»i
IH»N. .lOSKI'll M. MOKKOW
HISTORY OF
MONROE COUNTY
WISCONSIN
PAST AND PRESENT
Including an account of the Cities, Towns and
Villages of the County
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
RANDOLPH A. RICHARDS
ILLUSTRATED
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■ ■
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1912
C. F. COOPER & CO.
CHICAGO
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• * • • » «
« * ■ • > .
INTRODUCTION
After more than half a century of growth since its organization
as a county, it seemed fitting that an historical account of its set-
tlement, development, its people and institutions should l)e made
at this time and preserved ; its primary importance is the placing
in book form and for all time the earlier historical incidents sur-
rounding the settlements of the various towns, cities and villages,
and that the time was almost too late and the work too long neg-
lected became very apparent to the editors when the search for
material began, for with the passing of the early settlers, com-
paratively few of them still live in different parts of the county,
have gone forever the opportunity to get early facts in some
instances.
To properly and adetiuately Avrite the History of ]\Louroe
County has been a task encompassed with tremendous difficulties ;
it has been accomplished after laborious research and the co-opera-
tion of many of its oldest citizens, whose aid the editors acknowledge
most gratefully, for without it some parts of this work would have
been impossible.
Despite its difficulties its preparation has been fraught with
mucli interest, which grew as the work progressed; INEonroe
County from its humble beginning having been, through the
untiring energy and perseverance of its pioneers, brought to be
one of the finest counties in the State of AVisconsin, holds indeed
a wonderful story of progress ; its two cities, built to stay, whose
schools, churches and institutions are equal to any in the state,
whose people are progressive and possess a fine sense of civic
pride are alone w^orthy of the efforts of the historian ; in addition
to that its beautiful little villages, its rich agricultural resources
and dairying interests place it in the front rank in many respects.
In preparing the account of the Indian tribes the editor wishes
to acknowledge the valuable material secured from Lawson's
'* History of Winnebago County"; the uniform courtesy and help-
fulness of the various newspaper editors of the county has been
of immense value.
In gathering the great mass of material necessary for this
3
267800
4 liJSTUliV (}[• MONKOK (01 XTY
important work the editors have liad to jii-range, sort out and
select such as was of historical interest wliicli couhl be regarded
as correct; tluit there are omissions ou some subjects, there
can l)e no doubt l)ut the instances of this arc almost Avholly
brought about by tlie neglect of parties called upon, and in whose
possession facts alone were, have caused such omissions, l)ut the
editors believe that nothing of important historical value has been
left out and have endeavored to cover every representative sul)-
ject and the stoi-y of every interest has Iteen related impartially.
R. A. RICHARDS,
1912. Editor-in-Chief.
EDITOR'S NOTE
All the biographical sketches published in this history were
submitted to their respective subjects, or to the subscribers from
whom the facts were primarily obtained, for their approval or
correction before going to press, and a reasonable time was al-
lowed in each case for the return of the typewritten copies.
Most of them were returned to us within the time allotted, or
before the work was printed, after being corrected or revised,
and these therefore may be regarded as reasonably accurate.
A few, however, were not returned to us, and, as we have no
means of knowing whether they contain errors or not, we cannot
vouch for their accuracy. In justice to oiTr readers, and to render
this work valuable for reference purposes, we have indicated
these uncorrected sketches by a small asterisk (*) placed imme-
diately after the name of the subject.
C. F. COOPER & CO.
Chapter
I.
II.
in.
IV.
V.
VL
VII.
VITI.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
XIX.
XX.
XXI.
XXII.
XXIII.
XXIV.
XXV.
XXVI.
XXVII.
XXVIII.
XXIX.
XXX.
XXXI.
XXXII.
XXXIII.
XXXIV.
XXXV.
CONTENTS
Page
The Menomonee Tribe 9
The Winnebago Tribe 12
The Winnebago Chiefs 33
The Black Hawk AVar 45
Early Settlement 63
Making a County 66
The Legend of Castle Rock 79
Railroads 82
West Wisconsin Railroad 87
Monroe County Newspapers 91
]\Ionroe County in the Civil War 99
Enlisted Men in Rebellion 116
Commissioned Officers 132
Died in the Service 139
Henry W. Cressy Post, G. A. R 147
John W. Lynn Post, G. A. R 162
The Soldiers' Monument 171
Government Military Reservation 175
Circuit Judges 188
Agriculture and Dairying 204
Apple Industry 209
The County Seat AVar 214
The Country Schools 227
The Insane Asylum and Poor Farm 240
The City of Sparta 244
Sparta Schools 287
Banks of Sparta 301
Lodges and Societies of Sparta 306
Sparta Free Library 312
Sparta Fair Association 316
Manufactures and Business Enterprises of Sparta 319
Churches of Sparta 325
Tomah, Menomonee Chief 333
City of Tomah 339
Tomah Schools 363
7
8
Chapter
XXXVI.
XXXVII.
XXXVIII.
XXXIX.
XL.
XLI.
XLII.
XLI [I.
XLIV.
XLV.
XLVI.
XLVII.
XLVIII.
, XLIX.
L.
LI.
LII.
LIII.
LIV.
LV.
CONTENTS
Page
Churches and Lodges, Tomah 372
Helping Hand Society, Tomah 377
Toniah Library 379
Civic Improvement Chib, Tomah 381
^lanufactnring Interests, Tomah 386
Banks of Tomah 389
Tomah Indian School 392
State Public School 395
Villages 398
Berry Culture 411
The Spanish- American War 414
The Military Companies 429
The Legal Profession 440
The County Court 473
The Medical Fraternity 482
Township History 503
Women's Christian Temperance Union 539
German Lutheran Churches 543
Norwegian Churches 579
Biography 582
History of Monroe County
CHAPTER I.
THE MENOMINEE TRIBE.
Perhaps not as closely identified with the earlier days in this
section of the state as the AVinnebago Indians, still the Menomi-
nee tribe played its part in the history of the territory in which
Monroe county is situated, especially as members of the tribe
in large numbers crossed the state from the eastern side fre-
quently to trade and from this tribe came the noted chief, Tomah,
whose name the city of Tomah now bears.
The "Winnebago and Fox tribes were the first Indian nations
in this section of the country and as they gradually withdrew
before the advance of civilization, the Menominee tribe followed
them; by the treaty of 1836 this tribe came to the territory
around Neenah and occupied Winnebago county for a long
number of years. They were there when the first settlers came
and left numerous traces of their occupancy in that county;
they were of great assistance to Marquette, the explorer on his
visit to the AVestern Territory and were not as warlike a tribe
as the AVinnebago, but were said to have been good-natured but
selfish and avaricious ; although they did not steal or lie and the
men made brave warriors.
Their Avar parties traveled far and aided the French in the
battle of Detroit against the Fox and other tribes, they assisted
in the ambush in Monongahela. They were with Langlade
fighting under the banner of the French, when IMontealm fell on
the plains of Abraham; they fought under Burgoyne at his
invasion from the North and at Bennington, so that their exploits
for a long series of years had made them a tribe to be reckoned
with. After the A^^ar of 1812 the Americans maintained an Army
Post at Prairie du Chien where the Menominees often camped
and frequently wintered in the Mississippi valley. The first
9
30 IllSTolJV OF MOXROK COT'XTY
missionary ainoiif; them was a Frenchman ])y the name of Allouez
in 1«)<;!> and since that time they liave been under the teachings
of many good priests, among whom liave been Andre and Mar-
<|iictte, and they now liave their churches, schools and missions
at Keshena. but to them cling some of their weird songs and
customs and they still propitiate the Manitou of the red man with
offerings of tobacco and jn-esents and make provision for the
journey of the dead to the "IIapj)y Hunting Ground.'"
In 1848 the Menominee tribe had to cede all their lands in
AVisconsin ;ii llic treaty of Poygan and they were removed to
Minnesota, but the district assigned them, not being found suit-
able to their wants, they were, with the consent of the AViseonsin
Legislature, allowed to remain in this state.
In 1H')2 they were removed to their reservation on the Wolfe
river, nine miles north of Shawano, containing 27f),480 acres of
timber lands. This removal caused them much distress and the
next year, Oshkosh, the renowned chief of this tribe, represented
to the Government that his tribe had never been so poor and
destitute of provisions.
Perhaps the most celebrated of the chiefs was ''Old King,"
who died in ]821 at tlie age of 100 years. This old fellow had a
varied career. His village was situated north of Green Bay and
he resisted all attempts of the Government to move him west of
the Mis.sissippi. and in 1852 led most of the tribe up the AVolfe
river to their present reservation within a few miles of their
ancient home. His grandson was Chief Oshkosh, after Avhom
the city of Oshkosh was named. The Americans had a small
garrison in the old fort at Mackinac Island at the outbreak of
the AVar of 1812. Col. Kobert Dixon organized a band of
AVi.sconsin Indians, including the ^Nlenominees under their then
chief, Tomah: with Oshkosh in the party they proceeded by
boats and canoes fi-om Green Bay and there captured the
stockade without any loss on either side. During the war the
Americans could not rei)osse.ss the fort. Colonel Dixon with the
Fox river Indians, including the Menominee tribe under Tomah,
defended the f(.rt in a hard luittle with the Americans to capture
the stronghold in 1814.
Major Holmes was kiih-d an<l a chief named AVee-kah, of the
Ar.Miominec tribe was killed neai- the same spot. In 1813
Oshkosh went on the warpath with Tecumseh against Fort Meigs
and later under Proctor and Dixon attacked Fort Sandusky; this
chief was no doid)t with the .Menominee war parties which fre-
quently went out against the Chippewa Indians in the northern
THE MENOMINEE TRIBE 11
aiul western portions of the State. He died at Kesliema Aug'ust
20, 1858, and a few days before his death liis picture was painted
hy the artist Brooks, and it now han<>s in the room of tlie his-
torical society at ^Madison. Succeeding Chief Oshkosh came
Neopope Oshkosh and Old Carron, the latter being said to be a
son of a French trader ; he was a fierce old warrior and served
in" all of the French wai's and was with Montcalm on the plains
of Abraham. Then came Glade or Connote, the son of Old
Carron ; he was said to be an orator and a fine speaker who
made sensible remarks and to the point.
Tomah was the most noted son of Old Carron, born in 1752
in Old King's Village opposite Green Bay; his life and character
are given in a subsequent chapter in this work and will not be
extended here. lometah, the main war chief, was a brother of
Tomah and a son of Old Carron, was born in 1772. He was an
honest, quiet Indian who died at Kenosha in 1861. These are
the names of some of the old chiefs of the tribe and it would,
indeed, be an extensive chapter to attempt to follow out the
succession down to the present time. It is sufficient to say that
this tribe has followed the usual course of Indian tribes, degener-
ated somewhat from the tine physique of the earlier Indians and
cursed Avith the usual appetite of the Indians for the "fire-
water," as they term it. Some of the children have been sent
to the schools at Carlyle, Pennsylvania, made good progress and
the average number of them became good citizens; gradually
the tribe is undergoing that change which will bring them from
their partial state of ignorance into that of education and
civilization.
THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE 13
at the falls of the Ohio, now Louisville. As early as 1701, Gravier
said, the Ohio was known to the Illinois and ]\Iiaini as the ''river
of tlie Arkansa."' The name of the tribe is now Kansa or
Quapaw of the AVinnebago branch of the Siouan stock, living
then on the lower Arkansas river. Traditions of tli(> Osage,
]\Iandan and almost all the tribes confirm this. Two of the
plains tribes, the Kansa, cherish sacred shells which they assert
were brought with them "from the great river of the sunrise.''
It is possible that the Winnebagos also brought the sea shells
with them. They have been found in large numbers in Wiscon-
sin. ]\Ir. Clarence Olen, of Oshkosh, has several picked up in
Winnebago County. When the migration took place is not known.
Doubtless it was of gradual progress during several centuries.
When De Soto looked over the broad Mississippi from the Chaska
mounds at ^Memphis in 1541 he found these "Capaha," or Kwapa,
the southern branch of the AVinnebago, already established on the
western bank, though still a considerable distance north of their
later location "down the river," the converse of Omaha, which
means "up the river." In their slow march towards the setting
sun the Kwapa prol)ably brought up the rear, as their name
lingered longest in the traditions of the Ohio tribes, and they
were still near that stream when encountered by DeSoto.
The principle reason of this movement from Virginia was the
presence, both North and South of powerful and hostile tribes
leaving them only one way of retreat across the mountains. As
late as 1728, as mentioned by Byrd, the Iroquois had "an implac-
able hatred'' for "the Siouan tribes of the Soutli," who still
clung to their ancestral domain. From the mouth of the Ohio
the Winnebago worked their w^ay up the Mississippi. As they
are first known from Champlain's map (1632) as located on Lake
Winnebago it is supposed they made the journey by the Wiscon-
sin river to the Portage into the Fox river, where they descended
to the spot on the Doty island, under wide branching oaks and
elms, which they occupied so many years. There is evidence in
their traditional wars with the Illinois, the Alenominees, the
Potawatomi, Sauk and Foxes, that the maintenances of this
Siouan wedge in the beautiful region of lake, forest and prairie,
occupied very soon for hundreds of miles in all directions by
Algoncjuin tribes, was attended by constant and bloody warfare.
The oldest map of the region, now known as Lake Winnebago
and the Fox river, is Champlain's map of 1632, on which he
names the "Nation des Puans'' on a lake named "Lac des
Puans, " which discharges itself through a long river to Lake
U IlISToin' OF :\I()XKOK (OrXTY
Superior. 'J'luit tlu' ma[) \v;is intended to rv'present Lake AVinne-
l)ago and the Fox rivci- is now aceepted and seems tiie correct
interpretation from th<' laltcr known habitat of ihc Winnebago.
Tlie map is said to !)«' made up from information furnished by
AVestcrn Indians visiting; <^u<'b('c. h fuiiiislies the evidence that
both Lake Wimicbago and Ihc Fox river were the earliest names
of all the i)hysi('al ol)jeets in Wisconsin, and the lake has ever
since retained the name «riven it by ('hamj)lain. two years before
any white man had been within several hundred miles of the
state.
]t was two years after the date of this map that Nicolet
visited "Wisconsin in 1()34, ''delegated to make a journey to the
nation called 'Gens de mer, ' People of the Sea. and arranged
peace between them and the Hurons, from Avhom they are distant
about three hundred leagues westward.'' The account of
Nicolet 's journey was not published until 1()43. nearly ten years
after his visit, and then only mentioned as an incident in Avestern
travel, giving sucli vague description of places and topograpliy
that it Avas not until over two hundred years afterward that
John G. Shea discovered, in 1(S.')2. that "Gens de mer." the
People of the Sea. referred 1o the Winnebago, and lhat Nicolet
visited Wisconsin; and the year (1634) of his coming Avas not
settled until ]87*). In 1()43 Jean Boisoeau's map Avas published,
in Avhich he folloAved the main topography features of Cham-
])lain"s nui{). ])lacing "La Nation des Puans" on "La des Puans"
and named the river from Avhieh it discharged "H des Puans.''
C'hai-levoix, Avho visited tlie tribe in 1720. names them "tlie
Otchagras, Avho are commonly called Puans.'' Father Hennepin
in his map 1()97 has this same name spelled Ocitigan placed
against Lake AVinnebago. The name by wliicli ihe AVinnebago
are best known 1o all the old French Avi-iters is "Puans" or
"Puants." This is said 1o liave been an en-oneous retranslation
by the Fi-eiich of the AlgoiKjuin name for the tiibe. Avhich Avas
Ovenibigoutz. It is from the English spelling, and the French
Oui being ])ronounced as "Ave."' and the free pronunciation of
the Algoufpiin name, handed doAvn in the .lesuit Kelations, that
the modei-n name is derived; and the Bureau of American
Ethnology have determined that the plural of AVinnebago shall
be the same as the singular.
Alost Avriters have amused themselves by giving the reason
Avliy tlie AVinnebago Avere. called Puans. The French Avord for
Ouenibigoutz of their Indian neighboi-s, the meaning of Avhich
Avas feted or putrid or foul-smelling as variously given. It has
THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE 15
been noticed that as early as 1632 and 1613 tlie ti'il)c and Lake
AVinnebago, where they lived, and the Fox river had all been
named Puans. No one knows why their neighbors gave them
this name. As long as 1720 Charlevoix had said they were called
"Puans, for what reason I do not know." Yet he did try an
explanation: "They seated themselves on the border of a kind
of lake (Winnebago), and I judge it was there that living on fish
which they got in the lake in great plenty they were given the
name of Puans, beqause all along the shore where their cabins
were built one saw nothing but stinking fish, Avhich infected the
air. It appears at least that this is the origin of the name which
the other savages had given them before us, and which has com-
municated itself to the Bay." John G. Shea says their name
Ouenibigoutz given them by the Algonquins, means "feted,"
therefore the French translated it by the "Puants. "
The name of Puans was frequently more roughly translated
"stinkards," as used by Augustin Grignon as late as 1857. In
1816 Mr. Biddle mentions, "the Winnebago, a bold and warlike
tribe, who lived at Lake Au Paimt or Stinking Lake, now Lake
AVinnebago"; and the eccentric student of English, Radisson,
wrote of them in 1659, as at "the great lake of the Stinkings";
while Allouez, before his visit to them, mentions their lake of
"the Stinkards" in 1666, so that this "ill smelling" name has
clung to the tribe through all the centuries down to the present
moment.
The explanation of their name is simple when relieved from
the numerous explanations that have been given, for the most
l)art erroneous. Dr. Dorsey, a student of the Siouan language,
says the Siouan root Changa or Hanga signified first, foremost,
original, ancestral. Thus the W^innebago call themselves
Hochanga-ra, "the people speaking the original language."
The student of dialect can easily trace in the various spelling
quoted above the attempt to reduce the gutteral sounds of the
AVinnebago name to a written language, though their explana-
tion and definitions have often gone far afield. Their name as
known to the whites, however, is not so easy to understand. The
migrating Algonquin tribes despised the AVinnebago, as they
were of a different stock, speaking a different language, and tried
at once to drive them out ; but these savages were no match for
the Winnebago, who had the power by numbers or prowess to
maintain their place in their new home. If the name by which
they were called by these Algonquin neighbors, Ouenibigoutz.
liad been translated at Quebec when first heard by the French,
IG HISTORY OF ]\IOXROE COUNTY
as iiU'aii. base or vik' in ])lac(' of riiaiis. il would Jiave more
correctly expressed as intended the extreme disfavor of their
neighbors, .nid ihis is the rational explanation of the name which
has come down to us as AVinnebago.
Perrol. as rclatetl hy La Polhcric as Ihe eai-liest traditions
of the tribe, gives the circumstances of their fall as their dis-
regard of others' i-ights. lie says the nation was poj)ulous, very
I'cdoubtable. s|)ared no one and \iolated all the laws of nature,
as they wei-c Sodomites, and c\<-\\ had intercourse Avith heasts.
If any stranger came among tiiem he was cooked in their kettles.
They declared war on all the other nations, though they had
only stone hatchets and knives. When the Ottawa sent envoys
to Ihi'iii Ihey \V('re eaten; and then the n;itions formed an alliance
against them, which occasioned ciNil war among themselves.
They finally united all their forces in one village of five thousand
men; but an epidemic occurred which reduced them to one thou-
sand five Inmdred. "Despite all these misfortunes they sent a
party of five hundred wai-i-iors against the Foxes, Avho dwelt on
the other shorc^ of the lake, but they perished in a tempest." It
is supposed this was on Litlle i^ake Butte des Morts. as it had
been stated the Puans resided on an island whidi it is supposed
was Doty island, where they had lived from the earliest times;
and the Fox tribes resided on the op])osite side of tiie lake from
very early lime. Ixeduced to despair and famine the other nations
took pity on tlieiii. ceased to make war, and the Illinois sent five
hundred men. including "fifty of the most prominent persons in
their nation." to carry them a su]iply of pi-ovisions. "Those
man eaters i-ecei\('d them with the utmost gratitude."" but at
the same time meditated sacriticing the Illinois to the shades of
their dead. A large cabin was erected to lodgi' their guests, but
while the Illinois Avere dancing their lutw sti-ings were cut and
the "Winnebago "threw themselves on the Illinois and massacred
them, not sparing one man, and made a general feast of their
llesh."" In a few years the Illinois assembled a large army, com-
posed of all the nations, and came to avenge their dead.
"Having reached the island (Doly island) over the iee they
found oidy cabins — the AVinnebago had gone to their hunt —
traveling in a body — that they might not be surprised by the
Illinois." The hostile army followed the hunters in the dead
of winter, coming up to them on the sixth day. and laid siege to
theii- camp. "So vigorous was tlieii- attack that they killed.
wounded or made i)risoners all the Puans except a few who
escaped, and who reached the Menominee village, but severely
THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE 17
wounded by arrows. ' ' He again refers to these traditional events
as those of "the ancestors" of the tribe as he knew them, and
which refers to "ancestors of" the Puans of possibly 1660.
There is no record to say how many years before, though it
is doubtless several score, for fifty years before La Potherie was
published Rev. Jean Claude Allouez had told this same story
of the massacre of the AYinnebago by the Illinois as "about
thirty years ago, ' ' which would be in the year 1640 ; "all the
people of the nation were killed or taken captive by the Illinois,
with the exception of a single man, who escaped, shot through
the body with an arrow," and adds that when the captives were
permitted to return to their homes this one was made a chief as
having never been a slave. John G. Shea, commenting on this
disastrous defeat of the AYinnebago, says, if this strange event
took place at all Ave must ascribe it to an earlier date than 1634,
when visited by Nicolet, who found them prosperous, and we can
hardly suppose a tribe almost annihilated and then restored to
its former numbers in thirty years.
NICOLET COMES TO DOTY ISLAND.
Jean Nicolet was the first white man to visit the AVinnebago.
He was sent over these ^^nknown lakes and rivers by Governor
Champlain to make a treaty of peace between the AA^innebago
and the Hurons of Canada. He visited them with seven Huron
savages in the summer of 1634, returning home the next year.
As he approached their village, word was sent in advance to
announce his mission, and the AViunebago sent out envoys to
meet him, who gave him a Avarm welcome and carried his bag-
gage. AA^ord was sent out to the surrounding savages, and a
great council was held with five thousand men, who indulged
themselves in a barbaric banquet, in which the choicest dish was
six score beaver tails. This was the first council held Avith the
Indians in the region erected into the State of AA^isconsin. There
is no contemporary narrati^'e inspired by Nicolet which gives
a hint of the place at Avhich this council was held, or the location
of the AA'innebago village, Avhich was the objective point of
Nicolet 's voyage. The habitat of the AVinnebago during this
period must therefore be sought from other narratives and maps,
and these clearly show the AA^innebago village of 1634, and for
two hundred years thereafter, to have been at the foot of Lake
AYinnebago, and from the later accounts, which give a more exact
locus in cpio, on Doty island, on what is now the cities of Menasha
18 HISTORY OF :moxroe county
and Nec^'iiali, ou tlie Fox river, yet on I lie shore of Lake
Winnebago.
It lias been therefore stated that Cliaiiiplain "s map of 1632,
made two years before Nicolet's visit named the "Nation des
Piians, " on "Lae des Piians.*' Also the map of Jean Boisseau's
of ]t)43 Avliich is found in Jjciinox lji])rary in New York, and
published in "Jesuit Relations," has "La Nation des Puans, "
on "Las des Puans, '' wliieh discharges through "R. des Puans. "
The next map to mention the tribe is that of Marquette. His
.iournal of the famous voyage through tli<^ river valley was pu))-
lislied in Paris by Thevenot in 1681. Avitli his real map of the
voyage. It ])laees tlu^ "Puans" village at the foot of Lake
AVinnebago. The master of this voyage was Joliet, and his map
also places the "Puans" village at the foot of Lake of the AVinne-
bago. Father Hennepin also places the word "Ocitagan"' against
Lake AVinnebago on his map, dated ]698. He also was a traveler
among them and this is his attem])t to spell their own name,
rendered by the Nicolet century while those of the next century,
which show the village, all place it at the foot of the lake, which
always bore tlieir name.
There is no historic reference narrative of travel or maps
Avhich i)laces the AVinnebago at any location other than Lake
AVinnebago during the century in wliich Nicolet visited the re-
gion, nor until 1760 when they seem to have divided into three
villages with their head village still on Lake AVinnebago.
Perrot visited the Fox river region for a number of years, and
took some of the AVinnebago Avith the otlun* tri])es to the great
council at Sault Ste. Alarie Avhen Sr. Lusson took formal posses-
sion of the AVest, in the name of the French king. In 1690, while
in this valley, the Fox tribes who resided on the west shore of
tile Little l^ake l^utte des Alorts, contemplated treachery to
Perrot, and he was informed of their intentions by the "chief of
the Puans," who acted as his messenger and remained his stead-
fast friend. He advised and helped to prevent the Foxes making
an alliance with the Iroiiuois of New A'ork. which they contem-
plated, and Pen-ol was detcrmiiUMl to pi'cxciit.
IN THE FOX AVARS.
Later in the long Fox war they formed a thii-d party in an
alliance between the Foxes and Sauk, and were ever present with
the Foxes in that long battl(» which they raged against the
French throughout the Fox river valley and the prairie of the
THE AVINNEBAGO TRIBE 19
Illinois. This was the war to save the region of the golden fleece
to the fur trade of France, in which the war whoop of the Foxes
was heard around the world; "a dreary half century of spas-
modic conflict, which absorbed the attention and helped to drain
the treasury of New France, contributing not a little to her
downfall''; meanwhile, as Bancroft remarks, the ''Foxes were
a nation, passionate and untamable, springing up into new life
from every defeat, and though reduced in the number of their
warriors, yet present everywhere by their ferocious enterprise
and savage daring." Throughout those long years of frontier
warfare the AVinnebago were everywhere the silent allies,
wearing the livery of the forest and committing the terror of
their name to strike dismay to the border post. And though the
Foxes are mostly mentioned the French were aware of close
friendship to their allies, the AVinnebago. As early as 1714
Ramezay had reported the Winnebago as friendly to the Foxes,
which date the colonial office at Paris had determined on the
extermination of the Fox tribe. At this time Father Marest
writes the governor that "the Puans were sixty brave men, all
boatmen. ' '
The long enmity between the AVinnebago and the Illinois was
a part of the French war, and a relic of ancient days when the
AVinnebago had been almost destroyed by the Illinois. The AVin-
nebago were with the Foxes in their raids against this tribe in
1723. Captain DeLignery was sent up the river in 1724, and
called a council of the tribes at the old French fort at Green
Bay. Those present were the AVinnebago, Foxes, and Sauk. The
council to induce the tribes to cease their war on the Illinois was
fruitless, as the AVinnebago declared the Illinois retained some
of their tri])e prisoners^ and an exchange must be efi^ected before
a treaty. However, the difference seemed to have been compro-
mised, as at a council held by the same officer June 7, 1726, with
the AVinnebago, Foxes, and Sauk, a treaty was settled by which
these tribes consented not to fight the Illinois again. Very soon
after this, however, war broke out afresh and the frontier rang
with the savage war cry.
The French had sent an army against the Fox palisade or
Fort village on the west shore of Little Lake Butte des Morts,
under cle Louvigny, in 1716, opposite the AVinnebago village on
the eastern shore. The three days' battle and siege had resulted
in a treaty of peace, but in which the French had no confidence.
They determined to establish a post in the border of the Sioux
country to prevent an alliance with the Foxes and that powerful
20 HISTORY OF MOXROP: COUNTY
tribe of the plains, 'i'liis (,-(jiii])iu(nt witii soldiei-s and j^oods for
trado made llicir way over Fox river towards the head of Lake
Pepin, to ('sta))lisli tliis post. The journal of the voyage was made
l>y Father Guignes. As tliey passed the Fox ri\('i- lie says of the
visit to the "Winnebago, August 14. ]727: "The chief im-l him
there three leagues from their village Avitli peace calumets and
refresliments of l)ears' meat, and escorted them into their village
mid dischai'ge of musketry and great demonstrations of joy,
requesting Ihem to remain some tinu'. There were sixty to eighty
num in the village. Both men and women are tall and well built.
They are located on the borders of a pretty lake at thirty-five
miles from LaBaye and eight leagues from the Foxes." The
Foxes seem to have been on the uppci' Fox river at this season.
AVhen Captain DeLignery arrived at LaBaye with liis
expedition against the Foxes, composed of four hundred fifty
Frenchmen and one thousand two hundred savages, in the month
of August. 1728, he captured three AVinnebago Avhom he handed
over to the tribes. They put them to death with slow torture
and ate them. He then pushed on up the Fox river to the village
of the "\Vinnel)ago on the Doty island, which had been abandoned
several days hefore, and burned the wigwams ami fort, and
ravaged their fields of Indian corn, which is tlieir principal article
of food.
In pursuance of their policy to combine all the tribes against
the Foxes, the French in some manner bought over the Winne-
bago, the lifelong friends of the Foxes and Sauk. So we read
that in the autumn of 1729 Avord was l)rought to (Quebec by
information given by the Indians, of an attack by llic Winne-
bago, Ottawa and Menominee on a Fox village, in which thera
were killed one hundred Fox warriors and seventy women and
children. Among the killed of the assaulting party were four
of the AVinnebago. The Winnebago having Itroken up their
neighbors and friends, the Foxes, by the treacherous and un-
provoked slaughter, were now in tei-ror fi>i- the conseciuences of
their misei-able acts. Further attempts against the Fox tribe were
projected from (Quebec and by the fall of 1725) Sieur Captain
]\Iarin appeai-ed at the old Freucli foi-t at Green Bay and repaired
its fallen roofs, lie had with him ten Frenclunen. On Septem-
ber 10 the AVinnebago returned from their hunt aiul went to
]\rarin to assure him that they still renuiined faithful to the
French, presenting him Avith three slaves. They were rewarded
by powder, bullets, hatchets, guns and knives. Some days after,
having ascertained that the Foxes were not in llie country, the
THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE 21
Winnebago took their families and camped on Dendo island,
where "their former fort stood." But very soon the Foxes and
Sauk surprised some AVinnebago fisherman, and then began a
long siege of the Winnebago, by erecting on the Doty island water
side two forts to command the water in all directions. The siege
lasted two months ; but was finally abandoned after IMarin came
with the Menominee to aid the Winnebago.
Before 1739, after being at enmity with the Foxes for ten
years, the old friendship was revived, and at a council in Quebec,
held that year with the Avestern savages, the W^innebago chief
spoke for mercy for the Foxes, some representatives of whom
were present. The following year, at a council held in Montreal,
the Winnebago chief again spoke for the good will of the French
for "their kinsman, the Foxes and Sauk." The next year they
appeared in Montreal again and reported they had returned to
their home on Doty island. AVhile at a council at Quebec the next
year the Mayoba, chief of the Alascoutins, whispered to Beau-
harnois that the AA^innebago sought refuge in their village the
year before, as they feared the Foxes. At this council the
Winnebago said half of their village had returned to its old home
and half was at Rock river. The Rock river band were notified
to join the Fox river band and form one village. Serotchon and
Chelanois were AVinnebago chiefs present and promised medals
by Beauharnois ; but he had none then to bestow, they must wait
until next year. Sieur de Clignaucoiirt had sole right in 1747
to trade at Green Bay with the AA^innebago.
IN OTHER BORDER WARS.
By some very ancient maps in possession of Mr. Hames B.
Albrigt, of Milwaukee, which bear dates of 1755, 1756, 1757, the
"Otchagras" village is marked against Lake Winnebago. About
this time the De Langlades had settled in AVisconsin as the first
pioneers, and in a few years the great M^ar between France and
England has its influence on this farthest frontier, where the bold
warrior. Captain Charles de Langlade, was appointed to command
the western tribes. With his motley throng of savages there
were about one hundred AA^innebago, and midst the din of Brad-
doek's defeat was "mingled the blood curdling screech of the
Winnebago." They were at the council, with Montcalm, on the
banks of Lake George ; and at the massacre of Fort AVilliam
Henry, and at the fall of Quebec.
After the Fleur de Lis was hauled down from Quebec and
22 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Kiiy:laiul took all ('aiiada undt'i' her autliorily, coiuiiiantlaiit.s and
soldiers were seiil west to assume eoiniiiaiid of the aneient border
posts, wliieli had been iiiub'r the irenllc sway of Franee since the
first white iiicii ciniic. liy 17()2 Liciit. .lames (Joi'i'cll was in com-
iiiand III ihc ii'iiin.inis of tin- old l-'iviidi t'oii al Green Bay, and
licid ;\ coiiiicil with ilic \\'iiin"l>a^<» chief, who |)i-omis('(l to send
the bell hr lia<i received to the otht-r 1 wo chiefs of his nation,
lie reports soon after that ''a chic^f belon^ino: to a second Puans
town arrived." In Aujiusl Ihe WinnebajLro chief fi-om the third
town came and declared he had Jiever foujilit ajrainst Ihe Fnfrlisli.
They all i-ecjuc^sted a gunsmith, a trader and I'um. The following
summer (17H8). Avhen Captain Etherington, after the massacre
at Old ^Mackinaw, sent woi-d 1o Gorrell to go to him willi the
gai-i'ison, the Winnebago were among the four Indian tril)es
which formed his escort.
In his Journal Lieut. James Gorrell reports of the "Indian
warriors. l)esides Avomen and children dei)ending on the i)ost at
Green Bay," there were "Puans, loO al the end of Puan's lake
(AVinnebago) and over against Louistonant." It was in 17(i()
that the celebrated Capt. Jonathan Carver mad" his voyage up
the historic Fox river and pased four days enjoying the hos-
pitality of the Winnebago village on Doty island, then presided
Dver l)y their ((ueen, Glory of the ^loi-niug. or Ilopokoekau. who
had married Kebrevoir De Carrie, an officer of the b'l-cnch ai'uiy,
Avlu) after ]'esigning in 172!) Ix'canu' the first trader among the
AVinnebago. Three sons and one daughter Avei-e boi'u to the
iniion. He reentered the army and died for his flag before Que-
bec, April 28, 1760. Captain Carver called the village "the great
town of AVinuebago," and said it contained fifty houses which
were strongly built Avith i^alisades.
During the war of the l\e\()lution there was iu)t a friend of
the colonists in all Wisconsin, and Capt. Charles de Langlade,
now in the red uniform of a British officer, recruited his dusky
troops from among the Winnebago to join Burgoyne's invasion.
bnt all had abandoned the English geiu'i-al befoi-e his surrender.
The Winnebau'o recei\-ed a wai- belt from De Peystei-. in command
at Old .Mackinaw, and liad notice to be ready to go to Hamilton's
aid, at Vincennes. in the autumn of 1778. In the ]>arty of savages
who went down the ^Mississippi in the spring to aid Hamilton, l)ut
I'ejni'iu'd on receiving woi'd ol iiis sui'i-ender to (reorge Roger
Clark, tliei'e were Winnebago. On theii' return to old Mackinaw
witii (Joutier the Winnebago were at once sent (in .Inne. 177!^
south thi'ongh ^lichigan to commit depredations and "bring in
THE WINNEBAGO TKIBE 23
some prisoners." The AVinnebago repaired to Montreal with
other western savages under De Langlade, and returned on news
of the operations of George Roger Clark in Illinois. When Lieu-
tenant-Governor Sinelair sent the army of savages under Captain
de Langlade to the massacre of St. Louis, there Avas a band of
AVinnebago, as usual, in his party. The assault on the embank-
ment at the stone warehouse was made by the AVinnebago, Avho
left one chief and three warriors dead on the parapet, Avhile four
others were badly wounded, the only casualty of the expedition.
Governor Sinclair reports in July, 1780, sending sixty AVinnebago
and a party of other Indians south to the Ohio and AVabash
rivers to intercept convoys of provisions intended tor Americans
in the Illinois region.
After the close of the Revolutionary war the British fur
trader had no intention of giving up the rich fur bearing region
of AVisconsin, and began at once to keep the savages in good
feeling, by a liberal distribution of presents, an annual favor
which was accorded llic AVinnebago and others for many vears
and until after the close of the last war in 1815. At the instance
of the merchants of Alontreal in 1787, after the cession of the
region now AVisconsin, the British sent ]Mr. Ainsee up the Fox
river to the Alississippi with a "canoe loaded with thirteen bales
of goods" for presents to AVisconsin savages. At the Portage he
"assembled all the Puants to give them a speech and made them
presents of goods, rum and tobacco." In the same report Ainsee
gives the number of Puants as 310 men in "the village of the
Puants altogether."
The principal or head village of the AVinnebago was still on
Lake Winnebago, as it had been since long prior to the coming of
Nicolet in 1634. The first record of any other village was the
reference given from Gorrell in 1762. During the Revolution,
when Goutier took to the woods on snowshoes to rouse the clans
for the spring campaign in 1778, he mentions "the great village
of the Puants of the lake. Avhich was the strongest one."
Antoine LeClaire, a trader who settled in Alilwaukee in 1800,
mentions sending out "engages" to trade Avith the Indians, "on
AVinnebago lake to the AVinnebago." The merchants of ^Montreal
reported to the agents of the croAvn, in 1786, that the AVinnebago
numbered six hundred men, and had their first Anllage only
twelve leagues (thirty miles) fi'om "LaBaye," and being on the
road to the Mississippi, they are frecpiently troublesome to the
traders passing. This system of claiming to own the river and
exacting presents for the right to pass had been practiced for
24 HISTORY OF .AIOXROE COUNTY
many years by the tril)e, and had been a frequent cause of strife
between the "Winnebago on Doty island and the numerous traders
obliged to stem the tides of the Fox river to reach their posts
along the ^Mississippi river.
The frontier discpiict of the Indians, inspired by l^ritisli
agents, finally resulted in sending ^Nlad Anthony AVayne into the
border huuls of Ohio, where he fought several successful battles
■with the savages, the most desperate and successful one being
that near Maumee City, in Ohio, on ilie ;Wth day of August. 17i)4.
The Winne])ago hud been liil into these border troubles and were
among the savages defeated in tli;i1 disastrous battle. Mr. Wil-
liam J. Snelling relates that he remembers a AVinnebago at the
AVisconsin portage who met travelers Avith a human hand
dangling on his breast, which he had taken from a Yankee soldier
at Tip})ecanoe, and says sixty AVinnebago were killed in that
battle. The last war with England was declared on June 19.
1812, by the President's proclamation. Before it was possible to
reinforce the small garrison at Fort IMackinaAv, on the island of
that name, it Avas surprised and captured and held during the
Avar as a rally outpost of the British, from Avhich the saA'ages of
AVisconsin Avere constantly recruited to add to the frontier hor-
rors of that Avar. It is said that after the capture of Proctor's
camp in the battle of the Thames, bales of scalps Avere discovered
on Avhich had been paid a bounty by the British agents. The
"Winnebago took part in many of the important movements of the
British on the Avestern border. AVhen Col. Robert Dickson, the
"Red Head," gathered the tribes for the English in 1812. he ran
into (}i-eeii Bay Avilli 100 Sioux, and enlisted Tomah and the
Grizzly Bear Avith 100 Alenominee, and a large body of "Winne-
bago led by Teal. One-eyed Decorah and other chiefs. They
A'oyaged over to ^NFackinac island and captured the fort from the
Americans, July 17, 1812, Avithout a bloAv, after Avhich the AVinne-
bago and Sioux returned home. Jn the spring of 1813, Avhen
Colonel Dickson rallied the clans again for the AA'ar. there sailed
out of tlie Fox river on his train, beside the Sioux and IMenom-
inee, a considerable band of AYinncbago under their chiefs. Old
Decorah, Carrymaunee. AYinnocheek, Pesheu. or the AYild Cat,
Sausamaunee, Black AYolf, Sarcel, or the Teal, and Neokautah,
or Four Legs. Avith AFichael Brisbois as their interpreter. Arriving
at Fort Meigs too late for the action, they retired to Detroit,
from AA-hence they sailed under Proctor and Dickson to Sandusky
and attacked the fort so gallantly defended by the young Afaj.
George Croghan, Avhere they Avere defeated. In June, 1813,
THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE 25
Colonel Dickson emerged at ^Mackinac from a lon^ sojourn among
the Wisconsin tribes, bringing with him 600 savages and their
families, to be sent to General Proctor as a part of his force.
There were 130 Winnebago in the party. After eating nearly all
of Proctor's available provisions and committing wanton depreda-
tions on the settlers' live stock tlie AYisconsin Indians returned
home. During the winter of 1813-14 a delegation of AVisconsin
savages visited Quebec, where they were warmly welcomed by
Sir George Prevost. The AVinnebago were represented by
Lassamic.
The expedition under the British Col. AVilliam AtcKay, which
surprised and captured the American fort Shelby at Prairie Du
Chien, July 17, 1814, had with them a band of 100 AVinnebago
under their chiefs, Pesheu or AVild Cat, Sarcel or Teal, Carry-
maunee, AVinnocheek, Sar-ra-chau, Neokautah or Four Legs, and
Black Wolf. As McKay's fleet of barges and canoes floated down
the Wisconsin, a AVinnebago was in the party of scouts, who
went under cover of night into the to-\vn and captured a citizen,
whom they carried away to get information. In deploying before
the fort the AYinnel)ago took post above the fort. Two of the
AVinnebago, discovering some hams in a house, mounted to the
roof and began to tear off the shingles to gain an entrance and
were both shot in the thigh. On the second day of tlie siege
Colonel AIcKay assembled the Indian chiefs and requested their
consent to an assault, but the AVinnebago chief, Sarcel or the
Teal, demurred, saying he and his people remembered taking part
with the English in assaulting an American fort, when they were
beaten back with terrible slaughter. Sarcel proposed to dig a
trench in the sand and blow up the fort, to which Colonel McKay
agreed; but after 'a few hours' labor the Indians tired of the
Avork and refused to go ahead. After the surrender, and just
before the time appointed for the Americans to give up their
arms, a AVinnebago cut off the finger of a soldier whose hand
was thrust through a port hole in friendly greeting. In his
reports Colonel McKay mentions the AVinnebago as in the Indian
contingent, and says of them that they were ''perfectly useless
to him," and severely criticises them. They would not receive
officers' orders unless he "held a blanket in one hand and a piece
of pork in another."
Col. Robert Dickson on his way to the British garrison at
Prairie Du Chien in the fall of 1814, caught by the freezing of
Lake AVinnebago at Doty Island and forced to remain the winter,
writes in the spring: "I shall move from this as soon as I can.
26 IIISTOK'V OK .MONKOK COLXTY
;is the Puaiits an' lic^iiiniim !(• draw aritiiiid inc. and one liad as
well l)(' in lu'll as with tlirm."' Al'tt'i- llic peace the Hritish lield
a council June .'5. isi.'t. at .Mailxinaw, helween Sau-sa-niau-nee,
Black Wolf, Xeokautaii or Four iiC^s. and ioi-ly waj-riors. Sau-
sa-niau-nee was tlie orator foi- liis people and liis s|)eecli is
recorded. .Jud,u:e LocUwood rc|)(»i'1s their number in liSlG as i)()()
warriors, from estimates of tlie traders best ac(iuain1eil with
them. The treaty made with a portion ol the Fox tril)es Novem-
bei' ;}, 1804. whiih caused so much dissatisfaction amon^ members
of that tribe, was confirmed a1 a council h^ld at SI. Louis. May
18. 181(1. at which those Wiiiiicba'-o present, residents of Wis-
consin, coniirmetl tliat part of the ti-eaty wliich was sui)posed to
tri'ant their rights in the lands of the b'ad reuion.
THE NEW YORK INDIANS.
The AVinneliago were involved in the iiiimigration of the New
York Indians by the range of their hunting gi-ounds. Tiie Winne-
bago and JVIenominee, August IS. 1S21, tii'aiited to tlie Xew ^'oil<
tribes a ribl)on of land diagonal! \' across the state five miles wide,
the strij) crossing the Fox river at Little ('hut(\ At this tinu'
the jMenominee claimed all Green Bay and the shore of Lake
^lichigan to tlu^ mouth of the ]Milwauk(M> lixcr and west to the
.Mississippi imnct in a northwest direction. The Winnebago
claimed all the balance of the state north and west of the Fox
river and Lake Winnebago. The following summer the Xew
York Iiulians returned to urge a larger grant : but on coming
into a council the AVinnebago refused to concede any further
grants and left in a body to go on their hunt. Before leaving,
however, they were induced to favoi' the visitor with an exhibi-
tion of their war dance, pipe dance and begging dance, which
are grai)hically described by (Jeneral Willis, who adds: "The
AViuTiebago exhibited the largest, most perfectly formed men aiul
women ever seen anywhere. The display of action and muside
in the dances stru(dv the Ixdiolder with admiration and terror.
The ring around the dancers of several thousand, all singing in
chorus to the chief drunnner. the voices of the AVinnebago women
pi-evailing in clarion tone above the whole." August 11, 1827.
was a treaty concluded at tlie Little P.ntte des Morts. "the Hill
of the Dead," on the west bank of the lake of that name, now
in the town of Alenasha. betAvecMi the AVinnebago. .Menominee
aiul Xew A'ork Indians, by which the above lrii)es ceiled their
lanils in the Fox vallev to the I'nited States. Lewis Cass and
THE ^YINNEBAGO TRIBE 27
Thos. L. ^Mc'Kinney were the commissioners. This council was
lickl during- the Winnebago war, so called. It was attended by
live thousand savages. Colonel AVhistler, while on his journey
up the Fox river from Fort IIoAvard to join General Atkinson at
Portage, remained with his regiment at the Little Butte des Morts
as the Governor's guard until the close of the council, when he
resumed his journey uji stream. During the council the Winne-
bago were notified that they must give up the murderers. It is
said to have been due to this council that brought the surrender
at Portage the next month on the arrival of Colonel Whistler.
There is a painting of the Little Butte des jMorts council made by
Lewis, "painted on the spot," in his rare portfolio of frontier
scenes.
Tlie AVinnel)ago war took place in 1827. It was not a war,
but only a widespread scare to the few pioneers who had come
to settle in the far aAvay lands of the Avest. Those who mention
the events of that day generally agree that the energetic move-
ments of Governor Lewis Cass, and the promptness of the militia
under Gen. Henry Dodge, and the dispatch of General Atkinson
witli the United States army into the field, inspired the AVin-
nebago with such respect for the poAver of the United States that
the incipient disturbance was quelled before it was barely com-
menced. As there were at that time nearly nine thousand Winne-
bago, they could have set the torch to the whole frontier before
being conquered. At that period there was a small settlement of
whites at Green Bay, another at Prairie du Chien. and possibly
seven hundred people in the lead region south of the Wisconsin
river. Fort Winnebago was then erected at Portage as a protec-
tion to the frontier from any Winnebago treachery.
IN SETTLEMENT DAYS.
I>y this time the trilie had very nuich increased in numbers,
and were scattered all along the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. Mrs.
John Kinzie reports in ''Wau Bun," in 1880, two divisions of
Winnebago Indians, "one paid l)y the agent at Portage and the
other at Prairie du Chien." "The Portage division numbered be-
tween four and five thousand." At the Winnebago annuity pay-
ment in 1884, jNIr. Henry ]\lerrill says there asseml)led at Portage
upwards of three thousand men. women and children. Mr. Mc-
Call reports in 1830, "Four thousand Winnebago in the nation."
The smallpox scourge broke out in the tribe in 1834 and raged
a fearful epidemic, from Avhich nearly half the tribe died. The
28 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COT'XTY
inodiciiic men a])aiul()iir(l ilicii' ftitilc attciiipts to stay its I'avages,
ami 1li(' post sw('])t through the \illajr('s, and sur\i\'()rs fleeing
before i1. Icaxin^' tlicii' dead uiiliiii-icd.
The delegates wlio visited Washington in 1837 to make a treaty
liad no anthority to eonelude a treaty, and so declared. That was
the treaty (Nov. 1, 1887.) by whieh all the lands of tiie Winne-
bago east of the ^Mississippi were eeded to the Ignited States.
It Avas loudly jiroelaimed by the tribe to be a fraud. Chief Yel-
low Thunder, whose village was near Eureka, in AVinnebago
county, and two others were of this party, and all declared they
had no right to make a treaty. The first allrnipl to remove the
tribe was begun in 1840. when a considerable band wei-c induced
to remove to the Turkey river in Iowa. In 1837 the AVinnebago,
headed ])y One-eyed Dekaury, Ijittle Dekaury, AVinnosheek,
AVaukon Dekaury, and six other chiefs, went to AVashington and
ceded all the land still claimed by them east of the Alississippi
river, reserving the privilege of occupying until 18-40. That year
the troops came to Portage to remove them. Yellow Tlninder
and Black AVolf 's son were invited to Portage to get provisions,
l)ut as soon as they arrived at Portage they were put in the
guardhouse Avith l)all and chain on their ankles, which Inirt their
feelings, as 1lie\- luid done no harm. The Genei'al liad understood
they were going to revolt, and i-efused to emigrate; but as soon
as Governor Dodge came to Portage they were released. They
all promised faithfully to be in Portage in three days, ready for
removal, and they Avere all there. Two large boats Avere pro-
vided to take doAvn the Indians Avho had no canoes. At the head
of Kickapoo creek they came to some AvigAvams, Avhere Iavo old
Avomen, sisters of Black AA^olf, fell on their knees, crying and be-
seeching Captain Summer to kill them : Ilie\' wei'e old and would
rather die and l)e l)uried Avith their fathers and mothers and
children than he taken aAvay. The Captain let them remain, and
left three young men to hunt for them. Further doAvn they came
to the camp of Ke-ji-que-Ave-ka ; the people Avere told to ]>ut tlunr
things in the wagon and go along. Depositing their l)elongings
they started south from Avhere they Avere Avhen the Captain sent
to ask Avhere they Avere going. They said they Avere going to bid
good-bye to their fathers, mothers and children. The interpreter
folloAved lliem and found them on Hieii' knees, kissing the ground
and crying very loud Avhere their relations Avere buried. This
touched the Captain, Avho exclaimed: "Good God, Avhat harm
can these poor Indians do among the rocks."
After being removed at difftM-ent times to locations in loAva,
THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE 29
Minnesota and Dakota, they Avere finally located on one hundred
twenty-eight thousand acres of the northern part of the Omaha
reservation in eastern Nebraska, containing some of the best
timbered lands, by May, 1866. There still reside in the pine bar-
rens of Jackson and Adams county stragglers who have returned,
reported in 1887 to number one thousand six hundred. Most of
these have homesteads, where they live by picking berries, fishing
and hunting, with ever increasing families. Large families are
the rule among the Winnebago. Green Grass, son of Kayrah-
maunee, came to the payment at Black River Falls to draw for
fifteen children; but could not count or name them. Major Hal-
leck, the agent, had him bring them in and stand them in a row.
''The AVinnebago as a tribe has due them $883,249.58 under
their treaties of 1837 and the act of July 15, 1870, which has not
been capitalized and placed in the treasury as a trust fund. Con-
gress annually appropriates 5 per cent interest on the principal,
amounting to $1:4,1 62.47. The AA^isconsin band received $18,-
026.13 of that amount, whicli is paid them in cash. They also
receive $7,000 each year from that amount to ecpialize their pay-
ments with the Nebraska branch under the act of 1881. Under
that act they have reecived $147,000 and $73,969.91 is yet due
them in yearly installments of $7,000. The Nebraska branch re-
ceives yearly $10,000 cash for per capita payments, and after this
and the amounts due to the AVisconsin branch are deducted the
remainder is subject to expenditure for supplies for the Nebraska
branch. Eventually the Wisconsin branch will receive their share
of the principal after it has been capitalized and segregated."
THEIR HABITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE.
There are at this writing 1,180 AVinnebago listed in Wisconsin
and 2,613 in Nebraska, making a total of 3,793 or about 4,000
Winnebago now living. This shows an increase in 200 years of
700 per cent, due to enforced peace ; and notwithstanding the
natural decimation due to smallpox, famine, habits and whisky.
Rev. Cutting Marsh crossed Doty island in 1832, and found
still there a small village of AVinnebago. This was the remnant
of Four Leg's tribe. He was dead two years before. Three years
later the Alenomonee mission was established at Neenah, before
which time, it is presumed, the last of those who had made this
ancient village famous in border annals had moved up the river
and away.
The totems of the AA^innebago were the lynx, catamount, wild-
30 HISTORY OF :moxroe county
fat and stajr. 'J'lu'v drosscd in the earlier days much as tlie
]ii-iniitiv(' tribes, in the tanned skins and lurs of the wild animals,
as also in woven cloth. The special manner of doin^ their hair
was to shave llie sides of the head and do tlie liaii- in two square
cushions on tlie t)ack of the head. The artist in ihe Nieolet
landfall, i-eceiilly hiin»i in the i-ooms of the State Historical
Society, has taken llieii- nakedness too literallv ami made a eari-
cature of their nudeness. There is no authority for such literal
nak(>dness. They were an industrious and thrifty people, having
at all theii" villa^res wide fields of corn and ve<?etal)les. Some of
these fields were several hundred acres in extent. They trathered
wild rice for food also. Sat. Clark told Dr. Lapham that General
Atkinson purchased 6,000 l)ushels of corn from the AVinnebago ;
and in 1848 he had (lii\('n over half a mile of old Indian corn-
fields in Columbia county, Avhich a pioneer had told him the
AVinnebago had cultivated. Their villages contained Avell con-
structed, warm cabins or Avigwams, and they appeared to enjoy
])rosperity, notwithstanding their history contains so much war.
pestilence and whisky.
AVhatever may have l)een tlu' truth of the mattci-. they seem
to have the universal hatred or disfavor of all their neighbors
aud the whites. The whites write them down invariably filthy.
It is such a general charge that one might be incdined to suppose
it to be repeated by suggestion. AVhether any one took the
trouble to inquire if this was a domestic infirmity or only came
from the supposed derivation of their nann^ we cannot learn. One
hundred years ago Capt. Thomas A. Anderson Avintered on Kock
river, at tlu^ foot of a precipice, ;W0 feet above the river, trading
with the AVinnebago. and long afterward said. "They are the
nu)st tilthy, most obstinate and bravest people of any Indian
tribe." As an instance of their independence, Hon. Alorgan L.
Martin relates of the guide he i)rocured at Taycheedah, who,
after leading tlieiii into llie prairie, lay down and refused to ju-o-
ceed. saying ''he had never yet been the slave of a white man and
never would be."
The nunu'rous missionaries who had gone among the AVis-
consin savages seein to hMV(> made little progress Mith the
Winnebago. The first to devote himself specially to one of tlie
bantls was Kev. Father Ma/zuchelli, who, April Iti. 1 >■!:!. visited
the AVinnebago at the old Decorah village, eight miles up the
AVisconsin river tVoiii Portage. Two hundred converts were
made, and he translated Father Harago's Catechism from Ottawa
to AVinnebago, going 7(10 miles to Detroit to get it printed, ami
THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE 31
returned. Pietre Paquette assisted liim in talking to the savages.
The Catechism when returned had eighteen pages. The intluence
of the missionary was such that on ^Mrs. Kinzie's offering wine
to one of the Indian women she pointed to the cross about her
neck and refused to drink.
BRANCH IN MONROE COUNTY,
From the earliest settlement hands of AVinnebagoes had, at
different times, established their villages temporarily in several
parts of the county; no permanent location w^as made until right
after the Avar of the rebellion, when a considerable number, under
the chief, Ah-oo-cho-ka oi' "Blue AVing, " settled near Water Mill,
a few miles north of Tomah.
"Blue AVing" Avas the head of this branch of the tribe and
was its chief spokesman in the councils of the tribe held at the
original settlement near Winnebago Lake. He was a quiet, peace-
ful man, who ruled his tribe Avith justice, whose good qualities
made him many friends among his Avhite neighbors and the busi-
ness and professional men in Tomah Avith Avhom he had dealings ;
he lived to the age of 103 years, and at his death he Avas held in
such esteem that a public funeral Avas held in the Methodist
church at Tomah, largely attended by the town people and his
neighbors; a striking illustration, indeed, of the transition from
saA^agery to civilization, a modern funeral serA'ice held over the
remains of a savage attended by his own people. After the death
of "Blue Wing" there Avas no succession as chief as the band had
gradually taken up land and Avere, and are, getting away from
the tribal relations. They in common Avith other members of
the tribe Avere moved to Nebraska at the time mentioned in this
chapter, but this band of about 200 came back and settled again
at AVater Alill, Avdiere they among them oAvned quite a tract of
land. They enlisted the services of Harry Lea, of Tomah, Avho
had traded A^dth them for j^ears, and he diA'ided the land into
ten-acre pieces, assigning one or more to the head of each family
so that they became land OAvners and could not then be taken back
to Nebraska.
In this band Avere tAvo Indians avIio Avere in the army during
the rebellion, an old felloAV familiarly knoAvn in later years as
"Sherman," because he served in the Third AVisconsin and Avas
under General Sherman, and also a son of Chief "Blue AVing, "
known as "Thunder Chief."
Among them exists a secret religious organization Avhich has
32 IIISTOKY OF MONROE COUNTY
IxH'ii ill existence no one knows liow long. It lias an otter skin
lia<l<re, to lose which is said to invoke a death penalty; they
indulge in strange and fantastic rites and ceremonies, and no
Avhite man has ever been able to discover any of their secrets.
The squaws of different branches of the tril)e in general are
known by the kind of work they turn out. This particular branch
was noted for the beautiful bead work turned out by its women,
everything from moccasins and hair liands to entire suits of buck-
skin, beautifully decorated in most elaborate patterns. Some of
the children are sent to the Government Indian School at Tomah,
although it seems to be the case that only a small percentage
take advantage of the education thus acquired, but go back to
the indolent tribal life.
CHAPTER III.
THE WINNEBAGO CHIEFS.
The Sachems of the great Winnebago, who have become inti-
mately associated with the beginning of the history of Wisconsin,
were either residents of Winnebago county or were sired by its
ancient lords. The mother and grandmother of that noble line of
Decorah chiefs, who met the pioneers of the state, was the beauti-
ful queen of the Winnebago, "Glory of the Morning," sister of
the head chief of the Winnebago tribe on Doty island, now in
Menasha and Neenali, on the Fox river, at the foot of Lake
Winnebago. Her Indian name was Hopokoekau, also spelled by
LaRonde, AVahopoekau. Her birth was not of record. She mar-
ried Sebrevior De Carrie, who was an officer in the French army
in 1699 under De Boisbraint. He resigned his commission in 1729
and became the first trader in Indian goods in the county, living
and trading with the Winnebago on Doty Island. During the
French and Indian war De Carrie reentered the French army
and was mortally wounded before Quebec, April 28, 1760. In
some of the almost daily assaults made by Wolfe upon some part
of the long defenses on the bluffs of the St. Lawrence, and being
taken to Montreal, died there in the hospital, and two weeks later
France lost Canada forever. Three sons and two daughters were
born to this union. Glory of the Morning refused to go to Mon-
treal with her husband, and remained on her island home with
her family ; but De Carrie took with him one daughter, who mar-
ried there Sieur Laurent Fily, a merchant of Quebec, who subse-
quently removed to Green Bay, where they have descendants still
living in the valley. Capt. Jonathan Carver, who visited the
queen in 1766 on Doty island, mentions the pleasure his atten-
tions to the queen gave her attendants as well as herself. She
received him graciously and sumptuously entertained him during
the four days he remained in her village. He writes of the town
that it "contained fifty houses." "The land," he says, "was
very fertile ; grapes, plums and other fruit grew in abundance.
The Indians raised large quantities of Indian corn, beans, pump-
kins, squash, watermelons and some tobacco." Mrs. Kinzie gives
33
34 TiisToKV (W MosPxin: corxTV
a long clKiraclcr sketch of the ancient queeii in August, 1831.
"No one could tell iici- age: Iml .ill agreed sin' imist have been
upwards of 100. llcr diiiimed eyes, ahnost Avhite with age; her
face dai-ki'ii('(| ;iii(l wil licrcd. like a hakcd appli': \\r\- voice
tremulous and Icihlt'. exce]»t when raised in I'ury — she usually
went on all fours, iiol having strength to stand upi-ight. On the
day of the payment she received liei' nu)ney and ciawled to the
agency door to count it." ^Ir. lleni-y Merrill, wi-iting in the year
IS.'S-l, says that she ""was pointed out to uie several years after
(1884), and I was told she iiiusi lie 1].'! yeai's old. She was then
ahle to walk si.\ oi- eight unles to Poi'tage. She lived several
years after, and was linall\' hui-ned to death hy the huruing of
'uer Avigwain. "'
As she then lived in the \illage of her late grandson. Old
Gray Headed Decoi'ali, eight niiles hclow P(uiage. on tln^ west
side of the AVisconsin i-i\'er. she was prohahly huried there. She
is said hy some Avriteis to have l)een a daughter of the head chief.
It has been said of liei- descendants, the Deeorah chiefs, that
"they were generally good Indians, and frequently urged their
claim to the friendship of the whites hy saying they were them-
selves half white." They ai-e said to have been " ' iutiuent iai men
in the nation."" and Augustin Grignon says, in 1801, the "Deco-
ralis are among the most infiueiitial of the AVinnebago.'' Of this
marriage there were two sons, wiH)se names hav(> Ixh'U reported.
The oldest was Chou Ke Ka. oi- Spoon Deeorah or Ladle; the
other was Chah])ost Kaw Kaw. or the Buzzard, who settled with
his l)and at LaCrosse about 1787.
Chou Ke Ka. also spelled ('hau Ka Ka. called S])oon Deeorah or
Ladle, Mas the eldest SOU of Seltrevior l)e ('aiTie. says LaHonde.
Augustin Grignon I'endeis the name ( 'hongai'ali. .Vs he knew
the chief in the wint<'r of 1801-2. he reports him then as head
chief of the Winnehago. and ""he was then a very old man and
died at Portage in 1808. IJy his i-iMjuest he was buried in a sitting
posture in a coffin, jtlaeed nw the sui'face of the ground, with a
low cabin alio\e it. surrounded with a feiu-e."' His death
occurred in 1810, according to LaRonde. when he was "quite
aged." It also appears that Chan Ka Ka signed the treaty of St.
Louis, Alay 18, 181(). and therefore could not have died until
after that.
Old Gray-IIeaded Decoi-ah. or Old Deeorah. or Gray-IIeaded
Deeorah, or AVhite AVar Eagle, whose coimiion Indian luune was
Schachip Ka Ka and Avhose AViiniebago name was AVarrahwi-
koogah, or Bird Sj)irit. was a son of the Ladle and a gi-andson of
THE AYINNPZBAGO CHIEFS 35
Glory of the ^Morning. He died at Petenwell, t!u' lii<^li rock on
the Wisconsin river, April 20. ISi^H. said to have been ninety
years old. He fought under the British General Proctor at San-
dusky, twenty-one years of age, gallantly held the frontier fort
Avith l)ut one cannon. The AVar Eagle also fought with Proctor
and Teciimseh at the battle of the Thames, where the British
army was mostly slai^i or captured and Tecumseh shot, October
5; 1813, by the Americans under AYilliam Henry Harrison. The
War Eagle was held as a hostage at Prairie du Chien in 1827 for
the good behavior of the AVinnebago during the so-called AVinne-
bago war. and for the delivery of Red Bird to justice. It was
Avhile Alaj. Zachary Taylor was located at Prairie du Chien that
he received from Old Gray-Headed Decorah his "peace pipe,"
and during the AVinnebago war it was he who gave assurance to
General Atkinson at Portage of the peaceable intentions of the
AVinnebago. Soon after Laurent Barth purchased the right from
the AVinnebago over the Portage, 1793, Old Gray-Headed Decorah
moved from Apuckawa lake, on Fox river, in Green Lake county,
and formed a village with his tribe on the AVisconsin river, about
two miles above Portage. JjaHonde says: "Schachipkaka De
Kawry died April 26, 1836, aged ninety, at his village, the locality
in 1876 known as the Caffrey place in the town of California,
AVinnebago county, at the foot of the bluft", between the Wiscon-
sin and Baraboo rivers. Schoolhouse district No. 5 occupies the
spot where the old chief died. This town contained over 100
lodges. He was a Catholic and was buried in their cemetery, near
the site of the present courthouse in Portage City." He signed
the treaties of 1828, 1829, 1832. Airs. Kinzie described him as
"the most noble, dignified and venerable of his own or, indeed,
of any other tribe. His fine Roman countenance, rendered still
more noble by his bald head, with one solitary tuft of long, silvery
hair neatly tied falling back on his shoulders." Old Gray Headed
Decorah came over to Portage from his village during the famine
in 1831 and reported his people as starving. He was oflfered
enough food for his own family. "No," he said, "if my people
could not be relieved my family and I wnll starve with them."
Chah Post Kaw Kaw, or the Buzzard Decorah, was a son of
Glory of the Morning and Sebrevior De Carrie, so One-Eyed
Decorah told Judge Gale. He settled at LaCrosse in 1787 with a
band of AVinnebago, and was soon after killed by his own son in
a drunken row.
One-Eyed Decorah, whose Indian name was AVadge-hut-ta-kaw,
or Big Canoe, was a son of the Buzzard. He died at Channel
36
IIISTOHY OF MOXKOK ("OlNTY
(near the Tumicll), ]\Ionroe County. Wis., in August. 1864. at an
advanced age, as Grignon says, of iiinet>-t\v(). Ills village in
1832 and later was at the nioulli of the Bla<-k livcr. or some say
near tlie village of SaltMii. on LaOosse river, in Onalaska town-
ship, LaCrosse county. Also said by Rev. T^runson to be at
Prairie LaCrosse in 1832. In 1(S2() he was said by Gen. 11. L. Dots-
nuin to have his village on lilack i'i\<M-. Thomas P. Burnett, in
1832, when he went up the river lu keei» the Winnebago eanoes
from Black Hawk, says he "found One-Eyed Decorah and Little
Thunder at the lower mouth of the Black river." One-Eyed
Decorah was born about 1772, and was fifteen years of age when
his father settled at LaCrosse. He aided in the capture of Mack-
inac (July 17, 1812), and was out with the British in the attack
on Fort Stephenson, August 2, 1813, and was with IMcKay in tlu'
capture of Prairie Du Chien; and signed the treaty of 1825. The
act for which he became celebrated was the capture of Black
Hawk and the Prophet in 1832. The daring warrior, his band
and followers, broken, slain and scattered by the murdered, the
picturesque and rugged valley of the Lemonweir river, and then
toward the LaCrosse river, where Big Canoe was hunting near
Bangor, l)elow Sparta, and found Black Hawk, who consented
to go with him to Prairie Du Chien, where he delivered the cap-
tives.
A brother of One-Eyed Deeoi-ah Avas AVa Kon Han Kaw. or
Wa kon Decorah, or Snake Skin, commonly called Washington
Decorah, the orator of the AVinuebago. The name is also rendered
AYau kon caughaga. His likeness was painted by J. 0. Lewis in
1825. AYhen Mr. Burnett steamed up the Alississippi river on the
"Enterprise" to secure the AYinnebago eanoes from Black Hawk,
July 25, 1832, at sixty miles up the river from Prairie du Chien,
he found AYashington Decorah with thr pi-iiieipal part of the
1)and from the AYisconsin and Kickapoo rivers. The AVaukon
had a village on the headwaters of DeSota creek, below LaCrosse.
He died at the Black Earth agency about 18(54. Anu)ng those who
bear the name and boast descent from this famous line of AYinne-
l)ago chieftains there is one who is destined to become famous
in the white man's finest art. She is Angel De Cora (this is the
official spelling), of the reservation in Nebraska, but practicing
her art in Ne\v York city. She studied art in the art department
of Smith college at Northampton, Alass., and under the famous
artist, Howard Pyle, who has interested himself in her success.
She has been since 1906 an art instructor in Carlisle Indian
school.
THE WINNEBAGO CHIEFS 37
Four Legs, or Neokautah, had his village at the outlet of Lake
Winnebago, on Doty island, now Menasha and Neenah. This
has been the ancient home of the Winnebago since first known
to the whites in 1632. He was known as Neokautah by the
Menominee; but his Winnebago name was 'Hootschope, pro-
nounced Hooshoo. Hon. ]\Iorgan L. Martin made a journey up the
Fox river with Judge Doty from Green Bay to Prairie Du Chien
to the trial of Red Bird in 1828, and describes this village: "On
Doty island, very near the mouth, on the west channel, was the
village of Hootschope, or Four Legs, the w^ell-known Winnebago
chieftain. There were from 150 to 200 lodges covered with bark
or mats."' Augustin Grignon also mentions this village ''on Doty
island, at the mouth of Winnebago lake." On August ]6, 1830,
Mr. McCall, one of the commissioners to arrange the differences
between the New York Indian and the AVinnebago, met in council
Four Legs and ten other chiefs, at Four Legs' lodge on Doty
island, and mentions "that the head chief was seated on his mat,
cross-legged, in all the majesty of an Asiatic prince," describing
Four Legs "as about forty years of age, of middle stature, a
most interesting man in appearance and deportment, speaks his
own tongue fluently. In short, he is a great man." Mrs. Kinzie
mentions Four Legs as the "great chief of the AVinnebago, whose
village was on Doty island,'' in 1830, and says: "It was at the
entrance of Lake AVinnebago. a picturesque cluster of huts spread
around on a pretty green glade and shaded by fine, lofty trees,"
and she furnishes an illustration of the village. She says in
another place: "It was a cluster of neat bark wigwams." Four
Legs died in 1830, but his village was still occupied in 1832,
reported by Cutting Alarsh as "occupied by a small band
of the AVinnebago tribe." This was the last mentioned of
this village. Its name is preserved in the word Menasha,
the city which, with the city of Neenah, occupy its site.
Menasha was the name of this most ancient Indian
village on the American continent. The name was by both Curtis
Reed and Gov. J. D. Doty, the founders of the modern town, said
to mean the name of the village on the island, and in Dakatah
would be Alini ha ha, or Laughing AVater, a possible reference to
the double rapids which ran around their village. At the council
held in Green Bay, August 24, 1830, Four Legs was head chief.
Duck was head orator. There was also present Shounk Schunk
Siap, or Black AVolf ; AVheauk Kaw, or Big Duck, and Alonk Kaw
Kaw. For entertainment to amuse their visitors Four Legs was
active. At night a band of AVinnebago appeared "painted all
38 HISTOID' OK .\I().\KM)I': CUIXTY
colors, naki'd cxccpl hrcrcli cloiit."" Ix'I'orc tlic liousc where
]\lcC;ill Iionnlcd : ciicoiirM'rcd liy drink. Ili(>- held a \\ai- dance
until 1<I o'clock '■\vitli disfiuiiicd and distorted countenances,"
The head chief, Four Lc^s, displayetl jj:reat activity. The report
of the commissioners of llic council of Is:?!) at Green Bay recites
llial Foui- Letrs and Black Wolf were llic (inly s]>eakei's, and that
they had siirned the treaty of 1S22 with tlic Xi'w York Indians.
f--choolcrall mentions that Four Lciis lc\icl li'ihute from trav-
elers inuuediately after the war of 1812. lie assuuu'd to he the
keeper of the Fox ri\ci- valley. Col. T. L. Kinney alludes to this
custom of exactiim ti-ihulc. and relates that General Leaxenwoi-th,
going up stream with his command in ISKi, was accosted hy Fimii-
Legs and nolitied that the lake was locked. The General rose
Avith his gun restin.g on his arm and asked tht^ i7itei'pri4(M' to
inform the chief that he had the key to unlock it. Four Legs
replied, ■"Lei him i)ass." This incident mai'ks the last challenge
of the AViiniehago, and it is said that it took place beneath the
Treaty Elm that for nuiny years stood a conspicuous landnuirk in
the county. The "Treaty Ehn,"" or "Council Tree," beneath
whose Avidespi'cad branches the chiefs of the neighboi-ing tribes
ai'c said to have been wont 1o gather in council, A\'as located on
Kiverside pai-k i)()int at the mouth of the Neenah (diannel of the
Fox river in the city of Neenah. It was of immense size and
girth, tnwering al)o\e all the surrounding forest, and could be
seen from poiids eight miles distant. Such was its prominence
as a landmark that it Avas for many years used as a guide by
sailors and steam ])il()ts on the lake. It was di'stroyed by a
charge of dynamite -lunc 12. 1SS7. by the employees of the gov-
ernment in cutting away the point to widen the channel to
increase the How of water in tlood times.
As Foui- Legs was supposed to be foi'ty years of age in 1830,
the yeai- he died, and he must have been born about 1790, he
eoidd have taken part in the wai' of 1S12. where he is fi-e(puMitly
found on the side of the Uritish. .Mrs. Kin/ie mentions the death
of Four Legs by driidving too much suthr whisky when waiting
at Foi't Winnebago with the assend)|ed Winnebago for the
ai-rival of the silvei- from the go\-eriunent for the paymeid of
t heir a luiuil ies.
''His body was wra|)ped in a blanket and ]»laced in a mule
coffin along with his guns, lonudiawk, pipes and a (pundity of
tobacco. " lie was buried on the most ele\ated point of the hill
opposite the fort, in the presence of "an immense ])rocessiou of
his peo])le." A slake was placed at the head of his grave "on
THE AVINXEBAGO CHIEFS 39
which was painted in vermilion a series of hieroglyphics descrip-
tive of deeds and events of his life," and a small white iiag also
waved over the grave. His wife, who survived him, was a Fox
woman, but spoke the Chippewa language, which brought hei-
services into use as an interpreter, as that was the court or uni-
V(^rsal language among all the tribes. He is said to have been a
big chief and ' ' a great and mighty warrior. ' ' In 1887 there were
two descendants living — one was Good Cloud, a woman residing
at Tomah. Slie has a sou whose name was Good Year. One
descendant was AVill Dandy, a boy who was at school in AVitten-
berg mission. He had two cousins also living at Wittenberg.
Sau-sa-mau-nee was a younger brother of Four Legs and
fought with him under the British flag in the war of 1812.
Wild Cat, or Pe-Sheu, had his village on Garlic Island, noAV
Island park, a small island on the west margin of Lake Winne-
bago, seven miles south of Alenasha and the same distance north
of Oshkosh. The village was also located across the solent on the
mainland. The corn hills are still visible both on the island and
mainland. Just when this village was established here cannot be
ascertained, yet it is highly probable that Pe-Sheu liimself was
its founder and. that he and his tribesmen came from the })rin-
cipal Winnebago village on Doty's island. One of the earliest
descriptions of this village is that of 3Irs. (Governor) James D.
Doty, who records in her journal under the date of August, 1823,
of a canoe .iourney which she made with her Inisband, who was
on the way up the i'i\er to hold court at Prairie Du Chien: ''AYe
coasted along the west shore of Lake AVinnebago to Garlic island,
on the opposite point to wliieh is a AVinnebago village of tine per-
manent lodges and fine cornfields." The late Judge Morgan L.
^Martin made the same journey in birch-bark canoes with Judge
Doty and others in 1828 on their way to try Red Bird, the AVin-
nebago, for murder. "Garlic island was the next stopping place.
There was a AVinnebago village there of about the same size as
that over which Four Legs (Doty island) presided (150 to 200
lodges covered with bark mats). The lodges, however, were
longer and neater. AYe purchased supplies of vegetables of the
island villagers." From these descriptions it Avould appear that
the village occupied both the island and mainland, that the wig-
wams were well constructed, the fields of Indian maize of con-
siderable extent, and the population at that time one of 1,000 or
more persons. Chief AA^ild Cat was a large and bulky savage
with a hasty and ferocious temper which often got him into diffi-
culties. He was probably born at Doty island at some time
40 HISTORY OF MONROP] COUNTY
previous to the Revolution. Tlie earliest knowledge we have of
this chieftain is from a remark he once made when he and Sarcel,
a AViunebago chief, had a dispute in regard to their relative
bravery. On this occasion AVild Cat is said to have exclaimed,
"Don't you remember the time we aided the Shawanoes (English)
in attacking the fort that you ran ofT so fast that you lost your
breech clout?'' This remark had reference to the Indian war of
1793, when the British liad incited the western Indians to fre-
quent depredations against the straggling white settlers in Ohio
and IMichigan. There is a possibility also that he may have served
with Charles de Langlade under the British flag in the War of the
Revolution. Certain it is that in 1797 he was considered of suf-
ficient importance to receive from the royal otficers the medal of
their king. This bronze medal, given as a memento of distin-
guished favor by King George III to his savage ally in his wild-
■\vood home on the shore of Lake AVinncbago, now reposes in the
museum of Lawrence University at Applcton. It Avas deposited
there about the year 1875 by Mr. D. C. Church, of Vinland, who
obtained it from Louis B. Porlier, of Butte des Morts, a trader
and son of Judge Porlier.
Mrs. Kinzie says the AVild Cat was ''our Indian Falstatf in
all save cowardice and falsehood." Being made drunk, he was
unable to get to Fort Armstrong at Rock Island in time to object
to the treaty of 1831, and when he found it granted the lands on
which stood his village he Avept. It is said that he was found
dead against an oak tree in the center of the Avoods. Avliere Osli-
kosh now stands. He was at the payments in Portage in 1830-
1831, and is said to have died soon after the Black Hawk AVar,
which Avould make the date of his death about 1833. He is
reported to have gone under the partisan British leader of the
AVisconsin savages. Col. Robert Dickson, early in 1812, to the cap-
ture of Alackinae. The following spring he fought with Tecum-
seh at Fort ^leigs. and after his defeat Avas beaten oflf at Fort
Stephenson or Sandusky. He Avas also a part of the AVinnebago
contingent under ^IcKay in the i-apture of Prairie du Chien. In
the Avinter of 1814 Dickson, Avith his convoy of supplies, Avas ice
bound until January on Garlic island at Pesheu's village.
Black AVolf. or Shouuktshunksiap. Avas a celebrated character
in the border days of a century past. Airs. Kinzie has left a racy
sketch of this bold Avarrier, Black AVolf. "Avhose loAvering, surly
face Avell described his name. The fierce expression of coun-
tenance Avas greatly heightened by the masses of heavy black
hair, contrarv to the usual custom of the AA^innebago. AA'ho for the
THE WINNEBAGO CHIEFS 41
most part cut away a portion of the hair, drawing the remainder
back of the head, clubbed and ornamented with beads, ribbons,
cocks' feathers, or if entitled, an eagle feather for every scalp
taken from an enemy."
On a point of land known as Black AVolf point, in tiie town of
Black AVolf, AYinnebago county, jutting out into Lake AVinne-
bago, at a distance of seven miles south of the city of Oshkosh,
there was formerly located Black AVolf 's AVinnebago Indian vil-
lage. It is said to have numbered not more than forty huts. The
date of its establishment here is not exactly known, but it is sup-
posed to have been about the year 1800 or slightly before. Mrs.
G. A. Randall, who formerly resided at Randall's point, remem-
bers to have seen the Indian tepees and camp fires along the shore
of Black AA'olf point as late as the year 1846. Chief Black AVolf
was a character of some importance. He was a large man and
much respected by his people, and was called a war chief. In the
attacks on Mackinac in the AVar of 1812 he fought under the lead-
ership of Col. Robert Dickson. After the war the British, still
seeking to hold the AVinnebago in their interest for purposes of
trade, called them to Mackinac to a couueil or treaty with C'ol.
Robert McDonald, a British connnissioner. Black AVolf was one
of those in attendance at this gathering. He also participated
with the British and their allies in the capture of Prairie du
Chien in the year 181-1. He was one of the signers of the land
grant negotiated by Eleazer AVilliams in 1821 with Four Legs,
the AVinnebago head chief, and others, by which the New York
Indians were to receive a strip of land five miles in width along
the lower Fox, "from Grand Kachalin rapids to AVinnebago rap-
ids," in AA^innebago county. He also participated in the councils
held at Green Bay and Doty Island for a similar purpose in 1830
He is said to have died at Portage in the year 1847. During the
Black Hawk AVar, Black AVolf camped Avith the AVinnebago as-
sembled at the site of Portage, on both sides of the AVisconsin
river. The principal chiefs in these camps were Black AVolf, his
son Dandy, AA^hite Eagle, AVhite Crow and Broken Arm.
Dandy, the Bean Brummel of the AVinnebago, was a son of
Black Wolf and a cousin of Four Legs. "He wore fancy dress
shirts of the brightest color, ornaments v/ith rows of silver
brooches, and displayed two pairs of arm bands. His leggins and
moccasins were of the most elaborate embroidery in ribbons and
porcupine quills. Numerous ornaments were dangling from his
club of black hair. A feather fan was in one hand and a mirror
in the other. His face was brilliantly colored and daubed.'*
42 IIISTOHV OK MOXKOH COUNTY
La Koiulf says Dandy, son of lilack Wolf, was also known as
J^itlle Soldier. His village is j-rpoi-lcd by .Mi'. W. If. Canfiold
as being in 18M9 on the Baraboo rivci-. five or six miles above tbe
present city <d' Uaiaboo. Old Dandy was one of those Paqnette
went al'trr. tlicM scxcnly years old, wIid was a small. Iliin man,
and till' only \\'innfi)a<ro avIio. at'lcr the l»iTaking of tril)al rela-
tions in lS4iS, was generally I'especled as eliief of Ihe li'ibe. He
went to Washington in ]82(S with War Eagle and others to see
tile President. His camp was then near the Dalles, lie said he
would not go to Long I'rairic and was allowed to i-eniain. Jn
1834 Captain Sununer was sent hack lo Portage to hunt for
Dandy. He was found at the head of l>aral»oo river and made to
ride horseba(d\ with his legs chained undei- the animal \vith an
ox-ehain. He d(>manded to he taken to Governor Dodge at .Min-
eral Point. Dodge asked him what was wanted. Dandy took a
l)ihle from his ])osom and asked the governor if it was a good
book. He answered it was a good hook— he could never have a
better in his band. '"Then." said Dandy, "if a man Avould do all
that Avas in that book could any moi-e be required of him?" He
answered. "No."" "AVell."" said Dandy, "look that hook all
through, and if you lind in it that Dandy ought to he reuu)ved by
the government to Turkey i-ivei-. then [ will go right olt' : hut if
you do not find it 1 will never go there to stay."' The governor
informed him his tri(d\ would not work. He was then replaced
on the horse, his feet chained up again and taken to Pi-aii-ie du
Chien. The chain blistered his feet and legs so he Avas unable to
walk for thi'ee W(>eks. He Avas then ])ut in charge of a coi'poral,
Avho Avas obliged to carry l)and\' on liis haid^; to a buggy to be
taken to Turkey rivei'. Dandy claindng he Avas unable to Avalk.
The buggy Avas at the fort gate and the eorjioral. supposing
Dandy unable to walk, lelt him \'nv a moment to reenter the fort.
Dandy .)um|>ed from the buggy and ran into the forest, where
the eorpoi'al c(»uld not find him. IFe remained in Wisconsin an<l
died on the Peten Well blutV. an isolated rocky |)eak on tlu' Wis-
consin rix'er. in -Inne. 1870. aged seventy-seven years.
The ^'ellow Thunder "was a line looking Indian, tall, straight
and stately."" His old encampment was about five miles beloAV
Kerlin. on the Fox river, at the Yellow baidss. This Avould locate
Ills village in section •'!!. neai- lOureka. in Winnebago county. In
1832 at the ch.se of the Plaek Hawk War Col. Charles Whittlesey
Avith four othei-s made a saddle joui'uey o\ei" the TomahaAvk
trail along the left Itank of tiie lowei- Fox and right bank or east
side of the u|i|>er l'"ox rivei'. Before arriving at Fort Wiiuiebago
tup: avixxebago chiefs 43
he passed two '\Viiinel)ag'o villages, one ot whieh was that ot Yel-
low Thunder. He mentions crossing the Fox river in a tlat-boat
and landing near the spot where the father of "Grizzly Bear/' a
Menominee, is said to have lived. Here, he says, commenced a
rolling prairie that eontinned for fifty miles (since known as
Democrat prairie.) ""The trail passed two AVinnebago villages,
one of which Avas called Yellow Thunder from its chief." The
villagers, much to their annoyance, folloAved the party out of
their village on horseback. Hon. INIorgan L. Alartin mentions
passing a "AVinnebago village on Green Lake prairie" in 1829,
Avhich may have been the village of Yellow Thunder. In 1828
Yellow Thunder and his squaw, a daughter of AVhite Crow, made
a journey to AVashington to interview the President, and there-
after his squaw was known as AVashington AVoman. Yellow
Thunder was a convert to the Catholic church and became zealous
in its offices and was called the head war chief of his tribe. B.y
false pretenses he was induced witli others to visit AVashington
in 1837 and signed a false treaty, which granted the government
all their lands east of the Alississippi river, under Avhich. three
years after, he was one of the tirst to sulfer by being forcibly put
in irons at Portage and removed to Yellow rivin*. Iowa. Yellow
Thunder soon returned and requested LaRonde to go with him to
^Mineral Point to enter a forty of land on the west bank of the
AA^isconsin river. In reply to an inquiry if Indians could enter
lands, '"Yes, the government has given no orders to the con-
trary." So Yellow Thunder, the head war chief of the AVinne-
bago, entered, lived and died on his forty of land. He was again
forcibly removed to Iowa with Black AVolf, but was allowed to
return, as he was a land owner. Yellow Thunder owned the
southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 36, on the
AVisconsin river, town of Delton, Sauk county, two log huts hav-
ing been constructed for his own use and that of families who
lived with him. About five acres of land was cultivated, raising*
corn, beans and potatoes. During big feasts as many as 1,500
Indians gathered in the vicinity. Shortly before his death he sold
his land to Mr. John Bennett. It is related that when he paid his
taxes he placed a kernel of corn in a leather pouch for each dollar
of taxes paid, and when he sold the land he demanded as numy
dollars as there were kernels of corn in the old pouch. His sum-
mer village was sixteen miles up the I'ive]' fi-om Portage, in 1840,
where Dandy and Little Duck also camped. YelloAv Thunder died
in 1874; said to have been childless, and was l)uried on a sandy
knoll. X^ear by are the graves of AA^ashington AVoman and several
44 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
other Indians. She was Iniried hitting up, facing the east. A
painting of Yellow Thunder hangs in the rooms of the "Wisconsin
Historical Society, and an unpublished manuscript giving ''per-
sonal reminiscences," by ]\Irs. A. C. Flanders, is deposited in tlie
public library at Portage.
' CHAPTER lY.
THE BLACK HAWK WAR.
(Compiled from "Story of the Black Hawk War," l)y U. G.
Thwaites, in Wisconsin Historical Collection. — Editor.)
When Wisconsin was still a part of Michigan territory and
known as "Michiganter, " long before the idea of a separate terri-
tory was thought of, when it was an almost trackless wilderness in
1832, occurred the historic Black Hawk War; few events in the his-
tory of the Northwest were as far reaching in consequences as this
tragic struggle and perhaps none caused more bitter controversies,
was the subject of more incorrect notions as to the causes, inci-
dents, and the relative merits of the chief participants. The south-
ern portion of this county, it is believed, was a part of the ter-
ritory traversed by Black Hawk in his final retreat from the
Mississippi with pitiful remnant of his band, making his escape
into the Dells of Wisconsin, where he was finally captured.
On November 3, 1840, the United States government concluded
a treaty w'ith the Sac and Fox Indians, by wdiich, for the paltrj^
sum of $1,000, the Indian confederacy ceded fifty million acres
of land comprising in general terms the present state of Missouri
and the territory lying between the Wisconsin river on the north,
the Fox river of the Illinois on the east, the Illinois river on the
southeast and the Mississippi on the west ; in this treaty was a
clause wdiich became one of the chief causes of Black Hawk War,
which provided that the Indians need not vacate the lands, stipu-
lating that "as long as the lands which are now ceded to the
ITnited States remain their property" — that is to say public land
— "the Indians belonging to said tribes shall enjoy the privilege
of living and hunting upon them."
Within the limits of this territory, situated on the Rock river
three miles from its mouth and the same distance south of Rock
Island was the chief village and seat of power of the Sacs, con-
taining a population of about five hundred families and one of
the largest Indian villages on the continent.
The principal character in this village was Black Sparrow
Hawk, or as commonly styled Black Hawk, born in 1767: he was
45
46 IlISTOHV OF .MONHOK ((UXTV
not an luM'editai'v oi- an elected eliiel'. but was hy coiiinion consent
the leader of tlie villaj^e. Altliough not endowed witli superior
moral or intellectual (|iialities the foree of cii'cuiiistances made
liim a national eelel)rity in his own day and a eonsj)icuous figure
in western liistoi-y foi- all time. He was a restless, aml)itious sav-
age, jiossessed of some of the (lualities of leadiM'ship l)ut without
the eapaeity to attain the highest honoi-s in the Sac and Kox con-
federacy, lie was jealous of othei" chiefs, quai'relsonie in council.
eontinuall.v sought excuses to differ with them on ([uestions of
policy and aii-ayed his lollowing against them, was a good deal
of a denuigogue and ai-oused 1he passion and ])rejmlices of his
peoph^ ])\ iiii|)assionetl ai)peals. He was doulitless sincere in his
opinions and honest in his nu)tives. He was easily influenced by
the Bi-itish.militai-y and connnei-cial agents, who were continually
engaged previous to the war of 1812, in cultivating a spirit of
hostility l)etween the Noi'thwestern tribes and the Americans, was
led by them to consider himself under the especial protection of
the ''I^ritish Father"' at Maiden. Too conflding a disposition.
he was readil.v duped by those who. whitt' or red, were interested
in deceiving him.
l^lack Hawk was about five feet, foui- or fiv(^ inches in heiglit.
rather si)are as to flesh ; his souu-what i)inched features ex-
aggerated the prominence of his cheek Ixines; a full mouth inclined
to be somewhat o])en when at rest, a pi-onounced Roman nose,
fine "piercing" eyes, often beaming with a kindly and alwa.vs
with a thoughtful expression, no eyebrows, a high full foi'ehead.
liead well thrown back, with a pose of (piiet dignit.x . haii- plucked
out with the exception of a seal]) lock in which, on ceremonial
occasions was fastened a bunch of eagle feathers; such is a pen
jiortrait of this ce]el)iity.
He, with two hundred of his followi'i's. who became known as
the "British baiul" served wilh Tecuniseh and the liritish in Ihe
war of 1812. After burying the hatchet. Black Hawk settled
down to the customary routine of savage life makiuLi- fre(iuent
trips to iMalden foi* i)r()visions, arms and ammunition, and by
flattery of the British agents his hatred against Americans was
increased, but it is not at all surprising that he hated the Ameri-
cans, his life was continually being disturbed l)y them and a cruel
and causeless beating which some white settlers gave him in the
winter of 1822 and 182:5 was an insult which he treasured up
against the entire American people.
In the sunnner of 1823, squatters, coveting the rich fields
cultivateil bv the P>i-itish band neai- their villasre 1)egan to take
THE BLACK HAWK WAR - 47
possession of them ; outrages were committed of the most flagrant
nature, Indian cornfields were fenced in hy intruders, squaws
and children were whipped for venturing beyonds the ])Ounds
thus established, lodges were burned over the heads of the occu-
pants ; a reign of terror- ensued in which frequent remonstrances
of Black Hawk to the white autliorities were in vain. It was
all a plain violation of the treaty rights of the Indians and grew
from year to year. When the Indians returned each spring from
their winter's hunt they found their village more of a wreck
than when they had left it in the fall. Black Hawk was advised
by Keokuk the chief of the confederacy to retreat across the Miss-
issippi, but Black Hawk was stubborn, appealed to his people, to
their love of home and veneration for the graves of their kindred,
for here was located their cemetery, and his people stood by him.
He them made the claim that the representatives of the Sac and
Fox tribes who negotiated the treaty of 1804, had not consented
that the land upon which Black Hawk's village stood should be
the property of the United States. In this he was of course not
borne out by the facts but persisted in tliat understanding, and
was advised by the mischief making British agents that if it was
true that the government had not 1)0ught the site of his village
to hold fast to it and the United States woidd not venture to
remove him by force.
In this he was also encouraged by White Cloud, the Winnebago
prophet, who was a shrewd, craft}" Indian, half Winnebago and
half Sac, possessing much influence over both nations from his
assumption of sacred talents and was the head of a Winnebago
village some thirty-five miles above the mouth of the Rock river ,-
he hated the whites, seemed devoid of humane sentiments and
seemed to enjoy sowing the seeds of discord, a remarkable man
physically and mentally, a fine orator and strong in the councils.
In the spring of 1830, Black Hawk and his band returned from
an unsuccessful hunt to find their town almost completely shat-
tered, many of the graves plowed over, and the whites more
abusive than ever; during the winter, the scpiatters who had for
seven years been illegally on the land preempted a few quarter
sections at the mouth of the Rock, so selected as to cover the vil-
lage site and the Sac cornfields. This was clearly a trick to accord
with the letter but violated the spirit of the treaty of 1804; there
was still fifty miles of practically unoccupied territory to the
east of the village and no necessity for disturbing the Sacs for
many years to come.
When in the spring of 1831, Hawk again returned after a
48
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
profitles;s limit, Ik- was fiereely warned auav by tlu- whites; lie, in a
dignified inannci-. notilicd the settlers that it' they did not them-
selves remove that he should use foree to eviet thciu. meaning
physical force. This was construed 1)\- the whites to he a threat
against their lives and petitions and messages were sent to Gov.
Jolui ]\cynolds of Illinois, in terms so exaggerated that they would
he amusing were it not that they were the prelude to one of the
darkest tragedies of our western border. The governor issued an
inflammatory ])roclamation. calling for volunteers to "repel the
invasion of the ]^ritisli l)and"; these sixteen hundred strong and
mounted, with ten companies of regulars under Gen. Edmund P.
<iaines, made a demonstration before Black Hawk's village on
the 25th of .lime.
During the night, the Indians, in the face of such a superior
foree quietly withdrew to the west bank of the ^Mississippi. On
the thirtieth they signed a treaty of capitulation and peace, with
Governor Reynolds and General Gaines, solemnly agreeing never
to return to the east side of the river without express permission
of the United States govei-nment.
The rest of the summer was spent by the evicted savages in
misery, it was too late to raise another crop of corn and beans
and they suffered for the necessaries of life ; another difificulty
arose; the previous year (1830) a party of ]\Ienomonee and Sioux
had murdered some of Black Hawk's band and a few weeks after
their removal Black Hawk headed a large war ]>ai't\' which as-
cended the river and in retaliation massacred all but one of a
party of twenty-eight ^lenomonees camped near Fort Crawford.
Complaint was made to Gen. Joseph Street, Indian agent at the
post who demanded that the murderers be delivered to him for
trial, under existing treaty provisions, but as none of the
Menomonees who had imii'dered his peoph^ had been given up,
Black Hawk declined to accede, there])y rebelling against the
authority of the Ignited States.
Neapope, who was second in command in the British band
who had gone upon a visit to ^Maiden prior to the eviction,
returned in the fall and reported to his chief proffers of aid from
the liritish, the AVinnebagoes, Ottawas, Chippewas and Pottawat-
omies in regaining their village. AVhite Cloud advised Black
Hawk to proceed to the j)i'ophet's town the following spring and
raise a crop of corn and that by fall the allies would be ready to
join the Sac leader in a general movement against the whites in
the valley of the Rock; relying upon tiiese promises Black Hawk
spent the winter with his hiind on tlie deserted site of old P^ort
THE BLACK HAWK WAR 49
IMadison on the west side of the river. On the sixth of April, 1832,
Black Hawk with al)ont five hundred warriors, their squaws and
children, with all their lielongings crossed the INIississippi a little
below the mouth of the Rock and invaded Illinois. The results
of the negotiations with the Winnebagoes and other tribes during
the winter had not been satisfactory, but White Cloud, the prophet
met him and gave him assurance of success and the misguided Sac
proceeded confidently on his march, arrived at the prophet's
town with four hundred and fifty of his braves, well mounted,
while the others, with women, children and equipage, remained
with the canoes ; the intention being to raise a crop of corn im-
mediately above the prophet's town and prepare for war in the
fall. Immediately upon crossing the river Black Hawk sent mes-
sengers to the Pottawatomies to meet him in council, but this
tribe was much divided; Shaubena, a chief of much ability, very
friendly to the whites succeeded in persuading a majority of the
braves to at least remain neutral ; but the hotheads under Big
Foot and a despicable half breed British agent, Mike Girty, were
fierce for war. Shaubena after quieting his followers set out
immediately on a tour of the settlements in the Illinois and Rock
river valleys warning the pioneers of the approaching war, even
extending liis mission as far as Chicago. Gen. Henry Atkinson,
who had arrived at Fort Armstrong early in the spring, with a
half comj^any of regulars, to enforce the demand for the delivery
of the Sac murderers, learned of the invasion on the 13th of April,
and at once notified Governor Reynolds that his own force was too
small and that a large force of militia was essential. Governor
Reynolds at once issued another fiery proclamation for mounted
volunteers. The news spread like wild fire ; some settlers fled,
never to return ; the majority, however, which did not join the
state troops went to the larger settlements where rude stockade
forts were built, the inhabitants forming themselves into garrisons,
with officers and some degree of military discipline.
The spring was backward and General Atkinson was greatly
hampered in collecting troops, stores, boats and camp equipage ;
during his preparations he took occasion to assure himself of the
peaceful attitude of the Sacs and Foxes not members of the British
band. He also sent two messages to Black Hawk ordering him
to at once withdraw to the west bank of the river on the peril of
being driven there by force of arms, to liotli of which the Sac
leader sent defiant answers.
The volunteers collected at Beardstown and were organized into
four regiments under the command of Col. John Thomas, Col.
50
HISTORY OF :\rOXROE ("OrXTY
Jat'ol) Kr.w Col. Aliralumi 1>. Dcwitt and ( 'ol. Saiiiurl .M. Thompson,
a scout l)attalion under ^laj. James 1). Henry and two ''odd"
l)attalions uiidii- Majoi's Thomas James and Thomas Long. The
entire foree, some sixteen hundred sti-on<r. all horsemen except
three liuiidiTd wlio had been enlisted as infanti'.v. by mistake, was
placi'd undci- command of Ui'lj^'. (icn. Saiiiucl Whiteside, who had
some )-('putation as an Indian tighter. Accomi)anied by (iovernor
Reynolds the brigade proceeded to Fort Armstrong and the vol-
unteei's Were at once sworn into the I'liitcd States service by (len-
eral Atkinson; the governor, who i-emaiiicd with ins troops was
recognized and })aid as a major general, while Lieut. Robert
Anderson (later of Foi-t Sumter fame) was detailed from the
regulars as ins])ector of the Illinois militia.
On the ninth of May a .start was made. AVhitesiih-. with the
mounted troops, following Black Hawk's ti-ail up the east bank of
the Rock. (Jeneral Atkinson followed in boats with cannon, provi-
sions and the bulk of the baguagc. AVith him were :^00 volunteer
and 400 regular infanti*y. the latter gathered from Forts (,'raw-
ford and Leavenwoi-th and under the command of Col. Zacharv
Taylor, afterwai'ds ])resident of the Ignited States. The trav-
eling was bad for both divisions: heavy rains had made the river
turbulent, the men frequently wading breast deep for liours
together pushing the ^Nfackinaw boats against the rapid currents
and lifting them ovei- the ra])ids: while ahtng the trail through the
swamps baggage wagons were often miicd and the cavalry were
ol)liged to (1(^ i-ough service in hauling freight thi-ough and over
the black muck and tangled roots.
Whiteside aiM'ived at the ])i'opliet"s town, tinding it deserted,
with a fresh trail up the rivei'. so he pushed on i-apidly as pos-
sible to Dixon's, airiving there Ma\' 12. Here he found two inde-
pendent battalions. ;^40 men all told, undei' .Ma.jni-s Isiah Slillman
and David Baile\" : these troops were not of the i-egulai- levy, but
Were well sui)jdie(l with provisions and aiiiiiiunition in which
Whiteside was deficient, and l)eing imi)atient and anxious to do
something brilliant, they obtained AVhiteside's i)ermission to go
forward as a scouting party and set out on the morning of the
L"?th uiuler Stillman. ai-riving late in the aftei-noon of the 14th
three miles south of the mouth of Sycamore creek, where they went
into eamp in a strong posit i(ui. being in a grove surroumled by
clear i)i-aii-ie. and under ordinary conditions of warfare could
have repulsed ten times their numbei'.
lilack Hawk stayed a week at the Prophet's town, holding fruit-
less councils with the \vil\ and \ai'illating Winneba<roes: learning
THE BLACK IIAAVK AVAR 51
positively that he had l)een deceived, lie pushed on to keep his
engagement for a eoiineil at Sycamore creek with the Pottawato-
mies, faint at heart though vaguely hoping for ])etter things from
this tribe. He went into camp with his principal men in a large
grove near the mouth of Sycamore creek, met the chiefs of the
tribe and found that tlii-ough the influence of Shaubena it was
impossible for him to gain the support of more than about one
hundred of the hot-headed element. Black Hawk stated in after
years that he had at tliis time resolved to retui-n at once to the
west of the ^Mississippi should he be again summoned to do so by
(leneral Atkinson and never more disturb the peace of the white
settlements. As a parting courtesy to his guests, however, he
was making arrangements to give them a dog feast on the evening
of IMay ]4 wlien the summons came in a manner little anticipated
l)y liim.
Tlie white-hating faction of the Pottawatomies were camped
on the Kishwaukee river seven miles north of Black Hawk and
with them the majority of his own party; Black Hawk says in his
autobiography, that not more than forty of his braves were with
lum upon the council ground ; towards evening, in tlie midst of
liis feast preparations, he was informed that a party of white
horsemen were going into camp three miles down the rock : it was
Still man's force, l)ut the chief thought it was a small party headed
by Atkinson, being unaware of the size of the force placed in the
field against him, and sent three of ins young men witli white
flags to parley with them and convey his oft'er to meet White
Beaver (Atkinson) in council. The rangers, who regarded the
expedition as a big frolic, were engaged in preparing their camp
when the truce bearers appeared on the prairie a mile away. A
mob of troopers rushed out at them, some with saddles and some
without, and ran the visitors into camp amidst a ]iul)l»ul> of yells
and imprecations. Black Hawk had sent five other braves to fol-
low the flagmen at a safe distance and watch developments. This
second party was sighted by about twenty horsemen and were said
to have been partially intoxicated, hot chase was given to the spies
and two of them were killed, the other three galloped back to their
grove and reported to their chief that not only two of their num-
l)er, l)ut the three flag bearers as well had been cruelly slain; this
flagrant disregard of the rules of war caused tlic l)lood of tlie old
Sac to boil with indignation, tearing to shreds a flag of truce
which he had himself been preparing to carry to the white camp,
he fiercely harangued his thirty-five braves and bade them avenge •
the lilond of their liretliren nt anv risk.
52 HISTORY OF MONROE ('OINTV
Tlu' neutral Pottawatomics at oik-c w itlitli-cw to tlicif village
whik' Black Hawk and his Sacs, securely mounted, sallied forth to
meet the enemy. The entire white force was soon seen I'ushing
towai'ds them pell iiicll. in a confused mass. The Sacs withdrew
hehind a fringe of hushes, their leader hurriedly l)ade them to
.stand firm; on catching sight of this gi-im array the whites paused,
1)ut l)efore they had a chance to turn, Black Hawk sounded tlu;
war whoop and the savages dashed forward and fired. The Sac
ehief tells us that he thought the charge was suicidal when he
ordered it. hut enraged 1)\- the treachery of the whites he and all
with him were ready to die to secure revenge. On the first fire of
the Indians the whites fled in great consternation, without firing a
shot, pursued hy this little l)and of savages until nightfall ended
the chase. But nightfall did not end the rout; the volunteers,
haunted l)y fear dashed through their own impregnahle camp,
leaving everything hehind them, plunged madly through creeks
and swamps till they reached Dixon's, twenty-five miles away,
where they straggled in for the next twenty-four houi's; many
did not stop there, hut continued until they reached their own
homes, fifty or more miles farther on, and reported that Black
Hawk with two thousand bloodthirsty warriors was sweeping
northern Illinois with destruction. The white loss in all this ill-
starred scrimmage was eleven kilh'd. while the Indians lost two
spies and one of the flag bearers, the others escaping. The flight
of Stillman's corps was wholly inexcusable; Stillman undoubtedly
tried to rally his men, but the lack of discipline and experience,
coupled with a lack of confidence, wrought havoc. It was a treach-
erous thing to treat the bearers of flags of truce as they did, some-
thing which even savages rarely disi-egard, and l)ut for this wanton
act the Black Hawk War would have been a bloodless demonstra-
tion. Unfortunately for oui- own good name, this violation of the
rules of war was repeated more than once dui'ing this war.
This easy victory elated Black Hawk and gavt- him a poor
opinion of the valor of the opposing forces; almost wholly destitute
of provisions and ammunition, the capture of Stilhnan's stores
was a rich prize. He recognized that war was inevitable and sent
scouts to watch the enemy while he hurriedly withdi'ew the women
and children to the head waters of Hock river in ^Michigan terri-
tory (now Wisconsin), to which he was guided by friendly Winne-
bagoes. Here he reci'uitcd ])ai-ti('s of Winnebagoes and Pottawat-
omies and descended into northern Illinois, prepared for border
• warfare.
Stillman's di't'eat inaugurated a reign of terror in the terri-
THE BLACK HAWK AVAR 53
tory between the Illinois and Wisconsin rivers ; the name of Black
Hawk became ronpled the country over with stories of savage cun-
ning and cruelty, his name serving as a household bugaboo. Shau-
bena again sounded the alarm and settlers again left their fields
and hurried to the forts.
"Whiteside, on ]\Iay 15tii, the day of the battle, with one thou-
sand four hundred men, proceeded to the scene and buried the
dead. On the 19th Atkinson and the entire army moved up
the Rock river, leaving Stillman's corps at Dixon to care for the
wounded and guard supplies. They added to their record of
infamy by deserting their post and going home. Atkinson hastily
returned ; Whiteside being left to follow Black Hawk ; his men
grew weary of soldiering, declaring that the Indians were in the
unexplored and impenetrable swamps to the north, which were in
jMichigan territory, and farther, that they could not be compelled
to serve out of the state ; after two or three days of fruitless
skirmishing, upon approaching the state line, a consultation of
officers w^as held at which it was determined to abandon the search,
the troops were marched back to Ottawa, where they were mus-
tered out on the 27th and 28th of ]\Iay. On their way to Ottawa
the militiamen stopped at the Davis farm on Indian creek, where
a terrible massacre of whites had occurred a few days before and
saw the mutilated corpses of fifteen men, women and children.
This revolting spectacle, instead of nerving the troops to renewed
action in defense of their homes, appears to have still further dis-
heartened them.
And so the first campaign of the war ended as it had begun,
with an exhibition of cowardice on the part of the Illinois militia.
THE CLOSING CAMPAIGN,
Governor Reynolds was active and at once arranged for a levy
of "at least two thousand" men to serve through the war to ren-
dezvous at Beardstown June 10 ; the general government ordered
1,000 regulars under General Winfield Scott to proceed from the
seaboard to the seat of war, future operations against the enemy
to be under the command of General Scott. At General Atkin-
son's earnest appeal, 300 mounted rangers under Col. Henry Frye
agreed to remain in the field to protect the northern line of Illinois
settlements until the new levy could be mobilized.
Black Hawk divided his force into war parties, himself leading
the largest, about two hundred, assisted by small parties of Winne-
bagoes and about one hundred Pottawatomies under Mike Girty,
54 IIISTOIJV OF MOXKOK COrXTY
doscondrd tlic UNx-k riv< r iVom lijikr Kdslikoiion^ aiid iluriny: the
iri'fiiuhir wjirfiii-c wincli now hi-okc out in mn'tlicrn Illinois and
what is now soullin-n Wisconsin, sonic two Iimm(|!'<'<1 whites and
nearly as many Jndians lost thcii- lives, the panic among settlers
was widc-spirad and great suffering ensued. .Many incidents of
this boi'dcr warfare arc of histoi-ic intei-es1. and have liecn the
cause of much discussion. hn1 owing to the \ast amount of such
iiewspapci- discussion and tiocumeutary colhH-tions. only an inci-
dent or two will l)e alluded to here.
( )n tile e\-eniug of .June 14tli a party of eleven Sacs killed live
white men at Spalford's fai-m in what is now LaFayette county.
WLsconsiu. Col. Henry Dotlge. with twenty-nine mc^n. followed
and the next day overtook tlu' savages in a neighboring swamj). A
battle ensued lasting but a short tiuu', the eleven Jndians were
killed and scalped, the w hitcs hisiug tlu-ec killed and one wounded.
No incident in the entire war has been so thoi-oughly discussetl
and (|uarreled ovei- as this bhioily skirmish.
On dune 24th l^lack Hawk's own party made a desperate
attack on Apple River fort, fourteen miles east of (ialcMia. III..
which sustained a heavy siege for upwards of an houi-. the liltle
garrison displaying r<'mai-kfdile \igoi-. the women and gii-ls mould-
ing bullets, loading guns and generally |)roving themselves boi--
der heroines. The red men retired with small loss, setting tire to
neighboring cabins and fields. The ne.xt day the same wai- party
attacked IMajor Dement 's si)y battallion at Kellogg 's gi'ove. six-
teen miles to the east; the Indians were routed ujion (Jeneral Posey
bi-inging reinforcements, losing al)0Ut fifteen killed while the whites
lost hut five.
The people of what is now llie lead iidniug disti'ici of south-
western Wisconsin became alai-mcd foi- fear that the troops cen-
tered on Kock )'ivci- would drive the enemy across the Illinois
hoi'der npon them; tlx' news of RIack Hawk's invasion in May
had i-eached them and i>i'epa rations for dcfen.se wcu-e at once
Ix'gun ; ('ol. 7Ieni-y Dodge, one of the ]>ioncers of the lead region,
held a commission as chief of the .Michigan unlit ia west of Lake
^Michigan, and assumed direction of the uulitary oi)crations north
of the Illinois line. With a company of twenty -seven hastily
e(|ui]ipe(l rangers he made a trii) to Dixcm to reeonnoiter the coun-
try and to solicit aid from (lovci'uor Reynolds, in which he was
not sueeessful. and returned to the nnnes bearing the news of Still-
num's defeat. Aftei- arranging to recruit three additional com-
panies he went with fifty men to Whitt> Crow's Winnebago vil-
lage, at the hciid of Fourth lake some four ndlcs northwest of the
THE BLACK IIAAVK WAR 55
site of Madison, for the purpose of holding eoimcil with a view
to keeping them quiet during the present crisis ; he received pro-
fuse assurances of their fidelity to the American cause, but he
seems to have placed small reliance upon their sincerity.
Upon returning Dodge started for headquarters at Fort
Union with 200 mounted rangers, gathered from the mines and
fields, a free and easy set of dare devils having an intense hatred
of the Indian race ; they were disciplined to some extent, but in
their march through the country paid' l)ut little attention to
regulations. On the 3d of June they arrived at Blue ^Mounds
just in time to receive the Hall girls brought in hy White Crow.
Crow's manner being offensive. Dodge had him and his compan-
ions put into the guard house as hostages for the good behavior of
the Fourth lake band. Dodge being joined by a small party of
Hlinois rangers under Capt. J. W. Stephenson, proceeded to
Ottawa to confer with General Atkinson. After remaining a few
days, the rangers returned to the lead mines to complete the
defenses there.
In less than three weeks after Stillman's defeat, Reynolds and
Atkinson had recruited 3,200 troops, divided into three brigades,
under Generals Alexander Posey, M. K. Alexander and James D.
Henry, and in addition were Fry's rangers, half of whom con-
tinued their service to protect the settlements and stores on Rock
river. AVith these. Dodge's Michigan rangers and the regular
infantry the entire army numbered about 4,000 effective men.
An advance party of Posey's brigade was sent out to disperse
Black Hawk's war party and it was this force which had the
skirmish at Kellogg 's grove, previously alluded to. Aleantime
Alexander and Henry's brigades arrived at Dixon's. When news
came of the Indian defeat at Kellogg 's, Alexander Avas dispatched
in haste to Plum river to intercept the enemy's crossing the Alis-
sissippi at that point; Atkinson, witli Henry's and the regulars,
remained at Dixon to await developments, and on learning that
Black Hawk's main camp was still at Lake Koshkonong, pushed
on up the Rock with 400 regulars and 2,100 volunteers, being
joined by a party of seventy-five friendly PottaAvattomies, who
seemed eager to join in the scrimmage.
On June 30th the army crossed the Illinois- Wisconsin boundary
about a mile east of the site of Beloit. Sac signs Avere fresh, for
Black Hawk, after his defeat at Kellogg 's. had fled directly to his
stronghold, and Atkinson's men Avere following a Avarm trail.
Camps were invariably made in the timber Avith breastAVorks to
protect against night attacks, the rear guard of the savages proAvl-
56
HISTORY OF moxrop: county
ing around in tlic dark and ])eing frpqnontly fired on l).v sentries.
On .)uly 2d the army arrived at Lake Koslikonong, found hastily
ch'serted Indian eanips; scouts made a tour of the lake, but found
nothing of importanee except a few stragglers. A few captured
Winnebagoes gave vague testimony and one of tiiem was shot and
scalped for his impertinence. Fruitless scouting continued for
several days.
On July 4 Alexander's brigade arrived, and on the sixth Posey
reported with Dodge's squadron. On June 28th, while Dodge was
at Fort Hamilton, Posey arrived with orders from Atkinson to
join forces and jirocoed to the )iiain army on the Koshkonong.
Dodge now had about three hundred men, including a party of
twenty ^lenomonies, and eight or ten white and half-l)reed scouts
under Col. William S. Hamilton, son of the famous Alexander.
Proceeding by the way of Four Lakes, White Crow and a party of
thirty Winnebagoes offered to guide Posey and Dodge to Black
Hawk's caiiii). After advancing through almost impenetrable
swamps for several days, a messenger arrived from (Jeneral
Atkinson with orders to join the main body on Bark river, as the
enemy was believed to 1)e in that vicinity. This order provoked
Dodge, but pi'oved to be singularly opportune, l^lack Hawk's
camp occupied a position excellent for defense at the summit of a
steep de(divity on the east bank of the Rock, where the river was
difficult of passage. White Crow's solicitude as a guide was
undoubtedly caused by his desire to lead the troops into a trap,
whcrt- they would be badly whipped if not annihilated.
While White Crow, with treachery had been endeavoring to
entrap the Irfl wing of the army, other AVinnebago had informed
Atkinson that Jilack Hawk was encamped on an island in the
Whitewater river, a few miles to the east. In i-onsequence there
was a useless wild goose chase through the broad morasses and
treacherous sink holes of that region. Because of this false infor-
mation, Atkinson sent the messenger to Posey just in time to save
that force, though he did not then know it.
The army, as finally formed, was Alexander's brigade and
Dodge's scjuadron left wing, on west side of Rock: regulars \Hider
Tayloi- ;ind llciii-y's brigade were right wing, commanded by
Atkinson in i)erson. and marched on the cast bank: Posey's ])i-igade,
also on the west liaid-: was the center.
On July lOth Henry's and Alexander's l)rigailes and Dodge's
squadron were sent to Fort Winnebago, eighty miles to the north-
west for much needed provisions; the Second regiment of Posey's
brigade was sent to Dixon ; with the rest of the troops Posey was
THE BLACK HAWK WAR 57
ordered to Fort Hamilton to guard the mining country ; Atkinson
himself fell back to Lake Koshkonong and biiilt a fort a few miles
up the Bark river on the eastern limit of what is now the city of
Fort Atkinson.
Arriving at Fort Winnebago, the troops found a number of
Winnebago, all full of advice; and also a famous half breed scout.
Pierre Paquette. He informed Henry and Dodge of the true loca-
tion of Black Hawk's stronghold with information as to its char-
acter, and with twelve Winnebago was engaged to guide the troops
to it. While at the fort a stampede of the horses occurred and
something like tifty were lost. Henry and Dodge determined to
return by way of Hustisford rapids and there engage Black Hawk
if possible. Alexander's men refused to go on this perilous expe-
dition and the General weakly yielded to their demand to obey
Atkinson's order and return to camp. Henry was made of differ-
ent stuff and refused to return, and the same day started with
twelve days' rations with their guides. The ranks had been
thinned by one cause and another so that in Henry's brigade there
were now but 600 effective men and Dodge had about 150.
On July 18th the troops found the Winnebago village at which
Black Hawk had been Cjuartered, but the enemy had tied ; the
Winnebago insisted that Black Hawk was then at Cranberry lake,
a half day's march up the river, and the white commanders
resolved to proceed the following day. At 2 :00 p. m. of the day
of arrival Adjutants ]\Ierriam of Henry's and AVoodbridge of
Dodge's started south to carry the information to Atkinson's camp
thirty-five miles down the river. Little Thunder, a Winnebago
chief, accompanied them as guide. When about twenty miles
out, halfway between the present sites of Watertown and Jeffer-
son, they suddenly struck a broad trail leading west. Little
Thunder became greatly excited but could not make the officers
understand him, so he turned his horse and dashed back to Henry's
camp, the officers being obliged to follow, and there Little Thunder
informed his people that the trail of Black Hawk in his tlight to
the J\lississippi had been discovered and to warn them that further
dissembling was useless.
The news was received with joy by the troops, sinking spirits
revived, all incumbrances were left behind, and on the following
morning the chase was begun ; the Chicago and Northwestern rail-
way between Jefferson Junction and ^Madison follows very closely
Black Hawk's trail from Rock river to Four lakes; it was a tough
country, the men getting into sink holes ; the temperature following
a rainstorm, fell, making progress difficult, but straggling Winne-
58 HISTORY OF .MONROE ("OUXTY
])ago informed tlic troops tluit Black Ilawk was l)iit two miles
ahead and llicx' jxislicd on with fiiipty stomadis and wet clothes.
By sunset .liil\' 2(ltli. \\\r second day. Iliey reaelied the lakes, ^oinj^
into ram[) near \\ir noitheast exli'cmity of Third lake. That same
night Black Hawk was camped, stronuly and)ushed. seven or eight
miles beyond, near tlie present \ illage of Pheasant l^j-ancli.
At daylii-eak of the 21st the tfoops wci-e up and after lording
the Catfish river swept across the isthmus l)etween Third and
Fourth lakes in regular line (>\' hattle. Ewing scouts in front; the
line of mari-h was along Thii'il hike shoi-e ti) wliere Fauerhach's
hi'ewery now stands, thence due Avest to Foui'th lake, the shores of
which were skirted through the ])i'esent site of the University,
across the swamps and lulls to the Fiieasant l)rancli. and then due
northwest to the AVisconsiu river: the advance was rapid, forty
horses gave out dui-ing the da\-. When a horse dropped the trooper
Irudged on afoot, throwing away camp kettle and ineund)ranees.
It was 3:00 o'clock in the aftei-uoon hefore the enemy's rear
guard, twenty braves under Neapope. was overtaken. Several
slvirmishes ensued hut the weakness of Neapope's force being dis-
covered they were easily dispei-sed hy the white advance guard.
At about 4:30 at a point about twenty-five miles northwest of the
site of Madison. Neapope's hand, reinforced hy a scoi-e of braves
under Black Hawk, made a bold stand to cover the flight of the
main body down the Iduffs and across the stream. The troops dis-
mounted and advanced on foot. The savages made a heav.x' chai'ge.
yelling like madmen, endeavoring to flank the whites, liut were
repulsed. The Sacs now dropped in the grass, which was nearly
six feet high, and after an hour of hot tiring with few casualties
on either side. Dodge. Ewing and Jones cluii-ged the enemy with
bayonets, driving them up a rising piece of gi'ound at the top of
which the second rank ol savages were found. It was raining softly
and it was found difficult to keep the muskets dry, but a brisk fi)'e
was kept up until dusk, and the jiursuit was abandoned for the
night. This battle on the i)art of the Sacs was conducted )>y Black
Hawk himself, who sat on a white pony on a neighboi-ing knoll,
giving his braves orders with stentorian voice.
After dusk a large party of fugitives, composed nuiinly of
women, children and ohl men, were placed on a large raft and in
canoes begged from the Winnebago and sent down th(> rivei' with
the hoj)e that the soldiers at Fori ("I'awl'oi'd. irnarding the mouth
of the Wisconsin, wouhl allow thesi' noncombatants to cross the
Mississipj)! river in peace. But tiiis confidence was misplaced.
Lieutenant Hitnei- with a snudl detachment of regulars was sent
THE BLACK HAWK WAR 59
out by Indian Agent Joseph ^l. Street to intercept these forlorn
find nearly starved wretches, and a short distance ahove the fort
Kitner tired on tlieni, killing fifteen ni(>n and capturing tlurty-two
women and children and four men. Nearly as many were drowned
during the onslaught, while of the rest, who escaped to the woods,
all but a half score perished with hunger or were massacred by a
party of ]\Ienomonies from Green Bay, allies under Colonel
Stambaugh.
About an lioui" and a half before dawn of the 22nd, the day of
the battle of Wisconsin Heights, a loud, shrill voice was heard
speaking in an unknown tongue, which caused great consternation
in the white camp as the troops feared it was the savage leader
giving orders for an attack. It was Neapope, who, believing that
Paquette and the Winnebago were still witli tlie whites, although
they had returned, spoke in tiic Winnebago tongue, a speech of
conciliation to the victors, saying in efiPect that if they were allowed
to cross the ^Mississijipi in peace they wovdd never more do harm,
l)ut th(^ plea fell on unwitting ears for no one in the white camp
understood it and thus failed a second attempt of Black Hawk's
band to close the war. As for Neapope, finding that his mission
had failed, he fled to the AVinnebago. leaving his half dozen com-
panions to return to Black Hawk with the discouraging news, now
encamped in a ravine north of the Wisconsin.
On the morning of the 22nd it was found that the enemy had
escaped and being poorly supplied witli provisions for a long-
chase in an unknown country beyond the Wisconsin river, prepar-
ations were made to march to Blue Alound for provisions. Arriv-
ing there on the 2;]rd they were joined by Atkinson and Alexander.
Atkinson assumed command, distj-il)uted rations and ordered the
pursuit resumed. On the 27th and 28tli the Wisconsin was crossed
on rafts at Helena. Posey now jnined and all the l)rigades were
together again. At noon the 28th the advance began with 450
regulars under (leneral Brady in front. Dodge, Pcsey and Alex-
ander following in the order named, Henry bringing up the rear.
It appears that much jealousy was apparent on Atkinson's part
from the fact that the volunteers liad won the glory so far in the
campaign. After a march of a few miles the trail of the fugitives
toward the ^Mississippi was discovered. The country between the
Wisconsin and the great river was I'ugged and hard to get over,
the Winnebago guides were unfamiliar with it. and progress was
slow. However the fact that they were noticeal)ly gaining on the
redskins spurred the troops. The pathway was strewn with dead
Sacs who had perished of wounds and starvation, and there were
60 lll.STOKV UF .M0XK01-: ( UlNTV
frequent evidences tliat the fleeing wretches were eating the bark
of trees and the sparse horse tiesli of tlicir fagged-out ponies, to
sustain life.
On August 1st IMack Hawk and his sadly depleted hand
reached the Mississippi at a point two miles below the mouth of
the Bad Axe, in A'ernon eounty. about forty miles north of the
mouth of the Wisconsin. Here he tried to cross. There were,
however, but two oi- three canoes to l)e had and the work was
slow. One large raft laden with wonu^n and children was sent
down the east side of the river towards Prairie du Chien. but on
the way it capsized and nearly all its occupants Avere drowned.
In the middle of the afternoon the steamer "Warrior" of
Prairie du Chien appeared having on })oard Lieutenants Kings-
bury and Ilobnes with fifteen regulars, who had been up the river
to warn the Sioux chiefs at Wabasha that the Sacs were headed
in that direction. As the steamer neared the shore Black Hawk
appeared on the bank with a white flag and called out to the Cap-
tain in the Winnebago tongue to send a ])oat ashore as the Sacs
wished to give themselves up. A Winnebago stationed in the bow
interpreted the request but the Captain, affecting to believe that
it was an ambush, ordered Black Hawk to come aboard in his own
craft. This he could not do as he had no boat or canoe, and his
reply to that effect was met in a few moments with three quick
rounds of canister shot whicli went plowing through the little
group of Indians on shore witli deadly effect. A fierce fire of
musketry ensued in wliich twenty-three Indians were killed and
but one white man wounded. The "Warrioi"'" now being out of
wood returned to Prairie du Chien for the night, the soldiers being
highly elated at tlieir share in the campaign.
During the night a few more Indians ci-ossed the river but
Black Hawk, seeing that nU was lost to him. gathered a party of
ten wai-riors, anu)ng whom was the prophet, and witli about thirt\-
five s(}uaws and childivn headed east for a rocky hitling place in
the Dells of Wisconsin. The next day the heart of the old man
smote him foi- having deserted his people and he returned in time
to witness from a neighboring bluff the conclusion of the battle of
Bad Axe that struck the death ])low to the British band. W^ith
a howl of rage he turned and disappeared in the forest.
The aged chief had left excellent instructions to his people in
the event of the arrival of the white army. Twenty picked Sacs
were on the high bluffs east of the river as rear guard. Atkin.son's
men on tlie ;iflernoon of August 2nd encountered these Sacs. The
MONROE COUNTY COURT HOUSE
THE BLACK HAWK AVAR 61
density of the timber obstructing the view it was supposed that
Black Hawk's main force was overtaken. The army spread itself
for the attack, Alexander and Posey forming the right, Henry the
left, and Dodge and the regulars the center. The savage decoys
retreated up the river away from the main position of the savage
force and drew the troops after them as the white center and right
wing followed quickly, leaving the left wing — with the exception
of one of its regiments detailed to cover the rear — without orders.
Some of E wing's scouts accidentally discovered that the main trail
of the enemy was farther down the river than where the decoys
were leading the army; thereupon Henry with his entire force
descended the bluff and after a gallant charge on foot found him-
self in the midst of the main body of 300 warriors. A desperate
conflict ensued, the bucks being driven from tree to tree at the
point of the bayonet, while women and children plunged madly
into the river, many to drown. The conflict raged fiercely. Fully
a half hour after Henry made the descent Atkinson, hearing the
din of battle in his rear, came hastening to the scene with the
center and right wing driving in the decoys and stragglers, thus
completing the corral. The carnage now proceeded more fiercely
than ever. The "Warrior" reappeared and aided the attack with
canister. A wild dash was made for the river; some of the fugi-
tives succeeded in swimming to the west bank, but most of them
were picked off l)y sharp-shooters as if they were rats instead of
human beings, showing absolutely no mercy toward women and
children. This massacre lasted for about three hours. The Indians
lost 150 killed outright, while as many more of both sexes and all
ages were drowned — some fifty l^eing taken prisoners, mostly
women. About 300 of the band crossed the river successfully
before and during the struggle. The whites lost seventeen killed
and twelve wounded.
Those who had crossed the river were cruelly set upon by a
band of Sioux under Chief Wabasha, and one-half of these help-
less, half-starved noncombatants were cruelly slaughtered, while
many of the others died of exhaustion and wounds before they
reached their friends of Keokuk's band.
The rest is soon told. The army returned to Prairie du Chien,
General Scott assumed command and mustered out the volunteers
the following day. Cholera among his troops had detained him
first at Detroit and then at Chicago, nearly one-fourth of his 1,000
regulars having died of the pestilence. Independent of this the
American loss in the war, including volunteers and settlers killed
62 IIIST(^KV OF AIOXHOK (OrXTY
in tlic inv}?iilai' skiriuishcs and in massacres, was not ovit 2r)().
'I'lu' (iiiaiicial cost to tlie nation and 1(» tlic state of Illinois aggre-
gated nearly $2,()()( ).()()().
On August 22nd. ('Iiactai- and One-Eyed Decorah, two AVinnc-
bago l)raves. delivered Jilaek Hawk and the Prophet into the liands
of Agent Sti-ect at Pi-aii-ic du ("liicn. They hail fuund them at tiie
AVisconsin river (hdls ahoxc Kilhoiirn ('iiy. ( )ii the 21st of Sep-
tend)er a ti'eat\' of peace was signed and P>hiek Hawk. Ihe Prophet
and Neapope. who had heen eaptui-ed hiti'i-, wci-e kept as hostages
for the good behavior of the rest of the British ])and.
They were kept tlii-ongh the winter at -lefit'erson l^arraeks. and
in April. 1S:{;I. were taken to AVashington. They remained pris-
oners in Korti'ess Monroe nntil disehai'ged. -Iinie 4tli. After
visiting the ])rineipal eities of the east, whei'e I5hiek Hawk was
much lionized, tlic pai'tx retni-iied to Fort Armstrt)ng much im-
])ressed with the power and i-esonrees of the white nmn. Here
]^laek Hawk's pi-ide was completely crushed, he being i)laced \nider
the guardianshi]) of his hated I'ival. Keokuk. This was considennl
an irreparahle insnit to the fallen chief, which he nurseil with much
bitterness to the end of his days.
Black Hawk at the age of seventy-om^ \-ears finally passed away
on the ;5d of October, 1838, at his home on a snuill reservation set
apart foi- him in Davis county. Towa. on tiie l)es Moines river.
In July of the following yeai* his l)ody was stolen by an Illi-
nois physician, ("omplaint being made by Bla(d< Hawk's family
(Jovernor Lucas, of !o\\a. caused the skeleton to be delivered to
him at Burlington in the spring of 1840. The seat of government
being moved to Iowa City later in the year, the box containing
the remains was dejiosited in a hiw office in the latter town,
where it remained until the night ol' -lanuai'v l(i. 1S.'):I. A\hen the
building was destroyed hy lire.
l-'orbearaiice and honorable dealing on the part of the whites
could easily have ])re\ented the Bhndv J lawk' war. Scpuitters
were not ])i'e\"ented from encroaidnng upon the ])oss(\ssions of his
l)eople, and at ^ycann»re creek he ■would ha\'e consented to remove
his ])and |)eaceai)ly aci'oss the i-i\fi- had the oi'dinary rules of
war in i-especting a tlasr of truce been observed by the white nu'ii.
In fad. the c(mrse of the Americans during this sti'Uggle was
marked by eruelly and disregard I'ov tlu' I'ules of waiMare which
was more than savage; women, children and old men w ei-e ruth-
lessly murdei'ed. and they caused the remnant of the liaiid which
had crossed the i'i\er to l)e neai'l.x' all massaci'ed by the Sioux.
A black record but mie which must be written.
CHAPTER V.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
With the lapse of time, the jiassing away of so many of the
pioneers and the laek of records in the various communities
renders it difficult to attempt to detail the ditferent points in the
county at which the early settlements were made, in anything
like chronological order. It is certain, however, that the tirst
settlement in the county ivas near what is now known as Oil
City in the town of Sheldon, and Esau Johnson, wlio located on
the Kickapoo in that town on the 1st day of October, 1842, was
the first "white man who nuide his home in the county of Monroe.
He built a little cabin a])Out two miles above Oil City and
moved into it with his family. His own Mords probably best
describe the manner and reason for his stopping at that place
and in an interview given many years ago he said: "In the year
1842 I came with my family down the AVisconsin river on a log
raft to the mouth of the Kickapoo, and went to what was then
known as Haney's in Richland county. We stayed there and
worked on his land until the fall of the same year, when I took
an ax and some provisions and started on a prospecting trip up
the Kickapoo river until- 1 came to the mouth of Moore's creek,
Avhich is in Monroe county. Impressed with the locality I deter-
mined to return and bring my family up. Not Avishing to walk
back to the farm I holhiwed out a tree, made myself a couple of
paddles and sailed down in my improvised boat. I reached the
farm the next day and soon had the boat in good condition for
moving my family and what few household goods I had up to
our new home. I finally left the 'Haney' farm September 10,
1842, and hired two brothers named Clark to help me move.
They agreed for a consideration to stay with me until I had my
house, built. On the 13th day of October we reached the location
I had fixed up and we arranged a timbered shelter for my family
Tuitil we could cut logs for a house. Three of us got to work
and we soon had the work under way. On the 6th of October,
just five days after landing, myself and my family moved in.
63
64 HISTORY OF MUXKOK CO IN TV
This I ])ositiv('ly assert was llic liisl house and I and my family
the first white people to make a permanent settlement in INIonroe
eoiinty. The two Clarks stayed Avitli me unlil llw m-xt day, wiien
they took a ])oat and returned to Ilaney's/"
IMr. Johnson also states that on the lOtli day ol' Orloher Jie
started for tlie mouth of the Kiekapoo river to get four head of
oxen which iie had left there, and I'lnin thei-e lie went to Prairie
du Chien, where he got a load of provisions and hired two men to
return and work for him. In this trij) Mr. Johnson claims to have
been the first to travel the present road between Oil City and
Praii'ie du Chien. Tliere were no otlun- settlers except I\li'. John-
son and his family up until IS-IT, and in the spring of that year
Sylvester Bacon and AVilliam Clark joined him and worked for
him until the spring df 184*J. Soon after this in that same year
Thonuis Lewis and Thompson Ilazen arrived and located at a
point about a half mile from the Johnson home and went into
the lumbering business. This they continued to handle until
]\ray, 1847, when the business was sold to A. J. ^Martin ; Lewis
leaving the county and going down to Grant county and Hazen
moved to a point about five miles south of Cashton. where he
opened a tavern and located on a farm.
The first white child born in IMonroe county was a son of
Esau Johnson, Avho first saw the light in September, 184(3, and the
photo of this child noA\- hangs in the office of the county clerk of
iMonroe county, at the court house in the city of Sparta.
AVith the opening oL* the state road between Hudson and
Prairie du Chien, wdiicli passed through the place where Sparta
now is, and tlu^ laying out of the road between Portage and
LaCrosse, came the opportunity for new settlers, which was taken
advantage of during the years 1849-50-51. Probably the next
point at whicli any settlement was made prioi* to 1850 Avas that
of Frank Petit, who came to this county in 1849. which is
authenticated by several records, and settled at a place near
Sparta, w-hich is now knoAvn as "Castle Rock,"' and lie after-
w^ards came to the place where Sparta now stands and was its
first settler. In 1850 Cliarles Clute came with his family and
went to work for Esau Johnson at the sawmill of the latter on
the Kiekapoo river. Clute afterwards took up land in the north-
ern part of the county. In 1851 E. E. Shaw. AVilliam Petit,
Nelson Turrier and a man by the name of ]\Ietzler, settled in the
coujitv, and in July of the same vear R. S. Kinsrman and his two
brothers, twins named Rosalbo and Alvarbo, came to the county
EARLY SETTLEMENT 65
from Ashtabula, Ohio, and settled witli E. E. Shaw aud Turrier
in the Leon valley.
From that time until the organization of the county settle-
ments at different points were quite frequent, notably that at
Leon in 1851 by E. E. Shaw and companions ; in the town of
Jetferson in 1854 by Thompson Hazen who, as has been before
mentioned, opened a hotel known as " Hazen 's Corner;" the
settlement of the towns which followed the organization of the
county in 1851: are treated in separate articles subsequently in
this work.
The pioneers who settled in the early day have given many
lessons of industry and frugality, coupled with trials, hardships
and endurance which so strikingly demonstrates to us the cour-
age and determination of the men of that early time. The first
important thing that the settler did was to build himself a house
and perhaps until that was finished to live in his immigrant
wagon or some rudely improvised shelter. Of course, the house
was of logs and very primitive in design, but after it was built,
erected by his own hands, it became a home, and in most cases
he was content with it. The ingenuity Vfiih which the occupants
of these log cabins constructed what they called furniture is
sometimes quite interesting and, of course, any such manufac-
tured articles, if any existed during the early 50 's, were imported
from a distance ; tables and chairs were made of split logs, the
bedstead very often of poles placed over forked sticks driven in
the ground ; and many devices were invented in the way of fire-
places for heating and cooking purposes.
As soon as the clearing of land was under way the first crop
was raised, which usually consisted of a few vegetables, sufficient
for the needs of the family ; meat was supplied by the rifle of the
pioneer ; it was plentiful and helped to swell the limited supply
of provisions. INIills for the grinding of corn were usually at a
long distance, and sometimes the expedient of grinding corn in
a coffee mill had to be resorted to, and many other methods
devised to make cornmeal flour. But with the advent of more
settlers neighborhoods became established, then a school would
spring up and here and there a church. The old Indian trails
became w^ell-traveled highways and the wilderness was hewn into
a semblance of ciA'ilization, creating the foundation of what is
today one of the great counties of the great state of Wisconsin.
("IIAI'TKH VI.
.AIAKING A COUNTY.
In the year 1849 a state road was opened between Prairie du
Cliien and Hudson, which Avere at that time trading points, pass-
ing throngli tlie phu-e where Sparta now is and going around by
the way of Bhu-k llivcv Falls and Clear Water, which afterwards
became Eau Claire. A little later on a road Avas opened between
Portage and LaCrosse, following an old Indian trail, affording
a way of travel to the settlements of western AVisconsin, which
before that time Avere only reached by way of the rivei-s. At that
time there Avas no ]iost office nearer than Prairie du Chien, but
Avith the opening of tlu^ higlnvays ])ost offices Avere established at
Hlaek Kiver Falls, LaCrosse and scA'eral other points. About
that time the diAision of AA-estern Wisconsin into counties began
to take place; CraAvford county. Avhich c()in])rised tlie AAhole of
AA'estern Wisconsin. AA'as set off with Pi-airie du ('hien as the
county seat, and out of this territory Avere carved, at ditferent
times, other counties, by the vai'ious acts of the legislature.
Originally, in 1841) LaCiosse county comprised all the terri-
tory included in its present limits and that of ^Moni'oe. Jackson.
Trempeleau aiul Buffalo counties: settlements being i-;i])id in the
next few years and the inluibitants somcAA-hat "croAvded"* as they
thought, in 185^. upon ap|)lication to the legislatiu-e. Jackson
county was set off. and in isr)4 'ricmpeleaii. Buffalo and Monroe
counties Avere established ;ind detached from LaCrosse county.
Like all movenuMits looking toAvards progress there Avas opposi-
tion to the organization of Alonroe county right iuM'e at home, but
neA'ertheless in ]\Iai-ch. 18r)4. a bill ci-eating the county of .Monroe
passed the legislature, Avas approved 1)\- the (Jovernor .March
21st. published Alarcli 24th. thereby becoming a law. and .Monroe
county Avas placed upon the ma|). Why it Avas luuued "Alonroe"
is not knoAvn. but that its subsetjuent histoi-y justified its bearing
the name of that sturdy patriot. James Alonro(\ the fifth presi-
dent of the T'nited States, no one can doubt.
While this bill Avas pending in the legislature there Avas a
liA'ely struggle betAveen the residents of Leon and Sparta as to
66
]\IAKIX(! A ("OTNTY G7
which place sliould be named as the county seat. Tlie argnnient.i
of the Spartans prevailed, however, and the hill creating the
county named Sparta as the county seat. This ;ic1 prescribed
that all that portion of the county of LaCrosse situated and
being in range one east, and ranges one, two, three and four west
of township fifteen, sixteen, seventeen and eighteen be set oflf and
organized into a separate county, to be known and designated by
the name of the county of ^Eonroe.
It further provided that an election shouki be held in the
county of Monroe on the first Tuesday of the following April, and
the polls should be opened in all precincts established on or
before the first Tuesday of April ; that the vote should be can-
vassed and returns made thereof to the clerk of the board of
supervisors of the town of Leon, who should canvass the same
as prescribed by law for the canvass of votes for county officers.
and should issue certificates to such persons as received the
greatest number of votes for the ofifices respectively for the town
and county officers. That there should be elected at such election
a county judge, who sliould hold his office until the first day of
January in the year one thousand eight hundred fifty-eight, and
until his successor was elected and ciualified. There should also
be elected three town supervisors, one to be designated as chair-
man of the board, who should also be the board of county super-
visors. That at such election should also be elected a sherifif,
a clerk of the court, clerk of the board of county supervisors, a
register of deeds, surveyor and coroner and all other county
officers required for the due organization of the county for
county and judicial purposes. It also provided that the county
of ]Monroe should consist of one town and the Ijoai'd of super-
visors should be the l)oai'd of county supervisors, and that the
said board of county supervisors should have to divide the county
into three or more towns at any regular meeting of the board,
and also provided that the county seat should be located at the
village of Sparta, in the town of Leon. All writs, processes, ap-
peals, suits, indictments, recognizances and othei* pi'oceediugs
whatsoever then pending or thereafter commenced, or pending
before the Monday next after the first Tuesday of April next, in
the county or circuit court of the county of LaCrosse, should be
prosecuted to the final judgment, order or decree, might be car-
ried into eflt'ect and enforced in like manner as if the counties of
LaCrosse and Monroe were constituted one county ; and all
executions, writs, processes or other proceedings may be directed
68 lUSTOHV OF .MUXKOP: CO INT Y
aud carried into execution and effect as such court shall direct
any law on the contrary notwithstanding.
At the election held in April pursuant to this act, seventy
votes were cast for the entire county, and K. J. Casselnian, Loyd
Angle and Peter DeCoursey were elected as the town board of
the town of Leon, and thereby becaiiif the first county board of
supervisors of the county of jNIonroe. .Vt that election the follow-
ing county officers were elected: A. H. Blake, county judge; Ed.
AValrath, sheriff; AVilber Fisk, register of deeds; John Barker,
clerk of the court; Samuel Hoyt, county treasurer: A. H. Cornell,
district attorney; E. E. Shaw, clerk of the board of supervisors.
AVilber Fisk loft the county soon after the election and E. S.
Blake filled the vacancy in the ofifice of the register of deeds until
the appointment of R. S. Kingman, wliich occurred in January.
1855.
The county board held its first meeting on the lltli day of
April, 1854. at which R. J. Casselman and Loyd Angle were
present, and without doing anything the board adjourned to the
14th day of April, and on the 14tli the board convened pursuant
to the adjournment Avith R. J. Casselman and Loyd Angle i)res-
ent. The first item of business wliidi was ever transacted by a
county board of Alonroe county was done at that meeting. The
board very solemnly proceeded to pass the resolution to pay the
exorbitant price of .^12. 50 to John Foster for the use of the hall
in the "Globe HoteF' and for fuel for the same for one year in
accordance with the agreement on file in the ofifice of the clerk.
At its next meeting, held on the 2d day of May, 1854, Fredrick
A. Childs of Sparta was appointed county surveyor until a sur-
veyor should be duly elected and qualified : there appearing to
be little use for a coroner none was elected or appointed at that
time.
Under the law as it then existed the county board consisted
of the chairman of the board of supervisors of each town, and
this prevailed up to the year 1861, when by chapter 129 of the
laws of that year the entire system was changed and the board
was made to consist of three electors; each county was divided
into assembly districts, or if there were not three assembly dis-
tricts, then into supervisor districts, and one supervisor elected
for each district, and this system continued until 1870, when the
legislature in its wisdom repealed the chapter 129 of the laws
of 1861 and the original system was again adopted, which has
ever since been in existence. The county board, made up as a
rule of the most representative men in the county, and consists
MAKING A COUNTY 69
at the present writing of thirty-six members. As the interests
of towns, cities and villages in the equalization of taxes and other
matters have been important, the board has consisted in the past,
and does at the present time, of strong and representative men,
and during the past fifty-seven years it has had as members at
dilferent times most all the men who have been distinguished in
their various communities in the county. The roster of several
hundred names contains those of men who have done things in the
upbuilding of the great agricultural, commercial, dairy and fruit
growing prosperity and wealth of the county.
The first estate which came into the county court was that of
one H. B. Hanshall, and the first record in that court w^as on the
2nd day of April, 1856, when the bond of the administratrix in
the said estate was approved and recorded by George Gale, who
was then county judge.
The first term of the circuit court was held at the village of
Sparta beginning on the 18th day of September, 1854, the Hon.
Hiram Knowlton, judge of the sixth judicial circuit, presiding,
and sad to relate the first case which came before his honor was
a divorce case in which Ellen Pendelbery was plaintiff and Abra-
ham Pendelbery was defendant. The charge was for desertion
for more than one year, to which the defendant made no defense
and a decree of divorce was entered on that day by the court
giving the care and custody of the minor children to the wife.
The action was brought by Denison and Lyndes, attorneys for
the plaintiff. At that time it appeared that the district attorney,
who had been elected, had left the county and the court on the
18tli of September appointed James I. Lyndes to act as district
attorney for tliat term. Upon motion of Mr. Lyndes, Ellworth
Lathrop, James Edswell and Carlton E. Rice were admitted as
attorneys and counsellers at the law" and solicitors in chancery.
The first jury case was that of Samuel Hoyt vs. AVilliam AVal-
bridge for trespass. A. Holdes was attorney for the plaintiff and
Denison and Lyndes represented the defendant. The first jury
ever empanelled in the county was drawn and consisted of the
following citizens: J. C. Bean, John DeLaney, A. H. Blake, R. S.
Kingman. Riley Roberts, Hiram Anderson, B. B. Jones, AVilliam
Winters, S. Walrath, A. Fisk. William Kerrigan and J. F. Rath-
bun. Only one of this number is still living, J. F. Rathl)un, who
now resides at the city of Tomah. The plaintiff' was successful
and was awarded $50 damages.
The first county board practiced economj^ during the year,
and at the meeting on March 26, 1855, the clerk's report shows
70 IIISTOKV OF .MOXKOK COIXTV
a total of orders diawn on tin- t-ounty treasurer of $295.87: i»ut
soon the expenses began to multiply rapidly wlien the business
affairs of the eounty were fairly lauiicluMl. Salaries, court ex-
penses, olifiec r<'Mls \'nr llic vai'ious otiticcrs. Ices of various kinds
provided by law all fomhiiied to rapidly increase the tax rate.
AVith the growth of the eounty business the board found it neces-
sary to have a court house and jail. .1. 1). Daimnon having made
a plat of his first division to the village of Sparta, offered to
donate block four for a location for the county buildings, and as
a court house s(juai-e. This was accepted by the county board
^larch H, IS.")."), and at the meeting held on the .Ith of June of the
same year the l)oard voted an appi-opriation of not to exceed
^(iOO.nO for a county building. H. .1. ("asselman, John Foster and
11. ]M. Sanford were api)oiuted a l)uilding committee to draft
plans, to receive bids and to cause the building to be erected as
soon as possible. It was completed for occupancy in 1856, being
a frame building containing the court room or hall, and part of
the building Avas partitioned off foi- a jail. It stood in th" middle
of block four of Dammon's addition, being the one in whieh [he
house now owned by Lee Canfield is situated. Soon after its com-
pletion the building was leased to the school district for school
jmrposes. when not in use for holding court; and on Sundays it
was used by the Methodists as a church. There were no otiHces
in the building, however, nnd the nect'ssity of renting offices by
the county board continued for sevei'al years. Mr. Dannnon in
1862 commenced an action against the county to recover posses-
sion of the court house site, claiming lliat the jiritvisions of the
deed had been violated as tlie building was l)eing used for school
purposes and foi- chuicli purposes ])rincipall\ . A special session
of the county board was called Sept( niber 4. ISti:!. a1 which it
Mas voted to pay the costs of the suit and settle the same by con-
veying 111"' i)i'o]ierty back to ^Ii-. Dammnn. which was subse-
quently (lone.
The block where the preseul coui'1 house stands, whicii had
l»een dedicated as a jiark l)y AVilliam Pcttit in isr)2, was selected
as the site foi' the county buildings, ami pui'snani 1o a resolution
of the bo;ir<l a1 the Xovendier session in ISii:!. the court house
and sheriff's dwelling were erected in ISd.") at a cost of j|<22,r)0().
This building Mas considered (piile ample a1 ihe tinu' and served
the ])ui'])oses \ery Avell until the growth in population and in the
county's business made it necessary to erect more modern build-
ings. A modern l)i-i(dv jail M'as built in 1<S!)() jiursuant to a reso-
lution of th(^ (M»nnty board, costing about $17,000. and in 1894 the
MAKING A COUNTY 71
board passed an ordinance providing for tlic building of a new
c'onrt bouse, wbicli was erected in 1895-96. It is a tbree-story
stone building, with plain but bandsome exterior of red sandstone,
having good court rooms, a county board room, commodious
offices for all the county officers, with ample vault room in all the
offices where records are kept for a long time in the future. It
is heated by steam, electric lighted and has all the modern con-
veniences with steel furniture in all the vaults.
In 1871 the county being then divided into three districts for
the care of the poor, the necessity of establishing a county insti-
tution where paupers could be cared for became apparent. At a
session of the board in February that year a resolution was
passed to purchase a farm for the purpose and a committee con-
sisting of James Thomson, J. Caney, D. Homes, AV. AVoodard and
J. B. Marsden, were appointed to carry it out. The committee
reported at the November session the purchase of the farm of
David Cole of 200 acres, situated in the town of Adrian, for the
sum of $5,000. This continued to be used as tlu^ poor farm until
1899, but it being some distance from the county seat and the
buildings being too small for the growing pauper population
the county board authorized its sale, and in 1899 it was disposed
of and another farm purchased just north of the city of Sparta,
in the town of Sparta. In 1900 a brick home for the poor with
modern conveniences was built upon this farm, costing about
$11,000.
About this time there was considerable agitation with regard
to building a county insane asylum, which finally culminated in
1901, when the county board decided to turn the poor house into
a county insane asylum, which was done, and subsequently in
1902 a poor house was erected on another part of the farm. In
1909 the county board purchased the farm of Grant Rogers of
120 acres, which was adjacent to the farm owned by the county.
Subsequently and in compliance Avith the requirements of the
state board of control a separate building was erected in which
was installed a modern steam heating plant. A large steel water
tank, giving heavy pressure, was then erected which supplies the
buildings with water and affords ample tire protection. So that
at the present time this county owns a tine farm of 280 acres
■svithin a mile of the city limits of Sparta. Avliich is equipped with
modern conveniences, a home for the poor capable of housing in
comfort thirty inmates, and with the heating plant and water
system makes a most complete equipment, representing an invest-
ment of about $70,000, all of Avliich is fully paid, and at the time
72 HISTORY OF .MOXKOK COUNTY
of this publication the county is free from debt, a situation which
reflects much credit upon the men who have in the past served
on the county board and brought to bear upon the county's busi-
ness all the careful thought and business acumen Avhich they
applied to their own business.
Not only has the county been rortuiiatc in the building up of
its own institutions, but through, the efforts of some of its citizens,
backed up by natural advantages, one state and one government
institution has been esta])lished within its borders — the state
public school for dependent children, now located at Sparta, and
the government hidian school, located near Tomah. In each
instance there was » lively contest between several cities of the
stat(' for the location of those institutions; the competition was
keen, l)ut against great odds in the many advantageous offers
from other places our citizens were victorious and landed the
prizes. The state school being established at Sparta by an act
of the legislature known as chapter 377, laws of 1885, and now
consists of a central or administration building, with several de-
tached cottages, and a hospital, a heating plant and baking plant,
all situated on a farm of 165 acres, part of which lies within the
limits of the city of Sparta.
The Indian school, established by the government at Tomah,
situated on a farm donated by the citizens of Tomah and l.ving
about two miles north of that city, consisting of several large
buildings, including the administration building, superintend-
ent's residence, dormitories for boys and girls, a heating plant,
hospital and several farm l)uildings. In this institution Indian
boys and girls are given education in tlie common branches and
in addition to that girls are taught needle Avork and domestic.
Science, and the boys are instnicted in farming, carpenter work
and other useful occupations.
"When the first settlers located in the valleys of the county
there were but a few thousand people in the whole state of AYis-
eonsin, and at the estal)lishment of the count.v government in
1854 there were not more than 700 people in the entire county.
The stream of immigration came rapidly, however, and in I860
the county luid grown to a population of 8,000, and from that
time forth it rapidly increased so that in 1870 it was 16,550; in
1880 it was 21,607; in 1890 it was 23,211; in 1900, 28,103; and in
1910, 28,888, so that the growth has been well distributed over the
past years, has been normal and kept pace with the development
of its resources. Its farming population is above the average in
methods and intelligence as the wonderful increase in the dairy
MAKING A COUNTY 73
interests and the great progress made in the raising of small
fruits will testify, each of which subjects is treated in another
chapter. Its people as a rule are progressive in the matter of
education and at the present time its school system is of the best ;
and several of the towns in the county have taken the initiative
in that most important subject — the building of good roads.
Especially is this true of the town of Sparta and through the
enterprise of the officers of this town several miles of macadam
highway have been constructed and the town has become well
and favorably mentioned throughout the state as one which has
been a pioneer in this movement.
The year 1911 has seen awakenings in some parts of the
county with regard to the fact that its resources are as yet
nowhere near fully developed, and through the experiments
made by some of its progressive farmers and through the efforts
of the Sparta Fruit Growers' Association a strong impetus has
been given to the development of fruit lands not only for berries,
but for the raising of apples. Experimental orchards, notably
the one grown by Fred JMuehlencanip in the town of Ridgeville,
and that of J. AV. Leverieh, in the town of Angelo, liave demon-
strated beyond a question that a large portion of the ridge and
valley lands are adapted to the raising of fall and winter apples
and also several varieties of grapes. The prospects of the people
of the county for the future seems doubly assured as the interests
are varied, comprising cranberry culture, dairy interests, the
raising of small fruits and bush l)erries, diversified farming and
the prospects of the development in the years to come of the
apple and the grape industries. With fertile ridge lands and its
well watered valleys INIonroe county gives promise of becoming
one of the garden spots of the state of Wisconsin.
In the official life of the county there have been many lively
contests for the various offices, especially for those positions
which until a few years ago paid fees. P^or many years the sher-
iff's office was a storm center of many political battles when the
fees in one term of office were extremely large, which condition,
however, the county board subsequently remedied by putting
this office on a salary, as has been done with all the county offices ;
certainly a good business move much to the advantage of the tax-
payers financially and with no detriment to the service rendered.
The office of sheriff" has been held by many well-known cliarac-
ters, among whom may be mentioned the names of Edward AVal-
rath, one of the pioneer settlers ; C. AV. McMillan, George B.
Robinson, N. P. Lee, E. Bartels, E. R. Jones, A. J. Carnahan, Leo
74 HISTORY OF .MOXROP] COUNTY
Vieth and many others, a complete list of which is ^iven ;i1 the
conclusion of tliis chapter. Perhaps tlic most remarkahle record
in this otilict' is tliat of ('. ^V. McMillan. Avho appears to have held
it at dit^iTcnt times for Mvc tei-ms, and at other times he served
as deputy slieriflf' and untU-i- sheritt'. which is a tril)ute to the
popularity and political acumen of Mi-. Mc^Iillan in his day.
The ottice of llie connty treasiirei-. county clerk and (dei-k of
the court have been iiuu-li s()u<ili1 after and held by many men
prominent in llie affaii-s of the comity. The otitiee of the county
judge has lieen occupied by such men as Col. George Graham, of
Tomah; C. ^1. Masters, of Spai-ta : S. AV. Button, of Sparta, and
the present incund)ent. Col. H. 11 McCoy, who has the iionor of
heing elected for that office for four terms, beginning in 18i)8.
The jurisdiction of this coiu't in this county has never been
enlarged to iiKdude civil and criminal nuitters, as has heen the
case in some counties in this state, but it consists of the adminis-
tration of the estates of deceased persons, with authorit}^ to
sentence officers wlio plead guilty of certain ofl:*enses. the exam-
ination and coiinnitmeut of insane per.sons, and the appointment
of guardians of iinnors and those who aiT incapable of managing
their own atifairs. and the connuitment to state institutions in
such cases as are provided by law. By a law passed by the legis-
lature in 1010 and ]i)ll this court may hold terms at Tonudi as
well as at the county seat, and the third Tuesday of each month
has been designated as the term day at Tomah when all matters
may be heard.
There has been l)rought to the offi<M^ of disti-ict attorney the
service of many al)le lawyers in the county, beginning with that
of T^. A\'. (ii'a\('s. who served oiu' term. l)eginning in 18(il, and
afterwai'ds became w(dl known as a brilliant and resourceful
ti'ial lawyer. It was also held l)y Komanzo Bunn, who became
judge of tlic Cnited States court for the Avestern district of Wis-
consin; by .1. M. Moriow. whose name even now is so well known
throughout the state of AVisconsin and Avho served as circuit court
judge of tbe si.xth judicial cirmil. .Mr. .Moi'iow held the otlice
of district atloi-ney for four terms at different times. David K.
• loiM'S sei'vcd foui- teinis as district attorney and latei- was
appointed by President ^I(d\inley as I'nite I States district attor-
ney for the western distiMd oi' Wisconsin, which otTfice he held
at the time of his <leat li.
The otlfiee of the register of deetls was and now is hotly con-
tc^sti'd foi-. and has been In-ld b\- such nuMi as R. J. Kingman,
MAKING A COUNTY 75
A. H. Coiidit. AV. (r. AVillinms, Jjiuk^s R. Lyon and others prom-
inent in county affairs.
The following is a complete list of all the eounty officers from
1854 to 11)11, giving: the years in which they wcmt into office and
the length of time each served :
COUNTY JUDGES.
A. li. Blake. 1854-r)8 ; AV. AV. -Jaekson, 1858-62; G. E. Pratt,
1862-66; George Graham, 1866-68; L. B. Noyes, 1868-70; T. D.
Steele, 1870-78; C. M. Masters, 1878-86; AY. M. Graham, 1886-90;
S. AY. Button, 1890-98; R. B. AlcCoy. 1898 to now.
SHERIFFS.
E. AA^alrath, 1854-57; John Foster, 1857-59; C. AA\ Mc:\Iillan,
1859-61; J. H. Allen, 1861-63; J. A. Gilman, 1863-65; C. AY. Mc-
Millan. 1865-67: G. A. Fisk, 1867-69; D. B. Bon. 1869-71 ; L. John-
son, 1871-73; George B. Robinson, 1873-75; C. AV. AIcAIillan,
1875-77; N. P. Lee, 1877-79; C. AV. McMillan, 1879-81; E. Bartels,
1881-83; C. AV. McMillan, 1883-85; E. R. Jones, 1885-87; C. T.
Angle, 1887-89; E. R. Jones, 1889-91; James O 'Conner, 1891-93;
D. AY. Fulmer, 1893-95; Henry Coome, 1895-97; L. H. Couger,
1897-99; A. J. Carnahan, 1899-01 ; Leo Vieth. 1901-03; AV. B. Cas-
sels, 1903-05; H. E. Falk, 1905-07; Charles MilUn-d, 1907-09;
George Henry, 1909-11; C. AV. AIcFadden, 1911—.
COUNTY TREASURERS.
Samuel Iloyt, 1855-59 ; A. A. Rendall. 1859-61 ; L. S. Fisher.
1861-63 ; G. H. Ledyard, 1863-73 ; Francis Avery, 1873-81 ; AY. F.
Lee, 1881-85; H. H. Cremer, 1885-87; C. G. Ileitman, 1887-91;
C. D. Hall, 1891-93; George P. Stevens, 1893-97; J. A. Mosher,
1897-01 ; AY. A. Jones, 1901-05; A. L. Fowhnader. 190.5-09; E. F.
Babcock, 1909—.
COUNTY CLERKS.
L. S. Fisher, 1857-59; A. F. Childs, 1859-61; S. Aldrich,
1861-63; T. I). Steele, 1863-67; S. D. Hollester, 1867-69; James
Lowry. 1869-71; S. D. Hollester, 1871-75; AV. P. Palmer, 1875-77
J. E. Perry, 1877-79; IL H. Cremer, 1879-81 ; 0. i\ Berg. 1881-83
T. L. Alartin, 1883-87; J. P. Rice, 1887-91 ; H. H. Cremer, 1891-93
C. E. Heitman, 1893-95; G. Heitman, 1895-99; C. Sutherland
1899-03; C. B. Drowabzky, 1903-07; T. R. Talbot, 1907—.
76 HISTORY OF .MONROE COl'XTY
CLERKS OF COURT.
John Banker, 1854-57; G. B. lloldm. 1857-59; Cyrus Centis,
1859-61; E. Nutting, 1861-6:^: L. H. Noyes, 1863-65; S. H. Stearns,
1865-71 ; Jacob Roid, 1871-7:5; S. II. Stearns, 1878-77; Joel Brown.
1877-79: S. II. Stearns, 1879-81 ; J. E. Perry, 1881-8:}; D. G. AVil-
liams, 188:^85; M. J. MeOmber, 1885-87; I. R. Bryan. 1887-91;
H. Euckhansin, 1891-95; Henry Graf, 1895-99; G. F. Lilli(\
1899-0;i; Ole Jaekson, 190:3-11; 0. II. Doxrud, 1911—.
REGISTERS OF DEEDS.
AVilbur Fi.sk, 1855-57; R. S. Kingman. 1857-59; A. 11. Condit.
1859-61 ; P. Rawson, 1861-6:3; :\r. A. Thayer, 186:3-69; J. M. Tan,
1869-7:3; J. W. Cunan, 187:3-77; AV. G. AVilliams. 1877-81; J. R.
Lyon, 1881-8:3; J. B. Adams, 188:3-85; AV. H. Jaekson. 1885-89;
c" A. Erickson, 1889-91 ; J. P. Rice, 1891-9:3 ; H. M. Sowle, 189:3-95;
John A. Sholts, 1895-99; C. II. Stevens. 1899-0:3; T. C. Longwell.
190:3-07; D. F. Davis, 1907-11 ; AV. A. Holden, 1911—.
DISTRICT ATTORNEYS.
A. B. Cornell, 1854-59; L. W. Graves, 1859-61; C. E. Riee,
1861-6:}; Romanzo Bunn, 186:3-67; G. E. Prott, 1867-69; G. A.
Rieliardson, 1869-71; J. AI. :\Iorrow, 1871-77; A. E. Bleekman,
1877-79; J. AI. Morrow. 1879-85; D. F. Jones, 1885-91; R. A.
Richards, 1891-9:3; D. F. Jones, 189:3-95; George Graham, 1895-97;
B. H. Ilackett. 1897-99; H. C. Altizer. 1899-01; B. H. Ilackett,
1901 (died before taking office); Howard Teasdale, 1901-05;
AV. B. Naylor. .Ii.. 1905-09; T. P. Abel. 1909—.
SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS.
Al. H. Gage, 1862-69; C. AV. Kellogg, 1869-71; A. E. Howard,
1871-7:3; N. H. Holden, 187:3-75; A. E. HoAvard, 1875-77; N. H.
Holden. 1877-81; A. F. Brandt. 1881-87; J. P. Galiger, 1887-93;
T. Al. Bowler, 189.3-95; A. A. Thomp.son, 1895-01; G. IT. Robert-
son, 1901-05: AI. .M. Haney. 1905—.
COUNTY SURVEYORS.
Isaac Tliuiup.soii. 1854-57; F. A. Cliilds. 1857-59: A. 1). liigalls.
1859-61; L. E. Amidon, 1861-63; L. S. Ingalls, 186:3-65; AVebster
Kenyon, 1865-67; O. R. Dahl, 1867-69; C. C. Aliller, 1869-71;
G. Spurier, 1871-73; A. S. Ingalls, 187:3-79; A. B. Holden. 1879-81;
AV. Krnyon. 1881-83; E. Neuman, 1883-85: AV. Kenyon. 1885-86;
TRUMAN R. TAI>BOT
MAKING A COUNTY 77
A. B. Holden, 1886-88; AV. Kenyon, 1888-96; II. Laurer, 1896-98;
Alex. McCaskey, 1898-1900; Fred Holden, 1900-19—; G. Sehni-
der, ; F. Holden, .
CORONERS.
C. P. ^leClure, 1859-61 ; C. W. McMillan, 1861-71 ; David Ben,
1871-71; George B. Robinson, 1875-77; C. W. McMillan, 1877-79;
D. J. Enderby, 1879-81; C. W. McMillan, 1881-88; James 0 'Con-
ner, 1883-87;^ E. R. Jones, 1887-89; C. Fangle, 1889-91; O. H.
Doxrud, 1891-92; James 0 'Conner, 1892-95; D. W. Fullmer,
1895-97 ; H. Coome, 1897-99 ; L. H. Conger, 1899-01 ; A. J. Carna-
han, 1901-03; Leo Vieth, 1903-05; W. B. Cassels, 1905-07; H. G.
Falk, 1907-09; George Henry, 1909—.
SENATORS.
Monroe county since its organization has at diiferent times
))een in a number of different senatorial districts, and this county
has furnished the following senators:
John A. Chandler, of Sparta, in the sessions of 1865 and 1866;
DeWitt C. AYilson, of Sparta, in the session of 1868 ; Adelbert E.
Bleekman, of Tomah, in the sessions of 1871 and 1875 ; Charles K.
Erwin, of Tomah, in the sessions of 1882, 1883, 1885 and 1887;
H. W. Barker, of Sparta, elected in 1907 for a teiTxi of four years ;
Howard Teasdale, elected in 1910; now holding the office.
MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY.
For a number of years the county of Monroe was a part of
the assembly district comprised of LaCrosse and Monroe counties,
so that it was not until al)Out 1861 that a member came from
this county. A few years later the county w^as divided into two
assembly districts, and afterwards into only one, which is the
situation at the present time.
A list is here given beginning with the year in which a mem-
ber appeared from Monroe county, and after each name will be
found the year of the session or sessions at which each member
served :
James H. Allen, Sparta, session of 1873 ; AVilliam J. Austin,
Leon, session of 1881 ; AA'illiam Y. Baker, Oakdale, session of
1878 ; AYilliam A. Barber, AVarrens, session of 1882 ; Jesse Ben-
nett, Sparta, session of 1869 ; Chauncey Blakeslee, Sparta, session
of 1877 ; Adelbert E. Bleekman, Tomah, session of 1873 : AVilliam
H. Blyton, Sparta, sessions of 1883-85-89; Robert Campbell,
78 IIISTOHV OK .MONHOH (orXTY
(ileiidale, session of 1880: David I). <'heney, Sparta, session of
]871; 1). AV. Cliciicy. Spai-ta. session of 1891 : An)ert T. Colburn,
Cataract, session of 1876; James D. Condit, Sparta, sessions of
1 ,s:)8-78-79 : TTan-y Doxtader. Toniali, session of 1877; Lewis S.
Fisher, Sparta, session of 1887; ^liles LeKoy Ilineiiian. Toniah.
session of 1887; .1. H. Hinckley. Toniah. session of iScSiJ; CharU^s
A. Hunt. Alelvina, sessions of 1868-70; William W. Jackson,
Tomah, .sessions of 1868-7.') ; Fredrick P. Johnson. Ontario, session
of 1899; Steven B. Johnson. Tomah. session of 1867; David F.
Jones, Sparta, session of 1897; Evan K. Jones, Sparta, session of
1901: John K. Jones, Leon, sessions of 1907-09; James H. Lyon.
Glendale, session of 1889; Thomas L. [Martin. AViltou, session of
1895; Thomas ^McCanl, Tomah, session of 1874; John J. [McKay.
Sj>arta. session of I860: Joseph [M. [Morrow, Sparta, session of
1862; John O'Brien, AVilton. session of 1881; Charles E. Qnitrs:.
Tomah, session of 1893; Carlton E. Rice, Sparta, session of l.Sii4;
Jolm F. Kichards, Tomah, session of 1872; Eli 0. Rudd, Rudd's
[Mills, session of 1872; George P. Stevens, Tomah, sessions of
1903-05; Joseph .M. Tair. Tunnel City, session of 1865; [Mason A.
Thayer, Sparta, session of 1882 ; James Tormey, Tomah, session
of 1891 ; George R. Vineent. Tomah. session of 1891 : Levi Wal-
lace, Oil City, session of 1885; P^li AVaste. Sparta, sessions of
1874-75-80: Charles D. AVells, Tomah. session of 1876: DeAVitt C.
Wilson. Sparta, session of 1866.
CHAPTER VII.
THE LEGEND OF CASTLE ROCK.
Among the natural curiosities to be found in Monroe county
there is, situated near Sparta, an enormous bhitf which is about
600 feet high, liaving on its summit a large circular rock, and
from its resemblance of an ancient castle it has received the name
of Castle Rock. It is about five miles northeast from the city and
surrounded by a range of l)luft"s. and is plainly visilde for a long
distance along the St. Paul railway when approaching Sparta
from the east. For a great many years it has been a resort for
picnic parties and travelers and a curiosity even fo those Avho
reside near it. The top can now be reached by means of a ladder
and a view from its summit unfolds a ])eautiful picture such as
only AYisconsin can produce, and on a clear day even the hills of
Minnesota are plainly visible. Around this beauty spot has been
drawn a delightful romantic legend from the pen of D. jMcBride.
Esq.. now deceased, foi-merly one of the editors of the Sparta
Herald, which runs as follows :
"Some 200 years ago a roving band of Senecas made a raid
upon the land of the Dakotas, while the latter were on the war-
path, in pursuit of the Cheyennes, and captured Yah-ha-rah
(Silent AVater), daughter of Keneau-ton-aken (AVar Eagle). A
terrible storm having struck down the Seneca chief and tlu^ ma-
jority of his followers soon after the raid, his brother, Po-ga-mie,
took the captive girl to the French missionary station, at the
point now known as ]\Iackinaw, where she was ransomed by the
missionaries and put under the charge of the 'sisters' until such
a time as she could l)e returned to her relatives. At this place
Silent Water made the acquaintance of a young Frenchman l)y
the name of LeClere, who had been banished from his native
land for killing a person of rank in a duel. The two lonely ones
became sympathizers, and a tender affection sprang up between
them, which was soon interrupted by the appearance of AVar
Eagle, who had, after some months, succeeded in finding the
Avhereabouts of his child and had come to take her home. LeClere
was lonely after Silent AVater had gone, and he resolved to seek
79
80 lUSTUliV UK .M()M{(JK (.OLXTY
liis l(i\f ill till' 1.111(1 dl' the Dakotas. Taking an interpreter with
him lie stalled out on his journey, and after many stirring adven-
tures reached the camp o\' War Eagle. He Jiow found that the
old chief had betrothed liis daughter to a favorite, ]\Iame-tah,
■who looked on LaClere Avith distrust and jealousy. F'inding that
their love was hopeless if they remained in the land of the
Dakotas, the young lovers planned an elopement. Tliey left the
lodges Avhile War Eagle was on the war-path, hut were closely
followed by Mam-e-tali. who led I hem a Jiard eluise, until he
was finally slain by the arrows of Silent AVater. In their wander-
ings, for they were journeying towards the missionary station,
the young lovers discovered the bluff, now known as Castle Kock,
the beauty of Avhich so charmed Silent Water that she begged
LeClere to make a lodge there for the season, at least, and iie
reluctantly complied. The rock ))ecame their castle, and on its
very summit w^as their wigwam erected. Autumn was beginning
to brighten 'the oak leaves with a ruddier hue, and the lovers
had concluded that they would shortly continue their journey
towards the missionary station Avhen an incident occurred tliat
dashed all of their hopes from them. Wai- Eagle, who had spent
the intervening time in searching for his child, came suddenly
upon them, just as they were preparing for their departure.
Silent AYater discovered him and his followers sitting at the base
of the rock one morning upon arising from lier eouch. The chief
and his men were in counsel, and when the counsel was ended
the former advanced close to the rock and ])ade liis child, whom
he could not see, to come down, declaring at the same time that
he intended to kill LeClere and to take her home. The lovers
resolved at once to die together if either nnist die: but they also
concluded to sell their lives dearly, and they made instant ])i-ep-
aration to defend their fortress. The siege lasted for several days
— in fact, until all the arrows and ammunition of tln^ Ix^sieged
ones had been used, then, clasped in each others arms, they
awaited the end. War Eagle, on finding himself no longer o])-
posed, boldly ascended the rock and aimed an arrow at the breast
of LeClere, Avhich was anticipated by Silent Watei". who sprang
forward in time to receive a death wound, thus for a nioment
saving her lover's life. P'xasperated by her death LeClere smote
"War Eagle Avith his weapon, and having rendered the old chief
senseless, hurried the body from the eminence. A moment later
the Frenchman yielded up liis sjiii-it at the hands of War Eagle's
braves.
"The rude storms of 200 years," says the romance, "have
THE LEGEND OF CASTLE ROCK 81
torn and crumbled the stately form and graceful battlements
into small rocks and sandy debris at the base of the rock. Its
beautiful flowering shrubbery and noble crown of evergreens
have long since disappeared. Naught but the scraggy stubs and
roots of the tall red cedars that once adorned the lofty summit
are left to tell the sad and melancholy tale of the fearful tragedy
at Castle Rock."
CHAPTKK VIIT.
RAILROADS.
CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE & ST. PAUL.
Rnnuiiig tlirough the county of IMoiiroe are two good systems
of railroads which Jiave brought not a little to the development
of the resources and interests of tliis county, as well as of the
state of AVisconsin, and a brief outline of the history of these two
great lines deserves a place in this work. For after all that may
be said it is i)Iain to i)e seen from the records of the past that the
real development of the county began Avith the establishment of
the railroad system affording, of course, a rapid and cheap
method of transportation when othci-wise food, clothing and sup-
plies of all kinds and public travel wci'e accomplished by means
of the old-fashioned stages and frcnght-hauling lines, with teams.
Tile LaCrosse and ^Milwaukee Railroad Company was incor-
porated by an act of the legislature, approved on the 2nd day of
April, 18r)2. Its first president Avas Byron Kilborn. a man who
played such a prominent part in the development of the city of
^Milwaukee and of ihe state. In 1854 stock subscriptions were
obtained, and ;i survey having been made the general line of the
road was established on Avhat is ]>ractically the same route now
used by the Chicago. Milwaukee and St. Paul railway between
^Milwaukee jind LaCrosse. Previous to this, liowevei-. in 1851, the
^Milwaukee and Koiid dii Lac Kailroad Comi)aiiy was incorporated
and in 185o the conii)aiiy received its eiuirtei" under liie name of
Alilwaukee, Fond d\i Lac and Green l^ay railroad. By an act
of Ihe legislature. ;ij)i)i'oved .lune 27. 185.'i these iwo railroads
were allowed and autiioi-i/.ed 1o coiisolid;ite. which ihey did. niid
began the building of Ihe road towards Fond dii L;ic later on in
1854. The Milwaukee, Fond du Lac and Green liay railroad was
consolidaleil with the LaCrosse and ^Milwaukee company, assum-
ing the latter nanu> and proceeded Avith the eonsti-uction of the
road already commenced, by turning it in tlie direction of
LaC'rosse.
in 183G congress donated a large grant of land to the state to
82
KxilLROADS 83
assist in railroad purposes, and the western part of this was con-
ferred by the state to the LaCrosse and INIilwaukee company
after the consolidation, and on March 14, 1857. the road was com-
pleted as far as Portage, ninety-eight miles from ^Milwaukee and
just about one-half way to what is now the city of LaCrosse.
The times were hard during the year 1857-58 and the railroad, in
common with other l)usiness interests, suffered very much and
there were a numlier of changes in its officers. Tlic cud of the
year 1857 found this little railroad with a debt of .^8,263,660.91,
while the entire stock issue of the road amounted to $7,687,540.26.
The annual report of that year is truly a story of financial em-
barrassment and business difficulties. The report set out as fully
as the officials dared to but in a much guarded manner the dis-
astrous results of the acts of the legislature and other official
corruption by which the land grant of the previous year was
obtained. On the 27th day of September, 1857, the road passed
into the hands of Selah Chamberlain, avIio had been the original
contractor and builder of a portion of it. He leased it from the
LaCrosse and jMilwaukee company and continued with the con-
struction of the road, and the whole line was opened up from
INIilwaukee to LaCrosse on the first day of October, 1858.
In 1860 Chamberlain surrendered the lease to ^Messrs. Broson
& Sutter, the trustees of the second mortgage holders at this time.
An order was made by the United States District Court appoint-
ing Col. Hans Crocker as receiver of the western division of the
road from Portage to LaCrosse. He was also subsetpiently ap-
pointed receiver of the eastern division from Portage to INIilwau-
kee, and after taking possession of the entire road he operated
it until the 12th day of June. 1863, when by an order of the court
he surrendered tlie western division to the INIilwaukee and St.
Paul Railroad Company as purchaser, and turned over the eastern
division of the same company to operate under him as receiver,
in which capacity he continued to act until January 9, 1866,
when the entire road went into the possession of the Milwaukee
and St. Paul Railroad Company. Previous to this the Chicago
and St. Paul Railroad Company had l)een organized and started
to build a line between Chicago, INIilwaukee and St. Paul, and on
the first day of January, 1872, the Milwaukee and St. Paul com-
pany formally purchased the Chicago and St. Paul railroad. This
was made by giving the bonds of the St. Paul company for about
$4,000,000 in gold, payable in London in 1902, bearing 7 per cent
interest. The road between Milwaukee and Chicago was not com-
pleted until 1872, and in the following year was transferred to
84 lllSTOKY UF MONROE COL XT Y
the ]\Iihva\ikoo and St. Paul company and a route 410 miles lon^
between ^lihvaukee and St. Paul then completed. The road con-
tinued to operate under the name of Milwaukee aiul St. Paul
railroad until Febnuiry. 1S74, when hy an act of 1he legislature
the name was changed to the Chicago. ^lilwaukee and St. Paul
Railway Company, which name it has borne ever since.
In 1874 the legislature passed wliat Avas known as the "Pot-
ter" law, wliich limited the rates foi- passengers and freight
traffic, and this provided for a l)oard of railroad commissioners.
This law Avent into effect ^lay 1. 1874. and George II. Paid. John
W. TToyt and Joseph Hosborn were appointed railroad commis-
sioners. At about this time there was considerable feeling on the
part of the people against the railroad company on account of
the fact that the 7-ailroads regarded the "Potter'' law as uncon-
stitutional and refused to reduce their charges for the passage
and freight traffic until compelled to do so by a decision of the
supreme court of the state.
In 1876, however, the "Potter" law was repealed and a law
passed establishing the maximum prices for freights, and since
that time there has been considerable legislation Avhich has
resulted in the present law giving supervision of railroads to the
jurisdiction of a railroad commission appointed by the governor.
The Chicago, .Milwaukee and St. Paul railway has completed
the line to the coast, beginning at Mobridge. South Dakota,
where it joins on to the end of the old line under tlie lunne of
Chicago, ^Milwaukee and Puget Sound raihvay. While llu' two
systems are i)ractically one lliey are i-un under sepai'ate manage-
ment, and through this county tliei-e now passes daily two of the
finest passenger trains, perhaps, in the world, the '" Olympian"
and the "Columbian," fitted wilh every convenience known for
the comfort of a tvn\eler.
THE NORTHWESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY.
In the year 187.S the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Com-
pany eonstrueled its line through this county. This eompany
was first organized as tlie Illinois and Wisconsin Railway Com-
pany and was to lun the line from Chicago to the Wisconsin
state line. It was consolidated, iiowever. with the Rock Rivei;
Valley Union railroad, which was to run from the state line to
Fond du Lac and thus to form what was afterwards designated
the St. Paul and Fond du Lac Air Line Railway Company.
In 1859 the road Avas sold to a syndicate of capitalists and
was reorganized under the present Chicago and Northwestern
RAILROADS 85
Railway Company. Subsequently the Dixon, Rockford and
Kenosha and the Galena and Chicago railroads became consoli-
dated with and a part of the Northwestern in June, 1864, and in
October that same year it absorbed the Peninsular railway, and
in 1869 the Detroit and INIadison railway, and in 1871 tlie Baraboo
Air Line, running from ^Madison, and in due course the North-
western absorbed the Winona and St. Peter running from AVinona
to New Ulm, Minnesota, and thence extended to Lake Kanipeska,
Dakota, 320 miles from the Mississippi river. The line was built
from iNIadison to Elroy, where it formed connections with the
West Wisconsin railroad, and this and the other line formed the
shortest route from Chicago to St. Paul, only lacking a short
length to fill the gap between AVinona and Elroy, but while this
Avas not a \'ery great distance and the difficulties encountered in
constructing this line were tremendous. There was in existence
a company called the LaCrosse, Trempeleau and Prescott Railway
Company which contemplated building a railroad from AVinona,
running southwest into Alonroe county. The Northwestern com-
pany purchased this road from AA^inona junction, finished the
track to Sparta, Alonroe county, and opened the whole line for
regular traffic with a grand excursion on the 25th of September,
1873. The line from Aladison to Sparta passes through one of the
most picturesque portions of AVisconsin, and nowhere in the
state can more beautiful scenery be found. Passing through
Aladison, the lake country, it skirts the shores of Devil's lake,
goes by the dells of the Baraboo river, and runs into the beautiful
hill country between Elroy and Sparta. But this beautiful hill
country was the means of a vast exi^enditure of money, perhaps
greater than any other present road in the middle west. Among
the difficulties met with were the numerous springs of water, and
many devices had to be resorted to in order to continue the work
and take care of the tlow. It became necessary to make three
long tunnels between Kendall and Sparta, the longest of which,
"No. 3," is situated in the town of Ridgeville and is 3,800 feet
in length and cost nearly $1,000,000 to construct. The other two,
"No. 1" and "No. 2." between Norwalk and AVilton, and AVil-
ton to Kendall, are al)out 1,700 feet in length.
This great company has grown to be one of the important
railroads of the country, and a map of its lines shows tlu^ vast
territory reached by its various ramifications; and the traffic
has demanded not only the building of direct routes, but great
hauling capacity for freights to and from the far west, so that
in order to avoid the heavy grades between Elroy and Sparta the
86
TIISTOHV OF .MONROE COUNTY
Xurlliwcslfni (•uiui)aiiy cMUSftl to in' iiicr>r[)()i'ati'(.l in J!»l() what
is known as the "^lihvaukoe, Spai-1a and Northwestern Railway
Company." wliieh lias eonslnicted an aii- liuf in tlir slioi-t space
of one year from ^Milwaukee to Sjiaila. passin^r through llic east-
ern and central portion of llic count.w ])iei-('inu- tlic range of hills
at Tunnel City, near the tunnel of the St. I'aul (•omi)any, and
crossing the tracks of the St. Paul a few miles east of the city of
Spar^a. At the time this work will !)(> dis1ril)ut('d trains Avill he
in opei'ation on this road.
CHAPTER IX.
THE WEST AVISCONSIN RAILROAD.
Closely connected with the history of the village, now the city
of Tomah, was the construction of Avhat was known as the West
AVisconsin railroad, from Tomah to Black River Falls. There
Avas considerable agitation with regard to the building of this
road among the citizens of both places, and in view of the advan-
tages for transportation purposes, the two communities sub-
scribed for a large amount of stock in order that the road might
be built.
Accordingly the movement was set on foot to take advantage
of national aid by the granting of lands in this state to assist
in the construction of railroads. An act of Congress passed the
5th day of jMay, 1864, among other things made a special grant of
certain lands in this state for the construction of a railroad from
Tomah, in the county of ]\lonroe, to the St. Croix river or lake
between townships twenty-five and thirty-one. and from thence
to Lake Superior and Bayfield. To digress a moment, the con-
struction of this road as contemplated, if it had been completed
clear through to Bayfield and in operation today, undoubtedly
would have had a great influence upon the past history of not
only the city of Tomah, but the city of Black River Falls, for it
would run through a rich country.
On March 20, 1865. the legislature of this state by a joint
resolution accepted the grant as provided in this act of congress.
Previous to this a railroad company had been incorporated by an
act of the legislature, approved April 1, 1863, and was originally
known as the "Tomah and St. Croix Railway Company." It was
granted the right to build a road from Tomah in the county of
Monroe, or on the right of way of the ^Milwaukee and LaCrosse
Railway Company, or any other railroad running out of Tomah
by way of Black River Falls, and from there by the most feasible
route to such point on Lake St. Croix, between townships twenty-
five and thirty-one, as the directors should determine. Tliis act
was called "an act of incorporators, the Tomah and Lake St.
Croix Railroad Company," and to repeal and annul a portion of
87
88 HISTORY OF .MONROE COFXTY
the grant of laud heretofore made to tlie LaCrosse and ^lihvau-
kee Railroad Company.
Th(^ list of the incorporators of tliis railroad here given con-
tains Ihe names of a numher of men who afterwards attained
l)i'ominence in the state of Wisconsin. Here tliey are: William
AVilson and William Carson, of Dnnn county; Joseph Th()ri)e and
1\. F. Wilson, of Fau Claire county; Andrew S. Greg and H. S.
Allen, of Chippewa county; A. Gaylord, of Polk ((ninty ; N. S.
Dunbar and Charles H. Cox, of Pierce e(»iiiil\ ; 11. L. lluiiii)lii'ey,
of St. Croix ; Miles D. Pvindle, of Pepin county: George .M. (iil-
key, of Hutfalo county; R. C. Field, of Trenii)eleau ; Carl C. Pope
and AVilliam T. Price, of Jackson county; Rich'ard Dewhurst. of
Clark county, and C. D. Spaulding. of Monroe county.
Afterwards, and on the 6th day of April, 186(i, the name of
the company was changed to that of the West AVisconsin Rail-
way Compan.y, and the construction of the road Avas commenceil.
The lirst strip of it between Tomah and P>lack River Falls was
built in the suiiinier of 1868. and train service was started regu-
larly l)etween Tomah and Black Hiver Falls, wliieli continued up
until Novend)er, 1873, at Avhicli time ti-onble ai-ose between the
company and the town of Tomah irom tin tact that the company
claimed that the town had not kei)t its conti'act with regard to
the sul)scription of stock, and threatened to tear up the line from
"Warren's ]\Iills to Tomah and thus cut the village ott' from Jack-
son county. This threat Avas finally put into execution and the
iMiiiipany sent a crew oi' men doAvn to that end of the line, and on
the last Sunday of November. 1872, they tore u\) the track betwiHMi
Tomah and AVarren's ]\lills. It was only accomplished after strong
resistance l)y the citizens of the village and the excitement ran
liigh at the time. During the same year, 1872, the company con-
structed a track tlu'ough Warren's Alills to Fli-oy, nuiking a
junction at the latter ])lace with the Chicago anil Northwestern
Railway Company, and by this means, as Avell as by the tearing
up of the track from Tomah to Warren's Mills, gi-eat in.jm-y
was inflicted upon the business interests of Tomah and the citi-
zens were vei-y indignant and did not pi'opose to tamel\- submit
to such high-handed lu'ocedure. .Vccoi'dingly. on the 2!)th of
January, 187o, a bill was introduced in the legislature by the
Hon. A. E. Bleekman. then the membei- of the assem])ly from
Alonroe county, entitled "a bill i-e(piiring the "West "Wisconsin
iiailroad Company to relay, maintain and operate its road from
Tonudi to "Warren's Alills in .Monroe county." The bill Avas
referred to the judiciary committee, Avhich reported it back
THE WEST WISCONSIN RAILROAD 89
again with amendments and recommended its passage, and after
a warm fight in tlie h'gislature it passed both houses and was
approved by the governor February 18, 1873. The company,
however, defied this act of the legislature, refused to comply
with it in any manner, under the claim that, the act was uneon-
stitutional. and thus began, perhaps, the first chapter in the
history of railroad legislation in the state of Wisconsin regarding
the acts of such corporations.
The fact that the company failed to comply witJi tins law
compelled the citizens of Tomali to go to the courts, and accord-
ingly upon an application made to the supreme court and on the
29th day of August, 1873, leave was granted to commence action
against the company, and the attorney-general instituted pro-
ceedings in file nature of quo warranto, to have declared for-
feited the defendant's charter, and asked that the company be
dissolved under the act of February 13, 1873, above mentioned.
The company in its answer to this writ claimed that the act Avas
unconstitutional and nugatory, and demurred to the complaint
on the following grounds : First, that the court had not juris-
diction of the subject matter. Second, that the complaint did not
state facts sufficient to entitle the plaintiff to the relief demanded
herein, or to any relief.
This action was brought to hearing upon th(» demurrer at the
January, 1874. term of the supreme court, and the demurrer was
overruled. The defendant company then answered and the
village in turn demurrcHl to the answer set up by the company
on the ground that it did not state facts sufficient to constitute a
defense. AYhen the matter came up for hearing the court held
that the company, in discontinuing the road and taking up the
track from Warren's Alills to Tomah, violated the provisions of
its charter and its duty to the state under its charter; and that
the railroad company Avas required by chapter thirty-one of the
laws of 1873, being the act of February 13th, to relay and operate
that part of the road which it had originally received a charter
to ])uild, and was bound to maintain it ; namely, that portion of
the line which they hnd, as has been stated, torn up between
Tomah and AVarren's Alills. The court entered an order, sus-
tained the demurrer to the company's answer with leave to the
company to amend !>>' the first day of the next term.
This decision of the court was a body blow to the claim of
the company, and in order to save further litigation a proposition
Avas made to the village of Tomah to settle the case by a payment
of a sum of money. A meeting of the citizens Avas called and
90 IIISTOKV OK .Mo.XIi'OK (OlXTY
the matter eonsidered, and after one oi- two stormy sessions the
proposition of the company lo i);i\' $l(),0()(i in consideration of the
droi)pin!y: of ;ill litigations Avas tinally aeeepted, and this ended
tile matter. By an act of tiie legislature Fel)ruary i:]. 1876, the
act of February 13, 1878, Avas repealed and the building of the
line from AVarren's ]\Iills to Elroy whs legalized. The UKMuber
of the assembly from Tomab ;it Hiis lime was ("liarles D. Wells.
Portions of tlie old road betl fruiu Tomali to AVarren's IMills may
still be seen, mute monuments of those stirring times which lead
not only to ])hysical violence, but costly litigation on tlie part of
this little community to maintain its rights against a corporation.
CHAPTER X.
MONROE COUNTY NEWSPAPERS.
BY L. B. SQUIER.
MONROE CITIZEN.
The beginning of newspaper work in ]\Ionroe county dates
from some time in the year 1854, when L. P. Rising l)egan the
publication of a small paper called the ^Monroe Citizen. ]\lr.
Rising came from Cattaragus County, New York, bringing Avith
him a knowledge of the printer's trade and a small printing out-
fit. He settled near the western line of the county, about two
miles from Sparta. Here he cultivated a small farm and also got
out a paper about 8x12 inches in size, which he printed on a press
of his own construction. Nominally it was issued at Sparta and
the subscription price was $1.00 per year. It did not appear with
regularity, but at intervals, according to the opportunities of the
eccentric farmer-editor. The period of existence of the Citizen
was limited to about two years.
SPARTA HERALD.
This was the first regular newspaper in Monroe county ; was
published under different names at ditt'erent periods in its his-
tory. The Sparta Watchman was established at Sparta in the
spring of 1855 by Milton ^Montgomery and J. 1). Condit. This
was prior to tlu^ entrance of any railroads into the county and
the printing outfit obtained at Beaver Dam was brought to Sparta
by wagon. After pid)lishing the paper one year IMontgomery and
Condit sold it to Lucius ]\1. Rose, who had been connected with
the Watertown Chronicle. ]\Ir. Rose changed the name of the
paper to Monroe Freeman, and i)ublished it until the spring of
1858. Avhen it was purchased by David IMcBride, who had
previously published the ]\Iauston Star. He changed tlie name
to the Sparta Herald, which the paper has retained to the pres-
ent time with the exception of the two years 1867-1 860. In the
spring of 1867 the paper passed into Democratic control and was
called the Sparta Democrat. It was edited by William Jay
91
92 lllSTOKY OK MOXKOE (Ol NTV
\\'!ii|i|)l('. wlio jil'tcrward wciil lo Wii;oiui mikI pulilislicd llic
Winona Democrat. In 18()!> llic pajjer again cjiuk* into tlic pos-
session of D. .McRride, Avho associated with him in Ihc hnsiness
his son, \V. .McBride. They rechristened the paper S|)arta Her-
ald, and from that time to the present it has l)e('ii stnrdily Ke-
pnl)lican in politics. In 1884, after the death of I). McBridc, the
newspaper i)rop(M-ty ]iassed into the hands of his two sons, who
have pnblished it under the name of .McHride Brothers. ;iiid it is
still so pnhlishcd. althongh owned liy W. Mcl'.ride. The paper
is an eight-colnmn folio, printed all at Iiohm-.
So far as can he learned the first effort to establish a Demo-
cratic newspajx'r in ]\Ionroe connty was in 18.")!). when the Sparta
Democrat was started by two men, Richard M. Copeland and
George Babcock. The pnblication of tliis paper was discontinued
after about six months.
Another attempt at a Democratic paper in Sparta was made in
1868 by two brothers, Henry and Harrison Hayden. who had been
previously employed l)y the Herald. It was published only a few
mouths, the Tlaydens having some disagreenu^it willi theii- Dem-
ocratic backers, and was discontinued, the llaydens moving
away.
SPARTA EAGLE.
The Sparta Kagle was a second Republican paper started at
Sparta in 18(i(). as the result of dissensions among Republieau
politicians in the county. William H. Farnham and Luther B.
Xoyes were the publishers one year, after which the latter retired
and the paper was continued by .Mr. Fai'uham luitil 18ti8. lu
that year he sold it to George Kedway. who came from Ohio, and
sul)se(inentl>' his bi-otlnM'. R. E. Redway. had it for a time, .\flei'
this the |)apei- freciueiitly changed hands. D. B. J'riest. Carson
Graham and William Nelson, all of Viro(|ua. were connected with
it between 18()!> and 1871. In the latter year it was owned for a
time by W. li. Kiiieh. aftei-ward editor of the LaOrosse Repub-
lican-Leadei'. He sold it to R. ('. Bierce. of Vii-o(|na. and Henry
Rising, a son of the editor of .Monroe county's tii-st paper. t!ie
Citizen. In the fall of 1871 the paper was sold to D. W. C. Wil-
son and Theodore F. Hollister. The following year .Mr. Wilson
withdi-ew and the Kagle soon after died.
MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRAT.
Soon after the suspension of the S])arta Kagle the outfit was
bought bv D. W. C. Wilson, who in 187:^ started the ^Monroe
MONROE COUNTY NEAVSPAPERS 93
County Republican, a Democratic paper. He published it until
1879, when it was consolidated with the Monroe County Demo-
crat, a paper moved from Tomah by Brown and Foster. Mr.
Wilson retired from the business and Messrs. Brown and Foster
continued the paper under the name of the Monroe County Re-
publican. In August. 1879, Mr. Foster's connection with the paper
ceased and ^Ir. Brown changed the name to the ]Monroe County
Democrat. In October, 1883, Guy Whitney, of Portage, took
charge of the paper and the next February B. W. Perry became
associated with him in it. About three months later Mr. Perry
became proprietor and in January, 1885, he changed the name to
Democrat-Enterprise.
After disposing of the Democrat F. A. Brown started a Repub-
lican paper, the Sparta News. He had been publishing it nearly
a year when, on the 16th of August, 1885, the Sparta Democrat
was burned out in the Ida House fire. The remnant of the outfit
w^as bought by B. E. McCoy, of Sparta, who also bought the
Sparta News, and combining the two began the publication of the
Sparta Democrat, changing the name soon after to, ^lonroe
County Democrat. ]\Ir. McCoy published the paper almost ten
years, selling it in September, 1895, to D. C. Streeter, of Sparta.
Later S. E. Streeter became associated with his brother in the
business under the name of Streeter Brothers. In October, 1897,
it was leased to D. W. Cheney and Clark S. McCoy; was run by
them for a year. At the conclusion of the lease D. C. Streeter
again became publisher and S. E. Streeter editor. These brothers
became involved in some litigation, the paper going into the hands
of a receiver for a time. D. C. Streeter being successful in the
litigation again became proprietor, and published the paper with
C. S. McCoy as editor until December 19, 1903, Avhen the plant
was sold to G. S. Ellicott. The following fall he sold to el. P. Rice
and W. C. Plawkins. October 1, 1905, IMr. Hawkins disposed of
his interest to George Esch, who, with Mr. Rice, conducted the
paper until November 15, 1907, when Esch disposed of his inter-
est to W. N. Wells, and the Democrat has been conducted by Rice
& Wells up to the present, Mr. Wells being editor and manager.
WISCONSIN GREENBACK.
Among the papers published in the county for a short time
was the Wisconsin Greenback, which flourished during the
Cooper campaign. It was started in June. 187(). by Lamborn and
Needham. j\lr. Needham soon retired and the paper was con-
94 IIISTOHV OF .MnxK(u: corxTY
liiiucd l)\' Di'. J. L;iiiil)(tni Mild his son, Artliui' 15. Ii l)ecamc' the
or^an of tho GrcciiljjifU paity in th<' state and was removed to
^lihvankee in 1S77. I)u1 iiftcrwjird returned to Spiirta and was
published for a short time.
SPARTA TRIBUNE.
The Sparla Trihiiue was a paper stalled in 1SS2 by II. E.
Kelly and had a brief existenee. it was the organ of the so-called
Independent Re])nblieans. who formed a coalition with the Demo-
crats antl carried the county in the fall election. ^Ir. K(dly
started another paper called tlie Tudej^endent in -July, 1M90. He
sold it in January. 181)4. to L. S. lliiiii])lirey. of .Madison. The
next July it was discontinuetl. the outfit beiii"; sold to ^IcBride
Brothers.
TOMAH CHIEF.
The pioneer newspaper of Tonudi w;is 1lie Tonuili Chief. It
was published as early as ]859 when Toiuali was only a small
settlement, and there was not adequate sui)])()i-t for ;i news]iaper.
It was a small sheet and was i)ublis!ied aliout a year.
TOMAH JOURNAL.
The establishment of a permanent lU'wspaper in Tomah dates
from the year 1867. In .July of that year the Tomah Journal Avas
started, and from that time to the i)resent the name has not l)eeu
changed. It has l)een ])ublished eontinuou.sly longer than any
other paper in tlu^ county.
The .Jouriud was started by .lames A. and Cli.-ifles D. AVells
and for al)out eight ye;irs \\as published by one or both of these
brothers, with sexcral changes of firm name. In ls7-'>. ( '. D.
AVells' coiuiection with the ])aper ceased, .-iiid in April. lS7(i. he
started a Democratic paper in Tonuih calI'Ml the Tomali Signal.
It was i)ublished less Ihiiii ;i .\e;ir. .1. .\. Wells continued the i)ub-
lication of the .Joiu'iial until in .lanuar\. 1S,S4. when he sold it to
Kibbe (Jc A'iiH'ent. .\1 lh;it time .Mr. Fred Kilibe was ]tul)lishing
a small |)apcr cwlled the St;ir. -which w;is then merged with the
Journal. During the ye.ir llu' .Journal was leased to Mr. S. L.
Chase, mid in .laiiuar\-, ISS."). it wns sold to F. I>. S(|uier and .1. H.
Diitton, w!io ])ublished it for three years. Al tluit time .Mr.
S(|uier bought out his ])ar1iic!-"s interest jind li;is conducted the
l)api']' to the prest-nt time. The .loui-nal is a six column (piarto.
four i)ages liom(> print. It has licen T?e])ub]ic;in in politics
MONROE COUNTY NP]W8PAPKRS 95
throughout its entire history. The office is well equipped, with its
own power plant.
About the year 1867 a paper called the Toniah Democrat w'as
started hy a ]Mr. Averill. but it Avas published only six months.
The next attempt to establish a Democratic paper in Tomah was
made by C. D. Wells in 1876, and has already been mentioned.
In January, 1878, V. A. Brown and George A. Foster began the
publication of the Monroe County Democrat at Tomah. About a
year later they removed the office to Sparta and the paper w'as
consolidated with the Monroe County Republican.
TOMAH MONITOR-HERALD.
The next Democratic paper in Tomah was called the Badger
State Monitor, Avas started July 1. 1880. by Jay R. Hinckley. He
published this paper for eight years, during part of which time
he also published the Juneau County Argus at New Lisbon and
the Herald at Portage. In 1888 he sold the Monitor to J. A.
AVells, a former editor of the Tomah Journal ; later he took into
partnership his son, C. J. AYells; they purchased the Tomah Her-
ald in 11>U1, com])ining it with the ^Monitor under its present
name.
The Tomah Herald was started in 1891 by Jay R. Hinckley
and successively owned by Briggs Brothers, George F. Grassie
and ]\Ir. Lee, by whom it was sold to J. A. and C. J. AVells.
The ^lonitor-Herald is a weekly newspaper of eight pages,
seven columns to the page, published Fridays, is Republican
in politics. The office is ecjuipped Avith a modern outfit, the
largest tAVo revolution press in the county at the present time, a
linotype, three job presses, using electric poAver.
HERALD-ADVERTISER.
In February, 1891, Mr. Hinckley having purdmscd the Port-
age Advertiser, combined it Avith his Portage Herald and again
located in Tomah, i)ublishing his paper under the name Herald-
Advertiser. In January, 1891, he moA^ed his paper to Sparta,
Aviiere he published it for a fcAV years, then turned it into a
daily, Avhieli Avas sold to a local company, Avhich conducted it
for about a year, finally disposing of the plant to L. D. Merrill;
he moved the outfit to the Teasdale building, discontinued the
daily and resumed the Aveekly publication. Subsequently, the
plant Avas sold to Dorrington and Ross, Dorrington retiring from
the firm shortly after. The paper had a precarious existence
96 TIISTOKY OF .M()XK*()K COT'NTV
;iii(l tiii;ill\' liiiii iiriii I (lit'tictilt ics llircw il iiilo l);iiil<i'ti|)1cy and it
was sold by the trustee, ajiaiii passing' into Ihe hands of L. I).
jNlerrill. l-]ai-l\- in litlo he sohl it to a eoHipany formed of local
men. who ehanged the name to the Monroe County Republiean.
it Avas published under that name up to about October 1. IDll,
when jmblicat ion was finally discontiinicd, the plant sobl 1o
.Merlin Hull of Black TJiver Falls and moved to lliat eity.
TOMAH ENTERPRISE.
The Tomah Enterprise was started in the spring of 1885 by
K. .\. Alderman and Son. and A\iis discontinued in -Inly. 1887.
Later the i)lant was removed to .Montana. The Enterprise was
Republican in politics.
NEWSPAPERS OF CASHTON.
In Decern biM', 18!);}. J. A. Haines canu' 1o Cashton from Han-
gor and founded the first newspaper, which he named The Star.
Not having an outfit of liis own. he luid the sheet printed at
Sparta. After continuing the publication for about a year, he
sold Avhat he had to his son, Fraidx. who kept the paper running
until the spring of 1895, when he sold to E. II. Briggs, Avho
came here with an outfit from Shell Lake, AVis. Briggs changed
the name of the paper from The Star to The p]nter])risc. Briggs
sold the plant to E. II. Brown and d. AY. TTaughton in August,
1895. These gentlemen came iici'e Irom \'iro<|ua and conducted
the business until the foUoAving July. 1896. when they moved the
plant to Brooklyn, AVis. For a few weeks Cashton was without
a paper, but the peoi)le induced Frank Haines to try auain and
he. in company with Frank Rudoli)h, started the Record. Things
went l)adly with tliem and they Avere forced to sell the following
sunniier to .James ^McAIanamy. AlcAlanamy edited the paper until
the winter of 1898, when a fire destroyed the building ami most
of the outfit. .McAlanaiiiy then sold what was left to 0. G.
Briggs oi' \'ii(i(|ua. IL conducted the i)usiness until the fall of
1!)05, when E. 11. Brown of A^'iroqua. the present owner, pur-
(diased the i)lant and also that of the Independent, whicli was
started by .1. R. Ilinkley in the summer of 190:?. Air. Iliid<ley
sold his interest in the paper to d. A. .\ori"is and Xorris to E. II.
Brown. During the year 1!)()(> Fraid< Haines started a paper here
called the Sun. but its life was short. He afterward started a
.jol) otlice. but that also soon gave up the ghost.
MONROE COUNTY NEWSPAPERS 97
NORWALK SENTINEL.
This paper was started in January, 1888, and was discontinued
six months later. The Norwalk Times was started just after the
Sentinel ceased publication and was published for about six
months by H. C. McGary; the paper being printed at Sparta.
NORWALK STAR.
Founded in October, 1903, by 0. AV. Sprecher, who conducted
it until the summer of 1907, Avhen it was purchased by AY. J.
Robinson, and the ensuing fall was purchased by E. G. Hessel-
grave, the present owner and proprietor. This paper started
under discouraging circumstances, but has steadily grown in cir-
culation and advertising patronage until at the present time it
stands second to any paper in tlie county in respect to legiti-
mate home patronage. Independent in politics and stands for
the best interests of Norwalk, Alonroe county, and state of
AVisconsin.
WILTON HERALD.
The AA^'ilton Herald was started about the beginning of the
year 189-4 by a man named Bugbee, who set the type in the A^^il-
ton office and printed the paper at Reedsburg. He was soon
succeeded by Thompson & Brown, and later C. H. Brown became
the sole owner, he in turn sold the paper to J. E. Gruber in
February, 1900. who has been the proprietor and editor ever
since.
KENDALL KEYSTONE.
The first issue of the Kendall Keystone was published Jan-
uary 28, 1904, by Clarence S. Dodge, who came to the village
from AYhite Rock, S. D. It was started as an eight page five col-
umn paper and its publication was continued by Mr. Dodge
until July 29, 1905. when it was purchased by the present pub-
lisher, Alex R. McCleneghan. He soon enlarged the paper to a
six column eight pages, the standard county paper size. In
politics the Keystone is Independent Republican; the paper has
prospered from the beginning and now has a subscription list of
about eight hundred and good advertising patronage. The paper
is ably edited and has succeeded in bringing Kendall to the at-
tention of the outside world, which is appreciated by the people
of that bustling village.
98 HISTORY OF .ArONROE COUNTY
WARRENS INDEX.
The AVarrons Index was started at AVarrens, Wis., October 2,
1896, -with AY. G. p]vans, formerly of ^Missouri, as editoi-. Tlu'
newspaper outfit "vvas added to a job printing office, which liad
been doing business for a few years, owned by F. R. Barber.
The paper was published by IMr. Evans until ^lay, 1908, when
he disposed of his interest to I. S. Dunn, of Elroy. ^Ir. Dunn
severed his eonneetioii with the })ai)er the following year, l)ut its
publication was continued ))y the Index Printing Co. under dif-
ferent editors for several years. In September, 1910, the paper
was discontinued, the subscription list and i)art of tin- i)lant being
sold to the Tomah Jonnml.
VALLEY ADVOCATE.
The AViseonsin Yalley Advocate was started at Yalley Junc-
tion on JNIarch 3, 1898, by E. T. Hale, of Elroy. After l)eing run
for a time as a local paper, it passed into the hands of the
Twentieth Century Co., with AY. C. Brawley, of ]\Iauston, as
editor. It was enlarged and became chiefly an agricultural paper,
devoted to the development of the lands in that section of the
county. Mr. Brawley Avas succeeded by AY. II. Price as editor,
who conducted the paper until November, 1907. At that time it
Avas discontinued, the subscription list being disposed of to the
Toniah -lournal and the plant was sold to other parties.
TOMAH HERALD.
The Tomah Ib-rakl was started as a daily newspaper in the
year 1894 by J. R. Hinckley and Son, avIio were also publishing
a daily paper in Sparta at that time. After a short time it was
purchased ])y Briggs Bros., Avho changed it to a weekly paper.
In about a year they sold it to George Grassie, of Alilwaukee, Avho
afterward disposed of it to R. G. Lee. In 190-1 Air. Lee mo\ ed
the press and part of the ])lant to Tomahawk, selling the sub-
scription list and part of the material to AYells and Son of the
Tomah Alonitor, who then chantred tlu^ name of tlicir paper to
Alonitor-llerald.
CHAPTER XI.
MONROE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR.
BY WILLIAM H. BLYTON.
When the news was received of the fall of Fort Sumter the
general feeling of indignation felt by the North did not escape
the citizens of this young, but loyal county, and at no place in
the United States was the president's call for troops more
promptly responded to. Six full companies of volunteer soldiers
w^ere organized and a part of the seventh furnished by this
county, together with a large number of men in different com-
panies in several of the regiments. In all, there were 927 men
who w^ent from JMonroe county during the war, and of this num-
ber 141 gave up their lives in the service of their country.
This is a remarkable record ; Monroe county did its full share
and a little more, as will readily be seen when the fact is remem-
bered that in the census report for 1860 the entire population
of the county, men, women and children, numbered about 8,407
souls, and the male population between the ages of fifteen and
fifty was only 2,220, together with the further fact that the
county w^as only seven years of age, having been organized
March 21, 1854 ; and that when war was declared the assessed
valuation of the entire property of the county, real and per-
sonal, was but $1,477,745.
In view of the foregoing, it seems that it may be said that
Monroe county did more than her full share and made for her-
self during the AVar of '61 a record that any and all of her citi-
zens may refer to with pride. We feel that w^e are justified in
boasting of our volunteer soldiers, who Avere citizens before they
became soldiers.
The population of the county now is 28,881, as against 8,407
in 1860, and the assessed A'aluation of our real and personal
property is $25,921,265, as against $1,477,745 in 1860, which is
suggestive of the truth of the oft repeated saying that we live
in a progressive age, and as a new generation stands in our
places, let them be taught that the Union soldier has done much
99
100 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
ill AVar and in Peace. That in every avenue of life soldiers are
nuiiihcred still l)y the thousands, and the lessons of patriotism
should not be lost ui)on our children or our children's children,
and they should be made to feel that the blessing enjoyed in a
free country depend upon the loj'alty, patriotism, and intelli-
gence of its people.
The history of the troops which went from this county into
the war is necessarily the history of the various regiments in
which its citizens enlisted ; in order to fully record the great
service which was rendered in that struggle by our own peo-
ple, the history of some of the regiments in which companies
enlisted from this county is given in this chapter; it is a remark-
able record, the record of hardships, bravery and good Ameri-
can patriotism under all circumstances, and one which has
formed no small part of the remarkable history of AVisconsin
troops during the Rebellion. There were several regiments in
which nearly whole companies came from ^Monroe county, no-
tably Company A, Third Cavalry, which was almost entirely from
this county; Company I, Fourth Cavalry, and a large number in
Company F, Fourth Cavalry; some twenty-tive or six in the First
Battery, Light Artillery; quite a number enlisted in the Sixth
Infantry in A'arious companies; Company C of the Eighteenth
Infantry ; Company C of the Nineteenth Infantry, a large num-
ber in Company D of the same regiment ; Company D of the
Twenty-tifth Regiment of Infantry, also a large number of Com-
pany F; Company C, Twenty-sixth Infantry; Company K, Forty-
third Infantry: Company I, Forty-eighth Infantry; Company B.
Fiftietli Infantry, and Company A, Fifty-first Infantry.
THE SIXTH INFANTRY.
The Sixth Regiment was organized at Camp Randall in -June.
1861, and mustered into the United States service July 13th : left
the state July 27th, reaching AVashington August 8th. This regi-
ment, in connection with the Second AVisconsin. Fiflh Wiscon-
sin and Nineteenth Indiana, composed Gen. Rufus King's First
Brigade and throughout the war the Second, Sixth and Seventh
AA^isconsin Regiments served in the same organization, and
became knoAvn the world over as ''The Iron Brigade," and their
services throughout that struggle were rendered as brigade and
not as regiments.
These three "Wisconsin regiments had absolute confidence in
one another; the men to a great extent were personally ac-
quainted; their campaigns extended over a comparatively small
MONROE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 101
section of the country ; they became familiar with the army
against which they Avere called upon to battle. During the four
years they were in close proximity to the powerful armj'^ led by
the most brilliant officers of the Confederacy; they knew that a
march of a day or two in its direction meant skirmishing, if not
a battle. It was necessary throughout these years in which his-
tory was made that men of this brigade be ready for battle all
of the time.
Another circumstance is found in the fact that from the first
to the last, the brigade was commanded by a soldier who knew
how to command and Avho knew how to get the best possible
work from his men. General King was a graduate of West Point.
A thorough disciplinarian, and his work during the few months
in which he had command was invaluable in preparing the
brigade for its future services.
He M'as succeeded by Gen. John Gibbons in ^lay, 1862, who
continued the work of making his brigade regular army soldiers,
and they were regulars in fact as well as in name ; not only were
the men well drilled and well instructed, but the field and line
officers were made efficient, so that when General Gibbon was
placed in the command of a division after the battle of Antietam,
all of the surviving colonels of the brigade were competent to take
his place. Meredith of the Nineteenth Indiana and Cutler of
the Sixth Wisconsin were made brigadiers, and had experience
as commanders of the brigade. They folloAved as closely as they
could in the footsteps of Gibbon. Then came Colonel Robinson,
of the Seventh Wisconsin, and then Colonel Bragg, of the Sixth.
Colonel Bragg had been a remarkably close student of Gibbon's
methods and soon after assuming the command he was made a
brigadier general. When he left the command in February, 1865,
an officer who had left AVisconsin as a first lieutenant and had
reached the rank of colonel of the Sixth Wisconsin, succeeded
him, and ])ecame a brigadier general by brevet because of his
splendid management in the closing campaign of the war, this
was Gen. John A. Kellogg.
Aside from the battles of the Army of the Potomac in the
spring and summer of 1862 on the Potomac, this brigade missed
none of the great and small battles of the Army of the Potomac.
Its opportunities for winning credit and thinning its ranks were
greater than were offered to any other Wisconsin regiments
sent to the war, and the statement is here emphasized that any
other four Wisconsin regiments similarly situated, similarly
commanded, kept together throughout the war and given the
102 iiisi'DRY OF :\ionrop: county
same opportunity to win distinction Avoiild, without any kind of
donbt, liave won tho sanio rank and licen given tlic same erodit.
After spending the winter of 18()l-2 on Arlington Heights, the
brigade broke eainp ]Mareli 10, 1862, joined in the march of Mc-
Clellan's great army on Centerville and IManassas.
The first great battle in which the brigade played a i)r()ini-
nent part was in Gainsville, Va., August 28, 1862; it was the
beginning of a series of battles in Uie vicinity of Bull Run battle
tield of the year before; here Jackson's corps had destroyed mil-
lions of dollars worth of property at Manassas and had turned
back to join the balance of Lee's army. Gibl)on's brigade con-
sisted of Ihe four regiments named and Hattery B; for hours
faced antl fought Stonewall Jackson's army corps of nearly
thirty-six regiments. The only help it had for a portion of the
time being the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvaiiia and the Seventy-sixth
NeAV Yorl: on the right (tf the line. The brigade entered the
engagement with 2,200 men and its loss, killed and wounded, was
800, but in that battle it won a name for good soldiership.
The next engagement was South ^Mountain, "Sid., September
14: in this battle the brigade charged upon the high mountain
in the face of a much larger force and won the signal victory. In
this battle its conduct was witnessed by the corps commander.
Gen. Joseph Hooker, and Gen. George B. JMcClellan, conunander
of the Army of the Potomac, and it was in this battle that it
was given thr name of the "Iron Brigade." General ]\lc('lellan
asked, "Whose troops are these?" As he saw Ihe l)i'igade charge
upon the mountain, Avhen told by General Hooker that it was
Gibbon's western brigade, he remarked, "They are men of iron."
as the story goes. AVithin a few days Cincinnati ]iapers were
received in which the western men Avere spoken of as the "Iron
Brigade." There are different stories as to how the brigade
received its name, but General Bragg, who grew up with tlie
organization, said tliat in his belief it was the war correspond-
ents and he thought it was a con-espondent of a Cincinnati paper
who gave the comni.iiKi the name it has held (>ver since.
At the first battle of Fredericksburg, in December, 1862. when
tlie brigade was in Franklin's grand division, on the left, and
while it was under fire two days and lost considerable nund)er
of men, it was not the disastrous kind of an (>ncounter it had
experienced in previous battles.
It participated in Burnside's famous !Mud ^Marcli in 1S()2 on
the Potomac, when it returned to its camps at Bell Plain until
MONROE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 103
Hooker's campaig'n began iu the last week of April, 18G3, when
it made its remarkable charge in pontoon boats across the Rap-
pahannock river at Fitzhugh Crossing, charged the heights on
the opposite side of the river, drove the enemy, took possession,
fortified and held the place until General Hooker's men had
crossed the riA'er and got on the left flank of Lee's army, when
the brigade recrossed the river and marched to join the main
army at Chancellorsville, where it participated in the fight and
joined in another retreat on the safe side of the Rappahannock.
A short time later it participated in the three bloody days of the
battle of Gettysburg, beginning July 1. 1862. At this time it
was the First Brigade, First Division, First Army Corps, Gen.
Solomon Meredith being in command. It is claimed by some
authority that the Wisconsin brigade and Pennsylvania infantry
opened fire in that battle at about the same time.
The authorities of ])oth states claim that their soldiers were
the first to begin the infantry fighting, but the fact is that they
belonged to the same division and marched into the fight at the
same time. In the first day's fight the brigade's loss was very
great in officers and men, and lost more than one-third of its
troops in killed and wounded. During the balance of the two
days' battle it was on Gulp's Hill, behind strong entrenchments.
It was called into action several times and saw the never-to-be-
forgotten charge made by the Confederates under Gen. George
E. Pickett.
After Meade's fruitless campaign in November, 1863, the
brigade returned to its quarters with the rest of the corps at
Culpeper Court House, and on the 1st of January the Sixth and
Seventh regiments re-enlisted for three years more or during
the war, and were given thirty days' furlough, returning to
Wisconsin as regiments. Their reception by the people of the
state constituted one of the great events in the lives of the young
soldiers. At the end of the thirty days the two regiments
returned to the brigade and iu May. 1864, it, with the rest of
the army, plunged into the AVilderness campaign on ]\Iay 5, 1864,
and they were not out of the hearing of hostile guns until the
surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox, April 9, 1865. It was
in the forefront in the two days' battle of the Wilderness
proper, at Laurel's Hill, Spottsylvania, Bethesda Church, in
North Anna, Cold Harbor, the Siege of Petersburg, the three
days' battle of Weldon railroad beginning August 18th, and
ending on the 21st; the battles of Hatcher's Run, Gravely Run,
104 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Five Forks and Appomattox. Tlie brigade took its place in the
grand revicAV in AVasliington after the "war, and two months
later returned to the state and was mustered out of the service.
THE EIGHTEENTH INFANTRY.
The Eighteenth Infantry was ordered to Camp Sigel. ^U\-
waukee, January 7, 1862. It completed its organization and
was mustered into the service and left the state about the last
of March, 1862, reaching Pittsburg Landing April 5, and went
into the Battle of Shiloh the next day. It was surprised by the
Confederates early in the morning of April 6th, and, although
it was poorly drilled and wholly unprepared for service, yet
Avithin a week it Avas forced into one of the greatest battles of
the war and took up the work of fighting, and made a credit-
able record, losing many valuable officers, including the colonel
and a large number of men. Col. S. H. Alban was killed early
in the engagement; Lieut. Col. S. AV. Beall, who had been
lieutenant governor of AVisconsin. Avas severely Avounded, and
Maj. J. AV. Crain Avas killed. In this battle, the Eighteenth
lost tAventy-five killed and ninety-one Avounded. Jn the folloAV-
ing October it Avas in the battle of Corinth, again losing heavily
in killed and Avounded. 1)ut adding greatly to its reputation as a
fighting regiment. Capt. Gabrial Bouck, of the Second AViscon-
sin, Avas made colonel to succeed Colonel Alban. killed at Shiloh.
The Eighteeutli Avas one of AVisconsin's regiments at the battle
and siege of Vicksburg. The regiment reached Chattanooga in
time to take part in the battle of Alission Ridge, November 25,
1863, and from there Avent to Iluntsville. Avhcre it remained on
guard and outpost duty until 'May. 1864. ]\Iost of its duty from
that time to the end ol' the war consisted of important guard
and outpost duty, aside from tiic i)arl it took in 1iu^ Confederate
attack on Alloona I'ass. There Avere stored at this pass an
immense quantity of aniiy supplies. The Confederate army
needed these supplies and they attacked Avith great force and
A'igor. ])ut the small force of Union troops stationed there fought
as soldiers are seldom called upon to fight. Here the Eighteenth
Avon for itself great praise and great distinction. It Avas in this
battle that General Slu>rman signaled to General Corse from
KenesaAv AFountain to hold the position, for he Avas coming. From
this dispatch came that Avouderful old song. ''Hold the Fort,
for T am Coming." General Corse had received, previous to
this message, seA'eral Avounds and signaled l)ack to Sherman,
"I have lost an ear, part of a cheek and am Avounded in one arm.
MONROE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL AVAR 105
but I will hold the fort until Hades freezes over." It was one
of the sharpest battles of that kind fought during- the war, and
to this day many wonder how that small force could check and
drive back a whole division of Confederates.
AVhile the Eighteenth did not march with Sherman to the
sea, it joined Sherman's' army by traveling on boats and rail-
roads, reaching it the last of March, and was with him until
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, surrendered, soon after
which Johnston and his army laid down their arms. The
Eighteenth had three colonels, J. S. Alban, Gabrial Bouck and
Charles H. Jackson.
THE NINETEENTH INFANTRY.
The Nineteenth was organized at Camp I tley, Racine, l)ut in
April, 1862, was ordered to Camp Randall to guard prisoners
taken at Shiloh. Early in June of tliat year the regiment pro-
ceeded to Virginia.
This regiment was given a larger amount of our post and
guard duty than most of the regiments, though it was in all ways
an excellent command, and both officers and men were anxious
for more service; Init this important duty had to be placed in
good hands and this regiment was thoroughly to be depended
upon, and did work in a manner to bring praise from its superior
officers.
It was stationed at Norfolk for some time and again was
stationed at Suffolk, Va. It was engaged in several battles in
front of Richmond and Petersburg, and lost in killed twenty-
nine, died of wounds twelve, died of disease 107. Horace R.
Sanders, of Racine, was the first colonel, and S. K. Voughan the
second colonel. The regiment had only these two colonels. It
was mustered out of the service August 9, 1865.
THE TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
This regiment was organized at LaCrosse, AVis., in Septem-
ber, 1862, and as soon as it was mustered into the service was
sent to Minnesota to aid in the Indian War prevailing there at
that time. It returned to Madison in January, 1863, and left
for Kentucky February 17th of the same year. It was com-
manded by a jMonroe county man. Col. ]\Iilton Montgomery, and
the history of this regimeiit is of peculiar interest inasmuch as
nearly one whole company, D, and a great part of another, F,
Avere composed of Alonroe county citizens.
106 TIISTOHV OF :\I()XROE COT'XTY
Tlie Tweiity-fiftli had quite an experience in ^Minnesota in
the Indian campaign, after which, as has been stated, it returned
to Madison and was sent soutli in ISfi:}. and became a part of
the Sixteenth Army Corps and joined Grant's army at Vicks-
burg early in June, remaining there until after the surrender
and performing well every duty assigned to it. It was one of the
regiments wliieh participated in this memorable march of Gen-
eral Sherman from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and from there to
the sea: It saw hard service throughout this camjiaign, and the
regiment was depended upon, on numerous occasions, for very
important duty, and was fref(uently engaged in severe battles.
AVhile its losses in killed and wounded were not as great as
many of the regiments, it lost from disease a larger number than
any other regiment from the state. The records of Company
D showing a large percentage of Monroe county men who died
of disease. This is the regiment of Avhich Jeremiah 31. Rusk
was lieutenant colonel. He went out with it as major. l)ecame
lieutenant colonel, and as such commanded it in many of its
campaigns and battles, and was promoted to brevet brigadier
and for some time commanded the brigade. General Rusk told
this story on himself: While going through North Carolina in
command of a brigade his troops went in the x^i'ie forests to
camp and when, two days later, it In-oke camp, nearly every man,
because of the piteh ])ine smoke, was nearly as dark skinned as
the colored people. AVhile General Rusk was riding at the head
of his brigade, his face nearly as black as a crow's wing, he
heard some southern people by the roadside say: ''For Gaud
sake, if the Yankees haven't been obliged to put niggers in
command of their brigades." Colonel ^Montgomery of this regi-
ment lost an arm in action, and for gallant and meritorious con-
duct was made a brigadier general 1)y brevet. The Twenty-
fifth's losses in killed and wounded Avas forty-two. and of its
number 376 died of disease. It was one of Wisconsin's famous
regiments, which left a glorious record (if its services. It was
mustered out on June 7, I860.
THE THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
Till' Thirty-sixth regiment was organized \inder the presi-
dent's first call in 1864, and was Ww first to respond. It left
]\[adison ]\lay '10, 1864, and joined the Army of the Potomac at
Spottsylvania, Va.. a Aveek later. It went directly into the line
of battle when it reached that place, and Avas soon taken into the
thick of the fight and acquitted itself as if its soldiers had been
I\rONROE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL AVAR 107
veterans. From that time until the end of the war the Thirty-
sixth regiment was given the hardest service, and was ordered
into all of the battles recorded up to and including Appomattox.
It had for its colonel, Frank A. Haskell, who left the state
in 1861 as adjutant of the Sixth Wisconsin, and Avas General
Gibbon's adjutant general. At the battle of Gettysburg, while
serving on General Gibbon's staff as a captain, command of the
entire army corps devolved upon him for a brief space of time.
Generals Hancock, Gibbon and AA^ebb had been wounded and
Haskell assumed the responsiliility of directing the corps in the
engagement. At the battle of Cold Harbor, where his regiment
did great execution and met Avitli distressing losses. Colonel
Haskell, while at the head of his command, standing on the
breast work and as he was about to give a command to charge,
was instantly killed. Two days before that he had been rec-
ommended for promotion to brigadier general. He was, without
doubt, one of the most soldierly and manly men from this state.
Though its services extended for only a year, the losses of this
regiment were much greater than two-thirds of the three years'
regiments.
It had four different colonels, Haskell, who was killed; Col.
John A. Savage was mortally wounded, and Col. Harvey M.
Brown was erroneously reported killed at Petersburg. Col.
Clement E. A\"arner lost an arm, and a number of captains and
lieutenants were killed. More than half of the thousand men
that Colonel Haskel hurried to the front early in 1864 were
killed or wounded. The regiment lost in one year seventy-nine
killed, forty-seven died of wounds, and 168 died of disease. It is
not surprising that the survivors of the Thirty-sixth AVisconsin
are proud to have been of such a regiment.
THE FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
This regiment was recruited and organized under the direc-
tion of Col. Amasa Cobb, formerly of the Fifth AVisconsin. It
left ]\Iilwaukee for the field on the 9th of October, 1861, under
orders to report at Nashville, Tenn., to General Sherman. From
Nashville they moved by rail and encamped on the 15th of
October at Johnsonville, the terminus of the military railroad
connected with Nashville and situated 110 miles from Paducah,
on the Tennessee river. Here Colonel Cobb was appointed post
commander and Lieutenant Colonel Paine assumed command of
the regiment. This important post, at which was collected
immense quantities of stores, was then menaced by the approach
108 HISTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
of rebel forces under General Hood, and from the 4tli to the
6th of November the regiment was exposed to the fire of tin-
rebel gnns, planted on the opposite bank of the Tennessee, losing-
one man killed and one wounded.
The ForlN-third left Johnsonville on the morning of the 30tli
of November, and marched l»y Avay of Waxcrly through an
unbroken wilderness and arrived on the 4th of December at
Clarksville, on the Cumberland river. Embarking at ( bii-k'sville
on the 28th they ]-eached Nashville at 10 in the evening. They
landed the next morning and remained in the city awaiting
transportation until the evening of the 21st of January. I8ti5.
when they left Nashville by rail and arrived at Dechard. Tenn.,
where six companies of the regiment went to camp riiid tour
companies, under command of ^Major Hrightman. being detadu'd
to guard the Elk river brigade.
The regiment was employed at that station in i>ost and guard
duty on the line of the Nashville and Chattanooga railroad until
the beginning of June, Avhen it was moved to Nashville, at whidi
place it was mustered out of the service June 24. 1865, arriving
soon after in Milwaukee, where they Avere paid and disbanded.
THE FORTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
Was organiz(?d at ^lihvaukec during tin- months of Februai-y
and ]\rarch, 1865. Eight companies oi' the i-i-giment under tlic
command of Lieutenant Colonel Shears left ^Milwaukee on the
2nd of ]\rarch under orders to report at Benton Barracks, Mis-
souri, at which place it received orders on the 28th of ^Marcli to
proceed to Paola, Kan. I^pon its arrival llicre tlu^ (•oui])anies
were sent in different directions to detached duly, and on the
19th of July Colonel Pearsall was assigned to the command of
all the troops in and west of Neosho Valley, Kan., including tiie
station on Osage iMission, with headquarters at Humboldt. Kan.
Orders were received on the lOth of August for the regiment
to proceed to Lawrence, hut on account of heavy rains the march
was delayed until the l!Jtii. arriving at Lawrence, Kan., on Sejv
teniber 5th. I'pon its an-ival at Lawriuice the regiment Avas
again assigned on delacln-d service, companies being sent to
occupy different places. Companies B. D. F and I, Avere nuis-
tered out at LeaA^euAvorth, Kan., on the lllh of February, 1866,
and reached ]\Iadison on the 23r(l. The balance of the companies
Avere mustered out on the 24th of ]\Iarcli, 1866, and arriA-ed at
INIadison on the 28th, Avher(» they Avere ])aid and disbanded.
MONROE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 109
THE FIFTIETH REGIMENT.
The Fiftieth AViseonsiii was organized under tlie supervision
of John G. Clark, of Lancaster; left Madison by companies the
latter part of March and the beginning of April, 1865, and on
arriving at St. Louis, ]\Io.. the companies were assigned to Ben-
ton Barracks. On the 11th of October, Colonel Clark assumed
command of the ])()st at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., where the regi-
ment w^as stationed until the expiration of its term of service.
Company E was ordered to report at INIadison, AVis., where it
was mustered out and discharged on the 19th of April, 1866.
The balance of the regiment remained in garrison at Fort Rice
until the 31st of May, 1866, when Companies A, B, C and D,
under the command of Lieutenant Colonel McDermott set out for
home, reaching Madison, AYis.. on the 12th of May, 1866. Com-
panies F, G, H. I and K, under the command of Colonel Clark,
left Fort Rice on the 3rd of June and arrived at Madison on
the 14th of June, and here the whole army was immediately
mustered out, paid and disbanded.
THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT.
Six companies of this regiment were recruited under Col.
Leonard ]\Iartin and were organized at Camp Washburn, Mil-
waukee, during the months of February, March, April and May,
1865, and were sent to Benton Barracks, Mo., the last company
being organized on the 29th of April, in that year. The four
junior companies not having left the state, they were mustered
out and discharged at Milwaukee on the 6th of IMay under gen-
eral orders from the War Department for the reduction of the
army. On the 7th of April Company B was placed on temporary
duty at St. Louis, and on the 8th of May Companies A, C, E and
F were ordered to Warrensburg, Mo. These companies were
then stationed along the line of the Pacific railroad, and were
occupied in guarding the construction of this road from Holden
to Pleasant Hill. Company B reached the regiment on the 21st
of June. In accordance with the special orders from the War
Department June 10, 1865, the Fifty-third Wisconsin, consist-
ing of four companies, was consolidated with the Fifty-first regi-
ment and was mustered out at Madison in companies, the last
company being disbanded on the 30th of August, 1865.
THIRD CAVALRY.
This regiment was fully organized, and the colonel and field
officers mustered into the United States service on the 28th of
no HISTORY OF ^rOXROE COUNTY
fJaiiuary, 18H2. Col. William A. Barstow took i-oiiunaiul and its
headciiiarters were at Camp Jiarstow, Janesville.
On the 26th day of March, 1862, the regiment left the state
under orders to rejiort at St. Louis. Th(\v took Ihc ti-aiii for
Chicago and had arrived within three nnles of that cily when
they met with a terrible disaster. The cars were running i-apidly
and several of them were thrown from the track. Twelve men
were instantly killed, and twenty-eight wounded. On the morn-
ing of the 27th they arrived in Chicago and took the cars for
St. Louis, wher(^ they arrived the 28th, and marched to the fair
grounds, near Benton Barracks. ^lay 22nd, 1862. they took
three steamers up the ^Missouri for Leavenworth, Kan., arriving
IMay 27th. They had previously drawn ^Merrill's carbines at St.
Louis and sabres at Janesville. They camped on the blue grass
near Fort Lea\ eiiworth, and there drew their horses and eiiuij)-
ments, and in the city their revolvers. Colonel Barstow was
appointed provost marshal of Kansas, and in the beginning of
June the regiment was stationed, by detachments, in different
parts of the state, extending from the Nebraska line on the north
to Fort Scott on the south. The nature of the service was
chiefly to hunt up and expel the jayhawkers and bushwhackers of
that region. Companies C, F, I and ]\I were sent, June 12th, from
Fort Leavenworlh to Fort Scott, Avhere they aii-ived on the
17th. This inai'ch is worthy of record, as it was accomplished in
five days without the loss of a man or horse, the distance being
180 miles. Fort Scott was now the outpost of the forces, and
]Major Ilenning took command of the post. Company T was
sent to occupy Carthage, Mo., sixty-five miles from Foi-t S^-ott.
Captain Conkey in t-onnnand.
Company C Avas sent to Trading Post, thirty-five miles north
of Fori Scoit. (Hi llie border. Bands of rebels were jtrowling
about the territory. Captain Conkey followed one jiarty, with
a snuiU force, from Carthage, and finding himself in danger,
charged through their camj) of 2.000 one morning before day-
light and escaped. Colonel Barstow unexpectedly met the same
band at ]Montevallo. and routing them, fell back to F(n"t Scott,
where an attack was expected. But General Salomon's arrival,
on liis retui-n from the Indian country, made the post seeure.
General Blunt arriving, Comjianies V and T, Lieutenant Willets
in command, joined an expedition in ])ursuit of the enemy. At
Taberville they had an engagement witli liim. and Company
I being in front, showed so nmch bravery that Colonel Cloud
commendctl them in his official report. They took ])art also
3E0NR0E COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 111
in the action at Coon Creek where 600 loyalists routi'd 1,500
rebels. .
Early in Sci)teinber, Companies I and ]M were substituted, at
Fort Scott, for C and F, ]\Iajor Henning still commanding. They
were constantly engaged in scouting expeditions, and as escorts
for trains to General Blunt 's army in southwest ^lissouri, until
January, 1863. when Companies C and G were added to th(^ com-
mand, and remained till July, at which date Company G was
ordered to report to Lieutenant-Colonel AVhite, who then had
cniiuiiand of the regiment.
Meanwhile the first and third battalions, under ]\Iajor
Schroeling, were engaged in such varied movements as were
common to a state of border warfare. In June, 1862, a disposi-
tion was made of them at ditit'erent points, thus: Company D
was sent to Atchison, G to Shawnee, and L to Aubrey; Com-
panies B and H guarded Fort Leavenworth ; at Leavenworth
City, A, E and K performed provost duty besides scouting in
the border counties of Missouri. The infamous Quantrell, Avith
his guerillas, was often found and fought by them.
September 13 six companies Avent to Indian Creek, in south-
west Missouri, and joined the command of General Salomon. In
his brigade they took part in the battle of Cane Hill, the last
of November, and in that of Prairie Grove, December 7th, to be
described hereafter. Subsequently tlicy went to Cane Hill again,
thence to Van Buren on a raid, driving out a Texas regiment
and capturing several steamboats. During the Avinter of 1862-63
they Avere a part of the time at Elm Spring ]\Iills, and ]\Iarma-
duke being engaged in raiding through the country, they Avere
continually on the alert to intercept and dislodge him. They
Avere noAV in Arkansas and then in ^Missouri, on short marches
and on long ones — at one time moving from Forsyth, Missouri,
to Springfield, 256 miles, in four days, AA^thout taking forage
or rations. June 22nd they Avere separated from the rest of the
command and marched to Fort Scott, camping there July 5th,
the day after the fall of Vicksburg.
The other companies of the regiments B, C, H. I and ]M, in
the preceding month of ]\Iay, under the command of Captain
Stout, marched to Fort Blunt, in the Cherokee Nation, as an
escort for the post supply train. A heavy force of some 1,500
Texans and Indians under the rebel general. Cooper, attacked
them on the 30th of May, Avhen they were only four miles from
the fort. The enemy Avas repulsed, the national troops losing
five men killed and Avounded. June 4th they again set out from
112 IIISTOKY OF MONROE COUNTY
Fort lUuiit as I'si-ort lo tlir rcliiniiii^- train, and un the 2()th
turned about as escort to a large train of supplies to the fort.
At Cabin Creek, on the 27th. the ichd General Cooper again
attacked them with a nuich snpcrior force. The enemy, however,
were (liixcn lil'ls' miles across the Verdigris river. Reaching
Fort Hlunl they were attached to the Third brigade, army of the
frontier, .luly 16th tlie}' marched soutli. nndei- tlie lead of General
Blunt. The next day they had a battle at Honey Springs, where
the I'ebels under Coo])ei' and Stamlwaite lost numy i)risoners
anol their wiu)le artillery. Afterward they crossed the Arkansas
river aiul i)ursued the enemy, having some skirmishes, and on
the 19tli returned to Fort Blunt \\ith tli<' army.
The early holder warfare led to the formation of several
Indian regiments, composed in general of the arms-bearing
refuges among the Indians that could be obtained for the service
of the United States. The Thii-d AVisconsin Cavalry had some
connection with these regiments, i)articularly the Third, wliieh
was recruited on the frontier of .Missouri and Kansas, ^ir. F. II.
Ely, of the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, was first detailed for special
service, and then ordered by General Blunt, November 15, 1862, to
take command of Company G, Third Indian Regiment, as first
lieutenant. The First Battalion was with this regiment in the
battle of Honey Springs, or Elk Creek.
FOURTH CAVALRY.
This regiment was originally organized as the Fourth Regi-
ment of infantry about the 6th of June, 1861, at Camp Utley, Ra-
cine. On the 15th day of July, 1861, they left the state under
orders to report at Baltimore, ]\Id., where they arrived on
the 2:^rd. After detached duty, which separated the companies
i)f the regiment, they were reunited on the 5th of August and
Avent into camp thirty miles north of AVashington. Here they
renmined engaged in drill until the 4th day of Novendx'r. when
the regiment took part in an expedition on the eastern shore of
Virginia under General Lockwood. wliiili accomplished no result.
Upon its return the regiment Avas plaeed in liari'acks in the city
of Kaltimoi-e, where it i-eniained until V'ebruary, lS(i2. It was
orch-red on board of transports at Newport News, Virginia, and
sailed south to join the army of the Gulf, and arrived at Ship
Island, ^Mississippi, on the bilh of .March. There the reginu'nt'
was assigned to the Second bi'iL;a<le of the (inlf department,
lirig. -General Thomas Williams connnantling. Here it remained
in camp until the 16th of April, and on that day. with tlie Fourth
MONROE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 113
Wisconsin, Sixth Michigan and Twenty-first Indiana regiments,
went on board the ship Great Republic, which was the next day
towed by Jackson toward the Mississippi river and anchored off
the southwest pass to await the action of the fleet which had gone
up the river to attack Forts Jackson and St. Phillips. Here they
witnessed in the distance that terrible bombardment whose
lightnings and battle clouds filled the heavens as with a tempest.
The bombardment opened April 18th under Captain Farragut.
The forts were damaged but before being captured it was de-
cided to pass them and go on to New Orleans, which was done
on the 24th, the chain boom obstruction over the river having
first been passed and the rebel fleets silenced and the guns of the
forts were partially silenced. The land forces were ordered to
sail around by a more shallow passage through the Bay of Ronde
and strike the river in the rear of the forts. The Fourth Wis-
consin was transferred from the Colorado to the Great Republic
and on the 26th started with other troops for Sable Island. The
expedition was successful and the Fourth Wisconsin received
high praise from Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, who was in command
of that district. On the 29th the companies of the Fourth AA^is-
consin were assembled from the gunboats and in connection with
the Thirty-first Massachusetts Avere the first troops to land in
New Orleans. With colors flying, their feet keeping time to
''Yankee Doodle" as they marched to the custom house and took
forceable possession, the Fourth Wisconsin occupying principally
the post office. Here it remained until the 8tli of May, perform-
ing the duty of provost guard in the city. On that day six com-
panies embarked on the transport Burton, steamed up the Mis-
sissippi river thirty-five miles and landed on the left bank. Just
before daylight they started with part of the Sixth Michigan
for the Jackson and Mississippi railroad after a difficult and
dangerous march through cypress swamps and difficult roads
and having a little brush with the outpost of the enemy. On the
18th they reached, in boats, the vicinity of Warrenton at 5 :00
in the afternoon and tied up at that place in sight of the rebel
works. After some skirmishing the regiment proceeded on the
river to Baton Rouge, wdiere it landed and remained until the
17th of June. On the 5th of June General AYilliam's order was
issued directing the commanders to turn fugitive slaves out of
their camps and keep them out. Colonel Paine refused to obey
this order and was placed under arrest. Colonel Paine consid-
ered that by turning these fugitives out that he was violating
the act of congress which provided an officer from employing
114 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
trooi)s under his coiiiitiaiKl to return fugitivL's from services or
labor and that by turning them away from the protection of
these troops he was violating that act. The regiment stood by
the colonel and was highly indignant, and on the 17th of June
it was so modified that he again assumed connnand and the regi-
ment embarked on the second expedition to Vicksburg. At Grand
Gulf they burned every building and in the night embarked for
Vicksburg, which Avas reached on the 2r)th. Soon after the
arrival at Vicksburg it was decided to dig a canal from the
jNIississippi river above the city, the neck of land opposite to the
river below, and part of this work was then under the direction
of Captain Bailey. Negroes Avere conscripted from all the planta-
tions along the river for this work. Jt was continued up until
July 14th, when, owing to the fearful loss of life from disease
contracted in the low, wet ground, the Avork Avas abandoned on
July 14th. On that same day Capt. John AV. Lynn, of Company
I, AA'ith tAventy men, tAvo from each company, crossed to the fleet
aboA'e Vicksburg and Avent on board the gunboat "Tyler," and
the next morning started up the Yazoo river to perform the duty
of sharpshooters. AYIien near Old River the rebel ram Arkansas
Avas met and the Tyler turned about. A running fight folloAved
on th(> ^lississippi riA^er in Avhieli the ])rave eaptaiu and five men
were torn to ])ieces by a sliell and six others AvoundiMJ. The ram
ran through Poilei-'s ii<'et fo Vicksburg. The Fourth AVisconsin
Avas sent undei- flie commaiul of ('()lon(4 Paine to the ])oint oppo-
site the toAvn to jorevent the crossing of the rebels. AVliile here
they AAntnessed the bombardment of the city by the eomliined
fleets of Farragut and Davis, Avliieh Avas a ttM'riI)le scene. Tlie
regiment steamed doAvn the river and landed at Baton Rouge on
the 26th after the bombardment, the expedition having suffered
much from disease, and on the 31st of July Colonel Paine, in
obedience to ordei-s, started for Ncav Orleans to i'e]>ort arrest of
General Butler. On the morning of August ')1h an advance Avas
made to meet ihc confederates under General Breckenridge, avIio
was repulsed Avith great loss. Tn this battle General AVilliams
w^as killed and Colonel Paine Avas sunnnonod to Ncav Orleans
by General l^utler and i)laced in command to return to Baton
Rouge and burn the city to the ground. The next night at 12:00
o'clock Colonel Paine reached the city, found that the rebels liad
retreated and fhat fhe federal troops had changed their i)osition
and Avere Avaiting another attack. Colonel Paine held the city
until the ITlli of August. Avhen he received information from
General Butler tliat Batou Rouge Avould be again attacked on the
MONROE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR 115
ISth of August. The Colonel had also learned the same thing
from his scouts and was prepared. All spare baggage was
ordered on board the transport, signals were arranged for by day
and night, all state prisoners were taken to the boats and sent
down the river. On the 18th the enemy approached the works
on the southeast but were easily repulsed by the gunboats. On
the 19th the colonel posted notices requiring all residents to leave
the city on the following day, and directed that the buildings
should be burned on the 20ih unless the order was rescinded by
General Butler. Before daylight on the 20th an order was re-
ceived, dated the 19th, from General Butler, rescinding the order
to burn the city. The town was thus saved, for which the people
of Louisiana may be forever grateful to the generous heart of
Col. Halbert E. Paine, of the Fourth Wisconsin. On tlie 21st the
city was evacuated. The regiment did some service at different
points during September, October and November, and on the
19th of December returned to Baton Rouge, Major Boardman in
command. The regiment afterwards participated in that famous
siege of Fort Hudson and lost very heavily. It had been con-
verted into a cavalry regiment in 1863, and as such it took rank
with the best cavalry regiments in the service. Most of its serv-
ice was in ^Missouri, Louisiana and Tennessee, and at the close
of the war it went with the army destined for Texas and served
there until 18G6. The Fourtli had a longer term of service than
any other regiment sent from AYisconsin to the war. From its
ranks there came four generals : Gen. Harrison Cubart, Gen.
0. H. LaGrange, Gen. Joseph Bailey, who rendered the county
great service, and Gen. Ilalbert E. Paine, who served several
terms in congress and held various positions in civil life. To
have served in the bonny Fourth Wisconsin was an honor to
any man. The Fourth had as colonels, and they were all superb
soldiers and officers, Halbert E. Paine, S. A. Bean, Fred E.
Boardman, Joseph Bailey, AVebster Moore and N. F. Craigne.
The regiment lost in battle 103, and from disease 261. It was
mustered out of the service on the 28th of Alay, 1866, at Browns-
ville, jNIinnesota, and was sent to Madison, up the river, arriving
there on the 16th of June, 1866, where this veteran cavalry regi-
ment was soon afterward paid off and disbanded.
("II AFTER XII.
ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND ENLISTED :\IEX. AVAR OF
THE REHELLTOX.
A carci'ul scai-t-li lia.s been iiuttlc tliroiigli .ill ;i\ail;il)lo rci-urils,
including the report of the adjutaiil general of AViseonsin for
1865, and the roster of AViseonsin volunteers published by author-
ity of the legislature in 1886; we have endeavored to give here
as accurate a list as is ])()ssibl(' of tlic naiiic of e\ery man who
volunteered or Avas drafted from IMonroe county during that
great struggle; owing to the similarit>' in names of towns in dif-
ferent counties some confusion has resulted, ])ut llir following
roster is believ(>d to be correct.
FIRST REGIMENT CAVALRY.
Phillips. AVilliam •)., Sparta; second lieutenanl : dii'd Novem-
ber 9, 1862, of wounds received at Chalk Bluft', Ark.
Company "H" — Henry J. Crouch, James AA". L(>wis, Serenus D.
Lombard, Lewis Stanley, all of Ontario.
THIRD REGIMENT CAVALRY.
Geoi-ge 1). Iliggins, Sparta, hospital slcwai'd: lliraiii A. I>run-
dage, S]iarta, battalion liospital steward.
Company "A" — ('apt. Jeremiah D. Dainuioii, Sparta: Cai)t.
Robert Carpenter, Sparta; See. Lieut. John Davis, Leon; Allen,
Levi, Sparta; Harkei". rctci- H.. Leon; Harnes, Seth, Sparta;
Benedick, Origin R., Glendale; Bennett, Benjamin AV.. Sparta;
Billings, Frederick, Spaita ; Blake, Albn-i .!.. Sparta ; Briggs,
Charles, Adrian: Britton. Ori'iii A.. Sjjarta; Kiundagc, Hiram A.,
Adrian; Bullcn. Px-njamin. Sparta; Bullcn, -Jesse \\. Little Falls;
Bui-dick. Alfred, Sparta; Buttei'tidd. LaFayettc, Sparta: Cai'i-,
AVilliam, Sparta; Carr. A'ercUo. Lilth' P'alls: Cliadscy. .losepli,
Leon; Coi'iiisli, -John H.. Spaiia: Critrliclt, William II., Sheldon;
Crosby, George C, Spai-ta: Davis, .losiah, Sparta; Decker, Josej))!
]\I., Adrian; Delong, AVilliam A.. Aiigelo; Dunlap. James F.,
Glendale; Davis, AVilliam, Roaring Creek; Eddy, Edgar, Sparta;
116
OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN 117
Farwell, Corydoii J.. Sparta ; Finnell, Joseph, Sparta ; Foot, Wil-
liam R., LaFayette ; Fullagar, Benjamin, LaFayette ; Gates,
Charles F.. Sparta ; Gilbert, Thomas, Athens ; Gilson, Clark,
Adrian; Gordon, Oscar L., AVellington; Green, Manson L., Glen-
dale ; Grnmons, John. Leon ; Harris, Lewis P., Little Falls ; Hen-
derson. William, Leon; Hettman, Fredric C, Sparta; Hill, John,
Eaton; Hill. Simeon, Eaton; Hodgkins, George C, Sparta; Hogue,
Hugh T., Sparta ; Hohn, Reuben, Leon ; Ilollenbeek, Henry D.,
Sparta; Hoover, Ancill B.. AVellington ; Houghtaling, John, Well-
ington ; Howland. Herman, Sparta : Hubbard, Ozro W., Sparta ;
Hubbard, Charles F.. Sparta ; Hull. Joseph C.. Sparta ; Hubbard,
Watts AY.. Sparta; Johnson. Thomas, Sparta; Johnson, Frederick
H., Adrian ; Kidney, Albert J. H., Sparta ; LaBare, Charles,
Sparta ; Lawrence, Robert. Sparta ; Logan, Samuel M., Sparta ;
McGary, Thomas, Ridgeville ; McNab, Daniel, Sparta ; McNab,
James S.. Roaring Creek; McMillan, AVilliam F., Sparta; Mc-
Queen, Samuel, Glendale ; McAA'ithy, Lucian A., Sparta ; Mc-
Withy, Henry E.. Sparta; Meadows. Thomas E., Portland; Mead-
ows, AVilliam H., Sparta; Meadows, Charles W., Leon; Peters,
Nelson, Adrian ; Peters, Timothy, Angelo ; Peters, Munson, Ad-
rian; Pierce, Austin, Sparta; Pierce, Martin, Sparta; Putnam,
Charles, Leon; Pain, John, Roaring Creek; Rawson, Lucian M.,
AVilton ; Russell, Andrew, Sparta ; Seeley, Boyd F., Athens ;
Smith, John J., Leon ; Snow, Jonathan, Leon ; Snyder, Abram C.
Sparta ; Starkweather, Hiram, Sparta ; Steward, Henry E., Ad-
rian ; Thorp. Adelbert D., Glendale ; Thorp, Charles R., Sparta ;
Tower, Alartin V. B., Clifton: Underwood, Horace H., Portland;
Walrath, John J., Sparta; AVaste, James, Sparta; AYest, Francis
D., Sparta; AViseman, Augustus. Athens; AYensel. AYilliam J.,
Roaring Creek ; Youmans, Samuel J., Leon.
Company "K" — Hohn, Elmore, Sparta; Riggs. Andrew,
Sparta ; Stegmann, Conrad, Portland ; AYalter, Charles, Port-
land ; Zoelle. A^alentine, Portland.
The Third AYisconsin cavalry was reorganized in 1864 and a
large number of IMonroe County men re-enlisted. All from origi-
nal Company '"A": Barker, Peter R., Leon; Billings, Fredrick,
Sparta; Blake, Albert J., Sparta; Butterfield, LaFayette, Sparta;
Chadsey. Joseph, Leon ; Farwell, Corydon, J.. Sparta ; Gates,
Charles F., Sparta; Gilbert, Thomas, Athens; Grummons, John,
Leon; Hollenbeck , Henry D., Sparta; Howland, Herman, Sparta;
Hubbard, Charles B., Sparta ; Hubbard, AYatts AY., Sparta ; John-
son, Fredrick H., Adrian ; Kidney, Albert J. H., Sparta ; LaBare,
Charles, Sparta; McMillan, Wm. F., Sparta; McQueen, Samuel,
118 HISTORY OF :moxrop: county
Glendak' ; ^Meadows, "William IT., Sparta ; ^Meadows, Edward T.,
Portland; ^Meadows, Charles AV., Leon; Niehols, Joseph, Green-
field ; Paine, John, Roaring Creek ; Peters, Nelson, Adrian ; See-
ley, Boyd F., Athens: Thorp. Cliarles R., Sparta; Tower, ]\Iartin
V. B., Clifton; AVabrath, John J.. Sparta; "Wiseman, Augustus,
Athens.
FOURTH REGIMENT CAVALRY.
Theodore AV. Gillett. eonnnissary, Tomah; sergeant majors,
IMyron P. Chase, Sparta, second lieutenant Company "I," June
24, 1863 ; Daniel A. Kenyon. Tomah : saddler sergeant, Rufus A.
Roliertson, Sparta.
Company "A" — Farnswortli, James F>.. Tomah. captain, Au-
gust 22, 1865; made ma.jor June 18, 1866; Alton, ^Michael C, Ad-
rian; Ayres, Anson, Angelo; Bacon, Amos, Leon; Baker, George
R., Tomah; Batis, IMathis, Tomah; Beekwith. Joseph, Sparta;
Boyle, John, AVilton; Childs, Clinton D., Sparta; Cray, Parman.
Sparta; English, Isaac, Tomah; Getman, Hiram, Lincoln; Get-
man, Lorenzo. Lincoln ; Gleason, Emanuel P., LaFayette ; Haynes,
Sanford A., Leon ; Jackson, AVilliam S., Tomah ; Knight, Charles
A., Tomah ; Kerr, Alexander, Tomah ; Putnam, Lucius AL, Sparta :
Ralston, AVilliam H., LaFayette; Roberts, AVilmot, Sparta; Root,
Jason, Tomah; Seeley, David A., Sparta; Skinner, John B., Port-
land; Smith. John, Adrian; Twiner, Jonathan F., Adrian; Van
Kirk, John II., Sparta; AYalker, Joseph A., Ontario; AYeed, AYil-
liam D., Tomah; AYheeler, John AA"., Sparta.
Company "C" — Baker. Hugh, Sparta, second lieutenant, June
18, 1866.
Company ''D"— Lock, Henry F., Sparta, from Co. "I" Yoi.
Corp; McLain, Eleazer P., Sparta; from Co. "I" A^et. Corp: AVal-
worth, Ilartwell C., Tomah, from Co. "T" A^^t. Corp.
Company "E" — Capt. Joseph Hall, Tomah.
Company ''I" — John AA^. Lynn, captain, Sparta; Levi R.
Blake, captain, Sparta ; Capt. Daniel G. Jewett, Sparta ; Capt.
Jas. B. Farn.sworth. Tomah; First Lieut. ]\Iyron P. Chas, Sparta:
See. Lieut. Ansyl A. AYest, Sparta; Alger, Josiah, Leon; Alton,
]\Iichael C., Adrian, transferred to Co. "A"'; Ayers. Anson, An-
gelo ; Ayres, Albert, Leon ; Bacon, Amos, Leon ; Baker, Cliarles,
Ridgeville. transferred to Co. "A"; Baker, Hugh, Ridgeville,
transferred to Co. "C"; Baker, George R., Tomah. transferred
to Co. "A"; Beekwith, Joseph, Sparta; transferred to Co. ''A";
Beardsley, George L., Tomah ; Blake, Albert IL, Sparta, trans-
ferred to 20th Inf. ; Bloss, Charles, Greenfield, transferred to Co.
OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN 119
''A"; Boring, LaFayette, Ontario; Boyle, John, Wilton, trans-
ferred to Co. "A"; Brist, Mandly ^Y., AVilton ; Bush, Wm. J.,
Tomah ; Chandler, John L., Greenfield; Cole, John N., Cataract;
Gray, Parkman, Sparta, transferred to Co. "A"; Davidson, Jo-
seph H., Leon; English, Isaac, Tomah; Farley, AVilliara E.,
Sparta; Getman, Lorenzo, Lincoln, transferred to Co. "A"; Get-
man, Hiram, Lincoln, transferred to Co. ''A"; Gillett, Theo. W.,
Tomah; Gilson, William, Tomah; Gleason, Emanuel P., LaFay-
ette, transferred to Co. "A"; Graham, Miller, Sheldon; Green-
man, James, Wilton ; Grenzo, John, Wilton ; Hall, Joseph, Tomah,
first lieutenant, May 30, 1864; Hall, Benjamin F., Sparta; Hall,
Archibald G., Leon; Hall, Joseph R., Leon; Haynes, Sanford A.,
Tomah; transferred to Co. "A"; Hill, Jacob, Sparta; Hodgkins,
Edward I., Sparta ; Hubbard, Charles S., AA^ilton, transferred to
Co. "A"; Hull, Edward, Sparta; Jackson, William S., Tomah,
transferred to Co. "A"; Jewell, Isaac, Roaring Creek; Johnston,
Clayton M., Tomah; Jones, Ransom, Sparta; Kennedy, John,
Sparta; Kerr, Alexander, Tomah, transferred to Co. "A";
Knight, Charles A., Tomah, transferred to Co. ''A"; Large,
Jacob I., Tomah; Matteson, John P., Cataract; McClure, John B.,
Sparta; McLain, Eleazor P.. Cataract, transferred to Co. "D";
Meadows, William C, Sparta ; Osborn, George I., Sparta, trans-
ferred to Co. ''C"; Pangburn, William, Sparta; Perry, John T.,
Roaring Creek; Putnam, Lucius M., Sparta, transferred to Co.
"A"; Ralston, AYilliam H., LaFayette; Rathbun, Dewey, Leon;
Rice, Wellington, Ridgeville ; Robertson, Rufus A., Sparta ; Rock-
wood, James H., Leon ; Rockwood, Theodore H., Adrian ; Root,
Jason, Tomah, transferred to Co. "A"; Smith, John, Adrian,
transferred to Co. "A"; Spaulding, Charles D., Tomah; Skinner,
John B., Portland; transferred to Co. "A"; Tolles, William,
Wilton, transferred to Co. ^'A"; Turner, Jonathan F., Adrian,
transferred to Co. '^A"; Van Arnum, LaFayette, Cataract; Van
Kirk, John, Angelo ; Walker, Harlow S., Cataract ; Weed, Wil-
liam D., Tomah ; Yoemans, W^illiam H., Sparta ; Yoemans, James
H., Sparta.
Company "L" — Capt. Joseph Hall, Tomah.
FIRST BATTERY, LIGHT ARTILLERY.
Babcock, Oscar, Tunnel City; Buzzell, Charles C, Sparta;
Carvar, Nelson, Wilton ; Clark, John, Clifton ; Green, Frank L.,
Sparta ; Harper, Peter, Sparta ; Hayward, Pliny P., Sparta ; Her-
rick, George L., Sparta ; Hodgkins, Edward I., Sparta ; Hoyt,
Samuel, Sparta ; Joseph, Charles, Lincoln ; Ledyard, Nathaniel
120 HISTORY OF :M0XR0E COUNTY
D., Sparta; ^McCabe, John, Sparta; ]\lelntyre, Charles,
Sparta; Middaugh, Charleston E., Sparta; Milligan, .Joseph
G., Sparta; Murphy, William, Cataract; Pangborn, Hiram
L., Sparta; Powell, ]\lilton E., Sparta; Randless, James
W., Wilton; Rathbun, Ilallett. I.eon; Rathlmn, AVilliam A.,
Jefferson; Rice, Benjamin \V.. Oakdale ; Smith, Gilbert, AVilton ;
Sowle, Albert AY., Wilton; Smnmcrfield, William A., Sparta,
transferred to Company 1, II. A.; Thrall, Joim, Sparta; AVhita-
ker, Samnel, Wilton; Williams, Jay "VV., Sparta; AYoodbridge.
Charles B., Tunnel City.
TENTH BATTERY, LIGHT ARTILLERY.
Junior Sccojul Lieul. Henry A. Hicks, Glendale; ]\Iinets,
Nelson, Clifton.
THIRD REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "E" — Ackerman, James 0. Byron; Adelmeyer,
John II., Leroy ; Bates, Butler H., Leroy ; Blanchard, p]dmund L.,
Leroy; Braman, James II., Byron ; AVeyranch, Conrad, Lincoln.
Company ''F"— Bashford, Frank AY., Clifton: BroAvn, Will-
iam C. Clifton ; Cook, George, Clifton"; Ellis, Leroy, Clifton.
SIXTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "B" — Andre, John. Lineolii; Brown, Christoplu'r.
Portland; Dehvick, Eugene, Lincoln; Erickson, Lars, Portland.
Company "II" — Aney, John J., Ridgeville; Ballamore. James,
Sparta ; Combert, James, Sparta ; Cottrill, Stephen. Sparta ;
Downing, George AY., Sparta; Downey, Charles H., Sparta; Dunn,
George AY., Sparta; Hancock, George AV.. Sjjarta : Harding.
Charles, Sparta; AVilliams, James P., Ontario; AYeston. Charles
B., Ontario.
Company "I" — ('apt. Leonard Johnson, Glendale: Boldcn,
AYilliam L., Ontario; Boughton, Lewis AL, Tomah : Brigliam, John
M., Glendale; Davis, Lawson, Glendale: Briggs, Job S., Glendale.
afterwai'd second lietuenant Forty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry:
Graham, Larneck, Tomah; Green. Chester A., Glendale; Har-
land, John, Glendale; Johnson, AYilliam II., Sparta; Newton,
Thomas, Glendale; Robbins. George, Glendale; Rockwell. Eli,
Sparta; Staker, James A., Sparta; AYarner, A^'alentine, Sparta.
Company "K" — Andress, Alonzo L., Tunnel City; Conway,
Thomas, Lincoln; Cuimnings, Daniel, Sparta: Dowing, George
AY., Sparta, from Company "IT": Hancock, AVilliam D., Clifton;
OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN 121
Revels, William J., Sparta; Revels, Henry, Sparta; Roli'e, Albert
H., Sparta; Taylor, Charles M., Tomah ; A^nn AVie, David C,
LaFayette ; AVilliams, Jured. Ontario.
RECRUITS NOT ON COMPANY ROLLS.
Cullow, Edward. Tomah; Culver, Charles A., Sparta; Element,
Frank, Clifton; Grimes, James, LaFayette; Kelso, Evans P.,
Sparta ; Stalker, Clinton L., Sparta.
SEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Col. AYilliani W. Robinson, Sparta, lieutenant colonel, August
15, 1861 ; colonel. January 30, 1862.
Company "A" — Culver, AVilliam P., Lincoln; Kitts, Edward,
Leroy; AYalrod, Jonathan, Portland.
Company ''B" — Barman. AVilliam AV., Tomah; l^lowers. John
J., Tomah.
Company ''E" — Robinson, AVilliam AV., Sparta; Spooner,
Edward J., Lincoln.
Company "I'' — Capt. Edward Terrell, Leon; Birdsall, David,
Leon; Perkins, Hugh, Leon; AVilliams, George AV., Leon; AVill-
iams, Byron S., Leon.
RECRUITS NOT ON ROLLS.
Kavanaugh, Patrick, Kendall.
EIGHTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "D'" — Aney, James P., Ridgeville, from Company
"I"; Hall, AVilliam G., Sparta; Parker, Adelbert. Sparta.
Company "I" — AA'^orden, Henry D.. AVilton.
TENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "D" — Shaffer, AVilliam Henry, Sparta.
Company "G" — Carnahan. Archibald, Sparta; Carnahan,
Andrew, Sparta, transferred to Twenty-first AA'isconsin; Lane,
George, Jefferson; Lane, Jobe, Sparta.
Company "II" — Beardsley. Everett AV.. Tomah; Bigelow,
Hiram 0., Lincoln ; Church, Orange, Lincoln ; Corey, Phillip,
Greenfield ; Deyotell, John, Tomah ; Gee, Charles C, Sparta ; Gor-
man, Aaron H., Tomah; Harding, AVilliam, Sparta; Harp. AVill-
iam, Lincoln ; Harp, Jacob, Tomah ; Haywood, Joel, Tomah ;
Hogue, Charles P., Sparta ; AleClure, Samuel, Tomah ; AIcGinniss,
Joseph, Greenfield ; Rockwood, Delorama, Tomah ; Spaulding,
Henry C, Tomah ; Spooner, Charles AV., Tomah ; Thomas, Alelvin
122 HISTORY OF MONROK COUXTY
G., Lincoln; Thompson, Dwiglit, Tuniali; AVeaver, lliiaiu O.,
Tomah.
Company "K" — Calhoun, John, Byron; Dow, Loren, AVilton;
Gibbs, Albci't, Byron; Graves, Russell C., Leroy; Hatch, Charles,
Leroy.
ELEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "E" — Bai-hcr. IIuIxtI, AVilton; Beaumont. Georore.
Kendall; Carr, xXndi-ew, Kendall; Dain, .James AI., Kendall;
Doyle, John, Kendall ; Gugerty, William A., Kendall ; Alarr,
Andrew, Kendall ; ]\Iurphy, Dennis AV., Kendall ; Shea, Edward,
Kendall.
Company "F" — Carver, Austin, Wilton; Early, Jobn, Green-
field.
Company '"G"^ — -James, Joseph, Portland.
Company "H "-^Chamberlain. Thomas, Lincoln; Hancock,
Thomas IL. Tomali; ITollenback, Charles, Lincoln.
TWELFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company ''D" — Bass, Charles H., Tomah; Birdsell. John,
Sparta; Braman, Edward F., Tomah; Broughton, Timothy B.,
Tomah; Cleveland, Daniel F., Tomah, from Company "D,"
Twenty-fifth Infantry; Darwin, Samuel N., Sparta; Haskins,
Nathaniel, Sparta; Matchett, James, Sparta; Peterson, Christo-
pher, Tomah; Parshall. AVilliam H. II., Sparta; Purcell. Walli-r
\V., Tonudi, from Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry; Put-
man, Charles IL. Sparta, from Comi)any "D." Twenty-Hfth Infan-
try; Richardson, Perry, Glendale; Scott, Leonard, Sparta, from
Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry; Tuthell, Jobn, Sparta,
from Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry; Trowlridge, George
M., Tomah, from Company ''D," Twenty-fifth Infantry; Yan
Kirk. .Icrciiiiali. Sparta; Yaughn, Ilanisou II.. Tomah.
Company ''E" — Livingston, James, Roaring Creek, from
Company "F," Twenty-fifth Infantry.
Ct)mpany "H," — Rogers. Jacob. Tomah.
Company "I" — Griffin. Charles. Tomab.
Com]iany "K" — Xicols, John, Kendall, from Comi)any "E, "'
Tweiily-liflb Infant I'y.
FOURTEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "D" — Harrison. William L., Greenfield; Sour,
Daniel IL, Sparta.
Company "I'' — Reedei". George AV.. Spai-ta.
OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN 123
FIFTEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "H"" — Seeond Lieut. Martin A. Erickson, Sparta.
Recruits Not on Any Company Roll — Ole Olson. Toniah.
SIXTEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "C" — Kelly, Jeremiah, Glendale, from Company
"F," V. C. ; Lyman, Jeremiah, Glendale ; Pearsoll, James I., Glen-
dale ; Rowin, Robert, Glendale, from Company "F"; Saddoris,
Samuel, Summit, from Company "F"; Teed, Truman, Glendale.
Company "D" — Lloyd, Silas, Portland, transferred to Com-
pany "E"; AYalrod, Michael, Portland.
Company "E"— McDougal, Fredrick E., Tomah.
Company "F" — Birdsill. George, Glendale; Boughtou, Tim-
othy, Glendale ; Hancock, Wallace B., Clifton ; Douglas, Richard
A., Glendale ; Teed Truman, Glendale ; ]Morse. Anthony, Lincoln ;
Palmer, Sylvester C, Lincoln; Winegar, William, Lincoln.
SIXTEENTH REGIMENT (NEW COMPANIES).
Company '"B" — Nelson, Andrew A., Portland.
Company "H" — Thompson. Alexander, Sparta; Wilcox,
Martin. LaFayette.
SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Sergt. Maj. Edwin L. Bolton. Tomah, from Company '"E."
Company "A'' — Bannigan, William, Tomah; Miller, Joseph,
Tomah.
Company "B'' — Claigg, Ilospild, Kendall; Okes, Charles,
Kendall.
Company "PI" — Reddelin, John, Ridge ville.
EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
James Delaney, chaplain, Sparta ; Hosp. StCAvard, Luther B.
Noyes, Sparta.
Company ''C" — Carpenter, John, Jefferson; Frazer, Elijah
S., Jefferson; Herron, John. Jeft'erson : Rodgers, JMerrick,
LaFayette.
Company "D" — Capt. George A. Fisk, Sparta; First Lieut.
Dewitt C. AVilson, Sparta; Austin, Palmer, Sparta; Beach,
Arunah J., Angelo ; Beach, Henry, Angelo ; Birgal, Francis, Cata-
ract; Brown, Jesse, Angelo; Bugbee, Lanson L., Cataract; Camp-
bell, George, Angelo ; Comstock, Ambrose L., Leon ; Crocker,
124 IlISTORV OK :\I()NK01': corxTY
Ephrain, Eaton; Culver, Nathan, Ontario, transforrcd to Cnni-
pany "K": Dnstin, John P., Cataract; Earr, Li'rov II.. Cataract;
Einncl, .James, Ontario; Freeman, Select, Sparta; Gary, John,
Sparta; (h-oss, John, Sparta, transferred to Company "K"; Iler-
rick, Lotin C., Sparta; Hill, Oscar A., Sparta: Hoard. Ziha. Cata-
ract; Humphrey, John, Sparta; Jewell, Jolm I).. Sparta, trans-
ferred to Company "K"; Landon, Lewis, Cataract; Lang, Daniel
II.. Wellington, transferred to Company "K"; Lathrop, Alfred
H., Tomali; Lowe. AVilliam IT., Greenfield, transferred to Com-
pany '*K"; ]\Iaguire, Thomas, Sparta; Maila, Charles. Ontario;
^Mathews, Albert C, Cataract; McKay, Sheldon, Cataract;
]Merriam. Enos S., Sparta; Merriam, Charles W.. Sjjarta ;
^Mitchell, DeLos AV., -leffersou; ]\Iooney, James, Sheldon;
]\Iott, Theodore, Portland; Noyes, Luther P., Sparta,
promoted to hospital stewainl. 1861 ; Osborn, James, Sr.,
Leon; Osborn, James, Jr.. Leon; Pierce. Henry. Adrian; Phelps.
Henry J., Ontario; Purdy, Owen W.. LaFayette ; Rathbun. Dewey,
Leon; Eathbun, Charles. Leon; Remington. George, Rockland;
Riggs. Andrew, Leon ; Ring, Alonzo, Sparta ; Robinson, John,
Sparta; Robinson, AVilliam, Sparta; Rowley, Henry ]M., Ontario;
Sanderlin, Isaac S., Greenfield, transferred to Company '"K":
Sayles. William IT.. Sj^arta ; Seepiy. Edward. Cataract; Sheldon.
Joshua AV., Sheldon; Smith. Amisa, Angelo ; Sprout. Cummings.
N., Cataract; Stacy, Norman B. ; LaFayette; Stetson, James ]\I.,
LaFayette; Stratton, Josiah, Sparta; Stewart, Alilton AI.. Sparta;
Teague, Isaac, Sparta; Towiisend. AValdron. Jefferson; ToAvn-
send. Jonathjin. Jefferson; AVilson. High C., Eaton; AVinter, John,
Cataract; AA^oodford, Thomas, Cataract; AVheeler, John E.. Ridge-
ville; Youmans, AA^illiam. Angelo.
Comi)any "K'' — Jewell. John D.. Sjiarta. from Company ''D":
Kapi)ing. Christian. Eaton; Lown, William II.. (Jreenfield, from
Company '"D"; Lang, Daniel H., AVellington, from Company
"D"; Danderlin. Isaac S., Greenfield, from Company *'D."
NINETEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Q. ]\I. Sergt. AVilliaiii 11. Plyton, Sparta; Com. Sergt. Galusha
B. Field, Synirta : i'rin. Musician Willinni Ken-igan. Sparta. tVoiii
Company "('.'"
( 'omjiany "A" — Lee, li\ run 1>.. Spai'ta ; SheiMdan. -Tames. Leon,
from Company "G."
Company ••("' — Capt. .John A. Chaiullei-. Sjiaiia; Capl. Alonzo
H. Russell, Sparta; First Lieut. AVilliam R. V. Erisby, Sparta;
Allen, James ^L, Eaton; Ashton, John, Sparta; Austin, AVilliam
OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN 125
G., Sparta ; Barber, George II., Sparta ; Beardsley, George W.,
Sparta; Bingham, Henry S., Sparta; Bloom, Henry J., Sparta;
Blyton. Thomas W., Leon; Blyton, Charles "W., Sparta; Branden-
stein, John, Ridgeville ; Bremer, Charles, Sparta ; Brist, William,
Sparta ; Bullen, Samuel T., Sparta ; Campbell, Eleazor J., Sparta ;
Chamley, William, Sparta; Close, W^esley J., Sparta; Commons,
James, Sparta ; Cottinger, John, Sparta ; Coon, Caleb, Sparta ;
Cutland, Phillip, Sparta; Draper, John, Sparta; Draper, Thomas,
Jefferson; Fields, Gakisha B., Sparta, promoted to commanding
sergeant; Garden, Daniel, Leon; Gates, ]\Ielvill B., Sparta; Gross,
Henry. Sparta, transferred to V. R. C. ; Hall, Horace, Sparta;
Gross, John P., Jefferson; Hartwell, William H., Sparta; Hen-
shell, William H. I., Sparta ; Hill, Eber B., Sparta ; Howard, David
H., Sparta ; Hurlbut, Albert H., Sparta ; Hutchins, Sylvester,
Sparta ; Jonas, Elias, Leon ; Jones, Thomas, Leon ; Jones, John
W., Sparta; Lovell, Abijah J., Eaton; Lynn, James H., Sparta;
McDougal, Alexander, Sparta;, McGary, Henry, Ridgeville;
McPheters, Alexander, Leon ; Moore, Horace J., Sparta ; Murray,
Christopher, Sparta ; Nichols, Joseph, Sparta ; Nolan, Andrew,
Ridgeville; Paugburn, Francis S., LaFayette; Payne, Nelson,
Sparta; Perkins, John B., LaFayette; Pierce, Alfred, Sparta;
Pameroy, Erastus, Sparta ; Potter, Joseph AV., Sparta ; Potter,
Jasper, Sparta ; Preston, Taylor, Sparta ; Premo, Lewis, Lincoln ;
Rath, Henry A., Ridgeville ; Rathbun, Edward C, Sparta ; Rath-
bun, Edmund, Sparta; Ross, Elisha, Leon; Sanderlin, John,
Sparta; Schmitz, AVilliam, Jefferson; Sherwood, ]\Iartin. Ridge-
ville; Shepherd, George A., Sparta; Shepherd, AA^illiam, Angelo;
Shepherd, George AV., Angelo ; Sheridan, James, Sparta, from
Company "F"; Snow, Jaspar E., Sparta, from second lieutenant;
Steward, James, Sparta ; Suckam, Edward, Sparta ; Swift, Lucian,
Sparta; Swift, Cola, Sparta; Utter, Benjamin F., Leon; AValter,
Michael, Cataract ; Warner, Samuel W., Sparta ; AVhitelesly,
George M., Jefferson ; AVitting, John, Sparta ; AVoodliff, John,
Sparta ; AVruk, Christian, Sparta ; Ziegler, Caspar, Ridgeville.
Company "D" — Allendorf, Peter. Angelo; Clifford. Charles
C, Sparta, from Company "G"; Cooper, Silas J., Sheldon; Hol-
lenbeck, AA^illiam A., Lincoln, from Company "G"; Hoskins,
Marvin, Lincoln, from Company "G"; Hubbard, Richard, Ridge-
ville ; Mallory, Rodney D., Lincoln ; Meyer, Christian, Ridgeville,
from Company "G"; Robson, John, Leon, from Company "G";
Sabls, Charles F.. Leon; Shanklin. Ridgeville, from Company
"G"; Sherwin, Bissels, Angelo; AVilson, Roger J., Leon, from
Company "G."
126 HISTORY OV :\IOXK()E COUNTY
rompany ''£"— Tuttlc, Ezra. AVclliiicrtnn.
Company "G" — Crane, Ohadiali. Lincoln; Cnlvcr. T^nke,
Byron; Hettman, Jacol) R., Ridgcvillc; Ilaskins. Varvin Ji., Lin-
coln, transferred to Company "D"; Hollenbeek. AVilliam A., Lin-
coln, transferred to Company "D"; ileyer, Cliristian. Rid<;eviile,
transferred to Company "D"; Vanghan, George \V.. Byron;
Vaughan, Ira \\^. iJyroii: Wilson, Addison, Lincoln; AVilson,
Roger J., Leon.
Company "K" — Bist, AVilliam. Sparta, transferred to Com-
pany "C"; Close, AVilsey J., Sparta, transferred to Company
"C"; Hazelton, James A., Sparta: Hill. Alher B., Sparta, trans-
ferred to Company "'('."
Recruits Not on Comjiaiiy Roll — Pick. AVilliam II.. Sparta.
TWENTIETH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "A" — Babcock. Ralph \V.. Tomali; Chandler, Jere-
miah I)., Tnnnel City.
Company "F" — First Lieut. Albert H. Blake, Sparta; Dego-
tell, Abraham, Lincoln; Degotell. AVilliam, Lincoln; Duggan,
James, Greenfield; Durant. Robert K.. Sparta; Eastnu^n. Limuel,
Clifton ; Frank, John, Jefiferson ; Hicks, Addison G.. Sparta :
Johnson, John, Greenfield ; Jones, Henry C, Clifton ; Kies, Alva
E., Clifton; Lamb, Galen. Tomah ; Lewis, Samuel, Sparta; Nolle,
Bernhard, Spai'ta ; Thiry, John L. C., Sparta ; Vincent, Fredrick,
Sparta.
TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Col. Alilton Montgomery, Sparta; Surgeon AFartin R. Gage.
Sparta; IIosp. Stewards Charles AV. Kellogg. Tomah; Samuel
Gunn, Sparta.
Company "D" — Capt. James D. Condit. Sparta; Capt. Morti-
mer E. Leonard, Sparta ; First Lieut. Charles S. Farnham. Sparta ;
Second Lieut. Andrew .1. High, Sparta; Abies, Henry A.. Welling-
ton; Aldrich, Nathan B., Angelo ; Alger, Thonuis, Leon; Ayers,
Albert. Sparta, transferred to Company '"D." Twelfth Infantry:
Bailey, Amnion, Lincoln; Bass, Charles IL, Lin<oln. transferred
to Company *'D.'' Twelfth Infantry: Birdsill. John. (Jlendale.
transferred to Company "D." Twelfth Infantry; Bon. David B..
Lincoln; Boughton. William T.. Tomah; lioyle, Peter, AVilton:
Braman. Edward P., Tomah, transferred to Company "D,"
Twelfth Infantry; Braman, Roswell E.. Lincoln; Broughton, Tim-
othy B., Glendale, transferred to Company "D," Twelfth Infan-
trv; Burdick, Alfred, LaFavette ; Carver. Nelson, AVilton: Chat-
OFFICEKS AND ENLISTED MEN 127
terson, Jefferson, Angelo; Cleveland, Daniel F., Ridgeville ; Con-
ger, Lewis B., Ridgeville; Crawford, Charles IL, Tomah; Cressy,
Henry W., Tomah; Cressy, Warren P., Tomah; Darwin, Samuel
N., Sparta ; Day, Henry, AVellington ; Demmon, Ira P., Tomah ;
Depen, Wile}', Tomah; Dnnlap, Robert B., Sparta; Dunlevy,
Thomas, Sparta ; Edgerton, Henry L., Lincoln ; Edgerton, Charles
L., Lincoln; Fitch, Norman D., Sparta; Foster, Anson T., Sparta;
Gill, Edward, Wilton ; Gleason, George, Lincoln ; Goff, Spenser
F., Lincoln; Green, Abner, Sparta; Grover, Elizer H., AVilton;
Harland, William H., Glendale, Harman, John A., Sparta; Harp,
George F., Tomah ; Heth, Perry, Ridgeville ; Haskins, Nathaniel,
Sparta, transferred to Company ''D," Twelfth Infantry; Hol-
gate, Francis, Clifton; Hollenbeck, Amos J., Sparta; Houghtaliug,
Henry, AVellington ; House, Phileman P., W^ilton ; Howard,
Charles, Tomah; Howes, David S., Tomah; Hull, Richard J.,
Angelo ; Huntley, Jabez L., Sparta ; Hutson, Thomas, Angelo ;
Hyde, Alfred, Tomah ; Johnson, Eben, Tomah ; Justice, John,
Sparta; King, George AY.. Tomah, transferred to Company "D,"
Twelfth Infantry; Kinney, AVilliam H., Sparta; Kenyon, Mon-
roe, Sparta; Lamb, AVilliam H., Tomah ; Leavett. Edward, Sparta ;
Lewis, Thomas S., Angelo; Littell, James H., Angelo; Little,
Theodore AA^., Sparta; Lyon, Samuel J., Glendale; Aloltby, Appel-
ton N., Tomah; Manchester, Charles G., Sparta; Alanly, Henry,
Greenfield : Alatchet, James, Pine Hill ; AIcGinnis, Elisha A.,
Tomah; AlcLean, AVilliam, Tomah; Aliller, Alexander, Sparta;
Milligan, Rueben A., Sparta ; Alills, Elias, Leroy ; Alills, Eli,
Leroy; Alinor, AVilliam H., Ridgeville; Alorrision, AV. A. Sparta;
AIusgraA'e, AVilliam P., Sparta ; Newton, Daniel, Glendale ; Owens,
Lewis E., Portland; Peterson, Christopher, Tomah; Quacken-
bush, Ernest, Pine Hill, transferred to Company ''D," Twelfth
Infanty; Pursell. AValter P., Tomah, transferred to. Company
"D," Twelfth Infantry; Putman, Charles H., Sparta, transferred
to Company ''D," Twelfth Infantry; Quackenbush, George, Pine
Hill; Randies, John, AA^ilton; Rathbun, Robert B., Sparta; Reed,
Cheney, LaFayette ; Reeve, Horace, Little Falls ; Richardson,
Samuel, Glendale ; Richardson, Perry, Glendale ; Rood, AVilliarii
J., Ridgeville ; Rottenstetter, Simon, Tomah ; Russell, Alexander,
Sparta; Rugg, Alfred H., Tomah, transferred to Company "D,"
Twelfth Infantry; Sanders, AVilliam H.. Lincoln; Sawyer, Peter
E., Lincoln ; Scott, Leonard, Sparta, transferred to Company
"D," Twelfth Infantry; Scoville, Charles, AA'^ilton ; Scruby, John,
Sparta; Shaw, Joseph, Tomah, transferred to Company ''D,"
Twelfth Infantry; Shaw, William E., Adrian; Sherland, Joel E.,
128
lllSTOKY OF .MOXHOK COUNTY
Angelo; Sliker, John J., Toiiiali ; Smow, George ]M., Sparta;
Spooiier, Daniel 11., Lincoln; Squirls, Gardner, Lincoln; Thomp-
son, James W., Greenfield; Thomson. Allen. Kidgeville ; Trow-
bridge, George I\I., Tonuih. transferred lo Company "J),''
Twelfth Infantry: Trnlsdell, William 1'., Tomah ; Tuthell. John,
Sparta, transfei-i-ed to Company "D," Twelfth Infantry; Cstiek,
Jacob Y., Tomali : \'an Anthrip, Edward, Sparta; Van Kirk. Jere-
miah, Sparta, transferred to Company "D," Twelfth Infantry;
Vaughn, Kniery \V.. Lincoln; Vanghan. Harrison IL. Lincoln,
transferred to Company "D," Twelfth Infantry: Watson, George
R., Lincoln: AVest, Tlial. Glendale; AVilcox, Lucius C, Angelo;
AVileox, AVilliam N., Angelo; W^olcott, George L., Leon; AVorden,
Samuel H., Glendale; AVright, William IL. Tomah: Wyant. Will-
iam IL, Sparta; Yomans, William II. , Leon.
Company "E" — Bartdel, Francis A., Clifton; Hudson, James
R., Clifton; Mero, Fredrick, Clifton.
Company "F" — Brainerd, Darwin L., Glendale; Berry.
Charles II. , Sparta ; Bugbee, Alien, Tomah ; Burlingame, Phillip,
Tomah; Chadwick, James, Roaring Creek; Chapman. John D.,
Roaring Creek; Coonrod, Jared P., Roaring Creek; Davis, Sheron,
Sparta: Dell, Edward, Roaring Creek; Echner, Philemon, Green-
field; Godbould, David. Tomah; Hehnka. Fredrick, Adrian;
Hastings, Orlando D.. Lincoln : Lewis, Samuel C., Tomah ; Lin-
coln, James H., Ridgeville ; Nelliot, Simeon, Sparta ; Papst, AVill-
iam G., Greenfield; Spencer, AVilliam J., Leroy; Taylor, Pratt M.,
Leroy; AValker, Charles M., Tonuih.
Company "G" — Bishop, Joseph. Angelo; Bishop, Amos,
Angelo; Mann, Nathan. Cataract; jManii. Fliade E.. Cataract.
Company "H" — Falke. Fredrick. Sheldon; Fiiuiell. James,
Sheldon; Heath, AVinsloAV J.. Sheldon; Howard, John, Adrian;
King, Robert, Adrian; Schmelling, Fi'edi-iek. Ridgeville.
THIRTIETH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "C" — AVade, Edward F., Lincoln.
Company "IF' — Blakeley, James IL. Leon; Blakeley, Revilo,
Leon; Brown, John S., Leon; Carj^enter, William J., Leon: Alait-
land, John, Leon; ^lathews, James J.. Leon; .Mathews, AVilliam,
Leon; Noyes, Fredrick E.. Leon: Stratton. AVilliam. Leon: War-
ren, Goram N., Leon ; AVeaver, David. Leon.
Company ''!" — Block, August. Lincoln: Brick. Edward P.,
Lincoln: Hill. Alathias. Lincoln: Honodell. John. Lincoln: Roach.
Ernest, Lincoln.
Company "K'" — Steese, AVilliam II.. Lincoln; Stelson,
il;)!l| I:
I'OllipSDJ
Lollicr 1:
iWd
i, S[iiir' .
Caraakii,
Me.Dav;.
litfleFal.
Falls; DuK
Eiiiiios. .!■
kill
limas W
lU:
Win;
•nc..
'III, tl
OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN 129
LaFayette, Lincoln ; Stone, John F., LaFayette, AYliitney, Ber-
nard K.. Tunnel City.
THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "E" — Young, Thomas, Clifton.
THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company '"C" — Capt. George A. Fisk, Sparta; First Lieut.
Luther B. Noyes, Sparta ; Baker, John, Ridgeville ; Barnes,
Alfred 0., Little Falls ; Berry, Jehial S., Sparta ; Britton, Daniel
A., Sparta ; Brown, Huston, Sparta ; Casner, Thomas, Sparta ;
Carnahan, Archibald, Sparta; Cleaves, Corydon L., Portland;
Cole, David AY., Adrian; Cole, Darwin, Sparta; Cross, George- C,
Little Falls; Cross, Jeremiah A., Sparta; Davis, Robert A., Little
Falls; Douglas, David, Little Falls; Dunbar, Alfred, Sparta;
Emmos, Andrew J., Sparta; Fink, Cornilius, Sparta; Fosdick,
Jay H., Little Falls ; Freeman, Fredrick, Sparta ; Gallaghur,
Thomas AY., Sparta ; Graves, Nathan, Sparta ; Greenman, George
E., Sparta; Griffin, Valentine, Angelo; Hathaway, Henry, Sparta;
Head, Delo AY., Little Falls; Hunt, John AY., Little Falls; Inger-
sall, Daniel, Sparta ; Ingersall, AYilliam AI.. Sparta ; Ingles, Augus-
tus B., Leon; John, Charles W.. Little Falls; Jones, Alilo, Sparta;
Kroll, AYilliam F.. Little Falls; Alartin, John, Little, Falls; Alatte-
son, David A., Little Falls; AlcClure, Charles L., Sparta; Allies,
Stephen C, Sparta ; Nichols, Theodore, Sparta ; Nichols, Edward,
Sparta; Peterson, Joseph R., Sparta; Potter, Joseph AY., Sparta;
Rathbun, Eldridge, Sparta ; Ripley, Edwin, Sparta ; Sacia, Henry,
Sparta ; Sherwood, Alartin, Ridgeville ; Sour, Cynes, Ridgeville ;
Stevens, John E., Portland, AYalker, Perry C, Little Falls; AYash-
burn, AA'illiam H., Little Falls; AYilsey, John J., Portland; AYol-
cott, Jerome B., Sparta; AYright, AA'illiam, Sparta; Yoemans,
Samuel J., Sparta; Young, Jerome B.. Sparta.
FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "K" — Capt. Robert A. Gillett,' Tomah ; Armstrong,
Sebastian, Greenfield; Buswell, Samuel, Glendale; Cassels, AYill-
iam, Tomah ; Collins, Neal AL, Glendale ; Day, Allen, AA^ellington ;
Durkee, Lawren 0., Tomah; Englerth, Adam, Ridgeville; Grover,
James K., Oakdale ; Gudbauer, AYilliam, Greenfield ; Kellogg,
Charles H., Tomah ; Lamb, Lewis A., Greenfield ; Loomer, Amasa,
Lincoln; Aledcalf, Edward AI., Greenfield; Alooney, James, Shel-
don ; Aloore, David A., Glendale, Plunker, AYilliam, Tomah ; Raf-
130 IIIISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
try, Thomas, Sheldon ; Reikie, Thomas, Tomah ; Robertson, Xeth-
ven, Tomah; Root, AVilliam L., Greenfield; Root, Mortimer, Green-
field; Thompson, Chelnsk, Glendale ; Thorpe, Adelbert D., Glen-
dale; Twohay. John. Slicldon : AVard. Joseph, Glendale.
FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "E" — Bennett, Henry R. J., Sparta; Crosby,
Charles, Sparta; Donovan, Daniid, Kendall. Donnelley, James,
Kendall, Dounellev, Frank, Kendall; Dutt'v, John, Greenfield;
Houghton, George B., Sparta; Kelley, Christopher, Greenfield;
Lovell, Andrew C, Eaton ; ]Mott, Alfred H., Leon ; AYilliams,
Henry C, Tomah; Wymau, Elias F., Eaton.
FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company ''K" — Capt. Edward F. AVade, Lincoln; Johnson,
Evan, Sparta ; Johnson, Louis, Sheldon ; Jones, John, Sparta ;
Losh, David AY., Sparta ; McLaren, AVilliam, Sparta ; Oakley, Alil-
ton, Sparta; Stewart, John, Sparta; Stoddard, Richard Al.,
Angelo ; Underwood, Lyman, Sparta.
FORTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "H" — First Lieut. Job S. Driggs. Glendale.
FORTY-NINTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company ''C" — Curtis, Henry 0., Sparta.
Company "I''— Capt. Christoi)her C. Aliller, Tomah; Banker,
Bctlincl, Ontario; Bell. Richard, Cataract; Bellerman, Joseph,
Ridgeville; liigalow. Daniel AV., Tomah; Brooks, Samuel E.. AVil-
ton. Burroughs, Eli. AVilton : Daggett, Samuel AI., AVilton ; Fish,
Henry, Tomah; Fitcli. Irvin X., Sparta; Fryer, John, Tomah;
Fuller. AVilliam L., Glendale; Griswold, Samuel AV., Ridgeville;
Hale, Oliver C., Ridgeville; Hancock, AVilliam B.. AVilton; Ilodg-
kins. George C., Sparta; AEcAIauus, A^'incent, Cataract; Aliller,
l^uy, I.<ineoln; Palmer, Reuben. Little Falls; Palmer, Zarah, Cata-
ract; Rliodes, Bela, AVillon; Skinner, Austin F., Cataract; Strana-
han, Rodolphus A., Ridgeville; Thompson. Albert F., Ridgeville;
Triffany. Sylvanus. Ridgeville; Tom]>kins, Chester AV., Cataract;
A'^inccnz, Ferdinand, Ridg(>ville; AVeile]i, Henry. Ridgeville: AVhit-
ney, Charles L., Lincoln; AVhitney, Jacob AV., Lincoln; AVise,
Fredrick, Lincoln ; AVoodworth, Lucuis, Leon ; Yo\mg, Thomas,
Ontario.
OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN 131
FIFTIETH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "B" — Ciiininiiis, John, Jefferson; Haskill, Charles
C, Jeft'erson ; Jolmsou, Albert, Jeft'erson ; Kight, James, Green-
field; Kight, John, Greenfield; Kyes, David S., Jefferson; MoUey,
Andrew, Jefferson; Moore, Daniel M., Jefferson ; Moore, Robert J.,
Greenfield ; Natwik, Ole H., Jefferson ; Schriver, Buy F., Jefferson ;
Seals, Daniel W., Jefferson; Shult, Williams, Jefferson.
Company "I" — DeCoursey, Edward G., Sparta; Graff, Joseph,
Greenfield ; Ilolloek, Richard, Leon ; Hewitt, Henry, Leon.
FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY.
First Asst. Surgeon Rouse Bennett, Tomah.
FIFTY-SECOND REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Company "A" — Banker, Stephen 0., Sparta; Edwards, "Will-
iam A., Sparta; Fairbanks, Abram F., LaFayette; Hubbard, Jobez,
Lincoln; ]Mumford, James R., Sparta; Nolan, John, Leon; Perry,
Leauder, Leon; Talbot, Robert A., Sparta; West, Henry C,
Sparta.
Company "D" — Brooks, Seth, Leon; Comstock, William B.,
Leon ; Hilmer, Fredrick, LaFayette ; Jacobs, John, Leon ; Jost,
Peter P., LaFayette; Keeler, Daniel H., Leon; Kinney, Peter S.,
Angelo; Luskuski, Nicholas, LaFayette; Putman, Isaac, Leon;
Ray, Robert, Leon; Robinson, Henry J., Leon; Robinson, William
B., Leon ; Shaaf, Christian, Leon ; West, AVarren G., Leon ; Winter,
Simon, LaFayette ; Woodworth, Chester, Leon.
FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT INF.ANTRY.
Company "A" — Crouch, Stephen V., LaFayette; Curtiss,
Martin M., Greenfield ; Rosenan, John, Lincoln ; Scott, Lee, Lin-
coln; Williams, Jeremiah G., Tomah.
FIRST REGIMENT (BERDAN'S) U. S. SHARP SHOOTERS.
Company "G" — Grover, George W., Tomah; Guthery, John
L., Tomah ; Murat, Conrad, Wilton.
CHAPTER XIII.
co:\rMissioxED officers.
]\luni'ot' county can well Ix' proud of the lad that its citizens
did their full share and a little more, in the AVar of the Rebellion ;
in this connection it is a matter of considerable interest, that in
addition to the large number of enlisted men, ''The man ])eliind
the gun," many of its citizens received commission to various
ranks to the extent of furnishing two colonels, one of whom was
promoted to brevet brigadier general, two majors, fifteen caj)-
tains, eleven first lieutenants, twelve second lieutenants, one regi-
mental surgeon, one assistant surgeon and three regimental chap-
lains; and we here give the record of each man in the service as
far as it is possible to obtain it from the official records.
COLONELS.
Milton Montgomery, Sparta. AVas commissioned colonel of
the Twenty-fifth Regiment of Infantry, with the rank, from
August 16, 1862; was in command of a provisional division from
June 6, 1863, to July 28, 1863 ; he connnanded the First Brigade,
Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, February 3 to April
14, 1864; he was Avounded and taken prisoner July 22, 1864, at
Decatur, Ga. ; his right arm was amputated ; upon his exchange
and recovery he again reported for active duty and was assigned
to the command of the same brigade, which he held from January
29 to March 28, 1865; on March 13, 1865, for gallant and meri-
torious conduct he was commissioned brevet brigadier general of
United States A''olunteers and Avas nnistered out of the service
Juno 7. 1865.
William W. Robinson, Sparta. AVas nui.stercd into the service
August 15, 1861, as lieutenant colonel of tlie Seventh Regiment of
Infantry; was severely wounded at Gainsville; was commissioned
colonel January 30, 1862, and served until July 9, 1864, when he
resigned his commission.
MAJORS.
George A. Fisk, Sparta. AVas commissioned captain of Com-
pany "D," Eighteenth Infantry, December 17, 1861; he was
132
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 133
taken prisoner at the battle of Shiloh, was exchanged and re-
signed his commission August 9, 1863. He again entered the serv-
ice and was commissioned captain of Company "C," Thirty-sixth
Infantry, Llarch 4, 1864, was promoted to the rank of major
March 7, 1865, and mustered out of the service July 12, 1865.
James B. Farnsworth, Tomah. Enlisted in Company "I,"
Fourth Cavalry, April 20, 1861 ; was promoted to veterinary ser-
geant and first sergeant, commissioned second lieutenant of Com-
pany "I," Fourth Cavalry, August 11, 1862; first lieutenant June
24, 1863; captain September 24, 1864; he was transferred to the
command of Company "A," Fourth Cavalry, August 22, 1865;
commanded the Third Battery of the Fourth Cavalry, and was
mustered out May 28, 1866, receiving a commission as major,
dated June 18, 1866.
- J
CAPTAINS.
Levi R. Blake, Sparta. Enlisted April 20, 1861, and was com-
missioned first lieutenant of Company "I," Fourth Cavalry, April
26, 1861; was severely wounded June 3, 1863, at Clinton, La., and
died from the effects of his wounds June 10, 1863, at Batan Rouge,
Louisiana.
Carpenter Robert, Sparta. Enlisted in Company "A," Third
Cavalry, Octol)er 7, 1861. AVas commissioned first lieutenant of
Company ''A." Third Cavalry, October 21, 1861; was mustered
out of the service January 30, 1865. Upon the reorganization of
the Third Cavalry he was commissioned captain of Company "L,"
Marcli 9, 1865, and resigned his command August 14, 1865.
Chandler, John A., Sparta. He was commissioned captain of
Company ''C," Nineteenth Infantry, January 8, 1862; resigned
and retired July 30, 1862.
Damman, Jeremiah D., Sparta. Enlisted in Company "A,"
Third Cavalry, September 7, 1861, and was commissioned captain
of company "A," Third Cavalry, October 31, 1861, and on account
of disability, he resigned INIarch 9, 1863.
Hall, Joseph, Tomah. Enlisted in Company "I," Fourth
Cavalry, April 23, 1861 ; was promoted to corporal and sergeant,
transferred to Company "L," Fourth Cavalry, and commissioned
first lieutenant of the same company April 12, 1864; captain of
Company "L" November 28, 1864, and transferred to the com-
mand of Company "E," Fourth Cavalry, August 20, 1865; mus-
tered out of the service May 28, 1866.
Johnson, Leonard, Glendale. Enlisted in Company "L," Sixth
Infantry, ]May 9, 1861 ; was commissioned captain of the same
134
IIISTUKV OF .MOXKOK COUNTY
company ]\Iay 15, 18(il ; he resigned tind retired from the service
December 13, 1861.
Leonard, Mortimer, Sparta. Was mustered into the service as
first lieutenant of Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry, August
22, 18G2; was Avounded June 22, 1S()4. at Decatur, (ia. ; was mus-
tered out of the sei"\'i<'e June 7, 18()r).
Lowrie, Alexander, Jeflt'erson. Enlisted in Company "I," Sixth
Infantry, June 1, 1801 ; was promoted to corporal, sergeant and
first sergeant; was coimnissioned second lieutenant of the same
company April 27. 1864; first lieutenant December 21. 1864, and
captain February 25. 1865. He was Avounded at the second battle
of Bull Rini. and was nuistered out of the service July 14, 1865.
Lynn, John W., Sparta. Enlisted in Company "T." P'ourth
Cavalry, April 20, 1861 ; Avas commissioned captain of that com-
pany April 26. 1861; Avas killed July 15, 1862, on board the gun-
boat Tyler. The Post of the Grand Army of the Republic at
Sparta bears his name.
Miles, Stephen C, Sparta. Enlisted February 29, 1864, in Com-
pany "C,'' Thirty-sixth Regiment Infantry; promoted to ser-
geant and first sergeant; Avas Avounded at the battle of Cold Har-
bor; commissioned captain of the same company July 22, 1864;
Avas nuistered out of the service July 12, 18()5. not having been
nnist(>red as a captain.
Miller, Christopher C, Tomali. Was nuistered into Company
"I," Forty-ninth Reginu'ut Infantry, January 31, 1865, and coin-
missioned cajitain of the same com])any February 24, 1865; Avas
mustered out of th(» serxice Xoveiiil)er 8, 1865.
Russell, Alonzo H.. Si)arta. Enlisted in Company ''C," Nine-
teenth InfantiN'. Januaiy 7, lSti2: was i)i'()moted to first sergeant;
commissioned second lieutenant of the same company February 8,
1863; first lieutenant January 14, 1865; caj^tain of the same com-
pany ^Fay 23. 1865, and Avas mustered out August 9, 1865.
Slog'gy, Peter, Sparta. "Was nuistei'ed into the service as sec-
ond lieutenant Company "D,"" Kighteenth lid'antry. December 17,
1861; Avas commissioned first lieutenant of the same company
July 10, 18()3; commissioned captain August 11, 1863, ami Avas
mustered out of the serA'ice ]\Iarch ^^, 1865.
Wilson, DeWitt C, Sit.ii-ta. Was nuistered into the serA'ice and
commissioned first lieutenant of Company "D, " Eighteenth Infan-
try, December 17, 1861 ; he AA'as taken prisoner at tlu' battle of
Shiloh ; Avas exchanged and ]U"omot(Hl to captain in the Eighth
Louisiana (colored) Regiment.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 135
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Blyton, William H. Enlisted at Sparta January 23, 1862, in
Company "C," Nineteenth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers,
appointed post quartermaster sergeant at Camp Randall INIay 11,
1862; regimental commissary sergeant July 1. 1862; regimental
quartermaster sergeant November 14, 1862 ; commissioned first lieu-
tenant October 21, 1864, assigned to Second United States Infan-
try; November 11, 1864; commission approved by the Presi-
dent; mustered in as first lieutenant and regimental quartermas-
ter, quartermaster department. United States army. Mustered
out at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., June 20, 1866, as first lieutenant
and regimental quartermaster. Fourth Regiment, United States
Infantry.
Blake, Albert H., Sparta. Mustered into the service with
the rank of first lieutenant of Company "F," Twentieth Infantry,
August 18, 1862; w^as wounded at Prairie Grove; resigned June
10, 1865.
Chase, Myron P., Sparta. Enlisted April 25, 1861, in Company
"I," Fourth Cavalry; was promoted to sergeant and commission-
ary sergeant ; was commissioned second lieutenant of the same
company June 24, 1863, and was wounded October 10, 1864;
resigned his commission April 28, 1865.
Driggs, Jobe S., Glendale. Enlisted May 10, 1861, in Company
''I," Sixth Infantry; was promoted to sergeant in the Veteran
Corps; was transferred to Battery "B," Fourth United States
Artillery, September 21, 1862, where he remained until February,
1864 ; was wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness ; promoted to
second lieutenant of Company "H, " Forty-eighth Infantry, Feb-
ruary 24, 1865 ; commissioned first lieutenant October 28, 1865 ;
was mustered out of the service December 27, 1865.
Farnaham, Charles S., Sparta. Mustered into the service as
second lieutenant of Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry, Sep-
tember 9, 1862 ; was wounded July 22, 1864, at Decatur, Ga. ;
acted as assistant inspector general. First Brigade, Second Divis-
ion, Seventeenth Army Corps, from September 26, 1864, until
June, 1865 ; was mustered out June 7, 1865.
Foote, Oscar E., Tomah. Was mustered into the service as
first lieutenant of Company "H, " Tenth Infantry, September 11,
1861 ; he resigned his commission October 5, 1861 ; he entered the
serAdce again, being commissioned as second lieutenant of Com-
pany "F," Twenty-fifth Infantry, September 9, 1862; died of
disease at Helena, Ark., August 9, 1863.
136
IIISTOKV OF .M()XR(^E COUNTY
Frisby, William R. V., Sparta. Enlisted January 7, 1862, in
Company "'C," Nineteenth Infantry; promoted to sergeant and
first sergeant ; was commissioned second lieutenant July 30, 1862 ;
resigned December 11, 1864.
Johnson, Chester W., Liltle Falls. Enlisted February 10,
1864, iji ("oiiii)any "C," Thirty-sixtli Infantry; Avas promoted to
corporal and sergeant; was wounded August 14, 1864; com-
missioned first lieutenant July 22, 1865, but not mustered ; was
mustered out of the service July 12, 1865.
Lynn, James H., Sparta. Enlisted March 4, 1862, in Company
"C," Nineteenth Infantry, and was transferred to Veteran Corps;
promoted to sergeant and first sergeant ; commissioned first lieu-
tenant July 11, 1865, but not mustered. He Avas mustered out of
the service August D, 1865.
Noyes, Luther B., Sparta. "Was mustered into the service as
first lieutenant of Company "C," Thirty-sixth Infantry, March
4, 1864; was wounded at Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864; on
account of wounds he was discharged September 28, 1864.
Pike, Anson A., Sparta. Mustered into the service as first
lieutenant of Company "I," Forty-ninth Infantry, February 24,
1865; resigned his command May 27. 1865.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS,
Avery, Ralph H., Lincoln. Enlisted in Company "I," Forty-
nintli Infantry, February 21, 1865 ; was promoted to first sergeant ;
was commissioned second lieutenant of the same company June
17, 1865; mustered out of the service November 8, 1865.
Baxter, Walter, Glendale. Enlisted in Company '"A," Fiftieth
Infantry, February 22, 1865; was promoted to corporal, sergeant
and first sergeant ; commissioned second lieutenant June 18, 1866,
not mustered. He was mustered out of the service June 12, 1866.
Carnahan, Archibald, Sparta. Enlisted in Company ''C,"
Thirty-sixtli Infantry, February 24, 1864; promoted to sergeant
and first sergeant; was taken prisoner at Rean's Station: com-
missioned as second lieutenant April 18. 1865, not mustered. lie
was mustered out of the service June 10, 1865.
Ellis, George M., Sheldon. Enlisted in Company "A," Third
Cavalry, November 2, 1861; promoted to corporal, sergeant and
first sergeant; commissioned second lieutenant of the same com-
pany March 0. 1863. ^Mustered out of the service January 30,
ISO.-).
Erickson, Martin A., Sparta. Enlisted in Company ''II," P'if-
teenth Infantry, Oeti)l)er 22, 1861; promoted to first sergeant; was
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 137
made sergeant major of the regiment January 1. 1863; was com-
missioned second lieutenant of Company "H," Fifteenth Infantry,
]\Iay 21, 1863. He was taken prisoner at Chieamauga ; was mus-
tered out of the service April 20, 1865.
Hicks, Henry A., Glendale. Enlisted October 28, 1861, in the
Tenth Battery, Light Artillery; promoted to sergeant; was com-
missioned junior second lieutenant March 3, 1862 ; was transferred
to the Ninth Battery, Light Artillery, March 29, 1862, and com-
missioned senior second lieutenant October 21, 1863 ; he was
mustered out of the service January 26, 1865.
High, Andrew D., Sparta. Enlisted in Company "I," Twentj'^-
fifth Infantry, August 5, 1862 ; promoted to first sergeant ; w^as
commissioned second lieutenant of the same company July 16,
1863, and Avas mustered out of the service June 7, 1865.
Hill, Eber B., Sparta. Enlisted January 7, 1862, in Company
"C," Ninteenth Infantry; promoted to sergeant and first ser-
geant; was taken prisoner October 27, 1864; commissioned lieu-
tenant of the same company January 11. 1865, not nuistered. He
was mustered out of the service May 15, 1865.
McMillan, William F., Sparta. Enlisted in Company "A,"
third corporal September 30, 1861 ; was promoted to corporal and
sergeant; when the regiment was reorganized he was transferred
to Company "K" March 3, 1865; promoted to veterinary ser-
geant and first sergeant ; mustered out September 27, 1865 ; was
commissioned second lieutenant October 11, 1865, not mustered.
Phillips, William J., Sparta. Enlisted in Company "A," first
Cavalry, August 15, 1861 ; commissioned second lieutenant of same
company September 2, 1861 ; died May 2, 1862, of wounds received
at Chalk Bluffs, Ark.
West, Ansyl A., Sparta. Enlisted April 20, 1861, in Company
''I," Fourth Cavalry; commissioned second lieutenant of the same
company April 26, 1861 ; resigned December 6, 1861.
Davis, John, Leon. Enlisted in Company ''A," Third Cavalry,
October 21, 1861 ; commissioned second lieutenant September 6,
1862 ; mustered out January 30, 1865.
SURGEONS.
Bennett, Rouse, Tomah. Was mustered into the service as first
assistant surgeon of the Fifty-first Infantry February 24. 18(j5 ;
was mustered out of the service April 26, 1865.
Gage, Martin R., Sparta. Mustered into the service as sur-
geon of the Twenty-fifth Infantry August 4, 1862; resigned on
account of disability June 15, 1864.
138
IIISTOKY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
CHAPLAINS.
DeLaney, James, Sparta. .Mustered into the service as chap-
lain of the Eighteenth Infantry March 10, 1862; resigned July 14,
1862.
Hawes, Lewis, M., Sparta. Enlisted as a private in Company
''E," Thirty-seventh Infantry, March 31, 1864; promoted to cliap-
lain of the regiment July 28, 1864; resigned April 18, 1865.
Phillips, Enos M., Sparta. Mustered into the service as chap-
lain of the First Regiment of Cavalry December 10, 1862, and
resigned September 26, 1863.
CHAPTER XIV.
THOSE WHO DIED IN THE SERVICE.
The roster, which follows, is taken from the adjutant general's
report for 1865 and also from the roster of Wisconsin troops, pub-
lished by authority of the Legislature ; in every instance the place
is given where the soldier lost his life, either by reason of being
killed in action, dying of disease or wounds or accident, together
with the date of his death.
KILLED IN ACTION.
Officers.
John W. Lynn, captain, Company "I," Fourth Cavalry, on gun-
boat Tyler, July 15, 1862.
William J. Phillips, second lieutenant. Company "A," First Cav-
alry, Chalk Blutf, Ark., August 3, 1863.
ENLISTED MEN,
Broughton, Lanson I., private. Company "D," Eighteenth Infan-
try, Vicksburg, Miss., May 22, 1863.
Broughton, Lewis M., private. Company "I," Sixth Infantry, Get-
tysburg, Pa., June, 1864.
Campbell, George, private. Company "D," Eighteenth Infantry,
Cornith, Miss., October 8, 1862.
Cole, Darwin, private. Company "C," Thirty-sixth Infantry,
Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864.
Cleaves, Corydon, private, Company "C," Thirty-sixth Infantry,
Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864.
Cummings, David, private. Company ''K," Sixth Infantry, Antie-
tem, Md., September 17, 1862.
Davis, Josiah. private, Company ''A," Third Cavalry, Osage, Nev.,
August 31, 1863.
Douglas, David, private. Company "C," Sixth Infantry, Peters-
burg, Va., June 18, 1864.
Green, Chester A., first sergeant, Company "I," Sixth Infantry,
Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864.
139
140 HISTORY OF :\10XR0E COUNTY
Gibbs, Albert, private, Company "K," Tenth Infantry, r'h;i])]iri
Hills, Ky., October 8, 18G2.
Gallagher, Thomas AY., sergeant, Company "C,'' Thirty-sixtli
Infantry. Pcter.shui'g, Va., June 26, 1864.
Ilarhind, John, private. Company "D, " Sixth Infantry, Gettys-
burg, Pa., July 1, 1863.
Haywood, Joel, private, Companj' "II," Tenth Infantry, Perrys-
ville, Ky., October 8, 1862.
Huntley. Jabez L., private, Company ''D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Decatur, Ga., July 22, 1864.
Ilaneoek, "\Yilliam D., private. Company "K, " Sixth Infantry,
Salesburg, N. C, Novemlier 27, 1864.
Hicks, Addison, corporal, Company "F," Twentieth Jiifnntry,
Prairie Grove, Ark., December 6, 1862.
Ingles, Augustus B., private, Company "C," Sixth Infantry,
Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864.
Morse, Anthony, private. Company "F, " Sixteenth Infantry,
Shiloh, Tenn., April 6, 1862.
IMcClure, Charles, private. Company "Cy Thirty-sixth Infantry,
Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864.
Murray, Christopher, corporal. Company "C," Xinetcentli Infan-
try, Fair Oaks, Va., October 27, 1864.
Palmer, Sylvester C, private, (^^ompany "F, " Sixteenth Infantry,
Shiloh, Tenn., April 6, 1862.
Revels, AYilliam J., private, Company ''K," Sixth Infantry, \Yrl-
don R. R., Va., August 19, 1864.
Stegman, Conrad, private. Company "G," Third Cavalry, Baxter
Springs, (? ? ), October 6, 1863.
Stewart, Milton H., private, Company "D," Eighteenth Infantry,
Shiloh, Tenn., April 6. 1862.
Stewart, James, ])rivate. Company 'TV' Nineteenth Infnntry. Fair
Oaks, Va., October 27, 1864.
Sherwin, Bissell, private, Company ''D," Nineteenth Infantry,
Fair Oaks, Va., October 27. 1864.
"Walker, Perry C, ])ii\;i1e. ('(tnipnny ''C," Tliirty-sixtli Infjintry,
Petersburg, Va.. June 18, 1864.
DIED OF WOUNDS.
Officers.
Levi R. Blake, captain. Company "I," Fourth Cavalry, Baton
Rouge, La., June 10, 1863.
THOSE WHO DIED IN THE SERVICE 141
Enlisted Men.
Brown, Hutson, private, Company "C," Sixtli Infantry, AVash-
ington, D. C, August 24, 1864.
Casner, Thomas, private. Company "C," Sixth Infantry, AYash-
ington, D. C, August 14, 1864.
Cressy, Henry W., private, Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Decatur, Ga., June 22, 1864.
Chandler, Jeremiah, private, Company "A," Twentieth Infantry,
Fayetteville, Ark., December 31, 1862.
Dunlevy, Thomas, private, Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Decatur, Ga., July 23, 1864.
House, Phileman P., private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infan-
try, Atlanta, Ga., August 7, 1864.
Eathbun, Eldredge, private. Company "C, " Thirty-sixth Infan-
try, AYashington, D. C. June 9, 1864.
Robbins, George, private, Company "I," Sixth Infantry, George-
town, D. C, September 21, 1862.
DIED OF ACCIDENT.
Briggs, Charles, private, Company "A," Third Cavalry, North-
western Railway, 111., IMarch 26, 1862.
Davis, Y^^illiam, private. Company "A," Third Cavalry, North-
western Railway, 111., March 26, 1862.
Hull, Edward, private. Company "I," Fourth Cavalry, Rilay
House, Md., August 25, 1861.
Rawson, Lucian M., private. Company "A," Third Cavalry North-
western Railway, 111., March 26, 1862.
DIED OF DISEASE.
Abies, Henry, private. Company '"D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Helena, Ark., April 26, 1863.
Alger, Thomas, private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Helena, Ark., December 16, 1863.
Batis, Mathias, private, Company ''A," Fourth Cavalry, IMorgan-
zie. La., July 25, 1864.
Bush, William J., sergeant. Company "I," Fourth Cavalry, Car-
rolton. La., November 8, 1862.
Brigham, John M., corporal, Company "I," Sixth Infantry, Camp
Lyon, D. C, October 2, 1861.
Birdsill, George, private. Company "F," Sixteenth Infantry, Co-
rinth, Miss., July 1, 1862.
142
IIISTOHY OF .AIOXKOP] COUNTY
Brown, Jesse, private, Company ''D,'' Eighteenth Infantry, Vieks-
bnrg, :\Iiss., September 24, 1863.
Boyle, Peter, private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Andersonville, Ga., September 4, 1864.
Barnes, Alfred 0., private, Company "C,'' Thirty-sixtli Infantry,
Madison, Wis.. April 10, 1864.
Britton, Daniel A., ])rivate, Company "C, " Thirty-sixth Infantry,
Annapolis, ]\Id., ]\Iareh 26, 1865.
Crouch, Hiram J., private. Company "H," First Cavalry, Madison,
Wis., April 5, 1864.
Cottwill. Stephen, private. Company "H," Sixth Infantry. Point
Lookout, Md., March 4. 1864.
Corey, Phillips, private. Company "II," Tenth Infantry, Cowan
Station, Tenn.. August 3, 1863.
Claigg. Ilospild. private. Company "B," Sixteentli Infantry,
Rome, Ga.. July 27, 1864.
Comstock, Ambrose L., private, Company "D," Eighteenth Infan-
try, Corinth, :\Iiss., August 2, 1862.
Cottingar, John, private, Company ''C," Nineteenth Infantry,
Salisburg, X. C., January 24, 1865.
Chatterton, Jefferson, private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infan-
try. St. Louis. ]\Io., January 1. 1864.
Chadwick. James, private, Company "F,"" Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Rome. Ga.. September 3. 1864.
Conger, Lewis B., private. Company "D," TAventy-fifth Infantry,
hospital boat, July 29, 1863.
Cressy, AYarren P., private, Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Cairo, 111., September 6, 1863.
Cross, George C, first sergeant. Company "C," Thirty-sixth
Infantry, ^Madison. AVis.. May 13, 1864.
Deyotell. John, private. Company 'II.'" Tentli Infantry, Bacon
Creek, Ky.. February 23, 1862.
Bustiu. John P.. jirivate. Company "D," Eighteenth Infantry,
May 21, 1S62.
Degotell, AYilliam, jtrivate, Comjiany ""F,"' Nineteenth Infantry,
Sjiringfield. ^Mo., January 1, 1863.
Day, Henry, private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry, Man-
kato, :\Iinn., November 22, 1862.
Demmon, Ira P., corporal. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Cher.saw, S. C.. :\Iarch 2. 1865.
Depen, AYiley, i)rivate, Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
drowned Dallas. Ga.. Januarv 1, 1864.
THOSE AVHO DIED IN THE SERVICE 143
Davis, Joseph, private, Company "E," Forty-third Infantry,
Louisville, Ky., June 15, 18()5.
David, Theron, private. Company ''F," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
iMeniphis, Tenn., September 9, 1863.
Dell, EdAvard, private, Company "F, " Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Memphis, Tenn., September 9, 1863.
Eschner, Phileman, private. Company "F, " Twenty- fifth Infantry,
Vicksburg, Miss., March 9, 1864.
Edgerton, Henry L., private. Company ''D," Twenty-fifth In-
fantry, Greenfield, Mo., December 6, 1864.
Edgerton, Charles L., private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infan-
try, Helena, Ark., August 19, 1863.
Eastman, Lemuel, private, Company "F, " Twentieth Infantry,
Springfield, Mo., June 9, 1863.
Freeman, Select, private, Company "D," Eighteenth Infantry,
date and place unknoAvn.
Fitch, Irwin N.. private, Company "I," Forty-ninth Infantry,
Madison, Wis., ]\Iareh 27, 1865.
Gorman, Aaron II., private. Company "H, " Tenth Infantry,
Bowling Green, Ky., March 31, 1862.
Gugerty, AVilliam A., private. Company "E," Eleventh Infantry,
Brashear City, La., July 15, 1864.
Gleason, George, private. Company ''D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Helena, Ark., August 19, 1863.
Godbould, David, private. Company "F, " Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Rome, Ga., August 27, 1864.
Graves, Nathan, private, Company "C," Thirty-sixth Infantry,
Salisbury, N. C, December 18, 1864.
Hill, Jacob, private, Company ''I," Fourth Cavalry, Carrolton,
La., November 5, 1862.
Hill, Oscar A., corporal, Company ''D," Eighteenth Infantry,
Jefferson Barracks, Mo., December 20, 1862.
Hutchins, Sylvester, pivate, Company "C, " Nineteenth Infantry,
Alexander, A^a., July 16, 1862.
Harman, John A., corporal. Company ''D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Helena, Ark., September 30, 1863.
Harp, George F., private. Company ''D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
AVinship Furnace, Ga., June 16, 1864.
Holgate, Francis, private. Company ''D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Snyders Bluff, Miss., June 15, 1863.
Hollenbeck, Amos J., private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infan-
try, Andersonville, Ga., August 4, 1864.
144
JIISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Ilydo, Alfred, private, Company "D," Twonty-finii liif;nitry,
^Memphis, 'reim.. September 15, ISi^i.
Ilatliaway, Henry, private, Company "C," Tweiity-iiftli Iiiiaiilry,
Salisl)ury, N. C, November 27, 1864.
Justiee, John, sergeant, Company ''D," Twenty-fit'th Infantry,
Helena, Ark., August 15, 1863.
.Icwi'll. Isaac. ])rivate, Company "I," Fourth Cavalr}', Carrolton,
La., September 28, 1862.
Kiii<rht, Charles A., private, Compan.y "A," Fourtli Cavalry,
Whitewater, AVis., November 28. 1864.
Kinney, AVilliam P.. private, Company "D."' Twcnly-fifth Infan-
try, Vieksburg. .Miss., February 22, 1864.
Love, Job, private, Company "G, " Tenth Infantry, Murfreesboro,
Teun., September 6, 1861.
Lj'man, Jeremiah, jnivate, Companj^ "C," Sixteenth Infantry,
Vieksburg, Miss., August 10, 1863.
jMurphy. AVilliam. private. First Battery Light Artillery, Youngs
Point, La., February 26, 1863.
Merriam, Enos S., ]n'ivate, Com{)any "D," Eiglitccnth Tnfanti-y,
Grand Junetion. Tenn., Deeember 4, 1862.
McPheters. Alexandci'. private. Company "C," Niueteenlli In-
fantry, Portsmouth, Va., October 3, 1862.
Miller, Alexander, private, Companj' "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Rome, Ga., October 10, 1864.
]\lills, Elias. private. Company "D,'' Twenty-fifth Infantry.
Paducah, Ky., August 18, 1863.
Alills, Eli, private, Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry, Hos-
pital Boat, July 25, 1863.
]Minor, AVm. II., private. Company ''D," Twc^nty-fiftli Infantry.
Padueah, Ky.. October 9, 1863.
a\Iorrison, AVm. A., private. Company- "D," Twenty-liltli Infantry,
Goldsboro, N. C., April 1, 1865.
]\Iusgrave. \Vm. P., private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Snyder's Bluff, Miss., July 23, 1863.
Mero, Fredrick, private, Company "E," Twenty-fifth Infanti-y,
Hospital Boat. July 28, 1863.
Nicliols. Edward, private. Company ^'C." Tliirly-sixlli Infantry.
Salis])ury, N. C., November 27, 1864.
Owens, Lewis E., private. Company "D," Tw(>nty-fifth Infantry,
Helena, Ark., September 10. 1863.
Rottenstetter, Simeon, private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth In-
fantry, Helena. Ark., October 27, 1863.
THOSE WHO DIED IN THE SERVICE 145
Randless, James AY., private, First Battery, Light Artillery,
Young's Point, La., March 9, 1863.
Rogers, Jacob, private. Company "H, " Twelfth Infantry, Nash-
ville, Tenn., February 5. 1865.
Rathbun, Dewey, private. Company ''D," Eighteenth Infantry,
Leon, AYis., March 26, 1862.
Smith, Gilbert, private, First Battery, Light Artillery, New Or-
leans, La., August 3, 1864.
Spooner, Edward. J., private. Company "E," Sixth infantry,
Arlington, Yh., March 4, 1862.
Stanley, Lewis, private. Company "H, " First Cavalry, Bowling
Green, Ky., February 14, 1865.
Spooner, Charles AY., private. Company "H, " Tenth Infantry,
Annapolis, Md., May 10, 1864.
Seepry, Edward, private. Company "D," Eighteenth Infantry,
St. Louis, Mo., June 8, 1862.
Sanderlin, Isaac S., private. Company "K, " Eighteenth Infantry,
Annapolis, Mel., April 3, 1864.
Sawyer, Peter E., private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Helena, Ark., October 27, 1863.
Shaw, Wm. F., private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Memphis, Tenn., April 17, 1863.
Snow, George M., private, Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Louisville, Ky., June 9, 1864.
Sour, Cyrus, private, Company ''C," Thirty-sixth Infantry, Madi-
son, AYis., April 17. 1864.
Stevens, John E., private, Company ''C," Thirty-sixth Infantry,
Salisbury, N. C, November 28. 1864.
Stranthan, Rodolphus A., private. Company ''I," Forty-ninth
Infantry, Rollo, Mo., March 25, 1865.
Teed, Truman, corporal. Company "C," Sixteenth Infantry,
Providence, La., July 6, 1863.
Thompson, James AY., private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth In-
fantry, Paducah, Ky., August 26. 1863.
Thomson, Allen, private. Company ''D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
St. Louis, Mo., October 15, 1863.
Ustick, Jacob Y., private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Paducah, Ky., August 30, 1863.
A^aughau, George AY., private, Company "G," Nineteenth In-
fantry, Yorktown, A^a., August 14, 1863.
AYeaver, Hiram 0., private. Company "H," Tenth Infantry,
Andersonville, Ga., July 4, 1861.
146
HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
Wiiiegar, AVilliaiu. i)rivato, Conipan.y "F," Sixteenth Infantry,
Keokuk, J a.. July 30, 1862.
AVileox, Martin, private, Company "II," Sixteenth Infantry,
Rome, Ga., August 28, 186-4.
AVilson, Addison, private, Company "G," Nineteenth Infantry,
Raeine, AVis., I\Iay 16, 1862.
AYolcott, George L., private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth In-
fantry, i\Iemphis, Tenn., October 11, 1862.
AYorden, Samuel, private. Company "D," Twenty-fiflh Infantry,
^Marietta, Ga., September 16, 1864.
AYolcot, Jerome B., private, Company "C," Thirty-sixth Infantry,
Madison, AVis., April 6, 1864.
Yomans, AYm. H., private. Company "D," Twenty-fifth Infantry,
Memphis, Tenn., September 17, 1863.
MISSING.
Conway, Thomas, private, Company "K," Sixth Infantrj^ at
Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.
n
CHAPTER XV.
HENRY W. CRESSY POST No. 42, G. A. R.
BY E. M. COWLES, ADJ.
In the summer of 1882 some fifteen or more of the ex-soldiers
made application to Grand Army headquarters, department of
AYisconsin, to muster a post of the G. A. R. at Tomah, Monroe
county, Wisconsin.
The department commander approving of such application
the mustering officer detailed Commander James Davidson, of
John W. Lynn post of Sparta, to go to Tomah with such com-
rades as he needed and muster Henry W. Cressy Post No. 42.
Commander Davidson detailed Comrade J. E. Perry as officer of
the day ; Comrade Kerrigan, as S. V. ; C. AVhetstein, as J. V. C.
All of said comrades being members of John W. Lynn post of the
G. A. R.
Said detail visited Tomah on the afternoon of August 26, 1882,
and at 7:30 o'clock, at the Fireman's hall, proceeded to muster
Henry W. Cressy post with the following conn^ades charter mem-
bers:
J. B. Adams, Company ''B, " One Plundred and Fourth In-
fantry, Pennsylvania; C. A. Adams. Company ''I," Fourth Cav-
alry, Wisconsin ; William Alexander, Company " C, " Eleventh
Infantry, Wisconsin; W. N. Alverson, Company "K, " Twenty-
fourth Infantry, New York; E. L. Bolton, Company "E," Seven-
teenth Infantry, AVisconsin ; H. S. Beardsley, Company ^'E,"
Twelfth Infantry, AYisconsin; A. D. Benjamin, Company "B,"
Second Cavalry, Ohio; AA^. T. Bristol, Company "E," Fourteenth
Infantry, Michigan; J. H. Beardsley, Company "A," Thirty-
eighth Infantry, AA^isconsin; D. F. Crandall, Company "B, " For-
tieth Infantry, AYisconsin; E. L. Craig, Company ''I," First
Infantry, Wisconsin; AY. H. Calkins, Company "I," Twenty-ninth
Infantry, AYisconsin; C. A. Crawford, Company "K," Sixth In-
fantry, AYisconsin; C. K. Erwin, Company "E," Forty-fifth In-
fantry, Illinois; Charles Gilson, Company "I," Fourth Cavalry,
AYisconsin : George Graham, Company ' ' G, " Thirty-seventh
Infantry, AVisconsin; H. D. Hollenbeck, Company "A," Sixteenth
147
14b IllSTOKV OF .MUXROE COL XTY
Infantry. Wisconsin; Fred Johnson. Company 'A.'" Thii'd Cav-
alry, "Wisconsin ; S. AiMustrong, A. AV. Alderman, .John Jiui'nliam,
E. L. Bolton, n. S. Heardsley. A. 1). Henjamin, K. Bremer, C. F.
Miller. E. X. l).-nsiuort. C. K. Erwin, P. Edner. W. H. Foote,
]\I. Flint. •). Fairl)aiiks. JI. Fanninjr, J. Fitzsinger. 11. 1^'isli. -John
Fryer. William Garland, Sam Gasper, Cliai'les Gilson. S. II. Gris-
wold. George D. Ilollenbeek, 0. H. Hastings. H. D. Ilollenbeck,
Thomas Hancock, A. B. Hoover. E. \V. Howard, S. A. Hudson,
R. P. Hitchcock. A. E. Ilollister. A. 31. Ilickox. A. Z. Herring,
G. 11. lluiidiii. .1. T. Beers, George Boyington. D. II. Bcii. 1). W.
Bigelow. H. (). Bigelow, A. G. Bernie, F. K. Brown, A. C. Brooks,
II. Lettingwell. H. L.-a. AV. Liseomb, H. Miller, Thomas McCanl,
C(»n. ]\lerril. J. M. ]\lcCurdy. Z. 31. ^lorse. AVilliam ]\IcLean,
A. N. 3Ialtbie. George Musson, J. 31cGinnis, E. B. ]Marvin. Z. G.
Moore. S. F. Nice, R. Noble. G. Nelson, AV. B. Naylor, F. Nuss,
F. Noth, AV. Olmstead, John Organ, AVilliam Plnnket. R. Parker,
S. Pokrand, George Persons, D. F. Cleveland. \V. 1). Cassels,
N. Calkins, Z. H. Crossett, E. Al. Cowles. AVilliam Curavo, G. 11
Dobbins. J. AI. Decker. A. E. Logan. A. AV. Johnson. V. A.
Thompson. AV. D. Stannard, II. C. Spaidding, D. H. Spoouer, A. L.
Sherer, A. AV. Sowle. 0. T. Sowle, II. Street, AI. Sherwood, S. Sut-
ton. J. J. Silken. R. Toond)s. D. Thompson. George AI. Trow-
bridge. J. E. Fnderwctod. I. A^'audervort. C. A'andervort, J. A'an-
dervort. Af. A'aiulervort, E. Alistle, L. A'anvoorhes, Fred AVise,
J. AVilson. J. AVhitfield, AVilliam Ingham. F. Johnson. S. P. Janes,
J. Jeffries, A. Jeffries, J. Kellogg, C. II. Kellogg. W. Kenyon,
C. AV. Kenyon, E. G. Kinnie, B. Kennedy. R. King, E. 15. King.
C. Kenhl. Af. Larkin. C. E. Loomer. John Little, L. Leech. J. E.
Perry, I. Perry, J. Prescott, J. Peterson, C. J. Aldin, J. C. Quimby.
Thomas Reikie. AI. Robertson, N. R. Richardson, O. Root. AVilliam
Ramsey. G. B. Robinson. D. P. Hockwood. L. Richards. B. Rhodes,
IT. Rogga, Con. Sullivan. L. Sweet, L. D. AVyatt. Jacob AVells,
J. A. AVells. 11. C. AValrath, George AValtenburg, AV. II. AVright,
J. G. Williams. E. AVimiie. A. D. AVoodruff, George AValker,
G. AVoodard, C. G. Walk.r. B. Durham. I). R. Jones, L. E. A'au-
loon. K. A. Ci-ockci". \V. II. Burlin.
ROLL OF HONOR— DEATHS.
C. J. Alden, A. W. Alderman. C. A. Crawford, A. 1). Benja-
min. .\. Cary, G. II. Dobbins. I. Fitzsinger. II. Fish, AVilliam
Garland, Charles Gilson, H. Getman. A. Getnuin, II. Galloway,
S. H. Griswold, R. P. Hitchcock, R. King, E. G. Kinnie, C. Bohn,
HENRY W. CRESSY POST I49
Charles Bremer, W. T. Bristol, A. G. Beriiie, D. F. Cleveland,
C. K. Erwin, A. Herring, J. H. Kellogg, W. Kenyon, C. W. Ken-
yon, John Little, L. Leech, W. Liseomb, C. Keuhl, H. Leffingwell,
F. Nass, F. Noth, G. S. Preseott, R. E. Bramen, George Boyington,
D. W. Bigelow, H. 0. Bigelow, William Curavo, H. Fanning,
AV. McLean, S. F. Nice, R. Noble, W. B. Naylor, C. H. Kellogg,
Company "K," Forty-third Infantry, Wisconsin; Thomas
McCcUil, Company "G," First Infantry, United States; C. W.
Merril, Company "B," Second Cavalry, Colorado; S. F. Nice,
Company "C," Twenty-fiftli Infantry, Wisconsin; John Organ,
Company "D," Twenty-eighth Infantry, AVisconsin ; George Rob-
inson, Company "B, " Thirteenth Infantry, Illinois; Cornelius
Snllivan, Ignited States steamer Tuscarora ; W. D. Stannard,
Company "F, " Second Cavalry, Michigan; II. C. Spaulding,
Company ''H," Tenth Infantry, Wisconsin; J. A. AVells, Com-
pany ''A," Twenty-third Infantry, AVisconsin; Jacob AVells, Com-
pany "D," Thirty-sixth Infantry, Ohio; H. C. Walwath, Company
"I," Fourth Cavalry, Wisconsin; L. D. Wyatt, Company "A,"
First Cavalry, AVisconsin.
The officers elected and installed at tlie first meeting, August
26, 1882, were : Commander, C. K. Erwin ; S. A^. C, George Gra-
ham; J. A^ C, E. L. Bolton; Q. AI.. J. A. AVells; surgeon, AV. D.
Stannard; chaplain, II. S. Beardsley; 0. D., II. C. Spaulding;
0. G., Thomas AlcCaul; adjutant, George Robinson; S. AL, J. B.
Adams; Q. AI. S.. AVilliam Alexander; sentinels, Jacob AVells and
John Organ.
ROSTER OF MEMBERS.
J. B. Adams, ( \ A. Adams, AVilliam Alexander, W. N. Alver-
son, O. A^ Anton, AI. C. Alton, C. Bohn, AV. T. Bristol, J. H.
Beardsley, C. C. Boomer, R. E. Braman, John Brecker, D. F.
Crandall, E. L. Craig, AV. H. Calkins, C. A. Crawford, H. Camp-
bell, N. Cary, A. N. Hickox, H. C. Spaulding. R. Toombs, E. AVin-
nie, C. A. Adams, E. L. Bolton, J. H. Crossett. AV. H. Foote,
E. N. Griswold, E. AV. Howard, N. Calkins, AI. Flint. I. Perry,
B. Rhodes, 0. Root, H. Aliller, Con. Alerril, J. AI. AleCurdy, D. H.
Spooner, D. Thompson, A. D. AVoodruff, AV. N. Alverson, H. S.
Beardsley, John Fryer, B. Kennedy, A. AV. Sowle, 0. T. Sowle,
Sam Sutton, Con. Sullivan, John Organ, AVilliam Plunkett,
George Persons, AI. Robertson, G. B. Robinson, L. Richards, H.
Rogga, George Waltenberg, D. B. Bon, C. G. AA'alker, John
AVhitfield, Z. E. Underwood, J. G. AVilliams, G. AVoodard.
L-)0 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
PRESENT MEMBERSHIP.
M. C. Alton. J. liuniham, J. IT. Heardsley, ('. ('. lioomor,
AV. B. Cassols, K. .M. Cowles, B. Durliain, E. xV. Crockrr. George
Graham, O. II. Ila.stings, L. Sweet, C. Vaiidervort, L. Van Voorhes,
L. D. AVyatt, Thomas Hancock, A. B. Hoover, D. R. Jones, S. P.
Janes, C. 11. Kellogg, A. E. Logan, M. Lafkin, C. E. Loonier,
II. Lea, George M. Trowbridge, J. Vandervort, L. E. Vanloon,
J. A. AVells, V. .Alistle, C. F. ]\liller, Thomas MeCaiil, A. X.
]Maltbie, R. Parker, S. Pokrand, J. Peterson, Thomas Reikie,
D. P. Rockwood, 1. Vandervort, M. Vandervort, F. AVise, George
Walker.
PRESENT OFFICERS.
Commander, J. R. Burnham ; S. V. C, C. II. Kellogg; J. V. C,
B. Durham; surgeon, Thomas Reikie; chaplain, Robert Parker;
adjutant, E. M. Cowles; Q. :\I.. D. P. Rockwood; P. I., George
Graham; 0. D., E. A. Crocker; 0. G., C. Vandervort; S. M., AV. B.
Cassels; Q. M. S., A. N. Maltby; delegate, C. H. Kellogg;
alternate, AV. B. Cassels ; trustee, Robert Parker ; color bearer,
George Trowbridge.
The post has a present membership of forty, and as the years
roll on its members are growing steadily less, and the value of
its associations greater to the comrades.
ALBERT E. HOLLISTER.
The following i^aper was read by .Mr. llollister before the
Henry AV. Cressy post, February 11. 1888:
"I was born ]\lay 26, 184."), in the county of Livingston, state
of New York. My parents moved to Cass county, Alichigan, when
I was three years old. 1 lived on a lanii until 1 enlisted. In August,
1862, I enlisted in Company A, Nineteenth Alichigan Infantry.
Being only seventeen, my lather demanded my release of the cap-
tain wlio enlisted me, which was readily granted. Among the
mnnber of our neighborhood was a cousin whom I will call Frank.
AVe had been brought up together and had enlisted together, and
T did not want to go honu> unless Frank did. So, rather than go
home, I hired out to work on a farm. After working for a few
days I took a 'lay-off' to visit camp and see the boys. After
thinking the matter over 1 came to the conclusion that I was not
to blame for being too young, and as I was older than Frank
was, I would not stay at home and let him go. After staying
around camp awhile, I offered myself, but the captain who
enlisted me before, and in whose company Frank was, would not
HENRY W. CRESSY POST 151
take me again. We soon found a lieutenant whose company was
not full and I offered myself. He asked my age and I told him
eighteen. He told me to go with him up to the captain's office.
The first inquiry of the captain was, 'How old are you?' 'Eight-
een, sir,' was my answer. 'When will you be eighteen." was
his next question. 'Last IMay, sir,' was my reply. "I don't
believe it, ' he said. Here Frank thought he would help me a
little and said to the captain, 'He is older than I am.' 'AYere
you there when he was born?' asked the captain. As I was ten
weeks older than Frank he had to admit he was not there.
"After a short consultation with the lieutenant, he concluded
to take me, and accordingly I was enlisted in Company H and
assigned to quarters. The only incident for some time in which
I was in any way more interested than the rest of the boys hap-
pened about two weeks after my enlistment. An acquaintance of
mine came into camp one day and picked up my gun. After
looking at it a moment he made a motion as if to stick the bayo-
net into my foot. I thought he would not strike and stood still.
He thought T would .jump and struck. Then I jumped. I was
mad and he was badly frightened. 'My G — I' he exclaimed, 'I
thought you would jump. Take off your shoe.' Taking off my
shoe I found my foot bleeding, but not seriously injured. My
father, hearing that I had been gone for some time from where he
supposed I was. came to camp to look for me, but after finding
that I had enlisted as eighteen, and as he thought that I was
unwilling to leave, went home and left me. In a few days we
were mustered into the United States service.
"After we broke ranks and went to our (piarters I went to
see Frank. He was but seventeen and could not be mustered.
I was in a fix. I did not want to go unless Frank Avent. He tried
another company but they would not take him. What would I
do? I thought of a number of ways to get out, but did not want
to be laughed at. All Frank could do was to go home. All
I could do was to stay. I thought I would stick to it as it was my
fault that I was so old. That night I could not sleep. The next
day I did not see anything around camp to interest me. I felt
pretty sober. In a week I did not have a grain of sand left.
The first time my father came to see me I told him I would go
home with him if he could get me out. He went to the colonel
and was referred to the mustering of^cer. That official said they
could not hold me if my parents objected to my going. The
colonel swore at me for making so much trouble until the muster-
ing officer told him to stop, as hundreds of boys were doing that
ir,2 lllSTUliV OF .MUXKUK L'OL'XTY
every day. ]\k'ii were inori' Avilling to enlist at that time than a
year or so later, or I could not have got out of my scrape as
easily as I did. 1 went liome. I luid been a soldier long enough,
so I thought at that time.
"I stayed at home about a year. ]My regiment, or tlic regi-
ment in which I had enlistinl, had all been captured, and wc would
occasionally hear whei'e they Avere. They finally brought up in
Libby prison. Soon thej' were paroled and some of them came on
what they called 'French furlough.' After listening to their
accounts of the battle in which they Avere captured and bidding
them good-bye as they started back after lieing exchanged, I
began to feel more patriotic. Soon the Xintli ]\Iicliigan cavalry
began recruiting in our neighborhood. I concluded to go. I
went to see Frank. He Avould go. but not in the cavalry. He said
if I would go as a recruit in the Nineteenth, himself. Deacon
Grinnell and Kev. Gilbert would go with me. In February, 1864,
we all enlisted and Avere sent to Camp Blair, at Jackson, ]\Iichi-
gan. Here Frank had the measles, Avhich Avas the cause of his
never doing any active service. "While there I, among others,
Avas detailed to cook for the men in barracks No. 4. AVhile acting
in that capacity the Rca'. Gill)ert and myself, through a misunder-
standing of facts on the part of the ofificer of the day, Avere
arrested and confined in the guard-house, leaving no one to get
supper for the boys. By morning there had been men detailed
to take our places, and about 10:00 o'clock they brought us our
breakfast. About noon Ave Avere taken out under guard and y)ut
to Avork scrub])ing offices and privies until about 4:00 o'clock
in the afternoon, Avhen avc Avere released and returned to our
quarters.
'']\[ay 13 Ave Avere sent South. On our Avay avc made shoi-f
stops at Louisville, Nashville, Chattanooga and Kingston. From
Chattanooga to Kingston avc Avere obliged to ride on top of box
cars. At llu' latter ])lace Ave found everything in confusion. The
rebel General "Wheeler had made a raid and killed several negroes
and one or two soldiers. ^My three companions Avere sick and lay
doA\ n in an old barn. 1 Avas ordered to assist in haiding a couple
of pieces of artillery to an elevation north of foAvn. Keturuing
to my companions I found them as I had left them. ToAvard night
Frank Avent Avith the other two to the hospital. Just after dark
he returned and said he Avould go to the regiment if he did not
live a day after he got there; l)ut by the next morning he Avas
sick enough to go to the hospital Avithont being urged. He had
eaught cold and the measles had settled on his lungs. I Avas
HENRY W. ( RESSY POST 153
alone again. I had to go on further South and they returned
North. I was in excellent health and spirits and did not get
homesick again. When I started for the front I had a knapsack
well filled with A\hat I supposed were necessary articles. I had
not marched more than half a day when I threw away my over-
coat. Before night 1 left my blacking-brush, looking-glass, etc.,
on the corner of the fence. The next morning I changed under-
clothing, and threw away what I took off. Before noon we heard
the boom of artillery, and it Avas not the Fourtli of July either.
In the afternoon we could hear the musketry. Soon we came to
a hospital and here I found one of Company K. of my regiment,
who was Avounded in tlie calf of the leg. I gave him my blanket
and went on. The artillery was pounding away, but infantry
was quiet most of the time. I got to the regiment just before
night. Soon the 'Johnnies' made a charge, l)ut were repulsed.
Here I was, on my nineteenth birthday, under fire for the first
time. Comrades, most of you know how I felt. AVe were lying
behind the line of light earthworks. During the night the enemy
made another assault but were repulsed. I was asleep when the
first volley was fired. Which side fired first I do not know. I
sprang to my feet and looked around. To the left was one con-
tinuous blaze. Around me I could hear the zip and whizz of
bullets. I could see the smallest twigs on the trees. I was so
confounded or frightened I did not know enough to li(^ down. It
was not long before I could lie down as close to the ground as
anyone, and lie down quick. I would rather lie down a half dozen
times when it was not necessary than to nnss once when it was.
I never could get over the habit of dodging when I heard the
Avliizz of a ball.
"June 15 found us near Lost Mountain, Georgia. Just after
noon we were ordered to support the First Brigade, Third Divi-
sion, Twentieth Corps, in an assault upon the enemy's works.
The First brigade made the attack just as we moved out across
a field. They were in the woods. The heavy clouds of smoke
Avere rolling up among the trees and as Ave advanced the Avounded
began to come to the rear. It seemed as though the smoke Avas
full of Avounded men. There Avas no Avind and the smoke did not
move off. Soon avc Avere in the Avoods. There Avas a battery in
front of us that had been firing all the forenoon, and as Ave Avere
to support a brigade I concluded Ave were moving to the support
of the battery. AVe Avere ordered to lie doAvn. By this time
it Avas dark. After lying doAvn for a short time Ave Avere ordered
forAvard. Imagine my feelings as we came into an opening and
154 HISTORY OF IMOXROE COUNTY
found we were in front instead of the rear of the hattery. AVe
could look iuto l!ic inoutlis of those guns at every discharge, and
by the flash Ave could see their infantry standing behind llie
Avorks. I was a recruit and not well posted in nioxcnu'nts, bnt i
don't thiidv tbey knew where we were, for they were throwing
their shells over our line and into a ravine some distance in our
rear. AVe Avere not uuire than one-third the distance from them
to where their shells were dropping. AVe lay down again in the
rear of the First brigade. In a short time the line in our front
rose upon their knees and Avaited until the discharge from the
battery and all fin-d full at the gunners. Their infantry replied
immediately but tlie artillery Avaited some iilth- time. Their
musketry made it luipleasant for us. The line in front of us rose
up and Avent to the rear double quick. AVe had to take it. They
had got our position. They poured shell and canister or grape
(don't knoAv Avhicli it Avas) into us. Our major Avas killed, the
ball striking him in tiie breast. 'Oh. my Avife and l)oysI' Avere
his only Avords. Several ])rivates Avere Avounded. 1 could hear
their comrades telling them to keep still and not let the 'sons of
1) knoAv Avhere to shoot.' Then a shell exploded in Company
I and tore the limbs from the l^odies of tAvo sergeants, one of them
dying in a fcAv moments. I heard the other moaning and saying.
'Boys, I knoAv it is no use to make a fuss, but I can't help it.
Give me some Avater. Good-bye, boys. Kiss me, George. Good-
bye.' All this time Ave Avere merely lying there for them to shoot
at, Ave making no reply. It uuist have been midnight or after
Avhen things l)egan to be more quiet and Ave Avere ord(>red to the
left and rear, the order being given in a Avhisper. Soon Ave Avent
to building Avorks and Avere busy until it began to grow liglit. I
had three pretty close calls Avithin less ihan five minutes. Soon
a comrade Avas shot by my side. When 1 heard tlie ball strike
I looked up and saAv him begin to reel and trend)] e. 1 tln"(>Av my
arms around him and hi'lped him to lie down. Then Ave got a
stretcher and undertook to carry him to a ])lace of safety. AVe
had not gone far ])efore one of the men iielping carry him Avas
shot. AVe got behind some trei's and Avent back. Soon one of
my nu^ssmates Avas killed. Then Ave lost our lieutenant. The day
before our company had thirteen men: noAv Ave had only nine.
AVe Averc^ ordered to the rear and sent to guard supply trains.
Our first ti-ip Avas to Big Shanty, Georgia. AVe stayed three or
four days and as avc moved out Avitli loaded Avagons to return
to camp Ave saAv a division crossing tlu^ open IcA'el plain betAvcHMi
Big Shanty and KenesaAv mountain. They adA-niu-ed in s])lendid
HENRY W. CRESSY POST 155
order for some time. Occasionally a man would fall and be left
behind. Soon they began to stoop forward and quicken their
pace, and finally began to double-quick for the woods.
"About July 15 were were relieved by a detachment to the
Thirty-third ^Massachusetts. Found our regiment on picket along
the Chattahooche river. That night we moved with Sherman's
advance and crossed the river on pontoons. We marched until
near morning before we were permitted to lie down. It did not
seem as though I could take another step. Some of the boys
made coffee, but I spread my blanket and lay down.
"July 20 found us near Peach Tree creek, with things looking
a little strange. We were called up about 2:00 o'clock and got
ready to move. "We would go a short distance and halt and then
move on again. I noticed a number of orderlies in our front
riding in every direction. I asked one of the boys of my company
what was up. His reply w^as, 'We are going to catch h be-
f or night ; if your gun is not loaded you had better load it. ' As
we came to a halt again I noticed that about half of the men
were loading their guns. As we came into an open field I could
see the right of the Fourth corps already across the creek, and
to their right the Twenty-second Wisconsin deployed as
skirmishers. We crossed the creek, built shades and made coffee.
Just as our dinner was about ready there was brisk firing in our
front and our skirmishers fell back on the main line. We were
ordered forward and just as Mi^jor Baker gave the order he
clutched his thigh v\'ith both hands, threw up his leg and called
Captain Anderson to take command. Before he let go of his leg
the blood began to run between his fingers. It was but a flesh
Avound, but I never saw him again. 'Guide left, guide left,' was
the order as we moved across the open field. As we came to the
top of a ridge the 'Johnnies' opened on us from the ridge beyond.
Several men went down close to me. My knees began to feel
weak. Soon one of Company G was shot and tried to start for
the rear, but fell in front of me. As he fell he gave one of the
most blood-curdling shrieks I ever heard. It made my hair stand
on end. I could feel the wind blow on top of my head, under my
hat. ]\Iy back was cold as ice ; I shook all over. How I kept up I
don't know, Init as soon as we fired the first volley I had no more
fear. I could see some of the boys turn their guns and club them.
We would break them and they would reform and charge again.
For some time all I could see of them were their legs below the
smoke. I think it must have been at least two hours before they
began to fall back as though they had got enough of it. The
]5(3
IIISTOKY OK MONKOH COrXTY
conirade wlio told iiic in tlie inoriiiiig what we were going to
eatc'h before night swung his hat and said, 'Let's go for them;
come on I' Gaining the top of the ridge we eonld sec them some-
thing like a half-mile away, forming as if to charge again. They
would move out from the timber and then go back again. We
could see the otficers riding in front, but they did not come near
us again, not even to look after their woundcnl. The next )norn-
ing I took a look over the tield. In three i)laces I saw fifty-one,
twenty-seven and thirty-two Confederate dead. Guns, sabers,
cartridge boxes, canteens, etc., were scattered in every direction.
Now let me describe scenes that would move the most hardened
to tears. The first is a colonel Avith his horse lying near liini.
Next, a man Avith a gaping wound in his forehead, still alive. t!ie
brains oozing out and lying doAvn over his eyes. Next, a dead
man with a letter in his hand — the last kind words he Avill ever
receive from the loved ones in his far-away home in ^lississippi.
Then several with Bibles in their hands. Knowing their hour
had come, they had sought to obtain consolation and relief from
their suffering from the word of God. The next was lying on his
back, his cartridge-box under his head. In iiis hands he was
holding tile ])liotograph of a womnn and child. He had died gaz-
ing on the features of those who were as dear to him. and he to
them, as any from our Xoi'thern homes. Th'" tliought Avould come
to my mind: Did T fir;' the fatal shot that made a widow and an
or]>lian .' Perhaps: but this is war. This was tlu^ last b;it11f in
whi'-h 1 was actively engaged.
"August V.) I Avas near Atlanta. Ai)out 4:00 o'clock p. m.. as
I Avas getting some supper. 1 suddenly found myself trying to get
up off the ground. This Avas the first notice 1 had that anything
was wrong. I had no feeling, Avas in no ]iain. but knew 1 Avas
shot. I tried several times to rise, but would fall bai-l<. 1 gave it
np. I could hardly get my breath. Soon 1 bci:an to spit blood.
Then the boys j)oiutcd to my breast. T saAV my shirt bosom Avas
covered Avith blood. I opened my shirt. I thought my time had
come. '^ly G .' said one of the boys, 'see Avhere it canu^ out.'
I asked him Avherc Tlicy told me 1 had been shot clear thro\igh.
I began to feel faint and thought surely 1 Avas going to die. I
Avanted Avater every fcAV miniTtes. T gave my watch to one of my
comrades and asked him to send it home if he could. An ambu-
lance came and I bade the boys good-bye, as I had heard nmny
do before. I certainly ncA'er expected to see them or my home
again. T Avas taken to the field liospital. The first question of the
doctor Avas. 'Have aou bled fr^elv!' Tf a'ou liaA'c there is a fight-
HENRY AV. CRESSY POST 157
ing- ehanee for you. If you have bled internally I can't save you.'
He called several men to his assistance and dressed my wound.
Next morning- as I w^oke up alive I began to have some hopes.
The next day I felt quite encouraged, and, thanks to kind nurses,
a strong" constitution and good morals, after running the chances
of gangrene and small-pox (both of which I was exposed to), and
after having a run of lung fever, T am thankful to meet you, my
cpmrades, here today."
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE WAR.
By Fred Noth.
I was born INIarch 6, 1889, State of Lippe, Germany. At the
age of twenty I emigrated to New Orleans in the fall of '59.
Shortly after the election of Abraham Lincoln, preparations com-
menced for the war. Not willing to fight for slavery, I took pas-
sage on a steamboat to St. Louis. During May and June I
served in a company of militia in St. Charles county to guard
railroad bridges. On the 21st day of July, 1861, I enlisted in
Company E. second Missouri Volunteer Infantry. I was ap-
pointed a sergeant and color bearer of the regiment. Part of
our regiment was ordered to Potosie to gimrd the Iron Mountain
Railroad, returning to St. Louis for mustering in September. The
regiment in October was ordered to Jefferson City, Tipton and
Sedalia. Returning to Tipton, preparations were made for a
march to Springfield, ^lo. Arriving at Springfield, tlie Fremont
Hussars having the lead, they encountered the enemy, about
2.000 strong, and made a brilliant charge, scattering the enemy
in all directions. Late in the fall Ave marched to Rolla, a station
on the Pacific branch, for winter quarters. Early in February,
'62, our march was again for Springfield. Two new two-pounder
howitzers mounted on mules and used on the enemy's flank caused
a great deal of fun. After a lively skirmish. General Price va-
cated Springfield and retreated to Fort Smith. Our army fol-
lowed close after him, into Arkansas, going into cam]) at a place
called Pea Ridge. Being 240 miles from railroad communication,
our provision train failed to come in time. One ear of corn was
issued for a ration for a day ; next day orders for foraging were
given. A place where about 500 bushels of apples were piled
was found, and before night came none were left. My regiment
was ordered to a flour mill in the corner of Indian Territory, or
the so-called Oklahoma. Taking possession of the mill, we found
about 400 bushels of good winter wheat and ten ])arrels of lard
in a store.
158
HISTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
About ton days later, one night at eleven o'clock, the l)uo:le
sounded, tents down, marching orders. The advance of the
enemy was reported within one-half mile of our camp, ^[arching
during the night we reached General Sigel at noon, at Benton-
ville, where we waited the approach of the rebels. Our regiment
was ordered one mile further, there to await his orders, when
all at once about 2,000 Texas Rangers stepped in between us and
cut General Sigel oflf. Tlie Rangers made an attack on my regi-
ment, killing captain of Company A and a number of men. Gen-
eral Sigel with a battalion of Benton Hussars cut a gap through
the Rangers and we all marched to the main part of the army,
the rebels following close behind. Arriving at Sugar Creek val-
ley, the rebel army was about 30,000 in numl)er and was com-
manded by Generals INIcCollough and Mcintosh. The battle of
Pea Ridge began next morning. Our army, numbering about
14,000, was commanded by Generals Curtis, Sigel. Arboth and
JeflP. C. Davis. The fighting on the 7th was mostly with musketry.
The rebels had about 2,000 Indians on their side who were led on
to a l)attery, but they soon retreated, yelling "Huh! hull I big
gun." On the 8th at daybreak, our artillery commenced the fire.
General Sigel was ordered to report to the Department of the
Potomac. About three weeks later we came marching over the
Ozark mountains to Cape Girardeau, crossing the Corinth and
AVhite rivers. Three and Five Forks and some other rivers. About
half-way, on Sunday, we had a day of rest. An officer and some
recruits had arrived and presented a ncAv silk flag to my regi-
ment from the German ladies of St. Louis. From this place part
of our troops marched south in the direction of Island Xo. 10,
while our brigade marched to Cape Girardeau. About a week
later we embarked on steamboats down the ^Mississippi, up the
Ohio and Tennessee rivers and landed at Pittsburg Landing. In
marching over the battlefield of Shiloh to Corinth, General IL^l-
leck had a well organized army. After a little skirmish a few
days later, the rebels during one night vacated Corinth. From
there our brigade marched to Riance, JMiss.. where we remained
during the summer. Early in September, 1862, we received or-
ders to go to Cincinnati. Arriving at Cincinnati we marched to
^Market Hall. About a Aveek later we embarked on steamboats
for Louisville, wliere our army was reorganized by General Buell,
and Pliilip Siieridan was assigned to the command of our First
Division, Fourteenth Corps.
On the evening of October 7th, we arrived in front of Perry-
ville. General Bragg had prepared for a battle. At sunrise on
HENRY W. CRESSY POST 159
the morning' of the 8th, my regiment was ordered to make a
charge on some Arkansas troops in double quick, and after about
an hour of hard fighting, the rebels retreated. My regiment had
lost twenty-three killed, including our major, and fifty-six
wounded. In the afternoon General Hardy made an attack on
our division, formed in line on a ridge in a half circle. The
rebels were badly beaten in this fight. The most of them were
left dead or wounded on the field. The next day General Bragg
evacuated Perryville. As we marched on to Perryville we passed
a stack of arms about a mile long. It appeared as if half of Gen-
eral Bragg 's men had left for home. From here we marched to
Nashville, passing Mammoth Cave. Fourteen miles south of
Nashville we went into camp. Being on picket duty one day,
thirty volunteers were called, officers and non-commissioned to
ascertain the position of the rebel pickets three miles off. AVe
reached them just at dark. A sergeant from my camp shot the
rebel sentinel and at the same time he received a shot through
the lungs and died the next morning. Some days later my regi-
ment and a battery was ordered out on a scouting expedition.
We encountered the enemy about five miles from camp. After
a little skirmish the rebels retreated. In the latter part of
December we marched for Murfreesboro. On the last day of
December, early in the morning, when our artillery had taken their
horses to water. General Longstreet unexpectedly attacked our
Fourteenth Corps. Our right wing was entirely repulsed, hard
fighting going on all day. As soon as we reached the railroad
embankment Longstreet 's forces were checked. The colonel com-
manding our brigade at this place was shot through the throat and
died. The next day, January 1st, General Rosecrans pushed his
left wing, the Twenty-first Corps, across Stone river and the rebels
commenced to evacuate Murfreesboro. At the place where
the fighting had commenced eighty comrades of our division were
buried in one grave.
During the spring of 1863 ]\Iurfreesboro was fortified. A
pioneer brigade had been organized, and I was detached to the
Second Battalion, called the Pontoon Battalion. On the 25th day
of June, 1863, our army commenced to march to the Tennessee
river. General Rosecrans from here moved on to Chattanooga,
remaining at Bridgeport some time. In October we moved on to
Chattanooga over the Cumberland mountains. Just before we
reached the mountain General AVheeler had destroyed a supply
train of about 150 wagons. Arriving at Chattanooga we con-
structed another pontoon bridge. One da}^ the rebel artillery sent
160 TIISTOKV OF MONROE COUNTY
;i til'ly-|i()iiii(l shell iiitu oni' cami) i'roiii Lookout mountain, but it,
exploded higli in ihe aii'. October 16th General Koseerans was
rplieved of his conuuand. and Gen. U. S. Grant took command. On
the (n-enino; of Novembei' 22nd we were ordered to march on the
north side ol' the Teiuiessee river, a distance of three miles. Dur-
ing' the night we passed a bi i^ade of Sherman's troops across the
river. P'arly in the nu)rning a i)ontoon Ijridge was laid for General
Sherman to cross the Tennessee. About 10 o'clock the bridge was
coinjiK'ted and the signal sergeant signaled to hoadf|uarters. Gen-
eral Shernuin uu)ved over the i)ontoon ])ridge and an(»ther corps
from the Tennessee army started from Chattanooga and .ioined
General Sherman in the afternoon. We returned to Chattanooga.
In the evening a division of General Hooker's corps was moved
di»\vn. ])artly on boats, to storm Lookout mountain during the
night 1).\ moonlight. About 12 o'clock the firing ceased and Look-
out was taken next day. General Sherman on the left. General
Hooker on the right, and General Thomas in the center, the army
of the Ciunberland made a charge on ^Mission Ridge, and before
night .Mission, was taken. Sixty-eiglit ])ieces of artillery and
11,000 prisoners, including two brigadier generals, were captured.
Next day the rebel prisoners marched over the pontoon bridge to
go north. xVs they formed into line on the north side of the river
one of our l)ands of nuisic i)layed the "Star Spangled Banner." A
hurrah for the Union followed from all the camps near by.
In Deceiubei- I and sixty other mechanics were sent to Nash-
ville to make new canvas pontoon boats, returning to Chattanooga
in IMarrli. On ]May 5, 1864, our army started for Dalton. On
the (ith m\ battalion Avas ordered Avith our canvas pontoon train.
Arriving at a river north of Resaca, on the right wing, a regi-
ment of rebels were in a good position in a lot of heavy timber,
disputing our right to cross the river. AVe crossed a battalion of
sharpshooters to dislodge the rebels, and a nunihei- of our boys
Avere killed and Avounded. From here Ave marched with a division
to Rome. (}a., on a point betAveen tAVO rivers. Crossing on a pon-
toon bridge Ave took possession of Rome. AYe crossed the Yazoo
river on the south side, Avhere on a little mountain the rebels had
some fortifications, but as Johnson "s army had fallen back to
Atlanta by this time they eA'acuated the place and avc marched on
to ^Marietta and remained in camp at this place for some time. The
lattei' ])art of June Ave Avere ordered back to Chattanooga. In
•Inly 1. Avith my detachment, Avas ordered to Bridgeport, Ala., to
take charge of a pontoon bridge, and Ave remained at this place
until September 20, 1864.
I
HENRY AV. CRESSY POST 161
The adjutaut from our regiment ordered us to get ready to go
to St. Louis to be mustered out. Arriving at St. Louis with about
two hundred and twenty men left in our regiment, we marched to
Washington liall. On the 29th day of September my regiment was
mustered out on expiration of term.
I respectfully remain, FRED NOTH,
Sergt. Co. E, 2nd Mo. Vol. Inf.
CHAPTER XVI.
JOHN AV. LYNN POST.
John W. Lynn Post No. 30, Department of Wisconsin, Grand
Army of the Republic, was organized jMay 8, 1882, at Sparta,
county of Monroe, and state of AVisconsin, with fifty-seven charter
members as follows, to-wit :
James Davidson, lifty-seven years, okl, formerly major of the
Fifth New York cavalry, afterwards department commander of
the Department of AVisconsin, and died at AVichita, Kansas,
]\Iarch 16, 1891, a native of the state of Ncav York.
Samuel Hoyt, sixty-three years of age, served as sergeant of
the First Wisconsin battery over four years, was honorably dis-
chai'g'cd :ui(l died ;it Sparta on tlie tliird day of June, 1898.
Edwin W. Olin was born in the state of New Y^ork ; aged
thirty-nine when the post was organized; served as first lieuten-
ant of Company "E," One Hundred and Twenty-first regiment,
New York infantry volunteers, and was finally nnistered out at
Sparta, AA^is., on the 27th (I;iy of January, 3907. AVas post com-
mander and quartermaster.
L. C. Herrick was sixty-two years of age, was a private of
Company "D," Eighteenth AVisconsin infantry, and passed out
of this life on the 22ik1 day of Alay, 1898. Held the ..flicks of
cha]ilain and musician.
William H. Blyton iiatl arrived at the age of thirty-nine years,
born in New A^)rk state, served in Company "C." Nineteenth
Wisconsin infantry, as quartermaster sergeant and as first lieu-
tenant and <iuartermaster of the Fourth T'nited States infantry.
Has served in the i)()st as j)ost commander several terms and as
adjutant and quartermaster.
Alonzo E. Howard was forty-four years of age, born in New
York state, served in Company "A." Ninety-second New Y''ork,
as first sergeant and lieutenant, and in Company "K," Ninety-
sixth New York infantry, as first lieutenant. lias held tlie offices
of sergeant, major, adjutant and post commander.
Hugh T. Hogue was born in Pennsylvania, enlisted October
21st, 1861. in the Third AA'isconsin cavalry, Company "A," served
162
JOHN W. LYNN POST 163
three years and three months. Was a valued member of the post,
always taking an active interest in its proceedings, but died in
Big Creek, May 16, 1896.
Alfred Dunbar had reached the age of fifty-three years, a na-
tive of New York state, was a private of Company ''C," Thirty-
sixth AA^isconsin infantry, the snare drummer of the post, a very
active member on all memorial days, but departed this life on
the 10th of September, 1903.
William Waste, forty-eight years old, was from New York
state and was a member of Company "I," Twenty-third Ohio in-
fantry ; served four years and two months and was badly broken
down on being discharged ; died many years ago, but the date was
not entered in the post records.
William Kerrigan, another New York state man, fifty-one
years of age at the organization of the post ; Avas a member of
Company "C," Nineteenth AVisconsin infantry, serving about
three years and six months, and during his membership in the
post was its chief musician and fifer. Died June 29, 1897.
Charles A. Hunt, another New York boy, fifty-three years old
at the organization of the post, was first lieutenant and captain,
Company "K," TAventy-fifth AVisconsin infantry, was one of our
strong and active members, adding strength and interest to the
organization. He was finally mustered out at Melvina and his
remains interred in the Melvina cemetery.
James E. Perry, forty-four years old, at the time a native of
New A^ork, served in the army from September 22, 1861, to June
23, 1865, as corporal of Company ''I," Twenty-seventh Alassachu-
setts infantry. Removed to Tomah and joined Heni-y AA". Cressey
post of that city.
George A. Fisk, captain of Company "C," Thirty-sixth AA'is-
consin infantry, Avas a gallant soldier and a good Grand Army
man, but only remained Avith us to August 10, 1886, AAdien he
joined the majority.
George Graham, of Tomah, joined the post but commenced
immediately to aid in the organization of the post at Tomah.
George W. Shepherd Avas a charter member and served in Com-
pany "C," of the Nineteenth AVisconsin infantry. He has passed
the Dark riA'cr.
Sylvanus Holmes Avas born in Ncav York and sixty-seven years
old at the date of organization. He enlisted as priA'ate in Com-
pany "I," Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania infantry, and Avas mustered
out a captain. He Avas one of the strong members and serA^ed as
1(14 HISTORY OF MONUOE COUNTY
senior vit-c c-ouunantlor and commander of the post, and moved
beyond on the 3rd of January, 1895.
William J. Siimmerfield, forly-fivc years old, a charter member,
was a sergeant iu the First Wisconsin battery, serving from 1861
to 1865; was an active comrade for ycais. Imt on account of in-
firmiti(^s of age has withdrawn.
DeWitt C. Beebe, forty-four years old and a native of W-rmont.
was surgeon of the Fourth New York cavalry, served till the close
of the wai'. Dr. Beebe was many years the surgeon of the post
and held the office of post commander; one of the faithful mem-
bers, but he jiassed over the river on the Fourth of July. 1908.
Ira A. Hill was forty years old, born in New Ilamjjsliire, and
served as sergeant of Company "A," Nineteenth New Hampshire
infantry. He was the first quarteriuaster of the post, was for
many years one of its trustees, and served as post comnmnder one
term. Comrade Hill was always interested and did much to pro-
mote the welfare of the organization. He was mustered into the
larger army beyond on the 20th day of March, 1904.
E. W. Robie was a native of Vermont, forty-four years old;
served three years and two months in the Third Vermont infantry,
a faithful Grand Army man, but died February 23, 1894.
M. J. McOmber, aged thirty-seven, was a native of New York,
was adjutant of the post for two years, served in the Sixth Penn-
sylvania reserve corps, lost a leg at the battle of (rettysburg. died
in Sparta on the 3rd of February, 1890.
Lucian A. McWithy, fifty years of age, was born in New York
state, was an efficient member of the Third "Wisconsin cavalry.
Company "A," and though suflt'ering from inability to see has
been one of the most persistent and regular attendants at the post
meetings.
John Burk, forty-four years old. Avas born in Ti-eland. but gave
assurance that he was a faithful American citizen by serving the
country three years and one month in the Tenth AVisconsin in-
fantry, in Com])any ''D," but he is with us no more.
John Winters, a native of Germany, was a member of Comi>any
"D," of the Eighteenth Wisconsin infantry, the service and his
continuing to serve the state making good his claim on the nation.
William Shepherd did not furnish us his full record, but he was
a member of Company "C," of the Nineteenth AVisconsin infantry,
for many years a resident of the town of Ang(^lo and one of its
good citizcMis.
James O'Connor, forty-two years old, a native of New Y'ork
state, served four vears and three months in the Second Michigan
' I
JOHN W. LYNN POST 165
Infantry, Company "D," was for many years one of the best
known citizens, but after removing from Sparta withdrew from
the post.
Joseph Jones, a native of England, enlisted September 7, 1861,
in Company "D," of the Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania infantry,
and was mustered out December 24, 1864, thus proving his loyalty
to his adopted country. He has joined the majority on the other
side.
Franklin Campbell, aged thirty-eight, was a native of Wis-
consin, was a member of the Tenth Wisconsin battery. He with-
drew from the post after a few years and has since been reported
dead.
Michael McPeak, forty-one years old, born in Ireland. His
service was in Company "E," First Michigan volunteers; still
residing in Sparta.
Chauncy Bunce, fifty-two years old, born in Connecticut, en-
listed Januar.y o, 1864, in the Twelfth Wisconsin infantry. Com-
pany "E," and was mustered out July 15, 1865, but on account
of age and residence at a distance from the city withdrew after a
time and he has passed to the other shore.
Charles Slaver, thirty-eight years of age, another acquisition
from Germany, was a member of Company "I," Forty-eighth
AVisconsin irifantry, proved his right to citizenship by his
patriotism.
Nathan B. Aldrich, a Vermonter, was forty-eight years old,
was a meml)er of Company "D," Twenty-fifth AVisconsin infantry,
from August 8, 1862, to May 10, 1865; a good citizen of Sparta,
])ut died July 22, 1902.
Joseph W. Potter, ])orn in Ohio, was forty years old, was a
corporal of Company "C," Thirty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry,
from February 29, 1864. to June 10, 1865. Served with the post
as its bass drunnner until disabled, and left us to be mustered
in the new army Alarch 2, 1910.
Edward J. Hodgkin enlisted July 2, 1861, in Company "I,"
Fourtli Wisconsin infantry, and was mustered out July 18, 1865,
a member of the First Wisconsin battery. He withdrew from
the post as he resided too far out to meet with it, and has since
left this life. He was born in New York and was thirtj^-nine years
old at the organization of the post.
William J. Jordan was forty-one years old and served in the
Fiftieth New York engineers from August 31, 3861, to June 13,
1865. He died on the 16th of March, 1891.
Adelbert E. Bleekman was a native of New York state, served
lf;6 TIISTOHV OF MOXROK COrXTY
in the Fifth Ohio cavalry, Company ''A." AVas tlie post coin-
maiidi r in 1888 and 1S84. lie removed to LaCrosse and became
a mcniher of the post there. A good Grand Army man and a
successful attorney. He has gone to his reward foi- all the activi-
ties oi an earnest life.
Bruce E. McCoy was fifty-one years old. born in New York
state, and served as captain of Company — , Forty-third Wiscon-
sin infantry from its muster in to the end of its term, and con-
tinues a valued member of the post.
Rufus S. Dodge .served as sergeant of Company "K," Six-
teenth New York infantry, during the entire term of its service,
was a native of New York state. For many years lie was trustee
of the post and passed away July 31, 1008.
Ulrich Wettstein was thirty-four years old. a native of Ger-
many, was a member of Company ''C." P'ifty-third AVisoonsin
infantry: has gone out but date is not recorded.
Charles A. Bunce was forty years old and a native of Con-
neeticut. He served in Company "K," Eleventh Massachusetts
infantry; Avas discharged at his own request.
Lucius M. Stevens, forty years old, a native of New Y^ork, was
a member of Company "I," One Hundred and Fifty-sixth New
York infantry, was post commander in 1885 and has removed to
IMinneapolis.
John W. Carter was a native of Ohio, a member of Company
"D,"" Kighteenth Wisconsin infantry, was thirty-seven years old
at his muster in the post, and was the first death after our organ-
ization.
William A. DeLong', thirty-nine years old, a native of New
York state, was a corporal in Company ''A," Third Wisconsin
cavalry. He withdi-ew from the post.
Chauncy K. Kennedy, aged fifty-eight, a New Yorker by birth,
was a member of I'ompany "A," Nineteenth "Wisconsin infantry,
but lie lived only a short time after joining the post.
John Jarrett, forty years old. a nati\'e of rennsylvania. Serv-
ice was in Company "D," Seventh Pennsylvania cavalry. He
removed from the city and Avithdrew from the post.
Jeremiah Van Kirk, a native of New York state, was a mem-
ber (if Company "'I)."" Tweiity-tifth AVisconsin infantry, Avas
thirty-seven years of age and is still with us.
E. Crocker, born in Oliio. Avas thirty-seven years old, a mem-
ber of Company "D," Eighteenth AVisconsin infantry, Avas
Avounded and discharged. Has moved aAvay and Avithdrawn from
the i>ost.
11
JOHN W. LYNN POST 167
Henry T. Bell, a native of New York, served three years in
Company "K, " Seventh New York heavy artillery, has been an
efficient officer of the day of the post, and is still doing duty
Avith it.
Robert Rathbun did not furnish his war record and withdrew
soon after joining.
W. H. Washburn was forty-one years old and a native of New
York state, was a member of Company "C," Thirty-sixth AVis-
consin infantry, was transferred to the George A. Fisk post at
Cataract.
Walter A. Wodd, forty-three years old, a native of New York,
was corporal of Company "A." Tenth AYisconsin infantry, serv-
ing four years. He removed to Oakland, California, and was
transferred to a post in that city.
Byron M. Dunham was forty-one years old, born in Michigan,
served in Company "D," Fourteenth Wisconsin infantry four
years; died January 6, 1902.
William N. Wilcox furnished no record of service and with-
drew after a short time.
S. F. Ketcham was thirty-six years of age, born in Pennsyl-
vania, was a private in Company "L," Sixth New York heavy
artillery, withdrew from the post soon after its organization.
Abram Heath, thirty-eight years old, born in New Hampshire,
a member of Company ''G, " Twelfth AYisconsin infantry; re-
mained a member but a short time.
Edward Busby, forty-seven years old, a native of Ohio, served
nearly four years in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth in-
fantry; has continued a member and is, and has been, for many
years entirely blind.
James P. Larry was forty-five years old, born in Ohio, a mem-
ber of Company '"I," Forty-second AYisconsin infantry, and died
April 17, 1902.
Of the above fifty-seven charter members, thirty-seven have
passed into larger ranks and have been mustered beyond the
dark river ; eleven remain in Sparta and nine have moved away.
One hundred and eighty-two have been mustered into our
ranks since, of whom eighty-six died and forty-six have with-
drawn, some to move to other states and some for their own
reasons not known to us, and there remains in good standing in
the post at this writing sixty seasoned veterans, many of them
so feeble and weak from age and infirmities that they are not
able to meet with us, especially those living at a distance in the
country.
168 lllSTOKY OF MOXKOK COUNTY
The executive officers of the post since its organization have
been :
In 1882 James Davidson, post commander, and AVilliam II.
Blyton, adjutant; in 1883, Adelbert E. Bleekman, post com-
mander, and AVilliam II. Blyton, adjutant ; in 1884, Adelbert p].
]51eeknuin. post comnumder, and IVIichael J. ]\IcOmber, adjutant ;
in 1885, Alojizo E. Howard, ])0st commander, and Miehael J.
McOmber, adjutant; in 1886, Lucius M. Stevens was post com-
mander, and Alonzo E. Howard, adjutant; in 1887, John A. Sholts
was the chief executive officer, and Alonzo E. Howard has held the
office of post adjutant to the present time. Elorus "\V. Babcock
served as post commander in 1888, AVilliam H. Blyton in 1889,
Arthur L. Page in 1890, AVilliam P. :\Ieyer in 1891, Sylvanus
Holmes in 1892, Russell Brownell in 1893, David C. Hope in 1891,
Edward E. Olin in 1895, Ira A. Hill in 1896, N. J. Kemp in 1897,
Thomas Hobson in 1898, DeAVitt C. Beebe in 1899, A. R. Benzie in
1900 and 1901, John A. Sholts in 1902-03, Andrew C. Cole in 1901,
Russell Brownell in 1905, and AVilliam II. Blyton in 1906-07-08-09-
10-11.
Immediately on the organization of the post active opera-
tions were inaugurated to suitably decorate the graves of all
deceased comrades of all wars for the preservation or defense of
the nation, and in 1886 there was added to the by-laws of the post
one requiring the quartermaster of the post to place a memorial
tablet at the head of the graves of all defenders of the country
buried in the several cemeteries within our jurisdiction, and at
the head of the graves of all such who should thereafter be in-
terred in such cemeteries.
The post has so far as its means would alloAV assisted and
cared for the sick and needy soldiers, attended to the proper
burial of all its deceased nuMubers. carried out faithfully its duty
of ('el('])rating Alemorial Day l)y decorating the graves and pro-
viding suitable patriotic nuMuorial addresses and by jiatriotic
Sabliath services on Tne Siuulay jjreceding Alemorial Day, has
procui-ed the erection in the city park of a beautiful soldiers'
monument, dedicated to "Our Nation's Defenders," has for years
held ])atri<)tic services and addresses in oui- public schools to
instill ]>atriotism in the minds of our coming citizens, has co-
operated with the national order in ])romoting the welfare of
those who faithfully served the country aiul suffered, ami has
by every means in its poAver jiromoted good citizenship and love
of countrv.
(■\I"I'. M. K. IJ'.ON" AKP
JOHN W. LYNN POST 1G9
CAPT. M. E. LEONARD'S WAR RECORD.
Captain Leonard's service to his country began as a recruit-
ing" officer, which position he held for several months. The gov-
ernor, appreciating his fitness to command, appointed him captain
and through his services in that capacity did valiant duty. He
enlisted in July, 1862, in Company " D, " Twenty- fifth Wisconsin
regiment ; was mustered in in August the same year, and his
regiment was first stationed in Minnesota, near New Ulm, where
they participated in the frontier Indian massacre. This company
was in charge of Captain Leonard, who guarded the thirty-eight
Indians who were now in ]\Iankato. ]Minnesota. Prior to this
they were ordered to scout through Big Cottonwood and Little
Cottonwood to West Mankato, and January 1st were ordered to
report at Madison, next to Columbus, Kentucky, where the sub-
ject was appointed port officer by General Asbeth. Captain
Leonard at this time was first lieutenant and his regiment was
ordered to Helena, Arkansas, where they were reviewed by Gen-
eral Beauford, down the Mississippi river to Vicksburg, being in
charge of the subject, the trip being accomplished without acci-
dent. It was the season of what was known as th(^ winter of deep
ice and it was with the greatest difficulty that the trip was made.
The gunboat was ordered to Helena and returned to Vicksburg
in February for Sherman's march through ^Mississippi to Ala-
bama, then returning to Vicksburg, thence up the river to ( 'airo,
Illinois; thence to Moorsville and to Decatur, Alabama. Thence
to the foot of Lookout mountain to Chattanooga, to Tunnel Hill,
flanking recours on the right, thence engaging in the severe three-
days' fight of Sugar Gap, following which was the battle of
Eosackie; to Calhoun's ferry, crossing the river to Kingston;
thence to Dallas, Texas, engaging in the battle of Dallas; tlience
to Altoona. to Kenesaw mountain, to ^Marietta, Georgia, to Chat-
tahoochee at night through dense darkness. Next to Decatur.
Georgia, thence six miles to Atlanta, with constant fighting dur-
ing this trip. It was during this time that the regiment lost
heavily from the enemy and the wounded and dead were left at
Decatur. The balance of the regiment whipped around to the
right and entered the siege of Atlanta after wbipping General
Hood, in which the loss of the men were heavy. The regiment
then made a retrograde movement to AVest Point and over the
mountains to the extreme right, and marching during the night
to Lovejoy's station, and from there to West Point, to camp.
170 IIISTOKY OF .MONKOE COUNTY
Then folloAVod Ilond to Altoona, thence to Alabama, Kingston,
to Atlanta, moved on to Savannah, fighting and tearing np rail-
ways nntil they reached King's bridge, fifte<Mi miles from Savan-
nah, -where they remained luitil the time of surrendei-. Then the
subject became aide to Colonel Rusk and the regiment was or-
dered to Thunder Boat bay. Next demonstration was made on
Savannah, leaving General Foster's command moving on u]) the
line tearing up the railway between Augusta and Charleston and
to the river of seven l)ridges, fording swamps, until Columbia
was reached, extending their line of march to Bentonville. being
the scene of the last battle, after running to Goldsborough and
Raleigh, N. C, through Virginia, and marched to Grand river,
where the captain's service ended.
The regiment was mustered out June 1, 1865, he having given
nearly three years to the service.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE SOLDIEES' MONUMENT.
The movement which culminated in the final completion, erec-
tion and dedication of the Soldiers' Monument which now stands
in North Park originated on the 9th day of August, 1895, when,
at a regular meeting of John W. Lynn Post No 30 Grand Army
of the Republic, twelve comrades of the Post were unanimously
elected a committee to consider whether or not it was feasible
or desirable to erect at Sparta a Soldiers' Monument, and if so
to consider the ways and means for its accomplishment and report
at the next meeting of the Post. This committee consisted of
Edwin E. Olin, chairman; Ira A. Hill, David C. Hope, Martin R.
Gage, John A. Sholts, Alonzo E. How^ard, William H. Blyton,
Charles A. Hunt, Rufus S. Dodge, William P. Meyer, N. J. Kemp
and E. W. Babcock This committee met at the office of Tyler
& Hill on the 13th day of August and elected Alonzo E. Howard
chairman of the committee ; after a careful and thorough discus-
sion, the committee decided that such a monument was desirable
and a sub-committee consisting of Martin R. Gage, Rufus S.
Dodge, Ira A. Hill and AYilliam P. Meyer were appointed to devise
ways and means ; at a ineeting of the committee on August 22nd
of the same year, a fair plan for raising funds was proposed by
the sub-committee and adopted and reported at the meeting of the
Post held on August 23rd, and after some discussion this plan was
adopted and the Post added to the committee Comrades DeAYitt
C. Beebe and Thomas Hobson.
At the next meeting of the committee the plan which has
been outlined was carried out substantially and Ira A. Hill
was elected treasurer of the monument fund and sub-committees
were appointed for the following purposes : For soliciting among
soldiers, among citizens, to visit other posts and interest them;
a press committee to publish such matter as in the opinion of
the committee would interest the public in the enterprise. Sub-
scription lists were prepared by the secretary and delivered to
the solicitors and work was considered then fully organized.
A resolution was adopted by the committee that notes be
accepted on subscriptions, payable on or before January 1, 1898,
171
172 iilSTUKY OF MONROE COl'XTY
providing the subscriptions adopted including the notes amounted
to $2,500. Several notes were made and delivered to the treasurer
and cash subscribed and collected and in the treasurer's hands,
but in less than the time limited for tlie payment of the notes,
interest seemed to wane, and the iund grtw only by the inter-
est on the certificates of deposit at 3 per cent, so that the notes
given matured and Avere returned and canceled* as tlie fund at
their maturity had not reached the sum of $2,500.
But the project received new light, when, on November Kith.
1897. a "Ladies' Auxiliary" to the post was organized with
seventeen charter members; as soon as this organization became
strong enough they took up for their special Avork the raising
of fuiKls for the proposed monument; they gave socials with
tlie usual refreshments and obtained sul)scription blaidvs from
the secretary and solicited ;uiil collected funds; slowly and con-
stantly the sum grew, owing to the hard Avork and with the
perseverance of these few faithful workers, wliich could not be
estimated and without whose work no monument would have been
today in existence. After nearly five years of labor by these
ladies a meeting was called September 19, 1902, to reorganize
the committee for the special active Avork to complete all ar-
rangements and secure the erection of the monument.
DeWitt C. Beebe Avas made chairman of this committee, ha A.
Hill, treasurer, and A. E. HoAvard, secretary; the other members
of the committee were George D. Dunn and AVilliam (\ Hoffman.
AfterAvards an organization knoAvn as the Soldiers" .Moiiuiueiit
Association Avas formed, it having for its officers and members
D. C. Beebe, president; A. E. HoAvard, secretary; AV. ('. Hoffman.
George Dunn as the executiA'e committee ; other mendiers being
W. :\IcBride, Mrs. L. A. :\rcAVith.y. Mrs. E. S. Denis, Mrs. :\Iary
Cole, John A. Sholts. 1). A. :\lc\Vithy. :\rrs. D. Benzie, :Slrs. C.
Foster, all of the above l)eing of Sj)arta and J. E. Perry and A.
C. Cole of Tomas and also X. J. Kemji, of S])arta.
A committee Avas appointed to confer Avitli the county board of
supervisors Avhich endeaA'ored to iiuluee tlie board to give jier-
mission to place the monument on the court house grounds, haA'e
the county assume permanent care of it and if possible obtain
an approi)riation foAvards the expense of its construction, luit
these efforts met Avith no success Avhatever. This liaAing provc^l
an entire failure the committee ajipealed to the city council of the
City of Sparta for aid. The council ordered a special election
to be held upon the ])roposition as to the raising of the taxes on
taxable property of th'- city of one-half mill on the dollar to
THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT 173
aid in the laoniiment fuiul and at this election the citizens of
Sparta voted the tax by a large majority ; it was levied and col-
lected with the regnlar taxes of 1904 and amounted to $1,087.21.
The treasurer of the committee, Ira A. Hill, died March 20,
1!)01. and George D. Dunn was elected to fill the vacancy. In
order to fulfill the legal requirements under the city appropria-
tion, the mayor appointed Andrew J. Carnahan, William 11.
Blyton, A. G. Welker and Wilfred McBride to represent the city
on the committee. Plans and specifications were then procured
and bids called for to erect tlie monument ; these were invited
to be of different kinds of granite with the granite statue of
the soldier and also with a copper bronze statue complete with
foundation to be placed on a location to be designated by the
committee. The successful bidder was Mr. Fred Schlimegan, of
Madison, Wisconsin, whose bid was accepted, being one with
the specification that the monument was to be of Barre granite,
except the centre block for the inscription, which is of Montello
granite, and the statue of the soldier which is made of copper
bronze. The monument was completed and accepted on Decem-
ber 4th and the contractor settled with and the total cost, in-
cluding the monument complete, inscription, setting and ex-
pense, being about $3,000. The statue of the bronze soldier
stands facing the south and on the south side of the face of the
monument appears the words "In Memory of Our Nation's De-
fenders. ' '
This monument was formally dedicated and accepted on the
30th day of May, 1905. Invitations were extended to all parts of
the county and an elaborate program was planned and carried
out, an extensive part of which was a march to the Woodlawn
cemetery in the afternoon, where memorial exercises were held,
and then proceeded, to North Park, where with due and appro-
priate ceremonies the monument was unveiled and formally
accepted on behalf of the city by Andrew Carnahan, then presi-
dent of the city council.
As a fitting ending of this chapter none can better be written
than the address by DeWitt C. Beebe, whose untiring efforts had
been largely instrumental in the successful completion of this
project, whose words, patriotic and full of emotion w^ere delivered
with that earnestness which was one of the characteristics of Dr.
Beebe, and although this address was short, it had a .profound
effect upon the assembled audience. It is as follows :
"FELLOW CITIZENS-COMRADES: We have come to this
quiet shaded place today to unveil this shaft of granite and
174 HISTORY OF .MOXKOH LULXTY
bronzo and dedieate it with M])propriato ceremony to the memory
of 'Our Country's Defenders." It seems eminently fitting and
])roi)er that we come directly here for this hallowed purpose from
the little silent city over yonder, Avhere we have tenderly strewn
fresh, l)eautiful flowers upon the graves where lie our beloved
dead. The two occasions seem so tenderly similar in sentiment
that they should not be separated. Comrades, we have reason to
rejoice that the Great Commander — the God of Battles — has
spared our Wwh and health that so many of us are enabled to see
this day and this hour. AVe have reason for congratulation that
so many wives, widows and daughters of the veterans of the Avar
of 1861-65 are also permitted to be here today and enjoy the
consummation of their long, persistent, loyal labor, but for which,
my friends, Ave avouIcI not be here today for this purpose. The
memorial here which we shall unveil and dedicate today is the
result of several years' labor and growth, a short sketch of Avhich
Avill be giA'en later by Adjutant Howard. Comrades, it will mat-
ter A'cry little to us in a few years when Ave shall have been nuis-
tered into that great army over the river Avhether or not SAveet
floAvers from loyal, loA'ing hands Avill be strcAvn upon our graves
in the springtime of the returning years, or that a memorial has
been erected in some beautiful spot to our memory, but the senti-
ment that is kept burning in the breasts of those Avho folloAV us,
Avhich prompts the doing of these offices is of momentous impor-
tance, for it is this that makes loyal heroes and a nation invincible
in times of danger.
"Sad Avill be the day, and may it never come, Avhen this great
American people shall become so absorbed in cold business,
crazed in finance, or so drunken Avitli the |)leasures of the day
that they shall forget to recognize^ the services of their nation's
defenders."
*
II
CHAPTEK XVIII.
THE GOVERNMENT :\I1LITARY RESERVATION.
The Spanish-American war, whih' aeeomplishiug the great
result in the freeing of Cuba, annexing of Porto Rico, the Philip-
pines and consequent turning to civilization and education of the
l)eople of those tropical regions, did another thing — it gave to the
ndlitary authorities of this country the long-needed lesson, which
could not be too well learned, that army methods in this young
and lusty republic were way behind the times ; demonstrated that
in the mobilization, equipping and feeding of troops in the field
there was plenty of incompetency, plenty of antiquated red tape
methods — and the army began to wake up. For a long period
after the civil war, in fact, not really until the Spanish-American
war, was there little, if any, attempt to mobilize troops in larger
bodies than a regiment for field practice. The experience in the
Spanish-American war brought about the iiecessity of frecpient
mobilization not only of regular troops, but also national guard
organizations, for field maneuvers, and the field maneuvers now
held in ditferent parts of the country every other year are the
result. ]\Ianeuver camps becanu^ a necessity and the war depart-
ment began acquiring large tracts of land in different parts of
the country for that purpose, under the provisions of various
acts of congress.
The State ^Military Reservation at Camp Douglas, so admirably
situated and equipped for rifle practice and maneuver ground,
had years ago attracted the attention of the officers of the regular
army, particularly of the then Department of the Lakes ; and all
reports sent the department gave praise to tlie location and nat-
ural advantages and ecjuipment provided by the state, it being in
almost every case described as one of the finest rifle ranges in
the United States. Its fame grew and a number of years ago a
department competition was held there, and later two batteries of
artillery were sent up from Fort Sheridan for summer practice.
The officers of the Department of the Lakes became strongly de-
sirous that the government might acquire the reservation,
especially for artillery practice, and offers were made through
175
176
HISTORY OF .MOXHOE COUNTY
Colonel AVagner to purcliase the property, but the state refused
at all times to ]iart with control of it.
Way hack (]ui-iii<i- tiic time when the establishment of a range
at Cam{) Douglas was heing considered, the tract of land near
what was then the station of LaFayette, in this county, on the
Chicago, ^lilwaukee & St. Paul railway, lying principally in the
towns of LaFayette and Angelo, was suggested to Gen. C. 1*.
( lijipiiian, then adjutant general of this state, by Col. George
Graham, tlien liic i-aptain of Company K. and interested strongly
in the establishment of a state camp ground. Owing, however,
to the distance from the cities of Tomah and Sparta and to the
better railway facilities at Camp Douglas, after looking over both
tracts the latter was decided upon and became subsequently the
state property.
The idea still o])tained, however, that the LaFayette tract was
suitable for military purposes, and attention of the war depart-
ment was called to it by Congressman John J. Eseli a few years
ago. As early as 1897 Col. George Graham again called the atten-
tion of the officers of the national guard at a convention in
^Milwaukee to a tract of land lying between Tunnel City and
Sparta.
Hon. W. 11. Taft. then secretary of war, in 1906 advocated the
establishment of four large military maneuver camps, to be used
jointly l)y tlie regular army and the national guard of the several
states, one to be located in the east, one in the south, one in the
west, and one in the mitldle north. Congressman Escli at that
time commenced a movement to locate the northern camp at
Camp Douglas, Wis., by the purchase of land adjacent to the
AVisconsin Alilitary Reservation. Other sites suggested were in
Pennsylvania. Texas and California. None of these large camps
projiosed by Secretary Taft had been provided for by congress.
I)u1 as incidental thereto ]Mr. Esch was successful in securing an
api)ropriation of $150,000 to purchase land adjacent to the mili-
tary reservation at Cami) Douglas for the use of the regular
army and an artillery range, a i)urpose entirely distinct from that
of a maneuver camp.
During the ])endency of this legislation a board of regular
army engineei- officers, with Gen. A. IL Ernest at its head, visited
Cam}) Douglas under orih'rs to make a toi)ograhpical survey, and
while in AVisconsin were invited to Sparta, and accompanied by
General Boardnuin. Colonel Salsman and Colonel Graham were
<lriven over the lands l)etween Sparta and Tuiniel City. General
Ernest ill his I'eport to the war department on Camp Douglas, in-
THE GOVERNMENT MILITARY RESERVATION 177
eluded a reference to the Sparta site. The summer work of the
United States tield artillery is comprised of long practice marches
and a target practice. Very few places are available for this
latter purpose, and artillery officers during this part were sent
over the country looking for location for an artillery range.
Maj. Samuel Allen, commanding the artillery at Fort Snelling,
Minn., in 1905, while searching for a place for target practice,
came to Camp Douglas during the encampment of the Third regi-
ment that year. Adjutant General Boardman suggested to him
the availability of the Sparta site, and called Colonel McCoy in
consultation, with the result that an invitation was extended to
the battalion commanded by Major Allen to go into camp on the
McCoy ranch. Colonel JMcCoy having gradually, during a long
series of years, acquired title to about 4,000 acres of this land.
Major Allen accepted the invitation and the battalion of artil-
lery came from Fort Snelling and camped for sixteen days during
the month of September, 1905, testing the various ranges which
might be available for artillery practice, and his report upon the
possibilities of the Sparta tract called the attention of the war
department very strongly to it.
Meanwhile the passage of the appropriation of $150,000.00
proposed by Congressman Esch for the purchase of land near
Camp Douglas, caused land owners in that vicinity to raise the
price of land from $3.00 an acre to about $30.00, or thereabouts,
and the war department found it impossible to deal with them,
with the result that the attempt to purchase any land at Camp
Douglas ceased and the appropriation remained in the hands of
the Avar department unexpended.
This situation brought the attention of the war department
back to Sparta and resulted in the sending of a board, consisting
of Major Mott and Captain Overton, to report upon the advisabil-
ity of purchasing lands at Camp Douglas or leasing lands at
Sparta. In September of 1907 Battery C from Fort Snelling,
under the command of Captain Overton, camped on the McCoy
ranch, and was there when the board above mentioned, and of
which he was a member, investigated the two sites of Camp
Douglas and Sparta. They were accompanied by General Board-
man, Colonel Salsman, Colonel McCoy, Major "Williams, and a
part of the time by Congressman Esch. After a thorough investi-
gation the board made a report to the war department disapprov-
ing of the purchasing of lands at Camp Douglas because of the
exorbitant prices demanded, and recommended that the lands at
Sparta be leased, but the board did, however, go a step farther
178
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
and reeommended the luirchase of 7,600 acres of land at Sparta.
This recommendation to become effective required legislation
l)y congress to enable the war department to use the Camp
Douglas appropriation at Sparta or so much of the same as might
be found necessary to purchase the Sparta site. This again
opened the figlit between the people interested in the lands at
Camp Douglas and Sparta. Congressman Esch was successful,
however, in amending the bill, or law, Avhich had appropriated
the $150,000.00 by having the words "Camp Douglas" stricken
out and the word "Sparta" inserted, so tliat the appropriation
became available for the purchase of this land.
Colonel ]\Ic('oy, during the time that the board of investiga-
tion Avas looking upon this site, prepared and presented strong
arguments for the purchase of the property. The idea of leasing
this land was given up and the war department finally decided
to purchase a tract of 7.500 acres, and negotiations were com-
menced and were pending for some time, it being found that so
many of the pieces of land were acquired by tax title transfers
that it would he necessary to condemn the lands in order to get
a perfect title in the government, and proceedings were inau-
gurated in 1909 for that purpose.
Through the good work of Congressman Esch and others
interested in the matter the department was finally convinced
that it would be the best thing to buy the inner tract of 7,500
acres, as it was called, and also to buy an outer tract or rim of
land around this of about 7,500 acres more. Eventually negotia-
tions were concluded through the efforts of Judge R. B. McCoy
in the summer of 1909 whereby the government became tlie
owner of a grand total of 14,206.65 acres, and tlie Sparta maneu-
ver tract became a reality.
In April, 1909, the Avar department announced tlie commence-
ment of artillery practice, and during July and August sent a
battalion of regular army officers, consisting of Captains AVilliam
Brook, Albany. New York; C. K. Green, Chicago, 111.: AVilliam
Cruikshank, Fort Sheridan, 111.; John J. Calerus, of Chicago,
together Avith District Passenger Agent AV. AV. AVinton, of the
St. Paul company; Trainmaster Ilenrichs, of Alihvaukee. and
Roadmaster 1'. IT. Aladden, together Avith Col. R. B. McCoy and
]\Iaj. D. AV. Cheney located the place for the temporary build-
ings and for the camp grouiuls. The Avhole matter Avas gone OA'er
tiioroughly and a maneuver camp selected on the north side of
the raihvay tracks, and the artillery camp remained at the loca-
tion Avhich had been previously occupied by Colonel Allen, near
THE GOVERNMENT MILITARY RESERVATION 179
the artesian well, close to and on the south side of the tracks of
the St. Paul company.
Temporary galvanized storage buildings were provided for
and erected during the summer of 1909. The St. Paul company
provided a side track for unloading purposes near the artillery
camps, and ran a spur into the maneuver camp grounds and
placed there a large amount of side tracks so that troop trains
could be handily unloaded. An artesian well was sunk at the
maneuver camp ground in the summer of 1910, and a large steel
elevated water tank erected and pipes laid to conduct the water
throughout the camp grounds. A tank was also erected at the
artillery camp which is supplied from the large flowing well,
which had been running for several years.
The war department having issued orders for artillery prac-
tice, in addition to the regular batteries ordered to Sparta, bat-
teries from the states of Michigan. "Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and
Minnesota were, upon invitation, ordered to Sparta for artillery
practice and instruction during the months of August and
September.
Three regular batteries of light field artillery, one from Fort
Sheridan, one from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and one from
Fort Snelling, Minnesota, arrived about the 8th of July, 1909,
together with the regimental band of the Fifth artillery from
Fort Leavenworth, being Companies E, D and F, of the Fifth
artillery, under the command of Captain Cruikshank as camp
commander. The camp was named "Camp Robinson" in honor
of Colonel Robinson, at one time a resident of the city of Sparta,
and the government military reservation known as the "Sparta
Maneuver Tract," was duly inaugurated as one of the great mili-
tary centers for field operations for the army and the national
guard. The possibilities of it would seem to be far greater than
was originally anticipated ; as the strategic location in the middle
west, with the railroad facilities and the large acreage, makes
it at once available as a point for the mobilization of large bodies
of troops in the time of war and for conducting maneuvers on
a larger scale than ever heretofore adopted in time of peace.
On the 13th of July Company A, of the Hospital Corps from
Fort Russell, AYyoming, consisting of 120 and ten officers, arrived
and went into camp. They were under the command of INIajor
Fauntleroy, and the officers of the corps in attendance were
]\Iajor Purpiance, Major Pratton, Captain Whitcomb, Captain
Bale, Captain Talbot, Lieutenant Jones, Lieutenant Leary, Lieu-
isd HISTORY OF :\IOXR0E COUNTY
t(^'ii;mt Docrr and Lioutciiaiit IJaylcy, all surgeons oi' the regular
army.
Soon after the anival of this eonipnny and the army surgeons
a new feature to tlie regular army service was inaugurated by
the establishment of a School of Instructions for National Guard
]\Iedical Offii-ei's. The school conducted at ('ainp liobinson is one
of three held during the year 190!), the other two being at Annapo-
lis, ^Maryland, and California. In previous years the instruction
Avhich the National Guard medical officers received was given
at the encampments of the state troops by offirci's of tlic regular
arni>- detailed for that purpose.
Tlu» present system which l)rings tlic nu^lical officers of tlie
various states under the instruction of a fully equijiped hospital
corps becomes so evident that there is but little doul)t but tluit
the medical school of instructions will, and practically has. be-
come a part of the ])lans of the AVar Department for increasing
the efficiency of the National Guard.
The instruction given at this first school consisted in daily
lectures given by the regular army surgeons concerning the
various phases of practice encountered in connection with the
army work. There was also given practical demonstration of
field Avork by the members of the hospital corps, and the Avork
througliout Avas made as realistic as it Avas possible to luivc it
Avithout the actual presence of the Avounded.
The first class of National Guard surgeons arrived on the 15th
of July, and consisted of thii-ty-one officers from the states of
Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, ]\lississiii]>i and "Wiscon.sin.
After thcii- departure another class arrivctl as large. Avas estinui-
bly from these various states, and remained for another period
of ten days, and on the 12th of August, the Company A. of the
Hospital Corps returned to its station at Fort Russell, AVyoming.
Connected Avith the IMinnesota batteries Avhicii Avere in camp
during the fore i^art of August in that year Avas >\Ir. P. Daley, a
Avireless telegraph cxpci't, Avho had been co)ulucting experiments
with the Avireless telegraph as a nutans of connnunication betAveen
inland points. With the pci-niission of County Clerk Talbot. ]\Ir.
Daley ci'cctcd ujtiMi the rool' of tlif ('uri-t Ibiuse a small wireless
appai'atus. the oliject of which cxpcrimciil was to dciiionstrate
the usefulness of the Avireless telegraph as a means of connnuni-
cation betAveen troops so that in case of actual Avarfarc it Avill be
possible for detachments to ci-cct stations at any i>oint and com-
nuinicat<^ Avith each othei-.
Alter lh(> apparatus Avas finally set uj) ^Ir. Smiih. a represent-
THE GOVERNMENT .MILITARY RESERVATION 181
ative of the St. Paul Dispatch, about 4:00 o'clock on Wednesday
afternoon. August 5th, sent the following message to St. Paul,
addressed to Judge Thomas Wilson, the oldest living resident of
that city: "This is the first wireless message ever sent into the
city of St. Paul, and in appreciation of the many things you have
done to make it possible, it has been addressed to you."
The message was received all right in St. Paul and the experi-
ment was pronounced a success. In the history of the reservation
the encampment of 1909 was made memorable by a visit of ]\Iaj.
Gen. Fred D. Grant, commanding the Department of the Lakes,
Avhich occurred on the 26th of August.
The General arrived at Golvin station, which was the name
given for the stopping place near the artillery camp, and Avas
received by Captain Cruikshank and escorted to the headquar-
ters tent. After breakfast the General was met by Congressman
Esch and United States District Attorney George H. Gordon, of
LaCrosse, and Maj. D. W. Cheney, of Sparta, and this party was
taken by jMaj. Cheney in his automobile for a tour of inspection
of the range. During the forenoon the distinguished visitors
were shown all of the portion of the tract which could be reached
with an auto, and in the afternoon the inspection was continued
in an army wagon. The following day the General Avas taken
over the more inaccessible portions of the range, including the
many hills, on horseback.
His inspection was most complete and at the end of it General
Grant expressed himself as highly pleased, and stated that he
found it in all respects superior to what it had been represented
to him as being, and it Avas reported at this time that the General
was in favor of extending the reservation l)y the purchase of
additional land up to the amount of 20,000 acres. He afterwards
in a rei)ort recommended that the range be converted into a
general maneuver tract for all branches of the service, that small
arms ranges be installed, and other extensiA'e improA'ements made.
The General's visit Avas productive of much good and his report
afterAvards resulted in further action by the War Department
as to the installing of fixed distance ranges, and early in
1910 in the army operation a bill passed by congress was in-
cluded the amount of $40,000 for improvements on the military
reservation near Sparta, and Avas the first definite step tOAvards
the development of the tract for further uses, in accordance with
the plans Avhich the War Department then had in a^cav, for it
marked the beginning of a settled policy Avith regard to this
reservation, and indicated that in the near future the national
182 IIISTOKY OF .MONROIO ("OrXTY
i-itlc contests would be liild upon tliis ground instead of at Camp
I'ci'i-y. Ohio, wlirre these contests had been held fur scxci-al
years.
And the reasons for asking for these appropriations were sub-
mitted to congress by the Secretary of AVar and originally made
to the secretary- by J. B. Aleshire, quartermaster general of the
Inited States army, and in a part of his recommendation with
regard to military posts, has found the following, which is an
extract from the same: "Target range, Sparta, AVisconsin : For
the construction and equipment of a target range for the field
firing of the artillery, cavalry and infantry branches of the
United States army and for machine guns, including the con-
struction of a concrete store house, portable railroad and im-
])rovements on camp sites for water and sanitation on land
authorized to be acquired near Sparta, ^Monroe county, AVis., as a
site for target range, and for all other absolutely necessary ex-
penses in connection herewith, to be immediately available,
$40,000." (Note — The foregoing estimate is submitted in view
of a report made thereon by Col. R. K. Evans, Twenty-eighth
infantry. United States army, which reads in part as follows:)
"Advisability of establishing a range for field-firing on the
Sparta reservation for the three arms — artillery, cavalry and in-
fantry— and machine guns: This reservation, on account of its
size, 14,000 acres, and the character of the terrain, offers excel-
lent facilities for field firing, in which the fire of artillery and
small arms can be worked in combination against moving and
disappearing targets at unknown ranges. This kind of field
firing is the most advanced stage in the training of modern armies
for battle. So far we have not fully equipped a single range for
this kind of work, Avliile the other great powers have been busy
in this direction for years. Our Small Arms Firing ^Manual, 1909,
contemplates this kind of practice, but there is only one range in
the United States wliere it is at all practical)le to init it into
execution even for rifie and nmchine gun fire, viz., the one near
Monterey, California, used by the School of I\Iusketry. ]More-
over, as this range is not owned by the government it is not
advisable to spend anything on permanent or extensive improve-
ments or appliances.
"If we are to keep abreast of the standard of progress set by
other nations we sliould equip and use other field ranges as soon
as possible. The Sparta range has a decided advantage over the
one in California in that it is accessible to a much larger popula-
tion. It might be valuable for the troops in the Department of
THE GOVERN.MENT MILITARY RESERVATION 183
the Lakes and Dakotas, and for the militia of four or five popu-
lous states. In view of the fact that the most important feature
of the practical training of modern troops for battle consists in
practicing- the combined and supporting fire of infantry and
artillery directed against a common objective, it is recommended
that an ordinary, standard known-distance target range be estab-
lished on the Sparta reservation, and also that the necessary
appliances be provided for firing at moving and disappearing
targets, the most important of the moving and disappearing
targets to be arranged to run on light movable railway tracks.
"Light portable railroads are now a recognized part of the
necessary transportation equipment of modern armies for war.
The leading military powers kept more or less material of this
kind in store for war purposes. The Japanese used such roads
extensively in Manchuria. Kuroki's march from the Yalu to
Mukden would not have been practicable without the DeCauville
railroad. AYe read and talk much about the use and value of
DeCauville roads in war, but none of our officers have seen one
in operation in our territory or know its practical uses and lim-
itations from actual experience.
"It is believed that this range offers an excellent opportunity
for acquiring necessary experience in deciding on a type for
such railroads, which up to this time is not definitely decided.
Should an emergency arise requiring the use of such roads the
material on hand at the Sparta range could be immediately
shipped to the point required. In order not to lose a year it is
necessary that some funds be made available for commencing im-
provements on this reservation before the adjournment of the
present congress. It is believed that at least $40,000 should be
appropriated for this purpose. With this sum it is estimated
that known-distance range could be equipped with 100 targets,
$12,000 ; a storehouse of concrete built, $8,000 ; and the remainder
spent on the portable railroad and on improvements on the camj)
sites for water and sanitation generally.
"The construction and equipment of this range Avas under
consideration by the department prior to the submission of the
regular annual estimate for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1911,
but the necessary data for the preparation of this estimate was
not at hand in time to permit of its inclusion in the regular esti-
mates. The submission of this supplemental estimate is deemed
imperatively necessary in order that funds may be provided for
the commencement of this work at the earliest possible date."
The foregoing extract from the report of the quartermaster gen-
184
IIJSTORY OF .AiOXROE COUNTY
eral of the army outlines the course wliieh is to be pursued in
the futui-e in the development of all arms of the service in the
army wi1li tlic cxcf^plion of the coast ailillery; and insures the
t'Xtciisi\c use to wliicli llii> h\^ reservation will lie put in the
future, and that for the tidd work of an army corps.
On -May '■], lilld. lln' War I )epai1 iiicnt issued order Xo. Til,
proxidin.u' lor 1lic military work on I lie I'ange for tin- summer.
including' maneuvei-s on an extended scale. Early in June Bat-
tery V from Fort Sheridan. P>attery K IVom Foi't Sncllin^'. and
Battery 1) from Fort Leavenworth arrivetl at the reservation in
advance of other troops and engaged in long-distance firing until
the l)eginning of maneuvei- field instructions of state troops (lur-
ing August. These batteries are all a part of the Fifth Field
Artilh'ry, and in addition to them the headquarters field staff and
l)and of the .Medical Battalion was also ordered into camp.
Under oi-dei- Ti>. above referred to. the I'ltllowing troops were
designated to attend the maneuvers, and arrived about the 1st
of August, to-wit : Three troops of the Fourth Uavali-y from
Fort Snelling; three troo])s of the 1^'ifteenth Cavalry from Fort
Sheridan; headqimrfers and one l)aftery Fifth Artillery from
Fort Sheridan; one baffei-y Fifth Ai-fillery from P'ort Sheridan:
one battery Fifth Artillery from Fort Leavenworth; headquar-
ters and eleven companies of the Twenty-seventh Infantry from
Fort Sheridan: Iiead(|uai-tei's and ele\'en companies of the
Twenty-eighth Inlanti-y i'l'om Fort Snelling; one-half of ('om-
])any A. of the llosintal Corps, fi'om 1-^ort Kussell. Wyonnng.
This oi'der required that all infantry troops must maridi at
least 200 miles in I'eaching the city of Spai'fa or returning to their
station, while the eavali'y and the artillery weiv^ recpiired to
nuirch 2.')0 miles. In additioji to the fd)ove troops from the regu-
lar army there were ordei-ed to the i'(\servation for artillery prac-
tice National Guard batteries from different states as follows:
Ohio seven batteries. Indiana three batteries, ^Michigan one bat-
tei-y. Illinois fhi-ee batteries, fowa one battery. .Minnesota one
battery, AViseonsin one; all of light ai'fillery. None of these
organizations brought their own equipments, but for the purposes
of instruction they were required to handle the regular arm\-
e(pupmen1s of the batteries abovi' designated. This order also
provided that to inirticipate in maneuvers several regiments of
infantry were ordered to the reservation and arrived at different
times during the month of August : AViseonsin sent the First
Regiment and the Tenth Battalion, making sixteen companies;
Iowa one brigade and three regiments, ]\Iinnesota one regiment.
THE GOVERNMENT ^MILITARY RESERVATION 185
North Dakota twelve eoinpanies. South Dakotii twelve eouipauies,
so that the troops which participated in the maneuvers during
this month numbered about 10,000.
The scheme of instruction resembled nearly as ])ossil)le the
conditions to Ix- encountered in actual warfare, the ol).iect being
to promote the field training of the troops. Accurate topograph-
ical maps of the entire reservation had been previously made by
the engineering department, and each day during the stay of the
troops problems of varied characters were proposed ;iud the solu-
tion of them wrought out on the field. Ceremonies Avere cut down
to the lowest limit and the actual practice work was pursued with
vigor and great benefit to the troops engaged in this maneuver.
This encampment was under the command of Brig. Gen.
Walter Howe, and in honor of Capt. Bruce E. McCoy, of Sparta,
who with his son, Colonel ]\IcCoy, had been so instrumental in
establishing the reservation. General HoAve on the ]st day of
August issued an order naming the camp "Cam]) Hruc(^ E.
IMcCoy." Captain ]\IcCoy was a captain in the Civil War, and for
years was the OAvner of the old Lafayette mill property and of
the laud on Avhich the maneuver camp itself Avas located. The
folloAving named officers Avere detailed for service at this camp:
i\Iaj. Sanmel D. Sturgis, General Stalf Corps; :\Iaj. AValter H.
Gorton, Inspector general; Capt. Douglas Settle, counuissary;
Lieut. Col. William B. Bannister, Medical Corps; Maj. Thomas C.
Goodman, paymaster; Capt. Charles W. Castle, paymaster; ('apt.
Dana T. ]\Ierrill, TAventy-eighth Infantry.
During the month of August the range Avas visited by Gen.
Robert ShaAV Oliver, Assistant Secretary of War, who gave it a
thorough inspection. Governor Carroll, of loAva, also Adsited the
maneuver camp on the 19th of August and revicAved the loAva
Brigade on the afternoon of the 19th. The maneuvers of 1910
Avere very successful and demonstrated beyond question that this
big reserA'ation Avas Avell adapted for the purpose, as the range
used by the troops around the maneuver camp did not extend
more than four miles, so that there is ample room for the camping
of several brigades on different portions of the reservation
Avherever Avater may be provided. And the best of Avater is ob-
tained by sinking artesian Avells, from Avhich a fioAV of Avater is
obtained at a A^ery moderate depth and easily carried to any
distance by piping.
Early in 1910 Lieutenant Gilmore of the regular service Avas
detailed as constructing quartermaster and moved to Sparta Avith
his family, Avhere he remained during 1910 and up until about
186 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
August, 1011. He h;i(l lull charge of the constructing of the
rifle range of tlic reservation, for Avlilch an approx)riation of
!}>40,000 had been made by congress. The work was very tlior-
oughly done niid thei-c is now constructed rifle i)its built of con-
crete with ample stoi'c rooms sunk into tlie embankment of hills,
Targets and various supplies, and the range is equipped with
something like two hundred of the most modern targets to be pro-
cured. A large concrete office building ami storehouse has been
constructed, ami the grading and seeding of the tiring points
comjileted.
All effort was made to secure the national rifle competition of
this range in 1911, and the "War Department was entirely friendly
toward the proposition providing the range was in condition for
holding such a contest, and a board of officers Avere ordered here
early in the summer for the purpose of inspecting and looking
the range over thoroughly. They finally decided it would be
best not to attempt to hold the competition on the range that year
in order to allow the seeding to take root and be in good shape
another year.
Through the eflforts of Colonel McCoy the town board of Angelo
during the month of January and after considerable contest have
laid out a road through the town of Angelo to the range, which
Avill shorten the distance from this city considerably, and
that road will, undoubtedly, be completed and in good shape for
travel by the time this history is published. The only disadvan-
tages have been the poor roads, as they go through sandy country,
but with that remedied the great benefit which Avill be received
to the citizens of Sparta and the city of Tomah and vicinity,
through the purchase of needed supplies, cannot be very well esti-
mated, as the benefit Avill, undoubtedly, grow greater as the
ef|nipment on the reservation is perfected. The railroad facilities
are now very ample as the North AVestern railway has con-
structed a spur track leading directly to the rille range, and
there is also placed a track constructed liy the St. Paul company
to tile same place, and aiiijile sidetrack facilities are in existence
at the point where the main storehouse is located. The St. Paul
company has constructed a new station known as "McCoy," and
built a tasty little depot not far from the artillery camp. The
North AVesttM'ii company has also erected a small depot on the
line of the Alilwaukee, Sj)arta & North Western Railway (^ompany
so that during the existence of maneuvers railroad facilities are
now provided for.
This chapter would not be complete without mentioning the
TPIE GOVERNMENT :\IILITARY RESERVATION 187
indefatigable work of t'ol. R. B. jMcCo.y, which has been mainly
instrumental in the establishment of this great enterprise. While
interested somewhat personally in some of the land which was
bought by the government, yet in addition to that. Colonel McCoy
spent a large amount of his time in acquiring options on the
entire tract, using a diplomacy and patience which was indeed
remarkable, and bringing to a successful conclusion a task whicli
looked almost impossible. His energy and perseverance have
brought great results, such as only a man of his ability can bring
about.
CTTAPTKR XIX.
CIRCinT jrDGP:s.
JOSEPH M. MORROW.
Fitting indeed it is to spread upon these pages the tributes of
respect Jind aft'eetion froni his brothers of the legal i)rofession, to
tlic itieniory of "Joe" Morrow; for "Joe'' he was. The name
was used not in the sense of familiarity, but in that sense which
so strongly indieates the friendly respect wliich a good-hearted
man i-eceives from his fellows. Tniformly kind, courteous and
gentlemanly, mild of manner and speech, yet his personality was
one which attracted attention wherever he wenl. His strong
face, full of character, his straightforward method of dealing
with the mailer in hand, commanded attention and gave weight
to those things which in others nuglit have seemed coiiimonplace.
Always kind and helpful to Ihi' your.ger members of tlu^ l)ar. a
generous opponent in any case, he licld tlie fi'iendship of his
fellow attorneys to the end.
Oil Ihe loth of October, IS!*!), at the fall term of the CiiTuit
Court, -ludge O. B. AVyman ])residing, memorial exercises were
held and the courl adjourned for that day as a mark of respect.
A resolution signed by liie members of the bar of ^Monroe county
w;is introduced and adopted as follows:
"On motion of llie bar of ]\Ionroe county, the Circuit Court of
this county has set apart this day to be devoted to memorial
exercises in honor of our deceased brother. Tlon. J. ^\. ^lorrow.
formei-ly -Judge of this Circuit.
■"In his (k'atli the members of this bar share with the bar of
the state of AVisconsiu a loss that is great, but to us the coni-
panioiis of his daily life, his death was a sliock and a loss that was
irreparable. Stri(d\eii down in the ripe \igor of his intellectual
manhood in the noon of his ])rofessional activit.y, and ;it a time
when his moral intluence with us, his associates, was most potent
for good, for us bis i)lace cannot be filled and our sori'ow is daily
renewed.
""We bis brothers of the bar of ]\Iouroe county, desii-e to i)lace
188
CIRCUIT JUDGES 189
permanently upon the records of this court and to have it entered
as a part of the proceedings of this term the following:
"We admire in him the industry, learning, wisdom and ability
that placed him in the front rank of lawyers of this state. We
honor in him as a lawyer and hold up for emulation to those who
come after him, an integrity, zeal and devotion to his client's
interests that made his good faith beyond suspicion, a professional
honor that made his word and his implied obligations better than
written stipulations, a courtesy to his associates and antagonists
alike that softened any asperities of legal conflict, a sunny temper
and genial humor that robbed defeat of its sting and bound
closer in friendship his antagonists, and above all, that delicate
sense of personal integrity that kept his professional zeal within
those limits that hold the gentleman.
"We reverence in his career on the bench in an eminent
degree, the cjualities that have adorned th(^ judicial office of this
circuit since its organization, reinforced, ripened and broadened
by an experience at the bar exceptional in its scope. As an
official he brought to the discharge of his duties the same great
zeal and alnlity that marked his professional life. As a citizen
he had the respect and esteem of all, and his advice was sought
in all important afifairs. As a man w'e loved him. Geo. Graham,
C. M. Masters, Sev. Button, D. F. Jones, H. C. Spaulding, R. B.
Graves, Chris. Maxwell. AVm. B. Naylor, Jr., R. A. Richards. R. B.
McCoy, H. C. Altizer, H. B. Clark."
The remarks were made by several members of the bar from
different counties as follows :
H. AV. Barney, of Mauston, said — "May it please the Court: I
have no set speech to make. . Brother Hughes and myself come
here to represent Juneau county — one of the counties in the .judi-
cial circuit over which Judge MorroAV presided — at this me-
morial service. I am here to say that the people and bar of
Juneau county entertained the greatest respect for Judge Morrow
as a lawyer, a .judge and a man. He had an extensive practice in
our county and for more than thirty years he attended nearly,
if not all, our terms of the Circuit Court. He attended many
cases there in justices' courts. The day before he died, July
27th last, I nu't him in Elroy, where we adjourned several cases
over into September — engagements that death prevented him from
fulfilling. It seems to us that he belonged to our county as much
as he did to this county.
"When our court meets in November he will be missed as
much (u- more than ar.y of oui' resident attorneys, and the loss
V.\0 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
"will be felt in Jiuicau county as keenly as in any locality in the
state. Jnneaii coiinly seconds the adoption of memorial pre-
sented and endorses all that has been said here today in eulogy of
Judge ^Morrow."
Remarks of A. E. Bleekman. of LaCrosse — "]\Iay it i>lease
the Court: 1 have not come with a prepared speech for this occa-
sion. Yet if I do not respond to these resolutions and speak
somcAvhat of my feelings, I shall be derelict in my duty to the
deceased.
"I knew our brother, and I knew him well. I first became
acquainted with liim tliirty years ago the coming winter, at the
office of the Hon. George Graham, of this l)ar, where I was then
a student. He came to Tonuih in tlie interest of a client, Mr.
John Maxwell, one of the oldest settlers of the county. I remem-
ber that meeting as well as if it were yesterday, even the clothes
he wore, for he Avas not a man of the passing hour, hut made an
impression upon those he met. He was thou the same mild,
gentlemanly, even-tempered nmii he always Avas. I next heard
of him at Tunnel City in his professional duties, Avhere, Avheu
presented Avitli a decision of our oaa'u Supreme Court, exactly
opposite the position he Avas contending for, he arose and gravely
asked the court if he Avas going to make a fool of himself because
the Supreme Court had — and Avon his ease.
"As the years pased on and our business relations extended,
Ave met oftener in the trial of causes and our acquaintance
ripened into strong personal friendship. He Avas the soul of
honor, aliove euA'y and jealousy, one of the fcAV Avho possess the
ability — almost a genius — to surpass and subdue and not have to
look doAvn upon the liate of those beloAV. For over eleven years
Ave practiced side l>y side Avithout a Avritiug betAveen us. all tlu'
interests of our clients and our individual interests resting upon
the Avord of each. In all that time he never hesitated — he never
forgot liis Avord. AVhen he said lu^ Avould do so and so at such a
tinu', that Avas the end of it. and he did it Avithout having to be
reminded of his agreement. He h)\ id liis profession and he clier-
ished liis honor. He Avas genial and happy in the labors of that
profession and in his intercourse Avitli his felloAvmcu.
"At his otTic(> he Avas industrious, studious and thoughtful in
his Avork : ])]ain. kind, just ami consci(Mitious Avith his clients, and
at the bar a strong, able, sagacious, courteous and eloquent advo-
cate. I sometimes thought he did not grasp legal ]>ropositions as
easily and clearly as some, but required more study and deeper
thought to arrive at correct conclusions, Avhich he usually did.
CIRCUIT JUDGES 191
but in the gathering, accumulating, selection and presentation of
facts he was a master. He despised technicalities and went to
the very merit and root of his cause. As a lawyer he seemed to
be a connecting link between the old and the new, possessing the
honor, the integrity and the love of the profession which marked
the old school lawyer, and he regarded the commercialism, as I
have often heard him call it, that seemed to be usurping and
taking the place of these high ideas in the new, with disfavor. In
his social life he thoroughly believed in a part of that counsel of
Polonius to Laertes, 'The friends thou hast and their adoption
tried grapple them to thee with hoops of steel,' but he cast to the
wind the remainder of that counsel, 'but do not stop to dull thy
palm with each new-hatched unfledged comrade,' and few men
were nearer and warmer to so many people as he. I know of no
other attorney at the bar in this state who, going where he might,
alighting from the train where he would, would meet so many
warm hearts and have his hand clasped by so many warm hands
in kindness, in friendship and in respect as he. And yet all was
not sunshine with him. He had his gloomy hours as well as others.
I remember well of a time when he and I took the train at the
depot here in the morning, went to Kendall, tried a law suit all
day and into the night, returning early the next morning to Nor-
walk, then going by team to Ontario and trying a lawsuit all that
day and into the night. AVhen he retired we occupied the same
room, with separate beds. In the morning as we were preparing
for breakfast he turned to me and said: 'This is a hard life; is
it worth living?' And yet no one thought more of his life, en-
joyed it or desired to continue it than he.
"I was with him in that memorable contest of Judge Newman's
for the Supreme Bench, both before Judge Newman became a
candidate and subsequently. I had an opportunity to test his
loyalty, fidelity and breadth of mind. He was no mere partisan,
although a Democrat. He was as attentive and Avatchful of the
interests of his friends as of his own. There are none of us but
know how faithful and attentive he was to those dear ones at
home, and how, during the later years of his life, he managed his
])usiness affairs when away to reach home as speedily as possibU
We know full well how attentively and affectionately he watched
over them, and hoAV solicitous he was for their welfare.
"The bar of this state has lost one of its strongest members.
Especially is this true of the bar of this district, and at his home,
the place where he lived, for he was indeed a loyal Spartan. His
death caused us universal sorrow. A half century Avill not pro-
192 HISTORY OF .MOXHOK COUNTY
ducc nnotlicr wlio will fill the pliirc lie filled. Some of tlie bright-
est and the luippicst hours of my life have been spent in eonverse
with him. As the years roll on and time dims this hour, I expect
to live over these hours I passed with him, and say as Burns said:
" 'Still o'er these scenes my nicnioi-y wak(^s.
And fondly broods witii miser eare,
Time but the imi)ression deeper makes,
As streams their channels deeper wear.' "
Remarks of AVyatt II. Graves, of LaCrosse county — "]May it
please the Court: The custom in accordance with which we are
today assembled, is appropriately and wortliily observed, only
when the surviving associates of the tmc whose \irtues are to be
commemorated, in a S])irit if candor and truth record their testi-
mony to his worth. It is with feelings of sincere sadness that I
come on this occasion to pay humble tribute to the memory of the
lamented dead. To me it is a sad and sacred pleasure, but the
burden of the duty is nuide lighter by the consciousness that it
can be best discharged ])y simple, truthful reference to the char-
acter of him in whose honor I would speak. It seems fitting that
we should turn from active duties of the hour and pause during
tlie all-absor])ing cares of life to pay our respects to one who
honored us by his presence as a mend)er of this bar and won our
respect and admiration by liis iioble life.
"AVlien the announeement was made that the summons, Aviiich,
sooner or later, must come to us all, had called from our midst our
friend and brother, Hon. Joseph I\I. ]\Iorrow, it ])rought with it a
shock inexpressibly sad. The sun, Avarm and bright, was pouring
his flood of life and glory on field and laughing brook, on the aii*
was the smell of roses, and in the trees the songs of birds, and
all the Avorld was beautiful, when the darkness canu^ — a quick,
sudden, endless eclipse, just after no(Uitide. Though we often
bend over the bier and look on the face of the dead, yet the de-
])arture of our friends at an unexpected moment shocks us indccil
and overwhelms us with sorrow, and when our good and our
loved ones die, the memory of their just deeds, like moonbeams
on the stormy sea. liglits u|) oui- darkened hearts and lends to the
surrounding gloom a beauty so sweet and sad, that we would
not if we could dispel the darkness that environs it.
"I hardly know of one whose death could suntU-r mon- or
dearer ties: one who could leave so much behind him and a path-
way lighted ])y a fairer radiance. A more modest, unassuming
man; a finei- iuid a truer gentleman, a better and a nobler friend
CIRCUIT JUDGES 193
I never kneAv. The more I saw and knew of him the more warmly
I loved and honored him for his many noble traits. I will not
indulge in what might be construed to be fulsome adulation; I
Avill speak of him as he actually was. He was in its truest and
fullest sense a 'born gentleman.' He was conscientiously and
thoroughly honest, honorable and candid in all his dealings and
transactions with his fellow men, personally, financially and po-
litically. He won the admiration and respect of his professional
brethren by the open fairness of his contests. He attached him-
self to his client and his cause with a loyalty that knew no
shadow of turning. He threw his whole soul into the case on trial.
He abandoned no cause when it lacked numbers. He deserted
no friend in the minority. He feared no opposition when he be-
lieved himself right, and he espoused no cause that he believed
unjust. His manliness and fairness not only won clients, but
commanded the respect of adversaries, the confidence of judges,
and the admiration of the public. He was a wonderful advocate,
armed with eloquence so enchanting that jurors became his cap-
tives. Always frank and candid, he was utterly free from even
the appearance of demagogy. He hated shams and despised pre-
tensions. He never disappointed a friend ; he never ignored an
obligation ; he never forfeited a confidence. His will was in-
vincible ; his motives pure. His purposes were definite, but
exemplary and lofty. His self-respect was intense ; therefore he
strove for justice to others. He sought no mean advantage, being
jealous of his own honor.
" 'To thine own self be true.
Thou canst not then be
False to any man'
"When I say, as I do with all my heart, that our dead brother
whose life we commemorate today, illustrated this simple but ex-
alted philosophy to which I have made reference, in all his rela-
tions to life, I have said everything that need be spoken, even for
the lam.ented dead, by the partial lips of sincere affection, and
have paid to him the proudest tribute which honest merit ever
won from unobsequious homage. He was a model in all the tender
relations of domestic life. As a husband he was exemplary —
faithful, loving and tenderly devoted to his noble and worthy
invalid companion in life. In him the living have lost a kind hus-
band, a tender father and faithful friend; his state a true son,
but he has left them that richest of all treasures, a spotless repu-
tation, the memory of earnest deeds well done. This much have
liJ4 HISTORY OF .AlOXROE COUNTY
1 felt impelled to say of Joseph M. ]\Iorrow. I feel exalted that I
knew him; 1 revere his memory; I rejoice tliat he was my coun-
tryman."
Kemarks of G. AV. AVoodard, of LaCrosse county — "^May it
please your honor: But little can be added in commemoration
of Judge Joseph ]\Iorrow to what has already been said, but in
view of my long acquaintance Avith him it is proper for me, in
l)ehalf of the bar of the county of LaCrosse and of the circuit, to
join with others in moving the adoption of the memorial which
has been read.
"In 1857 I made the acquaintance of ]\Ir. L. AV. Graves, then
young, but a leader of the bar of this county, in trial work, and
within a year or two thereafter I met i\Ir. IMorroAV, his student,
and from that time on we were always firm friends. Among ilie
elements entering into the early settlement of this part of the
state, one of the strongest and most potent was the intiuence and
power of the lawyers who gave tone and character to the bar of
the circuit and of the state. Among these were Daniel Reid
"Wheeler, Mr. L. AV. Graves, AVilliam Denison, James I. Lyndes,
Alonzo Johnson. . Hugh Cameron, Angus Cameron, AVilliam II.
Tucker, P^dwin Flint and George Gale. These men were then in
the vigor of their maidiood, Avell equipped for their labors, dili-
gent and faithful in their duties, and loyal to the principles and
traditions of their profession. Among such men at the bar of
this eourt, and contemporaneous with many of them, and as one
of them ]\Ir. Morrow (then very young) took his place, and for
many years as a trial lawyer was regarded and recognized as one
of the ablest and shrewdest who ever practiced in the circuit.
*'AIr. ]\IorroAv became the legal adviser of many business men
in this and other connuunitics, and I venture to assert that no
man ever went from his office with advice to do anything which
when done would reflect on his lionor and integrity, or on the
lionor and integrity of the man to whom he gave it. In tlie ]ier-
formance of his duties as a lawyer he was honest because he
believed in it. and not because of policy. The spring of success
in liifi work was the perfect control he exercised over his powers,
his complete understanding of himself, and his limitations, his
minute and thorough perception of cause and effect in the art of
trying cases, and his consummate skill in so presenting his case
as to hide its defects and make what bore for it conspicuous. He
tried a case with the ease of second nature, which makes jurors
and courts oblivious to the effort and skill which can produce
such effects. lie was successful in his profession because of his
CIRCUIT JUDGES 195
knowledge of men, liis tact, his honesty to his client, his fairness
to his opponent, and the impression he made that he fully be-
lieved, and was sincere in liis belief, that his client should pre-
vail. He was powerful in his profession and never struck a blow
without leaving his mark. lie was an acute and sound lawyer.
He possessed good common sense. His amiable and unassuming
deportment, and his uniform courtesy made him popular and well
liked. His kindness and courtesy to all was a part of himself.
His industry was most untiring, and his zeal in behalf of his
clients deserving of the highest praise. No man was ever found
quicker than lie to appreciate merit and to forgive frailty, or
palliate a defect. It was part of his nature. His impulses were
sympathetic. His temper was good.
"After practicing in the county and circuit courts for more
than thirty years, he was called to the bench by the practically
unanimous consent of the members of the bar of the circuit. They
knew him and recognized his merit. He occupied the bench for
a period of about eighteen months, scarcely time to give him an
opportunity to show fully what has capabilities as a .judge were,
but his judgment was clear and calm, and his decisions gave gen-
eral satisfaction. As judge he bore in mind the doctrine of
Socrates: 'Three things belong to a judge; to hear courteously,
consider soberly, and give judgment without partiality.' He was
a man of his w^ord and kept it absolutely on all occasions. In
his home he developed that highest of human virtues— self-sacri-
fice— and his devotion to an invalid Avife was touching and beauti-
ful. His first and greatest impulse was sympathy. This displayed
itself in a constant solicitude for the comfort of those around
him, and in a thousand courtesies adorning his conduct. The
work of the advocate is not enduring. It too often perishes with
the occasion. Judge Morrow rests from his labors, l)ut his mem-
ory will live while the people who knew liim live, and in the
hearts of those Avho loved him."
Remarks of D. F. Jones, of Sparta — "May it please the Court :
AVhile my acquaintance with Judge Morrow does not extend over
as wide a period as many of his professional brethren, it never-
theless covers nearly twenty years of time, and was marked with
some degree of intimacy. Comencing as a law student in his
office I had unusual opportunity to observe his manners and
method as a lawyer, his habits as a man, and his standard of pro-
fessional ethics and conduct ; and thereafter in the active practice
of the law, in almost daily intercourse, both within and without
the courtroom, I observed him closely, and he w^as to me a con-
lOG HISTORY OF .MOXHOK COUNTY
staiit inspiration and an object of admiration and esteem. Ilis
natnral ability, his skill as an advocate, and his engaging per-
sonality ^von him a large clientage and made him easily one of the
recognized leaders of the Wisconsin bar. For more than a qnarter
of a century his services were in almost constant demand, covering
a large field of activity. For many years he -was identified with
nearly all imi)ortant litigation in the western AVisconsin courts.
It is speaking within bounds to say that during his long career
at tiie bar he tried as many, if not more, cases, and tried them as
well as any attorney within this state. Ilis presence in an action
was a toAver of strength to his client and often brought hope to
the despairing, and nerved the arm of the weak. To him life
was a legal warfare and the courtroom his chosen field of action.
There, amidst the clash of contending reason, he seemed to find
his greatest pleasure and made his most enduring fame.
"Though eminently successful in the conduct of civil actions,
trying Avith equal facility damage suits for railroad corporations,
questions involving the complexities of tax title, and simple action
of replevin for personal property; while apparently engaging
with equal zest in an argument in the Supreme Court, in a trial
to a jury in Circuit Court or a general scramble in justice court,
it was as a criminal lawyer he made his greatest reputation. In
the practice of the criminal law his triumphs were many, and
there his greatest victories Avere won.
■"While it could not be said of him, as AYendcll i'liillips once
remarked of Rufus Choate, 'that the murderer, as he sharpened
his knife for the fatal blow, first paused to inquire for the health
of Rufus Choate,' yet it may be said that many an unfortunate
malefactor trembling Avithin the shadoAV of the penitentiary
turned to him for helj) and found succor in the hour of need.
Paradoxical as it may seem, hoAvever, even as a criminal laAvyer,
his reputation rests not so nuich upon the cases he Avon as the
cases he lost. And for the same reason, doubtless, given by Jus-
tice Ryan to Judge Dixon, in ansAver always sought the highest
order of talent. To my mind his principal characteristics Avere
fertility of resources, tenacity of purpose, unfailing good nature,
and abounding common sense. Though not learned in the bnv.
in the sense of the great jurists of the past, and not gifted Avith
the charm of eloquence that Avarps the judgment, ravishes the
ear, he nevertheless possessed a knoAvledge of legal principles, an
intuitive sense of equity, and a mastery of the practice and pro-
cedure, born of his enormous experience in the court, that
frequently extricated him from desperate situations and snatched
CIRCUIT JUDGES 197
victory from the very jaws of defeat. And as he marshalled his
reasons and massed his argument, he sometimes seemed over-
poweringly eloquent to the opposing counsel in the case.
"His tenacity in the trial of a case is a matter of common
knowledge to us all. I can almost see him now, I can almost
catch the echo of his voice as he stood before the jury, pleading
for the righteousness of his cause. And when he appealed to the
court for the exercise of its discretion, or contended for a de-
batable principle of law, he reminded one of Jacob wrestling with
the angel, refusing to let go until he had received the blessing.
He evidently proceeded upon the theory that courts, like the
kingdom of heaven, were sometimes taken bj^ violence.
"His serene good nature impressed everyone with whom he
came in contact. It was the same qualitj^ that endeared Lincoln
to the people and was the predominant trait of his character.
With charity toward all and malice toward none, he seemed to
regard the faults and foibles of his associates with good-natured
tolerance, and to pity even while he condemned. His heart was
void of envy and hate. We can all recall instances in the trial
of cases when the relation between counsel and court was strained
to the point of breaking, and the atmosphere of the courtroom sur-
charged with threatening storms, how by a timely word, a ges-
ture, or a quick repartee, he cleared the air and scattered all ill
feeling in a general laugh. Many times have I heard him say that
he gave his client his skill and experience, but he gave no man his
personal feelings. This principle governed his conduct. His
quarrels he left in the courtroom, while his friendship he carried
with him everywhere. And thus it happened that when he died
his professional brethren felt a sense of personal loss and mourned
his death with unfeigned sorrow.
"To some men are given talent, to others genius, but to few is
given the saving grace of common sense. This he possessed in
an uncommon measure. It marked his words and actions, and
gave him broadness of mind and catholicity of spirit. This
quality was impressed upon his work as a lawyer, and every case
initiated and prosecuted by himself was sure to have elements
of merit in law or in fact. It left its mark upon his administra-
tion as district attorney of this county, an office he held so many
years, and his sound judgment made him not only an ideal prose-
cuting officer, but the trusted advisor of the county board. It is
no disparagement of others to say that his conduct of this office
is the standard whereby the people may measure the excellence
of his successors and ascertain their worth. This same equality
198 IIISTOKV OK MONROE COUNTY
stamped his brief career upon tlic bench, and had lie coiitiimed
to enjoy its honors, there is littk' d()id)t that his distinction as a
jurist would have rivaknl his fame as an advocate at the bar.
"But he Avas not alone a lawyer. The same qualities that gave
his success at the bar made him a conspicuous figure in the field
of politics, and for many years he was hioh in the councils of his
party. lie was honored Avith the nomination for attorney general,
was chairman of its state conventions, and collector of internal
revenue. And it is safe to say lliat had his lot been cast with
the dominant political party he wonh! have graced the halls of
congress and left the impress of his ability upon our national life.
As a citizen his life was worthy of emulation. He felt the duties
and responsibilities of citizenship, and had a keen sense of civic
pride. In all public enterprises making toward the betterment of
the people and the progress of his city, county and state, he made
his intiuence felt. He served the village as its president, and
gave seven years of his time to the schools as a member of the
board. He was not above holding the office of supervisor of his
ward, and at times sat upon the county board as one of its trusted
members. And to his influence in a measure is due the beautiful
edifice wherein we connnemorate his virtues this day.
"In this city and county he had passed his life and among
his own peo])le he passed away. His name was known to all its
people, and by all he was well 1)eloved. His form was a familiar
iigure on the streets, and when his death was announced it came
as a shock and moistened many a cheek with tears. The com-
munity was in mourning, his family in tears, and the shadow of
death settled over all like a pall. For of him, as of another 3,000
years ago, could it be said, 'There was sore lamentation for a
great man had fallen in our midst that day.'
"The Persian writer Laasi tells the story of three sages — a
Greek, an Indian, and a Persian — Avho once discussed before the
Persian monarch, the (juestion, 'Of all the evils incident to hu-
manity, which is the greatest?' The Greek answered, 'Old age.
o])pressed with poverty.' The Indian said, 'Pain without con-
tentment,' while the Persian answered, bowing low, 'The greatest
evil I can imagine, youi- majesty, is tiie couch of death without
one gooil deed of life to light the dai'ksome way.' None of these
evils were incident in his life. His age was not oppressed Avith
poverty. He was not afflicted with jiain and discontent. And
knowing him as we do, we may confidently l)elieve that the many
noble deeds of his life, unrecorded and nidvUOAvn, made luminous
CIRCUIT JUDGES 199
his path, even in the darkness of the valley of the shadow of
death, through which he made his solitary way."
Remarks by Judge 0. B. AVyman: "In the death of the late
Judge Joseph M. ^Morrow the profession has lost a learned, a
skillful, a successful and an honest lawyer; the people have lost
a prominent citizen and a safe counsellor and an able advocate ;
this beautiful city, that he delighted to call his home, whose
streets lie traveled for the greater part of his active life, and
whose people he loved and served so well, has lost a warm friend,
his neighbors have lost a genial associate, an enterprising and
leading citizen ; his family has lost a kind and devoted husband
and loving and "considerate father; this court has lost one of its
prominent practitioners at the bar of justice, an attorney of
recognized ability and integrity, possessed of extended experi-
ence and of acute legal knowledge and perception, and the senti-
ments expressed in the memorial presented and in the eulogies
pronounced by the gentlemen who have just spoken of his char-
acter, life and memory are endorsed by the court. From a pro-
fessional as well as from the popular standpoint, he was a suc-
cessful laAvyer.
"The masses usually judge of a lawyer's capability from his
ability to make a pleasing address to court and jury, or from his
readiness at retort in the trial of cases in the forum of justice.
The members of our profession judge of a lawyer's ability not
from his use of language alone, but from his knowledge of the
law, the great system of jurisprudence that has grown through
the centuries past, formed in part from long-established custom
and usage, in part from legislative exactments and in part from
judicial decisions, for the purpose of guarding and securing the
protection of life and property to all the citizens of the common-
wealth.
"The profession judge of a lawyer's ability from his knowl-
edge of the intricate rules and precedents of this system by which
individual rights are maintained, and wrongs are redressed by
his ability to draw correct pleadings, to make briefs, and to prop-
erly prepare for the trial of his case, his ability to examine wit-
nesses and direct the testimony towards the controlling issues
which determine the decision of the ease at the trial, by his
ability to eliminate from his pleadings, and from the testimony,
the irrelevant and unimportant elements, and to clearly state and
make prominent only the essential facts which pertain to the
cause of action or to the defense, by his ability to concentrate his
200 lllSTOKY OF .MOMiOE COUNTY
mind, his mental strength and vigor upon the case in hand, so
that his client may never sutfer from inadvertance or failure to
fully protect his legal rights, by his abilit}'^ to advise his client
fully and properly before he engages in litigation, as to his legal
riglits and the proper course to secure the same.
"From all these considerations, as well as the ability of the
lawyer to make a pleasing address, is he judged by the members
of his profession in considering the question of his qualifications,
al)ility and success as a practicing attorney, and from all these
standpoints it can truly be said that the late Judge Morrow was
a capable and successful lawyer. It is a matter of common ex-
perience with all attorneys that they do not gain all the cases
witli which they are connected. In their contention for their
client's cause they may sometimes censure courts and juries when
the decision is adverse, still no client has just cause for complaint
towards his counsel, when he has done his full duty in the man-
agement of the client's case.
"In Judge ]\Iorrow's extended career as a practicing attorney
he did not always succeed in gaining his client's contention.
Sometimes a client after the trial had ended would have to hear
the bars of the prison door grate behind him, and be shut in from
freedom of life for a term of years. But such unfortunate clients
had the satisfaction of knowing that all legal and honoralile
means had been employed for his defense during the trial as
conducted by industrious, competent and efficient counsel.
"Sometimes in the defense of civil actions after the legal pro-
ceedings were ended, a judgment for damages would be entered
against the client for a legal liability shown to exist between the
parties, but in such cases the client, if intelligent and fair-
minded, wellknew that the cause had been ably defended with
legal talent and ability of high rank during the litigation of the
case and that the facts and law entitled the recovery against him.
In the practice of his profession numy legal A'ictories were won
by liis untiring industry, his knoAvledge of the law and his wide
and extended experience in the trial of cases.
"lie was ever known to be faithful to Iiis client's cause,
faithful 1o his client in the office as counselor, faithful to his
client and to the court during the trial of the ease, faithful in
ni^holding the dignity nnd high standing of the profession of the
law. ITo was successful in winning many a legal contest when
ojiposed l)y able and eminent counsel, as the court records, the
trial courts and our Supreme Court fully shoAV. From a profes-
sional point of view, he was truly a successful attorney. He is
CIRCUIT JUDGES 201
known to the legal profession and to the entire people oi his ex-
tended acquaintance, not only to have been a skilled and success-
ful pvacticing attorney, but he is known to have possessed the
judicial temperament, the legal knowledge and ripe experience
which, combined, eminently fitted and qualified him to preside
over the court of this circuit to the general satisfaction of the
entire bar.
"He was quick to grasp the controverted points in issue in the
trial of causes as a judicial officer. He was ever kind, courteous
and attentive to counsel at the trial of cases during his term
upon the bench, and was ever governed by that high sense of
honor and fair dealing that marked his career as a lawyer at the
bar. He preserved and maintained the dignity and high standing
that the court has theretofore long sustained, during the terms of
his eminent predecessors upon the bench. He was an honest, con-
scientious, impartial and worthy judge. He possessed and culti-
vated the qualities of integrity and industry in the study and
practice of his profession, cfualities which, more than any others,
marked his success as an attorney at the bar and a judicial officer.
It is a mistaken idea, sometimes entertained, that lawyers suc-
ceed by tricks and artifice in the practice of their profession.
"The truly successful lawyer is as high above such devising
schemes as the noonday sun is high above the horizon. Judge
Morrow's marked success in the profession was gained by his
continued practice of fair legal methods, by honest, upright deal-
ings with his clients, with opposing counsel, and with the court.
Such was liis character, and be has left the rich heritage of an
honorable career in the practice of his profession, extending to
the day of his death over a third of a century in the courts of
this state.
"In his family — ever kind and attentive to a loving wife and
an atfectionate daughter. In the church of his choice — a frecpient
attendant and attentive member and a liberal supporter. In the
city of his chosen home — always among the leaders in advancing
popular education, joublic interests and public improvements. He
was public spirited on all occasions. He w^atched with pride the
erection of this beautiful courthouse. With others, advised with
the authorities having the same in charge, and on its completion
was master of ceremonies at the formal opening.
"In reply to a remark made to him concerning the substan-
tial manner in which the building was built with fireproof vaults,
complete in all their parts and of sufficient capacity to safely
keep the records of the county for years to come, he said: 'Yes,
202 HISTORY OF MOXROP: COUNTY
this ])nil(lin«r will outlive us all.' The statement is likely true,
but "\ve little thontjht then that in so short a time he would be
stricken down by the angel of death in the strength of his mature
years.
"lie was ever kind and eonsiderati' lowards the unfortunate
and his liand was often opened towards the relief of distress.
Ilis neighbors and friends in tlie eomnuinity Avhere hi- lived, llic
stranger whom he chanced to meet in the pathway of life, all
learned to admin> and esteem him foi- his genial social qualities,
his kindly good nature, his sympathy for distress and his good-
ness of heart as a citizen. He will long bo missed by his many
friends — there will be a vacant chair at the sessions of this court
— and in honor of his memory we here commemorate.
"It is ordered that the memorial presented by the connnittee
of the bar be approved and spread ui)on the records of the court.
The clerk is requested to present a copj^ of the same to the family
of the deceased and to the local press for publication. Further
ordered that court be now adjourned in respect to the memory of
the late Judge Joseph 'M. ]\forrow."
ROMANZO BUNN.
Judge Bunn Avas born in Otsego county. New York September
24, 1829. He studied law at Elliottville, New York and was
admitted to the bar at that i)lace in 1853. He w^as married in 1854
to Sarah Purely, of Rome, Ncav York, and came to AVisconsin in
September of the same year.
He stopped for a few months in the very small new town of
Sparta, going from there to Trempeleau county Avhere he entered
a quarter section of government land. After living on this claim
six months he moved to Galesville, then the county seat. He was
elected mend)er of assembly for Trempeleau county in 1850.
In 1861 he formed a law partnership with Carlton E. Rice, an
old New York friend. He Avas soon after elected district attorney
for Slonroe county, lii 1868 he was elected Circuit «Tudge of the
then Sixth Judicial Ciiciut. comprising the counties of ]Monroe,
La Crosse, Jackson, Clark, Trempeleau. Buffalo and Vernon, be-
ing re-elected in 1874 by unanimous endorsements of the bar of
the district. This i)osition he held until 1877 when he was ap-
pointed United States District Judge for the AVestern District of
AVisconsin, succeeding Janu's C. Hopkins, who died September 8,
of that year. He held this position for almost thirty years, retir-
ing January 6, 1005, at the age of seventy-five. During this time
a vast amount of important litigation came before him, both in
CIRCUIT JUDGES 203
his position of district judge and also as associate justice of the
Court of Appeals; his duties in the latter position taking up a
considerable portion of his time.
Judge Bunn took a leading position among the federal judges
of the country. He occupied the bench during the period when
federal jurisprudence was developing, and new and important
questions were constantly coming up for decision. His opinions
have been widely quoted and followed by the courts of other
circuits, and successful appeals were taken from but a small
number of his decisions. In the court room he was quick and
decisive in his rulings, grasping the true point at issue and giving
his decisions on that point alone. At the time of his retirement
from the bench. Judge Francis E. Baker of the Court of Appeals
said of him: — "He has shown the patience to hear with fulness
and impartiality and the comprehension to understand the issues
in all their bearings and the wisdom to find the right and the un-
faltering honesty to declare and enforce it — not the common
honesty that may have regard for what is the best policy, but the
fearless honesty 'that dares to be knowingly nnpolitic — these,
I take it, are the attributes of a great and just judge."
Judge Bunn was for several years professor of federal juris-
prudence in the law school of the University of Wisconsin, and
for two years was special lecturer on the same subject in the
law department of Northwestern University at Evanston, 111. He
was a member of the Madison Literary Club, and frequently con-
tributed to its programs. He was a lover of the English classics
and a remarkably strong Shakespearian scholar.
His death occurred at his home in jNIadison, AYis., on the
twenty-fifth of January, 1909, in the eightieth year of his age.
CHAPTER XX.
AGRICULTURE AND DAIRYING.
It took a good many years of experience and the efforts of some
farmers more progressive than others of the general run to l)ring
to the fore, as a commercial proposition, the dairying industry.
Cattle, almost from the earliest settlement down to within the last
fifteen years, were raised mostly for beef, with occasionally a
"cheese factory" which would spring up and flourish for a time
and then quit business, for the well developed farming of the East
could more than successfully compete with the ^Middle West in
"cream cheese;" every farmer who kept cows, made more or
less dairy butter, usually a department presided over by the good
wife, who presided at the churn and had her regular days for
turning out butter for the market ; but with the development of
this section and the steady increase in population of villages and
cities came the demand "more butter;" and with this demand
from the markets developed the raising of better cattle, the
establishment of creameries and the application of scientific
modern methods to the making and marketing of butter.
]\Ionroe county farmers have more than kept ]iace with other
sections of the state, and the very profitable dairy induslry has
been highly developed in almost all parts of the country ; farmers
are and have been studying the breeds of dairy rattle; they
send their sons to the university, some of them taking the short
and some the long course in agriculture, and come out fitted to
manage stock farms successfully. There are one or two associa-
tions of men Avho breed a certain kind of dairy cattle, and stock
farms Avith modern sanitary barns and apparatus for handling
milk and cream are Fountl in every toAvnship; and not only that,
but nearly every township has its creamery, generally a cooper-
ative concern, owned and operated by the farmers in its vicinity,
where butter fat is innicd into cash with scientific regularity,
and from this oik> industry alone has come a great increase in
land values all over the county.
The early eflforts in this line were isolated in different sections
.Tud no record is available of the amount of money invested in
this great industry and its results, and not until 1908 was there
204
if' t ■ '• ^
■■I
fa
o
o
AGRICULTURE AND DAIRYING 205
any system in use for collecting information on the subject, but
since that time the county clerk of each county is required by
law to get certain information as to general agricultural matters
and dairying and these reports for Monroe county are given in
detail in this chapter. They show also an astonishing amount of
progress in general farming lines and exhibit a most satisfactory
condition, one which is alluring to the invester in farm lands,
for beyond a question this county is rich in lands suitable for
dairying and diversified farming and is fast developing into one
of the richest counties in this great state, offering many opportu-
nities to the farmer of pluck, intelligence and perseverance.
One glance at the foUoAving tables tells of progress and profit.
For the year ending April 30, 1911, it will be seen that the total
amount received from the dairy business alone was the enormous
sum of $1,071,086.52 ; over a million dollars in cash. With eight-
een creameries, Avorth nearly $50,000, in operation the year
around, using the product of 25,871 cows, a record is made that
established the county well to the front in this industry in com-
parison with other counties of the state.
Following are given the official tables covering this industry
and farm products and property generally for each year, begin-
ning with 1908:
't5
CERTIFIED REPORT OF DAIRY STATISTICS.
1908— Number of creameries, 19 ; value, $39,950 ; number of
patrons, 2,817 ; number of cows, 24,407 ; number of pounds of
milk received during the year, 18,424,772; cream, 12,992,607;
luunber of pounds of butter or cheese made of condensed milk
produced during the year, 3,655,615 ; number of cheese factories,
2; value, $800; number of patrons, 33; number of cows, 460;
number of pounds of milk received, 1,504,500 ; number of pounds
of butter or cheese made, 14,000. Amount of money received for
products sold during the year, $1,020,207.68 from creameries, and
from cheese factories, $1,350. Number of pounds made on farms,
butter, 60,800; value, $12,612; number of gallons sold other than
that sold to creameries, cheese factories and milk condensing
factories, 2,000.
1909 — Number of creameries, 19 ; value, $48,331 ; number of
patrons, 2,546 ; number of cows, $23,840 ; number of pounds of
milk received during the year, 12,261,492. Cream, 12,330,556;
number of pounds of butter or cheese made during the year,
4,188,145. The amount of money received for products sold dur-
ing the year, $1,090,695.08. Number of cheese factories, 1 ; value,
20(3 IIISTOKV OF ,M()NU()K COrXTY
.$500; number of patrons, 1(1: nunilx'r of cows, 180; number of
pounds of milk, 523,099 ; number pounds of butter or clieese,
47,000. Amount of money received, $4,067.92; number of pounds
of butter nuide on farm, 39,303; value, $8,379.40. Number of
gallons sold other than that sold to creameries, cheese factories
and milk condensing factories. 259,901.
1910 — Xundjer of creameries, 19; value, $42,590; numlxT of
patrons, 2.483 ; number of cows, 23,820 ; number of pounds of
milk, 10,964,774. Cream, 7,581,792; number of pounds of butter
or cheese made or condensed milk produced, 3,518,668. The
amount of money received during the year, $959,763.19. Number
of pounds of butter made on the farm, 86,350. Value, $22,274.
Number of gallons other than that sold to creameries, cheese
factories and milk condensing factories, 18,650.
1911 — Number of creameries, 18; value. $46,795; number of
patrons, 2.791 ; number of cows. 25,871 ; number of pounds of
milk, 8,846,256. Cream, 27,819,573 ; number of pounds of butter.
3,728,634. Amount of money received for products sold during
the year, $1,071,086.52. Number of ])()unds of butter made on
farms, 20,929; value, $5,068.50; number of gallons sold other
than sold to creameries, cheese factories and milk condensing
factories, 2,931.
CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF CROP REPORT.
1908.
Number of bushels— AVheat, 43,862; corn. 463,275; oats. 1.028,-
704; barley, 170,809; rye, 51.893; tiax seed, 62; potatoes. 192,447;
beans 66; cranberries, 6,587; apples, 15,319; strawberries, 21.051;
raspberries, 2,744; blackberries, 3,868; currants. 15; grapes. 192;
clover seed, 507; timothy seed, 91.
Xuiuhei' of tons — Sugar beets, 183; hay. 54.205.
Xumbcr of pounds — Tobacco. 648.8()9 ; hops, 300.
Acres hai-vested for seed — Clover, 264.
1909.
Xuiiilx-r of bushels — AVheat. 4ti.527 : corn. 512,469; oats.
1,153,803: barley. 263.475; rye, 50,397; flax seed, 180; potatoes,
167.109; beans, 233; cranl)erries, 2.989; apples, 10,789; straw-
berries, 19,840; raspberries, 2,043; blackberries, 3,396; currants,
2; grapes, 1.540; clover seed. 4,963; timothy seed, 308.
Xumbcr of tons — Sugar beets, 310; hay, 65,726.
Xumber of i)ounds — Tobacco, 555.700.
Acres harvested for seed — Clover, 3,004; timothy, 126.
II
AGRICULTURE AND DAIRYING 207
IDIO.
Number of bushels— Wheat, 50,727; corn, 394,988; oats, 1,397,-
192; barley, 333,888; rye, 57,899; flax seed, 360; potatoes, 230,238;
beans, 88; cranberries, 12,845; apples, 42,583; strawberries, 16,-
051; raspberries 1,915; blackberries, 4,031; currants, 16; grapes,
26; clover seed, 1,762; timothy seed, 186.
Number of tons — Sugar beets, 347 ; hay, 64,386.
Number of pounds — Tobacco, 519,700.
1911.
Number of bushels — AVheat, 55,619 ; corn, 458,482 ; oats,
791,673; barley, 186,777; rye, 64,566; flax seed, 145; potatoes,
263,429; beans, 748; cranberries, 4,905; apples, 326; strawberries,
6,652; raspberries 520; blackberries 1,109; grapes, 1; clover
seed, 881 ; timothy seed, 3.
Number of tons — Sugar beets, 82 ; hay, 33,450 ; cabbages, 2.
Number of pounds — Tobacco, 203,260.
ACREAGE OF FARM CROPS, NUMBER AND VALUE OF
STOCK.
1908.
Number of acres— Wheat, 3,036; corn, 22,795; oats, 42,987;
barley, 9,720 ; rye, 5,056 ; flax seed, 117 ; potatoes, 2,165 ; sugar
beets, 50 ; cranberries, 92 ; apple orchard, 555 ; strawberries, 334 ;
raspberries, 58 ; blackberries, 369 ; grapes, 4 ; hops, 4 ; tobacco,
227 ; hay, 44,857 ; growing timber, 68,691 ; number of growing
apple trees, 21,035.
Number and value of livestock — IMilch cows 22,010, value
$483,505; all other cattle 16,139, value .$151,592; horses of all
ages 9,343, value $627,369 ; sheep and lambs 13,251, value $39,-
495; swine four months old or over 11,387, value $55,007.
1909.
Number of acres— AVheat, 2,906; corn, 21,557; oats, 45,092;
barley, 13,154; rye, 5,166; flax seed, 83; potatoes, 2,604; sugar
beets, 62; beans, 13; cranberries, 153; apple orchard, 591; straw-
berries, 334; raspberries, 63; blackberies, 76; grapes, 8; flax seed,
3; Tobacco, 244; hay, 46,172; growing timber, 77,605; number
of growing apple trees, 22,044.
Number and value of livestock — Alilch cows 22,164, value
$483,076; all other cattle 16,883, value $190,939; horses of all
208 IliSTOKY OF .MONROE COUNTY
ages ] 0.065, valuo ij^711,671 ; sheep and lambs 14,222, value $50,-
070; swine four uioiitlis old or over 8,190, value $52,327.
1910.
Nuiulier of acres — AVlieat, 3,98G; corn, 22,464; oats, 47,lti7;
barley, 10,751; rye, 6,878; flax seed, 15; potatoes, 2,573; sugar
beets, 34; cranberries, 149; apple orchard, 685; strawberries, 692;
raspberries, 72; blackberries, 70; grapes, 2; flax, 20; tobacco, 153;
grasses cultivated for hay, 43,328; growing timber, 82,892; num-
ber of growing api)le trees, 28,303.
Number and y;\]\u' of livestock — Milch cows 23,752, value
$555,229; all other cattle 16,307, value $190,273; horses of all
ages 9,96], value $721,956; sheep and lambs 11,603, value $54,782;
swine four months old or over 8,217, value $79,172.
1911.
Number of acres — Wheat, 5,074; corn, 27,584; oats, 45.820;
barley, 10,656; rye, 11,608; flax seed, 23; potatoes, 2,495; sugar
beets, 10; beans, 182; cranberries, 110; apple orchard, 696;
straw'berries, 448; raspberries, 76; blackberries, 90; grapes, 5;
tobacco, 270; grasses cultivated for hay, 41,562; growing timber,
89,678; number of apple trees, 33,680.
Acres harvested for seed — Clover, 564.
Number and value of livestock — ]\Iilch cows 22,7] 1, value
$524,861 ; all other cattle 14,178, value $165,265 ; horses of all ages
10,366, value $803,882; sheep and lambs 10,559. value $34,074;
swine four months old or over 8,815, value $61,203.
CHAPTER XXI.
APPLE INDUSTRY.
A great many years ago attempts were made in some portions
of the county to raise apples with some measure of success, but
the farmers of that period did not have the advantage which
those of this day have in the benefit of scientific learning and
instruction from the Agricultural college in connection with the
University, which has investigated all sorts of subjects which
are related to agriculture in any way, and a great deal of atten-
tion has been paid to the subject of apple raising, and as to
whether or not the soil and climate conditions in this part of
the state will permit of apples being raised on a large scale. In
the earlier days alluded to, occasionally was found a small
orchard which was planted by some farmer and just allowed to
grow without any particular attention, except that in some
instances the science of grafting was gone into when, perhaps,
some man who has been familiar with the growing of apples in
some eastern state knew the method of grafting apple trees;
but that in no locality in the county was a determined effort made
to raise apples as a commercial proposition, although many
varieties were in fact raised of good quality and flavor, but with
the lack of attention these little orchards gradually went into-
decay and the trees died off, more for the want of proper care
and attention than on account of any conditions in the soil or
climate.
With the awakening all along the line in agricultural subjects
has come a movement in this county in the last few years to
experiment with the growing of apple orchards, and with the
great assistance which has been rendered by the agricultural
department of the University, and also the officials of the State
Horticultural Society, we are able in this chapter to record the
result of experiments which prove beyond any cpiestion that
within the limits of ^lonroe county there is just as good fruit
lands as can be found anywhere in the United States for the rais-
ing of certain varieties of apples. The authorities of the Uni-
versity and of the Horticulture Society had their attention called
a year or two ago to the orchard maintained by Mr. Fred Mueh-
lenkamp upon his farm in the town of Wells, where this gentle-
209
210 IIISTOKY OF MONROE COUNTY
man has seven acres of as fine apple trees as can be found
anywhere. Some of the trees in this orchard were more than
thirty years okl and it originally was a small orchard, planted
just as farmers iilaiited twenty or thirty years ago; but for
many years Mr. Muehlenkamp has made a study of the problem
of fruit culture, paying particular attention to the raising of
varieties of apples best adapted for profitable culture in this
climate, and he is today a recognized authority on this subject.
Particularly so with regard to tree grafting, and the result of
his study and experiments are shown in his orchard, where there
are many trees bearing more than one kind of apples, and some
producing four or five different varieties.
Working in conjunction with the ofiRcers of the State Horti-
cultural Society this veteran apple grower opened his home.
Avhich, by the Avay, is a fine brick mansion, upon his farm and
invited all who desired to come to attend a field day fruit dem-
onstration and meeting at his farm on August 23, 1911. Secre-
tary Cranefield, of the State Horticultural Society, was present,
together with D. E. Bingham, president of the socity; \V. II.
Hanchett, of Angel o, and a commission merchant by the name of
Merrill, of Chicago, were present, together with about two hun-
dred people from a number of different towns in the county. At
this meeting addresses were delivered by the gentlemen named
and by ]\Ir. IMuehlenkamp, and it was demonstrated not only ])y
tile orchard upon this farm, but in the addresses delivered at
the meeting that there were no better lands and no better condi-
tions anywhere in the United States for successful cultivation
of apples than exist in Monroe county, especially on the ridge
lands, which are well adapted for that purpose. It was shown
that an average orchard ten years old, which is properly culti-
vated and cared for, could be depended upon to yield an annual
income of $250 per acre, which is better than can be done with
iuiy ordinary crop at this time.
It is generally agreed that the most profitable varieties of
apples to grow in this county were the jMc^Mann, Northwestern
Greenings, AVealtiiy. Salome and IMalinda; and as a matter of fact
it had ])vvn shown that winter apjiles could be raised in this
county and in various othei' poitions of the state at ]ii-ici's Avhich
would more than successfully (•omi)ete with the New York
apjih's. This meeting gave to this industry a standing which
was to the great satisfaction of those who were present, and
U7idnubtedly tlie future will see good results from it. As the
cominereial advantage of having an orchard of several acres
APPLE INDUSTRY 211
properly cared for is so evident that the farmers, in the ridge
country especially, will undoubtedly, in the future, give special
attention to this branch of horticulture.
If anything else was needed to complete the demonstration
and to establish beyond any question that apple growing in
Monroe county can be successfully accomplished, and not only
apples, but grapes, plums and cherries, it has been most con-
clusively furnished in the results accomplished by J. "W. Leverich
at his fruit farm in the town of Angelo. ]\Ir. Leverich, who now
is acknowledged one of the authorities on small fruits, started
in 1904 an experimental orchard of five acres, which he planted
in May of that year. In order to demonstrate to his own satis-
faction whether these fruits, apples, grapes and cherries could
be successfully raised if handled scientifically, his trees were
selected with the greatest care and planted upon a piece of land
which was carefully selected for the purpose, and his long expe-
rience in small fruit raising gave him the knowledge necessary
to select the particular land which he did for this orchard. The
tract is protected on the north and west by growing timber from
the winds ; to the south and east are hills which protect the trees
from wind blowing from that direction. There are sixteen rows
of fruit trees and two rows of grapes. The trees are set twenty-
two in a row, and the two row^s of grapes about four hundred feet
in length each, in which there are seven distinct varieties.
At the time of setting this five-acre tract into an orchard in
the spring of 1904, Mr. Leverich placed between the rows of
trees either raspberries, red raspberries or blackberry brush.
These berry brush have been thoroughly cultivated and cared
for, as the trees and vines of the orchard were, and as a conse-
quence there has been a crop of berries each year commencing
with 1905. In 1906 the first returns from the orchard proper
were secured, being ten baskets of grapes. The plum trees com-
menced bearing in 1907, and the apples in 1908, while the first
cherries were secured in 1911, and it is the opinion of IMr. Lev-
erich that this locality in the town of Angelo is not adopted to
the culture of cherries. But his experiment has demonstrated
beyond a doubt that the valley soil of Monroe county, as well as
the ridges, is suitable and just as well adapted naturally for the
culture of fruits as the ridge lands. It only needs the intelli-
gence, industry and perseverance, which are, of course, all
necessary in an industry of this character to put into a paying
proposition an orchard bearing apples, plums and grapes. During
the fall season of 1911 IMr. Leverich exhibited in one or two store
212 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
windows in tlie city of Sparta baskets containing the varieties of
fruit and grapes raised in this orchard, and they made a tempting
picture, indeed, and we here have tlie record which was kept by
him from the time beginning with the ])hinting of the orchard
up until the market of 1911, showing in detail the number of
l)askets, eases or bushels, as the case may be, of fruit Avhich was
raised upon this five-acre tract of land from ]\Ia.v. 1004, up lo
and including the crop of 1911, giving tlie total amount realized
upon the entire tract :
BLACKBERRIES.
am. 24 cases. Jj^l.i:) per case, $28.50; 190(), 152 cases. .^1.47 per
ease, $223.44; 1907, 207 cases, ^l.Gl per case, $405.69; 1908, 288
cases, $1.59 per case, $557.92; 1909, 239 cases, $1.54 per case,
$368.06; 1910, 124 cases, $1.93 per case, $239.32; 1911, 155 cases,
$1.64 per case, $254.20. Total, 1,190 cases; total, $2,077.19.
BLACK RASPBERRIES.
1905, 54 cases. $1.21 per ease, $65.34; 1906, 421 cases, $1.46
per ease, $614.66; 1907, 305 cases, $1.60 per case, $488; 1908, 235
cases, $1.89 per case, $445.25; 1909, 145 cases, $2.05 per case.
$297.25; 1910, 76 cases, $1.95 per case, $148.20; 1911, 111 cases,
$1.56 per case, $173.16. Total. 1.342 cases: total, $2,231.86.
RED RASPBERRIES.
1905, 10 cases, $1.21 per case, $12.10; 1906, 154 cases, $1.47
per case, $226.38; 1907. 125 cases, $1.68 per case, $200; 1908, 215
cases, $1.75 per case, $376.25; 1904, 54 cases, $1.85 per case,
$99.90; 1910, 10 cases, $1.98 per case, $19.80. Total, 568 cases;
total, $934.43.
GRAPES.
1906, 10 baskets; 1:)()7. 100 l)askets; 1908, 200 baskets: 1909,
20 baskets; 1910, 10 baskets; 1911, 175 baskets. Total, 505
baskets, at 25c per basket, $126.25.
Cherries — 20 cases, $1.50 per case, $30.
Apples— 1908, 5 bushels; 1909, 10 bushels; 1911, 75 bushels.
Total, 90 bushels, at 75c per bushel, $67.50.
IMums— 1907, 5 cases; 1908, 30 cases; 1909. 50 cases: 1911,
130 cases. Total, 215 cases, $1.25 per case. $268.75. Plants sold,
$500. Grand total of all sales, $6,235.98.
These figures are for cases of 24 jnnts each of l)lackl)erries
and l)hick and red raspberries, and 16 quarts of plums and
cherries.
APPLE INDUSTRY 213
This tract being largely in the nature of an experimental
orchard, ^Ir. Leverich has set in a greater variety of trees than
he probably would have if he was to now set it out with the
knowledge he now possesses after seven years of experimenting.
Some of the varieties have done better than others, but it is not
the object of this article to specifj^ particularly in regard to that,
but to tell of the orchard as we found it. It consists of the fol-
lowing trees, vines and berry brush :
Apples — 88 Northwestern Greening, 44 Wealthy, 11 Tolman
Sweet, 11 Mcintosh Red, 11 Milwaukee, 11 Wolf River, 11 Scott's
Winter, 11 Longfield, 11 Patten's Greening, 11 McMahan. 11
Duchess, 11 Plumb Cider.
Plums— 22 Wyant. 22 Cheney,. 1 Grittlewood, 11 Surprise, 11
Hawkey e, 11 Forest Garden, 11 DeSoto.
Cherries — 11 Early Richmond. Total number of trees set,
352.
Grapes — 20 Moore's Early, 10 Campbell's Early, 10 Brighton.
10 Concord, 10 Moore's Diamond, 10 AVorden, 10 Wilder.
Berries — 1,584 Eldorado blackberries, 2,575 Gregg black rasp-
berries, 1,957 Cuthbert and Marlboro red raspberries. Total,
6,516.
The handsome returns of over $6,000 upon five acres of land
certainly places this industry upon the footing with the lands
anywhere, as those in Oregon and AYashington, which sell as
high as $2,000 per acre. The ciuestion arises as to how a person
contemplating fruit growing should get anything out of his young
orchard before it begins to bear apples, and the answer is here
given most definite and positively, for between the rows of trees
were raised bush berries to the value of $207.86 per acre, showing
that the income begins almost at once wdth the very first year's
planting by using the space between the rows, which should
always be done for producing an income.
AVhile at the time of the publication of this work this industry
has not begun to develop to a great extent, there is no cpiestion
but that this county is capable of supporting more than double
its population, and that fruit raising and intensified farming
will be in effect during the next decade, and will double and
treble the varieties of fruit, and any farmer properly located who
will study the question of apple growing will, undoubtedly, make
it a success. But success will only come with study and the use
of intelligent methods. Let us hope that the future generations
may see Monroe county one of the garden spots of this country,
rich in its products of apples, plums, grapes and other fruits.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE COUNTY SEAT WAR.
Wliilo the title '"War" may seem perhaps a little harsh, it is
used in the sense that it is commonly used today to designate a
contest or a struggle for supremacy; for all along the years, ever
since the county was first organized, we timl running through
the proceedings of the county board, cropping out at intervals,
the disposition on the part of different portions of the county
to remove the county seat from Sparta, and the disposition on
the part of the inhabitants on the eastern side of the county, par-
ticularly, to use every means in their power legitimately to have
the county government located at Tomah. This has been a cause
of more or less bitterness between the tAvo cities, but this finally
has been allayed to a great extent during the last few years as
the establishment of permanent buildings has almost made it out
of the question that any move of the kind would now be con-
sidered. But it has been purely from a sense of loyalty to tlie
home location and to the interests of the home town that this
spirit has been manifested. This is entirely right and proper and
has furnished a good many exciting incidents, both in and out of
the sessions of the county board, at various times. It Avas mani-
fested at the very outset in the organization of the county.
AVhile the bill was pending before the Legislature the citizens of
Leon, which was then quite a little settlement, endeavored to
have the county seat estal)lished there in the act wliioh organized
the county, and that is where the "war" began. Sparta people
were up in arms and representatives were undoubtedly sent to
the Legislature by both sides in the interests of the two different
villages, but the Legislature in its wisdom finally deeided tliat
Sparta was the proper place for the county seat, and the law
was passed making it such temporarily. But when it became
necessary to spend money for county buildings the disposition
to avoid erecting any permanent public buildings in Sparta, and
undoubtedly with a hope tliat the future would l)ring some
developments along the line of placing the county seat elsewhere,
led members of the county board, particularly from Leon and
214
THE COUNTY SEAT WAR 215
from the eastern side of the county, to vote down appropriations
for this purpose and to put obstructions in the way of any such
move. At the session of the county board held August 15, 1857,
the absolute necessity for a county jail being apparent, the fol-
loAving resolution was introduced by Supervisor Esau Johnson,
to-wit :
"Resolved, That we appropriate a sufficient sum of money to
build a jail at Sparta."
Mr. Ringer, of Little Falls, offered the following amendment
to the resolution, to-wit :
"That the amount termed be $1,500."
The amendment was lost by the following vote : Ayes — Hunt-
ley, Ringer, Isham, Alice, Stacy. Noes — Foster, Johnson, Miller,
Gibbs, Butterfield, Lyon. The original resolution was then taken
up and lost by a vote of the supervisors present, all of the mem-
bers voting "no." W. W. Jackson, of Adrian, then offered the
following resolution, to-wit :
"Resolved, That we deem the title to the ground on which
the courthouse stands insufficient, and that we are unwilling to
appropriate any money to the erection of any more buildings
thereon," which was adopted by a vote of nine to five, and this
ended the first round.
On November 26, 1859, at the annual meeting of the board of
supervisors the following resolution was introduced :
"Resolved, That the sum of $1,500 be raised by the county to
build a suitable jail for Monroe county, no part of said money to
be expended until after a vote by the people of the county, be
taken on a permanent location for county seat ; ' ' and this resolu-
tion on being put to yea and nay vote was lost by a decisive vote.
As has already been narrated elsewhere, the first county
building was erected at the moderate cost of $600, in block 4
of Damman's addition to Sparta, and that this site was after-
wards deeded back to Mr. Damman and the present block was
selected by the county board for county buildings. The necessity
for doing something to provide a courthouse came up at the meet-
ing of the county board, which began on the 13th day of
November, 1860. A committee on public buildings was appointed
consisting of Peter DeCoursey, J. A. Gillman and W. T. Stevens,
and the following resolution was presented to the board by Mr.
DeCoursey :
"Resolved, That the sum of dollars be raised by tax on
taxable property of the county, to be applied in building a suit
able building for a courthouse in and for said county." This
216 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
resolution Avas referred to the committee on public buildings
and at a later date in the session the committee reported in favor
of the resolution and J. E. Ensign moved that the blank in the
report be filled by inserting $5,000. E. A. Rice moved an amend-
ment striking out the figures $5,000 and inserting five mills on
the dollar on the taxable property of the county. ]Mr. Rice's
amendment was lost and after some parliamentary sparring ^Ir.
Gillman offered an amendment that $4,000 be inserted in the
blank, which was carried ; and then E. A. Rice moved the adop-
tion of the report, and strange to say it was lost by the following
vote : Yeas — J. E. Ensign, ]\lead, ]\Iathews, Gillman. Noes —
Hanford, Campbell, Cole, W. T. Stevens, Tolls, Enderby, DeCour-
sey, Baker, Gary, G. F. Stevens, Haywood, Rowen and Rice, and
the committee was discharged. Thus ended the third round. At
that time there were nineteen supervisors on the board and the
votes in favor of the courthouse came from the towns of Port-
land. Angelo. Eaton, Little Falls and the village of Sparta, and
the votes against it came from Glendale, Wellington. "Wilton,
Ridgeville, Leon, LeRoy, Tomah (town), Adrian, Greenfield,
Lafayette and, strange to say, the town of Spai-ta. Tt will be seen
by the distribution of this vote that several localities still hatl
hopes and the combination was quite strong against the village
of Sparta. But the need of a courthouse and jail became, as time
passed, a great necessity, and a move was made in 186;^ to call a
special session of the county board. A re(|uest having been
signed by the majority of the board of supervisors a special meet-
ing was called September 4, 1863, and met at the village of
Sparta, at which the following resolution was presented by ]\Ir.
J. Covey, who was then the chairman of the county board :
"Resolved, That the district attorney be reciuested to report
to this board in writing what title the county has to the site
upon which the building now stands and which is used for a jail :"'
and this resolution, upon a vote, was duly adopted, and it was
subsequently moved and carried that the district attorney be
instructed to put in no defense to the suit of J. D. Damman
against the county of ]\lonroe to recover the site on which the
jail now stands, and accordingly, as has been related, the county
clerk was authorized to deed back the property, and at this meet-
ing of the board a resolution was adopted by which the interests
of AV. F. Bard in the public square, opposite the Warner house,
were to be purchased and have the same conveyed to the county.
Soon after providing for the reconveyance of the old courthouse
square back to J. D. Damman and providing for the purchase of
THE COUNTY SEAT WAR 217
the public square, where the buildings now stand, the county
board again adjourned without having made any provision for
the erection of a l)uilding, but had gone to the extent of procur-
ing a site. But at the regular session of the board that fall, which
began on the 10th day of November, the matter was brought up
and furnished anununition for considerable debate and parlia-
mentary tactics. ]Mr. J. Covey again offered a resolution, which
was as follows :
"While the county of jMonroe for want of proper public build-
ings has leased annually, at a large expense, a place for holding
courts, and often to the very great annoyance of all parties con-
cerned ; that for the punishment of criminals a still greater outlay
has been necessary, the present jail being wholly insecure, un-
wholesome and a disgrace to the age in which we have lived ;
"Therefore, resolved. That there be levied on the taxable
property of the county the sum of dollars for the purpose
of erecting a suitable building or buildings for a courthouse and
jail.
"Resolved, That in order to carry out the foregoing resolu-
tion, lessen the burden of taxation that niust necessarily arise
from it, the sum of thousand dollars be raised in the year
1863, the sum of thousand dollars be raised in the year
1864, and the sum of — thousand dollars be raised in the
year 1865."
It will be seen by the vigorous language used in this resolu-
tion even in this day the spirit of "reform" was in the air, and
"progress" was not to be denied. Supervisor Kendall, in order
to settle things, moved to fill the first blank in this resolution by
inserting the sum of $22,500. This was seconded by Mr. Covey
and the yeas and noes were called for. It will be remembered
that at this time the county board system had been abrogated
by the Legislature and that the system of county commissioners
was then established and the affairs of the county were governed
by three commissioners or supervisors elected from the three
supervisor districts in the county. The board at this time con-
sisted of E. Kendall J.' Covey and J. Rood. The vote on this
resolution was Kendall and Covey in favor and ]\Ir. Rood against
it, so that it was declared carried, and then Kendall moved to
insert the sum of $7,000 in the first blank in the second part of
the resolution, and this was also carried by the same vote. Move
was then made by Kendall to put the sum of $8,500 in the second
blank in the resolution, which was carried by the same vote, and
then also moved to put $7,000 in the last blank. Then the whole
218 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
resolution was adoptod by tlio same vote: Kendall and Covey,
yes ; and Rood, no.
The raising of funds being tlius provided for the building of
the tirst real courthouse in the county. A special meeting of the
county board Avas called December 16, 1863, at which the bids for
the erecting of a courthouse and jail were opened, the matter
having been previously advertised. The contract was let to one
W. AY. Allis for $20,848.50.
The erection of the combined courthouse and jail, which was
a substantial brick building, settled the county seat matter for
some years. AYith the increase in population and consequent in-
crease in the number of prisoners, at times, the attention of the
county board members was called to the fact that the jail was too
small, was "behind the times" in appliances; so that the old
spectre which would not down, "Remove the county seat," again
raised its head and the trouble began. In 1883 and 1884 there
had been considerable fault found witli the oil jail by the State
Board of Charities and Reforms, which correspond to the State
Board of Control at the present time, and while no direct action
has been taken to condemn the old jail portion of the building,
still the situation became quite acute as far as the location of the
county seat was concerned, and eastern IMonroe county realized
that in order to accomplish anything it was necessary that a
move be made to call a special election, as provided by the stat-
utes, to remove the county seat from Sparta before any more
expensive liuildings were erected, thus making it a permanent
location. The citizens of Tomah in 1885 determined to make one
grand effort towards getting the county seat removed to Tomah
from Sparta, and a committee of citizens was appointed whose
business it was to procure names to a petition addressed to the
county board asking that an election be called, and tliat the
question of the removal of the county seat from the city of Sparta
to the city of Tomah l)e submitted to tlie qualitied voters of the
county, as provided by law. This Avork was undertaken in the
spring and sununer. A thorough canvas was made, particularly
on the eastern side of the county, and feeling l)egan to run high
with regard to the matter as the time approached for the meeting
of the county board. The session in November was made mem-
orable by reason of the fact that this contest was then to be taken
up. The members of the county board were at that time as fol-
lows:
Adrian, George P. Stevens; Angelo, E. AY. Babcock; Byron.
George A. Boynigton ; Clifton, A. N. Anthony; Glendale, Leonard
THE COUNTY SEAT AVAR 219
Johnson ; Greenfield, J. II. Gill ; Jefferson, A. Heiser ; Lafayette,
George E. Hancliett ; Lincoln, L. N. Sweet ; Little Falls, H. H.
Atchison ; Ncav Lyme, J. B. Scott ; Oakdale, H. Rogge ; Leon,
Thomas Hobson ; Portland, E. M. Adams; Sheldon, D. M. Fulmer;
Sparta, P. H. Moss; Tomah, AV. B. Cassels; Wellington, J. P.
Rice ; Wells, James Wells ; AYilton, F. Gnewikow ; city of Sparta,
H. H. Childs, N. W. Huntley, L. S. Fisher and W. E. Lee ; city of
Tomah, L. S. Benjamin, E. Bartels and I. H. Fish.
The session of the board opened with the lines tensely drawn
upon this proposition, and it was not until Tuesday morning,
November ITtli, in the second week of the session, that the peti-
tion for the removal of the county seat was presented by L. S.
Benjamin. It was as follows:
"To the Honorable Board of Supervisors of Monroe county,
Wisconsin : The undersigned legal voters of the county of Mon-
roe, state of Wisconsin, whose names appear on some one of the
poll lists on the last general election held in such county of
Monroe, do respectfully petition your honorable body and ask
that the county seat of Monroe county be changed from the city
of Sparta to the city of Tomah, in said county ; and that the
question of the removal of the county seat be submitted to a vote
of the qualified voters of ]\Ionroe county, as provided by law."
Dated September 1, 1885.
This petition was signed by about 2,400 names, and was re-
ferred to the committee on petitions and elections, Fred Gnewi-
kow, L. S. Benjamin, E. Bartels, George P. Stevens and L. S.
Fisher.
Prior to the session of the board the Tomah committee had
circulated their petition over in the towns of Little Falls and
New Lyme, procuring a goodly number of signatures. This paper
mysteriously disappeared, or rather, was never presented to the
board with the other petitions. A petition was also circulated in
Glendale and Wellington and vicinity, under the charge of
Leonard Johnson. AVhen Johnson brought it to the board session
the paper had been badly water soaked, Johnson claiming he had
fallen in the mill pond with it in his pocket. The names on this
paper were in many instances undistinguishable, and the commit-
tee, after working with microscopes, were compelled to discard a
large number of names which were not legible. This, together
with the petition that never was presented, discounted the num-
ber of names to such an extent as to make the action of the board,
which followed, possible. No report was made by the committee
upon this petition until the next to the last day of the session.
220 HISTORY OF .MONROE COLXTY
ami tlicn it came up for the final struggle in the shape of a ma-
jority and a minority report. Tlic itia.joriiy i-('])(U't of the com-
mittee was as follows:
"To the Honorable Board of Supervisors of Monroe county,
Wisconsin — Gentlenu'n : AVe, the connnittee to whom was re-
ferred the petition for the removal of the county scat of ]\lonroe
county, do report as follows:
"That we have carefully examined therein the signatures of
2,604 legal voters of Monroe county.
"That of sucli number the names of 2.107 appear on some
one of 1li(' ])oll lists of the last previous general election held in
said county on the 4th day of November. 1884, being more than
two-fifths of the legal voters of said county of ]\Ionroe as dctei-
mined by the poll lists of said last previous election.
"That under the law by reason of the said petition it is the
duty of the county board of supervisors of Monroe county, to sul)-
mit the question of the removal of the county seat of ]\Ionroe
county to the city of Tomah, to a vote of the qualified votei's of
said I\Ionroe county at the next general election,
"FRED GNEWIKOW,
"L. S. BENJAMIN,
"E. BARTELS,
"GEORGE P. STEVENS,
"Dated November 24, 1885. "Committee.
) 5
The minority of the committee, during Ihe lime whieli elai)si'd
between the introduction of the resolution and the handing in
of the majority report, had evidently l)eeii busy endeavoring to
find a loop hole in the {)roceedings. The minority of the commit-
tee consisted of one man, that doughty old warrior, L. S. Fislu^-.
who nuide the minority report to the petition as follows:
"To th(> Honorable County Board of Supervisors of .Monroe
comity, AVisconsin : The minority of the committee upon The
petition for the removal of the county seat would respectfully
report that they have carefully examined the ])etition and find
on it Ihe names of 2.107 persons whose names appear on the j)oll
lists of the several towns and cities in Monioe county for the
election oi" 1884.
"Tlie minority of your committee would further report in
favor of a postponenuMit of the subject of the removal ol* the
county seat for the following reasons:
"1. There are several petitions, whereas the law requires
only one petition.
THE COUNTY SEAT WAR 221
"2. There are a large number of names appearing on the peti-
tion which have been counted ])y your committee in order to
make the total number 2,107, not less than 300 in all that were
not signed by the persons they represent.
"3. There are a sufficient number of names on the petition
that have been counted that did not agree with the names on the
poll lists to reduce the total number below the aggregate required
by law.
"4. That if an election is ordered it would be void for the
foregoing reasons and subject the county to unnecessary costs
and probably expensive litigation.
"L. S. FISHER.
"Dated Sparta, November 24, 1885."
]Mr. Fisher then moved that the report of the committee on
petitions and elections be referred to the district attorney, and
it was so referred with the understanding that the district attor-
ney should report on the following morning.
The following resolution was then presented:
''AVhereas the petition signed by 2,604 of the legal voters of
Monroe county, of which number the names of 2,107 appear on
some one of the poll lists of the last previous general election
held in said county on the 4th day of November, 1885, said last
mentioned number being more than tw^o-fifths of the legal voters
of Monroe county, as determined by the poll lists of the said last
previous general election, said petition asking the change of the
county seat of IMonroe county from the city of Sparta to the city
of Tomah ; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That the question of the removal of the county
seat of Monroe county to the city of Tomah be submitted to a
vote of the qualified voters of said county at the next general
election, to be held in said county on the 2nd day of November,
1886." _
The board then adjourned until the next day and on the
morning of November 25th the district attorney gave his opinion
in writing upon the petition presented for the removal of the
county seat. AVhile the records of the meeting of the board do
not contain the opinion, it undoubtedly was in favor of the
minority report, for we find that Mr. Fisher moved that the
opinion be received and placed on file, and then came the tug
of war.
Mr. Cassels, of the town of Tomah, moved that the majority
report of the committee on petitions and elections be adopted.
Mr. Fisher moved that the minority report be substituted for the
222 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
majority ropoi-t. and upon llic call of ayes and noes it was
carried by the following vote: Babcock, Boyington, Ileiser,
Hanehett, llohson, Atchison, Scott. Ilaimkee, Adams, Fulmer,
]Moss, Wells, Childs, Huntley, Fisher and Lee, a total of sixteen
ayes. Noes — Stevens, Anthony, Johnson, Gill, Sweet. Spooner,
Rogge, Cassels, Rice, GnewikoAV, Bartels, Benjamin and Fish, a
total of thirteen. ]\Ir. Fisher then moved the adoption of the
minority report, which was carried by the same vote precisely,
sixteen to thirteen. It will be noticed that the votes which were
against the petition came from Angelo, Byron, Jeflferson, Lafay-
ette, Leon, Little Falls, New Lyme, Portland, Ridgeville, Sheldon,
town of Sparta, "Wells and city of Sparta; the votes in favor of
the petition came from Adrian, Clifton. Glendale, LaGrange, Lin-
coln, Greenfield, Oakdale, town of Tomah, AVellington, AVilton
and the city of Tomah, so that the votes were lined up Avith
regard to location principally, only that George A. Boyington, of
the town of Byron, did not vote with the eastern side of the
county.
And after some other matters of business this board ad-
journed, and thus closed another chapter of the struggle over
the county seat. It does not appear that the citizens of Tomah
attempted in any way to invoke the aid of the courts or to make
any further move at that time in the matter.
The proceedings were instituted under the provisions of sec-
tion 655 of the revised statutes, and we tiiul in the session of the
Legislature of the year 1887 an amendment to that section was
passed known as chapter 35 of the laws of 1887, which was, no
doubt, a part of the plan to for all time settle the controversy
as to the removal of the county seat in this or any other county.
The amendment provided that where the county seat had l)een
established for a pei-iod of fifteen years or more and that the
county has erected permanent buildings of the value of not less
than $10,000, that the same should not be removed nor should
any application for the removal thereof be submitted to a vote
of the electors of the county unless a petition signed by at least
one-half of the resident freeholders of the county, as evidenced
by recorded deeds in the office of the register of deeds of the
county, in favor of such removal shall be presented to the county
board: and it furthei- provided that no election to change the
county seat should be held for a period of five years after the
year in which a courthouse or other county buildings costing
$3,000 or more shall have been built and occupied for county pur-
poses. In the provisions of this law it is not diflficult to see the
THE COUNTY SEAT WAR 223
"fiue Italian hand," to use a slang phrase, of that staunch friend
of Sparta, Hon. J. j\I. IMorrow, who was at that time one of the
"third house" in the Wisconsin Legislature and a prominent
man in the affairs of the state. It can very readily be seen that
a petition of this character cannot be obtained in the county of
Monroe or any other county without great difficulty in searching
records and procuring names qualified to sign such a petition.
The old controversy, however, would not down, and in 1890
the State Board of Charity and Reform, after considerable fault
found heretofore with the old jail, issued an order condemning it
as unsanitary and unfit for use for the purpose, and this caused
the revival, somewhat, of the old feeling over the county seat. In
order to bring it to a head a petition was circulated in the spring
of 1890 and signed by a majority of the county board, calling a
special meeting of the board on May 7, 1890. At that session the
county clerk read a notice served upon him by the State Board of
Charity and Reform regarding the jail, and on motion of Super-
visor J. M. IMorrow, a committee was appointed consisting of
Supervisor Morrow ; Earl, of Tomah ; Gill, of Greenfield ; AVells,
of Wells, and Abbott, of Sheldon, and this committee on the fol-
lowmg day rendered this report:
"To the County Board of Supervisors of IMonroe County: The
undersigned members of your committee, to whom was referred
the official notice of the State Bard of Charity and Reform re-
lating to the condemnation of the Monroe county jail, etc., have
had the same and matters connected thereunto under considera-
tion, and do report that in our opinion, and for the reasons stated
in said notice, and the law in relation to the duties and obliga-
tions of the county under such circumstances, it is necessary to
provide for a new jail, and to accomplish such purpose in a
seasonable, proper and economical manner we have prepared and
report herewith an ordinance providing for the construction of
a jail upon the courthouse square, and providing for the means
to pay for the same with such other necessary details as seemed
to your committee required to be provided for the action of this
board, and we recommend the adoption of said ordinance, which
is respectfully submitted.
"J. M. MORROW,
"J. H. GILL,
"J. WELLS,
"E. ABBOTT,
"Committee."
224 HISTORY OF .AIOXKOP] COUNTY
Here again appears the same old split, but this time the ma-
jority of the committee were in favor of the Avestern side of the
county, and again we ha-ve the minority report by one man,
"Watson Earle, of the city of Tomah, who made a minority report
as follows:
"The minority of your committee would respectfully report
that in his opinion the effect of the improvements made in the
jail last fall should be tried. The Board of Health, although they
knew that the improvements were contemplated, could have no
knowledge of what the effects of these improvements could be.
That the condition of the jail is l)etter than it has been at any
previous time in twenty years. That tlie present condition of
the farming portions of this county makes it advisable not to
increase the burden of taxation without absolute necessity. For
a number of years the crops have been wasted by drought, and
now in the fall the markets are almost worthless by reason of low
prices. Under these conditions the addition of >1^5,000 a year on
this county's tax for three successive years is a grievous burden
that ought not to be lightly laid. That the course of the present
hasty action in tliis matter is purely visionary, being based not
on the present condition of the jail, but on the assumption that
at some time in the near future, perhaps, eastern ]\Ionroe county
may demand the removal of the county seat; and that the num-
ber of prisoners Avhicli for the past year averages three and one-
third per cent neither calls for nor justifies such expenditure."
And again the old struggle was before the county board in
this form, and again it was Supervisor Fisher who moved the
adoption of the majority report this time. Supervisor AYood.
from the city of Tomah, moved to substitute the minority report
for the majority report, and this brought on a test vote. The
motion was lost by the following vote : Ayes — Stevens, Reynolds,
Swanets, Lyon. AYoodland, Coome, Rogge, Gehrke, Cassels,
Gnewikow. Earle, Tormey and AYood, thirteen; and nayes, Lev-
erich, Gill, liarry. Jones, Atchison, Hoard, Hannkee, Abbott,
Beckler, Alarsden, AYells, Alorrow, Huntley, Fisher and Brandt,
fifteen. The localities voting in favor of the minority report
were these: Adrian, Byron, Clii'ton, Glendale, Lincoln,
LaGrange, Oakdale, Ridgeville, town of Tomali. AYilton and the
city of Tomah, and against it were Angelo, Greenfield, Lafayette,
Leon. Little Falls, New Lyme, Portland, Sheldon, town of Sparta,
AYellington, AYells and the city of Sparta, so that we find the
alignnu'ut of this vote almost what it was as far as territory is
concerned, when the vote on that famous county seat resolution
THE COUNTY SEAT AVAR 225
in 1885 was taken, only that this time Greenfield on the eastern
side seems to have changed places with Byron.
Mr. Wood, of Tomah, then moved that the consideration of the
majority report be postponed and an adjonrnment taken for two
weeks so that the members of the board might have an oppor-
tunity to confer with their constituents, and upon a call for the
ayes and noes this motion was lost by practically the same vote,
thirteen ayes and sixteen noes. This time H. H. Cremer, it ap-
pears, voted with the noes. It was then moved to adopt the ma-
jority report, which was carried by the same old vote, sixteen to
thirteen. An ordinance providing for the building of the county
jail was then passed by the same vote, sixteen to thirteen, and
the following committee, on motion, was appointed by the chair
as required by the ordinance passed, as the building committee,
to-wit : N. AV. Huntley, of Sparta ; H. H. Atchison, of Little
Falls; J. H. Gill, of Greenfield, and AA^illiam Hannkee, of Port-
land. Subsequently the building committee carried out its in-
structions in full, contracts were let and the present county jail
and sheriff's residence w^as erected. As time went on the old
courthouse building became more and more insufficient for the
uses of the various county officers and courtrooms, and again the
matter of additional county buildings was presented at a session
of the country board. In 1894 an ordinance was introduced by
Supervisor J. R. Lyon at the November session of the board pro-
viding for the building of a new courthouse in the city of Sparta
to cost not to exceed the sum of $50,000. It was apparently a
hopeless task on the part of the supervisors from the eastern side
of the county to prevent the passage of this ordinance, and it was
carried by a vote of twenty-five to five. Supervisor Coome being
excused from voting. Later in the session, under the provision of
the ordinance, the chairman of the county board appointed the
following building committee : Supervisors N. AY. Huntley, of
Sparta; J. R. Lyon, of Glendale ; H. H. Cremer, of Jefiferson; H.
Gnewikow, of AYilton, and D. AY. Sowle, of Lincoln.
In pursuance of this ordinance the present Courthouse was
constructed and furnished. The county was fortunate in having
it erected at a time when building materials were cheaper than
at any time since so that for the sum of between $50,000 and
$60,000 it has a commodious and substantial building, completely
I'urnislied.
The erection of these permanent buildings of such great value
has probably ended for all time any effort to renew the '^county
seat Avar." The eastern side of the county has now become
226 HISTORY OF :\rOXROE COUNTY
reconciled to the situation, as was very appropriately expressed
by a member of the board at the time the building of a new jail
was voted, the boys in Tomah concluded that "they couldn't get
the courthouse tlirough the Tunnel anyhow," so they gave up.
]\rany interesting incidents undoubtedly happened outside of the
recorded procedure in this famous struggle during all these years
M'hich are now lost, but on the whole the record itself furnishes
many dramatic climaxes which are lacking in the present day
sessions of the county board.
CHAPTER XXlll.
THE COUNTRY SCHOOLS.
BY M. M. HANEY, COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT.
No history of the county would be complete that did not in-
clude at least a few references to the only source of education
that most boys and girls have access to, namely, the common
schools. No attempt will be made to go into an exhaustive
record of the schools since the establishment of the county, but
rather to give the reader an idea of the first schools in the county
and the progress that has been made through legislation and
methods, etc., up to the present time.
SCHOOL HOUSES.
As soon as a few settlements were formed the people began to
make preparations for schools. The settlements were far apart
at first and pupils were obliged to travel long distances, three,
and even four, miles. The first school buildings were usually
crude, temporary concerns, designed to meet the immediate needs
of the people until the settlements became more numerous and
financially stronger.
The following were among the early buildings which were
more or less typical of the buildings throughout the county.
District No. 2, town of LaGrange — School house, 12x16 feet ; shed
roof. District No. 2, town of Sheldon — Small building made of
unhewn logs of uneven length, some extending two or three feet
beyond the end of building. This building was roofed with slabs
to match the logs, that is, some of them terminated at the edge of
the roof and others projecting downward three or four feet, and
some even projected upward above the ridge of the roof. This
building was banked with clay about two feet high all around,
except at the door, to keep out the cold. In order to save labor
the banking was allowed to remain during the summer months
so that it would be on hand for the next winter. The door was
home-made and so low that full-grown boys and girls were
obliged to stoop to get in and out. It is not known why the door
was made this size unless it was to teach the pupils to stoop so
227
228 lUSTOKY OF .MUXKOE COUNTY
tht'V iniglit not forget to bow to tlic master on entering the build-
ing, or perhaps it was to teaeli them that tliey must stoop in order
to avoid many liard knocks in life's journey. No doubt some of
the first school buildings Avere better than those above described
and some worse in some respects. Generally the first school build-
ings were small, cheap, poorly lighted, with no ventilation and
little or no regard for appearances.
DESKS.
The desks were made of Avhite pine and long enough to seat
from twelve to sixteen pupils. In one school that the writjer has
in mind there were only two long desks in the school house. They
were about sixteen feet long, extending lengthwise of the build-
ing, one on each side, with a seat in front of each desk for the
little folks. The larger pupils occupied the seat behind the
desks. Usually, hoAvever, the desks Avould seat from six to eight
pupils, and extended crosswise of the room. Arranged in two
rows, with one end of each desk against the wall, leaving only
one aisle in tlie middle of the room. This arrangement made it
very unhandy to get and out of seats, as the pupils frequently
were obliged to pass four or five others in order to get out of
their seat to go to the recitation and, of course, go through the
same process to get back to their places. The desks Avere all of
the same size, no alloAvance being made for different sizes of
pupils.
Later the desks Avere made to accommodate the various sizes
of pupils. A fcAv samples of those desks may still be found in the
schools, but most of llicni are factory made double desks, and
eA'en those are giving Avay to the single desk.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS.
Reading. Avriting, aritlmicti.' and spelling Aveie carried l)y all
of the pupils, and grammai-, geography and history by some of
the larger ones. In teaching reading the A, B, C method Avas
used, that is, the pupils had to go through the long, tedious proc-
ess of learning the alphabet before they began to read. Spelling
Avas mostly oral and at least two trials Avere given on a Avord.
Since the pupils did not carry many studies they made up for
this to some extent by reciting in reading and spelling four times
a day. Some schools had reading of the Bible and prayer CA'ery
morning. History Avas sometimes used as a reader, the teacher
asking a few questions after the lesson Avas read. Pupils that
read in the history Avere looked upon by the other pupils as being
TPIE COUNTRY SCHOOLS 229
good scholars. There was no classification of the school by forms
or grades, and as a rule no record was kept of the work done by
the pupils, and of course no record left for the guidance of the
new teacher. Not unfrequently the pupils were started in at the
beginning of the books they brought with them the first day,
regardless of what they covered the year before. This seems like
a great waste of time, and it was, but there was one redeeming
feature, namely, that some subjects were reviewed so often that
they were firmly fixed in the pupils' minds. Perhaps manual
training should have been added to the branches taught in those
early days.
This was pursued by the larger boys who happened to pos-
sess good pocket knives, without the aid or consent of the teacher.
The white pine desks being excellent material to carve in, pupils
would sometimes cut the forms of horses and other objects in
the desk and carve their names also. This, of course, was not
sanctioned bj^ the teacher, yet it was common to find desks bear-
ing such marks.
APPARATUS.
The inside of the school buildings as a rule were in keeping
with the outside appearance. There was no library or reference
books of any kind. Webster's unabridged dictionary was the
only book outside of texts, and that was furnished free by the
state. There was usually a partial supply of maps, and occasion-
ally a reading chart. The blackboard was composed of boards
nailed together and painted. This was as a rule poor in quality
and very insufficient in quantity. A piece 3x4 feet was all that
some schools had. Ciphering and sometimes writing exercises
were performed with slate and pencil. It was a rare thing to see
a pupil using pencil and paper.
TEACHERS BOARDING AROUND.
During the first ten or fifteen years after the county was
organized, the teachers boarded around, that is, the teacher
boarded free of charge with the various families in the district
that sent children to school. The teacher stayed with each fam-
ily in proportion to the number of pupils that attended school,
usually one M^eek for each pupil. Boarding around had some
advantage over the present system, as it afforded the teacher an
opportunity to get acquainted with the parents and home life of
the children, thus enabling the various parties to understand
each other better. The parents and pupils looked forward to the
230 IIISTOHV OF :\I()XROE COUXTY
teaelier coming as an important event, and you may be sure the
teacher got the best the family att'orded. But there was another
side to the boarding ai'oiiiid lliat was not so pleasant for the
teacher, namely, the accommodations were not always what was
desirable and the teacher was expected to entertain or be enter-
tained to such an extent that she had little time that she could
call her own or devise plans for presenting the various subjects.
The teacher was looked upon as the most important personage
in the district, and no Avedding or other social event was consid-
ered complete unless the teacher was present. The teacher was
supposed to be tiie best informed person in the whole district.
The following lines from the "Desertetl Village'' portrays the
opinion of his knowledge held by the country folks:
" 'Twas certain he could write and cipher, too;
Lands he could measure, terms and tides presage,
And e'en, the story ran, that he could gauge;
In arguing, too, the parson owned his skill.
For e'en though vanquished, he could argue still;
AYhile words of learned strength and thundering sound,
Amazed the gaping rustics ranged around ;
And still they gazed and still the wonder grew,
That one small head could carry all he knew."
TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENTS.
The schools of each town were in charge of a man known as
township superintendent. The duties of the town superintendent
were to supervise the schools and grant licenses to teachers.
Those ofificers were usually paid $1.50 a day Avhen in service of
the town. The teacher's examination comprised much fewer sub-
jects than at the present time. The examination Avas mostly oral
with enough writing to give the applicant an opportunity to show
her writing. This .system was abolished in 18G2 and the county
superintendenc}^ established.
TEACHERS AND WAGES.
In those early days there were a much larger proportion of
male teachers than at the present. The male teachers, as a rule,
taught only the winter term and did not make teaching a busi-
ness. The spring terms were usually taught by ladies. As a rule
the teachers of this early period were not up in professional and
academic knowledge with the t(>achers of the present tinu\ but
THE COUNTRY SCHOOLS 231
from the standpoint of maturity they were ahead. They were
men and women, as a rule, out of their teens. The frequent change
of teachers and poor attendance were among the main obstacles
to progress. "Wages varied very much as at the present time.
They ranged from $1.50 a Aveek to $16 or $20 a month, and the
teachers boarded around and taught every other Saturday. In
some instances the wages were as high, or higher, then as at the
present time, but those were exceptions.
MODES OF PUNISHMENT,
In the early history of the county school government was a
much bigger proposition than it is today. This was due to sev-
eral things, namely, to size of pupils, lack of sufficient employ-
ment, and to the general attitude of the people regarding punish-
ment. In those days boys and girls attended school, especially
during the winter months, until they were grown up, eighteen
and twenty years of age. Many of them carried only a few
branches, and of course were not busy all of the time, and there-
fore were harder to control. Then, too, many of the parents
seemed to think that punishment was a necessary part of the
child's education, and in some way a knowledge of the "three
R's" should be seasoned and worked into the individual by a
liberal use of the rod. The words:
"Schooldays! Schooldays!
Dear old Golden Rule days;
Reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic.
Taught to the tune of a hickory stick,"
were based on the methods and beliefs of those days. The
schoolmaster that did not do considerable punishing was not
thought to be doing his full duty. However, many of them
measured up to the expectations of the district. As a rule there
was plenty of timber near the schoolhouses and the teacher
usually knew enough about foresting to be able to select the
toughest switches, and he knew also that by laying them on the
heated stove for a while it would add to their elasticity. Several
of these w^ell-seasoned switches were generally on hand and
placed in a conspicuous position, usually over the blackboard.
Sometimes those switches would mysteriously disappear and no
one could account for their whereabouts. However, a new supply
was easily secured, seasoned and put up. Should the master's
supply of switches become exhausted during the session periods
232 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
of the day, he would souu'tiines send one of the small l)nys after
a new supply.
The prevailing method of punishment Avas striking witii the
rod on the palm of the hand and on the finger tips. This was
rather severe and much dreaded by the small and middle-sized
boys, for the boys got most of the punishment. But to the lull-
grown boys it was considered a game in which it was the teacher's
part to strike, and the boy's part to catch the rod before the
teacher pulled it back. If the rod was caught it was broken
and then the stub was used, and the game went on till the rod
became too short. It is only fair to say that the above methods
of bringing the refractory pupils to time was practiced chiefiy
by the male teachers, but w^as by no means unknown to the
gentler sex. About the most dreaded punishment meted out to
the boys was to have a boy sit between two girls for an hour or
so. This would cause the bashful country boy to blush profusely,
and usually it was not necessary to repeat the punishment very
soon. The following lines illustrate this fairly well :
"Some playful wight perchance was doomed to sit
Between two girls, as retribution fit
For his crimes; and so he learned e'en then
The truth that comes in time to all young men :
'Tis more than twice as hard for Adam's son
•To sit with two girls as to sit with one."
Other methods of punishment which were more or less gen-
eral, were pulling the ears, slapping the face, and taking by the
collar and given a shaking, etc. Corporal punishment seemed to
be more freely used at home and at school than at the present
time. Those having the training of children in charge have found
out that it is possible to train children properly with little or no
corporal punishment. Perhaps it should not be dispensed with
all together, but should be rai'cly used.
It is possible in most cases to keep a pupil under control
through fear, hut that is not the proper way, for it destroys the
confidence and affection the pupil should have for the teacher,
without which it' is impossible to get the best results. The good
teacher who possesses sufficient knowledge and ability to teach
and whose heart is in the work will generally have no difficulty
witli government. On the other hand the teacher who is una])le.
on account of academic or professional knowledge, to interest her
school will find government (juitc a problem.
THE COUNTRY SCHOOLS 233
SPELLING SCHOOLS AND DEBATES.
One feature of the eountrV school that has about gone out of
practice is the old-fashioned spelling school. These spelling-
schools were held frequently during the winter term, and were
participated in by old and young alike. Sometimes one school
Avould spell against another, but occasionally two persons were
appointed to choose sides, regardless of schools, and everyone in
the room was given an opportunity to spell, but only those that
considered themselves good spellers accepted. Those in the con-
test would take a position by the side of the leader and two lines
were formed that would reach around the room.
Those that missed took their seats and of course the one that
stood last won. Usually the winner was expected to spell three
M'ords after the others were down. After the spelling contest
there were reading and speaking. The spelling school was looked
upon as quite a social event and was attended by people for miles
around. Another means of enjoyment and intellectual improve-
ment were the debates which were usually held during the win-
ter terms also. The questions were usually practical and simple.
The men and large boys took part in the discussions. The
interest taken in those discussions may be shown by stating t!iat
it was common for people to walk three or four miles to hear
and take part in the discussion. ]\Iany a farmer and town official
will own today that the foundation for expressing his thoughts
clearly, to think logically when standing before people, was laid
in the old-fashioned debating society. A literary society in
which debates receive a prominent part should be a part of every
country school where there are a sufficient number to carry it
on successfully.
TOWNSHIP LIBRARIES.
During the early history, as has been stated before. a])out
the only book found in the school house outside of the text books,
was Webster's Unabridged Dictionary. In 1887 there was
enacted a township library law. This law provided that 10 cents
should be reserved from the school fund for each pupil between
four and twenty years in the district, the money to be used in
purchasing books. But for the first eight years of this law it Avas
optional with the town treasurer whether or not the money was
set aside for this purpose.
Many of the treasurers did not see fit to do tliis and for a
while the growth of the district lil)raries Avas slow. In 189.5 tlie
law was made mandatory and since then there has been a rapid
234 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
additiun to the JiuiiihiT oL' l)ooks in llic libraries. I'nlil about
seveu years ago the town elei-ks bad the i)Ower to select the
books and since that official usually did not know just what books
to select. Ju' did not alwaj's make the best selections and there
were nuuiy duplications.
The county or district superintendent noAV makes the selecr
tion I'oi- ail the schools under his jurisdiction. He usually asks
the teachers to recommend the books they desire and 1)y this
method suitable books are generally ])rocured. At first the law
provided that the books pass from one district to another so that
all the pupils might get the benefit of the books. This was nice
in theory but did not work out so well in practice for no one
felt or could be held responsible for the books and the card cata-
logue would be ineflt'ective.
Now the books are selected for the needs and conditions of a
particular district and are not changed. It is really a district
system now, but the name township is still retained. "When the
library books were first introduced in the schools, as a rule there
were no book cases and the books were kept at the district clerk's
home, a part or all of the time, which, of course, Avas not
satisfactory.
Now every district has a book case and the books are left in
the school house. There is a card catalogue made of the books
so that the material they contain is available. These libraries,
besides being available for reference work in connection with
various subjects, contain interesting and instructive stories for
all grades of pupils and also for the adult population of the dis-
trict. Under the township library law, ^Monroe county spends
about $1,000 a year for library books.
These books are distributed among the Ho districts of the
county in proportion to the number of children between four
and twenty years in each district. Each district has a library
ranging from seventy-five to 200 books. The thing needed now
is to make better use of these books, both for reference and gen-
eral reading and develop in llie boys and girls a desire for good
reading.
■o"
SCHOOL BOARD CONVENTION.
In 1005 there was a law enacted requiring each county
superintendent to call a convention of the school board members
of county annually. About every district in the county was rep-
resented in those conventions, and in addition to the local pro-
THE COUNTRY SCHOOLS 235
gram, the state educational department always sent a man to
discuss one or more subjects chosen by that department.
Those conventions have proven to be a very important factor
in improving the rural schools. They have been the means of
acquainting the board members more fully with their duties,
powers and responsibilities, have increased their interest in the
schools and emphasized the importance of sufficient apparatus,
and the necessity of obtaining good teachers. These meetings
were held in school buildings that were models with respect to
seating, black boards, light and general apparatus, thus giving
a good idea of suitable building and equipment. These meetings
also helped standardize the schools of the county. At first some
objected to the law on the ground that it was a useless expense
without producing any good results, but time has proven that
the objections were unfounded. There is no question whatever
regarding the benefit of this law and the trifling cost of the dis-
tricts is insignificant when compared with the benefits.
COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW.
For a great many years there has been a compulsory school
law, but until recently it has been practically a dead letter, for
the reason that the school board was to enter complaints against
parents or guardians that were not sending their children. The
board was not compelled to report and there was no penalty for
not reporting, and for the further reason that the board did not
like to make enemies of their neighbors l)y informing on them,
they did not report. About five years ago the Compulsory Attend-
ance Law was changed and made it the duty of the teacher to
enter the complaint instead of the school board. It is man-
datory on the part of the teacher to enter the complaint, with a
penalty if it is not done. At present pupils between seven and
fourteen years and not more than two miles from the school
house by the traveled road are required to attend school at least
six months.
Pupils between fourteen and sixteen years must attend the
same time unless they are regularly employed. The law, as it
now stands, is quite effective and has been the means of giving
many neglected children the opportunity of attending school.
Yet the law is not enforced as rigidly as it should be, and
many live over the two-mile limit and can not be reached. Dur-
ing the time this new law has been in force many parents have
been notified by the truant officer, the county sheriff, to send
their children, but there have been no prosecutions. It is not
236 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
clear to school people why any parent could be so indiflfereut to
the future welfare of his children as to deny them tiie oppor-
tunity of a fair chance in life by neglecting to give the benefits
of the free common schools.
IMPROVEMENTS IN METHODS OF TEACHING.
There is quite a contrast between the old methods and those
of the present time. For instance, the child was obliged to go
through the slow and tedious process of learning the alphabet,
A, B, C's, before beginning to read. These letters were to be
learned in order, backward, and in a promiscuous arrangement.
Then the pupil was taught to pronounce short words of one. two
and three letters.
This lacked interest also because the words were usually
abstract and meant nothing to the child. Yet boys and girls
learned to read by this unpedagogical system. Now the cliild
begins to read by being introduced to a familiar word repre-
senting an object as — apple, ball, etc., or perhaps the Avord is
used in a sentence, as "Roll the ball," and the child acts it out
by actually rolling the ball on the floor or on the teacher's desk;
thus making the reading interesting and instructive from the
start. The books for primary children, especially the readers,
have been greatly improved and made more interesting for little
folks. The old text books were written mostly on the question
and answer plan, and if the pupils gave the answers, they were
not usually asked to go into an explanation as to the meaning.
There has been quite an improvement in text books as Avell as in
the methods of teaching.
CLASSIFICATION BY GRADES.
Years ago the pupils' scholarsliip was dctci-niincd largely l)y
the number of the "Reader" that he read in, and if a boy was
asked how far he was in school he would answer, "Third Reader"
or "Fourth Reader," as the case might be. Later there was a
course of study gotlcii oul by ttie state which divided the work
of the schools into three parts, called forms, and were known as
the primary, middle and upper form.
This was quite an improvement on the old way and led to a
more definite classification of pupils and better records of the
work done by the individual popils and was also the means of
having the pupils take up more of the branches in the course.
Li 1906 the graded system was introduced. This system divides
the course into eight parts called grades, and it is supposed that
THE COUNTRY SCHOOLS 237
an ordinary pupil, that is, a pupil of average ability, good health,
that attends regularly and studies well, will be able to complete
a grade in a year and finish the course in eight or nine years.
This is more definite than the three-form system, because it
marks off the course into years instead of bunching it into three-
year parts. This system is the same as is used in state graded
schools and in the grades below the high school, and is nothing
new. The graded system works nicely in the country schools of
the county. It is especially helpful to the young and inex-
perienced teacher, and makes the work more definite for all,
besides pupils moving from one district to another can readily
find their place in the new school. The graded system is not
yet generally adopted by the counties of the state. In fact, it is
not known that any of them outside of Monroe county uses it.
However, it is believed that it will be generally adopted before
many years as the manual of the course of study outlines some
of the work by years which is about the same thing. A year's
work corresponding to a grade.
FREE TUITION FOR THE COMMON SCHOOL GRADUATE.
Some twenty years ago a law was passed which permits pupils
holding common school diplomas to attend any high school in the
state free of tuition. That is, the pupil did not have to pay it,
but the town in which the pupil resides pays the tuition, which
is $2 a month. This free tuition law stimulated many
country people that would not have done so if they had to pay
the tuition directly, to send their children to high school. Thus
it may be seen that many a boy and girl get a high school educa-
tion through the merits of this law.
'&>'
HEATING AND VENTILATING SYSTEM.
About four years ago a law was passed off'ering each school
$50 each year for three years on condition that the dis-
trict would make certain improvements in apparatus, chief
among them was to put in an approved heating and ventilating
plant. It was claimed for this system that it would heat the
room uniformly and keep the air fresh.
Whether those plants will heat as quickly and as cheaply
as the injacketed stove is a question that there is a difference
of opinion on. However, it is certain that the ventilation is
much improved and the room more healthful and conditions
for study much better. Nearly every district in the county
took advantage of the law which shows that board members
238 IIISTOIJV OK MONROE COT'XTY
were ready to make use of opportunities for llie betterment
of the physical and nuMital development of the ehildren. While
tliese plants are not doing all that was elaimed for them and
the usual unfair means and misrepresentations were practiced
in jnany cases in order to make sales, the law has proven very
helpful for it lias been tlie means of supplying necessities to
the school.
WRITING.
One of tiie most important subjects and the one that has
received the least attention or no attention at all is penmanship.
Neither the time nor the attention has been given to this sub-
ject that it inerits. There are several reasons for this but the
chief one is that the teacher has received no special training
in this subject and, of course, could not impart knowledge that
she did not possess. Usually ten or fifteen miiuites was devoted
to writing each day but as there was no system to follow, it
was turned into a go as you please exercise. Yet in spite of
lack of method of system, many developed into fairly good
writers. For a couple of years this subject has received its
share of attention at teachers meetings and institutes which
has paved the way for the free arm movement whidi is being
introduced, and it is hoped that the school will turn out easy
legible writers. To be a good writer is quite an accomplishment
and any one tliat has proper control of his muscles, can by
careful practice under proper instruction come into possession
of this art.
The school of today compared witli the school of twenty
years ago.
The school year has been lengthened at least one fourth.
The building, apparatus, and general equipment ai-e inucli im-
proved.
The teachers on the whole are better prepared academically
and professionally, although many of our teachers are too young
to shoulder the great responsibility that they undertake; in fact
some of them do not reali/A' the enormity of the undertaking.
Years ago it was common to find young men and young women
attending school especially in the winter months.
Now if you would travel the county over, you would not
find any full grown boys and gii'ls in attendance. The average
pupil of 12 and 13 years of age today is as far advanced as
the 18 and 20 year old pupil was 20 years ago. But where are
those boys and girls 14 years of age and upwards.' They are
THE COUNTEY SCHOOLS 239
not in the country school; some of them are in the high school
but most of them are out of school altogether. It is to be
regretted that the boys and girls leave the country school so
early. Our Avhole school 'system has been severely criticized
lately and the common schools came in for their share and no
doubt it Avas coming to them. Yet the country teacher with
her multiplicity of duties has more to do than any one person
can do well. She must be janitor, nurse, disciplinarian, and
mediator, besides teaching all the branches.
The teacher that can do this fairly well is the best of teachers,
and it may be said without successful contradiction that the
country school gets better returns for the amount of money
invested in education tlian any other school in the state.
CHAPTER XXIV.
INSANE ASYLUM AND HOME FOR THE POOR.
The cariiiii;' lor the poor and insane oi' any eounty is a problem
to whieh sliould be brought to bear level headed business ability
in addition to the mere fact of providing for the needs of such
unfortunates; that this department of municipal atfairs in this
founty has been managed with business acumen having in view
the best interests, not only of the poor and insane people, but
the welfare of the community at large ; and a policy inaugurated
Avhich accrues to the benefit of the taxpayers is very apparent.
In 1871 the condition with regard to the support of the poor
liad become so hard to handle without a central home or place
where some of these people could be cared for, that the then
eounty board was compelled to consider the purchase of a farm
to be used as a home for the poor, and as has been stated in a
former chapter the farm of David Cole of two hundred acres,
situated in the town of Adrian, Avas purchased in that year for
the sum of $5,000, but as the county grew older and the popula-
tion more dense the natural increase of the burden of caring
for the poor, so developed the fact that this farm was in a
poor location, being quite a distance from the county seat,
and the buildings were too small for the accommodation of
those requiring assistance; the county board finally authorized
the sale of the farm and purchased one lying just north of the
city of Sparta and in the town of Sparta, a very advantageous
location with a' beautiful building site, upon Avhich was erected
in 1900 a large brick home for the poor with modern con-
veniences at a cost of about .$11,000. It l)ecame evident at this
time, as the matter had been discussed eonsideral)ly before,
that the mHul)er of insane with which this county was charge-
able, ])eing cared for in otlier institutions including several county
asylums, was rapidly increasing and the burden of expenses was
growing quite rapidly; a committee had been previously ap-
pointed to investigate the subject of a county asylum and its
report created quite a strong sentiment in the county that it
would be advisable for this county, hnviiig the approval of the
240
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INSANE ASYLUJM AND HOME FOR POOR 241
State Board of Control, to build a county asylum for chronic
insane. The proposal was made to change the poorhouse then
erected, to an insane asylum, and to subsequently erect another
home for the poor upon the same farm. After considerable
agitation in which the two sides of the county were arrayed
against each other the proposition finally was carried out and
in 1902 another home for the poor was erected on another part
of the farm near the asylum. The farm had been enlarged and
improved since then by the purchase of an additional 120 acres
of land and by the erection of a separate heating plant and
also of a complete water works system Avhich Avas put in in
1907; this system consists of a steel tower ninety feet high with
an eighteen foot tank on the top with a capacity of 50,000
gallons, standing on a solid concrete foundation, and from it
run six-inch pipes for the asylum and for the poorhouse and
and barns and out-buildings, and in connection with it is a power
house having a large Gould pump of ten horse power and the
AVestinghouse electric motor. The barns are all of the most
modern construction and a herd of dairy cattle is maintained
upon the farm which is kept in the highest state of cultivation
and now produces a good income. Before the adoption of this
system the county was compelled to pay $3 a week for the main-
tenance of each person charged to it in any of the institutions
to which they were committed, but, of course, a portion of this
was returned by the state ; almost from the very outset it be-
came apparent that the establishing of a county asylum was
a good business venture, for not only were the patients coming
from this county gradually sent here, but patients from other
counties are committed to this asylum for which the county
receives the regular amount chargeable by the law for the main-
tenance of such patients. The income of the institution from
the farm and from other sources has gradually increased, outside
of the appropriation made by the county board, so that the
receipts of the sale of produce from $79-1:. 71 in 1904 increased
to $2,615.58 in 1911 and at the last report of the trustees for
the year 1910-1911 made in November, 1911. it is shown that
the permanent investment in and about the asylum is as fob
lows: Farm, $23,000; buildings less 2%, $29,472.52; live stock,
$5,715.50; tools and implements less 10%, $1,449.86; furniture
and furnishings less 10%, $1,775.88; making a total of $61,415.76.
The home for the poor is a comfortable brick building capable
of housing thirty inmates; heated by steam and lighted
by electricity, with modern conveniences, surely a home better
242 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
fitted, by far, than the great mass of people of the county are
al)le to afford; the asylum at the last report had a total popula-
tion of forty-five nude and twenty-eight female patients. .Mr.
F. J. ]Mooney, present superintendent, and his "svife the matron
have conducted this institution very successfully for the last
nine years, and under ]Mr. ^looney's management the farm has
been brought to a high state of cultivation and is a model institu-
tion; some of the patients assist in carrying on the farm opera-
tions and it is considered a good thing to have them busily
employed Avhen they are able, under the proper supervision.
During the years of the existence of this institution for the
insane the amount of the appropriation which the county board
makes has gradually decreased from j|^5,000 to about $2,500 and
l)elow is given a little list of the receipts and expenditures,
beginning Avith 1902, showing simply the gross amounts.
1903.
Year ending October 1st: Receipts from the county board
appropriation, $4,500; produce from farm to April 1, 1903,
$108.69; error in invoice. $42.19; balance on hand in county
treasury November 1, 1902, $165.63. Total, $6,301.51. Expendi-
tures, total of $4,632.81 ; leaving a balance on hand October 1,
$1,668.70.
1904.
Earnings from the state to July, 1903, $810; receipts from
produce, $794.71 ; receipts from other sources, $1,869.67 ; total,
$3,474.38 ; appropriations from county board, $5,000 ; balance in
asylum fund, $85.34; making a total of $8,559.72; total of ex-
penditures, $7,128.25; leaving a 1)alance of $1,431.47.
1905.
Receipts — Balance of last i-eport, $1,431.47; earnings from
state, $4,233.31 ; sales of produce, $548.25 ; collection from other
sources, $575.01 ; balance in the poor fund for maintenance of
the home for the poor, $1,434.41; making a total of $8,248.45;
total expenditures, $6,850.90; leaving a balance on hand of
$1,397.55. This report shows that tlie cost per capita of the
innuites is $1.99i/:i a week.
1906.
Receipts — Balance on hand from last report, $1,397.55; earn-
ings from the state, $4,587.05: collection for district attorney,
$244 ; sales of produce, $599.28 ; maintenance of poor home,
INSANE ASYLIT]\I AND HOME FOR POOR 243
$1,497.94; expenditures, $7,550.42; balance on hand, $775.40.
This report shows a cost per capita of the inmates of $2,011/3
a week.
1907.
Receipts — Balance on hand from last report, $775.40 ; earn-
ings from the state, $5,794.16 ; collection from district attorney,
$278.14 ; Citizens Insurance Company, $26 ; sales of produce,
$1,207.69 ; maintenance of poor home, $1,712.77 ; total receipts,
$9,794.16; total expenditures, $9,459.63; balance on hand, $334.53.
Cost of maintenance per capita $2.22 per week.
1908.
Balance on hand last report. $334.53; earnings from the state,
$5,469.40; collection from district attorney, $3,483.60; sales of
produce, $1,092.27; maintenance of poor home, $2.122.98 ; total
receipts, $12,502.78 ; total expenditures, $11,456.96 ; balance on
hand, $1,045.82. Cost per capita per week, $2.72.
1909.
Balance on hand last report, $1,045.82 ; earnings from state,
$5,424.20 ; collection from district attorney, $764.75 ; sales of
produce, $1,526.40; maintenance of poor home, $1,978.22; total,
$10,339.59; total disbursements, $11,758.04; balance overdrawn,
$1,418.45.
1910.
Receipts — Cash received from state, $6,498.94 ; cash received
from farm produce, $2,392.96 ; appropriation by the county
board, $3,000; special appropriation, $300; cash for maintenance
of poor, $2,576.09; cash miscellaneous, $461; total, $15,228.99;
total disbursements, $15,617.17 ; balance overdrawn, $338.18.
1911.
Receipts — Cash received from state, $5,663.76 ; received from
sale of farm produce, $2,615.58 ; appropriation by the county
board, $2,500 ; special appropriation, $1,715 ; cash for main-
tenance of poor, $2,777.27 ; cash miscellaneous, $867.54 ; total,
$16,136.15; amount of total disbursements, $13,798.46; balance
on hand, $2,337.69.
CHAPTER XXV.
THE CITY OF SPARTA.
Situated in a fertile valley, surrounded by great advantages,
on nearly all sides farming lands as good as are to be found
anywhere, is Sparta, tlie county seat of this county.
Ever since it became a village of any appreciable size the
beauty of the location and surroundings have always impressed
itself upon visitors and at the outset in this chapter, perhaps,
no better description of the beauties of the place can be found
than is contained in the following extract which was written
in August, 1867, by a special correspondent of the Chicago Tri-
bune. Parts of the article are here quoted and certainly the
description is beautifully worded and will apply ;is well today
as it did forty-four years ago :
"Imagine a beautiful fertile valley through which tiows a
river fed by numerous trout brooks whose soft, clear waters
babble of the spring in the highlands where they were born.
Surrounded with a chain of blutfs, some near, other remote,
among Avhich winds the river and its tributaries through smaller
valleys which arc here lost in the greater one. Near at hand,
scarcely more than one mile away, are bluffs, forest covered,
whose well divided proportions are clearly cut against the blue
sky. On each side of the retreating valleys the bluffs appearing
on the opposite side are confouiuled in the distance by misty
and dim lookiug shadows as though the valley was entirely
surrounded by a coronal of hills.
"The flat land, smooth, clcai- and grassy, dotted Avith clusters
of graceful trees; thus natui-e planned and fashioned it and now
from this elevated spot where I stand the setting sun of a long
August day illuminates the beautiful village with its din and
bustle, and tasty residences and farmhouses which everyAvhere
dot the landscape." After the opening of the state roads between
Hudson and Prairie du Chien, and by way of Sjiarta to Black
River Falls, and subsequently from Portage to LaCrosse in 1849
settlers began to come towards the western part of the state,
particularly in what was then LaCrosse county. As has been
244
THE CITY OF SPARTA 245
written, IMonroe county was at one time a part of LaCrosse
and was detached from it in 1854. It is undoubtedly authentic
tluit Frank Petit must have settled here in 1849. "Sir. Searle,
who was clerk of the court at Black River Falls at that time,
made the statement that he and a man in his employ visited
Black River Falls in September of that year. In the evening
of the first day they encamped where Tomah now stands, pro-
ceeding on their way in the morning, and owing to a terrific
storm they had lost their way and had nothing to guide them
except the range of bluffs. Their only chance of getting out
of the situation was to follow these bluffs and l)y them reaching
the Mississippi. They had no provisions, but killed game to
supply their needs ; they traveled south, as they thought, until
they came to a small stream and some small timber, where they
encamped for the night as best they could in a drenching rain
and without food, as their ammunition being wet they could not
obtain any game. The next day, towards night, they struck a
trail near the stream where the marks of shod horses evidenced
that some white man had crossed there. They followed this
trail hoping to find a human being somewhere. That night
they encamped near Castle Rock and the following day, in a
storm which had continued all that night, the party struck
Robinson's mills, where they obtained the first food they had had
since their own supplies gave out.
Here the travelers took a rest for two days and began their
return homeward. At the point where the two crossed the
river they determined to ascertain what description the land
bore and they marked the southwest quarter of section twenty-
four in township seventeen, range four west, Avhicli is now
included in the site of the city of Sparta.
Having discovered a chance for a Avater power at this point,
^Ir. Searle at once went to Baraboo and applied for a warrant
for the land. On his return he took teams loaded with lumber
and a few men to help him and came to a road over a big ridge
on his land, but on his way hither he discovered that the real
mill site was above that point, and leaving his lumber he im-
mediately set out for Baraboo, and applied for another warrant,
but one of his men had betrayed his intention to Dr. Angle
at Baraboo who promised the man a half interest for the descrip-
tion of the land having on it the mill site. These two immediately
set out for Mineral Point in order to go through the usual form
necessary to make an entry and to entitle them to full possession
of the land. Searle took the stage and Angle Avent on horseback
2-16 IlISTOKY OF MONROE COUNTY
Mild tlnis lijid tile advantage of speed and beat Scarlc by one
hour, tlius beeoiuing the owner of the hind. So had the question
been settled otherwise, "Angelo" wouhl probably have been
called "Searlo" or something of the kind. Mr. Kearle having
lost tile luiddle site and not knowing that a city was to spring
up on that forty acres took no farther interest in this claim and
sold it for ^30.00. He also states that upon looking for iiis
lumber he found that Petit had followed the rule that necessity
knows of no hiw. and had used it in building a house for himself
near Castle Kock. William Petit houglit a claim of 160 acres
of land near the crossing of these two state roads, and Avhere
the site of the city now is; he built a log cabin on the bank of
Beaver creek at the point about where the library is located ;
when his cabin Avas completed on the 5th day of July, 1851, it
was the first building of any kind erected in Sparta.
The large amount of travel on the road and the need of a
resting place at this point, induced Petit to make a tavern
of his dwelling and though the cabin contained but one room
and a loft, the latter apartment having no fioor, except such
a one as was made of a few rough slabs made for this purpose,
and put down loosely. There were few, if any, beds in the
house and travelers wrapped their blankets about them and
laid down upon the hard floor to lie lulled to sleep, if that was
possil)le. by the howling of the hungry wolves Avhich often stuck
their cold noses through the crevices between the logs and snift'ed
in anticipation of what a good meal they could have, if it Avere
possible to get inside.
At this time supplies had to be brought from LaCrosse,
Avhich then consisted of a land office and about a dozen houses,
a hotel and one or two general stores. The varieties of food
Avere feAV and the opportunities to get them Avere still fcAver,
and consequently Petit "s bill of fare at the inn Avas very meager.
In August 1851 EdAvard AValrath arrived and at once made
arrangements to settle and in October of the same year his
father, Kev. Fredrick AYalrath, a ^Methodist clergyman, and the
remainder of the "\Yalrath family became residents of this place.
The elder AYalrath entered a claim a mile or so south of Petit 's
but not having a house built, in the fall lie made arrangements
and did share the Petit cabin Avitli the OAvner, until such time
as he could build one. The Petit cabin being scantily furnished,
and "\Yalratli having no place to store his household goods, they
Avere used in common, but the combined possessions of the tAvo
THE CITY OF SPARTA 247
families were not sufficient for the need of the inmates of the
lioiise and the guests. Great inducements having been offered
by the state government to parties in search for homes by
offering thirty years time at 7% interest within which to pay
for hind and the location of the land office in LaCrosse caused
a great deal of travel by the way of Petit 's tavern, which
resulted in a gradual settlement of the land near by.
Richard Casselman also located here in 1851 and built a
log cabin on the spot that is now the northeast corner of Oak
and Water streets which he used as a blacksmith shop ; his
house was a little back of the shop towards the creek. William
Kerrigan, the father of Mrs. W. N. AYells, Avas then a lad,
apprentice to Mr. Casselman and came with the Casselmans to
this place. J. D. Damman, Lyman Andres, A. H. Blake and
Russell Hill came to Sparta about this time. Damman building a
log house where the hotel Lewis now stands which was after-
wards sold to Harron who kept a hotel in it. A. H. Blake built
a log house on a littk^ hill not far from Casselman 's and Mr.
Hill located a dwelling farther to the west.
The Rev. W. H. Card, a Baptist clergyman, came in 1851
and preached the first sermon in Petit 's house. Ed. Walrath,
not believing the minister's assertion that he would hold services
there that Sunday, went out trout fishing. AYhen he returned
Mr. Card was half finished with his sermon, and to save time,
and to have dinner in season. Edward seated himself in the
doorway and at the same time listened to the elder's remarks
and cleaned the fish. The minister was somewhat indignant
at his conduct as a lack of respect for himself and for the Sab-
bath, and frowned upon the young man. After the services
were over Walrath asked Mrs. Petit if she would cook the
fish, to which she gave consent and notwithstanding his previous
objection the minister ate heartily of the trout which were set
before him at that meal.
George A. Fisk who died in 1866 came to Sparta in 1851
and married Catherine E. Walrath in 1857 ; ^Irs. Fisk survived
her husband a great many years and lived to a ripe old age,
passing away October 20, 1910, and in connection with the early
settlement of the village it will be of peculiar interest at this
point to get in Mrs. Fisk's OAvn words, an account of the first
winter passed by she and her father, IMr. Walrath, in Sparta,
where they arrived on October 10, 1851. A sketch of the first
winter of her residence in Sparta written by Mrs. Fisk will
248 HISTORY OF MONROE COT^NTY
be read "with s])ec.'ial interest by all and more particularly by
the elder residents of the city. She entitles it, "My First AVinter
in Sparta."
"Ill l!io spring of 1851 my father made up his mind to
break up the old home and emigrate to Wisconsin. Ilis children
were getting the AVestern fever, one son and daughter liad already
left the home nest. It was more than father and mother could
bear so the farm was sold and the goods were packed. That
was the beginning. How Avell I remember the packing up. Three
large dry goods boxes about as big as a small barn, it seemed
to me, were bought. I remember father telling mother not to
put in anything heavy. She had already packed her splint
bottom straight back sewing chair. Alothcr made the remark to
sister Sarah, 'I can't leave the chair I rocked all mv babies
in.'
"In these boxes were stored all things needful. Among
them Avas a red cherry bureau, part of her setting-out outfit, as
it was called in those days, when young people took each other
for better or worse. It was not very large and was packed full
of dried fruits. Tucked in every corner of the box was bedding
of all kinds, maple sugar, twenty-five yards of carpet and many
other things. AVe took the packet on the canal as far as BuiTalo.
then across the lakes to ]\Iihvaukee and from there to my sister's
home in Fond du Lac county where we spent the summer, while
my brother Edward went to LaCrosse with a party looking
for a homestead. On his return father bought a horse and what
they called a Democrat wagon (fii-st democrat ever in Sparta "i.
a ,ioke as well as wagon.
"There were some teamsters who wauled to see the wild
west -and they offered to bring our goods through for their
board and lodging. It took nine days. The Avay Avas long
and most of it nothing l)ut an Indian trail. Sometimes they
came to what was called a swale or wet marshy ground. AVe
would have to bridge it. Every wagon had a scythe and great
forks fastened to one side. Father would call a halt, grass and
hazel brush were cut and carried to fill the wet places before
we could cross over. Sometimes the boys Avould want to rush
things so as to hurry along, but father would build it safe for
others that came after. AA^e stopped one afternoon in Lemonweii-
A^'alley to pick cranberries. The farmer told father he could
liave all we could pick in three hours. AVe picked a barrel
and the farmer furnished tlie ])ai'rel to put them in.
" We reached Sparta on the 10th of October, 1851, ju.st as the
THE CITY OF SPARTA 249
sun was setting so beautifully as we drove down the hill near
where the Old Ida House used to stand ; across the little stream
(Beaver Creek) to the old Globe Hotel. I have never since seen
such a beautiful sunset. Father said to mother, 'It's like Para-
dise.' The hotel had one window and a door with a wooden latch
and buckskin string to lift it. Father was delighted with the out-
look over the prairie. Not many trees then.
"He took up a claim beyond where the Milwaukee de})ot
noAV stands. j\Iy father and brothers were carpenters so it did
not take long to build a log cabin. AVe moved in our new home
on the loth of November without a chamber tioor or window
or door. Rag carpets and blankets were tacked over tlie places
for windoAvs and doors. That night came the first snow. It
made us wish for our old home. The boys soon had doors and
got windows from LaCrosse. The lumber came frm Black River
Falls and it took three days to go and come.
"Then when the boxes were unpacked such a mine of wealth.
Lots of warm bedding, a little sewing chair, red cherry stand
and bureau, three flag bottom chairs, small book case with Watt's
sermons and Clark's Commentary and other books, twenty-five
yards of rag carpet, a bolt of cotton cloth and curtain calico,
you could see your face in (the first ever in Sparta), lots of
dried fruit, dishes and table linen. AVe were quite comfortable.
AYe had an elevated oven cook stove. They were the style those
days. The boys made some tamarack bedsteads for the chamber.
The roof was shingled with shacks, all that could be bought at
that time. It was a terrible cold winter and lots of snow. Some
mornings mother would have to come upstairs and sweep up the
snow before we would go to breakfast. Mother had tacked
cotton cloth on the rafters over our beds.
"We only had one mess of potatoes all winter. A lady where
father stopped when he went to Black River to preach gave
him a half bushel. ^Mother said she would cut out the eyes
and the rest she would cook. I never saw so many eyes in
potatoes before or since. In the fall father bought two kinds
of rutabagas of ]\[r. Frank Petit who lived four miles out and
a- lot of pumpkins. Grandma Petit told mother how to make
pumpkin butter that was delicious. Those rutabagas were the
loveliest things, all the apples we had that winter. Some were
white.
"Brother Edward made a lovely couch out of those boxes.
It had back and arms long and wide enough to sleep on when
the preachers would raid us. AYe had so many boards for the
250 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
sitting room, so many for the dining room and tlie rest for
the kitchen. Our pantry was just holes in the logs, boards
across and curtained with curtain calico, the same as the couch
Avas covered with and everything matched. The sitting and
dining rooms were carpeted. The boys made benches which
wei-e covered Avith curtain calico."
.Mr. W'iihiilli. a .Methodist minister, began his missionary labors
in tile county by preaching his first sermon in Sparta in Novem-
ber, 1851; his congregation consisted of five persons; after tliis
he held meetings wherever the people Avould have him do so,
journeying for miles through an almost travelless Avoods to hold
services for some family avIio had sent him an invitation. Some-
times going on horseback but oftener on foot. Truly a pioneer
in the cause of Christianity. Occasionally the entire population
of the valley Avould turn out and accompany him in a sleigh
to some place farther on in tlie Avoods. and eA^en then the sleigh
would not b(^ full. A ]\Irs. Parks. Avho resided six miles from
Sparta, upon one occasion sent him word that she and her little
ones could not Avalk doAvn to Petit 's to hear liini preach and
dared him to meet lier and her family half Avay. And he did.
The meeting Avas held, the parties each making a journey of
three miles and ])ack for the sake of enjoying the services. During
uuiny occasions this minister of the gospel Avas often pursued
by Avolves Avith which the forests abounded. He Avas, hoAvever.
never injurinl by any of these blood-thirsty animals, and eA^ery
one at tliat tinu^ Avas more or less annoyed by tliem. They
surrounded dwellings and made the night hideous Avith their
hoAvlings, plundering Avhenever an opportunity offered, and to
rid the nuisance the people resorted to ti'aps as well as hunting
them Avith guns.
A number of adventures are recorded with these aninuils
and one concerns Captain Fisk, avIio, having been out in the
country in company Avith the tAvo daughters of ^Nlr. Walrath.
Avas returning after dark; there Avere good roads and they Avere
going along nicely when ]\Ir. Fisk discovered they Avere being
chased by five large Avolves. He made no meulion of the fact
to the girls but Avhipped the horses to a fasti-r speed but still
the Avolves Avere gaining upon them and matters Avere becoming
serious, Avhen the bolt that holds the Avhitifle-tree dropped out
thus necessitating a stop, lie sprang out to remedy the damage
and fortunately found the bolt for Avhich he Avas searching,
and at that time the girls noticed how strange his voice sounded,
and kept looking l)ackAvards. FolloAviug his glances to see Avhat
THE CITY OF SPARTA 251
was the troul)le they beheld the panting wolves almost within
reach of their arms. It was a trying position, none of the party
had a weapon of defense and their only liope was flight. The
horses had not been frightened by the pursuance of the wolves
but became so upon hearing the slight screams of the girls when
they discovered their danger. Fisk sprang into the sled, urged
the horses forward and struck backwards with his whip at the
wolves ; if it had not been for the strong wdiip he had the wolves
would certainly have jumped into the sled. Mile after mile
they went in this way. It can be readily imagined that minutes
were hours to the pursued party in this race for life. The
wolves repelled by the whip tried several times to cut off the
flight by attempting to get into the road and trip against the
horses at the point of meeting ; the constant bloAvs with the
whip, however, caused them to fall back, and the chase con-
tinued, the wolves snapping their teeth and keeping close to
the sled until the clearing was reached and the settlement ap-
peared in view, and then only, did the wolves give up their
pursuit. It was an incident long to be remembered by those
who w^ere engaged in it.
Other wild animals as well as wolves and also wild fowls
of all kinds were plentiful in this region at this time ; old settlers
say that prairie chickens were so numerous that only partial
crops of grain could be raised owing to the fact that these birds
would devour every kernel of grain they could see and hang
around the fields in great flocks. They were such a nuisance
that they were obliged to destroy large numbers of them in
self-protection.
The year 1852 brought many interesting events and ]\Ir. Petit
in this year laid out the old court house square and platted a
number of lots around it ; there being sufficient population in
the village a meeting of the citizens was called and a resolution
was passed to the etfeet that the village should have a name ;
there w^as considerable discussion as to hoAv this name should
be decided upon, but it was finally agreed that Mrs. Petit, the
mother of the tw^o Petit boys, should have the privilege of
choosing the name and she gave it the name of ''Sparta."
A little later in the same year Lyman Andrews built the
first frame house in the city upon a lot given for the purpose
by Mr. Petit, who was offering to give lots to all who would
erect buildings upon them ; the lot was at the Northeast corner
of the square and the building was erected, opened as a tavern
and was called the Sparta Exchange. G. H. Ledyard, a Portage
2.12 HISTORY OF ,MO.\KOE COUNTY
jiian wlio had been peddling; tliroiifjli this section of the country
since its first settlement, opened a store in the log cabin at tliis
time the first store in the village. 'I'lie fii-st biiihling for use
as a store was erected by C. J\athbun on what was then known
as Cassebnan's corner where the Greve's block was subse(iueutly
l)uilt. Samuel Fisk arrived in Aucrust and lived in the house
Avith Casseliiiaii uiilil he could Imild one foi' his family. Tliis
was located wdiere the Chicago & Northwestern Railway depot
now stands; George A. and W. ^\. Fisk were the sons of Daniel
Fisk. In the spring of 1852 the first election of any kind was
held in tlie village and seventeen votes Avere cast; T\. J. Cassel-
man, AVilliam Petit and Lyman Andrews were the committee
of election; Sparta being at that time a ])art of the town of
Leon in the county of LaCrosse.
In December of the same year Samuel Hoyt arrived and
began looking for a home; he bought a lot from .Mi-, llarron
for $16 and built a cabin upon it and subsequently ^Ir. llarron
became dissatisfied and offered Mi-. Hoyt the lot adjoining the
other as a gift if he would pui-chase his oxen and farm so lie
could leave the place. Hoyl lundc llic purchase and Harron
moved away.
People at this time were constantly filing ncAV claims througli
the land office in LaCrosse and taking up land and it was neces-
sary, of course, to have witnesses to the fact of their residence
on the land for a sufficient time to enabh' tlieiu to get title.
AVilliam Petit, James Phillips, AVilliam King and William Kerri-
gan it is rehilcd once went in company to tlie land office at
LaCrosse. Reluming they passed tlii- cnhin of a Avomaii known
as mother Paddock, wlio was noted for her masculine attributes.
The old lady was the possessor of a dog which had a bad habit
of i-unning out and barking at teams and Kerrigan, nu)re for
mischief tlian anything else, fired at the dog not thinking that
be could hit it at so great a distance and it was. his misfortiuie
to wound the animal in the neck. A whib^ aft(M'wards E. AVali-ath
and K. Tliompson passed that way and took dinner with her
at which they saw tlie dog, which was then fully recovered
with the exception that it had lost its voice. It would go all
through the motions of barking b\it could not make a souiul.
Walrath, for a joke pointed to his companion and said: ''Mrs.
Paddock, here is the man who shot your dog." Going to the
supposed offender with her fists doubled ui^ and with a threaten-
ing attitude the old woman said, ''Sir, all that keeps me from
THE CITY OF SPARTA 253
cowhiding the man who shot my dog is that I believe him to have
been drunk at the time, therefore not accountable for the act."
Thompson got a little pale about the mouth and did not seem
to have the usual relish for his dinner and after that both
AValrath and Thompson failed to stop for meals at ]Mrs. Pad-
dock's on their way to Sparta from LaCrosse.
This year the first logging was done on the LaCrosse river.
No sawmills had as yet been built in this section and the logs
had to be driven to Neshonoc. Kerrigan and the two Phillips
l)rothers did the driving. A number of amusing incidents oc-
curred in the log driving. It seems that AVilbur E. Fisk had
started out with the company of loggers, but being inexperienced
in log driving he covild not keep his footing when on the logs
in the water and he got on one log which began to roll rapidly
and he began to dance trying to keep his feet. Faster and
faster they went and getting frightened, sprang into the water
and clasped the log with his arms ; but the log had acquired
such a momentum that he was whirled over and over in and
out of the water with great rapidity and he was finally rescued
with much diificulty nearly strangled and chilled to the bone.
He did not continue any farther in the business but took the
nearest road for home satistied that he was not suited for log
driving. Later in the same year a sawmill was erected in Angelo
by Seth Angle.
The year 1853 brought many interesting events to the little
village; a post office was established and AVilliam Petit appointed
and installed as postmaster and made Richard Casselman deputy,
who used his hat for a post office. At the beginning there was
only one mail each week and it did not amount to more than
a few letters and one or two papers so that it was no great
task to "distribute the mail;" and as a rule those who wanted
to get their mail went to Mr. Casselman and upon inquiring
for it, he would take down the post office from his head and
hand out the letter if there was one. Mr. Petit, however, had
some difficulty with Casselman and appointed Lyman Andrews
his deputy, Avho dignified the office by keeping it at the Sparta
Exchange. Soon after this, Petit sold out his entire interest
in the village to A. F. Bard and moved away while Casselman
was appointed postmaster and served in this capacity for several
years. A. H. and Hilton Blake during this year erected a saw-
mill in the village on the bank of Beaver creek and were it
still standing it would be in the middle of Water street in the
2r,4 TITSTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
down town district. Court street was then called Elaine and
it bore that name until the erection of the court house on the
court house square.
There were a few new coiners during this year some locating
in the village and some on farms near by. AV. S. Newton
established a hardware on Oak street early in ]\Iay. Andrew
Allen in September opened a store where ]\Ir. Harron had former-
ly kept a tavern; this year the medical profession made its
bow to the community in the person of Dr. George A. MilJigan.
who was most joyfully received ])y the inhabitants and was
the first physician to locate in the county of Monroe. He is
still living in the city of Sparta at a very advanced ag" having
retired from practice a number of years ago ; ^laj. Morrison
]Mc^lillan arrived in 1853 and located on a farm in the villago
and afterwards became quite prominent in county affairs. Timo-
thy Barker was also another of the settlers at this time, he
building a two story house; in addition to these, there were
probably eight or ten more new settlers in or near Sparta during
this year.
The fine pul)lic school system of Sparta had its humble be-
ginning in 1853 with the erection of a small board shanty about
12 X 16 feet in size, which afterwards served the double purpose
of a school house and church. ]\Iiss Sarah AValrath was the
first teacher regularly employed and opened the teaching under
adverse circumstances but with the pluck and vim Avhicli charac-
terized the earlier inhabitants.
During this year there was a miniature Indian war precipi-
tated in the vilhige which proved, however, to be almost entirely
one sided but which brought the desired results. It seems that
the "Winnebago Indians, as had ever been the case, claimed all
the territory to be theirs previous to the coming of the white
people; this tribe at that time had degenerated somewhat, were
very inferior to the Chippewa Indians who lived farther north,
and the settlers invariably had nothing to do with tlie AVinne-
bagos but were annoyed by them at times, as they would steal,
and in certain cases became quite impudent.
One instance, which aroused the ])eople of the village, oc-
curred in the summer of 185)}, Avlien an Indian came to the
home of R. H. ^McMann in Big Creek, about four miles from
Sparta and demanded food of him and ui)on being refused,
pointed his riHe at the farmer and threatened to shoot him
unless it was produced. This so enraged Mr. ^Ic^Iann that after-
wards he made a complaint to the authoi-ities in Sparta and
THE CITY OF SPARTA 255
the news having gotten among the people, a volunteer company-
was formed for the purpose of punishing the Indians ; every
man in the village and within two miles around volunteered
his service and the company was organized, numbered about
twenty-five men ; a camping party of about forty AVinnebagos,
to which the Indian belonged who had threatened Mr. McMann,
were camped about two miles from his farm ; to this point
marched the brave little army intent upon punishing the AA^inne-
bago and inflicting a lesson which would be lasting. Upon
arriving at the Indian camp, a demand was made for the Indian
who had threatened McMann and they were informed that he
would be whipped as a punishment. To their surprise, the
AVinnebagos made no resistance whatever, but allowed the whites
to take possession of the Indian and not only that, but to take
their guns away from them which were fired otf and stacked
together. The Indian was stripped of his clothes and severely
Avhipped by Mr. AIclMann with a blacksnake. The red man,
however, stood with folded arms and not moving a muscle on
his body, proudly erect and disdained to show any sign of
suffering. AA^hen McMann had inflicted sufficient punishment,
the Indians were marched to the village and arranged in front
of the Sparta Exchange where they were given food by the
proprietor, Lyman Andrews ; they all ate heartily except the
Indian who had been whipped, he refused to touch the food.
AVhen the meal was done the settlers told the Indians to go
and gave them to understand that they must stay away and
never be seen in that part of tlie country again ; this heroic
treatment had its effect and it is related that there was no
trouble with Indians afterwards, although one time soon after
the people of the village had a serious scare from a rumor to
the effect that the Indians were to massacre the whites in re-
venge for this whipping; it proved, however, to be without
foundation.
Eighteen fifty-four brouglit things of big interest to the people
of the little village; for during the winter a bill Avas pending in
legislature to set aside the county of Monroe from LaCrosse
county and a lively little contest was on as to where the county
seat should be located; whether at Leon, which was then quite
a settlement, or at Sparta; the bill was finally passed and ap-
proved by the governor IMarch 21, and it provided that Sparta
should be the county seat of the county and on the first Tuesday
in April the first election was held at which the full quota of
officers were elected and the records show that a total vote of
256 IIISTOKY OF .AIOXKOE ("OIXTV
seventy was jjollcd in tlic cnlirc rounty. Nearly all oL' the
eounty ofHeers were residents of the village of Sparta and con-
tained many well known names.
A. 11. Hlake was elected county judge, E. AValrath, sheriff;
AVilhur Fisk, register of deeds; John Barker, clerk of the court;
Samuel Iloyt, county treasurer; A. B. Cornel, district attorney.
This year brought several new settlers, all of whom it is
impossible to enumerate, but among them early in July was
George AV. Koot and family. Mr. Koot bought the house of
Lyman Andrews, then known as the Sparta Exchange, together
with the stock of goods and continued the business, hiring ]\Ir.
Andrew's dining room table as a counter for a shilling a week.
J. i\I. Sugden came up from St. Louis that year and l)uilt the
first brick chimney in the village in Mr. Root's house. Sugden
erected a paint shop on Water street, and it was at the time
the largest building on that street; people called him crazy for
|)n1ting up such a large house for a paint shop. Doctor Gage,
in an article on the early settlers, says of I\Ir. Sugden :
"Sugden, one of the pioneers and a first class painter and
paper hanger, found this, at that early period a not very inviting
field for these pursuits, but iew buildings then Avarranted this
class of adornment and he betook himself to bricklaying, in the
Avay of making small chimneys for the roofs of small houses
as a means of turning an honest penny, and he became known
as the handsome bricklayer, l)ut whether this term was to be
applied to the individual himself or to his work has never yet
been with certainty known."
Among others, Charles Dickenson and family came this year
and was one of the men who at one time conducted the Log
Tavei-n which stood where the Hotel Lewis now is. At the time
of his arrival there were about fourteen houses in the village.
Things looked so promising for the future that a Fourth of
July celebration was indulged in and every one within twenty
or thirty miles of the village participated, making it a grand
occurrence. George Flint, of LaCrosse. delivered the address
and the day was passed in amusements of various kinds, a dinner,
and finished by a dance; the day was marked by a further event
which became historical ; the siirveyors of the ^Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railway passed through theVillage on that day in running
the line from ^lilwaukee to LaCrosse.
Business advanced and among the stores opened in 1854
was that of Rich & Blake, ^Fr. "Wouldrich, D. Logan, S. D. Jack-
son. In August, the first ^Master-^Iason Lodge was organized
THE CITY OF SPARTA 257
through the efforts of Major ]\Ic]\Iillan ; the lodge met in a grove
for the first time and afterwards held meetings in the loft of
a small building. Among the settlers we also note the name
of Benjamin Stevens, a mechanic, and his son, 0. D. Stevens,
who afterwards kept a meat market ; S. M. Holbrook, an omnibus
man, and Charles Goss. This year was marked also by the
erection of the Monroe House, a little frame hotel, which stood
upon the corner now occupied by the Baptist church, and Andrew
Allen also built the Allen House, which subsequently was used
as a store.
This year also saw the publication of the first newspaper
ever issued, if it may be called a newspaper, being the "Monroe
County Citizen," which was published by a man by the name of
L. Reising, who came from somewhere in New York and brought
a little printing press. He issued a few numbers of this paper
and, not meeting with financial success, the publication was
discontinued.
The majority of the settlers who came in during the year
1853-54-55 were from Cattaraugus county, in the state of New
York, and there were so many of them that they became known
as the "Cattaraugus delegation."
AVe are unable to get the names of all of them, but among
them L. S. Fisher appears, who arrived in 1855 and was elected
clerk of the county board in 1856, served as deputy postmaster
under Casselman and in that year opened the first exclusive
grocery store in the village and in 1857 he went into the furniture
business, doing well until 1860, when he was elected county
treasurer, which position he filled until 1862, when he became
commissioner on the board of enrollment for the Sixth Con-
gressional District ; subsequently during the latter part of his
life served as postmaster a great many years in the city.
Dr. S. P. Angle was also from that county and located land
and built a sawmill where Angelo now stands, and his son.
Oscar, located at that point on a large farm, Oscar afterwards
engaging in the livery business on Water street, subsequently
became sheriff of the county.
J. J. McKay, the second member of assembly of this place,
also was a Cattaraugus man and so was Carlton Rice, -who took
up practice in the county, A. F. Bard, L. Leas. Joseph Powell,
Rufus Robinson, L. Moseley, G. Harvey and S. H. Sturns, M'ho
served so many years as, clerk of the circuit court, B. S. Winship,
proprietor of the Winship House, at that time the eating room
for the INIilwaukee & St. Paul Railway, was a Cattaraugus man.
258 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Iloldeu & Ward, who conductt'd the grocery store at the
corner of Oak and Court street, the ]\lcClure family all came
from that county, settled here in 1852. J. J. ]\IcClure built a
store south of the Globe Hotel, which was situated on what is
now known as tlie library corner, he carried on a boot and shoe
business; the Rockwell family, S. H. Dalaby came from Cat-
taraugus county, C. AV. ^McAIillan, who served several terms as
sheriff, was one of the delegation and arrived in ]85o. ^Morton
Leonard, Lyman Andrews, AVilliam H. Blyton, AY. S. Newton,
and Henry Foster all came from that county. sonu» as early as
1853.
Hiram and Henry Foster arrived in 1855 and Hiram built
the Globe Hotel the same year, but soon afterwards sold it to
AYilliam Burlingaine, who kept it for a number of years. Henry
Foster bought out 0. C. Poles, who was about to start a harness
shop upon the arrival of the Fosters and he kept the business
for a good many years afterwards.
Very few of the old residents Avho came as early as 1855
are still alive, and among them is H. A. Streeter, who now re-
sides in the city at a very advanced age. He came in 1855 and
his memory is quite clear as to the settlement in the village
at that time.
He states that the stage station at that time was at George
Griffins, a log house with a barn connected which stood \ipon
the Hotel Lewis corner. S. D. Jackson had a store then some-
where along in where AIcAIillan's Furniture Company is now
located ; the building was of rough boards and he afterwards
built a store on what was called the knoll Avhere the barn of
D. F. Davis now stands. Air. Streeter boarded when he first
came here, but desired to l)uild a house and makes the remark-
able statement that he started the building on Alonday, Avith tht^
help of a man named Andrew Dickenson, and had it completed
and moved in by Tliursday: it was a frame building, very ]>rim-
itive in its construction and he i)roeeeded, after the house Avas
done, to make a bedstead, and he states that he made a "feather
bed" out of cotton l)atten for the mattress.
A table was erected of rough boards, several three-legged
stools constructed, and this little home was complete and he
and his wife moved in ha]ipy in the possession of that much. This
building stood where F. Baldwin's blacksmith shop is located.
Air. Streeter bought the lot there, because he thought the
l)usiness portion of the village would go that way, as there was
a jewelry store located there. He states that AA'illiam Kerrigan
TELE CITY OF SPARTA 259
had a blacksmith shop in the corner where Roberts & Jones'
grocery store is located. The shop at first having no covering
over it whatever, but consisted of an anvil block and a bellows ;
at that time a sawmill was located here where the dam now is on
Water street bridge and Mr. Streeter found employment with
the proprietor of the mill.
In this year Sparta experienced its first serious flood. i\lr.
Streeter relates that owing to the heavy rains the fiood came
down the creek in a wave, which he states was at least eight
feet high and crushed everything as flat as a floor ; the dam
was washed out and the mill ruined; this dam was rebuilt, but
in its history it was washed out in the earlier days five times.
There was considerable agitation in 1855 with regard to
the liquor question, and it appears that a man by the name of
Samuel Crosby built a building where Gustad's store now is
and opened a grocery and liquor store, and thereby, of course,
caused indignation among the temperance people.
C. AV. Pott, a harness maker, who arrived in Sparta that
year, saw two Cattaract men drinking in the store and had Mr.
Crosby arrested for selling liquor without license. This coming
up before Justice McKay, would not allow Mr. Pott's testimony,
saying that he had not tasted the liquor and could not swear
to what it was and for failure of proof the jury found the. de-
fendant not guilty. It got to be a regular thing and it seems
that this man, Crosby, was tried six different times in an effort
to convict him of this oft'ense of selling liciuoi*. At last they did
find sufficient proof and he was fined $20 by the justice.
But this did not rid the place of the liquor nuisance and the
temperance people got up another plan ; the women Avould take
their knitting work and sit in the front part of the store, hoping
thus to keep tlu^ men away and to break up the business ; but
that did not do as the men who desired to drink marched boldly
in and called for what they wanted, so the ladies were obliged
to retire in good order with the reflection that that method of
stopping the liquor traffic was a failure. Other incidents of laAv
suits in the earlier days abounded and have naturally connected
with them the names of J. M. Morrow and L. AV. , Graves. It
is related that in 1857, G. W. Warring was then justice of the
peace and it apears that Air. Graves and AVilliam AYright were
the parties in a suit before his honor, and S. F. Holbrook, L. M.
Rose, AY. S. Newton and AY. L. Johnson were chosen as jurors
with A. Cross, constable, in charge ; after hearing the evidence,
the jury would not agree, but the court refused to discharge
260 HISTORY OF .^lOXROE COUNTY
tliem until they were ready to render a verdict. The jury Avas
quite disgusted ;il lliis and they went back in the room, climbed
on the table ami one of tlu'in removed a board from the ceiling
and made their escape unknown by the officers, who afterwards
searched for them in vain, while the reprobates were enjoying
a game of poker in the corner of the Ida House. This is a law
suit that never has been finished as the jury never rendered a
verdict.
In 1855 and 1856 settlers arrived in such numbers that it is
impossible to attempt to give the names of but few ; buildings
sprang up everywhere and the spot which had so lately been the
hunting ground for the Indians became alive with busy people.
S. D. Jackson built himself a residence and also a store building
which was afterwards occupied by Dodge Brothers; in 1855,
Jackson opened up with a large stock of goods; subsecpiently
taking into partnership AV. AV. Allis, who came from California
in 1858.
R. M. Dunlevy was one of the new comers in 1855, and entered
into the dry goods business, at first clerking for S. D. Jackson;
he continued for six or seven years, and at the end of that time
became a member of the firm, Mr. Allis retiring. j\Ir. Jackson
was acknowledged to be one of the best merchants in Sparta
and Air. Denlevy's experience with him fitted him to enter into
the business alone when Jackson removed to a larger field.
Dunlevy l)ranched out into the wholesale and retail business in
all kinds of fancy dry goods and kcjit a 1)uyiT in New York and
Boston markets.
During 1855 the Rev. L. C. Herrick, a Baptist clergyman,
took up his residence here and 1)uilt a sawmill on Beaver creek
near Allen's grove, and the same year another Baptist preacher.
Rev. S. Gustin, came to Sparta and went into the nursery busi-
ness. These contended for the pastorate of the Baptist society
to such an extent as to Ix'come quite unfriendly and unfor-
tunately it resulted in the temporary disorganization of the
Baptist society.
J. D. Condit arrived in 1855 also, and his brother, A. IT.
Condit. ])uilt a drug store, the first, on llie nortli side of Beaver
creek and also became interested witli Milton .Montgomcrx- in
publishing the AVatchman, which was })ublished on the second
floor of the building owned by Condit. J^ortei- Aylesworth, a
blat'ksmith, ai'rived in 1856 and became proprietor of the AFonroe
House which he kept until 1857, when he Avas l)urned out. The
next year he built the old AVarner House, which stood some (tls-
THE CITY OF SPARTA 261
tanee south of where the present Warner House now stands.
Among others in 1855 were L. M. Newbury, E. J. Campbell,
Joseph Kline, wlio settled in Leon Valley, G. B. Holden, who
engaged in the lumber business and became interested in the
Sparta AVoolen ]\Iill, and J. D. McDowell, who worked for a
time for AV. S. Post, in the mercantile business. McDowell went
into business for himself in 1857 by opening a boot and shoe
store Avhich he continued to carry on for several years.
Business had grown to such an extent by this time that
banking conveniences were necessary and in 1858 the Bank of
Sparta was started by J. D. Hemphill ; seven years later it was
organized under the general banking law as the First National
Bank of Sparta and subsequently in its history it became the
State Bank, now being known as the Bank of Sparta.
Hagaman Palmer arrived with his family in 1856 in company
Avith five other families, among them being S. P. Greenman, the
well known hotel keeper, who carried on the Ida House for a
number of years, and Francis Brock. Palmer went into partner-
ship with J. D. Coudit in the dray business and also engaged
in land speculation, entering and buying some 6,000 acres mostly
in Monroe county. He brought his five sons with him, all of
whom afterwards engaged in business in the city ; William Palmer
became county clerk : John Palmer in the livery business ; Daniel
Palmer became a partner in the firm of H. Palmer & Co. ; George
and Henry carried on a flour and feed store.
H. E. Kelly, who afterwards became collector of internal
revenues started in the dry goods business in 1856. L. S. Bing-
ham took up his residence here and entered the hardware trade ;
he built a three story building on AVater street near Oak. J. A.
AYarner came about the same time and clerked for McFarland
a number of years, afterwards going into business as a wholesale
and retail dealer in Greve's block. AI. A. Thayer and A. A.
Alunn arrived the same year, Air. Thayer was register of deeds
for nine terms and also went into the banking business. J. AI.
Alorrow and L. AY. Graves arrived during the same year and
so did J. Andrews. In company witli Frank Skillman and
Captain Fisk, AndrcAvs erected the first foundry in the city,
which was located near the Alilwaukee & St. Paul Railway
depot ; J. A. Gillman, who arrived in 1856, subsequently became
owner of the foundry and after that several changes in owner-
ship followed and passed into the hands of J. J. Owsley in 1865
and a year later was destroyed by fire.
During the year 1856 a court house was erected on a piece
262 IIISTOHY OF .MONROE COUNTY
of ImikI donated by J. D. Damman, the town reserving the
squ;ii-f mIk'I'c the present eoui-t liouse is, Avhich was given by
AVilliani Petit, for a park. Additions to tlie village were platted
by J. D. Dannnan, Kiehard C'asselinaii. H. Hill and E. S. Blake,
and at that time there was niueh rivalry between the two sides
of the river as to which shonld have the court house. The
second building, however, was built in Petit "s square after some
li'oiihle with Dannnan over his gift. This yeai- a public hall was
opened, situated on the corner of Oak and AVater streets, opposite
the Greve's block; this building was two stories high and cdih-
pleted l;)y R. AV. Bowles, the hall receiving the proud name of
"Liberty Hall;"" and then the village arrived to. the dignity
of having theatrical perfoiiuances for the amusement of its
inhabitants; the very first show M'hich appeared was a magician
who drcAv a large crowd, and it is related that the crowd was
so large that it Avas too heavy for the floor and just as the
magician was about to perform one of his startling feats the
floor gave way and down went the audience and magician with
all his slight of hand machinery on top of them, so that a grand
disappearing act was successfully performed which was not in
the program.
The day that the Liberty Hall floor broke seemetl to he a day
of accidents; it is related that the frame of the IMethodist church
had just been raised and Benjamin Stevens and IMorton Bump,
two carpenters, were putting u]) the frame of the belfry, when
one of the ties broke, lotting down llie timbers and the workmen
at the same time; Stevens was severely hurt, but Bump escaped
wilii slight injury; during the same day a man fell from the
top of a building on Oak street, but was not seriously injureJ.
Wedding bells rang for the first time in 1855 when Edward
Wairalh and Miss Blake were nuirried, and in the following
year Henry Talmadge and Anna Bradshaw.
The hard tinu\s of 1857 seriously etfected the business and
settlement of the village, and during Ihat year Sparta was nearly
at a stand still; very few new comers arrived and little occurred
which was of interest. The settlers, however, continued their
efforts in building up the place and dui-ing that year 1\. and
O. P. ]\IcClure built the first grist mill which was erected on
the site of the old saw mill on Benver creek. Subsequently
T. B. Tyler erected a woolen mill on the same site at a cost
of .+-^,000. This old building is still standing and is known
as the Sparta "Woolen !Mill i)roperty.
On ]\Iay 11, 185?, under provisions of chapter 52 of the
THE CITY OF SPARTA 2G:3
statutes of AVisconsin, the village of Sparta, JMonroe county,
Avas incorporated and arrived at the dignity of a full fledged
municipality.
The first board of trustees was elected on July 1, 1857, and
M'as as follows : R. J. Cassclman, president ; H. Palmer, Joseph
Carmichael. R. W. Bowles, S. F. Holbrook, C. Rich and J. A.
Gillman, trustees; L. S. Fisher, clerk; L. Andrews, treasurer,
and Chester McClure, marshal.
Among the settlers in 1857 were Dennis Lawrence and wife,
the later a fashionable dressmaker. AVilliam Potter, a meat
market man, who afterwards getting the gold fever, went to
Pike's Peak and was given up for dead, but soon afterwards
returned to Sparta and resumed his old vocation. Thomas B.
Tyler arrived in 1857 from Pennsylvania, though a native of the
east, he loved his new location and was one of the men who did
much to build up the village.
A good story is related of Mr. Tyler which is as follows :
Previous to his coming to Sparta, he had been engaged in the
drug business at Coudersport, Pa., and there was ac-
quainted with several men who afterwards came to tlie west.
So it was no unusual thing for a Coudersport man to call on
]\Ir. Tyler's place of business when he came to Sparta. One
day J. D. Condit happened in at Mr. Tyler's place of business
when the latter was out, and a few minutes later a deaf and dumb
man entered. Like all unfortunates of this class, this individual
began to stare at everything, without making his business known.
Condit thought he saw a chance to play a joke on Mr. Tyler,
so stepped to the door to look for him, and met him coming.
"There is a man waiting for you. Perhaps he is from Couders-
port," said J. D. The individual was now looking at some pic-
tures, and had his back turned to the pair. Mr. Tyler was a
quiet, unassuming man ; so he brushed back his hair, straightened
up his collar and coughed. The stranger did not seem to hear
him. Mr. Tyler again arranged his collar and hair, and stepping
a little nearer, said: ''You wished to see me, sir?" No answer,
no backward glance. The gentleman reddened perceptibly, but
again jerked at his collar and brushed back his hair, with the
question now put in louder tones, "Did you want to see me,
sir?" The stranger still continued his examination of the pic-
tures. Redder and redder Mr. Tyler grew, and when he next
asked the question he bawled it at the top of his voice. The
man, however, took no notice whatever of him, and a look of
blank amazement was spreading Tyler's face, when IMr. Condit,
264 HISTORY OF MONKOE COUNTY
Avho ]iad stepped outside of the door, peeped in and said in a
hoarse Avhispc)-: "You eternal I'ool, he's deaf and dunil)."
The opening of the ^lihvankee & St. Paul railroad to this
plaee in 18.58, gave a new impetus to business and to immigra-
tion. The track was laid as far as the tunnel from the east,
and also westward from the tunnel to LaCrosse. But the tunnel
itself was something that required months to complete. An
engine and some cars Avere drawn over the bluffs for use on
the western part of the line ; and for some six months the trains
ran to and from the tunnel on both sides, passengers having to
foot it across the bluft' from one train to the other. During this
time Sparta had no railway depot, — a freight car, switched oft'
of the main track, answering the purpose, as it was of ample
dimensions to hold the waiting passengers and their baggage at
that time. Later, a neat depot was erected with other necessary-
buildings; and later still,, a dining hall and hotel known as
the ~\Vinship House.
The Letson Brothers, in 1858, put up a sash, door and blind
factory. L. H. ^Mather came to Sparta the same year, built a
block of buildings on AVater street, and opened a drug store
which he kept for several years. Mr. ^Mather's enterprise is to
be seen all over the city. He erected more handsome buildings
here than any one man in this place. J, W. Smith and family
made their advent this year. ]Mr. Smith engaged at that time in
the harchvare business. His son. J. E. Smith, kept a variety and
auction store on Oak street. J. J. French, a dealer in guns and
ammunition, Avith II. Palmer & Co. D. B. Howe, of the firm
of Ayleswortli & Co. D. ^McBride and family were among the
new comers of 1858. D. McBride was the editor of the "Herald,"
which has been conducted since that time to the present with
only a slight interruption. I\lr. ]MeBride was postmaster at
Sparta for eight years, commencing with President Lincoln's
administration.
Late in Decem1)er of the same year another newspaperman,
Capt. D. "W. C. AVilson, took up his residence here. He did not
at that time, however, enter a ju-inting office. During 1860 and
1861 he served as .iustice of the peace. Tii the summer and fall
of 1861, lie held war-meetings, and in November of tliat year
was made lieutenant of Company D of the Eighteenth "Wisconsin
Regiment, going into service January. 1S&2. He was taken
prisoner at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, April 6, 1862, and
was in various prisons in Alabama and Georgia, until paroled
at Richmond, Virginia, which occurred in October of the same
THE CITY OF SPARTA 265
year. Re-entering service, he remained there until 1864, when
he returned to AVisconsin. He was elected to the assembly in
1865, and to tlie senate in 1866. During 1868, he was traveling
correspondent of the "]\Iilwaukee Sentinel," and two years later
he took a half interest in the "Sparta Eagle." In 1872 he bought
the whole ''Eagle" office and changed the name of the paper to
the "Monroe County Republican." A. AV. AVilson, a brother
of Captain Wilson, also settled in Sparta in 1858. Dr. ]\I. R.
Gage was another of the new comers of 1858, practicing his
profession here many long years except the two years that he
Avas surgeon of the Twenty-fifth AVisconsin Regiment. At one
time after the war, Dr. Gage was connected witli II. Palmer in the
drug business.
The next year, 1859, T. B. Tyler built a grist mill near the
Mihvaukee & St. Paul railroad depot. This mill has passed
through many hands since its building. D. D. Cheney, who
settled in this place in 1861, and H. Greve owned it at one time.
It is now owned by Bergman Brothers. The mill had a capacity
of three hundred barrels per week, and employed six men. H.
C. Brooks, was head miller, T. D. Freneli. a brother of J. J.
French, came from the south this year, and settled in Sparta,
going into business with J. M. Sugden, a partnership which
lasted about four years.
Among the settlers of 1861 and 1862 we find A. Saxe, a fur-
niture manufacturer on Oak street ; J. J. Owsley, who bought
out Tyler's mill and run it some five years, during tlie first
year of which time the dam went out seven times. S. M. Owsley,
a son of J. J. Owsley, now a grocer on Oak street ; R. S. AVells,
surgeon dentist, and AV. H. AA^hite, a dealer in agricultural im-
plements. James Francis became a resident in Sparta in 1861,
and a little later went into the grocery business at Johnson's
old stand, corner of Oak and Court streets, which Air. Johnson,
deceased, had left vacant. Subsequently he moved into a brick
block further east on Oak street, and then added dry goods to
his stock of groceries. Dr. Bennett, a well-known physician of
Sparta, located in 1861,
George Dunn came in 1861 and in connection with AI. Erick-
son and AV. H. Blyton, erected a large block of brick buildings
between Alain and Oak streets on AVater; Dunn opened a whole-
sale and retail dry goods business there and still continues in
the same store building with the retail business. Chauncey
Blakeslee came from Neilsville and commenced business with a
large stock of dry goods in the Dunn building.
2fi6 IlfSTOHV OF :\[OXROE COUNTY
The bcjiinniiig of the AVar of the Jiehellion affected the growth
and l)iisiness interests of the vilhige to a marked degree; prices
went up and tlie poorer classes had a hard time to get the bare
necessities of life.
The citizens of Sparta and \icinity exhibited true patriotism
and furnished a large portion of the several companies that went
from the county. At the receipt of the news of the fall of Fort
Sumptcr the indignation and war-like spirit of our modern
Spartans were fully aroused, and at no place in the United States
was the President's call for troops more promptly responded to
than in this village. As soon as it was known that a call had
been formally made for volunteers, enlistments commenced, and
continued so briskly that only a small portion of those who ten-
dered their service were accepted. The first company organized
in Sparta was known as Captain Lynn's, and its members were
first enlisted for a period of three months, but as soon as it was
known that troops were required for a longer period of service
the company was reorganized and nearly every man who had
enlisted for the short term reenlisted for three years, or during
the war. The company was ordered about the 6th of June. 1861,
to proceed to Camp Utley, Racine. AVis.. where it was assigned
to the Fourth Regiment, AVisconsin Volunteer Infantry, under
Col. Halbert E. Paine, and became Company I of that regiment.
It left Sparta with the following named commissioned officers:
Captain, John AV. Lynn; first lieutenant, Levi R. Blake; second
lieutenant, Ansyl A. AYest.
Captain Lynn was killed on the gunboat Tyler, July 1."). 1862.
while on an expedition toward A^icksburg, the steamer having
been fired into by a rebel battery. Shortly after this the regi-
ment was in a thirty-days' siege of A'icksburg, but disease so
weakened the men that at the end of that time the siege was
abandoned. They had a successful battle at Bisland, Louisiana,
near Bayou Teche, and a little later they made an attack upon
Port Hudson, where Capt. Levi Blake fell mortally wounded.
The battle of Port Hudson proved very disastrous to the regi-
ment. On September 1, 1863, the AYar Department gave orders
that the Fourth AVisconsin be equipped as cavalry, and it Avas
thereafter known as the Fourth AVisconsin Cavalry.
Company A. Third AVisconsin, Barstow's Cavalry, was organ-
ized about mid-summer, 1861. by Capt. Jerry Dammon, of Sparta.
Its first lieutenant was Robert Carpenter, of Sparta, and second
lieutenant, Leonard Morley, of A^'iroqua.
The company left Sparta and proceeded to Camp Barstow,
t
THE CITY OF SPARTA 267
Janesville, Wisconsin, where it was mustered into service. The
regiment left the state and went via Chicago to St. Louis, IMarch
26, 1862. "While on the Northwestern railroad, near Chicago, it
met with a very serious accident, which resulted in the loss of
twelve men. Company A alone having seven men killed and sev-
eral were severely injured.
Captain Damman, who went out in command of the company,
resigned March 9, 1863, and was succeeded by Capt. Robert Car-
penter, who retained command until the date of his muster out of
service, January 30, 1865.
Company D, Eighteenth "Wisconsin Infantry, was raised in
the month of November and December, 1861, and was called the
Northwestern Rangers. The company was recruited by George
A. Fisk, D. W^. C. W'ilson and Peter Sloggy. At an election for
officers a vote of the members of the company was taken and
resulted in the election of Fisk as captain, W^ilson as first lieu-
tenant, and Sloggy as second lieutenant. The company left
Sparta and proceeded to Milwaukee, January 14, 1861, and was
assigned to the Eighteenth "Wisconsin Infantry, under the com-
mand of Col. J. S. Albin, of Plover.
This regiment was at the battle of Shiloh and in the sieges
of Corinth and Vicksburg, at the battle of Champion Hills, and
at that of Allatoona mountains, as well as in several lesser en-
gagements ; and it suffered severely from disease, engendered
by the sickly climate. Its gallant colonel lost his life at Shiloh,
w^hicli proved a disastrous battle to the raw recruits. Yet Gov-
ernor Harvey said of them: "]\Iany regiments of that fight may
well covet the impressions which the Eighteenth have left of
personal bravery, heroic daring and determined endurance."
Company C, of the Nineteenth W^isconsin Regiment, was or-
ganized in December, 1861, and mustered into service by Capt.
J. A. Chandler, of Sparta. Charles Case was first lieutenant, and
Henry B. Nichols second lieutenant.
Captain Chandler resigned July 30, 1862, and Charles Case
was promoted to the captaincy. The latter also resigned and
Henry B. Nichols became the captain of Company C February
7, 1863. The company Avas mustered out of service April 19, 1865.
The Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Regiment w^as organized by Col.
Milton Montgomery, of Sparta, and was mustered into service
September 14, 1862. Company D was the company enlisted at
this place, and its officers were : J. D. Condit, captain, and Mort.
E. Leonard and Charles S. Farnham, lieutenants. Captain Con-
dit resigned on account of sickness, July 15, 1863, and Mort. E.
268 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
Leonard Avas put in command of the company. The latter was
wounded in the action of Decatur, Ga., July 22, 1864, but returned
to duty in November of the same year. At the same battle
Colonel ^Montgomery was Avounded and taken prisoner. His arm,
which had been shot off by a rifle ball, hung dangling to the stub
for a period of forty-eight hours before amputation took place.
The gallant colonel did not. however, resign upon his release
from prison, but continued with his regiment until mustered out
June 7, 1865. The regiment suffered very much from sickness
during its service. At one time 500 of the men lay sick, and
less than a hundred were fit for duty. This happened at Snyder's
Bluffs, ]\Iiss., in 1863. The regiment Avas in several skirmishes,
of which lack of space prevents particular mention.
The Thirty-sixth Wisconsin Regiment w^as organized under
the government call for 500.000 men. Company C of this regi-
ment was recruited by Capt. George A. Fisk, of Sparta, and was
mustered into service ]\Iarch 4, 1864. Luther B. Noyles was first
lieutenant, and C. E. Bullard was second lieutenant.
Before the close of the Avar Captain Fisk Avas promoted as
major, and Stephen C. I\Iiles, a Avell-knoAvn Sparta man, as cap-
tain.
Company C lost several men. C. L. Cleves, DarAvin Cole,
DaA'is Douglass, A. B. Ligales, P. C. "Walker and Charles L.
McClure Avere killed in action. E. H. Amidon, R. B. Balcom. H.
BroAvu, Thomas Casner, "William Dayton, H. AV. Hudson, John
HopAvood, Eldridge Rathbun and John "Wilkinson died of Avounds
received in battle. Of those Avho died of disease many gave up
life in the Salisbury and Anderson\'ille prisons. The folloAving is
a list of such of Company C's men as died of disease: George C.
Cross, AYm.. B. Snyder, Alfred 0. Barnes. IM. A. Butts, Dan. A.
Barton, P. Farr, Nathan Graves, Henry HathaAvay, James Hub-
bell, EdAvard Nichols, John Printz, Cyrus Sour, Samuel Smith,
J. E. Stevens, L. VanBorst, AValter YanVickle, J. B. AYolcot and
Chas. Young.
A portion of the First Battery, the LaCrosse Artillery, Avas
from Sparta. S. Hoyt Avas one of the number. This company
Avon the applause of Major General ^McClernand and of ]\Iajor
General Reynolds, for gallant conduct on the field, and for its
cleanliness and good behavior in camp.
Sparta sent 142 citizens to the Avar, sixty-three of Avhom re-
enlisted at tlie close of their first tcnii. The colonel of the Sev-
enth AVisconsin Regiment, W. AV. Robinson, Avas a Sparta man.
Col. AV. W. Rol)inson Avas born at Fairhaven, Vermont, December
i
RANDOLPH A. RICHARDS
THE CITY OF SPARTA 269
14, 1819, and was educated at Rutland Academy, Castleton Acad-
emy and Norwich Military Academy. During the Mexican war
he served as first lieutenant and captain in the Third Regiment,
Ohio Volunteers. He was a resident of Sparta at the outbreak
of the War of the Rebellion, having first visited and selected a
farm near that place in the summer of 1851. In the spring of
1861 he took an active part in the organization of the company
then being recruited here, giving it quite a thorough course of
lessons in discipline and drill. In August of the same year he
was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the Seventh AVisconsin
Volunteers, and served in that capacity until January 31, 1862,
when he was promoted colonel of the same regiment. He com-
manded the Seventh Wisconsin in the following named engage-
ments : Thornburg, Rappahannock Station, AVhite Sulphur
Springs, Gainsville, Fredericksburg, FitzHugh Crossing, Chan-
cellorsville. Laurel Hill and Bethesda Church, and the Iron
Brigade in the following: Brandy Station, Beverly Ford, Gettys-
burg, Birchland, AVilderness, November, 1863 ; Wine Run, Wil-
derness, 1864 ; Spottsylvania Courthouse, North Anna, Cold
Harbor and Petersburg. He was severely wounded in his left leg
at the battle of Gainsville, August 28, 1862, from the effects of
which wound he has never fully recovered. For services ren-
dered during the war he has recently been appointed United
States Consul at Lamatove, Madagascar.
Many of the newcomers of Sparta were in the war previous to
their coming here. J. AV. Currant, at one time register of deeds,
and Michael McComber each lost a limb in battle ; Rufus S.
and H. K. Dodge were also in the army. H. K. Dodge tells of
many occurrences of the war which are very remarkable and
which are not in history. One of these we will give here, the
truth of which the editor will not vouch for : Dodge was once
stationed at a point to repel a large force of rebels, a belt of trees
dividing the two armies. Air. Dodge finally got out of bullets
and substituted some balls of snuff, which the sutler had for sale.
The effect was wonderful. In a few minutes the whole rebel
army was sneezing, and they kept at it until consternation seized
them and they broke ranks and fled. Air. Dodge went in pur-
suit and was surprised on crossing the ground which they had
occupied to find it strewn with noses. He says he picked up
two and a half bushels of them. AA'hat use he made of them in
trade he does not say, and as he was the only person who knows
the information died with him.
The return of peace brought with it a renewed activity in
270 IILSTOKV UF .MoNKoK COL'NTV
business enterprises and llie growth of the comnuinity, wliich
had been interrupted b,y the war, contiiiind and many new names
were added to the roll, too many to here enumerate, among them
l)('ing Colonel Shuter and Dr. A. B. Niehols. who opened a
Tui'kisli l)ath estal)lishment nnder the AVarner House. This in-
stitution was conducted successfully for several years, and in
connection Avith artesian water Avhicli has mineral properties
became quite a resort for treatment of various diseases. In the
spring of 1865 the courthouse was built in Petit 's square, which
included the sheriff's dwelling, and in that year J. L. IMather
built tlu* Sparta paper mill, which a few years later was sold
to Farnham, Shuter & Co., who in turn sold it to 0. T. Newton,
and he continued to operate it up to the time of his death, when
it went to his sons, George and Harry, and having burned a few
years after Avhile owned by these boys it never was rebuilt. The
water power, however, is used in furnishing power for the elec-
tric light plant, which furnishes light and power to the city and
vicinity, running under the corporate name of 0. I. Newton Sons'
Co. Air. George Newtcn is at present the manager. The paper
mill at OIK" lime manufactured about 4,000 pounds of paper per
day and ('m])l<)y('d twenty men.
A new charter was obtained for the village from the Legisla-
ture, Alarch 24, 1866, and in the folloAving April a charter chH--
tion was held in which the following officers were elected: J. T.
Hemphill, president, and T. B. Tyler, 0. D. Randall, T. D. Steele,
AI. R. Gage, D. G. Jewett and C. C. Morrill, trustees; George C.
Farnham, clerk; II. E. Kelly, treasurer; Samuel Hoyt, police
justice; John Humphrey, marshal, and D. F. Stillman, street
commissioner.
About this time the hoj) fever had been raging over this part
of the country and large numbers of persons in Sparta and vicin-
ity had gone into the business. At one lime it is stated there were
over three hundred acres planted to hops within a mile of Sparta,
and the same condition of aifairs was true in ditferent ]>arts of
the county, especially around the two larger villages, Sparta and
Tomah, and the editoi- remembers with great ]>leasure some of
his experiences at "hop picking time,*' and it in those days be-
came a common thing to refer to events which took place at or
near ''hop i)icking time."
The firm of II. Palmer & Co. were, perhaps, the most exten-
sive dealci's in hops. The tirm was composed of, in addition to
Air. Palmer, U. Af. Cargill and John Alotl'at. They handled at
cue time as high as $500,000 Avorth.of hops annually.
THE CITY OF SPARTA 271
Another thing which struck this part of the country at this
time and caused great excitement was the rumor that oil had
been discovered in the valley of the Kickapoo river, which runs
along the southern portion of the county. A man named Ticknor,
Avho (daimed to be an oil operator from the oil regions of the
cast, jissured the people of the existence of oil in that section.
They visited the spot and saw crude petroleum boiling from the
spring; smelt it, tasted it and w^ere satisfied. And the times that
followed were indeed exciting for awhile. A "Gem Petroleum
Company" was formed in which this man Ticknor was the head
and a heavy stockholder ; lands were leased from farmers at
exorbitant prices in that section, and the capital of this celebrated
industry was the famous village now known as "Oil City."
Stocks in the oil company were in demand and everyone who
could raise enough money invested it in a share or more, and
this man Ticknor, in order to accommodate his friends, so to
speak, sold nearly all of his shares at a large advance.
During this time wells Avere being bored in the "oil" region
and after the stocks had been pretty well distributed it was
discovered that all they got from the wells was water, not oil;
then the bubble burst, for it was discovered that Ticknor had
sunk a barrel of crude petroleum under the spring for the
purpose of deceiving the people ; stocks went down and the Gem
Petroleum Company w^ent out of existence; the oil excitement,
much to be regretted, had practically ruined several good citi-
zens, financially.
It w'as discovered, however, in digging the Avells near the
Kickapoo river that the water was of remarkable purity and a
movement Avas set on foot to investigate the matter in the city
of Sparta, and sink a well ; a meeting of citizens Avas called
and a subscription taken u]^ to defray expense and George W.
Waring Avas engaged as chief engineer and commenced the Avork ;
a Avell Avas sunk in Petit 's square and floAving Avater Avas reached
at the very first attempt at the depth of three hundred and
fifteen feet, the Avell floAving one hundred gallons jjer minute,
and still fioAvs in the court house park. The medicinal qualities
of the Avater Avere soon discovered by the various citizens who
drank it, as a remedy for different diseases. It Avas used to
such an extent that the Avater was submitted to chemical analysis
and it Avas discovered that it w^as composed of v^arious minerals,
principally carbonate of iron, Avith a fair percentage of car-
bonate of magnesia and sulphate of soda, togetlier AA'ith various
solutions of lithia. ammonia, lime, calcium, sodium, iodide of
272 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
sodium, and several other ingredients. The carbonate of iron
was considered a fine tonic, as it helps digestion and reddens the
blood globules, and persons i)artaking of this water as a treat-
ment for general diseases were greatly l)enefited. Sparta became
somewhat famous as a health resort, people coming from long
distances to drink the Avaters and to take treatments at the
Turkish bath establishment. At the present time this business
has again Ix'cn icvived and the basement of the AVarner House
fitted up as a sanitarium.
In 1867 J. D. Condit purchased the Warner House and entered
into the management of it; this was a year in which consid-
erable building was accomplished, notal)ly, the woolen factory,
which was completed and put in operation in September; the
manufacture of printing pax)er at the paper mill was begun;
the brick building two stories high across from the Hotel Lewis
was built in this year and owned jointly by Palmer, Gage, T. B.
Tyler and Simpson & Co. A large brick school building was
erected on tlie site where the grade school now stands and the
building at that time was considered one of the best and cost
$18,000.
In looking over old newspaper files for this year, 1867, it
is amusing to know that a game of base-ball was played at
Tomah in July between the Sparta Eagles and Tomah Amateurs,
in which the score was fifty to thirty-five in favor of the Sparta
Eagles.
An income tax which is now the subject of so much discus-
sion is no ncAv thing in the state, as it was in existence during
the year 1867, but was finally discarded as a revenue measure.
An issue of the Sparta Democrat, May 28, 1867, contains a
statement published of the income taxes returned from the con-
gressional district, comprising Yornon, ]\ronroe, Juneau, Adams,
Jackson, Clark, Trempclcau, Uuft'alo, Pierce, St. Croix, Polk
and Burnett.
The Opera House block was l)uilt dui-ing 1S()7 and 1868 by
Herman Greve and is the building which is still known as
the old Opera block; J. A. Gilhnan built a grist mill on his land
in the southern jiortion of the city in 186S, having previously
straightened the river in order to make the water ])ower; and
the building of this mill created considerable litigation; the
Dodge Bi-others Company, of G. T., R. S. and II. K. Dodge, bought
a building on cornei- of ]\lain and AVater of S. D. Jackson in
1872 and engaginl in the iiuM-cantile business, which establish-
ment is still conducted at the old site in a fine brick department
THE CITY OF SPARTA 273
store building. The business is now known as the Dodge &
Davis Department Store Company, a Corporation.
Rice & Burton engaged in the grocery business at the corner
of Franklin and Water streets, the firm subsequently becoming
Burton & Graves, and they continued in business for several
long years and only retired in 1910. D. J. Lambourn opened a
drug store in 1870 and Ira A. Hill entered into the same business
in July, 1871. In 1872 L. M. Newbury and J. P. Ward erected a
large foundry, known as Sparta Iron AYorks. which has several
times been enlarged and is now owned and controlled by the
Canfield Brothers, Lee and Robert, and does a flourishing
business in the manufacture of well drilling machinery.
In 1873 the building of the Chicago and Northwestern Rail-
road through the village marked a new incident in its history;
and the Adllage, in order to get this railroad, paid the company
$50,000 and considerable difficulty arose over the issue of these
bonds in subsequent years, but they were all finally paid and
the village relieved from the burden of this great debt. These
bonds were voted by the citizens believing that the railroad
would open up for better trade, a very fertile region lying on
the southeast and especially from the Ridge country and beyond ;
though at this time there were several stage lines running out
of Sparta to Cataract, Wilton. Ontario and Viroqua ; these lines
were run on a regular scheduled time table like a railroad and
carried freight and passengers.
The next decade marked a very substantial growth to the
village, not only in building but in trade and general progress,
with the exception of a drawback or two caused by disastrous
fires. And in 1876, in common with villages and cities every-
where throughout the United States, Sparta held a fitting cele-
bration of the centennial year; not only the commemoration of
the one hundredth anniversary of the independence of this
country, but also to celebrate the progress of this hustling little
village.
In 1876 the Seminary building at the corner of I\Iain and K
streets was commenced in the latter part of September by the
Sisters of Charity of La Crosse ; this was the start of an institu-
tion which has grown to large proportions and become one of
the valuable educational institutions in this part of the state and
is treated more extensively at another place in this work.
On the 28th of September in this year occurred one of the
most disastrous fires which has ever visited the village or city;
it commencing at Lee & Palmer's livery stable, in which a large
274 TIISTOKY OF :\I0N1^0E COUNTY
I)art of their oquipinent, including fifteen horses, was lost, and
it spread on Water street and crossed over to Oak street and
destroyed Heller's dry goods store, then situated on the corner;
tlu' property which was 'hiinicd including the bus l)arii of
lIoll)rook & Lee; Heller building and stock of dry goods; the
building of James Francis; Henry Foster "luiildii^g and stock
of harness goods: the AVilliani Kerrigan building; J. X. AVag-
oner building; John Matchett Hotel and furniture; C. H. Ford
hop house and fixtures; G. B. Holden lost his valuable library;
the preparations for fighting fire were then not of the best, but
finally was checked, the total b)ss of something over $40,000,
which was a severe blow to the business interests of the village
at this time. Investigation failed to trace the cause of the fire,
although it was decided that it must have been of incendiary
origin. ]Most of the buildings were rebuilt soon after, including
the Heller block, which was erected in a more substantial man-
ner than ever and a new stock of goods bought and opened for
business within a year.
On the 22nd day of February, 1877, Sparta had been settled
for such a length of time tliat some of its citizens then considered
themselves "old settlers" and they liad a pioneer reunion in
the Ida Hall, one at which the loudest kind ot a time is recorded.
The principal movers in this celebration were C. B. ]Mc('lure,
Elsa Rice. T. B. Tyler, S. N. Dickinson, J. J. French. S. F. IIol-
brook, r. AV. IMcAIillan. AA\ H. Blyton, X. P. Lee, J. King, H.
Austin, Z. K. Jewett, J. B. Palmer.
In 1887 George Matchett assumed control of the Ida House,
which he conducted for several years. Thayer 6c Kingman
erected the brick building now occu])ied by the Alonroe County
Bank and in tlie same sunnner and at the same time J. A. Harvey
and Jacob Schram erecte<l l)ricl< blocks.
Early in 1877 an excavation was conunenced for the building
of the new AVarner House as it now stands and in 1879 the
celebration of tlie comjiletion of tliis building was undertaken
on a large scale; .). 1). Coiidil was owner and builder and the
citizens took part in this matter of so dedicating this fine hotel
structure in good style; committees were appointed which
included the names of prominent citizens in all of the lu^arby
villages and towns and invitations were issued quite generally
and which were responded to very lilierally. Guests arrived
from ^Milwaukee, La Crosse. AVin<ma, Tomah. Kendall. Black
River Falls, Alauston and even some from St. Paul and ]Minne-
apolis to join the festivity, and ;i baiuiuet was served, followed
THE CITY OF SPARTA 275
by dancing, whieh was kept up until the small hours of the
morning. The receipts of the occasion M'ere $765.50 and the
amount of enjoyment gotten out of the occasion by the partici-
pants was on an equally large scale.
On September 17 of this year Viroqua celebrated the opening
of the new railroad known as the "Viroqua Branch" from
Sparta through that city ; a special train was run and a large
number of the citizens participated in the celebration.
Having survived floods, fires, panics and other smaller draw-
backs it still remained for Sparta to have a cyclone and this
came in due time, striking the city about 9 :30 on the morning
of June 10, 1880, and for a time the destruction of the entire
city seemed imminent ; as it was, the Chicago, Mihvaukee & St.
Paul Railway engine house was wrecked; M. B. Oster's hop
house was bloAvn down; J. L. Woy's elevator was unroofed; the
depot school house was moved of¥ its foundation six or eight
feet while school was in session ; the roof was blown off the
D. D. Cheney building on Water street ; numerous chimneys
w^ere blowai down in different parts of the city; at the north
school house the teacher, Jessis McMillan, and one pupil were
struck by lightning; Patt ]\Ioss also experienced a shock and
was knocked fiat. The house of A. B. Holden was blown down
and the buildings on the fair ground wrecked.
In 1881 Sparta arrived at the dignity of having an opera
house with a real stage, which was completed in what was known
as the Old Opera block by Ira A. Hill and T. B. Tyler, who then
owned the building; the stage Avas nicely fitted up and equipped
with scenery and good setting was furnished for the house and
for a long term of years was the opera house for entertainments
of all kinds, including roller skating.
There Avas little of general interest during the next ten or
tweh^e years, Avith the exception of the fact that it Avas incorpo-
rated as a city in 1883 and during this period two of Sparta's
beautiful churches Avere erected and the armory building Avas
also put up ; in 1888 the Methodist Church congregation erected
and completed their ncAV church, Avhich has since been remodeled
and enlarged, hoAvever, but this building Avas the first real sub-
stantial structure OAvned by the ^Methodist Society.
In the folloAving year the daAvn of better municipal improve-
ments came Avith the purchase of ]M. A. Thayer of machinery
Avitli AA'hich to establish an electric light plant ; this Avas put into
operation in a year or tAvo with the main plant at the village of
Angelo, run by Avater poAver. This Avas the beginning of the
27G HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
excellent electric lighting system "vvliich is now enjoyed by the
inhabitants of the city, having been later acquired by the 0. I.
Newton Sons' Company and enlarged and improved so that at
the present time there are two plants, one at the Angelo dam and
the other at the old paper mill dam in the city, furnishing street
lighting and power for machinery and an excellent system of
lighting for stores and residences.
In 1889 the Congregational Socidy comi)leted its l)eautiful
church ; and to Dr. "William Crawford is due great credit for the
successful carrying out of this great undertaking. Few cities
of its size can boast of so beautiful a church structure; after two
and one-half years of struggle the society, on August 20, 1889,
held the dedicatory exercises and the church was opened fi»r
religious service.
Following the installation of an electric light plant an agita-
tion for a system of water works began in 1890. but owing to
the state of the city's finances during that year no move was
made to install such a system.
Sparta having maintained a military company for a great
many years, being known then as Company I of the Third Regi-
ment, Wisconsin National Guard, and the company having occu-
pied ditferent buildings during its career and suifered twice
from loss by fire, the patriotic citizens of the city got together
and formed an Armory Association ; George Dunn was elected
president and AVilliam II. Blyton secretary; this organization
took prompt steps towards the erection of a commodious armory;
stock was sold and money sufficient for the purpose collected,
and that year a contract for the building was let to J. AV. Blake,
of Viroqua, for $4,850; December 18, 1890, tlic Imilding was
opened for use by the public; the dedication was observed l)y
an address by John J. Esch, which was followed by a nuisical
entertainment, ])eing the production of a "Trial bv Jury," a
Gilbert and Sullivan opera given by local people; this building
was maintained for a number of years by the Armory Associa-
tion, being rented by the military company for its armory, and
has at various times been improved; it has now passed out of
the hands of the Armory Association, as the purpose of this
organization has been accomplished, and it is now owned by the
Abonita Guard Association, Avhicli is the civil organization
comprising the members of Comi)aiiy L of the Third Regiment,
AVisconsin National Guard, and such members as have served a
certain time of enlistment in the comi)any ; the society is prac-
THE CITY OF SPARTA 277
tieally free from debt and improvements are under contempla-
tion, to be made during the year 1912.
The Seventh Day Advent Church was erected and dedicated
by the society on the 31st day of May, 1890.
On August 19, 1891, the corner-stone of the Masonic Temple
on the corner of ]Main and Water streets was laid with impressive
ceremonies. Within the stone were deposited articles of his-
torical interest which may some day come to light. The building
has been greatly improved since then and is owned by the
Valley Lodge No. 60, Free and Accepted Masons.
Coming down to the year 1896, an unprecedented growth in
the city by the erection of business buildings, public buildings
and residences ; it perhaps marks the year of the greatest growth
that Sparta has ever enjoyed and the cost and number of the
buildings erected during that year are worthy of note ; a com-
plete list of all the money expended in building is not here given,
but the following is the list of the buildings erected :
High school, $23,000; grade school, $13,000; boiler house,
$850; depot primary, $500; state school buildings, $7,500; First
Baptist Church, $5,000; improvements on St. John's Church,
$400.
Business Buildings.— W. G. Williams, $8,000 ; W. C. Hoffman,
$3,000; E. E. Olen. $6,000; C. E. Rich, $1,500; Roelston & Rosing,
$3,800 ; Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul warehouse, $2,000 ; Ira A.
Hill, improvements to Opera block, $2,000.
Residences. — F. W. Swarthouse, $4,000 ; J. :M. Fanning. South
AYater street, $1,600; E. I. AYaring, Jefferson avenue, $700; H.
Ranum, Alontgomerj^ street, $1,000; Ben Phillips, East ]\Iain
street, $700 ; D. F. Jones, Water street, $1,500 ; C. E. Lake, Water
street, $2.000 ; J. E. Broadwell, Court street, $1,000 ; AY. W. Hub-
bard, Pearl street, $1,200; B. E. McCoy, South AYater street,
$700; Charles Abrahamson, South Water street, $1,200; J. P.
Rice, South Court street, $2,000; P. S. Sparling, $2,000; John
Smith, North Benton street,, $1,200; D. A. Baldwin, $1,800;
George H. Chaffee, Long Court street, five cottages aggregating
$7,300 ; George Newton, North AYater street, improvements,
$1,500.
The total amount which was put into buildings and improve-
ments for that year was $115,400.
It is noticeable how low the amounts are as compared with
the cost of building materials at the present day.
In the previous year, 1895, the Odd Fellows dedicated their
278 HISTORY OF MUXKOE COUNTY
new hall and in tlic following year, 1897, the Baptist Church
was finished and dedicated on the 7tli day of February, and
the year 1896 also saw the dedication of the magnificent new
court house erected by the county of ^Monroe; the exercises took
place on the Lith day of ]\Iarch in that year and were attended
by representatives from every town, village and city in the
county of ]\Ionroe ; the exercises were followed by a banquet in
the evening, with probably more oratory let loose than had ever
before been the case in IMonroe county, for it was a proud
occasion for the citizens of this county; they had erected and
completed a court house which is a model both for beauty and
usefulness. The excellent arrangement of the business offices
and court rooms and the provisions of ample vault space for
several long years to come, Avas a wise foresight of the building
committee.
]\Iilitary circles were astonished l)y the fact that Company I
of the Third Regiment, AVisconsiu National Guard, was mustered
out in 1895 and the citizens became thoroughly aroused with
regard to the necessity of giving more support to a military
company; steps were immediately taken to reorganize the com-
pany and a temporarj^ organization was perfected at which T. 0.
Thorbus was elected captain ; F. L. French, first lieutenant, and
R. B. ]\IcCoy, second lieutenant.
Enlistments were rapidly procured and on July 15, 1S9G, a
new company, known as Company L, Third Regiment, "Wisconsin
National Guard, was mustered in by Col. Charles King, the
adjutant general of the state of AVisconsin, the same official who
had mustered out Company I; R. B. IMcCoy Avas mustered in as
captain ; F. L. French as first lieutenant, and John P. Rice, second
lieutenant; a large audience attended the exercises and the
citizens of Sparta felt that they had redeiMued themselves in
this particular. But there is one thing Avhich this history will
not fail to record, and that is that while the citizens of Sparta
are patriotic, they have not at all times interested themselves
in the military company and it has ])een hard work for the
officers of the company to overcome the opposition which has
been oflfered t(t the enlistment of young men and it has been
difficult at times to nuiintain the company standard.
Under Captain jMcCoy the com])any Avas rapidly brought to
a high state of efficiency, and none too soon, for it Avas destined
to some actiA'e service. Trouble had been brcAving for some time
in Cuba and early in 1898 Avar being declared by this country
against Spain, there Avere exciting times in Sparta. To the
THE CITY OF SPARTA 279
President's call for troops Wisconsin quickly responded, and on
April 28th, with tiags flying, cheered by thousands of friends and
relatives, Company L boarded the special train which carried a
part of the Third regiment to Camp Harvey at Milwaukee. The
record of the company is told elsewhere and is a good one.
Spring, summer and fall passed slowly. The boys at the front
were sadly missed. Eagerly the newspapers were read for news
of them and a letter from one of the company in Porto Rico was
an event. The glad news flashed over the wires the latter part
of October that the Third regiment had landed in New York.
Great preparations were made to receive the company, and at
10 :30 a. m., October 30th, the company arrived, truly having the
appearance of veterans. The celebration was elaborate and joy-
ful, with a note of sadness for those who had been left behind.
The war over, business once more settled down to its usual
routine. Rumors came that the American Cigar Company de-
sired to establish a company in this part of the state for the sort-
ing of tobacco, and steps were immediately taken to secure the
locating of it, and the efforts of the citizens who had the matter
in charge were so successful that in May, 1899, assurance was
given that the plant would come to this city. Later on ground
was purchased and buildings were erected, which were completed
and opened for business January 12, 1902 ; a capacity for the
handling of 1,800,000 pounds of tobacco, or about 60,000 cases,
and during the sorting season the plant employs in the neigh-
borhood of 400 hands.
Other good news came to Sparta in 1899, and that was the
purpose of H. J. Heintz to erect a salting station in this city,
which was done in that year, and subsequently enlarged, proving
a great benefit to the farmers in the vicinity in encouraging the
raising of cucumbers for pickles, for v\^hich a good price is paid.
AVhat proved to be the most disastrous flood ever experienced
in this city, or even in the county, occurred on the night of June
11th and 12th of 1899. The day had been pleasant up until 6
o'clock in the evening, when a storm gathered and broke over
the city. For a time there was a bombardment of hail with it,
then it settled down to a steady downpour of rain, which con-
tinued hour after hour nearly all night. An immense amount of
water fell. The streams, brooks and rivers, especially the
LaCrosse river and Beaver creek both ran over their banks and
every creek and little rivulet in this part of the country over-
flowed, washed out roads, cultivated fields and bridges and
caused great damage. The city got the full force of the storm
280 HISTORY OF MoXROE COUNTY
and tlie desti'iirtioii ul' the Bacon dam followed the flood which
came down l^eaver creek. Lnmber, boards, and even a hay stack
or two were washed in with the torrent and lodged against the
Bacon dam, and in spite of all that Mr. Jiacon, with what help
he could procure, could do, they were finally compelled to desist
and the structure w'cnt out and was swept away down the stream.
AVith the rush of this tremendous force against the northwest
corner of the Conover building, which stood near the dam, it
was seen that the building Avas in danger. IMr. Conover and his
wife, who lived on the second floor of the building, were unaware
of the situation, and being warned they took what clothing they
could carry and escaped from the building just before it was
undermined and sw^ept info the flood. It fell into the flood and
the water drove the ruins of the building against the bridge on
"Water street, and then with a tremendous noise it was hurled
under the bridge and strewn all along the stream. Not a vestige
of the building was left where if had stood. It was completely
swept away and swallowed up by the flood. The C. E. Kich
building next to it was threatened for some time, but the flood
receded. Forces were organized tow^ard morning and with ])ags
of sand and trunks of trees kept the flood away from the build-
ing. Walrath creek rose to a tremendous height and swept out
the ^Miller and Kasen dam, which had just been completed from
a former flood. Telephone lines were dow^n and all the bridges
in the city except two -were out of commission. The road to the
Northwestern depot for some time was under two or three feet
of wafer, and the whole river bottom below the paper mill was
covered, while the houses adjoining the banks were partially sub-
merged. The night of June 11th Avas a wild night in the city, one
long to be remembered, for it seemed for a time as though the
tremendous flood "woidd carry away a i)()rfion of the business
buildings whiili were situated next to Beaver creek, and luckily
no lives were lost. No estimate has been made of the actual
damage, but it reached a large sum.
For the second time Avithin the period of little over a year
Sparta experienced another serious flood on the nights of Octo-
l)er 27th and 28th. Beaver creek, running through the heart of
the city, Avith a reputation for mischief of many years past, rose
to the highest point if had ever reached, and OAving to the fact
that the tAvo dams upon it Avere in better shape to resist the flood
than ever before, no great damage Avas done. The Bacon and
Evans dams, hoAvever, both Aveut out eventually Avifhout any in-
jury to any of the buildings around its banks, but flie bridge
THE CITY OF SPARTA 281
approaches at Montgomery, Main and Oak streets were severely
damaged and the abutments of the Oak street bridge were so
badly torn that they had to be rebuilt. The LaCrosse river also
rose rapidly and flooded the low sections between Railroad street
and Court street, which looked so threatening that the fire alarm
was rang and the people routed out. The LaCrosse river reached
such a height on Long court and the flat in front of it that the
sidewalk to the Northwestern depot was carried over to the west
side of the street, and some of the dwellings were flooded. Quite
serious damage was done at the Newton plant at Angelo, where
they Avere making extensive repairs to the dam. The coffer-dam
was carried out and the whole plant had a narrow escape from
destruction.
As a result of correspondence conducted in the previous year
or two Dr. F. P. Stiles received a letter dated February 8, 1902,
from Andrew Carnegie, agreeing to give $10,000 to the city of
Sparta for the erection of a public library. The city council ac-
cepted the offer, which resulted in the handsome building now oc-
cupied by the city library, which has proven to be a great boom
to the people of the city.
In 1903 the citizens of Sparta planned and carried out a
Fourth of July celebration which is worthy of note. The prepara-
tions were elaborate and quite unique. After an immense parade
in the morning with the usual exercises, in the afternoon, upon
stages which had been erected in the street, free performances
were given for the people by artists hired for that purpose, which
continued during the entire afternoon and evening. This method
was so successful that it has been carried on in many of the large
cities of the state in celebrations of this character.
In December, 1903, the city of Sparta took an appeal from the
equalization of assessments made by the county board to the cir-
cuit court of Monroe county. The board appointed Van S. Ben-
nett, of Viroqua ; Chester Lyon, of Mauston, and C. S. Van Auken,
of LaCrosse, as the commissioners. After a thorough investiga-
tion and a hearing at which a large number of witnesses were
sworn, the commission found in favor of the city of Sparta and
reduced the assessed valuation of the city from $1,957,000 to
$1,859,150, a reduction of about $88,000.
The year 1904 marked the passing away of several of Sparta's
most prominent citizens. On February 16, 1904, David D. Cheney
died at Biloxi, Miss. ]\Ir. Cheney was one of the pioneers
in the city of Sparta, a man who had accumulated large wealth
by reason of his excellent business ability.
282 HI STORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
Soon afterwai'ds the news flashed over tlie Avires from Pasa-
dena, Cal., that Ira A. Hill, one of Sjiartn's most prominent
citizens, had died in that city on that date.
An event of some historical importance occurretl on June o,
1904, when the famons Li1)erty Bell, from the old statehonse in
Boston, passed lliroii^ii iicrc. being taken on a trip Hirouyh the
country so tluit llic people migfht see this famons bell. The spe-
cial ti'iiin carrying- it ni'i-ived hitc in the afternoon and halted at
the station for about ;i luilf hour, giving llic thousands of people
Avho had collected ample opportunity to view it. AVlien the train
pulled out three mighty cheers were given for the "Old Liberty
Bell.'' It certainly was a lesson to see the reverence with which
this object was viewed by the people generally.
On Sunday morning, January 22, 1905, the St. Patrick's
Catholic church was totally destroyed by fire. The fire started
in the basement and before it could be brought under control the
entire church was enveloped in the flames. It was an old wooden
building, which had been first erected in 1867 down near the
^Milwaukee depot and moved to the present location in 1877. In
1883 St. Patrick's congregation was incorporated. The congre-
gation luckily had $1,500 of insurance on the building, so that it
was not a total loss. Steps were innnediately taken for the erec-
tion of the handsome new chiu'ch, and on Sunday, June 24, 1905,
the corner-stone of the new edifice was laid Avith impressive cere-
monies by Bishop Sch.weboch, of LaCrosse, and on June 5, 1907.
the bishop again visited the church and presided at the dedica-
tion ceremonies, which were very elaborate. The equal of this
beautiful Iniilding is hard to find in a city of this size anywhere
in the state of AVisconsin. Its magnificent proportions are very
sightly and tlie interior is handsonu^ly appointed and decorated.
On October 2(j, 27 and 2S the Western Wisconsin Teachers'
Association held its session in this city. There was an attendance
of over 600 teachers, with several prominent educators, among
them C. P. Cary, state superintendent of pul)lic instruction. This
meeting Avas procured by the efforts of Prof. F. M. J.u-k, who
Avas then superintendent of the Sparta schools. The sessions of
the associ.'ilidu were very interesting and instructive and tlie
pul)lic addresses delivered by Mr. Cary ;md othei-s were greatly
enjoyed liy tlu^ citizens of Sparta.
After a long series of years in Avhich effoi-ts hatl been made
to collect sufficient funds, the soldiers' monument Avas at last
completed. It Avas placed in the North park, and on May 30.
1905. it Avas formally dedicated and presented to the city. The
THE CITY OF SPARTA 283
celebration was in charge of John W. Lynn post, Grand Army of
the Republic, and a general invitation was issued to the citizens
of the county to participate. The Henry AV. Cressy post, G. A. R.,
of Touiah, came over, accompanied by their friends, 150 strong,
bringing their drum corps; and a large representation was present
from the towns, villages and cities of the county. A dinner was
served at the armory from 11:30 to 12:30, and in the afternoon a
great parade, led by the Sparta band of twenty-five pieces, headed
by Company L and the Grand Army veterans, passed through
the streets to North park, where the formal exercises were held.
After an address by INlr. Beebe, giving the history of the monu-
ment, it was presented to the city by AY. H. Blyton, and accepted
in behalf of the city by A. J. Carnahan, president of the city
council, after which an eloquent address was delivered by Con-
gressman John J. Esch. Perhaps to Dr. D. C. Beebe more than
any one man is credit due for the success of this great under-
taking. He exerted great efforts to bring it about, and it was
one of the proud moments of his life that he was able to stand
before it and deliver his address, reciting the struggles wiiich
had been gone through to accomplish it.
On ]May 17, 1907, the new Bank of Sparta building was com-
pleted and opened for business ; truly a handsome building, one
of the best to be found in this part of the state, and reflects great
credit upon its builders and the institution.
Sparta has had its full share of fire and floods, especially
floods, and another disastrous one was experienced July 21, 1907.
At this time, however, the damage which was done was not very
serious and confined more to one locality in the city. The old
IMiller and Kaiser dam at the City mills, near the St. Paul depot,
then owned by Bergman Brothers, again went out and the flood
swept away the railroad bridge just below it. The bridge on East
avenue was also let down on one end and so badly racked that
it was some time before it was repaired so that travel could go
over it.
October 10th the local camps of Independent Order of Odd
Fellows entertained the state grand encampment of Odd Fellows.
IMany visitors were present and there was a large attendance of
delegates from all over the state.
During 1908 a number of municipal improvements were under-
taken, especially with regard to the sewer system in various
parts of the city, and the year marked also the inauguration of
the free letter carrier system by the post office department. This
went into operation June 1, the city having been divided into
284 iiiSTUKV UK ,MONKOE CULNTV
three districts, and as a result of civil service examinations here
for the purpose, K. A. Merrill, J. R. Pulinan and IT. G. Angle were
appointed carriers.
Dr. D. C. Beebe, who was postmaster at the time the service
was inaugurated, lived long enough to see it in full operation
when he passed away on June 9, 1908, one of Sparta's most pro-
gressive and best loved citizens.
This year is also marked by taking from the ranks of its prom-
inent men, Kufus S, Dodge, a pioneer merchant, wlio died July
31, 1908, very suddenly. Tlie business which bears his name is
one which has attracted attention to the city of Sparta, and is
today its principal mercantile establishment.
An event of unusual interest in musical circles was a band
carnival held on September 2 and 3, 1908, which was participated
in by two regimental bands, the Third Regiment band from
Viroqua and the First Regiment band of Baraboo, together with
bands from Reedsburg, Tomah and Sparta. They were consoli-
dated into one huge organization, which gave a parade in tlu^
business portions of the city, making a volume of tone which
sounded like an immense pipe organ. Band concerts, horse rac-
ing and various sports furnished amusement and enjoyment to
the vast throng of Sparta people and visitors who participated.
The Fair store, opposite the Hotel Lewis, was discovered to be
on fire early in the morning of January 31, 1909, and for a time
the entire block of business buildings was threatened. The
weather Avas ])itterly cold, l)ut the firemen succeeded in confining
the blaze in this building, which was completely l)ui'n<Ml inside,
and the stock of general merchandise, owned by Sam Herch, was
a total loss.
Henry Esch, father of Congressman John J. Esch, and one
of the pioneer residents of the county, passed away early in April
at a ripe old age.
Death also claimed T. 0. Tliorl)us on September 28. 1909. alter
a brief illness. ]Mr. Thornbus was a very public-spirited citizen
and held a prominent place in the community for many years.
December, 3909, marked the forming of the Jefferson Leaf
Tobacco Company, under the management of \V. T. Jefferson,
formerly manager of the American Cigar Coinpany plant in
Sparta. The Jefferson company was incorjiorated and imme-
diately secured the Shattuck building on Oak street, where the
])usiness of buying and selling tobacco is now conducted on a
large scale.
A much-needed improvement was made by the city in the
THE CITY OF SPARTA 285
spring and summer of 1910 in tearing up the old cedar pavement
on "Water street, from Franklin street south for several bloc-ks,
and putting in brick pavement with a solid concrete foundation.
The work cost about $10,000, the most of which was borne by the
adjacent property.
Old residents were made happy in ]\Iay by a visit of Gov.
James N. Gillett, of California, to his boyhood home. Sparta
claims Governor ''Jim" as its own, and he seemed to enjoy meet-
ing old friends and acquaintances immensely and spent several
days looking them up. The governor is one of the tine examples
of what an American boy, without advantages, can make of him-
self, and his autobiography in another chapter should be read by
everyone.
On IMay 25, 1910. at precisely 2:48 in the afternoon, the
first spike was driven on the ^Milwaukee, Sparta & Northwestern
Railway at the starting point of this new road in this city. The
honor of performing this ceremony was given to AVilliam M.
Forseman, the agent of the Northwestern company at Sparta, and
was accomplished in the presence of several officials of the new
company and many citizens, thus marking another epoch in the
railway history of the city of Sparta and one which undoubtedly
will prove to its advantages in the future.
After long efforts Congressman Esch was enabled to wire to
Postmaster Brandt in June, 1910, the good news that he had se-
cured an appropriation of $60,000 with which to purchase a site
and erect a government postoffice building in Sparta. Later on
the postoffice department sent a representative to the city to
select a site, and after a thorough investigation this official an-
nounced his decision, favoring the lots back of the AYarner House
on the corner of Main and Court streets, including the Hemstock
dray barn property. This site Avas subsequently purchased and
a commodious postoffice building, containing offices for the offi-
cials of the government military reservation, will undoubtedly be
erected within a year or two from the publication of this M'ork.
Two of Sparta's pioneer citizens passed away in 1911. L. S.
Fisher, many years postmaster, died March 17th, and John
Moffat, one of the earliest settlers, who did much in the upbuild-
ing of Sparta, died ]\Iarch 27th.
The year as a whole was uneventful, marked onlv bv the nat-
ural growth of business, retarded somewhat by the rather strin-
gent financial situation which prevailed for a time throughout the
country.
The Sparta of 1912 is truly a beautiful, progressive, modern
286 HISTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
littk' city, Avith its 4,0(10 pcoj)!!' l)iisy in vai-ioiis Avalks of life; its
miles of paved .streets, with beautiful lioulevards in some por-
tions; a little city whose inhal)itants have given it a reputation
not only for business, })ut as a eleanly and well kept town; care-
fully elip|)f(l lawns, well li'iuimcd sliadc trees, homes neatly
painted, all combine in the title so often heard, "Beautiful
Sparta.''
CHAPTER XXVI.
SPARTA SCHOOLS.
A woman, a rare and noble soul, whose name is numbered
among the pioneers of '55, was given the task of first establishing
the cause of education in the little village on the banks of
Beaver creek, and it was not a task which she undertook at a
request of any school board, but because she was a large-hearted,
kind woman, well educated and bright, whose pity was aroused
by the children of this little village roaming the streets without
school advantages, that Elizabeth Trux voluntarily assumed the
duties of teacher, procured a room and gathered around her
eighteen pupils and thus inaugurated the cause of education in
Sparta, aud it grew mightily with the passage of time, from
1855, when the first school house was built, to the present. Her
own language will convey the difficulty which was encountered
by ]\Irs. Trux in this little pioneer school, and we here quote
from an article written by her in 1897 the following:
"As there was no school here Avhen we came and I had had
some experience as a teacher, I opened a school on the 6th day
of April, 1855, with eighteen children. Besides teaching them
to read and spell I taught them to sew and to work perforated
cardboard and often kept them with me for company until tea
time, sometimes taking them out to pick flowers and Avinter-
greens ; I think they were all very happy and I am sure I was,
for I loved the little ones dearly. There was at that time a frame
building on the corner of Oak and "Water streets, now occupied
by the Williams block, facing Oak street, containing three rooms.
One was ]\Ir. S. D. Jackson's store, another the postoffice, and
as the other had just been vacated we were fortunate to secure it.
Here we kept house and taught school in the same room. In
about two weeks jMr. Pott and J\lr. Scheler with their families
came from Pennsylvania and bought the building, so we were
obliged to move into one room of what was known as the 'Old
Log Fort,' which stood just back of where Mr. Foster's harness
store now stands, facing Water street. Mr. Thomas Blyton's
people lived in the next room and another family in the back
287
288 HISTORY OF :\rONKOE COUNTY
room. Uur room contained onr cook stove, l)ed, and such other
furniture as ■we possessed, witli the same benches made of slabs
that we had in the other school room. More children came until
Avo had twenty-eight in that small room and it was pretty well
tilh'd. In a few weeks ]\lr. Blyton's people moved into a house
they had built and I had the room they vacated for a school
room ; new families came with more children, and our number
increased until we had forty-seven. "When tlie school had been
rnnning a little more than tAvo months Mr. Edward Canfield, who
owned the house, came from Connecticut Avith his family and
Avanted the Avhole of it. so the school had to be giA'en up for
Avant of a room in Avhich to hold it.
"In June the first school house Avas built on tlie present site
of the West Primary and is noAv occupied as a residence in the
southAvestern part of the city.
"Miss Ann Shepherd, an experienced teacher from Fond du
Lac, Avas the first teacher in the first public school. I taught
as a substitute for her for one month Avhile she Avas sick, and
such a school Avas never taught before ; there Avere one hundred
pupils of all ages, from all parts of the county, Avith the books
they had brought Avith them, and as there Avere no books to be
bought in Sparta, there Avere no two books alike, Avhich made
each pupil a separate class, and made it \'ery hard for the
teacher, as avcII as for the scholars. I sometimes Avonder if the
members of our schools at the present time can appreciate the
Avonderful |)i-iviloges they have in getting an education."
Pioneer days in the schools Avere pretty much alike in this
county, a story of struggles for better things, better school houses,
better equipments, better teachers, better everything that starts
the young American on his Avay in the Avorld Avith something of
an education, Avhether he is rich or poor; and progress at times
found hanging on her skirt the old saying, "What is good enough
for our forefathers is good enough for us" fallacy, but be it
said to the credit of the good sense of the citizens of Sparta
exercised as a Avhole that running through all the years has been
a disposition to give to the schools anything Avhich in reason
ought to l)e provided, a loyalty Avhich has borne rich fruit in
the past and Avill continue to do so in the future.
Perluips there is no subject more choice to the people than
the history of the schools of any community, for in a great degree
characters are built, careers mapped out. iuul i)erhaps men of
history here receive the fundamental education upon Avhich to
SPAKTA SCHOOLS 289
build for the future. But of the details of the earlier years little
can be gathered; with the gradual change of methods and better
equipments the village schools kept pace with modern methods,
resulting in the establishment of a high school which was accom-
plished during the time of Professor Bloomingdale. Of him no
better description can be given than that which is contained in
an article written by Dr. D. C. Beebe in 1897, after long service
on the school board, from which we quote as follows :
"I see way back in the '60s an important personage in educa-
tional affairs here. He really is the pioneer, for no worthy
pretentions to aggressive educational work were made here
before his time. He was rough in manner, untidy in dress, of
strong personality, had a tender heart, and an unflinching cour-
age that never forsook his convictions, let come what would.
Closely allied and almost inseparable, w^as the educational insti-
tution of the place at that time — the new brick school building
just finished and equipped.
"Prof. J. Bloomingdale was not only principal and superin-
tendent of the Sparta schools, but he was the oracle, the com-
pendium, the beginning and end of all matters that savored of
public education. He planned with great nicety the new school
building, and superintended its construction with jealous care;
and when it was completed, it was to him the embodiment of all
that was then worth knowing in school architecture. I remem-
ber distinctly the first quasi-theatrical that I enjoyed in the new.
building on one public Friday. It was a grand success. The
house was filled Avith proud fathers and mothers. The stage
appointments were admirable, and the costumes of the players
all that the delighted patrons could wish. The principal, with
unshaven face and bushy, frouzled hair, seemed enveloped in a
halo of glory as the good work went on.
"Professor Bloomingdale was a type and teacher of the old
school, and as such he held the ground without a rival. Death
called him home before his eyes ever saw the dawn of the new
educational era. AYhat seemed to him to be the acme of school-
house perfection fell far short of what is demanded for our
children today. ' '
The building mentioned in the foregoing quotation was the
brick high school building built on the present site of the
grade school in 1868-69 at a cost of about $13,000, and was con-
sidered at that time as a high school building well in advance
of the usual buildings devoted to this purpose. How the school
290 niSTOHY OF MOXUOE COUNTY
systi'iii developed is eoiieisely Mild (Mitirely described hy AVilliam
J I. JMytou in iin .irtiele on llie Sparta S(.'lio(,ls, from wliieh we
quote very i'rcely as follows:
"Prior to ]87() the progress of our sehools Avas retarded by
false notions of economy. To 1)e sure, we lind built fi'om lime
to time fairly good school buildings, but evidently hut little care
Avas given to the matter of selecting experienced teachers. If a
suitable and competent principal Avas secured it seemed to be the
policy of the authorities to fill the other places in the schools
at the lowest possible cost. Not until after a special meeting of
the electors of the district, Avliich was held on the 27th of July,
1876, at which time the people there present unanimously re-
solved to organize a free high school district under the laAV of
the state, being chapter 322, general laAvs of 1875, Avas sufficient
attention given to the selection of sul)ordinate teachers and
adoptiiig Avholesome rules and regulations. AVhen this Avas done
the school seemed to at once spring into neAV life and began to
attract attention. Sparta schools had been under the immediate
care and direction of Professors Bloomingdale, Smith, Cummings,
AVinter and Clark, and the corps of teachers liaA^e been increased
from seven in 1870 to sixteen in 1897. The question of providing
more and better accommodations for the school appeared to liaA^e
been settled for all time, as many of our people then supposed, by
the erection of the high school building in 1868-69 at a cost of
$13,000, but as the population of the district increased the demand
for more and better school buildings became so f>ressing that not-
Avithstanding the additions and alterations heretofore made to
the several buildings the school board iit the annual district meet-
ing on July 1, 1895, reported as folloAvs :
" 'The problem of Avhat Ave are to do Avitli oui- overeroAvded
school Avithout more school loom. has conl'ronted the school board
for more than a year. When the present high school building
Avas built the school census of the district shoAved betAveen oOO
and 600 ehildi'en of school age, tln^ census just taken shoAVS over
one thousand children of school age. It has finally come to this —
something must be done, some plan must be devised that Avill re-
lieve these overeroAvded schools or they Avill greatly suffer for
the ensuing yeai". Indeed, if no relief is provided the board is
of tile opinion thai the half-day plan should be a(lo])ted and
preferable to crowding so many pupils together.' Upon the fore-
going report and at the suggestion of many citizens the people
Avere jirompted to act, and the result Avas finally recorded on July
8, 1895, by the adoption of proper b^gal resolutions authorizing
SPARTA SCHOOLS 291
tlie raising of necessary funds to purchase additional ground and
to build a new high school building."
"The school board immediately took the proper steps to secure
the necessary ground, caused plans and specifications to be pre-
pared for such new building, and on the 26th day of September,
1895, awarded the contract for the ncAV building to L. V.
Huschka, of Sparta, for the sum of $18,379.66, and work thereon
was promptly begun, and the present high school building was
completed and ready for occupancy September 1, 1896. The
destruction of the old high school building by fire on December
2, 1895, again called for prompt action and an additional outlay
of money. Again the people were assembled in special meeting
on December 30, 1895, to authorize the construction of a new
building to take the place of the one destroyed, which was done
without a dissenting voice. On July 6, 1896, at the annual meet-
ing of the district, more money was voted and the result of the
action of the taxpayers in tiie district is the two fine, substantial
school buildings of which we are all so justly proud. AYith the
loss of the West Primary building by fire on January 3, 1892. the
high school building on December 2, 1895, and the AY. C. T. U.
building, in Avhie-h the high school Avas temporarily located, on
April 6, 1896, it will be seen that the duties of the school officers
and teachers have not been altogether easy to perform and the
demands on the taxpayers by no means light. How^ever. we have
survived and today M^e are in possession of fine buildings and
equipments which have cost as follows :
"High school building, $18,379.66; seating and furnishing,
$938.75 ; intermediate building, $12,280 ; seating and furnishing,
$628.55; Depot school building, $601.05; boiler house and boiler,
$1,703; East Primary building, $1,200; AYest Primary building,
$1,020.55; estimated value of school grounds, $9,800; making a
grand total of $49,551.56 invested for school purposes. The an-
nual current expenses of conducting the schools have increased
from $6,668.21 in 1876 to $11,617.76, being an increase of
$4,919.52. AYhile this is cpiite a large increase it is not so large in
proportion as the increase in the number of scholars."
The above article, written in 1897, certainty shows a remark-
able amount of progress made in the building of buildings and
equipping the high school and the ward schools of the city, and
since that time new school houses have been built for the depot
primary and the east and west primaries so that the buildings
now owned l)y the school district are all modern and up-to-date
in every particular, and with the addition of a department of
292 HISTORY OF .AlOXKOE COUNTY
domestic science and anotlier of manual training in connection
-svitli the high school, has brought the Sparta schools down to the
present time as thoroughly ecpiipped and efficiently managed,
giving all the advantages that any high school in the state can
offer, except, perhaps, not as complete equipped in the laboratory
for scientific investigation or as large a reference library as is
desirable.
Tlie training of the child has indeed largely changed in the
last forty or fifty years; not only in the course of study arranged
for his benefit mentally, but also much attention is paid to the
pliysical growth and restraints of bad habits of body. Sensible,
muscle-making and health-giving athletic exercises are now rec-
ognized as of imperative importance. A substantial foundation
for special or professional work is now laid in the high school.
For not only is domestic science and manual training taught, but
stenography, typewriting, bookkeeping and commercial pursuits
are also a part of the courses of study. Scientific methods of in-
quiry on particular lines of knowledge as developed through
laboratory work and in other ways in bringing practical educa-
tion to every high school student, in fact, in all lines and in all
courses of study the Sparta high school has proved to be one of
the best and has turned out many fine examples of young Ameri-
can manhood and Avomanhood. whose careers as citizens in various
parts of the country have demonstrated the thoroughness with
which the foundition of their education and physical lives was
wrought.
"ATHLETICS."
In the earlier days in the high school baseball was more or
less prominent, and in fact was the principal game to wliich at-
tention Avas devoted by the students, and perlmj)s was never
better played than in the time of Professor AVinters. At that
time the McCoy boys, S. H. Burroughs, Palmer. Reck brothers.
Caliioun and Leyden were almost expert players. Later came
Gould, Burr and ^Moseley, who had foremost parts in connection
Avith the game. In the spring of '96 Sparta won the champion-
shij) of the AVestern AVisconsin High Schools for ])aseball. Track
and field athletics began with the advent of ^Ir. A. F. Barnard
as a teacher in the school during '94 and '95. A field day was
held in June, 189."). l)etween tlie ^lauston and Sparta schools at
the latter place, and Sparta won many of the events. This was
nothing more than a start, however, and during the succeeding
year a league was formed called "The West AVisconsin High
SPARTA SCHOOLS 293
School Athletic League,"" which had in view the promotion and
maintenance of general athletics and comprising the towns of Vi-
roqua. Tomah, JMauston and Sparta, and the field day between
the teams representing these several towns was held at Sparta,
June 6, 1896. This league was maintained for two or three years,
l)ut owing to the lack of support on the part of the various or-
ganizations, it was finally dropped.
It is to be regretted that more records were not kept of the
various athletic events during the past years with which the
high school has been connected, but as a rule since '96, when
athletics took in a larger field of events, including football and
the ordinary track and field sports, the Sparta high school has
maintained a prominent place in high school athletics and at
times has taken a championship or two.
Particular attention during the latter years has been paid to
the football team, and perhaps the greatest success was attained
by the team of 1908, under the captainship of Earle Jefferson,
when the Sparta team, having defeated LaCrosse in past contests
for seven straight times on the home grounds, an exciting game
was played at LaCrosse between the two teams on Thanksgiving
day. Fully five hundred people went to LaCrosse on that day to
witness the game and give moral and ''vocal" support to the
Sparta team. The game was close, well contested and exciting
throughout, the score finally being twelve to ten in favor of
Sparta, and this added eight straight victories over LaCrosse. It
was indeed a victory, for LaCrosse had been very energetic in
perfecting her team and had gone to considerable expense in
employing a coach, the home team having been coached l)y Dr.
Barlow, a dentist residing in the city, himself an athlete and
deeply interested in everything that pertained to athletics. An
athletic association exists in connection with the high school to
which students are eligible, and it is connected with the Inter-
scholastic Athletic Association of AVisconsin, under the rules of
which all contests are held.
THE SPARTAN.
A little quarterly magazine, entiled The Spartan, is published
by the students of the high school, which originated in the early
part of the fall term of 1885. Numerous publications were
received from different schools and colleges in Wisconsin and
the neighboring states, among them being the University Press
and Badger of our own state. As these papers continued to arrive
and were almost invariably accompanied by requests for an ex-
29-t HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
cliaii^c. tlic idea yratlually sugyi-stt'd ilself that tlie liigli school
might be able to get out a journal of its own, and after consider-
able investigation it was finally decided to i)ul)lisii a school ])ai)ci-,
and witli that end in xicw tlic studcnls ])i-oceeded to elect a board
of editors, and The Spartan made its first appearance on the 20th
of November, 1880. In its first issue the purpose of the publica-
tion was set torlli as follows:
The Spai'tan aims first, to ])e a true representative of the
Sparta High School. It is to be the pi-oduction of the scholars
as a body. Its columns will always be open for the expression of
honest opinions, and the only test for the admission of articles
will be merit and originality. We purpose to insert each montli
several original essays on live subjects, subjects that will Ite
interesting both to the students and to the community at large.
No pains will be spared in iiuiking the alumni column one of the
most valual)lo departments of llie paper, for we wish The Spartan
to be indispensable to all graduates and former students of the
school." The editorial board of the publication was selected
from different classes, each class having one or more represent-
atives. At the outset it was the intention to publish the pai)er
once each month, but oAving to the amount of school work tnat
was not always found adv«isable, so that it resolved publications
of four numbers each year.
Outside of the articles coutril)uted by students there have
been frequent articles by the alunnii and former members of the
school, which, from time to time, have proved of great interest.
It is the plan of each board of editors to produce an attractive
and valuable magazine, and particular attention is paid to the
printing and illustrations. The paper is supported pi-incipally
from subscriptions of the students and alumni and (piite an
amount is also received from advertisements, and the business
and professional nu'u of the city are glad to render assistance to
this meritoi'ious work by giving small advertisements, which are
carried throughout the yeai'. The little paper has proved to be
of considerable value in |>n'S('rviiig in. this form tlu^ records of
graduating classes and of some atliletic events, and also oratorical
contests and debates. It was published for two years. com]ileting
two volumes of eight nund)ers each, aftei- which the publication
was di'opped for a luuuber of years. Jt was finally revived in
1898 and 1ms been published continuously ever since, having
reached its fifteenth \olume in the school year of 1911 and 1912,
and now is one of the pcnnaiiciit institutions of the high school.
SPARTA SCHOOLS 295
SOCIETIES.
Numerous societies sprung up, had their day, and were no
more, especially those of a musical nature, although in 1908,
1909 and 1910 a very creditable glee club was maintained among
the boys of the high school known as the ''Owl Glee Club." It
has a membership of something like twenty voices, and was quite
successful in its work. There was also a girls' glee club, called
the "Greig Choral Society," and in the fall of 1909 a high school
orchestra made its bow to the public and proved to be a very
popular organization during its one or two seasons of existence.
The oldest society in point of years is the Jefferson Debating
Club for boys, which was organized during the fall of 1897 and
has been in existence ever since. This is a society conducting de-
bates and literary exercises and has developed good material and
furnished several debating teams, which in the past has held
up the honor of Sparta High in contests Avith other schools.
The Girls' Athena Society, a debating club, is also successfully
maintained, and its meetings have proved to be interesting and
instructive to its members. The athletic society has been
previously mentioned. But, perhaps, the most interesting asso-
ciation from the point of its membership is, of course, the
Alumni Association, which numbers as its members all of the
living graduates of the Sparta High School. This association
meets once a year, during the holiday season, between Christmas
and New Year's, and indulges usually in a reception and a ban-
quet, followed by a program of varied interest.
This society numbers among its members many who have
achieved prominence in different walks of life. They are scat-
tered in many states and to attempt to enumerate them would
be a task indeed, and we will be content with mentioning here
some of the more prominent. Of course there comes to the mind
at once the name of John J. Esch, who has achieved a national
reputation in congress as the representative from this district ;
Frank Oster, Julian Bennett and Howard Teasdale, all have
been mentioned in a previous chapter on the legal fraternity ;
Corwin J. Steele, of the class of '77, became a prominent physician
at Milwaukee, AVis. ; Dr. Carl Beebe and Dr. Spencer Beebe,
now both of this city, prominent physicians in this part of the
state ; Dr. Albert J. Miller, of the class of '92, who served in the
Philippines in the United States troops, and is now located in
California; A. R. Smith, of '87, an attorney practicing at Bara-
296 HISTORY OF :\rONROE COUNTY
1)00; R. B. ]\U-Coy. at i)resent county judge of IMonroe county;
S. R. Burrouglis, quite prominent in insurance circles, who en-
gages ill luisiness now in Sparta. There are c|uite a number of
the legal fraternity who did not graduate from the Sparta High
School but received a portion of thcii- education in it. who are all
referred to in a previous chapter on the "legal fraternity."
Among the alumna^ may be mentioned ]\Iiss Laura Miller, now
a prominent educator in ^Montana ; ]\Iiss Bell Ady, who graduated
from the school in '81, afterwards taking a course of music in
the Boston Conservatory, and for some time filled a position in
the Sparta school ; Mary L. Bisbee, a poet of her school genera-
tion, now in California. But to go over the whole list will con-
sume more space than Ave can devote to the subject and it will
suffice to say that the graduates of Sparta High School as a rule
have made good.
The following is a complete list of the graduates of Sparta
High School, arranged by classes, from 1877 to and including
1912:
Class of 1877 — ]Mary E. Greene, Emma ]McKeu/.ie, ]Mary
McKenzie, AVilliam J. Hughes, Lizzie H. Palmer, Annie Streetou
and Corwin J. Steele.
Class of 1878 — Addie Ellis, AV. F. SaAvyer, Hallie Smith, Julian
»
Bennett. R. F. Jones, Fannie Palmer. Eliza Canfield, Frank Oster,
Jessie ]\IcjMillan, J. C. Prill, Kate IrAvin, HoAvard Teasdale, John
J. Esch, Stella Brock, E. K. Holden and Lizzie Hill.
Class of 1879 — Jennie Wells, ]\Iary Harr, ]\Iary ]\IorroAV,
Charles J. Smith, Sarah Gould, ]\Iary Foote, Josie Fisk, Charles
L. Smith. Lillie Sarles, Nellie Harvey, Florence Thayer, AVilliam
Graves and Ella James.
Class of 1881 — Angle DorAvin, ^Mamie ^Merrill, Franc ]\IcMil-
lan. Belle Ady, Lottie King and Etta Kilmer.
Class of 1882 — George Grossman. Alviii Regan, Addie ]\I. Sa-
bin, Fannie Cook, "NVm. F. Jones, Louis Brooks, Jennie ]McAIillan
and Gertie Bancroft.
Class of 1883— Stella Bancroft and Luella Tyler.
Class of 1884 — George Petis, Flora Dalaba, Lou BaldAvin,
I\Iamie Sarles, Anna Beckler. ^Minnie Lee, George Stevens, Neeta
]5aldwin, Nellie Hanchett and Carl Beebe.
Class of 1886— Franc C. Angle, George E. Gray, Rose E. Hel-
ler, ]\Iiriaiii J. JcAvett. Hattie AV. LaAvrence, Dora E. Link, Mary
A. Smitli, AValter AI. Smith and Alary P. SpafTord.
Class of 1887— Robert B. AlcCov, Laura L. Aliller. Nellie A.
SPARTA SCHOOLS 297
Morse, Everett R. Pease, Alonzo R. Smith and Grace ]\I.
McAVithey.
Class of 1888— Julia :\r. Beebe, ]\Iary L. Bisbee, Mary B.
Brooks, IMartlia Davenport, Grace E. Lee, Kate j\lc]Millan, Lillian
M. Moftatt, Anton Moe and C. Floyd McClnre.
Class of 1889 — Spencer D. Beebe, Josephine Brennan, Pauline
M. Bedenk, Agnes Davenport, Robert B. Dunlevy, Walter E.
Kaser, Charles J. O'Connor, John W. Palmer, Lillian B. Clark,
Helen R. Gray, Eva A. Gray, Gertrude Nutting, Margaret B.
Lewis, Harriet Richardson, John M. Fanning and Carl ]\L New-
berry.
Class of 1890— George AY. Ascott, Harry D. Baldwin, Seth R.
Burroughs, Alary AL Calhoun, A\"m. B. Calhoun, Olive C. Chadsey,
John L. Herbst, Louis T. Hill, Alice K. Hill, Albert E. Hollister,
Frank AA^. Horner, Harriet AL Alanley, Lelia R. Palmer, Helen
Richardson, Bertha Sargent, AVilliam Thorbus, Alina AL AA'are
and Henry A. AVaste.
Class of 1891 — Flora A. Angle, Alargaret A. Jones, George AL
Link, Alabel L. Alasters, Lila D. Newberry, Alabel A. Payne,
Louise Foote, Clare L. AIcAIillan, Charles Stimson, Alaggie Tay-
lor and Hugh H. A\^illiams.
Class of 1892 — Alame L. Beebe, Frederick Brooks, Nellie Car-
gill, Albert Fonken, Ella L. Hewitt, Carl H. Lewis, Clara Olson,
Albert L. Aliller, K. Josephine Alueller and AA^illiam D. Tallman.
Class of 1893 — Bess R. Baldwin, Nellie Dodge, Inez E. Berry,
Alice Hettman, Alaude Jewett, Delia Johnson, Kate AIcAulift'e,
Leonora O'Connor, Eva J. Rhodes, Kate H. Sterger, Nellie E.
Sullivan, Julia AA^hite, AVilliam P. Dunlevy, Daniel Fisk, AA^ill
Ford, Carl Foster, Clarence Fulmer, Alilon R. Gould, Edmund
Gray, Henry C. Hanson, Theodore Lewis, Ossian R. Link, AYill G.
Alerrill, John Sehrara and Jessie AL AVright.
Class of 1894— Nellie AL Bnsh, John AL AYoy, Emma E.
Gantka, Bernard Alulrenin, Lena A. AVright, Rose L. Finn, Carrie
A. Huftman, Anna J. Evans, Stella 0. Thorbus, Clara A. Fowler,
Jessie J. Sias, Ruth AL Hanchett, Jas. J. Bowler, Alaude AVoy,
Anna B. Durrie, Alary A. Barber, Tillie I. Olson, Thresia Inger-
soll. Lulu E. Bush, Josephine Erickson, Arthur Hollenbeck and
Nellie Throbus.
Class of 1895 — Herbert N. Leete, Bessie Rutledge, Joseph
Brown, Jessie Lake, Edward E. Sands, Silas AL Lewis, Harold
Stevens, Lena Freenlee, George Dudley, Alinnie Van Antwerp,
Addie King, Rollie Hogue, George Bowler, AVayne Aloseley, Ger-
298 HISTORY OF MONROE COI^XTY
trude Nodine, Josio Dammoji. ^rM<j:Lri<' liowlci-, ^lilo Babcock and
Carl II. Gould.
Class of 189G — Artliui- Avers. Gcorijo Esch. Clyde Smith,
Alfred AVliite, CJrace Brown, Lnla Converse. Ella Erickson, Effie
King. John Brown, Frank Frazier, Griffith Roberts, Robert Teall,
Susan Beswick. Nellie Brown, Anna Doxrud, Nellie Freeman,
Ella .Mul renin and Etta ]\lelntyre.
Class of 1897 — Letha Ordway, Blanche AVebb, Nettie Lewis,
]\Iay Varlin, ]\Iabel ]\IcGary, Anna Jenkins, Nellie Sias, Allie Bur-
rouirhs, Sadie Hettman, Carl Newton. Colburn AVhilc, Jason Wil-
liams, Herman Hanchett, Ray Palmer, Nellie Jones, Lillian L.
Dudlej^ George Hanchett and Frank Schneller.
Class of 1898 — Alice Beebe, Norman Durrie. Ella Eseh,
Blanche Gray. Alark Jewett, Gertrude Jones, Bess Palmer,
Francis Seidell, Nellie Bradley, Nellie AVoods, Evan Evans, Jane
Gallagher, Earl HoAvard, Earl Kemp, AVinnie Alulrenin and
Myrtle AVood.
Class of 1899 — Stena Sands. Grace Blackman, Agnes Bowler,
Paul Bush, Sadie Edminson, Susie Fish, Genevra Jolinson, Elma
Landt, Hattie Alurphy, Louis Nelson. Alae Robinson, Emma Sax-
ton, Marie Seidel, AVinnifred Smith, Annie Teall. Georgie AVhit-
comb, Ella Bowler, Alabel Bush. Fred Chaml)erlain. Dorothy
Everett, Clara Jackson, Elizabeth J<'nkins, Charlotte Shermer
and Harry Alasters.
Class of 1900 — Anna Abrahams, Bona Brownell. Blanche
Chamberlain, Alay Hubbard, Gertrude AIcAuliflfe, Anna Nyberg,
Katherine Romanowsky, Netta Sholts, J\Iabel Tuthill. Alfred
Clark, Augusta Dellman, Tillan Goltz, Elizabeth llotner. Alattie
Howard, AVard Jewett, Dwight Leete, Blanche Alorrison. Hilda
Olson, Ethel O'Leary, Norton Saxton, Ernest Servis, Fred Smith,
Bess Thayer and Angcline Taylor.
Class of 1901 — Carrie Ditman. Blanche Boydeu, Elsie Cam-
eron, Jennie Johnson, Fern Scott, Ida Clark, Isaac Lewis. Dora
Sherwood, Elizabeth Teall, Carroll Ayers, Alary Babcock, Ernest
Brooks, Etta Homer, Hattie Hutson, Lottie Johnson, Clara Knud-
son, Lula Nelson, Russell Rath, Edwin Rich, Zel. S. Rice, Charles
Roy, AVill Rutledge, Meta Smith, Robert Rutledge. Ray AVebster,
Everett AVilliams and Rachel AVilliams.
Class of 1902 — Cora Abrahams, Bess Blackburn, Herman Can-
field, Alabel Heasty, Doris AIcAulift'e, Emma Aloy. (Jeorge Seidel.
Cornelius Shea. Edward Strait. Robert Alerrill. Francis Smith,
Charles Potter. Ruth Dalaba, Ethel Link, Edith AlcCormick,
Eli/ab<Hi Oliver, Floyd Rogers, Ray Smith, Alargaret A'oung,
SPARTA SCHOOLS 299
Charles Carnalian, Frank Newlon, Horace Howell, Leon Moss
and Rollie Quackenbusli.
Class of 1903 — Andrea AYinterfield, Grace Shotts, IMaiide
Nieol, Florence Jones, Clara Jankel, Clara Jackson, Mae Hitch-
cock, Maud Farnham, Effie Edminster, Julia Cholvin, Roy Sliat-
tuck, Sadie Slayton, Daniel Clark, Alice Brackett, Earl Brandt,
Fannie Babcock, Lawrence Dake, Harvey DorAvin. Laura Davis,
David Jones, Eva IMoffatt, Guy Palmer, Jacob Putman, Grace
Sharp and Catherine Johnson.
Class of 1904 — i\Iae Rice, Lucretia Van Zandt, Lydian Bush,
Harriet Ball, ^Margaret Dougherty, ^Mildred Evenson, Arthur Fish,
Nellie Hitchcock, jMyrtle Hoftman, Gertrude Johnson, JNIartha
Jankel, Edward Leverich, Verne Lovell. Esther Moy, Lester
j\Ioss, Dorcas Prill, Sophie Roy, Tom Teall and Ethel AA^illiams.
Class of 1905 — Alvin J. Graf, AVill H. Graf, Theresa Hanson,
David Jones, Bess Heasty, Mary Hutson, Helen Jennings, Mabel
Huschka, Nettie Jordan, Laura Kyle, Carl Kelley, Alice Thorbus,
Fidelia Van Antwerp, Edwin Moy, jNIabel Sherldon, Harry AVhite,
Elsie Tucker and Arthur AValters.
Class of 1906 — Nellie Marie Ball, Sydney David Jones, Edna
Caroline Dieke, Gwen M. Jones, Luella Anna Graf, Helen Pitkin
Leete, Carl Glenn Gililand, Winfred Owsley, James Andrew
Johnson, Ella Louise Schlaver, Grace Emma AVhite, Loren Ernest
Austin, Harold Edwin Blackman, Endora Deldee Burrows, Nor-
man Lee Jewett, Gloria Alta Alengelt, IMinnie May Evans, Neil
Martin iMolley, Ella Everson, Jason Nieol, Vena Rae Hemstock,
Aimee Ethel O'Brien, Clarence Edwin Hitchcock, John Howard
Prill, Otilde Josephine Jackson, INIaria Delia Sahrt, Catherine
Magdalena Kulm, Harry Ross Shetfer and Harold Kasson Thurs-
ton.
Class of 1907 — Price McConnell, Evan Lewis, Percy Leverich,
Nora Abrahamson, Hubert Blank, JMark Jones, Julia Harvey,
Stella Kitchum, Rachel Nieol, Hazel Nieol, Alertie Jackson, Grace
Shoemaker, Gorman Moffatt, Carl Jones, Harry Longwell, Win-
nie Rooker, Arthur Blank, Lottie Graf, Bennett Stiles, Sarah
Jones, Nora Alulrennin, Benjamin Sias, Reuben Rogers, Jay
Webb, Jessie Rutledge, Frank Van Antwerp, JMiriam Lamborn,
IMark Quackenbush, Anna Potter, David Simpson, Elizabeth Trux,
Edgar Clough, Arthur Nichols, Ernest Dorwin, Tracy Huschka
and Nina Hubbell.
Class of 1908 — jNIabel Davis. George Barker, Hazel AVolcott,
Rose Seidel, Gretehen Esch, Harold Barker, Harriett Brackett,
Mabel Parks, Grace Baldwin, Grace Van Antwerp, ]\Iinnie Poss,
300 HISTORY OF .MOXKOK COUNTY
Anton Boison, ]\Iarie Dowd, Francis Huston, ^Nlj^rtlo Butler, Eu-
gene ^Matteson, Hazel Hubbard, Lillian Farnhain, John AVolf,
Inez Lloyd, Jessie ^Morrison, Eleanor Smith, P>ed Newman,
Kiesling Tluiyer. Pearl Trij)]!, Blanche Davis, ]\rarie AVintertield,
Irene Jordon, Arthur Hoffman, Sophy A])rahams, Pearl Kichai-d-
son, Lillian Jensen, Arbie Brooks, Fred Ileitman, Luella Walters
and Frank Glynch.
Class of 1909 — Jennie AVebster, Andrew Johnson, Elinor Sher-
man, Earl Jones, Lettie Jackson, Chester Jackson, Forrest Rich-
ards. Anna Jones, Otis AVestby, Blanche Wagner, Earle Jetferson,
]Maude Sharp, Celia Krotzman, Moses Smith. Malx'l Matteson,
James McDonald, Edith Pratt, Eugene Ilesselberg, Gertrude
Gladden, Ethel Crowe, George Brooks, Grace AValters, Percival
Hutson. Grace Simpson, Olga Larson, Delia ]\Ierrill, ]\largaret
Ileasty, Harold Dorwin. Bessie Hutson and James INIerrill.
Class of 1910— Alta AVolcott, Harry AValters, Sylvia Richard-
son, Ethel MeClure, Earl Jones, Ethel Doyle, Agnes McGarvey,
Lila Blank, Jessie Swarzlow, Ida Jones. Delbert Dawley, Jessie
Holinbeck, Edna Janes, Rachel Davis, Edith Clark, Alma Winter-
field. Earl Leverich, Margaret Laing, Clara Barker, Elmer
Abrahamson. Anna Axelson, Jennie Hitchcock. Chauncey Beebe,
Jessie Powell, Lucy Smith, Helen Haddow, Joseph Dana, Elsa
Baldwin, Pearle Kelley, Ralph Williams, Liilia Lund, Harriet
Herman, Harry Ilersh, Edith Ileasty, Ella Shaw and Lulu
Herrick.
Class of 1911— Floyd Rath. Grace Sarles, Leita Bestow,
Stephen ]\lcDonald. Fern Smith, Lisle ]\Iayfield, Jennie Jones,
Roy Dunbar, ]\Iae ^Morrison, Frank ^McDonald. Christina AVinter-
field, Ruth AlcCabe, Clyde Ewers. Zella Keene. Dorothy Oswald,
Lawrence Carroll. Lila Bartlett. Emma Hansen, Charles AIcGone-
gal, Hazel Alatteson, Amelia AVright, Burton Evans, Bernice
Everson, AVilliam Kammalade, Esther Freeman, Alerritt Newton,
Alyrtle Jones. Fred Enckhausen. Dorothy Hansen. AValter Evans.
Alaude Alaytield, David AVilliams. Harrietta Rathbun, Vaughn
Lee and Edna Richards.
Class of 1912 — Inga Christopherson, Don Divoll, Ilulda Erick-
son, Doris Escli. .Mae Finger. Rena Fi-ank, Fi-ed Hansen, f^mil
Ilersh, Cecil Ilorswill. Kuby Jackson, Ethel Jones, Elsie Kielberg,
Dorothy Kyle, Victoria Larson, Spencer Lucas, Alina Alorgau.
Serenus Paulson, Alice Prill. Grace Reed, Doris Richards, Esther
Roberts, Blanche Rooker, Frances Sarles, Earl Thurslon. Emma
AValters and Grace AVi-iffht.
CHAPTER XXVII.
TPIE BANKS OF SPARTA.
Within four years after the passage of the law which created
the county of Monroe, the citizens of Sparta were furnished with
banking facilities through the organization of the Bank of Sparta
in 1858. From that time until the present the banking business
has been conservatively and safely conducted with the exception
of a private banking institution of M. A. Thayer and Company,
which originally was established in the 70 's by M. A. Thayer and
R. S. Kingman, but which failed, together with the bank estab-
lished by Mr. Thayer at Tomah in 1893.
The other banking institution have been distinguished for a
steady and substantial growth. Two of them are housed in their
own buildings and the third will undoubtedly acquire its home
within the next few years.
The combined capital of the three institutions in Sparta is
now $100,000. The total amount of of the surplus of the three
institutions combined is $17,250, and the total amount of re-
sources is $1,257,933.10.
The Bank of Sparta, which is the oldest bank in the state of
"Wisconsin west of Madison, was organized in 1858 by John T.
Hemphill, who came from ]\Iilwaukee, AYis., and Samuel JMcCord,
of ]\Iadison, Wis. It was inaugurated under the banking laws of
1852 and opened for business on the 26th day of July in tiiat
year, in the north half of the one-story frame building which is
now No. 120 North Water street and occupied by the Grand
Rapids Llilling Company. The other half of the building at that
time was occupied by the postofiice. Both Mr. Hemphill and
Mr. McCord were experienced bankers, formerly having been
connected with the Marshall & Ilsley Bank at ^Milwaukee, Wis.,
the latter being connected with the State Bank of ^ladison. In
1860 ]\Ir. McCord sold his interest in the institution and moved
to Milwaukee.
A statement of the l)ank at this time is interesting and the fol-
lowing is copied from the semi-annual report, dated July 2, 1860,
on file with the register of deeds of ]\Ionroe county :
301
302 HISTORY OF .AIOXROE COUNTY
KP:80L'liCES.
Loans and discounts !f2r).274 Gl
Overdrafts 40 GO
►Stotdcs on deposit witli state treasurer ] 9,000 00
Bills of solvent banks 4,681 00
Bills of suspended banks 17 00
Due from banks and bankers 7,434 73
Specie 2,145 55
Total ^58,552.49
LIABILITIES.
Capital $2:).0()() 00
Registered notes in circulation 15,280 00
Deposits 15,925 40
Due others 2.347 09
Total ^t:58,552 49
The remarkable fact about tliis statement is what appears to
be the small amount of cash entered in this statement as
"specie" as only $2,145.55, but it will l)e ol)served th;it the bank
at that time issued its notes for circulation, which amounted to
over $15,000.
In the fall of 1860 the bank removed to the corner of AVater
and ]Main streets, into Avhat was known as the "Goss building,"
now the site of the INIasonic Temple, and while there plans were
made for a more su])stantial home. In 1864 the bank erected
the first brick business building in the village, designed by a
^Milwaukee arcliitcct, and a very tine building at the tinie. This
was occupied by tin.* institution until it Avas replaced in 1906-07
l)y the present ])ank building, except for temporary occupancy
of a building opposite during the construction of the new bank.
AVhen the natioiud hanking system was established througii-
out the country the Bank of Sparta reorganized in 1865 as the
First National Bank and increased the number of its stock-
holders. The oflicers then chosen were: John T. Hemphill, pres-
ident ; T. B. Tyler, vice president, and Thomas AV. Wilson,
cashier. Later Air. Wilson removed to Alinneapolis and was suc-
ceeded by AVilliam AVright.
On Alay 8, 1873, E. H. Canfield entered the office as book-
keeper, was elected assistant cashier in 1877, and cashier in 1878,
having faithfully served the bank continuously to the jiresent
«WA>jiMwM«e.^^
BANK OP SPARTA
THE BANKS OF SPARTA 303
time, except inree years, during which he was out on account of
ill health.
In 1878 the hank surrendered its national charter and reor-
ganized as a state i)ank, resuming its original name of Bank of
Sparta.
In 1879 Ira A. Hill hecame identified with the institution and
was elected as a member of the l)oard of directors. At the retire-
ment of Ml'. Hemphill in 1883, who removed to Indian territory,
Mr. Tyler was elected president and Mr. Hill vice president.
They held these offices until 1886, when Mr. Tyler's death oc-
curred and Mr. Hill was elected president, in which capacity he
continued until the time of his death in 1904.
In 1898 Messrs. D. D. Cheney and D. AA^ Cheney became in-
terested in the institution, the former being elected vice president
and the latter assistant cashier. D. D. Cheney retired as vice
president in 1901, but continued as a member of the board of
directors until his death in 1904. D. AY. Cheney succeeded his
father as vice president and at the death of Mr. Hill was elected
president to succeed him, which office he holds at the present
time.
Louis T. Hill entered the bank as a bookkeeper in 1893, and
was elected assistant cashier in 1897 and vice president in 1904,
which position he now holds. A. AV. Barney, who had formerly
been connected with the Alonroe County Bank, became asso-
ciated with the Bank of Sparta in 1901 and was made assistant
cashier, and later the same year was promoted to vice president.
A. AV. Ryon entered the employ of the bank in 1908 and was in
1911 promoted to the position of assistant cashier. J. D. Button,
formerly in the grocery business in the city of Sparta, was em-
ployed as assistant cashier in 1911; Pearl Kelley, assistant book-
keeper, and Charles Aylesworth, night watchman.
The management of this institution has during its fifty-four
years of existence aided many men and many business enter-
prises in their growth from small beginnings to greater success
and usefulness, and numbered among its present customers are
the sons and grandsons of those who were valued customers of
the bank in its earlier days. It moved into the present hand-
some banking building on Alay 17, 1907; truly one of the most
artistic, commodious and substantial buildings of its character to
be found anywhere. It occupies thirty-five feet front and is
is eighty-five feet deep, is of classic design and massive in out-
lines; the front is of Indiana Bedford stone; the interior arrange-
ment of the bank is according to the best modern ideas for an
304 HISTORY OF :\IONROP: COUNTY
institution devoted solely to country banking purposes, with
every convenience for l)t)tli the patrons of the bank, its officers
and employees ; there is a three-story vault built independently of
the structure, the walls being lieavier than standard and rein-
forced witli steel rods and beams; ample customers' room and
directors' room and all modern conveniences are found in con-
nection ; in front are the offices of AVilliam H. Blyton & Co. and
D. W. Cheney. The wood work of the interior is mahogany and
beautifully grained wood was selected, especially for this pur-
pose. In the interior finish, beauty, Avithout too much ornament,
was sought, and the result is pleasing in every particular. At
the last statement of the bank its total resources were $734:, 975.46,
and carrying dei)osits of $672,845.46.
Monroe County Bank. This institution was opened for busi-
ness October 26, ]894, with a capital of $25,000. The institution
purchased the banking building on the corner of AVatcr and Oak
streets, whicli has formerly been occupied by ]\I. A. Thayer ; a
very advantageous location for business purposes, and it has
remained in this building, which it now owns, ever since. The
interior of the banking room has been remodeled and modern-
ized in every particular and now has a handsome equipment of
the most up-to-date facilities for tlie handling of the large busi-
ness which this institution enjoys. Its first officers were George
D. Dunn, president ; AY. G. AYilliams, vice president and A. AV.
Harney cashier. Directors: George D. Dunn. A. Thoi'bus. W. G.
AVilliams, C. :\r. ^Masters, L. D. Merrill and AV. T. Sarles.
During its existence this bank has been conservative in its
investments and has been of much service to many business enter-
prises which have been assisted through its help. It has built up
a strong clientage and is considered one of the best conducted
and managed l)anks of its kind.
The present officers are: President, George D. Dunn: vice-
president, AV. G. AVilliams ; cashier, 0. G. Lindemann ; assistant
cashier, David L. Jones ; bookkeeper. F. B. Heitman.
At the last statement made by it the resources of \ho institu-
tion were $.S28.1 71 .!»(), with deposits of $286,977.65.
Citizens State Bank. This bank was established on Alay 25,
1907, the officers Ix'ing AV. A. Jones, president; II. IM. Newton,
vice president; AV. ^I. Gioler, cashier; T. C. Longwell, assistant
cashier, and wlnle yet young, the bank has rapidly increased its
resources and has every indication to good success in the future.
At the present time it occupies rented quarters in the I. 0. 0. F.
building, on the corner of Oak and AYater streets, which are
THE BANKS OF SPARTA 305
neatly fitted up for the purpose of the institution; its present
officers are : President, W. A. Jones ; vice-president, H. M. New-
ton ; cashier, T. C. Longwell. Directors : J. C. Prill, C. M. Beebe,
A. J. Carnahan and H. J. Masters.
At the last report the resources were $194,787.74, carrying
deposits of $166,481.59.
CHAPTER XXYIII.
LODGES AND SOCIETIES OF SPARTA.
It is the intention in tliis chapter to give brief historical
accounts of the lodges and societies which came in existence in
the city; there have been a number of organizations in the past
"which have been disbanded and the records of which are not
available, thus preventing any detailed account of their history
at this time ; among these orders was a lodge of the Ancient
Order of United "Workmen, which was organized in 1876, and
also a lodge of Good Templar, which has had rather a fitful exis-
tence at different times.
Pearly in 1880 there was organized in the city a civic organiza-
tion called the "Board of Trade," having for its purpose the
advancement of the interests of the village along manufacturing
and mercantile lines and promoting in the general prosperity of
the municipality; this organization continued for some time, but
finally disbanded for lack of interest. No institution of the kind
was in existence again until 1908, when the citizens' club was
corporated and furnished rooms in the Schram building on AVater
street. The object of tliis organization Avas practically the same
and for the time it accomplished considerable good in several
ways, but, like the Board of Trade, interest in it waned, and it
finally dissolved, sold its furniture and fittings, and in 1911
became a thing of the past. The business men of Sparta have
now no organization of the character which looks after promot-
ing the general welfare of flic city and there seems to be no
disposition among the business men to maintain such an organ-
ization.
Valley Lodge, No. 60, Free and Accepted Masons. A dispen-
sation was granted l)y the grand lodge of Wisconsin on August
17, IS")!, and Valley Lodge duly instituted. The first meeting
was held in the house of R. S. Kingman, August 26. 1854, when
^lorrison AIc^NIillan was installed as worshipful nmster. The
charter Avas granted June 1."). 1855, Mr. McMillan being the first
Avorshipful master under the charter; since an hirli time there have
been twenty-three Avorshipful masters and eighteen secretaries;
306
LODGES AND SOCIETIES OF SPARTA 307
the former are: Morrison McMillan, A. D. Soper, A. II. Condit,
A. H. Isham, M. R. Gage, S. N. Dickenson, S. S. Field, D. C. Hope,
C. M. Masters, T. D. Merrill, P. S. Sparling, N. W. Huntley,
L. M. Stevens, H. T. Child, C. AV. Hines, J. C. Prill, E. A. Richard-
son, G. H. Chaffee, H. D. Baldwin, T. C. Longwell, H. J. blas-
ters, AA^. B. Ford, E. R. AYilliams, and A. J. Frye. Secretaries:
Chester McClure, R. AA^ Bowles, E. F. Clinton, M. Alontgomery,
J. AI. Sngden. Fred Lee, H. E. Kelley, E. Aylesworth, A. Oppen-
hemer, E. C. Caskey, J. J. French, C. E. Boyden, J. M. Sugden,
C. AV. Pott, S. T. Lewis, R. A. Alerrill, AV. AIcBride and D. B.
Laing.
In the year 1891 the Alasonic fraternity purchased lots nine
and ten, Tyler's addition, on the northwest corner of AA^ater and
Main streets, and a corporation was formed which erected a
Masonic Temple ; stock in this institution was held by members
of the different Alasonie liodies until 1910, when Valley Lodge,
No. 60, having accumulated sufficient funds, took over the build-
ing and now owns it absolutely, j)ractically free from indebted-
ness ; the lodge rooms are handsomely fitted up and are used by
the Alasonic bodies, including the Commandery of Knights
Templar and by the Order of the Eastern Star.
Valley Lodge has at the present time 126 members of good
standing, and its officers are A. J. Frye, AV. AI. ; F. A. Brandt,
S. AV.; F. L. French, J. AV. : AA^ S. Telfer, S. D. ; L. R. Aloore,
J. D. ; L. D. Alerrill, treasurer ; D. B. Laing, secretary ; J. H.
Chaff'ee, chaplain ; P. S. Sparling, tyler.
Sparta Chapter, No. 19, R. A. M. Dispensation was granted by
the grand chapter of AA'isconsin January 9, 1859, upon the peti-
tion of Alorrison AIclNIillan, Soloman Howe, A. II. Condit, AA^. S.
Lane, A. R. McLean, Thomas Beitcher, Robert Langley, E. San-
ford Blake, E. F. Clinton, J. AV. Alillour, Israel Graves, Chester
AlcClure, E. S. AIcBride, J. D. Condit and R. C. AIcAIann.
The first meeting under this dispensation was held in Jack-
son hall, on the evening of Alarch 11, 1859, at which time Alor-
rison AIcAIillan Avas installed as high priest. On the 3rd day of
February, 1860, the charter was granted by the grand chapter
and the chapter was constituted and the officers installed on the
19th day of April following ; A. H. Condit being the first high
priest under the charter.
During the forty-three years of its existence the chapter has
had twenty-three high priests; the institution is in a prosperous
condition and numbers ninety-five members in good standing.
The present officers are G. H. Bunnell, high priest ; AV. j\I.
308 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Forsmau, king; G. II. Chaffee, scribe; D. B. Laiiig, secretary;
A. W. Barney, treasurer; Thomas Teall, captain of the host; R. A.
Richards, principal sojourner; AV. IMcBride, royal arch captain;
E. R. AVillianis, master of third veil; George Dreyer, master of
second veil ; A. II. Frye, master of the first veil, and P. S.
Sparling, sentinel.
Sparta Commandery, No. 16, Knights Templar. The charter
of this oi-ganizatioii was granted by the grand commandery of
the state of "Wisconsin on the 6tli day of September, 1882, and
the following were the first officers installed : S. N. Dickenson,
eminent commander; N. W. Huntley, generalissimo; J. D. Condit,
captain general ; the commandery has always occupied the lodge
rooms in tlie IMasonic Temple for its meetings, and there, in con-
nection M'ith these rooms, are a set of cedar lockers which house
the uniforms and eciuipments of the order; the jurisdiction of
the commandery includes the Royal Arch Chapters at Tomali,
Black River Falls, New Lisbon, Necedah and Sparta, and at tiie
present time the membership is 100 sir knights.
Its present officers are R. A. Richards, eminent commander;
Louis T. Hill, generalissimo ; George Dreyer, captain general ;
TV. ]\IcBride, senior warden ; William Forsman, junior warden ;
George H. Chaffee, prelate; F. E. BaldAvin, recorder; A. \V.
Barney, treasurer ; P. S. Sparling, standard bearer ; John Kemp,
sword bearer; E. R. AVilliams, warden, and J. T. Sargent,
sentinel.
Sparta Chapter No. 18, Order of the Eastern Star. This order
Avas instituted on the 5tli day of May, lb9I, with the following
charter member's : A. H. Isham, INIiss INIary Isham, 'Mv. and ]Mrs.
James Skillman, ]Mr. and ^Irs. J. Schram. ]\lr. and ]Mrs. S. T.
Lewis, Mr. and INIrs. E. A. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. C. N. AVright, Mr.
and ]\Irs. L. D. Merrill, Mrs. D. B. Cheuev and :\Irs. Villiam
Meyer.
This is an order to which the Avives, daughters, mothers, sis-
ters and children of iMasons are eligible, and is in part of a social
nature. It has rendered much assistance in the past to the sick
and needy members of the order. It first occupied a hall over
tlie ]\Ionroe County bank, but now is installed in the ^Masonic
Temple, and meets twice a month ; it occasionally gives social
parties, wliich are greatly enjoyed by the members and tlieir
friends.
The present officers are Emma Baldwin, Avortliy matron; Dr.
J. C. Prill, patron; Genevieve Masters, associate matron; Jennie
Horseman, conductress ; ]\Iillie Enckhauseu, secretary ; Jennie
LODGES AND SOCIETIES OF SPARTA 309
Brewster, associate conductress; Sarah Merrill, treasurer; Anna
Salsbury, Adah ; Bell Robie Lee, Ruth ; Dorcas Chamberlain,
Esther ; Elizabeth Davis, Martha ; Lorena Hay, Electa ; Alice
Baldwin, warder ; J. T. Sargent, sentinel ; Eva Williams, chap-
lain, and Lena Taylor, organist.
Sparta Lodge No. 94, I. 0. 0. F. The present charter of this
organization was granted on the 21st day of January, 1899, with
PI. Palmer, R. Langley, L. D. Fisher, D. C. Fuller and S. P. Green-
man as charter members. There was a lodge of this order organ-
ized in Sparta on or about the year 1858, but it disbanded and
the records of it are not available. The present lodge numbers
about 150 members, and is in a prosperous condition.
In the year 1887 it acquired the property known as the old
Heller block on the corner of South AVater and Oak streets, in
which Avas added a business block on the west, so that this order
is now the owner of a handsome property with paying business
tenants below, and a tine suite of lodge rooms on the second
floor, including a large and commodious dining room and
kitchen; the property is valued at the present time at $10,000.
Its present officers are E. F. Babcock, N. G. ; AV. S. Jones, V.
G. ; D. L. Jones, secretary; W. 0. Naset, P. S. ; W. H. Blyton,
treasurer.
Sparta Encampment No. 36, I. 0. 0, F. This is the uniform
rank of the order of the Odd Fellows, and was instituted January
19, 1870. Its charter members were A. W. Kemp, S. P. Green-
man, G. Simpson, S. B. Hamilton, J. H. Allen, J. N. Tarr and W.
F. Cook.
This is an order of a military character, and is handsomely
equipped with uniforms, each member carrying a sword ; its
membership consists of about forty at the present time, and its
meetings are held at the hall of the I. 0. 0. F., and its present
officers are F. J. Van Antwerp, chief patriarch ; A. P. Anderson,
senior warden ; 0. J. Jackson, scribe ; F. J. Sheldon, junior
warden, and J. B. Aimer, high priest.
Mineral Springs Lodge of Rebeccas No. 41. This is an organ-
ization for women, connected with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, and the charter was granted for its institution by
the grand lodge on December 3, 1874, and was organized w^ith
the following charter members : A. W. Kemp, G. S. Shaw, Sam-
uel Hoyt, E. E. Olin, L. Green, D. H. Smith, H. A. Streeter, W. P.
Meyer, Mrs. A. AV. Kemp, Mrs. G. S. Shaw, Mrs. Samuel Hoyt,
Mrs. E. E. Olin, Mrs. L. Green, Mrs. G. H. Smith, Mrs. H. A.
Streeter and Airs. AV. P. Aleyer.
310 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
This orgaiii/atiun is notewortliy for its charitable deeds, and
has been a great help to the nienil)ers of the order, and they fre-
quently give soeial entertainments at the commodious lodge
rooms of the Odd Fellows, which are greatly enjoyed by the par-
ticipants. It numbers 113 members, and its present ofifieers are:
^Irs. Virginia Brewster, N. G. ; Mis. Inez Ileasty, recording
secretary; ]\Irs. Fayette Baldwin, treasurer; ]\Irs. Bell ]Milhii-d.
past X. G. ; Mrs. Jennie Sheldon, L. S. N. G. ; Mrs. Ole Jackson,
L. S. vice G. ; i\Irs. Evan Lewis, conductor : David S. Jones, out-
side guard; Mrs. Emma Talbot. V. G. ; ^Irs. John Ilotfinan. finan-
cial secretary; Mrs. ]\Iaud AVest, chaplain; ^Irs. Ada Goodman,
R. S. N. G. ; ilrs. Jennie Brandt, R. S. vice G. ; Mrs. Alice Bors,
warden; Mrs. David S. Jones, inside guard; Mrs. H. M. Smith,
lodge deputy.
Knights of Pythias, was organized July 9. 1874, with the fol-
lowing charter members: ^1. R. Gage. A. AV. AVilson, C. Blakes-
lee, AY. H. Nott, J. :\r. Morrow, J. A. Harvey. C. B. :\IcClure,
D. C. Beebe, AY. Goodale. J. B. Palmer and N. P. Lee. The lodge
had a warrant granted to them under Avhich they worked until
July 1, 1875, when their charter was received from the grand
lodge. They were authorized by the Avarrant to organize, con-
stitute and establish a lodge of Knights of Pythias at Sparta,
county of Monroe, state of AYisconsin, to be known at Sparta
Lodge, No. 18, Knights of Pythias.
The first officers of the lodge were M. R. Gage. C. C. ; D. C.
Beebe, Y. C. ; AY. H. Nott. P. C. : C. Blakeslee, P. ; J. AI. Alorrow.
M. A. ; A. AY. AYilson, K. R. S. ; C. D. AlcClure, AI. F. ; J. Harvey,
M. E. ; N. P. Lee, L G. ; AY. Goodale, 0. G.
The lodge has occupied ditferent halls during the time of its
existence, and it is now very comfortaldy housed on the second
floor of the Grossman building, where they have commodious
quarters fitted up and club rooms.
The lodge at present numbers members, and its present
officers are F. R. Salsbury, C. C. ; E. A. Richardson, A^ C. ; A. F.
Baldwin, prelate; F. DeBruin, AI. of AY.; AY. S. Jones, K. R. S. :
C. E. AIcAIillan, IM. of F. ; A. J. Carnahan, AI. of E. : S. C. Letson,
!M. of A., and C. E. Simpson, guard.
Sparta Camp, No. 560, M. W. A. This order was installed in
the city of Sparta on the 18th day of April. 1888, with the follow-
ing officers: AL A. Thayer, V. C. ; AY. H. Aloseley, AY. A.; C. AI.
Beebe. clerk; C. C. Herbst, banker; Beebe & Sarles. physicians:
AVilliam Schaller, watchman; AY. E. Coats, eelate; J. A. Siiolts,
LODGES AND ROCIETIES OF SPARTA 311
manager ; George McDowell, secretary ; John Guy, escort. There
were in all about twenty charter members.
The order has had a steady and prosperous growth and now
has 438 members, among whom are thirty-nine social members,
who do not participate in the insurance benefit of the order ; the
lodge occupies handsome quarters in what is known as the old
Opera block, leasing the entire upper floor of this building, in-
cluding the dance hall, which it rents for public entertainments
at various times and from which considerable revenue is derived.
Its present officers are W. P. Bamber, consul ; M. H. Babcoek,
advisor ; C. E. Stevenson, banker ; C. M. Van Antwerp, clerk ;
Ed. Arnold, escort; August Keifer, sentry; C. Merrow, watch-
man ; Sarles, Beebe & Beebe and H. H. Williams, physicians ;
D. Hemstock, R. E. Nicol and C. H. Leach, managers ; M. E. Put-
man, chief forester.
This lodge is a member of the LaCrosse Valley Association of
]\Iodern Woodman, which gives an annual picnic, and on June 5,
1912, the annual picnic was held in the city of Sparta, with an
elaborate program and a large attendance.
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE SPARTA FREE LIBRARY.
AVhat is now the "Sparta Free Library," was, at the time of
its first organization and starting in the world, in the winter of
1861 and '62, termed the "Young ]\Ien's Library Association"
of Sparta. It had its origin in the desire of a number of citizens,
at that time, who possessed culture and literary tastes, to found
a library which should be a credit to the place and which should
not only be a public benefit in the direction of promoting a
greater knowledge of books and the higher aesthetic culture
Avhich comes from the study of standard works by well-known
writers, and valua])le also as a means of reference, but which
should be the basis for an association of kindred minds and
tastes, for purposes of mutual intellectual improvement. The
matter of organizing a library association had been discussed in
public and private for some two or three years before it finally
took shape and formed itself into a definite purpose. Among the
citizens who took a prominent part in the l)eginning of the
Young Men's Library Association, and to whom the credit of its
inception and organization mainly belong, may be named ^Messrs.
Romanzo Bunn, afterwards United States district judge for the
western district of "Wisconsin ; Thomas B. Tyler, J. T. Hemphill,
Judge George E. Pratt, D. McBride, Dr. M. R. Gage, Milton
Montgomery, :\r. A. Thayer, E. S. AVhitaker. H. R. Hayden, L. B.
Noyes and a number of others. The exact date of the first meet-
ing of the association cannot be stated with certainty, owing to
the fact that the early records of the institution have been lost ;
and for the same reason but tew details of the organization and
progress of the association can be given, except such as can be
gathered from the memories of the early projectors of the enter-
prise. It was organized as a stock association, and the members
subscril)ing for shares at $5 each. AVitli the fund thus raised, the
light preliminary expenses were defrayed, and a small but
judiciously selected assortment of books procured. Not an incon-
siderable part of the infant library also Avere the donation of
members and others who gave such volumes as they could spare
312
THE SPARTA FREE LIBRARY 313
from their private collections, and thus a by no means insignifi-
cant beginning was made.
The officers elected at the start were a president, vice presi-
dent, secretarv, treasurer and librarian. R. Bunn was chosen
first president of the association, with E. S. AVhitaker secretary
and T. B. Tyler treasurer, and, subsequently, by Judge George
Pratt, who filled the office for a considerable time. He was
succeeded by Dr. R. S. Wells as librarian.
The new Young Men's Library Association, during the first
year of its existence, experienced the usual vicissitudes of such
institutions, the interest in it being active for a time, and then
subsiding in to rather a state of quietude, broken at intervals by
spasmodic revivals when a concert or dramatic entertainment
was arranged for its benefit, or when an annual election of offi-
cers took place. The Civil War was then at its height and filled
too large a share in men's minds to permit their giving much at-
tention to matters literary and, moreover, the class really imbued
with a love of books and reading was, as is generally the case in
western towns, exceedingly limited part of the total population.
It is not singular, therefore, that although expenses were kept up
and frecjuent additions were made, on the whole the association
rather languished after the first year of its organization. The
library rules were defective in not requiring a deposit on the
loan of the books, and as a consequence, large numbers of the
volumes became scattered and lost. The labor of keeping track
of them was not a paying task, and as may be imagined, could
not be performed effectively under the circumstances. After a
time, and during one of the occasional periods of activity, a
change was made and new rules were adopted, one requiring a
deposit from those borrowing books from the library, the deposit
being refunded, less 10 cents, on the return of the book. This
reform kept the library intact, but the question of the revenue
was still a perplexing problem. The membership dues had been
originally fixed at $2 per annum, but as the number of members
diminished from neglect and non-payment of dues, this source
afforded no surplus for incidental expenses and the procuring
of new books. The Sparta Dramatic Club, a local dramatic
organization, came to the rescue at several different occasions
and gave entertainments for the benefit of the library, from
which considerable amounts were realized and for which the
members thereof, among whom were prominent Messrs. ]\I. S.
Powell, the brothers H. R. and Harrison Hayden, D. S. Whitaker,
George Farbham, Mrs. George Whitcomb, Mrs. M. A. Harris, Mr.
314 HISTORY OF MOXKOK COrXTY
and l\Irs. L. B. Noyes and otliri's. dcsci-xinti- fu!l credit i'or tlie
liberal aid they lluis fciulcrcd in tin- inst ilut ion.
Finally it became apparent that the library would have to be
put on some different basis in oi'dt'r to give it permanence and
provide for its growth and stability. The membership had
dwindled from TOO down to tliirteen in the winter of lS7;5-4. A
meeting of the thirteen was held in the office of llie librarian.
Dr. AVells, and it was proposed to form a new organization under
the state law, then recently passed, authorizing villages and
cities to estal)lish free public libraries. The first meeting was
held May 8, 1874. at whidi the organization, under the state law.
was effected. By this arrangement the library became a village
institution, subject to municii)al authority, and its afiFaii-s in
charge of a board of trustees.
AVhen the library had finally become a village institution, it
Avas located in the upper room of a store Iniilding opposite tin*
old Ida House, which is now the Hotel Lewis; when Dr. AVells
left town the library was removed to the second floor of the
Schram building on Water street, where it remained for a good
many years, until the present library building was erected.
In 1900 there was considerable agitation with regard to the
erection of a building for the library, and Dr. AV. T. Sarles had
taken some steps towards calling a meeting for the purpose of
making some arrangenu^nts looking to that end, but in the mean-
time Dr. F. P. Stiles, having learned through reliable sources
that money could be procured from Andrew Carnegie for a
library building in this city if proper application was made, pre-
pared such a letter, which resulted in ]\Ir. Carnegie agreeing to
give the sum of $10,000 for the construction of a library, upon
the condition that a permanent provision should be made by the
city of an amount each year equaling 10 per cent of the gift to
maintain the same. Tiiis was very readily granted by the Com-
mon Council, and the libi-ary board, after considering several
sites, purchased the old Cilobc Hotel property, at the corner of
IMain and Court streets, being a lot 150 north and south and 130
east and Avest ; in 1901, plans for the building having been
adopted, the library board appointed C. I\I. ]\1 asters, F. P. Stiles
and George A. Kichardson as a building conunittee. The work
was commenced early in 1902 and linished during tlu^ month of
April, 190;{.
It was found when the building was nearly completed, that
the sum given would not be sufficient to complete the building
and to build sidewalks, grade and si^cmI the ground, and an appli-
THE SPARTA FREE LIBRARY 315
cation -was made to jMr. Carnegie, who granted the sum of $2,000
more, upon the same condition that the provision amounting to
10 per cent of the gift shoukl be provided.
The library building, a handsome brick and stone structure
containing commodious and nicely furnished reading rooms with
hot water heat and electric lights, is one of the most convenient
and tasteful buildings of its character to be found anywhere.
Considerable credit is to be given to the building committee for
the tliorough manner in which their work was carried out, and
especially to George A. Richardson, who devoted a great deal of
time in superintending the construction of the building and in
the furnishing and fitting of it to its present condition; he has
served for more than twenty years as president of the library
board, all without any compensation whatever and purely for the
satisfaction of seeing the library succeed ; that it has been an
institution of great value to the citizens of Sparta there can be
no question, containing as it does at the present time 7,288
volumes, consisting of all classes of literature and comprising
valuable reference works. At the present time there are about
twenty-five periodicals, consisting of magazines and newspapers
taken. The library is open daily under the charge of Miss Jennie
Scouten, who has been librarian since 1894, and whose extensive
knowledge of library work and her invariably courteous treat-
ment to patrons of the institution has made her hosts of friends.
At the present time Miss Lila Newberry is assistant librarian,
and has been for three years. The present library board consists
of George A. Richardson, Dr. F. P. Stiles, Dr. Carl Beebe, Mrs.
C. C. Newton, IMrs. Paul Schaller and Mr. H. J. Masters.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE SPARTA FAIR ASSOCIATION.
The title of this chapter is used to designate in a general way
the fair associations, which have existed for a great many years
under diiferent titles, on this side of the county.
The first organization of the character was called ''The ]\Ion-
roe County Agricultural Society," and was organized at a very
early date in the history of the county ; in 1857 Robert E. Gillette,
of Tomah, whose name is so closely connected with the history of
that city, a zealous worker in all things which pertained to the
welfare of the county, suggested the advisal)ility of organizing
an agricultural society and, after considerable agitation, it
culminated in a meeting of representative citizens of the city
who were favorable to the project.
Those who exhibited the greatest interest in promoting the
organization were R. E. Gillette, Samuel Hoyt, T. B. Tyler, L. S.
Fisher and Amos Kendall; after some discussion the society was
formally organized early in 1858, under the laws of the state of
Wisconsin then existing, which provided for the organization of
state and county agricultural societies, and it adopted the name
of "Monroe County Agricultural Society.''
The first officers elected were Samuel Hoyt, president ; L. S.
Fisher, secretary, and Amos Kendall, treasurer.
The association held its first fair in Sparta in September,
1858, in what was then knoAvn as "Denny's Lot," situated on
South AVater street, where the 0. I. Newton Son's Company
electric light office and the adjacent lumber yard is situated; at
least one man is living who attended this fair in the jicrson of
Fred A. Ilolden. assistant register of deeds.
]\Ir. Ilolden relates that the fair was quite a success, and that
the exhibits consisted of cattle and agricultural products, and
the sports consisted of foot races and a Avrestling match, in Avhich
a -Ml-. Uui-linganu^ challenged all comers. He states that there
were only three teams of horses at the fair, lieing the ones owned
by Scpiire Andrews, who then Avas the landlord of the "]\Ionroe
House;" his father. A. D. Ilolden. owning a span and also one of
:n6
THE SPARTA FAIR ASSOCIATION 317
the Bard's. The rest of the inhabitants from the country came
with ox teams and with the old-fashioned liueh pin Avagons,
which were greased with tar. This seems peculiar at the present
day, but it seems to be the fact that tar was used as a lubricator
for wagons in those days. The receipts of the exhibits were
rather light, but exceeded the disbursements, and the people who
attended were unanimous in the claim that the gathering was a
great success.
In 1863 the society became the purchaser of the present fair
ground, situated west of the city, for which $725 was paid and a
deed received from the owner on the third day of September in
that year. The plat originally consisted of an entire forty acres,
but this being too much for the purposes of the societ3^ all but
twenty-five acres were disposed of and are comprised in the
present fair grounds.
The purposes of this society was to promote the annual gath-
erings at which the best products of the soil and the dairy were
exhibited; improved machinery and implements for agricultural
and dairy purposes were exhibited, and farmers, merchants,
manufacturers and all classes of industries joined in making ex-
hibits of their specialty, for which liberal premiums were offered
in all lines.
Fairs, which were more or less successful, were held in the
succeeding years, and by means of donations from citizens, it was
kept going financially and, up to 1880, was in a flourishing con-
dition ; at that time a tornado, which passed through this section
of the country, caused a severe loss to the society, as the build-
ings on the grounds Avere completely demolished, causing a great
expense to rebuild and repair ; by prudent management, how-
ever, the debt was paid and the society once more placed upon
a good financial footing.
The society continued its existence until about 1892, when
interest in it lagged and no fairs were held and, in May, 1894. it
was succeeded by the "Sparta Driving and Agricultural Associa-
tion," which was incorporated by AV. T. Sarles, Fred Gross.
M. R. Gage, ^X. P. Palmer, L. D. Merrill and F. L. French, whose
names appear on the original articles of incorporation.
This society acquired the old fair grounds and improved the
racetrack and held horse races at difi^erent times during the
season of such sports, and revived the old fair and conducted the
same for a great many years.
No fairs were held during 1909 and 1911, and the society, as
then in existence, transferred its whole property in the winter of
318 HISTORY OF .MOXKOK COIXTY
1911-12 to tlie "Sparta Fair Association," suiifiidcrcd all llicir
stock, and tlie organization Avhicli now owns the pi-opcrty is coin-
posed pi'incipally of farmers; it has been thoroughly reorganized
with AV. H. llancliett i)resident and AV. A. llolden secretary.
Active preparations ai'c ])eing made, and undouhtcdly the
year 1912 will see the resumption of holding an annual lair in
the fall of the year. There are upon the grounds at the present
commodious grand stands, a large exlubition building for farm
products, mercantile exhibits and all those requiring indoor
space, a large and commodious barn with 1)0X stalls for racing
stock, ample cattle sheds and barns for the stock, togetlier with
pens for pigs and sheep and a large house Avhere cliickens and
other domestic birds are exhibited ; all together, the plant is
very complete; a good half-mile track for racing, in the center is
a baseball ground. There is an artesian well on the grounds
which furnishes the best of water to the l)arns and stock sheds.
The neAV fair association starts with bright prospects, has a
very large number of stockholders, as no person is allowed to
OAvn more than one share of stock, and whatever place it takes
in the future history of the county, it certainly does not lack for
good equipment, good membership and ample opportunity.
CHAPTER XXXI.
MANUFACTURES AND BUSINESS ENTERPRISES.
IManufactui'ing was inaugurated in the little village of Sparta
in 1853, when A. H. and Hilton Blake erected a sawmill upon
the banks of Beaver creek ; were it still standing it would now be
located about in the center of Water street; this was the only
sawmill here in this vicinity, except the one which is situated in
Angelo, having been built there in 1852 by Seth Angel.
Messrs. Blake run this sawmill until about 1857, when the
same was purchased by K. and 0. P. ]\IcClure, who destroyed
the old building and built the first grist mill in Sparta ; this was
situated about forty feet east of the old building. This grist mill
was operated by I\IcClure Brothers for several years to great ad-
vantage, the farmers bringing their grain to the mill from a
great distance to be ground.
In June, 1867, the property was bought by T. B. Tyler and
T. D. Steele for .$27,000 ; they erected on the site of the grist mill
a woolen mill, at an estimate cost of $30,000, and commenced the
operation under the firm name of T. B. Tyler & Co. ; they con-
tinued to operate the mill until 1872, when they sold it to
II. Greeve. At that time the greater part of the original plat
belonging to the mill property had been disposed of as building
lots.
From that time, 1872 to 1878, the mill did not meet with a
great deal of success, not running regularly, and in September of
the latter year, T. B. Gibson bought the mill and commenced
operation ]\Iay 1, 1879, manufacturing woolen goods, making a
specialty of fine white blankets, which became quite noted. In
the spring of 1881 Mr. Gibson made several improvements in the
work in order to fill the demand for his goods, and increased the
machinery ; he manufactured fine white blankets and ^Mackinaw
cloth, tlie latter being a grade of goods used for out-clothing for
lumber and woodsmen. The business ran at that time up to a
capacity of $50,000 worth of goods per year and employed as
high as twenty-five hands ; it was operated as a woolen mill for
several years, until it passed into other hands and the manu-
319
320 IIISTOKY OF MONROE COUNTY
facture of goods was no longer continued ; the building was used
for various purposes at different times up until about 1909, when
it was sold to AV. A. Ileinstoek, and is now used as a livery stable.
As early as 1864 the village of Sparta boasted of a paper mill,
which was erected in that year by John L. Mather, at a cost of
$42,000. In 1871 it came into the possession of Oran I. Newton,
who ran it until 1879, Avhen he rebuilt the entire plant at a cost
of over $50,000. The mill Avas situated on the LaCrosse river,
when the water power, which is now used by the 0. I. Newton
Son's Electric Light Company, was first put in. The mill's
capacity was over 6,000 pounds of paper daily, and employed as
high as twenty hands, using in the manufacture of a certain kind
of paper five tons of straw daily. In addition to the manufacture
of wrapping paper and paper bags, !Mr. Newton dealt very
largely in other grades of paper, and built up a large trade
throughout the Northwest, keeping several salesmen on the road
constantly.
After his death the mill was operated by his sons, Harry i\I.
and George Newton, until it burned some years later. AVith the
destruction of the plant the business went out of existence, as
the Newton boys did not rebuild it, but used the Avater power for
operating the electric light plant, which they subsequently ac-
quired, and the general powerhouse of which is situated on the
site of the old paper mill at the present time.
Among other industries which have gone out of existence and
which were prominent at one time, was the carriage works of
Messrs. E. and A. Thorbus, Avhich was established in the village
of Sparta in the fall of 1866 by the senior partner of the firm.
]\lr. Thorbus commenced business in an old frame building and,
during the first year, turned out seventy-five wagons of various
kinds, the greater part of which were heavy vehicles, adapted for
hauling and fai-m work. In 1870 A. Thorbus Avas admitted as a
partner, bringing both business, capital and energy, and during
this year the firm erected a warehouse at a cost of $3,000, which
they occupied for many years. AVhen the Avorks were run to
their full capacity, they employed twenty-five hands and kept in
stock al)out 450 vehicles of various kinds.
As the years went by the manufacture of Avagons Avas gradu-
ally discontinued and, finally, under the name of E. Thorl)us &
Son, the busini^ss Avas conducted ]>rincii)ally as a headquarters
for farm machinery up to the time of the death of E. Thorbus. It
Avas afterAvards continued by the estate under the management
MANUFACTURES: BUSINESS ENTERPRISES 321
of the son, C. T. Thorbus, until a few years ago, when he sold it
to Davis & Jones.
There are three feed mills at present being operated in the
city. One on Water street by G. H. Bunnell, he having acquired
the Bacon mill dam and operates it at the present time ; a pros-
perous business, manufacturing flour of different grades in a
small way and being very useful for the farmers for feed grind-
ing.
The old mill by the St. Paul depot is now owned by Bergman
Bros., both of these properties have, in the past years, gone
through so many different hands that tlie records of them cannot
be gotten at the present time.
Both have had various ups and downs, and the trouble Avitli
the water power, especially the dam, has taken the course that
is common with the dams constructed of wood and dirt. At
present it appears to be operated successfully, being owned by
Bergman Brothers, who have increased its clientage since they
came in the business.
The old McCoy mill, situated on the lower end of Court street,
is still operated with the water power which had been in ex-
istence for so many years. It is used as a feed mill and has built
a large clientage among the farmers of the south and west.
Monroe County Telephone Company. This company was
organized in a small way in the year 1897, with eighty-five
phones and with V. V. Willey, E. V. Benjamin and H. C. Jackney
as incorporators, who, in December, 1907 sold out their hold-
ings to about thirty local men, who have since owned it. It has
grown steadily and extends its lines in all directions in the
county, and in the year 1904, it closed a contract with Bell Tele-
phone Company by which it is also connected directly with long-
distance lines, which is a great convenience to its patrons; it
operates at the present time 552 miles of rural routes and city
lines, with 950 telephones ; has its central office in the Teasdale
building, where a fine equipment is maintained with modern and
most improved switch-boards, and in connection a rest room for
the girl operators.
The plant is valued with all its connection lines at about
$50,000, and owes its success principally to Senator Howard
Teasdale, who has been the secretary and general manager of
the organization since its start.
The present officers are C. M. Beebe, president ; W. G. AYil-
liams, vice president ; H. Teasdale, secretary and general man-
ager, and W. McBride, treasurer.
322 HISTORY OF .MOXKOP: COUNTY
Sparta Grain Separator Company. This company lias tlie
distinction of building a machine lor the separating of Avheat
and oats and tlic cleaning of wheat and oats, which is the work
of a Sparta man, JMr. George W. Richardson; ^Ir. Richardson
worked a great many years upon his idea and finally succeeded
in getting a patent on a machine which would accomplish the
Avork, so longed desired by mill and elevator men, that is a
machine which Avould clean wheat and other mixtures of grain,
separating them, thus making the grade higher.
The company Avas organized in Ihe year 1902, in the manu-
facture of this machine, and started in a small way in its present
location and met with success and, finally, in the year ]909, the
entire plant was sold to C. T. Thorbus, who is now the sole
owner; he has perfected the machine in various ways and en-
larged the plant at difit'erent times and the machines have been
sold in various parts of the United States, and at the present time
Mr. Thorbus has organized a stock company at AVinnipeg,
Canada, for the manufacture of Richardson Grain Separators, so
that starting from a small beginning, this business promises to
extend itself over a large territory. Several sizes of these
machines are manufactured, from a small machine for mills, up
to a large machine of big capacity for handling grain in ele-
vators.
American Cigar Company. This is not an industry by local
capital, but is one of tlic many i)lants of this great company
which is operated in ditferent i)arts of the United States for the
sorting and grading of tobacco ; the company located here in the
year ]9()1, and erected several large brick buildings, near the
Northwestern depot, upon Ihe land donated to it by the city for
this purpose; to this plant is l)rouglit a large stock of tobacco,
bought in different parts of AVisconsin by the diflferent agents of
the company, and here it is sorted, graded and packed ; the gen-
eral manager and staff are employed the year around at the
plant, and during the sorting season it has enijiloyed as high as
5UU hands in the handling of tobacco.
There is also an e(|ui{)nH'nl of machinery for curing tobacco,
by which the leaf is started in one end ol' the nuichine and at the
end of a few hours comes out tlie othor side, cured and ready for
use. This is a very complicated machine, and reqiiires the atten-
tion of an ('\])ci-t to operate it and accomplish the results, which
otherwise reciuires considerable time.
The present general manager is IT. S. AFcGiffin, with a corps
of assistants.
MAXUFACTUEES: BUSINESS ENTERPRISES 323
Jefferson Leaf Tobacco Company. This organization was in-
corporated l)y AV. T. Jefit'erson and his son Harley, in connection
with several others, in the year 1909. Mr. W. T. Jefferson had
formerly been a manager of the plant of the American Cigar
Company here and also state manager for that institution ; he re-
tired from its service in 1909 and organized the Jefferson Leaf
Tobacco Company ; his long experience in the business in Vir-
ginia and in AVisconsin fitted him to engage at once in this busi-
ness, and the company leased commodious quarters, situated on
"Water street, where it congregates its stock of leaf tobacco, sorts
and packs it. It employs about fifty hands.
The present officers of the corporation are W. T. Jefferson,
president ; D. AY. Cheney, vice president ; H. W. Jefferson, secre-
tary and treasurer.
Sparta Iron Works. Originally established as an iron
foundry, the present plant is the outgrowth of the oldest estab-
lished industry in the city. In 1857 Captain Fisk erected the
first foundry in response to a demand growing up in this section
of the state for such a business ; he afterwards sold an interest
to Frank Skillman and Jeremiah Andreas; this firm ran the
business until 1860, when Skillman acquired the entire business,
buying out the other two, and conducted it until 1865, when he
sold out to LoAvrie, Mock & Stevens ; this firm sold to H. Greve,
and he in turn was bought out by J. J. Owsley, during Avhose
ownership the plant was destroyed by fire.
In 1867 Lowrie, Irwin & Gilbert built another foundry near
where the present works are located, and this was finally pur-
chased by the Sparta Manufacturing Company, and again the
plant was destroyed by fire. L. ]\I. Newbury bought what was
left and built another shop in 1869, sold a half interest to J. P.
AVard, and in 1872 built what is the main building of the present
works. AVard sold to Air. Satterlee and the firm of Newbury &
Satterlee carried on the business extensively, at times employing
as many as sixteen hands.
The works passed into the hands of Carl Newbury and J. U.
Durant, by whom it was formed into a corporation ; the entire
plant was taken over by Lee and Robert Canfield, who are the
principal stockholders, and the business has been conducted
under their management ever since. Gradually the foundry and
casting business was dropped and the entire plant is now devoted
principally to the manufacture of well drilling machinery, and
in this business the Canfield brothers have made a success which
is hardly realized by the citizens of Sparta ; modest and unassum-
324 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
intr. they have developed surprising business ability, employ
about forty hands, five of whom are traveling salesmen, and their
machinery is sold all over the United States, in Canada, Porto
Rico, Africa, India and the South American states and elsewhere.
CHAPTER XXXII.
CHURCHES OF SPARTA.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Congregational church liad its beginning with the com-
ing of Rev. AV. F. Avery, who arrived October 24, 1854; having
finished his studies at Amherst College, Massachusetts, he started
West and, upon his arrival, found everything crude and primi-
tive, but he entered into the work with great earnestness ; after
three and a half years his health broke down from overwork.
At first, there being no meetinghouse, services were conducted
in private houses, the church being formally organized June 22,
1855, commenced the building of a church in the winter of 1856,
which was formally dedicated June 11, 1857 ; it was erected at
a cost of $3,800 complete. The first deacons of the church were
Joseph Avery, the father of the pastor; Guy C. Hoyt, and H. M.
Sandford. Deacon Avery was untiring in his efforts in behalf of
his church, and it was through his efforts that the church build-
ing was erected. The first board of officers was elected March
8, 1856, consisting of six trustees, being George AV. Root, G. C.
Hoyt, E. S. Blake, E. Lathrop, Joseph Avery and A. F. Childs.
In 1858 Rev. Avery resigned, and from that period to 1867 the
pulpit was occupied by five different clergymen ; the Rev. Joseph
Carmichael became the pastor in 1866 and served for nine years,
being followed by Rev. Geo. F. Hunting for two years, and he in
turn succeeded by Rev. Frank T. Lee, who entered the pastorate
January 23, 1879. During his time the church made rapid
progress.
The Rev. AVilliam Crawford followed him, commencing the
work April 8, 1883, and continued as pastor for about eighteen
years, and it was during his long pastorate that the church
reached its climax of success ; Dr. Crawford, a most earnest
Christian, of great executive ability, a profound scholar upon
whom his college, Amherst, has conferred the degree of D.D.,
was closely allied with the best interests of Sparta, and the
memory of the great work accomplished by him will long linger
in the minds of the people of Sparta. It was during his pastor-
325
32G HISTORY OF ]\IOXROE COUNTY
ate, ami largely due to his efforts, that the present beautiful
cluireh was erected at a cost of about ii^20,U()0 and dedicated June
23, 1879.
This church is far beyond the cliurch building ordinarily
found in a city of this size; it is l)uilt upon grand architectural
lines, handsome in appearance, fitted inside with a large pipe
organ and modern church furnishings, a large, roomy audi-
torium, tlie acoustic properties of which are excellent, church
])arlors Avhicli can be opened into the main auditorium and a
Avell-appointed basement dining room and kitchen, in which
church suppers are frequently held.
Rev. E. AV. lluelster was called to the pastorate from the
East, succeeding Dr. CraAvford, in January, 1901 ; upon his re-
tirement, after considerable discussion, the Rev. F. AV. A\'alker
Pugh, pastor of the First Baptist Church of the city, was en-
gaged as pastor, and the two church organizations formed an
alliance; the Baptist church being so small in num])ers that to
maintain a clergyman was almost out of the question ; the coali-
tion Avas effected ; the two church societies joined in supporting
the church Avork of the Congregational church, although each
organization still retains its olftcers and each conducts its annual
church meeting as before. The arrangement seems to be a A'ery
happy one, as the congregation, thus augmentedj supports the
church very Avell.
Rev. Harding Hogan succeeded Dr. Pugh. having been the
pastor for about tAvo years last past ; Rev. Hogan is a fortunate
addition to the local clergy, a man of broad mind, a deep student,
gifted far beyond the ordinary Avith eloquence, his sermons,
habitually delivered AA'ithout the aid of a manuscript, are models
of logic, thought and diction. There are the usual societies con-
nected AA'ith the church Avhich maintain the ordinary church ac-
tivities and do much charity A\'ork, and the church is fortunate
in having a large choir of mixed voices, ably conducted by Dr.
S. D. Beebe.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Sparta Avas visited for the first time by a Catholic priest in
1858, in Ihe ]>erson of the Rev. Father Rrtche. Avho celebrated
mass in a lailroad shanty. At lliat time there Avere but few
Catholic families in the village, but Avith the advent of Father
]\Iontague, who succeeded Father Roche in 18G0, began the
groAvtli of the congregation UJitil in llie year lS(iT a frame ehureh
AA'as built, under the direction of Father Alarco; Father
CHURCHES OF SPARTA 327
Montague was succeeded by Father Stroker about 1864, and he
in turn, by Father Gallagher about 1865, and Father Marco.
This building was located somewhere near the present Chi-
cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company depot, and the
first members of tlie congregation were H. Fanning, Thomas and
Pat Brennan, H. Schroff, D. Sullivan, P. Fitzgerald, C. Bedenk,
H. C. MuUer, T. McGargle, H. Carr. AY. Lennon, M. Bransfield,
Thomas and Bernard Mulrenin. Ed Barry, William, Thomas, Ed
and John BoAvler, Pat Davis, Con. Carroll, Jacob Poss, J. Ant-
weiler, John AYagner and Alec Allen, five of whom, Pat and
Thomas Brennan, AA^illiam and Thomas Bowler and Thomas Mul-
renin, are still living.
The Rev. Father Quigley succeeded Father i\Iarco as the
pastor in 1867, and he in turn was succeeded by the Rev. Father
Dorward of Tomah, who on the 14th day of August, 1876, was
succeeded in turn by Rev. J. B. IMetzler, who held the pastorate
until August, 1877. when the Rev. Joseph Bauer relieved him ;
he officiated until 1877, when Rev. J. AVicker took charge, until
1879, when Rev. J. B. AViedman succeeded him. The church first
erected in 1867, near the depot, was moved to the present loca-
tion in 1877 ; the membership at that time consisted of about
fifty families.
Rev. Father T. H. Beau succeeded Father AYiedman in the
pastorate, and after a short pastorate of a few months by Rev.
J. Kennedy, he in turn was succeeded by Rev. Father H. F.
Flock, who marks the twenty-fifth j^ear of his pastorate in 1912.
During the latter 's pastorate the old church was enlarged and
remodeled at an expense of about $2,000. Until about 1897 two
mission churches were attached to the Sparta church, one at
Summit of about fifty families, and one at Pine Hill, near Sham-
rock, of about twenty families. Since 1897 the Sparta congre-
gation has service every Sunday ; the aforesaid church at Summit
now having a resident pastor, and the church at Pine Hill being
attended from Black River Falls.
On Sunday morning, January 22, 1905, the church was totally
destroyed by fire, which started in the basement and, it being an
old wooden building, it soon went up into flames. The congre-
gation, luckily, had $2,300 of insurance on this building, so that
it was not a total loss.
Steps were immediately taken for the erection of a new
church, and on Sunday, September 24, 1905, the cornerstone of
the new edifice was laid with impressive ceremonies by Bishop
Schwebach, of LaCrosse, and on June 5, two years later, the
328 HISTORY OF :\lOXR0P: COUNTY
bishop again visited the elnireh and presided at the dedicatory
ceremonies, Avliieli were very e]al)orate. The clnirch OAvns the
entire ])lock upon wliidi its huildinos are situated, Avith tlie ex-
ception of four h)ts Avhieh are owned bj' the Franciscan Sisters
and upon which stands the St. Mary's Domestic Science school
building.
The congregation has a membership of something over 100
families, who are steady supporters of the church, besides about
fifty who are occasional contributors. Though not large, the
congregation has made a splendid showing the last few years in
erecting a new parsonage at a cost of !|<4,000 ; buying new prop-
erty to the value of $6,000, and building the new church at a
cost of $30,000 with a residue debt of only $15,000 at the present
time and that is being paid at a rapid rate.
ST. MARY'S DOMESTIC SCIENCE SCHOOL.
This is not financially connected with St. Patrick's congrega-
tion, but is a separate institution conducted by the Franciscan
Sisters of LaCrosse, "Wis. Originally the building which was
considerably smaller than now, was used as a school and after-
wards it was changed to a girls' orphanage, for which purpose
it Avas used until 1889, when the orphans were taken to LaCrosse,
and it then became a boarding school until about the year 1905.
The sisters then determined to undertake the opening of a
domestic science school in connection with the St. ]\Iary's Con-
vent, and it became a success from the start; it then was neces-
sary to enlarge the buildings to accommodate the increasing at-
tendance. The building was thoroughly remodeled and enlarged
and school formally opened on I\Ionday, January 6, 1908. It is
equipped with a large and commodious kitchen, a spacious dining
room, sewing room, class room, bright, airy dormitories, a well-
equipped laundry, several music rooms, all well lighted, steam
heat and ventilation and provided with all modern improve-
ments, arranged with a view to the practical convenience and
comfort of the pupils.
This is a school for girls, and its principal purpose is to teach
domestic science and all its branches, which includes for the first
year, cooking and serving of meals, table etiquette, study in
composition and nutrient value of various foods, housekeeping
and home management, laundering in all its branches, plain
sewing, mending and darning, the making of simple garments,
common and fancy needlework. The second year of the course
includes also home-nursing, care of the sick and the sick room,
CHURCHES OF SPARTA 329
making, cutting and fitting of garments and art needlework.
Music is also taught, tlie music department being well provided
with rooms and instruments. Orchestra concerts and musical
programs are provided for the entertainment of the pupils and
their friends ; there is also a course of drawing and painting,
which is optional for those who desire to take it. In connection
with the other instructions in the school, religious instruction is
given, and the training and discipline Avhich will cultivate in its
pupils the Christian virtues and special traits of womanly char-
acter that should be prominent in good Christian homes.
The following is. a list of the graduates of the school: 1910
— Veronica Elner, New Ulm, Minn. 1911 — Emily Shornar, La
Crosse, Wis. ; Gertrude Beecher, Eau Claire, Wis. ; Pauline Hil-
debrand, Sheboygan, Wis. ; Catherine Schmitt, St. Lucas, la.
1912 — Clara Belter, Athens, AVis. ; Anna Beil, Athens, Wis. ;
Mary Greiner, Athens, AVis. ; Clemence Canar, Mondovi, AVis. ;
Florence Schlosser, Eau Claire, AVis. ; Anna Alariek, Eau Claire,
AVis. ; Sophia Duren, Cazenovia, Wis. ; Clara Muehlenkamp, Nor-
walk, AVis. ; Elizabeth Rick, Plain, AVis. ; Alary E. Hughes, Green-
wood, AVis.
The total attendance for the year 1911-12 was forty-five
pupils.
THE ORDER OF THE SACRED HEART.
This city is fortunate in being selected as one of the three
points in the United States where is established a home for the
members of this order.
In August, 1911, the property known as the Judge Romanzo
Bunn residence, on South Court street, was purchased, which in-
cludes about thirteen acres of land, and became a mission house
of this order, and on September 27th it was dedicated by the
Rev. James Schwebaeh, bishop of LaCrosse, with impressive
ceremonies. This order was originally founded in France, by
Very Rev. Jules Chevalier, December 8, 1851, but in consequence
of the French anti-clericalism, the society was moved from
France, wdiere it had a magnificent basilica, dedicated to our
Lady of the Sacred Heart, which annually attracted thousands of
pilgrims and established its headquarters in Holland, from which
it rapidly spread over many countries. The mother home is now
located in Rome.
The chief activities of the order are the missions of the South
Sea and Philippine Islands ; the society is especially strong in
New Guinea, where it has a complete organization, headed by an
380 HISTORY OF IMOXROE COUNTY
arclil)isli()|) willi 140 ])riests and 100 lay bretiircn ; in llic i'liilip-
piue Lslands tlicro are twenty-five priests and twenty lay breth-
ren. Altlioujrli 1lic missions are dang^erons and ditficult, they are
declared lo he llic most pi'ospt'i'oiis of any througlioul the world,
and the ordci- lias at this time a total membership of 600 priests
and 200 lay brothers. At tiie mission home in tliis city tliere are
at tlie present time an average of about seven priests who are
here for rest from their arduous labors.
The home is well located geographically, and it is expected
in the future that it will grow in usefulness and be the home of
many of these missionaries during the times in which they are
permitted to retire from active service and recruit their health
and strength.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In the early settlement of the country it seems that the
Methodist denomination Avas first on the ground in Sparta in the
person of Rev. Frederick Walrath, who preached the first sermon
in 1851 to a congregation of five persons, services being held in
the cabin of iNlr. Petit.
Rev. AValrath continued to hold services from that time until
1854, the membership numbering about twenty-five persons ; in
that year the first regularly appointed pastor took charge, the
Rev. Mr. ^layne. Although regularly assigned to this clnirch,
the organization did not, in fact, take place until 1850: at that
time Rev. Reuben R. Wood, presiding elder of the LaCrosse dis-
trict, AVisconsin conference, appointed Frederick AValrath, AV. J.
Tucker, Albert II. Blake, Benjamin Stevens and J. W. Harding
as trustees of the church at Sparta, to hold in trust all church
property; the organization being completed according to the
laws of the state by the presiding elder acknowledging the ex-
ecution of the certificate before E. S. Blake, notary public, at
Sparta, on the 16th day of February, 1856, the document being
filed in the office of the county clerk on the same date.
In 1856 a neat church was erected at a cost of about H'2,500.
and about that tinu' a bell was presented to the church by the
members of the community, the sum of $450 having been raised
by subscription for that jMu-pose. and became a great addition
to the building. The eliureii was. of course, regularly sujiplied
inuler the system used in the Methodist conference, Avith })astors,
during the first years, and for a great many years the five-year
rub' being in force; a record of all of the pastors is not available,
but among them have been humi of high intellectual attainments,
aiLRCIIP:S OF SPARTA 331
among them might be mentioned the Rev. Seamann, Rev. Trimm,
Avho became presiding elder of this district a few years ago ;
Rev. AVright, who afterwards was sent to Europe in the mission-
ary work; Rev. Bauchop, who believed in practical patriotism,
joined the Sparta military company and received a commission
as lieutenant, serving for a time faithfully and well.
Rev. L. A. Brenner perhaps accomplished the greatest amount
of improvement in church property, for during his incumbency
for a few years ending in 1911, the church Avas greatly improved
and enlarged, and through his etforts money was raised and a
magnificent pipe organ purchased and installed ; the building en-
tirely fitted with beautiful stained glass windows.
In the past years the church has had able managers among
its trustees, and has acquired the title to most of the block upon
Avhich the church building is situated ; has erected a fine parson-
age for the pastor's use, which is one of the finest appointed resi-
dences in the city.
During the fall of 1911 the conference of the LaCrosse dis-
trict was held at this church; at this meeting Rev. L. A. Brenner
was appointed district superintendent, a fitting reward for good
and faithful service. The church has a large membership, is in
a good condition financially, and wields a considerable influence
in the community ; has many societies connected with it, espe-
cially among the young people, and strong Sunday school and
Epworth League ; the pastor at the present writing being Rev.
Straw.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
Was organized September 9, 1854, with sixteen members, its
first pastor being the Rev. James Squier; after an existence of
some months the church disbanded and was reorganized on the
29th of June, 1856, with twenty-two constituent members, who
adopted the New Hampshire confession of faith, and during the
first year, under the pastorate of Rev. AY. H. Card, the member-
ship increased by the addition of fifty-one persons ; in 1 858 the
first church building was erected on Benton street ; subsequently
this was disposed of and, under the pastorate of Rev. S. S.
ATalker, a church building was erected on the corner of Oak and
Court streets, the present site ; in 1895 the congregation having
grown to substantial proportions, erected the beautiful church
Avhich occupies the site Avhich was formally dedicated February
7th, 1897. The church, during the succeeding years, had varied
success, but gradually, through removals from the city, the mem-
332 HISTORY OF ^^lOXROE COUNTY
bershij) clwiiulknl to a })uiiit wliieh, as has l)i'eii said, resulted in
the coalition with the Congregational society during the pastor-
ate of the Rev. F. AV. AValker Pugh ; at the publication of this
history the arrangement still continues, a striking illustration
that letting down the bars in denominational religion results and
can result in greater good.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first services of this church were held at what was known
at "Union Block," just south of Assembly hall, by Rev. Fayette
Durlin, missionary stationed at LaCrosse ; he visited Sparta oc-
casionally thereafter for some time. Bishop Kemper made the
first Episcopal visitation in 1859, at which time Mrs. J. AV. AVal-
rath, ]\Irs. J. D. Condit and Mrs. J. AY. Smith received the rite of
confirmation. In 1860 the first Sunday school was organized by
a few ladies at the home of ]\Irs. 0. D. Kaiidall, which held its
first sessions at Liberty hall. In 1861 the lot was purchased
where the little church noAv stands, and in 1863 a plain church
"was erected through the efforts of the few meml)ers and the
donations from all classes of citizens. In April, 1863. St. John's
Church Avas formally organized with the Rev. AV. P. Ten Broeck
as pastor. !Many clergymen have been assigned to tliis little
church, Avhich has had a varied existence, at times no services
being held, at others occasional service and at times having a
missionary priest regularly in charge.
Of late years the most determined effort to inaugurate a re-
vival of the church membership and work was undertaken, with
the coming of Rev. A. J. R. Goldsmith from England, sent here
by Bishop Nicholson; he arrived in July. 1906. and remained
about two years, during which time he was ordained by Bishop
AYebl) ; he resigned and went to Arapahoe, Neb. In September,
1909, Rev. Robert T. ]\IcCutchen assumed charge, holding regu-
lar services up to the time when he received an appointment from
the general board of missions in New York City as missionary to
the Philippine Islands, with residence at Sagada, for whicli duty
he and his wife left Sparta early in 1911. The church has since
been closed, except for occasioiud services which have l)een sup-
plied by Rev. Link fioiii Alauston.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
TOMAH, MENOMONEE CHIEF.
It having been established beyond the question that the city
of Tomah was named from Tliomas Carron, or "Tomah," which
is the French pronunciation for Thomas, a biography of this
remarkable man merits a place in this work. There seems to
have been a great deal of uncertainty in the past among the
people of Tomah who have been interested in investigating its
early days and the reason for the name, and it has frequently
been written that he was a Winnebago chief, but through the
efforts of the Wisconsin State Historical Society the principal
facts in his life have been gathered and are here presented.
Tomah was the most noted of the sons of the old Carron, a
celebrated Menomonee chief, and was born in 1752 in the old
King's village, opposite Green Bay. He was a man of magnifi-
cent appearance, being six feet tall, with dark eyes and handsome
features, and was very prepossessing, with a lordly bearing. He
looked every inch a king and one writer, Grignon, says that he
was the finest looking chief that he had ever seen. He was firm,
prudent, peaceable and conciliatory, and wfss sincerely loved
alike by the white and red men of his time. In his early man-
hood he became the acting chief of the ^Menomonee tribe,
although he had no hereditary title to the chieftainship. This
was held at the time by a man about as old as himself, who was
an idiot. Tomah merely ruled as the acknowledged strongest
man of his nation, and this he continued to do for a great many
years. The Indian tribes around him are represented as being-
afraid of him, which is mentioned as a singular fact, that he
never engaged in Avar with any of them while in control of the
nation, but seemed to inspire awe by his great ability.
The home of this tribe was in the vicinity of Green Bay, l)ut
the Indians at different times roamed tJiis entire country, and
no doubt at some time the chief Tomah occupied for a brief space
some portion of the site of the present city of Tomah as his camp-
ing grounds and made the acquaintance of some settler or settlers
in that region, who were so impressed with his bearing and
333
334 HISTORY OF :\10NHOK COUNTY
frii'n(llin(\s.s that liis name was jji-oposed for the little early settle-
ment, and (^ver since the village, and afterwards the city, has
horiK^ his name. An account Avritten by James AV. Biddle, of
Pittsburgh, Pa., of a visit to the Indian trilx'S at Green Bay and
vicinity along in 1810 and 1817, gives many interesting events in
the history of this great chief. jMr. l^iddle relates that on his
visit he learned that in 1810 or 1811 Tecumseh was forming his
great combination for drivint: llic Americans back, who, like the
waves of the sea, were encroaching upon their hunting grounds.
AYith this vicAV he visited Green Bay, obtained a council and
hearing from Tomah and his people, whom he addressed in a man-
ner he best knew how to do, and in the course of which, in true
Indian spirit, he pictured the glory, as well as certainty of suc-
cess, and as omens of this recapitulated to them his own hitherto
])rosperous career — the number of battles he had fought, tlic vic-
tories he had won, the enemies he had slain, and the scalps he had
taken from the lieads of the warrior-foes. Tonuili appeared
sensible of this influence, for he was opposed to leading his people
into war. His reply was in a tone to allay this feeling, and he
closed Avith the remark to tliem that they had heard the words of
Tecumseh — heard of the battles lie had fought, the enemies he
iiad slain, and the scalps he had taken. He then paused, and
while the deepest silence reigned throughout the audience he
slowly raised his hands, and his eyes fixed on them, and in a
lower I)iit not less prouder tone, continued, "But i1 is my boast
that these hands are unstained with Imiiuiii blood!*' The eflt'ect
is described as tremendous — nature obeyed her own impulse; an
admiration Mas forced even from those who could not. or did
not, approve of the moral to be implied, and the gravity of the
council Avas disturbed for an instant by a murmur of ai)proba-
tion, a tribute of genius, overpowering at the moment the force
of education and of haliit. He concluded Avith remarking that
he had ever supported the policy of peace, as his nation Avas small
and consequently Aveak; 1li;it he Avas I'lilly awai-e of llie injustice
of the Anu'ricaus in tlu-ii- encroadiiiienls upon the lands of Ihe
Indians, and for them feai'ed its consecjuences. I)u1 llial he saw-
no I'elief for it in going to Avai-. aiul therefore, as a national tiling,
he Avould not do so, but that if any of his young nuMi Avere
desirous of leaving their hunting grounds and foUoAving Tecum-
seh they had his permission to do so. His prudent councils pre-
vailed.
The further report of Mr. Biddle. given in his oavu language,
is as folloAvs: "I always thought this an odd speech, a very
TOMAH, MENOMONEE CHIEF 335
remarkable one to come from a savage, for such Tomali was by
l)irth and edneation, but by nature I always thought him one of
the grandest specimens of humanity I had ever seen. I had not
met with him at Green Ba^' ; I was only a few days here in 1816
and hurried with business, nor did I hear much, if anvthing, of
him, until after meeting him the next year at ^lackinaw. The
tirst I lieard of him was a prescription of his to Col. John Bowyer,
tlie Indian agent at Green Bay, for the gout, of which my brother,
EdAvard Biddle, told me, and a very rational one I thought it, ' to
drink no whiskey, live on lean meat and wild rice and scarify
his feet.' This led me to make inquiries about him when I found
that my brother had become a warm friend of his — an admirer
of him.
"When at Mackinaw early one morning in the latter part
of May or early in June, 1817, I had come out of my lodgings
and observed approaching me one of tlie many Indians then on
the island, and taking a look at him as he emerged from the fog,
then very heavy, I was struck as he passed in a most unusual
manner by his singularly imposing presence. I had never seen,
I thought, so magnificent a man. He was of large size, perhaps
full six feet, with hue proportions, a little stoop-shouldered, and
dressed in a someAvhat dirty Indian l)lanket, and had scarcel}^
noticed me as he passed. I remember it as distinctly as if it was
yesterday. I watched him until he disappeared again in the fog
and remember almost giving expression to a feeling which seemed
irresistibly to creep over me, tliat the earth was too mean for
such a man to walk on ! The idea, to be sure, was discarded the
moment it came up, but existence it had at this, my first view, of
Toraah. 1 had no knowledge at the time who he was or that
Tomah was on the island, but while standing there before my
door and under the influence of the feeling I have described,
Henry Graverat, the Indian interpreter, came up and I inquired
of him whether he knew an Indian who had just passed by? He
replied yes. that it was Tomah, chief of the IMenomonee Indians,
who, with his people, had arrived late the evening before and
were encamped at the 'Point;' that Tomah had just been with
him to ask a council with the Indian agent, Maj. Wm. H. Puthuff.
The council was held at 10 o'clock and I made it my business to
attend.
"To understand what follows, I must make a short digression.
The British for many years had paid annual contributions, termed
by them Indian annuities, giving each member of the tribe a suit
of clothes, consisting of a shirt, leggins, breech-clout and blanket
336 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
— and each family a copper kettle, knives, axes, guns, ammuni-
tion, etc. For these each tribe came regularly in the spring or
fall, either to ^Mackinaw or Drummond's island or the Sault Ste.
]\Iarie. Tomah was a British Indian. He had not himself engaged
in the war, but his feelings were with the British, as were per-
sonally some of his young men. He had arrived on ^Mackinaw
island Avith his whole people on their way to Drummond's island
to receive their usual annuity, and stopped at ^Mackinaw to rest
over night. There was nothing novel to us in this as a number
of tribes had previously arrived, stopped and had a council, at
which they told their story, always winding up with professions
of love for their 'Chemuckiman Nosah,' or American father, who,
they hoped, would open his heart and give their people some
meat to stay them on tlieir journey, and his breasts to give them
some milk — i. e., whiskey — to make them joyful. This was the
usual winding up of all such councils. AVhen the council in this
instance had met and the proper time offered, Tomah arose and
stated to ]\Iajor Puthuff that he had arrived Avith the Menoinonee
nation the night before on their Avay to visit their Britisli father,
and that having stopped on the island to rest over the night he
had thought it his duty to report the fact to his American father.
"With this simple announcement he sat down. Puthuff, a little
nettled, made a short reply and the council broke up.
"Coming out of the council house I waited for ]\Iajor Puthuff
and remarked to him tliat Tomah would want some provisions
for his people, and that I wished he would give me an order for
that purpose. 'D — n the rascal, why didn't he ask for it, then?'
'I suppose,' said I, 'being a British Indian, he is too proud.'
'AVell, let him starve then.' 'If all are to starve who are proud,
God help manj^ that I know of, major.' I had no difticulty in
prevailing in the matter as the government had made provision
for such issues to Indians, and Graverat and I made out an esti-
mate proper under the circumstances to give, and Tomah and
his people continued their voyage.
"In a few days he and they returned, dejected and disconso-
late. A change had come over the spirit of British policy. They
had just come out of a long and exhausting dance, led them by
Napoleon, and were counting the cost. They had been casting
around to find where surest and readiest to cut off drains upon
their treasury and judging tiiat they had no further need of Indian
services, lopped off the whole list of Indian annuities. This was
already known to ^lackinaw and had been told to Tomah upon
his arrival, but he Avould not, or did not, believe it. He found
TOMAH, MENOMONEE CHIEF 337
it, however, too true. There were no annuities there for him
or for any of the other tribes, many of whom were there, and it
was anticipated at one time that they would rise against the
British force there and take what they could get. But this was
not attempted.
"My brother Edward, then and now at Mackinaw, had been
well acquainted with Tomah at Green Bay, and immediately
after his return to the island he came into the store, spoke a
few words to my brother and left. I had seen the interview
and watched the result without making any inquiry, for I saw
that my brother, who greatly loved Tomah, was imbued with
all his melancholy. In a few moments a young Indian came into
the store with a three-gallon keg, which my brother bade the
young man in the store to fill with wdiiskey, which was charged
on the books to Tomah. I was looking over the books but a few
years ago and saw the entry on the ledger, which brought with
it a train of wild and melancholy thoughts. This insult from
the British authorities, as he took it, was more than his proud
heart could bear. For himself he might have borne up against it,
but for his people, and in the sight of those whose good offices he
had refused to ask, he could or would not. The keg Avas brought
to him in his tent, from which he drank alone, and to an excess
that relieved him on the third day of pride, grief, joy and care.
He was buried on the island. I was present at his funeral and
witnessed his daughter, a young girl of nineteen or twenty, as
she mournfully sang his death song at the head of the coffin just
before lowering into the grave all that was mortal of Tomah. I
never saw so distressed and broken-hearted a people. They said
they were no longer a nation, no longer anything. Tomah could
alone command and keep them together, but now they would be
scattered and lost. We made a collection and bought them pro-
visions which carried them home, where they organized under
some other chief, until driven from their old hunting-grounds
by you land-grasping AYisconsiners !"
Tomah died and was buried at Mackinaw, July 8, 1818, at the
age of sixty-six years. On his grave IMr. John Law, of Green
Bay, erected a monument with the following inscription :
"Here rests the body of Thomas Carron, grand chief of the
Folle Avoine (Menominee) nation, who departed this life July 8,
1818, aged sixty-six years, regretted by all who knew him."
Thus lived and died this great man, for great he was in his
day, a heroic figure of commanding ability, gifted with that
nobility of character and breadth of mind which makes men
338 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
great, whether civilized or savage ; and his great influence among
his people and the surrounding tribes did much in keeping the
friendly relations -with the early settlers, whom he invariably
protected. He was fully as great as Phillip, of Pokanoket, or
Pontiac, or Tecumseh, not as well known perhaps, but exhi1)iting
traits of character which called for great admiration, and the
city which bears his name may well be proud of it. — Ed.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
CITY OF TOMAH.
Woven around the adoption of the name of this beautiful city
are a number of interesting facts. How and why it was given
this name appears a little later in the chapter. "Tomah" is truly
an euphonious word, pleasing to hear, giving the idea of gentle-
ness and yet sturdy strength. The village and the city bears the
name of that celebrated Menomonee chief whose life and char-
acter show him to have been a mighty man among his people
and in his time. So the city, his namesake, has become a familiar
word throughout the state and stands for sturdy municipal
strength and progress.
Contrary to the general belief as to who was the first settler
upon the site of the city, credit usually being given to Robert
E. Gillett, stands forth the fact that Jesse Boorman was the first
actual settler and the first man to acquire title to any portion of
the land upon which the city is now situated.
When in 1854 Mr. Boorman, who was then living in Wal-
worth county, was informed by an itinerant preacher that the
region to the west, near the Mississippi river, was the "Promised
Land," the first idea of the new settlement began to take form.
In that year jNIr. Boorman drove through from Walworth county
to LaCrosse and entered three forties of land, which are now a
portion of the site of the city. He came back and located the
land and proceeded to clear a portion of it, going back to Wal-
worth county in the winter and returning in the spring to further
improve the land.
To digress from the story at this point it seems fitting to give
a short sketch of Mr. Boorman 's life. He was born July 4, 1830,
in Kent county, England. When about six months of age he came
with his parents to this country, embarking at Liverpool in a
sailing vessel and landing in New York on New Year's day, 1831,
the voyage having occupied six weeks.
The family soon located in ChautauqvTa county. New York,
where they lived for three years, moving from there to Green
county, in sight of the Catskill mountains, where they resided for
339
340 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
three years more. Mr. Boorman's father then decided to "go
"west," left that location and went to Schenectady by way of
Buffalo, coming to AViseonsin by the lake route, passing through
Chicago and then on to AValworth count.y by teams, arriving
there early in June, 1837, when "Wisconsin was still a territory.
John Boorman, Jesse's father, entered 320 acres of land in AVal-
worth county; his son, Jesse, remained at home and assisted in
working the farm until 1854, when he located the 120 acres of
laud wliich Mill be described hereafter, securing a patent signed
by James Buchanan, then President.
In 1855 he, with his brother-in-law, came to Madison by rail
and then walked from there to the present site of Tomah and
established a farm home, where he lived for many years until
1903 when, owing to his advanced age, he retired from active
farm life and has since resided in the city of Tomah. He was
married to Miss Lucilica Constance Ryland, November 4, 1858.
In 1855 Robert E. Gillett, accompanied by Robert Howie,
arrived upon the scene. Mr. Gillett purchased some land which
lay south and east of the present location of the city, and went to
Walworth county during the Avinter of 1856-57 and offered to
trade land with ]\Ir. Boorman. Mr. Boorman requested him to
wait until spring, when he would be on the premises again.
Accordingly in the spring of 1857 Boorman came back. At that
time he had no idea that this location might be a good trading
point with the advent of the railroad which it was rumored
would be constructed through from ^Milwaukee, and the land he
owned not being the best for agricultural puposes, on April 24th
he traded with Mr. Gillett. On that day he gave Gillett a deed
of the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter, the northwest
quarter of the southeast quarter, and tlie southwest quarter of the
northeast quarter of section four, township seventeen, range one
west, which deed was recorded in the office of the register of
deeds in volume four of deeds, on page 285, on April 24, 1857.
For this land ^Ir. Boorman received an equal amount and sixty
acres "to boot," which comprised a portion of the old Boorman
farm, upon whicli, with additional purchases, he remained as
stated until 1903.
]\rr. Gillett had four forties in section nine, joining section
four on tlie south, and the impulse which led to the selection of
tliis point for a village is an interesting story. Robert A. Gillett,
the son of Robert E., when a young man of twenty years was
employed with the surveying party which staked out the route
of the Alilwaukee and LaCrosse Railroad from ^Milwaukee to the
CITY OF TOMAH 341
Mississippi river. His father, Kobert E., instructed him to find
out from the engineer in charge of the work at what point the
line of railroad was most likely to be built to the north, and in
tlie course of events it was found that Council House creek was
the most likely and logical point for such an extension. Word
was sent back to Milwaukee and a movement was immediately
started to buy the property necessary for a town site. This was
done at what would be considered a trifling cost in these days.
The United States government and the state of AVisconsin held
title to the land and settlers were able to secure it at very reason-
able prices. The land grants were secured by Robert E. Gillett
and a tract covering a mile in length and a half-mile in width
was secured south of and abutting upon the projected railroad,
which the founder often stated, and firmly believed, would some
day be a railroad center. His untimely death prevented him from
seeing his dream realized even to a small degree.
In 1855 Griswold Gillett, the father of Robert E., took up
160 acres of land adjoining the southeast corner of the original
village, on a land warrant for service rendered the United States,
government in the war of 1812. This became the homestead of
the family, and on this farm the third house in the village was.
built. After the trade which had been made between Robert E.
Gillett and Jesse Boorman, plans were at once made for laying
out the town site. AVhen the plot of ground was selected it was
necessary to find a name for the proposed village, and it appears
that the son, Robert A. Gillett, after the perusal of an old history
of the state in Avhicli a record was found telling that an old and
highly esteemed Indian chief, contemporaneous with and friendly
to Chief Oshkosh, had at one time gathered his tribe for confer-
ence in the council house located on the headwaters of what is
now known as Council creek, he chose the name "Tomah," which
was accordingly adopted. In connection with this chapter it is
eminently fitting that here be given a short account of the
founder of the city and his son, remarkable men, both of them, in
many ways.
Robert E. Gillett Avas born in Mesopotamia, 0., on the 23rd
day of June, 1809. He was one of the three sons of Griswold
Gillett and Elvina Tracy, both of whom were pioneer settlers
of the western reserve of Ohio. Born in the first decade of the
nineteenth century, Robert E. Gillett combined the spirit of the
pioneer with an appreciation of the value of education, and was
one of the first to become identified with the educational move-
ment of which Oberlin college, Ohio, was the center, and became •
342 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
thf first financial secretary of the society or group of earnest men
antl women who laid the foundation of this Avonderful school.
He was a man of sterling character and strong convictions,' and
his love of justice prompted him to take up the cause of abolition,
and lie Avas known throughout tlie South as a "black abolition-
ist." Ilis home in Oberlin later ])ecame a station in the t'iiiiious
"underground railroad," and tlie shop over his kitclien was used
for sheltering negro slaves on their way to Canada and freedom.
At one time he Avas chosen by a Southern judge as guardian of
five mulatto children. Family records do not sIioav the date of
this period in his career, but tliere Avere three ^Miner children
and tAVO LalNIar children, the latter being a branch of the family
of AA'hich Senator LalMar of late fame belonged. These children
Avere taken to Oberlin and their estates administered in a just
and satisfactory manner, and all fiA^e in due time graduated from
Oberlin college. His activity in tlie cause of abolition Avas cai'-
ried on until the election of President Lincoln, of Avhom he Avas
a staunch supporter. Just before his death his services Avere
recognized by President Lincoln, avIio commissioned him ^Minister
to Venezuela, but death came before he could assume the
responsibility of this mission. In the early days of the settlement
of JMonroe county he Avas one of the fcAV judicial officers in tiie
community, holding for a short time the office of justice of the
peace.
He AV'as married September 8, 1833, to INIarie Ann Bussell.
Tavo children, Robert Arthur anci Mary A., Avere the fruits of this
marriage. In 1837 his Avife died and a year later his marriage
to Lucy Kellogg took place. The children by this marriage Avere
Ruth K., Theodore AV., Julia King and Frederick F. About a
year after the death of his second Avife he married Lois Ann
Ingraham, October 27, 1849, a AvidoAv Avith tAvo children, a son
and a daughter. The son died at an early age. The daughter.
Lucy, lived a short time in Tomah, died in early Avomanhood,
mourned by a large circle of friends. Robert E. Gillett died at
Tomah, September 28, 1861.
No history of Tomah Avould be complete Avithout reference,
at least, to "Grandma Gillett," or "Aunt Lois," as she Avas
knoAvn to the family, but universally knoAvn and called in the
last years of her life "Grandma Gillett" by the people of Tomah.
She possessed the true pioneer spirit and it Avas to her qualities
of mind and heart that the social life of the neAv settlement OAved
much. Her interests were Avith everybody, her charity kncAv no
limit except that of the means to do Avith, and her religion Avas
CITY OF TOMAII 343
of a type which is so rare and sweet that it has left its imprint
on all who kneAV her. She survived her husband many years
and was known and loved by the children of Tomah for three
generations.
Robert Arthur Gillett, son of the founder, was born in Elyria,
0., July 6, 1834. As a mere boy he traveled on horseback and
on foot as far as the Indiana line, going two or three times to
Boston with his father, who was engaged in the business of
drover. He lived in Ohio until about seventeen years of age,
when he took his worldly goods, consisting of a team of horses,
a wagon and a cow, boarded a steamboat at Cleveland and went
west, arriving in Milwauke in due course of time, where he
engaged in teaming. During the early period of the settlement
of Tomah he owned and operated a sawmill at LaCrosse, and
after the panic of 1857 wiped out his resources and his health
demanded a change of climate, he again "went west," this time
to the gold fields of Colorado, with a wagon train of emigrants
composed of Wisconsin people, many of whom never returned to
this state. He was located at Pike's Peak and vicinity for about
eighteen months, returning home at the beginning of the civil
war, being called back to his father's death bed.
As has been stated previously, after reaching Milwaukee and
being employed by Kellogg & Strong in teaming, he joined the
surveying party which blazed the trail of the Milwaukee &
LaCrosse Railroad. As the road building progressed he followed
the railroad business and was the first station agent at Iron Ridge,
at Horicon and at Tomah for a short time, where the family were
located, living in the log house on his grandfather's farm. After
the death of his father he became the administrator of the estate,
and although his grandfather, Griswold Gillett, was still living,
he became the virtual head of the familj^ In 1862 he married
Sarah Caroline Turner and took up his residence at Tomah, acting
as recruiting agent for the army.
In the spring of 1864 he enlisted in the Forty-third Regiment,
Wisconsin Volunteers, and was commissioned captain of Com-
pany K of that regiment. His discharge came with the close of
the war. His family consisted of five children, Charles, Matie,
Theodore W., who died in 1872; Minnie, who died in 1902, and
Sarah Lettie, who died in infancy in 1872. During the few years
following the war he endeavored to unravel the tangled afi^airs
at Tomah, but in 1866 he was obliged to abandon the task as too
big for his limited capital. He was elected chief clerk of the
AVisconsin asserablv in 1866, and after the close of the session of
344 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
the legislature that year he reengaged in the transportation busi-
ness and was contracting agent for the AVestern Transportation
Company for nearly thirty years. During tliis time he also tilled
many of the clerical positions at ]\Iadison during the winter
months and Avas always active in state politics.
In 1872 his wife died and a year later he married Serepta A.
Atkinson, of LaCrosse. He was actively engaged in ])usiness in
^Milwaukee up to 1905, when he again Avent west, this time to
Los Angeles, Cal., but returned the same year. His second wife
died in December, 1905, at Fox Lake, AVis. His last years were
spent with his daughter, ]Matie AVarren, at Fox Lake, at whose
home he passed aAvay December 28, 1907, after a most active and
useful life.
Resuming our narrative : After completing the trade Mr. Gil-
lett employed AYilliam Spear, a civil engineer, of LaCrosse, who
made the original plat of the village settlement on the south half
of section four and a part of the north half of section nine, the
plat being completed June 4, 1857, and the future city began to
be a reality.
The manner in w^hich this original plat was laid out reflected
the tendencies and character of Mr. Gillett in a most gratifying
manner, Superior avenue being made 100 feet wide and all other
avenues running north and south seventy feet wide, and all cross
streets sixty feet wide. His generosity was further evidenced by
the fact that for a time after the plat was completed he offered
to give free lots to any who would build buildings upon them.
In the southeast corner of the village he set aside a ten-acre tract,
known as the Gillett reserve. Here was to be the home of the
founder of the village. This tract, however, was destined never
to fulfill its original purpose, and in 1869, or early in 1870, was
divided and sold to AYatson Earle and Judge George Graham.
Directly north of this plat a piece of ground was set aside for
a female seminary, a beautiful place, well wooded and sloping
eastward to Council creek. This project was never carried out
owing to the death of Islr. Gillett in 1861. His monument, how-
ever, is the attractive Gillett park which, through the enterprise
of later generations, has been made into a delightful spot.
S. D. Hollister, who came to the village soon after the arrival
of Mr. Gillett, owned the southeast quarter of the northwest
quarter of section four, and in August, 1858, platted what is
known as " Hollister 's first addition'' to Tomah. The survey was
made by C. C. ^Miller, a civil engineer, lately settled in the village,
and this plat was added to and became a part of the village
CITY OF TOMAH 345
proper. This was followed the same year by "Railroad addi-
tion," platted by Robert E. Gillett and McLean Stoughton, on
August 7, 1858, being also surveyed by C. C. Miller. Then came
"Hollister's second addition," which was platted August 19,
1859, so that in the space of two years the little settlement began
to take form and shape as a municipality. Buildings sprang up
like mushrooms, people came in rapidly from the east to swell
the population, and in 1858 Tomah was incorporated into a village
having facilities for transportation by the opening of the Mil-
waukee and St. Paul Railroad, became an important trading
point.
The first building of which there is any record built in the
village proper was the cabin built by Cady Hollister and occu-
pied by him and his wife and son, Solomon Hollister, which was
erected on the hill where the high school building now stands.
The cabin built by Robert E. Gillett in 1856, on what is now
known as the Benjamin farm, was the second building erected
and is still standing, being joreserved as one of the few land-
marks still remaining to remind us of pioneer days. This cabin,
according to Robert Howie, was originally started by two hunters
whose names are unknown, but was afterwards enlarged and
finished by Mr. Gillett.
Robert Howie at the writing of this work is still living at the
ripe old age of eighty-two years, and deserves more than passing
mention in this book. Meeting Robert E. Gillett on his way to
the future village they became acquainted, and Mr. Howie came
with him and worked for him a great many years. Mr. Howie
was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, August 6, 1830. When about
twenty-six years of age he left his native country and landed in
New York on the Fourth of July, 1856, and came directly to
Wisconsin. ]Mr. Howie engaged for several years in farm and
mill work, and among his early emploj^ments was that of carrying
mail between Tomah and Sparta. This he did on foot through
the wilderness, following the Indian trails, and it is related that
he made the trip from Tomah to Sparta and back in one day,
sometimes carrying as much as $2,000 in orders and cash in his
mail sack. This trip he made twice a week.
After leaving the employment of Mr. Gillett he assisted C. C.
IMiller in surveying for several months, and then engaged in
teaming from Sparta to Tomah and LaCrosse, hauling many of
the early families and their goods to Tomah, and was well known
throughout all that region. About 1858 Mr. Howie began to farm
the land which he had purchased from Gillett and others, con-
346 HISTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
sisting of 100 aei'es in and around Toniali. lie first erected Ijarns
for stock and then built his frame residence, which still stands
upon the original site, having been enlarged and improved. In
1871 hf was nian-icd to Agnes Alexander, a native of Scotland,
and to tliem Avas born five children. During the course of his life
he has had many hardships to undergo. One time his jaws were
broken by Ihc kick of a horse; at another time he was run over
by a Avagon load of hay. In the winter of 1857, Avhen the snow
covered this territory to a depth of five feet on the level, he, in
company with Mr. Gillett, befriended the Indians in many ways
and Avon their love and friendship.
As early as 1854 AV. AV. Jackson and AVebster Kenyon, Avith
several others, settled in the toAvn of Adrian, at a point Avhich
they afterAvards called Jacksonville. Tavo years afterAvards Gil-
lett built a saAAmiill in the northern part of the village of Tomali,
Avhich Avas run for him by Jackson and Kenyon.
When the surA'cyors Avere coming through the route of the
]\IilAvaukee and LaCrosse Raihvay a keen rivalry existed betAveen
the village of Tomah and Jacksonville as to the route of the
original line, ^luch pressure Avas brought to l)ear upon the
surveying party, but Mr. Gillett in his engaging and logical Avay
finally induced the surveyors to nuike the line Avhere it noAv
stands, instead of sAvinging farther to the south and going
through Jacksomilic ; in th.e meantime a plat had been made
of Jacksonville and its inhabitants had full faith that the railroad
Avould go through their community and there Avould be estab-
lished a future city; they Avere doomed to disapjiointment, hoAV-
ever, and Jacksonville dwindled to a mere settlement and later
became only a farming community, and thus the dream of a
municipality faded aAvay, the victim of circumstances.
To attempt to folloAv out the arrival of the earlier settlers
is a task for Avhich no record noAV serves, to name them all in
the first fcAv years of pioneer days is noAv an impossible task;
many familiar names, hoAvever, are remembered and are here
given as Avell as can be done at this time; James Garnock and
family came Avith Robert IloAvie in 1855. ]Mr. Garnock soon after
opening a blacksmith shop and building a residence on Avhat is
still the old (Janioek homestead; William IMunkett came from
Walworth county the same y<'ar: AVilliani AlcLauren also came
Avith Mr. IIoAvie and -lames (iarnock and settled in the town near
tiu' village.
The year 1856 saAV the coming of S. Jennings, O. W. Kellogg,
CITY OF TOMAII 347
Joseph D. Cady, who afterwards liought a lot on Superior Avenue
and Imilt a house, Alden Cremer, Amasa Meloy, Harvey Bush,
who built the third house or cabin in the vicinity, being situated
somewhere near the present cemetery, C. C. Miller, the civil
engineer, who built a log cabin about where Watson Earle's
liouse now stands and afterwards secured the property on the
ridge in later days known as the "Beers" place. In 1856 or
1857 Dr. Walker and Dr. Goyer arrived, which was first on the
ground is not known, but they came at about the same time and
commenced the practice of medicine a few years later. Dr.
Rouse Bennett located here and went into the army as a surgeon
soon after the commencement of the civil war. The Bradley
boys, Josiah, Charles and Henry, came in 1857.
In 1858 James Rockwood and his four sons, Theodore,
Delorama, Edgar and James N. moved into the village from
Limerick Avhere they had located about two years before, there
being at that time a saw mill operated there by Jackson and
Kenyon. Mr. Rockwood secured the piece of property where the
old Grant house stood and proceeded at once to erect a barn
on the back end of it. AVhen the barn was finished he moved and
started to keeping boarders. He at once, however, began the
construction of a hotel building on the corner and at its com-
pletion called it the "Rockwood House," vxhich he ran until
1867 when he sold the property to a man named Smith from
Leon or LaFayette ; it being right after the war he changed the
name to the "Grant House," in honor of General Grant, and
conducted a hotel for a number of years, when the property was
sold to Mike Gondrezick.
John Dodge came in 1858 and built a sliop having over it
a public hall on the site where the old Dr. Vincent residence
stands: afterwards this building was moved down to the St. Paul
depot and enlarged, being converted into a hotel, which was
known for many years as the "Dodge House."
In every history there must necessarily be the "First Events"
which are so often alluded to and concerning which at times there
is nuich discussion ; the year 1856 saw the birth of the first
white child in the little settlement, being a daughter who came
to brighten the home of ]Mr. and Mrs. Amasa Meloy, March 6 ; she
Avas named Hattie and grew up to womanhood in the village ;
the first male child was Frank, the son of C. C. Miller, born in
June of the same year. He now resides at Pasadena. Cal., where
he runs a large hotel.
348 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
The cause of education received a feel)le start at this time,
school being held in a eorucrib for a brief period; afterwards
conducted in a building built for the purpose.
The year 1857 was indeed a red letter year for the village,
for with it came many new families, including Aslier Ilaynes,
Reuben SchafTer and many others; (\ AV. Kellogg, who was a
Methodist clergyman, commenced religious services that year,
holding church on the first Sunday in July in a new barn erected
by Robert E. Gillett, which Gillett said he wanted to have "dedi-
cated"; the first business building Avhicli Avas put up Avas a small
store building erected by I!lder Kellogg on the corner now occu-
pied by the Ziegler store ; Kellogg put in a small stock of groceries
and drugs. Soon after that Asher Haynes built a store and
dwelling combined a little further south in the same block and
entered into the mercantile business. The premises w'ere after-
wards occupied for a number of years by Dr. J. II. ]Mosele}' ; part
of the building is still standing, though the place has been fre-
quently remodeled during these modern times.
A school house Avas built on the site where the home of
Harvey M. Sowle now stands and school regularly commenced
with an attendance of eight pupils under the direction of Emma
Bush, daughter of Harvey Bush as teacher. The old school house
stood on that place for a great many years, one of the landmarks,
afterwards used for dwelling purposes until torn down by ^Mr.
Sowle. Elder Kellogg also built the first frame house in the
village in that year upon the knoll on a lot given to him by
Mr. Gillett. This house is still standing, although greatly
changed in appearance upon what the later generations called
'* Kellogg 's Hill," and the editor has many pleasant recollections
of coasting down this hill on bright moonlight Avinter nights.
On November 13, 1856, a resolution AA^as passed by the County
Board of Monroe County detaching from the toAvn of Adrian all
of toAvnship seventeen range one Avest and constituting it a ncAv
toAA'n to be knoAvn as the toAvn of Tomah. There Avas at this time
only a temporary government in the so called village and this
was the beginning of municipal government in the tOAvn and
of course the village Avhich Avas then a part of it. This resolution
provided that the first election should be held in the house of
James Randall on the first Tuesday in April, 1857, for the election
of toAvn ofificers; it seems, hoAvever, that Avhen the time came
for the election it Avas not held at IMr. Randall's, but in the home
of John Sexton, Avho, much to the disgust of the toAvn officers,
CITY OF TOMAII 349
charged $3.00 for the use of his house ; at that election John J.
Stacy was chosen chairman, Benjamin IMeacl and C. A. Adams
supervisors, Harvey Bush town clerk, Alden Cremer treasurer.
The following year 1858 the village was incorporated, but the
charter, however, was not granted by the legislature until several
years later; 1858 saM^ the completion of the railroad from
Milwaukee to LaCrosse, with exception of a small strip at Tunnel
City ; the rails being laid from the east to the tunnel and starting
on the west side of it, going to LaCrosse; the tunnel was not
completed until about seven months later and during this interval
the company was compelled to run a stage over the tunnel hill
to transfer passengers from one side to the other ; the opening
of this line to traffic caused a large increase in the population of
the village.
The population now demanding it a petition was gotten out
and forwarded to the postmaster general asking for the estab-
lishment of a post office and this was granted early in 1859 and
the office established amidst the rejoicing of the inhabitants; it
seems that in those days people did not cpiarrel about who should
be appointed postmaster, Cady Hollister Avas appointed to that
office which was rated fourth class, at which rating it continued
until 1867 when it was made a monej' order office, and the records
show that the first money order was purchased by a Mrs.
Charles AV. King for the sum of $50.00; by 1860 manufacturing
interests began to come and different lines of business to open
up, until the time of the breaking out of the civil war when
the little village did more than its share in sending to the front
a large number of its best citizens.
While there was no company recruited and organized at
Tomali Dr. Foote, who had located there some years before, raised
quite a number of men and took them to New Lisbon where they
enlisted in Company H Tenth AVisconsin Volunteer Infantry of
which company Dr. Foote was a lieutenant. A great many
enlisted at Sparta, some at LaCrosse, some went to other parts
of the state to enlist, so that the record of those who went from
the village of Tomah into the great struggle is impossible to
compile at this time.
The implements of industry were in great part laid aside for
those of war and while business was carried on in all lines in a
desultory way, all watched the course of that great struggle,
which appeared at times to have no end ; a reign of sadness
existed most of the time, from which it slowlv recovered at the
350 HISTORY OF :\IONKOE COUNTY
close of the war. AVitli the deelaration of peace and tlie return
of the soldier lioys who survived, an era of ])rosperity l)egan and
a numher of stores and dwellings were erected in lliis and the
succeeding years and the people branched out in all kinds of
business.
During the war period there were some new arrivals, notably
Harry Howard, who came in 1860 and bought a farm next to
Robert Howie; Lewis S. Barnes, in IHfil, who innnediately went
into business, became one of the substantial citizens and mer-
chants for nearly a half century ; AVatson Earle came in 1868 and
built the little feed store which existed for so numy years on the
site of the fine block now owned l)y him on Superior avenue, at
first he kept a meat market and then Avent into the feed business
and later putting in groceries. A. D. Benjamin also came in that
year in March, and his brother Tj. S. Beiijainiii in .June of 1863;
Edwin Eaton arrived in 1865 and went into business; A. AV.
Gibbs, who had oi'iginally settled at Ridgeville, moved to Tomah
in 1864 and put up a livery stal)le, purchased considerable
property and later platted Gibbs Addition; Sam Gunn also came
in 1864 and went at first into the lumlier business; in 1866 Dr.
J. F. Richards moved up from ^lilwavdvee and entered into the
practice of medicine ; L. S. Griggs moved in from LaGrosse that
year; James Tormey also arrived and at onee entered into
business, some time later being joined by William Prettyman, and
the firm of Tormey & Prettyman was a household word for
years; we neglected to mention \ho advent of Col. J. P. Tracy
who came in 1861 and erected a store l)uilding down at the lower
end of Superior avenue, which was at first used as a sort of a
hotel. Thomas McCaul moved here in 1867 and laid the founda-
tion for the large real estate holdings he now enjoys.
In 1866 the legislature granted a charter to the village and
in 1867 the first village officers were elected; they were as fol-
lows: President, D. C. Proctor; police justice, D. R. ]Meloy;
village trustees, William Ruiikel, L. S. Barnc-;, John Dodge, H. L.
Crandall, A. AV. Gibbs and Mr. Shepherd; village clerk, W. H.
Wright; treasurer. J. 11. Clian-eton; street commissioner, Levi
Benjamin. It appears tli.it the new administration started in
with a wave of reform right away by j^assing an ordinance
imposing a fine of $40.00 upon a i>erson eaught playing cards
in a saloon, thus the cause of good government started at once.
In 1867 all of the above otfieials were engaged in business
and several other well known names call iliemselves to mind,
.). .1. Kil)be, Avho kept a feed store; David Johns, who conducted
CITY OF TOMAH 351
a wagon factory and blacksmith shop; J. A. Wells, who estab-
lished the Tomah Journal; George Runkel, who afterw^ards
engaged in milling and established the first bank.
In 1871 and 1872 Tomah in common with all new western
towns felt the shock of the Jay Cooke failure and business
received a setback from which it was many long years in recover-
ing; in 1871, however, the building of the Wisconsin Valley
Railroad from Tomah to Grand Rapids in AVood county did much
to revive business and marks the beginning of a rapid growth
in population ; many families moved in, as they knew that Tomah
would be the division point of the new road and the increase in
population of the village was nearly five hundred.
One thing in which all Tomahites are interested is the old
reliable ' ' Sherman House " ; at the close of the war Joseph
McGinnis' father had a little building on the old Sherman House
corner which was about 16x24 in which he had a shoe shop in
front and lived in the back end ; it is impossible to supply exact
dates, but along about the last year of the war Mr. Schultz, father
of Adolph Schultz, bought the property of McGinnis and erected
a large frame building upon it and commenced keeping boarders;
he sold the property to H. G. Boyington after he had improved
it by building what was called the north ^ring; in this wing
upstairs was the only public hall and stage in town for a number
of years; Boyington ran the hotel as the "Boyington House"
for a great- many years and when the Opera House Block was
built by Thomas ]\IcCaul, Mr. Boyington turned the public hall
into sleeping rooms. Along in the early eighties the property
was sold by ]\Ir. Boyington to R. F. Parshall who built on what
is known as the east wing and rented the place to Frank Sherman,
of Mauston, who conducted the hotel up to the time of his death
for a long term of years as the "Sherman House" and finally
purchased it ; under his management and that of his excellent
wife and daughter, Mrs. Altenberg, the hostlery became famous
for its excellent home-like cooking, cleanliness and home appear-
ance and became a favorite resort for traveling men, a reputation
which has been sustained to this day under Charles Hamilton,
the present owner, who clerked for many years for ]Mr. Sherman.
In 1907 the Sherman House property was sold to the Tomah
Cash Mercantile Company and the buildiiigs were purchased by
Charles Hamilton Avho moved them to the present location on
the southeast corner of the same block and later added another
story, putting in steam heat and improving the entire property
so that it is today a modern little hotel in every particular.
352 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
In 187ti the old Grant House, then owned by M. Goudreziek,
was destroyed by fire. Tlie building had been raised up by Mr.
Goudrezick, a basement with a barroom and offices put under
it and the building greatly improved. It was destroyed with its
contents December 17th of that year.
But to go back to the chronological narrative. The period
from 1872 to 1890 did not hold many noteworthy events, per-
haps the most important of which was the mustering into the
AVisconsin National Guard of Company K on May 28, 1884.
Numerous business blocks and residences were built during the
time, and in 1883 the city Avas incorporated by the granting of a
charter by the legislature, which was known as chapter 134: of
the laws of 1883, and the city of Tomali was a reality.
Eighteen hundred ninety-three marked the Thayer bank fail-
ure at Tomali and Sparta, which affected the financial interests
of so many people of the county and wrought great hardsliip
upon many, and adding to this the fact that it was panic year
business in all lines suffered in consequence.
Eighteen hundred ninety-four was quite a lively year in
politics, especialh^ on the Republican side, for it was the time of
the memorable convention in this senatorial district to nominate
a candidate for state senate, the district comprising Jackson,
Monroe and Vernon counties. It was in this celebrated contest
that C. A. Goodyear, D. F. Jones and J. J. Gillivray were candi-
dates, a deadlock causing several adjournments to diflf'erent
places.
In September of that year, after considerable agitation, a spe-
cial election Avas held upon the question of the issuing of $15,000
bonds for a water works system. The election resulted in a ma-
jority of 303 for the proposition, and the following year the
first water works system was installed.
On September 23, 1894:, occurred the first disastrous fire in
the city's history. It started about 9:20 in the evening, breaking
out in the second story of the Joe Disper building, in block 25,
in the business district on Superior avenue. A high wind blowing
at the time soon spread the flames to adjoining buildings and the
entire block of business buildings was consumed. A. AV. Rice's
small frame building, used as a barber shop and dwelling, was
partially wrecked in an attempt to check the flames. The fii'e
department consisted of a chemical engine, which was totally
inadequate to handle such a fire. The block on the opposite side
of the street was threatened but by the heroic efforts of the fire-
men and citizens it was saved.
CITY OF TOMAH 353
Stocks of goods were moved out into the streets and thieving-
began more or less, and in order to aid the police force in guard-
ing all of this property that night, the men of Company K volun-
teered for that service and stood guard until morning, when
arrangements were made by the several owners to care for their
goods. Following is a list of the losses, and it will be noted how
small the value of buildings is compared with the present time :
Gondrezick building, $2,000; Grutsch building, $2,000; stock,
$350; Disper building, $1,000; Johnson & Simpson, hardware,
building and stock, $2,800; G. Eeel, building and stock, $4,000;
Aller & Button, $1,600; Blome building and stock, $1,800; Barnes
building and stock, $4,000 ; Rice building and stock, $1,300 ; Root
stock, $200; Johnson & Bongers, stock, $2,000. Building opera-
tions were at once begun and the year 1895 saw the block rebuilt
with substantial brick business blocks and in better shape than
ever.
From this time until 1898 business resumed its normal condi-
tion; prosperity reigned, business in all lines was good. In that
year the war cloud began to take form early. Trouble with Spain
had been brew^ing for some time. The blowing up of the Maine
in Havana harbor was the needed touch to fire the American
spirit, and war was formally declared by congress. This meant
troops and at once. After all the years that Company K had
been in existence, after all the criticism that it, in common with
other companies of the "Wisconsin National Guard, had received
from some classes of citizens who, perhaps, might have been
thoughtless in their statements, after all the years of being "tin
soldiers" in the minds of some, the opportunity came at last for
active service in the field, and how was it met by this little com-
pany of home boys? It was necessary as the law then stood, the
national guard being state troops, that the men volunteer in-
dividually for service in this war. Early in April the company
was assembled for this purpose and the proud fact was recorded
that sixty-seven out of the entire sixty-eight officers and men
volunteered to go to the front.
On April 27, at 4 o'clock a. m.. Captain AVarren received tele-
graphic orders to proceed to Milwaukee, where the regiment
M'ould be mobilized together with the other two AVisconsin regi-
ments. That morning the special train bearing the other com-
panies on this line took Company K, equipped, eager and ready
for the business in hand. That they met the issue, every officer
and man, and came back with a record to stand for all time to
their credit, is told in another chapter.
354 niSTORY OF .AlUXROK COUNTY
The eominunity was shocked on June 20th at the shooting of
AVilliain AVotzel l)y A. F. l^ynch. Tliis affair resulted in two long
and expensive trials, which resultinl finally in Lynch being de-
clared insane and sent to ]\Iadison.
In June, Lieut. Frank L. French, of Company L, Tliird Wis-
consin Volunteer Lifantry, was sent back to enlist recruits for
the Second battalion, Companies B, K, L and M, and from the
17th of June for a few days enlisted enough men to till up Com-
pany K to war strength, they being promptly sent on to Chick-
aiiiauga pai'lv', whci'c tlic regiment was then in camp.
In August the first note of sadness came from the war with
the deatli of Private Paul Curtius, of Company K, ol' tyi)]uud
fever, at Cliarleston, S. C. His })0(ly was returned home and the
funeral held on August ir)th, which was largely attendetl.
Time dragged slowly on. News came from the boys; now they
were at Charleston, then embarking to go to Cuba. Orders
changed, they were on their way to Porto Rico, where they ar-
rived in July. After that llie news from the front came only
occasionally. ^Many anxious hearts at home Avaited, for they did
not know wdiat. The campaign was soon over as far as hostilities
were concerned, but danger, greater than ever, of fever in that
tropical climate, still remained and wrought havoc in the ranks.
At last, however, the latter part of October came the .joyful news
that the "boys are coming home." Great preparations were at
once undertaken, committees appointed, and a fitting celebration
of tlieir return arranged for. On the morning of October 31st
the special train l)earing the Second battalion steamed in the
station at Tomah amidst the elieers of thousands assembled to
greet the boys. They filed out of their coach, each to be greeted
by Ids loved ones; then swung into line for their last march of
the campaign, to their armoiy. l^ut they were no longer boys.
Hardship and suffering had left their mark on every one. The
boys of a few months before Avere men now with lines on tlu'ir
faces, but — they were "home." After an informal lunch at the
armory they dispersed to their families and friends.
On Thanksgiving day, in November, a great banquet was ten-
dered to llie company, an elaborate jirogram was carried out.
The company, in common Avith the other companies of the regi-
ment, were placed on furlough for sixty days, and finally mus-
tered out of the service of the United States the following
January,
On Deceml)ei' 2?). 1898, the new Calholic cluirch was formally
CITY OF TO:\IAH 355
dedicated by Bishop Schwebaeh. This handsome structure,
erected at a cost of many thousands of dollars, standing on an
eminence, is one of the show places of Tomali.
In May, 1899, the Third regiment was reorganized as a state
organization, with Orlando Ilohvay as its colonel, and Company
K was mustered into the service of the state in May by Col.
George Graham, manj^ of the veterans of the Porto Rican cam-
paign going into the company, and its commissioned officers were
the same who had recently been mustered out.
On February 12, 1901, a serious fire occurred in the store of
the Tomah Cash IMercantile Company, which had succeeded C. A.
Goodyear, in Avhicli there was a loss of about $2,000, mostly on
the stock.
''"Wash" Snow, as he was familiary called, a veteran engineer
in the employ of the Chicago, JMihvaukee & St. Paul Company,
and a long-time resident of Tomah, was killed June 25th at
Portage. James P. Galiger, at one time county superintendent
of schools, passed away on July 21st.
At the school meeting in July the proposition came up to
build a new high school building, the old building being over-
crowded and it being very evident that a move of that kind was
necessary. The meeting adjourned without taking any action
until early in August. At the adjourned meeting, after consid-
erable discussion, a resolution was passed appropriating $25,000
for a new high school building, resulting in the erection of the
present handsome and well-appointed structure.
The assassination of President ]\IcKinley shocked the com-
munity, as it did all others. On September 19th a memorial
meeting was held at the armory in which addresses were made
by Captain Butters, Rev. Johnathan Smith, Rev. Louis Wurst
and others. At about this time the agitation was commenced
for a sewerage system and for street paving by the Advancement
Association, and went to the extent of consultation, and E. Sands,
a civil engineer, as to the cost, etc. This matter came up later on
for action and caused considerable heated discussion among the
citizens as will be seen.
On the night of November 31, 1902, the post office was broken
into and robbed of stamps and cash to the amount of $1,400. The
safe was blown open by the burglars and some of the fittings of
the office damaged. The robbers made their escape.
Tomah had for years numbered among her citizens many
men who were almost experts with the shotgun. A shooting
356 IIISTOKV OF MOXKOE COUNTY
(•lul> or gim club had been in existence for a number of years,
which had joined the AVisconsin League of Gun CIuIjs, and
Toniah was successful in securing the fourth annual tournament
of the organization, which was held Alay 25 and 26, 1903. At
this meeting there were gun clubs from Appleton, Antigo,
Columbus, AVcst Superior, ^Merrill, .Marshlicld, ]\lonroe, the Na-
tional Gun Clul) and the South Side Gun Club, of ^lihvaukee,
Palmyra, Khinelaiuler, Kacine, Sparta, Two Rivers, Viroqua,
Waupaca, Wausau and INIarinette, in attendance. There were
eighteen contests or events on the program. The big event, how-
ever, was the one of twenty-five targets for the championsliip of
the state. This was won by Charles D. Johnson, of Tomah, who
made the remarkable record of twenty-five straight hits.
During the month of May a unique school institute Avas held
at the government Indian school, being an institute conducted
somewhat on the lines of public school gatherings. The insti-
tute Avas conducted by Superintendent Compton, of the Tomah
Indian school, and was participated in l)y about fifty instructors
and superintendents from five or more different states. The
meeting Avas held May 6th and 7th, and Avas A-ery interesting.
As a result of the agitation mentioned before regarding seAverage
and paving, the first step Avas taken in September, 1903, Avhen
macadam pavement Avas put on tAvo blocks of the business sec-
tion of the city, a much-needed improvement, as before that \he
street had been simply a clay road, requiring constant filling and
Avorking, and in Avet Aveather Avas sometimes inches deep Avith
mud.
Word was received that R. P. Hitchcock, a former resident,
passed aAvay at St. Louis, Mo., on November 20tli. Mv. Hitchcock
Avas one of the early merchants of Tomah, and for a great many
years prominent in municipal affairs. He was appointed post-
master by President Cleveland, serving one term.
During November of this year tlie city authoriti(^s closed a
deal by Avhich the city became the oaviht of the old "Whitfield''
property, for use as a city nmrket. A little later on. however,
the dwelling upon it Avas, and is noAv. used for housing the ])ublic
library, and the prciuiscs have not been used foi" market purposes.
Here Avill undoubtedl.A' be the site of the ncAV "Buckley "" public
library building.
On ^lay 11, 1904, Company K inaugurated the custom of cele-
brating the date when the company Avas mustered into the gov-
ernment service in the S]->miis]i Avai-. A larg(> ]'>arade. headed
CITY OF TO]\IAH 357
])y the Third regiment baud, iiiehidiiig Company K, Spanish
War Veterans and others, went to Gillet park, where appropriate
exercises Avere had, followed by sports in the afternoon and a
large ball in the evening. This custom has been continued since
with the exception of one or two years.
Alva Stewart Goodyear, formerly lieutenant and later cap-
tain of Company K, died at Chicago, May 13, 1904. He was a
graduate of the Tomah High School and a veteran of the Spanish-
American war. His funeral was attended by a large delegation
of his comrades and friends. An old pioneer in the person of
Amos Greenfield passed away on May 16th. Mrs. C. A. Good-
year, mother of Captain Goodyear, soon followed him and de-
parted this life at Chicago, May 25, 1904. In December of this
year this section was visited by a very severe blizzard, which
resulted in considerable suffering, especially by live stock. It
lasted for three days, December 28, 29 and 30, and will long be
remembered by the inhabitants. Railroads were blocked, tele-
graph and telephone communication cut off for some time, and
business generally was demoralized.
In January, 1905, on the 6th, Company K indulged in a jolli-
fication in unveiling the "Pfister trophy," which the company
had won during the past year by its excellent work in all
departments. This trophy is given for the best all around com-
pany in the state and is held for one year until won by some
other or the same company upon its record. In February the
Crescent Glee Club, of Sparta, Avith about thirty-five male voices,
visited Tomah, gave a short program at the Indian school in the
afternoon for the pupils and a concert at the armory in the
evening, Avhich Avas greatly enjoyed by a large audience.
February 23rd, the old Advancement Association having
passed into history, the business men of the city met in a pre-
liminary session to take steps to organize a new Advancement
Association. This Avas brought to a succesful conclusion, the
society organized and a formal opening of the rooms secured for
it in the Lynch block took place on the evening of ]\Iarch 24th.
This organization has been a great benefit to the city in many
AA'ays, as it makes concerted action possible on propositions affect-
ing the commercial interests especially. Its committees have
been, and are, actiA^e in the interests of the city generally and
through their efforts many municipal improvements have been
furthered. Another block of macadam paving Avas put in dur-
ing the spring of 1905 on Superior avenue, betAveen IMonoAva and
358 HISTORY OF .AIOXROE COUNTY
Juneau slrei'ts. \Villi tlic coiiiplt'tit)!! ul' tliis the agilatiuii for
sewerage and paving was renewed, and this marked the begin-
ning of a long fight in the city council, which resulted in a dead-
lock in September and nothing was accomplished that year.
On January 23, 1906. Harvey Seymour, a conductor on the
Vallo}' division of the Chicago, ^Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway,
was instantly killed in the yards at Tomah. In February, on the
16th, Oscar Zimmerman Camp No. 20, Spanish-American AVar
Veterans, was organized with Capt. AV. AV. Warren as com- '
mandcr. The camp was named after a member of the company '
Avho died in Porto Rico during the campaign. The organization
has been successfully maintained, as has a good membersliip. '
The spring of 1006 marked a hot campaign for municii^al
officers. The long draAvn out fight on the former council regard- ''
ing sewerage and paving resulted in a united action of the people
who desired those improvements. Hon. Thomas McCaul, under
whose administration of former years as mayor the first improve-
ment was inaugurated, that of water works, was drafted as the
candidate for mayor of the party in favor of improvements and '
a campaign began which was the most bitterly fought, perhaps,
of any in the history of the city. It resulted in the election of
Air. AlcCaul and enough members of the council to break the i
deadlock which had existed before that, and prospects then began
to look bright for paving.
Tomah was now indeed a city with all the things that go to
make up municipal life, so there must be a strike; and
there was one, not a very l)ig one to be sure, but a num-
ber of men employed in the bridge works of the Chicago, Alil-
Avaukee and St. Paul company took it into their heads to walk
out, which they did, claiming increased pay. The strike was of
short duration, however, as men were too easy to get in this
locality. The strikers went back to Avork and the industrial war
was over. AiM
Lieut. Irving Jones, first lieutenant of Company K during the
Sj)auish war, was instantly killed at the tOAvn of Lake, near Alil-
waukee. by the cars, on July 2, 1906. Air. Jones had formerly
been employed in the bridge shops of the St. Paul company here
as a painter. He served with distinction in the campaign in
Porto Rico, and when the company reorganized became first lieu-
tenant of tlie company, wliich position he lield for a sliort time
until he moved away Avith his family.
As Avas stated in this chapter, quite a number of the citizens
of Tomah enlisted in Company 11. Tenth AVisconsin Infantry,
CITY OF TOI\IAH 359
during tlie rebellion, and on October 7th and 8tli a reunion of the
Tenth AVisconsin was held at Tomah, participated in by a large
number of the survivors of that regiment. The sessions were
marked by much interest in the way of reminiscences. A banquet
closed the meeting fittingly.
The advance of years had began to tell upon the earlier citi-
zens, and one by one they dropped away. January 6, 1907, Capt.
Charles K. Erwin, so long identified with Tomah, died at Savanna,
111., the funeral being held at Tomah on January 11th. Captain
Erwin came to Tomah in 1868 after a brilliant record in the war
of the rebellion. He went into the mercantile business, in which
he continued until 1892. In 1881 he was elected state senator
from this district, and served in that office until 1888. In 1889
he was appointed postmaster at Tomah and at the expiration of
his term of office was made superintendent of the new State Home
for the Feeble Minded, which had just been built at Chippewa
Falls, which position he held for a number of years. He was
prominent in the councils of the head organization of the Wood-
men of the AVorld, and was well known throughout the state in
his time. He enlisted in the Forty-seventh Illinois on October
22, 1862, and rose through the various grades to the rank of cap-
tain. He Avas a member of the Loyal Legion and of Henry W.
Cressy Post, G. A. R.
An old land-mark went up in smoke the latter part of Janu-
ary in the old freight depot. This building was the depot and
freight house of the St. Paul road in early years. A new building
was erected by the company farther west for freight purposes.
At a meeting of the common council, February 19, 1907, plans
were adopted for a sewerage system for the city and five and
one-half miles was ordered laid. Tomah received a boom in the
form of the railroad shops, which were located here and build-
ings erected during 1907. The works were moved here from
Milwaukee and brought a large number of families. This, in con-
nection with the bridge works, which had been moved to the city
in 1890, made a large plant employing several hundred men, with
a pay roll of several thousand dollars per month, added greatly
to the growth and prosperity of the city. Nineteen hundred and
seven was a year of tornadoes. On July 5th the city barely es-
caped the effects of the terrible cyclone which did so much damage
in the town of Oakdale. This storm, which wrought so much
damage and loss of life in the northeastern part of the county,
passed within a short distance of the city, but fortunately, did no
damage here. In August, on the 10th, however, the city did not
360 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
escape so easily. A tornado struck the place witli mii'.-li force,
tearing down 1li<' partially completed walls of tlic new Cash
Store on the old Sherman House corner, wrecked the hay harn
of Henry Meineckc on his fai-ni just west of the city limits, blew
down telegraph and telephone lines and did much damage in a
minor way to ])uildings in the city.
John Little, an old-time resident, a veteran of tlic civil Avar,
and one of the oldest engineers on the St. Paul road, died in Col-
orado on October 20, 1907. ]\Ir. Little was an old and respected
member of the community, a member of Henry W. Cressy Post,
and for many years identified Avitli the growth and improvement
of the city. He was a strong ^Mason and served in several
capacities at dififerent times in that order.
In January, 1908, Tomah people contributed liberally to the
relief of the cyclone sufferers and $1,300 was raised by the Busi-
ness I\Ien's Club and used for that purpose. The old fight on
street paving came up in the council in February and was again
held up in that body, and the Avar began once more. At a meeting
on March 16th plans Avere adopted by the council for paving
Superior avenue. At the spring election AV. J. Mc]\Iullen Avas
elected mayor and the project Avas again halted after a fight
betAveen the mayor and the council. The council meeting of July
6th Avas a Avarm one indeed. Brick paA'ing Avas adopted, hoAvever,
by a close vote, but at a later meeting in July the entire project
received a body bloAv from Avhicli its advocates did not recover
until about the middle of August. By that time the people had
practically settled doAvn to Avhat they Avanted, and on August
18th the paving ordinance Avas finally adopted.
The remodeled and enlarged Catholic school building Avas
dedicated by Bishop SchAvebach on Septem])er 17, 1910. On July
22nd of this year AVilliam Feitiug, one of Tomah 's solid l)usiness
men, passed aAvay at his home. He came to Tomah in 1868 and
engaged in the tailoring Inisiness. In 1890 he built the present
Feiting block on Superior avoinie. in Avhich the business has ever
since been conducted, his sons. AVilliam and Frank, succeeding to
the management. ]\lr. Feiting Avas a progressive husincss man,
ahvays found on the right side of municipal questions, and highly
respected by his business associates and the community generally.
But the Avorst Avas to come, that is. some people might say so,
and some say it Avas the best, for after a campaign on the tem-
perance cpiestion Tomah Avcnt "di-y" at the spring election of
1910 by a majority of five votes. This A'ote Avas so close that the
gentlemen avIio Imd t In retofor(^ boon engaged in the "Avet goods"
CITY OF TOMAH 361
business determined to liave a contest upon the matter and ac-
cordingly engaged attorneys and brought the matter into court.
But after one or two hearings the contest was dismissed and
Tomah M^as sure "dry," and it stayed dry, the law being rigidly
enforced by the authorities.
This condition existed for a year and in the meantime an
election had been held on the amount of the license, which was
increased to $800.00. The following spring another election was
held on the license question at which license was carried by a fair
majority and the city has remained "wet" up to this time.
After all the agitation, turmoil and strife over the paving
question the final completion of the brick paving of Superior ave-
nue and the continuation of the macadam road from the head of
Superior avenue out to the cemetery, was nevertheless a matter
of great pride and rejoicing to the citizens generally, for nowhere
in the country can be found a handsomer street ; outside of the
business district the boulevarding of the center, with its closely
clipped lawn and artistic setting of shrubbery makes a beauti-
ful appearance in the summer months. With this has come the
desire of the citizens in some section to improve the side avenues,
and with the improvements in Gillett park it can truly be said
that no prettier or well-kept 'city can be found anywhere in this
great state. In addition to that there is pervading the atmos-
phere of Tomah a sort of a progressive spirit which can best be
described by saying that its people "hang together" when any-
thing important is necessary. It is true that among themselves
they have honestly differed upon questions of municipal policy,
but let any matter of general interest to the city be proposed and
they get into line quickly as one big community and tackle any
question which may arise with true "Tomah spirit," and gener-
ally carry out what is undertaken. This is a happy condition for
any municipality and its benefits are more than demonstrated in
this hustling little town. It has increased in population until it
is now but a few hundred behind its sister city, the county seat ;
its business interests are large and varied and the volume of busi-
ness transacted in the course of a year compares with that of the
county seat most favorably and, in fact, is greater than most
cities of its size in the state. Surrounded nearly on all sides by
a good farming country, it is the central market for a large region,
affords excellent markets for stock and produce, and now has the
benefit of transportation over l)oth the Chicago, Milwaukee and
St. Paul and the Chicago and Northwestern Eailways. Every-
thing points to a healthy growth in the future, and could old
■M2 HISTORY OF .MONKOK COLXTY
Chief "Toiiiali"' come l<ack fi-oni llic 'Ihippy Hunting Grounds"
and gaze upon his namesake he would surely feel a great thrill of
pride that such a city bears his name, wrap his spirit blanket
around his tall form, turn and stalk back into the Great Beyond
Avith a smile of contentment on his nol)l(! countenance that for all
time his name would be perpetuated.
]\Iany old records of the city have become lost or been de-
stroyed so that no detailed list of the men who have served their
comnnmity in official positions can now be given. Suffice it to
say tliat as a rule they haxc iiccn broad-minded and painstaking
citizens who have served their fellow citizens well and faithfully.
The population of Tomah at the census of 1910 was 3.419.
The officers of 1912 are : AY. B. Cassels, mayor ; AYilliam Koop-
man, citv clerk; E. A. Daherr, treasurer; Theodore Schmidt,
assessor ; E. Bartels and A. E. Hollister. justices of the peace.
Supervisors — H. B. Sowle, First ward ; A. Kress, Second ward ;
H. Coome, Third ward. Aldermen — First Avard, F. F. Button,
Daniel Crowlet ; Second ward, Emil Schmidt, E. J. Kelley ; Third
ward, E. E. Griswold, James McClatchie ; city attorney, AY. B.
Navlor.
CHAPTER XXXY.
THE TOMAH SCHOOLS.
Just as it should be. the cause of education was practically
the first public institution started by the people who originally
settled in the future village. A few weeks after the arrival of the
early settlers and after their establishment, plans were made for
opening a school of some kind. At first a corn crib was the only
building available, Avhich was situated west of the cemetery of
today.
Miss Emma Bush, who had been attending school in ]\Iihvau-
kee, being the daughter of Harvey Bush, a pioneer merchant,
returned home and was ofit'ered the position as teacher. The first
class consisted of the members of three families, JMrs. Lottie
Wood, mother of Miss IMinnie AA^ood, who is now teaching in the
city schools, and her sister and two children from a third family.
The teacher and pupils soon found tliat it was not pleasant to hold
school in a corn crib and during the next summer it was trans-
ferred to a log house which stood near the site of the AVatsen
Earle residence. The front part of the building was used as a
storeroom, and it is related that one night two sacks of flour
which were stored there were broken open by some pigs who had
gotten into the building, and the next morning the school room
was found to be literally dusted all over with flour.
Ten children attended the first school, but when the railroad
came through in 1858 the little village grew rapidly and arrange-
ments were made for a larger building, which was soon erected
on the corner where Harvey Sowle's residence now stands. This
was the first building erected for school purposes in the village
and it was used a great many years, and afterwards turned into
a residence. • At one time the father of the editor of this work,
Dr. J. F. Richards, lived in it with his family during a time of
the building of his residence in that village, and it is to be pre-
sumed that the editor received some of his early education by
alisorption from the atmosphere surrounding this educational
building.
There still was luit one teacher, Init the increase in population
363
364 HISTORY OF :\IOXKOE COUNTY
required a corresponding increase in the teaching force. Soon
school was held in various places in the village which could he
procured for the purpose. One of these temporary class rooms
was above a blacksmith shop located south of the residence
owned by H. H. Sherwood. Another was in a store building sit-
uated in the middle of the block north of the postoffice, and
classes were also held in the building located near tlie freight
depot, these locations being selected on account of the con-
venience of the families living in the different parts of the village.
During these early school years there was no regular course of
study. A student was allowed to take as few or as many branches
as he wished, and could drop a suliject or begin it a second time.
Latin was introduced in the school in 1868 Avhen there was an
instructor who was capable of teaching that language. At an-
other time, when no other form of language was being taught, a
class of French was organized by the wife of a principal. It
seems that a teacher then taught the subject he knew the most
about. All teachers were engaged for a term of three mouths
instead of a year, as is the ease today, and the necessary changes
were made at the end of the three-months' period.
A new building was soon erected on the corner where tlie Cen-
tral building now stands, and in 1870 the school was graded with
the following departments: Primary, intermediate, grammar
and high school. The course of study then embraced reading,
writing, spelling, arithmetic, geography, liistory, orthography
and higher arithmetic. From time to time additions were made
to this building as the number of pupils increased, and in this old
wooden school house in 1880 were held the first graduating exer-
cises when a class of three, one of whom was ]Miss Ida Miller,
who has been employed for so inany years in the Tomah schools,
received their diplomas. The principal at that time Avas T. B.
Pray, Avho later became jn-esident of the Stevens Point Normal
School. There were no graduating classes in the years 1881-1885-
1887.
In 1884 in response to the necessity for better accommoda-
tions the annual school meeting passed a resolution appropriating
$16,000 for the purpose of erecting a high school buiUling. Con-
tracts were let and with the removal of the old wooden structure
a new brick building for high school purposes was erected, and
is what is known as the Central building. The old school building
was sold to the highest bidder, being Thomas ^IcCaiU. who cut
it in two parts and converted it into dwelling houses. The tAvo
portions are still standing today near the site where it formerly
L___
>
O
THE TOMAH SCHOOLS 365
stood. In the summer of 1890-91 primary schools were estab-
lished in the First and Third wards.
Meanwhile the high school curriculum was extended and three
courses of study offered, the English, Science, and the Classical.
The additional fact that the school was placed upon the accred-
ited list of the State University gave evidence of the progress that
had been made. Under the superintendency of Mr. Clark, after-
wards at River Falls Normal School, the first school library was
established.
Little interest was taken in the improvement of the school
grounds until 1891, when Mr. Reigle was principal, and as the
year went on new departments were added to the system, E. H.
Cassels organizing the kindergarten, and C. H. Maxon, who pre-
ceded Professor McNeal, introduced drawing in the grades, and
it was during his incumbency that the present high school was
built in the year 1902. Before this building was erected the high
school was held on the second floor of the Central building, and
for a short time the seventh and eighth grades were held in the
old Catholic church, now known as the Auditorium. The old
high school became so crowded that these two grades had to be
conducted in this place until the new high school was finished.
It was not long before the grounds were made beautiful by the
walks, trees and terraces, and in 1909 shrubbery was planted
which added much to the beauty of the grounds.
Even with the new departments which had been added in the
past and tlie improvements which had been made, others seemed
necessary, and under Professor McNeal the first supervisor of
music was engaged. Of course the contrast between the schools
of 1856 and 1912 is great, but it is simply another illustration of
the progress which is bound to come with the growth of settle-
ment and civilization. From a corn crib to a magnificent high
school building with the beautiful grounds is a long step, and
from a course of study consisting of most anything to several
courses from which a graduate of the high school may step into
the university without examination is indeed good progress. The
smallest graduating class was that of 1888, which consisted of but
one member, and the classes of 1911 and 1912, each consisting of
thirty-six members, have been the largest.
In addition to other departments under Professor Bray there
liave been introduced domestic science for girls and manual train-
ing for boys, and the Tomah High School is now not only upon
the list of the university, but stands high among educational
institutions in this and other states, and its graduates are accepted
;i66 HISTORY OF :\I()XKOE corxTv
without examinations in a innnlx'i- ol' prominent educational
institutions.
The faculty of the years 1911-1912 are as Follows : F. M. Bi-ay.
principal, science; Adeline Keifer, assistant principal, (lermaii
and mathematics; Florence Ilargrave, Englisli : May Kice, his-
tory; George Karnopp, mathematics and ]>o]itical economy;
Emmett Hassett, science; ]\Iary O'Keefe, Latin: Belle Souku]),
domestic science: Earl AV. Eversmeyer, manual training; Julia O.
Ilarvey, music.
Board of Education — "\V. B. Naylor, .Jr.. president; 11. B.
Sowle, clerk; AV. L. Howes, treasurer.
Alany of the prominent business and professional men of ihc
village and city have served on the school hoard. The policy
])ursued has uniformly been that of liberality, broad-mindedness
and a desire to bring the schools to the highest standard possible,
Avith a result that has been very gratifying and is a source of
pride to every citizen of the city of Tomah. Back of it all has
been the true "Tomah spirit,'' which marks the energy and per-
sistence with which any public movement is aided by the good
people of the city.
Among the students have been maintained the usual societies
of these modern days, especially debating clubs, and these had a
place in the school scheme from very early times. Athletics
have come in for a prominent part and the football. basel)all and
track teams of the Tomah High School have at times reached
high places in the scliool athletics of this part of the state.
Perhaps the most prominent society is the Alumni Associa-
1ion, which w'as organized in June, 1893, at a meeting held at the
high sciiool rooms, and through tlie nineteen years of its existence
has grown in membership with eacli succeeding year, luitil now
its meeting is quite the social event of the year. At the outset
the custom Avas inaugurated of liolding a bancjuet and business
meeting on the night or evening after the graduating exercises
and to receive into full membership the class just gradiuited.
This custom has been continued through all the years with the
result that its membership keeps pace Avith the graduates and is
far better than holding its meeting at some other time of the year
Avhen the gradiuiting class has scattered and never again are all
together, perhaps, and consequently do not join tlie society, as is
the case Avith other associations of the kind. At its banquets fine
programs of toasts and addresses are ai-ranged, interspersed Avith
musical numbers, folloAved by a business meeting, and usually a
ball, and in connection Avitli tb(^ opportunity 1o rencAV "auld
THE TOMAH SCHOOLS 367
acquaintances"" it h;is ])ecome one of the principal events in the
school year, the session of 1912 being nuusnally well attended
as it was carried out as a sort of a "home coming," resulting in
many coming from quite a distance.
One pleasant event of this last session Avas the presentation
to Miss Adeline Keifer of a diamond ring in remembrance of her
twenty-five years of faithful labor as assistant principal of the
high school ; a rare character whose uniform kindness and cour-
tesy, coupled with thorough methods, has made her the friend
and almost the companion of the successive classes who have
graduated during this time ; a little woman richly endowed by
nature to fill just such a position, and in it accomplish great good
perhaps gi'eater than in any other sphere of life. Many of the
alumni and alumna? have achieved prominence in the various
walks of life. Among them may be mentioned Col. W. W. AVar-
ren, now the head of a great banking house in Tomah and the
father of a growing family, who achieved prominence not only
in business, but in a military w^ay as captain of Company K dur-
ing the Spanish war, and since as colonel and inspector of small
arms practice of the national guard ; the Boltons, Herbert aiad
Ed, who have taken prominent places in the educational world ;
the Powers boys, AVill and Bert, prosperous merchants at Grand
Rapids, Minn. ; Edwin Cassels, a prominent attorney, now prac-
ticing his profession at Chicago, 111. ; the Thompsons, Alva and
Charles, the former of Avhom served several terms as superin-
tendent of schools of this county and is now the head of the in-
dustrial school at Richland Center, where his l^rother Cluirles is
also employed ; Alva Goodyear, now deceased, who made a fine
war record; Jennie MeCaul-Hart, Mho has become a prominent
club woman in the state ; Lulu Janes, whose fame as a musician
and vocalist is now assured; John G. Graham and AVm. R.
]\IcCaul, both prosperous attorneys, practicing at Tomah ; Ida
IMiller, still engaged in teaching the young idea in the Tomah
schools; Arthur AVinter and Ray Bell, both prominent physicians
at Tomah ; George Robertson, who served as county superintend-
ent of schools for two or three terms ; Claude Sowle, now the
doughty captain of Company K ; and so the list might be multi-
plied, for the Tomah High School has sent her share of good men
and women into the Avorld to reflect credit upon the mother insti-
tution.
Perhaps the uian who attained the most prominence from
among the number was Earnest Buckley, whose untimely death
brought sadness to his host of friends; he was born at Alillbury,
368 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
]\Ias.s., September 3, 1872 ; liis boyhood days were spent in
Tomah, graduating from the high si-hool in 1S!)() lie entered the
university, graduating in 1895; he continued liis studies there,
specializing in geology, and acquired great prominence in this
work ; he was made director of the natural history survey of
the state, and in 1898 his alma mater conferred upon him the
degree of doctor of philosophy ; he was soon after called to
the position of state geologist to the state of JMissouri, where
lie niDNcd to Kollo; he Ix'came an eminent authority in geology
and mineralogy and his services were in great demand in the
practical ai)iilication. He was also honored l)y being chosen
president of the American Mining Congress. In the fall of 1911
he located in Chicago and op(>ned an office as consulting geo-
logical engineer.
In the prime of life and in the midst of a brilliant career he
was suddenly stricken down. His heart had always been true
to the little high school and to the little city of his boyhood,
for after his death it was found tliat he had bequeathed a suffi-
cient sum to be devoted to the purpose of building a library for
the city of Tomah, which will be his monument for all time.
His death occurred at his home in Chicago on Friday,
January 19, 1911, his remains being brought to Tomah and
interred in the family lot upon Avhii-h a handsome vault will
be erected.
LIST OF GRADUATES.
Class of 1880— Mary Ida ]\Iiller, Ida Auten and Curtis
Boorman.
Class of 1882 — Addie Leach, Bertha Irons, Randolph Richards,
AVill Powers, Bert Powers, Addie Earle and La iMont Boorman.
Class of 1883 — AV. AV. AVarren, AA". S. IMason, Luman AVariner.
Charles Calkins, Tressa Alaxwell, Hannah Carnecl. Carrie Thomp-
son, .Minnie Howard, Ruby Earle, Jessie Button, Georgia Jackson
and Evelyn Barber.
Class of 1884 — Fred Perry, Bert Stannanl, ]\Iary Perry, Bert
Xaylor and .Jennie IMcCaul.
No record of class of 1885.
Class of 1886— Nellie Howard. IMae :\lather. Josie ]\Iiller,
Harrison Barber, Perry Cowles and (trace Graham.
No recorrt of class of 1887.
Class of 1888— Edith Kenyon.
Class of 1889— Herbert Bolton, Edwin Cassels, C. F. Moll,
George A^arney and Anna AVilson.
THE TOMAH SCHOOLS 369
Class of 1890 — Earnest Buckley, Alva Thompson, Adolpli
Wilson, Gertrude Janes, Carrie Perry, Melzina Smith, Una
Richardson and Ethel Maynard.
Class of 1891 — Edith Howard, Nellie Alverson, Libbie James,
Will McCaul, Belle Button and Anna j\lonahan.
Class of 1892 — Charles Thomson, Herbert Calkins, Grace
McMillan, Jennie Voswinkel, Nina Lombard, Blanche Bennett,
Clara Spaulding, Ella Wells, Ella Perry and Minnie Wood.
Class of 1893 — Lottie Wood, Fred Thompson, Frank Saner,
Dora Heintz, I\Iinnie Root, Bessie Jackson, Alva Goodyear, Hattie
Nieholis, Herbert Johnson and Gray Graham.
Class of 1894 — John Brennen, Jessie Hill, Otis Calkins, Ray
Bell, Fred Barrows, Roy Bolton, Earnest AVyatt, Bernard Paley,
Jennie Jennings, Albert Rich, Ella O'Leary, Ella Hastings, May
Graham, Lulu Janes, Carrie Jones, Mamie Ebert, Laura Bolton,
Minnie Wells, Clara McPherson and Eleanor Voswinkle.
Class of 1895 — Louie Corrigan, Emma Earle, Ellen Gammons,
Harriet Hall, Gertrude Reynolds, Arthur AYinter, Wallace Mc-
Pherson, George Cassels and George Robertson.
Class of 1896 — Wilda Hancock, Rufus Jackson, Lottie Jackson,
Edith Root, Maud Bell, Herbert AA^right, Alfred Schultz, Eugene
Hancock, Rose Barbour, Isabelle Bliven and Edward AA'ells.
Class of 1897 — Orpha AYoodard, Gertrude Zimmerman, Susan
Graham, May Scott, ]\lary Donovan, Alice Gunnison, Cora
Schroeder, Simon Bailey, Rosco Jennings, Bert Cassels and W. J.
Tarr.
Class of 1898 — John Larkin, Laura Spaulding, Grace Talbot,
Grace Cristy, Euphemia ]\lcKane, Lula Palmer, ]\Iaud Boyington,
Dora DroAvatzsky, Jessie Goodenough, I\Iay Smith, Alice
Hanchett, Delia Polifka, Flora Earle, WiR Healy, AYill Falkner,
Harry Spaulding and Claude Sowle.
Class of 1899 — Grace Bolton, AVilliam J. Brennen, lone Gove,
Edith Mosley, AVill Gooder, George Marcher, Lula Sowle, Ger-
trude A. Smith, Pearl Gammons, Ellen Clay, Belle Newsome,
AVilliam D. Smith, Clara Schedler and Lula Scott.
Class of 1900— Hal Sowle. Catherine Treat, Fred Ebert,
Marius Larsen, Edgar Secor, Charles Tarr, Joanna Donovan,
Hattie Dewey, Mary Garnock, ]\Iyrtle Seibold, Kathleen Graham,
Grace Cassels, Glen McClatchie, Edith Christie, Charlotte
Reynolds, Lizzie Schenecker, Rosa Drowatzky, Mabel Stevens,
Nellie Brennen, Rosa Baumgart, Anna Clay, Ella Jennings,
Charles 0 'Brian and Bertha Drowatzky.
Class of 1901— Ella Birr, Otto Uttech. Captain Aller, Nellie
370 HISTOKY OF :\rOXROE COUNTY
Edwards, Pearl Eaton, Frank King, Ethel Sowle, Lucetta Case,
George Anderson, Gertie Smith, Gertrude Smith, Susan Wells,
Anna Costello, Raljjh Ford, Oscar Schroeder and Rudolpli Andres.
Class of 1902 — p]thel Abbott, Edwinna Bolton, Gertude Benja-
min, Louis Baumgartcn, Harry Bell, Grace Dunning, Ilattie
Hanchett, Louis Hancock, Edith Johnson, Fred Johnson, Grace
Keeler, Ben Reynolds, Ruth Stevens. Edith Sowle, IMattie Sweet,
John Tarr, Earnest Vandervort, Vera Wyatt and P>ed AValter.
Class of 1903 — Tessie Brenncn, .I()sei)iiine Bongers, Delia
Drew, Jessie Daniels, Ralph Goodenough, Grace Garnock,
Florence Jay, Ella Johnson, Ed Spaulding, Lela Howard, ]\Iary
Sizer, Kathryn Costello iitid Sue Moseley.
Class of 1904 — Pier Aller, Bessie Brace, May Barrett, Agnes
Brennen, AYalter Drew, Norma Fitch, John Louis Franz,
William A. Gilson, Pearl Heineman, Allan Homermiller, Nina
Homermiller, Pearl Henry, Francis Johnson, Don Keeler, Clara
]\Iathews, Alva ]\Ic]Mullen, Rena Olson, Blondina Pingle, ]\Iinnie
Pingle, Grace Randall, Leslie Spence, Theodore Smith, Gloria
Tolles, Roy Washburn, George Wells and George Bell.
Class of 1905— Dell AVilson, Anna Wolf, Myrtle Smith, Jennie
Stanley, Leonard Stevens, Amy Randall, Laurence Larson, Josie
Lingon])lod, Alex. Garnock, Gertrude Freemore, Nete Moseley,
]\Iae i\Ioran, Herman j\Iast, Bernard Mast, Lillie Kuekuck and
Percy Daniels.
Class of 1906— Arthur Atkinson. J. E. Black. AVeina Briese-
meister, Fred Bentzen, Lola Dickenson, Florence Eraser, Will
Eraser, Hugh Johnson, ]Mal)el Keene. George Kuekuck, Charles
Kupper, Hilmer Loehr, Coral Logan, Anna Nelson, Nora Peterson,
Josephine Pragge, Inez Purdy, Tom Sheehey, Grace Schroeder,
Lucy Sowle, Ray Spooner, Mina Spradling, Vila Stone, ]\Iinnie
Thom, Lillian Yackel and Ella Young.
Class of 1907 — Frank Andres, Nelly Barry, Marcena Black,
Ada Birr, Herman Birr, Dorothy Bernie, Edith Beardsley, Laura
Bosshard, Ella Drowatzky. Alpha Diemer, Archie Harris, Vernon
Hilliker, Will Howes, Edna Tiarson, Bessie ]\Iedd, Jesse ]\Ieinecke,
Gladys Olson, Earl Terry, Jessie L'win, Nena Dano, Ray Talbot,
Mae Vandervort, Ella Warner and Ethel AVyatt.
Class of 1908 — Charlotte Button, Louis Barnes, Irene Baker,
Arthur Boehmer, Fay Burger, Lydia Cross, Constance Cross,
EdAvard Franz, AVilliam (Jleis, AVill Ilonun'miller, Harold Holmes,
Leland King, Leo Keley, Edward Kruger, Fraidv ]Moran, Rosa
]\Ianaig('. Ruth ^Maxwell, Edith Steinke, John Sweet, Katherine
Tibbilts and Hazel AVells.
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THE TOMAH SCHOOLS 371
Class of 1909 — Glen Barber, Catherine Bethauser, Raymond
Bolton, Carl Cady, Nellie Dauo, Timothy Donovan, Frank
Drew, Jr., Hazel Elwell, Jessie Johnson, Florence Johnson,
Harrison King, Edward Kupper, Rosa Kuekuck, Bessie Lamb,
Mary Linehan, Selma Mathews, Cecil Mahr, Claude McConnell,
Ray McMullen, Mae McWithy, Harry Moran, Rosa Otto, Edwin
O'Leary, Anna Robertson, Elsie Ranthum, Jessie Reynolds, Edna
Rezin, Vella Syverson and Benlah AA^arner.
Class of 1910 — Byron Black, Ralph Baker, Eva Cornish,
Laura Dravel, William Dravel, Margaret Flaharty, Robert Get-
man, Nina Goerbing, Louis Hoag, Stella James, Bernice James,
Irene Kuekuck, John Kitzki, Elizabeth Kitzki, John Kress,
Joseph Kress, Lizzie Linehan, Margaret Moran, LaVerne
McClatchie, Genevieve Oakes, Lydia Stelter, Margaret Smith,
Hazel Webster, Russell Wells and Anna Wolf.
Class of 1911— Mabel Dreps, May Prickett, Raymond Eber-
hardt, Lois Smart, George Von Haden, Henry Greutzmacher,
Grace Kuekuck, George Knick, Edna Reinhold, Edgar Staben,
Rudolph Hopp, Alice Snodgrass, Arthur Janes, Anna Cramer,
Amanda Reisenauer, Henry Retter, Deycie Rose, Arthur Verick,
Elizabeth Blaschke, Minnie Wolf, Ada Sandley, Sadie Rodell,
Archie Chapman, Jessie Chapman, Oscar Eirschelem, Steven
Donovan, Earnest Yeager, Elmer Bell, Ruth Treat, Elizabeth
Goerbing, Pearl Schwartz, Vere Johnson, Walter Detert, Steven
Taylor, Roy Fitch and Alvin AVirth.
Class of 1912— Gladys Forrest, Bessie Eberdt, Lillian Tib-
betts, Gertrude Kippen, jMitchel Tuttle, Evelyn Alderman, Robert
Graewin, Raymond Smith, Iva Medd, Mary Mast, Otto Birr, Lela
Bongers, Leslie Bongers, Frieda Last, Perry Gilmore, Earle
Sullivan, George Fuhrmau, Beatrice Regalia, Hazel Gilson, Una
King, Mabel Maxwell, Mary Clay, Ruby Lamb, Neta AVilliams,
James Finucain, Edward Mick, Katheryn Howes, Louie Barnes,
Leila Janes, Sarah Libbey, Hugh Hilliker, Alfred Bongers,
Marguerite Sherwood, Edwin Finnerty, Mary Simonson and
James Moran.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
TO.MAll CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES.
The First Baptist Church. AVas organized August 6, 1859,
a meeting I'or the purpose being called at Staysa's liall, at which
the Rev. L. C. Herrick was chosen moderator, and A. Kendall
clerk proteur; eleven brethren and sisters of the Baptist Church
enrolled themselves as members.
The constituent mendjers were Brethren Simeon AVood, Jesse
Boorman, Peter Cramer, Alden Cramer, H. J. Sherman, and
sisters Mary Jane Wood, Lucinda C. Boorman, Lucinda Powers,
Elizabeth Cramer, Polly G. Sinery and Atlante Cramer.
The NcAv Hampshire Article of Faith and Church Convenant,
as given in the "Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge" by J.
Newton Brown, was endorsed and adopted by the church. Simeon
Wood was elected deacon and Alden Cramer church clerk. A
ministerial committee was appointed and also a committee to
purchase lots for a meeting house. By invitation of the church
soon after, members of neighboring Baptist churches, on October
26th, 1859, met and an ecclesiastical council convened for public
recognition services. Soon afterwards the Rev. L. C. Herrick
Avas called to the pastorate of the church, measures were taken
to build a church and about two years thereafter a meeting house
was dedicated. This building was remodeled in 1874 and again
in 1897.
Tlie church property is now valued at about $4,000 and is free
from debt. Since its organization in 1859 there have been
received into membership 404 persons. At present there are
ninety-seven resident members and forty-four non-resident. The
following is a list of the ministers, Avhich we believe is complete,
in the order of their pastorate: Rev. L. C. Herrick, Rev. E. D.
Barbour, Rev. W. H. Card, Rev. I. II. Cameron, Rev. T. D. Growe,
Rev. I. C. Weeden, Rev. B. II. Barber. Rev. Phillips. Rev. J. H.
Bowker, Rev. R. S. Parshall, Rev. AV. H. Barner, Rev. AV. M.
Robinson, Rev. Roberts, Rev. J. J. Gorham, Rev. B. P. Russell.
Rev. Arthur AVinte, Rev. Hayden. Rev. Agar, Rev. G. Cressy. Rev.
C. H. Smith, Rev. AA^ D. Bancroft, Rev. C. E. Henry, Rev. C. C.
Colby and the present minister. Rev. H. AI. Spickler.
372
TOMAH CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES 373
St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Began with a Sunday school
gathered and conducted by Mrs. C. K. Erwin and Mrs. John
Little in McCaul's hall, in 1874. A congregation was formed and
after several meetings was regularly organized in March, 1874,
with the Rev. E. DeAVolfe, of St. John's church, Sparta, as priest
in charge, and the following officers were appointed: John
Bostwisk, w^arden ; L. Martin, clerk, and John Little, treasurer,
the Rt. Rev. Edward R. Wells being then the bishop of the diocese
of AVisconsin, the entire state being in one jurisdiction at that
time ; the following clergy succeeded as priest in charge on the
respective dates : Rev. J. B. Gedelupe, 1878 ; Rev. W. H. H.
Ross, December, 1883; Rev. L. H. Shubert, October, 1884; Rev.
F. K. Allen. 1886 ; Rev. C. P. Dorset, January, 1890 ; Rev. S. W.
Moran in 1892; Rev. C. E. Roberts, 1894; Rev. B. T. Bensted,
September, 1898; Rev. R. Rowley, October, 1899; Rev. A. F.
Schepp, July, 1902; Rev. A. F. Ruge, April, 1904, and the Rev.
James AV. Smith, February 1, 1907, w^ho is still in charge. The
present officers are L. B. Squier, warden, AVilliam B. Naylor,
treasurer, and Dr. C. L. Anderson, clerk, under Rt. Rev. William
Walter AVebb, bishop of the diocese.
The church was built and opened September 23, 1879, being
then situated on Kilbourn avenue, in the north end of town ; it
was consecrated in October. 1881, and in July, 1892, it was moved
to the corner of Kilbourn avenue and Monowau street, its pres-
ent location ; it was rebuilt and enlarged with a chancel. The
church also owns a rectory situated just north and across the
street from the church.
Methodist Episcopal Church. This organization was undoubt-
edly the pioneer church in Tomah, and it is to be regretted that
a complete record does not seem to be available. In 1857 Rev.
C. W. Kellogg preached the first sermon ever delivered in Tomah.
This was on the tirst Sunday in July of that year, the meeting
being held in a new barn erected by Robert E. Gillett. This
gave an impetus to the movement to organize a church, which
was accomplished this same year, and during the next year a
neat church building was erected, meetings prior to this being
held wherever most convenient. The congregation now owns a
fine church building situated on the site of the old one, being a
commanding position on a slight ridge. The building is well
equipped and the congregation large. The church is in a pros-
perous condition. Among its ministers have been many men of
prominence in the Methodist Church, among them Rev. Chas. E.
Butters, who left his church and went into the Spanish-American
war from Tomah, enlisting as a private. The Rev. Haskell, the
374 JllSTOKY OF .MONROE COUNTY
present pastor, is a man of broad mind, a thorougli student, a
man of strong executive ability and an impressive speaker.
The Congregational Church. Tlie history of tliis organization
connucnced with the coming of the Rev. ]\Ir. AVells in 1858. At
first, as is the case with ;ill pioneer movements, meetings were
held at private houses unlil the little organization grew strong
enough to erect a church building. This was accomplished in
1859, when a frame church was built, the congregation regularly
organized as the "First Congregational Church of Tomah." The
meeting for the church organization was held in Staysa's hall
pursuant to notice which had been regularly given by Rev. \V. F.
Avery, the pastor of the Congregational cliurch at Sparta, and
Rev. F. M. Gams. At that meeting the following trustees were
elected: AVilliam F. ShaAV. Daniel Braman. Robert E. Gillett, Jolui
Dodge, Henry AV. Cressy, John Howard and S. D. Powers.
In 1861 the Rev, AY ells, on account of ill health, was com-
pelled to resign the pastorate of the church at Tomah, as he was
also in charge of the church at New Lisbon, at which latter place
he made his home. From that time on the pulpit has been occu-
pied by many ministers, a list of whom it is impossible to give at
present. As ministers are called to the service in the Congre-
gational church by the congregation, the ministers served various
periods.
The church building has of late years been remodeled and
considerably enlarged and is well equipped for church purposes.
The congregation also owns a parsonage situated next to the
church, w^hich is modern and a fine home for the resident pastor.
At present the Rev. J, AY. Smith is the pastor, having occupied
the pulpit for a number of years; a strong man in the church and
one who has made his good influence felt in the community.
The Catholic Church. The first organization of the Catholic
Church of Tomah Avas in the year 1867, the first priest being the
Rev. AI. AI. Alarks. Avho attended from LaCrosse. During the
year a church building was erected at a cost of $2,500, being su-
perintended by the Rev. John Casey, Avho attended from Alaus-
ton. The first resident priest was Father J. T. Durward, who
took charge in 1870 and remained many long years the priest at
Tomah. A man of broad education and liberal views he endeared
himself to people generally and Avas highly esteemed by the
citizens of Tomah.
The Tomah church has been again fortunate in the services of
Rev. Louis AYurst. its present priest, who has been a resident
TOMAH CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES 875
for many years. His great executive ability has shown itself in
the management of its financial affairs, for under his charge has
been erected a fine brick church, equipped with a town clock, a
fine residence for the priest and St. Mary's school "has been
greatly enlarged and improved. The new Catholic church,
erected on a commanding knoll, Avas formally dedicated on De-
cember 29. 1899. The remodeled St. Mary's school was dedicated
by Bishop Schwebach, of LaCrosse, on September 17, 1910. The
congregation is prosperous and the church property is now one
of the finest in buildings and equipment to be found in any city
of the size of Tomah.
The German Methodist Church was organized in 1866 and a
church building erected in 1870. A parsonage was subsequently
added to the church property, the church itself remodeled. The
congregation, though small, is earnest and prosperous and much
good is accomplished by its members.
LODGES.
Tomah Lodge, No. 132, F. & A. M., w^as organized and dis-
pensation granted April 19, 1861. The charter members were
C. W. Kellogg, Noah Maltbie, A. B. Smith, J. P. Thompson, John
Dodge, Enoch Baker and S. D. Powers.
The first officers installed were C. W. Kellogg, AV. M. ; Noah
Maltbie, S. AV. ; A. B. Smith, J. AV. ; J. P. Thompson, secretary ;
John Dodge, treasurer, and Enoch Baker, tyler. The first meet-
ings were held in the upper story of an old blacksmith shop sit-
uated on the back end of the lot now^ occupied by AA'arren's bank.
Afterwards it held its meetings in different halls until 1884 when,
by an agreement with. H. S. Beardsley the lodge became the
owner of the upper floor of the brick building so long used as
the postoffice and now owned by Harvey M. Sowle. This was the
home of the lodge for many years until an opportunity came to
get more commodious quarters. The lodge purchased the upper
floor of the building situated in the block just north of the old
Sherman House, being erected by M. H. Moore, and now^ has flne
lodge and reception rooms, a commodious dining room and
kitchen well equipped. The Blue Lodge, Royal Arch Alasons
and Order of the Eastern Star occupy the rooms.
Tomah Chapter, No. 63, R. A. M. Dispensation was granted
for the organization of this chapter of Royal Arch Alasons on
January 27, 1887, and the charter was issued February 22, 1888.
The chapter has a fine set of robes for the work and is steadily
376 IIISTOKY OF :\rOXROE COUNTY
growing ill inciiibcrshii). At present F. S. Narrows, Jr., is high
priest; Peter Johnson, king; John G. Graham, scribe, and C. H.
AViekluiHl. secretary.
There is a strong lodge of tlie Order of the Eastern Star,
which, as has been stated, occupies tlie lodge rooms of the Ala-
sonic Temple.
Tomah Lodge, No. 178, I. 0. 0. F., Avas organized under dis-
pensation grant cd ]\larcli 15, 1870, the charter being issued by the
Grand Lodge January 19, 1870. The charter members were:
Thomas McCaiil. L. S. Benjamin, O. T. SoAvle, A. G. Schultz,
K. Kinmore, Charles Organ, Charles S. Hubbard, George B. Rob-
inson. .J. P. Tracy and IL A. 8oAvle.
The first olKicers elected under the dispensation were Thomas
McCaul, noble grand; IT. A. Sowle, vice grand; 0. T. Sowle, re-
cording secretary ; G. B. Rolunsoii. permanent secretary ; J. P.
Tracy, treasurer. The lodge held its meeting at first in the ^Ma-
sonic Hall until ]881, when their OAvn comniodious lodge rooms
were built. The lodge home is situated right in the heart of the
business district on Superior avenue, has a large lodge hall with
ample ante-rooms, a large dining room and finely equipped
kitchen, all well furnished and modern in every way. The pres-
ent officers are C. F. Fick, noble grand; J. N. King, vice grand;
H. C. Bongers, secretary. There is also a lodge of Rebeccas, which
occupy the same lodge rooms.
Tomah Camp, No. 554, M. W. A., was organized ]\Iarch 21,
1888, with forty charter monibers, among whom were many of
the prominent business lucii of Tomah ; F. S. Barrows, Ernest
Bartels, J. J. King, R. P. Hitchcock, H. H. Sherwood, C. K. Erwin,
0. J. Eaton, C. E. Quigg, G. R. Vincent, J. H. Mosely, George B.
Anderson, L. AV. Earle, Peter Johnson, Thomas McCaul, Robert
Schroeder, W. C. Hommermiller, AY. H. Schultz, Fred Meinecke
and others. I. N. Palmer was its first and only clerk, making
an enviable record of twenty-four years' faithful service since
the first organization of the camp, truly a testimonial of
the strongest character of the confidence and esteem with Avhich
he is held by his brother AYoodmen. The camp now has its quar-
ters in the Odd Fellows Hall, where it meets tAvice a month; there
are now about ISO members, the camp is in good condition
financially and in every other way.
There is a strong lodge of Knights of Pythias at Tomah, the
official records of which were not available for the purpose of
this work.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE HELPING HAND SOCIETY OF TOMAII.
This unique society is one the like of which should exist in
every city and village and the example of which has been made
by this little organization in the city of Toinah as to what can
be accomplished in doing good to your fellow creatures through
the broad exercise of diplomatic charity is one which any com-
munity, no matter where situated, can well take heed. The
society was organized September 8, 1886, as an auxiliary of a
Universalist church, which church had planned to establish in
Tomah, but the plans were not carried through and the society
soon afterwards became a non-sectarian charitable organization.
The following ladies were the original members or joined soon
after the organization of the society: Mrs. George H. Warren,
Mrs. J. H. Warren, Mrs. W. N. Alverson, Mrs. C. A. Goodyear,
Mrs. W. W. Alverson, Mrs. E. M. Hamilton, ^Mrs. H. H. Ackuer,
Mrs. C. Stannard, Mrs. Julia Eaton, Mrs. Electa Wilkins, Mrs.
D. P. Rockwood, ]Mrs. A. Soule, Mrs. H. L. Crandall, Miss Jessie
Campbell, Mrs. George Graham, Mrs. C. F. Richardson, Mrs.
George Thomas, :\Irs. H. Doxtader, :\Irs. W. Earle, Mrs. N. R.
Richardson, Mrs. R. Toombs, Mrs. B. Irons, ]\Irs. E. W. Beebe,
Mrs. L. Richards, Mrs. Addison Cady, Mrs. C. Llerrill, Mrs. IT. W.
Calkins, Mrs. G. R. Vincent, Mrs. L. Cady.
The iirst officers of the association were : I\Irs. A. Cady, presi-
dent ; Mrs. E. Hamilton, vice president ; Mrs. Adenzy Irons, secre-
tary, and Mrs. George Warren, treasurer.
The object of this society is to relieve the needy, which the
members have tried to manage in such a delicate and diplomatic
way that their beneficiaries may not be pauperized, but helped in
the time of misfortune and whenever possible aided and encour-
aged to help themselves. The committees appointed for the sev-
eral wards in the city inquire into every case brought to their
notice and such assistance as seems advisable is rendered. The
society has had the hearty co-operation of the public and so has
been enabled to do much work that it otherwise could not have
done, especially at the Christmas season, when it is the object of
377
378 IIISTOKY OF .AIONKOE COUNTY
llie orgaiiizaliuii lo grt ii liox of clothing, toys aud other tilings
to each needy child Avho otherwise might have none of the sea-
son's good cheer: and many are the little hearts who have been
made glad throngh the t honghtfulness and kindness of the Help-
ing Hand Society.
In 1898 when the war' cloud w;is dark and threatening and the
boys of the local military company were innking preparations to
go to the front, the Helping Hand Societ\ formed a nucleus
around which gathered those who wished to hel{) in pre|)aring
bandages and small conveniences that "our hoys" could carry
with them, and when the company Avas at Charleston, S. C. the
nuMubers gathered and sent a 1)0X of bedding and many other
useful articles and money with which, to purchase medicine and
other necessities. When the society was first organized it met
at the various homes of its members, but in 1887 it purchased
what Avas known as the Central Hall or the old skating rink,
selling it a little later and securing a ]^ortiou of the armory build-
ing as soon as it was completed, in Avhich the society holds a
financial interest and have a long lease of rooms on the ujiper
floor consisting of a living room, kitchen and dining room for
their use ; and under the arrangements Avith the Armory Asso-
ciation the society has the use of the entire building for the cost
of opening and lighting it for any entertainments Avhich they may
Avish to give for the i)urpose of raising money to go into its
treasury.
The present membership of the society consists of the folloAv-
ing ladies: Mrs. G. A. Altenberg, jMrs. AV. D. Bosshard, ]Mrs.
AVilliam Cassels, ^Mrs. J. Hancock, ]Mrs. Thomas ]\IcCaul. ]\Irs.
J. J. King, Urs. C. Quigg, INIrs. F. K. Talbot, Mrs. F. S. BarroAvs.
Mrs. E. Crocker, JMrs. "William Ilomermiller, ]\Irs. D. P. Rock-
Avood, Mrs. Treat, ^Nlrs. A. N. Cross, Mrs. B. Irons, :\Irs. C. ]\Iax-
Avell, Mrs. J. B. McMullin, ]\Irs. C. T. Sipple, Mrs. E. Terry, Mrs.
Burlin, Mrs. Alice Eaton. IMrs E. Polifka, Mrs. H. H. Shater-
Avood, ]\Irs. G. H. Warren, and the folloAving honorary members:
Mrs. L. Burdick, I\lrs. TI. Boxtader. :\Irs. D. E. :\liller. :\lrs. A.
Cady, Mrs. Sherman.
The present officers are: ]\Irs. Eaton. ])resident ; ]\[rs. Talbot.
vice president; Mrs. Cassels, treasurer, and ]\lrs. King, secretary.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
TOMAII PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Like the beginning of most institutions of this character, the
Tomah Library was instituted through the efiforts of a few citi-
zens, who believed that such an institution was necessary. Mrs.
S. D. Palmer called to her assistance several ladies of the city
and in the summer of 1881 organized what was known as the
Tomah Library Association ; these ladies gave an entertainment,
the proceeds of which were used to purchase the first books of the
library, and these w^ere afterwards supplemented by the gifts of
various citizens. The books were at first kept in the photograph
gallery of the late E. N. Palmer, Avhere they remained for about
a year. Later the citizens gave to the Library Association the
use of a room in the city hall, where it was housed and where
it remained for a great many years.
Soon after the library moved into the city building the city
appropriated $100 per annum for the purchase of books, and at
about this time rules and regulations were drawn by Judge
George Graham and an annual fee of $1 w^as charged for the use
of the books, which fund was used for the purchase of books.
The first librarians were Mrs. S. D. Palmer, !Mrs. John Boor-
man, ]Mrs. Ida Vincent and INIrs. Rockw^ood, all of whom served
faithfully and long without any remuneration, the latter up to
July, 1902. Some years prior to this it was turned over to the
city and became a municipal institution and. was controlled by a
board of trustees, three in number, appointed by the mayor and
confirmed by the common council, and became known as the
V Tomah City Library."
In July. 1902, a change of librarians brought about the
reorganization of the institution under the state law% and on
December 18, 1902. the board of trustees met in the council cham-
ber of the city hall in response to the call of ]\Irs. F. S. Barrows ;
three additional members, bringing the board to the legal num-
ber, having been appointed by the Hon. W. E. Nuzum, then mayor
of the city, it was found necessary to adopt by-laws bringing the
library into harmony with the state laws governing public
libraries.
The members present at this meeting were ]\Irs. F. S. Bar-
379 , I
380 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
rows, ]\Irs. P>nnk Fietin^, ]\[rs. John King, Rev. Father AVurst,
Dr. A. R. Bell. :\Irs. ('. 11. Maxon. :\Ir. A. S. Goodyear and by
invitation ]\liss Cornelia ]\Iarvin, of the State Library Commis-
sion, Avho presented a set of by-laws, whieh, with minor changes,
were adopted. The election of olficers was then declared in order
following: Rev. Father AViirst, president; I\Irs. F. S. Barrows,
vice president, and Mrs. John Fieting, secretary. The action of
the former board as to the appointment of Caroline AY. B. Vos-
winkel as librarian was confirmed and the purchase of supplies
necessary to inaugurate to the new system of changing books,
cataloging, etc., was authorized. All the books were called in and
the library closed to the public during the reorganization whii-h
occupied a period of about two weeks.
The librarian was assisted in the work of reorganization which
was under the supervision of Miss Marvin, of the State Library
Commission, and by j\Iiss Reilly, of Madison. After the com-
pletion of the reorganization the library was thrown open to the
public on January 2, 1903, Avitli 793 books on the shelves, with
a registry of 105. The library continued to be housed in the
council cliamber of the city hall until December, 1903. when
through the efforts of the mayor, Hon. AY. E. Nuzum, the "Whit-
field" property on Superior avenue was purchased and the library
moved into its present quarters. The growth since 1902 has been
steady, the days and hours of opening having been gradually
extended from twice a Aveek to daily opening; this last com-
mencing November, 1911. The actual number of its borrowers
is fully one-third, if not more of the population of the city. At
the last annual report dated June 30, 1911, the number of vol-
umes in the library was 3,733 and is now approximately 4,000
volumes, and circulation for the year June 30, 1910, to July 1.
1911. was 19,688.
The liln-ary is supported by the city and receives an ajipro-
priation l)eginning with the current year of $1,200, apportioned
approximately as follows: One-third for books and periodicals,
one-third for the librarian's salary, and one-third for current
expenses. The city of Tomah Avill in a short time liave a fine
new library building, undoubtedly located on the site of the pres-
ent occupancy, a gift from the estate of Dr. Ernest R. Buckley, a
former resident of Tomah and a graduate of the Tomah High
School, who acquired considerable prominence as an expert geolo-
gist and having in mind, undoubtedly, the v\-elfare of his home
town, made provision in his will for the building of a library
building to be presented to the city of Tomah.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
CIVIC IMPROVEMENT CLUB OF TOMAH.
By Ella D. Goodyear.
It was in 1907 that the members of three exclusive clubs in
Tomah came together one day for a joint session of mutual
benefit.
The leaven of social service had faintly begun to work in the
minds and hearts of a few, so when the suggestion to form a
civic club with an inilimited membership came it found a few
enthusiastic sponsors, and the club became a reality at that time.
Members of the study clubs, who had part in organizing became
charter members of the civic club. Mrs. F. S. Barrows was the
first president, with ]\Irs. AV. W. "Warren as secretary.
It took the entire year to organize, make definite, workable
plans and make the club popular, for it had to be popular in order
to get into its ranks indifferent women and prejudiced ones.
Some were opposed to club work, using the old argument that
it took too much time away from their home duties. But the five
years' existence has proven the fallacy of this argument, because
all the club work carried on has been in the interest of the home
and now the most intelligent women in the community belong.
The club has been fortunate from the beginning in having the
business men's club rooms for meetings. It has added 50 per cent
to the interest in the club.
Standing committees have carried on from the beginning a
definite line of work, and taking each in turn I will try to show
those plans, and some of the results accomplished. For three
successive years the art committee has held in the club rooms
an art exhibit, charging a low rate of admission. School children
have been admitted ahvays at a nominal price, and have been
encouraged to come. The Copley, Turner, and Elson prints have
been exhibited, and from these the committee has made wise
selections for the walls of the school rooms. These pictures were
given by the club. One year ]\Irs. John B. Sherwood, of Chicago,
exhibited colored prints and American oil paintings in the high
school, giving special talks to children. She also gave a fine
381
382 IIISTOKY OF .MOXKOE COUNTY
stereoptieon lecture on Italian art to a mixed audience in the
evening. Tliis visit from ]Mrs. Sherwood, a recognized art lover
and critic, was a great inspiration to the community at large.
As a result of five years' work, this committee, the personnel of
which changes every year, has not only given the city oppor-
tunities in art, but each school room in the city has at least a
copy of one fine picture on its walls.
The educational committee has done thorough and conscien-
tious Avork in many lines. A^'isiting committees of club members
regularly visit the schools and tliis has brought teachers and
parents into closer touch; occasionally school receptions are held
in the different buildings for parents and teachers.
Tomah has always had to its credit a broad-minded school
board. Suggestions for repairs and decorations in school rooms,
improvements in sanitary conditions or increase in library facili-
ties from this committee have always met with a ready response
from the board. In the central building a beautiful rest room
has been fitted up. Teachers, pupils and the school board cooper-
ated with the club to accomplish this. At present the same com-
bination is working for play ground equipment for the large and
spacious grounds surrounding this same building. Under the
direction of this committee also, the club annually gives a recep-
tion to the teachers, which is always a pleasant and social affair.
Perhaps the largest task undertaken by the committee was
the agitation for music, manual training, and domestic science
in the schools. But after the patrons of the school became assured
of the benefits to be derived from these branches, the matter was
easily and quickly settled at the annual school meeting of 1911,
and as a result the Tomah high schools are among the most up-
to-date in the state. The music committee furnishes a piano for
the club rooms the year around. By this means every meeting
has a good program of music. School children under the leader-
ship of the music teacher often entertain, and many high school
students of talent have been brought before the public in this
way, and also have given niurii pleasure to others.
The library committee has always been in accoi'd with the
library board and librarian. Their active work has been con-
fined to substantial gifts heretofore. One year the committee
held a double program, calling it Library Day. The afternoon
program Avas given up to a review of the past and an analysis of
the present by the librarian. The past was reviewed by some of
the founders of the library, who gave a most interesting account
CIVIC IMPROVEMENT CLUB OF TOMAII 383
of the beginning and early struggle of what is today an excellent
free public library. The evening was devoted to the possibilities
of the future for a library, Avitli an address by Miss Stearns of the
State Library Commission.
The civics committee started out Avith the definite plan of
making Tomah more clean and more beautiful. AVith this pur-
pose in view, and with the financial support of the C. A. Good-
year Lumber Company, they engaged Mrs. McCrea, a professional
landscape gardener of Chicago, to come to Tomah to plant trees
and shrubs in all private yards of owners interested. The only
expense to the owners to be the cost of the shrubs. Public school
grounds, the library lot, and many unsightly places were cleaned
up and beautified under the inspiration of Mrs. McCrea. Prizes
to the amount of $100 were offered at the end of the season for
those private places showing the most improvement. Since that
time an annual Municipal Cleaning Day has been appointed by
the mayor. On one cleaning day the citizens of one neighbor-
hood secured the use of Barrows Grove, a natural beauty spot in
the southeast corner ol the city, as a picnic ground for the pub-
lic. They cleaned it up, and made picnic benches and tables
and hung swings. Recently the civics committee has assisted the
schools on Arbor Day by arranging for the planting of trees.
The Junior Civic League is a protege of the civics committee
organized in the schools. The children buy league buttons to
wear and sign a pledge to keep the city clean and to protect the
birds and animals. Penny packages of flowers and vegetables
are sold to the children in the spring. In September a flower
and vegetable show is held, prizes being given for the best.
The Humane Society was organized under the direction of
the civics committee, but entirely independent to the club. A
campaign against bill boards, agitation for a saner Fourth, rest
rooms for county fair week, are some of the proposed reforms
now in committee. The club as a whole has raised money for a
large fountain for dogs and horses, costing $400. And the latest
effort has been a Tomah cook book, gotten up primarily as a
means of earning money, and has been successful from every
standpoint.
The ways and means committee has always had an important
part to play in the club, for without it no work could have been
accomplished. They have given card parties, dances, a ball game
between the professional and the business men of the city, and
in many ways raised the necessary funds. The social commit-
384 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
tee lias done effective service by promoting sociality, providing
entertainment for members and their friends. They arrange for
the annual banquet each year, and one year gave a complimentary
banquet to the Business ]\Ien's Club.
And last, but not least, must be mentioned the program and
press committee, "who keep the wheels oiled. They -work early
and late, but behind the scenes. Neither club members nor the
public realize the faithful attention these committees must give
to details. Many entertaining programs are given throughout
the year, and many instructive ones. Men and women of note in
the state have been guests of the club and spoken before it.
Social center work, boy problems, domestic science, peace and
conversation, are among the subjects which have been discussed.
And not less helpful have been the interesting talks given by
Tomah's own citizens on live topics of the day. At the close of
five years' existence, the club is a prosperous and active agent in
the plans for progress in the city of Tomah.
OFFICERS, 1911-1912.
President, ]Mrs. AV. R. ]\lcCaul; first vice president. ]Mrs. AV. AV.
AYarren ; second vice president, Mrs. H. J. Skinner ; third A"ice
president, Mrs. E. K. Tuttlo ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. A. L.
Burt; recording secretary, Mrs. A. A. Fix; treasurer, Mrs. AYallace
Taft.
Active Membership List : Airs. 0. L. Anderson, Airs. R.
Andres, Airs. Robert Babb, Airs. F. S. Barrows, Airs. Earnest
Bartels, Airs. ^Y. R. Bartels, Airs. L. N. Burt, Airs. Addison Cady,
Airs. T. B. Corrigan, Airs. Frank Drew, Airs. Alice Eaton, Airs.
Fred Eldridge, Airs. Alois Fix. Airs. AYill Gleis, Airs. AI. Gondre-
zick, Airs. A. S. Goodyear, Airs. George Graham, Airs. Clarence
Hanover, Airs. F. AI. Hart. Airs. E. E. Hatch, Airs. C. C. Hazen,
Airs. Anna Homermiller, Airs. AV. C. Homermiller, Airs. II. B.
Johnson, Airs. Carrie King, Airs. E. F. Koon, Airs. AYilliam Lee,
Airs. AI. B. Lee, Airs. E. Lockwood, Airs. AA'. E. Barnhart. Airs.
L. AY. Earle. Airs. Thomas AlcCaul, Airs. AY. R. AlcCaul. Airs.
Charles AIcFadden, Airs. L. AIcKain, Airs. C. J. Alaxwell, Airs. E.
Aleloy, Airs. AI. Aloran, Airs. James O'Leary. AFrs. Sarah Palmer,
Airs. A. B. Pennewell, Airs. C. E.' Quigg. Airs. AYilliam Roddell,
Airs. Edward Schwerer, Airs. Elizabeth Seymour, Airs. C. T. Sipple,
Airs. J. Simonson. Airs. II. J. Skinner, Airs. I. G. Stutsman, Airs.
Charles Taft, Airs. AVallace Taft, Airs. F. K. Tuttle, Airs. F. K.
Talbot, Airs. Emma J, Treat, Airs. George Uebele, Aliss C. AY. C.
CIVIC IMPROVEMENT CLUB OF TOMAH 385
Voswinkle, Mrs. AY. W. Warren, Mrs. Waltman, Mrs. Charles
Weiss, Mrs. C. H. Wiklimd, Mrs. A. Withers, Mrs. W. B. Naylor,
Mrs. George Warren, Mrs. C. J. Wells, Mrs. A, E. Winter, Mrs.
A. C. Stone, Mrs. Charles Hanehett.
CHAPTER XL.
MAXL'FACTrRlXG IXTEIJESTS OF TOMAII.
Goodyear Lumber Company. The original firm of D. A. &
C. A. Goodyear was organized in 1876, its first plant being a
portable mill located at Mather Station, on the Valley division
of the Chicago, :\Iihvaukee & St. Paul Railroad. In 1879 C. A.
Goodyear became a resident of Tomah, and in 1883 the lumber
yards of the company were located here, followed by the location
of their large planing mill the next season, at the site where it
now stands. In connection Avith the planing mill they put in an
electric light plant and furnished light for the city and private
residences and business houses for many years, until this part
of the business was sold a few years ago to a stock company.
Tlie company operated mills at different points on the Valley
division when the building of the Goodyear railway in the heart
of a large tract of timber resulted in the construction of their
large mill at the station of Goodyear. After this pine was
exhausted the company, having purchased a large tract of land
in the northern part of the state with several hundred millions
of good pine upon it, the big saw mill was moved to Tomah and
arrangements made with the railway company to haul logs to
the mill on the Valley division, which situation obtains today; a
train a day of logs is delivered at the mill.
This saw mill has within the past few years been thoroughly
overhauled and improved ; is now operated by electricity and is
considered a model of its kind and one of the best equipped saw
mills to be found anywhere.
The Bridge Works. In 1890 the Chicago, :\Iilwaukee & St.
Paul Company decided to locate its bridge building department
at Tomah ; this only came about after quite a contest between
several towns along the main line of the road, as most of the cities
from AVatertown to LaCrosse, including both places, made offers
of bonuses in various forms. The common council of the city
of Tomah tendered the company ten acres of land lying north of
the new depot, which oft'er was accepted, and it was mainly due
386
MANUFACTURING INTERESTS OF TOMAH 387
to the fact that Tomah was centrally located that induced the
company to locate here and refuse more advantageous offers from
other places.
It consists of a large office building and a factory building
60 by 350 feet, equipped with machinery for wood working; a
large yard for the storing of lumber, timber, piles, concrete mix-
ing apparatus and general supplies ; there is also a paint shop
in connection. At this plant not only are wooden culverts and
bridges constructed, but depots, store houses and other build-
ings are manufactured ready to set up ; it employs a large force
of men and operates the year around.
The Frog Shops, as they are familiarly called, were located
here, by the St. Paul company, and the buildings erected for the
plant in 1907 ; the shops are most modern, being equipped wnth
electrical machinery and manufacture frogs for the tracks and
other iron work ; it is operated by a large power plant in a sepa-
rate building containing powerful engines and huge dynamos,
used for both power and lighting. This is a busy place and
employs about from 100 to 150 men.
Sash and Door Factory, operated by Crosset brothers, started
a number of years ago in a very modest way, is now a large plant
employing quite a force of men ; the company does an extensive
business in contract work, from building frames and interior
finish, to erecting of entire buildings. The plant has a fine equip-
ment of machinery and is operated by steam.
Tomah Electric Light and Telephone Company now owns and
controls the telephone plant and connecting lines and also the
electric lighting plant ; the telephone company is equipped with
its own office building with modern switch boards, and owns a
large mileage of line having connection with long-distance serv-
ice. The electric light plant is the only one in the city furnish-
ing street lights as well as for business places and residences; a
well managed, up-to-date institution.
Farmers' Creamery was organized in August, 1902, and
located its plant in the city building, a brick building with a most
modern eciuipment ; this institution has been successfully con-
ducted and does a large volume of business each year running
close to $150,000.
Soda Water Factory has been conducted for many j^ears by
M. Gondrezick at the same location known as the old "Grant
House" corner. Mr. Gondrezick owns the building there located
and uses the entire basement for his factory.
388 HISTORY 0 ' MONROE COUNTY
A Flour and Feed Mill is operated by AT. H. Schultz & Co.
in the same block in wliiei the Sherman House is located, and
enjoys a large clientage aniong the farmers.
A number of. years ago a brick manufacturing plant was
operated by Thomas ]\IcCaul near the city; good clay for the
manufacture of red brick being found upon the property acquired
by him Avest of town; it was operated for a few years, but for
some reason was abandoned and tlie land used for farming
purposes.
Another Wood-Working" Plant is operated by the Tomah
IManufacturiug Company, Avhich does general contracting in the
building line ; has been operated for about eight or nine years.
CHAPTER XLI.
BANKS IN TOMAIl.
The early history of the baiikiiig interests in Tomah is not in
the form of corporate existence; and up to the time of the change
in the banking laws, were private banks owned by partnerships ;
no public record is available and no record at all can be found.
In the early seventies Runkel & Freeman entered into the bank-
ing business in a w^hite brick building in the block just south
of Gillett pg.rk ; what the capital invested was or the volume of
business transacted is not noAv known. The Bank of Tomah suc-
ceeded this and was established by Thayer & Kingman, of Sparta,
in 1879, and was also a private bank. These gentlemen were at
the time conducting the Monroe County Bank at Sparta also.
But in 1893, Mr. Kingman having withdrawn from the busi-
ness some years before, under the management of Mr. Thayer,
both these institutions failed and went into the hands of an
assignee, "W. G. Williams, who wound up the affairs of both
institutions.
AVith this exception the banks in Tomah have been conducted
on sound financial principles, conservatively managed and have
retained the confidence of the people in the city and surround-
ing country.
At this time Tomah is well favored with banks, having four
banking houses, each, of course, organized under the laws of the
state. The combined capital of these institutions is $90,200, and
the combined assets foot up to the sum of $1,118,527.02, aggre-
gated from the reports of June, 1912.
Warren's Bank was organized in 1888 as a private banking
house under the name of J. H. Warren & Son. Its officers were :
J. H. Warren, president ; G. H. Warren, vice president, and AV. W.
Warren, cashier ; the composition of this firm was unique in that
it represented three generations of the Warrens, and at the time
of the organization of the firm their ages were, respectively,
eighty-six years, fifty-three years and twenty-three years.
As a private bank it had from the start the confidence of the
public, and wliile still conducted as such its deposits ran up to
389
390 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
over $270,000, -which is a remarkabh^ testimonial of confidenee
in an institution without capital. This bank passed through
three panics witliout closing its doors, and in. the panic of 1893
was the only bank in the county that kept its doors open and
did business at the old stand.
In 1903, under the laws then passed, it was organized as a
state bank with a capital of $25,000; at that time John H. "War-
ren had passed away and George H. \Varren became president,
W. W. AVarren remaining cashier; the bank having been con-
ducted under the same management for over twenty-three years
up to the death of George II. AVarren. AV. AY. AA^arren has suc-
ceeded to the position of his father and is now president and
manager; J. P. Reinhard, formerly of the ]\Ionroe County Bank
at Sparta, cashier. Norma Fitch, bookkeeper.
That under tlie management of Colonel AYarren the same con-
servative methods are used and that the confidence of the public
is still the same is evidenced by the deposits which in June. 1912,
were $509,146.18. and this together with its capital stock, sur-
plus of $5,000 and undivided profits, brings up the grand total
to $541,743.55.
The bank occupies its own l)uilding, built in 1888, in which
business was first opened up.
Bank of Tomah. After the failure of the Thayer bank in
1893, the opportunity to establish a bank business in Tomali
appeared good to Frenk Drew, formerly of Portage, later of
Dakota, where he had been engaged in tlie 1)anking business Avith
his brother. He came to Tomah late in the year 1893 and pro-
ceeded to interest some of the business men of the community
in the organizing of a banking corporation under 'ihe name of
the Bank of Tomah.
A Ijanking corporation was organized witli Frank Drew, AYat-
son Earle and Charles A. Goodyear and AVilliam Feiting as its
incorporators and principal stockholders. The business name of
"Bank of Tomah,"' together with the building in whieh tluit
institution had been housed, were purchased of the assignee.
AY. 0. AVilliams, and its existence as a bank began Alardi 1. 1894,
with a capital of $25,000.
In Septem])(M*, 190;^, an amendment was made to the articles
of incorporation so that the capital was made $15,200.
C. A. Goodyear was its first president, with Frank Drew as
cashier. Later ^Ir. AYatson Earle succeeded to the presidency.
The bank has been successfully conducted under the manage-
ment of ]\Ir. Drew since its organization ; has the confidence of
BANKS IN TOMAH 391
the public and has a large clientage of depositors among the busi-
ness men and farmers of the surrounding territory.
Its deposits in June, 1912, -were $216,936.84, which, together
with its capital, surplus and undivided profits, makes a grand
total of $237,842.32.
Farmers' & Merchants' Bank. This institution has not been
organized long enough to have much of a history, as its authority
to do business dates from February 25, 1911. It was incorporated
by Thomas E. Anderson, George P. Stevens and William J. Bren-
nan ; erected a handsome banking house on Superior avenue,
starting business with a surplus fund of $10,000 in addition to its
capital.
Thomas E. Anderson is president and William J. Brennan is
cashier. Under their management, in little over a year, the insti-
tution has grown remarkably. In June, 1912, its deposits w^ere
$220,661.33, and taken together with its capital, surplus fund
and undivided profits, makes a grand total of $256,243.76.
The State Bank. This bank also is of so recent an organiza-
tion as to preclude any historical sketch, for its history is yet to
be made outside of the fact of its organization and commence-
ment of business. Its organizers, believing the field for another
bank at Tomali still a good one, notwithstanding the fact that
there Avere three other banking institutions, incorporated under
the state law with a capital of $25,000 ; J. P. Rice, C. B. Drowatzky
and G. C. Pingel were its incorporators; the present officers are,
J. P. Rice, president ; G. C. Pingel, vice president ; C. B. Dro-
watzky, cashier ; H. B. Vaudell, F. 0. Drowatzky and A. 0 'Leary,
directors.
The bank opened business under circumstances which seem
to insure a good growth in business. During its short existence
its deposits have reached in June, 1912, $57,074.14, and, taken
together with surplus fund and undivided profits, makes a total
of $82,692.39 at that time.
CHAPTER XLII.
THE TOMAII INDIAN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.
Perhaps one of the most interesting educational institutions
in the county is the Indian Industrial Boarding School located at
Toniali; this is one of the several schools owned and conducted
by the United States Government for the education of Indian
children.
AVhen in 1890 the subject Avas agitated of establishing an
Int^iian school in the central portion of Wisconsin, a strong com-
petition began between several cities of the state to secure the
school; Tomah, Sparta, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Black River Falls
and several other cities entered the contest and all sorts of
inducements were offered to the government authorities. The
city of Tomah offered to i)urchase a farm of 200 acres located
tM'O miles north of the city limits for the farm and the
buildings; the citizens were successful in securing its location;
originally the sum of $25,000 was appropriated for the initial
expenses of building the plant ; the original buildings consisted
of a large brick building and boiler house containing heating
plant and laundry. Since that time six brick and ten frame
buildings have been added and the farm has been increased by
the Government to 340 acres. This farm is under the man-
agement of an expert farmer aid a competent dairy man is
also employed, who has at this time under his charge fifty
Holstein dairy cattle. ]\Iuch valual)l(' instruction is given to
the Indian l)oys l)y the manager of these two industries and
at the same time considerable experimental work has been done
and is now being done on the farm under the direction of the
Agricultural Department of the State University. All of this fur-
nishes instruction of the finest kind for the benefit of the Indian
boy pupils, who are thus receiving a practical education in farm-
ing and dairying and in other agricultural pursuits. In addition
to that boys are taught carpenter work ; there is a complete
course in domestic science and art for the girls which is main-
tained in a well equipped l)uilding provided for that purpose.
The Government ]>ays all the expenses of the pupils, including
392
THE TOMAH INDIAN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL 393
transportation to and from school ; they are kept for a term of
three years and literary instruction is given during nine months
of the year, the pupils being carried through the eight grades of
the common school branches being the state school course for
AVisconsin. Pupils are received from any of the middle western
states and most of them come from Wisconsin, some coming from
IMinnesota and Michigan.
The school is maintained under the semi-military discipline
and the boys wear a neat blue uniform trimmed with red, and
the girls are dressed in becoming dresses; they are taught the
habits of cleanliness and all of the pupils live at the school iu
large dormitories which are cared for by the pupils principally.
Some of the girls, in fact most of them, show a great talent for
needle work and turn out beautiful pieces of embroidery and
other fancy work as well as neatly executed plain seMdng. The
boys go into athletics quite freely under the instruction of their
teachers and for a number of years a football team has held ujj
the honor of the little Indians in various, contests with high
school and other teams throughout this part of the state ; every
summer a baseball team has been supported consisting entirely
of pupils of the school and under the instruction of an expert
ball player who formerly graduated from the Carlyle School, and
is a ball team which is no mean antagonist and plays games with
different clubs in this part of the state.
For a number of years a brass band has been a part of the
equipment of the school and the young Indian boys take to music
very readily; the Tomah Indian School Band has quite a reputa-
tion in this part of the state ; the entire band is composed of th(!
Indian youths of various ages under the instruction of an Indian
leader, a man by the name of "Look Around"; he is an excellent
slide trombone player and a very fine musician. Many of th(^
graduates of the school have taken responsible positions and have
made homes for themselves and great benefit is derived from this
institution ; it is hoped that many good citizens may bo made from
the Indian children in the future as has been done in the past.
The present superintendent, L. ]\I. Comptoji, has been in charge
of the school for the last fourteen years and his fine executive
ability, together with a disposition which seems to be suited to
over-mastering difficulties, has built up an institution which is
second to none of its kind anywhere in the country; Mr. Comp-
ton is considered a vlauable citizen of Monroe county as well, as
he is public spirited and has given a good deal in the interests
of the community at Tomah. He recently was appointed a gov-
394 HISTORY OF ]\rONROE COUNTY
ernmeut Indian agent for this section of the state and it is his
duty to look after the tribal Indians and to conduct the govern-
ment annuity payments, a duty which he performs to the satis-
faction of the Indian department. A good residence is provided
on the farm for the superintendent and also for the farmer, and
together with fine outbuildings makes a plant which is not only
valuable, but conducted in all lines in the highest of development
and is visited by many people from different parts of the country.
The attendance at the present time is 250 scholars.
CHAPTER XLIII.
STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL.
Chapter 337, laws of 1885, made it the duty of the board of
supervision, by and with the consent of the governor, to select
a suitable site and erect thereon buildings for a state school or
temporary home for dependent and neglected children — such
institution to be known as the "State Public School." Soon
after the enactment of this law the board advertised for proposals
for furnishing a site for this institution, and received responses
from Stevens' Point, Waupaca, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac,
Ripon, New Lisbon, Sparta and La Crosse. Subsequently the
board visited all these places, inspecting the sites proposed and
canvassed the advantages of each locality, and, finally, with the
approval of the governor, selected Sparta as the locality for the
school, accepting an offer of a tract of land embracing 164.8
acres as the site. This land lies in one regular body on the
northeast of the city, being partly within its limits, having the
La Crosse river for its eastern boundary and one of the city
streets as its western line. The location is in all respects a health-
ful one, possesses many attractions in itself, and commands a view
of one of the finest landscapes in the state.
During the year 1886 three cottages were erected and equipped
in accordance with the provisions of the law, two of them of
solid brick, two stories and an attic in height, with stone base-
ment, and capable of accommodating 100 pupils. The third cot-
tage, a frame structure, veneered with brick, two stories and an
attic above a stone basement, was devoted at first to the uses of
the superintendent and his family, but subsequently to the accom-
modation of the young children, of Avhom it affords room for
thirty. The institution was opened for the reception of pupils on
the 13th of November, 1886, with Robert T. Roberts as superin-
tendent. It soon became apparent, from the rapidity with which
committments were made, that more room must be provided
before the full benefits of the institution could be realized.
Accordingly the legislature of 1887 made provisions for the erec-
tion of a central building, two cottages and such other structures
395
396 HISTORY OF :\10XR0E COUNTY
as it should (Icciii iiocpssary. The board of supervision, during
that year, had erected the buildings named, and in addition
tliereto a boiler and engine liouse and laundry and a l)arn. The
central building is of briek, three stories in height upon a stone
basement, and furnishes room for the superintendent and his
family and employes, a general kitehen and large dining room, an
assembly room and offices. The cottages are of brick, two stories
and an attic in height, with a stone basement, and furnish accom-
modations for sixty pupils each. A school house, two stories
in height, containing three class rooms and necessary halls on
each tioor, and furnishing accommodations for about 250 pupils,
was erected in 3889, as were also a cold storage building, ice
house and additional farm buildings, and a dAvelliug house on
adjoining land purchased was reconstructed into a comfortable
hospital.
In August, 1891, the board of control elected F. L. Sanborn,
of Ashland, to be superintendent in place of ]\Ir. Roberts, whose
term had expired. July 7, 1892, fire, believed to be the work of
an incendiary ward, destroyed the roof and upper story of the
main building. The building was promptly reconstructed at a
cost of .^4,814. 96. The primary object of the institution is to fur-
nish a temporary home for dependent and neglected children
until suitable homes can be found for them in good families.
AVhile they remain in the institution they are instructed in the
elementary branches of an English education.
July ], 1895, lion. S. S. Landt was elected to the superiu-
tendency, which position he held for four years. Under his
administration a general hospital Avas constructed at a cost of
$3,300; also an addition to the laundry building for storage pur-
poses at a cost of $1,000. M. T. Park succeeded Mr. Landt on
July I, 1899, and continued in office nine years. •During his
administration the following buildings Avere erected: Horse barn
for driving teams, at a cost of $2,250; two playhouses or pavilions,
costing $300 each ; new coal shed with capacity for storing 600
tons of coal, at a cost of $4,000; shed for farm machinery, at a
cost of $300; two additions were built on Cottage "D," increasing
the capacity from fifteen to thirty 1)abies, at a cost of $6,000.
C. M. Bright succeeded ^Ir. Park as superintendent on July 1,
1908, and continued in office three years. Two niMv cottages Avere
constructed at a cost of about $22,000; alst) other improvements
of remodeling and new ])lumbing in the cottages, school liouse and
kitchen, at an expense of $1,000.
J. F. Brown, superintendent of School for the Blind at Janes-
STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL 397
ville, was transferred to the State Public School, succeeding C. M.
Bright as superintendent on August 1, 1911. LTp to the present
time 3,711 children have been committed, the majority having
been placed in homes on indenture contracts, where they remain
until they become eighteen years of age. The average population
of the institution is now (May 29, 1912) 140.
CHAPTER XLIV.
VILLACxES OF THE COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF CASHTON.
Eighteen miles south of Sparta, on an elevation 700 feet
above the county seat of Monroe county, overlooking one of the
prettiest districts of farm lands in western Wisconsin, stands the
village of Cashton. The land Avhere the village is located is on
section thirty, township fifteen, north of range three Avest, in the
town of Jefferson, and was formerly OAvned l)y Andrew Nelson
and Hans Larson, the latter of whom is still living near the
village.
On September 28, 1879, AVilliam Byer came to the place from
Sparta and bought the first lot sold where the ]\Iitchell building
stands at present, on the corner of Front and Broadway
streets, and on this lot Mr. Byer started to erect a small ])uiid-
ing. Two or three days later Peter E. Nelson arrived on the
scene and thus the Village of Cashton made its start. There was
no place to board, and ]Mr. Nelson had his food sent up to him
from Virequa for about three weeks. During the fall ot! 1870
nine business places and two dwelling houses were built ; the
business buildings Avere AVilliam Byer, shoeshop and boarding
house ; H. D. Tate, merchandise ; W. H. H. Cash and AV. Surdam,
merchandise ; Lee and Holderson, grain warehouse ; Coats & Com-
pany and P. Sederson, grain warehouses ; Lars Peterson, black-
smith shop ; John J. Krain, a saloon ; Newbury & AVagner, lum-
ber office and the depot of the Chicago, Alilwaukee & St. Paul
Railway Company. Air. Byer boarded a large number of the
earliest citizens, as there were no married ukmi in the village
for some time except himself, AI. Daniels, Avho was the depot
agent, and Lars Peterson. His beds Avere made of tAvo by fours
and boards nailed together and filled Avith straAv, and the board-
ers Avere obliged to sleep three in a bed.
Early in the spring of 3880 a ncAv start in 1)ui]ding Avas made
by Utziner & Dahl. Avho built a hold and saloon : Hansen & Bates,
hardware store; Air. Tony, a grocery store; and Dr. J. B. Grow-
bridge. the first jihysician. arriA'ed and occupied the si^cond story
898
VILLAGES OF THE COUNTY 399
of the Bates store as his office, and iu the spring erected a small
building and opened a drug store. In the fall of 1880 Mr. Erank
Dule, Sr., moved from Newry and erected the building now
OAvned by his estate and the Odd Eellows jointly, and the same
fall C. & J. Cremer erected a saloon on the north corner of what
is now the Heilmann property. James Lord, who was running a
small store at Hazen's corner, moved to the village and went
into business there. George Hargrade also built a wagon shop
the same year, and Louis Perkins a blacksmith shop and a
residence.
One thing that troubled the people of Cashton very much
during the first years of the existence of the village was the water
supply. For a long time the only water works in the village
were four barrels which were set in a small building near the
depot, and Mr. P. R. Mitby was engaged to haul water from the
railroad tank and from Jersey's spring, and the people went to
him for their water. A little later Mr. Cash made a contract with
someone to drill a well to furnish water for the village, and
agreed to give a public square on the west side for a park if the
well was completed, but it failed to materialize and so Cashton
is still without her park, although there is now a sufficient water
supply.
In June, 1881, the citizens met for the purpose of devising a
way to provide sufficient water for the village, and propositions
were made and accepted for a well which was drilled by John
Miuroth, in the street, near Broadway, then a part of the town
of Jefferson, permission having been given by said town to have
the well drilled. A water association was organized and its offi-
cers were : President, M. Daniels ; vice president, J. Dahl ; sec-
retary, John King ; treasurer, John Konper ; trustees, J. W. Wag-
ner, G. V. Hargrave and P. E. Nelson. On May 31, 1892, the
water association voted to turn over its property to the village
of Cashton, which was incorporated June, 1892. An election
having been previously held to determine the question, which
result was a vote of fifty-five for and ten against it.
The village for some time after the railroad was built was
called "Hazen's Corners," but by the persistent efforts of Mr.
Cash, who owned and controlled a large portion of the village
property and who built the railroad for the company, it was
christened ''Cashton."
On May. 23, 1892, the first election was held, there being
sixty-two votes cast ; the following officers were elected : Presi-
dent, P. E. Nelson ; trustees, John Cremer, Martin Jackson, A.
400 HISTORY OF MOXKOK COUNTY
Roessler, Frank Delle, A. A. Du ]\[ez and L. A. Lane ; clerk, E. E.
Gaines; treasurer, C. II. Campbell; police justice, A. Heizer; jus-
tice of the peace, L. B. Perkins; marshal, C. ^l. Culver; con-
stable, "William Schrier. The village in the last ten or twelve
years has made rapid strides in improvements, putting in quite a
little macadam streets and enjoying water works and an elec-
tric light plant.
A bank was organized at Cashton by "Watson Earle, John C.
Ford, L. "W. Earle, Peter Nelson and some others, which con-
ducted a good business as a private bank for a number of years,
but in order to conform to the state law, it was incorporated in
1903; it subsequently built the handsome building in which it
has its home. The bank has been well managed under the direc-
tion of L. M. Earle, its cashier, and enjoys the confidence of the
community, and serves a large clientage of depositors.
The population is today about 568, and the present officers
of the village are : E. 0. Dosch, president ; P. J. Hegge, clerk ;
L. M. Earle, treasurer ; J. H. "Wilgrubs, assessor ; John Cremer,
supervisor; Emet Peterson and H. S. Evert, justices of the peace.
On "Wednesday, October 5, 3904. the village had a grand jubilee
celebration of a quarter of century of its existence and an elabo-
rate program carried out which was much enjoyed by the thou-
sands of people who came to participate. There is a high school
and graded schools, conducted by a corps of competent teachers,
giving fine educational facilities to the children of the village ;
the high scliool being taken advantage of by many pupils from
surrounding towns.
The Congregational Church, of Cashton, is the only church
in the village. It was organized September 22, 1892. Practically
all the citizens subscribed liberally for the erection of a house
of worship. The amount subscribed and $500.00 from the Con-
gregational Church Building Society, of New York, constituted
the "Building Fund." The building was soon completed and
regular church work started. ^Ir. A. A. Du ]\Iez has been Sun-
day school superintendent from the first. ^Irs. Rena (Johnson)
Barth has been the faithful organist.
The pastors who have served the church are the following:
Rev. John AVillan, Rev. Henry S. Evert. Rev. Lewis B. Nobis,
Rev. James Rowe, Rev. Christian S. Johnson, ^\r. Richard G.
Ileddon and Rev. Henry S. Evert, the present pastor. The
church has been thoroughly remodeled and recarpeted and
rewired for best electric liglits. tlius making it a modern struc-
VILLAGES OF THE COUNTY 401
ture. The parsonage and cliiu'ch are together valued at about
$3,600 to $4,000.
KENDALL.
The history of the village of Kendall begins with the assurance
of the Chicago & Northwestern Eailroad in 1870 and its com-
pletion in 1872. It was the civilizer of this then wild region.
The man from whom the place took its name was a railroad
contractor and never was a resident. He bought a considerable
portion of the land on which the village is built while helping
put the railroad through. In the early fifties, however, a rail-
road survey was made up the valley, and this, with the promise
of a grist mill at Glendale, was the inducement held out to pros-
pective settlers and purchasers of land by Jason AVeaver, of Ohio,
who had preempted most of the available government land.
For twenty years before the railroad was built the pioneers
of Clifton and Glendale townships did their milling and mer-
chandising at ]\Iauston, Wonew^oc, AVilton, Sparta, New Lisbon
and Elroy. The pioneers often carried in from these places on
their backs the bare necessaries of life, or when they could they
used ox teams, it was not until about 1861 that horses began to
be used. Because of the unusual advantages, for this rough
country, presented by the location occupied by the village for
yards, tracks and switching purposes, a larger tract other than
the right of way was secured by the railroad company. A four-
teen stall round house was built, and this was the center of a
busy crew of artisans required to run the shops and machinery
used in making and repairing for the company. The village was
incorporated October 8, 1894, wdien 0. B. Wyman was circuit
judge. AYalter Baxter was the first president, and the first trus-
tees were Andrew Felker, G. F. Lillie, Charles Torrence, John
Kier, AV. S. Canney and James Gammon ; other officers were
AV. T. Cutland, clerk ; G. L. Adrion, treasurer ; John Rose, asses-
sor ; Lewis Buswell, supervisor ; Thomas Pierson, marshal ; Sam-
uel McQueen, constable, and R. B. Dunlap, justice of the peace.
Thus the rule was transferred from the town board, which met
at the village of Glendale.
The first setback the village had was in 1886. when the rail-
road division was moved to Baraboo ; that took away a large
number of families, but other things came to fill the vacancies
and Kendall still enjoyed the advantage of being a registry sta-
tion and the end of the "hill division," where extra crews and
402 HISTORY OF MOXROP: COUNTY
engines were kept to doiihle over the three tunneled liills Ijotween
the village and Sparta. This railroad condition continued until
the eompletion of the new line from Sparta to ^Milwaukee. The
round house and coal sheds were then closed, the station force
reduced and most of the remaining railroad men transferi-ed to
points on the new line, over which the hulk of the freight was
now sent; this, however, has had no noticeable effect upon the
business and prosperity of the village.
The second great drawback experienced by the village was on
]March 31, 1893, when a fire started in the brick veneer store of
G. F. Lillie and wiped out the entire block of frame buildings.
Plans were at once made to rebuild on a more substantial basis.
Inside of a month the work of erection was begun, brick replacing
the old frame structures, and by September 30tli the splendid
buildings now adorning the street were occupied by their own-
ers and business was going along better than ever before.
COMMERCIAL INTERESTS.
Immediately after the fire Henry Senz, then a resident of
Clifton, bought the corner OAvned by J. J. Kelley and built one
of the best hotel structures in any small town of the AVest. The
hotel is noAv owned and conducted by J. L. Ilayward. In Octo-
ber, 1903, the Kendall State Bank was incorporated by G. R.
Hill, 0. R. Holmes, L. H. Felker and Charles ^Marquette. Since
then it has twice increased its capital and in 1911 completed and
occupied its own handsome brick building. The village has five
general stores, two hardAvare stores, a strong agricultural firm, a
drug and jeAvelry store, tAvo grist mills, a splendid farmers' cream-
ery, tAvo blacksmiths, tAvo physicians, furniture store, lumber yard,
harness shop, tAvo real estate dealers, tAvo hotels, restaurant, den-
tist, telephone system, photographer, barber, dray line, livery, four
churches and three saloons. At this Avriting the village is putting
in a AvaterAvorks system. Not the least important factor in the
life and progress of the village is its ncAvspaper, the Kendall
Keystone. The paper Avas established in Januai-y. 1904, by Clar-
ence S. Dodge. In July, 190."), it Avas pui-chascd by Alexander
R. McCleneghan, Avho has since conducted it. He came to Ken-
dall from tlic desk of a city daily ncAvspaper, but as a youth he
had learned the mechanical part of the business in a country
neAvspaper office, and his practical experience in every branch of
the Avork has enabled him to make the Keystone one of the
brightest and most prosperous country papers in the state.
VILLAGES OF THE COUNTY 403
CHURCHES OF KENDALL.
As near as can be ascertained Methodist preaching began in
this vicinity as far back as 1854. "Grandpa" Moore preached in
school honses for a number of years until the Rev. ]\L Doolittle
took charge of the work. The first church building was erected
soon after; later the building now in use was built and the old
one sold to the Baptist denomination. The Glendale Methodist
Church is connected with this charge and is supplied by the same
minister. The church building there was purchased from the
Episcopalians, who have no present organization. Later Wilton
was also made a part of the same charge. Hoffman Corners was
formerly includeci, but the membership was so reduced by
removals that in 1911 services were discontinued there and the
building sold.
The history of the Baptist Church antedates the Civil War,
when, in 1858, one Elder Stevens, a pro-slavery southerner, began
preaching in Glendale. The church became disrupted during the
war and Avas not revived until 1874. In that year J. H. Bowker
organized the Baptist Church of Kendall and Glendale, afterwards
taking in Elroy. It was perhaps due to the efforts of John Bald-
win, resident here until his death, that the organization owes its
continued existence. The church building purchased from the
]\Iethodists was used until 1910, when the present modern build-
ing was erected. The Baptists now have as handsome a church
home as can be found in any village of the size in the state and
maintain all the customary church activities.
The Catholic Church began its existence in Kendall thirty
years ago, the Rev. Father Kellar being the first pastor. He was
followed by Father J. H. Herman, who resided in Union Center
and had charge of the churches of that place, Elroy, Kendall and
Wilton. AA^hen the church was first organized in Kendall there
were but few families to support it ; the building of the church
depended upon those few and though started immediately after
the society was formed it stood for five years with only the roof
and sheathing as a protection against the rigors of winter. Pre-
vious to its erection the services were held in halls and private
houses. The present building Avas completed about twenty-three
years ago, but in 1911 was extended and much improved to meet
the needs of a large, growing and prosperous congregation. The
present pastor, the Rev. J. II. ]\IcAteet, has had charge of the
churches at Kendall and Wilton for twelve years, living at Wil-
404 HISTORY OF ]\[OXROE COUNTY
tun aiitl lioUliiiy service Mt tlio two jjlaces on alternate Sundays.
He is now located at Kendall, the AVilton church being in charge
of another pastor. At this writing the church here is erecting
a $.'5,000 home for its pastor; it has become the strongest of all
the churches in the village.
The German Lutheran Church has a brief history. The Ken-
dall society was organized in ]909 by the Rev. Otto Engle, who
came from Mihvaukoe, and a fine church building was at once
erected and dedicated. The communion is a growing one,
embracing many farmers and families adjacent to the village.
The pastor resides at Norwalk and has charge of the church there,
also holding service in the Kendall church every third Sunday.
SOCIETIES.
Kendall Assembly, No. 265, Equitable Fraternal Union, was
instituted December 23, 1902. with seventeen charter members.
The first officers were: President, Herbert IMist; treasurer, E. R.
Gallagher; secretary, Jesse W. Jones. There are now fifty-five
members in good standing.
The Camp of Modern Woodmen of America was organized in
August, 1888, with thirteen members. Al Wyman was the first
consul and Dr. G. R. Hill the first clerk and medical examiner.
The membership at one time was over 100.
Tunnel Lodge, Knights of Pythias, was organized August 21,
1907, with thirty-five charter members. G. R. Evans was the first
chancellor commander. The present membership is fifty-four.
In 1910 a Lodge of Beavers was organized. This had a brief
existence, some of the members connecting themselves with the
order elsewhere.
The Mystic Workers organized September 12, 1903. with ten
charter members. The organization is still in good condition.
WILTON.
T^ntil the first half, of the nineteenth century the present site
of the village of Wilton and vicinity was the cami)ing ground of
the Kiekapoo Indians who roamed unmolested over this territory
hunting the deer and tlu> bear and waging war on their neigh-
bors, the IMascotines and tiie ^Miamis. From them comes the
name of the river which rises in a southern part of the county in
the fertile valley in the vicinity of Ontario.
But civilization was bound to make its w;iy and in 1842 Esau
Johnson, of Prairie du Cliien, as has already been described in
another part of this Avork, loaded his goods on a raft and with
VILLAGES OF THE COUNTY 405
his family came up the Wisconsin and Kiokapoo rivers across the
rich farming land that had just been surveyed near the source of
the Kickapoo river; he landed in the town of Sheldon at a point
somewhere about half way between what is now Ontario and
AVilton ; he was the first settler near Wilton, but was soon fol-
lowed by others who came in with ox teams from their old homes
to the new; sometimes a family came alone and others came in
groups of two or three families. It was a wild country, far from
being civilized and it is related that one settler upon seeing the
situation said : ' ' Surely God made this country for the Indians
and we ought to let them have it."
The first settlers took up land paying ten shillings an acre for
it and as soon as possible built a little log cabin, and their lives
for the first few years was not of the most pleasant. ^Money was
scarce and as is the custom in all new settlements the inhabitants
borrowed tea, flour, sugar and cooking utensils of each other in
order to keep going.
Sparta was the nearest railroad town or shipping point of any
consequence and the road to it was over rough ground filled with
stumps and holes, and there flour could be purchased for $5 per
hundred. One neighbor would make a trip, doing errands for the
whole community and then jolt home again. Mail was brought
from Sparta in saddle bags once a week, the carrier stopping to
leave it at each door.
Wages were low and few could afl:'ord to hire men and many
a man was glad to get work at 75 cents a day. The woods
abounded in game, however, and it was not hard to provide fresh
meat for the family table. After the farms were fairly started
better buildings were erected upon them, and in 1855 Mr. Rhodes
built a saw mill in the eastern part of what in time became the
village of AYilton.
This, the first industry within the limits of the village, was
soon followed by others. In 1856 ]\Ir. Kinmore started a store in
his dwelling house, now known as the Steciman place. Roads
w^ere improved and a stage line was established from Sparta once
a week, bringing mail and passengers. A postoffice was estab-
lished in Mr. Hillyer's house and this gentleman also started a
blacksmith shop. Mr. ]Miller and Mr. Grey erected a grist mill
where Vogel's mill now stands and soon afterwards Mr. Chapman
built a little store near the mill. A Mr. Endrey built what was
called Hickory Hall, being the first public hall in the village, the
lower part of wdiich was used as a store and the hall above for
church services and social gatherings.
406 HISTORY OF .AIONROE COUNTY
The first school house was built of logs and was situated on
the eastern part of what is called Gooseville, on the south side of
the road. In 1870 Avhen the railroad questioii was agitated AVil-
ton consisted of about fifteen buiblings in all — a school house, two
stores, one blacksmith shop and a grist mill, the saw mill having
been al)andoned some time before. As soon as the Northwestern
road was started, people saw business openings and more build-
, ings were erected; two stores Avere built on the corner where the
opei-a house now stands; ]\Ioll & O'Brien built the red front store.
Mr. Lyons built a store and ]Mr. Rice a blacksmith shop, which,
although remodeled, still stands.
Mr. Walker built the first drug store, and a neAV school house
was erected, but was soon afterwards destroyed by fire, but
replaced by another and this is still standing, but not used. AVhen
the railroad was completed in 1872 it becar/ie a more desirable
place for business and began to attract trade in a larger degree in
the surrounding country. Dr. C. E. Phillips, who for so many
years practiced his profession in tlu' \ illage, was the first physi-
cian to locate here and came in 1862.
A Roman Catholic Church was built in 1888, which afterwards
became the property of the Ignited Brethren: and in 1888 a Ger-
man Lutheran Church and in 18!)G a Methodist Episcopal Church,
were erected. The village now has three hotel buildings, an opera
house, a town hall and the mercantile interest that goes with the
villages of its size.
Perhaps one of the best evidences of the prosperity of this
village is the high school which was built in 1902-03 and is
e(|uipped in a manner almost equal to those of larger cities. The
village ha/5 an excellent water Avorks system and its people are
progressive in other directions, keeping abreast of the times in
municipal improvements.
In 1899 the AVilton State Bank Avas esta])lished by S. AV.
BroAvn, president and OAvner, Avith a capital of $5,000; in 1903 it
AA'as incorporated under the state bnv as the AVilton State Bank,
Avith a capital of $10,000. As its business increased it required
more capital and on February 1, 1912. the capital stock Avas
increased to $15,000.
Its present oi^cers are : President, S. AY. BroAvn ; A'ice presi-
dent, Charles Todd; cashier, Charles AYeingarten.
After the incorporation of the village its first election Avas
held on December 23, 1890. AVilliam II. Ferris Avas elected presi-
dent, A. S. NcAvhouse, clerk, and as trustees. II. AY. A'ogel, John
Rice, C. AYurster, S. M. Titus, M. Cremer. T. S. Alartin.
VILLAGES OF THE COUNTY 407
St. John the Baptist's Church, Wilton, Wis. "Tiie first
Catholic family known to have lived in the territory now included
in the parish of Wilton, was that of Anton Toniah, who located
about the year 1852, some seven miles north of the present vil-
lage of "Wilton. There were no churches in this locality at that
time, hut mass was said once a month in a little town hall at
Tomah, then a small village of fifty inhabitants, by Father Noyes,
at that time resident priest at ]\Iauston. About a year later a few
Catholic families came and settled in the neighborhood of Mr.
Tomah. Thus the Catholic settlement increased from year to
year until 1857, when Mr. Frank Barry took up a tract of land
about four miles south of Wilton. Patrick O'Gara, James Cook,
Patrick AVelch and others followed, who were obliged to attend
services at Tomah, some eighteen miles distant, but at that time
w^as the nearest point visited by any priest. A few years later
James Nolan, James Kerrigan, John Kerrigan and others formed
a settlement in the vicinity of Ridgeville and soon after began to
talk seriously of building a church.
In 1865 a church was erected, the same being attended by
Father Quigley, then a resident priest at Mauston. Some few
years later the congregation of Tomah and Ridgeville were both
placed in charge of Father Durward, who took up his residence
at the former place. During tliis period, Catholics had been set-
tling rapidly around Wilton and their number so far increased
that they also demanded a church and pastor. Father Durward,
as well as the bishop, demurred on the grounds that the set-
tlement was not of sufficient strength to justify the erection of a
church or to be able to properly care for a resident pastor ; how-
ever, there being some thirty families in all in 1875, a mission
was formed and a small church built, which was attended by
Father Durward for eight years. At the end of that time Father
Durward was succeeded by Father IMetzler, who objected so
strongly to assuming the charge that it was transferred to the
Rev. Father Keller, of Union Centre, by whom it was attended
as a mission for two years. By this time the congregation had
increased to some sixty families.
At the termination of Father Keller's pastorate the congre-
gation of Union Centre, with the adjoining mission, w^ere placed
in charge of Father Herman, who did considerable in the way
of improvements to the church building at AYilton. These
improvements were hardly completed when the center portion
of the building was struck by lightning and so badly injured that
the necessary repairs almost equalled in extent the cost of an
408 ITTSTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
entirely new structure. This -work was, however, accomplished
and in addition a new structure was added to the main building.
In 1892, the mission at AVilton was placed in charge or Father
Campbell, of Elroy, but for some two years prior to acquiring
its own resident pastor, was attended by the Rev. Father Burns,
who had been appointed assistant to Father Campbell. In July,
1895, the Rev. J. D. Mauning was appointed to the pastorate at
AVilton. Upon arriving he found the church and its surround-
ings in a rather diplapidated condition, but through his persistent
and energetic eflforts the property was soon brought into a more
satisfactory condition ; buildings repaired and a parsonage built,
all of which Avas completed without leaving any outstanding
debts. In August, 1896. the church was struck by lightning and
burned to the ground, but within a few days Father ]\Iauning had
a new building under way, mass in the meantune being cele-
brated in the school house. The corner stone of the church was
laid on October 7. 1896, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Schwebach, who
blessed the l)nilding January 14, 1897.
The Rev. D. J. ]\launing acquired his classical education at
Toronto, Canada. He took a full course of philosophj^ at the
Grand Seminary, at ^Montreal, and completed his studies at St.
Francis' Seminary, near ^Milwaukee, where he Avas ordained to
the priesthood in June, 1893. He was appointed to the jiresent
charge as rector of St. John the Baptist's on July 25, 1895. The
Rev. D. J. ]\rauning remained pastor of "SVilton church until
February, 1900.
The Rev. John C. !McAteer, the present rector, was appointed
to AYilton and Kendall January, 1900. On his arrival at AVilton.
February 24, 1900, he found both church and parsonage in need
of repairs. After strenuous efforts he succeeded in renovating
both church and parsonage. The Rev. John C. ]\IcAteer was
born at Loretto, Cambria county, Pa., ]\Iarch 27, 1858. He studied
classics at St. Yincent's College at Beatty, AYestmoreland county.
Pa. He completed his theological studies at St. Francis' Semi-
nary, in ]\Iilwaukee, AYis. He was ordained to the priesthood by
the Rt. Rev. Kilian Flasch, D. D., in St. Joseph's Cathedral, at
La Crosse. June 29, 1885. On June 29, 1910, he celebrated his sil-
ver jubilee as priest at AVilton, "Wis.
Lutheran Church. A few Lutherans started the St. Paul's
Lutheran church about forty years ago. Rev. A. T. Siegler, of
Ridgeville, did the first missionary work at AYilton and vicinity.
Services were conducted occasionally by the ministers located at
Clifton until the Rev. John Liebell received charge of the two
VILLAGES OF TJTE COUNTY 409
congregations at AVilton and in the town of Wellington, in 1890,
and was located at AVilton. He attended these congregations for
three years and afterwards the Rev. Koehler for two years. The
congregation consecrated their own church on the 11th of Decem-
ber, 1887, and built a parsonage in 1894. In January, 1905, the
Rev. John Hering took charge at Wilton and town of AVellington,
attending both congregations until the first of August, 1908, as
from that date he took charge of Wilton alone, the congregation
at Wellington having its own minister, which is the situation at
this writing.
NORWALK.
Nestled in the hills in the southern part of the town of Ridge-
ville lies the beautiful little village of Norwalk. Situated in the
midst of a very rich farming region and on the Chicago & North-
western Railway, its advantages as a mercantile center are very
apparent.
The land upon which the village is located was originally
owned by S. McGary and C. G. Hettman, portions of both farms
being included in the original plat, Main street being the divid-
ing line between the two farms. S. McGary was one of the
first settlers in this village, or rather in the place where the vil-
lage now stands, coming here from Norwalk, Ohio, in an early
day, and when the village was organized he named it Norwalk
in honor of his native village back in Ohio.
The real beginning of the growth of the village perhaps dates
from the building of the Northwestern Railway in 1873, the
first survey having been made that year and the road afterward
constructed, building a depot in 1874, though for a time the
present warehouse was used for that purpose. The early growth
of the little village produced the necessity for educational facili-
ties, and in 1875 a school house of moderate dimensions was built,
and the first teacher secured was A. F. Brandt, who afterwards
became county superintendent of schools, and is now connected
with the State Public School for Dependant Children at Sparta.
The schools more than kept pace with the growth of the village
and in 1905 the high school was organized and a building built
to accommodate it. This school has taken high rank among the
high schools of the county ; has been well managed ; its teachers
well selected, and has kept up with the times in educational work,
a fact which is taken advantage of by pupils from the surround-
ing towns.
Among the first men to engage in business when the settle-
410 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
ment reached any size were D. ^l. Dolson, general store ; John
Crook, hardware merchant; Ellis AVood, blacksmith; Charles
Ebert, harness maker; W. F. Ilorstman, furniture dealer; C. G.
Hetman, lumber yard ; ]\Ioul & Darwin, grain buyers ; I\I. Goetz,
wagon maker, and others.
In 1893, having arrived at a population and business impor-
tance which demanded it, the village was duly incorporated
according to law and a set of village officers chosen, S. McGary
being elected the first president ; many men of prominence in the
community have served upon the village board ; its affairs have
been well conducted and are in a prosperous condition. To
endeavor to ascertain the exact time of the coming of a number of
the earlier settlers has been very difficult, but the first physician to
minister to the ills of humanity hereabout Avas Dr. Fischer ; the
first hotel which could be called such was opened and conducted
for a time by John Horning, and called the NorAvalk House, and
the first drug store to supply the medicines prescribed by Dr.
Fischer Avas conducted by Earner & Seibolt.
In 1903 the NorAvalk State Bank Avas incorporated by
M. Goetz, Henry Schell, J. P. Andres, C. H. Drier, William Schell,
Fred Leutke, John "Weibel, Ernest Pingel and H. L. Vieth. The
institution has conducted a safe and conservative business under
the able management of its president, M. Goetz, and enjoys a
large clientage. As a mark of the prosperity and business groAvth
of the village, a second bai^' Avas organized in 1907 by H. L.
Vieth, Fred Leutke and Frank AVartman, knoAvn as the Farmers'
State Bank, Avith a capital of $10,000, AA^hich has had a successful
career from the start and serves a large number of depositors.
The village has the usual number and variety of business enter-
prises found in a community of its size, has a population of 502,
according to the last census, and is considered one of the solid
and substantial business centers of the county.
CHAPTER XLV.
BERRY CULTURE.
Among the things which has brought fame and much pros-
perity to some parts of iMouroe county and a subject which
deserves more than passing mention is that of berry culture.
From a small beginning in this matter has grown an immense
business in several localities, especially in the vicinity of Sparta,
where the largest interests are located, and around Tomah.
Perhaps the first man who conceived the idea of making a
commercial business out of strawberries and bush berries was
AVilliam Wells, "Uncle Billy," as he was familiarly known. It
seems that his early attempts at growing strawberries for the
market met with some success, though his methods were some-
what crude as to marketing the product. He secured cheap tin
pails in which he shipped the berries, realizing a fair return on
his ventures. He grew them extensively enough so that it was
necessary for him to employ pickers. Perhaps the pioneer in the
business of strawberry raising and shipping as a regularly
organized business was Mr. E. AV. Babcoek, of Angelo. He was
undoubtedly the first man to inaugurate the quart box as a con-
tainer in which to get his produce to the market.
In the raising of bush berries George Ilanchett, of LaFayette.
Avas undoubtedly the pioneer in the western part of the county,
and doubtless went into the business of raising blackberries as an
industry prior to any one else in the county. He purchased of
C. H. Hamilton, of Ripon, AVis., a stock of plants of the "Ameri-
can Briton" blackberry and started successfully to grow them
for the market. Since then the large fruit farm developed by ]\Ir.
Hanchett and his son, William H. Hanchett, has become one of
the large, if not the largest, of its kind in this part of the state.
Mr. Hamilton visited Sparta the winter after he sold the stock
of blackberry sets to Air. Hanchett, and lectured on the subject
at a farmer's institute, going into the raising of small fruits quite
thoroughly. AI. A. Thayer, at that time in tlie banking business,
and being preA'iously interested in horticulture, became very
much taken up with the subject, and the year following he
411
412 HISTORY OF MOXKOE COIXTY
inspected ihc Ilaiichett farm and determined to go into the busi-
ness. The result was the "Thayer Fruit Farm."' whii-h acquired
a state-wide reputation, whicli was the result in a measure of the
fact that considerable advertising was done and also to the sys-
lem of "Thayer's lierry l^ulletin," a series of articles issued by
31r. Tluiyci- wliilc ])r('sident of the "Wisconsin Horticultural
Society.
The Thayer fruit farm was starteci in 1887 witii tlic first year's
planting of seventeen aeres, including blackberries, raspberries
and strawberries. Jt was demonstrated beyond all doubt that the
soil and climate around Sparta and in other parts of the county
was right for the conducting of this industry on a large scale. In
1891 the Thayer farm marketed over 5,000 cases of berries of all
kinds, for Avhich Avas received J}?7,074.44, and including the plants
sold and the farm produce nuirketed brought the income of the
farm to $8,810.76. yielding a net profit over all expenses of
$4,316.76. But perhaps this farm, and it is referred to here as a
sample of Avhat was the result achieved by many others in a
greater or less degree, reached its best productiveness in 1905,
when there were under cultivation twenty-five aeres of straw-
berries, twelve acres of raspberries, four and one-half acres of
gooseberries, two acres of currants and eighteen acres of black-
berries, and in that year over .$4,000 worth of plants alone
Avere sold.
As the vears went bv, this industry became firndv established,
thousands of dollars worth of berries w^ere marketed from ditfer-
ent parts of the county. Around Sparta, especially, the industry
had grown to such ])roportions that every year during berry
season many commission firms in Chicago. Milwaukee, St. Paul,
St. Louis and other points sent their buyers here and at first
when tills system came into vogue these buyers were on the
watch for loads of berry cases, a man with a good sized load was
stopped in the street and the buyers bid for the load, the highest
offer per case getting it. This system continued for a time until
it seemed that the buyers were entering into a combination to
control prices, which is of course the same old story, and it
occurred to the fruit growers lliat Ihcy miglit handle their own
product, eliminate some of the things that went for expense and
get fair prices by finding their own market and conducting the
busiuess of selling the crops of the members of an association to
greater advantage.
Growing out of this movement came the organization of the
Sparta Fruit Growers' Association, a pioneer organization of its
BERRY CULTURE 413
kind. On May 15, 1896, the articles of incorporation were per-
fected; as appears in them the organizers were C. E. Tobey, E. A.
Richardson, Jesse D. Searles, E. W. Babcock, "W. H. Hanchett,
Alexander Mclntyre. L. S. Fisher, C. G. Hettman and W. M.
Bowler; the officers provided for in the articles were L. S.
Fisher, president ; AV. H. Hanchett, vice president ; W. M. Bowler,
secretary, and C. G. Hettman, treasurer. The capital stock of the
association was 150 shares at $2 each. Afterwards the articles
were amended twice in this particular ; in April, 1906, the capital
stock was increased to 1,000 shares of $2 each, and again in Feb-
ruary, 1907, to 3,000 shares of $2 each, making the capital stock
$6,000. The advantage in membership to the fruit grower is the
handling of his crop by the association without his being com-
pelled to look after the selling, his product being delivered to the
association and in due time his remittance reaches him. The
association first commenced business in a wooden building which
stood upon the site of the present building and had been used
theretofore principally as an office for a lumber yard. The asso-
ciation acquired title to this property and the demands of the
business increasing to such an extent it became necessary to build
a building suitable for the purposes of the corporation, 1909 saw
the completion of the fine building now owned and occupied by
the association, built of solid brick on the plan of what is known
as "slow fire" construction, with ample offices, store rooms and a
basement with concrete floor under the entire building, making
a very complete plant for the purposes of the business carried
on. The association now does business the year around, handling
vegetables, apples and small fruits in their season at wholesale.
The Sparta Fruit Growers' Association has attracted a large
amount of attention from people interested in the fruit business
and it has become a power in the business world in its line. The
wise administration of its affairs in the past under such men as
L. S. Fisher, its first president ; AV. H. Hanchett, the present pre-
siding officer ; J. W. Leverich, one of its directors, and E. A.
Richardson, its most efficient secretary and general manager, has
steadily increased the influence of the association and aided won-
derfully in the development of the business of small fruit raising
here and elsewhere. The volume of business transacted is very
large; it seeks the best markets, successfully competes Avith the
products of other parts of the country, and is a striking example
of the benefits of co-operation when rightly conducted with busi-
ness acumen and foresight.
CHAPTER XLVI.
THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
Tlu' liistoi'v of the two coiiipaiiies in this (^oimty belonp:ing to
the Third Regiment,AVisconsiu National Guard, is, of course, the
history of the Third AViseonsin Volunteer Infantry in the Spanish
AVar. While at intervals either Company L or Company K may
have been on detached service for a short time, upon the whole
the companies were with the regiment and participated with it in
the campaign in Porto Rico. A¥hen tlic news was flashed over
the Avires that war had been declared by the United States against
Spain, patriotic feeling was kindled all over the country and the
excitement attending these times was very great in every town in
which a military company was located. The call by the President
for volunteers required three regiments of infantry from the
state of Wisconsin and orders were at once wired to the three
regiments then organized to prepare for war. It was necessary,
of course, under the law, as it then stood, that each company and
each individual in each company should volunteer, and when the
call came to the companies of the Third Regiment about the 26th
day of April, 1898, the companies, L and K, almost to a man
volunteered and Avere ready to go to tlie front. On the night of
the 27th and 28th of April orders were issni'd by telegraph by
the governor ordering the Third Regiment to mobolize at ]\Iil-
waukee on the following day, and the 28th of April found the
Third Regiment complete and assigned to eaiiip at the state fair
grounds in jMihvaukee, the various companies being quartered in
the horse barns, which were very comfortable for this purpose.
"Camp Harvey," as it was known, has many memories in the
minds of those who were there ; the anxious days preceding the
I)hysi('al examination, to know whether one would be accepted or
re.ieeted, the drills and parades, and the thousands upon thou-
sands of people who came to see the soldier Iioys. all coml)ined to
make the two weeks of this camp one long to be remembered.
On tlie nth day of Alay. ]8n8, Ca])t. AVilliam L. Buck, of the
United States Army, mustered into the service the Third Wiscon-
sin Infantry and from that time forth it became the Third Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry, and it was tlie first regiment to be
414
THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 415
mustered into the service of the United States from AVisconsin.
Orders were received soon after to proceed to Chickamauga Park,
near Chattanooga, Tenn., and on the morning of ]May 14th the
first section of the special train containing the third battalion,
headquarters, and staff left Camp Harvey, passing through the
Soldiers' Home, where the old veterans were lined up on the lawn
on each side of the track, truly a pathetic sight and one which
affected every man who saw it. Down through Chicago into the
state of Indiana, passing through historic battlefields in Tennes-
see, arriving at Chickamauga on the morning of the 16th of May,
detrained Lytle, Georgia, the railroad station at the park, the
regiment was assigned to camp ground on the Kelly Field and
went into camp. The regiment was assigned to the First Bri-
gade, First Division, First Army Corps, under the command of
Brigadier General Andrew Burt ; afterwards General Burt was
sent South and Brigade General 0. H. Ernest was assigned to the
command of the brigade, which was later made up of the Second
and Third Wisconsin and the Sixteenth Pennsylvania, although
the brigade was first composed of the Third Wisconsin, Fifth
Illinois and First Kentucky.
Several weeks were occupied at the camp waiting for the
mobolization of other troops before proceeding to the front and
the time was taken up with drills of all kinds, parades and
reviews, in all of which the regiment received high praise from
the corps commander, General Brooke, for its soldierly appear-
ance and the personnel of the men. Orders came July 4th for the
regiment to march to Ringgold, Ga., there to entrain and pro-
ceed South. On July 5th the march was taken up, the regiment
arriving at Ringgold on the evening of that day, in connection
with the Second AVisconsin, and was taken by three special trains
to Charleston, S. C, and there quartered in large cotton ware-
houses on the sea front.
The Third Wisconsin held a dress parade soon after its
arrival on Marion square, in front of the statue of Calhoun, and
it was the first dress parade of Northern troops ever held in the
city of Charleston. The people of Charleston evidently had
become thoroughly reconciled to the results of the AYar of the
Rebellion, for the troops everywhere met a hearty reception and
it was an inspiring sight indeed when the regiment, dressed in
its best, swung into the street leading to Alarion square headed
by Dana's magnificent Third Regiment Band playing "Dixie,"
to see the stars and stripes waving everywhere, out of the win-
dows, and to hear the cheers of the people as the regiment swung
416 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
by. AVliilc at Charleston practice inarclies were ordered l\v Gen-
eral AVilson, the division commander, which v.rought much harm
to the health of the men. The hot nights iu these large ware-
houses, with no air stirring, was not a good condition for sleeping
and the men became jaded and were ordered upon these marches
as some sort of a test, which both resulted disastrously; many
men in all of the companies were overcome by the heat and fell
by the roadside and afterward required considerable treatment
and in some cases healtli was entirely shattered. Bad food, bad
quarters and the hot days undoubtedly all combined to help pro-
duce this result, but it was a cruel thing to order such a march
and one which was severely condemned, not only by the civil but
by the military authorities. The editor cannot refrain from com-
menting, as a result of his experience, upon the inefficiency of the
quartermaster's department in this campaign; often by political
appointment some senator's son, who didn't know a side of pork
from a can of beans, was appointed chief quartermaster com-
missary and spent his time swelling around in a new uniform
while the men starved ; for it is a fact, that right in the city of
Charleston, during the ten days this regiment spent there, there
were times when the men. in the midst of plenty, didn't have
enough to eat.
Orders came at last to go to the front and reinforce General
Shafter in Cuba. The ''Obdam" steamed into port. Orders
were issued to load the entire regiment with their horses in this
boat, w^hich was folloAved by the "Duchess," having on board
the Second Wisconsin. The orders Avere changed, however, to
go to Porto Rico and reinforce General Miles, instead of Cuba.
The trip South cannot be called a delightful one, for here, more
so than ever, was the inefficiency of the commissary department
notable, for the men actually suffered for the want of food on
the voyage.
On the morning of July 26th the ''Columbia," one of Uncle
Sam's warships, came racing around the high land of Porto Rico
with the information that General ^Miles had lauded at Guanico
on the previous day and was Avaiting for the regiment. Grim and
business like, indeed, was this warship, with its gray paint, and
showing the marks received at the battle of Santiago. The
next morning the "Obdam" arrived at Guanico, a most beautiful
little harbor, Avhich looked for all the Avorld like a piece of stage
setting with its luxuriant foliage rising out of the still waters of
the bay. Orders Avere issued to capture the city of Ponce, farther
THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 417
up the coast, the next morning, so that the regiment did not
disembark.
On the morning of the 27th the "Obdam" steamed into the
harbor of Ponce, having been preceded, however, by the Massa-
chusetts battleship and the cruisers Gloucester and Dixie ; and
orders were issued to disembark, with the Third regiment lead-
ing the way, and capture the city. The harbor and surrounding
territory was shelled by the gunboats, and the Third AYisconsin
landed in lighters, without resistance. Detachments were dis-
patched here and there to hold strategic points, and the regi-
ment took up its march to the city of Ponce, up the paved road,
through the magnificent tropical scenery of this beautiful little
island. Reaching the city they marched through paved streets,
the city having water works and electric lights, much to the
astonishment of the boys. They had not expected to see a mod-
ern city in this island. Arriving at the plaza amid the noisy
acclaims of the inhabitants, who everywhere were frantic with
joy, waving flags, embracing each other with many "viva Ameri
cano." After a short halt the regiment marched out into a field
west of the city and camped upon ground belonging, before that
time, to the little King of Spain, and its first night on the for-
eign soil was spent sleeping under the blue sky for a camp.
The editor secured that day a copy of a native paper, pub-
lished principally in the Spanish language, but having in one or
two columns an account printed in quaint English of the land-
ing of the American troops, which is herewith quoted.
An extract from the La Nueva Era, published at Ponce,
Porto Rico, July 30, 1898, is as follows :
"On the 27th inst., at 2 p. m., a fleet approaching the port
w^as signalled from the signal hill, and truly from all the roofs
and points of vantage of the city could be seem three ships near-
ing our harbor at great speed, of which two were apparently
transports and the other a tug. It did not take them long to
come into port and anchor. After a while a boat was seen to
leave the side of one of the ships bearing a white flag reached
the shore shortly afterwards with an officer, who on landing bent
his steps to the captain of the port's ofiice in search of the mili-
tary commander of the town for whom he had a despatch.
"The captain of the port answered him that he had no mili-
tary jurisdiction and sent for the military commander, residing
up town here, to take delivery of the despatch brought by said
officer. At about this time a small volunteer force got into posi-
418 IIIi^TORY OF MONROE COUNTY
tion near the custom house and the two companies of the regu-
lars. Avhich on tlie first alarm of the approach of the American
tieet had been ordered to the port, -were stationed on the road
leading from here to the harbor. With the latter forces came
the late military commander of this district, Colonel Sanmartin.
"On the latter being informed that there was an American
officer bearing, under flag of truce, a despatch for him. he replied
that without direct authority from the governor general he could
not receive it. On getting this reply the American officer
informed the captain of the port that he Avould give half an
hour's grace for the military commander to come and take
delivery of the despatch.
"In the meantime >ianmartin had come up town and had a
conference with the governor general by wire, laying before
him the state of affairs. But as the hour fixed by the American
officer was drawing to its close, and he threatened to return on
l)oard Avitli the despatch undelivered, two members of the coun-
sular body — Messrs. F. ]M. Toro. British vice consul, and P. J.
Rosaly, vice consul of the Netherlands — went down to the port
together with our mayor — ^Ir. R. U. Colom — and one of our citi-
zens— ^Ir. P. J. Fournier — with the ob.ject of requesting an exten-
sion of the time fixed by the officer to await the reply of the
governor general.
"It seems that the latter 's answer to the military commander
was that he should do his duty ; by which, we suppose, he implied
that resistance should be made, in spite of the immense superior-
ity of the invading forces and of the fleet, which, by this time,
had increased by the arrival of several vessels more. As the
American commander grew impatient at the non-return of the
first boat sent ashore, they sent another, bringing two officers
and a squad of soldiers, who bore with them the American flag
and two rockets for sigalling, we presume, in case of need. Said
officers with the squad and flag advanced as far as the very door
of captain of the port's office; but the British vice consul re-
quested that the soldiers should Avithdraw to the sea shore, the
officer with Old Glory, etc.. remaining, however, at the door of the
building. The consular and other officers entered the building.
They were there received by the captain of the port, who, by the
way, was dressed in a soiled white drill suit witliout any insignia
to denote his rank. The German vice consul — ^fr. 11. C. Fritze —
.-joined his colleagues of England and the Netherlands in their
good offices in the matter, together with the American merchant.
!Mr. Lucas Valliviese.
THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 419
"Said consuls began to work to bring about the surrender of
the town (which had been demanded at discretion), in their desire
to avoid bloodshed and damage to the town, as the Spanish
forces Avere insignificant, compared with tJiose of the United
States and besides the Spaniards having no defensive works or
artillery to answer the fire of the fleet. At about 10 p. m. it was
rumored that an armistice had been arranged, in virtue of which
the Spanish forces would evacuate the town and that the Ameri-
can troops would not land Avithin a stipulated time to allow the
former forces to get well on their way to Aibonito. It was
reported that this arrangement was firm and the people began
to treat more freely about the peaceful solution of the conflict.
But unhappily their joy was of short duration as — about 1 a. m. — •
it began to be noised about that the governor general had
deposed the military commander, Sanmartiu, ordering him to
give up the command to the lieutenant-colonel of the Civil Guards,
instructing the latter to offer resistance to the invading forces.
"On this becoming known the alarm was great among all
classes, and the exodus to the neighboring country, which had
already begun in the afternoon and evening, was immense,
approaching nearly to a panic. But the vice consuls continued
their labors to obtain that the armistice arranged with Colonel
Sanmartin by them should be respected and kept in good faith,
and the representative of England and Germany protested
against its being broken and brought to bear on the negotiations
all the weight that their nations represent.
"The lieutenant-colonel of the Civil Guard on his part, seeing
the impossibility of resistance to the powerful fleet of the enemy,
which had been reinforced by several ships more, with the means
he had at his disposal, decided at length to evacuate the town,
retiring with all the forces under his command, by the road
leading to the interior of the island.
"As soon as this decision was arrived at the retreat began,
but not before attempting to set fire to the railroad station, in
M'hich they only succeeded in burning a few cars. But even after
the retreat there was anxiety among the inhabitants, as it was
reported that the powder magazine of the barracks would be
blown up before the Spaniards left the town definitely; we are
happy to say that this did not happen.
"The town was left in charge of the local first brigade, who
undertook the duty of keeping order, but their services were not
called upon that night, nor has been since, as not the slightest
disturbance has taken place. Ponce gave proofs of its good sense
420 HISTORY OF :\IOXK0K COl'XTY
as usual. At dayhi-rak the next morning a half dozen men of
the American forces hoisted the Stars and Stripes on the custom
house together Avith the headtjuarter's tiag of the commander in
chief. Later llic flag was unfurled over the town liall.
"Tlie landing of the troojjs began aiul were distributed about
in accordance with instructions of the American commanders.
The people welcomed the American forces as liberators and friends
and with the greatest demonstrations of joy and heartiness.
"The commander of the expeditionary forces decided that the
municipal and judicial authorities should remain at their post
as well as the local police and the employees of the custom house,
which later is in charge of Colonel Ilill, appointed inspector of
the port and customs. The American troops have entered this
town with the greatest order and are fraternizing Avith the people.
Said troops later relieved the fireman at gu;ird duty at the city
prison and other places.
"The political prisoners have been set at lil)erty and among
them our friends Messrs. Santiago Geraldino, Rodulfo Figueroa,
Jose Hilaria Roche and others. AVe heartily congratulate them
all. The inhabitants that had gone into the country have
gradually begun to return to town, in which the greatest order
prevails.
"At the town hall there took place an incident worthy of
mention. Mr. Figueroa, who had l)een just sot free, went up to
the Seasions hall and unslinging tlie porti-ait of the queen
regent with the king and the crown which overtopped them,
attempted to throw them over the balcony, saying: 'There go the
remnants of Spanish domination.' But an American officer who
was present interfered in a friendly way, requesting that said
picture and crown should be given him as a historical memento
of the occasion, which request was immediately granted."
Notice. "To this office has been brought a hat belonging to
one of the guards of the army at present in the city. Tt is
marked R. J. Bilie, Fort AVingate. X. AT. AVe hold same at the
disposal of said guard."
Colonel Sanmartin was in charge of the Spanish troops at the
city of Ponce. At the time of the advance of tlu^ American
troops he and his men Med along the military highway lowards
the northern i)art of Ihe island, leaving the Spanish barracks, a
fine large building, cai)able of housing a reginuMit. with nil its
furnishings, including the Spanish flags and sonu> uniforms and
equipments, and all of his own household furniture; afterwards
Colonel Sanmartin was sentenced to death bv a court nuirtial for
THE SPANISH-A:MERICAN AVAR 421
not defending the eity, but it was afterwards changed to life
impi'isonment. After a few days' stay in camp at the city of
Ponce, Avhere the regiment was fully equipped with new "Krag"
rifles, orders were given to proceed to the front and early in the
morning of the 7th of August the regiment started on its march
to meet the enemy and arrived in front of Coamo on the evening
of August 8th ; outposts were thrown out, almost being in touch
with the Spanish troops. Company K under Captain Warren
being sent out to the front. It was important that this city be
captured and a careful plan of campaign was laid out by Gen-
eral Ernest and the commanders of the Second and Third Wis-
consin and Sixteenth Pennsylvania, comprising the brigade. To
understand the battle of Coamo a description of the city and sur-
rounding country is necessary; the land is very hilly along the
entire south coast and towards the west it becomes mountainous.
Coamo is eight miles from the seashore and is situated in a
pocket of high hills; these hills are a guard to the city, being
covered with ravines and clitfs which in many places are impass-
able. An advance on the city by any other way than the roads
leading to the toAvn is next to impossible ; three roads lead
toward the city; from the southwest is the San Juan road lead-
ing from Ponce, from Coamo to San Juan; this road takes a
northeasterly direction from the city towards Aibonito ; from the
south is a road leading from St. Isabel, the road having been
named after the town; on all of these roads the Spanish govern-
ment had built many culverts and bridges to cover ravines and
streams ; the work was done with great care and the bridges
were very substantial ; the roads are all macadamized and are
like boulevards ; on the outskirts southwest of the city is a block
house situated between the San Juan and St. Isabel roads. From
the block house the Spaniards had a clear range of the valley
leading towards the city and in this block house the enemy was
lodged and from there the Spanish had shut off former attempts
to enter the city. Company K, as has been stated, and Com-
pany G of Wausau were posted on the high hills commanding
the San Juan road and had a full view of the block house and
the city; all night a vigilant Avatch was kept on the Spanish,
but they made no demonstration. The commanders were given
their instructions for march on the; day previous. At four
o'clock in the morning the troops w^ere awakened, men were
ordered to take their guns and belts, haversacks and three meals
and their poncos, leaving the rest of the equipments behind.
It was yet dark and at -4:30 breakfast was served; the men
422 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
were in high spirits, only the sick Avoro s.ad ; 1 rouble was brewing
niul at last we w^rc within touch of the enemy; the Second and
Third Wisconsin were iudil back and the Sixteenth Pennsylvania
was sent l\y a detour to get in the rear of the city and there attack
the enemy should they retreat; all the American forces had
camped before the city on the San Juan road two miles st)uthwest
of it. At 5:80 iu llie inoiiiiiii;' 1lie Sixteeiilh Pennsylvania had
started for its position and after a wait until six o'clock the
Second and Third were ordered to move; taking a position in
the valley near the San Juan road. Lancaster's battery had from
there a clean sweep of the block house and also commanded the
range for firing into the city. The Second and Third "Wisconsin
supported the battery on the left, the Second being nearest to
it. General Ernest and staff had taken a position on the hills
where Captain AVarren and the Tomah men had acted as pickets
during the night and from here he directed Colonel ]Moore where
to move his regiment; he was to take the Third to the south of
the town and advance by way of the St. Isabel road, cutting off
all escape from that direction, (\iptains AVrrren and Abraham
and their companies had been left ))ehind on outpost duty, and
Captain Hommel, of Neillsville. with his company guarded the
camp at Jnana Diaz, so that the Third only had nine companies
in the field. IMajor Richards liad two companies of his battalion
left, Company D of INIauston, Captain Turner and Company F
of Portage, Captain Lee, and was assigned to lead the advance.
INIajor Kircheis followed with the Second Battalion consisting
of Company B, Captain Schultz, La Crosse; Company M, Captain
Peck, La Crosse; Company L. Captain ^IcCoy, Sparta, and Alajor
George Avith the First Battalion, composed of Company Y., Cap-
tain Ballard, Eau Claire; Comjiany C, Captain Kiney. Hudson;
Company I, Lieutenant Smith. AVest Sui)erior; the Second Regi-
ment followed to the letl ; the movement began at (i:30; the
battery had taken its position and IMajor Richards ami Lieutenant
Colonel Saloday of the Second sent out their skirmishes. They
stretched out toward the hills covering nearly a mile and cau-
tiously the advance on the hills south of the town began. At
exactly five mimites past seven the first shell from Lancaster's
battery was fired and at the third shot the range of the block
house, having been gotten, it was set on fii'e. AVith the advance
began the opening of tire by the Spaniards and the AVisconsin
troops were for the first time engaged in battle; the men in the
advance skirmish line crept through the Avet grass which was
high enough to almost hide them from view; the regiment f(^l-
THE SPANISH-A:\IERICAN war 423
lowed as close behind as Avas deemed safe -without exposing them
to an ambush.
The skirmishers and their squads had gone about 60 yards
when General Ernest moved from the hill in which he had sta-
tioned himself and went over to the battery. It was then seven
o'clock and it was decided that the Pennsylvania regiment had
by that time arrived in rear of the city. "With the opening of
fire by the battery the battle became lively and when the block
house was set on fire by shells the Spaniards retreated along
the road back into the city; while the battery was shelling the
block house INIajor Richards had advanced the skirmishers
towards the east and was within range of the hills on Avhich the
Spanish outposts were stationed. Thoroughly aroused at this
time by the boldness of the Americans in shelling the block house
the Spaniards opened fire on the skirmishers and the bullets
whistled thick and fast over the heads of Captain Turner's men;
but they were poAverless to return the fire, because under the
cover of the heavy brush the Spaniards could not be seen ; with
the retreat of the Spanish troops the advance of the Second and
Third AVisconsin, which up to this time had been comparatively
smooth, now became difficult ; ravines, rivers, groves with deep
underbrush and other obstructions were soon encountered,
scarcely had one obstruction been overcome than another was
met with ; then came the river and the bluffs. ])oth sides of which
were so steep that for a time it was thought impossible to reach
the other side. The block house had long before been deserted
and now the infantry fire of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania was
heard. The advance skirmishers of the Third climbing the bluffs
Avith the guns in one hand and with the other holding on to vines
that hung over the cliffs, to hold themselves not knowing what
awaited them below, nor did they care ; once below the river was
waded and a march through a cornfield brought them to the
St. Isabel road leading to the town where the Second Regiment
and Second Battalion of the Third Regiment Avere coming along
the road. Adjutant Holway and Major George leading the First
Battalion on the other side of the river ; scouts were sent out to
see the effect the artillery fire had; the terrible result of it Avas
seen; on reaching the river both regiments crossed the stream,
the Third taking the lead and up the road toAvard the city Avhere
the Spanish had tried to bloAV up several bridges, but in their
haste had not been successful. The AVisconsin troops Avere noAV
Avithin a mile of the toAvn and natives came out to meet them;
Avord came that the Spaniards had deserted the place and Avere
424 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
l)eing ongagfed liy tlic Peniisylvaiiia regiment on the outskirts
towards the west. Tired and wriwy, yet the l^adgcr men liurried
on, still spoiling for a tight. As the Third entered tlie town
many natives came out Avaving white tlags, they cheered the
Americans, and it was a repetition of the entrance into Ponce;
in the streets Spanish I'ntrenchments were encountered which
Avere made by digging a ditch and piling u[) hags of sand and
in some instances iron water pipes and sewer pipes; the barracks
were soon reached Avliere the natives Avere found in control,
tearing everything that Avas Spanisli to pieces, shoAving their
utmost hatred for Spain. Stores Avere closed, many merchants
had fled and the toAvn Avas on the A'ery verge of starvation, ttie
Spanish soldiers had taken all they needed and the country folks
had not brought any eatables to toAvn for over a Aveek, being
afraid of the soldiers.
The Third Regiment flag Avas raised over the town, and soon
Avord came that the Pennsylvania regiment had routed three
hundred Spanish regulars ; the Spanish troops, thoroughly
frightened by the advance of the Third Regiment, had attempted
to flee toAvards the north and had run directly into the trap set
for them ; a sharp but decisiA'e skirmish engagement in the brush
took place at Avhich Major ]\Iarlinez, commander of the Spanish
troops made a gallant etfort to hold his position flying up and
doAvn his line like a mad man, thereby making a target of himself
which soon resulted in his being shot from his horse, pierced in
many places. The Spaniards lost six killed, tAvelve Avounded
and one hundred and fifty prisoners and about one hundred and
thirty-five Spaniards escaped by taking to the hills and later
some of them surrendered.
The regiment took possession of the city and established a
camp on the military road about a mile beyond the city limits;
it Avas necessary to hold a large bridge over Avhich the Spanish
had retreated up the road, leading to Aibonito pass Avhere the
Spaniards had their stronghold and immediately ]Major Kircheis
was sent to the front about four miles to hold this bridge having
under his command Company D of ]\Iauston, Captain Turner;
Company F, Portage, Captain Lee ; Company L, Sparta, Captain
McCoy; Company ^1. T^a Crosse, Captain Peck. The enemy held
this pass Aviiicli led through the Sierra Del Sur ^Mountains and
Avere thorougldy intrenched on three hills Avhich commanded the
pass and the road leading doAvn the mountain; ^Major Kircheis
occupied the position beyond th(^ bridge and thrcAV outposts into
the hills covering the position thoroughly and on August 12
THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 425
Lancaster's battery was ordered to the front to shell the enemy
as it was deemed impossible for infantry to make a charge upon
the hills in order to capture the Spanish position ; the road
which led toward their outposts was almost a crest of a moun-
tain, and before the artillery could get into position it came
into full view of the Spanish outposts and also of those behind
the entrenchments. The battery as it advanced up the road was
fired upon by the Spanish with their artillery, which seemed to
be rather an obsolete kind, but which threw shells more or less
effectively. The Spaniards changed their range from the battery
and directed their fire toward the infantry, who were holding
their line, all Wisconsin men, as before stated. About one dozen
shells were thrown when a shell burst in the midst of Captain
IMcCoy's Company L, which was stationed on the hill sloping
toward the outposts headcjuarters, and Corporal Swanson, Com-
pany L, and a private of the same company were killed by the
explosion, Corporal Yanke and Corporal Bunce were wounded.
The artillery was now under a heavy fire from the enemy. Three
pieces were stationed in the field below the road and opened fire
on the entrenchments. General Wilson and staff then arrived
and directed the infantry to cease firing on account of the long
range, but the Spaniards continued to shoot at the Portage and
La Crosse troops ; when the battery had fixed its distance the
cannonade on the earthwork soon had its effect and whole com-
panies of Spanish infantry could be seen leaving and after an
hour's firing directly on the position held by the Spanish field-
pieces they were compelled to retire. During the time that the
artillery was firing the Spanish had also continued to shell the
infantry stationed aloiig the hills ; finally everything seemed
to be silenced and the guns of the battery were ordered to move
further up the road with Company F under Captain Leo as
support.
As the horses and cannon dashed toward the enemy's position
followed by the Portage troops they Avere surprised by a storm
of bullets from a company of Spanish infantry and several shells
from the hills, showing that the Spaniards were still in full pos-
session of the position. The Portage company with the battery
were obliged to fall back under a heavy fire which, however,
caused only a few slight wounds, and the artillery then being out
of ammunition, they were obliged to withdraw from the field.
The Spanish had left their entrenchments and concealed them-
selves in a banana field ; it was almost impossible to locate them
at first as they used smokeless powder with the ^lauser rifles.
426 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
TIr'V retreated into the hills, however, and the engagement
ended with the Spanish still in their position and nothing gained
for the American troops.
General Wilson determined to attack Aibonito pass by going
through the mountains; a mule pack train was sent up to the
Third Infantry and it was ordered to prepare for an early march
tiirougli llie mountains by way of the trail in an endeavor to
drive the enemy out of Aibonito and capture the pass and the
cit3^ Ammunition and two day's rations were issued ready for
the start at daylight. Colonel ]\Ioore called his officers together
and stated that the Third would lead the assault up the mountain
and that it would be the hardest piece of work yet ast^igned to
the regiment and dismissed them Avith the statement, made in
that positive way he had, of ""SVe will take that pass or there
will be lots of room at mess for those Avho come back." An hour
before daylight bugles rang out the reveille, the regiment had
its breakfast, packed its packs, ammunition and rations, filed out
into the road and awaited the order to start on their perilous
march. AVhile waiting for the connuand to move a horseman was
seen rushing up the road from the city, where the military tele-
graph station was located, waving in his hand a despatch, which
was found to be ncAvs from the War Department that the peace
protocal had been signed and that officially the fighting was over.
While it was fortunate and saved the lives of many score of
brave AVisconsin boys, still the news came as a disappointment,
for the fighting blood of the Old Third was up. and on the face
of every man w^as seen a determination to do his full share,
whatever the result might have been.
After this, white fiags were put out by' both the Spanish and
American troops, and the Aveary routine of camp life and Avait-
ing began, Avith nothing to do but establish outposts. Avith occa-
sional drills for the sake of the health of the men. Still the
malarial fever began to get its grip on these Wisconsin boys and
the brigade hospital became larger than the l)rigade camp, and
here is giA^en two sets of figures. While they are not official,
they Avere gathered from a reliable source and are taken from
a little l)ook published by Emanuel Rossiter. being a history of
Company I of the Third Regiment: On September 13tli, out of
the strength of the regiment there Avere 126 men sick in hospital,
200 sick in quarters and 128 sick in other places, making a total
of 454; and to shoAV the increase of this terrible disease, just
six days after that, on the 19th of September the reports shoAV
138 men sick in hospital, 413 men sick in quarters, 148 men sick
THE SPANISH-AIMERICAX AVAR 427
in other places, 18 left for home invalided, 12 men died in Porto
Rico, a total of 729. These were dark days indeed for the
Third, for in August the Second Wisconsin was sent home but
the Third, being still considered efficient, was held for whatever
duty might arise and the dreary routine of waiting pulled
heavily on the spirits of officers and men ; but the Third exhib-
ited its sterling worth and when the order came to march from
Coamo through to San Juan, there to take part in the formal
exercises of raising the flag over the island of Porto Rico, great
was the rejoicing, and upon the morning that the march began
the editor, sitting on his horse beside Lieutenant IMcDonald. a
surgeon of the regular army detailed for duty with the Third
Regiment, watched the men as they swung out of the field and
into the road, men who were indeed men in looks, some of them
with lined faces, who had enlisted a few months before as mere
boys, and Lieutenant IMcDonald said after the last company had
gone by: "There are 600 men which you cannot kill with a club."
The brigade, consisting of the Sixteenth Pensylvania and the
Second AVisconsin, reached Cayey on the 3d of October after a
three days' march and here on the 4th orders were received to
return to Ponce to take transports for home ; and returning over
the same road, reaching Ponce a few days later, where the regi-
ment was very comfortal)ly quartered in camps left by a regular
regiment of infantry which was ordered away, the tents being
left standing. Here the men rested for several days visiting the
city, busily engaged in picking up souvenirs to carry home, wait-
ing for the transports to arrive. On October 20th the "i\Iani-
toba," a fine ship, came into the harbor at Ponce and the regi-
ment was ordered to pack up, go aboard and start for home.
True to its record, the Third, instead of straggling down to
the harbor, as had been the case with a regiment or two which
had gone home before, packed its baggage, swung into column
and, headed by the pitiful remnant of Dana's once famous Third
Regiment band, marched proudly through the city with the
same old swing, cheered mightily by their old friends, the First
Kentucky, which had arrived on the island, and the Nineteenth
Regular Infantry. Quickly they loaded everything on the "Alan-
itoba," laid in the harl)or that night for the sole reason, as was
told, that it was Friday night and no sailor would move on that
night, and the next day, October 22d, started the journey for
home. This proved to be a record breaking passage of four
and one-half days, and on the evening of the 26th of Octolier the
twinkling lights along the Jersey shore were greeted witli great
428 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
shouts of liappiness. for at last, after many trials, it looked like
home. Held in quarantine that night, the ship steamed into the
harbor the next morning, "where it was met by Governor Sco-
field himself, Avho came on board the vessel and had words of
great praise for tlic conduct of the regiment. On the 28th ar-
rangements were fully completed for the regiment and three
special trains of sleepers started for home on the West Shore
railroad, and on their way stopped at ^Milwaukee where a loyal
banquet was served to every officer and man by the city of
Milwaukee, and here the troops were distributed, going to their
various home towns.
Later on they Avere mustered out by companies along in
January, 1899, being visited at their home stations for that pur-
pose by regular army officers detailed to muster out the com-
panies and pay them in full. The total strength of the regiment
was 1,353, of Avhom two men were killed in action, three wounded
and forty-one died of disease. The colors carried by the regi-
ment during the Spanish war are now at ^ladison in the capitol
building in the case with flags of the Rebellion. The regiment
was reorganized in a few months afterwards with Orlando Hol-
way as its colonel and is now and has been ever since a part of
the National Guard, in which Companies L and K have made
good records.
CHAPTER XL VII.
THE MILITARY COMPANIES.
COMPANY K.
In 1883, early in the year, Col. George Graham, believing that
the time was ripe for the forming of an independent military
company, with the view to have it eventually mustered into the
Wisconsin National Guard, started a movement which resulted
in the organization of a company of about fifty young men.
They had no money, no arms and no uniforms. The latter were
soon supplied by the individual members of the company, who
worked and earned money with which to procure a suit consist-
ing of a cap, blouse and trousers of blue. Upon application to
the adjutant general a set of old muskets was issued to the com-
pany and some old-fashioned belts. They had no armory, but
the firemen agreed to let the organization use its hall, which
was very small, for meeting purposes and most of the drilling was
done out of doors in the summer months. Colonel Graham was
captain, Charles K. Erwiu, first lieutenant, and John Richards,
second lieutenant. Faithful work brought its reward, for early
in 188tt the opportunity came and the ad.jutant general deeming
the company sufficiently instructed, issued an order that it be
mustered into the Wisconsin National Guard.
On the 28th of May, 1884, Capt. J. W. Curran, as officer on
the governor's staff, mustered the company into the Third Regi-
ment as Company K. It being the custom, however, at that time
to give each company a name, the "Tomah Guards," was
adopted as the name of the organization. It was initiated into
military life by participating in the camp of the regiment at
Mauston during the summer of 1884 and has, of course, attended
every camp of the regiment held since.
jMcCaul's hall was rented for an armory and the company used
that for a number of years until the old skating rink fartlier
down the street was secured. This was fitted up and used as an
armory and public hall. This building had been purchased by
the Helping Hand Society in 1887 and the company acquired it
from them.
429
4:50 HISTORY OF :M0XR0K ('OIN'r^'
Til July, 18!)(). the c-onipany liaving acquired some means, in or-
der to liave a civil or^ifanization -which could own property and
conduct th(> luisiness atf'airs connected witli sucli ownership, was
organized into a corporation named the Tomah Guard Armory
Association, PI Battles, Irving E. Jones and R. A. Ricliards
])eing the incorporators. Every member of Company K, Third
Regiment AVisconsin National (luard, is a member of this corpora-
tion as soon as enlisted and holds his membership until dis-
charged; a member who has served for six years in the company
thereby becomes a life member of the association.
This association secured a valuable lot opposite the old Sher-
man House and erected the present armory building, w'hich was
at the time considered a model for its purpose ; the society went
heavily in debt, but with the passing of the years the revenue
derived from the l)uilding, Avhich is nicely fitted up with a stage
and good scenery, and is now the onl.y opera house in the citj%
and the armory fund furnished by the state to the company,
together with profits from entertainments, have cut down the
indebtedness very materially and in a few years the association
Mill be free from debt and the owner of a very valuable prop-
erty. The company has always maintained a high standing in
the companies of the state, with the exception of two or three
years when it dropped in general standing; and at the l)reaking
out of the Spanish war sixty-seven out of the sixty-eight officers
and men volunteered for that service, and we here give the names
of all the men who went into the company, both at the first call
and those recruited later, taken from the original nuister-out roll
of the company in that war:
Capt. AVinfield AY. AYarren, First Lieut. Alva S. Goodyear,
Second Lieut. Irving E. Jones, First Sergt John I. Bigelow, Q. M.
Sergt. Glenn AV. Graham, Sergts. Oscar AV. Alick. John AlcKane,
II. Artlnir Clark, Joim C. Flood; Corporals Ned Lombard, AVill-
iam II. AVisc, Bert Trowbridge, George J. Kuckuck, C. Wallace
AlcPherson, Charles F. jMyer, Claude R. Sowle, Lester F. Penne-
well, Claude B. AYells, Parker Aloseley. AYaren D. Jones, Christie
H. Smith; Alusicians Charles K. AVright and Edward J. Peacor;
Artificer Ernest Pincel, AYagoner Alfred Harp: privates: Henry
II. Aiistin, George R. Alverson, Alvin E. Baumgarten, Edward A.
Baumgarten, Charles Bohn, Alax P. Curtius, Herman 0. Conrad,
Alax Case, Jason A. Dcnvey, Lee R. Dewey, Hans Folson, An-
drew F'lood, Leroy AV. Fcrdon. Ransom E. Gove. Lester E. Get-
man, Fred AY. Heeler, ]\Iilhird II. Hammond, Thomas J. Johnson,
THE :\IILITARY COMPANIES 431
Bennie Lapp, William Lenz, Herbert E. Logan, Bert A. Lee,
George McLean, E^riiest A. Miller, Arthur D. ^Miller, John ]\Iiek,
AVilliam ^lullenberg, Henry jMcCanley, Brice jNIeMnllen, Henry
M. Montgomery, Adolpli Nelson, AValter Newsome, Arthur H.
Otto, Oscar Paley, John Palmer, Luvern Reynolds, AYilliam H.
Root, Albert Reich, John C. Schueman, Frank J. Saner, William
H. Saner, Harold Stevens, Edwin P. Smith, Orson Shearer, Her-
man Schultz, Dave W. Scruby, Edward R. Wells, Harry M. War-
ren, George H. Williams, Thomas E. White.
The following joined the company as recruits on the dates
named: Charles Armstrong, June 18, 1898; Harry B. Alexander,
June 18, 1898 ; Daniel J. Adam, June 18, 1898 ; Emil Bickel, June
18, 1898 ; August Capelle, June 18, 1898 ; Oscar Emery, June 18,
1898 ; Otto C. E. Franz, June 18, 1898 ; James AV. Gordon, June
18, 1898; Ralph P. Johnson, June 18, 1898; Lee H. Jones, June
18, 1898 ; Dwell P. Jackson, June 18, 1898 ; James Larson, June
18, 1898 ; Charles T. Leonerd, June 15, 1898 ; Edgar Lea, June 17,
1898; Gustave AV. Marquart, June 18, 1898; Frank Aliddleman,
June 18, 1898; August Mitchell, June 18, 1898; Homer Meloy,
June 18, 1898 ; James Murphey, June 17, 1898 ; Charles J. Peter-
son, June 27, 1898 ; Joseph Pelon, June 18, 1898 ; Arthur L. Pat-
terson, June 18, 1898; John AV. Reynolds, June 18, 1898; Mett
Rose, June 18, 1898 ; Elex Roscovius, June 18, 1898 ; Frederick
R. Skogland, June 18, 1898; Albert J. Siebert, June 18, 1898;
George H. Terry, June 18, 1898 ; Lorenzo A^an A^oorhees, June 18,
1898.
Discharged. Frederick S. Barrows, corporal, September 11,
1898, at Coamo, P. R. Charles E. Butters, promoted to regiment
chaplain, commissioned October 1, 1898.
Transferred. AVilliam F. Fethenhire, transferred to hospital
corps by S. 0. No. 5, headquarters First Army Corps, at Chicka-
mauga Park, Ga., June 23, 1898. Arthur J. Ratcliffe, transferred
to hospital corps, S. 0. No. 5, First Army Corps, June 23, 1898.
Olaf Thuleen, detached from company and attached to band at
Chickamauga Park, June 1, 1898. Adolph AV. Pellants, detached
from company and attached to band at Chickamauga Park, June
1, 1898.
Died of Disease. Paul Curtius, died of typhoid fever at
Charleston, S. C, August 9, 1898. Oscar Zimmerman, died of
typhoid fever at Coamo, Porto Rico, October 15, 1898.
Maj. R. A. Richards was mustered into the service as major
and commanded the Third Battalion of the regiment.
432 HISTORY OF :\10XR0E COUNTY
AVilliaiu H. ]\IeCaul was mustered iuto the service as sergeant-
major of the Second Battalion and afterwards promoted to
regimental sergeant-major.
The following is the official record of the company during
the Spanish Avar, as recorded by Captain AVarren :
The company was organized at Tomali, AVis., by Capt. AV. AV.
"Warren and mustered into service at Camp Harvey, Wis., by
Capt. AVilliam L. Buck, :\Iay 11, 1898. Left Camp Harvey, AVis.,
May 14, 1898, by rail; arrived at Camp Thomas, Ga., May 16,
1898. Left Camp Thomas July 5th. Marched to Ringgold, Ga.,
thence by rail to Charleston, S. C, where it arrived July 6th.
Embarked on transport, the "Obdam," July 20th; left Charles-
ton for Porto Rico July 21st; arrived off Guanica, P. R.. July
27th. Landed at Ponce, P. R., July 28th. On outpost duty July
29th. Provost guard Ponce August — . ^Marched out of Ponce
August 7th as advance guard of brigade. Performed outpost
duty August 8th. Rear guard August 9th. Second Lieutenant
Jones and twenty men support for battery at battle of Coamo.
October 2d marched to Aibunito ; October 3d marched to Cayey;
camped at Cayey October 4th to 6th. October 6th marched to
Aibonito ; October 7th marched to Coamo ; October 8th marched
to Juana Diaz; October 9th marched to Ponce. Camped near
Ponce October 10th to 21st. October 21st embarked on board
transport "Manitoba." Left harbor of Ponce October 22d for
New York. Arrived in New York harbor October 26. Landed at
"West Shore railroad dock October 28th. Left by rail for ]\Iil-
waukee October 28th. Arrived there October 30th. Left ]Mil-
Avaukee by rail, arriving at Tomah, "Wis., same date. On fur-
lough to date of muster out. The company was mustered out
January 13, 1899.
After the close of the Spanish American AVar tlie Third Regi-
ment was reorganized and Company K, in common with other
companies of the regiment, went back into the state service; the
company was reorganized ]May 2, 1899, ami took its old place
in the regiment.
The company has since maintained its reputation as one of
the best all-around companies in the state and demonstrated that
fact decisively by winning the "Pfister Troi)hy" in 1904, this
being a trophy for the best all-around company and competed
for each year.
Here is given a complete list of the commissioned officers
of the company with their service before, during and since the
Spanish American "War.
THE MILITARY COMPANIES 433
Captains. George Graham, May 29, 1884, resigned November
30, 1888. R. A. Richards, December 14, 1888, promoted major
October 19, 1897. AV. W. Warren, October 19, 1888, volunteered
in U. S. service May 11, 1898. A. S. Goodyear, December 30,
1899, resigned April 28, 1903. W. "W. Warren, April 20, 1903,
to rank December 20, 1902, resigned February 15, ]905. A. E.
Winter, February 15, 1905, resigned April 30, 1907. M. P,
Curtius, June 14, 1907, resigned November 2, 1908. C. R. Sowle,
December 20, 1908.
First Lieutenants. C. K. Erwin, May 29, 1884, resigned Janu-
ary 18, 1886. Louis Schalle, January 19, 1886, promoted bat-
talion adjutant July 19, 1895. W. W. Warren, July 19, 1895,
promoted. A. S. Goodyear, October 19, 1897, volunteered U. S,
service May 11, 1898. I. E. Jones, January 8, 1900, resigned
September 1, 1900. W. AV. AA'arren, September 24, 1900, pro-
moted. 0. M. Mick, January 30, 1903, resigned March 9, 1904.
A. E. AA^inter, May 7, 1904, promoted. C. R. Sowle, June 9, 1907,
promoted. E. R. AVells, December 20, 1908.
Second Lieutenants. John Richards, May 29, 1884, resigned
July 2, 1885. Louis Schalle, July 2, 1885, promoted. Hubert C.
Powers, January 19, 1886, resigned September 5, 1887. R. A.
Richards, September 5, 1887, promoted. Luman C. AA^arriner,
December 14, 1888, resigned April 25, 1890. AV. AA^ Warren,
May 16, 1890, promoted. A. E. AA^inter, July 19, 1895, resigned
January 19, 1897. J. G. Graham, January 25, 1897, resigned
July 28, 1897. A. S. Goodyear, August 18, 1897, promoted. I. E.
Jones, November 30, 1897, volunteered U. S. service May 11,
1898. J. I. Bigelow, January 8, 1900, resigned August 31, 1900.
0. M. Mick, November 14, 1900, promoted. Bert Trowbridge,
January 30, 1903, resigned December 12, 1905. E. R. Wells,
June 9, 1907, promoted. C. H. Wiklund, December 20, 1908.
THE SPARTA RIFLES.
In 1883 the Third Regiment, far from being the organization
it is now, held an encampment in the city of Sparta ; in those
days soldiering in the National Guard was a good deal of a picnic
and the custom was in vogue of holding encampments at different
towns within the territory of the regiment; the encampment at
Sparta was the first regular encampment as a regiment, and
naturally the presence of the companies with a regimental band,
the drills, parades and ceremonies aroused a military spirit in
the community, although before that some kind of an inde-
pendent organization had been maintained; through the efforts
434 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
of many of tlic good citizens the company Avas recognized anil
Avas mustered into the Wisconsin National Guard September 28,
188;:{, and given the designation of Company 1, with John J. Esch,
now congressman from this district, as its first captain. The
company was nuiintaincd at a xcry good standard in membership
drill and discipline for a nund)er of years, but during the term
of Gen. Charles King as adjutant-general, owing to lack of inter-
est, there being at that time strong efforts made in other towns
in the regimental territory to get into the Guard: the company
was mustered out of the state service in 1895.
During the existence of the company, on ^larch 9, 1889, a
connnittee consisting of D. AV. Cheney. Frank L. French and
Timothy 0. Thorl)us selected and l)ought tvro lots of "William
Kerrigan and two lots of E. W. Robie on East Oak street, sold
stock in an association formed for that purpose and erected the
present armory, a brick building 65 by 130 feet in dimensions.
One of the lots purchased Avas afterAvards sold to AV. C. Hoffman.
Company I had two disastrous fires Avhich burned up the build-
ings the company had theretofore been occupying as an armory,
one of them being an old roller skating rink Avhich the company
bought.
The commissioned officers of this company Avith the date of
their commissions Avere as folloAvs :
Captains. John J. Esch, September 28, 1883; D. W. dieney,
August 16, 1887; T. O. Thorbus, December 14, 1888; B. 0. Ray-
mond, November 15, 1889; John H. Saxe, January 8, 1894;
"William H. Van AntAverp. January 2, 1895.
First Lieutenants. Frank F. Oster, September 28, 1883; T. D.
Bleacher, October 11. 1885; T. O. Thorl)us, S(>ptember 13, 1886;
B. O. Raymond, Decendier 14, 1888; AVilliam A. Dickinson,
November 15, 1889; Oscar S. Blakeslee, October 31, 1890;
Frank L. French, June 17, 1892; AVilliam H. Van AntAA-erp,
January 8, 1894: AVilliam Foss, January 2, 1895.
Second Lieutenants. T. 1). Bleecher, September 28, 1883;
Timothy O. Thorbus, November 13, 1885; John Saxe, Septemlier
13, 1886; B. 0. Raymond. Alay 18, 1888; AVilliam A. Dickinson,
December 14, 1888; Oscar S. Blakeslee, November 15. 1889;
Frank L. French, October 31. 1890; John Saxe. June 17, 1892;
Fred :\1. Foster, January 8, 1894; Fred L. Sdialler, Jatuuiry 2,
1895.
COMPANY L.
The nuistering out of Company I came as a shock to the
citizens of Sparta and steps Avere almost immediately taken ^o
THE MILITARY COMPANIES 435
organize another company among the patriotii- young men of the
eommiinity.
On November 15, 1895, an agreement was signed by seventy-
one men whieh provided that the signers would become nicnibers
of a military company to be stationed at Sparta and become a
part of the National Guard; this was done in pursuance of llie
assurance of Adjutant-General King that at the first opening
in the regiment, provided Sparta maintained an independent
organization, equipment being furnished by the state, and it was
brought up to the standard required by the regulations, it would
be mustered into the National Guard. The provisional company
was at once organized and went to work in earnest. The efforts
of this organization were soon rewarded ; one of the two com-
panies at Eau Claire having fallen below the standard required
was mustered out and the Sparta company took its place in the
regiment, being nuistered in by General King on the fifteenth.
day of July, 1896, as Company L. The occasion was made
memorable by the presence of a large audience of Sparta people
and many notables, civil and military.
The selection of the proper officers was somewhat of a prob-
lem, and Eobert B. McCoy was induced to take the captaincy,
although he Avas without any previous military experience; but
his well known executive ability coupled with the energy for
which he was noted gave promise that he would be a good com-
pany commander and the estimate was not wrong. Under his
connnand, assisted by his able lieutenants, Frank L. French and
John P. Rice, the company forged to the front and has always
held a high place among the National Guard companies.
It just got into the state service in time to get thoroughly
organized, participate in an encampment or two when the oppor-
tunity came for active service in the Spanish American War.
Its members with few exceptions volunteered for the service,
and here follows the roll as taken from the official records of
Company L. Third AVisconsin Volunteer Infantry :
Capt. Robert B. McCoy; First Lieut. Frank L. French; Second
Lieut. John B. Schneller; Milon R. Gould, first sergeant; Clark
S. I\IcCoy, quartermaster-sergeant ; sergeants, Silas M. Lewis,
Frank J. Schneller, Arthur L. Hollenbeck, Charles A. Perham ;
corporals, August Yanke, Fred V. Burrows, Ray Palmer, George
Esch, Theodore Hanson, George W. King; musicians, Frank E.
Frazier and Harry N. Kurtzman; wagoner, John H. Van Kirk;
artificer, AVilliam D. xVllen ; privates, Albert Anderson, Gardner
E. Bacon, Elbert J. Brooks, August F. Becker, James R. Boyle,
436 IllSTOKY OF MONROE COUNTY
George J. Bunce, AVilliam B. Carrigan, James Davis, Ileury E.
Davis, AVilliam L. Davis, George E. Davenport, Arthur DeGroff,
John B. Edwards, Evan S. Evans, Thomas Finn, Ole Gustad, Jr.,
Bjurne Gustad, Uh'sses G. Gilbert, II. A. JIanson, Andrew L.
Ilarr, Henry C. Ileitman, Olaf C. Howard, Chauncey Ilutson,
Frank L. Hubbard, Albert Hiles, H. Clay Hogue, j\Iark J. Jewett,
John H. Jackson, Clarence E. Kenyon, Homer A. Landt, George
A. Lowry, Earl Lucas, Amiel N. Loberg, Gustave C. Link,
Nathan C. ]\Iarkham, John McAuliffe, Charles L. McArthur,
Edmond 0. Gillis, Lewis Navotny, John F. Nolan, Peter B. Nolan,
Frank B. Nichols, Evander Noble, Edward ]\I. Perham, Frank E.
Perham, George W. Paul, Lester I. Putman, ]Milton E. Put man,
AValter B. Phelps, John J. Selke, Henry J. Selke, Oscar R. Swan-
son, John C. Shattuck, Ernest J. Servis, Bert Smitii, Adelbert "\V.
Thurston, James Van Kirk, North Vice, Fred J. Vought, Ileury A.
AVaste, Roy L. Ware, Herbert E. AVebster, Perl J. AVilcox, Henry
G. Wilcox, Fred W. Yanke.
Pursuant to special orders First Army Corps, dated June 8,
1898, Lieut. Frank L. French, battalion recruiting officer,
returned to Sparta and enlisted the following recruits and sent
them to Camp Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Ga., June 15, 1898:
William H. Ackerman, Edgar Abbott, Orin Brist, Clarence
Chase, Olaf Erickson, IMartin Flaig, George Gamon, Ernest
Gamble, Harley A. Gunn, Anton 0. Ha gen, W. N. Hubbell, W. L.
Hubbell, John Houghtalling, Albert Isaacs, Ossian R. Link,
]\Iiner E. Moyer, Ned Olson, Anton Olson, Harley B. Oaks,
Charles A. Preston, Aaron E. Russell, John A. Smith, Jerry
Sullivan, Frank A. Seymour, Henry Schell, Lloyd Sines, Charles
B. Stolts, John C. Tester and John E. Williams.
During the term of service of the company several changes
took place in the commissioned and noncommissioned officers.
Captain INIcCoy resigned and came homo undrr date of October
13, 1898, and First Lieut. Frank L. French was commissioned
captain to rank from that date and was assigned to the command
of the company; John B. Schneller was promoted to first lieu-
tenant October 13, 1898, and INIilon R. Gould was commissioned
second lieutenant on the same date; these officers were mustered
out holding the ranks named, and the noncommissioned officers
at the muster out were Clark McCoy, quartermaster-sergeant;
sergeants, Frank J. Schneller, August Yanke, Theodore J. Han-
son, Fred V. Burrows; corporals, George W. King, Jason P.
AVilliams, James Roy Boyle, Frank E. Perham, John D. Smith,
THE ]\IILITARY COMPANIES 437
Frank B. Nichols, John F. Nolan, Ossian R. Link, New Olson,
Clarence E. Kenyon. Musician, artificer and wagoner the same
as mustered in.
Discharged by Order. Corp. Ray Palmer, September 29, 1898,
per cablegram Secretary of War. Pvt. Milton E. Putman,
Chickamauga Park, Ga.
Transferred. Pvt. Albert L. Miller to Hospital Corps, Ponce,
August 5, 1898. Pvt. James Davis to Hospital Corps, Chicka-
mauga Park, Ga., June 28, 1898. Pvt. Edmund McGillis to Regi-
ment Band, January 2, 1899. Pvt. Earl S. Lucas to Hospital
Corps, June 28, 1898. Pvt. Arthur DeGroff to Signal Corps.
Pvt. Louis Navotney to Regiment Band, June 1, 1898.
Killed in Action at Aibonito Pass. Corp. Oscar R. Swanson,
August 12, 1898. Pvt. Fred V. Voight, August 12, 1898.
Died. Pvt. Leslie McArthur, typhoid fever, in Brigade Hos-
pital, Coamo, September 11, 1898. Pvt. Peter Nolan, typhoid
fever, General Hospital, Ponce, October 29, 1898. Pvt. E. Miner
Moyer, typhoid fever, hospital, Philadelphia, November 1, 1898.
The official record of the company as it appears upon the
muster out roll, compiled by Capt. Frank L. French, is as follows :
'' Mustered into U. S. service May 11, 1898. May 14, 1898,
left Milwaukee, AVis., for Chickamauga Park, Ga., arrived
May 16. 1898. Remained in Camp Chickamauga Park until
July 5, leaving for Charleston, S. C, on that date; arriving at
Charleston July 7, 1898, remained in camp at Charleston until
July 20; on that day embarked on U. S. transport No. 30
(Ob dam) and sailed for Porto Rico, daylight July 21. Landed
at Ponce, P. R., July 28, remaining in camp there until August 7.
Advanced towards San Juan, took part in engagement at Coamo
August 9. 1898, went into camp that night near Aibonito Pass.
August 12, during engagement wdth the Spaniards, Corporal
Oscar Sw^anson and Private Fred J. Voight were killed and Cor-
poral August Yanke and Private George Bunce were wounded
by shrapnell fired from enemies' trenches on Asomanta Mountain.
"August 13 returned to camp near Coamo, remaining there
until October 2, 1898, at which time regiment proceeded toward
San Juan, arriving at Cayey October 4, remaining there until
October 6, 1898, returning to camp near Ponce, arriving October
9, 1898, remained until October 21, on which date we boarded
steamer Manitoba and sailed for New York harbor October 22,
1898, arriving at New^ York October 28, 1898. Left New York
for home station October 29, 1898, arrived at Sparta October 3L
438 IIISTUKY OF .MONROE COUNTY
1808. ]Mustored out of service January 1:^ 1890 by Captain
Andrus, Fifth Cavalry mustering officer."
In coninion with the other companies of tlie Tliird Regiment,
Company L was reorganized and mustered into the state service
]May 1, 1890. The company has stood high among the National
Guard companies and made an enviable record as a good all-
around company.
Its commissioned officers since the original organization with
dates of commission are as follows :
Captains. Robert B. IMcCoy. July 15, 1806 ; 0. L. Arnold. June
14. l!!t)7: C. C. Ayers. :\Iarch 7, lOOT: AV. A. Dickinson. January
25. 10(19: E. A. !\Ierri]l. June 1, 1911.
First Lieutenants. F. L. French. July 15. 189(i: :\1. R. Gould,
May 1, 1899; A. DeGrotf, January 25. 1902; 0. L. Arnold,
]\[arch 20, 1905; C. C. Ayers, June 9, 1907; J. B. Fosnot, March,
1909; W. A. Dickinson. July 7, 1909; R. A. :\Ierrill, January 25,
1909: AV. A. Ilolden June 1, 1911.
Second Lieutenants. John P. Rice, July 15. 1896; J. B.
Schneller. September 29. 1907; T. J. Hanson, :\Iay 1. 1899; A.
DeGroflf, June 17. 1901 : 0. L. Arnold, January 25, 1902; F. E.
Bauchop, April 10, 1905; C. C. Ayers, January 11. 1907; .1. B.
Fosnot, June 9. 1907; W. A. Ilolden. July 7, 1909; C. F. Hanson.
June 1, 1911.
April 18, 1900. the company was organized into the Ail)onito
Guard Association under the corporate laws of the state; every
member of Company L ])eing a memlier of the association and
five years' service entitles each man so serving to life member-
ship. This association bought the present armory property and
has it fully paid for and are entirely out of debt, and during lin2
numy valual)le imjii-ovements were uuide, including a new heating
plant.
UNITED SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR VETERANS.
Following the Spanish-American war the necessity for organ-
ization to promote the welfare of the veterans of that struggle
became apparent, and in due time two camps of the order were
organized in this county.
Oscar Zimmerman Camp No. 20 was organized at Tomah
Fei)ruary 4. lOOii. with tiie following charter members: Geo. R.
Alverson. Thos. .J. .lohnson, Oscar ]\Iicl<, ^Nlet Rose, Arthur Pat-
terson, Alvin E. Baumgarten, Ralph P. Johnson. W. R. ]\IcCaul.
Louis Schalle. W. AV. Warren. Chas. E. Holm. Geo. J. Kuckuck.
Adolph H. Nelson. Claude R. Sowle, Chas. K. "Wright, Chas. E.
THE :\IILITARY COMPANIES 439
Butters, Fred Keyes, Arthur Otts, Wm. H. Sauer, J. A. Dewey,
Ned. H. Lombard, Edward J. Peeore, Frank H. Sauer, Geo. H.
Williams, Andrew L. Flood, Herbert Logan, John W. Reynolds,
Geo. H. Terry, Harry M. Warren, Otto 0. E. Franz, Edgar A.
Lea, Albert D. Beck, Bert TroAvbridge, Alfred Harp, Wm. E.
Lerz. Wm. H. Root, Thos. E. C. Vesper, Benj. Lppp.
Its present offcers are : Oscar Mick, commander ; Bert. Trow-
bridge, S. V. ; Fred Keyes, J. V. ; Adolph Nelson, 0. of D. ;
Wm. Lerz, 0. G. ; adjutant, Claude R. Sowle; quartermaster,
Frank H. Sauer.
Sparta Camp No. 17. A camp was originally organized some
few years ago under this number, but it did not survive, owing
to lack of membership, but the old number was preserved and
when, in February, 1912, another camp was organized, it was
given the old number of seventeen. The charter was granted
February 2, 1912, with the following charter members : Geo.
Esch, Geo. W. King, John A. King, F. L. French, H. C. Heitman,
Evan S. Evans, John H. Jackson, H. Clay Hogue, Frank Perham,
J. J. McAulitfe, Wm. L. Davis, R. B. McCoy, E. M. Perham, E. J.
Brooks, Henry Selke, Perl J. AVilcox, H. H. Williams, E. A.
Baumgarten, A. Anderson, Albert Larson, R. A. Richards, AValter
Hammond, C. A. Hutson, Andrew J. Harr, Louis A. Losby, N. C.
Markham, A. L. Hollenbeck, M. E. Putnam, A. F. Becker and
H. N. Kurtzman. The present officers are : Geo. Esch, com-
mander; F. L. French, S. V. ; E. M. Perham, J. V. ; R. A. Richards,
0. of D.; Perl Wilcox, 0. of G. ; John H. Jackson, Adj.; E. J.
Brooks, Quar.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY.
AYliatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot
be denied that its members have a more prominent position in
public affairs than any other class of a community. This is but
the natural result of the ability and training -which qualify one
to practice law, for this also qualifies him in manj^ respects for
duties Avhich lie outside of the strict patii of his profession and
touch the general interest of society.
His training as a public speaker gives him prominence and
power; the study of the principles of jurisprudence qualify him
above everything else for useful membership in law making
bodies. The leaders in Congress and in our Legislature are
usually lawyers.
During the war of the Rebellion no one class of people went
earlier to the front, served their country more devotedly or with
greater distinction than the lawyers; and of the men who re-
mained at home during that contest, no class of citizens took a
more active part in sustaining the soldiers in the field. Without
any partiality it may be said that in every period of our country's
history members of the bar have shown themselves to be patri-
otic; the Declaration of Independence was drawn by a lawyer;
in the war of tlie Rebellion great aid Avas rendered by such men
as Adams, Hamilton, King, Marshall, Jefferson, Livingston, Clin-
ton, Granger and hundreds of others who belonged to the legal
profession.
It is a peculiar fact that the legal mind has been and ever
Avill be arrayed to the side of order, good morals and good gov-
ernment. A lawyer's experience with the affairs of men, his
habits of thought and reflection all tend in that direction ; Avlien
elevated to the bench his influence for good is unlimited.
The prominent part that members of the bar take in public
affairs in this and in every other country, the weight of the
influence they have exerted and the dignity they have imparted
to the profession requires that in this work a permanent record
of the lives of those men who have been chiefly instrumental in
440
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 441
making the history of the bench and bar of this county should
be here recorded. It may not be comph?te, as the difficulty of
procuring data concerning the lives of the earlier practitioners
has been great. In placing these sketches in this chapter the
author has no favorites to please and has endeavored without
discrimination to get the facts as they are.
The earlier lawyers at Tomah were George Graham, Henry
C. Spaulding and James LeRoy; A. E. Bleekman started his
practice at Tomah, being associated with Mr. Spauding for a time,
subsequently removed to Sparta, forming a partnership with
F. H. Bloomingdale under the firm name of Bleekman and Bloom-
ingdale, which firm moved to LaCrosse. F. E. Campbell was also
associated with Mr. Spaulding under the firm name of Spaulding
and Campbell ; Mr. Campbell, however, soon retired from the
firm and went west and in later years received judicial honors.
Almon A. Helms, while an employee of the St. Paul railroad,
studied law in Tomah with Judge George Graham and was taken
into partnership as Graham and Helms, but soon moved to ]\Ier-
rill. Wis., where he has since resided.
David F. Jones was admitted to the bar in 1884 and began the
practice at Sparta a few years afterwards, forming a partnership
with S. AV. Button, which continued a number of years ; about
the time of its dissolution Mr. Jones was apointed United States
District Attorney for the "Western District of Wisconsin. In
1899 found a partnership with R. A. Richards, Avho moved over
from Tomah, under the firm name of Jones & Richards which con-
tinued until the death of ]Mr. Jones about two years later.
B. H. Hackett came to Tomah about 1895, entered the office
of Judge Graham, who moved to Sparta shortly afterward and
was elected district attorney twice, but died in 1901 just before
beginning his second term. H. C. Altizer and AV. B. Clark lo-
cated in Sparta about 1898 ; Altizer was elected district attorney
and served one terra beginning in 1899 ; a partnership was
formed with AV. B. Clark, which continued a short time ; soon
after the expiration of Altizer 's term of office he left the county;
Clark continued practice for a time and then moved to Texas.
Howard Teasdale began practice in 1891 and R. B. McCoy
in 1894. Four Bowler brothers — Edward, Timoth}^ James J.
and George — all received their legal education while residents of
the county, the first two being now in successful practice in
Sheboygan, having George associated with them.
James J. was in partnership with R. A. Richards under the
firm name of Richards & Bowler, which was dissolved after a
442 HISTORY OF :M0XR0E COUNTY
few years, ]\lr. Kiehards enlerling into partnersliip witli Z. S.
Rice which continued about two years. James J. Bowler and his
brother George practiced for a term under the firm name of
Bowler & Bowler, but in 1IK)9 closed up their office and moved
elsewhere.
Of the older lawyers still in the county there remain Judge
C. M. blasters, Judge George Graham, Judge S. AV. Button and
George A. Richai-dson, none of whom are now in active practice
except ]Mr. ^Masters and he has practically retired from court
work.
"William ]5. Xaylor began practice at Tomah in 1894 having
associated with him H. E. Glover, Avhich continued under the
firm name of Xaylor & Glover for about a year, ]\Ir. Glover
retiring in 1901.
"William R. ]\lc('aul and ]Mr. Xaylor formed a partnership
which still continues.
AVhile Colonel Graham has retired from active practice, and
is at the present time serving as postmaster at Tomah, his son
John G. Graham, who has l)een associated with his father for
a number of years, continues the firm of Graham & Graham.
A. 11. Smith practiced in the county for a time, later entering
the employ of the Great Xorthern Railway, severing his con-
nection Avith the road about two years ago and has since resided
at ]\Ierrill, AVis.
ThorAvald P. Al)el and Zelotus S. Rice both commenced the
practice about 1891, ]\Ir. Rice being for a time associated with
R. A. Richards.
At the present tinu' the hnv of the county is composed of
Messrs. Graves & blasters, S. "W. Button, George A. Richardson.
R. A. Richards, R. B. McCoy, Howard Teasdale, T. P. Al)el and
Z. S. Rice at Sjjarta. and Graham & Graliam and Xaylor t.^
McCaul at Tomah.
Quite a number of young men received their early legal train-
ing in the county and though not engaging in practice in the
county to any extent, a luunber of them acquired great promi-
nence on the bench and at the bar.
James X'. Gillett, who became governor of California, studied
law with ^lorrow & ^Masters.
John J. p]sch, of national i)rominenee as congressman from
this district, graduated from the Sparta high, school in 1878.
In that same class was Julian Bennett, who was elected to a
district judgship in South Dakota, while residing at Watertown;
he died about 1905.
iiox. JOHN J. EkSCii
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 443
Frank Sawyer, of same class, has for niauy years practiced
law ill San Francisco.
Frank F. Oster, also a high school graduate in '78, is now a
district judge in California.
Fred V. AVood, a high school graduate in 1886, has recently
been appointed a judge in one of the northern counties of
California.
Of the sons of Romanzo Bunn all of them received their early
education at Sparta ; George Bunn is now a district judge at
St. Paul, INIinii. ; ( '. AV. Bunn is now general counsel for the
Northern Pacific Railway Company, with headcpiarters at St.
Paul; John Bunn is practicing at Spokane, Wash.; all very
l)right men.
George Gray, Avho graduated from the Sparta high school in
1886, has been practicing for some years at ]\Iilad, Idaho.
Charles AV. Meadow^s, who practiced for a time at Sparta, is
now county judge of Barron county.
Carl Montgomery, son of Gen. Milton Montgomery, is a promi-
nent lawyer of Nebraska, residing at Omaha.
Judge John Anderson, of Chippewa Falls, received his early
education at Tomah, afterwards graduating from the university.
Clark Rosecrantz, now of IMilwaukee, at present general
attorney for the Milwaukee Street Railway System, is a graduate
of the Sparta high school.
M. E. Powell, who studied law with L. AV. Graves and prac-
ticed in the county for a time, is now a resident of Redwood
Falls, Minn.
A distinguished list of INIonroe county's sons who are helping
to make history elsewhere.
In a snbsequent chapter will be given a brief history of the
county court of INIonroe county and included in it will be the
lives of the men who have served as judges as far as it is possible
to obtain them at this time, and naturally included in it will
be those members of the bar who for a time practiced law as
well as served as judges.
To attempt in this work to give an historical account of the
litigation which was prominent in the courts during all these
years would be a task which would require a volume in itself.
Among the members of the bar have been men who attracted
state Avide attention by their ability and skill and advocates;
but of its number only two members of the bar in this county
became judges of this circuit, Hon. Romanzo Bunn and Hon.
Joseph M. Morrow.
444 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
As it is men Avho make history, the lives of the members of
the bar furnish, perliaps, the best historical account of the bar
itself, as each one unfolds its own peculiar matters of interest
anil the story of the bar in this county may best be told by giving
here, as far as we are able to get them, sketches of the lives of
its members, past and present. Some we have been unable to
get, in some instances because of failure to answer requests, and
in others a lack of opportunity, by reason of the length of time,
to get information.
On the 18th of September, 1854, the Circuit Court of Monroe
County had its first term; the judge at that time who presided
over this and over three sul)se(iuent terms of court Avas the Hon.
AViram Knowlton ; unfortunately we are unable to learn any-
thing of his liistorj' and except the fact that he held the first
court in this county and tried a number of cases at that and the
subsequent terms. E. AValrath was the sheriff and John II.
Barker the clerk of the court.
It is interesting to know that in these days when grand juries
are almost called a thing of the past in this county and when it
has been the custom of circuit judges for a long series of years
to file an order dispensing with the calling of a grand jury, that
.at the earlier terms of court in this county for several years a
grand jury was summoned; in the first panel appears several
names which are still familiar. The jury at the term of court
in September, 1854, found one true bill and was then discharged
by the court ; its members were Morrison ]\Ic]\[illan, foreman ;
R, J. Casselman, Lymon Prescott, Loyd Angle, W. "Wooldridge.
C. IT. Blake, Tliomas Fawcett, Jr., S. AY. McLogan, Alva Heath.
James Rath])un, E. I. Lathrop, David IMayward. J. C. Inman,
T. Barker, E. AY. Dexter and John Foster.
Upon the establishment by law of the Sixth Judicial Circuit
George Gale became the first judge serving from 1856 to 1861,
Isaac E. ]Messmore 1861 to 1862, Edwin P'lint 1862 to 1869,
Romanzo Bunn 1869 to 1877, A. AY, Newman 1878 to 1893,
Joseph M. ]\Iorrow 1893 to 1894, Orvis B. AA^yman 1894 to 1900
(w^hen he died), J. J. Fruit from 1900 to 1909 (when he died),
1909 to the present by Hon. E. C. Higbee.
Among the earlier practitioners we find the names of a great
many of those who doubtless appeared in court in this county,
but were residents elsewhere; at the first term the firm of
Denison & Lyndes appears frequently upon the calendar, and at
that term Ebenezer Lathrop, James H. Edsall and Carlton E.
Rice were admitted to practice as attorneys; at the next term,
THE LEGAL FRATEKNITY 445
in March, 1855, George F. Haswell and E. S. Blake were admitted
to practice and Mr. Haswell, owing to the fact that there was no
district attorney in the county, was appointed district attorney
for the term by the judge.
At subsequent terms during the next few years J. C. Pratt,
Lincoln Montgomery, Levi "VV. Barman, Goodwin AV. Lincoln,
Samuel C. Lyon, L. AY. Graves, George AY. Pratt, L. Vanshirk,
N. Leonard, Joseph AA". Losey, Thomas B. Tyler, Romanzo Buun
and E. I. Lathrop were admitted to practice at various terms
of court.
It seemed to be the rule among the earlier practitioners to
form firms and to make frequent changes. For. during the years
1854 up to 1861, we find upon the court records the firms of
Leonard & Tyler, Graves & Montgomery, Lathrop & Blake,
Lathrop, Pratt & Blake, Lincoln & A^an Slyck, Lincoln & Rice,
Graves, IMontgomery & Rice, Rice & Pratt, Montgomery, Leon-
ard & Tyler, Graves & Rice, Graves & Leonard, Lincoln & Pratt,
Montgomery & Tyler, Rice & Bunn, and several single practi-
tioners.
A little later on came J. M. Morrow^ who was associated Avith
L. AY. Graves for a time under the firm name of Graves & Morrow,
then came S. N. Dickenson, and for some time the firm of Mont-
gomery, Tyler & Dickenson existed ; soon after the admission
of C. M. Masters to the bar. in 1871 the firm of Morrow &
Masters was formed and existed for a long term of years until
Judge Morrow was appointed to the Circuit Bench; with his
defeat for election the firm, which had, when he went to the
bench, been dissolved, was again united and remained until the
death of Judge Morrow, after which Judge Masters associated
with himself R. B. Graves, who had previously been employed
in the office of Masters & Graves, and later the son, H. M., was
admitted as the junior partner and the firm is today Masters,
Graves & Masters.
AV. M. Graham came in the early eighties to Sparta and soon
after formed a partnership with S. N. Dickenson as Dickenson &
Graham. In 1891 both these gentlemen moved to AA^est Sueprior,
where the firm of Knowles, Dickenson, Buchanan, Graham &
AVilson was formed.
C. AV. Graves practiced in the county for a number of years
and at one time formed partnership with A. E. Bleekman under
the firm name of Graves & Bleekman, but Graves retired and
went to A^ernon county, practicing in A^iroqua, Avhere he still
resides.
U6 IIISIORY OF .MUXKUK LUlXTY
L. W. Graves. In the earlier period of Monroe county, from
about 1857 to 1874, there Avas no more prominent lawyer than
Lewis AV. Graves, and there are many of the older residents of
this and surrounding counties who still recall anecdotes of his
forensic ability and caustic wit in tlie trial of notable cases, of
which there were many in those days. "Lew" Graves, as he was
familiarly known, Avas born at Attica, Wyoming county. New
York, on February 28, 1825, and was the son of Rev. Xathaniel
Graves, who lived for many years on Bush Prairie in tlie town
of Lafayette. He received a common school education and
studied law in East Aurora. Erie county, Ncav York, in the office
of Humphrey & Sawin, and Avas admitted to the bar at Albion.
X. Y., in 1853. lie practiced his profession in p]ast Aurora until
1856, when he came Avith his Avife and infant son to Sparta and
at once Avent into active practice. He Avas married to ■Mary J.
AValdo, at Fast Aurora, on August 3, 1852, and three sons Avere
born of the marriage: Charles AV. Graves, a avcII knoAvn laAvyer
of Viroqua, Frank H. GraA^es, editor of tliC Vernon County
Leader, of Virociua, and AVilliam Graves, Avho died in 1879. Mrs.
Graves surviA^ed her husband many years and died at Sparta in
June. 1909. L. AY. Graves serA^ed as district attorney of Alonroe
county in 1859-1860. He died at his home in Sparta on Alay 3,
1876. During his career at the bar he Avas at ditfereut times
connected, as a partner, AA-ith Carlton E. Rice (Graves & Rice),
Alilton ^Montgomery (Graves & IMontgomery), E. G. AVheeler
(Graves & AVheeler), J. E. SnoAv (Graves & SnoAv), and .J. AI.
MorroAv (GraA'cs & AIorroAA-). He Avas at all times a Democrat
in i)olitics and in 1864 Avas one of the delegates to the National
Democratic ConA'ention. Avhich nominated George B. AlcClellan.
Mr. Graves Avas a laAvyer of great force and ability and Avas
especially strong in jury trials. He loved a sharply contested
laAVSuit and AAas especially noted as a socalled criminal hiAvyer.
His practice extended throughout the Avestern portion of the state
and he Avas constantly bi-ought in contact Avith a lot of able
laAA-yers, such as AVilliam 11. Tucker. .1. \V. Loscy and B. F.
^Montgomery, of La Crosse; Fnnnons Taylor, of Portage; G. C.
Pope, of Black River Falls; .John Turner, of ^lauston. and
George B. Smith, of Madison, and others of like calibre. During
his career at the bar he ])articipated in many notable trials and
Avas nearly alAA-ays successful. Among these may be recalled
the famous Skippens nuirder trial (Viroqua). in Avhich, aft<T one
conviction and one disagreement, he acquitted Charles Skippen
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 447
for the killing of James Newell on a third trial ; the famous (in
those days) slander case of Parshall vs. Remington (where one
Baptist preacher sued another for slander). The long drawn
out mill dam litigation between Oilman and Ilerrick, involving
water power rights on the La Crosse river; the crim con case
of Jones vs. Goss, the case of State vs. Joe Hull, Bell vs. Village
of Sparta (where plaintitf fell into the pond through a hole in
Franklin street bridge), Dinehart vs. Lafayette (a case involving
the constitutionality of the Soldiers' Bounty Act), Cremer vs.
Town of Portland, Randall vs. Ellis and McDonald, and many
other notable cases that might be mentioned, all of which were
earnestly and vigorously contested before Circuit Judges Gale,
Flint, Messmore and Bunn, and which, in those days, seemed to
attract more attention and draw to the trial from far larger
crowds than important litigation of like character does nowa-
days, and it was no rare thing to have the old white brick court
house crowded with people, drawn there to hear Lew Graves
address a jury. Mr. Graves was a most companionable man, a
universal favorite with his townsmen, and his fellow lawyers,
and his untimely death, at the age of 51 years, was universally
regretted throughout the region where he was so well know^n.
At a meeting of the bar of Monroe county, held May 5, 1876,
the following resolutions were adopted:
Whereas, Under Divine Providence, out late fellow-citizen,
Lewis W. Graves, has been removed from us by death, and we
are again reminded of the shortness of man's probation on
earth, and
Whereas, the members of the bar in ]Monroe county and the
western part of Wisconsin, from personal f;ssociation in their
professional relations, are able to speak of liis noble qualities,
greatness of heart, and marked ability, and the younger members
especially, of his encouragement, kindness and assistance to theni.
Therefore,
Resolved, That we have learned with regret the melancholy
intelligence of the death of our lirother, Lewis W. Graves, a
member of this bar for nearly a quarter of a century.
Resolved, That we recall with pleasure his many good quali-
ties as a man and a lawyer; his mental accomplishments, and
genial social qualities; his earnestness, ability, and eloquence
as an advocate, and that we mourn his death as a loss to the
profession and this bar.
Resolved, That in view of the sad event, while we would not
448 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
needlessly obtrude ourselves ui)ou the notice of the bereaved
friends, yet Ave are constrained to tender them our profound
sympathies in this hour of their great sorrow.
Resolved, That a copy of these ijroceedings be transmitted
to the family of the deceased.
Resolved, That in behalf of the bar of this county, that the
court thereof, on the first day of next term, be respectfully
requested to enter the foregoing preamble and resolutions upon
its records. A. E. Bleekman, Secretary.
Thomas B. Tyler, a ])ioneer citizen of Sparta, was born at
Coshocton, Sullivan county. New York, January 12, 1824, and
died at Sparta, July 18, 1886. AVhen quite young he removed
with his parents to Seneca, Ontario county. He received his edu-
cation in the public schools and at Canandaigua Academy. Later
he studied medicine with Dr. Francis Dean at Gorham, Ontario
county, and married Sarah E. Dean, only daughter of Dr. Dean.
During the gold excitement in 1849 he went to California, return-
ing after an absence of two years. In 1852 he settled at Couders-
port, Pa., where he studied law and held the position of
prothonotary, or clerk of the court.
In 1857 he was admitted to the bar and the same year removed
to Sparta, AYis., and formed a laAv partnership with ^lilton ]\lont-
gomery. Later S. N. Dickinson was admitted to the firm and on
the removal of Colonel Montgomery from Sparta, the firm
became Tyler & Dickinson. In 1884 Mr. Tyler sold his interest
in the law business to Wm. M. Graham. Some years previous
to this he had formed a partnership with Ira A. Hill, under the
firm name of Tyler & Hill, conducting a general real estate and
loan business.
Mr. Tyler was identified with the Bank of Sparta from its
founding in 1858, and served as its vice-president from 1865 to
1883, and as president from 1883 until his death. He often served
in the council of the village and was its president for four years,
and after it was incorporated as a city was its first mayor.
Although he took a lively interest in all public questions of
importance he could hardly be called an active politician, as he
was not a seeker after public preferment. He was a delegate to
the Democratic national convention that met in New York city
in July, 1868, when Horatio Seymour was nominated for presi-
dent, and once he permitted his name to be used as a candidate
for state senator and ran ahead of his party ticket. In 1884 he
was urged by his party to become a candidate for governor of
the state, but declined to accept the honor. In Masonic circles
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 449
he was especially active and -widely known, taking an interest in
the Consistory and in its constituent bodies. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler
had one child, ]\Iary E. Tyler, who became the wife of Ira A. Hill,
and was a resident of Sparta until her death in 1909.
Samuel N. Dickenson Avas born in Neilsborough, Pa., July 24,
1833. He was educated at the schools of East Hampton, Mass.,
and read law in the office of Johnson & Brown at Warren, Pa.,
and was admitted to the bar of the court of common pleas at
that place on August 17, 1857, and in the courts of Tioga, Pa.,
on the 25th day of September, 1857. Shortly thereafter he
removed to Illinois and was admitted to ail the courts of that
state on January 2, 1858 ; removing to Wisconsin he was
admitted to practice in the circuit court in Clark county in this
state, on motion of Carl C. Pope, September 6, 1858, and to the
federal courts of the western district of Wisconsin February 24,
1871. He was admitted to practice in the supreme court on June
3, 1873. Practicing at Neilsville a short time, removing thence
to Sparta, where he became a member of the firm of Montgomery,
Tyler & Dickenson. Later ]\Ir. IMontgomery withdrew from the
firm and it continued as Tyler & Dickenson. Another change
was made when Mr. Tyler sold his interest to W. M. Graham,
when the firm became Dickenson & Graham. In 1899 the firm
dissolved and Mr. Dickenson moved to Chippewa Falls, where
he formed a partnership with Dan Buchanan, Jr. In 1891 the
firm removed to Superior, where the firm of Knowles, Dickenson,
Buchanan, Graham & Wilson was formed. In April, 1897, Dicken-
son and Graham formed a partnership with E. C. Canady under
the firm name of Dickenson, Canady & Graham. This firm did
a general law business for a short time and dissolved, and for
the last three years of his life Mr. Dickenson was alone in busi-
ness. He died November 6, 1905, being killed by the accidental
discharge of a rifle which he was engaged in cleaning.
His associates of the bar of Douglas county in the memorial
services soon after his death said of him in a resolution as
follows :
"In his death, his associates as well as the legal profession,
have lost one of its most distinguished members, and the city of
Superior one of its best citizens; and not only Superior, but the
state of Wisconsin as well.
"Judge Dickenson, as he was called, was a man whom all
respected. He was plain, honest, courageous, true. He was a
type of America's best citizenship. He worked hard, he perse-
vered and he always gave the best service that was in him, there
450 TITSTORY OF :\rOXROE COT'XTY
was no ^iiilc in his i'(iiii|i(isit ioti, he luitcd sham and ileceit, he
Avas open and aljovc hoard in all his dealings, professional and
otherwise. Jlc was a good man, a [jatriotic citizen and an able
la wye I". "
Joseph M. Morrow, rci-haps no man who lived in Ihc county
of .Monroe attained the pi-oniinence and wide accpiaintance in
the state as that which .Judge ]\Iorrow enjoyed: the superiority
of his intellectual and (jrofessioiud attainmenis won lor hiui fame,
which went even l)eyond tiic lindts of the state. As a lawyer
he was engaged in almost evei-y case of im|iortance which was
tried in this section of the stale during the last forty years of
his lifetime. As a judge he was impartial in his ruling, justly
exacting regarding the conduct of lawyers in his court, yet
treating them all Avith gentleness and courtesy which won the
respect of all the meud)ers of the bar in the Si.xth Judicial
Circuit.
Judge .Morrow was born in .\urora comity, New York, Janu-
ary 1, 1832, and received liis education at the Aurora Academy,
after which he clerked in a store for three years, and following
that he acce])1ed a i)osition with George A. Prince, a manufac-
turer, with whom he remained two years, Avhen he went to
Boston to enter the employ of the ]\Iason & Hamlin Organ
Company. He arrived at Sparta September 18, 1856, and resided
in that city continuously up to the time of his death. He was
admitted to the bar in 1859, and in 1S72 formed a partnership
with Jiulge ('. M. Masters, whicdi contiinu'd, with the exception
of the time a\ hen .Judge ^forrow was sitting as circuit judge, up
until tlie time of his death.
Judge jMorrow sei-ved the county faithfully as district attor-
ney for six diffei'ent terms, was ])resident of the \illage two
years, clei-JN- of the Pxjai'd ol' iMlucation sexcii years; was I'nited
States Internal Revenue Collector two yeai's dui-ing Clevelaiul's
first term. .\t the end of this time his district was consolidated
with the second, and the office moved to Madison under the
collector (if that disti-ict. He was delcgate-at-large to tlu^
National Demociatic ('onxcnlion at (hicago in 1S84. and was
appointed judge ol' the Sixth -Indicial Circuit in 1893 l)y Gov-
el-nol' PiM'ls ;iii(l held the office until the next election when.
owing to the district being ovei-whelmingly Republii-an. he was
defeated, lie h;id sei-\cd as gi'and cliaucelor and past su]U'(Mnc
represcnlatixc of the Knights of Pythias; lie was a mend)er of
.\. O. r. AV. and a .Mason. He was married .\|.ril 9. ISHO. to
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 451
Miss Olive Graves, of Sparta, and to them v,as honi one daugh-
ter, Mary who still resides in Sparta in the old home. Judge
Morrow died suddenly on the 28th day of -luly, 1899, dropping
to the sidewalk and expiring almost instantly while going from
his home to the office in the afternoon of that day.
Adalbert E. Bleekman, Sparta, was born nt Salisbury, Herki-
mer county, Xcw York, starch 26, 18-16. After receiving an
academic education he studied law, came to Wisconsin in 1869,
and settled in Toniah in the practice of his profession. In 1873
he was elected a member of the assembly. During the late w^ar
he entered the military service as private in Company A, Second
Ohio Cavalry, and was in the liattles of the AVilderness, Hanover
Court House, Ackland Station, and all of Wilson's engagements
during his raids in 1864. While residing at Tomah he was
elected w^ithout opposition to the state senate in November, 1873.
Removing to Sparta in June, 1875, he was elected district attor-
ney for the county of Monroe for 1876, 1877 and 1878. Mr.
Bleekman 's law firm in Sparta with Mr. Bloomingdale Avas
Bleekman & Bloomingdale. Afterwards he moved to La Crosse,
where he died June 27. 1908.
Henry C. Spaulding Avas a son of V. Spaulding, Avho came to
Monroe county from Chelmford, ]\Iass., in the year 1855.
Henry C. was born in Massachusetts on the lOtli day of January,
1844. He studied law at Tomah Avith the firm of Graham &
Bleekman and Avas admitted to the bar in 1872. On the 24th
day of June, 1871. he Avas married to Miss N. ]\L AYells, Avho
was born in ^Michigan. Six children w^ere born to them, Clara B.,
Susie, Laura, Harry A., EdAvard, and Estella M.
In 1877 ]\Ir. Spaulding formed a partnership Avith A. E.
Bleekman under the firm name of Bleekman & Spaulding, Avhich
continued for about three years. He afterAvards entered into
partnership Avith F. E. Campbell under the firm name of
Spaulding & Campbell. Avhich firm continued for some tAvo years.
After that ]\Ir. Spaulding practiced alone at the city of Tomah
until the time of his death, Avhich occurred on the 7th day of
]\lay, 1907.
He attended Beloit College, taught school, studied laAV and
Avas admitted to the bar in 1872. He served as a private in
Company H, Tenth Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, during 1861-
1862; in 1864 he again enlisted as a private in Company E.
Forty-fourth Regiment, AVisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Mr.
Spaulding Avas a man of fine personality, a pleasing and forceful
452 IIISTOKY OF .AiUXKOE COUNTY
speaker, . ;iiid took great interest in i)ul)lie affairs. In his
praetiee he met witli a lai-^c incasiirc of siieeess, partieularly
in ci'iniinal law.
David F. Jones was born in Ttiea, N. Y.. ]\Iay 11, 1859. He
removed to Wisconsin with his parents at an early age and in
1874 beeaine a resident ol' the eity of Sparta. His early educa-
tion was received in the Sparta schools and was completed by
a thorough course at Gales\ill(' College qnd Lake Forest Uni-
versity. He studied law in the office of Morrow & ^Masters at
Sparta and was admitted to the bar in 1884, and llu' following
year Avas elected district attorney for Monroe eount^', which
office he held for six consecutive years. He was elected again
in the fall of 1893 and served one term.
About this time he became quite ])rominiut in state i)()litics
and was elected a delegate to the National Republican Conven-
tion at St. Louis in 1896, which nominated i^resident ^McKinley.
During 1897-1898 represented liis district in the assembly and
made a l)rilliant record at this session; his ability was recognized
on all sides and he was appointed a member of the committee
to revise the Statutes of 1898 and rendered a valuable assistance
in that work.
In July, 1898, he was appointed l)y President ]McKinley
United States District Attorney for the AVestern District of "Wis-
consin and his administration to that most important office
stamped him as a lawyer of energy, ability and integrity. On
January 1, 1899, he formed a partnership with R. A. Richards,
Avho moved to Si)arta from Tomah, under the firm name of
Jones & Richards, which continued up until tlic time of the
death of ]Mr. Jones, which occurred on the 2()th day of December.
1900.
]\Ir. Jones was interested in local politics and served as
chairman of the Republican County Committee for six years
and was r)HM[ucn11\' a delegate of state and congressional con-
ventions and in llie year 189.. lie l)ecame a candidate for the
state senate, and the history of that memorable fight in which
the senatorial dislrid met several times in the different pai'ts
of tlie senatorial disti-iet. wliicli consisted ot Jackson, Moni-oe
and Vernon counties, is still fresh in IIh' minds of some of the
participants. Mr. Jones was defeated for the nomination, but
his course marked him as a man to be reckoned with in the
future. lie served file city of S]iarta in the caiiacity of its
attorney sevi^ral terms, he was a Knight 'i'eini)hir anil i)rominent
in ]\Iasonic and Odd Fellow lodges and at all times enjoyed
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 453
the contideiieo of his friends. While attending a term of the
United States Court at ]Madison in the month of December, 1900,
he was taken suddenly ill and came home to take to his bed
with a severe ease of typhoid fever and after a gallant fight
for his life he gave up and passed away deeply mourned and
his death sincerely regretted by the community at large.
]Mr. Jones was quite prominent in church and temperance
work in his own connnunity and for five consecutive terms he
was superintendent of the Sunday school of the First Congrega-
tional Church ; he was a deep student of the Bible and his
lectures to the school were interesting and instructive and
delivered in that eloquent manner of which he was a master
they were very interesting, indeed. He was married at Sparta,
AVis.. on March 12, 1884, to Miss Flora Smith and to them were
born three children, ^Marcus, Augustus and Ida.
Frank H. Bloomingdale, Sparta, was born at Coudersport,
Pa., October 15, 1854, and in the spring of 1863 he came to
"Wisconsin with his parents. His education was connnenced
in the public schools at Sparta, and in the fall of 1872 he entered
the state university, Avhere he completed his sophomore year.
In the fall of 1874 he entered the law school of Michigan State
University, and was admitted to the bar at the December term
of the Monroe County Circuit Court at Sparta in 1877. In
January, 1879, he commenced practice of the law at Sparta, in
partnership with A. E. Bleekman, and the firm continued as
Bleekman & Bloomingdale. Later on the firm moved to La Crosse
when after practicing a few years it was dissolved and Mr.
Bloomingdale moved to California, where he is now engaged in
practice.
George A. Richardson Avas born in the town of Manchester.
Bennington county, Vermont, March 22, 1834; he was educated
in the common schools and fitted himself for college at Burr
Seminary and graduated from Middlebury College in the class
of I860.'
He taught school for a time and then enlisted in the Four-
teenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry of Nine ^Months' Men and
served nearly a year, being discharged at Brattleboro, Vt., about
two months after the Battle of Gettysburg. After his discharge
from the service ]Mr. Richardson taught school and attended the
Albany Law College at Albany, N. Y., for some time and came
to Sparta, Wis., in April, 1866, and finished his law education
in the office of Graves & Wheeler and entered upon the practice
of his profession. He was elected district attorney of ]Monroe
454 TITSTORY OF [MONROE COUNTY
county and served for one term in 1871-1872 and receiving an
advantageous offer from ^1. A. Thayer he entered into his employ
and served as l)ookkeeper and cashier in llic hank of ]\I. A.
Thayer (t ('<». until lS9'.i; since that time '\iy. Richardson has
retired from active practice of law hul mainlains an office where
he occupies his time with light office work, more as a matter of
having something to do as he is a very industrious man hy nature.
lie has served the Sparta Free Lihrai-y as chairnuui of the
library hoard for over twenty years and rendered invaluable
service in and about the construction of the new librai'y building.
He has also served as secretai'\' and ti-casui-ei- of the Sparta
cemetery since it was organized in 188H. He and his estimable
wife still reside in their pleasant home nn Watei- street, which
is situated (»n the same lots Avhere they began housekeeping in
the spring of 1809. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are prominent
members of the Congregational church and arc active in religious
work and highly respected in the comnninit.w
William B. Naylor, Jr., Avas born in Grand Rapids. "SVis., and
moved to Tomah with his parents in 1878. He attended the
Tomah public schools, worked as a clerk in the office of II. M.
Sowle and through that became much interested in handling
pensions and in ])ension laws, all of which aroused his interest
in law as a profession. lie determined to become a member of
the bar; he attended the I'niversity of Miiuiesota for one year
and then attended the University of Wisconsin Law College from
which he graduated in 1894. He opened an office in Tomah. July
20, 1894, "with II. E. Glover, who was a classuuite in college of
Mr. Naylor 's and whose home was originally at Spencer, Iowa.
This firm. Naylor & Glover, engaged in practice for about a
yeai- when .Mr. (ilover I'ctired and Naylor continued the l)usiness
alone. He served as city attorney and city clerk a inunber of
different terms and was school district clerk, of School District
No. 1. of the city of Tomah. for about nine years and resigned
this office when he became disti'ict attoi'uey of ^Fonroe county,
which position he served witli distiiu-tion fi-om 1904 to 1908;
and by his conservative iiu'thods. thorough preparation and his
alert interest in the county's affairs he left behind him in that
office an envial)!e i-ecoi'd. having to his ci-cdit a colh-ction of
about $10,000 in sums of various sizes for supj^ort due I'oi- inmates
of the insane as\lums and lor other matters affecting the financial
interests of the count\-: as district attorney h(> conducted the
prosecution of the two trials of Samuel ^Montgomery for the
niurdci- of his wife, which rc^sulted in the con\'iction of ^Font-
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 455
gomery, and the appeal from the Circuit Court was sustained
by the Supreme Court of the State. In 1901 a partnership was
formed between Mr. Naylor and William McCaul under the firni
name of Naylor & IMeCaul. which firm still continues at practice
in Tomah. At the present time ]\Ir. Naylor is serving his school
district as president of the school board.
He is a pleasing and forceful speaker, has always been an
active Republican worker and takes great interest in the local
affairs of his ow^n community and the county at large.
Howard Teasdale, state senator, of Sparta, has made an indeli-
ble impression on the public life of Sparta and throughout the
state of Wisconsin. He was born at Janesville, Rock county, on
August 9, 1855, son of John and Sarah (Seymour) Teasdale
(sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work).
Mr. Teasdale first attended the schools of District No. 8, of
Sparta township, where his parents were early settlers ; he after-
ward pursued a course of study at the Sparta high school which
was supplemented by a modern classical course at the Wisconsin
State University, and afterwards a special one-year course, then
took up the study of law in the law department of the university,
graduating with the class of 1882. During the years of 1881 and
1886 he was engaged in the machinery business, retailing binders
and other machinery with his father, who was an extensive
operator in this line. It was this business and the management
of the homestead farm of 1,000 acres, that engaged Mr. Teasdale 's
attention until 1889, when he moved to Sparta and opened an
office and engaged in the practice of law, which he has since
carried on successfully in addition to many other business enter-
prises in the city.
Senator Teasdale 's life has been one of constant activity since
early boyhood. During some ten years he followed the vocation
of teaching country schools during the winter months, eight
years were spent in the Monroe county schools, and two years
in Dane county. He has taken an active interest in politics and
has been called upon to fill many local offices of trust. For one
year, 1890 to 1891, he was justice of the peace, and from 1891
to 1896 was city clerk ; it was largely through his influence that
the city waterworks system was installed in Sparta, he having
charge of the system as superintendent for ten years, until
October, 1910, when he resigned on account of his pressing
senatorial duties. He was city attorney ten years, has been
treasurer of city schools fifteen years, and in 1905 was appointed
by Governor LaFollettee as district attorney for Monroe county,
456 HISTORY OF .AIOXROE COUNTY
filling the office for nearly two years, and vras then elected for
a two-year term. He was elected state senator in 1910 from
the district conii)osed of Jackson, ^Monroe and Juneau counties.
His opponents in this campaign were AV. B. Nay lor, W. S. Hake
and G. il. Frohmader, ^Ir. Teasdale winning in the four-cornered
contest by a majority of 500. During his term of office Mr. Teas-
dale has taken an active part in all the important legislation
coming before the senate ; he represents the Progressive Tem-
perance element and he literally opposed the Income Tax Act
and the Teachers' J'ension Act. He introduced a bill for ad
valorem tax of telej)hone property ; a hill forcing the physical
connection of the two railroads entering cities and villages; a
bill requiring owners of cemetery lots to give them care; a bill
requiring uniform accounting of all asylums; a bill permitting
county court to be held at Tomah ; a bill on drainage; the law
requiring physicians to make thorough examination of patients
before prescribing liquor; a bill for the protection of shredder
operators against injury while their machinery is in operation,
and many other matters of legislative importance.
Senator Teasdale is a man of pleasing personality, courteous
in manner, quiet in demeanor, of generous impulses, and Avithal
public-spirited and charitable, and whatever relates to the moral
or material betterment of the community fiiids him an ardent
advocate and hearty supporter.
Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Independent Order of Good Templars, the ]Modern
"Woodmen of America and the Rebekahs. He is one of the largest
stockholders in and has had charge of the local telephone system
since 1898 ; he is a stockholder and director in the Electric
Light & Power Company, a stockholder and director in the
Bank of Sparta, and stockholder of Citizens' Bank, ]\Ionroe
County Bank, of Sparta, and Bank of Ontario, special state
treasury agent for Wisconsin, and has been court commissioner
for several yeai's. He also has large property holdings both in
Sparta and other localities of the county.
In 1897 Senator Teasdale married IMiss Carrie E. Davis, a
native of Pennsylvania and daughter of Thomas Davis, of Tomah.
^Irs. Teasdale is a woman of fine endoAvments, whose superior
qualities of mind and heart attract to her- the admiration of all
who come within the range of her influence.
William R. McCanl was born in Tonmh. December 5, 1872,
and has resided in that city all of his life. He is a graduate of
the Tomali high school, studied law in the office of Judge Graham
HOWARD TEASDALE
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 457
and was admitted to the bar in 1900. He practiced for one year
alone and in 1901 formed a partnership with Mr. Naylor under
the firm name of Naylor & jMcCaul, which firm still continues
in practice at Tomah. Mr. McCaul has been city attorney for
several years, of the city of Tomah, and has conducted the
affairs of this position with marked ability ; outside of that he
has never held any office. He is a public spirited citizen and
interested in the affairs of his community of the county; is a
Democrat in politics and has become prominent in the affairs
of his party.
John Jacob Esch, Republican, of La Crosse, was born near
Norwalk, Monroe County, Wisconsin. ]March 20, 1861, of German
parents; in 1865 his parents moved to ^Milwaukee, and five years
later to Sparta, Wis., where both still reside; after graduating
from the Sparta high school entered the modern classical course
of the state university at Madison, and took his degree with the
class of 1882; for three years following engaged in teaching and
the study of law, and in 1886 entered the law department of the
state university and graduated in 1887 ; since being admitted
to the bar has practiced law in La Crosse ; th-3 only elective office
held by him was that of city treasurer of Sparta in 1885; in 1883
organized the Sparta Rifles, afterwards known as Company I,
Third Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, and was commis-
sioned captain, retaining the office until 1887 ; upon his removal
to La Crosse helped organize Company M, of the same regiment,
being first lieutenant and afterwards captain; in January, 1894,
was commissioned acting .judge advocate general, with the rank
of colonel, by Gov. W. H. Upham, holding the office for two
years; was elected to the Fifty-sixth, Fifty-seventh, Fifty-eighth,
Fifty-ninth, Sixtieth and Sixty-first congresses, and reelected to
the Sixty-second congress, receiving 15,365 votes to 7,365 for
Paul W. Mahoney, Democrat; 1,180 for John Marquet, Socialist-
Democrat, and 458 for A. A. Merrill, Prohibitionist.
JAMES N. GILLETT.
Autobiography.
I w^as born in Viroqua, Vernon county, Wisconsin, on Septem-
ber 20, 1860. Within a month after the great tornado which
destroyed that town my parents moved to Sparta, Wis. This
was about August, 1865. My father was Cyrus F. Gillett. He
had two brothers. Ransome and Abraham, who also moved to
Sparta about that time. I went to school at the North Primary
458 HISTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
Sc-liool, \vlu'ii the oUl brick liijili scliuol was iiiiislictl 1 went to it.
I did not prradiiate from high school, ))ut was in the class that
graduated in the spring 1870.
In Decenilx'i-. 1S7S. I (•oininciiccd llie study of law in tlio office
of Bleeknian & Graves. Before finishing my studies J\lr. Graves
retired fi'diii llic (inn jind Mr. i"'. II. Iil(imiiing<lale l)eeame a
menilicr lliereof. I was admit led to pi-actice in the fall of 1881
l)efoi-e -Judge Newman who was then cir'-nit judge. Judge
(Traham, of Tonuih. was one of the committee who examined me.
Tlu' first lawsuit I ever tried was in Sparta before Justice
Samuel Iloyt. It grew out of a horse trade between R. B. Sabins,
a deacon in the Baptist church, and a man l-y tlie name of Lee.
G. AV. IMeadows, who was studying law with Moi-row & blasters,
represented the defendant. ]\lr. ]\Ieadows is now a judge in the
northern part of Wisconsin. Air. Iloyt was also a deacon in the
Baptist church. The case was decided in my favor, but in looking
at it from this distance, I am inclined to l)elieve that the greater
factor in the case was the fact that my client and the justice
were both deacons of the same church.
In the spring of 1883 I had decided to go AVest, not knowing
just particularly where, but Avould locate in any favorable spot
from Alontana to the Pacific ocean. Before leaving, AI. A.
Thayer, who at that time was a ])i'omineni banker in Sparta,
requested me to remain there and kindly otfered to provide me
with a law library and an office free of rent until such time as
I could pay for it. This to me Avas an exceedingly kind offer
and coming as it did at that time to one Avithout anything, it
gave me a feeling of admiration and friendship for Air. Thayer
which I never forgot.
However, I was firm in my intention to go AVest and I did,
leaving on tlie l-lth day of Alay. 188.}. for St. Paul, from Avhence
I intended to lake my hearings. 1 had >\^47} wlien T started, but
I considered this sufificient capital for any young man going into
a country having the great possibilities that I dreamed the AVest
had. I remained in Alontana for several mouths, working in a
saw mill ni'ar Bozeman to earn enough money to take me further
on m\- journey. I learned that the thermom(>ter fre(|uently fell
as low as 40 degrees below zero and as 1 li;id lived many years
in a cold climate I Avanted to get away if I could.
About tlie iiiiddh' of July. 1883, I reached Seattle, Avhich Avas
then a siiKill town of about five thousand. I took a contract for
clearing a block of land overlooking Lake AVashington. I cleared
the land all right, according to contract, hut the felloAA-s for
THE LEGAL FRATEKNITY 459
whom 1 was working were as poor as I was and tliey failed to
pay me $83, the bahmee due in my behalf. Both of them after-
wards became millionaires. While in Seattle, Henry Ward
Beecher appeared there and lectured in one of the churches, his
subject being "The Common People," and charged $1 admission.
I happened to be in from my work getting supplies and I thought
this would be my only opportunity to hear and see Beecher. I
was not dressed at all for the occasion, but inasmuch as his sub-
ject was on the common people and as I represented that class
about as thoroughly as anybody could at that time, I concluded
to go and hear what he had to say about me and the rest of us
and I hid my supplies in an alley near the church and went in.
After M'orking a while in Seattle I met a couple of young
lawyers who were just locating. Both w^ere from La Crosse.
I believe one's name was Kellogg, although I am not sure. I got
them the first business they had. After this 1 found employment
in a saw mill at Port Gamble, owned by Pope, Talbott & Co.
I worked for them through the fall and winter of 1884, when I
decided to go to California.
I arrived in California about the 22nd day of April, having
been seasick all the way. AVe had a storm and a rough voyage.
I was traveling steerage and somehow or other I did not seem
to get along just right and remained for several days in San
Francisco recuperating and in looking over the situation. I
finally decided to go to Humboldt county. I was told that Eureka
was a thrifty little city and the center of the great redwood
forests. As I had always lived in a country where there was
timber and hills I thought I would feel more at home if I settled
in such a place and I arrived in Eureka on the 5th of May, 1884.
I worked there for a while in the woods and in saw mills until
I had earned sufficient money to get a small law library and some
office furniture. Having secured enough to get started I bought
my library, furnished my office and commenced the practice of
law. At that time Eureka was a very prosperous community.
There was considerable litigation and in a very short time I had
Avorked myself into a very good practice which continued to
grow as time rolled on.
In 1896 I became a candidate for the state senate from the
First Senatorial District and was elected for a term of four years.
In 1902 I became a candidate for Congress from the First Con-
gressional District of California and was elected and served
through the Fifty-eighth and Fifty-ninth congresses. While I
was in Washington I was a member of the Judiciary Committee.
460 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
Judge Jenkins, of Chippewa Falls, AVis., Avas chairniau of that
eommittee.
]\ly life in AVashington was very pleasant. I met there ]\Iiss
Anna Smith, who was tlim cinployed in the Interior Department.
She was my teacher in Sparta for many years in the primary,
intermediate, and higli school grades. I also met Henry Casson,
sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives, and AVilliam
Kern, who lived in Sparta a iuiml)er of years ago and who will
be rememl)eri'd by all the old settlers. I also had the pleasure
of again meeting my old ehum and schoolmate, John Esch, who
at thai lime was, and is now, one of the most prominent and
highly respected iiicinbers of the House of Representatives.
In 1906 I was elected governor of the State of California
I have had four children, two l)oys and two girls. My oldest boy
died about eight years ago. Tlie youngest boy, James, is now
nearly eleven. J. N. Gillett.
C. W. Bunn, tlie son of Judge Ronumzo l^unn, who moved to
Tomah with his father in 1861, at which time he was six years
of age. lie attended the public schools of Sparta and from there,
in 1870, went to the University of AViseonsin, graduating there,
B. S., in 187-4, and from the law school in 1875. He then moved
to La Crosse, Avhere ho lived until 1885 and Mas a member of the
firm of Cameron, Losey & Bunn, which firm afterwards became
Losey & Bunn, upon the retirement of Air. Cameron. In 1885
he removed to St. Paul, forming a partnershij) with J. AV. Lusk.
who formerly had lived at Reidsburg, AVis., under the firm name
of Lusk & Bunn, which was succeeded by the firm Lusk, Bunn &
Iladley and afterwards by Bunn & Hadley. In 1896 he became
the general counsel of the Northern Pacific Railway Company,
M'hich position he still holds.
Frank Fredrick Cster was born at Sparta, AVis., June 3, 1860,
his parents being Alidiarl Peter Oster and Alagdalene Oster (nee
Titus). Attended llic public schools of Sparta and graduated
from the Sparta high school in June, 1876. Entered the Uni-
versity of AVisconsin tlie same fall and graduated tlu^refrom in
June, 1882, Avith the degree of bachelor of letters. Read law
with Alorrow & Alasters and was admitted to the bar in 1885,
While reading law, was elect(>d justice of the peace and police
judge (two offices) for tlie tei'iii of Iwo years, served one year,
rcsigiKMJ iiiKJ. in the fall of 1886 removed to California, where
111' lias since resided. On the organization of the city of Colton,
in 1887, he was a]ipi)inted its first city attorney and held that
office niitil 1892. when he resigned. In 1890 he formed law ]iart-
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 461
nership with W. J. Curtis, at San Bernardino, under the name
of Curtis & Oster, but continued to reside at Colton until Janu-
ary 1, 1893, when, on taking office as district attorney of San
Bernardino county, he removed to the city of San Bernardino —
the county seat. Served two years as district attorney, declined
renomination which was offered him. In 1895 he was nominated
and elected judge of the Superior Court of San Bernardino
county for the term of six years ; was reelected in 1901 and
again in 1907, the last time without opposition either in conven-
tion or at the polls. Still holds that office. In politics he has
always been a Republican. He was married at Colton, Cal.,
October 15, 1891, to ]\Iiss Elsie ]M. Donald and has one child —
a son named Donald Titus Oster, now 17 years old.
He is a Mason, Knight Templar and Shriner, belongs also to
the Elks and Knights of Pythias. He is active in all public
atfairs. Secured $20,000 from Andrew Carnegie for a library
at San Bernardino, was first president of the San Bernardino
Chamber of Commerce, and was chairman of the committee
appointed to prepare and was the principal author of the present
Juvenile Court Law of California, generally believed to be the
most advanced measure of its kind in existence. He was also
chairman of the campaign committee which recently sought to
raise $75,000 for a Y. M. C. A. at San Bernardino and succeeded
in raising donations aggregating nearly twice that amount.
Randolph A. Richards Avas born at ^Milwaukee. Wis., January
5, 1863 ; in 1867 his parents moved to Tomah. his father. Dr.
J. F. Richards, there entering upon the practice of medicine.
He attended the public schools at Tomah, graduating from the
high school with the class of 1882; was the valedictorian of his
class. Soon after graduating he entered the law office of Hoii.
George Graham as student and clerk; he passed the examination
of the State Board at ^Milwaukee and was admitted to the bar
December 28, 1887 ; his practice has been principally confined
to this county. AVhile living at Tomah he served as city attorney
several terms and as district attorney one term and was a mem-
ber of the Board of Education of Tomah for four years and
served on the county board for three years.
He was one of the organizers of Company K, Third Regiment
W. X. G., being mustered in as a corporal with the Company
May 28, 1884; was elected second lieutenant in 1886 and captain
in 1887; he commanded Company K from September 5, 1887.
until his promotion to the rank of major in 1897; during this
term he was instrumental in causing the erection of the armory.
462 lllSTOKY OF ,MUXKOK LOINTY
I'poii rc((i\iii^- his (•(iimnissioii ;is major he ^v<ls assigiu'd to
the eoinmand of 1lir Third Baltalion, consisting of companies A,
Xcillsvillc ; J). .Mansion; K. I'ortagc, and G, AVansan; npon the
breaking ont of thi' Spanish-American war was mustered into
the I'nitcd Slates service with his regiment, ihe Third Wisconsin
N'oluntei-r Infanti-.N', in coiiimaiid of the sami' l)attalion. Served
throughout the campaign in i*orto Rico, coming home with his
regiment and was mustered out of the Inited States service
Januai-y 14. IS!)!).
In Januai-y he iimxcd to Sparta and formed a partnership
with T). l'\ -Jones, wliich continue<l until tlie death of 'S\v. Jones.
Later he associated with him J. .J. Howler and upon the dissolu-
tion of this tii'm the fiiiii of Eichards & Rice Avas formed with
Z. S. Hiee. \vliicli continued about two years; since which ]\lr.
Richards has j)i'acticed alone.
Upon the reorganization of the Third Regiment after the
Spanish-American war he was commissioned major and assigned
to conniiand of the First I^attalion, companies B, La Crosse;
K, Tomah ; L, Sparta, and M. La Crosse; on ilay 6, 1910, he was
promoted to lieutenant-colonel, which rank he still holds.
Clark M. Rosecrantz was horn in .Mauston, Juneau county,
June 2;], l.S()!). wwd removed from there to ^McTIenry county,
Illinois, in IST;^ He went to S])arta in 188') and attended ])ublic
school one year, lie then went to Carroll College, Waukesha,
AVis., to fit for the university; entered the University of Wis-
consin in Septend)er, 1889, and graduated with the degree of
]i. L. in 189.S. and gi-aduated fi-om the law school at the Uni-
versity of Wisconsin in 1S94. Shortly afterwards he entered the
office of Sullivan & Cromwell, counselors at law, offices at Forty-
fifth and Wall streets. New York City, and remained there until
Septendiei'. 1S!)(). when he came to ^Milwaukee and joined
Charles P. Spooner and Cliarles II. George in the ])ractice of
law under the firm nann' of Spooner, Rosecrantz & George; this
fii'm contiiuuMl until about 1900 when ]\Ir. G(»orge retired from
the tiiiii. Shortly after .Mr. George's retireuient, .Mi'. Willett ]\L
Spoonei' joined the linn and continued for about a year under
the lirm name of S|)ooner. Rosecrantz (!c Spooner; after >\Ir.
Willett M. Spoonei- "s retirement from the tinn Charles P. Spooner
continued under the firm name of Spooner l^ Rosecrantz until
1890 when S|)ooi;er left Alilwaiikee to engage in the practice of
law at Seattle, Wash. Mr. Rosecrantz continued the practice
alone until .May, 1910, when tli(> firm of Van Dyke, Rosecrantz,
Shaw & Van Dvke was formed, which still continues.
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 463
]Mr. Roseerantz has for a great many years been the general
attorney of the ]\Iihvaukee Light & Traction Company, which
control the street car lines in that city and several interurban
lines.
M. E. Powell Avas born at Farmsville, Cattaraugus county,
New York, April 11, 1840, and came to Sparta in 1853; resided
on a farm until 1858 when he connnenced th.e study of law in
the office of L. AY. Graves, which continued until the time of his
enlistment in the First AVisconsin Battery of Light Artillery at
La Crosse in 1861. He served throughout his term of three years
and was mustered out in 1864, then returned to Sparta and com-
pleted his legal studies in the office of lion. Romanzo Bunn and
was admitted to practice l)y Judge Edwin Flint, September 25.
1865 ; he removed to Redwood Falls, Minn., in 1867 and there
practiced law for about forty years; he has retired from active
practice and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor at Redwood
Falls.
John Anderson was born at Fox Lake, AYis., January 22, 1855,
his family soon removing to Tomah. He attended the schools
at Tomah and Sparta and later graduated from the University
of AVisconsin. He taught the ]\Iauston High School for two years
as principal, came to Sparta and studied law in the office of
Morrow & ^Masters ; was admitted to the bar and began practice
at Chippewa Falls, soon afterwards being elected county judge,
Avhich ot!ice he held for twelve years; was at one time city attor-
ney and mayor of Chippewa Falls. He died Alarch 25, 1911.
Almon A. Helms was l)()rn in the town of Norfolk, St. Law-
rence county, state of New York, October 18, 1846. Received
a common school education in the schools of the counties of
St. Lawrence and Franklin, in that state.
After he became abont 14 years of age he worked at farming
summers and taught school two winters in the district schools
of the state of New York. Canu^ to AVisconsin in the spring of
1866, locating at Durand, in Pepin county, and resided there nntil
the spring of 1874. AVhile at Durand he worked one sunnuer in
the Knopp, Stout & Co. saw mill, clerked in a drug store one sum-
mer, clerked on a steamboat on the Chippewa river four summers,
taught in the county schools four winters and two summers, read
law with Hon. II. E. Houghton one winter.
He moved to Tomah with his family in jNlarch, 1874, entering
the employ of the Chicago, iNlilwaukee & St. Paul Railway as a
clerk in the Tomah depot, remaining there about a year and a
half; afterwards entering the employ of the Wisconsin Valley
464 HISTORY OF :\IONROE COUNTY
Conipany until January 1, 1876, at wliich time he entered the
olilicc of Hon. George Graham as i-h-rk and student. He "vvas
admitted to the bar by Hon. Romanzo Bunn, eireiiit judge, in
September, 1876, entering into partnership with Judge Graham,
■\vhicli continued until August, 1881. He removed to Osseo, "Wis.,
in September, 1881, and from there to ]\Iei'rill, Wis., in ]\Iay,
1882, entering into partnership with S. ^I. Hoyt, which continued
until 1885. He was elected county .judge of Lincoln county,
serving one term, and was elected municipal judge in 1891, and
has been the incumbent of the office as municipal and superior
court judge ever since. Served as mayor of the city of ^lerrill
for one year JNIay 1, 1887, to ]\Iay 1, 1888; is now a member of
the Board of Education of the Merrill schools and has been for
some time.
Charles W. Meadows was born at Trenton. X. J., February
24, 1847; in the fall of 1855 his parents moved to ]\Ionroe county,
locating in the town of Leon and meeting with their full share
of the hardships and inconveniences which fell to the lot of the
pioneers of early days. At the breaking out of the Civil AVar
his two older brothers, AVilliam H. and Thomas p]., enlisted and
went to the front, leaving him at home with his father, mother
and little sister.
Plowever, early in January, 1864, although not yet seventeen
years of age, being five feet seven inches tall and weighing one
hundred and twenty-five pounds, passed him into the service and
he enlisted and served with bis two lirothers until the close of
the war; he enlisted in Company A of the Third Cavalry and
joined his comj^any at Fort Curtis. ^lo., where the troops of
whicli lie was attaclied were engaged in contesting with Price,
Shelby and Quantrell as to who should occupy that jiart of the
country. From the time he joined the company until he was
nuistered out. September, 1865, he saw a great deal of service,
chietly scouting and escoit duty, but also quite a battle of sharp
fighting during the campaign against Pric(» in the fall of 1864,
taking part in several battles Avhere from fifteen to twenty thou-
sand cavalry engaged on a side.
Til tlie summer of 1878 he began the study of law in the office
of \V. J. llahn, Lake City, ]\Iinn., and in the fall of the same year
entered the office of ]Morrow & ]\Iasters at Sparta and was
admitted to tlie bar there by Judge Newman at the October term
of the circuit court in 1880; he remained with ]\Iorrow & Masters
until the spring of 1881 when he married jMiss Kdna L. Tri.sh,
at Viroqua, when, in company with S. 'M. Hoyt, also a student
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 465
of Morrow & Masters, opened a law office at Merrill, Wis. ; when
there, he states, they practiced "economy" for several months,
when, owing to the death of his father, he returned to Sparta,
remaining there until the following spring and then removed
to Barron county, which he has since called his home, although
he spent a year or tAvo in Georgia and four years in
AVashington, D. C.
In 1901 he was elected county judge of Barron county and
at the present time is serving his third term in that capacity.
Mr. Meadows was in Sparta during the days of J. N. Gillett
and he states that his first lawsuit was tried in the winter of
1881 and that if he had known that he was fighting against the
future governor of the state of California it is quite probable, he
says, that he would not have gone into the case, as Governor Gil-
lett was at that time a student in the office of Bleekman & Bloom-
ingdale and the case referred to Avas also the time Avhich Gillett
had the honor to try as his maiden effort. As Mr. Meadows very
tritely phrased it : "It Avas a horse trade case and I had not a oit
of eA'idence and what Avas still Avorse my client had no money;
besides, Jim, like the red nose man in 'PickAvick, ' had the 'gift
of the gab Averry gallopin,' and he just 'Avoke the cathedral
music of the universe' in trying the case, entirely submerging
my penny whistle, and of course I lost, but I do not believe Jim
has collected his judgment yet."
Charles W. Graves, of Viroqua, was born at East Aurora,
Erie county, Ncav York, on November 29, 1854; is the oldest son
of Lewis W. Graves. His mother's maiden name Avas I\Iary J.
Walds. In 1856 his parents removed to Sparta, Avhere JNIr. GraA^es
spent his years until 1879, receiving a common high school educa-
tion in the Sparta schools. In 1874 he began the study of laAV
in his father's office and in January, 1876, Avas admitted to the
l)ar at Sparta before Judge Romanzo Bunn. He began practice
in Sparta and in 1876 Avas associated Avith Fred T. Condit and
later (1877-78) Avith A. E. Bleekman. In 1876 Mr. Graves
Avas toAvn clerk of the town of Sparta. In May, 1879, he removed
to Viroqua, forming a laAV copartnership AA^ith Col. C. M. Butt,
of that city, Avhich continued for fifteen years. During the years
1891-1892-1893 he served as secretary of the State Board of
World's Fair Managers in connection Avith the Chicago AVorld's
Fair and during these three years gave nearly his entire time
to the duties of the office. In May, 1894, he Avas appointed county
judge of Vernon county and served until January 1, 1898. Since
then he has practiced laAV in Virociua and is still in active practice.
466 HISTORY OF :\10XR0E COUNTY
In 1875 he married Miss Ida Reas. of Sparta, four children
l)ein^ born to them, viz., Earl AY. Graves, R. B. Graves, of Sparta,
Allan ]\I. Graves and Mrs. S. M. C'offland. In 1897 Mrs. Graves
died, and in the fall of 1899 he married Miss Nettie McMichael,
of Viroqua.
E. R. Bowler was born in Uic town of LaFayette, ]\Ionroe
county, Wisconsin, on September 25, 1869. lie attended the
Bush Prairie school, wliicli Avas known as one of the leading
district schools of ]\lonroi' county. He afterward attended the
Sparta high school ; after completing the course he was appointed
to the position of railway mail clerk under the United States
Civil Service Act, and served in that capacity for a period of
about three years, his principal route during that time being
between Chicago and j\Iinneai)olis. He lefr the railway mail
service to enter the University of AVisconsin. and when taking
the academic course he belonged to the Philomathea Debating
Society, as well as other prominent debating societies at the
University of AVisconsin, and w'as chosen as one of the joint
debators to represent the University of Wisconsin in joint debate
between that institution and the university of the state of ]Miune-
sota. His associates in this debate were ]\Ir. E. A. Evans, of
Baraboo, and Mr. AY. J. Kalaher. Milwaukee, and with them he
won the first debate that had been won from the University of
Minnesota in a number of years. He completed the law course
at the University of AVisconsin in 1896, after which lime he was
employed in the office of D. F. .lom^s. who was then United
States district attorney for \ho western district of AVisconsin,
In P^ebruary, 1898, he formed a pai'tnership Avith his ])rother,
T. ]\I. Bowler, and under the partnership name of Bowler &
Bowler they entered into the practice of law at the city of
Sheboygan. Wis. His advancement as a lawyer was very rapid,
and he has been recognized throughout the state as one of the
leadinir lawyers. He has been engaged from tiine to time in some
of Ihc most important litigations in the eastern jiart of the state.
During the last sessions of the legislature he has represented
large interests before that body in framing l.>gislation. he having
represented the State Bankers' Association ol' the State of AVis-
consin: State AFanufacturers' Association of th(> State of
AVisconsin, as well as many other large interests.
He, together with his brother, T. AI. Bowler, who comprise
the firm of Bowler & Bowler at Sheboygan, are enjoying the
confidence of the entire community, and have a very large prac-
tice in thcii" profession in that section of the state. He was united
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 467
in marriage in Jnly, 1900, to Gertrude Edmondson, of Albany,
Mo., and to them have been born three children, Madeline,
Harold and Gertrude.
T. M. Bowler was born in the town of LaFayette, Monroe
county, Wisconsin, on August 26, 1871. He attended the district
school during his early boyhood, and thereafter attended the
high school in the city of Sparta, and taught school in several
parts of Monroe county, after which he attented normal school,
and shortly after being a graduate of the normal school in 1892,
was elected county superintendent of schools of Monroe county
on the Democratic ticket, he being one of the few Democrats
elected to county office at that time. During his term as county
superintendent he established the summer school for teachers
in this county, which has been conducted yearly ever since, and
has been a great help to the common schools of this county. He
was defeated for reelection in 1894, on account of the large
Republican majority in the county, and at the expiration of his
term as county superintendent on January 1, 1895. entered the
law school at the University of Wisconsin, and finished that
course with his brother, E. R. Bowler, in June, 1896. He was
excused from taking final examinations in the law school on
account of his high class records, and in February, 1898, he
entered the practice of law at the city of Sheboygan, AVis., in
partnership formed wnth his brother, E. R. Bowler. He was
elected city attorney of the city of Sheboygan in the spring of
1899, and held that office for a period of four years. During
this time the firm of Bowler & Bowler had become employed
by and represented large interests, such as the Chicago & North-
Western Railway Company, Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railway Company, the Sheboygan Railway & Electric Company,
as well as other large interests, and for this reason he declined
to accept further political office, and has since that time devoted
his entire attention to those interests which his firm represent.
He is a member of the Knights of Columlnis, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and Fraternal Order of Eagles, and
has held the highest office in all those orders, and Avith his
brother, E. R. Bowler, enjoys a very successful practice. He
has succeeded from a business standpoint, at this time being
president of the Citizens' Telephone Exchange, and is interested
in a financial Avay in many other large interests in Sheboygan.
He married a Monroe county girl. Miss Mary Ebert, Tomah,
Wis., and one child was born, Dorothy, aged eleven years.
James J. Bowler was born in the town LaFayette, in Afonroe
468 IITSTORY OF IMOXROE COFXTV
county, on the 0th day of ^March, 1877. He obtained his common
school education in the liush Prairie sclioois, and entered the
Sparta high school in 1800, and graduated therefrom in ]S04.
Upon graduation from tlie Sparta high school he taught school
in j\Ionroe county for three years, being principal of the Tunnel
City and Cashton graded schools. Cashton school became a high
school the year ]\Ir. Bowler gave up the vocation of Tcniching
to enter tlie law department of the state university at ^ladison,
which he did in the year 1897. He received his degree of
Bachelor of Laws in 1000. While at the university, "Jim''
was prominent both in debating circles and in tlie management
and direction of the athletic affairs at the university, being
selected as a member of the joint debate of the Missouri inter-
collegiate debate and also acting in the capacity of baseball
manager and assistant football manager.
]\Ir. BoAvler, upon being admitted to the practice of law,
entered the law office of Jones & Rieliards, at Sparta, and shortly
after the death of Mr. Jones became the junior member of the
firm of Richards & Bowler, which partnership continued until
January 1, 1007, when he entered into partnership with liis
brother George under the firm name of Bowler & Bowler, which
partnership continued until Januai-y 1. 1008. George then went
to Sheboygan with his older brothers FA and Tim, and Jim
engaged in the practice of law at AYausau. AVis.. where he
remained until the first of December, 1011, when he removed
to IMilwaukee, AYis.. where he is now engaged in the practice
of his profession.
George J. Bowler was horn in tlie town of LaFayette, ]\Ionroe
county, Wisconsin, July ]0. 1870. He attend<'d the district school
of that town and later entered the high school in the eity of
Sparta, graduating from thai school in -hine, 1805. lie tlien
taught school in the county of IMonroe, afterward conducting
Avitli his brother, John Bowler, the Bowler Brothers' Fruit Farm,
whieh has been generally known as one of the pioneer fruit
farms of this section of the state. He later entered the I'ni-
versity of Wisconsin, and graduated from the law department
of that institution in June, 100:^. after which he entered the
employ of the firm of Richards & Bowler at S]iarta, Wis., and
continued in their employ until January 1, lOOo, at which time
he, with his brother. James J. liowler, formed a partnership and
practiced law at Sparta under the firm name of Bowler & Bowler
until Januarv 1, 1008, at wliich time he went to Shel)ovi]ran, Wis.,
and has been associated there with his brothers, E. R. Bowler
THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 469
and T. M. Bowler, until January 1, 1912. He is now practicing
law in the city of jMilwaukee, now" being associated with the firm
of McGee & Jeger, Nos. 1126-1180 AVells Building, of that city.
William F. Sawyer was l)orn in La Crosse county about two
miles northwest of what is now the town of Rockland and
attended the country school near Big Creek, afterwards attending
Viroqua high school for a time and then came to Sparta, attend-
ing the high school there and graduated in the same class with
John J. Esch, Frank Oster and others. After leaving the high
school he taught school for a time and then attended Valparaiso
university where he obtained the degree of A. B. and afterwards
entered the Colombia Law School in New York City, finally
completing his legal education at the Hastings College of Law
in San Francisco, which is a part of the University of California,
where the degree of LL. B. was conferred upon him. He w^as
then admitted to practice law and located at San Francisco^
Avhere he has practiced for over twenty years.
At the time of the great earthquake and fire in April, 1906,
he had his offices in the ]\Iills building, which was burned and
in which he also resided in apartments. He saved some of the
records and a few books from his office at the time of the fire,
but in order to do so, he had to move them five times and was
from four o'clock in the afternoon of the day of the earthquake
until the forenoon of the next day in saving what few things
were not burned. Immediately after the fire he was in doubt
as to what to do, but finally decided to establish an office again
and he found that since the earthquake and fire there has been
more legal business in the city than there was prior to that time.
]\Ir. Sawyer engages in the general practice of law, except that
he does not take criminal cases; and gives special attention
to the law of real estate and corporations.
For about ten years Mr. A. C. Freeman, George E. Bates and
Mr. Sawyer had offices together, Mr. Freeman being the author
of "Freeman on Judgments" and the editor of the "American
Decisions" and of the "American State Reports."
Mr. Sawyer is unmarried ; and is a member of the Union
League Club of San Francisco and takes an active part in polit-
ical matters. He is interested in the growth of the city and
believes that San Francisco, wdien fully rebuilt, will be one of
the finest cities of its size in the world.
Ray B. Graves was born at Sparta, AVis., October 1, 1878, is
the son of C. W. Graves; his parents moved to Viroqua soon
after his birth or during early boyhood and his early education
470 TTTSTORY OF :\rOXROE fOrXTY
was received in that city, graduating from tlif X'ironua high
school in 1897. lie studied law in tlie otficc of ('. AV. Graves
and passing the state bai- examination successfully, was admitted
to the bar August 28, 1898. He came to Sparta and entered the
office of Morrow & Masters in January. 1899. After the death
of Judge ]\I()rrow, the fii'm of blasters & Graves was formed
and some time later tlie fii'm Ix'came Masters, Graves & ^Masters,
by the admission of II. J. .Masters. Mr. Graves is a successful
trial lawyer and has been engaged in much of the important
litigation in the county, notably being selected by the court and
appointed to assist the district attorney in the Montgomery
murder trial.
John G. Graham was born at Tomah. September 2. 1875.
and is the son of Col. George Graham. He received his early
education in the schools of Tomah, graduating from the liigli
school in June, 1898; he afterwards took a two-years' collegiate
course at the University of Wisconsin. He studied for three
years at the law sehool of the T^niversity of AVisconsin and then
entered his father's office, being successful in passing the state
bar examination and was admitted to practice January 1, 1900.
He commenced the practice of law with his father the same
year under the firm name of Graham & Graham, which is still
the firm name, though Colonel Graham has retired from active
practice. Mr. Graham has won good success at the bar and is
considered one of the growing young men in the profession.
Harry J. Masters was born at Sparta, AVis.. Alay 29, 1880.
and is the son of Judge C. JVI. IMasters. He was educated in
Sparta, graduating from the high school with the class of 1899,
afterwards entering the University of AVisconsin. taking uj) the
study of laAV ; graduated in 1904, and after a period of rest, took
nj) the practice of his i)rof(\ssion as the junior member of the
firm of Masters, Graves & Alasters. lie is a close student,
endowed with a good stock of common sense, and is one of the
<'omi]ig young members of the bar.
Thorwald P. Abel, district attorney of Sparta. Among the
well-known attorneys of Alonroe county is he whose name heads
this sketch. His parents, John J. and Laura (Johnson) Abel,
immigrated from Denmark, their native country, to the United
States in the sixties, and settled at Kenosha. AVis., where our
sul)ject was born April 24. 1878. Among the many responsible
positions held by the si'uior Abel may be mentioned that of
United States inspector of immigration at Portal, X. D.
The preliminary (>ducation of Thoi'wnld V. was ol)tained at
THE LEGAL FRATEENITY 471
the Kenosha public schools, which was supplemented with a
thorough course in the law department of the Wisconsin State
University at Madison, where he was graduated wath the class
of 1902. In October of that year he located at Sparta and com-
menced the practice of his chosen profession, which he has since
followed wnth gratifying success. In 1908 he was elected dis-
trict attorney for ]\[onroe county, and so well did he discharge
the duties of the office that he Avas re-elected in 1910 for a sec-
ond term of two years.
In fraternal and social matters he is an active participant,
being a member of the Knights of Pythias order and the Modern
Woodmen of America. He was united in marriage on February
8, 1905, to Miss Charlotte C. Kent, daughter of William and
Florence (Cooper) Kent, of Beloit, Kan.
Zelotus S. Rice, attorney at laAv, and one of the substantial
citizens of Sparta, is a native of Monroe county, and was born
at Wilton, August 7, 1881. His father, Mr. J. P. Rice, who is
prominent in business circles throughout the county, and his
mother, whose maiden name was Mary A. O'Leary, are also
natives of Wisconsin.
Mr. Rice received his education in the public and high schools
of Sparta, graduating from the latter w^ith the class of 1901.
He spent a year in the law department of the University of
Minnesota and finished his course at the University of Wiscon-
sin, graduating with the class of 1904. After completing his
law studies, he located at Sparta in 1905 and formed a partner-
ship with Col. R. A. Richards in the practice of his profession,
the firm name being Richards & Rice. This partnership con-
tinued for about three years — 1908, at which time it was dis-
solved and Mr. Rice moved into the Knudson building, on Oak
street, where he has since carried on a general practice on his
ow^n account, and has been eminently successful. He is serving
his third term as city attorney of the city of Sparta, and has
made for himself an enviable record during his incumbency.
He holds the office of the local examiner of the Civil Service
Commission.
Mr. Rice is one of that coterie of young men of the Sparta
high school who were developed under the tutelage of Professor
Doty. His ambition to become a lawyer was manifested early
and met with the approval of his father, whose knowledge of
the law is broad because of his w^ork as an abstractor and county
officer, and his success in his home city has been w^ell earned
•and notable. During the past four or five years he has attracted
472 HISTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
to his office a great deal of the eoinmereial and real estate law
business of the better sort. His practice is firmly established
and is more extensive than his county. lie has the appearance
and demeanor of a lawyer and is endowed with a great brain
and much talent.
ilr. Rice has. up to lliis time, given his entire attention to
his law i)ractice and avoided tlie many temptations and oppor-
tunities to enter politics, although he has been twice elected to
the office of supervisor from the Fonrtli ward of the city of
Sparta, without opposition and without his having sought the
office, and has served on the county board and has been one of
the leaders there and a great power for good.
CHAPTER XLIX.
THE COUNTY COURT.
Everything in niunieipal affairs has its beginning and the
establishment of the county government by law brought with it
the inauguration of the county or probate court; naturally, the
duties of the judge were very light for a number of years, how
light is best indicated by the fact that A. H. Blake, the first
county judge, received no pay for his services until 1857, and
at a special meeting of the county board held in March of that
year, the judge presented a bill for his services from May, 1854,
to March, 1857, being for holding court thirty-one days at $2.00
per day, a total of $62.00, which was allowed. In 1858 the per
diem was increased by an act of the legislature from $2.00 per
day to $5.00, and this, with some fees provided for, made the
office pay a little better.
In 1862, the records and files of the office having accumulated
to such an extent as to require some method of filing, G. E.
Pratt, who was then county judge, asked the county board for
an appropriation to procure a filing case. The board, at its
November session of that year, passed a resolution, in response
to this request, appropriating the sum of $3.75 for that purpose,
authorizing the judge to have a filing case made to cost not
more than that sum. To us today that looks ridiculous, but
was undoubtedly ample for the time and the amount of busi-
ness to be done. The jurisdiction of the court in this county has
never been enlarged to include the trial of minor civil and
criminal cases, as is the fact in some counties, such enlarged
jurisdiction being conferred by a special act of the legislature.
Principally a court of probate for the administration of
estates of deceased persons, the law prescribes additional powers,
including the sentencing of offenders who plead guilty in cer-
tain cases; the hearing of i)reliminary examinations to bind over
offenders in cases beyond the jurisdiction of a justice of the
peace, to the circuit court for trial ; the examination of insane
persons and paupers, committing them to the proper institutions,
together with all the powers of a court commissioner as to per-
forming marriages, taking depositions and the like.
473
474 HISTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
AVith the lapse of years, and espoc-ially in the last fifteen
years, the work has grown to sueh an extent as to occupy nearly
the whole time of the judge; the salary is now $1,000 per year
with an allowance for clerk hire; terms are held twice a month,
one of them being held at Tomah, under an act of the legisla-
ture passed in I'Jll i)eniiitting tliat to be done; it is often neces-
sary for the court to hold special terms, which at times average
more than one a month besides the regular terms. In the fifty-
seven years of its existence, the court has had ten judges:
A. H. Blake, George E. Pratt, L. B. Xoyes, W. W. Jackson,
George Graham. T. D. Steele, C. :\r. .Alasters, AV. :M. Graham,
S. AV. Button and Robert B. McCoy. It is unfortunate that there
is nt) data nor any persons now at hand from which can be pro-
cured the account of the lives of some of these judges, notably
A. II. Blake, G. E. Pratt and L. B. Noyes. Here are given
sketches of the lives of those judges which we have been able
to obtain.
William Wallace Jackson was born in Ontario county, state
of New York, in 181."^: he moved to Adrian, Alich.. when about
seventeen years of age, where he resided until the breaking out
of the Black Hawk War; he enlisted as a soldier in that war,
but before the troops to which he was attached reached the scene
of conflict the war over and he was discharged and returned
home. He came to AVisconsin in 1853, locating first at Hart-
ford, in AVashington county; a year later, in April, 1854, he
came to Monroe county and settled in what is now the town
of Adrian.
At this time the Chicago, Alilwaukee & St. Paul Railway Avas
pushing its line westward, not luiving yet ri-aclicd Tomah. Air.
Jackson believed that the line would come through the town of
Adrian in order to avoid tunneling the ridge at what is now
Tunnel City; in fact, the engineers of the company contemplated
this route for some time, as there is a natural pass through the
dividing ridge which would obviate the necessity for a tunnel.
Acting upon this belief, which was well founded at the time. Mr.
Jackson chose a good location and platted the village of Jack-
sonville in the town of Adrian, the plat of v/hich is still in exis-
tence; the proposed village was twelve miles from Sparta, and
about four miles west of Tomah; the railroad did not come that
Avay. however, and the village of Jacksonville became a memory.
Kai-ly in 1855 Air. Jackson built a saw mill in the town of Adrian
and also one in the town of Tomah, the latter being located east
of the village of Tomah, about two miles, at a place which was
THE COUNTY COURT 475
named "Limerick," which consisted of the mill and a few shacks
for the employees. This place, Avith the removal of the saw mill
also passed into oblivion wnth the decay and destruction of its
buildings.
Judge Jackson was admitted to the bar in 1858, but did not
folloAV tlie law as a profession, devoting himself almost wholly
to agriculture and engaging occasionally in politics. He was
very prominent in county affairs, and in 1858 was appointed
county judge by Governor Randall, and was re-elected for the
full term. He served as chairman of the town board of Adrian
for fourteen years and occupied an influential position in the
board of supervisors in his time ; he served in the legislatures
of 1862-63 and 1874-75.
Approaching the age limit, when rest was desirable, Judge
Jackson, a few years before he died, built a home in the city of
Tomah and moved from his farm with his family, where he lived
until the time of his death. Judge Jackson was truly one of
the pioneers who helped to hew civilization out of the wilder-
ness in AVisconsin, a broad minded, big hearted man, a leader
in his community, typical of that splendid manhood to which
this county and state owes so much.
Charles M. Masters. The senior member of the firm of Mas-
ters, Graves & Masters, has had a distinguished career, and made
an enviable reputation in his chosen calling. He has practiced
law in this county something like thirty-nine years, giving good
service to his clients and gaining the respect of the community
in which he lives.
Judge Masters was born in Springfield, Mass., October 1,
1841, w^as educated at the high school, and at Amherst and AVil-
braham academies. He taught school in Connecticut for two
years and then removed to La Crosse, Wis., where he engaged
in the insurance business for about two years. In 1865 he
located at Sparta and engaged in the book and stationery busi-
ness, and while engaged in that business he read law with L. AY.
Graves; he was admitted to the bar in 1871 and in 1872 formed
a partnership with Joseph M. IMorrow. In 1878 he was elected
county judge of this county, and was re-elected in 1882, serving
in that office for eight years.
Judge Masters is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member
of Wisconsin Consistory, is a past master of Valley Lodge, No.
60, Free and Accepted Masons, and was a member of the local
lodge of the Ancient Order of Ignited AYorkmen, in which order
he became grand master of the grand lodge of the state of Wis-
47G IIISTOKV OF MOXKOE COrXTV
cousin, ami Avas also ok'ctcd supreme grand master of the
supreme lodge of that order of the I'nited States and Canada.
After the death of -Tudgi^ IMorrow, Judge ^Masters formed a
partnership Avith R. H. Graves, and later on took into the firm
his son. II. J. ]\Iasters.
■Judge ^Masters Avas mai-i-ied on Deeeniher 7, 1865, to ]\Iiss
Klla Seely, of Bangor, AVis.. who died :\Iay 12, 1882. Two chil-
dren were born to them, Louise B.. -who died in 1878, and
Harry J., now junior partner in the tinii. fii January, 1911, he
married Mrs. Alice Pharis, of Syracuse, N. Y.. and during the
fall of the year purchased what is known as the Dr. Gage resi-
dence, on Water street, in the city of Sparta, where he no\v
resides.
Seth W. Button, was born in ^Michigan in 1836. He came
with his i^arents to Green county, AVisconsin, in 1842, and has
resided in the state ever since, except two years. ]\Ir. Button's
father died in 1844, leaving him an orphan at a tender age. He
made his hoine mostly with a brother on a farm, doing farm
work for several years, attending a district school occasionally,
school advantages being very meager in those days and in that
new country, and he made little progress in his studies. AVhen
sixteen years of age he went on foot to a place just east of
"Whitewater, Wis., where the first railroad in the state was being
Iniilt from ]\Iihvaukee to Prairie Du Chien, and got work excavat-
ing for the road bed until late in the fall; returned to Decatur,
Wis., and as soon as he could do so began attending district
school for the balance of the w'inter and working at any odd job
about town to earn a livelihood ; studied evenings and at spare
times, but owing to the fact that he had to earn his own living,
he found himself l)ehind most students in his studies.
During the summer of 18r)4 he worked at the carpenter's
trade at Stillwater, ]\Iinn.; the next spring, being then nine-
teen years of age, he bought a breaking team of five yoke of
oxen, mostly on credit, hired a boy younger tlian himself, and
started from Green county across the country, past IMadison,
Devil's Lake and so on along the ridge road just south of Sparta
down into the valley and on to La Crosse, ferried his outfit
across the river on a one-horse ferry, slept in the swamp on the
west side of the river that night ; in the morning he got his team
together and steered his course to the country about twelve miles
southwest of Red AVing, ^Nliiui., and in that vieinity he followed
the l)usiness of breaking prairie during the summer, sleeping on
the ground and cooking his own meals, and rustling his cattle
THE COUNTY COURT 477
in the high wet grass, going to work mornings wet to the shonl-
ders with the heavy dews; in the late fall he sold his outfit,
returning to Green county, paid his debts, and with a party of
other young people started a select school and hired a teacher
for the winter, studied hard, and finally in the district schools
and Beloit college he fitted himself for teaching, this work and
carpentering work he followed, in tin- meantime keeping up his
studies and also the study of law ; he finally passed a successful
examination and was admitted to the bar in 1860 and opened a
law office at Prescott, Wis. ; the Civil War breaking out in 1861,
he closed his office in the late summer of that year, enlisted in
Company F. First Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Stark-
weather's regiment; Avent to the front and soon was in the thick
of the fight. For gallant conduct he was rapidly promoted to
the grade of sergeant, first sergeant, orderly sergeant, sergeant
major of the regiment and second lieutenant of his company,
and finally first lieutenant by brevet ; had command of his com-
pany while still a non-connnissioned officer in the battle of
Perrysville, Ky., and Stone River, Tenn. ; was slightly wounded
at Perryville by a spent ball. In the battle of Chickamauga,
Tenn., he was severely wounded, and this ended his service at
the front. As soon as he was able he w^as put on duty as a mili-
tary conductor on the railroad from Nashville to Louisville and
from Nashville to Johnsonville, Tenn. Judge Button's regiment,
the First AVisconsin Infantry, was always with Gen. G. H.
Thomas' corps, and as has been stated, was with him at the bat-
tle of Chickamauga, where this gallant old fighter was named
the "Rock of Chickamauga." Lieutenant Button was in many
fights during his military service and has had many experiences,
not only in military, but in civil life.
Just before the battle of Chickamauga, while the forces to
which he belonged were vigorously pushing the rebels under
General Bragg back to the Tennessee river, the rebels burned
the bridge across Elk river, in front of the T^nion forces. This
river must be crossed ; it was badly swollen by rains, and was,
in fact, a raging torrent ; a force under General Reausau was sent
some distance up the river to effect a crossing. Lieutenant But-
ton's company was selected to effect a crossing, which must be
done under a galling fire. Lieutenant Button was the first man
to reach the opposite bank. As fast as they crossed the mem-
bers of his company were formed in line and began pushing the
rebels back, when he received word that some of his men were
in trouble and probably drowning, he put the company under
478 HISTORY OF IMOXROE COUNTY
cliargo of a sergeant, liasteiied baek to the riV(M- and alone and
unaided he carried out eight drowning men, exliihiting a strength
and energy whieh caused his soldiers to dub him the "Long
Pinery Man." It seems that ]\Ir. Button was fated to be mixed
up with floods, for after liis war service was ended he returned
to Galesville. AVis.. in the spring of 1866. In that yeai- a terrific
flood swept away ;ill 1lie property and buildinjis in llu^ lower
table land of the village and Judge Button and a .Mi-. AVyman
carried out of the railing torrent fifteen persons and saved tlieir
lives.
After the close of his military service in the army he took
employment in Capt. James' quartermaster department at John-
sonville, Tenn., as chief clerk, and Avas i)rcsent with liis Avife
and a young child when the rebel General Forrest attacked and
destroyed the i)lace, with all its Government stores, buildings
and gunboats, the lieutenant and his family having a narrow
escape. After the war was over he took up the study of law,
attending the law school at Cincinnati. After receiving his
diploma he opened a law office at Galesville, Wis., and in the
fall of 18H7 he formed a i)artnership with the late A. AV. New-
man, which continued five years. Judge Newman was eletced
circuit .judge and afterwards became a justice of the supreme
court. During ]\Ir. Button's residence in Trempealeau county
he served seven years as county .judge, thi-ee years as district
attorney, one term in the assembly, and held several other minor
oflfiees. After dissolving with Judge Newman, his ju-actice grew to
such an extent that from overwork a nervous breakdown ensued,
and under the advice of his physician, he turned his law business
over to his brother, an attorney, and went to the "Pan-Handle,"
Texas, to recuperate his health; procured a catth^ ranch in the
northwestern part of Texas and went to the southeastern part
of the state and bought a drove of cattle, hired cowboys, bought
loonies, took charge i)ei'sonally of the outfit, and was on the trail
over forty days to his rancli, near Fort ]\Iobeita. Tex.; sold out
the l)usiness that fall and met his family in To]>eka. Kan. In
the spring following he again went to Texas and went south
and purchased another divu'e of cattle. (Ir()V(> theni north to
the i)lace selected, and tinally. ai'tei- al)()ut loui- years spent in
the business, he ch)s<Ml out and came back to Tomah, Alonroe
county. Finding liiniself left far in the rear of other lawyers
in law and pi'aetice, he applied himself \igorously to study, to
familiarize" himself with the statutes and court decisions. After
a time he opened an office at Tomah. was elected county .judge.
THE COUNTY COURT 479
liolding that otfice eight years, and inovcci his family to Hparta,
Avhere he still remains. At Sparta he formed a partnership with
the late D. F. Jones, which continued about five years. He con-
tinued in active practice until a few years ago, w^hen, he, as the
late J. G. Saxe said in one of his public addresses, and as Judge
Button puts it, ''I had the honor to at one time belong to the
legal profession, and I had the honor to leave it, too."
Judge Button was a successful practitioner, and has had a
long and honorable career in his chosen profession. His favorite
sport and one which he still indulges in and which he has kept
up for more than a quarter of a century, is an annual trip to the
northern woods every fall to hunt deer.
Robert B. McCoy. Robert B. McCoy was born in Kenosha,
Wis., in 1867, the following year his parents came to this county
and located on a farm in the town of LaFayette, where they
resided until 1876, when they came to Sparta.
Judge McCoy graduated from the Sparta high school in 1887,
then entered the state university, taking a four years' course,
graduating from the law department with the class of 1891.
After his graduation he served as assistant secretary of the board
of world's fair managers of Wisconsin for two years. This
board had charge of AVisconsin exhibits at the World's Colum-
bian Exposition at Chicago. He edited the Monroe County
Democrat for one year for his father, B. E. McCoy, and in 1894
opened an otBce and began the practice of law at Sparta. He
was elected county judge in April, 1897, entered upon the duties
of his office in January, 1898. He was re-elected in 1901, 1905
and 1909, and is now serving his fourth consecutive term as
county judge.
After the mustering out of the Sparta Rifles, the old Company
"I," Third Regiment, Wisconsin, a movement was set on foot
to reorganize the company. This Judge McCoy successfully did,
and in July, 1896, Company L was mustered into the Wisconsin
National Guard. At the breaking out of the Spanish-American
AVar, Company L, in common with the other companies of the
Third Regiment, volunteered, and in all 115 men entered the
service under the command of Captain McCoy. He served with
distinction in the Porto Rican campaign, and upon the cessation
of hostilities, on account of urgent business, he resigned and
came home October 12, 1898, about a month ahead of his
regiment.
Alay 1, 1899, he reorganized Company L. Third Infantry, W.
N. G., and was unanimously elected captain of the company.
480 IIISTOIJY OF MONROE COUNTY
Under his coniiiiaiul the eouipauy was hrouglit to a high state
of efficiency, notahly in riHe practice. Upon the retirement of
Col. W. W. Warren as inspector of rifle practice and npon the
recoinmendalion of adjntant general, ]\IcCoy was appointed by
Governor Davidson as inspector of small arms practice with
rank of colonel fi-om ^larch 21, 1907, which position he still
holds; the duties of wliicli he has conducted Avith marked ability.
Colonel McCoy has commanded three rifle teams at the national
contests, bringing "Wisconsin near the top in 1he.se matches.
AVhile at Camp Perry, Ohio, in connnand of the Wisconsin, team
at the national competition, Colonel McCoy was elected as one
of the directors of the National KiHe Association, under Avhose
auspices the competitions are conducted. He is still a member
of the board of directors. Perhaps the crowning act of his
career was bringing about the establishment of the Government
military reservation, the story of wliidi appears in another
chapter.
George Graham. ^Ir. Graham was born in Scotland in 1840,
and canu' to this country in 1845 with his family, which settled
in Vermont, where he received his early education ; graduated
from ]\liddlel)ury college, in that state, took up the study of law,
decided to come west, and was admitted to the bar in Juneau
county, in 18(52. He moved to Sparta and entered upon the
practice of his profession, but in the fall of that year enlisted
in Company G, Thirty-seventh AVisconsin Volunteer Infantry
and served until the close of the war. His service won him pro-
motion from the ranks and he was mustered out as captain in
command of his company.
Ill the spring of 1866 Mr. Graham returned to Sparta and
afterwards took up his residence in Tomali and the practice of
his profession. He served one term as county judge of this
county. He still resides at Toniali and has served as postmaster
for several years last past. As a lawyer, ]\Ir. Graham has ahvays
occupied a high place in the bar of western AVisconsin. In his
earlier practice he was pitted against such men as L. AV. Graves,
J. M. IMorrow and S. N. Dickinson. A deep student, he had a
thorough knowledge of legal principles and practice, coupled
A\i1h a keen perception of tlu' salient points of the ease on trial,
gifted far beyond the ordinary with the command of language
and tile power to express his thoughts most eloquently, he became
an ideal trial lawyer, one of the liest. Intensely patriotic, a firm
believer in the saying, "In times of peace prepare for war," he
gave a practical demonstration of liis convictions by organizing
HON. ROBERT B. M COY
THE COUNTY COURT 481
an independent military company at Tomah in 1883, and suc-
ceeded in having it mustered into the service of the state of
Wisconsin on May 28, 1881, as Company K, Third Regiment,
Wisconsin National Guard. He commanded the company for a
number of years, bringing it to a high state of efficiency.
Mr. Graham saw the advantages of the present site of the
Wisconsin military reservation, and called the attention of Gen.
C. P. Chapman, then adjutant general, to it with the result that
the fine camp and maneuver ground was accpiired by the state.
His efforts, however, were principally directed to rifle practice,
which he earnestly promoted among the companies of the Third
Regiment, and after his retirement as captain of Company K he
was appointed inspector of small arms practice with the rank
of colonel on the staff of the governor. Bringing to this work
all the enthusiasm and earnestness of which he was capable and
brought the attention of the entire national guard of the country
to W^isconsin's "shooting regiments," and to his efforts is due
the credit of laying the groundwork in rifle practice in the state,
and under his administration a high development was attained
in this most important work.
Mr. Graham was appointed to the position of inspector of
small arms practice January 7, 1895, and served until 1906, when
he retired, carrying with him the respect and gratitude of
every officer and man in the Wisconsin guard, which has been
exemplified in the naming of a trophy which is competed for
annually at Camp Douglas, known as the "Graham Trophy."
Colonel Graham, like some other people, has "hobbies," and one
of them which the editor remembers to have heard him talk
about a great many years ago, and that was the improvement of
Superior avenue by boulevarding the lower end outside of the
business section, in the center, and he has lived to see his early
suggestions substantially carried out in the beautiful street as
now completed.
CHAPTER L.
THE :medi('al fraternity.
BY W. B. FORD, M. D.
As far back as history takes us we find that as soon as men
began to thvell together in tlie primitive tribe, tliei-e was one
of this number who was known as the "i\Iedieine ^lan." In
Biblical times people lived to be nuu-h older than now, and were
evidently not as nuu-h subject to sickness and disease, so our
medicine man could serve many, but sooner or later sickness
lias overtaken all and then they seek the aid of one who knows
something of the healing art. In those primitive times the heal-
ers sought to cure people by charms and by driving away the
evil spirit through noises, and thus they beat on drums and sang
song's. This primitive idea has not altogether disappeared to
the present day, as witnessed by Dowieism and other cults, who
maintain that disease is the work of the devil, wlio must first
be drivei: out bei'ore the person can get well.
Following Ihc iib-a of charming away disease came the dia-
t(4ic idea, in which hcallh was to lie maintained only through
the eating of certain foods and a\('iding others. This was
exemplified by llic .Icwish race.
Next we come to the physiologic period, when the functions
of the various organs were paranioutit. and the symptoms tli(\v
produced were the sole thing to be regarded in treating disease.
To a certain exteTit this is used to the jiresent day. but we have
add(Ml 1o il ihe eliologic jx'riod ol' medicine, in wliicli we
endeax'or to discoxcr the cause of the disordered function of any
organ. This has lieeii made jiossible only through the vast labo-
ratory researches Hiat have been carried diit (bii-iiig the past
fifty years, by the (lisc()\-ei-\' of ])acteria and by animal experi-
ments to (h'tei-miiie llie part the bacteria jibiy in man's anatomy.
Also in the discovery of the cell or unit of which our body
is composed and observing tln^ changes that occur in these cells
as tli(^ result of disease. Thus it is that medicine has changed
from an act to a science. It has not reached the jiinacle of an
exact scienc(\ Imt it is aj^proaching that goal. AVh(>n we con-
482
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 483
sider how we have conquered many of thu dread diseases, as
diphtheria, typhoid fever, malaria, etc., and robbed them of
their terror through the knowledge of their cause and the appli-
cation of the one and the onh' thing that will destroy that par-
ticular cause, then we begin to realize what is being accom-
plished in modern medicine.
The Panama Canal stands not only as a monument to the skill
and energy of American engineers, but even more to the glory
of American physicians. DeLessep's failure was not due to a
lack of skill or courage on his part, l)ut to yelloAV fever and
malaria. The medical profession has paved the way for this
great undertaking l)y discovering and proving that certain
mosquitos are responsible for the spread of both these dread
diseases, but not until two loyal and unselfish physicians, Car-
roll and Lazear, had given their lives to prove this. Todaj^ we
know that if "we destroy the mosquito we can stamp out yellow
fever and malaria. As a result of the energies of the American
physician the Canal Zone, with its heterogeneous population, has
lieen made more healthy than New York City.
AVhen ]\Ionroe county was first organized and began to be
settled the etiologic phase of medicine was unknown. All tlie
diseases we now know were known then and were perfectly
described except for their cause, and armed Avith this knowdedge
the pioneer doctors came into this wilderness and worked hard
and faithfully in the endeavor to relieve the suffering of their
fellow men. At first it was necessary to send to La Crosse as
the nearest jilace to obtain a doctor. Consequently, the mother
of the family applied "home remedies" as long as she could
before sending for a doctor, who often came too late. There was.
therefore, great rejoicing when the first doctor came into the
county and cast his lot with those early pioneers. The people
were scattered and drives were long and hard, especially in
the winter. In those days there were not the fine roads we have
now, but one had to pick his way around stumps, over logs
and through creeks. ]\Iany times the doctor had to go a foot or
on horseback because the roads would not permit the use of a
buggy. Without the telephone a man had to drive for the doc-
tor, and if he lived twenty or thirty miles away the doctor could
not get there until the next day. jNIany trips were so long that
it required two days to -make the trip and return. The people
were very poor and were unable to pay more than a very
meager compensation or nothing at all for the services rendered.
However, those early men cared not for that, they went and did
484 HISTORY OP^ :\IOXROE COUNTY
all they could to i-dicve the suffering. Thoy often had to act
as nurse as well as physician. They sat by the sick bed for long
weary hours to see whether the spark of life was going to be
siuiffed out or Avould take on added vigor and begin to l)urn
anew. They were the recipients of family secrets and their
advice was sought in times of trouble. They healed and soothed
the troubled mind, soul, and body, with their cheerful words,
kindly advice, or some simple decoction. Is it any wonder that
they gained a place in the hearts of the people that could not
be supplanted, and as long as they were able to drag one foot
were sought, and no one else would do l)ut the old family doctor?
As preachers and lawyers were equally scarce, the doctor was
called upon to perform the services of both, and was held to be
thoroughly competent. In those days there were no specialists,
so the family doctor administered to all ailments. Today cer-
tain men specialize on different parts of the body, and become
more expert in dealing with that part. They are thus enabled
to give the people better service. ])nt in order to do this they
have sacrificed much in tlie love and esteem in Avhich they were
held in tlie lunirts of the people. AVho would think of going to
an eye specialist or an abdominal surgeon witli his family troubles
and expect sympathy and advice? The days of the old-time
family physician are past. To be sure, we still have the general
practitioner who looks after the general sickness in the family,
and is ready to call the aid of someone especially skilled when
needed. Indeed, this must be so, Avhen we consider what is being
done all around us. Some wealthy men, as John D. Rockefeller
and ]\IcCormick, have given large sums of money to establish
research laboratories, to equip them, and to pay men to devoti'
their whole lives to the study of one disease, as infantile
paralysis, etc.
Some men are devoting their lives and energies to perform-
ing and perfecting surgical operations, so that today there is
not a single organ of the body that is not the subject of opera-
tion. And then there is the pathologist and jihysiologist, who
works in the laboratory experinuniting with animals to ascertain
th(^ cause of disease and its treatment before applying the same
to man (yet there are those who would say do not experiment
Avith animals in order to learn how to save a human life, but
rather let man die). "When we consider these and the many more
departments of medicine, with all the accumulating knowledge
it is no wonder that one poor man cannot master them all.
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 485
About tlie only thing that keeps alive the old spark of
gratitude and love for the general practitioner is his obstetrics.
He who stands beside a woman during her suffering and com-
forts her and encourages her in her great and holy, yet trying-
mission, of bringing a new soul into the world endears himself
to her in a way that it not easily forgotten or cast aside. AVhat
a pleasure it is and what gratitude one receives only he who has
had the experience knows.
The doctor's life must be an unselfish one, for hoAV often is
he aroused from a sound sleep or disturbed while at a meeting,
a social gathering, to go and relieve the suffering. If he is for-
tunate enough to make a discovery or invent some new instru-
ment he does not hurry to the patent office to protect himself
and enrich his purse, but gladly gives his knowledge to his
brothers for the good of mankind. This has been handed down
to him from the days of Hippocrates that he is in honor bound
to impart all good knowledge to his worthy brother practition-
ers. Neither does he go to the newspaper office that his fame
may be heralded abroad, but rather spreads the glad tidings
only among those who will be able to use them. And many is
the doctor, whose epitaph has overtaken him, long before his
good works are known. Grant, Sherman and Napoleon are
household names, because they have commanded armies and lead
many men to death, while Pasteur, Koch, Virchon, Senn, Billings,
and hosts of others, are hardly known, and yet for every life
the generals have sacrificed these men have saved hundreds. Few
people know wdiat a debt they owe to Lord Lister, when he dis-
covered that by the use of antiseptic, surgical operations could
be performed without lieing followed by the dread hospital gan-
grene or suppuration. This, together with the use af anaes-
thesia, has enabled the surgeon to go fearlessly at his task, and
thus Darwin's law of the "survival of the fittest" no longer
applies.
As there are no large cities in this county, hospitals were
slow to make their appearance, and the doctors were compelled
to perform many operations in private houses, which they did
Avith the skill and success of their more fortunate brethren at
the hospital in the cities.
A doctor not only devotes his time and energies to the study
of cause and treatment of disease, but places before himself
the higher ideal of preventive medicine. Thus, he goes about
telling people how to live to avoid sickness. However, they are
486 IIISTOKY OF .AIOXROK COUNTY
very slow to chanijc their liahils tli.it tliey may enjoy better
healtli. IF you tell them to eat plainer food and masticate it
more thoroughly, so as to avoid dyspepsia, they think they are
wasting too much tinu'. If you tell him to live in the sunshine
and exercise moi-c they ai-e afraid Ihry will neglect their l)usi-
ness. AVheii you tell them to breathe plenty of fresh air and
sleep with their windows open at niglit. they are greatly alarmed
lest some dread monster will come in with the "night air," lit-
tle thinking that after sun down all air is ■"night air." People
are no more ready to barken to our modern physicians than they
were to the (Jreat Physician when lie said. "Oh, Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, how oft would I have gathered you under my wings
as a hen gathers her chickens, and ye would not."
(The above excellent article is here supplemented by the lives
of physicians of the county, living and dead, as far as we
have been able to obtain them. — p]ditor.)
Martin Rockwell Gage, M. D., deceased, who for many years
was one of the most ])rominent and well known physicians of
western Wisconsin. Avas born in Bellona, Yates county, X. Y., in
182o. His father, Martin Gage, was also a native of the p]mpire
state, and by occupation a merchant, which business he success-
fully followed in the state of New York, wiiere he died at the
age of tift.y years. Soon after the death of her husband, i\Irs.
Gage removed to P^ast Saginaw, ]\lich., and died there at the age
of eighty. The Gage family Avere of English origin, and the
ancestors of Dr. Gage were among the eaily jiioneers of New
England.
Dr. Gage was one of a family of six children, five brothers
and one sister, all of whom lived to a mature age. ]Mary Ann,
the sister, married S. ]M. AVhittaker. and died numy years ago.
D. AV. C. Gage, eldest brother of Dr. Gage, studied law in the
office of Judge Folger, of Geneva. N. Y.. and after being admitted
to the bar, located at East Saginaw. .Midi., in isr)(i. and engaged
in the i)ra('tici' (»f his profession, and there di'^d in 1880. Erasnnis
I), resided at Geneva, and for many years was in the employ
of the New York ("cntral TJailway. He entered the army in 18(51,
as captain of a company in the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth
Regiment. New York Volunteers. He Avas seriously Avounded in
the head Avhich caused him to leave the army for a time, but
recovering from liis injury he I'e-entered the army and Avas
placed in command of a regiment and Avas killed at the battle
of Cold llaihor. Charles Carroll Gage Avas an attorney at law
and loi- a time was engaged in the practice Avith ]\I. P. AVing at
MARTIN R. GAGE, M. D.
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 487
La Crosse. After a brief illness he died at Sparta. Daniel Web-
ster Gage, when eighteen years of age, went to California, and
afterwards to Arizona, where he died in 1891.
Dr. Gage received his education in Geneva, N. Y. lie began
the study of medicine in the office of Dr. E. S. Smith, of Bellona,
Yates county, and began his collegiate medical course at the
Geneva college. He later attended the Buffalo Medical College,
but returned to Geneva, and graduated from the medical depart-
ment of that college with the class of June 26, 1852. He began
practice with his preceptor at Bellona, N. Y., but later went to
Coudersport, Pa., where he remained until 1854, when he came
to AA'isconsin and first located at Beloit, and there resided until
he came to Sparta. In August, 1862. he entered the army as
surgeon of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, AVisconsin Volunteers,
remaining with this regiment until the Atlanta campaign, being
then ordered on detail duty, and so continued to the close of
the war. While in the army he was for a time, in 1863, acting
medical director of the military district of Columbus, Ky. ; was
brigade surgeon in Gen. Nathan Kimball's division on the forced
march from Satartia to Snyder's Bluff, Miss., about June 1, 1863,
and was present at the seige of Vicksburg, and acting division
surgeon of General Vietch's division of Sherman's army during
its march from Vicksburg to ^Meridian, Miss., in 1864. At the
close of the war he returned to Sparta and resumed the practice
of his profession, in which he engaged for fifty-one years. He
was a close student and devoted himself assiduously to his pro-
fession, attaining to a position of prominence as one of the most
learned and skillful physicians in Wisconsin. lie was possessed
of a cheerful disposition, was broad minded and liljeral in his
views, and those traits endeared him to those with Avhom he came
in contact. In 1877 he became associated with Dr. D. C. Beebe,
another well known physician of Sparta, under the firm name
of Gage and Beebe. Later Dr. W. T. Sarles became connected with
the firm, Avhich arrangement continued until 1888, when Dr.
Gage withdrew, and was ever after in practice alone.
Before coming to AVisconsin he served as county superin-
tendent of schools in Potter county, Pennsylvania, and was the
first county superintendent of schools in Monroe county, under
the act of the legislature creating that office, resigning the posi-
tion when commissioned surgeon of the Twenty-fifth Wisconsin
Regiment. He was a member of the AVisconsin State Medical
Society, and of the American Medical Association, and was
488 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
pliysieiaii fur llie State I'ublic School tor Depeudeut Cliikh'eu,
located at Sparta.
Politieally a Democrat, he was candidate for the state legis-
lature iu 1865, and though he ran far ahead of his ticket, lie was
defeated. In 187G he Avas chosen by his party as a candidate for
congress for the Seventh Congressional district, but as his dis-
trict was overwhelmingly Republican, he again suffered defeat
with the others of his party. Sociality, he was a member of the
Kniglits of Pythias, and prominently identified with the ^Masonic
Order, being a member of Valley Lodge, No. 60, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons, Sparta Chapter, No. 19, Royal Arch
]\lasons, and Sparta Commandery, No. 16, Knights Templar.
Dr. Gage was twice married. His first wife, whom he mar-
ried at the "Ladies' Seminary," Ebnira, N. Y.. where she was a
teacher, died two years after their marriage. On May 27, 1858,
the doctor was united in marriage with Miss Maria Louise ]Mar-
tin, daughter of Nathaniel and Octaria AY. ]Martin, of Beloit,
AVis. After forty-five years of happy married life. Dr. Gage was
called to his great reward ; his death occurred February 25, 1903,
and was mourned by his many friends and the citizens generally
as a great public loss. His widow, who still survives, is a descend-
ant of an old and prominent New England family. She was
born at AYestfield, N. Y., and came with her parents to "Wis-
consin at the age of eight years, receiving her education at
the academy at Southport, noAV Kenosha. She is a lady of
rare mental attainments, kindhearted and generous, and con-
tributes liberally of her means to the support of all worthy
causes, never forgetting to bestow kindly tokens of respect upon
her many and dear friends.
DeWitt C. Beebe, M. D., was born at Rupert, Vt., February
19, 1838, passing his early life in his native state. He received
his medical education at Belleone Hospital ^Medical College, New
York City, and at Albany (N. Y.) Medical College, from which
institution he graduated. Early in the "War of the Rebellion he
entered the army as surgeon in the Fourth New York Cavalry,
in which he served until the close of the war. Soon after the
declaration of peace the doctor came west, locating in Sparta,
and later became associated with Dr. IM. R. Gage, under the
firm name of Gage & Beebe, which continued for a great many
years, later Dr. AV. T. Sarles was taken into the firm, which was
styled, Gage, Beebe & Sarles.
Dr. Beebe was a Alason and member of the Knights of
Pvthias. and served as state medical examiner of the Ancient
DE WITT C. BEEBE, M. D.
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 489
Order of United Workmen during the prosperous days of the
order. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Medical Society
and the Central Wisconsin Medical Society, and served for
many years as a member of the local board of United States
Pension Examiners.
Dr. Beebe was a man of strong religious tendencies, and
was connected with the Congregational Church for more than a
quarter of a century; was prominent in its affairs and devoted
much time to the work, especially in connection with the Sunday
school, of w^hicli he w^as superintendent for a long period. At
this church, every year, for more than twenty years, he con-
ducted the memorial service on the Sunday preceding Decoration
Day. Strong in his patriotism, he was prominent in G. A. R.
circles, and it was principally through his untiring efforts that
the Soldiers' Monument, now standing in North Park, was finally
completed and presented to the city of Sparta. His good citi-
zenship was further exemplified by his long service as a member
of the board of education, and accomplished inueh for the Sparta
schools by his broad minded policies; served the city as mayor,
and at the time of his death had served two years as postmaster;
under his administration the free delivery system was inaugu-
rated. Dr. Beebe was a strong man and noted for having the
courage of his convictions, a man of ideals who held to them
steadfastly, once he was convinced of their righteousness; one of
those men who in a way dominate in a community, but always
in the interest of progress and good government. He was a
stanch Republican, and high in the councils of his party. At
all times a deep student, his professional career was marked by
great success and in the latter years of his life his advice and
counsel was much sought by other physicians. He died at his
home in Sparta, July 4, 1908, leaving surviving him his widow
and four children.
He w^as married in the town of his birth to Mary C. Sheldon
on the 31st day of May, 1863 ; five children came to them, Carl M.
and Spencer D., both practicing physicians, now located in
Sparta ; July i\I., now^ deceased ; IMamie, the wife of P. H. Ber-
trand, now living at Jefferson City, Kan., and Alice ]\I., who lives
with her mother in the Sparta home.
George W. Milligan, M. D., is the oldest physician in Sparta,
Wis., having located in that city in 1852, since which time he has
been in continuous practice. He was born March 11, 1826, in
Cairo, Green county, N. Y., a son of James A. and Eleanor Mille-
gan, the former of whom was a native of Green county. James
490 HISTORY OF :\rOXROE COUNTY
A. Millegan ^n-t'W to in<iiiliood aud married in the cuuuty oi" his
birth, subse(|n('iitly moving west and located at several points
in tlic ^litldlc West, finally going to ^Montana, where he died.
He was a farmer l)y oeeiipation.
Dr. Millefian attended a eommon seliool (if liis neigh])orhood
and was (jnite young when lie cDiiiiiieiieed the study of inedicine,
meanwhih' engaged in various pursuits. In 1S49 lie graduated
from the Pittstield College and afterward continued his studies
until 18r)2, when, alter a short t'xperiene<' in the East, he came
to Sparta, Avhere he has made his home to the present day. AVhen
Dr. ]\lillegan first came to Sparta it was a village of about two
or three hundred inhabitants, and as he was the first physician
to settle in the county, it is related that great enthusiasm was
manifested Avhen he arrived, and the people turned out and gave
him a grand reception. He has from tlie very fii'st 1)een suc-
cessful in his professional career, and in his long experience
he has gained the confidence of the community in which he has
so long lived. During the Civil War. Dr. .Millegan was examin-
ing surgeon for the district, aud has served as county physician
for ]\Ionroe county, but. owing to his advanced age, he has retired
from the active practice of medicine, occasionally giving his
\aluiil)le advice and consultations, hoAvevei-.
For a great many years he Avas associated Avith Dr. H. 11.
Williams under the firm name of ]Millegan c^ AVilliams: but for
a number of years, owing to his advanced years, he has retired
from active practice and is living a quiet life in his old home in
Sparta. Genial, kindly, strong in his profession. Dr. ]\Iillegan
is surely one of the history makers in this part of the state, a
man who has placed the mark of his personality upon the com-
munity in which he has so long and honorably resided.
Fred P. Stiles, M. D., up until very recently, when he removed
to Racine. AVis., Avas one of the most lu-ominent residents of
Sparta, Wis., both as a successful physician iiid a public-s])irted
citizen ; he is from sturdy Ncav England stock, his first Ameri-
can ancestor. Robert Stiles, having landed on the ^lassachusetts
coast in ^(^'.V.). Th(» doctor traces his decent through an uid)roken
line and in the i-ecords of the seventh generation he finds that a
Stiles nuirried a sister of the famous Rebecca I\Iorac, who was
hang"d as a Avitch during the witchcraft excitement at Salem.
Luther Stiles, grandfather of Dr. Stiles. Avas a native of Massa-
chusetts, and removing thus to New Amsterdam. X. Y.. engaged
in the manufacture of scythes in partnership with his brothers;
lia\ing decided to move west, lu' migrated to Aliehigan, being a
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 491
pioneer of Coldwater, in that state, where he erected the first
saw mill in the locality. He died in Elgin, 111. His son, Cornelius
C. Stiles, was born in Rome, N. Y., and wh<-n a boy, came with
his parents to Michigan, later removing to £]lgin. 111., where he
engaged in contracting and building for n number of years.
He has now retired at Sandwich, 111. In Elgin he married ]\Iiss
Cornelia Phelps, a native of Greenwood, N. Y.. and a descendant
of one of the old Puritan families.
Fred P. Stiles was born at Elgin, 111., March 22, 1855. He
received a good literary training at the Kankakee (Illinois) high
school and the Romeo (^lichigan) Union School. In 1880 he
graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, and
immediately thereafter came to Sparta and entered upon the
general jiractice in which he was very successful. The demands
upon his services being so pressing, he took into partnership his
brother, V. Stiles, of River Side, Cal., who had been engaged
in practice for eleven years. The doctor is a member of the
American Institute of Homeopathy ; the AVisconsin State Homeo-
pathic Society, of which he was at one time president ; the Ameri-
can Climatological Association, and the United States Board of
Pension p]xaminers. He is also associate editor of the ]\Iinne-
apolis Homeopathic JMagazine. Fraternally, he is a JMason and a
Knight Templar, and served for ten years as eminent commander
of Sparta Commandery, No. 16. The doctor is a stanch Re-
publican in politics, and though no office seeker, took a lively
interest in local affairs. He has served and held the office of
president of the school board and mayor of the city of Sparta,
and in other positions, to the satisfaction of his constituents.
Dr. Stiles was married at Sparta to Miss Nellie Root, daugh-
ter of George AV. and Jane Root, the former lived with Dr. Stiles
for some years prior to his death, which occurred in January, 1889,
and he bad the distinction of being the only son of a Revolution-
ary soldier living in that part of the state. Dr. Stiles is a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church, and has been prominent in
its affairs for a great many years. Owing to an attack which
rendered an operation necessary, the doctor was in failing health
during the summer of 1910, and upon his partial recovery,
decided to abandon country riding and an opportunity opening
for an office as a city caller in Racine, he moved there in the
spring of 1911, where he now resides.
Wilbur T. Sarles, M. D., has for a great many years been prom-
inent in Sparta and vicinity, where he has engaged successfully in
the practice of medicine, though he has always found time to
492 HISTORY OF :M0XR0E COUNTY
devote to the jjiihlir affairs of liis city, and lias always been
identified with the niovi'incnts of progress and improvement.
Dr. Sarles comes from honored Aiiici-icaii aiiccsti-y. Ids grand-
father, Jesse 1). Sailcs, was born in Westchester county, New
York. He removed with his fannly when a boy to Dutchess
county, in the same state, where he grew to manhood and mar-
ried. He came to AVisconsin when in middle lif(\ and was a
pioneer settler of Racine county, and there died.
']. D. Sarles, father of the subject of this sketch, was l)orn
in Dutchess county, New York, and when a young man migrated
west, settling in AVisconsin, where he has since made his home.
He is a minister of the Alethodist Ilpiscopal Church, but owing
to advanced age has retired from active work of the ministry,
and is living quietly in retirement in the city of Sparta. Rev.
J. D. Sarles married .Miss Alargarete Thoinpson, of Cayuga
county. New York, who died at the age of sixty-two years. AVil-
bur Sarles was born November 14, 1856, in Armenia, Juneau
county, AVis. He completed a high school course at Prescot, AVis.,
and received more advanced training in an academy at River
Falls, Wis., at Galesville University, and tiien attended Rush
Medical College, at Chicago, from which he graduated in Feb-
ruary, 1882. The month following he conunenced practice at
Sparta, where he has continued to make his home, having met
with success which his al)ilities and talents deserve. He is a
surgeon for the Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company at
this place ; is a mend)er of the AVisconsin State Aledical Society,
of which he is ex-president ; of the Central AVisconsin ]\Iedical
Society, of which he is also an ex-president ; of the La Crosse
Valley Medical Society; the National Association of Railway
Surgeons, and of the American Aledical Association, of Avhich
he is now a trustee.
Fraternally he is united with the Alasonic Order, is a member
of Sparta Commandery, No. IB, K. T. In politics he is a stanch
Republican, and has for years been an active worker in the
ranks of the party, being one of the influential leaders of this
section of the state; he was a delegate from the Seventh Congres-
sional District to the Chicago convention Avhich nominated Roose-
velt in 1904. and was elected as a Taft elector from the Seventh
District in 1908. He served three consecutive terms as mayor
of Sparta, during Avhich time he inaugurated the water works,
the electric lighting and the street paving; his re-election testi-
fying of his capal)ility in this responsible position. For twenty-
five vears he has Ixmmi a nu^nbcr of the United Statics Doard of
THE MEDICAL FRATEKNITY 493
Pension Examiners, of which he has served as secretary during
all that time.
On March 23, 1882, he was married to Miss Nina Schaller
and they have two daughters by adoption, Grace and Francis.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the
doctor is a member of the board of trustees.
Dr. Sarles is a companionable man, gifted with an analytical
and inquiring mind and has won an enviable reputation in his
profession, being a surgeon of rare skill, his services are sought
far beyond the large local practice which he enjoys in connection
with his firm, and he is withal a mighty good citizen.
Charles E. Quigg, M. D., who has been engaged in practice at
Tomah, AVis., since 1883, has attained more than local fame in
his profession, and he is also well known in political circles
in that section. Dr. Quigg Avas born September 30, 1852, in
Ticonderoga, N. Y.. and received every advantage for thorough
training, both in literature and in his profession, having attended
various standard institutions during his boyJiood and youth. He
completed his medical studies at Bennett Medical College, Chi-
cago, from Avhich he was graduated in 1880, and he began prac-
tice immediately at Fox Lake and Grand Rapids, AA-'is., in 1883
coming to Tomah, where he has since remained. He has, by skill
and efficiency, built up a wide and lucrative practice, and many
admirable personal qualities have won him the esteem and praise
of the entire community. His felloAV citizens have shown their
appreciation of his genuine worth by calling him to various
offices of responsibility and importance, and he has served seven
years as health officer of Tomah, four terms as mayor of that
city, and one term (1893-94) as member of the state assembly
from his district, although it is a Republican stronghold and he s
stanch Democrat.
In 1897 he was appointed a member of the Wisconsin Board
of Medical Examiners, and in 1899 received a reappointment
to the same for a term of four years. Dr. Quigg 's brother
physicians, also, have honored him in various ways. In 1883
he was elected president of the AA^isconsin State Eclectic Medical
Society ; he is an honorary member of the Illinois State Medical
Society; and in 1893 he Avas a delegate to the AVorld's C*ongress
of ]\Iedico-Climatology. He is also a member of the National
Eclectic Medical Association. Dr. Quigg was licensed to prac-
tice in four states — AA^isconsin, Illinois, Colorado and California.
Fraternally he is a Mason, and a member of various other
orders, Avas a memlier of Sparta Commandery, No. 16, Knight?
494 in^:TUKY OF MUNKOK LOLXTY
Templar. A valued nieinbei- n\' his i)rot"essioii and of the eoni-
uiuuity ill whieh he lived, he passed away at his home iu Tomah
oil the day of — — .
Dr. George R. Vincent was one of Tomah s pioneer physieians
and luul a lonjj^ and honorahle eareer iu the i)raetiee of medieiue
in that city; he was born in New York state, reeeived a eominon
sehool and niedieal college edneation and moved to the state of
Wisconsin in 1866, settling al the then thriving village of Tomah
and entered upon the practice of his profession. He was one of
the best i)hysieiaus in this jiart of the state, having lniill up a
large practice in the earlier days which extended throughout this
and the neighboring counties; he had a large circde of friends
who at different times induced him to accept political honors
and he took a prominent part in tlie affairs of his home city;
served one term in the AVisconsin legislature as a member of the
assembly from this district in 1878; he was a member of the
State jMedical Society and also of the American ^Medical
Association.
In the year 1866, just before coming to Toiuali. Dr. Vincent
was married at Stratford, X. Y.. to ]Miss Elizabeth Kibbe; she
died in this city in 1889, and two years later he was married to
Miss J\Iary Tyler, Binghampton, X. Y. Dr. Vincent was very
successful iu his practice and retired from activ(^ Avork about
ten years before his death, which occurred in the city of Tomah
on the 18th day of September. 1910. The doctor was truly one
of the pioneers in this county in the practice of medicine, and
endured the hardships which were incident to that work in the
earlier days, when ])hysicians did not have the advantages of
rai)id transportation with automobiles, and were obliged to make
long drives in all kinds of weather, often taking two days to
make a trip to see a patient and n^turn. IL^ is remembered by
the present citizens of Tomah, who had the pleasure of his friend-
sliii> and acquaintance, as a man who placed loyalty to his home
city above everything else, and did not hesitate to devote his
time and some money to l)uilding iij) the interests of the
community.
Dr. Horace Palmer was born in .Motitix'licr. Vt.. on October
28, 1823; graduated at the Vermont Medical College at Wood-
stock, January 18, 1851, and commenced tlie practice of medi-
cine in the same year at Manstield, ]Mass.
II<' married Susan (". Hall, at ^Mansfield, March 22. ISoT, and
removed to Wisconsin the following May, settling in West Salem.
where he continued practicing his profession, and July 13. 1875.
thp: medical fratp^enity 495
mo\(.'(l to Sparta and i)ur('hased the pioneer drug store oi' the
])lace, at that time owned by Ira A. Hill, placing George E. Mar-
riner, now of La Crosse, in charge of same while he continued
the practice of his profession. Dr. Palmer's fatal illness began
vritli a cold which developed into pneumoni;i, and the fatal end
came on December 25, 1880. Dr. Palmer occupied a prominent
place in social and business circles, and was universally esteemed,
lie left a wife, two daughters and one son, Lissie H. (deceased),
wife of Henry S. Howell, and Fannie A., wife of ]\l. Fillmore
Howell, and Fred E.
Crawford. E. Phillips, M. D., one of the leading representa-
tives of the medical profession of ]\Ionroe county, was born near
Meadville. Crawford county, Pa.. October 31, 1853, a son of
David J. Phillips, a native of Ohio, but of New England ancestry.
He was reared in his native state, and married Huldah Winans,
also born in Ohio, and, like her husband, descended from a New
England family. Di-. Phillips was a farmer by occupation, and
a few years after his marriage he moved to Crawford county,
Pennsylvania, where he lived until his death, which occurred in
February, 1872, at the age of about fifty years.
C. E. Phillips, M. D., received his education at the common
schools, and also took a scientific course of study at the Mead-
ville Commercial College. Pearly in life he decided to engage
in the medical profession as his life w^ork, and at the age of
seventeen years he began the study at jNIeadville, and graduated
at the Eclectic ^ledical College at Cincinnati in the spring of
1874. Believing that superior opportunities for rising in his
profession might be found in the West, Dr. Phillips decided to
locate in Nebraska, and accordingly removed to Arapahoe. But
the devastations of the grasshoppers in that state rendered his
selection of a location an undesirable one, and after spending a
year tliere recruiting his health as well as practicing his profes-
sion, he decided to seek another place of residence. Wilton at
that time promised favorably, and consequcjitly in the fall of
1875 he located in this city, where he enjoyed an extensive and
lucrative practice. In order to inform himself in the later dis-
coveries of the science of medicine, the doctor took a course at
the Bennett ^ledical College in 1886, and received the degree of
M. D. at that institution.
Dr Phillips was married October 17, 1877. to Eva Winans, a
daughter of Dr. J. C. AYinans, a prominent physician at ]\Iadi-
son, Ohio. j\Irs. Phillips is a lady of culture and a fine artist.
To this union has been born one son, Vernil, born October 4, 1887.
496 HISTORY OF :\10NK0E COUNTY
The doctor was both an excellent physician and a popular and
l)rogressive citizen. He was a prominent ^lason, being a mem-
ber of the Blue Lodge, chapter and Commandery of Sparta. He
removed to California in 1909 and died there September 17, 1910,
his remaii.s b('in«i- tal\cii to ]\Iadison, Ohio, for burial.
John F. Richards, M. D. Among the earlier physicians on
the eastern side of the county was Jolni F. Richards, who came
to Tomah in 1862, and resided there continuously until the time
of his death.
Dr. Richards was born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1818;
his father, John R. Richards, and hiy mother were both natives
of ]\Iaryland. AVhile a boy, Mr. Richards lived in the same vil-
lage as the Grant family, and was well acquainted with the
father and with U. S. Grant, afterwards the celebrated general,
Avho went to AVest Point from Clermont county, Ohio. Dr. Rich-
ards studied medicine in his native county and attended the
Ohio ]\Iedical College, from which he graduated in 1848, and
began the practice of his profession in Highland count}' later,
where he remained until 1802, when he removed to the city of
^Milwaukee and there engaged in the drug business and prac-
ticed his profession.
Tn the spring of 1866 he removed with his family to Tomah,
where he remained continuously until September 3, 1903, the
date of his death. He served one term in the legislature, being
that of 1872, and was a Democrat in politics. He was a quiet
unassuming man, a deep student in his profession, and during
the later years of his life, after he had retired from active prac-
tice, he was frequently called into consultation with other physi-
cians, who availed themselves of his vast experience in the gen-
eral practice of medicine. The last fifteen years of his life he
retired from active work and lived in his old homestead in the
city of Tomah, visiting among liis three children: his daughter,
]\Irs. D. C. Cheney, who lived at ^Milwaukee, AVis.. at that time;
Randolph A., tlie editor of this work, at Sparta. AVis., and John
F., living at Kansas City, Mo.
He died at the home of his daughter in ^lilwaukee on the
date stated above, and his remains were brought to Tonmh and
interred beside those of his wife, whose death had taken place
several years before.
Carl M. Beebe. M. D. Among the young men in this profes-
sion who have made rapid strides to the front is Carl 'SI. Reebe,
of Sparta, one of the firm of Sarles, Beebe & Beebe.
He was born at Sparta, "Wis., February 19, 1866, the son of
THE MEDICAL FRATEENITY 497
De Witt C. Beebe. He received a high school education, gradu-
ating from the Sparta high school with the class of 1884, after
which he attended the state university for two years and then
took a course at Rush Medical College, in Chicago, from which
institution he graduated in 1889, and pursuing his medical study
farther he went to New York and took a course in the College
of Physicians and Surgeons, and graduated from that institution
in 1891. He was for some time the assistant physician at the
Wisconsin Hospital for the Insane, at Oshkosh, and from there
he removed to Zumbrota, in the state of Minnesota, where he con-
tinued the practice of his profession until 1896, when he returned
to Sparta and went into partnership with his father and Dr.
Sarles. This firm continued until the time of the death of
Dr. D. C. Beebe, and upon its reorganization, S. D. Beebe, the
younger brother, was taken into the partnership under the firm
name of Sarles, Beebe & Beebe.
Dr. Beebe has taken an active interest in municipal affairs
in the city ; has served as alderman on the city council ; is now a
member of the board of education and is a supervisor represent-
ing the First Ward of the city upon the county board; he has
been closely connected with several movements for the better-
ment of conditions in the city generally and is one of the pro-
gressive citizens of the community. He married Miss Minnie
Blakesley September 1, 1891.
William B. Ford, M. D., was born at Sparta, Wis., August 27,
1874, received his early education in the schools of the city,
graduating from the high school with the class of 1893 ; he
entered the University of Wisconsin soon after, graduating from
that institution in 1898. After spending one year in Philadel-
phia, Pa., he entered Rush Medical College, at Chicago, from
which institution he graduated in 1903.
The doctor is a Mason and a Knight Templar, being a mem-
ber of Sparta Masonic lodges and Commandery; is a member of
the Kappa Sigma college fraternity; served as secretary of the
Monroe County Medical Society for three years. He has, since
his graduation, practiced continually in Monroe county, a por-
tion of the time in Sparta ; is now located at Norwalk. where he
enjoys a lucrative practice in the village and the farming coun-
try in the vicinity.
Lewis S. Graves, M. D., was born at Jordan, New York state,
December 24, 1873. His early education was received at Jordan
high school and the Jordan free academy. He entered Bennett
Medical College, at Chicago, from which he graduated with the
408 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
class of 1901 ; he has practiced his profession at Couneaut, Ohio,
and Chicago, 111. ; and is at present located at AVilton, "Wis., enjoy-
ing a lucrative practice, lie is a meniber of tlie ]\Ionroe County
^Medical Society ; the AVisconsin State Medical Society, the Wis-
consin Eclectic ]\Iedical Society and the American ]\Iedical
Association.
George Oliver Murray, M. D., was born iji Hawick, Scotland,
October 4, 1857. where lie received an academic education. lie
elnig^ated to Canada in 1882 and engaged in mercantile business
until 1893, when he went to Keokuk, Iowa, entering the College
of Physicians and Surgeons, from which he graduated in 1896.
Ill that year he located at AVindsor, Dane county, Wis., where he
practiced for three years; then removed to Tunnel City, ]\Ionroe
county, where he remained for seven years. In 1906 he moved
to Tomah, where he has since resided. In 1908 he was appointed
health officer of the city, which position he still holds.
He married Sarah Jolmsoii, of Ilighgate, Canada, in 1894, two
children being born to them, Robert Oliver, in 1895, and Agnes
Oriska in 1897.
Spencer D. Beebe, M. D., was born at Sparta, Wis., in 1869,
is the youngest son of Dr. 1). C. Beebe, now deceased. His early
education was received in the schools of Sparta, graduating from
tlie liigli school with the class of 1889 ; afterwards attended the
university, from which institution he graduated and entered
Rush ]\Iedical College, graduating in 1896. He commenced the
practice of his profession at Aurora, 111., moving from there to
p]lroy, Wis., where he remained for a few years, afterwards com-
ing to Sparta and entering the firm of Sarles, Beebe & Beebe.
Dr. Beebe is a fine musician, having a tenor voice, highly trained,
and for some years has directed the large chorus choir of the
Congregational Church.
A. R. Bell, M. D., was born at Tomah, July 26, 1872; he
received his early education in country schools, entering the
Tomali higli school, from which he graduated with the class of
1894. Clioosing the medical profession for his life work he
entered the AVisconsin College of Physicians and Surgeons, from
which he graduated April f), 1900, came back to Tomah and
entered upon the practice of his ])rofession April 7. 1900. lie
was at one time connected with Dr. Simonson of the Tomah Hos-
pital, but is at ]n-esent ])racticing alone. He is now serving as
secretary of the Alonroe County IMedical Society.
Hugh H. Williams, M. D., a practicing physician of Sparta,
lias pursued bis iirdt'cssioii in that city since 1896. Avhen he was
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 499
graduated from the Rush Medical College, of Chicago, 111., and
in the intervening years, has by his skill and prepossessing man-
ner, built up a flourishing practice. He was born in "Wales on
August 20, 1869, the sou of AVilliam and Elizabeth (Williams)
Williams, who both spent their lives in their native country
and where both died in 1873.
Hugh II. attended the common schools of Wales, and after
the death of his parents, accompanied by his uncle, Peter Wil-
liams, he came to the United States in 1879 and located at Pipers-
ville. Wis. Ilis Uncle Peter was afterward killed by a horse in
Coles Valley, Monroe countj^ Coming to Sparta, Mr. Williams
entered the Sparta high school, graduating therefrom Avith the
(.'lass of 1891 ; he then began the study of medicine in the office
of G. W. ]\Iilligau, of Sparta, and later entered Rush Medical
College, of Chicago, graduating with the class of 1896. He
immediately began the practice of medicine in the city of his
adoption. Upon the breaking out of the Spanish-American War
he enlisted in the Third Regiment, Wisconsin National Guards,
and as assistant surgeon, participated with his regiment through
the Porto Rican campaign, and after his discharge from the regi-
ment, continued for one year to act as assistant surgeon with the
United States regulars in Porto Rico.
Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order and a Knight
Templar. On March 4, 1901, he was married to Miss Tillie Olson,
daughter of Ole Olson, of Sparta. ]\Irs. William died on Sep-
tember 6, 1906, leaving besides her husband, one son, Hugh H.
Williams, Jr.
E. J. Riordon, M. D., of Wilton, Monroe county, w^as born in
Massachusetts, June 1, 1856, and is the son of Janos and Mary
(Richards) Riordon, natives of Ireland and Massachusetts,
respectively. In 1867 the father came west with his family and
located at ^Milwaukee, Wis. He was a shoemaker by trade and
obtained employment with Bradley and Metcalf, manufacturers
of shoes, with whom he remained some years. He died in 1903,
honored and respected by his fellowmen. He was the father of
five childrei:. only two of whom are living. In religious affilia-
tions he was a member of the Catholic church, and in politics a
Democrat.
Dr. Riordon received his education in the common school
which he attended until his fifteenth year. In early life he
gained some renown as a violinist and dancer, and for three years
was one of the attractions of Dan Rice's show. In 1876 he en-
listed in Company B, Fourth United States Cavalry. He was sent
500 HISTORY OF IMONROP] COUNTY
to Jefferson Barracks. ^Missouri, and later to Fort KUiott. He
Avas discharged in 1879 and returned to his home in ^Milwaukee,
where for eight years he was employed by Bradley and ]\Ietcalf
in the manufacture of shoes. At the end of that time he com-
menced the study of medicine, which he pursued for three years
in ]\Iilwaukee, then entered the Keokuk IMedical College (now
the Drake University, of Iowa), and graduated with the degree
of ]\I. D., and in 1900 eame to Monroe county and commenced the
practice of his profession. He is a member of the ]Monroe County
Medical Society, a member of the "Wisconsin State ]\Iedical Asso-
ciation. He is president of the village of "Wilton, member of the
village board of health, and in politics a Democrat.
L. G. Scheurich, M. D., of Tomah, is a native of Germany, and
ranks among the younger class of wide-awt'ke and progressive
professional men of ]\Ionroe county. He was born in December,
1882, and is a son of August and Barbara Kathryn (Maurer)
Scheurich. In 1886 he came to America with his parents, who
located in Baltimore, Md., his father here finding employment
in a tobacco factory. He had a family of seven boys, all of whom
are now (1912) living, the doctor being the oldest of the family.
Dr. L. G. had good educational advantages during his boy-
hood, attending the public schools of Baltimore, and after com-
pleting his common school work he entered the Loyola college
at Baltimore in 1896, where he received a thorough course of
training and graduated with the class of 1903 with the degree
of A. B. In 1904 he entered the University of Maryland, and
after a four-year course graduated from the medical department
with the class of 1908 with the degree of M. D.. and immediately
thereafter went into the Bay VieAv hospital at Baltimore as assist-
ant physician. After spending one year in this capacity he
became chief resident physician, which position he hold until
June 15, 1910. October 11, 1910, he moved to Tomah and com-
menced an active practice here, his experience and efficiency
acquired from his hospital service placing him at the head of a
large and lucrative business, and during his last year in tlie
liospital at Baltimore he made a specialty of the use and adminis-
tration of tuberculin in the treatment of tuberculosis, which has
been effective in much of his practice. In this specialty he was
associated with Dr. Gordon "Wilson, one of the leading tuber-
culosis specialists in the world.
Dr. Scheurich is a man of fine personality, courteous, affable
and pleasing in manner, with the ability botli to make and hold
friends, of whom he has a wide circle. In love with his profes-
THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY 501
sion, he devotes himself to it with fidelity and gives promise of
a successful and useful career.
Vernon W. Stiles, M. D., who has attained to a position of
prominence in the line of his chosen profession, is the youngest
of a family of five sons and two daughters born to Cornelius C.
and Cornelia (Phelps) Stiles, both of wdiom were natives of
central New York. Besides our subject, the others are : Emma
G., widow of J. C. Taylor, Oceanside, Cal. ; Luther II. Stiles, of
Minneapolis; William II., of San Bernardino, Cal.; Dr. Fred P.
Stiles, a practicing physician of Racine, "Wis. ; Susie C, widow
of E. AV. Hills, Redlands. Cal., and Henry A., who is a druggist
at Sturgeon Bay, Wis. The paternal grandparents of our sub-
ject were Luther Stiles and Clarissa Pierce, natives of Massa-
clmsetts; the grandfather on the maternal side was also a native
of Massachusetts. Cornelius Stiles, father of Dr. Stiles, went
from New York, his native state, to Coldwater, Mich., when
fourteen years of age. Remaining there for six years he then
removed to Elgin, 111., where he learned the trade of carpenter
and joiner and also engaged in farming. It was while living at
Elgin that he met and married Cornelia Phelps, and where the
family was born. In about the year 186-1 he moved his family
to Kankakee, and ten years later to Sandwich, 111., where he died
in 1907 at the age of eighty-three years, having been born in
1824. His wife, mother of our subject, was born in 1827 and
died in 1905, aged seventy-eight years. They were successful,
liberal, broad-minded, public-spirited and influential citizens
and enjoyed the confidence of all who knew them.
Dr. Vernon W. Stiles was born at Elgin, 111., January 31, 1861,
receiving his education in the public schools of Kankakee and
the Sandwich high school. Completing his studies he went to
Chicago when seventeen years of age and secured a position as
clerk in a drug store. At the end of three years he entered the
drug store of his brother in the same capacity, and later opened
a drug store on his own account at Manteno, 111., which he sold
one year later and came to Sparta, where he was employed for
two years in the drug store of Fred Newton. He was offered and
accepted a position with Hemphill & Woy and established a drug
store at the Cheyenne Indian agency in the Indian Territory,
and two years later began the study of medicine. He matricu-
lated with the Hannemann Medical College, in Chicago, where
he was graduated with the class of 1888, receiving his degree of
M. D. He spent one year as house physician in the Hannemann
hospital in Chicago, and located in 1889 at Riverside, Cal., where
502 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
lie eontinut'd a successful practice for ten years. In 1S{)9 he came
to Sparta and entered into ;i co-partnership with his l)rother,
Dr. Fred P. Stiles, in the practice of medicine, and has since con-
tinued his professional work with jrratifying results.
Dr. Stiles is a man of intense energy and activity and devotes
nuich time to atfairs outside of his professional duties. lie is a
member of the California State ^Medical Society, the Southern
California INIedical Society, the AVisconsin Homeopathic ]\Iedical
Society, and the American Medical Association, and is affiliated
with the Knights of Pythias order.
In 1905 Dr. Stiles was united in marriage with ]\Iiss Helen
Frances Dodge, daughter of the late Rufus S. Dodge, of Sparta.
They have one daughter, Frances Stiles.
CHAPTER LI.
TOWNSHIP HISTORY.
It is with the deepest regret that the editor finds it necessary
to record the meagre historical data concerning some of the town
organizations. The passing away of so many of the pioneers
in various parts of the county has deprived us of the means of
gathering historical facts concerning the early days in several
communities, facts which would, no doubt, be of great interest
and value; interesting indeed because of the conditions which
existed, the privations endured, the difficulties overcome by the
first settlers furnishing the individual experiences which go to
make history.
Through all the events of the past we make our way to the
present, but how the pioneer lived, the kind of house he man-
aged to erect, the political events surrounding the newdy formed
municipalities, the story of how the pioneer saw the wilderness
gradually transformed into fine farms, prosperous villages, busy
cities, all paying tribute to their creative energy and untiring
perseverance, is one which always brings its lessons to the pres-
ent, lessons taught by the hardest and sternest of all teachers,
experience. But the lessons are rich in results.
At the organization of the county, as appears in another
chapter, there was but one town, wdiich included the whole
county, the town of Leon. As the years went by and circumstances
warranted it, the county board created new townships, setting
them otf from those already established. It is difficult to follow
the records concerning territory embraced in the limits of each
town, for of necessity newly created towns were composed of
parts of others so that no attempt will be made to do so in this
chapter. There are now twenty-four townships, four villages
and a part of a village. Ontario, and two cities.
ADRIAN.
In 1854, at the first meeting of the board at which anything
was done with reference to dividing the county into townships,
the county board created five towns, includiug the town of
Adrian, it being set off at the same time as Angelo, Sparta and
503
504 HISTORY OF :\10XK0E COUNTY
Leon. The two persons niainl}' instrumental in the settlement
of tills town were AV. AV. Jackson and Webster Kenyon, who
settled there in 1854, together with a number of others, and com-
menced at once laying plans for a village in the township to be
called Jacksonville. As has been told elsewhere the coming of
the Milwaukee and LaCrosse railway raised great hopes in the
breasts of these pioneers, that it would come through their town
and proposed village, but fate had decreed it otherwise. The
town was settled quite rapidly, however, and farming lands
opened u]) for settlement. The life of AV. W. Jackson has been
told elsewhere, and here we record a short sketch of Webster
Kenyon. He was born in New York state, November 18, 1830,
coming west in 1854. In 1863 he enlisted in the army, remaining
until the close of the war. Mr. Kenyon Avas by profession a civil
engineer and held the office of county surveyor of Monroe county
for eighteen years. Having retired from active work on his farm
and in surveying he moved to the city of Tomah and there passed
the remainder of his days. He died Wednesday, December 6,
1911. The township of Adrian contains fine farming land and
many valuable farms have been developed. The history of this
progress is that of about every other toAvnship, one of struggle
and privation for a time with the rcAvards of earnest labor reaped
by succeeding generations. The present tow^n officers are:
Geo. P. Stevens, chairman ; William Bakkhouse and M. Kroener,
supervisors ; George Falkner, clerk ; John Edminster, treasurer ;
W. C. Kirst, assessor; E. C. Cole, justice of the peace. The pop-
ulation at the census of 1910 w^as 806.
TOWN OF ANGELO.
The story of the race between a man by the name of Searl
and Dr. Seth Angle to the land office in ]\Iineral Point to locate
the present site of the village of "Athens," in the town of Angelo,
has already been told. Angle came out ahead by one hour and
located the land upon Avhich the water poAver Avas situated and
proceeded to erect a saAvmill, Avhich at that time AA'as the only
one in this part of the country except the one erected by Esau
Johnson in the southern part of the county, on the Kickapoo,
and the lumber business Avas lively in those days at the doctor's
mill, so much so that at times settlers Avere obliged to get in line
and Avait for hours for their turn to get a load of lumber. Loyd
Angle, a brother of Dr. S. P. Angle, also came about the same
time, and in 1852, Avith his son, 0. F. Angle, settled on a farm
located near the mill. 0. F. Angle some years later came to
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 505
Sparta and weut iuto the livery business and was elected sheriff
of the county, serving one term. Dr. Angle, however, did not
stay a great while in the sawndll business, but sold out to Ed-
ward Canfield, brother of Lee Canfield, Sr. Edward Canfield
had one of those dreams which came to many enterprising settlers
in the days of the early settlement, a dream which pictured a
city on the site occupied by his mill and the two or three stores
and dwellings of the then inhabitants of the village, and so he
had a plat made of the land, streets and alleys regularly set
out and dedicated, had the plat duly made by the county sur-
veyor. Seeking to give it a name equal in fame with "Sparta,"
he called it "Athens," so those two famous cities of Greece find
their namesakes in America, but history was not kind. Sparta
became a city, but Athens still remained a country village, and
its shadow gradually grew less from a business point of view,
as in 1856 there were more stores there than there are now. It is
a mistake made frecpiently and very commonly in alluding to
Athens as "Angelo," but that is not correct, as the settlement
retains upon the records to this day its original name and all
conveyances of property in the so-called village are made under
its name of Athens. Originally the village v\'as laid out in gen-
erous proportions. It had its public square, now occupied by a
church; and its "State street," and to its credit be it said that
at the time the county was organized this little group of settlers
put up a very good fight to have the county seat located there.
The plat of Athens was recorded in the offices of the register of
deeds, May 13, 1856, made by C. C. Miller, the then county sur-
veyor. Early settlers were numerous. Among them may be men-
tioned L. M. Huntley, who arrived in 1854, as did George Shepherd
and John "W. Smith. In 1859 Rev. Robert Williams, a Welsh
minister, settled in the town and established a Welsh church.
His son, W. G. Williams, now prominent in banking circles,
farmed it with his father as well as attended to his ministerial
duties. The old Angelo water power is now the property of the
0. I. Newton's Sons Company and is used for furnishing power
for the electric light and power plant, in connection with the
power in the city of Sparta. Within the town are many valu-
able small fruit farms, many in a high state of cultivation, and
this industry is a large source of revenue to its inhabitants. The
present officers of the town are: J. W. Leverich, chairman;
George Kronberg and Jenk AVilliams, supervisors; Wilber S.
Fish, clerk; Fred Hutson, treasurer; Fred Heilman, assessor;
E. T. Hanchett, justice. Population census of 1910, 666.
50G HISTORY OF :\H)XROE OOFXTY
BYRON.
At ;i inciting of the county l)oarcl of ^lonroo county on Jan-
uary (i. 18G3, a petition having been presented by the inhabitants
of the proposed town, a resolution was passed detaching town-
ship sixteen, range three west, from the town of Leon and creat-
ing it the town of Byron, and provided that the first election
should be lield at the house of Frederick Swartslow on the first
Tuesday in April, 1863, which was accordingly done and the town
organization perfected. Originally the town comprised the
entire^ territory of what is now the town of Scott and Byron.
A large portion of the then town, in the nortlieast part especially,
is low land and at the time there were large cranberry marshes
in their wild state, except that as the industry developed ar-
rangements were made by ditching so that the marshes could be
flooded whenever there appeared to l)e danger of frost, and it
was during the height of this business that a station and post-
office was established at Dodge's mill and called Norway Ridge,
the name it still bears. Cranberry culture is still a large factor
in the commercial life of the town. Several very productive
marshes have been brought to a high state of development and
are situated near Valley Junction, but perhaps the most valuable
are to the east and north in Juneau and Jackson counties. The
town was not settled as thickly as some other portions of the
county until after the war, and is now rather thinly settled in
some portions. There has been for some years quite a sale for
the peat lands around Valley Junction. Drainage ditches have
been constructed, which developed some of this land so that dry
farming is carried on successfully. Of those who went into the
rebellion from this town their record, if they were enlisted in the
county, appears elsewhere; outside of that there is no record.
The present town officers are : C. T. ]\relteson, chairman ; super-
visors, Odis McLin, A. Anderson: clerk, F. Muerman ; treasurer,
A. 'SI. ("hristensen ; assessor, F. A. Bennett.
Population census of 1010, 806.
CLIFTON.
Clifton was one of the early towns being organized by a
resolution of the county board on August 14, 1855, and the an-
nual meeting ordered to be held in the home of A. Heath on the
first Tuesday in April, 1866. The meeting, however, was held
at the home of Tj. A. Farr. The first town officers elected at that
time were John Foster, chaii-man: Andrew Lansing and A. H.
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 507
Ishani, supervisors ; G. B. Holdeii, town clerk ; L. A. Farr, treas-
urer; Edward Masters, school superintendent; Leonard Phillips,
assessor; justices, J. L. Sargent, Charles Dickinson and Edgar
H. Eddy; constables, Roswell Smith, A. M. Baldwin and Henry
F. Dresden; sealer of weights and measures, Smith Austin; so
the town started out with a full equipment of officers. There
were twenty-four votes cast at that election, six of whom are
still living. The oldest settler in the town w^as Lyman Preseott,
who came in 1853 or 1854. Industries began early, for we find
that in 1856 L. A. Farr erected a sawmill, and in 1858 A. A.
Noyes built a grist mill. The first farm house in the town is said
to be the one erected by Lody Angle before its organization. It
will be noted that this town was very large and took in territory
afterwards cut out for other towns, so that many familiar names
of other towns appear. School was commenced in a building
l)uilt in 1856 for that purpose. There are at present three school
buildings in the town, all first-class district buildings. The pres-
ent town officers are: Vincent Arzt, chairman; Wm. Vonhaden
and Cr. Johnson, supervisors ; Oscar Blaschke, clerk ; Frank
Blaser, treasurer ; Edwin Eirschele, assessor ; Charles F. Froh-
mader, justice of the peace.
Population at census of 1910, 934.
GLENDALE.
This town was organized November 13, 1855, and the first
town meeting was held on the first Tuesday in April, 1856, at the
home of Samuel C. Lyon. The officers elected at that time w^ere
Samuel C. Lyon, chairman ; Gaines Phillips and C. D. Bradley,
supervisors ; Charles Tollard, clerk ; Hiram Driggs, treasurer ;
H. J. Moore and L. Johnson, justices; J. E. Lyon, J. G. Moore and
S. Worden, constables ; R. H. Benedict and S. D. Moore, assessors.
The first store building was built by J. R. Lyons in 1871, and a
mercantile business conducted by him there for a great many
years. Mr. Lyons, at the preparation of this work, is still living,
making his home at Kendall. He has held many official positions,
being at one time member of the assembly, and served two terms
as register of deeds of the county. A postoffice was first estab-
lished at the home of S. C. Lyon in 1872 with him as postmaster.
Glendale has a noble record of enlistments in the army during
the rebellion, and here is the roll of honor: William Harland,
John Harland, Henry Davis, Richard Windson, John Brigham,
Daniel Newton, Thomas New^ton, T. B. Broughton, Z. R. Brough-
ton, P. W. Broughton, Samuel AVorden, Leonard Johnson, John
508 HISTORY OF .AIOXROE COUNTY
Birdsill, George Birdsill, Chang Green, Chester Green, Mauson
Green, Richard Douglas, Job Driggs, Phillip Spohn, Charles
]\Iiller, AViliiam ]\liller, Ilial AVest, Casper K(.'ller, James R. Lyon,
Samuel Lyon, Samuel Richardson, John Richardson, Perry Rich-
ardson, Nelson Paine, Norrie Greely, Henry Greely, John Wil-
liams, David Moore, Horace ]\Ioore, James ]\IcQueen, George Rob-
bins, James Dunlap. Robert Dunlap, Frank Fi'ench, Hiram French,
Leander Brainerd, Organ Benedict, James Searles, Charles Tol-
lard, 0. K. Thompson, Joseph AVard, James Kellar, John Leason,
and ]5arroAV Stone. The present town officers are: A. I. Street,
chairman; H. D. Chard and J. R. Rossol, supervisors; George H.
Robertson, clerk; E. J. Gregor, treasurer; J. AY. Bradley, asses-
sor; F. C. Stokes, justice. Population, 971.
GRANT.
This town was so long a part of the town of Lincoln, having
been set off in 1899, that its early history is that of Lincoln and
is embodied in the sketch of that town. The present officers of
the town are: S. F. Shookman, chairman; AA'illiam A^roman, Her-
maii Kemp, supervisors; AA^. C. Green, clerk; Fred Pnrdy, treas-
urer; Eli Sutherland, assessor; Ham Griffin, Abe Griffin and
AVilliam Brennan, justices. Population, 442.
GREENFIELD.
Organized August 14, 1855, the same time tliat the towns of
Clifton and Sheldon were organized, and in point of years it is
one of the oldest settlements. A\^ith the building of the Chi-
cago, IMilwaukee & St. Paul line, or the Milwaukee & LaCrosse
Railway, as it was then knowm in 1858, came the establishment
of the little settlement of Tunnel City, at the tunnel on that line.
This place has grown steadily as a trading point, at one time
being a central market in the blueberry trade. It has now sev-
eral stores and other business interests. The building of the
^Milwaukee, Sparta & Northwestern Railway in 1910 and 1911
made a great change in the village as the route went right
through the business section of the place, resulting in the com-
pany buying a lot of buildings, and in some cases just the lots,
so that the little place has shifted around considerably. A large
double-track tunnel has been put through the bluff a little north
of the'tunnel of the St. Paul company. The present toAvn officers
are: George Becker, chairman; Fred Heser and 'M. J. Betthau-
ser, supervisors: clerk, AY. II. Hinds; treasurer, A\''illiam Seno-
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 509
gles; Frank Pier, assessor; D. J. Woodward and A. I. Reich,
justices. Population, 800.
JEFFERSON.
The town of Jefferson, lying in the southwestern part of J\Ion-
roe county, known as township fifteen, north of range three west,
was originally a part of Portland township, which comprised
townships fifteen, range three west, and fifteen, four west, until
the year 1858, when the tow^nships separated and township fif-
teen, range four west, was organized, and by a vote of its people
it was named "Jefferson." Township fifteei:!, range three west,
retained its name of Portland, which it still bears. The years
1854 and 1855 found in the town of Jefferson the following fami-
lies located on their several homesteads : Alex. Thompson, James
Thompson, Abram Aller, Joseph McFarland, John and Hames
Draper, John Breatiff, James Stansby, H. Shattuck, John Hall,
Simpson, Thomas and Henry Matby, Richard F. Cole, Thomas,
William and Elviridge Rathbun, Oren Hutchinson, L. AVeight-
man, Sam Osburn, Dixon, Chester Perkin, Gibert and Washington
Love, Gilbert Tuttle, John Sullivan, Jefferson Lower, James
Erkenbraetz, Pat Chambers, Joseph Koeslier, Albert Fisher,
Christ Fuhrmeister, A. Heiser, Stephen Doering, Charles Rumppe,
Peter Herring, John Krahenbush, George Klues. In the year 1856
and early in 1857 the following emigrants, mostly from the beau-
tiful Rhine river country near Cologne, established their homes
in this town : Hilger Karis, Matt Esser, Herman Brois, Peter
Schrier, John and Quirin Schrier, Hilger and Ludwig Schotten,
Caspar Schmitz, Peter Gross, John J. and Fred Gross, Peter and
Caspar Schiefer, Mathias and Gerhard Butzler, Peter Miehels,
and in November of the same year Cornelius and Henry H.
Cremer, Henry Berg, Martin Jungferdorf, William B. Brueggen,
Herbert Koehlbraf. William McFarland, John Aller, George
Whittley, Thomas Young, and a few more. At this time and
since the organization of the town in 1858 we find a little log
school house in Coles valley, and near Melvina is a school dis-
trict called "District No. 1;" a little frame school house near
Thompson's is District No. 2, and a little log school house, now
known as St. Mary's, is District No. 3. Richard Cole was the
first chairman of the town, and James Thompson and Michael
Wiebel were the side supervisors, with A. Heiser as town clerk
and Albert Fisher, town treasurer ; A. Thompson, assessor, and
James Drapper, town superintendent of schools.
In the spring of 1858 the first church was built in the town,
510 IIISTOKY OF MONROP] COUNTY
being the Catholic ehureh of St. Mary's, ^hieh was constructed
of logs twenty by forty-eight feet in size, ne;ir section one. The
post office in St. ]\Iary's was established in 1859. Caspar Schmitz
was its first postmaster, and during this time new settlers came
into this town: .Jacol) Joesten, Mathew !Muehlenberg, C. Wie-
bell, C. Dickson, S. Betz, Peter Basciiii.li. F. R.'iiihnl.l. C. Bier-
haum, ]\latt Ileintz, Peter Flock, II. Rondorf, John and Jacob
Seiberg, J\Iannlius Squires, A. Harrington. A\'illiam Collins, John
]\Iitchell, Herman Schrier and a few more. It was indeed a
hard struggle for tlic first settlers in the fo^^n. as the land was
very hard to clear and the crops of 1858 and 1859 Avere poor
and there was no waj' of earning anything in this new country,
so that tlie hardships endured -by the pioneers in this section
were quite severe, but the year 3860 brought abundant crops of
every kind and tiie people began from that time to prosper. The
first presidential election was held in the town of Jefferson in
November, 1860, and the toAvn went Democratic, and to this day
has ever since cast its majority vote in the Democratic colunui.
During the Civil "War, 1861-1865, the toAvn furnished more than
its quota to serve their country in this struggle, and it pro-
gressed in various wa,ys, forming a new school house district.
No. 4, and two joint school houses in the towns of Portland, and
Jefferson, and Wells, and the ])olitical affairs for a good many
years were run by A. Heiser, Peter Schrier, P. Basenach, A.
Fisher, Cole James Thompson, II. II. Cremer, Q. Schnieier, and
a feAV others, and at this time Fred Feihrmiester was town su-
perintendent of schools up to 1862, and after that time the county
superintendent system was formed and Dr. ^1. R. Gage became
county superintendent.
The increasing population in the town and in adjoining towns
made it necessary for the people around St. ]\Iary's in the year
1868 to build a new church, which was constructed of lumber forty
by eighty-four feet in size, and ihcn a resident priest stationed
there, it having, previous to this time uji to 1865, been attended
from LaCrosse ; Jacob Joisten being now postmaster at St. ^NFary's
until 1884. Capt. C. A. Hunt in 1866-67 bought some three hun-
dred acres of land and erected the first mill on the section,
gathering some families around him. This ])Iiice he named '']\Iel-
vina," which was on the mail route that then existed between
Sparta and Viroqua, and the captain Avas its postmaster until the
time of his death. ]\relvina is a thrifty village and the railroad
station, with good markets, and merchants lumdling goods of
every description, lias a creamery, a i liurch ;ind graded schools.
TOAVNSIIIP HISTORY 511
In the winter of 1866-67 seventeen families organized and de-
cided to build a Catholic church in Pine Hollow, being the north-
east quarter of the northeast quarter of section twenty-nine, to
which II. H. Cremer donated three acres of land, and a frame
church was built thirty-four by sixty-eight by twenty-two feet
in size, which was destroyed by a tornado on the 25th of June,
1875. This storm swept over this part of the country, doing
great damage. Soon after that the organization of seventeen
families was increased by the following, which came from Jef-
ferson county, Wisconsin: Peter Klinkler, Michael Berens, M.
Hensen, Joseph Futhren, j\Iatt Biver, A. Justinger, P. Klesar, F.
Bussinger, I\I. Sneider, J. Graff, Joseph Bluer, all of whom came
in 1868, and the membership of this church having increased
to about sixty, it was decided to build a new structure of stone,
which was completed in 1878 and remained in St. Mary's until
1886, when it received its own pastor. At the present writing
it has a congregation of about one hundred and sixty families,
with a parochial school and a fine government in every way.
Pine Hallow's postmaster was ]\Iatt Cremer, and he was post-
master from the early 70 's to 1879, when the postoffice was then
established in Cashton and Mr. Surdam was its first postmaster.
In the year 1878 the Northwestern Railroad Company started to
build a road from Summit, in ]Monroe county, to Viroqua, in
Vernon county, and some grading was done along the line, but
it appears this work was transferred over to the Chicago, ]Mil-
waukee & St. Paul Railroad system and work was then begun
on the present line of the road to Melvina, from where the Hon.
H. H. Cremer was the first to buy a ticket to Sparta over that
road, December 25, 1878, and in 1879 the road was completed to
Viroqua, and the village platted, which was named Cashton in
honor of W. H. Cash, of New Lisbon. Wis. The village was sit-
uated on section thirty and people now began buying lots and
buildings sprang up like magic. William Byries, Tate Nelson,
Matt Cremer, William Kissel, F. Delle and many others erected
business buildings, blacksmith shops and the like, and sooner
than the space of one year it became quite a thrifty village,
though under the town government, and in 1891 the village was
incorporated under the statutes of this state and began to operate
its own affairs.
The town of Jefferson has from its earliest organization.
1855-1858, to the present time progressed in its farming and
dairy interests, and its people have kept abreast of the other
towns in the countv. It is now^ considered one of the best towns
512 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
in ]\Ionroe county, having in its domain tlie village of j\Ielvina,
with its schools and church, tlie magniticent church of St. Mary's,
a parochial school and district schools; and Pine Hallow, Avith
St. Peter's and St. Paul's church and its parochial school, and
district schools, and also two more schools of modern styles, mak-
ing in all eight schools. The population is over eleven hundred.
Two lumber yards and a mill at Mclvina, and various industries
now existing at the village of Casliton comprising the many im-
provements; the people are active and industrious.
At this time only tw^o of the earliest settlers survive, Henry
H. Cremer and Quirin Schreier; the rest have gone to their long
reward, so that many doubtless interesting incidents of the hard-
ships and trials of those early pioneers are forever lost. Its
present officers are AVilliam Ileiser, chairn^an; R. Bruggeman
and W. Mullenberg, supervisors; H. J. AVillgrub, clerk; Frank
AV. Scliroicr, treasurer, and Peter Jost, assessor.
CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF ST. MARY'S.
This, the oldest religious community in the county of Monroe,
was founded in the fall of 1856 by ten immigrant families from
Germany, They were at the same time the first settlers of what
is known as St. ]\Iary's ridge, in the towns of Jefferson, AVells,
and Sheldon. Their names are : John Schreier and family,
Peter Schreier, Herman Schreier, Quiram Schreier, Louis Schot-
ten, Fred Gross, Herman Bans and family. Hilary Karis and
family, Peter Michels and family. Math. Butzler and family, Ger-
hard Butzler, Philip Becklor and Jacob Nelles, Mr, Peter Schreier
was the first to arrive on the ridge and having explored the
surroundings called the rest of his friends in the fall of 1856, The
year folloAving fifteen more families from the fatherland in-
creased the young colony. Among these were Peter Schiefer,
Hilary Schotten, Peter Gross, Herman AVackcr, Casper Schieflfer,
Herman Flock, Henry Schmitz, Casper Sclimitz, John Schaaf,
Martin Jungferndorf. AVilliam Brueggen, Adam Kohlgraf, John
Gross and Christ Brueggen. These settlers were nearly all from
the shores of the Rhine. The first ground Avas donated to this
congregation by Caspar Schieffer. It forms the present St.
IMary's cemetery, where nearly all these old settlers were finally
l;ii<l to rost. The first ])urial. ]\Irs. Peter Gross, took place July
7, 1857. The first religious services were held under the open
sky. Rev. Henry Tappert, at the time tlio only Catholic priest
in LaCrosse, took charge of this new comnuinity as a mission,
traveling the distance of fortv miles with a team of oxen, at
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 513
regular intervals. First Catholic services were conducted in
Monroe county here on the ridge by Rev. Tappert in the home of
Hilary Schotten, the present home of Mr. Godfry Butzler, 1857.
The first Catholic church built in Monroe county was the log
church built by the farmers at St. Mary's, twenty by thirty feet,
and this developed to be the center of Catholic worship for all
the different nationalities. The oldest church record existing
dates from the year 1858, kept by Peter Gross, and enumerates
thirty-nine families.
In the year 1860 the postoffice was started at St. Mary's. The
first incumbent United States postmaster was Casper Sehmitz.
In 1861 Rt. Rev. Michael Henni, bishop of Milwaukee, vis-
ited the Catholics in Monroe county at St. Mary's for the first
time.
The year 1862 mentions in the church records the arrival of
the first Irish Catholic settlers in this locality, James i\Iurphy,
Thomas Sullivan, B. McDermit, and P. Haney. In 1868 the little
church had outgrown the increasing community and seventy-
six families registered to support the erection of a new church.
The same was built in 1869 at a cost of $3,200. The Rev. S. Flor-
entine was the first resident Catholic priest in Monroe county.
He was succeeded by Rev. Michael Heiss. All of Monroe county
was under his administration and the records here mention births
and baptisms from all over the county. A document dating from
the year 1868 records in most solemn words, the dedication and
consecration of two church bells. Rev. Herman Gross, a man
of exceptional talents and deep piety, was Rev. Michael Heiss 's
successor. He organized from St. Mary's the present congrega-
tion of Bad Ax, in Vernon county. The congregation at Cashton
and Pine Hollow was also branched off from St. ]Mary's at this
time.
A mission was held here. Catholic revival, by the then well-
known Rev. Becker, S. J., and later on by the old pioneers. Revs.
Port and Newbrand, S. J., in 1879 and 1890. Rev. Willibald
Hackner had charge of St. jNlary's twice. Among the other well-
known pastors are to be mentioned Revs. John G. Laurer, J. ]\I.
Wicker, J. J. Meyer, Willibald ]\Iahowald, 0. S. B. This congrega-
tion Avas incorporated under the laws of Wisconsin, December
24, 1883. Our church records mention the founding of Norwalk
in 1873 and report that the place was first called Dover. ( ?)
Mr. Quirin Schreier, an old settler, taking the census in 1880
mentions that Cashton was a town of forty-one souls. The first
Catholic school at St. Mary's was conducted by Mr. Quirin
514 HISTORY OF :\10XR0E ("OUXTY
Sclireier. The present substantial stone school building was
erected in 1889. The graded school of eight grades is conducted
by the Sisters of St. Francis, from LaC'rosse, and frecjuented by
130 children. It is heated by steam and is a free school. The
present St. Mary's church, un(iuestioi)ab]y one of the most stately
houses of worship in the county, was built in 18i)7 by ]\lr. Henry
Roettiger, a well-known contractor, of Fountain City. The build-
ing measures 122x50 feet, witli a tower of 140 feet. It is con-
structed of stone and (Team brick and conforms to the old
gothic style. The cliurch is licrited by steam. The furniture, its
altars, pulpit, etc., are i)roductions of the E. Ilackner Co., of
LaCrosse, AVis. The fresco painting and two original ten by
fourteen feet large scriptural oil paintings complete tlie build-
ing. This church, though far in the country, is visited by many
strangers and has drawn forth much wonder and admiration.
The building was twice damaged by lightning, and consequently
is now also protected by the latest approved rods. It is esti-
mated to represent a present valuation of about $50,000.
Since 1904 Rev. John Kaiser is the pastor. lie is assisted by
Mr. H. M. Flock, present chairman, of Ridgeville, and ]\Ir. Fred
Degenhardt, as trustee. The congregation numbers 140 families;
110 of same are Germans and the remainder are of Irish descent.
Services are given every Simday in botli languages. The com-
munity increases annually by an average bii-th number of 30.
against which there are about six to \on funerals. The congre-
gation owns ;il)out seven acres of bind whereon its church, par-
sonage, teachers' residence and scliool bouse are placed. All
the buildings have modern improvements and are substantially
built. The members of St. ]Mary's church are frugal, industrious,
charitable, healthy and God-fearing, and conse((uently ha])py and
idiundantly blessed.
RFV. JOHN KAISER.
SS. PETER AND PAULS CATHOLIC CHURCH.
PINE HOLLOW.
The first meeting in order to start SS. Peter and Paul's con-
gregation was held at the old home of ^Ir. Henry II. Cremer.
December 14, 1867. The pioneers who took part in organizing
the parish were the following: Henry II. CreuKM', Peter Ileintz.
]\lichael Berens, Bernard Leis, Peter Basenach, ]Matt Ilenitz, Jo-
seph Koessler, Peter Krall, Anthony Schmelzer, Peter Bredel,
Henry Bergs, Peter Hansen, Adrian ]\Iiller, Adam ^lildbaner,
TOAVNSIIIP HISTORY 515
Simon Betz, Gerard Biitzler, and Peter Klinkner. These seven-
teen men went to work and built a frame ehnreh on the same
plaee where we find the cemetery-ehapel today. In this chureh
the services were held for about seven years. On June 24, 1875,
a cyclone took the ])uilding from its foundation, leaving a pile
of ruins. By that time the number of families had become forty
and these forty at once started a new church at the place donated
to the congregation by Mr. Henry Bergs. The church was built
of stone, as one of the old members remarked at the time : "One
of rock on rock so no wind can l)low it down again." This
building was enlarged in the year 1896, so by this time it is 118
feet long. Until 1886 the services were conducted by the re-
spective pastors of St. ^Mary's, five miles northeast of Pine
Hollow. In 1886 a parsonage was erected, and the same year
SS. Peter and Paul's congregation had its first resident pastor,
namely, Rev. Anthony Havestadt, now pastor of Big River, Wis.
He worked for the welfare of the parish fill 1892, when the pres-
ent pastor. Rev. Peter Schnitzler, took charge of the place. In
1893 SS. Peter and Paul's Catholic school was built, which is in
charge of the Dominican Sisters of Racine. The number of pu-
pils are about one hundred. AVhile the congregation was started
by seventeen members, today, September 18, 1911, we count 156
families, with 1,025 souls. The pastor, Rev. P. Schnitzler, is also
attending to St. Patrick's church in Vernon county, seven and
one-half miles southeast of Cashton.
LAGRANGE.
This town was one of the late ones in its organization, being
originally a part of the town of Lincoln. It was set of¥ by the
county board November 13, 1873, and its first election held at the
Dodgeville school house on the first Tuesday of April, 1874.
The history of the town is closely allied with that of Lincoln
and early records cannot be obtained. It has developed info one
of the wealthiest towns in the county in farming lands, and now
boasts of a railroad station on the Northwestern line, constructed
as the ]\Iilwaukee, Sparta and Northwestern originally, which
runs through the town. It sent many men into the war of the
rebellion, those who enlisted in Monroe county being given in
another chapter. "Within the limits of this town is situated the
government Indian school, described elsewhere. From this
town have come many men prominent in county affairs and to
attempt to name them all in this brief outline would be too much
of a task should a sketch of each be attempted. Elsewhere in
516 IIISTOKY OF .MOXKUE LUL'XTY
this work will be foimd the lives of many of its proinineut citi-
zens, and these go iu great part to make up the history of the
town. The present officers are: W. E. Bolton, chairman; W.
Houn and George Ileser, supervisors ; G. M. Prickett, clerk ;
treasurer, A. N. Getman ; assessor, X. J. Forrest ; justice, A. J.
Vandervort. Population, 1.124.
TOWN OF LAFAYETTE.
The town of Lafayette was organized in the spring of 185G.
being detached from the town of Angelo. The first town meet-
ing was held at the residence of L. A. Farr. on section twenty-
six, on the first day of April, 1856, with John Foster, Andrew
Lansing and Jacob L. Sargent acting as inspectors of election.
The whole number of votes cast at this election was thirty-four,
resulting in the following named persons being elected the first
officers of the town : Chairman, John Foster ; supervisor, Andrew
Lansing, A. IL Isham ; clerk of town, G. B. Holden ; town treas-
urer, L. A. Farr; town superintendent of schools, Edward
Marten; town assessor, Leonard Phillips; justices, Jacob L. Sar-
gent, Charles Dickinson, Edgar H. Eddy and Charles AVilson ;
constables, Roswell Smith, Amos ]\I. Baldwin and Henry F. Dres-
den ; sealer of w^eights and measures, Smith Austin. During the
summer vacancies occurred in the offices of chairman, of town
board and superintendent of schools, John P'oster moving from
town. AV. J. Tucke was chosen at the fall election to fill out his
unexpired term, and AVilliam Bush was chosen to fill out the
unexpired term of Edward Masters as superintendent of schools.
Masters having absconded. At the fall election of 1856 forty-six
votes were cast, an increase of twelve during the summer. At
the 1857 election fifty-five A'otes were cast; at the town meeting
of 1858, eighty-one votes were cast ; at the general election of
1859, seventy-one votes were cast ; at the general meeting of
1860, ninety-seven votes were cast; at the general election of
1868, ninety-eight votes were cast. In 1871 or 1872 the county
board annexed to the town of LaFayette town nineteen, formerly
known as the town of Eaton. To this the people of LaFayette
were decidedly opposed and petitioned ]\[r. A. II. Isham, who
was chosen chairman of the town the following year, to use his
influence with the county board to get rid of that territory, the
result being that at the county board meeting of 1872 or 1873
the town of New Lyme Avas organized, being the old town of
Eaton.
WILLIAM I. BUSH
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 517
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
In 185J: Lloyd Angle eanie to IMonroe county from Buffalo,
N. Y., stopping for a short time in Angelo, where his brother,
Dr. Seth Angle, had preceded him and had located, soon after
building a saw and grist mill, but Lloyd Angle located in LaFay-
ette, on section twenty-nine, on what is now known as the Sar-
gent farm ; in the summer of 1853 built the first farm house in
the town, an excellent building for the times, which burned down
a fcAv years later. Lyman D. Roescott came from Waukesha
county in 1853, and located on section twenty-eight. In 1853
Rev. AYilliam Bush came from New York state, bought the north
half of section thirty-three, and in September, 1855, moved his
fandly to their new home. The family consisted of his wife,
formerly Ursula Graves, and four children, O. R., by a former
wife; Mary E., William E., George W. and Nettie U., born in
1859. L. A. Farr, who came from Ohio in 1841, locating in Dane
county, moved to the town of LaFayette in 1855, locating on
section twenty-nine, where the town hall now stands. The fol-
lowing year he became associated with John Foster in building
the first sawmill in the town. This was the beginning of the
village of LaFayette, or "Best Point," as it was first called.
About 1857 A. A. Noyes came from Baraboo and built a grist mill
at Tar Falls, on Tar Creek ; in 1857 Spieer Shaw came from New
York state and built a tavern, the first hotel in town, which he
opened and called the ''York State House." A store was opened
by a man named Grant and another man l)y the name of Ranny ;
a shoe shop was started by A. II. Southard and a blacksmith shop
by Henry Fabin.
In 1858 the Milwaukee & La Crosse railroad Avas built
through, going within less than a mile of the village, which was
now a hununer, contractors and railroad men for a time making
it their headquarters. About this time Noah Dickman com-
menced the erection of a large hotel, two stories and a basement,
but he was too slow, for before it Avas finished the boom col-
lapsed and it was never occupied. It went afterwards by the
name of "Noah's Ark." The York State House was for a time
after that kept by Charles Dickman, who came from Sparta.
During the building of the mills, stores and the railroad, and
for two or three years afterward LaFayette was a busy point,
l)ut nothing now marks it except the old residence of Mr. Farr
on the north bank of Tar creek. Among the early settlers was
Levi St. John, coming from Rock county, AA^isconsin, in 1855.
518 HISTORY OF AlOXROP: COUNTY
1 1 is daughter, Kinina St. John, is belii'ved to l)e the first Avliiti'
child born in the town. II. G. Shaw arrived in 1857 with a fam-
ily of six. J. C. Dana eanie from New York state in 1855, locat-
ing on section fifteen, having married Eveline P. Eddy, and
before coining west two children wei'e born to thcni. Milo J. and
Edith K. .Air. Dana died in 181)2. .Mrs. Dana still lives in the
town at the home of her grandson. Ralk E. Dana. In 1855 T. J.
Rowan came to Monroe county Ifoni Ohio, for a time s1()i)ping in
Big Creek valley, soon after locating in LaF.iycttc township. In
the same year there came with Ivcv. William Bush, Rev.
Nathaniel Graves and wife, with one son. \V. I-]., and a daughter,
Olive, who afterwards married .1. ]\I. ]\Iorrow. Nathaniel Graves
located on section twenty-nine and soon afterwards opened a
blacksmith shop. l)elieved to be the first one in ojieration in the
tow-n.
Abner H. Isham. native of New York, canu^ to ^Monroe county
from Rock county in 185.S, jiurchased 228 acres of land in section
twenty-nine, then a part of Angelo. ar.d in ^H^^7) moved his family
to his new home. INlr. Isham Avas a man ol' hn-ge (|ualities of
heart, and mind, public-spirited, generous, htlpful and hopeful,
a man to tie to as a friend; a trusted public servant, as evidenced
by the fact that for more than thirty-five years he w^as one of
the superintendents of the poor of ]Monroe county. He was a
prominent ^Mason ami attained high honors .Muong his brethren;
a believer in Christianity and a friend and helper of every
Christian and moral movement.
M. V. B. ]\Iorse, born aiul raised in New Ham])shire, came to
the town in 1856; C. N. AVright came with him from the same
place and located in tln^ town, afterwards moving to Sparta in
the 60 's. Soon after ilr. ]\lorse's arrival A. IF. ^lay, his brother-
in-law, came, and together they ]Mirchase(l 440 acres of land in
Bush Prairie, and until ]May's dinith condueted this large farm
under the firm nanu' of oMorse & May.
C. E. Ilaiichett. a native of New York, canu^ first to the town
of Angelo in 185(), buying land in LaKayett" at about the same
time. Here he developed a fine farm, Avas an up-to-date farmer
and a good business man. He liuilt the second frame barn
erected in tln' town, AVilliam Bush, his neighboi'. building the
first. George E. ITanchett came ;it the same time as C. E. and
bought land in LaFayette, and at first ojiened up a blacksmith
sho]). He dev(4oped a fim^ farm and entered in later years into
the Irnit business which his son. AVilliam II., has continued.
"William II. was born and raised iu the town and has acquired
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 519
great prominence in agricultural circles. He was one of the
original promoters of the Sparta Fruit Growers' Association and
for many years has been its president ; established, in company
Avith his brother-in-law, E. A. Smith, the AVisconsin Fruit Pack-
ers' Company, at North Crandon ; is president of the ]\Ionroe
County Guernsey Breeders' Association.
Roswell Smith, so well and favorably known, who recently
died, came in 1855, being here at the organization of the town.
A. W. Smith, a brother, commonly known as "Gus. " came first
in 1855, and permanently located in the tovvn in 1856, and at
about the sanu^ time Peter Frye arrived and located.
Joseph Covey came in the spring of 1855 from Illinois, locat-
ing on section thirty-three. J. J. French came to the town in the
50 's, settled on section twenty-nine and opened up and developed
a large farm ; was treasurer of the town during his residence
there. He afterwards moved to the city of Sparta, where he
resided until his death. I. AV. Cooper Avas another early settler,
coming from Connecticut, Iniying 200 acres in section twenty-
one.
Lewis D. Evans soon after emigrating to America from
Wales settled in Waukesha county, remained there for seven
years, moving to the town of LaFayette in 1854, buying a large
tract of land in section eighteen, and by hard work and Welsh
sagacity developed a fine farm, and in 1886, at the time of his
death, was considered very well ofP. Charles T. Rhodes, orig-
inally from Connecticut, having worked for a time in Chicago in
the j\IcCormick Harvester Works, came to the town in the spring
of 1855, buying several large tracts of land. Chandler Dam-
man came to Wisconsin from INIaine in 1814, settling in Dane
county, and in 1857 removing to Monroe county, locating on the
farm noAv owned by William Heasty.
Henry R. Jones and AV. P. Williams came from Wales in
1865, locating in what is known as Welsh valley. Bruce E.
McCoy settled at a point wdiere the village used to stand after-
ward in 1868 and Avas very prominent in the development of the
toAvn from that time on. Space forbids the tracing of family
histories, but this record shows that LaFayette had more than
her share of good men in the early days, men Avho became prom-
inent in county and state at¥airs. The toAvu is finely developed
and AA'ithin its borders are many valuable small fruit farms, and
it is also rich in dairying industry.
Its present officers are: J. A. BroAvn, chairman; Ed. Allen-
dorf and Bernard Alukrenin, supervisors ; C. W. Smith, clerk;
520 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Albert Wymaii, treasurer; A. J. Torrey, assessor; M. -J. Dana,
justice, ropulatiou, 387.
The first cheese factory in the town, aiid perhaps in the
county, was established by Morse & Diinkart in 1871 or 1872.
About this time occurred wliat was perhaps tlie most remark-
able flight and nesting of wild pigeons that ever occurred any-
M'here. About six or seven miles north of LaFayette mills the
pigeons nested in the "grey pines" — myriads of them. The nests
were so close together that there Avould frequently be from fifty
to one lumdred nests in one tree. It is related by B. E. McCoy,
then a resident of the town, thai Ih^y came on a ]\Ionday morn-
ing, and that the roar of their fliglit was as loud as the noise of
a train of 100 cars on frozen ground. It was a great time for
hunters and sportsmen; thousands upon thousands of tluMu were
killed or captured alive for the market, the Indians especially
reaping a great harvest in the squab trade. Tliis nesting oc-
curred for two years, the first time heing right at LaFayette
mills, and the next about seven miles north, as stated.
At the time the Nortlnvestern road Avas built to Sparta the
town raised $2,000 in bonds for aid. This was the result of a
visit into the town of J. ^1. ]\Iorrow, George Richardson, Dr.
Gage and iMr. ^Montgomery, who endeavored to secure $4,000
from the town for that purpose.
In 187'-?, B. ?]. McCoy, then and for many years chairman of
the town, nuide a notable fight on the county board, and later in
the courts, over the sale of tax certificates on lands in the town.
It appears that there was a very large amount of tax certificates
outstanding on lands in the town wliieh the county treasurer and
elei-lv considered woiUdess. and the j^roposition was made at the
session of the county l)oard of that year to sell tliem to George
Runkel. who offered ten cents on the dolhir for tliein, and a
resolution passed the board to S'll at that figure. ^Ir. ]McCoy
protested on beliair of tlie lown and fought tlie resolution on the
ground tliat it was poor ])olicy. owing 1o )iroba])l(» illegalities,
whicli might have to l)e made good at a consideral)ly larger
price. After the passage of the resolution formal protest was
filed for LaFayette by ]\Ir. IMcCoy.
A year or two after this 'Slv. ^IcCoy, acting for the town,
brought suit against the county to recover the face value of the
tax certificates, as they had been diai-ged back 1o flu- town and
the town thus became the owiu-i- ol" them. Tlu^ result of this liti-
gatiou was Ihal 1lic counly was eonqx'lled io ]r,\y to tlie toAvn of
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 521
LaFayette ^^1,503 for the eertifieates, thus viiidieating' the action
and jiulgmeut of Mr. McCoy.
Prior to the attempt of the government to remove the AVinne-
bago Indians from this state to Nebraska, a council of the tribe
was called by Governor AVashburn to meet in the town of
LaFayette. This council was held on what is now known as the
Sargent place, about half a mile west of McCoy's mills. At this
council there were about four hundred Winnebago Indians.
Governor AVashburn and the assistant secretary of war Avere
there and conducted the negotiations with the Indians, Avho were
subsequently taken west under the charge of Captain Hunt.
The great storm in Alarch, 187(3, did much damage in the
town, and the Lafayette mill, in common with several mills of
the county, was undermined and wrecked.
In 1890 the pasturage of cattle on a large scale was under-
taken by B. E. AlcCoy and son, Colonel McCoy, on a portion of
the lauds now in the military reservation, a large part of which
was owned by them. This was continued for several seasons
with much success.
LEON.
The first settlement in this town, which at one time com-
prised the entire county of Monroe, was made in 1851 by Ephraim
Shaw, who arrived in June, 1851. He took up some land and
went to farming. This farm Avas afterAvards sold to Robert
Smith, Avho in 1880 erected a handsome brick residence almost
upon the same site Avhere Air. ShaAv's house stood. In August,
]851, AV. J. Austin arrived in Leon, taking up 1,400 acres of
land, 100 acres of Avhich he cleared the first summer. The Aus-
tin holdings Avere the establishment of a great farm, Avhich as
years Avent by, Avas cut up into smaller farms, but Avas the
foundation of the Austin fortune. It is related that on the fifth
season of his farming operations he gathered a crop of 12,000
bushels of grain, 9,000 of Avhieh Avere oats, tlie balance Avheat
and corn.
On the fourteenth day of November, 1853, the A'illage Avas
platted and its inhabitants became convinced that it Avould
eventually become the county seat of a ucav county, as it Avas
then the only regularly platted settlement Avithin the limits of
the county, and as it deA'eloped later on the village did make a
determined effort in 1854 to have the county seat located here
in the bill Avhich Avas before the legislature i^roA'iding for the
organization of Alonroe countv ; but at that time the settlement
522 HISTORY OF 310XR0E COUNTY
at Sparta liad grown to such proportions and was situated on
the main stage lines tliat i1 was successful over Leon in that
contest; the village cons(M|iicntly has never grown to any great
extent, being more of a ti-ading point than anything else.
In July, 1851, K. S. Kingman and his two brothers, Rosalvo
and Alvarado, came from Ashtabula, O., and settled in the town.
Mr. Kingman afterwai'ds Avcnt lo Sparta and was closely con-
nected with the cailx history and development of that \ iUage
and city. About Ibis lime many settlers came in and the ])(>pu-
lation increased rajiidly. A postolfice was established in 185C.
was discontinued after a few years, but was again re-established
and has existed there ever since.
In 1861 a grist mill was built by (\ F. Western, Avho ran it
about a year, when it was purchased by Mr. Austin in 18G2. The
mill at one time during his ownership had four run of stone and
turned out as liigh as I-IO barrels of flour a day. The mill is fur-
nished l)y a tine water i)ower equal to forty-eight horse power
and today is used principally as a feed mill.
Among the early settlers aside from those mentioned were
A. TI. Gilliland. who came in 1853; AV. S. Jewell, who came the
same year; A. II. Matteson, who arrived in 1858; Charles J. Mat-
teson. who settled in the toAvn in 1854, built a store and engaged
in the mercantile business for about twelve years; afterwards
went to farming. H. A. Link, wlio came in June, 1858. His son,
the Hon. "W. W. Link, still resides in the town and is the oldest
living settler. He has lieen prominent in ]\Ionroe county atfairs
and is living a peaceful life on his estate at an advanced age. In
the early days a tavern was kept at Leon by D. M. "West, who
Avanted tlie town naiiu^d ''^Miranda," after his wife, but the name
was proposed by a man named LaAvton, who said it reminded him
of a beautiful little valley he had seen in ]\Iexico called Leon.
The early settlers liked it, so Leon it was. Peter DeCoursey, Avho
was one of the first county board, came in 1851 with his father,
Isaac; Samuel AVakeman, Reuben Kudney. Nelson 1'. Carrier in
1852; Aitlnii" Jewel. John Oakley and Henry Oakley, 1854; Hiram
Hutchins and Henry Vanetten, in 1855 ; David Johns and Lewel-
len Johns, in 1853; James ]\rort()n. the stage driver, and Samuel
Greenman. in 1852.
The first religious service in the town was in the 50 's by a
Congregational minister named Reynolds sent out by a mission-
ary society in the Kast to ])reach the gospel to the "heathen" in
Leon. He did not stay very long.
Leon is truly one of the garden spots of the county. Its
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 523
beautifully situated farms, highly developed, are among the
richest to be found anywhere. There are two creameries in the
town, one situated in the settlement and the other on the farm of
Ernest Austin, one-fourth of a mile south of the village. There
are three churches in the town, the oldest being the Congrega-
tional, and the next in point of time the jMethodist church. At
one time an Advent church Avas maintained for a time, but went
out of existence for lack of support. There is a Norwegian
Lutheran church situated on Fish creek ridge, about five miles
from the village, which has a large congregation.
The present officers of the town are : A. E. Evenson, chair-
man ; Ben Lee and Clyde Richardson, supervisors ; Winfield Link,
clerk; Ben Fox, treasurer; E. C. Solberg, assessor; Justice, Ben
Fox. Population, 751.
TOWN OF LINCOLN.
AVas set ofl: November 22, 1860 ; originally included territory
comprised in it and towns of LaGrange and Grant. In April,
1861, the first town meeting Avas held, at Avhich AV. L. Hay ward
was elected chairman ; M. C. Hart and Benjamin Miller, super-
visors; AVilliam Parsins, toAvn clerk; C. C. Miller, town super-
intendent ; A. Alaynard, assessor, and AVilliam Farnum, toAvn
treasurer.
The first settler in the territory of the present town, Avhich is
township nineteen, range one west, was either AV. T. Alaynard
or a man by the name of Isaac Cooper, each of Avhoni came into
the town in 1855. In 1857 Hannibal Hamlin Lamb came and
erected a building Avliich became familiarly known as "Lamb's
Tavern" until it was burned doAvn, the last occupant of which
Avas a son of the original founder, and in this house Avas held the
first tOAvn meeting, at wdiich Calvin Beers Avas elected chairman ;
L. N. SAveet and William Randall, superAdsors; AY. A. Barber,
toAvn clerk ; Clifford AYoodard, treasurer, and J. L. Burk,
assessor, this being a temporary organization.
The first saAvmill in this ncAV toAvn Avas built in 1861 and Avas
knoAvn as "Beer's mill," but reliable information shoAvs that it
was built by other parties. It Avas in this mill that the first school
was taught in the tOAvn, and the first sermon preached, and the
first Sunday school held Avithin its Avails. The first sermon was
preached by old Elder Medd, as he Avas fandliarly knoAA^i, and
one other minister, Avho came into the town early and was knoAvn
as "Pappy Lea," Avho also conducted services here. About the
524 IlliSTOKY OF MONROE COUNTY
year 1863 Kiiiory's saAviiiill and also Snow's mill wore built.
Emory's mill Avas later known as Lowrie's, and in Ihis mill a
boiler ex])losioii kilb'd. or fatally injured, John Lidtlle and Mr.
Gilson, the father oT W. E. Gilson, who is at present a resident of
the town.
In ]8(i7 WaiTcii and Gand)le bnill the sawmill at Ihc place
which is now the xiMage -of Warrens, aiul there lias been several
stationary and portable sawmills located in the town for a portion
of the lime. l)nt oid.N' one of early date, which became established
as a i)ermanent business, is the George Warren Company, of War-
rens, which conducted a sawmill business for a great many years,
and it lias now become a mill for finishing lundier ready for the
builder. This firm has grown to such ])roportions that they noAV
conduct a Idacksmith shop, repair shop, grist mill and a bank,
each business being located in connnodious buildings.
There is also located at Warrens the Rex ]\Ianiifacturing
Company, owned liy C. O. Siiipper, and this plant is a sawmill
and jdaning mill, manufacturing and repair shop, and is con-
ducted in a substantial stone liuilding. For the first years of its
existence and up to 1871 mail for this town came directed to
Tomah. but at that date a postoffice Avas established near War-
ren's mills, and James Gamble bcn-ame the first ]K)stmaster. serv-
ing until 1875. when AY. A. Barber Avas appointed, and he has
served continuously in that capacity up to the present time. The
name of the ]iostoffice Avas changed to AYarrens. For the south-
ei-n j)oi'ti()ii of the toAvnship mail Avas i-eceived at the Tomah
postoffice until the establishment of a j^ostoffice at Kirby and
then there Avas a Aveekly, and afterAvards, a daily service from
AYarrens until the rural routes Avere established. In the toAvn-
ship there ai'c noAV three rural routes starting from Warrens
Avhich. to a great extent, cover the toAvn.
The cranberry business is of considerable imiiortance and has
been lor a great many years. Aluch capital has been invested in
inipiiixing the cranberry marshes, until noAv it has becoim^ a i)er-
manent industry. Here also at the village of AYarrens is a
profitabh^ point for the sale of Avild blneberrjes and blackberries,
and (juite a number of farmers in this vicinity have gone into
raising strawberries, raspberries and cultivated blackberries, so
that it is a rai)idly groAving industry, and even apples are being
raised to some extent mi tlie heavi(M- soil of the ridge lands. The
toAvn has many up-to-date and jjrogressive farmers, and in com-
mon with most of the toAvns in the county, the dairying industry
has become piominent and the breeding of thoroughbred cattle
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 525
is undertaken by its more advanced farmers with great success.
During- the Civil AVar the town furnished four sokliers, all
brothers, and were the sons of Landlord Lamb, of "Lamb's
Tavern:" Louis A. Lamb, Galon A. Lamb, Henry Lamb, and
William Lamb, w^ho all returned honorably discharged, Galon A.
being the only one wounded, and he still resides in the town.
Some of the earlier pioneers are still living, notably L. N. Sweet
and wife. G. R. Baker and wife, W. A. Barber and Avife, Clifford
Woodard and wife, George Munson, F. G. Warren, Louis Morse,
T. R. Gillett, B. L. Gillett, L. L. Gillett, and W. H. Gillett.
The present town ot^eers are: George F. Goff, chairman;
August Burkholz and J. P. Pederson, supervisors; H. H. Harris,
clerk, and L. B. Lauser, treasurer.
An incident is told of one of the earlier settlers, an old-time
hunter, Silas Patterson, who bears on his person the marks of
an attack of a large black bear, being at that time (not many
years after the Civil War) in need of aid in purchasing supplies
for a hunting trip. Mr. F. G. Warren w^as asked by Patterson
to loan him the money with Avhich to make the purchase, stating
that if Mr. Warren would trust him he would pay him as soon as
he got the bounty on a nest of young wildcats he had located.
]\Ir. Warren replied that he "did not care to take chances on wild-
cat security," but much to his surprise, a few days later Silas
came in, bringing the cats ^nd exclaiming, "What did I tell you!"
At the breaking out of the Spanish-American war Lincoln
sent two men, Mett Rose and James Larson, who enlisted in
Company K, Third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, served through
the campaign in Porto Rico, returning with that regiment in
October, 1898, and were mustered out.
The town of Grant was from 187-I to 1891) a part of the town
of Lincoln.
Present officers : Geo. E. Goff, chairman ; August Burkholz
and J. P. Pederson, supervisors ; H. H. Harris, clerk ; M. P. Laur-
sen. 'treasurer ; JMelvin IMosher, assessor; W. C. Goff and T. R.
Gillett, justices. Population, 902.
TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS.
There is no record of the organization of the town of Little
Falls in the proceedings of the county board of this county. It
seems that at the time of the organization of this county the
territory comprised in the towai of Little Falls and wdiat was
then known as the town of Eaton on the east of it was supposed
to be in Jackson county, and these two towns were originally
526 lllSTOKY OF .MOXHOH ("OUXTY
orgaiiizi'il iiiid their tirsl nicetiiigs held as a part of that county,
l)ut subsequently the mistake was discovered and the chairman
of the town board of Little Falls appeared at the annual session
of the county board of iMonroe county in November, 1856, claim-
ing a seat as a member of that body. Objection Avas raised to
this, but the reason for it does not appear upon the record. After
some discussion and consideration of tlic; matter the board
tinally voted to give the supervisor from the town of Little Falls
a seat with all the rights of a member, and AV. \V. Benton wa.s
duly sworn in as the first member of the county board from the
town of Little Falls on Xovemlx-r 11, 1856. Settlers canie into
the town early and ])egan developing its farm and timber lands
and water i)owers. Perhaps the oldest settlor in point of time
was AVilliam Printz. who came in 1852, being some two years
before the county itself Avas organized, and the {)oint near
Cataract Avas, in fact, one of the first localities in Avhich settlers
])egan to take up land. He Avas folloAved by Thomas Richards
in 1854, and the other pioneers in order in Avhieh they came Averc
George Walters, 1855: ^Ir. Ilovey, 1855, Avho kept a store; Bert
:MatheAvs, 1856; :\[. P. Matteson, 1856; C. AV. Johnson. 1857; John
ir. Brackett, 1864.
There Avere many other settlers betAveen 1856 and 1860, but
it has been impossible to mention them all. It is sufficient to say
that they Aver(^ men of sturdy character and lielped to build uj*
the early industries of the toAvn, laying the foundation for the
future, Avhieh has surely proved their Avorth. There is a fin(!
Avater poAver at the present site of the village of Catarait Avhich
has been in use for a great many years and at one time furnished
the poAver for a Avoolen mill. Avhich Avas erected there and has
since run vni-ious institutions, including saw mills and a grist
mill.
BetAveen the years 1850 and 1860 the tOAA'u of Little Falls saAV
some A'ery lively times. There Avas no railroad then at Black
River Falls, as Sparta liecame the first railroad point. Little
Falls being situated on the Avay betAveen these tAvo toAvns there
Avas considerable teaming done, not only from Sparta up to the
lumber Avoods, but also in the other direction. Freight Avas
hauled back and forth and a stage made daily trips each Avay be-
tAveen Cataract and Sparta and to Black Riv(M' Falls, another line
running also from Sparta and Cataract up to Eau Claire, and
during this period and later these stage lines and freight hauling
companies did an inunense amount of travel. Th(» toAvn being sit-
uated as it Avas, became a sort of center for a stopping place for
TOAVNSIIIP IITSTORY 527
ti-MvcU'is, and at one time there were six hotels in the town, two
at the village of Cataract, one at ]\lax Craig's, one at !Sam Ba-
con's, one at Hugh Gallagher's, and one at Pett's tavern.
At the breaking ont of the Civil War the citizens of Little
Falls came forward handsomely to take up the gun for their
country. On the call for three months' men Ilarold AValker and
George Pomeroy were the first to enlist, and at the second call
David Douglas, Perry AValker and Alonzo Barr were the first
to i)ut down their names and enter the service, and all tJiree were
subsequently killed. All of the men who went to the front from
this town volunteered, and none had to ho drafted. LaRoy Farr,
then eighteen years of age, left his home as a first lieutenant,
was taken prisoner at his first battle, which was Pittsburg Land-
ing, and was put in prison at Andersonville. Later he was sent
to IMacon, Ga., and when he was finally released his health was
broken down. The veterans Avho enlisted in the various military
organizations in the rebellion from the town of Little Falls were
as follows : Samuel Janes, Warren Pomeroy, George Pomeroy,
Anthony Trumbly, Thomas McCumber, Samson LaBew, William
Henry Washburn, Robert A. Duws, II. PI. Atchison, John Baker,
Isaac i\Iatteson, Charles Matteson, LeRoy Farr, Albert IMatthews,
C. AV. Johnson, Austin S. Beemer, David Douglas, Perry AYalker,
Harold AValker, John Locke, AA^illiam Dodson, Adam ("arnahan,
Archie Carnahan, Andrew Carnahan, Charles Edwards, Chub
Sanders, T. P. Loyd. John Alartin, DeLos Head, Mr. Birge, Bert
Matthews, Alonzo LaBarr. Robert AIcLain, George Cross, Pliilo
AValker, ]\Ir. Brennan, Henry Crossen, Cummins Sprout and
Rushbrok Sweet.
Most of the town is now well developed and the village of
Cataract has become quite a little settlement, situated as it is
near a good Avater power and is a convenient trading point for
the farmers living in the vicinity. The town has furnished from
its citizens several men who have acquired prominence in the
county affairs, among Avhom may be named the Seantletons,
father and son ; a\Iyron Brackett, who for a number of years was
a member of the county board and later served as supervisor of
assessment until the office was abolished ; A. J. Carnahan, who
now resides at Sparta, but who was elected as sheriff while a
resident of the town ; Hugh Gallagher, who was chairman during
the railroad agitation, when the now defunct Sparta-Melrose rail-
road was cutting a good deal of figure, and many others who
have helped manage the affairs of their town and county.
During 1908-09-10 there was considerable excitement through-
528 HISTORY OF .MUXKOE CULXTY
oiil tile town over llir ])on(liiig: of it to aid in lniiUliiig tlie Sparta-
]\lt'lrosc' railroad, whii-li was then undt-r consideration, and a
rather warm meeting was held upon the proposition at which the
citizens took sides, whidi finally culminatetd in a lawsnit to de-
clare the l)onds illegal. The town lost the litigation Init in the
course of time the railroad bond limit exi)ired and the Sparta-
]\Ielrose railroad has become a matter of history, and it may also
be said that it never made any history, it being a project on
paper, principally. I'l-oin start to finish.
The present officers of the town are: D. R. Richards, chair-
man; Jacob "Walters and Obert Isensee, supervisors; X'eil Han-
son, clerk; J. T. Scantleton, treasurer; AV. V. Schmelling. assessor,
and G. S. Greeno. justice of the peace.
NEW LYME.
This is one of the later towns, the territory endiraced in it
being originally' a part of LaFayette. ajid its early history, there-
fore, is that of the latter towu. ft was organized in 1872 and
the toAvn was also at one time included in \^hat was known as
the town of Eaton, no longer in existence, but the sketch of its
early history being given later on in this chapter.
The present town officers are : L. R. Hoard, chairman ; Ezeb
Veir and David Fletcher, supervisors; Robert Prescott, clerk:
John B. JMeyer, treasurer; Leo Richmond, assessor; L. D. Pres-
cott, justice. Population, 281.
OAKDALE.
On Xovcniher 12, 1857, the county board cut off the territory
now comprised in Oakdale and created a new town under the
name of Leroy. At the session of the county boai'd in X^)V(Miil)er.
1862, the name Avas changed to Oakdale.
Among the earlier settlers were E. ]\lel(>\ and Daniel Dame,
in 1854; Enoch Baker and William Y. Baker, 1855; Lewellan
Amidon and Seth Chase, in 1856. The first Iniilding erected was
a log cabin built by E. ^INIeloy on section seventeen: the fii'sf
church on the ground was the Catholic, which began services on
Indian creek, three miles south of Oakdale station, in 1869. In
1857 a school house was built and school commenced with a
small nund)er of pupils, ]\liss Emma Baker being the teacher.
The toAvn had the ordinary existence of toAvns in the county,
developing with the coming of the railroad, settlement being
quite rapid after that. Nothing of consequence disturbed the
peaceful occupation of its inhabitants until 1907. On AVednes-
TOAVNSIIIi* HISTORY 52'J
day, July 3rcl, of thai year llic town was visited with a cyclone
which passed through the to^vns in the nortlieastern part of the
county and was particularly severe in this town. The line of the
storm was from Jackson county down tlirough a portion of the
town of Lincoln, across the east side of LaGrange, through the
southwest corner of Byron, and then midway through the town
of Oakdale.
The cyclone struck Oakdale near J. ('. Hill's farm and de-
stroyed iMr. Hill's barns and other buildings, except his house. All
of the buildings on the farms of Mr. ]Myers and Mr. Musser w'ere
destroyed, as were also all the buildings on the farm of Fred
Gabower. ]Mr. IMyers had his arm broken and Mr. and Mrs. Mus-
ser saved themselves by going into the Avoods and clinging to
small trees. The little village settlement was right in the path of
the cyclone. The houses of B. C. Dame and A. N. Maltby were
completely destroyed, and Daniel Dame killed. Nothing but the
foundation of Mr. Dame's house remained. Mr. ]Maltby's house
was moved a little from its foundation and crushed into kindling
wood ; the windmill, barns, sheds and everything on the prem-
ises were swept away. Robert Smith was killed also, and many
persons received injuries more or less severe. Trees were up-
rooted or were broken off, some were left standing with the bark
completely stripped off from them. Mr. Johnson's store was
moved slightly from its foundation, part of the roof torn off and
the windows smashed. Syverson's elevator, containing 1,350
bushels of oats, was unroofed and w^recked and the grain scat-
tered all over the country.
The amount of damage done in the town of Oakdale is hard to
estimate, but it ran up into many thousands of dollars. In addi-
tion to the destruction of the buildings mentioned the barn on
Jackson Prell's farm was wrecked and Fred Gabower, in addi-
tion to the loss of his buildings, lost all his crops and a fine
orchard.
The present officers of the town are: George Kelk, chairman;
Richard Wagner and Charles Shelby, supervisors; "VV. W. Hug-
hart, clerk; Joseph Tiber, treasurer; R. A. Weiss, assessor; A. N.
]Malt1)y. justice. Population, 813.
PORTLAND.
This town was organized in 1858 and the first election of town
officers held April 5, 1859, in the school house situated on section
thirteen. The officers elected at that time Vv^ere : Richard Cole,
chairman; Peter Schreier and John E. Stevens, supervisors;
53Q HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Adolph Ileiser, clerk; Albert Fisher, treasurer; J. J. Willsey and
J. MeFarlaiul, assessors; James Draper, superintendent of
schools; J. E. Stevens, Jolin Leigli and Adolph Ileiser, justices;
Solomon Roberts and Albert Fisher, constables; John Cleaves,
sealer of weights and measures.
Among the first settlers in the town were Adam Russell, who
held the position of postmaster at what was then called Mt.
Pisgah, and operated a tavern, or stopping place, for travelers
located on section thirteen, on the so-called Black river road,
where it is related Gen. Jeremiah Rusk, then a stage driver on
the line l)etween Sparta and Yii'(>i|ua. stopped for r(^fr(^slnnent
for man and l)east.
Jn 1857 or 1858 Jacob llazen came and started the tirst store
on section tliirty-six at what is called "Hazen's Corners." In
1858 James Lord settled on section thirty-six and started a store
with a bar in connection, whicli did not last long. The women
in the community made a raid on the saloon, carried the kegs
outside, opened the bung holes and let the evil spirits run at
large. The first dwelling recorded is that located on section
twenty-three, which was erected in the early 50 's by a man
named ITayden. Among the earliest settlers were Sam Krahen-
l)uhl. F. A. Meissner, David Kallicut, Thomas Clegg, J. Phillips,
Henry AVillsey, J. E. StcA^ens, J. J. AYillsey, John B. Skinner,
Christoff Cleaves, H. Troop, James Spa\dding, Christ Brown, D.
Jones, E. E. Evans, H. H. Barber, ]\latt Sturdevant and Eric
Peterson.
The town furnished about seventeen soldiers during the Civil
AVmi': James Ilalverson. J. J. AVillsey. John E. Stevens. J. B.
Skinner, ^Martin" Frickson, Louis Ei-it-kson, AYesley Sturtevant,
Eri(d< Peterson, Jacob Hazcn, AV. Stalker. T'lirist Brown. Lars
Loom, Lars Peterson. Gustav Olson, Adrian Aliller, Anuind Han-
son, and C. Cleaves.
Henry AVillsey erected the first grist mill in 1859. and the
first sawmill was built by David Killicut in 1864. Tlie German
Lutheran clnirrh was established in 1878. There is a very pros-
perous creamery located in the town, which enjoys a large num-
ber of patrons in the town. Portland is one of the richest farming
territories in the county.
Its present officers are: T. R. Jones, cimirman: Frank J.
Alasliak and Ilelmer Paulson, supervisors; Charles Perso, clerk;
Ole C. Lee, treasurer; ^Martin A. I]rickson, assessor. Population,
1.088.
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 531
TOWN OF RIDGEVILLE.
This town was organized on the first day of April, 1856, the
first tOAvn meeting being held on the first Tuesday of April in
this year, at which M. Aney, B. S. Blake and A. W. Gibbs were
elected supervisors; Samuel H. Griswold, town clerk; George B.
Aney, assistant clerk, and Anson Spinner, justice of the peace;
later on A. AV. Gibbs having moved away, Sanford A. Haushaw
was appointed supervisor in his place on the 28th of January,
1857.
Among the first settlers was Manuel i\Ietzger, who came
direct from Germany and settled on a piece of land south of and
near the present village of Norwalk, the farm now being owned
by Mrs. Abraham Smith. He built a stone house of rough stone
on a hillside, and this, undoubtedly, was the first building erected
in the town of Eidgeville. From his early residence there the
entire valley has acquired the name of "iMetzger's valley," by
which it is known even to tlie present time. At about the time
that Metzger came other settlers drifted in, among whom were
Silas McGary, Anson Spinner, L. II. Gonger, Sebastian Feldmuir,
David AVoodliff, George and M. Aney, John Bell, Henry Vieth,
John AVallz, Jacob Aney, Carl Zimmerman, Oliver Hale and
Isaac Ilargrave, and many others, following each other so quickly
that it is difficult to get all of the names.
The Lutherans erected the first church in this town in the
year 1870, but prior to that time preaching had been had by
an English ^Methodist preacher whose name cannot be recalled.
Tlie first sermon in German was delivered by Henry Esch, the
father of Congressman John J. p]sch. ]\Ir. Esch later moved to
Sparta. This sermon was delivered at the log school house in
the town of Ridgeville, and after that for a number of years
Mr. Esch held religious services in the German homes in that
vicinity.
Beginning Avitli the earlier days the cause of education re-
ceived due attention, and soon after the organization of the town
a small log building was erected upon Emanuel Aletzger's farm,
about three-fourths of a mile south of the present village of Nor-
walk, and school was opened and has continued. At about 1875
a frame building was erected in the village of Norwalk, one mile
north of the first place.
In the War of the Rebellion this town furnished not less than
thirty-nine soldiers, a record surely to be proud of, and Avhile
532 lllSTOKV OF MONROE COUXTY
tlit'ir full naiiK' cannot in all cases he (riven. Ilie following is the
list as near as can be ascertained : Mr. Jiluni, Jacob Root, Abraham
P""airbanks, John Brnnner, C. ^leyers, Jacob Ilettnian, Silas
]\lc('ary. James Shanbin, Fred Vincenz. A. Vinccnz. F. Heller-
man, Ileiiry Kroeger, William ^lunz. Tom ]\lcGary, John Woodliif,
Henry ]\IcGary, Delos Crandcl. ^Ir. Sherwin. Leander Perry,
Thomas Jones, Samuel Jerred, Fred Smelling. ^Ir. Grosset, ]Mr.
Vanalstine, J. ('. ]Munz. George ]Munz. .Mr. Baidver. William Wil-
liip, John IIolz, >Mathew Flock. AVilliam Cari'. Aiidriw Xolan,
John Xolan, Oliver Hale, August Rath, William ("harideg. Sigiium
Congei", ^Ir. Edwards and ]\Ir. Richards.
This town in the earlier days was quite heavily tindjered and
attracted the business of lumbering, which was commenced by
Ilaldeman Brothers and Luethe in 1887, by the erecting of a saw
mill on the ^Morris creek, near the present school house. It was
operated l)y steam and conducted for some time. A grist mill
Avas built in tlie town in 1898 by Bergman Brothers and is still
in operation. A feed mill Avas erected by ("hrist Hett and p]ugene
IMcGary in 1883-4.
The advantages for a trading point led ]Mr. B.dz to build a
store at what is known as Ridgeville. at the four-road crossing,
where, at present, Paul Kewitt is living. This Avas erected in
the early 50 's, and after the Northwestern Railway Avas built,
stores Avere built up by Dolson and Sanbert on or near the place
Where Norwalk is uoav situated.
Fred IJettman built a blacksmith shop near the railroad cross-
ing, south of Avhat is knoAvn as NorAvalk in L-^57. and at al)out the
same time one Avas erected in Ridgeville 1)y A. Englert on Avhat is
noAV one of Fred Zlemer's farms, so that in tlie early days nearly
every requirement of the inhal)itants as far as stores, mills and
shops Avere concerned, Avas satisfied.
In 1894 the village of XorAvalk Avas inc<)r})oratcd and tluis
hecame a separate municipality from the toAvn.
With unceasing toil of the early German pioneers and con-
tinued by the later generations, the tOAvn of Ridgeville has becouK^
one of the richest farming connnunities to b' found, perhaps, in
this jiart of the state; its ridge lands are \ei-y fertile and lieautiful
farms can he found along the i)latcau raising cro])s of various
kinds as Avell ada]>tcd to the gi-owing of ajiples and other fruits.
Present officers: Fred AV. Xoth, chairman; Charles Ilanisch
and Fred AVoodliff, sujiervisors; Fred F. Leulhe, clerk; Herman
AVendorf, treasurer; Anton Kroeger, assessor; John H. Alannel
and AndreAv Anderson, justices. Population, 775.
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 533
TOWN OF SHELDON.
The first reeorcls oi' an election in this town was that of the
second day of November, 1858. It was held at the mill of Millen
Graham in the present village of Oil City. There appears to have
been held, iiowever, a town meeting on the fifth day of July, 1848,
at which a temporary organization was effected and Millen Gra-
ham elected chairman; AYilliam Hubbard and ]\Iiner Moore, super-
visors; AV. J. Heath, clerk and assessor; William Abbott, treas-
urer, and Henry Eseh, assistant assessor. Esau Johnson was the
first settler in this town, having come in the year 1846, and was
also the first man to settle in the county of Monroe. Soon after
that others began to drift in and to work for him in the lumber
business, and in the year 1856 quite a number had settled in this
vicinity, among whom were Jacob INIenn, Jacob Farmer, Henry
Eseh, Edward Warren, AVilliam A. Hubbard, George Daughtery^
H. J. Smith, W. J. Heath, Elison jMcGee, Thomas Day, Tom Lewis,
Patrick DeVany, Bernard Ilamatty, George Shippe, Thomas
Wilkins, Andres Molley, Ezra Cook, Fern Rawson, William
Crichett, Joseph Tritett and M. M. Curpy.
The first building erected was a lumber shanty, built by Esau
Johnson, on section twenty-four, in 1846, and it probably was
the first structure of any kind erected in the county of Monroe ;
a church was l)uilt in 1860 ])y J. J. Menu, constructed of logs,
and was a small building. Before that time services had been
held in dwelling houses and school houses and the first sermon
that was preached was by a man named John Hamilon, and not
long after that services were conducted by Henry p]seh and by
Galusia and J. Brown.
The first school house was erected in 1856 and was taught by
one Andrew Faust. It was located near the present village of
Oil City. During the ( ivil AVar this town furnished more than its
share of soldiers, some of whom were Millen Graham, John
Switzler, George Lewis, AY. P. Abbott, Andrew AYruck, Fredrick
Talkey, Hod Lamg, George Daughtery, James Moomy, Edward J.
Harris, David Eviur, Peter Singer, John Singer, AVilliam Schmitz,
Christ AYruck, George AYilson, Martin Moore, L. C. Johnson AY. J.
Heath, Sam AVilkinson, E. B. Smith, Henry Johnson, Thomas and
Eugene Sullivan, E. Tuttle, Louis Walker, Hen Iloldcomb, Louis
Everts, Andrew Alolley, C. B. Stoddard, James Finnel, Edward
and Henry Critchett, Elusion Rawson, Leonard Hutchins, Gilbert
and Daniel Hutchins, Eles Prichard, John Granzo, L. Savier and
Daniel Moore.
534 inSTORY OF .MONROE COrXTY
111 comnutii with other towns of the county, the IuihIkt busi-
ness commenced quite early, and the first saw mill was l)uilt by
AV. J. Heath in 1856 and was in existence quite a number of years.
The first grist mill was erected by ^Millcn Graham in the early 60's
and the first store was conducted by Willifim Ohatnuiii. beginning:
in 1868.
There are two ehurehes in the town, one in the village of
Ontario, and one about two miles south of Xorwalk, which is a
German Evangelical ; tiie one situated in Ontario is conducted
by the United Brethren and services are conducted in l)oth at
the present time by the same pastor, the R'-v. Mave. There is
considerable dairying among the farmers in tliis town and a
creamery is located in Ontario, one, which at the present time
does a large amount of business and a great deal of good to the
surrounding farmers who have access to it.
Its present officers are Ben Drawver. chairman; R. Ilaldeman
and John Barry, supervisors; Eld. Abbott, clerk; Sam AVruck,
treasurer; Fred Schumacher, assessor; P. H. Marburger, justice.
Population, 771.
TOWN OF SPARTA.
Closely connected with the history of the city of Sparta is that
of the town, for it Avas all one at the beginning, and the settlers
who came in and took up land at the point and vieinity of where
the city now stands Avere the earliest settlers of the town of
Sparta, notably the Petit boys, wdio first settled somewhere near
Castle Rock, Rev. Walrath, J. D. Damman, A. H. Blake and the
score or more of others, who are so fully mentioned in the chapter
devoted to the city.
There are many who came in during the later fifties and early
sixties, and to give a complete list of .them would be a task,
indeed ; among them, however, may be mentioned Palmer Austin,
who was an early settler in the fifties; A. P. Payne, also E. II.
Eddy in 1854, and C. E. Peek. :\rr. :\Ie:\Iann and Josiah Tueker
in the same year; 0. M. Shattuek, 1856; John Ilutson, Sr.. and Sol
Ilutson, who settled in Big Creek in 1855 or 1856. Among those
who came later were Peter Frye, Russell Brownell, John AYinters,
Henry Esch, Lansom Parks and R. 11. Rogers.
The town of Sparta has prospered amazingly since the earlier
days and its assessed valuation in 1011 reached the enormous sum
of !|<1,016,526 and its equalized valuation $1,272,900; and among
the towns in the county which have pushed tlie good roads move-
ment this town has been the pioneer. In fact, the efforts nmde
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 535
by the town in this direction called itself to the attention of
the state anthorities and undoubtedly was one of the moving
causes to the extensive plans for the improvement of country
roads everywhere in the state, and to it, Chairman Aug Sehlaver,
now deceased, was due great credit for inaugurating it.
The town was originally organized October 8, 1854, by a reso-
lution of the county board and was one of the first five towns into
which the county was divided after the organization of it. An
election was held the following spring in which a full complement
of town officers w^as elected, the town board continuing to admin-
ister the municipal affairs of the entire territory within the limits,
including the so-called village until the latter was incorporated
and became a separate municipality, as lias been elsewhere
related.
The present officers of the town are J. P. Johnson, chairman;
Evan Humphrey and J. T. "VVillgrubs, supervisors ; A. J. Frye,
clerk ; W. P. Bamber, treasurer ; Gothern Liddle, assessor. The
population of the town, according to the census of 1910, was 1,504.
TOWN OF TOMAH.
Containing within its limits, as it did, from the earliest day
the village of Tomah, the history of this town naturally is merged
in that of the village; for it w&s here that the earlier settlers
located and right around the territory of the village were built
the first farm buildings of any kind and the first land was taken
up for farms, so that the history of the city of Tomah is practi-
cally that of the Avhole township, except, of course, the develop-
ment of the farming communities.
The town was organized by a resolution of the county board on
November 13, 1856, with a provision for the election of officers
on the first Tuesday in April folloAving; the village then being a
part of the toAvn, participated in the election which was held at
the house of John Sexton; John G. Staysa was elected chairman;
supervisors. Benjamin ]\Iel and C. A. Adams; clerk, Harvey Bush,
and treasurer, Alden Cremer.
The early settlement of the town outside of the village was
quite rapid, many coming in during the early fifties ; among them
were many names which are today familiar not only to the older
residents, but to the present generation through their descend-
ants. D. R. ]\Ieloy, who afterwards moved into the village and
became a justice of the peace, came into the town in 1854, took up
some land and went to farming; Charles Gilson, for so many years
one of the most respected citizens of Tomah, came in ]\Iay, 1854,
536 HISTORY OF .MOXKOE COUNTY
took land near tlie village. Avlii<li lie developed into the old
Gilsoii farm, still owned in great part by his deseendants. Of
course, Jesse Boorman. who is mentioned in the chapter on the
city; Harvey Bush was an 1854 comer, building the second log
cabin in tlie town, was its tirst town clerk; Alden Cremer came in
1854, and also Isaac English, Avho took up IfiO acres of land and
added to it until lie liad a fine farm of 300 acres, witli a fine frame
dwelling and other buildings ui)on it; George I. Bell, afterwards
in business, came with his parents in 1854, settling in the town.
Among the 1855 settlers was (". A. Adams, who went to farm-
ing; John G. Staysa, also a farmer; .lolin Randall, who developed
the Randall farm: Luther Hill, who settled in the eastern part of
the town with Indians and wildcats as neighbors, but who, with
foresight, selected the farm upon which he and his descendants
have ever since lived.
John Ilinemaii ciniic in 1S57 with his family, among them Hon.
]\Iiles Hineman. whn lias acquired (•onsidi'ra])lc prominence in
the state and is one of IMonroe county's most ])rogressive citizens.
]\Iany others might be nu^ntioned. all of tliem men of the char-
acter of all the early settlers, willing and ready to endure the
hardships incident to opening up a new country, confidently rely-
ing upon the fact that the future would bring forth its fruit, the
result of honest toil, in which they were not disappointed.
At the headAvateis of Coiini il creek in the tov.-n. so it is told,
stood the old couiicil house used liy llic Winuebagoes and
]\IenominiM' Irihcs; witliii: whose walls. b(4'ore the coming of the
white man. doul)t]ess was heard many stii'ring speeches of Indian
eloquence, and it was here, so tradition states, that Tomah. the
great ]\Ienominee chief, gathered his tribe in council.
The developmeni of the toAvn has been similar to that of other
towns of the county, having th(» advantage, lunvevei-. of the near-
ness to a market sui)plied by the village and city: it has fine
farms, good schools and its people are progressive.
Its present oflicei-s are G. ('. Pingel. chairman: (\ ^lartin and
A. Roscovius, supervisors: W. II. Kandall. clerk; Dan Linehan.
treasurer: AVilliam (ivovestein. assessor. Population, 723.
TOWN OF WELLS.
Tlie town of Wells was set ofF in the fall of 1871 and the first
t<»wn meeting held at the home of O. L. Arnold on the second day
of April. 1872. The officeis chosen at this meeting were James
AVc^lIs. chairman; John Seymour and George Kind, supervisors;
J. Ti. Wolcott. clerk; O. I.. .Xiiiold. assessor, and James Ingles,
TOWNSHIP HISTORY 537.
treasurer. At this inei'ting it was voted to liold future town meet-
ing's at tl'.e home of Henry Bauinbaeli, Avhieh was eontiniu'd until
1890, when the })resent town ludl was built.
Among the earlier settlers was Anton Sehulte, still living;
R. E. Lyons. William Thurston, Richard De^^■itt, J. J. Swatzlow,
James A\"ells, Ilosea Nichols, K. "W. Thurston, Ora Dewitt, Frank
Toloek, John J. Smith. Simeon Wells and the Arnold brothers.
The town, being one of the late ones, was comprised in the town
of Leon in its early history. AVhen the resolution was introduced
in the county board to set ott' this town it i)rovided that it should
be called "Charleston," but on motion of Alilton iNIontgomery,
then a meml^er of the board, it was changed to Wells.
The present town ot^cers are C. II. Sehulte, chairman ; Frank
Selbach and John Baumbach, supervisors; D. M. Murphy, clerk;
Mike Ebert, treasurer, and George Brooks, assessor. Popula-
tion, 664.
WELLINGTON.
This town was cut off from the town of Sheldon on November
13, 1856, by resolution of the county board; its early history is
comprised somewhat in that of the town of Sheldon and its rec-
ords have not been available for preparing this article.
Its present officers are A¥illiam Schindler, chairman ; AVilliam
Batzel and Dan Hutchinson, supervisors; Herman Bartz, clerk;
Henry Clair, treasurer, and Frank Clair, assessor. Population,
664.
WILTON.
Wilton was created a town in Oetolter, 1854. at the same* time
that Sparta and Angelo were set off; its history is comprised prin-
cipally^ with that of the early history of the village of Wilton and
its records have not been made available in the preparation of
this article. It has a fine farming country tributary to the village
and ranks high among the towns in the dairy business.
Its present officers are Joe Lincoln, chairman; L. Koehler and
William Raabe, supervisors; T. S. Kudered. clerk; Alex Gnew^i-
kow. treasurer ; George Kudered, assessor, and A. H. Noth, jus-
tice. Population, 816.
At one time there existed in the county a town known as the
town of Eaton, having within its limits a s(>ttlement known as the
village of Eaton ; this town being in the northern part of the
county, was gradually split up in the making of diflf^erent towns,
and finally passed out of existence altogether, the last of its terri-
538 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
tory being attached to the town of Greenfield, as it is no longer in
existence its history is of little importance and will not be entered
into.
TOWN OF SCOTT.
This town was set off from Byron in 1880 ; its first settler was
Andrew Scott, who came there in 1850, followed by William Dodge,
who ])ut up a saw mill. The principal settlement is at Norway
Ridge, surrounding Avhich are large cranberry marshes, which
lias been the principal industry of the town for many years.
Its present officers are Henry Soraers, chairman; John Scott
and Ernest ]\Iiers, supervisors; L. jM. L. Purvianee. clerk: Chris
Nelson, treasurer; L. L. Cook, assessor, and AV. ]M. Hunt ;iiid
AVilliam Gray, justices. Population, 180.
CHAPTER LII.
SPARTA WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
BY ELIZABETH S. DUNN.
The mothers of Sparta caught the vibrating current from the
crusade spirit emanating from Hillsboro, Ohio, in 1875, and tra-
dition says Miss Francis E. AVillard gave an address in the Metho-
dist Episcopal Churcli and organized the union; Mrs. Gorman,
wife of the pastor of the Baptist Church, was chosen president ;
Mrs. Hoyt, Mrs. Allis, Mrs. Ady, Mrs. Dr. Millegan, Mrs. Hage-
man Palmer, Mrs. Wolcott and Mrs. C. M. Foster were charter
members, besides others whose names I have not learned. The
early record was not preserved, therefore a correct history of the
beginnings that perfected a firm foundation for reform work can-
not be given.
AVe are told that the early work was conducted along the lines
of the original crusade, which had its birth at Hillsboro, Ohio,
December 23, 1874. These consecrated women, led by Mrs.
Gorman, met in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and after a
session of prayer, marched sixty strong and prayed and sang in
front of the saloons.
The union entertained the state convention in the fall of 1882 ;
the sessions were held in the old Baptist Church. Mrs. D. T.
Hoyt was president, Mrs. R. S. Baldwin, Mrs. D. C. Beebe, Mrs.
M. A. "Wilson and Mrs. Dunlevy were among the helpers. The
writer became a member at this convention.
Mrs. M. A. Wilson, Mrs. Sarah B. Dunle\y and Mrs. A. M.
Pilcher served as presidents from 1883 to 1889. During Mrs.
Wilson's administration a flourishing Y. W^. C. T. U. was organ-
ized, with Mary Foote as president and Belle Ady as treasurer,
also a Loyal Temperance Legion was mothered by the union.
Howard Teasdale gave good service as superintendent, and after
he resigned Mrs. Fred Richardson took up the work. This most
essential part of the work was given up for want of a leader in
the existing organizations for children.
Mrs. Pilcher resigned in the fall of 1889 and Mrs. Cornelia M.
Foster volunteered to fill the unexpired term. In the spring of
539
540 lllSTOKY OF .MOXKOK lULXTY
J 890 she received a iinaiiiinuus call to the ])residency, and for
eleven years, until lilOl, she was i-e-elected annually by the wishes
and votes of all. These were years in which tiie society exercised
large intlueuce and enjoyed signal prosperity. In January. 1890,
she inaugnrated the annual thaidv-otfering meeting, entertaining
the AVhite Kibbons at her home. At these social functions national
and state oilficers were invited; they came, bringing messages
from workers of national repute; the money received was used to
carry on the work. Mr.>. Foster a(loi)te(l -lohn \V<'sley's motto
for the union's guitje lo adivity. to "Do all the good you can.
to all the i)eoi)le you can. in all llic ways you can. and just as
long as you can." Taking up the following departnu'uts of work :
Kvangc^listic. mother's meetings, franchise, Hower mission, litera-
ture, jiarlianuMitary usage. i)ress, jail and almshouse work, scien-
tific temperance instruction in schools, Sabbath observance, social
purity, lumberman's work, narcotics, soldiers and sailors. A
superintendent was api)ointi'(l to take charge of each department,
several of these departments of work having been adopted in the
early history of the union. (The national carried on forty depart-
ments of work, each local union adoi)ts as numy as can be made
useful.)
The union was a prominent factor in the campaign in 1892
and 1893 that secured no license f<u- Sparta. Days of fasting and
])rayer Avere frequent, relying on the all wise Father for wisdom
and strength to "Wage our peaceful war against evil."
In 1892 ]Mrs. Foster conceived the idea of having the union
present a drinking fountain to the city; many devices were car-
ried out that called for sacritice to raise the required sum to buy
the fountain: Avheu it was secured, a committee Avas sent to a
council meeting to present it to the city fathers, and instead of
giving encouragement to ou.r plans they refused to aci^ept it ; their
excuse was it would be in the way on Water street. Their refusal
was a keen disappointment to the brave women wiio had made
the blessing to the city jiossible. Proving that "Where there is
n will there is a wa.w'' ]\Irs. Foster said, "Let us buy a property
and put the fountain on it.'' On ^lay 27. 1892, the property on
Water street was bought and llu' l)uilding used as a saloon was
transferred into W. (". T. l'. rooms ami dedicated to tcMuperance
Mork October 9, 1892. An artesian well was cVilled and the foun-
tain put in place as it is today, and its liberal usi^ testifies to its
need.
The following winter ^Irs. Foster made an agreement with her
arinv of niiu'ty to serve luncheons to farmers Avho came with their
WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEIMEPRANCE UNION 541
loads to the city; we went bv twos each inoi-niiii? to tlu> AV. C.
T. U. rooms with baskets of sanchviches and doughnuts, coffee
■and cream, until all had been served.
Attaining towards greater possil)ilities in temperance work, Mrs.
Foster, ]\Irs. AVilson. Emily Garrett and Mrs. AVolcott, as leaders
in the niovenu^nt, conceived the idea of building a temple to take
the place of the converted saloon, and as if by magic the struc-
ture materialized. The building was erected and dedicated in
June 1895 to temperance reform work, to be known as the
W. C. T. U. Temple of Sparta.
]\Irs. Foster's ability as a leader and organizer caused the
AV. C. T. U. of Sparta to become one of the banner unions of the
state, both in UK^nbership and methods of work. In May, 1899,
the union entertained the state convention, meetings being held
in the armory. As a reminder of the union's popularity at that
time I quote from Dr. CVawford's address of welcome, "The
present membership is about one hundred and fifty and it is a
■growing membership. It comprises some of the best women of
the city. In this society may be found piety, cultivation, tact,
social influence, business al)ility and practical poAver. "
Tlie Eau Claire Home for Unfortunate Girls appealed to the
hearts of many of the union and it was given loyal support while
it existed.
Airs. Foster resigned the presidency in Alarch, 1901, on account
of failing liealth, and Airs. AVilson, the vice president, acted as
president until the annual election Alarch 22, 1901, when she was
advanced to the president's chair, serving until December 22,
1901, when she resigned by letter. The office was not filled until
the election in Alarch, 1902, at which Airs. Prill was elected; she
served two terms, being re-elected in 1908, and in Alarch, 1904,
Elizabeth S. Dunn was chosen to that office, which she still fills.
AVith the passing years, noted changes have taken place, con-
ducive to lessening the union's power for advancement and many
of the true and tried have been promoted — Airs. Alae Richardson,
Airs. Foster, Airs. Emily Garrett Foster, Airs. Hoyt, Airs. Sarles,
Airs. Ady and many others, besides those who have moved
from us. The formation of many clubs has reduced our member-
ship ; the ministers of churches nor their wives of the later years
have co-operated with us as in Dr. and Airs. Crawford's time.
But through the inevitable changes we have endeavored to main-
tain the principles for which this organization was called into
existence, the betterment of humanity ; keeping the fires of inter-
est burning in the different departments of work. A calender con-
542 HISTORY OF :\10XRO?: COT'XTY
taining topics for eaeli meeting is adopted eaeli year. Frequent
visits to tlie county alinsliouse and asylum are made holding a
service of song. AVe are active in fifteen lines of work. This year
tlie franchise department undo- tlie supervision of ]\Iiss Belle
Ady, is considered the most important.
This year, 1912, marks the receiving of a legacy of $1,630 left
the union by Kmily Oarrett Foster, who loved the AV. C. T. U.
Temple and made j)ossible the perpetuation of a "Avoman's build-
ing," which stands as a monument to her memory. Though taken
from us, she still lives in the hearts of the AVhite Ribbon sister-
hood. The present membership is between fifty and sixty; Mrs.
E. S. Dunn has served as president since 1904.
We are glad we have a part in the largest organization in the
world of women, Avaging our peaceful war (our weapons are agi-
tation, education and converting public sentiment) against the
greatest home destroyer, soul destroyer and vice creator in the
world, the legalized liquor traffic, and Ave Avill not be justified in
disbanding "until the last Avhiskey bottle comes off the medicine
shelf; Avhen the last saloon is closed; AA^hen ti>e last church meni-
l)('r has signed a dramshop petition ; Avhen the last boy has quit
drinking beer; then the temperance people can sit doAvn and rest,
until then our Avork is not done in the AVoman's Christian Tem-
perance Union.
CHAPTER LIII.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES.
BY REV. OTTO ENGEL.
ST. JOHN'S, TOWN OF RIDGEVILLE.
The earliest settlers of this portion of Monroe county, for-
merly called "Dividing- Ridge," were Lutheran peasants from
Jefferson county. In 1855 Gottlieb Gnewikow, William Albrecht,
Ferdinand Vincenz, Carl Fuerbringer and Henry Vieth appeared
on the ground. Daniel Zellmer, Gottfried Kewitt, ]Michael Zielke,
Daniel Raedel and Louis IMatthes followed during the subsequent
year. But it was not until the arrival of Mr. AVilliani Waegner in
September, 1860, that efforts were made to gather the scattered
Lutherans into a congregation. AVith indomitable energy he
canvassed the neighboring country and called a meeting for the
tenth of IMarch, 1862. Fifteen persons heeded the call. Regular
services were now conducted under the leadership of Mr. Waeg-
ner, who read from Hof acker's sermon book. April 1, 1862, a
permanent organization was established. A congregational con-,
stitution was at once adopted for the government of the infant
society, which was subscribed by twenty-five men, heads of fami-
lies, as uniting in the organization of this church. Their names
were AYilliam Waegner, Christian Richert, Frederic Gnewikow,
Daniel Zellmer, Christoph Eckelberg, John Bartels, Daniel Raedel,
Meinhardt Gnewikow, Ludwig Kuthlow, Christoph Hoffman,
Christian Libke, William Albrecht. August Koellner, Gottfried
Kewitt, Frederic Eckelberg, Christian Helmke, ' Asmus Holz,
David Kortbein, Christian JMueller. Carl Mueller, Joachim ]\Ietel-
mann, John Schultz, Gottlieb Kuehl, Herman Horstmann, Chris-
tian Marten. The following were chosen as the first officers:
AVilliam AVaegner, Frederic Gnewikow, Christian Richert, John
Bartels and Daniel Zellmer. At the same tiiiic the congregation
was incorporated under the incorporate title, "The Evangelical
Lutheran St. John's Church." After due deliberation a commu-
nication was sent to Senior J. Muehlhaeuser, founder and first
president of the Wisconsin Synod, applying for a pastor. As a
543
544 HISTORY OF .MOXKOE COLXTY
consequence, Rev. ^Michael Ewert, the nearest Lutheran i)astor,
having his home at Burr Oak. was instructed to provide this faith-
ful band with the means of grace. lie was received with great
joy when he preaclieil the first Lutheran sermon in ]\Ionroe county
on the fifteenth of ]\Iay. ]8()2, at the district school house No. 1,
in the present town of Ridgevillc He promised to preach at least
once in eight weeks, receiving for every round trip of sixty miles
.^8.00 in casli. The Lord's Su])p('i- was administered for the first
time on the eighteenth of May to thirty-four communicants. Dur-
ing his time a suitable place of worsliip was erected, a log iiouse,
20 l)y 'A2 feet. In -Tune, ]8fi2, after the congregation had pre-
viously been admitted to the Wisconsin Synod, the new church
was dedicated with solenni ceremony, tlie Jxrv. F. AV. Hass from
]\Iormon ("ooley assisting.
Rev. ^Michael Kwert, the first minister who preached tlie word
to the oldest Lutheran settlement in .Monroe county, was born at
Radschief, Province of Posen, Germany, February 18, 1812. After
receiving his preliminary education in the parochial schools of his
native village, he entered the Teachers' Institute at Brond)erg. In
1856 he crossed the ocean and came to AVisconsin. wliere he was
called upon to preach to the pastorless peo])le of Golden Lake.
AVaukesha county, connecting himself with the Frankeau Synod.
By reconnnendation of Pastor Muehlhaeuser, he was ordained
for the gospel ministry in October, 1861, therewith becoming a
member of the "Wisconsin Synod. In the same year he accepted a
vocation to the "jMemminger ("hurch" at Burr Oak, resigning his
pastorate at Cedar Creek and Richfield, "Waukesha county, shortly
after Christmas. He died January 10, 1888, and is buried in tl'tc
cemetery at Ox Boav, Jackson county.
Througli the instrumentality of Dr. Ed. Aloldehnke. wlu) had
previously, in June, 1863, preached at Ridgeville while on his
missionary expeditions, the Rev. John A. lloyer Avas connnis-
sioned to become the first resident Lutheran nunister in ]\Iouroe
county. He arrived August 25, 1865, and delivered his first ser-
mon on the following Sniiday. His ordination was performed by
"W. Dammann, of Milwaukee, on llu^ nineteenth Sunday after
Trinity. A parsonage was built for liim in tlie spring of the
following year. Rev. Hoyer labored with great zenl. ]u-eaching
not only at Ridgeville, but also at Clifton, where he had organized
a congregation during the first year of liis ministry, until he
received and accepted a call to Eldorado, AVi.-; . October 27, 1867.
During the ensuing interim of seven months Air. AVaegner con-
ducted services. May 20, 1868, the Rev. Ludwig P^bert was unani-
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES 545
moiisly called from Portland, Houston county, jMinnesota, where
he had rendered service to a number of German Lutheran congre-
gations. He founded a church at South Ridge and erected a house
of worship at Clifton, whereupon he departed from Ridgeville
April 9, 1871, in order to return to the fatherland, accepting a
position as teacher in a gymnasium.
April 10, 1871, the Rev. Albert F. Siegler, a native of Wollin,
Pomerania, Germany, and first student under Dr. Moldehnke in
the College at AVatertown, AA^is., was invited to take charge of
the church. He accepted the invitation, and entered upon his
work April 26, 1871, preaching his first sermon from the Gospel
of the Good Shepherd. His installation followed on Pentecost
Monday, May 29, Rev. C. G. Reim, La Crosse, AVis., officiating.
During his pastorate the congregation grew too large to be accom-
modated in the old log church, and consequently it was decided
to erect the second house of w^orship, a frame building, 54 by 32,
spire 75 feet, with altar niche and sancristy, at a cost of $3,000.
Mr. H. L. Scherr and E. Brauer were the contractors. In Feb-
ruary, 1874, the completed building was set apart to the worship
of God, the pastor loci conducting the official ceremony. A church
strife, into which the congregation was precipitated by the
Reformed members, while the building was in progress, ended in
the withdrawal of thirteen families and the formation of Salem's
Church, October 17, 1873, which became extinct in 1890. Rev.
Siegler 's career of this and fourteen other congregations and
preaching places came to a close when he was called to Ixonia,
AVis., July 17, 1877.
July 24, 1877, the Rev. Erdman A. Pankow, whose father
immigrated to Lebanon, Dodge county, with the so-called old
Lutherans of Pomerania and Brandenburg in 1843, was called to
the pastorate. He accepted and commenced his labors October 14,
being installed by Rev. C. G. Reim of La Crosse, AVis. This rev-
erend gentleman held the office of pastor of St. John's at Ridge-
ville. St. Paul's at Tomah and St. Jacob's at Norwalk four years,
when he was obliged to give notice to this congregation that on
account of ill health he would have to sever his connection with
this pastorate September 18, 1881.
AVhen Rev. Pankow removed to St. Louis, IMo., the services of
Pastor Andrew Schroedel was procured September 18, 1881.
After due deliberation he commenced his labors in December,
when he was formally installed by Rev. J. Badke of Dorset Ridge.
Shortly after his arrival the first bells were hung in the steeple.
The first mission festival was celebrated September 20, 1885. At
546 IllSTOKY OF MONROE COUNTY
a eoiigregatioiial meeting held June 2, 1889, it was resolved to
ereet a new i)arsonage on a recently purchased lot, whereupon
AVilliani Zelhner, P'red Gnewikow and Henry Schlinz were
appointed a building committee to carry out the design of the
congregation. Accordingly, November 25, 1889, a contract was
entered into with Charles Prehn of Portage, AVis., for the erection
of a frame building, for the sum of $1,050. But before the com-
pletion of the parsonage, October 28, the Rev. Schroedel asked
for an honorary dismissal, having received a call to AVatertown
as i)rofessor. This was granted November 25, 1889.
December 29, 1889, the Rev. Christian F. C. Koehler from East
Farnungton, Polk county, AYisconsin, was chosen to fill the pulpit.
He entered upon the duties of his office on the twentj^-second of
February, 1890, being installed by Professor Schroedel. Upon
his instigation a special meeting was called on March 7, 1892, for
the purpose of devising plans for a new school house, 22 by 36.
On March 13 the congregation took title to a plot of ground com-
prising two acres, purchasing the same from ^Martin Achtenberg,
for a consideration of $275. AYilliam ]\Iatthes was given the con-
tract and finished the work in November. Rev. Koehler 's min-
istry lasted until June 4, 1899. when he was compelled to resign,
being stricken with a hemorrhage. He removed to AYhite Bear.
Minn., and soon after died, October 11, 1900.
Rev. George AVashington Albrecht was tl'c next pastor. He
entered upon his clerical duties July 26, 1899, and was introduced
to his congregation the following Sunday l)y Prof. Jul. Gamm.
The membership soon became too great to accommodate the
crowds. A larger ])uilding became imperative. It was, therefore,
decided to erect a brick structure, 45 by 65, siltar niche 16 by 20.
tower 110 feet high. Plans sketched by Schick and Harrison of
LaCrosse, AYis., were ai)prov(Ml. and the contract let to Ernest
Daherr. of Tomah. AYis., .May 14. 1900. tlie excavation Avas begun
willi. The cornel' stone was laid with ini]^ressive services on hte
twenty-second of July, the Rev. Pi-of. A. F. Ernest of AYatertown,
AYis., preaching frdiii Romans 8:31-32 and 1 Corinthians 3:11-12.
The new church was formally dedicated to Almighty God on Jan-
uary 20, 1901. 1lie Rev. Phil von Rohr, jiresident of synod; Rev.
J. Gamm, iirofessor at Watertown. AYis., and Rev. A. F. Siegler.
])astor at AVauwatosa. AYis., conducting the services of consecra-
tion. The Rev. Albrecht continued in faithful service in tlie con-
gregation until December 1, 1907, when he received permission to
move to Osceola, AVis. He died May 14. 1910.
P'ebruary 1. 1908, Rev. Ewald Herrmanns' faithful and
EVANGELICAL LUTIIEKAN CHURCHES 547
iiiiliapi)y i)astorate of two years began, lie eanie to this charge
from the Deerfield and Newville congregations, near Waterloo,
Wis., where he had labored since 1904. His resignation was
accepted March 7, 1910, whereupon he removed to Regina,
Saskatchewan, Canada.
The present incumbent is the Rev. August C. Stock, wdio has
labored with diligence and acceptability since June 19, 1910. Dur-
ing his nunistry a pipe organ was purchased for $2,000. The
golden jubilee of the congregation was celebrated June 2, 1912,
the Revs. E. A. Pankow, A. F. Siegier, 0. Kulow and Prof. J.
Schaller delivering sermons. Extensive rebuilding and beautify-
ing of the parsonage have taken place lately at a cost of about
$1,600.
The membership of the church is represented by one hundred
and thirty-six families. The present officers are Fred Gnewikow,
president ; William Lange, secretary ; Aug. Kewitt, treasurer •
William Sommerfeld, F. Fuchs, Aug. IMartin, elders. The prop-
erty owned by the congregation is estimated at $20,000. In con-
nection with the church is a congregational school with about
forty-five in attendance. A Ladies' Aid Society is in flourishing
condition. A very able church choir is under the direction of the
present pastor. The "Gemeinde-Blatt" is read by thirty-two
members. Rev. Leo Kirst and Rev. Arnold Schulz have entered
the gospel ministry from this congregation.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH OF TOMAH.
By Rev. J. G. Glaeser.
As near as can be ascertained at present writing, the first
regular sermon was preached in Tomah by the Rev. A. F. Siegier,
the resident Lutheran minister of St. John's Church of the towai
of Ridgeville, Monroe county, Wisconsin, oji Monday follow^ing
Easter Sunday, in the year 1872. The services were held in the
home of William Fieting. Christians of Lutheran faith residing
in Tomah and vicinity had prior to the date given occasionally
assembled in private homes, having one from their midst to read
a sermon. As shown by the early records, once before the men-
tioned date the Rev. Ebert of Ridgeville delivered a sermon in
Tomah at a special occasion. Regular services were inaugurated
by the said Rev. A. F. Siegier in 1872. Services were held every
four weeks in the private homes of Lutherans in Tomah. In those
days the homes of the people were mostly small. Much incon-
venience w^as soon experienced to accommodate the worshippers.
548 IIISTUKY OF .MONROE COUNTY
So the thought to provide for a more siiital)k' jilaee to assemble, if
such eoukl be had, became dominant. In the fall of 1873 an
agreement was made by the Jaitherans of Tomah with the Con-
gregational Church Society of said village by which the Lutherans
should have the use of their church every fonrtli Sunday in the
afternoon. ^Misunderstandings over prosperity urgently de-
manded to organize as a church body and seek an own churcli
home at an early date. At a congregational meeting July 26,
3874. articles of incorporation were drafted, agreed to and tli"
same received and fih'd liy the register at the court house in
Si)arta on August 18, 1874. The society is known under the incor-
porate name, German Evangelical Lutheran, St. Paul's Church of
Tomah, AVis. The constitution of the society sets forth that the
Holy Scriptures shall be source, norm and rule of doctrine and
Christian life, that the Book of Concord, the volume containing
the General and the Lutheran confessions of faith, shall be the
true manifestation of faith as the same is propagated by this
chin-ch. Aside from the doctrine question, the object of organ-
izing, the aims, the Avork of the organization, the requisites of
membership, etc., are defined. The names of the charter members,
seventeen in number, may find place in the history of the church,
to wit: E. Daher, "William Fieting, Aug. Scholz, Carl Kuppcr.
Louis Schnlz, Fred Helmke, L. Frieske, Fr. Maas, Dav. Martin,
Ad. Koehn, Fred Schmidt, Fr. Duwe, Fr. Lueck, Alb. Bongers.
Jul. Lueck, Ferd. Krueger and Rud. Roscovius. The statistics on
the day of organization give seventeen voting members, forty-
four communicant members, ninety-three souls.
Lnmediately after organizing Karl Grutke was taken in as
voting member, making eighteen in all, and the first board of
trustees was elected, a l)ody of three in the early days of the
church, which has been changed later to six. The first board of
trustees were Karl Grutke, David ^Martin and Lud. Frieske. The
financial powers of the members of St. Paul's Church was very
limited in the early days of its existence, but the trust in God
gave the small congregation courage to vote to purchase suitable
ground for a church building. Two lots on North Superior ave-
nue, 50 by 150 each, Avere purchased. Consideration, $180.00. At
a meeting September 26, 1875, the congregation decided to erect
a church edifice on their lots. Tlic building 1o be 24 x 36 x 12, of
frame construction. The construction work was at once taken
up and the first church building of the congregation Avas soon
completed. On December 26, 1875, the new church Avas dedicated.
The entire cost of same Avas $600. The building is to this day
EVANGP]LICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES 549
occupied by the congregation, it being a part of its parochial
school building.
St. Paul's Lutheran congregation of Tomali has always known
the duty of Christian congregations toward the rising genera-
tions in their midst and has made provisions for Christian train-
ing of the children of its members, as circumstances demanded. In
the early days of the congregation, when the members were few
and poor at that, they could not see their way clear to provide a
regular day school, so they did the next best thing, giving the
children a Sunday school. But a Sunday school could not suffice,
where the young should learn to know the Savior well and where
god-fearing men and women should be trained, who could serve
God, country and fellowman aright. So the congregation decided
at a meeting December 26, 1877. to furnish a winter term of four
months' daily schooling to the children of the church members.
Mr. E. Daher was engaged to teach the four months' term of
1877-1878. Re-engaged the succeeding terms to 1881. October
9, 1881, the congregation voted to call its first regular teacher
and organize a full day school of nine and one-half to ten months
a year. Mr. Kahlfass was called at the meeting above stated. He
accepted the call and taught for one and one-half years. A school
board was elected February 5, 1882, by the congregation. The
members of the first school board were William Fieting, Ernst
Daher and Fr. Helmke.
The parochial school had come to stay. The first teacher, on
his resignation, was succeeded by Messrs. Jul. Bittner and Ad.
Stolz. Thus the things were done by the congregation to rear
the young in the admonition unto the Lord, as circumstances and
ability of th(^ church of Tomah could possibly afford.
One live question of the congregation yet was unsolved, the
provision of an own resident minister. True, the pastor of St.
John's Church of Ridgeville, the Rev. A. F. Siegler, and his suc-
cessors, the Revs. E. Pankow and A. Schroed<^I, did all their time
and ability permitted to provide for the spiritual wants of the
Tomah Lutheran Church. The growing congregation in Tomah
demanded its own resident minister..
At the congregational meeting April 6, 1884, it was voted to
call a minister. Mr. John Jenny was elected to fill the pulpit of
St. Paul in Tomah. Mr. Jenny, at present pastor of St. James*
Lutheran Church of Milwaukee, is a graduate of Northwestern
College of Watertown, Wis., graduating from the Lutheran Sem-
inary of ]\Iilwaukee in June, 1884. The Rev. Jenny accepted thf
550 HISTORY OF :\10XROE COUNTY
call to Toniali in 1884 and was installed pastor of St. Paul's
Lutheran Church of Tomali in the fall of the year given.
Pastorate of the Rev. J. Jenny, 1884-1892.
The congregation now had its own resident minister. The
next step to be taken was to provide a parsonage for the congre-
gation. After considering several locations for same it was
decided, January liO, 1886, to accept an otter of the lot, 50x150,
adjoining the cinircli projx'rty on the south. Avith a small cottage
thereon, consideration being $900. Tlic Rev. Jenny had taken
unto himself the ministerial work as well as the school work, the
congregation l)eing too weak then to support a minister and a
teacher. But soon the Lutheran congregation of Sparta pe-
titioned the Tomah congregation to i)ermit tlieir pastor to till tiic
pulpit of theii- small church also. The petition was granted De-
cember 26, 1887, and the Rev. J. Jenny became pastor of the
circuit — Tomah, Sparta and town of Lincoln,, Zeeda and (Jood-
year. The ministerial Avork thus plentiful left no. or not sufficient.
time to the minister to properly care for the school. So a
parochial teacher was again called by the congregation. ]\Ir.
Phil Gruetzmacher took charge.
The congregation had grown to number fifty-nine voting mem-
bers January 1, 1889. A larger church edifice became a pressing
need. At a meeting August 25, 1889, the congregation voted to
build a neAv church, which church building, by a decision arrived
at in special meeting December 1, 1889, should atford a seating
capacity of 350 and be of frame with brick veneer construction.
The contract of erection was awarded to E. A. Daher of Tomah
for $3,585 on February 15, 1890. On June 8, the basement com-
plete, the corner stone was laid. Prof. E. Xotz of the Lutheran
Seminary of IMilwaukee assisting the pastor in the act, preached
the sermon. On the twelfth day of Octol)er. 1890, the church
Avas dedicated. The Revs. IL Vogel, F. Stromer and C. Gansewitz
doing service to an elated congregation by speaking Avords to the
honor of God, Avho had made Avilling liearts and open hands to
erect a structure of the kind. The ])astor read the dedicatory
praj^er. The dimensions of the church edifice, stately Ihon. Avere
38x56xl(i. Avith toAver 104 feet and altar niche and sancristy.
The total costs Avere $4,493.92.
At a special meeting September 19. 1892, the pastor AA'as given
an honorable dismissal from his duties in order to accept a call
to Dnluth, ]\liun.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES 551
PASTORATE OF THE REV. G. E. BERGEMANN, NOVEMBER
1, 1892— NOVEMBER 30, 1899.
Rev. G. E. Bergemami, of Bay City, Midi., was called to fill
the pulpit of St. Paul's Lutheran church, of Tomah, vacated by
Rev. J. Jenny. Rev. Bergemann accepted the call and took
charge of his work in Tomah November 1, 1892. The Rev. Berge-
mann is at present pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran church, of
Fond du Lac, AVis. He holds the office of president of the
Evangelical Lutheran synods of AVisconsin. A. 0. States is ex-
officio member of various boards of said synod. The Rev. Berge-
mann is a graduate of Northwestern college, of Watertown, '85,
graduating from Lutheran seminary in June, 1887.
In the parochial school of Tomah congregation Mr. Gruetz-
macher having resigned as teacher ]\Ir. Brann succeeded him in
November, 1892. Mr. Otto Borchert took charge of the school
in the spring of '9.3, resigning his position in January, 1899.
Mr. Chas. F. Brenner was given the school the same year.
In 1896 the parsonage was altered — -enlarged at an expense
of $700.00. During Rev. Bergemann 's pastorate the church's
indebtedness was reduced to -$500.00. In the year 1899 the con-
gregation celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of its exist-
ence, commemorating the day by placing a ncAv pipe organ in
their church at a cost of $785.00. August 20 was the day desig-
nated to mark the twenty-fifth mile-stone. Services were held
in the forenoon, afternoon and evening, the speakers being the
Revs. J. Jenny and G. E. Bergemann. Church census figures on
the day were given out, 126 voting members, 437 communicant
members — 682 souls. The Rev. G. E. Bergemann soon thereafter
accepted a call to St. Peter's Lutheran church, of Fond du Lac,
leaving his Tomah charge the first days in December, 1899.
PASTORATE OF THE REV. J. G. GLAESER, FROM JANU-
ARY 11, 1900, TO PRESENT DATE.
The Rev. J. G. Glaeser, of Naugart, Marathon county, Wis-
consin, was called as pastor by St. Paul's Lutheran church, of
Tomah, to succeed the Rev. G. E. Bergemann. Rev. Glaeser, a
graduate of the Lutheran seminary in December, 1887, ordained
a minister of the gospel in town of Paris, Kenosha county, Wis-
consin, December 26, 1887, accepted the call tendered, arriving in
Tomah, January 11, 1900, taking charge of the work of his ncAV
field at once. The congregation had A'oted December 31, 1899,
to wipe out the entire indebtedness of the society the coming
552 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
year. It was accomplished. In the general meeting of December
27, 1900, the congregation decided to purchase a peal of tAvo
bells from ]\Ienerly Bell Foundry for $740.00. The money was
raised within ten days by subscription ])y the meml)ers. The
location of the school house along side the alley back of the church
was unsatisfactory from every point of A'iew. So the congrega-
tion elected a committee lo find a suitable location for their
school. Of the several locations offered the congregation de-
cided to purchase the lot, 50x150, north of ihe church property,
owned by Mrs. A. i'techl, for !l>l,500.00. The dwelling on same
was sold by the church for .^500.00. It was planned to move the
school building on the lot, to add a new part, 12x26, same height
and form of architecture to building, and put a high basement
under entire building (26x52) for class room purposes. The plan
was realized and improvements made as planned, costing closely
to $8,000.00, of which sum one-half was paid at once, the balance
the year following. The teacher resigned in June, li)02. The
school year 1902-1903 was filled by Theo. Kadert, a student of
New Ulm Seminary for Teachers. In September, 1903. Teacher
Emil Reim took charge of the congregation's parochial school.
The school had by a vote of the members taken July 12, 1903,
been made an institution of two class rooms. Mr. Reim was
chosen as principal and teacher of the I room, and ]Miss Ella
Birr taught the lower grades from 1903-1906, ]\[iss Anna AVolflP,
1906-1911. In September, 3911, iMiss Frances Glaeser took charge
of room II of the school. ]\Ir. Alex. Jaeger succeeded ]Mr. Reim,
who A^acated liis position in June, 1908, accepting a call as
principal to Tlustisford. Wis. On January 1, 1912, the school
register showed ninety-three scholars; fifty-one were in the first
room, with Alex. Jaeger as teacher; fni't>'-two in the lower
grades, wilh Frances Glaeser as teachei-.
The church membership had grown so that the l)uikling
could no longer house the congregation. The question : What
can be done to furnish more room for assemblies on the days of
public worship? became i)ressing. It was decided to have the
architect firm of Schick & Roth look into the cost of remodeling
and enlarging the church edifice if possible. ^Ir. Scliidv. looking
over the groui;d, liuilding, and inquiring how the congregation
thought to ace()mi)lish an enlargement of their church, gave as
his o])inion that an addition suitably large conld well be built.
Sketches were drawn by tlie architects setting fortli the inner
and outward appearance of the remodeled building. August 16,
1908, it was voted I)y the congregation to call upon Schick &
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ("IIURC'IIES 553
Roth, architects, to draw plans and specifications as sketches
liad shown. The plans drawn called for an addition 36x50, with
sacristy and altar-niche of solid brick construction. The base-
ment under addition to afford room for an assembly hall, furnace
room and spacious closets. The old part to receive elevation of
ceiling, new plaster and stucco work, etc. January 26, 1909, the
bids for material and work of erection were opened and awarded
to Mr. Peter Nelson, contractor and builder, of LaCrosse. The
bid was $8,575.00. With the opening of spring work was com-
menced, and no accident or misunderstanding of the parties
concerned marring the progress of work, the building was com-
pleted October 10, 1909. On that day the church was dedicated
in proper manner. The former pastors, J. Jenny and G. E.
Bergemann, were come to rejoice in the Lord with the congre-
gation and preach the Word. The two young ]nen in the ministry
of the Lutheran church gone forth from the Tomah congrega-
tion, the Revs. Arnold Scliulz and Leo Kirst, Avere present and
spoke the Word of Truth to their home church members. The
cost of the addition, remodelling of old pait, new furniture,
electric fixtures and heating plant amounted to $14,000.00, of
which sum $11,000.00 was paid in by the members and friends
on completion of improvements stated. In February. 1909, the
congregation purchased the lot north of their property of Mrs.
Crabb for $1,800.00. The same year, 1909, the city of Tomah put
in brick pavement on Superior avenue, causing St. Paul's
Lutheran congregation an expense of $700.00 as its part of
payment.
The church's property, located on Superior avenue, the
beauty street of the city of Tomah, comprises five lots, each
50x150, a half block excepting the southeast corner lot. On the
lots are to be found a two-room school house, the spacious church
edifice having a seating capacity of 650, and a good-sized parson-
age. January 1, 1912, the following figure-J were given: 196
voting members, 623 communicant members, 1,035 souls.
ST. JOHN'S, SPARTA.
About thirty-seven years ago a few German Lutherans drove
to the town of Ridgeville for the purpose of listening to a
Lutheran sermon and partaking of the Lord's Supper
according to the institution of the Lutheran church.
The pastor at Ridgeville w^as at that time the Rev.
A. F. Siegler. He kindly invited them to his house and
inquired about the religious outlook in Sparta. He subsequently
554 inSTOKY OF .MOXKOE COUNTY
came to Sparta at liis earliest convenience, collected the scat-
tered Lutherans, ijreadicd to thcin. and administered the sacra-
ments. Divine services were lu'ld in ])rivatc houses at irregular
intervals for nuuiy years, until the Kcv. Siegler asked the Sparta
Lutherans to look for the service of some other pastor who could
SU])pl\' 1 ln'iii ol'tciici-.
The iK'xl iniuister who was calh'd upon to ])r('ach the Lord
Jesus ('hrist and administfi- the sacraments was Rev. Henry ('.
Daget'oerde, the tirst laljorer commissioned to Amci-ica by Pastor
Ludwig Harms, founder and soul of the Hei'mannsl)urg Foreign
^Missionary Society. He was stationed at Barre .Mills. LaC'rosse
county, and pleached the gospel to this people until he accepted
a pastorate in Jiloomtield, Wis., in the fall of 1877.
After the resignation of Rev. Dagefoerde the Rev. Louis E.
Junker, pastor of ("hrist Lutheran church, ut J^nrr ()al<. i)rom-
ised to preach tlic word every third Sunday. During his circiun-
spective i)astorship, in 1S80, Sparta Lutherans organized
themselves into a congregation, calling themselves ''St. John's
Evangelical Lutheran Church." The following persons consti-
tuted the organization : August Schlaver. Sr., August Niemasch,
Peter Boelke, ^lichael Lueck. Julius Dellmann, Godfrey Gantke,
Julius jNleseur, August Jaiinke, Julius Pollack. Of these Peter
Boelke, ^Michael Lueck, Julius Pollock and August Jahnke are
still members of tlu^ church. Immediately after the organization
steps were taken to erect a house of worshi]) on a ]»ai'ccl of land
located on ]\Iain street. This frame building served the congre-
gation foi' twenty-two years until it was supplanted by a more
substantial sti-ucture.
After the removal of Rev. Junker the cJuirge was entrusted
to the care of Rev. Phillip Sprengling, a graduate from the Theo-
logical seminary in ^lilwaukee. lie Avas ordained for the minis-
try in May, 18S2. at Burr Oak, the Rev. 1'. Lange officiating.
After five years of untiring and conscientious discharge of duty
he was called to llika. town of Centerville, Manitowoc county,
where he is still laboring with nmrked success.
AVhen this chai'ge Avas vacated l)y the resignation of Rev.
Sprengling the Lutherans of Sparta thought it more expedient
to iniite witli the congregation at Tomah. In 1887 the Rev. John
fJenny, Avhosc i)arents Avere nuMubers of the Swiss colony coming
to Xcw (ilai'us. Ci-een couTity. "Wisconsin, in 1845, entered the
field.
Rev. Jcnn.N' was succeeded 1)\- tlie Rev. G. E. Bergemann, AA'ho
received his theological training from Prof. Dr. Adhoenecke, the
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHLURCllES [)oo
foremost instructor of dogmatics in America. He severed his
connection with this congregation when he accepted a more
prominent pastorate at Fond du Lac, AVis., serving the Wisconsin
synod as vice-president since 1907 and as president since I'JUU.
The subsequent herald of the cross was Rev. John G. Glaeser,
visitor of the Southwestern district of the Mississi[)pi confer-
ence. He came from St. Paul's church in the town of Berlin,
Marathon county, and was installed at Tomah on January 11,
1900.
At the suggestion of Rev. Glaeser Mr. H. W. Schmeling was
called to be pastor of the German Lutheran tlock at Sparta. Ho
was ordained to the office of the ministry July 7. 1901. The
necessity for a more spacious place of worship soon became more
and more apparent. In January, 1902, active measures were
taken for a new church edifice. A lot was procured on Jeff^erson
avenue and L street. 3Ir. Parkimon furnished plans and speci-
fications. The contract was let to Ernest Schmalz and Gustav
Friske. Work on the projected church, 84x40x20, spire 109 feet,
was commenced early in spring and the corner stone was laid
with becoming ceremonies I\lay 4, 1902. On this occasion a ser-
mon was preached by Rev. Rich. Siegler, of Barre Mills. No-'
vember 9, 1902. dedication was held. Rev. G. E. Bergemann.
Fond du Lac, AVis., proclaimed the gospel in the forenoon. Rev.
J. G. Glaeser, Tomah, AVis., conducted the afternoon's service,
and Rev. J. Jenny, Alilwaukee, AVis., delivered an English
address in the evening. In 1905 the congregation celebrated the
twenty-fifth anniversary of its organization by arranging special
services for the 3rd of September, the Revs. F. A. Siegler and
P. Sehroeder officiating. A bell weighing 1,302 pounds was
bought from the famous jNIeneely Company. Troy, N. Y., and in-
stalled on the same occasion. A commodious and convenient
parsonage was purchased in 1907. Following the custom of the
Lutheran church, a parochial school was established in 1903, the
pastor, Rev. Schmeling, conducting the same for five years. In
1908 Aliss Edith Steinke was employed. IMiss Ella Lorenz will
take her place in September, 1912. The average attendance has
been from forty to fifty pupils.
The present congregation consists of 94 families, 350 com-
municants, and 490 souls. The present officers of the church are :
Pastor, Rev. H. AA". Schmeling; president. Alichael Lueck ; secre-
tary. Henry Hoppmann ; treasurer, Hugo Protz ; school director,
Louis Luebcke; teacher. Ella Lorenz; organist, Amelia Jalinke.
556 IIISTOKY OF .MOXKUE COUNTY
Tlie whole value of the church puroperty approximates $1,600,
Kegular P^nglish preaching is given once a month.
ST. JACOB S, NORWALK.
St. Jacob's is an outgrowth of St. John's, at KidgeviHc, the
mother church of eight congregations in ^tonroe county. In
1875 some of its members living in the vcinity of Xorwalk were
inclined to tiiink that the time had ai)proached to hold services
in a somewhat closer proximity to their homes. Accordingly ihey
asked the Rev. A. F. Siegler, pastor at Ridgeville since 1871, to
hold religious services in the village of Xorwalk. Soon after-
wards Rev. Siegler came here and began to labor with intentions
to establish a preaching post. The first meetings were conducted
in the old school house and at Roof's hall. Rev. Siegler remained
with this society two years.
He was succeeded on his departure by the Rev. Erdman A.
PankoAV, at one time professor of ancient languages in Concordia
college, Concordia, ^lo. During his time the congregation Avor-
shiped fortnightly in a wagon shop. Septendjer 18, 1881, the
Rev. Pankow, by reason of continued ill health, Avas compelled
to tender his resignation, much to the regret of his ])arishioners.
The third incuml)ent was the Rev. Andrew Scliroedel. late
president of the Minnesota synod, who was called innnediately
after his predecessor's resignation, assuming his position in De-
cember, 1881. ITnder his skillful guidance. January 30, 1882.
the permanent organization of the society was effected with nine
members. The names of those who participated Avere : Jacol)
Schuele, Gustav Prechcl. AVilliam Schedler. Clii-istian Drawer.
Julius ]\Iittelstaedt, John Arndt. AVilliam Schulz. J. (iurske. At
the same time they Avere incorporated under the prevailing bnvs
of the state, naming themselves "Evangelical Lutheran St. Ja-
cob's Church."' The first trustees Avere : President, AVilliam
Schedler; secretary, Gottlieb Jahnke; treasurer, Jacob Schuele.
A congregational constitution Avas ado])ted and signed by tlie
A'oting members. Febniai'v 12, 1881. the lii'st cliun-h house.
2-4x36, for Avliidi ])i'o\isioiis had bi-en made during Rev. PankoAv's
term, Avas completed and litly dedicated, the loi-al ])astor per-
forming the dedieatoi-y act. and the Rev. J. Badke. from Dorset
Ridiie. assisting. Tlie Luthei-ans of X'orAvalk may. therefore,
.justly asci-il)e to themselves the honor of erecting the first house
of Avorship in tlie village. Rev. Scliroedel supplied this church
until October, 1880, Avhen he accepted a ]irofessorship in the
XorthAvestern T"^niversitA', WatertOAvn, AYis.
EVANGELICAL LLTIIEHAX CHURCHES 557
The next pastor, serving witli great earnestness from 1890-
1899, was the Kev. Christian F. C. Koehler, who previously had
been serving congregations at East Farmington and Osceola,
AVis. The first confirmation took place during his ministry on
April 5, 1891. In June, 1891, this congregation Avas received as
an integral part of the Wisconsin synod, the only German
Lutheran church body represented in Monroe county. Mr. John
Koeninger was the first delegate to synod convened at St. John's
Lutheran church, ]\Llwaukee. June 18-25, 1891. A Sunday school
was established and placed under the management of INIr. Jacob
Schuele and Mrs. J. Koeninger. The Rev. Koehler continued
to perform his duty in the midst of this congregation until he
Avas forced to resign on account of a severe abdominal disease.
He occupied the pulpit for the last time at Burr Oak, on tli(>
occasion of a mission festival, his death taking place four days
later, October 11, 1900, at the parsonage of Rev. Phil von Rohr,
AVinona, Minn.
After Prof. John P. Koehler, instructor of church history and
new testament exegesis in the theological seminary of the p]van-
gelical Lutheran AVisconsin Synod in Milwaukee, had acted as
supply for nearly a whole year, the Rev. George AVashington
Albrecht was appointed to the charge, his installation occurring
on the 30th of July, 1891. He officiated in that capacity until it
was decided by the congregation to become an independent
charge, October 21, 1906.
December 8, 1906, Pastor E. IMayerhoff, who resides at
AA^oncAvoc, AVis., since his retirement from active Avork on account
of infirmities of age, Avas called as vicar. He labored AA'ith this
people until the Rca'. Otto Engel, the present incumbent, Avas
extended a call.
The Rev. Engel, a graduate of Concordia college and the sem-
inary in Mihvaukee, accepted the call after mature deliberation,
and Avas ordained to the office of the ministry by Rca'. Mayerhoff,
August 18, 1907, thus becoming the first resident minister of
any denomination at NorAvalk. Shortly after his arrival an ex-
cellent parsonage Avas erected at a cost of about $2,000. A full
parochial school Avas opened in the fall of the same year, the
pastor acting as teacher four years. The congregation ha\dng
groAvn in the meantime, in the fall of 1909 it Avas decided to build
a ncAv house of Avorship. The l)uilding committee consisted of
Eduard Bergmann, Robert GracAvin and Rudolf Martin. Plans
and specifications Avere furnished by Schick & Roth, LaCrosse
architects. The contract Avas let to J. A. Heilmann on the 15th
558 IlllSTOKY OF .MONROE COUNTY
of February, 11)10, for ^(),280. Five thousand and twenty-six dol-
lars were raised by the pastor to carry on the woik. Tlic corner
stone was laid ]\lay 29, 1910. The services were participated in
by Rev. J. G. Glaeser, Toniali, Wis., and Rev. C. AV. Siegler,
Hanj?or, AVis. The new church was completed in October. It is
a hue brick structure, ."UxliO, beautiful and churchly in all ap-
])ointnu^nts, calculated to comfortably seat 2.10 ])crsons. The
(b'dication services were held OcIoIxt 2:5, Prof. -J. P. Koehler,
^Milwaukee. Wis.; Rev. K. A. Paukow, Caledonia. .Alinn.. and
Rev. A. (". Stock. Ridgevillc. Wis., preaching- dedicatory sermons.
In the construction of the new chui'ch an expenditure of about
j)^10,000 was made. The motto had been: Evei-vthing new for
the new church.
The congregation is composed of forty-fiv(> voting and eleven
contributing niembers. The present officers of the society are:
President, Robert Graewin; secretary, Gusta^- .lanke; treasurer,
Carl Hanisch ; elder, Soren Kastberg. A Sunday school is ably
oonducted by 3Irs. Emma Hornung and Alarie Koepcke, having
an attendance of twenty-two scholars. Connected with the
church there is a Ladies' Aid Society, consisting of twenty-five
active members. The church property is estimated at .tlo.OOO.
About twenty-six copies of the Gemeinde-Blatt and three copies
of the Lutheran AVitness ar-e taken by the congregation. The
salary paid to the pastor at present is .$400. The congregation
possesses its own cemetery. Xorwalk Lutherans have one of the
most beautiful, substantial and commodious church buildings in
]\Ionroe county. The basement of the ehnreli is utilized for
school purposes.
ST. MATTHEW'S, TOWN OF LINCOLN.
The jjutheran families in the town of Lincoln were visited by
the Revs. A. F. Siegler, E. A. Pankow, A. Schroedel, pastors of
St. John's in the town of Ridgevill(\ at irregular intervals, public
services being conducted in ]iiMvate residences. This was ]>rior
to 1880.
When the Rev. .1. .lenny, formerly stationed al iron Cr(>ek,
near ]\Ienomouie, AVis., liecame the first resident Lutlieran min-
ister of Tomah. Sei)teiiiber 28, 1884. lie was c.dled upon to take
charge of the missidu in the town of Lincoln. Regular services
were now held every three or four weeks in the school house on
tlie Rlacdv River road, one and one-half miles north fi-om T\ii-by.
On November 6, 1892, after Rev. -Jeiniy had been appointed
missionary of the mining district near Duluth. ^linn.. th(> Rev.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES 559
G. E. Bergemann, since 1887 pastor of Trinity church at South
Ji.iy ( ity, ]Mich., assumed full charge of his clerical duties at
ToHiali and town of Lincoln. December 16, 1894, a meeting was
held by the mend)ers of the mission in the aforementioned school
house immediately after service for the purpose of organizing a
congregation. A constitution stating name, object and doctrinal
position of the society was drafted and signed by the vofing
members present, December 26, 1894. The organization was
completed by electing the following olBcers : President, Rev. G.
E. Bergemann; secretary, Wm. Hoffmann; treasurer, Wm. Kemp.
The name "Eivangelical Lutheran St. ]\[atthew's Church of the
Town of Lincoln, Monroe County, AVisconsin, " was unanimously
selected.
A call to St. Peter's Lutheran church at Fond du Lac, Wis.,
ended the labors of Rev. Bergemann for this people, December,
1899, and the Rev. J. G. Glaeser was called from Naugart, AVis.,
entering upon his work January 14. 1900. Soon after his ar-
rival a meeting was called to consider the question of building
a church edifice. The congregation voted to purchase an acre
of land from Llenry Severloh, Sr.. located on Black river road,
only a few rods distant from the school house which had served
the congregation for many years. It was decided to erect a build-
ing 26x40 feet, frame, with brick veneer, tower 52 feet high.
The contract was awarded to E. A. Daher, of Tomah, early in
the spring. In ]May the corner stone of the proposed building
Avas laid with customary ceremonies, the local pastor delivering
an appropriate and impressive address. July 1. 1900, the new
church was dedicated to the worship of the Triune God, the
former pastors. Rev. J. Jenny and G. E. Bergemann. upon special
invitation by the congregation, conducting the dedication serv-
ices. The total cost was .^1.600, there being nineteen members
to contribute towards the elimination of the church debt which
remained after the completion of the building. April 4. 1907,
the congregation incorporated under the laws governing religious
societies, the papers being filed at the Courthouse in Sparta, Col.
8, No. 223-224. The first board of trustees of six members w^ere :
Aug. Kemp, Fred Gehrke, AVm. Schroeder, Frank Hoffman, Her-
man Gehrke and AYm. Kastens. In 1911 the congregation had
the interior of the church covered with tasteful metal ceiling, at
a cost of $225.
The membership is twenty-six A-oting, four contributing and
about ninety communicant members. The present church of-
ficers are: Pastor, J. G. Glaeser; trustees, John Zahrte, August
560 HISTORY OF :moxroe county
Kc'inp. Augu;sl iJirkliolz; elders, Win. Ka.stuii!;, IJeniiaii Oehrke,
AVin. Ziininormann.
FRIEDENS CHURCH, TOWN OF LITTLE FALLS.
The tirst iiiiiiister of the gospel who acliuiiiistered the means
of grace among tlie Lutheran families in the town of Little Falls,
fourteen miles north of Sparta, was the Rev. Louis E. Junker, a
self-sacrificing and devout Christian. He came from Burr Oak
valley sixteen miles, where he had been located since 1878, and
preached at irregular intervals in private residences and school
houses. In the spring of 1882 Rev. Junker left this congrega-
tion and went as pastor to Eitzen, ]\Iinn., closing his earthly
pilgrimage December 5, 1910.
After the removal of Rev. Junker the administration of the
sacraments ceased until, through the instrumentality of ^Ir. John
Loesch. a staunch Lutheran who had served Rev. Junker as
driver, the Rev. J. J. ]Mcyer. an unpretending laborer in the
Lord's vineyard, was called upon to look after the spiritual wel-
fare of this people. Rev. ]\Ieyer resided at Burr Oak. and com-
menced to preach the AVord every fourth week in 1890. conduct-
ing divine Avorship with six families in district school house No.
6. the use of which was kindly and gratuitously granted to them
l)y the school board, an offer wliich was accepted with gratitude!
AVhen the little flock was strengthened by the addition of a few
families coming from Irish Valley and Pine Hill, an organization
was effected with sixteen male members in 1896. In the follow-
ing year it was desired to erect a house of worship, ^lessrs. II.
Parlow. AVm. Jahnke and Franic Zillmer Avere appointed as a
building coniniittee. 'lln' new Iraiiic church, 32x42. tower oO
feet, was appropriately dedicated October 2-1, 1897. the Rev.
Meyer preaching. From 1882-1888 this preaching station was
supplied with tlic AVoi'd of God by Rev. Pliillip Sprengling. a
graduate from the seminary at .Milwaukee, who sat at the feet
of Dr. A. L. GraebiH'r. a i'ecogniz(Hl authority on the history of
the Lutheran church in America.
He Avas succeeded by Rev. AVilliam Parisius. Avho was installed
as pastor of Christ's church at Burr Oak. and of Frieden's church
on the 16th of Septend)er, 1900, by the Rev. R. Siegler. But
since the Avork at Burr Oak so occupied the time of Rev. Parisius
that he could not look after the interests of this congregation as
Avell as he Avould like to, he asked them to (-aW upon some other
neighboring minister.
By his recommendation, in the summer of 1902. the serA'ice or
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CIlUKC'llES 561
Eev. n. AV. Sc'limeling, of Sparta, was secured. He preaches
every alternate Sunday in the afternoon, conducting an English
service immediately after the German every month.
The present congregation consists of 45 families, 160 com-
municants and 240 souls. The church officers are : President,
August Brandt ; secretary, Albert Wegner ; treasurer, John
Hanke. The Sunday school has a comparatively large enroll-
ment. Summer school is held every year during July and
August, religion and German reading and writing being the
principal branches. The pastor resides at Sparta.
PORTLAND CHURCH, TOWN OF PORTLAND.
The first German settlers of the southwestern part of JMonroe
county, known as Portland Center, came from Jefferson county,
and were members of the Lutheran church. In May, 1862,
Ferdinand Perso, Carl Voelz and William Hanke entered this
district. Christian Hanke, August Savall and Frederic Breiten-
feld came in close succession. Destitute of Lutheran preaching
they resolved to send Mr. Christian Hanke, a strict Lutheran, to
<\Iormon Cooley in order to secure the services of Rev. Fred. Wm.
Hass. In 1865 this pioneer-preacher made his first appearance,
traveling the distance of twenty-four miles on foot. Thus these
early Lutherans were privileged to hear the gospel from the lips
of an old acciuaintance, for some had known the Rev. Hass in
Pomerania, Germany, where he labored as teacher in Alt-Sans-
kow and Zuchen for over twenty years. He crossed the ocean in
1856, settling at Watertown, "Wis., September 9, where, upon the
advice of Phil. Wetzel, a teacher, a school was entrusted to his
care by Rev. A. Wagner. October 1, 1858, he Avas made pastor of
Bethany church and St. INIichael's, near Hustisford, and through
the instrumentality of Rev. G. Fachtmann he located at IMormon
Cooley, town of Shelby (formerly town of Greenfield), July 9,
1862. He died, seventy-one years of age, June 14, 1890.
The next pastor was Rev. Henry C. Dagefoerde, who was in-
fluenced by the powerful sermons of Pastor Ludwig Harms to
enter the Hermannsburg Foreign Mission Institute at Hermanns-
burg, Hanover, Germany, in his thirty-sixth year, and who en-
joyed the reputation of having been an industrious laborer in
Christ's vineyard until his death at Trumann, Minn., October 9,
1910. He took charge of this congregation when he was installed
as pastor of St. John's Lutheran church at Barre Mills, LaCrosse
county, popularly known as "Bostvick Valley church," May 11,
1873, coming from Leeds, Columbia county, where he served
562 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
liis first ehargo after his arrival in America, in 1869. Rev. Dage-
foerde supplied this small band of Lutherans with the means of
grace in the l*ortlaud Center school house until he took leave of
his congregation at Barre Mills to labor at Bloomfield, Wis.
After the resignation of Rev. Dagefoerde Ihe congregation
secured the service of Rev. I'eter U. Lange, Avho was l)orn at
Sclduepke, near Ilermannsburg, Germany. August 28, 184:^, and
immigrated to the I'nited States in 1872, sfttling at Peshtigo,
AVis., where, October 6, he became pastor of a congregation that
had lost cliui'ch and parsonage in the great forest fires, October
6, 1872. He located at liarro ]\Iills in Deceml)er, 1877, and per-
formed ministerial acts among these people until ^lay. 1886,
wlien lie removed to Pipestone, 31 inn., to serve in the capacity
of synodical missioiiai-^-. During his stay, in 1878, a brick
chui'ch, 20x.'^(), Avas completed and dedicated, the neighboring
ministers assisting. Decemliei- 'A]. 1877. a constitution was drawn
up and signed liy tlie following members: C. A. Yoelz, C.
Hanke, Ferdinand I'crso, August Sa\all, Ma.rtin Savall, August
Hoehn, Carl Mai'tin. Tlie fii-st regularly elected church officers
Avere: ("hrislian llaid^e. Fei'dinand l^erso. C. A. Yoelz. The
death of Mr. Lange occurred Mardi 22, 1900, at AVeyauwega,
AYisconsin.
The fourth iiicumlieiit was Rev. K'ichai'd .^ieglei-. who pursued
his collegiate studi<'s at Xorl Invest ern rni>'ersity. Watertown,
AVis.. and has now adxaiieed to tlie position of tield missionary.
He took 111. liis resi(]eiice at Uarre .Mills. A|.ril 26, 1886. In 1890,
when West Salem and Bangor wei-e added lo his care, the con-
gregation Avas advised to call upon the ser\ice of Rev. F. Bred-
low. ])astor of Zion's Lutheran eliurcli at Klroy.
In a congregational meeiing held Xovember 80. 1890, a call
was extended to Rev. Bi'edlo\\- for one yi'ar. his salary being $7.").
He served this people as avcII as he could every third Sunday,
traveling ])y rail to Alelvina or Norwalk and then walking the
rest of the (listanc(> to Portland Center. Tlie Rev. F. Bredlow
was born May 31, 1852, at Eichberg, near Kreuz, Province of
Posen, Oermany. He came to this country in 1881 and then ac-
quired his training for the Avork of the ministry at the Lutheran
theological seminary of the AVisconsin synod in Alilwaukee, lo-
cated in Eimmermann's park, on Thirteenth, between A'^ine street
and Fond du I^ac avenue. He finished his course in 1886 and has
served congregations at Thei'csa, Dodge county; Tuckertown,
Sauk county, and Elroy, .Tuneau county. Mr. Bredlow is now
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES 563
connected with the general council and serves congregations near
"VVetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada.
After the removal of Rev. Bredlow, the Rev. W. Parisius,
Avho had recently arrived from the pro-seminary for America
at Kropp, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, was placed in charge of
this organization. He was introduced to his congregation at
Elroy, August 27, 1893, by Rev. E. Mayerhoff, a superannuated
minister of the Lutheran church, and drove to Portland via
Kendall, Ontario, Cashton, a distance of about forty miles, once
a month.
In 1895 this congregation came under the pastoral care of
Rev. Theodor Hartwig, who located at Bangor as the first resi-
dent minister of St. Paul's church, an offshoot from the Bost-
viek Valley church, September 15, 1895. Rev. Hartwig obtained
his education in the schools of the Lutheran church in Water-
town and ^Milwaukee, is a contributor to the Theologische Quar-
talschrift, a religious periodical, and read a doctrinal paper
at the last convention of the Wisconsin synod, assembled at Mil-
waukee, June 19-24, 1912.
When Rev. Hartwig took leave of this flock to follow a call
to Naugat, Wis., the Rev. William F. Rader, for twenty-one years
pastor of St. John's, at Wauwatosa, Wis., was appointed to this
charge, his installation taking place in the fall of 1904. He re-
mained until 1908, when he was transferred to Prairie du Chien,
Wis., the Rev. H. Schmeling, of Sparta, in the meantime filling
the pulpit.
The present pastor is the Rev. Carl W. Siegler. who minis-
tered to St. John's church at Stanton. Neb., from October, 1900.
to July, 1907, serving at the same time as recording secretary of
the district synod of Nebraska, affiliated with the general synod
of Wisconsin, IMinnesota, Michigan and other states. He en-
tered upon his duties in January, 1909.
The congregation now numbers eleven voting and five con-
tributing members. The property owned by the congregation is
estimated at $1,500. The present church officers are : C. Perso,
Wm. Rosenow and A. Breitenfeld. A graveyard surrounds the
church.
ST. PETER'S, TOWN OF CLIFTON.
The first Lutheran sermon in the towns of Clifton and Oak-
dale was preached during ]\Iay. 1863, in the house of Christian
Hergert, by Prof. Dr. Ed. F. ^Moldehnke, first itinerant mission-
564 HISTORY OF .AlOXKOE COUNTY
iiry ol' the Wist-onosiii syjiod. Jii 3865 St. Peter's, second oldest
J^uthcran cougregation in ^loiiroe couuty, commonly called
"Clifton'' or "Jndian Creek" clnucli. was organized at tiir resi-
dence of Christian Joos, Avho came to this section of the state
from Jefferson county in 1859.
The first regular nnnister representing the TiUthci-an churt-h
in this Aicniity was Rev. John August lloyer, who emigrated
from Hamburg, Germany, April 15, 18()5, and came to Ridgeville.
August 25, as the first resident minister in ]\Ionroe county, lie
preached his first sermon to the newly organized congregation
in the latter part of October, supplying this charge Avitii preach-
ing every third Sunday, the services being held in private dwell-
ings and jiublic school houses. After two years of faithful labor.
Rev. Iloyer accepted a call to Eldorado, near Fond du Lae. Wis.,
and })reached his farewell sermon on the seventeenth Sunday
after Trinity, October 13. 1867. Ilis last entry in the Clnirch-
Record reads: "The Lord bless this congregation, young and
old, unto eternal life and salvation. Amen."
Ilis successor was Rev. Ludwig Ebert. wlio came to America
from the Pilgrim IMission House at St. Chrischona, near Basel.
Switzerland, in 1862, to serve the Lutheran church in the Dia-
spora. During his pastorate in 1869 steps were taken to erect a
house of Avorship on a site presented to the congregation by
Fred. Geil, t"wo and one-half miles west from the present village
of Clifton, on the old ]\Iinnesota stage road. The result was a
frame building, 24x.36xl6 feet in dimensions, which was sol-
emnly dedicated on the ITtli of October, 1869, the Rev. Ebert
preaching the dedicatory sermon at the altar from the First Book
of Kings, eighth chapter, verses 22-30, 54-60, ami then expound-
ing from the pulpit the fundamental doctrine of justification
according to John 3 :16.
After Rev. Ebert 's departure, which occurred around Easter.
1870, a call was extended to Rev. Albert F. Siegler, of IMenomo-
nie, Wis. He followed the example of his predecessor and
resided at Ridgeville, breaking the bread of Life to this congre-
gation every third Sunday. Extending his missionary journeys
into Jackson, AVood and Juneau counties, he deemed it necessary
to divide his field and induced Indian Creek, Dorset Ridge, South
Ridge and AVilton to call their own minister.
This plan went into effect when ]\Ir. AV. II. Bergholz, a grad-
uate from Concordia seminary. St. Louis, ^lo.. came to live at
Dorset Ridge, six miles south of the Clifton church, his ordination
and installation taking place July 13. 1873. In 1877 he severed
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES 565
his connection with this charge, having received and accepted a
call to Eldorado, Fond dn Lac county, "Wisconsin.
He was followed by Rev. Carl Zlonike, who, after taking
active part in the Austro-Priissian and Franco-Prussian wars,
had left the fatherland as a candidate of th-^ Wangeniann Mis-
sion Institute at Berlin, Germany, commissioned for emigrant
missionary work in America. After a conscientious discharge of
his ministerial duties he moved to Golden, 111.
Mr. Julius Badke, graduating from the Practical seminary
of the Missouri synod at Springfield, 111., succeeded to the pas-
torate in 1880, being ordained for the ministry by Rev. E. A.
Pankow, November 25, 1880. He relinquished his charge in July,
1884, and then left for Glencoe, Trempeleau county, AVisconsin.
afterwards entering the Canada synod, of which he still is a
member, residing at Brantford, Ontario.
Immediately after his predecessor's resignation. Rev. Frank
Stej'er was called from Ahnapee (Algoma), Kewaunee county,
Wisconsin, where he had been active as missionary, covering the
territory along the "Wisconsin Central railroad, from Auburndale
to Ashland. During his pastorship a commodious parsonage was
built on the property adjoining the church, and henceforth we
find the ministers of this charge permanently located in the midst
of this congregation.
In a joint meeting held at Wilton, under the chairmanship of
Rev. A. Schoedel in the spring of the year 1889, it was decided to
divide the field comprising St. Peter's at Clifton, Immanuel's at
Dorset Ridge, St. Matthew's at South Ridge, and St. Paul's at
Wilton. As a result Rev. John Casparius Himmler was called to
Indian Creek and Dorset Ridge, Avhile South Ridge and Wilton
became a separate charge. ]\Ir. Ilinnnler reports at the celebration
of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the congregation, 664 baptisms,
304 confirmations. 112 weddings and 181 burials.
Rev. Himmler 's ministry with this organization lasted until
1895, and Rev. Henry Viestenz was chosen as the next officiating
pastor. On IMay 25, 1896, the resolution was passed to erect a new
church. Messrs. R. Grassmann, H. Battalia, J. Senz, A. Brock-
mann and C. von Iladen were appointed the building committee.
October 17. 1896, the new frame church, 34x50 feet, was conse-
crated to the service of Almighty God, Rev. J. Himmler, Helen-
ville. Wis., and Rev. L. Ranch, Fountain City, Wis., preaching able
sermons. After an efficient service of seven years Rev. Viestenz
was obliged to resign on account of ill health, March 16, 1902.
AVhen Rev. Viestenz moved to Tacoma, Wash., to regain his
566 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
health, Rev. Iimnauuel Brackebnseh was chosen to become his
successor. He came from Door county and preached his first ser-
mon in ]\Iarch. December 18, 1108, Si. Paul's church, at Hustler,
was organized with members of this congregation. In a regular
congregational meeting, held on the 26th of .June. 1912, it was
decided to introduce f]nglish preaching once a montii. The first
service of this kind was conducted .lul\- 14. 1!)12.
The congregation at ])resent iniinhers sixty-six voting and
fourteen paying members. The present officiary of the church
is: Rev. I. Brackebusch, president: Rich. Wagner, vice-presi-
dent; Ed. Wappler, secretary; Al. Brockniann, treasurer;
Gustav Grassmann, John Brandt, Louis von lladen, trustees.
Connected with the church is a school Avith thirty to forty
scholars, the basement of the church being used as a school
room. The chiu-eh property is valued at about il^o,000.
IMMANUEL'S, TOWN OF CLIFTON.
Lnmanuel's Lutheran church more commonly known as
"Dorset church," is located five miles northAvest from Kendall.
It was organized, in all probability, in 1870, upon the sugges-
tion of ]\Ir. Hugo AVetzel, who Avas the first German pioneer in
this vicinity, coming from Dodge county in 1861. In the sum-
mer of 1870 a parsonage and a church were erected of hewn
logs upon a site deeded to the organization by Ernestine AYet-
zel on March 28, 1870. During the same year, in the fall, Rev.
Phil. "Wetzel arrived from Hustisford, AYis., and preached at
irregular intervals to Hugo AYetzel, Christian Ililke, Henry
Zarling, Fred Thurow, Carl Glander, Christian AYolkow, Carl
Radloflt" and Fred Raabe. But since ]Mr. AYetzel Avas no ordained
minister nor connected Avitli a Lutheran synod, the Rev. A. F.
Siegler, pastor at Ridgeville, Avas called upon to perform the
duties of an ordained clergyman. He preached in the parsonage
and in the incomplete church until Rev. "\Y. Bergholz Avas chosen
first resident pastor, serving at the same time St. Peter's at
Clifton and St. MatthcAv^s at South Ridge.
In a joint meeting AA'hich Avas called by the Dorset, Clifton
and South Ridge congregations, January 10. 1877. it Avas agreed
to appoint Rev. C. Zlomke from Atlantic. la., to the charge. He
entered the field during !May. preaching on tAVO consecutive Sun-
days at Dorset and Clifton, and devoting every third Sabbath
day to missionary Avork in the South Ridge and AYilton settle-
ments. His salary amounted to $325, Immanuel's contributing
$125. When he Avas granted an honorarj' dismissal, June 27, 1880,
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES 567
he accepted a position at Golden, 111. The Rev. E. Pankow
preached during the interval.
In October, 1880, the congregation came under the pastoral
care of Rev. J. Badke, who had been connected with the Illinois
Staatszeitung, in Chicago, until he determined to prepare him-
self for the ministry, graduating from Concordia seminary,
Springfield, 111., in June, 1880. He moved into the parsonage
on the 26tli of October and delivered his introductory sermon on
the last of the same month. Under his administration, February
11, 1883, the board of trustees was enlarged, consisting now of
six members instead of the customary three, viz. : Carl Siekert,
Ferd. Waege, Fred Raabe, Fred Thurow, Fred Steingraeber and
Henry AVestphal. In January, 1883, Rev. Badke decided to
move to Wilton. This caused considerable dissatisfaction on the
part of the congregation, and the visitor. Rev. Phil, von Rohr,
Winona, Minn., was called upon to settle the difficulties. The
result was that the congregation, consisting of thirty-six fam-
ilies, changed the constitution and called a Reformed minister.
On May 13, 1883, Rev. John Wirz, stationed at Ridgeville,
where, in 1873, under similar conditions, a Reformed church
sprang into existence, spoke his first sermon and was soon after,
June 3, chosen as preacher. In consequence of this change a
few members deemed it inconsequent to have a Reformed pastor
preach to Lutheran people and withdrew. They were : Fred
Zimmermann, August Klatt, Fred Thurow, Carl Zimmermann,
August AA^olfgram, Henry Koehler and Carl Bellack.
Rev. F. Steyer, who had been appointed by the remaining
three congregations, took up his residence at Clifton and came
to preach in the Strozinsky school house to the few afore-
named Lutherans. Instruction for confirmation was conducted
in a vacant house belonging to Mr. Bruno Krueger. After a few
months they worshiped in district school house No. 5. At last,
the congregation failing to collect the promised $200 salary, the
Rev. Wirz was asked to resign, June 4, 1886. On April 17,
1887, Rev. Steyer was allowed to preach in the church, where-
upon he was chosen pastor May 2d.
In the spring of 1889 Rev. Steyer dissolved his connection
with this congregation in order to go to Fair Haven, Stearns
county, INIinnesota, and Rev. J. Himmler came to fill the vacancy,
his installation taking place on the 7th day of July, 1889. He
labored diligently in the midst of this congregation and at Clif-
ton, South Ridge and Wilton, having in the meantime separated
from this charge with intentions of calling their own minister.
568 HISTORY OF .MOXKOK ("Ol'XTY
Rev. Iliinnilcr. luning been called to St. Peter's ehurch at
lleleiiville, AVis.. in the spring of 1895, was succeeded by Rev. II.
Yiosteuz, who had last held a position as pastor of several
Lutheran organizations in the town of Greeufield, Sauk county,
Wisconsin. Soon after ills arrival it became evident that a larger
edifice was essential to the prosperity of the congregation, and
it was decided to erect a new church structure. The l)uilding
committee was composed of the following men: Fred Zimmer-
mann. Christian Glauder and Fred Raabe. In the fall of 1898
the elegaiil cliurch, 28x44 feet in size, Avith a seating capacity of
250, Avas completed, the dedication taking place on October 23,
Rev. AV. Parisins officiating in tlie forenoon and Rev. G. Berge-
inann i)reaehiiig an ai)i)r()pi-iate sermon at the afternoon's
service. In 1902 Rev. Yiestenz' health began to fail and he was
finally obliged to discontinue his work on that account.
After his departure the congregation gave a call to Rev. Im.
Brackebusch. the i)resent pastor, who was installed into the
pastorate of linmanuel's Lutheran church on the 9th of ]\Iarch,
1902, by request of Rev. Phil, von Rohr, late president of the
Wisconsin synod, the Rev. J. G. Glaeser delivering the sermon.
The church enrollment nuiii])ers at present forty-two voting
and eleven paying members. The present board of trustees are;
Eniil Pasch. president; August Raabe, secretary; Christian Glan-
der, treasurer; Ed. AYendorf, Al. Gloede and Carl Glander,
elders. The churdi pro[)erty is valued at $4,500. Every other
year German school is held during six months, the average
attendance Ix'ing .dxuil Iwenly-iive. Public serAices are con-
ducted every alternate Sunday. The minister occupies the
parsonage at Clifton, six miles north.
ST. MATTHEW'S, TOWN OF WELLINGTON.
Tlie nucleus of Si. .Matthew's Lutlieian churcli, al the junc-
1ion of South Ridge and Pleasant Ridge, in lise town of \Yelling-
ton. may be found in a conversation between Louis Friske and a
Lutheran from Ridgeville. at Enderby's uiill in Wilton, in the
fall of 18()!). When lojd aliout ihe existence of a Lutiieran
church at Ridgevide. Louis Friske and his h •oilier Julius walked
fourteen miles to hear a Lutheran sei-mon. .'\s a result Rev. L.
Ebert. i)astor of St. .loim's Lulhci'an church in the town of
Ridgeville. inaugurated Lutheran |)reaching at South Ridge.
whci'c until then .Methodist ministei-s from Spring A'alley had
been condui'ling services at the .Musch schot)l house with
Lutheran people. The homes of Peter Friske and John Klaehr
EVANGELKWL LrTIIEKAX ( IirRClIES 569
were the tirst gathering places. Those who attended here Avere :
Louis Friske, ]\lilliam Schatz, Carl Brandenbvirg, Peter Friske,
AVilliani Pahl, Carl Rohde, William Arndt, August Bartz, Louis
Ziebart, Fred ^laluege, Julius Friske, Louis IMusch. AVilliam
Brandenburg, John Klaehr. Pastor Ebert conducted divine wor-
ship once a month on week days, administering Holy Communion
on Sundays, this hai)pening four times during the year.
AVlien, in April, 1871, Rev. Ebert resigned at Ridgeville and
chose some other vocation, the Rev. A. F. Sicgler was appointed
to fill the vacancy. He continued the good work of his prede-
cessor and came to labor among these Lutherans during mid-
week, mostly on AVednesdays, accompanied by AV. AYaegner, a
devout layman. On account of large attendance Air. Siegler
abandoned the services in private houses and began preaching at
the Alusch school house.
Noticing that the care of fifteen congregations and preaching-
stations exceeded his power, the Rev. Siegler insisted upon call-
ing a special minister for Dorset Ridge, Indian Creek and South
Ridge. The proper man was found in the person of Rev. AA".
Bergholz, who took up his residence in an old-time log house
on the Dorset ridge in 1873. He came every third Sabbath day,
often walking the distance of fourteen miles. The minister's
salary at that time was $3 per member.
Rev. Bergholz. in the meantime having received a call to the
eastern part of the state, was followed by Rev. C. Zlomke, who
Avithdrew from the Iowa synod in 1875 on account of doctrinal
differences. His installation took place on Alonday before
Pentecost, Alay 14, 1877, and w^as effected by Rev. A. F. Siegler.
Air. Zlondvc. who served in the Second squadron of the First
Royal Hussar regiment at Danzig, Germany, in 1864, made use
of his skill as a horseman, coming on horseback from Dorset to
teach the children the fundamental truths of Christianity on
Saturday and preaching Christ every third Sunday.
After three years' service Rev. Zlomke was succeeded by
Rev. J. Badke, who came from the fatherland in June, 1864, and
after many hardships finally entered the ministry, serving the
congregations at Dorset, Clifton, AA'ilfon and South Ridge as
his first charge. During his incumbency, January, 1881, the
resolution was i)assed to build a church. January 7, 1883, the
church officers, Gottlieb Jesse, Louis Ziebart, Henry Klaehr,
were authorized to purchase a tract of land comprising one acre
from Frank AVebb, at a cost of $60.
In the meantime this charge was vacated. Rev. F. Steyer,
570 HISTORY OF MOXKOE COUNTY
for whom a parsoiiaj^e liad hoeii l)iiilt at Clii'ton, beginning his
ministry in 1884. Difficulties arising during the building period,
1880-1887, (h'manded i)rea('hing ;i1 the red ])riek and the Ilef-
fernan school liouses, until the new diurrli, ;i0xr)0x20 feet, Avas
completed, and October 16, 1887. approi>riately dedicated, the
Rev. A. Schroedel delivering the sermon and the local pastor
ably conducting the dedicatory services. Rev. Steyer preached
his last sermon on Easter ]\Ionday. April 22, 1889, and then re-
moved to Minnesota, where he united with the ^Missouri synod,
which, together with the AVisconsin, ^Minnesota, ]Michigan and
Nebraska synods, forms the synodicnl conl'erence, the largest
Lutheran church body in Americn.
In the spring of 1889, by the ri'comnieni'ation of the .synod,
this parish, comprising four congregations in the eastern section
of this county since 1873, divided, St. Peter's at Clifton and
Ininianuel's at Dorset forming one charge, and St. Paul's at
AVilton and St. Matthew's at South Ridge the other. The latter
at once extended a uninamous call to Rev. .1. Ziebell. who ac-
cepted and took charge July G, 1889. Immediately after his
installation he settled at AVilton, six miles northwest, from which
place this congregation was supplied until it becanu' an inde-
pendent charge, in 1908.
A several years' vacancy occurred when Rev. Ziebell resigned
in the winter of 1892. During this time, 1892-1895, St. Alat-
thew's had the service of Rev. C. Koehler, from Ridgeville. lie
conducted divine worship every third Sunday, tending at the
same time to tlie construction of a parsonage at AVilton. towards
which this congregation contributed il<250.
The next incumbent was Rev. J. Ilering, at one time assist-
ant professor in the seminary of tlie Towa synod. During his
ministry, in 1899. an organ was bt)uglit ; two bells were dedi-
cated in 1905. January 25. 1908, it was agreed to separate
from the AVilton charge and engage a minister. A property
opi)osite the cliui-cli was securetl from F. F. Alachus at .$1,500
to serve as a i)arsonage.
Rev. PI. Zimmermann, foriiierl\- at Shickley, Neb., followed
the call which was extended to him on the 11th day of June,
1908, thus becoming the first resident jiastor. Authorized by
the president of the synod, the Rev. Ziunnei-mann Avas installed
as pastor o! this conogregation by Rev. J. Ilering on the 2d of
August, 1908. I'pon his instigation a seccnid organ was ob-
tained, which served for the first time on the 28d of ^lay, 1910.
Rev. A. F. Siegler preaching a special sermon upon this occasion.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES 571
On November 5, 1911, a total remodeling of the eliureh was
planned, with a school room in the basement.
The present church membership consists of 88 voting, 8 con-
tributing and 310 communicant members, 451: souls. This church
also maintains a day school, which has an enrollment of forty
pupils, German and religion being the principal studies. Regular
monthly English services have become a permanent institution.
The following are the present officers : Wm. Graewin, president ;
Otto Schnell, secretary ; Louis Klaehr, treasurer ; Albert Neitzel,
elder. The value of the church property, including parsonage,
is about $6,300. The church will be ready for re-dedication
about the 1st of September.
ST. PAUL'S, WILTON.
When, in 1873, upon the request of Rev. A. F. Siegler, until
then the only stationary Lutheran minister in Monroe county,
the Rev. W. Bergholz was chosen pastor of the Indian Creek,
Dorset and South Ridge settlements, this field of labor was soon,
in 1875, extended by the addition of a preaching post in the
vicinity of AYilton. The names of those assembling for divine
services at the Mitchel school house, one and one-half miles
south of the village, were: Christian Holch, John Jesse, AYilliam
Arndt, August Bartz, Carl Liefke, August Rohde and Carl
Brandenburg. They contributed $20 towards the support of the
minister.
Upon the departure of Mr. Bergholz, which occurred in 1877,
Rev. C. Zlomke was elected to serve the society, the Rev. A. F.
Siegler supplying the pulpit until his arrival. Pastor Zlomke
came to proclaim the gospel to this little flock every third Sun-
day on his return from South Ridge, where he preached in the
morning. His annual pay was $30. In 1880, when the same call
had been tendered for the second time, Rev. Zlomke moved to
Illinois, and from there to St. Joseph, ]\Iicli., vvdiere he was
connected with Trinity Lutheran church for twenty-eight years,
retiring from active service in 1911 after a continuous service
of thirty-eight years.
In 1880 Rev. J. Badke was appointed to take charge of the
four congregations belonging to this parish: Immanuel's at
Dorset Ridge, St. Peter's at Indian Creek, St. Matthew's at
South Ridge, and St. Paul's near Wilton. On account of incon-
venience of location and insufficient accommodations, it was de-
termined in May, 1882, to discontinue preaching at the Mitchel
school house. Services were now held at the L^nited Brethren
572 IIISTOKY OF :\10XR0E COUNTY
church, in AVillon. \\liicli "was rcnitod for an in<h>finite period at
$16 per iiiimiiii. Ju .Januai'v, 1883, Rov. Badkc found it expe-
dient to live in AViitou and consequently vacated the parsonage
on Dorset Ridge. Here he eanie in contact with Rev. Phil.
AVetzel, who, in consequence of advanced age, had retired from
the Dorset Ridge in the I'ail of 187:^, preaching occasionally to
his family and a circle of close friends. After tlie arrival of
Rev. I^adke. .Mr. AV(4zel refrained from public preaching, and
soon, ill 1884. rctui-ned to Watertown, AVis., his former home.
Avhei-e he-died JMarch 8, ]890, eighty-four years of age. In 1884,
Api-il 2. tile coiigregation adopted a constitution by which it shall
be govci'iicd. The church ot'ticers appointed at l!iis meeting
were: W. Arndt. II. .Mittag, J. Schroeder, F. AVaege. Rev.
Badke connnenced preaching every alternate Sunday in the
afternoon, for wliicli service he received $30, since 1883, $50.
Air. Badke was succeeded in 1884 by Rev. F. Steyer, who
preached to his parishioners in the chapel ov ned by the United
Brethren, coming foiu'teen miles froni ("lit'lon, Avhere a roomy
and comfortable parsonage had been built for the pastors of this
charge. Fel)ruary 7, 1887. the congregation organized under
the state laws in the presence of Air. August Newhouse, the
justice of the peace. Soon the necessity of possessing a place
of worship Avas severely felt. Ste]is Avere. therefore, taken to
secure a site on whicdi to er(»ct a suitable church edifice. A
tract of Innd was ])ui'chased from Frank Farmer, one block
west from tiie Knglish eluireli. Two hundred and sixty-four
dollars were signed by the thirty-four members, and $11.") were
collected from the Inisiness people and neighboring congrega-
tions. The completed church building was appropriately dedi-
cated December 11, 1887, Revs. A. Schroedel, of Ridgeville, and
A. Sehlei, of AVonewoc, AVis.. officiating Avith the pastor. In
the spring of 1889 ReA'. Steyer accepted a pastorate in Alinne-
sota, but soon moved to Arkansas, Avhere he lias ser\'ed a num-
ber of congregations attached 1o th(» Alissouri syiuxl for more
than eighteen y(»ars.
After Rev. Steyer 's honorary dismissal, the synod advised
to divide this charge, lu'oposing Rev. J. llinnuler for Indian
Creek and Doiset Ridge, and Rev. J. Ziebell for AVilton and
South Ridge. Thi' inslallation of Rca'. Ziebell. formerly of El-
roy, occurred on the 7th of July, 1880. the sermon of the occa-
sion being given by Rev. A. Schroedel. July 14, 1802. tAvo acres
of lai:d Avere bought from O. \. Ilillger for a cemetery, tlie
ground being consecrated on Ihe 31st of July, (^n December 5,
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES 573
1892, Rev. Ziebell delivered his farewell address and resigned
from the ministry.
During the interim which followed Rev. Christian Koehler,
jiastor at Ridgeville, supplied the congregation with regular
preaching from December, 1892, to January, 1895. He super-
intended, in 1893, the erection of a parsonage on the lot adjoin-
ing the church. In the construction of this parsonage, main part
24x16x16 feet, addition 24x16x10 feet, an expenditure of $881
has been made. South Ridge congregation contributing $250.
December 14, 1894, Rev. Julius Hering, who received his
classical training at the universities of Leipsig and Rostock,
Germany, was called from Norton, Minn. The call was accepted
and by authority of the president of the Wisconsin synod, the
late Phil, von Rohr, the Rev. C. Koehler installed Mr. Hering
on the 27th of January, 1895. An organ was purchased in 1896,
a bell was placed in the belfry in 1898, church furniture was ob-
tained in 1899. a marble baptismal font is used since 1911. On
January 23, 1897, the spire of the church ^\as struck by light-
ning, causing considerable damage. July 4, 1897, it was decided
to repair the damage and add sixteen feet to the old church.
]\Ir. Adolf Prochnow, the contractor, finished the work in
November.
The membership of this church is represented by about
seventy families. A parochial school is held under the auspices
of the church, with about thirty-five in attendance, in a special
building bought for this purpose in 1906. The present church
officers are : Fred Schroeder, president ; Ferdinand Waege,
secretary ; Hugo Limp, treasurer ; Emil Friske, elder. The
amount of the pastor's salary is $550. Since 1908 St. Paul's is
an independent charge.
ST. JOHN'S, KENDALL.
The first attempt to gather the few scattered Lutherans in
and about Kendall into a local congregation was made by Rev.
John Wirz, a Reformed minister, in 1884. Mr. Wirz, who lived
on the Dorset Ridge, where, besides Salem's Reformed church
at Ridgeville, he served Immanuel's Lutheran church, came here
every third Sunday to preach to eight families : Julius Raabe,
Henry Paeth, Ernest Siekert, John Boetzel, August Rosenkranz,
Carl Sumke, August Raabe, George Krause, receiving $8 per
member for his salary. But when, in the summer of 1886, ]\Ir.
Wirz accepted a call to Cincinnati, 0., this little flock dis-
banded, some of its adherents moving West, the remainder at-
574 IIISTOKY OF MONROE COUNTY
tending church in the neighborhood, at South Ridge and Dorset
or North Ridge.
The second effort to establish a Lutheran cliurch was made
twelve years later by Rev. AVm. Parisius, wiio resided at Klroy,
and i)i(;i(li((I to a congregation in the town of Glendale, four
miles southeast of Keiidnll. lie conducted divine services every
alternate Sunday, especially in the shoe shop of ]Mr. Jul. Friske,
the former toAvn hall, having about twenty persons in the audi-
ence, among others: H. ]'rielii)p, August Rlieden, Julius Friske.
Frank Schankc, Ijouis Jahnke, Emil Friske and Fred ^Mantzke.
In 1899 failing health compelled liim to limit his woi-k to the
congregations at Elroy, Glendale and Ilillsboro. thus leaving
Kendall Lutherans without a spiritual guide. His successor,
Rev. L. Ranch. i)reached twice in the house of ^\v. IT. Prielipp,
in 1900.
After five years Rev. Im. l^r.ickebusch, pastor of St. Peter's
Lutheran church at Clifton, endeavored to organize a Lutheran
congregation. Upon the urgent request of Mr. Fred Zimmer-
mann, an elder of the Dorset charge living in Kendall, Rev.
Brackel)usch wrote to the Home Mission Board of the "Wisconsin
synod, asking them lo commission a pastor for Kendall. But
they did not deem tlic plan expedient and nuittcrs Avere dropped.
Then it happened that the Rev. Brackebusch called the attention
of Rev. Phil, von Rohr. at that time president of the AVisconsin
synod, to this inviting and seemingly ])romising field, where-
upon the responsiliility for the provision of these i)eople rested
with the ])resi(lent himself. In Alay, 190t), the superintendent
of the home Alission board, Rev. E. F. Dornfeld, came to investi-
gate the religious outlook, advising to form a congregation and
raise $100 as a salary for a pastoi". A meeting was called for
the 17th of -lunc. Id lake i)lace at the home of Fred Zinnner-
mann. A call sisiiicd l)y August Wolfgram. August Zirk. Fred
Zimnun-mann. Ilein-y Kiel. George AViese, Ilernum Prielipp and
Henry Stade, was delivered to Rev. Brackebusch. instructing
him to a])pear with it before synod, assembling at Alilwaukee,
June 20-2(). The result was that Senior E. Alayerhoff was in-
duced to look after the spii-ilual welfare of these Lutherans.
Coming from AVonewoc. Wis., by rail, he ])ri;u"lu'd six times in
the Alethodist church until, in October, he was called to Norwalk
to officiate as vicar.
In 1907 Rev. Otto Engel came to Norwalk as a graduate from
the tlieological seminary in Alilwaukee, AVis.. with instructions
to resei've (^'erv third Sundax' for Kendall, lie deli\('re(l his
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES 575
first sermon at Norwalk on the 25th of August, and came to
Kendall to rent a church and advertise Lutheran services on
the last of the same month. The Rev. Engel preached his first
sermon to a Kendall audience September 8, 1907, at the Baptist
church, then located in the northern section of the village, near
the Catholic church. When the small band of faithful Lutherans
were refused the use of this house of worship, they rented the
English Methodist church. Soon after a Sunday school was
commenced, Avith jMrs. Sophia Kiel, Manda AA'iese,, IMinnie
Waffle, Paulina Pasch as first teachers. After several informal
meetings a special meeting was announced for the 12th of Jan-
uary, 1908. On that day an organization was effected, the
society resolving to adopt the name, "Evangelical Lutheran St.
John's Congregation." The founders were: Fred Zimmermann,
August Krause, Fred Flatow, Henry Kiel, Herman Prielipp,
George Wiese, August Klatt, Henry Stade, William AVitt, August
Heseley, Fred Apmann, Gustave Gruhlke. Having as yet no
church property of their own, they at once decided to accept a
lot donated by Mr. H. P. Waffle, a descendant of the Mohawk
Dutch in New York, and proposed to build a church. George
Wiese and William Witt comprised the building committee. On
the 10th of May, 1908, a regular congregational meeting was
held for the purpose of incorporating according to the laws of
the state. May 13 rules and by-laws for the government of the
church were accepted and signed at the house of Henry Kiel.
The new church, a frame building in gothic style, 80x56x18 feet,
was solemnly dedicated on the 28th of October, 1908, the follow-
ing pastors participating: Rev. Im. Brackebusch, of Clifton;
Rev. H. Zimmermann. of South Ridge ; Rev. 0. Kuhlow, of
Wonewoc, Wis. The total cost of the building was $2,800. The
first mission festival was held September 12, 1909, Revs. H.
Viestenz, Greenfield, Wis. ; G. Baum, North Freedom, Wis., and
H. Zimmermann, South Ridge, delivering mission sermons. The
first confirmation took place March 20, 1910, six being taken
up into membership.
At present the congregation numbers twenty-five voting,
five contributing and about seventy communicant members. The
summer school, whose organization is contemporaneous with the
beginning of the church itself, has an attendance of seventeen
pupils. The church property is valued at $3,500. The present
trustees are : August Krause, president ; Fred Zimmermann,
secretary; Henry Kiel, treasurer. ^Meetings are held every third
576 HISTORY OF .AlOXHOK COUNTY
Sunday, the forenoon being devoted to German, the afternoon
1o Eiiglisli preacliinjr. The pastor lives at Xcrwalk.
ST. JOHN'S, SHENNINGTON.
This eongregation is located on the boundary line of ]Monroe
juitl -luneau eounties, the majority of its nnmibers living in the
town of liyroii, .Monroe county.
The first Lutheran minister of the AVisconsin synod who vis-
ited this district Avas the Rev. G. E. Bergemann, then residing
at Tdinah, thirteen miles southwest, the occasion being the
burial of ]\Ir. AVill's child, February. 1897. Those M-ho came to
hear the i)reaching of Christ and Ilim crucified, were members
of the families of AVill, Kunkel and Koppehengst. The Rev.
Bergemann labored very acce])tably for two years, when he was
called to Fond du Lae, Wis., where, since 1908, he serves in the
capacity of president of the "Wisconsin synod.
This preaching post Avas now supi)lied by the mini.sters
occupjdng the parsonage at Clii'ton. hi 1S99 the Rev. II. F.
Yiestenz entered the field, having ])r('viously been preaching
at a school house two and one-half miles north of Oakdale.
Under his energetic guidance St. John's was organized at the
red school house, one and one-half miles west of Shennington.
Those who signed their names to the constitution were : Fred
Laudon, J. B. Helmuth, August Schmeckel, Henry Busse, F.
Kunkel, C. Tiedemann, Henry Busching. John Schmidt and Her-
man Baumann.
When in 1902 Rev. Yiestenz removed to the Pacific coast.
the Rev. I. Brackebusch was appointed to take charge of this
newly organized congregation. At his suggestion a meeting was
called for August 17, 1902, at which it was resolved to erect
a house for the worship of God, 26x.S() in dnnensions, tower ')()
feet, on a site presented by Air. Shoening, an old German settler
coming from Silver Lake, AVis. IMay 8, 1902, the corner stone
was laid according to the ritual of the Lutheran church, tlic
Rev. AViu. Xonimensen, INIauston, AYis., preaching in the English
language. Dedication was held with elaborate ceremonies on
August 23, Revs. J. G. Glaeser and IT. AY. Schmeling assisting
the local pastor. The total outlay of money was $1,350. Rev.
Brackebusch 's ministry with this infant congregation lasted
until ]\rarch 9, 1905, when, ujion the recommendation of the
home mission board it was decided to join with Babcock (Rev.
G. Baum, Grand Rapids), Gernuintown (Rev. AY. Nommensen.
Maustou), and Millston (Rev. J. Glaeser, Tomah), in calling a
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES . 577
pastor to Necedah. In the course of the year 1905 Rev. M.
Biisack was called to the pastorship.
The next pastor was Rev. 0. B. Nommensen, a candidate
for the ministry, his ordination and installation taking place on
the 25th of August, 1907, Rev. B. P. Nommensen, Wm. Nommen-
sen and Brackebusch officiating. In December, 1907, New Lis-
bon was added to this charge, and Rev. Nommensen removed to
that place. February 7, 1909, an honorary dismissal was granted
to Rev. Nommensen, allowing him to accept a position as pastor
at South Milwaukee.
The present pastor is Rev. H. Brockmanu, who came to this
field from Beaver Dam, Wis. He has established for himself a
reputation as an artist, having painted the life-size portraits of
Rev. Phillip von Rohr, late president of the Wisconsin synod,
and of Rev. John Bading, venerable president of the synodical
conference, for Northwestern college, Watertown, Wis.
The present membership includes eighteen families. The
present board of trustees consists of the following members:
Gust Woggan, Fred Laudon, August Schmeckel. The value of
the church property is $1,700. The church is served every alter-
nate Sunday from New Lisbon.
ST. LUKE'S, TOWN OF GLENDALE.
The German element in the town of Glendale, to the greatest
extent Lutherans coming from the metropolis of the state during
the panic of 1893, at first attended church in Elroy, where a
Lutheran congregation existed since 1885. In the winter of
1894 Rev. Wm. Parisius, who is closely related to the famous
dramatist, Henric Ibsen, conducted school in the Schauer valley,
instructing children from five to fifteen years of age, and
through them gaining their parents for church. In January,
1898, a number of Lutherans assembled at the home of Gustav
Schauer for the purpose of organizing a congregation. There
were thirteen charter members, as follows: William AA^allberg,
Fred Schauer, Robert Holtz, Ferdinand Ziese, Gustav Schauer,
William Knoll, Julius Weber, Carl Schauer, William Weisspfen-
nig, John Zirk, William Ludwig and William jMatz. On the
12th of February, 1898, it was proposed to build a church on
the site deeded to the congregation by Gustav Schauer. The
building committee consisted of AVm. Wallberg, Rob. Holtz and
H. Ziese. The church, though small, 20x36x14 feet, is neat and
churchly in appearance. The dedicatory services were held by
the pastor. Rev. Parisius, in the fall of 1899, the sermon being
578 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
(k'livered by Senior E. Mayerhoff, Wonowoc. Wis., one of tlie
oldest and most honored members of the Wisconsin synod.
Wlieu Rev. Parisius, in 1900, assumed a pastorate in Jiurr
Oak, LaCrosse county, Wisconsin. Rev. L. Raueh, of Fountain
City, Wis., was vnianimously elected to ])e pastor of Zion's at
Elroy, St. Paul's al Ilillsboro. and St. Luke's at Glendale. lie
accepted in August, sup|)lying the pulpit of Ihc last mentioned
congregation every second wecl\. During his administration
the fii'st mission festival was celebrated, October 15, 15)11, Rev.
K. Mayerhoft' preaching the morning sermon and stud, theol.
11. Zimmci-mann i-endering a suitable sermon in the afternoon.
ri)on his instigation a Sunday school was organized, with ]\Ir.
AVm. Wallberg as superintendent and the following as teachers:
^Messrs. Jul. Seefeld, Wm. Ludwig, Carl Schauer, Rich. Ziese,
Carl IMatz, and .Miss Bertha Ziese.
Pi-()])()sim1 by Dr. Stoecker, the court chaplain, foi- a pastorate
in IJeilin, Germany, Rev. Ranch resigned in the fall i)f IHO^i
and was succeeded by Rev. P. Schroeder, who had been serving
congregations at Hartland and Pewaukee, Wis., since 1897. In
1905 the congregation purchased an organ and communion ware.
The lodge (piestion, which caused a rupture in the congregation
at Klroy in 1906, also agitated the members of this congregation,
but without serious results.
Rev. E. Diierr became successor to Rev. Schroeder. who re-
signed in order to accept a call to Germania. Wis. His stay
was of short duration, vacating the charge in the fall of 1010,
by folloAving a call to the Zicui-Rosendale charge in Fond du Lac
county.
Shortly after the resignation of Rev. Duerr. Rev. H. Zim-
merii'.ann. of South Ridge, served as a supply for nine months,
until, in July, 1911, the present pastor. Rev. G. Westerhaus. a
late graduate from the seminary at ^Milwaukee, came to take
up his ministerial duties. He introduced regiilar English preach-
ing with much success, and teaches a summer school.
The congregation has seventeen voting and a few paying
members on the roll, and has a graveyard of its own. The pres-
ent board of trustees are : Carl Schauer, vice-president ; Win.
Matz, secretary; Fred Schultz, treasurer. 'Pliis little flock con-
tributes $125 per annum towards the su]iport of the pastor.
CHAPTER LIV.
NORWEGIAN CHURCHES.
BY REV. A. H. EIKJARUD.
Norwegian Lutheran Church of Fish Creek. The territory
wliere the Norwegian Lutheran Church of Fish Creek is located
was first settled by Ole Hansen Ekern in 1855. The following
year Nils Hansen came and in 1858 Amund Hansen. These
pioneers settled in the upper part of Fish Creek valley. The ridge
was not at that time considered worth very much and on the dis-
tance from Fish Creek to Newry only one dwelling house was to
be found. The first settlers on the ridge were Ole Andersen, John
Svensen, Grilbrand Paulsen, ^Mathias, Even and William Johnson
(1859), Hans Hansen. I\Iagnus Svensen, Ole Svensen, Marcus Gul-
brands(M^ and John Eriksen (1861). Every year thereafter Nor-
wegian settlers came thick and fast and the beautiful valleys and
ridges of Fish Creek became a little Norway. From the early
60s Rev. A. C. Preus from Coon Prairie occasionally preached the
gospel among them, and as they as yet had no church meetings
were for many years held in the dwelling house of Gulbrand Paul-
sen. January, 1869. Fish Creek Norwegian Congregation was
organized and a constitution adopted. Rev. A. C. Preus served as
their pastor to June 5, 1871. December 3, 1871, a meeting was
held and it was decided to build a church on a piece of land bought
from Mrs. Ole Olsen Dandvaasen. Rev. H. Halvorsen from Coon
Prairie served the congregation occasionally as his time permitted
until December, 1874, when he was succeeded by cand. theol.
A. S. dieting, who l)esides Fish Creek served three congregations
at Coon Valley to July 1, 1882. Together with these same con-
grgations Fish Creek called Rev. E. Jensen, who was their pastor
for eleven years to July 1, 1898. The congregation now decided
to join the charge of Rev. A. II. ?"ik.jarud. North Coon Prairie,
Portland and Brush Creek, and he has been the minister of the
gospel at Fish Creek to the present time.
From a small beginning the congregation increased every year
and it became necessary to build a neAV and larger church, which
was ready for use the last part of 1893, and the next year they
579
580 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
took part in the erection of the >Jorwegian Lutheran parsonage
at Cashton. Very seldom have I seen a congregation where the
attendance at diA'ine services is better, and especially so among
the young people.
Portland Norwegian Lutheran Church is located in the toAA-n
of I'ortland, livr miles nortlnvest fi'oui ("asliton. In the early 60s
the first Norwegians settled around Melvina, in Cannon valley and
on the siirrounding ridges. For many years there was no organ-
ized congregation, but services occasionally were held by Rev. A.
C. Preus from Coon Prairie at different places among the farm-
ers. For confirmant instructions the children had to journey to
the far off Coon Prairie church, one and one-half miles south of
where Westby now is located. April 2 and 8, 1874, meetings were
held at Melvina, where Portland Norwegian Lutheran Congrega-
tion was organized and a constitution adopted. Ole Thoresen,
Christopher Brown and Hans Davidsen were elected as trustees.
At the same time it was decided to build a church on the present
location and call Rev. H. Ilalvorsen from Coon Prairie as their
pastor. The first meeting in the ncAV church was held the same
year — August 23. Rev. Halvorsen served as their pastor from
1874 to 1895. February 5, 1890. cand. theol. A. H. Eikjarud
was called as chaplain for Rev. Ilalvorsen, and when the charge
was divided in 1895 a call was extended to him from the northern
part, consisting of North Coon Prairie, Portland and Brush Creek
congregations. He has been their pastor up to the present time.
For every year the congregation of Portland has increased in
membership and has been active and faithful workers for the wel-
fare of the church.
May 25, 1893, they decided, together with the other congrega-
tions in the call, to build a parsonage at Cashton, Avhere their pas-
tor has resided ever since.
BY LARS OLSON AAS.
The Immanuel United Norwegian Congregation. The Im-
manuel I'uited Norwegian Conjiregation of tlie town of Portland,
Monroe count}', was organized in 1890 with about 100 members.
The majority of the members were formerly of the Norwegian
Sj^nod and quite a few new members joined. The church was built
the same year on a lot donated by Martin P. Moen and was a
brick veneer building, costing about $3,000. On May 22, 1907, the
church was struck by lightning and was totally destroyed. In the
year 1908 a new church was built on tlie same ]o\. wliidi was also
a brick veneer building, at a cost of .$7,500.
NORAVEGIAN CHURCHES 581
The first pastor of tltis con.oTe2:ation and three other congrega-
tions in Vernon connty was Rev. Chr. Nodtvedt. In the year
1894 Rev. Chr. Nodtvedt resigned and a call was extended to Rev.
Martin Gulbrandson, which he accepted. lie served as pastor from
1895 to the time of his death, December 17, 1907. His resting place
is in the cemetery by this church. Rev. J. Tanner was temporary
pastor until 1909, wdien a call was extended to Rev. Chr. Sybelrud,
who served until 1912, when he resigned. Rev. E. Ilofstad is
now serving as temporary pastor. A call has been extended to
Rev. S. O. Rondestwedt, but it is not certain that he will accept.
The present mendjership of this congregation is 350. The
first trustees of this congregation were Lars O. Aas,
Chr. Anderson and S. Stenerson ; secretary, John 0. Aas; treas-
urer, Martin P. Moen. The present trustees are James Luckason,
Ole Justen, Andrew Johnson, Ole Aarness and Ingebrit Olson;
secretary, Lars 0. Aas ; treasurer, Ole C. Aas.
The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Sparta,
AVis.. was organized about the year 1880. The tirst nnnister
to preside was the Rev. A. C. Preus, of Coon Prairie. He was suc-
ceeded by Rev. I. B. Frich. of La Crosse, who was followed by Rev.
A. G. Helgeson, of La Crosse. The next pastor was E. 0. Vik, of
La Crosse, who for twenty-five years, on Septendjcr 7, 1912, has
presided over the congregation of the church, its membership con-
sisting of twelve families.
CHAPTER LV.
HiouKArnv
Lars Oleson Aas, who lives on his farm of eiglity acres in sec-
tion Iwciity-live Porthind township, is a native of Eidsvokl. Nor-
wny, and was born November 16, 1852. II is parents were Ole and
Mavy (Lee) Aas. The father was born in 1807 and spent his whole
life in Norway, where he died in 1859. The mother, who was born
in 1810. came to tli«- Tnited States with the family a short time
after the death of lici- husbaiid and settled in Portland township
when Lars was 16 years old, and here spent the remaining yeai-s
of her life, her death occurring -lainiai-y 2. 18i)7. Of a family of
three children. Lars is the only surviving son. The names of those
deceased are John and Catherine. Coming to the United States
in 1869, ]\lr. Aas found employment among the farmers and
endured the hardships connuou to the pioneers of AVisconsin. By
hard work, thrift and economy he accunnilated his earnings, and
in 1885 purchased his present farm ffoiii Andrew Erickson and
immediately set to work to improx'e the place and establish the
home. lie built a log house, wdiich is still well perservcd and to
whicli he has since made additions, together with liis ( ommodious
barn and other outbuildings, he has a substantial and comfortal)le
farm home.
On ]March 19, 1885, ^Iv. Aas was united in mai-riage to ]Miss
Annette P. Brethingen. daughter of Peder and Karen Brethingen,
l)rominent and enterprising citizens of Vernon county. AVisconsin.
To this union has been born one daughter. Karla ]\Iabel, now .Mrs.
IltMH-y P. Ilalvcrson, of Portland township.
Mr. Aas takes an active interest in the affairs of his town and
county, and all matters pertaining to their welfare receives his
hearty support. lie has been ti-casurer of his town and in 1900
and again in 1910 was census enumerator for Portland township.
In n^ligious matters l\Ir. Aas and his family ai'c mendiers of the
United Xoi-wegian Luthei-an church, of which he is secretary.
Edward M. Adams, oiu' (»f the oldest and most respected citi-
zens of Kidgeville township, was l)oi-n at Laporte. Indiana. -laii-
uary 21, 1832. tlie son of .loseph and Maria Adams, natives of New
Hampshire and \'ei'nion1. i"esj)eclively. The father came west to
582
BIOdl^APIlY 583
Indiana in an early day, where he married INIaria Stone ;in<i lixcd
nntil 1833, when tliey removed to Eacine connty, Wisconsin, in
1835, where they spent their lives, honored and respected by the
whole eonnnunity. Henry Adams, grandfather of our subject, was
descended from an old New England family and was a soldier in
the War of 1812. lie was a mend)er of and deacon in the Pres-
byterian church and one of the early supporters of and believers
in the principles of democracy, and was a man of strict integrity
and highly respected in his com in unity.
Edward M. is the fourth child in order ol l)irth in a family of
six children. He attended the common schools in Kacine county
until his sixteenth year. Being thrown on his own resources at
the early age of fifteen years, he started out in life for himself.
He was tirst employed in a sawmill and on a farm and at odd jobs.
In 1867 he removed to Monroe county and purchased eighty acres
of land in section nine, Ridgeville township, to which he added
from time to time until he owned 320 acres. He engaged in general
farming, which he has successfully followed to this time. Ad-
vancing in years, the care of so large a tract became so great that
Mr. Adams has disposed of his land except eighty acres where he
and his wife now live in the enjoyment of the fruits of years of
toil. He is known as one of the successful and influential farmers
of his town, and his place is well stocked with good horses, cattle
and hogs, and from his herd of milch coavs he derives a handsome
revenue. j\Ir. Adams has been a hard working man all his
lifetime and prominent in his comnumity. He has always taken a
keen interest in all public matters and has held numerous local
offices. He has been chairman of the town board four terms and
for three years a school director.
Mr. Adams was married on February 9, 1871, in Racine county,
Wisconsin, to Miss Annetta M. Chambers, daughter of John and
Rosanna Chambers, natives of New York state and among the
pioneers of Racine county, having settled there in 1842. Mrs.
Adams is the sixth child in a family of seven children, three of
whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers were among the
best settlers of Racine county, and occupied a prominent and
influential place in their county. They died leaving to their
family the heritage of an honored name. The death of the father
occurred in 1876, and that of the mother in 1868. To Mr. and
Mrs. Adams have been born three children as follows: Morton E.,
born November 21, 1871. A J., born September 8, 1873,
and Maude, born April 27, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Adams enjoy not
only the confidence and esteem of their own family, but that of
584 HISTORY OF MOXROP] COUNTY
a large circle of friends, -with -svhoin they often meet and talk
over incidents connected with tlie- early days in AVisconsin, and
are known to be kind and generous and liosjiitable in thcii- liappy
lioiiic.
Rudolph Affeldt is a yoim^ and i)i-os|)('r()ns farmer of Ridge-
villc township whose age dates back ti()ni April \'2, 1873, when
he was l)<)iii ill Dodge county. Wisconsin. Ihc youngest of a fam-
ily of three sons boni to Carl and Louisa (Zellmer) AflPeldt. both
natives of Germany. The others are August, born January 10.
1868, and Julius l)orn February 12. 1870. The father came to
America in IStJ.") Mud first located in AVatertown, Wis. With
his ])arents. he lived at Watertown sixteen years, then moved to
]\lonroe county, AVisconsin, Avhere they jnirchased a tract of
eighty acres which they improved, erected buildings and made
their home for some twenty-three years. lie then moved to
North Dakota where he stays with his son August, the mother's
death occurring in 1898 ; both were devoted members of the
Lutheran church : he was one of a family of seven boys and one
girl, and Carl, our sub.ject's father was the second child. He
Avas born on October 14, 1828, in Germany. He was married in
18G7 and came to Monroe county in 1883: bought an eighty
acre tract of land in section fourteen, town of Ridgeville. He
was a successful general farmer from the start, and took great
pride in making his home superior to any others in the town-
ship. His buildings were kept in the best of order and his land
in the highest state of cultivation. The residence containing
eleven rooms, was built in 1891 and is commodious and modern,
and the water supi)ly comes from drive wells by Miudniill force;
the lawns surrounding the buildings are eijual to any city lawn
and the shrubbery is of the very choicest. AVhile the father was
considered one of the best farmers in the neighborhood, great
credit must be given to his son Rudolph, who was the main stay
of his father until he left for Dakota. Rudolph has never ceased
in his eiforts to retain and improve the beauty of the home-
stead, and no other in the eoiinty suri>asses it. The mother
passed away in 1898.
Rudolph has always lived on the home farm and limited
his school days to his fourteenth year, devoting all his time and
strength to the farm work, and in 1898 he came into possession
of the farm and Avas married on June 6, 1899, in Ridgeville, to
!\Iiss Emma Zellmer. daughter of Fred and Amelia Zellmer. who
were among the flrst settlers of Ridgeville township. !Mr. and
BIOGRAPHY 585
Mrs. Affeldt have two children. Orville IT., horn -Tune 19, 1904,
and Raymond A., horn June 25, 1912.
Mr. Affeldt is a Repnhlican in his political views, and is con-
sidered an all 'r(nnid good man.
Alexander Allen-'=, a native son of Wisconsin, was l)orn Jan-
nary 1, 1874, on the family homestead in AVells township, ]Mon-
roe connty, the son and yonngest child in a family of ten chil-
dren, five of whom are now. 1912. living, born to Alexander and
Elizabeth (Shepard) Allen. When fourteen years of age, in 1857,
the father emigrated from Ireland to the United States and loca-
ted in New York City, where he learned the tinsmith's trade.
He later came west to Wisconsin, and located at Sparta, where
for fifteen years lie worked as a laborer. He was thrifty and
economical and by frugality accumulated sufficient means with
which to purchase the "Barker Farm" of 150 acres in the town
of AVells. He engaged in general farming and was generally
successful, and there lived until his death in 1904. His wife,
mother of our subject, survived until 1908 when she passed away
mourned by her family and a large circle of friends. They were
hind hearted christian people, and members of the Catholic
church. He was a Democrat in ])olitics. and took an active interest
in the affairs of his party.
Mr. Allen, subject of this sketch, received his edncation in
the common schools of his home town, and remained on his
father's farm until he reached the age of twenty years. He then
entered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Com-
pany, remaining in this position until the death of his father
in 1904, when he returned to the homestead and assumed active
management of the farm. He employs up-to-date methods and is
successful in his operations of the farm, being known as one
of the most prosperous farmers of his town. Like his father
before him Mr. Allen is a Democrat in politics.
Edward Allendorf*, who resides on his farm of 226 acres of well-
improved land in section thirty Lafayette township, where he
was born December 16, 1870, is a son and the second child in a
family of four children born to Peter and Tena (Stark) Allen-
dorf. both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to
the laiited States in the fifties and first located in New York
City. They later came to Wisconsin and settled in Monroe county
where the father found employment on the Canfield farm in
Angelo township ; here he remained for a time, then purchased
the farm in Lafayette township where Edward now resides and
584 HISTORY «» MONROE ('OUXTY
a large circle of friends, vth whom they often meet and talk
over incidents connected wh the early days in AVisconsin, and
are known to ^u■ kin<l and «:nerons and li(»spital)le in their happy
home.
Rudolph Affeldt is a yon^' and prosperous farmer of Ridge-
ville lowiisliip whose a;re dtes back from April V2, 1873. when
he was born in Dodtre eouiv. Wisconsin, the youngest of a far^
ilv of three sons born I" ("rJ and Louisa (Zellmer) Affeldt. ' "
natives of (Jernuiny. 'Plie thers are August, born Jamu
1868. and Jidius b<.rii Fehiary V2. lS7l). The fath*
America in ISJi.") and tirsth»cated in Watertown,
his i)iinti1s. h.- lived at WaTtown .sixteen years, ^^
;Monroe couiily, \Vis(M)nsiii where they piirehas
eighty aei-es whieh they iiproved. ereeted huih'"
their home f'»r some twety-three years. He
North Dakota where he sti's with his son Augj
dealli oeeurring in lS!IS;K)th were devotei"
Lutheran chnreli : he was oe of a family of^
girl, and (';irl. our subjee'R father was
was born on OcIoImt 11. 128. in <lernuii
18<J7 and came to Monnx eounty in
jiere tract of land m xctin fourteeii.j
was a successful iren. r;il Irmer from
pride in inakiui: his lionitsuperior td
ship. His buildings were fept in the
in the liiLrhest stati' (d" elt ivation. '
eleven rooms, was built inlM»l and
and the water supply i-om< from
the lawns surroundin</ tlie!)uiUlii
and the shrid)bery is (d" th very
considered one of the bes faniu
credit must be <:iven to hi>Kon
of his father until lie l.-l't Ir Da
in his ert'orts to retain ad ii
stead, and no other in te
passed away in 1898.
Rudol])h has always l"
his school days to his foui
strength to the farm wor]
of the farm and was n
Miss Emma Zellmer. d
"were among the flrsti
BIOGRAPHY 587
and had accumulated an ample fortune by hard labor and indus-
try; he first worked in the lumber woods of New Brunswick,
previous to his moving to New York state, where he engaged in
agricultural pursuits until he came to Wisconsin. He built his
residence in 1865, and his commodious barn later. Some sev-
eral years before he died he became disabled with rheumatism.
He aiid his wife were members of tlie Episeoi)al church and in
politics he was a Democrat.
Our subject during his early boyhood was engaged in assist-
ing his father with the work on the farm, hence the education
he received was limited. In 1868 in the City of Tomah he was
married to Miss Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of John and Jane
AVilson. who came early from New York to Monroe coiuity. Mrs.
Allingham is the eldest of a family of six children. John Wil-
son, father of ^Irs. Allingham, died in 1884. ]\Irs. Wilson passed
away in 1909. In religious belief Mr. Wilson was a Presbyterian,
but afterwards joined the Congregational church, of which he
was a faithful and consistent member up to the time of his death.
Mr. and Mrs. Allingham have six children, viz. : Margret, Hugh,
John Plamilton, Jane Grace and Bertha. After Mr. and ]\Irs. Alling-
ham married they lived on the old homestead, and after the death
of his father, he acquired by inheritance eighty-two acres of land
on which they have since lived. Our subject has made valuable
and lasting improvements on the land he acquired, and has on
his farm a good, comfortable residence and a commodious barn
built in 1902. He is a successful general farmer, and from his
dairy business receives a profitable income, and his farm is well
stocked with a fine grade of cattle. i\Ir. Allingham has been treas-
urer of the town of Tomah for two terms, director of the school
board for six years and he and his wife are members of the Con-
gregational church, and in politics Independent.
Andrew Anderson is another good farmer of Ridgeville town-
ship, Monroe county, who came to America from Norway, where
he was born August 6. 1860. His parents were Salve and Kristna
(Nelson) Anderson, who emigrated to this countrv in 1870 with
a family of four children, and located first in the village of Wil-
ton in this county, where the father worked for about four years
as a farm laborer and then purchased a tract of eighty acres in
the town of Wellington, ]Monroe county. Wis. Here l\Ir.
Anderson and his faithful wife are spending their last days in
comfort and ease, as the result of their early labors. They are
eighty-four and eighty years of age respectively. They hcid a
588 IIISTOKY OF :\[OXROE COrXTY '
family of eiglit children, ou\y lliree of whom are now — 1912 —
living.
Andrew is what we may call a self-made man: liis cliances for
education were limited wlien he was young, liaving attended
only the district schools of ]\Ionroe counly. which prompted him
to exercise his best efforts in ol)taining a j)ractical knowledge of
affairs in general, to which he a implied himself diligently and is
now considered amonu the leading cilizens of his township. He
lived at home on the farm until he was thirty-six years old, and
in 1896 was man-ied to ]Miss Ilenryetta AVillgrnb. and their chil-
dren were llui-hcit II.. hoi-n -Inly (1. 1897. and Ivlwin II.. l)()rn
June 28, 1898. Mrs. Anderson di.'d in 1899. -Just before their
marriage, ]\Ir. Anderson inherited from his aunt a farm of eighty
acres in section fourteen, town of Ridgevillc which has ever since
been the family homestead, Avhere ]\Ir. Anderson lives with one
son, since the death of his wife, lie is a public spirited man. full
of ambition and takes an active interest in the affairs of his
town. He is a Republican in politics and has served two terms
as justice of the peace of Ridgeville. He is fair and square in all
his dealings, and well liked by his neighbors.
Thomas E. Anderson is another native son of Monroe county.
Wisconsin, and was born ]March 2, 1871. to Thomas X. and ^lary
(Davis) Anderson. The former came from County Wexford, Ire-
land, to the United States in 1850, and found employment in Xew
York state as a farm hand, where he remained for a time and
then came to Wisconsin, where he met and married ]\liss ]Mary
Davis, of F\)x Lake, this state : she was a native of County Wick-
low, Ii'elantl. To this union was born five children — three of
whom are living. While living at Fox Lake, be purchased a
farm of 120 acres in Monroe county, Wisconsin, and in 1850 moved
his family to the farm where he made his home up to the time
of his death wliidi occurred in 1905. He was a thrifty, energetic
man. and in later years achieved a fair measure of success as a
farmer; was widely known in his connnunity and highly respected
by all who kncAv him. He was a Denu)ci*at in politics and took
an active interest in tlie affairs of his ]iai'ty. In religious faith
he was a devoted member of the Catholic church.
Thomas E. was raised on his father's farm aiul his early life
Avas about the same as tlu' ordinary farmei- boy: he attended the
district schools in wintei- and lu'lped witii the larm woi'k in sum-
7ner. Hy hard W(U-k. economy and good .judgment, he early laid
the I'onndation i'oi' a successful career, lie saved his earnings
and soon purclnised in jiis own i-iulit a twenty aci'e tract to which
BIOGRAPHY 589
he added from time to time until he is now rated as one of the
largest land owners in Monroe county. He also deals exten-
sively in live stock, and his extensive herds of thoroughbred cat-
tle, has caused him to be branded "The Cattle Man of Monroe
county." Mr Anderson is careful, conservative and methodical
in his affairs, and in all his business dealings is known for his
uprightness and fairness. He is a man of fine personal qualities,
social and companionable, affable and congenial, loves good com-
radeship and good cheer, and is loyal to his friends. He is a Dem-
ocrat in his political opinions, and active in the councils of his
part}^ He is a member of the Catholic church and president of
the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Tomah.
Warren A. Aney*, a native of Monroe county, Wisconsin, is
one of the progressive and prosperous farmers of Cole's Valley,
Adrian township, where he is the owner of a 360-acre farm in sec-
tion thirty-four. He was born April 3, 1870, and is the son of
Samuel and Ruth (Gibbs) Aney, natives of central New York,
who left the Empire state in the late fifties and came west to
Wisconsin, first locating in Racine county, and a short time there-
after came to what is known as the Ridge' in Ridgeville town-
ship, returning again to Racine county, and after seven years
came to Adrian township, Monroe country, where Mr. Aney bought
160 acres of land in section thirty-four, where with the excep-
tion of three years spent in Sparta, he has resided for forty-five
years. The land at that time was only partially cleared, and the
buildings inadequate. In 1870 a modern brick residence was
built which has since been kept iu a fine state of preservation.
A large barn w^as built the year previous, and as time demanded
other out-buildings have been erected. Choice stock is always to
be found on this farm, which has been enlarged by our subject
by additions until he now has 360 acres of land. Mr. Aney makes
a specialty of choice Jersey cattle, Sherock sheep and Durock
Jersey hogs.
Samuel Aney, the father of our subject, was born in New
York state, January 12, 1828, and still resides with his son on
the homestead farm. His wife, mother of subject, died at Sparta,
in 1895, at the age of sixty-five years. Samuel Aney is the son
of Michael Aney, of German lineage, who came early from New
York state, and settled in Ridgeville township and spent his last
days in Adrian township, where he died at the age of eighty-two
years. Samuel, the father of Warren, has been three times mar-
ried, and is the father of four children, viz. : Warren T. Herman,
who resides in Adrian township ; Mary, wife of A. H. Edminster,
nOO HISTORY OF .MOXKOK COrXTV
of SiJ.irtM. and Saj-ali deceased, who was the wife of 0. F. Sias.
Samuel Aney had five brotliers and one sister who came to !Mon-
roe eouiity and setth'd in Kidticxillc township in the late fifties;
they were John, (ieorge. -laek. Daniel. Jesse J., and Xancv. wife
of James Johnson.
January 18. 1892. ]\Ir. Aney was united in marriapre with ]Miss
Anna BredloAv. dauyhter of Louis Bredlow. of Sheldon township,
hnl now resident of Xorwalk.
William H. Ascott''-, a substantial farmer and laild owner in
Anselo township. >\lonroe eounty. Wisconsin, was born in tliis
county. July IS. 18()fl. His parents. William and Jane (McCreary)
AscGtt. were natives of Knjiland and Ireland, respectively, and
came to tlu' Fnited States in about 1850. and located first at
Schenectady, Xew York, and later removed to Pennsylvania,
where they renuiined until 1854. when they came to AViseonsin,
■,\]]d Were amonu the pioneer settlers of ^Monroe county. He had
eleven brothers and sisters, only one of Avhom ar(» now livinp-.
namely, ^lordica. who resides at Wiiu)na, .Minn. In 1870. ^Ir.
Ascott moved to the iai'in in Aniiclo township, which is now
owned by our subject, Avhich then contained 120 acres, with only
a small clearing. Fie made nuuiy improvements and brought the
land to a good state of cultivation and there made his home until
his death, which occurred August 30, 1904, at the age of sixty-
nine years. His wife, mother of our subject, passed away Feb-
ruar\ 22. 3904. aged seventy-two years. They were kindhearted
and generous, prosperous in their undertakings, and were held in
lii'jli fsleciii by ;dl who knew them.
William II. Ascott is the onl>' surviving member of a family
of three children, tlie others were ]\Iary. who married George
Dunbar, and G'eorge. both of whom are deceased. ^Ir. Ascott
Avas but nine years of auc when his parents moved to his present
farm, and here AVilliam gi-ew to manhood. He attended the dis-
trict school and assisted in the farm woi-k. until 1902. when he
|)urchased the luune fai-m anil started on his own account. To
Ihe original 120 acres he has ailded from time to time, until now
he has .■]20 acres. The first bai'u on the place was built of logs,
which was re])laced by our subject in 1!)05. with a frame structure
forty by eighty feet. .Many other inipi-ovements have been made,
includini: a silo with a capacity of 175 tons, which was erected
in li'lO. -Mr. Ascott is en.uaged in geiu-ral fai'uiing. and since
1910 has made a specialty of i-aising Holstein cattle, and he also
is extensively engaged in raising snudl fruits. He is recognized as
BIOGRAPHY 591
one of tile prourcssive men of the county, and as a farmer he is
thorouijlily systematic and up to date in his methods.
On September 19, 1899, ]Mr. Aseott was united in marriage with
]\Iiss Xelli(> X. llutson, youngest daughter in a family of nine
children born to -John antl ^lary (Mann) Ifutson, both of whom
were born in Lincolnshire. England. They came early to Wis-
consin, and were among the pioneers of Big Creek Valley, hav-
ing located on the farm now oAvned l\v W. F. Parsons, and at the
time of his... death, which occurred in ]March. 1907, he was con-
sidered one of tbie well-to-do farmers of Big Creek, popular in his
community and beloved by all who IcncAr him. Ilis widow, mother
of Mrs. Aseott. sni-vives. and makes her home in the City of
Sparta.
To ]\lr. and ^Irs. Aseott have been born three children, ]\Iary
N., born August 17. 1900, John W., born May 14, 1901, and Ruth
J., born July 26, 1907.
Clifford R. Austin, a native of ^Monroe county, Wisconsin, was
born in Leon township. October 20, 1853. His parents were
William J. and ^laria E. (Sanford) Austin (notice of whom will
be found els(Mvhere in this volunu^). He received a good educa-
tion in the common school, and lived with his parents on the farm
until 1880, when he went to South Dakota and purchased a farm
of 453 acres. After spending three years there, he sold his land
and returned to the old homestead in Leor. township and assumed
the managenu^nt of the farm, which he continued to carry on
until 1903. He then moved to the tract of land left to him at the
death of his father, and remained there two years. In 1905 he
purchased the Rol)ert Smith farm of 520 acres which he improved
Avith a handsouK^ residence, substantial barns and outbuildings,
and made other improvements which makes his farm one of the
model, up-to-date country homes of ^fonroe county. He is en-
gaged in general farming, dairying and stock raising- and is a suc-
cessful breeder of light and heaA'y draft horses and short-horned
cattle. He Avas one of the organizers of the Co-opieratiA'e Creamery
Company and for tive years has been its president and treasurer;
he is also one of the organizers and treasurer of the Sparta DriA'-
ing and Agricultural Association, Avliich Avill have its annual ex-
hibit of firje stock early in Sept(Mul:)er of the year 1912.
^Irs. Austin. Avhose maiden name Avas Jennie Matteson, was
born August 10, 18(Jl, in the toAvn of Leon, ^lonroe county, where
she obtained a good common school education, Avhich Avas sup-
plemented by one year in the Sparta high school. She is a mem-
592 HISTORY OF :\IONROE COUNTY
IxT of the W. r. T. I'., and president of her society, Avhieh has
always been a ]il)eral contributor to the National Lodge at ]\Iil-
wankee. She is also a member of the Royal Neighbors. Her
paternal grandfather. Nathaniel ]\Iatteson, was born in Vermont
in 1796, and in 1805 went to Ncav York w'ith a family of five
children and lived there until the winter of 1858, when they came
to Wisconsin, then practical ly a wilderness sparsely inhabited,
and settled in Leon, Monroe county. Alonzo IL Matteson, father
of ]Mrs. Austin, who was born June 24, 1830, preceded his parents
to Monroe county one year, and ])ui'chased 120 acres of land
which, on the death of his father fell to him. and there he reared
his family of four children, i\Irs. Austin being the second child.
lie is still living, and for the past few years 1ms lived in retire-
ment, a believer in the principles of the Rej)id)liean party and a
strong advocate of temperance. The grandmother died in 1866,
and the great-grandfather of ]\Irs. Austin, who was one of the
minute men under Washington, and who also served in tlie War
of 1812, died August 11. 1875.
On May 5, 1881. ]\Ir. Austin was united in marriage with ^liss
Jennie Matteson. Seven children have been born to this union,
six of whom are now living, viz : Loren E.. AVinfield W.. Clifford
R. Jr.. Truman A.. Kenneth IL and Ruth T. Austin.
Eugene F. Austin, a successful farmer and representative citi-
zen of Leon township, Avhere he was born July 16, 1852. is the
son of the late William J. and ]Maria (Sanford) Austin, who were
both natives of Ohio. Eugene F. is the second eldest in a family
of five children ; he attended the common school and La Crosse
Business College, graduating in the commercial course, and re-
sided on the home farm until 1882, assuming the management of
the farm. In 1883 he embarked in the mercantile business, open-
ing at that time a general store in the village of Leon, which he
successfully carried on until 1907, when the large land interests
he had acquired denumded his time and attention, and he dis-
posed of the business. He owns 800 acres in Billings and Bowman
counties. North Dakota, and 360 acres of choice Leon valley land,
besides several buildings in the village of Leon, including the
store building adjoining his residence. For many years ]Mr.
Austin was the manager of his father's lumber l)usiness at Black
River Falls, and was also manager of the Leon mill. He is now
engaged in general farming, stock raising and dairying, and his
fai-m is well improved with a good class of outbuildings which,
with his nu)dern eleven-room residence and the up-to-date equip-
ment, makes an ideal country home. In politics Mr. Austin is a
EUGENE F. AUSTIN
I
BIOGRAPHY 593
Republican, but is an independent thinker on all subjects, and
believes in putting only the most capable men in office. While
he has never sought nor cared for public office, he has served as
town clerk.
On November 8, 1882, Mr. Austin was married to Miss Sallie
Ann DeWitt, daughter of Richard DeWitt, one of the early set-
tlers of Leon valley, and Sallie Ann (Thompson) DeWitt. Her
ancestors on her father's side are traced to France, while on the
mother's side they are traced to the Puritanic stock of Vermont.
Mrs. Austin w^as born at Florence, Erie county, Ohio, March 31,
1846, and is one of a family of four daughters and two sons, all
of w^hom are now living. Her parents settled in A¥ells township,
Monroe county, in 1856, and were among the well-to-do and in-
fluential citizens of that town, and held the confidence and esteem
of all who knew them. The father died November 17, 1901, and
the mother passed away in 1908. To Mr. and Mrs. Austin has
been born one daughter, Edith Estella, who, after graduating from
high school, took a commercial course at a La Crosse business
college, is now proficient in bookkeeping and stenography, and
for some time was in the employ of a large department store at
La Crosse. She is a talented musician, having had the advantage
of some of the best nnisical instructors in the country, and she is
now instructing a class in instrumental music at her home in
Leon. In addition Miss Austin has received thorough instruction
in the art of hair dressing and has opened a hair dressing parlor
at her home, where she serves her many friends and patrons.
Fred R. Austin, progressive farmer, was born in Leon, Monroe
county, Wisconsin, December 21, 1873, and is a son of Henry and
Isabella (Reed) Austin. He received his education in the district
schools of his county, which was supplemented by a four-year
course in the Sparta high school. He then served an apprentice-
ship in a flouring mill at Leon, and for R. M. DeLong, who at that
time was operating the mill under lease, from 1897 to 1902, and
from 1903 to 1906 had full charge of the mill. He then purchased
the old homestead of sixty-five acres from his father in section ten,
Leon township, and has since made this his home. He carries on
general farming and is specially engaged in the dairy business
and supplies a large amount of milk and cream for the town and
creamery. He is a busy man of atfairs, a director of the Farmers'
Mutual Fire Insurance Company of the town of Leon ; has held
the office of town clerk for eleven years and is now school treas-
urer. He is a director of the Leon Creamery, and from 1907
to 1909 was its secretary and manager. He is a member of the
594 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Modern Woodineii of America and tlie B. A. Y. In politics he
is a Republican and takes an active interest in the affairs of his
party.
On August 4, 1900, ^Mr. Austin was married to Miss Nora An-
derson, of llillshoro, N. D. Of three children born to them.
two, Earl, born ]\Iarch 7. 1!)()]. and p]rma, born September 1."),
1908, are living.
Henry Austin, father of our subject, was born July 27, 1834.
in Medina county, Ohio. In 1848 he emigrated with his parents
to Sheboygan county, AVisconsin, Avhere his father lived and died.
In 18.13, ]Mr. Henry Austin left Sheboygan county on foot for
Monroe county, where he explored the Leon valley and returned
to Sheboygan county, but soon came back to the Leon valley, and
for three years worked on the farm of his brother, \V. .1. Austin.
He then purchased sixty-five acres of land which he afterwards
sold to his son, the subject of this sketcli. lie was twice married,
first to Miss Lauressa Reed, and 1)y this union there is one daugh-
ter, Eleanor, living. ]\Irs. Austin died in 1871, and he married
for the second wife, Isabella Reed, sister of his first wife. She
was born December 24, 1850, and by this union there are three
living children, viz : Fred R.. our subject ; Roy and Allyn ; the
latter two residing in Chicago, 111. Mr. Austin is a highly i-e-
spected citizen of his community, and all his life has been a hard
working man. By incessant hard toil, he l)ecame physically dis-
abled, causing him to retire frou) active business. Although in
feeble health, his mental faculties are unimpaired, and he relates
many interesting incidents of his pioneer life in "Wisconsin.
William J. Austin, who for many wears was prominently
identified with the agi'icultural and l)usiness interests of ]\Iouroe
county, was born in Trumbull cimnty, Ohio, ]May 26, 1822, a .son
of Freeman Austin, a native of Columbia county. New York; the
paternal grandfather was a native of ^Massachusetts, and some
of the earlier ancestors took part in the War of the Revolution.
They were of English and Scotdi extraction. Freeman Au.stin
lived in the county in which lie was born until he was sixteen
years of age; he then went to Trundndl county, Ohio, where he
was married to Elizabeth Johnson, who was born in that county,
a daughter of ^Villianl Johnson, a native of New England. Wil-
liam J. was three years of age when his parents removeil to
^Medina county, Ohio, and at the age of twenty-one years he went
to Portage county the same state; he was reared to the occupa-
tion of a farmer, and received his education in tb.e connnon
schools and in the academy at Poland. After leaving school he
BIOGRAPHY 595
began teaching, and followed this profession for some time; he
took lip horticulture, and gave his attention to this business for
three years. At the end of this period he went to Rock county,
AVisconsin, and embarked in the nursery trade, an industry of
great importance to a new country; three years later he went to
Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, where he purchased a small tract
of land, and for three years carried on farming. Disposing of his
interests at the end of that time, he removed to Monroe county,
in the fall of 1851, and entered a quarter section of Government
land in the then wilds of the Leon valley. He subsequently added
to his origninal purchase until he had accumulated 1,040 acres,
which he retained as the home farm and which, by his energy and
perseverance, was converted from a wild state to one of high
cultivation and productiveness. Soon after locating in the Leon
valley, he became interested in the milling business; he took
charge of and operated the Leon mill at Leon, which at that
time was the largest mill using M^aterpower in the state outside
of Alilwaukee. For several years he continued the successful
operation of this business, as a custom and merchant mill, in
connection with his farming interests. Settlers were few and far
between in 1851, Avhen Mr. Austin located in the Leon valley;
the three or four families who located at about the same time
gradually moved away, leaving him the oldest settler in the valley.
In his farming operations his attention was mainly given to the
raising of grain and stock, and maintained a dairy from which
he derived a handsome revenue. He Avas also engaged in the
mercantile business for many years, carrying on a store in the
village of Leon, under the firm name of Tuttle & Austin. For a
number of years he engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and
operated a lumber yard. The old paper mill in Sparta was built
by him and a man by the name of Mather. He was a man of
rare business judgment, and with the assistance of his wife, who
w^as also possessed of good business ideas, and her diligence in
home matters, was largely responsible for the success achieved.
Mr. Austin was a man who always commanded the esteem and
confidence of tlie community in which he lived. He was plain
and unassuming in manner and very modest and reticent as to
his own accomplishments. Although not a member of any church,
he contributed liberally to their support as well as to all worthy
enterprises. A Republican in politics he was active in the affairs
of his party, was a member of the general assembly of 1880-1881,
and in fraternal matters was a thirty-second degree Mason.
During the latter years of his life he and his wife did much
596 IIISTOKY OF .MONROE COUNTY
traveling;, spending their winters in Florida, on tlie Gulf and in
California. His death, which occurred April '.]0, 1904, was
mourned as a great loss to his community.
He was married April 4, 1850, in Sheboygan county, AViscon-
sin, to INIaria E. Sanford, who Avas born at Copley, Summit county,
Ohio, a daughter of Benjamin Sanford. of Vermont. Her paternal
grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary AVar, and the
mother's maiden name was IMargaret Kiefer, a relative of ex-
Speaker Kiefer, of Ohio. She died when Mrs. Austin was a girl
of ten years; the father died April 12, 1857; they reared a family
of tliree sons and three daughters: William, Aaron, Ransom,
Cordelia, Orphic and Marie E. Airs. Austin passed away April
10, 1901, beloved and esteemed by all who knew her. She was a
woman of many domestic virtues and mental attainments, un-
assuming in manner, nu)dest, of good judgment and untiring
energy, always ready to do her part. Her ancestors were of
English, Frencli and German lineage.
Ernest Austin, who was l)orii in Alonroe county, AViseonsin,
February 10, 1860, is one of a family of five cliildren, three of
whom are now (1912) liAiiig. lioiii to AVilliain -I. and Alaria E.
(Sanford) Austin, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Avhere
their families were prominently identified with the early history
of that state. Ernest received his early education in the public
schools, which Avas supplemented by a thorough course of training
in the commercial department of the A^'alparaiso Xonnal school,
and sulisequently the law department from wliich he graduated
in 1886, with the degree of Bachelor of LaAvs. The folloAving
year he Avent to IMinneapolis, Avhere for ten years he Avas engaged
in the laAV and real estate l)usiness. After a brief visit to his
home in 1898, he Avent to Seattle, AVash., making that place his
home for a time, prosj)ecting and speculating. He also A'isited
Alaska and British Columbia, and later spending one year in
California, Oregon, Nevada and other AVestern states. He re-
turned to Alonroe county in 1902 and tt)ok charge of liis business
interests, consisting principally of farming and milling in Leon
toAvnship. He is knoAvn as a public-spirited citizen and Avide-
BAvake and successful in his business undertakings, and in poli-
tics is a Republican.
William Alonzo Barber, merchant, manufaetui-cr. l)anker; born
Saratoga county. Ncav York, January 11. 1848; son of Rev. Brad-
ford K. and RoAvena A. (AVest) Barber; educated in common
schools of Ncav A'^ork state and AViseonsin; married AVestfield,
AVis., April 9, 1867. Alary LaAvton; chikiren: Fred R., born July
BIOGRAPHY 597
1869, Edith M., born 1875. AVas teacher in country schools during
winter months and worked on farms during summer months from
the age of fifteen until enlisted in army; engaged in lumber Inisi-
ness 1874; became partner in lumber firm of George Warren &
Co., 1875 ; Inisiness incorporated later and now having added in-
terests, and he is president of the company. In 1891 commenced
promotion of inventions of Howard D. Colman ; first success in
1896 with Barber-Colman Check Pump for creameries; then the
Barber Knotter for spoolers, after that "Barber- Warp-Tying Ma-
chine," both now being largely used in cotton mills and popular
in the United States, England and Continent of Europe; is not
now connected with this company, having retired early in 1910.
Partner with Ilulbert and Barber "Ilulbert Ranch," Meade
county, Kansas, in course of development ; now president General
Store Company, merchants. Warrens, and of George Warren Com-
pany, manufacturer and dealer in lumber, real estate, etc., Wis-
consin ; vice-president George Warren Company, bank, Warren,
Wis., and AYarren Land Company, real estate, telephone and farm-
ing, AVarren, AVis. Has served as town officer ; on county boards,
and as school district officer many terms ; member of assembly,
Wisconsin legislature, 1882; appointed postmaster of AYarren,
AA^is., under President Grant, 1876, and has served continuously
ever since; enlisted for three years in Civil Y^ar, IMarcli 24, 1864,
in company B, thirty-seventh AVisconsin Infantry, and served
with regiment at Cold Harbor, and near Petersburg, Va.; dis-
charged July, 1865. Republican (Stalwart), Baptist. Director
AVayland Academy, Beaver Dam, AA'is., and of AYisconsin Baptist
State Convention, Incorporated.
Arthur W. Barney, banker, of Sparta, AVis., was born in Juneau
county, July 28, 1871, and is the son of Charles AY. and INIary
Hatton (Davis) Barney, natives of New York and AViscon-
sin, respectively. ]\Ir. Barney received his preliminary education
in the public schools. He began his business career in 1890 as
bookkeeper in a bank at Reedsburg, AA^is., with which institution
he remained until the fall of 1894, when he accepted the position
of cashier in the Alonroe County Bank of Sparta, and served in
that capacity until the spring of 1901, when he became assistant
cashier of Bank of Sparta. Shortly afterwards he became vice-
president of Bank of Sparta, which position he still retains. Fra-
ternally, he is a member of the Alasonic order, and a Knight
Templar.
On November 30, 1898, he was united in marriage with Miss
Kittie Hill, daughter of Ira A. and Mary E. Hill, of Sparta. To
598 HISTORY OF .MONROE COL'XTY
this union has been born two children, viz: Tyler Davis, born
January 28. 1900. and .Marion. Ix.ni December 12. 1001.
Gustav Bartels, for numy years a prominent and useful citizen
of Riilj^evillc township, ^lonroe county, is the son of John and
Anna (Kicksoer) Bartels, both natives oi' Gci'inany. He was
born ]\larch 18, 1860, in AVilton, this county. His parents came
to America in 1855 with two children and first located in Wilton
township, where the father worked at farming and his trade of
stonemason, which lir learned in his native country, and with the
proceeds of his labor and economy, he purchased a tract of fifty
acres in the town of Wilton, which he improved, brought to a
high state of cultivation and made the family homestead, and
here lived until his death in 1907. His Avidow still survives, and
her wide circle of friends and ac(iuaintances listen with nnich
interest to her many thrilling stories of their pioneer life, for
instance : of the days when Mr. Bartels carried fiour on his back
all the way from Tunnel City to his home in Wilton, in this
county, then a small village of only a few houses and one rail-
road; he also often made the trip up and back the same day with
a team of oxen, which he used altogether in place of horses, and
in those days their meat was wdld game and their neighbors were
Indians. Mr. and ]\Irs. Bartels were both members of the Luth-
eran church at Ridgeville. Mr. Bartels was full of ambition and
ready to assist in every enterprise that could be brought about in
those days. He organized one of the first schools in Wilton town-
ship, in fact, he was a prime mover in bringing the township to
the front as near as could be attained at that time. He was
formerly a Democrat in politics, but the latter years of his life, he
voted the Republican ticket. They raised a family of four chil-
dren, all of whom are living in this county.
Gustav was the third child of the family ; he attended the
district schools until he was eighteen years of age and lived at
home. His first employment away from home was as a farm hand
at a salary of $12 per month, and after working for a short tinu^
in this capacity, he took a position to work in the pine lumber
camps in Warren INlills, Wis., but after a short time he changed
again, and this time bought a farm in the town of Ridge-
ville in 1881. Three years later, on September 6, 1883, he was
married in the town of Tomah, AVis., to ^Miss Lizzie [Martin, a.
daughter of Christ and ]\Iary ]\Iartin, early settlers of ]\Ionroe
county and natives of Germany.
]\Irs. Bartels is one of a family of eight children, six of whom
are living. Her father died in 1890 and the mother still lives
BIOGRAPHY 599
on the old homestead about four and a half miles south of Tomah,
at the age of seventy-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Bartels have had
four children, only two of whom are living, viz : Albert C, born
October 13, 1891, and Cora M., born December 27, 1905. Their
home farm consists of 150 acres of fine land in sections three,
four and ten, town of Ridgeville. Avhere they have lived since
their marriage, and is one of the ideal country homes in the
county. They have made many lasting and valuable improve-
ments ; in 1883, they built their first home ; in 1893, built a base-
ment barn, and in 1903 they built a new residence, containing
sixteen rooms. A large and commodious granary was built in
1887, and their water supply comes from a drive well 205 feet
in depth, besides having several natural springs on the place.
Mr. and ]\Irs. Bartels are both devoted members of the Lutheran
church at Ridgeville.
Mr. Bartels is considered one of the most successful farmers
in the township, thoroughly up to date in his methods, and is al-
ways ready to aid in furthering the interests of his town and
county. He is a Republican in politics and has served in various
local offices; he Avas supervisor for some time and has been treas-
urer of the school board for some eighteen years.
Henry W. Battalia, general merchant of Tunnel City, Monroe
county, is a native of the Badger state, having been born in
Jefferson county, April 26, 1858, the son of Christian and Julia
(Schultz) Battalia, natives of Switzerland and Germany, re-
spectively. More than fifty years ago they came to Monroe
county and settled in Clifton township, and were among the hon-
ored pioneers of that section, and there lived the allotted time;
the father died in 1900, at the age of sixty-five years, and the
death of his wife, mother of our subject, occurred more than
thirty-five years ago. Their family consisted of six children,
Henrj^ W. being the oldest. The others are John, of Oakdale,
this county ; Anna married J. Bowser, of Marinette, Wis. ; Lizzie
is the wife of C. W. Haase, of Clifton township ; Christian lives
in New Lisbon, and Amelia married William Pascoe, of Ash-
land, Wis.
Henry W. was reared on the home farm and attended the dis-
trict schools. At the age of twenty, he began the carpenter
trade and followed that occupation continuously for eight years.
He then purchased his father's farm of 200 acres in section four,
Clifton township, and for seventeen years was actively engaged
in farming operations. In 1903 he moved to Tunnel City and
bought the store of C. E. Davenport and conducted a successful
600 HISTORY OF :^rOXROE COTXTY
business for four years; in li)()7, in coinpanx' with .Vndres Brothers,
lie purchased tlie general store of W. .1. Donakl. and for two years
tile l)usiness Avas condueted under tlir fii-iii name of Andres
lirothers & Battalia. Avhoi this iinii was dissolved, and AVilliam
AVoodai'd purchased an interest with .Mi-. Battalia; at the end of
one year Mr. Battalia purchased Ihc interest of his partner and
became sole ownei- and lU'oprietor. which he has successfully
carried on since 1!J1(), and has now one of the leading geni-ral
stores of the county. AVhile interested in farming, our subject
often worked at Ids ti'adc as carpenter and joiner, and built sev-
eral of llic buildings in that section, anu)ng them being the St.
Peter's cliurcli al ('lil'toii, which was constructed in 1897, and
later he erected two residences at Tunnel City besides his i)resent
residence, yiv. Battalia besides conducting a prosperous business,
is the owner of consitUu-able other property, including his store
building and others in the village. lie is interested in other en-
terprises, and while a resident of Clifton, was a director and for
a time treasurer of the Farmers' ^Mutual Insurance Company. He
has been treasurer of Greenfield township, and is a member of the
I\Iodern Brotherhood of Anu^rica and the ^loderii AVoodnum of
America.
He was married September ID, 1885, to Aliss Anna Grassman.
daughter of Rudol]di and Rosa Grassnum, of Clifton township.
They have had three children and the sad misfortune of losing
one — Oscar K., Avho was drowned at IIonuM-. ]\linn.. in 1010. at
the age of twenty-three years. The others. Elsie F and Freil A.,
live at home with their parents.
John Battalia''', who resides on his fai'ui in Oakdale township,
was born in Jefferson county, AVisconsin, September 2(j, 1859,
the son of Christian and Julia (Schultz) Battalia, natives of
Switzerland and Germany, respectively. The father came to
America sonu' time in the early fifties with his mother and two
sisters, and located in Jefferson county, where he resided until he
removed to Clifton townsliip in ]\Ionroe county, in 1862. He
homesteaded eighty acres of land in Clifton, and there made his
home until his death. Dui'ing the Civil AVai' the father enlisted
and served with distinction until its close.
John lived at hom(^ until 188(5 when, in ]\Iay of that year, he
was married to Aliss Anu'lia lleintz, of Oakdale. She Avas edu-
cated ill the district and high schools of ]\Ionroe county, and for
five years previous to hei- marriage Avas a teacher. Four children
liave been born to ^Ii". and Airs. Battalia, three of Avhom are living.
Julia Al., boi-n ]\Iay 11, 1889; Inez, born November 3, 1890, Avas
BIOGRAPHY 601
educated in tlie district and liij^h schools oi' ]Monroe county, and
in the Iowa State Normal school at Des Moines. After completing
her education she was engaged three years as a teacher. She now
lives at home. The son, Alfred, was born April 14, 1892. After
the marriage of ]\Ir. Battalia he purchased forty acres of land
in the town of Oakdale, which he afterwards sold and repurchased
100 acres in section fifteen, and later added eighty acres in section
nineteen of the same town, where he now" resides. He is a carpenter
and for twenty-five years followed his trade, during which time
he built many of the tine large barns in Clifton and Oakdale
townships. For the past five years he has given his entire time
and attention to his farm, and has been successful in its opera-
tions. Besides general farming he does an extensive dairy busi-
ness and keeps his farm well stocked with a good grade of horses,
cattle and hogs.
In politics he is a Republican and takes an active interest in
the affairs of his party. He has been supervisor of his town two
years, treasurer one term and for twelve years a member of the
school board.
Walter Baxter, a veteran of the Civil AVar, was born in Scot-
laud, November 8, 1842. His father, George Baxter, was born in
Scotland, August 5, 1817, and his mother, whose maiden name
was Jean Duncan, also born in Scotland, was married December
21, 1841, and emigrated to America in 1851, when AValter was
but nine years of age, and settled in the state of Wisconsin,
Waukesha county. In 1864 Air. Walter Baxter came and located
in Monroe county, where he has since resided, engaged in farm-
ing in Clifton and Glendale townships. In 1865 he enlisted in
company A, fiftieth regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers and served
about one and one-half years, until receiving his honorable dis-
charge June 12, 1866.
Mr. Baxter is one of the substantial' and influential citizens
of Monroe county, and takes a commendable interest in the wel-
fare of his town and county, and for sixteen years has been clerk
of his town and village.
On October 6. 1867, Air. Baxter was united in marriage to
Miss Alargaret AlcQueen, daughter of James and Nancy Mc-
Queen, of Glendale, Wis. Of four children born to this union,
but one, Luella, who is the wife of H. AV. Smith, of Kendall, is
now living.
George G. Becker, farmer and substantial citizen of Tunnel
City, Alonroe county, AVis., is a native of Illinois, and was born
in Chicago, December 29. 1867. His parents were Ignatz and
602 HISTORY OF .AEOXROE COT'XTY
?Jary (]\Iarhoefer) Becker, who emiirrated from Germany early
ill life, got acquainted in Chicago and were united in marriage
their, where they made their home until 1895. They then moved
to ]\Ionroe county, Wisconsin, and settled in Greenfield town-
.ship. where the\' lived until the father died at the age of seventy-
four years. Ilis widow, mother of our subject survived four
months when she passed awav at the aire of sixtv-four vears.
They raised a family of nine children, our subject being the eldest.
Of the others, Henry is deceased, Charles and Harry are engaged
in the grocery business in Chicago, Fred is a member of the police
force in that city, Clara is deceased, Ignatz is deceased, Elizabeth
Becker (Hall) resides in Greenfield township, Edward also re-
sides in Greenfield township.
George G. received his education in the public schools of Chi-
cago, and early learned the brick mason's trade, which he fol-
lowed until his removal to Greenfield township, in 1893. He
first i)ur('liased eiszhty acres of land in section thirty-four, which
he sold three years later and moved onto a rented farm in
LaGrange township, Avhich he carried on for a period of three
years. At the expiration of that time he purchased a 2-40-acre
tract in section ten of Greenfield township, which he farmed and
improved by a high state of cultivation and substantial build-
ings, and there resided until 1910, when he moved to Tunnel
City, Avhere he has since lived. Beginnino; his operations in ]\Ion-
roe county with a cash capital of $100, he has won success and
became known as one of the enterprising and well-to-do citizens
of this section ; he takes a commendable interest in affairs of
the county and any movement which he thinks is for the better-
ment of the community, receives his support; he is now serving
his third term as chairman of the town board, and for two terms
has held the office of treasurer of the town. He was married
]\Iarch 22, 1890. to ]\Iiss ]Minnie Krase, daughter of Gustave and
Fredreka Krase, of AVisconsin.
Ernst Behrens, farmer. Tomah township, was born in (Jermany.
Xoveiuber ;}, 18"):^. He is the son of Fred and Wehliminia Beh-
rens. also natives of Germany. They came to America in 1867.
with a family of five children, two brothers of the subject having
preceded them the year before. They located in the town of
AVilton. ^lonroe couiity. Wis,, where Mr. Behrens bought 120
acres of land, only eighteen acres being improved, in section four,
town of Wiltdii. where he lived until lie died. He was successful
in his early occupation of raising large and profitable grain crops.
and thus he was able to etjuip the farm in first class shape. He
BIOGRAPHY 60:^,
was an earnest, sincere christian gentleman, and a well respected
citizen of his community, and a member of the German Reformed
church, to which he gave liberal support.,
Ernst is of a family of eleven children, two of whom are liv-
ing. He received a good education in his native country, up to
his sixteenth year, when he came to Monroe county, and attended
school but a few months after reaching the new country. He
remained on the homestead farm until the age of twenty-three,
Avhen he acquired 100 acres of land in section four, Wilton town-
shi]). which he sold a few months later, and was employed at
farm work by his father-in-law for six months, when he returned
to the neighborhood of his first purchase and bought sixty acres
of land to which he later added sixty more, and here made his
home until 1894. when he bought eighty acres where he now re-
sides in the town of Tomah. He built a comfortable house the
first year, a barn in 1902, and silo in 1911. His farm has a fine
spring which furnishes water for both his house and barn. His
farm is Avell stocked with horses, cattle, hogs, etc. ; and he car-
ries on a profitable dairy business, and Mr. Behrens ranks among'
the successful farmers of Monroe county. He has been trustee
of the Tomah Lutheran church for fifteen years, and one of the
organizers of the Tomah Creamery, and in politics is a Republican.
October 1. 1876, in the town of Ridgeville, he was married to
Miss May Merten, daughter of Chris and Maria Merten. Seven
children have been born to this union, six of whom are living :
Caroline L., now JNIrs. John Sherman ; Emma, now ]\Irs. Herman
Mathewes: Ernst. Louis. Fred. Lidia and Elmer, deceased.
George Benson, section twenty-four, Sparta township, a native
son of Monroe county, was born on the homestead farm where
he now resides, January 16, 1877. He is a son of Charles and
Ernstine (Linke) Benson, natives of Stoten, Germany. Charles
Benson, the father of our subject, w^as the eldest of three chil-
dren, the others, Minnie, the former wife of John Winters, is de-
ceased, and Fred, of Eagle River, Wis. Charles was born in 1832,
and came to the United States in 1850, at the age of eighteen
years. Imbued w'ith the energy and vigor of his young man-
hood, he set forth to make his way in the then new country. His
first stop after leaving the port of New" York was in Chicago, and
from there continued his course w^estward into the then wilds
of Wisconsin, of which Monroe county formed a part. Locating
first on' a rented farm in Bowler's valley. It Avas two years later
that he purchased 100 acres of wild land covered with heavy
timber, to which he later added sixty acres more, which embraces
604 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
the homestead farm. The tirst effort toward home biiildins was
the erection of a lo^ shanty, nearly across the hisrhway from
where the present house occupied by our subject now stands, which
his father built over forty-two years asro, and where he died in
1S90. at the asre of fifty-eisht years. Ilis widow, mother of
George, is a resident of Sparta. She is the eldest of a family
of three children. The others are Fredricka Schmidt, of Eau-
claire. and ^linnie Zimmerman, deceased, of Chicago. Oeorsre
Benson is the youngest of his family, the others are. Charles W.
and John F.. of Sparta, Emma, deceased, who was formerly the
wife of Charles Jones, of Newlyme township, Minnie, wife of
Arthur Jenkins, of Little Falls township. Edith, wife of David
Jenkins, of Lafayette township. The paternal grandmother, born
in 1S12. died in Sparta at the age of ninety-one years.
On December 9, 1903. ^Ir. Benson was united in marriage with
Miss Maude Rowe. of Burns Valley. LaCrosse county. Wis. George
attended the district schools of his native township, and has been
in possession of the home farm since the age of twenty-one years.
He is a member of the ^lodern AVoodmen of America, and is
interested in th^ live issues of the day.
Edward Bergman, a popular young farmer and business man
of Xorwalk, with property interests in various parts of ^lonroe
county, was born October 11. 1S73. in the towii of Ridgeville. this
county, to William and Bertha (Ilass"* Bergman, the father a
native of Saxony. Germany, and the mother a native of Ohio.
^Ir. Bergman. Sr.. came to America in 1S52. and first located
in the state of Ohio, where he was married, and shortly after-
ward moved to the town of Ridgeville and homesteaded an eighty
acre tract of wild land in section twenty-eight, which at that
time was unbroken and covered with timber and n^ameil by wild
game and Indians. To this he eventually added another forty
acres, makinsr in all a farm of 120 acres, and immediately set
to work to clear and improve the land and establish the family
home, battling, as it were, the trials and hardships of pioneer
life. There were no roads of any kind in the county except the
Indian trails and a stage road from La Crosse to Sheboygan, and
white settlers were scarce; the only means of transportation
being either on foot or by ox team. They raised a family of ten
children, nine of whom are living. Edward is the seventh child.
^Ir. Bergman. Sr.. was a brilliant and well educated man. was
a great reader and kept up with the current events of the day,
he was a Democrat in politics and took an active interest in all
BIOGRAPHY 605
public matters, and Avas a prime mover iu every enterprise that
might develop his town and county.
Edward lived at home until he was twenty-two years of age
and acquired an education in the district schools. His first expe-
rience on his own resources was in the threshing and saw mill
business; the threshing machine he operated during the summer
season and the saw mill during the winter months; he was a
faithful worker, economical and persevering, and made a suc-
cess of his occupation. On October 11. 1897. he was married in
the town of Ridgeville. to Miss Alvina Generikow. daughter of
Miuherd and Amil Generikow: she was the fourth child of a fam-
ily of six children, all of whom are living. Mr. and ]\Irs. Berg-
man have one child. Otho 0.. born October 20. 1909.
After their marriage they moved to Xorwalk. in ^lonroe
county, where ]Mr. Bergman purchased a livery stable, which he
operated for a while, then disposed of this and returned to the
threshing and saw mill business, which he has since conducted
along with other lines most successfully. In 1898 he took a con-
tract to carry the mail on the rural delivery route, and is still
holding this position with the Government. In 1899 he erected
a modern residence in the village of Xorwalk. containing eleven
rooms, which he occupies with his family. ]\Ir. Bergman is a
Republican in politics.
A. W. Bernett*, a resident of the city of Tomah. was born in
Switzerland in 1855. and after the death of his father, his mother
left her native coimtry and came to America with her family
of children in 1872. our subject being one of that number. After
a residence of live years in Bangor. La Crosse county. AVis.. ]\Ir.
Bernett was employed at farm Avork. and afterwards engaged
m track laying for the Chicago. Milwaukee and St. Paul Rail-
road, and after a time he took charge of a section as foreman,
which position he held for several years. In 1885. he came to
Tomah and purchased eighty acres of land in the town of La-
Grange, which he now owns and upon which he has made exten-
sive improvements, having in the year 1900. erected a large and
commodious barn. Mr. Bernett has since that time resided in
Tomah. where he has been employed as a skilled mechanic in the
shops of the Chicago. Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, where he
is now engaged as a faithful and valued Avorkman. He owns a fine
and substantial residence, and is a progressive citizen and is inter-
ested in the advancement of his home city and county. He is a
member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Woodmen
of the World.
606 HISTORY OF .AIOXROF COrXTY
;Mr Bernett was married at Lafayette, Wis., to ^liss Barl)ara
Orplnvell, and to this union has been born one son, George, born
in 1883. He received liis education in the graded and high school
of Tomah. and lias been game warden of the district for one
year.
Joseph Betthauser, who lives on his farm of 115 acres in sec-
tions tliirty-l\V(). Ihii'ty-one and ten, Oakdale township, is a pros-
perous farmer and one of the steady office holders of the town.
He is a Democrat in politics and has served the town board for
years in the capacity of supervisor, assessor, chairman of the
board, town clerk and ti-easurer and for twenty-four years has
been school treasurer and a hard worker in the school interests.
He was born June 25, 1858. in Rockboro, Dane county, AVis.. the
son of Val ;ind ^largaret (Snider) Betthauser. both natives of
Germany. They came to America in 1856 and located in Dane
coun-y. where they lived on a rented farm for about eight years
and then moved to Oakdale township, in ]\Ionroe county, in 1861,
and bought forty acres in section twenty-eight and homesteaded
another forty acres which he converted into a highly productive
farm and beautiful country home. They were among the early
settlers of the county and ]Mi'. Betthauser now lives in ease and
comfort as a result of his many years of hard work, at the age
of eighty-eight years, and tells many interesting tales of pioneer
life. His wife passed away in 1881. They were devoted mem-
bers of the Catholic church and raised a family of nine children
in that faith. ^Ir. Betthauser helped to l)uild the first Catholic
church in Oakdale in 1870, and in 1910 assisted in the erection
of the St. ]\Iichael Indian Creek church, at a cost of $6,250.
Rev. Luuis Wurst, pastor; Joseph Betthauser, Seb. Richer aiul
L. Shie. building committee.
Joseph is the oldest of the family, and lived at home on the
farm nnlil he was twenty-two: he attended school nj) to his six-
teenth year, and on November 26. 1884. he was married in ^laus-
ton, Juneau ccninty. to ^liss Anna ]\Iary Haschke, daughter of Her-
onimad and ]\Iary TIaschke. and they have eight children, viz.:
Frank. Joseph. John. Kddie. Otto. Anna, Mary and Louis. ^Ir.
Betthauser bought his farm shortly after his marriage in 1886. and
since tliat time has been conlinually improving it, so that it is
now one of the Ix'st farms in Indian Creek. He keeps i1 well
supplied with a good grade of stock, and uses tlic most modern
methods in conducting it. In connection with his general farm-
ing, he carries on a tine dairy business, .uul is considered one
of th.e vahijiblc cili/cns (tf the townshi]). lie mnkes n specinlty
BIOGRAPHY 607
of raising' and breeding Durham and Holstein cattle, of which
he has a fine display.
William L. Blake, a well known farmer of section twelve,
Greenfield toAvnship, was born in Gamden, Oneida county, N. Y.,
September 3. 1848. His parents, Frederick and Emily (Sanford)
Blake, who w^ere natives of New England, came to Wisconsin
when William was but nine months old, and located in Waukesha
county, but soon thereafter moved to Walworth county, where
they remained three years, then came back to Waukesha. From
there they returned to New York, but again came back and set-
tled in Waukesha county, w^here they spent the balance of their
lives. William L. is the youngest and only surviving member of
a family of three children ; of the others, Mary married Jonas
Stahl, and is now deceased, and Aurelia, the wife of Dr. S. S.
Smith, is deceased. The grandparents on the Sanford side were
also from New York state. They had a family of twelve chil-
dren, ten^sons and two daughters.
William L. Blake, the subject of this sketch, was raised on
the farm and attended the district school. He remained at home
until he was twenty-six years of age, when he started out for
himself. He went to northern Wisconsin and found employment
in the lumber woods. He went next to Iowa, from where he re-
turned after a time to his boyhood state of Wisconsin, and located
in 1876 on his present farm containing seventy-seven acres, only
seven acres being cleared at the time of purchase. Since that
time the soil has been brought to a high state of cultivation, and
the place improved with a good class of buildings, making it a
beautiful country home. He has always been interested in the
affairs of his community, and for some time served on the side
board, was assessor for seven years, and chairman of the tow^n
board for one term. ]\Ir. Blake is a lover of antiquities, and has
in his possession a rare collection of Indian relics. He is known
as one of the well-to-do. public spirited, and influential citizens
of jMonroe county.
On February 25, 1875, Mr. Blake was married to JMiss Lydia E.
Fulmer, daughter of William and Lucretia L. (Martin) Fulmer,
natives of New York state, w^ho came to Oconomowoc, AVis., Mrs.
Blake's native place, in 1847. They reared a family of six chil-
dren, Mrs. Blake being the fourth in order of birth. The others
are Wallace AY., of Sioux Falls, S. D.. :\Iarian. the wife of
W. Hatch, of ]\Iadison, S. D., William H. resides in Coleman,
S. D., Albert Al.. who died in 1903, and Alfred B. Fulmer. of Dell
Rapids, S. D. The children of Air. ami Airs. Blake are For-
608 lll:STORY OF MONROE COUNTY
rest L., Ethel :M., deceased. R<.1)ci1 0., Carl F.. and Frank AV.
Blake.
Jesse Blake, grandfather of onr sul).jeet. Avas horn Decemher
14, 1775, in Coiniectieut, and ]\Iarrilla Loomis. his Avife. Avas horn
May 20, 1775. They eanie from Litchfield, Conn., to the tOAvn of
Camden, Oneida county. N. Y.. Avhere they spent their lives.
Ephriam Sanford, tin- maternal grandfather, waf^ born August
12, 1789, and his Avife. Temperance Dunbar, AA'as born August 13,
1791.
Albert A. Bliss, a progressive and prosperous farmer and sub-
stantial citizen of LaOrange tOAvnship, is a native of GeorgetOAvn,
]\radison county, Ncav Y'ork, and Avas l)orn December 18, 1857, to
Eliab and R]u)da (Davenport) Bliss, also natives of Ncav York
state, and Avho Avere descended from Phiglisli and German an-
cestry. Eliab Bliss, was a millwright and spent most of his active
life in ]\Iadison county, conducting the GeorgetoAvn mill. He
died at the age of eighty-six and his Avife, mother of oiu' sub-
ject, died at the age of eighty-tAvo years. Of seven children born
to them, five are noAV living, vi/. : Albert A, Charles of NeAV
York state. Sarah Jane. AvidoAV of George Tripp, (^f Hamilton,
N. Y., Harriet Bliss, and Celestine. Those deceased ai-e P^vert and
Betsey Ann.
Albert A. received a limited education in the public schools
and assisted his father in mill Avork and Avas employed on the
farm ; when yet a young man he came Avest to St. Joseph, ]Mich.,
and later moved to LaGrange toAvnship, Monroe county. Wiscon-
sin, Avhere he made his home Avith his uncle. Burden Davenport,
and Avas variously employed at farm Avork for a time and then
spent three years in railroading Avith the AVisconsin Valley
Railroad. He then Avent Avith the Northern Pacific Railroad, and
for several years Avas employed in the engineering and train de-
partment of that road. At the death of his uncle, Air. Davenport,
in 1896, he fell heir to the present farm Avhere he noAV resides
in section seventeen, LaGrange toAvnshiji. and to Avhich he has
devoted much time and energy in improving.
Burden DaA'enport, uncle of our subject. Avas a native of Ncav
York state; in 1855 in company Avith Amos Greenfield, he came
to AVisconsin and located on Ihc faiiii in LaGrange toAvnship,
Alonroe county, where he built a log house where he lived for
some years, Avhen he erected a iu>av frame residence AA'hieh Avas
his home until his death Avhich occurred in 18 , at the age of
seventy-tAvo years. He Avas one of the pioneers of his toAvnship,
BIOGRAPHY 609
and like our subject, was one of the progressive and influential
citizens of the town.
William H. Elyton, one of the veterans of the Civil War, and a
prosperous and respected citizen of Sparta, was born on October
4, 1842, at Franklinville, N. Y. Ilis father, Thomas W. Blyton,
was born in western New York in 1814. The maiden name of his
mother was Elizabeth McClure, a native of Cattaraugus county,
New York. The paternal grandfather was Thomas Blyton, a
native of Ohio. The ancestors of the Bly tons' and McClures'
were of Irish descent. As early as 1844, Thomas W. Blyton,
father of our subject, went to Illinois, but after a short sojourn,
returned to New York and resided in Cattaraugus count}^ until
1852, when, at the earnest solicitation of Mr. A. F. Bard, of
Sparta, he came to this city, then but a small village, and fol-
lowed his trade as carpenter in the employ of Mr. Bard. At the
end of two years, he sent for his family, who arrived at their
new western home in October. 1854. He lived here uninterrup-
tedly engaged at his trade until 1864. On September 13. of that
year, he enlisted for service in the Federal Army in Company
C, Nineteenth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He con-
tinued in the service until the close of the war, when he was
honorably discharged. Returning home with health much im-
paired from exposure and fatigue, incident to his service in the
defense of his country which left him severely afflicted with
asthma on account of which he decided to change his place of resi-
dence. He removed to Barron county, this state. He died at
Sparta, Wis., July 28, 1898.
William H. was the oldest of a family of nine children, five
sons and four daughters ; the next in order of birth was Charles
W. Blyton. He also was a member of Company C, Nineteenth
Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, but on account of disability,
was discharged at Suffolk, Va., on June 15, 1863. He returned
to his home in Sparta, wdiere he died December of the same year.
De Forest Blyton is a resident of Austin. Minn. DeWilton. lives
in Barron county ; Manley died in childhood ; Olive, the oldest
daughter, is the wife of A. J. Pierce, of Austin, ]\Iinn. ; Medora, is
the wile of Samuel Finley, and resides at Devil's Lake, N. Dak.;
Merissa, is the wife of William Pitts, and also lives at Towner,
N. Dak. ]\Iary the youngest, died in childhood.
]Mr. Blyton was but twelve years of age when the family came
to AVisconsin — in fact they arrived in Sparta on his twelfth
birthday. In 1862, when little more than twenty years of age,
he also enlisted in Company C, Nineteenth Regiment, Wisconsin
610 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Volunteer Infantry, witli liis father and brother. He was made
Coniniissary Scriieant of liis reiriment and was later promoted to
Quartermast('r-S('r<reant. and two years later, on October 22, 1864.
he was commissioned First Lieutenant by Secretary Stanton, in
the Second Regiment United States Infantry, and was assigned
to duty as Quartermaster of Ihnt regiment, and served in Vir-
ginia iinlil llie close of the war. when he. with his regiment,
accompanied General SiUly's expedition to the western frontier.
In October, 186."). he was appointed Post Quartermaster at Fort
Randall, in what was then Dakota Territory, at the same time
being transferred to the Fonrtli United States Infantry, serving at
Fort Randall until June 2U, 1866. when he was nnistered out of
the service at Fort Leavenworth. The Nineteenth Regiment was
stationed at Norfolk, Va.. from ]\Iay 1. 1863. to October of the
same year. AV'as the first under fire at Suffolk, Va. ; Avas on
duty at various points on York river, after which it returned to
Newj>crt News, where it remained until November. It then went
to Newborn. N. C. and was in defense of that place mitil 1864.
The regiment was then ordered back to Y^'orktown, and assigned to
tlie Third Brigade. First J)ivision of the Eighteenth Army Corps,
under the connnand of General B. F. Butler, and took part in the
lY'tersburg and Richmond campaign. The nineteenth was the
lirst infantry regiment to get into the city of Richmond after the
liight of Jeff Davis, and its tiag was the first infantry flag that
floated from tlu' state house. ]\Ir Blyton lias many nai-row escapes,
bill I'tM't'ivcd no wounds in Ihe war of the Rebellion, but during a
skirmish willi the Indians on December 7, 1865. he was severely
wounded by being shot in the left arm which was permanently
disabled, i-esultinsi- in liis discharge for disability. Upon leaving
the army. ]Mr. Blyton returned to Sparta where he was engaged
for two years in merchandising. In 1869 he entered the Insurance
field, which business has ever since been his occupation. On Jan-
uary 16. 1864. whih' at home on a furlough. .Mr. Blyton was mar-
ried to .Aliss Haiiiet E. Washburn, daughter of William and
Harriet Washhuni. who settled in Sparta in 18.")."). wliei'e ?*Ii".
AVasliburn died in 1S()2; liis wife, mother of ^Irs. Blyton. surviving
until 1869. Besides ^Irs. Blyton. the members of the family are,
Josephine, wife of S. C. ]\Iiles, of Prairie Farm. Barron county.
AVis. ; Clara N.. who is the wife of B. L. Spring, and Andrew C,
both of whom reside in ^Milwaukee.
To ]\Ir. and ]Mrs. Blyton one son was born. Edgar E., born
^larcli 12. 1869. j\Irs. Blyton died in 1881 and he again mar-
ried, Sarah E. Burroughs. June 16, 1883.
BIOGRAPHY 611
j\Ir. Blyton has for many years been one of Sparta's most
enterprising and progressive citizens. He has filled various offi-
cial positions with credit and ability. lie has been city clerk
constantly since 1870; was supervisor in 1884, representing the
second ward of the city, he was elected to the legislature in
1883 to 1885 and again in 1889, holding the office for three terms.
Politically he is a Republican. He is a charter member of the
John W. Lynn Post No. 30, G. A. E., and has held all the posi-
tions of the Post.
James A. Bolton, (uie of the progressive and wide-awake native
sons of INIonroe county, resides on his farm of 105 acres in section
sixteen. La Grange township, was born in Wilton township, De-
cember 29. 1867, the son of Edwin L., and Roseline (Cady) Bol-
ton, natives of Vermont. The original Bolton ancestors came
from England; the grandfather of (Uir subject, John G. Bolton,
a woolen manufacturer, settled in New York state when Edwin
L. was fifteen years of age. They later came west to Wisconsin,
and located in Dane county, near ]\Iadison, and in the late fifties,,
moved to IMonroe county and settled in the town of Wilton.
Edwin L.. father of our subject, was a school teacher, which oecu-
paticui he followed in Monroe county for tAventy-one years, and
occupied a prominent place in educational circles as well as the
general aii'airs of his town. In 1873 he located on a farm in sec-
tion seventeen. La Grange township, where he died in 1886, at the
age of forty-nine years. During the Civil War he enlisted in Com-
pany E, Seventeenth W^isconsin Regiment, and served nine months
as clerk and adjutant. His widow, mother of our subject, resided
at Tomah until September 23. 1912. wdien she died. They were
the parents of ten children, eight of Avhoin are now living. (See
sketch of W. E. Bolton.)
James A. Bolton spent his boyhood on the home farm, receiv-
ing his education in the district schools of his neighborhood; he
had nearly reached his majoritj^ when he started out to make
his own way in the world. He was employed at farm work for
six years, and in 1894 leased the Henry Mallory farm which he
conducted for ten years in connection with his own farm pur-
chased the same year, which he has improved with a substantial
residence, new ])arn, sheds and other outbuildings. Here he car-
ries on general farming and dairying, using modern methods in
his operations, and his equipment is of the latest and up to date.
As a man, Mr. Bolton stands high in the confidence and esteem
of the community and he is justly counted as one of its fore-
most citizens. He has devoted his time to home matters, and be-
612 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
lieves in tlio welfare and progress of his eomminiity. ]\[r. Bol-
ton and his cstimahle wife, who Avas ]\Iiss Lillian Stowell. of
Big- Sj)rin,us, Adams county. AVis., and the daughter of Ceylon
and I\lary Stowell. of New York, were married November 24, 1S98.
Westley E. Bolton resides in section seventeen La Grange town-
ship, and is one of the leading' cili/ens of the town. lie was born
in Wilton township. ]\Ionroe county, Wisconsin, October 1, 1863.
His parents, Edwin L.. and Roseline (Cady) Bolton, Avere natives
of England and Vermont, respectively. The father came west to
Wisconsin in the early fifties, locating in Dane county, where he
remained four years, when with his father, John G. Bolton, he
came to Wilton township, .Monroe county, and iu 1873, when our
.■subject was ten years of age, moved to La Grange township and
settled on the farm where our subject now resides, a small amount
of which was cleared at that time. The father died in 1886, at
the age of forty-nine years. His widow, mother of our subject,
made her home in Tomali until her death, September 23, 1912.
John G. Bolton, grandfather of our subject, who was born at
Leeds, England, died in 1884, aged about seventy years. Har-
riet Lathem Bolton, his wife, died in 1889, at the age of seventy
years. The maternal grandfather of Wesley E. was Reverend
Cady, a Methodist clergyman. He died in Greenfield township,
and was survived for some years 1)y his wife.
AVestley E.. the subject of this sketch, is one of a family of
eleven children, seven sons and four daughters ; of the others.
Frederick E., is professor of psychology in the State T7niversity
of Iowa, James A., of LaGrange township, whose sketch appears
elsewhere in this volume: Herbert F,.. has chair in history of
Berkeley, (^al. ; Laura, wife of Dr. A. R. Bell, of Tomah : Dr.
Ernest LeRoy, of Chilton, Wis. ; Grace is a teacher in the Tomah
high school; Edwinnie, wife of Roy Naphus, resides in lowaj
Edmund and John W. and Hattie M. are deceased. Our subject
was reared on the home farm and received his education in the
district schools. He assisted his father with the farm work until
he reached the age of seventeen, when he started out in life for
himself. He was employed four years by S. H. Griswold in the
lime business in the town of Wilton, and then rented a farm in
AVilton tovrnshijx which he carried on initil 1897, then jiurchased
the home farm of 14.3 acres to which he has since added the
Henry IMallory farm of eighty acres, making in all 225 acres
which is well iin])roved. His residence, barns and outbuildings
are of modern construction and well kept up. aiul the beautiful
country home of Mr. Bolton is indicative of the ambition of its
BIOGRAPHY 613
owner, lie is .letive in the affairs of his township and for the
past seven years has heen diaii-nian of tlie town board. lie has
filled the office of treasurer for one year, was assessor for the
years 1004 and 1905. and has also been a member of the side
board. lie is at present and has been for the last five years, sec-
retary of the Farmers ^Mutual Fire Insurance company of Tomah.
He was married at Wilton in 1884 to ]\Iiss Willella Hancock,
daughter of William and Ellen (Gooder) Hancock, natives of
Enii'land, and who settled in Wisconsin many years ago. jMr.
and ]Mrs. Bolton are the parents of four children, viz. : Char-
lotte ]\I.. Edwin E.. Raymond L.. a student at Lawrence univer-
sity, and Russell B. Bolton.
William H. Boomer, proprietor of the Spring Brook farm, con-
sisting of 110 acres in section 22. Adrian township, is the son of
Charles C. and Avilla (Holmes) Boomer, of Tomah, and was born
on the old homestead August 11, 1869. The father came to Adrian
township in 1865 and purchased the land, which at that time was
little less than a wilderness; the parents were both natives of
^Michigan, and in 1866 they moved to the farm in Adrian and
immediately set to work to improve the land and establish the
family home; they erected a substantial residence and outbuild-
ings, cleared the land and soon brought it to a high state of cul-
tivation and productiveness.
Charles C. Boomer, father of our subject, for many years a
prominent and intiuential citizen of Adrian township, is a native
of Saline. !]Mich.. where he was born in 1834. His parents, Caleb
and ]Mahalia (Barton) Boomer, who were natives of New York
state, were among the early settlers of Michigan, where Charles
Boomer was reared. When the Civil War broke out ]\Ir. Boomer
enlisted on August 14, 1862. at the age of twenty-eight, for three
years at ^Manchester, in Company B. Seventeenth Regiment. !Michi-
gan Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into the service on
August 26 of that year, and after faithfully serving his country
until June 3, 1865. he was mustered out at the Delaney house in
Washington. D. C. Among the many batttles in which he par-
ticipated was the batttle of South ^Mountain, ^Maryland ; Antietam ;
Fredericksburg; siege of Vicksburg: Jackson, ]\Iiss. : Wilderness;
Spottsylvania ; Petersburg, Va.. and many others to the mimber of
thirty in all. After the surrender of General Lee his regiment
embai'ked at City Point for Alexandria, Va.. and participated in
the grand reviev.' at Washington. IMr. Boomer is a well-preserved
man for one of his years, and lives to enjoy the fruits of his long
and busy life, honored and respected by all who know him.
(114 III8T0KY OF .MOXKOK ("OrXTY
William II. received his education in tlic coimnon schools, assist-
ing in the farm work durinj; his boyliood. He remained on the
home farm witli his parents until he reached the ajre of twenty-six.
wlien he purchased his ])resent farm, which he has since conducted
with ureat success. Tliis fai'm. as well as its proprietor, is famous
for the production oi" the celeln alcd jii-ize-winniui: Brown Swiss
cattle, which are said to hv amoiiu llie very hfst of milk producers
in the country, yielding: as high as if^Kll pci- head in milk and cream
])er year.
^Ir. Roomer occupies a pi-omincnt place among llie progressive
and inlluential farmers of the county, and takes a lively interest
in all jiublic matters pertaining to the Avelfare of his comnnniity.
On .June 1'), 189i). Mr. Booniei- Avas married to ^liss Estella
Relief Nelson, daughter of J. ('. Nelson, a prominent citizen of
Tomah.
George Bradley, who has heen a resident of ]\Ionroe county
since 1804. is a native of Lincolnshire. England, where he was born
June 26. 184."}. At the age of nine years he became i)age for John
Prankish and was four yeai's in that service; he received 12 cents
per day. his duties being to carry mail to and from the postofifice.
He was then employed at farming, at about $25 per year, until one
year before leaving his native country, when he worked in the city
of Lincolnshire, at the end of which time, when twenty-one years
of age, he came to America, purchasing a passage ticket from
Lincolnshire dii'ect to Fond i\n Lac. Wis., wliere he ari'ived with
just $1.")() in his po(d<et. He immediately set out for employment
and was engaged by a farmer to woi-k foi- $14 and boai'd for one
mouth, at the end of which time he ai-ranged to continue in tiie
same employment for one year for $200 and board, which sum he
saved, thus obtaining his first start in the new country. Four
years later he left Fond du Lac and went to Waupuii. thence to
Portage and to Oakdale, ]\Ionroe comity, and came to Sjiarta town-
ship in 1882 and leased the John IMotfat farm, whei-e he i-esided for
seven and a half years, and then went to the Johii Teasdale farm,
where he remained for one and one-half real's, thence to the John
Youngman farm, now the county farm, which he conducted for
t'oiir yeai's. Ib^ then i'emo\ed to iieai- the line of the city of Sjiarta,
whei'e he contiiuied to farm on a ten-acre tract, and also took care
of till' West Ceinetery for a jteriod of eight years, since wlii<'h time
he has resided in section 10. Sparta township.
He was first married to .Miss .lane Hatch, of Berkshire, Kng-
land. who died December 8. li)02. at the age of sixty-three years,
he children of this marria-jc are Lizzie. ]\Iarv Jane, Louisa,
fp
BIOGKAPIIY 615
Georgia and John. His second marriage occurred January 16,
1004. to Mrs. R. II. Rogers. In religious matters he affiliates with
the ^1. E. church. He is a man of genial temperament nnd one
who enjoys his liome.
Darwin L. Brainard Ix'longs to that class of sturdy men who,
coming to AVisconsin in an early day, have witnessed its develop-
ment from a state of complete wilderness to a populous community
of fertile farms and have taken a part in the wonderful trans-
formation that has heen wrought. He is a native of Canada and
was born November 17. 1813, to Francis and Harriet (Duclous)
Rrainard. She was the daughter of Anthony and IMary Duclous,
of Vermont, and after marriage removed to Canada, where they
resided until 1816, when they returned to A^ermont. There they
lived until 1853, when they removed to AVisconsin with their fam-
ily and settled in ]\Ionroe county, then a wilderness inhabited by
wild bea.sts and Indians, and endured all the hardships and priva-
tions incident to the development of a wilderness into thriving
farms. Here they passed the remainder of their lives, the father
living to the age of eighty years and the mother to the age of
ninety years.
Darwin L. received his education in the common schools of his
home town and has been a resident of Monroe county fifty-eight
years. He is one of the solid, substantial men of his township, one
of integrity and high standing in his community, both as a business
man and good citizen. He was married January 12. 1867, to IMiss
JMartha ]McQueen, daughter of James and Nancy AIcQueen, of
Glendale. To them have been born three children, viz .- Ida J., who
is now Airs AA^illiam C. Keller, resides at Alason City, Iowa ; Bernice
E., now j\Irs. Otis E. Sherman, resides at Aspen, Col., and Jimmie
L.. who lives at Fargo, N. D. In politics Air. Brainard adheres to
the principles of the Republican party and takes a commendable
interest in all matters pertaining to the good of his town and
county.
D. L. Brainard enlisted August 14, 1862, at Sparta, under
Alilton Alontgomery in Company D, Twenty-fifth Regiment, Vol-
unteers of AVisconsin, and served to the end of the war and was
identified with his regiment in all of its marches and battles, being
nuistered out of the United States service at AVashington, June 7,
1865, by reason of the end of the war.
Fred A. Brandt, postmaster of Sparta, was born at Alelvina, in
Alonroe county, on November 14, 1868, the son of Charles F. and
Aurelia (AVilson) Brandt, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania,
respectively. His parents came to AViseonsin before their marriage
616 HISTORY OF .AIONROK COUNTY
and WH'i'L' aiiioiiL; ihc i-aily pioiu'crs ol' the stale; tlu' J'athcr clietl in
1895, and tlu' niollnr now ivsides in ]Marenoo, Ohio. They had a
family of nine children, the eighth child being Fred A., onr sub-
ject. Six others arc living.
.Mr. l^i'andl .s])en1 his N'oiilli on lln- lidincslcad fai-iii. attending
the district schools of .Melvina and l;ilcr the public schools of
Sparta, and after ably fitting liiniseif for teaching he followed
that vocation for sevei-al years, teaching in various localities in
IMonroe county. In 1887 lie became a inemlici- of the Sparta post-
office force, first serving in the capacity of clerk, antl was later
promoted to the office of assistant postmaster. These positions he
lield for a period of twenty years, and immediately following the
death of Toslmaster Dr. D. C. Beebe, ]Mr. Brandt was appointed
by President Roosevelt to (ill the vacancy, on August 1, lf)()8. He
Avas i-eai)poiii1ed for tlu' four-year term on December 14. 1908,
without opposition, his substantial efficiency so befitting him for
the duties of that position.
In 1910 the Sparta military branch ol'iice was established, willi
i\Ir. Brandt as its superintendent, and on July 27, 1911, the Postal
Savings Bank of Sparta was established under his direction, and
during his administration, in Avhich he has so faithfully performed
liis duties, the people of Sparta have enjoyed a most conservative
and Avell-managed postal service. The United States postofifice
inspector expressed himself to our subject "That the sales of sav-
ing cards and stamps is largei- than many larger offices in the
state." Since the baiilv has been established individual deposits
were made to the amount of .i;2,()00, and the deposits have been
gradually increasing all the time and there has been no year but
what the postal savings have increased over the preceding year.
Mr. Brandt is a man of excellent (|ualifications both in business
matters and sociall.w lie has been a mend^er of the ]\lasonic order
three years and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for the past
eighteen years, and has t^vice represented the Grand Lodge at the
encampment both at Suju-rior and at Janesville, AVis. He is also
a mendier of the IModcrn Woodmen of America.
On December 25, 1895, ]Mr. Brandt Avas married to ^liss Jennie
Angle, daughter of Oscai- Angle, of Spai'ta. Their children are F.
Percey. Olenn F.. Leland ('. and AVendell AY. Brandt.
Barthol Brandon. Prominent among the farmers of AVells
township is he A\hose name heads this sketch. Boi'n at llessan,
Genii.iiiy. October 9, 1856, he emigrated to the United States in
1881, and after spending niiu' months in the city of Chicago he
came to Monroe count v. AVisconsin. and for two xcai's worked at
BIOGRAPHY 617
farming' in the Lyons valley. At the end of that time, in 1883, he
married IMrs. ]\Iartha IMatilda Uavis, widow of Theron Davis, .who
Avas a soldier in the Civil AVar. In 1862 he enlistetd in Company
F, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Infantry, and served until 1863, when
he died at jMemphis, Tenn. Mrs. Brandon's father came to America
when she was eight years of age and spent some time working in
the coal mines in Pennsylvania. He afterward came West to Wis-
consin and located in the town of Wells, where he homesteaded
and purchased 280 acres of land. He was the father of ten
children, three of whom — Martha Matilda, second in order of
l)irth, Louise and Adam — are now (1912) living. The father was a
thrifty and prosperous farmer, well thought of in the sections
where he lived, and at the time of his death was the owner of 320
acres of land. He was a member of the Methodist church, while
his Avife was a Presbyterian.
i\Ir. and ]Mrs.. Brandon have a large farm, highly cultivated and
well improved, with a good class of buildings, and in his farming
operations he uses up-to-date methods and is generally successful.
In political opinion he is a Republican, and in religious faith he
and ]Mrs. Brandon are members of the Lutheran church.
William J. Brennan, banker and prominent citizen of Tomah,
is a native son of ^Monroe county and was born October 12, 1876.
His parents, Edward and Mary (Gillispie) Brennan. were natives
of Ireland. The father emigrated to America in 1819. and in
1860, at Beloit. Wis., lie married ]Mary (lillispie. Eleven children
were born to them, ten of whom are now living, William being the
seventh in order of birth. His father, a strict and devoted member
of the Catholic church, died in Monroe county in 1909 ; the widow
and mother of our subject still survives at the age of sixty-eight
years. In his lifetime he followed farming and was an expert
gardener and a lifelong Democrat.
]\Ir. Brennan was reared on his father's farm, receiving his
education in the common schools of the county and at the Tomah
high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1899.
After his graduation he followed educational work, teaching school
in winter and helping on the home farm in summer. He remained
on the farm until the death of his father. In 1905 he became man-
ager of the Farmers' Cooperative Butter Association, and con-
tmued the management of the association, which was organized in
1892, until 1911. when he resigned. In 1910 they produced 690.000
pounds of butter. After supplying the local trade the balance of
the produce was shipped to Philadelphia, Pa. In 1911 ]\Ir. Bren-
nan entered the Farmers' and ]Merchants' Bank at Tomah and
618 IIISTOKY OF .^lOXROE COUNTY
aci-cpU'tl tlu' posilioii of fasiru'r. The other (itficci's nf ihc hank are
Thomas Anclerson. president, and Hudtiljih Andres, vice-president.
This is one of the strong'est hnsincss institutions in the county; its
capital is $25.00(i jind surplus .tlO.OOO.
."\Ir. r>r(ini;iii is a consislcnt ineniber of the Catholic church and
a member of llic ('atholic Order of Foresters. Politically lie is a
Democrat. He was nuirried on -linie -'id. 1!i()!). at Toinali. to ?kliss
Katlii-yn Coslello.
J. E. Brcadwell, secretai-y of tlie 11. \j. Stevens Company,
architectui'al eii.uineers. with headcpiarters in Chicago, has in his
career demonstrated the vahu- in the husiness world today of well-
directed industry and eiu'i-,u\-. for althonoh still ?i youni; man. ,Mi'.
Broadwell has W(M-k('d his way to a position of responsil)ility and
trust. His ancestors were of En<iiish-Frencli desi-eiit. His parents,
Horace and Ann Fdiza (Perry) Broadwell. were natives of Platts-
burg, N. Y., but came to AVisconsin in 1858 and settled at ^Madison,
where J. P]. was born on June 9, 1865. At the tender age of one
year he came with his ])arents to Tomah. ^lonroe county, and there
grew to manhood, receiving' his education in the graded and hicrh'
schools of Tomah. After graduating fi'(un the last named institu-
tion he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and for seven
years successfully conducted his farm, located three miles from
Tomah. IMr. Broadwell next engaged in the insurance business,
starting at first as local agent and gradually worked his way to the
position of field sujierintendent of Wisconsin and ^Miiuiesota for
the Fidelity IMutual Life Association of Philadeljihia. having
charge of their interests in the various de|)artments. He later
became associated with the Equitable Life Insurance Company and
was made field manager for the state of Wisconsin and northern
]Michigan. Among the life insurance men of the state h(> held an
enviable position by reason equally of his high personal standing
and business qualilicat i(»ns. He followed the insurance business
for fifteen years piior to hecominu intei-i*sted as secretary of the
H. L. .Stevens Com])any. with branch offices in vai-ious cities of the
Thiited States. So extensive has the Inisiuess of tlu' company
become in erect inti' reinforced concrete buildings in the United
States and Canada that it re(|uires several bi-anch offices, and I\Ir.
Broadwell has headtiuartei-s at Minneapolis. wt)rking the terri-
tory from ]\Iilwaukee. AVis.. to AViiHiijieg. Canada.
The father of Horace aiul grandfather of our subject was Will-
iam Broadwell. Cyrus Pei'i-\-, inatei-nal grandfather of subject,
was a relative of the faiiKuis Commodore I'erry.
Mr. Broadwell is jn-omiiieiit in fi'atei'ual oi'ders — a member of
BIOGRAPHY 619
Valley Lodge, No. 60, A. F. & A. :\r. : Sparta Chapter, No. 19, K.
A. M.: Sparta Comiiiandery. No. 16. Knight Templars; a Modern
Woodman of America. AVoodmen of the AYorld and the Eastern
Star. lie is also a trnstee of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church.
On November 11. 1886, ^Ir. Broadwell was united in marriagw
with ]Miss Sarah E. Lovell. of Sparta, daughter of the late Carr
and Eutli (Wyman) Lovell. Peter Wyman. maternal grandfather
of ]\Irs. Broadwell, was a native of IMaine and built the first saw-
mill at Wilsonville.
Mr. and ]Mrs. Broadwell have one daughter — Jessie Elberta
Broadwell.
Hans Bronscn is a prosperous farmer and worthy citizen of
Leon township, ]\Ionroe county, Wisconsin, and settled there after
his marriage. His birth occurred ^lay 16, 1867, in the toAvn of
Portland, this county, and he is the eighth child of a family of ten
children, six of whom are now living, born to H. and Anna
(Stigen) Bronson. His parents were both natives of Norway and
left their native land in 1853 for America with a family of four
children, two of whom died on the ocean voyage and were buried
at sea. Upon arriving in this country they came to Wisconsin
and homesteaded 120 acres of land in Portland township. Monroe
county, to Avhich he afterward added forty acres, and there made
their home and reared their family. Te father was born Jan-
uary 15, 1818. and died March 16. 1910. ]Mrs. Bronson was born
March 1. 1823, and passed away in 1909, loved and respected by all
who knew her. In his long and active life he labored under the
difficulty of being crippled ; still he overcame many obstacles and
succeeded in the end. He was an honorable and highly respected
citizen, a member of the Lutheran church and in politics a Repub-
lican.
Hans Bronson spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attend-
ing the district school and assisting in the farm work, remaining
there until he reached the age of twenty-four, when on December
31, 1891, at Westby, AVis.. he was married to ]Miss Dora Swenson,
daughter of jNIagnus Swenson. Unto this union has been born one
daughter — Edna, born December 4, 1892. After his marriage ]\Ir.
Bronson ])urchased 151 acres of land in section 26, Leon township,
where he has since resided, engaged in general farming, stock
raising and dairying. He has made numy needed improvements;
in 19C0 he built a modern residence, in 1903 the barn and in 1908
the silo. His artesian well, 285 feet deep, furnishes an abundant
supply of pure water, which under hydraulic pressure is carried
by a system of pipes 150 feet to the house, 160 feet from the house
020 HISTORY OF .MOXROP: COUNTY
to the creaint'i'x- lank and •")() feet to the street waterin"- trough.
INIr. Bronson uses uiodern inetliods in all his farmino- operations,
and his well-improved and eultivated farm is one of the ideal coun-
ti-y lutnu's of tlu' county, in jKililies he is known as a propressive
Republiean, jind he and his wife are members of tlie Lutheran
church.
George Brooks, a ])r()niinent citi/en and farmer of Wells towu-
shi]). Avas born in JMorrow county. Ohio, September 27. 1851, son
of James and ]\Iaria (Hull) Brooks, natives of the Keystone state.
They moved to AVisconsin with their family of five children — three
boys and two girls — in 1854 and settled in Monroe county.
Although James' school advantages were limited and he was prac-
tically a self-educated man. the natural thrift ami enterprising
energies with which he was endowed won for him success and the
respect and confidence of his community, lie served as justice of
the peace for some twenty years, Avas a strong t('ni])crancc advocate
and was affiliated with the Prohibition party, and was identified
■\\-ith the ]\Ieth()dist clergy. He was born in 1818 and jiassed away
on ]Marcli 17, 18!)5. His Avife. mother of our subject, died in 1858.
and he was married for a second time to ^Margaret Juliet ^lorgan,
by Avhom he had seven children.
George attended the district scliools until he was sixteen and
assisted with tlie farm work at Imnie. He remained on the liome-
stead until he was twenty-one aiul then for two years lived with
his brother. After his ninrriage he lived on the old homestead for
a time and then ]un*chased a farm of 185 acres in the town of
"Wells. Avhere he has since made his home, and is considered one of
the most successful and enterprising farmei's of that town. He
has always taken an intei-est in the affairs of liis town and has
held many minor offices; he has been treasurei- of the town for four
years: was also a member of the school board for eighteen years,
assessor and overseer of highways, and in politics is a Republican.
I\Ii-. Brooks was nuirried November 29. 1874, at Si)arta. to ]\liss
]\Iartlia Krotzman. daughter of John and Frederica Ki'Dtznian. To
this union were born three sons, viz: I'liillip Iv. born March 0.
1876. died ]March 0. 1905, leaving a wif(» and two sons; James
Ernest, born ^larch 21. 188:?. ])hysieian aiul surgeon of Chicago,
and (;e()i-n(. Iv. honi .June 15, 1892. now manager of his father's
farm.
Arthur F. Brownell, of section 8. Portlaiul townshij). ^Monroe
county, was horn at Sheldon. .Miiui.. Xovenilter 21. 1888. son of
Arthur S. and Phoebe (.McKee) Brownell. natives of Michigan and
^Minnesota, respectively. When Arllnic was fourteen years of age
BIOGRAPHY 621
in 1897 his parents moved to Portland township and located on the
farm where our subject now resides. The mother, who was a
charming lady of many womanly virtues, passed away in 1899 at
the early age of forty-one years. The father, who is still living,
resides on a farm in IMontana. Besides Arthur there is one brother,
Philip Brownell, living in Montana, and one sister, Miss Cora
Brownell. who lives in Portland township. Arthur was raised on
the farm and educated in the district schools of his neighbor-
hood, and since moving to the present farm has resided there and
since the death of his mother in 1899 has had full charge of the
place. He belongs to the younger class of farmers of his towm-
ship and is thoroughly practical and up-to-date with his farming
operations.
On June 29, 1904, Mr. Brownell was married to Miss Eliza-
beth jM. Shultz, daughter of Gotlieb and INIinnie (Preng) Shultz,
formerly of Portland township, but now residents in the town of
Sparta. To j\Ir. and ^Nlrs. Brownell have been born five children;
they are Arthur G., born ]May 9, 1905 ; Ernest W., born June 1,
1907 ; Mabel E., born April 27, 1909 ; David L., born October 10,
1910, and Harry T., born August 5, 1912.
John B. Brunner, of Ridge ville township, Monroe county, is
one of the representative farmers and substantial citizens of this
section. He was born in Hegenheim, France, April 9, 1837. His
parents were John Brunner and Anna Rieder, natives of France.
In 1852 Mr. Brunner with a cousin emigrated to America and
first located in Washington county, Wisconsin, and for two years
worked as a laobrer. He then went to live with an uncle at
Black River Falls and for six years worked in a lumber camp in
that locality. At the end of that time, in 1862, he came to Monroe
county and f)nrchased 146 acres in section thirty, town of Ridge-
ville, where he has since made his home. His farm is well improved
by cultivation and substantial buildings, both residence and barns.
On his place are two living springs, one hard and the other soft
water, which furnish an abundance of pure running water for
stock and drinking purposes.
In August. 1864, Mr. Brunner was drafted into service and was
assigned to Company H, Third Wisconsin Infantry, and served
until June 9, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He saw
much active service ; was engaged in several severe skirmishes
and took part in the battles of Nashville, Tenn., and Decatur,
Ala., after which his regiment was transferred to North Carolina
and placed under the command of General Slocum, and took part
in the engagement of Goldury and Raleigh, N. C. After receiv-
622 IIISTOKV OF .MOXKOE COUNTY
illy his (liscliai-yc .Mi'. Ri-uiiiier roturnod hoiiic and in 1870 lioiiie-
stcaded forty acres of land adjoininu- his rami. .Mr. liriinncr lias
all his life hi't-ii an adixt', hard working luaii. and in atldition to
liis general fai-iiiing he has carried on a profitable dairy bnsiness,
keeping a tine lierd of milch cows, lie is now on the shady side
oi' life and mkiUcs iiis lioiiic with one of his children on the old
homestead, practically retired fi-om labor.
In 1861 Mr. P>nnnii'r was married to IMiss Elizabeth Wolf,
dniightei- of -lacob Wolf, of Hlaek Hiver Falls. Of livi- childi-en
born to them fonr are now liviiiL;'. viz: Lizzie, boi-ii August 8.
lS(i7; John, boi'ii ()c1ober 21). 1870; Louisa, born Octol)er 15,
1872, and Fred, horn Octobi'r (i. 1874. ^Irs. P>runner. who was
a kind and indnluent wife and mother, jiassed away in 1905, leav-
ing besides liei' faniilx' a host of friends to mourn her loss.
Adelbert H. Burdick, who lives <ui his farm of 120 acres,
located in one of the charming spots in La (grange township, in
section 28. is a native of Hartf(n'd. Wis., and was born August
11. 1862. son of Shadrach .\. and .Mary Elizabeth (Hart)
Burdick, natives of New York state. When a small boy the
father came to Wisconsin Avitli his ])arents. Avho located on a
farm near Hai'tford. and when our subject was five years of age
they removed to Jacksonville, ]\Ionroe county, and in the si)ring
of 1868 to the farm whei-e Adell)ert now resides, and which at
that tiim^ contained but sixty-li\-e aei-es. only ten of which were
cleared, and a small house 12xl(), whieli still stands on the place.
He afterward built a moclern residence to Avhich additions have
since been made, and a large and Avell-coustructed barn, out-
buildings and other imjjrovements make this one of the ideal
homes in La Orange townshii>. The father died February 19.
19(]9, aged seventy-two years. l']zra Burdick. grandfather of our
subject, came to Wisconsin with an ox team and was one of the
early residents of Hartford and among the first settlers of that
section.
Adelbert II. is the eldest son of a family of four children; of
the others RosAvell U. resides at Tomah. Alpha is deceased, and
X'oiniie is the \\ife of AV. 0. JStotera. of Montana. Mr. l^urdick
received his education in the district schools and in the Tomah
High School, and when a youiiL;' man went to South Dakota,
where hi' preempted a <piarter secti()n of laiul ami iluring the
six years he was there, in addition to looking after his farm, he
assisted in the survey of the country around Devil's Lake and
across the river I'rom Sitting i^ull. lie returned to the home
farm in 1889, which he rented fm- live years, then moved to the
BIOGRAPHY 623
vity (if 'I'oniah <iiid for eiulit years wms eng'ao'cd in llic mercantile
business. At the end of that time he returned to farm life on
what is known as the Folly farm, and hero built the first silo
Xortli of Toniah. and the third in ]Monroe county, lie moved to
his present farm in IDIO and has since built an addition to the
barn and a silo, King- system of ventilation, and a system of
water works which furnishes his house with hot and cold water,
lie built a creamery room and made many other improvements.
Mr. Burdiek is engaoed in general farming and dairying and
keeps a tin(^ herd of Guernsey cattle, of which breed he owned
and raised the first in ^lonroe county and has a hei'd of fourteen
full-bloods.
lie was married ]\larch 3. 1886, to ^liss Nina B. Baldwin,
daughter of Alfred F. and ]\Iaria N. (Tracy) Baldwin, natives
of Ohio. They came to Wisconsin and settled near Sparta in the
sixties, and were later residents of La Grange township. The
father died jMarcli 4. 1912, at the age of seventy-seven years.
Mrs. Baldwin, mother of Mrs. Burdiek, survives. ]\Irs. Burdiek
has one sister, Lucelle, who is the wife of J. C. Dunlapp, of
Tomah. In religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Burdiek are members
of the Bap>tist church, and !Mr. Burdiek is a member of the Mod-
ern AVoodmen of America.
Dennis Burke''', of Wells townshi}), who is engaged in farming
and lireeding blooded stock, was born in the state of Ohio, Feb-
ruary 26, 1855. son of Demiis and Bridget (Ileely) Burke, both
natives of Ireland. The father came to America in 1840 and
after a time went to New Hampshire, where he spent one year,
then moved to Ohio and was employed as a laborer for five years.
In 1857. when our subject was less than two years of age, the
family came to ]Monroe county. Wisconsin, and located on a tract
of wild land in AVells township, which the father purchased from
a ]\Ir. Faucett. Here he established the family home and by hard
work and perseverance cleared the land and brought it to a high
state of cultivati(m. By working on the farm and in the mills
he accunndated sufficient means to ])urchase more land, and at
the time of his death oAvned 2()() acres in Wells township. He
was boi'u in 1817 and lived for eighty years, his death hav-
ing occurred in 1897. The mother, who was born in 1816, lived
to the ripe age of ninety-three yeai's and died in 1909. The father
was twice married; by his first marriage he had two children.
He married for his second wife ■Miss Bridget Heely, by whom
he had two children. They experienced the hardships of pioneer
days and lived to enjoy the fruits of their many years of toil.
624 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
He Avas an lioiinrable. ii]»ii.i;hl man and held the confidence and
respect of all who knew hini. He and his devoted wife were
niembers of the Catholic chnrcli.
Our snbject attended llic cnininon schools and remained on
the homestead farm with his ]>arents. He purchased forty acres
from his fathei". whicli lie carried on on his own account, and at
the death of his pai-ents he acquired the balance of the home-
stead and is now the owner of 200 acres of highly cultivated land,
■svell improved with a good class of buildings. He is successfully
engaged in general farming and dairying and breeds and deals
in Percherpn horses, Holstein cattle and Poland China hogs. He
is a stockholder and director in the .Mcl\iiia Creamery Company
and a stockholder in the Sparta Fair Association. He has been a
member of the board of supervisors for three years and is now
school clerk for the town of Wells.
]\Ir. Burke was married February 10, 1880, at Tomah. AYis., to
]Miss Helen Sullivan, daughter of Deiuiis Sullivan. They have
a family of ten children, vi/. : Daniel 1'.. horn January 21. 1881;
Dennis J., born February 21, 1882; Mary E., born :\Iay 15, 1884;
Delia A., born April 1, 1885; ^Margaret, born May 17, 1886;
Timothy H.. born January 24. 1887; John J., born February 12,
1890; Florence, horn March 29. 1891; Cornelius, boi-n February
22, 1892, and William L.. l)orii :\lay 10, 1893. In religious faith
]Mr. and ]\Irs. Burke are membeis of the St. Mary's Catholic
church.
Lee Canfield, president of the Sparta Iron Works. There are
men of sncli hroad minds, wide information and wonderful tact
that hy husbanding their forces and planning their various enter-
prises with somethinu' like military precision they are enabled to
accomplish sph'udid rc^sults in ditferent walks of life. Gifted
Avith natural al)iHly. j\Ir. Canfield lias devoted his talent to the
iron business, in which lie has gained a prominent place. He is a
product of Sparta, Wis., born June 15. 1873, and the son of
Edward and Abigail (Goodwin) Canfield, natives of Connecticut.
In the late forties they came to jMonroe county and first located
at Anuelo. where the father farmed and latei- run a grist mill,
and still hilcr coiulucted a store. He became one of the most
prominent .nid influential men of the county and did much for its
advancement, and was at one lime a direct(n- in the Bank of
Sparta. He was hoi-n in 1822 aiul died at Sparta in 1903. Mrs.
Canfield \\;is born in 1S31 and died in 1!)09. aged seventy-eight
years.
The subject of tliis sketch bears the name of his grandfather,
BIOGRAPHY 625
Lee Canfield, who was also a native of Connecticut and a promi-
nent iron manufacturer in New England, and it was he who built
the first ear wheels for the Housatonic railway. Mr. Canfield
received his education in the public schools of Sparta and early
became interested in the iron business. In 1872 the Sparta Iron
Works was originated by L. M. Newbury and conducted by him
for a number of years, when in 1894 a stock company was
formed and the business incorporated. The ownership and man-
agement was taken over by the Canfield brothers and others in
1897 ; the corporation now has a cash capital of $-40,000. They
manufacture well-drilling machinery, which is sold throughout
the United States and Canada and points in South America. This
is the largest manufacturing institution in Sparta, and the pres-
ent officers are : Lee Canfield, president ; George D. Dunn, vice-
president ; Robert Canfield, secretary and treasurer.
In September, 1894, Mr. Canfield was married to Miss Sadie,
daughter of John L. ]\Iather, of Sparta. They have two children
—Josephine and John Canfield.
Fraternally ]Mr. Canfield is a member of the Knights of
Pythias order.
Robert Canfield was born at Sparta, May 22, 1875, and was
educated in the public schools and Beloit College. He became a
member of the Sparta Iron Works in 1896, and is its present sec-
retary and treasurer. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias
order and the Modern Woodmen of America. In June, 1899, he
married jNIiss IMary Elizabeth Lee, daughter of W. F. Lee, of
Sparta. Their children are Lee Goodwin, Robert Raymond and
William Frederick Canfield.
Andrew J. Carnahan, retired, is descended from Scotch-Irish
ancestry and was born in IMereer county, Pennsylvania, January
7, 1842, the sixth child in order of birth in a family of twelve
children ; those besides our subject who are now living are : Eliza-
beth, wife of Charles Madison, of Newell. S. D. ; Nancy, widow of
DeLos Henry, of Fingle, N. D. ; James M., who makes his'%ome
in California: Joseph H., of Black River Falls, Wis., and William,
who lives at Wittenberg, Wis. Those deceased are : Archibald,
Adam IL, Maggie, formerly the wife of Charles Trumley; Jane,
former wife of Adam Ringer, and two who died in infaucj^
James and Rosanah (McCormick) Carnahan, parents of our sub-
ject, who were natives of Pennsylvania, came to Wisconsin in
1856 and were among the pioneer settlers of Little Falls town-
ship, ]\Ionroe county, where he spent the balance of his life. He
was one of the sturdy and well to do citizens of the county and
fi26 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
a kind and obliging neighbor. In politics he was known as a war
Democrat. He was the son of Andrew Carnahau, also a native
of the Keystone state. He lived to the age of sixty-nine years
and died in 1876. His widow, mother of our subject, survived
until 1881. when she passed away at the age of seventy-one years.
Our subject's maternal grandfather was Archibald MeCormick,
a native of Pennsylvania and an influential citizen of Sandy Lake.
Andrew J. Carnahan was reared on the family homestead,
receiving a common school education. After leaving home his
first undertaking on his own account was at luml)ering in the
woods of AVisconsin. where he remained two years i)rior to his
enlistment on August 2(j, 1862, as private in Company (J. Tentli
Regiment, AVisconsin Volunteer Infantr}'. He was mustered into
the service August 28 and served with his regiment until 1864,
when he was transferred to Company C. Twenty-first Regiment,
Wisconsin Volunteers, and served thuslv until the close of the
war in 1865. He saAv much service and was in many of the san-
guine engagements of the Avar, among them being the battles of
Stone River. Chickamauga, ^Missionary Ridge, and was Avith
Sherman in his campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta and nortli
through the Carolinas. After being mustered out of the service
he returned to AVisconsin and again became engaged in lumber-
ing on the Black river. Morrison creek, and for four years on the
Embarrass river. He had three brothers who also took an active
part in the Civil War. Adam served in Company C. Thirty-sixth
Wisconsin Volunteers, and Avas Avounded at Cold Harbor;
Archibald served in Company G. Tenth Regiment, and Avas
Avounded at Perryville, Ky.. and James served in the Third AVis-
consin Cavalry. In 1876 ]Mr. Carnahan located in section 29,
Little Falls tOAvnship. and engaged in farming. Avhieh he success-
fully followed until 18!)2. Avhen he moved into Sparta. Avhere he
has since made his home. He is an active A\'orker in the Repub-
lican ])arty and has been called upon to fill many otlficial positions.
He was assessor of Little Falls toAvnshij) two years, served as
member of the lioard of supervisors for many years, ami for six
years Avas chairman of the board. As deputy sheriff he served
for tAvo years under D. AI. Fuliner and tAvo years luuler Henry
Coomes. In the fall of 189!) he Avas elected sheriff o\' the county
and filled the offiee during the years 1900 and 1901 and lias served
as alderman from the second Avard for six years.
Air. Cai-nahan Avas first married in 1869 to Aliss Frances Dun-
ham, of AVest Salem. AVis.. Avho died in 1873. He Avas mai-ried for
the second time on April 1. 1S7(). to Aliss Axa AVilson. daughter
BIOGRAPHY 627
of Charles and Adeline (Bartlett) Wilson, natives of New Hamp-
shire, of French and German origin. They came to Monroe
county in 1856 and located in Little Falls township, where they
were considered among the best class of pioneer settlers. Mrs.
Wilson died in 1886 at the age of fifty-four years, and he is still
living and active at the age of eighty-three. Mr. and Mrs. Carna-
han have one son, Charles C, who is cashier of the First National
Bank of Fingle. N. D. Those deceased are Irving, who died in
1893 at the age of seven years, and Estella May, who was the
wife of George Hewitt, of Sparta. Her age was twenty-six. She
died April 7, 1903. She left one daughter, Estella Berneice
Hewitt. Mr. Carnahan is a member of John W. Lynn Post, G.
A. R., a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Knights of Pythias.
Anton Chapiewsky, ^\■ho lives on his farm of 217 acres in
section 17. Portland township, where he was born October 9,
1875. is one of the prosperous and wideawake farmers of Monroe
county. He is the son of Albert and Mary (Mashak) Chapiew-
sky. natives of Poland, who came to the LTnited States over fifty
years ago and settled in Portland township, jMonroe county, on
the farm now occupied by our subject, which at that time was all
wild, timbered land. This he cleared, erected buildings and
engaged in general farming and raising of standard-bred stock.
Bartle Mashak, maternal grandfather of Anton, came to the
United States many years ago and was one of the pioneer settlers
of La Crosse county, where he spent his life. Joseph Chapiew-
sky, paternal grandfather of our subject, also came to La Crosse
county in an early day and spent the remainder of his life there.
Our subject is the fourth child of a family of nine children;
the others are John. Josephine, wife of Louis Peplinsky. both
residents of Portland township ; Frank, of Cashton ; Katherine,
wife of August ^Michel, of Portland township ; ]Mary, wife of
Joseph AVunsch; Albert; Louis and Clara, wife of Otto Kumm.
all reside in La Crosse county.
Anton Chapiewsky attended the common schools of his native
town, was reared on the farm, where he assisted his father until
he was thirty-one years old, when he leased the farm in 1906 and
commenced operations on his own account. He was successful
and in 1910 purchased the homestead where he is now engaged in
up-to-date farming and stock raising. His residence, barns and
other outbuildings are well constructed and commodious, and
with his other improvements he has a model farm home.
On September 13, 1905, he was married to Miss IMinnie Kumm,
G28 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
danjjhter of Carl Kuinm, of La Crosse connly. 'J'hoy liave one
child, Esther A., born June 2, 1009.
In religious belief ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Chapiewsky are members of
St. Peter's Catholic chnrch of ^Middle Ridgre.
David D. Cheney. While not one of the earliest residents of
the city of Sparta, David D. Cheney came here early enough to
be unseparably connected with the growth and development in
all lines of industry which marked the period from the Civil AYar
on. ]\Ir. Cheney was born in Scioto valley, Ohio, .January 19.
1822; his father was a native of New Hampshire and the family
one of the oldest in the state, his mother being a native of Yer-
mont. The family moved to Scioto valley. Ohio, and from there
returned to western New York, from which they later moved to
Girard. Erie county. Pa., in 1835; subsequently the father and
David D. started west in a one-horse wagon, arriving in Frank-
lin, ]\Iilwaukee county. AVis., April 1, 1837, Avhich was the earliest
of the pioneer days in Wisconsin. At this time David D. was
fifteen j'ears of age. and as no schools had as yet been established
in this state his father determined to send him back to New York
to get an education. lie supplied David with $10 and the latter
started his return tri]); upon arriving in Chicago, from wliich
place he intended to take a steamer to Buffalo, he found that,
owing to the lateness of the season, no boats were running; he
had but two alternatives, to continue on foot or to return to his
father in AYisconsin ; he chose the former and went to Adrian.
]\Iich., Avhere he had an uncle: his entire capital when he left
home being only $10, it was necessary for him to work his way,
which he did, as it was the season of husking corn and he found
})len1y to do on the route and in that way paid his expenses.
xVrriving at Adrian he went by i-ail to Toledo, where he engaged
to work his passage on the steamer George Washington, but
owing to an unfavorable wind they could not make, the landing
until they reached Dunkirk; from the latter place he continued
to Girard. Pa., on foot. lie attended school the following winter.
The entire Cheney family eventually located in Waukesha
county, where the father made a homestead and where he lived
until his death, which occurred in August. 1869. at an age of
nearly ninety years.
The fatiuM- was a ''Free WilT" Paptist and one of the pioneer
ministers foi* over seventy years, yet received no salary for his
services. There were ten children in the family, of whom six
sons jind two dauirhters ai'i-ived to mature years.
i);ivi(l 1). ('heu('\ was married to Aliss Alartha Kvan. of Alil-
BIOGRAPHY 629
Avaukee, February 22, 1842. In 1847 he went to Milwaukee and
from there to the town of Chester, Dodge county, from which
phice he removed to St. Marie, Marquette county, thence to
Stevens Point and hiter on to Fox Lake, in Dodge county in 1853.
The foHowing year he removed to Black River Falls, returning
three years later to Fox Lake; later in 1850 he traced his way
back to Black River Falls and three years afterward located at
Sparta : his wife died on March 16, 1869, and two years after-
ward, January 1, 1871, lie was married to Mrs. George Darringer.
He had four children by his first marriage — Emily, who died in
infancy; Marvin H., who died at the age of ten years; Lydia
Ann, wife of N. J. Kemp, now of ^Minneapolis, Minu., and David
W., of Sparta.
]Mr. Cheney was one of the most successful business men in
the City of Sparta, at various times engaging in different enter-
prises, at one time being employed in the mercantile business and
also as a grain dealer and lumber merchant. Later he became
interested in banking. He built two large warehouses and a
number of dwellings and was one of the most enterprising citi-
zens in the city. In earlier days ]Mr. Cheney voted with the
Abolitionists and subsequently liecame a Republican, but as
issues changed he voted for the party whose principals seemed to
him right. He was opposed to the saloon in all its forms. He
held various official positions in the gift of the people and in
1870 was elected to the legislature of the state of Wisconsin on
the Republican ticket. He served as chairman of the county
board for several terms and also as president of the village and
village treasurer before Sparta became a city, besides serving on
the school board.
David D. Cheney was one of the best known and highly
respected citizens of Sparta, and socially was one of the most
genial and companionable of men, firm in his convictions and
positive in his character, yet he was a man of broad and tender
sympathies, ever extending aid to the needy and encouraging
deserving enterprises, he was generous yet unostentatious. A
man of sterling character, right principles, clear headed and
progressive, he was a man among that great body of men who
have done so much to make the state of Wisconsin what it is.
He died at Biloxi, Miss., where he was spending the winter
with his family on February 16, 1904, from paralysis.
Milliam Christopherson, for many years a resident of Monroe
county, was born in Norway, October 1, 1845, a son of Gilbert
and Carolina Christopherson, natives of Norway. They emi-
630 HISTORY OF .MOXROE COUNTY
g:rated to Amerioa Avith a family of four cliildren and settled in
the Cannon valle\'. .Monroe county. Wisconsin, where the father
worked as a farm laborer for some time and in 1872 homesteaded
120 acres of land in Pleasant valley, where he esta])lished the
family home and si ill resides. The mother. ;i devoted wife and
an indiiliiciit mother, died in 1911. honored and respected by her
wide circle of iViends.
^Milliam Christopherson is the second child in a family of
eleven children ])orn 1o his i)arents; he attended the district
school up to his fourteenth year and assisted in the farm work.
He remained with his parents until he was twenty-three, wlien
he and his brother ]*eter purchased 240 acres. Three years later
they divided this farm, subject taking eighty acres for his por-
tion in l^leasant valley, where he antl his family reside. In 1910
he purchased forty-six acres additional. He carries on general
farming, stock raising and dairying, and keeps his farm well
stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. He is an
enterprising, energetic and progressive man, and takes pride in
keeping his farm up-to-date and well supplied with modern labor-
saving devices.
He Avas married jNIay 6. 1890. to ]\liss Sophia Oleson. by whom
he has had six children, viz: Inga, a student in Sparta High
School, Glenn, liable. Arthur, Clarence and Everett. ]\Ir.
Christopherson with his estimable wife are members of the Luth-
eran church and he affiliates with the Repul)lican party.
John Clements*, a progressive farmer of Portland township, is
a son of -John P. and Rosenia (Hise) Clements. Avho Avere natives
of France and Holland, respectively. His father came to America
Avith his parents Avhen he Avas nine years old and settled at that
time near Mihvaukee, AVis. The mother came to the United
States Avith her parents Avhen she Avas thirteen years of age, and
they also settled near Mihvaukee. When a boy the father. John
P., Avas employed at farm worlv and later came to La Crosse
county, Avhere his brother Nicholas Avas located. He afterAvard
Avent to Rock county. Wisconsin, making the trij) on foot: there
he secured em])loyment and saved sufficient means for a start in
life, and returning to La Crosse county, purchased a farm, Avhich
he afterAvard sold, and purchased another, Avhich he ]iartly
cleared, and again sold out and moved for a time to ChijipcAva
Falls, Wis.. Avhere he was engaged in toting on the Thornapple
river for several Avinters. Some time in the sixties he moved to
Portland tOAvnship and purchased a farm of 160 acres in section
8, noAv OAvned and occupied by our subject. At the time he pur-
BIOGRAPHY 631
chased this tract there was but fifteen acres under cultivation.
He erected nearly all the buildings now standing, including a
solid stone house ; only two others of a similar kind were built in
this township. He cleared ninety acres, and here with his wife,
whom he married near INIilwaukee, made their home and reared
their family and followed the busy life of farming until the death
of the father, which occurred December 26, 1910, in his seventy-
third year. The death of the mother occurred in 1903 at the
age of sixty-fonr years. He was a member of the town board
and the school board for several years, was a successful farmer, a
liberal and broad-minded citizen. Eight children were born to
them, viz : Henry, who lives in the town of Leon ; Mary is the
widow^ of John Gother, of Jefferson township ; Kate, formerly the
wife of John Algray, of Leon, is deceased; Rosa, wife of eTohn
Taylor, of Ladysmith, Wis.; our subject; Peter, of Cashton;
Louisa, and Anna, w^ho is a teacher, are residents of Portland
township.
John Clements attended the district schools of the neighbor-
hood and was reared on the home farm. He began farming on
his own account with his brother, Peter, and together they ran
a threshing machine and lumber-saw for ten years. Disposing of
his interests to his brother, John took up the management of the
home farm in 1907 and has since cleared ten more acres and is
conducting successful farming operations.
In November, 1905, Mr. Clements was united in marriage
with Miss Kate Smenk, daughter of Albert Smenk. of Monroe
county. They have a family of four children, viz: Sylvester A.,
Rosenia M., Clarence P. and Clement F. With their family Mr.
and Mrs. Clements attend St. Peter's Catholic church of Middle
Ridge.
Ben Cole, the genial and popular proprietor of the Park
hotel, of Sparta, is a native son of Wisconsin. He was born in
Vernon county on June 3, 1861, to Benjamin and Elsie (Wyman)
Cole, both natives of New York state, where they were married
in 1858, and the same year came to Wisconsin and located on a
farm near Baraboo. At the breaking out of the Civil War he
was among the first to offer his services in defense of his country
and in 1861 enlisted as a private in Company F, Sixteenth Regi-
ment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and after serving with dis-
tinction the term of his enlistment he re-enlisted and participated
in many important engagements, receiving wounds at Pittsburg
Landing and in other battles, from the effects of which he died
on his way home. He was a brave soldier, a loyal citizen and
632 IKSTOKV OF :^I().\1{()K ("OINTY
enjoyed the irii'iulsliip jiiid esteem of liis coinmunity. The
maternal grandfathci- of oiir siil).ject, Ezra Wynuui, "was a native
(iT the empire state niid came to AVisconsiii in ;iii early day, locat-
inu ill Sauk eonnty, where lie follDMcd Ihe trade of a shoemaker,
lie was a ])rominent citi/.eii. and willi his wife, whose maiden
name was Emily Seymour. dan<jli1er ol' a prominent New York
family, was highly esteemed hy ;i wide circle of friends.
Ben ("ole is the second chihl jiikI only surviving member of a
family of three children. (»f llic others Rosa and Edgar AV. are
both deceased, the latter meeting his death in a railroad accident
October 1. 1888. in liis 1 wenty-seeond year. Oui- subject received
his edui-alion in Ihe eoinmon schools and at the age of nineteen
l)egan. railroading, which occupatitni he follow(»d for ten years,
lie then engaged in the pump business, selling his wares through-
out the counties of Adams. Washara and Portage, meeting with
nnivei'sal success. His next venture was at farming in Lincoln
township. .Monroe county, and remained thus engaged for two
years and then became i)i'0])rietor of the Hotel Warren at AVar-
ren. Continuing there for three years, he sold his interests and
moved to Black River Falls. Avhei-e lie tool< diarge of the IMer-
cha Ills' hotel and remained for the next three years. He then
returned to Spaila and in the fall of lillO became the iiroprietor
of the ITolel Sparta, comhu'ting the last named hotel until Decem-
ber, 1!)11. when he o])ened the boxball alley on North AVater
street. Disposing of this enterprise in 1912. he again embarked
in the hotel business, this time as proprietor of the Park hotel at
Sparta. jNIarch 20, 1912. Mr. Cole is a thorough hotel man and
popular with the traveling public.
On April 22, 1885. INIr. Cole was iiniled in mai-riage with Miss
Emma J. Townsend. daughter of Louis and Helen (Benton)
ToAvnsend, of I'nion Ceiilei-. AVis. They have six children, viz:
Archie ]-5.. Ruby I.. Eh\iii H.. Lulu, (ileun and Lester.
]\Ir. Cole has taken a lively interest in fraternal nmtters — was
])resident of the local lodge of C. AI. H. A. at A'alley Junction,
leading ot^ieer in tlu> local lodge Al. \V. of A. and A\Mierable
Council. AVhile a resident of T^nion Center and while at AVarren
he was local ])resident of tlu^ AI. B. A. and also a leading officer
in the Ik^avers. He was local lu-esideiil of the Eternal Reserve
Association at Ashland while he was a resident of Black River
Falls.
Edward C. Cole'"', who resides on his farm in sections 28 and
83, Adrian township, is the son of Charles Cooper and Celista
(Sawyer) Cole natives of Ohio, and New llamiishire, respectively.
BIOGKAPIIY 633
('liarles Cooper Cole was born July 9, 1829, and died September
20, 1876. He was the son of David Cole, a native of the Mohawk
valley in New York state, who came to AViseonsin and was one
of the first settlers in Adrian township, Aloiiroe county, for whom
( 'Ole's valley was named. He was one of the most prominent and
well-to-do citizens of Adrian township, and took an active inter-
est in. the local affairs of the town. lie built what was known
as the Yankee tavern, Avhich he ran for several years, and was
an experienced and well-known eye specialist. lie was an exten-
sive laud owner, and sold five forties of land to the county for
the ]\Ionroe county poor farm, wliich was located in Adrian town-
ship prior to its removal to the town of Sparta. lie was honora-
ble and npright in all his dealings and held an enviable position
in his community, and was highly respected by all who knew
him. After a residence in this county for many years, he in
later life removed to Eau Claire county, where he died. Charles
Cole, father of our subject, came to Wisconsin in 1866, locating
in Adrian township on the farm where our subject now resides,
and was married in 18(i7 to ]\Iiss Olistia Sawyer. They were
among the prominent settlers of the town, and died honored and
respected by the whole community.
Edward C. Cole was born on the farm where he now resides,
September 18, 1869. He had one brother, Elmer, who is now
deceased. His education was received in the district school of
the neighborhood, and after the death of his father he removed
with his mother to the city of Tomah, and when a young man
was employed in the Central hardware store for a period of ten
years, and afterward became a member of the drug lirm of
Banks & Cole. In 1893 he went to San Antonio, Texas, and
remained there until 1898, when he went to Chicago, 111., and
spent two years. In 1903 he returned to IMonroe county and the
homestead farm, consisting of six forties in Adrian township,
where he has since resided, engaged in general farming. He is
considered one of the progressive, up-to-date farmers of the
town, and besides his farming operations he takes an active
interest in the affairs of the town and has been a member of the
township board.
On June 15, 1901, INIr. Cole was married at Chicago to Miss
Sarah McGavin, daughter of James and ]\Iary (Farley) McGavin,
natives of Scotland and Ireland, respectively. jMrs. Cole has one
brother. ex-Congressman McGavin, who is noAV a resident of Los
Angeles, Cal.
634 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
John J. Collins, (JlcntlaK', .Monroe county. Wis., was boni in
t!ic city of lioslon. ^lass.. Oct. 10. ISoo. His parents. ]Michael
and Catherine (Dwyer) Collins, were; Ixdli natives of Ireland
and came to the I'liited States in 184") witli their family of two
childi'cn. He was first cinplox cd as a teamster and after a few
years spent in the East came to Wisconsin and was in the employ
of the ^Milwaukee and St. I'anl i-ailroad as traveling frei^rht
agent until 1860. Tn that Near he came to ^Monroe county and
purchased 1*20 acres of land in seclidn 1. (Jlendale township, and
there spent the balance of his life, his death occurring in 1880.
He was one of the early .settlers of Glendale and experienced the
hardships of the pioneer days. He cleared and subdued his wild
land and l)routiht it to a i^ood state of cultivation, lie was a hard
working man and was highly respected in his community. He
Avas a devoted member of the Catholic church and contributed
liberally to its support, and in his lifetime helped to organize and
build up two or three churches. The mother of our subject is
still (1912) living at the advanced age of 100 years. They had a
family of seven children, only two of whom are living — John J.
and William. One son, James, served three years in the Civil
War in the Tenth Wisconsin Regiment.
John J. attended the district school until he Avas eighteen and
after the death of his father lived on the farm Avith his mother
and sister, AA^hich he acquired by inheritance and has never left
the home place. Since acquiring the farm ]Mr. Collins has added
many A'aluable improA'ements. He built a large brick residence
in 1902 and a barn in 1896. He keeps his place Avell stocked Avitli
horses and cattle and carries on general farming. For many
years he gave his special attention to the raising of sheep, but of
late years has turned his attention to dairying and raising Hol-
stein cattle. Mr. Collins has for fourteen years in connection
Avith his fanning interest been engaged in the buying and sellinir
of cattle. He is a good judge of stock, has been successful in that
line of business, and is one of the public spirited and influential
men of his toAvn. and takes a keen interest in all public matters.
He organized and Avas president of the first creamery in Clendnle
toAvnship. run as the Coopei'ative Creamery Company. Avhiclj
Avound up its aft'airs in 1910. lie has since helped to organize the
Olendale Cooperative Coini>any and is its president. In politics
he is a Democrat and an admirer of Senator LaFollette.
He was married February 14. 1881. at Union Center. Wis., to
jNIiss ^lary Gallagher, daughter of EdAvard and Kathern Gallagher,
BIOGRAPHY 635
of Gleiidalo, wlio were also natives of Ireland. To ]Mr. and ^Mrs.
Collins have been born five children — ]\Iichael, Edward, John,
Mary Pearl and Charles.
Henry Coome*, ex-sheriff of ^Monroe eonnty. is a native of
New York state : he was born in Cayuga eonnty on February 8,
1842. His parents Avere Robert and ]\Iariali (Harris) Coome, who
came from England to America in an early day and located in
the above named eonnty. He had learned the carpenter and
builder's trade from his father in England, and after coming to
the Ignited States followed that occupation in New York for
about fiftepn years. In 1856 they came West to AVisconsin and
settled in Sauk county, where he continued his operation as a
carpenter until he secured a farm of wild land, which he subdued
and brought to a high state of cultivation; here he made his
home engaged in general farming nntil 1867. Purchasing a farm
of eighty acres in Monroe county, he moved hither and for the
next twenty-live years this was tlie family home. Disposing of
this farm, the father moved to St. Paul, Minn., where he died in
1903; his widow, mother of our subject, survived him five years
and passed away in 1908. Both were Christian people and de-
voted members of the INIethodist church, and were among its
most generous and faithful supporters. Mr. Coome was a man of
genial nature, loyal to his friends, liberal with his money, com-
panionable, a lover of good comradeship and generous to a fault.
In politics he was a "Whig and strong anti-slavery man.
Mr. Henry Coome received his early education in the district
schools of Sauk county, which he supplemented witli a course
at the Baraboo high school. He remained at home assisting with
the farm work until he was twenty-two years of age. when on
April 1, 1864, he was married to ]\Iiss Eliza Watson at Baraboo,
and they had on^ daughter. Lotta, who is now deceased. In
1867 ]\lr. Coome came to ]Monroe county and engaged in general
farming and stock raising ; he later made a specialty of buying
stock for the market, and was at one time one of the largest
shippers from this county to the Chicago markets. He con-
tinued in this line of business nntil 1886. and then turned his
exclusive attention to farming, which he followed until 1897.
He is indeed a man of ambition and energy, and worthy of
mention in the history of Monroe county ; he is interested in
all public improvements, ever ready to do all in his power for
the good of the community, and while not a politician, he has
taken an active interest in the affairs of the Republican party,
and in 1897 was its candidate for sheriff', being elected over
636 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
his opponent l)y ;i haiidsomo majority. Assuming' the (.luties
of that office lie moved witli his family to Spai'ta where they
remained during his service in office, and u])on the expiration
of this tei-m he returned to Tomah and retiretl from active
business.
JMr. Coome is a man of thoronuli business qualifications, gen-
ei'ons, kind-hearted and ])0|)ular in llie circles in which he moves;
he is an active member in the Knights of Pythias lodge, has
filled all the chairs of the oi-dei- and is now nuister of the ex-
chequer; is also promiiuMit in the uniform rank of the order
and has attended its convocations at various ])oints of the United
States. Shortly after assuming the duties of sheriff of the
county, he experienced the sad misfortune in the death of Mrs.
Coonie which occurred in 1898. He was married for the second
time to ]\Irs. Ada Hall, daughter of James Sweet.
Fred H. Crossette, one of the enterprising, wide-awake and
progressive ])nsiness men of Tomah. is a native son of Wisconsin.
He was born at Ridgeville, ]Monroe county, December 11. 1859,
the son of Z. H. and Jane (Davis) Crossette. The ancestors
on the maternal side were natives of Vermont. The father of
Fred H. came west to Wisconsin in 1855 and settled in Walworth
county, remaining there three years. In 1858 he moved to Monroe
county with his family and purchased 150 acres of wild land
and immediately set to work clearing and improving his farm.
AVhen the Civil War commenced, he M'as drafted and served
in the twenty fifth regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry
until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged
and returned home. He Avas a successful farmer, a good citizen
and brave soldier, and enjoyed the contidence and esteem of
all Avho knew him. lie was a devoted member of the JNIethodist
Episcopal church, and for many years a stew^Trd in that church.
His death occurred in 187!). The mother of our subject raised
a family of seven chihlrcn. foui' of whom ;ire now living. She
Avas a model housewife, and hei- womaidy graces aiul domestic
virtues made her a worthy helpmeet to her husband. She was
a charming lady, a good wife and mother and was highly esteemed
by a large circle of friends. She died in 1898.
Fred II. Crossette was raised on his father's farm and at-
tended the district schools until he was sixteen years of age,
and finished his education in the high school at Tomah. At
the age of twenty, he entered the general store of R. B. Dunlap,
at Kendall, where he was employed as clerk for nine months.
He was next employed at eai-jienler work which he followed
BIOGRAPHY 637
■with some degree of success for a time and then went to Barron
county and embarked in the furniture and undertaking business.
He later returned to Tomah. and with three brothers, put $300
into a portable saw mill, which furnished them with employment
during the winter months. From this small beginning, the
business grew, and other kinds of woodworking machinery were
added and they soon had established a fine plant for saAvins:.
planing and manufacturing sash, doors, blinds and store fixtures.
This model plant equipped with modern, up-to-date machinery,
was destroyed by fire in 1901 with a loss of $12,000.
After prospecting through the county for a location better
suited for their business, they finally decided to rebuild on the
same spot formerly occupied by them. ]Mr. Crossette organized
a stock company with a capital of $25,000, which was incorporated
in 1901; new buildings were erected and equipped and ])usiness
resumed, which has since met with increased prosperity. To
the line of sash, doors, blinds and fixtures, they have recently
added the manufacture of silos, also dealers in building material.
This is one of the largest and most complete manufacturing
plants in the county.
Mr. Crossette is widely known for his sterling qualities, both
as a business man and in a social way. and is respected by his
friends and asociates as a true example of American manhood,
energetic, thrifty and upright. He is a member of the Knights
of Pythias, and in political faith, is a Republican. In all matters
pertaining to the betterment of his cit}" and county, he gives
his hearty support.
William L. Daly* is one of the live wires of Greenfield town-
ship, where he resides on section sixteen, engaged in farming. He
was _ born at Tomah, AVis.. on November 14, 1862, the son
of John and Catherine (Haley) Daly, both natives of Ireland,
who, after their marriage, came to America, and in 1856 to
Tomah; they removed after a time to Tunnel City, where the
father was employed on the original tunnel of the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul Railway. In 1867, he settled on eighty acres
of school land, called at that time on account of its condition,
"Grub Land," and there he continued to reside until his death
in 1893 at the age of eighty-six years. His wife, mother of our
subject, passed away the same year at the age of seventy-tw^o.
William L. is one of a family of six children, of the others,
Timothy is deceased; Martin; Mary, deceased, was the wife
of James Barney ; John, deceased ; AYilliam L. and Jerry, who is
in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad.
638 HISTORY OF .AIOXROE COI'XTY
AVilliam attended the district seliool and was raised on the
home farm Avhere he has always lived with the exception of about
seven years he was employed on tlic railroad and minino- eon-
tract work in northern AVisconsin. lie returned in 1894 and
permanently located <>n tlie homestead farm as owner and pro-
prietor, and in 1901. he built a modern residence and barn. Be-
sides general farminj":, Air. Daly deals extensively in urade Dur-
ham and Ilolstein cattle, and is a recognized authority in those
lines, having been generally successful in every branch he has
undertaken. lie is thoroughly up Avith the times, jiublic spirited
and generous and is considered one of the most prosperous and
progressive citi/.ens of his community. He Avas married on April
14, 1895, to Aliss Alargaret O'Brien, daughter of AVilliam and
Catherine (Sullivan) O'Brien, of Toniah township. Five children
have been born to Air. and Airs. Daly, vi/: Alarcus J., John AA".,
Bernadine K.. Florence Al. and Helen F.
Elijah Davenpcrt, who has l)een conspicuous for numy years
in the farming community of Greenfield township, is among the
few pioneers now living in Alonroe county. His birthplace was
Dorchester, AIa.ss., four miles from the state house at Boston,
the date being November 3rd, 1830. His parents. Elijah L..
and Alarta 0. (Sweat) Davenport, were natives of Alassachusetts
and Alaine respectively. He was a currier by occupation, and
they spent their married life at Dorchester, where he died at
the age of eighty-, and she at the age of eighty-five years. They
reared a family of four children, of whom our subject is the
eldest. Of the others. Abbie Al.. deceased; Augusta is the Avife
of Edward Crocker, of AVinthrop, Alass., and Clarence, Avho
resides at the old home in Boston.
Elijah received his education in th(> common schools, and
early assisted his fathei- as a curiMci-: he later leai'iied the trade
of cabinet maker and also followetl tlie trade of carpentei- and
joiner, and for twenty years Avas engaged in the construction
of raihvay bridges foi- tlic Omaha raihvay. Avhich is noAv a part
of the .XortliAvesfern systt^n. Air. Davciipoi-i ]>r;u-tically built
the village of Humbird. AVis., after he became idciititied with
Alonroe county, and embarked in the cabinet and fui-niliirc luisi-
ness in Sparta, Alonroe county, in IS;")?; the folloAving year he
moved to (ireenfi(^l(l toAvnship. wheiv he endui-ed the priA'ations
and hardships of lhos(» pioneer days, cleared tlu^ land and en-
gaged in hop-raising, and afterAvard took up the Avork for the
railroad as above mentioned. In 1892. he returned to his fai'm
of 240 acres in Ihc town ol' ( ii-cciilicld. which has since Ix'cn his
BIOGRAPHY 689
home. An interesting volume could be made of liis experiences
and escapades with the Indians in the early days, when there
was less than half a dozen white families in his locality, the
Indians at that time being bent upon plundering their property,
and it was with difficulty that ]Mr. Davenport could induce them
to stay away.
Mr. Davenport comes of a family remarkable for its longevity,
and thus inherited his share of mental and physical vigor neces-
sary to the successful farmer. He carries on general farming
and enjoys one of the most beautiful farm homes in the county.
He has been a JMason since 1878; and is a member of Tomali
Lodge, No. 132. He was married on June 19, 1862, to Miss
Emiline Sawyer, daughter of David M. and Julia (Adams) Saw-
yer, both natives of Maine and the first settlers in Tarr valley —
she being the first white woman to realize the hardships of the
pioneer in this town. The father came to Greenfield with Mr.
J. M. Tarr and they entered the first land in the town together —
Mr. Sawyer being the first to make the entry and his name was
given to the valley which was afterwards, however, changed
to Tarr valley, which name it still retains. Mr. Sawyer, father
of ]Mrs. Davenport, was born P>bruary 20, 1807, and died April
24, 1864; his wife, mother of Mrs. Davenport, was born Sep-
tember 2. 1816, and died December 12, 1911. ]Mrs. Davenport
was born in 1842 and is the eldest of a family of three children;
the others are ]Martha, wife of AV. S. Wyman, a carpenter by
occupation, who resides in South Dakota, and Agnes, now INIrs.
J. M. Ferguson, of Hastings, Neb. Mrs. Davenport came to
Wisconsin at the age of thirteen years and recalls distinctly
many incidents of privations during the pioneer days and espe-
cially of the Indian trouble in Minnesota when it Avas necessary
for the family to take protective measures each night against
molestation. ]\Irs. Davenport taught the first school in Greenfield
tow^nship in a log schoolhouse which was raised July 4, 1857,
and built by David Sawyer, J. ]\I. Tarr, John Rich, Joseph Conch
and others. She also taught the first school in Tunnel City. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Davenport are Clarence E., of Encino,
N. M. ; Marta A., deceased, and Agnes J., now Mrs. G. W. Bond.
Mr. Bond is a prominent and influential citizen of Boise City,
Idaho. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Davenport have traveled extensively
throughout the United States, having visited nearly all the points
of interest, and recently celebrated their golden wedding. Both
Mr. and ]\Irs. Davenport bear the weight of their years most
640 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
gracefully and their liospitality extends to a large circle of
friends and acquaintances.
Hal J. Davis, one of the i)runiinent luert'luints of Sparta, is
pre-eminently a self-made man. Beginning life with no capital
other than his native abilities, he has by perseverence, industrj'
and the force of a strong personality, attained to a place among
the intiuential and substantial ciliznis of his community. A
native son of AVisconsin, he Avas born at Beaver Dam in 1868,
his parents being Chester P. and Caroline Davis. lie received
his education in the schools of his home town and came to
Sparta in 1882 when he was fourteen years of age and first
entered the employ of Rufus Dodge, as salesman in the then
leading mercantile establishment in Sparta. lie early displayed
such exceptional business ability, he was told l)y his emploj^er
that if he Avonld save his earnings, he might some day become
a partner in the business. Young Davis accepted the oppor-
tunity, and in 1898 became junior member of the firm. ]\Ir.
Dodge, senior member of the firm, was born in jNIonroe county,
New York, in 1840. lie carried the musket throngh the Civil
AVar with tlie Sixteenth New York Volunteers during the regi-
ment's term of service. After the close of the war, ]\Ir. Dodge
came to "Wisconsin, settling at Columbns, wliere he engaged in
the mercantile business. In 1872, Gilbert T., Harvey K., and
Rufus S. Dodge established the Sparta store, which Avas con-
ducted nnder the name of Dodge Brothers and the pei'sonal
management of Harvey K., until 1877, when Rufus Dodge came
to Sparta and took personal charge of the business. In 1879.
Gilbert T. Dodge retired, and the same year his l)rother. Harvey
K., died, and from that time until 1898, Rufus S. was the sole
proprietor, and J\Ir. Davis purchased an interest. In 1908, ]\Ir.
Dodge died, leaving Mr. Davis in full charge, which he has
since continued, occupying the most spacious block in the city
with a handsome department store. In the spring of 1900 the
old Jackson building was removed and in its stead the present
structure was erected on what is known as the old Jackson
corner, purchased by the Dodges in 1872. and here the business
has since flourished witli ])eriodical additions. In 1893 the Tyler
store on AVatei- street was i)urc'hased. and in 1897 a large addition
to botli stoi'cs was erected in tlu> rear.
Capt. Martin Warner Davis, rrtircd. one of the i)ublic
spirited and su])stantial citizens of Sparta, is descended from
old and jiromincnt New Knglaiul families. He was born at
Newark. Caledonia coniitx. \'t.. -laniiarv 24. 1836. the son of
BIOGRAPHY ■ 641
Eleazer and Diana (Stoddard) Davis, natives of Chesterfield,
N. H., and who when young, removed to Vermont, where, like
his father before him, engaged in farming. During the gold
excitement in 1849, he went to California via the Isthmus of
Panama, and there spent three successful j^ears. His Vermont
farming interests were carried on on a large scale, he having
at one time as many as 100 acres devoted to the raising of tim-
othy, from which he on one occasion, obtained 600 bushels of
seed. In political faith he was a Whig, and was elected to
the Vermont legislature and served with distinction through the
sessions of 1815-6. He was generous, kind-hearted and a man
of unblemished character. He lived to the age of ninety-one
years, his death occurring in 1898. Eleazer and his brother,
Jonathan Davis, were the sous of Osborn Davis, who spent his
active life in northern Vermont, and was known as a stalwart
figure among men, and in those early days would often shoulder
three bushels of wheat and by the aid of snow shoes, carry it
for a mile. He died sometime during the 40 's. This particular
branch of the Davis family has been definitely traced as far
back at 1702.
The maternal grandfather of our subject was Alpheus Stod-
dard, also from Chesterfield, and extensively engaged in farming
in northern Vermont, and owned in his own right 500 acres
of land. His wife, the maternal grandmother of Captain Davis,
was Charlotte Farnsworth. Avho also was a native of Vermont.
The early ancestors of this branch of the Stoddard family were
David, born October 23, 1754, and who was the great grand-
father of Mr. Davis; Sarah, the great grandmother, was born
February 20, 1757. Thej' were the parents of ten children, viz:
Lucy, born October 26, 1775 ; David, born June 24, 1777 ; Jesse,
born June 30, 1779 ; Lydia, born March 24, 1782 ; Arad, born
February 15. 1784; Charles, born March 16, 1786; Alpheus, grand-
father of our subject, born January 11, 1788; Luther, born
February 6. 1790; Sally, bom March 19, 1792; Eleazer, born
May 18.' 1794, and Abel, born September 28, 1796.
Captain Davis was reared on a farm in Vermont, and re-
ceived his elementary education in a log schoolhouse, after which
he attended a select school for a short time, and this was supple-
mented by a course at the Orleans Liberal Institute, which he
attended during the year 1852-3. He taught school during the
winters of 1855-6-8-9, and worked on the farm during the
summer months. He continued farm work until the breaking
out of the Civil AVar, and being imbued with patriotism and
642 HISTORY OF :\rOXROE COUNTY
love for the I'liiun. he enlisted Jis a ])i'ivatt' in coiupauy D, sixth
Vermont Volnntccr Infantry. OctolxT '2. ISHl. and was mustered
int<» llic service at .Mon* pelief. \'1.. ()('1()l)ei' 15. of that year,
as second sergeant, was proindted tn onlei-iy ser<reant in January,
18()2. and to second lieutenant .Ma\' 1. ISlii'. and to tii'st lieutenant
December 1, 18(i2. On Februai-y 'A. ]S();}. foi- meritorious con-
duct, he was commissioned captain, eoiitinninu' as such until the
exi)iration of Ids term of sei'vice. <'aptain Davis participated
in more than two score of the most sanguinary engagements
of the war, and became conspicuous for his gallant and heroic
conduct. ])ui'iii.u llie bat lie of Lee's Mills, near Yorktown, April
16. 1862. Avhile his conn-ades wei-e falliiiL;' right and left around
him. lie was wounded and carried from the tield. being fortunate
to escape Avitli his life. He still cari'ies the bullet in his left
side. At the end of sixty days he was able to return to his regi-
ment, and almost immediately l)ecame engaged in the seven
days' battle before Riclimond. change of base being to Harrison's
Landing on the James river; lu' was honorably discharged and
mustered out October 28. 1864. A more complete record along
these lines has been eonti'ibiittHl by .Mr. Davis, and will ])e found
among the reminiscences of this volume. After his discharge
from the service, he returned to his home in Vei-niont. and in
1867. came to Wisconsin, first settling at AVest Salem. La Crosse
county, where he engaged in farming. In 1879. he removed to
Sparta, locating on West ]\Iontgom(M-y street, where he was
engaged in the milk busint'ss until 1888. For the next two years
he turned his attention to the ci-eamery business and in 1890,
removed to Harvey. 111., and took an active part in the
upbuilding of that town. He next removed to .Morenci. Lenewee
county, ]\Iich.. and engaged in farming until 1895; he then went
to Chicago. 111., and i-esided for two years, and returned
to ]\Iichigan, settling this time at Lamoid. where for eight years
he was interested in hoi-t iculture. J\eturning again to Harvey.
111., he i-emained two years and in the fall of 1908, came
back to Sparta, wliei-e he still resides. At the time of locating
the state school for dependeid childrt'n at Sparta, ^Ir. Davis
owned the farm nj^on which the buildings are now located and
which he sold to the state.
]\Ir. Davis has been twice married, his first mai'i'iage occurred
on Api'il 10, 1858, to INIiss Persis Aim Stewart, a daughter of
Thomas Carlisle and Emily Hrigham, of Brownington, \\.\
she died in Spai-ta. .luiu' ^'^. 1880, at the age of forty-three years,
]ea\ing besides hei' Inisband. the folbnviug eliildren : Edward W..
BIOGRAPHY 643
of Brookings, S. D. ; Fred E., of Chicago ; Laura B.,
wife of Rev. S. B. Andriis. AVaterville, ]Minn.; Jennie S.,
wife of Harry B. Parker. Detroit, Mich. ; Mabel P.. wife
of Charles Williams, of West Derby, Vt.; Carl E.. Fargo. X. D. ;
Persis S.. the wife of Dr. HoAvard Rogers, of Framiugham, Mass.,
and Jolm T. Davis, of Chicago.
]Mr. Davis has seventeen grandchildren and two great grand-
children. His second marriage, which occurred on June 22,
1884. was with I\Iiss ]Maria S. Houghton, who was born in 1845,
daughter of Solomon and Catherine (Albee) Houghton, the
former of St. Johnsbury. Yt.. born ]\Iay 28. 1813, and the
latter. Catherine Albee. born April 30. 1814. They lived after
their marriage at Augusta. ]\Ie., until July 4, 1855, when
they came to AYisconsin and settled near Reedsburg. Sauk county,
on a farm in AVinfield township, where they lived until their
decease, his death occurring April 3, 1896, and hers December
13, 1892. They were married at AVindsor, ]\Iaine. October 2,
1837. From 1834 to 1837 he was a pattern maker for the Fair-
banks Scale Company from whom he won honors for his superior
workmanship. His health becoming impaired, he went to Cali-
fornia in 1850, and remained there for about eighteen months,
returning at the end of that time much benefited. The Houghton
family trace their ancestry down the line to the historic Garfield
family. ]Mrs. Davis is the third child of a family of four children,
those besides her being. Cornelia, who married Vandan B. Clark,
of Kearney.. Xeb.. both of whom are now deceased, his death
occurred in 1892 and hers in 1902. Jolm died Xovember 1,
1877, and Frank T. lives on the old homestead near Reedsburg,
Wis.. Avhere he has resided for the past fifty-eight years.
Captain Davis is a man who stands high in his community,
having the confidence and respect of all who know him. He is
a member of Lynn Post, Xo. 30. Grand Army of the Republic,
and both he and his estimable wife are members of the Con-
gregational church, of which ]\Ir. Davis became a member over
fifty years ago in Yermont. During the past three years, he
has been patriotic instructor in the schools of Sparta.
It is a pleasure to give this tribute to a man whose life has
been filled with action. He is too energetic a man to be satisfied
with inactivity, so there has been more or less doing 'round
about him in various lines during his whole lifetime.
William E. Davis, a representative and influential citizen and
land owner of Sparta, is a native of the Granite state, and was
born December 8, 1864. and is the only surviving son of a family
644 HISTORY OF 3I0XR0E COUNTY
of three children born to Hiram and Amelia (Chandler) Davis,
natives of Hanover, Grafton county, N. H. The names of the
other children are Helen M., who also lives in the town of Sparta,
and Harriet Anna, who is deceased. Late in the sixties, Hiram S.
Davis, with his family, came to Wisconsin, and purchased
eijfrhty acres of land near the now city of Sparta, to which he
soon added two other eighty's which he cultivated and im-
proved, making one of the finest farms in ]\Ionroe county, where
he resided until his death. ]\Ir. Davis subseciuently sold the
north eighty, making changes by purchases and re-purchases
until the farm now contains 164 acres.
He was born June 9, 1824. and died in Ai)ril, 1910. The
mother passed away in 1870 at the age of forty-three. David L.
Davis, paternal grandfather, and Jeremiah Chandler, maternal
grandfather, were both natives of the Granite state, where they
spent their lives. The paternal great grandfather of our sub-
ject was Bezaliel Davis, a soldier in the War of the Revolution,
the powderhorn carried by his distinguished ancestor is still
in the possession of the family. The great great grandfather.
Benjamin Davis, married Phoebe Doan, a native of Cape Cod.
Bezaliel Davis married Mary Wright, their marriage occurring
September 12, 1776. David L. Davis married Anna Smith, a
native of Grafton county, New Hampshire, and a daughter of John
Smith. He was a farmer by occupation, a Democrat in his politics
and a Universalist in his religious faith. He was a member
of the Masonic order. He lived out the alloted three score and
ten years, but his wife survived until her eighty-seventh year;
they both died in Grafton county. New Hampshire. They reared
seven children, five sons and two daughters, six of whom grew to
maturity. Their names were Anna H., who married Joseph
Tenny, a native of Grafton county, and a son of a Revolutionary
soldier. ]\Ir. Tenny died April 24. 1892, aged eighty-eight years:
Mrs. Tenny survived nntil 1896. Harriet Newell was the wife of
Moses Morse, and died in ]\Iouroe county about 1874; John S.
was a resident of Angelo, Monroe county, when his death oc-
curred. Rodolphus B.. who died at the age of eleven years;
James C, who moved to Ohio, where he died in 1846 ; David L..
who lived and died in his native state, and Hiram S., who was
the youngest of the family.
Hiram S. Davis, our subject's father, was a man of strong
convictions on questions of right and wrong, and never lacked
in courage to express his sentiments, and was a Democrat in
politics.
HIKAM S. DAVTS
BIOGRAPHY 645
\Villi;iiii Iv Davis rcct'ivcMl his education in tlie district and
hi^li schools of Sparta, and has always lived on the family home-
stead, which is still conducted as the Davis estate. In December,
1903. Mr. Davis was married to Miss Margaretta Lewis, daughter
of Charles and Eliza 3.1aria (Bush) Lewis. Charles G. Lewis,
a native of Vermont, a descendant from an old and prominent
New England family, came to Wisconsin many years ago and
settled in Dane connty, where he remained until 1879, thence
removed to monroe county. Mrs. Lewis was a daughter of Henry L.
and Margaretta Bradley, natives of Maryland. Mr. and Mrs.
Bradley later settled in New Jersey, and in the forties came
to AVisconsin and thence to the state of Washington, where they
died. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born four children,
viz: Edgerton L.. Phillip C, Karen F. and Ruth Davis.
C'harles G. Lewis was born December 18, 1823, at Cornwall,
Vermont. His father, Martin Lewis, was also born in the same
l)la('(\ hut his mother was born in Tolland, Conn. ]Martin
Lewis came to Wisconsin with his family in the spring of 1846,
traveling by way of the lake to Milwaukee, and from there to
]Madison by team, near which city he lived on a farm until the
fall of 1880, when he moved to Sparta with his son. Charles
(his wife having died at the home near Madison.) Mr. Lewis
lived with his son on a farm between Angelo and Sparta, where
he died at the age of ninety-six years. Martin Lewis had three
children, Charles G. ; Harriet T. died some years ago, and
Henry M.. an attorney at IMadison, and at the present time referee
in bankruptcy. The family of Charles G. Lewis consisted of
]Margaretta B., Harriet, Carl H., and Silas M., all born at Sun
Prairie, near Madison. Charles G. taught school for a time at
Sun Prairie, was elected a member of the board of education
for Dane county, until the territory became a state, Avas chair-
inan of the town board for five terms, and in 1878 was elected
to the general assembly for one term.
Alvin Day*, of Tomah, JMonroe county. Wis., Avas born in this
county. February 25, 1866, a son of Calvin and Alary (Davis)
Day. Alvin attended the district school up to his sixteenth
year, and at an early age started out in life to earn a livelihood.
He was at hrst employed on a farm, following which he spent
three years in Nebraska, where he worked on a ranch. Re-
turning to Alonroe county, he worked for six years on a cran-
berry marsh owned by the Appleton. Trayberry Companj^ and
at end of which time he beuan in a small way to develop a
eranberrv nmrsh on a small fortv acre tract Avhich he had
646 HISTORY OF :M0XR0E COUNTY
acquired in section twenty-six, LaGrange township. Within a short
time he added another thirty acre tract in the same section, again
adding by purchase 365 acres in sections twenty-six, twenty-seven
and twenty-eight, all located in LaGrange township. He, in the
meantinu'. disi)osed of part of the land not suitable for develop-
ment, retaining 240 acres, a large part of Avhicli has been put under
cultivation, and a crop of 1000 barrels of cranberries being the
output of 1911. which was sold in the eastern market. ]\Ir. Day
devotes his entire attention to cranberry culture, which together
with a large force, is employed at tlie industry, tlie largest of its
l\ind in ^Monroe county.
]\lr. Day has been a resident of Tomah since liJlO. Prior to
that time he had resided in LaGrange township. He is a public
spirited citizen and is interested in the welfare of Monroe county;
besides he is experienced in his i)articular line of business.
He has been clerk of the school board in the town of LaGrange
for twenty years and is a member of the AVoodmen of the AVorld.
j\L". Day was first married to ]Miss Bertha Balding, who
died in 1803. In 1898, he married ]\Iiss Catherine Desburg. who
died in 1911. To this union were born a family of six sons,
viz: Arthur C. born December 21, 1899; Harold E.. born Febru-
ary 27, 1903: Alva L.. born November 2. 1904: Paul H.. born
February 27. 1906; Ray A., born Jaiuiary 25, 1908, and Harry C,
born November 9. 1909. INIr. Day was again married June
6. 1912. in the city of ^lilwaukee. to ]\Iiss Alice Uischuer. daughter
of William IHschuer. of LaGrange township. ]Mrs. Day is the
second child of a family of six and received her education in
the pul)lic schools of ]\Ionroe county.
Calvin Day. a representative and highly respected citizen of
Wellington townshij). was l)orn in Pennsylvania. August 14,
1829, a son of Elias and Charity (Eator) Day. When our subject
was two years of age. his parents moved to Athens county, Ohio;
after a residence there of twenty-one years, the family moved to
Wapello county. Iowa, where the father engaged in farming and
made his hom(> ntitil his death in 1887. The mother ]iassed
away when Cahin was twelve years old. They reared a family
of nine children. After the death of his wife. Elias Day was
married for the second time to Jane Dudley in Athens county,
Ohio, and by this union two children were born. Tlu^ early ances-
tors on the iiateriuil side of Calvin Day came from Wales, while
his mother was Peinisylvania Dutch. Ilis grandfather on the
maternal side was a soldiei- in the War of 1812. and his great
grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution.
BIOGRAPHY 647
"When a mere lad. Calviu received liis early education in the
cooper shop of his father from a private instructor, and when
he reached the age of seventeen years, he bought his time from
his father with his share of his mother's estate, so that he was
free to carve out an independent livelihood for himself. He
began his career as a laborer, which occupation he followed
until he bought from his father fifty acres of land in Athens
county, Ohio, for which he paid his father $200. A man of thrift,
steady and economical habits, Mr. Day from the beginning pros-
pered, and is noAv the owner of 139 acres of land in Wellington
township and 123 in Forest township, on which he has made
valuable and lasting improvements. He has built a fine resi-
dence, barn and outbuildings, and keeps his place well stocked
with good horses and cattle, and in his farming operations,
employs the most up-to-date methods. Mr. Day is a man of
liberal education, self acquired, and is well posted on all current
subjects. In political sentiment he is independent, but a strong
believer in Socialism.
IMr. Day has been four times married ; first at the age of twenty,
and by his first wife had one child, Elenor. He married again
in 1856 and by that marriage had one son, John. In 1857, he
married for the third time and seven children were born, viz :
Helen, Jane, Frank, Sarah, Calvin, Alvin and Samuel. On Sep-
tember 30, 1883, in the town of Wellington, he was married for
the fourth time, this wife being Mrs. Adda L. LaRouge, and by
this union four children were born, viz: INIary, born March 3,
1885; Lewis, born February 8, 1887; Archie and Arthur, twins,
born June 20, 1891. Mrs. Day is one of a family of ten children.
Her parents were among the early settlers of Monroe county and
the father at the time of his death, w^hich occurred INIay 20, 1885,
was the owner of 160 acres of land. His wife, mother of Mrs.
Day. passed away September 25, 1885.
Erie DeWitt is the son of Richard and Sally Ann (Thomp-
son) DeAVitt, who came to Wisconsin in 1856 with a family of
five children, and located in Wells township, Monroe county,
where the father purchased 360 acres of land in section nineteen
and twenty-nine, and it was here our subject was born on August
25, 1858, and is the youngest of a family of six children, all of
whom are now — 1912 — living. The others are, Ora Richard, of
Sparta, Eugenia, Wells township. Sally Ann, wife of Eugene Austin,
of Leon, Jaiie, wife of Alortimer Arnold, of Sparta. Laura, widow
of George V. Riggs. of Wells township. The father was born in
Vermont in 1812, and the mother in New York state in 1823.
048 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
lie was an honored and profrressive citizen of Wells township,
where he spent his life, his death havincr occurred in 1901. His
wife, mother of our subject, was a charmins: lad}' of many domes-
tie virtues, devoted to her home and family, and held in high
esteem by all who knew her; she passed away in lf)()8. mourned
by lici- devoted family and a larsre circle of friends. In religious
faith, botii ^li'. and Mrs. DeWitt wd-e Spiritualists.
Erie DeWitt was reared on Ihc lidnic farm and received his
education in the district schools, assisting in carrying on the
farm work until 1889. when he was married to ]\Iiss ]Mary Glass
in ]\IcIIcnry county, Illinois. He then purchased 195 acres of choice
land in Wells township Avhich is under a good state of cultivation
and well improved Avith a modern house and barn and other
outbuildings, all of wliicli are supplied witli pure water from a
flownng well 275 feet deep. He carries on general farming and
stock raising and is one of the well-to-do farmers of this town-
ship. He is a Repul)lican in politics and active in the councils of
his party, and has been called upon to serve in various minor
town offices.
]Mr. and ]\Irs. DeAVitt have an interesting family of four
(laughters and two sons, viz: ]\Iay. born April 25, 1890; Ernest,
born March 18, 1894: Richard, born May 7, 1895; Grace, born
December 2, 1896; Eliza, born August 28, 1900, and Laura, born
November 7. 1901.
Gecrge E. Dinger is a ])rominent farmer of Leon township.
Monroe county, where he Avas born January 24, 1867. son of
George and Radical Dinger, natives of Germany, who came first
to La Crosse county. Wisconsin: to Leon township in 1866, and
Avere among the representative citizens of that town. He AA'as a
farmer by occupation and lived on his farm of .S()5 acres until 1892,
Avhen he retired from active labor and moved to Sparta, Avhere
he died in 1907.
George E., our subject. Avas reared on the farm and his ex-
l)erience Avas the same as most farmer boys. He attended tb.e
district school in Avintei- and assi.sted Avith the farm Avork during
the summer. When his father moved to the city of Sparta,
he purchased the old homestead of 305 acres and has since made
many A-aluable aiul lasting improvements. During the year of
1912. he l)uilt a new residence of si.xteen rooms, containing all
modern conveniences, hot and cold Avater, etc. Mr. Dinger is
engaged in general farming and for some time has made a
specialty of dairying. He built a large separator aiul milk house
Avhich is supplied \\ itli pure miming Avater from an artesian aa'cH
BIOGRAPHY 649
265 feet deep. He is one of the solid men of his town and a
generous public spirited gentleman.
On Jnne 9, 1892, he was married to Aliss p]mina Croft, daughter
of William and Elizabeth Croft. The father was born in England
and came to America with his parents when a boy, who were
among the early settlers of Leon valley. The father died in
1910, leaving besides his widow, who now lives in Oregon, at
the age of seventy years, one daughter, now Mrs. Dinger, and
one son. who resides in California. To Mr. and ]Mrs. Dinger have
been born six children — five of whom are now — 1912 — living,
viz : Russell, born March 30, 1893 ; Floyd, born February 2, 1896 ;
Georgia, born January 17, 1898; Florence, born April 10, 1900,
and AVilliam, born June 5. 1908. ]Mrs. Dinger is a graduate
of the Sparta high school, and taught several years in Cannon
valley and Pleasant valley, in Leon township, and afterwards at
Summit.
Archie Lee Doane. Among the progressive farmers of
Lafayette township is Archie Lee Doane, who was born Septem-
ber 6, 1859, son of Timothy A. and Sarah Maria (Rhodes) Doane,
natives of New York state and Connecticut, respectively. AVhcn
Archie was two years of age. in 1861, his parents moved to
IMonroe county and settled in Bush prairie on the farm where
Peter Allendorf lived during his lifetime. The father died in
1866 and the mother is still living (1912) at the age of eight-eight
years. They raised a family of five children, viz : Orceins, de-
ceased; Charles A.; Archie L. ; Lillian J., wife of Andrew Ilutson,
of Big Creek, and Ernest T.
Archie L. received a common school education in the local
district schools and helped in the farm work during his boy-
hood. When twelve years of age, he left the home farm and
came with his mother who. after the death of the father, married
in 1872 for her second husband, William P. Williams, and moved
to the farm in section seven, Lafayette township, where our
subject has since resided. After the death of 'Sir. Williams in
1878, Archie in connection with his two brothers, managed the
farm for twenty years, and in 190-4 our subject purchased the
whole place and has since carried it on alone. The farm con-
taining 2-40 acre^. is well improved, with a comfortable residence
and outbuildings, besides a commodious barn erected by Mr.
Doane in 1908. He has cleared sixty acres since he purchased
the farm and one fall he grubbed some 600 stumps and has
made many other improvements on this magnificent farm which
was noted in the early days for the wheat raising quality of
650 TIISTOKY OF :\I()XROE COUNTY
the soil. ^Ir. Doaiie is engaged in general farming and stock-
raising, Durham and Ked Pole cattle being his favorites. In
addition to this, he, during the threshing seasons from 1905
to 1908, ran a thresher through the Welsh and Beaver Creek
valleys. Prominent in the affairs of his township, he has been
supervisor two terms and overseer of the highways.
On ^lay 12, 1890, ^Ir. Doane married ]\Iiss Emma Herring,
daughter of Peter and ]\Iary (Smith) Herring, natives of Ger-
many. To this union have been born five children, viz : Fern,
Ralph. Fay. Joy and Irene Doane.
Charles A. Doane, a well known citizen of ]\Ionroe county,
and one of her large class of prosperous and substantial farmers,
was born in Genesee county, Xew^ York, October 27. 1855, the
second child of a family of four sons and one daughter born
to Timothy A. and Sarah (Rhodes) Doane. natives of New York
state and Connecticut, respectively. Of the other children,
Orceins is deceased; Archie resides on section seven. Lafa.yette
township; Lillian is the Avife of Andrew Hutson. of Big Creek
valley, and Ernest is a prosperous farmer of Lafayette township.
The parents with their family came to jNIonroe county. AYis-
consin, in 1861, and located on a farm in section twenty, Lafayette
township, where the father died in 1865. aged forty-five years.
The mother, a charming lady, still survives (1912) at the age of
eighty-eight years, and makes her home with the snli.ier-t of
this sketch.
Charles A. was reared ou the farm, having the common
experience of the ordinary farmer boy, receiving his education
in the district schools. lie lived on the home farm until he
reached the age of twenty-four, in 1879, then purchased his
present farm in section thirty-two, tow^n of Lafayette, where he
has since resided. He has made many improvements, added new
buildings and the land is in a high state of cultivation, which
produces each year an abundant harvest.
On June 6, 1888, Mr. Doane was united in marriage to Miss
Anna Wilson, daughter of Charles Wilson, of Little Falls town-
ship. Three children have been born to this union, viz: Clarence
L., resides in Montana; Lucile J., and Sadie M. reside at home.
Mr. Doane takes an active interest in the affairs of his town
and county and his integrity has been recognized by his fellow
citizens in many ways, by placing him in the office of town
treasurer, treasurer of the school di.stricl and cliaii-inan of the
town lioard.
BIOGEAPIIY 651
Ernest T. Doane, who has passed his whole life as a farmer
in Lafaj'ette township, Monroe county, where he was born
November 7, 1864, is the son of Timothy A. and Sarah (Rhodes)
Doane. natives of New York state and Connecticut, respectively,
and is the youngest son of a family of five children. (See sketch
of Charles A. Doane of this volume.) The parents came to ]Monroe
county in 1851 and settled on a farm in Lafayette tow^nship,
where the father died in 1865 at the age of forty-five years.
The mother is still (1912) living at the age of eighty-eight, and
makes her home with her son, Charles A. Doane. Ernest was
raised on the farm and attended the district schools and later
the high school of Sparta. Afterward he became associated
Avith his brothers. Archie L. and Charles A., in farming opera-
tions, wdiich arrangement continued until 1896, wdien our subject
purchased his present farm of 120 acres in section twenty-eight,
Lafayette township, from AV. H. White. The same year he
erected a new residence and otherwise improved the place. Dur-
ing the years 1897. 1898 and 1900 he added outbuildings and in
1892 built a large and commodious barn 28 x 72 feet, and in
1911 erected a modern silo. A flowing well supplies the barn and
stock with running water. He engages in general farming and
dairying and his farm is well stocked with a good grade of
horses, cattle and hogs. Mv. Doane has been recognized in his
town and county as a man of marked ability and worth; he
has been township clerk for six years; chairman of the town
board three years and clerk of the school district. He is presi-
dent of the Sparta Creamery Association, and a director in the
Farmer's Mutual Insurance Association.
On September 9, 1896. ]Mr. Doane w^as united in marriage
with Miss Mary Belle Remington, daughter of John and Martha.
(Harris) Remington, now residents of Sparta. Mrs. Doane is
one of a family of three children. The others are Ida, now Mrs.
Frank Gantka, of Little Falls township, and IMinnie, deceased.
Mr. and IMrs. Ernest Doane have a family of two children :
Gertrude Leah, born November 10, 1900, and Wilmer Ernest, born
October 8. 1905.
Theodore Donskey,* one of the leading farmers of Ridgeville
township, was born in Germany on October 29. 1869, and came
to America with his parents, John and Josephine (Grathenerk)
Donskey, the following year. The family first located in Chicago,
111., and shortly afterward moved to the town of Wells, in Monroe
county, where, in 1872, they purchased a farm of 160 acres and
lived there until thev retired from active farm life. Thev raised
652 IIISTOKY OF ,M()XH()E ("Ol'XTY
a family of six boys and five uirls. all of whom are now — 1912 —
living, Theodore being the eldest of the family. The parents
were thrifty and persevering, and it was not long after they
purchased the fai'm. before their faithful efforts were justly
crowned with success. They brought the land to a high state
of cultivation and made it one of the ideal country homes. They
were both devoted members of the Catholic church, and were
highly respected in their community. The mother passed away
in 1900, the father still survives at the age of seventy-two and
holds the confidence and esteem of his many friends and
acquaintances.
Theodore Donskey was married in Chicago, 111., in 18S7, to
]Miss Frances 0. I^arker. They have had two children, viz:
:\Iartha, born January 12, 1896. and Rosa, born July 28, 1898.
After their marriage, ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Donskey lived in Summit
Ridge, in Ridgeville township, where they worked a rented farm
for about twelve years, then bought a farm of 330 acres in the
town of Ridgeville. which they afterward sold, and purchased
another tract of 209 acres in sections nine and four, which has
since been their homestead and is one of the ideal farm homes
of Monroe county. Mr. Donskey is a man of excellent judgment
and thoroughly up to date witli liis farming methods as Avell
as in matters involving public interest, and consequently he has
made his chosen occupation a grand success. He is a Democrat
in his political views, and has held the office of town treasurer
for two years, and takes a keen interest in the general progress
and Avelfare of his town and county. He is public spirited and
enterprising and is a valuable citizen in his community.
Orville J. Dorwin, a former ni(Mnl)er of the Sparta Sash &
Door Company, Avho has arisen from a poor but ambitious farmer
boy to the position of one of the leading manufacturers and
substantial business men of Sparta, was born in Angelo town-
ship. ]Monroe county, AVisconsiu, July 28. 1866, the son of Sam-
uel N. and Lucy (Rollins) Dorwin, both natives of Vermont,
who were among the early settlers of Monroe county. Raised
on the home farm with the success of the business largely de-
pendent upon liiiii. -Ml'. Dorwin 's educational advajitages were
somcAvhat limited; he attended llie district schools ;iiid his apti-
tude for practical knowledge, overcame (he obstacles which con-
fronted him in tlu^ way of education, and placed him on the
plane with others whose advantages were far greater. At the
age of twenty-four, he left the farm ami spent two years at the
carpenter trade with E. T. TTanehelt. and in the spring of 1892,
BIOGRAPHY 653
he located in Sparta and commenced contracting and building,
which he followed for a period of six years, during which time
he erected some of the most substantial dwellings and other
buildings in the city. In 1898 he engaged in the sash and door
business with Frank Freeman, the style of the firm being Dorwin
& Freeman. JMr. Freeman later sold his interest to Mr. Dorwin,
and later he sold a half interest to W. H. Stelting and the firm
name changed to Dorwin & Stelting, which continued for two
years, Mr. Stelting selling his interest to M. R. Ebert, when Mr.
Dorwin became sole owner of the business, and carried it on
successfully until 1908 ; at this time he associated with the Naset
Brothers, inider which arrangement the business has since con-
tinued as the Sparta Sash & Door Company, one of the chief
industries of the city, its output being distributed throughout
the entire state. The finishings for two buildings for the state
school, two ward schools, and several store houses for the gov-
ernment range, as well as numerous other buildings have come
from this factory, the business having increased from a small
beginning to over $40,000 in 1910. Mr. Dorwin severed his con-
nection with the above firm on November, 1911, and now has
lumber interests at Ft. Meyer. Fla.
Mr. Dorwin is a man who enjoys the confidence and esteem
of all with whom he comes in contact, both in a business way
and socially. Unassuming in manner, he has a cpiiet conscious-
ness of his own, strength of character and latent force thus has
carried him past all difficulties which he has encountered during
his lifetime. He is an active member of the jMasonic fraternity
at Sparta.
On October 18, 1892, Mr. Dorwin was married at Baraboo,
to Miss Amelia Seltz, daughter of August Seltz, of Sparta.
Sidney N. Dorwin, for fifteen years local manager of the
Brittingham & Hixon Lumber Company, of Sparta, came from
Fairfax, Franklin county, Vermont, where he was born on Augsut
22, 1859, to Samuel N. and Lucy (Rollins) Dorwin, natives of
that state, where they lived until 1860, then moved to Wisconsin
and located at Angelo, in Monroe county, where the father con-
ducted a shoe store until the breaking out of the Civil War.
He enlisted in company D twenty-fifth regiment Wisconsin Volun-
teer Infantry for three years' service in which he experienced
many hardships. In one of the battles in which he was engaged,
he received a severe wound from the effects of which he lost one
of his legs ; as soon as his condition would permit, he received
his discharge from the service and returned to his home in Angelo
654 IIISTOKY OF .MONROE COI'XTY
and I'osumcd his shoe business, lie was one of ^Monroe county's
most hiyhly i-es])eet»'(l eiti/ens. ;iii(l altliongh being at the dis-
advantaiie of having but one limb, lie was active and progressive
and took a deep interest in all pnbJic matters. He died in 1907
at the age of sevenly-Hve years.
liVmaii Dorwin. palt-rnal iii'aiHll'athcr of Sidney X.. was also
a native of Vermont. wIumc Ik- lived and raised a family of four
children. Samuel X. being the oldest. He was a tanner by trade,
and upon his arrival in ^loni'oe coimty in the late fifties, he
])uilt and operated for several years the first tannery at Sparta.
He later traded this ]iroper1y for a farm in Spai"ta township,
which he made his homestead and lived there until his death at
the age of eighty-two years. His wife, grandmother of our sub-
ject, died whei. Sanuiel X. was but twelve years of age. The
second marriage of Lyman DorA\iii was with ^liss Cheida Hoyt.
of Vermoiil. To this union one daughter, Agnes, was liorn ; she
married Frank Kendall, of Sparta, both are deceased.
Rollins, maternal grandfathei- of our subject, was a shoemaker
by trade, and a native of ]\Iilton Falls, Vt. Lucy Rollins,
maternal grandmother of ]Mr. Doi-win. was the oldest of a family
of ten children. She died at St. Albans, ^'t.. the ]ilace
of her birth, in 1909, aged eighty-eight years. Both the Dorwin
and Rollins families were descended from English ancestry.
Sidney X. Dorwin was reared on the farm and attended the
district schools until he reached the age of nineteen years, Avhen
he became imbued with the advice of the late Horace Greeley
to go West, he went to Dakota, where he secured a claim, but
not finding the situation to his liking, he returned to "Wisconsin,
and engaged for two years in farming. The luml)er Imsiness
licing at this time at its height, he went to Cumberland. Wis.,
and Avas employed for three years by the Beaver Lake Lumber
Company. He then worked in the mill and woods until 1886,
when he came to Sparta and entered the employ of O. L. Irwin
in 1886. \\'\\h whom lie remained until 1896. Mi-. Irwiu was then
conducting the lumbei- business which has since consolidated
with othei- plants and is now under the ownership of Brittingham
& Hixon, with ]\lr. Dorwin as its manager until September. 1911,
having been with the last named comi)any since 1896. Since that
time lias been engaged as hnnber salesman in southern Wisconsin.
31 r. Dorwin is a devoted member of the ^Methodist Episcopal
church, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and of the I\Iodern Woodmen of America. On September 20,
1882. he was married to ]Miss Xettie J. llarvev. only child of
BIOGRAPHY 655
]\lieali A. and Delia (Chamberlain) Harvey, natives of New
Hami)shire and early settlers of Angelo, Monroe county, Wis-
consin. ]Mr. ITarvey is a mechanic liy trade, and is a highly
respected citizen. His wife, mother of ]\Irs. Dorwin. died in
1898 at the age of sixty-two years.
To Mr. and ^Irs. Dorwin have been born four children, viz:
Harvey C. born February 25, 1885 ; Ernest J., born June 28,
1888; Harold M.. born January 16, 1891, and died June 3, 1911;
Delia Lucy, born February 3, 1907.
The following is an extract from an article of the Sparta
paper on the death of Harold M. Dorwin :
"Harold M. Dorwin departed this vale of tears and took leave
of his beloved parents, brothers and sister early Saturday night,
June 3rd. The immediate cause of his death was tuberculosis
which developed into an acute form in February of this year.
Harold had been in poor health at time of his graduation from the
high school, and never really recovered completely from his
troubles at that time. His parents and friends besought him
to rest, but he was ambitious and anxious to get on in the world,
and could not be persuaded to give up his employment until
this })ast winter, when he was beyond help. The work of this
young man in the Monroe county bank, has been such as to
attract favorable comment from his employers, other bankers
and from business men who have observed it. There was a
seriousness of i^urpose and sincerity of interest that foretold
promotion and advancement in his chosen profession and in the
world of business. His young friends and school associates knew
an entirely different side of him from the business side, and feel
their loss keenly. His even temperament had a soothing effect
upon his companions of less fortunate disposition, and he was a
source of comfort to them. Up to the time of his serious attack,
he was organist of the Methodist church, and while this work
and his work on the piano, he did because of his great love for
it. he gave evidence of much talent and musical ability and
his efforts on the piano as well as on the large organ were little
less than wonderful. The funeral was held at the residence
of his parents on south K street, Tuesday P. M., and was largely
attended."
Albert E. Drowatzky,* who resides on his farm of 280 acres
in section tifteen, Adrian township, was born on the farm ad-
joining his on June 26, 1877. His parents, Frederick and Bertha
(Holtz) Drowatzky, who reside on section ten, this township,
are natives of Prussia. The father was born November 6, 1839,
656 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
and is the son of .Joliii and .Mary (Jess) Drowatzky. also natives
of Prussia, antl who came witli their son to ]\Ionroe county in
1856 and settled in Adrian township where our subject's father
now resides. His l)rothers, Charles and Bernard, uncles of our
subject, had preceded him in isr)4. and the three brothers took up
six forties of government land and for many years resided in the
same neipldiorhood. The farm where Albert E. now resides being
that of Charles, wlio died there. Bernard, the other brother,
now" resides in Tonudi. The grandparents of our subject died on
the homestead farm and were buried in the cemetery at Jackson-
ville. The first buildings on the homestead farm where Fred-
erick D. now resides, were a log house and stables which were
later sujiplanted by a modern house built in 1876 from stone
taken from the farm, and other up-to-date buildings followed
as the times demanded. Tlie journey to this new home was made
overland from IMadison w itli a team of oxen and the hardships
experienced were many, and they had some difficulty in reaching
the home, which was then only a wilderness. The grandfather
had the misfortune of a broken limb and remained at ]\Iadison
for some time before being able to join the rest of the family.
The land was cleared by members of the family, who used three
yoke of oxen in tilling the soil, which was transformed from
the wild state to one of protliictiveness. and at this time, ]\Ir.
Drowatzky 's is one of the fine farms of Monroe county.
In the early days of their residence in this county, the Indians
were numerous and sometimes troublesome, often stealing their
stock and otherwise annoying the newcomers. One year the
smallpox scourge raged among them and they died so fast that
their bodies laid piled up in one place on the farm until they
could be given the Indian burial. Mr. Drowatzky. Sr.. is a repre-
sentative of the sturdy pioneer of Adrian township, and a man
of strict integrity and sterling worth, a standard citizen who
enjoys the confidence and respect of the entire conununity.
The subject of this sketch, Albert E. Drowatzky. is the third
child in order of birth in a family of eight children; of the others,
Rudolph, resides in ^Montana ; William II. in 8an Antonio, Texas:
Elizabeth is the wife of R. ]\1. Jones, of Bangor. La Crosse
county; Louis resides at Tuniud City, this county: Arthur lives
on the homestead farm; Emil resides in Oakdale township and
jNIartha is in :Montana. On December 19, 1902, :\Ir. Drowatzky
purchased his present farm from tiie heirs of his uncle, and has
since there resided engaged in general farming. At the time
of his ])urchase, the fai-m was considered little more than a
BIOGRAPHY 657
pasture, which Mr. Drowatzky has transferred into a productive
and desirable farm. The same year he settled on this place,
he built a barn, and in 1903 erected a residence and in 1906
built a large and commodious barn ; the farm is now under a
good state of cultivation, and contains the finest spring of pure
Avater in that locality.
During his whole lifetime, Mr. Drowatzky has been a resident
of his native town with the exception of four years when he
was variously employed in ]\Iinnesota, southern Wisconsin and
for one year was employed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Eailroad in building and contracting. On December 23,
1903. he was married to INliss Augusta Miscli, daughter of August
and Reka (Trapp) Misch, residents of Grant township, Monroe
county. The parents emigrated from Germany to this country
when jNlrs. Drowatzky was three years of age. They have two
children, viz : Leo Ray, and Elmer Raymond Drowatzky. Re-
ligiously iMr. and Mrs. Drowatzky affiliate with the German
Lutheran church of Tomah.
Ben A. Drawver, one of the successful farmers of Sheldon
township, was born in the town of Wells, Monroe county, on
February 13, 1875, and is the son of Paul and Anna Drawver,
both natives of Germany; the father came to America in 1873
and located first in Dane county where he worked a few months
as a farm laborer. The same year, 1873, he came to Monroe
county and settled in the tOAvn of Sheldon and for a time worked
at carpentering and milling. He homesteaded eighty acres of
land in section thirty-five, town of Wells, and lived there until
1909, when he moved with his family to the village of Norwalk,
where he has since been generally successful in all his under-
takings and active in the affairs of the Republican party. He
was married in 1874 and reared a family of nine children.
Ben A. Drawver received his education in the common
schools, and lived at home with his parents until he was twenty
years of age. Thrown upon his own resources in early life, he
began his career at various employment and small wages. At
the age of twenty he went to North Dakota where he spent five
years at the threshing machine business, and by his economy
and perseverance he succeeded in saving enough whereby he
purchased a farm in his own right near Oil City in Sheldon town-
ship, and is now one of the representative and popular citizens
of the town. Besides his farming operations, Mr. Drawver has
for the past twenty-one j^ears been engaged in the threshing
machine and saw mill business, and has held various political
658 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
offices in his town. He is a Republican in polities and active in
the councils of his party. He served one year as supervisor and
for seven years was clerk of the school hoard ; he was elected
chairman of the town hoard in 1912.
On November 2, 1904, he was married in Sheldon to Miss
Grace Curtis, daughter of Jed and P^tta Curtis. They have
three children, viz : Wayne, born August 7, 1908 ; Wendell, born
August 4. 1906, and Orlaiid. hnni April 5. 1910.
Charles Ducklow, deceased. To the young men of our land
the life of tli<' subject of this sketch is an enduring example
of the cai'dinal virtues of industry, uprightness and frugality,
of si riot temperance and unwearied perseverance.
]\Ir. Ducklow was a native of Wisconsin, born Ai)ril 3. 1853,
in the town of Ashippun. Dodge county. His parents were Thomas
and Elizabeth (Nicholson) Ducklow, natives of Cork, Ireland,
and who came to the United States and settled in Dodge county
in the early forties. They were the parents of twelve children,
Charles being the eighth in order of birth. Five brothers and
three sisters still survive.
Charles Ducklow passed his boyhood in Dodge county and
his early experiences w^ere those of the average poor boy of that
region. He received his early education in the common schools
of his native place, and in 1874 began the trade of carpenter
and joiner, and followed this occupation in his home town, and
also bought cattle in Calumet and Pierce counties. In 1879, he
removed to Pierce county. AYisconsin. where he continued at
cattle buying, until 1883, whence he moved to ^lodena, Buffalo
county, and w^as postmaster under both the Garfield and Harrison
administrations, and also engaged in mercantile pursuits, carrying
on a successful business here until the spring of 1890. He then
moved to Wilton, ]\Ionroe county, and resumed his mercantile
trade in that place. In 1893 he added a lumber yard to his other
line of business, which he enlarged from time to time as in-
creasing trade demanded. In 1897 he disposed of his mercantile
establishment and from that time on devoted his entire attention
to his lumber interests, which grew to such large proportions,
that at the time of his decease, November 26, 1911, his Avas among
the largest enterprises of its kind in ]Monroe county. He Avas n
man of excellent ability, keen foresight, and success crowned
his efforts. In all his affairs. ]Mr. Ducklow was characterized by
his ])romptiU'ss. good judgment and conservation, and admired
by all Avho Avere brought into contact Avitli him for his honorable
and inherent methods, and his passing aAvay was mourned as that
.' .-..., I.,l'
"" ^'^lUll^
. h\m\
■ ...Ipiif'''
fj^z/ij oQx^'^xL^zc-
BIOGRAPHY 659
of a j^ood man. a nset'ul citizen and a loyal friend. He took
a commendable interest in jiublic atfairs, and for several years
worked in Repnl)lican campaigns.
]Mr. Ducklow was reared an Episcopalian, l)ut contributed
liberally to the support of other churches. He was prominent
in ]Masonic circles, a member of Wilton Lodge, No. 203, Sparta
Lodse. No. 19, R. A. M., Sparta Commandery, No. 16, "Wisconsin
Consistory, Scottish Rite, and Tripola Temple, Mystic Shrine, Mil-
waukee. He Avas also a member of the Eastern Star, and Modern
Woodmen of America. The burial was made at Woodlawn ceme-
tery, Sparta, November 80, 1911. under Masonic auspices.
On November 20, 1882, Mr. Ducklow was united in marriage
to ]\Iiss Eva I. Shaw, daughter of John and Jerusha A. (Wheeler)
Shaw, residents of Rock Elm. Pierce county. Mrs. Ducklow is
a iiative of Dodge county, Wisconsin, where her parents resided
for many years. Her father died in 1904; he was born in 1840.
Her mother is still living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ducklow were born four children, viz:
William T., born October 22, 1883; Elmer E., born March 25,
1889; Charles E.. born IMarch 15, 1891, and Lynn S. Ducklow,
born February 21, 1902.
Since the death of his father. William T. has been the active
manager of the lumber business formerly conducted by his father.
He is an enterprising young business man and gives promise of
becoming one of Monroe county's most influential citizens, fol-
lowing in the footsteps of his father in many ways. He is also
active in ]\Iasonic circles, being a member of the same bodies
as was his father, with the exception of the Eastern Star.
]Mrs. Ducklow is a most estimable lady whose superior quali-
ties of mind and heart attract to her the admiration of all who
come within the range of her influence, and presides with grace
and dignity over her beautiful home at Wilton.
George D. Dunn was l)oni at Elmira, N. Y., September
18, 1838. being the son of Thomas and Rachel (Satterlee) Dunn,
natives of Bath and Elmira, N. Y., respectively.
Thomas Dunn was born in 1799 and married Rachel Satterlee
in 1829; he was reared in the mercantile business wdiich he carried
on when he came to manhood and also engaged in the real estate
business; his early business career was at Eimira. N. Y. He
came to Sparta, Wis., in 1862, where he died in 1871.
Rachel Satterlee, the mother of George D., was born in 1809
and died in 1885; she was the daughter of Elias and Elizabeth
(Smith) Satterlee; their earlier life was spent at Elmira and
660 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
tlu'v were ainoii^- the pitmeei's of that i)lat'e; Elias Satterlee, h(?r
father. Avas a physician by profession and at the time of the
Wyoniino; valley Indian niassaere his father's family were
residents of the town of Wyoming. I'a.. and when the
Indian ontbreak occnrred. they retnrned to Connecticut -. about
the year 1804 Elias Satterlee moved to Elmira. N. Y. lie
"was in the military service for a time as a surgeon in the war
of 1812. and participated in the Battle of Lundy's Lane, Canada.
After his return to Elmira he was accidentally killed by the dis-
charge of a gun; his death occurred when Rachel, the mother of
George D.. was six years of age. The family consisted of five
children, two sons and three daughters; they were of English
descent.
Mr. Dunn's ancestry were of Scotch descent and were among
the earlier settlers of the state of Pennsylvania; William Dunn,
jiateriuil grandfather of George D., settled at Hath, N. Y.,
wher he remained until 1804. then removed to Elmira. N. Y.,
when the father of George D. Avas five years of age. Charles
Dunn, the brother of Thomas, was the first white child born
at Bath, N. Y. ; the other members of the family were Thomas
Dunn and Judge James Dunn and William Dunn, and two sisters,
Susan and Elsie. They each raised large families w^hose descend-
ants are to be found in the different parts of the United States.
George D. Dunn was the only son in a family of five children,
and besides himself there is only surviving a sister, Fanny S.,
widow of S. N. Dickinson, now^ living at Sparta, Wis. George D.
was educated in the public schools of Elmira. N. Y., and began
his business career as clerk for the firm of Thompson Dunn at
Elmira, at the age of sixteen. In 1856, he came West and located
in Lodi, AVis.. where his uncle. Rev. John Lewis, was then located.
A few months later he went to Janesville, and entered the em-
ploy of Chapman Brothers as clerk. After a time he was placed
in charge of a branch store, of this firm at Albany, Wis., which
he managed for about two years in that place. In June, 1861,
the store was removed to Sparta, and ]Mr. Dunn continued in
charge of the same.
In the fall of the same year he })urchased this branch store
and has been since continuously engaged in the dry goods busi-
ness at Sparta. His first store was located in a wooden building
where the Stringham building now stands. In 1869, he erected
the present store building which he has occupied ever since. !Mr.
Dunn has been continuously engaged in business for himself
and has made a remarkable record, being the only merchant in
BIOGRAPHY 661
the state of Wisconsin who has continued in the dry goods busi-
ness without any change of firm name for over fifty years.
AYhen Mr. Dunn came to Sparta in 1861, it was but a small
village of about six or eight hundred people, and his competitors
were, S. D. Jackson and Co., 0. D. Randall, brother of ex-
Governor Randall, and G. W. Root. At present 0. D. Randall
is the only one of the above merchants who is living besides
Mr. Dunn.
Mv. Dunn was one of the original organizers and stock-
holders of the IMonroe county bank, which was inaugurated in
1894. At that time he was elected president of the board of
directors and has continuously held that office since that time.
Under his presidency the bank has built up a handsome business
and is 02ie of the solid financial institutions of this part of the
state.
During his long career in business Mr. Dunn has accumulated
a comfortable fortune and his liberality in aiding in different
enterprises has been one of the characteristics of his life ; many a
struggling church has received a generous contribution from Mr.
Dunn to aid it in building a building or for some other worthy
purpose, all given unostentatiously and with a desire to do good;
he was one of the principal instigators of the company w^hich
originally built the armory now owned by the Aibonito Guard
Association and he has been equally and at all times interested
in public enterprises which were for the benefit of the city
and surrounding country and has been free to give to objects
which he thought were worthy and of benefit to the community
at large.
Truly a remarkable record is that of Mr. Dunn in the mer-
cantile business; his name is synonymous with square dealing,
honesty and uprightness and when the last chapter of his life
is brought to a close it may be truly said that the career of
George D. Dunn, while modest in its way, was that of a typical
American boy coming from good old pioneer stock, who steadily
climbed the ladder of success depending entirely upon his own
native gifts and perseverance.
Among the relatives of jMr. Dunn wiio helped to make history
in the different parts of the country was an uncle by the name of
Dr. Benedict Satterlee, who gave up his duties in the East and
went as a medical missionary among the Pawnee Indians and was
stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., in 1833, at a time when
that M-as indeed a part of the far West and almost out of the
reach of civilization. He left Elmira with his bride in that year,
662 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
she dyinti' <ui the way. Ahoiit 1836 he was found dead, supposed
to have been killed by the Indians, but years afterward an old
trapper made a death-bed confession that he killed him for his
gun. ]Mr. Dunn has in his possession letters written by Dr. Sat-
terlee during the period of 1833 to 1836 which were sent across
the country before the time lli.if the i)()stage stamps came into
use. These letters contain aeeounts of the adventures of Dr. Sat-
terlee in that count ly jiiid ;irc truly something very interesting.
L. M. Earle, cashier of the Bank of Cashton, was born Novem-
ber (i, 1873, in Tomah. AVis., the son of Watson and Emma
(Turner) Earl, both of old New England ancestry, the father a
native of New York state and the mother a native of Vermont.
After obtaining a good education in the schools of his neigh-
borhood Mr. Earle early entered upon a business career, being
a young man, courageous and of good habits, and feeling himself
thoroughly competent to rely upon his OAvn resources. His first
employment was as clerk for the banking house of I\I. A. Thayer
& Co., at Tomah, where he remained for about one year, and
from there he went to Hillsboro, N. D., and took a position Avith
the National Bank of Hillsboro and worked for one year. He
then returned to AVisconsin and from 1893 to 1909 he worked as
bookkeeper in tlu; Bank of Tojuah, since which time he has been
in his i)resent position, the officers of the bank being AVatsou
Earle, president; L. W. Earle, vice-president, and L. M. Earle,
cashier.
Mr. Earle is a Republican in politics and for man\' years has
been a faithful Avorker for his party.
On January 1, 1901. ]Mr. Earle married Aliss Anna Campbell,
of Cashton. and they have one cliild — Anna R.. born October 2.
3909.
M. H. Easly,* a i)rogressive and ])rominent business uum of
Tomah, was born at Cincinnati, Oliio, August 12, 1865. to Alicliael
and Bridget (AFcBrearty) Easly, both natives of Ireland. Coming
to America in 1848, the father located at CiiuMunati. where he
engaged in business as a tanner and bought and dealt in all kinds
of hides. Avhich in those early days was a profitable business. It
was here that he married, made his home and raised his family
until 1868. Avhen he went to Alissouri and engaged in farniintr
in Jefferson county, where he lived until his death in 1903. He
Avas thrifty and progressive and universally successful in bis
undertakings, a man of influence in his connnunity and enjoyed
the confidence and esteem of all Avho kncAV him.
Raised on his father's farm. Mr. Easly obtained his education
BIOGRAPHY 663
in the district schools of his township. After completing his
studies he followed the vocation of teaching school for a time,
then went to Texas and secured employment with a bridge crew
working on the Ateheson, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad. He came
to AVisconsin in 1886 and spent some time in a sawmill in Jackson
county ; he also spent some time in the logging business in the
woods on the Yellow river in Wood county. After visiting other
points he went to Grant county and engaged in farming. In the
spring of 189-4 he came to Tomah and secured employment with
the Crossette Manufacturing Company, with whom he remained
until the destruction of their plant by fire in 1901. August 1,
1902. he w^as made game warden, which office he held until 1908,
when he organized the Tomah Manufacturing Company.
A Eepublican in political views, he takes an active interest
in the affairs of his party. In 1910 he was elected mayor of the
city of Tomah, and dispatched the business of this office to the
entire satisfaction of the citizens and with honor to himself. He
was a delegate to the state convention in 1902 and takes an active
interest in local and state politics.
Mr. Easly is a man of fine social qualities, generous, kind
hearted and genial, and popular in the social circles of Tomah.
He is identified with the Masonic fraternity, a member of the
Blue Lodge, No. 172. His mother is still living at the age of
seventy-one. and makes her home with her son at Tomah. Her
fine mental endowments and high ideals in life make her a favorite
among her wide circle of friends.
Edgar H. Eddy. To attempt to write a reliable history of
Monroe county and not give prominent mention to the name of
Edgar H. Eddy would be something altogether impossible, for as
almost a continuous resident of the county for so long a period
he has very properly come to be regarded as a part of it. He was
born in Vermont, December 16, 1824, the son of Royal and Sally
(Joy) Eddy, natives of Vermont and Massachusetts, respectively.
They married in Vermont, where they spent several years in
Chittenden county, removing to St. Lawrence county, New York,
in 1854. Royal Eddy, father of Edgar, w^as a son of Samuel
Eddy, who lived first in Bennington county, Vermont, and who
later went to Ohio in an early day, encountering many hardships
incident to pioneer life, and there lived and died. Sally Joy,
mother of our subject, was the daughter of David Joy, a descend-
ant of an old and prominent family of ]\Iassachusetts. Edgar H.
Eddy left St. Lawrence county. New York, in the spring of 1854
for the state of Wisconsin. He Avent first by team to Ogdensburg,
664 IIISTOin' OF MOXKOK CorXTY
X. v.. llii'iicc rroiii llicrt* l)y walcr lo L('\vistt>ii. niul fi'oni there
he aj;aiii li\i\ clcil on to KufT';il(» by tcciiii. where he took passage
by boat for Monroe, ^lieh. .\niviii.i: at the hist named place, he
traveled by rail 1i> Chicago, and Muain went forth ])y way of
Lake ]\Iichigan to ^Milwaukee. On his arrival tliere he secured a
team and starterl overhmd foi- .Monroe county, arriving at Sparta
on June 20, 1854. aiul first stopped witli Andrews Lyman, who
ran the old Globi; hotel, wiiieh stood where the Sparta Library
now stands. A few days later he proceeded to Beaver Creek, in
Sparla township, and located on section 8 on wliat is now known
as the Shattuck farm and near tiie now famous Castle Rock, the
top of whicii at that time was covered Avith red cedar trees.
There was but one house then between Sparta and his claim. lie
fir.st built a small shack for a house and began life in the then
new country. That same season. hoAvever. he erected a frame
liouse and began clearing the timber and making other improve-
ments. Royal Eddy, his fathei". had preceded him one year to
this locality in 1858 and preempted a half section of government
land. On the arrival of ]Mr. Eddy he and liis l)rother George
entered a (inarter section of wild land in 1854. At the end of
the first year they had cleared eight acres. At that time the hills
and forests were abundant with wild game, whicli furnished
plenty of subsistence: at the end of the second year ]\Ir. Eddy
sold his interest to his brother and ])roceeded to the lumber woods
near AVitterville, Wis., where he was employed for three years.
At the end of that time he returned to ]Monroe count}' and located
on a rented farm in Bis creek, known as the Harr farm; after
spending two years on tliat ])lace he moved to Sparta and at the
breaking out of the Civil War he enlisted in Company A, Third
"Wisconsin Cavalr\. and was nnistered into the service in Decem-
ber. 1862. and served on the frontier west of the ^Mississippi and
for tAvo .vears Avas among the HusliAvhackers of ^Missouri and
Kansas. He Avas honorably disclnirged at the close of the Avar
and mustered out in Eel)ruary, 1865, and returned to ]\Ionroe
coiuity and homesteaded a (|uarter section of land in sections 20
and 21 of Sparta toAvnship. Avhere he cleared five acres and estab-
lished the family home, lie continued to clear and improve the
land until he had fifty acres nndei- cultivation and there con-
tinued to nud<(' his home until .\pi-il 1, 1907, Avhen lie retired from
active labor, and has since made his home with his daughter, Mrs.
Walter IIoAvartl.
On June 20. 1849, ]\lr. Eddy Avas united in marriage Avith ^liss
Catherine Tucker, dauuliter of Josepli and Catliei'ine (Church)
EDGAR H. EDDY
BIOGRAPHY 665
TiU'ker. To this union was born six rhildnMi — Ella, who married
Charles Aniidon. is tleeeased; Royal lives in Hand county, S. D. ;
Sarah is the ^vi(lo^^• of Joseph AYillard and resides at Salem,
Ore.; Ed^ar N.. of Sparta township; ({eortie is deceased, and
j\Iiniiie, Avife of Walter Howard, of Big Creek. Mrs. Eddy, who
died Auiiust 16, 1890, at the a^e of fifty-six year.s, was a worthy
helpmeet of her husband and shared the trials and hardships
incident to pioneer life, and was held in high esteem by her wide
circle of friends. Mr. Eddy is a man of quiet, unassnming man-
ners, of strong physique, possessed of those sterling traits which
win respect of the entire community. He is regarded as a man of
great worth, and has always been a cordial supporter of the
various enteri)rises of his town and county, and Avhile he has
nearly reached the four-score-and-ten mark, he is mentally strong
and vigorous and delights in relating the incidents connected
with his early life in INlonroe connty. Pie is broad and liberal in
his views and is well posted on the topics of the day, and delights
in the membership of the John W. Linn Post, G. A. R., of Sparta.
Since the foregoing Avas written ]\Ir. Eddie died, on September
1-}, 1912.
Samuel D. Edwards, owner and proprietor of Sparta's mod-
ern and ui>-to-date bus line, was born at Cambria, Wis., March
20, 1858, the son of R. D. and Jane Edwards, who left Wales,
their native country, in the early fifties for America. After arriv-
ing in. this country they came to Wisconsin and settled first near
Cambria, where the.y engaged in farming for several years, when
Mr. Edwards took up the jorofession of school instructor, teach-
ing schools in the vicinity of Cambria, Bangor, Portland and New
Cambria. In 1877 he came to Sparta and was for a time
employed in the Letson furniture store, after which he removed
to Rockland, Wis., and entered the employ of the Northwestern
Railway Company as depot agent, remaining in this position for
several years. After leaving this position they moved to Har-
vard. Ill, where they l)otli died — ]Mrs. Edwards in 1891. at the
age of seventy years, and ]\lr. Edwards in 1893 at the age of
seventy-six years.
Samuel D. Edwards is the second of a family of three children ;
the others are Jane, wife of A. C. Astrup. and resides at Madison,
Wis., and Benjamin, who is agent for the Northwestern railway
at A\'ales, Wis. ]Mr. Edwards was raised on a farm and received
his education in the public schools and learned the carpenters'
trade, which he followed together with other lines of employment
until he began operating a bus line at Sparta, September 13,
666 IILSTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
18!)4. On ()i't()l)er 1, ^S^.)r), lie purcluiscd the Ihildi P>iis Line and
consolidated tliis and other lines with his own. and on November
6, 1905. he added the Hotel line, and in 1910 he built a concrete
and brick barn, oOxlOO feet, modern in every detail and stocked
w ilh twenty horses and seven buses. Tlic equipment and service
which jNIi-. Edw;ir(ls has placed ;i1 the disposal of the public is the
best to be found in any town in western AVisconsin.
On May 7. 1893. ^Ir. Edwnids was united in uuirriage with
]\Iiss Nancy I. Nicholson, dauijhtei' of .lolm and Nancy (Douglas)
Nicholson, of Rockland. Wis.. wIkm'c botli died. The Nicholson
family were of English descent. The early ancestors in this coun-
try were residents of New York. .Mrs. Ethvards is one of a family
of six children; the others are .John, who lives ;it Watertown,
S. D. ; George, deceased : Jennie, the wife of Daniel Traverse.
resides at Rockland. Wis.: Thomas, of Watertown, S. D.. and
Oharles, deceased.
They have one daughter, Mollie, who is the wife of George
Siedel. druggist of Sparta.
Louis Errickson, a progressive farmer and representative
citizen of Portland township, was born August 6. 1841. in Nor-
way. When he Avas ten years old his parents, Andrew and
Nickoline (Larson) Errickson, came to this country from their
native land with a family of five children. One child died during
the voyage and Avas buried at sea. They settled in Racine county.
Wisconsin, where the father Avas employed four years in a
fanning mill factory. At the expiration of that time they moved
to Monroe county, and for a tinu^ the father followed mechanical
Avork in Portland toAvnship. He then purchased forty acres of
land in section twenty-five, and connnenced the life of a farmer,
living there until 1858, Avhen he moA'ed to another forty-acre
tract he had prcA'iously acquired, and there made his home dur-
ing the remainder ol' his lifetime. He Avas progressive and
industrious, and from time to time added to his original ]uiiThasc
until at his death, Avhich occurred in 1899. at the age of eighty-
three, he OAvned 180 acres of land in Portland toAvnship. He Avas
a successful farmer and turned his attention to raising grain for
market. The death of his Avife. mother of our subject, occurred
in 1875. They Avere members ol" the Lutheran church, ami in
public affairs he took an acti\(' and prominent part. He Avas
chairman of the tOAvn board and treasurer for several terms,
ahvays interested in the affairs of the Republican party. They
had a family of eleven children, three of Avhom are noAv (1912)
living.
BIOGRAPHY 667
Louis Errickson received his education in the common schools
of his native town and also in America, which he attended until
he was fifteen years old. At the age of twenty he enlisted for
service in the Civil AVar, in Company E, Fifteenth Regiment,
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. After serving six months with
this regiment he was discharged on account of disability. In
1863 he again enlisted, this time in Company F, First AVisconsin
Cavalry, and participated in many lively battles, among them
being the battle of Resaca, Dallas, Calhoun, Big Shanty moun-
tain, Kenesaw mountain in front of Atlanta, Georgia, Jonesboro
and many other engagements and skirmishes, and after two years
of honorable service he was discharged in 1865 and returned to
his home in AVisconsin, and until 1880 was employed on the farm.
He then purchased a farm of 160 acres in section thirty-six, town
of Portland, near the village of Cashton, on which he has made
many improvements and since resided. In 1898 he built his
modern residence and substantial outbuildings ; in 1912 he
erected a large and commodious barn, 36x80 feet, with 16-foot
posts and basement 8 feet high, sheeted with oak, covered with
galvanized iron, accommodating thirty head of cattle and six
horses, and he will soon build a large silo in connection. This is
the finest barn in the township. His farm is well supplied with
modern machinery and labor-saving devices, and well stocked
with a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. Mr. Errickson
uses the most up-to-date methods in his farming operations and is
also engaged in the raising of live stock and dairy business. He
is one of the well-to-do and public spirited men of his town and
takes an active interest in public affairs. He has been treasurer
of his town and is an ardent supporter of any movements
pertaining to the betterment of his community.
On January 7, 1880, he was married in the town of Portland
to Miss Helen Hansen Sveum, daughter of Hansen Sveum, a
native of Norway, and early settler of Vernon county AVisconsin.
Three children have been born to Mr. and IMrs. Errickson, viz. :
Laura, born October 6, 1880, is now Mrs. John Benrud, of Vernon
county; Amanda, born January 27. 1884, married Melvin AA^ang,
of Cashton, and has two children. Henry, born October 20, 1887,
received his education in the common schools and the Cashton
High Scliool, graduating from the latter institution in the class
of 1906, after which he spent two years at St. Olf College at
Northfield, Minn., and graduated from the agricultural depart-
ment of the AA^isconsin State Universitv in 1912. Mr. and Mrs.
668 HISTORY OF MONRO?] COUNTY
Krricksoii have one adopted child, Fryda. In icliji:ioiis matters
they are iiiemhers of the Lutheran church.
Martin Erriekson. oldest l)rother of Louis. Avas a ineuiher of
Company 11, Fifteenlli Wisconsin Lifantry. liavin<i,- enlisted in
186L and served until tiie close of ti;e war. He was with his
regiment in the battles of Island No. 10, Union City, ]Murfrees-
l)oro, and was taken prisoner at Chiekamauga and confined in
Libby prison, and was one of the 110 who tunneled out and nuide
their esea])e. lie was recaptured and sent to Belle Island, and
finally transferred to Andersoiiville, and was there until the close
of the war. After his return to Monroe county he engaged in
business at Sparta with W. XL Blyton, and while in partnership
with iiim built a brick block, where he continued in business
until his death in 1868, at the age of tAventy-nine years, the
primary cause of which was a wound received at Murfreesboro.
Martin Erickson. In 1866 there came from Norway, their
native land, Jolui and Karn 0. (Larsdater) Erickson. with a
family of five children, who, after their arrival in America came
to Monroe county, AVisconsin, and settled in the town of Portland
and homesteaded 160 acres of land in section four, and there
established a family home and lived until 1906, when the father
sold the farm and moved to Leon, where he now resides in retire-
ment, enjoying the Avell-earned fruits of his years of toil.
On the homestead farm in Portland Martin Erickson was
born November 2, 1869. He attended the district schools during
his boyhood and remained on the home farm until lie reached his
majority, and then leased the farm from his father, and for a
short time engaged in farming on his own account. In 1893 he
purchased ninety acres of unimproved land in s(H'tion twenty-two,
Leon township; here lie erected a small house, where he lived
until 1903. then built a modern ten-room lumse, and in 1909 a
conniiodious barn 3()xr)() fei^t. Avhich, with other buildings and
substantial impro\'enients. makes one of the ni)-to-date country
Iiomi's of the township. In his fanning ojx'rations he uses the
most modern methods and is a successful breeder of Guernsey
cattle, and has raised leaf toliacco for several years. In connec-
tion with this he carries on an extensive dairy business from his
herd of fifteen milch cows which pi-oduces a hnndsomi' revenue
each year.
On November 18, 1890, in the town of Portland, ]\Ir. Erickson
was married to ]\Iiss Mary Anderson, daughter of Gullic Ander-
son. They had a family of six children, of whom five are now
(1912) living, viz.: Evangeline, born April 4, 1894; Gilmer, born
■I
BIOGRAPHY 6G9
April 5, 1896 ; Otis, born September 14, 1898 ; Louise, born
February 14, 1901, and Walter, born December 17, 1903. In
religious affiliations I\Ir. and Mrs. Erickson are members of the
Lutheran church, and in politics he is a strong progressive
Republican.
Albert E. Evenson,* a native of Monroe county, was born in
the town of Portland, February 23, 1872. He is a son of Martin
and Maria (Ericson) Evenson, natives of Norway. It was in the
early fifties that jMartin Evenson, father of our subject, came to
America and first settled in Wabasha county, Minnesota, where
his wife died. After two years he came to the town of Portland
and homesteaded 160 acres. He afterwards disposed of this land
and purchased a farm of John W. Jones in the Fish Creek valley,
which he later sold, moving to Leon, where he now resides. His
birtli occurred in NorAvay, where also his wife, the mother of our
subject, was born. Mr. Evenson, the father of our subject, was
twice married, and to the first union ten children were born, seven
of whom are living, and to the second marriage tAVO children Avere
born.
Albert E. attended the common school until his seventeenth
year, and at an early age began as a farm laborer at twenty-five
cents per day. He soon after received employment as section
hand on the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway for a period
of fifteen months, when his wages were increased. In 1895 he
located on the farm of his grandfather, Andrew Evenson, where
he resided for two years, when he removed to Leon, where he was
employed on the farm of W. II. Davis for eight years, then
removed to the Fred Swartzlow farm near Leon, and there resided
for three years, thence to wliat is known as the Aylesworth farm,
where he remained until 1908, when he purchased the farm of
forty acres formerly owned by Mr. Aylesworth, where he now
resides, and to which he has added valuable improvements, tilling
the soil to the best advantage, rebuilt the residence, built a silo
and made several other additions.
Our subject is a Progressive Republican and a great admirer
of Senator LaFollette. He and his estimable wife are members of
the Lutheran church, and in fraternal matters he is a member of
the Modern Woodmen of America. He has held the office of tax
supervisor for three years and has been chairman of the town of
Leon for seven years. On December 11, 1895, he was married at
Cashton to IMiss Mary Ann Gilbertson. Two children have been
born to this union, viz.: Herbert W., born December 1, 1896, and
Lela J., born April 13, 1906.
670 IIIST()RV OF MOXROP: COUNTY
Leo B. Evenson, a jMtpular i-lothit-r of Sparta, is a prodiu-t of
IMiniu'Sota, and was liorn at Lanesboro, Fillmore foiinty, April 7,
]881. tho son of Ennl and ]Mary (Vieth) Evenson, natives of AVis-
eonsin and I\Iinnes(>ta, respectively. The father died in IMay,
1887. at the age of thirty-two years, leaving the mother and two
children. Leo B. and his sister Alildrcd. wife of AV. W. Card, all
residents of Sparta.
Supplementing liis ]iublic school education with a course at
the Lawrence T'niversity, Appleton, AVis., Air. Evenson began his
career as a (dothing merchant in tiie employ of Dodge & Davis,
in 1901, contiiniing in this position for two and a half years. He
then engaged in the same line of Inisiness with George Grossman,
under the name of Leo Evenson Clothing Company, Avhich later
merged into the Pickwick Clothes Slioj). the Sparta establishment
being one of a cliain of stores operating in tlie various towns
around Sparta, the holding company being known as the Gross-
man AVardrol)c Company. Ti'.c Sparta store Avas the first one
organizetl in lilO!), and is one of the chain of stores. The Tomali
store is under the charge of AY. AY. Card, and the store at Elroy
is operated by Louis Larson, all (tf Avhich are operated by the
holding company under the name of the Pickwick Clothes Shops.
The company is comjiosed of tlic following named gentlemen :
George Grossman, president, treasurer and general manager:
Leo B. Evenson, vice-president and assistant general manager:
"NY. AY. Card, secretary. The directors are : Dr. AY. T. Sarles,
C. Al. Alasters, AYilliam AIcBride, Dr. Carl B(>ebe. Harry Alastcrs.
George Grossman and Leo B. Evenson.
Air. Evenson is one of the wide-awake and progri'ssive cloth-
ing men of this section, and his broad experience in the line has
fitted him for the position he now occupies. lie is a member of
the Knights of Pythias and the Alodern AYoodmen of America,
and is active in the social circles of Sparta.
On February 12, 1905. he was married to Aliss Julia Cholvin.
daughter of Samuel Cholvin. a resident of AYilton, Alonroe county.
Air. and Airs. Evenson linvc tliree children, viz.: Elizabeth.
A'irgiiiia and Eleanor.
W. J. Ferries, a native son of Alonroe county, was horn on the
ridge in Wilton township, on -Inly 9, 1862, the son of AY. 11. and
Alargaret (Ilarland) Ferries, both natives of AYales. In the early
fifties tile fatluM- came to America with his parents, and AV. J.
Ferries, grandfather of our subject, homesteaded a (juarter sec-
tion of land on the ridge, and was one of the earliest settlers in
AVilton township. His brother, Avho came with him to America,
BIOGRAPHY 671
also took a homestead of 160 acres. The great-grandfather was
a farmer and hotel keeper and established the first hotel in Ridge-
ville. where the tourist and newcomer were treated to his hos-
pitality. His son, father of our subject, who was his chief aid,
managed the farm while he attended to the hotel business and
was generally successful in his undertakings and was well known
over the county as a kind-hearted, generous and public spirited
man. highly respected by the entire community where he lived.
In the cultivation of his wild land he used nine yoke of oxen to
turn the sod. He lived on his farm for many years and finally
sold the land and moved to Tomah. where he died in 1882. He
had a family of three children, one of whom still 1 1912) survives,
two sons deceased, and one daughter. Elizabeth, now living at
Norwalk, at the age of seventy-five years.
W. H.. father of our subject, was twice married, first to Mar-
garet Harland in 1853. by whom seven children were born, five
sons and two daughters, five of whom are now living. Mrs.
Ferries died in 1881, and two years later he married for his
second wife IMrs. Catherine Pratt, who died in 1904. The father
operated a threshing machine for about twenty-five years, and
became well known all over the county as a high-minded and
upright man. He acquired a farm of 160 acres in Wilton town-
ship and was also engaged in the furniture and undertaking
business in the village of AVilton until 1898. where he resided and
died in 1905. He was a staunch Democrat and was always active
in the aft'airs of his party. He served as chairman of the town
board for six years and was for many years a director of the
schools. He was a thirty-second degree ^lason and was consid-
ered one of the most popular and Avell-kno^ATi men of the county.
"W. J. Ferries, our subject, had the advantages of the district
schools up to his eighteenth year, and remained on the home farm.
On September 7. 1890. he was married to ^liss Gusta Popp.
daughter of Herman and Carrie Popp. Three children have been
born to them. viz. : Lillian ^l.. who graduated from high school
in 1910 and is also a graduate of the Wisconsin Business Uni-
versity at LaCrosse, 1911. was born May 4. 1891; Vilas, who is
also a high school graduate, was 1iorn July 4. 1892. and Vern.
born Xi^vember 23. 1895.
August Fetkenheuer,* a prosperous farmer who lives on sec-
tion twenty-four. Adrian township, is a son of John and Marie
(Ratke) Fetkenheuer. who spent their lives in Germany, where
our subject was born August 23. 1856. He attended the common
schools of his native town from the age of six to foui-teen years.
672 HISTORY OP :moxroe county
and was variously employed in the city of Staten until 1887, when
he emigrated to the United States. Arriving in this country he
first settled at Baltimore, and after a time came to Wisconsin and
to Ilillsboro, Vernon county, where he remained but three months,
when he went to the city of Tomah, and for ten years was in the
employ of the Goodyear Lumber Company. In 1897 he purchased
his present farm of 160 acres, ten of which he cleared, l)uilt two
barns, granary and a comfortable residence. He has improved
the land by cultivation and has made a most creditable showing
for the years spent on the farm, using in his operations the most
improved methods. Besides general farming, ]Mr. Fetkenheuer
has always been a successful raiser of fine stock, and at this time
his favorites are the Holstein breed of cattle.
He Avas married in November. 1880, to ]\Iiss Louisa Fick. also
a native of Staten, Germany. The children ])orn to this union are
"William, who resides at Two Rivers, AVis., is a veteran of the
Spanish-American war, having served in the hospital cori)s of
the Third AViseonsin Regiment ; Frank is deceased ; Paul A. lives
on the homestead farm; Emma married Louis Herwig, of Wono-
woc. Wis.; Edith is deceased; Anna, wife of Henry E. Zcllmar,
Adrian township; Amanda, at home; Arthur, deceased, and Otto
A., at home.
Besides being intensely interested in the affairs of his town
Mr. and ]\Irs. Fetkenheuer are members of the German Tjutheran
chureli of Tomah.
Herman M. Flock, one of the wealthy farmers of Ridgeville
township, ]Monroe county, is the son of ]\Iatt and Elizabeth (Lang)
Flock, l)oth natives of Germany. Herman was born August 27,
1868, in Ridgeville, this eount.y. Matt Flock came to America with
his parents in 1857 and located in Monroe county, where they
homesteaded 160 acres of land and were among the first settlers
of that locality. Here they lived for many years and the father
died on August 15, 1880, and tlie mother on January 29th, about
eight years later. They had a family of six children and were
considered one of the leading pioneer families. INIatt, with the
others, received a good common school education and Avorked at
farming all his life. He is now a prosperous general farnun- and
lives in Norwalk. He was married at Watertown, Wis., in 1867,
and they had a family of twelve children, nine of whom are now.
1912, living.
Herman is the oldest of the family, and like his father, has
always followed the oci-upation of farming. He was married in
Sparta on Mny 7, 1895, to .Miss Barbara Sclimitz. and tlu\v have
BIOGRAPHY 673
had a family of eight children, seven of whom are now living:
Matt, William, Alios, Freddie, Elizabeth, Joseph and Elnora.
After his marriage Mr. Flock rented a farm for one year, and in
1901 he purchased 160 acres in section thirty-one, in the town of
Ridgeville. His residence was built in 1886 and in 1902 he erected
a new barn, which adds greatly to the prosperous appearance of
his farm. He keeps the best grade of stock and uses the most
up-to-date methods in conducting it. He is a Democrat in politics
and has been supervisor for some time, and served also as chair-
man of the town board of Eidgeville for four years.
Mr. Flock is a good general farmer and well liked by his
neighbors.
Charles L. Flume, who resides in section thirty-two, Lafayette
township, is pre-eminently a self-made man. Starting out in
life with nothing but his native ability, he has risen from obscur-
ity to a place of prominence among the enterprising and
influential citizens of Monroe county, and is widely known as
the successful owner and proprietor of "Clover Dale Farm,"
which is unexcelled, if equalled, by any other farm in the county,
A native of La Crosse county, "Wisconsin, he was born May 6,
1859, the son of Carl and Kate (Schladger) Flume, natives of
Germany, who came to the United States, he in 1848, and she in
1856. "When he first arrived in America he was engaged for a
time in the copper mines on the Eagle river, but later settled in
La Crosse county, and where his wife also settled, and where they
were married. They were among the early settlers of that locality
and among the best class of pioneers. He lived to the age of
seventy-one years, and died in 1893. His wife, mother of our sub-
ject, survived until 1903, when she passed aAvay at the age of
sixty-eight years. They raised a family of six children, Charles
L. being the eldest. The others are : Kate, who is the wife of
Frank Kiel, of La Crosse county; Josephine, wife of Peter Haas,
lives in La Crosse county ; Minnie, resides in Indianapolis ;
William, also of La Crosse county, and ]\Iary, of Minneapolis.
Charles L. was raised on his father's farm, attending the
common schools and assisting in the farm work until he became
of age. He then went to Spink county, Dakota, where he re-
mained one year. Returning to La Crosse county, at the end of
that time, he was employed at farm work for the next seven
years. Thrifty and economical, he saved his earnings until he
had accumulated $1,200, and at the age of twenty-nine purchased
his first farm of 220 acres, in Greenfield township, La Crosse
county, where he made his home until 1900, when he removed to
G74 lUSTOKV OF .MUXHOK COIXTY
the ]Morse farm, w liicli lir had |)urchasecl the same year and which
contained 620 acres, and has been known Foi- many years as thi'
"Clover Dah' Farm."" lie has since sohl to the United States
goverinnent 280 acres, wliicli forms a part of the government
range in ^lonroe i-onnty. 1I<' is thorongldy systematic and np-to-
(hitc ill his operations and liis farm, wliich is highly cnltivatcd
and handsomely im])roved and cquippici, and well stocked with
horses and registered Dnrham cattle, of which he is one of the
Icatliiig hi'eeders in tiic coiihIn'. Jle carries on general farming
and (hiirying, and in addilioii lo his blooded Dnrham cattle he
raises J'oland China hogs. Mr. Flnme is a hard working man
Avhd has made his way in the world by persevering and persistent
effort, and by his straightforward, manly life maintains the con-
fidence and esteem of all who know him.
On Jannary 17, 1888, Mr. Finnic was nnitcd in marriage with
Miss ]\[aggie Kiel, danghter of Fred Kiel, a prominent citizen of
La Crosse connty, and a native of Bavaria. To Mr. and Mrs.
Flnme have been boi-n five children. J. F. carries on 160 acres of
the home farm Avhich he rents from his father; (leorgia E. resides
at La Crosse ; Viola, Forrest and AVilliam L. reside at home.
In politics the subject is a Democrat. AVhile he has been
offered ])n])lic office at the hands of his parly he has never
accepted.
Nelson J. Forrest, of section 6. La Grange townshij). ^Monroe
c(ninty, Wisconsin, was born here on -Jannary 4, 1868, the yonng-
est of a family of fonr children born to Thomas N. and Martha
(Edgerton) Forrest. Of the others, Elizabeth is the wife of .1. AV.
Taft, of Hood River, Ore.; Harriet is Ihe wife of Jacob Vander-
vort, of La Grange toAvnshii), and Charles \V., wlio resides at
Grand Rapids, ]\Iinn. The fath.er. who was a native of Scotland,
came to AVhitewater. AVis.. when he was twenty-one years of age.
He later went to AValworth connty, thence to ]Monroe connty in
1855, and settled on the fai'in of 1"):^ acres Avhere onr snli.iect now
resides. He was niari'icd Xovcmlx'i- (i. 1859, to ^Martha Edgerton,
a native of Connecticnt, and danghter of Charles and ]\Iary
Edgerton. who came west to AVisconsin in an early day and first
located in .Jefferson county. From there tlicy came to ^Monroe
county in 1856, and sjient the balance of their lives experiencing
the hardships and |)ri\ations incident to pioneer life in La Grange
township.
Thomas N. Forrest was one of IMonroe county's most influen-
tial citizens, straightforward and honorable in all his dealings,
and a man with manv warm friends. He had one brother. AVilliam
J
BIOGRAPHY 675
Forrest, who came to "Wisconsin from Scotland, and settled at
Whitewater, Wis., where he spent the balance of his life. His
widow, whose maiden name was Huldah Rawson, still survives.
]\Irs. Forrest, mother of our subject, is a charming lady, and one
of three survivors of a family of twelve children; the others are
Frank Edgerton, of La Grange township, and Caroline, widow of
William Sayre. He was a native of New York state and in about
1879 came to Monroe county, locating in section tive. La Grange
township, on a farm of eighty acres, consisting mostly of unim-
proved land, and for a time lived near the present homestead.
He started to improve his land and first built a log house, which
was replaced with a jnodern one, where his widow and son,
Clarence M. Sayre, now reside. Mrs. Sayre was born in 1831
and at the age of more than four score years is well preserved
and enjoys good health. Mr. Sayre, after a long and busy life,
died at the age of eighty-four years.
Nelson J. Forrest was reared on tlie home farm and received
his education in the district schools and early devoted his time
and attention to farming and the management of the homestead
Avhere he has spent his entire life. He carries on general farm-
ing, dairying and stock raising, and makes a specialty of Duroc-
Jersey hogs. The farm is under a high state of cultivation and
the place is Avell improved with a good barn erected in 1903 and
a modern residence erected in 1909, witli outbuildings to corre-
spond, lie takes an active interest in local matters; has been
treasurer of the town, supervisor two terms, and is now serving
his third term as assessor. He is president of the Farmers' Co-
operative Elevator Company and is a well-to-do and progressive
man of aifairs. He was married February 17, 1892, to Miss Julia
]\Iininger, a native of Waukesha, AVis., and a resident of
La Grange township. They have an interesting family of six
children, viz. : Guy N., Gladys J., valedictorian of the 1912 class
of the Tomah high school ; Raymond T. and Leroy C, twins ;
Ruth E., and Chester W. Forrest.
Fred M. Foster, the popular and enterprising photographer
of Sparta, a lifelong resident of that city, was bom June 25, 1862,
the son of Hiram and Julia A. (Harvey) Foster, natives of Cat-
taraugus county. New York, and wdio early came to Sparta, where
he built th(> Globe Hotel, the first frame building erected in
Sparta and whieli stood on the ground now occupied by the
Carnegie librarj'. He later engaged in farming in Sparta town-
ship, which he continued for several years, where he died in 1889
at the age of seventy years. His widow, mother of our subject.
676 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
died ill 1899. He has always taken a commendable interest in
the affairs of his town and county and served as treasurer of his
township. He is one of Sparta's most prominently and highly
respected citizens. His father, Ezekiel Foster, was a native of
Maine and followed his son to ^Monroe county, where he died.
Our subject, Fred ]\I., was the fourth child of a family of four
sons. Tlie others are : Theodore, who resides at Santa Clara,
Cal.; Orlando lives in AVasliingtun, and Edgar M. resides in
Sparta. Fred was reared on his father's farm, attending the dis-
trict schools and assisting in the farm work. When starting out
in life for liimsclf. His first employment was that as clerk in
the Winship Hotel at Sparta, and later he became clerk at the
Jewell Hotel, at Winona, ]\Iinn., remaining there until he became
engaged in the photograph business with Richardson Brothers, of
Sparta, this arrangement continuing until the fall of 1894, when
he purchased the studio at No. 101 South AVater street, whidi lie
has continued with unabating success.
]\Ir. Foster is a man of decided artistic tastes and has made
a thorough study of photography in all its phases and branches,
and is recognized as a most skillful expert and operator in his
class of art. His studio is a perfect model in all its appointments,
equipped as it is with every facility and appliance for turning out
the highest class of work, producing portraits on platinum, in
water colors, sepia, etc., with every variety and style of finish and
mounting.
Mr. Foster is a member of the Northwestern and the National
Photographers' Associations, and is also a member of the Knights
of Pjiihias. He was appointed captain and commissary of the
Third Regiment, AYisconsin National Guard, April 7, 1912. He
was married April 19, 1887, to Miss Georgie A. AVise, daughter
of G. A. "Wise, of Michigan. They have one child, Gerald L.
Foster.
Mrs. Louise B. Fox, Avidow of the late Benjamin F. Fox. Avas
born in Sussex county. New Jersey, April 28, 1834. Her parents
were natives of Ncav Jersey and the father by trade Avas a cooper
and also folloAved farming. He Avas born in 1800 and died in
1884. The mother of Mrs. Fox Avas born in 1811 and died in
1867. They moved from Ncav Jersey to Milan, O., AA'here they
lived for a short time, then moved to Huron county, that state,
and lived for sixteen years. They had a family of scA'en children,
three of whom are noAV (1912) living, viz.: ]\rrs. Fox, Avhose
maiden name Avas Louise Be Dell : p]dAvin Be Dell, born June 24.
1836, and Jonathan N. Be Dell, born February 22, 1851, makes his
BIOGKAPIIY G77
home with his sister, Mrs. Fox, and looks after her business inter-
ests. He was formerly a resident of Oakland, Cal., a man of fine
education and experienced in school teaching.
Mrs. Fox is a member of the Congregational cliureh, a devoted
Christian worker, and all charitable subjects receive her support.
Benjamin F. Fox, deceased, was born April 1], 1821, at Milan,
Erie county, Ohio. In 1851 he came west to Wisconsin and
located in tlie Leon valley, Monroe county, and purchased 120
acres of school land one and one-half miles from the A'illage of
Leon. He was married March 18, 1858, to Miss Louise Be Dell
at Norwalk, 0. One son, George Collins Fox, was born to them
in ]\Ionroe county, December 16, 1858, and died in 1878. Starting
out in life with little else than his native ability, Mr. Fox by
thrift, perseverance, hard w^ork and good management succeeded
in accomplishing the greater part of his undertakings, and at
the time of his death was enjoying the fruits of his labors in com-
fortable circumstances. He improved his farm and soon after his
marriage built a modest residence, which was later replaced with
a large and commodious residence, where they lived until 1905,
and then purchased the comfortable home in the village of Leon,
where he passed away in 1909, and where his widow now (1912)
resides. He was a successful general farmer and one of the sub-
stantial and representative men of Monroe county, and owaied
at the time of his death 200 acres of land in Leon valley. He w^as
a typical American, self-educated, a great student and much
interested in all matters of public importance ; a man of sound
judgment. Avhose influence was felt by his neighbors and friends.
He was strictly temperate in all things, never used tobacco in any
form, and was an active member of the Congregational church,
to which he contributed liberally. He was superintendent of the
Sunday school and all worthy charitable objects found in him a
liberal supporter. A Republican in politics, he was active in the
affairs of his party and held nearly all of the minor offices of his
town.
Benson S. Fox, of Leon, is the son of George ^Y. and Candice
(Lee) Fox, and was born at New Hartford, Minn., February 4,
1861, and is the eldest in a family of three children, all sons, wlio
are now living. The father came from Ohio in an early day and
settled at New Hartford, Minn., wdiere he was married in 1863,
and in 1873 removed to the town of Leon in Monroe county. By
hard work, thrift and economy he acquired 280 acres of land and
there lived until his death, which occurred August 30, 1911. His
widow, mother of our subject, still survives at the age of sixty-
678 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
eight years. He was a man of imicli foree and highly respected
by the citizens of his eoinnninity. He was moral and upright and
gained many friends by his honest dealings, and was one of the
most respected and highly esteemed citizens of Leon. lie served
as a member of the town board, was school director for many
years, and assessor for two years. The paternal ancestors of onr
subject came over with AVilliam Penn and settled in ]Massachu-
setts. Peter Clow, the grandfather of the subject's mother, was
a soldier in the war of 1812. Grandfather Lee lived in Canada
during the French and Indian Avar, and because he refused to take
up arms against the United States he was forced to leave Canada
and removed to New York, the English government confiseating
all his property. After the war lie returned to Canada but failed
in his efforts to regain his property. He emigrated to ^Minnesota
when the mother of our subject was thirteen years old, going
overland with ox team from Rockford. 111., where the family had
lived a short time. He Avas born in Jefferson county, Ncav York,
in 1820, and died in 1904. The grandmother Avas born in 1822
and died in 1872. He enlisted in 1862 during the Civil War in
Company D, Seventh Regiment, ]Minnesota Volunteers, and served
until the close of the Avar.
Benson S. attended the public schools until his seventeentli
year and remained at home until he l)ecame of age. He Avas
married December 4. 1884. to ]\Iiss Aurella Smith at Sparta, the
daughter of Alcander and Catherine Smith. To this union Avere
born three children, of Avhom tAVO are noAV living, viz.: Herbert L.,
born September 25, 1885. and B. Earl, born June 24, 1895. Mrs.
Fox died January 17, 1912. The farm, Avhich Avas homesteaded
and OAvned by Mr. Smith, father of Mrs. Fox, Avas purchased by
Mr. Fox and he there made his home for tAveuty-fiA'e years, suc-
cessfully engaged in farming, and Avhere he made many of the
A'aluable improA-ements. ]\Ir. Fox for many years has taken an
active interest in the affairs of his toAvn. and has held many local
offices. For tAventy years he Avas school director, has been super-
visor and assessor, and for nine years treasurer of the toAvn. and
is the present incumlient. An extract from the La Crosse Trib-
une says of him: '"Ben Fox, treasure!- of the toAvn of Leon, has
made his annual settlement Avith County Treasurer Babcock. and
again presents a book clean of all delin^iuents, not a dollar being
returned on either real estate or personal propeity. His total
roll amounted to >1<10,060.79. This is the tenth year that :Mr. Fox
has served as the treasurer of the toAvn of Leon, and for the past
six vears he has collected nil tlie taxes on the roll."
BIOGRAPHY 679
In polities Mr. Fox is a La Follette Republican, and takes an
active interest in the affairs of his party. He has served two
years as justice of the peace. On February 28, 1909, he moved
into the village of Leon, where he owns considerable property
besides his commodious residence Avhere he now resides.
Capt. Frank Lyon French, who has attained to a prominent
position among the military men of the country, is a product of
Monroe county, AVisconsin, and was born October 29, 1862, the son
of Jacob Jewell and Elizabeth C. (Lyon) French, natives of East
Jeffery, N. H., and Benton Center, N. Y., respectively. In 1860
Jacob J. French removed from his native state to Wisconsin and
settled in La Fayette township, JMonroe county. Here he re-
mained until 1866, when he moved into the city of Sparta and
embarked in the grocery business, and in 1868 he engaged in hop
and stock raising, and still later was engaged with the firm of
French & King from 1870 to 1886, who were extensive dealers in
hops and live stock. During the administration of President
Cleveland, Mr. French was, in 1886, appointed postmaster of
Sparta, and continued to dispatch the duties of this office for five
years. His next business venture was in the fruit business, which
continued to be his occupation until his death, which occurred on
February 7, 1903, in his eighty-fifth year, he having been born
August 21, 1818. He took an active part in all matters pertain-
ing to the betterment of his city and county, was prominent in
business and social life, and was at one time president of the
village board, city treasurer and promoter of Sparta's North
park. In 1872 he held the honor of being the champion rifle shot
of the LTnited States, and was an active member of the original
Masonic lodge in Sparta.
Elizabeth C. Lyon French, mother of our subject, was born
July 14, 1845, and died April 28, 1902. She was the youngest of
a family of six children, one of whom, James R. Lyon, of Kendall,
a pioneer of JMonroe covmty, is still living. Those deceased besides
Mrs. French are : John C, Myran F. and Harriet C, wife of Rev.
J. R. Jaques.
Samuel C. Lyon, maternal grandfather of Frank L., was born
in the state of New York in July, 1800. and was one of the first
settlers in the town of Glendale, Monroe county, AA^isconsin. He
died November 5, 1873. His wife, Lois Elizabeth Kendall Lyon,
maternal grandmother of our subject, was born in August, 1802,
and died May 4, 1873. She married Samuel C. Lyon, at Benton
Center, N. Y., in 1824.
Jacob Jewell French, father of Frank Lyon French, was a son
680 niSTOKY OF MONROE COUNTY
of Thomas Freiu-h, Jr., of East Jeft'cry, N. H. His fatlun-, Thomas
French, was a native of Dunstable, N. 11. The mother of Thomas
French, Jr., Avas Hannah Cnmmings, and the mother of Jacob
Jewell French was Sophia Jewell, of ]\Iarlborough, ]\Iass., and
she was a daughter of Jacob Jewell, of England, and her mother,
Polly Smitli, came originally from Ireland.
Frank Lyon French Avas married Septeiid3er 25, 1897, to ]\Iiss
]Mabel Laura Masters, daughter of Bissill ]\I. and Helen (Cross)
^Masters, of Sparta. The father of ]\Irs. French, Bissill ]\1. blas-
ters, was born in Springfield, Mass., in 1838, came west in 1865,
was on the coast during the San Francisco earthquake in 1908,
and is now a resident of Sparta. ]\Ir. ^Masters Avas a son of John
I\Iasters, Avho was born April 4, 1805, and died in his one hun-
dredth year. He traces his ancestors ])ack to the Huguenots of
France in 1562. His wife was Laura Bissill, born October 28,
1807. ]\Irs. Helen (Cross) ^Masters, the mother of ]Mrs. French,
Avas born .March 16, 1847, and died April 15, 1888. The maternal
grandfather of Mrs. French Avas AndrcAA' Cross, a natiA'e of Ncav
York state, Avho came to Sparta and Avho Avas at one time sheriff
of his natiA'e county. He Avas born in October, 1804. and died
February 11, 1878. His Avife AA'as Mary Moak, of Ncav York, born
August 11, 1810. Other members of this family Avere Katherine,
born December 21, 1818; Emonzo. liorn ]March 31, 1824; John,
born ^lay 13, 1836 ; Alexander, born December 14, 1839 ; Virgene,
born December 16, 1843, and Germane, born Septembei- 24. 1849.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. French are Helen Elizabeth, born
December 27, 1898; Virgene, born July 31, 1902; Katiiryn Belle,
born September 9, 1903. Mrs. French Avas graduated from the
Sparta high school Avith the class of 1891.
Captain French AA'as educated at the public schools of Sparta,
and on October 13, 1879, began to learn telegraphy at Viroqua,
AYis., and followed that A'ocation until NoA'ember 5, 1880. Avhen
he entered the emplo}- of the Chicago, Mihvaukee & St. Paul
Raihvay C()nii)any as telegrapher at the Sparta station, continu-
ing here until ]\Iay 11, 1881, avIkmi he entered the service of the
NorthAvestern Raihvay Company in the train dispatcher's office in
November, 1882, at Huron, S. D., and in December of the same
year Avas transferred to Pierre, S. D.. in charge of the AYestern
Union, Chicago & NorthAvestern, ;iiul the government telegraph
lines, continuing here until July 8, 1883, Avhen he made a trip to
the Black Hills, thence to northAvestern "\Yyoming and the ]\ron-
tana buffalo range, Avhere he remained until December 15, 1883,
BIOGRAPHY G81
when he returned to Sparta, but soon after went to Glendale and
took charge of a store of general merchandise for J. R. Lj^on,
remaining here until October, 1886. He was then appointed
assistant postmaster of Sparta, under his father, in November of
that year, continuing in that capacity until December, 1891,
when he engaged in the l)ook and stationery business in Sparta,
whicli he followed for seven years, or until April 28, 1898, when
he entered the service of the United States in the Spanish-Ameri-
can war as first lieutenant of Company L, Third Regiment, Wis-
consin National Guard Volunteers, and was made captain
September 13, 1898. He served with his regiment through the
Porto Rican campaign until January 11, 1899, when he was mus-
tered out with his regiment. He was appointed captain of the
Thirty-fourth United States Volunteers, July 5, 1899, by President
McKinley, and entered upon his two years' service in the Philip-
pines. He was promoted to battalion commander August 11,
1900, and discharged with his regiment April 17, 1901, when he
returned to Sparta, where he was engaged in the fruit business
until September 1, 1904, he was appointed njail agent for the
rural route service. He has been commander of the American
post of Spanish-American war veterans, and a member of Valley
Lodge No. 16. A. F. & A. M., since 1891.
Captain French was a member of the local militia company
from August 31, 1887, to May 11, 1898. During that time he was
promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, his duties consisting of
general instructions in shooting. He was a member of the state
rifle team for several years and attended several interstate shoots.
He also won the General King revolver for best revolver shot.
The military record of Captain French, Avhich follows, is one that
he may .justly be proud of :
Recommended by Maj. J. A. Penn, Thirty-fourth Infantry, U.
S. v., for commission as major by brevet for gallant and meri-
torious services in action at Tangnadan mountain, December 4,
1899, and in pursuit of General Tinios' forces, December 5 to 11,
1899. Actions at Bandi, December 8 ; Banna Canon, December 9 ;
also recommended he be commissioned lieutenant-colonel by
brevet for especially hazardous and meritorious services in the
rescue of Lieutenant Gilmore, U. S. navy, and twenty-five Ameri-
can prisoners, etc., December, 1899. Approved by Lieut. -Col.
Robert L. Howze and Gen. S. B. M. Young.
Expeditions: General Lawton's northern expedition, October,
November and December, 1899 ; advance on Aliaga, November
682 HISTORY OF :\IONROE COUNTY
9 to 1]. 1899; Colonel Ilowze's expedition from Aliaga, Luzon, via
Victoria and Rosales to Bautista, November 13 to 20, 1899; Gen-
eral McArtlmr's advance, Bautista to Dagupan, November 21 to
24, 1899; General Young's expedition up west coast of Luzon,
November 25 to December 11; pursuit of General Tinio, December
5 to n, 1899; Gilmore relief expedition, December 14, 1899, to
January '.i, 1900. Assisted in rescues: I'idigan Abra, December 6,
1899, 300 Spanish soldiers; Banquet, Al)ra, December 6, 1899,
1,100 Spanish soldiers; La Pax, Abra, December 8, 1899, three
Americans; Dingras, I. N., December 10, 1899; General Pena, 450
Spanish officers and 450 Spanish soldiers; Salsona, I. N., Decem-
ber 10, 1899, 100 Chinese; Gaset, upper Abulug river, December
16, 1899, three Americans; Lannae, upper Abulug river, Decem-
ber 18, 1809. Lieutenant Gilmore, V. S. Navy, and nineteen Amer-
icans. Participated in captures: Dunlas, Abra, December 8, 1899,
great qiumtity of arms and war material : Banquet. Abra. Decem-
ber 6, 1899, insurgent arsenal.
Battles: Tagnadin mountain, December 4, 1899.
Engagements : Bandi, Abra, December 8, 1899 ; Banna, Ca-
non, December 9, 1899; Gaset, upper Abulug river, December 16,
1899; Marradong, I. N., February 14, 1900; Bulbulhila. L N.,
April 9, 1900; Ester, I. N., April 16, 1900; Laoag, L N., April 17,
1900.
Skirmishes : La Pax, Abra, December 7. 1899 ; Caramine, near
Banna, December 9, 1899; Salsona. I. N., December 10, 1899;
IManintin, I. N., December 11, 1899; Cabagoin Grande. December
22, 1899; Caban Garang, I. N., January 14, 1901.
December 7, 1899, defeated insurgent forces at La Pax. Abra,
killing General Quesada, insurgent paymaster, and captured his
money and payrolls.
Just prior to his leaving the Orient for America, his command
presented him with a handsome diamond ring.
Upon his return to AVisconsin from the Philippines he was pre-
sented with a beautiful solid gold medal by the state of "Wiscon-
sin. This medal was designed by Gov. J. O. Davidson and Gen.
C. R. Boardman. Engraved on one side were tiie words: "AVis-
consin — Distinguished Alilitary Service," and on the reverse,
"Presented to Capt. Frank L. French. Sparta. Wis., late of the
Thirty-fourth T'. S. Y., by act of tli.> Legislature, 1901." His
Sparta friends presented him Avitli a handsome gold-mounted
sword and scabbard, with a sole-leatln^r trunk case for same.
Captain French was tendered a commission in the regular army
1)y President j\IcKinley, but decided to remain a citizen of Sparta.
BIOGRAPHY 683
Joseph Gasper, a successful fanner who resides in section
seven, l^orthmd township, was born in LaPorte county, Indiana,
November 9, 1858. His parents, AVilliani and Lena (Green)
Gasper, were natives of Germany, and after their marriage, came
to Illinois and located in Chicago in 1848. which at that time
was a small village. He first found employment in a brickyard,
and after three years, moved to LaPorte county, Indiana, where
he carried on farming for twelve years. In 1865 the family
moved to La Crosse county, Wisconsin, and settled on 120 acres
of wild land in Washington township which the father imme-
diately set to Avork to clear and soon he erected a log house and
some outbuildings which sufficed until the dawn of better days,
and here they experienced the hardships of pioneer life and
passed the remainder of their days. He died at Tunnel City,
]\Ionroe county, in 1886 at the age of seventy-four years, and
Mrs. Gasper passed aAvay in AVashington township. La Crosse
county, in 1882 at the age of sixty-three. They had a family of
thirteen children, viz: Peter, deceased; John resides in ]\Iichi-
gan City, Ind. ; j\Iary, now ]Mrs. John Keef er, lives at ^Michigan
City; Kate and Mary are deceased; Nicholas lives in INIichigan
City; Emma is deceased; Anna, wife of S. Strittmatter,
of La Crosse county; William, of Adrian toAvnship ; John, who
was a twin brother of our subject, is deceased, as is also Eliza-
])eth ; John Henry is road master for the Chicago, IMilwaukee
& St. Paul Railroad Company, resides at Chillicothc Mo.
In 1882 Mr. Joseph Gasper was united in marriage with ]Miss
Clara Brecht, daughter and fourth child in a family of five
children born to John and Katherine Brecht. early settlers of
La Crosse county. The others are Katherine, wife of Amil Moser,
of Cripple Creek, Colo. ; Anna, wife of August Hunt, deceased ;
Margaret, wife of C. F. Brown, resides at Desota, Wis.,
and John of La Crosse. To ]\Ir. and Mrs. Casper have been
born six children, viz: Laura, wife of Frank Zebell. of Portland
township ; Louisa, married Henry AA^hitehead, and resides at
Bangor, La Crosse county; John, Frank J., AVilliam and Kath-
erine reside at home.
Mr. Gasper received his education in the district school and
remained on the home farm until twenty-four years of age
when he started farming for himself on a rented farm. Seven
years later he purchased 160 acres of land in AVashington town-
ship. La Crosse county and after four years, in 1892, he disposed
of his interests in La Crosse county and purchased his present
farm of 160 acres, 120 of which is under a high state of culti-
684 HISTORY OF :\I0XROE COUNTY
ration. AVhen ]\Ir. Gasper first moved to his present farm, there
were no biiiklings but an old log house; he has since erected a
commodious dwelling, substantial barns, machinery shed, wind-
mill and made other improvements, l^esides general farming
and dairying, he is engaged in raising ITolstein-Fresian cattle
and Poland-China hogs, and is one of the most progressive men
of the community. At the age of eighteen ^Iv. Gasper started
to run a threshing machine which he followed eaeh season for
seventeen years. He takes an active interest in the affairs of
his townshij), has been supervisor for three years, chairman of
the board one year, and treasurer for twelve years of school
district number five and is now serving as clerk of school dis-
trict number five of Portland toAvnship.
Emil Gerke,* Avho noAv resides on section nineteen. Sparta
township, is one of the M'ide-awake and enterprising young
farmers of Monroe county, was born in La Crosse county, AVis-
consin, ]\Iay 81, 1882, the son of Fred and Dorothy iC'lements)
Gerke. The father, a native of Germany, came to the United States
when fifteen years of age, located in La Crosse county, AVisconsin,
where he married, and there spent the greater part of his
life engaged in farming. He was one of the representative citi-
zens of La Crosse county, a kind father and husband, and at
the time of his death, Avliich occurred Jime 24, 191L ;it the age
of sixty years, held the confidence and esteem of his wide circle
of friends. Air. and Mrs. Gerke had a family of seven children,
as follows: Frank lives at La Crosse, Con Peter is on the home
farm, Louisa is the wife of Edward Smaltz, of Bangor, AVis. ;
Christina is the Avife of Frank Kirschner. of La Crosse county;
Emma is the wife of Charles Stark and resides in Sparta
township; Sophia and Maggie reside at home with their mother.
Emil Gerke attended the distri<'t schools at La Crosse county,
and remained on the home farm until he was fift(^en years of
age. During the next seven years he was variously employed
at farm work, his last employer being AYilliam Cassel, Avho died
on June 1, 1904, and in 1905, Mr. Gerke purchased the farm,
which he has since successfully carried on, and has made ex-
tensive improvements. He has l)uilt a barn, 36 by 96 feet,
erected a silo. wiiKlinill. and made oilier improvemciils. Tin-
land is under a high state of cultivation, from whii li he reaps
an abundant harvest each year.
On July 24, 1906, Mr. Gerke was married to ]\Iiss Lena Leek,
daughter of Fred and Amelia (Patz) Leek, of Sparta township.
]\Irs. Gerke died in Xovendier. 1911. leaving besides lici- worthy
BIOGRAPHY 685
husband, two children named Clara Amelia and Dorothy Hulda.
In religions faith Mr. Gerke is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic
chnrch of Sparta.
Henry F. Gerke, one of the influential and successful farmers
of Ridgeville toAvnship, was born in Hanover, Germany, Septem-
ber 12. 1846, the son of H 0. and Sophia (Klingo) Gerke.
Mr. Gerke emigrated to America in 1866 and located first in Mil-
waukee, where he worked out at odd jobs, and made his home
with his uncle, Gus Kling. He remained there three years, then
came to Tomah and remained one year with a sister, then Avent to
Olmstead county, Minnesota, where he remained for a time,
then in 1871 returned to Monroe county and purchased 160
acres of land in section tw^o, Ridgeville township ; he later
sold eighty acres of land to his brother, but since has acquired
by purchase, additional acres until he now owns 320 acres in
sections two and three.
Being thrown on his own resources at an early age, Mr. Gerke
started out in life with nothing but his native ability, and has by
hard work, thrift and economy worked his way to a commanding
position of influence in his town. When he purchased the home-
stead, where he now resides, the land Avas raw and in a wild state ;
he erected a modest house in M^hich he lived for fifteen years, and
set diligently to work to clear and improve his land. He worked
hard and overcame many obstacles, and in the end gained success.
In 1909 he built a large and commodious residence, and with his
large lawn and handsome shade trees, all set out with his own
hands, his well built barn and outbuildings, makes his one of the
ideal country homes in Ridgeville township. Mr. Gerke takes
pride in making his farm one of the best in the county, and keeps
it well stocked Avith Percheron horses and Durham cattle. He
uses the latest up-to-date methods in his farming operations, and
his place is well supplied Avith modern labor-saving devices. Mr.
Gerke is one of the solid men of his town and is well known as one
of the public spirited and successful citizens. He is active in all
matters of interest in his community, and secretary of the German
Mutual Insurance Company, Avhieh Avas organized in 1876, and
incorporated in 1895. Its total assets are $8,990.37, and in every
way on a sound foundation. AVinand Mullenburg is its president.
In politics Mr. Gerke is independent, Avhile in religious matters he
and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.
Mr. Gerke Avas married at OconomoAVOc, Wis., in October, 1871,
to Miss Dorothy Winzenburg, whose parents also came from Ger-
many. Mr. and Mrs. Gerke have a family of eight children, as
686 ITISTORY OF :\I().\R()E COIXTY
follows: lIiMiry W., Leiiii, Ku(U)li)h. Ih'i-iiu'iiia. Fred, Mary, Ferdi-
nand and .lulius.
William H. Gerke, a successful German farjiicr of Wilton
township, ami owner of al)out 4H0 acres of fine farm
land, is tile son of Henry and Soi)liia (Clin<i) (ierke, natives
of Germany, where the mother died, and AVilliam was born on
June 5, 1S')(). He came to America with his father in 1869 and
iirst located in Tomah, but after a short time moved to the town
of Adrian and later to Ridoeville. Avhere the father died in 1873.
William worked as a farm hand and attended school until he was
seventeen years old. 11(> was a steady and economical young- man,
and through his faithful etfoi-ts, lie managed to accunndate sav-
iugs sufficient to purchase a lOd acre fai'm in Wilton
township in 1877, to which he added from time to time, including
a half section, wliich he pui'chased in North Dakota, until he
now owns about 460 acres. lie has made many lasting
and valuable improvements on his farm in way of cul-
tivation and ])uildings. In 188:j he erected a new modern resi-
dence and the following year a commodious barn aiul other out-
buildings to correspond. He makes a specialty of dairying and
raises the best grade of stock of all kinds. He is a Democrat in
])olitics. was treasui'er of the town of Wilton for two years,
ehainnan of the board for four years, school treasurer for twenty-
three years and a mend)er of the Lutheran church.
On March 15, 1877, he Avas married in Wilton to ]\Iiss Caroline
Behrens. daughter of Fred and ]Mina Behi-ens. both natives oi
Germany, who came to America in 18G7 and located in Wilton on
a farm of 140 acres in section five, where they lived
until 1897; the mother died two years previous. ^Mrs. Gerke is
one of a family of twelve children, two of wliom are living. Her
])eo])le Avere mend)ei's of tlie Lutheran church.
All', and Mrs. Gerke have liad a family of twelve children,
eleven of whom are living, viz.: Fred, born June 10, 1877; Gusta.
born April 26. 1880; Lizzie. l)orn October 18, 1882: Willie. l)orn
Novendx'i- 18. 1883: Gari-io. liorn Xovend)er 18. 188o; Julius, born
August 8. 1887: riara. boi-n .\ugust 9. 1889: Albert, born October
12. 1891: Ida. born Alay 17. 1893: dohnny, born April 18, 1896,
and Flla. horn February 24. 1900.
Arthur N. Getnian"-, a |)rogressi\-e farmer of st'ction nine,
LaGrange township, is a native of Alonroe county, antl was born
on the farm where he resides on August 23, 1868, the son of Will-
iam and Fidelia (Vandervort) Getman, who were also natives of
Wisconsin, having been born in AVaukesha c<iunty. this state.
BIOGRAPHY 687
They came to JMoiiroe county in 1866 and settled on the farm
where our subject now resides. The farm at this time being
mostly wild land, the father started to improve the place and
establish the family home. He erected a small frame house,
16 X 20, which for a few years was used as a dwelling, which was
afterwards remodeled and changed to a convenient and sub-
stantial residence. He cleared the timber and made other improve-
ments as conditions and circumstances ati'orded, following his
trade of shoemaker in the_ meantime. He was possessed of that
thrift and progressive spirit common to his German-Scotch ances-
try, and at the time of his death, which occurred on January 6,
1884, at the age of forty-two years, had his land under a good
state of cultivation and was held in high esteem by his many
friends. His widow still survives and is now the wife of M. L.
Johnson, of LaGrange townshij). By a previous marriage to
Al Featherly. she had one son, Albert Featherly, who now resides
at Seattle. AVash. In the Getman family there are five children,
viz. : Arthur X.. Harry lives in IMichigan, Frank resides at Tomah,
Jennie is the wife of Pete Richerson, of Ohio, and Lester, w^ho
lives at Evanston, 111.
Arthur X. spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attending
the district school. He early found employmeJit with the Good-
year Lumber Company and was thus employed by them and
others for about seven years. In 1888 he purchased the homestead
farm and has since continued to make that his home. He has
cleared ten more acres, erected all the present buildings and
otherwise made many lasting improvements. jNIr. Getman is one
of the hustling men of ]\Ionroe county and is wide awake to all
matters pertaining to the betterment of his town and county. He
has been school treasurer of his district for seven years ; has been
overseer of highways and is now serving as township treasurer.
He is a member of the ^Modern Woodmen of America.
On January 27. ]891, Mr. Getman was married to Aliss Hattie
Steele, of Valley Junction, Wis. Their children are Deeda, wife
of Harry Sueat, of Grant township : Katie, Jennie, Wallace,
Edgar and Ruth Getman.
George Gilbertson''', one of the wide awake native sons of
]\lonroe county, was born in the town of Leon, October 24, 1870,
and is the son of Ole G. and Rebecca (Peterson) Gilbertson, both
natives of Xorway. The father came to America in 1865, and
located in the Leon valley, where he worked as a farm laborer
for three years. He then bought a homestead right to
160 acres of land, title to which he obtained from the
688 HISTORY OF IMOXROE COUNTY
Government. There he made his home for forty-two years. In his
family were nine ehildren, eiglit of wliom are now living, viz.:
George, Mary, Anton, Oscar, Milton, Emma, Otto and Albert. He
received a good common school education in his native country,
was a great reader and kept himself well jjosted on all current
events. In politics he was a Republican and a leader in the aifairs
of the parly. ;ind exerted a powerful influence in the Leon valley,
and was an intimate friend of the Hon. John R. Jones, and tiie
two were considered stalwarts. He w.as chairman of the Repub-
lican county convention and for many years chairman of the
township comniiti CO. and was a delegate to many conventions.
He held the office of assessor of the town of Leon for twent}'' years,
and in religious matters lie was affiliated with the Lutheran
church, as is his widow. Born February 9, 1843, he died October
11, 1911. His wife, mother of our subject. Avas born Deeonibcr 11.
1846. and still survives.
George, the subject of this sketch, was reared t)n the farm and
attended the district schools until he was fourteen years of age.
He then found employment on the farm for $15 per month, and
so Avell did he attend to the duties assigned him. his salary was
soon raised to $18 and finally he received $25 per mouth.
Being economical and saving he soon accumulated cpiite a sum of
money which he placed in a bank at Sparta. During financial
difficulties the bank failed ami his earnings were lost, which neces-
sitated his commencing anew, and by hard Avork and economy he
soon overcame his misfortune. He started farming on his own
account and for thirteen years worked a rented farm, at the end
of that time, in 1911, he purchased 200 acres in the town
of Leon, where he now resides. He is a i)rogressive and successful
general fariner and makes a specialty of raising a good grade of
cattle and hogs, and is considered one of the Avell-to-do farmers
of his section. In politics he is a Republican and takes an active
interest in the afl'airs of the party, while in fraternal matters he
is a mcmlier of the IModern Woodmen of Anioi-ica and \hc Bi-other-
hood of American Yeoman.
He was married in Leon to ]\Iiss Ella Olson, daughter of
Peter Olson. Three children have been born to ^Ir. and ^Irs.
Gilbcrtson, viz. : Herman, born September 22. 1899; Chester, born
January 24, 1901. and Roy. l)orn August 2. 1904.
John H. Gilliland, who resides on his farm of 213 acres
in the town of Leon, where he was born August 18,
1857, is a son of A. II. and Sarah (Sherlock) Gilliland. both
natives of Ti-eland. The father cnmo to America when a young
BIOGRAPHY 689
man and first located in the state of New York, where he was
employed at farm work for several years, five years of the time
being spent in the employ of one man. Beginning life as a poor
boy he worked his way to independent circumstances. He left the
state of New York for the West, going first to Iowa, but not
finding that state satisfactory to his idea, he set out for Wisconsin.
Taking boat at Dubuque he came up the river to La Crosse, and
overland from the latter place to the Leon valley, arriving at his
destination about 1850; being impressed with the then new coun-
try, he purchased 800 acres of land and set to work to
improve its condition and establish a home. To his original "pur-
chase he added from time to time until he had acquired
720 acres, disposing of a part of the land, he owned
at the time of his death, which occurred in 1885, 600
acres. He was quarried at about the time he came west and had
a family of four children, two of whom are now living, viz. :
Mary A., who is the widow of Dr. W. B. ]\Iorley, resides at Shell
Lake, Wis., and John H., our subject. On arriving in the Leon
valley he built a small shanty on the river, where his family lived,
until circumstances permitted of the erection of a comfortable
residence close to the village, "where he spent the remainder of
his life. He was a successful farmer and breeder of cattle, hogs
and sheep, and during his lifetime took an active interest in
politics, being an active Avorker in the ranks of the Democratic
party. His educational advantages were limited, but by constant
reading, became self-educated and was well posted on all live sub-
jects of the day. His wife, mother of our subject, who was a
lady of many womanly virtues, died in September, 1883, loved
and respected by her large circle of friends.
John II. attended the district school until he was twenty years
old, and spent one winter in the public schools of Sparta. He
remained with his parents until their decease, and then remained
on the homestead farm for a time, and on August 23, 1887, was
married at Sparta to Miss Elizabeth Lennon. Mr. Gilli-
land's farm of 213 acres, lies three-quarters of a mile
from the village of Leon, and is one of the good farms of
this valley. He is one of the successful and progressive general
farmers of that town, and his modern residence, erected in 1890,
and substantial barn, built in 1895, together with other improve-
ments, makes his one of the splendid country homes of the valley.
In politics a Democrat ; he is active in the affairs of his party and
has held several local offices. He has been town clerk, and for
several years school treasurer.
GOO HISTORY OF MONROE (OT'XTY
To ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Gillilantl have been born three children, viz.:
Carl Glenn, a graduate of Annapolis Naval Academy, now ensign
on the battleshij) Arkansas-. John Forrest, at lioiiic. and ^Margaret
E. Oilliland.
Mrs. Lizzie Gilliland, wife of Albert E. Gilliland. deceased, and
a dauglilcr of Jlcurx \'an Etten, of ^lonroe county, was born
J)eceni])ei" 12. 1868, in the town of Leon. She was educated in the
common schools of the county, and was married in 181KJ at the
age of twenty-two years to Albert E. Gilliland. To them were
born four children, three of wlnnii ni'c now (1012) living, viz.:
Roy A., born February 19. 1894: Alexander, born August 4, 1901,
and Hazel, born January 11, 1907.
All)ert E. Gilliland was a son of A. H. and Sarah (Sherlock)
Gilliland, natives of Ireland. He was born September 18, 1860, in
Leon. Wis. His education was acquired in the common schools
and at La Crosse lousiness College. He was reared on his father's
farm and remained Avith his parents during their lifetime. His
mother died in 1883 and the death of his father occurred October
29, 1885.
Ml". Gilliland was one of the solid, enterprising and successful
general farmers of Leon, and took pride in breeding and raising
good horses, and his farm of HOO acres. 140 acres of
which was under a good state <if cultivation and improved
Avith a substantial residence and outbuildings. He stood
high in his community and en.ioyed the confidence of all who
knew him. He Avas an honorable, upright citizen, fond of his
home and family, and his death. Avhich occurred August 1. IIHI,
was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Rev. John George Glaeser, jiastor of the St. Paul's Lutheran
church of Tomah. one of the finest churches of this denomina-
tion in Monroe count.w was boi-n at Platteville. Wis.. November
24, 1865, the son of John and Hai-bara (Gilbert) Glaeser.
both natives of Germany. The father emigrated to the T'nitcd
States in 1852 and first located at Pottsville. Pa.. Avhere
he lived tAvo years, Avorking the Avhilc in the coal mines at that
place, removing thence to Platteville. Wis.. Avhere he acquired
sixty acres of land Aviiich he tilled and Avhere the family
lived for fifty years. Li 1907 he i-etired fidiii active labor, and
with the mother now lives in Platteville. he at the age of seventy-
live and she at the age of sixty-seA'en years.
Rev. Glaeser 's early education Avas received in the parochial
schools: at the age of fifteen, he entered the NorthAvestern I'ni-
versitv at WatertoAvn. Wis., a Lutlieran institutiiui. Avhere
BIOGRAPHY 691
he acquired a four year classical course, which was supplemented
by a course of two and one-half years at the Lutheran seminary
at MilAvaukee. lie was ordained and became pastor of the
Lutheran church at Paris, Kenosha county, Wis., December
26, 1887; in 1889 he accepted a call from the church at Town of
Berlin. ]Marathon county, AVis., and remained in charge of
that church for ten and one-half years. January 11, 1900, he
accepted the pastorate of the Lutheran church at Tomah, and
has since been its popular and efficient pastor. This church is
a beautiful edifice with a seating capacity of six hundred and
fifty. Liider the present pastorate, the church, parochial school
and Young People's Society are all in a most tlourishing
condition.
Rev. Glaeser is a member of the Board of Home Missions
of the Lutheran Wisconsin Synod ; a member of the Board of
the Northwestern College of Watertown, AVis., and Visitator of
the Southwest Conference. On June 27. 1889, he Avas united
in marriage with j\Iiss Frances Schultz, of Milwaukee. They
have an interesting family of five children, viz : Frances is a
teacher in the schools at Racine. AVis. : Alartin is attending
the college at AVatertown ; Beata is employed by Burrows &
Son in Tomah; Gilbert and Angelica are at home and are in
attendance at school.
William C. Gould, prominent among the farmers of Greenfield
township, resides in section twenty-four, where he is successfully
engaged in general farming and stock raising. His birth occurred
near AVatertown. Jefferson county, N. Y.. May 12. 1861. the son
of Charles and Frances (AIcQuillian) Gould, who were also
natives of New A''()rk state, and who came to AVisconsin in 1867
with their family, and took up and homesteaded 80 acres of wild
land in section two. (jreenfield t(nvnship. which was afterwards
sold to Nehemiah Oakley, and the family moved to another farm
in the southern part of the township where they resided for
eighteen years, when the father moved to the village of Norwalk,
and for nine years conducted the Norwalk hotel. He died there
in 1899 at the age of sixty-five years; his widow, mother of our
subject, passed away in September, 1911, at the age of seventy-
two years. Daniel Gould, a brother of Charles, came to Alonroe
county, and for a time kept a hotel at Tunnel City. A sister,
Lucinda, and aunt of our subject, is the wife of Orland AYoodard,
of Dodgeville. AVis.
AVilliam C. Gould is the eldest of a family of eight children,
all of whom are living except Charles who is deceased ; the
G92 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
others arc Ella, who inarried Ira Seibohl, of Tunnel Cit}'; Adel-
bert, of Norwalk ; INIattie is the Avifc of Theodore Lotterman, of
Crandon. Wis.; Francis is tlic wife of Vent Wallace, and
lives in Onlario. Wis.; llnrbert and Horace reside in Sparta, and
Celia is the wife of Adolph Ilolderman. of Xoi-wallv.
]\Ir. Gould received his education in the inil)lic schools and
remained on the farm until he was sixteen, when he began for
himself and was variously employed until he reached the age
of twenty-eight years, when he rented a farm in Greenfield
township and successfully conductctl the same for some thirteen
years. In 1!)()4 he purchased his present farm of eighty acres, Avhich
is fitted out with all modern farming equipments and presents an
up-to-date appearance. He has remodeled his residence and
built a large and eonnnodious barn in 1 !>()!' and has since added
other improvements. ]Mr. Gould takes an active interest in the
affairs of his town and county; for the past five years he has
been a member of the side board; has been clerk of the school
district two years, and in social circles he is a mem})er of the
INIodern AVoodmeu of America and the ]\Iystic AVorkers. On
IMay 25, 1891, he was married to ]\Iiss Mary ]Mcj\Iullen, daughter
of Joseph Mci\Iullen, of New York State, who about fifty years
ago came to Tunned City, but later moved to Dodgeville, AVis.
Edward C. Graham, is a native son of AVisconsin, and ranks
among tlie Avide awai\e and progressive farmers of LaGrange
township. He was born in Tomah township. A})ril 11. 1868. to
INIichael and Sarah (Nash) Graham, natives of New York state
and Ireland, resjiectively. ^Michael (irahani. who settled in
LaGrange township in the early fifties, and his brother, in com-
pany with their father, Thomas Graham, came to AVisconsin,
Avhere ]\Iichael died at the age of forty-three years, in 1S79. His
widow, mother of our subject, still (1912) survives. They reared
a family of four cliildi-eii: Ella married Al. I'. Finuerty. and
resides at Tomali : Edward (\. our subject; AVilliam. who lives on
the homestead, and May, the Avife of Fitz Chapman, of Chicago.
Receiving his education in the district schools of his home
town. Ah". (Ji-aham assisted his father on the farm, which, since
his death, our subject has conducted. He lives now in tiie enjoy-
ment of his model counli'v home; with his modern residence,
erected in 1!>(!9. and his coniMiodioiis barn, buill in 1899. with
other improvements in keepini: with these, liave been made. He
carries on general farming, dairying and stock raising, making
a si)ecialty of Durham and Ilolstein cattle, lie takes an active
interest in the affairs of his township, has served as treasurer of
BIOGRAPHY 693
his toA\ni, and was treasurer of the school district for twenty
years.
lie was married in October, ISIM, to Miss Elizabeth Brennen,
dautihter of Edward and Mary (Gillespie) Brennen, of Adrian
township. To JMr. and Mrs. Graham have been born four children,
viz. : Marie Grace, Irene Katheryn, Mildred Ellen and Michael
Francis. I\Irs. Graham was a resident of Adrian township for
many years, where lier father, Edward Brennen, died in Novem-
ber, 1909. and where her mother now resides.
Albert Gril?'', the wealthy and prominent young farmer who
occnpies and owns the family homestead of 200 acres in sections
ten, eleven and fifteen in Ridoeville township, where he was born
on December 16. 1868, is the son of August and Wilhelmina (Sum-
merfield) Grill, both natives of Germany, who came to America in
1858 and first located in New York state. Later they moved to
Monroe county. Wisconsin, and settled in the town of Ridgeville,
where they purchased eighty acres of land in section ten, and
another eighty acres in section eleven, where they made their home
for about twenty years, and on November 22, 1911, they moved
to Norwalk and retired from active farm life. Mr. Grill has
always been a hard working man, began life in the midst of "hard
times.'' worked for small wages and endured the hardships of
pioneer days, and in all respects has lived a truly strenuous life.
In later years, however, he achieved a fair measure of success as a
farmer and is liighly respected for his honesty and integrity. He
and Mrs. Grill now live in comparative ease and are really enjoy-
ing the fruits of their early efforts.
Their son, Albert, attended the district schools while he was
small, being only eleven years of age when he was forced to aban-
don his chances for an education on account of his home duties, as
he Avas the mainstay of his parents, and as the result of his econ-
omy and perseverance and of his steady and gentlemanly habits,
he came into possession of the homestead in his own right and
since then he has made many valuable and lasting improvements
on the farm in way of bringing the land up and rebuilding the
residence, barns, etc., until now he has one of the ideal country
homes of the township. His water supply comes from a drive well,
160 feet in depth, with Avindmill power; he is thoroughly up-to-
date in his farming methods and is considered a successful general
farmer. He is a Democrat in politics and has held several local
offices; was assessor for two years and a member of the school
board for about thirty years.
^Ir. Grill has been married twice. His first marriage was with
694 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Miss Bertha Peth. and thev liad a family of seven children, onlv
three of whom are now (1912) living, viz.: Louis W., born Feb-
ruary 15, 1892; George, born November 20, 1897, and Elma, born
January 10, 18—. Mrs. Grill died in 190:^.
The second Mrs. Grill was ]\Iiss ]Mary Kortbein, daughter of
AV. F. and A. Kortbein, to whom he was married in 1904. They
were the parents of four children, all of whom are living.
]\Ir. and ^Irs. (irill have one flauLditcr. \'(']uria. Ixtrn June 14,
1905.
Fred Gross, of the well known firm of Gross & Schaller. drug-
gists, is a native son of Wisconsin. He was born in Armena town-
ship, AVood county, on February 18, 1864. to A. L. and Louisa
(Polansky) Gross. Avho emigrated from Germany to Wood
county, Wisconsin, in the early fifties. l)efore their marriage.
A. L. Gross, father of our subject. Avho was a baker by trade, and
his brother. Jacob Gross, Avere the only members of a large family
who braved the trials and hardships of an ocean voyage in those
early days to become pioneers of Wisconsin. They were both
I)rogressive and thrifty and were numbered among the most sub-
stantial citizens of Wood county. The father died in 1907 at the
age of sixty-nine years. Mrs. Gross, mother of Fred and daughter
of Herman Polansky, a well-to-do farmer of Wood county, is still
(1912) living at the age of seventy-seven.
]\Ir. Fred Gross was educated in the public schools of his
county and early entered as clerk the employ of Garrison &
AVhittlesey, druggists and general merchandise, of Grand Rapids.
Wis., and at the age of nineteen he had full charge of the drug
department. Following this employment. ]Mr. Gross went to
Dakota and jNIontana. but soon again returned to Wisconsin, and
on October 1, 1884, located at Sparta, and at first was located in
the store of AVilliam Potter Palmer for a period of four years,
when he became a partner of Ali". Palmer and the firm was
Palmer & Gross, also continuing until April, 1895, when Air. Paul
Sehaller purchased the interest of ]\Ir. Palmer and the firm became
Gross k Sehaller. The building occupied by them was bought in
April, 1896. at which time the store was enlarged and many
improvements made, and now ranks as one of the model stores
in AVisconsin and the business a thriving success.
In public affairs Mr. Gross is no less active and influential than
as a business man, in advancing the interests of Sparta. Believing
it to be the duty of every citizen to contribute to the extent of
his ability to the good government of the community in which he
lives, and also that good municipal government is a matter of
BIOGRAPHY 695
the greatest importance in any city, he took from his business the
time necessary to serve as mayor of his city two years, supervisor
of his ward for several terms and is now president of the board
of trustees of the Monroe County Insane Asyhnn, is ex-officio
superintendent of the poor and a director in the Bank of Sparta.
He is now a director of the Monroe County Telephone Company
and was its first secretary. Fraternally he is a member of the
Masonic order, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and
the LaCrosse Club.
On June 24, 1903, he was married to Miss Wanetta Baldwin,
daughter of R. S. Baldwin, of Sparta.
John L. Guthrie, who resides on his farm in section three,
Oakdale township, is the son of William and Susan (Wright)
Guthrie and was born in Genesee Valey. N. Y.. September 2,
1837. His parents were born in New York state, the father on
July 18, 1803, and died on October 15, 1853. Susan Wright,
mother of ]Mr. Guthrie, was born in Hebron, N. Y., February 7,
1808, and was married to William Guthrie at Salem, N. Y., July
11. 1831. She was the mother of four children, two sons and two
daughters, of whom l)ut one, our subject, survives. She lived to a
ripe old age and died June 8, 1896. At the age of twenty-three,
in 1860, John L. came AVest from New York and located at Fox
Lake, Wis. Diu'ing the same year he came to Oakdale township,
Monroe county, and for a time engaged in getting out railroad
ties and wood. He later purchased from the railroad company
160 acres of land in section three, where he now resides. He was
married at Tomah, April 27, 3863, to Miss Caroline Leffingwell,
daughter of Hiram and Julia Leffingwell, both of whom are now
deceased. Mrs. Guthrie was born in Steuben county. New York,
and is the fifth child in order of birth in a family of seven
children. To Mr. and ]\Irs. Guthrie have been born six children :
Julia S.. now the wife of Frank Snider, of Oakdale ; William L.,
married Florence Logan, of Oakdale. now deceased, and has three
children ; Emma, at home ; Cora is the wife of Elmer Hill, of
Tomah, and has five children ; Bertha is now Mrs. W. Wallace,
of Oakdale, and Arthur J., who resides at home. AVhen Mr.
Guthrie first located on his present farm it was a dismal looking
swamp, which, by hard work and persistent effort, he has
reclaimed and converted into one of the best farms in Oakdale
township. He has built a fine residence and large and commodious
sanitary barn and other outbuildings and keeps his place well
stocked with a good grade of horses, pure bred Jersey cattle and
hogs, and besides his general farming, he makes a specialty of
ti96 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
dairyiiit;'. Altliouuh on the slijuly sido of lifo. ]\Ir. Gutlirie takes
^I'cat ])ride in koepintr liis fai'iii in a lirst-class and np-to-date con-
dition. One of the very lirsl settlers in Oakdale township, Mr.
(inlhi'ie pas.sed thronyh all the nps and downs of pioneer life, and
is now reaj)in^ the Tniils of his privations ami the many years
of toil.
A Kepuhlic.iii ill polities, ]\Ir. (iiithric lias jilways taken an
active intei'est in the (Miniieils of his ]»arty. and has been called
npon to till many offices of trust. He was ehairnian of the town
board and a member of the side hoard for thirteen years, clerk of
his school district for twenty-nim' years and was one of the or^ran-
izers of the Oakdale ( "o-operative Butter Association. His son,
Arthui'. has tilled the office of treasurer. Since its organization,
Angnst, 1862. ]Mr. Outhrie enlisted in Coiiip;ni\- G, Berdons First
United States Shaip Shooters, from Uodge county, AVisconsin ; he
was engaoed in the second battle of Bnll Rnn, Sonth ]\Ionntain.
Antietam and Blackmail's Ford. He was discharged on account of
disaliility in Febi-uary. 1868. He is a mendier of the Kilpatrick
Post Xo. 2i). G. A. K.. of Camp Douglas.
William N. Guy, whose l)ii-th occurred in Canada. ]\Iay 27,
1853, is one of a family of twelve children, three of whom are now
living, born of the marriage of Thomas and Anna (Spear) Guy.
natives of P^ngland and Canada, respectively; the Guys being of
French extraction. Besides William .\.. the others living are
Orlean Jaiues. of Kansas City, ]Mo.. and Norman Wesley <;uy. of
Sparta. The parents of Mr. Guy married in Canada February 27.
1843. and came to llliiKtis in an early day; thence to ]\Ionroc
county, Wisconsin, when AVilliam was Init a mere boy. They first
located and spent some time in the then village of Sparta, and
subserpiently removed to a farm in S])arta township and engaged
in fai-ming. Thomas (Juy. the father, wlio w;is one of the pioneers
of ]Monro(> county, and a substantial and representative citizen,
was boi-n in 1822, and died in .May, 1873, aged fifty-one years.
Anna Spear Guy, inother of our subject, was born May 5, 1825,
and died in June. 1892. aged sixty-seven years.
AVilliam X. Guy atti'iidcd the disti'ict schools of his neighbor-
hood, was i-eai-ed on the home farm, where he renuiined for
twenty-one years, when he located in section five. Sparta town-
ship. He was married January 1. 1876. to Aliss Isabella Nicol.
She is the daughter of Alexaiuler and Aiuia (Denwoody) Nicol,
who came to Sparta township. ]Monroe county, among the first
pioneers. He was the son of Robert and IMary (Pringle) Nicol.
and was born in Roxbury county, Scotland, in 1827. His parents
BIOGRAPHY 697
were also natives of Scotland, where they spent their entire lives,
and raised a family of two sons and three daughters; the father
was by trade a shoemaker, and in religions faith Avas a Presby-
tertan. Alexander Nieol left the land of his nativity in 1852, and
upon his arrival in this country settled first in Westchester county.
New York, but afterwards came west to Wisconsin and located in
Eock county, and worked at his trade of carpenter and joiner.
In 1857 he came to Monroe county, and purchased eighty acres of
land, and ever after made this county his home. Mr. Nicol was
married in Scotland to Miss Ann Denwoody, a daughter of John
and Ann (Stevenson) Denwoody. There were four sons and two
daughters born to this marriage, namely, Alexander, Robert,
John, who lives in Sparta ; James resides in California ; Isabella,
now the wife of William X. Guy. and one daughter who died in
infancy named Jennette JNIay. Mr. Nicol was one of the most sub-
stantial and highly respected citizens of Sparta township, and
after a residence of fifty-three years in ]Monroe county, died in
1910 at the age of eighty-three years. It was he who erected the
original building that stood on the lot noAv occupied by the Dodge
& Davis store. The mother of IMrs. Guy Avas born February 14,
1827, and died ]\Iarch 9, 1910, aged eighty-three years.
Mrs. Guy Avas born at Janesville. Rock county. Wis., and Avhen
three years of age mo\'ed Avith her parents to INIonroe county. At
that time there Avere but three or four families in the toAvnship.
AA'hich Avas then a dense Avilclerness, inhabited by Avild beasts and
Indians. INIr. and Mrs. Guy are the parents of five children :
Anna L. is the Avife of John Herring, Agnes is the Avife of Carl
Pierce, and Charles N. and Harry AV., all of Avhom live in Sparta
toAvnsliip. and Russell lives at home. j\Ir. Guy is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church of Sparta, the Modern Woodmen of
America, the ^Maccabees, Beavers and the Order of Good Templars.
Charles N. Guy Avas born in the toAvn of Sparta, March 4, 1881.
He attended the district schools and remained on the home farm
until he reached the age of tAventy-tAvo years, AA'hen he remoA^ed to
the Teasdale farm. AA'here he remained for tAvo years. He next
went to the Putnam farm, Avhich he conducted for five years, and
in the spring of 1912 purchased his present farm of 120 acres from
Joseph Heasty.
On April 21. 1903, ]Mr. Guy Avas married to ]\Iiss Elizabeth
McGarvey, daughter of James and ]\Iary (Ryan) IMcGarvey, of
Wilton, Wis. To this union have been born four children. James
William, born July 26, 190-1; Isabella, born April 10, 1906; Thomas,
born October 25, 1908. and Nelson Arthur, born June 19, 1911.
698 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Harry W. Guy was born in Sparta township, February 20,
1890. lie received his education in the common schools and
remained on the liome farm until 1911, when he removed to the
Lawson farm, which he now carries on in conjunction with the
work on the home place. He was married October 4, 1911, to
Miss Lila Bur^r. of Sparta. He is a member of the ]\Iodern Wood-
men of America, the Knights of the Maccabees and the IMethodist
Episcopal church.
Walter Roy Guy* belongs to the younger class of successful
farmers of Sparta township, and was bom iti ]\Ionroe county
April 26, 1886, and is the son of Wesley and Ella (Aylesworth)
Guy, natives of Wisconsin. Walter was reared on his father's
farm, and his experience was the same as that of most farmer
boys. He attended the district school of his home town, and
assisted with llic fanu work until 1906, when he Avent lo I. a
Crosse and became manager of the Raiiid ^Milling Company,
remaining in that position foi* three years, when he came to
Sparta and purchased what is known as the Sam Biddeson farm,
containing 120 acres in section twenty-seven, Sparta townshiji,
where he now resides engaged in general farming and stock
raising. He is thoroughly up to date in his fanning m<4hods.
and keeps his farm well supplied with modern labor saving
devices. Since purchasing his present farm he has enlarged his
residence, built two new silos and made many other improve-
ments, including a flowing well which furnishes an abundance
of pure running water for house and stock.
Mr. Guy was married September 4, 1909. to ]\Iiss SopiiiM.
daughter of Frank and Amelia Riser, of La Crosse county. Mr.
Guy takes an interest in the affairs of the county, and in social
matters is a member of the iModern Woodmen of Anun*ica.
William Henry Hanchett is a native son of ^Monroe county
and has always lived on the farm where he now resides. He was
born in 1867 and is one of a family of seven children born to
George E. and Elizal)eth (Oakley) Hanchett. Of tiie others,
Azaline is deceased, Helen married Christian Dahl and lives
at Bismark, N. D. ; John O. ; Ruth ^I., now ^Irs. Edward
Schmidt, of Crandon. AVis. ; George E., of Pierce county, North
Dakota, and Hernum E., of IMadeline Island, in Lake Superior.
George E. Hanchett has been a resident of IMonroe county
since 1856. He was born in Litchfield county. Connecticut,
January 22, 1828, a son of Isaac and Chloe (Brown) Hanchett,
who were also natives of Connecticut. The first Hanchett came
to this country on the coaling ship ''Marion John" from
GEORGE E. IIANCHETT
BIOGRAPHY 699
Plymouth, England, to Massachusetts in 1630 and was of Eng-
lish ancestry. Thomas Hanchett was a Puritan of Norman
French descent, and was probably the ancestor of all the Han-
chetts in this country. The father of George E. died in 1840,
leaving a widow, four sons and four daughters ; the mother lived
to be seventy years of age ; her death occurred in Dodge county,
Wisconsin. One of the sons was a soldier in the late Civil War,
member of a Wisconsin regiment. At the age of sixteen years,
George learned the blacksmith trade, and in 1854 he joined the
train of western emigrants coming to Wisconsin, and two years
later settled on a farm in Monroe county which has since been
his home. He erected comfortable dwellings and other neces-
sary buildings and his specialty has been fruits and berry
culture, and of this industry he and his son, William Henry,
have made a marked success. The father began the fruit culture
in 1886 and has had as high as sixty acres devoted to this line
at one time, and holds the reputation of being one of the most
successful fruit growers of the state. They have made a study
of the soil and climate and the varieties best adapted to these,
and hence their success. Mr. George Hanchett was married on
November 6, 1862 to Miss Elizabeth Oakley, daughter of John
and Eliza Oakley, prominent settlers of the county. Mrs. Han-
chett was born in C'olumbia county. New York, and died in
Monroe county April 6, 1902. She was the mother of seven
children. Mr. George Hanchett has represented the people of
his township as clerk, assessor, treasurer and chairman of the
board, and supports the principles of the Republican party,
taking active interest in all their movements. He is loyal to
home enterprises, honorable and upright in all his dealings,
and worthy of the confidence bestowed upon him by his fellow
citizens.
William H. acquired his early education in the district schools
of his neighborhood and grew to manhood on his father's farm,
which originally contained forty acres and to which has sub-
sequently been added 220 acres, making a total of 260 acres
known as one of the most productive fruit farms in Wisconsin.
The father began the raising of small fruits in 1886, and since
reaching his majority, our subject has worked the farm in con-
nection with his father, making fruit raising a specialty. The
farm is highly cultivated and improved with a fine array of
buildings, and besides general farming, they carry on a fine
dairy business, the farm being at all times stocked with the best
horses and Guernsey cattle. Mr. Hanchett, Jr., is a man of high
700 UISTUUY UF .MONKOK ( OIXTY
standing in the connnuiiity, and his upright demeanor and cliar-
acter coiinnand the eonfidence and respeet of all "svho know liini.
He was one of the organizers of the Sparta Fruit Growers'
Assoeiation. and for s('^•el•al years lias been its ])resident. sui--
eeeding ]\lr. L. S. Fishci-. Tie has been township clerk, eluiiruian
of the town board and is n iHeiid)er of the state board of public
affairs, and in 1912 declined Die nomination to the general
assenihly. lie is a nicndx'i' of the class of 1898, stale agricultural
college, also of llic .Modern Woodmen Assoeiation, the l^eavers,
and the Angelo Union einnch.
On Se]itember l(i. 1 !>()!». ^Ir. llanchett was married to Miss
Bessie L. Anderson, daughter of Nels and Christina (AViiliams)
Anderson, who came from Norway in IS")!) nnd located at Deer-
field, in Dane county.
Michael M. Haney, county superintt-ndent ol' scliools of .Mon-
roe county, AVisconsin, is an earnest and enthusiastic educational
M'orker who has established for himself a reputation that has
popularized him with the patrons of the schools over Avhich
he has jurisdiction.
^Ir. Haney was born August 15, 1867, at AVinona. ]Minn., son
of John and Julia (^McDonald) Ilaney. natives of County Galway,
Ireland.
Late in the 50 \s they came to the I/nited States and settled
at AVinona, ]Minn., where the father was employed in railroading.
In 1870 they moved to the town of Sheldon, Alonroe county.
"Wisconsin, and settled on a farm. Here they lived and died,
he in the fall of 1903 at the advanced age of eighty years, and
she in 1905 at the age of seventy-two years.
They raised a family of seven children, five boys and two
girls, six of whom are now living.
Mr. Haney 's parents were ])Oor and were unable to give him
the educational advantages that he desiriMl. He. however,
made the most of those otfered him. After finishing the conunon
school he wallx'ed four miles to attend the village school and
began to teach on a tliii'd grade certificate. He continued to
teach and go to school during vacation until he secured a state
certificate.- He assumed charge ol' liis first school in Hie town-
ship of Sheldon, in the district where he first attended school.
This was followed l)y teaching in tlu^ district schools at Oil
City, Lyon's Valley and Leon, and later in the villages of Glen-
dale, Kendall and Norwalk in ]\lonroe county. Onlai-io in Vernon
county, where he once attended school, and I^oaz in Richland
county.
BIOGKAPHY 701
His long aud varied experience in teaching fitted liiiu for the
office of superintendent, to which he was elected in the spring
of 1905. By the choice of the people he has since been returned
to the same office three successive terms. Some of the stronger
features of the work during his terms of office have been closer
supervision, the introduction of the graded system, and freearm
movement in penmanship and emphasis on the "Three R's. "
Mr. Haney was united in marriage August 15. 1895, to Miss
Lenora Moore, daughter of A. D. and Janette (Jones) Moore,
of Glendale, "Wis.
They have three children, Gladys J., Merwyn A., and AYinona
J. Haney.
Sever Hansen", a prosperous and loyal citizen of section
twelve, Sparta township, iMonroe county, Avas born in Koljing,
Denmark, February 12, 1849. the only son born to Hans and
Jacobine Hansen, who lived and died in Denmark. The father
was a soldier in the Danish army and was killed in battle
during the war witli Germany at the age of twenty-six years.
After the death of his mother, which occurred three years later
when she was only twenty-five years old, Sever went to live
with his uncle, John Hansen, where he remained until he
reached the age of fourteen years. He then began to make his
own way in the world by working on a farm for two years, after
Avhich he Avent to sea and Avas a sailor for about tAVO years;
farming, however, Avas the occupation Avhicli appealed most
favorably to him, and he returned to Denmark and folloAved
that line for some nine years. In 1876 he emigrated to America
and arriA'ed in Sparta, Wis., on April 1, of that year; he hired
out to Benjamin ]\Iorse, Avitli whom he remained tAvo years, and
in 1879 Avas employed by the Chicago, Mihvaukee & St. Paul
Railroad Company at construction work on the Viroqua branch
of that road. After the completion of this he Avas employed
at the same Avork in Iowa. Missouri and Canada, and later re-
turned to Sparta and again took a position Avith the Mihvaukee
road and Avhile thus employed, in 1882, he purchased his present
farm, containing at that time sixty acres, to AAdiich he later
added another forty acres and took up his residence there for
two years. He again returned to the employ of the road for a
short time, before taking up his permanent residence on the
farm in 1886, and since then he has made many improvements
in erecting buildings and clearing the timber land. He noAV
has a good residence, barn, granery, machine shed, etc., and
has brought the land to a higii state of cultivation, making it
702 HISTORY OK MOXROK COUNTY
0710 of the model farm homes in that s(M'tion of the eounty, and
.Mr. Hansen is considered one oT the most sueeessful general
farmers and stoek raisers.
On Januai'V 8, 1888, j\Ir. Hansen was man-ied 1o ]Miss Helen
Hansen, a nati\'e of Norway. They have six ehildren, viz:
Ilciii-y T. lives in S|)arta townshi]). ("arl K. is a gi'aduatc of tlie
Agririiltiiral Dcpartiiiciit of the Stale rnivci'sily of Wisconsin,
and now in the employ of the experimental department of that
inslitntion; Ennua A., Norman J., Fred A., and Viola M.. all
reside at home. ^Ir. Hansen is Icnown as an enerjrelic and en-
terprising citi/en, and in I'cligious association he and his family
are members of tln^ Sj)arta Noi'Avegian Lutheran church.
Calvin L. Hanshaw, on<' of the progressive farmers of Port-
land township, was horn near Moiiinoiit li. Wan-en count \\ 111.,
and is the youngest and only living son of a family of
four childr(>n born to Janu^s and Susannah (Osborne) Hanshaw.
The others are Elizabeth, noAV Mrs. AVilliam AVhistler. of Iowa :
.Maggie and AVilliam, both of whom are deceased. The pai-ents
of All'. Hanshaw, who were natives of Indiana, moved to Ohio
after their marriage, and thence to Illinois, Avhere our subject
was born, and there the father died in 18()7. His widow, mother
of our sub.ieet, survived until 1904, when she passed aAvay at the
age of eighty-two years.
(.'alvin >vas reared on tln^ home farm in Illinois, where he
continued to reside until 1872. Avhen he eame to Wisconsin and
located on his ])resent farm of 155 acres in section se\('nteeii.
Portland township. Here Air. Hanshaw lived for many years in
a log house of the early day pattern which was rejilaced in 1900
Avith a beautiful and commodious frame residence, and with his
modern barn and other outbuildings and the high state of cul-
tivation to which he has brought his land, he has one of the best
farm honu^s in the count \. He carries on general farming and
stock raising and with his thorough methods of operating, he
has nuule a grand success. He is recognized as one of l\)rtland"s
best citizens, ever ready to aid in any enterprise for the benetit
of his town and county.
On February (i, l!)(tl. .Mi-. Hanshaw was married to Aliss
.Matie -lones, daughtei- of -lohii X. and Laura .\nn \Vheldon'i
Jones, of La ("rosse comity. There were nine childi'cn in the
family; besides Airs. Hanshaw: Herbert, of Newton Center.
AVis. ; AVilliam. (»f Bangoi": Delia, deceased: Xewton lives at
Sioux Falls, S. D.: Jesse, of I^angor, Wis.: Xellie. of Winnipeg.
Canada: Jeiniie. of Sparta, and one who died in infam-.w
a
w
Q
l-H
w
K
BIOGRAPHY 703
To Mr. and Mrs. Hanshaw have been born two children, viz :
Elvira May, l)orn June 9, 1902, and Orville Calvin, born March
3, 1905.
Orlando H. Hastings, veteran of the Civil War, was l)orn at
Charlestown, Orleans county, Vermont. March 7, 1840, and is
the oidy surviving- mendjcr of a family of nine children born to
Osmyn and Dolly (Buck) Hastings, natives of Caledonia county,
Vermont. The other children were Dolly Ann. Osmyn, Delight,
Climena, married Bernard Whitney; Ozro B., Orsino, twin
brother of our subject; Josephine A., and Angelette J. When
our subject was ten years of age. his parents moved to Wisconsin
and located in Dodge county. In 1852 they moved to Juneau
county and in 1859 to Monroe county where they settled on a
farm of 150 acres of wild land in LaClrange township, which
the father sold in 1867 to Levi Woodard. and thence moved to
Minnesota, where they spent one year. Exchanging farms with
their son-in-law, Bernard K. Whitney, they returned to La-
Grange township and lived on the farm of seventy acres, where
our subject now resides. They later returned to Minnesota,
where the father died in 1878 at the age of seventy-five years
and the same year his wife, mother of our subject, passed away
at the age of sixty-nine years. He w^as prominent in his town-
ship, and was always an active man of affairs and Avas called
to the various local offices of trust.
Orlando H. received his education in the district schools and
remained on the home farm until he reached his majority, when
he secured employment at farm work in Dane county, Wisconsin.
At the age of twenty-two, on August 14, 1862, he enlisted in
company F, twenty-fifth Wisconsin infantry, and was mustered
into the service at La Crosse. After a few months spent in
IVIinnesota and at Madison, his regiment went to Columbus, Ky.,
and the following May to Vicksburg. On account of illness Mr.
Hastings went to the hospital in ^lemphis, Tennessee, and was
given a furlough of three months, at the end of which time
he returned to his regiment at Helena, Ark. ; thence the regiment
proceeded to Cairo, 111., and was with Sherman in the Atlantic
campaign. Again becoming ill, he was sent to several field hos-
pitals and afterwards to the Jiospital at Rome, Ga., where, on
account of disability, he was discharged on October 2, 1864.
He then returned to his home in LaGrange township, where he
soon after married and for three years conducted a farm in
Glendale township, then returned to the town of LaGrange
and spent three years. He then went, again to Glendale and in
704 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
1875 came back to LaGrange towiisliip, wlicre lie lias since made
his home, actively engaged in general farming.
He was married I\Iarch 7, 1866, to Miss Clarissa J. AVest,
daughter of the late Hiram AVest. She died in 1882 in her
thirty-fifth year. They IkkI six children l)()rn lo them, viz:
George W., deceased; Lettie J. is the Avife of Albert Doolittle, of
Vilas county, AVisconsin ; Lydia T., Avife of Fred TT. T^undy. of
Sand Point, Idaho; j\Iary Josephine, deceased; Ella C, married
AVilliam Kampman, of ]\Iinneapolis, and Orlando Jay is deceased.
Mr. Hastings married for his second wife, ]\Iiss Christina
Semersen, daughter of Christian Semersen, a native of Denmark.
She died December 9, 1910, aged sixty-four years. J\Ir. Hastings
has been active in the affairs of his town and has l)een director
and treasurer of the school district. He is a member of the
Henry W. Cressy Post, G. A. K., of Tomah.
Lyle H. Heath'^' lielongs to the younger elass of prosperous
farmers of jMonroe county. He was born in Arcadia, Trempea-
leau county, Wis., and is the son of Edwin S. and Anna
(Busby) Heath, of La Crosse and Trempealeau counties. The
father removed from Trempeleau to La Crosse county, and in
1911 came to Monroe county. The paternal grandparents of Mr.
Heath were Oscar B. and Ann (Miller) Heath, long-time resi-
dents of Marengo, Wis., and who later removed to La Crosse
county, wdiere he died in 1902. His wife, grandmother of our
subject, survived nine years and passed aw;iy April 2, 1911.
Lyle H. attended the public schools and was reared on a farm
in La Crosse county, where he lived until the fall of 1911, when
he removed to IMonroe county and purcliased the Dedrick
Langrehr farm of 160 acres in section five, Sparta township.
He is engaged in general farming and takes pride in raising
Holstein cattle. He is a member of the Modern "Woodmen of
America, and the Yeomens. AVliile only a recent settler in Sparta
tOAvnship, ]\Ir. Heath is interested in the affairs of his town and
county, and is one of its most loyal citizens. He has one brother,
AYilliam 0., Avho resides in Los Angeles, Cal.
Air. Heath was married on September 1, 1910, to Aliss Alartha
LaFleur, daughter of Henry LaFleur, of New Amsterdam. AVis.
They have two children, Alabelle A. and AVillard L.
M. 0. Heffernan, cashier of the Farmers' State Bank. Xor-
walk, is the son of Morris and Elizabeth (Sims) Heffeiiiaii,
natives of Canada and Kngland respectively. His father in
early life lett his native counti-y and came to the States, and
for some time after his arri\al. followed the occupation of a
BIOGRAPHY 705
sailor on Lake Erie. His next move was westward, this time
coming to Wisconsin, where he arrived in the early fifties,
locating in Hazel Green township. Grant county, where he
engaged in farming and continued to reside, and at the time of
his death in 1904, owned one of the best farms in the county.
His widow, mother of our subject, still survives. Mr. Heffernau,
grandfather of M. 0., was also a native of Canada, where he
spent his life in the occupation of farming. The ancestors on
the Heffernan side were of Irish descent, while the Sims family
were of English extraction (Cornish). "William Sims, the
maternal grandfather, was for many years a resident of Hazel
Green township, Grant county, where he died in 1890 at the
age of ninety years.
M. 0. Heffernan was the ninth child of a family of thirteen
children, twelve of whom are living; the others besides our sub-
ject are John, of Wilton ; William, deceased ; Albert lives at
Ireton, Iowa ; Thomas, of Dubuque, Iowa ; Abbie, wife of E. J.
Osborn, Carroll, Iowa ; James E. lives at Birmingham, Ala. ; IMary
is the wife of Grant Wills and resides at Cuba City, W^is., as does
Oscar ; Walter lives in Beloit ; Jesse E. at Black Earth, Wis. ;
Clyde and Elmer reside at Platteville, Wis. Mr. Heffernan, our
subject, received his education in the public schools of Grant
county and at the Platteville Normal school, graduating from
the latter institution with the class of 1901 ; he began teaching
the same year at Hollandale, AVis., and in 1902 became principal
of the Norwalk high school, continuing as such until 1909. In
1905 he was a candidate for county superintendent of schools
in opposition to M. M. Haney, but was defeated after a hotly
contested campaign. Closing his term as principal of the high
school in 1909 he went to Hayti, S. D., where for two
years he was engaged in the furniture business. Eeturuing to
Norwalk in May, 1911, he became cashier of the Farmer's State
Bank, which position he still retains. This financial institution
was organized September 17, 1907, with a capital of $10,000.
The total footings of this bank often reached the snug sum
of $100,000, and is considered one of the soundest institutions
in the county.
On August 16, 1907, Mr. Heffernan was married to Miss Mabel
McGary, daughter of Eugene and Lydia McGary, one of the
prominent and highly esteemed families of Norwalk, and whose
biography appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and jMrs. Heffer-
nan are the parents of two children, viz : Olive Lydia, and
Eugene, who is deceased. Mrs. Heffernan was graduated from
706 IIISTOKV OF MOXKOE COUNTY
the Sparta high scliool with the chiss of 1898 and for .several
terms -was a leadier in the seln)ols of Xorwalk.
Adam J. Heintz. Anionj? the many suceessful and public
spirited farmers of Portland township. Monroe county, is Adam
J. Ileintz. lie is the son of Peter and Barbara Ileintz. natives
of Germany, whero Adam was born February 20, 1847. the eldest
of a family of seven children. Of the others. Katherine is the
wife of \\'illiam Jenson and lives at ( "ashton ; Caroline, widow
of August ^Miller. Portland township: Adeline, wife of John
Schmitz, of Portland township: ]\Iary, deceased, was the wife of
Peter AVeber. \Vhen our subject reached the age of one .year,
his parents emigrated to America, arriving here in 1848. They
came to Wisconsin and first settled in Jefferson county, and in
186.S moved to Alonroe county, where liic fathei' i)urc]iased eighty
acres of land in Portland township, to which he later added
three 40 's, and here established the family home where they
passed the remainder of their lives. Tlie mother died in 1882
at the age of seventy-six years; the father survived until August
2, 1892. when he passed away at the age of seventy-two years.
Our sub.iect was reared on the farm and attended the district
schools, assisting in tlie farm work until twenty-three years
of age, when he |)Hi-(]uised 120 acres of Avild land in section
twenty-three. Poi-tiand township, and was one of the tirst settlers
in that section. Starting in life with no cajiital l)ut his native
ability, he endured the many hardships of the pioneer, and by
the good graces of AV. H. Blytou and ]\lartin Erickson, of Sparta,
who extended him a line of credit for supplies, he was enabled
to clear his land and place the same under cultivation. The
first successful crop raised was wheat. His farm is under a
high state of cultivation and well improved with a good residence,
barns and tobacco sheds and other buiklings. He has spent his
whole life in farming and has been generally successful.
In August. 1872, ]\Ir. Ileintz was married to Aliss Victoria
IMashak. daughtei- of Hartlemas ]\Iashak. ^Irs. Ileintz died two
years later in 3874, leaving one daughter. Anna, who is now the
wife of ]\Iatt ]Marx. of Brush Creek. Ilis second marriage was
with Alary Schmitz. daugliter of John Schmitz. of Portland town-
ship. Of this union six children have been born, viz: John lives
at home; Peter lives at Casliton : Lena is the wife of August
Aleisner, of Portland township; Alaggie is the wife of Frank
Alasenberg, of Jefferson township: Christ and Agnes Heintz are
at home. In the early days of the township Air. Ileintz was a
member of the side board and for thirty rears has been treasurer
BIOGRAPHY 707
of the school district. He and his family affiliate with the Pine
Hollow Catholic cluirch.
Herman Heintz"', a ])roniinent farmer of Oakdale township,
was born in ]\Ionroo county, Wisconsin, March 3. 1866, the son
of John C and Caroline (Hubert) Heintz, both natives of
Germany. The parents came to America in 1852, and
located in Waukesha county, this state, where they lived for
five years. In 1857 tliey moved to Monroe county, where the
father purchased 120 acres of land in section thirty in the town
of Oakdale, to which he later added sixty acres, all of which was
wild land covered with timber. He erected a log house of one
room, in which the family lived for twenty years, and with his
own hand cleared eighty acres, and placed the same under a
good state of cultivation. The trip from Waukesha to Monroe
county was made in a second class wagon which contained all
their earthly possessions, and which was drawn by an ox team.
Some relics from this old wagon are now in possession of our
subject. They were honest, hard working people, devoted to
their home and family and were members of the Lutheran church.
Their family consisted of eight children, five of whom are now
living. As a man he took great interest in all public matters,
and for twenty years Avas school clerk of his town, and secretary
of his church. The mother was also born in Germany, and died
in 1906.
Herman was educated in the district schools and at the age
of twenty years purchased 180 acres of land in sections ten,
twenty and thirty, Oakdale toAvnship, being the old homestead.
Many of the improvements made by his father were on the place,
the residence, which has been rebuilt by Mr. Heintz, w^as erected
thirty-six years ago, and the barn was built thirty-eight years
ago. A modern, up-to-date barn, 30 by 101, has recently been
liuilt, and a large compressed air tank furnishes water through
a system of pipes for both house and barn. Mr. Heintz has an
ambition to run his farm in the latest up-to-date manner, and
in his operations uses all the modern devices. He was the first
man in Monroe county to use a manure spreading machine, which
was ordered direct from the factory, and he is the first man in
the town of Oakdale to engage in alfalfa raising. He makes a
success of this adventure, and during this year of 1912 has
cut three crops from five acres. He is an extensive dealer in and
breeder of Holstein cattle, and now has a fine herd of 250 head.
In addition to his general farming operations, he carries on an
extensive dairy business, and is also an extensive raiser of full-
708 HISTORY OF :\IONROE COUNTY
blooded white leghorn chickens. In every sense Mr. Heintz is
a model and influential citizen, and one of tlie prosporous and
progressive farmers of the county.
John Heintz, who is one of the successful citizens of Jefferson
township. ]\Ionroe county, Wisconsin . was born in Jefferson county,
Wisconsin. July 17. IS^A. the son of Michael and Catherine
(Boltz) Heintz. The parents were natives of Rhein Pfaltz, a prov-
ince of Bavaria. The father came to America in 1849 and first
located at Grand Haven, Mich., wliere he was employed in the
pineries for four years. In the fall of 1852 he returned to his
native country, got his wife and came back to America in the
spring of 1853 and settled on forty acres of land in the town of
Sullivan, Jefferson county, and there passed his life. He was
born in March, 1824, and died November 6, 1870. His wife, mother
of our subject, was born in 1836, and died ]\Iarch 3. 1898. The
father had a liberal education, secured in his native country, and
after settling in this country', experienced all the ups and downs
of pioneer life. He was honorable and upright, and a man of
genial disposition, and with his wife was a member of the Catholic
church. At the time of INIichael Heintz 's death. ]\Irs. Heintz.
mother of our subject, acquired 140 acres of land in Jefferson
county, and in 1863 ^Michael Heintz purchased 160 acres of land,
part of which was in Monroe and a part in Vernon county.
John attended the common schools until he was seventeen
years old, and lived Avith his mother until 1884. when the family
became separated, and he began to look out for himself. Has
improved a farm and at present has one of the best, if not the
best, orchards in the town. In 1911 liad a fruit yield of 300
bushels of apples. On ]May 6, 1884, he was married at Ottawa.
Waukesha county, to ]\riss Barbara Bischel, daughter of Henry ami
Barbara (Ruf ) Bischel. To this union has been born nine cliildren,
viz. : Gertrude B., born September 22, 1885, graduated from the
Cashton high school in 1905, and for five years she taught school
in Monroe and Chippewa counties. AVisconsin, which she gave up to
accept a position with ^Marshall Field & Co., of Chicago. At present
(1912) Gertrude is employed in one of the departments of the Boston
store, Chicago; Clara J., born October 31, 1887, is in business at
La Crosse Steam Laundry; Bruno Henry, born January 21. 1890.
is at home on the farm; INIichael P., born December 29. 1891;
Agnes G.. born Deceml)er 22. 1893: Frances Emma, born INIay 12.
1896; Lucia M.. born September 17. 1899: Philamena. born :\lay
29, 1902; Francis, born August 7. 1904. Several of the children
attended high school at Cashton.
BIOGRAPHY 709
Mrs. Heintz is the fourth child in a family of eleven children,
eight of whom are now living. Hei- father came to America in
1851 and located in AYaukesha county, Wisconsin , he was born at
Gallinsheim Hessen Dornistadt, Germany, on the Rhine, July 18,
1828. The mother was born August 20, 1831, in Bavaria, Ger-
many, and came to America with her parents in 1849. They were
married at Ottawa. Waukesha county. Wis., in 1857. and cele-
brated their golden wedding April 20, 1907. The.y have five sons,
three daughters and forty-three grandchildren. ]\Ir. and Mrs.
Heintz are members of the Catholic church, while in polities he
is a Democi"at.
William Heiser, one of the influential and public spirited citi-
zens of Jefferson township, is the sou of Adolph Heiser and Eliza-
beth (Fuhrmeister), both natives of Germany. The father came
to America from Germany in 1851 with his brother William, and
located at Beloit. Rock county. Wis. lie was a watchmaker by
trade and followed this occupation for some time in Beloit, when
in 1856 he moved to the town of Jefferson, in Monroe county, and
purchased 120 acres of land in section twenty-three, and there
made his home and engaged in farming for thirty-six years, when
he retired from active labor and spent the remainder of his life
enjoying the well-earned fruits of his many years of toil. He died
at IMilwaukee in 1908. He had received a good education in his
native county and was a man well posted on all current topics. He
was well known in Monroe county as one of the most successful
farmers: was prominent in public matters, and all worthy projects
received his hearty support. He was a Democrat in politics and
took a great interest in the affairs of his party. For several years
he was f^hairman of the town board and clerk of the town, and no
man stood higher in the estimation of the community than did he.
The mother of our subject, who was a woman of many virtues,
died in 1882.
William Heiser was born at Beloit. AVis.. October 5. 1854, and
is one of a family of five children, four of whom are now (1912)
living. He received his education in the district schools which he
attended up to his eighteenth year, assisted his father in the farm
work and lived on the homestead until his father retired. In 1844
the grandfather, Christopher Fuhrmeister, emigrated from Ger-
many to America and first located at Rockford, 111., and after-
guards, in 1856, removed to ]Monroe county and purchased a farm
of 320 acres in sections twenty-two, twenty-three and twenty-
seven, in the town of Jefferson. He was a successful farmer and
one of the pioneers of the county. After his death, the farm was
710 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
acquired by one siiIj.jccI. avIio 1i;is since made many valuable
iuiproveiiienls. In 1!U)4 a larye ham was built, the resilience was
enlarged and the land iin])roved by cultivation so that now it is
one of the most fei'tile and productive farms in Jetiferson town-
ship, and is located tive miles northeast of C'ashton, and the farm
is well stocked with i^(»o(l cattle, horses and hogs, while the up-to-
date methods used in his opei-ations makes him one of the most
successful fai'iuers and dairynieii in his town. J'ublic spirited and
generous, IMr. Ileiser has alwa\s been active in atfairs of his
county and has held several ot'tices of the town : he was constable
for one year, assessor three years, clerk of the school tlistrict for
twelve years and is now serving his twelfth term as chairman of
the town board. He has also been connected with several busi-
ness entei-prises; he was pi-esident of the Fai-mer's Creamery of
Cashton for two years, and treasurer for eight y^ars; vice presi-
dent of the ^loni'oe County Tornado Insurance Company of ]\Ion-
roe comity, and is president of the Amei-ican Society of Equity;
he is a Democrat in politics and active in the councils of his party.
Mr. Ileiser has been twice married, first on July 26, 1890. to
]\Iiss ]Matilda ]\1. Smith. Two childi'en were born to this union,
viz.: Frederick (J., boi-n October 2!). 18})1, and "William J., born
April 29, i89'A. Mvs. Ileister died in 189:3, and he married for the
second Avife ]\Iiss Adelia Smith, daughter of Jacol) and Kate Smith,
October 2, 1899. Her parents were l)oth natives of (Jermany. The
father died in 190-1: and the mother survives at the age of eighty
years. They had a family of ten childi-eii. One daughter has been
born to this second mai'i'iage — Elsie, born oMarch 7. 1900.
C. C. Helmke"-', a resident of Wilton. ^lonroe count.Y, is an
extensive stock raiser and general farnuM'. and was born in the
town of Wilton, SeptembiM- 17.'lSti4. His parents. Christum and
Elizabeth (IMarten) Ilelmki'. came from (iernumy to America in
18r)0, with one child, and located in ('(iluiubus. Wis., for a short
time, then moved to Monroe county the Following yeai'. wliei-e for
five years j\lr. Ilelmke worked as a faiiii laborer. In 1855 he
bought a farm of his own. containing eighty acres, in section nine.
of the township of AVilton, where he lived for years in a log cabin
of two I'oonis. and later added to his oi-iginal jiurchase another
eight\-aere ti-aet. all ol' which was wild land and had to be cleared
and brok'en Ixd'orc any pi-olits could be i-eali/ed. lie died in 1872
aiul the remaining ones oi' his laiuil.v continued to live there, ami
in 1877 erected a new frame house in which they lived until our
subject bought out the interests of the other heirs ami erected a
fine lunv residence in 1899. which has since been his home. The
BIOGRAPHY 711
mother died in 1906. They were well educated, thrifty and highly
respected people and members of the Lutheran church. He was a
Democrat in polities.
C. C. attended school until he was fourteen years of age and
was the mainstay of his parents on the farm and instigated most
of the later improvements. He was married on June 3, 1897, in
the town of Wilton to Mrs. Hannah Pach. Her people also came
from Germany and located in IMonroe county in 1870; they had
eight children, seven of whom are living. They are now living in
Wilton, the father at the age of seventy-three and the mother is
seventy-one, and both are devoted members of the Lutheran
church. Mr. Pach owns 160 acres of fine land in Sheldon township.
Mr. Helmke has been a successful stock raiser for thirty years ;
he is a Democrat in politics and has served as assessor of the
town of Wilton and was also treasurer for three years and for
twenty years was a member of the school board.
David Hemstock, a jirominent drayman of Sparta, is the second
eldest of a family of ten children. He was born in IMilwaukee
county, AVisconsin. October 13. 1858, to William and Elizabeth
(Steadman) Hemstock. natives of England and Canada, respect-
ively. The parents came to Wisconsin more than fifty years ago
and located in IMilwaukee county, where they remained for a
short time and moved to La Crosse county and purchased a farm
in Burns township, which by hard work and perseverance they
brought to a high state of cultivation and made it their homestead
until 1899, when the father died at the age of seventy-three years.
William Hemstock. the paternal grandfather, was a native of
Canada, wdiere he spent his life and raised his family of four sons,
the third being the father of David, our subject. IMr. Steadman,
maternal grandfather, was a native of London, England, and was
a captain on the high seas for some time. He came to Canada and
made that his home for a number of years, and moved to La Crosse
for a short time and later to Chicago, 111., where he spent the
remainder of his life.
Besides David, the other members of his family are Elizabeth,
now the wife of N. V. Jewett. of Monroe county. Wisconsin;
Fainiie. the wife of F. A. Hubbard, of Barron; Sarah (deceased),
wife of David Jones; William A., of Sparta: INIary Ellen, wife of
Lemuel Jones, of Arkansas ; Lillie. wife of John Boweu, of Barron ;
Ethel and George E.. who reside in Sparta, and Gertrude, wife of
Chris Thompson, who resides at Ladysmith, Wis.
David Avas reared on his father's farm, where he remained
helping with the farm work until he was twenty-five years of age.
712 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
and t)ien took uj) t';ii'ining on liis own account in Burns township.
La Crosse count\'. Nine years later lie moved to Sparta, and in
1894 i)urcliased. with his brother, William, the dray business oi
Ilott'maii & Fich. wliii-h ihey successfully conducted under th<;
firm name of Hemstock Brothers for some five years, when David
])urchased the interest of his bi'olhei- and has since conducted the
business on his own account. 11(^ is a wide aw^ake, prosperous and
energetic business man, thoroughly up to date. He takes an active
part in the fraternal orders to which he belongs, being a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the ^Modern Woodmen
of America, the Knights of Pythias and the Rebecahs.
]Mr. Hemstock was married in December. 1893. to ]\Iiss Clara E.
Hulbert, daughter of Ira Hulbert, of Sparta. They have one
child. Vena Ray Hemstock.
William A. Hemstock, liveryman and popular business man of
Sparta, is a native of Wisconsin. He was born in Burns valley,
La Crosse county, and is the youngest of a family of ten children,
three boys and seven girls born to William and IClizabeth (Stead-
man) Hemstock. both natives of Canada, who came to the Ignited
States in an early day and settled first at ^Milwaukee. From there
they moved to West Salem, and nearly fifty years ago they came
to Burns valley, La Crosse county, and located on a farm. They
were among the early pioneers of this section and were considered
substantial and successful farmers. Here they reared their family
and lived nntil 1899, when the father passed away at the age of
seventy-three. ]Mrs. Hemstock still survives and makes her home
at Sparta.
AVilliam attended the district schools while living on the farm,
and at the age of twenty-three he married ]\Iiss ]\Iaude Skelton, of
Lewis valley. Wisconsin, on November 24. 1892. He then rented a
farm, which he worked on his own account for two years. In 1894
he gave up farming and moved to Sparta, where he engaged with
his brother, David, in the drayage business, under the firm name
of Hemstock Brothers, continuing for about five years; he then
sold his interests to his brother jiiul purchased the livery business
of J. C. Hewitt, on Oak street, whidi Ik^ carried on for five years
before moving to his present quarters on North Water street, and
now conducts the largest livei-v business in INIonroe county. Begin-
ning with nine horses, he now has a stock of thirty and other
equipment in proportion, and is recognized as one of the leading
men of Sparta. He is active in fraternal organizations, being
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern
BIOGRAPHY 713
Woodmen of America and the Equitable Fraternal Union, and is
prominent in social circles.
Mr. and Mrs. Hemstock have one daughter — Lila Belle.
George A. Henry, ex-sheriff of Monroe county, was born at
Kingston, Ulster county, N. Y., March 18, 1859, to John and
Hannah (Steanson) Henry, both of whom were born in Ireland.
In 1850, while still a young man. he came to America and located
at Kingston, where he served an apprenticeship for three years
at the trade of currier, and after working with Neas & Teller for
nearly twelve years, he came to Wisconsin in the spring of 1861
and purchased a farm of 120 acres four and one-half miles south-
west of Tomah. Possessed with that thrift and energy common
to his race, he brought his farm to a high state of cultivation, and
there made his home until 1875, when he disjiosed of his land and
returned to Kingston. N. Y. He remained there but a short time,
and in 1877 came back to Monroe county, and on May 1 of that
year purchased another farm of 120 acres near Jacksonville, and
engaged in general farming and stock raising for about eighteen
years, whence, in 1895, they moved to the city of Tomah, where
Mrs. Henry died May 30, 1910. and where he still lives at the age
of seventy-eight years. They had a family of two sons, George A.
and William C, and both stood high in their community. He is a
member of the Presbyterian church and the mother was a member
of the Episcopal church.
George A. Henry was raised on his father's farm and his
experience was the same as that of most farmer boys. He attended
the district schools and helped with the farm Avork until he was
twenty-three years old, and for five years after his marriage, con-
tinued to reside on the home farm, then inoved to the city of
Tomah and engaged in the milling business for some four years,
and from 1892 to 1908 was engaged in the dray business, and for
fourteen years was a local agent for the Standard Oil Company.
Mr. Henry is a Republican in political views, and is active in the
councils of his partj'^, and has been called upon to fill many public
offices. He was school treasurer in the town of Adrian for two
years and supervisor for one year; he was elected alderman of the
city of Tomah from the second ward and served two years, and for
four years was treasurer of the fire department. In 1908 he was
elected sheriff of his county and served with distinction until 1911.
Fraternally Mr. Henry is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the
^lodern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World.
On November 18, 1882, Mr. Henry was united in marriage with
]\Iiss Mary Schultz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Schultz, pio-
714 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COrXTY
neers ol' .Mniii'dr coiinty. luiviim' coiiu' lierc in 1850. To ^li-. and
]\Ii's. Henry liavo been horn lixc cliildicn. foui- of wlioni ai-e now
livino-. viz.: Hobcrt AV.. horn July 8. 1883; Arthur J., horn Feb-
ruary 7. 1887; Fay II.. l)orn December 26, 1889; Carl R.. born
Novemh.'i- 12. ISDl. and Karlc II,. l)orn Scptcnihcr •J4. ISOl. is no\v
deceased.
George L. Herbst, a i)roniiiu'nl inerehant oi' Spai-la. was horn
lici'i' on .May 7. IShS. the son of Fidel and P'lizaheth (Stauss)
Ilerhst. lie atlcnch'd the public schools in Spai-ta. and early
started in life as a clerk in ihc store of J. J. ]\Iason tJc ("o.; he
i-eniained with this firm for some five years, then wcnl to Water-
town. S. I)., where he remained for a short time, returninj? to
AVisconsin he found employnu'iil with the Fostei- Lumber Com-
pany, of Fairehild. Wis. So well did he fuHiiJ liis duties here
that he remained in tlieir ejnploy for twelve yeai's. lie next
eno-ao'ed with the firm of Kei)ler & Co., of Eauclaire. Wis., where
he remained for about two years, and moved to Sparta ajiain and
took a position as clerk with the firm of Dodjre & Davis in the
dry goods business. Durino' all these years, the one desire upper-
most in the mind of Mr. IIerl)st was 1he ownership of a store; he
had been attentive to business, and witli his natural energy ant!
economical tact, at the end of two years Avith Dodge & Davis, he
had accumulated sufficient funds, so tliat in 1002, associated with
his brother, Edward, lie embarked in the dry goods business on
his oAvn acconnt. wliieii they successfully carried on for a short
time, when ]Mr. Herbst purchased the interest of his brother and
became sole i)roprietor. On February 8, 1905, the business was
incorporated luider the name of the Herbst Dry Goods Company,
which it still retains, and Avith their new and up-to-date stock of
goods, is one of Sparta's busiest and well known business
establishments.
In June, 1898, IMr. Herbst married ^liss Winnie Kyle, daughter
of H. H. Kyle, of Augusta. Wis. Three children have been born
to them. viz. : H. Robert. George F. and Elizabeth Herbst.
Fraternally IMr. IIerl)s1 is a member of the Knights of Pythias
and the ]\Iaccabees.
Fidel Herbst. father of our sid).)eet. was a luitivt- of Preussen,
Germany, boi-n Ai)ril 24. 1838. In 1S54. when but sixteen years of
age, he emigrated to tiu- I'nited States, stopjiing first at Syracuse,
X. Y.. where he was employed at the blacksmith trade; he
remained there until 18G6, when he came to Sparta, and was
actively engaged at his trade until a little uKU-e than a year prior
to his death, which oeoirred October 3. 1901. A Hepnblican in his
BIOGRAPHY 715
political opinions, he was interested in the afitairs of his i)arty anil
held numerous positions of trust. He was for a time chief engi-
neer of the Sparta fire department ; held the otfiee of city treasurer
and alderman from his ward, was in the city council and was a
member of the Cong-regation church, lie was the son of John
Ilerbst, a native of Sigmaringen, German^', who was a forester
and spent his life in Germany. His wife's maiden name was
Katherine Knittel. Fidel Herbst was married November 30, 1861,
to ]\Iiss Elizabeth Stauss, daughter of Hartman and Katherine
Elizabeth Stauss, natives of Germany. He was a merchant tailor
in his home country, where he died in 1866, aged sixty-nine years.
Mrs. Herbst, mother of our subject, was born September 28, 1841,
and was the youngest of a family of seven girls and three boys.
Shortly' after the death of her father, when but ten years of age,
accompanied by her older sister, Sophia, and two others, she came
to this country and located at Hazel Green, Wis. She soon after
went to Galena. III., where she was married to Mr. Herbst. They
had a family of six children, viz.: Fred W.. of Fairchild, Wis.;
Carl ('.. of ]Minneai)olis; Anna j\Iarie Pjlizabeth. wife of
Congressman John J. Esch. of La Crosse, Wis. ; George L.. John L.
and Edw^ard, all of whom reside at Sparta, where also the mother
resides.
Fred B. Herrman, who has been a resident of Monroe county
since 1888, is a prosperous and influential farmer of Sparta town-
ship. He was born in the town of farmington, La Crosse county,
February 9, 1862, and is one of a family of thirteen children,
born to William and Katherine (Williams) Herrman. Those
besides our subject are : Amelia, now the wife of Frank Huber,
resides in La Crosse county; Lucas B. is deceased; Frank A.;
Anna, widow of Phillip Corelett ; Bessie is the wife of John
Rhyme, of Sparta township ; INlary is the wife of William Kuhen,
of Dodge county, AA^isconsin; Matilda is the wife of Kirt C.
Squires and lives at Gladstone, N. D. ; AVilliani resides in Sparta,
where he is engaged in the grocery business; Henry resides in
Indiana. Robert in La Crosse, and Amos lives in La Crosse
county, and Lillian Herrman in La Crosse. The parents were
natives of Germany, and after coming to the United States in
the early forties, located first in Dodge county, AVisconsiu, and
later by ox team made their way to La Crosse county, where the
father acquired a farm of 200 acres, and successfully engaged
in farming, and there made his home until his death in 1900, at
the age of seventy-three years. i\Irs. Herrman, mother of our
subject, passed away in 190L at the age of sixty-three years.
716 HISTORY OF .AIONROE COT'XTY
They were high iiiiiided and progressive, and enjoyed the friend-
ship and esteem of all Avho knew them. The grandfather of
Mr. Fred Herrman was Bartle Ilerrman, also a imtive of Ger-
many. He eame to America and settled in Dodge county, Wis-
consin, where he lived for many years, and died on a farm near
"Waupnn.
Fred B. Herrman attended the district school at Farmington,
La Crosse county, and remaincil on the liomc farm until he
arrived at tlie age of seventeen. He was tlu'u employed at farm
work })y AVilliam Storandt, of La Crosse county, and later entered
the employ of Sawyer & Austin, in the lumber business, where he
remained for three years. He next located on a farm in Burns
township. La Crosse county, and there remained two years. He
then, in ISSS. purchased his present farm of 160 acres, of which
forty acres lie in La Crosse county, and 120 acres in Sparta
township, in section nineteen, from ^Martin Flood. Mr. Herrman
is one of the thrifty and well-to-do farmers of the county, and
his farm is e(iuipped with the latest and modern labor saving
machinery, and in 1897 he erected a large barn, to which during
the year 3912 Avill be added an addition of 42 by 60 feet. In
1902. a new and up-to-date residence was erected, and this with
his ninety-ton silo and other improvements, makes his one of the
ideal couiiti-y homes in ]\Ionroe county. He is engaged in general
farming and djiiiying. and makes a siiecialty of raising Jersey
cattle.
On April U. 1885, Mr. Ilerrman was united in marriage witli
Miss Ida J. Flood, daughter of ]\Iartin and ]\Iary (Ilanunond)
Flood, natives of Vermont and Canada respectively. Pearly in
the fifties they came to Ridgeville township, in ^lonroe county,
and located on what is known as the Shulte farm. In 1865,
when ]Mrs. Ilerrman was four years of age, they removed to the
farm in Sparta townsliip whei-e .Mr. and ]\Irs. Ilerrman now
reside. .\t that time the farm was in a wild state covered with
a growth of timber, which ]\lr. Flood by hard work, thrift and
perseverance, succeeded in clearing, and the land Avas ])rouglit
to a good state of cultivation, and there made his home until
1902, when he died at the age of eighty-seven years. Mrs. Flood,
mother of .Mrs. Herrman. died October 24. 1890, aged seventy-one
years. Bei-nai-d Flood, who resides in the city of Sparta, is the
only bi-othei- of .Mrs. Ilernnaii. To .Ah", and .Mi-s. Ilerrman has
been born three children. Harry F., born :May 11, 1888; Harriet,
born Decend)er 7. 1892, is now a student at the State University,
and Robert A., born August 11. 1902.
BIOGRAPHY 717
Mr. Herrman adheres to the principles of the Republican
party, and while he has never sought or cared for office, he has
been a member of the tOAvnship board for several years, and was
at one time a director and manager of the Rockland creamery.
John Herring", who is justly ranked among the substantial
and progressive farmers of Sparta township, is a native son of
Monroe county, Wisconsin, and was born on section thirty-six,
Sparta township, May 2, 1867, son of Peter and Mary (Smith)
Herring, both natives of Germany. The father when yet a
young man, left his native land for the United States, and upon
arriving in this country, came to "Wisconsin and settled first
in Leon township, Monroe county, where he found employment
as a farm hand. Imbued with the determination to succeed, he
went to work with a will, and by strict economy accumulated
means with which he purchased a farm of 160 acres in section
thirty-six, Sparta tOAvnship, and commenced farming on his own
account. He fought manly the hardships incident to pioneer
life, and by hard work, thrift, and judicious management, he
mastered all obstacles, improved the farm with a large and com-
modious dwelling, and outbuildings, and brought the land to a
state of cultivation where it produced enormous crops, and at
the time of his death, which occurred January 7, 1887, he was
considered one of the most influential and substantial farmers
of his township, highly respected by all who knew him. His
wife, mother of our subject, was a lad}^ of many womanly
virtues, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of her large
circle of friends. Her death occurred November 2, 1902. They
were the parents of seven children, six of whom are now living.
Emma is the wife of Archie Doane and resides in Little Falls
township ; John, the subject of this sketch ; Lillie, the wife of
George Merrow, of Sparta ; Hattie, the wife of Fayette Baldwin,
lives at Sparta ; William is deceased, having met his death in a
dynimite explosion in December, 1903, at the age of twenty-five
years; Mary is the wife of Roy Francis, and Frank, both of
whom live in Sparta township. Mr. John Herring attended the
district schools of his town, assisting in the farm work on the
homestead, where he remained until 1900. In the meantime he
had purchased a farm of 160 acres in section thirty-five, opposite
the old home farm, which he continued to operate until his
marriage, when he moved to his present home. Since residing
on his present place he has changed and remodeled the buildings
erected a new silo, and made other improvements, while bringing
the land to a high state of cultivation. He is engaged in general
718 HISTORY OF :\[OXROE COUNTY
fannintj. stot-k raising and (l;iiryin<r. with the cultivation and
I'aising of Ix-rrics a specialty. Jn social matters lie is a lU'Muher
of the ^lodern AVoodnien of Ann>riea.
On April 12, 1 !)()(>, Mi-, llri-rin^- was miited in marriage with
!i\liss Anna L. Guy, daughter of William \. and Isabella (Xicol)
Guy, and granddaughter of ^Vlexander and Anna (Denwoody)
Nicol, whose sketches appear elsewhere in this work. To Mr.
and Mrs. Herring have been born foui* sons. Leo Nelson, John
Petei', Spencer and AVilliam.
Fred Heser, a i)i-osperous fanner of section one. Greenfield
township, is the son of Fred and Barbara (Silverhorn) ITeser,
l)oth natives of Germany, who came to America early in life,
settling first at Cleveland, Ohio, where they married ; they after-
ward came to AVisconsiu and located at Hartford, remaining
there but one year, when in ISofJ they moved to Neilsville, in
Clark county; they remained there seven years, then in IStiii
moved to Monroe county and settled on eighty acres in the town
of P]aton, a farm of and a part of the 160 acres now owned by oin-
subject, eighty acres of which is in Greenfield township and
eighty acres in the original town of Eaton but which is now
Grant township ; they first resided on the eighty lying in Eaton,
but in 1868 moved to the eighty in Greenfield, where our subject
now resides. He was energetic and thrifty, and l)y hard work
subdued his wild land and brought it undci- cultivation. He
was prominent in the affairs of his town and at one time was
chairman of the town board. AVhen the Civil ^V;^• hi-oke out,
he enlisted and served in the Wisconsin regiment until dis-
charged. He died in 1875 at the age of fifty years, honored and
respected by all Avho kncAv him. His widow, mother of our
subject, still survives and resides at La Crosse. The maternal
grandmother, Barbara Silverhorn, came to AVisconsin from Ger-
many, died in Greenfield townsliip and was buried in Tunnel
City".
Fred Heser was Ixun in Clark county, AViscousin. November
8, 1856, and came with his parents to ]\Ionroe county when seven
years of age, and is the second child in a family of eight children,
five of whom an^ now living, viz: Fred, the subject of this
sketch: William, a resident of Greenfield township: Laura,
married John Snowberry. and lives in La(irange township:
George, also of LaGrange. and Barbara, who is the wife of
C. H. Wiekland, resides at Tomah. Those deceased are Helen.
Henry and AVallace. ]\Lr. Heser 's education was obtained in llic
district schools, and Avitli the exception of three years spent in
BIOGRAPHY 719
the lumber woods of Clark county, he has resided on the home<
farm since boyhood. After the death of his father, he, in 1881,
came into possession of the i)lace and has since made many
improvements. While the original house built by his father still
stands in a fair state of repairs, it was replaced in 1911 by a
modern residence, ecpiipped with up-to-date appliances. A large
and substantial barn was l)uilt in 1907. The place is now under
a high state of cultivation and well supplied with everything
that goes to make a model farm. ]\lr. Heser is a thorough and
practical farmer and occupies a prominent place in his town
and county. He has been a member of the side board for two
terms and is still a member ; he has been treasurer of the school
district for six years and in fraternal matters is a member of the
Knights of Pythias and the ^Modern AVoodmen of America.
He was married July 2, 1882, to ]\Iiss Emma Purdy, daughter
of Daniel and Susan (Savage) Purdy, of Greenfield township.
To this Tuiion lias been born ('(^lia. wife of Albert AVoodard, of
Tunnel ("ity: Earl E., of Greenfield township; Edna, wife of Paul
RosenaAv, of LaGrange township; ]\Iyrtle E., Verna F., and Fred
D. are at home ; Robert is deceased. Earl E. Heser married Edith
Schuler. daughter of August Schuler, of Tomah. in September,
1909, and has one child, Kenneth R. Celia was the wife of the
late Carr Johnson, and has three children, viz : Georgie, Ortis
and Thelma, the latter is now the wife of Albert Woodard, by
whom she has had two children. Alice and Margaurite ; Edna
J. married Paul Rosenaw and has one daughter, Luceil.
E. Glenn Hesselgrave, editor and publisher of the Norwalk
Star, was born at AVestport. Columbia county, AYisconsin, August
10, 1876. Son of David and Hannah (Armour) Hesselgrave,
natives of St. Lawrence county, New York, and Baltimore Md.,
respectively. They came to AYisconsin in 1851, and located at
Lodi, where the father followed blacksmithing, and where they
remained for twenty years. He died September 19, 1911, in his
ninetieth year. He was an ordained clergyman of the Uni-
versalist church, and was also well posted in law. His wife, the
mother of our subject, survives at the age of seventy-four years.
E. Glenn was the eighth child in a family of ten children;
the others are : Mary, wife of Niles Fellows of Aladison ; Clar-
ence, of Lodi: Isabella, wife of Scott Xutting, Eldorado, Iowa;
IMiles, Long Prairie, ]Minn. ; Florence, wife of AY. J. Harriman,
Baraboo ; Blanche, Avife of Hon. C. L. Pearson, of Baraboo ;
Alfred, St. Cloud, Minn. ; Claude, Prairie Du Sac, AYis. ; and
Leroy. of Lodi. Our subject was educated in the public schools
720 HISTORY OF ^lONROE COUNTY
of Lodi, and early began the printers trade at Eldorado, Iowa;
was then employed at Lodi, Baraboo, and various papers, and in
November, 1907, purchased the Norwalk Star of \Y. J. Robinson,
which he has since continued to publish as a non-partisan paper,
changing the size from a quarto to a folio. He was married
October 17, 1910, to Miss Anna McGary, daughter of Eugene
McGary of Norwalk.
Ira A, Hill was born in Belknap county. New Hampshire, on
November 26, 1841, and died at Pasadena, Calif., where he was
spending the winter, on ]March 20, 1904.
He received his education at Gilmanton Academy, in liis native
state, and later taught school. In 1862 he recruited for the
Fifteenth New Hampshire Yolunteers, enlisted therein and was
appointed third sergeant. His regiment being sent to New York,
he was detached and detailed as commissary sergeant on board
transport of General Banks' expedition to New Orleans, and after
reaching there, continued in the commissary department until,
stricken with fever ,he was sent to the hospital. Upon conva-
lescence he re.joined his regiment at Carrollton, La., and was
employed in the regimental ad.jutant's office. In the fall of 1863
he Avas mustered out from the military service, returned to his
native state and spent an invalid year.
In 1864 ]Mr. Ilill managed the business department of the
Galena (111.) Gazette, the editorial charge of the paper falling
under a former New Hampshire acquaintance. After two years,
meantime making the acquaintance of L-^. S. Grant and his brother,
Orville, he was employed for one year with Grant & Burke in the
leather and saddlery hardware business at Chicago. Entering the
firm of Davis, ]\Iedary & Hill, who acquired the La Crosse, AVis.,
branch of the Grant & Burke business, ]\Ir. Hill spent two years,
during which time he was married to ]\Iary E. Tyler, only daugh-
ter of Thomas B. Tyler, of Sparta, Wis., their marriage occurring
December 8. 1868.
Disposing of his interests at La Crosse in 1871. he removed to
Sparta and engaged in the wholesale grocery business, later enter-
ing the drug business. In 1874 he united with Thomas B. Tyler,
under the firm name of Tyler & Hill, in the real estate and loan
business, which, together with banking, occupied ]Mr. Hill during
the rest of his life. In 1879 he became a director in the Bank of
Sparta, was vice president in 1883 and president from 1886 until
his death in 1904.
Mr. Hill Avas a representative citizen and successful business
man, taking an interest in whatever tended to promote the moral
BIOGRAPHY 721
and intellectual growth of the community. He served for ten
consecutive years on the school board of Sparta, was in the city
council and the board of supervisors.
In 1891 he was appointed regent of the normal schools of
Wisconsin by Governor Peck, of which board he was president,
1894-5. As a Democrat in politics, he was a delegate and again
was alternate delegate to national conventions. He was a member
and past commander of John W. Lynn Post of the Grand Army of
the Republic.
As a Mason he took an active part in the lower bodies, being
past high priest of the chapter and past eminent commander of
the commandery. He was grand king of Wisconsin grand chapter
and grand representative of North Carolina, near the grand chap-
ter of Wisconsin. He was a member of Wisconsin Consistory and
of the shrine at IMilwaukee.
He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias and other
orders.
Mr. and Mrs. Hill had two children, Louis T., who is a resident
of Sparta and vice president of the Bank of Sparta, and Kittle,
who is the wife of A. W. Barne.y, also vice president of the Bank
of Sparta.
Merle W. Hill,* manager of the F. P. Mooney farm in La
Grange township, was born in Tomali, Wis., December 22, 1888,
the sou of Oliver Mason and Sophia (Sprague) Hill, natives of
Cortland county, New York, and who were married in Illinois.
He was a pioneer settler in Wisconsin, and came to Monroe county
and Tomah township more than forty years ago, where he settled
on 200 acres of wild land, which he improved and where he con-
tinued to live until his death in 1910, at the age of seventy-three
years. He was one of Monroe county's thrifty and progressive
farmers, a man of prominence and influence in his township. The
mother of our subject, a woman of rare attainments and domestic
virtues, died in October, 1909, at the age of seventy years, loved
and esteemed b.v all who knew her. They had a family of nine
children, as follows : Ira, Ernest, both of Tomah ; Emma, wife of
Edwin Eaton, of Waukesha, Wis. ; Caddie C, of Tomah township ;
Ella, wife of F. J. Mooney, superintendent of the Monroe County
Asylum, and Merle W. Those deceased are William, Oscar and
Jessie.
Merle W. Hill attended the district school of his neighborhood
and remained at home assisting in the farm work until 1911, when
he became manager of the IMooney farm, where he carries on
general farming and dairying, conducting a milk route in the
722 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
city of Tomah. He is a member of the ]\Iy.stie Workers, and on
June 28, 1911, was married to ]\Iiss Blanche Dana, danohter of
Edward and Ella Dana, of Tomah. They have one child — Bulah
S. Hill.
Oliver Mason Hill, deceased, who was a i)ioneer settler of
Wisconsin and was among that class of sturdy, thrifty and pro-
gressive farmers to whom ^Monroe county is so largely indebted
for the high place it holds among the banner counties of the state.
He was born April 14. 1837, in Cortland county. New York, a son
of Samuel H. Hill, who was born jMareli 12, 1794. When Oliver
Avas but three 3'ears of age his parents came west to Illinois and
located in Kane count}', where they made their home \mtil they
came to Monroe countA^ in 1865. Here the father purchased 200
acres of land and established the family home, and here they lived
the balance of their lives — his death occurring in (Colorado ]\Iarch
12, 1870, whither he had gone in search of health. His wife,
grandmother of our subject, survived him thirteen years, and died
in Monroe county in August, 1883. He Avas a AVhig until the
formation of the Republican partj'^, and e\'er after Avas a staunch
supporter of this party, and in religious belief a Universalist.
Oliver ]\lason Hill Avas educated in the public schools of
Kane count}', Illinois, Avhich he attended up to his eighteenth year,
remaining at home. At the death of his parents he inherited the
family homestead and continued to carry on general farming and
stock raising, making a specialty of high bred Jersey and Durham
cattle, Avhich he often entered in competition Avith others for first
prize at stock exhibitions. He Avas a successful farmer, a man
of sterling character, faithful in all his undertakings and no one
in the community Avas more highly respected than he. In ]iolities
a Republican, he Avas a strong adA^ocate in the cause of temperance
and Avas formerly a member of the Grange organization and sec-
retary and treasurer of the Eastern Monroe County Agricultural
Society.
^Ir. Hill Avas united in marriage Avitli Miss Sophia Sprague,
October 13, 1861. Nine children Avere born to them, six of Avhom
are noAV living, viz.: Tna. born December 10. 1862; Ella, born
NoA-ember 10, 1864; Ernest, born August 26, 1876: Emma, born
December 10, 1878 ; Caddie C. born February 12, 1881. and :\Ierle,
born December 22, 1888, and surviA-e the father Avhose death
occurred in 1910 at the age of seventy-three years. Those deceased
are William II., Oscar S. and Jesse P. Hill. William Avas droAA'ned
in the LemonAveir river in 1881.
Caddie C. Hill was raised on his father's farm and attended
o
f
<
SO
a
! >*
I ^
k!
BIOGRAPHY 723
the district school until he was seventeen years old, and helped
with the farm Avork. At the death of his father, he came into
possession of the home farm of 200 acres, which he has success-
fully carried on, and since added 170 acres more. lie is among
the younger class of Monroe county's prominent and progressive
citizens. A Republican in political sentiment, he has never sought
nor held public office. He has been secretary of the Farmers'
Elevator Company at Tomah, and for one year served as presi-
dent of the Monroe County Fair Association, and is a stockholder
in the Farmers and Merchants' Bank, of Tomah. Fraternally he
is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Hill being unmarried,
the household duties are looked after by his aunt, Mrs. Mary
Amidon. She was married June 1, 1862, to Llwellen Amidon, a
prominent citizen, civil engineer and county surveyor of Monroe
county and locator of Government and school lands, and in poli-
tics a Republican. At the time of his death in 1898 he was the
OAvner of an eighty-acre farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Amidon were
born four children, two of whom are now (1912) living.
William Hoard, one of the progressive and enterprising citi-
zens of Wiltt)n, was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio. April 13, 1859,
the son of Philander and Nancy (Reed) Hoard, both natives of
the Buckeye state. They reared a family of three children,
William, the subject of this sketch, being the only surviving mem-
ber of the family. They were farmers by occupation and were
among the ]n'ominent and most highly respected citizens of their
locality. The father died in 1862 and the mother passed away in
1874. "
William received his education in the common schools, and was
thrown on his own resources at the early age of thirteen years.
He worked eight months on a farm at small wages, and was later
employed by one man for eight years, the highest wages received
during this time being $12 per month. He came to Wisconsin
with his mother and brother from ^Michigan, and located in Wilton
township, Monroe county, where, on March 15, 1882, he purchased
120 acres of land in section twenty-eight, where he lived, engaging
in general farming until 1911, when he removed to the village of
Wilton. In addition to his successful general farming, he has car-
ried on an extensive dairy business, having a herd of twenty-eight
Jersey milch cows. He is an extensive breeder and owner of
Jersey cattle and Poland-China hogs, and is ivcpt busy managing
his farm. He is one of the influential and public spirited men of
his town, and has always taken an active interest in all matters
for the betterment of his town and county. He is now president
724 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
of the Farniprs" Livestock Association, and in politics he is a
Democrat and takes an active interest in the councils of his party.
He Avas niai-ried ]\Iarch 15, 1882, to ]Miss La Rue. daughter of
S. B. LaRue. a i)i-oininent citizen of AVilton townsliip. ^Irs. Hoard
is one of a family of seven children. Her parents were also natives
of Ohio and emijirated to AVisconsin and settled in the town of
Wilton in 1858, and were among the early settlers of that town.
The father purchased 280 acres of wild land in section twenty-
eight, where the family lived for ten years in a log house of one
room. They then built a small frame house, where they lived for
thirty-eight years, and then erected a tine residence. The large
and well constructed liarns and silo have recently been added to
the im])rovements, all of which go to make it an ideal up-to-date
country home. The father died in 1911 and the mother passed
away in 1897. Three children have been born to Mr. and ]\lrs.
Hoard, viz.: .Mildred, born March 24. 1883: Glenn, born June 18,
1886. and Ray. honi A])ril 28. 1889.
Reuben Hohn is another one of the native sons of ^Monroe
county and was born in the town of Wells. April 17. 1864. the
son of Cyrus Hohn and Sarah (Sherwood) Hohn. the former
a native of Ohio and the latter of Wisconsin. The father came
to Wisconsin when a young nuiii aiul Avorked on a farm and
in a sawmill and later at the carpenter's trade, which he had
previously mastered. He lived in Wisconsin until his children
became grown, where he died in 1906. He was twice married,
first to Miss Sarah Sherwood, by whom he had nine children.
After her death he married for his second wife ]Miss Sarah Miller.
Samuel Hohn. grandfather of our subject, also came to Wisconsin.
Reuben attended the common schools during his boyhood and
after the death of his mother lived nine years with ]Mr. Al. Fulton.
He then found employment on a farm at .^10 jht uKuith. At the
age of twenty-four years, in 1888. he was married to .Miss Cornelia
]\Iay Hudson, daughter of AVilliam. from England, and Lizzie
Hudson, whose family canu^ originally from Vermont. ]\Ir. and
]Mrs. Hohn have two children, Ellis. Ixu-n Decendier 8. 1890. and
Delia, born Alarch 18. 1892. In 1912 Mr. Hohn ]mrchased 160
acres of choice hiiid in Leon lownship. adjoining Wells, where he
is well and favorably know n ;is oti<" of the progressive men of the
county.
Hans C. Hoitomt, who is the son nf Adoli)h and Alaren
(Skulei'ud) lloiloml. was born in Norway, .\ovendier 14. 1878. and
when seven years of age came to America with his uncle and aunt.
Mr. and Mrs. Guilder Olson, who located in the town of Portland,
BIOGRAPHY 725
]\Iouroe county, Wis., where our subject was reared. The uncle
died in 1902. his aunt is still living at the age of eighty-three years.
Mr. Hoitomt started out in life for himself and was engaged in
running a thrashing machine, and also operated a sawmill for a
time in Vernon county, and afterwards came to Monroe county
and located at jMelvina, and Avith others engaged in the lumber
business, dealing extensively in pine and hemlock lumber. Out-
side of the lumber business, he owns considerable property, among
which may be mentioned several ice houses in Vernon and Monroe
counties. He also deals extensively in cord wood, shipping many
carloads to eastern markets each year. He also controls and
operates the transfer line at Melvina. Besides his many business
ventures. Mr. Hoitomt takes an active interest in the affairs of
his town and county, and is treasurer of the IMelvina Creamery
Association. He is the owner of the largest private fish pond in
the state, which covers an area of five acres, and Avhich was eon-
verted from a mill pond by Captain Hunt in his lifetime, and is
plentifully stocked with thousands of black bass and bull heads,
weighing up to five pounds each. ]Mr. Hoitomt is figuring on
marketing this product in the near future and will ship to eastern
markets.
In 1898 ]\lr. Hoitomt was married to Miss Dora Olson, by
whom he has five children, viz. : James. Morris, Viola. Harold and
Gordon Hoitomt. In political sentiment Mr. Hoitomt was formerly
a Republican, but now is independent in thought and action,
while in fraternal matters he is a member of the Modern
Woodmen of America.
Fred A. Holden, deputy register of deeds of Monroe county,
is a native of New York State, having been born at Ellicottville,
June 19, 1849, the son of Amos B. and Mary L. (Lynes) Holden,
who were also natives of that state. In 1855, when Fred A. was
six years of age, his parents came to Sparta ; soon after arriving
at what was to be the future home, his father engaged in business
with D. R. Wheeler and W. S. Newton as contractors and builders.
Mr. Holden, Sr., had the honor of building the first hardware
store erected in Sparta, but which was later destroyed by fire.
He continued this business for some years and then engaged in
farming. Among the many buildings erected by him besides the
hardware store was the Congregational church, of which he was
a devoted member. In 1905 he passed from this life to his well-
earned reward at the age of eighty years. Not only did he stand
high in the community as a citizen, but also in his home and
domestic relations, and among his friends he was greatly beloved
726 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
and esteemed for his loyalty and devotion to those near and
dear to him. His wife, mother of our subject, preceded her
liusband to the grave, liaving passed away in 1897, at the age of
seventy years. She was a woman of charming disposition and
many womanly virtues. Amos B. Holden was the son of Arnold
Holden, a native of Massachusetts, Avho settled in Western New
York in an early day, and there lived to the age of ninety-six
years. His wife was Patience Tanner, who lived to the age of
ninety-eight years. The paternal great grandfatlier of our sub-
ject was a native of Ireland, who came to this country and settled
on Nantucket Island, where he mndc cloth after the plan of those
early times.
Fred A. Holden was raised on a farm and received his edu-
cation in the public schools of Sparta. He remained on the home
farm until he was twenty-four years of age, and then for eleven
years was engaged as traveling salesman for a wholesale imple-
ment house. He afterwards purchased a farm of his own and
besides farming, he worked at various times Avith his father at
the carpenters' trade, and later took up civil engineering, which
he followed for twenty-five years, twelve years of which time
he was county surveyor, and during this period he became
familiar with all parts of Monroe county. Since the fall of 1910
he has been deputy register of deeds under his son, AVilliam A.,
and has prepared a valuable map of the county.
Mr. Holden is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
On January 14, 1886, he was united in marriage with ]\Iiss
Mary Miller, daughter of Samuel Miller, of Milwaukee. Their
children are AYilliam A. and Mabel.
William A. Holden, register of deeds of i\Ionroe county, was
born in Sparta township, Monroe county, February 6, 1887. His
parents, Fred A. and Mary M. (Miller) Holden, are natives of
New York state and Switzerland respectively, the former being
born at Ellicottville, and the latter at Argon. His paternal grand-
parents also were natives of New Y'ork state, came to Sparta
in 1855, where they lived until their decease ; his death occurred
in 1905, at the age of eighty years, and hers in 1897, at the age
of seventy years.
AYilliam A. was reared on the home farm, receiving his
education at the Angelo district school. He followed farming
pursuits until 1905, when he became rural mail carrier on Route
Number Three, from Sparta, Avhich occupation he followed until
the fall of 1910, when ho was elected on the Republican ticket
BIOGRAPHY 727
by a majority of 1200 to the office of register of deeds, whicli
position he is filling to the satisfaction of his many friends, and
the citizens of the community generally. His term of office will
expire in 1913.
Mr. Holden has been a member of company L, third regiment
Wisconsin national guards since April, 1903, and is now, 1912,
first lieutenant of his company. Also a member of Sparta lodge
No. 94, I. 0. O. F. On November 22, 1910, he was married to
Miss Anna K. Axelson, daughter of Asmus Axelson, a popular
and prosperous citizen of Sparta township.
Albert E. Hollister*, a well-known and popular citizen of
Tomah, where he has lived for more than forty years, was born
in Lima, Livingston county, New York, May 26, 1845. His
father, John Hollister, was a native of Osnabruck, Ontario,
where he was born in 1819. He served as a soldier in the
English army in the Patriot War. When eighteen years of age,
he went to the town of Lima, N. Y., and while a resident of that
place, married Miss Mercy S. Irish, a native of Livingston
county, and daughter of David Irish, a soldier in the American
army in the War of 1812, and died of w^ounds received while in
that war. When our subject was three years of age, he removed
with his parents to Cass county, IMichigan, where they settled
on a farm and where the father died in 1887. His wife, mother
of our subject, made her home on the homestead until her demise.
They were of sterling character, influential in their community
and universally esteemed and beloved.
Albert E. Hollister is the eldest of a family of eight children
— five sons and three daughters. The second in order of birth is
Mary E., who married G. M. Wilson ; Charles R., second son and
third child in order of birth, was killed by an accident when
seven years of age ; Bennett L. ; AVilber ^Y. ; Ellen M., married
Perry Osborne and died in Barton county Missouri, in 1875 ;
Gordon L., and Elvene M., married to J. H. Long and resides in
Michigan. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm
and trained in that occupation. He received a common school
education in the district schools of his neighborhood, and at the
age of seventeen in August, 1862, he enlisted in company A.,
nineteenth regiment Michigan volunteer infantry, but being of
under age, he was released on demand of his father, and hired
out as a farm laborer, which he followed but a few days and
again enlisted, but with the same results. After remaining at
home one year, he again enlisted and this time "stuck." (A
detailed account of Mr. Hollister 's military career will be found
728 IIISTOKY OF .AIOXKOK ('OIXTY
ill anotlicr chapter of this volume. j .\t the elose of the war ]\lr.
Ilollister returned to his former home in ^Michigan, and on
September 10, ] 865, married ^Miss Charlotte A. Powell, daughter
of Jason and ]\Iary A. Powell. In 1866 he came to Wisconsin
but remained only a short time and returned to Miehigan. In
1868 he eame again lo AViseonsin and was for two years engaged
in lumbering in the woods, lie then came to ]\Ionroe county and
settled on a farm in the townshiji of Tomah, but his health
failing on account of wounds reeeived in the army, he was com-
pelled to retire from active farm work and moved to the city of
Tomah and engaged in the sale of musical instruments, and has
since here made his home. ]Mi'. and .Mrs. Ilollister have two
children — Mary Bell, born ]\Iay 9. 1870, married Walter S. Mason,
head bookkeeper for G. F. Swift & Sons, of Omaha, Nebr., and
John R., born September 2, 1873. ]\Ir. Ilollister is a Republican
in political sentiments, and a strong supporter of Robert M.
LaFollette. He is a man of fine personal qualities and social
standing, courteous in manner, of generons impulses and a lover
of good cheer.
Sylvaniis Holmes. The late Judge Holmes, of Sparta, was
a native of the Empire state, ami was born in 1816. Sylvanus
Holmes liad a marked and interesting personality, and had
passed through many striking and romantic adventures in the
course of his long life. His youth, np to the age of nineteen, was
passed npou his father's farm at the suburban village of Aurora
near Buflfalo, X. Y. He was kept hard at work for most of the
year, picking up such education as he could in the Avinter months
at the district school. In 1834, he took boat for Detroit, where
he made a brief stay. He worked at Xiles, ^Michigan, that winter,
and then went by foot to Racine, where he found a very small
village, among a good many stumps. He spent the summer with
a party of government surveyors, returned to Racine for the
winter, and in the spring of 1836, went with a large party of
Indians, l)y way of ("liicago. to Council Bluffs, having a position
in the commissary de])artment. The country was almost wholly
Avithout roads or inhabitants. The .iourney occupied six months.
About the first of January, 1837, he and a friend bought a canoe,
and with a small stock of provisions, started on the ^Missouri
river, not knowing how far it was to the first settlement. After
five days provisions gave out, but Holmes, who was a good shot,
l)rought down a fine deer, and with the supply of venison the
young men renewed their jonrney. Once they were followed
and shot at bv Indians, but got awav under cover of night.
JUDGE SYLVANUS HOLMES
BIOGRAPHY 729
After eleven days they came to a cahin oeeiipied by two white
nieri, and thence they started on foot for St. Joseph, then a
mere trading post, being forced to stop for one night on the
cold prairie with the wolves howling around them. The winter
they spent at Plattsbnrgh, Missouri, and thence Holmes went
by boat and stage to Peoria, 111., where he was persuaded by
a contractor to accompany another band of Indians to Council
Bluffs, serving out provisions and keeping accounts. In the
spring of 1837, he commenced trade for himself a few miles
below Council Bluffs, and the fall of that year he built the first
hewed log house on the site where Omaha now stands. Being
prostrated by a severe, persistent fever and ague he was com-
pelled to leave the country and returned to his early home. In
1840 he went to Hume, N. Y., Avhere he lived for several years,
filling various public offices. In 1842 he was married to IMiss
Mary Ann Stone, at Varysburg, N. Y. Mrs. Holmes died at the
age of sixty-five years. In 1846 he removed to Bradford, Pa.,
where he lived for twenty years. AVhile there he served as
justice of the peace, as county connnissioner for three years, and
associate judge of the county for five years. In 1861 he enlisted
for the war, raised a company of volunteers and received a com-
mission as first sergeant. He was subsequently promoted to be
adjutant in the fift^^-eighth regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers,
but ^vas compelled to resign on account of ill health. From
1863 to the close of the war he was provost marshal of his con-
gressional district.
In 1865 he came to Sparta and became a merchant here, as he
had been at Bradford. In 1869 he removed to Wilmar, Minn.,
and was judge of probate of the county for five years. He then
returned to Sparta, where he continued to reside until his death,
Avhich occurred January 23, 1895.
Judge Holmes was emphatically a good man, who commanded
the respect of all. He was an honored member of the Congrega-
tional church, having been one of the deacons from 1883 until
his death. In politics he was a radical prohibitionist, expressing
his opinion with positiveness and frequency but with courtesy.
His height was over six feet and his size in proportion, and with
his erect bearing and firm step he was, perhaps, the most mili-
tary figure in Sparta, at least since Major Davidson passed away.
He was a member of the Masonic order and the Grand Army
post. His three children are: Mrs. E. M. Calhoun (deceased),
Mrs. Robie Lee, of Sparta, and Eugene S. Holmes, of Billings,
IMontana.
730 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Mathias Hoveland, a native of Norway, was born in 1853 and
died in Angelo township in 1909. It was in 1869 that he came to
the United States, and in Vernon county, Wisconsin, the subject
of this sketch began the active duties of his farm life and first
located on a farm near AVestby. where he remained for two years.
At the end of that time he removed to Viroqua, and twenty-one
years later to eastern ^Monroe county, and there resided until
1901, when he located on the farm in section five, Angelo town-
slup, where his widow and famil}- now reside. This farm of 220
acres is among the best in the township and I\Ir. Iloveland did
much to improve and bring the land to its present high state of
cultivation. The residence, barns and outbuildings are large,
commodious and well constructed, and the place is well supplied
with up-to-date appliances used in modern farming methods.
Mr. Hoveland had one brother, Andrew, and three sisters,
viz. : JNIatie, Christina and Bertha. He was a good citizen, a
prominent and useful man in his comnuinity, and a member of
the ]\Iodern Woodmen of America, and the Beavers.
On September 23, 1877, he was united in marriage with ^Mi-ss
Emma Van Dyke, daugliter of Abraham Van Dyke, of Ohio. To
this union was born five children, as follows: Ethel, wife of Eli
Sutherland, of Tunnel City; Christina, wife of Ray "Webster, of
Sparta ; Asa, who conducts the home farm ; Hazel, wife of Chester
Green, of Sparta, and Harold, who. resides at home.
George A. Hoffman is a native of IMonroe county, and repre-
sents one of the pioneer German families who came to the county
in the early fifties and located in Jefi:'erson township. Avhcre
George A. was born August 25, 1857. His parents were John E.,
who met an untimely death by being thrown from a horse in 1867
— he was at that time forty-five years of age — and f]lizabeth
(Seymour) Hoffman, who died in 1882 at the age of fifty-nine
years. They followed the occupation of farming and until George
A. was nineteen years old he lived with his parents on the home-
stead, attending school and assisting in the farm work.
T'^pon leaving home our subject's first employment was with
0. D. Stevens, and later with the firm of ]\Iyer & Youngman in
the butcher business at Sparta, where he remained about three
years altogether, and then engaged with his brother, William C,
in the same business. This partnership continued until he pur-
chased a half interest with William Potter in a meat nuirket on
Oak street, and this lasted for several years. He next sold his
interests to his brother AVilliam, and in 1905 opened his present
market on Water street by purchasing Lyon Conger's half
BIOGRAPHY 731
interest, and the firm name became Doxrud & Hoffman, continu-
ing until 1911, when he purchased his partner's interest and thus
assumed entire control, where he now reigns both successfully
and independently. He was also, in the meantime, for a short
while connected with his two brothers, William C. and J. H.
Hoffman.
Mr. Hoffman is a man of extraordinary business ability and
since his first venture on his own resources he has seldom under-
taken a proposition that has not yielded to his benefit. "Fair
Dealing" is his motto, and to this he attributes his success. He
is a good conversationalist and interests his hearers with many
incidents of early pioneer days, when the ox team was a fixture
on the homestead farm, and the wearing apparel was made by
hand for the family of eight, of which he was the sixth child. He
also recalls vividly the responsibility of the mother in rearing
the family after the death of the father and of his own part in
helping to cultivate the 280-acre farm.
On November 9, 1883, Mr. Hoffman married Miss Julia T.
Nolan, daughter of Andrew and Anna Nolan, of Eidgeville, Wis.
Their children are Arch W., Myrtle Ann, Alica Elizabeth and
Harvey W. Hoffman.
Julius H. Hoffman, brother of AA^illiam C. and George A. Hoff-
man, all of Sparta, who has been a lifelong resident of Monroe
county, was born in Jefferson township November 12, 1861, to
John and Elizabeth (Seymour) Hoffman, pioneer Germans of this
township, having located here in the fifties.
Born and raised on a farm, Mr. Hoffman attended the district
schools of his native township and the public school of Sparta.
His early life was spent on the homestead farm and upon leaving
that he was engaged in the butcher business at Sparta with his
brothers for about eight years, and then engaged in the retail
grocery business, but this was of short duration and he went into
the harness and saddlery business in Sparta, and after making a
success of this for about ten years he concluded to try the real
estate business, and in the year 1908 he formed a partnership
with William Pearson, of AVinnipeg, of the firm of AVilliam
Pearson Company (Limited), with offices in Sparta, dealing
largely in western lands and the Last Mountain valley. They
also handle farm and city property in Monroe county and Sparta.
Mr. Hoffman is a- high-minded, public-spirited man, and is in-
terested in whatever relates to the well being or betterment of
his community. He is actively identified with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern AYoodmen of America.
'•A2
lll?STOKV OF .MOXKOK CUlNTY
lie was for fourteen years chief of the firi^ drpjirtinent aud served
two terms as member of the city council from the Third ward.
On June 10, 1800, ]Mr. ITotfman Avas united in marriage with
^liss Capitola Chaiiihcrlain. (hniirhtcr of ('. B. and Lois ("liamlx'r-
laiii. Ill" Spaiia.
William C. Hoffman is unr of the well-known and substantial
citizens of Sparta. He is of German lineajrc and a native of
Chicago, 111., born j\Iay 14, 1854, the son of John and Elizabeth
(Seymour) lloifman, both natives of Germau.w and were among
the sturdy ])ioneers that eaiiie and settled in Monroe county in
the early fifties. They located in Jett'ci-son toAvnship on a farm
and connnenced to ])reak up and subdue the Avild land, and had
but scarcely l)egun to improve his farm and make his way when
the Civil AVar broke out and he was drafted for service in a
AVisconsin regiment. PVcling it a neeessity and duty to remain
at home and care for his large family he liired a substitute for
$1,000 to take his place in the service, and had got nicely started
on the reduction of his war debt when he met an untimely death
by an accident with a horse at the age of foi'ty-five years. His
death was a great loss to the family and left the future manage-
ment and development of the home farm with the mother, which
by energy and untiring efforts on her part, and the aid of her
sons, was successfully carried on, and 100 of the 2r)0-acrc farm
was i^laced in a high state of cultivation.
AVilliam C. began early in life to make his own way and lay
the foundation for the future successful business career he has
since enjoyed, and at the age of fifteen he came to Sparta and
found employment in the l)utelier business under James Bulser,
receiving for his first services $5. Avhieli was raised to $15 a
month, and at the expiration of the third year he returned to the
fa I'm for a short time, hut the desire for a more active life pre-
vailed and he again returned to Sparta and t(M>k uji the l)utcher
business, working for some time with vai'ious tirms, and finally
he with two others i)urchased the business of his first employer
and the style of the firm was Potter, Audis & Hoffman. At the
end of three years Mr. Hoffman ])urehased the interest of Audis
and the business was car]"ied on for the next five years under the
mime of Potter & Hoffman. At this time Mr. Potter sold his
interest to ]Mr. Hoffman and he then associated Avith liis two
brothers and the nam(> became Hoffman brothers, with a pros-
perous ])usiness until 1904, when Mr. AVilliam Hoffman sold a
half interest to his brother, J. E. Hoffman, and a half interest to
Jefferson HoUenbeck, and retired.
ofiislif''
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ffllMlDtllr
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•Fllf-1 I
liriMi,'.
BIOGRAPHY 733
A resident of Monroe county for half a century, and starting
in life without capital, Mr. Hofifman has by hard work, economy
and good business judgment, worked his way to success and has
gained a competency with whicli to enjoy the remaining years
of his life. He is in the true sense a self-made man, one of good
moral character, enterprising and public spirited. ]Mr. Hoffman
is also a public benefactor in that he has made it possible for
several young persons to receive a practical education, thus
starting them on the road to success in life. He is an extensive
property owner, and in 1890 built a shop costing some $6,000, and
has since then erected several other substantial ])uildings. He
is a director in the ]\Ionroe County Bank, is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is identified with every
movement for the improvement and betterment of his city.
On January 28, 1878, Mr. Hoffman was married to Miss .Mary
Fitzgerald, daughter of Patrick Fitzgerald, of Sparta.
Edwin S. Hubbard, a successful farmer of Sheldon township,
Monroe county, Wisconsin, where he was born February 6, 1862,
is a son of William and Mary (Saxby) Hubbard, both natives of
England. The father came to America in the early fifties before
his marriage and located in Walworth county, where for a time
he worked as a laborer, and later moved to Monroe county and
settled in the town of Forest, and in 1857 went to Sheldon town-
ship, where he purchased 120 acres of land in sections fourteen
and fifteen and resided there for thirty years, engaged in general
farming. In 1887 he went to Tennessee and remained five years,
returning to the homestead at the end of that time, sold the farm
to Edwin S. and retired from active labor. Mr. and ]\lrs. Hub-
bard had a family of three children, all of whom are now living.
During his farming operations Mv. Hubbard dealt extensively in
stock raising, making a specialty of Oxford sheep, of which he
was a successful breeder. He had the first wheat ground at the
first grist mill established at Sparta, using an ox team to take it
there. Mr. Hubbard was one of the early settlers of Sheldon
township and experienced his share of the trials and hardships of
the pioneer. He was one of the foremost citizens of the county,
high minded and public spirited. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard were
both members of the Baptist church and contributed liberally to
its support. After a long and well spent life Mr. Hubbard passed
away in 1903, honored and respected by all who knew him. The
death of Mrs. Hubbard occurred in 1883.
Edwin S. was raised on the home farm and attended the dis-
trict schools until he was twelve years of age, assisting in the farm
734 IIISTOHV OF .MOXKOE COI'XTY
work, and was the mainstay of his father. He has always lived
on the home farm, whicli he purchased in 1888, and has since
carried it on on his own account. He is a successful preneral
farmer aud his place is well improved by cultivation and substan-
tial buildings. He employs the most up-to-date methods in his
farming operations and keeps his place well supplied with modern
equipments, and a good grade of horses, cattle, hogs and sheep,
and makes a specialty of dairying. He is independent in politics
and takes an active interest in the affairs of his town and county.
He has served as clerk of the town one year, for tAvo years was
treasurer of his town, and for several years school clerk. He is
one of the organizers of the Xorwalk creamery and is now its
president, and has been the past five years.
On February 22, 1888, IMr. Hubbard was married in Uie town
of Sheldon to jNHss Josephine Falk, daughter of Fred and Fredrica
Falk, natives of Germany. ]Mrs. Hubbard is one of a family of
eleven children, reared and brought uj) at ^Medsker's Valley.
Three children have been born to Mr. and i\Irs. Hubbard, viz. :
Lillian, Verna and William Hubbard.
Walter W. Hughart, who has ])een a resident of ]\Ionroe county
for some fifteen years, is one of the prosperous farmers and Inisi-
ness men who are worthy of special mention in this woi-k. He
was born July 2().. 1871, in Richland county. Wisconsin, and is
the son of Daniel R. and Elsie ]\I. (Brown) Hughart. His father
came from Ohio and his mother from New York. They were mar-
ried in l(S(i!) in Wisconsin, and moved to Kichland county in 1848,
where they lived until about 1!)02. and. after spending some time
in Oregon, they located in Spokane, Wash. The father died
in Si)()kane in 1911 at the age of sixty years. Tlie moflier still
sui'vives and resides in Spokane, AVash.
AValter W. obtained a good education in the district schools
and at the age of seventeen began to earn his own living. He
was faithful, steady and economical in his habits, and after a
few years he had accunudated sufficient money from his savings
with which to purchase a farm of 120 acres in sections eleven and
twelve in the iDwiiship of Oakdale. On .\ovenil)er 28, 1895, he
was married, in Alt. Pleasant township, (ireen county, Wisconsin,
to Aliss Phila A. Richards, (hinglitei- of James and Jaiu^ Richards,
old settlers and early ])ioneers of that county. Her ]U'0{)le came
originally fi-om England on the patei-nnl side, and the mother
descended from one of the Lords of the House of Parliament,
After his marriage, he disposed of the 120-acre farm and pur-
chased another 120-acre tract in section foui-tecn of Oakdale town-
BIOGRAPHY 735
ship, where they located and now reside, he being considered one
of the most successful men in the business. His methods of con-
ducting the farm are up to date and his land is in a high state of
productiveness. In connection with his general farming, he makes
a specialty of dairying and poultry raising, from which he derives
a regular income. He was one of the organizers of the Oakdale
Co-operative Butter Association, and is a man of good business
ability. He is a Democrat in polities and for three years has been
clerk of the to-\\ai of Oakdale. He is also a member of the Modern
Brotherhood of America.
Mr. and IMrs. Hughart have a family of ten children, all of
whom are living, viz: Ruth I., born September 7. 1896; S. Edith,
born December 31. 1897; Eunice, liorn January 20. 1899; J.
Stanly, born December 29, 1900; Wilber H.. born July 3, 1902;
Lillie, born April 3, 1904; Elsie, born May 8, 1905; Gertrude, born
April 23, 1907 ; Phila. born December 3, 1908, and James Daniel,
born December 31. 1910.
Evan Humphrey,* who ranks among the progressive farmers
of Monroe county, was born at Bangor, LaCrosse county, "Wiscon-
sin. April 15. 1879, to G. G. and Catherine (Meredith) Humphrey,
both natives of Wales. Sometime during the fifties they decided
to come to the United States, and soon after arriving in this coun-
try came West to Wisconsin, and settled on a farm near Bangor,
in LaCrosse county. He Avas a mason by trade and followed this
honest calling as demand warranted in connection with his farm-
ing. He was a man of high ideals, kind-hearted and generous, a
devoted member of the Calvinistic IMethodist Episcopal church,
and contributed liberally to its support. He took a lively interest
in public affairs, and was a member of the school board for
twenty-five years, and was a member of the town board at the time
of his death, which occurred in 1894. at the age of sixty-seven
years. His widow, mother of our subject, is a woman of fine
mental attainments and still survives.
Evan was reared on the home farm, receiving his education
in the district schools. He started life on his own account in
1898. when nineteen years of age; he took charge of and carried
on his father's farm with marked success for some five years, and
in 1903 came to Monroe county and purchased liis present farm
of 160 acres from J. T. Hutson. and has since continued as one
of the leading farmers of Sparta township, pursuing up-to-date
methods which have brought him successful results. He follows
general farming and dairying, and makes a specialty of raising
Guernsey cattle.
736 HISTORY OF :\IONROE COUNTY
]\lr. lliunplircy was iinitod in marriatro with !Miss Rose Hntson,
dautrlitor of J. T. Ilulson, in V.H)'-i. ami to this union has been
born three children — Tracy J.. Gladys Irene and Hugh ^Meredith —
all of wlioni reside at home with their parents. ]\Ir. Humphrey
takes an active interest in the affairs of his township, is a member
of the town board, and all matters he considers for the welfare of
his community he gives his active support. lie is a member of
the Big Creek ]Methodist Episcopal church and contributes of his
means to its su]iport.
Andrew Hntson, a prosperous farmer and well known citizen
of ^loiirof ctdintN-. is a lifelong resident of the county, having
been born in Farmers Valley. Angelo township. Fel)ruary 21. 1859,
son of Solomon and ]\Iaria (Winterburn) Hntson. They were
natives of England and came to the United States, settling first
in the State of New York. Soon thereafter they came to "Wiscon-
sin, and in 1856 traveled overland by team from ^Milwaukee to
Angelo township, where they were among the pioneer settlers of
that section. They engaged in farming and there made their
home until Andrew reached the age of two years, Avhen they
moved to the Leon Valley in Leon township, and in 1868 came
to Sparta town.ship and located on a farm of 145 acres in section
seven, where our subject now resides. At the time of locating on
this farm in the Big Creek Valley, it had an orchard of ten acres
which was valued at $1,000. l)ut the balance of the farm was
mostly covered with stumps. By energy, hard work and perse-
verance these were soon removed, and the land transformed into
one of the most fertile spots in the valley. New buildings have
been erected, consisting of an up-to-date residence equipped with
modern conveniences, large and commodious barns and other out-
buildings. Other improvements have been made from time to
time, until it has become one of the most ideal farm homes to be
found in IMonroe county, and, being located in one of the pictur-
esque localities of Big Creek Valley, has a peculiar charm all its
own. 'Mv. Hntson. father of Andrew, died January 1. 1878, aged
fifty-two years, and his wife, mother of our subject, passed away
in 1870 at the age of thirty-seven. ]Mr. Andrew Hntson is the
second child of a family of three children, the others being Emma,
who is the wife of Robert E. Hntson. of Sparta townshiji. and Ida.
now the wife of J. A. Parker, of ^Minneapolis. ]\Iinn.
On June 17, 1886, jMr. Hutson was united in nuirriage witli
!RIiss Lillian J. Doane, daughter of Timothy and Sarah M.
(Rhodes) Doane, of Welsh Valley. Little Falls township. They
were natives of New England, descended from old and prominent
BIOGRAPHY 737
families. They came to Wisconsin and were among the early
settlers of Bush Prairie, Lafayette township, this county. lie
was a man of high ideals, prominent in his community and re-
spected and esteemed by all who knew him. His death occurred
in 1865, at the age of forty-three years. His widow, mother of
Mrs. Hutson, who survives at the age of eighty-eight years, is a
charming lady and still retains most excellent health and mental
vigor.
Mr. and ]\Irs. Hutson have an interesting family of four chil-
dren. They are: Clayton H., born October 23, 1888; Percival W.,
a student at Beloit College, born November 13, 1891 ; Margorie E.,
born December 19, 1898, and Lorene A., born July 6, 1907.
Mr. Hutson received his education in the district school and
has devoted his entire life since boyhood to farming, and is known
as one of the progressive and substantial farmers of JNIonroe
county, being a man of intelligence and worth in the community
in which he resides. He has been treasurer of his town, assessor
for twelve years, and also a member of the school board. In
rsligious matters he and his most estimable wife and family are
identified with the IMethodist Episcopal church of Big Creek
Valley.
Benjamin F. Hutson, who resides in section six. town of
Sparta, was born at Council Bluffs, la., January 21, 1877, the son
of William and Elizabeth (Fox) Hutson, natives of England and
Vermont respectively. They were married in the Big Creek Val-
ley, Sparta township, Monroe county, Wisconsin, where he en-
gaged in farming for a short time and then removed to Kansas.
After a short sojourn in that state, he went to Arkansas, thence
removed to Nebraska, and later to Iowa, locating at Council
Bluffs, where he was engaged for two years in railroad construc-
tion work. At the end of that time he went to South Dakota
and homesteaded a quarter section of land, and remained there
four years. He then returned to Monroe county and purchased
a small farm of eighty acres near the Big Creek Methodist church
in Sparta township, and there died eighteen months later, on
March 24, 1886, aged fiftv-six vears. Mrs. Hutson, mother of our
subject, survives and is a resident of Leon Valley in this county.
Benjamin F. is the third child of a family of six children.
Those besides our subject living are Chauncey A., of Sparta; May,
the wife of Reuben Holm, of Leon township. Those deceased
are Carrie and two who died in infancy.
On April 12, 1899, ]\Ir. Hutson was married to INIiss Nona
McCumber, daughter of William and Martha (Hohn) McCumber,
738 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
of Spai'ta townsliip. They have tliree ehildren — Dora ^Mildred,
Ivy Merrill and AVilliani Henry. ]Mr. lliilson was reared on a
farm in H'\g Creek X'allcy. ;ind atl ended Ihc distriet schools, after
Avhieh he was employed at farmin<i- in tlilTerent localities until
18!)8. when lie ])urchase(l his ])resent farm of KiO acres, and which,
l)y li.ii'd work, ihi'ift and cconniny. he has hi'ous^hl to a high state
of cultivat ion. cn-clfd a new iiiodei-n i-esidence, re-built the barns,
adding a granary, tool shed and hog liousc. and installed a sys-
tem of i-iniiiing water, all of wliich makes him a model country
home. .Mr. llntson is a nieml)er of Ihc (lood Templars Lodge,
and in |)olilies he is a Republican.
Fred G. Hutson, successful farmer of section thirty-four, An-
gelo townshii), is the son of Thomas ami Mai-y Ann (Wooley)
Hutson, natives of England, whence they eame to America and
first settled in AVestern New York, and in the early fifties came
to AViseonsin and located in IMonroe county, where Fred G. was
born December 7. 186!). .\fter a few years spent in Leon town-
ship, the father j)urchased a farm in Big Creek A^'alley, La Crosse
county, and there remained until late in life, when he removed to
the city of S{)arta, where he died at the age of seventy-eight years.
Ilis wife, mother of our subject, passed aAvay at the age of seventy
years. They raised a family of seven children, Fred G. being the
youngest. Of the others, Thomas and Harriet are deceased ;
Charles II. lives in Sparta; Robert AV. resides in AVells township:
Thirza is the wife of D. F. Jones, of Sparta township; and John F.,
of Sparta.
Fred G. was reared on liis fatluM-'s farm, attending the com-
mon, schools and assisting Avith the farm work until he reached
the age of twenty-four years, when he started out for himself.
He first located in Angelo township, near S]>arta. where he re-
mained one year, then went to ^linnesota. After a short time he
returned to ]Monroe count\- and located in Leon township, remain-
ing there two years, and then moved to the town of AVells and
spent two more yeai-s. and again returned to Leon and spent two
years; thence to the town of Angelo. locating on his i)resent
farm, eighty acres of which lies in section thirty-four. Angelo,
and loT acres in section three. AVells township, in 1!>0L In 1905
he erected a new barn and othei- outbuildings, and in 1907 built
a new residence. Since ])urchasing this farm, ]\Ir. Hutson has.
besides cai'rying on general farming, been actively engaged in
making many imi)rovements. A Republican in politics, he is in-
terested in all ])ublic matters, and is now (1912) serving his fourth
BIOGRAPHY 739
term as township treasurer. In social matters he is a member of
the Beavers.
On January 'S, 1895, Mr. Ilutson was married to JNliss Eliza-
beth Jones, daughter of J. E. and Carrie (Calkins) Jones, of Leon
township. ]Mrs. Hutson passed away in 1910, at the age of forty
years, leaving, besides her husband, a family of eight children,
viz : Phillip, Evelyn, George, Carl, Grace, Ruth, Gertrude and
Dorothy.
Robert W. Hutson is a native of Monroe county and was born
in the town of Angelo on August 9, 1860, the son of Thomas and
]\Iary Ann (Wooley) Ilutson. lie received his education in the
district schools of the neighborhood, and early in life started out
for himself, dependent upon his own resources. In 1881 he bought
his father's farm and has actively managed it ever since; in 1901
took a position Avith the Piano Manufacturing Company as travel-
ing salesman for some three years ; he then resumed work on the
farm, which is located in section three of Wells township, at
which he has been successful from the start, and is now consid-
ered one of the most progressive and hustling farmers of his town-
ship. Besides general farming, Mr. Ilutson does quite an exten-
sive dairy business and takes pride in keeping his place well
stocked with horses, cattle and hogs, and well supplied with
modern equipments for carrying on the work.
]\Ir. Ilutson takes an active interest in the aft'airs of his town
and county and works in the Republican ranks in any movement
pertaining to the betterment of the community. Fraternally he
is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
On February 13, 1882, Mr. Hutson was married at Leon, to
]\Iiss Georgia E. Rich, and they have had seven children, six of
whom are now (1912) living, viz: Lola, born July 31, 1884; Floyd,
born March 12. 1886; Bessie, born January 31, 1889; Jessie, born
jMarch 4, 1891 : Robie, born December 7, 1893, and Georgia, born
January 9. 1898. Lizzie is deceased.
Martin Jackson. No history of Monroe county would be com-
plete without a biography of Mr. Martin Jackson, the pioneer
grain, seed and stock dealer. He was born in West Toten, Nor-
Avay, on December 13, 1846. His parents, Jacob and Christinina
(Hangrud) Jackson, emigrated to the United States in 1870 and
located at Cashton, where the father died at the age of ninety-
four years, and the mother passed away at Cashton at the age
of eighty-four years.
After arriving in this country Mr. Jackson spent the first three
740 HISTORY OF :\IONROE COUNTY
years at various kinds of employment. He had received a thor-
oug:h education in Norway and in the meantime developed an
unusual executive ability, which aided him greatly after coming
to America. He was an ambitious and energetic young man and
soon after coming to Sparta he secured a position in a grain ele-
vator, w^hich he held for about ten years, six of which he operated
the grain warehouse for the firm of Dorwin, King & Company,
and gained a thorough knowledge of the business with a reputa-
tion for honorable and upright dealing. He was thrifty and saving
and soon accunudated means with which he purchased a ware-
house at Casliton. He enlarged and remodeled his buildings and
soon established a good trade, and by his honesty and square
dealing secured the patronage of that entire section, where he
did an annual business running as high as $100,000, his shipments
of grain and stock often reaching 100 cars or more. He soon
again enlarged his facilities, and for a period of seventeen years
he operated three warehouses. In 1897, disposing of his interests
at Cashton, he returned to Sparta, where he owned and operated
a grain elevator on the C, M. & St. P. R. R., and also took charge
of the Northwestern, and at Sparta, in the live stock business,
transactions amounted from $120,000 to $150,000 a year for some
time, and subsequently leased it to McEchorn &, Company, of
Wausau, Wis. This elevator was soon thereafter destroyed by
fire. Since disposing of his elevator interests Mr. Jackson has
been engaged in the seed, stock and wool business at Sparta,
Avhich has grown to large proportions, he having the reputation
of being the largest dealer in wool in jMonroe county and of being
the most proficient in the grading of grain of any man in the
county.
In 1873 Mr. Jackson married Miss Mary Langard, daugliter
of Lars O. and Mary Langard, both natives of Norway, and Avho
emigrated to "Wisconsin in 1868 and made their home in La Crosse
county. Mrs. Jackson died in 1908 at the age of fifty-five years.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, viz. : Olga, who
is the wife of C. AY. Craig and lives at Hoquaim. Wash. ; Claudie
is the wife of Robert Merrill, of Sparta; Clara married James A.
Uttley and resides in Nortli Dakota; INlinnie is the Avife of Cleo
Evans and lives in Sparta ; George and Elystar, who also live in
Sparta.
Mr. Jackson is an ardent Republican and from the first has
taken an active part in local and state politics. He has been a
member of the county board, president of the village of Cashton,
and a member of the Cashton school board for several years. lie
BIOGRAPHY 741
is a man of fine personal qualities and social standing, courteous
in manner, dignified in his bearing, of generous impulses and a
lover of good cheer. He is a devoted member of the Norwegian
Lutheran church of Sparta, and of the Order of the Knights of
Pythias. He is one of Monroe country's most reliable and
substantial citizens.
Joseph Jankel,"' a prosperous farmer, whose 160-acre farm is
located in section twenty-one, Lafayette township, is a son of
Peter Jankel and was born in Germany, July 3, 1850. While yet
a young boy his parents both died and he went to live with his
aunt, ^Irs. Derbert, with whom he remained until he became
sixteen years of age, when he started out in life for himself. He
was first employed in a machine shop, where he remained for a
time, and then was engaged in railroad work at Hamburg, Ger-
many, Avhich occupation he followed for two years. When he
became of age he entered the German army and served as a pri-
vate until 1875, when he received his discharge and returned to
his former home and resumed employment in the machine shop,
Avhere he remained for one year. In the spring of 1877 he sailed
from his native land for America, and on June 10 of that year he
arrived in Sparta and went to live with his brother William in
Ridgeville township. During the next five years he was variously
employed, making his home for the time with his brother. He
then rented a farm, which h(> conducted on his own account for
seven years; thence he went to Coles valley and lived on a rented
farm for four years, and at the expiration of that time he came
to Sparta township and worked the King farm for one year, and
in November, 1893, purchased his present farm. The land is
under a good state of cultivation, is well stocked and improved
with a good class of buildings, in the most part put there by Mr.
Jankel since he has owned the place. Mr. Jankel began life on
this farm with a cajntal of ^{^300, ])acked by a determined purpose
to succeed, and the first year cleared ten acres, and has since
continued to improve the land. He is engaged in general farming
and raising of Durham cattle.
In 1880 he was married to Miss Amelia Dresner, daughter of
Christ Dresner, of Leon township. To this union have been born
three children. Clara A. and Martha E. are now engaged in
teaching, and Adolph A. is conducting the John Swartzlow farm
in Lafayette township.
Adolph A. Jankel was born in Ridgeville township, January
13, 1888, and is the son of Joseph and Amelia (Dresner) Jankel.
He attended the district school and was reared on the home farm.
742 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
After leaving lioine he was employed at farm work for E. T.
Doane and Charles L. Flume, and later was employed by David
Ilemstock iu the draying business. lie was married Fel)ruary 1-4,
1912, to Miss Nina Dald, daughter of Jens and Celia (Madsen)
Dahl, of Angelo township, and immediately thereafter took charge
of the Jolui Swartzlow farm.
William T. Jefferson, president of the Jefferson Leaf Tobacco
Company, another one of Sparta's representative business iiicn
and liigldy respected citizens, is a native of Pittsylvania county,
Vii'ginia, and was born April 29, 1862, and is the second of a
family of ten cliihlron l)orn to William TazAvell and Amelia
(Wilcher) Jefferson. Tlie otliers are James T., of Franklin
county, Virginia; Mollie is the wife of F. P. Graves, of Franklin
eount3% Virginia ; Charles F. and Vincent AV., of Danville, Va. ;
Leslie AV. resides at AVorth, AV. A'^a.; Christianl). and Ossie A.,
of Roanoke, Va.; Cabell 1). resides on the homestead fai-m ne;ir
Sandy Level, Va.. and Kelly B. lives at AVatertown. Wis. AVil-
liam T. Jefferson, father of our subject, has been a resident of
Pittsylvania county for many years, where he has been success-
fully engaged in agricultural pursuits and attained to a position
of prominence. Isaiah Jefferson, paternal grandfather of our
subject, is also a native of A^irginia, as was also Coleman AVitcher,
the maternal grandfather, who was a representative of one of the
oldest and most respected families of A^'irginia.
AVilliam T. was educated in the public schools of his native
toAvn and his life up to his twenty-fourth year was spent in farm-
ing, a portion of his time l)eing associated with bis ohlei- lirother,
James T. In 1886 AVilliam went to Danville, A^'a., and established
the firm of AV. T. Jefferson & Company, dealers in leaf tobacco.
He later followed the same line of business in North and South
Carolina, making his headquarters at Danville, A"a., and purchas-
ing tobacco at Fair Bluff, N. C, and ]\lullen, S. C, for some five
years, whence he came to AVisconsin, and in 1901 1o Sparta, as
manager of the American Cigar Company's plant. He contiinied
in that capacity until January. 190(), when lie was nuide state
manager of the same company Avith head(|uarters at ^Madison.
After a residence of four years at this place he resigned his posi-
tion and returning to Sparta in November, 1908, organized the
Jeft'erson Leaf To1)aceo Com]>any, Avhieh is incorporated for
$50,000, with AV. T. Jefferson, ])resident ; D. AV. Cheney, vice-
president, and H. AV. Jeft'erson, secretary and treasurer. The
extensive output of Uiis establislunent is distributed throughout
1lie middle Avest and eastern states. The purchase of this product
BIOGRAPHY 743
is made iu Wisconsin and Minnesota, and is sold to large jobbers
and manufacturers through William T., who represents the
company in the various cities of the two states.
In Bedford county, Virginia, January 17, 1881, Mr. Jefferson
was united in marriage with Miss Laura D. Rorer, daughter of
J. Q. and Sallie (Hensley) Rorer. They have six children, viz. :
Harley W., Mahlon H., attorney at law, Beach, N. D. ; Earl A.,
Rorer, Sallie A., and Thomas Jefferson.
Harley W. Jefferson, secretary and treasurer of the Jefferson
Leaf Tobacco Company, was married in June, 1908, to Miss Lelia
A. Shannon, daughter of W. 0. and Alice Shannon, of Henderson,
N. C. They have one son, Harley W. Jefferson, Jr. Mr. Jefferson
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights of Pythias, the
Modern AYoodmen of America, the U. C. T., and the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks.
Mrs, Anna Jenkins, the widow of the late David Jenkins, a
resident of section eight, Leon township, a daughter of Evan S.
and Ann Evans, one of the early settlers of Fish Creek valley,
who emigrated to La Crosse county from North Wales in the
spring of 1855, was married to Mr. Jenkins December 7, 1877.
Mrs. Jenkins was born June 14, 1858, and is the oldest of a family
of eight children, all of whom are living.
David Jenkins was one of the highly respected citizens of the
Fish Creek valley in Monroe county, and was a native of South
Wales. He was the third child in a family of five children born
to Evan and Margaret (Williams) Jenkins, also natives of AVales.
His birth occurred August 5, 1848, and he came to America with
his mother, two brothers and a sister, and joined his father, who
had preceded them to Leon township. Mr. Jenkins, the father,
was a coal miner from South Wales, but wishing to better his
condition sought out the new country in which to make a more
desirable home. He homesteaded 160 acres of land where Mrs.
Jenkins, the subject of, noAv resides, he being one of the very
early settlers of the valley, where he continued to reside during
his active life, making his home with his sons during his later
years, and died in La Crosse county in 1898 at the age of eighty
years. He was a good citizen and a devoted member of the Con-
gregational church, and in politics a Republican. His wife, the
mother of David, died in 1880. There were born to David and
Anna Jenkins three children, viz. : Arthur, born April 15, 1878 ;
Emlyn, born March 15, 1883, and Vida Claudia, born June 8, 1887.
David Jenkins was one of the successful farmers of Leon town-
ship, a man devoted to his home and family, a strict temperance
lu HISTORY OF moxrop: county
}nan and a staunch Republican, and witli his estimable wife was
a member of the Congregational church. He passed away on
June 20, 1910, and was buried in Fairview cemetery at Bangor,
Wisconsin.
SKETCH OF THE JENKINS FAMILY.
The Jenkins family are of Hritish origin. The name in AVelsh
is "Cuncyn'' or ''Sheukiu." They originated in South AVales
and dwelt there for many generations. Very few of this name
are found in North Wales. They are quite numerous in Clamor-
gan county. They were freeholders of land until mining Avas
developed about one hundred years ago ; then they followed min-
ing, iron and tin workers, and tlu* clan have scattered to every
part of the globe. They have taken part with other family clans
in the advancement of freedom, education and religion. Wales
has advanced more in comparison than any state in Europe.
Education in different grades is of the best. It furnishes more
preachers and divines than any part of the United Kingdom.
The Bible and the hymn book is the encyclopedia and songster
of the Welshman for a long period. The Welsh language is
spoken by hundreds of thousands through the principality. It is
a poetical and musical language ; it has variety of sound almost
endless ; it has a stanza to the spider composed of vowels alone.
No other language can boast of such a feat ; the people have clung
to the language for thousands of years Avith wonderful tenacity,
while cousins, the Scotch and Irish, have neglected their vernacu-
lar to an alarming extent. The Scotch clung to the nuisical
bagpipe while the Welsh and Irish have taken to the harp. This
three clans are holding a triennial festival they call the sitting, or
"Eistedfod," w^here they have competition in essays, poetry,
songs, music, instrumental, dancing, art, etc., in every branch of
learning and literature. The foremost kelt of the clans today are
leaders in every branch of learning and constitute noblemen in
the advanced line in civilization of mankind in every ]iart of the
globe.
PROGRESS OF FIFTY-FOUR YEARS.
AYlien father and T came to America in 1858 we came to a
comparatively wild and desolate country. The ^Milwaukee & St.
Paul railroad was then built to Tomali. Farmers who lived there
then had rude small log huts. Their only market was Ua (^rosse.
Sparta Avas a small place then. There were only a few horses in
the La Crosse valley: people used oxen. A buggy or cutter, and
THOMAS JENKINS
BIOGRAPHY 745
eveu a bobsled was a rare article. The long sleigh was in vogue
and some used these in summer until they procured wagons. To
cut grass and grain they used scythe and cradle and bound by
hand. The virgin soil was very productive ; everything was very
cheap, wheat 33 cents per bushel, pork 2 cents per pound, and
good cows $25. Horses were very dear, a good team costing
$400 or $500 ; hired men $1 per day ; people very contented and
wonderfully accommodating. The first settlers were strong men
and Avomen of all nationalities. If a man climbed on top of the
bluffs he could see only timber, timber. Today field, houses,
barns, cattle, horses, school houses and healthy and rugged look-
ing children. Monroe county, thou hast changed wonderfully ;
thou art big and almost square, so big I guess as Milwaukee,
Kenosha and Eacine counties. Thou art a baby yet in numbers
of population, but there is great progress within thy bounds.
La Crosse valley, the great rail highway to the wonderful west,
is romantic and beautiful with young forest trees on both sides
of the valley. Sparta, the most American city of Wisconsin, is
located in a fertile and picturesque spot within five miles of the
greatest soldier drilling camp in the United States. There are
as good farms in this valley, as you can see in any part of the
United States, and a glorious and progressive future awaits the
coming generations.
Thomas Jenkins, one of the intelligent farmers of Leon town-
ship, Monroe county, Wisconsin, w^as born in Wales, February 16,
1840. He emigrated to America and settled in ^lonroe county
in 1858, and is a loyal citizen of the country of his adoption.
Evan Jenkins, his father, was born in Wales in 1813, a son of
Thomas and Mary Morgan Jenkins, also natives of Wales. He
was reared in his own country and during his youth was engaged
in agricultural pursuits and mining. In 1858 he determined to
try his fortune in the new world, and accordingly crossed the sea
to America. He came directly to Wisconsin and settled in Monroe
county, where he made his home until his death, which occurred
in November, 1898. He was one of the pioneers of this section
and bravely bore his part in developing the resources of the
country. He was married in his native land at the age of twenty-
seven years to Margaret Williams, who w^as born in Wales. Of
this union five children were born : Thomas, the subject of this
sketch ; Elizabeth, the wife of W. W. AVilliams, of Scranton, Pa. ;
David, who lived on part of the old homestead, died in June,
1910 ; Evan, who lives on a farm near Bangor, and Llewellyn,
who lived on part of the old homestead, died in March, 1904. The
746 HISTORY OF MOXROP] COUNTY
mother of these children died April 21, 1879, at the age of sixty-
six years. She was a consistent member of the Congregational
church. ]\Ir. Jenkins is a member of the church ; politically af-
filiates Avith the Republican and Prohibition parties. lie is a man
of integrity, and honorable in all his dealings, and enjoys the
highest respect of the community.
Tliomas, the oldest of the family, remained with his father
on the home farm until he purchased a farm of AV. S. Jones in
1874. He received his education in the common schools and was
fairly trained in all tlie details of agriculture. He now owns 379
acres in two farms and good Iniildings in Pleasant valley. The
writer has been married twice, first to Mary Lloyd, daughter of
John and JMargaret Lloyd. Three children were born to them,
INIilton, Annie and ]\Iargaret. The mother of these children died
in 1881, :Milton died in 1898, and Annie and Margaret in 1906.
]\Iarried for the second time in 1888 to Laura Rathbun, daughter
of Ilallet and Catherine (Cramer) Rathbun. at Cashton, AYis. The
latter is now deceased. Six children are the result of this union :
Hallet Rathbun, died in infancy ; Gathorn Meredith, Lyel Newton,
Melita Lucinda, Tliomas Hallet, Glen Llewellyn. Deeming the
temperance movement the greatest question of the day, the writer
has given his hearty support and influence to temperance in
every form ; has served twice as juror and twice on the town
board. I am glad that I did not load myself with bad habits in
my youth, such as drinking, using tobacco, swearing, playing
cards, dancing and mastered superstition and unrelial)le legends.
I am a lover of books and am standing on a broad platform in
my views and thinking that there are good people in all parties
in every country. I admire Wisconsin Avitli its equity and ad-
vancement, and its great university. Our free schools will drive
darkness, middle age dogmas and superstition out of the land. I
leave my blessings to my descendants and kindest wishes to the
readers of the history of Monroe county. AYisconsin.
Respectfully, THOAIAS JENKINS.
Zeno Kent Jewett, whose death occurred at Sparta. September
12, 1908. was a leader among the horticulturists of Wisconsin,
and an illustrious example of that type of enterprising, intelligent
and resourceful business men who have given to INIonroe county
the advanced station i1 hdlds among the progressive counties of
this state. He was a native of Aurora, Portage county. Ohio,
born in Septeml)er. 1837. His father, Christopher Jewett, was a
native nf New Hampshire and was descended from one of the
BIOGRAPHY 747
earliest and most respected New England families. lie was one
of seven brothers who have numerous descendants throughout the
country.
The paternal grandfather, James Jewett. emigrated to Ohio
when his sou Christopher was a youth, and was among the early
pioneers of Portage county. The mother of Zeno Kent Jewett,
whose maiden name was Arabella Kent, was also a pioneer of
that part of Ohio, having emigrated from Connecticut. Christo-
pher Jewett. accompanied by his family, went to Illinois in 1841
and settled in Chicago, which was at that time a small village,
remaining there but one year, when he removed to McHenry
county. After a residence of a few years at this place, the family
again moved, gomg at that time to Lake county, Illinois, where
the father died in 1851. His wife, mother of our subject, survived
him many years, spending the latter part of her life with her son,
Zeno, at Sparta. Christopher and Arabella (Kent) Jewett were
the parents of three children, Zeno K. being the eldest. The late
Mrs. jMiriam Morehouse, a long time resident of Sana Andro, Cal.,
was the second in order of birth and lived to the age of sixty-six
years, her death occurring in 1908; the youngest and only sur-
viving member of the family, A. H. Jewett, is a resident of White
Salmon, Wash.
Zeno K. Jewett was reared and spent his early youth in Illi-
nois. In the fall of 1865 he came to INIonroe county and pur-
chased a farm in LaFayette township. Returning to Lake county,
Illinois, he married, in 1866, Miss A. Eliza Judd, daughter of
Artemus and Hannah (Halliday) Judd, natives of New York
state and Canada respectively. Artemus Judd accompanied his
parents to Canada Avhen twelve years of age, and here resided
until early manhood, whence he came to Wisconsin, where Mrs.
Jewett was born. The family later removed to Iowa, where he
died in 1870. His widow survived until 1882, when she too passed
away. IMrs. JeAvett has four brothers living, viz. : Eli E. Judd, of
Antioch, 111. ; Capt. Samuel H. Judd, of Tacoma. Wash. ; Artemus
W. Judd resides in Illinois, and F. B. Judd lives in Iowa. Four
children were born to JMr. and Mrs. Jewett, viz. : Miriam Irene,
Art Judd. Maude lone, all of whom reside at Sparta, and Bella,
who is deceased.
Art Judd Jewett was united in marriage with Miss Catherine
McMillen, daughter of C. W. and INIary K. McMillen, of Sparta,
August 11, 1890. They have one son, Zeno Kent Jewett, who
married Minnie D. King, daughter of John A. King, of Tomah,
September 17, 1909. and they have one son. John Artemus Jewett.
748 HISTORY OF :\10XR0E COUNTY
]\Ir. Zeno K. Jewett returned to ]\Ionroe county witli liis young
wife in llic sprin*? of 1866, iind moNcd onto the farm that he had
purchased llic tail j)revious, wliidi lie improved with a good
residence and outbuiUlings, and carried on general farming until
1868, at wliicli time he Avas joined by his l)rother. A. II. -lewett,
and togellici" they continued to operate the fai"m successfully
initil 187;i. wlicn Mr. Zeno K. -lewett jmrchased tlu^ interest of his
brother and .-ifterward conducted the farm alone, starting, in the
meantime, a nursery and farm within the city limits of Sparta.
Gradually disposing of all his holdings in LaFayette township, he
devoted liimscir entirely to his Sparta interests and conducted a
protitfd)le ;iiid growing business. For years he kept a very com-
plete nursery, making a specialty of the finest evergreens. He
was also successfully engaged in the i-aising of small fruits and
was foi" many years known as one of llie most prosperous nursci-y-
nien and horticulturists. Jn 18!J8 he established the -lewett gi-een-
houses. which were also an accpiisition to his already' tine culture,
and which are still most ably and successfully conducted under
the management of his daughter, Miss ]\Iiriam Irene -Jewett. while
the farm and nursery is being carried on by his son. A. J. -Jewett.
Mr. -Jewett had always taken an active interest in public affairs
and was always i-eady to lend his moral intlnence and financial
aid to any worthy enterprise tending to the betlermeni of his
conniiunity. lie never sought ])olitical preferment nor desired
public oftice. although he Avas alderman from the First AVard
and chairman of the board at the time the waterworks system
was inaugurated, lie was a Republican in politics and a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A man of jovial dis-
position, he was recognized as one of Sparta's most influential
citizens and highly esteemed by all.
Dni'ing his lifetime. 'Sir. -lewett and his estimable wife were
extensive travelers and visited the I'acitic coast and other impor-
tant points of the Republic, securing many mementoes from the
interesting points visited. ]Mrs. -Jewett relates many of the vivid
scenes and incidents connected with the early days when they
first settled in J.a Fayette township, at which tinu' the Indians
came and camped on their farm, the chief and others of their
tribe often seeking a night's lodging at their home. She also tells
of attending the war dances, which at times continued toi- three
days and niLilils. it is such stin-ini; incidents as she is able to
relate that heli)ed to make up llic history of jiionccr da\s in
]\Ionroe eountv.
BIOGRAPHY 749
George A. Johnson,* who resides on section twenty-two, Green-
field township, is a native of Monroe county, having been born
on the homestead farm adjoining the one of 320 acres where he
now resides, and Avhich is one of the well cultivated and pro-
ductive farms of the county. He was born on June 14, 1884, to
Albert and Sarah (Tarr) Johnson, who were natives of New
England, and descended from an old and prominent family. The
Tarr family were among the first settlers of Greenfield township,
together with the Sawyers and others, sketches of whom appear
elsewhere in this work.
Albert Johnson is a son of Calvin Johnson, who came to INIon-
roe county in an early day and settled in section twenty-two,
Greenfield township, where he spent many years of his active life.
He moved to Riverside. Cal., where he passed away at the age
of eighty-four years. His wife, grandmother of our subject, also
died there. The parents of our subject are still residents of
Greenfield and classed among the well-to-do and highly respected
citizens of that town. They have had a family of nine children,
eight of whom are now (1912) living, viz.: Herbert, deceased;
William resides in California; Ralph lives in Greenfield town-
ship ; Harr}' in Iowa ; Fred is a civil engineer and is located in the
Philippine Islands; George A., our subject, Jesse and David are
residents of Greenfield township, and Charles lives on the home-
stead farm.
George A. was reared on the farm, where he remained a greater
part of the time until he reached the age of twenty-two ; he at-
tended the district schools and assisted in the farm work. He
started on his own resources on a rented farm, which he subse-
quently purchased in 1910, and where he now resides. He has
his farm under a high state of cultivation and well improved with
a good residence and outbuildings, and it ranks among the best
farms of the township, while the owner occupies a prominent
place among the citizens and is known as a thorough and up-to-
date farmer.
He was married, January 12, 1910, to INIiss Minnie Prescott,
daughter of A. G. and Sarah (Hackett) Prescott, prominent
citizens of Tuunell City.
John L. Johnson, a prominent resident of LaGrange township,
was born in Sauk county, Wisconsin, July 2, 1855, the son of
Rev. A. J. and Clarissa Almeda (Rouse) Johnson, natives of Penn-
sylvania, where they married and came to Sauk count}', thence to
Monroe county ; the father was a traveling preacher, in the faith
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in 1862, when our subject
750 HISTORY OF .MONROE COIWTV
was seven years of afre. befiaii fanniiiir. He continued in this
ocenpation, tofjether with liis ininistcrial work, nntil his (h^ath,
wliicli ocenrred in ^losiiicc. Wis., in ISSI). ;it the aye of sixty-nine
years. He was the fatlicr of eight ciiildreii. w/..: Klson AV., of
Augusta. AVis. : Hari-iet. Avife of Samuel Hinkley. of ^losinee,
Wis.; .lohn 1^.. oiii- subject; Elniar. ck^ceased ; Sarah AliiKHhi, wife
of Daniel Roberts, of Alilwaiikcc ; bhi ^lay, wife of William Upton,
of Minneapolis; Dr. II. H. .lolinson, of Toniali. and Vance, of
Beloit.
John L. a11ciid(^d the common schools and has been on the
farm since he was seven years of age. Early in life he was em-
l)loyed for three years as overseer of a cranberry marsh at Ray-
mour, wdiere he continued for some time after the exjiiration of
his three-year contract. In 1909 he purchased the Alvin Day
farm in LaGrange township, where he now resides, engaged in
general farming. In 1879 he was married to Miss Phoebe Getman,
daughter of Nicholas and Jane Getman, of Monroe county. One
son, Ernest H., Avas born to this union. Mrs. Johnson died in
1896 at the age of forty-two years and lie nmrried for his second
wife Airs. Fidc^lia Featherly, of Monroe county, in 1899.
Julius P. Johnson,* ])rosperous farmer in Sparta township, is
a native of Denmark and was born January 10. 1870. lie is a son
of Hans Henry and Marie Johnson, also natives of Denmark.
Hans II., the father of our subject, was the son of Jens and Kate
Johnson, who spent their early life in Denmark, where lie died
at the age of fifty-six years. His wife, Kate, was left with a
family of five children and later came to the United States and
located at Tomah. Alonroe county, AA^isconsin, where she died in
1890. The children — three of whom are now living — are: Peter,
of Tomah: X(ds. of A^alley Junction; Sina. the Avife of Christ
Hansen, of X'alley -Innction; Kate and Alina. \\lio are now de-
ceased.
Our siihjecl was raised on llic home farm in Denmark, con-
sisting of eight acres, every spot (>f wliicli was like a garden.
•luliiis attended tlif i)iil)lic schools unlil the age of fourteen. Be-
side the farm his father was engaged in shoe making, and. upon
the compldioii of liis schooling. .Inlius was engaged in the shoe
business and farming until his seventeenth year, then for one
year he ti-aveled through Denmark, and in llie .spring of 1889 lie
came to America. Coming direct to AVist-onsin, he first settled
at Bangor. La Crosse county, where he Avas employed as a farm
hand for three years. lie then rented a farm near that place and
engaged in farming on his own account, coni inning to reside here
BIOGRAPHY 751
for eight years, and in 1901 came to Sparta township, Monroe
county, where he purchased a farm of 120 acres from L. R. Cham-
berlain in section two. to which he has since added fifteen acres.
Under ]Mr. Johnson's management the phice has been greatly
improved, the residence has been remodeled and made into a
modern and up-to-date home, with fine outbuildings consisting of
barns, to which he added a large new silo. He is engaged ex-
tensively in stock raising and dairying, and has a fine herd of
full-blooded Holstein cattle.
On November 22. 1899, he was iniited in marriage with Miss
Clara Rhyme, daughter of Henry aiul AVilholmina Rhyme, of
Farmington township, La Crosse county. ]\lr. and Mrs. Johnson
have an interesting family of three children, as follows : Ethel
Elizabeth, born November 19. 1901: Fay ^Margaret, born January
22, 1904, and Julius EdAvard, born February 21, 1908. ]\Ir. John-
son is one of the enterprising men of his town, and now serving
as chairman to the town board.
Mr. Johnson is the third child in order of birth of a family of
nine children, eight of whom are now living: Jens, of Denmark;
Charles AV.. of North Dakota: our subject: Christ, of Bangor,
Wis. ; Otto, of South Dakota : Augusta, wife of John Evans, of
Bangor; Henry and Julia, who live in Denmark, and Hansen, wiio
is deceased.
Lewis C. Johnson. In perpetuating in words more enduring
than monuments of stone, the memory of men of prominence
whose active and valuable lives were spent in ]Monroe county, the
pages of this volume would be incomplete Avere mention not made
of the honored pioneer whose name is here recorded.
Esau Johnson, father of our subject, was a native of South
Carolina; he came west to AVisconsin, and was the first white man
to settle in Monroe county. In 1846, according to government
reports, he Avas a squatter on the northwest quarter of section
twenty-four, township fifteen, range tAvo Avest, Avhich, after the
establishment of ^Monroe county. Avas in Sheldon toAvnship. He
was energetic and thrifty, a man of good judgment, kind-hearted
and generous. His death occurred in 1888, honored and respected
by all Avho kncAv him. Tlie death of the mother occurred in 1876.
Lewis C. Johnson Avas born in the toAvn of Sheldon. IMonroe
county, on June 2. 1846, Avhose portrait adorns the Avails of the
county clerk's office in the court house at Sparta, has the honor
of being the first Avhite child born in this county. He lived at
home Avith his parents until he Avas sixteen years of age, and,
being so early throAvn upon his oAvn resources, commenced his
752 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
L-areer as a common laborer, working for the meagre salary of
75 cents per day; yet, in the face of these difficulties, by his hard
work and economy, he finally acquired a farm in his own 'right,
which he afterward developed into one of the model homes of
the county, while for many years he has witnessed the growth
;nn] taken an active ])ar1 in the development of his community
and the transforming of Monroe county into its present condition
among the banner counties of the state. lie is a man of recog-
nized ability and influence, and has been generally successful in
whatever branch of business he has undertaken, showing himself
cai)able and trustworthy. He now resides witii his family in a
comfortable residence at Oil City, and is one of the oldest settlers
now living in the county. On February 21, 1865, he enlisted in
Company K, Forty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served
seven months and six days, receiving his discharge September 27,
1865. He is a Republican in politics and takes an active part in
all matters of public interest.
He was married in the town of Sheldon in 1867, to Miss Olive
Floyd, and they have had six children, four of whom are now
living, viz.: Luella. Eva E.. Adelbcrt ]\1. and Henry AV. Johnson.
Those deceased are Jane and Huldah.
David r. Jones, a progressive farmer of Sparta township, is a
native of the Keystone state, born at Danville, ]\Iay 3. 1865, the
son of John F. and ]\Iary (Williams) Jones, both of whom were
born in Wales. In 1851 the father emigrated to America and
located in Pennsylvania, wlicie he was em])loyed in the coal mines
nntil 1866. He then removed with his family to Wisconsin and
settled on a farm which he purchased, consisting of sixty-five
acres near Watertown. in Jefferson county. After a residence
there of four years, they removed to La Crosse county, where
their lives were spent; the father died in 1891 and the death of
the mother occurred in 1884. They were the parents of seven
children, six (»f whom ai-c now living, viz.: John. Sarah. William.
David F., Mary, now tlic wife of George Welsh, and p]lizabeth.
David F. Jones received his education in the common schools
of La Crosse county, and remained at home with his parents until
he was twentv-three vears old. In 1895 he came to ^Monroe countv
• • •
and for sixteen years resided in the city of Sparta, where he con-
ducted a lucrative dray and coal business. He moved onto his
present farm in section twenty-two. Sparta township, where he is
successfully engaged in general farming. ]\Ir. Jones is one of the
influential and juiblic-spirited men of his township and enjoys the
respect of all wiio know him. He is a Republican in political
BIOGRAPHY 753
sentiment and fraternally he is a member of the Knights of
Pythias and the F. R. A.
Mr. Jones has been twice married ; his first matrimonial ven-
ture was on January 15, 1890, with Miss Sadie Hemstock, daugh-
ter of William and Elizabeth Hemstock, of Sparta. By this union
three children were born, viz. : Earl F., born February 16, 1891,
is now attending the agricultural department of the State Uni-
versity at Madison ; Mildred S., born January 13, 1893, and Ethel
E., born April 17, 1896. Mrs. Jones passed away in 1903, and he
married for his second wife Miss Theiza Hutson, daughter of
Thomas and INIary Hutson.
John L. Jones is one of the sterling men and successful farmers
of Leon townslii]). He was born near Rockland, in La Crosse
county, Wisconsin, on January 4, 1856. His parents were John
W. and Mary (Jones) Jones. The father, who was born in Eng-
land, emigrated to Canada in the early fifties, where he remained
three years, then moved to Wisconsin and located in the Fish
Creek Valley, La Crosse county, on a farm, which was his home
for about eighteen years ; then moved to the town of Portland and
purchased 680 acres of land. Earlier in his life he had learned the
trade of carpenter and joiner, and, after locating in the Fish
Creek A^alley in 1854, he built the first saw mill on Robinson's
creek. He also assisted in building the railroad depot at Bangor,
and built the first grist mill at this place ; he followed the car-
penter's trade until 1858, after which he made farming his chief
occupation. During the Civil AVar he engaged in buying substi-
tutes for drafted men, which business often necessitated his walk-
ing to La Crosse and back the same day, a distance of twenty-five
miles. He was prominent in the affairs of his community and
held several local offices in the towns of Bangor and Portland,
and during the fifteen years he was justice of the peace he was
always an advocate of arbitration in disputes of all causes that
came before him. He was an ardent prohibitionist and a firm
believer in the cause of temperance. From a poor man and a
small beginning, he became a man of means and influence in his
town and county. Three years prior to his death, which occurred
in 1900, he moved to the city of Sparta. Mrs. Jones, mother of
our subject, survives at the age of eighty years, and is the only
person living of the early pioneers in the Big Fish Creek Valley.
Mr. and Mrs. Jones were the parents of six sons and two daugh-
ters, seven of whom are now (1912) living, viz.: AV. A. Jones, a
prominent banker of Sparta ; Mary ; Evan M., a druggist at Clark,
S. D. ; David S., druggist at AVatertown, S. D. ; Thomas R., a
754 HISTORY OF 3I0XR0E COUNTY
farmer of I'oi-lland towiisliip ; lieiijaiuiii; Edwin resides in Bis-
marck. X. D.. enf;a^ed in the real estate and insurance business,
and John L.. our subject. Sarah is deceased.
John L. Jones acquired his education in the common schools
of liis home town and at the Cleveland. Ohio, hij;h school. After
completing his education, he tau<.dit school four years in ]\Ionroe
county and for two years in La Crosse county. On .Inly 5. 1882,
he moved with his sister to ]*leasant Valley and purchased 220
acres of land three miles southeast of Leon, where he has since
resided, engatred in iieneral farmin<:: and stock raisin«r. He deals
extensively in blooded shortJiorned cattle and Poland-China hogs.
His place is under a good state of cultivation and well imjjroved
with a substantial residence, barns, tool shed and granary, all of
which have been erected since ,"\lr. Jones purchased the fai-iii. He
is a progressive and high-minded gentleman and takes an active
interest in the affairs of his town. For five years he held the
position as manager of the Leon Valley Creamery Association,
and in politics he is a progressive Republican.
On February 27. 1885. he was married to ]\Iiss ]\Iarv Harr,
daughter of John Harr, an old and prominent pioneer of Big
Creek Valley. Seven children have been born to ]Mr. and Mrs.
Jones, viz. : Sidney D., a student in the medical department of
the Valparaiso University: Vivian, (jladys and ]\Iyrtle. Vivian
and Myrtle are teachers; Hazel and Isabelle are attending the
Sparta high school, and Florence resides at home.
John R. Jones, member of the General Assembly of Wisconsin
from the county of Monroe, was born at Pittsburg, Pa., in 1850,
the only son of John R. and Anna (Davis) Jones, both natives
of Wales. The father came to the United States in 1840 and
located at Pittsburg, where he was employed in the iron and
steel mills for sixteen years. In 1856 the familv came to AViscon-
sin, taking passage by boat from Pittsburg. They went down
the Ohio river to Cairo, thence up the Mississippi to La Crosse,
then overland to the Fish Creek valley in ]\ronroe county. Avhere
the father purchased 120 acres of land. Previous to this, how-
ever, the father, with a friend, had visited this section on a
prospecting tour, at that time making the journey from ]\Iihvau-
kee on foot. On the arrival of th(> family, ]\Iay 6, 185(5, they set
to work to improve, subdue and cultivate the wild land. Their
first residence was a board structure 12x16 feet. The lumber
was hauled from Ontario by ox teams, a distance of twenty odd
iniles, over hills and creeks which had no bridges. At this time
the streams were abundant with fish and tlie Avild game roamed
HON. JOHN R. JONES
BIOGRAPHY 755
over the hills and valleys, wliieh contributed largely to the sturdy
pioneers' menu. From a meager l)eginning and without tlie ad-
vantages of wealth conferred upon him, having lost $5,(,)()0 of hard
earned money by the collapse of a bank in a financial panic of the
late forties and early fifties, ]\Ir. Jones, Sr., fought manfully the
battles of pioneer life and by hard work, thrift and economy,
converted his wild land in the valley to a good farm and pleasant
home. He was one of Monroe county's most exemplary citizens,
and by careful, judicious management made life a success and
owned at the time of his death, which occurred April 21, 1903,
320 acres of land in the Fish Creek valley. His early education
was limited, but he was a constant reader and a close observer
of events, and in his mature years was known as a well-read and
thoroughly posted man, and he was withal a man of generous
impulses, given to acts of charity and kindness to those in need.
Having but a small family of his own his heart went out to many
orphan children who had no home or funds, and to this class he
gave liberal succor. During his lifetime he gave a home to some
four or five boys, raised and educated them until they arrived
at the age of manhood. All of them turned out to be honorable
and respected citizens. Mr. Jones was one of the founders of
the "Welsh Presbyterian church, whose first meetings were held
in the little log school house one-half mile from his residence.
In 1876 a new frame church edifice was erected, and still a little
later a large building was constructed on the same site, to all of
which ]\lr. Jones contributed liberally of his means. This latter
buildhig was destroyed by fire in 1910, and during the year 1911
another building was erected, whore our subject and his family
now w^orship.
In all matters of public interest, whether of count3% state or
national, Mr. Jones took a commendable interest, and his home
was at all times open for the gathering of his friends, who dis-
cussed all the live issues of the day. In early life he was a AVhig,
but upon the formation of the Republican party he became one
of its most ardent supporters. He was born at Cardigan Shire,
in South Wales, in the year 1816, and died at the age of eighty-
seven. His wife, mother of our subject, was highly respected and
beloved for her many womanly virtues and noble Christian char-
acter. She was born at Cardigan Shire, South AYales, in 1806,
and died at her home on January 13, 1897, at the age of ninety-
one.
John R. Jones, the subject of this sketch, attended the district
schools of his neighborhood until he Avas sixteen years of age
756 HISTORY OF MONROE COUXTT
and tlien took a course of instruction at "West Salem Academv,
euniiiiercial colleye and at the Si)arta liigh school. lie after-
wards taught school for four years in La Crosse and ]\Ionroe
counties. Later he spent two years and a half as a student in the
law office of Bleeknian & Blooniingdale, at Sparta, but over-
exertion so impaired his ej'esight that lie was compelled to aban-
don law and he then returned to the farm. In politics he is a
staunch supporter of the principles of tiie Republican party and
is active in its councils. He has been called upon to fill many
positions of trust. He has served as treasurer of his town, has
been supervisor for six years, and for eleven terms a member
of the county board, two terms of which he has been chairman. In
1906 he was elected to the general assembly, and was re-elected
in 1908, and again in 1910. He has served on the committees of
agriculture, state department, engrossed bills, and as chairman of
charitable and penal institutions, also as chairman of highways.
He was chairman of the joint committee of the assembly and
senate to investigate the highways of the state, and is known as
the father of the present efficient highway system of the state. He
is a progressive Republican and ardent advocate of reform, and
believes in a pure and unsullied government.
On ]May 25, 1882, Mr. Jones was married to ]\liss ^Margaret
James, daughter of ]\Ir. D. J. James and ]\Iary (Jenkins) James,
of La Crosse county, one of the most prosperous and highly es-
teemed citizens thereof. To this union have been born four
children: David S., Stephen R.. John R. and Wilford :\1. IMrs.
Jones possesses all the amiable traits common to the AVelsh people.
She is kind, generous and hospital)le. Her parents came from
Wales in an early day and also settled in the Fish Creek valley
in 1852. They had a family of twelve children, only two of whom
are now living, ]\Irs. Jones being the youngest. ]\Irs. Jones was
born at Fish Creek. November 15. 1856. Her father was born in
1813 and died on June 1. 1895. Her mother was born ]Marcli 9.
1812. and died February 15, 1879. They were both born in Gla-
morgan Shire, AVales.
]\Ir. Jones owns 406 acres of land in the Fish Creek valley,
which is highly improved with a substantial and modern residence
and outbuildings, located on the side of the great ridge, which is
a beautiful spot and presents to the eye a landscape scene admired
and not to be forgotten l)y all who see it.
Marvin E. Jones, deceased, was boiii in Liverpool, England,
February 22, 1841, and died in La Grange township. ^Monroe
county. Wisconsin. April 3. 1897. AVhen ten years of age he
BIOGRAPHY 757
came with his pareuts to Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he
lived nntil 1864, when lie moved to Monroe county. In 18f)6 he
was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Alice S. Waterman, daughter of
Othaniel and Mary (Gambia) Waterman, natives of Oneida
county, New York. Mrs. Jones was born near Utica, N. Y., De-
cember 17, 1842. Her parents, after leaving New York, went first
to Indiana, thence to Fox Lake, Dodge county, Wisconsin, and in
1864 they moved to La Grange township, Monroe county, where
with the exception of a few years spent in Minnesota they resided
during the remaining years of their life. He w-as a progressive,
puldic spirited citizen, and at the time of his death at the age of
sixty-three years, had many Avarm friends. His widow survived
until February 4, 1899, when she passed away at the age of
eighty-two, beloved and esteemed by all who knew her. They had
six children, Mrs. Jones being the eldest daughter. Of the others
Frederick C. lives at Waterloo, Ind. ; Charles and Mary Ellen are
deceased, and two w^ho died in infancy.
The parents of Mervin E. Jones were Robert and JMary Ann
Jones. He was born in Whales and she in England. They came
to Dodge county, Wisconsin, and there died. Mervin E. had one
sister, ]\Iary, deceased, and four brothers, viz.^ Andrew, Thomas
and ]\Iande]-ville, residents of ]Minnesota ; Aniron, who is also
deceased. The children born to Mervin E. Jones and Alice S.
AVaterman Jones are ]\Iary Elizabeth, wdfe of John McCurdy, of
Tomah township; Alice S. ; Genevieve, formerly the wife of Har-
vey Cook, of California, died in June, 1911 ; Maud is deceased ;
Charles ^lervin, of Puyallup, AYash.; Frederick E., La Grange
township ; Robert 0., of Valley Junction ; Happy L., married Louis
Curabo and resides in Pennsylvania ; Edward resides at Tomah ;
Nellie E. is the wife of Ray McGuinniss, Valley Junction; Glad-
stone of Ontario ; Sydney P.. Valley Junction, and Margaret R.
married Charles Houck, who lives at Valley Junction.
Mr. Jones was a man well thought of in his town and popular
alike with the citizens of the surrounding towns. He was for
nine years continuously employed by Gleason & Squier, the Good-
year company, as head sawyer at the water mill and other places,
and finally met with an accident wdiich terminated in his death.
He was a kind neighbor, loyal citizen and esteemed by all who
knew him. On July 3, 1903, the home of Mrs. Jones was visited
by a cyclone, which demolished her residence, tore up trees and
destroyed other buildings. Neighbors who chanced to drop in as
the storm approached fled to the cellar and saved their lives from
the cyclone.
758 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Thomas R. Jones, another thrifty farmer of Portland town-
ship, was born at Rockland, La Crosse county, "Wisconsin, Janu-
ary 20, 1870, son of John AV. and Mary (Jones) Jones, both
natives of South Wales. The father was born in 1828 and the
mother in 1832. John Jones followed farming in La Crosse county
until 1871, when he came to ^Monroe county and bought land in
section sixteen, Portland township, which he improved and added
to until at the time of his death he owned 720 acres. There were
seven children in his family, as follows: John L., of Leon town-
ship; AVilliam A. and IMary, of Sparta; p]van M. lives at Clark,
S. D. ; David F. resides at AVatertoAvn, S. D. ; Thomas R.. the sub-
ject of this sketch, and Edwin, of Bismarck, N. D. John Jones,
father of Thomas R., was one of ]\Ionroe county's most h.ighly
respected and progressive citizens, and took great interest in
public matters, and any enterprise which he thought was for the
interest and betterment of his community received his endorse-
ment and hearty support. "While living in La Crosse county he
served as assessor, and after moving to Portland township he
served as town clerk for a number of terms, and for many years
was justice of the peace. His death occurred in December, 1900.
His widow, mothet of our subject, is still living and resides in
Sparta.
Thomas R. Jones was reared on his father's farm and attended
the district schools and lived with his parents until they moved
to Sparta in 1899, when he purchased from his father the home
farm, where he still lives. On March 1, 1899, he was married to
Miss Emma Breitenfield, who was born in Portland township,
August 28, 1877, the daughter of "William and Anna (Oswald)
Breitenfield, natives of Germany and Switzerland, respectively.
The father was born near Bremen, Germany, September 23, 1848,
and the mother was born in Switzerland on January 8, 18-t9. They
were married in Leon township, Monroe county, December 3,
1872, and raised a family of nine children, eight of whom are now
(1912) living. They are: Albert, who lives at La Crosse; ]\Irs.
Albert Erickson, of Portland township; ]\Irs. Thomas R. Jones,
wife of our subject; Mrs. Adolph Everson lives in La Crosse;
Herman resides in Portland township ; ]Mrs. Carl ^Moede, of Cash-
ton, Monroe county; Otto and Theodore, of Portland township.
The mother of this family, a lady of fine mental attainments, a
good wife and mother, passed away on December 3, 1906. ^Ir.
and Mrs. Jones have one daughter, ^Nlabel A., born February 7,
1900.
Mr. Jones' farm of 160 acres in section sixteen, Portland town-
BIOGRAPPIY 759
ship, is highly improved by cultivation and a fine residence, barns
and other outbuildings, besides being equipped with many labor-
saving devices, and in addition to general farming he is interested
in the Citizens' State Bank of Sparta. He is serving his fourth
term as chairman of the town board, and for a number of years
has been a justice of the peace. In politics he is affiliated with
the Republican party, and in religious matters both he and his
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Portland
township.
George W. Kelk, present chairman of the Oakdale town board
and a prominent farmer of this township, was born here on June
7, 1883. He is the third child of a family of fourteen children,
ten of whom are now (1912) living, born to Charles and Matilda
(Halvorson) Kelk, natives of New York and AA^isconsin,
respectively.
Charles Kelk moved with his parents from New York state
to New Lisbon, Monroe county, AVisconsin, some time during the
seventies, where they lived for about ten years, and then moved
to Oakdale township and made their permanent home. The father
died in 1906. The mother is still living at the age of eighty-three
years. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kelk also live in Oakdale and are
considered among the leading farmers and citizens of that
township.
George lived at home until his twentieth year, attending the
district schools of his neighborhood until he was sixteen. He was
a thrifty and energetic young man and decided that upon reaching
his majority he was both able and capable of making his own
way in the world, and accordingly started out with a portable
saAv mill, which he operated with success and followed that busi-
ness for about five years. On October 20, 1909, he wedded Miss
Elizabeth Giesler, daughter of Robert and Matilda Giesler, in
Monroe county. Mrs. Kelk's ancestors on her father's side came
from Germany to AViseonsin state in an early day, where her
father was born. Her mother was a native of New York. They
had a family of six children, all of whom are living.
Mr. Kelk is a young man of fine personality, strictly up-to-date
with his methods of farming, and has one of the best dairies in
his section, which yields a regular income. He keeps posted on
all public matters and takes a keen interest in the affairs of the
Republican party.
Ransom Kenyon,* of Sparta township, is one of the well-known
early settlers of Monroe county. He dates his birth in the town
of Frabius, Onondago county, New York, January 30, 1832. His
760 HISTORY OF :\10NR0E COIXTY
father, Enoch -J. Kenyon, was also born in central New York, as
was liis mother, whose maiden name was ]\Iiss Lucy Reed, and
their married life was spent in the p]mpire state. The subject of
this sketch was the eldi'st in a family of six children, and is the
only surviving member. Farm duties early claimed his attention
to such an extent that his school advantages were limited. At
the age of twenty-four he left his native heath and came to ]\Ion-
roe county, AVisconsin, where he pre-empted a forty-acre tract in
Leon township, and proceeded to clear the timber and establish
a home in the new country. It was here that he first built a log
house and stal)le. mikI where he enjoyed the varied experiences
of the i)ioneer in the then dense wilderness, surrounded by deer,
wolves and other wild sjame, and Avhere the Indian Avas not an
unfrequent visitor. In 1855, three years after he had established
himself in the Cooley, he bought his present farm of James Rich-
ardson and removed to this place, which has since been his home,
carrying on both the farm in Leon and the one where he lives.
In 1858 Mr. Kenyon was united in nuirriage with Miss Anna
Caroline Palmer, daughter of Kernetus and Harriet Palmer, of
Fabius, Onondago county. New York. !Mrs. Kenyon was born in
Cortland county. New York, in 1839, and was a faitiiful helpmeet
to her husl)an(l in the struggles of pioneer life. A few years after
her marriage her father came to La Crosse county, where he was
employed for a time. Her mother continued to reside in New York
state until 1888, when she came to AVisconsin. making lur home
with her daughter until her death in 18!)8, at the age of eighty-two
years. ]\[rs. Kenyon is the third child in a family of five children,
as follows : Harriet, of Syracuse, N. Y. ; Amelia C, wife of Homer
D. Call. Those deceased are AYilliam O. and Harriet, who died
while young. Mrs. Kenyon 's paternal grandfather Avas Titus
Palmer, avIio came from Conn(M-ticut to Cattaraugus county, New
York, thence to Onondago county, where he engaged in farming,
and there died. Her maternal grandmother was Arvilla AVheat,
who came from Connecticut to New York state on horseback at
the age of sixteen years to join her parents, who had preceded her
to Courtland county, being among the pioneers of that locality.
]\Iiss Wheat nmrried -lol) AVhitmarsh Avhen seA'enteen years old
and they raised a family of fifteen children, and he Avas an exten-
sive farmer and cattle droA'er of that day and frequently took
large herds of cattle overland on foot to Ncav York city. ]Mr. and
Mrs. Kenyon have Iavo children, AVillis 0., on the home farm, aiul
Alice A., Avife of C. E. ]\Iiller, of Yiroqua. Wis. In politics ^Ir.
Kenyon has been a life long Democrat.
BIOGRAPHY 761
Webster Kenyon/'' who was one of the ijublic spirited and sub-
stantial eitizens of Tomali. Wis., attained to success by patient
and persistent efforts in tlic line of an honest calling and held
the confidence and esteem of all who knew him by reason of the
honorable, upright and manly character of his dealings. He was
born November 18, 1830, at Hartland, Niagara county. New York,
a son of Daniel and Elma Kenyon, both natives of that state, of
J]nglish-Scotch ancestry on the father's side, and Holland an-
cestry on the mother's side. They came to Wisconsin with a
family of six children in 1848, and settled in the town of Honey
Creek, Walworth county, remaining there for three years, w^henee
they removed to Hartford, Washington county, and here passed
the remainder of their lives. The death of the father occurred
in 1855 and that of the mother in 1856. They were farmers by
occupation, thrifty and enterprising, and enjoyed the friendship
of all with whom they came in contact. He w'as brought up in
the Quaker faith and w^as a man of excellent habits and devoted
much of his time to the buying and selling of stock. AVhen en-
gaged in farming he paid much attention to the raising of
thoroughbred cattle, which he took pride in exhibiting at fairs,
and often received the highest premium. Upon coming to AVis-
consin he sold his farm in Niagara county containing 182 acres.
He had a good common school education, and in later years was
an active member of the Universalist church. He was an old-lime
Whig and a strong anti-slavery man. and often gave assistance to
slaves in escaping from their masters.
Mr. Webster Kenyon attended the common schools of Niagara
county and the select school taught by the Aldrich children,
Quaker instructors. After coming to Wisconsin he attended the
high school in AVal worth county, which was supplemented by a
special university course in engineering and surveying, and
thereby acquired a thorough knowledge of civil engineering.
AVhen he first came to AVisconsin Mr. Kenyon worked as a
farm hand during the summer months w'hile attending the com-
mon schools in winter, and for the first tw^o years thus employed
he received the munificent salary of $8.00 per month, and for the
next three years he received $11.00 per month. After receiving
so small a salary on the farm he was induced by a friend to go
into the lumber regions of Michigan, and there obtained employ-
ment at $18.00 per month, but after a short time he joined a party
of surveyors as chainman at a salary of $20.00 per month, and so
apt w^as he and so faithful did he perform his duties his salary
was soon raised to $60.00 per month. He afterward spent one
762 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
year in the employ of the Chicago, ^Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad
on their line between ]\Iihvaukee and Fox Lake, Wis. In the fall
of 1854 he decided to go to Kansas, but on his way visited Monroe
county and becoming so impressed with the advantages that this
county offered he located in the town of Adrian and at once en-
gaged in surveying, a business he followed part of the time in
connection witli his lumber interests near Tomah. During the
civil war 31 r. Kciiyon was drafted for service and assigned to the
Twenty-second Regiment, AVisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and
served with that regiment until the close of the war, when he
was honorably discharged.
Mr. Kenyon was three times married, the last time in 1886 to
Miss Mary Gott, by whom there was no issue, but by his former
marriages there were born four children, all of Avhom are now
(1912) living, viz.: Alma Eloise, Schuyler Colfax. Henry Wilson
and Kathleena. A Republican in political faith, he took an active
interest in the affairs of his party, and any public movement
toAvards the betterment of the commiuiity always received his
sanction and support. He served the county as surveyor for fif-
teen years. He was an active member in the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and in the Grand Army of the Republic. He
moved to the city of Tomah in 1911, where he resided until his
death, enjoying the fruits of his hard work which the years of
conscientious endeavor brought.
George A. King", who resides in section thirty-five, Adrian
township, is a descendant of one of the early settlers of Wiscon-
sin. In the forties his parents, Robert and Harriet (Tobner^i
King, natives of Cambridgeshire, England, came to the United
States and settled at Whitewater, AVis., where our subject.
George A., was born April 9. 1856. In June of the following yeai'
the family moved from AVhitewater to Alonroe county, and located
on the farm now owned and occupied by our subject. A short
time after locating on this farm the parents went to Jacksonville,
Adrian township, but soon returned to the homestead perma-
nently, where they lived and experienced the hardships and trials
of the pioneer. He was a veteran of the Civil AVar, having served
as a member of the Twenty-fifth Regiment. AVisconsin A'olunteers,
and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was one of
Ihe representative citizens of Alonroe eoimty, a man of high
ideas, a kind and generous neighbor, and one of the useful citi-
zens of the county. His death occurred July 5, 1895, at the age
of sixty-seven years. His wife, mother of our subject, who was
a woman of many domestic virtues, a good wife and kind and
BIOGRAPHY 763
loving mother, passed away in November, 1879, at the age of
fifty-fonr years, loved and respected by all who knew her.
George A. King is the second youngest of a family of three
children ; of the others, John J. is deceased, and Oscar R. resides
in Tomah, Mr. King was reared on the home farm and attended
the public school. He early started in life for himself and as a
result of his thrift and ambition he acquired a farm of eighty
acres adjoining the old homestead at the age of twenty-five years.
The original farm was wild land, fully one-half of which lias been
improved by Mr. King, until now it contains 120 aer?s and is
considered one of the finest homes in the county. The road pass-
ing the homestead farm was originally an Indian trail from Kick-
apoo to Gray Pines, and Indians could be seen flocking with
baskets of blueberries to and from Tunnel City at nearly all times
of the day. The view from this home is one of the most pictur-
esque of any in Monroe county, and one can view the landscape
for miles to the north and east from one of the highest altitudes
of the township. Here Mr. King is successfully engaged in gen-
eral farming and stock raising, and keeps a fine herd of Durham
cattle in his dairy. In all public matters he takes a keen interest
and any movement for the betterment of his community receives
his loyal support. lie has been chairman of the town board for
five years and for a period of fourteen years has been one of the
jury commissioners. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen
of the World.
In December, 1880, he was married to Miss Kate Seibold,
daughter of George and Armenia (Kuapp) Seibold, natives of
Germany and Canada, respectively. In 1850 the father came to
Baraboo, AVis., and from there came to La Grange township in
IMonroe county, and in 1869 moved to Ridgeville township, where
they remained until 1887, when they moved to Tomah, where the
father now resides, the mother having passed away in 1905 at
the age of sixty-four years. Mrs. King is the eldest of a family
of six children. The others are : Emma, wife of Truman R. Tal-
bot, of Sparta ; Ira Seibold, Tunnel City ; Etta, wife of Bert Hoag,
of Tomah ; Olive, wife of Henry Skinner, of Tomah ; Myrtle, wife
of William Young, Spokane, Wash. Those deceased are George,
Mary and Laura. The children born to ^Ir. and Mrs. King are
Maude A., Vnn M.. and Vyrgil M.
Thomas H. King, of Sparta, Wis., is a native of Monroe county,
and was born in Wells township October 26, 1871. Among the
pioneers of Wells township were George E. and Helen E.
(Nichols) King, parents of Thomas H., who came from Cattarau-
7G4 HISTORY OF .MOXKOK COl'NTY
gus coiuilx. Nt'W '^'(trk. 1() .Mdiiroc county aiul ciitcrfd a lioiue-
stead of government land. Tiny were thrifty and enterprising
])eopl<' and represented tlie l)est class of ])ioneer citizens, wlio
devoted llu'lr lives to building \i\t tlir country ;iiid adding to its
taxable "wealth. They reared a family of seven children, two sons
and five daughters, viz.: ]\Iina. wife of Robert Allen, of AVells
township; Ida. Avife of Thomas J. Taylor, of Spai-ta; Thomas II.,
the subject of this sketch; ]\li]li(! .M., wife of Charles Blake, of
Sparta ; George AV. ; Blanche, wife of p]rnest Gerscheske, deceased,
and "Winnie, Avife of Russell ( 'atley, of Sparta.
Thomas S. King, paternal grandfather of our sul),j('ii. was also
among the early settlers of the same locality. Here he cleared up
and brought to a high state of cultivation 120 acres and there
spent his life. His death occurred in December, 1897. at the age
of eighty-eight years.
Henry Nichols, the maternal grandfather of ]\[r. King, left
the Empire state and came to "Wisconsin early in 1854, and also
entered a government claim of IGO acres, and later added to this
claim additional land by purchase, which he OAvned at the time
of his death about twenty-five years ago. His wife, the maternal
grandmother of our subject, Avas ]\Iary 0. Stearns, Avho is still
living at the age of eighty-one years, and her superior qualities
of mind and heart attract to her the admiration of her many
friends.
Thomas attended the district schools of his native toAvnship
until he Avas fourteen years of age, Avhen he entered the Sparta
city schools, and upon completing his studies he entered the em-
ploy of E. E. Oliver, Avho Avas engaged in the general merchandise
business at tJiat time and later in the timber business in northern
AVisconsin. He afterAvard spent two years as traA^eling salesnum
for a Avholesalo implement house in ^Mihvaukee. In 1002 he
opened au office at Sparta and endjarked in the real estate busi-
ness, in Avhich he has been ennnently successful, not only in his
immediate locality, but in the sale of ]\Ionroe county iin])Toved
farms and city property and soutlnvestern lands.
On July 4. 18!)4, he married ^Miss ]\Ielila V. Loddiigton, of
CraAvford county, "Wisconsin, and they have three children, viz.:
I\I. Alarie, Thomas R. and Helen I.
AFr. King is a man of fine social (jualities, generous, kind-
hearted and popular in the circles in wliich he moA'es.
Albinus Kirst, avIio for nmre than half a century has been a
resident of Monroe county and an active citizen in deA^eloping the
material resources of the countA' and aiding in its transformation
BIOGRAPIli^ 765
from a wilderness to its present place among the rich and fruitful
counties of the state, is a native of Germany, and was born De-
cember 21, 1849. When he was six years old his parents, Gottlieb
and Sophia (Weidmann) Kirst, came to this country from Ger-
many, arriving in 1855, and after spending two years in the
vicinity of Chicago they came to Wisconsin and first located in
Greenfield township, this county, where they made their home
until 1866, when they moved to Adrian township and settled on
a farm of wild land in section twenty-three, cleared and cultivated
it and made it their home, and here our subject now resides. The
father, who attained the age of eighty-seven years and eight
months, passed away in 1897. His wife, mother of our subject,
died in 1871 at the early age of forty-nine years. They were
hard-working, faithful and highly respected people, and the farm,
which at the time of settlement contained but sixteen acres of
cleared land, now consists of 120 acres of highly cultivated and
productive soil.
Albinus Kirst is one of a family of six children. Of the others
Louis is deceased; Ernestine is the wife of Bernard Drowatzky,
of Tomah ; Ida, widow of the late John F. Schultz. of Toniah ;
Emil is deceased, and Emma is now ]\lrs. James Ebert and lives
in Tomah. Our subject coming to Monroe county with his
parents, was reared on the home farm amid the struggles of
pioneer life, and has always been a successful farmer. He is
energetic, enterprising and progressive and a man of strict in-
tegrity. He takes pride in making his farm one of the best in tiie
county. In 1891 he built a large and commodious barn and in
1908 a modern residence was erected on an elevation, backed by a
beautiful oak grove, and is made picturesque to the observer, and
in front of this is a sparkling spring of pure water, the pride of
the owner of this ideal farm home. Mr. Kirst has always taken a
keen interest in the affairs of his town, has been treasurer of the
school district, and himself and wife are members of the German
Lutheran church, of Tomah.
On March 31, 1874. ]\Ir. Kirst was married to Miss Fredrecka
Matzka, also a native of Germany. The fruits of this union has
been seven children. Those living are: Anna; Leonard, wJio is
pastor of the German Lutheran church at Cambria. Wis. ; Lydia
and Arthur. Louis. Otto and Rinold are deceased.
William C. Kirst, who condiTcts the farm of 165 acres in sec-
tion twenty-two. Adrian township, the estate of his father, which
has been his home all his life, is the son of Emil and Margratha
(Wagner) Kirst, botli natives of Germany. The father came with
766 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
his paiM'iits to America wlit-n he was two years of age, and they
settled on this lioniestead when hnt few acres of it were cleared.
Tlu'v immediately set to work to improve the land and soon
hi-onjiht it to a fjood state of cultivation, built a residence and
outhuildini»s. Aviiicli have since been remodeled and imitroved by
our siil)je('t. and is now one oi' Ihe best fai'ui hdiiies in the county.
p]mil. one snhjeel 's father, was the son of Gottlieb Kirst, and died
in 1!!(I7 at the i\^e of fifty-two years. His Avidow. mother of
William C, was born in IS.")?, the daughter of William and Sarah
(Iluth) Wagner, also natives of (Jermany. who came first to Mil-
waukee and six years later to Ridgeville township. ^lonroe county,
more than fifty years ago. Ibn- father was the founder of the St.
John's (lerman Lutheran church of Kidgeville. of which ^Irs.
Kirst is a devoted mend)er, and makes liei- home willi our subject.
William ('. is the ohb^st of a family of si.\ childi-eii: the others
are: Rev. Ewald Kirst. \vlio. aftei- completing a ten yeai's' course
of study, is now pastor of the (iennan Lutheran chiu'eli at Ellens-
burg, Wash.; Ernest is a student of the agricult nral dei)artment of
the Wisconsin Thiiversity at Madison; Alfred, of Adi-ian town-
ship, has also completed a thorough course in agricultui'e at the
same university; Fred 1j. ami liobert (\. who are at home.
On JuiK^ 27. 1012. ]\li'. Kirst was mai'iied to ]\Iiss Lillie Matzke,
of Tomah. lie lived at home until he was twenty-one years of
age, obtained a good education in the schools of his neighborhood.
and tlien learned the carpenters' trade, at which he has worked
in connection with his farming operations for several years; he
built many tine barns and other buildings in his community, and,
besides conducting his home farm, he works tlie W. L. Kehberg
place in the same township, ami is considered one of the most
prosi)erous and enterpi-ising young farmers in the count>'. lie is
a nuiii of ability and push and has served his town in various
offices, being treasurer for three years, and is now tilling the
office of assessor, being elected in 1911.
Mathias Knorst, a native of Germany, is the son of Jacob and
r^Iary (Ilotf) Knor.st and was boi-ii August 14. 1S4S. lie came
to Ainei'ica with his parents and four l)rothers and two sisters.
He tii'st located in IMercei- count.w Pennsylvania, where they i-e-
sided until 1S7(). when the fatliei- jtun-hased a farm of 160 acres
of laiul. known as the Thom])Son farm, in section lifteeii. -letferson
township. Moiu'oe county. AVisconsin. and movcul thither and there
made liis home until his death, which occun-ed in 18!);i. The
mother died in IS!)."). He was an iiulustrious and hard working
man, ami cleared, grubbed and transformed his farm from its
BIOGRAPHY 767
wild condition to a state of cnltivation and productiveness. He
was honorable and upright in all his dealings, and a man of influ-
ence in his town, and he and his wife worshijied at the Catholic
church.
jNIatliias received his education in the parochial school, which
he attended up to his thirteenth year, and remained at home with
his parents until he reached the age of twenty-four. He came to
Monroe county ten years after his father and located on a rented
farm in Jefferson township, which he carried on for a time, and
after the death of his father he acquired the old homestead, to
which he has since made many and valuable improvements. Along
the banks of the stream which runs through his jilace are found
specimens of blue and white clay that resemble matrix stone taken
out of the Rocky mountains in Colorado, and a rich red clay of
metal appearance is found in large cpiantities and is believed by
many to be valuable for manufacturing purposes. The farm also
contains a good (piality of limestone, and it is believed that the
farm contains valuable minerals. Mr. Knorst is a progressive
farmer, using the latest up-to-date methods in his operations, and
is one of the influential ])ul)lic-spirited men of his town. His son
J. J., who is an accomplished watchmaker and jeweler, has re-
ceived a liberal education, resides at home and devotes much time
in assisting his father in the farming operations.
On September 9. 1873, Mr. Knorst was married, in Mercer
county, Pennsylvania, to ^Nliss Barbara Franz, daughter of John
and Catherine Franz, who were also natives of Germany. To ]Mr.
and Mrs. Knorst have been born Ave 'children, four of whom are
now living, viz. : Anna M., born March 5, 1875, married George
Weiner and is the mother of six children: Catherine A., born July
32. 1877: Jacob J., born April 29. 1879, and Mary A., born May
13. 1881. In politics Mr. Knorst is a Democrat, and in religious
affiliations he and his family are members of the Catholic church.
Nicolaus Koopman resides on section twenty-nine, LaGrange
township and is one of the thrifty farmers of that section. He
was born in the Province of Holstein, Germany, March 9, 1849 ;
his father, Johan Koopman. never left the fatherland, preferring
to spend his life in the country where he lived and died. lie was
the father of seven children: of the others, Johan lives at Bram-
stadt, Germany; Margarete is deceased; Henri, deceased; Anna,
of Germany; John, of Tomah. and Kathrina, who lives in Germany.
Nicolaus received a common school education in his native
town and at the age of fifteen years his father gave him one dollar
and told him that he would have to make his own living. At the
768 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
age of twenty-one he entered the German army and served tliree
years. In 1884 he came to America, and. upon his arrival in this
conntry. came direct to Monroe connty. landing at Tomah July 5
of that 3'ear. He spent a few days at Jacksonville, Wis., and on
•Inly L'L'. 1884, he entered the employ of the C. A. Goodyear Com-
I)any. where he remained until April, 1912. During the period of
from 1884 to 1897 he was a resident of the city of Tomah, but in
the hitter year he came to his present farm, which he has since
carried on in addition to his business with the Goodyear Company.
The residence on this place having been destroyed by fire, ^Mr.
Koopman erected a small structure, which was replaced in 1911
by his present modern and commodious home. In addition to his
residence, he has a fine barn, granary and hog house. The place
is well improved by cultivation, and modern conveniences and
api)liances which go to make a model, up-to-date country home.
In all his business ventures. 'Mv. K()oi)man has scored a grand suc-
cess as a result of his thrift, ambition and fair dealing, and now
abides at his ease in one of the best country homes in his township.
He was married. November 8. 1874. in his native country, to
]\Iiss Geeshen Sandkamj). daughter of Claus and Katherina Sand-
kamp. Of the children born to ]Mr. and Mrs. Koopman. ^larcus
is deceased ; Eliza married Carl Wagner, of Tonuih ; Ennna is
deceased, and Edward resides at home. In religious affiliations,
]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Koopman are members of the German Lutheran
church.
Carl Kortbein, a wealthy farmer and one of the leading men
of this section of ]Mimroe county, was born in the town of Ridge-
ville, this county, on June 30. 1865. His parents were David and
Louisa (Kube) Kortbein, both natives of Germany. David came
to America with his parents in 1856, and the family first located
on a farm near Watertowu, Wis., where they lived among the
Avilds for about five years, with the Indians for neighbors, and
then moved to IMonroe county in 1861. Christian Kortbein, his
father, and grandfather of Carl, was an ambitious and thrifty
farmer and labored hard against the difficulties of those pioneer
days; he died in 1873. and his wife passed aAvay two years previ-
ous. They were l)oth devoted members of the Lutheran church.
David ac(|uired a good education in Germanv, and was a close
student in all matters of general importance in his native country,
and. after eoming to America, ajijilied liimself diligently to the
task of obtaining a home for himself and family. lie was married
in Watertown, Wis., in 1862, and had a family of three children,
1\vo of whom are now (1912) living, viz.: Carl and a twin brother.
BIOGRAPHY 769
Albert Kortbein. In 1895 they purchased the farm where our
subject now resides, in sections twenty-four and thirteen in Ridge-
ville township. He was hard-working, energetic and persevering,
and a man of excellent judgment in matters of public interest, as
well as in his farming methods, and was considered a valuable
citizen to his community. He was born in 1826 and died in 1912.
His widow, mother of Carl, still lives at the homestead with her
son, at the age of seventy years, and is held in the highest esteem
by her many friends.
Carl has always lived on the home farm and until he was fif-
teen years old attended the district schools, where he acquired a
good substantial education, considering the limited course, and
after his school days were over he made a special effort to obtain
the practical knowledge of matters in general which now ranks
him among the foremost men of his township. He was married
at the age of thirty-one, on June 23, 1896, to Miss Adelhaide
Roscovius, daughter of Rudolph and Augusta Roscovius, in Adrian
township, and they have had a family of five children, four of
whom are now living, viz.: Edwin J., born July 4, 1897; Agnes,
born April 10, 1899; Hilda, born December 15, 1901; Arnold,
born October 4, 1902, and Ethel, born August 4, 1912.
Mrs. Kortbein is the second child of a family of ten children,
nine of whom are now (1912) living. Her father was a railroad
contraetor and bridge builder and came to America from Germany
with his family in 1872, and settled in Tomah, Monroe county,
where he worked at his trade until he retired — ^twenty-seven years
ago.
Anton Kroeger,* who was born in Waukesha county, Wiscon-
sin, September 6, 1859, is the youngest of a family of three chil-
dren— two of whom are now (1912) living — born to Henry and
Anna Kroeger, both natives of Germany. They emigrated to
America in 1852 and located first in New Jersey, from whence
they came to Waukesha county, where the father worked for a
time as a laborer. In 1860 he moved with his family to Monroe
county and purchased a farm of 160 acres in Ridgeville township
and added later eighty acres more, and here established the family
home, where he lived until his death in 1907. His wife, mother of
our subject, died in 1884. The father was an energetic, hard-
working man and was a successful farmer and was considered
authority on many points of agriculture. His first vote for presi-
dent was cast for Franklin Pierce. Both he and Mrs. Kroeger
were members of the Catholic church.
Anton Kroeger received his education in the district schools
770 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
ami assisted his fatlun- willi llic f'ai-m \V()fl<. liviim- at home during
tlicir lifetime. In 1!)(12 lie ])iir('hased a farm of eighty acres in
section eight. Kidgeville towiiship. and has since been successfully
engaged in general fai'iiiiiig on his own ))lace. He takes pride in
keei)ing his ])laee well imi)i-o\('(| and stocked, employing only the
most up-to-date methods in his operations. In politics he is a
Democrat and takes active inlci-est in the atfairs of his party. He
has held minor local offices and is now (1012) assessor for the
town of Ridgeville. lie was married June 8. 1892. at Sparta, to
]\Iiss Kat(^ Doll, daughter of .John Doll, a pioneer of ]\Ionroe
county. To this union has been born eight children, four sons
and four daughters, viz. : (xertie L.. Joseph A.. (Jrace K.. Walter
]^.. Helen II.. Alex. P.. Ruth and James J.
George P. Kronberg, one of the industrious tillci-s of the soil
in ]\Ionroe connt.w and a man of sound judgment and good prac-
tical sense, is the owner and pro|)i-ietoi- of the Kronberg farm in
section twenty-nine. Angelo township, consisting of eighty-four
acres. He was l)orn in Denmarlv. January 18. 1866, the son of
N. J. and Christiana Kronberg. The father came to the United
States in 1885. and is now {lf)12) living at AVest Salem, La Crosse
county. AVisconsin. The mother, who was born in Denmark,
sjient hei' entire life in that country, Avhere she died, (ieorge P.
Kronberg. the snl).)ec1 of this sketch, attended the common schools
of his native country, and "vvas reared on the farm, where he re-
mained until 1884. when he set sail for America. Upon his arrival
in this connti'v he raine to Bangor. La Crosse county. Wisconsin,
■where he found he had but 5 cents in his jjocket. He immediately
found em])loyment with tln^ Chicago. ^Milwaukee and St. Paul
Railroad, and later with the Northwestern Railroad, and still
later he hired out as a farm laborer, and continued at this occupa-
tion until 1891. M'hen he came to Angelo township and ])urchased
his present farm and immediately nu^ved hithei- with his family.
Since I'cmoving to his ])resent place. Air. Kronberg has remodeled
and improved his residence, built a large and commodious barn,
silo and other outbuildings, and has brought the soil to a high
state of cultivation. Sixty-five acres of this farm is so highly
improved that each year it i)roduces a bountiful harvest. He is
a practical, systematic and ])rogressive farmer and gives particu-
lar attention to the fertilization of the land, the rotation of crops
and other means of deriving the best results from his farm opera-
tions. He takes an active interest in the aifairs of his town and
county, and is now serving his fourth term as member of the
town board. He has been interested in the construction of bridges
BIOGRAPHY 771
on the highways and in other improvements of his township, and
is known as a high-minded, public-spirited and successful citizen.
On Jul}' 1, 1888, Mr. Kronberg was united in marriage, at West
Salem, La Crosse count}^ Wisconsin, to Miss Roberta Miller,
daughter of Robert F. and Nancy D. (Washburn) Miller, natives
of Ohio, and who came to La Crosse county in 1849, being among
the early pioneers of that section, the towns of Burns and Bangor.
He was a veteran of the Civil War and died soon after his return
from the army, at the age of thirty-seven years. Mrs. Miller,
mother of Mrs. Kronberg, is also deceased, her death having oc-
curred in 1897. Abel AVashburu, grandfather of Mrs. Kronberg,
came from Ohio to Wisconsin in 18-48, and was one of the most
highly respected pioneers of Burns township, LaCrosse county,
where he died at the age of eighty-six years.
To Mr. and IMrs. Kronberg have been born four children : Rob-
ert P., born in July, 1889; Ruddie R., born June 11, 1892; Tressie
C, born December 30, 1899, and Levi M., born August 11, 1903.
Irvin A. Krotzman, of AA^ells township, IMonroe county, was
born July 21, 1861; his parents were John E. and Fredarica
(WoeWin) Krotzman, both natives of Germany. The father came
to America before his marriage, and first located in Pennsylvania,
where he worked at his trade of shoemaker for ten years. He
then spent a short time in New York and in 1858 came to AVis-
consin, locating at Sparta, but later moved to Walworth county,
continuing at his trade luitil he purchased 160 acres of govern-
ment land, to which he added until, at the time of his death, he
owned 360 acres in ]Monroe county, where he lived for thirty-four
years, then moved to Salem, La Crosse county, and resided with
our subject. The father was born in 1824 and the mother in
1827. They toiled hard in the honest endeavor to build them a
home, and suffered many privations at first, but in the end were
successful, passing away at the close of a busy and well spent life,
honored and respected by all who knew them. INIr. Krotzman died
in 1895 and INIrs. Krotzman in 1901. They had a family of seven
children, all of whom are living.
Irvin A. was the fifth child in the family and received a good
education, and, after spending two years in the Sparta high school,
he spent ten winters in teaching and working at the stone masons'
trade during the summer months. He then embarked in the mer-
cantile business, cari\ving on a general store at Clifton, Wis., for
five years. Disposing of this business, he moved to Salem, La
Crosse county, and engaged in the hotel business from 1893 to
1895, and then purchased the old homestead in section fourteen,
772 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
AVells towiisliii). where he has since resided and lias been con-
stantly adding to the improvements of the place. His house and
barns are well built and of modern construction, and, in addition
to his general farming, he carries on a paying dairy business, and
his elegant fish i)(,tnd near his residence is bountifully supplied
with the finny tribe.
]Mr. Krotzman is a man of thrift and ability and has made a
grand success of the farming business since he began, as well as
gaining the good will of his fellowmen. He is a Republican in
politics and has served as chairman of the town board and also as
clerk of the board. He was married, February 3, 1889, at Tomah,
Wis., to Miss Carrie Frohmader. Four children have been born
to them, three of whom are living, viz. : Celia, born April 1, 1891 ;
John, born January 19, 1893, and Alma, born July 7, 190-1. In
religious affiliations, Mr. and Mrs. Krotzman are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church of Sparta.
George F. Kuckuck owais one of the best 150-acre farms in
Mimroe county; it is located in sections seventeen and twenty, in
Oakdale township. Avhere he has lived since 1910. He is a car-
penter by trade, but has followed the occupation of farming most
of his life. He w'as born on January 30, 1888, in Oakdale town-
ship, the son of George and Rose (Gabower) Kuckuck, who were
both natives of Germany. He lived at home and attended school
until he was eighteen years of age and then learned the carpen-
ters' trade and worked at that for about four years, after which
he purchased his father's farm. On June 24, 1909, he was wedded,
in Monroe county, to Miss Charlotte Avery, whose parents are
early settlers here and highly respected people.
Mr. Kuckuck is one of the hustling young farmers of this local-
ity, and is thoroughly up-to-date on all issues of public interest.
At the present time he is secretary of the Oakdale Co-operative
Butter Association and is a man of good business judgment. He
is a Democrat in politics, and takes great interest in the move-
ments of that party. Fraternally he is a member of the ]\Iodern
Woodmen of America.
"Lawrence A. Lane, of Cashton. Monroe county, Wisconsin, is
a native of New York State, and was born yt Plattsburg, August
10, 1851. His father. Dyer Lane, was born in Ottawa, Canada.
October 21. 1828, and his mother, whose maiden name was ]\Iary
Fitzpatrick, was born in England in 1830. They were nuirried at
St. Andrews, Canada, in 1846, where they resided luitil 1848, and
removed in that year to Plattsburg, N. Y., wiiere they made their
home for nine years, thence in 1857 came w^est to Wisconsin and
BIOGRAPHY 773
first settled at Horicon. They remained here one year, and in
1858 went to Maiiston, Juneau county, where they made their per-
manent home. The father followed the occupation of farming
and lumbering, and, being thrifty and progressive, met with much
success. He is still living (1912) at Mauston at the age of eighty-
four years. The mother died in 1902. They were the parents of
eleven children, eight of. whom are now living, viz.: Mrs. Emery
Root, who resides at Mauston ; Lawrence A., our subject ; Mrs.
Thomas Dowd, of Omaha, Neb. ; Alex. Lane, Rapid City, S. D. ;
Albert resides in western Nebraska; Mrs. Peter Comer, of Maus-
ton ; J. D. Lane lives at IMansfield, S. T>. Those deceased are Mrs.
Emery Newkirk, and Phoebe, who died at the age of twenty-seven
years, and two children died in infancy.
Lawrence A. Lane was seven years old when his parents lo-
cated at Mauston, attended the common schools at this place, after
which he attended the Cashel & Rogers Business College at La
Crosse, which is now known as the Wisconsin Business University,
Here he received a thorough business training, and after com-
pleting the course was engaged as a school teacher, which voca-
tion he followed for about twelve years. In 1882 he entered the
employ of the Chicago, IMilwaukee & St. Paul Railroad as ware-
house man at New Lisbon. He remained thus employed for eight
years, and so well did he perform the duties assigned him he was
transferred in 1890 to Cashton and given entire charge of the
company's business at that place, in which capacity he is still
engaged.
On October 20, 1878. he was united in marriage with Miss
Jennie JMeredith, who was born at Racine, Wis., October 10, 1853,
daughter of Thomas and Ann Meredith, both natives of Wales.
There were nine children born to them. viz. : Thomas, who en-
listed and served in the W^isconsin Regiment in the Civil War,
died while in the service ; Mrs. Ernest Jewett, of Wheaton, 111. ;
IMrs. Rachel Demeroe, of Grand Rapids, Wis. ; George is deceased;
Mrs. Lawrence A. Lane, deceased; Mrs. Sarah Louie and Mrs.
Robert Marshall, deceased; Edwin lives at New Lisbon, and Mrs.
Maggie Rourke resides at Grand Rapids, Wis. One daughter was
born to Mr. and Mrs. Lane on December 21, 1881, and is now"
Mrs. Carl C. Coe.
On November 9, 1903, Mrs. Lane died. She was most highly
esteemed by all who knew her, was a good wife and mother, and
a lady of many womanly virtues.
A Democrat in political opinion, Mr. Lane takes an active part
in the affairs of his party, and is interested in all matters per-
774 HISTORY OF :\[OXROE COUNTY
taining tt» tlic welfare of his community. He has served eleven
years as clerk of the village of Cashton. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of the Cashton Camp, No. 2671. ^Modern "Woodmen of America,
and in religious matters is a member of the St. Peter and Paul's
Catholic ehurcli. ]Mr. Lane was a member of Company D, Third
Regiment Wisconsin National (Juaixls, and spent five years in that
service.
Joseph J. Lee, a prominent farmer of Portland township, is a
native of lesvold, Norway, where he was born June 29, 1847. lie
remained in the land of his nativity until he became twenty-two
years of age and then came to the United States, landing at Sparta,
AVis., ]\Iay 17, 1869. The first three years after his arrival he made
his home with his uncle, Lars Peterson. In 1S72 he purchased
a farm of 120 acres in section tw^enty-one, Portland townshij).
The land was in a raw' state and he immediately set to work to
subdue, cultivate and improve it, and. by hard work and per-
severance he succeeded and now has one of the best cultivated
and most joroductive farms of the township. His first house and
also his barns were built out of logs, and so wild was the land that
he found it necessary to grub the stumps in order to build the
foundation for his house. To replace the old log house he has
recently completed a modern twelve-room residence, finished in
quartered oak, with a steam plant in the basement for heating
and other up-to-date appliances, and his is now one of the finest
homes in jMonroe county. His barn, whicli is 34x86 feet, is one
of the most modern barns in that section. It has 9-foot ceilings
below, with a basement under the whole, with cement fioor, and
contains stable room for fifty head of cattle and six horses; also
a modern silo, built in 1912.
On ]\Iarch 7, 1876, Mr. Lee was married to ]\Iiss Olive P. Ben-
rud. Mho is also a native of Norway, and was born in the same
town as Mr. Lee on April 12, 1856. They have a family of nine
children, viz. : Leonard J., ]\Irs. Peter Peterson, Ole R., ]\Irs.
Henry Peterson, Lenora, John A.. Louis Y., Albert and Fstella.
]\Ir. Lee's whole life has been spent in farming and dairying.
He was one of the original incorporators of the Farmers' dairy
of Portland, and one of its directors, and for some time its secre-
tary. He is a Republican in politics and has served several terms
on the township board, and is a member of the Norwegian church.
He came to America with limited means to start with, but as a
result of his ambition and thrift, hard work and economy, he has
added to his original purchase from lime to time until he now
owns 280 acres of fertile and liigblv cultivated land, and with his
Q
K
BIOGRAPHY 775
fine country home, is surrounded by a wide circle of friends, wlio
regard him as one of the prosperous and influential citizens of
the county.
J. B. Leis is a native of Cole's valley, Jefferson township,
Monroe county, where he was born February 7, 1869. His parents,
Bernard and Catherine Leis, Avho were both natives of Germany,
came to America in the early fifties, and in 1857 located on the
ridge in the town of Jefferson. They had a family of five chil-
dren, our subject being the fourth. When the family first settled
in Jefferson the father purchased a small tract of land and there
lived until 1863, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War
and with his regiment served in the Army of Tennessee until the
close of the war, and after receiving his honorable discharge he
returned to the old homestead and purchased 200 acres of wild
land, and with his own hands cleared and grubbed 100 acres and
converted it from a wild state to a highly productive farm. In
those early days settlers were few and wild game, bear and deer,
were plentiful, with Indians roaming over the country. Mr. Leis
was a hard working man and always sociable and good natured,
and held the confidence and esteem of his acquaintances. His
word was considered as good as his bond. He and his wife were
both members of the Catholic church and Mr. Leis assisted in
building a little church at the cemetery where they worshiped,
but which has since been destroyed by cyclone. He was an advo-
cate of pure democracy and was a loyal supporter of this party
all his life. He died in 1904. The mother passed away in 1907.
J. B. Leis, our subject, lived on the home farm until he was
twenty-five years old, attending the district schools until his
fifteenth year. After his marriage he moved on to his father-in-
law's farm, which he rented for two years, and then engaged in
the saloon business in Pine Hollow and operated that together
with his farm. He purchased eighty acres of land in sections
twenty-eight and twenty-nine and erected thereon a modern resi-
dence of ten rooms and a good, substantial barn. His farm is
well stocked with good horses, cattle and hogs and the cream
from his dairy is sold to the Farmers' Enterprise Creamery, at
Cashton, of which he became president in 1909, a position he still
holds. He is independent in politics and has held several minor
offices. He has been supervisor for three years, and for a long
time overseer of highways, and takes a deep interest in all matters
of general importance, and is one of the public spirited men of
his town.
On August 21, 1893, Mr. Leis was married to IMiss Eva Han-
776 IITSTOKY OF .AIONROE COUNTY
sen, daughter of P. J. Hansen, and they have five children, viz.:
Henry B., born March 3, 1895; Katie E., born October 11. 1896;
Lawrence H., born September 10, 1898; Celia M., born February
26, 1900, and Addla ("., born December 24, 1902.
Capt. M. E. Leonard, Civil AVar veteran and an industrious
citizen of Sparta, was l)()rn at Fort Ann., "Washinorton county,
New York. September 27, 1832, his parents l)ein^ Jarvis and Eliza
Leonard, both natives of New York state. Jarvis Leonard was
the son of Elisha and Clara Leonard, natives of ^Lissachusetts and
Connecticut, respectively . The early Leonard faniily were strong
believers in the P>ai)tist faith.
The subject of this sketch was the second of a family of three
children, the first being Eliza Jane, wife of Rev. Robert A. Adams.
She is now deceased, lier death occurring in Boston, ]\Iass., and
Philetus A., who died at Odell, 111., in February, 1912. Jarvis
Leonard, father of our subject, was twice married. His second
marriage was with Elizabeth Pierce, by whom he had one son,
]\Iason Leonard, who lives at Chicora, Pa.
Captain Leonard Avas married December 10, 1869, to I\Iiss
Olive A. Damon, daughter of Seth and ]\Iary Damon. She lived
to the age of sixty-eight years and died in ^lay, 1909. There were
five children born to Captain and ]\Irs. Leonard, viz. : Kliza, mar-
ried George Hasty and lived at Aberdeen, S. D., where she died;
Frederick J. married ]Miss Lettie Burnham, of Cambridge, ]\lass.
They have one child named Leoua, and reside at La Crosse. Wis. ;
AVilliam T. lives at Watertown, S. D. ; Arthur M., of Chicago, and
]\Iinnie B. Leonard, who resides at Sparta. ]\Ir. Leonard was
reared on the home fai-m, going with his family to Cattaraugus
county, New York, Avliither they moved from AVashingtou county
in 1837. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Leonard began farming
on his own account, which he followed until 1856. In early life
he had made the acquaintance of the late Judge ^Morrow, of
Sparta, and they became fast friends. In the year 185() they
decided to accept Horace Greeley's advice, "Go west, young
man," and came to AVisconsin together in the fall of that year.
It was with great difficulty, however, owing to Judge IMorrow's
ill health that they were able to reach Sparta. The first occupa-
tion accepted by Mr. Leonard after reaching this, the then new
country, was that of clerk in the Hotel ]\Ionroe, where he remained
until this hotel Avas destroyed by fire two. years later. He then
became clerk of the Denny House, which stood where the AVarncr
House now stands. There were no railroads in those early days
and the only means of travel was by stage coach, which was slow
BIOGRAPHY 777
and tedious. The line of coaches between Portage and St. Paul
were run in relays and the duty of caring for the men in Sparta
fell to Mr. Leonard. His experience as hotel clerk was varied
and his duties strenuous in that he had to manage many a rough
gang of men. This work was followed by varied experiences in
other lines of business, and later he ventured into hop raising for
two years. He then took up the trade of carpenter and joiner and
built several of the early buildings of Sparta and many of the
large barns in and about Sparta township, as well as the first
silos and bridge were constructed by him. He continued at this
trade until 1909, when he retired.
In July, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-fifth Regi-
ment, Wisconsin Volunteers, and the first service he performed
was as a recruiting officer, a position he held for several months.
The governor, appreciating his fitness to command, commissioned
him captain of his regiment. Captain Leonard is one of the stal-
wart figures of Sparta and a man of strong physique. His
experiences during the Civil AVar will be found among the
reminiscences of this work. All through his service as captain of
the Twentj^-fifth Regiment his motto w^as, "Simply do your duty
and fear nothing."
Gothern Liddle, who resides in section ten, Sparta township,
was born at Herseyville, Monroe county, Wisconsin, August 24,
1874, and is the youngest of a family of seven children born to
William and Mary (Aherne) Liddle, natives of England and Ire-
land, respectively. Of the others, Kate is now Airs. John AlcVay,
of Hardin, Mont. ; William is deceased ; Alary, wife of Charles
Jarvis and resides at Culbertson, Alont. ; Sarah, wife of Richard
Barrett, Alerrill, AA^is. ; Isabelle, Airs. Charles Hubner, of Culbert-
son, Mont., and Alantille, wife of Jefferson Butterfield, who resides
at Beacli, N. D. In 1846 Mary Aherne, with money furnished by
her mother, came to Canada and for two years made her home
with William Tate, who at that time was engaged in surveying
the Grand Trunk railway. In 1850 William Liddle came from
England to Canada and while there met and married Alary
Aherne. With money saved while a girl Airs. Liddle bought a
home of James Aherne near Saginaw, Alich., which she later
traded with Stephen Wilbur for an eighty-acre farm at Hersey-
ville, Alonroe county, whither they went in 1861. Some nine years
later disposing of the farm at Herseyville, they purchased what is
known as the Putnam farm in Sparta township, where they re-
moved in 1872, and afterwards bought the present home farm.
Here Air. Liddle died on February 3, 1909, at the age of seventy-
778 HISTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
three years. He had been actively engaged in farming and
railroading during his lifetime, was a man of genial tempera-
ment, kind-hearted and generous, and esteemed ])y all who knew
him.
William Alexander Liddle, i)at('rnal grandfatluT of our suh-
jeet, a native of Scotland, moved to Newcastle, England, in an
early day, where he died when his son "William was a boy. His
wife, grandmother of our subject, was Isabelle (Donohue) Liddle,
wlio died j)rior to lier liu.sband. ]\Iichael and Kate (Harden)
Aherne, maternal grandparents, were born in Shandon and Lim-
erick, Ireland. He died in Ireland and she at Saginaw. ]\iich..
wliere she-came after the death of her husband. He was a sailor
on the deep seas and during the Crimean war sailed from England
under the American flag. They had a family of three children,
]\Irs. Liddle being the only surviving mein])er. Those deceased
are Sarah, wife of iloses Kahoe, who was at one time foreman
on the Evening Post, at Brooklyn, N. Y., and Katherine, who was
the wife of Lewis Anger. On April 10, 1912, ]\Irs. Liddle
celebrated her seventy-ninth birthday by entertaining a large
number of her friends and neighl)ors.
Gothern Liddle received his preliminary education at the dis-
trict schools of his home town, which Avas supplemented by a
thorough course in the Sparta high school. "With the exception of
one year spent on the road as salesman for a farm machinery
concern, ^Ir. Liddle 's whole life has been spent on the farm,
which, since reaching the age of twenty-two years, he lias man-
aged and conducted. The original farm, which consisted of eighty
acres, has been added to from time to time until it now contains
200 acres of highly cultivated land. He has been lavish in his
expenditures of time, energy and money in improving the farm,
erecting a commodious and substantial residence, barns and silo,
and supplying modern appliances and ecjuipments, so that this
is in reality one of the most desirable homes in Sparta township.
Mr. Liddle has always carried on general farming and dairying
and for many years has been counted one of the thrifty and pros-
perous farmers of his section, and an influential and wide-awake
citizen. He has taken an active interest in township affairs and
in 1012 was elected assessor. In religious belief he and his family
are mend)ers of St. I'atrick's church, of Sparta.
On October 26. 1910. ]\Ir. Liddle was married to ^liss Julia
Madden, daughter of Jolin and .lulia (Crowley) ^Madden, natives
of Limerick, Ireland. The father emigrated to America when
sixteen years of age. and settled on a farm in Lemonweir town-
BIOGRAPHY 779
ship, Juneau couuty, near Mauston, where Jic was engaged in
farming and railroading for forty years. He died February 15,
1904, at the age of eighty-two years, beloved and esteemed by all
wdio knew him. His wife, mother of Mrs. Liddle, who was a
woman of many domestic virtues, held the contid(>ne(> and respect
of her wdde circle of friends, survived until September 25, 1905,
when she passed away. They raised a family of nine children, as
follows : Anna, wafe of James MeCarty, of Iron River, Wis. ;
John, resides at Minneapolis and is conductor on the Great West-
tern railroad ; P. II. is roadmaster on the Chicago, ]\Iilwaukee &
St. Paul road from Portage to La Crosse ; Maggie married John
Hurey, of Mauston; James lives on the old homestead; David is
deceased; Julia, wife of our subject; Dennis, of Chisholm, IMinn.,
and Beatrice, wife of John Maloney, a farmer in Juneau county.
George F, Lillie comes of Scotch ancestors. Ills parents, Wil-
liam and Isabella (Young) Lillie, left Scotland in 1858 and upon
their arrival in this country settled at Lake Champlain, N. Y.,
where they remained but a short time. They again moved west-
ward, settling in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, where our subject,
George F., was born on October 6, 1860. In the spring of the fol-
lowing year they came to Monroe county and settled on a farm in
Wellington township. They followed agricultural pursuits for
several years in this township, then moved to the village of Ken-
dall, in IMonroe county, where he followed the trade of carpenter
and builder. He held the office of township treasurer for several
terms, was a member of the school board and filled other minor
offices. Mr. and Mrs. Lillie were among the early and most re-
spected pioneers of their section, and after a long and busy life
Mr. Lillie died in October, 1908, at the age of seventy-eight, and
]\Irs. Lillie passed away in 1871 at the age of forty-one years,
respected and esteemed by all who knew them.
William Lillie was the son of David Lillie, a blacksmith by
trade, wJio spent his entire life at Orwell, Vt. The father of Mrs.
Lillie, and grandfather of our subject, was William Young.
James, a brother of William Lillie, w-as a farmer at Orwell, Vt.,
where he died. He was in the service for his country in the
Civil War. Walter Lillie, another brother of the late William
Lillie, is still living at Orwell, Vt., and is engaged in making and
sharpening marble cutters' tools.
George F. Lillie is the seventh of a family of eight children.
The others are Betsy H., wife of James M. Gordon, of Nebraska;
Frances, wife of Nelson Crouch, and resides at Kendall, in this
county; Loran E. Lillie lives at Boone, la., and David, James,
780 HISTORY OF MOXROP] COUNTY
William aiul Walter arc dei-eused. ]\Ir. Lillie was reared on his
father's farm in Wellington township, attended the common
schools, and at the age of nineteen years was employed in a
country store conducted by Samuel Cholvin. At the age of
twenty years he entered the employ of Messrs. Burrington &
TiOckwood, merchants at Kendall, with whom he remained for
three years. After spending one year in Nebraska he returned
to Kendall and embarked in the grocery business on his own ac-
count, lie later added other lines and for thirteen years suc-
cessfully conducted a general store. In 1898 he was elected clerk
of the circuit court for Monroe county, and disposing of his
merchandise interests, assumed charge of that office. He was
re-elected for a second term, at the close of which he entered the
employ of the Wisconsin Telephone Company. After two years
spent in the telephone service he, in September, 1807. removed to
Sibley, la., and there conducted a bakery and restaurant for one
and a half years. Returning to Sparta in 1909 he decided to
again engage in business in his home town, and on April 24, of
that year, opened a A^ariety store, which he made a success, and
in 1911 enlarged his facilities and changed the name to the
Variety Emporium, and is now conducting a thriving and j^ros-
perous business. He is a man of sterling worth and industrious
habits, generous in his dealings and well liked by his customers.
He is a member of the Knights of Pythias order and the ]\Iodern
Woodmen of America.
On October 81, 1883, ]Mr. Lillie married ]\Iiss Annie Josephine
McFee, daughter of Washington and Eliza (Hart) McFee. of
Ontario, Vernon county, Wisconsin. Their children are Earl B.,
who resides in Portage, Wis. ; Mamie J, and Paul W. reside at
Sparta. Dean H., George W. and Gladys are deceased.
Joseph A. Lincoln" is a native of Wilton, ]\Ionroe county,
Wisconsin, where he was born May 11, 1873. He is a son of
George and Hannah (Falkner) Lincoln. George Lincoln, the
father of our subject, was a native of Dorset, Vt., and his father,
James Lincoln, emigrated Math his family from Vermont to Illi-
nois, and after a short time came to Wisconsin, locating in the
town of Wilton in the early fifties, where he homesteaded eighty
acres of land in section ten of that town, where George, his son,
bought eighty acres of land in the same section, and his father,
James, had acquired 440 acres at the time of his death. He ex-
perienced the ups and downs of pioneer life, with the land wild
and uncultivated. The homestead is now occupied by our subject
and the house built on this farm is one of the oldest land-marks in
BIOGRAPHY 781
the valley. James, the grandfather of our subject, reared a family
of five children, of whom George, father of our subject, is the
only surviving member. George Lincoln attended the district
school and at the age of eighteen began to learn the carpenter's
trade, to which he gave his undivided attention for several years.
His marriage occurred in 1870 and to this union were born eleven
children, the subject of this sketch being the second child. In
1891 he removed with his family to Hebron. N. D., where he has
been successful, and is now the owner of 320 acres of land in that
northwest country.
Joseph attended the public school up to his sixteenth year and
made his home with his uncle, Joseph Lincoln, and was ahvays a
laborer until 1906, when he became the ow^ner of sixty acres of
choice land in Wilton township.
October 25, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Isabell
Allingham, daughter of Hugh 0. and Elizabeth Allingham. They
have one son, Hugh 0., born November 1, 1899. Mrs. Lincoln has
one brother, Hugh 0. Allingham, Jr. The father of Mrs. Lincoln
is a resident of Tomah township, and is the owner of 143 acres of
laud. In polities Mr. Lincoln is a Republican and active in the
interest of his party. In 1912 he was elected chairman of the
town of "Wilton.
William Wallace Link. Among the early settlers in western
Wisconsin, away back early in the Nineteenth century, was Henry
A. Link, father of the subject of this sketch. A native of Kinder-
hook. N. Y., he left that state at about the time mentioned, and
became located in what is now the Leon Valley, in Monroe county.
He was a son of Nicholas Link and grandson of William Link,
who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His ancestors were
natives of Holland, and settled at an early day on the North river
in Columbia county, New York. Here Henry A. was reared and
educated. His wife w^as Laura Hutchins, daughter of M. and
Sybil (Simpson) Hutchins, of Scotch and Irish ancestry. They
raised a family of eleven children, five of whom are now living.
He was born in the town of Kinderhook, state of New York, in
1809, and died in January, 1880, aged seventy years. He was a
successful farmer in his native state, where he grew to manhood,
and received a good education. He was a student of economic
principles and a man of good sound judgment; in every walk of
life his career was above criticism or reproach ; a man of unbend-
ing honor, incorruptible honesty, broad but practical charity,
noble and generous in his dealings, dignified in his manhood,
worthv as a citizen, true and faithful as a friend, he merited and
782 IIISTOHV OF .MOXROK CorXTY
received lli<' lioiioi- miuI respect of all who knew liiin. TTc ;it one
time ran for mciiilxT of the yeneral assembly of New York state,
heiiiij' (lefealcd l)y oin' vote; was a Jacksonian Deniocrjit and a
l)eliever in in-incipjes of J)emocraey. and after coming to Wis-
consin attained to a position of prominence in every movement
of ])uhli(' interest. He held iiuiiiy town offices, was justice of the
peace for a iiundx'r of years, and his advice was soug:ht on many
occasions by the ])eop]e of liis town.
With a view to l)ettering his condition, Henry A. Link came
to Wiscdiisin iiti ;i tour of inspection and ii|)oii Ids arrival in the
Jjcon \'alle.\ lie was so impressed with the country that he pur-
(diased lliO acres of land which he cultivated and seeded, then
returned to his native state for his family. Taking passage at
Jiuft'alo, they came by the way of the Great Lakes to ^Milwaukee,
from which point they came to Portage City. Avhere they pur-
chased a team of horses and wagon Avitli which they traveled
overlaiul to the Leon Valley in ^Monroe county, ai'riving here in
September, 1853. He added to his original purchase from time
to time until he had acquired 1.000 acres of the choice land in
the valley, besides purchasing other tracts in Iowa and ^Missouri.
lie was one of ]\Ionroe county's foremost citizens, kind and con-
siderate of the poor, to whom lu' always extended a helping hand,
in many instances cancelling the debts owed him without any
remuneration. He was a man of decided views and disliked the
aristocrat and looked with disfavor on the rich who took advan-
tage of their i)Oor debtors to increase their omu fortunes. To
charitable subjects he gave thousands of dollars, and will always
be remembered as one of the mo.st liberal, open-hearted men in
the county. When ho ari'ived in this section but few settlers
lived near him. His was the first frame residence erected in the
Leon Valley, aiul at this time trips to Delton. AVis.. a distance of
100 miles, were necessary to secni-e flour and other provisions.
He always bought as much as he could haul and sold the surplus
to his neighbors. His wife, nuither of William "\V., was born in
New York state in 1815, and died in August, 1S78, at the age of
sixty-three years. She A\as a wonuni of I'are Avomanly graces,
a devout Christian, and, while in New York, was with her husband
a consistent member of the Lutheran church, but after coming to
AVisconsin became a Congregationalist.
William Wallace Liid< av;is l)orn in Colum])ia county. New
York, October 21. 1887. and came to Wisconsin in 1858 with his
l)arents and family, consisting at that time of nine children. He
attended the common schools of New York state, receiving a
BIOGRAPHY 783
limited education, but he was a constant reader aiul close observer
of events and became thoroughly posted on almost any subject.
He delved into historical science, mental and moral philosophy,
and is also a great Bible student, lie has beconu' a theologian
and from deep thinking and study has accepted the belief which
he now enjoys, when the Almighty manifests himself in diflferent
and mysterious ways to his children he has created in this world.
William remained at home assisting on the farm until he was
twenty-six years of age, when he went AVest to Montana, where
he remained two years. At the end of that time he returned
home and rented his father's farm, which he carried on for two
years, when he purchased a farm of 120 acres and has since made
additions until now he has a farm of 270 acres of choice valley
land, located near the village of Leon. ]Mr. Link is the oldest
living settler in the Leon Valley, and is one of the most prosper-
ous and influential citizens of the county. He takes an active
interest in the affairs of his town and county, and in all matters
pertaining to the welfare of his community he gives his hearty
support. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, but previous to be-
coming allied with the Prohibition jiarty he had been active in
the interest of Democracy. AVhile he has never sought official
position, he has held many minor town offices and for several
years was justice of the peace ; being a member of the county
board for three years. He is now clerk of the school district in
which he lives and has tilled that position for more than twenty-
five years, having always taken a deep interest in educational
matters.
Mr. Link has been twice married ; his first marriage w^as Avith
]\Iiss Carrie Olson, on June 7, 1868. Seven children were born
to this union, three of whom are now living, viz. : Dorothy, who
is now in the office of the secretary of the Board of Trade at Chi-
cago; George Martin is instructor in the high school of Minne-
apolis, Minn., and 0. R. is in the United States mail service and
resides at Leon. Mrs. Link died June 1, 1879, and on February
28, 1881, he was married for the second time to Miss Irene Under-
wood, who was born in Lorain county, Ohio, she was reared
in Vernon county, AVisconsin. where she Avas educated. Her
father, Avho died in Vernon county, Wisconsin, in 1882, Avas a
native of Xcav York state, and Avas a soldier in the Civil War, as
were his tAvo sons, Oliver and Horace. The mother, AA'hose maiden
name Avas Eliza Hunter, was a native of Ohio. To Air. and Airs.
Link have been born tAvo children ; Ethel J., uoav Airs. HoAvard G.
784 HISTORY OF .MOXROK ("OrXTY
Slayttm. ]i<).st mistress of J^eoii. and Wiiificd \V.. who is engaged in
tannin!.'' on the homestead farm.
Charles E. Loomer is one of tliose unassuming men who has
proven his worth botli as a soldier and a citizen. He was one of
the first to take up anus in defense of his country at the beginning
of the Civil War, and when no longer needed in the ranks of the
firing line, he dropped the tools of strife and put his hand to the
plow in an honest endeavor to redeem the wilderness and make
two blades of grass grow where only one grew before.
He is a native of Massachusetts and was born at Boston
October 1, 1841, the son of Charles and Mary Ann (Rivers)
Loonier, natives of Nova Scotia, from where they moved to ^lassa-
chusetts. and in the early sixties to .Monroe county. Wisconsin,
and settled on the farm now owned l)y our subject. He was a
slii{) carpenter by trade and after coming to the then new coun-
try, worked at liis trade building houses for settlers. He was
prominent in his community and held man\' local otifiees. Both he
and our subject's mother were born in 1809 and both died the
same year — in 1877. j\Ir. Loomer. our subject is the only sur-
viving member of a family of eight children. ^lary. Avho married
Henry Van Antwerp, died at Sparta November 4. 1911: Ilattie,
who married Gideon Bigelow. and died at San Jose, Calif., May
10, 1912; Maria died at the age of eighteen, and the others died
when young.
Charles E. Loomer received his education in the common
schools of his home town, and when ten years of age. his parents
moved to Kansas, where they pre-empted Government land; after
ten years spent in the Sunflower state the family came to Wis-
consin and .settled at Sugar Creek, in Walworth county, on a
farm purchased by the father. Charles remained here until 1865.
when he njarried and came to ^Monroe county, settling first in
Glendale township, moving to his present farm the following
year, which was then a forest in the wilderness of the northern
part of LaGrange township, which, at that time formed a part of
the town of Lincoln. He purchased his land of James B. Avery,
who had bought the land witli script, and here ^Ir. Loomer
assumed the task of clearing and subduing the land and estab-
lishing a permanent home. He proceeded to build a home,
16x24. and in 1869 built his present residence, which has since
undergone repairs and atlditions made. A house erected by his
father now forms a part of this residence. Out of these primitive
surroundings, with the Indians foi- neighbors, he carved out a
home, and by persistent effort has subdued and brought the land
BIOGRAPHY 785
to a high state of cultivation, and now enjoys the fruits of his
many years of toil. Out of the original wilderness he still retains
a ten-acre tract of woodland of the forest, which has yet not seen
the woodman's axe, and is a marvel of beauty. Besides cultivat-
ing and improving the land by substantial buildings, as opportu-
nity afforded, j\Ir. Loonier has this year (1912) erected a sub-
stantial modern residence in the city of Tomah. He occupies a
prominent place in his community, has been a member of the
board of supervisors, and takes a commendable interest in church
work.
He was married on October 6, 1865, to Miss Phoebe C. Parkyn.
daughter of Rev. Joseph and Rebecca (Lake) Parkyn, natives of
England and New Jersey, respectively. The father was of the
Free Will Baptist persuasion, and a man of influence in his
denomination. He was born in 1812 and died in Nebraska in his
eighty-eighth year; Mrs. Loomer's mother survived until 1909,
when she passed away at the age of ninety-three. Mrs. Loomer
was born in LeRo}', Genesee county, N. Y., September 29, 1840,
one of a family of five children, viz. : John L.. of Mountain
Grove, Mo. ; Mrs. Loomer. Mary H., wife of Byron Jenkins, of
Holbrook. Neb. ; Joseph 0., of Hillsdale, Mich., and Alice, who
married Elisha Hulce, of Walworth county, Wisconsin, is
deceased. Mv. and Mrs. Loomer are members of the LaGrange
Methodist Episcopal church.
On September 2, 1861, Mr. Loomer enlisted in company I,
thirteenth Wisconsin Infantr}^ which was detailed for duty at
Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and thence to Fort Scott. The regi-
ment was ordered to Alabama, thence to Chattanooga, Tenn.
Upon reaching Knightsville, Mr. Looiuer was taken ill and sent to
a hospital, where he was given a furlough; he served until the
close of the war and was finally discharged in July, 1865, having
attained to the rank of sergeant.
John J. Lucas, dealer in ice, of Sparta, comes from English
ancestry. He Avas born February 8, 1851:, the son of James and
Berthia (Lewis) Lucas, who came to Ncav York state from Eng-
land, their native country, in the early forties, locating first at
East Galway. He being a glove cutter by trade, here found
employment in the glove business, and after a short sojourn,
moved to Gloversville, and thence to Funda's Bush, where he con-
tinued to work at his trade for some two years. In 1856 he left
the Empire state and came west to Sparta, where he was
employed by Hageman & Roberts for two years, and then moved
to Hartford, Wis., and remained there for the next two years.
786 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE COUNTY
He then moved to Chicago, HI., and there lost his life in the great
fire of 1871. hciiiu' then sixty-eiglit years of aye. His widow,
mother of our sut)ji'ct. died about 1872.
John .). is the youngest of a family of four children, three of
whom arc now living. After ohlaiuiiii: an (Mlucatioii in the |)ul)lic
schools, he secured employ iiuMit on a farm in Dane county for a
time, and latci- went to KoihI du Lac Wis., where he learned the
paper maker's ti-ade. and foi- a period of Iwo \'ears was in the
employ of (Jeorge Hunter. At Ihe end of that time he went to
Kaukauna, Wis., and after spending one year in the paper mills
at this place, came to Sparta, and in the year 1879 (Migaged in the
paper making business with the late O. 1. NiMvton. whose i)lant
was on the site of the present electric light and power company
plant. He remained with Mr. Newton for six years.
Fraternally ]\Ii'. Lucas is a mend)er of the Knights of Pythias
and ^Modern Woodmen of America. He was married in 187") to
]\Hss Maggie Gartman. daughter of Alexandei- and Chi-istina
(Many) Gartman. iNIrs. Lucas died Jammry 4. 18!)8, leaving,
besides her husband, four children, viz. : Earl Spencer, Nina,
]\raude. who married Walter Lake and resides in California, and
Alexander Lucas, of Sparta.
In June, 1910, Mr. Lucas was again married to ^liss P^stella
Grove, of La Crosse, AVis.
Herman Ludeking is a prosperous German farmer of section
four, in the town of Wilton. Alonroe county, where he first bought
ninety-six acres in 1889. and later added another twenty acres,
making his pi'esent farm contain about 110 acres. He was born
in Germany on Ai)ril 7. 1859. and came to America with
his parents and three other children in 1872 and located in Wilton
townshi]). There the father worked for about oiu* year as a fai'm
laborer, tluui bought eighty acres in section four, wiiere they
made theii- home foi- twenty-two years, and he died in 1894 and
the motiiei- in IS!)!). They had seven children, four of whom ai'c
now (1912) ]i\inii-. They were among the best people of their
township; Republican in politics and members of tlu^ (Jerman
Reformed church.
Herman b(>gan his career as a farm laborer, receiving ^W for
his first year's work. He continued, however, in this business for
about nine years and tlien ]iui'chascd a farm of his own. He
was married on December ;U. 188."). to Miss Emma Hehnke. who
died in 1894, leaving three children, two of whom are now living:
Myi-tle. born October 26. 1886. and IVarl. born August 17. 1888.
Mr. Ludcking was married for the second time on December 1.
BIOGRAPHY 787
1895, in the town of Adrian, to Miss Emma Wenclland; her
parents settled in Adrian, whei-e the father died in 1904, and the
mother still lives at the age of sixty-five years. They had a farm
of 120 acres and a family of nine children, all members of the
Lutheran church. ]Mr. and Mrs. Ludeking have had a family of
five children, three of whom are livinp:: INIartha. born September
14. 1897; Alvira. born August 16. 1905, and Lorenz, born
September 10. 1911.
]Mr. Ludeking is a thrifty general farmer and employs the
latest methods in his farming operations ; his stock is of the best
grade, and at present (1912) he is erecting a new modern resi-
dence, which makes his home ideal in every respect.
Albert William Luebchow, one of the enterprising and pro-
gressive farmers of ^Monroe county, was born in Germany, August
6, 1866, to August and Louise (Rehbein) Luebchow. When four
years of age, he ^\ith three other children accompanied his
parents to America, arriving in this country in 1870. The family
located in Iroquois county, Illinois, where they made their home
and spent their lives, the d(^ath of the father occurring in 1908,
ancl that of the mother in 1904. They had a family of seven
children, of whom three are now living, viz: Albert AVilliam,
Frank and Jacob. He was a member of the Lutheran church and
a devoted Christian, and at the time of his death owned a farm
of 160 acres in Iroquois county, Illinois.
Albert William was reared on his father's farm, attending
the district schools and assisting in the farm work. When
twenty-eight years old. on April 28, 1894, he was married at
Tomah to ^liss ]\Iinnie Rasch. Four children have been born
to them, viz : Hilda, Emma, George and Alice. For six years
after his marriage ^Ir. Luebchow and his wife resided with his
parents. In 1902 he moved to the city of Tomah and purchased
and ran a feed barn, and after remaining here a short time, he
purchased a farm of 190 acres in section eighteen, Tomah town-
ship, where he moved and has since resided, engaged in general
farming, and carries on quite an extensive dairy business, sup-
]ilying the Tomah creamery with a large amount of milk and
cream. He is considered one of the most thrifty and prosperous
farmers of his section ; a man of sterling character, faithful in
all he undertakes, and is highly esteemed in his neighborhood.
He is a Republican in political opinion, and although he has
never aspired to political office, he has served three years as
school director and has been commissioner of public highways.
He takes a counnendable interest in all public affairs, and all
788 IlISTOKY OF MONROE ("OIXTY
iiialtcrs ])('rtainiii2: 1o tlic Ix'ttonncnt of" the coniinunity rooeive
liis licai'ty suppoi'l.
Fred E. Luethe, oin- uT the progrcssiN c- Janiiurs oi^ Kidgeville
townshi]), was l)()rn in Switzerland, November 2, 1848. and is the
first child born to Jacob and Anna Barbara (Hertig) Luethe.
Mr. Luethe received a good iinriiial scliool education and after
spending several years teaching high school in Switzerland, he
came In Wisconsin, and after working nine months on a farm
in Sheldon township, inirchascd eighty acres of land in that
town. He Avas married to .Mrs. !\Iiiniie Heitmann (nee Farner)
in 1S84. To this union six children were born, namely: Emma P.,
Walter J., Werner ('., Dorothy S. B., Otto F. and Ernst A. W.
In 1886 they moved to Norwalk, where ]\Ir. Luethe was engaged
in the sawmill husiness for some time.
In Septendjer. 1898, he purchased a farm of 160 acres in
section tAvenly-one of the town of Kidgeville, to which he subse-
quently added eighty acres, owning at the present time, 220
acres Avhere he now resides.
lie is one of the successful farmers and prominent citizens
of Kidgeville township, and has made many valualde improve-
ments on his farm. He built a large and conunodious barn,
34 by 64 feet, in 1898, and his modern twelve-room residence
was erected in 1899. and later man>' other outbuildings.
Mr. lAiethe takes a prominent part in the affairs of his town,
aiul has Ix-en called upon to fill several im])ortant offices. He
has been rlei']\ of llie town f(M' 1wciity-one years, school treasurer
for twelve years, and in 191):^ helped to organize the Norwalk
Creamery Company of which he lias since been secretary. He is
one of the Avell-to-do men of his town, public spirited and infiu-
eutial. In politics he adheres to tlie jirinciples of the Republican
party, while in religious matters he and his wife and children are
mendiers of the German Evangelical chun-h.
Appleton N. Maltby, post master at Oakdale. Wis., was born
October 16, 1840. in Dekalb county, Indiana. His parents. Noah
and .Jane (Coleman) Maltl)y. wiM-e natives of New York state,
liaving been born in Oneida county. They came west to Indiana
in 1838, and after a residence there of ten years, moved to
Illinois in 1S4S. and in isr)2 went to Iowa, and in 1860, they came
to Tomah. Wis. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and for
many years was express agent at Tomah. The father later went to
Greeley, Colo., where he died in 1S99. at the age of eighty-eight
years. The molhei- |)asse(l away in 1S92. They reared a fajiiily
of seven children, five of whom are now li\ing.
BIOGRAPHY 789
Appletoii N. reccixcd his ('(lucatioii in the coiniiion schools of
"^luliaiia and Iowa, and in 1859 came to Tomah and Tor thirty
vears was employed in the saw mills. ?Ie was married on
"^^eeember 27. 18H2, to J\Iiss Clemy I. Baker, daughter of Enoch
Baker, an old and highly respected citizen, who came from Wash-
ington county. New York, and settled in Oakdalc lownsliip, in
1855. ^Irs. ]\Ialtby is the oidy surviving mend)ei" of a family
of three children, and at the death of her father inherited 200
acres of land near the village of Oakdale. IMr. and Mrs. Maltby
have one daughter, Leah, born August 25, 18H(>, who is now the
wife of J. N. AYeloby.
Mr. Maltby was ai)pointed postmaster of Oakdale in 1897,
and is still the incundient. lie lias held the office of town clerk
for six years, and for eight years has been treasurei- of his school
district. He is now rc^tired from a<'tive business, except the
duties of postmaster.
On August 7, 1862, at Tomah, he enlisted in company D,
twenty-fifth regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served
until the close of the war. His regiment Avas sent to jMinnesota
during the Indian Massacre, afterwards returning to La Crosse,
and in February. 1868. was ordered to Columbus, Ky., and from
there to Yicksburg, and took part in the siege of that <'ity, and
the capture of Helena, Ark. He was Avith Sherman on his march
to the sea and lat(M' his regiment Avas transferred to tlie army
of Tennessee. At the battle of Atlanta, his company Av<^nt into
the engagement A\'ith thirty-four guns and came out Avith seA^en-
teen. He Avas honorably discharged at Washington, D. C, in
1865. In fraternal matters. INIr. ]\Ialtby is a member of the
i\Iasonic order, and Henry W. Cressy Post, G. A. R., of Tomah.
F. E. Markgraf^''. The parents of F. E. Markgraf, Frederick
and Anna (ITmbright) ^larkgraf, came to America from Ger-
many in the early fifties Avith a family of tAvo children. After
tAvo years spent at ]\Iadison, Wis., they moA^ed to the tOAvn of
Sheldon in Monroe county, Avhere the father purchased a small
farm, Avhicli he afterAvards sold and purchased 820 acres of AAdld
land in sections ten, three and elcA^en of the same toAvn, and there
established a family home and commenced the life of a farmer in
the then ucav country. With no capital but his native ability,
in a Avilderness without settlement, and markets and trading posts
a long Avay off, and the only means of transportation an ox team,
here he built a small log house, and as there Avere no shingles or
roofing to be had. bed sheets Avere substituted for the roofing
Avhich sufficed until a better one could be procured. There the
790 HISTORY OF :M0XR0E COUNTY
family lived for six years, w hen a larger and better log house was
eonstrueted, wliidi they afterward occupied for twenty years.
Mr. Markgraf set diligently to work clearing and cultivating his
land, and from a sickly calf iiresciilcd lo him. he commenced the
raising of stock which resulted in the successful breeding and
the building up of a large herd of Durham cattle, with which he
in later years kept the farm Avell supplied. In those early days
wild game was plentiful and the family relied on the deer for
their meat sui)ply. ^Mr. ]\Iarkgraf, Sr., was in every way a suc-
cessful farmer, a model citizen, and well informed on almost any
subject. In ])olitics he w^as a Republican, and in religious matters
affiliated with the German Evangelical chun h. Tu this family
there were twelve children, of whom two sons and four daughters
are now living. Prior to the death of the father he sold his farm
to his son, the subject of this slvetdi. Ills wife, mothei- of our
subject, is also deceased.
F. E. Markgraf Avas born in the town of Sheldon. July 20.
1862, and had the advantages of the district schools until his
fifteenth year. He assisted in the management of his father's
farm until he purchased it. He cleared 100 acres, and following
in the footsteps of his father, has brought it from a wild to a
highly cultivated state, and with the substantial residence, barns
and other outbuildings, makes it one of the best farms in Sheldon
township. Besides general farming, ]\Ir. ]\larkgraf is a breeder
of Durham cattle, high grade hogs and sheep, and his farm is
well sui)plied with modern equipments.
He was married at AVatertown, AVis., to Aliss Tillie Osbreich.
daughter of "William and E. O. Osbreich. They have three chil-
dren, viz: Elma. born February 26, 1890; Louis, born INIarch 4.
1895, and Ada, born April 24, 1897.
David C. Marten", whose parents, David F. and Caroline
(Link) Marten, were early pioneers of Wilton, ]\Ionroe county,
owns a nice farm of 160 acres in sections four and nine of AVilton
township. He was born here on Fe])ruary 22, 1868, and attended
school until he was fifteen years old and for several years after-
ward, worked as a farm hand in his neighborhood. On November
23, 1898, he was married in the town of Oakdale. to Aliss Anu^lia
Rogge, daughter of Henry and Johanna Rogge. She was the
sixth child of a family of nine children and was educated in the
district schools. I\[r. and JMrs. ]\Iarten have two children, l-j-nia
Caroline, born Septem])er 19, 1899. and Elba Heui-y. boi-n ."\I;ircli
18, 1903.
David F. Marten came to America in 1857, two vears after his
BIOGRAPHY 791
brother came, and settled in Monroe county. David worked as a
farm laborer for a while, then bought eighty acres in section
three, in the town of AVilton, and lived there until he died on
August 22, 1905. Tliey had a family of nine children, eight of
whom are living. He was a hard working man and good citizen,
and in acquiring his beautiful liome, he passed through the trials
and hardships of the pioneer, and at his death, left his widow
and family in comfortable circumstances. Mrs. jMarten is still
living at the age of sixty-six years.
Our subject is a successful farmer and makes a specialty of
the dairy business; he keeps the best grade of stock and uses the
latest methods in his management of the farm. In 1901 he
built a nice barn and in 1898 built his residence, with which his
other buildings correspond. He is independent in his political
views and they are devoted members of the Lutheran church.
Frank Mashak* is another one of the wide-awake and pro-
gressive men of Portland township, and is the son of Frank J.
and Razy (Sleider) jMashak, natives of Poland and Bohemia
respectively. The father came to the United States with his
parents when he was nine years of age and early in the seventies
he located on a farm of 182 acres in section seventeen, Portland
township, Monroe county, where our subject, Frank, was born
October 9. 1877. When the father settled on his farm, it was all
wild land covered with a heavy growth of timber, which he
cleared and brought to a good state of cultivation, improving
the farm with a substantial residence, barns and other outbuild-
ings, and here made his home until 1904, when he moved to the
village of Cashton, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Mashak
raised a family of seven children, of which our subject is the
third in order of birth. The others are: John, of Cashton; Lena,
the wife of Jake Konen, resides in Washington township, La
Crosse county; Razy is the Avife of Albert Marx and lives at
Cashton; Vincent lives at Melvina, where he is engaged in the
hardware business; Louis and Edward, who reside in Portland
township.
The subject of this sketch attended the district schools and
lived on the home farm, assisting in the farm w^ork until 1904,
when he purchased the place, which he has since carried on with
marked success. He is engaged in general farming and dairying
and uses all the improved methods in his operation.
On June 7, 1904, Mr. Mashak was united in marriage with Miss
Amelia Dagenhardt, daughter of Henry and Katherine Dagen-
hardt, of St. Mary's Ridge, Jefferson township. To this union
7i)2 IIISTOHV OK .MONKOI-: (OIXTY
lias been Ixuii live ehildreii. \i/.: Ktliel. ( larenee, Raymond,
Sylvester iind Li>rine. ]Mi'. .MasliMk is a ijuhlic spirited, enter-
prising eiti/eii. ;iiid takes an active interest in the affairs of his
town and county, and for tlircie years lias been a member of the
town boai'd. Helijjionsly he and liis wife ai'e niendjers of the
[Middle l^idiic Catholic ehurcli.
John W. Mashak'-', son of Franl; .1. and Ka/.y (Sleider) ^lashak,
early settlers and prosperons citizens of iNIonroe eounty, was born
January 2r), 1812, in the to\\ii of Portland. Tie attended the dis-
triet seliool and I'cniaincd at home with his parents until he was
twenty-three, when on May 2:^. ISi)."). he niari'ied in La Crosse
county, ^liss ]\Iary Coi-n. one of a family of ei«iht (diildren. Mr.
and i\lrs. IMashak have two children, Joseph and Levi. After his
marriage, ilr. Mashak purchased a farm of 215 acres, where he
lived for five years, then moved into the village of Melvina in
Jefferson township, and for a short time was engaged in the
saloon business. lie erected a large brick business building,
which is now owned by Tony Pelzer. After disposing of his
interests in Melvina, ]\Ir. Mashak, in 1905, moved to the village
of Cashton and again endiarked in the saloon business, but soon
moved from his first location to one near the dejiot. and after one
year, re-purchased his first saloou and has since operated that.
Besides the 215-acre farm Avhich he owns, he purchased in
1906 another farm adjacent to the village of Cashton, which he
disposed of in 1!)(I7. He also owns considerable property in
Cashton. In 1911 lu^ went into the automobile business and now
i-oiiducts a large garage whcic he does all kinds of automobile
repairing and handles the sale of the Jackson autonu^bile. and is
doing a si)lendid business in this line.
Mr. Mashak is one of the most enterprising business nuni
of Cashton. public spirited and progressive, and takes a com-
nuMidable interest in all public matters, especially in those of his
town and county. He is a Democrat in politics, and both he
and his es1inial)le wife ari' mend)ers of the Pine Hollow Catholic
church.
Vincent Mashak''' leading hardware nuM-chaid at [Melvina.
^lonroe count.w ^Visconsin. was born .\pril 14. 1S8:}. and is ojie of
a family of eight children, seven of whom ai'c now living, born
to Frank and Kazy (Sleider) [Mashak. natives of Poland and
Bohemia respectively; both are now living, the fornu>r at the age
of sixty-two and the latter at the age of sixty years. Emigrating
to America, the father started life as a poor nmn, locating near
[Melvina in "Monroe county, fortv years ago. He endured the
BIOGRAPHY 793
.struggles aiul luii'dsliips oi' pioneer life in ;i new eounlry, and by
hard work and perse\eranee beeanie the owner of six hundred
aeres of huid, niucli of whicli was in its wild state. He was ener-
getic and thrifty, and hrouglil the land to a good stale of cultiva-
tion and inii)roveinent and it is now wortli •i^lOO pel' acre. He
recently removed to the village of ("ashton, where he now lives in
retirement, enjoying the fruits of his many years of activity
and toil.
Vincent, though comparatively a young man. possesses gooti
business judgment and is i)rosperous in his hardware business.
He received his education in the common school, which he at-
tended nntil sixteen years of age, then for three years was em-
ployed as clerk in a Cashton store. In 1905, he ])urchased a stock
of hardware and located at Melvina, where he has dealt exten-
sively in general hard-ware, agricultural impl(Miients. gas engines
and sanitary dairy nuichinery. Besides his business interests,
]\Ir. ]\Iashak is ((uite an extensive owner of real estate in ^lelvina.
On ]\Iay 8, 1907. ]\Ir. Mashak w\as married to Miss Lizzie
Seitz, daughter of Anton Seitz, and to them have been born
two children, viz : Earl and Alta iNIashak. In politics, Mr. Mashak
is independent in thought and action, and in religious nuitters
he and his Avife are nuMubers of St. Mary's Catholic church,
Ellis E. Matteson, a native of Monroe county, ^\"isconsin, is
the son of ]\iark P. and Eliza (Lock) Matteson, and was l)orn in
Little Falls township, December 9, 1867. The father was a native
of Michigan and the mother was born in Canada in 1852. They
came to Wisconsin with their family and settled at Hartford,
Wis., moving from there to the town of Little Falls near Cataract,
Avhere the father purchased a farm of 120 acres, established the
family home and rinirinl his family and lived until his death in
1889. He was a successful farmer, and as a man, Avas held in
high esteem and respected as a citizen and neighbor. He took
a keen interest in the affairs of his town and county and served
on the town board, and for several years was a school director.
He was a Republican in politics, and he and his wife were mem-
bers of the Fpisco})al clnirch. Th(\v had a family of nine chil-
dren, of whom six are now living, viz: ^Mrs. Christenia Hyslop.
I\Irs. Amy Morgan, D. T., V. M., A. L.. and Ellis E.
Reared on the honu' farm, Kllis E. attended tlu^ district school
until he was sixteen years of age, assisted with the farm work
and remained at home until he attained his twenty-third year.
On April 80, 1891, he was married to Miss Bertha A. Richardson,
daughter of Joel F. and ^lartha ^F. Richardson. Thev are tlie
794 HISTORY OF MONROP] COUNTY
l)areiits of three eliiklrcii: .Mabel ('lairc, horn April 2H. 1892;
Hazel Bell, horn January 2G, 3894, and Forrest Clyde, horn June
20, 1897. After his marriage. ]\Ir. Matteson lived on the home
farm until 1898, when he moved to Black River Falls, AVis.,
and engaged in the livery husiness, whieli he followed for four
years. Disposing of his interests here, he returned to ]\Ionroe
county in 1902 and pui-diased a farm of 110 acres in tlie Leon
valley, and has since made this his home. He is successfully
engaged in general farming and stockraising and keeps his farm
well stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs; he
operates an extensive dairy, tlie income from which amounts to
ahout $1,200 per year. Since purchasing his present farm, he
has made many improvements, erected a silo, separator house,
etc. He is known as one of the progressive and i)ul)li(' spirited
citizens of his town, employs modern methods in his farming
operations, and is president of the Leon Valley Creamery
Association.
E. M. McCann, an extensive farmiM- and stock raiser of
Monroe county, owns a farm in Wilton townshiji. wher*' he
resides. He was born April 12. 18G7. in the town of AVilton, the
son of Patrick and ]\Iary ]McCann, both natives of Ireland.
Patrick came to America some time during the forties, and after
stopping for a short time in New York, he moved to Walworth
county, Wisconsin, where lie was married ;iii<l lived for several
years, then moved to ]\Ionroe county and bought 120 acres of
wild land and set to work to establish a new home, and after
passing through the usual hardships and privations of the early
settler, he acquired a comfurtal)le home, whei'e he spent the
renminder of his life and died in 1893. I lis widow is still (1912')
living. They had a family of seven children, six of Avhom are
living. They were members of the Catholic church, ami .Mr.
McCann 's political views wei'e with the Democratic party.
Edward ^1.. our sub.jecl. was the second youngest of the fam-
il\' and attended school luitil he was eighteen, living at home until
he was married. Octobei- 12. 1892. in the town of Wilton, to ]\Iiss
]\Iary Kerrigan, daughter of •James ami ]\Iargaret Kerrigan, and
one of a family of tive children, three of whom are living. They
were also natives of Ireland aiul came to America some time in
the fifties and settled in Walworth county, and later, in 1807.
moved to Monroe county, where the father bought 120 acres of
land in Ridgeville township and made their home for sixteen
years; he then bought 160 acres in section tweiily. township of
Wilton, and was at the time ol' his death in 190.') an extensive
BIOGRAPHY 795
land owner. Her mother is still living at the age of seventy-five
years.
Mr. and Mrs. ]\IeCaun have had eight children, seven of whom
are living, viz.: James, born April 27, 1894; Marie, born June 5,
1896; Cecilia, born December 12, 1900; Lucy, born April 12, 1902;
Edward, born October 12, 1904; Mabel, born February 5, 1906,
and Laurence, born August 13, 1910.
Mr. McCann is a successful general farmer and his home is
ideal in every respect. He keeps the best grade of stock and
makes a specialty of dairying with a herd of twenty-five Holstein
cows. He is constantly improving his farm and remodeling his
buildings ; he built a new residence in 1906 and his outbuildings
correspond. He is a public spirited man ; was manager of the
Farmers' Creamery Company, of Wilton, for ten years and was
one of the organizers of the Farmers' Livestock Association, and
is a member of the Catholic church and of the Catholic Order of
Foresters.
John McCann* is one of the extensive land owners of Wilton
township, and carries on the dairy business on a large scale. He
owns seven forty-acre tracts in sections twenty, three and seven-
teen, and another twenty acres in section twenty. He was born
November 17, 1858, in Walworth county, Wisconsin, the son of
Patrick and i\Iary (Kerrigan) McCann, both natives of Ireland.
He lived at home on the farm until he reached his majority, and
attended school up to his twentieth year. After his school days
were over, he worked as a farm hand on his own account for
about two years, and then bought an eighty-acre tract in section
tv/enty, W^ilton township. He was married in Tomah, Monroe
county, on April 9, 1891, to Miss Bridget Cummings, whose people
also came from Ireland in an early day. She was the second of
a family of four ; her parents were prosperous farmers and highly
respected ; the father died in 1874 and the mother in 1900, both
members of the Catholic church.
Mr. McCann is a successful general farmer and well liked by
his neighbors. He is a Democrat in his politics, a member of the
Catholic Order of Foresters, and both himself and wife are
members of the Catholic church.
Thomas H. McConnelP, who is one of the prosperous farmers
in LaGrange township, was born in Green county, Wisconsin,
January 31, 1856. His parents were James and Mary (Dellears)
McConnell, both natives of Wisconsin. When Thomas was nine
years of age, his parents moved to Walworth county, where they
made their home and spent their lives. The father died in 1909
706 IllSTOKY OF .Mo.XKOE COrXTY
Ml llic aur i>r ciylily-oiic years, and llu- death id' llic inothtM-
t»e('urred in 1!*()1 ;il jdjoiit sixty-eifrht years.
Tliomas II. attended the district sehools (d' ins lunne town,
and was employed at tarni work. Iui\inu been Ixmnd ont nntil he
reached tlic aye of eighteen, lie i-tnnained in Walworth county
until he became of aii'e, and then for a time resided in (Ii-een
\'aney. He then went to Dell Rapids in 188.'i. where he purchased
a farm t>f KiO acres, built a residence and made other improve-
ments. After residin.ii' here for nine years, lu* returned t(>
AValworth county and purchased a tine farm of KiO acres, payiuir
tiierefoi" $10. 000. Here he remained for ehn-en years, and dis-
posinjr of his interests, he. in 190:1 moved to IMonroe county and
puichased his pi'ese;i1 fai'ni of 10(1 aci-es. in section twenty-ei<rht.
IjaGrangre townshi]). which he has since ini|>i'oved witli modern
buildinsrs. lie carries on general farming and the place is well
stocked with hiiili y:rade horses, hojrs ami a Hue herd of full
blooded (iuernsey cattle. ]\Ir. ]Mc('onnell has a model home, which
he has ac<piired throuiih his tlii-ift ami siood mana.irement. and is
counted as one of the most substantial citizens of the county.
He was married in 1881 to ]\liss ("lara K. Si)ensley. daughter
of Robert and Eliza Spensley, of AVal worth county. Wisconsin.
They have three children, viz.: Robert Y... at home: Charles H..
a student in the rniversity of Wisconsin, and Clitford R.
]\Ie('onnell.
Eruce E. McCoy is of Scotch ancestry and is i)roud of belon^r-
ing to a race of piomn'i-s. He was born in western New York in
1829. when the stage coach and canal were the only means of
travel. His father. Jesse ]\Ic('oy. in 1844. came with his family
to Racine county. \Yisconsin. via the Great Lakes from ^Monroe
county. New York, and settled on the naked prairie, when the
country was devoid of roads and bridsres, farm l)uildinjrs, school
houses and the i-onveiiiences of civilization. It took four years
of work in the woods in wintei-, prairie breaking in summer,
house and barn building in the new home l)ef(n-e the town of
Mount Pleasant ])oasted of a schoolhoiise. which was built mostly
by private subsci'ipl ion. This school was built and conducted on
the okl plan of seats artuind the outside, teacher boarding aroun*;
and parents furnishing wood and jiaying the teacher ])ro rata for
their children. He becanu' the first teacher at a salary of -I^IO ]ier
month, and foi- seven yeai-s continued to teach in winter and woi-k
on the farm in the summer. He was elected and served as town
superintendent of scluxd for three years. He helped in organizing
the Racine County Agricultural Society and became its first sec-
BRUCE E. m'cOY
BIOGRAPHY 797
retary. In 1864 lie was elected chairman ul his town upon war
issues and immediately organized and was elected captain of
company G, forty-third regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, infan-
try, being mustered at IMilwaukee. He participated in the battles
of Johnsonville and Nashville and later was detailed as judge
advocate of a military commission, with headquarters at
Murpheysborough, Tenn., and so continued until his regiment was
mustered out at the close of the war.
On his return from the war he was married to Miss S. Allouva
Bowker. daughter of Abram Bowker, also a pioneer settler, and
due to ill health sold his farm and went into the milling business
at Kenosha, Wis. In 1868, he, with W. L. Hughes, purchased the
La Fayette mill at La Fayette, Monroe county, and continued its
operation until it was washed away completely in the great flood
of ]\Iarch 1876. During this time the pine forests in towns of
La Faj^ette and Greenfield were being cut and the mill furnished
the flour and feed for the Parmlee, Wilsonville, Tester and Bacon
sawmills. He also furnished about 10,000 railroad ties and 5,000
cords of wood annually for the Chicago. IMilwaukee & St. Paul
Railway at La Fayette Station (since discontinued).
About 500 Winnebago Indians made their summer camping
ground at La Fayette, and his l)usiness relations with them were
always pleasant and no difficulties ever arose, nor did he ever
loose any money by trusting them.
He was chairman of the towni of La Fayette during five years
of his eight years' residence there. He opposed the bonding of
the to'\\n for 4-4,000 to secure the building of the Chicago &
Northwestern Railway from Elroy to Sparta, and wnth others suc-
ceeded in cutting the bond issue to $2,000. He was the lone mem-
ber of the county board of supervisors to oppose the selling of
$31,000 of tax certificates to George Runkle for 10 cents on the
dollar, and taking the brunt of the bitter grafting opposition, filed
his written protest on l)ehalf of tlie town of La Fayette, and event-
ually recovered from the county, foi- the town, the face value,
dollar for dollar, of all hn Fayette tax certificates so sold.
On the complete loss of his La Fayette mill in 1876 he bought
The depot mill in Sparta, wdiich was burned in January, 1878. He
immediately rebuilt the present standing mill, which three years
later he sold to Peter jMiller. and later, with Lyman Newberry
and others, joined in developing a silver mine in Colorado, in a
new camp, to which, at that time, both the Rock Island and the
Union Pacific railroads were extending their lines. Simultane-
ously both roads sto]iped their work and the camp was a failure.
798 IIISTOKY OF .MOXKOE COFXTY
Just boforo iroino; "dead bi-oko" lie and Henry Foster and others
took a hand in townsite l)nildin.ii-. went into North Dakota, took
up lioiaesteads on the l)anks of a fine lake, in what is now
]M('Intosh eounty, then nnsnrveyed except into townships, and on
a line of what they believed a railroad snrvey northwest from
Aberdeen would take. They surveyed a village plat for a county
seat, jj:ave away lots to all who would l)uild on thcni. had a nice
country town, but when the looked-for railroad came the railway
station was e.stablished four miles away, and the villajjers moved
their houses antl the county seat over to it. About this time he
bought the Sparta l)('iiiocrat of 1-5. W. Perry, and the Sparta
Advertiser off F. A. Brown, and consolidated tliem into one
plant. lie was the editor and pul)lisher of the ^Monroe County
Democrat for ten years, advoeatin.ii- honesty in politics, as well
as in personal matters, ludividual. i-ather than class development
in our schools, integrity rathei* than policy for success in every-
day life, state riiihts as aiiain.st a stronger central o:overnment,
a l)r()a(ler patriotism as against the selfishness of ])artisanship
and of secret societies.
After selling fne ^lonroe County Democrat in 180."), he
gave much of his time to the development of outlot 125. on
which the Gillman mill stands, and other real estate transactions
in Texas and Old ]\Iexico.
He cast his first vote at the time the old Democratic party was
selling our ])ublic domain at $1.25 per acre and was plotting to
make slavery national instead of sectional. His vote was against
both these, and he continued a loyal Republican up to the time it
resumed specie payment, and later demonitized silver and began
its crusade for a greater centralization of ])olitical jiowei- iu the
general government.
In 1881 he bought his present home, corner F.ast Oak and
Fast avenue, where his sons. Robert and Clark, grew to manhood,
and from where he buried his wife in 1893, and his son, Clark.
in 1907.
Iu 191(1 the fii'st lai-ge maneu\-ei' caiiii) of 10.000 federal and
state troops, under command of (leiieial Hodges. T. S. A., was
stationed on tlie I'nited States military reservation in the town of
La Fayette and in his honor was immed "Camj) Bruce E. ^IcCoy."
In 1912 encamjunent was similarly so named, and both the
Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway ami the Chicago «&;
Northwestern Railway have named the railway station in
La Fayette "McCoy."
BIOGRAPHY 799
The last seventeen years his lionie has been in the family of
his son, Robert.
David G. McCray, wlio has lived in Monroe eonnty for more
than a half a centnry, is one of that class of stnrdy, enterprising
men Avho have not only witnessed, bnt have also had an important
part in the work of transforming- the connty from a state of com-
parative wilderness to its present high place among the banner
comities of the state. He was born in Warren connty, Pennsyl-
vania, Angnst 27, 1833, the son of James and Clinda INIcCray.
jMr. McCray came to Wisconsin in 1855 and first settled at Sandy
Bay, Kewannee connty, and here remained nntil 1867, when he
removed to Little Falls township, in Monroe connty, and pur-
chased 120 acres of wild land, which he improved and brought to
a high state of cultivation. Besides being engaged in general
farming, he makes a specialty of fruit, and is the largest grower
of apples and small fruits in the town of Little Falls. A
Republican in political opinion, he takes an interest in the affairs
of his party and while he has never sought political preferment,
he has filled the office of school clerk for seventeen years.
Mr. IMcCray was u.nited in marriage in 1857 with ]\Lss Esther
A. Lane, daughter of Daniel and Clara Lane, residents of
Kewaunee. Of a family of eight children born to this union, four
are now living: Edgar C, Reuben C, May M. and Martha E.
IMcCray.
Eugene McGary, president of the village of Norwalk. and life-
long resident of IMonroe county, was born in Ridgeville town-
ship, October 17, 1854. and is one of a family of six children born
to Seluim and Elvira (Fox) INIcGary. Of their other children,
Frances married Norman Record, of Sparta, Wis. ; Isabelle is the
wife of George Wood, of Baraboo, Wis. ; Nora is the wife of John
Kier, also resides at Baraboo ; Josephine is the wife of W. B.
Kendalls, and lives in Chicago. 111., and Jessie is Mrs. B. L. Bond,
of Elroy. Wis. Seluim McGary was the son of Thomas McGary, a
native of Ireland, who came to Ohio in an early day and spent
the remainder of his life; his son, Seluim, was born here. Seluim.
with his wife, were among the early pioneers of Wisconsin, having
settled in Oil City, in Monroe county, in the early forties, where
he secured employment by the month in the lumber mill of the
late Esau Johnson. After one year thus spent, he took up a
Government claim of 160 acres of land in section twenty-eight,
Ridgeville township, near where the village of Norwalk is now
located and where he continued to reside until his death, which
occurred Jnlv 17, 1910. in his eightieth vear. The death of his
800 niSTOKV OF :\IONROE C'OT'XTY
wife, inotljiT ol:' our .subject, occ-urre'd FL-ljniary 4, 1908. at the
age of seventy-five years. He was of tliat numerous class of
sturdy men who were ins1ruiH<Mital in l)rin«iin.tz' jdxnit tlie won-
derful ehanffes that have heen wioimlil in 1 ransl'oi-minii' that part
of Monroe eouiily. Wisconsin, troin a state of eonipai-ative wilder-
ness 1o ils present fruitful and fertile condition, as one of the
garden spots of tlie state. Tlii-ouuli his industi'y the farm was
bronght to a high state of cnltivjilion. and with the fine improve-
ments he made, was one of the iiuxhd farms of the county. lie
was an inHuential citizen in the comnuinit\'. a man of intelligence
who was in sympathy witli. and ready to lentl a helping hand in
every worthy enterprise intended for the betterment of the eom-
niuiiil\. Dui'ing liis active life he heUl several local otifices. and
when the village of Norwalk was incorporated he became its first
president. 'JMie business life of Mr. IMcGary furnished a notable
exam]>le of what may be accomjilished by energy and resolution.
when guided by honorable principles and aided by agreeable per-
sonal characteristics: he was in truth a successful business man.
and his actions in ail his transactions were marked by scrupu-
lously fair dealing, frankness and kindness and faith in the better
side of human nature. Of his two brothers. Thomas was a soldiei-
in the Civil War. and was killed at the battle of Bull Run. and
Henry died in 1898.
Eugene IMcGary was raised on his father's farm, and obtained
his education in tlie public schools while assisting in the farm
work. He has resided on the homestead all his life, and when his
father became incai)acitated and inactive he assumed full man-
agement, and at the death of his father inherited the farm. Uo
carries on general farming and does considera])lc dairying, in
which he is generally successful, and with liis inodern residence,
which he erected in 1910. overlooking the village of Xorwalk.
commodious barns and outbuildings, his is one of the model, com-
fortable homes of the county. He takes a commendable interest
in all public matters ami has served as president of the village of
Norwalk in all ten years; his last term of service extending con-
tiiniously over a period of seven years. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of the Knights of Pythias and the ]\lod(M'ii AVoodmcn of
America.
As a man. ]\lr. Mc(iary is well thought of in the connuunity;
has always shown himself capable and trustworthy in any jilace
he has l)een called to till, and no man enjoys more public confi-
dence and esteem.
On March 4. 1877. Mr. ]\IcGai-v was united in marriage with
BIOGRAPHY 801
Miss Lydia Sour, daughter of David Sour, one of the prominent
and successful citizens of Cole's valley, Monroe county. They
have an interesting family of five children, viz. : Mabel, Anna,
Harold, Lester and Clayton McGary.
Lucien A. McWithey, son of Tilly Gilbert and Betsy Maria
(Blyton) McAVithey, was born November 9, 1831. Through his
father and mother, he inherited the strong and independent char-
acteristics of a Scotch-English race, from which his parents both
descended. The McWithey and Blyton families were natives of
Kentucky and Vermont respectively; the father, Tilly G., a
farmer by occupation, and a son of Isaac McWithey, who came
from Scotland, the land of his nativity, to New York, and sub-
sequently moved to Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his
life. Tilly G. McWhithey was the fourth of a family of eight
children. Ithimer, Stephen, Charles G., Tilly G., James, Jemimah,
Sarah and Caroline. Betsey JMaria Blyton McWhithey was the
youngest of a family of eight children, viz: Polly, Christopher,
William, Elijah, Russell, John, Thomas and Betsey Maria Blyton.
Thomas Blyton, maternal grandfather of our subject, was a
native of England; he came to the state of New York early in
the nineteenth century and was the father of John Blyton, the
inventor. The wife of Thomas Blyton was Nellie Sharp, and the
maiden name of the wife of Isaac McWithey was Katherine
Sharp. Tilly G. McWithey was born March 19, 1800, and died
October 27, 1878. He married Betsey Maria Blyton March 8,
1826. She was born September 17, 1812, and died November
1, 1894.
Mr. McWithey, the subject of this sketch, was the second
child of a family of eight children born to his parents as follows :
James D., born February 29, 1829, is deceased; Lucian A., born
November 9, 1831 ; Thomas A., deceased, born January 10, 1834 ;
Julia A., born February 11, 1836 ; Henry E., born August 6, 1838 ;
Lucy A., born April 7, 1840; Elbert P., and Adelbert P., twins,
born April 11, 1847. Mr. McWithey was united in marriage
October 16, 1861, to Miss Ophelia Smith, of Sparta, daughter of
John M. and Experience Forsythe Smith, natives of New Med-
ford, Ct., and Owego, Tioga county, N. Y. Mrs. McWithey
Avas born at Owego, and her mother was born on a farm near that'
place. John M. Smith was employed for many years as foreman
in a carding mill ; they later moved to Cattaraugus county,
locating for a time at Farmersville. In 1855 they came to Wis-
consin and were among the pioneers to take up land in Leon
township, Monroe county, which they improved and brought to
802 IIISTOKV (»K .MOXKM)!-: COINTY
;i liijrh state of eultivatinn, and liorc remained tin- Ijalauce of their
lives. lie was oiic of tlu' succi'ssfiil and intlueutial citizens of
Jiis township and passed a\\a.\ -lanuary 12. 1864, aged fifty-eight
years. Ilis widow, mother ol' .Mrs. .McAVitliey, wiio was a wo)nan
of many domestic virtnes, survived until Dec('nd)er (5, 1883, wlicn
she died at the age of sevcuty-scvcn years. They luid a family
of seven children, vi/ : William Henry, deceased; Freelove,
deceased: Alva L. : .John J.: Charles E. : Ophelia and Frank W.,
deceased. .\lva L. and -lolui •). Smjih are residents of Farmer's
valley, lliis countx'. and ( harles K.. resides at Bloomer, Chij)-
pewa eouni\. Wis. The ancestors of the Smith family were
of Welrli (nigin : John Smith, father of John jM. Smith and grand-
father of Mrs. ]McAVithey. was horn April 5, 1773; His wife,
grandmother of ]\lrs. ]\IeWithey. Avhose maiden name was
Ophelia Smith, was liorn June 15, 1774. Their children were
Anna. l)orn ]\Iay 10, 1775; Edward F.. born March 27, 1797;
Athalia, born November 18, 1798; Electa, born June 15, 1800;
Asemath, born January 18, 1802; Tliursa il., born December 26,
1803; John M.. father of :\Irs. McWithey, born December 28,
1805; Sylvia, born in Deceml)er, 1807; Esther, born June 22,
1809; ■William H., born April 16, 1812. and Eliza, born July
24. 1815.
p]lisha Forsythe. matei'nal grandfather of Mrs. McWithey
■was born September 10, 1773 ; his wife, whose maiden name was
Freelove Parks, was born September 17, 1775. He was the son
of Jonathan Forsythe. whose father was a full-blooded Scotch-
man aiul a native of Edinburgli. The children of Elisha and
Freelove Park Forsythe were Katherine, born September 18,
1795; George, born July 2. 1798; Elisha. l)orn February 14. ISOl ;
Azar, born October 17. 1803: Experience, mother of ]\Irs.
]\IcWithey, born Septembei- 17, 1806: Gilbert, born October 4.
1808, and Eldridge, born August 5, 1812. :\Ir. and ^Irs. :\rcAVithey
had one daughter, a young lady of much ])romise. born August
14, 1867. and who died October 12. 1887.
Lucian A. ^McAVithey was reared on a farm, receiving his
education in the district schools. After leaving home, his first
employment was that of clerk in a hotid. On (October 7, 1861, he
enlisted in company A, third Wisconsin Cavalry, and served as
corporal for nearly three years. His regiment Avas detailed for
frontier service and engaged in bushwhacking on the border line
of ^Missouri, Kansas, Indian Territory and later Arkansas.
Returning to Kansas, he was located at Fort Scott, Fort Leaven-
worth and Troy. During his service his eyesight became impaired
BIOGRAPHY 803
from the effects of dust encountered on the frontier, from wliicli
his sight has never fully recovered. After his discharge in 1864,
he returned home, and for some time was totally blind. After
receiving expert treatment at Milwaukee, which partially restored
his vision, he returned to Sparta, and for some years was engaged
in distributing wheat and Hour with his fine team of horses for
the Angelo mill, until this mill was destroyed by fire, and after
it was rebuilt, and until the second mill was burned; he then
with the aid of his wife and daughter, opened a variety store
in the city of Sparta. He first came to Wisconsin with his father
and f amil}^ in 1849 and located in Dane county, but soon thereafter
returned to his native state. In 1858 he again came to AVisconsin
and settled at Sparta, which has since been his home. He states
that in 1851 Sparta had but a single log house which stood where
the public library now stands. He with his estimable wife, are
members of the First Congregational church. He is a member of
the John AY. Lynn Post, G. A. R., while she is a member of the
AV. C. T. U., Congregational Missionary Society, and the Ladies
Auxiliary G. A. R., and the Happy Ten.
On October 16, 1911, Air. and Airs. AIcAVithey celebrated
their golden wedding, and entertained 100 guests during the day
and evening. They were remarried by Rev. Harding R. Hogan
at 2 :30 p. m., under practically the same weather conditions as
those of fifty years before. Among the presents was a gold-headed
cane to ^Mr. AIcAVithey from the John AA^ Linn Post, G. A. R.
B. W. Mee, who now owns 240 acres of choice valley land in
section twenty-five, township seventeen, one west, has been for
years one of the most extensive real estate owners in Alonroe
county, where he was born November 7, 1864, the son of Benjamin
and Alargret Alee, natives of England and Scotland. They came
to America in 1845, and first located in Racine county, but during
the year 1855 moved to Monroe county and homesteaded eighty
acres of land in Tomah, now a part of our subject's present farm,
and here passed their lives. The father died in 1882. He was
a tailor by trade, and as a pioneer, experienced the ups and
downs of those days, and after struggling the while through hard
work and perseverance, he acquired suificient means to make
their last days comfortable and enjoyed the highest esteem of
their neighbors. Airs. Alee was born in St. Andrews, County Fife,
Scotland, in Jime, 1826, and died at her home in Tomah on
Alarch 15, 1910. Air. Alee was a Republican in politics and served
as justice of the peace for many years in Tomah. They were
devoted members of the Methodist church.
804 HISTORY (JF MOXROP] COUNTY
I). AV. attended the common schools of his neighborhood up to
his fifteentli year, lived at home and worked on the farm. Ilis
father died when he was seventeen years of age, and on Christmas
day, in 1888, he Avas married to ]\Iiss Emma Roeder, daughter of
August and Elizabeth Roeder, natives of Germany, Avho came
to America in 1858 and settled in Tomah, where the father died
in 1893 and the mother still lives at the age of sixty-eight. ]\Ir.
and Mrs. Mee have had three children, two of whom are living:
Archie, born April 9, 1890, and Luella, born January 17, 1902.
Their farm is equipped with the best grade of horses, cattle
and hogs, and in connection with his general farming, Mr. j\Iee
makes a specialty of dairying. He was formerly president of
the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery Company for four years and
was its secretary and treasurer for some time. He is a Republican
in politics.
Oluf C. Melg'ard, manufacturer and dealer in marble and
granite monuments at Cashton, Monroe county. Wis., was born
in Coon valley, Vernon county, March 12, 1860, and is the
second child in order of birth of a family of nine children, six
of wliom are now (1912) living, born to Carl and Bertha (Knud-
son) Melgard. The father, Carl Melgard, emigrated from Norway
to America in 1850, and located in Coon Prairie, Vernon county,
when approaching middle age, and found employment as a farm
laborer, which occupation he followed some five years. In 1855
he married and purchased a tract of forty acres in Vernon
county. He was a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade and
in a small way was engaged in making furniture at his home
seven miles from Cashton, where he lived for forty years. At the
age of seventy-eight years, he became an invalid, and in 1893
moved to the village of Cashton. He was born on May 18, 1822,
and died at Cashton in 1907. He possessed a good education and
excellent business judgment; a man of prominence and influence
in his community and his advice on business matters being often
sought by the early Norwegian settlers. His wife, mother of our
subject, was also born in Norway, in 1831, and is still (1912)
living at an advanced age. Both she and her husband were mem-
bers of the Coon Valley Lutheran church, of which lie was
trustee.
Oluf C. received his education in the common schools of Vernon
county, and at the age of twenty years, came to Sparta and
served an apprenticeship for two years at the marble ])usiness.
He then moved to La Crosse, where he was employed for two
years in the leading marble shop of the city. On December 5.
BIOGRAPHY 805
1885, he eame to the village of Cashton and embarked in the
marble business on his own account, starting in a small way with
only about one dozen small slab stones. His business has grown
to large proportions. Mr. Melgard inherits his father's business
acumen, and by close attention and good management, he has
established and built up a monument business second to none
in western AVisconsin. The best quality of Wausau and red
granite obtained from the granite quarries in Minnesota, also
Vermont granite, is used in his work, and the trade extends over
a large area of Wisconsin and other states, all operations being
carried on under the name of 0. C. Melgard. Besides the home
business at Cashton, branch houses have been established in other
places : the one at Sparta, opened under the management of Carl
Melgard, employs three skilled workmen and three traveling
salesmen, while the one at Galesville, established four years ago,
is doing an extensive business under the management of Hans
Twesme. Mr. Melgard is one of the solid men of Cashton, and is
popular alike in business and social circles. In politics he adheres
to the principles of the Republican party, and fraternally belongs
to the IModern Woodmen of America, while religiously he and his
estimable wife are members of the Lutheran church. In addition
to his marble business, Mr. Melgard owns a choice forty acre tract
two miles from Cashton, Avhile his home is one of the most modern
and commodious in the village of Cashton. In January, 1884,
]Mr. Melgard was married at La Crosse to Miss Amelia Larson,
daughter of Gilbert and Caroline Larson, w^ho also came from
Norway and settled at Cashton. Nine children have been born
to Mr. and ]\Irs. IMelgard, viz : Eilert. born December 5, 1885 ;
Carl, l)orn March 11, 1888; Herbert, born June 3, 1890; Anna,
born January 3, 1892; Oscar, born August 4. 1894; Ida, born
December 24. 1895; Rosa, born May 30, 1899: Howard, born
January 13. 1903. and Nina, born October 2, 1906.
Emil Mickelson, who resides on section tw^enty-six, Leon
township, was born in the town of Leon, Monroe county, on May
5, 1874. His parents were Louis and Martha (Gilbertson)
Mickelson, both natives of Norway. The father emigrated to
America in the fifties and located in Cannon valley, Monroe
county, where he homesteaded eighty acres of government land
in section twenty-six, Leon township. After a residence of one
year there, he married and continued to make that his home.
He was energetic and thrifty, and as a result of overwork, he
suffered a sunstroke in 1874, from which he never recovered, and
passed away in 1884. They were the parents of four children,
806 111 STORY OF MONROE COUNTY
three of whom are now living. The mother now, in 1912, resides
in IMinnosota at the age of fifty-four years. The father was a
great liil)le student and a member of the Lutlieran church .
Emil received a rather limited education in the district schools,
assisting with the work on the farm. lie was married December
17, 1806, in Leon to Miss Dora l^rooks, daughter of F. L. Brooks,
who was born in 1850. lie Avas twice married, first to ]\liss Alice
Waters, by whom he liad three children, two of whom, Dora,
wife of our subject, and Clifford Brooks, are now living. The
iiiothcT- died August 10. 1897, and he was married for the second
time to ]Mis Ida Alga. To this union was born six children, five
of whom arc now (1912) living, viz: Ilattie, l)orn August 10,
1886; Howard, born Octo])er 81, 1888; Jessie, born February 29,
1892; Myrtle, born August 18. 1895, and Eva, born July 26,
1898. The father now resides in South Dakota. Seth Brooks,
grandfather of Mrs. Miekelson, came from New York state in
an early day and settled in the Cannon valley, where he died
in 1867. To JMr. and Mrs. Miekelson Imve been born three
children, two of Avhom, Louisa, ])()rn January 31, 1904, and Leslie,
born August 18, 1907, are living. In 1901 ]\Ir. IMickelson pur-
chased his present farm of 166 acres in section tAventy-six, Leon
toAvnship, Avhere he has since made his home engaged in general
farming and dairying, and is counted among the thrifty and
progressive farmers of Cannon valley.
Peter E. Mitby is another one of Cashton's representatiA^e
business men, a natiA^e of Norway: he Avas born at Toten, ]\Iarch
20, 1858, and came to the United State, landing in Xcav York
September 3, 1880. lie then sel out for the Avest aiul came direct
to Cashton, Avhere he Avas employed in various lines of industry
for five years. By hard Avork and strict economy, he saved his
earnings ajid eml)arked in the saloon l)usiness in 1SS6, and sinud-
taneously began the l)nying and selling of grain. In that year
he erected the l)uilding in Avhich his saloon Avas located, and in
1888 built his grain elevator and in 1889 erected his modern
residence, and still jjilcr constructed the l)uilding now occujiied
as a i-estaui-ant, and in 1S97 erected a ncAV grain elevator Avhieh
he has since oavikmI .-iikI operated. On December. 5, 1886, Mr.
Mitby Avas united in marriage Avith ]\Iiss Petrina Fremstad. Avho
Avas born in Venion county. They have an interesting family of
four childi'eii. vi/, : Edna. Lillian, ^lyrtle and Chester.
In adilition to his business and proi)erty holdings in Caslitt»n,
i\lr. ]\Iitby OAvns a farm of sixty acres just oA'er the line in Vernon
cininty. and owns one-lialf interest in the Hotel LcAvis at Sparta,
BIOGRAPriY 807
and is a stueklioldcr and director in the Caslitun bank. A Kei)ub-
lican in politics, he is active in the eonncils of his party and all
matters pertaining to the betterment of the connnunity receive
his hearty support. He is a high minded, public spir-ited man,
surrounded by a wide circle of friends who regard liim as one
of the prosperous and influential business men of the county.
In religious faith he is a member of the Lutheran church.
George J. Moen, son of one of the early and prosperous farm-
ers of Portland township, was born here on June 19, 1874. His
father was Bernt Johnson IMoen, a native of Norway, who came to
America in 1869 and first located in Sparta ; he was born Feb-
ruary 23, 1842, and passed away on March 12, 1909. Mrs.
Moen, our subject's mother, was Miss Carrie Gustava Rognstad,
born April 12, 1847, and they were married on July 16, 1872, the
same j^ear she came to America. For several years Mr. Moen
worked at various occupations, and by close application, economy
and thrift, he saved enough to purchase a tract of forty acres of
practically Avild land, which he cultivated and soon brought to a
high state of cultivation, and purchasing additional land from
time to time, until at his death he owned 100 acres of fine land
near the village of Cashton. Their family was small, our subject
and Jorgen A. being the only children. They were members of
the Lutheran church, and Mr. Moen Vv'as always an active worker
in the Republican ranks, ready at all times to give his aid towards
the best interests of his fellowmen, and his death was mourned
as a loss to his community.
George J. obtained his earh" education in the public schools of
his township and later graduated from the high school at Viroqua
with the class of 1896. He then followed the vocation of teaching
for some eight years near Viroqua, after which he accepted a
position with the Brown Music Company, of that place, remaining
there until the death of his father; he then took up the manage-
ment of the home farm, where he has since lived with his mother.
Has been organist and choir leader of the Immanuel Lutheran
church since 1890.
His brother, Jorgen, was born December 11, 1877, after receiv-
ing his preliminary education in the public schools, took a one-
year course at the St. Olaf College at Northfield, Minn., and from
there he went to the Valparaiso University and spent two years
in the law department. Spent one year at the law department of
Northwestern University of Chicago. He was admitted to the
bar in 1904 and is now located in Viroqua, conducting a successful
law practice under the firm name of Smith & Moen.
808 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
John Mohring"'-', one of the substantial and progressive farmers
of La Fayette toAvnsliip, was horn in Germany, May 24, 1862, the
son of Fred and Sopliia Mohring, both of whom spent their lives
in Germany. The mother died when John was six years of age.
He is one of a family of tliree children, as follows: Mary is the
wife of H. Leeler, and resides at Hammond Point, N. Y. ; John,
the subject of this sketch, and Sophia. John attended the com-
mon schools of his native country, and at the age of sixteen began
to make his own way in tlu^ \\()i'l(l. His first employment was at
farming in the fatherland, his duties consisting of stock feeding
and teaming. At the age of twenty-four he came to the United
States, and \ipon his arrival in this country, he located at Berry
Mills, La Crosse county. Wis., where he remained foi' twenty
years. He then moved to Monroe county and purchased his pres-
ent farm of 220 acres, in section seventeen. La Fayette township.
He has improved his ])lace with substantial buildings, and has
brought his land to a high state of cultivation. He is engaged in
general farming, stock raising and dairying, and in addition to
operating his own farm, he rents 237 acres, wdiieh he carries on
in addition to his own ; and in his operations he employs modern
and up-to-date methods, and his nicely located farm is well
stocked with a good grade of horses, Durham cattle, sheep and
Poland-China hogs.
In June, 1886, Mr. jMohring was married to Miss ]Mary Plate,
daughter of Dedrick Plate, of Germany. To this union have been
born the following children : Mary is the wife of AVilliam IMiller,
of La Fayette ; Dora is the wife of Will Kenyon, of La Crosse ;
William, Henry, Erne, John and Ora, all at home. In religious
matters, Mr. and Mrs. Mohring. wnth their family, worship at tlie
German Lutheran church at Sparta.
Fred J. Mooney, superintendent of the ]\Ionroe County Insane
Asylum and Poor Farm, is a product of Wisconsin, liavin^' ])een
born at Tomali June 10, 1867. His parents, Edward and Ami
(Fuller) ]Moone\-, were natives of New York state, and early in
1865 they came to Wisconsin and settled at Tomah. He followed
the occupation of millwritiht and head saAver in the mill, and in
1871 turned his attention to farming at a settlement called
Limerick. He Avas a successful, hiuh minded, public spirited gen-
tleman, and took an active interest in the affairs of the county.
He served as chainn.-m of the Tomah township board for five
years, and in ])olitics a\;is a Democrat. While a resident of
Cole's valley he was ai)pointed sui^erintendent of \hc ])oor, a
position he filh-d from 1881 to 1888. He later retired from ;ictive
FRED J. MOONEY
BIOGRAPHY 809
duties, and made his home at Tomah, where he died in 1896 at
the age of sixty-four years. His widow and our subject alone
survive. Fred Mooney had one brother, Frank, and a sister,
Gertrude by name, both of whom were older than he, and are
both deceased. Ambros Fuller, the maternal grandfather of our
subject, was at one time keeper of the New York State Prison
at Auburn. The Mooney family came originally from Ireland,
while the Fullers were from New York state.
Mr. Fred Mooney was raised on his father's farm and received
his education in the public schools of Tomah. He went to the
city of Chicago, where he was engaged in the milk business from
1892 to 1897. At the end of that time he returned to Tomah and
engaged in the grocery trade until 1903, when he retired from
business, and was soon thereafter appointed overseer of the poor,
under Superintendent C. B. Chamberlain, and held that position
for a period of fourteen months, when he was appointed superin-
tendent of the Monroe County Insane Asylum and Poor Farm in
1904, and has been reappointed each year since, and is now
serving his ninth term, which is sufficient evidence of his fitness
for the position. The farm originally contained but 160 acres,
but in 1909 an additional 120 acres was purchased, making the
county farm now 280 acres, with the finest water system of any
institution in the state. Under Mr. Mooney 's careful manage-
ment this institution has been made self-sustaining, and for the
first time during its existence, the year 1911 showed a balance in
the treasury from the proceeds of the farm amounting to $2,300.
A complete chapter showing the progress of the institution under
Mr. Mooney 's incumbency, will be found elsewhere in this work.
It is but fitting to say, that Mr. Mooney, while occupying a posi-
tion of prominence in the county, is possessed of a cheerful dis-
position, is broad minded and liberal in his views, and these
traits have endeared him to those with whom he has come in
contact. His splendid record as the head of the greatest institu-
tion in the county, aside from all other considerations, will cause
him to long be remembered as one of the most useful citizens of
Monroe county.
On November 3, 1889, Mr. Mooney was united in marriage
with Miss Ella P. Hill, daughter of Oliver M. and Sophia
(Sprague) Hill, of Tomah. Mr. Hill was for many years engaged
in agricultural pursuits in Tomah township, and was one of the
most prominent and representative citizens of the county. He
held the office of trustee and chairman of the township board, was
treasurer of this town and for several years was president of the
810 HISTORY OF .MONROE COUXTY
Mouroe CouDty Agricultural Society. lie was boru in Cortland
county, New York, April 14, 1837, and died July 12, 1911, at the
age of seventy-four years. Mrs. Hill, mother of jMrs. Mooney,
whose maiden name was Sophia j\I. Sprague, lived to the age of
seventy years and died October 18, 1909. ]Mr. and ]\Irs. Hill were
both natives of New Y'ork state, and resided on the same farm in
Tomah township for forty-three years. The paternal grand-
parents of J\lrs. ]\!ooney were Samuel and Rebecca (JNlason) Hill,
natives of New York and Vermont, respectively. The ]Mason
family were among the early pioneers of New England, while
Grandfather Hill was a veteran of the War of 1812. They came
early to Illinois and settled near Elgin, and in the sixties came to
Wisconsin. He died iMarch 12, 1870, aged seventy-six years. His
Avidow survived until 1883, when she passed away at the age of
eighty-three years.
Samuel Sprague, maternal grandfather of Mrs. Mooney, was
also a native of New England, and died in 1844. His wife, Rachael
Sprague. died in 1893 at the age of ninety-one years.
Leonard C. Morse, who passed away January 12, 1909, was a
leading and central figure in the business and social activities of
the city of Sparta, and one of the representative and progressive
men of IMonroe county. He was one of a family of six children
and was born in Hanover, N. H., December 8, 1832. He came
west first to Ohio, where he taught school in Bloomington for
about two years, and later came to AVisconsin, arriving at Sparta
in 1854. Of his early business ventures here, the one most con-
spicuously remembered, is his association with the Letson
Brothers in the sash and door factory, now owned by J. AY. Evans.
He was a young man then, strong, alert and vigorous, and early
in the sixties he turned again to the west and pushed out into
far Idaho, engaging in mining, then in stock raising along with
a partner. In this business he achieved success, and though he
and his associates sustained great losses by prodigious storms, in
which most of their cattle perished, they eventually came out with
considerable money. He was some thirteen years in this occupa-
tion, with headquarters at Salmon City, Idaho. In the spring of
1884 he sold out to his partner and returned to Sparta. Here
he purchased the estate then called the Steere farm, just north-
west of the city, and built up the Chalange Stock Farm, as he
named it, making it the pioneer and leading dairy and stock farm
of Monroe county. He chose the Holstein-Friesian breed of dairy
cattle and developed a herd second to very few, if any. in Wis-
consin. It was his pride and ambition to have the best, and he
LEONARD C. MORSE
BIOGRAPHY 811
realized it to a marked degree. INlr. ]\Iorse was twice married, in
1861 to Alvira Crosby, who died two years later, they having no
children ; on November 25, 1884, he was again married to Miss
Mary Carmichael, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Brower)
Carmichael, natives of Brodalbin, N. Y. He was a farmer by
oecnpation, and in 1856 came Avest to Sparta, where both father
and mother died. ]\Irs. Morse had one brother, AVilliam H.
Carmichael, who died near Chattanooga, Tenn., during the Civil
War. He was postmaster for his regiment, and died from an acci-
dent received on the cars. The Carmichaels were of Scotch
ancestry, while the Browers were of Holland descent. Mrs. Morse
has resided on her present farm since the fall of 1884. During
her early life she taught school near Cateract, in IMonroe county,
and was engaged in this work at the time of the big Indian scare.
She also taught at Tomah and Leon. She was employed in tho
office of register of deeds in JNlonroe county, under M. A. Thayer,
in the old courthouse, and held that position for thirteen years.
She was afterward employed at clerical work in the office of
Tyler & Dickinson for six years. She is a charater member of the
Good Templars lodge at Sparta, and the Eastern Star. She was a
devoted wife and a worthy companion and helpmeet of her noble
husband, and is universally loved and honored for her noble
womanly qualities of mind and heart.
Mr. Morse's kindly and genial temperment made him friends
with all, and he had the public spirit and enterprise which gave
him leadership in all circles and activities in which he engaged.
He w^as a loyal jMason, a charter member of Valley Lodge and a
prominent member of all four of the Masonic bodies of this city —
Blue Lodge, Chapter. Commandery and Eastern Star. Though not
a church member, he was identified with the Congregational
church in work and spirit, and ever its loyal and generous sup-
porter. He was an enthusiast in music, and a staunch member
and at one time president of the Crescent Glee Club.
The largely attended funeral services were held at his late
residence Friday, January 15, 1909, Rev. Pugh conducting the
service of the Congregational church, and the INIasonic burial
service in charge of Valley Lodge, No. 60. Interment being made
in Woodlawn cemetery.
James H. Morton, a progressive farmer of Wellington town-
ship, was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, son of James
H. and Alice Morton, both natives of Canada. In 1869 our sub-
ject came to the United States, and for one winter worked in the
lumber woods near Grand Rapids, AVis. He then went to Alerrill,
812 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
this slate, and was employed eight years in the Avoods, and was
considered an export at logging. He came to Monroe county in
1892, and on September 26 of that year was married at Wilton to
Miss ilargaret Welch, daughter of Patrick Welch, an influential
citizen of tliat town. Five children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. ^Morton, throe of whom are now living, viz. : William P.,
born April 15, 1896; Bernard E., born November 16, 1902, and
Lizzie, born September 2, 1904.
In the year 1900 Mr. Morton purchased 120 acres of land in
section eight, town of AVellington, and has since been successfully
engaged in general farming and dairying. Since purchasing his
farm he has added many improvements ; he built a large and com-
modious barn in 1907, and has improved his residence and
brought the land to a higher state of cultivation. He keeps his
place well equipped with modei'n la])or saving machinery and well
stocked with a good grade of horses and cattle. In politics
Mr. Morton is a progressive Republican and takes an active
interest in the affairs of the party.
Arthur G. Moseley, one of the substantial and inllueutial farm-
ers of New Lyme township, Monroe county, Avas born in Sparta
on what is now known as the county poor farm or alms house,
September 17. 1864. His parents. Alonzo and Eunice (Hunt)
Moseley Avere natives of Franklinville. Cattaraugus county, N. Y.
They were married March 26, 1850, and came to IMonroe county in
1852, locating in Sparta when it was a log hut village, where they
lived for two years until they got a log house built and land
cleared and broken, upon which to raise some crops, the father
teaming and hauling merchandise in the meantime. The parents
sold the farm to Peter Webster in April, 1867, and moved to
Sparta. Avhere they lived until the fall of 1873, when they bought
a farm in tlie Hill settlement in New Lyme township, where the
father died on December 4. 1892. The mother. Mrs. Eunice
(Hunt) Moseley is now. August 24, 1912, still living and enjoys
excellent health at the age of eighty-one years, having lived in
Monroe county over sixty years, longer than any other woman
now living in this county.
Arthur (i. Avas educated in the district schools ;ind lias spent
his entire life on the homestead farm of 560 acres, Avhich he noAV
owns. He is one of the successful. i)ublic spirited men of his
tOAvnsliip. every ready to lend a lu>li)ing hand to evei-y worthy
cause for tlu' intei-est or beltei-meiit of his town and county. He
Avas married on January 5. 1893, to Miss Myrtle Parmenter,
daughter of Ethan and Eva (Phelps) Parmenter, of La Crosse
BIOGRAPHY 813
county. They have been blessed with nine children, viz. : Eunice,
born December 4, 1893; Jennie M., born November 14, 1895;
Gladys, born January 17, 1898; Nina J., born April 29, 1900;
Emma, born January 1, 1902; Rose L., born June 11, 1904; Lila C,
born June 14, 1906; John II.. born June 8, 1908, and Helen K.,
born August 4, 1911.
Winand MuUenberg, a successful German farmer of Jefferson
township, Monroe county, was born in Stommel, Germany, on
November 30, 1857, the son of Benedict and Anna Mary (Schmitz)
MuUenberg, who came with him to America in 1861, when Winand
was four years of age, and settled on a farm in Jefferson town-
ship. The father was born in 1829 and died in 1910 ; the mother
was born in 1828 and died in 1890.
Benedict MuUenberg worked for a time as a farm laborer
during and after his school days, and then purchased a forty-acre
tract of wild land to Avhicli he added from time to time until
at the time of his death he owned about 160 acres, which by hard
work and perseverance, he subdued and converted into a highly
productive and valuable farm. They were members of the St.
Mary's Catholic church and well respected in their neighborhood.
Winand attended the public and parochial schools until he
was sixteen and obtained a good education. He worked on a
farm and was steady and economical ; on June 26, 1883, he was
married to Miss Mary Kreuser, daughter of Theodore and
Margaret Kreuser, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. MuUenberg
have had six children, viz : Benedict, Theodore, Anna, Katie,
John and Lizzie. Mrs. MuUenberg died on February 12, 1898,
and two years later, in May, Mr. MuUenberg was married in La
Crosse county, W^isconsin, to Miss Susie Andres, and they have
had three children, Matt, Margaret and Mary.
After his first marriage, Mr. MuUenberg bought 160 acres of
land in Jefferson township, and later added to this until he now
owns about 350 acres. He keeps it well stocked with a good
grade of horses, cattle, hogs, etc., and uses the latest methods in
conducting it. He is a public spirited man and always ready to
assist in furthering the development of his town and county.
He served eleven terms as assessor for Jefferson township and
also as supervisor. He has been president of the Farmers'
German Mutual Fire Insurance Company since 1898, with head
offices in Norwalk, and is a Democrat in his politics.
Dennis M. Murphy'-', who resides in Lyons valley, Wells
township. Monroe county, was born in the tow^n of Wells, April
24, 1880, and is the youngest of a family of nine children — eight
814 IIISTOK'V OK ."\IOXROK CorNTY
of whom arc living, l)orn lo .Inlm and .lulia i Jiurke) Murphy, botli
natives of Ireland. Tlic fiitlu'i- caiiic to America in ]854, and in
1855 located in Lyons valley, Monroe county, where he home-
steaded 120 acres of land in section twenty-one, Wells townshij).
Here 111' established the family home and successfully euiJ^aged
in general farming, and at the time of his death, in 18J)(j, owned
a farm of 200 acres. He Avas thrifty and enterprising and was
well thought of in his comnnmilA-. In polities he was a Democrat,
and in religious faith himself and ]\[rs. ]Murphy were members
of the Catholic church. His wife, mother of our subject, was a
lady of many domestic virtues and enjoyed the confidence and
esteem of her friends and neighbors. Her dealli occinrcd in 1SS4.
Dennis ]\I. s})eut his boyhood on the home faiiu and i-eeeived
his preliminary education in the district schools, which was sup-
l)lemented with a three years' course at the Tomah high school.
After completing his education, he taught two years in Sheldon
and AVells towiishii)s, then purchased a Jialf interest in 200 acres
of land in sections sixteen and twenty-one, AVells township, and
still later purchased a farm of 182 acres, twenty-five acres of
which are in Leon townshij) and the ])alance in "Wells. He is
a prosperous general farmer and one of the progressive citizens
of the town. He takes a keen interest in all public matters
and any movement for the betterment of his town and county
receives his support. In politics he believes in the jn-inciples of
the Democratic party, and since ]911 has been clerk of his town.
He being still unmarried, malces his home with a In-other in
Lyons valley.
Anton Nelson i-esides in section twenty. Greenfield township,
successfully engaged in farming. He was boni September 22.
1849, in Denmark, and is the son of Nels and Dorothy Nelson,
both natives of Denmaik. His father Avas a farmer by occupation
aiul a mason l)y trade in liis native country, where they spent
their lives.
Anton is the second child of a family of two sons and two
daught(M-s. He attended the connnon schools of his native land
during his boyhood and served the usual period in the Danish
army, but the opi>ortunities for advancement there seemed limited
for one of his ambitious tciii|)ci-aiiu'nt and he decided to come
to America, landing liei-e in the spring of 1881. He came direct
to Tomah where he immediately secured employment Avith the
Goodyear Company in a sawmill, which lasted f(n' four years,
after Avhich he was likewise employed at Waterbury; he then
retncned to T<imah and was employed foi- four yi^irs in the car
BIOGKAPlir 815
sliops of t!it' Cliicago. ^iihvankcc & St. Paul Railway, and at the
end of this time, in 1890, he purchased his present farm of 160
acres of wild land, for which he paid ;t'800. At that time no
culti\'ating' had l)een done and very little of the land had Ix'cn
cleared, and by constant hard woi'k and pei-sistent eit'orts, ho
succeeded in transforming what was a wilderness into one of the
most productive farms of that section ; he erected a comfortable
residence, a line barn and made other improvements, and besides
carrying on general farming, he makes a specialty of raising
Holstein cattle. He is alive to the issues of the day and is
deeply interested in the affairs of his town and county, and for
seventeen years past has been a member of the school board.
In April, 1882, ]\Ir. Nelson was married to ]\Iiss Minnie
Hastrup, a native of Germany. They have three children, viz :
Anna, who lives in Arizona ; IMinuie is the Avife of Amil Pokrand,
of Angelo, and Sarah, who lives at home.
J C, Nelson is another one of the enterprising farmers
of JNIonroe county, a native of Wisconsin, was born at Omro, on
April 28. 1851, the son of John and Diena (Mendel) Nelson,
natives of New York and Canada respectively. John Nelson,
father of our subject, moved from the Empire state to Watertown,
Wis., in 18 — . After remaining here for a time, he, in 1855 moved
to Monroe county with his family and settled at Jacksonville,
where he engaged in the milling business, operating a grist mill
for some three years. He then turned his attention to farming
on a piece of rented land, and soon afterward purchased a
sixty-acre tract, where the family made their home for fifteen
years. Disposing of this farm, he purchased forty acres in
Adrian township and there lived until his death, which occurred
in 1896. He was a thrifty, hard-working man and upright
citizcji, and no one stood higher in his community than he. In
political sentiment a Republican, he held numerous local offices.
He served as town clerk for two years and was also treasurer
of his township, and for many years was a member of the school
board, and for three years justice of the peace. His wife, mother
of our subject, was a woman of many domestic virtues and whose
fine mental endowments made her a favorite among her large
circle of friends. She died in 1875.
J ■ C. Nelson attended the district schools until he was
eighteen years of age and worked on a farm until his marriage,
October 18, 1873, at Tomah, to Miss Alma Durhee, daughter of
Andrew and Emeline Durhee. one of ^Monroe county's most
respected pioneer families, they having come to AVisconsin as
816 lIISTOin' OF .MOXKOE ('(JUXTY
early as 1856. Two children, Lefa and Burr, have been born to
-Mr. and ]\Irs. Nelson. Soon aftei- his marriage, Mr. Nelson
I)nrchased eighty acres of land from his father-in-law, which
he has since added to until now he owns 120 acres of choice
land, Avell improved with a commodious dwelling and out-
buildings. His barn, 30 by 67 feet, with a wing 16 by 60 feet,
has a capacity of seventy tons of hay, seven horses and forty
head of cattle, and is considered among the best in the county.
He carries on general farming, dairying and stock raising and is
a public spirited, successful and enterprising citizen, extremely
popular with his large circle of friends in the county.
Peter E. Nelson, ex-mayor and successful business man of
Cashton, and a highly esteemed citizen of ]\Ionroe county, was
born in Norway September 23, 1856. He remained Avith his
parents until his sixteenth year, obtaining his preliminary edu-
cation in the schools of his native home, and being enthused with
the glowing accounts of the possibilities for j'oiiug men in
America, he turned towards the land of the setting sun and
arrived in the United States June 16, 1873, and went direct to
La Crosse, Wis. After remaining there for a short time, he moved
to Chaseburg, in Vernon county, and for the next three years
attended school during the winter months and worked during the
summer in the store of J. AV. Hoyt. In 1876 he returned to
La Crosse and entered the Wallace Business College, taking a
commercial course of one year, upon the completion of which he
went to Viroqua and entered the mercantile establishment of
J. Henry Tate as clerk, where he received a thorough knowledge
of the business. He was thrifty and economical in his habits,
and with the money saved from his earnings, he, in 1879, went to
Cashton and opened a general store on his own account, which he
successfully managed until 1883, wdien a Mv. Campbell purchased
an interest and the firm name became Nelson & Campbell. The
l)usiness was carried on under this arrangement until 1904, when
Mr. Nelson sold his renuiining interest to his partner and retired
from the business. During the year 1899 to meet the demands
of their constantly increasing trade, ]\Ir. Nelson and ]\Ir.
Campbell built a modern two-story brick store building in which
their business was carried on.
Politically Mr. Nelson is a Republican and takes an active
interest in the affairs of liis party. Tn tlie fall of 1905 he was
appointed ])y President Roosevelt postmaster of Cashton, suc-
ceeding AFi'. Barth, and at this time ('1912) is still holding that
position.
BIOGRAPHY 817
Mr. Nelson was united in marriage Jauiuuy 1, 1881, with
Miss Caroline Johnson, Avho was born in Wisconsin of Norwegian
parents. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson reside in their modern home, which
they built in 1884. They are both devoted members of the
United Lutheran church and contribute liberally to its support.
Mr. Nelson stands high with the citizens of Monroe county, and
his excellent judgment has given him the well deserved position
of confidence in the council of business men, while in the com-
munity in which he dwells no man commands higher esteem.
George M. Newton, member of the firm of O. I. Newton's Sons'
Company, of Sparta, was born here on August 21, 1870, the son
of Orin I. and Emma H. (Mather) Newton. His father, who was
a native of Vermont state, came to Monroe county in 1859, when
he was seventeen years of age, and early became identified with
the paper manufacturing interests throughout the state, and he
established the Sparta paper mills, which was a flourishing
industry for many years. He also became largely interested in the
lumber trade, and was considered one of- the most enterprising and
prosperous citizens that Sparta ever had. His death, w^hich
occurred in 1895, while yet a comparatively young man, his age
being but fifty-three, was mourned by the people of his community
as a public loss. His wife, the mother of our subject, was a woman
of noble Christian character and domestic virtues, being a
descendant in a direct line of the renowned Cotton Mather. Her
death occurred at her home in Sparta in 1872.
George M. received his education in the schools of Sparta
and at the "Wisconsin State University at Madison, graduating
with the class in engineering of 1894. He early became associated
with his father in the Sparta paper mills, and in 1893 the firm
became known as the O. I. Newton's Son's Company. This
industry continued until 1901, and during the latter years of its
existence was under the personal management of Mr. Newton.
The firm name of 0. I. Newton's Sons' Company is still continued
in other lines of business, however, and since 1901 Mr. Newton
has been manager of the Electric Light & Power Company, with
two plants in Sparta and one at Angelo. Mr. NeAvton stands high
in social circles of Sparta, and is a member of the IMasonic order,
a Knight Templar, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and is a man who enjoys the confidence
and esteem of a wide circle of friends, both in a business way and
socially. He was married in October, 1895, to Miss May Sage,
daughter of I\Ir. E. E. Sage, Sioux Falls, S. D.
818 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Harry M. Newton, vice president of the Citizens' State ]^ank
of Sparta, a native of this city, was l)orn ^lay 23, 1868. Ilis
parents were Oriii 1. iiiid Phiima 11. (]\[ather) Newton, whose
biographies appear elsewhere in this work. Raised in Sparta, he
attended the public schools and high school. After this he
entered the AVayland Academy, from wliich he graduated four
years later with the class of 1890, and immediately thereafter
entered the employ of his father in the clerical department of the
0. I. Newton i)aper mill, and after serving in this position for
four years, he became a i)artner in the business and the firm name
changed to 0. T. Newton's Sons' Company, al which time, in 1894,
he was made president of the company and thus continued until
the plant was destroyed by fire in 1901. The company had taken
over and consolidated the paper industry, the elect rii- lighting
plant, the flour and feed mill at Angelo and the Sparta lumber
yard. ]Mr. Newton acted as president of the consolidated com-
pany until 1901, and upon disposing of his interest to his brother,
George ^L Newton, he went to Enid, Okla., in 1902. and
purchased the P^nid electric lighting i)lant of that place and
immediately reorganized the compnay and changed its mime to
the Enid Electric Light & Gas Company, Avhich was operated
under his direction for about om> year. lie then returned to
Sparta, where he has since resided. He has been a stockholder and
director in the Citizens' Bank of Sparta since 1907, and the same
year was chosen as vice president, in which capacity he is still
acting with credit to himself and to tlie satisfaction of his
associates.
On November 28, 1895, Mr. Newton was uinted in iiiari-iage to
Miss Eleanor W. Gary, daughter of AV. H. Gary, a substantial
and prosperous citizen of Croswell, Alich. They have had
six children; those living are Orin I., George M., Janet C. -lohn
Theodore, and P^leanor Emma Newton.
Air. Newton is a man of fine social qualities, generous, kind
hearted and genial ; is domestic in his tastes, and delights in
nothing better than what he finds in his home and family. Tie
is a member of the Alasonic fraterniay.
Orin I. Newton. After an illness of years, Air. Oiin 1. Xcwton
fell into his final sleep on Saturday, Alarch 80, at 6:30 p. m.
Air. Newton was for the better part of his life a resident of
Sparta and for twenty yeai-s or more was a leading and promi-
nent figure in its business history. He was born in Georgia, A^t.,
in Aucust. 1842. his father dying when he was five years old,
leaviim a widow and eitihl children. In 1860 the familv camo to
BIOGRAPHY 819
Sparta, Oriii being then about eighteen years old. His first busi-
ness experience was in farming in company with his younger
•brother, Fred, in the valley southeast of Sparta in the summer
of 1861, and he also taught school for a while. Subsequently he
entered the store of Mr. John L. Mather, who was in the drug
business in Sparta at that time and he managed the store during
one season while Mr. IMather was absent prospecting with a party
of gold seekers in Utah. After the latter 's return Mr, Newton
entered into partnership with him, their business connection con-
tinuing until Mr. jNlather sold his interest to 0. L. Irwin, and
about six months after Mr. Newton bought out ]\Ir. Irwin and
became the sole owner of the establishment.
Mr. Newton became the owner of the Sparta paper mill,
so-called, in 1871. and in the course of years built it up into a
strong and profitable business and the chief manufacturing inter-
est in the cit3\ The mill was originally established by J. L.
Mather, who subsequently^ transferred it to the firm of Farnaham,
Slmter & Co., and its early history was one of considerable vicissi-
tude. Mr. Newton bought it, in company with W. E. Briggs,
but soon after acquired the latter 's interest, and by hard work
got it on a paying basis. ]\Ir. Newton was chiefly identified by
the paper mills which have so long borne his name, but this busi-
ness by no means represents the extent of his business operations,
which have been extensive and varied. He managed a large lum-
bering business, purchased and successfully carried on a flouring
mill at Angelo, built and operated a paper pulp mill at
Tomahawk; in connection with M. A. Thayer, established the
electric lighting company and had interests in other enterprises.
Mr. Newton was a man of marked force, energy and business
sagacity and possessed a resolute will and indomitable courage.
These alone enabled him to combat so long the constantly aggres-
sive physical ailment from Avhich he suffered, and in the face of
which he kept up the management of his affairs till long past the
period wdien ordinary men would have succumbed. Ill health
began with a congestive attack as long ago as 1875, and with this
began a pulmonary trouble, which, after long years of stubborn
contest, finally gained the mastery.
Mr. Newton united with the First Baptist church in 1868 and
was one of its most prominent members, active in its work and
generous in giving to its support. He was a good and valuable
citizen in all relations and one of whom the city OAves much of its
material prosperity as well as moral welfare.
]\rr. Newton was married in 1867 to ]\Iiss Emma ]Mather, who
820 IIISTUKV OF .MOXROK LULNTY
died in 1873, leaving two sons. In ISliS he was again married,
his present wife and his two sons. Harry and George, surviving
liini.
Joseph Nichols, the son of David and Eunice (Mayfield)
Nichols, was horn .July 28. 1840. in New York. His jiarents. who
were also natives of New York state, came to Wisconsin in 1834
with their family, and settled in P^armers' valley. [Monroe county.
Here the eldest brotlier of our subject ])urchased eighty acres of
Avild l.ind. which was improved and i)laced under a high state of
cultivation. In that early day the hills and forests were abund-
ant with wild i^anie and the creeks and rivers were well stocked
with fish, of which the father toolc advantage — his chief recrea-
tion being hunting and fishing. The father died in 1877 and the
mother passed away in 1874.
Joseph was the niiith of a family of eleven children, aiul
started in early life to nuike his own waj' in the world; he was
variously employed at faini work, receiving $7 per month for his
labor. When the Civil War broke out in 1861 he enlisted in
company A. third Wisconsin Cavalry, and served until the close
of the war. He participated in many engagements, among them
being the l)attles Big North Fork Creek. ^lo. ; Clarendon. Ark.,
Bull Ci-eek. White Oak Creek, Jacksonport : Osage ^Mission. Kan.;
Clarkesville. Ark. : Lexington. ]Mo.. Little Blue Creek, Independ-
ence. Big Blue ^line Creek, Newton ia. Dry wood and Clear Lake,
and received his hoiu)rable discharge Septendjcr 29, 1865, at Fort
Leavenworth, Kan., and returned to his home, where he again
engaged in farming on a i-entetl farm until his marriage in 1867;
he went to Clark county, Wisconsin, in the fall of 1870 and lumie-
steaded a (|UHitei" section of Government land, wliich he improved
and whci'e he made his home luilil 1S77. when he purchased the
farm in Wells township, where he now I'csides. The farm is well
improved, witli a good resideiu'c. barn and outbuildings. Tlii.^
has been his home for the jiast thii-ty-five yt>ars and is one of the
few surviving Civil War vetei'ans residing in the town of Wells.
In politics he is a Rej)ublican and upholds the ]irinciples of his
party.
He was niairii-d .hnuuii-v 1. lS(i7. at Sjjarta. to ^liss Mtdissa
French, dauirhter <>f William French, also a native of New ^'oi-k
state, and who in an early day located in Clark county. Wisconsin.
Both parents of Mi-s. Nichols are deceased. To Mi-. and ^Irs.
Nichols have been born nine children, eight of whom are living.
viz.: Edward H.. born February 7. 1870-. (Jertie (i.. liorn ^larch
7, 1872: Louis 11.. horn Mai-(di 10, 1874; Clara A., boi-n November
BIOGRAPHY 821
28, 187'): .Johiiie E., horn October (i, 1877; ]Maud 1., hoiii •January
12. 1882: Josephine M.. ])oni November 27, 1889, and Myrth- K.,
born January 9, 1893; Odell J., born December 28, 18()7, is
deceased; (Jertie G., Louis H., Clara A., Maud I., Josei)hine M.,
Edward II. and Johnie E. are married.
Robert G. Nicke, dealer in agricultural implements at Toniah,
was horn in Germany October 5. 1875, and came to America with
his father. Gotlieb Xicke. and his family of five children in 1892.
They first located in Chicago, 111., where for two and oneJialf
years the father worked as a day laborer. In the fall of 1895
they removed to ]\Ionroe county. AVisconsin, and purchased forty
acres of land and here made their home for ten years. For two
and oneJialf years Robert and his father operated a sawmill with
marked success near Tomah. In 190-4 Robert G. moved into the
city of Tomah and engaged in the grocery business, which he
conducted for three years. Disposing of his grocery, he pur-
chased the implement business from Dan Crowley, and has since
successfully continued in that line. He carries a large stock of
all kinds of farm machinery, including gasoline engines, binders,
twine, pumps, windmills, spring and farm wagons and carriages
from the leading manufacturers of the country. He is one of
Toniah 's prosperous, safe and reliable business men and promi-
nent alike in business and social circles. In politics he is inde-
pendent in thought and action, supporting the man for office
whom he thinks best qualified for the position regardless of party
affiliations.
On August 12. 1908. at Tomah, Mr. Nicke w^as united in mar-
riage to jMiss Eda ]Miller. They have two children, Raymond
and John Xicke.
Abel Benjamin Naset, manager of the Sparta Sash and Door
Company, one of Sj)arta's younger class of successful business
men, is a native son of Wisconsin, being born in Dane county,
March 20, 1880, to J. J. and Anna B. (Johnson) Naset, natives
of Norway and Illinois, respectively. In 1844 Mr. Naset came to
Wisconsin and located in Dane county, where he successfully
carried on farming foi- a number of years. He is the youngest
and only surviving member of a family of six children — two sons
and four daughters, and is now a resident of Bloomer, of this
state. His wife, mother of Abel, died September 19, 1903, at the
age of sixty-four years.
Mr. Naset, the subject of this sketch, is the youngest of a fam-
of eight, five sons and three daughters. He, with his brother,
W. 0. Naset, are associated with the Sparta Sash and Door
822 HISTORY OF :\rOXROE COUNTY
C'uiii])aii\-. Jiai.sL'd uii a i'anii, la- received his educatiou in the
public schools of his home town, in the Albion Academy, and the
Northern Indiana Normal School. He early gave up the idea of
farming, and after finishing his school days, set out to learn the
woodworkers' trade, beginning first as a carpenter. During the
years 1901-2, he was in "Winnebago county, Iowa, and the year
1903 he spent at Bloomer, Wis., working a portion of the time at
the carpenter's trade. From 1903 to 1907 he was successfully
engaged in the woodworker's trade and contracting at Edgerton.
The year 1907 and part of 1908 was spent at Eauclaire, AYis.,
where he conducted an architectural office. On jNIarch 30 in the
year 1908 he came to Sparta, and purchasing an interest in the
Sparta Sash and Door Manufacturing Company, assumed the
management of the concern. This is one of Sparta's largest insti-
tutions, and turns out a high grade of interior and exterior finish-
ings, as demand requires from a wide radius of territory.
Mr. Naset was married April 30, 1907, at Cambridge, AVis., to
INIiss Ilattie ]May, daughter of William and Kate (^Nlechersmith)
Koiislei". IMr. Kensler died in October, 1910.
August H. Noth, one of the influential and successful farmers
of Wilton township, is a native son of Monroe county, and was
born in the town of Wilton. August 10, 1869, the son of Fred and
Louisa (Reke) Noth. The father Avas born in the state of Lippe,
Germany, March 6, 1839, and when twenty years of age came to
America and first located at New Orleans in the fall of 1859.
After his arrival there he found the war clouds so heavy that he
moved on to St. Louis, not being in sympathy with the Southern
cause, and not feeling inclined to take up arms against the Union.
He enlisted at St. Louis, INIo.. on July 21, 1861, in company E,
second Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and was made sergeant and
color bearer of his regiment, and served until honorably dis-
charged September 29, 1864. In 1866 he came to Monroe county,
and with his father, purchased 240 acres of land in sections seven
and eight, Wilton township, which at that time was wild land.
He endured many hardships and privations as a pioneer, but by
hard work and perseverance succeeded in subduing the land and
bringing it to a good state of cultivation and jiroductiveness. He
was one of the successful farmers of the county, and owned at the
time of his death, which occurred in 1890, one of the best farms
in the township. He was honorable in all his dealings, public
spirited and genial, and any worthy cause always received his
support. He stood high in his community, and was considered
one of the well-to-do men in the town. Mrs. Noth, mother of our
BIOGRAPHY 823
subject, who was a kind and loving mother and indulgent wife,
passed away October 27, 1881, honored and esteemed by all who
knew her.
August H. received his education in the district school, which
he attended up to his twentieth year, helping with the general
farm work and assisting in clearing the land and making the
improvements. Since the death of his father he has had charge
of the farm, which he has continued to improve and bring to a
higher state of cultivation. The residence, which was erected
about thirty years ago, is comfortable and well constructed, and
his barns, one of which is 30 x 56 feet, and other outbuildings are
commodious and conveniently arranged. His supply of pure
water, which is secured from a deep driven well, operated by a
large windmill, furnishes plenty of water for his house and stock.
In his farming operations, Mr. Noth uses the latest up-to-date
methods and his place is well supplied with modern labor saving
machinery, and he takes pride in keeping it well stocked with a
good grade of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs.
On October 26, 1898, he was married in the town of Ridgeville,
to Miss Amelia Kevit, daughter of August and Arnstena Kevit,
pioneers, and highly respected settlers of Ridgeville township.
Mrs. Noth is the second child in a family of six children, five of
Avhom are now living. Five children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Noth, viz. : Neta, born January 27, 1900 ; Raymond "W.,
born February 22, 1902 ; Corliss August, born July 11, 1905 ;
Adalia A., born October 25, 1907, and Mildred L., born March 11,
1911.
Mr. Noth is one of the substantial farmers of his town, and
takes an interest in all public matters. He has been chairman of
the town board, treasurer of the Farmers' IMutual Fire Insurance
Company and a director of the school board for fifteen years. He
is a stockholder in the Elgin Creamery Company, of Wilton, and
in politics a progressive Republican.
Fred W. Noth, chairman of the board of Ridgeville township,
Monroe county, was born March 29, 1874, in the town of Wilton,
Wis., the son of Fred and Louisa (Reke) Noth, both natives of
Germany. The father came to America in 1860 and settled in
St. Louis, Mo., where he lived until he enlisted in the second
Missouri Volunteer Infantry. After the close of the war, he came
with his father, mother, two sisters and one brother to Ridge-
ville, AVilton township, and settled on the farm, where he married
and where he lived until his death. His first wife died and he
remarried. After the death of his father, our subject went with
824 HISTORY OF .MOXKOK COIXTY
his stepinotlier to Ikt farm in Kid.ireville, which he leased from
her and took t-are of her, A. II. Xoth gettin«r the home farm.
!Mr. and Mi's. Xoth raised a family of six children, five of whom
are now (15)12) livinu:. P^'red W. l)ein<j: the fourth child, lie
attended the district schools until his seventeenth year, and at
the a^tfe of t went \ -two. on .luiie 2, lSf>7. he was married to !Miss
Bertha Kewit. whose parents were early settlers of Ridgeville
township. They have two children, viz.: ?]ldon, born July 20,
1899. and Leona. Ix.rn February 27. 1902.
Fred W. Xotii accpiired the homestead of 120 acres in sections
ten and eleven. Kidgeville township, by purchase, where he has
since resided: the mother also lived here until 1909. when she
died. He is a nuiu of more than usual thrift and ambition, and
the wave of prosperity which he has enjoyed for the past few
years is evidence of his good management and economical meth-
ods, lie ii;is increased his aci'eage to 260 in sections ten, eleven
rUid twenty-three, enlarged his residence, barns and other out-
buildings, until he noAv has one of the most spacious and commo-
dious homes in ^Monroe county, and besides carrying on general
farming, he makes a specialty of the dairy business. He is a
Republican in ])olitics and active in all movements i)ertaniing to
the welfare of his community. In 1912 he was elected chairman
of the board of Ridgeville township, and for some time served as
supervisor. lie is also a director of the Farmers' State Bank.
George Novotny is one of the prominent Bohemian citizens of
Ridgeville township. ^lonroe county. He was l)orn in Racine
county. Wisconsin, on ]\larch 11. 1859. the fifth of a family of six
children, only three of whom are now (1912) living, born to
Francis and Therisa (IToudek) Novotny, both natives of Bohemia.
They came to America in 1852 and located in Racine county,
where they j)urchased forty acres of wild timber land and imme-
diately set to work to clear and cultivate the land, and after
about .seventeen years of pioneer experience, they disposed of this
farm aiul moved to ]Moni-oe county in 1869 and purchased a farm
of 120 aci-es in section twelve in the township of Ridgeville. which
they made their homestead and where they continued to exi)eri-
ence the trials and liardshi|)s of pioneer life. Ten years later the
father diet!, and his wiiloAV survived until 1898. ^Ir. Xovotny was
married twice: his first marriage was with ]\liss Lydia Tonuis.
and they had a family of four sons. .Mrs. Xovotny died in 1841.
and he married again in December. 1842, the second Mrs. Novotny
being the mother of our subject.
George was always the mainstay of his jiarents, and after the
BIOGKAl'llY 825
death of his tathci- he eoiitiiiucd to live on the homestead with
his inothcr diirinu' lier lifctiiiie. and eventually ;i('(iuii"ed the farm
ill his own riiilit. Ilis education was liinifed, however, to the
district schools of his iieighboi'hood up to his fourteenth year,
owing to his farm duties, but being an apt pupil and wide awake
to the affairs of the day, his practical knowledge soon placed him
in the front ranks in the township as a farmer and citizen. He
has always been a good Republican and a faithful worker for the
principles of tliat party. He is greatly interested in and favors
every enterprise for the development of his town and county.
Mr. George Novotny was married on November 19, 1885, in
the city of Racine. AVis., to Miss Mary Haman, daughter of AntoJi
and Marianna Haman. who were also natives of Bohemia, and
came to America in 1865 and settled in Racine county, where her
father was employed in a sash and door factory for some twenty-
five years. He died in 1891; the mother is still living at the age
of seventy-six years. They were both devoted inembers of the
Catholic church. They had a family of three children, Mrs.
Novotny being the second child.
]\Ir. and INIrs. Novotny have two children: Esther M., born
Octol)er 25. 1886. married August 28, 1912, to Mr. Adolph Noth,
moved to ITnity, Clark county, Wis., and Gordon G., born
January 16. 1891.
Nehemiah Oakley, who has been a resident of ]\Ionroo county,
Wisconsin, foi- forty-three years, is an active and useful citizen
and has done his full share in developing the material resources
of the county and transforming it from a wilderness to its
present high i)lace among the rich and fruitful counties of the
state. A native of Montgomery county. New York, he was born
August 19, 1884. AYhen he was three years old, his parents,
Edward and Polly (Wire) Oakley, who Avere also, natives of
New York state, moved to Ontario, Canada, and there spent the
balance of their days. Mr. Oakley, our subject, is the second
child and mdy surviving member of his family of brothers and
sisters; the others were Charity, C^harles, Alary Elizabeth and
Phoebie Jane.
Nehemiah attended the common schools of Ontario, Imt the
death of his father having occun-ed when he Avas twelve years of
age, he was practically thrown upon his own resources, and his
chances for advances v/ere limited. At the age of eighteen, he
purchased the home farm from his stepfather, and in that year
married and began a farmer's life in earnest; he afterwards sold
this farm, however, and rented a farm in the same locality, where
826 HISTORY OF .UUXKUE I'ULXTY
he remained for six years. Jii 1869 he came to AVisconsin and
homesteaded an eighty-acre tract in Monroe county near Tunnel
City, to which he subsequently added another eighty acres in
section two, (Jreenfield township, where he now resides. lie was
not long in eleai'ing the first eiti'hty and fifteen acres of the other,
which he subdued and brought to a good state of cultivation,
erected a good class of buildings and added all the needed
a])i)liances and conveniences of an iii)-to-date, model farm.
p]nergetic, enterprising and progressive, he takes pride in his
farm, town and county. Mr. Oakley is one of the representative
and intelligent citizens of Greenfield township and is a man of
general worth in the community; he has been chairman of his
town for nine terms and a member of the side board ; clerk of
the school district, and for nineteen consecutive years school
treasurer.
On May 23, 1852, Mr. Oakley was married to Miss Fannie II.
Woodard, daughter of Daniel and Harriet (Sisco) Woodard, who
also were natives of the Empire state, but who moved to Ontario,
Canada, and later to ]\Iichigan, where both died. Mrs. Oakley
is one of a family of eleven children, six of whom survive, viz. :
Elvira is the wife of William Sisco, and resides in Michigan ;
EdAvin, also of Michigan: Clifford lives in Lincoln township, this
county; Sophia married Alfred Quick, of ]\Iichigan : Flavilla is the
wife of Andrew Ililliker. late of Tomah, and Sarah is the wife of
AVellington Schnell, of Michigan. Those deceased are Wilson,
Anna, Marietta, Daniel and one wlio died in infancy.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Oakley are Elveretta, who
married Stowell Brown, of Trout Falls, LaFayette township;
Mary E. is the wife of John Purdy, of Greenfield township ;
Wellington lives in Oregon; Oscar resides in the state of Wash-
ington ; Armina is the wife of Hamlin Griffin, of the town of
Grant, this county, and Arcenith, wife of Edwin Purdy of Green-
field. Those deceased are Sarah Jane, who married Frank Purdy:
Alice; Emma and three who died in infancy. The celebration of
the golden wedding of Mr. and ]\Irs. Oakley was an event long
1o be remembered by their wide circle of friends,
Mrs. Jens Oleson, wife of Jens Oleson, deceased, was boi'ii in
Norway December 7, 1860. the daugliter of Ilalvor Bergerson.
She came to America with her parents from Norway in 1872.
who, after their arrival in this country, came to Monroe county.
Wisconsin, and located on a (juarter section of land in section
sixteen, Leon township, where they spent their lives. The father
was born in 1810, and died in 1!)02. The mother, born in 1810.
Q
J
I— «
BIOGRAPHY 827
passed away in 1896. They were the parents of six children, and
the father was a successful farmer and stock raiser, keeping his
farm well stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs.
He was a man of noble Christian character, and he and his wife
were honored members of the Lutheran church and had great
influence in the community.
Mrs. Oleson was married March 12, 1878, in the town of Leon,
to Mr, Jens Oleson, who was born in Norway October 26, 1853.
When five years of age, in 1858, his parents came to America
and w^ere among the early settlers of the Leon valley. The father
was a hard working, thrifty farmer and owned at the time of his
death 320 acres of land. Mr. Oleson, husband of our subject,
w^as successful in his operations as a farmer, and his farm w^as
highly improved by cultivation and buildings, and the modern
residence erected in 1904, with the commodious outbuildings,
make theirs one of the up-to-date country homes of the valley.
He w^as kind-hearted and generous and a devoted member of the
Lutheran church, having the confidence and esteem of all ^vho
knew him. He died May 7, 1904, leaving besides his estimable
wife, a family of twelve children, as follows : Johanna, born
August 11, 1878; Dora, born February 11, 1880; Oscar, born
September 2, 1882; Harold, born December 20, 1884; Ida, born
February 18, 1887; Augusta, born April 21, 1889; Nora, born
January 6, 1892; Olga, born June 17, 1894; Joseph, born Sep-
tember 2, 1896; Leonard, born October 6, 1898, and Walter and
William, twins, born February 23, 1902.
Godfrey Oswald, of Pleasant valley, was born in Switzerland,
May 11, 1854. His parents were Jacob and Anna (Frey) Oswald,
both natives of Switzerland. They came to America with a
family of eight children and located at Bangor, La Crosse county,
Wisconsin ; after a residence there of two years they moved to
Salem, and afterwards, in 1860, came to Monroe county and began
the life of farmers on 160 acres of land, which the father home-
steaded in the Pleasant valley, and where they spent the balance of
their lives. They toiled hard in the honest endeavor to build them
a home and suffered many privations at first, but were successful
in the end, passing away at the close of a busy and well spent
life, honored and respected by all who knew them. Mr. Oswald
Avas born in 1811 and died in 1883. Mrs. Oswald, born in 1816,
passed away in 1885. In Switzerland the father secured a liberal
education and belonged to the Lutheran church, but after com-
ing to America was never identified with any religious denomina-
tion. Although not being able to converse fluently in the English
828 ITISTOKV OK MOXROK COrXTY
languaf^c, lie had many I'cinai'kalili' ti'aits in his character. Ihat
were appreciated and admii-cd hy his many friends. In liorti-
(•ultni-al matters he t(H)k a (h'ci(h'd interest, and durinu' his
lifetime planted two api)le inchards. which are now l)cariug
prolitlcail.w and neai-l\' every yeai- produce liberal returns, and
there is no oi'chai-d in the Plesant \alley that will sni'pass them.
Godfrey Oswald i-eceived a limited (Mincalion, hut is well
posted on all euri-ent topics. lie has made fannintr his life work,
and aftei- the d(»ath of his father was made administi-ator of his
estate and sul)sequentl>' ])urchascd the old homestead. .Mr.
Oswald is a man of thrift and aliility, and has made a jrraiul
success of farming;, as well as jjaining and retaining; the good will
of his fellow men.
He was married July 4. TSDO. 1o ]\riss Agnes Flog, whose
parents came from Germany. Three diildren liax'e been born to
this union, vi/.. : Kmma Maggie. Dorotha K.. a graduate of the
Sparta High School in the class of 1911, is a teacher, and George,
who is living at home Avith his parents.
Nicholas F. Palen, one of the leading iiumi of Spai'ta in his line
of business, that of a plumber, is a native of Caledonia. l\liiiii..
where ho was boi'ii l)eceml)er l'■^. IST^^ His parents. Leopold and
Mary (Hupert) Palen were born in Luxemburg, Germany, and
emigrated to the United States in the (^arly sixties. Their first
stopping place after reaching this country was at Oubnqne. Iowa,
whei'e they remained foi* only a short time and nu)ved on to
^linnesota. Avliere "Sir. Palen entered land and engaged in farm-
ing, which he followed nntil about four >ears previous to his
death, which occurred in the fall of 1909. at the age of sixty-nine
years. He was a thrifty, pi-ogressive and successful fai'iiier an '■
considei-ed amonu the l)est class of pioneers of his comnninity.
^Irs. Palen. his widow, si ill survives and makes her liome at
(^alech>nia. Leo|)ol(| Palen was one of a famil\- of nine children,
all of whom came IVom (lermany. the only sui-viving member of
that familx- being Mrs. Frances Hurkhart. wife of Jnlins Purk-
hai't. of L;i ( 'i-osse. Wis. Prank- llniiert. the matei-nal graiul-
father of oiii- subject, emigrated 1o this country at alxuit the same
time of the Taiens. atul settled at Duiuujue. Iowa, where he also
engaged in farming. Nicholas is the fifth child of a family of
fourteen childi-en. (deven of whom ai'e now (1912') living. They
are Frank •!.. of l)ubu<pie. Iowa: .\uua. the wife of Mat Molitor.
of Adrian. Minn.: .Mai-y. the wife of H. A. Ilengel. of Winona.
Minn.: Frances, widow of P. M. Fous. of Caladonia. Mirni.:
Nicholas v.. the subiect of this sketch: Jennie, wife of •!. P.
BIOGRAPHY 829
Gaspai'tl, (if Caladonia : lleiir\-, who resides on the lionie farm;
Josephine, wife of I\li-. Ascott. of 8t. Paul, iMinn.; Eiiiil. who
resides at La Crosse, Wis.: Luey, wife of Nicholas Koel, of Cala-
donia : Joseph, of the same place, and three who died in infancy.
Nicholas Palen was raised on his father's farm, attcndins.;- tlie
district schools in winter and working on the farm in summer,
until 1892, when he began work at the plumbers' trade at Winona,
]\Iinii., with the firm of II. A. Hengel & Co. Having thoronghly
mastered the trade, in 1898 he came to Sparta and formed a
co-partnershij) with J. II. Hengel, the style of the firm being
Hengel & Palen. This business arrangement was successfully
carried on for five years, when Mr. Palen purchased his partner's
interest and has since continued under his own name the plumbing
and heating business, in which he has been eminently successful.
He has been at his present location for nine years; is the leader
in his line, and has j^laced the i)lumbing and heating apparatus
in all the best residences in the city, as well as in several public
buildings, and also the buildings at the state farm.
Mr. Palen was married September 2, 1901. to INIiss Gertrude
Walser, of Winona, Minn., and they have one child, Vernon Wal-
ser Palen. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the ]\Iod-
ern Woodmen of America and the Maccabees, and takes an active
interest in all matters that pertain to the betterment of the
locality in which he resides.
Irvin Nelson Palmer, who has been identified with the busi-
ness life of Tomah shu-v 1876, is a native of Fond du Lac county,
Wisconsin, born December 22, 1848, son of Nelson H. and Almira
(Taylor) Palmer. The father was born in Connecticut and
raised a family of eleven children, two of whom are now living.
He came to Wisconsin in 1840 and settled on a farm in Fond du
Lac county, but afterwards moved to Adams county, later going
to ]\Iichigan, where he died in 1868. his wife, mother of Nelson,
having passed away in 1849.
Our subject spent his early manhood on a farm, receiving
his education in the schools of Michigan. He taught school during
the winter months and followed farming until he was twenty-
eight years of age, when in 1876 he came to Tomah, and pur-
chasing the store of J. H. Stewart, he entered upon the career
of a merchant, which he has followed with marked success up to
the present time. His stock now consists of books, stationery,
toys, and everything found in a first class up-to-date variety,
store. In connection he has a large news stand, and has exclusive
sale of all the Chicago. INIilwaukee and La Crosse daily papers.
830 HISTORY OF .^lOXROE COUNTY
Mr. Palmer is a man avIki stands high in the business and social
life of Tomah ; he is an active member in the IMasonic order and
has filled .ill the chairs of the Blue Lodge and Chapter. He is
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Rebeccas. lie is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and
the IModern Woodmen of America ; has been clerk of the latter
for twenty-four years and of the former for twenty years. In
politics he takes a lively interest in all matters pertaining to
the Republican party.
Mr. Palmer has been twice married; his first marriage was in
187-4 with ]\Iiss Sallie Talbot, and to this union was born one
daughter, Lulu M., who is now the wife of Paul Austin. After
the death of ]Mrs. Palmer, in 1887, Mr. Palmer was again married,
tills time to Miss Elizabeth i\lieumber, of Augusta, Wis. She is
also now deceased.
William Potter Palmer, a retired business man of Sparta, ha.s
been identified with the business life of Sparta for half a century.
He was born in Johnstown, N. Y., on August 13, 1842. and Avhen
fourteen years of age, in 1856, he came to Si)arta with his parents,
who were Hagerman and Mary (Potter) Palmer, natives of New
York and P^ngland respectively. Hagerman Palmer, father of
AVilliam, was born in the town of Watervliet, Albany county.
New York. November 14, 1815. and his father, David Palmer,
was a native of Dutche.ss county. On November 28, 1839, Hager-
man Palmer married ]\Iiss ]\lary Potter, who died August 27. 1894,
mother of William. The earliest American ancestors of Mr.
Palmer came from England to America in the Sixteenth century.
Three brothers emigrated from that country and settled in the
colony of Connecticut. Numerous descendants of these brothers
are now scattered throughout the Union, many of whom have
become men of iiote. among them tlic late and avcU known Potter
Palmer, of Chicago, who was the third cousin of our subject. The
maiden name of Hagerman Palmer's mother was Catherine Hager-
man, a native of Saratoga county. New Y'ork. The parents of
Hagerman Palmer continued to reside in Albany county. New
York, until their death. He was tiie last surviving member of a
family of thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters. In
early life Mr. Palmer was engaged in farming, and after his mar-
riage secured employment as an agent for James Roy & Company,
of AVest Troy, N. Y., manufacturers of broadcloth and shawls,
and later he engaged in merchandising. In 1855 he came to
Sparta and with a comi)any of capitalists entered on land war-
rants about 6,000 acres of Imul. the greater part of which was
BIOGRAPHY 831
in Monroe county. In this enterprise Mr. Palmer liad one-fourth
interest. In April of the following year (1856) Mrs. Palmer, with
the rest of the family, joined her husband in their new home.
For fourteen years Mr. Palmer was engaged in the drug business
in Sparta, and also made a business of buying and selling hops
for some years, with headquarters for this in St. Louis; his prin-
cipal line in Sparta, however, has been real estate.
On Thanksgiving Day, 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer celebrated
their golden wedding at their beautiful home, entertaining on the
occasion about 360 guests.
As a progressive and enterprising business man, Mr. Palmer
was a success; he was a man of marked individuality, independent
in thought and action; a man among men, whose presence was
missed by his wide circle of friends and associates. His death
occurred on September 12, 1905.
William Potter Palmer, the subject of this sketch, is the second
child of a family of eleven children ; the others are : Carrie P. Lee,
of Oregon; David H., of Oregon; George H., of Sparta; Emma
W. Dodge, of Sparta; Henry W., of La Crosse; Mary, wife of
E. H. Canfield, resides in Sparta ; John V., who died July 11, 1911,
and Charles E., Ellen J. and Minnie E., deceased.
AA^illiam received his education in the public schools of his
native place, and at the age of sixteen years he entered as clerk
the drug store of his father, which business finally became his
chief occupation in life. At that time the firm name was Condit
& Palmer, later Palmer & Rogers, and afterward changed to
Palmer & Gage, with whom he was employed until 1875, when he
embarked in the drug business on his own account, which he suc-
cessfully conducted until ]896; at this time Mr. Fred Gross pur-
chased a half interest, who afterwards, associated with Mr.
Shaller, purchased the other half interest. Mr. Palmer later pur-
chased a bankrupt stock of drugs and, as a member of the Taylor
Drug Company, continued in this line of business until February
19, 1907, when he retired from all active business.
During his long and busy career, Mr. Palmer has- filled many
positions of trust and honor. From 1891 to 1898 he Avas vice-
president of the Bank of Sparta ; he early served as village treas-
urer and assessor and was for two years county clerk. He is
recognized as one of the foremost citizens of Sparta, highly
esteemed by a host of friends whom he has gathered around him
by his thorough business habits and social qualities. He is free
from all ostentatious pride, is genial and affable in his manner,
always ready to bestow a favor, to speak a kind word or do a
832 HISTORY OF :\IONROE COUNTY
%
kiml art. and, liciiii; enterprising tu an eminent degree, he takes
a lively interest in ail measures tending to the welfare and pros-
perity of his city and cnnnty.
On May 10, 186H. Mr. i'almcr was nnited in marriage at Sparta
with ]\Iiss Esther I\I.. daughter of Guy and family (Richmond)
Shaw, natives of Genesee count\-. Xew Yoi-]<. who came to Sparta
when jNIrs. ]*almer was but twelve years of age. The parents of
Mrs. Palmer enjoyed over sixty years of happy married life.
:\lrs. Shaw was born February iL'. 1812. and died April 28. 1896.
Mr. Shaw Avas born May ;;!, 1812, and died ]\Iarch 9, 1896. Of
four children, Mrs. Palmer is the youngest ; the others are : Cath-
erine R., wife of W. E. Graves, of Sparta; Horace, died ]\lay 12,
1876. and Daniel, who died January 27, 1876. The children of
i\Ir. and Mrs. Palmer are Lelia Roselle, born January' 28, 1870,
married W. AV. Taylor, of Stevens Point. AVis.. and has two chil-
dren. Palmer AV. Taylor, born September 17, 1900. and Gage ]\Ic-
Pherson Taylor, boi-n January 10. 190-1. The other child, Guy H.
Palmer, was born Alay 1. 1883. is superintendent and an electrical
engineer of ]\Iammoth Springs, Ark. He was married, January
25. 1912. to Florence Burnell, of IMedford. Ore.
William F. Parsons, a progressive and prosperous farmer, re-
siding in the Big Creek A^'alley, on section seven, Sparta township,
is a native son of IMonroe county and was born at Tomah. the son
of William Barlow and Lucy (Lockwood) Parsons.
AVilliam Barlow Parsons was born at Randolph. A"t.. Alay 3,
1824, the seventh descendant from Deacon C. Bengem Parsons of
the ]\Iaytiower. one of the three brothers who came over at that
time (1620). He attended school in IMassachusetts. taught in the
East, came to Baraboo. AVis.. about 1854, where he met his wife
and was married in 1855. INIr. Parson having already pre-empted
land in LaGrange township, near Tomah, being the first to pre-
empt land in that i)art of the county, and moved to tlic farm in
the spring of 1855. Mrs. Parson's parents, Mr. and Airs. Charles
David LoclvAvood. came from Kingston. Canada, in 1854, settled
in Baraboo, where Air. Lockwood bought a townsite. but the town
not materializing, they located in Tunnel City, where they ran
the Lockwood House foi- several years, afterwards .settling on a
little farm in Ilopeville. which was a portion of the Parsons land.
Air. Parsons Avas school township superintendent until the county
of IMonroe was organized and county officers elected. He was for
many years town clerk and justice of the peace, and united in
marriage several of the now old jx'ople of the connnunity. He
was always interested in all improvements for the good of the
BIOGRAPHY HM
county, a faithful home friend to man}'. During the war he did
his duty for the country at home, aiding those in need by h)aning
money. The Parson's home was always a hospitable center, where
many people on their westward journey in the early days were
given assistance and good cheer; he also aided in the upbuilding
of the county by locating man}- in that section. He taught school
for several terms, many of those who came under his instruction
remembering him as one who inspired them to greater effort and
ambition for a place of usefulness in life. He was one of the few
in the neighborhood who took active part in Sunday school and
church work, and was a leader in literary societies, spelling-
schools, etc.
Mr. and Mrs. Parsons lived in a log house, the first one built
in the locality, until 1866, where six of their children were born.
Lucinda Parsons, the eldest, being the first white child born in
that locality. They moved to Clear Lake, S. D., in 1883-1884,
and were pioneers of that section. They settled on a homestead
near town, where they lived until a short time before their demise.
They were alwaj's, honored and respected, and lived without re-
proach, his motto being "to owe no man aught but love and char-
ity." Of Mrs. Parsons could truly be said: "Her children grew
up calling her blessed." Mr. Parsons survived his wife one j^ear.
William F. Spent his early life on the homestead farm of 160
acres which his father took up in LaOrange township when he
came to Monroe county in 1854. He attended the public school
and at the age of twenty-one went to the pineries of northern
Michigan and was foreman of a lumber camp for some time, when
he went to western Minnesota and purchased 160 acres of land,
thence to Dakota, where he homesteaded 160 acres. After proving
up on this, he returned to the Michigan pineries and five years
later disposed of his Minnesota land and returned to Monroe
county and to his present location in Sparta township, where, in
1902, he bought his farm of 175 acres from John Hutson, which
he has since improved by the addition of a barn 40x90 feet, silo
14x35 feet, milk house 14x14 feet, and a sorghum mill. His dairy
grades are the Jerseys, Holsteins and Duroc Jersey Red, and,
besides his stock raising and dairying, he is engaged in diversified
farming and has one of the finest farms in Big Creek Valley.
In 1901 he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Hutson,
daughter of John Hutson, one of the early settlers of Sparta town-
ship. To this union has been born three children, viz. : William
Lloyd, Wallace Earl and Cecil Paul. Mr. Parsons is a member
of the Sparta Fruit Growers' Association. Sparta Fair Association,
834 IIISTOIJV OK .MONIJOK (OrXTY
the ]\I(>d('iii WuodiutMi ill America, and he and his family affiliate
with the Bif; Creek Methodist Episcopal church.
Erick Peterson, one of Ihc very first settlers of Portland town-
ship, a Mian of i)rogressive ideas and a snbstantial citizen, was
born in Xdi-way. February IS, 1829, the son of Peter and ]\Iartha
Erickson. botli natives of Norway. Onr subject remained in his
native country until 1851, when, with his wife and one child, he
came to America, and for a time was located at Rochester, Racine
county, Wisconsin, where he was employed in a fanning mill fac-
tory. His fathci'. wlu» alwM\s lived in Norway, was a milhvright,
and worked a1 this trade as well as that of carpenter. lie was
a man of excellent judgment and the father of eight children,
our subject l)eing the second cliild; seven of this family are still
(1912) living. The parents were mendiers of the Lutheran church
and prominent in their community.
In 1858 Erick Peterson located in the town of Portland, and
for a time followed the trade of carpenter and builder. In 1859
he purchased 240 acres of land in sections six and twenty-five,
and afterwards added forty acres in section thirty-six. After a
residence here of nine years, he mov(>d to the town of Jefferson.
]\lr. Peterson relates that when he first located in the town of
Portland there were but few settlers, and no settlement from
which to procure supplies. La Crosse being the nearest trading
point: i\onr at that time was ten dollars per l)arrel, and othiM-
things in proportion ; the country was l)ut a Avilderuess inhabited
by Avild game and Indians; ])ear and deer Avere plentiful, and
]\lr. Peterson being an excellent marksman, lie had no trouble in
supplying his family Avith venison, which was their ehief means
of subsistence; he has killed many bear and deer on the old
homestead, and relates a little Hirilling experience of a day's hunt
for deer in a st)'ip of timbei-. when, after sighting the game, he was
attracted by a noise in the tree tops, and upon looking up saw a
large panther nuiking ready to spring upon him : he quickly
fired a lucky shot which brought the panther dead at his feet.
It was the only aninial of tliis kind he ever saw in Portland, and
the hide was purchased by a man from ^lilwaukee. at a fancy
])i"iee. This incident niei-ely touches on the volume of interesting
experiences which ^fr. I'eterson relates, but lack of space pre-
vents us from going further into details.
Vv. Peterson, possessed with that energy' and thrift com-
mon to his people, by hai-d work and persistent energy, cleared
his land and soon 1)rought to a good state of cultivation and pro-
ductiveness, and now values it at one hundred dollars per acre.
BIOGRAPHY 835
after experiencing the jn-ivations and hai'ilsliips of pioneer life
for many years, and now holds a prominent place in his eom-
nuniity. He has been active in the affairs of the Republican
party and for years has served liis town in various capacities,
being supervisor for one year, assessor for three years, and many
other offices. He now lives in practical retirement at liis tine
home on the farm near Cashton.
He was married in Norway, in 1851. to Miss Olena Oleson,
daughter of Chris and Alena Oleson, she being one of a family
of three children. ]\Ir. and ^Mrs. Peterson have luul a family of
twelve children, six of whom are jiow (1912) living, viz.: Peter,
born February 7, 1853; ^Martha, born February 9, 1855; Edward,
born May 9, 1859; Elizabeth, born April 17. 1861; p:ilsworth,
born June 12, 1864, and Oscar, l)orn January 13, 1868.
Ellsworth Peterson, Avho was his father's mainstay on the
farm, where he resided until he w^as tAventy-two years old, was
then employed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad for
ten years, after which he returned to the home farm and remained
for twelve years. On March 20, 1886, he was married, in the
town of Portland, to ]Miss Martha Christian, whose parents are
both deceased, Mrs. Peterson being the only living member of a
family of three children. To Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Peterson
have been born nine children, viz.: Edwin, Cleuse, Emma, Clara,
Lewie, AVillia, Amanda, Clarence and Tellman.
Oscar Peterson, the sou of 0 J. and Christina (Oleson)
Peterson, was born in Norway, September 30, 1867. He emigrated
to America, preceding his parents, who also came to this coun-
try in 1892. They reared a family of seven children, six of
whom are now living. The father, at the age of seventy years,
and his mother, at the age of seventy-four years, are both living
in Monroe county. Our subject began his career as a cook in a
restaurant, and by thrift, industry and economy accumulated his
earnings, and then embarked in the mercantile business. In 1892
he opened a general store at Melvina. John E. Fremstad after-
ward entered into copartnership with him. and for four years
the business was conducted under the firm name of Peterson and
Fremstad. Mr. Peterson purchased his partner's interest, and
since that time has conducted the business by himself, and uoav
has one of the largest general stores in Monroe county. He car-
ries a good class of merchandise, and has a large and growing
patronage, and by his honorable and -upright dealing has won
the confidence of his patrons, which he justly merits. In 1911
Mr. Peterson purchased the old Hunt Mill, Avhich for more than
836 HISTORY OF MOXKOE COUNTY
forty vi'iU's lias Ijci-u .siu'ccssI'iiHn' i-iiii, Ix'iiig: first ()})erate'd by
water power, then steam, which has finally given way to the pop-
ular gasoline engine. The mill is Avell equipped with modern
machinery and is operated in connection with his store. The mill
has recently been remodeled and has a capacity of fifty barrels of
flour daily and three hundred sacks of feed, and Mr. Peterson is
kept busy in supplying the demands of his customers.
During the administration of President McKinley, Mr. Peter-
son was api)()inted postmaster at Melvina, a position, with the
exception of a brief time, he has since continued to fill. He is
Republican in politics, and for over thirty years has been a
director on the school board, and for two years has served as
justice of the peace. In fraternal matters he is a member of the
Modern AVoodmen of America.
In 1892 ]\[r. Peterson was married to ]Miss ]\Iatilda Anderson,
daughter of John Anderson, of Leon. To this iniion has been
born nine children, viz.: Elmer R., born January IB, 189-1; Oscar
M., born February 12, 1896 ; JMabel C, born May 2, 1897 ; Ernest
J., born February 23, 1900; Evelyn C, born January 27, 1903;
Joseph L., born October 5. 1905 ; Clarence A., born December
24, 1907 ; Alice R., born January 23, 1910, and Julia H., born
March 20, 1912.
Frank Pier, who Avas born on section twelve, Greenfield town-
ship. Monroe county, where he now resides, is a son of Peter and
Mary (Schlichter) Pier, both natives of Germany. They came
to America in early life, and were married at East Troy, Wis.
Coming west to "Wisconsin, they first settled in Clark county,
near Neilsville, and from there to Monroe county, fully a half
century ago. Arriving here and finding it one of the best agri-
cultural fields in the West, they located in Greenfield township,
on a tract of 320 acres of Avild land, forty of which was pre-
empted from the Government, and here he established a home
for himself and family; clearing seventy acres, he erected build-
ings and brought the land to a high state of cultivation, improving
as the years passed. Here the parents spent their lives, the
father died in 1904, at the age of eighty years, and the mother
passed away in 1910, at the age of seventy-six. They were both
devoted members of St. Mary's Catholic church.
Frank first saw the light of day July 14, 1870, and is the
youngest of a family of seven children, of whom three are now
living, viz. : John resides on a farm in Greenfield township,
adjoining that of our subject ; Mary married J. J. Kiefer and
lives in the town of Greenfield : and Frank, our subject. Those
.M
BIOGRAPHY 837
deceased are Michael, Anna, Maggie and Peter. Frank was
reared on the home farm and attended the district schools, assist-
ing with the farm work. In 1897 he came into possession of the
homestead, where he now lives, successfully engaged in general
farming. He is one of the progressive and popular men of his
town, is active in its interests, and served his town as assessor for
the term of 1911 and 1912.
He was married October 18, 1898, to Miss Lena Burkart,
daughter of Milo Burkart, of Fairchild, Wis.
Carl N. Pierce,* farmer and dairyman, who resides on section
fifteen, Sparta township, is a native son of Wisconsin, and was
born in Green Lake county, near Randolph Center, January 2,
1879, the second child of a family of five children born to W. H.
and Minnie (Ruh) Pierce. Of the others, William is deceased;
Harry lives in Oregon; Alonzo resides in Sparta, and Marie is
the wife of Thomas Brown, of Sparta township. The parents
emigrated from Germany to the United States and first settled on
a farm in Green Lake county, but subsequently moved to Monroe
county.
Carl N. was raised on the farm in Adams county, Wisconsin,
and attended the common schools. He came to Monroe county
with his parents in 1893, where he engaged in the farm work and
assisted his father in operating the Testor Mill. At the age of
twenty-two he began farming on his own account on the Lawson
farm in Sparta township; at the end of four years he purchased
110 acres in Leon township, which he sold one year later and
returned to the Lawson farm, which he continued to operate
until 1909, when he purchased the Kenyon farm of 119 acres,
which he has since conducted, and on February 1, 1912, he began
operations in the dairy business, conducting the same from the
AV. E. Davis farm.
In 1901 Mr. Pierce was united in marriage with JMiss Agnes
Guy, daughter of William N. and Isabella (Nichol) Guy, whose
sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs.
Pierce have two children, viz. : Earl Guy and Agues Ethel
Pierce.
Fraternally, Mr. Pierce is a member of the Modern Woodmen
of America, and the Beavers.
John C. Pingel,* farmer, section twenty-seven, Tomah town-
ship, ]\Ionroe county, Wisconsin, was born in the town of Wilton,
April 11, 1871. He is a son of John and Beatrice (Fisher) Pin-
gel, natives of Germany. John Pingel is now living in the town
of Tomah, at the age of seventy-three years.
838 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
John C attended the district schools up to his sixteenth year
and began to make his way and gain a livelihood at the age of
seventeen years, when he was employed as a farm hand at twelve
dollars per month, and continued at this occupation until 1894,
when he was employed in the saw mills at Ackley, ^Minn., until
1902, when he came to Monroe county, and purchased 180 acres
of land in sections twenty-seven and thirty-four, Tomah town-
ship, where he now resides. Since his purchase he has added
extensive improvements by erecting a barn :Ux60 feet in 1911,
and has put the land under a high state of cultivation. His farm
is also well stocked Mitli a fine grade of horses, cattle and hogs.
September 25, 1894, Mr. Pingel was united in marriage with
]\Iinnie Ruuion, in Minnesota. They have five children, viz.:
Ida H., John F.. George E., AValter R. and Clara S. .Mr. Pingel
is one of the progressive citizens of his township and takes an
interest in all public matters for the good of his town and county.
He is a member of the Woodmen of the "World, and in politics is
a Republican.
Albert G. Prescott, secretary and numager of the Greenfield
Creamery at Tunnel City, JMonroe county, is a native of Farm-
ington, ]Maine, where he was born August 19, 1864, and is the
only son and eldest child in a family of two children born to
George C. and Naomi (AVhitney) Prescott, also a native of ]\Iaine.
The other, Jennie, is the Avife of G. A. Hackett, and resides in
La Grange township. George C. Prescott. father of our subject,
served during the ( ivil War in tlie Fifth Regiment Main(^ Bat-
tery; the parents came to JMonroe county in 18(i7, wlieii our sub-
ject was three years of age, and settled in La Grange township,
where the father died in 1892, at the age of sixty-three years.
Albert G. was reared on the home farm and attended the dis-
trict school. In 1888 he was employed by tlie Chicago. ^Milwau-
kee & St. Paul railroad in Iowa and Soutli Dakota. After a
short time thus spent, he returned to llie liome farm, which he
successfully carried on until the death of his father. Avhen he
became the owner, and which he continued to condiu-t until
1908, when he assumed his present duties as secretary and man-
ager of the Greenfield Creamery, which under his management
lias shown an increased business each year. The members of
the organization are: AVilliam Gasper, president; George Heser,
vice-president; A. C Prescott. secretary and manager; E. C.
Graham, treasurer. Tlie l)()ard of directors are: Joseph Zastouiiil,
William Ilines and T. .1. Rowan. During his busy life. 'Mv.
BIOGRAPHY 839
Prescott has found time outside of his personal affairs to serve
as clerk of his town, treasurer and member of the town bonrd.
For four years he served as a member of Company K, Third
Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, and in fraternal riiatlers
is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern \\'o()(liiiC]i
of America.
On April 3, 1889, Mr. Prescott was married to Miss Sarah
Hackett, daughter of G. 0. Hackett, of Plattville, Wis. To them
have been born five children, viz. : Florence is the wife of Charles
Johson, of Greenfield township, and Minnie married George John-
son, and lives in Greenfield township. George W., Claude E.,
and Dora M. reside at home.
Irving Price,* son of Sanford and Phoebe Price, was born on
September 7, 1850, in Washington county, New York, and is the
only child living of a family of two. His father was born in
1826, and died in 1885 ; his mother was born in 1831. The family
came to Dane county, Wisconsin, in 1853, and were among the
early settlers in that part of the country, and after living there
for a time, they decided to move to Columbia county, where
the opportunities seemed more favorable, and where he sought
employment at varied occupations for several years, with rea-
sonably good success. He was a bright and energetic young man
and through his faithful efforts and close application to work it
was not long before he was making a comfortable livelihood for
his family. He was courageous and forceful in his habits, and
where duty demanded he was the first to act. In 1862 he enlisted
in the Eighth Wisconsin Battery, which he followed to the end
of the war, and his army history alone would make an interest-
ing volume. Among the many encounters in which he partici-
pated were the following : battle of Bay Springs, August 2, 1862 ;
battle of luka, Miss., September 19, 1862 ; battle of Chaften Hills,
October 8, 1862 ; battle of Lancaster, October 8, 1862 ; battle of
Corinth, November 3 and 4, 1862 ; battle of Stone River, Decem-
ber 30 and 31, 1862; battle of Chickamauga, September 19 and
20, 1863 ; battle of Mission Ridge, November 24, 1863, and battle
of Lookout Mountain, November 25, 1863. After obtaining his
discharge in 1865, he returned to Dane county for a short time,
then moved to Monroe county with his family of two children,
and purchased a forty-acre tract of land in section thirty-two,
which was his homestead until his death, and which has since
been conducted by our subject, who lives here with his mother,
who is now (1912) in her eighty-fifth year, and the quaint little
840 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
home with its occupants has for many years been the center of
attraction for a large circle of friends who hold them in the
hiirhest esteem.
Mr. Price is a Republican in politics and takes an active inter-
est in all matters iicrtaining to the welfare of his community.
Frank F. Prielipp. To the younger class of ])rogressive farm-
ers of (jfreeuticld township belongs Frank Prielipp, of section
thirteen. A native of ]\Iilwaukee, AVis., he was born November
8, 1882, the son of Ferdinand and Louisa (Albright) Prielipp,
natives of Germany. They emigrated to America in the early
80 's and engaged in farming, first on an eighty-acre tract. ))ut
subsequently moved to the farm of 120 acres, which our subject
now conducts, and which at that time was mostly wild land. Tlu-
father establisluMl the family home, cleared and subdued the lai'.d,
erected buildings and engaged in general farming, at which he
was successful. ]Mrs. Prielipp, mother of our subject, lived to
the age of thirty-two years, and died in 1894.
Frank F. attended the common scliools and spent his boy-
•hood on the farm, and since 1900 has had full management of
the home place, and in 1912 purchased from George IT. Dohle, of
section seven, La Grange toAvnship, his finely improved and i)ro-
ductive farm of 120 acres which he works in connection Avith his
old homestead farm. ]Mr. Prielipp is one of a family of five sis-
ters and brothers. Of the others, Lena married Levi Ryckman
and resides at Rockford, 111.; Fnnna is the wife of Adolph Sell,
Greenfield township; T\Iartlia is the wife of E. Snowberry. o("
Tunnel City, and Otto Prielii)p, of La Grange township.
On ]\Iareh 27, 190B, ]\Ir. Prielipj) married Aliss .Julia Heser.
daughter of William and Cora (Kenyon) Heser, of Pleasant Val-
ley, Greenfield toAvnship. They have two children, viz.: Ralph
A., born December 3. 1908, and Tiuella L., born January 22, 1911.
Louis Pollock was ])orn on a farm in section thirty-six, Sparta
townsliip. where he now resides, November 30, 1871. son of Julius
and ^linnie (Secert) Pollock, natives of Germany, who emigrated
to the United States in the late sixties. They came to ]\Ionroe
county, Wisconsin, and purchased a farm of IfiO acres, where our
subject now resides, from Ilagerman Palmer: h(>re he lived until
1902. when he removed to the city of Sparta. He is a carpenter
and joiner by trade and at times, as occasion demanded, followed
his trade in connection with his farming ojiei-ations. Louis was
reared on the home farm and attended the district schools, and
when his parents removed to Sparta assumed the management of
the farm.
BIOGRAPHY 841
On May 18, 1901, he was married to Miss Lucy Lord, daugh-
ter of Edward and Mary (Sprague) Lord, of Lafayette town-
ship. Mrs. Lord died in 1897, at the age of forty years. Mr.
and Mrs. Pollock have five children, viz. : Alvina Alnora, born
October 18, 1902 ; Carl Alexander, born March 18, 1904 ; Bertha
May, born July 24, 1905 ; Marie Minnie, born April 30, 1907, and
August Louis, born April 20, 1909.
Jacob L. Poss belongs to the younger class of successful farm-
ers of Wells township, Monroe county, where he was born June
10, 1878, and is the eldest in a family of ten children born to
Henry and Louisa (Johnson) Poss. The father was born in the
state of New York and the mother in Denmark. The parents are
both living in the town of Wells, and are numbered among the
most progressive people of that section. Jacob attended the pub-
lic schools of his neighborhood until he was sixteen years old:
he remained at home until he was twenty-three, employed at farm
work, and afterwards spent four years in Sparta, engaged in
teaming. Li 1909. associated with his brother, he purchased a
farm of 320 acres in sections twenty-five and twenty-six, Leon
township, where he now makes his home with his sister. He
carries on general farming and makes a specialty of breeding
and dealing in Holstein cattle and Poland-China hogs. Mr. Poss
adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and is one of
the wide-awake young farmers of Cannon Valley.
John Purdy, one of the substantial farmers and leading citi-
zens of Pleasant Valley, Greenfield township, was born in Middle-
port, N. Y., August 11, 1854, and is the fourth child of a family of
six children born to Daniel C. and Susan (Savage) Purdy, natives
of New York state. They came to Wisconsin in 1859, wdien our
subject was five years old. Soon after their arrival in Sparta,
they moved to Greenfield township, where they located and set-
tled on three forties of wild land, to which they afterwards made
addition. He cleared the land and made a home for himself and
family, and engaged in general farming and stock raising, and
there the parents made their home until their decease. The
father died in 1881, at the age of sixty-four, and the mother
passed away in 1884. They were thrifty and energetic, and
considered among the best class of pioneer settlers and held the
confidence and esteem of all who knew them, and in honor of
the family the section where they lived was named ''Purdy Val-
ley." Of their other children besides our subject, E. A. Purdy
died in Purdy Valley in April, 1911, at the age of sixty-four
years; Mary resides in Tomah, and is the wife of Albert Dixon;
842 HISTORY OF .MOXHOP] COUNTY
Frank also resides at Tomah ; J^iinna married Fred Ileser, of
Greenfield, and Byron is also a resident of Greenfield.
John J. Purdy, the subject of this sketch, received his educa-
tion in the district school and remained at home assisting with
the Avork on the farm until lie reached the age of nineteen, when
he started life on his own resources ; he first rented a farm, which
he carried on until 1876, when he purchased the first forty acres
of his present farm, to which he added until now he has one of
the best farms of 100 acres, where he lives, to be found in the
county. He has also purchased forty acres in Grant township
and forty acres in La Grange. AVhen he began on this farm,
the greater part of it was covered with heavy timber, which
he cleared, subdued and brought to a high state of cultivation,
erecting a commodious residence and outbuildings, and has made
various other improvements as conditions demanded. He keeps
his place well supplied with modern equipments, and in his farm-
ing operations employs the most up-to-date methods. ]\Ir. Purdy
comes from one of the old line and representative families of the
county, and is considered one of Monroe county's well-to-do and
most influential citizens. In all public matters of his town and
county, he takes a prominent part, and any movement for the
betterment of his community receives his hearty support, lie
has been a member of the Side board for two years and assessor
for his town for two years.
He was married October 24, 1875. to Miss Elizabeth Oakley,
accomplished daughter of Nehemiah and Fannie (Woodard)
Oakley, pioneers and influential citizens of Greenfield township,
whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and
Mrs. Purdy have been born five children, viz.: Adelbert. who
resides in the tOAvn of La Grange ; Estella is the wife of Albert
Griffin, of Grant township; Lettie, the wife of Leslie Hart, who
resides in the town of Grant; Milo A. lives on the homestead
farm, and Mabel A. lives at home. Mrs. Purdy is the third child
of a famil.y of seven children; the others are: Sarah, deceased;
Elveretta, wife of Stowell Brown ; Wellington, of Oregon ; Oscar,
of "Washington; Mina, the wife of H. Griffin, of Grant town-
ship, and Arcenith, wife of Edwin Purdy. of Greenfield townsliip.
Thomas Quinn, one of ]\Ionroe county's prosperous farmers
and liiglily csteeiiied citizens, was 1)orn in County IMaide. Irc^land,
in 1831. His parents were AVilliam and Betsey (Waters'! Quinn,
who lived and died in Ireland. AVhen seventeen years of age,
in 1848, Thomas emigrated to the United States, and after his
arrival Avorked six years on a farm in Cliester county, New Y''ork.
BIOGRAPHY 843
At the end of that time he came West, working for six months
at Dixon, 111., then moved to AVaukesha county, Wisconsin, and
worked on a farm until 1861. In the last named year he came to
Monroe county, and settled on eighty acres of land in section
eight, Wellington township, which he had previously purchased.
This land he cleared and brought to a good state of cultivation,
and improved by erecting a comfortable residence, good barns
and other farm buildings, making it one of the good farm homes
in the town. He has added to his original purchase from time
to time, until he now has 160 acres of as good land as is to be
found in the township. From 1861 to 1864 he worked for a lum-
ber company, getting out pine logs, which he rafted down the
Kickapoo river.
In 1865 he enlisted in the Fifty-second Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry and served on the frontier until his regiment was mus-
tered out. He was a brave and efficient soldier, and served with
honor to himself and his country.
He was married in New York state in 1853, to Miss Jane
Quirk, by whom he had two children, one son and one daughter,
viz. : Elizabeth married James Barry, a prosperous farmer of
the same township ; they had six children : Thomas, Ettie Jane,
Mary, Theresa, Josephine, Ambrose, Blanch and Sylvester. AVill-
iam Quinn. the youngest, married Miss Catherine Daugherty,
dalaghter of Eugene and Mary (Gehan) Daugherty. Their chil-
dren are : Raymond, Arthur, Barnard, Thomas, Earl W., Edward
A. and Erwin J.
After many years of faithful devotion to her husband and
children, IMrs. Thomas Quinn died, November 5, 1892, honored
and respected by all who knew her. Thomas Quinn is a member
of the Grand Army Post at NcAvark, Wis., and has always taken
a keen interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his
county, and has been clerk of the school board. Coming to
America without means, he has by honest and persistent effort
gained a place among the well-to-do farmers of Monroe county.
Louis Radke,* who owns one of the best 160-acre farms in
Wellington township, was born July 7, 1875, in La Salle county,
Illinois, the son of Louis and Caroline (Bartz) Radke, both
natives of Germany. Louis, Sr., came to America in 1872 and
located in La Salle county, where he was married and worked
for about eleven years in the zinc factories, and in 1883 moved
to Wisconsin and bought three forty-acre tracts of land in sec-
tion nine, in the township of Wellington, which was made the
family homestead, and where IMr. Radke died in 1910. He made
iiU HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
inauy iiuprovements on his farm after he bought it : a new resi-
dence was built in 1891 and a barn in 1900, and, with the other
commodious outbuildings which correspond, makes it an ideal
country home. Mrs. Radke, his widoAV, is still living, at the
age of sixty years. They were both members of the Lutheran
church, and Mr. Radke, formerly a Democrat in politics, was
affiliated with the Republican party during the latter years of
his life. They had a family of five children, four of whom are
now living.
Louis, Jr., is the fourth child. ITe attended the district schools
until he was seventeen and always lived at home on the farm, the
mainstay of his parents. He was married September 5, 1907, in
the town of AVilton, Monroe county, to Miss Anna Schroder,
daughter of John and Anna Schroder. She is the fifth of a family
of ten children, and her father was one of Ihe early German set-
tlers of Monroe county, and died in 1911. IMr. and Mrs. Radke
have three children : Ila, AYilmer and "Werner.
Mr. Radke is a successful general farmer and a good lively
citizen. In connection with his farming, he has a fine dairy
l)usiness and keeps his farm well supplied with a good grade of
stock. He is independent in his politics, and both he and his
wife are devoted members of the Lutheran church.
W H. Randall, a native of ]\Ionrop county, AYisconsin,
was born in section sixteen, Tomah township. May 10, 1857. He
is the son of John and Ann (Watson) Randall, natives of Eng-
land, who came to America, their family locating near Beloit.
Wis., where he homesteaded eighty acres of land, residing there
until 1855, when they removed to Monroe county, locating in the
town of Tomah, where the father purchased eighty acres of
land, to which was later added forty acres, all being in section
sixteen. Mr. Randall, father of our subject, made this his per-
manent home until his death in 1876. His widow, mother of our
subject, is still living at the age of eighty-three years. John
Randall was one of the early pioneers of the town of Tomah,
Avhich had only a few settlers in that early day, which was
before the city of Tomah Avas started. The farm which he by
incessant toil brought to a fine state of cultivation, and made
into a valuable home, was at the time of its purchase covered with
a thick growth of timber. Mr. Randall was a sincere Christian
gentleman and a consistent and faithful member of the Church
of England. ^Irs. Randall, niotlnM- of our subject, is a Baptist in
religious belief.
W. H. is the onlv son in a family of four children, three of
BIOGRAPHY 845
whom are living. As lie greAv to manhood, mueh of the respon-
sibility of the farm devolved upon him, and he performed an
important part in the clearing and grubbing of the land on th(i
homestead, bringing it to a high state of cultivation, so that when
Mr. Randall came into possession of this farm he found himself
on the road to success, conducting a lucrative dairy business,
and his farm is now well stocked with good horses and cattle,
making a specialty of Poland-China hogs. The farm residence
where he noAV resides was built in 1865, and the barn was built
in 1863. Our subject has held the office of town clerk for two
terms, and has been school director for thirty-two years. He
with his estimable wife were members of the Baptist church.
December 23, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Eva
Dewey, daughter of N. Dewey, a prominent pioneer citizen of
Ridgeville township. The Dewey family came from Vermont and
settled in Ridgeville township. Mrs. Randall was one of a family
of three children. She died in 1890. One daughter was born to
Mr. and Mrs. Randall: Grace L., born May 20, 1886. She was
educated in the district school and is a member of the class of
1904, Tomah High School. Mr. Randall affiliates with the Repub-
lican party, and was a director in the old Tunnel City Creamery
and a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamerj- of
Tomah.
Fred C. Rath is one of the pioneers and prosperous and thrifty
farmers of Little Falls township. He was born at Hoboken,
N. J., October 8, 1855, the son of Charles and Mary (Blindt)
Rath, natives of Germany. In 1860, when our subject was five
years of age. his parents came west to Wisconsin and settled in
Little Falls township, Monroe county, and were among the early
and most highly respected citizens of that town. During the
Civil War the father enlisted and served with distinction until
his death in 1864, at Nashville, Tenn., leaving his widow, mother
of our subject, with a family of six children. Fred was engaged
in the milling business in Minnesota until he married, then
returned to the old homestead, and later purchased another farm,
which made him an extensive wheat farm, and has since followed
the raising of wheat and stock.
On October 4, 1879, Mr. Rath was united in marriage with
Miss Elizabeth Risser, daughter of Andreas and Salome Risser,
well-to-do citizens of Wisconsin. To Mr. and Mrs. Rath have
been born three children : they are Pearl M., Russell R., and
Floyd C. Rath.
846 TIISTOKV OK ."\I()XK(M^ (OrXTY
Frank J. Rehberg, jiropri.-tor of \\w IIi<ilil;iii(l dairy farm in
section thirty-six, Greeufield townsiiip. Monroe county, one of the
most progressixT fai'incrs of liis lowii and comity, was born in
Adrian township. ()ctol)(*r 29. 18Tl'. His jiarents. Egidius, native
of Germany, and Agnes (Zastoui)il ) Kehberg, a native of Austria,
came to America, and the fatliei" settk^d first at Xeilsville. AVis.,
thence came to ^loni-oc connty and located in Adrian townshiji.
where lie married and continued to reside until Xovember, 1!I1U;
they then moved to the city of Tomah. where they have since
lived. They ai-e the parents of nine childi'en. viz.: Fi-ank. Otto.
Agnes. William. Anna. -loseph. John, all residents of Monroe
county, and two who died in infancy.
Ki'atd< -1. was reared on the home faiMii. speiidiiii.; his hoylnxxi
attending the district school and h<di)ing with the farm woi'k. lie
i-emained at home until he icaehed the age of twenty-two. then
started out for himself, lie tii-st purchased a team, and for (Uie
year was engaged in hauling milk for Bernard Di'owatzky. and
continued in that occnj)ation for three seasons, then married and
juirehased a farm in Ridgeville township, which he carried on for
two years, at the same time hauling cream, and at the end of that
time lie was employed b\' the Elgin Creamery Com])any and for
four years operated creameries for them at various points; he next
rented a farm in Adrian township. whi(di he conducted for twt>
years, and in lil(l4 jnirchased his ])resent farm of 100 acres in
Greenfield township, which he has since carried on successfully.
The plac(^ is well improxcd Avith up-to-date buildings, and the soil
is in a high stale of culti\ation : he has cleared fifteen acres since
he owned it. and in 1908 erected a modern residence and in 1910
e(piii»iied it with additional modern appliances; in 1909 he built
his silo and hen house and (Established a .system of water works.
The bai'ii is thirty by sixty feet, with sixteen-foot posts and sits on
a wall of (piarry slone. ]\lr. Kefibei-g malves a si)eeialty of Jersey
cattle, and by his daily record is al)le to tell what each cow jiro-
duces in money value, and with his milk .sejiarator. ])in"e watei*
and modern inventions, togetlier with the advantages of the agri-
cultural course he pursued at the I'niversity of Wisc(Uisiii. he is
able to firing about results from scientific nu^thods in keejiing
with liis day and age.
In addition to his farming operations. .Mr. l\ehbei"g takes a
connnendable interest in the affairs of his town and C(uinty. Tie
has been school direetoi- in A<lrian township, road supervisor,
treasurer of the scliool district aiul school < lerk. lie was married.
October 29. 1S9(;. to Miss ]\Iarv Drowatzkv. daughter of Bernard
BIOGKAPllY 847
and Kniestiiie (Kurst) I)i'()\va1zk\ , iialivcs of (Jcfinany and resi-
dents of Toniali. They came to America more than fifty years
ago and were among' the early sellh'rs of Monroe county. Mr.
and IMrs. Hehberg' have a family of four children, viz.: Alva E.,
Harold C, Raymond Ij. and Arthur T. .Mrs. Hehberg is a former
well known teacher in ^lonroe county, and is the seventh child
in order of birth in a family of fourteen children, eleven of whom
are now living (1912), as follows: Ernest AV.. a resident of Wich-
ita. Kan. ; Frank 0., of Tomah ; Anna B., wife of George Davis,
of Elroy, Wis. ; Charles B., cashier of the Tomah State Bank; Ida,
wife of L. J. Fingle, Tomah township; jMinnie L., wife of H. J.
Coleman, Omak, Wash. ; Dora F.. a teacher in Oregon ; Bertha D.,
a teacher at Tomah; Rosa D., teacher in Washington, and Ella S.,
teacher in Tomah. In religious faith, both ]\Ir. and Mrs. Rehberg
are members of the German Lutheran church of Tomah.
John W. Reich,* a representative German of ]\Ionroe county,
who resides on his farm in section twenty-live. Greenfield toAvn-
sliip, was born in Prussia. December 7, 1841. His parents, Fred-
erick and Dorothy (Riek) Reich, were also natives of Prussia.
Avhere the father spent his life. His widow, mother of our sub-
ject, afterward came to Tunnel City to live with her son. In
the year 1868. ^Ir. Reich came to JMonroe county and established
himself in a blacksmith shop, and, after following his trade for
ten years, in 1878 he purchased his present farm of seventy-five
acres, which is noAv conducted by his son. Albert I. Reich. The
land has l)eeu brought to a high state of cultivation and is well
improved with a good and substantial class of l)uildings, all of
which have been built since he purchased the farm.
]\Ir. Reich is one of the successful men of his county; has
always been honorable and upright in his dealings, and enjoys
the confidence and respect of the citizens generally. He has al-
ways taken an activ(^ interest in the affairs of his t(nvn. has been
a member of the town lioard, a member of the school board, treas-
urer of the town and justice of the peace. He belongs to the
Knights of Pythias Lodge and the ]Modern Woodmen of America.
Coming to ]\Ionroe county in an early day. Mr. Reich has seen
and done his full share in developing it from a comparative wil-
derness to a place among the l)anner counties of the state. He
relates many interesting incidents I'ldative to the stirring scenes
in and around Tunnel City, when the Indians were much more in
evidence than the whites, and when the actual settlement of the
county began on the arrival of the railroad. He was married in
1871 to ^liss Henrietta Bver, also a native of German v. and thev
848 JIISTOHV OK .MOXKOK COTXTY
lifivc had three childreu. viz.: Amandus lives in LaGraiige tuwn-
sliip: AllxTt I. I'esides on the liome farm with his father, and
Alexander lives in jMontana. Albert I. JJcich has served seven
terms as elerk of the township. He enlisted as private in Com-
pany K. Third Retrinient AViseonsin Volnnteers. in 1898, and served
with his 7-eyinuMit in Porto Kieo during the Si)anisli-Ameriean war.
John Rhyme was brought up to the life of a farmer boy by his
father and. like Ihe majority of sons, has followed in his father's
footsteps and is now the successful manager of his fine farm of
215 acres situated in section fifteen, Sparta township. On this
place is a model residence equipped with many modern conven-
iences. Ilis barn, stables and other outbuildings are also well con-
.strueted and in good condition. Ilis farm is well stocked with a
good grade of horses and Durham cattle. On October 9, 1865.
]Mr. Rhyme was born in Bloomfield township, AValworth county,
Wisconsin, to Henry and jNIiiniie (Vussler) Rhyme, both natives
of Germany, and who after marriage came to the United States
in 1862 and settled in Walworth county, where for two j^ears the
father was employed at farm work. He afterwards removed to
La Crosse county with his family, and there purchased a farm in
Farmington township, where he resided until February, 1905.
when he removed to the city of Sparta, which has since been the
family home. Mr. and Mrs. Rhyme reared a family of nine chil-
dren, viz.: John, the subject of this sketch; Eliza, wife of Theo-
dore Pfatt', lives in Burns townshij). La Crosse county; Bessie is
the wife of Chri.st Johnson, of Bangor, Wis. ; Emma is the wife of
George Jones, of La Crosse county; Clara is the wife of Julius
Johnson and resides in Sparta township, where ]\Ir. Johnson is
engaged in farming; IMary married Ernest Cissna. of Watonwon
county, Minnesota ; Fred, of Sparta ; Augusta is the wife of Leslie
Hall, and Frank, of Watonwon county, Minnesota.
John attended the common school of Farmington, La Crosse
county, and acquired sufficient education to fit him for the prac-
tical duties of life, and remained on the home farm near Farm-
ington until Fel)ruary 15. 1898. when he bought his present farm,
which is known as the Rowley farm, from Lucas Herrman. For
the three years last past. Mr. Rhyme was a resident of Sparta,
having rented his farm, hut (hiring the early spring of 1912 he
decided to return to active farm w(U'k. and since then has lived
on his home place. During the years 1910 and 1911 he was over-
seer of tlic township in cutting down ridges and improving the
highways, and nnu'h work in tliis line is due to his good manage-
ment. His intclJiucnce. inteiirity and many otlier estimable (piali-
BIOGRAPHY 849
ties have acquired for him a jioinilarity not derived from any
fictitious circumstances but a permanent and spontaneous tribute
to his merit, and he numbers amcm^' liis friends the best people of
the county.
Bessie Herrman, the amiable and cultured daunhter of Will-
iam Herrman, of Burr Oak, Wis., became his Avife December 10,
1890, and they have one son., Ralph John Rhyme.
Edward C. Rice, who has been a successful farmer of Wilton
township, was born June 8, 1862, in Monroe county, Wisconsin,
the son of Patrick and Mary (Nash) Rice, both natives of Ireland.
Patrick came to America in 1854 and remained for a short time
in New York, then moved to Walworth county, this state, and
located in Troy Center, where he worked as a farm hand for about
one year, and then, loading his whole personal paraphernalia into
a wagon drawn by an ox team, he started for IMonroe county,
traveling over stony hills and rough roads until he reached W^ilton
township, and there purchased an eighty-acre tract of wild land
and immediately set to work to clear and improve it. This was
in section twenty, and he later added another eighty acres in sec-
tion twenty-one, which was their home until 1890, then moved
to Tomah and made their home the remainder of their lives. They
were married in 1857 and had a family of seven children. Mrs.
Rice died in 1903, and her husband on July 15, 1911. They were
highly respected people and valuable citizens to the community.
Edward C. was the second child and obtained a good common
school education, attending school until he was sixteen. He
bought a farm of 195 acres in section thirty-two. Wilton township,
where he lived about three years, and then bought 160 acres m
section seventeen of Wilton township, which he still owns, lived
here ten years and then bought a home in the village of Wilton
in 1911, their present residence.
Mr. Rice was a bright and prosperous farmer and a good
Democrat. He is at present buyer for the Farmers' Live Stock
Association of Wilton, has been chairman of the town board, was
supervisor for three years and was a member of the school board
for a long time. He is also interested in the Farmers' Creamery
Association.
Mrs. Rice is one of a family of five children, three of whom
are living. She was a successful teacher for several years in
Monroe county schools, being a graduate of Wilton high school.
Her father, James Kerrigan, came from Ireland in the sixties and
was married in 1867 to Margaret Fitzgerald. They were highly
respected people and lived in AVilton at the time of his death in
850 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
1905. Her mother is still living. The farm they owned, in sec-
tion twenty-nine. Wilton township, contained 200 acres of land.
They were devoted members of the Catholic church and in politics
Mr. Korriyan was a Democrat.
David R. Richards, of section twelve. Little Falls township,
]\Ic>nroe county, AVisconsin. was born April 24, 1860, and reared
here on the old homestead which he now owns, and where he has
always resided. He is the son of Thomas and Catherine (Will-
iams) Richards, both natives of Wales, and who emigrated to the
United States ]\Iarcli !». 1842. They settled near Waukesha. Wis.,
and in 1854 came to Little FmIIs township ;iii<l hci-c made tlicii-
home and reared their family. They ciulured all the hardships
which the new settler usually undei-goes in undertaking to subdue
and fit a new country and place it in a finished condition, which
that part of the country is at this time. They lived to reap the
reward of their labors and enjoy the comfort of a prosperous and
happy home. Thomas Richards ended his life's work on February
27, 1897, and the mother passed away on March 20, 1885,
Their other children besides oui- subject were: Roger: Anna, is
the widow of John Evans, of Madison, AVis., and has two daugh-
ters, Gertrude and Alice, and one son, AVilfred; John H. mar-
ried Maggie Davis and lives in Tiangford, ^Marshall county, South
Dakota. Their children are: Amelia, Margery. Alma and
Kendrick. Thomas AV. died aged twenty-two.
David R. received his education in Ihc district schools of his
neighborhood, and at the age of twenty-two years assumed control
of the home farm. As a young man, he helped to clear the land
and since that time has made many improvements in the residence
and outbuildings and brought the land to a hiuh state of cultiva-
tion. His farm of 530 acres is well stocked with good horses and
short-horned cattle, and. with the ami)le supply of modern machin-
ery and the improved methods employed by him in its operation,
makes his one of the up-to-date country homes of the county.
Air. Richads is a stroiii: believer in the cause of temperance
and is always interested in any movement tending toward the
betterment of the community in general. In 1894-5 he was elected
a member of the board of supervisors and has l)een re-elected
until he is now serving his eighth term. He has been clerk of
the school district for twenty-one yea is. and during the past year
has devoted much time in the interest of township improvements.
As chairman of the town ])oard. ^Nlr. Richards was the promoter
of the sclieme to cut down the Cataract and Winters Ridire. which
BIOGRAPHY 851
for many years has proven the dread of every man wlio had
occasion to travel over it. From the pioneer days to the present,
there have been numerous efforts made to have this ridge cut
down, but none were crowned with success until Mr. Richards
became interested in the enterprise, put his shoulder to the wheel
and, by private subscription, raised about $1,500 with which he,
assisted by August Schlaver, accomplished the object for which
others had been wishing for fifty years, building an entire new
road and establishing a uniform grade of 10 per cent as against
18 per cent on the old road.
On March 24. 1887, Mr. Richards was united in marriage with
Miss Hannah E. Cody, daughter of Daniel W. and Alvira S.
(Tompkins) Cody, natives of central New York.- Mrs. Richards'
ancestry dates back to the Puritans who came over in the May-
flower. When she was five years of age, she moved with her
parents to Illinois, and seven years later came to Wisconsin and
settled at Cataract, in Monroe county. Her father, Daniel W.
Cody, was the first stage driver from Cataract to Black River
Falls, and for twenty years prior to the establishment of the rural
free delivery he carried the United States mail between Sparta
and Cataract. He was also engaged in farming, owning 200 acres
adjoining the village of Cataract. Mrs. Richards has one brother,
Orville S. Cody, of Cataract. To Mr. and Mrs. Richards have been
born four children : Forrest 0., born March 4, 1890, graduate of
Sparta high school class of 1909, also a graduate of the agricul-
tural department of the Wisconsin State University; Edna R.,
born August 16, 1893, graduate of Sparta high school class of
1911, and now attending Downer College, Milwaukee; Annie E.,
born November 2, 1899, and Erma I., born November 23, 1903.
In social affairs ]Mr. Richards is a member of the Modern
Woodmen of America.
Thomas Richards, deceased, pioneer of Little Falls township,
was born in Wales, June 16, 1817, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth
(Price) Richards. His father died when he was an infant of nine
months. His mother lived to be fifty-two years old. Thomas, Jr.,
was reared by his maternal grandparents, who were well-to-do
farmers; he early became accustomed to various branches of agri-
culture and the labor necessary to be performed. His education
was received in the select schools of the country. After he
reached maturity he worked in the coal mines three or four years,
but finally determined to emigrate to America. In 1842 he sailed
from Liverpool for New York, and was at sea twenty-nine days.
852 HISTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
After arriviiio' at jxuL lit- coniinucd his journey to Canada, where
he remained for two months, thence came to Wisconsin and settled
in Waukesha county and en^jaged in farming. When the gold
fever of 1849 swe})t the country, the attraction became irresistible
and he started for the I'acitie (H»ast. -Joining some friends, he
went hy team to St. Louis, Mo., tlicnce by river to New Orleans;
thence he sailed for Panama, crossed the Isthnuis, walking twenty
miles of the distance, and saih'd from tlie western coast for San
Francisco: this voyage consumed forty-nine days. They landed
at San l^'r;ineisco. jnid Mr. Richards went at once to Sacramento,
then to the American river; there he engaged in mining for the
precious ore. but did not renuiin long. He Avent into the moun-
tains for two months, but still fortune did not smile u])on him,
and his next point was Trinity river; there he met with fair suc-
cess. After two and one-half years spent in the golden state. ^Ir.
Richards returned to Wisconsin. On the coast of South America
he was wrecked ;ind had to wait ten weeks to get a boat bound
for the ITnited States. He landed in Ncav Orleans, came by boat
to Cincinnati and thence by rail to Chicago. These three years
were filled with various experiences, such as will pro])ably never
be repeated in tlie history of the country, and in reviewing them
they appear in the distance more as a romance than as the stern
reality they were to the "forty-niners."
!Mr. Richards moved to ]Monroe county in 1854 and settled in
Little Falls township on a ti-act of wild land, where he devoted
his time and energies to agriculture and was the pioneer cheese
maker of ^Monroe county: he made a specialty of the dairy busi-
ness, Avhieh he carried on with gi'eat profit. The old farm of \Mr.
Eichards contained 250 acres, and he later invested in other lands
and became the OAVner of between five and six hundred acres of
Monroe county's choicest soil.
At the age of twenty-five ,\-eai-s, ^Ir. Richards was married to
]\Iiss Catherine Williams, a daughter of Roger and Magdalene
Williams, and oi' this union were born tive children, viz.: T. W.,
Roger H.. Anna. David and .John H. ]Mr. Richards represented
the jieople of his township in various local offices, and discharged
his duties to the satisfaction of the public. He affiliated with tlie
Republican part\- and was an ardent sujijiorter of prohiliifion.
His long and useful life broughl liiin the respect and admiration
of his fellow citizens, a recoi'd wliirli is its own conimeiitai-y. He
died Februai-y 27. 1807. at the age of eighty years; ]\Irs. Richards
passed away JMarch 20. 1885, dee]ily mounu^d liy hov family and
friends.
THOMAS RICHARDS
!
BIOGRAPHY 853
Clyde C. Richardson* i-aiiks a]iion<i- the .younyei' class oi' suc-
cessful fanners of jMonroe conuty, Wisconsin, where he was born
on February 4, 1878. to Joel F. and Martha (Keith) Richardson,
both natives of Ohio. The father, before his marriage, came on
a ])rospecting tour to the Leon Valley and after a lime returned
to his home, was married and came back to Monroe county and
located in the Leon Valley, where his grandfather had preceded
him and located some years before on a farm of 150 acres, on
which lie resided mitil it was purchased by Joel F. He was kind-
hearted and generous and held the confidence and esteem of all
who knew him. His death occurred in 1884; his widow, mother
of o\ir subject, still survives (1912) at the age of sixty-one years.
Clyde C, one of a family of live children, was reared on the
home farm, where he remained until he reached his majority.
He attended the district schools until he was eighteen, assisting
in the farm work, and afterward spent one year in the Sparta
high school. When he became of age, he and his brother pur-
chased the old homestead, which they divided equally and worked
with success, and our subject now, while yet a young man, is con-
sidered one of the most successful and influential farmers of Leon.
He carries on general farming and stock raising, his specialty
being hogs, and is quite extensively engaged in dairying.
On July 11. 19C8, he was married to Miss Clara Hogen, and
they have two children. Merlin, born April 20. 1909, and Vadis,
born November 20, 1910.
Eli A. Richardson, secretary and maliager of the Fruit
Growers' Association of Sparta, is the seventh of a family of nine
children. tiv(^ sons and four daughters — six of w^hom are now liv-
ing— born to E. B. and Sylvia (Sweat) Richardson, natives of
Vermont and Ohio respectively. During the year of 1852 they
came to Wisconsin and settled on a farm in Burns township. La
Crosse county, and there reared their family and passed their
lives. They were thrifty, progressive people and ranked among
the leading pioneers of that community. Both are now deceased.
Mr. Richardson was born in Burns township, La Crosse county,
on December 20, 1858. and, being reared on a farm, his experience
was the same as that of most boys, receiving his education in the
district schools and helping with the farm work, where he spent
his early days. In 1879 he went to Colorado and lived at Lead-
ville, in that state, during the great strike ; from there he moved
to New Mexico, where he remained for a time, his entire western
trip covering a period of five years, then returned to Wisconsin
and again took up the farming business in La Crosse county, fol-
854 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
lowing it for three years, wheuce he removed to Sparta in 1889
and engaged in the sale of small fruits, which he still continues,
and is now considered one of Sparta's most progressive and sub-
stantial citizens.
Mr. Richardson was one of the promoters of the Sparta Fruit
Growers' Association (incorporated), which was organized in ]\Iay,
1896, with I. S. Fisher president, W. II. Ilauchett vice president,
T. M. Bowler secretary and C. G. Hettman treasurer. The asso-
ciation now has a membership of 300 and is instrumental in pro-
moting the interests of the farmers and fruit growers of IMonroe
county. The extensive business of the organization is operated
from their large jobbing house at Sparta under the general man-
agement of Mr. Richardson, and gives a ready market for every-
thing in the line of farmers' produce, which includes nearly all
the products of the count}' which are handled even in carload lots
from various localities.
Besides his exceptional business (lualifications. i\Ir. Richardson
is a man of fine social qualities, kind-hearted and genial, and popu-
lar in the circles in which he moves. He is domestic in his tastes
and craves no greater delight than he finds in his home and fam-
ily. He is identified with numerous fraternal and social organiza-
tions, being a member and Past Master of Valley Lodge, No. 60.
.Free and Accepted JMasons, a member of the Knights of Pj'thias
and the Fraternal Union. For four years he has been a member
of the city council and was two years president of that body.
On November II, 1886, Mr. Richardson was united in marriage
with Miss Elmina Gilfillan, daughter of Stephen Gilfillan, one of
the influential citizens of Burns township in La Crosse county.
Their children are Pearl E. and Sylvia I. Richardson.
William Richgruber. Among the wideawake and progressive
farmers of Pleasant Valley is he whose name heads this biography.
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, November 3, 1853. to George and
Mary (Halebery) Richgruber, he attended the common schools in
his native town, and in 1879 came to America, first locating in
Chicago, 111., where he was employed as a stationary engineer in
a glue factory. He remained there for some time, then came to
Monroe county and purchased 200 acres of land in Pleasant Val-
ley, four and one half miles from the village of Leon, where he
has since remained successfully engaged in general farming. His
place is under a good state of cultivation and improved with sub-
stantial buildings. lie employs modern methods in his farmin"
operations, and from his twenty head of milch cows does a profit-
BIOGRAPHY 855
able dairy business. He is considered one of the substantial men
of his locality and is public-spirited and enterprising.
He was married January 3, 1881, to Miss Matilda Sorensen
and they have an interesting family of seven children, viz. : Albert,
born October 7, 1882 ; William, born October 17, 1883 ; Agnes,
born February 2, 1886 ; Mathida, born September 23, 1888 ; Anna,
born October 5, 1892 ; Martin, born December 19, 1895, and Mabel,
born March 1, 1898.
George H. Robertson, ex-county superintendent of schools, is
a native son of Monroe county, and was born August 11, 1868,
son of Methven and Euphema (Cassels) Robertson, pioneers of
Monroe county. The father was born in Fifeshire, Scotland,
March 24, 1823, a son of John and Christina (Methven) Robert-
son, and came to America in 1842, settling in Massachusetts, where
he was joined by his father and family in 1845. In 1857 they
came to Wisconsin and located on a farm of 240 acres of land in
sections twenty-six and twenty-seven, town of Tomah, which the
father purchased from John Hinemau, and the following year
bought eighty acres from Samuel McClure in section twenty-seven.
They erected a log cabin, twenty-four by sixteen feet, and in this
made their home until 1871, when Mr. Robertson, father of our
subject, built a residence twenty-two by twenty-eight feet, with a
Aving twenty-four by twenty-eight feet, and later an addition six-
teen by twenty-four feet and twelve by twenty-four feet. His
father, grandfather of our subject, was a weaver by trade, which
he followed until coming to Wisconsin, and was then engaged in
farming until his death in the spring of 1880, at the age of eighty-
five years.
Methven Robertson received a limited education and was em-
ployed in the woolen mills until coming to his farm in Wisconsin.
He owned 200 acres of well improved land, well stocked with
Jersey cattle, horses and hogs. September 1, 1864, he enlisted
in the Civil War in Company K, Forty-third Regiment, Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Johnson-
ville and Nashville, and was discharged June 24, 1865.
He was married, in 1846, to Euphema Cassels, who was born
in Scotland in 1828 and died in the spring of 1880. They had
fourteen children, five of whom survive : Methven, David, George,
Robert and Mary. The father died in 1899.
George received his preliminary education in the district school
and the Tomah high school, graduating from the latter in the
class of 1895. Before attending high school, he taught school six
winters. After finishing high school he became principal of the
856 HISTORY OF MOXHOK COrXTY
(Jleiulale selioul one year and of the Kendall school two years.
In Xoveiiihci-. I!)(l2. he was elected county superintendent, serving
until ItiOT. In 18!)!>. in connection with his brother-in-law, David
S. Moore, lie built the (JbMidale Hour aiul feed mill, which was
operated under tlie firm iwiiiie of Rol)ertson & ]\Ioore; Mr. Robert-
son, later ])uicli;isini; the interest of Mr. ^loore, carried on the
business uiuler the name of George II. Robertson Company, under
whose management the business prospered. .Mr. Robertson has
recently sold the milling business to A. -I. ("lark, but remains as
its manager. ^Ir. Robertson was manager six years, manager and
treasurer two years and managei- and secretary one year of the
(llendale Co-operative Creamery Association. In 1912 he was
elected clerk of the town of Glendale, and is also clerk of the
Glendale graded school.
In fraternal matters lie is a member of the I. 0. G. T. and the
Knights of Pythias Lodge. Of the latter he is a past chancellor.
He was married August 11. 1896. at Glendale, to Miss Sadie A.
Moore, youngest daughter of David and Mary ^loore. natives of
Connecticut and Vermont. Mrs. Robertson is a highly educated
and cultured lady, and a former teacher. One daughter has been
born to this union. Laverne. born August 17, 1897, is now the
second year in hiiili school at Kendall.
Richard H. Rogers, who for nearly thirty years was a jiromi-
nent and successful citizen of ]\Ionroe county, was born iu Sara-
toga county. Xi'w York. October 13, 1809. His father, Jeremiah
Rogers, was a native of Xew York state, and at tlie age of sixteen
years enlisted as a soldier in the AVar of the Revolution, serving
until the end of that struggle. The mother of Richard II.. whose
maiden name was Phoebe Hart, was also a native of Xew York
state. AVhen our subject was but seven years of age. lie removed
with his parents to Seneca county, that state, where they remained
some twelve years, thence moved to Huron county. Ohio. Avhere
they spent the balance of their lives; the father died at the age
of sixty years, and the mother at the age of sixty-five years.
Jeremiah Rogers was a shoemaker by trade, and in politics was
a staunch supporter of the Jacksonian principles.
Richard IT. Rogers, following in the footsteps of his father,
learned the shoemaker's trade, which vocation he followed until
he was twenty-three years of age, whence he turned his attention
to agricultural pursuits, and made a specialty of breeding fine
sheep. He was successful, and became widely known as an
authority upon all subjects pertaining to the breeding and care
of sheep. In 1869 he sold his farm in Erie county. Ohio, and
RICHARD H. ROGERS
JilOURAPUY 857
cninc West to Wisconsin and settled in lAlonroe eouuty. He ])iii'-
ehased fi-oiu S. Holbrook a 1i-ac1 of seventy-five acres of land
of as fertile soil as lies wiliiin the coujity. lie raised some (ine
speeiinens of registered stock, including sheep and cattle; fi-oui
one ewe, Aveighing sixty-five |)ounds, he sheared twenty-fonr and
a half pounds of wool, a record rarely equaled, and almost never
excelled; his cattle were of high grade and full blooded. Tin-
buildings on the place are neat and substantial, arranged for
comfort and convenience.
At the age of twenty-three years, Mr. Rogers married, in Krie
county, Ohio, IVIiss Lucy Tucker, a daughter of II. Tucker. By
this marriage two children were born: Richard H. and Lucy
In 1860 Mr. Rogers was united in marriage with Rebecca Smith,
daughter of P^lisha and Julia Ann (Ashton) Smith, of Guernsey
county. Ohio, and who came to Wisconsin and settled six miles
south of Viroqua, in Vernon county, where the father engaged
in shoemaking and farming. He was born on February 27, 1811,
and died February 4, 1879. Julia Ann Smith, daughter of William
and Mary Ashton, was born December 11, 1817, and died in Ver-
non county in 1887. They had two sons who participated in the
Civil War: William S., of the Third W^isconsin Cavalry, and
Harrison, of the Eighteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry.
Mr. Rogers died January 17, 1895, at the age of eighty-five
years, and left, besides his widow, two sons: V. Grant and John
Murray. On January 16, 190-1, Mrs. Rogers married George
Bradley, and for more than fifty years has lived in her present
home on section ten, in Sparta township.
Ernst Rogge, a lifelong resident of Monroe county, was born
in the town of Oakdale, January 16, 1867, the son of Henry
and Johanna (Resler) Rogge, natives of Germany and Austria,
respectively. The father came to America in 1856, and first
located at Milwaukee, Was., where he was emiJoyed as a laborer
for a time, and later moved to Columbus. When the Civil War
broke out he (^ilisted in Company D, Sixteenth Regiment, Wis-
consin Volunteers, on October 7, 1861, and was transferred to
Company E, same regiment. November 1, 1862, and ^^^stered out
of service July 12, 18(i5. having served his country for three
years, nine months and five days. Among the battles in whicli
he participated were the battles of Shiloh, Corinth and Atlanta.
He was a brave and gallant soldier, and was twice wounded,
once severely while in the front ranks at Atlanta, Ga. After his
discharge he returned to Colundius, where he was married the
following year, and moved to Oakdale townshii). Here he pur-
858 IllJSTUKY OF MONROE COUNTY
chased ninety acres of land, to wliieh he added from time to time
until he acquired about 220 acres. He was one of the early set-
tlers of the toAvnship, and there made his home until 1903, then
moved to Tomali and passed the remaiuder of liis life; he died
on May 18, 1911, at the age of seventy-five years, eleven montlis
and twenty-nine days. The mother still (1912) survives at the
age of sixty-seven years. They reared a family of twelve chil-
dren, eight of whom — three sons and five daughters — are living.
He was a thrifty and progressive farmer and lived to enjoy the
fruits of many years of toil and hardships in converting a tract
of wilderness into the beantiful home he left.
Krnst attended the district scliools until he was sixteen years
old. and remained at home assisting in the management <»f tlie
farm until he was twenty-seven. In 1894 lie was married, in the
town of Tomah, to Miss Amelia Pingel, daughter of Joseph and
Mrs. Pingel. ]\Irs. Rogge passed away the same year of her mar-
riage, and in 1898 ]\lr. Rogge again married, this time to ]\Irs.
Anna Ott, daughter of John and Mrs. Hintz, of Oakdale. They
have three children, A'iz. : Irene, Emma and Ernest. Mrs. Rogge
is one of a family of five children, four girls and one boy. Iler
parents came from Germany to AYankesha county in 1853, and
moved to Monroe county in 1858.
In 189-1 ]\Ir. Rogge purchased a farm of 160 acres in section
twenty, Wilton township, which has since been his home. He
made many improvements, built a substantial barn in 1900,
and a modern residence the following year, and the highly culti-
vated state of his land makes his farm one of the most fertile
and productive in the Slaten Creek valley. Two excellent wells
operated by a wind engine supply his residence and barn with
pure water, and in addition to general farming he makes a spe-
cialty of dairying. He is independent in his political opinions
and takes a keen interest in the affairs of his township. He
served two years as town treasurer, was chairman of the town
board for three years, and in February, 1912. was elected ])resi-
dent of the Farmers' Creamery Association. Himself and family
are members of the Lutheran church.
William F. Rogge, of Oakdale township, is a son of Henry and
Johanna (Resler) Rogge, and was born in Monroe county. AVis-
consin, on August 4, 1879. He obtained a good education in the
district schools, attending until he was eighteen years of age.
and lived at home until he was twenty-three. On June 3. 1903,
he was married to Miss Henrietta Giesler, daughter of Robert
and ]\Iatilda Giesler. ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Rogge have had four chil-
BIOGRAPHY 859
dreii, three of whom are now (1912) living, viz.: Agnes May, boru
November 1, 1904; Glacia Matilda, born February 20, 1908, and
Norma Louretta, born July 6, 1910.
After their marriage, Mr. Rogge purchased a farm of 260
acres in sections nineteen and twenty in the town of Oakdale,
which he has since continued to improve and beautify until it
is one of the ideal country homes in IMonroe county. The soil
is highly productive and the water supply comes from natural
springs in the hillside. They have a comfortable residence and
commodious outbuildings, and in connection with his general
farming he carries on a profitable dairy business, and the place
is well stocked with the best breed of cattle, horses, hogs, etc.
He is thoroughly up to date with his farming methods and is a
man of good .judgment in other lines of business. He was one
of the organizers of the Oakdale Creamery Association, is inde-
pendent in politics, and uses his own best judgment when he
votes. He is interested in the atfairs of his town and county
and favors all movements for their further development.
William Rondorf resides on the old homestead farm in Jeffer-
son township, where he was born November 18, 1866, the son
of Hilarius and Anna Maria (Schell) Rondorf, both natives of
Germany. The father w^as born in Bergheim, a village in the
district of Siegburg, Germany, December 23, 1828, and was the
first one of that name to emigrate to America. The mother was
born July 2S, 1830; they were married May 18, 1851, in Berg-
heim, Germany, and lived with his father until he died in 1854.
On April 27, 1854, they left Antwerp on the sailing vessel "Leo-
pold I," bound for New York. On their arrival here they came
to Dane county, "Wisconsin, where they became homeless and
moneyless. Meeting a felloy countryman who sympathized with
them, they were offered the hospitality of his home on the farm,
where the father labored in the field and the mother in the house.
Here they made their home until they had earned and saved suffi-
cient means with which to purchase a small farm of eighty acres
in Jefferson township, Monroe county, the farm being purchased
June 1, 1860. They started from Dane county wdth an ox team,
and after two days and nights on the road they reached their
future home in the then new country. They built a small house,
which has since been enlarged and improved. On February 19,
1865, he enlisted in Company K, Forty-sixth Regiment, AYiscon-
sin Volunteers ; the regiment was then stationed at Athens, Ala.
At the early close of the war, he was discharged September 27,
1865, returning hom.e October 12, the same year. Mr. Rondorf
860 IITSTOKV OK .MO.XHOK CO IN TV
luul received ii liberal ('(lucatioii in liis native eountry. was a
liberal reader, and was posted on all eiureiit events of the day.
He was ecoiioniieal and thrifty, honorable and upright in all liis
dealings, of a genial social disposition, and made many warm
friends. He was interested in all 1ownslii|> matters, and held
many minor offices. He was assessor, clerk and treasurer of his
town several years, and a member of the ]\Iasonic lodge, and in
politics a Democrat. He reared a family of six children, all of
whom aic n<iw living (]912). He had one daughter and five sons,
viz.: Elizabeth, born June Ki. 1852. in Hergheim. (lermany, now
lives at Si. Joseph. La Crosse count \. Wis.; .|ose|)h. born August
16. 1855, in Roxbury, Dane couiit\". Wis., i-esides neai- Xeillsville,
AVis.. Avhere he is engaged in farming; Henr\. horn October 26.
1858, in Perry, Dane county. Wis., is engaged in farming near
St. Hilaire. Minn.; Hilarius, born Februai-y 2'i. 1S62. in the town
of Jeflfersoii. this state, is engaged in tlie laundry business at Sta-
ples. ]\linn.: William, born November 18. 1861). in the town of
Jetferson ; .Mathias, born ]May 4, 1870. in the town of Jel¥er.son,
resides near Neillsville, engaged in farming. He lived to the age
of sixty-two years, and died -laiinaiy 10. 1891. The death of the
mother occurred :March 22. 1890.
AVilliam received his education in the connnon schools, which
he attended until his eighteenth year, and lived with his father
until he died. He was married October 23, 1891, at St. Clary's
church, to ]Miss Elizabeth Schmitz. ]Mr. Rondorf is one of the
progressive and up-to-date farnuM-s of his town, and keeps his
farm of 200 acres in section sixteen well supplied with good
horses, cattle and hogs. He is successful in his operations, is a
Progressive Republican in politics, and he and bis wife are mem-
bers of the Catholic elnireh.
Ephraim G. Root, who. aftei- a i-esidence in ^Monroe cou)ity
of fifty-five years, died on January 12. 1912. was boi-n in the
state of New York in 1834. He came to Wisconsin, locating in
IMonroe county in 1857, and Avas anu)ng the earliest settlers; he
has lived here almost continuously since that time. During the
gold excitement in 1859, he was one of a jiarty from this vicinity
to make the trip to Pike's Peak, and subsequently returning to
]\ronroe county, lie was married to ^Miss Ann Parkei-. daughter of
•fohn and -ludith i Hicks) Parker, and immediately settled on the
farm in Pleasant Valley, Greenfield township, where they resided
until his death. He is survived by his wife and two adopted
children. William H. Root and ^Irs. Ella Hatch, all of whom
reside at Tomah. and one sistei' wlio lives in Towa. two brothers
BIOGKAPIIY 861
in California. AVlien Mr. Hoot came to Greenfield tovvnshi]). the
country was in a wild state, with few settlers, and the privations
and hardships experienced were many; bnt, like inosl of the
hardy pioneers, he overcame all obstacles and prospered in Ihe
end. AVhen he first located on his farm, he lived in a tctit uiilil
his buildings could be erected; he cleared eighty acres, where
he spent the rest of his life engaged in farming. He stood high
in the esteem of his neighbors, was energetic and progressive, a
kind neighbor and good citizen, interested in the affairs of his
community, and was a man of genuine worth.
William H. Root, the adopted son of Ephraim G. Root, was
born in the Adirondack mountains, in Warren county, New York,
on October 3. 1864, and Gen. Ethan Allen was his great-
great-uncle. He was adopted at the age of two years. lie
remained on the home farm in Greenfield township until 1892,
when he removed to Tomali and engaged in tlie mm-cantile luisi-
ness, and since 1901 has been employed in the rural mail service.
During the war with Spain, Mr. Root served in Company K,
Third Regiment, AVisconsin Volunteers, until the close of the
war, having been with his regiment in Porto Rico. He is a mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America and the AVoodmen of
the AVorld, and the Mystic Workers of the World.
On November 3, 1885, ]\Ir. Root was married to Miss Dora
A^andervort, daughter of J. B. and Anna (Mclntyre) Vandervort,
of Tomah. They were natives of New York state, and on coming
to Wisconsin first located at Oconomowoc, but later moved to
La Grange township, ]\lonroe county. To Air. and Airs. Root have
been born four children, viz. : Helen married D. R. Richmond,
of Grundy Center, Iowa, and Vivian, who lives at home. Those
deceased are Elsia and Janet E.
John T. Scantleton, general merchant of Cataract, Alonroe
county, is a native of the Empire state, and was born at Brook-
lyn, N. Y., January 22, 1855. He is a son of James and Bedelia
(Thomas) Scantleton, natives of Ireland. They came to New
York before marriage, and when the subject of this sketch was
but one year old they removed to Chicago, where they remained
until they came to Alonroe county, in the early fifties, and the
father engaged in the milling Imsiness at Sparta, where he eon-
ducted the AlcClure mill. It was in 1874 that lie located in Cata-
ract, and in company with John Aloffat continutMl in the milling
business until their plant was destroyed b.y fire. At that time
our subject, in company with his father, purchased Air. Aloffat 's
interest in the business, and together they reconstrueted the plant
862 HISTORY OF :\IOXROE oorxTY
and successfully continued the business until their buildings were
again destroyed by fire in lOll. Mr. Scantleton, father of our
subject, (li('(l ill ^hiicli. 1!)10, at the age of seventy-five years,
and his widow, motlier of J\Ir. John Scantleton, passed away in
May, 1911, at the age of seven-seven years.
John Scantleton, our subject, is the eldest of a family of
five cliildren, two of whom are now living, the subject and one
sister, Theressa, wife of John H. Levis, of Black River P^'alls, AYis.
Mr. Scantleton received his education in the schools of Sparta,
and early found employment in the mill with his father and con-
tinued at that occupation for two years after coming to Cataract.
In 3877 lie ])urchased the general store he now conducts, from
J. H. Rathl)un, which he successfully carried on until 3888, when
he sold the business to Frank INIartin and moved to ]\Iillston,
"Wis., where for eighteen months he Avas engaged in the same line
of business. Returning to Cataract at the end of tluit time, he
purchased liis former business, and has since continued in general
merchandising.
In 3875 ]\Ir. Scantleton was united in marriage with ]\Iiss
Emma Martin, daughter of John and Anna Martin, early settlers
in Lafayette township. Two children were born to this union:
Gracie, deceased, and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Scantleton
died in 1884, and in 1885 he was married to Miss Susie ]\Iartin,
sister of his first wife. They had one son, John M., now a student
at the Chicago Medical College. Mr. Scantleton has been actively
identified Avitli his township, and for several years served as
treasurer, and during the Cleveland administration was post-
master at Cataract. He is a lover of sports and fine horses.
Joseph Schaitel, who resides on his farm in section twenty,
Wells township, is the son of Michael and Antimia (Webber)
Schaitel, and was ])orn in the town of AYells, IMonroe county.
Wis., March 27, 38()4. His parents emigrated to America from
Germany in 1851, and upon arriving in this country Avent to
Indiana, where they lived one year, then moved to ]\Ionroe
county, where the father homesteaded and purchased 400 acres
of land in AYells township. He moved to !I\Ionroe county with a
yoke of oxen, and was six months on his journey. Here he
established the family home and reared a family of eleven chil-
dren, our subject being the fifth in ord(M" of birth. He was a
successful general farmer and always kept the farm well stocked
with good horses and sheep. He was well thought of in his
community, and took an active interest in the aflfairs of his
town. He Avas supervisor of liis town and for two years Avas
BIOGRAPHY 863
school clerk. He lived to the age of sixty-two years, and died in
1898. His widow, mother of onr subject, survives at the age of
seventy-six years.
Joseph Sehaitel was reared on the farm and attended the
district school. At the age of twenty-five years, he left the
home farm and for six years was engaged in the saloon business
at Melvina. At the expiration of that time, he returned to the
farm and purchased 260 acres of the old homestead, where he
now lives in a comfortable home. Since purchasing the place, he
has added a new barn, 30x50 feet, and substantial outbuildings,
including a silo, erected in 1911. He now wants to go into regis-
tered stock, his choice being Holsteiu cattle ; he has a fine herd
started now. He also wishes to raise Percheron horses. He has
a fine drove of sheep and fine hogs.
On May 6, 1895, he was married to Miss Tenna Leibel, daugh-
ter of Wenszel and Frances Leibel. Seven children have been
born to Mr. and ]\Irs. Sehaitel, six of whom are now (1912) living,
viz. : Paul, Johnnie, Robert, Joseph, Francis and Carlton. INIr.
Sehaitel is numbered among the successful and prosperous farm-
ers of his town, and is a public-spirited and influential citizen.
He and his wife are members of the Catholic church.
Mr. and Mrs. Leibel, parents of ]Vlrs. Sehaitel, emigrated to
America from Germany, and after arriving in this country located
at Norwalk, and after about one year Mr. Leibel was employed
at Tunnel No. 3, and continued at this work until he injured his
eyesight, after which he moved to the town of Jefferson, where
he established the family homestead, and purchased 160 acres of
land and reared a family of nine children, as follows : Mrs. Anna
Bridenbach, of Eagle, AVis. ; Rudolph, of La Crosse, Wis. ; John,
on the homestead farm; Mrs. Mary V. Ruden, at Cashton; IMrs.
Sehaitel ; Mrs. Frances Hornung, of Baraboo, AYis.. and Kather-
ine Leibel, of Seattle, Wash., and tAvo deceased. The father was
a successful and hard-working farmer. He lived to the age of
fifty-eight and died May 12, 1887. His widow, mother of ]\lrs.
Sehaitel, survives at the age of seventy-seven, ;ind since 1901 lins
been an invalid.
Paul Schaller, of the firm of Gross & SehalbM-, prominent drug
firm of Sparta, is a son of Henry and Mary (Gahler) Schaller,
born on June 17, 1867. His parents emigrated to this country
from Germany when they Avere both about seven years of age,
with their parents, and both families settled in Dodge county,
W^isconsin. Mr. Schaller, father of Paul, came to Sparta in the
early fifties, and was one of tlie pioneers of that section, and
864 IITS^I'ORY OF MONROE ( OUXTY
Sparta's earliest cabinetmaker. He still resides in Sparta. ]\Irs.
Schaller passed awa.y at the age of foity-one years.
Paul Schaller is the youngest child of a family of five chil-
dren. The others are: Nina, wife of Dr. W. T. Sarles, of Sparta;
Mary, wife of J. IT. Fernevhough. of Sioux Falls, S. D. : Henry
F. AV.. of AVatertown, S. D.. and AVendell, deceased.
.Mr. Schaller received his education in the public schools and
the Chicago College of Pharmacy, graduating fi-om tiie latter
with the class of 1891, receiving a thorough course of six years,
and began his business career as clerk for Crane & McClure, at
Sparta, wliich position lie held for six years, and then engaged
with T. IT. Spencer, of La Crosse, for a time. ITe then went to
Madison and spent one year, and in is!),') came to Sparta and
purchased the interest of AV. P. Palmer in the drug business with
I\Ir. Gross, since which time the firm has lieen Gross & Schaller.
In 1897 i\Ir. Schaller married ]\liss lirittomarte AVoodward,
daughter of Jolm AVoodward, of Platteville, AVis.
P. W. Schmitz,* a native of IMonroe connty, was born on the
old homestead April 10. 1877. the son of William and Sophia
(]\Iickels) Schmit/.. The father was l)orn in Germany, August 12.
1841, and came to America with his parents in 1S.")8. His father.
Henrj^ Schmitz, grandfather of our subject, located in the town
of AA'ells. in Alonroe county, and purchased a farm of 160 acres in
sections eighteen, seven and eight, where he resided until his death.
AVilliam Schmitz, father of P. AV., was the oldest child of a family
of ten children, nine of whom are now living. ITe was twice
married and by his first Avife, Katherine ^lickels. had two cliildren.
By his second wife, Sophia ATickels, he had ten children, tiic sub-
ject of this sketch being the fifth child in order of birth. The
father was a highly respected citizen and prominent in his com-
munity. ITe was chairman of the town l)oard. assessor for four
years, supervisor and for several years a director on the school
board. He was a successful farmer and owned at the time of his
death, which occurred in 190"). 288 acres of land in AA'ells town-
ship. His widow. Sophia ^lickels. Avho was born Juiu» 27. 1847. is
now living with her son in Alonroe county.
P. AV. had the advantages of a limited schooling, attending
the district school until his twelfth yeai-. He remained on the
home I'ariii. assisting in tilling the soil, nntil October 22. lilOl.
when he married ]Miss Agnes Schmitz, a daughter of Peter
Schmitz. of St. Joseph's Ridge, and a native of (iermany. Her
fathei- died in 1883. and tlie motlier survives at the age of sixty-
six vears. .\ftei' his marriage oni' subject started nut for himself
BIOGKAPIIY 865
and is now known as a successful farmer and one of the progres-
sive citizens of the town of Wells. To >Mr. and ]Mrs. Schniit/ have
been born four children, viz.: Elizabeth, born December 6, 1902;
Frank, born IMarch 10, 1904; Sophia, born March 4, 1905, and
Geniveva, liorn October 31, 1909.
August Schlaver,* who departed this life Tuesday, December
5, 1911. and who had prepared to enjoy a long life of continued
usefulness, was attacked by a fatal malady and, although he made
a good fight and was determined to the last that he would over-
come its remorseless attacks, the final call came just as he was
making plans to go to Colorado for the winter, in the hope that
the climate might aid him in his fight for life. He was born in
the province of Posen, Germany, December 3, 1863, and came to
the United States with his parents in 1870. The family settled on
the farm now owned by Otto Schlaver, and there August grew to
manhood. He attended the Hogue district school and remained
on the home farm until his marriage, when he located in Burns
township, La Crosse county, on a rented farm, which he conducted
for five years, when he purchased 160 acres in Sparta township,
to which he later added 100 acres. The improvements at that
time were unsuited for a man with the progressive disposition of
Mr. Schlaver, and under his careful management he had erected
all the buildings now on the farm, consisting of a commodious
dwelling, large and substantial barn, silo and other outbuildings.
He was never satisfied unless working to improve the farm. He
w^as a high-minded, public-spirited gentleman, kind and generous
and ever mindful of the comforts of his family. He was alive to
the interests of the community and active in public matters. He
was interested in the Kockland Creamery, of w4iich he was at one
time manager. The roads of the town of Sparta, together with
the inspiration and example they created and set for Monroe
county and vicinity, will stand as a sturdy lasting monument to
him who was the moving spirit in their construction. He was a
pioneer in this movement for good roads, and the vitality and
effort, the time and money he put into this work, cannot be esti-
mated. As chairman of his town, an office he held for five years,
to the time of his demise, being a member of the side board for
years prior to that time, his work was very ef^cient and note-
worthy, but it is particularly by his road improvements that he
will be remembered.
Mr. Schlaver was united in marriage April 17. 1887. with Miss
Augusta Richert, daughter of Frederich and Louisa (May) Rich-
ert, of Sparta. They were born near Berlin. Prussia, and came
866 IlISTOKY OF MONROE COUNTY
to America wIumi Mrs. Schlaver was but three years of age. In
1868 they settled in Spfirln. where the fatlier for ;i time was em-
ployed in the pnpei- mills of O. I. Ncwioii Sons ("omp.iiiy. and
where he rcnui iiii'd iiiilil ;i sliorl time hci'ore his death, when he
Weill 1(1 li\(' willi .Mi's. Selda\'ei'. where he died. Mrs. Schlaver's
mother is also deceased, both he and she liviii'.;- to the a»;e of
seventy rour \ears. .Mrs. Setila\er is the niiitli child of a family
of ten children. Those besides .Mi's. Selila\er who are now liviiiL!'
are: Louisa, the wife of lli'i'iiian ^'ankee. .Mary. Fred. Auj^ust
and William. Those deceased are: .Minnie, ('arl. Cai-rie. and one
A\lio died in infancy. To ^li-. and Mi's. Scddaver were horn Hve
chiidi-eii: Klla. a graduate of the Sparta hiuii school, has l)eeu
eiijiaii'ed in teachitm' foi- the past six years: Laura and Theodore,
Avho I'eside at home, and Lillian and .\r1lnir, who are deceased.
Otto Schlaver," one of the eiiter|)risinu' farmers of Sparta
township, is a native of (Jei'maii\' and was horn Maivdi 28, 1870,
son of Auiiiist and Henrietta (Leek) Schlaver. When Otto was
hut a few weeks old his jiareiits. in the sjirin.u' of 1870, came to
the United States. Upon tlieir ari-ival in this country they came
to Wisconsin and settled in ^lonroe county on the farm in section
nineteen, Sparta townshij), where our subject now resides. He
was a man of iicnial temi)eraiiieiit. kind hearted and lil)ei-<d. and
was held in hi^h esteem by his many friends. He died April 5,
1902. at the a,ee of sixty-nine years. ]\lrs. Schlaver. mother of
Otto, still survives and enjoys liood health at the age of seventy-
six xcars. .lohii Schlaver. patei-iial uraiidfather of oui- subject,
came fi-om «;eriiian.\- to the United States and settled in Sjiarta
township ;ibout isri2. on a lar^e tract of i^ovcrnment land, owninji:
;it one time what now comi)rises the farms (d' (ttto Schlaver,
Leonai-d Ilei-bst aiul Mrs. August Schlaver. -Jr.. and here made his
home until ids decease. His wife, ui-aiulniother of (^tto. lived to
the ri|)e aiiv of nim^y-two \-ears. ('harles Sclila\-er. half brother
(d' .ViiLiiist S(dila\('r. Sr.. is still a resident of Sparta township.
There were live children in tlie family of .Viiuust Schlaver. Sr..
three dautlhters and two sons: .Viiuiist. who is now deceased:
Otto: .\ii>:usta. the wife (d' -lohn Ilui)pler. of S]>;ir1;> : Hiiima. wife
ot H'red Sunday, of Leon townshi]). and I'ertlia is the wife of Con
Koehler. of Krskine. Minn.
On February 17, ]W:\. Mi-. Otto Schlaver married Miss Eliza-
beth Khyme. ilaughtir of .\ugust Ixhyme. of Hurr Oak. La Crosse
roniity: the\- have three childi-en. Fdiia Iv. Clarence O. and Lester
\. The |»areiits (d' .Mrs. Scddaver were aiiioiii; the pioneer settlers
of La Crosse count w and in these early days there were no means
BIOGRAPHY 867
(tf travel except by tlie overlaiul route, and the Hliyuie ramily
niaile their way to La Crosse county l)y ox team. Since Mr.
Schlaver became owner df his ])resent farm lie has made many
imjirovements, remodeled his outbuildings, added an ui)-to-date
windmill improved his daii'y stables by adding new stanchions
and cow stalls. In lilOT he built a modern residence. e(piipi)ed
with up-to-date appliances, and during the year 1912 a cement
silo was erected. !Mr. Schlaver is thoroughly progressive in his
farming methods, public-spirited, and takes a lively interest in
public atfairs. A Democrat in political view, a member of the
school board, and the Lutheran church, and from 11)00 to 1906
was a member of Company L. Wisconsin National Guard.
Henry F. Schroeder, county surveyor of ]Monroe county, Wis-
consin, ranks among the younger class of enterprising, energetic
and progressive business men of the county. He was born in
Iroquois county. Illinois, January 1, 1873, the son of Albert and
j\Iary (Bakker) Schroeder. natives of Germany and Holland re-
spectively. The parents came to the United States in 1861 and
settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where the father was employed for
three years in the Austin gunpowder mill ; they afterwards moved
to oMonroe county, and in 1867 settled on a farm in section eight-
een, Oakdale township, which the father homesteaded. and where
h(^ lived until his fathci-'s death, which occurred in 1880. His
father Avas the father of fcuir boys and one daughter — Albert,
Robert and a sister being the only survivors.
Henry F. Schroeder received his preliminary education in the
common schools, which was supplemented by a course of study at
the Dixon. 111.. Normal School. After completing his course in
engineering and surveying, he returned to JMonroe county, and in
1896 became deputy surveyor of the county, which position he
held for six years. In 1910 he was elected county surveyor, with
headcpiarters at Tomah. He takes a commendable interest in the
affairs of his community, and, besides being thorough in the arts
of his profession, he is the owner of a good farm live miles south-
west of Tomah.
Robert F. Schroeder, the popular and well known coal dealer
of Tomah. Wis., is the youngest child of a family of seven chil-
dren, three of whom are now (1912) living. The others are Emily
and Albert. Eobert F. was born in Germany, April 10, 1854, and
came with his parents to Ottawa, Canada, where they resided for
about three years, and then moved to Cuyahoga county, Ohio,
with a family of four sons. On account of failing health of the
father, it was necessary for the boys to assist in supporting tln^
868 HISTORY OF .AIOXROE COFXTY
family and they all secured ciiipNtyiKciit with the Austin Powder
Company at Cleveland. Here they remained for some four years
and then moved to Wisconsin, settling; on a farm in the town of
Oakdale. Avliich the fatlicr homesteaded and with tlie aid of his
sons soon subdued and made into a iikhIcI farm. Here the parents
passed the remainder of their lives, the death of the father occur-
ring in 1879 and that of the mother in VJOi. They were thrifty,
energetic people and prominent in their community. He was con-
sidered one of jMonroe county's substantial citizens, and while
engaged in farming paid a great deal of attention to the raising
of sheep, at which he was successful. He was a devoted member
of the Lutheran church and contributed liberally of his means to
its support.
Robert F. received a limited education in the common schools
of Ohio, and at the age of eighteen started to learn the black-
smith's trade, and after coming to Tomali was apprenticed to
David Jones for three years. Mastering the trade in all its
l)ranches, he was employed by others on a salary for a short time,
and then engaged in business on his own account. By close appli-
cation and by honorable and fair dealing, he soon acquired the
reputation of turning <»u1 the best work of any blacksmith in that
locality. He gained a large patronage and successfully carried on
this line of business until 1906, when he embarked in the coal and
wood trade, in which he has been equally successful; he handles
all kinds of hard and soft coal and his business has steadily in-
creased until his sales amount to something more than sixty cars
, per year.
Fraternally ^Ir. Sehroeder is an active member of the Masonic
order and has filled all the chairs in the Blue Lodge and Chapter.
He is also a member of the ]\Iodevn Woodmen of America. Polit-
ically he formerly was an adherent to the principles of the Demo-
cratic party, but now is independent in thought and action. He
has always taken an active interest in all matters pertaining to
his city and county and has filled numerous public offices. He
served as alderman for five terms and was mayor of the city of
Tomah for two terms.
On January 19, 1877. .Mr. Sehroedei- was united in marriage to
Miss Hulda W. Ziebell. of Watertown, Wis. Of three children
born to Mr. and ]\Irs. Sehroeder, two — Osar R. and Grace M. —
are living.
Charles H. Schulte was ])oiii in tb.e town of AVells, Monroe
county, January 16, 1872, and is a son of Anton and Elizabeth
(Stute) Schulte, both of whom are natives of Germany. The
BIOGRAPHY 869
father eaiue to Auierica in 1850, and the mother, accompanied l)y
her parents and one brother, came in 1854. Upon arriving in this
country, they located and remained for a time in Waukesha
county, AA^isconsin, where the father of our sul)ject had pur-
chased fifty-one acres of land, and where he resided for four-
teen years. The family after^vards moved to Monroe county and
for five years resided in the town of Ridgeville, whence they
moved to Wells township, where the father purchased 240 acres
of land in sections one, two and eleven, and here they have since
resided. Both the father and mother were born in 1831, and are
now retired from active labor and make their home with our sub-
ject, Charles H. The paternal grandfather died in 1874 and the
grandmother in 1876. The parents have been residents of Mon-
roe county for many years, and during this time they have been
considered among the most progressive and influential citizens of
the township. Mr. Schulte is a Democrat in politics and has
always taken an active interest in matters pertaining to his town
and county. W^hen the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in Com-
pany A, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, in 1861, and after serv-
ing ten months, was honorably discharged on account of dis-
ability, returned home and resumed his farming operations.
Charles H. is one of a family of nine children, four of whom
are noAV (1912) living. He acquired his education in the dis-
trict schools, attending until he was fourteen years old, and has
always lived on the home farm, which he now owns, and carries
on general farming and dairying. He uses the most up-to-date
methods in his operations and is one of the wide-awake and
progressive men in his township. Although formerly a staunch
Democrat in political views, he is now independent and supports
whatever appeals to his best .iudgment in matters of public
importance. He occupies a prominent place in the affairs of
his town and county, and for five years has been chairman of the
town board and supervisor for two years ; he has been a director
of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Norwalk for
many years, and was one of the organizers of the Norwalk Tele-
phone Company, of Norwalk, which was incorporated on June 11,
1907, and is now its secretary.
He was married on May 28, 1907, in Richland county, Wis-
consin, to ]Miss Ellen Cruise, daughter of Bernard Cruise, early
settlers and prominent citizens of Richland county.
Adolph H. Schultz, prominent alike as a farmer and citizen of
Monroe county, resides in section fourteen, Adrian township,
where he was born July 18, 1871, and is the fifth child of a family
870 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
of seven children born to Carl and Mary (Baunigarten) Schultz,
both natives of Germany. Of the others, George resides in
Tomah ; Fi-ed lives in ^linneapolis, ]\Iinn; Otto lives at AVinona,
]\Iinn.; Dcna, who is deceased, married Edward Baumgarten;
Herman also resides in ^Minneapolis, and ]\Iary is the wife of
^Villiam Lenz. of Tomah. Tlie jiarents came to AVisconsin in an
early day and were married at Columbns, this state, fifty-three
years ago. They came to ]Monroe county and settled on eighty
acres of wild land in Adrian township, where they estal>lished the
family home, and to which they subsequently added another
eighty acres, making the farm contain 160 acres. Here they
built a log house and barn and set to work to subdue and improve
the land, and by hard work and perseverance succeeded in trans-
forming it from a practical wilderness to one of the choicest
farms in the county for productiveness. In 1878 a new and
commodious frame residence was erected and other valuable
improvements were made, and ]\Ir. Schultz was considered one
of the most successful farmers of his township, and was always
ready to assist in any movement towards the general development
of the county. He was genial, kind-hearted, and was held in the
highest esteem. On April 19, 1900. he passed away, at the age
of seventy-nine years. His widow, mother of our subject, still
survives (1912) and resides in the city of Tomah.
Ad()li)li H. was reared on tiic lidiue farm aiul received his
education in the common schools, and since boyhood has devoted
his entire attention to farming, lieginning on his own resources
at the age of fifteen years. He rented and carried on the home
farm for five years previous to its purchase in 1902. since which
time he has continued to nuike improvements and has brought the
land to its present high state of cultivation, taking great pride
in making his one of the most attractive farm homes in Adrian
townshiji. In 1908 he built a modern residence with u]i-to-date
fittings and furnishings, and in 1912 constructed a large and com-
modious l)ai'!i. which contains all the late ajipliaiu'cs used in
carrying on a model dairy business; it has patent stanchions,
concrete floors, the latest feed devices, waterworks system, silo.
Other buildings are granary, sheep barns, etc., etc. His farm is
well stocked with good horses. Holstein cattle and Oxford sheep.
Besides his farming opei-ations, ]Mr. Schultz is kcjit busy look-
ing after his other business interests throughout the county. He
is a director of the Farmers' and ^lerchants' Bank of Tomah. a
director of the Tonuih Co-operative Creamery Company, a director
BIOGRAPHY 871
of the Tomah Mutual Town Farm Insurance Company, and has
served both as treasurer and assessor of his town.
On November 17, 1897, he was married to Miss Emma Biekel,
daughter of John and Mary (Bartel) Biekel, of Tomali. Mrs,
Biekel died in 1906. To Mr. and Mrs. Schultz have been born
four children, viz. : Lueile Violet, Mildred Dorothy, Carl John
and Helen Marie Schultz.
Henry W. Schultz, who was born on the farm where he
resides, in section thirteen, Adrian township, June 13, 1867, is a
son and one of a family of eight children born to John and Mary
(Bartels) Schultz. Of the others, John F. is deceased in 1908 ;
William H. lives in Tomah ; Dr. C. L. lives in Clark county, Wis-
consin; Mary is the wife of George Henry, of Tomah; Carrie is
the wdfe of William Henry, Taylor, N. D. ; George died in 1910,
and Ida is the wife of William Schultz, of Adrian township. The
parents emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1858,
and were among the early settlers of Adrian township, where
they lived on section thirteen; the original farm contained 120
acres. Their first residence and barn was made of logs, which
were afterwards replaced with more pretentious buildings, as
circumstances demanded. Mr. Schultz was a sturdy and ambi-.
tious man, and won his way to success through the pioneer strug-
gle, and at the time of his death, which occurred on June 1,
1898, in his eighty-first year, held the confidence and esteem of
the community. His wife, mother of our subject, who died in
1894, at the age of sixty-three years, was highly respected and
beloved by all who knew her.
Henry W. spent his boyhood on the homestead farm, of which
he came into possession in 1898, since which time he has made
many improvements; the farm residence, which was built forty-
nine years ago, has been remodeled and the land brought to a
high state of productiveness. He attended the district school
when a boy, and is now counted among the industrious and
worthy citizens of his township.
On February 2, 1898, Mr. Schultz was married to Miss Agnes
Rehberg, daughter of E and Agnes (Zastoupil) Rehberg, of
Adrian township. Seven children have been born to them, viz. :
Eunice, Kenneth, Leonard, Clarence and Allen, twins, and Claude
and Arthur, twins, both deceased.
Lewis J. Schultz, one of the representative and influential
farmers of Adrian township, ]\Ionroe county, lives on section
twenty-seven, and is the owner of 400 acres in Cole's Valley. He
872 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
is a native of Monroe county, born in Adrian, February 15, 1865,
and is the eldest of a family of nine children born to Lewis J. and
Reka (Jense) Schultz, both natives of Germany. When a young
man, the father came to this country and first located on a tract
of wild land in Ridgeville township, and soon after locating here
he took up a homestead claim in the eastern part of that township,
which he afterwards sold and purchased one forty and home-
steaded another forty in section ten, which he improved and
there nuule his home for twenty years, then moved to Tomah,
where he resided until his death in 1009, at the age of seventy-
seven years. He was enterprising and thrifty and generally
made a success of his undertakings and enjoyed the confidence
and respect of his community. His widow, mother of our subject,
who still (1912) survives, makes her home in llie city of Tomah,
esteemed by a large circle of friends and acriuaintances. Of
their other children living. Albert resides in Outagamie county.
"Wisconsin; Emil lives at Russell, this state, and Frank is in
Adrian townshi]). Those deceased are Dora, Adolph. .Alatie,
Gustaf and Emma.
Lewis J., subject of this sketch, was reared on the home farm
and received his education in the district schools; he remained
at home until he reached his majority, and then rented a farm
in Adrian township and began farming for himself. He was a
success at it from the start, and later purchased his father's farm
in section ten. wliicli he carried on for two years, then turned it
over to a renter and went to Chicago, 111., and remained one year;
came back to his farm and conducted it himself until 1896. then
moved to Tomah and rented the AVilliam Lee farm, and at the end
of four years, in 1900, he purchased what Avas known as the Tal-
bot farm, in Adrian township, and tAvo years later bought the
Herman AVestphal farm, which he has since conducted, and where
he now resides. He has recently built a large modern barn with
the latest modei-ii devices and a silo, and has also added one
thousand rods of woven wire fencing. He is one of the most
l)rogressive and up-to-date farmers of bis town, and uses the
most modern methods in his farming operations.
On :\Iay 8, 1890. Mr. Schultz was married to :\Hss Dora Seflow.
daughter of Henry and ^lary (Zahrite) Seflow. prominent citi-
zens of Kirby, Lincoln township, where they now reside. Mrs.
Schultz is the third child of a family of ten children : the others
are: Henry, of Lincoln townshij) : ^lary is the wife of Alexander
Randall, of Marshfield, Wis.; Anna married George "W'arnke and
resides in Chicago; Emma is the wife of William Schick: ^lin-
LEWIS J. SCHULTZ
BIOGRAPHY 873
nie the wife of Christ Bock, of Chicago ; Augusta married Rich-
ard Erickson, of Chicago, and Julia is now j\Irs. John Clay, of
Lincoln township. Those deceased are Elizabeth and William.
Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schultz. Those
living are: Elva L., Ernest F., and Dorothy L. Schultz. Three
are deceased, viz. : Raymond W., Clarence F. and one who died
in infancy.
William H. Schultz, dealer in flour, feed and millstnff at
Tomah, Wis., was born at Ilotsvelt, Germany, August 6, 1853,
the son of John and Mary (Bartels) Schultz, and came to Amer-
ica with his parents and two brothers — John F. and Charles — in
1858 ; they located at Jacksonville, Wis., and purchased 120 acres
of wild land and immediately set to w^ork to establish the family
home, subdue and cultivate the land. By hard work, thrift and
economy, his farm was brought to a high state of cultivation and
productiveness with substantial buildings and other improve-
ments, and here they lived the balance of their lives. Mr. Schultz
made a specialty of raising the best grades of grain for the market
and was a recognized leader of his community. He died in 1906,
and the death of his wife, mother of our subject, occurred in
1903. They Avere the parents of eight children, six of whom are
now living. The father was a devoted member of the Lutheran
church, and contributed liberally to its support.
William H. was raised on the farm and acquired his education
in the district schools up to his eighteenth year. He left the home
of his parents when he was twenty, and for the three succeeding
years was employed at farm work. He then went to Humbird,
Clark county, and here served an appreticeship of three years as
a millwright, and after acquiring a good kiiowledge of the mill-
ing business, he went to Red AA^ing, Alinn., and secured employ-
ment in the La Grange flour mill. In 1871 he came to Tomah,
and taking charge of the Barnes-Doxtader flouring mills, success-
fully managed the business for eleven years, when he leased the
property from that firm and conducted the business on his own
account with gratifying success until 1888, when he purchased
the Blackman feed mill, which he remodeled and made into a
modern flour mill, and has since done a flourishing business in
retailing flour and feed.
On January 1, 1877, Mr. Schultz was united in marriage with
Miss Dena Nelson, daughter of one of Monroe county's most
respected pioneer citizens. Mrs. Schultz' parents were of Eng-
lish ancestry, and located in this county in 1854. They had a
family of four children. Of three children born to Air. and Mrs.
874 HISTORY OF .AIOXKOE COUNTY
Schultz, two are now iiviug, viz.: Fred D., born July 2, 1878,
and Goldie M., born July 30, 1892.
A Republican in his political views, Mr. Schultz has been
lionored with the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens and
has on many occasions been nominated and elected to offices of
trust and responsibility. He was elected and served as alderman
of the city council, has held the office of mayor of the city, and
for two 3^ears was city treasurer. He is a man of pleasing social
qualities, genial, kind and broad-minded, and takes the keenest
interest in whatever relates to the material and moral l)etterment
of his city. He is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the
^Modern AVoodmen of America, and the Woodmen of the World.
Melchor Schwarz is another one of the younger class of wide-
awake and successful farmers in ]\Ionroe county. A native of
Wisconsin, he was born in Dane county, ^May 26, 1884, son of
Anton and Helen (Mack) SchAvarz. The father was born in
Bavaria, Germany, and the mother was born in Sauk county,
Wisconsin. His father came to America in 1852 and located in
Dane county, where he rented a farm, married and reared a
famih'. In 1892 he moved his family to Monroe county and pur-
chased 200 acres of land on Summit ridge. Wells township, which
he afterwards sold to a son, Avho in turn sold to our subject, the
third child in a family of five boys and three girls. After dis-
posing of the home farm, the father moved to Sauk City, Wis.,
Avhere he now lives in retirement.
Alelchor spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attending
the district school and assisting in the farm work until he
reached his majority. He took a commercial course in the l)usi-
ness college at Madison, and becoming efficient in bookkeeping,
he was in the employ of the Schlitz Brewing Company from 1906
to 1908. His health failing by too close confinement, he went to
Colorado, 1)ut after a short time he returned to ]\Ionroe county
and purchased the farm where he now resides. He has made
many improvements, including a large cement silo, and has the
land under a good state of ctiltivation. He is largely interested
in stock, raising alfalfa, and is a successful breeder and raiser of
pure-bred Guernsey cattle and Percheron horses, which he raises
for the market. He recently sold two Guernsey calves for $125
each, and in addition to these, he keeps a good Ilamiltonian
driving team.
]\Ir. Schwarz was married at ]\Iadison, Wis., November 3. 1909.
to Miss IMartha Bauml)ach. datighter of Henry Baumbach, whose
parents are now both deceased. To ]\Ir. and ^Irs. Schwarz have
BIOGRAPHY 875
been born two eliiklreii, viz.: Norl)ert, l)oru December ].0, J!J10,
and Margaret, born April 2'A, 1912.
Theodore A. Serrurier, of Wilton, was born at xMelboiirne. Aus-
tralia. April 5. 1858. a son of Theodore and Johanna (Schmidt)
Serrurier. natives of France and (lermany respectively. The par-
ents came to the United States in 1867. with a family of eight
children, and located first in Chicago, where he engaged in the
lumber and banking business, and at the end of seven' years re-
moved to New Lisbon. AYis.. and emharhed in the hotel business,
conducting what was known as the Commercial House. This
business the father continued until 1896, at which time he died.
The mother died in 1906. They had a family of sixteen children,
eight of whom are living. The father received a liberal education
in his native country and previous to coming to America spent
eleven years in Australia, in gold mining and the hotel business.
Fraternally he was a member of the ^Masonic Lodge, and polit-
ically a Republican, but later in life a Democrat.
Theodore attended the public schools until he was eighteen
years of age, and for three years was a clerk in a general store
at New Lisbon, and from 1877 to 1880 w^as in the employ of H.
Shultz & Son at Toraah: from 1880 to 1883 he engaged in mer-
chandising at Tomah, and in the last named year came to Wilton
and purchased 160 acres of land in Wilton township and engaged
in farming until 1887; disposing of his farm he moved to the
village of Wilton and managed a general store for T. L. Martin.
He was appointed postmaster at Wilton by President Cleveland
in 1893, which position he resigned in 1895. He then engaged in
the hardware business for C. Hett. where he remained until he
retired from active business.
In politics he is a Democrat and in 1908 was the unsuccessful
candidate for clerk of the Circuit Court. He is now (1912) Demo-
cratic candidate for the General Assembly. Fraternally Mr. Ser-
rurier is a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the Mod-
ern Woodmen of America.
He was married November -t, 1883, in Wilton, to Miss Helen
Platner. Three children have been born to this union : Richard
S., born August 14, 1884: Kate L., born October 30, 1885, and
Edith A., born Septeinber 1, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Serrurier reside
in their tine modern residence erected in the village of Wilton
in 1899.
Charles Sholes, a native son of Wisconsin, was born in Jack-
son county, February 23, 1863, and is a son of William A. and
Ellen (Marvin) Sholes, both natives of New York. When a young
876 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
mail, llic fallici" caiiic to .Jarkson cHUUily aJid lor a tiiiK' worked
in tile liiiiihcr woods: lie later purchased 160 acres of wild land,
whieli 1)\' hai-(l work ;iiid industry lie improved and brought to a
good state of cull i\ at ion. After a residence of twenty years on
this i)lace. lie disposed of the land and bouf-ht a farm of 200 acres
near Melrose, in .]a(]<son county, where he resided for fifteen
years, then moved into the town and has since lived in retirement.
Of a family of eleven children l)oi-ii to them, nine are now (1912)
living, viz.: Cassius, William, Arba and llarley. all married in jNIin-
nesota; Ella, now Mrs. E. J. Ilitf. in ^linneapolis ; Libbie (.Mrs. G.
Thiele), of Minnesota; May Bell (:\Irs. Peter Simpson) and Stella,
in Melrose, and Charles, the subject of this sketch, near Sparta.
Mr. Slioles, Sr., was a successful farmer and a man of influence
in liis commuiiily and is now enjoyinii' the fruits of his many
years of toil. The ancestors of both father and mother are traced
to England.
Charles was brought up on the home farm and, until he was
eighteen, attended the district schools and assisted in the farm
work. xVfter he became twenty-two he. was eni])loyed in the lum-
ber woods and on the river until he was married, then moved to
Black River Falls, this state, and lived there for tAvelve years,
M'hen he assumed the management of the Spaulding stock farm
near Black River Falls and remained for seven years. In 1901
they moved to Melrose and, after a residence there for two years,
moved to IMonroe county and purchased the Kilts farm in Sparta
township, three miles from the city of Sparta, and here they still
reside. The farm is improved w'ith good buildings and cultivation,
and ]\lr. Sholes is considered one of the successful farmers of the
township, and employs the most up-to-date methods in his farm-
ing operations. He is a Republican in political sentiment and at
this time supports the princi])les advocated by Senator LaFollette.
He is a member of llie Modern AVoodmen of America.
In 1888 Mr. Sholes was married, at North Bend. Jackson
county. Wisconsin, to Miss Estella Sims, daughter of AV. S. and
Olive Sims, jiioneers of Jackson county and well to do and highly
respected citizens. They were the parents of tive chiUlren. of
whom three are lixing. viz.: Estella. now Airs. Sholes: (Jeorge D.,
and ?]dna. wlu» married F. J. Dostal and resides in Alinnesota.
The ancestors of Airs. Sholes are traceable to France on the mater-
nal side, while the jiaternal grandfather was from Scotland. To
Air. and Airs. Sholes have ])een horn six children, four of whom
are now (1912) living, viz.: Charles Franklin, born Se|)tember
BIOGRAPHY 877
26, 1889; Elma, born Ani>-iist 25, 1894; Lloyd W., born September
11, 1898. and Lilah I\Ia.v, born September lU, 1903.
Charles E. Simpson, only son of Gustavus and Mary E. (Kemp)
Simpson, -was born at Havana, 111., November 20. 1862. His par-
ents were natives of Watertown, N. Y., Avhere they remained nntil
18-19. when, during the gold excitement in California, they joined
the ranks of the westAvard traveler, and started overland for the
tield of promised riches. Arriving at Havana, 111., after a long
and tiresome trip, they gave up the undertaking and located
there, where Mr. Simpson embarked in the hardware business.
Disposing of his interests in Havana in 1865, he came to Sparta,
Wis., and again opened a hardware store and was one of the first
men to engage in this line of business in the village. He con-
ducted a successful business from the start, which he followed
for the remainder of his active life.
As a progressive and enterprising citizen and business man,
Mr. Simpson ranked among the first. He was a man of marked
individuality, independent in thought and action and an impor-
tant factor in the early upbuilding of the town selected for his
future home. He was at one time village assessor and later was
an alderman in the city council for his ward, and a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was born in 1830
and died in 1897. His widow, mother of our subject, was born
in 1832, in Watertown, N. Y., and came west, with her parents, to
Havana, 111., in 1840, where she was reared and educated. She
was possessed of remarkable energy and thoroughly domestic in
her ways, and sought no g-reater pleasure than she found in her
home and family. She died in 1901 at the age of sixty-nine years.
Charles E. Simpson received his education in the public schools
and the Sparta high school, and when still a .young man he entered
the hardware store with his father and received a thorough knowl-
edge of the business, and in 1896 he embarked in the same line
of business on his own account, in which he has since been emi-
nently successful, and at this time (1912) conducts the leading
hardware store in Sparta.
On Angust 8, 1886. he was married to Miss Hortense Smith,
daughter of D. H. Smith, of Sparta. They have four children,
viz. : David G.. Grace PL, Paul and Eloise Simpson.
Samuel Sizer, a prominent and substantial farmer of section
eleven. Adrian township, is one of the pioneers of that town. A
native of England, he was born at Cambridgeshire, November 1,
1847, the son of Samuel and Sophia (Laton) Sizer. also natives
of England and of English parentage. The same year our subject
878 HISTORY OF MONROE COrXTV
\v;is 1kii-ii. in 1S47. his pni-ciits ('ini<rrated to the I'liilcd States and
first located in W'.ilwoi't li (Mtiinty. Wisconsin, and. after a resi-
dence there t»f .seven years, tliey came to Moiii'oe county and
located on what is known as the ■liidfie,'" in Ailrian township,
on KiO acres of i;o\-erninent land, established the family home and
there sjient the balance of their active life. Sui'viviny the hard-
shii)s and privations of the ])ioneer and transfoi'min<:' tlieir wild
land into a well cultivatecl fai-ni with comfortable l)nildings, they
lived to en.io\' tlu' fruits ol llieir toil for many years; he died at
the age of eighty-foui- and his widow at the age of sixty-one years.
Of this family thei'e survixcs. besides our subject, one daugliter,
Sophia, now Mrs. Albert 'riioinpson. of Sparta.
Samuel Sizer eai-ly attended the district schools aiul i-eiiiained
on the homestead assistin<: in tlie farm work until he was twenty-
four, when lie purchased eighty acres of land, all of which was
wild excepting fifteen acres. He erected the first l)uiidings, which
are still standing on a rise of ground a shoi-f distance north of his
jiresent I'esidenee. From the first payment of -tnd (Ui this land he
has. by hard work and persistent efi'oi'ts. won liis way to success
and now has one of the most comfortable and commodious homes
in the county and liis land is in a high state of productiveness.
Besides his inodet n residence erected in 1899. he built a large anil
substantial barn in 1893. lie was married in 1871 to ]Miss Lydia
Burroughs, a native of Chautaucpia county. New York, and daugh-
ter of the late Samuel and Xaomia (Faidkner) Burroughs, natives
of the same county. The father came to ^Vilton township and
was one <»f the fii-st settlers on the (dd stage i-oad from New Lisbon
to Sparta, and in this home they spent their lives. The children
of ]\h'. and Mrs. Sizer are: Edmund, of Adrian; Edith, wife of
Frank Speiisley. of Adrian township, and Mary, the wife of Iler-
beil (larnee. of ]\Iiiuieapolis. j\Iinn.
EdiiMUid. the son. who with his father conducts the home farm,
was on Decemliei- 14, l!)l(l. united in marriage with ^liss ]\Iaggie
T)arnut/.ei-. of Sparta, daughtei- of Casper and Eva (Flich)
Darnut/ei'. and they have one child — Clara P^va Si/er.
]\Ir. Si/ei'. our subject, vividly recalls the hardships experi-
enced in the early days, when he. as a boy in the wilds of the then
new could ry. used to carry urist on horseback from the Ridge to
the .Jacksonville mill, a distance of eight miles. It is due to such
a class of pioneers as ai'e here foinul that the townshij) contains
so many fertile spots. ]\lr. Sizer has always taken a keen intfM'cst
in the growth and di'velopment of the town as well as in public
affairs, and has been a mend)ei' of the board of supervisoi's three
BIOOKAPHY 879
tenus. Both ]\Ir. and Mi-s. Sizci- ai-e members of tlie .Methodist
Kpiscojtal church.
Mrs. Cecilia Slayton, a lady of refineinent. was horn -Inly 2,
1847. ill Norway. Her father. Mans Ericlvsoii, emigrated from
Norway to America in lSf)2 with a family of nine children, six of
whom are now livinii'. The family si^ttled in La Crosse county,
Wisconsin, where tlie father worked one year for his brother,
then for two years engaged in farming on liis own account on a
rented farm. At the exi)iration of that time, he purchased eighty
acres of land in thai counly and there inade his home until his
death, which occurred in 1!)()4. ]Mrs. Erickson, mother of our
subject, still survives at the advanced age of ninety-one years.
The father was an influential and highly respected citizen, and
a devoted member of tlie Reformed Lutheran churcli. as is also
the mother.
Our subject was married to ^Morey Oscar Slayton at Winona,
^linn., March 20, 1872. To this union five children were born,
viz.: Elsie, born September 15, 1873; JMinnie, born January 19,
1877: Howard, horn -July 4, 1879: Sadie. l)orn -lune !), 1885, and
Charles, born ( )ctol)er 16, 1887. ^Ir. Slayton was horn July 2,
1889. His father came from Vermont to Ohio and tluMice to Wis-
consin and located at Sheboygan, and after a time came to Monroe
county and settled in the Leon valley, purchasing what is now
kiutwu as the old Alsworth farm, which he afterwards sold, and
i-emoved to Red River, ^linn.. where he resided at the time of the
Indian massacre. Owing to the hostilities of the Indians, he was
compelled to leave that place and return to the Leon valley,
where he bought eighty acres of land and made his home and
spent the remainder of his life. After his death. Avhich occurred
^lay 6, 1902. his son. ]Mervey 0., came into possession of tlie farm,
which is adjacent to the village of Leon, and the residence was
converted into a hotel which is now kept by Howard Slayton, son
of our subject, who married a daughter of W. W. Link, now one
of the oldest and most respected citizens of Leon valley.
iMrs. Howard Slayton is now" the popular i)ostmistress of Leon.
]Mr. Slayton. thic husband of our subject, was a carpenter and
joiiier hy trade and constructed several of the liuildings in the
village of Leon. He was active, aggressive, public-spirited, and
devoted to his family, home and county; a man thoroughly trust-
worthy, reliable and upright in all his dealings. A shoi't time
after his death. ^Irs. Slayton erected a handsome modern resi-
dence at the side of the hotel, where she now resides with her
family, surrounded bv a host of friends.
880 illSTOKY OF MONROE COUNTY
Charles William Smith, a resident of section twenty-eight,
Lafayette township, JMonroe eonnty, Wisconsin, is a native of
Sntton, Broino comity, Canada East, and was born December 18,
I860, one of a family of three children born to Roswell and Lydia
(Adams) Smitli. natives of Canada and Vermont, respectively.
The others are : Nellie E., wife of William ^lorse, of AVinnetka,
111., and Alonzo R., one of the leading attorneys of Baraboo,
Wis. Roswell Smith was a son of William and Sarah (AVinches-
ter) Smith, and was born •luiie 22. IH'.i'.i, at Sntton. Canada East.
He was raised in the Dominion and there received his education,
and became familiar witli the details and management of a
large stock farm. In 1855 he came to Wisconsin and assisted
in the organization of Lafayette townsinp, in iMonroe county, and
was elected one of the officers. lie remained here eighteen
montlis, then returned to Canada, where he resided until 1868,
then came back to ]\Ionroe county, and purchastnl 145 acres of
land in section twenty-eight, Lafayette township, forty acres
being in oak timber. This farm is considered one of the best in
Monroe county, and a brook of pure water, which has but recently
been stocked with trout, runs through the place and adds mate-
rially to its value. Here Roswell Smith conducted his stock
farm and made his home until his death. Februai-y 27, 1912, at the
age of seventy-nine years.
William Smith was a son of John Smith, a native of Scotland;
he was paymaster-general of the English army, and received a
grant of land from the government, consisting of 400 acres
located at Sutton, Canada. The mother was born at Plainfield,
Mass., and belonged to an old and highly respected family. They
had nine children, six sons and three daughters. William Smith
was an early settler in Monroe county, and located on land across
the highway from his son Roswell. Avhere he lived until his death
in 1875, at the age of seventy-three years. Sarah Winchester, his
wife, and gi-andmother of Ciiarles W., Avho was also a native of
Canada, died in 1880. at the age of sixty-seven years. ]Mrs.
Smith, mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Lydia
Adams, was born January 25, 1842. a daughter of Charles Stewart
and Sarah (Reynolds) Adams, both natives of Vermont. Charles
Stewart Adams was a son of Darius and Hannah (Rouse) Adams.
The Adams family were originally from ^lassachusetts, and the
Rouse family were of German extraction. I\lrs. Smith, who still
resides on the homestead farm, is one of a family of five chil-
dren ; the others are: Eliza, who married David Gunther, of
BIOGRAPHY 881
Canada, is deceased; Caroline, deceased; Darius resides in Can-
ada, and Lorenzo is a resident of Sioux Falls, S. D.
Roswell Smith was a member of Valley Lodge, No. 60, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, and was a member of that body for
more than fifty years. lie was a man of good business qualifica-
tions, kind-hearted and generous, and gave liberally of his means
to charitable and all worthy causes that appealed to him.
Charles AV. Smith was educated in the common schools of his
home town and at the La Crosse Business College. He was reared
on the home farm, and early learned the trade of carpenter and
joiner. During the years 1883-84 he worked at his trade at Sioux
Falls, S. D., with his uncle, L. D. Adams, and two years later
returned to the home farm and remained until 1887, when he
went to West Superior, Wis., and continued at his trade with
J. W. Hinckley, remaining there six years. From that time to
1896 he followed his trade at St. Paul and Sparta, and in January
of that year returned to the home farm, which since 1897 he
has successfully conducted ; he has rebuilt the barns and out-
buildings, made an addition to the residence, and otherwise
improved the place. He is engaged in general farming and
dairying, and keeps the farm w^ell stocked with grade Durham
cattle. He takes an active interest in the affairs of his town and
county, and is now serving as town clerk, an office he first occu-
pied in 1881, and again in 1901. He was town treasurer in 1905-6
and 7, and has also been one of the health otficers of his town.
He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and the
Beavers.
On December 22, 1896, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with
Miss Edith Schultz, daughter of John and Sophia (Hildebrandt)
Schultz, natives of Germany. After coming to the United States
her parents first located at Elgin, 111., where, after making
a good start in life they lost their all by the failure of banks in
that place. Nothing daunted, they started anew, and by hard
work and economy saved their earnings, and later came to
Monroe county, and located near Trout Falls, in Lafayette town-
ship, where they resided for forty-five years. The father died
in 1900 at the age of eighty-five years. The mother survives and
lives in Angelo township at the age of seventy-five years. They
raised a family of nine children, viz : Anna, married a Mr.
Cooper ; Fred, deceased ; Eva, who married John Faulkner, is
deceased; AA^Uiam lives at Olympia, Washington; Sophia and
Mary are deceased; Caroline, wife of August Riewert, deceased,
lives with her mother in Angelo ; Edith, now the wife of our
882 HISTORY OF :\IONROE COUNTY
subject, and John, wlio is assistant auditor of the Great Northern
Railway, resides at Brainard, Minn.
To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born four eliildren : ]\Iarie,
Nellie, Harold and Mabel Smith.
Emil C. Sonnenburg', w ho resides on his farm of 140 acres in
section nine, LaGrange township, started life with nothing but
liis native ability, and lias won liis way by liard work and per-
sistent efforts, and is counted among tlie iirogressive citizens
of the county. He was born at Tunnel City, ^Monroe county, June
26, 1877, the son of Fred and Hcrtlia (Tessman) Sonnen])urg,
both natives of Germany. They came to America before their
marriage and were among the prominent early settlers of INIonroe
county, and endured their sliai-c of hardships incident 1o i)iuneer
life and the upl)uilding of tlie Icality where they settled. In
1874, Mr. Sounenburg, Sr., settled on a farm near Tunnel City,
Avhere he continued to live luilil 1008. when he removed to the
city of Tomah, where he now resides. His wife, mother of our
subject, passed away in 1910, at the early age of fifty-nine years,
and was loved and respected by all who knew her. They reared
a family of eight ehildren, five of whom are living; Emil, the
subject of this sketch, being the oldest. The others are Agnes,
widow of Louis Kirst, lives in Minnesota; Fred is on the home
farm near Tunnel City; Bertha is now Mrs. John Lackelt, of
Tomah township, and Martha.
Emil was educated in the district schools, and Avas reared
on the home farm, and while variously employed, retained this as
his home, to which he devoted nnieh time and attention, until
1903, when he purchased his i)rescnt farm. In 1908, he built
a comfortable and commodious house and has added other needed
improvements. Besides carrying on general farming, he makes a
specialty of breeding and raising Guernsey cattle.
On September 2, 1908. he was married to ]Miss Emma Kohl,
daughter of August and Henrietta (Heinz) Kohl, of LaGrange
township; they have two interesting cliildren; viz.: Ella Bertha
Henrietta and Edna ]\Iay. In religious faith ]Mr. and jMrs. Son-
nen])urg are members of the German Lutheran church, of Tomah.
Fred P. Sonnenburg, one of the hustling young farmers of
Greenfield township, Monroe county, Wisconsin, who resides in
sections twenty-three and twenty-four, is a native of this town,
where he w^as born July 27, 1882, and is one of a family of eight
children born to Fred A. and Bertha (Tessman) Sonnenburg;
of the others four are now (1912) living, viz.: Emil. wlio is a
farmer and resides on section nine, LaGrange township; Agnes
BIOGRAPHY 883
lives in Minnesota, and is the widow of Louis Kirst; Bertha
married John Lackelt, and lives in Tomah townsliip, and Martha.
The parents emigrated from Germany to the United States in the
early seventies, and one year after arriving in this country, they
located on a 120-acre tract in Greenfield township, and later on
purchased an eighty-acre tract in the same town, which is now
owned by our subject. The farm at that time was wild timbered
land with only three or four acres broken. Being possessed of
that energy and thrift characteristic of the German race, the
father went diligently to work to clear, subdue and improve the
farm, and establish the family home. The privations and hard-
ships were many, but by persistent efforts were overcome, and
the land made to blossom like the rose. A new residence was
erected in 1888 and the barn in 1895, since which time a granery,
water mill and other improvements have been added. The farm
is now one of productiveness due largely to the efforts of our
subject, who is an energetic and deserving young man who
believes iu faithful toil and reaps the reward of honest labor.
In 1909 the father retired to the city of Tomah, wiiere the
mother died on February 3, 1910 at the age of fifty-three years.
Fred P. was reared on the home farm, attending the district
schools and assisting in the farm work ; he has always lived on
this place and after the removal of his father to Tomah in 1909,
purchased the farm which he is now successfully carrying on,
using up-to-date methods in his operations. On October 27, 1909,
Mr. Sonnenburg was married to Miss Emma Boettcher, daughter
of August Boettcher, of Lincoln township, this county. They
have one daughter, Dahla Leona, born October 21, 1911.
A member of the St. Paul Lutheran church located at Tomah,
"Wis., and also of the Lutheran Aid Association.
Samuel M. Steele, a progressive farmer who resides in section
twenty, Byron township, was born in Wyoming county. New York,
December 21, 1863, the son of James <ind ]\Iary Ann (Fuller)
Steele, both natives of New York state, and for many years resi-
dents of Java township, Wyoming county, where the father still
resides and owns a farm of 200 acres. His wife, mother of our
subject, died in 1877 at the age of forty-five years. This branch
of the Steele family was descended from an old and prominent
New Englaud family. They were the parents of five children ;
those besides our subject are James A., of Byron township, this
county ; Emmett resides on the old homestead in Wyoming county,
New York : Lyn is the wife of ]Merton Barber, of Java Village,
884 IllSTOHY OF .MONROE COUNTY
AVyoniing county. X. Y.. and Jennie is the wife of Fred Wooley,
of the same place.
Samuel ^1. attended the di.strict .school of his home town, and
at the age of nineteen years, came west to ^Michigan, and a year
later came to Wisconsin and was first employed in the lumber
woods for some time, after which he purchased a forty-acre tract
of wild land in section eighteen, Byron township. ^Monroe county,
to which he added from time to time until lie owned 2-40 acres, a
jiart of which he subsequently sold, and since ]\Iarch. 1899. has
been the owner of his present farm, consisting of 120 acres: this
farm was previously owned by the late C. A. Crawford, one of the
early settlers of the town of Byron and a veteran of the Civil
War, who settled there some forty years ago. Since purchasing
the farm. ]\Ir. Steele has made many improvements; built a resi-
dence, and in 1912 erected a barn, 32 x 56 feet with basement,
and has the land in a fine state of cultivation. lie takes an active
part in townshij) and county affairs and has served as town clerk
for tAvo terms, chairman of the town board for six years and treas-
urer for several terms. He was married November 27. 1890. to
]\Iiss ]Minnie A. Root, daughter of Oren A. and Alvira (Wood)
Root, of Byron township.
The children of ^Ir. and ]\Irs. Steele are ]\Iiles L., Watson E.,
Winfield S.. Clift'ord J.. Nellie B.. :\Iernie ]\I. and Ralph E. Steele.
George P. Stevens, a representative citizen and farmer of sec-
tion twelve, Adrian toAvnship, was born in AVashington county,
Wisconsin, July 5, 1851. and the fourth child of a family of six
children ])orn to George P. and Emily (Shove) Stevens, natives
of New York and Connecticut, respectively, of the others,
Caroline N. married Joseph Turner, and is now deceased, her
death having occurred in 1912: Alice A. is the widow of Henry
Burlingame: Nancy, who was ]\Irs. C. E. Bell, is deceased:
Oliver B. resides at Riverside, Calif., and Chester H. lives at
Tomah. The ancestors on the Stevens side were originally from
England, while on the mother's side they were Scotch origin.
The parents came to Wisconsin in the forties and first located in
Waukesha county, and in 1856 moved to ^Monroe county and
settled oil a f;inn in Adi'ian township, wliere tlie father died in
1866 at the age of fifty-one years, when our subject was in his
fourteenth yeai-. Tlic d(»ath of llic mother occurred in 1865 at
the age of fifty years.
George P. received his education in the district schools and
spent his boyhood on the homestead farm, where he now resides
aiul whicli came into his jiossessioii in 1875. Air. Stevens has
GEORGE P. STEVENS
BIOGRAPHY 885
resided in Adrian township during his whole lifetime, and has
taken great pride in improving and making his farm of 145 acres
one of the best in the county. He remodeled and made an ui)-to-
date residence with modern conveniences in 1911, constructed a
barn in 1905, which, with his other outbuildings and the highly
cultivated condition of his land, makes an ideal country home.
In public affairs Mr. Stevens has always taken a keen interest ; he
has represented his district in the state legislature two terms,
1903 and 1905, and as a member of the railway commission made
himself prominent before the people, and was county treasurer for
two terms. He is now serving his second, consecutive term as
chairman of the town board, an office he has previously held for
several terms. He has also been treasurer of his town and is one
of the most popular public spirited citizens on the east side of
the county.
In 1875 he was married to Miss Ida E. Jackson, daughter of
W. W. Jackson, of Adrian township. The fruits of this union are
four children, viz.: Harold L.. of Chicago; Grace, deceased;
Ruth A., Avife of J. G. Kemp, of Vancouver, British Columbia, and
Leonard J., who lives in Chicago, where he is employed at con-
tracting work.
Louis Storkel*. That intelligent "hustling" pays, is weli
exemplitied by the success scored by Louis Storkel. the well
known florist of Tomah. Mr. Storkel was born in Weilburg,
Germany, on June 23, 1860, to Philip and Johanna (Gras) Storkel,
both natives of Germany, and the parents of nine children — seven
sons and two daughters. He was a strong disciplinarian and
required each of the boys to learn some trade. He died in
Germany in 1901. The mother is still living at the age of seventy-
one years.
Louis received his education in his native country and there
learned the florist trade. He came to America and located in New
York City, where he Avorked at his trade for a time, and deciding
to try his fortune in the West, he came to Milwaukee in 1884.
Not finding this city suitable for the business in which he Avished
to engage, hoAvever, he came to Tomah, arriving here Avith just
17 cents in his pocket. He felt that success Avas before him and he
was equal to the task of carving out for himself more than a bare
livelihood. He secured employment as a laborer, Avhich occupa-
tion he folloAved for eight years. Determined to succeed in the
country of his adoption, he brought to bear that indomitable
poAA^er of Avill common to his German ancestors, and Avith the
desire uppermost in his mind to become a landed proprietor in this
886 HISTORY OF .AIONROE COUNTY
country, he succeeded by thrift, economy and industry in saving
his earnings with which he purchased thirty-five acres of land
adjoining the city of Tomah, and erecting thereon a small green
house, started in business at his trade. He prospered from tho
beginning, and soon enlarged his first building to a large green-
house containing 8,000 square feet of glass. His business con-
tinued to prosper and he began to increase his land holdings and
expand his facilities until he now owns 120 acres of choice land on
which he raises large quantities of small fruits and vegetables, his
annual sales amounting to thousands of dollars. In the year 1910
he realized $-1,000 from the sale of strawberries and other small
fruits ; in addition, he raised large quantities of tomatoes, cabbage
and celery. He supplies the home market besides shipping in
carload lots to other markets. His nursery stock is the finest in
the county and his place is called "the Tomah green house and
fruit farm," and is the largest of its kind in the state of
Wisconsin.
Mr. Storkel is a member of the park board of Tomah, and the
flowers, evergreens and shrubbery growing along the boulevards
have been planted, managed and superintended solely by him. He
takes an active interest in public affairs, and is always ready to
lend his moral influence and financial aid to any worthy enter-
prise tending to the betterment of his community, and withal he is
a high-minded, public spirited citizen. He contributes largely to
the leading magazines published in the interest of his line of
business.
On March 9, 1881, Mr. Storkel was married to Miss ^linnie
Man. Their six children are Herman, Lena, Anna, Louis, Adolpli
and Louisa, all of whom are living.
Charles Stratman, a Avell-to-do farmer of AYellington township.
Monroe county, came here in 1890 and bought his farm of 240
acres in sections ten and fifteen, which he has since made one of
the ideal homesteads in the county. His residence, barns and
other outbuildings lend a prosperous appearance to his farm, and
his water is supplied by a hydi-aulic engine from natural springs
on the place. His methods of farming are thoroughly up to date —
and, in short, he is a progressive farmer. He is the son of
Arnt and Louisa (Neadfelt) Stratman, both natives of Germany,
who came to America sometime in the forties, with a family of
four children, and located in AYest Salem, La Crosse county. Wis.,
where they bought 160 acres of land in 1867. The father started
in life with no means save his native ability to earn a livelihood
by the sweat of his brow, and he worked for a long time as a day
BIOGRAPHY 887
laborer, and by his close application and economical management,
he saved sufficient money to purchase his farm, and at the time of
his death, which occurred in 1909, was a successful farmer with
a comfortable home and many friends. They were members of
the Lutheran church, and Mrs. Stratman is still living at "West
Salem at the age of seventy-eight years. They had a family of
seven children, five of whom are now (1912) living.
Charles was the youngest of the family, and was born on
March 28, 1876, in West Salem, Wis. He attended the district
schools until he was fourteen years old and lived at home until he
was twenty-one. His first venture on his own resources was on a
rented farm, which he worked for one year, and on December 15,
1898, he was married at West Salem to Miss Dora Wehrs, one of a
family of five children. Her father was a stone mason by trade
and came from Germany to La Crosse county, Wisconsin, in an
early day.
Mr. and Mrs. Stratman have a family of four children:
Edna P., Harry C, Walter W. and Ethel A.
Will F. Strozinsky is a native of Wilton township, Monroe
county, Wisconsin, and was born June 9, 1870, the second child
in order of birth in a family of nine children, born to Charles and
Anna (Rainsaur) Strozinsky. The father was born in Prussia and
the mother in Austria. The father came to America while yet a
young man, in the early fifties, and located in Dorset Ridge, town
of Wilton, where he worked as a day laborer until his marriage.
He homesteaded a farm of 160 acres, where he lived three years,
then moved to Cold Spring valley, where he purchased 120 acres
in section fourteen, and there lived until he died in 1891. When
he first settled on his farms they were in a wild state, which
required much energy and labor to subdue, and in connection
with his farming operations, he operated a thrashing machine for
eighteen years. He was a kind hearted, genial and public spirited
and had a wide acquaintance over the county. He was jovial and
a great lover of song, but rather unfortunate in business, leaving
at the time of his death many obligations, which were assumed
and paid in full by his sons. The mother of our subject is now
living in Tomah at the age of sixty-seven years, and is a member
of the Lutheran church, as was her husband.
AA^ill F. attended the public school until he was eighteen, and
early began life for himself. At the beginning of his career he
worked seven months during the fi.rst summer for one man, receiv-
ing for the full time $115. He worked five more summers, and
since that time has been an aggressive and hard Avorking man,
888 HISTORY OF MOXKOE COUNTY
whose efforts have been crowned \vi1li success. In 1897 he bought
a farm of 120 acres in section twenty-three, town of Wilton, where
he now resides, successfully cngnffcd in ijcneral fanning and
breeding and raising full blooded Jlolstein cattle. He operates
an extensive dairy and sells his cream to the Wilton Co-operative
Creamery Association.
]\lr. Sli'oziiisky has Ixmmi Iwicc ma I'l-icd, lirst to ]\Iiss Bertha
Wolkow. who died wilhoiit issue in l!i()."). On April 28, 1907, he
married his second wife at Dorset Ridge, in Wilton township. Miss
>\Iiiinie Hukat/, by whom he has three chihiren, Clarence IL, born
November 20. 1908; Edwin K.. Iioni Decembei- 27. 1909, and Earl
A., born December 19, 1911. In religious affiliations. Mr. and Mrs.
Strozinsky are members of the Lutheran church, Avhile in politics
he is actixc in llie affairs of the Re])ublican party.
John J. Sullivan", freight agent. Chicago, .Milwaukee &
St. Paul Railroad Company, is a native of Norfolk, Conn., where
he was born on DeccMidiei- 25. 1861. and is the oldest of a family
of six children, viz. : John J., Kate (deceased). Mary, ]Murt, Nellie
and Daniel (deceased), who were born to Daniel and ]Mary
(Stack) Sullivan, who emigrated from Ireland to the United
States when young, settling first in Connecticut, where the father
found employment in a foundry. , After remaining here for a short
time, he came to Sparta, where he found employment with the
Chicago. ]\Iilwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company as section fore-
man, which position he retained for the balance of his active life.
His death oceurretl in January. 1907. at the age of seventy-six
yeai's. His widow. ]iiother of our subject, is still a resident of
Sparta, and enjoys the affection and esleeni of her large circle of
friends.
Mr. Sullivan, the subject of this sketch received a thorough
education in the publir and high schools of Spai'ta. ami while still
a boy di'o\-e the <leli\-ei'>' wa<z'()ii f(U' the Amei'ican Ex|)ress
Company. His lirst experience in i-aili-oad woi-k was obtained
in the Ifeiglit and basgage departnu'iit at the local sta-
tion in S|)arta. ]Mr. Sulli\an l)eai's the distinction of
beiiiLi one of the employees in the freight (le]tartnuMit of the
Chica.G'o. ^lilwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at Sparta who has seen
contimial service in Ibis line since 18S1. beini; the longest in the
employ of any man coniuH'ted with llie I'oad at this ])lace.
In coin])any with ]\lr. D. C. Hope, ]\lr. Sullivan established the
fii'st cold storaye ])lant at Sparta, and after four years' successful
operation. i)urcliased the interests of ]Mr. Hope, and has since con-
tinued the business successfully, nuiking a snecialty of buying and
BIOGRAPHY 889
wholesaling' oti^s. Iviuippcd with a modern cohl slora^c \VMre-
house, he is in tlie market at all times, and in season hnys all the
egg's to be had in his htcality. paying the highest cash price I'or
them.
]Mr. Snllivaii is a man of sterling character, exem[)lai'y in his
habits and a leading spirit in matters that come within the scope
of his influence, and takes an active interest in all questions per-
taining to the betterment of his city and county, lie is a member
of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin
and the Fraternal Union. He has been alderman of the third
ward for t"\vo years.
On June 21, 1893, ]\lr. Sullivan was united in marriage with
Miss liouise Miller, daughter of Casper Miller, a pioneer and
prominent citizen of La Crosse. Their children are Samuel
Casper; Charles B. and John J.. Jr.
Thomas Sullivan, soldier and farmer, was born in 1848 in
^Michigan, the son of Jeremiah and Nancy (Friley) Sullivan, both
natives of Ireland. The father came to America in an early da> ,
and to Wisconsin when Thomas was two years old. He enlisted
in Juneau county, in Company C. Nineteenth Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry. William H. Blyton's regiment, and served until honor-
ably discharged for disability. Returning to Wisconsin, he pur-
chased 160 acres of land in section tvrenty-tw^o, Sheldon township,
where he lived until his death in 1864. Ilis wife, mother of our
subject, passed away during the same year. They experienced the
privations and hardships of pioneer life in the then new^ country,
but by hard work and perseverance subdued the soil, and became
known as one of the well-to-do and most highly respected farmers
of their towmship.
Thomas was educated in the common schools, and while yet a
young man, at the age of sixteen, enlisted in Company D, Forty-
fourth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until
the close of the war. Tlis regiment w^as in the Army of the Cum-
berland, under General Thomas, and participated in the battles of
Johnsonville, Duck River, Franklin. Tenn.. and Nashville. He
was honorably discharged at Paducah. Ky.. July 2. 186;"). Return-
ing to Wisconsin, he acquired a quarter section of land in Sheldoii
township, IMonroe county, where he now resides, engaged in gen-
eral farmino'. He is one of the representative men of his town.
and enjoys the confidence and respect of the ciutununity in which
he resides.
He was married in June. 1867. at St. ^Mary's, to ^liss Catherine
Onalphy, daughter of a proinintMit ^lonroe c(MUity family. In
«9U HISTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
politics, ]\Ir. Sullivan is a staunch believer in the principles of the
Democratic party.
Levings N. Sweet, a prominent early settler of Lincon town-
ship, Monroe county, Wisconsin, a resident of section twenty-
nine, is a native of Vermont, and was born at Ilinesburg,
Chittenden county, in that state, May 13, 1837. Ilis parents,
Ezekiel and Cleora (Mack) Sweet were also natives of Vermont
of English extraction. They later settled in Madrid township, St.
Lawrence county. New Y^ork, where they spent the balance of
their lives. Our subject is the seventh child of a family of nine
children and the only surviving member. The otiiers were James
M., Henry 0., Sarah, who was the wife of D. A. Olan; Charles,
Enu'ry A., Mary A., Augustus, and Norman E. Sweet. Mr. Sweet,
our subject, was educated in the common schools and Potsdam
Academy, and remained at home ujitil twenty years of age, when
he came to "Wisconsin, first stopping at Milwaukee, where he was
in the employ of the Milwaukee and Prairie du Chien Railroad.
At the end of eight months he went to Iowa and engaged in
teaching school. After two seasons he returned to AVisconsin,
and for one year farmed in Waukesha county. In July, 1860,
he came to Monroe county, and opened a farm for his brother
near Tomah, in Lincoln, now LaGrange township. He cultivated
the soil and improved the place continuously for twelve years,
at the end of which time he came to his present location and
])ought three forties, which was for the most part wild land. He
took possession in 1871, and erected suitable buildings and has
since engaged in general farming and raising of live stock.
Mr. Sweet has been prominently identified with the early
organization of his township, and has represented the people
officially on several occasions, and was the first to aid in the
erection of the Kirby LTnion church. He has been a member of
Tomah Lodge, No. 132, A. F. and A. M., since the early sixties.
January 28, 1862, Mr. Sweet was united in marriage with Miss
Sarah Howard, a native of Milwauke, Wis., where she was
born April 5, 1845. She is a daughter of Harry B. and Avilla
(Webber) Howard, natives of Ohio. Four children were born to
this union, viz.: Emory A., who died June 28, 1910, at the age of
forty-eight years; Warren H.. of Portland, Ore.; Arthur L., of
Lincoln township, aiul Lottie C.. wife of ]\rett Rose, of Tiiiicolu
jowiisliip.
Arthur L. Sweet, oiu^ of the progressive farmers of ^lonroe
county, who resides in section twenty-nine. Lincoln township,
was born near Tomah, in LaGrange township, June 9, 1868. He
BIOGRAPHY B91
is a son of Levings N. and Sarah (Howard) Sweet, of Lincoln
township,. Mr. Sw^eet attended the district school and remained
on the homestead farm until he reached the age of twenty-four,
when he purchased his present farm of 120 acres, whicli at that
time was only partly improved. He erected a comfortable resi-
dence, large and commodious barns and outbuildings, and made
other improvements, besides bringing the soil to a high state of
cultivation. In addition to general farming he carries on an
extensive dairy business, and has a fine herd of Holstein cattle.
In fraternal matters, Mr. Sweet is a member of Tomah Lodge, No.
132, A. F. and A. M., Modern Woodmen of America, and the
Woodmen of the World. He is also a member of the Union church.
On December 14, 1892, he was married to Miss Mabel A. Payne,
daughter of H. S. and Beulah E. (Bisbee) Payne, of Sparta. Mrs.
Sweet is the oldest of a family of three children. The others are
Clarence H., who resides in the state of Washington, and Leo H.,
of North Dakota.
Norman E. Sweet, one of the early settlers and highly
respected citizens of LaGrange township, was born in Hinesburg,
Vt. His parents, Ezekiel and Cleora (Mack) Sweet, were natives
of Vermont, from whence they moved to St. Lawrence county,
New York, when our subject was two years old, and there died.
Norman E. was the youngest of a family of eight boys and three
girls, all of Avhom are now deceased excepting Levings N. Sweet,
of Lincoln township, this county. Mr. Sweet came to Monroe
county with his two brothers; Emery J. purchased 300 acres of
land from the government, in LaGrange township, whicli at that
time formed a part of Lincoln, and L. N. and N. E. Sweet pur-
chased an interest later. In 1874 our subject sold his interest in
this land and moved to section nine, LaGrange township, and
purchased a farm of 120 acres ; the residence having been burned
in February of that year, a new one was immediately erected,
which is still in use by his widow and son, Edgar C. Sweet.
In 1904 a modern barn was built and many valuable and lasting
improvements have been made. A pioneer in that section, Mr.
Sweet took an active part in transforming Monroe county from
a wild state to one of the highly cultivated farms and good homes.
He took an active interest in local matters and was known as
one of Monroe county's public spirited and high minded citizens,
and his death, which occurred December 27, 1893, was mourned
as a great public loss.
On April 15, 1864, Mr. Sweet was united in marriage with Miss
Diana Barkley, a native of Upper Canada, and a daughter of
892 lllSTOIvV OF .M')Xlx()E COUNTY
llciiry I', iiiid {'jilliL'i'inc (Sliavcr) Barklcy. also natives of Canatla,
wliere they .si)t'iit their lives. ]\Irs. Sweet is 1lu' sixtli child in
order of birth in a family of nine children; those living are:
Gordon, who lives in Ontario; ^Iar<iafet, AVinehestei-. Ontario;
(icor^c. of AVaddinnfton. X. Y.. and Klizahelh. -who resides in
^Manitoba. Those deceast'd are Amos ami J^aney, Kliza ami
Alniira. ]Mrs. Sweet is a lady of noble character, possessed of
womanly virtues and a fador for good in her community. To
]\rr. and Mrs. Sweet were born three childi-cii. viz. : ("an-ie nuirricd
Edwin .1. Vandervort, and resides in the town of Tomah: Kdgar
Charles lives on the home r;iriii. and Jessie Irene is tln' wife of
1). C. l*ni-dy, of LaOrange township.
fJohn Peter Hai-kley, paternal grandfathei' of Mi's. Sweet,
was a native of Schoharie county. New York, and lived to the age
of seventy-five years; his widow. Delliah (Sperbeck) Barklcy. who
lived to be 107 years of age, died in 1867. John P. Bai-klcy.
his sister, and two children were onee cai)1in-ed by the Indians
and held for ransom; one child, born while in cai)ti\ity. was
never returned to its parents by the Indians, they claiming they
would make 'Jieap big chief" of him some day. The maternal
grandfathei- of Mrs. Sweet was JMiehael Shaver, a native of
Canada; he married IMiss Jane Baker, and both lived to be eighty
years old. Tln^ first spring after ^Ir. and ]\lrs. Sweet to(dv up their
residence on the i)resent homestead, they had some annoying
experiences with the Indians; Red Eagle came to the house one
day and demanded admittance, and when refused on aci-oiiiit of
his intoxicated condition, immediately took his hatchet and
proceeded to batter down the door. lie was captured and taken
to Tonuih, "where he was tined jj^ll and made to pay for
the dooi". AYhile ]\lr. Sweet and others were at the trial, Mrs.
Sweet remained at home, and very soon after their dejiarture,
the house was snrronnded by Indians making search foi- the
unruly one; among them was Artitdioke, Good Bear and others,
and after being made to understand the situation, and where the
other Indian was. they withdrew. An Indian trail ran across
this farm and it Avas no unconnuon thing to see as man.\ as tw(^nty-
five Imlians at one time, and three ai'e now bnried near the barn.
Edgar C. Sweet, proprietor of East View farm, in section
nine, LaGrange township, where he was born June IS. 187(i. and
has always lived, is a Ixdiever in up-to-date methods in dairying
and general farming. He received his education in the district
school, and after the death of his father, assnmed the active
nmnagement of the farm, and besides general farming and dairy-
BIOCJRAPIIY 893
ing, lie is successful breeder of Guernsey cattle, Percherou horses,
Poland China hogs and Prown Leghorn chickens. Mr. Sweet
takes a commendable interest in the affairs of his township,
and has held the otRce of treasur-er. In December, 3897, he was
married to Lliss Jennie Carter, daughtin- of Arnold and -lane
(Wilson) Carter, natives of New York. They have one child,
Doris M. Sweet, born June 13, 1906.
Truman R. Talbot, county clerk of Monroe county, is a native
of the "Badger state" and was born of English ancestry, on a
farm near Whitewater, AA'is., January 14, 1857, son of Robert A.
and Ann (King) Talbot, natives of Cambridgeshire, England.
They came to Rock county, this state, after marriage in 1849,
where they engaged in farming until the spring of 1863, when
they located in section thirty-four, Adrian township, IMonroe
county, on a 160-acre tract of wild land, the only building being
a small log house, which was used for a home, and as time and
circumstances demanded, log stables were built and later modern
buildings were constructed and the land brought to a high state
of cultivation. It was here that they made their home until
1888, when they removed to Tomah. where they resided until
their death. He passed away in 1891, and his wife, the mother
of our subject, survived until 1905, when she died at the age of
eighty-one years. ]Mr. Talbot, the father of our subject, was a
veteran of the Civil War, serving near the close as a private in
Company A, Fifty-second Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers. He
was counted among the prominent pioneers of Adrian township,
and a man whose moral influence counted for much in his com-
nmnity. He was prominent in religious and church work, being
one of the organizers of the Ridgeville Methodist Episcopal
church.
Mr. Talbot, the subject, is the fifth child of a family of eight
children, three sons and five daughters. The others are : Emma,
wife of Francis Burroughs, of Beloit, AVis. ; Sallie, wife of
I. N. Palmer, of Tomah — she is now deceased; Fred K., of Tomah;
Ella, deceased, wdio was the wdfe of the late L. R. Cole; Lottie,
deceased; J. E., of Sioux City, Iowa; and Millie, wife of Harry
Euckhausen, of Sparta.
Mr. Talbot attended the public schools of Adrian township,
and the Tomah graded schools, and began for himself on the
homestead farm in 1880, and was a resident of Adrian township
until his election to his present office. He taught school for
several terms in his home neighborhood during the winter season,
attending to his farm duties during the summer season, and
894 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
during his residence there served as treasurer of his township for
two years. Politically Mr. Talbot is a Republican staunch and
true. He Avas first considered as the most available member of
the party as a candidate for county clerk in 1906, and was elected
to that office by a large majority. His efficiency was again
demonstrated in 1908, by his renomination and election, and
again in 1910 by a large and popular vote, reflecting great credit
upon himself and giving entire satisfaction to his constituents.
Mr. Talbot is one of the most progressive citizens, a man of strict
integrity of character, a supporter of all worthy enterprises, and
makes every effort to advance the best interests of Monroe county.
Socially Mr. Talbot is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.
In 1881. the subject was united in marriage with Miss Emma
Seibold, daughter of George and Armenia (Knapp) Seibold, of
Ridgeville township. They have three children : Harry R., con-
ductor on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, with
headquarters at Sioux City, Iowa; Ray G., mechanical engineer
with Fairbanks & Morse at Beloit, AYis., and INIabd A. Talbot,
Sparta.
Robert John Taylor, the well-known and popular druggist
of Sparta, comes of Scotch-Irish ancestry. He was born at
Coleraine, Ireland, April 10, 1874, and came to America with his
parents who first settled in Jackson county, "Wisconsin, and later,
about twenty-five years ago. moved to Sparta, where Robert
received his education in the public and high schools. His first
venture in business life was a position as clerk in the drug store
of Edward Crane, when he was eighteen years of age, and after
two years' service M-ith Mr. Crane, he entered the store of F, N.
Newton, and remained in his employ for eight years, where he
mastered pharmacy in all its branches. In 1907 Mr. Taylor pur-
chased the drug business of John "\Y. Palmer, and has since,
under the firm name of the Taylor Drug Company, success-
fully conducted the ])usiness, increasing the stock and otherwise
enlarging the facilities to meet the growing demands. A leader
in his line, he conducts a modern and up-to-date drug store, as
his many friends will attest.
Fraternally Mr. Taylor is a member of the Masonic order,
a Knight Templar, a member of the Knights of Pythias, and
I\Iodern AYoodmen of America. He was married on ]\Iay 19, 1909,
to Miss Lenna Waring, daughter of E. I. AYaring, of Sparta.
Mr. Taylor is the son of AYilliam and ^Margaret (McPherson)
Tavlor, who were married at Bdrngh. Ireland, over half a
BIOGRAPHY 895
century ago, where a family of seven children were born as
follows : Anna Jane, wife of Thomas Hunter, of Superior, Wis. ;
Martha P., wife of Edward Moe, of same place ; Samuel Semple,
a lumberman of Missoula, Mont. ; AVilliam "W., druggist, of
Stevens Point; Dr. David A., of Bangor; Robert John, our sub-
ject, and Margaret, of Sparta.
William Taylor, father of Robert, was a native of Coleraine,
Ireland, and after coming to America, engaged in farming as his
principal occupation. He died in Sparta on November 12, 1908,
at the age of eighty years. He was the son of William Taylor,
born on the Rock of Gibraltar, and who fought in the battle of
Waterloo in Napoleon's army, and Mrs. Taylor, our subject's
mother, still retains the medal tendered to him at the time of
his discharge by Queen Victoria which bears the date of 1793-
1814.
Robert McPherson, maternal grandfather of Mr. Taylor, was
the fourth child of a family of seven children ; the others were
John, James, Samuel, Thomas, Adam and Joseph. Mrs. Taylor,
mother of Robert J., resides in Sparta, well preserved for one of
her years, and blessed with an abundance of womanly virtues
which merits the highest esteem in which she is held. She is
now eighty-three years old.
Fred W. Teall, is a prominent citizen of Sparta, and a leader
in his special line, that of gardener. He was born at Geneva, in
the state of New York, on March 31, 1859, and is the youngest
of a family of three children born to James and Elizabeth
(Allsop) Teall, natives of New York and England respectively.
James, the father of subject, followed the occupation of tile and
brick making, and was for several years manager of the Geneva
Tile Works. He introduced the first machine-made tile into the
United States from Scotland. Both Mr. and Mrs. Teall spent their
lives in New York state, where Mr. Teall died in 1904 at the
advanced age of eighty-five years, and his widow passed away in
1906 at the age of seventy-nine. Their sons, Edward S. and
Fred W., are the only surviving members of the family ; the other
child was Anna Teall.
Mr. Teall, our subject, received his education in the public
and Union schools of Geneva, and began business life in a
nursery. In 1884 he came to Sparta and entered the employ of
T. B. Tyler, as superintendent of his stock farm, which was then
stocked with Pole-Angus herds, and at that time was the most
extensive stock farm in Sparta township. At the end of six years
he embarked in the business of gardening and the raising of
896 HISTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
small fruits, which he continued for some eighteen years, and
since then he has devoted his entire time and energy to garden-
ing exclusively. His ten-acre tract has been brought to a high
state of cultivation, and is one of the most productive spots in
Monroe county, furnishing the wholesale market of Sparta with
various kinds of seasonable garden truck. The year of 1011 was
a most prosperous and eventful one for Mr. Teall, as the success
attained made it possible for him to erect a beautiful bungalow
residence for himself at number 511 Jefferson avenue. The
building is thoroughly modern in every way, finished in old
mission, with a perfect hot water heating system, making it one
of the model homes in the city.
On April 1, 1879, Mr. Teall married Miss Fannie E. Cromwell,
daughter of Edwin and Julia (Tyler) Cromwell, and their five
children are named respectively : Robert J., who resides in Cali-
fornia; Annie, wife of Rev. T. B. Thompson, and resides in
Rockford, 111.; Julia P^lizabeth, and Thomas T. Teall, civil
engineer and county superintendent of highAvays, Sparta.
Robert J. graduated from Beloit College at the age of twenty.
Annie and Julia Elizabeth are also graduates of the same college,
and Tliomas T.. engineering course, State University of AVisconsin.
John Teasdale, who was esteemed alike for his sterling worth
as a man, and the public spirit, enterprise and tenacity of purpose
which made him an important factor in the building up and
development of a rich and prosperous portion of the state of
Wisconsin, was born in Yorkshire, England, on February 9, 1829,
and died at his residence in Sparta, February 9. 1911. just
eighty-tAvo years later, the final summons reaching him on his
birthday. Many times during the last few weeks of his life,
while confined to his bed Avith his life and strength fast ebbing
aAAay, did he ask his son HoAvard hoAV many days it Avas until the
ninth of February, it being his one great desire to live until
his eighty-second birthday, and in this instance as all through
life, his determination accomplished the desired end.
Mr. Teasdale left his native land in February, 1850. and
settled first in JohnstoAvn, N. Y., and Avhile a resident of that
state he met ]\Iiss Sarah Seymour, Avhom he Avedded at GloA'crs-
A'ille, in 1854, and Avho for more than half a century assisted him
to meet and conquer the adversities of pioneer life, and to enjoy
the fruits of their industry, she having died in this city July 20,
1895. The year folloAving their marriage, Mr. Teasdale took his
young bride, and animated Avith the same spirit Avhicli has caused
hundreds of thousands of others to brave the hardships of pioneer
JOHN TEASDALE
BIOGRAPHY 897
life, he headed toward the "hmd of the setting sun," settling
in Janesville, Wis., in 1855, the following year moving to Reeds-
burg, and in the spring of 1857, he arrived in the little village
of Sparta, near and in which place the remainder of their lives
was destined to be spent. Being a carpenter and joiner he
immediately commenced contracting, one of the first jobs he
secured being the construction of the Jackson store building,
afterwards occupied by Rufus S. Dodge for many years, and now
known as the Jackson building, occupied as a blacksmith shop
by Mr. West. He also constructed the Dan Potter and Z. K.
Jewett residences, both of which are still standing. During this
time he built the first schoolhouse in the Blackburn district,
north of this city. This building he contracted for $400. To
show what conditions were at that time, he found on completion
of this work that the town warrants Avhich he accepted for pay
could only be sold for 30 cents on the dollar, and this amount
he had to accept, as the money was needed. This left him with a
number of unpaid bills on his hands, among them one for $20
for hardware, which had been furnished by AV alter Allen. Mr.
Allen persistently endeavored to collect the bill, visiting Mr.
Teasdale, who at this time was on the farm where the brick
house now stands. Finally he found Mr. Teasdale and his wife
wallowing around in the wet marsh one cold fall day, endeavoring
to get sufficient hay to winter their only cow. Allen again
insisted on his pay, and Mr. Teasdale told him that all he had was
that one cow, and that if Allen would take that and leave him
alone, he was welcome to it. This he refused, also a watch which
was offered him. The next year Mr. Teasdale raised 275 bushels
of wheat, which he sold to John Moffatt, under contract for
85 cents per bushel, but before the delivery was completed the
price of wheat had dropped to 74 cents, and never again reached
the 85-cent mark until after the war.
Mr. Teasdale moved on the farm north of this city, where the
brick house now stands, in 1859, and succeeded there in accumu-
lating 1,000 acres of land. His life was a busy one from the
beginning, and as a result of his hard work, energy and perse-
verance, the brick house and other substantial buildings were
erected by him, and he was considered among the most desirable
and prominent citizens of his community. He became interested
in the promotion of a cheese factory when the dairy business in
Monroe county was in its infancy, and in this venture lost
heavily. He also was a heavy loser in indorsing notes for his
friends, and through these unfortunate ventures he was forced
898 HISTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
tu disj)()se of llie original farm in oi'dcr to save himself from
financial rnin, and he then inoveti on In the I'omeroy farm, Avhieh
he had acquired. There he remained iinlil 1884, when he moved
into this city. Dnring most of his life here, he resided in the
residence whei'c tlic new ('atholic chnrcli now stands, lia\iiig
sold llial piopiTty to llic ('atliolics a few years ago.
Nearly llic ciilire rural telcjihone system out of this city has
been laid imdcf the difccj ion of Mi-. Tcasdale, and for many
years he and his old horse aixl llic "" Democrat" wagon were a
familial' sight along the telephone lines.
There were three sons born to .Mi-, and .Mrs. Tcasdale, vi/. :
Frank, who died in 1870, and IIoAvard and -loseph, both of Avhom
survive and are residents of this city.
During llic latter part of Mr. Teasdalc's life, he Avas badly
crii)|)lcd with rheumatism, the result ol' exposure of the early
years, hut e\-en this was not suflicieut to pi-cvent him from taking
an active interest in every enterprise arouiul him.
The deceased Avas a member of the IMasonic order and also
of the I\Iethodist Episcopal clnireh in which for many years he
Avas an active Avorker.
Mrs. Jeddie Thurston, Avife of the late Adelbert D. Thurston,
of Leon toAvuship, Avas born June 1, 1865, in the toAA'u of Wells,
]Monroe county, "Wis., and is a (biughter of Henry and ]\Iary
Nichols, prosperous and influential citizens of that toAvn. AVlien
seA'enteen years of age. in 1882, she Avas united in marriage Avith
]\Ir. A. D. Thurston, and to them Aver<' born four children, all
of Avhom are noAV (1912^ living, viz.: ]\linnie H., liorn November
2, 1884; Leah, born July 14. 188(i: AVilliam IT., born October
8, 1892, and Hazel, born December ti, 1898.
]\Ir. A. D. Thurston, deceased, Avas born in the toAvnship of
LaPayette, Monroe county, March 22, 1864; his father, AVilliam
Thurston, was one of the eai'ly and most I'cspected residents of
Farmer's valley in Wells townsliiji. Mr. Tliui'stou si>ent his
boyhood days on the homestead rami, attending the disti'ict school
and assisting in the farm Avork. lie was wide awake and thrifty,
and soon after reaching maidiood, acquireil a good farm in Leon
tOAvnship Avher(^ he lived until his death, February 4, 1910. and
Avas engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was
kjiOAvii as a successful farmei-. ;i moi-al and upright citizen, and
a man dcA^oted to his lionie and fiiniily. He Avas a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America.
AVilliam H., since the death of his falhei-. has had the manage-
ment of the homestead faruK
BIOGRAPHY 839
Charles Todd, vice presideiil oi' the State ]3ank of WiliDii. was
boni near Homer, Cortland eouiity, X. Y.. Septeinlx'i- :5(). ls;}7. to
Cliarles and ]Mai-ie ( W'illiaius) Todd, on the same I'anii \vhe)-e ins
father was Itorn. and died in 1838 at the age of 1hiii\-six \-ear.-'.
His wi(h)\v. mother jf our subject, survived until 1S74 and died
at the age of sixty-tive years. Charles Todd. Si-., was a son of
Dan Todd, a native of Connecticut, who, in 17U4, came up the
Tioughnioga river in a canoe and was one of the pioneer settlers
of Cortland county. lie died in 1842 at the age of sixty years.
His wife, paternal grandmother of our subject, was Sarah Foot,
w^ho lived to the age of seventy years and died in 1845. The
maternal grandfather of Charles Todd was Thonuis Williams,
whose wife's maiden name was Olive Blodgett ; they were natives
of Massachusetts. luiAing l)een liorn near Springfield, that state:
he was the son of Ambrose Williams and died at the age of sixty-
eight : her death occurred in 1860. and tradition claims that his
great great grandfather was a passenger on the ^Mayflower.
Charles Todd, Jr.. was raised on a farm whicli was sold when
he enlisted as a private in the Union Army on Ai)ril 24. 1861. in
Company D. Twelfth Regiment. New York Volunteer Infantry,
and was nuistered into the service at Elmira "Slay 12. and his
regiment was immediately ti'ausferred to Washington, D. C. He
participated in the skii-mish at Blackburn Ford. July 18. 1861. and
was also in sevei-al of tlie important engagements in Virginia,
.ncludinu' the l)a1tle of l^ull Run. He served with distinction
Throughout his term of enlistment and received hif^ honorable dis-
charge at Elmira in May. 1863. After returning to his home in
Homer he was employed for a time at general carpenter work,
and in 1868 came to Wisconsin, locating in Sauk county, where he
remained three years, until 1871. when he was employed by the
Chicago ct Northwestern Railroad in construction work. Since
the spring of 1873, Avhen he first came to "Wilton, he has been
a resident of ]Monroe county, he was first em])loyed by the
Chicago (fc Northwestern Raih'oad at tunnel No. 1. and for the
next three years followed the occupation of railroad building,
taking part in gr.-iding and track laying. His next employment
was with ]Moll & O'Brien, with whom he remained three years,
when he purchased a farm of eighty acres in section nineteen,
Wilton township, where he was engaged in farming from 1883 to
1890. He then received from Gov. George R. Peek an appoint-
ment as messenger at the state capitol at jMadison, and served in
that capacity four years. He then returned to Monroe county an<i
located in the village of Wilton, which has since been his home.
900 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
where he lives and enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know
him. He has served as justice of the peace almost continuously
since 1876, and for several terms as clerk of the township. In
1903 he became vice president of the Wilton State Bank, in which
capacity he is still engaged.
Mr. Todd is a man of large, wholesome public spirit and tense
patriotism. Every movement that has for its motive and impulse
the advancement of the city or county, is assured in advance of
his hearty assistance and support ; his energy and sagacity, which
he is always willing to supplement in a financial way, have been
the dominating influence of many a profitable project; his is a
strong character, and one that by reason of its power and mag-
netism could not fail to be of effect in molding the thought and
trend of the community of which it formed an integral factor.
On December 23, 1858, Mr. Todd was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah E. Beck, daughter of William P. Beck, a substantial
citizen of Homer, N. Y. She was born in 1840 and died in 1903,
leaving, besides her husband, two children, viz. : Mary C, the
widow of Imla Kellogg, and William E. Todd.
Herbert B. Tuttle, of section eleven, LaGrange township, who
manages and carries on the 430-acre farm of Riley, Hart
& Warren, known as the "Bonnie View" farm, was born in
Baraboo, Wis.. September 23, 1850, the son of Albert G. and
Elizabeth (Clark) Tuttle, natives of Connecticut, who came to
Wisconsin in 1846. The father first stopped at Madison, then
Avent to Portage Avith a stock of goods and opened the first store
at that place for Nat Dean. He afterward returned to Con-
necticut, entering into copartnership with David ]\Iunson. He
returned to Wisconsin and Baraboo in 1848 and opened the first
store there. In 1853 he purchased a farm near Baraboo, at that
time being a leading horticulturist of the state, for which he
secured many state premiums as a producer of Russian apple
trees. He was the first president of the State Horticultural
Society, and a prominent man of affairs. He died in LaGrange
township in 1908 in his ninety-first year. His wife, mother of our
subject, died at Baraboo at the age of eighty-five years. They
were the parents of four children, viz. : Albert, deceased ;
Herbert B., subject of this sketch ; Merritt I., born in 1854, and
lives in Montana, and Edward K., of Jackson county, AVisconsin,
was born in 1857.
Herbert B. had all the advantages of the district schools and
was raised on a farm. In 1876 he came to Monroe county and
located in Scott town.ship. where for ten years he carried on a
BIOGRAPHY 901
200-aere erauberry luarsli, from which the yield ran as hi^h as
400 to 500 barrels a season. In 188G he was burned out and then
moved to Bear Bluff township, in Jackson county, Avhere he
engaged in cranberring for eleven years. In 185)7 he returned to
Monroe county and took charge of the Purdy cranberry marsh,
near Valley Junction. After three years he moved to his present
location and has since had charge of the "Bonnie View" farm.
On this place there is twenty-seven acres of a cranberry marsh,
with room for 110 more.
Mr. Tuttle was married in November, 1876, to Miss Laura C.
Daniels, daughter of Luther Daniels, of Baraboo, Wis. She was
born in 1860 and died in 1899, leaving, besides her husband, a
family of four children, as follows : Genevieve, now Mrs. Louis
Armstrong, of Brooklyn, Wis. ; Ilallie, Mrs. Burt Warrener, of
]Madison ; Arthur E. and Hester A. live at home. Mr. Tuttle mar-
ried the second time June 20, 1902, Miss Eva Cattle, daughter of
Edward and Louisa (]\liller) Cattle, of Juneau county, Wisconsin.
Mr. Tuttle was one of the organizers of Bear Bluff township,
in Jackson county, and served as clerk of the town while a resi-
dent there. In fraternal matters he is a member of the IMasonic
order. The Tuttle family were originally from England and
Mr. Tuttle can trace his ancestors in a direct line back to William
the Conquerer. Two brothers w^ere the first to represent the
Tuttle family in this country, one, John Tuttle, member of New
Haven colony, owned the original farm where Yale College is now
located. The Clark family came from Connecticut.
Capt. William H. VanAntwerp, of Sparta, comes from one of
Monroe county's pioneer families and was born December 3, 1869,
the son of Henry and ]\Iary (Loonier) VanAntwerp, natives of
New York and ^Massachusetts, respectively. Both the VanAnt-
werps and Loomers came from prominent Llolland ancestors.
Henry VanAntwerp came to INIonroe county, Wisconsin, with his
father, William, in 1851. and settled in Sparta when the town
was new and but a village. William was a blacksmith by trade
and located in a small building on Beaver creek. He took a promi-
nent part in polities and court affairs, and took a lively interest
in all matters pertaining to the betterment of his city and county.
He died in 1877. Henry Van Antwerp, father of our subject, was
engaged in commercial trade in Sparta for a number of years. He
died August 3, 1899, leaving his widow, who died November 4,
1911, at the age of sixty-five years.
William H. VanAntwerp is the oldest of a family of four
children, he, with his sister, INIinnie, wife of P. J. McBride. of
902 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
I'urtage, Wis.. IxMug llie only ones surviviny; Lewis and Jessie,
Avife of A. J. Ilanton, of ^Minnesota, are deceased. lie was reared
oil u fiirni and received liis education in the public schools of
Sparta. Starting' out in life, he early learned the painters' and
decorators' trade, which he followed for some time and later
engaged in the laundry business, and still later in the restaurant
and other lines. lie is a Republican in political opinions and a
eonsjiieuous work'er in the ranks of his jiarty ; he has also for years
been prominent in military atfairs. tirst serving as private and
later as captain of Ihe Wisconsin Xatioiial Guards. He was mar-
ried to his present wife in 1902.
Cornellms Vandervoort, retired rainier of Tomah. a native of
Schoharie counly. New York state, was l)()ni 31 ay 3, 1833. His
parents were James R. and Mar}' (Baker) Vandervoort. also
natives of New York, coming to Buffalo in 1844, they one year
later continued their journey westward, locating with their family
of eleven children in AVau.keslia, Wis., and after three years
removed to Oconomowoc, and there purchased a farm on which
he lived for ten years. It Avas in 1852. during the gold excitement
in California, that our subject left the parental roof and joined
the successful army of gold diggers, and during his stay there
sent enough money to his father to pay in full for the farm that
he had bought at Oconomowoc. James R.. the father of our sub-
ject, was tirst married to ]Miss Mcliitire in the slate of New York,
and tell chihlreii were horn to them. ti\'e of whom are now living.
His second marriage occurred ^Nlarch 14. 1880. with ]\Iiss Mary
]\Ioon. In eai'ly life he learned the trade of a carpentei- and
became an exp(U't mechanic, and one of the best hewers of timber
to be found in the country. He was a man highly resjiected in
the communitN'. a sincere Christian gentleman and in religious
affiliations a IMethodist. He Avas a soldier in the War of 1812. He
diefl January 4. 1881.
•lohii \'aiidervoort. the grandfather of our subject, was a
soldier in the Revolutionary War undei- Washington.
("ornellius attended the district school until he was sixteen
years of age. and at the age of eighteen, in 1852. he started over-
land with his l)rotlier-in-laAV and his family for the gold fields in
California, making the trij) with an ox team, reaching their desti-
nation at the end of si.\ months. Their liryl stop in tlu' (it)l(len
state lieiiig forty-five miles from Sacramento. They resumed their
j(»ui'ney fui'ther. where they engaged in Iheir search f(U' the golden
metal, .\fter one year they went to a point on the Vuba river,
where the subject was taken ill with fever, resulting in a [)hysical
BIOGRAPHY 903
breakdown, and l)eeoming homesick, he abandoned f'lirtliof mining
explorations and re+nrned to Wisconsin, making the trip by the
way of the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in New York City after
a twenty-three days' trip, in 1855, after an absence of three years.
Arriving at Oconomowoc, Wis., his former home, he bought two
forty-acre tracts of bind on each side of his father's farm and
there resided for about six years. In the l)egiiniing of the sixties
he moved with his family to ]\Ionroe county and bought eighty acres
of land in LaCxrange township, adding to this until he acquired
210 acres in the township, where he resided for some thirty years,
since which time he has been a resident of the city of Tomah,
M'here he owns a neat and comfortable residence, besides other
valuable city property. JMr. Vandervoort has been a successful
general farmer, and ran the first steam thrasher in jMonroe county,
and carried on that business for eight years. While conducting
his farming interests he was ever successful in the raising of grain
and grass crops, to which he gave special attention, as well as the
raising of cattle and hogs and the dairy business. After bestow-
ing largely the real estate he has acquired to his children, he still
retains a sufficient amount of the world's goods to keep him in
comfort during his declining years.
Mr. Vandervoort was united in marriage with ]\liss Julia Ann
Gitman in 1856. Six children were born to this union, four of
whom are living, viz.: W. E., born August 12, 1858; J. L., born
July 9, 1860; Jacob, born October 19, 1862; Alfred, July 20, 1865.
Mrs. Vandervoort is deceased. IMr. Vandervoort is a member of
the INIethodist church, the Knights of Pythias and the G. A. R.
In August, 186-1:, he enlisted in Company H, Fifty-first Regiment
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and served until the end of the
Avar.
Frank E, Vandervort, of section eight, LaGrange township, is
one of the wide awake natives of Wisconsin, and was born in
LaGrange township September 6, 1867, son of Isaac, who was born
in Schoharia county. New York, September 9, 1834, and Laura
(Foss) Vandervort, a native of Vermont. Isaac Vandervort was
nine years old Avhen his parents moved to Wisconsin, and settled
in AVaukesha. which was then known as Prairieville. Two years
later they moved to Merton and thence to Summit Center. Avhere
they remained two years. Isaac was fourteen years of age when
he and his brother purchased forty acres of land near
OconomoAvoc, which they opened, improved and added to until
they had one of the best farms in that section. Here ]Mr. Vander-
vort lived until 1860. When the Civil War broke out he offered
904 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
his services to his country, but Avas twice rejected. On his third
application, however, he was accepted, and in 1864 assigned to
Company I, First Heavy Artillery, and served one year. In 1866
he came to Monroe county and for many years was known as one
of ]\Ionroe county's most public spirited and thrifty farmers. In
1859 he married ]\Iiss Laura A. Foss, avIio died at 1he age of forty-
four years in 1885. In 1887 he maiiicd for his second wife Naomi
Hoag, a native of jMonroe county. New York. James R. Vander-
vort and Mary (Baker) Vandervort. grandparents of our subject,
were also natives of the Empire state; they also came to ^Moiii-oc
county in 1866, where they passed the last days of their lives, lb-
died at the age of ninety-two years and she at the age of seventy-
five years. He was a carpenter by trade and a soldier in the War
of 1812. The Vandervorts came from old and respected New
England ancestry. The death of Isaac Vandervort occurred
September 3, 1912.
Frank E., is the third child in order of birth in a fannly of
eight children: the others are Edward J., of Tomah township;
George, of Vilas count\', Wisconsin ; ]Mary, wife of John Trapp. of
Tomah; Ody, of LaGrange township; Roy lives at Osseo. Wis.;
Alvin J. and Lulu B. ]Mr. Vandervort attended the tlistrict
schools and remained on the home farm until the age of twenty-
one, when he began farming on his own account. In the fall of
1898 he moved to his present farm of 110 acres, which at that time
was all 1inil)ei-ed land but twelve aci'cs: he has since cleared Ihe
balance, made many improvements and bi-onght the land to a good
state of cultivation. In 1898 he erected a small frame house
which he occupied until 1905. when he built a commodious and
modern brick residence. His barn, erected in 1899, was enlarged
in 1912, and a fiiu' stone basement added, and in the same year a
silo Avas built. ^Ir. Vandervort is one of the substantial and pro-
gressive farmers of Monroe county, and takes a commendal)le
interest in affairs of his town, as well as in the county. lie has
represented his townslii]) on tln^ side board and is a nuMuber of
1lie ^lodern Woodmen of Amei'ica.
He w^as mai-ried on December 25, 1888, to ^liss Li'ltie Woodard,
a native of Watertown. N. Y.. and daughter of Wilson and Delia
(Taft) Woodard, of Tunnel City, Monroe county. They came to
Wisconsin when i\Irs. Vandervort Avas one year old. and settled in
Greenfield township, where they eontiinied to make their home
until their death. They Avere the parents of seven children, viz.:
Lettie, noAv Mrs. Vandervort ; Anna E., Avife of Byron Johnson, of
Tunnel City; 1). T., of Riverside, Calif.: Tillie, Avho Avas the Avife
BIOGRAPHY 905
of Frank Johnson, died in October, 1908, aged forty years; Delia,
wife of Henry IMorse, of Warren ; Kittie, wife of Odie Purdy,
LaGrange township, and Wilson D., of Greenfield township.
To Mr. and Mrs. Vandervort have been born three children,
viz. : Laura, Leon AV., and Frank W. Vandervort.
Rollie Vandervort, a native of LaGrange township, Monroe
county, who resides on his farm of ninety-three acres in sections
twenty and twentj^-one, this township, was born in Pleasant
valley, March 25, 1886, son of Alvin J. and Lottie (Cooms)
Vandervort, natives of Oconomowoe and Baraboo, Wis., respect-
ively. They came to IMonroe county in an early day, and at that
time much of the township consisted of wild land covered with
stumps, with no wagon road. In 1883, when twenty-one years of
age, the father married and located in Pleasant vallej^, and for
several years was employed in the ]\IcKanna logging camp and
later settled in Tomah. where he built a home, which lie later
traded for the farm where our subject now resides. He was born
in 1862 and died in 1898, aged thirty-six years. His Avife, mother
of our subject, who also was born in 1862, survived until 1905,
when she passed away at the age of forty-three years. Besides
our subject, they had one daughter, Eva, who resides at Tomah
and is unmarried.
In 1908 Mr. Vandervort married Miss Mattie Griggs, daughter
of Clarence and Carrie (Griswold) Griggs, of LaGrange township.
They have two children. Dales James, born November 1. 1909,
and Helen L., born October 18, 1911. ]\Ir. Vandervort is a member
of the Mystic Workers, and is one of the solid young men of
pleasing personality of his township. He is fair and square in all
his dealings, and promises to be one of the leading citizens.
Lawrence E. van Loon, a successful farmer of section twenty-
eight, LaGrange toAvnship, was born in Holland, June 27, 1840,
son of Everhardus and Binke (LaFleur) van Loon, natives of
Holland. The father died when our subject was eight years old,
and a short time thereafter the mother came to America with
her family of five sons, as follows : Lawrence E. ; John, who is a
resident of La Crosse county ; Rinnert, deceased ; Elbertus, of La
Crosse county, and Paul, of San Francisco, Cal. The mother lived
to the age of forty-six years and died in 1860. The father, at
the time of his death was a government official of the province of
Friesland, which was a life position.
Lawrence E., the subject of this sketch, received his education
in the district schools, and during his youth was employed as a
farm hand. At the age of twenty-four years, in 1861:, he pur-
906 HISTORY OF lAIONROE COUNTY
chased a farm at La ( •I'L'sci'nt, ]\linii., wlicre lie resided and
engaged iu farming on his OAvn account until 1880, at which time
he removed to the city of La Crosse, AVis., and in 1882 came to
LaGrange township, Monroe county, and purchased his present
farm of forty acres known as the "Bostwiclv farm," where he
has since resided, devoting himself to the culture of small fruits,
and finding in the quiet and independence of his home and farm
life congenial employment. He is known as one of the substan-
tial citizens of LaGrange township. In fraternal matters ]Mr.
van Loom has been a member of the Masonic order for 0A='er forty
j^ears, and with his wife affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal
church.
In I860 ]\Ir. van Loon was united in marriage with ]\Iiss
Albertje Tuininga, daughter of John Tuininga, of La Crescent,
Minn. The cliildren of this union are Edward, of Danville, 111. ;
Trjaitje, deceased, was the wife of Albert Ran, and Reed, who
resides in Montana. The mother of this family died in 1890 at
the age of forty-two years, and JNIr. van Loom was married again,
this time to Miss Emelie Damerow, daughter of Gottlieb and
Louisa Damerow, of Jacksonville, "Wis. Of this marriage there
has been four children, viz.: Mamie, Wesley, who died in 1910
at the age of sixteen years ; Ida L., and Neil, all of whom reside
at home with their parents.
William H. Verken, one of the progressive farmers of Monroe
county, Avhere he was born July 16, 1861, the son of Lawrence
and Catherine Verken, the former a native of Prussia and the
latter of Germany. The father came to America in 1856, and
settled at St. Mary's in the town of Jefferson in ]Monroe
county, where he worked as a farm laborer, receiving .$8 per
month for the first year. In 1858 he was married to ]\lrs.
Catherine Delp, who emigrated to America in an early day and
located at Mansfield, Ohio, where she married Mr. P. Delp, who,
during the gold excitement in 1849, went to California. After a
sliort time he returned to the East, and died in 1851. They had
three children, one of whom, Mrs. Catherine (Delp) Spricli,
survives and lives in Milwaukee. Previous to his marriage ]\Ir.
Delp had taken a homestead in the town of Sheldon, whither
the family moved after his death, carrying all their (>f¥ects in
a wagon drawn Ijy oxen. There were no roads at that time l)ut
Indian trails, and the mother was compelled in pioneer fashiop
to take up the ax and cut down tind)er in order to open a I'oad
tor the wagon. j\Iany times did she have to resort to this Ix^fore
she reached the land wliidi was to Ix' licr future home, whei'c slie
BIOGRAPHY ■ 907
reared her family. It was on this lioniestead where our subject
was born and Avhere he now resides. After marriage Mr. Verken
cleared up 110 acres of this wild land and converted it into one
of the best farms in Sheldon township. In those early days deer
and all kinds of wild game were abundant. Mr. Verken, father
of "William H., acquired KiO acres of land in Sheldon township,
Avhicli he afterwards sold. He stood high as a man. and was
upright in all his dealings, a successful farmer and sheep raiser,
having at times as high as 500 head. He also kept a good grade
of horses and cattle, but he derived his best revenue from selling
wheat and other grains. He was a Republican in politics and
held the office of supervisor and director of the school board.
He died in 1911, a member of the Evangelical church, as was his
wife.
William II. attended the district scliools and remained at
home. He was the only son and the mainstay of his father. He
Avas married April 3, 1884, at Madison, Wis., to IMiss Carrie
Detrich, and they had six children, of which three are living:
Abner E., born January 21, 1892; IMelvin L., born February 27,
1894, and Miss Violet C, born June 16, 1897. Mrs. Verken was
educated at ^Madison, Wis., where her father for many years was
a leading merchant. She is the third child in a family of seven.
The family went to California in IMay. 1884, where they now"
reside. Besides her devotion to her liome and family she is a
leader in social matters, and is deeply interested in church work.
For many years she has been a teacher in the Sunday school,
and the missionary society finds her one of the most zealous
workers. Mrs. C. Verken has been corresponding secretary of
the Home Mission Society for a number of years.
Mr. Verken is one of the public spirited men of his town
and besides general farming, conducts an extensive dairy on
his 160-acre farm in section thirty-one, and has made many
improvements. Erected a modern residence in 1900, and barn
in 3908. His farm is ecjuipped with up-to-date appliances, and
his three large trout ponds are well stocked with plenty of
speckled trout, while his two springs furnish an abundaiuM^ of
Avater for his house and barn. In politics he is a Republican.
Leo Vieth, one of the successful and influential farmers of
Ridgeville township, was born in ]\Ionroe county, AVisconsin,
April 1, 1865, the son of Henry and Emstena (Noth) Vieth, both
natives of Germany. The father emigrated to America in 1848,
and first settled in Walworth county, this state. He later
came to ]\Ionroe county, and acquired a farm of 200 acres in
908 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Ridgevillr, and was uue oi' tliu early settlers of that tuwu, where
he experienced the privations and hardships incident to pioneer
life. lie was a progressive farmer, an honorable, npriglit and
liigh iiiiiidrd cili/cii. and occupied a prominciil place in the
section in which he lived. He died in 1897 and the mother
passed away in 1882, honored and respected by all wdio knew
them. Tliey reared a family of nine cliildren, three of whom are
now living.
Leo received his education in the pul)li(; scIkiuIs, whicji lie
attended up to his eighteenth year, and remained at home with
his parents as long as they lived. After the death of his father,
he acquired the old homestead in sections fourteen and twenty-
three, Ridgeville township, in Avhich lie had taken an active part
to improve. He was his father's mainstay, and for years ])re-
ceding his father's death, had the active management of tlie
farm. Since coming into possession of the homestead he has made
many improvements by bringing the land to a higher state of.
cultivation, erecting buildings, etc., amounting to over .1^8,000.
He is one of Monroe county's successful and up-to-date farmers
and a man who stands high in his community. He takes a prom-
inent and active part in the aft'airs of the county, is strictly
upright and honorable in his dealing with his fellow-men. and
holds the confidence of the people, In 1901 he was elected to the
office of sheriff of the county, a position he held for two years,
discharging the duties of the ofHce fairly and imi)artially. He is
now (1912) the nominee of the Repu])lican party for the same
office, and as the nomination is considered as good as election,
it is safe to say that j\Ir. Vieth will be the next sheriff of Monroe
county. He was chairman of the town of Ridgeville for twelve
years.
In fraternal matters, Mr. Yieth is a mend)er of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias. He
w^as one of the promoters and organizers of the Monroe County
Cyclone Insurance Company (incorporated), Avhich began busi-
ness in 1911, and the company now has over 300 policies in foi-ce
and their business is extending rapidly. He is also a diiv^ctor
in the German IMutual Fire Insurance Company.
Henry G. Vincenz is one of the hustling young farmers of
Ridgeville township, jMonroe county, where he was born February
12, 1876, and raised. He is the son of Frederick A. and Carrie
W. (Mausch) Vincenz: his father was a native of Saxony,
Germany, and his moHiei- was born in Jeffei'son county, Wis-
consin. The father came to America sonu' time during the fifties
BIOGRAPHY 909
and located iii Jefferson county, where he worked as a farm
laborer for some time; in 1860 he moved to Leon township, in
Monroe county, where he also worked at farming, until about the
time the Civil War broke out, and he enlisted in Company K,
Third Regiment Wisconsin, June, 1860. After serving three
years, he returned to Monroe county and again engaged in
farming. In 1867 he was married in Jefferson county, and they
had a family of eight children, four of whom are living, Henry,
our subject, being the sixth child. In 1887 Mr. Vincenz pur-
chased a farm of 180 acres in sections four and nine in the
township of Ridgeviile, which was soon converted by them into
an ideal family homestead, where they lived the remainder of
their lives. Mr. Vincenz died in 1900, and Mrs. Vincenz in 1883.
They were highly respected by all who knew them, and con-
sidered among the leading farmers of the township. They were
members of the Methodist church.
Upon the death of his father, Henry G. inherited the greater
part of the homestead farm, to w^hich he afterward added a
twenty-acre tract adjoining, so that his farm now contains about
140 acres and is a fine piece of ground. His residence is modern,
and Mr. Vincenz lives here with his sister. Miss Paulina. Mr,
Vincenz is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church at
Norwalk, Wis., and is surrounded by a large circle of friends
and acquaintances.
Mr. Vincenz is at the present time a member of the Farmers'
Equity, a stockholder of the Norwalk Independent Telephone
Company; also a stockholder of the Farmers' Creamery Company
at Norwalk, and a director of school district number four. He
is a Republican in his politics, and is active in all matters Avhich
point towards the development of his town and county.
Levi Wallace, a prominent and influential citizen of Sheldon
township, is the son of John and Harriet (Otter) Wallace, and
was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 20, 1839. His
father was born in 1811, and lived for over forty years in Morgan
county, Ohio. His mother was born in Pennsylvania, in 1813.
They reared a family of twelve children, ten of whom, six sons
and four daughters, are now living, our subject being the fourth
child in order of birth. The parents came to Wisconsin in 1882,
locating in the town of Sheldon, and were among the prominent
settlers of that section. They followed the lives of farmers and
were among the well-to-do and highly respected citizens of the
town. There they spent the last days of their lives, and died
honored and esteemed by the whole community. The death of
!M(; lilSToKV OK AIONKOK C'OlXTY
the Jallicr occiinvd in 1S!)(), ;ii.(l tluil ol' the iiiotlicr in 1898. On
llic |);it('i'nal side, .Mr. W'jillacc traces liis anccslry to Scot hind.
liis grandfather AN'allacc liaving conic I'l-dni thai cnnnli-y to
America in a very early day.
Ijcvi Wallai-c i'ccci\-c<l his I'ducation in llir pnhlic schools, and
when yet a yoiui^- man came to AViseousiu in Fei)i'uary. iSli."). At
the age of twenty-one^ years he started out in life for himself
on a I'cided farm, which lie o|)<'rated for some fonr years.
and llien spent a short linn' in the West. Keturning to Wis-
consin, he li\('d in \'ernon county until 387!). then came ])ae]< 1o
iMonroe coiinty. am! in the fall of that year |)nn-liased a farm
of 200 acres in section t"\Venty-two, Sheldon towjishii), where he
has siin-e resided, lie snhseqiiently added forty acres to his
original purchase, and has matle many impi'ox-enicuts. In 1887
he erected a conmnxlious residein-e. and in 1S!)4 built a well-
constructed harn. Starting out in life pooi-. and with onl\' his
hands, hi'ains and iionndless energy, he nu't with many luirdships
and pi'ivation at liist. which he met with indonuiitahle courage
and o\('rcann'. and in the end gaiiu-d success, and is to-day one
of the inlhienlial and successful general farmers in ^lonroe
county. Besides his farming operations he has l)ecn identified
■with many pu])lic enterprises, hotli in a business and representa-
tive way. aiul by his honoralile dealings and upright manly
character has attained to a position of ])roniinence. In all
matters which he considers for the good of his town and county,
he lends his co-operation and support. In ISSO. he wes elected
ehaii'man of the town board, a position he held for ten yc^ars,
and for a period of live years was assessor of the town, ami for
eighteen years has been ti-ensurer of his school district. 1I(> also
held many important offices while a resident of Veriu)n county.
As a nuMuber of the legislature for four years, prior to 188"). he
was t)i-ominently identified with nnn-h imimi'tant h^gislation. and
tilled the position Avith honor to himself antl the satisfaction of
his constituents. He was one of the organizers and pi-esident of
the first creauH'ry operated in the town of Sheldon, and is now
connected in an official wa\' with the Farnuu's' Creamery of the
sanu' town. Mr. Wallace has been an e\tensi\'e dealci' in ami
shipper of live stock, having begun his oiteratiuns in this li?ie in
1868. lie has l)een the general nuinager and luiyer for the
Western Livestock Association for more than twenty-five years.
]\Ir. Wallace has been twice married. First, in 18r)f). to Miss
TTattie Dalton, of Vernon county, by whom he had four children,
two of Avhom are now living, viz.: ]\Iinnie, wife of C. AV. Harmon,
of Mrgiiiia. ]Miiii].. and .Mai-ian ().. of I>cac!i. X. I). Tin- first
]Mrs. Wallace died in ISSO. and he married for his second wil'c
Miss ( ivillia J. Applenian, who was the eiohtli child in a family
of eleven children, six of whom ai-c now (]!)12) livinji'. viz.:
Elizaheth, wife of Ilenrv ^mith. of I. a l'\)r»:,e, Wis.; P^va, wife
of Jefferson Perkins; ]\latilda (".. wife of Jolm Edirar: Ueorge
and Phillip, all of Vernon county. AVisconsin : ;ind Mrs. Wallace.
Her father was horn in 182."), and died April Ki, ISDo. Her
mother was horn in 1880, and died November 29, 1868. They
were among the prominent and very early settlers of Vernon
connty. To Mr. and Mrs. AVallace have been born six children,
viz.: Lena C, born December 21, 1879; Albert A., born January
5, 1882; George R., born Febrnary 20, LS88; Susan 11.. born
November 3, 1885; Harrison M., born February 5, 1889; and
Millie Flo, born October 6, 1890.
In fraternal matters ]Mr. AVallace is a mend)cr of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and has tilled all the chairs of
the order. Politically. ]Mr. AVallace is a Progressive Republican
and takes an active interest in the affairs ol' the party.
George H. Warren, whose death occurred at Tomah. Wis..
Octol)cr. 1911. was a leader in the commercial life of Tomah and
an illustrious example of that type of enterprising intelligence and
successful business men which has given that prosperous and
growing city the advanced station it Indds among the cities of
]\Ionroe county. He was a native of Rutland county, A'ermont, born
December 14, 1887. and was a son of John H. antl Lida
(McGregor) AVarren. 3Ir. AVai-rcn was in the best sense a thor-
ough and practical business man. whose clear-cut. honorable meth-
ods, skillful management of affairs and sterling manliness in all
his varied relations made him a leader among his associates, and
a force of good in the community in which he lived. His life was
clear, his motives ]uire and uo (>ne could come within the I'ange
and sphere of his iiifluence without recognizing the force of his
strong jiersonality and integi-ity. elements of character which had
nnich to do with securing to him the high jdace h(> held in busi-
ness and commercial circles, as well as in his social and othei- rela-
tions. For forty years Mr. AVarren was continuously and closely
identified with the financial interests of Tomah. and his mcmoi-y
is cherished and kept in grateful remend)i-ance for the important
part he played in the material development of both the institutions
witli which he was so closely connected and the city in which he
lived and loved. His father. John IT. Wari'eii. was a nati\e ol'
Scotland, and by trade a carpenter and conti'actor. Tie came to
U12 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Wisconsin from western New York in the early fifties, with a
family of three sons and one daughter, viz. : John F., George H.,
Charles II. and Laviene, and settled in the town of Stoiighton,
where he followed his trade as carpenter and builder, and for ten
years was engaged in the retail luml)er business. In 1868 he
moved to Tomah, where he also engaged in tlie lumber trade,
which he followed up to the time of joining his son, Charles II., at
Shenandoah. la., a short time before his death, Avhen he returned
to Tomah and made his home with George H. He was a great
Bible student, popular and well known in business and social
circles; of kind disposition and considerate of those near and
dear to him. In his early years he took deep interest in music,
took instructions at Boston and became a noted singer and taught
vocal music in his native state, and also after coming to Wisconsin.
Was a member of the Boston Glee Club. Ilis death occurred in
1892.
George II. AVarren received a limited education, attending the
common schools until he became twelve years of age. He lived
under the paternal roof until the age of nineteen and worked at
the carpenter trade with his father until he was twenty-two. He
began his long and prosperous career as night operator in the
employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, and for
twenty-three years was employed as night operator and billing
clerk, and was then employed as station agent at Tomah, Wis.,
hy the same company for some twelve years. In 1871 he asso-
ciated with his younger brother, Charles H., secured a contract
from the railroad company to furnish railroad ties. They fur-
nished all the ties used by the company for the roadbed between
Chicago and ]\Iilwaukee; they then became purchasing agents for
the company, which position was held for fifteen years. When the
Chicago, jNIilwaukee & St. Paul road purchased the Wisconsin
Valley road, Charles H. was made superintendent, with offices at
Tomah, Wis., and continued to fill that position until promoted to
superintendency of Shenandoah (Iowa) branch. Retiring from
the railroad business, Mr. Warren purchased the lumber interests
of his father at Tomah, and for six years successfully conducted
that business. In 1888 he organized the Warren Bank of Tomah,
with John II. as president and George II. as vice president and
Winfield W. as cashier. With a capital of .^10.000 the bank began
business and has had deposits of over half a million dollars. Up to
the present time the stock has been owned and controlled by the
Warrens and has always been considered one of the soundest insti-
tutions in tilt' founly. He was prominent in Masonic circles antl
lUOGRAPHY 913
had attained to the degree of Kiiidit Temi)hu'. In i)olities he was
a Cleveland Democrat.
On February 26, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen
M. Stoughton, who was a native of Vermont, and a daughter of
George Stoughton, wlu^se bi-otlicr was the founder of Stoughton.
To this union was born one son, AA'infiold W.. now prosidcnl of
the AYarrens' bank.
Mr. "Warren passed away in tlie full strength oL" his mental
vigor, and though his going was universally felt to be a public
loss and by those near to him as a loss that nothing can fully
repair. It is to them and to all a source of consolation to know
that he left the enduring influence of a good life and the lasting
lieritage of an honored name.
Franklin Webb, a highly respected farmer and resident of
Wellington township, inirchased his farm of 160 acres in sections
twenty-two and fifteen in 1876, Avhich has since been liis home.
He was born on December 11, 1835, in New York state, the son
of Napthali and Hannah (Hall) Webb. The Webb family
descended from three brothers of that name who came to America
from England in an early day, and the grandfather of Franklin,
(Libeous) Webb, settled in Connecticut and was a soldier in the
Revolutionary War. Napthali Webb was born in Connecticut
and was one of a family of five children. They moved from there
to Oswego county. New York, where they lived until some time
during the fifties, when Napthali, with his family of four children,
moved to Jefferson county, Wisconsii], and lived there until his
death at the age of ninety-four. He was one of the early pioneers
of Jefferson county, who passed through the trials and privations
of the early days and did much toward the development of his
tOAvn. He raised a family of fourteen children, seven of Avhom
are living.
Franklin Webb is the tenth child ; his brother, William Webb,
was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in the Twenty-ninth Wis-
consin Infantry until the close. Franklin lived with his parents
and worked on the farm until he was forty-one. He was married
on August 16, 1857, in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, to Miss
Elizabeth Crout, and moved to the town of Wellington, in Monroe
county in 1876. He had purchased his farm there in 1873, and
has since been a successful general farmer and a most valuable
citizen to his neighborhood. His laud was unimproved when he
bought it, and with the many years of hard work and economical
perseverance, he brought it to its present high state of cultiva-
tion and made it one of the ideal country homes of the township.
914 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTr
His method of farmintr and his business dealings witli liis neigh-
bors won for him the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
Both he and ]\Irs. AVel)b are members of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal
cluirch. lie is now j-ctired from active life on account of poor
eyesight, and his son. Iliram, a l)riglit and thi-ifty farmei-.
manages the farm.
]Mr. and IMrs. AVebb liavc a family of five cliildi-en. all ol' whom
were born in -fcfferson county, viz.: ('larcnce F.. born June 20,
1858: (leorge W.. boin September 10, 1850; Jcri-y W.. born
January 4, 18(i] ; IliiMui L.. hoiii Januar.v :'. 1863, and KImer M..
born November 20. 18(j7. .Mi-s. ^V('bl) was one of a fainil\- of
twelve children, of whom llii-cc boys and two girls are now living.
She was born at Martin. Ohio. January 20. 1840. Her father.
Nicholas Crout. who was born in France, emigrated from the state
of Ohio to Walworth count.y, Wisconsin, in 1843. antl in 1848
moved to Jeflferson county, where he bought a farm of 120 acres.
He afterwards moved to (.'alifornia. where he died in 1888. Ilei-
mother. Catherine Talbot, was born in Germany and died in Jeffei'-
soii ei)iuit\ ill 1865 at the age of forty-four years. They were
memlters of the Freewill liaptist church.
Thomas Welch, a prosperous farmer of Wellington township,
was born .May 6. 1857. to Patrick and Elizabeth (Quirk) Weicii.
natives of Ireland. The father came to America in early life and
first located in New York, where lie woi-ked as a laborer for some
time, and Avhere he was married and raised a family of six ehil-
dren. In the fall of 1864. the father, with his family, came to
Monroe county, AVisconsin. and settled in 1lie Black valley, in
Wellitiiilou Inwnshi]). where he homesteaded eighty acres of land
in section eight, lo wliieli he subsequently added, until a1 the time
of his death, which occurred October 5. 1908. he owned 120 acres.
He was among the early settlers of Black valley, and the wild land
which he acrpiired. M'as by hard work and ])ei-severance. converted
into a valuable and productive farm, lie was honorable and
upright in all his dealings antl gained many friends, which he
retained. In religious affiliations he and his wife, who died in
1904, Avei'c devoted members of the Ciitliolie ehufcli.
Thomas received his education in the pul)lie schools, which he
attended until his seventeenth year, .ind made his home with his
parents, though at the early age of fifteen he started in life I'nr
himself, receiving $10 per month as a farm laborer, whicii occupa-
tion he followed foi" several years l)efore buying a farm of his
own. In 1S92 he was mari'ied to Aliss Catherine Egan. daughter
of Peter Egan. of Wellington township, who came with his familv
BIOGRAPHY 915
to Monroe coimty in 1859, where he i)iii'ehaseil liOU acres of wikl
laud in the town of Wellinijton. To Mr. and Mrs. Wei eh have
been born seven children, of whom six are now li\iii^-. viz.:
Mary p]., born May 25, 1894; Catherine, hoi-ii Kehniary 2, 189G;
Thomas, born October 10. 1898; Agnes, l)orn Jannary 25, 1900;
Donald, born July 10, 1904, and James, born February 5, 1908.
Prior to his marriage IMr. Welch had acquired seventy-four
acres of land in section eight, AVellington township, to which he
has since added forty acres, and is now the owner of 114 acres of
choice land. He is a successful farmer and keeps his place w^ell
stocked with horses, cattle and hogs. He has made many valuable
improvements ; built his residence in 1904, and erected a large and
commodious barn, 32 x 54 feet, with other substantial outbuild-
ings. Tw^o deep wells and a fine spring of running water, furnish
his house and barn with an abundant suppl}^ at all seasons. Besides
being successful in farming, Mr. Welch is a public spirited and
influential citizen, and for eighteen years has been elerk of the
school board.
Simon J. Wells, one of the prosperous and influential farmers
of Wells township, is a native son of Monroe county. Wisconsin,
and was born in the town of Wells January 11. 1858. His parents
were James and ]\Iinerva (Cline) AYells. natives of Ohio and
Pennsylvania, respectively. The father came to Wisconsin in 1853,
and for five years followed the occupation of sheep and horse
drover. He made his home in !l\Ionroe and La Crosse counties,
until his marriage in La Crosse county, about 1857. He was a man
of energy and thrift, and became the owner of 380 acres of land.
He was a successful farmer and made a specialty of raising Oxford
sheep, cattle and hogs. He took an active interest in town and
county matters, and for tw^o years was chairman of the town
board and a member of the board of supervisors, and in politics a
Democrat. He lived a long and useful life, his death occurring in
1904. Wells township was named in his honor, and is a fitting-
compliment to a worthy pioneer and citizen. His wife, mother
of our subject, still (1912) survives, and is a resident of Sparta.
Simon J. was raised on his father's farm, and during his boy-
hood attended the district schools and assisted in the farm work.
He remained on the homestead with his parents until he reached
the age of tw^enty-eight years. He has follow^ed farming during
his whole life; has been generally successful in his undertakings
and is knowai as one of the prosperous, public spirited citizens of
IMonroe count}', and all matters pertaining to the welfare of his
916 lll.STUiiY OF .MONROE COUNTY
commuuity, received his hearty support. In politics he affiliates
with the Democratic part3^
The marriage of ]\Ir. Wells occurred ou May 27, 1886, to ]\Iiss
Clara Lee, daughter of Peter Lee. Six children have been born
to them. viz. : Frances, Fern, Lee. Myrtle, James and ]\Iyra AVells.
Will N. Wells was born in the town of (Greenwood, Oceana
county, ^licli., February 3, 1865. He is the son of Kufus Frank
Wells and Fannie Fortune Wells, both descendants of Revolu-
tionary families, which settled in Ncav York and Pennsylvania at
an early day.
]\Ir. Wells came to Michigan Avith his parents when that state
was a territory, being pioneers there and also in Wisconsin. Rufus
Wells was a car])enter by trade and helped to build many of the
earlier houses in Hlack River Falls during the fifties: failing
health forced him to abandon the trade and he engaged in the
mercantile business in 1870. which he followed until his death.
AVill N. came to Ilumbird with his parents, where his father
opened a pioneer hardware store in 1870. AVas educated in the
common schools of that place, going to Dakota with his father in
1878 and being pioneer settlers at Gary. His father died at Gary
the following year, when subject of this sketch Avas attending
school at Ilumbird ; he went tn Xeillsville in 1880 and luul one year
in the high school. Financial circumstances compelled him to
abandon school and he entered the printing office of the Clark
County Courier, at Xeillsville. to learn the trade. The remainder
of his education Avas acquired in the '"school of experience'' and
he graduated from a country printing office. In 1884 he purchased
a half interest in the Neillsville Times, selling out six months
later; and until 1890 he followed the occupation of journeyman
printer. Avorking in many of the large cities of the country.
Tn December. 1890. he returned to Black River Falls. AVis.,
and leased the Jackson County Journal. Avhich he conducted for
two years. On September 11, 1891. he Avas married to ]Miss
^Margaret Kerrigan, daughter of ]\lr. and ^Ir.s. William Kerrigan,
of Sparta, the latter being pioneer settlers of that phu-e.
In December, 1892, he gave up the lease of the Journal and in
January. lSi>;5. Avas I'lected engrossing clerk in the state senate
at Aladison.
In September. 1908. Avas appointed depnly collector of internal
revemie for the La Crosse division, comprising ten counties of
Avestern Wisconsin, and served in that capacity until June 1. 1900.
Upon receiving the appointnienl to that position he moved Avitli
his family to Spjirta in Februai-y. 1894. Avhere he has since
BIOGRAPHY ill 7
resided. Since leaving the internal revenue service he has l)een
engaued in the business of stationery dealer for sevi'ii ncji rs. jiiid
foi- the past four years one of the proprietors and editor of the
]\lonroL' County Democrat.
rie served three >'ears <is ahlciiiinii jiiid Iwo .vc.-irs as super-
visor of the thii-(l wai'd of the city of Spai'ta and tlii-ee xcars as
its jiiayor. diu'iii".' \\lii('h time many muiiieipal impro\'emeiits were
inau,uiifat(Ml. Ilis laiiiily consists of li\-e eliildi'eii. tlii'ee girls and
two boys. l)eiiiu' ai eoiding to age, Coi'a, I'jditli. Koljeii. IJufiis and
JNIargaret.
Herman V/endorf, one of the pi'oniinent (jlernian farmers of
Ridgeville township. .Monroe county, was born December 2."^ 1882.
in Dodge eon)ity. Wisconsin, the son of August and ^lai-y
(Springborn) Wendorf. both natives of Germany. His father
came to America some time diii-ing the fifties and fii-st located in
Milwaukee, where he was nmrried. and sliortly afterward moved
to Dodge county. They were [)rominent and thrifty fanners, and
lost no time in working their way to comfortable eii-eumstances.
and are now living in i)ractical retirement as the I'esult of tlieii-
early years of toil and perseverance and are considered among
the leading citizens of the township. The father is now (1912)
sixty-five years of age and tlie mother is sixty-two. Both are
mend)ers of the Lutheran church. They raised a family of eleven
children, all of whom are living.
Herman was the fifth child of the family and lived at home
until he was twenty-one: he attended the district scliool until he
was fifteen years old and then took a thorough business course
in the Iloifman College at Milwaukee. Wis., after which he
embarked in the saloon business in Wilton. IMonroe county, and
conducted this for about one year. This enterprise, however,
proved too slow for his ambitious nature and he decided to make
a trip through the West in search of his fortune, and he went to
North Dakota, but after a short visit through that part of the
country he returned to Wilton, and Avith his two brothers, pur-
chased a 200-acre tract of land in section sixteen, Ridgeville town-
ship, which they conducted together successfully. Herman after-
ward purchased the interests of both the others, which he still
owns and where he has since resided. He was married on March
25, IflOS. to Miss Freda Schultz, daughter of AYilliam and IMinnie
Schultz, who came to ]Monroe county in an early day.
Mr. and Mrs. Wendorf have tAVO children, viz.: Gilmore. born
December 18, 1910. and Barbara, born March 31. 1912. Their
home is ideal in every respect, and is well equipped with stock
918 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
and tilt' lU'ct'ssary machinery for tlie .successful operation of the
farin, making it one of the finest country homes in the county.
Mr. Wendorf has a splendid dairy business in connection, with
twenty-nine head of fine milch cows, from which he realizes a
substantial revenue in the sale of milk to the creamery; he also
has a large herd of the best breed of hogs, some of which are
always ready for the market. AVliile Mr. AVendorf is classed
among the younger farmers, he is nevertheless a hustling leader
in those ranks, and casts his vote regularly for the Republican
candidates; has always been active in the interests of that party.
Both ho and IMrs. Wendorf are members of the Lutheran church.
Herman A. Westphal, owner and proprietor of a fine 160-acre
farm in section twenty-seven, Adrian township, is a native son
of Monroe county, born August 3, 1869, and is one of a family
of ten children born to Gotlieb and Amelia (Marquardt) AVest-
phal, both natives of Germany. The others are Augusta, wife of
Adolph Sommerfield, of Tomah township; Adeline, wife of Fred
Damrow, of Adrian township ; Albertena, wife of AYilliam Bak-
house, of the town of Adrian; William, of Adrian; Amelia, wife
of "William Matthews, of Tomah township; August, of Adrian;
Emma, married William Rieke, and resides in Adrian; Albert
lives on the homestead farm, and Alvina, now Mrs. John Rehberg,
lives in Adrian township.
The parents of our subject came to America nearlj^ fifty years
ago, and first located at Tomah, where they remained a short
time, and finallj' settled on a farm in section thirty, Adrian
township, and there made their home until 1897, when they
moved to the city of Tomah, where they have since lived.
Herman A. received his education in the district schools and
remained on the home farm until he was seventeen years old,
and then began to depend upon his own resources for a livelihood.
In 1891 he purchased his present farm, which he has since
improved and brought to a high state of cultivation. He has
cleared some twelve acres, built a large barn in 1903, and a
modern house in 1904, together with granary and other outbuild-
ings, besides making A-arious other improvements. In April, 1891.
he was married to Miss Ida Schroeder, of Richland Center, AVis.,
and one daughter, Iluldah. born February 14, 1892, was the only
child of this union. Mrs. Westphal passed away in 1896, and IMr.
Westphal married for the second time in 1897, Miss Emma
Keller, of Wilton township, and to this union have been born
two children, viz.: Elna B., born August 18, 1899. and Hffrry,
born December 16, 1906.
BIOGRAPHY 919
Mr. and Mrs. AA^estpluil are uieiiibers of the Gennaii Lutheran
church of Ridgeville.
Mrs. Sarah A. Whiting='=, who resides on section five, Leon
township, is a native of Wisconsin, and was born at Kenosha,
June 26, 1844. She is a daughter of Daniel C. and Lucy (Lease)
Whiting, both natives of England. They came with their parents
in an early day to America and located for a time in New York
state, and afterwards the family moved to Libertyville, 111., where
Mr. Whiting kept the Temperance House, which he afterwards
sold and engaged in blacksmithing, later removing to Kenosha
county, Wisconsin, where Mrs. Whiting, our subject, was born.
She is of a family of five children, three sons and two d'aughters,
she being the only surviving member. The brothers were all
teachers.
Mrs. Whiting has been twice married, and both husbands
served three years in the Civil War, and by the first marriage
she had two children, Charles W. and Ida. By her second
marriage she also has two children, Albert M. and Lulu May.
Mrs. AVhiting is a lady of intelligence and refinement, and has
always been devoted to her home and family. She has resided on
her present farm in Leon since 1897.
Henry J. Willgrubs, son of Heye and Frederica (Wildhagn)
Willgrubs, was born September 9, 1859, in Madison, Wis. His
parents came from Germany, the father in 1855, first located in
Madison, where he worked as a teamster for some time; he was
born on January 9, 1819, married in 1858, and died in 1894. The
mother was born September 1, 1830. They had a family of four
children, two of whom are now living, Henry J. and George M.,
who is a carpenter by trade and resides in Madison. In 1861
the father moved to Brush Creek valley in Monroe county, and
w^ith his brothers, Jibbe and Menke Willgrubs, bought 160 acres
of wild land in section thirty-six, Jefferson township, and here
experienced the ups and downs of pioneer life, with few neigh-
bors and far apart; but, as the years passed, they became
successful farmers. Heye Willgrubs subsequently bought the
share of his two brothers in the farm, and two years before his
death left the homestead in charge of our subject, who is now
one of the leading farmers of this section.
One of the hardships of the early settlers in this section of
the country was the marketing of grain and other farm products.
They had to be hauled or driven over the then poorly constructed
roads, across the hills forming the divide between the headwaters
of the La Crosse and the Kickapoo rivers, twenty-two miles, to
920 IIFSTORY OF .MONROE COUNTY
Sparta, then the nearest railruatl town. Jt usually required tAVO
days to make the round trip.
IleiH-y ff. AVillgrubs attended tlic district schools until he was
fV)Ui'teen years old, then took a course at Xorwalk school, and
later attended |iii\ ale school al .Madison, taking a thorough course
in luisiness and ixiok-keeping. lie lixcd at home Avith his parents,
continuing llie iiiaiiagemeni id' the ianu uidil he was thirty-one
years old; he was married on April 22, J8t)l, to Miss Frieda
I\Iaier. daughlci- of .lohn and Teressia ]\[aier, also natives of
(Jermaiiy. ]\lr. and ,Mrs. Willgi-ugs now have a family of three
children, \ iz. : Alhei't F., horn .May 1.'), 1S!)2; Krnest Theodore,
born August 10, ]894, and Flsie T., born :\Iarch 20, 1900.
Besides general laindng, ^\v. Willgrnbs conducts one of the
best dairies in the country: he has held the office of town clerk
for eleven terms and is a Democrat in polities.
Jib T. WillgTubs'', who ranks among the substantial farmers
of Hig Creek valley, Avas born in Brush Creek valley near Cashton.
I\lonroe county, AVis.. INlarch IG. 1862. His father, George L.
AVillgrubs, was born at TIanover, Germany, and came early in the
fifties to the United States and located at Lotli, Dane county,
AVis., where for three years he followed the trade of blacksmith,
and then removed to AlOnroe county. The mother of .Mi-. Will-
gi'ubs. whose maiden name was Minnie Snyder, was born at
]\Iecklenlmrg, Germany, and after coming to this country settled
in Alonroe county, Avliei-e she married George L. Willgrubs.
Upon arriving in this county, Mr. AVillgrubs purchased a farm
of 172 acres in Bush Creek valley, which he cleared and improved
Avith a good class of buildincs, and brought the soil to a high
state of cultivation.
Jib T. AVillgrubs was i-eared on the lioiiic farn: and attended
the district schools, and assisted Avith ihe farm work unlil he
reached his majority, Avhen he purchased 132 acres of the home-
stead farm from his fathei- and started farming on his OAvn
account. TIm' oilier forty acres the father i-eserved, upon Avhich
he erected ncAV buildings, and Avhere he made his home until his
death on September 30. 1!)()7. at the age of seventy-on(> years.
Aftei- Ihe death of her husband, .Mrs. Willgrubs disj)Osed of the
farm and removed to the city of Sparta. Avhere she noAV resides.
They had a fannly of nine childi-en: John, lives at Cashton;
Jib T.. subject of this sketch; Ellen. Avife of Walter Parks;
.\nna, Avife of Christ Ganunerdinger, of Hustle, Juneau county;
Nettie, AvidoAV of Thomas AFui-pliy. of Sparta, and Bertha is the
wife of Allen Schutt. and resides in Alihvaukee. Those deceased
lMO(iKAPTTY 921
are Margaret. \\lu» died ;il the age of two years: llmi-y died in
infaney, and Charles died at the age of twenty-six years.
j\Jr. ^Villgi'uhs was nuii-ricd on September 27. IS!),'). ;it Home,
Wis., to ]\liss Kose Frohmader, daughter of .lohn niid Mary
(Boruhimer) Froliniader. Ilei- parents moved Irdiii Rome. -Jeffer-
son eonnty. to ("lifton townsiiip, .Monroe eounty, in 1872, where
the father died in 1907 at the age of seventy-one years. His
widow, mother of Mi's. Willgrubs, survives, and lives in tlie city
of Sparta. To Mr. and ]Mrs. Jib T. AVillgrubs have been horn
three children : Leonard G., Everett J., and Enniee M. In 1908.
Mr. Willgrubs removed to Sparta townshi}) and purcliased eighty
acres of land in section eighteen in the Big Creek \alley, to
which he added by purchase until he now has one himdrcd jiiid
thirty acres of higldy cultivated land. Mr. \Viligrul)s is one
of the public spirited and influential farmers of jMonroe county,
and takes a lively interest in the affairs of his town and county.
For four years he was chairman of the Jeft'erson town l)t)ai'd,
treasurer of the school district for seventeen years, and for
several years overseer of highways. He is a member of the
Sparta toAvn board, a member of the Sparta Fruit Growers'
Association, director and treasurer of the ]\Inlnal Fire Insurance
Company, and in polities a Republican.
William U. Willgrubs is another one of the prosperous and
influential farmers of the Big Creek valley. He is the son of
Menke and Anna (Baker) AA^illgrubs, and was born in Algona.
low^a, June 26, 1869. His father came to the Ignited States from
Germany, and first located in AVisconsin in the early fifties,
where he made a start in life and returned to Germany for his
parents, with whom he later returned to Amcu'ica. ]\Irs. AVill-
grubs, mother of our subject. Avas a native of "Wisconsin, having
been born in Waukesha count.y. After returning to America
Avitli liis parents, the father of ]Mr. AVillgruI)s went to Towa, and
remained there until 1872, whence they removed to ^lonroe
county. AA^isconsin, and settled on a farm in Sparta township,
where they remained for se\-en years, when the father purchased
the farm in section eighteen, this towaashi]i. which is now owned
by AVilliam. and Avhich he successfully cari-ied on for eiyhteen
years. He then removed to the city of Sparta, where he lives in
practical retirement, enjoying the fruits of his long years of toil.
i\Irs. AA'illgrubs. mother of our subject, died when William was
nine years old. ^Ir. AA^illgrubs is the second child of a family of
four children. The others are George, who lives in Spnrta : Ida.
formerlv the Avife of D. L. Powell, is deeeascnl : and .Xettie. who
!)22 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
(Hod at the age of four years. ^Villialn, our subject, obtained
his education in the district school and assisted in the "work on
tlie farm until the fall of 1890, when he purchased the same
from his father. He has since made many improvements on the
place, among these being his modern residence, "which "was erected
in 1903, and has many up-to-date appliances, such as hot and
cold water, etc. In 1911 a new and commodious barn, 36 by 48
feet, with twenty-foot post, was erected, besides which there is
a fine silo and other improvements. ]\Ir. "Willgi'ubs uses modern
methods in his farming, and his is one of the model country
homes in Monroe county.
On June 10, 1891, ]\Ir. AVillgrubs Avas united in marriage witli
]\Iiss Ida B. Hutson, daughter of John Ilutson, of Sparta town-
ship. To Mr. and Mrs. AVillgrubs have been born five children :
Ralph v., AVilbert J., Harold, who died in infancy ; Francis D.,
and Dorothy Mary Ann. Mr. AVillgrubs is one of the enterprising
public spirited citizens of the county, and takes an active interest
in public affairs. He has been treasurer of his town one term,
highway commissioner one term and for thirteen years a member
of the school board. In religious faith and fellowship Mr. AYill-
grubs and his family affiliate with the Big Creek Methodist
Episcopal church.
George Williams, who is one of the successful farmers of Wells
township, was born at Kilbourn City, Wis., April 14, 1864, son of
Casper and Elizabeth (Craig) Williams, natives of Germany.
Some time in the fifties the parents, with one child, emigrated to
America and located at Grand Rapids, Wis. After a residence
there of two years, they moved to Kilbourn City and there
remained ten years, whence they went to Bangor, La Crosse
county, making the trip from Kilbourn with an ox team, one cow
and two pigs, which followed the wagon all the way to La Crosse
countj'. For fourteen years the father was engaged in rafting on
the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. He homesteaded eighty acres
of land in La Crosse county at a time when there were no rail-
roads, and he would often carry a sack of flour on his back, weigh-
ing 150 pounds, from I^a Crosse to his claim. They experienced all
the trials and hardships of pioneer life in a new country, and later
purchased a farm in Burns township. La Crosse county, and there
lived until the father's death at the age of eighty-two years. The
mother died in 1902. They were the parents of six children. In
religious belief they were Lutherans, and the father was a
Democrat in politics.
George Williams, who was the fifth child in order of birth.
BIOGRAPHY . 923
attended the district schools and remained on the home farm
assisting- with the farm work nntil he was twenty-one. He then
went to Sonth Dakota and spent one year. Returning to Wis-
consin, he purchased the George King farm of 167 acres, in section
eleven, Wells township, where he has since resided, and has made
valuable and lasting improvements to the house, barns and other
buildings, and is known as one of the most progressive and
influential general farmers and dairymen of his town. In politics
he is a Democrat and has served as treasurer of the school district
for three years.
He was married at Cataract, Wis., to Miss Helen Stetzer,
daughter of August Stetzer, one of the early settlers of La Crosse
county. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of seven children,
viz. : Gertrude, Robert W., Lloyd, Harold, Vera, Ralph and
George Williams.
Robert Williams, one of the model farmers of ]\Ionroe county,
who resides on section nine, Little Falls township, was born at
Grand Rapids, Wis., August 12, 1855, to Casper and Elizabeth
(Craig) Williams, natives of Germany, and who after marriage
came to the United States in 1853 and located in Wood county,
AVisconsin, where the father worked in the lumber woods, and
rafted logs down the Mississippi river to Dubuque, Galena and
other points. He followed this occupation nntil 1864, during which
time he changed his place of residence to near Kilbourne City, and
there remained nntil 1865, when he removed to La Crosse county
and located in Farmington township, and there cleared up and
improved two farms, which he brought from a wild state to one
of cultivation and productiveness, and there made his home until
his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-eight years. His
wife, mother of our subject, passed away in 1900. Robert is the
second child of a family of six children. The others are, Ahart,
who resides on the homestead farm in La Crosse county; Lizzie,
wife of Henry Storandt, of Little Falls township ; Mary, now the
wife of James Troy, resides at Groton, S. D. ; George, of Farmers
valley, Monroe county, and Anna, wife of John Dahl, of Burr
Oak, La Crosse county.
Mr. Robert Williams received his education in the common
schools and remained on the home farm until twenty-seven years
of age. At the age of eighteen he commenced operating a thresh-
ing machine, which he ran for twenty-five years, covering in his
operations La Crosse, Monroe and Jackson counties. His first
venture at farming on his own account was on a rented farm,
where he continued for three years. In 1885 he purchased his
924
IIISToliV OK .MONROE COUNTY
present t'rii'iii. consist illy of four forties in sections eitilit and nine,
to wliicli lie h;is since added eiyhtx' acres in section seventeen. 172
acres in section seven, and anotlier forty in seel ion nine, wliich
with UiO acres in La Crosse eounty. makes liis landed holdinus (il2
acres. Tlic Ikhiic l';ii-ni is iitidci- a uood stale of cull i\at ion. is well
stocked and iiii|iid\c(l with a u(mmI class of buil(lin«rs. lie carries
on general lai'iniiiL; and dairyiiii;-. and is cxieiisixclx' eiiL;aL;i'(l in
breedinji' and raising reuistered J\'relieroii horses. .Mr. Williams is
a man of hiiih standing' in tlie conuiiiiiiity. and has the respect
and esteem of all who know him. and he lak'es a coninieiidahle
interest in the all'airs of his town and coiinly. and f(U' two terms
has serx'ed a.s a nieinhei' of the side ixiard. ( )ii .Jul\- 22. ISSl.
^Ir. Williams anms uni1e(l in marriaiic with .Miss .\melia Sidileiyer,
daughter of Georo-e and .Maruarel ( Younji) Schlei«i'er. also natives
of Germany. ]\Irs. AVillianis was horn in La ( rosse county. AVis.,
in LS."),'). and is the third child in a family of seven children.
Mv. and Mrs. Williams have two datighters, Edna Amelia, horn
.March 27. 1SS2. and .Mary (Jrace. hoi-ii .\iiunst Iti. L'^S."). hi addi-
tion to these two daimhters. .Mr. and .Mi's. Williams have eiveii a
home to a younL!' man hy the name of liichard ^'oulll:■ until he
becomes of av.('-
George Schleijier. ileceased. one of the best known early
Gei-iiian settlers of La Crosse county, father of Mrs. Iioix rt
AYillianis, was a resi(h'nt of that coiintx' from .\pril 17. IS.").!, to
the time of his death, which occurred .January 2. 1!H)(). at the aj^e
of ei,ulity-two years. His wife, the moiher of .Mrs. Williams, died
November 18. 1898, at the age of sixty-eiizht years. Mr. Sehlei.trer
was born at Saxony, Germany. Se])tember !). LS22. and was a son
of Henry and Eve (Storandt) Schleiger. lie was the youngest of
a famil.\' of tliree sons and f<uir dauuhters. and was but tliree
years of a.uc when his nmthcr died. He attended school until he
was f(mrteen years old. and I hen was an cveniim- Mipil for a time:
took iiji the trade of a mason and served an ap|iren1 ieeship i'nv
several years. His lallier was a master mason, and had charge of
a lar</e immher of men. He died in his nati\c land at the aiic of
seventy-three years. When .Mr. Schleiger was lweiit\-1wd years
of a'.ic lie saile(| t'l'oiii iJreiiieii I'or the port ol' New ^'ork. believiuL;'
that the opjioi t unit ies affordeil in tiie Inited States excelled those
ol' the old worhl. .\fter a \"oyau(' i>f tifty-eiuht days lie reached
America, continued his joiiriie\ to ^lilwaukee. Wis.. b_\ the way
of the .ii'reat lakes, thence iie went to Walworth county. Wiscousin.
and settled at Lake Geneva, where he secured employment as a
hostler in a hotel. lie was one of the tirst settlers in this plaee.
BIOGRAPHY 925
there were no roads except Indian trails, and game could be had
in abundance. Fortune did not first smile on Mr. Schleiger, but
being M-ell endowed with that ])luek and perseverance which so
strongly characterize his nationality, he overcame many obstach^s
and became the owner of one of the fine farms and homes in
La Crosse county.
Mr. Schleiger Avas united in marriage Fchi-ujiiy 2f). 1848, at
Lake Geneva, to Miss Margaret Young, also a native of Saxony,
and a daughter of John Adam Young, who settled in Wisconsin
in 1847. To Mr. and J\Irs. Schleiger were born seven daughters:
Mary, deceased; Amelia, wife of Kobert Williams; Orpha,
deceased; Anna Elizabeth, wife of 0. D. Robinson, of AVest Salem,
Wis. ; Lydia, wife of Dell Quiggle, of Burr Oak, AVis., and Sarah,
wife of Ed Radcliflfe, of Farmington township. La Crosse county.
William D. Williams Avas born in LaFayette townshij), where
he still resides, on March 31, 1877. the son of Richai'd Williams,
who was born in Wales, and INIartha W'illiams, also Ixii'u in Wales,
where thej' married fifty years ago and came to America, locating
in LaFayette township, IMonroe county, W^isconsin, on a tract of
wild land. The father followed the occupation of farming the
remainder of his life experiencing the usual difficulties of the pio-
neer, and died in 1879 at the early age of forty j^ears. His wife,
mother of our subject, passed away in 1883. They raised a family
of children, viz.: ]\Iaggie, wife of E. A'anorman, Sparta; Mary,
wife of Oscar Damman, of Sparta ; Roger, deceased ; John lives in
Little Falls township ; Katherine is Mrs. Al Gibbard, and resides
in Milwaukee, and William D., the subject of this sketch. Being
but six years old when his mother died, Mr. Williams made his
home Avith Thomas Richards, of Little Falls toAvnship, until he was
old enough to work out. He was given a conmion school educa-
tion by Mr. Richards, and started life on his own resources by
Avorking at farming for various people until 1900, Avhen he had
accumulated sufficient means Avith which he purchased his present
farm of 120 acres from Mrs. C. A. Cross, and has since l)uilt a
comfortable and commodious residence, made additions to the
barn, erected a berry house, machine shed, silo and granary and
has otherwise improved his place until he noAV has an ideal farm
home. He is engaged in general farming and dairying, and makes
a specialty of raising berries and small fruit at Avhich he has been
one of the most successful in his toAvnship. He has ahvays been
interested in the affairs of his community and has served as super-
visor of his town and is a member of the school board. Frater-
nally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
926 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
ill 1!)()() .Mr. Williams was united in marriage wilh .Miss ^laud
A. AVilcox, daugliter of Wellington AVileox. now a resident of
Sparta. They have one eliild. -lesse Roger Williams.
William G. Williams, a pioininent Ijanker and business man of
Sparta, was Ixirn (ni l^'i'liniary 1(5, 1848, in the town of Kingston,
Green Lake eonnt\ , Wis. His parents were Robert and ]Margaret
(GritTfith) AVillianis, avIio came to this state from AVales in 1845,
and settled in Green Lake county, where they engaged in farm-
ing, and the father was a local clergyman. They were among
the first settlers of that section of the country. ]\Ir. AVilliams
died at the age of tifty-three years, and Mrs. AVilliams is now
living in Milwaukee in her eighty-third year. Five children
survive them, two sons and three daughters, our subject being
the eldest of the family. Mr. and i\lrs. Williams were residents
of both Milwaukee and Monroe county, "Wis., for many years.
William G. AVilliams acquired his early education in the public
schools of Dodge county and in IMilwaukee, and in 1859 removed
with his parents to Angelo tow^nship in Monroe county, and has
since been one of the leading citizens of the connnunity, his
energy, enterprise and persevering industry having gained for
him a degree of success of which he may justly be proud, lie
served the position of register of deeds of ]\Ionroe county for
many years, and also held the position of clerk in the land office,
resigning the latter position on account of ill health. He was
afterward appointed assignee for Al. A. Thayer & Company,
both from Sparta and Tomah, and a year later he assisted in the
establishment of the Monroe County Bank, of which he was made
vice ])resid('nt at the opening in 1894, and as such has since
continued. Although he is a thorough business man, ]\Ir. Williams
stands well in social circles of Sparta, and is a member of the
Knights of Pythias Lodge.
On November 2, 1875. he nuirried Aliss Anna Jones, daughter
of Stephen Jones, of Adrian, ]Monroe county. Their children are
Everett L., Ethel, Ralph S.. and Eunice. Margaret T. (Ii(>d Api-il
17. 1897.
William J. Williams, a well known farmer of Leon township,
was l)()ni ill Wank'csha coiinly. Wisconsin, Alarch 12. 18()1. son of
William 1'. and :\Iartha T. AVilliams, both natives of AVales. The
father came to America in 1852 and located in AVaukesha county
where he married. He later, with his wife and three I'hildren,
went to Bangor, La Crosse county, making the trip ovei-land by
ox team. lie acquired 100 acros of land and there made his
home niilil 1873. when tlun- moved to the Leon \all('\- in AFonroe
BIOGRAPHY 927
county and purchased 324 acres three miles south of the village
of Leon, and there lived for thirty years, when he went to
reside with his son, who had purchased a farm close to Leon.
Here they passed the balance of their long and useful lives;
the father died November 21, 1907, in his seventy-fourth year;
his Avidow survived until January 23, 1910, Avhen she passed
aiWRx at the age of seventy-five years and eight months. They
were married in 1857 and raised a family of five children, all of
whom are now living, viz. : Richard Thomas, born June 15, 1859 ;
William J., subject of this sketch, born March 12, 1861 ; Martha
Jane, born July 30, 1864; Lizzie Ann, born November 5, 1867,
and Sarah Ellen, born February 19, 1873. At the time of their
marriage their finances were limited, but by hard work, industry
and economy, they succeeded in accumulating a substantial for-
tune in due time and Mr. Williams was recognized as one of
Leon's most successful farmers, a man of quiet, unassuming
manner, public-spirited, charitable, and a devoted Christian. He
and his most estimable wife were members of the Congregational
church, and contributed liberally to its support. He was a close
student, and practically knew the Bible by heart. He was a
Republican in polities, but never sought political preferment,
and being a man of good judgment, he served for twenty-five
years as school clerk and for fifteen years as supervisor. During
his active lifetime he was a successful breeder and raiser of good
cattle, horses and hogs, with which his farm was plentifully
stocked. Mrs. AYilliams, mother of our subject, was one of a
family of fourteen children, all of whom are deceased. Her
father emigrated from Wales and also located in AVaukesha
county, where he spent liis life a successful and influential
farmer.
William J. received his education in the district schools and
assisted his father on the farm. In 1899 he purchased a farm of
140 acres, where he no^v resides, paying for the same $45 per acre.
Since making his substantial improvements he has refused $100
per acre. From a small beginning in raising a few colts, our
subject has developed into a successful horse breeder and trader.
Some years ago he formed a copartnership with John L. Jones,
and under the firm name of AYilliams and Jones, did an extensive
business in buying and selling cattle, shipping some years as
high as 100 carloads of cattle to Eastern markets. Air. AYilliams,
with his brother Richard, owns 600 acres of land in Alinnesota,
where the brother conducts a large logging camp, lie having
928 JllSTOin' OF .MONROE COUNTY
been a successful luinbernian and contractor for thirty years, and
now resides at Duluth, jMinn.
John J. F. Winters, who is one of tlie Avide-awake and pro-
gressive farmers of Sparta township, was born at Burlington,
Racine county, Wis., April 28, 1859, son of John and ]\linnie
(Benson) "Winters, of Baden, Germany, and Berlin. Prussia,
respectively. The father was born in 18:}0, and when a young
boy came to the United States, stopping first at ^Milwaukee.
When fourteen years of age he moved to Burlington, where in
1857 he was married, and in 1860 moved to ]\[onroe county, Wis-
consin, and settled on a farm of eighty acres, which he purchased
in section twenty-four, Sparta township, wliich was at that time
but a wilderness inhabited by Indians and wild game. To his
original purchase he continued to make additions until he
acquired 360 acres. He carried on general farming, and for
fifty years made this his liome, until 1910, when he removed to
the city of Sparta, Avhere he now resides, enjoying the well-
earned fruits of his years of toil. ^frs. Winters, mother of
J. J. F., was born in 1840 and died May 4. 1910. She was a
woman of strong personality, brilliant and intellectual, well
versed in matters of ancient history, on Avliich she was considered
an authority, was often consulted on the subject, and made her-
self felt in the community in which she resided. She was promi-
nent and active in religious circles and assisted in the building
of the Advent church at Sparta. The paternal grandfather,
George Winters, a native of Germany, came to America in the
early fifties and located at Burlington. Racine county. The
maternal grandfather, Frederick Benson, who was a native of
Berlin, Prussia, came to America in 1852 and also setth'd in
Burlington, and engaged in farming, and there died in 1859.
John J. F. Winters was raised on his father's farm and
attended the district schools. He helped to clear the home farm
with his own hands, and has l)eeu a hard worker since boyhood.
In 1912 he purchased the old homestead, Avhich, added to iiis •
original purchase, makes him a farm of 560 acres, of which 270 i
are improved and under the plow, the balance being in Avooded '*
land and pasture. The comniodious residence, large barns and
outbuildings, including the silo, have all been erected by Mr.
J. J. V. Winters, and for twelve yeai-s last past he has been
engaged in raising Guernsey cattle, both registered and grades,
being the first breeder of this stock in the town of Sparta. He
also makes a speialty of Poland-China hogs and Brown Leghorn
chickens. !Mr. Winters is the eldest of a familv of three children.
t
I
i
BIOGRAPHY 929
The others are: Eliza, widow of Daniel Evans, of Oswego, Ore.,
and George, of Sparta. Mr. Winters has ahvays taken an active
interest in the atfairs of his town and county. He lias been a
member of the board of supervisors, chairman of the town board
and treasurer of his town, and in politics he is a Republican.
For twenty years he has been prominent in Masonic circles, is a
member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and the Knights Templar.
He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. There are few
men living in Monroe county whose early experience were equal
to those of Mr. Winters. Coming to this county when but one
year old, he grew up in that part of the county, which was then
in a wild state, and relates that some of his early playmates
were Indian boys and girls, and how he joined with tlictn in their
sports. The Indian children were trained to the use of the "bow
and arrow," Mr. Winters joining them in target practice, and
soon became efficient in their use.
Albert W. Withers, the son of William and Martha Withers,
was born in New York, on January 16, 1847. His parents were
both natives of England, where the father Avas born in 1795.
He emigrated to America in 1844, and located in Ncav York, and
remained there until 1854, when he came west to AVisconsin
and located in Monroe county, and was one of the early pioneers
of Ridgeville township, and settled on an eighty-acre tract which
he purchased for $100, which was all the money he had at that
time, and immediately set to work to clear and improve it, and
finally, by hard work and perseverance, established the family
home, and cultivated the land to a point where they were able
to realize quite a comfortable livelihood. During those pioneer
days in Monroe county. La Crosse was the nearest trading point,
and Mr. Withers often walked there to purchase provisions and
clothing for the family. He was the father of sixteen children,
five of whom are now living (1912). Besides general farming,
Mr. Withers made somewhat of a specialty of stock raising. After
years of labor, his farm was made one of the most productive in
the county. He w^as a broad-minded, energetic man, and highly
esteemed as one of the best class of pioneers. He was a devoted
member of the Methodist church, and contributed liberally to
its support. The little church which he built on his farm in those
early days still stands, in a fair state of preservation. His death
occurred December 10, 1876. His widow, mother of our subject,
is still (September 30, 1912) living, at the advanced age of
eighty-nine years, much esteemed by the citizens of the locality
in which she lives.
930 llLS'l'OKY OK .MoNKUE COUNTY
Albci-I \V. was raised on liis father's farm until liis scxcuteenth
year, receiving a thorough training in farm work, and attending
the district schools. He then came to Tomah and apprenticed
himself for three years to h-arn the wagon-making trade. At
the end of that time he went to Sparta and worked at his trade
one year, then moved back to Ridgeville and established a wagon
shop of his own. He later purchased a farm near Oakdale, which
he successfully carried on. engaged in general farming until
1901, when he returned to Tomah and entered the employ of the
Crossette ^Manufacturing Company, Avhere he has since been
engaged.
On October 9, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Dora
M. Kolster, of the town of Tomah. They have had four chihlren,
three of whom are living, viz.: Ida, ]\Iyrtle and Cora.
In politics Mr. AVithers affiliates with the Repul)lican party,
and takes an active interest in its councils. He is a member of
the Modern Woodmen of America, and in religious matters
belongs to the Congregational church.
Herbert Wood,* one of the energetic, enterprising and wide-
awake farmers of Monroe county, came from a prominent New
England family, his ancestry on the paternal side coming to this
country shortly after the landing of the Mayflower and settling
in New England. His parents, F and Mary (Pierce) Wood,
were natives of Massachusetts, where they resided until 1856.
In that year they came west to "Wisconsin, and settled at Tomah,
where our subject was born, November 23, 18 — -. The father
purchased from the government 640 acres of land, three and
one-half miles south of the city of Tomah. The farm was
unbroken and practically a dense wilderness, and largely popu-
lated by Indians and wild beasts. There were no roads in the
county and traveling was difficult, and he immediatel.v set to
work to clear aiul subdue the land and establisli tlie family home.
By hard work, thrift and economy, the land was improved witli
a good residence and outbuildings, and soon brought to a high
state of cultivation, and besides successfully carrying on general
farming, he made a specialty of high-grade cattle and hogs.
There were five boys in the family, three of whom are now liv-
ing, viz.: Herbert, Milton C. and Leonard A. 'Mr. AVood was a
strong anti-slavery man, was a AVhig until the formation of the
Republican part.v, and forever after was a member of that i^olit-
ical party. He was a high-minded, public-spirited man. a devoted
Christian, and for over tAventy years a deacon in the Baptist
church, and occupied a prominent place among the citizens of
BIOGRAPHY 031
the eommiuiity. lie died DeceiiibiT 5, I89}!, and his wire, mot her
of 0111- siil).)ect, February 15, 1907. The maternal gr eat- <>• rain I-
fathin-. KuHcr, was a soldier in the Eevolutionar\' War.
and served nnch'r Washington, and was Avilh his coniiiiaud at
Valley Forge. The paternal grandfather of our subject was cap-
tured liy the British at Saekett's Harbor iu th(> AVar of 1812, and
held a prisoner by them for twenty-two months. He held the
rank of orderly sergeant, and at the time of his death owned HiO
acres of land iu IMonroe county.
Herbert was raised on his father's farm, and alleiided thi;
district schools u\) to liis twentieth year, and then taught school
one winter. He remained on the farm with his parents until
their death, succeedjng his father on the homestead, which he;
acquired l)y purchase. He is a Democrat in political sentiment,
and takes au active part in the councils of his party; he has
held the office of clerk and treasurer of the township, and on
August 1, 1911, Avas chosen secretary of the Tonuih Creamery
Association. He is a member of the T'ongregational church, and
of the E. F. U.
Mr. AYood was married November 28, 1891, at Tomah, to ]\Iiss
Ida A. Glaede. Four children have been born to them, three of
whom are now (1912) living, viz.: Gladys, born November 23,
1903; Edwin, born ]March 22, 1906. and Rogers, born January
29, 1910.
Nelson M. Woodworth, who has lived in ]\Ionroe county, Wis-
consin, for more than half a century, was born Decendier 28, 1848,
in the town of New Lyme, Ashtabula county, Ohio. His father,
Story Woodworth, was born in Pennsylvania, August 14, 1809,
and in 1838 married IMiss Candace Jyne, in Ohio, who was born
in New York state, December 14, 1816. They had a family of
six children, viz. : Luther J., Sarah M., Mary L., Nelson M.,
Phila E. and Abel AYoodworth. In 1855, when our subject was
a boy of six years, the family moved to Jefferson county, where
they remained for a time, then came on to Sauk county, where
they remained four years, thence to Monroe county, locating at
Cataract, where the father was engaged in farming, and expe-
rienced the hard.ships of pioneer life for a great many years;
they came here when the country was practically a wilderness,
and thus struggled the while against the difficulties they encoun-
tered until as a result of their hard work and perseverance they
passed their last days in a comfortable and happy home.
In 1891 Mr. Nelson M. WoodAvorth moved to Little Falls
township and purchased a farm of 170 acres in section two.
932 HISTORY OF :M0NR0E COUNTY
Avhere he has since carried on general farming and dairying, and
is considered one of the most thrifty and prosperous farmers of
the county and an influential and wide-awake citizen. He has
been lavish in his expenditure of time, energy and money in
improving his farm, erecting commodious and substantial build-
ings, with the most modern appliances and equipments, making
it one of the most attractive homes in the country.
^Ir. Woodworth was married in 1878 to Miss Ida Moseley,
daughter of Alonzo and Eunice (Hunt) Moseley, She was born
January 16, 1861, and has spent her entire life in Monroe county.
Mr. and Mrs. AVoodAvortli have an interesting family of eight
children, viz. : lilanche. Wade H., Bertha E., Spencer W., Bessie
I., IMildred E., AVallace M. and Rachel M.
Samuel Wruck," who was born June 28, 1865, is a native of
Sheldon township, and the son of Andrew and Euphraseno
(Krugor) Wruck, both natives of Germany. They came to
America in Ihc early fifties, witli a family of five children, and
first located in Sauk county. Remaining there but a short time,
they moved to INIonroe county and settled in Sheldon in 1854,
and homesteadcd a quarter-section of wild land in section five,
Avhere the father established a home for himself and family.
He cleared the land and brought it to a good state of culti-
vation. In those early days there were plenty of Indians, and
even after the massacre in Minnesota the Indians often camped
on their farm, but always treated, them kindly, never subjecting
them to any kind of cruelty. Wild game Avas plentiful, and
venison Avas the principal means of subsistence; the father had
learned the trade of carpenter, and Avhile living on the home- :
stead he Avorked at his trade for a man at Sparta, receiving from I
$8 to $10 per month for his labor, and used to carry a sack of f
meal on his back Avhen returning from Avork. Mr. Wruck used
scA'eral ox teams in carrying on his farm Avork, as Avas usual in «
those days, and Avas considered an authority on many points of ^
agriculture. When the CiA'il War broke out. he enlisted in the
Eighteen Wisconsin InfantrA', and Avas killed in service Avhile in
line of duty. He Avas a AVhig in politics until the formation of
the Republican party, and ever after Avas a staunch sup]>orter of
the principles of that party. He Avas tAviee married, having no
issue by the first marriage, and his second Avife Avas ]\Iiss E
Kruger, to Avhom eight children Avere born, scA'en of Avhom are
now (1912) living.
Samuel Wruck, our subject, Avas reared on the farm and
attended the district schools up to liis eighteenth year, but Avas a
f
BIOGRAPHY 933
practically dependent npon his own resources at the age of
fifteen. He was first employed at farm work and received the
sum of fifty cents per week ; he later went to Madison, Wis., for
a time and afterwards to Montana, where he herded cattle on a
ranch for one year. From there he went to North Dakota, and
for nine years, off and on, was engaged in running a threshing
machine. His next employment was in a grain elevator at Castle-
ton, N. D., but subsecjuently he returned to Monroe county and
purchased 220 acres of wild land in sections twenty-six and
twenty-seven, in the town of Sheldon, where he has since resided.
In 1898 he built a large and commodious barn, and in 1900 erected
a modern residence; he has a flowing spring which furnishes an
abundant supply of pure water for his house and stock ; his
place is always w^ell stocked and in addition to his general farm-
ing, he carries on quite an extensive dairy business. He is a
Republican in politics, and takes an active part in promoting the
interests of his party. In 1900 he was elected treasurer of his
town, an office he has held for twelve years, and for several years
has been a school director. He is one of the public-spirited and
influential citizens of his town and en.joys the confidence of all
who know him.
On October 5, 1892, he was married in the town of Wells, to
Miss Anna Herzberg, and they have had four children, viz. :
Ruth A., Grace L., Earl S. and Taft Claud.
Lucian D. Wyatt, who has resided in section seven, Tomah
township, since 1874, is a native of Streetsboro, Medina county,
Ohio, Avhere he was born March 6, 1813. He is a son of Ezra
and Mary (Whipple) Wyatt. Ezra Wyatt was a native of New
York, and moved in an early day to Ohio, in which state he died.
Our subject is one of a family of eleven children, five of whom
are living. At the age of eleven years he came with a sister and
her husband, David Olds, to Oconomowoc, Wis., where he resided
for a time, later making his home with another sister, ]\Irs. H.
Campbell, in the town of Wellington, in Monroe county, attend-
ing the district school until the age of fourteen, when he returned
to Oconomowoc, where he was employed at farm work. At the
age of eighteen, August 26, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, First
Wisconsin Cavalry, and served three years in the army, and was
discharged in 1864. His regiment operated largely in ]Missouri
and Arkansas, and was afterwards sent to Tennessee, where it
participated in several sharp skirmishes and engagements, at
Chickamauga, Knoxville and other points. At the expiration of
his term of service, Mr. Wyatt returned to Monroe county, and
934 IIISToin' OK ,MOXKOE COUNTY
bouglit an t'igiit y-ac-rc farm du whal is known as the Ridge. It
was in 1874 that In- bought 100 acres of land in section seven,
Mln're lie now lives, and later bought a forty-acre tract in the
town of Wellington. To llic lioiuc farm he has added many
valuable and lasting improvements, including a fine residence,
connuodious barns, two silos, granary, and other outbuildings,
lie is an extensive raiser of thoroughbred stock, Jersey cattle and
Perclieroii horses. Cattle raising has ix'cn his specialty, and he
is now chiefly engaged in llic dairy business, lie is a stock-
holder in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery Company; and
the Farmers' Insurance Company.
On -Tidy •>, 1S7"). in the town of La (Jrange, ^Ir. Wyatt Avas
mari'ied to ^liss Vicjhi liurdicl:. a da\ighter of Ezra and .Mary
Burdick. The children of tliis union are Ernst E., Vera ^M.,
Ray L. and Ethel. ]\lr. AVyatt is a man well posted on the events
of the day, and in politics he is a Republican. He and liis esti-
mable Avife affiliate Avitli the Baptist church.
The maternal grandfather of our subject, AVilliam Whipple,
served in the Revolutioiiai-y AYar under AVashington.
John J. Youngman, one of the leading business men of Sparta,
is the son of John and Barbara Youngman, born at ^Milwaukee,
AYis., April 15, 1854. His ])arents emigrated to America from
Germany, settling in Alilwaukee in the early fifties, where they
Avere married and raised their family. He Avas a butcher by
trade, and after I'ollowing this occupation for some time in Alil-
Avaukee. the family moved to NeAv Lisbon, Avhere the father met
an untiiic'ly death l)y accident with a I'unaway fejuii of jiorses
in 1865, at the ;ige of thirty-nine years.
John J. Avas educated in the public schools of Alihvankee, and
brought up in the butcher business Avith his father. After the
death of the lattei'. he Avas employed for a time by Samuel Ilolzer,
at NeAv liisbon. then Avent to Mauston, in Juneau county, Avhere
he Avas emi)loyed by Thomas Jennings. afterAvards to Tomah. and
Avas employed l)y I'ldward AVaggonei'. and it Avas in 1S70 that he
first came to S|>;ii'ta aiul entered the chiijIox' of Benjamin Stevruis
& Son. ^\•llo then conducted a meat market on Oak street. His
next emi)loyment Avas Avith l*ottei'. Audis & Palmer, Avhich posi-
tion he hebl for two years. Avhen he purchased the interest of
Potter and associated Avith Tlii'ani DaA-enport by disposing of a
half interest to him. with the lirm name DaviMijiort & Youngman.
This continued for about three y(>ars, Avhen Air. Davenport sold
his interest to ]\Ir. Youngman, Avho later sold to N. P. Lee. the
style of the firm then changing to Lee & Youngman, and at the
BIOCRAPHY 935
eud of two years William i'. iMcycrs pureliasctl an Jntiu'cst, and a
year later Mr. Yoiingman acquired entire control and associated
with his brother, Louis -J. Youngnian, under the name of Young-
man Brothers, and under this name tlie business was carried on
from 1892 to 1901, when John J. sold out to his brother and
retired from the business after a long and successful career. AVe
next find Mr. Youngnian engaged in the real estate business, han-
dling principally farm lands, and this, together with looking
after his own extensive property interests, has since given him
ample employment to occupy his time. In 1907 he rebuilt his
old home, where he has lived for the past twenty-seven years,
with a beautiful modern residence, No. 316 Pine street, where he
enjoys, with his family, the fruits of his past labors.
On October 8, 1874, Mr. Youngnian was united in marriage
with Miss Margaret Fitzgerald, daughter of Patrick and Mar-
garet (Lynch) Fitzgerald, of Herseyville, Wis. Mrs. Youngnian
is the fifth child of a family of seven children, viz. : Patrick,
deceased ; Mary, now^ the wife of AA^illiam C. Hoffman, of Sparta ;
Nellie is the wife of Irvin Childs, of Sparta ; John resides in
Chicago; Catherine, wife of Eobert McGrath. of Great Falls,
Mont., and Thomas Fitzgerald, who resides in Canada. The par-
ents of Mrs. Youngnian were natives of Ireland, and came to
Canada, where their family was born. They moved to Herseyville,
Wis., during the Civil War, wdiere both parents died at the age
of eighty-five and seventy years, respectively. The children of
Mr. and Mrs. Youngnian are IMary, wife of James ]\IcCabe. of
Sun Prairie, Wis., and Jessie, wife of Joseph Milligan, of Proc-
tor, Minn.
Mr. Youngnian is the oldest of a family of four children, the
others being Louis, of Sparta; May, wdfe of James Zimmeler, of
Washington, and Flora, deceased, wdio was the wife of Henry
Barrett. The family was reared in the Catholic faith, Mr. Young-
man being a member of St. Patrick's church, of Sparta.
Joseph Zastoupil,* an Austrian by birth, is one of the substan-
tial and successful farmers of La Grange township, where he
resides on his farm of 100 acres in section thirty-one. Ilis par-
ents, Frank and Agnes (Plobulick) Zastoupil, w^ere natives of
Austria, and came to Wisconsin in 1867, and first located in
Watertown, Dodge county, where they remained for two years,
and came to Monroe county and located in Oakdale township,
wdiere the father was successfully engaged in farming sixteen
years, and where he lived until his death in 1885, at the age of
sixty-five years. His widow, mother of our subject. surviv(Hl
936 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
until 1903, -when slie died in La Grange township, at the age of
seventy-two years. They reared a family of six children; of the
others besides our subject. Trena married John AValrath, of La
Crosse county ; Agnes is the wife of A. Rehberg, of Toniah ; Anna
is deceased; Barbara is the wife of Theodore Rehberg and lives
in Oregon, and ]\Iary married John i'rohasky, of La Grange
townshiji.
Josei)h Zastoupil was l)oi-n in Austria. ]\Iarch 18, 1856; his
educational opportunities were limited, the farm duties i-equiring
his attention from ])oyhood : lie remained on the home farm in
the town of Oakdale until he was lliirty-three years DJd. then
went to Wilton township and ])ur('liase(l a farm of 120 acres, and
remained there for eleven years; lie then moved to his i)resent
farm, which he has continued to improve and bring to a high
state of cultivation. His l)uildings are commodious and well
constructed, and in his farming operations he uses the most
modern methods.
In 1882 he was married to Miss Kathryn Brouch, daughter
of George Brouck, a native of JeflFerson county, and wlio when
but two years of age moved Avith his parents to ^Monroe county.
To 3Ir. and ]\[rs. Zastoupil have been born eleven children, viz. :
]\Iary, wife of John Gasper, of Adrian townshiji; Anu^lia married
Barnett Ilerricks, and lives in Barron county, AVisconsin ; Knniui ;
Joseph; Clara; Henry; John; Irene and Agnes reside at home;
and three died in infancy.
Charles Ziegler, \vli()S(^ ])arents were both natives of ^Viscou-
sin, was born November 1."). 1882, and is the fourth cliihl of a
family of eleven cbildi-en boi-n to John and Belle f Fairbanks ~)
Ziegler. The father was born in Dane county and the mother
in Burlington county. He attended the connnon schools until
his sixteenth year, and lived at home with his parents until he
Avas twenty-one. He commenced the life of a farmer on a rented
place, and although a young man. he has been successful, and is
now managing and conducting the large farm of Fi-ank Taloc,
which is considered one of the licst improved farms in the town
of AVells. This place is well stocked Avith horses, cattle etc.. the
greater part of which is owned by Mr. Ziegler. He also carries
on a ])rofitable dairy business in addition to his general farming.
Tn politics he is a Democrat and takes an active interest in
])ai-ty aft'airs. He has been treasurer of the town for two years
and is now serving his third term as overseer of pulilic highways.
On November 15, 1911. Mr. Ziegler was nuirried to ]\Iiss Dora
BIOGRAPHY 037
Johusoii, daughter of Matt Johnson, wlio is a resi(h'nt of Leon
township.
Arno William Zimmerman," who belongs to the younger class
of energetic, enterprising and wide-awake l)usiness men of Xoi--
walk, Wis., was born on a farm in Ridgeville townsliiji, .Moin'oc
county, October 19, 1879, the son of AVilliam and Adelia (Hoff-
man) Zimmerman, of American and German descent. The fatlier
of our subject came to Wisconsin in the early fifties, stopping
first at Watertown. After remaining there for a short time, he
came to Monroe county and settled on a farm of 100 acres in
Ridgeville township, which, by economy, hard work and thrift,
he improved and brought to a high state of cultivation, and has
since been engaged here in general farming. He is one of the
substantial men of his locality and prominently identified with the
affairs of his community. He has served as township treasurer and
member of the school board. He has one brother, who also came
to this county and located on a farm near Norwalk. His father
was Carl Zimmerman, who early came from Germany, his native
land, and bought a farm in ]\Ionroe county and established the
family homestead, where he lived until his deatl), at the age of
eighty years. The maternal grandfather of our subject,
Hoffman, was one of the pioneer settlers of this county.
Arno AV. is the eldest son of a family of eight children ; the
others are: Benjamin, a resident of Norwalk; Edward A. lives
in Ridgeville township ; and Esther AY., Raymond, Grace, Reu-
ben and "Werner live at home with their parents. Our subject
w^as reared on the home farm, attending the district schools,
and helped with the farm work. During the years 1901-02 he
attended the commercial department of the Northwestern Col-
lege at Naperville, 111., receiving a thorough business training.
Returning to AYisconsin, he was employed for a time in the Cash-
ton creamery, then went to Cross Plains, AYis., and was engaged
at the same occupation. Returning to Norwalk in 1908, he took
charge of the Norwalk creamery as buttermaker and operating
manager, which position he still holds. He has taken an active
part in village affairs, and is now serving his Ihird term as clerk
of Norwalk.
Mr. Zimmerman was united in marriage November 5, 1908,
with Miss Elizabeth Noth, daughter of Anthony Noth, of Nor-
Avalk village.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Austin, Eugene F 592
Bank of Sparta 302
Beebe, Dr. DeWitt C. . . 488
Bush, AVilliam 1 516
Davis, Hiram S 644
Ducklow, Charles 658
Eddy, Edgar II 664
Esch, Hon. John J 442
Gage, Dr. Martin R 486
Hanchett, George E 698
Hanshaw, Calvin, residence 702
Hill, Oliver M., and family 722
Holmes, Sylvanus 728
Jenkins, Thomas 744
Jones, Hon. John R 754
Lee, Joseph J., residence 774
Leonard, Capt. M. E 169
Maple Grove Farm 204
McCoy, Bruce E 796
McCoy, Hon. Robert B . 480
Monroe County Court House 60
Monroe County Insane Asylum 240
Mooney, Fred J 808
Morrow, Hon. Joseph M Frontispiece
Morse, Leonard C 810
Oakley, Nehemiah, and family 826
Purdy, John, and family 842
Richards, Randolph A 268
Richards, Thomas 852
Rogers, Richard H 856
Schultz, LeAvis J .' 872
Stevens, George P 884
Superior Avenue, Tomah 364
Talbot, Truman R 76
Teasdale, Howard 456
Teasdale, John 896
Tomah Indian School ,. 370
939
f
INDEX
Aas, Lars Olesoii, ;')S2.
Abel, Thorwaia P., 470.
Acreage of Farm Crops, 207.
Adams, Edward M., 582.
Adrian, Town of, 503.
Affeldt, Eudolph, 584.
Agriculture aud Dairying, 204.
Allen, Alexander, 585.
Allendorf, Edward, 585.
Allingham, John, 586.
American Cigar Co., 322.
Anderson, Andrew, 587.
Anderson, John, 463.
Anderson, Thomas E., 588.
Aney, Warren A., 589.
Angelo, Town of, 504.
Apple Industry, 209.
Ascott, William H., 590.
Athletics, 292.
Attendance Law, 235.
Austin, Clifford E., 591.
Fred E., 593.
Ernest, 596.
Eugene F., 592.
Austin, William J., 594.
Avery, Ealph H., 136.
Austin,
Austin,
Austin,
Bank, Citizens ' State, 304.
Bank, Farmers' & ^Merchants', 39L
Bank, Monroe County, 304.
Banks of Sparta, 301.
Bank, State, of Tomah, 391.
Banks, Tonuih, 389.
Bank of Tomah, 390.
Bank, Warren's, 389.
Barber, William A., 596.
Barney, Arthur W., 597.
Bartels, Gustav, 598.
Battalia, Henry W., 599.
Battalia, John, 600..
Baxter, Walter, 136-601.
Becker, George G., 601.
Beebe, Dr. Carl M., 496.
Beebe, Dr. DeWitt C, 488.
Beebe, Dr. Spencer D., 498.
Bell, Dr. A. E., 498.
Behrens, Ernst, 602.
Bennett, Eouse, 137.
Benson, George, 603.
Berdan's Sharp Shooters, 131.
Bergman, Edward, 604.
Bernett, A. W., 605.
Berries, 212.
Berry Culture, 411.
Betthauser, Joseph, 606.
Biography, 582.
Black Hawk War, 45.
Blake, Albert H., 135.
Blake, Levi E., 133.
Blake, William L., 607.
Bleekman, Adelbert E., 451.
Bliss, Albert A., 608.
Bloomingdale, Frank IT., 453.
Blyton, William 11., 135-609.
Bolton, James A., 611.
Bolton, Westley E., 612.
Boomer, William H., 613.
Bowler, E. E., 466.
Bowlei', George J., 468.
Bowler, James J., 467.
Bowler, T. M., 467.
Bradley, George, 614.
Brainard, Darwin L., 615.
Brandon, Barthold, 616.
Brandt, Fred A., 615.
Breunan, William J., 617.
Bridge Works, Tomah, 386.
Broadwell, J. E., 618.
Bronson, Hans, 619.
Brooks, George, 620.
Brownell, Arthur F'., 620.
Brunner, John B., 621.
Bunn, C. W., 460.
Bunn, Hon. Eomanzo, 202.
Burdick, Adelbert H., 622.
Burke, Dennis. 623.
Button, Seth W., 476.
Byron, Town of, 506.
Caufield, Lee, 624.
Carnahan, Andrew J., 625.
Carnahan, Archiliald, 136.
Carpenter, Eobert, 133.
('ashton, Village of, 398.
Castle Eock, Legend of 79.
Chandler, John A., 133.
Chapiewsky, Anton, 627.
Chase, Myron P., 135.
Cheney, David D.. 628.
Christopherson, Milliam, 629.
Church, Baptist, Sparta, 331.
Church, Baptist, Tomah, 372.
Church, Catholic, Sjiarta, 326.
Church, Catholic, Tomah, 374.
Church, Congregational, Cashton,
400.
Church, Congregational, Sparta, 325.
Church, Congregational, Tomah, 374.
Church, Episcopal, Sparta, 332.
Church, Episcopal, Tomah, 373.
Church Fish Creek, Norwegian, 579.
Church, Frieden's, Little Falls, 560.
Churches, German Evangelical Lu-
theran, 543.
941
942
INDEX
Church, (uTiiiaii ,M. J^., Toniah, Mo.
Churrh, Iiiiniamu'l "s, Cliftou, oOG.
Chiireh, liiiiiiiimial, Xoivvcjjiaii. 580.
Churches ol' Keuihill, 403.
Churcli. Lutheran, Wiltou, 408.
Church, .Motliodist, 373.
Church, Metliodist, Sparta, 330.
Churches, Xorucgian, 579.
Churdi, Xorwegian Ev. Luth., 5S1.
Church, Porthiud, 561.
Churcli, Porthmd Xorwegiau Luth.,
580.
•Churches of .Sjiarta, 325.
Churches and Societies, Toniah, 372.
Church, St. Jacob's, Xorwalk, 556.
Church, St. John's Baptist, Wilton,
407.
Church, St. John's, Kendall, 573.
Church, St. John's, Kidgeville, 543.
Church, St. John 's, Shcrmington, 576.
Church, St. John's, Sparta, 553.
Church, St. Luke's, Glendale, 577.
Church of St. Mary 's, 512.
Church, St. Matthew's, Lincoln, 558.
Church, St. Matthew's, Wellington,
568.
Church, St. Paul's, Tomah, 547.
Church, St. Paul 's, Wilton, 571.
Church, SS. Peter and Paul's, 514.
Church, St. Peter's, Clifton, 563.
Circuit Judges, 188.
Classifications by Grades, 236.
Clements, John, 630.
Clerks, County, 75.
Clerks of Court, 76.
Clifton, Town of, 506.
Closing Campaign, 53.
Club, Civic Improvement, 381.
Cole, Ben, 631.
Cole, Edward C, 632.
Collins, John J., 634.
Commercial Interests, Kendall, 402.
Commissioned Officers, 132.
County Court, 473.
County Surveyors, 76.
Countrv Schools, 227.
County Seat War, 214.
Coroners, 77.
Coome, Henry, 635.
Creamery Farmers, 387.
Cressv Post, G. A. K., 147.
Crop Report, 206.
Crossette, Fred H., 636.
Dairy Statistics, 205.
Daly, William L.. 637.
Damman, Joromiah D., 133.
Davenport, Elijah, 638.
Davis, Capt. Martin W., 640.
Davis, Tlal J., 640.
Davis, John, 137.
Davis, William E., 643.
Day, Alvin, 645.
DaV, Calvin, 646.
DeLaiiev. James, 138.
Desks. 228.
DeWitt, Eric, 647,
Dickenson. Samuel N., 449.
Dinger, (ieorge E., 648.
District Attorneys, 76.
Doane, Archie L., 649.
Doane, Ciiarles A., 650.
Doane, Ernest T., 651.
Donskey, Theodore, 651.
Dorwin", Orville J., 652.
Dorwin, Sidney X., 653.
Drawver. Ben A., 657.
Driggs, Jobe S., 135.
Drowatzky, Albert E., 655.
Ducklow, Charles, 658,
Dunn, George D., 659.
Earle. L. M., 662.
Early Settlements, 63.
Earlv Settlement, 517.
Eddy, Edgar II., 663.
Edwards, Samuel D., 665.
Eighteenth Infantry. 104-123.
Eightli Regiment, 121.
Eleventh Kegiment, 122.
Ellis, George M., 136.
Ericksou, Martin, 668.
Erickson, Martin A., 136.
ErrJckson. Louis, 666.
Esch, Hon. John J., 457.
Evenson, Albert E., 669.
Evenson, Leo B., 670.
Farnaham, Charles S., 135.
Farnsworth, James B., 133.
Ferries, W. J., 670.
Fetkenheuer, August, 671.
Fifteenth Kegiment, 123.
E'iftieth Keginieut, 109131.
Fifty-First Regiment, 131.
Fiftv-Second Regiujent, 131.
Fifty-Third Regiment. 131.
First Batterv, Light Artillerv, 119.
First Cavalry. 116.
Fisk, George A. ,132.
Flock, Herman M., 672.
Flour and Feed :\Iill. 388.
Flume, Charles L., 673.
Foote. Oscar E., 135.
Ford, Dr. William B., 497.
Forrest, X'elson J., 674.
Forty-Eighth Regiment, 108-130.
Forty-Fourtii Regiment, 130.
Forty-Xinth Regiment, 130.
FortV-Sixth Regiment, 130.
Forty-Third Infantry, 107-129.
Foster, Fred M., 675.
l''ourteenth Regiment, 122.
l-\)urth Cavalry, 112-118.
Fox. Benson S., 677.
Fox. .Mrs. Louise B., 676.
Fox AVars, 18.
Free Tuition, 237.
INDEX
843
Freui'h, (apt. Frank L., ()7il.
Frishy, Wiliiam R. V., 13G.
Flog SliojiM, Toinah, 387.
Gasper, Joseph, (iSo.
Gage, Ur. Martin K.. i;'.7-4S{;.
Gerke, Kinil, 6.S4.
Gerke, Henry F., US;').
Gerke, William 11., (i,s(i.
Getniau, Arthur N., tJSG.
Gilbertson, George, 687.
Gillett, James N., 457.
Gilliland, .John II., 688.
Gilliland, JNlis. Lizzie, 690.
Glaeser, Eev. .John G., 690.
Glendale, Town of, 507.
Goodyear Lumber Co., 386.
Gould, William C., 691.
Government ^lilitary Reservation,
Graham, Edward C, 69li.
Graham, George, 480.
Graham, .John G., 470.
Grain Separator Co., S[)arta, 322.
Grant, Town of, 508.
Grapes, 212.
Graves, Charles W., 465.
Graves, Dr. Lewis S., 497.
Graves, L. W., 446.
Graves, Eay B., 469.
Greenfield, Town of, 508.
Grill. Albert, 693.
Gross, Fred, 694.
Guthrie, John L., 695.
Guy, Charles N., 697.
Guv, Harrv W., 698.
Guy, Walter E., 698.
Guy, Williem N., 696.
Hal:)its and Domestic Life, 29.
Hall, Joseph, 133.
Hanehett, William H., 698.
Haney, Michael M., 700.
Hansen, Sever, 701.
Hansliaw, Calvin L., 702.
Hastings, Orlando H., 703.
Hawes, Lewis M., 138.
Heath, Lyle H., 704.
Heating and A'entilating, 237.
Heffernan, M. O., 704.
Heintz, Adam J., 706.
Heintz, Herman, 707.
Heintz, .John, 708.
Heiser, William, 709.
Helmke, C. C, 710.
Helms, AluTon A., 463.
Hemstock, David, 711.
Hemstoek, William A., 712.
Henry, George A., 713.
Herald Advertiser, 95.
Herbst, George L., 714.
Herring, John, 717.
Herrman, F'red B., 7L5.
Heser, Fred, 718.
Hesselgrave, E. Glenn, 719.
■ licks, Henry .V., 137.
High. Andrew I)., 137.
Hill, Kber H., 137.
Hill. Ira A., 720.
Hill. Merle W., 721.
Hill, Olixcr .Mason, 722.
Hoard, William, 723.
HotHman, (ieorge A., 730.
Hoffman, .lulius H., 731.
Hoffman, William ('., 732.
Hoitomt, Hans C, 724.
Holden, I'^r^Ml A., 725.
Holdeii, William A., 726.
llollister, .Vlbert E., 150-72:
Hohn, Eeuben, 724.
Holmes, Sylvanus^ 728.
Hoveland, .Mathias, 730.
Hubbard, ICdwin S., 733.
175. Hughart, Walter W., 734.
Humphrey, Kvan, 735.
Hutson, Andrew, 736.
Hutson, Benjamin F., 737.
Hutson, Fred G., 738.
Hutson. Roliert W., 739.
Invprovements of Teaching,
Insane Asylum, 240.
.fackson, Maitin, 739.
-Jackson, William W., 474.
dankel, .loseph, 741.
.Jefferson Tobacco Co., 323.
.lefferson. Town of, 509.
.refferson, William T., 742.
Jenkins, Mrs. Anna, 743.
.Tenkins Family, 744.
Jenkins, Thomas, 745.
.lewett, Zeno Kent, 746.
.Johnson, Chester W., 136.
.lohnson, (ieorge A., 749.
.Tohnson, John L., 749.
.Johnson, Julius P., 750.
.lohnson, Leonard, 133.
.Johnson, Lewis C, 751.
.Jones, David F., Atty., 452.
.Tones, David F., 752.
.Tones, Mervin E., 757.
Jones, John L., 753.
.Tones, .Tolm E., 754.
.Jones, Thomas R., 758.
Judges, County, 75.
Kelk, George W., 759.
Kendall, Village of, 401.
Kendall,' Keystone, 97.
KenyoH. Ransom, 759.
Isenyon, Webster, 7(H.
King, (ieorge A., 762.
Iving, Thomas H., 763.
Kirst, Albinus, 764.
Kirst. William ('., 765.
Knorst, ^iathias, 766.
Koopman, Xicolaus, 767.
Koitiiein, Carl, 768.
944
INDEX
Kroeger, Anton, 769,
K ion berg, George P., 770.
Krotznian, Irvin A., 771.
Kiukuck, George ¥., 772.
LaFayette, Town of, 516.
LaGrango, Town of, .315.
Lane, Laurence A., 772.
Lee, Joseph J., 774.
Legal Profession, 440.
Leis, J. B., 775.
Leon, Town of, 521,
Leonard, ('apt. ]\L E., 169-776.
Lconaid, Mortimer, 134.
Library, Tomah Public, 379.
Library, Sparta, 312.
Liddle, Gothern, 777,
Li.^lit and Teleplmnc, Tonvali, 387,
l^illie, George F., 779.
Lincoln, Joseph A., 780,
Lincoln, Town of, 523.
Link, William W., 781.
List of Graduates, 368.
Little Falls, Town of, 525.
Lodge, Eastern Star, Sparta, 308.
Lodge, Eastern Star, Tomah, 376.
Lodge, Tomah Camp, "M. W. A., 376.
Lodge, L O. O. P., Tomah, 376.
Lodge, Knights of Pythias, 310.
Lodge, K. of P., Tomah, 376.
Lodge, Masonic, Tomah, 375,
Lodge, Sparta Camp, M, W, A., 310.
Lodge, Sparta Chapter, 307,
Lodge, Sparta Commandery, 308,
Lodge, Sparta Encampment, 309,
Lodge, Sparta, I. O. O. F., 309.
Lodge, Sparta, Eebeccas, 309.
Lodges, Societies. Sparta, 306.
Lodge, Tomah Chapter, 375.
Lodge. Valley No. 60, 306.
Loonier, Charles E., 784.
Lowrie, Alexander, 134.
Lucas, John J., 785.
Ludeking, Ilernran, 786.
Liielichnw. AU^ert W., 787.
Luethe, Fred E., 788.
Lynn, .John W., 134.
Lynn, .Tohn W., Post, 162.
Lynn. James H., 136.
Making a County, 66.
Maltby, Appleton N., 788.
^rannfacturors, Business Enterprises,
S|.arta, 319.
Manufacturing, Tomah, 386. '
:\larten, David C, 790.
Mashak, Frank, 791.
IMashak. .Tohn W.. 792.
:\Iasliak. Vincent, 792.
Markgraf. F. E., 789,
Masters, Charles M., 475.
Masters, Harry J., 470.
Matteson, Ellis E.. 793.
McCann, E, M., 794,
McCann, .Tohn, 795,
McCaul,' William R., 456.
McConnell, Thomas, 795,
McCoy, Bruce E., 796.
McCoy, Robert B., 479.
McCray, David G., 799.
McGarv, Eugene, 799.
McMilian. William F., 137.
McWithey, Lucian A., 801.
Meadows, Charles W., 464.
Medical Fraternity, 482.
Mee, B. W., 803.
Melgard, Oluf C, 804.
Members of Assembly, 77.
Menominee Tribe, 9.
jNlickelson, Einil, 805.
.Miles. Stephen C, 134.
Militaiv ('()in|(aiiies. 429.
Miller, 'Chri.stopher C, 134.
Milligan, Dr. George W., 489.
Mitby, Peter E., 806.
Modes of Punishment, 231.
Moen, George J., 807.
Mohring, John, 808.
Monroe Citizen, 91.
Monroe County Branch, 31.
Monroe County Democrat, 92.
]\lonroe County in Civil War, 99.
^Montgomery, Milton, 132,
Mooney, Fred J,, 808,
Morrow, Hon. J. M., 188.
Morrow, Hon. .J. M., 450.
Morse, Leonard C, 810.
Moseley, Arthur G., 812.
Morton. James IL, 811.
Mullenberg, Winand, 813.
Murphy, Dennis M., 813.
IMurray, Dr. George O., 498.
Naset, Abel B., 821.
Naylor, William B., Jr., 454.
Nelson, Anton, 814.
Nelson, J. C, 815.
Nelson, Peter E., 816.
New Lyme, Town of, 528.
iVewspapers of Cashton, 96.
Newspapers of Monroe County, 91.
Newton, George :\r., 817.
Newton, Harry M., 818.
Newton, Orin 1., 818.
New York Indians, 26.
Nichols. Joseph. 820.
Nicke, Robert G.. 821.
Nineteenth Infantry, 105-124.
Niculet Comes to Doty Island, 17.
Norwalk Sentinel, 97.
Norwalk Star, 97.
Norwalk, Yilla-re of, 409.
Noth. August H.. 822.
Noth. Fred W.. 823.
Novotny, George, 824.
Noyes, Luther B., 136.
Oakdale, Town of, 528.
INDEX
945
Oakley, Nehemiah, 825.
Officers and Kiilisted Men, IIG.
Olesoii, Mrs. Jeus, 826.
Oster, Frank F., 460.
Oswald, Godfrey, 827.
Other Border Wars, 21.
Palen, Nicholas F., 828.
Palmer, Dr. Horace, 494.
Palmer, Irvin N., 829.
Palmer, William P., 830.
Parsons, William F., 832.
Peterson, Erick, 834.
Peterson, Oscar, 835.
Phillips, Dr. C. E., 495.
Phillips, Dr. Crawford E., 495.
Phillips, Enos M., 138.
Phillip, William J., 137.
Pier, Frank, 836.
Pierce, Carl N., 837.
Pike, Anson A., 136.
Pingel, John C, 837.
Pollock, Louis, 840.
Portland, Town of, 529.
Poss, Jacob L., 841.
Powell, M. E., 463.
Prescott, Albert G., 838.
Price, Irving, 839.
Prielipp, Frank F., 840.
Progress Fiftj'-four Years, 744.
Purdy, John, 841.
Quigg, Dr. Charles E., 493.
Quinn, Thomas, 842.
Radke, Louis, 843.
Railroads, 82.
Railroad, C. M. & St. P., 82.
Railroad, A'orthwestern, 84.
Railroad, West Wisconsin, 87.
Randall, W. H., 844.
Rath, Fred C, 845.
Recollections of the War, 157.
Recruits, 121.
Registers of Deeds, 76.
Rehberg, Frank J., 846.
Reich, John W., 847.
Rhyme, John, 848.
Rice, Edward C, 849.
Rice, Zelotus S., 471.
Richards, David R., 850.
Richards, Dr. John F., 496.
Richards, Randolph A., 461.
Richards, Thomas, 851.
Richardson, Clyde C, 853.
Richardson, Eli A., 853.
Richardson, George A., 453.
Richgruber, William, 854.
Ridgeville, Town of, 531.
Riordon, Dr. E. J., 499.
Robertson, George H., 855.
Robinson, William W., 132.
Rogers, Richard H., 856.
Rogge, Ernst, 857.
Rogge, William F., 858.
Rondorf, WJlliani, 859.
Root, Ephraim G., 860.
Root, William IL, 861.
Rosecrantz, Clark M., 462.
Russell, Alonzo H., 134.
Sacred Heart, Order of, 329.
Sarles, Dr. Wilbur T., 491.
Sash and Door Factory, 387.
Sawyer, William F., 469.
Scantleton, John T., 861.
Schaitel, Joseph, 862.
Schaller, Paul, 863.
Schlaver, August, 865.
Schlaver, Otto, 866.
Scheurich, Dr. L. G., 500.
School Board Convention, 234.
School Houses, 227.
School, St. Mary's, 328.
Schools, Sparta, 287.
Schools, Spelling, 233.
School, State Public, 395.
School, Tomah Indian, 392.
Schools, Tomah, 363.
Schmitz, P. W., 864.
Schroeder, Henry F., 867.
Schroeder, Robert F., 867.
Schultz, Adolph H., 869.
Schulte, Charles H., 868.
Schultz, Henry W., 871.
Schultz, Lewis J., 871.
Schultz, William H., 873.
Schwaiz, ]\Ielchor, 874.
Scott, Town of, 538.
Senators, 77.
Serrurier, Theodore A., 875.
Settlement Days, 27.
Seventeenth Regiment, 123.
Seventh Regiment, 121.
Sheldon, Town of, 533.
SherifPs, 75.
Sholes, Charles, 875.
Simpson, Charles E., 877.
Sixteenth Regiment, 123.
Sixth Infantry, 100-120.
Sizer, Samuel, 877.
Slayton, Mrs. Cecillia, 879.
Sloggy, Peter, 134.
Smith, Charles W., 880.
Society, Helping Hand, 377.
Societies, Kendall, 404,
Societies, School, 295.
Soda Water Factory, Tomah, 387.
Soldiers' Monument, 171.
Sonnenburg, Emil C, 882.
Sonnenburg, Fred P., 882.
Spanish-American War Veterans, 438.
Sparta, Citv of, 244.
Sparta Eagle, 92.
Sparta Fair Association, 316.
Sparta Herald, 91.
Sparta Rifles, 433.
Sparta, Town of, 534.
946
INDEX
fSparta Tiibiiue, 9-1.
S|):ut:i lion Works, 323.
Spaiilding, llenry (j., 451.
Steele, Saiiuiel M., 883.
Stevens, CJeorge P., 884.
Stiles, Dr. Fred P., 490.
Stiles, Dr. VxMnon W., 501.
Storkel, Louis, 885.
Stratni'an, Charles, 886.
Strozinskv, Will F., 887.
Sulijeits 'and Methods, 228.
Sullivan, .lolm .}., 888.
Sullivan, Thomas, 889.
Superintendents of Schools, 76.
Sweet, Arthur L., 890.
Sweet, Hdgar (.'., 892.
Sweet, Levings N., 890.
Sweet, Norman E., 891.
Talbot. Truman R., 893.
Taylor, Robert J., 894.
Teai-liers Boartling Around, 229.
Teachers and Wages, 230.
Teall, Fred W., 895.
Teasdale, Howard, 455.
Teasdale, .John, 896.
Ti'lojihone Co., Monroe <i)untv, 321.
Tenth Battery, 120.
Tenth Regiment, 121.
The Spartan. 293.
Third Regiment, 120.
Third Cavalry, 109-116.
Thirtieth Regiment, 128.
Thirty-Second Regiment, 129.
Thirty-Sixth Infantry, 106.
Thirty-Sixth Regiment, 129.
Those Who I)i<'d in the Service, 139.
Thurston, ilrs. .leddie, 898.
Todd, Charles, 899.
Tomah Chief, 94.
Tomah, City of, 339.
Tomah Isnterprise, 96.
Tomah Herald, 98.
Tomah .lournal, 94.
Tomah, Menomonee, Chief, 333.
Tomah Monitor-Herald, 95.
Tomali, Town of, 535.
Townshiji History, 503.
Township Libraries, 233.
Townshij) Superintendents, 230.
Treasurers, County, 75.
Tuttle, Herbert B., 900.
Twelfth Regiment, 122.
Twentieth Regiment, 126.
Twenty fifth Infantry, 105-126.
Tyler. Thomas B., 448.
X'alley Advocate, 98.
V"an Antwerp, Capt. William J I 901.
\'andervoort, Cornelius, 902.
\andervort, Frank E., 903.
\'a!idervort, Rollie, 905.
van Loon, Lawrence F., 905.
\erken, William 11., 906.
Vieth, Leo, 907.
\'illages of County, 398.
Ninrt-nf, Dr. Ceorge R., 494.
\'iiicen/,, Henry (.;., 90S.
Wallace, Levi, 909.
War, Spanish-American, 414.
Warren, (ieorge H., 911.
Warren 's 1 ndex, 98.
W. C. T. U., Sparta, 539.
Webb, Franklin, 913.
Welch, Thomas, 914.
Wellington, Town of, 537.
Wells, Simon J., 915.
Wells, Town of, 536.
Wells, Will N., 916.
Weudorf, Herman, 917.
West, Ansyl A., 137.
West|)hal, Merman A., 918.
Whiting, Sarah A., 919.
WiJlgrubs, lienrv ,1., 919.
Willgrnbs, Jib f., 920.
Willgrubs, William U., 921.
Williams, (ieorge, 922.
Williams, Dr. Hugh IL, 498.
Williams, Robert, 923.
Williams, William D., 925.
Williams, William G., 926.
Williams, AVilliam .J., 926.
Wilson, DeWitt C, 134.
Wilton Herald, 97.
Wilton, Town of, 537.
Wilton, Village of, 404.
Winnebago Chiefs, 33.
Winnebago Tribe, 12.
Winters, John J. F., 928.
Wisconsin Greenback, 93.
Withers, Albert W., 929.
Wood, Herbert, 930.
\Vood Working Plant, Tomah, 388.
Woodworth, Nelson M., 931.
Wruck, Samuel. 932.
Wyatt, Lucian D., 933.
^'()ungln;nl, Jiilni .1., 934.
Zastoupil, Joseph J., 934.
Zeigler, Charles, 936.
Zimmerman, .-\rno W.. 937.
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