Eau Claire County, Wisconsin - Chapter 44: Augusta Churches, 1914

Chapter 44: Augusta Churches

When Erastus Buckman and Charles Bueknian and family and John F. Stone and family came to Augusta the Word of God had probably never been proclaimed there, although, it may be, that some Catholic missionary journeying across the state may have been attracted there by the beauty of the scene, and, faithful to his trust, he may have preached there to the Indians. This, however, is but a thought of fancy and not at all likely, as the scene vs'as very much removed from the pathways that led from post to post. But when the pioneers had come, and the habitation of the white man had been established, there came a longing for the gospel of Christ, the spiritual uplifting. The spiritual need was pressing at times and it is related that when a little son of William Arris had died there was no one spiritually qualified to even offer a prayer, and that finally Mr. William Young was prevailed upon and very rehictantly he prayed for God's blessing to rest upon and bless the gathered few, to comfort the bereaved ones and cherish the soul of the little one who had been called to enter the higher life. But the spiritual wants of the people had not long to wait. Rev. John Bean, an itinerant preacher, came that way and stopped with John F. Stone and family, and preached to the people and prayed with them at Mr. Stone's home. Shortly after this he met Rev. John Holt and told him of Augusta and urged him to go there.

It has been said that Rev. Holt was an ex-pugilist. However this may be, we cannot doubt that if all reports of him are true he had the courage and the strength of a gladiator, and it is known that in fighting the good fight he struggled mightily against the force of sin and for the establishment of the Kingdom of God among men. He came to Augusta and preached to the people, and in the fall of 1859 at the district conference had Augusta added to his charge, which was known as the Alma circuit. Rev. L. R. Davis was his assistant and they had fifty-four appointments in the circuit. Tlie country was wild, the roads uncertain and the people were poor. The preacher went on horse- .398 back from place to place, preaching the gospel, helping tlie people with the good cheer of Him who commanded: "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you ; and, lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world."

Rev. Holt preached the first funeral sermon in Augusta, that of Helen Dodge. In 1860 the circuit was properly organized, with Rev. Thomas Mason in charge. Later he enlisted in the Fourteenth Wisconsin Volunteers and went to the front. He was killed in battle, fighting valiantly for his country. In 1861 Augusta was assigned by the conference to the Chippewa district. Rev. Chauncey Hobart, presiding. Rev. Albert T. Johnson in charge of Augusta. Rev. Mathias Woody was the preacher in charge in 1862 and was followed in 1863 by Rev. J. B. Reynolds, who shortly after enlisted and went to the war. The circuit then included Augusta and Osseo and Rev. Woodley reported fifty members and probationers in the circuit, Thompson Valley being the stronghold of Methodism. Rev. G. W. Carpenter was sent by the conference of 1864, and he was followed in 1865 by Rev. Thomas Crouch. A committee was appointed that year to buy or build a parsonage, and as a result of their efi:orts six lots were bought for that purpose. The parsonage was not built there that year, however.

Rev. Darius Breese supplied the charge in 1866 and built a parsonage in the lots tliat had beeu secured the previous year. In 1867 Rev. Frank W. Dighton was sent, with Rev. W. E. Conway as assistant. That year the Methodists and the Congregationalists held union services in the school liouse, a small building that stood until 1905 on Lincoln street, where the new German Lutheran church now stands. A union Sunday school was organized, with Parker Warren as superintendent. Previous to this time services had been held from place to place at first, then in school houses as they were built throughout the circuit. In 1868 Rev. William Stanton supplied the charge, living at Humbird and coming on horseback to supply the charge. In those days the work of the Methodist preacher was strenuous indeed. They worked hard, prayed without ceasing, and frequently took their alloAvance in wheat, which they hauled to Sparta and sold at a price that would scarcely pay for the hauling. They went their way rejoicing, however, preaching the gospel as they journeyed on. Rev. D. Clingman was assigned to the charge by the conference of 1862, and he remained two years. During his pastorate the church was built, he having been sent for that purpose. The membershii") of the church was small and most of the members were not too greatly supplied with worldly goods. They were filled with the spirit of Godliness, however, and went earnestly at work with Rev. Clingman to build a temple wherein they might worship. For a brief history of the building of the temple we quote from an article by Mrs. E. J. Heard, published some years ago in the Augusta ' ' Eagle ' ' :

"To any but Bro. Clingman the prospects would have been discouraging. With a small membership and all poor people, but being rightly named, and a German, with all a German's push and vim he began to look around for the material to build a church. Already he, with the Tosker Bros., had secured a piece of ground and had built a little chapel to hold service while building the church. It was afterward finished into a dwelling house which is now owned and occupied by W. H. Smith. Mr. Fletcher Doughton came nobly to the assistance of Bro. Clingman. Owning a tract of land he gave the privilege of cutting timber enough for the church and also to pay for the sawing. Then came the work of getting the timber sawed and drawn to the mill. As the custom was in war time, some voluuteered and some were drafted to do this pleasant work. Mr. John F. Stone readily agreed to saw the lumber on shares, and so the lumber was provided for. The site for the church was provided (where the church now stands), the stone for the foundation was drawn in the winter and as soon as the ground was free from frost the foundation was laid by Bro. Clingman with appropriate ceremony. At the southwest corner the church rests on the cornerstone. In the cavity of this stone was deposited a 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent piece of paper money, called script, some coins, pictures of pastor and family, a copy of the Augusta "Herald," published by D. W. Brown, copies of our church periodical, a hymn book, a discipline and a Bible." The Bible was one that Mr. Tasker had carried through the war and had been wet through many times by rain while the owner had slept on the tented field during Sherman's march to the sea. The stone was sealed by Caleb Russell. The brick of which the church was built were a local product, made by Darius Stone, Charles Ferguson, Harry Burnes, John Hainer and the Tasker brothers. The brick were laid by Horace Policy, Caleb Russell, Frank Ilorel and Sam Blatchford. The plastering was done by Charles Horel and the painting by a Mr. Baker from Duraud. A fine, clear-toned bell was hung in the belfry and a little room over the vestibule was fitted up wherein to hold services when it became too cold to hold them in the chapel. This little room held the whole congregation, with space in plenty to spare.

The church was dedicated December IS, 1870. On the evening before the dedication it was discovered that there Avas no Bible rest, and a committee of two, consisting of Lester A. Heard and Eliza Jane Babcock, was appointed. This was amusing. Lester was not quite beyond his teens and Eliza was on the west side of thirty, both were extremely bashful and those were their courtship days. The committee was in session until three o'clock next morning, but when adjournment was taken the Bible rest was ready.

Bishop Fallows preached a splendid sermon full of spiritual uplift and encouragement, and at its close announced that the church which had been built at a cost of $ti,000 was in debt -$2,700. He made an eloquent appeal to clear the church from debt before dedication. The appeal was responded to and a sufficient sum was pledged to clear the indebtedness. The church was then dedicated, but so many failed to meet their pledges that the society found itself discouragingly in debt. Mrs. Heard in her story of the church says:

"Three of the members jointly bought a carload of lime to plaster the church. One of the men going home to dinner one day and finding a limited dinner his wife said: 'You might have brought some lime.' However, the church was dedicated and the membership took up the burden of its support, firm in the faith and trusting in God. The first funeral service preached in the church was that for the little son of Mr. and Mrs. .J. S. Goodrich. In 1871 Rev. H. D. Jellison supplied the pulpit. The debt hung over the church and the membership was beset with perplexities extreme. Rev. John Holt came in 1872 and worked mightily for the cause.

The women of the church joined in the worl;. doing much that the men could not or would not do. The church was heated with borrowed stoves and when the OM'ners called for them it became necessary to get a new stove. Rev. Holt was appointed to the task and succeeded, how no one ever knew. Rev. J. E. Irish came to the pastorate in 1873 and was followed in 1874 by Rev. A. J. Davis. He remained three years, doing faithful and efl'ective work, especially among the young people. The Misses Lois O'Brien, Annie Dittmore and Flora Bell were the leaders among the j^oiing ladies who did much to help the church. Rev. W. W. Wheaton was assigned to the charge by the conference of 1887. He was an old-fashioned Methodist and made war on infidelity and as a result the congregations decreased in size. His preaching was earnest but not suited to certain conditions. Rev. James Havens came in 1878 and he wrought a mighty work. Tlie present parsonage was built that year.

In 1879 Rev. John How came and remained three years and was followed by his brother, Rev. William How, who also remained three years. The Plows were both men of deep religious conviction and earnest workers. Rev. E. C. Booth came in 1885 and remained three years. He was followed by Rev. F. L. Hart in 1888 and he by Rev. William Atkinson in 1890. Rev. Atkinson was an Englishman and a mighty preacher, but lacked the qi^ality of leadership. It was during the pastorate of Rev. E. C. Booth that the parlors and kitchen Avere added to the church. The l)ell that now calls to worship was also purchased and hung during his pastorate. Rev. J. II. Benson came in 1894 and was in charge three years. He was followed by Rev. W. W. Hurd, 1898-9. In 1900 Rev. A. J. Coram came and remained five years and was followed in 1905 by Rev. John Fisher.

Baptist Church. There is a religion of the heart and there is a i-eligiou of the mind. The one points the pathway of duty, prompts to justice, mercy and love: the other deals with the philosophy of things, the supernatural world, the future of the soul. It is the latter, the religion of the mind, creating intellectual anxiety, that has filled the world with sects and the literature of religion with creeds and dogmas. We have no thought of entering here upon a discussion of the merits or demerits of any particular form of religion, the only thought being to suggest an explanation of the fact that a community of intellectual religions even though the aim and purpose of each is the same, viz., the destruction of sin and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. And in this particular religion Augusta was not different in the earlj' days than other communities. First come the Methodist missionaries, preaching the gospel of Christ. Then came the Baptists preaching the same gospel, the only difference being in the intellectual conception of certain ideas supposed to be vital.

During the summer of 1861 Rev. A. B. Green, a man of God and an earnest Christian worker, had labored in the local field and on October 5 of that year organized the Baptist church of

Augusta. There were nine members, as follows: Mareellus Riekard, Sarah Ann Riekard, Sally Russell, John Roberts, Mary Roberts, J. Roberts, Andrew Thompson, Henrietta Warren, Joseph Strader and Jane Austin, all but two have since joined the innumerable caravan to the pale realms of shade. At the time of the organization the articles of faith were adopted, after which the members joined hands and entered into the solemn covenant of the church. John Roberts and Andrew Thompson were elected deacons and Mareellus Riekard was elected clerk.

On December 25 Rev. Green, after laboring with the churcli "two days each fortnight for four months was obliged to close his work.'" He entered the army and was a faithful soldier in the army of his country, beloved by all his comrades in arms. From the date of his departure to April 29, 1865, there is no entry iu the church record. Evidently, however, the little band of nine were increasing in their worship, for \ve have the testimony of living witnesses that religious fervor liad increased in the meantime.

From the record under date of April 29, 1865, we quote : "Held a covenant meeting; had a season of prayer, Bro. H. L. Humphrey presided. Resolved into a church meeting. Voted that Rev. II. L. Humphrey be invited to be our pastor for one year from May 1, 1865, and be paid by the church one hundred and fifty dollars.

Rev. Humphrey was a quiet, devout man, deeply religious and zealous in all good work. During his ministration a Sunday seliool was organized, June, 1865, with Charles Riekard as superintendent. The record discloses that the Sunday school was reorganized May 25, 1866, with D. C. Spencer as superintendent. Wednesday evening prayer meeting was established August 4, 1865. We quote from the record of date May 25, 1867: "In view of increasing interest wrote Rev. R. F. Parshall, requesting him to consider the field and pray for us. ' ' We quote again from the church record, date July 27, 1867: "Our brother and sister Spencer's dear boj' was drowned the fourth of this month. We grieve with them and all feel how frail is life and how vast is eternity." On September 1, F. C. Stone was baptized, this being the first administration of that ordinance in the history of the church.

28, 1867, discovers that Elder Parsliall had closed his special work and that Elder Greeu had "come to labor with Brother Humphrey during the winter." As a result of Rev. Parshall's work eighty had been added to the church and the spirit of Chris-. tian fellowship was at its best.

Rev. Green had come to build a church and to this work he applied himself, at the same time ministering to the spiritual needs of the people. "While the membership of the church had increased greatly, yet they were mostly poor in worldly goods and the task of building a church was not an easy one. Elder Green was equal to the task, however. He took off his coat and pitched into anything that needed doing. The members of the church were hearty in their support and contributed labor and material to the extent of their ability, many to the detriment of their personal affairs. One day Rev. Green received Avord from Hudson that his wife was sick, requiring his attendance upon her. He hadn't a cent of money and how to get to Hudson was a question. He was boarding with John F. Stone's family, they charging him nothing therefor, and he did not like to ask Mr. Stone. He started up town with a heavy heart, determined if necessary to make the journey afoot. As he came along Lincoln street Hi Blair and several other jovial companions were standing in front of one of the buildings there.

"Boys," said Mr. Blair, "here comes one of the best men on earth." And when Rev. Green approached Mr. Blair put his hand in bis pocket, took out a five dollar bill and gave it to him, saying, "take this, it may help you out of trouble." "God moves in a my.sterious way." Rev. Green took the money; a heavy load was lifted from his heart and he started at once to visit his wife. After a brief time he returned. The time for which he had been called expired and the church was not yet finished, and at a special meeting it was voted to tender him a second call, to commence December 1, 1868. The call was accepted and the work of finishing the house of God went on. The work of finishing the task was a serious one. The people had been drawn upon to the limit of their ability to respond. Elder Green worked night and day. He took Deacon Roberts' team and drove to Menomonie for a load of lime to plaster the church and walked all the way back because the load was too great for the team. There were no doors to the church and the providential arrival of a tlO gift from Rev. Doctor Moore, of Washington Avenue i-liurcli.

Brooklyn, N. Y., was turned to this use, aud the doors were supplied. Finally the ehureh was finished and ready for dedication except that the seating had not been paid for. John Pidd became responsible for the bill, however; all was in readiness. The church was dedicated on Sunday, February 14, the Rev. J. W. Fish preaching- the dedicating sermon. Friends of the church and its membei'ship, from Eau Claire, Black River Falls and other places were present. The Saturday before the dedication was observed by the members as a day of fasting and prayer.

September 25, 1869, Rev. C. W. Palmer preached to the congregation and a call was then extended to him. He accepted the call and began his ministration November 1, 1869. W. M. Stone was elected church clerk and P. Brown, John Padd and D. C. Spencer were elected deacons. The record shows that a vote of thanks was tendered to Rev. Parshall for the gift of a beautiful pulpit Bible, Christmas, 1869, and on February 26, 1870, the thanks of the church was tendered to F. D. Stone for a beautiful communion service set, his gift to the church. On the same date it was voted that the organ, which Avas being used on trial, was suitable and that it be accepted if the Ladies' Social Circle would pay for it. November 16, 1870, Rev. Palmer tendered his resignation as pastor, which resignation was reluctantly accepted. During the time since Rev. A. B. Green had been succeeded as pastor he had a deep interest in the church and was a frequent visitor. The record shows that he frequently acted as Moderator at the church meetings and at times occupied the pulpit. On January 5, 1871, it was resolved that the word "reluctantly" as used in relation to the acceptance of the resignation of Rev. Palmer be stricken from the record of November 16, 1870.

Rev. C. C. Miller was present at a church meeting held February 23, 1871, and it was then arranged to extend to him a call to serve as pastor jointly with thr church at Black River Falls. The call was accepted and Rev. ililler began his pastorate. He worked earnestly for the church and was beloved by all the membership. After two years he resigned the charge at Black River Falls and devoted his whole time to the Augusta church until May 24, 1877, Avhen he resigned. September 9, 1877, a call was extended to Rev. W. H. Parker, and on October 1 he accepted the call and began his ministration. He was followed by Rev. J. W. Fish September 25, 1879. Rev. Pish resigned October 4, 1881. and on November 6 of that year Rev. William Hartley succeeded him. Rev. Hartley was an earnest and faithful worker and remained in charge of the pastorate until May, 1885.

He was followed by S. E. Randall and he by Rev. E. M. Bliss. J. B. Tope was called October 13, 1889, and resigned May 30, 1890, serving only eight months. Rev. Fred T. Snell began a pastorate December 11, 1890, and resigned April 3, 1892. He was followed by Rev. H. E. Hoare, whose pastorate continued until February 21, 1897, when he resigned. Rev. 0. E. Moffet was the next pastor. He was succeeded in 1899 by Rev. J. C. Williams and he by Rev. J. J. Johnson in 1903. Rev. Johnson was a young man, filled with the spirit of religion and an earnest worker. Rev. Herbet C. Nash, of Rockford, 111., was called to succeed Rev. Johnson, who resigned in 1905.

Universalist. With the Methodists and Baptists, each with a congregation not too large, and each with a church building ample in all respects and .sufficiently imposing, it seemed that Augusta was well equipped to care for and minister unto the spiritual needs of the people. Not so, however. For a long time there had been a spirit of unrest. Liberalism had gained a place in the thought of certain of our people and the faith of the Universalists had found favor in the minds of not a few. Rev. Boyngton, of Minneapolis, had been here several times to preach the faith of Universal salvation, and Rev. W. S. Ralph, of Columbus, Wisconsin and his wife, Mrs. Agnes Ralph, had followed him in advocacy of the proposition. In the month of August, 1892, a Universal parish, the necessary preliminary of every church organization, was formed with a membership of forty. In November of that year Rev. Ralph came and held a series of meetings, ably and eloquently assisted by Rev. Stanford Mitchell, of Boston, Mass. A church organization was perfected November 23, with a membership of eighteen. The women of the cliurch were at once active in the cause and tlie organization prosijcred.

In 1895-6 Mrs. Ralph came from Columbus, Wisconsin, once each month and ministered unto the people until the building of a church was decided upon. Rev. Robert was called to the pastorate and the work of building the church was heartily entered upon. A fine location was secured on Lincoln street and a fine building erected. The architecture was modern and every arrangement of the interior was in conformity to the best taste, a commodious audience room for public service and pai-lors for social and special occasions. The church was dedicated February 22, 1897. Upon the day of dedication fourteen were added to the membership. Rev. Evatt was pastor of the church for two years and was followed by Rev. L. D. Dinnsmore, whose pastorate continued foi- six months. Rev. Oluf Lundberg came in the summer of 189S and remained until 1900. He was a scholarly man, earnest in liis Mork and of lofty ideals. His ministration was fruitful of much good. He was followed in 1900 by Rev. II. E. Newton, who remained two years, or until 1902.

Since 1902 the church has had no regular pastor. At the present time Rev. Turrell, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, comes once each month to preach to the people and preside at their services.

The Catholic Church. In tlu- early days there were but few families that professed the faith of the mother church, and if Catholic services were lield the annals thereof cannot be found. But with the growth of the settlement several Catholic families came and their spiritual needs demanded attention. Father J. Loke, of the LaCrosse diocese, came in 1873 to serve the people and to raise money wherewith to build a church. He labored earnestly in the small field and was followed by the Rev. L. Spitzelberger in 1876. This devout man set about the arrangement for the new church. A building connnittee consisting of Messrs. Matt Relter, M. P. Schuster, Michael Harden and Mrs. Ellen Mc- Donell, was appointed to build a frame church, 24x36. The church was built that year. Rev. Bergmann came in 1877 and was followed in 1878 by Rev. Paul Geyer and he by Rev. Gunkle in 1878. Father Voltz came in 1880 and was in charge of the congregation until 1886, wlien Rev. Guzowski succeeded him and remained until 1888, when Rev. Amy Babinski came for one year. He was followed by Rev. Frydrycowitz in 1889 and lie by Rev. Meudell in 1890. In 1890 Rev. H. Mendel came from Chippewa Palls and was followed in 1891 by Rev. Harvestad. He remained imtil 1896, when Rev. Joseph Ilofer was assigned to the work. Father Hofer was followed by the Revs. Bauer and Xavier Till, each remaining six months.

In 1899 Rev. Joseph Stenz was sent to the charge and in 1901 Rev. August Dovan took up the work. Under the pastorate of Rev. Stenz, in 1900, the church was rebuilt and very greatly improved.

of about thirty families and services are held once in each month. Mathias Wagner, our city treasurer, is clerk of the church and the only active trustee.

During all the years there has never been a resident pastor, the church being in a circuit and the pastor coming from Humbird, Chippewa Falls, Greenwood or some other locality not too far distant.

The German Lutheran Church. From the early days a large proportion of our citizenship has been of the sturdy Germans, and, as is ixsually the case, they are true to the faith of their fathers.

In 1869 a congregation was organized by Rev. W. J. Fredrick. The congregation was known as the Evangelical Lutheran Grace congregation of the Synod of Missouri. Rev. Fredrick served the congregation and the first church, which was situated where the parochial school now stands. In 1874 this church was destroyed by a cyclone and the same year Rev. F. W. Ruediger came as pastor. A new and better church building was built on the corner, each from the old location, and has withstood the elements and all the adversities since. Rev. H. F. Proehl came in 1876 and twelve years ministered faithfully to the people unceasing in his eiforts for tlie moral betterment. He was succeeded by Rev. H. Bruss and he in 1890 by Rev. H. Stute. Rev. Otto Braem came in 1892, and served the church for many years.

St. Peter's Lutheran Church. As in all other churches, there may develop in the German Lutheran church a spirit of unrest, of liberalism if j^ou please. It was so in the old church here and in 1895 an organization was formed known as St. Peter's Lutheran congregation. The neAV congregation built a fine new church on West Lincoln street in 1903, a modern church, size 30x68, built by Paul Wenzel. architect.

Augusta Schools

The importance of education was realized by the early settlers of Augusta, and, notwithstanding the poverty and the hardships and the labors of the pioneer life, one of their first thoughts was of the education of the youth so that they might enjoy the pleasures of knowledge. The first school in Augusta was opened in 1857, with a Miss Parland as teacher. It was located on the North side, aud was kept in a little board shanty. The number of pupils was necessarily small, for there was but a few families in the eommimity at the time. In 1859 a district school was organized and a new school house was built. It was the little building that was removed in 1905 to make room for the German Lutheran church, and it stood on the ground where C. W. Culbertsou's house now stands. For several years it was a small school and it has been impossible to learn who the first teachers were after Miss Parland until 1866. That year Lydia Hoxhurst was the teacher and it is said that she Avas a most excellent one. That was in the fall and winter of 1865. The next year the school was divided. The advanced pupils remained in the regular school building with Miss Libbie Denison as teacher, while the primary grade was under the tutelage of Martha Robbins, now Mrs. Stoddard Field, of Osseo. She kept school in the rooms over Dr. Spencer's residence, then known as Spencer's hall.

At the beginning of the fall term in 1867 Mary Day was the teacher of the advanced grade and Miss Lillian Hall of the primary grade. Miss Day had to give up the school Avithin a short time, however, and Mrs. F. N. Thomas took her place for the term. For the spring term Sarah Reed was employed as teacher. Meantime the school population had grown and it became necessary to build a new school house. The new building was built on the ground near the present school building and had rooms to accommodate four departments.

For the year 1867-9 a Mr. Tillinghast was principal of the school. The next year Professor Button, of Whitewater, Avas employed as principal. He Avas a most excellent teacher, but before he finished the year he was called to more advanced work in a school in the southern part of the state, and Prof. E. H. Sprague, of Elkhorn, succeeded him. He also Avas a good teacher, aud remained iu charge of the school for two years. Professor Sprague was folloAved in 1872 by a man by the name of Jacobs, who came from Winona. He proved incapable and T. E. Williams, a young man from Eau Claire, just out of college took hold of the disorganized situation iu a masterful Avay aud had got matters nicely squared Avhen the school house Avas destroyed by fire.

A ncAv school house was built on the foundation of the one destroyed and about the same general style. The next year the school moved into the neAv building and Mr. Williams Avas again employed as principal. He remained at the head of the school continuously until 1883, except for a short time in 1877. That year he thought to retire from the profession because of ill health, and a man by the name of Beede was employed as principal. Mr. Beede was a good teacher, but was wanting in the essentials of administration and his work failed. He taught only a portion of the year and then Mr. Williams came back and remained until 1883.

By this time the school had outgrown its former importance and had been organized as a high school. The work of teaching in the high school, together with that of superintendence, had become too exacting for one and an assistant in the high school became necessary. For this position a young man by the name of L. W. Wood, but a year out of River Falls Normal school, was employed and proved to be a most excellent teacher, full of the school spirit and a leader of the young people, especially of the young men. At the close of the school year Mr. Williams concluded to retire from the profession, and his long service as head of the Augusta schools was closed.

Professor Williams, we all called him "Professor," although he disliked the term, preferring the ordinary "Mr.," or by the older ones the short name, "Tom," was every inch a man. There were no frills about h'im, nor fancies, nor deceits. The student body worshipped him, and his word was law. He scarcely ever frowned and corporal punishment was to him a thing to be abhorred. He taught by practice as well as from the text, and joined heartily in all the sports of the young people, excelling in athletics and playing any position assigned him on the diamond when a baseball game was on hand. His influence upon the youth was of that kind that lasts, and many a young man and many a young woman was directed by liim into the way of life that terminated in success.

In 1884 L. W. Wood, who had been the assistant principal the year before, was chosen by the school board to take charge of the school. He was somewhat different than Mr. Williams, but at once won his way to success. He was an ideal instructor, a good organizer and a leader of the young. He, too, like his predecessor, was held in the highest regard by the student body, and, too, he left an impress upon the youth that will only be erased when the death angel comes to point the higher way. He was in charge of the school for thirteen years, leaving in 1897, to take a better position at Neillsville. Prof. Albert Hedler followed Mr. Wood and remained three vears. 1898 to 1900. He was a good teacher, but left to take up the study of law iu Milwaukee. In 1901 Prof. G. 0. Banting was the principal and remained two years. He resigned to accept the principalship of the Waupaca school. "W. H. Shepherd followed Professor Banting in 1903-4, and was succeeded in 1905 by J. E. Hale.

In 1887 the old school house was too small to accommodate the school population and a new building was erected on the lots on the west of the old building and the two lower grades were transferred.

Again in 1882 the high school building had become inadequate and a special school meeting was held to decide upon plans for the future. At this meeting it was voted to build a new school house and a building committee was appointed. As a result the old school house was torn down and a new one erected at a cost of about $30,000. The new building was ready for occupancy at the beginning of the school year 1903. It is a thoroughly modern building, one of the finest in the state, and is thoroughly equipped in every detail, library, gymnasium, steam heat, electric lights, and every modern convenience. The school has been brought to the highest standard of excellence and is notable throughout northern "Wisconsin for the quality of its graduates.

Four courses of four years each are offered in the high school, and will admit to the state university or any college in the state, and to the junior year of any state normal. Foiir years of Latin and tAvo of German are given, and will prepare the pupil for such special courses as engineering, medicine, or dentistry.

Admission to the high school is made either on a diploma from the district school, a certificate of membership from another high school, a diploma from a state graded school or a three-year high school, or by examination.

Augusta Government

The county of Eau Claire was organized by an act of the legislature approved October 6, 185(j. The act creating the county provided that the town board of Eau Claire should constitute the county board until the next annual election. This town board, consisting of C. M. Seley, E. W. Bobbins and M. A.

Page, was the county government until February 24, 1857, when the town of Bridge Creek was organized. It consisted of what is now the towns of Otter Creek, Lincoln, Clear Creek, Ludington, Fairchild and Bridge Creek, a pretty big town, but at that time not of any considerable importance in the affairs of state. The first supervisor elected from Bridge Creek was William Young, and the first regular organization of a county board was November 17, with Ira Mead, from Half Moon town, as chairman. Since that time the town of Bridge Creek has been cut down from time to time until it consisted of but the three townships that now constitute its area. For years after the organization of the town of Bridge Creek Augusta was a part thereof, and the chairman of the town board of Bridge Creek was the representative of Augusta at the meetings of the county board. As an indication of the value of the property assessed in Bridge Creek in 1857 the sum raised for school purposes that year in the whole of Bridge Creek was $50. The history of the government has been identical with that of Bridge Creek until the village organization was effected.

The village of Augusta was organized in 1872. Who the first village officers were cannot now be told. In fact there is no record of the proceedings of the village board from the time of its organization until 1879, the books of record having been lost in some way wholly unknown at the present time. But there were good men to conduct the affairs of the village and tliere was no lack of public interest. John F. Stone was always active in the development of the village, although not much of an officeholder. Then there Avas J. C. Hackett, R. D. Campbell, the Russells, the younger Stones, J. L. Ball, L. L. Williams, 0. A. Williams, W. H. Waterbury, Silas Perry, C. L. Bullis and others whose names are not recalled, all enterprising citizens and sufficiently numerous to fill the public offices, ^ind the village grew slowly but surely, and finally became quite metropolitan in its Avays and the people became conscious of their importance and longed for a larger and better government.

Early in 1885 a special election Avas held to vote upon a proposition to organize the city of Augusta. The vote Avas favorable to the proposition. A bill Avas passed in the legislature of 1885, chapter 73, creating the city of Augusta AAith four Avards, the division being Stone and Lincoln streets, the Avards cornering at their intersection. The bill creating the city Avas the charter of the city. It Avas draAvn bv Hon. I. B. Bradford Avith much

Mayor, I. B. Bradford ; clerk. Griff 0. Jones ; treasurer, H. M. Warren; assessor, Carihis Stone; alderman, First ward, M. Victory; alderman, Second ward, William Schroeder; alderman, Third ward, C. L. Bullis; alderman. Fourth ward, Gus Dittmer.

These officers launched the new ship of state, set it sailing in proper form aud the city of Augusta has never since run upon the rocks or encountered anything more serious than an occasional squall.

Under tlie old village rule a tire company was organized, known as Red Jacket No. 1, and for their use a hand engine was bought aud a few liundred feet of hose. The engine was pretty good in its way and would squirt a stream of water when the water could be found. Nevertheless the outfit was wholly inadequate and the enterprising ones insisted upon a larger and better system. At a council meeting held June 6, 1899, a resolution was adopted, ordering a special election to vote upon the question of issuing the bonds of the city in the sum of $12,000 for the purpose of installing a Avaterworks system. The question was an important one and to the minds of the conservatives the idea was simply awful. The enterprising element and the young folks worked hard for the proposition, however, and when election was held, July 6, 1899, the conservatives were defeated by a score of 144 to 135. Ai'rangements Avere a once made to install the new system. The bonds were sold .at a premium and a contract for the laying of the mains and the erection of a water tower. The tower stands in the center of the city, is one hundred and thirty-five feet high where it stands and holds 80,000 gallons. The water is drawn from two large wells sunk near the tower and the pumping, for which Mr. J. L. Ball has a franchise, is done by the electric light power plant. There are three miles of water mains and twenty-seven hydrants for fire protection. The water is pure spring water aud the finest in the land.

When the waterworks were completed the fire laddies braced up. Several thousand feet of new hose was added to the equipment, and a new hose cart, and a little later a fine new hook and ladder wagon with all the necessary modern equipment. As is always assured, insurance rates are reduced and the beauty of it is that the whole system, waterworks, fire organization, etc., is self-supporting and the city pays not a cent for hydrant rental. Bert Fredrick is chief of the fire department and takes pride in the fact that he and his laddies can squirt water into the remotest parts of the city.

Several years ago the city bought the east third of the bank block and the city hall is maintained therein. There are city parks. One on the north side, about six acres and a pretty spot, but somewhat remote for ordinary purposes. The new park is in the center of the city, covers a large block and has been nicely laid out and set to trees, elms and evergreen. When these have grown it will be a beauty spot.

As in the case of every community of importance, tlie government of Augusta, and the ordering thereof has resulted in the development of politics and politicians - not the meaner, baser sort, but politics and politicians of the broader and better kind. In fact it is notable that the village and the city have always been remarkably free from the curse of the petty politician and grafter.

And first among the notable men of Augusta is Hon. I. B. Bradford. From his first coming in 1872 he became a leader in the cause of better government and a factor in the political affairs of the village and county. Clean, honest, fearless, an orator of felicity and power, he rose to prominence in the aiTairs of the state. Three times elected to the legislature and spcakrr of the assembly in 1881, he gained a reputation in statosmanshii).

The commercial trade in its various lines gives evidence of steady gain in population, wealth and general prosperity. Manufactures and industrial pursuits are keeping pace with the development of the adjacent country which is tributary to this city. Creameries, cheese and butter factories, flour mills and other industries show the steady increase which leads to sure success. In short, Augusta has unusual advantages and is fully appreciated by its dwellers.