Columbia County, Wisconsin - Chapter 10: The City of Portage, 1880 (part 2 of 3)

There were, in all, about one dozen pupils. In the spring of 1840, Rev. S. P. Keyes became both chaplain and schoolmaster at the post, and taught about twenty children, some of them over twelve years of age.

The first school in Portage, however, the benefits of which were enjoyed by actual settlers, was established in the house of Hugh McFarlane, in 184-3, Mrs. McFarlane being the teacher. Instruction was given on Sundays only, and it was therefore a Sunday school. Books were purchased for the purpose, from a fund created by contributions solicited from the hardy raftsmen of the Wisconsin River, by Mrs. McFarlane. From this small beginning, a private school, with a "hired " teacher, grew into existence. It was located, for awhile, in one portion of Mr. McFarlane's blacksmith-shop, partitioned off for that purpose.

The town of Winnebago Portage, organized on the 9th day of January, 1849, by virtue of that organization, became, at that date, a school district, under a law of the Territory of Wisconsin, which continued in force till January 1, 1850, and which declared that " every town in this Territory, containing not less than ten families, shall be a school district," etc. There is no record of a public school in the town, during 1849 ; but in that year a portion of the town occupied by its residents living in the vicinity of the " old fort," was set off as School District No. 2, all other parts of the town being considered District No. 1. It is not necessary to give the limits of this District No. 2, as it became joint District No. 1, of Port Hope and Fort Winnebago, on the 8th day of January, 1850, when the name of Wiiinebago Portage was changed to Fort Winnebago, and Town 13, Range 9, taken from that town and organized as the town of Port Hope. This joint district followed the fortunes of Section 33, Town 13, Range 9, site of the the old fort, and was transferred with it three times, from one town to the other. It was under the jurisdiction of the town of Fort Winnebago (now Portage) only about three years, and after noticing its first annual report, in 1850, its history will not be further considered in connection with that part of the city of Portage, except in the explanation of the numbering of the districts that may hereafter be named.

In 1850, School Superintendent D. Vandercook formed four new districts, in the town of Fort Winnebago, making five in all, viz., Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. And as No. 3 soon passed to another town, and as No. 4 was substantially absorbed in another district of the same name, which in reality was the successor of joint District No. 1, hereinbefore named, they will be briefly described and " accounted for " first, so that further mention of them will not be required.

District JS/o. 3. - Set off, June 27, 1850, commencing "at the west line of Town 12, Range 8, thence east three miles, including John Tibbet's claim on Section 5 ; thence north to the Wisconsin River, and bounded on the south by the Baraboo River." This district became a part of the town of Caledonia, at the organization of the latter, on the 12th of November, 1851.

District No. 4-, set off November 30, 1850, contained the " east side of the village (at the Portage) from Center avenue," and was united with a part of joint District No. 1, before named, on the 30th day of August, 1851. The new district was designated No. 4, and as such made its annual report for the year 1851, being really the report of the school of said joint district for that year. It passed from the jurisdiction of the town of Fort Winnebago on the 15th day of December, 1852, with the site of the fort. Section 33, Town 13, Range 9, which was transferred to the town of Port Hope on that day.

No. 1 embraced that part of the town south of the canal and west of Center avenue (in part of First Ward, now west of Center avenue) not set off to other districts.

No. 2. - Substantially the present Second Ward of the city (old No. 3 becoming joint District No. 1, as above stated), organized January, 1850.

Districts Nos. 1 and 2, of Fort Winnebago, and joint District No. 1, of Port Hope and Fort Winnebago (once No. 2 of Winnebago Portage), maintained public schools in the year ending August 31, 1850, and made annual reports, from which the following statistics are taken, viz. :

District No. 1. - Number of male children of school age, 21 ; number of female children of school age, 15; number attending school, 20 ; number of months' school, 3; wages, with board, per month, of teacher. Miss C. V. Baldwin, $6 ; schoolroom, second scory of Henry Carpenter's warehouse.

District No. 2. - Number of male children of school age, 70; number of female children of school age, 65 ; number attending school, 87 ; number of months' school, 3 ; monthly wages of teacher, Mr. R. M. Brown, $18 ; the schoolroom was a shop of William Rice, standing on a part of the present homestead of Mrs. Dr. Dent, Block No. 240.

Joint District No. 1, of Port Hope and Fort Winnebago. - Number of male children of school age, 55 ; number of female children of school age, 41 ; number attending school, 65 ; number of months' school, 3 ; monthly wages of teacher, Mrs. Grace Bliss, $15. Schoolroom, arsenal building of the fort ; William Wier was Clerk.

District No. 1 contained that part of the town south of the canal not set off to other districts. Its boundaries were not given on its records, for the reason that it originally contained the whole town, and it was called " No. 1," because it was the original organization, or what was left of that organization. To give it a name and limits on its records. School Superintendent W. R. DeWitt re-organized it on the 10th day of May, 1851, giving it the name it had borne and the boundaries rightfully belonging to it. Ten days after, namely. May 20, 1851, he organized that portion of the district south of Superior street into District No. 7 (No. 6 not described, being in what is now Caledonia). Practically, the two districts remained as one, and as the schoolhouse was in District No. 7, the annual reports were made in the name of that district, until the two were united under the original name. District No. 1.

During the year ending August 31, 1851, Districts Nos. 1 (7 and 1) and 2 again maintained public schools, and District No. 5 had its first public school. From the report of the Clerk of District No. 5 for that year, the following particulars are taken, viz. : Number of male children of school age, 43 ; number of female children of school age, 55 ; number attending school, 98 ; number of months' school, 3 ; monthly wages of teacher. Miss Helen M. Hand, $15. James Boylan taught ten days. The schoolroom was the schoolhouse of District No. 2, rented.

Changes of Name, etc. - The name of the town having been changed to Portage City, and some alterations having been made in its boundaries by the Board of County Supervisors on the 17th day of December, 1852, School Superintendent A. C. Ketchum re-organized the school districts on the 23d day of April following, designating Districts Nos. 1 and 7 as District No. 4, and District No. 5 as District No. 3, District No. 2 retaining its name. The city having been incorporated in 1854 with southeasterly boundaries different fi-om those of the town preceding it, School Superintendent W. S. M. Abbott, on the 3d day of February, 1855, in making a record of the altered limits of the then District No. 4, restored its original name. District No. 1. From that date till graded schools were established in the city, the districts were : No. 1, First Ward ; No. 2, Second Ward ; No. 3, present Third, Fourth and Fifth Wards. And in speaking of them on other points of their history, the names last above given will be used, whatever may have been their designations when the events named took place.

Schoolhouses. - Districts 1 and 2 each erected a wooden schoolhouse in 1851, that of the former standing on Lot 10, Block 89, and that of the latter on Lot 16, Block 187, of Webb & Bronson's Plat. The one erected by District No. 1 now forms a part of the First Ward Schoolhouse on Block 140 ; and that erected by District No. 2 was sold by the city, and is now a dwelling-house on Block 197, of the plat of Portage City.

District No. 3 (5) did not erect a schoolhouse. For many years it rented one of Hugh McFarlane, erected by him for a private high school, and standing on Lot 9, Block 237, of Portage City, and in 1857 it purchased the house and lot of Mr. McFarlane for $1,500.

The following is a list of teachers and officers of School District No. 1, during its existence - it being also known as District No. 4, and District No. 7, and the time it was so known being herein indicated : Year ending August 31, 1850 - Miss 0. V. Baldwin, Teacher ; Henry Carpenter, Director ; George W. Morgan, Clerk ; M. Van Winter, Treasurer. Year ending August 31, 1851 - Miss C. V. Baldwin, Teacher; Henry Carpenter, Director ; S. F. Marston, Clerk ; M. Van Winter, Treasurer. Year ending August 31, 1852 - Mrs. Maria Gue and Miss

G. N. Oddie, Treasurer. Year ending August 31, 1855 - Emory Peck, C. 0. Paquin and Miss Helen M. Hand, Teachers ; Thomas Thompson, Director ; John M. Crawford, Clerk ; William R. Clough, Treasurer. Year ending August 31, 1856 - J. A. Burt and C. 0. Paquin, Teachers ; James Learmouth, Director ; John M. Crawford and J. B. Rogers, Clerks ; W. R. Clough, Treasurer. Year ending August 31, 1857 - J. A. Burt and Miss Lucy A. Miller, Teachers ; S. K. Vaughan, Director ; J. B. Rogers, Clerk ; James Learmouth, Treasurer. Year ending August 31, 1858 - G. J. Cox and Miss Mary J. Bisbee, Teachers ; M. M. Davis, Director; G. M. Oddie, Clerk; A. Carnagie, Treasurer. From August 31, 1858, to end of district system, May, 1859 - T. C. Barden and Miss Fannie E. Waldo, Teachers ; George Wall, Director ; Barrin S. Doty and J. 0. Prescott, Clerks ; Alex. Carnagie, Treasurer.

George Hand and Mary Dempsey, Teachers ; James Collins, Director ; Richard Dempsey, Clerk ; T. E. Best, Treasurer. Year ending August 31, 1858 - George F. Richardson and Mary Dempsey, Teachers ; William P. St. John, Director ; H. S. Haskell, Clerk ; D. Vandercook, Treasurer. From August <51, 1858, to end of the district system, May, 1859 - George F. Richardson and Mary Dempsey, Teachers ; John T. Clark, Director; H. S. Haskell, Clerk ; H. L. Norton, Treasurer.

Graded Schools. - -The present graded-school system commenced in 1859, as will appear from the following report of the first meeting of the Board of Education :

" At the first meeting of the Board of Education of the city of Portage, held at the office of the City Superintendent, on the 2d day of May, 1859, at 7 o'clock P. M. - present. Commissioners Volney Foster, First Ward ; Baron S. Doty, Second Ward ; Alvin B. Alden, Third Ward ; Henry B. Munn, Fourth Ward, and City Superintendent, J. J. Guppey, ex officio Secretary, being all the members of the board - the Commissioners took and subscribed to the oath of office.

" On motion of Mr. Munn, Thursday, the 12th inst., at 9 o'clock, A. M., and the Common Council room, were designated as the time and place for e.xamination of applicants for schools, and the Secretary was directed to give notice in the city paper accordingly.

" After a general but informal discussion of the action to be taken by the board for the future, in reference to city schools, it was voted to hold an adjourned meeting on Monday, the 12th inst., at 9 o'clock A. M., at the Common Council room, for the purpose of examining teachers and transacting such general business as might be brought before the board. Adjourned accordingly. Joshua J. Guppey, Clerk."

The board met accordingly, and examined G. F. Richardson, Charles R. Gallett, Miss Kate Roland, Miss Fannie E. Waldo, Miss Luthera Waldo, Miss Hannah P. Best and Miss Helvetia L. Reese, as to their qualifications to fill teachers' positions, as follows: Messrs. Richardson and Gallett and Miss Luthera Waldo, for intermediate schools, and Miss Kate Roland, Miss Fannie E. Waldo, Miss Hannah P. Best and Miss Helvetia L. Reese, for primary schools. At a subsequent meeting of the board, reported favorable upon the application of each aspirant.

The next work of the board was " the organization of the primary and intermediate schools of the city of Portage." This was accomplished by the adoption of a by-law, drawn and ofiTered by Superintendent Guppey, providing that the First Ward of the city, excepting the portion lying northerly of Center avenue, should constitute a primary and intermediate school district, and there were established therein and therefor, one primary and one intermediate school, to be known as the First Ward Primary and Intermediate Schools ; that so much of the First Ward as lies north of Center avenue, and all of the Second Ward, should constitute a primary and intermediate school district ; that the Third and Fourth Wards of said city shall also constitute a primary and intermediate school district ; provided, that a second primary school may be organized in the Third Ward, if necessary. In the two last-mentioned districts, primary and intermediate schools were established.

It was then decided to employ teachers two months from May 23, as follows : George F. Parkinson, First Ward Intermediate, at $35 per month ; Miss Luthera Waldo, Second Ward Intermediate, $25 ; Miss Helvetia L. Reese, First Ward Primary, $15 ; Miss Fannie E. Waldo, Second Ward Primary, $20. At a subsequent meeting of the Board, Mrs. Agnes N. Cornell and Miss Caroline M. Prentiss passed successful examinations, and were employed in the Third and Fourth Ward Schools ; Mrs. Cornell, in the intermediate department, at $35 per month, and Miss Pientiss, in the primary, at $20, per month - for a period of ten weeks from May 23, 1859. At a meeting of the board, held June 4, a resolution was passed requesting the Common Council to levy a tax of $1,500 for the support of the schools thus established.

Superintendent Guppey's first report under the new system showed that there were 1,076 children of school age residing in the city of Portage, 511 being males and 565 being females, divided as follows : First Ward, 293 ; Second Ward, 274 ; Third Ward, 145; Fourth Ward, 364.

In October, a second primary school was organized in the Third and Fourth Wards, " the schoolhouse near the residence of H. S. Haskell being leased for that purpose," and Miss Luthera Waldo being employed as teacher, at a salary of $20 per month.

The semi-annual report of the Superintendent, dated January 3, 1860, gave the status of the schools, at that date, as follows : Number of pupils in attendance. 641 ; average attendance, 464 ; aggregate monthly salaries of teachers, $285 ; cost of schools, from September 1, 1859, $1,064.75 ; estimated cost to next report (si.x months), $1,781.25.

The report of the Superintendent for the term ending August 31, 1860, gave the number of children of school age residing in the city, 1,047 (males, 512; females, 585), there being 242 in the First Ward, 241 in the Second, 149 in the Third, and 415 in the Fourth.

In August, 1861, there having been a reduction in salaries, thereby causing the resignation of certain teachers. Miss Jane Booth was employed as teacher in the Second Ward Intermediate School, Miss Emma Sherwood in the Fourth Ward Primary, and Miss Eliza Hunter in the First Ward Primary. The school census for this year showed 1,013 children of school age in the city, there being 490 males and 523 females. In October, Superintendent Guppey resigned his position, and the Common Council appointed Henry B. Munn to fill the vacancy. Edgar P. Hill succeeded Mr. Munn as a member of the board. In this connection, are fonnd the following patriotic sentiments in the report of the Board of Education to the City Council :

" Shortly after the commencement of the current school year, we lost the assistance and co-operation of our late excellent School Superintendent, Joshua J. Guppey, and we desire in this, our annual report, to record our high appreciation of his successful efforts in behalf of the best interests of our public schools. He left us to take an active part in crushing out the infernal rebellion that is struggling to dismember our once happy land and overthrow the best government the sun ever shone upon. And, while we regretted his departure, we could not but bid him Godspeed. His leaving brought the subject of the war home to all the pupils in our public schools, and inspired them with a new love of country, and hatred of traitors. And our schoolrooms have resounded during the year with patriotic songs - songs kindling a patriotism which will never die."

At the November meeting of the board, a resolution was adopted setting forth the crowded condition of the schoolhouses then in use, and recommending the purchase of " the building now occupied by D. J. M. Loop, in the Third Ward, at a cost not exceeding $200." The City Council having granted the requisite authority, the building was purchased and an intermediate school established therein.

In January, 1863, a slight increase was made in the salaries of teachers, the Principal of the high school being allowed $70 per month, and his assistant $35. Teachers in the intermediate schools received $30, while those in the primary departments were allowed $20.

In 1864, the intermediate schools were somewhat reduced on account of the establishment of a grammar grade in the high school, but the primary departments were overflowing with " little prattlers," receiving the first seeds of knowledge. The receipts for school purposes this year were $9,938.14. This included the $5,000 of school bonds issued by the city. The expenditures (including the cost of the high-school building and grounds) balanced the receipts. The board estimated the value of school property belonging to the city at $12,400, divided as follows : high school and grounds (26 lots), $10,000 ; house and lot in the Second Ward, $600 ; house and lot in the Third Ward, $900 ; two buildings and lot in the Fourth Ward, $900.

At the beginning of the new school year of 1865, several changes occurred in the list of teachers. The term opened with the following persons at the heads of the different departments : Intermediate - First Ward, Miss Susan N. Waters ; Second and Third Wards, Mrs. George Ege ; Fourth Ward, Miss Maria Austin. Primary - First Ward, Miss Eliza Hunter ; Second and Third Wards, Miss Fannie E. Waldo ; Fourth, J. Kate Miller.

The first paragraph of the report of the Board of Education, at the close of the school year of 1865, is worth reproducing, as showing the wonderful contrast in educational matters, that must have existed at that time, between the loyal North and the rebellious South : " The schools have just closed another year of usefulness. Notwithstanding the terrible civil strife, now happily brought to a close, which has so long distracted a large portion of our fair country, and drawn so long and heavily upon our resources, the educational interests of our city have been steadily and quietly advancing. The average attendance of pupils has been about .500 daily. This exceeds the average of any previous year." About the middle of the term, Mrs. Ege resigned her position as teacher in the Second and Third Wards Intermediate, the vacancy being filled by the appointment of Miss Rose L. Wotring.

In April, 186 J, Franklin Street School District was organized, out of the Third and Fourth Wards. Miss Lizzie C. Osborne was placed in charge, at a salary of $30 per month.

At the close of the school year of 1867, the names of the following persons appear on the records as teachers in the intermediate and primary schools : Intermediate - First Ward, Miss Mattie L. Oilman ; Second, Miss M. McFarlane ; Fourth, Miss M. Austin and Mrs. II. Stewart. Primary - First Ward, Miss J. A. Moore ; Second, Miss F. E. Waldo ; Fourth, Miss J. K. Miller and Miss Kate O'Leary. Franklin Street School - Mrs. Ann Condon, Miss Lizzie Osborne and Miss iNIary Ten Eyck.

In 1867, the site of the old Lee House was purchased by the city, and the First Ward Schoolhouse removed thereto. Owing to the crowded condition of the Franklin Street School, a primary class was formed, and placed in charge of Miss Josephine Williams, a room having been fitted up in the basement of the high-school building for its accommodation. During this year. Miss Addie E. Forrest was placed in charge of the First Ward Intermediate School. Numerous changes having occurred in the corps of teachers, the names of those holding positions in the intermediate and primary departments, August 1, 186'J, will be of interest. In the intermediate department. Miss Addie E. Forrest taught in the First Ward, Mrs. R. G. Wood in the Second, Miss E. R. Briggs in the Fourth, and Miss Lizzie C. Osborn and Miss Mary Draper in the Franklin Street School. In the primary department. Miss Joanna A. Moore presided in the First Ward, Miss Mary Draper and Miss Mary Ten Eyck in the Second, Miss Kate E. Brady in the Fourth, and Miss H. B. Cole in the Franklin Street School.

The large influx of Germans into Wisconsin made necessary the passage of a law providing for the establishment of German and English schools, the experiment of a German- English school was tried in Portage, in 1868. The lower floor of the Dean store, on Clark street, was leased for the purpose. Miss Amelia Schneider being placed in charge. The new institution grew rapidly in favor, and soon became a leading feature of the school system of Portage.

In 1871, Miss Delia Damp, Miss Annie Hagan and Miss Belle C. Stewart, were appointed upon the staft" of primary teachers. Miss Briggs resigned her position in the Franklin Street School, and was succeeded by Miss K. C. Wright. Before the close of the school year, Miss Harriet Lowenfels, Miss Louisa A. Collipp and Miss Mary G. Staley, became teachers in the primary department.

In February, 1874, Miss Wright resigned as teacher of the Franklin Street Intermediate School, and Miss Fannie E. Waldo was appointed to fill the vacancy. Miss Mary Gaffney, as teacher of the Second Ward Intermediate, also resigned ; Miss May Dent became her successor. Other changes followed thick and fast, and the report of the board for the school year of 1873 shows the following new names in the roll of teachers, in addition to those already mentioned : Intermediate department - First Ward, Miss A. McMurray and Gretta E. Collins. Primary department - Second Ward, M. B. Ferguson ; Fourth, Miss Helen Flanders. Miss McMurray was shortly removed by death.

In June, 1873, bids were received for building a brick schoolhouse in the Fourth Ward, upon lots near the corner of Dunn and Howard streets, which cost the city $300. George

Hurst and John Dalton were the successful bidders, at $3,420. The old Fourth Ward School is now the residence of Alois Klenert. It was built at an early day, by Hugh McFarlane, as a residence, and afterwards sold to the city for a schoolhouse.

In the spring of 1874, the old Second AVard Schoolhouse gave way to a brick structure? ' built on a $4,700 contract by A. Carnagie, at the corner of Howard and Monroe streets.

At the close of the school year of 1874, both the Second and Fourth Ward Schoolhouses having been completed and occupied, we find the list of teachers in the intermediate and primary departments as follows: Intermediate - First Ward, Miss E. A. Marsh; Second, Miss Mary Dent and Miss Amelia Schneider ; Fourth, Miss S. A. Waters and Miss E. K. Briggs. Primary - First Ward, Miss M. Christopher ; Second, Miss F. E. Pettibone ; Third, Miss M. G. Staley ; Fourth, Miss Helen Flanders and Miss Emma Marsh. One of the features in school matters for 1874 was the establishment of a preparatory grammar school, to which pupils were promoted from the intermediate classes. Miss Lucelle Shattuck was placed in charge. Besides Miss Shattuck's the names of new teachers appearing upon the record at the end of the school year of 1875 were Miss Mary Kane, First Ward Intermediate ; Miss Nellie Flanders, Miss Anna Hogan and Miss A. N. Cornwell, Fourth Ward Higher Intermediate ; Miss Helen Marsh and Miss H. B. Cole, Fourth Ward Lower Intermediate; Annie Muir and Fannie Waldo, Second Ward Primary ; Nellie G. Goodrich, Franklin Street School. A year later, is found Miss J. Whitelaw as Principal of the Fourth Ward Higher Intermediate, and Miss Mary Downey and Miss Lida Gilman as the respective instructors in the Second and Fourth Wards Lower Intermediate.

The only changes in teachers for the school year of 1877 were the appointment of Miss Mary O'Neil to the Second Ward Higher Intermediate, and Miss Mary Cockroft to the Lower Intermediate of the same ward.

From August, 1878, to December, 1879, the only changes in teachers to note are the appointment of Miss M. Karch to the First Ward Higher Intermediate, Miss Kate Knibbs to the Third Ward Second Primary, Miss Rachael Buttrey to the First Primary of the Second Ward, and Miss Filie Collipp to take charge of the new primary class in the basement of the high-school building.

The present value of school property in the city of Portage is estimated at $25,000. The schoolhouses are of the most substantial character, and the extensive gi-ounds surrounding them are studded with the best varieties of shade and ornamental trees.

The High School. - In August, 1859, soon after the propitious inauguration of the present ward-school system, the citizens foresaw the necessity for an academic branch in connection with the common school. The Board of Education, with commendable alacrity and wisdom, took immediate measures looking toward the establishment of a high school. The services of Prof. MagofEn, as Principal, were secured, at a salary of $800 per annum, with Miss Abbey 0. Briggs, as Assistant, at $35 per month. The early historical features of the high school are contained in a by-law adopted by the Board of Education, at its meeting of August 16, 1859, which says : " There is hereby established in and for the city of Portage, a high school, which shall be kept and maintained in the Sylvester Store, so called, recently rented for that purpose ; and said school shall be in charge of a Principal and one or more assistants, as may be found necessary. During the first term of said school, no more than eighty pupils shall, at one time, be entitled to seats therein ; and if that number of qualified pupils resident in said city do not apply for admittance to said school, the number may be completed by receiving children of persons residing in other places, on the terms and in the manner hereinafter to be designated by the board. Until otherwise ordered, eighteen pupils shall be admitted to the high school from the First Ward, sixteen from the Second Ward, fifteen from the Third Ward, and thirty-one from the Fourth Ward ; j^rovided, that if any ward has not the number of qualified pupils assigned to it, such vacancies may be filled by qualified pupils residing in other wards of the city."

At a special meeting of the board, held September 1, 1859, Superintendent Guppey presented the names of the following successful applicants who had been by him examined as to their qualifications for admission to the high school :

First Ward - George Carpenter, Volney W. Foster, Charles A. Lee, William McDole Lee, John Buchannon, Gustavus A. Sahlquist, Annie Buchannon, Christina Delamater, Mary Hanson, Manila M. Lee and Jane Lee.

Second Ward - Oscar C. McCulloch, Chauncey V. Pettibone, George Peabody, Uriah A. Phillips, William Shachell, Myra D. Vaughn. Edward J. S. Wright, Jane C. Ball, Anna H. Brady, Mary E. Brady, Agnes Carnagie, Eliza A. Crawford, Helen J. Crawford, Frances A. Crawford, Helen G. Cook, Susie Davis, Helen Hanson, Mary A. Learmworth, Fannie H. Mc- Culloch, Kate M. Peabody, Maria C. Pettibone, Eliza Purnell, Josephine A. Turney, Josephine Williams and Manamne Wing.

Applications for admission became very numerous, and before the close of the first term (November 21) the following additional pupils passed examination, and were admitted : Residents - Louise Morehouse, Joanna Hazeltine, Eliza Hunter, Margaret Van Winter, Cassius Van Winter, Minnie Williams, Mary Draper, David T. Gilman, Ella Huntington, Ella McCulloch, Richard Gushing, Carrie M. Butz, James T. Hulihan, James H. Crawford, Mary A. O'Keefe, Joanne Moore, Catherine O'Leary, John M. Holmes and Letitia J. David. Non-residents - Melvin E. Merrell (Fort Winnebago), Sarah Hand, Alma M. Hand, Emma Kelley, Catherine Cairnes, Sarah E. Goodwin, Porter Langdon and Given J. Owen. From November 21, 1859, to July 13, 1860, there were thirty-nine additional pupils admitted, making the roll 107 for the first year.

From this date until 186.3, there is but little to note in connection with the high school, save that it progressed rapidly and the membership increased even beyond the most sanguine expectations. In January of that year, the necessary measures were taken by the board and City Council for constructing a high school building. Alexander Carnagie became the successful bidder, he agreeing to erect a structure, according to plans previously adopted, for $4,325. Block 230, bounded by Mac, Franklin and DeWitt streets, was purchased of Mr. Barden, for the purposes of a site, $300 being paid therefor. City school bonds, to the extent of $5,000, were issued to defray the expenses of building.

From the report of Superintendent Henry B. Munn, who succeeded Superintendent Guppey, in 1861, it appears that there were 193 names upon the roll August 1, 1863, quite a number of whom were non-residents. The Portage High School, even at that early day, was regarded at home and abroad as one of the leading institutions of that character. Its able and intelligent management, as indicated by the carefully kept records of the time, fully justified this recognition. The new building was completed and occupied early in 18G4, but from some inexplicable cause there had been a serious falling-off in the attendance, the average during the year being seventy-eight, while in 1863 it was eighty-two. The newly established grammar grade, under the new tutorship of Mrs. Agnes N. Cornwell, showed an average attendance of fifty-seven. At the beginning of the new school year, August 1, 1864, Prof. Magoffin and Miss Briggs were re-appointed to the positions of Principal and assistant, at salaries of $75 and $37.50 per month, respectively. Mrs. Cornwell was also retained as Principal of the grammar school at a salary of $35, while Miss Luthera B. Waldo was appointed as assistant at $30 per month.

The report of the board at the close of the year was full of encouragement. It showed an average attendance of 109 out of a total attendance of 200. Of the number attending school during the year, thirty-nine had engaged in teaching in the country districts, most of them in Columbia County, and two had entered Racine College.

In September, 1865, Prof. Magoffin resigned as Principal, having held the position from the foundation of the institution in 1859. Miss Abby 0. Briggs was placed temporarily in charge at a salary of $60 per month, with Mrs. Ann Condon as assistant. Miss Briggs fulfilled the duties of the position until August, 1866, when C. J.. Whitney was appointed as Principal, at a salary of $1,000 per annum, Miss Briggs resuming her place as assistant, at an increased salary. At the end of Mr. Wliitney's first term, his books showed an average attendance of 174, out of a list comprising the names of 322 pupils. Before the close of the spring term of 1867, Mr. Whitney sent in his resignation, which was accepted, and Miss Briggs was again called upon to take charge. She was assisted in finishing the term by the Hon. J. P. McGregor, who heard the Latin, and Mrs. Jane Steber, who heard the French, recitations. At the close of the terra. Miss Briggs also resigned ; E. E. Ashley was then engaged as Principal, at a salary of $1,200 dollars per year, with Miss M. Austin, from the Fourth Ward Intermediate, as temporary assistant. In August, 1867, Miss Rosa L. Wotring received the appointment of assistant to Mrs. Cornwell, in the grammar school, and in May, 1868, Miss Austin was succeeded by Miss Mary Flanders, as the assistant of Mr. Ashley, the Principal. In August, 1868, Mrs. Cornwell resigned the principalship of the grammar school, and in October was succeeded by Miss Lizzie C. Osborn, with Miss Maria Austin as assistant. During 1869, a German class was organized under the tutorship of the Rev. J. J. Hoifmann, who heard recitations in the tongue of the Fatherland, one hour each day, in the old Lutheran schoolroom. In 1870, two German classes were formed from pupils of the high school.

During the school year of 1871, Mr. Ashley, the Principal, was temporarily assisted by Miss Carrie B. Goldsmith and Miss Marion R. Rosenkrans. The Assistants of Miss Osborn, Principal of the grammar school, were Miss Maria Austin and W. G. Clough. Before the close of the year. Miss Rosenkrans became Mr. Ashley's assistant, while Miss Austin and Mr. Clough were succeeded by Miss Laura B. Copeland in the grammar department.

At a meeting of the Board of Education, held August 18, 1873, J. J. Hughes was elected Principal, and Miss Mary A. Clark, Assistant. Under the management of Mr. Hughes and Miss Clark, the school lost none of its previously acquired importance, and, toward the close of the school year, the first regular graduating exercises of which there is any record in the history of the institution, took place. The Class of '74 was as follows : Nellie Goodrich, Emma C. Prentice, George Muir and Samuel Lockhart. The eifect of thus placing a " premium upon advancement " was noticeable in the increased average attendance and better behavior of pupils the following year, not only in the high school, but also in the lower grades. At the beginning of the school year of 1875, Miss Clark was succeeded by W. A. Weavman as Assistant, and at the August meeting of the board, William M. Lawrence and W. G. Clough succeeded to the positions of Principal and assistant, respectively. In December, 1876, Miss Fannie Estabrook, was appointed to the position of assistant teacher, in the grammar school. Miss Austin being promoted to the principalship. In April, 1877, Miss Osborn and Miss Austin were allowed to resume their original positions in the grammar school, and in July, W. G. Clough was appointed Principal of the high school, with Henry Reid, as assistant.

In accordance with a vote of the citizens of Portage, taken in April, 1877, this institution was organized under the high-school law of the State, which provides, among other things, that the State Superintendent shall prescribe the course of study to be pursued in all high schools, and shall designate the class of te.xt-books to be used.

The graduates for 1877 were Annie Malloy and George Shackell. Under the careful management of teachers and officials, the Class of '78 was very encouraging and satisfactory. The graduates were Mary Ellen Borden, Rachael Ann Buttery, .Joseph Francis Gallagher, Loa Brown Kennan, Kathrina Mary Knibbs, Thurlow Wheeler Maine, Isabella Jane G'Neill, Lillie Elenor Schneider, James Horace Wells, Susy F. Whitelaw, Grant Robinson Bennett, James

At the beginning of the present school year, Henry Neill was appointed to the position of assistant teacher. Mr. Neill resigned in the latter part of 1879, and W. S. Jeffries was chosen by the board to fill the vacancy.

The graduating class for 1879 was as follows: Albert Samuel Crouch, Richard Arthur Dempsie, Ida May Farrington, Margaret Barbour Harvey, Belle Judson, Mary McDonell, Anna Gilrye Reid and Andrew Guppey Williams.

Private Schools. - The first school of a strictly private character established in Portage was the Classical Institute. It was founded in the winter of 1851-52, by William Sylvester, John Q. Adams, Lemuel Berry, Rev. Bradley Phillips, C. J. Pettibone and Rev. W. W. McNair. The Principal was the Rev. John Brittain, A. M., assisted by Miss Abbey 0. Briggs and Miss Margaret B. Burt. In it were taught, besides all the English branches of education, Greek, Latin and French ; also music, drawing and painting. As the district schools grew into impoVtance, public interest in the Classical Institute seems to have waned, and it was completely supplanted when the present system of public education was organized and the high school established.

Cotemporaneous with the Classical Institute, was the select school of Miss Butts, which at one time enjoyed the patronage of about eighty pupils. When the lady principal entered the matrimonial state (becoming Mrs. Cornwell), a Mr. Mills took charge of the school ; but the institution went into gradual dissolution from causes already cited. There were also the Parish School of St. John's Episcopal Church, established in November, 1855, and the female seminary, founded two years later. The Rev. H. M. Thompson presided over the former, with Miss A. 0. Briggs, Mary Morehouse and Miss McFarlane as assistants. Mrs. E. D. Emery, Mrs. E. W. Tenney and Miss Briggs were connected with the latter.

f)arochial schools, notable among them being the one in charge of three sisters of St. Dominick, ocated at the corner of Conant and Adams streets.

School Yeaes

The following named individuals have held the oflSce of Superintendent, since the establishment of the present school system : J. J. Guppey, from May, 1859, to September, 1861 ;

1869. - First Ward, V. Helmann ; Second, S. E. Dana ; Third, A. D. Hemenway ; Fourth, Robert Mitchell ; Fifth, J. P. McGregor. W. W. Corning and G. C. Prentiss were subsequently appointed to represent the two latter wards, on account of the removal of Messrs. Mitchell and McGregor, to other localities.

The Legislature of 1878-79, passed an act providing for the appointment of members of the Board, in April, and making the term of office two years instead of one. Accordingly, in April, 1879, Messrs. O'Keefe, Bebb and Collipp were appointed for one year, and Messrs. Purdy and Bath, for two years. In April, 1880, appointments from the First, Third and Fifth Wards were made, for two years.

Religious Institutions

The first Christian missionary who visited Fort Winnebago is believed to have been a Romish priest named Mazzuchelli. He came to labor among the Indians as early as 1831, soon after the completion of the fort, and, being unable to speak their language, was usually accompanied by Miss Elizabeth Grignon as interpreter. Forty Winnebagoes were baptized and given Christian names by Father Mazzuchelli during one of his visits. The presentation of crosses, crucifixes and beads had a wonderful effect upon the recipients of these holy favors.

The first structure built and dedicated to the cause of Christianity in what is now Columbia County - and, indeed, it may safely be said that it was the first in Central Wisconsin - stood near the center of the present city of Portage. It was built about 1833 by the famous Peter Pauquette, whose wife professed a belief in Catholicism, and was located upon an elevation - long since leveled away by progressive whites - near the middle of what is now Adams street, at its intersection with Conant street, and almost within a stone's throw of the spot stained by the blood of its founder when he was foully assassinated, October 18, 1836. No one now living in Portage remembers anything concerning Pauquette's log church ; but events which have transpired since the coming of those now classed among the first settlers, confirm the hitherto unsubstantiated statements regarding the existence of such a church. Satterlee Clark says he assisted at the burial of Pauquette, and that the remains were deposited beneath the floor of this church. The structure was destroyed by fire about 1840.

Ten years later witnessed the commencement of a new era in the history of Christian progress in Portage. The arrival and permanent settlement of Thomas Christopher, Patrick Lenon, Charles Moore, M. R. Keegan, James Collins, John Sweeney, Mrs. Ward and others owing allegiance to the church of Rome, opened the way for the establishment of a parish. The Rev. Father Smith, a Catholic missionary, was the first to preach to the small band of pioneers. After he left, came Father Hobbs, who held services in an unoccupied house near the fort. In the latter part of 1850, the Rev. Louis Godhardt, a Hollander, came as a missionary, and " said mass " in the house of Mrs. Ward, south of the canal. Early in 1851, a frame church was erected by the members of the parish upon a lot at the corner of Conant and Adams streets, donated by Webb & Bronson. Upon the site stood a small fol-est of crosses, marking the graves of a score or more of "good Indians," who, having been converted by early missionaries, had died in the faith. Among them rested the remains of Peter Pauquette, whose grave was indicated by a rude yet pretentious palisade of pickets. According to the original survey of the city of Portage, a street (Adams) passed through this graveyard, and in the center of that street were the modern Samson's remains. It had been especially stipulated by the donors of the lot that the Catholics, in accepting it, should agree to give proper burial to Pauquette's bones when the excavations for the street were made ; so, in 1852, when the grading of what are now the principal streets, was in progress, the earthly particles of Peter Pauquette's body were disinterred, removed and reburied, this time beneath the threshold of the south entrance to the little frame church now used by the Catholics for the purposes of a parochial school, where they have lain to the present time ; but there is a prospect that they will soon again be disturbed. While the excavations were in progress, the decayed foundations of a log house were discovered, not over or around, but near, Pauquette's grave ; charcoal and ashes were noticeable in the vicinity - incidents which go to confirm the fact already shown, that a house once stood upon the ground, and that it was burned down. The little graveyard was doubtless the result of Catholic burials beneath the shadow of the rude cross that surmounted the first structure devoted to Christianity on the Wisconsin River northeast of Prairie du Chien.

In 1858, St. Mary's Parish (for such was the name of the organization) purchased a lot on the north side of Conant street, and removed thereto a small frame structure, in which, after needed improvements, they established a parochial school. Soon afterward,. they made a second purchase - a lot just east of and adjoining the lot donated them by Webb & Bronson. A frame structure, in which the Baptists had but recently held services, was included in the latter purchase. The building was removed, and now forms the north wing of the Catholic school. The Baptists, in the mean time, had commenced the erection of a large brick church on Cook street, near Mac, but before completing the work, an exchange was effected, whereby the Catholics became possessed of the then unfinished brick, which they have since completed and largely embellished. Besides the church building, upon which there is an insurance of $5,000, the property consists of five lots, of average size, and a parsonage, which cost, " in war times," over $2,000. The number of families in the parish is given at 175. The successors of Father Godhardt have been the Revs. James Roche, James M. Doyle (now of Janesville), P. J. O'Neil P. F. Pettit and Thomas Keenan. Father Keenan, the present incumbent, also presides over the mission in Lodi, whither he goes once a month to console the spiritual troubles of a parish composed of some twenty families.

The M. E. Ohurch. - Isaac Smith, it seems, was the first person in Columbia County to preach Methodism. He came from England, in 1846, with a colony, known as the Potters' Emigration Society, which settled on Portage Prairie. Mr. Smith applied at Fort Winnebago for permission to hold religious services therein, but, on account of the existence of various shades of religious belief among the oSicers, he received little encouragement. Thereupon the use of the dining-room of the Franklin House was tendered by Capt. Low, and Mr. Smith frequently held forth, thereafter, to large and interested audiences. In the spring of 1851, a society was organized in Portage by the Rev. Mr. Mackintosh, who remained until the meeting of the conference that year, when he received a call to other parts. The Rev. Mr. Wilcox, Presiding Elder, was requested by the society to bring before the conference the necessity for sending thither a minister, but for some reason he failed to do so. However, regular services were kept up by the exertions of local preachers, among whom were James Chancellor, Isaac Smith and others. In the summer of 1852, Presiding Elder Wilcox sent a divine named Irish, to minister to the spiritual wants of the society. He, being an invalid, remained but a short time, and during the fall, the Rev. John Bean, in answer to a call, took charge, and thus became the first regular Pastor. The immediate successors of Mr. Bean were the Revs. Stansbury (during whose pastorate the present church edifice was built). Hackney, Train and Hazletine. Since 1859, the following-named Pastors have presided: 1859, R. Langley ; 1861, John M. Springer; 1862,1. B. Bachman ; 1864, Jacob Miller; 1868, I. B. Richardson: 1869, William Haw ; 1870, James Evans ; 1878, George Case, now Presiding Elder of the district ; 1876, John Knibbs ; 1879, F. W. Hall, the incumbent. The membership is given at 115 persons, while the congregation frequently reaches 200. The society is free from debt. The present officers are : Trustees - J. F. Warren, Mr. Cutsforth, J. E. Wells. James Gowran, Mr. Wah, Evan Arthur, Mr. Kenion, Joseph Donham and W. Williams, Stewards - 0. H. Lewis, J. Cole, S. M. Smith, Thomas C. Evans, W. Williams. Stewardesses - Mrs.' N. Smith, Mrs. 0. H. Lewis, Mrs. M. H. Wood and Mrs. James Gowran. Class Leaders - J. Cole and Joseph Donham. Sunday School Superintendent - W. Williams.

The Presbyterians. - In June, 1849, the Rev. William Wynkoop McNair was commissioned by the Board of Missions of the Presbyterian Church as an evangelist within the bounds of Wisconsin. At that time there was but one Pi-esbytery in the State. In July following, Mr. McNair commenced preaching in the schoolroom at the garrison of Fort Winnebago. According to the records, he " devoted one-third of his time the first year to the portage, preaching occasionally toward the close of his missionary year in the new village then just springing up near the Wisconsin River, afterward called Portage City. The remainder of his time was devoted to Wyocena and Dekorra. In July, he commenced to devote two-thirds of his time to the portage and the remainder to Dekorra." At the meeting of the Presbytery of Wisconsin, held at Cambridge, Dane County, in June, 1850, a committee of four, consisting of Revs. Thomas Frazer, Bradley Phillips, Eben Blachley and W. W. McNair, was appointed to organize a church at Fort Winnebago, '' if the way be clear." In the mean time, a colony, composed of members of the Presbyterian Church of Fremont, Ohio, had arrived and settled in the vicinity of the fort. The members of the colony were H. R. Pettibone, John A. Johnson, Mrs. Almira B.

Johnson, C. J. Pettibone, Caroline Pettibone and George and Ann Wall. Mr. McNair returned to his field of pioneer labor, and with his accustomed energy set about carrying out his instructions. The results of the first meeting are given in the church journal as follows : " In pursuance of public notice given by the minister of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Winnebago on three successive Sabbaths previous, the people of said church and congregation assembled at the schoolhouse in said town - their most usual place of meeting for divine worship - on Monday evening, July 2!), 1850, for the purpose of organizing themselves into a body corporate and electing trustees." At this meeting, the Rev. W. W. McNair was chosen President and J. A. Johnson Secretary. Church Trustees were elected as follows : H. R. Pettibone, John Ap. Jones and John A. Johnson. Among those who soon afterward became identified with the church may be mentioned Chester Helmes, Dr. C. D. Hottenstein, C. G. McCulloch and Mrs. Emily Best. The organization completed, the next thing was a house of wcfrship. The individual and collective exertions of the congregation soon supplied the want. A commodious frame building was finished in December, 1850. It stood upon a lot on the southeast side of Cook street, opposite the present site of the county jail, serving the purpose for which it was erected until about 1855, when it was removed to the corner of Conant and Adams streets, being purchased by the Baptists. In the mean time, the society had commenced the erection of a handsome brick edifice at the corner of Cook and Adams streets. This was completed at a cost of $16,000, and opened in February, 1856. In September of that year, Mr. McNair tendered his resignation, and on the 18th of the; same month it was resolved that " Dr. McCulloch be a committee to call at Port Byron, N. Y., and hear Rev. George C. Heckman preach, and report by mail immediately." Advices from the Doctor must have been favorable, for we find that Mr. Heckman soon afterward received a call at a salary of $800 per annum, which he accepted. The following named ministers have filled the pulpit since the time of Mr. Heckman : September, 1860, Benjamin Van Zandt ; June, 1863, George C. Crissman ; October, 1863, F. R. Wotring ; November, 1866, Charles F. Beach; .June, 1869, John H. Ritchie; December, 1874, Samuel Wyckoff; August, 1878, L. H. Mitchell, the incumbent. The present Trustees of the church are William Fulton, James Patterson, John Williamson, E. L. Jpeger and George Wall. The following names comprise a complete list of the Elders since the organization : C. J. Pettibone (who was among the main pillars of the church during its early struggle for existence), George Wall, John T. Clark, LI. Breese, Mr. Jennings, A. D. Hemenway. Dr. Schemerhorn, Thomas Yule, Donald Ferguson, William T. Parry and N. K. Shattuck. Messrs. Breese, Shattuck, Parry and Wall are the present Elders. Robert Campbell and E. L. J;eger have filled the ofiice of Deacons, the latter acting in that capacity at present. The membership of the society is given at 110.

St. John's Episcopal Church. - This parish was organized in 1853, at a meeting held in Verandah Hall on the 8th day of June of that year. Henry Merrell was chosen Chairman and J. B. Seaman Secretary of the meeting, after which church officers were elected as follows : Henry Merrell, Senior Warden ; Alvah Hand, Junior Warden ; Vestrymen - C. D. Hottenstein, John Delaney, J. B. Seaman, M. H. Pettibone and A. C. Ketchum. After the election of Dr. Hottenstein and J. B. Seaman as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, of the parish, an invitation was extended to the Rev. E. A. Goodnough, a missionary, to take spiritual charge of the small flock, which invitation was accepted. M. H. Pettibone tendered the use of Verandah Hall for meetings, which was also accepted. Such, in brief, were the proceedings of the first meeting of St. John's Episcopal Parish. The Rev. H. M. Thompson, of Maysville, Ky., was the first Rector. He came at a salary of $450 per annum, and remained until November, 1858, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Pattison. Mr. Thompson has since become somewhat noted, having filled the rectorship of Grace Church, New York, at a salary of $10,000 per annum. He is now Rector of Trinity Parish, New Orleans. In April, 1855, a committee was appointed to negotiate for a church site, which was secured on the north side of Pleasant street, near Clark, and a church edifice, built after plans drawn by William Thompson, a brother of the Pastor, erected thereon, at a cost of $5,000. Mr. Pattison was succeeded by the

Rev. Alonzo J. M. Hudson, who took charge February 1, 1861, and remained until the summer of 1867, being superseded by the Rev. Walter F. Lloyd. During the rectorship of Mr. Hudson, the parish was duly incorporated in accordance with law. This event occurred June 27, 1864, the first parish officers under the incorporation being S. S. Case and H. S. Haskell, Wardens, and H. B. Merrell, W. W. Corning, I. W. Bacon, F. Winne, 0. P. Williams and Mr. Wells, Vestrymen. The changes in the rectorship since 1867 have been Samuel D. Pulford, who came in 1869, and remained until July, 1876. The Rev. John J. Karcher was the next Rector. His resignation bears date of May 1, 1877. The Rev. Joel Clark followed and resigned April 10, 1879. Since then the Revs. Harry Thompson and Charles T. Susan have officiated. Two of the most pleasant features in the past history of St. John's Parish were ; First, the presentation, during the rectorship of H. M. Thompson, of a costly silver communion set by the Rev. Mr. Hopkins, of New York City; and, second, the $1,000 bequest of Henry Merrell, for many years Senior Warden of the parish. The first confirmation occurred January 21, 1855, when a class of sixteen persons were accepted by the Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, Bishop of Wisconsin. The first baptisms in Portage, according to Episcopal rites, were of Helen M. H. Merrell, now Mrs. E. S. Purdy, and Henry L. Merrell, which occurred July 1, 1850, being performed by Bishop Kemper. The records show a total of 343 baptisms, 227 confirmations, 127 marriages and 157 bui-ials. The present membership of the parish is about 100. A neat brick rectory was built in 1871, at a cost of $2,019. The present officers are: Wardens, H. D. Wells and G. H. Merrell; Vestrymen, John Graham, J. B. Wells, W. N. Cole, E. J. S. Wright, J. B. Taylor, W. D. Fox, Alexander Thompson and C. R. Gallett; Treasurer, E. J. S. Wright; Secretary, W. N. Cole.

Evangelical Association. - Eighty years ago, Jacob Albrecht founded a new religious creed among his German brethren in Pennsylvania, based upon rules of faith not unlike those governing Methodism. The " Albrights," as they are generally known, to distinguish them from other denominations, found their way to Wisconsin at an early day. Their advent into Columbia County dates back some thirty years ago, when a class was organized in the town of Lewiston. A similar organization was effected soon after in Portage, Samuel Schleifer being the prime mover. The Rev. George Eslinger (then the only minister of the Albrecht persuasion in the extensive circuit in which were included the present circuits of Portage, Westfield, Brandon, Winnebago, Fox River, Berlin, Marquette and Oshkosh, at present comprising an aggregate membership of fifteen hundred souls), presided every second Sunday. It was his custom to fill a small provision pouch with hard crackers and other imperishable food, and set out from Portage on foot, making his tour and reaching Oshkosh in seven days. Before leaving the latter place, on his return, a fresh supply of provisions was procured, and the reverend gentleman would make Portage in time to preach to his flock at that point on the following Sabbath. Services were held at the houses of members, or in halls, until 1871. During that year, a house of worship was completed, at a cost of $2,650, and also a parsonage, costing $1,400. Mr. Eslinger was succeeded by the Rev. L. Buehler, now Presiding Elder of Milwaukee District. Since then, the pastoral successions have been : The Revs. Henry Esch, L. Von Wald, A. Turnutzer (the present Presiding Elder of Portage District), William Stegner (now Presiding Elder at Winona, Minn.), M. Hauert, Peter Massueger, William Zickerich, Charles Finger, George Schofer, Henry Schelp, M. Wittenwyler, 0. Ragatz, Ernst Schulz (now Presiding Elder in Iowa), Nicholas Schuck, William Pfferkorn, T. Umbreit (who was in charge during the building of the church), Peter Held, Peter Speigh, and the incumbent, M. Wittenwyler. The present Trustees of the society are Aug. Matthison, George Koehler and Charles Moore; the membership about twenty families. This denomination has two church papers, in Cleveland, Ohio - the Christliche Botschafter and the Evangelical Messenger.

First Baptist Church. - Very full and complete records of this church have been preserved. The date of organization is given as August 30, 1853, and the names of those who figured in that event are A. L. Round, I. Fuller, M. Fuller, Samantha P. Kincaid, Eunice Fuller, Malissa Fuller, C. Wright, Julia Wright, A. Spicer, Caroline Spicer, R. Spicer, Christina Spicer, long since took its placelro^ the^^Hnctaf; eh^LJl'To^re^^ ^'"1 '""^ '"^-'^^' '' in December, 1859, and the stciet/was iithout a regular pastor unt^Jan^^v^R^^^^ ''l^^"'^ call was extended to the Rev. I. J. Hoile In Mav 18fi-. M?- TT i '^''""'''^^' 1862 when a Rev. A. Whitman, who remained until Anril\ tT/o ^^as succeeded by the pulpit of the PresbyteHanThu^h Siir/he; th! ' ^T,"!^ h,s farewell discourse from the guided by the Revs E EliirA i- Wu the spiritual destinies of the society have been

Portage. The meeting was presided over by DM %lZ ^^^oolhouse, six miles northeast of Free Methodist Conference Tl ^rP wIL ^ . '^ "'^l'"^""' ''^^n at the head of the Wisconsin William Shepard and wif James MorisoraTd^tifc ''^'' ^^'^.^^ ^ .?-- ^ellington Nobles, Mrs. William Holden. There were but few ^IT' ^' n^'f '' ^""Z '"^^' ''"'^ ^'-^- ^^'es, now establishing themselves pen^lLn'ti; n Vorl'ttT^fan ' inTsT^'^tr' '"'^^ t''\ '^^ ^T' man Lutherans a frame church buildin- and ?emovpH if,: J t '^ P'^^^^^^^'^ of the Ger-

Grerman Evangelical (Trinity) Church. - Organized in 1865 by the Rev. Louis Von Rague. Services were held in the hall of the fire department building, corner of Clark and Pleasant streets, until 1871, when a frame church edifice was erected on the south side of Wisconsin street, between Cass and Dunn, at a cost of $2,200. Mr. Von Rague was succeeded in the pastorate by the Rev. Mr. Hanf, and he by the Rev. Mr. Gottleib. It was during the incumbency of the latter that the church building was erected. The society at that time was composed of twenty-five families. The Rev. A. Klein, the successor of Mr. Gottleib, increased this number to forty-three. The ministers in charge since then have been the Revs. D. Ankele, J. Frankenfield and Chr. A. Hauck. Mr. Hauck commenced with twenty-one families ; the membership is now thirty-four.

German Catholics. - This parish was organized in the fall of 1877, and during the following year a brick church edifice was constructed on Mac street, at a cost of $2,700. The parish originally comprised about one hundred families, but there has been a slight falling off from that number. The Rev. H. Pauzer was the first Pastor. The Kev. John Zawistowiski is at present in charge.

Solomon Leach's saw-mill was the first one erected within the borders of what are now the city limits of Portage. It was built in 1843, and stood on the south side of the Wisconsin River, near the present bridge. The propelling power was a wind mill, the wings of which were fanned by the upper air currents. The amount of lumber sawed depended, of course, upon the velocity and volume of the gale. The windmill was soon supplanted by a water-wheel, upon which the remarkable genius and industrious hands of Mr. Leach had labored for many weary days and nights. In 184.5, during Mr. Leach's absence in the pineries, his mill took fire and was destroyed.

Campbell & Scott built a steam saw-mill in Portage, in 1850, and a large portion of the building material used by the early residents was the product of this mill. It was destroyed by fire July 7, 1852, the loss being estimated at $8,000. The proprietors immediately rebuilt, and for some years continued their operations ; but the steam saw-mill, as it was called, long since became a thing of the past. Kent & Manchester and Buchanan & Murison also built and operated sawmills, at an early day.

Flouring Mills. - The big stone mill, built by McNeal & Burgur in 1854, was, while it stood, one of the solid institutions of Portage. It was built of stone, the walls being four feet thick, covered an area of 40x50 feet, and was four stories high. The first grist was ground in October, 1854, and for sixteen years, its buhrs supplied the citizens of Portage and surrounding country with the " staff of life." During that time, Wells & Craig became the owners. It was destroyed by fire on the 11th of April, 1870, at an estimated loss of $24,000 ; insured for onehalf this sum. At the date of its destruction, there were six runs of stones in operation, and the capacity of the mill was about 250 barrels per day.

Soon after the burning of the "Big Mill," when the proprietors gave evidence of receding from their expressed intention of rebuilding, the Portage Flouring Mill, a small frame institution, with one run of stones, was established by Fred. Siverkrop & Bro., at the corner of Pauquette and Wisconsin streets. In 1874, John Schlossman became a partner in the concern, and in 1876, Dr. M. Waterhouse acquired title to a two-thirds interest. Otto Krish and M. De Witt Older have since possessed themselves of the concern. Portage is virtually without a flouring-mill in keeping with her importance as a great commercial center.

Portage Iron Works. - The first iron foundry established in Portage was the property of Smith & Blair. It was built in 1853, and stood on Dodge street, in the rear of Helm's store. The institution seems to have supplied " a long-felt want," for we find that in 1856, the services of twenty men were required to perform the work that came to it. Neither was the demand strictly local, for an order, given by a New Lisbon mill-builder for a 1,500-pound shaft, was promptly filled. In 1863, M. R. Keegan founded a similar institution, on a small scale, and, after carrying it on for two years, sold to James Fyfe & Co., who removed and located it at the corner of Dodge and Wisconsin streets, where large and important additions have since been made. A general jobbing business comprised the extent of operations, until 1867-68, when the firm, to meet the demands of the times, entered largely into the manufacture of hop-presses, but the venture proved unprofitable, for the reason that a panic in the hop market set in just at a time when the manufacture of presses by Messrs. Fyfe & Co. had reached the maximum, leaving them with a high-priced article on hand, with no demand. In 1872, Fyfe k Co. sold out, and, under the name of the Portage Manufacturing Company, the business was continued, for about a year, with A. E. Eggleston as Superintendent. A re-organization then took place, the institution taking the name of the Portage Iron Works, with James Fyfe as manager. In 1878, Mr. Fyfe became sole proprietor. J. C. Anderson was shortly afterward admitted as a partner, when the firm resumed its original style and title - James Fyfe ifc Co. Under the new order of things, the manufacture of the " Portage Chilled Plows " was commenced, about 300 of these utensils, which are peculiarly adapted to the soil of Central Wisconsin, being turned out in 1878, and 500 in 1879. In 1876, a planing-mill was added to the foundry, but in 1879 the machinery was disposed of to R. B. Wentworth, by whom it is now used. Messrs. Fyfe & Co. have furnished the ironwork for the principal buildings in Portage. The handsome columns in the stone buildings of Loomis, Gallett & Breese, the Opera House and Graham's and Vortman's Blocks are the product of this foundry.

One of the institutions of this character, once existing in Portage, will be remembered - the Portage Foundry, established by Cromwell Bros., in the premises formerly occupied by Capt. Arnold as a sash and blind factory, in July, 1864.

Planing Mills. - In the fall of 1850, Carnagie & Learmouth set up a horse-power planingmill in Portage, and the hillside between Cook and Canal and Jefferson and Monroe streets. Here they continued to make rough boards smooth until spring, when they removed their machinery to a point on the canal opposite the present site of Wentworth's elevator. In 185-t, a steam engine was purchased, and for the next three years "things just hummed." In 1857, there was a dissolution of copartnership, Mr. Learmouth retiring. About the same time, the mill was removed to Goodyear's lumber-yard, on Wisconsin street, east of the canal, where it remained in successful operation until 1860. The encroachments of the Wisconsin River making a change of location necessary, the institution was finally and permanently established on Canal street, not far from the spot where the original horse-power was located ten years previously. In 1876, a partnership was effected under the style and title of Carnagie, Prescott & Co. Since then, the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds for the wholesale trade has been largely entered into, the demand extending throughout Wisconsin. Mr. Carnagie has, during all this time, applied himself individually to the work of contracting and building. The court house, the county jail, the high school and Second Ward School buildings and county poor house, at Wyocena, are among the principal structures erected under his supervision.

In the spring of 1855, B. F. Pixley established a planing-mill "near the ferry." It was quite an extensive institution, but was short-lived.

In the fall of 1879, R. B. Wentworth, the veteran editor, elevator man, banker, etc., purchased of James Fyfe & Co. an outfit of planing machinery, and located it in a building near his monster elevator, where it has ever since been operated by a neat twenty-horse-power engine. The capacity of the institution is about 30,000 feet per day, surfacing and siding. Under the same roof is a feed-mill, with a capacity of eight tons per day.

Elevators. - The purchase and shipment of grain forms one of the leading industries of Portage. Among the early wheat-buyers will be remembered W. P. St. John, William McKenzie, W. D. Fox, D. Muir, Hiram Sexton, S. K. Vaughan, N. H. Wood, C. J. Pettibone and S. S. Case. The latter, in 1860, built the first elevator, deserving the name of elevator, at the depot. Prior to that time, the grain purchased by the above-named individuals had been stored in out-houses and rudely constructed granaries ; but the great fire of January 19, 1863, swept away these fragile concerns. Mr. Case's elevator was also burned. He rebuilt, however, and soon afterward sold to the railroad company. A. C. Flanders, the railroad agent, has the management of it at present. It has a capacity of 20,000 bushels.

The VVentworth elevator was built in 1862. During the first eight or nine years of Mr. Wentworth's wheat operations, shipments were made by water, on barges to Ureen Bay, thence by propellers and schooners to Buffalo. A much larger amount of grain was handled then than now. The product of the large grain-producing areas about Baraboo, Poynette, etc., now cut off by railroad, was then marketed in Portage. In 1871, the Madison & Portage Railroad Company (now the C, M. & St. P.) extended a side-track along the east side of the canal to the Wisconsin River, for the accommodation of merchants and others. Since then the shipments of the Wentworth elevator have been made by rail. One half of the grain handled by Mr. Wentworth is sold to millers in Watertown, Berlin, etc. Seventy-five thousand bushels were handled in 1879. The elevator building is 40x60 feet, has a storage capacity of 40,000 bushels, and is supplied with the latest improved cleaning apparatus.

Breweries. - On the 12th day of May, 1849, John M. Hettinger, with his family, arrived in Portage from Freeport, 111. His first work was the building of a shanty, to protect his wife and children from the storms ; then he built a brewery, and painted it red ; and although he insisted upon calling it the Fort Winnebago Brewery, the people disregarded his wishes, and persistently styled it the Old Red Brewery. By the latter name it has ever since been known. Upon the death of John Hettinger, the management passed to his son Matthias. A partnership was subsequently arranged between the latter and his brother Michael, who, after the death of Matthias, carried it on alone for awhile, when it passed to the hands of the widow of the original Hettinger. She sold to Nauer & Klecker, but through some cause the property again reverted to the widow. John Hettinger then took charge of the establishment and ran ituntil the spring of 1876, when he sold to the present owner, Henry Epstein. The original capacity of the Old Red Breweiy was from eighteen to twenty barrels, of thirty-two gallons each - which speak well for the capacity of the pioneers of 1849-50. The absence of census reports of the population of that early day prevents us giving the exact quantity of beer each person was recjuired to drink to make Mr. Hettinger's business a profitable one.

In 1852, Charles Hsertel commenced the manufacture of lager beer in a small building on the northeast corner of Cook and Clark streets. Twelve barrels per week was his average brew until the demand for the beverage necessitated an enlargement of his premises, which was made in 1855 by the erection of a three-story brick building, 20x60 feet in size. Two years later, another addition was made, and this failing to afford sufficient room for his expanding trade, has been enlarged from time to time, until the present imposing structure, estimated to be worth $75,000, is the result. The annual product of this mammoth institution is about 250,000 gallons, requiring 80,000 bushels of barley. The death of Mr. Hrertel, in 1876, brought to the management of the brewery Jacob Best, a son-in-law of the deceased. A bottling establishment with a capacity of ten barrels per day, was added to the institution in 1877. There are five heirs to the Hrertel estate. A division of the property will take place in the course of a year, or as soon as Carl Hicrtel, Jr. comes of age. The executors of the estate are Jacob Best, F. W. Schulze and Mrs. Charles Hrertel, widow of the deceased.

Tannery. - In 1851, J. Ludwig established a tannery on the north sands of the Wisconsin River, near where that stream is intersected by the canal. The scene of operations was the space embraced within the confines of a very small log house, which soon became inadequate to the increasing business of Mr. Ludwig, and, in 1852, a frame structure, a decided improvement over the log, was erected a few rods west, exactly opposite the mouth of the canal. In 1858, Mr. Ludwig established a manufactory at the corner of De Witt and Canal streets, where most of the product of his tannery is worked up into boots, shoes, boot-packs and shoe-packs. Large quantities of sheepskin leggings are also manufactured. Sales of these articles are made throughout Wisconsin, and in the principal markets of Illinois and Minnesota.

Distillery. - In 1850, a man named Awerbach established an old fashioned hand-mash distillery in one of the abandoned garrison stables at Fort Winnebago. A gentleman residing on the east side of the canal says that Mr. Awerbach, when he discovered that most of his patrons lived in Gougeville, removed his utensils thither, and located in a little building, since used for a soap factory by John Sisingut ; but there must have been a successful temperance crusade soon afterward, as the ungodly Awerbach disposed of his pipes and stills within the year and went to Texas, where he resided when the rebellion broke out.

Portage Cheese Factory. - Established by N. H. Wood in 1874, in the First Ward. The factory is conducted upon a moderate scale at present, but it is the intention of the proprietor to increase its capacity. Mr. Wood has eighty cows, the milk product of fifty being manufactured into full cream cheese, which finds ready sale in home markets. The lands bordering upon Duck Creek, and the Fo.x, Wisconsin and Baraboo Rivers are peculiarly adapted to dairying.

Union Bed Spring Manufactory. - Established in Portage in January of the present year, by R. W. Mclntyre, Jr., in connection with the main factory in Oregon, Wis. Among the many thousand applicants for patents on bed springs, the inventor of the Union Spring received, with his patent from Washington, a certificate testifying to the superiority of his invention. It has since taken premiums at the Nebraska State Fair, the Illinois State Fair, and been awarded the first premium two successive years at Madison. Mr. Mclntyre is located on Wisconsin street just east of the canal, where he employs from four to six men.

Marble Works. - In 1866, B. & H. Doherty established themselves in Portage in the business of manufacturing marble monuments, headstones, mantles and table-tops. In April, 1878, H. Doherty purchased the interest of his brother, and has since conducted the business in his own right. Mr. Doherty's trade extends over eight or ten of the principal counties in the State. Office, corner Canal and Wisconsin streets.

In May, 1879, Groth & Stotzer established the Columbia County Marble Works, on Wisconsin street, near Cook, and have met with success sufficient to insure its permanency. Both of these firms deal in Italian and American marble and Scotch and American granite.

Brickmaking. - The peculiar excellence of the brick manufactured in Portage gives the place additional fame as one of the important commercial centers of the State. The first brick were made by Thomas Corey, a soldier, for use at Fort Winnebago. In 1847, Enoch Pixley, Samuel Reeder and William Armstrong burned a small kiln of brick made from the red surface clay on the present site of Mr. Armstrong's brickyard, near the Wisconsin River bridge. The burning of this kiln proved a profitable experiment. It was discovered that the red brick were very brittle, while tiiose of a lighter color were strong and durable. At the suggestion of Luther Dixon, a practical brickmaker named Risdon, a friend of Mr. Dixon's, was imported from Vermont for the purpose of giving the white clay, which lay at a depth of two or three feet from the surface, a thorough trial. Mr. Risdon may be said to have been a "born brickmaker," just as poets are accredited with coming into the world crying and kicking in short or long meter. It was charactertistic of him to chew clay, and he always tested the quality of his material by tasting it. It was under the management of Mr. Risdon and the proprietorship of Messrs. Armstrong, Pixley & Reeder that the first "cream brick" were made in Portage. Besides Mr. Armstrong, Isaac Corkerer, Dwyer & Jurgens, Sanborn & Maloy, and Conrad Collipp have carried on the business of brickmaking.

Vacuum Cream Il.rtractor.~^n May, 1878, a patent was obtained by J. W. Powers for a Vacuum Cream Extractor, and in December, 1879, for an improvement on the same. The inventor makes the following claims, and produces a large number of testimonials to substantiate them from parties that have used tlie invention : 1st - We use the deepsetting vessels. 2d - The vessels need not be submerged. 3d - The vessels may be submerged if desired. 4th - The vessels become air-tight the moment the vacuum is produced. 5th - But one set of vessels is required. 6th - The cream will be absolutely and perfectly raised between milkings. 7th - All unpleasant odors which may be in the milk will be taken out. 8th - The cream can be removed and the milk drawn off without lifting or moving the cans. 9th - The milk of twenty cows can be set in our vessels with as little labor as setting milk from one cow by the old method with tin pans. 10th - The apparatus takes up but little room. 11th - The price is reasonable and within the reach of every farmw. 12th - The cans being air-tight, may be kept in any cellar or other convenient place without injury to the milk from foul gas, odors, or from dirt or insects. 13th - The milk left after the removal of cream by the Vacuum process, is good for family use or feeding to young stock, because the sugar contained in it, and which is as valuable for food as the oily portion, remains unchanged in the short time required for getting the cream; whereas, by the ordinary process, chemical changes in the milk entirely destroy the sugar before the cream is removed. This saving alone will in a single season more than pay the cost of apparatus. 14th - Butter may be made from the cream while it is sweet, or after acidity begins, as the taste of the maker or the market for which it is made, requires. 15th - The butter made by the Vacuum process commands the highest market price. A company was organized in the winter of 1879-80 for the manufacture of these extractors, and is meeting with good success in its introduction.

Ferries And Bridges

Peter Pauquette was the first to establish a ferry across the Wisconsin River, at or near the portage. It is not positively known in what year the " modern Samson " undertook the enterprise, but it could not have been at a much later date than that which witnessed the buildof Fort Winnebago (1828). Pauquette lived, with his wife and children, on the south side of the river, where he tilled a small portion of the land now owned by L. W. Borden. In this connection, mention may be made of the fact that Madame Pauquette's first husband was a man named Lupient. By him, she had one child - Theodore, who, sometime in the early part of the sixties, met with an accidental death, in Chicago, being run over by a railway train, while in the " Garden City," exhibiting his grandfather, the famous Joseph Crelie, as " the oldest man in the world." In due course of time, after the tragic death of Peter Pauquette, at the hands of a revengeful savage, Mme. Pauquette married, for her third husband, Antoine Pervonsal, a Frenchman, who conducted the ferry, "at the old stand," until he himself passed over the river Styx, leaving the daughter of Joseph Crelie, thrice a widow. At this date (about 1840), according to Solomon Leach, the ferry fleet comprised a large rafting skiff for foot passengers, and an ordinary flat-boat for teams. The latter was propelled by means of long poles, in the shallow parts of the river, and mammoth oars over the deeper currents.

A mile below the ferry, on the flat, lived a solitary trader, Silas Walsworth, a widower with one son - Jared. At times, when business was slack, the old gentleman was in the habit of strolling along the shores of the river, and watching the shifting currents of the stream. His course was usually westward ; as business grew duller, his walks grew longer, and soon his face became familiar at the ferry. Once he ventured over the stream, but did not remain long. The next day he came again,- and as his visits increased, his gait became more buoyant. He bought a commutation Ferry ticket, which was daily "punched in the presence of the passejaire," and when the unperforated territory of that ticket had narrowed down to half a dozen fares, the secret of the widower's movements got out. A quiet wedding soon followed, and then Silas Walsworth took charge of the ferry, having succeeded to its management in the same manner as had Pervonsal, his predecessor. During the proprietorship of Mr. Walsworth, Oscar F. Wagoner ran it on shares. In 1847, William Armstrong purchased the ferry, and carried it on, under a charter of the Legislature, until the first bridge was built across the Wisconsin River in 1857. Mr. Armstrong soon improved upon the old method of " polling," by stretching a chain across the river, to which the boat was attached by pulleys. The ferry tolls, established by the County Commissioners, were 50 cents for wagon and team of two horses, 12| cents for foot passengers, and the same for fourdegged animals, except sheep and swine, for which 2 cents per head was collected.

Soundings of the Wisconsin River were made as early as 1850, the object in view being the bridging of that stream for the accommodation of the rapidly increasing population. A small iron rod passed through the sand in the deepest place, near the point now spanned by the bridge, struck clay and stone at twenty two and a half feet. The width of the stream, during low water, at the narrowest "place, was thirty-four rods. An amount of water estimated at 3,325 cubic feet passed through the channel every second, at a rate of speed sufficient to give 134 horse-power.

In March, 1851, the Portage Bridge Company was incorporated by act of the Legislature, the incorporators being Jared Walsworth, Silas Wadsworth, Hugh McFarlane, Charles H. Moore, William Armstrong and such other persons as might be associated with them. The capital stock was $20,000, divided into shares of $10 each. Messrs. McFarlane, Moore and J. Walsworth were appointed Commissioners to raise subscriptions, and books were at once opeped for that purpose. The corporators were empowered to construct and maintain a bridge across the Wisconsin River in Section 7, Township 12, Range 9 east, not less than twenty feet wide with, a draw of at least fifty feet over the most navigable channel, and to be provided with a double track for wagons and a single track for foot passengers ; to be commenced within two and finished within six years, the company to have power for a term of thirty years. They were further empowered to demand and collect tolls at the following rates : For vehicle and one horse, 15 cents, and each additional horse or ox, 5 cents ; single horse and rider, 10 cents ; foot passengers, 3 cents ; for animals, excepting hogs and sheep, in droves of fifty or less, 2 cents per head ; all over fifty, 1 cent each ; hogs and sheep, 1 cent per head.

The company not having complied with the section requiring the commencement of the work within two years, the charter, of course, expired, and in March, 1855, a new charter was granted to Milo H. Pettibonc, Hugh McFarlane, William Owen, Henry W. Tenney, Thomas Robertson, Charles H. Moore, Harrison S. Haskell, George H. Wall, Andrew Dunn, John Crawford and John A. Chandler, with similar powers given in 1851. The capital stock was $25,000, divided as before, and Messrs. McFarlane, Owen, Pettibone, Crawford and Tenney were commissioned to receive subscriptions. A meeting of the corporators were held in Portage in April of the same year, at which the following officers were chosen to direct the work in the name of the company : President, M. H. Pettibone ; Vice President, A. Dunn ; Secretary, H. W. Tenney; Treasurer, W. Owen. Directors - H. S. Haskell, H. McFarlane and C. G. McCulloch. The sum of $4,000 was subscribed, upon which, at a subsequent meeting, a 10 per cent assessment was levied.

No further actijn seems to have been taken until December following, when a meeting of citizens was held at the office of Register of Deeds. At this meeting, a committee of five was appointed to draft a bill amendatory of the act incorporating the Portage Bridge Company. The purport of the amendment was to allow the city of Portage and the town of Caledonia to issue fifteen-year 10 per cent bonds - the former in any reasonable amount the citizens might <ieem necessary, and the latter not to exceed $15,000 - each being empowered to levy an annual tax to pay interest and principal. The bill was passed in March, 1856, and on the 18th of November, at a meeting of the Portage Company, a resolution was adopted setting forth that it was "deemed expedient to have a new organization of the company," with a view of placing control of the bridge question in the hands of the authorities of the city of Portage and the town of Caledonia, recommending the release of all subscriptions, and the resignation of the Directors. By this arrangement the city and town aforesaid became the Portage Bridge Company. Negotiations were at once entered into with Hall & Leet, a Philadelphia bridge-building firm, and in May, 1857, a contract was closed between this firm and Bridge Commissioner Vandercook, the work of driving piles through the ice having commenced in February previous.

An idea of the progress of the work of construction may be had from the following " local item" written in August, 1857 : "It is a massive piece of work, and is being carried on in a workmanlike manner. The large oak piles which compose the outwork of the piers are driven through the sand, and stand fast in a solid clay foundation. The inner spaces are filled with rock, 2,000 cubic yards of which have been used for the purpose. This insures a foundation against which floods and rafts may beat with impunity. Over 200,000 feet of lumber will be used in the framework. The whole length of the bridge will be 650 feet with a draw of 130 feet."

The bridge was so far completed by October, 1857, as to permit the crgssing of teams. At that date "ye local" describes it as being "640 feet long, and eighteen feet wide inside. There were used in its construction 250,000 feet of lumber, and the entire structure cost $26,000." In February, 1858, $10,000 worth of the city's bridge bonds found sale in New York city at 76^^ cents. In November, 1866, the City Council levied a tax of 4 per cent with which to liquidate one-half of the bonded indebtedness on the bridge, and in March, 1867, the obligation, together with interest on the whole indebtedness, amounting in all to $18,049.50, was met.

The office of Bridge Commissioner at once became an important one, as is evident in the fact that in May, 1860, C. R. Gallett was chosen to fill the position by the Council on the sixty-ninth ballot, amid great excitement among the City Fathers and those who had been admitted to the council-room. From the date of the opening of the bridge (October 10, 1857) to December 31 of that year, the tolls amounted to $688. The receipts during the Commissionership of George Wall, from the date of his appointment in 1858 to April 9, 1859, were $1,672. Under the administration of John Bean, from May 7, 1859, to the same date in 1860, tolls to the amount of $1,818 were collected, and from the latter date to March 26, 1861, during Mr. Gallett's incumbency, they aggregated $2,163. From the date of the expiration of Mr. Gallett's term of office to March, 1868, (during the existence of the old bridge) the Commissioners and the amounts of tolls received by each were as follows : Charles Schenck (four terms), 1862, $1,798 ; 1863, $1,792 ; 1864, $2,322 ; 1865, $2,440 ; Patrick Sheehan (four terms, including 1869), 1866, $2,704 ; 1867, $2,056 ; 1868, $1,935. The total cost of the old bridge was $41,146.13. The expenses were largely increased by the city being compelled to sell its bonds at a discount of from 25 to 30 per cent and redeem them at par when they fell due. Thus it will be seen that the expenses exceeded the receipts nearly $20,000. In April, 1867, the Council resolved to make an effort to take up $3,000 of the bridge bonds before they fell due if the holders could be induced to turn them in at par. Correspondence was opened with an Eastern Shylock holding this amount of the bonds, who replied that he would take $1.25! The redemption scheme was abandoned. The Mayor was then instructed by the Council to solicit proposals to buy the bridge, and in February, 1868, it was sold under the hammer to W. W. Corning for $2,000, the sale being subject to ratification by the people. The sale wa^ revoked before the time for holding an election arrived, it having been ascertained that the bridge was in an unsound condition.

In March, 1868, the Legislature passed two bridge bills, the first authorizing the city of Portage and the town of Caledonia to jointly erect a free bridge ; and the second, if they should deem it inadvisable to construct such a bridge, authorizing the city of Portage to build another toll bridge. The latter measure provided for the same rates of toll allowed in the old charter, and authorized the city to assign its charter to an individual, or individuals, should any such wish to make the bridge a private enterprise. In the mean time, the City Council employed an experienced bridge-builder to inspect the old concern, and a report was made to the effect that an expenditureof $2,000 would keep it up for a couple of years longer. Before any definite action was taken, however, Messrs. Chapin & Wells, of Chicago, appeared upon the scene and submitted a proposition to remove the old bridge for $1,000, and place a new one - a Howe truss - upon the same piers, for $18,000, allowing the city the market value for any old materials which might be used. A contract was closed with the Chicago builders, and in May the work of tearing away the old structure was commenced. L. W. Borden established a ferry across the river, and maintained it while the new bridge was being built, the council voting $250 to aid him in keeping it up. The new bridge was completed in August, and has ever since answered the purpose for which it was intended. It is a massive structure, and an object of much curiosity to strangers. The bonds issued by the city to build it were redeemed, from time to time, as they became due, until the last cancellation was made.

The entire cost of building and maintaining both the old and new bridge, from the commencement of the work, in March, 1857, to March, 1871, was $119,624.02. The receipts of

In October, 1869, the bridge was "boarded up " and covered, and in July, 1870, during the prevalence of a tornado, seventy feet of the roof was carried away. In March following, a similar catastrophe occurred, a hundred-foot slice being gathered to the breast of old Boreas and borne from its moorings. Under the consolidating act of 1879, the following rates of toll were established : For every vehicle drawn by one or more horses, or other animal or animals, and for every horse and rider, 10 cents. For hogs and sheep, 1 cent each, and for other animals, 2 cents each, provided that when the number of animals exceed ten, only one-half rates shall be taken for the excess. For cows passing to and from pasture, from April 1 to December 1, in each year, $1 each. No toll shall be collected from persons going to or from church on Sundays, or from funeral processions, or from officers of the city on official business. Persons paying 10 cents for crossing, as required in Section 2, shall be entitled to re-cross on the same day without further payment, and any person paying $5 in advance, shall be entitled to cross with one team for one year.

The Wisconsin Street Bridge. - Besides the draw-bridges built and maintained over the canal, by the railroad company, there is a first-class bridge at the junction of De Witt and Wisconsin streets, that deserves brief mention in these pages. In June, 1859, Mr. Jenne, Superintendent of the improvement, concluded an agreement with the city to place a safe temporary bridge across the canal, within three months' time, and within a year to complete a more substantial structure. The latter was finished, according to agreement, in July, 1860. In 1879, it became necessary to rebuild, and the present iron bridge at that point was the result.