Columbia County, Wisconsin - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 11 of those read), 1880 (part 2 of 3)

Medical and Surgical Institute. - As the traveler approaches Kilbourn City, no matter from what direction, the first object that attracts jhis attention is a large brick building situated on the summit of a hill about a mile from the depot. At an early day a man named Bronson. a resident of Prairie du Chien, endowed an institute for the higher education of young men and women, the location of which was to be decided by the Methodist Conference. In 1856, Point Bluff was selected as the site of the proposed seminary, and it was completed and opened in 1857. For a time, everything prospered and the school was full. Fine houses were built ami the future of Point Bluff seemed assured, but in 1858 the Milwaukee & La Crosse Railroad was completed to Kiltourn City, and from that time the place began to decay, though the school was not closed until 1865. The next year the building was removed to this place, as Kilbourn was considered a much more eligible locality than Point Bluff. A large number of pupils were in attendance, and the school prospered finely, but on the 31st of January, 1868, it was burned to the ground. There was an insurance of 11,000 on the building, and with this money a fine brick structure was erected, but no school was ever held in the new building. In 1876, -Frank C. Straw, Esq., bought the property for $800, with the condition that he should improve the property and run it, at least five years, as a water-cure and medical and surgical institute.

Before the property came into the possession of the present owner, $5,800 had been expended upon the building and grounds. Mr. Straw has invested about $6,000 more, making the total cost some $12,000.

The structure is situated on the hill at the head of Washington avenue, and the cupola is about one hundred and sixty feet above the passenger depot. The main part is 36x53 feet, two stories and a half in height, surmounted by a cupola, or dome, which is inclosed with glass doors and windows. The wing is built on the east end of the main buildings and is 28x65 feet, three stories and attic. The entire building contains thirty rooms, besides numerous closets, bathrooms and wardrobes. From the cupola a magnificent view can be obtained for miles around. Seventeen miles to the southward, a gap in the Baraboo Bluffs shows where Devil's Lake reposes. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad stretches away to the southeast, and occasional clouds of smoke show the position of the heavily laden trains as they are sweeping along their pathway of steel. To the southwest, a few scattering houses can be seen, showing where the once flourishing village of Newport stood, while the little village of Delton lies nestled among the hills just beyond. Turning toward the setting sun, we see Coon Bluff and Hay Stack, seemingly but a short distance away, but in reality many miles, while in the northwest the Elephant's Back rises far above the neighboring hills. At our feet, embowered in a forest of trees, lies

The wing of the building has been fitted up for bedrooms, kitchen, dining-room, bathrooms, etc. On the lower floor is the Turkish bath room, which joins the shampooing-room and hot and cold water bathroom. The engine-room contains a five-horse-power engine which pumps water from a well 160 feet deep into the tanks in the attic. Steam and hot water from the boiler is used for heating the water in the tanks.

The institution was opened in the summer of 1878, by Dr. William Russell, who operated it until Api-il, 1879, when it passed into the hands of Dr. J. S. Galloway and Dr. G. C. McElroy and wife, the latter also being a physician. In January, 1880, Dr. Galloway retired, and G. C. McElroy, M. D. and Mrs. A. McElroy, M. D., remained in charge.

The first settlers of Kilbourn City experienced considerable difficulty in their intercourse with the outer world by means of the mails. From the time Alanson Holly settled here in the woods till September, 1857, the citizens were dependent upon Newport. Strenuous efforts were made to have an office established here, but it was not until after the completion of the railroad that their efforts were crowned with success. J. Armstrong was the first Postmaster. Filing the required bonds, he then appointed Edward Palmer deputy, and the latter attended to all the duties of the office. Mr. Armstrong resigned soon after. Mr. Palmer was appointed to fill the vacancy, and served until the spring of 1859, when J. Jackson Brown was commissioned in his stead. Mr. BroAvn held the office until February, 1864, when J. M. Weber succeeded him, and continued in office until February, 1878, a period of fourteen years. W. H. Mylrea was Mr. Weber's successor. In 1867, it was made a money-order office. The first order drawn was to George A. Woodford in favor of R. M. Thompson, Unionville, Conn., and payable at Hartford, in same State. Mr. Woodford had also the second order drawn.

The Spring Grove Cemetery Association was organized December 11, 1859, having for its purpose the securing and holding in trust a place for the burial of the dead. George F. Noble. S. D. Hambleton, Charles Teshner, W. H. Peabody, I. W. York and H. McDonald were elected trustees. The trustees were instructed to procure from E. T. Hooker twenty acres of land, described as the west half of the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 1, in Township 13, north of Range 6 east. On account of the difficulty in securing a perfect title, and also because of the great distance from the village, this action was reconsidered, and, in the spring of 1862, Dr. Hooker deeded the association twelve acres off the northwest quarter of Section 11, Township 13 north, Range 6 east, which lies just east of the village. This land has been laid out in blocks and lots, with convenient roadways running through, and is also neatly inclosed. The first person to be buried there was a child of G. H. Daniels. The trustees in 1879 were J. N. Schmitz, George Oswald, W. A. Ramsay, A. Chamberlain, I. W. York and Frank Hill.

Satv Mill. - The first saw-mill in the place was put in operation in the fall of 1857, by Hines & Drinker, who continued to run the same until 1870, when it was purchased by the junior member, who formed a partnership with two brothers, under the firm name of Drinker Brothers. Steam power is used. The mill is capable of turning out 14,000 feet of lumber each day often hours' run. Drinker Brothers are extensive dealers in lumber and all material usually found in a yard of that kind.

Planing and Grist Mill. - As soon as lumber could be obtained from the new saw-mill of Hines k Drinker, Walker, Munger & Co. erected a large planing-mill and commenced the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds. In i860, they added a grist-mill to their business, since which time the three departments have been in constant operation. A thirty-horse power engine drives the whole machinery. In ordinary times employment is given to about thirty men. The flour here manufactured is rated in the Chicago market as the very best, and generally the firm receive an advance on the highest quotations. In 1878, the manufacture of syrup from sorghum was also engaged in with success.

Foundry and Machine Shop. - In April, 1879, G. M. Marshall & Son established in tlie village a foundry and machine-shop, meeting with good success in the manufacture of Marshall's patent blacksmith shears, power corn shellers, and turbine water-wheels. Their foundry is well supplied with every modern invention for their work, and they turn out, on short notice, casting of all kinds.

Kilhourn City Brewery. - Erected in 1858, by Mechler & Leute, who continued the same until 1861, when, on the death of the junior partner, Andrew Leute, Julius, Charles and Thaddeus Leute, brothers of Andrew, purchased the institution from Mr. Mechler and the heirs of Andrew Leute. These brothers continued in partnership a short time, and then Julius Leute became sole proprietor. About eight hundred barrels of lager beer are manufactured yearlv.

Union Horse Collar. - The invention of John N. Schmitz, of this village. It is a collar and hame combined, and is made so as to be easily fitted to the neck of the horse, having a swivel screw on 'top, by which it can be made wider or narrower by the hame-strap below. It can be lengthened and shortened by the bolt in the cap on the top. In 1876, a company was formed, under the name of Union Collar Company, for the manufacture of the article. They have succeeded in building up a large trade.

Bank of Kilbourn. - This institution was opened for business, August 26, 1867, by John P. McGregor. In February,. 1868, Mr. McGregor disposed of the same to Jonathan Bowman. It is a private bank, with its entire business transacted upon its own capital, receiving no deposits, but otherwise doing a regular banking business, selling exchange upon Milwaukee, Chicago, New York, and all foreign countries. John W. Brown is the cashier, and has been with the bank since January, 1869.

Toivn Mall. - This is a large building upon Oak street, north of the Finch House, and was erected for theatrical, concert and lecture purposes. In size it is 30x80, 18-foot ceiling, with large stage in the rear. It was built by a stock company in 1868, and is rented for purposes named, on reasonable terms ; W. II. Finch, agent.

Baptist Church. - Elders Keith and Sprague were the first missionaries of this church, and held a number of sei-vices in the winter of 1858. In May following, a number of the brethren met in the old schoolhouse, for the purpose of effecting an organization. Elder A. E. Green was present and acted as Moderator. Deacon John Hogoboom, Mary Hogoboom, Samuel S. Barker, Mary A. Barker, Augustus S. Barker, Edward F. Barker, Charles H. Barker and David Stillwell signed the articles of covenant. John Hogoboom was made Deacon, and David Stillwell, Clerk. Elder Green was invited to become their Pastor, and accepted the call, coming twice a month from his home in Delton to hold services here. He remained with them until August, 1864, when Elder Snider was called to the work. July 18, 1867, Elder George W. Freeman was invited to become their regular Pastor, and accepted the invitation. In August, 1867, the churches of Dell Prairie and Delton, which had become weakened by removals and other causes, came forward and united with this church, thus giving them an effective working strength of about sixty members. At this time, J. W. Wood was appointed Deacon, and A. S. Barker, Clerk. February, 1868, a committee was appointed to take into consideration the erection of a church edifice, and their report being satisfactory, the work was immediately undertaken. The flush times of the previous year made the community liberal in subscribing to the church fund, but the failure in the principal product of this region made collections slow, so that it was impossible to complete the building. As soon as inclosed and plastered, it was rented to the village for two years. It was not made ready for formal dedication until December, 1872. Elder J. W. Fisher preached the sermon. Elder Freeman remained with the church until November, 1869. Elder E. L. Schofield was the next to minister to the congregation, but only remained a few weeks, and was succeeded by Elder A. L. Seward, who remained six months. The church then remained without a pastor for several months. In August, 1871, Rev. H. C. Fuller engaged in the work, and continued for two years. Again, for a short time, the church was without a shepherd ; but in April, 1874, Elder John C. Douglass was ordained to the ministry, and was then called to the pastorate ; remained one year, and was succeeded by Elder J. S. Cox, who served four months, wlien Rev. F. S. Witter came and remained one year. Rev. H. C. Fuller was then called for the second time, and continued to serve until September, 1879. The church is weak numerically and financially, but has some earnest Christian men and women connected with it. A Sunday school is maintained, with a membership of fifty, with A. S. Barker as Superintendent. Hours of service for the church: Sunday, 10:30 A. M., and 7:30 P. M. Sabbath school. 12 M.

Methodist Episcopal. - The first preaching by a minister of this denomination, in this village, was in the old schoolhouse, in the spring of 1857, by Rev. William Mullen. A congregation was soon afterward formed. John Kneen and wife, Silas Merrill and wife, Cook and wife and Harriet Peabody were in the first organization. Silas Merrill was the first Class Leader. After worshiping awhile in the old schoolhouse, a small dwelling-house was purchased and fitted up for religious purposes. Here they assembled from time to time until the house became too small, when they went back to the schoolhouse. An old store building was now purchased and used until it also became too small, when it was sold and the money applied on a new building. While this was in progress, the congregation worshiped in the old academy building. Sabbath, January 31, 1868, the new church was dedicated, with appropriate services. Among the Pastors who have served, were Revs. Mullen, Springer, Searles, Faucier, Smith, Yocum, Howe, Bennett, Case, Bishop, Allen, Buck, Gaskell, Steele, Hamilton, Duncan, Hazelton, Full and Webster. The church is weak numerically and financially.

Protestant Episcopal. - The first public service of the church in Kilbourn City was in the year 1858, the Rev. Hugh Miller Thompson, of Portage, otficiating. Occasional services were thereafter given by the Rev. Mr. Thompson and his successor in St. John's Parish, Portage, the Rev. A. J. M. Hudson. From 1860 to 1863, services were given more or less regularly by the Revs. J. 0. Barton, William Pray Ten Broeck and Mosely Morris, successively itinerants on the line of the La Crosse & Milwaukee, now Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. Some church interest was developed and two lots were given by Mr. Edward Roddis, of Milwaukee, for the purpose of erecting thereon a church building. The missionary, however, being withdrawn and the services discontinued, several of the church families in the meanwhile removing, the lots were allowed to be sold for taxes, and all church interest died out. In the year 1867, the Missionary Board, adopting a new plan of missionary work, placed the Rev. George Vernor as its missionary on the line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad ; at which time services were once more commenced, and regularly maintained on the first Sunday of each month, together with occasional week-day services. Some of the old church families having returned and new ones having moved in, a new interest was developed, and a mission organized under the name of St. Paul's Mission, Kilbourn City. The lots sold for taxes were redeemed, and a deed for another lot was given by Byron Kilbourn. In the fall of 1868, the Rev. Chester Adams was associated in the missionary work, the headquarters of the mission being Beaver Dam, services being continued at Kilbourn City, the same as the year previous. In 1870, Rev. William B. Bolmer was placed in charge, and continued to serve until 1872, when he was succeeded by Rev. Peyton Gallagher, who only remained six months, and was followed by Rev. F. C. Eldred, who remained until March, 1875. At this time, Rev. J. B. Pedelupe was called to the pastorate, remaining in charge until June, 1878, since which time no regular services have been held. The parish was organized with nine communicants. Thirtytwo have been added to this number, making a total of forty-one, of whom fourteen have removed, leaving twenty-seven. A. C. Dixon, Warden ; John W. Brown, Secretary and Treasurer.

Preshyterian. - In the summer of 1855. a petition was drawn up, signed by nineteen persons, asking the Presbytery of Winnebago to organize a church at Newport and Delton. The petition was sent to Rev. William W. McNair, then of Portage City. Rev. Stewart Mitchell was stopping with Mr. McNair, and the two visited the new field. The Presbytery soon after sent Rev. H. M. Robertson to organize the church, should the way be clear. The church being organized by Mr. Robertson, Rev. Stewart Mitchell was called as its first Pastor. Great diflSculty was experienced in obtaining a room in which to hold divine service. Frequently the congregation would meet in private houses, in jmblic halls, in storerooms, in dining-rooms, any where that shelter could be had. and the people assembled to hear the Gospel. A cliurcli house was needed, but property in Newport was depreciating, and it was with the utmost difficulty a sufficient sum could be raised to .erect a church edifice. But by persistent effort, it was done, and on the 23d of August, 1857, a small church building was dedicated to the service of Almighty God. The church meanwhile began to lose by removals, and soon after the church was built, it became apparent that it would have to be abandoned. On Sunday, June 29, 1856, Rev. Mr. Mitchell preached his first discourse in Kilbourn City, and soon after began to preach regularly in the place. But great difficulty was experienced in awakening an interest. Elder J. M. Weber removed here in the spring of 1858, and the minister in the fall. The first communion was held in April, 1858, and four persons were admitted to che church. R. M. Thompson was elected an additional Elder. The church now began to grow slowly. In 1861, the project of building a church was seriously talked of, and, in the beginning of 18G2, the church at Newport was taken down, and the materials brought to this place for erection during the summer. Various circumstances delayed action until fall, and in the fall difficulties were greater than ever. Money was not easily obtained, and the work could not have commenced, but for the help of a benevolent lady in Milwaukee, Mrs. Harriet T. Smith, who furnished the means to buy the lumber necessary for erecting and inclosing the building. Alanson Holly gave the lot'on which to build. In August, 1863, the church building was dedicated during a meeting of the Presbytery of Winnebago. At this time. Rev. Mr. Mitchell resigned the pastorate on account of the ill health of his wife, and was succeeded by Rev. Alexander Strain, who acted as supply for a year. An interim of a few months followed, when Rev. Willis B. Phelps supplied the church in part and, on the 25th of September, Mr. Phelps was invited by the church to become its Pastor. This relation continued until 1870, when Mr. Phelps retired, and was succeeded by Rev. George F. Hunting, who for two years supplied the church, and was then chosen its Pastor and continued as such until 1876. For two years, the church was without regular service, but in 1878, Rev. J. V. R. Hughes was called to the work and yet remains with the church. Those composing the church on its organization were Jacob Van Doren, Rachel Van Doren, Simeon Hunter, Eliza Jane Hunter, Abigail Britts, Elizabeth Van Vetcher, Caroline Dawes, Mary E. Holmes, Jacob Vanderburg. Charity Vanderburg, Maria Andrews, Everett Beardsley, Olive Beardsley, Thomas Murray and Isabella Murray. J. M. Weber and wife united shortly after. Everett Beardsley was the first Elder, and Jacob Van Doren, S. D. Hunter, J. M. Weber, the first Deacons. In 1856, Mr. Weber was made an Elder, and has since held that responsible position. Since the organization of the church there have been admitted to membership 195. Present membership, 66. The officers in 1880 were E. H. Parmlee, Timothy Temple, Harlan McDonald and J. M. Weber, Elders. Services held each Sabbath at lOi A. M. and 7 P. M. Sunday school meets each Sabbath at 12 M. Dr. McElroy is Superintendent of the Sunday school.

German Evangelical Lutheran. - Organized in the fall of 1876, at which time a small church house was built, at a cost of $800. Rev. Zorn, of Portage, was the first Pastor. He was succeeded by the Rev. Hovde, and he, in turn, by Rev. Gesal. In the latter part of 1879, Rev. E. J. Peterson was called to the work. The church is weak, numerically, numbering but about twelve families.

Roman Catholic - In 1859, a church was erected in this place, at a cost of $600, since which time improvements have been made and the church enlarged, making the value of the property about $1,200. In addition, a parsonage was built in 1871, at a cost of $1,600. The church numbers eighty-five families. Fathers Montecue, Keenan, De Kalver, Ryan, Siner, Galweiler, Gohntyn and H;ekler have each, in turn, served the congregation.

J. E. Dixon, T.; L. R. Mitchell, S.; John Tanner, E. T. Hooker, W. S. Payne, William Gardner. From its organization till January 1, 1380, ninety persons have been initiated into the order. The membership at that time was thirty-eight. The lodge meets the first and third Tuesday evenings of each month. The officers for the term commencing the first meeting in January, 1880, were: H. R. Snider, W. M.; W. H. Mylrea, S. W.; C. E. Griffith, J. W.; J. Mylrea, T.; W. A. Ramsay, Sec.

Bell Lodge, No. 175, I. 0. 0. i^. - Was chartered January 20, 1870, with S. F. Smith, John Jellodd, Peter Emser, A. C. Dixon, J. H. Fosnot, A. F. Leonard, H. H. Tredwell, I. F. Friend, C. H. Stone, F. S. Meakler and J. Kingsland as charter members. Membership, January, 1880, 33.

Alpha Encampment, No. 4.S, I. 0. 0. F. - Instituted December 6, 1871, with I. F. Friend, George Lintner, George Ribenack, George Smith, Allen Wright, H. R. Snider and Jonathan Bell as charter members. Now has 15 members, and meets the first and third Friday evenings of each month.

The temperance cause in this place has always had some very strong advocates - men ami women who were willing to labor to " save the fallen and prevent others from falling." As individuals, they have toiled ; and in organizations, under various names, they have endeavored to inculcate temperance principles in the community. The Wisconsin Mirror, under the management of A. Holly, and the Kilbourn City Guard, edited by Wesley Moran, did much to advance the cause.

The lodge flourished until the breaking-out of the war, when a considerable number of the members went forth to battle for their country. During the existence of the rebellion, regular meetings were sustained, but the interest was not great. In 1865, the membership again increased, and interest was well sustaineil until 1866, when a number of the meiubers became dissatisfied and withdrew, and, the spring following, the lodge ceased to exist.

Kilbourn City Temple, No. l^S, I. 0. Gr. T. - Connected with Evening Star Lodge is a degree temple, which was instituted June 20, 1867, which continued to work until August, 1875, when it ceased, and was re-organized April 7, 1877.

1855, and hastily prepared a house in which my family could live, and an office in which to print my paper ; and issued the first number of the Wisconsin Mirror, the 1st day of January,

1856. The day was very cold, for a peculiarly cold winter, and our office was very open. I wrote my editorials in the house, and picked up dry wood about where the village now is, and hired green wood cut when I could not get dry.

" The day on which we published the first number of the Mirror, the mercury was 17 degrees below zero, at noon. The office boys were obliged to heat planks to stand on, to keep their feet from freezing, and to keep a kettle of hot water to prevent their hands from freezing. There were several of the officers of the ' Wisconsin River Hydraulic Co.' and others, present, and when the first paper wa8 struck off", Mr. Noble, of Newport, now a resident of Kilbourn City, took it and put it up at auction, for my benefit, and Mr. Weaver, of Ohio, bid it off at $65, and immediately paid for it ! The next copy was sold to John B. Vleit, of Newport, for $10, and the third to a brother of J. B. Vleit, for $5. This, of course, was all done for my encouragement, but it was all kept a profound secret from me, till the sale began. It was to keep me ' printing in the woods ' till things thawed out, and it was a good way to do it.

" The present Kilbourn City was then covered with woods, and not a dwelling-house within a mile. Our provisions and other things for use in the house had to be brought from Newport, or other places abroad, and much of them were brought on my back, or on the backs of my boys. There was, that winter, a considerable quantity of game seen where Kilbourn City now is - deer, sometimes bear, rabbits, squirrels, partridges and quail. But the larger of these animals entirely disappeared on the appearance of the railroad, and considerable of the smaller ones. One winter, the northern bears got so hungry that they made us quite a long visit.

" The Dells of the Wisconsin River, when we came there, had scarcely been seen, except by raftsmen, and nothing was said about the canyons or gulches.

" The summer after we came there, we went frequently through the Dells in small boats, and to the canyons and gulches, in boats or on foot. But those canyons were so filled with brush and fallen logs that it was difficult to get through them. In 1856, I and the boy went to Cold Water Canyon, and it was so cold, in August, that I would not have our women try to go in. We afterward went to Witch's Gulch, not then named, and could not get through, because the water was so deep below the fall. Afterward I heard that some boys swam through ; and because they imagined they saw something on the high wall at the lower end that looked like a witch, they named it ' Witch's Gulch.' "

It remains to point out a few of the advantages of Kilbourn City, geographically, for pleasure-seekers. It is situated about midway between Chicago and St. Paul, being one hundred and ninety-three miles from Chicago, and two hundred and sixteen miles from St. Paul, and is in the immediate vicinity of the Dells, which have already been described. It is seventy-seven miles from Oconomowoc, fifty-seven miles from Madison, and sixty-two miles from Sparta. By the run of trains, one can leave Kilbourn in the morning, go to Sparta and fish for trout all day, and return in the evening ; or go to Oconomowoc and dine, and have some four or five hours' amusements on the lakes, and get back to supper at Kilbourn : or go over to Madison, arriving there at 10 A. M., and see the capital and public buildings, take a sail on the beautiful lakes by which it is environed, and return to Kilbourn to supper, the same night : or take a carriage and pair of horses and drive through to Baraboo and Devil's Lake, seventeen miles, and dine and "take in " all there is of scenery there, and back to Kilbourn the same night ; or take short runs out by trains to Mauston, Lisbon or Camp Douglas, and view the wonderful rock formations all along the line: or over to Delton, and take a sail on Mirror Lake, and back to Kilbourn.

Mirror Lake, located three and a half miles from Kilbourn City station, and four miles from the Dells, has hitherto been kept from public notice by the few lovers of good fishing and the beauties of nature, who were acquainted with its attractions. But its wonderful refiections, magnificent canyons, and entire diflerence from other places of interest, have at length disclosed its beauties to the tourist, and in 1879, a steamer was put upon its waters. Its proximity to '- Congress Hall," and the mineral springs, and the well-known healthy climate of Delton, where it is located - the average mortality being only two deaths per year, out of a population of about nine hundred - make it one of the most desirable resorts in the Northwest.

Lake Mason, the fisherman's paradise, is a spot comparatively unknown, though one of the finest of the numerous lakes scattered over Wisconsin. The lake proper is three miles in length, and two in breadth, with several large bayous. The lake is situated partly in Marquette County, and partly in Adams County, about ten miles north of east from Kilbourn City. The drive from Kilbourn City to the little city of Briggsville, so cozily nestled in the valley at the foot of the lake, is undoubtedly the finest drive for the tourist visiting the Dells. The fishing is among the finest in the West. The favorite sport is trolling for pickerel. The lake is filled with them, and the best time to troll is during the months of May, June, September and October. Pickerel have been caught here weighing as high as twenty-five pounds. Still-fishing for perch, rock bass, black bass, sunfish, and other varieties, is good at all seasons of the year, whenever the lake is clear from ice. In the spring and fall, large fiocks of ducks and geese tloat upon its bosom, and feed upon the wild rice that grows in wild luxuriance in the different arms of the lake. The lake is situated in a valley, where, in the springtime, the waters of the Fox, which (low into the great lakes, mingle with those of the Wisconsin, which enter the Mississippi.

As the traveler reaches the eastern edge of the plateau, about half-way between Kilbourn and Lake Mason, he beholds a landscape of green fields, and waving woods, and silver lakes, and distant hilltops, veiled in blue, that makes him think he has caught a glimpse of fairyland. Now all these attractions around Kilbourn City are in addition to the unique - the wonderful Dells!

Town of Otsego - Village of Otsego - Village of Rio - Village of Doylestown - Town OF Pacific - Town of Randolph - Town of Scott - Town of Springvale - Town of West Point - Town of Wyocena - Village of Wyocena - Village of Pabdeeville.

At a meeting of the County Commissioners, held in January, 1849, all of Township 11, Range 11, was organized into a town, to which was given the name of Otsego, and the house of Edward Williams designated as the place for holding the first election. The name Otsego was chosen by the early settlers in honor of Otsego, N. Y., from which place a number had emigrated.

Wayne B. Dyer was the first man to make a home in the town. He arrived here in May, 1844, and erected a log house upon Section 22. In this house he entertained the weary traveler for a number of years, and Dyer's Tavern became a famous institution. During the summer and fall several others came in, among whom were Ulac Wilson and " Old Hans," Cyrus Root, Stephen James, Samuel Gibson, E. Lynn, Horace Dodge and Mr. Pellet. In 1845 and 1846, a large number came in, among whom were Frank Folsom, Isaac W. Spaulding, J. W. Stewart, Abram Van Aermsm and Henry Ager.

In the fall of 1844, Horace Dodge returned East, where he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Deck, being the first citizen of the town to be married. The first marriage occurring in the town was that of John Brown and Caroline Hughes, in the fall of 1847.

Mary Topliff, in the fall of 1848, taught the first school on Section 22. In the organization of the town into school districts, in the following year, this was made District No. I.

Elder Wood, of Wyocena, in the spring of 1847, came into the town, and at the house of Stephen James on Section 28, preached the first discourse. With the exception of about four years spent in the East, Elder Wood, who is a Baptist minister, in the spring of 1880 had completed thirty-four years of service in this section of country. In 1849, Rev. Hanson, a Methodist Episcopal minister, organized a class in the scboolhouse on Section 23, which was continued in that neighborhood until 1853, when a church was built on Section 3, where religious services were afterward held.

In answer to a letter, Wayne B. Dyer writes : " In September, 1843, I settled on Fountain Prairie, on the farm known as the Baker farm (Section 34), and there built the first house in that town. Mr. Bushnell was then living in a small board shanty, where John Brown now lives. His house was built early in the winter, and John Brown built the next house on the Enos Grout farm. These three houses were all of Fountain Prairie until the next summer, except Smith Horton's, who built, during the winter, on the Hawkurst farm. Snow fell that year in October, and remained until about the 20th of February, when we had a thaw. The snow all went off, and the 10th of April plenty of feed for cattle. I have never seen grass as early since. In May, 1844, I sold out to E. J. Smith, and moved to the present village of Otsego, there being no settler between my place and Fort Winnebago. There I built the first house in that town, and I was the first settler there also. During the latter part of the summer and fall came several more settlers: Cyrus Root, Stephen James, Samuel Gibson, E. Lynn and others. My house, during the summer, was the stopping-place for people looking lor land ; also being visited by the Indians, who were sometimes troublesome. Once, during my absence, a drove of them came and undertook to make my wife and Mary Swift (now Mrs. John Swarthout) bring them water from the spring, which they refused to do. The women now became scared and left for the prairie where some men were at work, but before the men arrived the natives had left, and were never troublesome afterward. Snow fell about the middle of October, 1844, to a depth of six or eight inches, but soon left, and no sleighing that winter. The next summer people came into the country by hundreds, and my old log cabin became known far and wide. We were full all the while, and at one time had twenty-seven living in my house besides transient visitors. We then belonged to Portage County. In the winter of 1845-46, Columbia County was set off from Portage County, and the fall following elected county officers. T. C. Smith, Sherift"; Richard F. Veeder, Nathan Griffin and John D. McCall, County Commissioners ; Major Dickason, Register of Deeds; John Swarthout, Treasurer; Nelson Swarthout, Clerk of the Board. N. Swarthout not qualifying, I was appointed Clerk - said meeting of the Board being held at my house. When I asked the Board where I should locate my office, the answer was, ' Carry it in your hat.' So you see I carried the county seat one year. The Board finally settled on Low's tavern for the county seat until the next Board was elected, and there was held the first court for Columbia County - Judge Irvin presiding. Being then under Territorial government, the jury were all paid in specie before leaving. Some of them coming without a cent, with their dinner and supper in their pockets, and leaving with several dollars, felt ;is if they had drawn a prize. The whole expense of the county that year was less than one county official receives now. If that old Low tavern could speak, you could hear of some fine doings going on there of nights, when John Smith, with Capt. Low's old uniform on, with three or four pillows stuffed in for filling up, with sword buckled on, and the old Captain running up and down stairs to find out what was wanting ; and he had a cough so long his well had got low. Before this year, there were but three precincts for voting in the county - Fort Winnebago, Dekorra and Columbus. Four more were added at the first meeting of the Board - one at Lan^don's, near Cambria; one at Wyocena ; one at Lodi ; one at Dyer's, comprising Hampden and Otsego, known as Dyersburg ; and one at Lowville. The 9th day of June, 1847, there was a severe frost ; the ground was frozen and all early corn killed. I planted over the 17th of June, and by the 25th of August had as ripe sound corn as I ever raised, which was the most remarkable growth I ever saw. About the 15th of June came a hurricane across the prairie which blew down Thomas Swarthout's log house, and took John and his sisters about sixty rods into a. thicket. It also blew over H. Swift's house, where George Robinson's house now stands. The next year we became a State, and the judicial organization of our county commenced with the first court at Columbus, under Judge Larrabee. The first Norwegian settlers were Enlor Wilson and little Hans ; the first Welshman, Stephen James. Some of the first settlers in Otsego were so hard up that they had to live on roast corn and potatoes. Times were hardv as no one wanted to hire. The first winter they had to go into Illinois to get pork ; and no butter was to be had at any price. My own family never suffered for provisions. Always being fond of a dog and gun, I soon became a successful hunter, and always had plenty of venison, for deer were very plenty. Could sometimes see a hundred and fifty in a day. But those times are gone, and my rifle hangs up rusting."

The day of the hurricane, leaving his wife at the house of a friend, Mr. Dyer and his friend went to Columbus. Observing the storm coming on, they hastened home, and as it increased in fierceness, and they were hurrying on, the friend shouted to Dyer, " For God's sake, Dyer, can't you drive faster ? " "No," was shouted back. "Then," said he, "I'll go afoot." Out he sprang from the wagon and was soon left far behind. Their families, however, escaped all injury.

The old log tavern, although a home for any that came that way, had not been properly roofed, and during the first summer often let in more than a little dampness. It is related that on one occasion a traveler drove up during a storm, intending to ask for dinner. He found the light-hearted mistress seated in a large rocking chair, with skirts tucked up and a baby on each knee, while she held an umbrella over them to keep dry, and was rocking and singing, while the rain washed off the dinner dishes and covered the floor.

The habit of lost persons traveling in a circuit, was exemplified during the early years of Dyer's residence here. Mrs. Dyer had endured the toothache until she thought it impossible to longer stand it. Taking her horse and buggy, with her two little children, she drove over to Madison and had the tooth extracted. She reached there without trouble and in due time started for home ; driving all day, at sunset she reached tlie same house she had stopped at the the night before. Somewhat surprised, she put up for the night. The ne.xt morning, she started again only to repeat the previous day's experience, returning to the same house for the second time. She was now thoroughly frightened and began to think she never would reach home, but started with renewed courage on the third day, and was fortunate to reach home at night.

When Wayne B. Dyer "entertained man and beast," his old log tavern and log barn at Otsego was a famous resort for the early settlers for miles around as well as for travelers. That was the good old time when there was no whisky tariff, no illicit stills, no Government gangers, whisky but three cents a dririk, and when common drinking tumblers were used in dispensinothat commodity. Though Dyer kept a bar, he was strictly abstemious in regard to drink, althougli it was well known that he sometimes smoked. One day late in the fall, two well-known men went to Columbus from Springvale on foot. Returning, they had buffeted a driving storm all the way from Columbus to Otsego. Leg- weary and somewhat chilled, with several miles yet stretching between the latter place and their- cabin, one of them proposed to the other that they should revive themselves at Dyer's bar. The jug and the big tumblers were produced, filled* to the very brim and emptied without a grimace, while Dyer looked silently on, in astonishment or admiration ; the closest study of his face did not reveal which. A dime was thrown down, which was slipped into the till. Waiting a moment for his change, but not seeing it, tlie Springvale man remarked, "I thought whisky was three cents a drink ? " Dyer replied " It is three cents a drink, but I just now was wholesaling."

1850 - Orin Kincaid, Chairman ; Frank Folsom, Samuel Gibson, Supervisors ; John A. Byrne, Clerk ; Horace Dodge, Assessor ; Simpson Marsh, Treasurer ; Henry Ager, Superintendent of Schools.

1852 - Frank Folsom, Chairman ; William Chamberlain, Asa Thornton, Supervisors ; John A. Byrne, Clerk ; G. D. Mead, Treasurer ; Horace Dodge, Assessor ; J. D. Gano, Superintendent of Schools.

1866 - L. G. Lloyd, Chairman : Thornton Thompson, J. W. Stewart, Supervisors : E. AV. McNitt, Clerk : W. A. Pulver, Treasurer : A. W. Dodge, Assessor.

1867 - J. L. Burke, Chairman: John Bently, Samuel Sampson, Supervisors: Alexander Rogers, Clerk : W. A. Pulver, Treasurer ; F. A. Brewer, Assessor.

Village Of Otsego

Around the settlement of Wayne B. Dyer, grew up quite a village between the years 1846 to 1849. Being on the direct route between Milwaukee and Stevens Point, quite a number in search of a home were prevailed upon to stop [here. A post office was here established in December, 1847, Cyrus Root receiving the appointment of Postmaster. During the first year, the entire recepts of the office was only a trifle over $4. Mr. Root retained the office for eleven years, being succeeded by Norman Mead, who held it a little less than one year, resigning in favor of Mr. Palver. The latter gentleman continued in charge until the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln in 1861, when Edwin McNitt obtained the appointment. Mr. McNitt resigned in 186-3, in favor of .John Sickles. From that time until 1872, Mr. Sickles and Lewis Stevens filled the position. In 1872, VV. A. Pulver was appointed, serving until the fall of 1878, when Henry Root was commissioned.

Wayne B. Dyer built the first hotel in 1844. The building was of logs, but in time was displaced by a large frame house. Mr. Dyer disposed of the property in 1853, to Abijah Stevens, and the hotel was discontinued.

In 1848, John Boutwell built a large dwelling-house, and one year later converted the same into a tavern which he named the "Otsego House." His spelling of the word "house" was unique. His sign read "Otsego Hous." VVhen informed he should add "e " to the word, he replied, " Pshaw, you can't fool me ; that would make it read hous-y 't " The sign was put up as he spelled it, but travelers making so much sport of the spelling caused him to take it down and make the correction after a time. Mr. Boutwell only continued the house for one year, when he sold to Norman Mead, who ran it until 18.57, when Philemon Root purchased it. From that time to January, 1880, it has passed successively into the hands of W. A. Pulver, Solomon Mead, Lot Mead, Josiah Loomis, Archie McDougal, Mr. Willard, Mr. Robbins, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Bodie, Samuel Slifer and Fayette Ashley, the present owner.

In 18.'j4, Dennison Dunning erected a hotel known as the "Gothic House," and continued in charge until his death, which occurred in 1864. The widow then continued the business for about three years, when she was married to John Boutwell, who, as landlord, served his guests until 1873, wlien the business was abandoned.

The village attained a fair degree of prosperity before the completion of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, in 1864, which was located two miles north.

Village Of Rio

The village of Rio is situated in the extreme northwestern part of the town of Otsego, and was laid out in 1864, by N. B. Dunlap, who owned the largest part of the land on which the village has been built. In the month of November, 1864, Mr. Dunlap engaged A. Topliff, County Surveyor, to lay out and plat a portion of his land. This survey was completed and acknowledged November 4. Previous to the 8th day of May, 1868, Mr. Dunlap made three small additions to the village plat, and Mosher, Buchanan, Van Aernam and Scott also added to the same.

N. B. Dunlap and Jacob Ulrich began the erection of business houses about the same time in November, 1864. There was quite a strife between them as to which should complete and first occupy his building. Sixteen years after, each party was confident he was the first. The only building that had previously been erected was that of a small warehouse built by Mr. Welch, for the storage of grain. This warehouse was also used by the railroad company, until the completion of their depot, in the fall of 1865.

The first lot sold was purchased by Jacob Ulrich, on which he erected a hotel, to which was given the name of Rio House. The house was opened in December, 1864, and continued in successful operation until May, 1875, when it was destroyed by fire. In July, following, Mr. Ulrich began the erection of another house, which was completed and opened for the accommodation of the traveling public, November 10, 1875. The new house was larger than the old,

Tlie first dwelling-house was built by John Baw, a German shoemaker, who came here early in the spring of 1865. A daughter was born to him in May, of that year, being the first born in the village.

The village post office was first established in the northeast corner of Lowville, in the year 1852. It was given the name of Rio. When the new village was located, one-half mile from this office, it was thought best it should take the same name, as the office would undoubtedly be moved there. Delos Bundy at that time was running a small country store, and was Postmaster at Rio. In the spring of 1865, he moved his store and office into the village, and consequently was the first Postmaster. Mr. Bundy held the office for a few years, and was succeeded by Mr. Emerson, and he in turn, in 1872, by M. J. Leffingweil.

In the winter of 1864-65, Robert Williams and Kennedy Scott started here a lumber-yard, being the first to engage in the sale of lumber ; Delos Bundy opened the first stock of general merchandise ; Dr. Vincent was the first physician : John J. Brown the first legal adviser. In the fall of 1866, W. Davidson put in the first hardware store. In the spring of 1866, Warren Bundy, in company with Delos Bundy, put in the first drug store.

D. Buchanan, in July, 1865, commenced the erection of an elevator, with a storage capacity of 10,000 bushels of grain, which was completed and ready for use September following. Mr. Buchanan continued in the grain business for two years, when he sold the elevator, it passing through many hands, and in 1879, was purchased by F. R. Morris & Co. Mr. Welch, in the fall of 1865, also commenced to build an elevator, but before completion it was sold to Knowles & Binnie. It afterward passed into the hands of Samuel D. Curtis, and was destroyed by fire November 30, 1872.

A joint school district was organized in 1849, composed of a portion of the towns of Lowville and Otsego, the schoolhouse being erected in Lowville. Here the children of the village have been sent. They now have a graded school of two departments.

MetJiodist Episcopal Church. - A class was organized in 1863, at the schoolhouse in the northeastern part of the town of Lowville. Here religious services were held until the fall of 1868, when services were held in the Congregational Church in the village. In 1869, together with the Baptists, a small building was fitted up for church purposes. The greatest era of prosperity attending this church was in 1872, when they had thirty-two members on the classbook. In 1879, the number had been reduced to about ten, caused by removals, death and withdrawal.

Congregational Church. - This church was organized in 1863, at the house of David Palmer, two miles east of the village, with 0. C. Howe, Juliet Howe, William Scott, Jane Scott, David Palmer, Mehitable Palmer and Catherine McKenna. For several years, the congregation worshiped in the schoolhouse. In the summer of 1867, they began the erection of a church building, which was completed and formally dedicated in October, 1868, Rev. S. B. Doe, Secretary of the Home Mission Society, preaching the sermon. Previous to this, a sermon was preached in the church on the occasion of the death of Abram Van Aernam, in the spring of 1868. This was the first sermon preached in the house. The church has had the services, as Pastor, of Revs. Donaldson, Thompson, Brown, Fairfield, Logan, Cheney, Powell, Demarest and Ball. In 1879, Kennedy Scott held the positions of Trustee, Deacon and Treasurer ; Caroline C. Scott, Clerk. A union Sunday school was organized in 1865. In 1879, Kennedy Scott was Superintendent ; Mrs. John AVeyant, Assistant ; Arabella Tifl't, Secretary.

Baptist Church. - This church was organized June 29, 1867, with D. Buchanan, Mrs. Buchanan, H. Blemis, M. E. Mosher, L. H. Palmer and wife, J. A. Eliot, Mrs. Wm. Gaskill, N. A. Palmer and wife, Mrs. Herring and Miss Buchanan. M. E. Mosher was elected Clerk. The organization was effected by Rev. Nathan Wood, of Wyocena, who, in 1880, had served thirteen years, being the first and only Pastor. The first meetings of the church were held in the schoolhouse, and were continued there until the house was refused them for religious services, when they niet in various halls in the village, and for a short time in the Congregationalist Church. In 1873, a building was purchased and fitted up for their use. In 1879, the officers of the church were: C. C. Holly, Clerk; Sylvester Noble, C. C. Holly, William Gaskill, J. B. Carter, Seth Allen, G. Palmer, Trustees ; Roswell Palmer, Seth Allen, Deacons. A Sunday school was organized in 1868, which has had a flourishing existence. In 1879, Roswell Palmer was Superintendent.

Village Of Doylestown

On the 16th day of March, 1865, Lemuel H. Doyle purchased of Damon C. Starr 120 acres off the southeast quarter of Section 11, and, on the 2.5th day of March, purchased of Eason Starr 115 acres oif the northeast quarter of Section 14. The main object of the purchase was to locate thereon a village. On the 26th day of August, 1865, Alfred ToplifF, County Surveyor, completed and had recorded the plat of the village of Doylestown.

David Metcalf, a former resident of Columbus, erected a store here in the summer of 1865, being the first in the village. He operated it for about four months, or until it was burned. From that time until 1868, no improvements were made in the place, and, in January of that year, only four families resided here. Mr. Doyle determined the place should have a start, and made a public offer to give a lot free to any who would build thereon. His offer was accepted, and during the year 1868, about thirty houses were erected. Eaton & Canfield built at the time a $2,500 elevator, with a storage capacity of 15,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Eaton died shortly after, and the elevator was burned in July, 1876.

The first lot sold was purchased by Thornton Thompson, who erected the first house in the village. This house was afterward sold to Joseph Doyle, who, in 1868, built an addition to it, and opened the first hotel.

The first freight was received by J. H. Davis September 19, 1865, consisting of two bundles of sash, the charges on which were 25 cents. The first shipment was two cars of bulk wheat to Curtis & Mann, Milwaukee, sent by Metcalf & Starr September 16, 1865. First ticket was sold May 22, 1866.

D. Metcalf was the first station agent, serving from September, 1865, to November 1, 1866. L. H. Doyle was then appointed, serving until November, 1873, when Charles A. Doyle received the appointment. From the building of the road to March, 1880, D. Reed, J. A. Doyle. F. W. Whitcomb, Julia Williams, C. A. Doyle. C. S. Bensted, L. W. Davis, D. E. Moore, J. W. Hancock, H. A. Doyle, S. C. Budlong, F. N. Mills, S. B. Morse, George C. Wright, L. H. Martin, J. 0. Baker, P. Vandercook and E. J. Conner have served as telegraph operators.

The original plat was composed of nine blocks off the northeast quarter of Section 14. The first addition was made, June 13, 1868, and was also off Section 14. The second addition was made, June 18, 1869, and was off the southeast quarter of Section 11, and comprised about forty acres. Isaac B. Downs, about this time, also made an addition, of about fifteen acres, to the plat of the village, off southeast quarter of Section 11.

The first schoolhouse built near where the village was laid out was in 1859. In 1869, a larger and better house was erected, at a cost of $1,250. The first teacher in the new schoolhouse was Miss Emma L. Holmes. In the winter of 1879-80, Peter F. McMahon was the teacher.

Catholic Church. - In 1865, Father McGurke organized a society in this place, and in 1866 a church was erected, at a cost of $1,500. The congregation increasing in numbers, the house became too small to accommodate those who desired to attend ; therefore, in 1874, it was enlarged, at an additional cost of $700. In 1877, a parsonage was erected, adjacent to the church, at a cost of $750. A Sunday school has usually been maintained during the summer months. Fathers McGurke, O'Kiefe, Gray, Roche and Murphy, have ministered to the spiritual welfare of the congregation, from its organization up to 1880. At that time, eighty families were represented in its membership.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - A chiss was organized here at a very early day, religious services being held in private houses and in the schoolhouses in the neighborhood. The church having become numerically strong, in 1870 determined to erect a church edifice. In order to best carry out their intentions, David Edwards, David D. James, James S. Hallock, George Ormsbee, John J. Scott, George Young, Norman B. Dayton, Lester Hoard and Lemuel H. Doyle were elected Trustees, by the congregation. The first meeting of the Trustees was held in the shop of L. H. Doyle, January 8, 1871, Rev. B. M. Fullmer, presiding, all the Trustees being present. It was then voted to erect a church edifice, which was completed and dedicated Sunday, October o, 1873, by Rev. Samuel Fallows, D. D., of Madison, Wis., Rev. J. B. Cole being then preacher in charge. The cost of the church was $2,000. L. H. Peck, Lester Hoard and L. H. Doyle were the building committee. The first funeral held in the church was that of an infant child of Ferdinand and Kate Pinkrou, in the fiiU of 1873, Rev. Oppen, of Columbus, a German preacher, ofliciating. The first marriage in the church was that of D. W. Edwards and Mattie James, October 21, 1874.

Protestant Episcopal Church. - Rev. F. C. Eldved organized the church here November 21, 1877, with the election of George Hall, Warden ; J. G. Smith, Treasurer ; Niels Rasmus, Secretary. Mr. Eldred discharged the duties of Pastor of the church, until the summer of 1879, when he was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Burlsora. For the first two years, services were held every Friday evening, with occasional visits from the Minister at other times. In the fall of 1879, the time of services was changed to each Sunday evening.

Patrons of Husbandry. - Union Grange, No. 430, Patrons of Husbandry, was organized March 5, 1874, by Deputy Kennedy Scott, assisted by John Sanderson, of Cambria. The first officers and charter members were Lemuel H. Doyle, Master ; George Hall, Overseer ; John J. Scott, Treasurer ; Peter Morse, Secretary ; Jerome R. Nasholds, Lecturer ; Franklin Andrews, Steward ; Charles Peck, Assistant Steward ; Edward F. Palmer, Chaplain ; F. C. Councilman, Gate Keeper; Mary V. Andrews, Stewardess; Ellen M. Titcomb, Ceres; Harriet Palmer, Pomona ; Sarah Youngs, Flora; Cora A. Downs. Mary J. Doyle, Ida Andrews, George Youngs, Lyman B. Ward, Dexter Titcomb, George Williams, Sarah A. Hall, Mary E. Doyle, Thomas W. Davis, Demosthenes Nasholds, Anthony Snowdeii. The first meetings of the grange were held in Hoard's Hall, afterward in Methodist Episcopal Church. A grange store was started in 1877, but both grange and store were discontinued in 1878.

" In 1848, Owen Kincaid entered a tract of land about ten miles west of Columbus (it is now owned by H. A. Whitney) and is not far from the station and village of Doylestown, and was the first entry in that vicinity. Daniel James was the first settler adjacent to the present site of the little village, his duplicate bearing date May 9, 1848, though Mr. Moses Roberts, in 1847, entered forty acres, and built a cabin near where Joseph G. Smith lives. Damon C. Starr secured his land and arrived two weeks later, his patent, dated September 1, 1849, having the signature of President Taylor. He built a log house that year, which was the first structure in that locality. The frame building with which he replaced it was five years ago the only building near where the village now is. In the same year, William Chamberlain settled on land which is now owned by Daniel Tompkins. Eason Starr, in 18.50, purchased of speculators a quarter-section adjoining his brother, and Dr. Edward Heath arrived the same year. Most of the village is situated upon which was originally bought by the former. The depot and watertank were built in 1865. L. H. Doyle arrived in June, 1865, and purchased the lands of the two Starrs, between two and three hundred acres.

" A village was platted that year, and David Metcalf, a previous resident of Columbus and now general roadmaster of the La Crosse & North-Western Division, erected a store which he operated for four months, or until it was burned. No progress was made for two or three years. In 1868, there were but four families living on the village plat. That year, Eaton & Canfield built a $2,500 elevator.

'* The village now has a population of 200. D. D. Fox and D. D. Jones have each a good general store well stocked with dry goods, groceries, etc. Hoard & Earle are engaged in the lumber trade, and they also purchase wheat and produce. The elevator has a capacity of 15,000 bushels of grain. Not long after its erection, one of its owners djed, and it has since been closed. R. Elliot, of Milwaukee, holds a mortgage on it, and the building is for sale on favorable terms. Residents claim that 40,000 bushels of grain would find a market there, under favorable circumstances. Joseph Doyle, father of L. H. Dowle, is the proprietor of the Doyle House, the village hotel, which he manages successfully. John Bau is the boot and shoe maker of the hamlet, and does his work well. He runs a saloon in connection with his shop I. Gormley, a new-conjer, is also proprietor of a saloon. .James Riley is the village blacksmitii. Dr. Henry Allen is the resident physician, and, though he only came to Doylestown a few months ago, is acquiring an extensive practice. He went thither from Hartland, though for six years he was Superintendent of an eye and ear infirmary at Chicago. L. H. Doyle is the station agent, express agent and Postmaster. Becoming the owner of the village site, he has shown an irrepressible desire to build up the town, and has given away acres to persons desiring to become permanent residents. In connection with other business, he established a nursery ia 1868, and he now has about eight acres set out with choice trees and shrubbery. Last year, he manufactured about three thousand brooms. It is not to be denied that he has shown much enterprise and liberality in promoting the growth of the village which bears his name. A lodge of Good Templars is in Doylestown ; it has sixty members, and Dr. Allen is its Worthy Chief. A Catholic Churcli is the only building at present that has been erected for the purpose of worship. The priest at Columbus conducts services periodically. One of the best schoolhouses in the county was built here some years ago. The Baptist and other denominations have worshiped here. The Methodists are about to erect a new church, 30x40, and have the stone for the foundation already on the ground.

" It is now about three years since the leftd excitement broke out in the vicinity of Doylestown. A point a few rods west of that station is, by survey, the highest elevation on the railroad between the Wisconsin River and Lake Michigan. To the northeast, the land is broken into hillocks of reddish clay, though lime and sandstone frequently appear. On the Hallock farm, two miles and a half away, men at the plow brought up rich fragments of ore, and, while building fences across the land, found very promising specimens of that material. Carpenter, of Rio, has made numerous excavations upon the farm, and has secured ore in paying quantities. He is still at work under a lease. About a year ago, the farm was sold to a company at Sparta, and they have been since sinking a shaft. It had reached a depth of eighty-five feet the other day when we visited the spot, and the work is still in progress. They have been constantly taking out good ore, but in very small quantities, yet the indications are that lead exists in large amounts, if it can only be struck. The State Geologist has inspected the locality and adds the weight of his opinion to this statement. The formation is peculiar, those clay hills being approached on both sides by sand or by prairie. It should also be stated that evidences have been found which lead to the belief that silver exists in those ledges. If the secrets of nature shall be successfully read in this vicinity, it would make Doylestown a busy station and give an impetus to the business of the county even."

Town Of Pacific

This town is located in the central part of the county, its northwest corner adjoining the city of Portage. It comprises the east half of Township 12, Range 9, and a fractional part of Sections 4, 9, 16, 21, 28 and -33, of same township and range, lying to the east of the Wisconsin River, which river forms its western boundary. It is watered by the Fox River, which enters the town on the east through Swan Lake on Section 1, flows west and northwest to Portage City. It is also watered by Duck Creek in the central part. About one-half of the town is marsh land, 'the remainder is oak openings. The land is generally sandy and low, the surface altitude being from 200 to 250 feet. The town was set off in 18-54 from Portage City, much to the delight of its inhabitants, avers a local writer, for the reason of the high assessment of its lands.

N. H. Wood, who had entered and purchased a large portion of the land lying within the present limits of the town, and had also established a store on Section 16, had the honor of naming the town.

The first election showed about fifty voters ; the number has not since materialh' increased. Among the first settlers were Henry Jennings, who came in 1849, Stephen Calverly, H. Holden John \V. Lawrence and Benjamin Dow, in 1850 ; N. H. Wood, 1851 ; William Bates, J. W. Porter, Moses Bump, Daniel Marston and Jonathan Pegg, in 1854 ; Amasa Porter, Joshua Calkins, J. L. Porter and Griffin Smith, in 1856.

There are no villages in the town, though numerous attempts have been made to establish one, and paper cities have flourished. On an old Territorial map, issued in 1837, on the north side of Swan Lake is marked the village of " Ida." The proverbial '' oldest inhabitant," living in the spring of 1880, had never heard of its existence. In 1838, a magnificent " city " was laid out on the same site, which was given the name of Wisconsinapolis, and so well was it platted, the lake being crowded with such magnificent steamers, that in the East a large number of lots were sold at almost fabulous prices. The success of this venture encouraged the owners of the land on the south side of the lake also to plat a city which was to bear the name of "Winnebago City." Lots here brought good prices. Henry Merrell relates that upon one occasion a gentleman came into his store at the fort, and inquired at what hour steamboats left for Winconsinapolis. He was told that at the time boats were very irregular, but lie could direct him to the place. The man then inquired which was the best hotel. Mr. Merrill declined to answer that question, as he did not wish to injure his popularity as a business man by showing partiality in the case. A few hours afterward, when he returned from the " city," where no building larger than an Indian wigwam had ever been erected, and where twenty-five white men had probably never set foot, he drove rapidly by, neither looking to the right or left, his curiosity having been abundantly satisfied.

In 1838, an act was passed by the Territorial Legislature, incorporating the Marquette and Swan Lake Canal Company. James Duane Doty, Lieut. Hovey and others were the incorporators. It was the intention of the company to run a canal from Swan Lake into Lake George, and down Duck Creek to the Wisconsin River. A tavern was built at the west end of Swan Lake, and a ferry run across the neck of the lake. This canal was in opposition to the one connecting the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers at Fort Winnebago, and, it was thought by its incorporators, would tend to build up the villages of Wisconsinapolis and AVinnebago City.

" Baltimore City " was another paper city which never had an existence in fact. It was laid out on Section 33, where Duck Creek empties into the Wisconsin River.

Says a local writer : " Cities have not flourished in Pacific, but industry has, and no where in the county is there less ostentation or more promptness to meet obligations than Pacific. It is one of those towns where from a variety of agricultural resources, nnd a strict economy, its population seem to ' come out all right in the spring.' When its population quadruples, and the land is drained and occupied, Pacific will he a very prosperous and popular town, and to-day. for a high order of intelligence, morality, industry, and moderate thrift, it is at least a good average of the county."

By William T. Whirry

The first settler in this town was George Knowles, who came from the city of New York, selected his land in the fall of 1843, on Section 13, and entered it in February, 1844, and erected the first building in town at the same time, in the form of a board shanty, with whitewood boards brought from Fond du Lac ; broke up some land in May, 1844, and claims it was the first land broken in town ; planted the first crop, and raised a good one, without any fence ; put up his log house in August, 1844, and resided on the same place until about 1860, when he removed to Milwaukee.

S. S. Torbert came from Illinois March 16, 1844, in company with John Langdon and Benjamin Williams. Mr. Torbert raised the first log house on Section 15. B. Williams being a single man, lived with him. They lived for a long time on succotash (green corn and beans), without anything else. He broke, as he claims, the first land, but that point is disputed by Mr. Knowles. His first crop of wheat was seventy bushels, from two acres, and two bushels in sowing, which had been dragged in with a wooden-toothed drag. At that time, there were only three log cabins at Fo.x Lake, and no building between there and Fort Winnebago, except Powderly's, near the latter place.

John Langdon put up his log house very shortly after Torbert, on Section 29, but finished it first, making it the first log house in town. He brought in the first span of horses, and as Torbert and Williams came with him, and as they all brought cattle, they must all have the credit of bringing in the first oxen and cows ; and they were called a very superior lot of cattle. He also brought some hogs, and came fully equipped to break up land, and did break up a good (leal for others. He started Cambria - built the dam and put up a saw-mill, in company with Samuel Langdon, in 1845, and for several years it was called Langdon's mill ; but he became involved, and allowed a sharper, named Bell, to get hold of his property, who converted it to his own use, and changed the name of the place to Bellville (it was afterward called Florence, then Cambria). John Langdon was thus financially ruined ; and the loss of his hard-earned property probably shortened his days. He removed to Bad Axe (now Vernon County), and died there in 1852.

Benjamin Williams located a piece of prairie on Section 32, but did not build right off. He sold to Joseph Kerr, who came here in the foil of 1846 ; he then built on a piece of land adjoining Cambria ; was Sheriff for one term ; now lives in the fruit region of Michigan.

Alvin B. Alden came from Connecticut in July, 1844, and put up a hay shanty, with wings for bedrooms, on a splendid quarter-section of openings, on Section 24, being the first land selected in town ; built his log house in November, 1844 ; claims that he put in and harvested the first winter wheat. He was clerk of the Board of Supervisors for several years ; now resides in Portage.

John Converse came from Connecticut in October, 1844 ; boarded about six months with his son-in-law, Alvin B. Alden ; put up his log house in the spring of 1845, on a clay knoll, on Section 25: had a mill privilege, which nature had done a good deal for, except supplying it with water - if we except a few springs ; but Uncle John, nevertheless, not to be balked by such a trifle, built a dam and a small mill, and put in a run of stones, bolts, etc. Feed is still ground there, when we have a wet time. Uncle John kept the first house of entertainment for man and beast, and scores are now living who remember with pleasure the kind, liberal and motherly attentions of Mrs. Converse ; though not kept in the style of the Fox House, yet everything that was substantial was in abundance, and all left satisfied - style was not expected in a log house. He was the first Postmaster in town; kept the first post ofiice, called Polk Prairie, a misnomer, as it was situated in the openings. The name was afterward changed to East Randolph.

He was the founder of the village of Randolph, in Dodge and Columbia Counties, for which he is entitled to the gratitude of the whole community, having labored almost single handed against the combined efforts of Cambria, Fox Lake and the railroad company. The opposition he encountered would, doubtless, have deterred almost any other person ; but, after repeated refusals, in February, 1857, he obtained permission from the railroad company to put up a shanty on the prairie for the reception of grain, the company agreeing to stop the cars whenever he succeeded in getting a car-load, on being signaled, and providing the train was not detained over ten minutes. A poplar pole, with an old neck-scarf attached, was the signal used ; now it is about the greatest wheat station on the line of the road. He built the Russell House, and when he removed there he took the post office and its name with him, which was the cause of the station being called Randolph. He was our first School Superintendent, and now resides at Portage.

The first Welsh people in this section of our State settled a few rods east of our town line, and the first in this town were the Rev. Thomas H. Roberts, David Roberts, and John Evans. The two former settled on Section 4, and the latter on a poor eighty acres, on Section 15, now used as a pasture by William Harris ; his log house, with a stick chimney on the outside, stood near the road, on the north end ; and the first sermon delivered in the town was preached there, in the winter of 1844 and 1845, by the Rev. T. H. Roberts, at which time the Welsh church of Blaen-y-cae was organized, and also the Sabbath school, and religious services were held alternately at James Evans', near Lake Emily, Catharine Roberts, Blaen-y-cae, and John Evans', on Section 15 ; the first is now living at the same place, and aged about eighty-four years, the second died in May, 187 1, aged eighty-three years, and the last has removed to Iowa.

The said Thomas H. Roberts, immediately after his arrival here, wrote letters to his friends in Wales, describing the country and its advantages, which were read in the mines there, and created quite a furor ; the result was that the next spring witnessed the departure of a great many families to Wisconsin, who settled at Lake Emily, and what is now Courtland, Springvale and Randolph, all brought here by these letters. Mr. Roberts, like most of the Welsh preachers, is also a farmer, and has resided, until a few years since, on his first location, and owns it now, but resides on the town line, in the town of Manchester, and is still a preacher and farmer, and very much respected by all. At one time, while he was in the woods splitting some rails, a noble-looking stag came near where he was at work, stopping under a tree and appearing to lean against it ; Mr. Roberts, rightly conjecturing that he had been wounded by some hunter, went up to him and caught him by the horns and secured him ; he had been shot. David Roberts, mentioned above, settled near Lake Sarah in 1844, and left in the spring of 1850 for California, and died just as he came in sight of it. He located the first settlers in Springvale, etc.

The most of our first Welsh settlers had spent what little money they had by the time they had become settled here; some paid their last sliilling for their land, a yoke of oxen or a cow; one fiimily paid out their last sovereign for an old lame sow, but which proved a good speculation afterward in the sale of pigs ; but, with no money, or anything to exchange for groceries, they fared hard indeed ; ami some recollect well how thankful they were to receive from an acquaintance, who was fortunate to own a cow when they had none, a small piece of butter or a little milk occasionally, and they would go a long distance to get it, and live a long time on its recollections - for from that time they began to live, as they could exchange butter for what they needed, and, with the good pasturage the land afibrded, they would make about nine pounds of butter a week from a good cow, and felt comparatively independent.

For a long time after they came here, not one of them owned a wagon ; but nothing prevented them from attending their religious meetings regularly, week days as well as Sundays - and they went mostly afoot: and when the creeks were swollen in the spring, or overflowed the low bridges, the women would take oiF their shoes and stockings, wade through, and re-dress on the other side, and go on to meeting. Would any American woman do that ? Some went to meeting with a yoke of oxqu and a low, log sled, similar to a stone-boat, winter and jmmer, and some used, for several years, low truck wagons, with the wheels cut from the ends of a large log, the stjueaking of which could be heard for a mile when they went to and fro to meeting. Now, some of those very individuals drive as handsome a turnout as any one.

Our Welsh people started the poultry business under rather discouraging circumstances. A friend of John Roberts (Bontnewydd), had brought with him a pair of chickens to commence with, but they proved to be both roosters, and, as there were no hens to be found anywheie, the prospect for fresh eggs or chicken pie was poor indeed ; but a trade was struck vup, by which John Roberts was to have one, if he would help to procure a hen ; so they posted oif together to Columbus, and, after a good deal of travel and more persuasion, and representing the very bad fix they were in, they procured two hens.

The following incident will give some idea of the loneliness of some of ourl early settlers (the neighbors being few and far between) : The family of the above-named John Roberts had resided here nearly one year before they saw a single individual, excepting their town people, when one day, one of the boys came running in, shouting at the top of his voice, " Mother I m jther ! there's a man coming ! " and they were almost as much astonished as Robinson Crusoe was when he discovered the footprints in the sand.

The first celebration of the anniversary of American independence, in town, was celebrated by the Welsh people July 4, 1848, on Section 4, by singing, and short lectures on temperance.

Job W. Perry, though not one of the earliest settlers in this town, yet located his land in 1844, and deserves notice here. He lived a short time a few miles beyond its limits ; built a large, good log house on Section 12, in the spring of 1845 ; came originally from New York, then Ohio, then Walworth County ; was a good specimen of the old-fashioned pioneers, who have done so much to build up this country ; had always lived at the western end of civilization, and, as soon as land became improved, so that his cattle did not have a wide range, he was uneasy, and would sell out and be off further West. He had sold here in 1852, and had located in Minnesota, and was preparing to remove his family when death put in his veto. I am afraid there were Ku-Klux or Wide- Awakes in those days, although they did not go by these names; but, as Shakespeare says, " What's in a name? " The early settlers generally respected claims. Uncle Job had jumped some claim and refused to give it up ; he was Ku-kluxed one night by a delegation disguised, and, after a bold resistance by the family, in which an old sword and hot water were freely used, he was taken off to Lake Emily, to be put under the ice, but at the last moment a compromise was effected.

In this connection, an amusing incident occurred. Uncle Job, previous to the threatened lynching, had become alarmed, from information lie had received, and, knowing the then customs of the country and the characters he had wronged, expected trouble. So, one day, he came to F. R. Roberts and represented that the settlers were going to kill him because he had shown land to the Welshmen. Roberts and his brother David thought, in their innocence, that it was too bad that Uncle Job should be killed on their account, and that even if they lost their lives in consequence, they ought, by right, to go and protect him. They went, but found no one there. David left, but the other remained, and, in a very short time, some men were seen advancing toward the house. Uncle Job ran up a ladder to the chamber, and, Robinson Crusoe-like, pulled it up after him. The old lady got out the old sword and put it into Robert's hands, and posted him near the door; she then hid under the bed, and the daughters left the house.

The men tried to come in, but Roberts brandished the sword so vigorously that the feat was impossible without the risk of losing a limb or two. They expostulated and explained in English, which was the only language they were masters of, and Roberts talked back in Welsh, for the reason that he did not know a word of any other language - but the old sword still threatened. In the mean time, however, one of the girls came around from her hiding-place to the door, and found out that these men were travelers, and innocent of any murderous designs. She also tried to explain to Roberts in English, but all to no purpose ; the old sword still flourished menacingly. Roberts thought of nothing but saving the life of Uncle Job, which was placed in jeopardy on his account, and was determined to " fight it out on that line, if it took all summer."

Finally, Uncle Job heard enough to satisfy him that he had nothing to fear from these men ; so he came down from his hiding-place, and the old lady from under the bed, and, after numerous motions and signs, Roberts was induced to give up the old sword, and the men allowed to come in.

Uncle Job, like H. Stevens and other speculators, made a business of locating settlers on Government land at any price they could agree on, and then go or send to the Land Office at Green Bay and enter it. This same F. R. Roberts, in 1845, had paid Uncle Job for his land and was preparing to build on his present homestead, when he found out by a friend, who had overhea<-d the conversation, that Uncle Job had planned a trick to get his son-in-law to enter the eighty acres of prairie which he (Roberts) had paid Perry for - Perry having all his money, which had been delivered to him without any witness or receipt. Roberts had no alternative but to immediately squat on it and claim it under the pre-emption laws, and thus prevent it being purchased by others. As he happened to have a few boards, he immediately put up a small shanty on the prairie, and lived in it for four months, w^ithout any door to it, and by so doing he succeeded in saving his land, which he had previously paid for ; but it was a very close thing - his preemption having been made at 9 o'clock in the morning, and Perry's money, which he had furnished, having arrived at the Green Bay Land Office at 3 o'clock in the afternoon of the same day. Uncle Job was like all the old pioneers, kind and good-hearted, and willing to aid anyone in sickness or distress ; a good neighbor, though sharp at a bargain ; he was our first Town Assessor, but would not stand a re-election.

The first German who settled in this part of our State was Dr. William C. Arch, a muchrespected and well-informed man, who settled on Section 6, near the Fox River marsh, in 1848. He still resides there, in the old log house. Through his influence, most of the numerous Germans in this and the adjoining section of country were induced to settle here.

The first school ever kept in town was kept at the log dwelling-house of John Converse, in 184.5. The first schoolhouse erected in town expressly for a school was made of logs, on Government land, on Section 11, by voluntary contribution of labor and material, and school taught there by Margaret Jones, of Springvale, in the summer of 1846. The writer lived there for a few months ; but in December of that year, the forty acres it was built on had been exchanged for another forty, and a dispute arose about the ownership of the schoolhouse, and one night it was secretly torn down and carried away, and so ended the first schoolhouse.

The first, and until quite recently, the only store in this town, was erected in 1846, by Elijah Dunlap and Milo E. Bradley, on the old Fort Winnebago road, and was the only one for a number of miles, and quite a business was done there for several years, by Dunlap & Scott, and it was considered the nucleus of a village, and called Centerville. Squire Patton, of Scott, used to hold there what was called the '' High Court of Centerville ; " said store and a one-horse tavern across the road, in the town of Scott, was all that ever came of it, excepting that a doctor set up there, for a short time, but it was so healtliy that he had no practice, and left, and Centerville, though in a new country, was reckoned among the things that had been.

The first dwelling destroyed by fire was Mr. Blood's, on Section 36, which was built of hay - no insurance. Insurance agents had not arrived yet.

The first road in this town was laid out and the sloughs bridged by the soldiers, for tlie purpose of getting their supplies, and was called the Fox Lake and Fort Winnebago road ; and, though no regard was paid to section lines, yet a part of it is still used as a road ; another, and older military road, from Fort Winnebago to Fort Howard, was, and is now, located a little north of the town line.

The first election held in this section of our county, and in this town, was held in the house of John Langdon, in 1846, at which election M. W. Patton was elected Justice of the Peace, for the four townships now called Courtland, Springvale, Scott and Randolph. The old house still stands, in a good state of preservation, and can be seen any day, on the farm of Thomas Sanderson, between his house and the barn. The roof is shingled now, but for several years it was covered with bark, which was held in its place with poles.

The first white child born in the town was a child of Henry Dantz, who settled on Section 10. in 1845, who was AV. W. Dantz, of Princeton, and who was the Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms in the Senate in 1871. Now deceased.

The first white death in the town was a child of James Lowell, who was buried on his farm, on Section 13, as there was no cemeteries -at that time. The first public cemetery was donated to the public by Job W. Perry, on Section 12, and was, for a number of years, the only burial ground in town, and a great many were buried there, but the bodies have been mostly removed to the beautiful cemetery at Randolph Center, which was surveyed April 24, 1851.

All the first settlers avoided the prairies, having somehow, formed the erroneous idea that no one could live and support himself there, because there was no timber, and but little water or marsh - three very important requisites in a new country ; also, that the land was considered too poor to grow timber : too cold for man or beast to live on in the winter, and only fit for cattle to range on in summer : and some men thought that it would never be settled, and that they would get the use of it for pasture as long as they lived : consequently, you would find all the first settlements in the openings, at the edge of the timber, and near some spring of water - water and wood being the principal things looked for; and when land was purchased on the prairie it was generally for speculation, and the most of that was done after the Mexican land warrants came into market. The first man, in this town, who was bold enough to venture clear out into the prairie was the late E. D. Hewit, in March, 1847, having been enticed there by a large spring of water and some marsh, on Section 84, and lived there for several years, and raised crops without any fence, or any fear of being annoyed by roving cattle - his own cattle being tethered on the marsh.

The first name given to the town was Luzerne, but a dispute arising as to its orthography, some contending that the third letter should be "c." some "s" and others "z," another meeting was called and its present name adopted. At a meeting of the County Commissioners, held at Columbus January 1'. 1849. it was decided that Township No. 13, north of Range 12. east of the Fourth Principal Meridian, should constitute the town of Randolph. A strong effort had been made by a portion of the people of Scott to get the east half of the present town of Scott attached to Randolph, but we preferred to go it alone, believing that a town six miles square was large enough. The County Commissioners designated the house of Oscar F. Hamilton, on Section 23, as the place for holding the first town meeting. The first town caucus was held at the house of Willard Perry, on Section 22 ; a union ticket was proposed, but failed, and party tickets were nominated - VVhig and Democratic. The first town meeting was held as stated above, on the 3d day of April, 1849, and at the election of moderator of that meeting the first party battle was fought, resulting in a Democratic victory, John Converse having been elected Moderator and George Knowles Clerk. That election was considered a test vote, and the Whigs tried to change the result and the Democrats to retain what they had gained, and we had lively times, and party feeling ran high ; but the Democratic ticket was elected, as the Whigs alleged, by illegal voting, and because the Democrats had the best horses. A few Englishmen who were working here, but whose families resided in the town of Scott, were arrested for illegal voting, and had atrial at the " High Court of Centerville." They were defended by ex-Governor James T. Lewis, but nothing came of it excepting hard feelings, and a great deal of party animosity, for several years, in town elections.

At the first town meeting, in the town of Randolph, the whole number of votes cast was ninety-six : and, on Chairman of Supervisors, where the greatest efibrt was made, the vote stood fifty-six and forty.

The unsuccessful ticket was headed by Joseph Kerr, who was the first member of Assembly from Columbia County, representing the whole country in the two first State Legislatures of 1848-49.

The assessed valuation of the town in 1849, was real estate, $62,885 ; personal property, $1,672; total, $61,557. In 1872 it was real estate, $503,806 ; personal property, $104,836; total, $608,182. What is called Kelly's Addition to the village of Cambria is located in town, and includes forty acres of land nor|h of the mill pond, and (including the buildings) was assessed in 1872 at $5,378. The largest tax ever raised in town was $8,930.28, in 1864, which included a war tax.

The Welsh Calvinistic Methodist society up to 1854 had held their religious meetings in the old Lake Emily log schoolhouse, and in private houses, but in the summer of that year, they built a church edifice on land donated by F. R. Roberts, on Section 12, in this town, and it was dedicated on the first Sabbath of December, 1854, the Rev. Thomas A. Roberts, Proscaeron, and the Rev. John J. Roberts, of Columbus, ofiBciating. The name of the church was declared to be Engedi, a Hebrew name, signifying a fountain of pleasant waters. The cemetery adjoining the church is called Mai-hpelah, after the cave purchased by old Father Abraham. The first Trustees were J, W. Hughes, J. VV. Jones and 0. J. Jones. The Rev. John Daniels was their first and only Pastor. The church was enlarged in 1870.

There are two other societies of the above nomination partly in this town : "one has its church just north of the town line, in the town of Manchester, and the other on the town line in the town of Scott, and a German Lutheran Reform Church is also on the town line in the town of Scott ; but as they are not located in town, the plan of this sketch precludes any further remarks, excepting that in 186H the latter society purchased five acres of land on Section 6, and built a parsonage on it.

The First VVesleyan Methodist society of Randolph Center organized June 17, 1858, and built a church on land donated by Z. W. Oliver, on Section 22, principally through the inatrutnentality of Rev. John Willis, who had secedecl from the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was dedicated in October, 1858, by the Rev. A. C. Hand. The society is broken up, but its old members claim that they still own the church.