. During the war he was loyal and patriotic ; two sons fell in the Union cause. In 1870, he moved to Lawrence; since he has been here he has been particularly interested in raising fruit. He was a member of the Horticultural Society, in the meetings of which he was interested, and often took an active part. Three years ago, he had a severe sickness, from which it was not thought he could recover. He was not afraid to die; but earnestly expressed a desire to live his three score and ten years, and especially to see the Centennial year. His wish was gratified ; his seventy years were completed, the grand national exposition was drawing to its close, when disease laid its fatal hand upon him ; from the first he did not think that he should recover, and talked with his family calmly and hopeful of the future. After a distressing sickness of a little less than five weeks, he passed away, Wednesday morning, Nov. 8. He leaves a wife and seven children to mourn his death. Mr. Bell died in Kansas. ORSON B1LYEA, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. O. Walworth ; was born in the town of Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1837, where he was brought up; he was married to Fannie Litts, born in the town of Richland, Oswego Co., N. Y.; he came with his family to Walworth Co. in June, 1865, and purchased his farm of Lorenzo Maxon. They have one son — Clarence E., born October, 1864. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 799 JOHN BONHAM, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Walton ; he was born in New Jersey, in 1835, where he was brought up; he enlisted during the rebellion in the 12th N. J. V. I; he served in the army twelve months, when he was discharged for disability. He came to Walworth Co., October, 1867, aDd has been a resident of the town of Walworth since that time, except three years that he ived in the town of Sharon ; his wife was Miss Mary West, born in New Jersey ; he purchased the firm which he now owns of Mr. Phineas Bowen ; his farm contains 80 acres. MRS. SARAH A. BONHAM, Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Walworth ; she is the widow of Daniel Bonham, her maiden name was Sarah Bowen, daughter of John and Anna Bowen; she was born in the State of New Jersey; married to Daniel Bonham in 1844, Mr. Bonham was also born in New Jersey. They came to Walworth Co. in 1866, and settled where Mrs. Bonham now lives, purchasing the farm of Mr. Rouse; it was first settled by Mr. William Bell. Mr. Bonham died in August, 1875. Mrs. Bonham has four children — Ellen, William, Frank and Charles ; Ellen was born in New Jersey in 1846; William was born in 1851, Frank in 1863, and Charles in 1868. Mrs. Bonham's farm formerly contained 137 acres, now contains 120 acres. DANIEL BROOKS, farmer, Sec. 32; P. 0. Walworth; Mr. Brooks was born in New Jersey, in 1828, where he was brought up; he came to Walworth Co. in March, 1869 ; he purchased his present farm in 1875; he haB 80 acres. He has been married twice; his present wife was Rebecca Chard, born in New Jersey ; he has two children by his first wife, and has had two by present mar riage, one of whom is living — Myrta V. CYRUS CHURCH, farmer, Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Walworth ; he was born in the town of Granby Hartford, Co., Conn., in 1817 ; when he was 4 years of age, he removed with his parents to Broome Co. N. Y., and to Loraine Co., Ohio, when 16 years old, and afterward removed to Trumbull Co. in that State. He is numbered with the very earliest settlers of the town of Walworth and of Walworth Co. ; he came here in February, 1 837 ; at that time there were but two families in the town of Walworth — those of Mr. James Van Slyke and Jacob G. Sanders. He bought the claim of his present farm of Mr. John Sloan, in the fall of 1838, and it has been his home ever since. He has been married twice; his first wife was Miss Emeline Russell, born in Ohio ; she died Jan. 31, 1853 ; his present wife was Mary Boorman, born in England; he had six children by first marriage, five of whom are living — Adelia V., Leonard O, Hiram E., Eugene L. and David B. ; he has three chil dren by present wife — Howard M., Henry S. and Minnie S. He has witnessed the growth of Wal worth Co. from a wild and uninhabited country to its present standing ; he is among the most wealthy and progressive in the State of Wisconsin ; he has done his share to this great work ; he owns a farm of 200 acres of the beautiful prairie land of the town of Walworth ; ne is successful farmer, has a pleasant, home and a competency. Mr. and Mrs. Church are prominent members of the Bap tist Church of Walworth. 0. P. CLARKE, farmer, Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Walworth; he is the son of Dr. Henry Clarke, who with Dr. Wood were the earliest physicians of the town of Walworth ; they were both prominent physicians, and educated men, and very successful. They both served "as members of the Legislature, practiced medicine in company for many years ; both reared large families, and both became wealthy. No representative of the family of Dr. Wood resides in the county at this time; several of his sons have risen to distinction. Dr. Clarke settled on Sec. 16 in 1839, where he resided until his death. His wife was Lorinda Coon ; born in the State of New York. They have twelve children, eleven of whom are living. 0. P. Clarke was born on the homestead in 1841 ; he was a member of the 13th W. V. I. during the rebellion, mar ried Lucinda Hulbert, daughter of Silas H.; they have four children— Helen, Edna, Charles and Milton. WILLIAM 0. CLARKE, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Walworth ; son of Ephraim and Angeline L. Clarke. His father was born in Rhode Island, married in Madison Co., N. Y., and came to Walworth Co. in the spring of 1857, and settled on Sec. 15, town of Walworth ; he went to Pike's Peak in 1869, and died at Denver on his return the following year. Mrs. Clark purchased and settled on her present farm in 1869, and was bought of Henry Ernest ; the original owner of the farm was Dr. Wood ; has had seven children, six of whom are living— Helen, now Mrs. Elston Dunn; Frank B., Finnette, now Mrs. W. Clarke ; Almeron; Jennie, now Mrs. E. Hyde; and William O, who was born in Alleghany Co., N. Y., and resides at the homestead. . LEONARD C. CHURCH, farmer, son of Cyrus Church ; he was born at the homestead, in the town of Walworth, January, 1846 ; married Miss Adeline, daughter of D. C. Porter, Esq. Mr. Church resides at the homestead of his father-in-law, on Sec. 24, where Mrs. Church was born in 1848 ; they have three children— Wells D., Nannie J. and Grace. Mr. Church was a member of the 3d W. V. C, during the war of the rebellion, serving three years. 800 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. DAVID COON, farmer, Sec. 28; P. 0. Walworth; Mr. Coon was born in Rhode Island in 1810; his parents removed to Brookfield, Madison Co., N. Y., when he was a child, where ha was brought up ; then removed to Jefferson Co., where he lived till 1846, when he came to Walworth Co. and settled in the town of Walworth, where he has since lived. His wife was Miss Hannah M. Clark ; she was born in the town of Brookfield, Madison Co., in 1812; his father, David Coon, came to the town of Walworth in 1852, and died in 1858 ; his mother died in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Coon have two children— Louisa A., vife of William R. Bonham, and Lucy J., now Mrs. Marcus G. Godfrey. HARLOW M. COON, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. O. Walworth ; he was born in Otsego Co. N. Y., in 1819, where he was brought up. He came to the town of Walworth in June, 1843, and purchased a farm on Sec. 25 ; he lived where he first settled ten or twelve years, when he removed to Douglas Corners and en gaged in the mercantile trade, in the name of Coon & Crumb. They bought the business of Mr. Warren Mack ; Messrs. Coon & Crumb were together in business about three years, after which Mr. Coon continued ihe business for some time. He built the store now owned by Nathan J. Reed ; he bought the farm which he now owns in 1856 ; it was altogether unimproved when he purchased the farm. His wife was formerly Miss Harriet Crumb. They have three children — Phebe S., Eva H, and Irving H. JOHN M. CRAMER, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Sharon ; bcrn in Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1823, where he lived till 9 years of age, when he removed with bis parents to Tompkins Co., where he lived till 22 years of age. He made a claim of "the farm where he now lives in June, 1845. He returned to the State of New York, but returned in the fall of 1846, and settled permanently on his place, which has since been his home. He first purchased 640 acres, one-half of Sees. 32 and 33. He now owns over 300 acres. His parents, William and Jane Cramer came to the town of Walworth five years later, and located on Sec. 32, where they resided till their death. His wife was Emily J. Mulford, daughter of Dr. Ezra Mulford ; she died in May, 1880. Mr. Cramer has four children — William, Mulford, John and Freddie. The parents of Mr. Cramer had seven children, four of whom are living — John M., George E. (at Delavan), Philip D. (in Iowa), and Henry A. (at same place). CHARLES W. CRANDALL, painter and grainer, Walworth, son of Welcome B. Crandall, who was born in Brookfield, Madison Co., N. Y. Married Emily Dowse, and came to Walworth Co. and set tled in the town of Walworth in 1855. Mr. W. Crandall had five sons, four of whom are living — Ros well, Charles W., William and Paul, all of whom are residents of the town of Walworth, but William ; John was a member of the 13th W. V. I., and died at Columbus, Ky.; Charles W. enlisted in the 22d W. V. I., and served one year, when he was discharged for disability ; Paul was a member of the 40th W. V. I. ; Charles W. was born in 1833 ; he has followed the business of painting constantly since 1867; also for several years previous to that time. He married Frances Dennison, born in the State of New York. They have two children — Hattie and Fannie. C. L. DOUGLAS, proprietor of Big Foot Mills, near the head of Geneva Lake, son of Christopher Douglas, one of the earliest settlers of the town of Walworth. His father was born in the State of Con necticut, and removed thence to the State of New York, thence to Michigan and Illinois, and came to the town of Walworth in 1837. He was engaged in the extensive breaking, in 1837, on Big Foot Prairie. He entered the farm now owned by Mr. Merwin on Sec. 28. This farm he afterward sold to Mr. Will iams, and settled on the Joseph Crumb farm. This farm he purchased at the land sale. He removed to the present village of Walworth in 1842, where he kept hotel for several years. He settled at the head of the lake in 1857, where he died in 1866. The parents of Mr. C. L. Douglas had ten children, four sons and six daughters, three sons and four daughters still living. He was born in the State of New York inl827 ; came to Wisconsin with his parents ; he built his present mill in 1857, which he repaired very fully in 1881, introducing the latest and most approved machinery. He also owns and conducts a farm of 360 acres. His wife was Margaret, daughter of Arthur Stewart, an early settler of Rock Co. They have three children — Carlos, Horace G. and Lewis C. An older brother, Oscar H. Douglas, residing on Sec. 15, came to the town of Walworth the same year. He was born in Orange Co., Vt., in 1810. Married Sarah D. Goff. They have one son — Oscar W. CYRUS E. FEROW, farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. O. Delavan ; was born in the town of Redhook, Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1835 ; his parents were Henry and Leah Ferow. They afterward removed to Onon daga Co. He came to Walworth Co. with his parents in June, 1843. His father settled on Sec. 5, on farm now owned by David Phelps. He died in this town Aug. 20, 1869. He was born in 1802. The mother of Mr. Ferow was born in 1807, and resides with her son, who settled on his present farm in March, 1860. His wife was Eliza A., daughter of Elias Clark. She died Dec. 12, 1875. He has two children — Emma B. and Jennie M. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 801 ELMER C. FRENCH, farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Walworth; he was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1835 ; he went to Green Co., Wis., in 1865 ; he bought the farm where he now resides of Mr. 0. W.' Horton in February, 1875. His farm contains 160 acres. It is a fine farm, and his improvements are among the best in the town of Walworth. The cost of his buildings alone were about $3,500 — $1,300 of which he has expended since be purchased the farm. His wife was Miss Nancy Cameron. His father came with him to Wisconsin, and now lives with his son. ROBERT GODFREY, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. O. Walworth; son of Thomas Godfrey, who was born in England in 1809. He was married in England. He emigrated from Kent Co., England, to New York, and lost his wife about the time of his arrival in this country. She died while the vessel in which he crossed the ocean lay in quarantine in the harbor of New York. He resided in the State of New York for a few years, and came to Walworth Co. in June, 1837, and settled on Sec. 19, in the town of Walworth. He was married again in the State of New York to Mrs. Elizabeth (West) Highland ; he resided on Sec. 19 till his death, which occurred in August, 1878 ; his wife died January, 1881. Mr. Thomas Godfrey had eight children, four of whom are living — Henry, Robert and Elizabeth (twins), and Charles. The homestead farm is divided between Robert and Charles. The former was born cn the homestead in 1845 ; he owns the west 80 acres of the homestead ; he was married to Miss Anna L. Woods, a daughter of John Woods ; she was born in England, in 1847 ; they have two children — Robert W. and Caroline E. Charles Godfrey was born in 1849 ; he married Ann Eliza Merenes, daughter of Ira Merenes ; they have three children — Clayton, Elsie and Nellie. Elisabeth married Mr. John Law- son; they have four children — Frank, Mary, Caroline and Ruby. JAMES HARRINGTON is a native of the State of New York, and was born in 1810. He was elected to the Second Constitutional Convention, residing at the time in Elkhorn. Mr. Harrington removed to St. Paul, Minn., and died there in 1853. AMOS H. HITCHCOCK, Jr., Postmaster of Walworth. Amos H. Hitchcock, Sr., was born in Hartford, Conn., and removed to Rochester, N. Y. After he was married, he came to Walworth, Wal worth Co., with*his family, in 1851, and settled on Sec. 16, and engaged in farming. He was a carpenter and builder by trade, and worked at carpentry in connection with farming. He now lives in Iowa. Amos H. Hitchcock, Jr., was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1838. He came to Wisconsin with his par ents. He prepared for teaching at the academy at Walworth, and began teaching before the war. He en listed Aug. 31, 1861, in the 10th W. V. I., Company A, and served until November, 1864. His regi ment belonged to the Central Department ; he participated in several battles, and was severely wounded in the hand at the hard-fought battle of Perryville. He then went to the hospital, and during the remainder of his term of enlistment acted as Commissary Sergeant. After the war, he again engaged in teaching and farming. He has held several township offices; fie was Assessor in 1866, and Treasurer in 1867; he has been Town Clerk since 1868, except two years ; was Chairman of the Board in 1876, and has been Postmaster since 1868. His wife was Miss Maria Brown, daughter of William Brown, formerly of Scho harie Co., N. Y. Mrs. Hitchcock was born in the town of Walworth. They have four children — Loretta, Lavenia, Amos and Maria. JONATHAN B. HOLMES, Sec. 31, P. O. Sharon. He was born in Cumberland Co., N. J., in 1833; when 13 years of age, he removed to Wilmington, Del, where he attended school for a time; he then went to Philadelphia and engaged as clerk in a wholesale dry goods house; in 1852, he went to Madison, Ind., where he had charge of a dry goods store; thence to Cincin nati, Ohio, where he was engaged with William E. Lee & Co. On the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in the 6th Ohio V. I. for three months, and, after this, re-enlisted; he participated in the battle of Rich Mountain, and was present at the death of Gen. Gurnet; thence to the State of Kentucky; spent the winter of 1861-62 at Camp Wickliffe under Gen. Nelson, then was ordered to the support of Gen. Grant at Ft. Donelson, but arrived too late to participate in that battle; Feb. 1.6, 1865, he embarked on the Diana, Gen. Nelson's flag-ship, for Nashville; the 6th Ohio had the honor of raising their colors over the capitol building of that city, in which Mr. Holmes, then an Orderly Sergeant, bore a conspicuous part; he partici pated in many important battles of the war, including Shiloh and Stone River; was taken pris oner at the battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 19, 1863, and was sent to Libby Prison, Richmond; was paroled in the following March, and soon afterward exchanged; he was then on the detached duty for some time; he was ordered to Camp Chase, where he officiated as Quartermaster to the detachment of paroled prisoners, which he afterward accompanied to the front for exchange; he was mustered out of service June 26, 1864; he enlisted as a private, and was mustered out of > I 802 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. service as First Lieutenant. After his return' from the army, he engaged in the furnishing business at Cincinnati, with Mitchell & Renmelsborg, until 1868, when he went to Philadelphia and engaged in the manufacturing business. He was married to Mrs. Kate H. Downs, of Philadelphia; settled where he now lives in 1879. MENZO HONE, farmer, Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Walworth. Mr. Hone was born in the town of Sharon, Schoharie Co., N. Y., March, 1824 ; his grandfather Hone was one of the early settlers of that county, his father, Harmonius Hone, having also been born there. Mr. Hone came to Walworth Co. with his parents when in his 19th year ; his father settled on Sec. 9, town of Walworth, where he died in May, 1845 ; his mother, Maria Hone, died July 20, 1880. Mr. Menzo Hone made his first settlement in 1845, on Sec. 9, the farm now owned by J. Maxon, where he lived nine years ; he then removed to Turtle Prairie, town of Darien, where he lived one year. In 1854, he removed to the town of Albany, Green Co., where he lived fourteen years ; he bought his present farm in 1868, of Mr. B. D. Cramer. Mr Hone was married to Margaret, daughter of Jacob Deremer, who came to Walworth Co. from Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 1843 ; Mr. and Mrs. Hone have four children — Ann E., now Mrs. David Hilton ; Alvina, wife of Larmer Odell ; Adelbert and Cleora, now Mrs. Henry Davis. Mr. Hone's farm contains ninety acres ; Mr. and Mrs. Hone are members of the Baptist Church at Walworth. THOMAS J. LLOYD, farmer, Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Delavan ; son of Thomas and Ann Lloyd, natives of England, where they were married in 1832 ; emigrated to Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1842 ; came to Wal worth Co. in 1849, where he still resides ; his wife died August, 1881 ; Mr. Lloyd, Sr., has five chil dren — Thomas J., was born in Radnorshire, in 1838 ; came to Walworth Co. with parents; married Martha C. Boorman, daughter of John and Mary Boorman, from County Kent, England ; he purchased his present farm, January, 1880. They have three children — Chester C, Laura L. and Mary L. ; lost one daughter. His farm contains 170 acres. REBECCA LAKE, Sec. 34; P. 0. Big Foot Prairie, McHenry Co., 111. Mrs. Lake is the widow of Phipps W. Lake ; her maiden name was Rebecca Beardsley ; she was born in the town of Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., May 6, 1792, and is consequently now (1882) in her 90th year ; she was married Jan. 1, 1812, to P. W. Lake, who was born in Hoosic, Conn., May 1, 1789. Mr. and Mrs. L. first settled in the town of Plainfield, Otsego Co.. N. Y., and afterward removed to the town of Virgil, Cortland Co., and thence to Montgomery Co. They came to Walworth Co. in 1839 ; he purchased 640 acres in Sees. 34 and 35, in the town of Walworth where he resided until his death, which occurred Aug. 17, 1860. He was a minister of the Baptist Church, in which connection he preached for thirty-eight years ; his memory is held in the highest respect for his many excellent qualities and Christian virtues. Mrs. Lake had eight children, six of whom are living — Beardsley and Levi, who reside at Harvard, 111; Mrs. Rebecca Van Wagener, in Chicago ; Waldo owns a part of homestead ; Mary L. Reed, in Janesville, and Sarah M., now Mrs. J. E. Smith ; she lost her two children — Polly and Lucretia Armstrong. Mrs. Lake is remarkably smart for one who has lived so long ; she retains her memory and other mental faculties to a remarkable degree ; she resides with her son-in-law, James E. Smith, on a part of the homestead. Mr. , Smith was born in the town of Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., Oct. 1, 1817 ; he went to Michigan from the State of New York, in 1835 ; thence to Southern Indiana, and returned to the State of New York in the spring of 1838; and in the fall of 1842, returned to Leavenworth, Crawford Co., Ind., and in the spring of 1843, he came to Walworth Co., but did not settle here permanently until the fall of 1845 ; was married in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. S. have three children living — Rebecca L., wife of Charles H. Coon ; Oliver L., now at Harvard, 111., and James E., Jr. JAMES MAGSON, farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. O. Walworth ; he was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, En gland, May, 1829, where he was brought up; married Elizabeth Barker, born at the same place March, 1834. They came to the United States in 1855, and have lived in the town of Walworth since that time. Settled on present farm in 1856; he has 80 acres of land. ASA LEWIS MAXON, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Walwortu ; he was born in the town of Peters burg, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in May, 1802, where he lived until he was 23 years of age, when he re moved to Madison Co., thence to Jefferson Co.; he came to the town of Walworth in 1853 ; his wife was Miss Julia Ann Reed, born in New Labanon, N. Y., in 1804. They have four children living — Edgar R., Henry J., Francis W. and Joseph. Mr. Maxon is one of the many early settlers who came to Wal worth Co. possessed of but little property, who by industry, and good management have acquired a competence; he has had the pleasure of seeing his sons all settled about him, three of them the owners of good farms, and numbered among the substantial men of Walworth Co., and the other a prominent and suc cessful physician of Walworth. Mr. Maxon's farm contains 140 acres. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 803 CLARK P. MAXON, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Walworth ; he was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1818; he came to Walworth Co., October, 1844, and settled on Sec. 30, in the town of Linn, where' he lived until 1865, when he sold his farm to Mr. Horace E. Green ; he bought his present farm of Mr. Harlow Coon, in 1866 ; he was married to Miss Lucy Ann Kinney, born 1816, in Otsego Co., N. Y. ; she died April, 1879. Mr. Maxon had one daughter^Olive L. His farm contains 110 acres. EDGAR R. MAXON, farmer, Sec. 33; P. 0. Walworth; oldest son of Asa L. Maxon; he was born in the town of Petersburg, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in 1823 ; he came to Walworth Co. Nov. 2, 1849; his father had been here the previous spring and selected a location ; Edgar R. lived on the land located by his father for several years ; he settled where he now lives about 1852, purchasing the farm of E. D. Maxon. His wife was Emily W. Rodgers, daughter of Austin Rodgers. They have three children — 0. A., Mary and Jane E. Lost a daughter, Ella J., who died in 1861. Mr. Maxon's farm contains 120 acres, he has also 40 acres of timbered land. F. W. MAXON, farmer, Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Walworth; son of Asa L. Maxon; he was born in Jefferson Co.,N. Y., in 1835; came to Walworth Co. with his parents in 1853; his first settlement was on Sec. 27, in 1856. He was married to Mary E. Colburn, a sister of Lucius Colburn. His present farm contains 225 acres ; Mr. Maxon, like many other farmers of Walworth, is engaged quite extensively in dairying ; he makes a spec ialty of the Holstein breed of cattle, has several fine specimens of that famous breed of thoroughbred- cattle, and a large number of grade cows and heifers; he is a successful farmer and stock-raiser, as his well cultivated farm and fine herd of cattle indicate. HENRY J. MAXON, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Walworth ; son of Asa L. Maxon ; he was born in Rensselaer Co , N. Y., in 1826 ; he came to the town of Walworth in 1852 ; for several years he worked on the farm of his father; he purchased his present farm in the fall of 1856, purchasing of Warren Wood ; he settled here in 1869. His wife was Miss Phebe Howland, a neice of Mr. Jonathan Fish, an early settler of the town of Walworth, Sec. 33. Mr. Fish died Dec. 8, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Maxon have eight children, five sons and three daughters. Mr. Maxon's farm contains 104 acres, he also has 80 acres on Sec. 26. J. S. MAXON, M. D., Walworth; son of A. L. Maxon; born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1838. Came to Walworth Co. with his parents in 1853 ; he received an academic education at Albion, Dane Co.; studied with Dr. John A. McDonald; graduated at the Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, in 1875, though he had practiced medicine one year with Dr. McDonald previous to his graduation, with whom he also remained a year after taking his degree at Chicago, he afterward attended the Homoeopathic Medical College, New York City, and also the Homoeopathic College at Chicago ; he has been in practice in Wal worth most of the time since he began his professional career. Bought out Dr. McDonald in 1875, and has been alone since that time. Dr. Maxon is a thoroughly educated physician and surgeon ; he is a gen ial, sympathetic gentleman, and well adapted by nature as well as education for a physician ; he has an ex tensive practice, and though comparatively young in his profession, possesses a well-merited reputation. Married Anna Goodrich; her father, Anson Goodrich, was an early settler of Rock Co. IRA MERENES, farmer, Sec. 17, P. 0- Walworth. Mr. Merenes was born in the town of Sharon, Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1820, where he was brought up. He was a resident of his native town till about 40 years of age. His wife was Miss Mary Hanes, born, in Schoharie Co. in 1829. Mr. Merenes came to Walworth Co. in 1859, and purchased his present farm of Mrs. Sally Fairchilds. Mr. and Mrs. Merenes have had ten children, eight ot whom are living— Ann Eliza, Catherine, Ida, Jane, William, Emma, Maria and Mary. They lost their oldest child, Helen ; also a son, David. Mr. and Mrs. Merenes are members of the Lutheran Church at Sharon. The ancestral family of Mr. Merenes dates away back to early colonial times. His father was David Merenes ; his great-grandfather Merenes was a soldier in the war for independence, and was killed during that struggle. Mr. Merenes is a cousin of Mr. John Merenes, of Sharon. STEPHEN MINK, farmer, Sec. 4; P. 0. Delavan ; was born in Columbia Co., N. Y, in June, 1819 , but was brought up in Dutchess Co. ; married to Catherine E. Van Fredenburg born in Dutchess Co. They came to Walworth Co. in 1843, and settled on their present place, which Mr. Mink purchased of the Government. His farm originally contained 85 acres. He now has 223 acres. His parents, Mary and Philip Mink, came to Walworth Co. at the same time. His father died in the State of Illinois. Mrs. Mink^s parents resided in Dutchess Co. until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Mink have seven children-Mary, •Julia, Marshal], Phillip J., Jane, Lily and Sevillah. WILLIAM MORGAN, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Delavan; was born in Wales in 1829 ; married to Sarah James. He came to the United States in the spring of 1852, and settled in Pennsylvania, where 804 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. he lived three years ; came to Wisconsin in 1855, and located in the town of Genesee, Waukesha Co. ; came to Walworth Co. in April, 1860, and bought 40 acres of his present farm of Mr. Thomas, who was the original settler. He now has 220 acres. They have five children — Thomas, Ellen, Elizabeth, David and Griffith. DELOS W. MULFORD, farmer, Sec. 33; P. 0. Big Foot, McHenry Co., Ill, is a son of Dr. Ezra A. Mulford. Dr. Mulford was one of the first physicians of Walworth Co. He was born in Albany Co., N. Y. He studied medicine with Dr. James Wade, and attended medical lectures in the city of Albany. He was married to Zilpah Packard, horn in June, 1804, in New Hampshire. Dr. Mulford practiced medicine in the State of New York for a number of years. He came to Walworth Co. in 1845, and settled on Sec. 33. Dr. Mulford was a successful physician, and was engaged in the practice of his profession till near the close of his life. He died Nov. 1, 1861. He had six children, five of whom are living — Mrs. Huldah Mansfield, Delos W., Ezra A., Mrs. Zilpah Clerk and Mrs. Sally Wilkinson. All are resi dents of Walworth Co. except Mrs. Wilkinson, who is a resident of Illinois. Delos W. was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 1832 ; was married in 1854, to Emeline Finch, daughter of Orren Finch, and step-daughter of Rodolphus Albinus Hutchison. They have three children — Zilpah, Orren and Lydia. He purchased his present farm in 1853. EZRA. MULFORD, of the town of Walworth, was born in 1804, being a native of the State of New York. He was a physician by profession, and served in the second Constitutional Convention. He was a man of ability, but modest and retiring. Mr. Mulford died several years ago. EZRA A. MULFORD, Sec. 33 ; P. O. Big Foot, McHenry Co., HI. ; son of Dr. Mulford ; was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., in January, 1835 ; he was married to Julia A. Brown, a daughter of Mr. Will iam Brown. They have one daughter — Anna. Mr. Mulford purchased his farm in 1856, and settled on it in 1857.LIVINGSTON E. PARKER, farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Big Foot, McHenry Co., 111. ROWLAND T. PECK, Walworth ; he was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in June, 1816, where he was brought up ; his parents, Eldad and Anna Peck, were residents of that county until their death ; he was married to Sarepta S. King, daughter of David and Phebe (Bunce) King. They came to Walworth Co. in the fall of 1843, and settled on Sec. 7, town of Walworth, purchasing their farm of Mr. Alvin Matteson. They afterward removed to Sec. 17. They located where they now live in the fall of 1879. They have four children — Delana B., Fremont and Freeman (twins), and Henry. Their eldest son, John T., enlisted in the 28th W. V. I. and died at Helena, Arkansas, December, 1863. DAVID PHELPS, farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Delavan. Mr. Phelps was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1837 ; he came to Walworth Co. with his parents in 1847 ; his father settled on the farm now owned by Mr. William Dougall, in the town of Sharon ; he bought his present farm of 83 acres of Mr. Amos Safford ; his wife was Miss Mary Aucompaugh. They have four children. M. F. PIERCE, farmer, Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Big Foot, McHenry Co., 111. ; was born in Greene Co., N. Y., in 1825. When he was 14 years of age, he removed with his parents to Schoharie Co. ; his father had made a claim on Sec. 32 in the town of Walworth, to which he removed his family from the State of New York, in June, 1844 ; his father died in June, 1847 ; his mother, now Mrs. S. G. Smith, lives in the town of Troy. Mr. Smith died in June, 1878 ; he settled in the town of Troy, in 1836 ; Maxon Pierce, the father of the subject of this sketch, has three children— George L., who died December, 1846; M. F.. and Hannah E., who died in 1854. Mr. Pierce has been married twice, his first wife was Harriet Wheeler, his present wife was Miss Betsy J. Potter ; her father, Ira Potter, removed from Erie Co., N. Y., to McHenry Co., 111., in 1848. Mr. Pierce has three children by his first marriage — Lizzie, George W. and Maxon W. ; and two by second wife — Ames and Alma ; his farm contains 240 acres. D. C. PORTER, Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Geneva ; farmer and senior partner of the firm of Porter & Mon tague, proprietors of Fontana Park ; the park here mentioned is situated at the head of Geneva Lake, and comprises 65 acres. The grounds are fitted up in first-class style for pleasure purposes, are supplied with suitable dining halls, etc. A good boat livery is included among the advantages of the place, which is a favorite camping ground for pleasure parties. The lake and its advantages are more fully treated of else where in this work. The grounds were formerly opened in 1875. Mr. Porter has a fine farm of 160 acres, exclusive of the park, situated on Sec. 24. He was born in Franklin Co., Mass. Sept. 16 1815 ; is the son of Nathan and Elizabeth Porter ; he lived in his native county till 21 years of age then moved to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, where he resided three years. In September, 1837, he came to Walworth Co., Wis., visited Sugar Creek and Geneva Lake, and selected the site of his future home near the shore ¦of that beautiful sheet of water. He then returned to Ohio and was married Aug. 14, 1839 at Dover » HKk •'*U* HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 805 Cuyahoga Co., to Miss Nancy J. Hanchet, daughter of Jonah Hanchet. Mrs. Porter was born in Ver mont. Immediately after their marriage they proceeded to their new home in Wisconsin. Mr. Porter established himself in the town of Walworth on the site selected by himself on his former visit. After a residence of one year in this place, thinking they could better themselves, they moved to the town of Bloomfield ; three years later they returned to their first love on the old site at the head of Geneva Lake, where they have continued to reside to this date. They had a family of three daughters and four sons ; the eldest, Dwight W., died in childhood ; Eliza J. is the wife of Charles Stevenson, of Denmark, Iowa ; Amelia is now Mrs. Donald Forbes, of Bloomfield ; Adaline is the wife of L. C. Church, of Walworth ; Doric N. married Vina Canoe, and lives in Walworth; William P. is living in Colorado ; Lester C. is in Dakota, and David W. at home. Mr. Porter has been Supervisor of Walworth four terms and Chairman one term. THOMAS H. PUGH, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Walworth. Mr. Pugh was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1842 ; he lived in Herkimer Co. till 9 years of age, when he removed to Oneida Co. ; his father, Stephen Pugh, was a native of Wales. Mr. Pugh came to Walworth Co. in the fall of 1870, but re turned to the State of New York the following year ; he came back in 1875, and worked the farm which he now owns, till the spring of 1880, when he purchased it of Mr. James Sherburne ; his wife was Miss Mary McCarty, a neice of James Sherburne. They have two children — Mattie and Frank T. Mr. Pugh's farm contains about 180 acres. CHARLES H. RIPLEY, farmer and mason, Sec. 10 ; P. O. Walworth ; he was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1829 ; he came to Walworth Co. in June 1851 ; he made his first location on Sec. 22, in 1856, where he lived until he settled where he now lives, in the fall of 1865. He bought his present farm of Mr. Edgar Topping ; the farm was first settled by Jonathan Church. Mr. Ripley was married to Mary, daughter of William Brown. They have three children, all born in the town of Walworth — Ed ward, born in 1857 ; Charles L., born in 1862, and Henry, born in 1867. Mr. Ripley is a mason by trade, as is also his son Edward ; the latter Was educated at the Academy in Walworth, and engaged in teaching during the winter season. Mr. Ripley's farm contains 80 acres. FRANCIS RODMAN, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O.Walworth; son of Robert L. Rodman, who was born in the town of Middlebury, now Fulton, in Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1806, and came to Walworth Co. from the State of New York in June, 1846. Mr. Robert L. Rodman is probably the largest farmer in the town of Walworth. He settled on a quarter of Section 20, where he now lives, but his quarter-sec tion has increased to about 500 acres, and as good land as Walworth Co. possesses. He is a natural farmer, as everything connected with his farm indicates. His wife was Rebecca Harsel, born in Schoharie Co. They have six children, three sons and three daughters — Francis (the oldest of the children was born in the county of Schoharie, N. Y., April, 1836. He came to Walworth Co. with his parents. Mar ried Catherine M., daughter of Benjamin Felter, born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1842. Her parents removed to Cook Co., 111., in May, 1845. They now reside in Lake Co., 111. DANIEL H. ROLO, carpenter and millwright, Walworth ; he was born in Otsego, N. Y., Dec. 25, 1810, where he lived to the fall of 1853, when he came to the town of Walworth ; he first engaged in milling for Richard Montague ; he learned the trade of a carpenter when a young man, which he has fol lowed the most of his life to a greater or less extent ; he has also had considerable experience as a mill wright ; his wife was Anna Dyer, born in Otsego Co. ; have had three children — Harriet (now Mrs. S. Ward) ; lost two sons ; their oldest, Frederic C. ; enlisted in the 1st W. V. C. ; died while in the service Septem ber 27, 1862 ; Edwin, born 1856, died in 1858. LEVI SAWYER, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. O. Walworth ; born in Massachusetts in 1832 ; he removed with his parents to Pennsylvania in 1849, thence to the State of New York, near the city of Elmyra ; he went to Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1850; thence to Racine Co., and to the town of Richmond, Walworth Co., in 1853. He was married to Thankful L. Viles, daughter of Alfred and Thankful (Norton) Viles, who removed from the State of Maine to Richmond, Walworth Co., in 1850, and afterward to the town of Walworth. Her mother died in 1868. Her father died at Mr. Sawyer's Aug. 6, 1881, at the advanced age of 83 years. The parents of Mr. Sawyer had nine children five sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to maturity, two sons and three daughters are still living. Mrs. Sawyer was born in Maine in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer have six children— Benjamin W., born in Walworth Co. in 1854 —Frances E., George H., Orrin R., Zebulon B. and Thankful N. Mr. Sawyer removed to Rice Co., Minn., where he remained three years, when he returned to Walworth Co. DAVID R. SERGEANT, farmer, Sec. 35 ; P. O. Big Foot, McHenry Co., 111. Mr. Sergeant was born in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1808, where he was brought up. He came West in October, 1843, and 806 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. settled in the town of Chemung, McHenry Co., 111. ; he purchased the farm where he now lives in Feb ruary, 1853, where he has since lived. His wife was Miss Mary Ann Tooker, born in the State of New York. They were married in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Sergeant have eight children, five sons and three daughters. Mr. Sergeant has 50 acres of land ; his farm was first settled bv a Mr. Fuller. EPHRAIM B. SWINNEY, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Walworth. He was born in Cumberland Co., N. J., in 1818. His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth Swinney. He was married in New Jersey to Mary A. Ayers, daughter of Jonathan Ayers, who removed from New Jersey to Marshall Co., 111., but died in New Jersey in 1872. Mr. Swinney went to Illinois June, 1852. In September of that year he came to Walworth ; his father and brother-in-law (Mr. Ayers) came to the town of Walworth in the spring of the same year, they having all left New Jersey at the same time ; they all settled on Sec. 20 ; his father died at Douglass Corners in February, 1865. Mr. Swinney purchased his farm of Mr. A. Brown ; his farm contains 80 acres ; he also owns 80 acres elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Swinney have three children — Elizabeth E., now Mrs. E. A. Walters ; Edwin and Joseph ; their oldest son, now in California, served for a time in the army, and during the rebellion as a member of the 40th W. V. I. S. H. VAN SCHAICK, farmer, Sec. 8'; P. O. Walworth ; he was born in the town of Glen, Mont gomery Co., N. Y., in 1816. His father, John S., was born in New Jersey, but removed to the State of New York when quite young with his parents ; Mr. Van S. went to Illinois in 1842 ; he came to Wal worth Co. in the summer of that year, and bought the farm which he now owns, of Thomas Featherstone. He has 200 acres of land ; his wife was Miss Maria Ottman, born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1824; they have three children — John E., William H., and Clara. He is a man who is highly respected in the community in which he lives, for his sterling qualities as a man, and for his kindly and generous disposition as a friend and neighbor. He is a prominent member and a Deacon of the Walworth Baptist Church. W. E. VAN SCHAICK, farmer, Sees. 4 and 5 ; P. O. Delavan; born in Montgomery Co.,N. Y., in 1822 ; he first came to Walworth Co. in 1844, but did not make a permanent settlement in Walworth Co. till some years later ; he went to California via the Isthmus in 1852 ; was absent six years; he settled on his present farm in the spring of 1863, which he purchased of Mr. Cyrus Church and of his brother, Henry Van S.; his wife was Miss Harriet Winnie, born in the town of Root, Montgomery Co., N. Y.; they have two daughters — Emma and May ; his farm contains 170 acres ; he has a pleasant home, and for his residence has one of the most beautiful locations in the town of Walworth, being three miles from Lake Geneva, and one mile from Delavan Lake ; Mr. and Mrs. Van S. are genial, hospitable people, and at their present home, the stranger as well as acquaintance and friend will be sure to feel the influence of the kindly part of human nature. W. A. WELSHER, Superintendent of the farm and fisheries of Fairbanks and Leiter, at the head of Geneva Lake ; P. O. Walworth. His father, Harrison Welsher, was for many years in the employ of Seth Green, of the State of New York, where he had a large experience in fish culture, and was afterward Superintendent of the State Fisheries of Wisconsin, which position he resigned July 18, 1881. He derived much of his knowledge in propagating fish from his father; he was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1858, and came to Madison, Wis., with his parents in 1876 ; he was appointed to his present position in 1879. His wife was Maggie J. Morgan. REV. O. U. WHITFORD, pastor of the Seventh Day Baptist Church, Walworth ; he was born in the town of Plainfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., May 12, 1837. His father was Clark W., a native of Otsego Co. ; he came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1858, and became a student of Milton Academy, Rock Co., where he graduated in the summer of 1861 ; he entered the junior class of Alfred University in the State of New York in the fall of that year, graduating in the classical course July, 1863 ; he was married in Allegany Co., N. Y., to Miss Euphemia Allen, of the town of Wirt. For six years following his gradua tion, he was Principal of the Shiloh Academy, Cumberland Co., N. J. From 1869 to the fall of 1870, he labored as a missionary in Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania. In September, 187o' he entered the middle class of Union Theological Seminary of New York City, where he graduated in 1872. He settled as pastor of the Seventh'Day Baptist Church at Farina, 111.; in July of that year. About five years thereafter, he resigned and accepted the pastorate of the church over which he is now settled comin"' to Walworth in April, 1877. They have two children— Allen C, born December, 1870, and Marv J° born November, 1873. J ROYAL J. WILLIAMS, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. O. Geneva ; he is numbered among the very earliest settlers of the town of Walworth. He was born in Franklin Co., Mass., May 1, 1818 ; his parents were Israel and Lavina (Joy) Williams. Mr. Williams lived in Massachusetts till his 19th year, or till August, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 807 1836, when he came to Walworth Co. with his younger brother Austin, while two other brothers, Moses D. and Israel, had arrived here in July of that year. Moses, on his arrival, made a claim for Royal J., comprising the north fractional half of Sec. 13 ; as soon as Royal came he took possession of his claim. Moses' wife (Lucida S.) , taught the first school in the town of Walworth during the winter of 1 838 and 1 839 . Probably no living settler of the town of Walworth had' made a claim at that time. At this time no set tlement had been made on the prairies in the town of Walworth, but a few claims had been made on the lake shore. Mr. Williams made his home for a time with his brother Moses, whose claim was across the line in the town of Linn ; his other brother' also made claims. Royal Williams is the earliest settlert of the town of Walworth now living, and when he came to Walworth there was but one white man (James Van Slyke) living in the town ; Indians were living there at this time.* His father came in July, 1837, and brought the remainder of the family, including the children's grandmother, Hannah L. Joy, who died in 1839. The father died in 1846, mother in 1852, and all died at the old homestead where Royal now lives. He purchased the claims of his sons when the land came into market in 1840. Royal J. now owns the farm where his father settled and died in 1846. His brothers, Moses and Austin, died of typhoid fever in 1844. He has three brothers living — Israel (resides in -Minneapolis), Francis (a minister of the Congregational Church in Connecticut), and Festus A. (who resides in the town of Geneva). Mr. Williams was married to Lucretia S. Warren, born in Franklin Co., Mass. They have three children — George B., Edward F. and Harley ; lost one daughter, Ellen. His farm contains 200 acres ; he has held several town offices ; he was Assessor first in 1860, and has held that office several times since ; was appointed' by the Government to enrol) the town in 1862 ; he has been engaged as Sur veyor since 1842 more or less, and Notary Public for fifteen years. He went to Virginia in 1865 and leased a plantation, where he remained two years ; he has also passed a number of years since he became a resident of Walworth, in New England. LEWIS N. WOOD, M. D. (deceased), was born in Cumberland Co., N. Y., Jan. 12, 1799, eleven months before Washington died; he was educated at Burlington, N. Y.; was married Oct. 21, 1821, to Naomi Davis, and soon after removed to Brookfield, Madison Co., N. Y. ; he removed to Waterville, Onei da Co., N. Y., in 1832, where he became Principal of the academy in that place, a position which he held until he removed to Chicago, which place he reached the 28th of May, 1837; he first visited Big Foot Prairie, in Walworth Co., Wis., in the fall of 1837, and located a claim on its eastern border; he moved with his family to Big Foot in February, 1839 ; he had eight children, all of whom reached maturity and were married — Robert J. is now living at Baraboo, Wis.; David L. died on Big Foot in 1852 ; Joseph W. lives at Baraboo ; Naomi D., who is now Mrs. Crawford, lives at Baraboo; Clarissa M., who married Cal vin B. Lake, M. D., died in Delavan, in 1853 ; Alvinus B. is now living at Ann Arbor, Mich.; Alvina B., who married William .Hooker, died at Baraboo, in 1858 ; Edith E., who married Rev. H. C. Fuller, died on Big Foot in 1874. The mother of these children now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Crawford, of Baraboo; she is 82 years of age, is in reasonably good health, and in full possession of her faculties. Dr. Wood graduated in medicine at Geneva. N. Y., in 1837; he was a diligent student all his life— ac curate in his scholarships — a friend to reformers, and a hater of shams ; he was deeply interested in science in many of its branches ; he made a large collection illustrating the mineralogy and geology of Cen tral New York, and then again of the Western States. These studies attached him to the soil and he left a lucrative practice in Chicago to take possession of his farm on Big Foot ; here again he was com pelled into an extensive practice, the exposures of which, in his tedious rides, through the thinly set tled country, undermined his health and he was' compelled to quit his medical practice in 1843; he organized the common schools of the town of Walworth under the Territorial law, and was for many years their Superintendent, by common consent ; he represented his District in the Wisconsin Assem bly, in 1852; he delivered the third annual address before the State Historical Society in that year. He removed to Baraboo in 1856, where he died in 1868 ; he was for many years a member of the Baptist Church, and died in the full assurance of the Christian faith. B. F. WRIGHT, carpenter, Seq 1 6 ; P. O. Walworth; son of David and Phebe Gardiner Wright. He was born in Albany Co., N. Y. ; he came to Walworth Co. in 1855, and located at Delavan, and en gaged in farming and as a carpenter ; he went to Madison, Wis., in the fall of 1856, where he lived until the spring of 1859, when he came to the town of Walworth. He enlisted in the 28th W. V. I., and served three years ; he participated in a number of important battles, including battles of Helena, Spanish Fort, Mobile, etc. He was married to Maria A. Huntley, born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. They have two children — Cora M. and John D. *~In a lette- written to os Royal's brother says : " The Indians told him that it was Old Big Foot,' that was buried up in the tree at the •Heado 'the Lakeland fatLr\o°d me after climbing up and examining the corpse," that the teeth were those of an old man. His two Quwsareburieloa the form whermRoyal now lives%s the ¦ Indian Gardens' were here; this was their home and they were buried on a Xg pteoe "of ground ^Terlo*Tng their homes and gardens, and he at the ' Head of the lake,' oyerlookmg his fishing ground. 808 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. TOWN OF LYONS. ORGANIZATION AND TOPOGRAPY. Lyons, formerly called Hudson, was organized under its present name by act of Legislature January 23, 1844. From the organization of Walworth County in 1838, to that date, this township had been known in the Governmental survey as Town 2, Range 18 east, and comprised the northeast quarter of the town of Geneva. As now organized, Lyons contains thirty-six square miles, minus five acres in a square form, in the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of Section 31, which belongs to the village of Geneva. Lyons is more broken and varied in its surface than the other towns of the county, a range of hills running through the center from northeast to southwest, which, in some places, break into bold and precipitous bluffs. Originally, about one-half the surface consisted of oak open ings, and over a thousand acres was timbered with oak of different varieties. The soil is mostly of a clay texture, with sand and gravel in the hilly portions. Rocks seldom pierce the surface of the country, though there is a good limestone ledge on Section 16. The principal stream is White River, the outlet of Geneva Lake, which, entering the town opposite Section 30, pursues a tortuous course through Sections 29, 20, 16, 15, 10, 11 and- 2, and passes into Spring Prairie from Section 1 , running in a general northeasterly direction from the southwest to the northeast corner of the town. White River has several tributaries. Ore Creek waters the northwest portion of the town, and empties into White River on Section 10, a little south of Lyons Village, and a creek forming the outlet of Ryan's Lake runs through nearly the entire eastern tier of sections, and joins White River on Section 1. Ryan's Lake is on Sections 34 and 35, in the extreme southern portion, and small lakes or ponds are formed on Sections 22, 28 and 14. Bass and pickerel abound. Upon Section 30 are Sheridan Springs, which possess decided medicinal properties. OFFICIAL. The first meeting of the town board was held at the residence of Dr. John Stacy, on the first Tuesday in April, 1844. With the rise of the general level of prosperity, this first official gathering place has fallen to the lot of swine ; in vulgar parlance, it has become a hog pen, and where embryo statesmen, perhaps, first saw the light, it is known for a certainty that more than one pink porker first ignorantly grunted his satisfaction with the ways of this world. Fol lowing is the town roster from 1844 to 1881 inclusive : 1844 — Supervisors, R. Rockwell, Chairman, Jesse Hand, Luther Farmin ; Clerk, Lewis Ferris; Treasurer, E. Humphrey. 1845— Supervisors, Lewis Brown, Chariman, L. Kinney, Levi Cole; Clerk, Amos Kin ney; Treasurer, Isaac Lyon. 1846— Supervisors, Z. B. Burk, Chairman, E. Humphrey, Joseph Burto; Clerk, S. C. Burdock ; Treasurer, Isaac Lyon. 1847— Supervisors, T. W. Hill, Chairman, John Stacy, E. Humphrey; Clerk, Z. Hough ton ; Treasurer, Therm Humphrey. 1848— Supervisors, R. Rockwell, Chairman, H. B. Lock, L. S. Weeks; Clerk, Z. Hough ton; Treasurer, T. Humphrey. 1849— Supervisors, T. W. Hill, Chairman, Z. B. Burk, Daniel Pierce ; Clerk, William P. Lyon; Treasurer, George C. Smith. 1850— Supervisors, Z. B. Burk, Chairman, C. W. King, H. B. Reed; Clerk, L. Bullen; Treasurer, Lewis Ferris. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 809 1851— Supervisors, C. L. Gillett, Chairman, Z. B. Burk, H. B. Reed; Clerk, L. Bullen; Treasurer, Lewis Ferris. 1852— Supervisors, H. B. Reed, Chairman, Z. B. Burk, C. L. Gillett; Clerk, L. D. Funda; Treasurer, Lewis Ferris. 1853— Supervisors, H. B. Reed, Chairman, E. B. Fowlston, L. S. Vantine; Clerk, L. D. Funda; Treasurer, William Forbes. 1854— Supervisors, R. Rockwell, Chairman, William Forbes, H. B. Hand ; Clerk, A. C. Goodrich ; Treasurer, Isaac Lyon. 1855— Supervisors, Z. B.' Burk, Chairman, Russell Wait, S. E. Johnson; Clerk, T. B. Bullen; Treasurer, G. T. Griffin. 1856— Supervisors, T. W. Hill, Chairman, Russell Wait, P. L. Purdy; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, Isaac Lyon. 1857 — Supervisors, E. Dayton, Chairman, Russell Wait, R. P. Humphrey ; Clerk, Z. B. Burke; Treasurer, E. K. Picket. 1858 — Supervisors, H. B. Reed, Chairman, S. E. Johnson, P. L. Purdy; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, Sumner Chapin. 1859 — Supervisors, H. B. Reed, Chairman, P. L. Purdy, S. E. Johnson; Clerk; Z. B. Burk; Treasurer, Sumner Chapin. 1860 — Supervisors, H. B. Reed, Chairman, P. L. Purdy, S. E. Johnson; Clerk, Z. B. Burk; Treasurer, R. R. Fellows. 1861 — Supervisors, H. B. Reed, Chairman, Patrick Powers, Philip Prasch; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, R. R. Fellows. 1862 — Supervisors, E. B. Farnum, Chairman, S. E. Johnson, E. B. Fowlston; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer. R. R. Fellows. 1863 — Supervisors, E. B. Fowlston, Chairman, S. E. Johnson, Russell Wait; Clerk, Z. B. Burk; Treasurer, R. R. Fellows. 1864 — Supervisors, Enos Kinney, Chairman, W. A. Towsley, E. B. Fowlston ; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, R. R. Fellows. 1865 — Supervisors, Enos Kinney, Chairman, W. A. Towsley, E. B. Fowlston ; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, R. R. Fellows. 1866 — Supervisors, Enos Kinney, Chairman, C. P. Taylor, John Prasch ; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, R. R. Fellows. 1867— Supervisors, R. B. Winsor, Chairman, C. P. Taylor, A. J. Host ; Clerk. Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, R. R. Fellows. 1868— Supervisors, C. P. Taylor, Chairman, W. J. Campbell, A. Emerling ; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, J. E. Host. 1869— Supervisors, C. P. Taylor, Chairman, W. J. Campbell, A. Emerling; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, J. E. Host. 1870— Supervisors, C. P. Taylor, Chairman, W. J. Campbell, A. Emerling; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, J. E. Host. 1871— Supervisors, C. P. Taylor, Chairman, W. J. Campbell, A. Emerling; Clerk, Z. B. Burk * Treasurer U B xi>66u* 1872— Supervisors, John Brown, Chairman, E. B. Farnum, C. F. Amborn ; Clerk, Z B.. Burk ; Treasurer, C. Healy. 1873— Supervisors, E. B. Farnum, Chairman, Abner Farnham, E. Morehouse ; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, J. T. Pendleton. 1874 Supervisors, E. B. Farnum, Chairman, Christian Prasch, M. W. Kenney ; Clerk, Z. B. Burk; Treasurer, A. D.Goodwin. 1875— Supervisors, C. P. Taylor, Chairman, J. B. Smith, A. Emerling; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, George S. Holmes. 1876— Supervisors, William Meadows, Chairman, George V. Weeks, Joseph Quigley ; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, John Hicks. 810 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1877— Supervisors, William Meadows, Chairman, David Olp, Joseph Quigley ; Clerk, Z. B. Burk ; Treasurer, John Hicks. 1878— Supervisors, William Meadows, Chairman, David Olp, Joseph Quigley ; Clerk, Z. k rillTK * I Vpo Gil t*at* Irwin H If If Q 1879— Supervisors, M. W. Kenney, Chairman, Christian Prasch, Richard Powers; Clerk, W. J. Campbell; Treasurer, John Hicks. 1880— Supervisors, M. W. Kenney, Chairman, Valentine Brown, Christian Prasch ; Clerk, W. J. Campbell ; Treasurer, John Hicks. 1881— Supervisors, M. W. Kenney, Chairman, Valentine Brown, Christian Prasch ; Clerk, W. J. Campbell; Treasurer, J. S. Host. WATER-POWERS. The first settler of the town of Lyons was Allen Perkins, a veteran of 1836, whose early experi ence at Delavan and Spring Prairie during the first year of his sojourn in this vicinity is narrated in the history of those sections. He left the latter town in 1837, having sold his land to Ellis Burtolf, and coming to Lyons settled upon Sections 15 and 10. Mr. Perkins purchased two quarter sections, his great ambition being to get possession of a water-power. The Lyon brothers — Thomas and Fletcher — came from New York soon after, took up land in the south west quarter of Section 10, and in the northeast quarter of Section 11. They at once com menced to improve the water-power upon the former section. The mudsills were laid in 1838, and there, for want of money, the enterprise rested for a time. During the next year, Fletcher Lyon's father-in-law died, and left his wife a little money. The two returned to New York, and, coming back in 1840, the brothers went to work again, built the dam, and erected a saw mill. By a long dam, used as a part of the highway, and consolidated by such use, and a race way of half a mile, they obtained a fall of twenty feet. Mr. Perkins endeavored to get a foothold in the privilege, but was unsuccessful. The saw-mill passed into disuse, and in 1846 William F. Lyon and M. O. Pulver erected a grist-mill upon the site of the present Lyons' Flour Mills. Twelve years later came the famous freshet, whose destructive effects upon the mill property at Lyons are thus spoken of by James Simmons, of Geneva : " In June, 1858, occurred another great freshet. The lake was filled to its utmost capacity by heavy rains, and the waves, aroused and pushed forward by a strong southwest wind, threatened to break all barriers. To relieve it somewhat, and save the race and mill, a shallow channel was cut through the bank, in the immediate neighborhood of the fish pond recently constructed by C. L. Wilson. The small stream speedily grew larger, until it became an un controllable torrent, cutting a wide and deep channel through the bank, and sweeping away roads, bridges, and mill dams in its onward course. The dam at Duck Lake also gave way at its western end, and its waters joined and swelled the current rushing from the lake toward Lyons. This latter calamity was attended by a loss of life, a man attempting to cross above the gap in a small boat, with the mail for Elkhorn, being thrown out and drowned. The effects of this flood were not confined to White River, the stream issuing from our lake alone, but were felt far down the Fox. The mill-dam at Lyons, then owned by Thomas B. Bullen, like all above and below it, succumbed ; but its owner was not satisfied to charge his loss to the waters only. Believing that our mill owners had been negligent instead of provident in keeping so large a supply of the fluid on hand, he, in May, 1861, commenced a suit against R. W. Warren, ' laying the whole fault to his charge, and claiming $6,200 damages. In the following winter, the testimeny in the case was taken before James Simmons, as referee, occupying eighteen or twenty days and evenings. The mass of sworn evidence collected on that occasion shows how little reliance can be placed upon the human memory. One material point to be determined was whether the break here occurred previous to that at Lyons, and numerous eye witnesses of the facts flatly contradicted each other as to the day of the week on which those events happened." The suit above spoken of never came to trial. The subsequent history of the water-power will be traced in the sketch of the Lyons Mill. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 811 To take up the beginning of the thread of narrative, Mr. Perkins removed to Baraboo with his family. His mill enterprises were there also unsuccessful. He is now living with his daughter-in-law in Spring Prairie, at an advanced age. There are two other good water- powers in the town of Lyons — that on Section 16 having a fall of twenty-one feet and being naturally more valuable than the one at Lyonsdale — or the "The Dale," as it is called in distinction to Lyons Station. It is situated, however, upon school land, which did not come into the market until late. In the subdivision of that section for sale under the authority of the State, this water-power was all included in one forty-acre lot, but the right of flowage upon other parts of the section was reserved and sold with that lot. It is now the property of the Hands. The Spring Valley power is upon a small stream supplied principally by springs. In 1858, C. Stevens built a grist-mill upon it, it having been occupied by carding works for some time previous. Mr. Stevens' mill and one subsequently erected were burned, and the power is at present unused. EARLY SETTLEMENT. During the same year that the Lyons brothers emigrated from New York, B. B. Davis, formerly Register of Deeds, also settled in the town of Lyons upon Section 17. He had married Miss Adaline Barker, of Sugar Creek. Three years afterward occurred the unfortunate accident, near Madison, which partially disabled the young man for life. Mr. Davis afterward removed to Elkhorn, being elected Register of Deeds in 1842. There he remained for many years engaged in mercantile pursuits until the time of his death. John Jardin and James Canan came during this year, but never became closely identified with the town's interests. Daniel Campbell, one of the early settlers of Spring Prairie, located on Section 4. His son, William J. Campbell, is now Clerk of the town, and has served several terms as Supervisor. The next year Peter Campbell, the brother of Daniel, Seth Hamlin, and William F. Lyon, all emigrated from New York. The former located upon Section 10, and with Z. B. Burk, who came in 1842, purchased land which became the site of Lyonsdale. In the summer of 1844, the property was surveyed by Mark Morris, who had been laying out roads in that vicinity. When the railroad gave " The Dale" " the cold shoulder" and the settlement moved down to what is now Lyons, the village was platted by Mr. Burk and Mrs. Campbell, her hus band having died. Details of the settlement of the villages of Lyons and Springfield will be given further on, in the space devoted to these topics. Following is a list of persons who settled in the town of Lyons from 1837 to 1848, inclusive : 1837 — Thomas Lyon, Sr.,* Fletcher Lyon and Thomas Lyon, Jr., Section 10; Allen Perkins, Section 10; John Brown, Section 35 ; James Curran,* Section 27 ; Daniel Campbell,* Section 4. 1838— Peter Campbell,* Section 10 ; William F. Lyon, Section 10. 1839— Thomas Fowlston,* Section 3; John Stacy,* Section 15; M. Farley, Section 8; T. Matteson, Section 6; Edward Warren,* Section 7; E. Dayton, Section 15; Sidney Wait,* Section 17 ; Daniel Campbell,* Section 4 ; William Sherman, Section 35. 1840— John Pratt, Section 6; H. Hand, Section 10; Hiram Taylor,* Section 6; Samuel Gott,* Section 6 ; Joseph Host, Section 1 ; Nelson Moon, Section 10; L. Ferris,* Section 17; C. F. Cowles, Section 5 ; J. C. and H. B. Lock, Section 36; Joseph Willcox,* Section 19; Thomas Delaney, Section 33 ; J. G. Miner,* Section 1; Stephan Hefnon,* Section 26; Daniel Finn,* Section 27 ; E. W. Miner,* Section 1; S. Amend, Section 1 ; N. B. Hand, Section 11; N. W. Gott,* Section 6; H. Curran, Section 20; Russell Wait, Section 5; B. Goodwin,'* 1841— H B Lock, Section 36; Francis Minehart,* Section 11; W. Hateh, Section 32; Abraham Dayton,* Section 15; C. L. Gillett,* Section 18; James Cowles, Section 8 ; Bethere Stoks, Section 19; N. Starke,* Section 2; Orville Hand* and J. S. Hand,* Section 9. 812 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1842 — George Brown, Jr., Section 27; Cyrus Potter, Section 25; Robert Potter, Section 25 ; James Kelley, Section 28 ; William Balcom, Section 22 ; Samuel Potter, Section 25 ; Nathan Cole,* Section 2 ; H. Blodgett,* Section 36 ; A. S. Northrop,* Section 13 ; Edwin Booth,* Section 8; G. T.Griffin, Section 10; George C. Smith, Section 10; William Marshall, Sr., Section 17; Luther Farnum,* Section 36; A. Hall,* Section 24 ; E. Dunn,* Section 34; Reuben Rockwell,* Section 19; Richard Fagan, Section 36; William P. Lyon, Section 10; George Brannan,* Section 33; Anton Cook,* Section 1; Morris Hickey, Section 27; E. Johnson,* Section 17; James Hickey, Section 22; T. Burns,* Section 23; William Marshall, Section 17; Lewis Brown,* Section 36; David Lyon,* Section 10; Z. B. Burk, Section 10; P. Carey,* Section 27; John S. Spoor,* Section 12 ; George Martin,* Section 21 ; W. S. Brown, Section 35. 1843— Joseph Geese,* Section 23; L. Geese,* Scetion 23; ; G. Spoor, Section 15 ; R. Gard ner, Section 35 ; James Spoor,* Section 15 ; William B. Rose, Section 7 ; Jesse Balcom,* Section 27 ; J. Lilly,* Section 10 ; S. Sherman, Section 22 ; D. W. Derby, Section 10 ; Stephan Hough ton,* Section 2 ; Spencer Weeks,* Section 4 ; Charles Phinney,* Section 17 ; Sela Reed,* Section 27 ; Joseph Burto, Section 34 ; H. B. Reed,* Section 27 ; James Ashley, Section 24 ; T. S. Bar- tholamew, Section 15 ; Hugh Reed, Section 27 ; F. S. Farnham, Section 36 ; T. W. Hill,* Section 18 ; Theo Humphrey, Section 9 ; P. Quigley,* Section 23 ; D. T. Gardner,* Section 14 ; E. Humphrey,* Section 9 ; L. S. Weeks, Section 4. 1844 — Henry H. Torry, Section 15 ; Daniel Pierce, Section 28 ; Tobias Van Slyke,* Section 11 ; Philip Prasch,* Section 1 ; John and Jacob Prasch, Section 12; Robert Holly,* Section 18 ; John S. Scott, Section 6 ; C. Cummings, Section 36 ; M. O. Pulver, Section 10 ; George K. Deming, Section 24 ; Z. Houghton, Section 15 ; E. Neil,* Section 7 ; P. L. Purdy, Section 16; Chris. Healy, Section 10; L. Lockwood,* Section 30; A. B. Cole,* Section 24; Andrew Mack, Section 10 ; C. H. Smedley,* Section 18 ; A. C. Goodrich,* Section 15 ; Patrick Carlin,* Section 33 ; John Wagner, Section 24 ; C. S. Duncham, Section 10 ; Emos Kinney, Section 20 ; L. S. Vantine,* Section 4 ; S. Barnes,* Section 20 ; C. T. Griffin, Section 10 ; Luman Kinney* and Amos Kinney, Section 21 ; Jonas Pulver, Section 10. 1845 — O. C. Kendall, Section 10; A. Gega, Section 1 ; George Nichisel,* Section 13; Philip Emser,* Section 23 ; S. Spoor, Levi Cole, Section 13 ; John Radly,* Section 8 ; L. W. Berbo, Section 34 ; William Turner, Section 8 ; Ellis Hand,* Section 11 ; William Sherman, Section 33 ; Joseph Dykeman, Section 7 ; L. Taylor,* Section 6 ; J. Vanness, Section 7 ; Arnold Weeks, Section 7 ; Daniel Whalen,* Section 35 ; Peter Van Slyke, Section 11 ; Curtis Goodwin, Section 10 ; C, A. Butter,* Section 6 ; Joseph Helt, Section 23 ; Michael Brady, Section 26 ; William Snyder, Section 24 ; John Tracy,* Section 28 ; Enoch Webster, Section 10 ; J. F. Hand, Section 12 ; Elias Cole, Section 13 ; C. H. Pelton, Section 35 ; Peter Orrell, Section 7 ; John Neil,* Section 7 ; C. P. Taylor, Section 6 ; A. D. Goodwin, Section 10 ; H. Van Slyke, Section 11; S. C. Burdick, Section 10 ; A. C. Wilcox, Section 9; James Garter, Section 20. 1846— William Cleveland, Section 30 ; J. L. Taylor, Section 12 ; William Forbes,* Section 27 ; R. E. Maynard, Section 32 ; Thomas West,* Section 15 ; Jesse Rowley, Section 3 ; George W. Ferris,* Section 17 ; Lorenzo Spencer, Section 10 ; Reuben Kipp, Section 20 ; Patrick Powers, Section 33 ; John Marshall, Section 10 ; V. Daylor, Section 23 ; Joseph Downes, Section 6; J. Whittaker,* Section 21 ; A. A. Whittaker,* Section 21; J. H. Hudson, Section 10; F. Twentyman, Section 10; E. B. Towlston, Section 3. 1847— Frank Leity, Section 13 ; Phillip Pruck, Section 16. . Thomas Fowlston, born in Yorkshire, England, May 4, 1795, came to Lawrence, Ostego County, when ten years old. At the age of twenty-one, he went to the Town of New Lisbon, same county, and remained there until 1839. Then he came to Lyons, Wis., and remained there until the time of his death, August 2, 1878, aged eighty-three years. Those settlers of 1837, 1838, 1839 and 1840, who still reside in the county, are: Allen Perkins, John Brown, M. Farley, F. Matteson, E. Dayton, H.Hand, Joseph Host, C. F. Cowles, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 813 Thomas Delaney, S. Amend, N. B. Hand, H. Curran, Russell Wait, Z. Lockwood, William Smith and William Sherman. The first settler in the town was Allen Perkins, as stated, who came in 1837. He broke the first land, and raised the first crop. The first regular religious services were held in Fletcher Lyons log house in 1839, Rev. Mr. Worthington conducting them. He was a Methodist. Dr. John Stacey, the brother-in-law of E. Dayton, was the first physician. He came with Mr. Dayton in 1839, and settled on Section 15. It was his intention to give himself strictly to agricultural pursuits, but when his neighbors discovered that he was a professional man and the nature of his profession, he often was obliged to drop the spade and take up the medicine case. Wendall Lyon, the son of Fletcher, was the first child born in town — date of birth, 1840. The first marriage was that which joined Norman Dyer to Mary Lake, of Lyonsdale, in 1841. In 1842, L. R. Smith was married to Melissa Campbell and Amos Brand to Catharine Campbell. In 1842, Harriet Lyon, the daughter of David and the niece of Fletcher Lyon, taught the first school — a private one — in Spring Valley. The first blacksmith — a blacksmith clergyman — came from Elkhorn and located in 1843 upon a piece of land which E. Dayton donated for the purpose. His name was T. S. Barthola- mew. Besides following his trade, he preached Universalist doctrine, and it is stated on good authority that while he lived in Lyons his time was fully occupied, either at his anvil or in pounding away at the orthodox beliefs of Brother Worthington. Joshua Applebee opened the first store in the village of Lyonsdale in 1844. William P. Lyon, now on the State Supreme bench, was the first lawyer to commence practice in town. This was about 1846, and his shingle first saw the light of day in Lyonsdale. While he lived here his practice was neither remarkably lucrative nor successful. George B. Smith kept the first tavern near the Lyons mill-dam. It was built by Ben jamin Goodwin in 1843, and burned in the spring of 1852. Soon after the railroad passed through the town, a Mr. Richardson erected one at Lyons Station, the first one built in that village. THE VILLAGE OF LYONS. The village of Lyonsdale sprung from the improvement of the water-power by the Lyon brothers. In the winter of 1839, before the work had much progressed beyond the mud-sills, Ebenezer Dayton, with his three children, and Dr. John Stacy (his brother-in-law) arrived at the settlement, and were " shown around" by Thomas Lyon. They finally decided to locate on Section 15. Mr. Dayton relates that on Christmas Day of that year his log cabin received its " warming" in the shape of a fine deer which Mr. Lyon brought to him and helped him to drag into the house. The completion of the mill during the next year caused quite an influx of emigration. By 1843, it had assumed so much the character of a village that a post office was established and Thomas Lyon, Jr., appointed Postmaster. For some reason, Mr. Lyon was not very popular, and when the settlers found that he had received the appointment, a peti tion was forwarded for his removal. The first batch of mail which the newly appointed P. M. received contained an order for his removal. Dr. John Stacy was appointed in his stead. Before the office was removed to Lyons Station, Fletcher Lyon and Lathrop Bullen both served as Postmasters. When it became evident to the Lyons that the village which they had founded would eventu ally be deserted for a point on the railroad further to the north, they departed from the town. Thomas started for California, but died on the way. Fletcher Lyon sold out his property to John Bullen in exchange for a stock of goods and removed to Kenosha. He afterward went to California, but subsequently returned and is now in Chicago, engaged as an author on Spiritualism. As an item of more than common interest in connection with the Lyon family, it is stated by one employed in driving the horses who were dragging the scraper which was cleaning out the grist-mill race, that young Lyon (now on the bench of the Supreme Court) had 814 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. supreme control of the scraper. He was a wide-awake young man, and a great favorite in the town, but was never above work of any kind which was honorable. He taught school, he studied law, he was elected Town Clerk and Justice of the Peace, and gradually mounted from lower to higher trusts. In 1856, the Western Union road was put through the town, and there was a general stampede from Lyonsdale to Lyons. As it stands now, it is a pleasant little village of about three hundred people, situated in the northern part of the town. It contains one hotel, owned by P. Strassen, one grist and feed mill, one cheese factory, one wagon shop, one farm implement depot, three blacksmith shops, two general stores, two hardware stores, two shoe shops, two harness shops and one meat market. It contains three churches. The village possesses no lawyer, and but a single doctor. The village being unincorporated, the good district school, whose privileges it enjoys, is a portion of the town system. The school is taught by the Misses Melvina Arnold and Anna Rooker. The regular platting of Lyons took place in February, 1868, the proprietors being R. B. Winsor, R. Openshaw, Julius Host, Joseph Host, Z. B. Burk, Ann Campbell, Nathan Hazen, A. C. Goodrich, Charles Phinney, T. T. Pendleton, Alma Taylor, John Strassen, Peter Stras sen, Thomas K. Hudson, James Morin, J. Robilliard, E.- Dayton, J. P. Frazer, Ela Cone, Isaac B. Merriam, and Summer Chapin. Since 1856, E. N. White, H. P. Brown, W. J. Campbell and G. G. Reeve, have been Postmasters at Lyons Station, the latter having been in office since 1875. The town hall was erected in 1877. It is a neat, two-story frame building, costing $2,500. M. JB. Church. — In 1840 a class was organized, and in 1857 the society built a church on Section 9, at a cost of $2,700. This was the first religious organization, and the first church in town. Revs. Parks, Calender, Walker, Grant, Smith, Merrill, Mead, Salisbury, Shepard, Thomas, Parsons, Bullock and Brooks have served the society at different times. Rev. J. H. Brooks, who also has charge of the society in Spring Prairie. He resides at Lyons. The mem bership of his circuit is 117, and the value of the church property, in Lyons, $5,000. Catholic Church. — In 1867, the Catholic society was formed, and a church building was erected the next year at a cost of $1,700. The society is now in charge of Rev. Francis Pfaller. It contains a membership of about eighteen families, and possesses property valued at $2,500. German M. E. Church. — A society was formed in 1868, and the schoolhouse transformed into a church building the next year. A mission was formed in 1870, and Rev. Charles Becker engaged as pastor. Then came in succession Revs. John Walter, Conrad Steiner, F. Grube, Cristian Wenz, Sebastian Weckerlin and J. C. Rinder. The latter now has charge of the mis sion, which embraces Lyons and Burlington, with a membership of seventy. The cost of the church property in Lyons is $1,000. The Temple of Honor and Sons of Temperance are the only civic societies in the place. Together they rent a hall, and are quite prosperous. Lyons' Mill. — John Bullen was the next owner of the mill property after it passed from the hands of Fletcher Lyon. It was afterward purchased by Frank Holborn, Waughan & Merrick, W. W. Waughan, and Messrs. M. Schenk and P. Strassen. The latter gentlemen formed a partnership in 1880, and now control the water-power and operate the mill. From two run of stone, the capacity has increased to four run and one patent roller. Building and machinery have been enlarged and improved, so that everything is first-class — up with the times. The capacity of the mill is 50 barrels of flour and 250 bushels of feed per day. The brands are "Lyon's Mill " and "Liberty Mills," the former being the No. 1 grade. Connected with the mill, as part of its property, are two warehouses and a dwelling house, the entire value of which is $15,000. It is the only manufactory of the kind in town. Mr. Strassen is also owner of the Lyons Hotel, erected in 1866, but since greatly increased in size, and improved. The main building is 23x76 feet, two stories. Cheese Factory. — A building for a cheese factory was erected in 1879. It has been idle one season, but is now in operation. The property is in the hands of a stock company, the factory being operated by H. Erdley. It turns out 300 pounds of cheese per day. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 816 SPRINGFIELD. A few miles west of Lyons on the Western Union line is the little village of Springfield, containing about one hundred and twenty-five people. It owes its existence to the building of that road, although a number of early settlers located near its site years previous. In 1839, Edward Warren came from the East with his family and settled on Section 7, about a mile northwest of the village. After living here a number of years he moved away. Soon after William B. Rose visited the vicinity of the village site, and employed Charles Gillett to hreak land for him. He did not come to settle himself until 1843. In that year he arrived with his wife from New York, and purchased four "eighties" of land — the site of the present village. When it became evident that the railroad was to make a village he sold two "eighties" and a "forty" to Herrick, Fuller & Company, of Racine, who had the land surveyed and platted. This was in October, 1855. He had previously sold one "eighty" and a "forty" to Arnold Weeks. The village was surveyed by S. C. Kelsey ; proprietor, Henry T. Fuller. Arnold Weeks came to Geneva in 1842, accompanied by his wife and four children. They emigrated from New York. In 1845, they came to Springfield, locating upon Section 7, just west of the village. Of his sons, Levi, Martin and Theodore are in the town, James H. is in Colorado and John is in Michigan. J. Vanness came also in 1845. John Neil and Peter Orell came together during this year. The former was an English man, not long a resident of this country. His daughter was Mrs. Peter Orell. During 1845 also, Joseph Dykeman, now a resident of Elkhorn, located on Section 7, with his family. This completes the list of the most prominent of those who located near the village or upon its present site previous to 1847. At present Springfield contains a well-conducted district school, an Episcopalian society, one hotel, a cheese factory, a wagon shop, general store, hardware store, blacksmith shop and shoemaker shop. The post office was established in 1856, William Frost being its first Postmaster. E. Moorehouse is the present incumbent. St John's Mission Chapel. — The Episcopalians of the village organized a society in about 1861, holding services in the old district schoolhouse until the erection of the chapel building in 1865. Revs. Shaw, of Racine, and E. K. Miller, of Oak Creek, officiated at different times before the church building was erected. Rev. R. T. Kerfoot, of Geneva, has charge of the soci ety, which numbers twelve members. Prof. R. C. Hindley, of Racine, is the lay reader, officiat ing three Sundays in the month. Connected with the mission is a ladies' aid society. Cheese Factory. — In 1878, C. B. McCanna erected a building for a cheese factory, the experiment which had been tried the previous year in one of the warehouses, having proved a success. In the season, it turns out 500 pounds of cheese per day. During the cooler months, both butter and cheese are manufactured. LYONS IN THE WAR. The town of Lyons came to the front during the war with both money and men, as appears from the general war history. At the very first war-meeting held, $2,000 was subscribed. Be fore the conflict was over the sum was increased to $5,400. Of the seventy men furnished, most of whom joined Companies C, of the Twenty-second and Thirty-sixth Regiments, thirty died either by disease or on the field of battle. E. Dayton, John Spoor, Thomas Hudson, Jesse Bal- comb and others were active in raising money and in other important service to uphold the cause. They sent boys to the front, and lost them. Mr. Dayton mourns the loss of two sons. Robert- McMillan, another well-known young man, gave up his life for the Union. If every section of the country had been as faithful — both men and women — as Lyons, the rebellion would not have died so lingering a death. 816 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. LYONS IN 1881. The population of Lyons, including villages, as enumerated by the census of 1880, was 1,312- The principal farm products of 1880 were : Wheat, 14,544 bushels ; corn, 151,240 ; oats, 43,368; barley, 11,222; rye, 1,250; potatoes, 9,392; apples, 10,750; hay, 2.129 tons; but ter, 47,350 pounds ; cheese, 42,749. In 1881, there were 5,541 acres of growing grain ; 255 acres of apple orchard ; 1,864 acres of mowing and pasturage, and 3,142 acres of growing timber. The number of milch cows was 933, valued at $19,283. There were six whole and five joint school districts. The number of scholars, enumerated between the ages of four and twenty years, was 452, of which number, 303 attended school. There were nine schools taught by ten teachers, at monthly average wages of $27.66 for male, and $24.55 for female, teachers. There were nine schoolhouses, valued at $10,400, including the sites. At the time the town was organized, the valuation of property was $5,300, and the population, 470. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ZENAS B. BURK, Lyons. He was born in Somerset Co., Me., Dec. 9, 1814. He lived in the State of Maine until 1840, when he went West as far as Michigan, and spent about one year in Indiana and Michigan, returning to Maine in 1841 ; he came to Lyons in the fall of 1842, and purchased 100 acres of land, a part of which is now the village of Lyons ; his chief occupation has been that of a farmer; no man is better known in the town of Lyons than Mr. Burk ; he was a Justice of the Peace for twenty-eight suc cessive years, viz., from 1852 to 1880, and was Town Clerk of his town for twenty-three years, viz., from 1856 to 1879, and was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for several years. The long series of years in which the people and the town have insisted on his continuance in the office, in his ability and integrity, being a careful observer, and possessing a remarkable memory, he has long been the authority on all mat ters of public or personal interest in the history of his town. Mrs. Burk was the daughter of Mr. A. Cahoon, who came to Geneva from Ohio January, 1843, settled on Sec. 11 ; he died in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Burk have four children — Amos A. (a resident of Kansas), Ruth E. (now Mrs. Silas A. Ingham, also of Kansas), Martha E. (now Mrs. F. B. Nedall, now a resident of Nebraska), and Flora M. (now Mrs. Charles D. Windsor, now a resident of Lyons). Mr. Burk has a farm of 210 acres in Lyons. DA&IEL CAMPBELL (deceased), Lyons ; he was one of the pioneers of Walworth Co. ; he was born in Clinton Co., N. Y., and came to the Territory of Wisconsin in 1836 ; he came to Walworth Co. the same year, and made a claim in the town of Spring Prairie. He sold his claim before the land came into market, and in 1839 he settled on Sec. 4, in the town of Lyons; he died July 23, 1879 ; his wife, Mary Campbell, died Feb. 27, 1872. Mr. Campbell had five children, all of whom are living— two sons, Wesley J. and William R., resides in Lyons ; the former was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., in 1835 ; married Harriet A. Spoor, daughter of John S. Spoor, one of the early settlers of the town of Troy ; his present wife was Marie Moran, born in the town of Lyons. Mr. Campbell has two children by first wife — Lewis A. and Harriet A. ; has two by present marriage — Mabel and Ethel. Mr. Campbell has been a member of the Town Board for several years ; is also Justice of the Peace and Town Clerk, posi tions that he has filled for several years. William R. was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., in 1827; he also resides in Lyons. L. S. CARY, station agent at Springfield. Mr. Cary was born in Addison Co., Vt., in 1809, where he was brought up on a farm. Mr. Cary is one of the pioneers of Wisconsin ; he came to Racine Co. in September, 1837 ; he came to Springfield to take charge of the station here in 1859, and, except an interval of live years, has occupied that position since that time. His lona; continuance in this position is evidence of his faithfulness, and the confidence placed in him by his employers. SUMNER CHAPIN, carpenter and joiner, Lyons. He was born in the town of Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1823, where he lived until May, 1849, wheu he came to Walworth Co., and has been a resident of this town most of the time since, engaged in work at his trade, that of the carpenter and joiner. He was married in Genesee Co. to Miss Harriet Spencer. They have two sons— Spencer A. and Eddie A. EZRA CLARK, farmer, Sec. 4 ; P. O. Lyons. Mr. Clark came to the town of Lyons from Da rien, Genesee Co., N. Y, October, 1848 ; he was born in Genesee Co., where his father, Ezra Clark, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 817 resided till his death. Soon after he came to Walworth Co., he built a store in the village of Lyons. During the following season, he worked for Mr. David Williams, and the next year for Mr. C. K. Phelps. He settled on 80 acres of his present farm in 1851, which he bought of Thomas Fowlston, and afterward purchased another 80 acres of Mr. Fowlston. His wife was Deiadama Coleman, daughter of John Coleman, who settled in the town in 1848, and died in 1866 ; she was born in Genesee°Co. in 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have four children — Albert E., Mary J., Helen and Jesse. C. F. COWLES, farmer, Sac. 5 ; P. 0. Lyons ; was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1820, where he was brought up ; he came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1840, and has been a resident of the town of Lyons since that time, nis father, Moses Cowles, came the following year, and settled in Geneva, where he resided till his death. Mr. Cowles married Louisa Lytle, a daughter of Samuel Lytle. They have four children— Harriet, Augustus, Orsborne and Ullysses. Mr. Cowles' farm contains 160 acres. EBENEZER DAYTON, retired farmer, Lyons, is one of those pioneers of whom there are but comparatively few remaining old settlers who had reached mature life, whose memory now in the decline of life goes back vividly to the events of more than twoscore years ago. He was born in what was then Genesee, now Livingston Co., N. Y., May 15, 1810. He removed to Allegany Co. with his parents when 7 years of age, where he lived until the fall of 1839, when he came to the town of Lyons, and set tled on Sec. 15, on a farm which he purchased of the Government; he sold his farm and settled in the village in 1867. Mrs. Dayton, formerly Miss M. West, was born in the town of Victor, Ontario Co., N. Y., December, 1813. Mr. and Mrs. Dayton have had seven children, three of whom are living — Henry (who lives in Chicago), Laura (wife of R. W. Taylor, lives at Stevens Point, Wis.), and Emily Isadore (wife of Hilary Heck). Two sons of Mr. Dayton, John S. and William W., lost their lives in the service of their country during the rebellion. John W., a member of Company C, 22d W. V. I., was killed near Atlanta, Ga. ; William W. was mortally wounded at Gaines' Mills ; he was a member of Com pany C, 36th W. V. I. MICHAEL FARLEY, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Farley is one of the pioneers of the town of Lyons, having settled here in November, 1838. He was born in County Meath, Ireland, near Dublin, in 1809 ; he emigrated to Canada in 1834. The following year he went to Lewis Co., N. Y., coining here in the fall of 1838 ; he settled immediately on his present farm, which he purchased of the Government. He raised his first crop the following year, sowing about 15 acres, including 10 acres of wheat. Mr. Farley has done well his part toward redeeming the wild uncultivated soil, and is now en joying the fruit of his industry. His wife was Mary Dolan, born in County Cavin, Ireland, about 1808 ; after a long life well-spent as a help-mate to her husband, she passed to her reward Feb. 7, 1882. Mr. Farley has eight children, four sons and four daughters. His farm contains 160 acres. JOSEPH T. FLANDERS, painter, Springfield. Mr. Flanders is not an old resident of the county, having come to Geneva in April, 1867 ; he was born in Vermont in 1847 ; he was a soldier in the war of the rebellion; he enlisted in the 1st Vt. C, in 1863, and was in active service in the field until the close of the war. He was in Grant's campaign of the Wilderness ; was with Gen. Sheridan in his Shenandoah campaign, participating in all the battles of that memorable campaign ; was at the battle of Five Forks, and participated in the closing event of the war. On the close of the war he returned to Vermont ; he engaged in business at Springfield in 1872, with Mr. D. C. Davis. They conducted the business of wagon- inaking and painting ; they were in partnership about one year ; he is now engaged in the business of paint ing. Mrs. Flanders was formerly Miss Libbie Gray. EZRA B. FOWLSTON, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. O. Lyons. Mr. Fowlston is the son of Thomas Fowlston, one of the early settlers of the town of Lyons. Mr. Thomas Fowlston was born in England, May 4, 1796 ; his parents emigrated to the State of New York when he was 10 years of age, where he was brought up. His wife was Hannah Barton ; they came to Walworth Co. in May, 1839, and settled on Sec. 3. The father of Mr. Fowlston died at the homestead, Aug. 2, 1878; he had four children, of whom Ezra B, was the eldest— a daughter, Betsey (is now Mrs. Collins Smith), a brother, Delos (lives in the State of New York), and another sister (is now Mrs. Maria E. Sherman). Ezra B. was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1820 ; he came to Walworth Co. in 1844, and made his first settlement on Sec. 3, in the town of Lyons ; he bought the farm on which he now resides in 1854, of Mr. Miner Wilcox. Mrs. Fowlston was formerly Miss Almira Campbell, daughter of Peter and Anna Campbell ; she was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. Mr. Campbell was one of the pioneers of Walworth Co. ; he settled in the town of Lyons in 1839, and died several years later, of cholera, during the prevalence of that disease in this county. Mrs. Campbell still resides in Lyons. Mr. and Mrs. Fowlston have three children— Emmet E., Romelia E. and Willie G. Mr. Fowlston's farm contains 160 acres. 818 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. LORENZO HAND, residence on Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Geneva. Mr. Hand, commonly known as Prof. Hand, is a native of New Lebanon, N. Y., where he was born in 1814 ; he graduated at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., in 1842 ; he has made the profession of teaching a life-work, beginning at the age of 17 ; after leaving college, he was engaged for a number of years as Principal of academic institutions in the State of New York ; he had charge of Nassau Academy for a time, and was Principal of Greenville Academy for six years ; he went to Michigan in 1852 and took charge of what was known as Leoni Insti tute, where he remained four years; he came to Elkhorn, Walworth Co., in 1856, where he taught a select school for two years ; in 1858, he went to La Porte, Ind., where he was Superintendent of the Public Schools for three years ; he then returned to Walworth Co., failing health compelling him to relinquish his profession ; he located on a farm in the town of Lyons, but he has found it impossible to give up entire ly his chosen profession, and he is now conducting a private school for boys, who make their home with him, and being at all times under his influence, receive the benefit of his large experience and his well- stored mind ; he is the son of Jesse Hand, who came to the town of Lyons, with his family, in 1841 ; though he lived but a few years after becoming a resident of Walworth Co., yet he left a record as an honorable, upright, citizen, and as a man possessed of much more than ordinary intelligence and ability, and he is remembered with marked respect and esteem by all who remember him ; he died in January, 1846, leav ing a numerous family, whose names are prominently identified with the history of Walworth Co. NATHAN B. HAND, farmer, Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Lyons; he was born in the town of New Lebanon, Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1818 ; his father was Jesse Hand (see sketch of Lorenzo Hand) ; Mr. Hand came to the town of Lyons in 1840, and bought of the Government a farm on Sec. 12, which he owned about six years; he went by the overland route to California in 1849, consuming six months in making the trip, driving a team of cattle the entire distance ; he was absent about two years ; he purchased his present farm about 1855, of Mr. Peter Van Slyke, of Geneva; he removed to Geneva in 1872, for the purpose of giv ing his children better school advantages, where he remained about eight years, and then returned to the farm. Mr. Hand is a representative of quite a numerous family of the earlier settlers of the town of Lyons, among which are numbered some of the most intelligent and substantial men of the county ; he has been married three times, his first wife was Miss Marcia K. Cowles, who died in 1848 ; his second wife, Miss Caroline Hand, died in November, 1878; his present wife was Miss Mary A. Hand, daughter of Nathaniel B. Hand ; he has two children by first marriage — Ellen M., wife of John G. Meadows, and Emma, wife of George Meadows ; he had six children by second wife — Charles H., Frank, Edwy, Rupert, Joe and Hattie. THOMAS WARDEN HILL (deceased) ; he was born in the town of Swanton, Franklin Co., Vt., Jan. 9, 1817 ; his parents removed to Essex Co. when he was a child ; he lost his parents when quite young, and resided with Joseph Wells until 21 years of age ; he came to Geneva in October, 1838 ; in 1839, he purchased a farm on Sec. 18, in the town of Lyons, which he owned until his death, and which is now the homestead of his family ; in fhe spring of 1868, he removed to the village of Geneva, and in 1870 was elected to take charge of the Walworth Co. Poor Farm, a position he occupied until his death; he was Chairman of the Town Board of Lyons for several years ; has twice represented his Assembly Dis trict in the Legislature, viz., the sessions of 1853 and 1863 ; he died suddenly at the homestead, May 26, 1879. Mrs. Hill, formerly Miss Lydia Ferris, was the daughter of Lewis Ferris, who came to Walworth Co. with his family in 1841, and settled in the town of Lyons; he died February, 1856 ; Mrs. Hill was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., and was married in February, 1843 ; she has three children — Marion E., wife of James E. Brett ; Henry L., who now resides in Geneva and was born March 27, 1849 ; was married to Florence E. Stearns, of Oak Creek, Milwaukee Co., Wis., Nov. 20, 1872; she was born at the same place ; and Charles Fremont, who resides with his mother at the homestead ; he was born in 1856 ; married Miss Mary E. McBeath, born in Whitewater, Walworth Co. PERRY G. HOPKINS, firm of Hopkins & Son, hardware dealers, Springfield. Mr. Hopkins was born in the town of Cabbot, Caledonia Co., Vt., in 1818 ; he lived in New England until 26 years of age, coming to Wisconsin in 1844; he settled on Honey Creek in the town of Spring Prairie, where he worked at the business of carpentering ; he came to the village of Springfield in the spring of 1857. Mr. Hop kins is a carriage-maker by trade, and he established that business in Springfield, which he continued until 1876, when he sold his business to Mr. John Russell ; he engaged in the hardware business under the firm name of P. G. Hopkins & Son, November, 1880 ; his wife was formerly Mis3 Eunice C. Morrell, born in the town of Warner, Merrimack Co., N. H. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins have four children— Ellen Jane, wife of Otis Vaughn, lives in Nevada ; Charles M., in Dakota ; Ida May, wife of William Dodge ; and Albert H., who is engaged with his father in business. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. • 819 CHARLES B. McCANNA, proprietor of Springfield Cheese Factory, Springfield. Mr. McCanna is a native of Jefferson Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1851 ; he was brought up a farmer ; came to Fond du Lac, Wis., in 1876, thence to Allen's Grove, Walworth Co., where he engaged in the manufacture of cheese with Mr. Davis, owning one-half interest in the factory at that place; he and Mr. Davis dissolved partnership in March, 1 878 ; Mr. McCanna built the cheese factory at Springfield the same year ; he also, with Mr. J. H Harris, built a factory on Spring Prairie, the same year, in which he has one-half interest. The capacity of each factory is about 200,000 lbs. per year. In 1881, the actual production of both fac tories was 325,000 lbs., besides which they made about 40,000 lbs. of butter. Mrs. McCanna was formerly Miss Pauline Cheeseman, daughter of Edward Cheeseman, a native of England. WILLIAM MEADOWS, farmer and wool buyer, Sec. 2 ; P. O. Lyons. Mr. Meadows is of En glish birth. His father, George Meadows, emigrated to the State of 'New York from England, and thence to Burlington, Racine Co., in 1849, and located on a farm ; he removed to Walworth Co. in 1855, and purchased a tract of 290 acres of land in Sees. 1 and 2 in the town of Lyons. The parents of Mr. Meadows had eight children, three sons and five daughters ; the sons and four daughters are still living ; William and George now own the tract of land on which their father settled ; their brother John G. resides on See. 11. Their parents are now residents of Burlington, Racine Co. Mr. William Meadows was born in England in 1833, came to the United States with his parents in 1842. As a business man, Mr. Meadows is prominently known as a wool dealer, a business in which he has been engaged since 1865 ; he is probably the most extensive purchaser of that commodity in Walworth Co. ; he takes an active part in whatever tends to promote the best interests of the county and community in which he lives ; he has been President of the Walworth County Agricultural Society ; was Chairman of the Town Board for the years 1876-77 and '78, and has served one term in the Legislature of the State. Mrs. Meadows was formerly Miss Ann Armstrong, born in the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Meadows have three chil dren — George, William and Lizzie. Mr. Meadows farm contains 133 acres. EDWARD MOORHOUSE, general merchant, Springfield. Mr. Moorhouse is a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1844. When 14 years of age, he came to Walworth Co. with his father, Henry Moorhouse, who settled in the town of Geneva. Edward went to California in 1864, and engaged in quartz milling ; he returned in 1868, and bought a farm about 1870 on Sec. 8, town of Lyons, of Mr. E. Booth ; he engaged here in business in 1875, under the firm name of Moorhouse & Warhurst ; his partner died September, 1880. Mr. Moorhouse has been sole proprietor since the death of Mr. War hurst ; he has an extensive trade ; he is also engaged in buying grain, stock, wool and poultry. JUDSON NEFF, lumber dealer, Springfield; born in Cortland Co., N. Y., in 1833; he came to Walworth Co. with his parents, Abraham and Elisabeth Neff, in 1842. The parents of Mr. Neff settled on Spring Prairie. Mr. Abraham Neff was born in. the State of New York, in 1797, and died Oct. 27T 1866. Mrs. Neff lives with her son at Springfield. The parents of Mr. Neff had four sons, two of whom grew to manhood, Judson and Henry N. The latter was a Union soldier during the rebellion, and was for a period of fourteen months a prisoner in the Andersonville Prison ; he died at St. Louis, July 26, 1866. Mr. Judson Neff was engaged for a time at the business of carpentering at Honey Creek ; he was after ward engaged in the mercantile business at Burlington, Racine Co., for about eight years ; was afterward engaged in the salesroom of a sash, door and blind factory in Chicago ; has been engaged in his present business at Springfield since Feb. 24, 1880. Mr. Neff married Miss Celinda Fowler, daughter of Benja min Fowler, by whom he had two children — none of his family are living. JACOB OLP, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P. O. Springfield. He was born in the State of New Jersey iu 1807. When 23 years of age he removed to the town of Mount Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., where he lived until 1852, when he moved to the town of Livonia in the same county ; he came to Walworth Co. in 1854, and purchased the farm, where he has since resided, of Judge Baker, of Geneva; he has been married twice, his first wife was Mary Baylor, a native of New Jersey ; his present wife was Mrs. Eliza beth Hicks, formerly Miss Salthouse, born. in England, and emigrated to the State of Illinois with her parents when 14 years of age. Mr. Olp had seven children by his first wife, who grew to maturity, four sons and three daughters; three sons and the daughters are still living ; has one daughter by the present wife. Mrs. Olp has three sons and one daughter by her former marriage. Mr. Olp's farm contains 125 acres of land. „ . _., „ „ JACOB QUACKENBUSH, farmer,- Sec. 17 ; P. O. Lyons. He was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y, in 1809, but removed to Oneida Co. with his parents, and thence with them to Oswego ; he came to Burlington, Racine Co., Wis., from Oneida Co.. N. Y., in June, 1840; he settled in the town of Roches ter, Racine Co., the same year, but sold out and settled in the town of Spring Prairie the following year ; has lived in Walworth and Racine Cos. since he first came to the State of Wisconsin ; he bought the farm where he now lives, in June, 1855, of Joseph Cahone ; he has been married twice. His first wife 820 . HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. died after he came to Spring Prairie ; he had five children by his first wife, four of whom are living ; he has one child by his second wife ; his eldest son Edward and his youngest child Anna are at home. GILES G. REEVE, general merchant and Postmaster, Lyons. He is a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1833 ; he removed to the town of Trenton, Oneida Co., when 17 years of ae;e; he came to Walworth Co. March 2, 1866, and settled on a farm on Sec. 27, purchasing what was known as the Crane farm, and, being located here in the village for a time, he engaged in the produce business at Burlington, Racine Co. ; he came here November, 1875, having exchanged his farm for a stock of goods with Farnum & Brown. The business was established by Sperry Northrup about 1855. Mr. Reeves was appointed Postmaster December, 1875 ; he is also express agent at this point. His wife was Sarah, daughter of Thomas T. and Elvira Worden. Mrs. Reeves was born in Trenton, N. Y., March 6, 1834. They have two children — Parker W. and Mary B., both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Reeves is the only member of his father's family in this State. JOEL B. SMITH, farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Lyons ; son of Chester Smith, who was born in Ben nington Co,., Vt., May 14, 1795, who is still living, and is residing with his son at the homestead, at the advanced age of 87 years. His father, Oliver Smith, the grandfather of Joel B. Smith, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war ; he marched with Gen. Benedict Arnold across the wilderness to Quebec, and participated in the disastrous attack of Gen. Montgomery upon that stronghold. Chester Smith emigrated from the State of New York to the then Territory of Michigan, in the fall of 1834. He came to Wal worth Co. in April, 1846, and settled on the farm which he purchased of John Smith. His wife was Abigail R. Bostwick. They have four children, two of whom died in Michigan, and a daughter, Martha E., wife of Henry Banker, died in 1866. Joel B. Smith was born in Clarendon, Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1834 ; he married Mary E. Fellows, a daughter of Amos Fellows. They have three children — Lura A., Halbert E. and Anna L. The homestead farm contains 143 acres of land. CYRUS P. TAYLOR, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Springfield; son of Linus Taylor, who came to Wal worth from the State of New York in June, 1845, and purchased a farm of Palmer Gardner and James Garfield, on Sec. 6, in the town of Lyons. He sold his farm in 1855, and, in 1857, removed to Cham paign Co., 111., where he resided until his death. Cyrus P. Taylor was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1826. He came here with his parents, and has been a resident of the town of Lyons since that time. He is one of the substantial and reliable citizens of Walworth Co. ; he has served four years as Sheriff of the county, holding that position for the years 1873 and 1874, and for 1877 and 1878 ; has been a mem ber of the Town Board for a dozen years, of which he was Chairman for six years. Mrs. Taylor was formerly Miss Lydia Dikeman, who came to Walworth Co., with her parents, from the State of New York, in 1845, and settled on Sec. 7, town of Lyons. Her father now lives at Elkhorn. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have two sons — Frank E. and Millard D. Mr. Taylor's farm contains 160 acres. HENRY B. TOWSLEE, Esq., resides on Sec. 11; P. 0. Lyons. Mr. Towslee was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1811. He is a lawyer by profession ; studied law in his native State, and was admitted to the bar in 1832 ; he came to Wisconsin in the spring of 1839, and located at Southport, now Kenosha, where he resided till 1855, when he removed to Detroit, Mich., where he practiced law till 1858, and then he returned to Kenosha, and engaged in banking ; he practiced law in Chicago from 1861 till 1869, when his health having failed he came to Walworth Co., and settled on his farm, which he had purchased in 1851. His farm contains 200 acres. A. D. VANTINE, farmer, Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Lyons ; son of Lester S. Vantine, who was born in the eastern part of the State of New York, and came to Walworth Co. in 1844, and located the same year on the farm where his son, A. D. Vantine, now lives, where he resided until his death. His wife died previous to the death of her husband. They left two children — Darwin D. and Ashley D. The latter was born on the homestead in 1854 ; he married Eliza Hellowell, known as Nettie Whitmore ; they have one son, Lewis A. Ashley D. resides at the homestead. Darwin D. lives at Danville, 111. ; he was born on the homestead, also, and is the elder of the two. The homestead farm contains 96 acres. LEWIS S. WEEKS, farmer, Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Lyons. Mr. Weeks was born in Massachusetts, in 1818 ; when 15 years of age, he removed with his parents to the town of Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y. His parents were Spencer and Elvera Weeks ; his father was born in Massachusetts in 1797 ; his mother was born August, 1798 ; his father came to Walworth Co., with his family, in 1843, and settled on Sec. 4, town of Lyons, where his son, G. Vernon Weeks, now lives. His father died at the homestead in 1859 ; his mother still lives at the homestead, with her son, G. Vernon Weeks. Lewis S. Weeks came here from Genesee Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1844, and purchased his present farm. He was married in the State of New York to Elvira F. Little, born in Genesee Co. They have two sons — John and Edgar A. Their farm contains 218 acres. J^. ^f^'^/^t^a^-J^ HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 821 TOWN OF LA GRANGE. NATURAL FEATURES. La Grange is one of the northern tier of towns, situated east of Whitewater and north of Sugar Creek. Speaking generally, the northern and southeastern portions of the town consist of rolling or hilly land, the central and southwestern of prairie land. The central sections of the town are quite flat, with slight elevations and sand-sinks. These latter are more frequent than in other parts of the county. An exception to the general hilly character of the north is the northwestern corner, in which is located a marsh containing some five sections. The direction of the hills and bluffs is from northeast to southwest. Heart Prairie, in the southwest, contains about six sections of land, and Round Prairie, in the center of the town, one. The soil in these localities is not sandy and gravelly as in the north, but consists of clay loam and sand, mixed. To the east, its character changes to a heavy clay or sand. Originally, most of the town consisted of oak openings, with small groves of black and white oak. The town is well watered. The South Branch of the Scupernong flows north through Sections 6 and 7 and a portion of 18, into Jefferson County. Pleasant Lake, in Section 24, Green, Middle and Mill Lakes, Sections 25, 26, 35 and 36, are situated in the southwestern corner. The latter three have Honey Creek as an outlet, which runs in an easterly direction. These bodies of water are surrounded generally by high bluffs and timbered land. Pickerel, pike, rock and black bass, perch, etc., find their natural homes in them. They have been stocked also with Mackinaw trout. The depth of the water varies from ten to sixty feet. The town is given up almost entirely to farming, there be ing no villages within its limits. Nearly every variety of small grain is raised, the average yield being: Wheat, ten bushels per acre- oats, thirty; and corn, twenty-five. Very few of the farms are devoted to dairying, the only butter and cheese factory in town, operated by W. D. Stow, being burned in 1879. The raising of swine is carried on quite extensively, B. Fowler, a resident of Heart Prairie, being particularly successful in bringing his breed of Poland-China pigs to a high state of perfection. Ln 1881, the following crops were growing in the town: 6,804 acres of grain; 81 of pota toes and root crops; 190 of apples (8,070 trees); 4,027 grazing land and grasses; and 5,347 growing timber; the 621 milch cows are valued at 119,160. During 1880, the following crops were grown and products raised: 34,947 bushels of wheat; 102,760 of corn; 49,675 oats; 12,403 barley; 4,002 rye; 8,006 potatoes; 1,645 root crops; 16,- 165 apples: 30 clover seed; 169 timothy seed; 12,700 pounds of tobacco; 2,134 tons grass; 83,- 290 pounds of butter. VALUATION OF PROPERTY (1881). Town of La Grange— Number of acres farming land, 22,043, valued at $414,165; personal property, $139,560; total valuation, $553,725. When first organized,' in 1843, the valuation of town property was only $45,622. SCHOOLS. The first school in town was a private one, opened on Round Prairie in 1840, and taught by Melissa Cornish. Now, the town of La Grange consists of four school districts and six joint districts, in which are 301 children of school age. Of this number, the attendance is 211. The schools number eight, and the teachers eight; wages of the male teachers, $32 per month, and female, $21.75. The schoolhouses are valued at $3,000; sites, $250; apparatus, $25; total val uation, $3,275. ORGANIZATION AND EARLY SETTLEMENT. La Grange is known as Town 4 north, Range 16 east, and was organized from Elkhorn, by act of the Territorial Legislature, March 21, 1843. The first meeting of the board was held April 3 of that year. The naming of the town is said to have originated with Cyrus Huton, 822 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Moses Rand and Caleb and Levi Harris, and the all-important cognomen was decided upon at a gathering held in Charles P. Ellis' sitting room a short time before the organization. The lat ter was a brother-in-law of the Harrises. Although named La Grange originally after the native place of Gen. La Fayette, it did not necessarily imply any intimate connection with that distin guished patriot, but waB imported from the East, where the name is common. James Holden was the first white settler in the toWn of La Grange; lived there for forty- three years, and died loved and mourned. He was born in Middlesex, Vt. , August 5, 1813. When twenty years of age, he went to Boston, where his brother lived, to seek employment and work in any honest way he could. After being employed at the Fulton Market four years, he went to Chicago for the purpose of seeking a home further West. Learning of fertile lands in the vicinity of Whitewater, he set out on foot, and, after examining the country, made a claim on Sugar Creek Before he had time to improve it, however, further than to erect a hut, busi ness called him back to Chicago. Returning soon after, full of hope and determination to found a home in what appeared to him an unsurpassable region, imagine his feelings when he found that his claim had been jumped! But; luckily, he met Maj. John Davis, who told him of far more promising spots to the north. Thither he again directed his steps. Employing a guide, he reached the beautiful spot which he afterward called home, April 2, 1837. He came upon a gem of a prairie from the northwest, and ascended the high elevation which is now called " Lone Tree Bluff." The outlines of the prairie were so clearly cut and so suggestive of a heart that it received from him then and there, as he looked over its fair, green surface, the name which has since fastened upon it. Mr. Holden made a claim of one square mile, consisting of the timber and prairie land bordering the lake on the south. He built a shanty here, but re moved it to a spot near the present residence of his widow, when the highway was opened. Edwin De Wolf, the brother of William De Wolf, helped him in his work and shared his bach elor life with him. But Mr. Holden had other plans than to live this hermit life. Two years passed, and the town, especially the vicinity of Heart Prairie, had quite a number of settlers. George and Robert Esterly, Edwin De Wolf, William McDugald, James Bret, the Worthing- tons, True Rand and others, were near neighbors; while on Round Prairie were the Cornishes, Caleb Morris, Marshall Newhall, et al. Mr. Esterly had already secured over one thousand acres of land, engaging most extensively in the cultivation of wheat, and already commencing to experiment with " harvesting machines, " not foreseeing then what it would come to. For the past year (so the story runs), Mr. Holden had much to say about a certain " Faith " who was waiting for him in the blue hills of Vermont. In 1839, he visited his native State and re mained two years, bringing back not " Faith, " but " Patience, " daughter of Deacon Cyrus Bar ber, of Barry. This happy event occurred in October, 1841, and it is related now by his old neighbors that the joke hung to him for years after that Brother Holden had long and patiently sought Faith, but found faithful Patience at last. Although he disposed of most of his prop erty, Mr. Holden resided, up to the day of his death, near the old claim, watching with content ment the growth of the town and county from a wilderness and uncultivated prairie to a rich and improved country. Mr. Holden was genial, a good conversationalist, kind and sympathetic; and no wonder that, as his days drew to an end, a host of friends drew nearer to him. He died at 4 o'clock on Sunday morning, February 22, 1880, and left a widow and children to mourn his loss. They reside upon a portion of his original claim. Although Mr. Holden was undoubtedly the first actual settler of the town of La Grange', the famous Meacham-Bigelow controversy over the claim in the south half of Section 24 occurred the year before his arrival. How that trouble was settled has been fully detailed in the general history of the county. The next year after James Holden, the Worthingtons, True Rand, the Cornishes, Edwin De Wolf, Benjamin Swett, James Burt and others had either made claims or settled in the town of La Grange, occurred quite an interesting event, it being no more nor less than the arrival of its first-born— a son of James Burt, the last-named settler. This occurred in 1838, and in 1839 Mr. Swett took a wife to himself, he being the first who entered into the matrimonial bonds in the town of La Grange. The land sale of February, 1836, made sad havoc in the claims of some of the first settlers of Heart Prairie. Volney McCracken, in 1837, had claimed Section 30, but was obliged to pass HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 823 over 33^ per cent of it to Eliphalet Cramer, a capitalist of Milwaukee, and, as he could not pay for the remainder, the whole property eventually passed into other hands. Much of Dr. Loomis' claim, on Sugar Creek, came into the possession of William McDougald, who removed to Heart Prairie in March of the next year and obtained land in Sections 29 and 30. Much of this prop erty he has subsequently deeded to his sons. He is now the oldest settler upon the prairie. The first breaking of land in the town was upon Heart and Round Prairies, at about the same time — in the spring of 1837. The honor is believed te be due to Gabriel Cornish and his two sons — or to " Uncle Gabe," as he was more commonly called. This was upon the northwest quarter of Section 23 and the southwest quarter of Section 14. The following is the account given by Mr. Esterly of his attempts to improve his condition while a farmer of Heart Prairie: " In 1837, Mr. Esterly removed to Heart Prairie and secured over a thousand acres of land, engaging extensively in the cultivation of wheat — as many as 350 acres in a year. He soon ascertained that wheat could not be grown profitably in the far West, if harvested in the ordinary way, and set about inquiring how far the inventive genius of the country had supplemented and superseded labor. Obed Huzzy, of Baltimore, had invented a harvesting machine which was talked about, but he ascertained that it required four horses and ten men to cut and bind twenty acres per day, which was not a satisfactory exhibit as a labor- saving contrivance. Similar objections applied to other machines that were announced, and some of which he purchased and tried proved total failures, involving a loss greater than he could afford. He was thus induced, by the pressure of necessity, to attempt the invention of something better than any of which he had knowledge, and commenced by experimenting on a style of reaper where the horses were placed behind the cutting apparatus and steered by a tiller, on the principle of steering vessels. He made many fruitless and costly experiments in his barn, which he had converted into a machine shop, but succeeded in producing a machine the. first season that would cut successfully ten acres of wheat in half a day. This was in 1844, and in the suc ceeding year he went to Milwaukee and employed what were called skilled mechanics to build for him five machines of the kind just described, but the result of this was a loss of $1,200, which he was compelled to pay for machines that were only partially finished and of no practical value. The next year, he again converted his barn into a machine shop and began the con struction of harvesting machines, which proved so entirely successful that he was induced to engage in the business of manufacturing them for sale, and which has resulted in one of the largest manufactories of the kind in the West. Mr. Esterly received his first patent in 1 844, removing permanently to Whitewater in 1857." Orison G. Ewing, whose land lies in Sections 26, 27 and 22, settled in the town in 1838. J. W. Weld, who also came from Vermont during that year, resides on Section 13; William Houghton, who came in the same year, lives on Section 14; James H. Sanford, a " settler " of 1841, upon Section 32: Stephen C. Goff, who settled in 1840, upon Section 32; Isaac C. Phelps, who located in 1842 upon Section 20; J. Patchin, who came in 1847, upon Section 16; James Lauderdale, a resident since 1844, upon Sections 25 and 36; James H Lawton, an Englishman (1847), upon Section 16. Those mentioned above are all who still live in the town of La Grange who settled there previous to 1847, or ten years from the time that James Holden made his claim of 640 acres upon Heart Prairie. Below is a list of other settlers during that period, with the State from which they came and the year of their arrival. Those marked with an * are dead; the others have moved away: " Father Worthington"* and his two sons, Elijah* and Theodore* Michigan, 1837; True Rand,* 1837; Moses Rand* 1841; William Lyon* and Samuel Robinson,* 1841; Gabriel CorniBh* and two sons, Nelson and Anson, 1837; also Jerod Cornish,* 1837; Marshall Newell,* 1838; Benjamin Swett, Vermont, 1837; Edwin De Wolf, New York, 1837; John Nor cross,* Thomas Waterman,* New York, 1838; Charles P. Ellis,* New York, 1840; Enos J. Hazard,* New York, 1840; Stephen B. Davis, Vermont, 1838; Nathaniel G. Holden,* Vermont, 1842; Silas Phelps,* Connecticut, 1842; Volnev McCracken* New York, 1837; James Burt,* Vermont, 1837 ; George Esterly, New York, 1837; Robert Esterly, Michigan, 1839; Amasa Bigelow, Nova Scotia, 1837; James Field, Rhode Island, 1839; Samuel Loomer* 1841; Robert Morris,* New York, 1841; Ezekiel Lewis,* New York, 1840; John H. Cooper. Vermont, 1845; Horace Adams* New York, 1845; Nathan Adams* New York, 1845; Charles Heth, New York, 824 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1845; O. P. Gunnison, New York, 1840; Hiram Cross, New York, 1843; David S. Elting,* New York, 1842; John Olds,* New York, 1842. CHURCHES. In 1841, the Troy Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church included Troy, Eagle, Heart Prairie, Round Prairie, Turtle Prairie, Delavan and Elkhorn. Though occasional services were held previous to this year, the first religious organizations in town consisted of the formation of classes at Heart and Round Prairies. At the latter place, the members consisted of Rev. James Flanders, local preacher, Mr. and Mrs Houghton, Mrs. Norcross, " Father " Cornish, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Cornish and a few others. At Heart Prairie, services were held in Father Worth- ington's log house, where a class was also formed, comprising himself and wife and two sons, Elijah and Theodore, and Mrs. Lewis. In 1860, a Methodist Episcopal Church was erected at a cost of $3,500, and a society is now in existence. The next year, a union church building, for the accommodation of all denominations, was erected on Round Prairie. There are two general stores in the town — one at La Grange Center and the other at Heart Prairie. Amasa Bigelow built a saw-mill in 1838, and, after a few years, a grist-mill was erected. The latter was moved, and a larger and better mill built in its place, by Daniel Will iams. Its location is just east of Mill Lake, at what is called Williams' Mills Post Office. The town has no railroad facilities, but there is a probability that the old Chicago & Northern Pa cific, now the Chicago, Portage & Superior Air Line, may pass through its southwestern part, striking Heart Prairie. A list of Postmasters who have served the town is as follows: Nelson Cornish, William Houghton, Thomas Waterman, George Esterly, John Lewis, William Johnson, Charles Harris, Charles P. Ellis, William Taylor, Andrew Hanson. Justices of the Peace, William Houghton, Thomas Waterman, John H. Cooper, Sylvester Hanson, James Knight, William Greening, A. W. Dickinson, James H. Sanford and William McDougald. ROSTER OF TOWN OFFICERS. 1843 — Supervisors, Edwin De Wolf, Marshall Newell, Elijah Worthington; Clerk, Thomas Waterman; Treasurer, Benjamin Swett. 1844 — Supervisors, E. J. Hazard, Moses Rand, O. G. Ewing; Clerk, Thomas Waterman; Treasurer, C. P. Ellis.. 1845— Supervisors, Edwin De Wolf, William Houghton, C. P. Ellis; Clerk, E. J. Hazard; Treasurer, Benjamin Swett. 1846— Supervisors, O. G. Ewing, E. Lewis, J. H. Cooper; Clork, Benjamin Swett; Treas urer, Benjamin Swett. 1847— Supervisors, J. Lauderdale, J. Weld, H. Adams; Clerk, Thomas Waterman; Treas urer, C. P. Ellis. 1848— Supervisors, J. Lauderdale, H. Adams, J. Weld; Clerk, E. J. Hazard; Treasurer, E. J. Hazard. 1849— Supervisors, James Lauderdale, C. Hath, H. Cross; Clerk, E. J. Hazard; Treasurer, O. P. Gunnison. 1850— Supervisors, E. J. Hazard, C. Hath, H. Cross; Clerk, H. Adkins; Treasurer, O. P. Gunnison. 1851— Supervisors, J. Lauderdale, J. H. Sanford, 0. P. Gunnison; Clerk H Adkins ¦ Treasurer, C. P. Ellis. 1852— Supervisors, D. S. Elting, J. Taylor, J. Holden; Clerk, H. Adkins; Treasurer, C. 1853— Supervisors, J. Lauderdale, J. Taylor, C. Harris; Clerk, H. Adkins; Treasurer, C. 1854— Supervisors, J' Lauderdale, J. Padley, C. Harris; Clerk, H. Adkins; Treasurer, William Bromley. 1855-Supervisors, R. Fairchild, D. W. C. Barron, C. P. Ellis; Clerk, E. J. Hazard; Treas urer, C. Harris. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 825 TO> WISEST °- W' C' ^^ A> ^^ J' H0Men; Cl8rk' °" R G™^ ^eas- w. ^^^s^ai^r c- R Ellis' T Waterman; cierks- wmiam *¦* j- 1858-Supervisors, S. Hanson, 0. P. Ellis, C. Hath; Clerk, J. W. Knight; Treasurer J. Martin60"SUPSrViSOT8' S' HanS°n' °' Heath' G- R Ellis; Clerk> Jolm King; Treasurer, A. }««J_|UperV-S°r8' °- HeaS',J- N' Case> T- Asti*; Clerk, S. Hanson; Treasurer, A. Bird 1862— Supervisors, James Holden, J. N. Case, A. W. Dickenson; Clerk, J. W Knia-ht- Treasurer, J. H. Lawton. g ' t ^^-Supervisors, O. A. Ray, J. King, J. W. Knight; Clerk, J. W. Knight; Treasurer, J. H. Lawton. ° ' 1864— Supervisors, G. A. Ray, J. G. Wood, Charles Heath; Clerk, J. W. Knight, J King- Treasurer, J. H. Lawton. 8' 1865— Supervisors, G- A- Ray, J. G. Wood, Thomas Astin; Clerk, J. W. Knight; Treas urer, C. W. Harris. & „ 1886— Supervisors, G. A. Ray, John King, J. W. Wood; Clerk, J. H. Lawton; Treasurer, C. W. Harris. ' „ 186J— Supervisors, G. A. Ray, J. G. Wood, John King; Clerk, G. W. Alexander; Treasurer, C. W. Harris. 1868 -Supervisors, G. A. Ray, C. P. Ellis, W. D. Zelie; Clerk, W. R. Taylor; Treasurer, George Taylor, Jr. 1869— Supervisors, J. Lauderdale, J. Taylor, D. McNaughten ; Clerk, W. R. Tavlor- Treasurer, G. H. Bromley. 1870— Supervisors, G. A. Ray, J. W. Weld, D. K. Sanford; Clerk, W. R. Taylor; Treas urer, C. W. Harris. 1871— Supervisors, J. Lauderdale, D. K. Sanford, William Greening; Clerk, W. R. Tav lor; Treasurer, C. W. Harris. 1872— Supervisors, J. Lauderdale, William Greening, W. H. Gibbs; Clerk, J. H. Lawton; Treasurer, F. W. Bromiley. 1873— Supervisors, J. Lauderdale, William Greening, D. K. Sanford; Clerk, J. H. Law- ton; Treasurer, F. W. Bromiley. 1874— Supervisors, William Greening, C. P. Ellis, W. H. Gibbs; Clerk, J. H. Lawton; Treasurer, F. W. Bromiley. 1875 — Supervisors, William Greening, C. P. Ellis, G. H. Bromiley; Clerk, J. H. Lawton; Treasurer, F. W. Bromiley. 1876 — Supervisors, M. P. Bishop, G. H. Bromiley, E. J. Crane; Clerk, J. H. Lawton; Treasurer, F. W. Bromiley. 1877— Supervisors, M. P. Bishop, G. H. Bromiley, E. J. Crane; Clerk, J. H. Lawton; Treasurer, William Taylor, Jr. 1878 — Supervisors, M. P. Bishop, I. E. Doolittle, Iver Wickingson; Clerk, J. H. Lawton; Treasurer, William Taylor, Jr. 1879— Supervisors, M. P. Bishop, J. Moyse, W. W. Johnson; Clerk, W. T. Taylor; Treas urer, William Taylor, Jr. 1880 — Supervisors, William Greening, A. W. Dickenson, I. E. Doolittle; Clerk, W. T. Tay lor; Treasurer, William Taylor, Jr. 1881— Supervisors, M. P. Bishop, I. E. Doolittle, S. A. Case; Clerk, W. T. Taylor; Treas urer, William Taylor, Jr. WAR HISTORY. The town was among the most patriotic sections of the county. Most of her good soldiers — and she furnished seventy-four (two in excess of her quota) — went into Whitewater companies. La Grange also raised over $17,000 for all purposes. A full roster of those who went from the town, and an account of their marches and conflicts during the war, will be found in the general military history. 826 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Moses Rand died February 26, 1881, at the home of his sister, Mrs. Emily E. Worthington, near Racine. His remains were brought to Whitewater and buried in Hillside Cemetery. He came from Michigan in 1841, and settled on Heart Prairie with the Worthingtons. Charles P. Ellis, a prominent resident of the town of La Grange for many years, was born in Ashfield, Franklin Co., N. Y., March 20, 1812. Soon after marrying Sarah, sister of Caleb Harris, in 1840, he removed to the town of La Grange and took up land in Section 21, near La Grange Center. During his residence there of over forty years, he made many friends, and his fellow-townsmen showed their confidence in him by electing him Treasurer and Supervisor for many terms. His death occurred January 22, 1881. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. MATTHEW P. BISHOP, farmer., Sec. 14; P. 0. La Grange; has 160 acres of land. The sub ject of this sketch was born in West Windsor, Vt., Aug. 15, 1822 ; is the son of Ira and Sarah (Patrick) Bishop ; moved with his parents to Rushford, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1838, and from thence to Eagle, Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1845. He was married in East Troy, Nov. 14, 1848, to Roxana, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Alvord, of Eagle, Wis. ; Mrs. Bishop was born in Frankfort, Herkimer Co., N. Y., April 13, 1827, and died at Little Prairie, Walworth Co., Oct. 2, 1865. There were eight children in the family — Ira, born Dec. 27, 1849 ; Albert, born May 27, 1851, died, aged 11 years; Charles A., born May 22, 1853 ; Frank P., born Nov. 29, 1855. (These four were born in Eagle, Wis.) Kittie, born Oct. 7, 1857; Nellie, born Dec. 19, 1859; Mary, born July 26, 1861, died at Little Prairie, Oct. 17, 1862; John, born Dec. 31, 1863. The four younger were born in Troy, Wis.; Ira married Jennie Berry and lives in Minnesota ; Charles A. married Mary D. Dow, is an attorney at La Porte, Iowa, and is the present member of the Legislature from his District ; Frank P. married Nellie Means, lives in La Grange ; Kittie is the wife of Everett E. Dow, of Waterloo, Wis. Mr. Bishop purchased his present farm in 1865, and moved to La Grange ; he was married again June 20, 1873, in Whitewater, to Miss Mary E. Alvord, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Alvord ; Mrs. Bishop was born in Sauquoit, Oneida Co., N. Y. Mr. Bishop has held various local offices — -Superindendent of Schools of Eagle and Troy, Justice of the Peace, and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors six terms, and Chairman of the Walworth Co. Board of Supervisors two terms ; politics, Republican. FRED. W. BLOMILEY, D. S., dentist and County Treasurer. The subject of this sketch was born in La Grange, Walworth Co., Wis., Aug. 3, 1849 ; is the son of Thomas and Susannah (Lawton) Blomiley ; he received a common school education, and was brought up on a farm ; was elected Town Treasurer of La Grange, re-elected and held the office six years; he was elected County Treasurer in 1876, and re-elected in 1878 and 1880, bein^ the present incumbent ; in 1879, he began the study of den tistry; took a regular course at the Indiana Dental College of Indianapolis, Ind", and graduated Feb. 28, 1882 ; he then bought out Dr. J. M. Barker, of Elkhorn, and entered upon the practice of his pro fession ; he has his dental rooms and the Treasurer's office connected by telephone, and so manages, with the aid of a deputy, to conduct both with satisfaction. He was married in Elkhorn, to Maryette Sher man, daughter of Mrs. Wealthy Sherman; Mrs. Blomiley was born in the State of New York. Mr. Blomiley is Republican in politics; he has resided in Elkhorn since 1S76. THOMAS BLOMILEY, farmer, Sec. 10 ; P. O. La Grange; has 260 acres of laud. The subject of this sketch was born in Cheshire, England, near Manchester, July 7, 1822 ; is the son of Peers and Hannah (Barton) Blomiley ; came to America in 1843 ; made his home at New York Mills, Oneida Co., N. Y., till 1848, when he moved to La Grange, Walworth Co., Wis., and located on his present farm; he was married in Rome, N. Y., Dec. 25, 1S47, to Susannah, daughter of Harry A. Lawton ; Mrs. Blomiley was born in Cheshire, England ; they have two sons and one daughter ; the eldest, Frederick W., is a dentist by profession, and the present Treasurer of Walworth Co. ; he married Maryette Sherman and lives at Elkhorn ; the two younger, Squire and Susannah, are at home ; Mr. Blomiley and younger son have devoted considerable attention for the past eight years to the growing of Italian bees and queens, for sale. Mr. Blomiley and sons are Republican in politics. WILLIAM BROMLEY, farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. La Grange; has 160 acres of land. Mr. Bromley was born in Yorkshire, England. Aug. 8, 1808 ; is the son of Thomas and Martha (Kil bourn) Bromley ; was employed in early life in the cotton mills ; was what is known as a boss cotton weaver; he came to America in 1839; made his home in New Hartford, Oneida Co N Y where he worked at his trade five years ; he then came to Wisconsin May 12, 1844, and purchased his present farm, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 827 where he has continued to reside to this date, 1882; he was married in England in 1836, to Martha daughter of Joshua and Sarah Taylor ; Mrs. Bromley was born in Yorkshire ; they have five children — Samuel T., George H., Sarah, Edward and Frederick W.; George H, married Maryette Houghton, lives in La Grange ; Edward, married Sarah A. Meadows, and lives in La Grange ; Frederick W., married Emma Houghton, lives at Waukesha, Wis. Mr. Bromley and sons are Republican in polities. JAMES N. CASE, farmer, Sec. 19; P. 0. Heart Prairie; has 99 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Newstead, Erie Co., N. Y., Dec. 1, 1821. Is the son of James H. and Mary (Powers) Case; he was brought up a farmer; was married May 1, 1845, in Erie Co., N. Y., to Miss Mary J. Lancton, daughter [of Lewis and Welthy Lancton. Mrs. Case was born in Buffalo, N. Y., Aug. 28, 1826. They had two children born in the East— L. Adelbert and George R., both deceased; Adelbert died aged 23 years; George R. when 3 years old. Mr. Case and family moved to Wisconsin in the fall of 1848, and located in La Grange, Walworth Co., on the farm on which he still resides. Four children were born to them in La Grange — Thirsah M., Clara, Walter and Minnietta ; the eldest, Thirsah M., is the wife of 0. C. Allworth, of Fort Atkinson, Wis.; Clara and Walter died in childhood. Mr. Case is Republican in politics. SAMUEL N. CASE, farmer, Sec. 29; P. 0. Heart Prairie; has 120 acres of land; he was born in Newstead, Erie Co., N. Y., April 12, 1833 ; is the son of James H. and Mary (Powers) Case ; came to Wisconsin, May 13, 1849, and settled on Sec. 20, La Grange, Walworth Co., and has lived in this town continuously since. For the past eighteen years he has resided on his present farm. He has been twice elected a member of the Board of Supervisors of La Grange, being a member of present board ; he was married in Williamson, Wayne Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, 1856, to Miss Abigail L. Springer, daughter of William and Ann Springer. Mrs. Case was born in Williamson, Wayne Co., N. Y. They have two chil dren, daughters, — Ella and Clara; Ella, the eldest, is the wife of Edward D. Ellis, of Chicago. ALVIN W. COOK, farmer, Sec. 31; P.O. Heart Prairie; has 130 acres of land; was born in Antwerp, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, 1825 ; is the son of Jesse and Nancy Lozier Cook. The sub ject of this sketch was brought up a farmer, moved to St. Lawrence Co. with his parents in 1840, and in 1845 came to Whitewater, Walworth Co., Wis., arriving in this town July 17, made his home on Sec. 25, where he was engaged in farming till 1865 ; he then sold out and moved to his present farm on Sec. 31, La Grange. He was married in Turtle, Rock Co., Oct. 30, 1848, to Miss Lucinda H. Safford, daughter of Amos and Tabitha Safford. Mrs. Cook was born in Murray, Orleans Co., N. Y. They have had eight children — Henry, who died aged 18 years; Alfred C, married Delia Lewis, and lives in Spink Co., D. T.; Arvilla, now Mrs. William Olds, of Whitewater; Charles S. married Miss Mary Ball, lives in La Grange; Seymour A., Emery L., Carrie E. and Arthur R. Mr. Cook's people were of New England origin ; his grandfather on his father's side was a soldier of the Revolution, and his father was a soldier of the war of 1812. Mr. Cook has served thirteen years as Assessor of La Grange, and is now serving his fourteenth year. In politics he is Republican. LEWIS C. COOK, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. O. Heart Prairie ; has 240 acres. The subject of this sketch was born in Batavia, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 28, 1828. Is the son of Edward M. and Persis (McMurphy) Cook. He was brought up a farmer. In 1846, he came to Wisconsin and made his home in La Grange, on Sec. 30, and in 1864 moved to his present farm. He was married in this town in 1863, to Miss Lois E. Johnson, daughter of Col. Wm. Johnson. Mrs. Cook was born in Wayne Co., N. Y. They have no children of their own, but have one adopted daughter named Ella. BENJAMIN F. COX, farmer, Sec 13; P. 0. Adam's; has 175 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Springfield, Mass., Oct. 31, 1812 ; son of Benjamin and Sarah (Bowman) Cox ; when 6 years of age, he moved to Leverett, Mass., with his parents and two years later to Hadley ; he was mar ried in Greenfield, Mass., April 9, 1835, to Miss Clarissa C. Clark, daughter of Elisha Clark. Mrs. Cox is 'a native of Hampshire Co., Mass. In 1840, Mr. Cox and family emigrated to Wisconsin, located m Troy, Walworth Co.; one year later, they moved to La Grange, where Mr. Cox had purchased a consider able tract of land in company with his brother Samuel. In 1845, he bought out his brother's interest. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have no children of their own, but adopted and brought up a daughter (Susannah) now Mrs. Edwin Crain, of La Grange. AMZY S. DOOLITTLE, farmer, Sec. 33; P. 0. Heart Prairie; has 130 acres of land; was born in Windham, Greene Co., N. Y., April 4, 1834; is the son of Edward and Sally A. Doolittle ; was brought up a farmer, and came to La Grange, Wis., in the fall of 1855 ; was married in Sugar Creek, July 26, 1857, to Miss Ellen A. Smith, daughter of Francis Smith. Mrs. Doolittle was born in Vermont. One child was born to them— Ida. Mrs. Doolittle died Oct. 20, 1876. Mr. Doolittle was married again Jan. 828 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1, 1879, in Delavan, to Frances E. Near, daughter of Lewis C. Near. Mrs. Doolittle was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y. Mr. Doolittle and wife are members of the M. E. Church. In politics, he is Republican , having voted with that party since its organization. CHARLES P. ELLIS (deceased) was born in Ashfield, Franklin Co., Mass., March 20, 1812 ; he was the son of William and Rhoda Ellis. When he was about 6 years of age, his parents moved to Springfield, Erie Co., Penn. ; he was brought up on a farm, and in 1839 was married to Miss Sarah Harris, daughter of Jeremiah and Priscilla Harris. Mrs. Ellis was born in Henderson, Jefferson Co., N. Y. In 1842, they moved to Wisconsin, arriving in La Grange, Walworth Co., in July of that year, and purchased a farm on Sec. 21, near the center of the town. Mr. Ellis pursued the occupation of farmer at this place till his death, which occurred Jan. 22, 1881, leaving a widow and three chil dren to mourn his loss ; his children — Priscilla, now Mrs. John Menzie, of La Grange; James A., who married Eva L. Williams, and lives at Harvard, 111.; and Charles E., living at the old home stead. Mr. Ellis was Republican in politics. Served several terms on the Board of Supervisors of La Grange, and held other minor offices. In all the relations of life, he was universally esteemed. 0. G. EWING, farmer, Sec. 22 : P. 0. La Grange ; has 335 acres of land ; settled in Walworth Co., May, 1838 ; he was born in Townshend, Windham Co., Vt., Sept. 1, 1816; is the son of Luther and Hannah Ewing ; was brought up on a farm; on becoming of age, he went to Boston, Mass., remaining there a short time, and in the fall of 1837 went to Michigan, spent the winter in Flint, and the following spring started for Wisconsin, arriving in what is now La Grange in May, 1838 ; made his claim, and re turned to Vermont for the money to enter his land; on his way back to Wisconsin he was six weeks mak ing the trip by water from Buffalo to Racine, and three days afoot from Racine to La Grange, carrying his money, which was in specie, in a shot bag ; he said it was about the hardest three days work he ever did, wading creeks and marshes ; he purchased the land comprising his present farm, where he proceeded to prepare a home; he was married, April 3, 1841, in La Grange, to Miss Hannah, daughter of Lotus Watson. Mrs. Ewing was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y. Immediately after his marriage, he took posses sion of his new home, which has been his place of residence since. Five children were born to them- Albert 0., married Annabel Stoner, and lives in Chariton, Iowa; Almanda F. and Alice A. live at Kenosha; Ad dison L. is Professor of Natural Science at Braddock, Penn., is a graduate of Cornell University; the youngest, Arthur A., lives at home. Mr. Ewing has held various local offices; has served two terms as Chairman of La Grange ; he and his sons are Republican in politics. WILLIAM H. FAIRCHILD, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Heart Prairie ; has 144 acres of land ; he was born in Hunter, Greene Co., N. Y., June 15, 1827 ; is the son of John and Catharine (Clawson) Fairchild ; when 9 years of age he moved with his parents to Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., where he was brought up a farmer ; he came to La Grange, Wis., May 2, 1852, and settled on Sec. 32, where he pur chased a fine farm of 144 acres ; he was married in Tioga Center, Tioga Co., N. Y., Jan. 2, 1855, to Miss Deborah A. Bloodgood, daughter of Rev. Cyrus Bloodgood. Mrs. Fairchild was born in Litchfield, Penn. Soon after their marriage Mr. Fairchild and wife came to Wisconsin and occupied their farm in La Grange. Mr. Fairchild has always refused public office, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his farm ing interests. In the fall of 1881, he leased his farm and moved to his present residence at Heart Prairie. BENJAMIN FOWLER (deceased) was born near Harrisburg, Penn., June 20, 1798 ; was a blacksmith and farmer by occupation ; was married in 1818, to Martha Koher ; moved to Ohio, and from there to Michigan, and from Michigan to Racme Co., Wis., in 1835, and to La Grange in October, 1844, and located on Sec. 30, where he engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. F. were blessed with a family of thirteen children — Sally, wife of N. D. Niblack, of Nebraska ; Mary, wife of B. Beardsley, of Trempea leau, Wis.; Ann, wife of James Bigelow, of Sugar Creek ; Martha, wife of Orin Gibbs, of Minnesota; Albina, wife of Joseph Dale, of Trempealeau ; Caroline, wife of D. D. Chapel, also of Trempeauleau; Hannah, wife of John R. Bell, of Kansas ; Lucinda, wife of W. H. Gibbs, of La Grange. Rebecca was the wife of G. Gibbs, died in 1860 ; David was drowned while fishing ; Henry died, aged 3 years ; B. T. (see sketch) ; John, of Nebraska. Mr. Fowler was an industrious, thrifty citizen, and lived to accumulate a large property ; his death occurred Dec. 26, 1874 ; his wife survived him two vears, dving Feb. 20, 1876. B. T. FOWLER, farmer and breeder of Poland-China pigs, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Heart Prairie; has 157 acres of land. He was born in Cass Co., Mich., July 9, 1835 ; is the son of Benjamin Fowler; the following August (1835) he came to Wisconsin with his parents ; they made their home in Racine Co.,. three miles west of what is now Racine, but what was then known as the mouth of Root River ; they HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 829 moved from there to La Grange in October, 1844, and located on Sec. 30. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on his father s farm ; he was married in Whitewater, Dec. 30 1858 to Miss Clara Wood ; she was born in Cortland Co., N. Y.; they have three children— Harry A Harlev B and Henrv E.; Mr. F. moved to his present home in 1865 ; about 1872, he began the breeding of Poland-China pigs his original stock being imported from Butler and Warren Cos., Ohio; his stock for the season of 1882 will number about 400 pigs ; Mr. Fowler's facilities for his business are extensive and perfect • pi<,s ' of his growing have taken many premiums at State and local fairs ; he exports largely to Western States and Territories. J WILLIAM H. GIBBS farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. 0 Heart Prairie ; has 270 acres of land ; was born in Chautauqua Co.,_N. Y., Dec. 5, 1819 ; is the son of Israel and Charlotte (Wright) Gibbs ; in 1843 he came to Wisconsin ;. spent nearly a year in Racine, where he was married, May 30, 1844, to Miss Lucinda Fowler, daughter of Benjamin Fowler; Mrs. Gibbs was born in Pennsylvania; in September 1844 they moved to Whitewater, Walworth Co. ; spent two years on a farm in that town, and then moved to Sec. 32, La Grange, and from there to his present farm in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs have a family of three children — Cyrus O, Rebecca and Bethana ; the elder daughter (Rebecca) is the wife of S. W. Lyman, of Iowa ; the younger (Bethana) is Mrs. E. Cornell, of La Grange. Mr. Gibbs has served four terms as a member of the Board of Supervisors of La Grange; in politics, he is Republican. CYRUS C. GIBBS, farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. O. Whitewater ; has 80 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was_ born in Caledonia, Racine Co., Wis., March 14, 1845 ; is the son of William H- and Lucinda Gibbs ; when only 1 year old he accompanied his parents to Walworth Co. ; the family located on Sec. 36, town of Whitewater, and two years later moved to La Grange ; during the latter years of the late war, the subject of this sketch served as a member of the 40th W. V. I. for the term of the 100 days' enlistment. He was married in Delavan, Feb. 12, 1867, to Miss Mary C. Cook, daughter of Edward Cook ; Mrs. Gibbs was born in Batavia, N. Y. Mr. Gibbs was elected Justice of the Peace at the last town election of La Grange. WILLIAM GREENING, farmer, Sec. 14 ; P. O. Little Prairie ; has 157 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Devonshire, England, Dec. 14, 1827 ; is the son of Phillip and Frances (Martin) Greening; came to America in 1849 ; spent two years in Canada, and in 1851, came to La Grange, Walworth Co., Wis., and located on his present farm. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Harriet Padley, who died in 1858, leaving one son, Frank W. Mr. Greening was married again in 1859, to Miss Catharine Cameron, daughter of Agnes Cameron ; Mrs. Greening is a native of Scotland ; seven children were born to them, five daughters and two sons — Kate, Hattie, Angus, Nettie, Agnes and Eddie ; the younger son died, aged four years. Mr. Greening has served in various public posi tions ; he has been Assessor of La Grange two terms ; Supervisor several years ; Chairman six years, and Justice of the Peace from 1865 to 1882, being the present incumbent; he was also a member of the Legislature from his Assembly district in 1877. EPHRIAM C. HARLOW, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. O. Little Prairie ; has 185 acres of land ; date of settlement in La Grange, early in June, 1838. The subject of this sketch was born in Sherburne, Rutland Co., Vt, Nov. 13, 1806. Is the son of Levi and Betsy (Cary) Harlow. In early youth, he learned the comb-maker's trade. He was married at Ludlow, Vt., October, 1836, to Miss Emeline Bigelow, daughter of Joseph Bigelow. Mrs. Harlow was born in Reading, Vt. Two years later, they moved to Wisconsin, and made their home on Sec. 1, Town 4 nbrth, Range 16 east, now La Grange. They arrived at their destination, and took possession of their land in the first week of June, 1838. Mr. Harlow purchased his land of the Government at the next land sale (February, 1839,), and has contentedly maintained his res idence on the same land to this date, a period of forty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Harlow have had only one child, a daughter — Emily I., now the wife of Royal J. Washburn, of Palmyra, Wis. Mr. Harlow is a Democrat in politics, and has never been an aspirant for public office. JAMES HOLDEN, deceased. He was the earliest pioneer of La Grange, and though not the first white man to discover the beautiful prairie which he had the honor of naming " Heart Prairie," he was the first to effect a settlement on its borders, which he did in the early spring of 1837. Mr. Holden was born in Middlesex, Vt., Aug. 5, 1813, and was the son of Josiah and Betsey (Leland) Holden. When about 20 years of age (his father having died), he went to Boston, Mass., and engaged in Faneuil Hall Market, where he remained about four years. In 1836, he left Boston for the West, to seek a home in that promising region that was then attracting such universal attention. Chicago was his objective point ; from there he prospected in Illinois, but not finding that country entirely to his taste, he came north into Wisconsin (February, 1837). On "reaching one of the fertile prairies of Sugar Creek, Walworth Co., he 830 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. made his claim. As he traveled afoot, with no other outfit than his rifle and blanket, it was necessary for him to return to the settled portion of Illinois for a team, tools and supplies, which he did. About a month later (or in March), he reached his claim, his outfit consisting of an ox team drawing a cart, the wheels of which were made of two sections of a large log ; holes bored in the center accomodated the Tude axle, a pole served for a tongue, while a dry goods box did duty for a wagon box. Very much to his dis appointment, he found his claim "jumped" and lost to him. However, other good tracts of land were lying ready for the taking. Maj. John Davis, the first white settler of Sugar Creek, offered to pilot him to a beautiful prairie to the northward, which he did, and Mr. Holden traversed the fertile region of Heart Prairie, which he found without an inhabitant. Ascending what is now known as Lone Tree Bluff, he was struck with the great natural beauty of the prairie. Its peculiar shape suggested the name which he then gave it, of " Heart Prairie," a name which it still bears and by which is widely known — one of the most fertile regions of Wisconsin. He selected the south half of Sec. 32 , of what is now La Grange, and the north half of Sec. 5, Sugar Creek, making 640 acres in all. This combined prairie and woodland, and extended his possessions to a beautiful little lake on the south. It was near this lake he built his first log cabin. He soon after took it to pieces and moved it to Sec. 32, near where he subsequently built his com modious house, which is still occupied by his family. He soon procured a young cow, the first brought to the prairie. At the land sale of February, 1839, he bought the two half sections which he had selected, and there being now no further' danger of claim-jumpers, he began to think of perfecting another impor tant piece of business. So returning to his old horns in the East, he spent a couple of years, and at the expiration of that time was married (Oct. 6, 1841), to Patience, daughter of Cyrus Barber, of Barre, Vt. The young couple set out at once for their home in the West. The original log house was only 12x14 feet in size, but additions were made to it as the increasing wants of a fast-growing family demanded, until eventually the old house was superseded by the fine structure that is now the home of the family. Seven children were born to them — Carrie B., William J., Jennie N., Helen E., Mary A., Emily C. and Jessie F. The eldest (Carrie B.) died, aged 20 years ; William J. married Miss Mary C. Owen, and lives in La Grange ; Helen E. is the wife of Mahlon Bolser, of Ackley, Iowa ; Mary A. is Mrs. Alfred Fox, of Rockford, 111.; Emily C. is the wife of Chester Lyman, of Richmond. Mr. Holden, though not a member of any church, was always active in aiding the cause of religion, and was regular in his atten dance at the Methodist Church on the prairie. Liberal in his views, respecting religion, fearless and out- spoken in his opinions, yet he was considerate of the opinions of others, and always held in the highest respect what he believed to be the honest convictions of religious people. He was strictly temperate, using neither tobacco or intoxicating liquors; he taught a good code of morals by his example as well as precept. In all the relations of life, he proved himself a man worthy the love and veneration of his family, and the esteem and confidence of his neighbors. Fair-minded, candid and honest, he seemed to do right because he loved the right, and not because he expected any reward for it, directly or indirectly. He died Sunday morning, Feb. 22, 1880. The memory of his virtues is cherished in the hearts of his family and friends. WILLIAM J. HOLDEN, farmer, Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Heart Prairie ; has 115 acres of land ; was born in La Grange, Wis., Sept. 1, 1844 ; is the son of James and Patience Holden. He was brought up a farmer; was married in Troy, Wis., Nov. 7, 1872, to Miss Mary C. Owen, daughter of John Owen. Mrs. Holden was born in New York ; they have one child, a son, Jamie O. Mr. Holden was a soldier of the late war; enlisted in one-hundred-day service, and served.the term of his enlistment; 100 acres of his land lies in Sugar Creek, and only fifteen in La Grange. He has always made his home in the latter town. JOHN KING, farmer, Sec. 13 ; P. O. Adams ; has 185 acres of land. Mr. King was born in Lan cashire, England, Dec. 8, 1806 ; is the son of James and Betsey (Briarly) King. He learned the trade of cotton spinner at Oldham, at which he worked till 1834. He was married in 1829 to Miss Hannah Hilton, daughter of John and Nellie Hilton. In the spring of 1834, they emigrated to America, and settled in the State of New York. Mr. King worked at his trade in New Hartford, Rome and New York Mills, in all, seven years. In July, 1841, he moved to Wisconsin, and purchased his present farm in the town of La Orange. Mr. and Mrs. King had a family of nine children, of whom seven are living. John died in childhood ; William V. married Annette Porter and is Auditor of Jackson Co., Minn. ; Lucy ; James died in childhood; Ellen is the wife of James Baird, of Troy, Wis.; Eliza is the wife of M. Barney, of Minnesota; Robert H. married Minnie Bratt, lives in Jackson Co., Minn. ; George H; Albert D. married Lona V. Lewis, lives in Texas. Mr. King was one of the early Road Commissioners of La Grange ; has served as Assessor three years, and Side Supervisor four years. He has been an officer of his school district about twenty years. Three of his sons, William, Robert and Albert, were soldiers of the late HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 831 war. Robert and Albert were members of Barstow's cavalry ; Robert served two years, and Albert three years. William was under Col. Cobb, 28th W. V. I., and served one year, or till the' close of the war. JAMES LAUDERDALE, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Lauderdale ; has 450 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Washington County, N. Y., Aug. 29, 1813 ; is the son of Edward and Jannet E. (Elliot) Lauderdale; moved to Genesee Co., with his parents when 9 or 10 years of age; was married in Livingston County, May 11, 1841, to Margaret, daughter of James Stewart. Miss Lauderdale was born in Livingston County. In 1842, they moved to La Grange, Wis. ; and settled on their present farm. Their family consisted of five children ; the eldest, James E., was born in New York ; he married Rebecca Patterson, and live in Sugar Creek. The others were born in La Grange. John H. married Maria Tibbetts, and is a farmer of Sugar Creek ; Amanda J. is the wife of D. J. Williams, of Sugar Creek ; Mary E. is the wife of Chester B. Williams, of La Grange ; Walter E. married Mary Kinne, lives at the old homestead, La Grange ; Mr. Lauderdale has served as Supervisor of La Grange several terms, and as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors seventeen years. He was a member of the Wis consin Assembly in 1853 and 1856. JAMES H. LAWTON, farmer, Sec. 22; P. 0. La Grange; has 126 acres of land. He was born in Cheshire, England, April 23, 1836 ; is the son of Henry A. and Betty Lawton; came to America with his parents in 1842 ; resided in Herkimer Co., N. Y., one year; then removed to New York Mills, Oneida Co., N. Y., and in May, 1846, to La Grange, Wis. His father bought a claim on Sees. 9 and 10, with a log house on Sec. 9, where the family made their home in the early days of their residence in this town. ' Mr. Lawton was married in Elkhorn, Sept. 11, 1861, to Miss Ellen J. Bronson. Mrs. Lawton was born in Pennsylvania. They have a family of five sons — Grant II., Harvey P., James B., Howard C. and Herbert N. Mr. Lawton enlisted in the late war, Aug. 29, 1864, as a member of Company G, 42d W. V. I., and served one year. He was elected Register of Deeds of Walworth Co. for the term of 1867 and 1868, and has held several minor offices in La Grange; was Town Superintendent of Schools two terms, Town Treasurer one term, and Town Clerk eight or nine terms. In politics, he is a Repub lican. Mr. Lawton has resided on his present farm thirteen years. SAMUEL LAWTON, farmer, Sec. 10 ; P. 0. La Grange ; has 160 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was born in Cheshire, England, near Manchester, April 13, 1826. Is the son of Henry and Betty Lawton. He came to America in 1842 ; made his home at New York Mills, Oneida Co., N. Y., till 1845, when he came to Walworth Co., Wis. ; spent six months in East Troy, and then came to La' Grange, and located on his present farm, in 1846. He was married in East Troy, Wis., March 31, 1866, to Miss Edna Wood, daughter of Mark Wood. Mrs. Lawton was born in Cheshire, England. They ha^e two children — William H. and Frederick M. Mr. Lawton enlisted in Company G, 42d W. V. I., in September, 1864, and served till the close of the war. He is Republican in politics, and a member of the Universalist Church. JOHN S. LEWIS (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born in Williamson, Wayne Co., N. Y., Dec. 2, 1821 ; was the son of Ezekiel and Abigail Lewis. He learned the mason's trade, at which he worked till 1843, when he came to Walworth Co., Wis. He returned to the East the following year, and was married, Oct. 15, 1844, to Miss Debora Malcomb, and returned to Wisconsin, and made his home on Heart Prairie. They had one child born to them, which died in infancy. The mother survived but a short time, dying in 1846. Mr. Lewis was married again, Feb. 16, 1848, to Miss Diantha Harrison, daughter of John Harrison, of Heart Prairie. Mrs. Lewis was born in Wayne Co., N. Y. Ten children were born to them, eight of whom are living. The eldest, Arabell, is now Mrs. Alfred Cooley, of Hebron, Jefferson Co., Wis. ; Charles H. married Annie Henderson, and lives in La Grange ; Mary is the wife of James Duncombe, of Sugar Creek ; Harry, Perry, Estella, Sherman and Blanche. Mr. Lewis had a fine farm of 160 acres, on Sec. 21, La Grange, now in the possession of his widow and children. He was well known as an industrious, upright citizen, a kind and affectionate husband and father. Mr. Lewis served his town (La Grange) as Treasurer, and held other minor offices. WILLIAM LYON (deceased) was born in Goffstown, N. H, Sept. 4, 1777. He was a mechanic by occupation ; was married to Miss Sally Sanborn, in 1798. Four children were born to them, two sons and two daughters. The eldest, Moses S., born in 1799, died some years since ; James L., was born in 1801, and died Dec. 17, 1878; Levinna, born in 1804, is the widow of Samuel Robinson, of La Grange ; the youngest, Sarah, was born in 1810 ; she and her widowed sister live together in La Grange, where they have several tracts of land. 832 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. WILLIAM McDOUGALD, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. 0 Heart Prairie ; has ,175 acres of land ; settled in Walworth Co. in the spring of 1837 ; he was born in Masonville, Delaware Co., N. Y., Nov. 20, 1815 ; is the son of Lochlin and Belinda (Beals) McDougald ; was brought up a farmer, and came to Wisconsin in 1837, arriving in Milwaukee March 31 of that year ; he proceeded to Walworth Co. and made a claim in what is now Sugar Creek, at the land sales of February, 1839 ; he bought 240 acres in the town of La Grange. The following year he made his home on this land, Sec. 29, where he has continued to reside until this date ; he was married in Muskego, Waukesha Co., Wis., May 10, 1838, to Miss Sarah Tucker, having to go to Milwaukee for the marriage license. Mrs. McDougald was born in Tompkins, Delaware Co.. N. Y., went to Wisconsin with her aunt in August, 1836 ; a family of eight children blessed this union, six of whom survive— Justin died aged 7 years ; Persis is the wife of Anson D. Phelps, of Cherokee, Iowa ; William H., married Eugene Foster, of Sugar Creek; Edwin and Edward are twins, of La Grange ; Levi died at the age of 18 years ; George, the youngest, married Bertha M. Peterson, and lives at the old home stead. Mr. McDougald has held various local offices ; has been Justice of the Peace twenty years, and during that time he has never failed to effect a settlement in all cases brought before him without having a trial. There is probably no parallel case in the State where a Justice has held office so many years with similar experience. Mr. McDougald and all of his sons are Republicans, casting six votes in all. The father was originally a member of the Free-Soil party ; on the formation of the Republican party he took an active part in its organization in La Grange, and has since been an earnest advocate of its principles ; being impressed with religious convictions in his youth, he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for the past fifty-two years, has been an active supporter of Christian principles in that denomina tion ; coming to this favored locality in so early a day, he wisely secured a large tract of land, and has thus been enabled to assist his sons to the possessions of many fine farms. The aggregate acreage of the fami ly equals nearly 800 acres of the finest land in the county. Mr. McDougald lost his worthy helpmeet, who had participated in his labors and cares, and shared and enjoyed his successes, April 10, 1881 ; her five sons (all grown) were living at home at the time of her death. The daughter, married, and living in Iowa, was unable to be present at the funeral. Mrs. McDougald was raised in the Presbyterian Church, but in the absence of the privileges of that church, she cast in her lot with the M. E. Church, to which her husband belonged ; her failing health during the winter admonished her " that the time of her depart ure was at hand." When, at last, the summons came, she passed suddenly but peacefully to the church triumphant. She was retiring and not demonstrative in her religious life, faithful in her household duties, and in the moral culture of her children. An affectionate husband and loving, dutiful children, will greatly miss her, but they mourn not as those without hope. EDWARD and EDWIN McDOUGALD ; P. O. Heart Prairie ; twin brothers ; are the sons of Will iam and Sarah McDougald ; they were born in La Grange, Oct. 12, 1846 ; grew to manhood on their father's farm, and then started in business together as farmers in their native town ; they now have a fine farm of 250 acres of land, all but 10 acres of which lies on Sec. 29 ; Edward was married in La Grange, March 15, 1882, to Miss Nettie Griffin, daughter of George P. and Wealthy Griffin. Mrs. McDougald was born in Genoa, Vernon Co., Wis. JARED PATCHIN, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. La Grange; has 206 acres of land ; was born in New- field, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Sept. 6, 1812 ; is the son of Jared and Azubah Patchin ; was married to Miss Betsy Nichols Feb. 17, 1832; moved to Eaton, Lorain Co., Ohio. Mrs. Patchin died Oct. 17, 1832 ; he subsequently went to New York and was married in 1834 to Miss Emoline Adams ; returning to Ohio he remained there until 1847, when he emigrated to Wisconsin and located on his present farm in La Grange October 2, of that year. Five children were born of this marriage — Nathan A., Jared, Amina, Lucelia and Horace. The eldest, Nathan A., married Mary M. Veiy, and lives in Rock Co. ; Jared died in 1863, aged 23 years ; Amina died at the age of 21 ; Lucelia married Gilbert Nickerson, of Whitewater ; Horace was a soldier of the late war, a member of an Illinois Regiment ; he is married, and practicing medicine in Iowa ; a legal separation occurred between Mr. Patchin and wife June 18, 1866 ; he was married again Oct. 21, 1866, to Mrs. Mary I. Long, of Whitewater. One child was born to them— a daughter, named Minnie. Mrs. Patchin died Dec. 14, 1870. Mr. Patchin was married to his present wife in 1871 ; her maiden name was Sarah R. Hornbeck, she is a native of Ohio. Three children were born of present mar riage — Jay, Ray, and Mary. SAMUEL ROBINSON (deceased), was born in Norwich, Vt., in 1804 ; he was by occupation a carpenter and millwright ; he was married in Westphalia, Vt., May 26, 1833, to Miss Levinne Lyon daughter of William Lyon. In 1841, Mr. Robinson and wife, accompanied by his wife's father and family, came to La Grange, Wis., and located on Sec. 19, arriving at this place Sept. 10 ; Mr. Robinson, after coming to Wisconsin, worked at his trade and conducted his farm until the time of his death, which HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 833 occurred July 3, 1872 •, his family consisted of wife and two sons — William S. and David S. The eldest William S., married Miss Maria James, and resides in La Grange. The youngest. David S.,4married Miss Minerva Niblack, and lives in Fillmore, Nebraska ; he was a soldier of the late war and served nearly three ' years in a regiment of Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. Mrs. Samuel Robinson survives her husband and resides on the old homestead in La Grange. JAMES STEWART, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Lauderdale ; has 140 acres of land ; Mr. Stewart was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Aug. 15, 1808 ; is the son of Duncan and Clementina Stewart. In 1817, he moved with his parents to Genesee Co., N. Y. ; he was married in that county in November, 1832, to Miss Margaret, daughter of James Guthrie. Mrs. Stewart was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y. They have seven children — William, the eldest, is married, and lives in Nebraska; John married Clara Jones, and lives in Hopkins, Mo. ; Archibald married Janet Stewart, and lives in Iowa ; Samuel ; Annie is the wife of Thomas Wilkinson, of Colorado; Helen is the wife of J. L. Smith, of Troy, Wis.; Mary is Mrs. C. S. Martin, of Hopkins, Mo. In 1841, Mr. Stewart came to Wisconsin and purchased a farm in La Grange, and in 1842 moved his family to their new home ; he has continued to reside here to this date, 1882. WILSON STOCKDALE, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. La Grange ; has 210 acres of land ; was born in Yorkshire, England, July 25, 1825 ; is the son of Richard and Ann Stockdale ; was married in En gland in 1847, to Ellen G. Waddingham. Mrs. Stockdale was born in England. In 1849, Mr. Stockdale emigrated to America, and located in La Grange, Wis. By industry and economy he has secured a good farm of 210 acres, on which he has lived the past twenty years. Mr. and Mrs Stockdale have five children — the eldest, Mary A. (is the wife of J. G. Taylor, of Rock Co., Wis.), Myra (is the wife of William R. Taylor, of Richmond, the present County Superintendent of Schools), H. Ellen, Fanny E. and Wallace W., are at home. Mr. Stockdale is Republican in politics, JOSHUA TAYLOR, farmer, Sec. 28 ; P. 0. La Grange ; has 240 acres of land ; he was born in Yorkshire, England, July 20, 1816 ; is the son of Joshua and Sarah Taylor; was brought up a farmer, and emigrated to America in 1839, made his home in Oneida Co., N. Y. He was married, Oct. 10, 1841, to Miss Betty Garlick, daughter of Joseph Garliek. Mrs. Taylor was born in England; one child was born to them in New York — Sarah E., who was the wife of Squire Lawton ; her death occurred in 1866. Mr. Taylor moved to Wisconsin in June, 1843, and made his home on Sec. 15, La Grange, Wal worth Co., where he continued to reside until 1866, when he moved to his present farm on Sec. 28. Nine children were born to them in this town — the eldest, William R. (is the present Superintendent of Schools of Walworth Co., and lives in Richmond ; see sketch elsewhere), the second, Joseph G. (married Mary Ann Stockdale, and lives in Johnstown, Wis.), Martha (is the wife of Edgar C. Hazard, of Iowa), Mary C. (is a teacher of Milwaukee), George B. (died at the age of 22 years), Thomas (lives in Iowa), Betty A. (is the wife of Eugene Hadley, of Minnesota), Joshua C. (lives at home), Ada (died in childhood). Mr. T. has held various local offices ; has served several years on the Town Board of Supervisors, and one term as Assessor ; has been a Republican since the organization of that party. JOHN TAYLOR, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. La Grange ; has 289 acres of land ; was born in York shire, England, June 7, 1835 ; is the son of George and Ann (Greeves) Taylor ; came to America in July, 1854, and direct to La Grange, Wis. He was married in this town in May, 1862, to Miss Eunice, daugh ter of Martin Brooks. Mrs. Taylor was born in the State of New York. They have ten living children — Henry A., Emily A., Charles G., Edgar W., Mary C, Martha E., Katie M., Eunice A. and Sarah 0., one not named. Mr. Taylor has made his home on his' present farm since 1872. JOHN W. WELD, farmer, Sec. 13 ; P. 0. La Grange ; has 160 acres of land. The subject ot this sketch was born in Reading, Windsor Co., Vt., Dec. 24, 1832 ; is the son of John and Weltha Weld. In 1839, he moved with his parents to Orleans Co., IN. Y. ; came to Wisconsin in 1841, and made his home in La Grange till 1858 : he then returned to Orleans Co., N. Y., and spent two years on a farm. He enlisted in the late war Oct. 2, 1861, in Battery M, 1st New York Heavy Artillery, as a private ; was pro moted to a 2d Lieutenancy Jan. 14, 1863, and assigned to Battery K, same regiment, September 27, same year ; he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant of the same battery, and served till the close of the war. While in the service, he participated in the following battles and skirmishes: Cedar Creek, Va., March 26, 1862 ; Edinburg, April 1, 1862; Newtown, Va., Mav 24, 1862; Winchester, May, 25, 1862; Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9, 1862 ; Beverly Ford, Va. , Aug. 23, 1862 ; Sulphur Springs, Va., Aug. 25, 1862 ; Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862; battle of Kelly's Ford, March 19, 1863; Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863; bat tle of Gettysburg, July 1, 2 and 3, 1863 ; was discharged at Elmira, N. Y., June 20, 1865, and bre- vetted Captain March 5, 1867, for meritorious conduct. On his return from the war, Capt. Weld engaged in the insurance business in New York, which he carried on two years, and then returned to La Grange, 834 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Wis., purchased his present farm, and has resided here since, with the exception of two years spent in Whitewater. _ He was married in Orleans Co., N. Y., in October, 1856, to Miss Nancy Weld, daughter of Elisha Weld.' They had two children— Hattie J. and Irving W. Mrs. Weld died April 27, 1859. Mr. Weld was married again Dec. 3, 1867, in Ridgeway, N. Y., to Miss Catharine A., daughter of Philo and Amittai H. Williams. Mrs. Weld was born in Raynham, Bristol Co., Mass. They have three children — Ella R., Katie A. and Alice B. Mr. Weld is Republican in politics. JOHN WELD, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Little Prairie; has 200 acres of land ; settled in this town in the fall of 1841. The subject of this sketch was born in Reading, Windsor Co., Vt., Jan. 27, 1795 ; is the son of Thomas and Lurana (Leavens) Weld. He learned the cooper's trade, but was principally engaged in farming. He was married in Reading, March 18, 1830, to Miss Weltha Bigelow, daughter of Elisha Bigelow. Mrs. Weld was born in Reading. They have three children — John W., Rhoda M. and Andrew E. ; the eldest, (John W.), is a farmer of La Grange, see sketch; the others live at the old homestead. Mr. Weld came to Wisconsin in May, 1838, and made a claim on Section 1, Town 4 north, Range 16 east, now La Grange, and returned to the East in the fall of that year. In 1839, he started for the West, but on reaching Orleans Co., N. Y., he concluded to remain there awhile, which he did, until early in October, 1841, when he pursued his journey to La Grange, Wis. ; he established himself on Sec. 1 of that town, and has made that his home to this date. Mr. Weld was one of the early pioneers of La Grange, and is one of the few of that class that survive to witness the perfected civilization of the wilder ness in which they made their homes so many years ago ; he is now in his 88th year. During his resi dence here he has served two terms as a member of the Board of Supervisors, and has held minor offices. DANIEL WILLIAMS, merchant, farmer and proprietor of Lake Mills flouring-mill, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Lauderdale. The subject of this sketch was born in New York City Sept. 28, 1813 ; is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Williams. When about 4 years of age, he moved with his parents to Catskill, Greene Co., N. Y., where he remained till 21 years of age ; he then moved to Cayuga Co., where he learned the trade of a millwright, serving between four and five years. He then went to Saginaw, Mich. (then only a little hamlet), and erected the first steam saw-mill in that place. One year later, he returned to Greene Co., N. Y., and in March, 1839, he was married to Miss Julia Judson. Mrs. Williams was born in Windham, Greene Co. In 1851, they moved to Walworth Co., Wis., where Mr. Williams had bought a tract of 440 acres of land, lying in Sugar Creek. He made his home there for three years. and then moved to Richland Co., Wis., and located at Sextonville ; was eugaged in real estate business at that place about seven years, and then returned to Sugar Creek, to his old farm ; was engaged in farm - ing. In 1867, he purchased the mill property and farm he now occupies in La Grange. He soon after ward erected a new mill on the site of the old one. The mill is a substantal frame structure, contains three runs of stone, and well adapted for custom work. It is situated on Sec. 36, on Honey Creek, an outlet of Lauderdale Lakes. The power is abundant and uniform. Mr. Williams operated his mill till 1880, when he leased it to Mr. Yule, and one year later to Mr. McCarthy. In 1869 Mr. Williams moved to his present home near his mill ; in 1871, he opened a general country store at this place, where he is still in business, having a good country trade. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have four children, three sons and one daughter — the eldest, Elbert J. (married Myra Weaver, and lives in Cawker City, Kan. ; he is a railroad station agent), Laura (is the wife of E. Weaver, a farmer of Sugar Creek), ' Judson (married Amanda Lauderdale, and carries on his father's farm in Sugar Creek, 160 acres) Chester B. (married Mary Lauderdale, and is a farmer of Heart Prairie). HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 835 TOWN OF BLOOMFIELD. ORGANIZATION AND TOPOGRAPHY. On January 23, 1844, Township 1, Range 18 east, being the southeast quarter of the town of Geneva, was, by act of Legislature, set off and incorporated under the name of Bloomfield. Bloomfield is the extreme southeastern town in Walworth County, and is bounded north by the town of Lyons ; south by the town of Richmond, Illinois ; east by the town of Wheatland, Ken osha County ; and west by the town of Linn. It contains thirty-six square miles of varied and diversified country, well watered, and admirably adapted to agricultural pursuits, Bloom Prairie, in the southwestern portion of the town, being considered the richest land in the county. The surface of the country is rolling prairie, interspersed with openings of oak, and broken by ranges of hills and sharp hillocks, with swamps covered with a growth of tamarack or larch on the lower lands. The prairie lands are situated as follows : Bloom Prairie in the west, a part of Nippersink Prairie in the south, and apart of Mound Prairie in the east part of the town, comprising Sec tions 19, 20, the larger part of Section 31, and parts of Sections 16, 17, 18, 20, 28, 34, 35, 25. The principal range of hills runs east and west across the north part of the east half of Sec tion 31, the north part of Sections 32, 33, 34, and on to Section 35. Sections 7, 8, are also somewhat hilly. The marshes are distributed pretty evenly throughout the town, there being but two Sec tions (6, 25,] entirely exempt. The largest tamarack swamp is on Sections 8, 9, equaling in extent a section and a half; the second in size is on Sections 3, 10, 15, equaling about a section. There are about 3,100 acres of growing timber, principally red, white and burr oak, with occasional poplar and hickory. There were originally several varieties of timber on Section 16, but nearly all the rest were burr oak openings. The prairie soil is a black loam, and the soil of the openings, clay, mixed with sand. The town is watered by the three branches of the Nippersink, several small brooks, a por tion of Nippersink Lake, a part of Middle Lake, Lower Lake, Pell's Lake, and a small part of Ryan's Lake. The main stream of the Nippersink, known as the middle, or northwest branch, rises in nearly the center of the town of Linn, enters the town of Bloomfield on Section 18, flows in a southeast direction and enters the State of Illinois from Section 35. The west branch rises in Illinois, enters the town of Bloomfield on Section 31, flows in a northeast direction and empties into the main stream on Section 27. The northeast branch has its source in the three lakes (Nippersink or Power's, the Middle and Lower Lakes,) flows in a southwest direction, and forms a junction with the main stream on Section 26. The Nippersink has several small tributary branches, and there are also a number of small streams running northward into the town of Lyons. A part of the Nippersink (or Power's Lake) is on Section 13, in the Town of Bloomfield. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the county. A part of Middle Lake and the whole of Lower Lake are on Section 24, Pell's Lake is on Section 15, and the southern portion of Ryan's Lake is on Section 3. FIRST SETTLERS. The first persons that settled within the present geographical limits of the town of Bloom field, were Mr. Harry Kimball and his son Oramel. Mr. Kimball was a native of the State of Connecticut. He removed to Cooperstown, N. Y., and from that place came to Bloomfield in the fall of 1836, and made a claim on the southwest quarter of Section 6. In the spring of 1837, he was joined by his son, when they built a log house on the claim, and became actual 836 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. settlers. Mr. Kimball did not remove his wife and family from Cooperstown until two or three years later. He died in the winter of 1851, and his wife a year or two after. Oramel Kimball, his son, is now living in the town of Delavan. The first family that made a home in Bloomfield was that of Mr. Harry Tupper, consisting of himself and young wife, Mrs. Tupper being the first white woman that settled in the town, and the mother of the first child born there. Mr. and Mrs. Tupper came in the fall of 1837, and lived during the first winter in the log house of Harry Kimball, built the preceding spring, but as yet the only house in town. During the winter, Mr. Tupper made a claim on the north west quarter of Section 19, built a house on his claim, and moved his family into it in the spring. In this house, on the 24th day of June, 1838, Silas Wright Tupper was born, the first white child born in the Town of Bloomfield. In 1839, Mr. Tupper removed from Section 19 to Section 20. In 1849, he went to California and never returned. His son, Silas Wright Tupper, enlisted into Company K, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and died in the service of his country in 1865. Mrs. Tupper died at her home in Bloomfield, May 1, 1881. Marcus Moody came in 1837, from St. Lawrence County, N. Y. He settled on Section 29. He married Lucy Barker, a grandchild of Ebeneezer Tupper, who came in 1838 ; sold out his claim to Hiram Barker ; moved away many years ago. Both he and his wife are dead. Mrs. Moody died in Wisconsin ; he died in Kansas. W. J. Miller came with his foster father in 1837, and settled upon the " Alexander Place." He afteward went to Kenosha, where he learned the carriage trade ; married Miss Mary Hubbard, of that village, returned to Genoa and started a shop, which has grown into his present estab lishment. His three sons and daughter live in the town of Bloomfield. Doric C. Porter came to Wisconsin in 1837, from Franklin County, Mass. He made a trip to Ohio and married Miss Jane Hanchitt, and on his return settled on Section 4, in Bloomfield, where Amos W. Stafford now lives. He subsequently removed to the town of Walworth, where he and his wife still live. Thomas P. Rutenber came from Cooperstown, N. Y., to Bloomfield, in 1836 or 1837. A year or two later, he built a log house on Section 6, and removed his family from New York. He afterward removed to Geneva, where he and his wife both died. William K. May removed from Ohio to Geneva, Wis. (present town of Linn), in 1837 ; thence to Bloomfield, in 1838, where he made his claim, and settled on the southwest quarter of Section 18. His son, Darwin R., was born while the family were living in the log house on the Manning farm, in Linn, October, 1837. Mr. May was Chairman of the first Board of Supervisors elected in and for the town of Bloomfield (1844), and was afterward elected Sheriff of Walworth County. At the expiration of his term of office, the family removed to Racine, where he and his wife still live. Daniel Rowe came in 1838, from Onondaga County, N. Y., and settled on Section 35. He brought his family, consisting of his wife and one child. John H. and Asa were born there, and are still residents of the town. Mrs. Rowe died June, 1875, and Mr. Rowe early in 1878. The other children Born in Bloomfield were George, William, Mary and another daughter, now Mrs. Edwin Hart, of Chicago. Levi and John Moody came in 1838. John entered the service and died in Memphis. Levi still resides in the town. Neither of the brothers ever married. William D. Chapin, son of John and Clarrisa Chapin, was born in Heath, Franklin Co., Mass., April 28, 1814. He came to Geneva, Wis., in the spring of 1837, and made a claim in the present town of Bloomfield, in the summer of the same year. In the spring of 1838, he built a shanty on the northeast quarter of Section 6, and broke about one-sixteenth of an acre with his spade. In 1839, he built a log house, and fenced twenty-four acres of land, and broke seven acres. He was married to Miss Loret Hyde September 29, 1847. Mr. Chapin moved onto the farm where he now lives in 1840. John Chapin moved to the town of Bloomfield with his family in the fall of 1838, and settled on the southeast quarter of Section 6. Mr. Chapin was born in the town of Heath, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 837 Franklin Co., Mass., married to Miss Clarrisa Patterson in 1813, moved to New York in 1828, and thence to Bloomfield. Mr. and Mrs. John Chapin both died at the residence of their son| William D. Chapin — Mr. Chapin on the 29th of December, 1865, aged seventy-five years and nine months — Mrs. Chapin on the 23d day of April, 1873, in the seventy-ninth year of her age. The Chapin family consisted of eleven children, nine of whom came to Bloomfield, and the youngest, Mariette, was born in the town February, 1841. She is now Mrs. Ezra Gifford, and lives in Boone County, Iowa. William D. was the oldest. The other children were Jonathan P., John, Jr., Jacob, Clarissa J., Belinda, Diantha, Emily, Lyman, Monroe and Mariette, who was born in the town. Of the family none now live in Bloomfield except William D. Jonathan Ward, a native of Franklin Co., Mass., came to Wisconsin in 1836, and worked for a time at Geneva, with Warren and his associates in the construction of the mill race. In the fall of 1837, he returned to Massachusetts and married Miss Electa King; returned soon after and settled near the head of Geneva Lake, in the town of Walworth, remaining there until 1840, when he removed to Bloomfield, and settled on Section 5, where he lived until his death in April, 1872. Timothy H. Fellows, born in Luzerne County, Penn., in 1812, moved to Michigan in the fall of 1829, where he married Miss Eliza Ann Duncan in December, 1831. In 1839, he moved to Bloomfield and settled on Section 35, where he and Mrs. Fellows still reside. Mrs. Fellows was born in Sullivan County, N. H., in 1814. When Mr. and Mrs. Fellows first moved into the town, there were two sons, G. D. and T. A. Seven children have since been born to them — Emma J., Anna E., Francis R., Mary H., William T., Louisa I. and Katy L. Emma, Francis, Louisa and William have died, and of the others only one lives in the county — Katy L., now Mrs. Reynolds, of Bloomfield. Anna E., now Mrs. Duncan, lives in California. Gil- more D. lives in Kansas, and Theo. A. in Colorado. Mary H., now Mrs. Avery, is living in i Illinois. Benjamin F. Trow and wife came from Massachusetts to Bloomfield and settled on Section 24, in the spring of 1838. They lived for a time in the adjoining town of Richmond, 111., and about 1870 moved into the village of Genoa Junction, where Mrs. Trow now lives. Mr. Trow has been dead several years. Sebastian Sherman emigrated from Germany and settled on Section 4, in the town of Bloomfield in 1838. Both he and his wife lived on the farm until the time of their death. Thomas Buckland settled on Section 33, in 1838. He moved to Howard County, Iowa, about 1860. Both he and his wife are now dead. Andrew and John Kull, brothers, from Germany, came about 1838. Andrew is still living in the town. John died in July, 1881. Many of his children still live in the town. Ebenezer Tupper settled on Section 17. in 1838. Is now dead. Everton Walker came in 1839, and settled on Section 4. Now living in Harvard,„Ill. Cyrus Rugg, of Franklin County, Mass., settled on Section 5, in the fall o£1841. He was married in Massachusetts to Miss Lucinda Graham. The family moved to Delavan, Walworth County, about 1868, and thence to Iowa, where they now reside. Isaac White came in 1839, with a family of sons and daughters, being at that time a wid ower. He settled on Section 20. He remained about ten years, moved then to the western part of the State. He is deceased. One daughter, Mrs. William H. Reed, still resides in the town. Jeremiah Jerrod also came in 1839 or 1840. Both he and Mr. White came from Sanga mon County, 111. They were natives of Connecticut. Mr. Jerrod settled on Section 28, where he lived till about 1868. He now lives in Iowa. None of the family remain in the town. In 1837 a Swedish family of five sons, named Freeman, were brought by their father from the old country. The oldest, John, was not over fifteen years of age ; the youngest, Otto, not half as old. Between the two were. William, Adolph and Herman. The father, quite a politi cian and man of public affairs in Sweden, held a Government office, and had brought up his sons HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. so that theirs was no hard road of toil. Becoming convinced, however, that the New World (where they would escape military service and where labor would avail them) was the place for his boys he brought them away with him to find a home in the far West. Himself and oldest son first came to Burlington where they built the first log hut on Brown's Island, Racine County. Here they lived for a number of weeks. Mr. Freeman, however, finally decided to locate his family in the town of Wheaton, Kenosha County. Here he built a log house. After remain ing a year and seeing the boys comparatively settled, he returned to Sweden to resume his official duties. He took back Herman, and after educating him returned him to his brothers with a chest of clothes and other substantial remembrances. The family had in the meantime plodded along and fought their way sturdily, as if they had been inured to hardships from baby hood. Their father died over thirty years ago, but their mother lived to be ninety years of age, her death occurring in 1879. She lived to see her sons, planted thus in the wilderness, upright, stanch and flourishing members of society. At an early day they became residents of Bloom field, and there resided for many years. Adolph, an excellent business man, died in 1871. John, with his family, moved to Kansas, where he died during the same year. William sold out his lumber business and has quite recently removed with his family to Los Angelos, Cal. Otto, a man of means, is largely engaged in mining, cattle raising and other business in Cali fornia, Nebraska* and Missouri. He still is a resident of Bloomfield. Herman lives in Kentucky. Charles Dorothy came to Ottawa, 111., in 1835, and to Bloomfield in 1839 or 1840. He took land on Sections 26 and 27. He married a daughter of Ebenezer Tupper for his first wife. His children have all left. He still lives on the old place. Abial Fuller and wife and his son Joseph and wife, came in 1841. They took land on Section 34. Abial and his wife have long since died. Joseph still owns the old homestead, but lives with his wife and son William D., on Section 35. Ira A. Pell came in 1842, and settled on Section 15, near the lake which now bears his name. He died in 1870. His widow and two sons still live on the claim. Samuel Hatch came in 1839 or 1840, from Allegany County, N. Y. Settled on Section 12. He is now living in Geneva. J. U. Searls came to Geneva in 1837. There he married Jane Dalton in the winter of 1838. They moved into Bloomfield in 1841 or 1842, and settled on Section 21. Went into the western part of the State where he died some years since. Mortimer Duel came in 1841. He settled on Section 21, did not remain long. Both he and his wife died some years ago, in Johnstown, Rock County. Charles High came in 1841, settled first on Section 30. He has remained a resident of the town ever since, and is the largest land holder at present in the town. He married Miss Rolf of Milwaukee. They had three daughters, one of whom, Mrs. Whiting, still lives in town. Amos Stafford, still living on Section 4, was an early settler. James Grier came in about 1842. He settled on Section 30. He and his family, consist ing of three sons and two daughters, are still living on Bloom Prairie, with the exception of the oldest daughter Lucy, who lives in Connecticut. They are all sturdy farmers and good citizens. John Burns and wife, direct from Ireland, came to the town in the spring of 1842, and settled on Section 36. They took up land, built a cabin, raised a family of children, and moved to Minnesota about 1870. Charles, one of their sons, served faithfully during the war, and is now also living in that State. E. H. Olden came to the county as early as 1842. In 1 843, he came to Bloomfield and located on Section 15. Went East and married Julia Greggs and returned. They have lived in the town ever since. Have raised a large family, four boys and two girls, and have pros pered. Two of the sons and one daughter are in Kansas. Two younger sons, Arthur and Horace remain at home. One daughter lives in Geneva. About this time S. Besteder came from New York with his family, and settled on Section 25. Edward Bundy was also an early settler of the town. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 839 E. B. Carter came from Boston, Mass., in 1843. Married Miss Charlotte Vincent of Bloomfield, and settled on Section 14. He and his wife moved subsequently on to Section 25. They now live in the village. Two sons are deceased. S. W. Benson, settled on Section 25, on land formerly owned by W. 0. Sleeper, who took up land early but moved away. Mr. Benson was born in Armenia, Dutchess Co., N. Y., Novem ber 8, 1810.' He married Miss Jeanette Hillard, and came to Bloomfield in the spring of 1845: In 1859 they moved to Genoa Junction, where Mrs. Benson died, August 29, 1877. Mr. Benson is still living in Dakota. W. W. Byington, from Williston, Vt., came in May, 1845, and settled on Section 6. He served as Clerk of the town five successive years ; from 1853 to 1858 inclusive. He has now retired from active business and resides in the town of Elkhorn. Sidney Buell came in 1844 or 1845. He was a young man of some means, and brought in the first considerable flock (some two hundred) of merino sheep. He was the first to start sheep husbandry in the town. He Settled on Section 29. He married Miss Mary Maynard in September, 1847. She died many years ago. They had three sons, none of whom reside in the town. His second wife, a most estimable lady, was Miss Antonette Holcomb. They still live in the town. He is one of the leading farmers and citizens. In 1845, Thomas Wilson and family, from the same State, settled on Section 36. He and his wife both died in town, where he has a daughter still living. A son resides in Richmond, and another is a Methodist clergyman in Appleton. At a later, but comparatively early date, came Solon Reed and family, A. K. Hill, both now living in Geneva; George W. Edwards, now living in the north part of the State; Silas Wright, still living in the town ; Thomas Beeden, now living in Richmond, 111. ; James Irwin and wife, deceased ; one of his daughters, Mrs. Joseph Fuller, still living in town; Eli Manor, a prominent merchant, hotel proprietor etc., who lives in Genoa Junction. EARLY EVENTS. The first birth that occurred in the town of Bloomfield (Silas Wright Tupper) has already been noted in the mention of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Tupper. The first marriage occurred in the month of February, 1841, William Williams, a resident of McHenry County, 111., and Miss Adeline Buckland of Bloomfield, being the contracting parties. They were married by C. M. Baker Esq., at the residence of the bride's father. The first marriage (both parties being residents of the town) was that of J. P. Chapin, son of Deacon John Chapin, to Miss Sarah Jerrod, at the residence of her father, Jeremiah Jerrod. The ceremony was performed on March 18, 1841, by C. M. Baker, Esq., of Geneva. The first girl born in the town was Jane Eliza Trow, daughter of Benjamin and Aurelia Trow, October 8, 1839. She died a few years ago. The first breaking was done on the southwest quarter of Section 18 (owned by William K. May) and the southwest quarter of Section 6 (owned by Harry Kimball) in 1837, the first crop consisting of corn, oats, wheat, potatoes, etc., being raised on the same ground in 1838. The first school was a private school, taught in the summer of 1840 by Mrs. Electa Ward in a house built by W. D. Chapin, on the northwest quarter of Section 6. The first church was the Methodist, organized in 1841, at the Center Schoolhouse, on Sec tion 21, with about twelve members. THE VILLAGE OF GENOA JUNCTION. This village of about three hundred inhabitants is situated in the southeastern part of the town, near the northern State line of Illinois, and on the east side of Nippersink Creek. The Rockford & Kenosha Railroad passes through the village, and the Chicago & Northwestern along its eastern line. It is not incorporated. Genoa contains a post- office, one flour mill, a planing mill, lumber yard, two carriage shops, one general black- 840 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. smith and repairing establishment, a good hotel, three general stores, one drug and grocery store, one hardware store, one tailor, one shoemaker, and two saloon-keepers. Genoa Flour Mills. — The original building was erected in 1851, by James F. Dick- erson. It then hud two (2) run of stone; it now has four, with a capacity of 50 bbls. of flour and 350 bu. of feed per day. The main building is three-and-one-half stories, 60 x 80 ft., with three wings, and the property is valued at $15,000. J. A. Pierce, of Sugar Creek, is the owner, but the mill is operated by G. W. Pierce. The particular brands manufactured are : " Snow Bank " and " Cook's Delight." The mill is operated by water power, there being a fall of 16 ft. at this point. W. J. Miller $ Sons. — These flourishing wagon and carriage works were established by Mr. Miller in 1850. Besides manufacturing these articles he does a general repair ing and blacksmithing business. The above partnership was formed in 1872, and addi tions were made to his buildings three years ago. The " Miller Wagon," so called, is standard. Planing Mill, — The planing mill was built in 1869, and since then has been owned and operated by Robert Wegg. The property is valued at about $4,000. Mr. Wegg employs from 5 to 8 hands. A neat little hotel, the Manor House, was built in 1871, and is the only one in the village. It is owned by Eli Manor, and conducted by his son, F. A. This little village, which contains so many germs of growth, was first platted by James F. Dickerson, May 9 and 10, 1850. Mr. Dickerson died in a few years, and Adolpb Freeman married his widow. In 1855-6, two additions to the original plat were made by Mr. Freeman. CHURCHES. The Congregational Church was organized in the school house at the center of the township on April 15th, 1846, by Rev. M. L. Rodgers, assisted by Rev. L. Hall. On February 25, 1852, this church changed its place of worship to the Village of Genoa Junction. It was organized with thirteen members. Its present membership is forty-two. The total number who have held a mem bership in the church since its organization, is one hundred and twenty-seven. This church has had four pastors, viz., Revs. M. L. Rodgers, J. V. Dowes, C. C. Caldwell and F. J. Douglass. The latter has lately moved to Iowa. During apart of the time it has been supplied temporarily by students from the Chicago Theological Sem. In 1865, a church edifice was erected at a cost of about $3,300, and in 1872 a bell purchased at a cost of about $150. Church of the Holy Communion, Bloomfield. — On the 20th of August, 1848, the Right Reverend Jackson Kemper, Bishop of the Northwest, at that time including Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and Illinois, held the morning service of the Episcopal Church at the house of Mr. William H. Whiting, in the town of Bloomfield, Wisconsin. He then bap tized Esther Elizabeth Whiting, who was the first person baptized in the present parish of the Holy Communion, Bloomfield. He also administered the Holy Communion to John Sibley, Mrs. John Sibley, W. H. Whiting, Mary Jane Whiting and Mrs. Catharine Whiting. At this time, the Bishop advised that a parish should be organized, and that the church services should be kept up by lay readers until such time as the ministrations of a clergyman could be procured. On the 8th of October, 1848, the parish was for mally organized under the title of the " Church of the Holy Communion, Bloomfield, Wisconsin." The following officers were elected: John Sibley, Wm. H. Whitino-, war dens; Samuel Allen, Robert Moore, Chas. Sibley and Royal Sikes, as vestrymen. ° John Sibley and Wm. H. Whiting were appointed ,by the bishop as lay readers. On the 29th ol September, 1849, the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, Rev. John McNamara arrived as rector of the parish, being sent out by the Church of the Holy Communion, New York City, of which the Rev. Dr. Wm. A. Muhlenberg (author of the hymn » I would not live HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 841 alway") was the rector. The Church of the Holy Communion, Bloomfield, was the second of that name in the United States. On the 10th of March, 1850, the Rev. Mr. McNamara preached his farewell sermon and went from this parish to found the Church of the Holy Communion in Geneva, being the third church of that name. During this time were baptized : William Van Rensselaer High, Susan Christian, Llewellyn Christian, Charles Harris High, Nathaniel Rue High, now the Rev. Mr. High, of Toledo, Ohio. Thomas High, George R. Allen, Wm. H. Allen, Henry Donahue, Geo. H. Christian and Dr. Clarkson Miller. The present church edifice was erected in 1849. It was intended only as a tem porary structure, the vestry expecting aid from the New York parish to build at some future day a substantial church of brick. It is of wood, cruciform in shape, with a. chancel and two transepts and tower. The length, including chancel, is 40. feet, the width 20 feet, with recess transepts north and south, 10x11 feet, in one of which is placed the organ. The organ was placed in the church in December, 1849, and I think was the only pipe organ in the southern tier of counties, between the Rock River and the lake. After the Rev. Mr. McNamara left, the Rev. Wm. S. Ludlam, of New York City came and took charge, on the 28th of December, 1851. He was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Peters, and then the Rev. Mr. Studley came in 1854. After this there was no settled clergyman, but the services were kept up by Mr. Samuel Allen and Mr. John Christian as lay readers, until 1862 when arrangements were made with the Church of the Holy Communion in Geneva, by which the services of the clergymen officiating there were secured for the morning of one Sunday in every month. This was commenced October 19, 1862, by Rev. Wm. Dafter, the succession' since he left being as follows : Rev. George N. James, December 25, 1864 ; Rev. Mr. Babcock, November 9, 1866 ; Rev. Wm. A. Armstrong, July 19, 1868 ; Rev. Robert B. Wolseley, February 1, 1874 ; Rev. R. T. Kerfoot, January 21, 1877. Several members of the first Sunday-School have distinguished themselves as clergy men, merchants, and in other vocations to which they applied themselves. Three are wealthy and prominent manufacturers, two are clergyman, one an officer in the navy, and one whose name is mentioned as an incentive to all poor boys. Bernard Donahue, the son of a poor widow, by his correct deportment, sobriety, and industry passed suc cessfully through his apprenticeship to a manufacturer, became an expert in mining operations, and was recently mentioned favorably in the newspapers of New York as having acquired a fortune of two hundred thousand ($200,000) dollars. He is now residing with his family at the pleasant village of Yonkers, on the Hudson. Another of the class of Sunday-School scholars of 1848, has recently been elected to represent this district in the State Legislature. The church property consists of the church edifice and five acres of land used as a cemetery. There are no debts. The present number of communicants is about thirty. TOWN ROSTER. Roster of town officers of Bloomfield from the organization of the town to the year 1881, inclusive : 1844: Supervisors— Wm. K. May, chairman, John Chapin, Cyrus Rugg; Town clerk— Lyman Redington ; Treasurer— John Wood ; Justices of the Peace— Geo. Field, Samuel Allen and Dan Rowe. 1845: Supervisors— Cyrus Rugg, chairman, Amos Stafford, Dan Rowe; Town, clerk— Jason Fobes ; Treasurer— John Wood ; Justices of the Peace— Cyrus Rugg, Geo. Field, Samuel Allen and Dan Rowe. 1846: Supervisors — T. H. Fellows, chairman, Amos Stafford, E. B. Carter; lown clerk— Geo. Field; Treu>urei'— W. D. Chapin: Justices of the Peace — Samuel Allen, H. J. Sawyer, Geo. Field. ¦842 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1847: Supervisors— Cyrus Rugg, chairman, Thomas Beeden, E. B. Carter; Town •clerk— Geo. Field ; Treasurer— W. D. Chapin ; Justices of the Peace — Samuel Allen, H. J. Sawyer, Geo. Field. 1848: Supervisors— Samuel Allen, chairman, Seth L. Banks, William Irish; Town clerk — Robert Moores; Treasurer — W. D. Chapin; Justices of the Peace — H. J. Sawyer, Seth L. Banks, O. B. Phillips. 1849: Supervisors — Cyrus Rugg, chairman, S. W. Benson, Thomas Beeden; Town clerk, Samuel Allen ; Treasurer— W. D. Chapin ; Justices of the Peace— Robert Moores, Samuel Allen, T. H. Fellows. 1850 . Supervisors — David W. Carey, chairman, H. C. Stewart, H. J. Sawyer; Town clerk — Wm. Yonlen; Treasurer— D. C. Blakeman; Justices of the Peace — H. J. Sawyer, E. B. Carter, T. H. Fellows. 1851 : Supervisors— H. C. Stewart, chairman, S. W. Benson, E. B. Carter ; Town clerk— J. S. Stilson ; Treasurer— W. W. Byington ; Justices of the Peace— C. W. Sil- bej', H. C. Stewart, Sidney Buell. 1852: Supervisors — S. W. Benson, chairman, E. Jewett, E. B. Carter; Town clerk C. W. Silbey ; Treasurer — W. W. Byington ; Justices of the Peace — H. J. Sawyer, Thomas Beeden, Samuel Allen. 1853 : Supervisors — W. D. Chapin, chairman, D. C. Blakeman, L. Palmetier ; Town clerk — W. W. Byington ; Treasurer— Eddy Cole ; Justices of the Peace — John Walsh, Dan Rowe, D. C. Blakeman. 1854: Supervisors — W. D. Chapin, chairman, D. C. Blakeman, Joseph Fuller; Town clerk — W. W. Byington ; Treasurer — Eddy Cole ; Justices of the Peace — Cyrus Rugg, Dan Rowe, D. C. Blakeman. 1855 : Supervisors — W. D. Chapin, chairman, Ira Williams, Joseph Fuller ; Town clerk — W. W. Byington ; Treasurer — John Chapin ; Justices of the Peace — Dan Rowe, D. C. Blakeman. 1856 : Supervisors — Cyrus Rugg, ehairman, E. Walker, T. H. Fellows ; Town clerk — W. W. Byington ; Treasurer — John Read ; Justices of the Peace — Cyrus Rugg, C. R. Foster. 1857: Supervisors — Cyrus Rugg, chairman, E. Woodman, T. H. Fellows; Town clerk — W. W. Byington ; Treasurer — Joseph Fuller ; Justices of the Peace — W. W. Belden, D. C. Blakeman, Dan. Rowe. 1858 : Supervisors — Cyrus Rugg, chairman, E. Woodman, A. Stafford ; Town clerk — W. W. Belden ; Treasurer — Homer Field; Justices of the Peace — C. R. Foster, Joel Washburne. 1859 : Supervisors — Amos Stafford, chairman, Wm. Forbes, Solon Reed ; Town clerk — G. C. Perry; Treasurer — S. R. Darrow ; Justices of the Peace — Cyrus Rugg, D. C. Blakeman. 1860: Supervisors — W. D. Chapin, chairman, J. C. Meritt, E. B. Carter; Town clerk — G. C. Perry ; Treasurer — Solon Reed ; Justice of the Peace — Joel Washburne. 1861 : Supervisors — W. D. Chapin, chairman, Robert Cobb, A. Freeman ; Town clerk — G. C. Perry ; Treasurer — Solon Reed ; Justices of the Peace — G. C. Perry, D. C. Blakeman. 1862 : Supervisors — A. Freeman, chairman, Ira Williams, Robert Cobb ; Town clerk — I. A. Hart ; Treasurer — Solon Reed ; Justices of the Peace — I. A. Hart, Horace Johnson, J. S. Stilson. 1863 : Supervisors — W. D. Cliapin, chairman, A. Freeman, A. H. Abell ; Town ¦clerk— C. W. Sibley ; Treasurer— Ira Williams ; Justices of the Peace— Amos Stafford, G. C. Perry. 1864: Supervisors— W. D. Chapin, chairman, O. Kimball, Amos Stafford ; Town ¦clerk— Chas. A. Noyes, Jr.; Treasurer— Solon Reed; Justices of the Peace— D. C. Blakeman, C. R. Foster. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 843 1865 : Supervisors — Cyrus Rugg, chairman, I. H. Fellows, Robert Cobb ; Town clerk — Charles Noyes, Jr. ; Treasurer — O. Kimball ; Justices of the Peace — Dan Rowe, D. C. Blakeman. 1866 : Supervisors — Amos Stafford, chairman, Sidney Buell, Morris Read ; Town clerk — J. S. Stilson ; Treasurer — Chas. A. Noyes, Jr.; Justices of the Peace — C. R. Foster, Ira Williams. 1867 : Supervisors — Amos Stafford, chairman, Wm. I. Buell, Enos H. Olden ; Town olerk — Frederick Fernald ; Treasurer— Chas. A. Noyes, Jr., Justices of the Peace — Dan Kone, Cyrus Rugg, Chas. A. Noyes, Jr. 1868: Supervisors-^T. H. Fellows, chairman, Wm. I. Buell, W. J. Miller; Town clerk — Frederick Fernald ; Treasurer — Chas. A. Noyes, Jr. ; Justices of the Peace — Na than Harrison, C. R. Foster, Chas. A. Noyes. 1869: Supervisors — Amos Stafford chairman, Wm. I. Buell, W. J. Miller; Town clerk — Frederick Fernald ; Treasurer — Abner Fuller ; Justices of the Peace — C. R. Fos ter, Horace Johnson, Homer Field ; (vacancy). 1870 : Supervisors— Amos Stafford, chairman, Wm. I. Buell, E. B. Carter ; Town clerk — A. C. Fowler; Treasurer — Abner Fuller; Justices of the Peace — Homer Field, Nathan Harrison, (vacancy) Amos Stafford. 1871 : Supervisors — Amos Stafford, chairman, Wm. I. Buell, E. B. Carter ; Town clerk — W. T. Beeden ; Treasurer — D. B. Maine; Justices of the Peace — C. R. Foster, W. T. Beeden. 1872 : Supervisors — Amos Stafford, chairman, Wm. I. Buell, Solon Reed ; Town clerk — Frederick Fernald ; Treasurer — D. B. Maine ; Justices of the Peace — Nathan Harrison, Frederick Fernald. 1873: Supervisors — T. H. Fellows, chairman, B. S. Benson, W. H. Allen; Town clerk — Frederick Fernald ; Treasurer — D. B. Maine ; Justices of the Peace — C. R. Foster, John C. Becker. 1874 : Supervisors — S. W. Benson, chairman, Wm. Forbes, A. H. Abell ; Town clerk — Frederick Fernald ; Treasurer — D.B.Maine; Justices of the Peace — Nathan Harrison, (vacancy) A. Kull, Jr., Sidney Buell. 1875 : Supervisors — S. W. Benson, chairman, Wm. Fobes, A. H. Abell ; Town clerk — Frederick Fernald ; Treasurer — D. B. Maine ; Justices of the Peace — Milton Carey, A. W. Foster. 1876: Supervisors — A. H. Abell, chairman, S. J.Wilson, Sidney Kidder ; Town clerk — J. M. Carey ; Treasurer — D. B. Maine ; Justices of the Peace — A. Kull, Jr., Sid ney Buell, Nathan Harrison, (vacancy). 1877: Supervisors— A. H. Abell, chairman, W. H. Allen, Sidney Kidder ; Town clerk— J. M. Carey; Treasurer— D. B. Maine ; Justices of the Peace — Nathan Harrison, D. B. Maine. 1878 : Supervisors— A. H. Abell, chairman, W. H. Allen, Sidney Kidder ; Town clerk— Frederick Fernald; Treasurer— D. B. Maine ; Justices of the Peace— Sidney Buell, Joseph Arnold. 1879: Supervisors— A. H. Abell, chairman, W. H. Allen, Sidney Kidder; Town clerk— Frederick Fernald ; Treasurer— D. B. Maine ; Justices of the Peace— D. B. Maine, Nathan Harrison. . 1880: Supervisors— Andrew Kull, Jr., chairman, O. N. Harrison, W. H. Allen; Town clerk— Andrew Foster; Treasurer— D. B. Maine ; Juetices of the Peace— C. R. Foster, Amos W. Stafford. . 1881 : Supervisors— W. D. Chapin, chairman, Sidney Buell, Daniel borbes; I own clerk A. W. Foster; Treasurer — D. B. Maine; Justices of the Peace— Nathan Harri son, D. B. Maine, John B. Buell. 844 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. OFFICIAL NOTES. At a special town meeting held Nov. 8, 1844, Timothy H. Fellows was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the removal of Wm. K. May. Also on June 7, 1844, W. D. Chapin was appointed Town clerk to fill vacancy caused by the removal of Lyman Redington from town. March 29, 1853, Eddy Cole was appointed Town clerk to fill vacancy caused by the absence of C. W. Sibley. March 6, 1867, Frederick Fernald was appointed Town clerk to fill vacancy caused by absence of James S. Stilson. June 28, 1852, W. D. Chapin was appointed Chairman of Board of Supervisors to fill vacancy caused by death of H. C. Stewart. April 24, 1868, Wm. J. Buell was appointed Supervisor to fill vacancy caused by the failure of Amos Stafford to qualify. April 8, 1871, A. C. Fowler was appointed Town clerk to fill vacancy caused by the failure of W. T. Beeden to qualify. The following persons have been members of the Assembly.: 1852 and 1853 — T. H. Fellows; 1856— W. D. Chapin; 1861— S. W. Benson ; 1872— Amos Stafford; 1877— A. H. Abell; 1880— G. R. Allen. "WAR HISTORY. With the other towns in the county Bloomfield, sent both men and money to the front. She furnished sixty-eight men, and $20,000 by tax and subscription. The record of this section of the county will be traced in the general war history. BLOOMFIELD IN 1881. The population of Bloomfield, as enumerated by the Federal census of 1880, was 1,097. The principal farm products were : Wheat, 7,800 bu.; corn, 75,000 bu.; oats, 54,000 bu.; barley, 4,000 bu.; rye, 600 bu.; potatoes, 6,800 bu.; apples, 10,800 bu.; timothy seed, 1,467 bu.; flax seed, 28,000 bu.; hay, 2,843 tons; butter, 86,000 lbs.; cheese, 75,700 lbs. There is one cheese factory in town — situated on Bloom Prairie and oper ated by Chas. High. There were, in 1881, 4,391 acres of growing grain, 159 acres of apple orchard, 2,437 acres of mowing and pasturage, and 2,411 acres of growing timber. The number of milch cows was 824, valued at $21,555. In 1881, there were seven whole and five joint school districts. The number of scholars between the ages of four and twenty was 358, of which number, 231 attended school. There were seven schools, taught by eight teachers, at average monthly wages of $43.75 for male and $27.82 for female teachers. There were seven school houses, valued, including the sites, at $2,700. The annual expenditure for school purposes was $2,348. WM. H. WHITING was born in Hudson, Columbia County, N. Y., Aug. 15, 1813. In early infancy his mother, who was then a widow, removed to Albany, where he re ceived his education, with the exception of short intervals spent at the academies of Hudson and Kingston, N. Y. In 1829 he became a pupil of the engraving firm of Raw- don, Clark & Co., Albany, which, with Philadelphia, was at that time the headquarters of bank note engraving. New York City has since pretty much monopolized. His father was also an engraver ; a pupil of the celebrated Gideon Fairman, of Philadelphia. On the 18th of August, 1834, Mr. Whiting was married, in the city of Albany, to Mary Jane Christian, a native of that city. Messrs. Rawdon, Clark & Co., having taken in other partners, resolved to remove their establishment to the city of New York. The title of the new firm was Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, and in the Spring of 1836 he followed them, and continued with this firm until 1847. Several years before this he HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 845 had been admitted as a partner in the firm. Previous to this, that is in 1842, Dewitt C. Hay and Mr. Whiting bought 400 acres of land, part of the farm now occupied by him, of Clark W. Spaford, and in 1844 made his first visit to Wisconsin. Previous to this, that is in 1843, he erected a small house on said land, or caused it to be erected by John Easter, whom he sent out for that and other purposes connected with the farm. In the Spring of 1847, he, with his family, moved from the city of New York, on to this land and commenced building the brick house in which he now resides. His family at that time consisted of his wife, mother and four children. The first child born in the house was his daughter, Esther, in 1848, and in 1850 his son Robert. There they resided until August, 1851, when they returned to New York, and Mr. W. became a member of the bank note engraving house of Wellstood, Hanks, Hay & Whiting. He continued in this connection until the formation of the American Bank Note Company, which ab sorbed all the old engraving firms. As Secretary of this company, he remained in the business until 1861, when he once more came to occupy his present farm. He was elected one of the trustees of the American Bank Note Company, and served in that capacity for several years. His daughter, Esther, died November 12, 1866, and his wife November 28, 1879. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. CHARLES ALLEN, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. O. Genoa Junction ; son of Samuel Allen, who was born in the city of Gloucester, England, and came to the United States with his parents when he was a boy. The family resided in New York for a time, and then removed to Albany. The family were engaged in keeping hotel for many years. Mr. Samuel Allen kept hotel at Lake George, and also in Washington County. He went to Michigan with his family in 1839, where he left his family and came to Walworth County and made alocition on Sec. 20, in the town of Bloomfield. He returned to Michigan the same year, and did not settle here with his family until 1841. Charles was born in Washington County, N. Y., in 1829. He has been married twice. His first wife was Susan Christian, daughter of John Christian. She died in the spring of 1863. His present wife was Georgiana, daughter of Albert Baker. Mr. Allen has one son by first marriage, Charles Augustus, who resides at Minneapolis ; has three by present wife ; Elizabeth, Samuel A. and Susan M. Mr. Allen's farm contains 165 acres. SAMUEL ALLEN, deceased, was born in the city of Gloucester, England, on June 30, 1789, and moved with his parents to Albany, N. Y., about the year 1800. For thirty years of his life, while living in that State, he was engaged in keeping hotel in Albany, Saratoga Springs, Lansingburg, Lake George and Hartford, Washington Co., N. Y. In 1822, he was married to Maria High, daughter of Charles and Christine High, of Kingsbury, Washington Co., N. Y. In the spring of 1839, Mr. Allen sold his hotel property in Hartford, N. Y., and with his family, consisting of his wife and four children, started for the West. His destination was Geneva. A short time before making this move, he witnessed that historic event, the launching of the Robert Fulton, on the Hudson. He finally embarked.with his family, on a canal boat, at Dunham's Basin, near the Upper Hudson River, for Troy, N. Y.,from thence to Buffalo by the Erie Canal. They went from Buffalo to Toledo, on Lake Erie, and from Toledo to South Bend, Ind., by wagon-road. In October, 1839, he left his family in Michigan, and, in company with Oliver High, came by land to Geneva. When at the hotel, the proprietor and guests had the small-pox, but as the country was new and promising, nobody knew of the existence of this disease. While at Geneva, Mr. Allen met the Warrens, Col. John Capron, Surveyor McKaig and other early pioneers, all of whom were enthusiastic and delighted with the country. Mr. McKaig told him that nearly all the desirable land was taken from the Government ; but he knew of a good quarter-section. Mr. Allen there upon purchased land in the southeast quarter of Sec. 20, Town 1, Range 18 east. He moved on to his purchase April 24, 1841, and soon after built a frame house, a decided curiosity at that time. Here he continued to reside, all enjoying remarkable health for a quarter of a century. In 1868, however, then in his 78th year, Mr. Allen passed away, leaving a widow and four sons. Mrs. Allen died in 1879. Bloomfield has been the family home for over forty years. GEORGE R. ALLEN, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. O. Geno Junction ; son of Samuel and Maria Allen ; the former was born in Gloucester, England, in 1789, and emigrated to the city of New York with his parents in 1801 ; Mr. Samuel Allen was brought up in the State of New York ; he came West as 846 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. far as Michigan, with his family, in 1839 ; leaving his family, he came here the same year and bought the farm where his son George now lives; he settled here in 1841, this farm becoming his homestead, where he resided till his death, which occurred in 1856 ; his wife died in June, 1880. The parents of Mr. Allen had five children, four sous and one daughter ; the youngest son was born in Walworth Co., the others in the State of New York ; the sons, all of whom are living, are : Samuel, resides at Roch ester, Minn.; Charles, George R. and William H. ; the daughter, Susanna, afterward Mrs. William H. Potork ; she died in the fall of 1879 ; George R., was born in Washington Co., N. Y., in 1838, married Mary Grier, daughter of James Grier, a native of Ireland, but came to this country when a boy ; he lived in Connecticut and other Eastern States till 1842, when he settled in Bloomfield, where he still lives; Mrs. Allen was bora in the town of Bloomfield in 1844; Mr. and Mrs. Allen have three chil dren — John S., James G. and Mary C. Mr. Allen's farm contains 310 acres. WILLIAM H. ALLEN, Sec. 33 ; was born in the town of Bloomfield, Aug. 2, 1842 ; married Miss Ann Reek, daughter of John Reek, of the town of Linn. They have two children — Lewis H. and George J. His farm contains 200 acres ; Mr. George R. Allen has been Assessor of the town of Bloom field since 1865, except two years. H. A. ARNOLD, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Geneva ; son of Alanson B. Arnold ; he was born in Indiana in 1846; came to Walworth Co. with his parents in 1865 ; he is a brother of R. B. Arnold, of Geneva, and of Frank L. Arnold, of this town ; he was married to Martha Cranson ; they have two children — Nell E. and Jessie C. ; Mr. A. purchased his farm of H. Merriam and Sidney Buel ; he has 175 acres; Frank L. resides on Sec. 6 ; he was born in Indiana in 1848 ; he bought his farm of Allen Merriam in 1877; he married Amelia Beardsley, daughter of Charles Beardsley; she was born in the town of Linn; they have one son — Warren ; Mr. Arnold's farm contains 75 acres. BENJAMIN J. BILL, M. D., Genoa Junction ; he was born at Plainfield, Conn., in 1850 ; he received his literary education at Providence Conference Seminary, East Greenwich, R. I. ; studied medi cine in Boston and New York (cities), and during the winter of 1871 and 1872, he attended the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor ; he located here in the practice of his profes sion in October, 1874; he graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1879. He has been married twice ; his first wife was Rebecca Coggeshall, daughter of Dr. S. W. Coggeshall ; she died in the fall of 1875 ; his present wife was Miss Sarah Stickland, bom iu Kenosha Co. They have two children — Ben jamin J. and Harriet P. JOHN B. BUELL, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. O. Slade's Corners, Kenosha Co. ; Mr. Buell was born in Madison Co., N. Y., in 1825, where he lived till 1855, when he went to the State of Illinois ; he came to Burlington, Racine Co., in 1862; he bought the farm which he now owns of Henry and Jones Locke; he has 180 acres ; his wife was Miss Maria Campbell, born in Madison Co., N. Y.; Mrs. Buell died Aug. 23, 1881. Mr. Buell has five children — Arthur, at Jefferson, Wis.; Emery, Horace, Charles and Hattie. Emery resides at home ; was born in Madison Co., N. Y., in 1852, married Lonise Miller, a daughter of W. Miller, of Burlington. SIDNEY BUELL, farmer, See. 30 ; P. O. Genoa; son of Ira Buell; he was born in Chenango Co. , N. Y., ia 1819; he was the first of his father's family who came to Wisconsin ; he came to Bloomfield in the fall of 1845, and taught school the following winter ; in the spring of 1846 he returned to the State of New York, and, with John McKibben, of the town of Linn, drove back a flock of 500 sheep; the distance traveled was about one thousand miles, and consumed ninety-six days on the route; he bought the farm where he now lives, of Mr. Rue High, in the spring of 1848; he also located a farm for his father, who came the following year. Mr. Buell has been married twice ; his first wife was Mary L. Mayuard ; his present wife was Miss Marie Antoinette Holcomb, daughter of Abraham Holcomh, a native of Chenango Co., N. Y.; Mrs. BujII was born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio. Mr. Buell has seven chil dren, six sons and one daughter; Mr. Buell has 400 acres of land; for miny years he made a specialty of sheep-raising ; at present he devotes much attention to the raising of stook. W. I. BUELL, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. O. Genoa Junction; son of Ira Buell, who came to Walworth Co. with his family in the fall of 1849, and settled in the town of Linn in the following year; W. I. was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1828; he came to this town in 1848, and has been a resi dent here since that time, except about two years that he lived at his father's in the town of Linn. He bought his farm in 1854, of Riue High, where he has since lived; his wife was Frances M. Matthews, daughter of William C. Matthews, who came to Walworth Co. in 1846 ; he afterward settled m Jo Daviess Co., 111., where he resided till his death. Mr. and Mrs. Buell have eight chil dren, seveu sons, and one, the youngest, a daughter. Mr. Buell's farm contains 160 acres HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 847 J. M. CAREY, merchant and Postmaster, Genoa Junction ; son of David Carey, who was born in the town of New Labanon, Columbia Co., N. Y., and came to Walworth Co. in 1846, and settled in the town of Bloomfield, and engaged in farming ; he resided about two years in the town of Wheatland, Kenosha Co.; ho went to California in 1855, and returned in 1872, went back in 1873, and was absent one and one-half years. During the last five years of his life he has lived with his son; he had six children, five of whom are living. Julian M. was born in Ira Township, Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1844- came here with his parents when 2 years old ; he enlisted August, 1862, in Co. C, 22d W. V. I.j and served until the close of the war. Went to California in 1870, mined two years and returned in 1872. Married Adelia Bywater, Jan. 28, 1874. They have three children— Grace, Myrtle and D. William. Mr. Carey went into the mercantile business here in April, 1874, and was appointed Postmaster, August, 1879. WILLIAM D. CHAPIN, farmer, Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Genoa Junction ; he was born in Franklin Co., Mass., April 28, 1814 ; his parents were John an I Clarissa (Patterson) Chapin ; when 14 years of age, he removed with his parents to Nunda, Livingston Co., N. Y. ; he came to Geneva, Walworth Co., June 4, 1837, and made a claim on Sec. 6, in the town of Bloomfield ; he went to New York in September, 1838; the same season returned with his father's family ; his father bought a claim of Henry Kim ball, on Sec. 6, which he made a homestead. The parents of Mr. Chapin had eleven children who grew to maturity, only six of whom are living— William D-, J- Patterson, John, Lyman, Monroe and Mrs. Maryette Gifford. Mr. Chapin lost three sisters in 1881, within a space of six months. Two brothers were in the army during the rebellion ; Monroe enlisted in 1862, in the 22d W. V. I., served one and one-half years, and was discharged for disability ; Lyman served for a time in an Iowa regiment. Mr. Chapin was married to Miss Loret Hyde, daughter of David W. Hyde ; she was born in Bennington Co., Vt., in 1824, and came to Walworth Co. with her parents in 1846; they settled in the town of Linn. Mr. Chapin is the only member of his father's family now residing in Walworth Co. ; his father died Dec. 29,1865; his mother April 23, 1873. He settled where he now lives in November, 1840. His farm contains 298 acres of land. OTTO FREEMAN, retired lumber dealer, Genoa Junction; son of Carl Freeman, who was born in Sweden; in 1788; he was a prominent man in his native country, Sweden, and held, at various times, Government offices ; he wished his children to live under a Republican form of government ; in July, 1838, he came to the United States and brought with him six sons, the eldest remaining at home, and located on a farm in the town of Wheatland, Kenosha Co.; he left four of his sons on the farm, the fifth returning to Sweden with his father, who soon after returned to his native land. Mr. Carl Freeman had six sons, Phermongis, the eldest, remaining in Sweden, John, William, Adolphus, Harmon, who re turned with his father and Otto; Harmon returned to America and now lives in Kentucky ; but three of the brothers who were brought to this country by their father are living — Harmon, William and Otto. Otto went to California in 1853, and engaged in mining and stock-raising; he was quite successful. Adol phus established the lumber business here about 1858, which he conducted alone until about 1863, when William joined him ; in 1868, Otto joined the firm. Adolphus died in February, 1871; William and Otto then carried on the business until 1879, when they retired. William soon after settled in California. Otto's home is here ; his wife was Miss Miria, daughter of Aurelius Clary. She is a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman have two children — Lingard C. and Lewis W. JOSEPH FULLER, farmer, Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Genoa Junction ; was born in the town of Lenox, Madison Co., N. Y., in 1814. His father was Abial Fuller. He went to Michigan with his parents in the fall of 1835. He came to Walworth Co. in 1837, but returned to Michigan, and came back in the fall of 1842. He purchased of the Government the farm which he now owns, where he has since lived. His parents came with him in 1842, and resided with him till their death. Parents had ten children when they came to this county, five of whom are living, but he is the only one of his father's family living in Wiscon sin. His wife was formerly Mary Ann Ervin, born in Broome Co., N. Y. Her father, James Ervin, came here in 1845 ; afterward removed to Iowa, where he resided until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have nine children, four sons and five daughters, all of whom are married. Their oldest son, James E., was a member of the 1st W. H. A., during the last year of the rebellion. Mr. Fuller owns SSO^cres. TIMOTHY H. FELLOWS was born in Luzerne Co., Penn., March 14, 1812; moved to the State of Michigan in 1829, where he was married to Eliza Ann Duncan, daughter of William and Ruth (Gilmore) Duncan, of Sullivan Co., N. H. Mrs. Duncan died in New Hampshire. William Duncan moved, with his family, to Michigan, in 1829, where he died in the year 1852. T. H. Fellows was the son of Abiel and Dorcas Fellows. Abiel Fellows was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., Oct. 1, 1764. 848 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Dorcas Fellows was born in Luzerne Co., Penn., in 1787. T. H. Fellows and family moved to the county of Walworth, Wis., in the year of 1839. They had eleven children born to them ; four were born in the State of Michigan, and seven in Walworth Co., Wis., five of whom died in infancy ; and one (Mrs. Peet) died at the age of 22. Their children, now living, are : Gilmore D., who lives in Labette Co., Kan. ; Theodore A., who is in Leadville, Colo, (he served four years in the war of the rebellion, and held a Captain's commission at its close) ; Ann Eliza, who resides at Plainville, Cal. ; Mary Avery, who is living at Sab- bury, Montana; and Katie L. Reynolds, who lives in this county. T. H. Fellows has held the office of Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for several years, and was elected to the Legislature, and served two terms, in 1852 and 1853. He owns a very nice farm of 600 acres, on which he now resides. Mr. Fellows is one of Walworth County's most influential and highly respected citizens. SELVEY KIDDER, M. D., Genoa Junction. Dr. Kidder was born in the town of Braintree, Orange Co., Vt., Nov. 16, 1811. When 14 years of age, he removed to the town of Bethel, Windsor Co. When 20 years of age, he went to Lower Canada, where he engaged in teaching, and where he also began the study of medicine. He resided in Canada about thirteen years ; he graduated at the Vermont Medical College in 1842, after which he located at Waterville, Vt., where he was engaged in the practice of his profession for thirteen years. He came to Wisconsin in 1854, and settled at Salem, Kenosha Co., where he practiced thirteen years. He located in the village of Lyons in 1868, where he remained, however, but one year, when he purchased a large farm on Sec. 18, in this town, of Robert Cobb. This farm he sold in the spring of 1882, to Charles S. Higinbotham. He was married, Sept. 20, 1840, to Emily Cooper, born in the town of Waterville, Lamoille Co., Vt. She died March 17, 1881. He has two sons — Julius and Charles. It is a singular fact, that Dr. Kidder has resided for the same number of years at the several places at which he has made his home during his professional life ; he lived for thirteen years in Canada, thirteen years in Waterville, Vt., and the same number of years in Kenosha, Co., and on his farm in the town of Bloomfield, during his residence in Walworth Co. He has had a very extensive practice, and is widely known as a successful and reliable physician. Dr. Kidder is not a man who seeks to attain to em inence by putting himself forward and assuming to know more than others, but, on the contrary, is a man of modest pretensions, whose worth as a physician and citizen is founded upon actual merit. After selling his farm, he located in the village, and devotes his entire attention to the duties of his profession. ANDREW KULL, Jr., farmer, Sec. 4 ; P. O. Geneva ; adopted son of A. Kull, Sr., who was born in Westerburg, Germany, and came to this country in 1833. Mr. John Kull, the father of Andrew, Jr., and a brother of his adopted father, came to this country at the same time, and they also came to Wal worth Co. together. Andrew's mother's ancestors came to the United States from Wales in 1680. She died when he was 5 month old, and he was adopted by his uncle soon after. The father and uncle settled in this town, John M. on Sec. 21 and Andrew on Sec. 4. Andrew, Jr., is now the owner of the homestead of his adopted father, who lives with him. He was born in the town of Bloomfield in 1845 ; married Miss Ann Rietbrock, born in the town of Wheatland, Kenosha Co. They have five children — Francis, Helen, Adolph, Frederick and Hermann. They lost their oldest son at the age of 4J years. Mr. Kull is a well educated gentleman, and possessed of excellent business qualities ; he has a fine library, and is a varied and extensive reader. He has been Chairman of the Town Board of his town, and a Justice of the Peace for several terms, and a school officer for nearly eighteen years. In politics he is a Democrat. He has a fine farm of 240 acres, and makes a specialty of Spanish Merino sheep, of which he has a large number of fine specimens. FRANK A. MANOR, proprietor of the " Manor House," Genoa Junction, was born in Plattsburg, N. Y., in September. 1852. He came to Wisconsin with his father, Eli Manor. The Manor House was built by his father, and is owned by him. Frank leased the hotel in April, 1880, which he repaired and refitted in good style, and has proved himself a competent landlord, a fact which is attested universally by the traveling public. Before engaging in the hotel business, he was variously employed. He learned the trade of a blacksmith, which business he followed for three years. He was engaged as clerk for the St. Dennis House, Geneva, " Capt. ' Cole, proprietor, for one year ; was for three years engaged on the street railway of Chicago, in the capacity of conductor. His wife was Maggie McMahon, a native of Kentucky ; they have two children— E. F. and Worthington M. Mr. Eli Manor has been one of the active business men of Genoa Junction for a number of years. He has been variously engaged. He built the Manor House, which he still owns ; he is also engaged in the mercantile business ; keeps a general store, of which his son E. E. is general manager. He has four sons— E. E., Frank A., Charles H. and Fred J. WILLIAM MERRIAM, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Geneva; is a son of Allen Merriam, who was born in Connecticut Juae 1, 1797, and married Parmelia Hutchins. They came with their family from HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 849 Onondaga Co., N. Y., to Walworth Co. in the spring of 1843, and settled on Sees. 13 and 14, in the town of Linn, purchasing the farm of Ira Turner ; this farm became the homestead of the family, where the parents resided until their death. The father of Mr. Merriam died April 15, 1879, and his mother died May 19, 1871. They had eight sons and two daughters; seven sons and one daughter are still living. F. B. Merriam now owns and occupies the homestead. William Merriam was born in the town of Cicero, Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1829 ; came to Walworth Co. with his parents in 1843 ; married Harriet S. Ford, daughter of John C. Ford (see sketch of S. C. Ford, Geneva). Mr. Merriam went to California with his father-in-law, Mr. Ford, in 1853 ; they went the overland route ; Mr. Merriam was absent about two years. He settled in this place in 1869, and bought a farm of G. L. Phillips. Mr. and Mrs. Merriam have three children — Revilo, Flora and Ada. Mr. Merriam's farm contains 400 acres of land. WELCOME J. MILLER, carriage and wagon manufacturer, Genoa Junction. Mr. Miller was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., in 1828. His mother died when he was a child. He removed with his foster parents to Canida, and thence to McHenry, and thense went to Kenosha, Wis. He ssrved three years in the carriage making business. He came to Genoa Junction in 1849, and established his present business. He is doing quite an extensive business ; employs from fifteen to twenty men. Two sons, Frank and John are engaged with him in business, the firm being W. J. Miller & Sons. His wife, formerly Miss Mary E. Hubbard, was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y. They have six children, three sons, and three daughters. LEVI MOODY, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. O. Genoa Junction. Mr. Moody was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., in 1808, where he was brought up. He came to Walworth County, in July 1838, and bought the claim of his present farm of his brother-in-law, Harry Tupper. The latter came here with his wife in the spring of 1837, and made a claim of this place. It is claimed that Mrs. Tupper was the first white woman who settled in this town, and that her son, Silas W. Tupper, was the first white child born in the town. He enlisted in 1862, in the 8th W. V. L, and died at Indianapolis, in February, 1865. "Mr. Tupper went to California in 1849, where he still lives. His wife lived with her brother untill her death , which occurred in May, 1871 ; she left three children, one son and two daughters, all of whom are residents of this town. It is claimed that Mr. Moody cut the first grain that was harvested in this town ; this was in 1838. He has owned his farm since 1838, which has since been his home ; but having a trade, that of a furnace-man, he was employed elsewhere in work, at his trade, a portion of the time for a num. ber of years. He was never married. His farm contains 80 acres. ROBERT MOORE, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. O. Genoa Junction. Mr. Moore was born in Upper Canada, in 1811, but was brought up in Albany, N. Y. He learned the trade of gun-maker in Albany, in which business he was engaged until 1837. He went to New York City, where he engaged in what is now the American Bank Note Co., as engraver and transferer. He stayed there about one year, then went to New Orleans, in the employ of the same company, who had established a branch house in that city. In 1845, he came to the town of Bloomfield, in this county, and lived during the following winter on William H, Whiting's place. He bought the farm where he lives, of George and James Pease. In 1853, he went back to New York City, and engaged in his former occupation. He returned in 1857. In 1863, he again engaged as engraver for another company in New York City. He returned to farming again in 1866. His wife was Susan Wright, born in England. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have had seven children, five of whom are living. His farm contains 120 acres. JAMES PRIMMER, farmer, Sec. 12 ; P. O. Geneva. Mr. Primmer was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., in 1816, where he lived until 25 years of age. He came to Walworth County in 1841, and made his present location in the fall of that year, purchasing his farm of the Government ; he has lived here since, except about four years, when he lived at East Troy, where he owned, and kept a hotel. He was married to Hannah Shaver, born in Rensselaer County in 1821. Her parents came to Walworth County in 1843, and settled in this town, Where they lived until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Primmer have two children Artemas J; and Charles, both born in this town. WILLIAM H. REED, farmer, Sec. 28 ; P. O. Genoa Junction. Mr. Reed was born in Chenango Co., N Y Feb 29 1824 He came to the town of Bloomfield, in 1846, where he has since lived. His wife came'to the county a number of years previous to the time at which her husband came. Her maiden name was Mary Ann, daughter of Isaac White, a native of New Hartford, Conn , and was married in the State of New York, to Phebe Ann Lounsbury, from New Jersey. They removed to Ohio, in 1832, thence to Illinois the following year, where she died in 1838. He came to Walworth County, and settled in the town of Bloomfield, in 1839. Her father removed to Vernon County, in 1854, where he resided until his death. Her parents had fifteen children, only five of whom are living. Mrs. Reed was born in 850 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Tioga County, N. Y., in 1823, and has resided in the town of Bloomfield since her father came here in 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have three children — Phebe R. ( now Mrs. Richard Kimball), Marietta and Willie I. Mr. Reed settled on this farm in 1862. He has about 360 acres of land. IRA P. RICHMOND, proprietor of livery stable, and dealer in real estate, Genoa Junction ; he was born in the town of Wayne, Steuben Co., N. Y., Dec. 5, 1825 ; he removed to the town of Cone- sus, Livingston Co., with his parents when a child ; he came to Walworth Co., October, 1847, and bought a farm on Sec. 33, town of Bloomfield, which he afterward sold, and bought on Sec. 16; this farm, con taining 250 acres, he still owns; has also a farm on Sec. 8, of 160 acres; he retired from farming in the spring of 1880, and came to the village and established the livery business. His wife was Miss L. M. Clary, a daughter of Aurelius Clary. Mrs. Richmond was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and came to Hebron, 111., in 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Richmond have two children — Ida F. and Melville M.; they lost two sons and one daughter in infancy. The parents of Mr. R., Elijah and Elizabeth Richmond, came here in 1855, where they resided until their death. A. W. ROBERTS, farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. O. Geneva ; Mr. Roberts was born in Washington Co., N. Y., March 14, 1817, where he lived until 18 years of age, when he removed with his parents to St. Law rence Co., where he lived until 33 years of age, when he came to Walworth Co.; he lived in Geneva six years. He bought a part of his present farm of Warren Marsh ; he was married in St. Lawrence Co., to Ammaeila Nimocks, born in Canada. They have two children — William W., a railroad conductor, and Henry O. Mr. Roberts' farm contains 160 acres. ASA C. ROWE, farmer, Sec. 34 ; P. O. Genoa Junction ; son of Dan Rowe, who was born May 26, 1813, in Oneida Co.,N. Y., and married Feb. 22, 1835, in Le Roy, Genesee Co., to Miss Eliza Noyes; they came to Michigan in 1837, and to the town of Bloomfield in February, 1838, and settled near what is npw Genoa Junction; he died February 3, 1878; his wife died June 23, 1875. A short time pre vious to his death, Mr. Rowe married Mrs. Manning, a widow lady of Chicago ; he had eleven children, six of whom, four sons and two daughters, are still living — John H, George A., William C, Asa O, Jennje E. and Helen A. Only Asa C. and his sister Jennie, now Mrs. Melvin North, who lives at Elk horn, are residents of Walworth Co. Asa C. was born at the homestead, on Sec. 35, Jan. 12, 1848 ; he married Ida Z. Barnes, daughter of Simeon Barnes. Mrs. Rowe was born Jan. 12, 1857, and married Jan. 12, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe have two children — Delia M. and Nellie E. Mr. Rowe's farm con tains 220 acres. AMOS W. STAFFORD, farmer, Sec. 4; P. 0. Geneva. Mr. Stafford was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1810 ; when 14 years of age, he removed with his parents to Ontario Co., where he lived till the spring of 1 844, when he came to Walworth Co. and located on See. 4, on a farm adjoining the one which he now owns; he sold out in 1847, and purchased on Sec. 12, which farm he sold to Jacob Dar ling ; he bought the farm where he now lives in June, 1857, of Apollos Hastings. He was married in- Ontario Co., N. Y., to Miss Ann Sobrina Ellis, born in Ontario Co. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford have four children — Eliza (wife of Abner Farnham), Sarah, Harlow, John Q. and Francis G. Mr. Stafford's farm contains 200 acres ; Mr. Stafford was a member of the Town Board of his town for the years 1859, 1866, 1867, 1869, 1870, 1871 and 1872; he was a member of the Assembly branch of the Legislature for 1872, receiving 936 votes to his opponent's 399; his ancestors, on his father's side, were from Stafford shire, England, and came to this country about the time of the old French and Indian war; his grand father, Amos Stafford, was a soldier of the Revolution, and was present at the massacre of Wyoming, and escaped narrowly with his life on that occasion ; after the war he settled in Saratoga Co., N. Y. The father of the subject of this sketch was Samuel Stafford. WILLIAM H. WHITING, Sec. 31 ; P. O. Geneva. Mr. W. was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1813; he followed the business of bank note engraving for many years ; he was one of the original cor porators of the American Bank Note Company; also a Trustee and Secretary of said company ; in 1844 he purchased his present farm of Simeron Spafford, a brother-in-law of E. D. Richardson, of Geneva ¦ a portion, however, of his farm, he bought of the Government; he settled in 1847 and built his house that year; Mr. W. is one of the most prominent and best known residents of the town of Bloomfield; he is possessed of abundant means ; he has about 700 acres of land and a home naturally finely looated, made more beautiful by art ; he is a public spirited gentleman and a liberal contributor of his means in the promotion of all good works. The Episcopal Church of this town, known as the " Church of the Holy Communion," was built under his auspices ; to the building of this church he contributed liberally ; a few friends here, and others in New York, also contributed to its erection. The church was built in 1849 ; the first Rector was the Rev. John McNamara, who afterward went to Geneva HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 851 and established the church at that place ; the churchyard, containing five acres, was given by Rue High, father of the Rev. N. R. High, now of Toledo, Ohio ; also the Rev. William D. Christian, now of Louisiana, who were brought up in this parish and members of its Sunday school. Mr. W. married Miss Mary Jane Christian, of the city of Albany, N. Y.; she was a relative of the Christians, of Min neapolis, celebrated millers; Mrs. W. died Nov. 28, 1879. The children of Mr. W. are— Mary, wife of Rev. E. R. Atwill, of Toledo, Ohio ; Katharine, wife of Mr. A. Lawson, of Nottingham, England ; Will iam Henry, a Lieutenant Commander of the United States Navy, now of the navy-yard in Brooklyn, N. Y.; he was with Admiral Farragut at the battle of Mobile Bay ; he fired the first gun from the Hartford at the rebel ram, Tennessee ; George, in Brooklyn ; Robert, on the farm in Bloomfield ; Charlotte M., in England ; Frank B., on the farm hi Bloomfield, and Esther, Annie and Beaverly (deceased). 852 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. TOWN OF GENEVA. The geographical limits of the town of Geneva were first defined by act of the Territorial Legislature, January 2, 1838. It embraced the whole of the southeast quarter of the county, and comprised the present townships of Bloomfield, Lyons, Linn, Geneva, and the southeast section of the present town of Elkhorn. By act of January 23, 1844, the towns of Hudson (now Lyons), Bloomfield and Linn were detached and incorporated as separate towns. In 1846, when the present town of Elkhorn was formed, Section 6, in the northwest corner, was detached and made a part of that town. The town as at present existing comprises the remaining thirty-five sections of Town 2, Range 17 east, together with five acres detached from Lyons, January 26, 1844, to bring the boundaries of the village plat within the limits of the village as incorporated at that time. It is intended to confine this sketch to the limits of the present township, except so far as that of the adjoin ing towns is identical. The surface of the land is undulating, with occasional hills in the eastern and southeastern sections of the town. It was, when first settled, heavily wooded, the growth being largely of the different varieties of oak. It is well watered by small creeks and rills threading the various sections. Jackson's Creek, which rises on the northeastern quarter of Section 3, runs south westerly through Section 9, thence westerly through the southeast quarter of Section 8 and the northwest quarter of Section 9, leaving the township on Section 7. It finally empties into Del avan Lake. Another creek has its source on Section 2, runs in a southerly direction through Sections 11, 14 and 23, and joins the creek near the outlet of Lake Como (Duck Lake). From the outlet of Lake Como, Como Creek runs northeasterly through Section 24, emptying into White River in the adjoining town of Lyons. The southwestern section, where stands the beautiful village of Geneva Lake, is watered by the stream flowing from the outlet of Geneva Lake, the source of White River. Lake Como (formerly known as Duck Lake) lies in the southern part of the town. Its east ern extremity and outlet is on Section 26. It extends through Sections 27 and 28, the southeast corner of 29 and the northeast quarter of Section 32. It is three miles long, and averages half a mile in width. Geneva Lake, the most charming of all the lakes of Southern Wisconsin, extends all along the southern border of the town, the bay at its outlet lying in Section 36. The only swamp land in the town lies at the outlet of Lake Como, skirting its northern shore and spreading out into a swamp of some two hundred acres at its head. The stream at the outlet of Geneva Lake furnishes an abundant and reliable water-power, which, if fully improved, would prove of incalculable value to the village and county. It has within it the future possibility of a great and thriving manufacturing center. EAELY SETTLEMENT. The first settlement made in Walworth County was made on Section 36, in what is now the village of Geneva. The first settler was Christopher Payne, who came in and made what proved to be a permanent settlement in April, 1836. He had previously visited the place in February of that year, and marked his claim on the northwest quarter of Section 36. A full history of the circumstances attending his attempts to establish himself and build his mill dur ing the spring and early summer is given in the early history of the county, to which the reader is referred. At the settlement of the contesting claimants, the thread of the historical narrative is taken up and continued. The settlement referred to, whereby Payne and his partners came into peaceable possession, occurred early in July, 1836. As soon thereafter as the sojourners and workmen had left, those who remained commenced the wurk of building a mill and other wise improving their surroundings and establishing themselves permanently in their chosen homes. They were the first actual settlers in the town, and the founders of the village So 1 /. f ft!, Jf, lhM^*~~< HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 853 far as can be ascertained, they were as follows: Christopher Payne, Robert W. Warren, G. S. Warren, Andrew Ferguson, James Van Slyke, Charles A. Noyes, Reuben T. Ostrander,' Jona than Ward, George W. Trimble. P. K. Vanvelzer and Samuel Ross were also engaged as workmen on the mill, but did not become permanent settlers of the town. The women who spent the summer in Geneva were the widow, Anna Warren, mother of the Warren brothersf Mrs. Robert W. Warren, Mrs. G. S. Warren, Mrs. Nancy and Lucretia Warren, and Mrs. James Van Slyke. Of the men mentioned above, Christopher Payne, R. W. Warren, A. Ferguson and George W. Trimble were resident proprietors of the Hodgson & Brink and Payne claims, after the pur chase was made. The remaining partners in the purchase resided in Chicago. A statement of the various changes of claim proprietorship which resulted in their peace able occupancy is given below. The Hodgson & Brink party consisted of John Hodgson, John Brink and William Ostran der. They claimed the whole of Section 36, embracing the entire water-power and all the land covered by the original village plat. The Payne party consisted of Christopher Payne, G. W. Trimble, Daniel Mosher and Uriah Payne. They claimed the northwest quarter of Section 36, which took in the outlet of the lake and controlled the water-power. The contest was therefore on the possession of the quarter-section claimed by the Payne party, which was also covered by the larger claim of Hodgson & Brink. In the final settlement, the latter not only relinquished their claims to Payne's quarter-section, but sold the remainder of their claim, their right to which had never been disputed by Payne or his companions. The changes and transfers made by the original claimants were as below stated: Charles A. Noyes and Orin Coe, his cousin, arrived at Geneva, May, 1836, and purchased one-quarter interest in the Hodgson & Brink claim. James Van Slyke purchased or acquired an interest in the Payne claim. After Payne's defeat, 1st of June, 1836, Mosher went to Chicago and disposed of his share to Lewis B. Goodsell for a coat and pair of pants. Van Slyke disposed of whatever claim he might have had to the same party at Chicago, for the sum of $30, which he received in pork, codfish and other provisions for his family. He made a claim and removed to Walworth in the fall of 1836. Uriah Payne gave his share of the claim (one-third) to Robert W. Warren, in consideration of his assisting his father in recovering and maintaining it. Christopher Payne sold his interest to Col. James Maxwell in the winter of 1836, before the completion of the mill. G. W. Trimble disposed of his claim and moved to Big Foot Prairie in 1837. Dr. Phillip Maxwell and Col. James Maxwell furnished part of the cash paid Hodgson & Brink, and acquired an interest in the water-power. Andrew Ferguson, George L. Campbell and G. S. Warren became owners in the claim of Hodgson & Brink at the time the negotiation was effected. Charles A. Noyes sold out his quarter-interest in common with Hodgson & Brink, leaving the whole of the present site of Geneva in the proprietorship of the following-named gentlemen: R. W. and G. S. Warren, L. B. Goodsell, George L. Campbell, A. Ferguson, Phillip Maxwell and James Maxwell. Before the village plat was recorded, Mr. Ferguson conveyed his share to Messrs. Goodsell & Campbell. None of these gentlemen remained settlers of the village during its earlier years except the Warrens and Ferguson, with his family, in 1837. Mr. Goodsell removed to the place in 1845, and Dr. Phillip Maxwell in 1856. Mr. Campbell and Col. James Maxwell never became residents of the village. EAELY PIONEERS (DECEASED). Of the settlers of Geneva who came in 1836, nearly all are dead. Below are such sketches and memorial notice of those deceased as have been preserved. Most of them were written by personal friends, who knew them long and well, and are here produced without attempt to en large or revise. The sketches of the Warrens, L. B. Goodsell, Phillip and James Maxwell and FF 854 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Charles A. Noyes are from the pen of James Simmons, Esq. , of Geneva. That of Christopher Payne is written from data largely furnished by the same gentleman. Christopher Payne, the first settler of Walworth County, was a native of Somerset County, Penn., where he was born in 1786. At the time of his birth, that country was an unsettled wilderness, and on the frontier of civilization, which he followed in its Western retreat through his whole life. He spent his youthful days, till fourteen years old, in the region where he was born. At that age, he removed with his father's family to Belmont, Ohio, then on the borders of civilization, where he led the semi-barbarous life common to frontiersmen. He became an expert hunter and fearless woodsman. It is not known that he ever received any school educa tion. At the age of twenty-one years, in 1807, he set out for himself, removing to Dearborn County, in the southeast corner of Indiana. Here he remained for several years, during which time he was married. He was, during his residence there, engaged a part of the time with a party of engineers in the survey of the public lands. He was, in 1812, engaged in Lndian war fare. He volunteered in the Indiana Rangers, and served for twelve months on the prairies of Indiana and Illinois. He was a fearless Indian fighter, and served often as a scout, running unharmed the desperate chances of that dangerous service. In April, 1814, he was one of the garrison of Fort Harrison, Ind., and, while it was besieged by the Indians; was one of twenty- five soldiers who successfully defended it against an army of 300 Indians, well armed, who were at length forced to raise the siege. At the close of the war, Payne removed to Vincennes, Ind., here he engaged in farming for three years. From there he removed to Madison County, 111., about twenty miles east of the Mississippi, nearly east of St. Louis. There he remained nine years on a farm. To avoid the fever and ague prevalent in that country, he again moved, to Sangamon County, near Spring field. He remained there only three years before again removing, to the lead region near Galena, where he had indifferent success as a miner for two years, and removed from there to Putnam County, near Hennepin, and again engaged in farming. Unsatisfied with the climate, he re moved, at the end of two years, to the Du Page River, near Naperville. He was living near that place at the beginning of the Black Hawk war in 1832. His part in that war is given by Mr. Simmons, in his biography of Payn%, as follows: "A report having come to the settlers at that place that an attack had been made upon Hol- lenback's settlement, which was some thirty miles distant, Payne volunteered to go and ascertain if that was the case. Mounted on a good horse, he started off alone, and, about 11 o'clock in the forenoon, emerged from a small grove in full view of the settlement He sat there on his horse just at the edge of the prairie and saw the Indians set fire to several houses, but, being discovered by them, he was obliged to turn and flee for his life, five of the savages following in hot pursuit upon horses they had captured at the settlement They chased him five miles, and, coming within about sixty yards of him when entangled in a marsh, fired five or six volleys at him, but, fortunately, without killing him or his horse. As soon as he could extricate himself from the marsh, he proceeded homeward in safety and made his report. The settlers, alarmed by the fate of their neighbors, immediately deserted the place and removed their families to Chicago, twenty-eight miles distant. "At that time, there were no soldiers in the fort at Chicago; nevertheless, it was a safer residence than any place in the interior. They remained three weeks, and then, returning to Naperville, built a fort on the site of the present village. While so engaged in buildiDg their fort, one man, who was employed in drawing materials for it, was killed and scalped when about a mile and a half distant, and his horses were stolen and driven away. His dead body, when found, was taken to the fort and buried. The same night, after assisting at this mournful serv ice, Payne started on express for Gen. Atkinson's camp, some fifty or sixty miles down the river, and reached there in safety. This occurred in the month of April, 1832. The next month, his brother, Adam Payne, while on the road from Naperville to Ottawa, was killed by the Indians and robbed of his horse, and $2,300 in gold which he had about his person. His body was afterward discovered and buried, but his head had been cut off and was never found " The massacre of his brother aroused within him an intense hatred for the whole Indian race, which was the ruling passion through the remaining years of his life. He often averred that it was as much a crime to let an Indian go alive as to allow a rattlesnake to live unharmed, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 855 and asserted that he had avenged his brother's death as often as opportunity offered. He killed no Indians after he came to Wisconsin, but remained an intense Indian hater till the day of his death. At the close of the war, Payne removed his family from Chicago, where they had taken refuge, to the frontier on the Fox River, where he remained two years, and then removed to Squaw Prairie, where he lived at the time he made his exploring expedition which resulted in the discovery of Geneva Lake and his subsequent settlement at that place. A full and circum stantial narrative of his trials and exploits in establishing himself at Geneva is given in the early history of the county at large. After the settlement with the contesting claimants, Payne remained but a few months at Geneva Village. Before the mill was completed, he sold out his interest, and, in January, 1837, took up a new claim at the outlet of Duck Lake (now Lake Como), about two miles from the village, where he removed his family. There he built a saw-mill at a cost of some $1,500. His dam was near the crossing of the Elkhorn and Geneva road. It lasted, with some repairs, till 1858, at which time a freshet dilapidated it beyond hope of repair. The building of his house and mill on his new claim was not unattended with exciting in cident. Mr. S. A. Dwinnell tells the story as follows: " In January, 1837, Christopher Payne sold his claim at the outlet of Geneva Lake for $1,500, and made another upon the mill site at the outlet of Duck Lake, one mile north. He commenced the erection of a neat log house, and was finishing the inside, when, upon going to work one morning, he found that a» attempt had been made to burn it during the previous night. Some one had piled the chips which he had made against the two front corners of the building, and, putting upon them his building tools — worth some $80 — the most valuable lot, at that time, in the county — had set them on fire. The tools were ruined, but the house, though badly damaged was not destroyed, as the logs were green and the roof covered with snow. "This act highly exasperated Payne and two young men in his employ, whose work was delayed until they could send to Chicago — seventy miles — and replace their tools. Suspicion at once fell upon one Jotham W. Curtis as the perpetrator of the deed. He lived a mile down the creek, and the young men tracked him through the snow to his house and took him as a prisoner. Locking arms with him, one on each side, they marched him to the scene of the ruin he had caused. After making him take a good survey of it, they all set out with him to the middle of Duck Lake, about a mile away. On the way, Curtis made a desperate but ineffectual effort to escape from them. They cut a large hole through the ice, and, procuring a long pole With which to sink his body, gave him ten minutes to prepare for death. " Curtis, believing them to be in desperate earnest — although, in fact, they had no serious intention upon his life — made a full confession of the act, expressing penitence and promising better behavior, was released and returned home. " Thirsting for revenge, Curtis forthwith proceeded to the nearest Justice of the Peace, at Racine, thirty miles distant, and made complaint that Payne and his men had plunged him into the lake three several times, on a cold winter night, and held him under water as long as he could live. " Upon this, a warrant was issued for their arrest, and in the evening of the second day thereafter, the Sheriff of the newly organized county of Racine arrived at Payne's house, at Geneva Lake, duly armed for the arrest of a band of desperadoes— as they were supposed to be from Curtis' representation. They submitted quietly to an arrest, and the next morning, Payne, harnessing his team to a sleigh — which he had spent the whole night in finishing — started for Racine. As the track was poorly broken and the snow eighteen inches deep, they were a day and a half in making the journey. " Upon examination, the prisoners were held to answer to the District Court. Fortunately, there was present a man who was indebted to Payne for a favor bestowed some time before, and he volunteered to become his bail. Payne then went bail for the young men, and, jumping into their sleigh, which was ready at the door, started off at Gilpin speed for Chicago, greatly to the chagrin of Curtis, who soon after appeared with a lawyer, to make out papers for their re-arrest upon two other false charges. " Before the case was called for trial, however, in the District Court, the prosecutor had com- 856 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. mitted a crime which led him to flee from justice, and the prosecution was abandoned, costing Payne, however, in expenses and lawyers, the large sum, for that time, of $300. " During the winter of 1837-38, J. W. Curtis, having removed to Burlington, Racine County, then a small settlement of four or five families, jumped the claim of Silas Peck, put ting up a log house body upon it. The case was submitted for decision to the claim league and given to Peck. To this decision Curtis refused to yield submission, and a large number of citi-' zens met one evening and tore down his house body, whereupon he loaded his rifle with a ball and three slugs and deliberately fired at the company, who were standing, conversing, around a fire which they had kindled. One of the balls passed through both thighs of one of the com pany. No one else was injured. Curtis at once fled to Illinois, and was never brought to trial for his offense " Payne, in spite of all drawbacks, completed his mill in the summer of 1837, and ran it pros perously for seven years. At the end of that time, owing to his easy-going disposition, he found his profits mostly absorbed by bad debts, and sold out his mill and farm. His mill, with sixty acres, he sold to his son-in-law, and the remaining 100 acres to Charles M Baker. The mill passed later into the hands of O. S. Tiffany, and long ago fell into disuse. Payne's next move, in 1844, was into the adjoining town of La Fayette, where he settled on forty acres of Government land, through which ran Sugar Creek. Here he built another saw-mill, at a cost of $1,200, which was afterward sold by Uriah Payne, in whose name the land was entered, to Mr. Harkness. It was known thereafter as the " Harkness Mill " so long as it ran. It has long ago fallen into decay, like its predecessor at Duck Lake. Mr. Payne ran this mill but a few years. Some time in 1846 or 1847, he left the county. His subsequent career is narrated by Mr. John Simmons, as follows: " After the sale of his land, Payne moved to the town of La Fayette, in this county, and settled upon forty acres of Government land, through which ran Sugar Creek, having a sufficient descent on the land to constitute a water-power of some value. Here he built another saw-mill, since known as the Harkness Mill, which cost him about $1,200. The land was entered in the name of Uriah Payne, and by him sold, together with the mill, to Harkness. Christopher Payne then moved to Winnebago County and made a claim on the north side of Fox River, opposite Delhi, and about half a mile from the river, and immediately began to improve it. Here he was induced to purchase the claim of one of his neighbors, whose wife was fast failing in health and was anxious to go East to die among her friends. Although this was as beautiful a piece of land as could be selected in the State,' and was bought by him at a low price, it proved a dear bargain. Scarcely had his neighbor started on his Eastern voyage when a man named -Crego set up an adverse claim to the same land. For two years, he was constantly engaged in law suits with Crego about their respective rights, and at the expiration of that time, after twenty-seven suits, arising directly or indirectly out of the matter, the claim of Payne was confirmed and es tablished by the decision of the officers of the land office. Crego, supported by wealthy rela tives, no doubt expected, by means of these suits, to exhaust the resources of his opponent before the land came into market, and then purchase it himself, and he would have succeeded had not Payne found powerful friends. Although the land was now his, and he had very much improved it, yet he was in debt and obliged to sell it for but little more than Government prica Four years later, it was worth $30 per acre. Thus, having lost a farm upon which he had hoped to spend the remainder of his days, Payne again took up his household goods, and, after remain ing a short time in Fond du Lac County, returned to this county and lived till the fall of 1864 upon a portion of the farm of his son-in-law, Trimble, in the town of Linn, working industriously for the support of himself and his aged wife, and enjoying with her a healthy old age From the time he left the lead mines until 1860, he had constantly enjoyed good health, and had taken no medicine of any kind. Some time in the fall of 1864, he left Linn and went to live with his son George, in Columbia County, Wis. Of his life there we have no account. He died at the town of Scott, in that county, on the 18th of February, 1871. being then in his eiffhtv- ntth year. ° 6 J Mr. Payne was a man of marked character, such as could only be developed by the rough frontier life which was his lot from earliest childhood. He had no educational advantages whatever. It is stated that his emphatic signature, which he always honored, was a dot through HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 857 the paper. His energy was only excelled by his patience and perseverance under trials and difficulties that crush men of less stern mold. He was brave, bold and honest. His temper, when fairly roused, was something terrible, but he was slow to anger and forgiving in spirit. His strictly frontier life is illustrated by the fact that, when seventy years old, he picked an apple from a tree he had himself planted, saying: "I think this ought to belong to me. I planted this tree, as I have many more, but I never stayed long enough to see them bear. This is the first time I ever saw apples growing on a tree." ' Only kindly memories remain of the sturdy, rough old pioneer who first made Walworth County his home. Robert Wells Warren* was born at Ludlow, Windsor Co., Vt., on the 5th of October, 1798, and was therefore in his seventy-eighth year at the time of his death. He was the oldest son of a family of six, only two of whom survive him. His father was a millwright by trade, and young Robert learned the trade of his father, and followed it for a livelihood until his settlement here. He became a good mechanic, hjs skill, particularly in the laying out of frames, being acknowledged and envied by some of the most skillful among us. Some time about the year 1814, he removed to Lewis, Essex Co., N. Y, in which vicinity he remained about fifteen years. On the 19th of March, 1820, he was married, at Wellsboro, in that county, to Mary Knapp, who for nearly fifty-six years shared his fortunes, and who survived him nearly four years. In 1829, he removed to Casawago, Crawford Co., Penn., where he carried on his trade, and, while living there, was a leading man iu the community. On the 1st day of May, 1836, he, his brother Greenleaf, the Vanvelzers and some other neighbors, with their families, started for the great West, traveling with ox teams and driving their cows and other stock before them, and on the last day of that month arrived at Chicago, making the trip in what was then considered a remarkably short time. From there he went out to the Fox River, some twelve miles from Geneva, 111., where he was found about the 1st of June by Christopher Payne, who had a short time previously made a claim to the water-power and land at the foot of our lake, and engaged by him to come here and build a saw-mill. On his way here, a few days afterward, with one hand to assist him, he met Payne returning, very much dispirited by his defeat in a contest with other claimants of the same property. Return ing and remaining with him overnight, Warren, in the morning, purchased Uriah Payne's in terest in the claim, and, accompanied by the elder Payne, went to Chicago to procure assist ance. Joined there by Andrew Ferguson, who also held a share, the two came up, and, after taking a general survey of the lake and its viciuity, and satisfying themselves of the value of the property, attempted to compromise with the party in possession. Being unsuccessful in that, they returned to Chicago and raised forces to assist them in asserting their rights, Payne, on his part, getting such assistance as he could in his own vicinity. Some time in the early part of July, 1836, these forces arrived here, their wives and families accompanying them, as a garrison, to take possession and hold the ground. Backed by such an imposing army, a com promise was soon effected, Mr. Warren acting as negotiator, and it fell to his lot to go to Chicago to procure the funds to pay off the opposing claimants. That done, he immediately applied himself to the work of building a saw-mill, and that, with its race-way, was completed ready for work by the 1st of January, 1837. but, unfortunately, the water being let into the flume upon a large body of snow, froze up solid, and the saw was not set running until the following March. Mr. Warren moved his family into a log house nearly on the site of the dwelling house where he so long resided, and entertained travelers there until the 1st of January, 1838, when he completed and opened as a hotel the main part of the house now known as the St. Denis Hotel. Here he remained until 1843, and, in the spring of 1844, he sold it to A. Hasmgs. In those days, Mr. Warren showed himself a large-hearted, public-spirited man, welcoming and car ing for the needy emigrant and the zealous missionary, and aiding in every public enterprise. His hall was freely opened for religious services to all denominations, and the first sermons to our early settlers were preached there. He was a large contributor to the first schoolhouse, and to the support of the schools kept there. Trained up by pious parents, he never lost his respect * Mr. Warren died December 31, 1S75. 858 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. for the religion which they taught him, and, though never professing to be a Christian, he found much comfort in his latter years in reading the Bible. In 1838, he was employed as a millwright upon the first grist-mill, which was built by C. M. Goodsell and sent running in October, 1838. Within four years from that time, he became the owner of the mill, and ran it until 1848, when he built the present mill. In 1851, he sold that to N. L. StoUt, but, a year or two afterward, regained the title, and, in 1854-55, he again sold it, to the Case brothers. As one of the original proprietors, he had the principal charge of the surveying and platting of the village; and mainly to his liberality and foresight are we indebted for the lands dedicated for cemetery, church and school purposes, and public squares, and for the generous width of our streets. Had it been possible at that early day to anticipate the present needs of our village, he would no doubt have made ample provision for them. In 1845, Mr. Warren was President of the village. In 1849, he engaged in the mercantile business, but continued in it only a year or two. After a second grist-mill was built, by H. E. Allen, in 1859, he became a half -owner of that, but soon sold out, and has since been engaged in no regular business. Possessed originally of a fearless courage, a deter mined will and untiring energy, backed up by a good constitution, he was just the man for a pioneer. Through all the years of his active life, these characteristics made his influence felt here. Confident that he knew his own rights, he seldom yielded to an adverse claimant with out a contest; and if, in his later years, he became more tenacious than before in matters of smaller moment, it was the natural result of his increasing age and failing health. Had he lived six months longer, he would have been for forty years a constant resident of our village. Our county had very few, if any, settlers when he came here — probably none who now survive. In his death we lose the first link in the chain of our history, and soon all those who were associated with him as fathers of our village will have passed away. Let us honor him and them for all of the good they have accomplished, and judge them charitably in all wherein they failed, even as we ourselves would be judged. Phillip Maxwell, an original proprietor of the village of Geneva, was born at Guilford, Windham Co., Vt., on the 1st day of April, 1799. His means of education in early life were quite limited, but, such as they were, he no doubt improved them well, and was stimulated by them to exert himself for higher and more valuable attainments. After teaching school awhile, he commenced the study of medicine when quite young, completed his course at Cherry Valley, N. Y., and graduated as a physician and surgeon from a medical college in New York City. His professional education was gained wholly by his own exertions, his relatives not being able to assist him. He first settled at Sackett's Harbor, Jefferson Co. , N. Y. , entering into compe tition with two old physicians, who naturally did not favor his success ; but, after some patient waiting, he succeeded in establishing a good practice, and remained there until some time in the year 1832 or 1833, when he received a commission as Assistant Surgeon in the United States Army. While there, he was married to an estimable lady residing in a neighboring town, who survived him, and made her home in our village until her death, in March, 1875. After spend ing a short time at West Point, he was ordered to Fort Dearborn, at Chicago. He arrived at that small frontier post in the year 1833, and remained there about four years. In the winter of 1837, he accompanied the troops to Green Bay, but returned and in the spring was ordered back. In the fall of 1838, he was ordered to Florida, and took part in the Seminole war. Afterward, he was sent to Fort Smith, Ark., being then Field Surgeon, with the rank of Major, and did not return to Chicago until after an absence of some six or eight years. During his first residence there, he had purchased an interest in the claim at Geneva, as before related, and also invested largely in Government land on Big Foot Prairie, and on his departure for Florida he left the property in charge of his brother James, who, meantime, had joined him. Some time in 1842, a portion of the army being disbanded, the Doctor received his discharge. The following winter he spent at the residence of J. H. Moore, on Big Foot Prairie, and then returned to Chicago aud devoted himself to the practice of his profession in the city, which, by that time, had begun to show some indications of that growth and activity which in later years, has astonished the world. Here his ability, not only as a physician, but as a business man in both private and public employment, became known, and was acknowl edged and appreciated by the people of the city. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 859 Ln the year 1856, he commenced building a large and handsome dwelling here, upon a de lightful spot, which he had long reserved for that purpose, and, on its completion, brought his family here to reside, intending to retire from active business. His residence among us, how ever, was of short duration, as he died in November, 1859. Kind and unostentatious in his manners, a genial companion and friend, and an excellent citizen, he made many warm friends wherever he resided, and his death was regarded as a great public loss, especially at that junct ure, when our citizens were expecting so much from his influence and example in calling the attention Of the wealthy citizens of Chicago to the beauty and salubrity of our location, and its desirableness as a place for summer residence. James Maxwell, a half brother of Phillip Maxwell, was also born at Guilford, Vt. , some where about the year 1789. Of the early education and pursuits we have no particular infor mation. At one time he operated a glass factory in the State of Pennsylvania. Leaving that country, he went to Indiana, and spent some time with a brother residing there. Coming to Chicago while his brother Phillip was stationed there, he joined with him in the Geneva pur chase, and also in the more extensive purchase of lands in the town of Walworth. Upon this latter purchase he settled with his family, and remained there for many years. His title of Colonel was derived from a brief service in command of a regiment of militia, sent from Chi cago on an expedition against the Indians. He was the first member of the Territorial Council from this and Rock Counties, elected in 1838 and holding for a term of four years. At what time he removed to Baraboo, where his son James had preceded him, it is unable to ascertain, but he made that his home for a number of years, and died there about the year 1869, at the age of eighty-four years. Col. Maxwell was a man of more" than ordinary native ability, of quick penetration and ready wit, more fond of social conversation than debate, full of good, practical common sense, yet not very successful in business; a generous friend, and an honora ble, upright and useful citizen. Charles M. Goodsell was born in East Haven, Conn., in 1805. When quite young, his father removed to Cooperstown, and, a few years later, to Burlington Flats, N. Y. He was trained to business on his father's farm, and in his store, flouring-mills and distillery. By reason of fire and floods, his father failed in business, and his son Charles took the property, and, by good management, paid all the debts. Lu 1834, he sold his property and removed to Cincinnatus, N. Y. , where he engaged in farming and kept a small store. He there entered upon an active Christian life, and from the first was foremost in ardent efforts to promote the cause of temperance and every other good work. Having acquired a handsome property by industry and good management, he left Cincin natus with his family, in a covered wagon, in the fall of 1836, for the great Northwest. He stopped in Chicago, and there remained until the spring of 1838, when he was induced, by the proprietors of the new village of Geneva Lake, in Wisconsin, to remove there and erect a flour- ing-mill. This he did during the following summer. He commenced grinding the first wheat raised in Walworth County in September, and people brought their grists from twenty to forty miles, in all directions. He soon after erected a neat dwelling in the village, and opened a small farm a short dis tance away. The land not proving as productive as he expected, he was at the expense of send ing a specimen of the soil all the way to Albany, N. Y., for chemical analysis. The chemist found it to be composed of ninety-seven parts of sand, finer than superfine flour. It was so hne that the tender fibers of plant roots could not penetrate it, and hence was unproductive. He thus learned how to treat the land to render it productive, greatly to the advantage not only of himself, but of his neighbors also. They had previously supposed the soil to be clay. Mr. Goodsell found the little settlement at Geneva Lake without religious worship. They had no Sabbath, but he carried one to them. One Sunday, the boys of Christopher Payne called upon him with fish to sell. He told them that he never traded on Sunday, but to come on any other' day and he would buy of them. The boys seemed to be surprised They had always lived on the far frontiers, in advance of Christian civilization and Sabbath observance. They ever after called him " the Sunday man," and never troubled him with calls ot business on that day'ffis house was at once opened for religious worship and the entertainment of ministers of 860 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. the Gospel. One of the first to visit him and to preach in his house was a young man, whose circuit extended 600 miles, and who made his rounds on foot once in six weeks. In the spring of 1839, a church was organized in Geneva, of which he and his wife became members, and he was elected an officer. About the same time, a union Sunday school was commenced, of which he was chosen Superintendent. His religious efforts were not limited to the village he had chosen for his home. He went abroad whenever his help was needed, attending meetings to promote temperance, Sunday schools and religious institutions generally. The following account of Mr. Goodsell was written many years ago, by the late Hon. C. M. Baker: " The anti-Slavery party was organized in Geneva at an early day, and, though its numbers were few, they were outspoken and decided. C. M. Goodsell and Dr. J. McNish were the leaders, and where they led there was no lack of energy or efficiency. A temperance society, with a teetotal pledge, was also formed there, of which he was the leader. He never allowed his property to be used to promote in any way the manufacture or sale of in toxicating drinks. " " About the year 1842, Newton and John S. Capron came to Geneva and built a whisky dis tillery. Mr. Goodsell was then running his grist-mill a few rods distant from it. By law, each man who brought grain to mill to be ground was to be served in turn. The Caprons brought corn to be ground for the use of their distillery. Mr. Goodsell refused to grind it. This at once raised a great excitement. There was at that time no cash market for corn in the Territory. The non-temperance farmers were looking to the distillery for the sale of it They were enraged at their disappointment. Great opposition was aroused against Mr. Goodsell,' and various means used to induce him to change his purpose ; but without effect. The temperance people stood by him." " Finally, N. & J. S. Capron brought suit after suit against him, upon which I, acting as his attorney, obtained non-suits. They finally obtained a judgment against him before a Justice of the Peace, which he appealed to the District Court. It was finally dismissed and the fine never paid Mr. Goodsell rode to Madison, the Territorial Legislature being in session, and got the law altered so as to exempt millers from grinding for distillers. If I am not mistaken on the subject, the statute so stands to this day, and C. M. Goodsell was the father of it." A year or so previous to his death, Mr. Goodsell gave Mr. Simmons a full account of that conflict in which some facts are noticed not mentioned by Judge Baker. He says : "I gave early notice to the Messrs. Capron that they must not expect me to grind for their use. They prepared a mill of their own, to be propelled by steam, but failed to obtain an engine of suffi cient power for the purpose. Having exhausted their funds — some $10,000 in all — they were obliged to resort to other means of supplying their distillery. After vainly attempting to ne gotiate with me to grind for them, they sought to compel me under the provisions of the statute requiring millers to grind for customers in due turn as brought." " This conflict continued for more than a year. I suffered much opposition. Many farm ers wished the distillery to succeed so as to open a market for their surplus grain, for which there was very little sale at that early day. They blamed me for refusing to grind! but I had resolved in early manhood neither to use my capital myself, nor to permit it to be used by others, in the manufacture and sale of intoxicating drinks — a purpose conscientiously formed, and from which I could not swerve to secure favor and patronage, or to avoid frowns and per secution." The Caprons failed in business in a few years, the distillery was torn down, and for many years there has been nothing to mark the spot on which it stood. In 1850, Mr. Goodsell removed to Greenwood, 111., and was engaged some ten years in mercantile business there. About 1860, he took up his residence in Northfield, Minn. Having, while residing at Geneva, been prominently engaged in founding Beloit College— the projectors meeting several times at hie house for consultation before it was located— upon finding himself in another new State, his mind naturally turned to founding a literary institution of a high grade m that infant commonwealth. He finally effected the establishment of Carlton College, under the auspices of the Congregational denomination, which is now a permanent well-en dowed institution, of which Rev. Dr. J. W. Strong is President. .Toward the founding and endowment of the college he gave $5,000 and a part of the land HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 861 upon which the buildings are located. His intense labors and anxieties in carrying it through the struggles of its early life brought on disease which terminated in his death, May 3, 1869, aged sixty- four years. His works follow .him. The college will live through coming ages, a monument of his liberality and zeal, to diffuse the blessings of Christian learning widelv over the land and world. He was twice married, first to Abbie F. Jennings, who died in Geneva in 1842, and then to her sister Elizabeth, who survives him. He left seven adult children, all living in Northfield at the time of his death. Lewis B. Goodsell, a cousin of Charles M. Goodsell, was a native of Fairfield, Conn., his birth dating somewhere in the year 1800. While he was quite young, his father, who was a carpenter by trade, removed to Cooperstown, N. Y, then on the frontiers of civilization. Here he grew up, and in due time entered a store as a clerk, and, applying himself to the business for which he was adapted by nature, became a thoroughly posted and skillful merchant. For some six or eight years, he carried on a very successful mercantile business at Cooperstown, having, for a portion of the time, George L. Campbell, another of the original proprietors of our village, as a partner. Catching the Western fever, in 1836, he removed to Chicago and opened a store there. His partner soon followed, and they remained together until the death of the latter. During this time, as before related, they became interested in the property here. In the spring or summer of 1845, Mr. Goodsell, having previously met with some reverses, came here to reside, and opened a store in an old battlemented oak building, which stood near the present residence of William H. Seymour, on the west side of Center street. He soon afterward built and moved into a one-story wooden building, on the north side of Main street, now occupied as a bakery. Here he carried on a successful and constantly increasing business until his death, which oc curred in 1852. A severe exposure in 1848 affected his lungs and brought on consumption, but, by the force of an indomitable will and by prudent care of his health, he was enabled to keep about, and give to his business that attention which it demanded. When at Chicago, on his return from making his purchases at New York, in the spring of 1852, he overexerted his strength in his haste to reach the steamboat for Southport, and sank and died upon the wharf. In his death, Geneva lost a most valuable citizen, and a business man in whose integrity and abil ity she had learned to place the highest confidence. George L. Campbell, before mentioned as one of the original proprietors of our village, was a son of Robert Campbell, Esq., a lawyer and banker of Cooperstown, N. Y. Soon after his. graduation from college, his father, not wishing him to study a profession, established him in trade with L. B. Goodsell at Cooperstown. After their removal to Chicago, Mr. Campbell be came quite interested in land speculations, but with none of his investments was he so much pleased as with this at Geneva. He would gladly have purchased his partner's share to it, but. the latter declined to sell. A few years after this, Mr. Campbell died at Chicago, of consump tion. Being unmarried, his father, Robert Campbell, inherited his property here, and that fact accounts for the appearance of his name as grantor in subsequent conveyances of that property. Greenleaf S. Warren was born in Ludlow, Vt., in the year 1802. When about twelve years of age, he removed with his brother Robert to Essex County, N. Y, where they remained some nine or ten years, and then removed to Pennsylvania. Some six years afterward, Green- leaf, being of an adventurous turn of mind, started for the West, and, arriving at Dubupue,. engaged in lead mining for some years, when, having fortunately struck a good lode, he sold it for some $2,000 and returned to Pennsylvania. Here he was soon after married to a sister of A. D Colton, whose name has already appeared in these sketches. On the 1st day of May, 183b, the two brothers with their families, and the Van Velzers and some other neighbors, started for the great West, journeying with ox teams and driving their cows and other stock before them, and arrived at Chicago on the last day of the same month, making the trip m the short time of thirty days. After remaining there awhile, he accompanied his brother to this place, and ever afterward made it his home. In 1837, he built a portion of the present Lake House, or at least a dwelling on its site, and afterward erected the main building, which has since been much enlarged and improved, and is now known by that title. Here he for several years kept a hotel, competing with his brother on the other corner for the custom of teamsters and travelers, which in those days was much better in proportion to the population of the country than it is 862 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. now. This hotel afterward passed into the hands of Thomas D. Warren, who was succeeded by A. D. Colton, long known as the model hotel-keeper of our village. After retiring from the hotel, Mr. Warren lived in a small house nearly opposite, on the west side of Broad street. In 1849, he commenced building the store now owned and occupied by T. C. Smith, and had it well under way in the spring of 1850, when he started overland for California. Remaining there about two years, he returned by way of New York, was taken sick on his road from there to Philadelphia, and, after a short illness, died there among stran gers. In connection with the foregoing, it is deemed proper to here insert the obituary of Mr. Charles A. Noyes, who, though not a copartner of those mentioned above, was a former pro prietor and became a permanent resident of the village, who, surviving all the rest, died in his early home at a recent date. Charles A. Noyes, Sr., died at Geneva on the 25th of November, 1881, at the age of sixty- nine years. In his death is broken another link which bound Geneva's present to its past his tory. He was one of the last survivors of the white men who first trod its streets, then unsur- veyed and unnamed, and selected the site where our now bright and flourishing village is lo cated, foreseeing something of its future in the beautiful lake, the fine water-power and the central position it occupied with relation to the rich country surrounding it His life has been characterized by many changes and vicissitudes, comparatively few of which can be noticed in' this brief sketch. He was born in Otsego County, N. Y., in the year 1812. His early life dis played the same spirit of self-sacrifice which characterized his maturer years. Very fond of study, and desirous of a thorough education, he yet declined it when within his reach, that he might care for his widowed mother. He did not, however, let slip unimproved the few advan tages he had without improvement, but stored his mind with all the information which the duties of a constantly active life permitted, through reading and observation. At the age of eighteen, he took a position as shipping clerk with the then well-known firm of Pratt, Taylor & Co., of Buffalo, where he remained three years. At the end of that time, forsaking a good position and a liberal salary, he sought a home in the far West, and arrived at Chicago May 10, 1836. Thence he proceeded, partly by sloop and partly on foot, to Milwaukee, where he first heard from Solomon Juneau, of Big Foot Lake. Returning to Chicago, he found a cousin, Orrin Coe, and together they started to find a home in the vast wilds of Wisconsin, a water- power and location for the industries and the population which would naturally cluster around it. They turned their steps toward our lake, then known as Big Foot's Lake, and, after various wanderings and adventures common to travelers in unknown regions, they reached here about the 21st of May, 1836, in time to assist in raising a log house for John Powers, just south of our village. There were then three log houses within our present bounds. The possession and right to the water-power created by Geneva Lake was then in dispute between Christopher Payne and the party of the Government surveyors headed by Hodgson & Brink. Noyes and Coe bought from the latter party an undivided one-fourth interest in their claim. Through their influence, it was decided to carry the water to the site of the mills by a race located as at pres ent, rather than build a dam across the low ground near the mill. During most of the active warfare between the claimants of the water-power, Mr. Noyes was absent at Milwaukee, pur chasing supplies for the party here and procuring mechanics for the construction of a mill. Being eminently a man of peace, Mr. Noyes disapproved of the violent measures adopted by some of his party to drive away Payne, yet participated in some of their struggles to prevent Payne from acquiring a firmer foothold here. His interest was afterward sold out with that of his company to the invading force of Warren and others. He, however, remained for awhile, and, becoming acquainted with Miss Nancy Warren, sister of R. W. Warren, was married to her in the course of that year, but was obliged to go to Milwaukee to find an official or minister au thorized to tie the nuptial knot. Not finding sufficient scope for his ambition here, Mi-. Noyes, with some associates, went, in the fall of 1837, to McHenry County, HI, and made a claim of the water-power at Richmond, naming it Montelona. Selling out the Richmond claim to Mr. Purdy, he next settled at Tryon's Corners, in Hebron, and, while there, procured a mail route to be established from Chicago to Madison by way of the Corners and Big Foot, and was ap pointed Postmaster. This was in 1839, before there was any route or office at Geneva. In HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 863 1850, he again became a resident of Geneva, and, in April of this year, he started, with G. S Warren and others, for California. He returned in 1853 and bought an interest in the water- power at Genoa. Da 1858, he again turned his steps toward the Golden West, and until 1872 his home was on the Pacific Coast. Since 1872, he has resided with his children in this vicin ity, and for the past two years, with his son, in this village. Mr. Noyes was a man of excellent habits, of pure and upright moral character, and eminently a lover of his fellow-man, ready at all times to sacrifice himself to help others. Taking no thought for himself, he seemed to labor for the good of others. He was extremely gentle and kind to all with whom he associated, and at the same time utterly fearless, both physically and morally. His death creates a void in the circle of old pioneers, as well as in that of his family, which can never be filled. Andrew Ferguson, the only surviving original proprietor, was born in Laurens, Otsego Co., N. Y, September 27, 1803. He was bred a farmer, and educated in the common schools. In 1822, he removed to Cooperstown, N. Y, and engaged in the shoe and leather business until 1835. During that period, he ran quite an extensive shoe manufactory and tannery. In 1835, he came to Chicago and engaged in general merchandising with George L. Camp bell and L. B. Goodsell, the latter being a brother-in-law. Their store was on the east side of Dearborn street, north of the Tremont House, toward the river. Here he remained about one year, at which time his attention and interest drew him to Geneva Lake, as has been elsewhere recounted. He took up his permanent residence there with his family in May, 1837, where he has continued to live to the present time (1882). He became a public-spirited citizen, and did his full part in the early development of the town. He built the first frame building in the village of Geneva, in which he opened the first store. He was the first Postmaster, appointed in 1838, and held the office twelve years. He has served on the Board of Supervisors and in other positions of trust, as elsewhere shown in this history. He remained in trade for some twenty years, and then sold out to L. D. Hale, and, till 1860, confined his business to the cultivation of a tract of some forty acres of land, lying within the present limits of the village. At that time, he sold out and bought a farm in the adjoining town of Linn, to which he removed, and where he resided till 1866, at which time he returned to Geneva, where he still resides, enjoying a sturdy old age and the earned respect of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Ferguson was married, April 24, 1824, in Cooperstown, N. Y., to Miss Lucretia Good- sell. They had five children — Mary, an infant, died in Cooperstown; Mary, Mrs. Daniel Austin White, of Whitewater, Wis., died September, 1880; Henry, lately in trade in Geneva; Ann, died in Geneva in 1864; Charles, now a resident of Geneva. The first wife of Mr. Ferguson died in Linn, April 3, 1869. He was married to Miss Mary L. May, September 2. 1873. George W. Trimble married the oldest daughter of Christopher Payne in 1832-33. He came with him on his voyages of discovery, and was with him during the spring of 1836 at Ge neva. He sold out his claim and moved to Walworth in 1837. He was a resident of the vicin ity for many years. In 1864, he had a farm in Linn, and bought Payne's mill in La Fayette when he left the State. He moved to Minnesota many years ago, where he now lives. Hon. Charges M. Baker, deceased; was born in the city of New York Oct. 18, 1804. His parents removed in 1805 to Bridport, Vt., and there he spent his early years in work upon a farm, in study and in teaching. At the age of 18 he entered Middlebury College, but was soon compelled by the failure of his health to resign his plans for a liberal education; he did not however abandon the pursuit of knowledge, but was through life a diligent and thorough student. After three years' study of the law in the office of Judge S. G. Huntington, at Troy, N. Y., he was admitted to the bar, and commenced prac tice there as a partner of Henry W. Strong, brother of the late Marshall M. Strong, of Racine. Remov ing to Seneca Falls, he continued a very successful practice for four years, when he was obliged to yield to his old enemy and abandon the profession. In 1838, he emigrated to Wisconsin, bringing his excellent wife, Martha W. Larabee, his three children and his few worldly goods in a light covered wagon, in true pioneer style, intending to devote himself to farming. After some prospecting, he selected a farm on the south shore of Geneva Lake, and in December, 1838 he settled his family at the then infant village of Geneva, in a rough log house, open to wind and storm. His health improving, and the people demanding his services, he again resumed his profession. He was the first lawyer who settled in Walworth Co. In the fall ot 864 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1839 he was, unexpectedly to himself, appointed as District Attorney. For thirty-three years, with some short intermissions, his home was at Geneva, where, by his ability, his integrity, and his untiring industry, he acquired a powerful influence, which he ever exerted for the promotion of religion, education, temperance and morality. He held many places of public trust and responsibility in town, county, Territory and State , and in all proved himself faithful and equal to the demands upon him ; he was a member of the Territorial Council from 1842 to 1846 ; a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1846, and chairman of its Judiciary Committee; and was one of the Commissioners to revise the statutes in 1848, and the one to whom was intrusted the revision of the most important laws, and the supervision of the publication of the completed work. In 1856, he very acceptably filled a vacancy in the office of Circuit Judge, but ab solutely declined to be a candidate for that office at the ensuing election : had he been more ambitious, or possessed less modesty and more self-appreciation, he might have grasped and filled any office in the gift of the people. During the war of the rebellion, he was a Commissioner in the office of the Provost Mar shal of his district. His first wife died at Geneva, in June, 1843, leaving to him the care of four young children. The following year he was happily married to Miss Eliza Holt, of Madison, who still survives to mourn his loss. Judge Baker possessed talents of a very high order ; a clear and logical mind strength ened and liberalized by extensive reading and observation, and a judgment characterized by great caution and discretion. His integrity and faithfulness to duty were above and beyond reproach or suspicion. In the profession of the law, he ever sought to promote justice and right; loved peace rather than litiga tion ; was a peace-maker and a trusted adviser, and preferred at all times the quiet walks of professional life rather than those which are more public and ostentatious — a field requiring no less of learning and ability, and offering equal, if not superior opportunities for usefulness to his fellow-men. His private life was one well worthy of imitation ; he was a religious man, early in life a member of the Baptist Church, and later a member and an Elder of the Presbyterian Church, a leader in all its benevolent and reformatory work, and the right hand man of his pastor. His heart was full of kindness, love and sympathy for his fellow- men, and his life pure and abounding in noble and generous actions. He died of apoplexy, at his resi dence in Geneva, on the 5th day of February, 1872, in the 68th year of his age. Thus passed away, after a life of great usefulness and honor, one of the purest and best of Christian pioneers. Thomas W. Hill (deceased) was one of the earliest settlers of the town of Lyons. The fol lowing is a sketch of his life which has appeared before in print : Thomas Warden Hill was born in the town of Swanton, Franklin Co., Vt., on the 9th day of Jan uary, 1817 ; his parents removed from that place to the town of Lewis, Essex Co., N. Y., when he was but 5 years old ; here he met with the great misfortune of losing both his parents, while he was yet quite young, but fortunately he had an uncle, Joseph Wells, of the same town, who offered him a home and with whom he remained until he was 21 yeaas of age. Having now become his own master, Mr. Hill, in the fall of 1838, started for the far West, traveling the greater part of the way on foot, and arriving in Geneva on the 15th of October of that year. Taking no time for rest or recreation, but manifesting the same diligent and earnest spirit which characterized his whole after life, he on the very next day after his arrival, commenced working for R. W. Warren, continuing with him for some time ; he also, during the first years of his residence in Geneva, worked for A Ferguson on his farm and in his store and for C. M. Goodsell in the original grist-mill. Always temperate, prudent and economical in his habits, he soon found himself able to buy a farm, and in March, 1839, he purchased land in the present town of Lyons, two and one-half miles from Geneva Village, which afterward became his homestead, and was retained by him until his death. At the first town election in the spring of 1840, he was elected to his first pjblic office, that of Constable and Collector. This was but a stepping-stone to numerous and more important positions to which his fellow-citizens subsequently called him. In the spring of 1842, he united with the Presbyterian Church at Geneva, having become hopefully pious during a series of revival meetings held the preceding winter. On the 12th of February, 1843, he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Ferris, and one year from that day they removed to the farm above mentioned, and remained there, with the exception of one year spent in Geneva, until 1868, industriously engaged in improving the farm and bringing it to ideal perfection, in friendly competition with his neigh bor Reuben Rockwell, who preceded him by only a few months to the grave. Providence smiled upon these twenty-three years of industry ; his lands became largely enhanced in value, their bounds were en larged, and his resources generally increased. In the spring of 1868, he again removed to Geneva Village and lived there until the spring of 1870, when he was selected to take charge of the County Poor Farm, and in that position he was retained until his death. While living in the town of Lyons, he held numerous town offices, the most important being that of Chairman of Supervisors, which gave him a seat in the County Board of Supervisors. In that, as in all HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 865 other public positions, he was recognized as a man of singular prudence and good sense, and his opinion was entitled to great weight in respect to all quesiions coming before the board. He was twice elected to represent this assembly district in the State Legislature, namely, at the sessions of 1853 and 1863, and filled that position with honor to himself and his district. For many years, he was one of the County Superintendents of the Poor, and for more than eight years, as before stated, he had personal charge of the poor farm and of all the deranged and unfortunate recipients of public charity. In this most difficult place, he manifested uncommon patience and singular ability and fidelity to his trust. Though he had received but a limited education in his youth, he had well improved his opportunities in later years, and was well informed in all matters of general importance. His integrity in all his!business relatidns was wholly unquestioned, and no man had any occasion to be his enemy. During all his life after he united with the Church, Mr. Hill displayed the Christian graces in an unusual degree. Always firm in his adherence to the truth, and in his advocacy of that which was in his view right and pure, he yet had large charity for those who differed from him, and was eminently a peace maker. Active, faithful and conscientious in the discharge of all his religious duties, he filled to universal acceptance of the offices of Superintendent of the Sabbath school and Deacon and Ruling Elder of the Church. On the 26th of May, 1879, while engaged in superintending some improvements at his old home stead, he was stricken down by heart disease, and apparently expired in an instant and without a struggle. first things and occurrences. The first things in Geneva were among the first in the county, and exceptionally early, if not the first. Geneva Van Slyke was the first child born in the county. She was born between July 2 and 4, at Geneva. She was the daughter of Mrs. James Van Slyke, who lived in a log house in Geneva at the time that Brinks' men drove Payne away and burned or destroyed his house. They took good care of Mrs. Van Slyke, and did not molest her. Her husband, as usual, seemed to be away from home when most wanted, and Geneva was born unattended by her father or a physician. Jason Payne, then a lad of fourteen years, was the only person recorded as assisting Mrs. Van Slyke in her sickness. Van Slyke put in an appearance the next day, but he seems to have been an unimportant element, except so far as being the parent of the child. Jason Payne remained the nurse. Mrs. Dr. Hemenway and her husband came over from Spring Prai rie and saw the woman two days after the birth, and she was well looked after by the neighbors as soon as they arrived. The child grew well, and, when something over a year old, had a new christening, being named Geneva, by R. W. Warren, and presented by her godfather a village lot. She lived to be some thirty years old, and died unmarried. It is a matter of fact that Van Slyke was never around when he should be. At this birth he was absent He was away when the Indians had their pow-wow near his camp in 1836, as is related elsewhere, and in the summary of his life, desired for this history, Van Slyke is still away. Nothing is known of what became of him. He seems to have been unlucky from the beginning — always in debt, always away when he ought to be present, and always present when he ought to be away. He was not of the family of Yan Slykes now living in the county. The first marriage was that of Charles A. Noyes to Nancy Warren. It occurred in Decem ber, 1836. They were married outside the county limits, but were the first resident couple mar ried. The first frame building was erected by Andrew Ferguson, at the corner of Main and Cen ter streets, in 1837. In it he opened the first store. He lived for a short time over the store. It was burned in December, 1844, and rebuilt by him during 1845-46. The first schoolhouse was built in 1839, by private subscription, near the present engine house. It was the first frame schoolhouse in the county. Miss Auger taught the first school. A daughter of Mr. Deodat Brewster taught the second school in the new schoolhouse. Dr. John Stacy was the first male teacher. He taught in the winter of 1840-41. The first saw-mill in Geneva was the first in the county. It was started in May, 1837. In October, 1838, the first grist-mill was started. It was built by Charles M. Goodsell, and was the first built in the county. When first finished, it drew grists from as far north as 866 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Milwaukee, from Kenosha (Southport), and from as far west as the Rock River. There was no other grist-mill within the area bounded by the points named. This first mill was nearly on the site of the present Red Mill. It ran until 1846-47, at which time it was rebuilt by R. W. Warren, who was the master builder, under Goodsell's employ, of the old mill. The first post office was established in 1838. Andrew Ferguson was the first Postmaster. He held the office till 1849. His successor was James J. Dewey. William Alexander was the first cooper — in 1839. The first death was that of an old man who came to Geneva without friends or character, known as Cruiser. He was buried on a knoll east of the village, in the winter of 1837-38. The first fatal casualty which occurred resulted in the death of William Casporus, who fell from the scaffolding while erecting the Mrs. Farnum house on Main street in 1838. The first blacksmith was Jotham Curtis, in 1836, when he came temporarily to work on the mill. He was followed soon after by Townsend and Whittley. Cornwall Esmond opened the first regular blacksmith shop about 1840. D. W. Cook opened the first wagon shop in the town in 1838. T. J. Hanna opened the first cabinet shop in 1845. Anson Turner, a cabinet-maker, worked at his trade as early as 1837, but had no store. The first resident phvsician was Dr. O. S. Tiffany, in 1838. Dr. McNish came soon after, in 1839. Lewis Curtis was the first druggist. He opened a drug store in 1839—40. It does not appear that any permanent settlements were made in the town of Geneva dur ing the year 1836 except at the outlet of the lake, where the village now is. The settlers put up several log houses in addition to what Payne and Brink & Hodgson's men had built in the spring, and had completed the saw-mill at the close of the year. lit was ready to start January 1, 1837. The winter of 1836-37 was severe, and one of the extremely cold snaps coming on after a heavy snow-storm had filled the canal and flume with snow, froze the water solid from flume to outlet. It did not thaw out so as to enable the mill to start till late in March, 1837. It was then, however, the first saw-mill built and set running in the county. early taverns. During 1836 and 1837, there were, strictly speaking, no taverns in the village. Everybody kept open house for strangers. That most widely known for its hospitality was the house of R. W. Warren. The first house built and opened for the purpose was the Geneva House (now the St. Donis), built by G. W. Warren. It was finished and opened by a grand ball, January 8, 1838. For fifteen months, while it was building, the log house of Warren, which stood near the present site of the St. Denis, was the leading hotel of the place. It was not, however, able to accommodate half the travelers that came in in great numbers during 1837 and 1838. An drew Ferguson opened his dwelling as a public house in 1837, and, during the same year, Greenleaf S. Warren built and opened a tavern on the present site of the Lake House. Mr. S. A. Dwinnell gives an entertaining description of Warren's house, and the general state of affairs in Geneva, in the fall of 1836, when he made his first visit It is as follows: " On the morning of the 15th day of November, 1836, I set my face toward the north, from Belvidere, 111., with a view of exploring Wisconsin. At 4 P. M., I entered Wisconsin at Big Foot Prairie, of 16,000 acres, where not a furrow had been turned, soon after which I left the Indian trail for the white man's dim track through the grass, and proceeded east on the sou h side of Big Foot Lake, which was from time to time in view. As night set in, snow fell plenti fully. At length, a welcome light from a distant window appeared, and I soon crossed a stream and a newly made mill-race, upon the north bank of which was a human dwelling. " I had reached the ' Outlet of Big Foot,' as Geneva Lake, in what is now Walworth County, was then called— having traveled, in solitude, thirty five miles without seeing a human dwell ing I knocked at the rude door of an equally rude log cabin, and heard the backwoodsman's welcome Come in. As I entered, there seemed to be a poor chance for my entertainment. About a dozen men sat upon a backless bench before a hot fire of huo-e loos piled in the north end of the cabin There was no chimney, and the smoke and sparks made their way through an opening left in the roof for that purpose. The floor of the cabin was the natural earth, and them HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 867 was no chamber. The roof was made of shakes held in place by small logs laid upon the ends of them. Not a nail was in any part of the structure, I think There were two chairs near the northeast corner of the room, in which two females were plying their needles. After an apology for the rude fare I should get, which I supposed was intended as a kind of bar against grum bling, I was permitted to remain. The meals were plain, but bountiful and good. " During the evening, I wondered where they would lodge all their family and guests, as there was but one bed in the cabin, and no other room apparent. My fears were removed at bedtime, however, by finding that there was a small room adjoining, over the door to which was hung a blanket, which I had not distinguished from the clothing which hung in profusion around the room. In each corner of this sleeping room was a bedstead, which illustrated the truth of the proverb that necessity is the mother of invention; for it had but one leg, the rails at the other ends being inserted in the logs which composed the walls of the building. The bed was made of dried grass, called ' prairie feathers,' and laid upon shakes instead of cords. A bedstead thus constructed was known by the name of ' catamount. ' A slight covering for it, to which the clothes of the sleepers were added, furnished a more desirable resting-place than the wet ground on a cold, stormy night, of which I then had a recent experience. A comforter was spread upon us before morning in the shape of a mantle of snow, sifted through the shakes of the roof over our heads. " I have been thus particular in describing this cabin because it was really a hotel, not much inferior to the best at that time in the Territory, between the little villages on the shore of Lake Michigan and those of the mineral region, of which Dodgeville and Mineral Point were the nearest — a distance of more than one hundred miles. It was kept by R. W. Warren, after ward the proprietor of a much more commodious hotel, in what is now an important village, and rapidly becoming a noted watering-place. " I found four other families in that little hamlet, which had all come in a few months be fore, and were living in similar circumstances to the one just described. All were waiting for a saw-mill, which they were building, to commence operations before they finished their cabins. Some of the other pioneers scattered over the Territory I found in dwellings equally rude and primitive — a specimen of frontier life at that time in the far West." In 1837, Payne had moved over to Duck (Como) Lake and started his mill. The lake, as has been stated, lies across the town from east to west, and makes a quite marked division. In early times, the region north of the lake was known as North Geneva, and the inhabitants there of owed no allegiance to any village, although they were stanch and reliable citizens of the town. The early settlers who came in prior to 1842 were as below stated: John Dunlap, a man of means and character, who bought large tracts north of the lake on Sections 10 and 11 ; he came as! early as 1839. Deodat Brewster came in 1839 and took land on Section 2. Deacon Herrick settled on Section 16; his son, Jason, still lives on the old place. Oliver P. and Simeon Standish settled on Section 10; Simeon died many years since; Oliver is still alive. John A. Farnham, William Stork and Harrison Auger were in as early as 1840. Milo E. Bradley took land and moved his family onto Section 2 in 1838. Thomas McKaig came in 1836; he is still living in the town; he was a surveyor; platted the village of Geneva; was one of the first Justices of the Peace, and, after a residence of over forty-two years, commands the unqualified respect of the community in which he has spent the hfifili TTftflVR ("IT 111 R 1 1 T A Osborn Hand came in 1841; he bought his land on Sections 2 and 3, and built his first house on Section 3; he had been a school-teacher in the East, and from the beginning took an active part in the affairs of the neighborhood. A full biographical sketch appears elsewhere Mr Hand wrote a short historical sketch of North Geneva, which was published in the Western Star November 4, 1846. From his article the following facts concerning that region at the date of publication are deemed reliable: The lake (Como) makes a natural division of the town, nearly two-thirds of the area lying north of the lake. The inhabitants are all farmers-not a professional man or mechanic resid ing there. In 1846, there were seventy-five families and five schools ; m 1842 there were twenty families and no school. In 1846, there was raised north of Lake Como in the town of Geneva 30,000 bushels of wheat The crops were generally abundant, and the settlers enjoyed good times. 868 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. The town grew as the other towns of the county in number of population and in wealth. In 1847, the population, by the local census of that year, numbered 1,238, including the vil lages, and might be considered fully settled, as all the land had been bought from the Govern ment, and only subdivisions could increase the number of freeholders of land. Mr. Eliphalet Cramer, of Milwaukee, bought large tracts in North Geneva, not pre-empted, which he subsequently sold to the settlers coming in in 1840 to 1842. Many of the deeds of present owners trace their abstract to a warrantee deed from E. Cramer. The farming portion of the town lies north of the lake, and is one of the finest farming sections of the county. On Section 4 is located the county poor farm, considered the model farm of the State. A full description of it appears in the county history. CORPORATE TOWN HISTORY. 1842. — The first town meeting of which the records have been preserved was held at the house of R. W. Warren, in the town of Geneva, April 5, 1842. At that time, the town organi zation embraced the four present towns of Lyons, Bloomfield, Linn, Geneva, and a section of Elkhorn. The largest number of votes recorded at the meeting was 162. This was nearly the whole voting strength of the southeast corner of the county at that time. The officers elected, with the votes received, were as follows: Supervisors — John M. Capron, Chairman, 85 votes; Jesse Hand, 85 votes; William K. May, 82 votes. Town Clerk — Lyman Redington, 84 votes. Assessor — John Stacy, 158 votes; Israel Williams, 155 votes; Hollis Latham, 86 votes. Treasurer — Charles M. Baker, 81 votes; Will iam Potts, 81 votes. The further records do not show which of the above popular citizens served as Treasurer. Collector — Thomas W. Hill, 94 votes. Commissioners of Highways — Deodat Brewster, 86 votes; Langdon J. Filkins, 134 votes; John Farnham, 87 votes. School Commis sioners — Leonard Rogers, 87 votes; John W. Capron, 105 votes; James B. Tower, 80 votes. Constables — Thomas W. Hill, 93 votes; Simeon Standish, 85 votes; Simeon Tupper, 78 votes. Overseers of the Highway — Harvey Hand, 157 votes; Allen McBride, 158 votes; Robert W. Warren, 84 votes; William D. Chapin, 133 votes. The meeting voted to raise one-fourth of 1 per cent on the property valuation for the sup port of schools, and a like amount for the building and repair of roads; $50 was voted to be raised for contingent expenses and for the support of the poor. 1843.— The town meeting was held April 4, 1843, at the house of R. W. Warren; $50 was raised for the poor; $368 for schools. The officers elected were: Supervisors — Thomas Hovey, Chairman; John A. Farnham, Ebenezer Dayton. Clerk — Lewis Curtis. Treasurer- Charles M. Baker. The highest number of votes cast at this election was 241. The first Geneva town meeting after the present limits were established by law was held at the house of Abiel Manning, April 2, 1844; Clerk, E. D. Richardson; Assistant Clerk, James Simmons. The officers elected were: Supervisors — John A. Farnum, Chairman; James Has- kins, Jacob Herrick. Clerk — James Simmons. Treasurer — Foster Y. Howe. Collector — James B. Tower. Highway Commissioners — Milo E. Bradley, James A. Flack, George W. Edwards. School Commissioners — Lemuel Hall, James B. Tower, Osborn Hand. Justices of the Peace — Hollis Latham, Robert Holley, John Dunlap. At this, the first meeting of the town of Geneva as now established, the highest number of votes cast was 97. The roster of town officers from 1844 to 1881, inclusive, is as follows: 1844— Supervisors, John A. Farnam, Chairman; James Haskins, Jacob Herrick; Clerk, James Simmons; Treasurer, Foster Y. Howe. 1845— Supervisors, John A. Farnam, Chairman; Alvah Chandler, Amos Cahoon; Clerk, E. D. Richardson; Treasurer, Foster Y. Howe. 1846— Supervisors, John A. Farnam, Chairman; Alvah Chandler, Amos Cahoon; Clerk, E. D. Richardson; Treasurer, Foster Y. Howe. 1847— Supervisor, John A. Farnham, Chairman; Alvah Chandler, Amos Cahoon; Clerk, Simeon W. Spaford; Treasurer, Lewis Curtis. ^fi^^^jz^jy/^t-^^^^^^^ HISTORY OP WALWORTH COUNTY. 871 Bj2JS™EriSSrSta sr1, °tata-,,i *«* *««<*• — «— s <** Mntofi7»3riSP?Glt.Wimams' Ch*im^ EioW F1»k' •""» H'^ ci„„, c. T.JS^TgSSi15™" Wmiam3' 0"™; J™» °""' *» B"™^ °>^ «¦ Miller; 1854-Supervisors, Joseph Gates, Chairman; Levi Jackson, Amos Cahoon; Clerk Benia mm B. Humphrey; Treasurer, Linus Emerick ' J5enJa ffimrs^ts^EBALsth' cwman; charies waies> j°seph Grifib; ^ J. T.'SlT^ Andrew Ferguson, Alonzo Potter; Clerk t a J81517"^Supervis0^' Tl0?Z° P°tter' Chairman; Andrew Fergusen, E. B. Farnam; Clerk, J 1. Abell; Treasurer, E. Andrus. t rr1?u8^perviS0rS'31flesW- Smi*h. Chairman; Charles Wales, Appollos Hastings; Clerk, J. T. Abell; Treasurer, William L. Valentine. ., „18^9— SuPervisors, Alex S. Palmer, Chairman; Charles Wales, Jared Hand; Clerk J T Abell; Treasurer, W. L. Valentine. 1860— Supervisors, A. S. Palmer, Chairman; E. B. Farnham, Jared Hand; Clerk J T Abell; Treasurer, W. L. Valentine. 1861— Supervisors, A. S. Palmer, Chairman; S. H. Stafford, G. E. S. Fellows; Clerk, J T Abell; Treasurer, George Barber. 1862— Supervisors, Osborn Hand, Chairman; A D. Colton, O. P. Standish; Clerk J T Abell; Treasurer, G. M. Barber. 1863— Supervisors, S. H. Stafford, Chairman; Charles Dunlap, H. E. Allen; Clerk, J T Abell; Treasurer, G. M. Barber. 1864— Supervisors, S. O. Raymond, Chairman; Charles Dunlap, C. L. Oatman; Clerk, J T. Abell; Treasurer, R. T. Moody. 1865— Supervisors, C. L. Oatman, Chairman; Charles Dunlap, Edward Quigley; Clerk J. T. Abell; Treasurer, William H. Lee. 1866 — Supervisors, C. L. Oatman, Chairman; Charles Dunlap, J. J. Dewing; Clerk, J. T. Abell; Treasurer, S. S. Hanna. 1867 — Supervisors, Charles Dunlap, Chairman; W. W. Byington, A. E. Smith; Clerk, John A. Smith; Treasurers. C. Sanford. 1868 — Supervisors, Charles Dunlap, Chairman; J. Barber, A. E. Smith; Clerk, J. A. Smith; Treasurer, W. Alexander. 1869 — Supervisors, C. Dunlap, Chairman; H. Rich, L. Jackson; Clerk, C. E. Buell; Treas urer, W. H. Lee. 1870 — Supervisors, C. L. Oatman, Chairman; C. M. Baker, Len Jackson ; Clerk, C. E. Buell; Treasurer, S. C. Sanford. 1871 — Supervisors, James Simmons, Chairman; Levi Jackson, Charles Dunlap; Clerk, C. E. Buell; Treasurer, S. C. Sanford. 1872 — Supervisors, Charles Dunlap, Chairman; H. S. Stafford, W. W. Byington; Clerk, W. H. Hammersley; Treasurer, John Burton. 1873 — Supervisors, Charles Dunlap, Chairman; M. D. Cowdery, W. W. Byington; Clerk, W.W. Hammersley; Treasurer, John Burton. 1874 — Supervisors, Charles Dunlap, Chairman; W. W. Byington, M. D. Cowdery; Clerk, John B. Simmons; Treasurer, T. B. Gray. 872 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1875— Supervisors, Charles Dunlap, Chairman ; W. H. Hammersley, M. D. Cowdery; Clerk, John B. Simmons; Treasurer, T. B. Gray. 1876— Supervisors, Charles Dunlap, Chairman; W. H. Hammersley, M. D. Cowdery; Clerk, John B. Simmons; Treasurer, T. B. Gray. 1877— Supervisors, S. H. Stafford, Chairman; Charles Dunlap, W. H. Hammersley; Clerk, John B. Simmons; Treasurer, T. B.Gray. 1878— Supervisors, Charles Palmetier, Chairman; W. H Hammersley, Charles Dunlap; Clerk, John B. Simmons; Treasurer, T. B. Gray. 1879— Supervisors, William H. Hammersley, Chairman; Edward Pentland, Samuel H Stafford; Clerk, John B. Simmons; Treasurer, T. B. Gray. 1880 — Supervisors, William H. Hammersley, Chairman; Edward Pentland, Jason A. Her rick; Clerk, John B. Simmons; Treasurer, T. B. Gray. 1881 — Supervisors, W. H. Hammersley, Chairman: Daniel Fairchild, Michael Rouse; Clerk, John B. Simmons; Treasurer, T. B. Gray. The town shows the following standing at the close of 1881 : The population, as given by the Federal census of 1880, was: Town, 930; village, 1,969; total, 2,899. The principal agricultural products of 1880 were: Wheat, 6,500 bushels; corn, 128,000 bushels; oats, 61,000 bushels; barley, 5,600 bushels; rye, 400 bushels; potatoes, 5,000 bushels; apples, 50,000 bushels; timothy seed, 642 bushels; hay, 1,500 tons; butter, 150.000 pounds. In 1881, there were 3,560 acres sown to grain; 170 acres of orchard, with 4,360 fruit-bear ing trees; 1,800 acres of mowing and pasturage; and 800 acres of growing timber; there were also 700 milch cows, valued at $17,500. There were four whole and six union school districts. The number of scholars enumerated between the ages of four and twenty years was 1,023, of which number 625 attended school. There were eight schools, one of which (in the village) is graded. Twelve teachers were em ployed, at average monthly wages of $37.25 for male and $21.36 for female teachers. There were eight schoolhouses, valued, with sites included, at $24, 230. The annual amount expended for school purposes was $6,900. THE VILLAGE OF GENEVA GENEVA LAKE. The early history of the village has already been related to the reader. It was first platted by Thomas McKaig some time in 1837. The plat was filed, in accordance with the law, May 23, 1840. Under the survey, the village lots contained not far from a quarter-acre each. Two blocks were reserved for public squares, and other lots for churches, schools and a cemetery. The first plat covered the whole of Section 36. The subsequent additions to the village plat as given by Mr. Simmons in his history of the village, were as follows : A certain portion of the land on the borders of the lake and extending from it to a point some distance below the mills, being mostly interval land, was reserved by the proprietors and marked on the plat as " Reservation. " This is said to have originally contained some forty acres. Li 1844, five acres in a square form in the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of Section 31, in the town of Lyons (then Hudson), were added to the village by the act of the Legislature incorporating it. In 1856, the village bounds were further extended by a new charter, but reduced by amending acts in 1858 and 1860, and again extended by an act of 1867. They now embrace all of Section 36, the south half of Section 25, the southeast quarter of Sec tion 26, and the east half of Section 35, in the town of Geneva, the five acres above mentioned from the town of Lyons, and sixty-seven acres of land from Section 1 in the town of Linn. None of these additions have been platted into small lots except a portion included in Marsh's Addition, and a part of Section 25, platted in 1855 and called Rich's and Ferguson's additions. In 1857, E. D. Phillips divided a part of Sublots 10, 11, 12 and 13, in Large Lot 3, and named it Phillips' Subdivision. Several streets have been discontinued and other changes made which, so far as important, will be noticed hereafter. The proprietors of the village when first sur veyed were R. W. and G. S. Warren, A. Ferguson, L. B. Goodsell, George L. Campbell, and Phillip and James Maxwell, each owning one-seventh part, but before the plat was recorded, Mr. Ferguson had conveyed his share to Goodsell & Campbell. Afterward, the proprietors HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 873 partitioned the lots and blocks among themselves by deeds, retaining undivided interests in the "Reservation." The village grew quite rapidly from 1838 to 1844. Among the early settlers now well re membered who came in during that period were the following: Benjamin E. Gill, in 1837; C. L. Oatman, in 1838; W. D. Chapin, in 1837; S. W. Spaf- ford, in 1842; E. D. Richardson, in 1842; Dr. Oliver S. Tiffany, in 1838; Dr. McNish, a little later in 1838; Russell H. Mallary, in 1838; Joseph Griffin, in the summer of 1837; William Casporus, in 1837 ; Charles M. Baker, in 1838 ; Lewis Curtis, in 1839 ; William Alexander, in 1839; John M Capron, Wheeler and Whipple, in 1839; D. W. Cook, in 1837; John A Farnham, in 1840; Joseph E. Howe, in 1843; Abiel Manning and A. A. Thompson, in 1843; James Simmons, in July, 1843; Experience Estabrook, in 1839; Dr. Stephen Ingham, in 1841 (then of advanced age; he lived to be over ninety -five years old, and died in Elkhorn not many years since); E. S. and H. K. Elkins, 1843; L. D. Hale, 1843; John Beamsley, in 1843; B. T. Payne, 1843; Daniel Locke, 1843; Harvey Church, 1843; A. D. Colton, in 1840 or 1841. The history of the village and its vicinity has been fully written by James Simmons, up to the date of its publication, in 1875. Nothing new can be found to add thereto except to bring the history down to date. Nearly all the historical matter concerning the village is compiled from that book, through the kind consent of its author, for which due acknowledgments are given here and elsewhere. The village led an uneventful and unexcited existence for many years. Its growth was healthy, but not rapid It shared the trade and traffic of the newly settled country with the neighboring village of Delavan, and increased with about the same rapidity. There was more travel, and consequently more life, in Geneva in its early days, as the Southport (Kenosha) road ran through it to Beloit. The grist-mill also brought considerable trade, which would otherwise have gone to other points, till competing mills were built elsewhere. The first com peting mill was built by the Phoenixes, at Delavan, in 1840. The village is entitled to the credit of having organized the first temporance society in the county in 1839. It is also entitled to the distinction of having the first distillery, which was started a few months later in 1840, by Capron, Wheeler & Whipple. The two opposing ele ments, represented in a temperance society and a distillery, were not naturally conducive to harmony in the village, although it kept alive an enthusiasm and vigor in the society that might not have been otherwise possible. The contest between the distillery proprietors and Goodsell, the miller, a stanch leader in the temperance movement, who refused to grind for distilling pur poses, has been fully detailed in the county history. The final result was a victory for the tem perance element, and gives to Geneva the credit of the law still in force exempting millers from grinding for distilling purposes. The distillery ran but a few years thereafter. The temper ance society was one of the most efficient in the county till its work was superseded by the more modern work of the Sons of Temperance and Good Templars. THE war record. The part taken by Geneva in the civil war was patriotic, energetic and creditable. Full accounts of the companies raised in Geneva will be found in the war history of the county at large. To avoid any omission, if possible, the accounts given by Mr. Simmons, an old resident, in his history of Geneva, are given entire, as supplemental to what appears elsewhere: " On the 17th or 18th day of April, 1861, being the day after news was received of the fir ing upon Fort Sumter by the rebels, from one-half to two-thirds of the Geneva Independents, with all their principal officers, volunteered for three months, under the first call of the Presi dent. In three days, sixty had enlisted, and the number was filled up to 100 in less than a week. The greater share of this number, three-fourths of whom were from Geneva and Linn, enlisted for three years, under the second call which came before they were fully organized, and drilled here until the middle of June, and then went into camp at Racine. There they re mained until the 14th of July, when they started for Baltimore with their regiment, the Fourth 5 Sonsin In! S£™£« *& .ommand^of Col. Halbert E. Paine, of Racme. After some serv^ ice n the viciniJs of Baltimore and Washington and on the f™.^«fJW ^ were sent to the Gulf, under Gen. Butler, and participated m the taking of New Orleans, and 874 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. in subsequent operations against Port Hudson and other places on the river. While there, the regiment was mounted, and became the Fourth Cavalry. Many of our brave boys died from wounds received in their many battles, others perished by disease, and but few, comparatively, of those who went at first, or of subsequent recruits, returned to their homes among us. " The citizens of our town took early action upon the subject of aiding the families of vol unteers, $1,000 being raised upon notes of individuals, who trusted in the patriotism of their townsmen to reimburse them. On the 23d of August, a special town meeting was held, and the sum of $3,000 was voted to be raised by tax for the benefit of such families and to pay such notes. In the early part of the summer, another company of volunteers was raised in this and the three adjoining towns, which became Company C, of the Twenty-second Wisconsin Infantry. Of this company, Charles W. Smith was Captain; Darwin R. May, First Lieutenant; and C. E. Buell, Orderly Sergeant, all of whom received promotion in the service. Their regiment was in camp at Racine from August 25 to September 16, when they were ordered to Kentucky. At an en gagement in the following February, near Thompson's Station, many of them were captured, and were held prisoners until May. These afterward rejoined their regiment and participated in Sherman's famous campaign and march to the sea. " On the 13th of August, 1864, a special town meeting was held, and a tax voted of $10,000, or sufficient to pay a bounty of $200 to each volunteer needed to fill our quota on the President's call for 500,000 more. " On the 9th of January, 1865, another special town meeting was held, and an additional tax voted for soldiers' bounties, and for aid to the families of those in the field; but, there be ing some illegality about the proceedings, another meeting was held on the 13th of February, and the sum of $6,600 voted to be raised for bounties, and $500 for aid to soldiers' families. Thus Geneva proved her patriotism by furnishing men and money without stint to keep full the ranks of the army of freedom, and to cherish the families of their brave boys at home. We have particularly mentioned but two companies which were enlisted from this town and vicinity, but we had noble representatives in other companies and organizations in all branches of the serv ice, many of whom gave their lives, and gave them cheerfully, for their country." Geneva furnished, during the war, 138 men, from 215 liable to military duty, as by the enrollment of 1862. Not all were citizens who were credited, although it is believed that at least one hundred men of the town did personal service. Geneva raised for war purposes $20, - 100. SCHOOLS. The first schoolhouse was built, as has been stated, in 1840. In 1848, a larger and more commodious building was built, and the school divided into two departments. H B. Coe and Charles B. Smith were the teachers first employed in the new house. In 1854, this house was enlarged by building a wing on the west side. In 1867, it again proved inadequate in its pro portions, and gave place to the present school building, which was completed in December, 1867. The present school district of which the village is a part is known as Union District, No. 1, and embraces nearly all of Geneva south of Lake Como, so much of Linn as lies north of Ge neva Lake, and part of a section of Lyons. The total number of scholars by the last enumera tion was 961, distributed as follows: Geneva, 395 males, 454 females— 849; Linn, 52 males, 42 females — 94; Lyons, 10 males, 8 females — 18. The principal school is in Geneva Village. It is graded into five departments, with a high school. The Principal is Edward O. Fiske, of Beloit, Wis. There is, in addition to the village school, a school in Linn known as the " Wood School," for the accommodation of scholars in the remote parts of the district. The annual tax for school purposes in the joint district is $3,000, and the whole number of teachers is eight. The rooms are now crowded with scholars, and a new house within a year or two is inevi table. J NEWSPAPERS. The Geneva Gazette, a weekly, was started by David M. Keeler in 1848. It continued for something over a year, and went out of sight. It was the first attempt at journalism in the town. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 875 The Geneva Express, the second paper in Geneva, was startad in 1854, by Frank Leland and G. S. Utter. It was subsequently removed to Elkhorn and merged into the Elkhorn Inde pendent. The Genevan, the third paper in the town, was started in 1858, by H. L. Devereux, after ward of the Burlington Standard. It suspended in 1859, after a fitful life of about eighteen months. The Lake Geneva Mirror was the fourth paper to start— February 1, 1860. It was first issued by G. S. Utter as publisher, and J. T. Wentworth as editor. It continued till some time in 1861. It then went to the rear, while its patriotic publisher went to the front, in the Fortieth Wisconsin Infantry, to do battle for his country. The Geneva Lake Herald was the fifth paper started in the town, and the first established. George S. Utter was the enterprising publisher. I. E. Burton was its first editor, assisted by Revs. J. D. Pulis and E. G. Miner. It was established in April, 1872. In August, 1873, Mr. Burton became the sole proprietor and editor. In January, 1876, he sold a half interest to A. D. Waterbury, of Polo, 111., and on April 26 of the same year, the other half to J. E. Heg, of Beloit. The firm remained Heg & Waterbury from that date to November 3, 1877, when J. E. H eg purchased the interest of Mr. Waterbury, and since that date has been sole proprietor and editor. Mr. Heg is also proprietor and editor of the Lake Geneva Cisco, a weekly paper, pub lished every Saturday evening from June 1 to the middle of September of each year. The paper, which is tastefully made up, is devoted wholly to the interests of the lake as a summer resort and watering-place. Mr. Heg is a ready writer and good manager, which accounts for the success which has followed him in both of his journalistic undertakings. The Weekly News was established by the News Printing Company in July, 1879. A daily was started under the same management, one month earlier, and from its success the proprietors were induced to establish the weekly, which has been continued ever since, and is at present permanently established, and ranks as one of the leading Independent papers of the county. It was purchased, in September, 1879, by J. S. Badger, the present editor and proprietor. Under his careful management and able editorship, it has attained to its present grade of excellence. The Daily News is issued daily through the summer months, when not only Geneva, but all the country round about, is thronged with tourists and pleasure-seekers. It gives the latest news, arrivals, and has a large and profitable circulation during the visiting season. It is the first daily newspaper ever published in the county. It is owned and edited by J. S. Badger, of the Weekly News, both papers being under the same proprietorship and management. THE BANK OF GENEVA. This bank is in reality the private banking house of E. D. Richardson, Esq., who estab lished it in 1848, and has conducted it successfully ever since. He is now the oldest interior banker in the State. He has kept his account with the Wisconsin Fire and Marine Insurance Company Bank (Mitchell's), in Milwaukee, for thirty-four years continuously, and is, with one exception, the oldest depositor of that institution. In November, 1871, during the week succeeding the great Chicago fire, Mr. Richardson's bank was robbed of its entire means by burglars. The funds abstracted amounted to $30,000, of which sum $17,000 was the private property of Mr. Richardson, the balance being distributed among special depositors. To add to the weight of the blow, what funds were in Chicago were inaccessible, as they were still in a safe beneath a smoldering heap of ruins m Chicago. The Chicago safe came out all right. The home plunder was never recovered, though the robbers were traced to penitentiaries where they were serving long terms for other crimes and confessed the robbery. „ „ _. , n ,, No better record or guarantee of the ability and probity of Mr. Richardson, or the unques tioned standing of his bank, than is found in the fact that he has withstood the dangers and disasters of robbery, fire and panic for thirty-four years, and always met the calls of his deposi tors on demand. His bank has the highest rank of credit, both at home and abroad. 876 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. CHURCHES. The Baptist Church was organized in 1840. The first meeting was held at the house of C. M. Baker. Elder P. W. Lake was the organizing minister. The first house of worship was erected in 1846, at a cost of $1,500. It was remodeled at a cost of $1,700 in 1868, and re-ded icated November 18 of that year. Its first pastor was Rev. P. W. Lake, who labored here until January, 1844, and was then succeeded by Rev. P. Conrad, who remained only until November, 1844, when Mr. Lake again supplied the pulpit for one year. In December. 1845, Rev. Joel W. Fish, a man of deep and sincere piety and an earnest and eloquent preacher, now widely known as an evangelist, became its pastor, and continued here until March 27, 1852. Rev. Caleb Blood supplied the pulpit from May, 1852, to June, 1853; Rev. P. W. Lake, from Decembor, 1854, to June, 1855; Rev. P. H. Parks, from October, 1855, to September, 1856; Rev. Noah Barrell, from October 12, 1856, to January 27, 1858; Rev. Samuel Jones, from July 3, 1858, to January 8, 1859; Rev. Thomas Bright, from September, 1859, to January, 1863; Rev. Noah Barrell again, from April 15, 1863, to March 4, 1865; Rev. E. M. Ney, from June, 1865, to May, 1866; Rev. T. Bright again, from June to October, 1866; Rev. R. Gilbert, from April, 1867, to April, 1869; Rev. E. P. Dye, from November, 1869, to October, 1871; Rev. J. D. Pulis, from January 1, 1872, to May, 1874; Rev. J. Buchanan, from 1874 to — . Rev. J. E. Ambrose, the present pastor, took charge October 17, 1880. The present membership numbers seventy-five. The Sabbath school numbers seventy-five. The Metlwdisi Church.— Oi this church the following appears in Simmons' History of Ge neva: "The Methodist Church building, commenced in 1865, was completed this year (1S75), at a cost of about $2,000. The Methodist Episcopal Church was established here at a very early day, a class of six or seven members being formed in 1837. Until the erection of this building, relig ious services were held in the old schoolhouse near the present railroad turn-table. Its preach ers in charge have been Revs. Halstead, in 1837; Pillsbury, in 1838; McKane, in 1839—40; D. Worthington, 1841; Jewett and Decker, in 1842; J. M. Snow, in 1843—14; J. Crummer and Loyesay, in 1845; Parks, in 1846; J. M. Walker and R. Blackburn, in 1847-49; R. Dudgeon and Harvey, in 1850; A. Callender and Comfort, in 1851-52; Aaron Griswold, in 1853-54; Joseph Anderson, in 1855-56; Hiram Hersey, in 1857; David Hall, in 1858; L. Salisbury, in 1859; D. W. Couch, in 1860-61; W. Averill, in 1862; Stephen Smith, in 1862-64; R. C. Par sons, in 1864-67 ; N. J. Aplin, in 1867-69 ; H. Colman, in 1869-72; S. R. Willing, in 1872-73 ; Rev. J. D. Cole, in 1874. Rev. J. L. Hewitt commenced his labors here in October, 1874, and continued till October, 1876. The first parsonage was built in 1S44, the present one in 1858. Since 1876, the pastors have been: A. A. Hoskins, 1876-77; Thomas Clithro, 1878-79; C. E. Goldthorp, 1880, is the present pastor. A new church was built in 1877 and 1878, at a cost of $6,000; not vet finished; when done, will cost $10,000. The present membership numbers 125. The Sabbath school numbers 100 scholars. The Presbyterian Church was first organized at the house of Joseph Griffin, by Rev. Lem uel Hall, in the spring of 1839. The society was organized under the statute in 1851, and completed a new church in 1853. Mr. Simmons, in his history of Geneva, gives the following account up to the date of pub lication — 1875: " In January, 1851, a Presbyterian society was legally organized under the statute, and immediately commenced preparations for a new church building, but did not complete it until 1853, the slips being let in September of that year. This buiiding, which shows the skillful and faithful workmanship of C. W. Maynard and H. B. Conant, cost the society the sum of $2,500. Previous to this, the church had worshiped in a small building on the same ground, constructed of oak and standing on blocks, with ample space underneath for air, and shelter for HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 877 hogs and sheep. This was built by subscription in 1841, and cost $500. The church, when organized, in April, 1839, consisted of thirteen members, part of them Congregationalists and part Presbyterians. It now has about one hundred and forty resident members. "The pastors of this church have been the following, viz. : Rev. Lemuel Hall, from its organiza tion until September, 1840 ; Rev. Leonard Rogers, from June, 1841, to June, 1843 ; Rev. C. R. French, irom October, 1843, to October, 1844; Rev. Homer H. Benson, from October, 1844, to December, 1854; Rev. Mr. Stoddard, for three months; Rev. E. G. Miner, from May, 1855, to May, 1857; Rev. Charles Morgan, from August, 1857, to January, 1860; Rev. William S. Mather, from January, 1860, to October, 1861, when he accepted a position as Chaplain in the army; and Rev. P. S. Van Nest, from October, 1861, to July, 1866. In June, 1867, Rev. E. G. Miner was induced to return, and continued his labors here until March, 1875. Since 1875, the pastors have been: Rev. Richard B. Bull, from. August 1, 1875, to May, 1877; Rev. David L. Holbrook, present pastor, installed July 19, 1877. The present number of communicants is 216. The Sabbath school has 171 scholars. The Episcopal Church. — The first services, according to the Book of Common Prayer, held in this place, were by the Rev. Dr. Buck and the Rev. Dr. Hobart, then Professors at the Theo logical School at Nashotah. But a regular parish organization was not effected until January 20, 1850, when the Rev. John McNamara had taken charge of the field and become its first resi dent minister. He remained here, doing most zealous work, until 1854. It was in token of his having come to them from the Church of the Holy Communion, New York City, that this parish was so named. During the next two years, several clergymen had charge, in turn, as follows: The Revs. William Ludlum, Studley and Peters. In 1856, the Rev. John McNamara returned, and at once a new life was infused into the congregation. The old building was abandoned, and the two desirable lots on the corner of Broad and Geneva streets, still occupied, were purchased, and a far better church structure was erected. The building and grounds cost about $3,000, and this was a goodly sum for the congregation of those days; but by the indom itable zeal and the generous efforts of Rector and people, it was all accomplished, and a happy, memorable day it was when at last they could gather under the roof of their pleasant church home and consecrate it to its high and holy use. According to the express terms of the pur chase of the church property, it is to be " devoted forever to the maintenance of a church whose seats shall be free to all orderlv worshipers." The Rev. Mr. McNamara resigned his second rectorship of the parish in 1858,'and since then the following clergymen have served, viz. : The Rev. John Gossman, in 1859; the Rev. William Dasha, from 1861 to 1864; the Rev. George N. James, in 1864; the Rev. John H. Babcock, in 1866; the Rev. W. C Armstrong, from 1867 to 1873; the Rev. Robert B. Wolseley, 1873 to 1875; the Rev. Richard T. Kerf oot, the present Rector, took charge in December, 1875. It was during the Rev. Mr. Wolseley's rectorship that the beautiful rectory was built It isagothic structure, of two stories, and of frame, but exceedingly tasteful. It is said to be the best in the State, and the parish is certainly to be congratulated m possessing -it Its cost was about $3,000. It was at about this time that Geneva began to attract the attention of Chi- ¦cagoans in search of pleasant summer homes. The splendid lake here, with its well wooded and sloping grassy shores, offered just the resort they wanted; and among the earliest comers Tere many famSes in the communion of the Episcopal Church. These at once cordially ! ted S the parish folk of the village in their place of worship, ^^^£^3* them in all church matters. Thus the rectory was secured .^.^S^ST^^ ¦church of aranite was built. As the summer visitors multiplied, the need became telt more "ore S a mor! ! commodious edifice. To want this ff^^^^^^ coincident and the Festival of ^^^^^5^^^. stone of the new house ot trod, ine design w *ui" . •> . na7..v„ rrnf, buildine- is 878 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. copings are of dressed sandstone. The interior is open to the roof edge, and is forty-three feet in height. It presents an attractive appearance, both inside and out. The windows are quaint, being all of cathedral glass and arranged in broken quarrias. But the chancel windows are worthy of special mention. The altar window is a triplet, and a memorial of the Rev. Dr. James DeKoven, of Racine College. It is certainly a most artistic piece of work, and is scarcely equaled in the Northwest. Many of the windows are. in loving memory of departed ones, and they are all of them gems of art. The font is a rare bit of work of carved stone— a memorial, too, and all the chancel furniture, each piece a work of art and a token of loving remembrance of those gone hence. We could say a great deal more of this charming lakeside church, and yet not say half that should be said, for it stands a challenge to any other village church, far or near, to rival it in its beauty and its completeness. Its cost, as it now is, is fully $13,000. This make up for the Episcopalians of Geneva a most valuable church property indeed. The church, chapel and rectory, with grounds, are valued at not less than $20,000. The first officers elected upon the organization of the church in 1850 were: E. D. Rich ardson, Abiel Manning, Wardens; Andrew Ferguson, Allen Gardner, Seymour N. Hatch, Lewis R. Goodsell, Simeon W. Spafford, A. Hastings and Ansil D. Merritt. All of these pioneers of the church, except Messrs. Richardson, Ferguson and Hatch, are dead. St. Francis Catholic Church is beautifully located on Main street in the eastern part of Ge neva, on an elevation overlooking the town and a greater part of the lake. Rev. Martin Kundig, a pioneer priest of Wisconsin, selected the present location previous to the year 1847, it being the center of four adjoining townships, thus giving the Catholics of this vicinity, who were but few in number, an opportunity to comply with the precepts of theii- church. Rev. Kundig, residing then at Milwaukee, attended from there at intervals this con gregation, holding service at first in private dwellings. Some of the old Catholic settlers recol lect well that he came all the way from Milwaukee on sick calls. Under his superintendence, the first parsonage was built. For want of means, the second story of this small house, and at that not completed, had to be used for a place of worship pro tern. Rev. Kundig named the church after the great St. Francis of Sales Bishop of Geneva in Switzerland. In those days, Catholics came all the way from Burlington, on foot, to attend divine service, not having then a place for divine worship of their own. In the year 1847, Rev. Kundig gave the charge of the newly organized congregation to Rev. P. McKernan, who was the first pastor residing here, 1847—49. The following have been his successors, taken from the church records: Rev. P. J. Fander, 1849-50. Revs. McKernan and Fander attended from here Beloit and Delavan. Rev. F. Fusseder (1850-51), assistant to Rev. Wissbauer, of Burlington, now pastor of Beaver Dam, attended from Burlington. Rev. F. Pendergast, December, 1851-53. Under his charge, the present church building was erected; he died at Beloit, on a collecting tour for the church. Rev. M. P. Kenny, November, 1855, November, 1856. Rev. P. J. Mallor, 1854-55. Rev. G. H. Brennan, June, 1856-57. Rev. James Stehli, March, 1857, September, 1861. Rev. H. J. Roch, November, 1861-62. Rev. James Stehli, April, 1862, September, 1863. Rev. E. O'Connor, 1863, May, 1866. Rev. O'Farral, died here after six months. Rev. A. J. David, 1867, March, 1867. Rev. James Kinsella, June, 1867, September, 1868 Rev. B. Smeddink, 1868-70. Rev. McGinnity, 1872. Under his charge, an addition was built to the church. Rev. John Kinsella, 1873. Rev. L. Blum attended Geneva for six months from Lyons. Rev. N. M. Zimmer, the present pastor, took charge of the congregation on the 28th day of May, 1874. Various improvements have been made since, both in the church and on the church HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 879 premises; the most conspicuous are the steeple, with a bell weighing 1,200 pounds; its sound can be heard, in favorable weather, at a distance of ten miles; besides a new dwelling house for the pastor. As at the time of organization, people, though few in number, came a great distance, so do they even now, for the St. Francis congregation comprises the Catholic population of the town ships of Geneva, Linn, Bloomfield, a greater part of Lyons and the northeast corner of Walworth, numbering in all 130 families. On account of the great distance at which a majority of the members live, the project of building a parochial schoolhouse could not as yet be agitated in full earnest; whence the children of Catholic parents, numbering about ninety pupils, attend Christian instruction on Sundays after divine service at noon, and in the afternoon before vespers, instructions are conducted by the pastor, who is assisted by three teachers. St. Kilian's Church, a German out-mission, four miles east of Geneva, is attended every other Sunday from here. From amongst the reverend pastors who have resided here, besides those already mentioned, the following have passed from this world: Very Rev. Kundig died at Milwaukee. Rev. McKernan died at Kenosha. Rev. E. O'Connor died at Franklin. Rev. John Kinsella died at Franklin. Rev. B. Smeddink, at Paris, Kenosha County. John Brown, James Curran, Thomas Delany, Daniel and Denis Leahey, James Grier, widow Pat Powers (she is dead now) and widow Hen Curran are the oldest Catholic settlers now living in this vicinity. LAKE GENEVA SEMINARY. No locality in the Northwest seems to have been so favored by nature for the purposes of a . seminary as the banks of Geneva Lake. Quiet and retired, yet near a brisk center of popula tion, the seminary is favored by outside influences as an institution where education can pro gress without youthful spirits being depressed. In 1864, a corporation was organized by the citizens of the village, called "the Geneva Sem inary. Messrs.- J. C. Walter, C. L. Oatman, George Allen, J. H- Ford, W. W. Byington, D. Locke, T. W. Hill, J. W. Boyd, E. Kinney and others were at the head of the movement. The public square on the east side of the river was leased for its use, and Miss Anna Moody was en gaged to take charge of the school. It was opened in December, 1864, continuing under her management for three years, when she resigned her position on account of ill health. Misses Allen and Lilly were Principals of the seminary for a year after Miss Moody's departure. The seminary was organized under its present excellent management June 2, 1869. At that time, there was no boarding-house connected with the establishment, and the Geneva Hotel was rented and occupied for that use for two years. The school accommodates at present about one hun dred pupils of both sexes. Its grounds contain six acres of land, tastefully improved. The property is owned by the Warner family, the faculty being composed as follows: Mrs. Julia A Warner, Principal, Mental and Moral Philosophy; Mrs. Ella N. Adams, English Language, Literature and History; William Jay Warner, B. S. (First Semester), Natural Sciences and Mathematics; Mary A. White, B. A., Ancient and Modern Languages; Harriet B. Sloate, Academic Department; Ella B. Vedder, Assistant Pupil; W. K. Higley, Ph. C. (Second Semes ter), Natural Sciences; J. A. Badger, M. A. (Second Semester), Mathematics; Drain Scellger, Instrumental and Vocal Music; Harriet E. Warner, Department of Art; Elizabeth C. Miner, Assistant in Drawing. The Board of Trustees are: Hon. John W. Boyd, President; Mrs. Julia A. Warner, Vice President; E. S. Warner, Secretary and Treasurer; William Jay Warner, Sarah T. Warner, Harriet E. Warner and Marrietta I. Warner. The following extract from the Chicago Tribune completes the history of this educational institution, which is an honor to the villege, the county and the State: " This institution for the education of young ladies is located at the delightful summer re sort known as Lake Geneva, Wis., on the Chicago & North-Western Railway, within two and a 880 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. half hours' ride from Chicago. The seminary buildings stand at the foot of the lake, on a slight elevation running down to the water's edge. It is a quiet, retired spot, conveniently near the post office, the churches, and the business portion of the village. The grounds are pleasantly laid out in walks and drives, and are abundantly shaded by native oaks and orna mental trees. The buildings are Seminary Hall, in which the sessions of the school are held, and Oakwood, the family home and boarding-house. " In 1869, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Warner purchased from the stock company of the Geneva Seminary the building known as Seminary Hall, with its accompanying park, and established Lake Geneva Seminary as a boarding and day school for young ladies, Mr. Warner acting as Secretary and Treasurer, and Mrs. Warner as Principal. Seminary Hall was completed and enlarged until it contains a hall for public exercises, school room, laboratory, museum, gymna sium, recitation rooms, music rooms, an art studio, etc. For the first five years, the boarding pupils were accommodated in whatever buildings could be secured for the purpose, but in 1874, the present elegant brick structure was completed for their use. Some features of this building are worthy of mention, as it is peculiarly well adapted to the uses of a young ladies' school. Lake Geneva Seminary. T" But two floors are occupied by the pupils and teachers, thus avoiding, to a large extent, the very objectionable necessity of stair- climbing. The rooms and halls are large and high', thoroughly ventilated, heated with steam and lighted with gas. Each sleeping room is intended for two occupants, and has connected with it a wardrobe closet, and also a dressing closet, with outside light and gas, a fixed wash-bowl and waste-pipe. Hot and cold rain and well 'water are supplied to each floor. The purpose of the school being to furnish the parents of the Northwest a cultured Christian home where the daughters of the West may receive a thorough education in literature and science, music and art, together with a symmetrical and genuine development of character, the family has been limited to thirty boarding pupils and the com forts and conveniences of a thoroughly furnished home have been supplied. The Principal insists that this plan avoids many of the evils attending large boarding schools " The boarding home is designed for the exclusive use of lady pupils and the teachers To the day school both sexes are admitted, thus seeming in the class work the advantages of a mixed school, while avoiding all the disadvantages of a mixed boarding school The course of study is designed to meet the demands of pupils who do not intend to take a full collegiate course but is modified, when desired, to prepare pupils for college. While Christian in its character, the school is undenominational, and is a private enterprise, supported entirely by its current income from pupils. During the past year, the faculty numbered eight teachers and HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 881 ^dividual tttentio^66' ThS ClaSS6S ^ SufficientlJr sma11 to Permit each PUP" *° receive daily "The home and educational advantages offered here combine to make this one of the most desirable home institutions of the Northwest." HOTELS. There are at present (1882) four hotels in the village, which are entirely inadequate for the annually increasing crowds of pleasure-seekers and sojourners who seek a summer retreat by the beautiful lake. J The Whiting House was built in 1873, by David T. Whiting, as a summer hotel. It is situated at the foot of Broad street, on the shore of Lake Geneva. It is a three- story wooden structure, with mansard roof, double veran dah on two sides, and cost nearly $30,000. It has sixty rooms, besides billiard room, barber shop, dining room, parlors and all appurtenances of a first-class modern hotel. It has a capacity for 200 guests. It was run under the management of D. T. Whiting till April 18, 1879, at which time it was leased to W. W. Watson, of Chicago, for five years. Prior to Mr. Watson's proprietorship, it was run strictly as a summer hotel, being closed except during the summer months. Mr. Watson now keeps it open constant ly. It is under the personal management of Hon. Thomas Tolman. The hotel is lighted with gas. Enlargements are pro jected, which, if carried out, would increase its capacity whiting house. three-fold, and render it the finest appointed and largest summer hotel in Wisconsin. The Lake House was built in 1837, by Greenleaf S. Warren. Thomas D. Warren subse quently kept it. He was followed by A. D. Colton in 1845, who owned and kept the house till 1846, when his wife died and he rented to Harrison Rich for two years. In 1848, Colton again became the landlord, and remained such for fourteen years, keeping, during the whole period, one of the best country hotels ever kept anywhere. In 1862, Colton sold the house to John S. Griffin; he to S. H. Stafford, who has owned it ever since. Stafford, in company with his brother-in-law, J. S. Griffin, kept it several years. In 1867, Edwin Woodman became the landlord Subsequently, William Barrett, Peter Van Slyke and George W. Ransford were the landlords. In the spring of 1873, it was leased by the present landlord, Mr. Orville L. Blakes- lee, who has from the beginning run it as a first-class home for travelers should be run. His long experience as hotel- keeper and steward of the lake boats at an early day have given him a well-earned reputation as an efficient landlord and a host who knows how to keep a hotel. • Few houses have sustained so excellent a reputation for over forty years as the Lake House, and to day it has no superior as a well kept hotel in the State. It has been remodeled and repaired from time to time, and shows little resemblance to the Lake House of even twenty years ago. It is three stories high, contains rooms and accommodations for sixty guests, and is always full and overflowing during the summer season. The St. Denis Hotel is the oldest hotel in the village. It was built by R. W. Warren in 1837-38. It was at first known as the Geneva House. When it was named St Denis is not known — probably not till a very recent date. It was certainly known as the Geneva Hotel as late as 1874. Abiel Manning and A. A. Thompson became the landlords. In 1843 or 1844, Appollos Hastings bought it, and was its landlord till 1848. That year, it was rented to Har rison Rich. The succession of landlords since is too long to find space here. It is now owned by Hale & Oatman, and run by George W. Ransford, well known as a genial and accommodat ing landlord. The house is historic, being the first built in the town or county. It accommo dates some fifty guests, and is popular with its patrons, who return from year to year to remain through the summer. Union House, established by Benjamin Fish in 1870, kept by John Kohn since 1881. It is at the foot of Broad street, near the depot; sixteen rooms; can accommodate thirty guests. 882 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. kaye's park is situated about six miles up the lake from the village, on a tract of land commanding one of the finest views of the lake to be had. The park has an area of 200 acres, and a lake shore of over one mile, mostly natural forest, furnishing picnic and tenting grounds for thousands, also a number of cottages in connection with the house, furnishing a large number of extra rooms. The grounds are beautifully arranged and laid out into walks and drives, with fountains fed by springs, fish ponds, rustic seats and arbors. The park is reached by steamers from the village at least nine times a day, the boats connecting with every train to the village. There is also a telephonic connection with the Western Union Telegraph lines at Harvard. Nearly central on the park shore are two fine piers extending into the lake from the exquisitely decorated lawn, which gently rises to Summer Residence of A. B. Church, in Elgin Park, Lake Geneva, Wis. kaye's park house, some 150 feet from the shore, a tasty, inviting, well-proportioned and arranged structure, facing the lake, and replete with broad, shady verandas and balconies, from which are unobstructed views of miles in extent of the lake and its distant opposite shore. In addition to the ordinary features of pleasure and pastime, such as is afforded by a fine half-mile race-course, and elegant billiard and ten-pin hall, and in croquet, base-ball, boating! etc., is the well known Wyant s Museum. His museum is not a mere collection of oddities and monstrosities, but one of great value from a historic and scientific point of view The museum is especially rich in its collection of relics of the aborigines and the succeeding Indians, and large numbers of interesting articles from the South Sea Islands. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 883 pishcotaqua park house, about five miles up the lake, is owned and managed by Mr. C. F Hall Tb« ™„.ir h.a ,„ of sixteen acres, and a lake shore of 100 rods, ft ha/been ta tHy and hanlom'ef laid out SS ist o? sito i:fi a ofThbadn *!?* hngr°wth °f °aks -d ^X^CiT^i est ot comfort may be found. The hotel was built a year ago, and called from an old Indian name of the lake « Pxsh-co-ta-qua," signifying « sparkling water." This ho el?s the argest on the lake shore, he largest of its kind in the Northwest, and was built upon plan intended to procure the greatest comfort and coolness during the heat of summer. It extends a W the lake shore 174 feet long, and is ninety feet deep in the wing, and four stories high makmg a bS ing that is at once pleasant and homelike in appearance. Every room in the house connects, making them all breezy, comfortable and well ventilated. The great attraction of Pishcotaqua Park House is the system of verandas by which the whole house is surrounded from every story, and which gives a grand total of over two thousand feet of veranda, twelve feet wide, whereon guests may find at all times of the day a cool and shady spot. A play ground especially for children, is one of the features of the park, and one that will be appreciated by parents. A fine bowling alley, a shooting gallery, and billiard hall offer amusement to all who may desire, while a large fleet of row boats can always be obtained. Plenty of camping grounds of great beauty and convenience can be obtained at the park, and campers are made heartily welcome at all times. A few rods from the hotel are healthful min- •eral springs, whose waters have been shown by chemical analysis to be as highly impregnated with life-giving properties as are any of the celebrated springs of either the East or West. 884 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. PARKS AND CAMPS. The lover of rustic life may long for more rural scenes than is presented by a modern hotel teeming with life, fashion and beauty. To such, the fullest enjoyment of a summer vacation comes from camping out, or in a semi-rustic life in lake-side cottages. There are many camps and camping grounds about the lake that offer to the visitor every facility for the free enjoy ment ot life, untrammeled by the requirements of society. Among such camps or parks at the command of the public, in addition to those mentioned above, may be mentioned Fontana, or Porter & Montague's Park, Camp Collie, Russell's Park and " Warwick," and private parks- Lakeside, Harvard, Belvidere, Oak Park, Englewood, etc. Summer Residence of D. L. Hamlin, of Chicago, in Elgin Park, at Lake Oeneva, Wis. MARENGO PARK HOUSE. This hotel is admirably located near the head of the lake in a beautiful grove of oaks. It commands one of the finest views of the lake it is possible to obtain from any point. It is man aged by Misses Bissell & Reed, who came here in 1880, from Toledo, Ohio. The park is situ ated directly opposite Fontana, and in addition to the hotel contains a number of cottages owned by people of Marengo, 111., which has given the park its name. The hotel is a large two-story mansion with broad piazzas like a Southern planter's home, and the cottages, bathing houses, boat houses, laundry, office, and other substantial buildings which surround it add to that resem blance. A broad, beautiful lawn of many acres slopes from its front to the water's edge. Swings. croquet grounds, a dancing platform, and numerous rustic benches and decorative flower beds art distributed about it. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 885 CAMP COLLIE. Exactly opposite Kaye's lies Camp Collie, on a high bluff overlooking Williams' Bay. This camp or park was begun in August, of 1868, at the head of Lake Geneva. It was started by a few members of one of the churches of Delavan, Wis., together with their pastor, for their own recreation. In its second year, by a vote of its members, it formally received the name which it still bears. In the summer of 1874, it was, by force of circumstances, transferred to its present locality, and its name followed it. Its principles are these : That vital Christianity sweetens and adorns all right relations among men, and is everywhere the crowning joy and glory of life, of recreation as well as of work and worship. That the simplest pleasures are the best, and that neither pleasure seeking nor dissipation are recreation. That there are places of Summer Residence of Maj. Anson Sperry, Lake Geneva, wis. recreation needed, not only to a retreat from business, but also from the formalities of society. The camp is owned bv Rev. J. Collie, of Delavan, Wis., and is open for guests on the 15th of June. He advertises" that the camp has " cottages, furnished rooms and boats to rent. Board by the day or week-single meals. Milk furnished-ice and excellent water. A laundry department, with reasonable charges. Stabling for horses. Cook stoves, and wood fitted to them, for those who do their own cooking. Fishing tackle, etc. THE CISCO. Lake Geneva is also the natural home of the cisco, a beautiful silver-scaled fish about eight inches long, and which resemble greatly a herring. These fish are caught for a few days only in each jefv, generally in the full of the moon in June. At that time a pecuhar fly is seen hoveringin the air and over the water in immense swarms. The fish run in schools and immensf quantities are taken. Captain Newberry took 614 in one day, and his catch during the run of a week was about 3,000. 886 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. SOCIETIES. Union Chapter, No. 28. R. A. M. -Dispensation granted September 24. 1865 ; charter granted February 7, 1866. First officers: John T. Wentworth, H. P.; C. B. Carrington, King; S. E. Johnson, Scribe. Present officers: F. A. Buckbee, H. B. ; C. P. Taylor, King: D. H. Moody, Scribe; F. Brownell, Treasm-er; W. H. Hammersley, Secretary; C. G. Read, C. of H. ; E. L. Gilbert, P. S.; Thomas H. Price, R. A. C. ; W. H. Lawrence. M. 3d V. ; Ole Eagleson, M. 2d V. ; H C. Wood, M. 1st V.; S. C. Sanford, Guard. Number of members, fifty-two. Meetings, Mondays, on or before the full moon in each month. Geneva Lodge, No. 44, A., F. cf- A. M. — Dispensation granted August 10, 1852; charter granted June 16, 1853. First officers: John W. Ames, W. M.; Thomas Beeden, S. W. ; Lafayette Chesley. J. W. Present officers: Thomas H. Price, W. M.; W. H. Lawrence, S. W.; P. L. Kelly, J. W.; E. L. Gilbert, Treasurer; B. B. Scott, Secretary; C. G. Read, S. D. ; F. Brownell, J. D. ; S. C. Sanford, Tiler. Number of members, seventy- seven. Second and fourth Tuesdays each month. . VILLAGE DIRECTORY 1882. Public Hall — Ford's Opera House, erected by Miss C. L. Ford in 1876; 120 feet long, two stories and basement, the upper part being the Masonic Lodge room. Hotels — Lake House, Orville L. Blakeslee, lessee; Whiting House, W. W. Watson, lessee; St. Denis Hotel, George Ransford, lessee; Union House, John Kohn, proprietor. Bank of Geneva — E. D. Richardson, President; C. E. Buell, Cashier. Flour-Mills — Gilbert & Barber, proprietors. Agricultural Implements — The John Haskins Manufacturing Company: William Brown, dealer in agricultural implements. Furniture — S. C. Burdick, manufacturer; T. J. Hanna & Son, dealers. Carriage Manufactory — C. L. Clark, M. S. Gould & Son. Blacksmith and General Repairing Shops — J. D. Marlott, D. Locke, W. Sawyer. Contractors and Builders — Austin Moody, O. T. La Salle & Son. Boat Builders — F. C. Viele, Kaye & Napper, Rankin & Manson. Coal Dealer — H. Durkee. Lumber Dealer — C. Palmetier. Ice Dealers — Gross & Brooks, Washington Ice Company of Chicago. Hardware Dealers— T. C. Smith & Co., Lugham & Moore. Agents — Express company, O. Seymour; railroad, F. L. Murray. Postmaster — C. A. Noyes. v Lawyers — James Simmons, J. B. Simmons, C. S. French, Daniel Sherman, H. T. Sharp. Surveyor — Warren Beckwith. Physicians— B. O. Reynolds, J. C. Reynolds, George E. Catlin, John A. Macdonald Dentists — 0. S. Carman, J. M. Barker. Veterinary Surgeon — A. Streeter. Liveries — J. W. & W. W. Sherman, William Overton, E. McGraw, R. D. Short. Boatmen — Sanford & Moore. Barbers— F. E. Libbey, Carlton & Fluker. Billiard Hall — Henry Moore. Cigar Manufacturers — John Lichtey, Blakeslee Bros. Harness-Makers — J. M. Hicks, Briegel & Brums. Shoemakers — B. T. Paine, G. S. Nethercut, William Dobbs. Tailors — F. Buhre, A. Donaldson, A. J. Weatherwax. Dry Goods Dealers— C. B. Holmes & Co., E. C. Brown, Wachter & Ford, C. S. Rosenberg. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Ready-Made Clothing, Boots, Shoes, Etc. — P. H. Moore. Milliners — Miss A. Wheeler, Mrs. J. D. Nish, Misses Elmondorf & Turner. Notions, Etc, — M. A. Pendleton, Miss Mary Speaker. Jeweler — Charles E. Buhre. Photographic Gallery and Artist — John Bullock. Stationers and Druggists — W. H. Hammersley, R. B. Arnold. Groceries — Williams & Gilbert, Ira Williams, D. D. McKay, L. Curtis, W. H. Seymour. Bakeries, Confectioneries and Restaurants — Addin Kaye (Kaye's Bazaar), H. C. Cornue. General Stores — A. Walker, F. Baack. Meat Markets— W. H. Seymour, B. A. Walker, W. C. Davis. Summer Residence of Julian S. Rumsey, Lake Geneva, Wis. In the summer of 1872, Julian S. Rumsey, of Chicago, erected a spacious and handsome residence on the eastern shore of the bay. It is located about half a mile from the village center, but in the village limits. A road formerly ran between the lake and where the house now stands, but Mr. Rumsey persuaded the Town Board to locate the road further back where it now is located. The house stands in the midst of a fine grove of large oaks, and is a charm ing place for the busy Chicagoan to take his otium cum digmtate during the summer days. FISH CULTURE. Through the untiring efforts and generosity of Hon N. K Fairbank of Chicago a large hatching house has been established in the village at the outlet of the lake, with^breedmg 890b HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. ponds at the head of the lake, from which the lake is being annually supplied with some of the choicest fish known. Over fifteen million young fish have been imported from California and other parts of the Union, and through the personal attention of Mr. Seth Green, Ihomas Welsher, Albert Lytle, B. B. Scott, Frank and William Welsher, the lake is becoming known to sportmen as one of the finest fishing grounds in the country. Fishing is free, and in the proper season is enjoyed by all, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, citizens and visitors. GENEVA LAKE. Enough has already been written of the lake to give the reader a definite idea of its loca tion and extent. The natural beauty of the lake itself, as well as of its surroundings, were known and appreciated from the earliest settlement. Summer Home of Ed. Ayers, of Harvard, III., at Lake Geneva, Wis. It is surrounded by a fairly marked but not abrupt shore, heavily wooded.3 It is a spring- fed lake, deep, clear, cold, and abounding in all the game fish common to Western waters; pick- eral, pike, baBs and perch have always been plenty. Its peculiar fish, for which it is celebrated, is the " Cisco," a species of herring not found elsewhere in the inland lakes. It inhabits deep water and only comes up once a year, generally in June, to feast on the June fly that swarms in vast numbers at that time. They come in immense schools, and bite ravenously for a few days, then disappear, being seen quite infrequently and in small numbers during the remaining months of the year. The cisco season is an event on the lake. As soon as they appear, the fact is telegraphed to Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and all points within a radius of 1,000 miles. For two weeks, the lake is literally covered with fishing craft. Probably 20,000 per sons enjoy the sport each year. Since the completion of the railroad to Geneva ^in 1873, the lake has become the great summer resort for the affluent citizens of Chicago. The lands are mostly owned by non-resi dents, who make their temporary summer residences^along^the shore. 892c HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Summer Residence of L. Z. Leiter, Lake Geneva, Wis. N. K. Fairbank began the erection of his residence in September, 1874. Though situ ated on rather low grounds, a fine view in all directions is obtained from this point which has been improved so that now there is no more beautiful place on the lake shore. The building first erected was burned in the winter of 1875 through a defective flue, but work was at once begun/ on a new residence which, in every detail, is exactly like the one destroyed. Austin Moody, of Geneva, was the builder of both houses. It is one of the handsomest places on the lake, the grounds having been improved and ornamented by time as well as by money. Mr. Fairbank is one of the most popular of the summer residents, and the citi zens have long since shown their liking for him by calling him " Commodore." The summer residence of L. Z. Leiter, of Chicago, was built in the summer of 1879. It is pleasantly located on the west side of Geneva Bay, between the residences of Messrs. Shelton Sturges and George Sturges, and within half a mile from the post office. It is built of brick, and is more substantial than the generality of summer residences. The grounds contain thirty-seven acres, hand somely laid out into walks and drives. A large Dutch wind-mill, and a small, but com plete astronomical observatory are features of interest. The house is finished off in hard woods, and is said to be the finest in the State in artistic design and effect. Summer Residence of N. K. Fairbank, of Chicago. at Lake Geneva, Wis. HISTORY OE WALWORTH COUNTY. 893d -^5T-A55 In 1870, Shelton Sturges, of Chicago, pur- 1 chased ninety acres of land, beautifully located f on the western shore of the bay, of Mr. Gur- don Montague, and, in the following year, he built a handsome residence which he still owns. It was one of the first of the many beautiful summer homes that now border the lake, and, being situated on a high hill over looking the village and bay, it was and still is a handsome and conspicuous landmark. It is the first summer residence on the shore, on leaving the village. The residence of G. L. Dunlap was built about the same time as that of Mr. Rumsey, and the parks surrounding each join without a dividing line. It was built as was that of Rumsey, by Austin Moody. Couktby Home of Shelton Sturges, of Chicago, at Lake Geneva, Wis. 894e HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. The metropolitan character of the resort is shown in the following: There are during the summer plying daily on Lake Geneva four steamboats for public convenience, and nine steam ers owned by private citizens. The fleet of 1881 was: Public steamers — Commodore, G. W. Van Slyke; Lucius Newberry and Lady of the Lake, Fred Wilson; Lady Anna, Sanford & Moore. Private steamboats— Dora, T. J. Schneider, Chicago; Cisco, N. K. Fairbank; Passaic, R. T. Crane; Daisy, L. Z. Leiter; Arrow, George Sturges; Whitecap, B. F. Norris; Piscator, Dr. Hunter, Chicago; Dot, Dr. Hunter, Elgin; Gertie, George L. Dunlap, Chicago. There are now (winter of 1882) building one public and three private boats, which will be added to the fleet of 1882. In addition, there are not less than two hundred sail-boats for hire, and perhaps as many more owned by private parties. The lake on its shores is now a succession of public parks, hotels, private residences and camps. There are not less than thirty piers or landings in coasting up the lake on the north shore and returning on the south shore. Starting from the dock in front of the Whiting House, going along the north-shore, the landings are as follows: (1) Dock for private boats; (2) George Sturges; (3) L. Z. Leiter; (4) N. K. Fairbank; (5) J. T. Lester; (6) Henry Strong; (7) H. L. Gay; (8)E. Burk; (9) T. J. Schneider; (10) Judge Withrow; (11) O. W. Potter ; (12) Elgin, 111., Club House; (13) new Elgin, 111., club; (14) R. T. Crane; (15) Pishcotaqua Hotel, C. F. Hall, proprietor; (16) Camp Collie, a resort for ministers and their families, on the point west of Williams Bay; thence returning around the head of the lake and down the south shore is (17) Russell's Park, public; (18), Belvidere Park, owned mostly by residents of Belvidere, 111. ; (19) Fontana, public, Porter & Montague; (20) N. K. Fairbank, fish pond; on the south shore (21) Marengo Hotel; (22) A. Sperry's Landing; (23) Harvard Park, owned by citizens of Harvard, 111. ; (24) Prof. Nightingale's Landing; (25) Bon Ami Club, Chicago; (26) Englewood Camp, Chicago Club; (27) Kaye's Park, public, with hotel; (28) Warwick Park; (29) J. S. Rumsey, private, (30) Geo. L. Dunlap; (31) J. C. Walter. The last-named landing is immediately south of the Whiting House dock. Thus it will be seen that the whole lake, with Geneva Village as its metropolis, has be come a populous living-place for the denizens of Chicago. THE WATEK-POWER. The water-power at Geneva is utilized at two points. For the upper privilege, now owned by Gilbert & Barber, the water is drawn from the outlet of the lake by an open canal to the grist mill, where there is a head and fall of fifteen feet. This is the old original power, first discov ered by Payne and improved by Goodsell & Warren. The lower power, some half a mile below, has a head and fall of eight feet, as now used The early history of it, as given by Mr. Simmons in 1875. was as follows: " The lower power within the village limits was originally claimed, as we are credibly in formed, by P. O. Sprague. Whether Van Slyke, whose name we have before mentioned in con nection with it ever made any claim there seems to be quite doubtful; at all events, it at some time came into the possession of Sidney Sage, from whom its recent owners purchased it in 1842. In 1843, they built a saw-mill, which was for many years in constant use, but of late it has suspended operations, either through the growing unpopularity of oak lumber, or the want of logs on which to exercise its sharp teeth, and it now works only intermittingly, when occa sion requires. They subsequently added carding and cloth-dressing works, which find good employment in their season; also an oil-mill. There is here a fall of twelve feet, secured by building a dam some twenty-five rods in length, and there is at all times a sufficient supply of water to propel a large amount of machinery. The McKaig power was originally claimed by 1 nomas McKaig, S. W. Spafard and others, and is now owned by Dr. Tolman Wheeler of Chi cago At this point, there is a fall of eleven feet, requiring an artificial dam of only about th^ty feet, nature having furnished a substantial barrier for the remaining distance Possibly in the ante-historic ages, this barrier extended across the whole river bottom, and was the northern boundary of the lake. Here, some years since, a large building was erected by a man named Murray, to be used as a paper-mill, but the owner, having left this part of the country HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 895f before its completion, never returned, and, the property having been sold under a mortgage, the project never was carried out. The building has since been removed. The peculiar advantages of this location rendering it comparatively easy to control and apply the power, and the ex treme purity of the water flowing to it from the lake, make it very desirable, and ought to in sure its improvement for that purpose, as there is here everything requisite for the manufacture of the finest quality of writing paper. " January 30, 1875, a corporation was formed under the name of the Crawford Manufacturing Company, and the present works for the manufacture and repair of agricultural implements were started on the power above described. The corporators were John Haskin, A. C. Hoga- boom, James Haskin, John T. Mathews, Amos Fellows, E. C. Salisbury, J. Simmons, G. Mon tague and J. G. Sherman. railroads. The village has had the rare experience of having railroad connection with Chicago for several years, and then being deprived of the same — so she ought to be, if she is not, better qual ified to judge of the local advantages and disadvantages arising therefrom than most towns who ¦ have never had it but once. The only section of the old Wisconsin Central Railroad ever built reached Geneva in 1856. It was only by the aid of individual effort and subscriptions that it was brought into the village, as the road failed in the crash, with the rails laid within sight of but not into the village. For four years, trains arrived and departed from Geneva to Chicago daily. In 1860, the rails were worn out and trains ceased running, and for an interim of thirteen years thereafter, the village relapsed into its former state as a country town. In 1873, railroad connection with Chicago was re-established essentially over the old line, abandoned so many years before. Full infor mation as to the railroad appears in the railroad history of the county. Since the re-establishment in 1873, and dating from that time, Geneva has come to be the great summer resort and home of the prosperous and wealthy citizens of Chicago. The lake on either shore has been studded with elegant rural homes, hotels, parks, camp ing-grounds, and all else to render it the most delightful summer resort in the West. This has given to the village a metropolitan air and character it had not before. It has now its opera house (Ford's) and its daily paper. All through the summer, steamers ply the lake in such numbers as to rob it of all solitude, and the hum and bustle of city life is transferred there from Chicago through all the summer months. THE JOHN HASKINS MANUFACTURING COMPANY. The John Haskins Mauf acturing Company is the successor of the Crawford Manufacturing Company, and still conducts essentially the business first started in 1875. They manufacture mowers, reapers, corn cultivators, hay rakes; also a variety of wood work, and castings. The annual products of the establishment aggregate $40,000. GENEVA LAKE MILLS. The Geneva Lake Mills are situated on the site of the first gristmill built in the town. The present mill was built by R. W. Warren in 1847. He sold it to one N. L. Stout in 185 1, but subsequently came again into possession and ran it till 1856 .when Joseph Case and S. O^ Ray- mondbecame proprietors. This copartnership lasted till 1861, when Elisha D. Cogswell bought Mr. Case's interest, and for awhile Raymond & Cogswell were proprietors, S. O Raymond being the resident partner and active business proprietor. While under this proprietorship the mill was run by various parties, who furnished the wheat and paid for grinding. Among the man ufacturers were Samuel Farrar, Daniel E. Sherman anc others In 1863 E L. Gilbert bought an interest from S. O. Raymond, and in 1864 Raymond & Gilbert bought the entire interest of Elisha D. Cogswell, and became the proprietors of the mill. The firm of Gilbert & Raymond conducted the business till 1870, at which time Joel Barber bought the interest of S. O. Ray mond.. Since then, the firm of Gilbert & Barber have been the sole proprietors of the mill. The mill has been always fitted up with the most modern appliances. It has at present five run of stone and one set of rollers, and all the latest improvements for the manufacture of flour by the patent process (so called). Its capacity is, for merchant work, 15,000 barrels pe 896g HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. year. The mill has an enviable reputation on its merchant brand, " Geneva Lake," and does a large local business. Gilbert & Barber also own the mill below, formerly the woolen-mill, which is utilized for grinding oat-meal and coarse feed. The oat-meal (" Badger State" ) is sold throughout the country, and has become a standard brand. CORPORATE HISTORY OF GENEVA VILLAGE. The village was incorporated in the winter of 1844. There are no records now in the pos session of the Village Clerk concerning the early corporate history of the village. From Simmon s' History of Geneva, the following information is gleaned: Summer P.esidence of Jno. E. Burton, Lake Geneva. Wis. " In the winter of 1844, the Legislature granted a charter, incorporating as the ' Village of Geneva' the whole of fractional Section 36, of Geneva, with the above-mentioned five acres from Lyons. At the first election under this charter, Charles M. Goodsell was elected President of the village, and a majority of the Trustees were, like him, sterling temperance men. James Simmons was also elected to the office of Village Clerk, which proved very lucrative to him, his salary — embodied in a Boston rocking chair— having proved sufficient to support him ever since that time, and still remaining in his possession to sustain his declining years. " This charter invested the Village Board with full control over the "sale of intoxicating liquors, and they proceeded to exercise that power by passing an ordinance entirely prohibiting the sale or giving away of anything which could intoxicate, within the limits of our village, and prescribing a heavy penalty for a violation of its provisions. This ordinance, if we mistake not, considerably antedated the famous Maine law. It was published so as to take effect a day or two before the 4th of July, 1845. Thomas D. Warren, then keeper of the Lake House, having HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 897h continued to sell as usual on that day, was immediately prosecuted therefor. The trial came on just at nightfall, before Loren Stacy, Esq., at his log house in Hudson, on the farm now owned by S. H. Stafford. After a session continuing all night, attended by the usual difficulty of in ducing witnesses to acknowledge that they knew whisky by its smell, taste, or effects, the jury found him guilty, and he was duly fined. He immediately took an appeal to the District Court, and the case lingered there until a change of village administration took place, and then died a natural death. This was, we believe, the only prosecution under that ordinance. " In 1845, the village charter was amended and the control of licenses taken away from the Village Board and restored to the Town Supervisors; those who knew what was good for them selves, and understood the far-reaching beneficence of free whisky, being suspicious that fanat icism might at some time again break out at the polls. The right to levy taxes was also taken from the board and given to the voters at the annual elections. For about eleven years, a masterly inactivity characterized the policy of the village authorities, during which the village records were either lost or destroyed. R. W. Warren, Benjamin E. Gill, John M. Nelson and Anthony Dobbs are the only Presidents now remembered as having served during that period. " A new charter was granted by act of the Legislature, March 28, 1856, which was in many particulars amended in 1867 and that charter, so amended remained in force until April 2, 1879. On that day, a special village election was held, pursuant to a notice duly given by the Trustees, to- determine whether the village should retain its old charter, or become re- incorporated under the general statute for the incorporation of villages (Chap. 40, R. S. 1878), and a majority of electors having voted in favor of re-incorporation, the special charter became superseded by the general law, which is now the fundamental law of the village; and the first election was held under that law on the first Tuesday in May, 1879. This change in the law by which it is gov erned did not affect its name, which is the Village of Geneva, nor its boundaries, which are described in the amended charter of 1867. The first village meeting was held at the Lake House, May 5, 1856. The old corporation seems to have been in existence at the time, as the record reads: " The following Board of Trustees, as it existed before the passage of the above act (of in corporation) were present, to wit: A. D. Colton, Daniel Merritt and John Beamsley, Trustees; and J. T. Abell, Village Clerk— who, having severally qualified, acted as Inspectors of said elec tion." The following officers were elected: Trustees, E. D. Richardson, President; B. E. Gill, Daniel Locke, C. Miller, C. L. Oatman; Clerk, John T. Abell; Justice of the Peace, J. T. Abell; Assessor, S. H. Stafford; Treasurer, E. Andrus; Constables, D. W. Sherman, William Jewitt. E. D. Richardson resigned in August, and Harrison Rich was elected President to fill the vacancy, August 20, 1856. Below are the names of those who have served as President, Clerk and Treasurer from 185/ to 1881: ,r.„. T .iA 1857— President, A. S. Palmer; Clerk, J. T. Abell; Treasurer, William Jewitt. 1858— President, A. S. Palmer; Clerk, J. T. Abell; Treasurer, William L. Valentine. 1859— President, J. J. Dewey; Clerk, J. T. Abell; Treasurer, William L. Valentine. I860— President, S. O. Raymond; Clerk, J. T. Abell; Treasurer, William L. Va entme. 1861— President, S. O. Raymond; Clerk, J. T. Abell; Treasurer, William L. Valentine. 1862— President, Moses Seymour; Clerk, J. T. Abell; Treasurer, George M Barber. 1863— President, Joel Barber; Clerk, J. T. Abell; Treasurer, George M. Barber. 1864-President, J. H. Ford; Clerk, J. T. Abell; Treasurer, S. S. Hanna. 1865-President, Edward Quigley; Clerk, J. T. Abell; Treasurer, William H. Lee. 1866-President, Ethan L. Gilbert; Clerk, J. T. Abell; Treasurer, S S. Hanna. 1867— President, J. C. Walter; Clerk, J. A. Smith; Treasurer S C. Sanford. 1868-President, J. Barber; Clerk, J. A. Smith; Treasurer, W. Alexander. 1869-President, T. C. Smith; Clerk, E. D. Richardson; Treasurer, W. H. Lee^ 1870-President E. D. Richardson; Clerk, L. B. Van Buskirk; Treasurer G.W Sturges. 1871— President, E. D. Richardson; Clerk, C. E. Buell; Treasurer S. G Sanford. 1872— President, S. H. Stafford; Clerk, Heman Allen; Treasurer John Burton. 1873— President, G. Montague; Clerk, J. E. Burton; Treasurer; John Burton. S98i HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1874— President, B. O. Reynolds; Clerk, Maurice Miner; Treasurer, G. W. Sturges. 1875— President, B. O. Reynolds; Clerk, T. H. Ferguson; Treasurer, G. W. Sturges. 1876— President, B. O. Reynolds; Clerk, M. A. Miner; Treasurer, G. W. Sturges. 1877 —President, E. D. Richardson ; Clerk, T. H. Ferguson; Treasurer, G. W. Sturges. 1878— President, G. E. Catlin; Clerk, M. A. Miner; Treasurer, G. W. Sturges. 1879— President, S. H. Stafford; Clerk, M. A. Miner; Treasurer, W. H. Hammersley. 1880— President, B. O. Reynolds; Clerk, C. S. French; Treasurer, C. E. Buell. 1881— President, B. O. Reynolds; Clerk, C. S. French; Treasurer, C. E. Buell. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. R. B. ARNOLD, druggist and book seller, Geneva ; he is proprietor of the oldest drug house in the «oun y of Walworth. It wag established by Mr. Lewis Curtis in 1840, and continued in the possession of Mr. Curtis, or of his son H. H. Curtis, till 1878, when it was purchased by the present proprietor. Mr. A. was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., in 1853 ; he cam; to Geneva with his father, A. B. Arnold, in the fall of 1865. He was engaged in the drug store as clerk, of which he is now proprietor. He graduated at the Chicago college pharmacy in 1877, and succeeded Mr. C. in business the following year. He was married to Hattie Winegar, Jan. 1, 1880, daughter of S. E. Winegar, who settled in Kenosha Co. in 1844; he was bora in Fort Ann, N. Y., Sept. 8, 1813, and died November 16, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. A. have one daughter, Edith Winnefred. JOEL BARBER, of the firm of Gilbert & Barber, proprietors of Geneva Lake Mills, Geneva. Mr. Barber is a native of the town of Louisville, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1828. His parents were Solon and Hannah Birber; his fa' her was a native of Vermont, his mother was born in Canada ; Mr. Barber came to Geneva in June, 1848, and engaged in work at his trade, that of a carpen - ter and joiner ; in 1866, he engaged in the manufacture of staves for flour barrels; h; bought one-half interest in the water-power, now owned by himself and Mr. Gilbert; in 1870 (an account of the business of this firm will be found elsewhere), Mr. Barber married for his first wife, Julia L Marsh. His present wife was Miss Carrie M. Marsh, a cousin of former wife. They have two adopted daughters. EPHRAIM P. BISHOP, extractor and builder, Geneva; born in Sullivan Co., N. Y., in 1826. He removed with his parents to Pennsylvania when 12 years of age. His father was a millwright by trade, to which Mr. B. served an apprenticeship, and followed the business for about twelve years. He was also engaged in the lumber business in Pennsylvania for some time. He came to Chicago in 1869, where he lived one year, and then went to Woodstock, VIcHenry Co., 111. He came to Geneva in 1872, and has been engaged in the business of carpentry here since that time. His wife, formerly Miss Mary M. Hardy school teacher, was born in Binghamton, N. Y. They have three sons; Ernest H., Purley and Burley. ORVILLE L. BLAKESLEE, proprietor of Lake House, Geneva. Mr. Blakeslee was born in the State of New York, but removed with his parents, at a very early age, to Ashtabula Co., Ohio ; for a period of seventeen years, Mr. Blakeslee was employed on the lakes, in the capacity of steward, which afforded him an experience of great value as a hotel proprietor, a position he has for many years occupied. After leaving the lakes he engaged in hotel keeping, first, at Coneaut, Ohio ; thence to Coneautville, Penn.; thence to Peoria, III., where he kept the Metropolitan, anl was also engaged in brewing for a time ; thence to Evanston, 111., where he engaged in the grocery trade, and also in hotel keeping! He came to Geneva in the spring of 1873, and has conducted the Lake House since that time. Mr. Blakeslee is a popular and suoeassful landbrd ; his wife was Susan L. Bjrry, born in Albany, N. Y. LAURA PALMER BREWSTER, widow of G. F. Brewster, a son of Deodat Brewster, one of the early settlers of the town of Geneva ; he emigrated from Vermont with his family in 1838, and settled on Sec. 1 in this town, where he resided until his death, which occurred Oet. 23, 1881, in his 931 year; his wife, Lois Brewster, died in August, 1872, in her 81th year. G. F. Brewster was born in Vermont Feb. 27, 1820 ; he came here with his father in 1833, and resided at the homestead until his death, which occurred June 16, 1872 ; he was married to Laura Palmer, daughter of J. G. Palmer, who settled in the town of Geneva from Columbia Co., N. Y„ in 1853. Mrs. B. came to Geneva in 1850 ¦ she with her family, occupy the homesteid, where Mr. Deodat Brewster settled in 1838; she has five children— Eliza Frank, Lula M., Grace W. and Fred ; she lost her two eldest children. The hom33tead contains 280 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 899j F. A. BUCKBEE, Justice of the Peace and Police Justice of Geneva; he was born in the town of Chili, Monroe Co., N. Y., m 1828, where he lived until seventeen years of age. when he went to Rock ford, 111. He was engaged in farming until 24 years of age, when he engaged in the .mercantile and produce business ; he came to Walworth Co. in 1863, and settled in the town of Lyons, and engaged in farming; in the fall of 1874 he went to California, and returned in July of the following year, and located in Geneva ; he has served two years in the Legislative Assembly, having been elected in 1866, and airain in 1873 ; he has been Justice of the Peace since the spring of 1877, and has served as Police Justice since May, 1879. Mrs. B. was formerly Miss A. J. Hubbard Palmer, adopted daughter of Dr. A..S. Palmer, an early physician of Geneva. CHARLES EDWIN BUELL, cashier of the Bank of Geneva; son of Ira Buell; was born at Plymouth, N. Y., in 1836 ; he removed with his parents to the town of Lynn, Walworth Co., in 1846; his father, Ira Buell, was a native of New Hampshire, born Jan. 10, 1791, and died in the town of Lynn, Aug. 16, 1864; his mother, Chloe Holcomb Buell, born Aug. 2, 1793, still lives at the homestead. Mr. C. E. Buell resided at home until he entered the army, August 1862 ; he enlisted in Co. C, 22d W. V. I. On the organization of the company, he was made Orderly Sergeant; he was promoted to a Sec ond Lieutenancy Feb. 28, 1863, and became Fhvt Lieutenant April 18, 1864. Mr. Buell was a gallant and faithful soldier, never absent from his company ; he participated in all the battles and marches in which his regiment was engaged, until the army left Savannah ; in Sherman's march to the sea, when he obtained a leave of absence for thirty days, re-joining his regiment at Raleigh. On the close of the war, Mr. Buell returned to the homestead; he was married in 1867 to Miss Elizabeth Richardson. He came to Geneva the year of his marriage, and has been cashier of the bank since that time. He was also Post master at Geneva from 1870 to 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Buell have two daughters — Helen M. and Kittie May. JOHN BULLOCK, artist and portrait painter, Geneva; he is a native of England, where he was born in 1827 ; he came to the United States and settled in Philadelphia in 1858, and engaged in portrait painting; he has been a painter from his childhood, and had excellent instruction in the art before coming to this country ; he did not continue long in portrait painting in Philadelphia, as the invention of the solar camera robbed the artist of his work ; he soon engaged in landscape painting, and while thus occu pied, visited, and took sketches of much of the beautiful scenery of New York and Pennsylvania ; he then went to Chicago and opened a studio in Crosby's Opera House Block, but was burned out at the time of the great fire in that city ; he came here the following summer to make sketches of the beautiful scenery in this vicinity, and decided to locate here permanently ; he has fitted up his studio and operating rooms in the finest style ; he has a solar camera of the improved pattern, and in every way prepared to do excellent work. His wife is a native of England; they have six children. JOHN E. BURTON, Geneva; he was born in the town of New Hartford, Oneida Co., N. Y.,Oct. 19, 1847 ; he was educated at Whitestown, N. Y„ where he took a four years' course of study, and also attended the Oneida Conference Seminary at Cazenovia one year ; after leaving school, he was engaged in teachino- at Cazenovia for one year ; he then went to Richmond, 111., where he engaged in teaching for two years f he came to Geneva and took charge of the public schools at this place in 1870, and remained as Principal until 1873; while under his charge the schools of Geneva attained a high standard of excel lence ; he was the first editor of the Geneva Herald, selected for that position at the birth of that paper in 1872, and became its proprietor in 1873, and remained as such until 1876 ; resigning the principalship of the school in 1873, he was chiefly instrumental in forming the Crawford Mower and Reaper Co. of Geneva, of which he was Secretary and book-keeper for several years, and was also for a time Director and Vice President of this company, in which he was an extensive stockholder. During the time that he was connected with this company and afterward, he dealt extensively m real estate, both in Geneva andChica-o; atone time was the owner of the Cornell Block in that city which he exchanged for a large tract of land in Texas. From September, 1879, till May, 1881, he was located in the city of New York as a-ent for the sale of the Tilden Silver Mines of Colorado, in which he was very successfhl, makin- sale to Wall street parties at $250,000. He is now engaged as General Agent for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of New York ; he is a gentleman of indomitable energy and determination, which, combined with good judgment, makes him a successful business man. He is an excellent scholar, a Renublican in politics, and a fluent and able public speaker; he has filled a considerable line of appoint ments in public speeches in various parts of the State in the Garfield campaign and made a special canvass under appointments of the Republican State Central Committee, through the Sixth Congressional District aidin- in the defeat of Gabe Bouck for Congress ; he has filled list of appointments in every cam paign since 1868 Mr. Burton is the owner of one of the largest and rarest libraries in Southern Wiscon- 900k HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. sin, containing over 1,600 volumes, in which are thirteen different Bibles, Hogarth's Works, the com plete Ante-Nicene Library, Dore's Works, " Knight's Worship of Priapus," and others which have not a duplicate in the whole State. In 1876, he built his present home, the finest in the corporation except the houses built by Chicago parties. His wife was Miss Lucretia D. Johnson, born:in Cortland Co., N. Y.; they have four children — Howard E , Warren E., Kenneth E., and an infant daughter, Bonnie L. Burton. 0. S. CARMAN, dentist, Geneva, having located here in the spring of 1881, succeeding Dr. A. E. Oviatt ; he is a young man thoroughly educated in the profession, and is rapidly building up a reputation for the excellence of his work ; he was born in Rochester, Racine Co., in 1856 ; he took a course of instruction at the Dental College, Indianapolis, Ind. Married, Nov. 9, 1881, to Miss Lydia -Hall, of Indianapolis. Dr. Carman's, preceptor was Dr. James Parsons, of Whitewater. GEORGE E. CATLIN, M. D., Geneva ; he is a native of Tiogo Co., Penn., where he was born, March, 1840 ; his early education was such as to lay the foundation for the profession of a physician, which he afterward adopted ; arriving to the years of manhood at about the time of the breaking-out of our civil war, he enlisted in the struggle, in which he served till the close of the contest. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the 6th Penn. V. I., a regiment of three months men ; in the fall of that year he re-en listed in the 101st Penn. V. I.; he participated in McClellan's Pennsylvania campaign, taking part in the most of the battles of that campaign, and was the bearer of the regimental colors on many a bloody bat tle-field ; in September, 1862, he was discharged for disability, and returned to his native State and re sumed his studies ; but, regaining his health, he again enlisted, becoming a member of Battery E, in the regular service, 5 th Light Artillery, and served as gunuer of that battery through the campaign of the Wil derness, and up to the close of the war, when he was made Sergeant and was discharged at Key West, February, 1866. He came to Wisconsin in March, 1866, and engaged in the study of medicine with Dr. W. H. Borden, of Milton ; in the winter of 1866-67 he attended Milton College, and also attended to his medical studies. In the fall of 1867 he entered Beloit College, where he remained two years; he then entered the Medical College of the Michigan University, where he remained during that college year, and then entered the Detroit Medical College, where he graduated as M. D., July, 1870. He came to Geneva in August of that year. He is a well-educated and intelligent gentleman, thoroughly devoted to his profession, and is having a large and growing practice. His wife was formerly Mirs Lucretia Van- campen, daughter of Benjamin Vancampen, a brother of Maj. Moses "Vancampen, of Revolutionary fame. What Western New York boy has not read, in his boyhooi days, the thrilling narrative of battles, capture, and escape of Maj. Vancampen? whose family were the victims of the Wyoming massacre in Pennsylvania; he himself being taken prisoner, and escaped after slaughtering his captors; but dire vengeance was executed by Gen. Sullivan upon the savage allies of the British, in the campaign through Western New York. At the time of the Wyoming massacre, the father of Mrs. Catlin was but 2 years of age, and escaped the fate of his father and other members of the family. Mr. B. Vancampen was an officer in the war of 1812. JOHN CHASE, proprietor of North Geneva Cheese Factory; P. O. Elkhorn; Mr. Chase was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1811, where he was brought up ; he removed to the town of Darien, Gen esee Co., N. Y., when a young man ; he went to the State of Ohio in the fall of 1840, and engaged in farming; he came to the town of Geneva in 1866, and bought the farm of G. S. Powers; he built his present factory, known as the " North Geneva Cheese Factory," in company with John W. ' Newton ¦ he is now sole proprietor of the factory. His first wife was born in Genesee Co., N. Y.; his present wife 'was born in Ohio. He has one son — O. C. Chase. ALVIN D. CLAPP, farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Elkhorn ; born at Taunton, Mass., in 1814 ; removed to the State of Connecticut, and thence to Maine, returned to Massachusetts, and came to Walworth Co and settled on his present farm in March, 1817; he married Martha D. Viles, born in Anson Me in 1819; her parents, Joseph and Eleanor Viles, cime to Geneva in 1816. Mr. and Mrs Clapp have two danghters-Onlla, now Mrs. Samuel Decatur, and Mareda; lost one son, Eli, who enlisted in the 28th Regiment, and died at Helena, Ark., in 1863. GEORGE B. CONANT, inventor, and associated with A. E. Lytle, dealer in patent rights ; he is the son of Henry B. Conant, and was born in the town of Bloomfield, Walworth Co., in 1851 He has a natural fondness for the construction of machinery, and has exhibited an inventor's mind from a child ¦ his principal inventions for which he has secured patents, are Conant's Improved Pitman Bar, Perfection Car Mover and Burglar Alarm Bell. He married, in 1870, Miss Emma Stanford, daughter of John R. Stanford, an early settler of Geneva. ° HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 9011 JOHN A. COWLES, farmer, Sec. 0 ; P. 0. Elkhorn ; son of Seth and Harriet Cowles, who settled on the farm now owned by John A. Cowles, in June, 1842. The parents of Mr. Cowles were born in Con necticut, but came to Walworth Co. from the State of New York. They resided in this place until their death. Mr. S. Cowles was born in July, 1794, and died in February, 1867 ; his wife was born in 1795, and died May 12, 1879. The parents of Mr. Cowles had three children— David S., who resided at Den ver, Colo., Julius W., in Jackson Co., Kan., John A., was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1832; he has always lived on the homestead. He married LucyHathway, daughter of James and Martha Hath way, who came to Geneva from Massachusetts, in 1843 ; they now live in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Cowles have five children —Elmer, Fred, Minnie, Carl and George. Farm contains 240 acres. LEWIS CURTIS, merchant, Geneva; he is one of the successful business men of Geneva; is also one of the early settlers, locating here in the spring of 1840; was born in the town of Plymouth, Che nango Co., N. Y., in 1813. He removed to New York City with his parents, and thence to Syracuse ; he has been engaged in business since 18 years of age; he came to Geneva, in 1840, from Toledo, Ohio, where he had lived for several years. He opened the first drug store in Geneva, in 1840 ; has been en gaged in merchandising for several years. His wife was Mary E. Humphrey, born in Ohio, and died in 1868, at Geneva. Mr. and Mrs. C. have had nine children, five now living — Hiram H.; Frances C, now Mrs. A. A. Sawyer ; Walter, Hattie and Annie Bell ; Hiram H. was born in Geneva, Dec. 6, 1844 ; married Mary A. Allen, daughter of George Allen, of the town of Linn. W. R. DAVIS, Geneva ; was born in the town of Pompey, Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1824 ; lived on a farm until 19 years of age; since that time has been almost constantly connected with the mercantile business ; came to Geneva in June, 1849, and engaged as clerk for Stafford & Dewey; in 1855, he engaged in business with Mr. Stafford, which partnership continued about two years ; was afterward in company with J. J. Dewey for about three years, when he bought the interest of his partner, and conducted the bus iness alone. During the time that he was in business, ho built the store now occupied by Wachter & Ford. The father of Mr. D., with his family, came to Geneva in 1844, and died about 1880 ; he had five chil dren, and all but two are living. Mrs. D. was formerly M. Louise Butler, daughter of Henry and Emily B. J. J. DEWEY, retired, Geneva. Mr. Dewey was born in the town of De Kalb, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1814 ; he removed to Cooperstown, in that State, with his parents, Chester and Mary John son Dewey, in 1827. Mr. Dewey worked in a cotton factory several years, but afterward learned the trade of a hatter, till 1844; he came to Walworth Co. in May of that year. Previous to this time, he had purchased, or rather exchanged property, in the East for a farm in the town of Geueva, where he settled and lived one year; he then engaged in merchandising; Mr. Ferguson was with him for several years. He continued in the merchantile business until 1866. He was Postmaster during the administration of President Taylor and Fillmore. Mr. Dewey was actively engaged in business till 1872 ; his first wife was Eliza Bates, born in Dutchess Co., N. Y.; his second wife, Salina Meriam, she died in January, 1870. Mr. Dewey had two children by first wife, Sarah being born in Cooperstown and May in Geneva. The latter died at the age of 4 years and 6 months. The former is now Mrs. Delavan Ford. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have two children — Mary and Nellie. WILLIAM E. DUNBAR, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. O. Elkhorn ; son of Samuel D., who emigrated from near Belfast, Ireland, to the State of New York, in 1833, and settled in Rensselaer Co. ; came to Geneva with his family in 1839, and soon after settled on the farm which his son William E. now owns. . He re sided here until his death, which occurred April 20, 1872 ; his wife died in 1852. The parents of Mr. D had five children—James, William E., Sirah A., now the wife of James R. Smith; Robsrt T. and Windsor S William E. was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., July 21, 1836 ; he has spent many years m the far West living for fourteen years at Silver City, Nevada. He returned in 1873 and purchased the home stead farm the°same year. His wife was Elizabeth Bulloch. Mr. and Mrs. D. have six children-Lizzie, William E., Samuel J., Maud H, Walter L. and Harry D. They lost a daughter. Mr. Dunbar s farm contains 160 acres. , . „ , „ XT „ ,, , CHARLES DUNLAP, Geneva ; P. O. Elkhorn ; was born in Pultney, Steuben Co., N. Y., March 10, 1834; was the son of John and Cynthia Dunlap ; came to Wisconsin with his father m 1839, his mother having died in the East. He was married, Dec. 21, 1853, to Miss Bethaina Crandall, daughter of Richard Crandall. Mrs. Dunlap was born in Tompkins County, N. Y, but came to Wisconsin from Cort land N Y • in 1853 Mr. Dulap commenced farming on Sec. 9, town of Geneva, where he still owns a farm of 240' acres. They have six children living ; have lost one. The oldest, George B is a farmer in Geneva. Horatio S. is a law student in the office of Joseph Lyons of Elkhorn. Alice M. died when 4 years of age ; the others are Mark C, Dora H, William P. and Charles K. Mr. Dunlap served several 902m HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. years as Chairman of his town ; was elected to the Wisconsin Legislature in 1875; is at present the Superintendent, of the Poor and Overseer of the County Poor Farm and Poor House, Geneva. Was elected to his present position in December, 1879, to fill vacancy ; was re-elected in 1880 for three years. He makes an efficient officer, and the Poor House of Walworth Co., which is said to be the finest in the State, is under his administration a cheerful and comfortable home, for the unfortunate under his care. HARRIS DURKEE, dealer in coal, cement, etc., Geneva. Mr. Durkee was born in Windsor Co., Vt., in 1825. He removed to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1848, where he kept hotel for a time, and also engaged in farming. He came to Elkhorn, Walworth Co.. Sept 20, 1855, and settled in Geneva the following December. Mr. Durkee was married in Vermont to Elizabeth Rodgers. They have three children — George A., Frank M. and Nellie E., all of whom are married; the two sons reside in Geneva ; their daughter (now Clyde R. Harrison), resides at Wall Lake, Iowa. Mr. Durkee succeeded J. P. Forbes in his present business. EXPERIENCE ESTABROOK was born in Lebanon, Grafton Co , N. H, April 30, 1813. He received a good education, studied law, was admitted to the bar, and settled at Geneva in 1839. Mr. Estabrook became at once prominent in public affairs, being a man of talent and thorough legal attain ments. He served as District Attorney and School Commissioner before the State Constitution was adopted ; was elected to the Second Constitutional Convention, and afterward served as member of As sembly and Attorney General of the new State. Mr. Estabrook was ever alive to the importance of the greatest possible extension of educational privileges, and to his judgment is Wisconsin largely indebted for the formation of her present system ; as earnest was he also in pressing the necessity of a like broad extension of political privileges—" without regard to race, color or previous condition of servitude." Although of a conservative disposition on these topics, he was in advance of all but a few leaders of public opinion, who were considered radical. Mr. Estabrook remained in Geneva until 1855, when he was appointed Attorney General of the Territory of Nebraska, and removed to Omaha, where he still resides. He was subsequently elected a delegate to Congress, and sin3e the Territory became a State has held many positions of public trust, none of which were ever slighted. In his departure from Geneva, the county and the State lost one of her able men. DAVID L. FLACK, farmer and dairyman, Sec. 10; P. O. Elkhorn. He is one of the prominent and progressive farmers of Walworth Co. He was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1830. He is the son of James A. Flack ; was born in Washington Cj., N. Y., in 1804, and came to Walworth Co. from St. Lawrence Co. in 1843, and settled in the town of Geneva, where he still lives. His first wife was Mary Lytle, who died in 1836. His present wife was Martha Armstrong, born in Washington Co., in 1816. David L. came to Geneva from New York in 1846. He settled on the farm where he now lives, in 1852. He has a fine farm of 200 acres, and his improvements are among the best in the town of Geneva. He devotes considerable attention to dairying, in which he uses the most approved methods. He has been married three times ; his first wife was Philinda Crandall, born in Cortland Co. N. Y. died in 1872. His second wife was Mrs. Adelaide Cady Baldwin, born in Kenosba Co., WL«.- died in 1880. His present wife was Anna W. Moody. Mrs. F. has been known for a long time as one of the most prominent educators of the State. She was born in South Hadley, Mass.; graduated at Mt. Holyoke Seminary, and came to Geneva with her mother's family in 1858, where she taught for eight years, and established the Lake Goneva Seminary. She taught one and a half years in the°State University at Madison, Wis.; was for one year in the State Normal School at Whitewater ; then for ten years in the State Normal School at Oshkosh, which she left Jan. 20, 1832. Mr. Flack has thres children Hiram C. Mary A. and John A. NELSON FAIRCHILD, farmer, Sec. 17 ; P. O. Elkhorn ; born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., April 1822. Ho came to Walworth Co in 1843, and purchased his present farm, where he has since lived' He was married to Laura Kinney, boru in St. Lawrence Co. Mr. Kinney is numbered with the more successful and prosperous farmers of the town of Geneva. Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild have six children- George, Daniel D., Albert, Allison, Mina and Samuel. Daniel D , who owns a farm near that of his father, was born on the homestead in 1851 ; married Edna Vincent, daughter of Jarvis Vincent They have two children— Jessie and Jennie. The children of Mr. Nelson Fairchild were all born at the home stead. JASPER M PISH farmer, Seo 12 ; P. G Springfield. The father of Mr. F. was an early set tler of bauk Co., Wis., where he settled in 185o. Mr. F. was born in Greene Co N Y in 1836 His father, Silas Fish with his family emigrated from the State of New York to Sauk Co.", where he stil'l lives, J. M. resided in Sauk Co. until 1867, when he came to the town of Geneva, and purhased the farm HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 903n on which he now lives, of Mr. James Steadman, in 1866. In the spring of 1874, he bought another farm ot Mr. John Smith, both of which he now owns. The former contains 161, and the latter 160 acres He was married to Temperance Hand, daughter of Jared Hand, Oct. 29, 1859. They have six children- Lorenzo J., Mary E., William H, Silas B., Elizabeth, Charles R. S. C. FORD, merchant, Geneva, son of J. C. Ford, one of the earliest settlers of the town of Linn Mr. J. C. Ford was born in Middlefield, Otsego Co., N. Y., June 11, 1806. In early life he was appren ticed to the trade of a silversmith, but having a hard master he deserted that calling, and learned the trade of shoe-maker, which business he followed previous to his removal to Wisconsin, and also for several years after coming to this State. When Mr. Ford was a young man, State militia were regarded of great importance, and general training day was as important as the Fourth of July. His son has now in his possession the commission of his father as Captain of New York volunteers, of the date Jan. 7, 1837 and bearing the signature of W. L. Marcy, Governor of the State of New York. Mr. Ford was' married to Miss Catherine L. Brewer, Jan. 19, 1833; they settled in Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., and came to Walworth Co. and settled in the town of Linn in 1838; settled on Sec. 23. In 1853, Mr. Ford with his son-in-law , Mr. Merriam, went to California. They crossed' the plains to that land of gold, when months were required to make the journey, which is now made in as many days. Mr. Ford returned in 1859, and resumed the occupation of farming. He finally settled in Geneva a number of years previous to his death ; he died March 2, 1878. His wife died Dec. 7, 1881, while visiting relatives at Wilbraham, Mass., the place of her birth, aged 70 years and 2 months. There are three surviving children of the family —Harriet S. (wife of William Merriam), Marian E. (wife of G. L. Phillips), and Samuel C. ; the latter was born in the town of Linn Nov. 13, 1849 ; married Alice G. Phillips, daughter of E. D. Phillips, June 8, 1880. He engaged in the dry goods business in the fall of 1876. The firm now occupy a double store and have in connection with the gjn^ral dry goods business, a department of dress-mak ing, and also a department of tailoring. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have one child — an infant son. CHARLES S. FRENCH, attorney, Geneva. Mr. French was born in Burlington, Vt., in 1856- His father, William H. French, died in Vermont. In 1867, Mr. French, accompanied by his mother, went to Chicago, and came to Geneva the following year. He studied law with John A. Smith, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in March, 1879. He became associated with Mr. Smith, which partnership continued till the death of the latter, Aug. 8, 1881. Mr. French is a young lawyer of much promise. His wife was Miss Ida Newberry, daughter of Capt. Oscar Newberry. I. F. GATES, farmer, Sec. 19; P. 0. Elkhorn. Mr. Gates was born in the town of Liecester, Livingston Co., N. Y.. in May, 1828, where he was brought up. He came to Geneva in the fall of 1848; he purchased his present farm of Hiram Spencer. His parents, Daniel and Betsey Gates, came to Wal worth Co. from Livingston Co., N. Y., where they resided till their death. Mrs. Gates was formerly Miss Charlotte Spencer, daughter of Hiram and Lois Spencer. Mr. and Mrs. Gates have four children — Hiram, Lottie S., Monroe C. and Bettie L. Mr. Gate's farm contains 116 acres. ETHAN L. GILBERT, of the firm of Gilbert & Barber, proprietors of Lake Geneva Mills, Geneva. He was born in the town of Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. 15, 1818. His father was Andrew Gilbert. Mr. Gilbert removed, with his father's family, to Nunda, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1832. He was apprenticed to the trade of a miller, with Mr. R. J. Baity, in the town of Nunda. Mr. Gilbert first came to Walworth in 1851, where his father had settled several years previous to the time. He cleared up a timber farm in that town, where he was engaged in farming until he came to Geneva, in 1862; his wife was Miss Betsy C. Curtis, born in Madison Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert have one daughter, Ida E. CHARLES T. GRIFFIN, farmer and carpenter, Sec. 14 ; P. O. Springfield ; born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1822, and removed with his parents to Genesee Co. when a child. His father, Charles Griffin, resided in Genesee Co. till his death. Mr. Griffin came to Walworth Co. September, 1843, and settled in the old village of Lyons, and engaged in work at the business of carpentry. He lived in Lyons seven years, and then returned to Genesee Co., where he remained thirteen years, when he returned to the town of Lyons and settled on Sec. 8. He came to the town of Geneva in 1868, and purchased his present farm of Ethan Farnam. Mrs. Griffin was Clara Traver, daughter of Wm. B. Traver. She died in 1875. Mr. Griffin's farm contains 120 acres. DANIEL GROSS, Geneva; was born in Chautauque Co., N. Y., but his parents moved to Warren Co., Penn., when he was an infant, and where he lived until 25 years of age. He came to the town of Geneva in 1854, and has been a resident of this town since that time. He settled in the village in April, 1856. He was a soldier in the war of rebellion; he enlisted in the spring of 1864 in the 9th 904o HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 111. V. C., and served until the close of the war. He is a mason by trade, and has been connected with the construction of most, of the principal buildings in this vicinity. He had charge of the mason work in the buildings of Wm. R. Davis, Walker's Block, George Sturges' dwelling houses, the Metropolitan Block ; has done much of the work of N. K. Fairbank, etc. He has been engaged in the ice business for the last seven years. His wife was Mary Ann Flack, whose father was an early settler of the town of Geneva. Mr. and Mrs. Gross have one daughter — Mrs. Mary E. Brooks. L. D. HALE, retired merchant, Geneva, Wis.; was born in Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y., Dec. 18, 1818. His parents were Samuel and Sally Abell Hale; his father was a native of Massachusetts; his mother of Connecticut ; he was brought up in Yates and Steuben Cos., N. Y., to the business of merchan dising ; came to Geneva, Wis., Oct. 6, 1843, and was engaged in the mercantile business until about 1865 ; since that time has not been in any active business ; he owns a farm in McHenry Co., III., and a resi dence in Geneva, Wis.; has been married twice ; his first wife was Rebecca Ellis, who was born in Yates Co., N. Y., Oct. 23, 1823, and died in Geneva, Wis., Nov. 21, 1846 ; had three sons by first wife, all residents of Kansas. His present wife was Jane E. Allen, born in Oneida Co., N. Y., June 29, 1831, by whom he has four daughters ; also a son who died in infancy ; the eldest daughter, Emma J., is the wife of W. H. Downer ; Mary A. married C. Fred. Keyes, who was killed while in the employ of C, B. & Q. R.; she is now wife of B. B. Scott; Nellie M., wife of Josiah Barfield, and Genevieve E., aged 13. W. H. HAMMERSLEY, druggist, Geneva ; he is numbered with the older business men of Geneva; he engaged in business herein 1865, succeeding George W. Ferris in the drug business, in which he has since been engaged. He was born in England in 1832, and emigrated to New York with his father in 1844 ; except one year's residence in Michigan, he resided in New York until 1863, when he came to Walworth Co., settled in the village in 1864, and engaged in business the following year he was elected Town Clerk in 1872, and served two years ; in 1875, elected Town Supervisor, serving as such till 1879, when he was chosen Chairman of Town Board, which office he still holds. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Smith, daughter of H. Smith. They have three children — Grace, wife of Clarence D. Gilbert ; Charles H. and William H. JARED HAND, farmer, Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Elkhorn. He was born in the town of New Lebanon, Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1809 ; he removed to Greene Co., where he was married to Mary Jane Raymond, born in Athens, Greene Co., N. Y. They came to Walworth Co. in 1845 ; Mr. H. purchased the same year his present farm of Simeon Standish, where he has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. H. have four chil dren—Temperance, now Mrs. J. M. Fish; Raymond J., Helen M., and Milton Jay; the oldest was born in the State of New York and the others in the town of Geneva. Mr. Hand's farm contains 100 acres. EDMOND S. HARVEY, farmer, Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Elkhorn ; born in the town of Wellington, Tol land Co., Conn.; his parents died when he was a child ; he came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1840, and purchased of the Government his present farm, where he has since lived. Mrs. H. was formerly Electa A. Pierce, daughter of Jonathan and Electa Pierce ; she was born in Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y., in 1827 ; she came to Kenosha Co. with her parents, in June, 1836 ; her parents lived in Kenosha Co.' till their death ; they had thirteen children ; Mr. and Mrs. H. have had five children, three of whom are living— Ella, Allie T. and Carrie; two daughters died in childhood. Mr. H. had two children by a former marriage- Mary Jane Dunbar and a son, Charles J., who was killed by falling down a minino- shaft in Nevada. Mr. H. made a trip to California in 1852, and returned in 1859- Mrs H 's father came to what is now Kenosha Co. in 1835, made a location and brought on his family the following year. J ° JOHN HASKINS, proprietor of John Haskins Manufacturing Company, Geneva. He was born in the town of Washington, Berkshire Co., Mass., in 1811, where he was brought up ; he removed to Ontario Co N. Y, in 1837, where he lived five years. In the spring of 1842, he, with his brother, James Hask.ns, came to Geneva and together purchased this water-power; his brother remained here until 1876 when he removed to St. Charles 111.; they began improving the water-power immediately after purchasing it , ; they bu.lt a saw-mill ,n the summer of 1843, which they began operating about the 1st of January ; the mill is still standing, and was operated until 1875. The brothers also built a linseed ml factory which they operated several years Mr. J. Haskins is sole proprietor; an account of present 5SS Jf ^Zl'^r ^ l0St HlS ^^ 0et°bCT' 1876 ! h6 h'S *" ehildren_MaryP0. and JAMES EDMUND HEG was bom Sept. 22, 1852, in the town of Norway, Racine Co., Wis. His father, Hans C. Heg, emigrated from Norway, Europe, at an early day, being one of the firet settled HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 905p of Racine County. In 1849 he went to California, where he remained two years, when he returned to Wisconsin, locating on the old homestead. In 1859, he was elected State's Prison Commissioner and he was re-elected in 1861, but. resigned to accept the position of Colonel of the 15th W. V I which is noted as being the only Scandinavian regiment in the war. He was promoted General by brevet and was in charge of a brigade at Chickamauga, under Thomas, where he was killed Sept. 19, 1863 ' His body was recovered, and buried in the family grounds on the homestead. James E. He<* was gradu ated at Beloit in 1874, and is now the editor and proprietor of the Lake Geneva Herald and the Lake Geneva Cisco. He has done much to advance the interests of Geneva as a resort, being very confident of its future. He was appointed, by Secretary of State, Warner, to compile the Wisconsin Blue Book for 1881, and again appointed for the same work in 1882, the latter book being the most perfect of its kind ever issued by the State. JASON A. HERRICK, farmer, Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Geneva ; son of Jacob Herrick, who was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1790, and afterward removed to Yates Co.; married Roxy Bradley, born in Chenango Co., in 1797 ; the latter died in the State of New York. Mr. Herrick, Sr., came to Walworth Co. in 1841 ; he afterward married Mrs. Sarah (Corwin) Rouse; he died in 1859. The parents of Mr. Herrick had eleven children, nine of whom grew to maturity, four sons and five daughters ; two sons and and four daughters are still living. Jason A. Herrick was born in Yates Co., in 1826 ; married Evaline Stevens ; they have three children — Eda, Ernest and Eugene. Mr. Herrick resides on the homestead where his father settled in 1841 ; a part of which the latter bought of the Government. S. B. HOWE, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Elkhorn ; he was born in Livingston Co., N. Y.; removed to Perry, Wyoming Co., where he lived until his 18th year ; he came to Delavan, Walworth Co., on Nov. 16, 1843 ; he was a resident of the town of Delavan till about 1855, when he purchased his present farm of John Hutton ; the farm was first entered and first owned by Stephen Barnes; he has 125 acres. The parents, J. C. Howe and Phebe, came to Walworth Co. in 1844, and settled on a farm in the town of Delavan, where they resided until their death. The parents of Mr. Howe had six children, five of whom are living ; Samuel B. is the only member of his father's family living in Walworth Co. He was married to Eveline Spencer, a daughter of Hiram Spencer. They have two children — Alice and William. REV. RICHARD KERFOOT, pastor of the Church of the Holy Communion (Episcopal), Geneva. Mr. Kerfoot was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1838; graduated at St. James' College, near Hagers- town, Md., where he also received his theological education ; he was engaged as tutor in the college for several years after his graduation; he was ordained in 1860. In 1861, he was appointed Chaplain of the 3d N. Y. V. I., stationed at Fort McHenry, and Fortress Monroe ; after the war, he was pastor of a church in Cincinnati about five years, and went thence to Evansville, Ind., for about the same length of time ; he has been pastor in Geneva since 1876. Mrs. Kerfoot is a native of Indiana. They have two daughters, born at Evansville. A history of the church and a sketch of the beautiful church edifice, over which Mr. Kerfoot presides, will be found elsewhere in this history. DANIEL LOCKE, gunsmith, Geneva ; he was born in Cheshire Co., N. H, September, 1820 ; his parents were James and Lydia Locke, with whom he moved to Tioga Co., Penn.; his father died in 1875; his mother still lives in Tioga Co., in her 89th year. The parents of Mr. Locke had twelve chil dren, six sons and six daughters, two sons and five daughters are still living, all of whom are residents of Pennsylvania, except Daniel. Mr. Locke learned the trade of gunsmith of his father; he came to Gen eva June 11, 1843 ; he has worked at gunsmithing since he first came here, and is the only one that has pursued that occupation in Geneva. He was married in Otsego Co., N. Y., to Clarissa Wright, a native of that county ; she died in the town of Lyons in this county, where Mr. Locke lived for three years. His present wife was Miss Elizabeth Booth, born in Yorkshire, England ; her parents emigrated to the State of Rhode Island when she was a child. Mr. Locke had six children by his first wife, three of whom are living ; Mrs. Julia M. Brady resides in San Francisco; Clara W. and Florence J. Eva L. died at home, Oct. 11, 1881, in her 16th year. Mr. Locke lost two sons, both of whom died quite young. A. E. LYTLE, dealer in patent rights, and associated with George P. Conant, inventor, firm Lytle & Conant, Geneva ; Mr. Lytle was born in St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., in 1842 ; he enlisted October, 1861, in the 60th N. Y. V. I., and served till June, 1865 ; came to Elkhorn the following July, and to Geneva in 1868 ; he was in the employment of N. K. Fairbanks for some time, in the fish business, and has more recently been connected with the patent rights business ; he also has charge of Ford's Opera Hall. JOHN A. M ACDONALD, homoeopathic physician and surgeon, Geneva. Dr. Macdonald was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1836 ; he graduated at the Medical College at Edinburgh, and came to the United States in 1862. His fath r died when he was about 10 years of age ; his mother, with her family, &06q HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. came to this country at the time her son came, and is now living in Canada. Soon after his arrival in this country, the Doctor entered the Medical Department of the University of Michigan ; on the completion of his course at that institution, he entered the army as Assistant Surgeon ; in this capacity he served for a time, and was then appointed Paymaster in the service, and was stationed at San Antonio, Tex. In 1868, he located as physician at Douglass Corners, Walworth Co., where he was engaged in practice about seven years. Dr. J. S. Maxon was a student of Dr. Macdonald's while at that place. _ In 1876, he went to Cleveland, and took a course in the Homoeopathic College of that city ; he also practiced two and a half years in the Huron Street Hospital College of Cleveland. Tne return of a disease contracted while in the army, induced him to return to Walworth Co., and locate in the healthful village of Geneva. The Doctor is a thoroughly educated physician, and is having an excellent practice. His wife was Miss Ella Mac- donald, also of Scotch descent, but a native of this country. H. S. MANNING, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Springfield ; son of Charles W. Manning, who was born in Connecticut July 26, 1796; he removed to Cnenango Co., N. Y., with his parents; he married Abiah Satton, and came to Wisconsin with his family, except his two oldest children, who moved to the State of Massachusetts, in June, 1847, and settled on the farm where his son now resides, and where he lived until his death, which occurred Jan. 31, 1878 ; his wife now lives with a daughter in Massachusetts. The parents of Mr. Manning had eight children, six sons and two daughters; two sons and one daughtjr are living. The brother^of Mr. Manning (John H), resided in Massachusetts, also his sister Mrs. Emma Manning, wife of A. K. Abbott. Three brothers of Mr. Manning were in the Union Army in the rebellion, viz. : Charles B. was a member of the 8th W. V. I., and died at Sulphur Springs, Mo., during the war; Frank belonged to the 10th W. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Perryville, Ky. ; another brother was con nected with an Arkansas regiment ; he died at his home at Lake Mills of diseases contracted in the army ; another son died at home, December, 1849, also a daughter in the same month and year. H. S. Manning was born in the State of New York, July, 1839 ; he now owns the homestead ; he was married to Har riet, daughter of Joseph G. Palmer. They have two children — Emma and Willa. The homestead contains 285 acres. AUSTIN MOODY, contractor and builder, Geneva. Mr. Moody was born in South Hadley, Mass-, in 1837; he first came to Geneva in 1857. In the following ytar he engaged in the drug business, the firm being Moody & Smith. After about one years' partnership, Mr. Moody purchased the interest of his partner, and conducted the business alone until October, 1861, when he sold out to Mr. George Ferris ; he then returned to Massachusetts, and began the business of contracting and building with his father-in-law. In 1864, he enlisted in the 61st Mass. V. I., and served until the close of the war in the capacity of Hospital Steward. After the close of the war, he went to Indianapolis, Ind., and engaged in the business of life insurance; he returned to Geneva in 1867. Since his return, he has been engaged in contracting and building. Of the many beautiful and costly dwellings at Geneva, and along the shores of Geneva Lake, Mr. Moody has had the contract for, and superintended the construction of the greater part, including the buildings of J. S. Rumsey, George Dunlap, N. K. Fairbanks, Edmund Burke, etc. ; he also built the Episcopal Church of Geneva, a beautiful edifice, built of round or cobble stone, a Gothic structure of rare beauty and design. Mrs. Moody was formerly Miss Ellen C. Sherman, a native of Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Moody have three children—Irene M., Jennie S. and Henry Spencer. GURDON MONTAGUE, Geneva; Mr. Montague is a native of Weathersfield, Conn., where he was born in 1819 ; he removed when 11 years of age to the town of Trenton, Oneida Co., N. Y. ; he began to learn the trade of millwright when 16 years of age, which has been his principal business through life ; he came to Milwaukee in 1845, landing in this city on June 30 of that year ; he came to Walworth Co. in the fall of that year ; he soon after, with his brother Richard, built a saw-mill at the head of Geneva Lake, where the saw and feed mill of C. L. Douglass now stands ; he also built' a saw-mill in the town of Richmond for Isaac Ferris; he came to Geneva in the fall of 1S46, and has resided here since, except a year's residence in Delavan; he built the grist-mill of R. W. Warren, and has done much of the millwrighting in this and surrounding counties. Mrs. Montague was formerly Miss Maria Post, who came to Wisconsin from St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1847. They have two daughters — Eva M., wife of 0. B. Myers, of Canon City, Colo., and Louisa 0., wife of S. M. Butler, of Englewood, 111. JAMES B. NETHERCUT, book-keeper for John Haskins Manufacturing Company ; he was born in Geneva in 1856. His father is George S. Nethercut, one of the earliest settlers of Geneva. He received a commercial education at the Spencerian Commerial College, Milwaukee ; he has occupied his present position since 1878. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 907r CHARLES A. NOYES, Postmaster, Goneva ; son of Charles A. Noyes, Sr., who was born in West ern New York, Sept. 12, 1812 ; when about 18 years of age, Mr. Noyes, Sr., went to Buffalo, and en gaged in clerking for Pratt, Taylor & Co., shipping merchants of that city. He went to Chicago early in the spring of 1836 ; then to Milwaukee, where he met and formed the acquaintance of Mr. Juno, the pioneer settler of that city. He had been in Milwaukee but a short time, when hearing of Geneva Lake and the advantages offered by the water privilege here, he resolved to come hither, which he did the same spring. Mr. Noyes became identified with the very earliest history of Geneva, an account of which will be found elsewhere. In 1837, he went to Richmond, 111., and made a claim which included the water privilege of that town. He remained there about one year, when he sold his claim ; he then removed to Hebron, where he lived one year. Was also connected with the early settlement of Salem, Genoa and other points. He crossed the plains to California, in 1850 ; returned, via the Isthmus, in 1853, and lo cated at Genoa, where he purchased an interest in the mills of that place. He went to Minnesota in 1857, and returned to the Pacific Coast in 1858 ; came back in 1872. He died Nov. 26, 1881. His wife died at Genoa in 1856. The parents of Mr. Noyes, Jr., had five children, three of whom are living, viz., Mary E. Rowe, Charles A. and Martha I. Fuller. Charles C. was born in Randall, Kenosha Co., in 1841 ; he enlisted at Genoa, in 1861, in the 8th W. V. I., Co. K. He participated in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged, up to the advance on Corinth, Miss., where he was severely wounded in the knee, which incapacitated him for further service ; he has been a great sufferer from the effect of this wound, and only an iron constitution and a determined will have been sufficient to support him. Mr. Noyes has much improved during the past few years. After he had sufficiently recovered from his ' wound he was appointed Postmaster at Genoa , a position he held for several years, and also held some local offices in that village. He was afterward elected Register of Deeds, serving from 1869 till 1875, a period of six years; he afterward located on a farm for a time. In 1877, he accepted an appoint ment to a clerkship at Washington ; but resigned his clerkship to accept the office of Postmaster at Gen eva in 1878. Mr. Noyes married Jennie Lind Umphrey, a daughter of B. B. Umphrey ; Mrs. Noyes died Jan. 19, 1882. Mr. Noyes has one daughter — Gertie. CYRIL L. OATMAN, Geneva ; he was born in Rmland Co., Vt.,in 1815, where he lived until 20 years of age. In the fall of 1835, he went to St. Louis, Mo., thence to Illinois. In the spring of 1837, he purchased a farm in Putnam, near Henry Co., on the Illinois River ; in that State he was vari ously engaged till the fall of 1838, when he came to Walworth Co. In the following February he invest ed in real estate, purchasing several hundred acres of land from the Government. He returned to Ver mont in 1839, but his home has been in Walworth Co. since 1838. He engaged in the mercantile business in 1843 ; sold goods in East Troy for five or six years ; he has been Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years, and was Under Sheriff for a number of years. He is a Democrat in politics, and a single man. CHARLES PALMERTIER, lumber dealer ; is one of the prominent business men of Geneva, and is the present State Senatorfrom this district. He was born in Greene Co., N. Y., in 1834 ; his parents, Lawrence and Mary Palmetier, were natives of Dutchess Co., N. Y. ; the family came to Walworth Co. in 1847, and settled in the town of Bloomfield on a farm originally settled by George Edwards, and known as the Edwards farm. The parents of Mr. Palmertire moved to Lake Co., Ill, in 1864, and thence to Winthrop, Iowa, where they now reside. Mr. Palmertire served during the war of the rebellion, in the 8th Wisconsin, the famous Eagle Regiment. He enlisted as a private in 1861 ; was promoted to 4th Ser geant of Co. K; was promoted to Second Lieutenant, Oct. 10, 1862, and First Lieutenant, May 5, 1865. He was at the front for the first three years of his service, participating in all the campaigns and battles in which the famous 8th was engaged. His war record is one of which he may justly be proud ; during the last year of the war, he was on detached duty ; he was a part of this time in command of Camp Utley, at Racine and was for a time Acting Quartermaster, at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee. After the war, he settled at Geneva Lake, and engaged in the business of carpentering with S. C. Sanford ; was for a time in the furniture business, and afterward for a time engaged in the mercantile trade ; in July, 1871, he en gaged in the lumber business as successor to Gilbert & Barber. Politically, Mr. Palmertire has been iden tified with the Republican party since its organization ; and he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention that nominated James A. Garfield for the Presidency ; arjd was elected to the State Senate in 1881 EDWARD PENTLAND, farmer, Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Elkhorn. Mr. Pentland is a native of the "Emerald Isle." He was born in County Down, near Belfast, Sept. 20, 1818, where he lived till the Spring of 1843 when, with his father's family, he emigrated to the United States; they arrived in the town of Geneva in July of that year ; his father settled near where his son now lives, and died in 1845 ; his wife died in 1849. The parents of Mr. Pentland had four children ; three sons and one daughter; Edward is 908s HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. the only one living in Walworth Co. For several years after coming to Walworth Co., Mr. Edward Pentland was engaged in various pursuits. He worked for some time in the lead mines at Galena ; he was also, for several years, engaged in lumbering on the Wisconsin and Chippewa Rivers ; he also made two trips, overland, to California ; the first time in 1849, returning in 1852 ; he again made the trip in 1853, and was absent about two years. He was married in 1852, after his first return from California, to Mary S. Brewster, daughter of Deodat and Lois Brewster (see sketch of Laura Palmer Brewster). They have three children— Franklin, who lives in Nevada; Henry, in Kansas, and Charles at home. The parents of Mrs. Brewster came to Geneva, in 1838 ; she was among the earliest teachers of Walworth Co.; she taught the first school taught by a female in the village of Geneva. Mr. Pentland has seen much of the world, and has improved his opportunities for obtaining information, and is numbered among the most intelligent citizens of the town in which he lives. In religion, he is a Protestant, and in politics, a Republican. CYRUS K. PHELPS, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Springfield ; he is one of the promi nent farmers and stock-raisers of Walworth Co. ; he resides in the northeast part of Geneva, on Sec. 1, where he has a fine location, a beautiful farm of 200 acres. He was born in the town of Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1818, but was brought up in the town of Alexander, in that county. His parents were Daniel and Betsy King Phelps ; his father died, April 26, 1868; his mother died Jan. 3, 1864. _ They came to the town of Geneva in 1842, and settled on Sec. 1 ; they died on the homestead of their son, Cyrus K. The parents of Mr. Phelps had five children, of whom Cyrus K. was the only son ; the daugh ters are Parmelia, wife of Samuel P. Jenks ; Sally, wife of Eli Webber ; Lavina, wife of George Wickwire, and Adelia, wife of David Williams. Mr. Phelps is the youngest but one, of his father's family ; he came to Geneva in the spring of 1840, and entered his present farm ; he was married to Adeline Williams, born in the town of Darien, Genesee Co. She died in the fall of 1879. Mr. Phelps has four children, three sons and one daughter, all of whom were born on the homestead ; Asa W., Jennie J., Jerome D. and Arthur H. Mr. Phelps makes a specialty of merino sheep ; he has a flock of 300, as fine as are to be found in the county, he also has several fine specimens of the Durham breed of cattle. ERASMUS D. PHILLIPS, retired, Geneva ; born in the town of Savoy, Berkshire Co., Mass., May 31, 1809; when 3 years of age, his father moved to Adams, where he was brought up ; married Catha rine Browning of the same county. Mr. Phillips was a student of Williams College during the freshman years ; he studied law in the office of George N. Briggs, Esq., of Berkshire Co. ; afterward removed to Buffalo, N. Y., and was for a time a law student in the office of Erastus Root in that city ; he came to Milwaukee in the spring of 1836, and was soon after admitted to the bar ; while in Milwaukee he engaged in speculating, buying and selling of land claims ; in 1856, he came to Geneva and purchased 21 acres of land within the corporation of the village, on which he has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have two children — Darwin E., born near Milwaukee in 1850 ; he is now engaged in manufacturing at Blue Rapids, Kan. ; and Alice G., wife of S. C. Ford. Mr. Phillips was one of the Board of Supervisors of the town of Oak Creek, near Milwaukee, and was Postmaster there twenty-one years, beginning with the administration of President Van Buren. THOMAS H. PRICE, florist, Geneva. Mr. Price was born in Wales in 1835 ; he came to the United States in 1857 ; resided in Cleveland, Ohio, one year, where he was engaged in the business of a florist ; he then went to Rock Island, 111., where he was in the employment of Gen. N. B. Buford for about two years. On the breaking-out of the war, he enlisted at Omaha for three years in the 1st Neb. V. I ; at the battle of Fort Donelson he was severely wounded in the forehead ; he also participated in the battle of Shiloh, and was severely wounded in the right leg at the battle of Girardeau. After several months' con finement in the hospital, he went before a Military Examining Board and passed a successful examination; was made a First Lieutenant and transferred to the 4th Neb. U. S. C. T.; his regiment was placed in Gen. Butler's command and participated in many important engagements ; he took part in the capture of Fort Fisher, where for gallant and effective service he was made Captain; after the close of the war, he was assigned to duty in the defense north of the Potomac, and was placed in command of Fort Lincoln ; he left the service in May, 1866. Mr. Price was a gallant and meritorious soldier, and served faithfully and well his adopted country in her time of peril. Since the war he has been a great sufferer from his wounded leg, and has been obliged to submit to a painful operation, which has partially restored the use of his limb. After the close of the war, Mr. Price returned to Wales, and was married to Miss Jane Evans ; he is a fine florist and has devoted the greater part of his life to the culture of plants and flowers. His green house gives evidence of his taste and skill in that direction. GEORGE W. RANSFORD, proprietor of the St. Denis House, Geneva; he is a native of the town of Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1828; after leaving school, he was engaged as HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 909t clerk in a dry goods store for a time, and was afterward engaged in the drug business for several years ; he came to Geneva in the fall of 1869, has been engaged in the hotel business since that time ; he was pro prietor of the Lake House for about three years, and leased the St. Denis Hotel in 1874; his wife was Miss Lydia Head, born in the town of Kinderhook, Columbia Co., N. Y. B. 0. REYNOLDS, M. D., Geneva; he was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1824. When 13 years of age he moved to Marion, Co., Ohio, then to Marseilles, Wyandot Co., in the same State. The Doctor's early advantages were not of a superior character, and his success, and the position which he has attained in life, are due to his indomitable energy ; he began the study of medicine at the age of 17 ; he graduated at the Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1851, and about ten years later at the Opthalmic College of New York City ; he began the practice of medicine at Huntsville, Ohio, and came to Racine Co., Wis., in 1848 ; in 1854, located at Elkhorn, Walworth Co. ; in December, 1861, he was commissioned Surgeon of the 3d W. V. C., and served with distinction in that capacity until February, 1865. The estimate placed upon his ability as a Surgeon while in the army, may be illustrated by the following quotation from the order of Brig. Gen. J. R. West, Chief of Cavalry Division, and signed by Joseph E. Lynch, Surgeon in Chief of Cavalry Division: " The Operating Staff will consist of Surgeon B. 0. Reynolds, 3d W. V. 0. ; Surgeon W. W. Bailey of 1st Mo. V. C., and no operation shall be performed without their sanction and direc tion, and in all doubtful cases the Board of Operating Surgeons, and Surgeons in Charge, will consult together and a majority shall decide upon the expediency and character of the operation." Dr. Reynolds settled in Geneva in 1866, where he soon acquired an extensive and lucrative practice ; he has always taken a prominent part in all public enterprises, whose tendency was to promote the best interests of Geneva; has been Mayor of the village since 1874. Politically, the Doctor has been a Republican since the establishment of that party, which he helped to organize ; he represented the Second Assembly Dis trict one term, being elected in 1875, and in 1877 was elected to the State Senate; his wife was Miss Mary Smith, born in Trumbull Co., Ohio. They have two sons, both of whom have received medical edu cations; J. C., the oldest, is a graduate of Rush Medical College, Chicago; he also took a medical course at Bellevue Medical College, New York City, and is engaged in practice with his father. Their younger son, Willis S., graduated at the Chicago Medical College ; is located at Mitchell, D. T. E. D. RICHARDSON, the oldest banker in Walworth Co., and one of the oldest in the interior of the State; was born in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., Nov. 26, 1810; he was bred a farmer, and had the common school advantages of the time and place where he was born ; he acquired a thorough primary ed ucation early, ana taught successfully in his native county several years before attaining to the age of 21 years. At that time he accepted an urgent invitation from the citizens of Cooperstown, N. Y., to take charge of the school in the village. With a single assistant, Miss Betsy Williams Spafard, who after ward became his wife, he conducted the school for three years, when his health failed, and he was obliged to give up the arduous responsibilities of the position. For a time he traveled in the then new Western country to recuperate his health, and then returned to Cooperstown, where he followed the occupation of book-keeper for several years. In 1842, having lost his wife, he came West, and first settled cm a farm of 160 acres, on Section 31, in what is now the town of Lyons. It was adjacent to the village of Geneva, and in 1844, five acres, on which was his homestead, was annexed by special act of the Legislature to the village of Geneva. Thus, though identified with the village since his settlement in 1842, he did not become a resident of the town until 1844. He kept possession of his farm for many years— perhaps until 1854. He soon after his settlement became a clerk in Spafard's store, and was elected a Justice of the Peace. He held this office for thirteen years, and became thereby the fiduciary agent of many of the resi dents and nonresident property holders of the county. In 1848, he began banking in Geneva, establish ing the bank of Geneva. It was the first interior bank established in Southern Vv isconsin. He has been its sole proprietor for thirty-four years, and through all the vicissitudes of the time has never failed to .meet every obligation on demand. His career as a banker is found ,n the sketch of his bank elsewhere in this history, khasbeen honored by nearly evei? office of trastw^ HeW^T Clerk in 1845-46-50; President of Village Board of Trustees in 1856 1870 1877, and held many other offi ces of trust. He was Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors in 1870. Mention is made of these ^offices only to show the general confidence reposed in him through the long lapse of years during which he has been a citizen of Geneva. Mr. Richar'dson married Miss Betsy W. Spafard, in Cooperstown N Y, Oct. 23 1834 they had one child- Elizabeth, wife of Mr. C. E. Buell, now cashier of the Bank of Geneva. Ss. SarS died Aug. 30, 1841, at Cooperstown. Feb. 16, 1843, Mr. Richardson married Miss Alma 0. Spafard. 910u HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. WILLIAM ROSS, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Geneva ; was born in Rahway, N. J., in 1812 ; his father was Morris Ross, born in New Jersey, but removed to Yates Co., N. Y., with his family in 1823, and to Walworth Co. in November, 1838, settled on Sec. 15, in the town of Geneva, purchasing his farm of the Government; he resided on Sec. 15 a number of years, and then removed to the village of Geneva, and thence to Columbia Co., where he died. He had nine children, of whom three sons and three daughters are still living. William Ross was married in the State of New York, to Polly M., daughter of Jacob Herrick ; he came to Geneva at the time his father came, in 1838, and settled on the farm where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have had seven children, three sons and four daughters ; two sons and one daughter are living; Moses, who resides in Minnesota; Washington, in the town of Geneva, and Eliza, living at home. The deceased children are Adeline, who died at the age of 22 years ; Martin F., a member of the 22d W. V. I., died at Danville Ky.; Marinda, died in 1862 ; Ella, wife of A. L. Gilbert, died in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Ross are members of the Baptist Church of Geneva; they are the only constituent members of that church now remaining. GEORGE ROSS, farmer, Sec. 10 ; P.O. Springfield; Mr. Rossis the son of Morris Ross (see sketch of William Ross). He was born in the town of Jerusalem, Yates Co., N. Y., in 1825 ; he came to Walworth Co. with his parents in 1838 ; he has lived in the town of Geneva since he first came to the county, and until 1877, at the homestead. In that year he purchased his present farm of Mr. 0. P. Standish. Mrs. Ross was formerly Miss Clarinda Gray, daughter of Elihu Gray. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have four children — Libbie, Cora, Bion and Maud. Mr. Ross has 192 acres of land. MICHAEL ROUSE, farmer, Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Springfield ; he was the son of Nehemiah and Maria Rouse ; his father was a native of New York ; his mother of Pennsylvania ; they came to Walworth Co. with their family, in November, 1840, and settled on Sec. 14, on the farm on which their son William now lives. Mr. Rouse purchased his form of Mr. B. Stork ; he died at the homestead in June, 1874 ; his wife died Jan. 5, 1875. The parents of Michael Rouse had nine children, who grew to maturity — five sons and four daughters — all of whom are living but one daughter. The names of the surviving children are as follows: Michael, Anthony, Hannah M. (now Mrs. E. B. Farnum), George, Lydia A., Wiliiam, Amanda (now Mrs. William Wamsley), and J. Dewey. Michael was born in the town of Jerusalem, Yates Co. N. Y., June 6, 1827, married Pamelia S. Wright, daughter of Daniel Wright, who was born in Otsego Co., N. Y. They have one son, John W., born February, 1869. Mr. Rouse bought his farm of Henry Jackson ; it was originally settled by William Slork. WILLIAM H. SEYMOUR, of the firm of Seymour Brothers, proprietors of City Meat Market, Geneva ; son of Robert and Harriet (Jaques) Seymour. The parents of Mr. Seymour were born in Rhinebeck, Dutchess Co., N. Y. They came to Walworth Co. in the spring of 1854, and settled on the farm originally settled by Sherman S. Rockwood. Mr. Robert Seymour was born July 14, 1814, and died Feb. 20, 1879; his wife was born Oct. 29, 1812, and died Oct. 19, 1878. They have six children, three sons and three daughters, all of whom are living. William H. was born in Dutch ess Co., N. Y., in 1838 ; he came to Walworth Co. with his parents ; he came to Geneva Lake and engaged in his present business in 1867 ; he married Miss Helen Garfield, daughter of William Garfield. Mrs. Seymour was bom in Elkhorn, in July, 1845; they have two children, Frank and Julia. A.T.Sey mour is associated with his brother in business ; was born in Dutchess Co. in 1836 ; he enlisted in 1862 in the 28th W. V. I., was a Lieutenant of Co. I of that regiment ; during a part of his term of service, was Aid-de-Camp to Gen. Slack ; he served till the close of the war, after which he located at Pine Bluff, Arkansas ; he ran a plantation for a time ; he also held the offices of Postmaster and express agent for several years. Previous to the war, Mr. Seymour had spent some time in California ; he has recently re turned from Arkansas. His wife was Miss Margaret Wornack, born in Tennessee. JAMES SIMMONS is the son of John Simmons, a lawyer, a graduate of Rhode Island College in 1797. His father emigrated from Connecticut to Vermont in 1799. The subject of this sketch was born at Middlebury, Vt., June 11, 1821. He graduated with honor, from Middlebury College, in July, 1841, and commenced the study of law in the office of Hon. Horatio Seymour, of Middlebury, Vt., an uncle of ex-Gov. Seymour, of New York. In 1843, he came West, and first settled in Geneva. There he completed his legal studies in the office of the late C. M. Baker, and was admitted to practice at the Walworth Co. bar, in October, 1843 ; he opened an office at Geneva, and practiced his profession for two years, at which time failing health obliged him to temporarily change his avocation ; he accordingly e°fcf ? . 7.J,Btor Geneva. He was born in the town of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., in 1814. He received a preparatory course at the Salem Academy, of which his father was Prin- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 913x cipal, and graduated at Williams College in 1835. He entered the ministry as home missionary, and was connected with home missions for a number of years. In 1862, he was appointed, by President Lincoln, Chaplain of the U. S. General Hospital at Keokuk, Iowa, which position he occupied until 1865. After the war, he settled as pastor of the Westminster Church at Rockford, 111. In 1869, he came to Geneva, and established the Geneva Home School for Boys, which he conducted for five and one-half years ; but failing health compelled him to reluctantly relinquish this enterprise. During the last few years, he has devoted himself, as closely as his still delicate health would permit, to literary pursuits. He is the author of " The Age Temptation of American Christians, " and is now engaged on another religious work. Mrs. Williams was formerly Miss Susan F. Hawkes, daughter of the Rev. Roswell Hawkes. She was born in Massachusetts, and is a graduate of Mt. Holyoke Seminary. Her father, a clergyman, aided in the organization of that institution, and in raising the funds necessary for its construction. IRA WILLIAMS, grocer, Geneva. Mr. Williams is one of the older prominent business men of Geneva. He was brought up in the State of Vermont, where he was born in 1817. His father was a farmer, to which business Mr. Williams was brought up. He received an academical education, and en gaged in teaching during the winter, for several years. He came to Geneva in the spring of 1852, and settled on a farm in the town of Bloomfield. He sold his farm in 1868, and came to Geneva. Has been in business since 1870. His wife, formerly Alice Claxton, is a native of the North of Ireland. Mr. Williams has three children — Ivan I., Martha Jane, Flack and Frankie ; his two oldest children were born in Vermont, the youngest in town of Bloomfield. His son is of the firm of Williams & Gilbert. Mr. Williams was Assessor of Bloomfield ten years, and has been Assessor of Geneva every year but one since he came here. E. WOODMAN, mail and express contractor, Geneva. Mr. Woodman was born in Addison, Addi son Co., Vt., Oct. 8, 1812, but was brought up in the town of Jay, Essex Co., N. Y. He went to Kala mazoo, Mich., in May, 1836. In October, 1837, he went to Michigan City, where he was married in October, 1839. He kept hotel near Michigan City, and elsewhere, for many years. Mr. Woodman has had the contract for carrying the mail and express between Geneva and Springfield since July, 1855 ; his contract will expire July, 1883, and will then have includeda period of twenty-eight years. Few men, in his position in life, have so extensive an acquaintance as he. Of an active, energetic and accommodating spirit, he is ex tensively and favorably known. His wife, formerly Miss Almira Warner, was a native of Weston, N. Y. ; she died Nov. 6, 1880. Mr. Wheeler has no children living, having lost his entire family of five chil dren by those terrible scourges, dyphtheria and scarlet fever. REV. N. M. ZIMMER, pastor of St. Francis Catholic Church, Geneva. Father Zimmer is a native of Wisconsin ; was born in the town of Menominee Falls,' Waukesha Co., Jan. 10, 1848. He is the son of John and Catherine Zimmer, natives of Prussia. He was educated at St. Francis Seminary, near Milwaukee, and ordained, in 1870, by Archbishop Henni. His first charge was at Pans, Kenosha Co., second at Grafton, Ozaukee Co., third at New M -ster, Kenosha Co. He assumed his present charge May 28 1874 He has been pastor of this church a longer time than any other clergyman, since its or ganization. He is not only a priest, acceptable and beloved by his congregation, but is also a genial and kind-hearted gentleman, one whom it is a pleasure to meet. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 889 SPRING PRAIRIE. ORGANIZATION. The town of Spring Prairie was denned as such by act of the Territorial Legislature, January 2, 1838. It was one of the five original towns of the county, and embraced, at that time, two townships, described in the governmental survey, as Towns three in ranges seventeen and eighteen, east, — being the present towns of La Fayette and Spring Prairie. It was then but little more than the defined boundary of a voting precinct — one of five in the county. The place of holding the first election was designated in the organizing act, " to be held at the bouse of Dr. Hemenway, in Spring Prairie." The first meeting of which there is any record, where town officers were chosen was held in April, 1842. Town Three, range seventeen east, was set off and incorporated as a sepa rate town, March 21, 1843, under the name of La Fayette, thereby reducing the town of Spring Prairie to its present geographical limits. This sketch is mainly restricted to the town as existing within its present boundaries. Spring Prairie was originally christened by Mrs. Dr. Hemenway, on hearing a descrip tion of the beautiful and abundant springs, which gushing out from the prairie, unite and form a large stream, which received the name of Spring Brook. At the organiza tion of the town in 1838, the name was retained as significant and appropriate. TOPOGRAPHY. The surface of the country is varied. Rich and level prairies — gently undulating openings, and wooded hills are so interspersed as to form a beautiful and diversified panorama. The growth of timber is heavier in the northern, than in the southern por tions of the town, and consists principally of the various varieties of oak, with a few maples, and occasionally a cherry or basswood. The principal ranges of hills run easterly with Sugar Creek, and from near the center of the town to its southern line. Given statistically, about seven thousand acres are level ; 10,000 rolling ; 6,000 hilly ; and four or five hundred marshy. Originally, there were 12,000 acres or more of openings within the limits of the town ; about 6,000 acres timbered, principally in the northern part ; the heaviest timber being found on Sees. 3, 4, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16,. 17 and 18. There were about 4,000 acres of prairie, located as follows : Spring Prairie in the southwestern part, comprising a part of sections 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32, and a small por tion of section 21,— a total of about 1,600 acrss ; Gardner's prairie, in the southeastern part, comprising section 25, and part of sections 22, 23, 24, 26, 35 and 36, about 2,000 acres ; also 400 acres in the northeastern corner of the town. The soil is rich in all the elements necessary to render it eminently suited to agri cultural pursuits, being a deep vegetable mould, slightly mixed with sand 011 the south ern prairies, and burr oak openings, and a whiter soil mixed with clay, well adapted to the raising of wheat and fruits, in the northern white oak openings. The town is watered by Honey Creek, which enters near the northwest corner, runs south through sections 1, 12 and 13, at the southeast corner of the latter section forming a junction with Sugar Creek, and passing mto Racine County;-by Sugar Creek, which runs nearly through the centre of the town from west to east ;— by White River (the outlet of Geneva Lake) in the southeast corner ;-by Spring Brook, formed from several large springs near the center of the western boundary of the town and running easterly until it empties into Sugar Creek on Sec. 13;-by a stream called Indian Run, which has its source in springs and a small marsh on sections 21, and 22, and runs south into the town of Lyons ; and finally by Marsh Creek, which rises on sections 9 and 10, runs in an easterly direction, and empties into Honey Creek on Section 12. 890 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. There are several limestone ledges. The one most extensively quarried is, on Sec tion 36, in the southeastern part of the town. Large quantities of this stone are used as building material for heavy abutments, sluice ways, cellars, etc., and in the neighboring village of Burlington, Racine Co., for dwellings and manufactories. A less extensive quarry — or one less extensively worked, — is on Section 16, on the farm of Absalom Williams. There are numerous peat beds in the town — one on Section 27, of 20 or 30 acres. A few mineral springs are found, but of no very considerable importance. Quite an extensive moraine lies in Section 34, running southeasterly and disappear ing near the south line of the town. SPRING PRAIRIE IN 1836. The adjoined sketch from the pen of S. A. Dwinnell, gives a vivid idea of the con trast between Spring Prairie as it is in 1881, with scarcely an acre of its 36 square miles, " waste land ; " — with its farms like gardens ; — its fine dwellings, its barns and granaries bursting with their fragrant loads; — with its churches, schools and various industries; and Spring Prairie as it was forty-five years ago, even then beautiful with the native loveliness stamped upon it by the hand of God. " I found the place to be unsurpassed for beauty and fertility. It was one mile in width by four in length, with a gently undulating surface, surrounded on all sides by beautiful groves of timber. Upon one side were several hundred acres of heavy timber, consisting of oak, ash, basswood, butternut and maple, in which was a large sugar-bush, which had been the annual resort of the Indians for making sugar. Their wigwams, sap-trough and boiling kettles had been _left — evidently for future use — a pleasure which they were never again to enjoy. In the groves surrounding the prairie, were springs of the purest water, from which flowed streams in all directions — one of which was sufficiently large to turn the machinery of a flouring mill, afterwards erected a short distance from its source. * * * * The settlement was composed of six families, the first three of whom had arrived there on the first day of June previous. Others had come only a few days before. Their wives, children and stock being poorly sheltered, suffered much from the severity of the cold during the ensuing winter. Two fields — one of ten, and the other of twelve acres, had been broken and fenced that season. Two other fields — one of ten, and the other of forty acres, constituted the entire area under cultivation, in what is now Walworth County." Mr. Dwinnell first entered Spring Prairie in November 1836, and the three families of the little settlement whom he mentions as having " arrived there on the first day of June previous " must have been those of David Pratt, — consisting of himself, wife and five children ; Solomon Harvey, wife and three children ; and Dr. Hemenway (who however did not arrive until June 6th), wife and one child. These three families all set tled on Section thirty (30). Before the arrival of these three families in June, the "virgin soil" of Sprino- Prairie had been broken. Palmer Gardner who arrived on the fifteenth day of April, 1836, had already sown the seed of the first harvest. On the second of May, the smiling prairie received its first lesson in the wholesome process of cultivation. On the twenty-fifth, twenty-five acres were already sown to oats, and a garden planted with corn and potatoes ; the first garden planted, and the first grain sown in Spring Prairie. There were also in the place Fred. T. Hunt, living with Mr. Gardner ; Isaac Chase, Wm. J. Bentley and Joel Smith, who all came May 20, and settled on sections 28 and 29, and Daniel Salis bury, who arrived May 25, and settled on section 29. James Nelson, with his wife and two children, who lived with Mr. Gardner for a month, from April 30, 1836, to May 30,1836, had removed to Racine county, and Lemuel R. Smith, who came May 20, and made a claim on section 25, did not live in the town until 1841. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 89i Gilman H. Hoyt, of Vermont, arrived in July, 1836, and took up a claim on section 1. He spent most of the summer in Rochester, and returned to live upon his land in October. Reuben Clark came from Michigan, and the two started out together. When they arrived at the claim they took off the box to their wagon, and slept under it until they could erect a hut." This only occupied a few days. The two, being single, kept " bachelors' hall," during the winter. Mr. Hoyt returned to Vermont in 1838, and mar ried Miss Elizabeth Heath of that State. After living there twelve years he removed to Columbia county. On September 11, 1837, Mr. Hoyt (the father) and his family, consisting of a wife, two daughters and a son (Avery A.), left their pleasant home at the head-waters of the Union River, Vermont, bound for Spring Prairie, Walworth county. When about five days' journey from home, the family was thrown into a fever of excitement and anguish by discovering what appeared to be the loss of the parental pocket-book, containing about f 300, their then combined earthly possessions. The lost was found in a forgotten garment, and the colony finally reached Buffalo and took passage by boat. When a few hours out, the wood-work around the old-fashioned boiler took fire ; the beams and covering above had to be chopped through ; in the meantime the flames spread, and it was only by the most strenuous exertions that a probably fatal catastrophe was pre vented. Their journey by ox-team to their destination in Spring Prairie was attended by great hardships, a severe snow-storm raging on October 25, and being particularly severe on young Avery, who did much of the driving. Upon one occasion being spoken to in regard to his careless driving, the boy did not reply, and the father found that he was so nearly frozen that he could not speak. The family finally started house keeping with $35 in money, but with a determination to make their new move win. The first winter the privations which were suffered were those which few endure with such spirit, but they came out of the conflict with nature, bravely and successfully. A REMINISCENCE. The following from Avery A. Hoyt, narrating the experiences of his family, for the first few years, gives a very good idea of the general hardships endured by the first pioneers of this town and other regions : " The next day, October 26, was warm and pleasant, with the snow melting fast. About sun-down the family arrived at Honey Creek on the west bank of which my oldest brother, Gilman Hoyt, had built a comfort able house without a foot of sawed lumber in it or about it. This house was located on sec tion one (1), in the extreme northeast corner of what was afterward the township of Spring Prairie. Our arrival at Honey Creek was on the twenty-sixth day of October, 1837. My father was greatly delighted with the country, but what the family were to subsist on for the next nine months was a question of grave importance. Three barrels of flour and about a bushel and a half of beans, raised by brother Gilman, was about all the visible means of support for a family of seven. But little money and very little provisions in the country, the prospect was not without some anxiety. After picking over the beans several times. Mother Hoyt asked brother Gilman if he did not think the beans that were left would not grow. He replied that he ' would not disgrace the prairie by planting them in it.' But before beans grew again they were thoroughly washed, and somebody had to eat them or go hungry. " The spring of 1838 was very early, at least the Vermonters thought so, who had been accustomed to late springs. By the first of April there was abundant grass in the openings, and plenty of cowslips which were of great use to the family. Some early vegetables were planted which grew finely, and among them were some ear y pumpkins. The first one that showed any sign of blushing was utilized by Mrs. Hoyt by preparing them for pies. But here a serious difficulty arose ; the larder, always quite bare, did not furnish a drop of grease of any kind to grease the tins. In this emergency she went to Reuben Clark's and asked his wife for some. Maria, always generous, made diligent 892 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. search, and found a bacon rind, cut so thin that in drying it had rolled up. This she unrolled and divided, so the family had some New England pumpkin pies. "In the winter of 1838 and '39, some thought we might have a small school at Honey Creek. After looking around a short time found a young man by the name of Spencer Pitman, who agreed to teach the school for his board. When all the boys and girls of suitable age were collected for three miles around they numbered eight, so it was con cluded to go on with the school. Selah Whitman donated the use of a small room in his house and boarded the teacher. The school prospered well for eight days, then the teacher's appetite failed and the school closed. The next winter on counting up the scholars within a circle of four miles, seventeen scholars were found, a school district organized, a school house was stolen, a qualified teacher hired, by the name of Coudry, who had a good appetite, and he taught a good school for three months." In the summer of 1839 Mr. A. A. Hoyt, then a lad of about fifteen years, worked for John Hopkins driving his team to break. Before Mr. Hoyt was seventeen years old he had earned enough to enter forty acres of land, which he did in the year 1840, which laid the foundation for his fine home, which he now enjoys together with his amiable wife. The farm now contains four hundred and fourteen acres, under a fine state of cul tivation, with a fine set of buildings "for the comfort of himself and family. The prop erty is named " Sunnyside Farm " and it is an appropriate appellation. In the fall of 1836 Rufus Billings removed from Oneida county, N. Y. to Spring Prairie, and with his family settled on Section 23. Here for thirty-one years he carried on a farm, and removed to Burlington, Racine County, in 1867. In September, 1836, Daniel Campbell and his family, consisting of a wife and five children, came from New York and settled upon Section 28. In 1838 they moved to Lyons, upon Section 4. Mr. Campbell died in 1879. His son, Wm. J. is now clerk of that town. During the fall and winter of 1836-7, the Spring Prairie settlement increased and flourished amazingly ; and in the early summer of 1837, it numbered over seventy souls, men, women and children. Biographical sketches of the earlier settlers of 1836 will be given at the close of this article, and especial mention of all who settled during that year, in the General County History. THE INDIANS. At the time of the first white settlement in Spring Prairie, the Indians had all left for lands farther west, save one small company of Pottawottomies averaging about thirty, occasionally increased by a brief visit from a few Menomonees. Their encamp ment was on the bank of a little stream on Section 27, called from the circumstance "Indian Run." The place where the rude wigwams then stood, and where the squaws kept the few acres of corn and beans " well hoed " and "very clean from weeds,"' as one who visited the spot, writes, is now the farm of A. T. Allen, about forty rods' north of the Spring Prairie and Burlington road. One quite pathetic incident occurred during their last visit to the beautiful prairie. One of their number sickened, and all through the long summer days continued to decline. Consumption does not spare even the poor Indian. He was tenderly and anxiously cared for by the rest — every fair day riding out in the warm sunshine, even after he became so weak that he could not mount his pony without the aid of some strong arm. The pure air and sunshine were powerless in his case, as in that of many a " tender white blossom," and the leaves of autumn covered the grave of the last red man buried on the Prairie, that once had been the free hunting and dwelling place of his race. His grave was carefully marked by the Indians with a low fence of poles according to their custom, and so left among a " new and strange people. ' Besides this encampment a small number visited the maple woods of Sugar Creek for a brief period during " sugar-making " time. They were a little west of the west line ot the township of Spring Prairie. They remained only a few weeks during HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 893 the early spring of 1836, and in November of the same year were conveyed to their new aStZf* f f MlSS1SS1PP1- , T1?is ™s their ^st visit, save an occasional winter expe t"Jl A • y,\° • T-H f°r hUntil?g PurP°ses- They were on friendly terms with which b. g -^ b?i?f St!ay' and perhaPS co^i(iered the few pieces of property which they appropriated without leave, as only an equivalent for the trouble of "moving." SETTLERS OP 1837. The settlers of this year, so far as record can be obtained are as follows ; Roderick Merrick and family, from Michigan, came March 16. Purchased Horace Coleman s claim on Sections 29 and 30. Mrs. Merrick living. Isaiah Dike and family, from Michigan. Came in March. All living. John E. Hopkins, from Vermont. Mr. Hopkins first located on Section 26, but soon sold and re-located on Section 1, where he lived until his death in 1866. He married Miss Ann Hoyt. One son, J. C. Hopkins, is living on the old place. James McNay. Located on Section 12, and lived there until he sold in 1856. Samuel C. Vaughn and family, Michigan. Came in March, and located on Section 20. Died Nov. 26, 1868. Otis, his son, still lives on the old farm, and the widowed mother, 84 years of age, resides with him. _ William D. Crain and family, N. Y., came in March. Located on Section 28. Mr. Grain not living. William H. Dunning, N. Y., came in March, and located on Section 34. Sold, the following year, and re-located on Section 24. Jabesh T. Clement and family, N. Y. Came in February. Carpenter, joiner and • millwright. No w living in California. Perrin Smith, Vermont, purchased the claim of Isaac Chase, on Sections 33 and 28. Lived in Spring Prairie over thirty years. The last heard of him he lived in Tennessee. Ansel Salisbury, Cdrtland Co., N. Y. Came in May. Purchased William H. Dun- ning's claim on Section 34. He was married to Miss Olive Dame in 1842, and in 1846 sold his farm and removed to Whitewater, where he now resides. Chester Baker and family. Mr. Baker and his wife are both dead. John Bell, Michigan. Nurseryman. George Bell, Michigan. Located on Section 23 and remained there about thirty- nine years — until his death. A. H. Bunnell. Lived in Spring Prairie one year, removed, and afterwards bought property and lived there two years. He now lives in the town of La Fayette. Mr. Benjamin Hoyt came during the year. William B. Wade located on Section 12, and lived there about five years. Edwin and Purlee Baker came with their father, Chester Baker, in 1837. In 1841 purchased a farm on Section 5. Edwin moved to Oshkosh, and Purlee sold the farm in 1868 and joined his brother. Both now reside in Oshkosh. Francis Baker located on Section 10, where he now resides. SETTLERS OF 1838. Of the settlers of 1838 there is the following record : Richard Chenery from Massachusetts. Located on Section 26. In 1839, Mr. Chenery built the first good frame house in the town, at a cost of $1,000. He went east and was married soon after his arrival at Spring Prairie, returned and lived in the town about seven years. He has since lived in California. John Martin, formerly a Judge in Connecticut, located on section 24. He owned the water power at Vienna, on Sugar Creek, and built a saw-mill at that place, which was put in operation in 1846. His principal occupation was farming. His wife died in 1842, and he in 1873 or '74. 894 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Corbin Clark, from Ohio. Married after his arrival and settled on section 8, living there until his death, about ten years after. Harry Ambler. Located on section 4. Lived there about ten years. Now lives in East Troy. Louis Smither from Germany. Located on section 4. Was quite a prominent man among his countrymen, and was several times one of the town Supervisors. He died in 1880. Thomas Miller from Michigan. Lived in Spring Prairie about thirty years. Abel Neff from New York. Located on section 25, sold and bought on section 34, and again sold in 1849 and removed to Oshkosh. He is still living. Josiah B. Gleason from Massachusetts. Settled on section 34 and soon after mar ried Miss Sarah Bacon. He died in 1848. His son Jacob now lives on the o7d place. Jeremiah Walker and family. Located on section 17, and lived there eleven years. Josiah P. Langmaid and family from Boston. Located on section 12, lived there twelve years, and moved into the town of Rochester, where he died in 1871. Erastus O. Vaughn and family from Vermont. Located on section 10. Lived there until Mr. Vaughn's death in 1880. Josiah 0. Puffer from Massachusetts. Located on section 27. He was a shoemaker. Still a resident of the town. De D wight Whitmore and wife from Massachusetts. Located on section 27, and lived there about seven years, when he returned to Massachusetts. A carpenter. Samuel T. Jenks and family, New York. Located on section 31, and with his wife still lives on the old place. George H. Palmer came here from Litchfield, Conn., in July, 1838, and settled on Section 12. Had a wife and three children — two sons and a daughter. The oldest son, George Augustus, and his mother, yet live on the old homestead, and Edwin and his sister live in Michigan. Mr. George H. Palmer, in the fall of 1838, cut his knee with a draw shave or draw ing knife, and soon afterward strained it so that it made it much worse and he was con fined to the house a long time, was laid up from work until the next Spring, and was always lame after it. Mr. Palmer possessed great perseverance and energy of character. After residing here nineteen years he moved back to Connecticut, and lived there eleven years, returned here in 1868 and died October 3, 1872, aged sixty-eight years. When he first came here his family stopped in Rochester, Racine County, while he built a log house on his claim. Daniel Whitmore, Racine County. First bought on section 19, and afterwards on section 17. Soon after the land sale, he married Miss Nobles, and he and his family still live on the farm. Israel Williams and family, from New York, John M. Cowles, from New York, Mr. Kent and wife, and Mr. Booth, were among the settlers of 1838. John Bacon and family from Pennsylvania. Came March 14, 1838. (See biography.) 1839. — Hon. James Baker, from Buffalo, N. J. He purchased a farm on Section 5, remained one year, returned to Buffalo and was married, came again to Spring Prairie, lived on his farm until 1859, when he removed to Milwaukee, where he died a few years ago. Alexander Porter (Scotch). Purchased on Section 5, and lived there until his death — about six years ago. George W. Arms and wife, from Massachusetts. Purchased on Section 26. Was one of the County Commissioners under the territorial law. Moses Arms, bis brother, with his wife came at the same time and had a joint interest in the farm. The familv lived there until 1846. Selah Whitman and family. Located at Honey Creek in the northwestern part of HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 895 the town, and remained there until Mr. Whitman's death, seven or eight years after wards. 1839. — Capt. Kimball Easterbrook. (Sea captain.) Purchased on Section 22, and lived there about six years. Thomas Hill and family. Purchased on Section 31, and lived there a number of years. Samuel Neff and family. Purchased on Section 35, sold and moved away in 1846. John Mathers. Purchased on Section 5. Was married soon after his arrival. Sold in 1854, and removed to La Crosse. Silas Salisbury, Courtland, N. Y. Located on Section 34, with his family of seven sons and four daughters. His wife died Marcli 3rd, 1845, aged 59 years. He re-married — remained in Spring Prairie about ten years, and moved into the town of Walworth, where he died. Marcus K. Britton, Michigan. Purchased on Section 15. Returned to Michigan — remained there two years — was married, and came back to his farm on Spring Prairie, where he still lives. Samuel Britton. Purchased on Section 11. Married Miss Eliza Hoyt, and has lived on his farm until the present time. George Hatter. Located on Section 4. Served as a soldier under Napoleon the First, — went with him to Moscow, — and was one of the few survivors of the terrible march. He died about ten years ago. Dr. Daniel Allen, Erie Co. N. Y. Located on Section 6, and lived there until his death, which occurred in 1850, at the age of 78 years. 1840. — Rev. Orra Martin and family, Connecticut. Purchased a farm on Section 23. Mr. Martin has preached on Sundays, and attended to his farm during the week. His wife, and two sons have died, and he is feeble physically, but still retains bis memory and his mental faculties in good measure. He is now 92 years of age. James Mathers and family. Located on Section 3. Remained about four years. Louis Kearns and family. Located on Section 18, and lived there until the death of Mr. Kearns — about 24 years ago. John Densmore and family. Located on Section 18, and resided there until Mr. Densmore died, on May 13th, 1869, at the age of eighty-nine years and eight months. Jonathan Leach and family, N. Y. Located on Section 31, and remained twenty-six years. In addition to farming, Mr. Leach dealt in stock, and was a licensed auctioneer. Zebulon Bugbee and family. Lived at Spring Prairie about six 'years. 1841 Charles Bowman. Located on Section 6, and still resides there. Benjamin L. Reed and wife. Located on Section 22. Lived there five years. Franklin J. Patton and family. Located on Section 22, and remained about four yeai Lansing D. Lewis. Purchased on Section 15, and lived there about seven years. Judge Wm. Berry, from Cortland Co., N. Y. Came in 1842 and purchased a farm, in company with his son Mellen on Section 12. He was bom in Salem, Mass., of Puritan ancestry, received a common school education, and on arriving at manhood, became a manufacturer and farmer. The latter occupation he still pursued after settling in Wis- consk H Twas married April 3, 1798, to Nancy Mellen, of Pelham Mass., and died ThTs residence in Spring Prairie in 1848. Of his family only a daughter remains. His ^'^Btr^wa^eLted to the First Constitutional Convention, from Walworth °0U The « Memorial Record of the Fathers of Wisconsin/' says of him "Having been detained from some cause, he did not take his seat in the Convention until ten days after its session began, for which reason his name is not recorded upon any of the standing comSeesTbut his votes upon all propositions and articles submitted, evince intelligent 896 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. inquiry, and a thoroughly honest purpose to follow his convictions of duty and right. He was in every sense a good man and a public-spirited citizen of sound, practical knowl edge and excellent sense. Judge Berry was sixty-five at this time — the oldest man in the convention." Of the early settlers of Spring Prairie, the following are still living in the town and county. In the town : Austin L. Merrick, Mrs. Reuben Clark, Mrs. Roderick Merrick, Mr. George Gillispie, Mr. Isaiah Dike and wife, Mrs. Samuel C. Vaughn, Mrs. William D. Crain, Mr. John Bell and wife, Mrs. George Bell, Mr. Francis Baker, Mr. A. A. Hoyt, Mrs. John E. Hopkins, Mr. Samuel Britton, and wife, Mr. Josiah O. Puffer, Mr. Samuel P. Jenks and wife, Mrs. Josiah B. Gleason (now Mrs. Wilcox), Mr. Charles Martin, Rev. Orra Martin, Mr. Charles Bowman, Mr. Marcus R. Britton and wife. In the county : Mr. Daniel Salisbury and Mr. Ansel Salisbury, Following are the names of those deceased, with the dates of their death so far as known : Mrs. Daniel Salisbury. Died Aug. 16th, 1843, aged twenty-eight. Mrs. Silas Salisbury. Died March 3, 1845, aged fifty-nine. Mrs. Austin L. Merrick. Died May 5,1855. Mrs. J. O. Puffer. Died Feb. 11, 1862, aged forty-one. Dea. John Bacon, jr. died Dec. 17, 1865, aged eighty. Dea. John Bncon, jr., died Jan. 31, 1866, aged forty- five. Mrs. Samuel C. Vaughn, died Nov. 26, 1868, aged sixty-six. Mr. John Dens more, died May 13, 1869, aged eighty-nine. Mr. Roderick Merrick, died May 8, 1870, aged seventy-five. Mr. Kilborn S. Owen, died May 22, 1872, aged sixty-seven. Mr. Silas Salisbury, Mrs. John Bacon, sen., Mrs. John Densmore, Mrs. Kilborn S. Owen, Mr. Reuben Clark, Mr. William D. Crain, Mr. George Bell, Mr. John E. Hopkins, Mr. Josiah B. Gleason, Mr. Lemuel R. Smith, Col. Perez Merrick, Mrs. Perez Merrick, Capt. Charles Dyer, Mrs. Charles Dyer, Mr. George H. Palmer, Mr. J. P. Langmaid, Mr. Benjamin Hoyt, sen., Mr. Benjamin Hoyt, jr., Mr. John Martin, Mrs. John Martin, Mr. Alexander Porter, Mr. David Pratt, Hon. Samuel Pratt, Mrs. Samuel Pratt, Mr. Horace Coleman, Mrs. A. A. Hemenway, Mr. Robert Campbell, Mrs. Robert Campbell, Mr. Daniel Campbell, Mrs. Daniel Campbell, Mr. David Patten, Mrs. David Patten, Mr. Benjamin C. Perce, Rev. Benjamin Perce, Mrs. Benjamin Perce, Mrs. Sylvester G. Smith, Mrs. Sylvester G. Smith, Mr. Chester Baker, Mrs. Chester Baker, Mr. Corbin Clark, Mr. Harry Ambler, Mr. Louis Smither, Mr. Thomas Miller, Mrs. Thomas Miller, Mrs. Abel Neff, Mr. Erastus O. Vaughn, Hon. James Baker, Mrs. George W. Arms, Mrs. Moses Arms, Mr. Selah Whitman, Mr. George Hatter, Dr. Daniel Allen, Mrs. Rev. Orra Martin, Mrs. Franklin J. Patten, Louis Kearns, Z. Bugbee. EARLY TIMES AND EVENTS. The first breaking was done by Palmer Gardner, on section twenty-five. He com menced on the 2d day of May, 1836, and plowed eighteen acres, which was all sowed to wheat, barley and oats, or planted to corn or potatoes in May and June, 1836. Messrs. David Pratt and Solomon Harvey each plowed on section thirty in June of the same year, and raised potatoes and buckwheat. The first marriage ceremony was that of Oliver VanValin, living in the town of Spring Prairie, to Miss Jane Resigue, of an adjoining county, July 16, 1837. The mar riage ceremony was performed at the home of the bride. The first marriage ceremony in the town was performed at the house of Oliver VanValin, Sept. 3, 1837. Reuben Clark and Maria VanValin were married by Benjamin C. Perce, J. P. The second was the marriage of William J. Bently and Jane Campbell, Nov. 1837, at the residence of Robert Campbell, father of the bride, by Perez Merrick, J. P. The first birth was that of Sarah M. Smith, daughter of Sylvester'G Smith on Sept. 14, 1837. The first male child born in Spring Prairie was Henry VanValin, son of Oliver and Jane VanValin, on June 1, 1838. Henry was wounded, and died in the army, during the war of the rebellion. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 897 HarvIv^n'No^S^ste^r8!^^' Mt?hala Harvey, daughter of Solomon Lyons tG MrS' Henry Banker' wh° died recently at flipd^flR^aTf *hat °f ^ary,E' SmLth' dau^hter of Sy1™*" <*¦ Smith. She eu by s! A DSn'nefl! m° " tW° dayS' The fanen* Services were conduct" The first church was the Baptist, organized in the Fall of 1837, and composed of Sweater" SGV adjoining towns. It was called "The Baptist Church of Rev. William R. Manning was the first settled pastor in Spring Prairie. r» r. v «' Fe^la»7 established prayer meeting was held May, 1837, at the cabin of D. Campbell, in Spring Prairie, on the spot where Deacon Bacon and his son John have since lived. Some of those who attended walked from Burlington, and others from the northwest part of Spring Prairie— an extreme often miles, and made an assembly of about a dozen. J 10 iTJfl first sermon preached in the town was at the house of A. A. Hemenway, July 10, 1836. The meeting was appointed by S. F. Phoenix, and fourteen persons were present. Mr. Phcenix preached from Gal., 6:7— "Be not mocked : for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." A prayer was offered bv Mr. Daniel Salisbury, and the meeting was closed by singing the old familiar hymn : "When I can read my title clear," &c. Another meeting was held the next Sunday, July 17, at the same place. At the opening of the service there were present, besides the family, Daniel Salisbury, Palmer Gardner, and David Pratt and daughter. Before the service closed, seven more of the neighbors came in, making the number present fifteen. These meetings are gen erally a'dmitted to be the first of the kind held in the county. The first framed house in the town, and probably the first in the county, was built by Benjamin C. Perce, in the east part of the town, near White river, in 1836. It was shingled in December, and Mr. Perce, with his father (Rev. Benjamin Perce), his mother and sister, moved into it the same month. The shingles and clapboards for this house were riven from oak logs, and were all shaved with a common draw shave. Clapboards about four feet long. The first drove of swine driven into Spring Prairie, and probably the first into the county, was in July of 1837, when Ephraim Perkins, of Burlington, Racine County, drove 200 from Illinois into Sugar Creek woods, and left them there to grow fat for the coming winter. The first nursery was established by John Bell, who removed from Ypsilanti, Mich igan, for the purpose. He leased ten acres of land of Palmer Gardner in 1837, and immediately commenced transporting his trees from Ypsilanti to Detroit, and thence to Milwaukee by water. He commenced with 400 trees, and increased his business until 1858, when his nursery numbered 250,000 trees. At that time he gave up his nursery in consequence of the injury his trees received from insects,'and bought an adjoining farm, where he still lives. When he started his project there was no nursery in Wis consin, and none nearer than Ypsilanti. The first post-office established in the town, and also in the county, was at Spring Prairie Corners, in 1838. The office was then called "Franklin." Dr. A. A. Hemen way was the first postmaster, and was succeeded in 1845 by E. D. Smith. The second office was established at Vienna (then called Martinsburg) in 1845, with Samuel A. Martin as postmaster. During the year Mr. W. P. Storms opened a hotel at the place, and was soon after appointed postmaster, and the name of the office and locality changed to Vienna. The first school was taught by Miss Juliette Merrick in the Summer of 1837. The schools of the Summers of 1837-8 were both taught by the same lady in Dr. A. A. Hem enway's log house at the " Corners." 898 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. The first framed school-house was built in 1839, just east of Spring Prairie Corners, where the cheese factory now stands. The second was built in 1840, in the southwest corner of Section 26, on the road leading from Spring Prairie to Burlington. It was called " District No. 5," and the first winter school in town was taught there by Mr. Daniel Salisbury, during the Winter of 1840 and 41. The school numbered thirty scholars. Mr. A. H. Witherel made the first wagons for the Spring Prairie settlers ; locating there in 1840, and remaining seven years. Mr. Josiah O. Puffer was the first shoemaker, — starting his bench in 1839 at his house on Section 27, and building his shop at Spring Prairie Corners in 1847. The first blacksmith shop, with the upper part finished for a dwelling, was built in 1840, by Mr. Henry Elliot. It was at the " Corners." Mr. Elliot run the shop only a few months, when he removed from the country, and the property passed into the hands of Mr. Hamnet, who was succeeded in Sept., 1843. by Nathaniel H. Carswell. Mr. Cars- well moved into the building, and after running the shop a year, was in turn succeeded by Mr. Harrison Armstrong, who, after two years, formed a co-partnership with Mr. Israel Williams, for the manufacture of steel plows, which was carried on successfully for two years ; — the business in the short space of eight years passing through more than the usual number of business changes. The first store was opened in the bar-room of Dr. Hemenway's log tavern, during the Summer of 1837. Mr. Crawford was the store-keeper. Mr. Israel Williams also commenced keeping woolen cloths for sale during the same year, which, in the absence of regular stores, was a great convenience to the settlers. 1844 saw the first building erected to serve the special purpose of a store. It was built by Samuel Pratt and Eras mus D. Smith, and a good stock of goods put in by those gentlemen, under the firm name of "Pratt & Smith." The first " tailors' clothes " of home manufacture, worn in Spring Prairie, were made by Jackson Kohler, who commenced working at that business in 1843. Otis Preston, from Michigan, opened a shop in 1846, and continued in the business two years, when he was elected sheriff and moved to Elkhorn. In 1836, when Spring Prairie was first settled, the nearest postoffice was at Racine, — the nearest saw-mill at the rapids of Root River, three miles beyond Racine, and the nearest grist-mill at Ottawa, 111. Mr. Daniel Salisbury, in relating some of the experiences of the pioneers, during the long first Winter, says : " The winters, to one who had been accustomed to society and social life, were dull and dreary beyond description. The most that could be done to advantage was to cut logs and draw them to their place of destination, for building a fence or a house." He says it was impossible to realize the severity of the cold until one had braved it for some little time, and that often one would venture out, deceived by the clearness of the atmosphere, and before the load of logs was ready, find that the frost had already bitten His feet or nose. He relates a little incident of the winter thus : " In the latter part of Dec, 1836, I was cutting house logs near the outlet of Delavan Lake, and I thought I heard a voice in the distance. I stopped awhile — listened and hearing nothing, went to chopping again, that the sound of my ax might draw the attention of any one who might be lost. After a while I heard the hallooing again, and, at the top of his voice, the stranger cried : ' It is worth five dollars to see a live man. Whereabouts in the world are we?' If you have ever been lost in a lar<*e wilderness, you may appreciate his joy in approaching me." In regard to the expense and difficulty of obtaining wholesome and nutritious food during the first year of pioneer life at Spring Prairie, he says that " when there was any provision for sale at Racine or Milwaukee, flour was $14.00 or $15.00 per barrel, and pork $20.00 or $25.00 per barrel, and it seemed that if dealers at the East had any provision that was not merchantable, they would send it here. I well remember that in the spring of 1837, Mr. Isaiah Hamb- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 899 lin, living on Spring Prairie, a man of small means, and with a large family of children, purchased a barrel of flonr in Racine for $18.00, and on using it, found that it had been previously opened. The top six inches deep, was good, but the rest very hard and musty, and when they succeeded in cutting it up, and pounding, sifting, and cooking it, it made them sick. OFFICIAL HISTORY. From January 2, 1838, to March 21, 1843, as already stated, Spring Prairie em braced within its boundaries the present town of LaFayette, and the first town meeting of which record there is any record, was held April 5, 1842, at the house of Dr. A. A. Hemenway, of Spring Prairie. This was also the last town meeting of the united town, the separation taking place the following spring. There were ninety-two votes polled, and the following officers elected : Supervisors — Jesse C. Mills, Chairman, Stephen G. West, Reuben Clark : Town Clerk — Daniel Salisbury ; Assessors — Nathaniel Bell, Solo mon Harvey, John E. Hopkins; Treasurer — Austin L. Merrick; Collector — Richard Chenery ; Constables — Daniel D. Whitmore, Elias Hicks ; School Commissioners — Orra Martin, Theodore B. Northrop, Ansel A. Hemenway ; Fence Viewers — R. Merrick, Daniel Hartwell, Elias Hicks, Isaiah Dike, Daniel Whitmore ; Highway Commissioners — N. Bell, R. Chenery, H. H. Sterling. The following is a complete roster of the town officers of Spring Prairie, from the time of its organization as a separate town : 1843 : Supervisors — Benjamin L. Perce, Chairman, William B. Wade (at a special meeting held in September, Ansel Salisbury was elected in place of Mr. Wade), Roderick Merrick ; Town Clerk — Kimball Easterbrook (resigned and J. O. Puffer appointed in his place) ; Assessor — Sol. Harvey ; Treasurer — Rufus Billings ; Collector — L. R. Smith ; Constables — D. D. Whitmore, S. A. Daniels ; Justices of the Peace — Wm. Tallcot, D. Salisbury, Roderick Merrick ; School Commissioners — M. C. Whitman, Rufus Billings, John Bacon ; Fence Powers— Reuben Clark, Moses Arms, Isaac Raymond ; Highway Commissioners — Abel Neff, David Pratt, M. C. Whitman. 1844: Supervisors— A. L. Merrick, Chairman, John E. Hopkins (no others elected); Town Clerk — J. O. Puffer ; Assessors— J. Dike, J. P. Langmaid ; Treasurer— Perez Merrick ; Collector— Curtis H. Moor ; Constables— Simeon Hoyt, Ebenezer Mar tin ; Justices of the Peace— D. Salisbury, Wm. Berry, L. D. Lewis ; School Commission ers— O. Martin, L. D. Lewis, Benj. L. Reed ; Fence Viewers— S. C. Vaughn, N. C. Dyer, John M. Cole ; Highway Commissioners — Gilman Hoyt, Charles Dyer, John Bacon. 1845 : Supervisors — Lansing D. Lewis, Chairman, A. Salisbury, Israel Williams ; Town Clerk— E. D. Smith ; Assessors— T. M. Hobbs, A. A. Hemenway ; Treasurer— Orrin Elmer; Collector— S. A. Martin; Constables— Thos. Clark, S. A. Martin ; School Commissioners— E. D. Smith, A. A. Hemenway, Thos. Clark ; Fence Viewers— D. Pat ten, John Bacon, W. J. Bently; Highway Commissioners— P . Gardner, S. Harvey, John E. Hopkins. T _ T ., _r „ „ . 1846 : Supervisors— Roderick Merrick, Chairman, J. P. Langmaid, Wm. D. Grain ; Town Clerk— E. D. Smith ; Assessors— S. Pratt, S. Harvey ; Treasurer— O. Elmer ; Col lector—^. A. Martin ; Constables— C. J. F. White, Wm. Utter, James Dame ; Justices of the Peace- D. Salisbury, Wm. Berry, D.L.Strickland; School Commissioners— R. D. Turner, O. Martin, L. Eastman; Fence Viewers— D. Patten, J. Bacon, jr., Wm. J. Bentley ; Highway Commissioners— P . Gardner, G. H. Palmer Jonathan Leach. 1847: Supervisors— Austin L. Merrick, Chairman, D. P. Carpenter, L.K. Smith; Town Clerk— Palmer Gardner ; Assessors-James McNay, Jonathan Leach ; Treasurer- Charles Martin ; Collector— O. Elmer ; Constables— Charles Martin, Wm. Utter, Alonzo Merrick C J F.White; Justice of the Peace— James Baker ; School Commissioners— A. A. Hemenway, W. D. Crane, James Baker; Fence Viewers-John Racoii W. J. Bent ley John Dame ; Highway Commissioners— P . Gardner, Edwin Baker, Abel Nell. 9oo HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1848 : Supervisors — Ephraim Foote, Chairman, Jonathan Leach, J. P. Langmaid ; Town Clerk— E. D. Smith ; Assessors— John E. Hopkins, S. C. Vaughn ; Treasurer- Perez Merrick ; Collector— -S. A. Martin ; Constables — T. M. Hobbs, Edwin Baker, Jona than Leach ; Justices of the Peace — James Baker, L. O. Whitman; School Commissioners — D. P. Wilcox, Edson Merrill, E. D. Smith ; Highway Commissioners— M. Berry, L. D. Lewis, Stephen Jones. 1849: Supervisors — Roderick Merrick, Chairman, L. R. Smith, R. J. Roys; Town Clerk— -E. D. Smith ; Assessor— Wm. Child; Treasurer— W . P. Storms; Constables— T '. M. H bbs, Wm. Utler, E. W. Dwight; Justices of the Peace— J. H. Cooper, D. P. Wil cox, J. O. Puffer, James Baker ; School Superintendent — Roswell Cheney. 1850 : Supervisors — Ephraim Foote, Chairman, George Walworth, Louis Schmid- ter ; Town Clerk — Stephen Bull ; Assessors— Jonathan Leach, A. A. Hoyt ; Treasurer — Stephen Jones ; Constables — D. E. Chase, P. C. Seeley, Miner Wilcox ; Justices of the Peace — D. P. Wilcox, James Baker, William Child, J. O. Puffer ; School Superintend ent — J. H. Cooper. 1851 : Supervisors — Thomas Gage, Chairman, Perez Merrick, Sims Edgerton ; Town Clerk — E. D. Smith ; Assessors — Thomas Miller, Jesse Gage (resigned); Treasurer — James Utler ; Constables — D. E. Chase, Carter Fuller, James McNay ; Justices of the Peace — Wm. Aldrich, Mellen Berry ; School Superintendents — J. H. Cooper, Roswell Cheney, E. D. Smith. 1852 : Supervisors — A. L. Merrick, Chairman, E. W. Dwight, S. C. Vaughn ; Town Clerk — T. M. Hobbs ; Assessor — K. S. Owen ; Treasurer — W. D. Crain ; Constables — J. E. Bartholf, Judson Neff, Corbin Clark ; Justices of the Peace — Daniel Salisbury, Purlee Baker ; School Superintendent — S. H. Montgomery. 1853: Supervisors — Thomas Gage, Chairman, Charles N. Kingman, Mellen Berry; Town Clerk — Wellington Hendrix ; Assessor — James McNay; Treasurer — Geo. Healy; Constables — J. E. Bartholf, German More, Wm. R. Brewer ; Justices of the Peace — Wm. Aldrich, Mellen Berry; School Superintendent — Wm. C. Bartlett, 1854 : Supervisors — Thomas Gage, Chairman (continued), Nathaniel Bell (elected), William Aldrich, James McNay; Town Clerk — Wm. Hendrix (G. C. Sawyer elected, but did not qualify); Assessors — W. D. Crain (declined), L. O. Whitman, appointed; Treasurer — Nathan Smith, jr. ; Constables — Judson Neff, E. M. Utler, N. B. Hendrix ; Justices of the Peace — Thomas Gage, L. 0. Whitman, G. C. Sawyer (vacancy); School Superintendent — James Child. 1855: Supervisors — Thomas Gage, Chairman, J. C. Gaylord, A. L. Merrick (did not qualify), W. Aldrich (continued); Town Clerk — S. Bull ; Treasurer — James McNay; Assessor — James McNay; Constables — J. H. Stanley, C. S. French, N. H. Neff; Justices of the Peace — Wm. Aldrich, J. E. Bartholf; School Superintendent — James Child. 1856: Supervisors — James McNay, Chairman, Jonathan Leach, Alfred Hubbard Town Clerk — S. Bull; Assessors — John Raleigh (declined), Chas. Martin (appointed) Treasurer — Chas. Martin ; Constables — Judson Neff, Henry Hubbard, J. E. Bartholf Justices of the Peace — L. O. Whitman, Thomas Gage; School Superintendent — James Baker. 1857 : Supervisors — Jonathan Leach, Chairman, Alfred Hubbard, Henry Vander pool ; Town Clerk — S. Bull (removed to Racine), J. O. Puffer (appointed August 15); Assessor— Chas. Martin ; Treasurer— W '. P. Storms ; Constables — J. E. Bartholf, S. Jones, M. R. Brittain ; Justices of the Peace — Wm. Aldrich, J. O. Puffer, B. Hoyt, jr. (to fill vacancy.) 1858 : Supervisors — Daniel Salisbury, Chairman, W. P. Storms, S. Jones ; Town Clerk— J. O. Puffer ; Assessor — Ephraim Perkins ; Treasurer — H. W. Boyce ; School Superintendent — James Baker ; Justices of the Peace — J. O. Puffer B Hoyt jr • Con stables— Judson Neff, A. C. Norton, J. E. Bartholf. ' ' ' 1859 : Supervisors— Daniel Salisbury, Chairman, Fred Perkins, William D. Crain ; HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 9oi Town Clerk — W. P. Storms ; Assessor — Charles Martin ; Treasurer — Benjamin Hoyt, jr.; School Superintendent — James Baker ; Justices of the Peace — Wm. Aldrich, Azael Barry (vacancy), L. Allen; Constables — J. E. Bartholf, J. Neff, Stephen Jones. 1860 : Supervisors — Wm. R. Berry, Chairman, A. A. Hoyt, Fred Perkins ; Town Clerk — W. P. Storms ; Assessor — Charles Martin ; Treasurer — W. Potter ; School Superintendent — F. T. Hall ; Justices of the Peace — Azeal Barry, J. O. Puffer, A. Cham- berlin (vacancy); Constables — J. E. Bartholf, Judson Neff, S. Jones. 1861 : Supervisors — W. P. Storms, Chairman, Fred. Perkins, Lucius Allen ; Toivn Clerk — B. F. Vaughn ; Assessor — Chas. Martin ; Treasurer — Chas. Martin ; School Superintendent — G. W. Heath ; Justices of the Peace — L. Allen, A. Chamberlain ; Con stables — J. E. Bartholf, J. Neff (declined), Nick Howell, Alexander Collins. 1862 : Supervisors — W. P. Storms, Chairman, Lucius Allen, Daniel Salisbury ; Town Clerk — B. F. Vaughn ; Assessors — Thos. Gage (declined), E. Perkins (appointed July 17) ; Treasurer — W. Potter; Justices of the Peace — Azael Barry, J. O. Puffer; Constables — J. E. Bartholf, A. Collins, Gordon Merrick (deceased), N. B. Howell (appointed). 1863 : Supervisors — Lucius Allen, Chairman, Woodruff Potter, Abner Chamberlain ; Town Clerk — B.F. Vaughn ; Assessors — R. Billings (declined), W. P. Storms (appointed May 2), John Bacon, Jr.; Justices of the Peace — A. Chamberlin, L. Allen ; Constables — A. Collins, N. B. Howell, J. E. Bartholf. 1864: Supervisors — Abner Chamberlin, Chairman, Purlee Baker, M. H. Foote (declined), O. T. Hubbard (appointed) ; Town Clerk — B. F. Vaughn ; Assessor — R. Billings; Treasurer — B. Hoyt, Jr.; Justices of the Peace — J. O. Puffer, A. Barry, P. Baker ; Constables — N. B. Howell, J. E. Bartholf, David Haight. 1865 : Supervisors — A. Chamberlin, Chairman, A. A. Hoyt, O. T. Hubbard ; Town Blerk — Guy C. Weed (declined), B. F. Vaughn (appointed); Assessor — R. Billings; Treasurer — M. V. Pratt : Justices of the Peace — J. E. Bartholf, W. P. Storms ; Constables Cyril Bowker, Simeon Avery, Daniel Haight. 1866 : Supervisors — A. Chamberlain, Chairman, A. A. Hoyt, Purlee Baker ; Town Clerk— B. F. Vaughn ; Assessor — R. Billings; ^Treasurer— M. V. Pratt ; Justices of the Peace— W. Potter, B. F. Vaughn, J. O. Puffer ; Constables— C. Bowker, S. Avery, Lyman Cook. 1867 : Supervisors — A. Chamberlin, Chairman, Purlee Baker, Orris Pratt ; Town Clerk B. F. Vaughn ; Treasurer — Ephraim Perkins ; Assessor— Charles Martin ; Justices of the Peace— B. F. Vaughn, A. A. Hoyt; Constables— P. Noblet, David Dike (declined), 6. Bowker (appointed), J. Avery. . . 1868 : Supervisors— Lucius Allen, Chairman, Orris Pratt, Louis Schmidter ; Town Clerk— B. F. Vaughn ; Treasurer— M. V. Pratt ; Assessor— C. R. Aldrich ; Justice of the Peace— P. O. Puffer; Constables— C. Bowker, N. B. Howell, Edward Zahn (declined). 1869 : Supervisors— M. H. Foote, Chairman, Wm. Aldrich, Louis Schmidter ; Town Clerk— B. F. Vaughn ; Treasurer— O. B. Houghton ; Assessor— Charles Martin ; Justices of the Peace— J. E. Bartholf, B. F. Vaughn, A. A. Hoyt (vacancy) ; Constables— Alonzo Bartholf, Cyril Bowker, Peter Noblet. 1870: Supervisors— Wm. Albrich, Chairman, A. A. Hoyt, Absalom Williams ; Town Clerk-B.F. Vaughn; Treasurer-^. H. Kinne; Assessor-Charles Martin -Jus tice of the Peace— O. Sheffield, A. A. Hoyt; Constables-C. Hopkins, A. Bartholf, L. G. ^1871 : Supervisors— 1\ . V. Pratt, chairman, Louis Schmidter, A. M. Aldrich ; Clerk —B.F.Vaughn; Treasurer— G. G. Reeves; Assessor— O. Stetson; Constables— Cyril Bowker, A. Bartholf, L. G. Dame. T ^ „ a a u ± m i n v 1872: Supervisors-A. M. Aldrich, H. D Barnes, A. A. Hoyt ; Clerk-B F. Vaughn; Treasurer— G. G. Reeve; Assessor-O. Stetson; Justices— A A. Hoyt, O. Sheffield ; Constables-C. Bowker, A. Bartholf, Lewis Dame Cassius Hopkins 1873: Supervisors-A. M. Aldrich, H. D. Barnes, A. A. Hoyt; Clerk-B. F. 902 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Vaughn; Treasurer — C. A. Pratt; Assessor — J. E. Bartholf; Constables — C. Bowker, L. G. Dame" Cassius Hopkins, Alonzo Bartholf. 1874 : Supervisors — A. M. Aldrich, Chairman, H. D. Barnes, Absalom Williams ; Clerk — B. F. Vaughn ; Treasurer — C. A. Pratt; Assessor — J. E. Bartholf; Justices — J. O. Puffer, A. A. Hoyt ; Constables — Cyril Bowker, L. G. Dame, Alonzo Bartholf. 1875 : Supervisors — A. M. Aldrich, Chairman, Charles P. Green, Woodruff Potter; Clerk — B. F. Vaughn ; Treasurer — C. A. Pratt ; Justices — B. F. Vaughn, J. E. Bart holf ; Constables — C. Bowker, L. G. Dame, A. Bartholf, J, C. Hopkins. 1876 : Supervisors— A. M. Aldrich, Chairman, Woodruff Potter, Charles P. Green; Clerk — B. F. Vaughn ; Treasurer — W. P. Storms ; Assessor — J. E. Bartholf ; Justices — J.O. Puffer, A. A. Hoyt; Constables— 0. Bowker, A. Bartholf, L. G. Dame. 1877 : Supervisors — A. M. Aldrich, Chairman, A. Williams, Louis Schmidter ; Clerk — B. F. Vaughn ; Assessor — J. E. Bartholf; Treasurer — George Puffer ; Justices — J. E. Bartholf, B. F. Vaughn; Constables — C. Bowker, Alonzo Bartholf, L. G. Dame. 1878 : Supervisors — E. D. Page, Chairman, Wm. Hubbard, D. F. Thompson ; Clerk — James Nipe ; Treasurer — Leroy W. Merrick ; Assessor — H. D. Barnes ; Justices — J. O. Puffer, A. A. Hoyt ; Constables — C. Bowker, A. Bartholf, Charles Blake. 1879 : Supervisors — E. D. Page, Chairman, Wm. Hubbard, D. F. Thompson ; Clerk — James Nipe ; Treasurer — Leroy W. Merrick ; Assessor — H. D. Barnes ; Justices — J. E. Bartholf, Absalom Williams ; Constables — C. Bowker, A. Bartholf. 1880 : Supervisors — E. D. Page, Chairman, Wm. Hubbard, Geo. Boyer ; Clerk — James Nipe ; Treasurer — James Mcintosh ; Assessor — H. D. Barnes ; Justices — A. A . Hoyt, J. O. Puffer ; Constables — A. Barthoif, S. Vaughn, Cyril Bowker. 1881 : Supervisors — O. Pratt, Chairman, Charles Hubbard, S. G. Dame ; Clerk — L. W. Merrick ; Treasurer — Vernon Raleigh ; Assessor — C. R. Aldrich ; Justices — Ellis Bartholf, Ezra Miller ; Constables — Cyril Bowker, Sumner Vaughn, Alonzo Bartholf. THE MORMON CHURCH IN SPRING PRAIRIE. In 1844, about a year before the shooting of Joseph Smith and his brother, Hiram, by the mob at Carthage, 111., a man of somewhat unprepossessing, not to say sinister, look and manner, made his appearance in the quiet and order-loving town of Spring Prairie. His name was James J. Strang, and he professed to be a lawyer. His brother- in-law, Benjamin C. Perce, resided on Section 36, near White River, and Mr. Strang remained for a time an inmate of his house, without any apparent occupation or business. Upon the death of the "Prophet of Nauvoo," Strang claimed to have received an appointment from him as his successor, and as a prophet of God, to lead the Mormon Church. Quite a company of followers from Nauvoo, who were scattered by the death of Joseph Smith, soon gathered around him, and were joined by others of the same faith from various parts of the country. Some of the latter were soon aware that they had been deceived, and leaving the company, returned to their homes, " wiser if not sadder men," to slightly paraphrase the sentence. Others, too ignorant and too credulous to be convinced of their own folly, or see the shallowness of Strang's pretensions, remained his faithful disciples; and still another class, consisting of those who, while repudiating the pretensions, still honestly retained their faith in the tenets of the Mormon Church, remained in Spring Prairie, universally respected, holding various public offices of trust, and ranking among its most honest and worthy citizens. The quasi Prophet bought 200 acres of land, platted his village and named it Voree, and appointed his High Council, Patriarchs, High Priests, Twelve Apostles, and likewise the Seventy. The village, in the height of its prosperity, contained only three or four hundred inhabitants, but Strang affirmed that his audiences sometimes numbered fifteen hundred. On the 13th of Sept., 1845, the paraphernalia being all prepared, and its machinery in prime working order, Mr. Strang directed Aaron Smith, the High Priest, and Disciples Jirah B. Wheeler, J. M. Van Ostrand and Edward Whitcomb to an oak tree, a foot in HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 9o3 diameter, standing on the east line of the town of Spring Prairie, and south of White River bridge, where they would find three golden plates buried in three feet of earth. These precious plates would be enclosed in a case of slightly baked clay, and covered with a flat stone. Upon them would be found written a full account of an ancient peo ple called Mormons. These men testified that they found the plates as directed by Strang, and imbedded in earth which had the appearance of having lain undisturbed for ages. The mysterious inscription was translated by Prophet Strang, and its most impor tant clause seemed to be that Joseph Smith had appointed him to be his true and worthy successor. He also asserted that he had a letter from the same great head of their church, containing words of like import. After a time, finding that it was necessary to supple ment the power of the church with the power of the press, he published a weekly paper called the Voree Herald, changed to Zion's Reveille, and finally to The Gospel Herald. Neither the inspiring notes of his Reveille, nor the proclamations of his Herald, seemed to arouse the people to any such feeling of enthusiasm in his favor as he desired ; in fact his conduct and conversation had grown so overbearing and insolent, and his practices so grossly deceptive and iniquitous, as to cause Mr. Scott, a determined unbeliever in the great apostle of the Mormons, to start an opposition paper, chiefly devoted to the ' exposure of his various frauds and impostures, one of which was his famous "illu mination." Strang had affirmed that he had received a revelation of a great illumination which was soon to take place, and which would cause the heads of such of the faithful as he should anoint, to shine with a wonderful light ; indeed, the whole room would be filled with the glory of it. The miracle, however, must be performed in the evening, and in a dark room. The time was twice fixed for the great event that was to confound and convince the unbelieving Gentiles, but the leader finally decided that it would be useless to attempt to so glorify the " saints," unless they first performed their plain and obvious duty by completing the dwelling which they had in process of erection for him. The weather was getting cold and Mr. Strang thought they were altogether too slow. Finally the house was finished, the time appointed, and a great company gathered to see the illumination. The room was darkened, and the heads of the chosen were duly anointed. Strang commenced rubbing in the wonderful ointment, with perhaps, too much power and vehemence, and the illumination came accompanied by a phosphorescent Odor, that was not suggestive of its connection with any good spirits. It is related, by scoffers, that one aged disciple had even thinner locks after the miracle was performed than before, in fact that the anointing and friction together, caused not only a glow, but an actual bona fide fire to surround his head. . Strang's followers being a good deal divided among themselves by internal dissen- tions, he received a " revelation " in 1847, that he must remove his church to Beaver Island in Lake Michigan. The revelation was obeyed and the colony departed, not without committing various crimes and misdemeanors, which caused much and expensive litigation. , „ A few years after his removal to Beaver Island, Strang was shot and mortally wounded by two men who had previously been his followers. One of these men he had publicly whipped, and the other he had repeatedly insulted by foul epithets. Strang was senseless when he was taken up after being shot, and never spoke again. He was brought to Voree, accompanied by two of his so-called " wives, and followed soon after by two more— all of whom remained with him until his death, which occurred about ten days after. The parents of James J. Strang resided for many years m the town ot Spring Prairie, were most worthy and exemplary people, and accounted among its best citizens, and their misguided son, before becoming demoralized by the Mormon delusion or deception, was said to be a youth of great promise. 904 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 'CHURCHES. The Baptist Church of Spring Prairie adopted its " Articles of Faith, and Church Covenant " May 16, 1841, at a meeting held at the house of J. O. Puffer, in Spring Prairie, Rev. Orra Martin serving as Moderator, and Kimball Easterbrook as Clerk. These were presented on the twenty-seventh of the same month to a council composed of delegates from the various churches of like faith in the vicinity, Rev. Henry Topping serving as Moderator and N. Norris as Clerk, and, being approved, the church was orga nized in full fellowship with other churches of the Baptist denomination, and was called at that time " The Baptist Church of Spring Prairie and Burlington." The following were the delegates to the Council : Ministerial — Revs. P. W. Lake, A. B. Winchell and H. Topping; Lay — L. Ellis, N. Rouse, Wm. A. Bartlett and E. Norris. The following gentlemen, by request, participated in the proceedings of the Council : — Revs. R. Griffin, E. Matthews, B. Perce and William R. Manning ; Lay — S. Whitman and M. C. Whitman. A sermon was preached on the occasion by Rev. T. W. Lake, and the right hand of fellowship given by Rev. H. Topping. The following persons were admitted by letter, as constituent members : Rev. Orra Martin, Polly S. Martin, Deacon John Bacon, Sally Bacon, Deacon J. O. Puffer, Hannah M. Puffer, Kimball Easterbrook, Emily Easterbrook, Dr. Edward G. Dyer, Ann E. Dyer, D. D. Whitmore, Prudence K. Whitmore, Geo. G. Colton, Nancy Colton, Enoch Miner, David Salisbury, Harvey Bacon, Wm. Dyer, Mary Dyer, Clarissa Hamblin, Tamar Campbell, Elizabeth Acken, Ellen Hodge, Sarah Gleason, Lydia Bently, Lemuel Rugg. Rev. Wm. R. Manning was the first pastor, commencing his pastorate July, 1841, and closing April 1844, February 18, 1843, thirteen of the members left to form a new organization at Bur lington, and the old church then assumed its present name — " The Baptist Church of Spring Prairie." In the spring of 1846, the church, having out-grown the school-house in which it had hitherto worshipped, erected a commodious church edifice at Spring Prairie Corners, which was dedicated to the worship of God the following December. The building is 36x48 feet, with a basement, and has been at various times improved and repaired. A bell has been hung — a good parsonage purchased, and the church property is now valued at $3,000. A Sabbath-school was commenced in April, 1844, under the superintendence of Mr. Wm. Dyer, who retained the position until his death in 1848. Among his successors may be mentioned Mr. Charles Martin, who was superintendent nineteen years. The school has been in operation every summer since its organization, and winters since 1860. The whole number of members connected with the church since its organization, is about 330. Present number, sixty. The Sabbath-school has now about ninety scholars on its list. Since the removal of Rev. W. R. Manning in 1844, the following clergymen have served as settled or temporary pastors: Revs. Roswell Cheney, Spencer Carr, R. R. Whittier, Cantine Garrison, Jacob Bailey, A. F. Randal, Thomas Bright, E. L. Harris, A. Latham, J. F. Dudley, Levi Parmly, J. C. Jackson, J. H. Estey, C. W. Palmer, J. F. Merriam, F. Kidder, G. W. Daniels (ordained at Spring Prairie), A. Freeman and J. S. Forward, the present pastor. The following have served as Deacons : John Bacon, Sr., J. O. Puffer, Almon Jewel, Isaac Raymond, Russell Waite and John Bacon, Jr. Among those who have served as clerks may be mentioned Mr. Daniel Salisbury, who was elected six months from the time of the organization of the church, and served twenty-five years. The Congregationalist Church at Spring Prairie was organized in 1840, at a meeting held in school-house District five then, nine now. There were present, Solomon Dwin nell (deceased), Rufus Billings, Richard Chenery, Geo. and Moses Arms, David Patten and wife, Josiah B. Gleason and wife, with perhaps others whose names are not remem- HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Qo5 bered. The first pastor was Rev. Cyrus Nichols. This church took in settlers in Bur lington, Spring Prairie Corners, and Gardner's Prairie; as the town increased in popula tion, and the society proportionally in members, the parent church was divided early in 1844, and the Spring Prairie members held services at that place. The present church was organized February 8, 1852, by Reids D. Clarg and Samuel E. Miner, in the school-house at Spring Prairie Corners. The following were the con stituent members : Stillman S. Osgood and wife, David Patten and wife, Calvin H Wylie and wife, Ephraim Foote, James C. Colwell, Augustus Colwell, Charles Colwell Charles W. Bell, Mrs. Sarah Vaughn, Mrs. Ann R. Hubbard, Mrs. Frances Mellen, Mrs. Martha Owen, and Miss Sarah E. Owen. The church has had the following pastors • Rev. Christopher C. Cadwell, Rev. J. D. Stevens, Rev. A. Sedgwick, Rev. P. C. Petti- bone, Rev. E. D. Keevil, Rev. S. K. Barteau, and Rev. Charles Morgan. A union church edifice (Congregational and Methodist) was erected at Spring Prairie Corners in 1860. The main building is 32x50 feet, with a class and conference room in the rear 20x24. Its seating capacity is 300. Methodist. As early as the spring of 1837, a class was formed at Spring Prairie, by Rev. Samuel Pillsbury, the meetings being held at the log house of Daniel Campbell, once in two weeks. In the summer of 1840 another class was formed by Rev. David Worthington, which met at Puffer's school-house, and included in its membership Mr. and Mrs. John M. Cowhan, Lansing Lewis, and Mrs. Lewis, his mother. Mr. Cowhan was the leader. The Methodists built a church edifice in conjunction with the Congre gationalists in 1860, which is mentioned in the sketch of the Congregational Church. The German Methodist Church is in the north part of the town, on the northeast corner of Section 9. CEMETERIES. Hickory Grove Cemetery, on the west line of the town, was laid out in 1842 by Maj. Nathaniel Bell. The first burial was that of David Luther Trowbridge, who died February 17, 1844, aged twenty-three years. Up to the present time there have been about 250 interments. The cemetery is beautified with flowers and trees, and contains many handsome monuments. Being on the line which divides the towns of Spring Prairie and LaFayette, it is used by both. The Billings' Cemetery is on Gardner's Prairie. PIONEERS OP SPRING PRAIRIE. Mr. Palmer Gardner, the pioneer settler of Spring Prairie, was born in the town of Haneock, Berkshire County, Mass., Feb. 23d, 1803. His parents, Sylvester Gardner and Sarah Cogswell Gardner, moved to the town of Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y. in 1810. Until his seventeenth year young Palmer attended the district schools of the country, and during vacations assisted his father on the farm. He then had the advantage of receiving instruction one year at the academy at Manlius village, and one year at Geneva college. He was educated an Episcopalian, but felt himself bound by no creed, save the universal creed of good will to all the world. At the completion of his school education he became a practical surveyor and engineer, which profession he prac ticed about ten years, surveying various canals in New York and Canada, and spending one year in Maryland, on the Potomac canal. In the year 1835, then at the age of thirty-two years— uniting the strength and judgment of manhood with the .energy and vigor of youth— he decided to make a tour of exploration and observation through the almost unknown West, and should it prove to be " a land of promise, " to make it his permanent home. Leaving Manlius on the first day of September, 1835, he proceeded to Detroit, and traveled over nearly every organized county in Michigan, but not being satisfied with the result of his observations in that State, leaving on the 20th of October, he continued his course through the north- 906 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. em parts of Indiana and Illinois to Chicago, and thence north to Milwaukee and Prairieville (now Waukesha), in Wisconsin. Returning, he revisited Root River (now Racine) and Chicago, and arrived at his home in Manlius, convinced that of all the places he had visited, Wisconsin was the most desirable for a location. In journeying over so large a tract of wild and unsettled country, he had decided what articles were indispensable to a pioneer, and in starting for his future home, no money was wasted in useless luxuries. He left Manlius on the first day of March, 1836, and on arriving at Ohio, hired Irad T. Hunt to work for him one year. He also purchased grain for seed, and provisions to be shipped around the lakes at the opening of navigation. These arti cles cost him $715.00. At Niles, Michigan, he purchased three yoke of oxen, a wagon, and provisions for immediate use. At Chicago he bought a breaking plow, some farm ing tools, cooking utensils, a tent, and indispensable materials to be used in finishing a log house. On the 3rd of April he left Chicago, following the U. S. road north, until about three miles west of Pike Creek (now Kenosha) where he was overtaken by a severe rain storm which lasted three days. He managed to protect the contents of his wagon by covering them with his tent, and when the storm abated continued on his way west to Fox River, arriving there (at the present site of Burlington), April 15th. The river was swollen with the spring rains, but slight difficulties are only incentives to invention. Making a raft of cedar poles for his wagon, and attaching to it a rope which he had stored among his " indispensables." he crossed the river in an Indian canoe which he fortunately found, and making the oxen swim, he drew the raft, with its precious cargo, across by the rope. On arriving at this point in his undertaking, Mr. Gardner decided that in the near vicinity was the place to "pitch his tent." or more accurately speaking, to build his log house. Accordingly he commenced taking observations of the surrounding country, and before the day closed had selected the site on which he afterwards lived so many busy years, on the beautiful prairie which bears his name. He found a town line stake recently set by the surveyors, and with his own chain and com pass run a line from the Southeast corner of the town to find the section line, and made his claim accordingly. In about two weeks the land was divided into sections by the U. S. surveyors, and Mr. Gardner's lines proving to be correct, he found himself possessed of a very valuable claim, He purchased at the land sale 480 acres on Sections 25 and 26. On the morning of the 17th of April, 1836, the first house in Spring Prairie was commenced. The privations and inconveniences of pioneer life do not end by any means when a shelter is secured, even though it be as comfortable as that of Mr. Gardner. It would be considered no slight hardship to persons accustomed to the every-day comforts and luxuries of modern Western life — to those who feel that the wheels of business are com pletely blocked, if a snow storm disarranges the telegraph wires for twenty-four hours, or to the farmer with his magnificent appliances of steam machinery, that seem almost alive with intelligence — to submit to the provoking delays, and annoyances, that attend such a life, even under the most favorable circumstances. When Palmer Gardner built his log-house on the Wisconsin prairie, he knew of no settler nearer than twenty miles — he was utterly alone save the laborer he had hired to assist him, and he was thirty miles from any post-office or any source of supply what ever. His house was well built and well answered its purpose, and in the early days when tired and hungry travelers had only the hospitality of the pioneer settlers to depend upon, many a one had reason to bless the bachelor proprietor of the first house in Spring Prairie. Of the inconveniences and more serious hardships which he experienced, during the early years of his residence in Spring Prairie only a few will be mentioned,— the former were incessant, and the latter he bore with cheerful philosophy. One very provoking and yet almost ludicrous incident was that of having to travel miles to procure matches. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 967 Another rather more serious annoyance, and very provoking delay, occurred in the mid.- 1 of his plowing in June. His plow needed sharpening, and the nearest place to have the work done was Pike Creek (now Kenosha). He accordingly started on Monday morn ing with his team of horses, which he had purchased, had his plow made nice and sharp, and returned Wednesday evening. Thursday morning the breaking team was started, but before it had gone once around, the plow hit a stone, and the work of three days was undone — the plow was broken. Mr. Gardner, with his usual cheerfulness, remarked that " the horses were already hitched to the wagon," and loading the plow onto it he immediately started again for Kenosha — had it repaired, and returned Saturday night — a week with a wagon and two horses to get a plow in working order. His experience with the plow convinced him of the necessity of having a grind-stone of his own, and soon after being uf Milwaukee, he resolved to procure one. The only grind-stone to be found in the metropolis of Wisconsin was at " Breed's Grocery." No one could tell who owned it. Mr. Gardner determined, at all events, to have that grind-stone. Unfor tunately, he had left his pony to graze when about half way to Milwaukee, and walked the remaining distance. There was no way, therefore, but to carry the grind-stone till he could reach his pony and divide the load. Leaving three dollars with Mr. Breed as pay ment, and promising to pay more if the owner appeared and demanded it, our resolute pioneer took his grind-stone — bought a piece of cotton cloth and made a sack to put it in, threw it over his shoulder and sturdily walked homeward. When he reached his pony he mounted, and fastening the sack around his neck, let the load rest on the saddle, and in this way made his way to Spring Prairie. The record does not state whether the owner of the grind-stone ever made his appearance in Milwaukee. Mr. Gardner has held various town offices— Town Clerk, Road Commissioner, etc., and was elected a member of the Assembly of January 4, 1847. He married on February 14, 1844, at Manlius, Miss Margaret S. Williams, daughter of Samuel Williams of that place. They had one child, a lovely and accomplished daughter, on whose education no effort or expense had been spared. In the glow of her youth, soon after her graduation at the Rockford Female Seminary, she was prostrated with sickness and died in 1865, at the age of twenty years. A few years later Mrs. Gardner's health failed, and she, too, after a long illness, died May 19, 1871. Wishing to be free from the cares of farm life, and in consideration of the declining health of his wife, Mr. Gardner, during her illness, built a dwelling house at Burlington, Racine Co., but at its completion she was unable to be moved. After her death, Mr. Gardner removed to the new home, and has since married Mrs. Leontine E. Dezatelle. He still resides at Burlington, but owns the farm, and rides out to it nearly every pleasant day, although now seventy-eight years of age. Daniel Salisbury, now the oldest living settler in Walworth County, was born in the Town of Homer (now Cortland ville), Cortland County, N. Y., on the twenty-fifth of January, 1814. During his boyhood, Daniel attended the district school in the neigh borhood, and in his vacations assisted his father, who was a farmer. He afterwards had the advantage of attending a select school in Cortland Village for a term, and the Aca demy in the village of Homer about six months. How well he improved these privi leges, may be inferred from the fact that while a mere youth— only in his eighteenth year— he commenced teaching. How well he succeeded in his new career may be in ferred from the fact that he continued to teach for six winters in his native State, and afterwards taught the first winter school in Spring Prairie for two seasons. In April, 1836, young Salisbury decided to seek out for himself a new home in the West. Michigan;— at that time almost the boundary of the known West,— was his ob jective point. He started in company with two other young men, who purchased land in Michigan/about forty miles from Detroit. Not liking the place where his companions located, Mr. Salisbury returned to Detroit, and taking a fresh start visited Laporte, Ind. He spent several days at, and south of this place, but judging from the ill health of the inhabitants that the locality was an unhealthy one, again turned his face toward the 908 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. North, and visited Michigan City and Chicago— the latter place being described by a writer of the day as " a low muddy town of cheap, wooden houses." _ From Chicago, young Salisbury started, alone and on foot, on his journey of exploration and observa tion. He had no compass ; — nothing but his steady head, his brave heart, and strong arm, the trail of the Indian, and the " lights of Heaven," to guide or help him through the unbroken wilderness. After traveling about three days in a northwesterly direction, Mr. Salisbury was misdirected, and found himself in one of the forests of northern Illi nois, where there was no mark to show that it had ever known the presence of a white man before. After wandering about for two days, with only one meal— the last of his food — and lying two nights on the ground, he found that in order to live, he must soon find help and sustenance. It being a clear day, he believed, with the aid of the sun and his watch, he might keep his course due east, until he struck the Chicago & Milwaukee U. S. Road, — the only one in the country. When he reached the Fox River, to his dis appointment he found it too deep to ford; but following the course of the_ river, after several futile attempts, he finally succeeded in fording it, when another serious trouble was experienced ; — clouds had gathered, and he could no longer see the sun, or take any certain direction. Believing that the river ran south, be took a course at right angles with it, and plodded on through the rain, as best he might, all the afternoon, until nearly evening. At that time he came to an Indian camp of four or five wigwams. He had not sufficient confidence in their friendliness to ask for food, but got one of their number to paddle him in a canoe over a deep stream, which lay before him, and pursued his way, feeling that he would be only too thankful if they would leave him unmo lested. He now had a trail to follow, and soon after dark coming to a small lake, with a comparatively dry margin of sand between it and the grass, he laid there all night. In the morning he found his boots so hard, wet, and stiff from the soaking of the day before, that it was with difficulty he could walk. After a time he succeeded in drawing them off, and walked until noon in his stockings, when he arrived at the house of Mr. Gage, and remained there a day and a half. One can imagine what a luxury the coarse food and shelter of the pioneer settler must have seemed, after such a long and toil some journey. Mr. Salisbury's difficulties were now comparatively over. After leaving Mr. Gage's he p'ursued an easterly direction to the Milwaukee Road, followed that road to Pike Creek (now Kenosha), and the next day followed Mr. Palmer Gardner's wagon track west to Fox River. When he came to the river he hallooed a few times, and a " dusky maiden " appeared, paddling " her light canoe down the rapid river." Our Western pioneer was speedily set across, and on the twenty-fifth day of May, 1836, ar rived at Mr. Gardner's hospitable home. He immediately set his claim on Section 29, and at the land sale purchased 320 acres. Some incidents of the suffering and hardship which Mr. Salisbury personally ex perienced during the first hard winter, are given, and they present a truthful picture of the ordinary life of a pioneer settler. About the first of December, 1836, he started with an ox-team from Delavan, to go to Driskill's Grove, 111., for provisions. The weather was so severely cold, that to keep still, was to freeze, and Mr. Salisbury traveled all day, and untill 11 o'clock in the night without seeing a person or a house. At about that hour he found in his path a large pool of ice, about ten rods wide, and so slippery that the cautious oxen would not venture upon it. After spending a long time that cold September night in vain attempts to find some available spot where he could cross, he finally was obliged to leave his oxen, take the trail, and go two or three miles to the Piscasaw River, which he found frozen on either side, but a space in the middle partially open. He had no alternative — he must get across — so, letting the ice bear where itwould, and break where it must, he gained the opposite shore, and without daring to stop to pour the water from his boots, and with his clothes frozen stiff, hurried on until he reached a house about one and a half miles from the river, on Squaw Prairie, near the present site of Belvidere. He arrived just as HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 909 daylight was dawning in the East. Waiting only to warm himself, and get breakfast, he took a wagon and yoke of oxen which had been shod, went back and drew his team across the ice and the river, and reached Driskill's Grove on the third day. He bought five hogs and waited for them to be butchered the next day, went four miles to buy his flour and meal, and started for home. His misfortunes on his return were almost equal to his former ones. After two days' tedious traveling he broke through the ice in a slough ten miles from any house, and, worst of all, broke his axle-tree in his attempt to extricate the team. The nearest house was Mr. Van Slyck's, at the head of Geneva Lake. He accordingly went there and stayed until morning, and then taking a wagon, went back and changed his load, and returned to Phcenix's, being gone nine days to get a small load of provisions. During the same winter, twenty-fourth of December, Mr. Salisbury again started with an ox-team for lumber for Mr. Phcenix. The lumber was to be procured at the nearest saw-mill which was at the rapids of Root River. The next morning (Christmas) rose clear and still, but intensely cold. The snow was several inches deep, there was no track, the oxen were slow, and it was seventeen miles to the nearest house. When he arrived there his feet were so badly frozen that he was not able to wear his boots again for two months, and he never entirely recovered from the effects of the exposure. Mr. Salisbury has been twice married ; on April 1, 1841, to Miss Harriet Wheeler, who died August 16th, 1843, and on June 1, 1848, to Miss Lucinda Bryant, of Wyoming Co., N. Y., who died May 14th, 1878. He has had six children, four of whom are living. The oldest, Wayland, died the 15th of December, 1866, aged eighteen years. Hattie, wife of Frank J. Palmer, died July 9th, 1880. The second son, Rollin, a graduate of Beloit College, is at present in the employ of the State Geologist. One daughter is keeping house for her father, and the others are engaged in teaching. Mr. Salisbury has held various town offices in Spring Prairie : Chairman of Supervisors, Town Clerk and Justice of the Peace. He was a delegate from Walworth County to the first political convention ever held in Milwaukee County. The convention was held at Rochester, in 1836, for the purpose of nominating Territorial officers (two councilmen and three repre sentatives. .,1 In 1879, having reached an age where ease and rest was more congenial than active labor, he left his farm in Spring Prairie and removed to the village of Elkhorn, where he now resides — a man beloved and respected all over the county which he entered so early, and where he has lived for so many years a pure, upright, and conscientious Christian life. ' Dr. A. A. Hemenway. — This early settler and pioneer, the first physician, ho tel keeper, and postmaster of Spring Prairie, first opened his eyes upon this busy world about the year 1800, and somewhere near Erie, Penn. His father being accidentally killed during his infancy, he was early left to care for himself, and to depend upon his own resources. Upon entering manhood he studied medicine, and commenced his prac tice as a physician in the town of La Porte, Ind. Although he never pursued his studies sufficiently to receive a diploma, his cool head, quiet nerves and good judgment went far towards assuring success in the sick-room. Dr. Hemenway left La Porte in 1836, and arrived in Spring Prairie in the early days of June. He secured a valuable claim on Section 30, and in the spring of 1837 erected at "the corners, a large, two-story log tavern, one of the most commodious built during the early days, and one which was to serve for many years, numerous and very different purposes. Its oaken walls were to listen to the voice of prayer, and to the "merry tap of dancing feet ; to the games of children, and to the discussion of grave questions of political interest ; to the impa tient demands of the tired and hungry traveler, and to the stories of " old times in the old home," told by the lonesome, homesick settler ; to the welcome voice which brought tidings from the outside world, and to the sometimes sad story of suffering and want within the limits of the little colony settled on the Wisconsin prairie. 910 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. In 1845, when the old " log tavern" had served its purpose, and the wants of the people had outgrown its dimensions. Dr. Hemenway erected a large brick hotel, with ample accommodations of all kinds for the wants of travelers. He was appointed tiie first postmaster of Spring Prairie (the office then called Franklin), in 1838, and retained the situation until 1845. After remaining in the hotel nearly twenty years, he sold out and removed to Iowa, and thence to Oregon, where he now resides. Dr. Hemenway was what in these latter days is termed a Free-Thinker ; having no faith in the value of religious forms or church associations, if, indeed, his belief did not go farther and deeper. That he had no desire to prevent others from practicing these forms, cr enjoying those associations is evinced by the fact of his opening his house for ths first public religious assembly held in the town, and if on that hot July day, with the winds of the prairie murmuring outside, and the soothing voice of the preacher within, " sleep did overcome his eyes, and slumber his eyelids," even the most conscien tious will not have to stretch the mantle of charity very wide in order to cover his failing. Hon. Samuel Pratt. — Samuel Pratt was born in the town of Enfield, Hamp shire Co., Mass., October 6, 1807. When he was seven years of age, his parents removed to Geauga County, Ohio, at which place lie lived until 1829. At that date he moved to White Pigeon, Michigan — at that time a wild and unsettled region — no saw or gristmill being nearer than 100 miles, and no newspaper published within 180 miles. Once a week the mail was carried from Detroit to Chicago on horseback, and that link seemed the only one that connected the settlers at White Pigeon with the world outside, save the passing travelers, on their way still farther towards the settling sun. Mr. Pratt came to Spring Prairie in the fall of 1837, and purchased a claim, which he subsequently improved, but did not move his family until 1845. He set himself to the task of im proving and cultivating bis farm with the same energy and fidelity which he afterwards displayed in important offices of trust and responsibility, faithfulness, — fidelity, seeming to be the key-note of his character. In 1849. he was elected a member of the Assembly, and re-elected in 1855 and 1863. In 1869 he was elected to the Senate, and re-elected in 1871. Mr. Pratt was emphatically a self-made man. Receiving but a limited education from books — his youth being passed in frontier districts destitute of schools, and his early manhood in fighting the battle of his life in a new and rude country, he instinct ively and intuitively seemed to draw mental nutriment from the men and scenes that surrounded him. The passing traveler who tarried at his hotel, the new-coming settlers, the chance visitor, all could give him something which he could digest and assimilate, and make a part of himself — the way self-made men are always made. The influence of Mr. Pratt was always excited in favor of temperance in every phase. He was a con scientious member of the Congregationalist Church — one of its constituent members. His death was sudden. On his way to Milwaukee on the 22d day of March, 1877, he left the cars at Racine to walk a short distance, fell suddenly, and immediately expired of disease of the heart. The following summary of his character, by one who knew him intimately for over forty years, is just and triie : " Blessed with a conscientiousness which led him to approve the right as it appeared to him, he never shrank from a frank avowal of his convictions. Possessing strong reasoning powers, and living a life of the strictest probity he made an enduring impress upon his fellow-citizens. ***** Generous to a large degree, his hand was ever open to the needy and worthy poor. Though he had acquired a large property, it was obtained by prudent forecast— not a dollar ofit bore the taint of avarice or fraud, and we think there is no record of any court which shows his name as plaintiff or defendant." He was buried at Spring Prairie, Monday, March 28, 1879, mourned not only by his friends and neighbors, but by the entire county, which he entered so early, and for which he labored so faithfully. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 9„ David Pratt was born in Massachusetts, but when quite young removed with his parents to Ohio. On arriving at years of manhood he settled in Indiana, and in 1836, in company with his brother-in-law, Solomon Harvey, removed to Spring Prairie, arriving there on the second of June. Mr. Pratt was accompanied to his new home by his wife and five children. Claims were secured by the new comers on Section 30, and a house built on that of Mr. Pratt, into which the whole family moved one week after their arrival. An incident in Mr. Pratt's experience, illustrates the fertility of the prairie at that early day. Early in the summer of 1837, he had ploughed eighteen acres in Section 30, in September sowed it to wheat, and in 1838 harvested a good crop. He designed plowing and sowing the ground again that fall, but failed to do so. A press of work and other causes prevented him from doing anything to the land the following spring, but he found that new wheat had sprung up and seemed to be growing quite well. In the fall of 1839, he harvested fourteen bushels to the acre on an average, from wheat that had scattered the previous fall, without plowing, sowing or harrowing. Mr. Pratt was an exceptionally honest, upright man in all his dealings, and com manded universal respect. In May, 1857, he sold his farm at Spring Prairie and moved to Minnesota. Mr. Pratt died August 3, 1877, at Clayton, in that State, aged seventy- four years. Mr. Solomon Harvey, the brother-in-law of Mr. David Pratt, came at the same time (June 3, 1836), settled on the same Section (30), and lived for a time with his family in the same house. Mr. Harvey had a wife and three children, so that the united families must have numbered twelve. The two gentlemen brought a large amount of stock — cows, oxen, horses and fowl. To his occupation as a farmer, Mr. Harvey joined that of carpenter. He also carried the mail once a week on horseback from Spring Prairie to Geneva in the year 1838, when the mail route was established from Racine to Mineral Point. Mr. Harvey's salary was the amount of postage on the matter he carried. In September, 1838, Mr. Harvey, in addition to his mail, carried a bag of wheat to be ground at Geneva Mill, said to be the first ground there. Deacon John Bacon was a native of Kinderhook, N. Y. He was born in 1785. When a youth of fifteen, he lost a devoted Christian mother, and from the in fluence of that event, soon became himself a member of the Baptist Church. He married Miss Sarah Perry, of Wardsborough, Vt., and a few years after his marriage moved to Angelica, Allegany Co., N. Y., when that country was a wilderness. He again removed to Springfield, Erie Co., Penna., and resided there many years. He was the father of fourteen children, five of whom died before he came to Wisconsin. His wife and the remaining nine came with him. He brought all he had — wife, children and household goods in four large covered wagons. His cows also were brought, making quite a caravan, which arrived on the fourteenth of March, 1838. His first claim was bought on Gardner's Prairie, but afterward sold, and the one owned by Daniel Campbell, on Section 27, purchased instead. Deacon Bacon was a man of strong mind, and resolute will, not easily discouraged by disappointment or daunted by danger. He was a firm and conscientious Baptist, but his interest in the welfare of others, was not confined to any church, but extended to all humanity, for he sincerely felt that " all are brothers." He died at his residence in Spring Prairie, Dec. 16th, 1865, aged eighty years. Three of his children are living : Mrs. Rev. Hiram Hutchings, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Mrs. Wilcox, of Spring Prairie, and Daniel, who lives in Idaho. He has a grandson, Charles S. Bacon, who is a teacher in Milwaukee. WAR history. The town of Spring Prairie stood its share of suffering in making the sacrifice to the terrible demands of the war. She furnished her full quota of 106 men without a 9i2 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. murmur, and raised $23,644. Further details are furnished in the general war history, which tells her story and that of the other sister towns. spring prairie in 1881. The population of Spring Prairie in 1880, according to the Federal census, was 1,107. The principal farm products for 1880 were : Wheat, 15,075 bu.; corn, 87,900 bu., oats, 56,290 bu.; barley, 8,040 bu.; rve, 1,850 bu.; potatoes, 7,310 bu.; apples, 16,200 bu.; hay, 3,705 tons ; butter, 58,500 lbs.; cheese, 150,488 lbs. In 1881 there were 5,162 acres of growing grain, 341 acres of apple orchard, 3,391 acres of mowing and pasture land,, and 3,231 acres of growing timber. There were 706 milch cows, valued at $20,700. There were eight whole, and one joint school districts. The number of scholars between the ages of four and twenty years, was 307, of which number 252 attended school. There were nine schools, taught by nine teachers, at average monthly wages of $30 for male, and $24.30 for female teachers. There were nine school houses, valued, including the site, at $6,610. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. C. R. ALDRICH, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Spring Prairie; was born in Cheshire Co., N. H., in 1819. He went to Davenport, Iowa, in 1855, and engaged in painting the new railroad bridge just completed across the Mississippi River at that place. This was the first railroad bridge built across the Mississippi River. He came to Spring Prairie in the Fall of 1856. He purchased his present farm in the following February, of Mr. David Pratt. Mrs. A. was formerly Miss Julia A. Carpenter, born in New Hampshire. They have two daughters, Fanny P., wife of Edgar Weeks, and Maria E. Mr. A.'s farm contains 205 acres ; beside his general farming, he engaged in the poultry business. The amount of business he has done in this line during the past four teen years aggregates $100,000. WILLIAM ALDRICH, settled in Spring Prairie, on Section 35, in March 1847, having purchased of Samuel Neff, land that he and his brother bought of Government in 1839. Mr. A. was born in Lisbon, N. H., Dec. 3, 1807. Married Hannah K. Montgomery, of Whitefield, N. H., March 7, 1833. Emigrated to Ohio in 1836, to Missouri in 1837, to Illinois in 1838, and to Keokuk, Iowa, in 1840, where he lived till he moved to Spring Prairie. He held the office of Justice of the Peace, and Supervisor several temrs, and was Chairman of Town Board in 1870. He moved to Burlington, Racine Co., in 1865, but returned to Spring Prairie on purchasing a farm, southwest quarter of Section 26, in 1868, on which he lived till his death, Dec. 27, 1876. He had six children, three of whom died in infancy. His wife, two sons and one daughter survive him : Alma M., Martha J., wife of William H. Hubbard, born in Keokuk, Iowa, 1845, who also resides on Section 26; William H., born in Spring Prairie, 1853, farmer, lives on Section 26. ALMA M. ALDRICH, farmer; was born in Kirtland, Ohio, May 6, 1837, and lives on the old homestead on Section 35 ; P. O. Burlington. He was elected member of the Board of Super visors in 1871, and Chairman of the Board the six succeeding years, and in 1877 was elected to the State Legislature, as Assemblyman. He was married to S. Elizabeth, daughter of Lyman Hewitt, of Rochester, in 1865. They have two children, Charles F., born 1866, George H , born 1868. WILLIAM H. ALDRICH, farmer, Section 26 ; P. O. Burlington, Racine County, son of William Aldrich, was born at the homestead, April 20, 1853. Married Jennie E. Benson born in Kenosha County. They have four children — Harry E., Grace, Mabel, and Percy. WILLIAM H. HUBBARD, who also resides on Section 26, married Martha J. Aldrich, daughter of William Aldrich. He was born in the town of Mt. Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y.^ in 1843 ; his father was Halsey Hubbard, who came to the town of Spring 'Prairie from Mt. Morris in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard have two children, Angelia and Ira. Mr. Hubbard's farm contains 200 acres. FRANCIS BAKER, farmer, Section 10; P. O. Honey Creek. He is numbered with the early settlers of Spring Prairie. He was born in the Town of Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vt., Dec. 23, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 913 1814. When ten years of age, he removed with his parents to Bennington County, where he was brought up. He came to the territory of Wisconsin when about twenty-three years of age ; his father came with his family about the same time, and the family located on Section 7, in the town of Spring Prairie. His father had four sons and one daughter. Francis is the only mem ber of his father's family living in Walworth County. His father lived with his children, for severar>years previous to his death he staid at the residence of his daughter in the town of LaFay- ette, June 24, 1850. His mother died Oct. 26, 1857, at the age of sixty-eight. Mr. B. has been married twice; his first wife was Olive Kinney, born in Vermont, where they were married, she was born July it, 1821, and died Sept. 12, 1876. His present wife was Mrs. Anna Britchard. He had three children by first wife, only one of whom is living. Has two children by present wife. His farm contains 280 acres of land. JOSEPH BARNES, farmer, Section 30 ; P. O. Spring Prairie; he was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Dec. 19, 1795, where he was brought up. When twenty-two years of age he went'to New York city, where he lived eight years. He lost Wis first wife in the State of New York, and was married to Lovina Yaw, born in the State of Vermont. They came to the town of Spring Prairie from the State of New York in May, 1848, and purchased a farm of Horace Coleman, which became their homestead, and is now owned and occupied by their son, Henry D. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes resided at the homestead until their death. Henry B. Barnes was born in Chen ango Co., N. Y., in 1842. He served three years in the war of the Rebellion, as a member of the 28th Reg. W. V. I.. He was married April 30, 1871, to Mary L. Hay, daughter of Horace N. Hay, an early settler of the town of LaFayette ; he died at sea on his way to California in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have two children, Herbert T. and Lovinia. Mrs. Barnes was born at , Elkhorn in 1846. J. E. BARTHOLF, farmer; P. O. Burlington; Section 22, Township 3, Range 18 east; son of John L. Bartholf, who was born in Orange Co,, N. Y., Sept. 2, 1786, Settled in Batavia, Genesee Co., N. Y., in an early day. Removed to Illinois in 1844, and came to Walworth County with his family in the Spring of 1847, and settled on the farm where his son, J. E. Bart holf, now lives ; purchasing said farm of G. W. Armes. The parents of J. E. resided here until their death. His father died in 1867, and his mother, whose maiden name was Cornelia Shower- man, died in 1869; has two brothers and two sisters — Alfred, Alonzo, Jane and Elizabeth. J. E. was born in Batavia, Genesse Co, N. Y., March 21, 1826; married Mary J. Van Alstine, whose father was an early settler of Racine County, March 16, 1855. They have three children living— Willie, born Feb. 29, 1868; Charlie, Feb. 14, 1870, and Ella, Aug. 2, 1872. ALONZO BARTHOLF, farmer, Section 26; P. O. Burlington, Racine County; son of John L. Bartholf. He was born in Batavia, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1828. Came" to Walworth County with his parents in 1847, and has been a resident of the town of Spring Prairie since that time." His wife was Miss Zelia M. Moe, daughter of Mr. E. Moe, who settled in Racine in 1844'. Mr. and Mrs. Bartholf have two children, Albert A. and Mabel H. Mr. Bartholf's farm contains 125 acres. WILLIAM BERRY, (deceased) of Spring Prairie, a member of the first constitutional con vention, was born in Salem, Mass., Dec. 20, 1780, of good Puritan stock. Removing to Madison and Courtland Counties, N. Y., in April, 1798 ; he married Miss Nancy Mellen, of Pelham Mass; He came to Honey Creek in 1843, engaged in farming, and showed himself a man of such superior ability, that three years thereafter, he took his seat m the Constitutional Conven tion, as the oldest member from Walworth County, in the State. While in Courtland County, Mr. Berry served as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and was Justice of the Peace for sev eral years during his residence in Walworth County. In the death of Mr. Berry, the town lost AARON BLAKEMAN, retired farmer and carpenter ; Spring Prairie. Born in Albany Co N Y March 2, 1800. He learned the trade of carpenter ; was married Oct. 20,1822 to Lydia Eari, born in Bethlehem. Albany County, May 3°, 1806. Mr. Blakeman has worked at mechanical business for the greater part of his life. He came to Spring Prairie, Nov. 1, 1854, and purchased a farm on Section 31, of Israel Williams. He sold his farm to the present owner George Green, and came to the Village of Spring Pra.rte in the Fall of 1865. He worked here at A? business of carpentry and repairing for several years but has now, practically, retired from business. Mr. and Mrs! Blakeman have four children-Wilnam E., at Jessup, Iowa ; Mrs^ jTa Livingston, in Elkhorn ; Levi H., in the marble business, at Spring Praine ; and Edward 914 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. in Iowa. They lost five children, four of whom died in childhood. Jane A , wife of Stephen B. Curtis, died March 29, 1872. The children were all born in the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Blakeman having been married October, 1822, have passed nearly sixty years of married life together. RUFUS M. BILLINGS, farmer; Section 28; P. O. Spring Prairie; son of Rufus Billings, who was born in the town of Somers, Tolland Co., Conn., in 1803. He resided for some years at Utica, and Trenton Falls, N. Y. He was one of the pioneers of Walworth County. He came here in the Fall of 1836, and settled on Section 23, Town of Spring Prairie, on the farm now owned by T. W. Buell ; he resided there until 1866, when he rented his farm, and removed to Burlington, Racine County, but sold his farm two years later; he still resides at Burlington. He had four children, two of whom are living, Rufus M. and Levi J. The later now lives at Green Bay. Rufus M. was born at Trenton Falls, N, Y., in 1833; has been a resident of Spring Prairie since he came with his father's family, except two years, which he passed at Boston, Mass., and about the same length of time in Racine, Wis. He married Julia Bacon, in 1865, a resident of Trenton Falls, N. Y. Mr. B. makes a speciality of dairying. SAMUEL BRITTAIN, farmer, Sec. 11, P. O. Honey Creek. Mr. Brittain was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1810. He came to the United States in May, 1834. He lived in the State of New York for about one year; thence to Michigan, where he stayed about the same length of time; thence to Chicago and Milwaukee. In the latter city — or more properly, ham let, as it was then — he engaged to drive team for Messrs. Pettibone & Foster; but not satisfied with his position, he remained there but a few days, and then set out for Walworth County. Soon after his arrival, he made a claim on Sec. 34, in the town of Geneva, and also in the same town at the head of Geneva Lake ; the latter is a part of what is now the farm of Royal Williams. The first claim he was obliged to relinquish, when the land came into market, for the want of means to purchase; but the other he kept for about five years, and then exchanged his Geneva land for eighty acres adjoining his present farm, on which he settled, and where he lived for about four years. He sold that farm, and bought his present farm. His wife was Elizabeth Hoyt, daughter of Benjamin Hoyt. She was born in Vermont, in 1814. Mr. and Mrs. Brittain have had five children, three of whom are living — Susan (now Mrs. John Midbury), in Missouri; Julia, at home, and Clara (now Mrs. Horace Baker). Mr. Brittain's farm contains eighty acres. MARCUS R. BRITTEN, farmer, Sec. 15, Town 3, Range 18 east; P. O. Vienna. He was born in the town of Amsterdam, Montgomery County, N. Y., Sept. 18, 1815. His parents, Joseph and Phebe Camfield Britten, were natives of New Jersey. Mr. B. went to Michigan in the Fall of 1836. He resided in the town of Centerville, St. Joseph County, in that State, for about two years. He then returned to the State of New York in the Spring of 1839. He came to Walworth County the same year, and purchased of the Government 440 acres of land, of which his present farm of 200 acres forms a part. He was married in the State of New York, Jan. 3, 1841, at Little Falls, to Caroline Klock, born in the town of Little Falls, Herkimer County, in May, 1815; returned here in May of that year, and has resided on the farm since that time. Mr. and Mrs. Britten have four children — Mrs. Ellen Britten ; Almy (now Mrs. A. H. Onderdonk); Riley T., and Agnes M. (now Mrs. J.C.Hopkins). Mr. B., his wife and daughter Ellen, who lives at home, are members of the Baptist Church. The Church with which he is identified is at Rochester, Racine County, which is probably the oldest Church organization, of that denomination, in the State of Wisconsin. The organization dates from Sept. 10, 1837. He united with this Church in August, 1841, and has been prominently identi fied with the Church since that time. Mr. Britten is a man with strong convictions and positive ideas, earnest and unrelenting in condemning what he believes to be wrong, and equally earnest in sustaining what he believes to be right. Politically, he was a Democrat until 1843; was thereafter an Abolitionist, and is now identified with the American or Anti-Secret Society party. THOMAS W. BUELL, Sec. 23, P. O. Burlington, Wis., is a native of Lebanon, Madison County, N. Y., where he was born in 1829, and lived on a farm until 20 years of age, when he engaged as clerk for one year in the mercantile business, and then entered into business for himself. In the spring of 1855, he came to Burlington, Racine Co., Wis., and clerked for Orson Sheldon, Esq., for one year, when he engaged in the railroad business, having charge of the freight and passenger business for about four years at Burlington, when he was placed in charge of the same company's business at Beloit, Wis., where he remained three years, after which he HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 915 returned to Burlington, and engaged in the mercantile business for a brief period, and, in 1864, engaged with the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, with which company he was connected for a period of nearly eighteen years, having resigned in June, 1881, but at the earnest solicitation of the management continued with rthem until January, 1882. Mr. Buell made the'businessof insurance'a thorough study, and understands in detail every de partment of the company. Commencingas a solicitor, and for twelve vears having charge of the company's agency department as Assistant Superintendent of Agencies, he retired from the company to whom he has given eighteen years of the best part of his life, upon his own volition. and purposes giving the most of his time hereafter in caring for his large stock farm in Wal worth County, in connection with his son, Fred. J. Buell. Mr. Buell retired from the insurance business greatly at the regret of his co-workers, as was evident by the flattering testimonials which were adopted in the form of resolutions at the meeting of the Agents' Association held in Milwaukee, Jan. 26, 1882, and ordered engrossed and presented to him. Mr. Buell's first wife was Miss Clara L. Thurston, born in Madison County, N. Y. She died in Burlington, in 1868, leaving three children, only one of whom, Fred. J., is living; he was born in Beloit in i860. His present wife was Miss Mary E. Bliss, to whom he was married in 1870, and by whom he has two children, Florence E. and Dudlev B. Mr. Buell has nearly 400 acres of land, and one of the finest farms in Southern Wisconsin, all under a high state of cultivation. It was origi nally settled by Rufus Billings, Esq., from whom he purchased it in 1868. Mr. Buell also owns fine resident property in the city of Milwaukee. ANDREW J. DIKE, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Spring Prairie; son of Isaiah Dike. He was born in Vermont in 1828. He came to Walworth County, with his parents, in 1837, and has been a resident of this town since that time, except about nine years residence in Lima. He married Rebecca Freman, daughter of James Freman, born in England. His father settled in Rock County, in September, 1846. Mr. D. settled where he now lives, in March, 1869. He bought his farm of Anthony Grass, who was the original settler of the land. Mr. and Mrs. Dike have four children — Samuel, Fred., Clara and Luella. Mr. Dike's farm contains eighty acres of land. DAVID W. DIKE, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. O. Spring Prairie; son of Isaiah Dike, a pioneer of Walworth County. Mr. Dike, Sr., was born in Vermont in 1802, where he resided until man hood. He emigrated to Ohio, and thence to Michigan, and came to Walworth County with his family in March, 1837, and settled on the farm now owned by Loring O. Webber the following year. He resided there about ten years, when he settled and moved to Rock County, near Whitewater. There he lived for nine years, when he bought a farm in the town of Spring Prairie, now owned bv Alvah Whitmore, which he owned until March, 1881. He died at the home of his son, David W., Jan. 27, 1882. His wife was Mary Vaughn, born in Woodstock, Vt . who survived her husband. The parents of Mr. D. had two children, Andrew and David W. The latter was born in Ohio in 1833 ; married Nellie Lawrence, daughter of George and Hannah Lawrence. Mrs. Dike was born in Ticonderoga, N. Y. She came to Walworth County with her parents in 1852, and settled at Vienna. Her parents- are now living in Minnesota. She is the only one of her father's family in Walworth County. Mr., and Mrs. Dike have one son, Charles E born in 1871. Mr. Dike's farm contains 116 acres. FRANCIS H. EAMES, farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Springfield. He was born in the town of Verona, Oneida Co , N. Y., in 1821, where he was brought up. His father, HavillaE., was a native of Massachusetts, and an early settler of Oneida County, where he resided until his death Mr E. came to Spring Prairie in June, 1843, and purchased his present farm of Israel Williams Mr E is numbered among the most successful farmers and stock-raisers of the town of Spring Prairie. His short-horn cattle, and finely bred merino sheep, are perhaps not excelled in the county. Mrs. E., formerly Miss Jennette Smith, was born in the town of Roches ter N Y in April 1831, and came to this county with her father's family, in April, 1843, Mr. and Mrs.'Eames have two children, Alfred, who resides at Los Angeles, and Francis H. Mr. Eames' farm contains 155 acres of land. „^TT _ . „ , , , . ft, AVERY A HOYT, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. O. Honey Creek. He belonged to one of the oioneer families of Walworth County; his family has been identified with the county since 1836. His parents were Benjamin and Susan Hoyt, natives of Dearfield, N^ H., where his father was born in 1782, and his motherabout 1786. They were married in New Hampshire, and afterward re moved to Caledonia Co, Vt., where they resided until they came to Walworth County, in Sep- 916 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. tember, 1837. In the preceding year, July, 1836, their oldest son, Gilman Hoyt, came to the town of Spring Prairie, and made a claim of the whole of Section i,but like most of the pioneers, he was not possessed of a large amount of money, and when the land came into market, was able to purchase but a quarter of the section, that one fourth. section now comprising a part of the farm of his brother, A. A. Hoyt. The parents of Mr. H. had seven children when they came to Wisconsin, four sons and three daughters, all of whom came with their parents, except one, the youngest daughter, who came in 1839. Two sons, Gilman, who came in 1836, and A. A, and two daughters, Ann, wife of John E. Hopkins, and Eliza, wife of Samuel Brittain, are living, all are residents of this town. The father of Mr. H, also settled on Sec. 1 ; he died in 1861. His mother died in 1863. Avery A. Hoyt was born in Vermont in 1824. His wife was Caroline, daughter of Tristan C. Hoyt, an early settler of the town of Rochester, Racine County. Mr. and Mrs. H. have eight children, viz: Ruth C, Henry W, A. Eugene, Florence L, T. Fremont, Mary S, Benjamin J, and Olive E. Henry W. is a graduate of the Wisconsin State University; married a daughter of S. D. Hastings, of Madison. He is now one of the editors, and proprietors of the Madison Democrat. Mr. H. has a fine farm of 414 acres, and is numbered with the most successful farmers of the County; he has a beautiful home, whose surroundings for beauty are seldom equalled, a feature of the premises is a large number of sugar maples. He has one thou sand of these trees, all of which he set out between the years 1845 and i860. WILLIAM LINCOLN, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Spring Prairie; born in Ohio, in 1822. His father was Gilman L. Lincoln, born in New Hampshire, but emigrated to Ohio, and afterward removed east to the State of New York. Mr. William Lincoln removed from the State of New York, to Racine in 1846, thongh he had been to Wisconsin two years, previous to that time. He lived in the town of Rochester about two years, and then came to the town of Spring Prairie, Sec. 34, settled where he now lives about 1867. He married Miss Amanda Mahew, born in the State of New York. Has had four children, two of whom are living, Ida, now Mrs. Willie Dike, lives in Kansas^-Ida lost one child in infancy. William, the oldest, was born in the town of Rochester, Racine County, June, 1849. Married Emma Cary, daughter of Samuel and Lucy Cary. He died Aug. 27, 1874, leaving his wife and one daughter Winnie. Mr. Lincoln's farm contains 170. acres. JOHN MARTIN, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Burlington; son of John, or better known as Judge Martin, a well known early settler of Spring Prairie, who was born in the town of Mans field, Windham Co., Conn., in 1793. In the Spring of 1838, he left his native state, and went to the State ofVirginia, but remained there but a short time, coming to Wisconsin, reaching Spring Prairie in June of that year ; he bought a number of claims at that time, but did not bring his family to Wisconsin till August 1842, he then settled on Sec. 24, where he lived nine years, he continued a resident of this town till his death, which occurred in June 1872. Judge Martin was a man of more than ordinary ability. Before coming to Wisconsin, he was Probate Judge of his native county, and at one time served in the Legislature of Connecticut. His wife died in 1844, two years after coming to Wisconsin. A brother of his, Orra Martin, better known as Elder Martin, came to this town from Connecticut in 1840, and settled on Sec. 23, where he still lives, at the ripe old age of ninety-one years, having been born January 25, 1791. He is a Baptist minister by profession, and his preaching in the service of the Baptist denomination, extended over a period of seventy years. He is still remarkably sound, mentally and physically, for a man of more than ninety years. John Martin, jr., was born in the town in which his father and grandfather were born, in 1831. Came here with his family in 1842 ; married Mary C. Monroe, daughter of Col. Monroe. AUSTIN L. MERRICK, retired farmer, Sec. 21 ; P. O. Spring Prairie; he is one of the pioneers of Walworth County. He was born in the town of Franklin, Delaware Co, N. Y, in 1807. In June, 1836, he came to Spring Prairie, accompanied by his brother. Col. P. Merrick, and made a claim of the farm now owned by Mr. Orris Pratt ; he sold the claim to Mr. Samuel Pratt, the father of Orris, and purchased the claim of the farm which has since been his home stead. His brother, Col. P. Merrick, made a claim of a farm on Sec. 28, now owned by O. T. Hubbard, and removed to Mt. Pleasant, where he died in 1854. He is also a brother of Roder ick Merrick, who settled on Spring Prairie in 1837, and died in 1870. Austin M is numbered among the most prominent pioneers of Walworth County. He is a man of culture, possessed of an excellent memory, and few are more conversant with the early history of Walworth County than he. He has also been successful as a business man, as his beautiful home and broad acres HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 917 testify. He has been married twice, his first wife was Celestia Cook, born in [Massachusetts. His present wife was Gratia P. Crane, daughter of Josiah Crane. Mr. M. was born in Herkimer County, N. Y, in 1815, and came to Walworth County from Lockport, N. Y, in 1856. Mr. M. had seven children by first marriage, six of whom are living, viz : LeRoy W, Gerome C, Louisa, now Mrs. John Norton. Esther Augusta, now Mrs. B. Raleigh, and Agnes, now Mrs. Frank Jones; lost a daughter Irene, at the age of twenty-two years. Mr. Merrick's farm contains 285 acres. G. W. MERRICK, farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Spring Prairie; son of Roderick and Rebecca Merrick, who were among the earliest settlers of the town of Spring Prairie. Roderick Merrick was born at West Springfield, Mass, Aug. 5, 1794, but was brought up in the State of New York. He married Miss Rebecca Gates. Mr. Merrick came to Walworth County with his family from Michigan, March 14, 1837 and settled in the town of Spring Prairie, on Sec. 29, which was afterward his home until his death. He purchased the claim of Horace Coleman ; he died May 18, 1870, in his sixty-fourth year, having been born July 16, 1806. His widow still resides at the home stead with her youngest son. Mrs. Merrick has seven children — Flavia, now Mrs. A. Daniels ; Hannah R, now Mrs. G. Moore; Gordon W, Oscar D, Adelaide, now Mrs. A. Potter; Ellnora and Albert H. The last two are unmarried, and live at the homestead. Gordon W. was born in Michigan in 1836; he owns a part of the homestead. He was married to Celestie Sheffield, born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., and came to Walworth County with her parents in i860. Mr. an^ Mrs. Merrick have four children — Mary, Edith, George and Eugene. Mr. Merrick graduated at- Racine College in 1854, and took a course of instruction at Bell's commercial school soon after. His farm contains 160 acres.. JAMES NIPE, farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Spring Prairie. He was born in Wiltshire, Eng land, in the year 1850, and came to the United States with his parents the same year. They settled in Herkimer County, N. Y, where they lived six years, when they came to Wisconsin, and settled at Alley's Grove, Walworth Co. They removed to the town of La Fayette in the fall of that year, 1856. In the fall of 1857 they moved to the town of Spring Prairie, where they have since resided. James, the only child of his parents, was born in Wiltshire, England, in 1850. Was married in 1878 to Ada Herrick, daughter of M. S. and Julia A. Herrick. They have two children, Effie and Elsie. Mr. Nipe and his father are owners of a saw-mill on Spring Brook, which they operate during the winter season. They are also owners of two farms, one of 120 and the other of 100 acres. Mr. J. Nipe was Town Clerk for the years 1878, 1879 and 1880.- GEORGE A. PALMER, farmer, Sec. 13 ; P. O. Vienna. Mr. Palmer is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Walworth County. His father, George H. Palmer, was born in Connecticut, Oct. 5, 1804. He came to Rochester, Racine Co, in July, 1836. He soon after purchased the claim of the farm now owned and occupied by his son, George A, which became his homestead. In 1857 he returned to the State of New York, where he resided till 1868, when he returned to the homestead, where he died in October, 1873. His wife, Sally (Langmaid) Palmer survives her husband. The parents of Mr. George A. Palmer had three children- George' A.; Edward, who resides at Battle Creek, Mich, and Martha, now Mrs. Lewis, lives in Michigan ' George A. Palmer was born in Connecticut in 1829. He has been a resident of the town of Spring Prairie since he came here with his parents in 1837. He was married to Philancy Keys They have one son, Charles W, born here in 1857. Mr. Palmer has living with him three octogenarians, viz, his mother, who was born July 16, 1802, and the parents of his wife Her father was born Jan. 21, 1801, and her mother was born in December, 1797. SILAS PATTEN, farmer Sec. 22; P. O. Spring Prairie. He was born in Oneida Co, N Y in 1808 where he was brought up. He came to Walworth County, in May, 1844. He settled on the farm where he now lives the following year, purchasing of Mr. Jabish S. Clement. He married Miss Charlotte Sweet, born in Ontario Co, N. Y, in 1824. Mr. P. came to Wal worth County in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. P. have four children— Lila B, Edgerton, Adell, Frank H and Charles C They lost three children. The oldest died in infancy ; Bert S, second, died Aug 20 1879 ; George W, their fifth child, died Nov. 4, 1881, at the age of twenty years. Mr. P '¦! farm contains 120 acres of land. . OLIVER H PHELPS, farmer, Sec. 33; P..O. Spring Prairie; son of Oliver L. Phelps, whn was born in Connecticut. In 1800, married Emily Goodwin, of Connecticut, removed to Monroe Co N Y and then to Oneida County. He came to Walworth County in October, 8c8 and settled on the farm where his son now lives, purchasing of Mr. Pierce, where he 918 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. resided until his death in 1875. He left four children— Mrs. Emily Spencer; Ester, now Mrs. C. D. Allen : Ellen, now Mrs. James H. Norris, and Oliver H. The latter was born in Oneida Co, N. Y, in 1840, came here with his parents, and owns the homestead. Married Medora Watkins. Mr. P.'s farm contains eighty acres. GEORGE D. PUFFER, firm of Hubbard & Puffer, general merchants of Spring Prairie; son of Josiah O. Puffer. He was born at Spring Prairie in 1853. He has been engaged in business as clerk and proprietor for many years. He began business as clerk for Mr. Cit. Pratt, afterward for Mr. Flowers. He engaged in business in 1875 in the firm name of Norton & Puffer, succeeding Mr. D. S. Flowers. In 1879. Mr. H. bought the interest of Mr. N, and the present firm name was established. Mess. Hubbard & Puffer are doing a good business, and have one of the best country stores in the county. Mr. P. was married to Miss Emma Hem- stead, daughter of J. V. Hemstead. They have one daughter, Edith. ORRIS PRATT, Spring Prairie. Mr. Pratt is the son of Samuel Pratt, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere. He was born in St. Joseph County, Mich, in September, 1837. He came to Walworth County with his father's family in 1845, where he has since resided. He owns the homestead where his father resided till his death. His wife was formerly Miss Mary L. Crane, a daughter of William D. and Louisa Crane. Mrs. Pratt was born in the town of Spring Prairie. Mr. Pratt is the present (1882) Chairman of the Town Board of Spring Prairie. He is engaged somewhat extensively in dairying, and also in the manufacture of cider vinegar, a business which he has followed for many years. JOSIAH O. PUFFER, boot and shoe dealer in Spring Prairie. He is a native of the town of Sunderland, Franklin Co, Mass, where he was born Oct. 22, i8i4,and where he was brought up. He married Hannah M. Whitemore, also born in Franklin County. Mr. P. began learning his trade at the age of 14 years; continued to 21 ; afterward for several years was employed as traveling salesman. In this capacity he traveled through several States of the Union, including the New England States, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Vermont and South Carolina, and thus obtained much valuable knowledge of the world. He came from Massachusetts to Spring Prairie in May, 1839, and purchased a farm on Sec. 27, and for five years was engaged in farming. Since that time he has been carrying on the business of boot and shoe making. His wife died in February, 1862. His present wife was Mrs. Mary W. Hatch, a sister of his former wife. Mr. Puffer has five children living — Chenery, at Joliet, 111.; Dwight Eugene, at Janes ville, Wis.; George D, Spring Prairie; Lewis Arthur and Herbert M., at Valley, Douglas Co, Neb, in mercantile business. He lost three children ; two died quite young. Samuel Jesse, the second child, died at Chillicothe, HI, in November, 1881. Chenery and Samuel were Union soldiers during the Rebellion. Mr. P. was Town Clerk of this town several years, and has been Justice of the Peace most of the time since 1849, and is at the present time; also Notary Public. JOHN RALEIGH, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. O. Burlington, Racine Co. ; born in Oneida County, N. Y, Nov. 1, 1814 ; married Clarissa Bushnell, born in the same county. Mr. Raleigh removed here from the State of New York in the Spring of 1844. He purchased his fa'rm of Mr. Alex ander Bushnell. Mr. and Mrs. Raleigh have three children — Helen E. (now Mrs! H. Hicks), Vernon H. and Stephen B. The children were all born at the homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Raleigh are the only representatives of their respective families living in Wisconsin. Mr. Raleigh's farm contains 140 acres. LEMUEL R. SMITH died Nov. 29, 1874, at his residence in Spring Prairie, Walworth Co. Mr. Smith, at the meeting of old settlers of Walworth County, was decided to be the first claimant in that county. He died on the farm which was a portion of his claim made in 1835. He was born in Hamilton Village, N. Y, April 14, 1812; moved to Ohio in 1819; came to Wis consin in 1835; to Burlington in December, 1835, and made the claim on which he died. The land was not surveyed at that time, but Messrs. Smith and Benjamin C. Perce crossed White River together, where the bridge now stands, and made the ascent on to the prairie. Mr. Smith spoke and said," I will take the right half," and Mr. Perce then made answer, " Then I will take the left half." It so happened that when the survey came to be made the two stood on the line between Sees. 36 and 25 : Mr. Smith proved to be on 25, and Mr. Perce on 36. This was sup posed to be the first claim made in Walworth County; it was in December, 1835. In Decem ber, 1835, Mr. Smith and brother came to what is now Burlington, and claimed the water-power, which, in 1838, they sold to Messrs. Ephraim and Pliny M. Perkins. Mr. Smith was always HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 919 respected by all who knew him, and has held many offices in his town and county. He always gave entire satisfaction to the public. In the social circle he has always been connected with the people of Burlington, and was respected and beloved by his entire large circle of acquaint- dllCcS, WINSLOW P. STORMS, farmer, Vienna. Mr. Storms is a native of Cayuga County, N. Y, where he was born in 1820. When 16 years of age, or in 1836, he went to Summit County, Ohio, from Wayne County, N. Y. He remained in Ohio about three years, when he came to the Territory of Wisconsin. He lived in Milwaukee County from December, 1839. till May, 1845, when he came to Walworth County, and located at what is now Vienna. He was the first resi dent at this point, except a Mr. Whitney, who had charge of the saw-mill, which had already been built here. Mr. Storms put up a building that season, which he used as a hotel till 1847, when he erected a larger building, and continued in the hotel business till i860. In 1856, he erected a building which was used as a union store, Mr. Storms conducting the business for about two years, when he bought the stock of goods, and continued in the mercantile business till 1862. Since that time Mr. Storms has been variously engaged. He owns a farm adjoining the village. Mrs. Storms was formerly Miss Melissa Meacham, daughter of Isaac Meacham, who came to Milwaukee County in 1840. He came here with Mr. Storms, and died several years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Storms have four children — Charles L, Samuel, Elmira and Carrie. Charles was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, serving three years in Co. I, 28th Wis. V. I. M. A. STORMS, farmer, on Sec. 13, is a brother of the above. He was born in Washing ton County, N. Y, in 1816, but was brought up in Cayuga County. He came to Milwaukee County with his brother in 1839, and came here in 1847. He returned to the State of New York in 1852, but came back in 1859, and bought the farm, which he now owns, of Henry Vanderpool. His wife was Nancy.Dickson, born in Cayuga County, N. Y. They have one daughter, Mary, now Mrs. Charles Hubbard. RUSSEL WAIT, farmer, Sec. 34 ; P. O. Lyons. He was born in the town of Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y, in March, 1817, where he was brought up. He came to Walworth County in November, 1838, and made a claim in the town of Lyons, Sec. 5, where he resided for thirty- five years. Two brothers, Sidney and Sandford Wait, came to the county in 1839. Mrs. Wait was formerly Miss Adeline, daughter of Jacob Herrick. Mrs. Wait was born in Yates County, N. Y, in 1823 ; came to Wisconsin in 1842. Mr. Wait sold his farm in the town of Lyons, and purchased his present farm in April, 1874. He bought of Mr. J. L. Taylor. The farm was first settled by Mr. Turner. Mr. and Mrs. Wait have had eight children, seven of whom are living — Elliott N, now at St. Croix County, Wis. ; Elon J, now of River Side, Cal. ; Mattie R, wife of E. S. Foot, now of Brittsville, Kan. ; Everett R, now of Minneapolis, Minn. ; E. B, now of St. Croix County, Wis. ; Minnie B, now at home, and Fred C. ; Eugene B. is in St. Croix County. They lost oneson, their second child. Mr. Wait has 100 acres of land. LORING O. WEBBER", farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. O. Spring Prairie. Mr. Webber is the son of Loring Webber, an early settler of the town of Raymond, Racine Co, who was born in Massa chusetts, and emigrated from his native State to Racine County in 1838. He obtained a farm of Government land in the town of Raymond, Racine Co, where he lived for many years. He came to Walworth County in 1867, and made his home for a time with his son, but now again makes his home in Raymond. The parents of Mr. Webber had ten children, of whom L. O. was the youngest ; seven of the children grew to maturity, five of whom are living, viz. — Mrs. Lucy Watson, in Minnesota; George W, in town of Walworth; Samuel, in Raymond, Racine Co. ; Mrs. Diantha Mills, in Racine, and Loring P. Sarah married a son of Elder Dye, of Walworth, and died July 30, 1864; Avilla D. Howard died April 13, 1862. Loring O. was born in Massachusetts, Oct. 20, 1836; married Mary Etta Fairbanks, daughter of John B. Fairbanks, a native of Massachusetts, but removed to the State of New York when he was twenty years of age and to Racine County, Wis, about 1844. Mr. Webber bought his farm of David Williams ; it was originally settled by Israel Dike. He has 120 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Webber have one daughter, Effie Genevieve. ALVA WHITMORE, farmer, Sec. 19 : P. O. Spring Prairie. He was born in Gorham, Maine March 12, 1787, and died in the town of Spring Prairie Dec. 25, 1865. His wife, Hannah Whitmore, was born at Dresden, Maine, April 6, 1793, and died Jan. 8, 1847. They had twelve children eight sons and four daughters ; six sons and three daughters are living, only five of the children, Daniel, Joseph, Alva, Hannah and Harriet are residents of Walworth County. 920 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Alva was born in St. Joseph County, Mich, May 12. 1832. His wife was formerly Miss Hattie McKinstry, daughter of Joseph McKinstry. Mr. Whitmore has three children, two of whom are by a former marriage — Jesse, Ruel and' Hannah. Mr. Whitmore's farm contains 160 acres. Ruel Whitmore, another son of Joseph Whitmore, Sr, was born at La Porte, Ind, July 16, 1834 ; a very promising young man, and possessed of much natural ability ; enlisted in the war of the rebellion in the 3d Wisconsin Cavalry. He enlisted as a private, and had been promoted to a captaincy at the time of his death, which occurred at Fayetteville, Ark, Feb. 14, 1863. DANIEL WHITMORE, farmer, Sec. 17 ; P. O. Spring Prairie. He was one of the earliest of the pioneers of Spring Prairie, and of Walworth County. He was born in Essex County, N. Y, Sept. 17, 1817. He went to Ohio in 1830, and to Michigan in 1832 ; thence to Laporte, Ind. He came to Racine County, in this State, in May, 1835. He passed through Spring Prairie in the same season, and made a claim on Sec. 18, Town of Spring Prairie, in 1836. This claim he made for his father, Joseph Whitmore, who settled on it the following year. He made other glaims, and finally settled where he now lives in 1842, purchasing eighty acres of his farm of Josiah Rodgers. His wife was Mary S. Noble, born in the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore have three children — Mrs. Susan A. Vaughn, Mrs. Mary Jane Bliss and A. D. Mr. Whitmore is one of the prominent and substantial citizens of the Town of Spring Prairie ; is a successful farmer; has a fine farm of 480 acres. Politically he was a Republican, and is now a strong advocate of the Anti-Secret-Society party. JOSEPH WHITMORE, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Spring Prairie, He was born in Gorham, Ontario Co., N. Y, in 1821. He came to Walworth County with his parents, Joseph and Han nah Whitmore, in 1837. His wife was Sarah Edgerton, daughter of Sims and Maria Edgerton. Mrs. Whitmore was born in Rome, Oneida Co, N. Y, July 22, 1835, and was married to Joseph Whitmore, Jr., Dec. 29, 1852. Her parents settled in the town of Spring Prairie, from Oneida County, N. Y, in October, 1845. They removed to the town of Lafayette a short time previous to their death. Her father died April 18, 1873, at the age of 81 ; her mother died Jan. 30, 1877, at the age of 74. Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore have four children — Le Roy, Selden, Elmer and J. S. Mr. Whitmore's farm contains 260 acres of land. ABSALOM WILLIAMS, farmer, Sec. 16 ; P. O. Spring Prairie. Mr. Williams was born in Lewis County, N. Y, in 1818, where he was brought up, and married Melissa Tiffany, who was born in the town of Adams, Jefferson Co, N. Y, in 1820. They came to Walworth County in July, 1844, and settled in the town of Lafayette. Mr. Williams removed to the town of Spring Prairie in April, 1853, purchasing his farm of Johnson Gates. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have four children — Collins, Frank, George and Arnold. They lost three children, two sons and one daughter, all of whom grew to maturity. Mr. Williams' farm contains 235 acres. HENRY C. VAUGHN, farmer, Sec. 18 ; P. O. Spring Prairie; son of David T. Vaughn, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere. Mr. Vaughn was born in Pittsfield, Rutland Co., Vt, in October, 1836. He married Susan A. Whitmore, daughter of Daniel Whitmore. Mrs. Vaughn was born in the town of Spring Prairie in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn have two chil dren, Charles and Mary Inez. Mr. Vaughn purchased his farm of Nathaniel Bell. It contains 160 acres. OTIS VAUGHN, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Spring Prairie; son of Samuel C. Vaughn, who was born in Bridgewater in 1802 ; was married in Vermont to Sarah Vose, who was born in Ver mont in 1797. They removed to Michigan from Massachusetts about 1830, and to Walworth County in March, 1837, coming the entire distance from Michigan with an ox team. Mr. Samuel Vaughn made a claim on the farm where his son Otis now lives, the same Spring, which became the homestead of the family, and where he died in November, 1868. His wife still survives him, and still lives at the homestead with her son Otis. Mrs. Vaughn has four children — Ben jamin F, in Oregon ; Cordelia (now Mrs. L. G. Latham) ; Phebe (now Mrs. R. D. Harriman), and Otis. The latter was born at the homestead in 1841 ; married Miss Fannie, daughter of William and Elizabeth Brittain, who came to Walworth County from England in 1855. Mr. Brittain died in 1865. His wife'lives with her daughter. Mrs. Otis Vaughn was bom in Lin colnshire, England, in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn have two children, Hattie and Edna. The homestead farm contains 200 acres of land. WILLIAM W. VAUGHN, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Spring Prairie ; son of David T. Vaughn, one of the early settlers ot the town of LaFayette (see Town of LaFayette). In March 1867, he married Mary Clark, daughter of William Clark. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn have three children HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 921 — Gertie O, Herbert C. and Fred. D. Mr. Vaughn settled where he now lives in March, 1876. The farm was first settled by William Crane, and is known as the Crane farm. It contains 130 acres. EDWARD ZAHN, proprietor of Vienna Mills, Vienna. He was born in the City of Worms, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1818. He came to the United States in 1843. He lived five years in Cincinnati, in the capacity of head miller in a mill in the city. He came to Racine in 1850. He came to Vienna, and purchased the mill here, in r853, of James Cotton. The mill was burned in 1872, but he immediately rebuilt on a much larger scale. This was a severe loss to Mr. Zahn, as his property was not insured, and his loss was heavy ; but with character istic energy he rebuilt a superior mill, and being an excellent miller, his reputation for excellent work is not excelled. He is a man of much general information, and as a business man, pos sesses the confidence of all with whom he has business relations. His wife is a native of Ger many, but brought up in Cincinnati. Mr. and Mrs. Zahn have seven children, five sons and two daughters, — Julius, engaged in milling in Milwaukee; Em il, druggist in Chicago; Bertha, married, and lives in Racine ; Cornelius, Victor, Edward and Nettie. TOWN OF LA FAYETTE. organization. At the organization of Walworth County in 1838, the present, town of La Fayette, constituted the western half of the Town of Spring Prairie, being known in the govern mental survey as Town 3, Range 17 East, It was set off from Spring Prairie, under the name of La Fayette by Act of Legislature, March 21, 1843, the territory of the town at that time covering 36 square miles. Subsequently,— Feb. 2, 1846,— one square mile forming the extreme southwestern corner of the town was detached to form the north eastern quarter of the Town of Elkhorn, leaving La Fayette reduced to its present geo graphical limits — thirty-five square miles. The boundaries of the town are as follows : north by East Troy ; east by Spring Prairie ; south by Geneva and Elkhorn, and west by Sugar Creek and Elkhorn. NATURAL FEATURES. The surface of the country is quite varied, the northern portion being gently undu lating, breaking into hills on either side of Sugar Creek, and the southern part quite level, Spring Prairie covering Sections twenty-four and twenty -five, and the eastern part of Section twenty-three. When the town was first settled, a variety of forest trees were found on some ot the land Wing south of the Creek. Sections eleven and twelve having a growth of elm, maple, bass-wood and butternut. The beautiful groves of oak dotted the country on every side and the pioneer while seeking his claim, often startled the timid deer, and sometimes' shuddered to hear the howl of the wolf and the bear. The burr-oak openings, and the prairie lands, in the southern portion ol La layette, have a soil of rich loam, and the white oak openings of light clay. The hilly region north of Sugar Creek, and the openings of burr-oak are similar in soil to the more southern portions of the town. . . La Fayette is watered by Sugar Creek, which, rising in the town of Sugar Creek, enters La Fayette on Section seven, and runs easterly a little north of the center of the town through Sections seventeen, sixteen, fifteen, a part of fourteen and eleven and enters the Town of Spring Prairie from section twelve. There are no lakes, of any considerable size, and no living stream save Sugar Creek. FIRST SETTLERS. Isaiah Hamblin the first settler in the town, was a native of the State of Ohio. He came to La Fayette with his wife in the month of June 1836, and settled on the south- 922 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. east quarter of Section twenty-five. July 18th, the logs for his house being ready, the settlers from the neighboring towns turned out to assist him in " raising " the first house in the town of La Fayette. During the year Sylvanus Langdon located on Section 14, and Alpheus Johnson on Section 23. S. A. Dwinnell, from Massachusetts, secured claims for himself and brothers, to 640 acres of land in the western part of the town in November, 1836. In company with Mr. Dwinnell was Charles Perrin,— Elias Hicks, who settled upon Section 22, and Isaac Vant also arrived during the year, so that La Fayette commenced to loom up as quite a settled region. In 1837, the settlers appeared in such numbers as to earn the trite expression — " a tide of immigration." In November, Daniel Hartwell settled upon section 18. Alexander H. Bunnell came in from Milwaukee in June 1837, to Palmer Gard ner's, thence to the western part of Spring Prairie to the place where Solomon Dwinnel then lived, and from there to the log house then owned and occupied by Al pheus Johnson, in the present town of LaFayette. Mr. Bunnell hired Mr. Johnson to go with him to hunt a claim, for which service he was to receive $1.50 per day and board. Taking a section line, the prospectors went through to Sugar Creek, arriving about noon at the house of Asa Blood, a little log cabin on the bank of Silver lake, built in 1836, by a man named Davis, and at the time of the visit of Mr. Bunnell and his companion, still the only house on Sugar Creek prairie. In those early times every man's house was not exactly his " castle," but might more appropriately be called his tavern, so the travelers "ordered dinner." The bill of fare was boiled beans — simple beans ; not "baked beans," the delicious dish which the New Englander longs for, "wherever he may roam," but beans guiltless of pork, or even salt. Mr. Bunnell was not discouraged however, but on his return the same day, he made his claims on Section 21. He afterwards relinquished it, settling during the same year on Section 20, where he still resides. Riley Harrington, with his wife and family, came from New York in June, and took up one half a Section on Section 30 in LaFayette, and another half in the ad joining Section (25) in Sugar Creek. Phipps Hartwell came in November of this year. He lived in the house of Alpheus Johnson, where his wife died. H. H. Sterling settled in La Fayette, also in November, upon Section 21. He came with Mr. Hartwell. Mr. Sterling died a few years ago in Iowa. Wm. West settled on Section 6, during this year, having made his claim in the Fall of 1836. Charles Heath was a settler of 1837. He moved to the town of La Grange, where he was a leading citizen for many years. He is now a resident of East Troy. Samuel, Daniel and McDonald Harkness, Nathaniel Bell, Joseph Whitmore, Sen. Morris Cain and Henry Johnson located in the town at about this period. In 1838 came George W. Dwinnell, Emery Singletary, S. G. West, Sen., J. Pike West, John Wadsworth, David Vaughn, Thomas Emerson, Mason Hicks, David S. Eltin and S. G. Smith. RECOLLECTIONS OF 1836 AND 1837. The first settlers of Walworth County probably experienced as long and severe a Winter in 1836-7 as has ever been known in Wisconsin. It was cold even as early as the middle of November, and on the 20th of December, the cold became intense, and continued through the season — the buds on the oaks, not turning green until June. Mr. S. A. Dwinnell, one of the first pioneers of LaFayette, describes his first entrance into the county thus : HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 923 " On the morning of the 15th of November, 1836, I took the trail of Black Hawk, at Belvidere, at the point where, four years before, he sunk his canoes in the mouth of the Piskasaw, and, with his army, took the land. His encampments were still visible every six or eight miles, as I proceeded northward to Big Foot Prairie, where I entered Wisconsin, at 4 o'clock p. m. The day was cloudy, cold, and cheerless ; the tempera ture at the freezing point ; the streams swollen by recent rains, and unbridged. Sever al times I was obliged to wade from four to six rods. As night set in, snow fell plenti fully. Big Foot Lake was in view at my left. At seven o'clock, evening, I reached the " Outlet of Big Foot," near Geneva, having traveled thirty-five miles without seeing a human dwelling. The settlement consisted of five families, living in rude. log cabins, without floors, chimneys or chambers, the roofs covered with shakes, and hardb^- a nail used in the construction of their dwellings. There were then twenty-seven families in what is now the county of Walworth, and all but four in the eastern half of it ; all living in log cabins. All of them had come in since Spring, and had put under cultivation about eighty acres. I settled on Spring Prairie, in what is now the town of LaFay ette." At the time Mr. Dwinnell settled in the county, not an acre had been broken in the present town of LaFayette ; but twenty-two acres in the old town of Spring Prairie, and eighty-two acres constituted the entire area under cultivation in the whole of what is now one of the richest and most flourishing agricultural counties in the State. The trouble and difficulty of reaching and selecting a claim was so great, that settlers were often obliged to bring in their families before any shelter was provided for them, either camping in their wagons, or remaining at the house of some " neighbor," three or four miles away perhaps, while the logs were prepared for the little cabin, where one room should serve for kitchen, living room, and sleeping room for the family. When the ex treme cold weather of the winter of 1836 came on, the settlers in the new country were illy prepared for it. The cabins were often without floors, sometimes with only a hole in the roof for a chimney, so that if the cold was shut out, the smoke was likely to be shut in. The few scattered families were so far apart that, except at a few points, any social intercourse was out of the question. ' In speaking of» the extreme loneliness of the women, one of the early settlers says : " For two months, during the first winter we were in Wisconsin, my wife did not see the face of a woman. During the next season a young lady moved into a cabin three miles west of us, with her mother and brother. They were from one of the villages of the State of New York. She was so lonely and became so anxious for society as to ren der her sick, although she did not know the cause of it. Her brother set out one day, with his ox team, to go with her to consult a physician, seven miles distant. They called at our house on the way. After conversing a while with my wife , she felt so much better that she concluded to go no further. She spent^ the day with her and re turned at night greatly revived and nearly restored to health." Mr. Dwinnell was entirely alone in his cabin during the four terribly cold days of the last of December, and had hard work to keep himself alive. He says : " It soon became unendurable in our cabin, and building a large fire and hanging up blankets before it, I sat down in front of them to keep from freezing." Notwithstanding the cold, and the deep snow, Mr. Dwinnell got so thoroughly lonesome that on the twentieth day of January he started on a journey of forty-five miles to have a visit with some friends at Belvidere, 111., then a little hamlet of six families. When he returned from his visit he was accompanied by a young man, John Wadsworth, who was in search of a claim. Mr. Dwinnell assisted him to select one and he settled upon it, making it his home, and the' following season the two friends did their breaking together. The house in which Mr. Dwinnell and his companion lived through his first Winter in LaFayette, was rather an aristocratic one for the day. On the east the nearest family was two and a half miles away, and in all other directions from six to fifty miles distant. 924 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. The cabin had received, notwithstanding its pretensions to some extra gentility, the sig nificant cognomen of " Bachelor's Misery." As this bachelor's hall, or bachelor's " misery " was one of the earliest institutions of the town of LaFayette a full descrip tion is given from the pen of one of its occupants ; " It consisted of one room, eighteen by twenty feet in size, made of unhewed logs, with no chamber. It was covered with ' shakes,' a kind of clapboard about four feet long, rived from the bodies of large thrifty oaks and laid two or three thicknesses in depth, upon legs which were prepared for their reception, the ends of which rested upon the logs composing the gable-ends of the building. Each course of these shakes lapped upon the one below, and were kept in place by small logs placed upon their ends. Such a roof afforded a good protection from rain as also from snow, after it was once well cov ered. The first storms of Winter, however, drifted through quite freely. " The floor was of puncheons, a kind of plank, six feet in length by two in width, and four inches in thickness, split from the bodies of white ash trees, hewed upon the upper side and laid upon sleepers resting upon the earth. The chimney was made of flat sticks two inches in width, rived also from the trees, and laid upon each other cob-house fashion and daubed with mud. Its foundation rested upon two small timbers, six feet apart, running from the logs in the north end, three feet from the ground to a joint across the building, four feet south and seven feet from the floor. This chimney, four feet by six, was made smaller as it passed upwards. A fire back was made by sawing out the logs and inserting in their place a wall of stones and mud. The door was composed of shaved shakes pinned to upright timbers at the sides, hung with wooden hinges, and fastened with a wooden latch, which was raised by means of a buckskin string passed from it through the door to the outside. The string hung out in token of hospitality, and was drawn in to shut out intruders. A few weeks after my arrival, the owner of the hall sent to Chicago, eighty miles distant, for a pine board of which, without plan ing, he made a new door. He hung it, however, in the same manner as the old one had been, and regarded it as quite ' aristocratic' A window of six panes of glass afforded us light. " Our food consisted of bread and milk, pork and potatoes. Tea was offered me, but refused and water substituted. The flour from which our bread was made, had evi dently been shipwrecked. Much of it was hard as chalk and was crushed with a roller, before kneading into dough. Our bed was of prairie hay, laid upon the floor before a log fire, which burned through the entire night. Our covering was a few coarse blankets. For such fare, I paid $3 per week. " Before commencing to work on my claim, I was obliged to send to Chicago, eighty miles distant, to purchase an ax, the one which I had in Indiana, was left in my trunk, at South Bend, and not obtained until the following Spring. " I have thus particularly described this cabin, because it was as commodious and convenient as many others which were occupied for months and sometimes for years, by the families of graduates of Eastern Colleges and others who afterward took prominent positions among us in business and professional life. As a result of their toils and suf ferings, many of their children, scattered over this Western country as tillers of its soil and in its various trades and professions, are permitted to reside in well furnished mansions." Settlers of 1839 : H. M. Curtis, Duer Y. Smith, Wm. Bohal, Daniel Stearns, J. C. Mills, Anthony Noblet, Peter Noblet and John Wood. Of the settlers of 1836 only two are living : Elias Hicks, at Elkhorn, and Charles Perrin, in the State of Iowa. Of those who came in 1837, the following only are living : Daniel Hartwell, A. H. Bunnell, Riley Harrington, and James Harkness, still residing in La Fayette ; Daniel Whitmore, in Spring Prairie, Wis.; and Samuel Harkness in Oregon. George W. Dwinnell, Emery Singletary and David Vaughn still reside in the town HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 925 in which they settled in 1838. John Wadsworth, who settled there in the same year, now lives in Iowa. PIONEER EVENTS. The first school kept In La Fayette was in 1840. It was a public school taught in the chamber of a private log-house on the southwest quarter of Section 20, by Miss Ruth A. Bunnell (sister of Alexander Bunnell). „ .J- °- Eaton opened the first store in a dwelling-house on the southeast quarter of Section 25. u The first breaking in La Fayette was done on Section 23. in the year 1837, by Al pheus Johnson, and the result. was a crop of 1500 bushels of turnips. During this same year also, Daniel Hartwell and Riley Harrington broke land. In 1838, Mr. Hartwell harvested five acres of Winter wheat ; five of Spring wheat ; eleven of corn ; five of oats ; two of beans and two and a half of potatoes. James Harkness, Nathaniel Bell, A. H. Bunnell, Joseph Whitmore, Sr., and Charles Perrin each raised crops during the same year. The first child born in La Fayette was Harriet Whitmore, daughter of Joseph, born October 1837 (afterward the wife of Dr. Daniel Harkness). The first marriage was that of Henry Johnson, son of Alpheus Johnson, to Miss Hamblin, in 1837. Col. Perez Merrick of Spring Prairie, solemnized the marriage. The second marriage was the somewhat notable one of Mr. Alex. H. Bunnell, Nov. 19th, 1839, an account of which is given elsewhere in this work. The first saw-mill was built in 1843, by Peter Hinman on Section 12. William Densmore built a grist-mill on the same section in 1856, both mills being now owned by A. M. Foster, and in running order. These are the only mills in operation in town. In 1844, Christopher Payne built a saw-mill on Section 15, which cost him about $ 1,200. It was afterward known as the " Harkness Mills." It has now fallen into decay. The first bridge was built across Sugar Creek, Dec. 12, 1837, on Section 12. WAR HISTORY. La Fayette did its duty bravely during the war, sending seventy-one of its own citizens into the field, twenty-two of whom sacrificed their lives in the service. The town also raised $11,000 for bounties and $300 for the families of soldiers. The following are the names of the soldiers who enlisted from La Fayette, being actual residents of the town : Sanford Doane, Irwin Harris, Ebenezer Colton, Robert Cheney, George Sewell, James Short, Holley Peck, Plimpton Babcock, Ira Babcock, F. J. Harrington, Henry Wiswell, Eugene Ellsworth, Smith Hartwell, Alexander Seymour, Samuel Bell, Wm. O'Brine, Charles Hide, Nelson Johnson, Martin Shaver, Alonzo Vaughn, Henry \i aughn, Anthony Noblet, Alva Hubbard, Fayette Ranney, Charles Stuicht, Henry Wood, Stephen Concklin, Charles Concklin, George Farrar, Willian\Bowman, Duncan Wright, Thomas Pollock, James Coulthard, James Rockwell, Ralph Burr, Leland Doane, John Hodges, John Mountain, John G. Matheson, Daniel Matheson, Albert Daniels, Michael O'Brine, Harvey Shubert, George Holland, John Shubert, Geo. W. Wylie, Jay Randall, Frank Sterling, John Carl, Dwight Stevens, Rual Whitmore, Alvin Gould, Burnham Gleason, H. P. Frank, George Short, James Wilson, Patsey O'Brine, J. Tomit, Samuel Bentley, Asa Cole, Isaac Waters, Henry Concklin, Moses Ranney, Oharles Wiswell, Delos Smith, Charles Bunnell, George Coborn, James Sterling, David Mountain, John Whitton, Edwin . Parmalee. TOWN ROSTER. 1843 : Supervisors — J. C. Mills, chairman, Alex. Wilson, Sherman M. Rockwood ; Town clerk — R. B. Burroughs ; Treasurer, S. A. Dwinnell. 1844 : Supervisors — Nathaniel Bell, chairman ; Alex. Wilson, Peter Hinman ; Town clerk — Charles Seeley ; Treasurer, Joseph Whitmore, Sen. 926 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1845 : Supervisors— Nathaniel Bell, chairman, Peter Hinman, Hiram Humphrey ; Town clerk — Charles Seeley ; Treasurer, S. G. Smith. 1846 : Supervisors— Nathaniel Bell, chairman, Ralph Patrick, H. M. Curtis ; Town clerk, Charles Seeley ; Treasurer, S. G. Smith. 1847: Supervisors — C. Wiswell, chairman, Peter Hinman, H. M. Curtis; Town clerk — A. H. Thompson; Treasurer, S. G. Smith. 1848 : Supervisors — H. M. Curtis, chairman, Ralph Patrick, Peter Hinman ; Town clerk — A. H. Thompson, Treasurer, S. G. Smith. 1849: Supervisors— Ralph Patrick, chairman, Hiram Humphrey, C. H. Wylie; Town clerk — Geo. W. Sewell ; Treasurer, A. H. Bunnell. 1850 ; Supervisors— Nathaniel Bell, chiiirman, H. M. Curtis, John Wadsworth ; Town clerk — George W. Sewell ; Treasurer, C. Wiswell. 1851: Supervisors — Nathaniel Bell, chairman, A. D. Harris, S. G. West; Town clerk — H. M. Curtis ; Treasurer, J. W. Peck. 1852: Supervisors — John Bell, chairman, S. G. West, Wm. H. Conger; Town clerk, H. M. Curtis ; Treasurer, Peter Hinman. 1853: Supervisors — John Bell, chairman, Wm. H. Conger, Absolom Williams; Town clerk, W. Hendrix ; Treasurer, N. H. Briggs. 1854 ; Supervisors— James Harkness, chairman, S. G. West, J. V. Hemstead ; Town clerk, Geo. W. Wylie ; Treasurer, Jacob Wright. 1855 : Supervisors — James Harkness, chairman, Lester Allen, Nelson West ; Town clerk, Geo. W. Wylie; Treasurer, Wm. M. Whitney. 1856 : Supervisors — R. T. Seymour, chairman, C. Wiswell, Porter Green ; Town clerk, Geo. W. Wylie ; Treasurer, Wm. M. Whitney. 1857: Supervisors — R.T.Seymour, chairman, E.B.Smith, C. H. Wylie ; Town clerk, Geo. W. Wylie ; Treasurer, R. B. Burroughs. 1S58: Supervisors — R. B. Burroughs, chairman, C. H. Wylie, C. Wiswell; Town clerk, George W. Wylie ; Treasurer, Wm. P. Ellsworth. 1859 : Supervisors — R. B. Burroughs, chairman, Joseph Potter, James Child ; Town clerk, Geo. W. Wylie ; Treasurer, R. S. Hendrex. 1860: Supervisors — C. Wiswell, chairman, Julius Derthick, S. C. Sanford ; Town clerk, Geo. W. Wylie ; Treasurer, Stephen Williams. 1861 : Supervisors — C. Wiswell, chairman, E. B. Smith, Town clerk, C. H. Wylie ; Treasurer, George Wright. 1862 : Supervisors — C Wiswell, chairman, E. B. Smith, H. H. Sterling ; Town clerk, S. R. Edgerton ; Treasurer George Wright. 1863: Supervisors — C. Wiswell, chairman, Riley Harrington, W. Hendrix ; Town clerk — S. R. Edgerton ; Treasurer — George Wright. 1864: Supervisors — E.B.Smith, chairman ; Town clerk — S. R. Edgerton ; Treas urer — Geo. Wright. 1865: Supervisors — E. B. Smith, chairman , Nelson West, J. W. Peck ; Town clerk — C. H. Wylie ; Treasurer — George Wright. 1866: Supervisors — R. T. Seymour, chairman, B. B.Drake, W. G. Derthick; Town clerk — C. H. Wylie ; Treasurer — Charles W. Concklin. 1867 : Supervisors — R. T. Seymour, chairman, W. G. Derthick, H. A. Hubbard ; Town clerk — W. W. Hartwell ; Treasurer — N. E. Oviat. 1868 : Supervisors — R. T. Seymour, chairman, W. Hendrix, H. A. Hubbard ; Town clerk — W. W. Hartwell ; Treasurer — N. A. Hendrix. 1869: Supervisors— S. R. Edgerton, chairman, W. P. Ellsworth, A. C.Norton; Town clerk — W. W. Hartwell; Treasurer — R. B. Webb. 1870: Supervisors — J. W. Peck, chairman, Alonzo Potter, N. W. Mower; Town clerk — C. H. Wylie ; Treasurer — Sanford Doane. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 027 ^NA hX?7S7C- H' W?iC; CJaTlrman' James Childs, J. C. Keyes; Town clerk — IN. A. Hendrix ; Treasurer — Sanford Doane 7 *.18m:a ^pervisors-C. H. Wylie, chairman, James Child; J. C. Keyes; Town clerk— -N. A. Hendrix ; Treasurer— Sanford Doane tt 18J3i ^f^s-.S- »; Edgerton, chairman, R. T. Seymour, John Derthick ; Town clerk— N. A. Hendrix ; Treasurer— Sanford Doane 1874 : £M^™WS-H. M Curtis, chairman, R. D. Harriman ; Town clerk-M. B. Ranney ; Treasurer — George Wright.. 7 11S\b.--S^Pervisors-^- C Norton, chairman, Joseph Potter, B. B. Drake ; Town clerk — M. B. Ranney ; Treasurer — George Wright. 1876 : Supervisors— Joseph Potter, chairman, S. H. Foster; Town clerk— M. B. Kanney; Treasurer — George Wright. t 718IJ'- Supervisors— J. P. Wylie, chairman, Joseph Potter, Fred Winter ; Town clerk— M. B. Ranney; Treasurer— Theodoras Northrop. 1878 : Supervisors— C. H. Wylie, chairman, Fred Winter, B. B. Drake ; Treasurer — lheodoras Northrop; Town clerk — M. B. Ranney. 1879 : Supervisors— Virgil Cobb, chairman, George Bentley, A. Noble ; Treasurer —Theodoras Northrop ; Town clerk — M. B. Ranney. 1880 : Supervisors— Virgil Cobb, chairman, Geo. Bentley, H. A. Hubbard ; Clerk — M. B. Ranney ; Treasurer — Theodoras Northrop. 1881 : Supervisors— Theodoras Northrop, chairman, H. M. Carter, Augustus Voss ; Clerk— M. B. Ranney ; Treasurer — E. B. Smith. The principal Justices of the town have been S. A. Dwinnell, Alex. Wilson, James Child, E. B. Smith, W. Hendrix, R. B. Flack, and S. R. Edgerton. The principal As sessors : H. M. Curtis, Geo. W. Wylie, and C. M. Wylie. CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, ETC. The only church edifice in the town is "Bishop's Church," erected by the Congre gationalists, in 1856, on Section 10, at a cost of $800. There are now 'eight school- houses in the various districts, none of the schools being as yet graded. At Fayette Sta tion, on the Eagle branch of the Western Union Railroad, there is a store in operation which carries a general assortment of all the varieties of goods usually found in country stores. This is the only establishment of the kind in the town. There is but one blacksmith, and he is also located at Fayette Station. One clergyman ministers to the spiritual wants of the people, and one shoemaker, and three carpenters pursue their sev eral avocations within the limits of the town. LA FAYETTE AS IT IS. The population of LaFayette, according to the Federal census of 1880, was 1,028. The principal farm products for 1879 were : Wheat, 23,800 bu.; corn, 84,170 bu.; oats, 51,239 bu.; barley, 15,722 bu.; rye, 534 bu.; potatoes, 7,180 bu.; apples, 5,789 bu.; clover seed, 1,010 bu.;"hay, 4,381 tons; butter, 49,770 lbs.; cheese, 27,200 lbs. No re port was made for 1880. The products were larger during that year than in 1879. The town has one manufactory which has a reputation throughout the country — viz.: — the sorghum mills, situated on Section 7, and owned and operated by Wm. Hodges. It was built about five years ago, and turns out first-class product. The building is one and a half stories, and is considered one of the institutions of this portion of the county. The annual acreage of grain exceeds 6,000 acres. There are 241 acres of apple or chard, 2,840 acres of mowing and pasturage, and 3,819 acres of growing timber. The number of milch cows reported in 1880 (the last report made) was 705, valued at $13,225. LaFayette is almost exclusively devoted to farming — not more than one out of 928 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. every hundred being engaged in any other avocation. The average price of farming land is stated by residents to be $30 per acre. The farms are principally devoted to general husbandry, but the special interest of dairying is becoming quite an important factor in the prosperity of the town. There were in 1881, four whole and six joint school districts. The number of scholars between the ages of four and twenty years was 261, of which number 196 attended school. There were eight schools, taught by eight teachers at monthly average wages of $32.37 for male, and $20.87 for female teach ers. There were eight school houses, valued at $3,300, including the sites.. The amount expended for schools during the year was $2,053. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. J. C. ACKER, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. O. Elkhorn ; is a native of Livingston Co, N. Y, born in 1819 ; brought up on a farm ; received but a meagre education, and in 1842 started west to seek his fortune. He came by railroad to Buffalo, N. Y., then by the lakes to Detroit, Nov. 7, 1842, from which place he came on foot to Burlington, Racine County, where he arrived in December, after a weary walk of five weeks duration. Here he stopped two months, when he went to Chicago, and drove team for Seth Payne, who was the president of the Chicago, and the Ottawa Canal, and purchased 160 acres, on Sec. 29, LaFayette, and commenced improving the same ; he also did work for other parties, and in 1843, opened what is now known as the Vore Stone Quarry, Spring Prairie, and burned 200 barrels of water lime. In June, 1845, ^e was married to Miss Rachel Mosher, then of LaFayette, Schoharie County, N.Y. In 1847, he sold his farm, and purchased 160 acres, of his present farm, but he now owns 240 acres, valued at $12,000. The children are: Delia Jane, now Mrs Frank Whitmore, of Crawford County ; George W, a farmer of LaFayette ; Eva lives at home ; Bennett, a farmer of Delaware; William R, a farmer of Sugar Creek; Mary, Newton and Walter living at home. The first religious service was held in the log house on his present farm, and the town of LaFayette was organized in the same place. GEORGE F. BABCOCK, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Elkhorn; was one of the earliest settlers as well as one of the most prominent farmers of Walworth County. Is the oldest of ten children, five girls and five boys, of Joseph and Charlotte (Fosdick) Babcock, who were native of New York and in that State; the subject of this sketch was born, March 13, 1825. In 1828, the family removed to Geauga Co, Ohio, here George F. received what was then termed a common school educa tion, and at the age of seventeen, he bought his time of his father, as in those days most boys were obliged to help their parents until twenty-one years of age. In the following Spring of 1843, came to Wisconsin, purchased eighty acres of land, on Sec. 29, LaFayette, and in the Fall went back to Ohio, but only remained a short time, when he returned to Walworth. In the Fall of 1844, he again went to Ohio, and in February, 1845, was married to Julia Barker, when he again returned to Walworth, settled on his farm, and has since followed farming with remarkable suc cess, beinga good financier, and buying more land from time to time, he now owns 746 acres of real estate in Walworth County, which is well improved, having good buildings, and is worth $50 per acre ; he also owns 240 acres in Buffalo County, worth $10 per acre. In the Spring of 1880, he removed to his present place of residence, and is now arranging matters so as to pass his re maining years in a more quiet way. He is a Republican, but as he has always had plenty of business, he has taken no interest in politics, no more than to perform his duties as a citizen. The children are : Henry E, a farmer of LaFayette; Mary Jane, now Mrs. Alfred Churchill, of Elk horn; Frank A, afarmer of LaFayette; Fred A, who is single, and roaming about in different localities ; Walter and Bryon living at home. TRUMAN BARTLETT, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P O. Fayetteville; one of the earliest settlers of Walworth County, is a native Vermont, born in Addison County, Aug. 3, 1815; was a resident of that State until twenty-one years of age. He then went to Essex Co, N. Y, 'where he followed lumbering, and in 1838 was married to Serena Strong. He lived two years in Vermont, when he returned to the Empire State, and in October, 1844, came to Wisconsin, first settled 'in Spring Prairie, where he was engaged in the manufacture of lumber, running a saw-mill for twelve years During those years he furnished lumber for the fence which formerly surrounded the public square at Elkhorn In 1856, he purchased his present farm, on which he has since resided, and made farming a business. He now owns 180 acres of land, 100 of which are well improved, and valued HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 929 at $50 per acre, the remainder is located in the town of Troy, and is valued at $12 per acre. The children are: Mary Jane, now Mrs. James Flint, of LaFayette; Phoebe Elizabeth, now Mrs. R. Moore, of Oconomowoc ; and Coris Ann, now Mrs. C. A. Hare; politics, Republican ; religion, Methodist. Mr. Bartlett is a man who has been the architect of his own fortune, as he came to Walworth a poor man ; a family of three children, and but fifteen dollars of money, WILLIAM BAUMIS (deceased), was a native of Schoharie Co, N. Y, in 1803. He was reared on a farm ; was married ; his wife died, leaving three children, only one of whom is living. He was married again in 1842, came with his family to Wisconsin, and settled on Spring Prairie, when his second wife died, leaving five children, since deceased. In 1858 he was married to Mrs. Lydia (Beach) Thomas, a native of Warren Co, N. Y. Mr. Baumis died in 1872, at the age of three score and nine years. WILLIAM W. BEACH, farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Elkhorn; was born in Warren County, N. Y., in 182 1 ; received a common school education, and at the age of 19 commenced work at the carpenter's trade ; the next year at the millwright. Not liking the business very well, he returned to carpenter' and joiner work. He came.West, to Spring Prairie, Wis, in i84S,with limited means ; commenced work at once at his trade. There are many buildings in the towns of Spring Prairie. LaFayette and North Geneva that stand as monuments of his labor. He was married to Clar- rissa Harriman, Dec. 23, 1849, daughter of Noah and Lucinda Harriman. He moved immedi ately to-Marcellon, Columbia Co, remaining there three years, working at the carpenter trade ; then returned to La Fayette, Walworth Co, and purchased the farm he still owns for $1,375, with very little improvements, and a rude log house ; employed a .man to take charge of his farm, and he continued working at his trade; but for the past twenty years he has devoted the most of his time on the farm, which is now in a good state of cultivation, with good buildings ; valued at $55 per acre. Religion, Methodist, holding different offices in the Church acceptably. Politi cally, a Democrat. The children are : Alice L (now Mrs. W. A. Dawson), and William L, of Stratford, Hamilton Co, Iowa; Lucinda I, Mary A, Benjamin H. and Isaac D, living at home. He was a man well adapted to pioneer work, ever ready to turn his hand to any kind of work to help the needv. many times leaving his work to make a coffin for a. neighbor, when the country could not furnish them, without charges, and many other deeds of charity. GEORGE BENTLY, farmer, Sec. 5, LaFayette; P. O. Fayetteville ; son of Robert and Maria Burse Bently, both natives of Connecticut, and it was in Litchfield County, of said State, that the subject of this sketch was born May 13, 1834; received a common school education, and in June, 1847, the family came to Wisconsin, and settled on Sec. 5, LaFayette. Here young Bently helped till the soil, with the exception of three years, which he spent in different locali ties, and in October, 1854, was married to Miss Nancy Welch, daughter of Josiah and Louisa Grant Welch, and as his father died in 1854, and willed the homestead to him, he continued to live on the same, and has since erected good buildings, and has made other improvements. He now owns 204 acres, valued at $40 per acres. He is a Republican in politics, and has held local offices. The children are : Frances. Adam and Varmon. A. H. BUNNELL, farmer, Sec. 20, LaFayette ; P. O. Elkhoin; one of the earliest settlers of Walworth; is a son of Salmon and Lois Leete Bunnell, who were natives of Connecticut; residents of Broome County, N. Y, in which country the subject of this sketch was born Jan. 12, 1813. When he was but 3 years old his father died, and his mother, with her family of five chil dren, removed into Dutchess County, where her parents resided. Here the family resided until 1832, then to Otsego County two years, when they removed to Onondago. In 1837, came to Wisconsin, and at once took up a claim of 320 acres on Sec. 20, LaFayette. Of said land, he purchased eighty acres for himself, and 160 acres for his mother, at the first land sale, which took place in February, 1839. In the Fall of 1839, he was married to Miss Mary Dyer, daugh ter of Charles and Mary Galusha Dyer, who were natives of Vermont, and settled in Spring Prairie in 1837, although Mr. Dyer came to Wisconsin and claimed his land in 1836. After mar riage Mr. Bunnell kept improving his land; but he soon sold the same, and purchased property in Spring Prairie, where he resided about three years, when he purchased his mother's farm of 160 acres. He has always taken considerable interest in education ; is a Republican in politics, and has held local offices. His wife died Feb. 25, 1847, leaving two children, Myron, now mai- ried and living at Newport, Washington Co, Minn, and Charles D, deceased, having died in 1862 while in the United States' service. April 14, 1848, he was married to Harriet Dyer, a sister of his first wife. They have two children, Lottie and Julia. 930 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. V. CASTLE, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Spring Prairie; native of England; came to Wiscon sin in the Fall of 1855. S. V. CURTIS, deceased. This well-known farmer met his sad and tragical death Oct. 2, 1877, on which day he directed his hired man to drive the cattle from the field where the fence was down. After getting the cattle out, Mr. Curtis remained to fix the fence, when just as he had the fence repaired, and turned to go from the place, he saw the bull coming toward him. He raised his hands to frighten back the animal, when it rushed upon him, striking him to the earth, and gored him so terribly in both sides as to break all the ribs, besides cutting the lungs. He expired on the spot an hour later. The unfortunate man lived just long enough to say a few parting words to his family, who hurried to the spot when they heard of the shocking tragedy. Mr, Curtis was a native of Saratoga County, N. Y, born Nov. 2, 1819 ; lived in Monroe County, where, on the 8th of March, 1843, he was married to Miss Jane Blakeman. In 1857, he came to Wisconsin, settled in LaFayette, and engaged in farming. In March, 1871, his wife died, leaving three children — Mary E. (now Mrs. A. M. Owen), L. Ugenia (now Mrs. William Atkin son), and Orville H, a traveling salesman of the Goodyear Rubber Company. In 1874, he married Mrs. J. Canfield, who. with Orville H, now own and have charge of the estate, which contains 120 acres, valued at $60 per acre. H. M. CURTIS, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Spring Prairie. He is found among the prominent pioneers of Walworth County, having settled in the county in 1840. He is a native of Oneida Co, N. Y., born Oct. 17, 1818; received an academic education, and lived with his mother, his father having died in 1820, until fifteen years of age, he then went to Onondago County, and re sided withhis uncle, Thomas Clark, who was a farmer, until the Spring of 1840, at which time he came to Wisconsin, and in August of the same year, purchased his present farm of 240 acres, at $5 per acre. He then went to Milwaukee, and clerked in a mercantile business until 1844, when he returned to this farm, and commenced improving the same, and as he was unmarried, he boarded with a neighbor, until 1876, at which date his sister came west, and kept house for him until 1848, when she was married to John Wilcox, he then returned to his old boarding place. In the Spring of 1849, he rented his farm for a year, but remained on the same, built a barn and made other minor improvements. In the Spring of 1850, he was married to Miss Calcina Smith, then of LaFayette, but of Jefferson Co, N. Y. He then commenced keeping house, and continued farming until 1852, at which date his wife died, leaving one child, Harvey. He then rented his farm again for one year, and in the Spring of 1854, he was married to Miss Eliza Smith, a sister of his first wife. He again resumed farming, and has since continued the same, meeting with marked success. He now owns 285 acres of land, which is valued at $50 per acre. He is a Democrat, and although he has no political aspirations, he has been on different occasions, been chosen to fill important local offices, and as his party is in the minority, this goes to show that he is highly respected by his fellow citizens. Of the four children born unto his second wife, but one is living, George O, who lives at home. W. G. DERTHICK, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. O. Spring Prairie ; he was born in Ohio, Decem ber, 1838. His parents, Julius and Esther Monroe Derthick, were natives of Connecticut, and settled in Walworth County in 1854. In 1868, he was married to Mary Bell, and his father died in 1863. He, in partnership with his brother, purchased the estate which contains 310 acres, valued at $45 per acre ; he now has charge of the same, his brother living at Spring Prairie. He is a Republican. Has held local offices, and is at present (1881) candidate for the Assembly. The children are Malinda, Julius, Bell and John. G. W. DWINNELL, farmer. Sec. 23 ; P. O- Spring Prairie. Is one of the early pioneers who settled in Walworth County in 1838. He is a native of Worcester Co, Mass, born Oct. 6, 1818, brought up on a farm; he received a common school education and in 1838, with his broth er Soleman, came to Wisconsin, and at once made a claim of 320 acres, on Sees. 23 and 14, LaFayette, and as the first land sale took place in the Fall of that year, he purchased the same at $1.25 per acre, commenced improving the same, and as he was still living a single life, he boarded with his brother, who had settled on land adjoining his. In the Fall of 1843, he was married to Miss A. C. Wilson, daughter of Alexander and Abagail (Bishop) Wilson, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Vermont, who settled in Walworth County in 1841. In 1861, he purchased his present farm of 160 acres, but he now owns 215 acres, valued at $50 per acre. He is a Democrat, but takes little interest in politics, no more than to perform his duty as a citizen. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 931 The children living are: Emma, now Mrs. S. A. Hartwell; and Mary, now Mrs. F. L. Bennett, both living in Nebraska. S. R. EDGERTON, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Spring Prairie ; is the oldest of the two chil dren of Sims and Harriet Bennedict Edgerton. He was born at Rome, Oneida Co, N. Y, in October, 1833. His father married Maria Crego in 1845, who had two children, Hiram and Melissa, the family then came to Wisconsin, and settled at Spring Prairie, Walworth County, where the father died in 1873, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. The subject of this sketch was married to Miss Olive Vaughn, daughter of David and Rebecca Vaughn. He then purchased 190 acres of his present farm, for which he gave $5,000; he traded wild land valued at that price, but he now owns 330 acres of real estate, which is valued at $50 per acre. He is a Republican in politics. In 1870, represented his District in the Assembly. The children are: D. S, Bertie, and Evelyn. Mrs. Edgerton died Sept. 22, 1877, and he was married again, to Miss Lila B. Patten, of Spring Prairie. J. M. ELLSWORTH, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. O. Elkhorn ; eldest son of John and Sophronia (Pride) Ellsworth, who were natives of New York, and settled in Walworth County in 1840. He was born in Sugar Creek, Sept. 15, 1845 ; received a common-school education. In the Spring of 1855 the family removed to Iowa, where the father died in 1858, and the mother broke up housekeeping. J. M. returned to Wisconsin, and lived at Greenfield, Milwaukee Co, with his uncle, C. F. Ellsworth, until 1864. He then worked by the month in Walworth County until Dec. 4, 1867, at which date he was married to Harriet Baumis, daughter of William and Lydia Baumis; then rented land and followed farming, also ran a threshing machine, and since 1875 has resided on and had charge of the estate of William Baumis. He also owns a "Poplar Fencing Saw," with which he does a great deal of work in different parts of the county. The children are Josephine, Willie and Herbert. Politics, Republican. S. D. ELLSWORTH, farmer, Sec 19 ; P. O. Elkhorn ; is the oldest son of S. S. and Nancy (Fields) Ellsworth, natives of Otsego County, N. Y, in which county the subject of this sketch was born Jan. 10, 1835. In 1847 the family came to Wisconsin, and settled on Sec. 19, La Fayette, where they purchased 240 acres of land. Here S. D. helped till the soil until the Winter of 1859, duiing which time, in 1858, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ranney, a native of Vermont. He then purchased no acres on Sec. 16, La Fayette, where he resided until 1868, when he sold out, and purchased 160 acres of his present farm, which was then owned by his brother, but which is the original homestead of his parents. He now owns 200 acres, valued at $60 per acre. The children living are— Frank R, Fred L, Gella, E. Louie and E. Harry. In politics, Republican. Mr. Ellsworth has three brothers— William, Henry and Eugene. NOAH HARRIMAN, farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Elkhorn; was born at Bradford, Vt, in 1805. In 1809 the family removed to Canada, and settled near Montreal, where, in 1826, Noah was married to Lucinda Davis. He then engaged in grocery business, and continued the same eight years, when he removed to Stockholm, St. Lawrence Co, N. Y, where he purchased land and commenced farming, but in a few years it was discovered that a man had a life lease on his Canada property, and therefore Mr. Harriman lost the same, which left him financially embar rassed. He was therefore compelled to sell out, and as his friends of Bradford urged him to come to the place of his birth, but finding it a rough, broken country, and he having seen better land, he could not live content. He, therefore, in 1845, came to Wisconsin, arriving in Wal worth County a very poor man, having a family of five children and but, $5 in money; and as his wife was brought up among the hills of Vermont she was very much dissatisfied to live in the country, abounding in ague and Indians ; but he at once set to work and soon rented a farm on Sec 4 Geneva, on which he resided three years, during which time, in 1847, he purchased his present farm, settled on the same in the Spring of 1849, and he has so improved it as to be valued at $50 per acre. The children with him are— Julia, now Mrs. E. P. Eaton, of Elgin, 111 • Guy living at home ; Clarisse, now Mrs. W. W. Beach, of La Fayette, and Betsy, now Mrs M G. Heath, of Sparta, Wis. Politics, Republican ; religion, Methodist. Was in 1850 licensed as local preacher, elected trustee, class leader and steward in the Methodist Church in Elkhorn which offices he has filled with credit to himself and to the perfect satisfaction of the community up to the present time, 1882. DUDLEY HARRIMAN, farmer, Sec. 33 ; P. O. Elkhorn; is a native of Canada, born in Montreal in 1815 ; received a common-school education, and followed lumbering until twenty- two years' of age. ' He then came to the United States and worked on the Wabash Canal, which 932 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. was then under process of construction. He purchased a piece of land, and in 1839 was mar ried to Mary Corbett, a native of Ireland. In 1842 he came to Wisconsin and lived in Mil- waukee, and lived until 1846, when he came to Walworth County, where he has since dealt in cattle, sheep, etc. ; has also dealt in real estate, owning at one time over a section of land. He now owns thirty acres, valued at $1,500. The children are — R. D, of Elkhorn ; Louisa, now Mrs. Phil. Wissell, of Sugar Creek, and Frances, now Mrs. A. L. Vanderpool, of La Fayette. Mr. Harriman is a man who is strictly honest, but has little to do with politics or religion. A. D. HARRIS, farmer, Sec. 36 ; P. O- Springfield ; is a native of Windsor, Conn, born June 16, 1820. When he was but three years old his father died; his mother married Justice Graves, in 1834. The family removed to Medina County, Ohio. Here A. D. learned cabinet- making, which trade he followed till 1845, at which time he came to Wisconsin, purchased eighty acres of his present farm, for which he paid $400, and in June of said year was married to Maria Bell, daughter of William and Harriet Owen Bell, of Medina County, Ohio. He has since made farming his business. He now owns 120 acres, valued at $60 per acre. The chil dren are — Edwin W, Estelle and Herman S. H. A. HUBBARD, farmer, Sec. 17 ; P. O. Elkhorn ; is a son of Alfred and Anna Steele Hubbard, who were natives of Connecticut, settled in Livingston Co, N. Y, where H. A. Hub bard was born, Nov. 13, 1882. He received a common school education, with one year at an academy, and in 1854, came to Wisconsin, and settled in Spring Prairie. In 1858, in partner ship with William Barlow, engaged in hardware business at Elkhorn, which they continued under firm name of Barlow & Hubbard, when they dissolved partnership. Mr. Hubbard went to Gen eva, where he became a member of the hardware firm of Hubbard & Meigs one year, when they sold out the business, and Mr. Hubbard purchased a farm in Spring Prairie, but only resided on the same one year, when be sold out, and purchased his present farm of 180 acres, at $29 per acre, which he improved, so that it is now worth $55 per acre. He also owns 20 acres of timber- land, valued at $25 per acre. He was married in 1856, to Miss Jennie Carver, a native of Liv ingston Co, N. Y. They have four children — Fred, Ralph, Marion and Georgia. In politics a Republican, and has held local offices. R. MACKENZIE, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Fayetteville ; one of Walworth County's early pioneers, is a native of Scotland, born in 1825. At the age of fourteen he was left an orphan, and in 1842, with his two brothers and one sister, his older sister having previously started, they came to the United States, and at once came to Wisconsin, where he arrived without money, be sides being somewhat in debt for his passage to America, but being an energetic young man, he at once went to work by the month, and soon saved some money, and jn 1846, purchased eighty acres of land, on Sec. 9, LaFayette, for which he gave $300. This he at once commenced im proving, and in the following year, he harvested twenty-five acres of wheat, which yielded about 900 bushels, a part of which he hauled to Milwaukee, and sold for a $1.05 per bushel, which was the first wheat sold from LaFayette, sold at $1 per bushel. He then sold the land to his brothers, and bought several pieces of land since, and is now living on a farm of 170 acres, well improved, and valued at $40 per acre. In 1850, he was married to Miss Susan, daughter of Thomas and Susan Manderson Pollock, natives of Scotland, emigrated to America in 1831, and settled in Troy, Walworth County, in 1840. They have had four children, one of whom died in 1856, and the other three died in 1858; the last three in seven months. They were then without children, until Feb. 2, 1878, at which time they adopted an infant, which they named Susie R, a bright little girl, and the pet of the family. P. H. MERRICK, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Spring Prairie; is a son of Col. Perez and Jerusha Hutchison Merrick, natives of Delaware Co. N. Y. In 1 836, Col. Merrick came to Wisconsin, and claimed 320 acres, which consisted of the north half ofSec. 28 He then returned to New York, and the following year brought his family to the wilds of Wisconsin, and settled on the claim he had made the year previous. The subject of this sketch was born in Delaware Co, N. Y. Re sided with his parents until nineteen years of age, he then went to Galena, 111, where he remained three years, when he returned to Walworth County, and lived with his parents until the Fall of 185 1, at which time he was married to Miss M. A. Briggs. He then removed to Jefferson County, and followed milling until 1859, then for nine years following, he was farming at Mount Pleasant, Racine County. Then in partnership with W. W. Vaughn, purchased the Lyons mill, in the town of Lyons, Walworth County, and ran the same three years, then sold his interest to his partner, purchased his present farm of 150 acres, valued at $6,000. He has one child, Orlando B. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 933 p)er?r?ckindied1SCA\1,S1 P«CreZ Me7ick' diGdf Aug" 2S' l855' at ^ ^ge of sixty-two years. Mrs. P. Merrick died in August, 1870, aged seventy-four years and nine months. Hr.n nfW.H u S p urmerV^.ec- 2° ' P- °- Elkhorn ; is the fourth oldest of the seven chil- Countv i?T8/,1CanHnd ^eb?cca (Gates) Merrick, natives of New York, who settled in Walworth Yr ™?Zx 37-' a* m Pnng PrTne 0f sald county- The subJect of A" sketch was born Dec. ,«k, h ' v,"1^ a c°mnl°n scho°l. education, and lived with his parents on the farm until. 1867 by which time he became a little uneasy, and so concluded to see some of the western ??? fc t'a Z w ?-C Start6d f°r the Rock^ M°untains, but after spending six years in Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Washington territories and the States of Oregon, California and Nevada, he returned to Walworth County, and in 1874 was married to Miss Emily Bell, daughter of Nathaniel and baran (Cook) Bell, and at once settled on his farm, which he had previously purchased, and has since made farming a business. He owns 180 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre. Politics, Republican. ' fn J' H- NORTON, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Spring Prairie ; son of Winthrop and Hannah (Cranston) Norton, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Rhode Island, residents of Ohio, in which State, February, 1841, the subject of this sketch was born. In 1842, the family- removed to Wisconsin, purchased land on Sec. 25, LaFayette, where they resided until i860, when they removed to Elkhorn, but the following year they went to California, where in 1863, the father (Winthrop Norton) died. John H, with his mother, then returned to Walworth, and set tled in LaFayette. In 1866, in partnership with his brother Abram (who returned from Cali fornia in 1865), he purchased their present farm of 160 acres, valued at $45 per acre. From 1875 to 1880, they were also engaged in mercantile business at Spring Prairie Corners, of which Abram C. had charge. Mr. Norton was married Feb. 8, 1871, to Miss Louisa Merrick. They have two children, Irene and Clarence. THEODORE NORTHROP, merchant; P. O. Fayetteville ; is a son of Theodore and Amy (Jackson) Northrop ; the latter is a distant relative of Andrew Jackson, ex- President of the United States; were natives of the State of New York, and it was in Dutchess County, of the old Empire State, on the 25th of November, 1841, the subject of this sketch was born. In 1841, the father came to Wisconsin, and the following year the mother with her children followed, and the family soon settled on Sec. 27, Town of LaFayette. Here they resided about seven years, then two years in Delevan,' subsequent to which they removed to Columbia County, and it is there they experienced the hardships of pioneer life, as they at first lived in a sod house, after ward in a log shanty, with ho neighbors in a radius of three miles, except wolves and Indians. Here they undertook to raiSfr'sheep, they having brought the first flock to Columbia County ; but the wolves soon took charge of the entire flock. In 1862, Theodore, Jr., enlisted in Co. C, 23d Wis. V. I, where he served three years, and returned home and assumed farming one year. He then went to the copper regions of Lake Superior. He taught school and kept books for two years, after which he returned to Walworth County, and remained with his sister on her farm one year. During the following three years he was engaged in mercantile business at Elkhorn ; then acted as traveling salesman for a Chicago mercantile firm one year, at the end of which time, in May, 1877, he came to Fayetteville, rented property, and has since been engaged in general mer cantile business. He also deals in live stock and grain. He has been station agent, express agent, and Post-master, which latter position he now holds. He is a Republican in politics ; has been Town Treasurer three years, and is now Chairman of the Town Board. On the seventh day of November, 1871, he was united in matrimony to Miss Josephine Lumsden, then of Elkhorn, but a native of North Adams, Mass. They have six children — Frank, Amy M, Laertes, Rena Belle, Theodora, and an infant. CHARLES I. PECK, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. O. Fayetteville ; oldest son of J. W. and Adaline E. (Randall) Peck; was born in LaFayette, Aug. 14, 1848 ; received a common school educa tion, and in 1873 was married"to Miss Fannie E. Sewell, daughter of Jirah and Elizabeth (God- dard) Sewell, and has since continued farming on a part of his father's estate. He now owns 486 acres in LaFayette, worth $30 to $40 per acre ; 440 acres in Trempeleau County, valued at $20 per acre. The children are Jeddiah, Myron and H. M. Politics, Democrat. A. POTTER, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Elkhorn; is a native of New York, born in 1826. In 1843, he came with his parents to Wisconsin, and lived with them in LaFayette until 1848, dur ing which time, in 1847, he was married to Laura L. Pitkins, then of LaFayette, but a native of Ohio. He then removed .to Dodge County, where he resided until 1850, when he returned to 934 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Walworth County, and in 1852 purchased a farm in Geneva, where he resided, with the excep tion of two years that he lived in Elkhorn, until 1868, in the Spring of which year his wife died, leaving five children— Delia (now Mrs. O. C. Chase, of Furgus Falls, Minn.); Adelbert, also living at that place ; Florence (now Mrs. Allison Beach, of Onalaska, La Crosse Co.) ; Mary, living at Furgus Falls, and H. Orlando, living at home. He then sold his farm, removed to Elkhorn, and in December, 1868, was married to Adalaide Merrick, of Spring Prairie. In March, 1869, he purchased his present farm of 200 acres, which is now valued at $60 per acre. He is a Liberal Republican in politics, and has held local offices. JOSEPH POTTER, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. O. Elkhorn ; was born in Dutchess County, N. Y, July 25,1823; was brought up on a farmr and received a common school education. In 1843, he came with his parents to Wisconsin, landing at Milwaukee, June 9. The family at once pro ceeded to Walworth County, and here his father, Robert K. Potter, purchased 200 acres of land on Sees. 19 and 18, LaFayette. In 185 1, Joseph was married to Miss Rosina Ellsworth; then rented his father's farm for five years, after which, in 1856, he purchased the same at $35 per acre, on which he has built a fine brick house, valued at $3,000, and made other improvements, so that the farm is now worth $60 per acre. His wife died May 19, 1869, leaving six children — Gil bert, now a resident of Nebraska; Laura A. (now Mrs. George Young, of Elkhorn); George, Julia, Mary and Josie. In March, 1872, he married Caroline Randall. They have two children, Lurena and Maud. Mr. Potter is a Republican in politics, and has held local office. J. P. POTTER, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Elkhorn; settled where he now resides in 1846; is a native of Rutland County, Vt, born Feb. 28, 1812. When he was thirteen years of age his mother died, and as his father broke up house-keeping the family became separated, and the subject of this sketch was left to take care of himself. He worked at farming by the month; also attended school for a few terms. In 1839, he, becoming tired of shifting about in single life, was married to Sylvia Goodspeed ; continued farming by renting land and cultivating the same until 1842, at which date he removed to Sandy Hill, Washington Co., N. Y. Here he worked in a saw-mill during the Summer until 1846. He spent the Winter seasons logging in Essex County. He then came to Wisconsin, purchased forty acres of his present farm, for which he gave $ioo, to which he added from time to time, so that his real estate now amounts to 184 acres, valued at $8,500. The children are: Sylvia (now Mrs. E. W. Gray, of Geneva); Erwin E, a farmer in Kansas; Lola M. (now Mrs. M. Wright, of Darien); Hiram H. and Elmer E. Politically he is a Democrat. E. S. SHEPARD, farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Elkhorn; is a son of W. S. and Caroline (Beach) Shepard, the former a native of Hartford, Conn, and the latter of New York, and where, in Ontario County, of the latter named State, on the sixth day of July, 1832, the subject of this sketch was born. In 1844, the family removed to Little Fort (now Waukegan), 111, near which place they purchased a farm. Here E. S. helped till the soil, and, in 1854, was married to Aba gail Chandler, then of Waukegan, but a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1831. He still followed farming until 1865, in which year his parents purchased 140 acres of land in Walworth County, Wis, and as they were moving from Illinois to their new home his wife was thrown from the wagon, thereby receiving a fractured arm and fractured hip, which made her a cripple for life. E. S. therefore removed to Walworth County, and took charge of the farm until 1873, at which date he purchased the homestead. His parents then removed to Elkhorn, where they resided until 1880, in which year they went to Beloit, Kansas, where the mother still lives, but the father died Dec. 26, 1880. E. S. resides on the homestead, which is valued at $50 per acre. He has one daughter, Ellen A. (now Mrs. Edgar Wales, of LaFayette). ZEPHANIAH SHORT, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. O. Elkhorn; one of Walworth's earliest set tlers; is a native of Otsego County, N. Y, born in 1815 ; brought up on a farm. He received a common school education, and, in 1835, was married to Sally Cockett. In 1842, he came to Wis consin, and purchased the southwest one-fourth of Sec. 27, LaFayette, but returned to the Em pire State, where he remained until 1846. He then removed to his new home, and resided on the land he purchased in 1842, until 1854, when he purchased the east one-half of the northwest one-fourth of Sec. 27, LaFayette, where he has since resided. He now owns 240 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre. The children are : Sally M. (now Mrs. J. V. Hicks, of LaFayette) ; James, a resident of Glendon, Minn.; George W. (deceased), having enlisted in 1862, in Co. I, 28th Wis, and died at Helena, Ark, in the Spring of 1863 ; Esther L. (now Mrs. George W. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 935 Farrar, of East Delevan) ; Benjamin F, the only one of the children born in Wisconsin, died in 1856, at the age of 6 years and 4 days. A. L. VANDERPOOL, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Elkhorn; was born in Albany County, N. Y, in 1843. In 1853, the family came to Wisconsin, and settled in Spring Prairie, where they resided until i860, when they removed to the town of Delevan. In 1862, the subject of this sketch enlisted in Co. I, 28th Wis, and served three years. He then returned to Walworth, and, in 1867, was married to Miss Frances Harriman, daughter of Dudley and Mary (Corbett) Harri man. He then followed butchering for one year, at Delevan. They then removed to Clarence, Cedar Co, Iowa, where he continued in the same business for one year. Then he returned to Walworth, and served as a traveling agent for one year. In the Fall of 1871, he again went to Clarence, Iowa, and was engaged dealing in agricultural implements about one year, and since he has been engaged in farming where he now resides. The children living are Harry and Georgia. Politics, Republican. JOHN VOSS, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Elkhorn; is a native of Germany, born in 1835; emi grated to the United States in 1858, and first settled in Onondago County, N. Y, where, in 1861, he was married to Sarah Ann Pridmore, a native of England. In 1864, he came to Wisconsin, and, in 1873, purchased his present property. He now owns no acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. He has one son, John F. Politics, Liberal. DAVID T. VAUGHN, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Spring Prairie; one of the old land-marks of Walworth; is a native of Bridgewater, Vt., born Feb. 28, 1810. When he was but eighteen months old his father died, and his mother died in 1820. He was, therefore, at the tender age of ten years left to the mercy of the world to take care of himself. At the age of seventeen he went to Carver, Mass, where he learned the joiner's trade with his brother Samuel, but as his health did not permit him to continue the same, he returned to Bridgewater, and soon after went to Pittsfield, and here, on the 20th day of January, 1833, he was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Rebecca Dinsmore. In the Spring of 1834 he left his wife with her folks and went to Michigan, and as he was" well pleased with that State, he returned to Pittsfield to get his wife ; but as she was an only daughter her parents did not wish to have her go West. So Mr. Vaughan remained in the East, digging away among the stumps and stones for three years, which was very discouraging, as he knew there was much better farming land in the West. He, therefore, sold what property he could spare for $50, and on June 10, 1837, started with his family for Michigan^, where they lived one year, then they came to Wisconsin and settled in Walworth County,,Aug. 31, 1838. And now came the trials which only the pioneers of a new country can comprehend. When they arrived in Walworth County the family was all sick with the ague. They lived with Mr. Vaughn's brother Dike until November, who cared for them as Well as he could. Mr. Vaughn then rented a house, worked at his trade somewhat during the Winter, and the next Summer worked at Perkin's grist-mill at $1 per day, leaving his wife and two children to take care of themselves. She did sewing for Ansil Salisbury, and bought one bushel of beans and two bushels of buckwheat flour. In the Fall of 1839 the house they then occupied was destroyed, which left them almost destitute, as they simply saved the clothes they wore, a brass kettle, and a few minor articles. But they did not despair, and Mr. Vaughn at once went to Burlington, Racine Co, where he ran a saw-mill on shares, and in this way procured lumber to build a house. In the Spring of 1840 he purchased forty acres of his present farm, and to pay for it he borrowed money of Ansil Salisbury at twenty per cent, interest. The first eighty acres of land he purchased by selling a yoke of cattle for $72, to which he added his cash, but still lacked $10, for which amount he gave .his note of offering twelve per cent. interest,' payable in gold. In the Spring of 1840 he purchased a threshing machine, which he ran one' year with success, lived in the most economical way, and has now succeeded in accumu lating a goodly share of this world's goods, as he now owns 570 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre His wife died June 14, 1876, at the age of sixty-three years and twenty-one days, leaving six children, five of whom are now living— George, Henry, Alonzo, William and Joseph. JOSEPH VAUGHN, youngest son of David T. and Rebecca (Dinsmore) Vaughn, was born in the town of La Fayette, Walworth Co, in 1850 ; received an academic education, and in 1875 was married to Miss Alice Sheffield. He is a farmer, lives with his father, and at pre sent has charge of the homestead, which contains 240 acres. S T. WEBB, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Spring Prairie. He is a native of Columbia Co, N Y Born in 1824; received a common-school education, and in 1844 was married to Miss 936 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Ann Eliza Harrington ; followedlfarming in his native country until 1848. He then Went to Berk shire County, Mass. ; continued farming, but the following year returned to the Empire State, and soon afterward came to Wisconsin, arriving at Elkhorn in September. In December he removed to Columbia County, where his parents resided, but the following year returned to Walworth, and served as a common laborer for three years ; then rented some land in Geneva, but at the end of one year, on account of his wife's poor health, again served as a laborer. In June, 1855, his wife died, leaving three small children — Robert B, William A., and Silas O. In 1856 he married Mrs. Elizabeth (Clark) Humpstead, who had two children — Mary, now Mrs. Robert P. Cole, and Nellie C, deceased. Mr. Webb then resumed farming, having previously purchased eighty acres of land on Sec. 35, La Fayette, in connection with which he cultivated eighty acres belonging to his wife. In 1866 he purchased his present farm, which contains 160 acres, and valued at $8,000.' The children are Mark T. and Ava J. Republican. NELSON WEST, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P. O. Fayetteville ; son of S. G. and Rebeeca (Pike) West, was born at Norwich, Chenango Co,'N. Y, June 23, 1829. His mother died when he was but five years old, and in 1839 he came to Wisconsin. His father having previously settled in La Fayette. Here the subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm. He was married in 1855 t0 Miss Hannah Maria Hodges, daughter of William and Mary Ann May Hodges. He has since followed farming, and now owns 280 acres of well-improved land, worth $50 per acre. The children are — Henry P, Addie M, Nellie M, Mark H. and Mary Grace. Mr. West is a Democrat in politics, and has held local offices. S. E. WHITMORE, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Spring Prairie; son of Joseph and Sarah (Edgerton) Whitmore, was born in Spring Prairie in 1855, received a common school education, and lived with his parents on a farm until 1878, when he was married to Clara, daughter of An drew and Rebecca (Freeman) Dike, of Spring Prairie, since which time he has had charge of one of his father's farms, containing 140 acres, valued at $50 per acre. They have one child, Fred. W. J. WYLIE, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. O. Spring Prairie ; son of Robert and Susan (Hump- stead) Wylie, the former a native of Rutland, Vt, and the latter of Oneida Co, N.Y,was L>orn in the latter county March n, 1824, received an acadetaic education, and in 1842, with his parents, came to Wisconsin. Upon arrival, his father purchased a threshing machine from Ohio, which machine was one of the first in the county. This he run for five years, and as machines were scarce, it furnished him employment nearly the entire time. In those times, the principal thresh ing was done during the months of May and June. After giving up threshing business, he com menced to deal in cattle, sheep and hogs. In 1849, went into partnership with J, W. Peck, he purchased 2,000 sheep in Ohio, which they drove all the way to Wisconsin, they were the first fine wool sheep brought into the State. Mr. Wylie was also the first to bring Durham stock into the State. He and Mr. Peck were also engaged in hotel business for three years, at what is known as Grove Corners. He also dealt in wild lands in Jackson and Calumet Counties. He still deals in stock, but not so extensively as in former years. In 1867, he took charge of his father's farm, and as he died in 1875, Mr. Wylie purchased the estate, which consisted of 200 acres, valued at $10,000 dollars. He was married in 1855, to Miss Abby Hempstead, daughter of Calvin and Amanda (Wilcox) Hempstead. They have two children, Edith, now Mrs. William Webb, and Nina K. Polities, Democrat. H. C. WYLIE, farmer, Sec. 35 ; P. O. Spring Prairie ; is a son of John T. and Polly (Hempstead) Wylie, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of New York, and it was in Oneida County, of the latter State, that on Feb. 1, i83i,the subject of this sketch was born. In 1833, the family removed to Chautauqua County, here H. C. received a common school edu cation, and helped to till the soil until twenty-one years of age, he then concluded to seek his fortune in the west, and he therefore came to Wisconsin, and first stopped in LaGrange, Wal worth County, where he followed farming two years, during which time his parents came to Wal worth, and purchased 160 acres of land, on Sec. 35, LaFayette, he therefore came to LaFayette, and lived with his parents. In 1857, he was married to Harriet E. Houghton, daughter of William and Almina (Cornish) Houghton, the former still living in LaGrange, where he settled in 1838. Mr. Wylie then purchased his father's farm, to which he added sixty acres, making a total of 220 acres of real estate, valued at $40 per acre. He is a Republican, but takes no in terest in politics, more than to perform his right as a citizen. Their children are : Lora, Chester W. H. and Charley. History of Walworth county. 937 TOWN OF SUGAR CREEK. ORGANIZATION. Sugar Creek was originally the south eastern township of the original town of Elk horn, and was known by that name till February 2, 1846, at which time it was, by act of the Territorial Legislature, incorporated into a separate town under its present name. It is described in the government survey as town 3 range 16 east. It is bounded on the north by the town of LaGrange ; east by LaFayette and Elkhorn ; south by Elkhorn and Delavan, and west by the town of Richmond. Its area embraces a full Congress ional township of six miles square, less one section (No. 36) in the southeast corner, which was set off at the time it was incorporated, as a part of the present town of Elk horn. TOPOGRAPHY. The surface is varied from level prairie to rolling, which in the northwestern part of the town rises into a low range of hills, running east and west. Nearly nine-tenths of the surface is level or nearly so. When first settled the prairies covered not far from ten square miles. Delavan Prairie, on Sections bl and 32, covered the two sections nearly except a tamarack swamp in the northern part of Section 31. Sugar Creek Prairie four and one-half miles long and one and one-half miles wide, was in the north half of the town. About a quarter of the surface was open prairie, half oak openings free from undergrowth, the remaining quarter being more heavily wooded, or marsh land lying along the course of Sugar Creek, a small stream running nearly east through the center of the town. This creek is the only considerable stream in the township, and with several small streams flowing into it, furnishes drainage for the sections lying south of it. It flows through the towns of La Fayette and Spring Prairie, and empties into White River. It was first discovered and explored by the early settlers of Spring Prairie in May 1836. Mr. Daniel Salisbury writes that on May 28, 1836, he, in com pany with Rowland Cook and Mr. Smith, wandered up the stream till they came to heavy timber, interspersed thickly with sugar maple, and came upon a camp of Indians a little west of what is now the west line of Spring Prairie. They had been making sugar at that point, and the name of the creek, as well as that of the town, doubtless came from the discovery of the sugar maple and the sugar camp on the banks of the stream. In the northern and more undulating part of the town are several lakes and small ponds. The largest is Holden's Lake, on Sections 5 and 6, one and one-half miles long, and half a mile wide in the widest place. It extends east and west through all of Sec tion 5, and to the west half of Section 6. At the western extremity and along the north shore the banks are heavily wooded, as is a long narrow island lying near the north shore in Section 5. Otter Lake lies mostly in the southern halt oi Section 2, and is one mile long and one-third of a mile wide. The banks are wpoded on all sides. Silver Lake is a beautiful clear body of water, lying in the northern part of Section 14. It is oval shaped and quite symmetrical in form. It is one half mile long and one These lakes abound in fish common to the inland lakes of southern Wisconsin — pickerel, bass and perch are the most numerous. In addition to these are numerous small ponds which abundantly water the adjoin ing farms. There are a dozen in different parts of the town of sufficient size to be noted in the town survey. The soil is a strong clay loam, well adapted for the raising of all cereals common to this latitude. The marsh lands along the Sugar Creek furnish large crops of meadow hav There are no ledges of rock in the town, and the first settlers found no Indian 938 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. mounds, graves or other evidences that it had ever been the home of man before their arrival. It lay in all its beauty, prepared for them by all-wise Providence, and waiting only the magic touch of their hands to bud and blossom as the rose, to bring forth fruit and grain, and to become the home of a prosperous and happy people. Game, especially deer, were abundant. To the early prospectors, the sight of them was nearly as common as the cattle that now feed in their former pastures or rest in their deserted shades. The lakes abounded in fish, and water fowls covered their surfaces. Smaller game, squirrels and rabbits were plenty ; also about the creeks and streams were to be found the musk-rat, mink, beaver, and occasionally an otter. Prairie chickens were also too common to be considered a luxury. Wolves were sufficiently numerous to be a pest to the early settlers-, but were not dangerous. THE SETTLEMENT. The first settlers came into the town in 1836. The first to make a claim, build a cabin and occupy it, was John Davis. He made his claim on Sections 13 and 14, near Silver Lake. Then he built a cabin, and lived alone, being unmarried. Little is known of him. He came from Indiana. He remained only one year, sold out and moved away, none of the old settlers now living knew whither he went, his present whereabouts, or whether he is still living or not. Mr. S. A. Dwinnell, who settled in the adjoining town of LaFayette, in 1836, speaks of Davis and his early surroundings, in an account of one of his exploring trips made in November of that year : " As we were passing out on this trip, we saw, at a distance of two or three miles to the north of us, a beautiful prairie, apparently without an inhabitant. This excited our curiosity to know more of it and a few days thereafter we searched it out. It was situ • ated on the north side of Sugar Creek, from which it and the town have since been named. It was four miles in length from east to west, having several beautiful lakes and fine groves of timber upon its borders. Near the eastern verge was a lake of some 160 acres, surrounded by high prairie, since known as Silver lake, near the east bank of which was a cabin, with the door locked and a yoke of oxen near. We afterwards learned that one Davis spent the Winter there, six miles from any other human being. His was the only cabin in the northwest quarter of the county, now consisting of the towns of LaGrange, Whitewater, Richmond and Sugar Creek. "Soon after leaving Davis' cabin, night and a severe northeast snow storm, set in upon us, and we had to make our way to our lone cabin, six miles, gnided by the wind, a feat. attended with a good deal of peril to those who had no means of starting a fire in case. we should become bewildered and lost. The snow which fell that night remained with us until the following year." It is believed that Davis — Major Davis he was called — was the only man who spent the entire Winter of 1836-37 in what is now the town of Sugar Creek. During 1837 and 1838 many settlers came in. It is impossible to fix the exact date at which they all arrived. Many are dead, some have moved away, and the memories of the survivors, and other accessible sources of information are defective. Daniel Bigelow was one of the earliest comers of 1837. He took up his claim, where he still lives, on Section 17, where the first plowing in the town was done, and the first crop of Winter wheat was harvested. William McDonald — March, 1837, still living in LaGrange. James Holden — 1837, cabin on Section 5; deceased. Caleb Miller — 1837, settled on Sections 11 and 12, shanty on Section 11 ; deceased. John Rand — 1837, settled on Section 8 ; still living in town on Section 13. Henry McCart — 1837, settled on Section 8 ; deceased. Freeborn Welch — 1836, took up claim on Sections 10 and 3; went East, and returned with family in Fall of 1837. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 939 William Bowman — 1537., settled on Section 9; family dead, he is in Missouri, if alive. Milton Charles — 1837, settled on Section 4; moved away many years ago. P. G. Harrington — settled on Section 15. A leading citizen so long as he lived. See biography. Joseph Welch — i836. Did not remain at that time, but subsequently returned. Now lives in the town. Asa Blood — settled on Section 11. Came from East Troy in 1836. Shan tied with Davis, and took up a claim on the adjoining section — Number 14. Moved in his family in 1837. Deceased. Jeduthan Spooner — 1837 or '38, settled on Section 14; deceased. Jonathan Loomer — 1837, settled on Section 7 ; deceased. Stephem Loomer — 1837, settled on Section 17 ; deceased. Samuel N. Loomer — 1837, settled on Section 17 ; still living in town. Leonard Loomer — 1837, son of Stephen, lives with his father. Still alive in the town. Samuel Salisbury — 1837, settled on Section 15 ; moved away. Julius Edwards — 1838, settled on Section 10 ; family came in 1839, deceased. James Bigelow — 1837, still living in town. Nelson Crosby — 1837, settled on Section 31. Now lives at Delavan. John Byrd — 1837, settled on Section 8. Went to Oregon ; died there. J. Fox — 1837, settled on Section 9. Not known whether he is alive ; left prior to 1840. Capt. George W. Kendall — 1837, settled on Section 10. Returned to Vermont ; deceased. John Rosenkrans — 1837. In Iowa, if alive. Joseph Nichols — 1837. Nothing is remembered of him but the fact of his coming. Charles Rand — 1838, was a blacksmith. In 1840 he built a shop east of Silver Lake ; went to California many years ago. Julius Edwards came in 1838 from Massachusetts, and, with his sons, Theodore B., Julius L., and S. R. Edwards, settled upon Section 10. Joseph Barker, and his sons, Russell, Francis, Joseph L., James B., and T. P. Bar ker, came i_± 1838. They settled on Section 9. One of the younger sons, James B., still lives on the old homestead. Russell and Joseph L. live in Iowa. Timothy P. and Francis are deceased ; also, their parents. H. C. Kinne — 1838, settled on Section 7 ; died in Sugar Creek in 1862. James Martin and Alanson Martin — 1838, settled on Section 9. John still lives in town. Jonathan Parks, with his family, came later, 1841 or '42, and settled on Section 23 ; J Lewis Crosby— 1838, settled on Section 31 ; left many years ago. John S. Boyd moved on to the Davis claim in 1838. Had a few groceries in his house, and sold enough to be ranked as the first grocer in town. He died in Milwaukee a few years ago. James W. Field came in 1839, settled on Section 8, and married a sister of Mrs. At kins. She died, and he returned East to marry another sister. He still lives in the county with his family. William Kendall came in 1839, and settled on a part of the claim of his brother George. He returned to his home in northern Vermont for his family in the Winter of 1839-^40\ He made the entire journey to Chicago, across Michigan and Canada, a dis tance of one thousand miles, on foot. He returned with his family in the Spring of 1840. He was not destined long to enjoy the home he had labored so hard to secure. 940 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. He was mortally stricken by sunstroke while at work cutting hay on the marsh near his farm, during the Summer of 1841. Caleb Kendall, with his family, were in Sugar Creek as early as 1840. Now de ceased. Henry Atkins and family in 1840 settled on Section 11, where they lived about a year. They afterward removed to Heart Prairie, and lived in the town of LaGrange until Mr. Atkins was elected Register of Deeds in 1854. He then removed to Elkhorn, and is now Assistant Cashier in the bank. Benjamin Rand, father of John Rand, came in 1840, and settled on Section 18. De ceased many years ago. Of other early settlers, the following are remembered : 1840 : Dr. Harmon Gray (Section 8), S. H. Tibbits, Nelson Weaver, Wm. H. Hy att, Russell Thurber, and John Fish. In 1841 Wyman Spooner settled upon Section 14, his brother Jeduthan having ar rived a few years previous. 1842 : J. R. Kinne, Horace B. Kinne, Herman Jenkins, James and John Strong (Section 23). 1843 : Hiram Taylor, Salmon Thomas, John A. Pierce, Timothy Barker. 1844 — Francis Rublee, wife and sons ; F. Manville, Martindale and Alonzo ; Varmin Holden and family (Section 14). In 1845, H. O. Gibbs and family moved into the town. After residing here foiir or five years they returned to Vermont. Jeremiah Wilcox, Daniel Nyce and Hulsey Welch also settled during this year. Other early settlers previous to 1846, were Joseph Baker, George Ketchpaw and S. D. Hastings. Of the early settlers the following are still alive, and living in the town : Daniel Bigelow, John Rand, Freeborn Welch, Joseph Welch, Leonard Loomer, Samuel Loomer, James Bigelow, James Strong, James B. Barker, Dr. Harmon Gray, J. R. Kinne, Hiram Taylor, S. R. Edwards, John A. Pierce, Wm. Parish and John Martin. Daniel Bigelow and John Byrd did the first breaking on Sections 8 and 17, in the Summer of 1837. They plowed nearly fifty acres which was sown to winter wheat, and was, when harvested in 1837, the first crop of wheat raised in the town. They did their plowing with two yoke of oxen. After it was finished, Mr. Bigelow went with the team to Ottawa, Illinois, a distance of over one hundred miles for the seed wheat required. It cost him in Ottawa $2.00 per bushel. So scarce was seed wheat in the newly- settled country that on his return he was offered $5.00 per bushel. Nothing short of the price of his whole expected crop could have bought it. These pioneer farmers lived on the plainest possible fare while starting this first field, and it required fortitude, patience, and perseverance to inaugurate farming, even on the fertile fields of Sugar Creek, forty- five years ago. Freeborn Welch and Samuel Salisbury are believed to have split the first rails, and to have done the first fencing in the town. Their claims were on Section 15, and during the Winter of 1836-37 they split rails enough to enclose on their claims nearly eighty acres each. This was certainly a fair Winter's work, considering the fact that the young men subsisted, as they aver, on water gruel during the entire Winter. There are no instances of extreme hardship or suffering recorded or remembered by the early settlers further than those unavoidable to those first coming into a new country. The first marriage was that of J. Crawford to Martha McCart, a sister of Henry McCart, in 1837. The first child born was Helen Rosenkrans, daughter of John Rosenkrans. She was born in 1838. The first frame house was that of Capt. George Kendall, erected in 1839 on Sec tion 10. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 941 The first Church organized in the town was the Congregational in 1839. It was in the east part of the town. The membership at the beginning numbered six. The first school was a public school kept in 1840 by Miss Adaline McCracken who was afterward the wife of T. B. Edwards. She died some years ago. The first physician was Dr. Harmon Gray, who settled in 1840. He is still a resi dent of the town, and is known not only there but all over the county as one of the early reliable, and skillful practitioners of the old school. Julius Edwards opened and kept the first general store in 1840. He was a model business man, an excellent citizen, and an unostentatious giver to the needy. The first lawyer was C. D. Pulver who came in 1839. His practice was mostly in in justices' courts. He never attained any great distinction in his profession. Captain George W. Kendall kept the first tavern on the site of the old Gravel tav ern where Freeborn Welch now lives, in 1839. Early religious services were held at Mr. Kendall's house, by the Congregationalists and Methodists in the Summer of 1840. For some time the well-spring of their relig ious instruction consisted of a volume of sermons furnished by Julius Edwards. A few months afterwards Rev. Cyrus Nichols came to reside with him, and services were held under more regular spiritual guidance, sometimes at Mr. Edwards' house, at other times at Jeduthan Spooner's or at the school house. On July 20, 1841, a little band assembled at Mr. Spooner's house, the services of Rev. Stephan Peet having been obtained to organize a Presbyterian society. Hiram Humprey and wife, John Rosenkrans, Mrs. Sarah C, Thompson, Mrs. B. R. Spooner and Miss Pauline Spooner joined themselves together as the First Presbyterian Church, of Elkhorn, and Messrs. Rosenkrans and Humphrey were chosen elders. In August, 1841, Rev. Amon Gaston succeded Mr. Nichols, and in January, 1843, Rev. Cyrus Rosenkrans, brother of John, succeeded to the pastorate. In October, 1844, Rev. D. Pinkerton was engaged, services having been held in the district school house which had been set aside for that purpose and for holding town meetings, before the building was erected in 1840-41. Mr. Pinkerton married Charles Thompson's sister, and remained in Sugar Creek until the society adopted a Congregational form of gov ernment. On April 3, 1847, the name of the church was changed from the " First Presbyterian Church of Walw01'tn " to the " First Congregational Church of Sugar Creek," Rev. S. E. Miner, the pastor in charge of the already existing Congregational society, taking both flocks under his spiritual wing. The last heard of Mr. Nichols he was living in Racine County. The first burial was that of a child of William Bohall, aged six years, who died in March, 1838. The first casualty was the accidental drowning of Mr. Kingsley while bathing in Silver Lake in the Spring of 1839. His family were on their way to join him when he met his death. They arrived a few days after, viewed his grave, and bowed with grief The first road was the mail route from Milwaukee to Janesville, via Troy, opened in 1838 In 1839, the territorial road from Racine was opened through the town. The first postoflice was established in 1840: Capt. Kendall was the first post-master. He held the office till 1842. He was succeeded by S. H. Tibbitts who was the incum bent till 1852. . The first mails came over the Janesville road from Milwaukee via lroy. The first white male child was Woodbury Harrington, son of P. G. Harrington, The Gravel tavern was begun by Martindale Rubles, and finished by John D. Cowles, who was its first landlord. There and at Mr. Tibbitts the stages stopped, and it was for many years a famous inn. Near by Mr. Tibbitts kept another excellent tavern. 942 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. CORPORATE HISTORY. The first town meeting was held (while known as Elkhorn) April 5, 1842, at the house of Luther Childs. The following officers were elected : Supervisors — Chairman, Harm an Gray; Clerk, John Fish; Treasurer, John Rosen krans. For the succeeding three years the following were town officers : 1843 — Chairman of Board of Supervisors — A. C. Kinne ; Clerk, John S. Boyd ; Treasurer, T. B. Edwards. 1844 — Chairman — Levi Lee; Clerk, H. S. Winsor, appointed; Treasurer, Olney Harrington. 1845 — Chairman, P. G. Harrington ; Clerk, Levi Lee ; Treasurer, O. Harrington. The town as has been stated was incorporated as Sugar Creek, and its boundaries designated as they now are, in February 1846. THE FIRST TOWN MEETING Was held in Sugar Creek at the house of S. H. Tibbitts, April 7, 1846. It was called to order by Perry G. Harrington. William H. Hyatt was chosen clerk of the meeting. One hundred dollars was raised for contingent expenses, and seventy-five dollars for schools. The salary of Town clerk was established at twenty dollars. The election resulted in the choice of town officers as shown in the following raster: ROSTER OP TOWN OFFICERS. 1846: Supervisors — P.G.Harrington, chairman ; Jesse R. Kinne, Nelson Crosby; Clerk, William H. Hyatt; Treasurer, O. Harrington. 1847: Supervisors — P '. G. Harrington, chairman, William Flitecroft, Jonathan Loomer ; Clerk, S. C. Higbee ; Treasurer, O. Harrington. 1848: Supervisors — P. G. Harrington, chairman, William Flitecroft, Jonathan Loomer ; Clerk, William Bowman ; Treasurer, William Hogan. 1849: Supervisors — P. G. Harrington, chairman, William Flitecroft, Jeduthan Spooner; Clerk, William Bowman; Treasurer, William Hogan. 1850: Supervisors, P. G. Harrington, chairman, Jesse ,R. Kinne, Edward Hogan; Clerk, B. B. Humphrey ; Treasurer, Henry O. Gibbs. 1851: Supervisors — P. G. Harrington, chairman, John Sanders, Jonathan Loomer; Clerk, F. F. Collier; Treasurer, Rufus Eldred. 1852: Supervisors — P. G. Harrington, chairman, Thomas Havens, Edward Hogan; Clerk, I. A. Pierce ; Treasurer, I. T. Isham. 1853 : Supervisors — Jesse R. Kinne, chairman, James D. Ward, Charles N. Moore ; Clerk, John A. Pierce ; Treasurer, William Tremper. 1854: Supervisors — Eli K. Frost, chairman, Joseph Loomer, Horace B. Kinne; Clerk, Stephen Frost ; Treasurer, Alonzo Rublee. 1855: Supervisors — E. K. Frost, chairman, Freeborn Welch, Edmund Kingman; Clerk, S. G. Frost; Treasurer, James Sexton. 1856: Supervisors — P. G. Harrington, chairman, Silas Russell, Nathan Rand; Clerk, Allen Loomer ; Treasurer, John Rand. 1857: Supervisors — P. G. Harrington, chairman, William Bartrum, Lemuel Web ster ; Clerk, Allen Webster ; Treasurer, George Cameron. 1858 : Supervisors — S. G. Frost, chairman, I. T. Isham, J. B. Loomer ; Clerk, Allen Loomer ; Treasurer, George Cameron. 1859 : Supervisors — S. G. Frost, chairman, J. B. Loomer, Charles Hollenshead ; Clerk. J. C. McManus ; Treasurer, Charles Loomer. 1860 : Supervisors — Thomas Davis, chairman, J. H. Lauderdale, Francis Smith ; Clerk, J. W, Field ; Treasurer, Isaac Flitecraft. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 943 1861 : Supervisors— Thomas Davis, chairman, I. T. Isham, Leonard Loomer ; Clerk, J. W. Field ; Treasurer, Stephen L. Russell. 1862 : Supervisors— Leonard Loomer, chairman, William H. Bartram, Jason Foster; Clerk, J. W. Field ; Treasurer, Charles Loomer. 1863: Supervisors — Leonard Loomer, chairman, John A. Norris, Asa Foster; Clerk — Jeduthan Spooner ; Treasurer— Thomas Davis. 1864 : Supervisors— Levi Lee, chairman ; J. B. Doolittle, H. Taylor ; Clerk— J. W. Field ; Treasurer— T. P. Barker. 1865 : Supervisors— Levi Lee, . chairman ; George Nyce, Hiram Taylor ; Clerk— Thomas Davis ; Treasurer — Jason Foster. 1866: Supervisors — Thomas Davis, chairman, Leonard Loomer, Jacob Ketchpaw; Clerk — Wyman Spooner ; Treasurer — George W. Nyce, 1867 : Supervisors — Thomas Davis, chairman, J. B. Doolittle, Leonard Loomer ; Clerk — N. H. Kingman; Treasurer— James W. Davis. 1868 : Supervisors— Thomas Davis, chairman ; Hiram Taylor, I. T. Isham ; Clerk — Mansfield Stearns ; Treasurer — Ole Jacobson. 1869 : Supervisors — Thomas Davis, chairman, George. W. Nyce, Thomas Wilcox ; Clerk — Ole Jacobson; Treasurer — John Cameron. , 1870 : Supervisors — P. G. Harrington, chairman, Thomas Wilcox, J. B. Doolittle ; Clerk — Ole Jacobson ; Treasurer — John Cameron. 1871 : Supervisors — I. T. Isham, chairman, Asa Foster, Donald Steward ; Clerk — F. C. Weaver ; Treasurer — O. S. Davis. 1872 : Supervisors — Thomas Davis, chaiman, Donald Stewart, Hiram Taylor ; Clerk — F. C. Weaver ; Treasurer — Joseph Parker. 1873: Supervisors — Thomas Davis, chairman, Donald Stewart, Ole Jacobscja ; Clerk — F. C. Weaver ; Treasurer — J. B. Cook. 1874 : Supervisors — Ole Jacobson, chairman, S. D. Russel, N. R. Hand ; Clerk — F. _C. Weaver; Treasurer — J. B. Cook. 1875: Supervisors — S. R. Edward, chairman, G. W. Wilcox, T. R. Barker; Clerk — F. C. Weaver ; Treasurer — John Cameron. 1876: Supervisors — Donald Stewart, chairman, Rial Thomas, John Cameron; Clerk — F. C. Weaver ; Treasurer — John Oslock. 1877 : Supervisors — S.' R. Edwards, chairman, I. T. Isham, M. L. Ladd ; Clerk — F. C. Weaver ; Treasurer — John Oslock. 1878: Supervisors — S. R. Edwards, chairman, Hiram Taylor, I. T. Isham; Clerk — F. C. Weaver ; Treasurer — John Oslock. 1879 : Supervisors — S. R. Edwards, chairman, I. T. Isham, If. A. Briggs ; Clerk — F. C. Weaver ; Treasurer — J. Matheson. 1880 : Supervisors — Donald Stewart, chairman, H. A. Loomer, N. P. Hand ; Clerk — D. D. Finch ; Treasurer — Wm. B. Ells. 1881 : Supervisors — Donald Stewart, chairman, Steve Russell, H. A. Loomis ; Clerk — D. D. Finch ; Treasurer — William Ells. Among the early settlers of the town who were prominent citizens were : Asa Blood, Jeduthan Spooner, Harmon Gray, John S. Boyd, Jesse R. Kinne, S. H. Tibbitts, P. G. Harrington, Wyman Spooner, Freeborn Welch, Joseph Baker. Julius Edwards and others of whom more extended mention is made in the biographical department of this work. The growth of the town was rapid, the land being nearly all taken up during the first ten years after its settlement commenced. It has been strictly a farming town from the first, and life has flowed on without the thrilling episodes or exciting events that characterize more mixed communities in village and city. The population is largely of American birth, and the character of the people is such as to mark their eastern origin. Many of the earlier settlers came from the State of New York and New England. 944 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. WAR HISTORY. During the war, Sugar Creek did willingly its loyal part, furnishing seventy-three men in all, of whom but four were drafted. The amount of money raised for war pur poses was upwards of seventeen thousand dollars. For special mention of individuals living in the town who served, see the general war history in the county at large. SUGAR CREEK IN 1881. The town contained, according to the Federal census of 1880, 980 inhabitants, nine- tenths of whom are farmers or constitute their families. There is in the town one post- office — " Millard," formerly " Barker's Corners.'' There is no mill in the town. There is one cheese factory, owned by a stock company, on Section 1 ; one store at Millard post- office, kept by E. A. Hastings, who is the post-master. There is one physician in the town — Dr. Harmon Gray. There are also three car penters and joiners, six blacksmiths, and a few other artisans whose work is required by the farming community. There are no resident clergyman or lawyers in the town. THE CHURCHES. Are as follows : Baptist — at Millard P. O ; Pastor, Rev. Mr. Sweet, of Elkhorn ; Union Methodist — on Section 10 ; no pastor ; Methodist Episcopal — on Section 12 ; Rev. Mr. Sedgwick, pastor, Elkhorn ; Lutheran — on Section 28 ; visiting pastor, none settled ; Wesleyan Methodist — on Section 29 ; supplied by itinerants. THE SCHOOLS. There are in the town five whole and four joint school districts. The whole num ber of scholars enrolled is 367, of which number 185 attend school. There are five schools, taught by five teachers, at average monthly wages of $26.00 for male and $24.31 for female teachers. There are five school houses, valued at $3,190, including the sites. The annual amount expended for educational purposes is $2,500. AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. The grain crops of 1880 were: Wheat, 26,000 bu.; corn, 125,000 bu.; oats, 56,000 bu.; barley, 15,000 bu.; rye, 850 bu. There was also raised 9,800 bu. potatoes, 17,000 bu. apples, 12,400 lbs. flax, and 2,500 tons of hay. The dairy products were 50,000 lbs. butter, and 121,000 lbs. of cheese. The estimated value of the above farm and dairy products was $165,000 — nearly $1,000 for each head of a family, and $165 for every man, woman and child in the town. In 1881, the total number of acres sown to grain was 6,465, and planted to potatoes and root crops, 106 acres. There were 275 acres of apple orchard, having 8,656 fruit- bearing trees. There were 3.339 acres of grazing and mowing land, and 3,309 acres of growing timber. About one-fourth of the farms are dairy farms. The number of milch cows reported was 738, valued at $14,000. The farm buildings are excellent. The average value of farming lands in the town is $30.00 per acre. The total tax valuation of farms in the town in 1844 was $50,039. In 1881, it was $459,195, to which was added personal property valued at $111,204. Total, $570,399. Thus, from the small cabin of the hermit Davis, in 1836, and the first field of Daniel Bigelow, in 1837, have grown the broad acres of well-tilled farms, dotted with farm houses^ and barns and granaries; the homes of as thrifty and independent a people as dwells in all the land. Nowhere but in America have such marvelous changes been wrought within the span of a singledife and the memory of men still livino-. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 945 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. DANIEL BIGELOW, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Millard. He has 140 acres of land; is the son of Daniel and Emma Bigelow . was born near Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 24, 1815. He came to Milwaukee with his parents in 1834. They made their home in the woods, on the Mil waukee River, four miles above Juneau's trading post, which was about all there was of Milwau kee at that time. There his father built a saw-mill, and the family resided at that place until April, 1837, when he came to Sugar Creek, Walworth Co.; located on the land which he now occupies until 1841, where he also kept bachelor's hall. Then he went to Ashland, Ohio, and was married, the 21st of that month, to Miss Amy McCart, daughter of John McCart. Mrs. Bigelow was born in Richland County, Ohio. They at once proceeded to take possession of the log cabin at Sugar Creek. In the course of time they were blessed with four children, three daughters and a son,— Mary, Dora, A. D. and E'la. The oldest daughter married is the wife of Charles Kinne, of Sugar Creek. Dora is Mrs. Robert B. Hall, of Vivian, Waseca Co, Minn. A. D. married Miss Melissa Welch, and resides in Sugar Creek. Ella is now Mrs. Osmer Robb, of Sugar Creek. Mr. Bigelow has served two terms' as Assessor of Sugar Creek. During the year of 1874. he made a tour of California and Oregon. Fine buildings and a well cultivated farm now greet the eyes in place of the log cabin and woods of 1837, on the site of the old claim. JAMES B. DOOLITTLE, farmer. Sec. 2 ; P. O. Delavan ; has 230 acres of land. He was born in Windham. Green Co., N. Y, Jan. 23, 1831; is the son of Edward and Sallie (Tomp kins) Doolittle. He was brought up a farmer. When seventeen years of age he was engaged in teaching school, and pursifed that vocation six Winters. April 20, 1853, he was married in Wind ham to Miss Caroline Bell, daughter of Joseph Bell. Mrs. Doolittle was born in Green County, N. Y„ in October. 1854. Thev moved to Wisconsin, and located in LaGrange, Walworth Co, where thev continued to reside till 1862, when thev removed to their present home. Mr. Doo little was Town Superintendent of Schools of LaGrange in 1856, and was engaged two Winters in teaching school. Since residing in Sugar Creek he has served two terms as a member of the Town Board. S. R. EDWARDS, farmer, Sec. to; P. O. Elkhorn; has 220 acres of land in Sugar Creek. He is the son of Julius and Theodosia (Lvman) Edwards; was born in Northampton, Hamp shire Co, Mas^, Nov. 29. 1823. He was brought up a farmer. In May, 1839, he came with his father and brother to Wisconsin, and located on Sec. 10, Sugar Creek, Walworth Co. S. R. returned to his old home in Massachusetts for the purpose of completing his education. He attended the Williston Seminary at East Hampton. In the Fall of 1848, he associated with several others in a company bound for California, with the intention of engaging in mining. Jan. 27, 1849, they set sail from Boston for San. Francisco, via Cape Horn. They made the voy age successfully, and landed at their destination Aug. 8 of that year. The company at once broke up, and Mr. Edwards with some companions proceeded to the mountains fully equipped for mining. They had onlv just selected their claims when Mr. Edwards was stricken with a severe illness, which lasted two months. The rainy season had then set in, and his onlv hope of recovery was by getting out of the mountains, where he could have suitable care. After a horseback ride of seventy miles, he was so weak that he had to be helped on and off his horse, they brought him to Stockton. From there he took passage in a small sloop to San Francisco. From there he sailed to the Sandwich Islands for his health. After spending three months in Honolula, he returned to San Francisco in May, 1850, with health recovered. He was engaged in mining and other business until September, 1853, when he returned to the States, viz, North ampton." In that year, November, 1853, he returned to Sugar Creek with the intention of mak ing only a short stay, and then returning to California; but fate ordered it otherwise, for on making the acquaintance of Miss Sarah A. Smith, daughter of Augustus Smith, of Troy, Wal worth Co.. Wis, he changed his plans, and was married to that lady April 12, 1854, and has since made his home in Sugar Creek. They have two children, Julius A. and Helen V. The former was married Oct. 5,1881, to Miss Lillian E.Thomas, daughter of Harrison Thomas. Mr. Edwards was elected Justice of the Peace of Sugar Creek in 1855; was re elected, and served eleven years. He has been Chairman of the Town four years, and the past two years has been President of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of the town of Sugar Creek. ASA FOSTER, farmer, Sec. 11 ; P. O. Elkhorn. He has 500 acres ; is the son of Nathaniel 946 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. and Sally Foster, and was born in North Fairfield, Franklin Co, Vt, May 23, 1830. He was brought up a farmer. In September, 1854, he moved to Sugar Creek, Wis. His means being limited, his first investment was the purchase of forty acres of marsh land. By hard work and economy he soon was enabled to secure a title to some dry land, and has gradually increased his possessions until he is now the owner of several fine farms, aggregating 500 acres. He was married Sept. 23, 1858, in Sugar Creek, to Miss Clarissa Tibbitts, eldest daughter of Samuel Tibbitts. They have had five children, two daughters and three sons. The eldest son died in infancy; L. Emma, William T, Jennie T. and Samuel T. The second son, William T, died in childhood. Mr. Foster purchased the farm on Sec. 11, in 1866, where he has since resided. He has served several years as a Supervisor of Sugar Creek, and one term as President of the Agricultural Society. DR. IIARMAN GRAY, Sec. 8; P. O. Millard; has 270 acres, settled in the town June 10, 1840, on the tract he now occupies. He was born m Arlington, Bennington Co, Vt, June 29, 1806, is the son of Dominicus and Elizabeth (Webb) Gray. While quite young he moved to Georgetown, District of Columbia, and took a course of lectures at the Columbia Medical Col lege, and subsequently taught an Academy at Georgetown four years. He then removed to Norwich, Chenango Co, N. Y, there he studied medicine with Dr. Henry G. Mitchell, and re ceived his diploma at the hands of the examining board of Chenango County, September, 1830. He then practiced medicine in Unadilla, Otsego County, and at New Berlin eight years. He was married at Unadilla, Otsego County, June 2, 1832, to Miss Maria T. Finch, daughter of David Finch. Mrs. Dr. Gray was born in New Haven Co, Conn.; two children were born to them in the East, Helen and Jane, the latter was the wife of George W. Kirchhoeffer, and died April 11, 1876, leaving three children, who are now inmates of the doctor's family. In June, 1840, Dr. Gray and family moved to Walworth Co, Wis, and located on the farm which they still occupy, on Sec. 8, Sugar Creek. Two children were born to them in Sugar Creek, Marcus and Mary, Marcus married Helena Jacobs, and died May 16, 1873. Mary is now Mrs. H. L. Mallory, of Sugar Creek. Dr. Gray was the pioneer physician of Sugar Creek, and several of the neighbor ing towns. He pursued his profession successfully from 1840 till 1870, when he retired from active practice. He was the first Chairman of Sugar Creek, and held other minor offices. This sketch could not be appropriate without paying a just tribute to Dr. Gray as a skillful phy sician, sympathetic, and conscientious in the practice of his profession, as a host genial, and hospitable to that extent, that a stranger entering under his roof, is made to feel within the first hour of his stay, as though he were an old friend of the family. PERRY G. HARRINGTON, was born in Otsego Co, N. Y, Town of Lawrence, July 9, 1812. Moved to Michigan in an early day, where he was engaged in the hardware business. He was married to Miss Maryette Eldred, and in 1836 removed to Wisconsin, spent one year in Greenfield, Milwaukee Co, Wis, and in the Spring of 1837, moved to Sugar Creek, Sec. 15. He bought his land directly from the government, and was one of the earliest settlers in that town. Mr. Harrington was a man of superior ability, possessed of a warm heart and generous dispo sition, his hand and voice were ever ready to help and encourage those in trouble. He was elected Chairman of the Town of Sugar Creek several terms. Was a member of the Wisconsin Legislature in 1854, and served several years as President of the Walworth County Agricultural Association. He was generally known as Commodore Harrington, a title which was given him from the fact that he was named after Commodore Perry. He had a fine farm of 560 acres, where he resided till his death, which occurred Sept. 19, 1876; his wife survived him a few weeks, and died Oct. 23, 1876. They had five children, four sons and one daughter — Woodbury, Eldred, Alice, Sherman, and Hobart. Woodbury married Harriet Eldred, and lives in Minnesota ; Eldred married Ammorette Powers, daughter of Solon Powers, of Troy ; Alice is the wife of John Beamish, a merchant of Elkhorn ; Sherman lives in Sugar Creek ; Hobart also lives in Sugar Creek. JOSEPH T. ISHAM, farmer, Sec. 24 ; P. O. Elkhorn ; has sixty acres of land. He was born in Balton, Conn, Aug. 19, 1815. When three years of age, his family took him to Smyrna, Chenango Co, N. Y, and to Sherburne, N. Y, in 1821, where he learned the blacksmith trade : was married Jan. 28, 1841, at Earlville, to Miss Mary O. Sturtevant. Mr. Isham worked at his trade until 1847, when he moved to Wisconsin, and settled in the town of Sugar Creek. His family consists of five children living, has lost one, the oldest. Nathan died in childhood ; those livii.g are ; Helen, now Mrs. Wallace Hartwell, of Nebraska ; Fred W. married Miss Julia Weed, HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 947 and resides at Elkhorn ; Dora, now Mrs. Frank Hendrix, of Darien ; Harry D. and Reta G, un married. Mr. Isham has been Chairman of Sugar Creek one term, Assessor two terms, and Treasurer one term, Side Supervisor twelve years. Mr. Isham has always maintained a black smith's shop on his farm, where his services have been a convenience to his neighbors. His father. Enoch Isham, settled in the town of Sugar Creek in 1846. His death occurred at the age of ninety-one years. TORSTEN JACOBSON, farmer. Sec. 28 ; P. O. Delavan. He was born in Norway, Jan. 10, 1844; is the son of Torsten and Mary (Lanson) Jacobson. He came to America with his parents in 1846, and direct to Wisconsin. The family settled in the town of Sugar Creek. Mr. Jacobson was married, June 19, 1863, in Sugar Creek, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Solverson. Mrs. Jacobson was born in Norway, and came to America in childhood. They have one child (a daughter), named Ada M. Mr. Jacobson has owned and occupied his present farm eighteen years, and has no acres of land. AUGUSTUS C. KINNE (deceased) was one of the pioneers ot Troy, Walworth Co.. Wis, where he resided till 1842, when he removed to Sugar Creek, Sec. 7. He finally sold out to his brother and moved to Heart Prairie, Town of LaGrange. In 1848, he sold out and re turned to Sugar Creek, making his home on Sec. 1. He was a member of the Second Constitu tional Convention, that framed the Constitution of Wisconsin. He also held various local offices, serving as Chairman of Sugar Creek, Superintendent of Schools, and Justice of the Peace many years. He was married in the East, and after coming to Wisconsin followed the occupation of teacher and farmer. He was a man of superior intelligence, upright and honor able in his public and private life, and possessed the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. His death occurred in February, 1863. He was a native of Norwich, Chenango Co, N. Y, and was born Dec. 3, 1808. The writer has been unable to obtain as full particulars of his life as desired. JESSE R. KINNE, retired farmer, resides with his daughter, Mrs. R. E. Day, on Sec. 8. Mr. Kinne was born in Norwich, Chenago Co., N. Y, Nov. 26, 1803; is the son of Elias and Lydia (Rundell) Kinne. He was brought up a farmer, and was married Jan. 14, 1829, in Sher burne, N. Y., to Miss Sarah Wheeler, daughter of Isaac U. Wheeler, since of Whitewater, now deceased. Mrs. Kinne was born in Dutchess County, N. Y. They had three children born in the East — Charles, Lavina and George. Charles married Mary J. Bigelow, and resides in Sugar Creek. Lavina is the wife of R. E. Day, also of Sugar Creek. George married Mary Field, and is a farmer of Sugar Creek. Mr. Kinne came to Wisconsin in 1841, made a short stay in Troy, Walworth Co, and returned to the East. He moved to Sugar Creek, Wis., in 1843, and made his home on Sec. 7. He had a farm of 370 acres,' which has since been sold to his sons. Mr. Kinne has served as Assessor of Sugar Creek two terms, and Chairman one term. He is n member, and one of the Vice Presidents, of the Old Settlers' Association of Walworth County. Mrs. Kinne died Nov. 1. 1873. Since Aug. 1, 1881, he has made his home with his daughter. Mrs. Ray. Mr. Kinne is much respected, and has a large circle of warm friends. JOHN H. LAUDERDALE, farmer, Sec. n ; P. O. Millard. He has 140 acres ; is a son of James and Margaret Lauderdale, and was born in LaGrange, Walworth Co, Wis, June 12, 1846. He received a common school education, and was brought up a farmer. Jan. 29, 1877, he was married to Maria Tibbets, daughter of Samuel and Sally P. Tibbets. Mrs. Lauderdale was born in Sugar Creek. They have one child, M.Clara. Immediately after their marriage, they made their home in the house now east of their present home, where they lived two years, and then moved to the place they now own, on the west half of the Tibbets' estate. Mrs. Lau derdale's people were from Canada, and settled in Sugar Creek in 1840. (See sketch of Samuel Tibbets, deceased.) J. A. PIERCE, farmer and mill owner, resides on Sec. 9: has land on Sees. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 21, Sugar Creek, and other tracts in LaGrange, Troy and Bloomfield, of this county, aggre gating 1,000 acres. He has two flouring mills, one in Genoa, with four run of stone; capacity, fifty barrels per day. The subject of this sketch was born in Williamsburg, near the river St. Lawrence, in Canada West, Dec. n, 1816; is the son of John and Maria A. (McFarling) Pierce. He came to Wisconsin in 1845, and settled on Sec. 9, Sugar Creek, Walworth Co, where he still resides. He commenced in a small way, with limited means, and has since accumulated a large property. In 1857, he bought the mill at Genoa Junction, and in 1869, bought the mill in Troy, situated one and one-half miles from East Troy, and three miles from Troy Center. He was 948 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. married in 1847, to Miss Mary Chambers, daughter of William Chambers, of Geneva, Wis. They had five children — J. Albert, Eliza, George E, William Austin and Guy R. The oldest, J. A, married Anna High, and.lives in Eden, Dakota. Eliza died in childhood. Mrs. Pierce died in January, 1870. Mr. Pierce was married in Geneva, in April, 1871, to Hannah Morehouse, his present wife, daughter of Henry and Mary Morehouse. Mrs. Pierce was born in England. Though not an office seeker, Mr. Pierce has served his time as Town Clerk several terms, two terms as Assessor, and has been Clerk of his School District, No. 5. six years; was president of the Elkhorn Bank, at Elkhorn, Wis, from 1857 to 1861. Mr. Pierce, in 1853, imported from Canada the first wheat that was sown in Walworth County, of those well known and celebrated varieties of Spring wheat, viz, Scotch Fyfe, Canada Club and China Pearl. He also, in the same year, introduced and successfully used the first automatic self-raking reaper ever used in Wisconsin. He also introduced the first grain sowing drill in Walworth County, and from its continued use he attributes much of his profitable success in raising wheat. Mr. Pierce feels keenly his disappointment of the Air Line Railroad failing to come to time by not furnishing him with the long promised railroad, which has been for many years graded through his farm in Sugar Creek, on which was to have been a railroad station and depot, which inevitably would have resulted much for pro bon publico, although he does not despair of yet attaining in the near future the consummation of that desirable project. N. B. ROBB, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Delavan, has eighty acres; was born in Windham, Green Co, N. Y, March 30, 1821. Is the son of John and Elizabeth (Nelson) Robb ; learned the stone mason's trade, was engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business. He was married in Windham, N. Y, March 19. 1850, to Miss Julia Bell, daughter of Joseph Bell. Mrs. Robb was born in Windham. They soon moved to Wisconsin, and located in LaFayette, Walworth Coun ty, where they resided till the Fall of 1859, when they moved to Sec. 10, Sugar Creek, and three years later, to Sec. 32. Mrs. Robb died in June, 1863, leaving one son, Osmer, now a farmer of Sugar Creek. He was married in September, 1876, to Miss Ella Bigelow. Mr. Robb was mar ried to Mrs. Sally Wilcox, his present wife, in Michigan, April 12, 1866. Mrs. Robb's maiden name was Sally Osborn, daughter of William Osborn; two children were born to them, George and Amelia J. George died in infancy. Mr. Robb moved to his present farm in the Fall of 1866. DONALD STEWART, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. O. Delavan. The subject of this sketch was born in York. Livingston Co, N.Y., June 5, 1825. He is the son of James and Janet Stewart. His parents were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to the United States in 1803. When sixteen years of age the son started out to see the world. He visited a large proportion of the States of the Union, and was engaged in a variety of employments, as location and circumstances permitted. After spending ten years in this manner he returned to Livingston County, N. Y, and was married Oct. 5, 1850, to Miss Ellen McKenzie, daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth McKenzie. Mrs. Stewart was born in Caledonia, of that county. They immediately set out for the West, and made their home in Troy, Walworth Co, Wis, where they lived till 1855. They then removed to Summit, Waukesha Co, where he was engaged in farming till 1866. He then moved to Waukesha, leaving his family in that village ; he went South, and was gone two years. Returning to Wisconsin, he moved to Sugar Creek, Walworth Co, in 1869, and made his home on his present farm. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have two children, daughters, Janet E. and Flora E. Mr. Stewart has been chosen to various offices of public honor and trust. He was Chairman of Summit one term. Has held various minor offices in Sugar Creek, and served as Chairman four terms. In 1881, he was elected to the Legislature as Member of Assembly from the Third District of Walworth County for the term of 1882. Has 160 acres of land. HARRISON THOMAS, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. O. Millard ; has 140 acres of land ; is a son of Solomon and Sally Thomas; was bom in West Canada, Oct. 28, 1826. Came to Walworth County with his parents in 1843, and settled on Sec. 8, Sugar Creek; was brought up a farmer. He was married May 30, .1852, in Jefferson County, to Miss Margery Jackson, daughter of Josiah Jackson. Mrs. Thomas was born in Canada. They have four children — Mary, Rial H, Lillian E, and Edward J. Mary is now Mrs. Frank Weaver, of Sugar Creek ; Lillian is the wife of Julius A. Edwards ; Rial is a farmer of Sugar Creek. SAMUEL H. TIBBETTS (deceased) was born in Halifax, Vt, Dec. 6, 1806. When seven years of age he lost his father. His schooling was obtained under difficulties, he having to go two miles to the nearest school. At the age of sixteen, he began teaching, and taught several HISTORY JOF WALWORTH COUNTY, 949 terms of school. He moved with his mother and sister to Whitby, Canada, while in Canada he engaged extensively in the sale of clocks, having several men, and teams in his employ. During his travels he met Miss Sally Patte, daughter of Dr. David Patte, of Hawksbury, Prescott, Can. to whom he was married, Oct. 2, 1837. Mrs. Tibbetts was born in L'Original, Canada. The first three years of their married life was spent in Whitby ; one child was born to them, a daugh ter, Clarissa, now Mrs. Asa Foster, of Sugar Creek, Wis. In 1840, Mr. Tibbetts having met with some reverses, determined to seek his fortune, in the then promising settlements of southern Wisconsin. On reaching Walworth County, he made a claim in the town of Sugar Creek, he also rented a partially improved farm, and put in some crops. He then returned to his home in Canada, and taking his little family, consisting of wife and child, and a child nephew, whom he had adopted, he set out for his new home, traveling by team through a sparely settled country, which in many places was no better then a wilderness, roads newly cut out, were rough and dif ficult to pass. Six weeks of tiresome plodding, brought the weary travelers to their destination. Mr. Tibbetts was then obliged to face the bitter disappointment of his hopes, in the loss of his claim, of which some one had dispossessed him in his absence, so seeking in the shelter in a half finished shanty, without floor or windows, they made a temporary home. Their cash capital amounted.to $16. The tract often acres was soon bought, and a house built, in which they kept tavern. Good fortune at last favored'them, and Mr. Tibbetts had secured a large tract of land, and was prospering finely, when he met with a severe loss, in the burning of his house, and a portion of his household goods. This happened Dec. 10, 1852, having no insurance, the loss was severe. Three children were born to them in Wisconsin, one daughter died unnamed, Sarah J. is the wife of Azea B. Morris, at Sugar Creek ; Hannah M. is the wife of John H. Lauderdale, also of Sugar Creek. Mr. Tibbetts was a Justice of the Peace many years, and Post-master of Sugar Creek Postoffice seventeen years. He was a man widely, and favorably known, a good citizen, and devoted husband, and father. He died April 15, 1872. His wife survived him until Dec. 10, 1878. SAMUEL TUBBS (deceased) was a pioneer of the t jwn of LaFayette, Walworth Co. He was a native of Lynne, Ct, and was born in 1781. He was married to Miss Polly Frost, and moved to Oneida County, N. Y, in 1801, then a wilderness. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and participated in the historic scenes of that time. In 1834, he moved to Victor, Ontario Co, N. Y, where he resided till 1843, when he moved to Walworth County, Wis, and located in the town of LaFayette, Sec. 32, where he was engaged in fanning till 1856, when he retired from active work, and made his home in Elkhorn. His death occurred in 1861. His wife survived him several years, and died in 1874. Their son, James L, is an honored citizen of Elkhorn, of whom a sketch is given elsewhere. FREEBORN WELCH, farmer, Sec. 10; has 200 acres; settled in Walworth County in May, 1836, and established his claim on the west half of Sees. 10 and 2, Sugar Creek. The sub ject of this sketch was born in Saratoga County, N. Y, Dec. 28, 1808; is the son of Freeborn and Mercy (Spike) Welch. While quite young he moved to Steuben County, where he lived till 21 years of age. He then changed his residence to Chautauqua County. He was married in Steuben County, in March, 1831, to Miss Caroline Brown, daughter of Phineas Brown. Mrs. Welch was born in Troy, N. Y. Two children were born to them in the East, Nancy and Jerome. Nancy is the wife of Simeon Rosencrans. Jerome died when 32 years of age. In the Spring of 1836, Mr. Welch started with team conveyance to seek a home in the West. After a long and tiresome journey, they arrived in Wisconsin Territory, and located in Town 3, North Range 16 east, now Sugar Creek, Walworth Co, where Mr. Welch made a claim of the west half of Sees. 10 and 2, which he subsequently sold (1838) to Mr. Julius Edwards. Mr. Welch, in speak ing of what is now the town of Sugar Creek, as he found it in May, 1836, he says, to the best of his knowledge there were only two other men than himself located there — a Major Davis, who was the first man in, and Asa Blood, who was the second. This being the fact, Mr. Welch is now the only remaining settler of the trio of pioneers of that day. Other authorities differ from this conclusion, as will be perceived by examining the early history of Sugar Creek. After sell ing to Mr Edwards, Mr. Welch bought a tract on Sec. 14. One child was born to them after their settlement in Sugar Creek, named Henry, He married Lena Monk, and lives in his native town Mrs. Welch, who was an intelligent and kind-hearted woman, died in March, 1871. Her memory is cherished by her early neighbors and friends, who all speak of her in the highest terms Mr Welch was married Jan. 30, 1872, to Ann McDonald, his present wife, daughter of 95° HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. John McDonald. They have two children, Anna and Malcomb. Mr. Welch has never|been ambitious of public office, but has served his town several years as Supervisor. TOWN OF LINN. ORGANIZATION. The town of Linn is designated in the Government survey as Town 1, Range 17 east. It is bounded, north by the town of Geneva ; east by Bloomfield ; south by the State line ; and west by the town of Walworth. It was formerly embraced in the town of Geneva, as established in 1838, which at that time took in the four townships making the south-east quarter of the county, viz.: Bloomfield, Hudson, Geneva and Linn. It was set off and incorporated as a town, under its present name, by act of the Territorial Legislature, January 23, 1844. It was named in honor of Senator Linn, an early patriotic statesman of Missouri. NATURAL FEATURES* The surface of the town is varied and picturesque, mostly rolling, with here and there a small reach of prairie and oak openings. It was more heavily timbered than most of the other townships, especially along the high ground that borders Lake Geneva. There is little swamp land in town, there being a small patch, however, in the north east corner. This, the most beautiful lake in Southern Wisconsin, lies mostly in the two northern tiers of sections, and extends from east to west, entirely across the township. Its shores give a water-front in the town of nearly fourteen miles, still thickly wooded and skirted with villas, Summer residences, hotels, etc., nearly the entire distance. The water area within the town is about six square miles. It covers parts of Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ; all of Section 7 ; and parts of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18. It is stated that an enterprising firm in Racine, once loaned a more enterprising resident of the town who wished to raise money wherewith to go to California, a con siderable sum, and took as security "an eighty" on Section 7. No railroad stock was ever more thoroughly watered than that piece of land. It still lies unfenced and uncul tivated, a part of the bed of Geneva Lake. Whether the tract was ever redeemed by the shrewd mortgagor, tradition does not mention. The town is drained by the west branch of the Nippersink Creek, which flows through Sections 28, 29, 32, 33 and 34 in a southeasterly direction, and by the northwest branch of the same stream, which flows south and northeast through Sections 22, 27, 26, 23, 24 and 13. Thus the western, southern, and eastern portions of the town are finely drained, while the central and northern parts are abundantly watered by various small streams which flow into Lake Geneva. The town was not thoroughly settled till later than other parts of the county, there being no village nucleus of population, except at Geneva, which being round the lake was not conveniently accessible. Further, much of the land was more heavily wooded, requiring more labor in clearing, and consequently not giving so speedy a return for the pioneers' first labors, as on the prairies and in the thin openings. Here and there, on favorable spots, the sturdy pioneers put in an early appearance, but Spring Prairie, Big Foot Prairie, and all along Sugar Creek, the government lands were well taken up by settlers before the woods of Linn were settled. EARLY SETTLERS. The first actual settlement was made in the town by John Powers, who built a cabin on Section 1, in the Fall of 1836, into which he moved in the Spring of 1837. His place was afterward known as the " Manning farm." Mr. Powers was a native of Maine. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 951 He settled afterward in New York State and then in Illinois, at Napierville. He came through from New York to Illinois with one of the first pair of horses brought into the far West. From Napierville to Walworth County the journey was made with an ox- team, Mr. Powers' wife and family accompanying him. He also purchased the Merriam property. Mr. Powers was, for many years, a member of the town board of supervisors, and generally popular and respected. In 1861, he removed to Geneva, and died May 20, 1866, sixty-four years of age. His widow is living in Iowa ; also two of his sons. One son is in Minnesota, and one, Steven, resides in the village of Geneva. One daughter died in California — two daughters are living. In June of this year (1837), Allen McBride, the Williams family, Samuel Ryland and Benjamin Ball, and his son Benjamin M., all became residents of the town. Mr. McBride came from Ohio with his wife and four children, arriving at his destination on Section 31, June 4, 1837. In July, he had erected a log hut, and then had to start back to Milwaukee for provisions. August 2, Mr. and Mrs. McBride welcomed an addition to their family in the person of their daughter — the first female child born in town. She is now the wife of J. E. Stoker. In February, 1845, Rev. P. W. Lake conducted the first regular religious services at the funeral of their little girl, Clarinda, who died when but twenty-two months old. This was the first funeral in the town of Linn. Mr. McBride still lives with his wife on the same section on which he settled over forty-five years ago. The old log house, probably the oldest building in town, is standing, somewhat " shaky in the underpinnings," but good for five years more of existence. When it shall have completed its golden anniversary, then the owner thinks it will have outlived its usefulness. Mr. McBride has been honored with several local offices, one of the earliest being that of the overseer of roads. His district was the west half of the town, and when he came to assume the " duties " of his position, he discovered that they were not of an extremely arduous nature — there wasn't a single road' in his territory. Irael Williams, Sr., came later in the year 1837, and settled with his family on Section 18, south of the bay which bears his name. Irael Williams, Jr., with his wife came in at about the same time. Royal J. Williams, then a lad, also located upon the same section. The latter is still living in Walworth. Irael Williams, Jr., the last heard from, was living in Minnesota. In 1844, he moved to Bloom Prairie, and in 1850, Major Ira Buell and family, from New York, purchased a large portion of his land — the north west quarter of Section 26. Mr. Williams moved to Belvidere, 111., run a paper mill in Beloit, during the war was in the commissary department, afterward run a cotton plan tation with Gen Thomas' son — had, in fact quite a career— before he brought up in the state of Minnesota. In 1838, Irael Williams, Sr., bought a claim on the west side of the bay, in the town of Walworth, on Section 36, living there until the time of his death, which occurred in 1849. His son, Royal J., still lives on the old place. In June, 1837, Henry, son of Irael Williams, Jr., was recorded as the first birth in the Town of Linn. He died in early manhood in Belvidere, 111. Benjamin Ball came from Illinois at the same time as Allen McBride. He did not settle upon Section 34, however, until the Fall of that year. Messrs. Powers, Ball and McBride broke land and raised the first crops at about the same time. . Samuel Ryland came from Ohio, with his family, during the Summer ol 1837. He settled on Section 31, near Mr. McBride's ; built a log house and lived a pioneer's life with his neighbors. Among the prominent settlers of the next two years— 1838 and 1839 — may be men tioned William Lanfear, Mr. Pond, James Duncan, David Prime, Perry Baker, Wm. Hubbard Wm. K. May, John C. Ford, Jas. Nelson, J. E. Howe and Dr. McNish. The 952 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. latter bought Mr. Pond's farm, and was the first physi ian in the town. He afterward went to Geneva. GENERAL EARLY HISTORY. The life and growth of the town has been uneventful, as that of a peaceful, agricul tural community must ever be. An early chronicler says : " We had but little claim trouble or excitement, compared with that of other towns. Benjamin Ball and Dr. Tiffany had a difficulty." As no particulars were given, it was probably not serious. The same writer than goes on to relate what is termed "one of the most tragic affairs in Linn's history." It illustrates the general quiet that has prevaded, that nothing more exciting has occurred in its history. The recital is as follows : " On Section 31 of this town, was a valuable grove of heavy timber, in which was found nearly all the varieties of timber, such as : oak, ash, elm, black walnut, butter nut, hickory, bass-wood, etc. It was first claimed by a Mr. Kinsman, but Nathan and Darius Disbrow and James Van Slyke, coveted the timber, and drove Kinsman off. The Disbrows subsequently took possession and denied Van Slyke's claim to any portion of it. Some time after the " Disbrows moved over the State line to hold some prairie claims they had made there. Van Slyke, taking advantage of their absence, sold his right and title to Collins Wadhams, who was running some breaking plows on Big-Foot Prairie, at that time. In the Fall of 1837, Wadhams came on with his hands and teams and took possession of the claim, against the ineffectual remonstrances of the Disbrows. Finally they called out the settlers, a number of whom came from Geneva Village with most of the settlers of Linn. After hearing the evidence, pro and con, they refused to eject Wadhams. In the Winter of 1837-38, Wadhams had a large amount of rails split upon the claim. In the Fall of 1838, he went East for money to buy the land, at the coming " Land Sales." The Disbrows during his absence, commenced drawing off his rails. On his return he watched the grove, and as he said, caught the Disbrows in the act of stealing his rails, whereupon he fell upon the marauders and thoroughly pounded one of the brothers, not one of the claimants. A suit before 'Squire Williams for assault and battery, was the result. C. M. Baker was for the plaintiff Disbrow, and John Bullen for the defence. It cost Wadhams ten dollars. Wadhams claimed that they drew off six thousand of his rails. He however, held the land, not from any title bought of Van Slyke, but by pre-emption, under an Act of Congress, granting pre-emption to settlers on Government land, which act was passed while Wadhams was located on the claim. Thus ended one of the most tragic affairs in Linn's history." Another serious cause of dispute and bad feeling between Benjamin Ball and Dr. Tiffany, centered in the death of the former's grand-daughter. The small-pox broke out in 1840 or 1841, and a girl who afterwards worked in Benjamin Ball's family was certified by Dr. Tiffany as having no trace of the malady. She had the disease, however, went to work with the Balls at Napierville, and gave the small-pox to the grand-daughter. She died, and Mr. Ball never forgave the doctor for being the means of her death. The first road laid out through the town was that which run from Geneva to Wood stock, 111., in 1840. The next one was from Geneva to Big Foot Prairie. The first lawyer, and the only one the town ever possessed, was one Foote, who came from Chenango County, N. Y., and finding his legal talents unappreciated in Linn moved to Geneva about 1846. It was while there that he appeared in that prodigious vehicle, the front wheels of which were taken from an old cart, and the hind ones were grind-stones ; it was here that the cry was raised " clear the road for ' old Chenang ' " and that is about all remembered of Linn's first and last practicing lawyer. It is more than half suspected that the above was none other than Erastus Foote, many years ago, judge of the Criminal court in Milwaukee. history of Walworth county. 9S3 1 A REMINISCENSE. Mrs. Sidney Buell, in a paper read before the old settlers of Walworth County, at the reunion of 1881, thus depicts early times in Linn, and the region roundabout: "The early history of the settlement of even the most favored portions of our county, is in detail a record of toil and hardship, of privation, of inconvenience, of vol untary self-sacrifice ; and reminescenses of the experience of pioneers, little incidents of those early days, however unimportant in themselves, are of interest to us, because, per haps, they portray so clearly and truly the real condition of the early settler, his desperate struggles to advance, and the obstacles which, he had to overcome. "Somewhat of this experience and a few of these 'tales of olden times,' I was requested to present to-day. Therefore, with a few hastily prepared notes of gleanings from a day among the pioneers, I have endeavored to respond. " My first call was upon Esq. Giddings, who was an Illinois volunteer and served from the commencement to the close of the Black Hawk war, when he went back to Illinois, where he became acquainted with Big Foot upon the occasion of a visit paid to one of the braves of his locality, who told him about Lake Geneva, at the head of which were his headquarters. Told him about the surrounding country— that it was a good country, and invited him to come and examine for himself — because 'Indian must go away, white man coming.' " He accordingly went up to the Indian village, and from the point which is now known as ' Porter's Landing,' was paddled across to the settlement in a walnut 'dug out,' accompanied by the Indian chieftain and his squaw, which event occurred in the year 1836. "A description of that clumsy bark forever destroyed the little fiction (suggested, no doubt, by some fanciful writer), a picture of which had long lingered in my imagina tion, of the light canoe of the Indian gliding over the clear beautiful waters, guided by the hands of the young brave as he wooed his darkeyed enchantress. It might have existed in remote ages, but I strongly suspect that romances of that kind up to this period exhibited a reversible order of things, not in the wooing, but in the . rowing, that in fact, instead of fancy, that it was the dusky maiden who vigorously plied the paddle, while her listless, indolent lover made love to her. " But to go back to my hero. After looking about somewhat, he made his selection of a claim south of Lake Geneva, about a mile south of the State line, where, in 1842, he erected a frame dwelling, which must have been a palace in comparison with the quaint, primitive log-cabin of those days. It is still a comfortable looking home. " Interviewed another pioneer who established a claim in the same neighborhood in 1836. Soon after rolled up his little cabin, which was about 22x16, with a sort of platform staked in one side, sometimes two or three, according to the exigencies of the situation, one above another, in the form of berths in a cabin, from which they doubt less got their idea, with straw and a Mackinac blanket made a ' handy affair,' so I was informed. So I inferred. Like the chest of drawers in Goldsmith's deserted village, it •i " ' Contrived a double debt to pay, A bed by night, a chest of drawers by day.' And this was the average settler's cabin. " He then commenced work in earnest. Soon two or three others, all young men, came and located their claims near, and slept and ate breakfast and supper in his cabin. This man prided himself somewhat upon his skill in cooking ; told me that he learned to cook game, which was quite abundant, and soon learned to make good light bread of corn meal. Others whom I questioned on the subject were not so well satisfied, but laughed heartily over their unsuccessful attempts at getting up palatable meals, with the very limited resources they had at hand. I was told by one that he subsisted for a long time upon pancakes, mixed with water, upon which was spread potatoes, finely mashed and MM 954 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. seasoned with salt, a more wholesome substitute for butter than the oleomargarine of these degenerate days. " There was but one white woman for miles around. This dear, kind lady conceived the beautiful idea of inviting the lonely occupants of all the cabins within reach to assemble at her house on Sabbath afternoons and sing psalms, and it is said that she always regaled them with nutcakes before they departed from her house. Those delicious doughnuts, I know, were peculiarly grateful to their bachelor palates, and surely those sweet songs of hope and faith must have been like manna to their lonely hearts and hungry souls. The good old tune of Hebron was always sung, and was her favorite, so she named the town and thus it has ever been called. " Not so with the majority of the early settlers of that vicinity. They, recognizing the fact that it is not good for man to be alone, as soon as a start was made brought wives to these incipient homes, and woman had her full share in the privations and sacrifices of the pioneer. If she had aught of feminine vanity, she had little with which to gratify its spirit. The ordinary dress of some of them was made of common factory cloth, dyed by their own hands with the bark of the oak. This state of things, however, did not long continue. The condition of the settlers began steadily, although slowly, to improve — slowly, the whys and wherefores of which may be summed up thusly: One of these men made a journey to Chicago with a huge load of produce, drawn by two yoke of oxen, the first offerings of his land to the market. Result — one hat, a pair of overalls, and a pair of boots. It is said that at one time a yard of factory cloth could not be purchased for a bushel of wheat. " Nor were these all the hindrances to progress. They were legion. I enumerate but one. Their teams, turned out at night, would often wander away for miles, and a hunt through the long wet grass of the early morning would have to be instituted before the real labor of the day could commence ; and yet men and women told me that they felt being shut out from the whole outside world, shut out from tidings of their old homes, with no fresh papers or journals to read, for it will be remembered that a long journey to Chicago had to be made before a mail could be received. This to them was the most bitter trial of all ; and yet these men and women were so firm in their convic tion as to the possibilities of their future, so appreciative of the beauty of the native scenery, that they were willing to struggle on and patiently wait the better time, the fruition of all their toil. Fresh from the hand of nature, it must have been a picture of enchanting loveliness, , these undulating prairies, gorgeous with their wreath of wild flowers ; the charming oak groves, as clean as well-kept gardens, the lovely valleys and picturesque lakes. " No wOnder that these men and women felt that, they had been directed to a second Garden of Eden ; and those of them who live to-day to realize the progress of civilization during these few last years, to look abroad over the happy homes of plenty, to know that our schools and seminaries of learning are not inferior to those of the older States, must feel their hearts thrill with exalted pride that their feet led the way to such a favored spot — that their hands aimed the first blow to bring about such thrift and prosperity. " For my own part, I confess to a feeling of tender reverence for these men and women who so bravely and heroically, through toil and sacrifice and firm endurance paved the way for those who now share in the possession of so much good, and say God bless you, every one ! And may He who led you hither and upheld you by His own loving hand through the burden and heat of the day, guide you now ' that the evening shadows are closing around you, be lovingly near you through the night of death, and take you to dwsll forever more in that better country where there is no sorrow no irk some toil, and all is perfectness in peace." HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 9$$ FIRST MEETINGS. At the first annual meeting held at the house of James Nelson, on the second of April 1844, the following persons were elected town officers : Supervisors — Chairman, Ira Turner, Seymour Hatch, Samuel Ryland; Clerk — Irael Williams, Jr.; Treasurer — Benjamin Ball ; Justices of the Peace — Ira Turner, Solomon Burdick ; Assessor — Seymour Hatch ; Constables — Calvin Traver, Caleb Preston ; Com missioners of Highways — Benjamin Ball, David Prime, Wm. B. Traver; Commissioners of Schools — Calvin Grover, Nathan S. Bassett, L. Ingham; Collector — Caleb Preston ; Fence Viewers — Benjamin Ball, Hiram Downer, Samuel Ryland; Sealer of Weights and Measures — Marshall F. Winters. By-laws for the town of Linn for 1844 : No rams to run at large from July 1 to December 1, fine for above offence, $ 10 ; no boars over three months old to run at large, fine, $2 per week, and forfeit the boar ; school tax half of one per cent.; wages of town ship officers to be 75 cents per day ; whole expense of assessor, $6 ; commissioner of highways, $20 ; commissioner of schools, $8 ; supervisors, $10 ; clerk, $12 ; $10 for a contingent fund; $8 to pay arrearages in the town of Geneva, expenses for laying roads, rail fence four and a half feet high. At a meeting held in the town before its organization, three names were suggested. 'Squire Ball argued for Franklin, A. McBride wanted Lake, and M. McBride pushed the claims of Liberty. The voting showed that Franklin was the favorite. When the bill was sent to Madison, it was discovered that there was another Franklin in the State, and consequently the territory became stamped as " Linn." ROSTER OF TOWN OFFICERS. Following is the roster of town officers from 1845 to 1881, inclusive : 1845 : Supervisors — John W. Boyd, chairman, Daniel I. Cornue, Samuel Ryland, D. I. Cornue ; Treasurer-Clerk — Irael Williams, Jr. 1846 : Supervisors — John W. Boyd, chairman, Samuel Ryland, John Powers Clerk — Daniel I. Cornue ; Treasurer — Daniel I. Cornue. 1847 : Supervisors — Irael Williams, chairman, John Powers, John W. Groesbeck Clerk — Henry Bailey ; Treasurer — Daniel 1. Cornue. 1848 : Supervisors — John P. Snell, chairman. Samuel Ryland, Solomon C. Burdick Clerk— Henry Bailey ; Treasurer— Daniel I. Cornue. 1849: Supervisors — S. C. Burdick, chairman, Ira Turner, S. T. Powell; Clerk — John McKibbin ; Treasurer— Daniel I. Cornue. 1850: Supervisors — John P. Snell, chairman, Jacob I. Cornue, John Powers; Clerk— J. McKibbin ; Treasurer— D. I. Cornue. 1851 : Supervisors — John P. Snell, chairman, John Powers, Jacob I. Cornue ; Clerk— Abraham Kaye ; Treasurer— James A. Benedict. 1852 : Supervisors— Wm. H. Lewis, chairman, John Powers, Jacob I. Cornue ; Clerk— John McKibbin ; Treasurer— Daniel Downs. 1853: Supervisors — A. T. Wheeler, chairman, Warren Holmes, S. T. Powell; Clerk 0! K. Hale; Treasurer— Daniel Downs. 1854 : Supervisors — Geo. Allen, chairman, Ira Buel, S. C. Burdick ; Clerk — A. A. Thompson ; Treasurer— Nathaniel Grout. 1855: Supervisors — Geo. Allen, chairman, Jesse Wright, Benj. F. Groesbeck; Clerk— John McKibbin ; Treasurer— A. Merriam. 1856: Supervisors — Allen McBride, chairman, B. F. Groesbeck, James Emery; Clerk— John McKibbin ; Treasurer— A. Merriam. 1857 : Supervisors — S. C. Burdick, chairman, B. F. Groesbeck, James Emery ; Clerk— John McKibbin ; Treasurer— Amzy Merriam. 956 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 1858 : Supervisors — B. F. Groesbeck, chairman, J. S. Cornue, Charles Cornue , Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer — D. Cornue. 1859 : Supervisors — B. F. Groesbeck, chairman, James Emery, Wm. H. Lewis ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer — Perry Wilson. 1860: Supervisors — James Emery, chairman, H. T. Palmer, Amzy Merriam; Clerk— A. H. Button ; Treasurer— L. W. Fuller. 1861 : Supervisors — B. F. Groesbeck, chairman, H. T. Palmer, Amzy Merriam ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer — Ira Turner. 1862 : Supervisors — J. A. Benedict, chairman, Perry Wilson, G. C. Gardner ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer — Arthur Kaye. 1863 : Supervisors — George Allen, chairman, John Wilson, Thomas Cady ; Clerk — A. H. Button; Treasurer — S. C. Burdick. 1864 : Supervisors — George Allen, chairman, Thomas Cady, G. W. Barr ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer — S. J. Nichols. 1865 : Supervisors — George Allen, chairman ; G. W. Barr, S. J. Nichols ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer, L. W. Fuller. 1866 : Supervisors — George Allen, chairman ; Amzy Merriam, C. E. Buell ; Clerk — A. H.' Button ; Treasurer, Noah Merriam. 1 867 : Supervisors — George Allen, chairman ; Amzy Merriam, C. E. Buell ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer, N. R. Colbert. 1868 : Supervisors — John McKibbin, chairman ; G. W. Barr, Addin Kaye ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer, Jonathan Powell. 1869 : Supervisors — John McKibben, chairman ; G. W. Barr, Amzy Merriam ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer, Jonathan Powell. 1870 : Supervisors — G. W. Barr, chairman ; Amzy Merriam, John Wilson ; Clerk — A. H. Button : Treasurer, R. G. Webster. 1871 : Supervisors — James Emery, chairman ; John Wilson, Thomas Ledger ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer — James Smith. 1872 : Supervisors — James Emery, chairman ; G. W. Barr, Addin Kaye ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer — G. S. Conklin. 1873 : Supervisors— J. W. Boyd, chairman ; B. M. Boll, S. B. Wynn ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer — Alfred Haywood. 1874 : Supervisors — J. W. Boyd, chairman ; S. B. Wynn, T. B. Merriam ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer, D. S. Allen. 1875 : Supervisors — Amzy Merriam, chairman ; Thomas Ledger, Joseph Reek ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer — Wm. Kaye. 1876 : Supervisors — Amzy Merriam, chairman ; Thomas Ledger, Ed. Cullen ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer — D. S. Allen. 1877 : Supervisors — D. S. Allen, chairman ; John Judson, W. H. Crandall ; Clerk — A. H. Button ; Treasurer — Peter Gavin. 1878 : Supervisors — D. S. Allen, chairman ; John Judson, Wm. Kaye ; Clerk A. H. Button ; Treasurer — 1879 : Supervisors — D. S. Allen, chairman ; Wm. Kaye, John Judson ; Clerk A. H. Button ; Treasurer — George Rowbotham. 1880 : Supervisors — D. S. Allen, chairman ; John Judson, Wm. J. Kaye ; Clerk A. H. Button ; Treasurer, Artemus Alexander. 1881 : Supervisors — D. S. Allen, chairman ; John Judson, Wm. J. Kaye ; Clerk A. H. Button ; Treasurer — John Gavin. WAR RECORD. During the Great Rebellion, Linn stood nobly in the ranks with the other towns in the county. It is impracticable to give a separate account of the war services of the town. Full records of the soldiers appear in the war history of the county at large. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 9S7 Linn furnished, and has credit on the war records of the State for fifty-five soldiers- one over her quota The number of residents who did personal services can not be ascer tained, as many enlisted in other towns and outside the county. The amount raised for bounties and other war purposes was $10,454.01, according to the books of the town clerk During 1864, $5,300 was raised. Whatever may be said of Linn, history must say that, in proportion to her population, she " came down" as handsomely as any town in the county. J J LINN AS IT IS. The population by the Federal census of 1880 was 823. co ftn?u P™0^1 farm products of 1880 were : wheat, 5,900 bu.; corn, 187,000 bu.; oats, 59,000 bu ; barley. 1,500 bu.; potatoes, 5,000 bu.; apples, 17,000 bu.; timothy seed, 400 bu.; hay, 2,800 tons ; butter, 101,000 lbs.; cheese, 62,000 lbs. _ There are two cheese factories in the town ; at present, both idle. One on Section 27, is owned by James Emery ; the other, Section 21, by Wm. Fowl. „ C1_ln 1881' there were sown to g1-ain 4,516 acres. There were 225 acres of orchard ; 3,517 acres of mowing and pasturage ; and 3,000 acres of growing timber. There were eight whole, and two joint school districts. The number of scholars between the ages of four and eighteen was 340, of which number 199 attended school. There were eight schools, taught by eight teachers, at average monthly wages of $26.25 for male, and $19.25 for female teachers. There were eight school-houses, valued, in cluding the sites, at $3,120. The annual amount expended for schools was $3,240. The first public school was taught by Miss Gracia Ward, in 1843, in a log school house, on Section 21. The first saw mill was built on the Nippersink, on Section 35, by James F. Dicker- son and "James S. Stilson, in 1845. It is now entirely gone, no sawing having been done for fifteen years, Mr. James F. Dickerson built the first grist mill in 1851, near the site of the saw mill. It is now owned by John A. Pierce, of Sugar Creek. The first tavern was built by Everton Walker, on Section 4, in 1839. The first store established was in the village of Genoa Junction, by James S. Stil son in 1851, the second by Joshua E. Fernald in 1853. The following is a list of names appearing on the tax list of the town of Bloom field as residents of said town in the year 1846, and is the oldest record of residents in the town office of said town : Samuel Allen, John Barber, J. Bridges, Hiram Parker, Thomas Buckland, Thos. Beeden, M. Barliament, Edward Bundy, John Brown, M. Blodgett, Seth L. Banks, Schuyler Bestedle, Wm. D. Chapin, J. P. Chapin, Enoch B. Carter, John Chapin, E. Crowell, Jacob Chapin, W. Doughton, Mary Day, M. Donohue, T. Davis, Mortimer Duel, James F. Dickerson, Charles Dorothy, T. Deil, M. Dill, G. W. Edwards, John Easter, A. Everson, Geo. Forest, A. Foster, H. C. Farley, Jason Fobes, J. Fuller, R. Fuller, I. H. Fellows, Homer Field, Geo. Field, Chas. Guilford, James Grier, A. Gard ner, F. G. Gass, Chas. High, Alanson K. Hill, Rue High, J. A. Haskins, H. Harris, G. Hanchett, J. Hickey, Williams Irish, James Irvin, Jeremiah Jerrod, Wm. Jewett, O. Kimball, J. C. & H. B. Lock, Dennis Laght, J. Latour, J. Loveland, Robert Moores, Stilman Moores, J. Moody, E. H. Olden, E. L. Pease, P. B. Plumb," I. A. Pell, A. Prim mer, J. Primmer, T. Peters, A. Pond, Jesse Pettigrove, O. B. Phillips, Solon Reed, W. C. Reed, Dan Rowe, Rev. L. Rogers, H. Russell, Cyrus Rugg, Erastus Rugg, G. M. Rus sell, H. C. Stewart, W. O. Sleeper, James S. Stilson, Sebastian Shuman, Amos W. Staf ford, R. B. Southwort, S. J. Sawyer, C. W. Sibley, Thomas R. Sheldon, J. C. Strain, J. U. Searles, A. Sabin, Israel Twin, N. Temple, N. Tupper, Jeremial Truesdale, W. Tup per, H. Tupper, Chas. Utter, W. N. Whiting, Isaac White, Silas Wright, Jonathan 958 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. Ward, Everton Walker, A. Wing, G. Ward, John Whiting, Thos. Wilson, Samuel Wing, John Wood, John Kull, Andrew Kull, Sr. REMINISCENCES OF THE TOWN OF LINN, BY ALLEN M'BRIDE. First blacksmith shop was built and operated by Patrick Cullen. First store by Arthur Kaye. First church edifice by the Baptist denomination. The first settlers, many of them experienced great difficulty in getting their mail matter, and mailing their letters, doing their mail business at Chicago, 111., distant sixty- five miles. If we had an half ounce letter in the post-office at Chicago, we must call in person, or send a written order, and if it had come over 400 hundred miles, pay twenty-five cents postage ; then we could get the letter, but as time wore on there was a post-office estab lished at Crystal Lake, in McHenry Co., 111., distant twenty to twenty-five miles. That was a great convenience to at least some of the people of Linn. The first mail route that passed through Linn was established at an early day, per haps 1839 or 1840, from Chicago, 111., to Madison, Wis. The mail was carried on said route weekly on horseback by a man named Potter. But there was no post-office near the people of Linn on said route, and as the mail was carried by the residence of Allen McBride, on Section 31, he was solicited to accept the position of postmaster, but he could not at that time accept the appointment, but about the year 1843, James Duncan settled on Section 32, and was appointed postmaster. So James Duncan was the first postmaster, and we had an office near us, but after a few years it was removed into Illi nois, and finally abolished, but the mail was still carried, and many of the inhabitants would get the mail carrier to bring their mail from distant offices on his route, and leave it at A. McBride's, till he was finally appointed postmaster, which place he filled for more than twenty-six years. The office was called " Tirade," and was at first supplied with a weekty mail. The route was altered or shortened at nearly every letting of mail routes, till the Northwestern railroad was built out from Chicago twelve miles in a north westerly direction, when the Government let a route to be carried by stage from Delavan, Wis., to the then terminus of the railroad, a distance of about seventy-seven miles, three times per week each way, so that we had a mail one way or the other every day. The first change of horses and drivers was kept at Tirade. That was not only a great increase of mail service, but afforded facilities for traveling. Subsequently railroads were built, and new offices established with daily mails, when the Tirade office was no longer a necessity, and at the solicitation of the postmaster the office was abolished, and at this writing there is neither mail route nor post-office in the town. Notwithstanding this, the town of Linn has some great natural advantages, embracing, as it does, the principal part of the renowned Geneva Lake, which is justly temed the " Saratoga of the West." BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. DWIGHT S. ALLEN, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Geneva; son of George Allen. He was born in Madison County, N. Y., in 1843. He enlisted in August, 1862, in the 22d Regiment W. V. I., Co. C, and was iji active service till the close of the war. He was married to Miss Delia Sherman, who was born in the town of Eagle, Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1846. They have three children — Raymond, Elsie C. and James Garfield. They lost their three oldest children. He resides on a part of his father's farm, where he has lived since 1866. Mr. Allen has been Chair man of the Town Board of Linn since 1877 ; has been Chairman of the County Board for two years, and has held the office of Town Treasurer for three years. GEORGE ALLEN, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Geneva. He was born in Madison County, N. Y., in 1820, where he was brought up. His parents were Walter and Harriet (Holbrook) Allen, who were natives of Worcester County, Mass., and moved to the town of Madison, Madison Co., N. Y., in 1815, came to the town of Lebanon, Madison Co., N. Y., in 1818. Mr. HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 959 Allen was married, in 1842, to Miss Harriett Buell, a daughter of Mr. Ira Buell. He came to Walworth County, and bought 100 acres of his present farm of Mr. James Nelson, who now l:ves in Livingston County, 111. The parents of Mr. Allen had six children, four sons and two daugh ters. He is the only surviving member of his father's family, and has been since 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have six children— Dwight S.; Mary, wife of H. H. Curtis; H. Frances, wife of J. P. Cheever; Walter, William G. and Hattie. They have lost three sons, two of whom died under extremely afflicting circumstances. One son, John W., was accidentally, fatally shot, in the Spring of 1878; another son, Ira B., graduated at Beloit College, in 1874, entered the Theological Department of Yale College, and died just on the eve of his graduation, in April, 1878. Mr. Allen, though not one of the earliest settlers of the town of Linn, is one of the best known. He has assessed the town nearly every year since 1862. He is one of the largest and most successful farmers, not only of the town of Linn, but of Walworth County. He is a man of much general information, and one of the foremost men of his town in the encouragement of all enterprises whose aim is the promotion of the interests of the people. His farm contains about 660 acres. WALTER ALLEN, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Geneva; son of Mr. Geo. Allen. He was born in the town of Lebanon, Madison Co., N. Y., in 1850. He graduated from the State Normal School at White Water, in 1873, and was engaged for a number of years in teaching. He taught two years in Ripon, Wis., after graduating, and was also principal of the Geneva public schools, for several years. Has taught seventeen terms in Walworth County. His wife was Miss Ellen M. Joslin, daughter of Albert M. Joslin. Mrs. Allen was born in Cook Co., 111. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have one daughter, Nella. Mr. Allen bought his farm of Mr. Charles Ferguson, of Geneva; it is commonly known as the "Powers Farm;" it contains 160 acres. Mr. Allen also owns fourteen acres of Lake Shore land. BENJAMIN M. BALL, farmer, Sec. 84 ; P. O. Hebron, McHenry Co., 111. He is one of the earliest settlers of the town of Linn ; his residence here dates from April, 1837. He was born in Franklin County, Vt., June 12, 181 7. He removed with his parents to what is now Dupage County, 111., in July, 1836. He came with his father to this town in the following April. The latter made a claim on Sec. 34, a part of which is included in the farm, now owned by his son. His father, Benjamin Ball, was a native of Massachusetts. He resided in the town of Linn until his death, though he died suddenly at Naperville, Dupage Co., 111., Aug. 14, 1868. His wife died at Sparta, Wis., while visiting her daughter at that place, April 17, 1873. The parents of Mr. Ball had four children, one son and three daughters. Mr. Ball and his sister, Mrs. Angenette Walker, are the only members of his father's family, who live at Walworth County, the two others live at Dupage County, 111. Mrs. Ball was formerly Miss Elizabeth Ostrander, daughter of Anthony Ostrander ; she was born in the town of Royalton, Niagara Co., N. Y., June 27, 1827. They have three children — George A., Ida G. and Milton S. The sons reside at home ; their daughter, Mrs. Slater, lives in Iowa. Mr. Ball has lived for a period of forty-five years, almost upon the identical spot where he now lives. He has probably lived longer in the town of Linn than any other resident. W. ANSON BARNES, proprietor of Warwick Park on Lake Geneva, was born in Michi gan, in 1852; was brought up and educated in Lansing in this State. He graduated at the Michigan Agricultural College in 187 1 ; was engaged for some years in fruit growing and land scape engineering. He came to Wisconsin in May, 1878, was engaged some months in beautify ing the grounds of Mr. Arthur Kay, and was otherwise engaged until the Fall of 1879, when he purchased his present place. His grounds contain fifty-three acres. He has a fine location, and his grounds contain one of the most elevated points on the lake. His intentions are to beautify his park, and to lay out and make sale of lots. He purchased his grounds of late John A. Smith, Esq. GEORGE W. BARR, farmer, Sec. 15 : P. O. Geneva; son of John Barr, who was born in Scotland, and came to the United States with his oldest- son, James Barr, in 1827. The remainder of the family came to this country in 1829. They lived in New York for several years, thence to Massachusetts, where they lived for fifteen years. The family came to the town of Linn in 1848, settled on this farm, which became the homestead, where the father died in 1861! The parents of Mr. Barr had eight children, six of whom are still living. George W. Barr the youngest child of his parents, was born in Columbia County, N. Y., in 1830. He came West with his father in 1848, and has lived on the homestead, which he now owns since that 960 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. time. Mrs. Barr was formerly Miss Phoebe A. Merriam, daughter of Allan Merriam, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere. They have three children— Carrie L., Mary E. and Irene P. Mr. Barr's farm contains 200 acres. ' JOHN W. BOYD, farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. Geneva. Gen. Boyd was born in the town of Charlton, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 181 1. His parents removed to the town of Sodom, Cortland Co., when he was an infant, where he was brought up. His father, John L. Boyd, was a native of Saratoga County, where he was born Oct. 16, 1783. He was one of the substantial men of that county; was a man of strong religious convictions; politically, was strongly anti-slavery, and was at one time a member of the Legislature of the State of New York. Gen. Boyd came to Walworth County, from the town of Cincinnati, Cortland Co., in June, 1844, and bought 130 acres of his present land of Amos Pond. He is one of the prominent men, not only of the town of Linn, but of Walworth County. In early life he was a Democrat, but became identi fied with the Republican party in 1856, and has since been a warm adherent and an able de fender of the principles of that party. His first official position was that of Chairman of the Town Board for 1845 and 1846. He was a member of the first Constitutional Convention, which was held in the Fall of 1846. He was a member of the Senate at the first legislative session of the State of Wisconsin, and was again elected to that branch of the Legislature in the Fall of 1857. In 1846, he was appointed Major General of the Third Division of Wisconsin militia, hence his title of General, by which he is generally known. He was for twenty years a director of the Madison Mutual Insurance Company, and for eight years was president of that organiza tion. Gen. Boyd is a man of stern integrity, and of more than ordinary ability. He is a forci ble public speaker, and is ever ready with his voice and means to assist in the promotion of all good works. He is especially forward in the advancement of the educational and religious in terests of the people. He has been an elderkin the Presbyterian Church of Geneva for thirty- seven years, and a teacher in the Sabbath-school. The Lake Geneva Seminary owes much of the success to which it has attained to his valuable assistance. He has been married three times. His first wife was Miss Elizabeth Lee, who died within a year after their marriage. His second wife was Wealthy A. Hathaway, daughter of Gen. S. G. Hathaway, of Solon, Cortland Co., N. Y. She died in June, 1855, leaving three daughters — Julia E., wife of Dr. Miles G. Hye, of the village of Cortland, Cortland Co., N. Y.; Helen Emma, wife of Robert W. Turner, Esq., attor ney at law, of Elmira, N. Y., and Carrie Hathaway Boyd, who lives at the homestead of her grandfather, Gen. Hathaway, at Solon, N. Y. His present wife was Mrs. Abram Mudge, for merly Miss Rersis A. Buell, a daughter of Ira Buell. She was born in Chenango County, N. Y., in 1823. Mr. Mudge died in 1848, leaving one daughter, Amelia A., now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have three daughters — -Louise H., a graduate of Lake Geneva Seminary; Alice I. and Florence May, students of that institution. Mrs. Boyd's father settled in the town of Linn in 1849. The following sketch was written by Judge John T. Wentworth, at the time of the death of Mr. Buell, in August, 1874 : MAJOR IRA BUELL. In the Autumn of 1866, a goodly company assembled at the house of Ira Buell, in the town of Linn, to congratulate him and his dear wife on the fiftieth anniversary of their wedded life. There were gathered together on that occasion the children and grand-children of the aged pair, with many old-time friends. It was a delightful, yet withal, to reflective minds, a solemn season — a happy mingling of the old and young. There in the midst stood Major Buell, with the memories of nearly three-quarters of a century crowding upon him, yet seeming almost as joyous as in days of yore, and by his side was one who had for half a century shared with him the joys and sorrows of life — " Chloe, the beautiful," — beautiful when young, and lovely now in the late Autumn of Life. The frosts of many Winters had whitened their locks, but had not chilled their hearts. From these hearts there still flowed a stream of benevolence, generous and pure, while all who stood around fondly wished that both these aged parents and friends might be spired many years, yet none had reason to expect it. But the earthly link that so long held this worthy pair is broken. One is gone, and the other is left to mourn and to follow on. A good man has fallen. A long and beautiful life is ended, and one who has for so many years lived to cheer and bless has passed from the scenes of earth to a bet ter land. Ira Buell was born among the granite hills of New Hampshire in the year 1791. At the eatly age of six years, he removed with his parents to the county of Madison, N. Y.; then, to them, the far West, and there he lived and labored in the clearing and cultivation of his father's farm until his majority, when he moved to the adjoining county of Chenango, and HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 961 located in the town of Plymouth, where he continued to reside (with the exception of three years in Earlville, Madison Co.), until he came to this State. It was among the pleasant Ply mouth hills that the greater part of his active life was spent. There he found his life partner, and was married to Chloe Holcomb, in 1816. There his children were born and reared, forming a most charming family circle, and then, above all, in the quiet town he commenced his Christian course, which he has so long and so undeviatingly pursued. In 1849, ne removed his family to Wisconsin, and located on, Bloom Prairie, in the town of Linn, where he lived to see six of his seven children settled around the parental home. Not only was it a home to them, but a home to all who sought an entrance. How many have found it so. How many have been made happy by the cordial welcome and kindly treatment received from that good man and his family. In that home no jarring discord, no petty jealousy or envying found a place ; but a genial frank ness, a hearty good will, was everywhere and at all times exhibited. It was music and sunshine all around. Major Buell was a man of noble and generous impulses. He was not one to pass by on the other side when the cry of distress was heard. This trait of his character led him early to .espouse the cause of those who groaned in the house of bondage. At a time when obloquy was heaped upon the defender of the black man's rights, when fierce opposition to the friends of universal freedom raged throughout the Northern States, he stood boldly forth, and showed his adherence to the eternal principles of truth and justice, and fearlessly advocated the rights of the black man. Of all men, in a word he was an Abolitionist, with all that that term implies. He lived to see his principles vindicated, the slave emancipated, and his country saved. The commencement of his Christian life dates back to 1831, when during a protracted meeting his attention to religious matters was awakened, and he was led to embrace the truth as it is in Christ. He entered upon hisnew life with his characteristic ardor; in the path he then chose, he walked for more than fifty years in the exercise of unfaltering faith, and during the long period the fire on the altar never went out. His religious character was not the outgrowth of sentimentality, but the product of a living faith. In the light of Christian principle he per formed all his duties. Nor was his Christian life a gloomy one. He seemed ever to walk in the clear sunlight of God's goodness and mercy, with no repining, while his great good heart would leap with joy. In the highest and best sense, he was a good man ; but he who has so long stood the central figure in the happy family group is gone; and although stricken hearts must bleed, there need be no repining, for he has entered into his rest. He died August 17,1874. Mrs. Buell is still living. The children are : Joseph Sidney, of Bloomfield, Wis.; Mrs. Harriet A. Allen, of Linn, Wis.; Mrs. Persis A. Boyd, of Linn, Wis.; Mrs. Helen M. Mudge, of Randalia, Iowa ; William Ira, of Bloomfield, Wis.; Henry C, of Linn, Wis.; Charles Edwin, of Geneva, Wis. CHARLES E. BRANDOW, farmer, Sec. 32; P. 0. Alden, 111. Mr. Brandow was born in Greene County, N. Y., in 1825. In 1839, his father, Joel Brandow, went to Illinois with his family, and settled in the town of Alden, McHenry Co. He died in Sharon in the Summer of 1877. The parents of Mr. Brandow had eight children, five of whom are living. Mrs. Bran dow was formerly Lucetta Ryland, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Ryland, who came here with Mr. McBride, in 1837. Mr. Ryland made a claim of the farm of Mr. Brandow, which he purchased at the land sale of 1839. Mr. Ryland removed to Harvard, III., in 1864, where he died in 1872. Mrs. Ryland, who is a sister of Mrs. McBride, lives with Mr. Brandow, who pur chased the homestead of his father-in-law in 1864. Mrs. Brandow was born at the homestead Feb. 21, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Brandow have one daughter, Iva. Mrs. Brandow has two chil dren by a former marriage. Mr. Brandow's farm contains 200 acres. HENRY C. BUELL, farmer, Sec. 26; P.O. Geneva. Mr. Buell is the son of Mr. Ira Buell whose sketch appears elsewhere. He owns and occupies the homestead farm, where his father settled in 1849. He was born in the town of Plymouth, Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1832; came here with his father's family in 1849. Mrs. Buell was formerly Mary Thacher, daughter of Alfred and Susan (Baker) Thacher, natives of Massachusetts, who came to Wisconsin from the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1855. They now reside on Sec. 34. Mrs. Buell was born in Rhode Island in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Buell have three children — Harry, Ralph and Lawrence. Mr. Buell's farm contains 370 acres of land. ALEXANDER H. BUTTON, Sec. 12; P. O. Geneva. Mr. Button was born in town of Floyd Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1828. He came to Walworth County, Nov. n, 1850. The first land he owned in this county was on Sec. 32, in the town of Linn. He for many years followed 962 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. the business of contracting and building. Many of the finest residences in this town were built by him, including the houses of Mr. George Allen, Mr. J. W. Boyd, Thomas Ledger, B. Alexander, James Emery, Malone Weter, etc. He married Miss Terissa Baker, daughter of Hiram Baker, an early settler of the town of Bloomfield. Mrs. Button was born at Niagara Falls. They have seven children— Clara May, Henry A., Ezra D., George A., Silus E., Frank M., and- Mabel I. Mr. Button settled where he now lives in 1858, purchasing his farm of fifty-five acres of Mr. A. A. Thompson. His residence is beautifully located, near the outlet of Lake Geneva, and commands one of the finest views of this beautiful body of water. ARCHIBALD CORNUE, farmer, Sec. 33 ; P. O. Hebron, 111.; son of Daniel Cornue, who was born in the town of Canajoharie, Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 1794. He came t0 Walworth County withhis family in May, 1844; he settled on the farm now occupied by his son, Archibald, the following ; this farm became his homestead, where he lived till his death, which occurred January, 1876. His wife still resides at the homestead. The parents of Mr. Cornue had six children, four sons and two daughters, viz.: Jane M., who lives at the homestead ; Charles, Catherine, wife of P. C. Tremper ; Elisha, Archibald and James V. Archibald Cornue.was mar ried to Harriet L. Emery, daughter of James Emery. They have two children, Nellie C. and Arnold E. The homestead farm formerly contained over 200 acres, has now 150 acres. CHARLES CORNUE, farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Hebron, 111.; son of Daniel Cornue. He was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 1818, and came here with his parents in 1854. He married Mary Meyers, daughter of Joseph and Jane (Winn) Meyers. Her parents came to Walworth Coun ty in 1843, afterward settled in the town of Alden, McHenry Co., 111. Her father died at Racine, in the Fall of 1854; mother died in the Fall of 1863, at Neenah, Wis. Mrs. Catherine (Winn) Weaver an aunt of Mrs. Cornue's, came to Walworth County in 1842, and purchased this farm, where she resided till her death, May, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Cornue had five children, four of whom are living — Anna, now Mrs. Osbert Clark ; Catherine Weaver, now Mrs. Porter Peck ; James B. and Edgar E. They lost a daughter, Hattie, she died March 1, 1866, at the age of thirteen years. Mrs. Cornue's parents had six children, four of whom are living. ELISHA CORNUE, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Geneva; son of Daniel Cornue. He was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 1823, and came to Wisconsin with his parents, May, 1844. 100 acres of his present farm belonged to the homestead of his father. He settled here in 1855, Mr. Cornue married Sarah McBride, a daughter of Allen McBride. Mr. and Mrs. Cornue have two children, Georgeanna, now Mrs. Ehle, of Clear Lake, Iowa ; and Gardiner C, at home. Mr. Cornue's farm contains 130 acres. JOHN DILLENBECK, farmer, Sec. 16 ; P. O. Geneva; he was born in the town of Danube, Herkimer Co., N.Y., May 20, 1816. He was married in Jefferson County, to Julia Nellis, who was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 1826. They came here from St. Lawrence County, in June 1854, and settled on this place. Mr. Dillenbeck purchased his farm of Peter Craton. Mr. and Mrs. Dillenbeck have five children — Orlando, Jonas, Nancy, now Mrs. Theodore Shondy. ; Mary and Arvilla. Mr. Dillenbeck's farm contains 280 acres. JOHN C. FORD (deceased) was born June n, 1806, at Middlefield, Otsego Co., N. Y., and died at Madison, Wis., March 2, 1879. The chief facts in the life of this man, one of the early settlers of Walworth County, kind and conscientious in all his principles and actions, are as follows : at fourteen years of age he spent one year at Courtland, N. Y., learning the jeweler's trade, but returning to Middlefield, acquired the shoemaker's art and followed the business for some years. He was married to his now bereaved companion during the year 1833, in Spring field N. Y., and five years later, 1838, during the month of May first arrived in Geneva. During that year he assisted in erecting the first grist mill in the place. He made a claim in what is now the town of Linn, and purchased the land when it came into market. Here he followed agricul tural pursuits until age and infirmity unfitted him for arduous labor. He left a widow, a son and two daughters, and an entire community to mourn his demise. LORETTO W. FULLER, farmer, Sec. 12; P.O. Geneva; he was born in the town of Penfield, Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1823. He came to Milwaukee in the Spring of 1848, and to Gen eva in the Fall of that year. He was married to Huldah Ann Ingham, daughter of Dr. Stephen Ingham, who settled in Herkimer, Co., N.Y., from the State of Massachusetts, where he practiced medicine for many years. Came to Geneva in 1841, and purchased the same year, the farm now owned by Mr. Fuller. He died in Elkhorn, December 1875, in his ninety-eighth year. His wife died January, i860, in her ninety-second year. The parents of Mrs. Fuller had fifteen children HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 963 of which Mrs. Fuller was the youngest, nine of the children grew to maturity, and five of them are still living. Mr. Fuller has lived in this place since he first came to Geneva. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have eight children— Willard J., a graduate of the State University at Madison, Wis.; Henry E., a graduate of the University of Chicago, studied theology, and is now pastor of the Baptist Church at Walnut, 111.; Albert W„ graduate at the Chicago University in 1881, now a student at Morgan Park Seminary ; Roland J., Adell, Hattie, William H., and Anna L. Mr. Fuller and family are members of the Baptist Church. GEORGE GREEN, resides at the homestead of his father, Russell Green, on south side of Lake Geneva. Russell Green was born in the State of New York, Aug. 6, 1808. He was one of the early settlers of Chicago, where he went in 1836. He was a resident of that city from 1837 until 1878. He was a prominent business man, and was engaged in the lumber business for many years. Wishing to retire with his family to private life, he purchased him a home and farm in the town of Linn, on the south shore of Lake Geneva, but he did not long survive to enjoy the quiet rural life which he had chosen for his reclining years. He died at his new home, May 10, 1880. His wife, formerly Caroline Hillard, survives her husband. Mr. Green left three children — George, Ellen and Frank. George was born in Chicago, in August, 1839, where he was brought up. In 1862, he entered the United States Navy, where he remained about two years. Alter the war, he engaged with Mr. Robert Law, an extensive coal dealer of Chicago, with whom he remained seventeen years. He now has general charge of his father's business, and lives at the new home in the town of Linn. His wife was Lydia A. Merritt, born in the State of New York. Ellen, now Mrs. George H. Gale, lives in Chicago ; Frank, an artist by profession, is now a resi dent of the City of New York. JOHN W. GROESBECK, retired farmer, Sec. 31 ; P. O. Alden, 111. Mr. Groesbeck was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., July 1, 1802. He was married to Rebecca A. Knickerbocker, born in the town of Tiashoke, Rensselaer County, June 17, 1801. They were married May 13, 1824, and have now, 1882, lived together fifty-eight years. A few years after their marriage they re moved to Ontario County, and thence to Wayne County. They came to Walworth County in 1844. Mr. Groesbeck purchased his farm of Walter Clark, who bought of the Government. Mr. and Mrs. Groesbeck have had eight children, five of whom are living — Eliza, now Mrs. James Wood; Benjamin F , William II., John, and Margaret, now Mrs. Charles High. Their deceased children were : Phillip Henry, who was a Lieutenant in a Wisconsin Battery in the war of the Rebellion, some three years after the war, he practiced law, one year in Nashville, Tenn., but died of disease contracted in the armv in 1866 ; Abram D. served 100 days in the army, died in Chicago, Oct. 5, 1871 ; the other child died in infancy. Mr. Groesbeck has long been one of the substantial men of Walworth County, and he and his estimable wife are now enjoying the fruits of a long and well spent life. He has held several local offices, including Assessor, Justice of the Peace of his town Hjs farm contains 235 acres. . WILLIAM H. GROESBECK, farmer, residence on Sec. 2, in the town of Alden. He is a son of John W. Groesbeck, he was born in the town of Schaghticoke, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in 1830 He came to Walworth County with his parents in" 1844 ; he lived at the homestead about thirty years His farm now lies on both sides of the State line. He has 450 acres of land, 150 of which is in the town of Linn, and the remainer in the town of Alden, 111. His residence is in the latter town. His wife was Miss Josephine, daughter of Alva Udells, an early settler of the town of Alden. They have three children— Jennie R., Grace and Ida. SEYMOUR N. HATCH, farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. Geneva. Mr. Hatch first came to the town of Linn in the Fall of 1838 ; he purchased his farm of the government at the land sale in the Spring of 1839. He did not settle here till the Fall of 1842. His w.te was Miss Mary Stoneall, born in Wilshire, England, in 1822. She came to this country with her father, Richard Stone- all, in 1840. He settled in Bloom Prairie, in this town, soon after. Mr. and Mrs. Hatch have six children-Louisa, now Mrs. Isaac Moorehouse; Emily A.,Norman H., Harvey R Hobart M., and Mary H. They lost a son and a daughter. Mr. Hatch was born in LeRoy, Genesee Ca, N Y in 1817. His father removed to Michigan from the State of New York where he resided until his death. Mr. Hatch was Assessor of the town of Linn for the years 1843 and 1844. His farm contains about 450 acres. . SILAS INGALLS, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. O. Walworth. He was born in Albany Co., N. Y He came to Walworth County in the Spring of 1845. He bought Asa Stephens pre-emption of farm and entered the land. It is situated 011 the south side of Lake Geneva, near Kayes Park; 964 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. he has 120 acres. The site of his residence is said to be the highest point of land between Beloit and Kenosha, and the view from the observatory of his residence is as]beautiful as it is extensive. Mr. Ingalls married Helen Snell, daughter of John P. Snell. Mr. and Mrs. Ingals have seven sons — Jerome, Wallace, who graduated at the law school at Albany in 1882; Henry, John, Frank, Amos and Silas. ARTHUR KAYE, proprietor of Kaye's Park on Lake Geneva. He is the son of Abram Kaye, who was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1809; married Harriet Brayshaw, also born in Yorkshire. Mr. Abram Kaye came to the United States with his family in the Spring of 1842, where he lived three years, thence to Montgomery County, Penn., where he also lived three years. He came to Walworth County with his family in 1848, and bought a farm of Henry Bailey, on Sec. 21, in the town of Linn, which became his homestead, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1875. His wife survives her husband and is still living at the homestead. The parents of Mr. Arthur Kaye had ten children, six sons and four daughters, all of whom are now living ; four of the children, three sons and one daughter, are residents of Walworth County. Arthur, the eldest, was born in England, in 1831. He came to the United States with his parents, and has been a resident of the town of Linn since 1848, except two years in California, where he went with his brother Addin in 1852. His wife was Miss Anna Cullen, daughter of Patrick Cullen, a native of Ireland. Emigrated to Canada in 1846, and came to Walworth County in 1849, and settled on Sec. 16 in the town of Linn, on the farm now owned by his son Edward. They have eight children, two sons and six daughters. Mr. Kaye bought the location of his park in 1871, and it was opened to the public in 1873. He has one of the finest locations on Lake Geneva. He has spent a large amount of money in the improvement of his grounds, and in the construc tion of commodious buildings for the entertainment of his guests. His house contains a large number of rooms, elegantly furnished. He does a large and annually increasing business. His receipts for the'three months of the season of 1881 was $20,000. Mr. Kaye is an intelligent and accommodating gentleman, and by the assistance of his excellent and energetic wife and amiable daughters, has made Kaye's Park one of the most popular places of resort to be found on the beautiful Lake Geneva. THOMAS LEDGER, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Genoa. Mr. Ledger was born in Lincoln shire, England, in September, 1827. He came to the United States about 1850. He lived for a time in the State of Michigan, and came to the town of Linn in the Summer of 1852. His first settlement was on the farm where he now lives, where he located about 1856. He bought his farm of Mr. Ira Turner. He married Fanny Sheppard, born in Lincolnshire, England, in Sep tember, 1827. Mr. Ledger returned to England, and was married Jan. 23, 1854, and returned the following May. Mr. and Mrs. Ledger have eight children, four sons and four daughters, viz. — John W., Sarah E., Palmer, Maria A., David, Susie, Charles S., Frances and Walter E. Mr. Ledger's farm contains 240 acres. ALLEN McBRIDE, farmer, Sec. 31: P. O. Alden, 111. He is the oldest living settler in the town of Linn, who came here with his family. He came in June, 1837. Mr. Benjamin M. Ball came with his father the previous April, but was not married for some time after. Mr. McBride was born in Ohio, March 25, 1809. In 1836 he came to Northern Illinois, and June 4, 1837, he made a claim on Sec. 31 in the town of Linn ; that claim included his present farm. His claim was for 240 acres; after securing a deed, he sold 160 acres. His farm now contains 220 acres. Mr. McBride has been a great hunter, and has not yet lost his relish for his favorite pastime. His wife, who accompanied her husband to Wisconsin to assist in making for them a new home, was formerly Miss Latha Collier, born in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. McBride have seven children — Mrs. Sarah Cornue, Kesiah, now Mrs. H. A. Stone; OrphaO.,now Mrs. J. E. Stoker; Elisabent Ann, now Mrs. H. P. Bayle ; Lucretia, now Mrs. James Tulip; Curtis H. and Charles' A. They had nine children, seven of whom were daughters. The aggregate and individual weight of the children of Mr. and Mrs. McBride is somewnat remarkable ; the aggregate weight of the seven is 1,474 pounds, and five of them weigh together 1,144 pounds, the average weight of the seven being nearly 21 r pounds. Mr. McBride was Clerk of the first town meeting held in Linn, and was the first Collector of Taxes. He was Postmaster here for twenty-six years or more, but one child, their youngest son, remains at home. JOHN McKIBBIN, farmer, Sec. 35 ; P. O. Hebron, McHenry Co., 111. Mr. McKibbin was born in Chenango County, N. Y., in 1822, where he lived till 1846, when he came to Wal worth County. He accompanied Mr. Sidney Buell, on the return of the latter to Walworth HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 965 County from Chenango County, with a flock of 500 sheep, performing the distance in ninety- six days. He first settled on Sec. 34. Mrs. McKibbin was formerly Augusta Turner, daughter of Ira Turner, who came to Walworth County from Erie County, N. Y., in 1842. He first settled on Sec. 14, on the farm now owned by Peter Gaffney; he afterward owned and occupied the farm now owned by Fordyce Merriam, and thence to the farm now owned by Mr. McKibbin, thence to Sec. 26. He died in the town of Hebron, 111., Feb. 23, 1880. His widow still lives in that town. Mr. Turner was prominent among the earlier settlers of this town. He raised a large family of children, three sons and five daughters, all of whom are living but one son, Charles I., who died in the town of Linn, May 23, 1848. * Mr. Turner was born in Oneida County, N. Y., Nov. 24, 1800. His wife was born in Franklin County, Vt, Feb. 23, 1801. FORDYCE B. MERRIAM, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Geneva; son of Allen Merriam. He was born in the town of Cicero, Onondago Co., N. Y., in 1834. He came to Walworth County with his parents in 1843. He owns and occupies the homestead farm where his father settled. His wife was Miss Sarah Turner, daughter of Ira Turner. They have three children — Jennie A., wife of George Lytle; Anna U. and Jessie L. This farm originally contained. 260 acres. Mr. Merriam now has 300 acres. JOHN MERRIAM, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Geneva; son of Allen Merriam. He came to Walworth County with his father in 1843. He was born in the town of Roxbury, Delaware Co., N. Y., in 1822. Although Mr. Merriam came here in 1843, he does not date his residence in Walworth County from that time, as he returned to the State of New York in the following year. He returned here in 1858. His wife was Mary Collins, born in the town of Easton, Washington Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Merriam have two daughters, Leonora and Capitola. The former was born in the State of New York; the latter in the town of Linn. Mr. Merriam's farm contains 118 acres. He formerly had 183 acres, but recently sold sixty-five acres. The parents of Mr. Merriam had a numerous family of children. Those not mentioned elsewhere in this work are : Amny, who went from this town to California in 1876 ; Henry, the eldest of the children, when last heard from was in San Francisco, Cal. ; Hamilton, in Chemung, McHenry Co., 111., and Noah, who lives at Saginaw, Mich. DAVID B. MICKLE, farmer, Sec. 31 ; P. O. Alden, 111.; son of John Mickle, who was born in New York, and came to the town of Linn with his family, from the town of Floyd, Oneida Co., N. Y., in May, 1849, and purchased his farm of Mr. McBride, where he lived until his death, which occurred Dec. 15, 1870. Mr. John Mickle was married three times. His last wife survives him, and lives at the homestead with her son. Mr. Mickle, Sr., was a soldier of the war of 1812, and his widow now draws a pension for his service in that war. The father of Mr. David Mickle was born Feb. 20, 1790. His last wife was born March 28, 1803. He has three children by first wife, two by second, and three by third wife. The last are: Nicholas J., born Jan. 12, 1836; Cordelia, born Nov. 25, 1838, and David B., born Jan. 29, 1840. The lat ter owns and occupies the homestead. He was born in the town of Floyd, Oneida Co. He married Mary Weter, daughter of Palmer Weter. She died Oct. 8, 1878. Mr. Mickle has two children, Cora Irene, born Jan. 29, 1864, and James Almon, May 18, 1869. JAMES M. MILLARD, farmer, Se.~. 30; P. O. Walworth; son of John Millard, who was born Nov. 26, 1798, at Petersburg, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. He removed to Brookfield, Otsego Co., with his parents; married Betsey Coon, who was born in Otsego County. They came to the town of Linn in 1844, and settled on Sec. 30, where he still lives. The parents of Mr. Millard had eight children, four of whom, two sons and two daughters, are still living, viz.: John M., re sides in this town : James M., Emmeline and Ella. The mother of James M. died March 30, 1877 James was born in West Edmeston, Otsego Co., N. Y., April 14,1838. He bought his present farm of eighty-five acres of N. L. Bassett. He was married to Sarah C. Cornue, daugh ter of Peter Cornue. They had one son, Charles, who died at the age of three years. SAMUEL J. M. NICHOLS, farmer, Sec. 25. He was born in Franklin County, Vt, July 12 1822, where he lived till June, 1854, when he came to Walworth County, and purchajed 350 acres of' his present farm, and also made other investments in real estate at that time. He bought his farm of Samuel I. Thorn, a resident of Ontario County, N. Y. Mr. Nichols was married in Franklin County, Vt, to Mary Adams, daughter of Timothy Adams. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols were both born in the same town in Vermont. They have five children — Levi A., Charles L., Frances Elizabeth (now Mrs. John J. Stewart), Mary A. and James G. Mr. Nichols is a large land owner, has 550 acres where he lives, and also owns land elsewhere. His farm is 966 HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. finely improved ; he has made all the improvements himself. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising. MRS. LUCY ANN NORTH, Sec. 33 ; P. O. Hebron, 111. Mrs. North is the wife of James North. Her maiden name was Lucy A. Kent. She was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1820, where she was brought up; married Mr. Garrett Groesbeck, who was born in the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Groesbeck came to Wisconsin in 1844, and settled on this place, where Mr. Groesbeck died in 1857. Mrs. North had seven children by her former marriage, six of whom are living, three sons and three daughters. Her daughter Elizabeth Groesbeck, was the wife of John A. Smith, Esq. (deceased), a prominent lawyer of Geneva. Mr. Smith was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1842. He served three years in the army during the Rebellion; was captain of a company of the 49th W. V. I. He practiced law in Geneva for several years previous to his death, which occurred in September, 1881. His widow resides in Geneva. Gar rett Groesbeck, son of Mrs. North, lives at the homestead, where he was born in 1853. He mar ried Nettie Pierce, daughter of Delos Pierce. Mr. James North was born in England. Mr. and Mrs. North have two children. SAMUEL ROBINSON, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Geneva. Mr. Robinson was born in Mas sachusetts, and removed when a boy with his parents to Chenango County, N. Y. He has been married twice. His first wife was Freelove Thornton, who died in the State of New York. Mr. Robinson came to Walworth County in 1844, and bought his present farm, but did not set tle here until 1846. He was married in 1848,10 Mrs. J. Marshall, widow of Horace Marshall. She was born in the town of Ovid, Seneca Co., N. Y., in 1808. When twelve years of age, she moved to Genesee County with her parents, then to Ohio with her parents, where she was mar ried, and came to Walworth County in 1846. Her husband died soon after coming here. Mr. Robinson has one son by his former marriage, Irving Robinson, of this town. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have had two sons. Charles, the elder, was drowned in Geneva Lake, when but four years of age, and Albert S., who was born in the town of Linn in 1855. He resides at home. Mr. Robinson has sixty-one acres of land. Albert has a farm of eighty acres adjoining. WILLIAM SHERMAN, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. O. Geneva. His 'father, Bill Sherman, was a native of Massachusetts ; removed to New York, and thence to Canada, where William Sher man was born April 26, 1809. He was married at Ripley, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in February, 1835, to Louisa Parsons, who was born in the town of Coldbrook, Coos Co., N. H., in 1813. Mr. Sherman learned the trade of a tanner and currier, at Dansville, Livingston Co., N. Y. He worked at his trade in Canada for several years. In July, 1836, he' came to the Territory of Wisconsin, and settled in what is now the town of Eagle, Waukesha Co., and engaged in farm ing. He came to Walworth County in September, 1868, and bought a farm in the town of White water. He went to California in 1875; returned in 1876; has resided where he now lives since that time. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman have seven children — George, in California; Charles, who was the first white child born in the town of Eagle, Waukesha Co., at Carson City, Neb. ; Wil liam B., at Topeka, Kan.; Lewis M., in Milwaukee; Delia, wife of Dwight S. Allen; job, in Washington Territory, and Alice, at home. She graduated at the State Normal School at White water, in 1878. They lost a daughter, Mary L., who died in her nineteenth year. Mrs. Sher man's parents came to Wisconsin in 1836, and soon after settled in the town of Eagle. Her father died in Waukesha County, Oct. 1, 1856. Her mother died Oct. 20, of the same year. NICHOLAS SMITH, farmer, Sec. — ; P. O. Geneva; son of William Smith, who was born in England, and came to this country when a young man. He settled in the town of Floyd, Oneida Co., N. Y. He was married at Rome, N. Y., and came to Wisconsin in 1855 ; settled on this farm. He removed to Sharon in 1870, where he resided till his death. His widow still lives at that place. The parents of Mr. Nicholas Smith had seven children. He was born in the State of New -York, in March, 1845. His wife was Miss Margaret Winn. They have three children — Willie, Minnie and Gertie. Mr. Smith's farm contains 120 acres, eighty of which belonged to his father's homestead. JOSEPH STONEALL, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. O. Hebron, McHenry Co., 111. He was born in Wiltshire, England, Feb. 7, 1816. He came to this country with his father, Richard Stoneall, in 1840. He first went to Kane County, III., where his brother Henry had lived for several years, but came soon after to Walworth County, where he has since lived. His father resided in this town till his death. Mr. Stoneall began life here poor. He has acquired a fine property by hard work and economy. His farm contains 180 acres, with good improvements. His wife was Lucy HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY. 967 Rowe, a daughter of Lucian Rowe. She was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1833. Her first husband was Hiram Everson, born in Onondaga County, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Stoneall have three children — Mattie, Seymour and George. Mrs. Stoneall has one son by her former marriage, Herbert C. Everson. JUDSON TRAVER, Sec. 15; P. O. Geneva; son of William Traver, who was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., in 1796. He came to Walworth County in 1839, and purchased this farm of the Government. He was married in the State of New York to Clara Earing. They had ten children, nine of whom are living. William Traver died Sept. 28, i860. His wife died Feb. 22, 1 86 1. Judson Traver was born in the State of New York, Oct. 22, 1836. He learned the trade of a carpenter with his father, and now owns the homestead, where the latter settled in 1839. He married Melvina Nellis, daughter of Jonas and Nancy Nellis, who came to Wal worth County from the State of New York in 1859, and settled on Sec. 33, in this town. Her father is deceased; her mother lives at the homestead. FRANK E. WALSH, farmer. Sec. 21 ; P. O. Geneva ; son of John Walsh, a native of Ire land ; emigrated from his native land to Wisconsin in 1848. He settled on Sec. 21, where he now resides, about 1850. The parents of Frank Walsh have five children. He was born at the homestead in 1859 ; bought his present farm of Mr. Grove Sears, in the Spring of 1882. SAMUEL B. WYNN, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Big Foot, McHenry Co., 111. Mr. Wynn was born in Canada in 1831. When about nineteen years of age, he removed to Jefferson County, N. Y. He lived at Stone Mills, in that county, for about sixteen years; was married to Anna M. Nellis, daughter of Jonas Nellis. Mrs. Wynn was born in the State of New York. They came to Walworth County in the Spring of 1866. Mr. Wynn bought his farm of Dr. Gardiner. Mr. and Mrs. Wynn have had three children, but one of whom, Charles B., is living. They lost their first two children — the oldest, John, died in infancy; their second child, George S., died at the age of four years. Mr, Wynn's farm contains 120 acres. PASSENGERS BOUND FOR CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, NEBRASKA, D-A-ICOT-A., nynnsrnsTESOT^., -&.35TJD THE TEBEITOBIES, Should, if they would consult their interest, buy their tickets via the Chicago & North -Western Railway This is the HiE-A-IDIlTGr ^.A-IILjTTv'".^.-^" of the WJSJST JlNI) JVORTJErWJSJST. This important system of Railway Lines is one of the Largest Corporations in the World, owning and operating, under one management, 2,390 MILES OF ROAD. Its Lines run from Chicago in so many directions that it iB necessary to designate its Lines by certain specific names, which will give a cor. rect idea to the passenger of the part of country each Line traverses. These Lines, numbering nine, are as follows: Chicago, Council Bluffs & California Line. Chicago, Sioux City & Yankton Line. Chicago, Clinton, Dubuque & La Crosse Line. Chicago, Freeport & Dubuque Line. Chicago, Green Bay & Marquette Line. Chicago, La Crosse & Winona Line, Chicago, Minnesota & Dakota Line. Chicago, St. Paul & Minneapolis Line. Chicago, Milwaukee & Lake Superior Line These Lines enable the "CHICAGO & NORTH-WESTERN " to reach all principal points in the WEST, NORTHWEST, and, through its connections, the TAR WEST. It offers every facility for Quick, Safe and Comfortable Transit to the traveler who selects this as his route. It stands second to no road in the West, and Offers inducements and advantages that are not and cannot be offered by any of ite competitors. Its management adopts every improvement known to the modern Railway System, and is determined that the CHICAGO & NORTH WESTERN RAILWAY shall remain the LEADING Railway of the GREAT WEST. « Passengers should ask for and be certain their Tickets have a Coupon which reads, over the CHICAGO & NORTH-WESTERN RY." All Ticket Agents will be glad to sell them via this Line. RFMFMRFR PI MAN HOTF C. A Rfi Arenow running regularly between CHICAGO and COUNCIL r\C.IVICIVIDC.ri . rUl_l_IVIHIN nUILL OHnO BLUFFS on the California Express Trains of the CMICAOO & NOVTH-WESTXHtK MAITjWAT. «ar- BEAR IN MIND.no other road runs Pullman Hotel Cars, or any form of Hotel Cars, THROUGH between Chicago and the Missouri River. This is the only Line that has THROUGH EATING CARS of any sort. NO TRANSFER at ST. PAUL yia flu CHICAGO & NORTH-WESTERN RY. Passengers procuring tickets to points beyond ST. PAUL should use GREAT CARE to see that they read over the Chicago Sc North-Western. Rail -way, — OR THE — Chicago, St. Paul &c Minneapolis Line. And not over a route having a SIMILAR NAME, as this is 8©*THE ONLY ROUTE YOU CAN TAKE TO AVOID A CHANGE OF DEPOT AT ST. PAUL. NEW YORK OFPICE-No. 415 Broadway. BOSTON OFFICE— No. 6 State Street. MILWAUKEE CITY TICKET OFFICE— 102 Wisconsin Street. ST. PAUL TICKET OFFICE— Cor. Third and Jackson Streets. MINNEAPOLIS TICKET OFFICES— 13 Nicollet House, and St. Paul it Pacific Depot. CHICAGO TICKET OFFICES— 62 Clark Street, under Sherman House; 75 Canal Street ; Ki nzie Street Depot, corner West Kinzie and Canal Streets ; Wells Street Depot, corner Wells and Kin zie Streets. COUNCIL BLUFFS TICKET OFFICES— Corner Broadway and Pearl Street, Union Pacific Depot; and Chicago & North- Western Railway Depot. OMAHA TICKET OFFICES-Union Pacific Depot, and 1324 Far nam Street, corner 14th. SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE— 2 Now Montgomery Street. LONDON, ENGLAND, OFFIOES-449 Strand, and 3 Adelaide Street