Columbia County, Wisconsin - Chapter 11, 1880 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 11

First Settlement - Columbxts Twenty-Five Years Ago - Government - Plats and Additions - The Columbus Post Office - The Schools- Religious Institutions - Manufacturing Interests - Banks - Columbus Library Association - Hotels - Columbus Opera Hou.se - The Fire Department - Lodges and Societies - Cemeteries - Local Reminiscences - Travel Now AND Then.

First Settlement

Elbert Dickason was the first settler upon territory within the boundary limits of what is now the city of Columbus ; and this brave and stalwart old frontiersman first sought this place as his abode, in 1839. He came hither under an agreement with Lewis Ludington, as the purchaser from the latter of a considerable tract of land on time. Erecting a small log cabin upon the west side of the Crawfish River, not far from the present site of the railroad depot, Dickason next turned his attention to the work of damming the stream and building a mill. He evidently came with the full determination of staying and making this his permanent home, for he brought with him a herd of cattle, a number of horses and a few wagons, with the necessary employed help to care for them and aid him in the improvements he set out to make. But, alas, misfortune bore heavily upon him. He lost most of his stock by the severity of the winter and the scarcity of food. Dickason, after many fruitless efforts to fulfill his part of the agreement with Ludington, relinquished his claim to the broad acres of fertile soil he had tamed from the wilderness. The saw-mill, which had been in successful operation for some time, also became the property of Ludington. Dickason received $200 in cash for his right and title to everything, and withdrew from the scenes of his greatest ambition comparatively penniless. It is said he spent nearly $10,000, all he had, of his own money in the enterprise.

There are but few men now living who knew Dickason in those days and witnessed his triumphs and disasters. Alexander McDonald, now a resident of Portage, says he was in the Major's cabin about the last of May, 1839. The house was of logs, covered with bark, and had Indian bedsteads around the sides. It had no fioor or fireplace, but the fire was put against the logs at one end of the house, which was all burnt out. Dickason, Mr. McDonald thinks, built it the year before. McDonald stayed all night. The Major was absent, but his brother, the "Colonel," as he was called, was at home, and two Stroud boys, his nephews, were also there. Mrs. Dickason had not moved out yet. They slept on the ground wrapped up in Mackinaw blankets, with "smudges" around to keep ofi" the mosquitoes. With Mr. McDonald were Daniel Hyer and Mr. Palmer, who came on from Madison - they having been hired by Maj. Dickason to get out timber for a saw-mill. They built a temporary shanty across the Crawfish, from Dickason's house, and went to work, while McDonald returned next day to Madison with the ox team.

Wayne B. Dyer, now of Durand, Pepin Co., was one of the earliest settlers in these parts. He came to Wisconsin in August, 1843, and when he passed over the present site of Columbus, the log cabin of Maj. Dickason, on the Crawfish, and that of Hiram Allen, not far from where the mill now is, constituted the entire village of Columbus. Mr. Dyer relates an incident in the experience of Dickason which illustrates the trials he bore. Once the " Major " got out of hay and was compelled to drive his cattle over to the vicinity of Beaver Dam, and chop down elm and basswood trees for them to feed or " browse " upon. This operation was called " grubbing it," and what is now known as Beaver Dam was then known as " Grubbville." In that same spring of 1843, the deer lay dead upon the Crawfish - starved to death, because the deep snow prevented their getting any sustenance. Dyer was a great hunter and trapper in those days and killed many a deer in the vicinity of Columbus. Indeed, for years after his arrival he could start out almost any day and return with one. His lodge was seldom without venison. After Columbus had grown to be quite a village he saw several deer run across one of the principal streets. He trapped many otter, also, at that period along the Crawfish. Maj. Dickason passed through Otsego on his way to locate at Duck Creek, now Wyocena, the next day after Dyer was settled in his new home, and he took a primitive dinner with him.

Jeremiah Drake, as the agent of Mr. Ludington, succeeded Dickason in the management of early affairs in Columbus. He built the first frame house in the place. It stands near the mill and is known as the "mill house." Hiram Allen built the second frame house. It was afterward owned by Robert Mills, he having married the widow of Mr. Allen. From 18-il to 1846, the arrival of strangers who became permanent settlers was of almost daily occurrence. In 1841 Jacob Dickason, brother to the Major, settled near the latter's cabin. In 1842 came Noah Dickason, James Shackley, S. W. St. John and Mr. Baldwin. In 184.3 arrived H. W. McCaiFerty, H. A. Whitney, Jeremiah and W. Drake, who settled just outside the village limits. Within a few miles of its site were located T. C. Smith, W. Stewart, B. Campbell and W. Wade, The year 1844 brought to the village Jacob Smith and the Stroud family, and to the immediate vicinity H. AV. Hamilton, John Swarthout, H. Cady. A. Lashier, Mr. Edwards, and perhaps a few others. In 1845 there came to this frontier, for it was still so, J. T. Lewis J. C. Axtell, D. E. Bassett, J. E. Arnold, Warren Loomis, W. C. Spencer, Jesse Rowell, E. Thayer, W. M. Clark, and some others, who settled in the village. The same year, A. P. Birdsey, Thomas Swarthout. the Barrows family and Zenas Bobbins located in the vicinity.

Rev. C. E. Rosenkrans was the first minister in the village. J. T. Lewis was the first attorney, and Dr. J. C. Axtell was the first physician ; they commenced practice in 1845, and the two occupied for some time the same office. The first tavern and the first store wei-e opened by H. A. Whitney, and he was the first Postmaster, after a lively contest between his friends and those of Col. Drake. The second store was opened by J. E. Arnold and D. E. Bassett, in 1845. The first saw and grist mill was commenced by Maj. Dickason. B. F. Hart and S. Wright introduced in the community the ancient business of blacksmithing and working in iron. Hart & Wright sold the shop to Amasa Siisbee and J. Huntington, and years ago it was purchased by D. D. Kelsey. It is said that apparitions grim and ghastly made their periodical visits to this old shop before its removal. The clink of the sledge hammer told of times long gone by. Vulcan, who hammers out thunderbolts for Jupiter, is supposed to have had his headquarters at this antiquated forge. The first schoolhouse was built in 1846.

Several of the old settlers enjoy describing James T. Lewis as he appeared on his arrival. It was in July, 1845. He had left Orleans County, N. Y., a short time before, to find a home in the West. Arrived at Buffalo, he and Dr. Axtell made the trip around the lakes to Detroit together, and there parted. Lewis shortly after landed at Kenosha, and purchased himself a "mount" adapted to the vicissitudes of Wisconsin journeyings at that early period. It was an Indian pony of the value of $30 in the current money of the Republic, and was correspondingly caparisoned. On this "steed" he set out along the lake shore toward Green Bay. Civilization had scarcely more than begun to touch the Western coast, and as he passed along through the rude and hardly discernible beginnings of the future cities and villages of the State, it is probable he did not imagine that in less than twenty years the population of Wisconsin would approach a million, and that he would be its chief magistrate, during a portion of its history so important as two years of the rebellion. At that date Oshkosh, had made a slight start, and Neenah and Appleton were only in embryo. Fond du Lac was a small village. Green Bay was an old French trading post antedating Milwaukee, and that whole portion of the State gave little promise of its near hereafter. Turning his Bucephalus southward, Lewis was told at Fond du Lac that he would find another village about twelve or thirteen miles distant. This was the Waupun of the present day, that name meaning in the poetic Indian tongue "break of day."* Having ridden about the distance mentioned, he inquired at a solitary log house by the roadside how far it was to the village, and was told that he was in the very midsi of it. Beaver Dam was then a little village. There were some hints of a road between Columbus and there, and along it Lewis made his way, much of his journey having been by the trail. He found four houses only in Columbus. It was upon the termination of this journey, on the travel-worn pony, and with the evidences of the trail and the bush about himself, that the oldest settlers obtained their first impressions of the future Governor, which they retain to this day. It is noticeable that Dr. Axtell, who had come from Detroit by the way of Chicago, and from that settlement across to Columbus, arrived the same day that Lewis did. The doctor was a man whom to see once was to remember always ; and he is still mentioned as the very model of manly beauty, and as being possessed of unusual intellectual endowments.

Columbus Twenty-Five Years Ago

The first copy of the Columbus Journal, dated in February, 1855, contained an article on " Columbus as it is," from which it is learned the village then claimed 800 inhabitants, and possessed a surpassingly beautiful location. Emphasis is placed upon the fact that, while other villages suffered from the cholera, the Asiatic destroyer had never had a victim in Columbus. We are further told that the village had advanced rapidly within two or three years, and that its growth had been sure and steady. It had already seven stores, with two or three more to be opened in the spring. There was a drug store, a good flouring-mill, a saw-mill, two wagonshops, one of which had made a hundred wagons, and the other fifty, during the year previous ; three groceries and provision stores, two hotels, four blacksmith shops, three boot and shoe stores, three tailor shops, one jewelry store and one harness-shop. The Congregational Church was building, and it was thought the coming spring would lay the foundations of Methodist and Universalist houses of worship. To show the business done, the writer states that during the preceding four months, 35,000 bushels of wheat and 147 tons of pork had been bought. Onehalf of this was purchased by one firm. The writer of the article mentions the high price paid for produce, and the low price to which competition had reduced goods, and adverts to the advancing value of real estate, and the good policy of immediately securing good locations. The Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway was built to Oconomowoc, would reach Watertown in the spring, and soon be finished to Columbus. The writer also understands that a railroad would soon be constructed from Chicago, and that the contract as far as Columbus was already let. In looking over the directory to see who were the business men, we find H. W. McCafferty keeping the Columbus Exchange Hotel, at the corner of James and Ludington streets ; A. P. Birdsey is the landlord of the Mountain House ; Isaac Robinson is a land agent and dealer in real estate, on James street; R. Thomas & Son have a rough and ready store ; and next to them is J. McConnell, tailor ; one door below him is Franklin F. Fowler, sadler and harnessmaker ; J. Colville has a cabinet shop ; B. F. Hart is a dealer in groceries and provisions ; E. Silsbee has to do with drji -goods ; Farnham & Allen deal in the same commodities, at their old store on James street, aud so do Griswold & Co. at their present corner ; while on the opposite corner, in the same line of trade, is H. C. Cooper, in the rear of whose store J. Smith is a merchant tailor; next door west, R. W. Chadbourn is Justice of the Peace ; next to the " Columbus Recess," whatever that was, S. McLarty has a tailor shop, while in the rear of that unknown Alhambra, H. A. Whitney has a livery stable ; under Cooper's, one Carl Sampson consumes his strength in the management of an oyster saloon ; J. P. Atwood is a cooper, on James street, below S. McLarty's ; J. Williams is a cabinet-maker, at the corner of James and Waterloo streets ; J. S. Manning grinds the Columbus Mills ; Spencer & Buxton are carriage and wagon makers on James street, and next door above, D. D. Kelsey is a village blacksmith ; 0. H. Hammond is a daguerrean artist, over Bassett's brick store, on James street ; moreover, F. W. Maynard sells groceries and provisions ; C. W. Dean has a farmers' store ; Silsbee & Swarthout are druggists ; J. B. Ingalls & Co. are jewelers, in the rear of Cooper's, and J. S. Haines has a shoe shop in the same block, which seems to have been a sort of omnibus ; William Drake has a wagon-shop on Ludington street ; T. Bottom is maker of shoes on that avenue, and Mrs. Dayton has a boot and shoe store on that street; Mrs. N. Bissell has a millinery shop at her residence ; Nelson Adams advertises to cure the public homeopathically, from his residence in West Columbus ; Dr. Tucker is a botanic physician, office at his residence, No. 2 Broadway ; A. G. Cook is an attorney and counselor ; Drs. Earll and J. C. Axtell are physicians, and A. J. Willson is a dentist - all doing business one door north of Cooper's store.

Government

Prior to May, 1864, Columbus was under town government. The villagers took part in town affairs, and those residing " in the country " had a voice in all that pertained to the government of the villagers. But there came a time when the interests of these two classes of residents were not identical, when the requirements of one were not to the advantage of the other, and vice versa. The remedy came in the shape of a village charter, and Columbus was incorporated as a village by the provisions of an act passed by the State Legislature, approved March, 30, 1864. The boundaries were set forth to be all of Section 13, except the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter, and the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter; all that part of the south half of the south half of Section 12 included within the village plat of the town of Columbus and the several additions thereto ; the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 14, all in Town 10, Range 12.

Section 3 provided that " the elective officers of said corporation shall be one president, four trustees, one marshal and one treasurer, to be elected annually on the first Tuesday in May." During the ten years it remained a village the following ofiicers were elected :

1872 - President, Frank Huggins ; Trustees, L. J. Sawyer, Joseph Schaeffer, E. E. Chapin and James F. Allen ; Treasurer, James Lowth ; Marshal, A. J. Whitcomb.

1873 - President, Frank Huggins ; Trustees, E. E. Chapin, L. J. Sawyer, Joseph Schaeffer and James F. Allen ; Treasurer, James Lowth ; Marshal, A. J. Whitcomb.

From the organization of Columbus as a village to its incorporation as a city, Charles L. Dering, now a resident of Portage, acted as Clerk.

Incorporated as a City. - There had been considerable agitation of the question of incorporating as a city, on account of the difficulty encountered in filling a village charter to the requirements of a city de facto. In the month of December, 1873, the question began to take form, and a determination to organize under city charter was the result. Between the last meeting of the Board of Trustees, in December, and the first meeting in January, the question was quite thoroughly canvassed among the leading citizens and heavy tax-payers of the city, and the general opinion seemed to prevail that the better plan would be to organize anew under a city government, and accordingly, on the 6th of January, it was unanimously resolved, by a full board, " that a charter be drafted to incorporate the cicy of Columbus, and that it be made the special order of the next regular meeting."

A petition was drawn by the Clerk, circulated and generally signed by the prominent men and tax-payers within the proposed corporate limits. On the 20th of January, 1874, it being the next regular meeting of the Village Board, "the special order" was taken up. A city charter, in the mean time, in the main, had been agreed upon. The boundaries, howeyer, had not been fully determined. For a number of reasons, it was thought best to extend the limits to embrace the south half of Sections 11 and 12, the west half of Sections 13 and 14, and the north half of the north half of Sections 23 and 24, provided that the persons living on the same were willing, and the board adjourned till the 21st. The parties were seen and nearly all acquiesced in the proposed change. At the meeting of the board, January 21, several of the prominent citizens were present. Amendments were proposed and considered. Suggestions Avere made, and the board adjourned till the 22d. The petition, in the mean time, was publicly circulated and generally signed, not by people outside the proposed city limits, but by actual residents, by those most interested.

The charter was finished on the 23d. A memorial of the Village Board to the Legislature was also prepared. Mr. Huggins, President of the Village Board, and E. E. Chapin were authorized to repair to Madison with the memorial and bill, and procure the necessary legislation thereon. February 3d, the memorial was introduced into the Senate, when that order of business was reached; likewise the "bill to incorporate the city of Columbus." The bill was read the first and second times and referred to the Committee on Incorporations. The bill, being very lengthy, was not printed till Thursday afternoon, February 5, and was laid on the desks of members on the morning of the 6th, at which time all the extra copies of the printed bill were obtained for the purpose of distribution. These copies, some seventeen of them, were distributed among the residents as soon as possible, that errors might be corrected, amendments proposed, and the charter perfected as near as possible while the same was before the committee, who had agreed not to report it back till the next week.

On the 9th, the board met, at which time nearly every gentleman with whom the printed bill had been left appeared and suggested amendments, corrected errors, and aided in perfecting the bill for its passage. At this meeting, Jtessrs. Huggins, Chadbourn and Chapin were appointed a committee to appear before the Senate Committee on Incorporations, on the 12th, with the proposed amendments. At the morning session of the Senate, " a remonstrance of the citizens of Columbia County against a bill to incorporate the city of Columbus " was presented, and on the afternoon of that day the committee appointed by the Village Board appeared before the Senate Committee on Incorporations, and presented the several proposed amendments, also urging a favorable report from the committee. The Chairman of Town Board of Supervisors also appeared before the Senate committee, and was decidedly opposed to the whole thing.

On Tuesday, the 17th, the Senate committee reported the bill back, unanimously recommending its passage, whereupon it was ordered engrossed for a third reading, and on the IHth it passed the Senate unanimously, and was messaged to the Assembly and passed without a dissenting vote. On the 23d, it was reported correctly enrolled, and on the 24th was signed by Lieut. Gov. Parker, messaged to the Assembly, signed by Speaker Bouck, returned to the Senate, then sent to the Governor, who, after a careful, critical reading, approved the bill on the 26th, when it became a law, and thus Columbus became a city, a municipal corporation by the name of "the city of Columbus." i

In accordance with the provisions of the charter, the boundaries of the city were set off as follows: The south half of Section 11, the .south half of Section 12, all of Section 13, all of Section 14, the north half of the north half of Section 23, and the north half of the north half of Section 24, all being in Town 10, Range 12. The above-described territory was divided into three wards, and it was provided that elections be held the first Tuesday of April in each year. Section 2 of the charter provided that " the elective officers of said city shall be a Mayor, a Treasurer, an Assessor and a Police Justice, elected for and by the city at large, and three Aldermen ; one supervisor, to represent his ward in the Board of Supervisors of Columbia County ; one Justice of the Peace and one Constable, to be elected by and for each ward." A subsequent amendment to the charter repealed the clause providing for the election of a Police Justice, and the duties formerly devolving upon that officer, are now performed by the Ward Justices. The -city officers elected since the incorporation are :

1874 - L. J. Sawyer, Mayor ; H. Rowell, Police Justice ; H. D. James, Treasurer ; John Hoppin, Assessor. Aldermen - First Ward, R. W. Chadbourn, E. D. Kanouse, Joseph Schaeffer; Second Ward, John Hasey, J. S. Manning, Frank Huggins ; Third Ward, C. A. Oolonius, J. Topp, Frederick Hanneman. John Topp removed in July, and A. G. Cook was to fill vacancy. City Clerk, C. L. Bering ; Marshal, 0. M. Bering. Justice of the Peace - Third Ward, E. V. Briesen. (Other Justices of the Peace did not qualify.)

1876 - W. M. Griswold, Mayor; Michael Adams, Police Justice ; Chas. A. Colonius, Treasurer ; H. A. Lueders. Assessor. Aldermen - First Ward, R. W. Chadbourn, E. B. Kanouse, M. G. St. John; Second Ward, John Hasey, J. S. Manning, B. C. Bavies; Third Ward, A. G. Cook, F. Hannemann, August Krause. Alderman Krause removed out of the ward in May, 1876, vacancy not filled. City Clerk, E. V. Briesen ; Marshal, Alfred Miller ; Justice,

The original plat of the town of Columbus, embracing the four corners, the town pump, and a lew acres, has from necessity been extended in either direction, and now covers hundreds of acres. Instead of only "the crossroads," are now scores of streets lined with maple, elm, linden and poplar shade trees, at sight, beautiful and attractive. Modest dwelling-houses, handso«ne cottages and splendid mansions, surrounded by lawn, trees, shrubs, flowers and cultivated gardens are now seen, in place of the rude structure and unbroken, uncultivated soil of early days.

Plats And Additions

From the records at the Recorder's office, in Portage, it appears that the first plat of Columbus, called Ludington's Plat, and containing Blocks 1 to 9, was recorded in Brown County, on the 11th of November, 1844. The next plat made was of Ludington's Addition, Blocks 10 to 13, recorded in Columbia County August 6, 1849. On the 3d of October, 1850, Mr. Ludington made a second addition to the original plat, covering Blocks 14 to 19. In 1869, all that portion of this addition lying between Blocks 17 and 18, and as much as had been purchased by the railroad company for depot purposes, was vacated. Other additions have been made, as follows : Birdsey's Addition, Blocks 1 to 9, January 3, 1854 ; Birdsey's Addition, Blocks 10 to 27, June 4, 1855 - Blocks 20 and 21, vacated December 1, 1868 ; Ingalsbe's Addition, April 9, 1856 ; Farnham & Co.'s Addition, June 25, 1856 ; Mills' Addition, July 3, 1856 - vacated March, 1861 ; Manning's Addition, in August, 1856; Warner's Addition, September 29, 1856 - vacated December 1, 1868, all except Blocks 1 and 5 ; Williams' Addition, March 4, 1857 - aU but Blocks 1, 15 and 29, vacated, in March, 1861 ; Warner & Fuller's Addition, May 12, 1857 - vacated in 1868, except Block 6 ; Whitney's Addition. April 28, 1857 ; Thyng's Addition, August 8, 1857 ; Laura Gibbon's Addition, October 28,. 1858 ; Butterfield's Addition, 1878.

The plat (J. T. Lewis) of the village of West Columbus was I'ecorded June 10, 1854, in Vol. 10 of Deeds, on pages 107 and 208, in Register's office of Columbia County. The plat of Lewis' First Addition to the town of West Columbus, recorded August 8. 1856, in Vol. 17 of Deeds, on page 324.

The Columbus Post Office

Reference to this subject takes the pioneer back to the period when the only communication between Columbus and Beaver Dam was a mere Indian trail and the only means of transportation the backs of Indian ponies. Before the establishment of the postal route from Green Bay to Madison there existed a primitive line from Aztalan to the portage. Letters were dropped at Columbus by the carrier, who made the distance on horseback, and when any of the residents went to the "village of the mounds" they brought back letters to such of the neighbors as were fortunate enough to have any addressed to them. Late in 1845, a post office was established at Columbus with a weekly mail. There was an animated contest as to who should be the first Postmaster. The friends of Col. Drake and those of II. A. Whitney were equally active and made every exertion in their behalf The latter, however, received the appointment. He shortly after went to the pineries on business, and in his absence the duties of the office were performed by Sylvester Corbin, more familiarly known in after years as "old Hyson." Corbin carried the mail about the place in his hat, except when out with his gun hunting prairie chickens. On such occasions, he would leave the contents of the "office" with Gov. Lewis. The first post office was kept in a low, flat-roofed building which stood nearly opposite the present site of Schaeffer's brick block, and which subsequently became one of the out-buildings of the Whitney House. F. F. Farnham, who came to Columbus about this time, thus describes it: " The apartment was partitioned by the aid of blankets, and in tiie room lay ' old Hyson ' prone upon a bed, shivering with the ague. In one corner stood a barrel of whisky, a grocery much in vogue in those days, and in another was a 7x9 glass box, the contents of which constituted the post office, which the inquirer after mail rummaged at his leisure."

Josiah Arnold next became Postmaster, in the spring of 1847, and kept the office in a building which stood where the store of Bassett & Davies now stands. Arnold was familiarly known as "Captain Spraker " by reason of his connection with the famous "Old Guard," an organization more un-matrimonial than military. James E. Eaton is the next on the list. He was appointed in Fillmore's time, and is said to have been a cousin of that President, who wrote asking him what appointment he desired. He chose the incumbency of the Columbus Post Office. He was Justice of the Peace and kept the two offices together in a building which stood on the lot afterward occupied by the harness-shop of J. A. Erhart. Eaton went to California in 1850, having resigned in favor of D. F. Newcomb, who shortly afterward removed the office to Griswold's store. Addison Griswold became Postmaster under President Pierce, but Mr. Newcomb remained with hira for some time and attended to the business. The office was afterward removed to the building which then stood where is now situated Jolin Swarthout's brick drug store. When Buchanan's administration came into power, A. G. Cook became the appointee and removed the office to the present site of Winler's jewelry store, into a building which had formerly been used by Mr. Farnhara when Register of Deeds, and which was moved from its original foundations to make room for Farnham's old red store, which was in turn moved to Sargent's corner, to make room for Schaeffer's brick block. In 1859, Mr. Cook built what is now used as a millinery shop by Mrs. Dering and removed thither. Under Lincoln's first administration Frank Huggins was made Postmaster. When he first took possession he occupied the structure formerly used by Griswold as Postmaster, but in 1868 he moved the office into his new drug store. In May, 1869, John Swarthout was appointed to the position of Postmaster, and has held the office ever since, his long tenure being evidence of his ability. The Columbus Post Office was made a mouey-order office in 1867, the first order being issued September U of that year. Frank Huggins, the Postmaster, was the remitter and W. D. Ogden, of Chicago, the payee, the amount being $10. The number of orders issued up to March 31, 1880, is 18,415. H. D. James, who has been Assistant Postmaster for nearly twelve years, furnishes the following interesting statistics, which are in marked contrast with the number of letters it was the wont of "old Hyson " to carry in his hat: " The number of letters received at the office delivery during the year 1879 is estimated at 72,125; postal cards at 35,420. Number of letters mailed, 63.480 ; postals, 32,540. The number of stamps sold was 8,470 1-cent, 1,756 2-cent, 56,738 3-cent, 921 5cent, 416 6-cent, 592 10-cent, 83 15-cent, 41 30-cent and 24,391 postal cards ; stamped envelopes 11,410 and stamped newspaper wrappers 2,307. The discrepancy between the amount of postal cards sold and the amount mailed is caused by the large number mailed by traveling men whicn are furnished them by the houses for which they travel.

The Schools

The citizens of Columbus enjoy school privileges excelled by few cities in the State. These educational ad'vantages were not attained all at once, nor without much effort. There is a fund of local history associated with their growth. It is said that Columbus never possessed a log schoolhouse. That rough cradle of learning, which many distinguished men recall in the glamour that memory throws around boyhood as their only alma mater, never reared its rugged exterior in the community. The old schoolhouse wiiich stood on Ludington street was built in 1846, at a cost of |!400. It was the scene of many varying events, often doing duty as a church, town hall, etc. Political harangues and religious exhortations, and much very far from kin to the latter, found voice within its walls. It saw festivity and mourning, and is itself fast coming to grief.

In this seat of learning a school-meeting was held in November, 1849, at which J. J. Guppey was Chairman, and F. F. Farnham, Clerk pro tern. On that evening, pursuant to a notice, an election for district officers was held, and Robert Mills was elected Director; J. T. Lewis was elected Treasurer, and H. S. Haskell, Clerk. At that same meeting, several resolutions passed which may be of some interest at this date, by way of comparison ; $10 were voted to procure seats for the schoolhouse. It was voted to have four months' winter school, with a male teacher. On the succeeding page is a report of the District Clerk to the Town Superintendent, which states that on the 1st of September, 1850, there were residing in the district (No. 2) forty-seven male and forty-five female persons, between the age of four and twenty years ; that sixty-six pupils attended during the winter terra, and sixty-two during the summer; E. E. Randall tau<'ht four months, and Agnes N. Butts five months; the former was paid $100, and the latter $56 ; the amount of money received from the Town Superintendent was $91.50, and the amount raised by the district was $80. The text-books used during the school were Sanders' Speller,

Sanders' Series of Readers, Rhetorical Reader, New Testament, Colburn's Arithmetic, Morse's Geography, Smith's small Geography of the Heavens, and Comstock's Philosophy.

By way of contrast, let us examine the report made by the Clerk of the district, in August, 1868. We find that there were then residing in the district 296 male and 321 female persons, between the ages of four and twenty, and the total number of pupils who attended during the year was 455. The school property in the district was appraised at $9,500, and during the year, the district paid to a male teacher $960, and to female teachers $1,637, a total of $2,597.

In running over these musty pages, we discover the names of several persons, spoken of as teachers, who have since become quite prominent before the public - Garrit T. Thorn, since then a Senator from Jefferson County, once taught in the old schoolhouse, as did John A. Elliot, since State Auditor of Iowa, and Dr. Laura D. Ross, who afterward took so active a part in the woman's rights movements, and several others.

In 1853, the number of males between four and twenty years was 100, and of females 185. The number who attended during the year was 173, and the total expenditure was $.321.-50.

At a meeting held in February, 1856, the expediency and necessity for building a new schoolhouse was considered. It was resolved that J. T. Lewis be authorized to apply to the Legislature for the passage of an act authorizing District No. 2, of Columbus, to loan money of the school fund, and that C. W. Dean, C. E. Rosenkrans, A. G. Cook, W. W. Drake and William McCracken, be a committee to confer with the State Superintendent of Schools and others, respecting plans and expenses of a suitable school building. In a resolution immediately following, the proximity of the Milwaukee & Watertown Railroad to the then site of the school is the only reason assigned for erecting a new building. But it was not until 1857 that the contest concerning a new building was fairly opened ; and it was among the liveliest passagesat-arms ever known in the community. It continued and waxed hot, until about January, 1859, when the contract for building was awarded. Meetings were held in that interim, sometimes on alternate nights. There was occasionally manifested a careless audacity concerning the requirements of parliamentary law. The records, however, give little idea of the real animation of these occasions. According to the minutes, it was first voted to raise $3,000, for a building and site, and a committee, consisting of A. G. Cook, C. E. Rosenkrans and William M. Lewis, was appointed to select the latter. Two weeks after, it was voted to authorize the purchase of a portion of Newcomb's Nursery lots, and a fortnight later the vote was rescinded, as was also the vote to raise $3,000. This was in November, 1857. In October, 1858, another special meeting is recorded, when it was again resolved to procure a site and erect a union schoolhouse, the site to be the Newcomb lots, and $2,000 to be raised. A building committee, consisting of A. G. Cook, J. B. Folsom, F. M. Black, William L. Lewis and F. F. Farnham, was appointed, to procure land and conJ;ract the building, not to exceed $6,000 in cost. On November 20, succeeding, the adverse party called a meeting to consider and modify the action last taken. It was reported that a contract had already been made, but a motion was made to rescind the action taken at the last meeting. The chairman, William L. Lewis, declared the motion out of order. An appeal was taken from this decision, and the chair was not sustained. The motion to rescind was then put and carried, by a vote of fifty-nine to forty-nine. A division of the house was then called for, pending which the chair abruptly declared the meeting adjourned, and, as the ofiicial chronicler of the event says, " amid confusion the Chairman retired." A. Topliff was then elected Chairman, and a new building committee appointed, consisting of J. B. Folsom, William M. Griswold, H. J. Waterhouse, J. T. Lewis, Robert Mills, F. F. Farnham, Amos Clement and F. M. Black. At a subsequent meeting, William Griswold presented the majority report of this committee, in favor of two smaller-sized buildings, and J. T. Lewis a minority report, in favor of one large one. The latter was finally adopted, und the present site was finally selected, and purchased of R. W. Chadbourn, for $1,000. The building was completed the same year, John Haydon fulfilling the contract for $5,000.

As illustrating the growth of the schools the following figures from the records of Superintendent Bowen are given : In 1861, the number of male children between the age of four and twenty years residing in the district was 228 ; female. 225 ; making a total of 458. Of this number 292 attended school. The receipts for school purposes during this year were $2,4-30, $1,825 being raised by tax.. In 1865, the total number of children in the district was 576, there being 16 more females than of the sterner sex, and iu 1871 there were 640, the females being in the majority 38 ; receipts, $5,4-30. The salaries of teachers this year amounted to $2,821. In 1879, there were 697 resident children of school age in the district, 23 being the preponderance in fiivor of the females. The receipts for the school year of 1880 were $4,829, $3,500 of which was paid out for teachers' salaries.

The most important feature of the school history of Columbus is that embracing the free high-school system now in vogue. The act of February 26, 1874, incorporating the City of Columbus provided, among other things, for the establishment of a school system, which should be independent of the jurisdiction of the County Superintendent, and committing the educational interests of the city to a Board of Education whose duties and powers were prescribed- In the month of July following, the Common Council elected a Board of Education, and in the fall of 1874 the public schools were opened under the new -system. On the 5th of March, 1875, the Legislature enacted a general law authorizing the extablishment of free high schools. The city availed itself of the privileges given by the law, and duly appointed and held an election, August 9, 1875, by which it was determined by a majority vote of electors to adopt the free highschool system. The Board of Education experienced some difficulty in attempting the organization of the new system, but finally, in the month of January, 1876, succeeded, and the free high scliool of the city of Columbus became fully established.

In June, 1877, Miss Louie Adams graduated from the high school. A year later there were seven graduates from the high school, as follows: Laura Bassett, Mary R. Cook, Julia M. Davies, Carrie Genung, Nellie Ida Loomis, Elouise M. Stephens and Genevieve A. Stephens. Olivel Church was crowded on the occasion of the graduating exercises with the justly proud citizens of Columbus, the inside walls of the building being gaily bedecked with fragrant flowers. The programme of exercises is herewith given:

Quartette, by Misses Flora and Matie Walsh and Messrs. E. D. Kanouse and D. Griffith ; Prayer, by Rev. M. E. Eversz ; Solo, by Miss Satie Butler ; Introductory Remarks, by Prof. G. M. Bowen ; Essay. '' The Extent of Man's Researches," by Genevieve A. Stephens ; Essay, "Dr. Jenner," by Mary R. Cook; Solo, by Miss Katie Jones; Essay, " Climbing the Hill of Science," by Julia M. Davies; Solo, by E- D- Kanouse; Essay, "Joan of Arc," by Elouise M. Stephens; Essay, "Salt," by Laura Bassett; Trio, by Misses Maggie, Genevieve A. and Elouise M. Stephens; Essay, "Mound-Builders," by Carrie E. Genung; Solo, by Miss Kittie Lowth; Essay, " An Ill-Fated Nation," by Nellie A. Loomis ; Valadictory, by Julia M. Davies ; Solo, by Miss Lillie Lewis ; Presentation of Class, by Prof. G. M- Bowen ; Conferring Diplomas, by E. E. Chapin ; Music.

The high-school curriculum, in addition to furnishing a thorough English education, is designed by the law as a preparatory course for the State University. Graduates passing the necessary examination are entitled at once and at all times to free tuition in all the colleges of the State University.

The following pupils graduated on the 27th of June, 1879 : Angie Turner, Mattie Porter, Annie L. Loomis, Phoebe Wallace, Mary R. Southraayd, Charles M. Davis and Walter H. Waterhouse. The exercises were held at the Methodist Church, the interest manifested and the number of persons present being fully as great as on a similar occasion in 1878. The programme was as follows :

Prayer; Music; Salutatory, by Charles E. Davies; Essay - "No Pains, no Gains," by Angie Turner; Music; Essay - "Out of the Harbor," by Annie L. Loomis; Essay - " Haste Rhymes with Waste," by Walter H. Waterhouse; Music; Essay - "What the Types Tell," Mattie E. Porter ; Music; Essay - "What Biography Teaches," by Phoebe Wallace; Essay -

" The Unseen Battlefield," by Mary R. Southmayd ; Music ; Essay - " The Stability of a Republic the Intelligence of its People," by Charles M. Davies ; Valedictory - by Mattie E. Porter ; Music ; Conferring Diplomas ; Music.

It is a -noteworthy fact that there are less changes in the staff of teachers in the Columbus schools than in those of most other cities of the State. The acknowledged wisdom of this condition of things is shown in the marked evenness in the attendance of pupils and their rapid progress. In 1878, the board of instructors was composed as follows: George M. iJowen, Principal ; Martha Dean, grammar school ; Katie Jones, fourth intermediate ; Celia Wilson, third intermediate; Anna Quickenden, second intermediate ; Belle Merriam, first intermediate; Matie Williams, second primary ; Hattie Chamberlain, first primary. Since then the only changes made have been these: In the grammar department, Miss Martha Dean was succeeded by Len. C. Mead, who, upon adopting the profession of a physician and entering Rush Medical College in Chicago, was followed in the school by Miss Kate Bailey. She resigned in April last, and William E. Ritter is now teaching. In the fourth intermediate department, Miss Katie Jones was succeeded, in 1878, by Miss Corrie Morse. Miss Hattie Chamberlain, of the first primary department, relinquished her class to Belle Pederson in 1879. Miss Pederson was soon succeeded by Miss Helen St. John.

Since the organization of the gi-aded-school system, the Board of Education has been composed of the following gentlemen : The first board consisted of John Quincy Adams (President), James T. Lewis and E. E. Chapin, with S. 0. Burrington as Superintendent. The Board of 1875 was substantially the same. In July, 1876, C. L. Dering was appointed to the vacancy occasioned by the expiration of the term of Mr. Lewis. In 1877, Mr. Adams was made School Superintendent, D. C. Davies being appointed, to fill the vacancy in the board. Mr. Chapin was appointed as President. In July, 1878, H. A. Leuders succeeded Mr. Chapin on the board, D. C. Davies became President, and F. C. Eldred School Superintendent. In 1879, E. S. Griswold was appointed on the board in place of C. L. Dering. Mr. Davies is still acting as President ; G. M. Bowen, the Principal of the schools, was made Superintendent, and fills that office to the present time.

Columbus Collegiate Institute. - In March, 1855, an act of incorporation was secured for the establishment in Columbus of a collegiate institute. The incorporators were J. T. Lewis, J. Q. Adams, R. W. Earll, E. P. Silsbee, Chester W. Dean, Joseph S. Manning, William C. Spencer, W. W. Drake, W. A. Niles, John A. Elliott and Cyrus E. Rosenkrans. The objects of the corporation were to provide for '' the education, the mental and moral discipline and instruction in literature, sciences and arts of youth of both sexes." It was provided that "no political or religious opinion shall be required as a qualification of membership, and no student shall be required to attend worship with any particular denomination."

In pursuance of the act the Board of Trustees met at the Congregational Church on the 10th of April, 1855, and organized for business. The Rev. Mr. Rosenkrans was made President of the institute, and in anticipation of securing ii) the near future a more substantial structure. Block 15 in West Columbus was purchased and a small building erected thereon. In the fall, a school was opened with Miss Martha Brigham (now Mrs. William Hazelton) and Miss Mary L. Pomeroy (now Mrs. Polly) as teachers, which lasted about two years. Upon the completion of the present high-school building and the failure to get sufficient subscriptions, the institute suspended, and the teachers found employment in the public schools. It is said that Columbus at one time had fair prospects of securing the institution now located at Ripon, it having been the intention of the founders of the Collegiate Institute to make it what the enterprising citizens of Ripon have made their college.

There is now in Columbus no educational institution conducted by private enterprise, but several attempts have been made to establish schools and academies of more or less importance. In 1850, an act passed the Legislature chartering the Columbus Academy, but no action was taken under the grant. In 1854, Rev. C. E. Rosenkrans erected a building afterward occupied as a residence by M. Ingalls. It was designed to make this the basis of a seminary of some extent.

Circumstances, however, were not fortuitous, and the undertaking was sustained during a few months only. Among the teachers of this school were Miss Mary Pomeroy and Misses Mary and Martha Brigham. In 1859, the store now owned and occupied by the Dodge Brothers was built by A. G. Cook on the site where is now the calaboose; it was used as a schoolhouse for a year or more. Here taught Miss Achsah Huyck, afterward the wife of Rev. Mr. Phillips. There have been other and more recent movements toward the building-up of private institutions of learning, some of them looking toward extensive results, but they have made no progress.

Religious Institutions

Columbus is truly " a city of churches." No city in the State has a larger number in proportion to population, and few of the same size has so many.

The Oongregationalist and the Presbyterians. - The local relations of these denominations have been such as to make the writing of separate history of each without repetition one of the impossibilities. The original organization was perfected January 26, 1850, under the Congregational form of government, the Rev. A. Montgomery being chosen Chairman of the Council, and J. Q. Adams, Clerk. Letters from different churches were presented by James Campbell, Mrs. Julia Campbell, Richard Stratton, Mrs. Polly Stratton, Emily Stratton, Mrs. Asenath Stratton, Mrs. Helen S. Rosenkrans, Ellen Hagerman, Maria Hagerman and Mrs. Hayden, which were read and these persons were constituted a church. The church became a member of the Madison District Convention within a week from the date of its organization, and R. Stratton was sent as the first delegate. In August, 18.')2, it was voted to change the relations of the church from the Madison District to the Fox River Presbytery, and in November following the Presbyterian form of government was adopted, three Elders of that faith being chosen. Thus matters progressed until a majority of the church members withdrew, and organized a separate Presbyterian society in 18(56. On the 2Uth of January of that year, the remaining members of the Presbyterian Church resumed the original name and form of organization, and officers chosen to correspond with the change.

It will now be necessary to return to an account of the first temporal work of the church. The Congregational Society of Columbus having been incorporated in September, 1850, Lewis Ludington, proprietor of the original village plat of Columbus, deeded to the said society that year the land at the corner of W\\\ street and Broadway, upon which a house of worship was erected. The certificate of organization was signed by James Campbell and William E. Ledyard. H. S. Haskell, James Campbell and B. M. Benedict were elected Trustees at the first meeting.

The house erected at that early day was sufficiently large to meet the wants of the place at that time, but as the village grew in size and the country around became settled, better accommodations became necessary. The deficiency was provided for in 1864, when an addition of twenty feet was built to the rear of the original edifice, and other important repairs were made. The structure was being occupied in 1866, when the division occurred.

Recourse was then had to necessary legal measures, and the seceding fold at once organized themselves into a separate society. A place of worship and supplies for the pulpit were secured without delay. A Sabbath school was gathered, and afternoon services were held in the Baptist Church. Among those who served as supplies were the Revs. B. G. Riley, Mr. Post and Mr. Southwart. In July, 1866, the Rev. E. F. Fish became the stated supply, and the regular sessions were resumed. In the mean time, a lot was purchased on Broadway, and materials gathered for the erection of a church edifice. The society continued to accept the favors of the Baptists until September, 1867, when their new church was finished and dedicated to the cause. The structure cost about $5,000, and holds an important place among the many handsome buildings of that character in Columbus. Mr. Fish served as Pastor for two years. After his retirement, the pulpit was supplied for a time by the Rev. Mr. Patten, the venerable Kanouse, and others. The Rev. W. A. Hendrickson commenced his labors with the church in June, 1869, and remained until 1876.

Histokv Of Columbia Couxty

In the mean time, the Congregationalists were "pursuing the even tenor of their way." The record of this church shows the names of the following Pastors : Rev. C. E. Rosenkrans, ten years; the Rev. T. C. Melvin, four years; the Rev. L. M. Gates, one year; the Rev. A. L. P. Loomis, one year ; the Rev. E. P. Salmon, eighteen months ; the Rev. M. W. Reed, eighteen months ; the Rev. J. G. Schaeffer, nine months ; the Rev. H. A. Miner, two years and four months. This brings the history of the church down to 1874, when we find a proposition from the Presbyterians, dated early in September of that year, looking toward a re-union of the two churches. The proposition is couched in becominfl; and Christian-like language, as follows : " The undersigned, members of the Presbyterian Church and society of Columbus, believing there are now too many separate church organizations within the limits of this city, in view whereof those who agree as to such things are essential, ought to make an effort to consolidate their organizations, and, believing that the time has come to make such effort, do cordially consent to the following as a basis for consolidation of the said Presbyterian with the Congregational Church of the same place : When each of said churches shall have assumed and taken the name of the Olivet Church of Columbus, and shall have formally assented to a proposition for consolidation with the other, the two churches shall thereupon become united and consolidated into one church, to be thenceforward known and designated as the Olivet Church of Columbus, and shall be ecclesiastically connected with the Presbyterian and Congregational General Convention of Wisconsin. It was signed on the part of the Presbyterians by the following persons : F. G. Randall, E. G. Stitt, E. D. Kanouse, Jay Jennings, D. C. Davies, Dora Davies, G. W. Hazelton, F. Huggins, 0. Anderson, T. H: McConnell, H. D. James, Mrs. Jane Silsbee, J. F. Shadduck, S. Hutchinson, A. S. Bath, I. G. McCaff'erty, Mrs. Adam McConnell, Rebecca H. Mettler, Emma J. McConnell, M. L. Hazelton, Delia L. Square, Mary C. Manning, Fannie Randall, Caroline Stitt, Mattie Stitt, Mrs. 0. Anderson, Ida M. Jennings, Mrs. E. Bissell, Katie Bissell, Mrs. H. L. Rosenkrans, Mercy I. Hazelton, Harriett T. Hazelton, James H. Rosenkrans, Hellen Rosenkrans, Sarah Kanouse, H. C. Randall and A. Randall.

Resolutions were subsequently adopted by both denominations accepting the terms set forth in the basis of the proposed re-union, and on September 17, 1874, the two bodies held a joint meeting and perfected their organization by electing the following officers : For Deacons, E. G. Stitt, James Webster, J. A. Bowen, J. Q. Adams, Dr. E. D. Kanouse and Milford Loomis ; for Church Clerk, H. Loomis ; for Church Treasurer, F. G. Randall. On the 5th of October, the Olivet society was organized according to law, and the following persons elected as Trustees : E. D. Kanouse, L. Fuller, F. G. Randall, James Webster, Nelson Sawyer and E. G. Stitt.

The Congregationalists disposed of their church property to W. A. Thompson, and the old edifice is now in use as an agricultural warehouse. A lease, signed by G. W. Hazleton, E. G. Stitt, F. G. Randall, Jacob Smith, J. S. Manning and J. M. G. Price, was then drawn, setting forth that " In consideration of the premises and of one dollar to us in hand paid, the receipt of which is confessed, we do hereby let and lease to the Olivet Church society of Columbus the church edifice and premises on which the same stands, heretofore known and designated as the Presbyterian church property, located on Broadway, in the city of Columbus, county of Columbia, for the terra of one year from the 1st day of May, 1876, necessary repairs to be made, if any are required, by the said Olivet Church society." In pursuance with the foregoing, E. G. Stitt, G. W. Hazelton, J. S. Manning, Jacob Smith and J. M. G. Price, Trustees of the

Presbyterian Church society, made application to the court for an order to convey the Presbyterian Church property to Olivet society. To this a remonstrance was presented, signed by A. S. Eckert, C. S. McFadyen, D. J. Evans, Elizabeth Evans, Ann Evans, Frank Evans, Frank Johnson, J. E. Nelson, Mrs. 0. Anderson, Mrs. L. G. McCaflerty, Lurenda Drake, B. A. Carpenter, W. W. Drake and Helen Drake. Owing to the remonstrance, the court declined to issue the order applied for.

On July 15, notice was served on the Trustees of Olivet Church to the effect that the First Presbyterian Church society had by unanimous vote resumed the entire control of their church edifice and other property belonging to said Presbyterian Church society, and would exercise the same from and after that date. This notice was dated July 8, 1876, and signed by B. A. Carpenter, F. G. Randall, C. S. McFayden and W. W. Drake, Trustees. On Friday, July 21, the Olivet society was locked out of the church building, and since that date the two societies have worshiped in separate quarters. The Presbyterians continued to occupy the church whose doors had been closed against their Congregational brethren. Mr. Hendrickson was succeeded by the Rev. E. P. Clisbee, wlio supplied the pulpit about nine months. In November, 1876, the Rev. J. B. Andrews took charge end remained one year, being succeeded by the Rev. E. Smith Barnes, who occupied the pulpit until November, 1879. Since then it has been supplied by E. D. Kanouse and others. The present Elders of the church are Jacob Smith, A. S. Eckert and E. D. Kanouse ; Trustees, W. W. Drake, Erastus Bowen and Messrs. Kanouse, Smith and Eckert. The membership is given at forty-two.

Olivet society (the Congregationalists) immediately proceeded to erect a church edifice. Three lots were purchased at the corner of Spring and Prairie streets, and by the 24th of December, 1876, the work had so far advanced that services were held in the basement, the present lecture-room. The entire cost was $8,800. The structure was completed early in 1877. It is a fine building - a credit to Columbus, and a substantial monument to the enterprise of its founders. The Rev. Moritz E. Eversz, the present Pastor, came to Columbus in July, 1876, a short time before the memorable division between the Congregationalists and the Presbyterians. The present officers of the church are : Trustees - Lucius Fuller, J. Q. Adams, James Webster, P. B. Richmond, Milford Loomis and D. C. Davies ; Deacons - J. Q. Adams, Milford Loomis, B. F. Cooper, James Webster, H. Loomis and P. B. Richmond. The membership is given at ninety.

The Rev. M. Rosencrans, the founder of the Congregational Church in Columbus, and the first permanent minister in the place, died in 1860. He came hither as a missionary, and was widely respected for his many excellencies of character. For years he was the leading spirit in educational and religious interests, and he filled the Congregational pulpit until 1858, when, his health failing, he resigned. The regard his congregation, and the people of Columbus generally, had for him, was exhibited in a series of touching resolutions, adopted by them October 11, 1858, on the occasion of his resignation, as follows:

Resolved, That it is witli unmiiigled feelings of regret we accept liia decision to resign the charge of pnstor'ovei" lliis church and society ; that by this act we have lost in him a man of great piety, a supporter of good works, a zealous laborer in His service, a true and faithful minister - one who has brought light out of darkness in building up this church, which, while it redounds to the glory of Him who rules and masters all, is a lasting monument to his usefulness in the village of Columbus.

Resolved, That he has our heartfelt thanks for the great good he has done in this place, and that he has the united prayer of all, that his health may soon be so improved that he may go on in the good work in the vineyard n\ the Lord, until a ripe old age shall close his ministerial labors.

The English Methodists. - The first Methodist meetings in the vicinity of Columbus, and doubtless in Columbia County, were held in 1845 at what is now Fountain Prairie, which was included in a circuit comprising Waterloo, Aztalan and possibly Watertown. The Revs. Gallop and Wood, the latter as assistant, were in charge. Their successors were the Revs. Jones and Martin, who were the first to preach in Columbus, meetings being held in a wagon-shop. Then came the Rev. N. S. Green, with a Mr. Randall as assistant, and they, it is said, organized the society in Columbus. Their successors were the Revs. Mr. Brown and Mr. Fancher, and the

Revs. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Stevens. About this date, the Columbus society was separated from the other points on the circuit. Since then, the following ministers have filled the pulpit : Revs. Chester, Palmer, Ford, Drew, Grumley, Sims, Blackburn, Bosworth, Reynolds, Carpenter, Sewell, Jones, Evans and the incumbent, R. W. Bosworth, who is here for the second time. The first church edifice was built in 1858-59, and was dedicated in February of the latter year by the Rev. H. C. Tilton. It stood near the present site of the foundry, and was purchased in 1872 or 1873, and has since been converted into a hall for theatrical representations. In the Spring of 1872, work was commenced on the new church and it was completed that fall under the supervision of J. P. Miller and L. W. Chase. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. C. H. Fowler, that event taking place October 26, 1873. The cost of the building was $18,906.10. There is now a debt upon it of some $2,000. The present Trustees of the church are J. P. Miller, H. Waterhouse, J. W. Leffingwell, A. Trowbridge, J. Whiting, D. D. Kelsey, B. Yule, E. Federly, R. P. Williams. The membership ia a'bout one hundred.

The Welsh Methodists. - In 1845, half a dozen Welsh families, just from Wales, settled in the town of Elba, in Dodge County. There, on the first Sunday after their arrival, they planted the seeds of Calvinism in the then sparsely populated wilderness, holding religious services in a wagon-box. Accessions to the little colony were made from time to time, and the Rev. Hugh Jones was among those who came in 1845. A log church was erected during the following winter, and Mr. Jones presided over the congregation until his death, in 1854. In 1866, J. J. Roberts, a young divine who had assisted Mr. Jones since 1846, and, upon the latter's death, became his successor, took spiritual charge of a meager congregation of his Welsh brethren in Columbus. Meetings were held over the store of Uriah Davies, on Broadway. In 1868, a frame church edifice was erected, at the corner of Church and Mill streets, at a cost of $2,200, including the building lot. The Rev. Mr. Roberts has supplied the pulpit ever since the organization. He preaches, also, in Salem Church, town of Calamus, and Bethel Church, in the town of Elba, Dodge County. The present oflicers of the Columbus society are : Deacons - Benjamin Hughes, John Davies, R. R. Roberts and Uriah Davies; Trustees - R. R. Roberts, William E. Williams and William J. Edwards. There are forty-five members in the society, which is free from debt and in a prosperous condition. The collections in the three folds under Mr. Roberts' charge amount to about $600 per annum, $400 of which is applied to the salary of the minister, the remainder being about equally divided for the support of home missions and the Bible Society. It is a notable fact the Welsh Methodists frequently contribute larger sums, annually, to the support of the Bible Society than all other denominations in the State together.

German Methodists. - In 1852, the Rev. Charles Kluckkorn came to Columbus, then a missionary point, to preach the Gospel in the German tongue, from a Methodist standpoint. He held occasional services for one year, and was succeeded by the Rev. J. Schaefer, who remained about the same length of time. In 1855, the Rev. John Westerfield took charge, and during his incumbency the Columbus German Methodists were separated from their Baraboo brethren for church purposes, and an independent society was organized. During that year, $213 was raised for ministerial support. The first Trustees of the new society were Louis Kenzel, John Miller, J. Battels, J. Fuhrman and Fr. Topp. In 1866, a church edifice was erected at a cost of $1,185.96, and in 1874, a new house of worship was erected, which cost $5,312.22. Mr. Westerfield's successors have been the Revs. Jacob Haas, Charles Buehner, R. Brueck, F. Conrad (who died here), H. Wegner, H. Eberhardt, J. Binder, Christian Wenz, with George Achenback as assistant, F. Gotschalk, Christian Wenz again, J. Schaefer, F. Kluckkorn, brother of Charles, and E. Fitzner, the present incumbent. The value of church property, including parsonage, is given at $8,400. The Trustees are George Link, Charles Link, Christian Link, F. Wendt, John Lange, John Miller, William Thiede and Christian Moll ; Stewards - Charles Colonius, C.Moll, L. Pietzner, F. Fuhrman and E. Meyer. The membership is 244.

The Baptist Church. - Preliminary steps were first taken to organize a Baptist Church on the 28th of May, 1853, and at a council which convened on the 21st of September following, fourteen names were recorded, as follows ; Rev. D. D. Reed, W. S. Read, Morgan Evans, Lucius Warner, Calvin Read, L. B. Read and sisters Emily Read. M. C. Read, Sarah A. Warner, M. A. White, Ann Evans, Mary Read, Caroline Read and Eliza Borden. Rev. D. D. Read was chosen Pastor at the same meeting. Covenant m.eetings were held in private houses and public services in a hall over Cooper's store. In March, 1863, the first steps were taken toward building a church edifice, Messrs. A. Sawyer, William Lewis, L. Warner, H. Vincent, A. B. Goodrich and H. Seftens being appointed as a building committee. The structure - an imposing brick at the corner of Broadway and Harrison streets, costing something over $4,000 - was completed in the fall of 1864, and dedicated the following spring. The whole number of names on the church book is 165. Forty-two persons have been baptized since the church was organized. Of this number of baptisms the Rev. L. Bath performed twenty-five. The Pastors since the time of Mr. Drake have been the Revs. Mr. Coffin, Mr. Wade, S. Jones, L. Bath, Mr. Eldridge, J. V. Stratton, R. J. Langridge, W. A. Cain and S. Gorman. At the close of Mr. Eldridge's pastorate, the church was supplied during a few months by the Rev. P. McLeod. During a vacancy which occurred after his departure, services were conducted by L. Bath, E. Butterfield and A. B. Goodrich. Rev. J. McDonald served the church as supply for several months. The principal Deacons have been Brethren Hoppin, Starks, A. Sawyer and Comstock ; Clerks, Brethren D. D. Reed, Starks, Seifens and M. W. Sawyer, the latter being the present Clerk. The present officers of the church and society are: Trustees - E. P. Waldo, I. Merriam, M. Starkweather, V. Irjns and W. H. Myers; Deacon - M. D. Comstock ; Treasurer - M. W. Sawyer. The membership is thirty-five.

German Lutheran Church. - Over a (juarter of a century ago, emigration from the " old home in Germany " found its way to Wisconsin and to the vicinity of Columbus, then only a small village. Several German families had settled here, including notably various former residents of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg. The desire to enjoy religious privileges similar to those in Germany led a number of them to form a religious society in Columbus in 1865. The first ministrations were by a clergyman from Watertown, whose name is not now of record or in remembrance. The first regular minister was Mr. Oswald, who came in 1855, and who, at first, preached in a private house, and subsequently in the old schoolhouse. Among the first members were Joachim and Christian Boelte, Henry Lange, Christian Westen, John Mauth, Joachim Herman and John and Christian Schwiesow, who are yet all members of the society. The following early members of the society are dead or have removed : John C. Lang, Charles Boldt, Christian 5liller, Fred Spechdt, Fred Kuhl, Charles Linck. Henry Niemeyer, Sr., and John Topp, Sr. The congregation increased hy new arrivals from Germany and by local accessions until the necessity for a church edifice became apparent. February 14, 1857, J. T. Lewis donated Lot 9, Block 10, West Columbus, as a site, and on May 3, 1858, while the Rev. Renter was in pastoral charge, articles of agreement were signed, by which was formed the Evangelical Lutheran Zion congregation of Columbus. The first Board of Trustees were John Prien, Christian Mueller, Julius Fuchs, Carl Boldt, Fred Spechdt and John Lang. The building of a church was commenced on the donated site, but a majority of the congregation deemed another location more desirable, and the lot given by Mr. Lewis was sold, and Lot 1, Block 13, of Birdsey's Addition was selected. This lot was also a donation for the same purpose, by A. P. Birdsey, and was given on the 2d of December, 1858. The first church was built during the ministry of Rev. H. P. Duborg, in 1859. He was succeeded, in 1860, by the Rev. Braun. On the 24th of August, 1864, the congregation extended a call to the Rev. Meyer, and he sustained the ministerial relation until the close of 1865.

On the 8th of January, 1866, it was resolved to purchase from Smith Haines Lot 12, Block 8, of Birdsey's Addition, and to use the house thereon as a parsonage. The sale was perfected on the 27th of that month. On the 11th of March following, Rev. A. Liefeldt became the Pastor, Prof. Moldehucke, of Watertown, having preached several times during the interval. The growth of the congregation was steady and rapid, and an enlargement of the church soon became necessary. It was finally resolved, at a meeting held on the 28th of April, 1868, that the Board of Trustees be empowered to purchase from A. C. Olds Lots 6 and 7, and the southwest half of Lot 8, in Block 16, and to sell the society's other real estate. On the 4>th of July, 1868, it was resolved to remove the church edifice to its present site, and on that plan the building should be enlarged. The sale of the other property was made to C. Zarz, September 30, 1868, and on the following day the deed for the new site was executed. During this period, the Rev. A. Liefeldt had resigned and the Bev. C. Oppen had assumed pastoral relations. On the 3d of May, 1869, the enlargement of the church was decided upon, and Messrs. John Prion and Joachim Herman were appointed a committee to procure the plan and engage an architect to take charge of the construction. The addition was completed in 1869. In April, 1876, Rev. Mr. Oppen resigned. Rev. Aug. F. Ernst, of the Northwestern University at Watertown, ofiBciated until the 21st of May, 1876, when Rev. Henry Vogel became the minister. Again the congregation increased beyond the limits of the church, and in the first part of July, 1877, a new building was ordered. A committee, consisting of Messrs. Julius Vogt, Chris. Boelte, Henry Boelte, Fred Messow and E. V. Briesen, was appointed to make plans and estimates for another new edifice. The plan proposed a building 70 feet long and 40 feet wide, with a belfry 125 feet high, and was accepted as to its general features September 2, 1877. The estimated cost was $5,000. A few changes were ordered, and E. T. Mix, of Milwaukee, was directed to perfect a plan, which he did. In the mean time, the subscription showed $-1,800 to be in readiness, and on the 9th of December, 1877, the erection of the new church was voted, the plan of Mr. Mix being adopted. John Prien, Julius Krueger, E. V. Briesen, Christian Boelte and Aug. Reddemann were named as the building committee, who, with the Board of Trustees, were empowered to make necessary contracts, and to superintend the work, E. V. Briesen to be chairman of the committee, Julius Krueger, secretary, and H. A. Lueders, treasurer. Contracts were let to Henry Bolte for the stone, brick and plaster work, for $1,500, and to R. D. Vanakin for the carpenter and joiner work and the painting, for $8,800. The organ used in the old church was bought, in 1873, of the Lutheran congregation of Sheboygan. On the 2d day of June, 1878, on the Sunday called Exandi, the corner-stone of the building was laid with appropriate ceremonies, and on the 3d of November following the church was dedicated, the Rev. Deninger, of Waterloo, preaching the dedicatory sermon in presence of a large assemblage, composed of representatives from Beaver Dam, Lowell, Waterloo and Portage. The 1,600-pound bell in this church- has something of a history. The metal from which it is made was presented to the society, in 1873, by the Emperor of Germany. On the 4th of July, 1876 (the centennial anniversary of America's independence), there arrived at New York from Berlin one six-pounder brass cannon and four pieces of other cannon, consigned to the Lutheran congregation of Columbus. These strange implements of warfare were of French pattern and were a part of the fruits of the conquest of Alsace and Lorraine. They reached Columbus on the 2d of February, 1877, and in April, 1878, were reshipped to Baltimore, where they were recast into a bell bearing the following inscription: " I call the living ones, I mourn the dead ones, I break the lightning." The Lutheran Church is a splendid piece of architecture, built of cream brick and trimmed with red brick. The entire structure, including the bell and organ, cost $7,000. The present officers of the church are M. Blievernicht, Aug. Reddemann, Christoph Boelte, Hy. A. Lueders (Secretary), John Topp (Treasurer), Charles Ulm.

jS'if. Jerome s Ohurch. - There is no record or remembrance of earlier Christian effort in Columbus, according to Romish tenets, than that embracing the ministrations of that pioneer apostle, the Rev. Martin Kundig, whose footprints we encounter in the early church history of almost every city or village of note in Central and Southeastern Wisconsin. He bore the cross into Columbus in the winter of 1856, and planted it in the midst of a small flock 'of the faithful, who hailed it with all the reverence begotten of earnest belief. The rude homes in which the members of the primitive parish lived were dedicated to the cause of the church, and their doors thrown open to receive the reverend father. Masses were said in the log cabins of the parishioners with all the profound impressiveness that now characterizes the more attractive service from gilt and draped altars, which echo back the notes of solemn-toned organs. A common tin pan then served as a baptismal font, and a gourd of water from the Crawfish River, properly blessed, removed the stain of sin from the finger-tips of devout believers. Early in the spring of 1856, work was commenced upon the foundation of a church edifice, on a lot donated for the purpose by A. P. Birdsey, and in June of that year the corner-stone was laid. For want of sufficient means, no further progress was made till 1864, when work was resumed, and, in 1866, during the pastorate and under the supervision of the Rev. E. McGuirk, the present substantial house of worship was completed. In the mean time, a temporary wooden structure had been built and occupied. Father Kundig's successors and McGuirk's predecessors were the Revs. Downey and Purcell. The first resident Pastor was the Rev. James O'Keefe, who succeeded to the charge in September, 1868. In that year, the red brick parsonage was purchased for ^1,400. Father O'Keefe remained until May, 1870, being followed by Father McGuirk, who found both the affairs of the church and the spiritual condition of the parishioners much more satisfactory than when he had previously visited the place as a missionary. The fruits of his earlier labors were fast ripening. His stay was brief, however, being succeeded by the Rev. E. Gray, who, in December, 1872, retired in favor of the Rev. Henry Roche, the present incumbent. A muchneeded addition was made to the church in 1879, making the total cost of the building about $5,000. The size of the parish is given at eighty families.

The Universalists. - The Rev. Dudley Tyng will be remembered by the people of Columbus as having presided over a society of Universalists a quarter of a century ago. This society went out of existence, and in February, 1866, a new one was organized from the fragments of the former society, by the Rev. M. G. Todd. The church was organized in- September, 1869, and a church edifice erected that year at a cost of $7,000. Mr. Todd continued as Pastor until November, 1878, when he resigned and was succeeded by the Rev. Edgar Leavitt, the incumbent. The first officers of the present society were : John Hasey, President of the Board of Trustees ; A. Chapman, Treasurer ; Deacons, Rev. Dudley Tyng and L. H. Bingham. The present officers are the same, with the exception of the Rev. Mr. Tyng, who is now deceased.

The Episcopalians. - Luther Gregory was the first Rector, and the parish was organized over twenty years ago. The church edifice was built in 1871, at a cost of $3,000. S. S. Burleson is the present Rector. His circuit includes Beaver Dam, Fox Lake, Juneau, Doylestown and Columbus.

Manufacturing Interests

The first piece of machinery put in motion in Columbus was the rude attachment to Maj. Dickason's "up-and-down" saw. This earliest of all early Columbus pioneers built the first dam on the Crawfish River. It was he who first taught the stream to leap forth in the morning to its toil, and to glide away at evening to its rest. The Major put in a run of stones soon after getting his saw into operation, and thus he became the only miller for many miles around. In 1843, he was compelled to turn over the mill to Jeremiah Drake, who came as the agent and manager of Lewis Ludington. The grinding of grain was then made the leading feature. Another run of stones was added, but even this increase of facilities could not cope with the accumulating grists. People came from Madison, Stevens Point and other remote settlements to the Columbus mill. The various grists were numbered and had to " take their turn," many of them lying over for two weeks at a time. This was a serious condition of things when bread was short. One of the pioneers of Columbus relates with apparent amusement, having gone to the mill with a few bags of wheat at a time when there " wasn't a crust in the house." He found so many ahead of him that, had he taken his place in the hungry'procession, he could not have i-eached home until late on the following day. The lamentable condition in which he had left his family urged him to use a little strategy ; so, the miller's back being turned about the time the hopper became empty, he quietly turned his grist therein, but the miller made the discovery too late to remedy the matter ; the hopper was full, and the only way to empty it was to keep the wheels turning and grind it out. In August', 1849, thirty-one years ago, J. S. Manning purchased the property. He has made many improvements about the old place, putting in an entirely new outfit of machinery. In 1858, a new stone dam was built, but a portion of it has since washed away. The main dam is now constructed of wood. In 1876, a sixty-horse power engine was added to the other improvements. Since then, water has been universally abundant. There are now four runs of stones in the mill, and it has a capacity of about one hundred bushels per day

The Foundry. - In 1869, or perhaps a year earlier. Hall & Caswell established a factory in Columbus, where they turned out wagons, corn-plows, etc. Mr. Caswell soon retired from the business, selling his interest to a son of Mr. Hall, the firm becoming S. C. Hall & Son. In September, 1879, Bolte & Eckofi" purchased the property. They have added largely to the machinery and now manufacture the "Eureka" windmill, upon which Mr. Bolte has a patent, it being his own invention. They also manufacture the " Economist " churn. Connected with the institution is a foundry in which are used all the modern appliances, and one run of stones upon which feed is ground, the whole being operated by a large and powerful engine.

The Elevator. - Built in 1865, by Farnham & Allen, now managed under the firm name of Farnham, Allen & Co. The elevator building proper is 40x40 feet, and has a capacity of 30,- 000 bushels of grain. Besides the usual machinery attached to elevators, there are two runs of stones for grinding feed, the whole being operated by a twenty-horse power engine. Adjoining the elevator is a warehouse 60x40 feet, built in 1856.

Near by is the extensive storehouse of Messrs. Churchill & Sexton, built in the spring of 1877. It IS 130 feet long and 36 feet wide, and has an area of floor capable of holding 20,1)00 bushels of grain.

Columbus Marble TTorfe. - Established by Wilson & Cramm in 1867, near the Fox House on James street. In 1869, G. L. Graham purchased the works of Mr. Wilson, the latter having previously bought out his partner, Mr. Cramm, and removed it to the present site of Lender & Krouse's store, and later, to the present site of Henderson's Opera House. J. P. Miller then became a partner and remained three years. A partnership was then formed with W. T. Turner. In 1872, the concern was moved to its present site. In 1878, H. M. Blumenthal took a third interest, and a year later, Mr. Turner retired in favor of his son, W. R. Turner. In January, 1880, Mr. Graham disposed of his interest to his partners, and the firm is now Turner & Blumenthal. From four to six hands are employed, and the result of their labor finds ready sale within a radius of forty miles.

Machine Shop, etc. - In 1870, S. Hutchinson established in Columbus as an agricultural implement dealer. In March, 1875, J. G. Kanouse took a half interest with him, and the firm commenced the manufacture of pumps on a small scale, and also repaired machinery. A tenhorse power engine is employed in the business. Attached to the shop are a turning lathe and a planing machine. On the 3d of April, 1880, Mr. Kanouse went out, leaving Mr. Hutchinson sole proprietor.

Joiner and Builder - Among the institutions of Columbus, none have borne a more important part in the growth of the place than the estabishment of R. D. Vanaken. Twenty-five years ago, he commenced in Columbus as a builder, manufacturing his own windows, doors, sash, etc., and has since erected nearly two hundred houses in and around the city. Many of the handsome stores, dwellings and churches in Columbus are of his workmanship.

Breiveries. - Jacob Jussen was the pioneer brewer of Columbus. He built a small house on the west bank of the Crawfish, as early as 1848. The old Gambrinian temple still stands, though its beams are bent with the burden of time, and the walls within are odorous with age and the fumes of beer. Louis Brauchle purchased the establishment in 1849, and though he has repaired and rebuilt and made additions to it, the general decay that pervades the premises must ultimately triumph in their destruction. The old maltster long since passed the meridian of life, and soon both he and his brewery must take places among the things that were.

In 1859, Henry Kurth came to Columbus with his family and a four-barrel brewer's boiler. He located in the southwestern portion of the then village, and commenced the manufacture of the "creamy, dreamy beer." It must have been a profitable business, for, in 1865, ho built a large brick brewery, at a cost of nearly ^^-4,000, and a year later put in a large boiler and added other improved appliances. His establishment has now a capacity of about sixty barrels a week, though the demand only reaches from two hundred to three hundred barrels per year.

Isaiah Robinson carried on the first money exchange business in Columbus. His operations were necessarily the reverse of extensive, but were in keeping with the " small things " of the early fifties. R. W. Chadbourn engaged in the same branch of business in 1853, making insurance and real estate two of the three specialties. Money, however, seemed to be most largely in demand, and Mr. Chadbourn turned his attention almost entirely to this branch of his business.

Bank of Columbus. - In December, 1856, W. L. Lewis started the first bank of issue in Columbus. In it were interested C. C. Barnes and James Barnes, the latter being Cashier. Mr. Lewis was the President. About 1859, the institution became the property of Willard Scott and Vosburg Sprague, under whose management it ceased to exist in 1861.

On the 7th of September of that year, R. W. Chadbourn opened a private banking institution, in the same building vacated by Messrs. Scott & Sprague, and in 1863, it was organized under the National Banking Law, as the First National Bank of Columbus, with a paid-up capital of $50,000. Its number (178) indicates it as having been among the first institutions of the kind. The officers under this organization were R. W. Chadbourn, President ; S. W. Chadbourn, Cashier ; Directors - R. W. Chadbourn, S. W. Chadbourn, William M. Griswold, George Griswold and F. F. Farnham. Upon the death of Mr. Farnham, in 1877, C. L. Waldo became a Director. Otherwise the management has remained unchanged.

Union Bank. - In September, 1861, John R. Wheeler opened a private bank in A. G. Cook's building, and soon afterward organized under the State Banking Law, in connection with Marshall Ilsley, of Milwaukee banking fame. Mr. Wheeler was the President, and A. G. Cook, Cashier. The capital stock was $100,000. In 1872, Mr. Wheeler having retired the circulation and discontinued the organization of the bank, it was transferred to L. R. Rockwell, who has continued it to the present time as a private bank. The Union Bank building, one of the architectural ornaments of the city, was erected in 1865.

Columbus Library Association

The intelligence of a community is usually gauged by the literary patronage of its citizens. The support the people of Columbus have given to the Public Library is excellent testimony of this. On the 20th of January, 1877, a meeting of prominent citizens was held at the Opera House, for the purpose of organizing a library association. The necessary preliminary steps taken, an adjournment was had until the 27th of the same month, at which time the organization was completed by the election of the following officers : President, Matthew Lowth ; Vice President, E. S. Griswold ; Secretary, C. L. Dering ; Treasurer, L. R. Rockwell. Directors, for one year - R. W. Chadbourn, John Topp and William M. Griswold ; for two years - J. Q. Adams, D. S. Fuller and Edward Bowen ; for three years - R. W. Earll, D. C. Davies and E. E. Chapin. At the same meeting ex-Gov. Lewis donated fifty-four volumes of books. Another meeting was held on the 30th of January, at which committees were appointed as follows : Library Committee - W. M. Griswold, D. C. Davies and E. E. Chapin ; Committee on Rooms - J. Q. Adams, D. S. Fuller and Edward Bowen ; Finance - R. W. Chadbourn, J. Topp and R. W. Earll. E. S. Griswold tendered the use of two rooms in his brick block, which were accepted, and thanks voted. Miss Mattie Walsh was appointed Librarian.

In 1879, M. Lowth, E. S. Griswold and L. R. Rockwell were re-elected President, Vice President and Treasurer, respectively, Mic Adams succeeding C. L. Dering as Secretary. The Directors were J. Q. Adams, D. S. Fuller and Edward Bowen. The same executive committee chosen in 1878 were re-appointed, and Flora Walsh succeeded to the position of Librarian, holding it till November, 1879, when Helen Walsh was appointed.

In 1880, the only change in officers was the election of R. W. Earll, D. C. Davies and E. E. Chapin as Directors, and the appointment of M. Adams, D. S. Fuller and J. Topp as the executive committee.

The first pui'chase of books was made in March, 1877, of Jansen, McClurg & Co., to the amount of $550. Various purchases have been made since then, the total amount expended to the present time being $830. In 1878, the young ladies of Columbus presented the association with $59 in cash, the proceeds of a concert given by them for that pui-pose. Quite a number of donations of books have been made.

The association is composed of seventy-five life members, each of whom paid $10. One of the rules of the association provides for the admission of annual members at $1.50 each for the first year, and $1 for each subsequent year they remain as such. The annual membership has grown to important proportions. There are 1,000 volumes in the collection. Nearly one-fourth of this number is continuously in the hands of patrons.

When the village of Columbus was platted by Lewis Ludington, it presented a promising picture - on paper. Passing through the eastern limits, the rippling Crawfish marked its winding course. Leading away to the southwest from the river's oak-fringed banks to the borders of clustering groves in the distance were broad avenues with other avenues crossing them at right angles. Near the river's edge was an entire block marked "public square," and not far away a "park," " schoolhouse," "church," "hotel," etc. - all donations from the proprietor of the village. H. A. Whitney was the lucky possessor of that portion of the plat indicated as the "hotel," corner of James and Ludington streets, and in the summer of 184-4, he secured absolute title to it by building a hotel upon it. It was a one-and-ahalf-story frame. Most of the lumber of which it was built was hauled from Aztalan. In the lower portion, Mr. Whitney kept a small stock of goods. About 1848, it passed into the hands of a man named Thomas, who devoted the entire establishment to the accommodation of the public. A. P. Birdsey purchased from Mr. Thomas. He built an addition to it and conducted it for a number of years. Whitney & McCafferty were the next landlords. At the end of a year and a half, they retired from the business, and the concern was then rented. On the 8th of October, 1857, it was completely destroyed by fire. The work of rebuilding commenced at once. Winter was approaching and Columbus was without a hotel. There are few instances to record where so much energy is displayed as was the case in the construction of the present Fox House. Within eighteen days from the time the first shovel of earth was removed in excavating for the foundations, a substantial four-story brick had been erected, and workmen were engaged putting on the roof. Mr. Whitney surprised himself as well as his friends. The following spring, it was rented to a Mr. Gardiner, and not long afterward Mr. Whitney took the management upon himself. At the end of four years, he sold out to G. Fuller, but was compelled to take it back. Soon afterward, an old ex-sea-captain piloted his bark into Columbus, and, purchasing the Whitney House, anchored for a brief time. But the winds were unfavorable, and the old salt turned the house over to Mr. Whitney. Enoch Pulver then became the purchaser. A man named Graves bought of Pulver, and Julius Fox, the present owner, purchased of Mr. Graves.

One of the early institutions of Columbus was the old Mountain House, which stood on the high ground not far from J. T. Lewis' residence. Its career as a hotel was brief, though how brilliant is not known.

Columbus Opera House

In 1872, the old Methodist church buikling was purchased by J. T. Henderson. It was then located near the present site of the foundry. From there it was removed to Broadway and converted into a public hall, and, in 1877, it was "made over" into an opera house. It was thought to be a fine edifice in its day. The voice of prayer has often been heard within its walls, and it has echoed to much pulpit eloquence of all sorts. In it Mrs. Van Cott made her series of public appeals and won sinners by her personal magnetism. When it had been decided to convert it into an opera house, a structure 16x35 was added for stage purposes. On the first floor are two rooms for rehearsals, etc., and the second floor is used entirely as a stage. Mr. A. Leibig, of Mayville, Dodge County, who was a scenic painter before he left Germany, e.xecuted the stage decorations. The total cost of the stage improvements is $1,200, of which $500 is for scenery. The hall will seat nearly four hundred.

The Fire Department

Among other important clauses in the original city charter of Columbus was one providing for the establisliment of a fire department. Accordingly, on the 26th of December, 1877, the City Council entered into a contract with the Babcock Manufacturing Company, of Chicago, for two of their extinguishers and one hook and ladder truck, for $1,800. At the same meeting of the Council, authority was granted for the formation of three fire companies. On the 19th of October previous, the Germania Fire Company was organized by the election of Fred. Hanneman, Foreman ; John Topp, First Assistant ; H. A. Lueders, Second Assistant ; Fred. Wirth, Treasurer ; E. Von Briesen, Secretary, and V. Batz, Marshal. The other members of the company were D. Stark, G. Link, J. Lemcke, C. Topp, C. Ulm, C. Mirow, J. Engel, M. Rueth, F. F. Wilske and A. Miller. The present ofiicers are : H. A. Lueders, Foreman ; John Topp and G. Link, Assistants ; G. Woehlert, Treasurer ; E. Von Briesen, Secret ary, and W. Hanneman, Marshal.

On the 6th of December, 1877, Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was organized with the following ofiicers : E. Blasius, Foreman ; J. McCabe, First Assistant ; W. Vanaken, Second Assistant ; T. Robinson, Secretary, and T. Morris, Treasurer. The other first members were M. Houghton, J. Mettler, T. Clatworthy, T. Nix, G. Mohring, C. Kellar, J. Cagney, A. Hirscher, S. Harding, S. McConnell,- G. H. ColviUe, S. F. Strehmel, 0. Schmidt, J. C. Hutchinson and J. A. Welton. The present officers are: M. J. Durkan, Foreman; J. A. Welton and J. Dreyer, Assistants ; J. Schaeffer, Secretary ; G. H. Colville, Treasurer ; J. B. Barney, Marshal.

Columbia Fire Company was organized December 10, 1877. Officers and members : W. G. Bresee, Foreman ; J. Jackson and R. Cunningham, Assistants ; C. E. Fowler, Secretary ; T. F. Sweeney, Treasurer ; Charles Mohring, E. J. Davis, C. Randall, E. Kendall, J. Kendall, H. Annis, C. Cooper, D. McLarty, D. Griffiths, S. B. Kendall, L. Zick and J. Richards. This company was disbanded on the 9th of April, 1880.

On the 13th of November, L. J. Sawyer was elected Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, by the Common Council, but did not qualify. J. Cagney was chosen Assistant Chief, and the City Clerk and City Treasurer appointed to act as ex officio Clerk and Treasurer. The present Assistant Engineer is Andrew Hirscher.

Since the organization of the department, there have been three fires in Columbus. March 19, 1878, the calaboose was destroyed ; March 27, the same year, J. J. Sutton's dwelling and barn, a somewhat memorable fire in the annals of Columbus ; September 27, 1S78, J. Kuhl's dwelling.