Green County, Wisconsin - Chapter 26: The Swiss Colony of New Glarus, 1884

Chapter 26: The Swiss Colony of New Glarus

In the northern part of Green Co., Wis., about sixteen miles north of Monroe, is situated the little village of New Glarus. This village, as well as the township in which it lies, was so named after the canton and town of Glarus in eastern Switzerland, of which place the inhabitants are natives or their descendants. Pleasantly located on the west bank of Little Sugar river, on sloping ground, and in the midst of varied, rather rough, yet pleasing scenery, it presents a romantic and somewhat un-American appearance, owing to the diversified style of its buildings; and its plain yet queer church-tower, unlike any other outside of the old country. The houses are mostly built on the border of the streets, there being no sidewalks for foot passengers, nor space in front for shade trees. The village contains about fifty dwellings, with barns and other out-buildings. There are two churches, two school houses, a grist and saw mill run by water-power, a large cheese factory, a brewery, three stores and four hotels and saloons.

The population is about 200. A physician, a minister of the Swiss Reformed Church, and two schoolmasters reside in the place, and attend to the medical, religious and educational wants of the people. There are, besides, artisans, mechanics and laborers of all trades and occupations needed by a community of this size, thus rendering this settlement quite independent of the surrounding villages - in fact, it is a community within itself.

almost exclusively the German-Swiss dialect. All school and town meetings and elections, and even proceedings in justice's courts, are of necessity conducted in this language. A stranger stopping here for the first time could easily imagine that he had dropped down upon a portion of Switzerland. They occupy, with the exception of a small portion on the northern and eastern boundaries, the whole of the township; the only persons of other Nationalities in the town being three or four families of Norwegians and Irish. In fully one-half of the town of Washington, and large portions of half a dozen other towns in Green county, and also in the southern part of Dane, a number of Swiss have gained a foothold. The number of Swiss and their descendants in Green county alone exceeds 3,000, comprising about one-seventh of the entire population of the county. The village of New Glarus is the central point of gathering on all holidays and festivals; and is also the place where religious services are held for most of the Swiss in the county.

The people of this settlement are noted for their industry, frugality and economy, qualities which with them are inherited, their ancestors having from necessity been obliged to practice them for many centuries, owing to the sterile and mountainous character of their fatherland, where nature yields her bounties grudgingly, and with scanty measure. One cannot help observing, on entering the settlement, the effects of these good qualities; good, comfortable houses, spacious and substantial barns, and other out-buildiugs are seen everywhere; and nowhere in Green county is so mucli money expended in permanent improvements as here, and that, too, in tlie face of the fact tliat the country is very broken and rough, the soil on tlie uplands thin, liable to wash away at every heavy rain, and in many places stony.

But the people at an early period betook themselves to dairy farming and the raising of cattle. To this branch of industry they were well adapted, and thoroughly understood it, that being of necessity the only branch of agriculture possible among the mountains of their old home. This vicinity is also well suited for the purpose; for the hill pastures produce sweet, nutritious, if scant, gi'asses, . while the natural meadows in the bottoms yield an abundance of good hay, and springs and streams of pure, cool water abound, almost every farm being supplied with running water. All these are requisites in order to produce excellence in the product, and health in the stock.

The people, as a rule, are hard-working, believing that honest, old fashioned, sturdy strokes and blows are required to secure a livelihood and competence. They are economical also, to the verge of penuriousness; spending less than they earn, the mystery is easily explained why they get on in the world better than many of their neighbors of American or other Nationalities, who are so often heard to express wonder how people with so many obstacles, natural and artificial to contend with, should have done so well. Industry and economy will bring about the same good result in any Nation or country. The people are generally less involved in debt, and less complaint of hard times is heard here than in other sections of the country.

Prior to the year 1845, for about fifteen years, the times in Europe were prosperous. A long reign of peace had given an impetus to trade, and manufactures had greatly increased, so that the large surplus population of Switzerland, that had formerly. found vent by enlisting in foreign armies now found employment in the factories; and ai long as trade was gopd, every one prospered. About this period, a general stagnation in business occurred, which threw large numbers of tlie poor out of employment; and added to this, a partial failure in crops caused a rise in the price of the necessaries of life, so that distress was great among the working classes, and it became a serious question to the governments of the Swiss cantons as to what would be the fate of many of those who had hitherto obtained bread, and were contented, during prosperous times.

The portions of arable land which were owned by the different parishes, and allotted to each citizen for cultivation annually, were becoming smaller and smaller as the population increased, ^, being at that time from forty to 160 klafters of six feet square each, for the head of every family, according as the parish he happened to belong to, was rich or the reverse. The parishes and communes in many instances not only owned these portions of arable land, but also the summer pastures on the Alps, which were leased from time to time to private parties. The income from this source, and also from the forests, which are mainly owned in the same way, is applied to the payment of salaries to preachers and the civil officials; taxation, in con-equence of this large income, is very light in many localities.

Every citizen in Glarus is entitled to the use of one of these portions, which he may cultivate liimself or by others; or he may give or lease it to others, if not in condition to use it himself. When any left the country, the value of such a sliare, together with other privileges, was estimated, and paid in money to those who migrated, being, in fact, a premium on emigration These small parcels were mainly planted with potatoes, beans and other vegetables, the raising of grain being almost unknown in Glarus, the people depending for breadstuffs partly on Italy, but mostly on Hungary. In times of depression, the food of the poorer working classes is mainly potatoes, with salt or green cheese, called schabzieger, for spice or seasoning. The cheese is made from skira-milk coagulated with acid whey, then packed in casks and left to ripen, which occurs in about four weeks. It is tlien ground in a mill, and mixed with a certain pi'oportion of leaves of a species of blue pansy, which are previously dried and pulverized for the purpose. After being tlioroughly mixed, the cheese is pressed into conical moulds, which hold about two pounds; and, after drying, is ready for use. When ripe, it is of a dark green color, and so hard that it can be grated like a nutmeg. The so-called sap-sago cheese is its counterpart. Coffee is made from the roots of chickory, and is drank without sugar, and in many families, without milk. The supply of bread, even in prosperous times, is limited, the house-wife allotting to each a certain portion, and no more. The leading men of the canton of Glarus cast about for means by which this over-population and consequent distress could be relieved. Meetings were held, and it was thought that an emigration under the care and control of the government would be the best method of relief. Another meeting to devise ways and means was called, and was largely attended at Schwanden, and a committee was appointed to wait on the authorities and ask their co-operation. This was extended, and the sum of 1,500 gulden or florins was appropriated for the purpose of sending two pioneers to the United States of America, to seek and locate a tract of land for a colony. An Emigration Society was also formed, and took charge of the funds, which were increased by private subscription ; and appointed two intelligent men to select a suitable location, and purchase lands on which to plant the colony - one was Nicholas Duerst, then forty-eight j-ears old, who came out only to see the settlement well under way, and then returned to Switzerland, where he died in J874, at the good old age of seventy-seven years ; his associate was Fridolin Streiff, then twenty-nine years of age. Mr. Streiff agreed to remain three years with the colony, and extend to them every assistance and advice. Before tiiat time

On the 8th of March, 1845, the pioneers started on their voyage and search for a new home, accompanied by the warmest wishes for their success of those who remained behind, but were soon to follow. In due time they arrived in this country, and sought W. H. Blumer, in Allentown, Penn., a fellow Swiss, who assisted them with his advice ; and from his many years' residence in America, was well capable of rendering them very essential aid by his knowledge and experience.

They had received from the Emigration Society, instructions to buy 1,200 acres of land in one body, with sufficient timber. After wandering through several States in search of a location, which, according to their instructions, must have a healthy climate, good walei', and plenty of timber, they came into the vicinity of Mineral Point, and proceeded to the land office, then located there, for advice and directions. They first examijied a tract in Rock county, close to the line of the Mineral Point and Milwaukee land district; but on returning to the Point, found that it had just been bought. After further fruitless search in the Wisconsin river valley, in Dane and Sauk counties, they were finally directed to Little Sugar river, where, on both sides of the Mineral Point and Milwaukee road, they found and located a tract according to instructions. Twelve hundred acres were purchased in one body, and eighty acres of heavy timber two miles south of the main location.

It was considered an excellent selection. Springs abounded, the soil appeared good ; and as it was on one of the. most frequently traveled roads at that time in the State, a railroad seemed to be a possibility ; but this expectation has not yet been realized. Owing to location, and the difficult character of the country, railroads have passed us by ; the nearest station is Brooklyn, fifteen miles east, on the Chicago tfc Northwestern Railroad. If the pioneers had not literally followed the instructions to buy in one body, it would have been better, as the 1,200 acres included much rough and worthless land which could have been avoided, and valuable land bought instead ; but it is of little consequence now, as it all, good and bad, belongs to the colonists, their children or their countrymen.

As soon as possible after taking possession of the land, the two pioneers commenced building a little cabin on the western bank of Little Sugar river, near the east wall of the old graveyard, covering it with boards ; it was a small affair, and is only recollected, and referred to, as the primitive hut of the settlement.

And here we will leave them awhile, and rehearse the story of the migration, and final arrival, of the little colony of which they were the precursors. On the 10th of April, 1845, 193 persons, of all ages and both sexes, were collected on the banks of the Linth canal, which runs alongside of the Linth river, a tributary of the Rhine, in the canton of Glarus. They were the colonists who had declared their readiness to venture into the strange, far-off land, called America, of which they had read and heard so much, as being the home and haven of the poor; and where those who came with stout hands and willing hearts were sure eventually to reap a ricli reward. But among all who were ready to go, but few could look back upon the frowning, yet beloved mountains, on whose sides they had left their poor homes, humble friends and kindred, without feeling their courage tried almost to failure. But in the land they were leaving poverty stared them in the face, and want and oppression were always the lot of the poor, with no hope of improvement. Before them lay the land of golden j)romise, where they believed that honest labor would meet its just reward, and where they could lift themselves and their children to competence, independence, and equality with other men, by their own exertions - which was well nigh impossible in their old home. Therefore, with hearts full of grief, and tearful eyes, they took leave of friends and father-land; and with few earthly goods, but with bright hopes for the future, they embarked in an open boat or barge.

Before starting, M. Jenny, a delegate from the government, addressed them in a feeling manner. He urged upon all the necessity of industry and concord as indispensible to their success, and after commending them to the care of providence, bade them God speed, and amid the tears and good wishes of hundreds of friends, who had come to witness their departure, the emigrants started on the way, and slowly commenced their wearisome juorney to the New World.

The emigrants chose two of their number, George Legler, Sr., now of New Glarus, and Jacob Grob to act as leaders and spokesmen during the migration, and to preserve order among the party, and exercise general care and supervision over everything connected with the journey. The colonists,»on their part, promised to render due obedience to their directions and commands. On reaching Zurich the weather became very inclement, and snow fell. The women and children would have suffered greatly, but for the kindness of a Swiss gentleman, Cosmos Blumer, the then representative of the canton of Glarus in the Swiss legislature, who accompanied them on this part of their journey, and provided covered wagons, in which they followed the boat on shore until all reached Basle.

The journey from this place to Rotterdam, in Holland, was continued on the Rhine; it was slow and tedious, which, combined with the cold wintry weather, and an uncertain future prospect, was the cause of much depression to all. Arriving at Rotterdam on the 0th day of May, they learned that tlie ship on which they were to sail lay at New Dieppe. Proceeding to that place, the ship was found to be not yet ready to sail; it having been engaged in carrying cotton from New Orleans to Europe, was liot provided with berths, etc., for the accom- modation of passengers. The colonists were thus delayed six days, until the ship was fitted for their reception. This caused the already needy people a great expense, which, however, was partially alleviated by an advance of 100 gulden by a warm-hearted Swiss gentleman, P. Jenny. However, on the 12th of May, they embarked for Baltimore; and, after a stormy, toilsome voyage of forty-nine days, arrived at that place on the 30th of June.

They there contracted for passage to St. Louis, that being the point where they were directed to await orders from the pioneer agents, Duerst and Streiff. At Baltimore they were, for the first time, put on railwaj^ cars and were carried about fifty, miles, to Columbia, Penn. At the point where the road crossed a mountain, the first cars were drawn up by an engine on the top, by means of wire ropes, and then the descending cars were made to pull up the others. At Columbia they were placed on board canal boats, in which they were conveyed to Pittsburg, Penn. From thence they descended the Ohio in barges to Cincinnati; thence for the first time they rode in a steamboat, which took them to St. Louis, where they arrived on the 23d of July. They were here kindly received and entertained by Swiss countr3'men who were settled in that city.

No intelligence, no directions, had yet been received from the pioneer agents. On the contrary, after waiting some days, the discouraging but false rumor reached them, that in penetrating into the interior those adventurous agents had lost their lives. What was to be done? Long delay would inevitably break up the party; some had already, through fear, dissatisfation or other causes, dropped off, and sought and found work at some of the various stopping places by the way.

After remaining, with no little anxiety, in St. Louis two weeks, with no tidings from their agents, it was resolved that two of the party should go and search for them. Jacob Grob and Matthias Duerst were selected for this service. They proceeded to Galena, 111., and there learned that those whom they were seeking had been there some weeks before, and had gone northward. They were advised to go to Mineral Point, where there was a government land office, and where the pioneer agents would have been likely to enter land, in case they had bought in Wisconsin. The searchers went to "the Point," as it was termed; and, on inquiry at the office, found that their agents had bought land in township 4, range 7, on Little Sugar river. The men were much rejoiced when this good news was communicated to them, and at once sent back word to St. Louis for the party to start for Galena immediately. They then resolved to find the location. Theodore Rodolph, now of La Crosse, who was then at Mineral Point, offered his services as guide, which were thankfully accepted. They commenced their journey at once, over a trackless country for thirty-two miles, fording creeks and streams, with a compass to direct their course, until they came to a point directly north of the location about three miles, according to a corner stake which was found on a hill.

Rodolph led the men due south, and, on rounding a point of brush land, came directly upon the pioneers, on the 8th of August, who were busy erecting the primitive hut of the settlement. After the first joyous greetings were over, it was decided that Nicholas Duerst should go to St. Louis and guide the colonists to their new home.

The two new comers were eager and anxious to remain, and assist in the work of building. Duerst at once left, and had proceeded as far as Galena, wlien, just as he was about to leave for St. Louis one morning, he heard some one remark that a large party of emigrants had arrived in town the evening before. Curiosity caused him to make inquiries, when, to his astonishment, he found that those whom lie was going to St. Louis to escort, were already in Galena. He at once directed that the able bodied men should start for the* new settlement, and assist in build-

On the afternoon of the same clay, eighteen men started on foot for the settlement, with eager steps, a distance of sixt3^-two miles. They traveled all night ayd the next day, when they arrived at Wiota, in Lafayette county. There they obtained a night's shelter in a stable; and the next morning, after procuring the ser- ^ vices of a guide, there being no traveled track there, and buving some flour at a mill on the Yellowstone river, they, without much difficulty, walked the rest of the way to their land, arriving late in the evening, foot-sore and weary.

They related that every person whom they met fled at their approach, and no wonder; for bearded, unkempt, and ragged as they were, car- - rying axes and tools of every description, and bags of flour and provisions, they at a distance more resembled a band of robbers than a party of lionest emigrants.

Upon their arrival they united with their three predecessors, and erected a much larger hut than the primitive structure. This was located near the west wall, and within the enclosure of the old grave yard, and close to where the district school house now stands. Its size is not recollected. A large excavation was made in the hill side, posts were inserted in the ground, the sides inclosed with boards hauled sixty-two miles from Galena, and covered with boughs and wild hay. Tlie floor was constructed of split poplar logs, the riven side ujipermost; and no windows, nor chimney. All possible dilligence was used to complete the rude structure, and have it in readiness for the coming colonists. Autumn was at hand, and winter Sipproaching. Some of the men were c.u'penters, who had brought their tools with them from their old Switzerland home.

women and children, provisions and other necessaries; but not in sufficient numbers to carry them all. So they had to take turns in alternately riding and walking. The main body arrived on the 15th of August, the whole long journey having been made by water, except the short distance from Baltimore to Columbia, aiid the sixty-two miles from Galena to New Glarus. One hundred and eight persons, out of the original 193 remained, the rest having, from various causes, become discouraged, and dropped off along the way. Many of these, however, in after years, rejoined their friends, and shared in the fortunes of the colony.

Many of these original colonist brought their pots, pajis, kettles and other utensils all the way from the Old World, all of which did duty for a long time in the colony, in the days of its infancy, when it required all the means the people possessed, and could obtain, to supply food and clothing. About a dozen pans and kettles had to do duty for all the families; and it is related, that for some time a single broom sufficed for the whole settlement. It was, no doubt, better than the modern made article.

When the colonists arrived, there was scarcely any food on hand, as their arrival had not been so soon expected, and the necessary provision had not been made. In this emergency, the streams were largely drawn upon for food, being abundantly stocked with fish. As there were not many hooks and lines, the party was divided - some caught fish, and others bait - namely, grass-hoppers. In this way a plentiftU supply of fish was caught, which were cooked and eaten without seasoning, as the su|)ply of salt had given out.

Even in latei- NH'ars, owing to unforeseen uircu>nstances, the necessary food for the colonists was sometimes very short; fo.r as late as the fall of 1850, the Rev. Wilhelm Streissguth, the first preacher, wrote that there were not fifty pounds of flour in the settlement, on account of the tlireshing machine having broken down, and no wheat tlireshed. The threshers had to go to Milwaukee, 100 miles, for repairs, which trip could seldom be made in less than a week. Oxei) were used to run the first threshing machine for several seasons. The good pastor wrote that he frequently made his meals three times a day upon boiled potatoes alone, and with relish, for "hunger is the best of sauce."

The clannish spirit of the native valleys, in spite of the common poverty, early asserted itself in the I*Jew Glarufe settlement. The inhabitable portion of Old Glarus is mainly separated into two natural divisions - the Great and Little Valleys. Each locality has some peculiarity of language and customs tliat differ from each other; and consequently the inhabitants of each section cherish a sort of clannish affection for their own clan-people, whether Great or Little Valleyites. This is more particularly true of the people of Little Valley, perhaps from coming less in contact with the rest of the canton and the w^orld, because of their secluded location. About one-quarter of the original settlers of New Glarus were from Little Valley; and very soon after their arrival, began to evince their ancient spirit of clannishness, finding some cause of disagreement over often very trifiing matters. This Jsoou led to a secession, on a small scale - some twenty-five persons, including the Little Valley portion, retiring from the contracted quarters of the common hut or cabin, and erecting a separate shelter for themselves on the east side of Little Sugar river, about eighty rods from the main habitation, and close to the bridge, on the road leading east from the settlement. But in the ensuing spring, they assisted the others in building additional cabins, and rejoined the main body. Several families, however, at an early day, abandoned the colony, removing some twelve miles east, into the towns of Mount Pleasant and Sylvester, where much prosperity has attended them. The people have since become more homogeneous, and little, if

The beginning was now made, it is true; the land was bought and the people were on it, but the immediate outlook was dismal enough. In a strange land, among strangers, ignorant of the language, manners, customs and mode of farming of the country, and baie of clothing and the necessaries of life, with winter approaching, it certainly looked dark to these settlers; and if it had not been that the sum of ^1,000, to meet their necessities, had arrived from the old home, and been made available, it would have gone hard with the colonists. This money was expended for food, tools, and some stock of various kinds, and for builditig material.

The large cabin or hut, built partly in the hill-side, answered the intended purpose of a make-shifl until others could be erected. This original shelter for the colony was so contracted that at night, and on rainy days the inmates were crowded together like sheep in a pen. New log houses, of rude structure, were erected, some twelve to sixteen in number, so as to accommodate the several families, by putting tw^o in each cabin. So, by Christmas the several families were distributed in their new homes, ' and somewhat prepared for the e.xpected sever ities of the season.

The first winter was thus encountered, indifferently provided for, but fortunately it proved a very mild one. In the following spring, the land was portioned off into sixty lots of twenty acres each, and, according to the arrangement made in Switzerland, each colonist who was the liead of a family, twenty-two in number, received twenty acres of tillage or meadow land, the location being determined by lot. The timber lot was, for eight or ten years, lield in com; mon, each using, under certain rules what he required ; but it was at length divided into two and a half acre lots, and apportioned among the heads of families. It was understood that the value of the land at the time of the purchase,

$1.25 per acre, should be repaid within ten years, by the colonists, without interest ; and should any persons abandon their portion bofore payment, the next emigrant settler arriving might make claim tliereto. However, few portions were abandoned, and all were paid before the allotted time expired. The remainder of the allotment tracts, after supj)lying the original emigrants, was subsequently granted to new comers, to several single men of age, and, in some cases, to widows who claimed them.

After the division had thus been made, each colonist began to clear and break up his lot in small way, in which labor the women rendered assistance, as most of them were accustomed to out-door work from childhood. This breaking was slow and laborious, as teams and plows had not yet been obtained. Most of the first breaking was done with spades and shovels.

Some time during the spring of 1846, drovers from Ohio brought a lot of cows to Exeter, a mining town eight miles east of New Glarus. The colonists hearing of it, at once set out to purchase some ; and, being excellent judges, soon selected the best animals of the herd in sufficient numbers to give each family one. These cost |!12 apiece, and were paid for out of the unexpended balance of the 1 1,000 aid, before mentioned. Additional log huts were now erected in sufficient numbers, so that eacli family had one for its occupation. These were built close together, apart from tlie twenty acre apportionments, so as to form a small village. In after years, when the several lots had been increased, houses were built upon the farms, while mechanics and tradesmen occupied those in the village.

Progress toward the hoped for independence was for some years very slow, owing in part to poverty, and yet more to ignorajice in tilling the soil, and handling the crops after the fashion of this country. Generally in their old Switzer liomes, no liorses nor plows were used in agriculture ;_all spading, sowing, mowing, etc., being done by hand. The hay and other crops are carried on the backs of men and women ; even manure was, and is still carried there in tubs made for the purpose, up to the steep mountain slopes where it was used. In fact they were ignorant of all modes of farming, except the care of cattle, in which they excelled.

This beginning certainly looked discouraging to the people. Without money, witliout skiP in a strange land, and among those whose language was different from their own, it required firm determination, courage and faith to hold out. With some, it is likely it was only the want of means to return that prevented their leaving. Most of the men, hwever, made up their minds to win success by unceasing efforts. They, as well as the women, sought and found work elsewhere, the men at the lead mines at Exeter, and Mineral Point, and on the farms of older settlers; the women as domestic servants, washer-women, in fact anything by which they could honestly earn something. Their earnings were scanty - about fifty cents a day being a man's wages, and even this was paid mostly in fiour, meat, potatoes and other produce, which they carried home on their backs, often a distance of twenty-five miles. Money was an almost unknown commodity. In this way they managed to live until ithey could cultivate enough land to enable them to find work and food at home.

As the year advanced, Mr. Streiff purchased four yoke of oxen for the common use of the colony. They were used, in turn, by each family, for breaking up land, drawing wood from the timber tract, or anything else necessary to be done. After one person had used. a yoke of cattle the allotted time, he turned them over to the next on the list entitled to them. The oxen are reported to have had as hard a time of it as any of the colonists, if not harder fare, and harder service.

all, Nicholas Dueist, one of the pioneer adventurers and locators of the colony, returned to his native Switzerland. J. J. Tschudy was prevailed upon by the friends of the enterprise to take Mr. Duerst's place as leader and advisor to the colonists, and reached New Glarus in the autumn of 1846, and continued hi.s residence there until 1856, securing, in a high degree, the confidence and esteem not only of his countrymen, but of all classes of people. About this time, the connection between the colony and the father-land was, in a great measure, dissolved, the lots having all been disposed of, and paid for. Mr. Tschudy, now advanced in years, resides in Monroe, highly respected for the good services he rendered the New Glarus colony in its infancy, and for his worth as a man and good citizen. The names and memories of the two Duersts, Streiff, Tscliudy, Legler, P. Jenny, Sr., Egger, Streissguth, Zimmerman and Etter, will long be held in grateful remembrance by the people of New Glarus and their descendants.

From this time, 1846, onward, although the progress of the Swiss emigrants was slow, it was sure. The money earned by most of them was carefully hoarded; and as soon as enough was saved to buy a forty acre tracf, it was thus promptly invested. The journey to the government land office at Mineral Point, a distance of thirty-two miles, was often made on foot, for prior to 1850, there were few horses in the settlement.

The early unfavorable reports sent home by the discouraged ones, very naturally tended, for some years, to deter others from following; and, until 1850, their numbers were not much increased. After that time, owing to the better and nearer markets, and afterward the outbreak of the Crimean War, and the consequent rise in the price of wheat, at that time the principal product in the New Glarus settlement, a steady acquisition of emigration from Switzerland was received each year, and that mostly of a class

At length the long toiled-for result, so anxiously hoped for, yet so long doubted and despaired of by some, was realized beyond expectation. Strong and self-reliant, the colony is not only a success, but is a standing proof of what a small amount of money, well directed and expended, may do to better the condition of the honest poor of over-crowded cities, towns and localities in the old and new world. The money expended has long since been refunded, so that in fact the founding of this colony cost literally nothing, while the benefit to thousands has been priceless.

Owing to the fact that the cheap lands have all been taken up, and there being little disposition to sell among those possessing landed estates, immigration has now almost altogether ceased. On the other hand, many young men, far more in number than the original colonists, have gone to the fertile prairies of the west, in some instances again forming sn.all colonists; but many have dispersed, each striking out for himself.

Many of those first comers, who had nothing but their poverty and their willing hands, are now not only in good circumstances, but wealthy. And all, without exception, of those who retained and practiced the old-time habits of industry, economy, and, above all, sobriety are much better off than it would ever have been possible for them to have become in the country they left, to which, though dear the memory be, few would return to stay. And little need is there to return, for here the Swiss finds everything he left at home, language, people and customs the same, only lacking the towering snow-clad mountain to complete the I'eseml^lance.

Ill sketching briefly the customs and institutions as they now exist here, it is proper that the Churcii and religion of the colonists should be first in order. The first lionse of worship was built of hewn logs, in 1849, by voluntary contributions of labor and money, and was for the time a roomy and substantial structure. It was also used for school ancl town jMirposes. The villaoje school district bougjht it when the present structure was erected ; and when, in process of time, a new scliool house was needed, it was sold .to a farmer living three and a half miles east of the village, who removed it, and now occupies it as a dwelling. The present church was built of stone, in 1858, at a cost of $1,950 in moiie)% and 550 days' work by the members of the congregation. It is a j)lain structure, with a square tower, surmounted by a dome, and provided witli two bells. The first bell was bought by the Rev. Mr. Streissguth in Milwaukee, in 1852. It weighs 3 27 pounds, and cost $112. 'J'he second was bought in 1859, weighing 408 pounds, and cost $172.50, of which $120 was raised by subscription.

Before the arrival of a clergyman. Mi'. Tschudy conducted religious services. The first preacher was the Rev. Mr. Streissguth, now of St. Paul, Minn., who was sent to the colony in 1850, and was supported fen- two years at the expense of parties in Switzerland. He remained five years. He is spoken of as a man of good ability, a true Christian, and in every way worthy and charitable. He liad some knowledge of medicine, which lie exercised gratuitously for the relief of the sick, at a time when physicians resided at a distance, and the people were too poor to employ them. His successor was the Rev. John Zimmerman, now of Burlington, Iowa, wlio was pastor from 1855 to 1859. He was engaged wlien Mr. Streissguth left, and oji his recommendation. He ies~igned on account of disagreement with the trustees in matters of government, rules, etc. Tlui present minister, Rev. J. '1\ Etter, came in 1860, and has uninterruptedly served the congregation ever since ; and during the eighteen years of his pij.storate,.he married 115 couples, christened 861 children, and attended the burial of 267 persons.

The second church belongs to the Evangelical Association ; the members are few, and the manner of worship is identical with tliat of the Methodists. The first itinerant preachers came into the vicinity in 1847. They gained some converts in spite of the opposition, distrust and dislike with which the colonists regarded any religious innovations. In 1869, they built a large, frame church, on the hill, about two miles from the village ; not daring at that time to build in the village, so strong was the preju dice against them. In 1865, this feeling having considerably moderated, tlie church was removed into tlse village, and worship is held regularly without molestation or disturbance from others. They now seldom receive any ac cession to their numbers, which are few ; but among them are some of the most worthy and substantial citizens of the colony.

The reason why the New Glarus people have so generally adhered to the faith of their fathers, is, doubtless, because at an early day they organized a Church with regular services aftov the customs of the father-land, which, with people disposed, as tliese are, to venerate everything that their ancestors did, went far to strengihen their attachments to their ancient forms of worship.

Of the two Churches, the Reformed Church was first organized in 1849. It has a membership of 170 heads of families, representing about 600 persons. The men of families a.re alone called upon to contril)ute for its support; and this is done by levying a tax equally upon all, whether rich or poor, sufficient to pay expenses. The amount is determined by the annual meeting of the male members, at wliich all rides for the government of the cotigregation are made and altered ; and all such meetings are almost always fully attended, great interest being taken in the ])r()ceedings. 'Ihe congregation is independent of any other Church or synod of the same denomination in America. Repeated efforts have been made by synods to bring them into connection, but all attempts in that direction have encountered an independent sj)iiit of opposition on the part of this society, which would not brook even tlie semblance of control.

The Church is nominally in connection with the synod of Eastern Switzerland, but the relation is practically of little benefit to either party. The hymn books and catechisms are the same as those used in Switzerland, and are imported as required, none of this kind V)eing printed or used elsewhere in this country. The liturgy is also from the same source, containing prayers which are read for each Sunday, holiday and other occasions of worsliip. Prayers are always read - never extempore in Church service.

As it may be interesting to others to know how the services are conducted, the following order on Sundays, will give a proper idea: At about 9 o'clock the first bell is rung, not tolled, as in many other churches; and between the first ringing and 10 o'clock, the worshipers begin to come in, taking seats where they please, except that the sexes sit separately on either side of the church. At 10 o'clock both bells are rung, which is the signal that the minister has started from his house, about eighty rods away, the ringing continues until he enters the building, when the people rise as he enters, and remain standing until lie reads prayers, and announces the text, and also during the singing, which is led by a good choin-of male voices, accompanied by an organ. After the sermon is over, prayers are again read, followed by singing and the benediction. Then follows the singular custom of the female part of the congregation leaving the church first, the bell ringing the while, and the men standing; and not until the last skirt has passed the door, does the male part follow, led by the pastor.

The origin of this custom, according to tradition, is as follows: Some 500 years ago, the Austrians being at war with tlie Swiss, attempted to surprise the town of Nafels, in Glarus; or, as other traditions have ii, a battle occurred between the combatants in the neighboring canton of Grisons or Graubundten. In either case, the circumstances were the same - the people were at church - whether Sunday or holiday is not recorded; but a woman leaving church during service discovered the enemy, and gave the alarm; and, it is related, that the women on that day did valorous service, rolling and throwing rocks upon the enemy, and aiding in a great measure, to gain a decisive victory over their old enemies, the Austrians. Since that time, tradition says, the right and honor are accorded to the female worshipers in all the churches of the canton of Glarus, to leave the church first, the men standing in deference while they pass out. This custom is rigidly, and without exception, kept up here, no matter what the occasion for meeting and worship.

Weddings are for the most part solemnized by the ministers; seldom by a justice of the peace. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the only days on which a Swiss will be married; the latter is the favorite day. The other days of tne week are not regarded as fortunate; Wednesday is especially considered the most unlucky. Persons about to enter matrimony, sometime before the ceremony takes place, go together to the houses of those whom they wnsli to invite as guests to the wedding, and verbally request their presence. Wedding feasts are of late mostly arranged at a hotel; but formerly at the home of the groom or bride. After being pronounced man and wife, at the church or in the minister's house, the couple, with the invited guests, partake of the wedding dinner, after which dancing is indulged 1n till a late hour. Before and after the marriage ceremony, the lads and young men salute the bridal party with a profuse discharge of fire-arms. The more noise, the greater the honor. Very rarely do the Swiss here intermarry with the people of other nationalities; almost without exception, they marry among tlieir own country folks.

The baptism of infants is another occasion for a feast. Children are usually christened when Ies>i than three months old; and the ceremony takes place in the church, except in a few instances, a god-father and god-mother invariably witnessing the baptism at the altar. According to Church rules, parents are not jjermitted to act as sponsors. If parents are Church members, no fee is required for weddings, ba])tisms or funeral services; otherwise a fee is collected, which is paid into the Church fund, and not as a perquisite to the preacher, as in other societies.

When a person dies, the relatives, friends and countrymen are notified by messengers of the time of death and burial; and \}\e accompanying of the dead to their last resting place is a duty which is faithfully fulfilled, over 150 teams being often seen at a funeral. The church bells arc made to do duty on all of these occasions. A couple of bell-tolls give notice to the sponsors that the minister is at the altar, ready to proceed with the baptism. On account of the baptisms being always performed at the close of the regular services, the god-mother and child lemain in some convenient dwelling near the church, until summoned by the bell. This is so arranged that the congregation may not be disturbed by any fretful ness on the part of the infant, to whom no doubt the services would often become as tedious as they sometimes do to older children, not only in this, but in numerous other churches.

At weddings they ring a merry peal ; and at funerals the bells are tolled until the coffin is lowered into the grave. They are also rung twice each day, as is the custom in Switzerland, at 1 1 A M., and at dusk every evening, for five, minutes each time ; and at midnight of the 3 1st of December they are rung a whole hour, to welcome in the New Year.

Kilbi, as it is termed here - a corruption of Kirchwet/i(-, or church halhnving - is the holiday of all days. The 4th of July is celebrated with American fervor ; but Kill)i is a blending of all holidays into one. This dny occurs on the last Sunday of September of each year; and, as its name denotes, is strictly a religious festival, being the anniversary of the dedication of the church. On that day the pastor, at the close of the services, dedicates the building anew ; and this is as far as religious observances are kept. In the afternoon, target-shooting, and dancing, .are moderately indulged in ; but Monday is the great day. Strangers come from a distance, and neighbors and friends meet, and roiew friendships, over loaded tables and foaming glasses. The youth, and, in fact, almost everybody, repair to the village ; and music and dancing begin about noon, and are kept up until next morning, at three or more different halls, and all are crowded. In spite of tiie crowd, and the quantities of beer and wine drank - but stronger drinks are scarce, and consequently so are quarrels - the best of humor and hilarity prevail.

The way these dances are managed is a novelty to Americans. Usually there is a committee of three manngers at each dancing place, whose business it is to provide the music, keep order, collect the entrance fee from the male dancers ; and, above all, supply them with female partners. Foi- this purpose, the best looking jnauager is sent with a gay and ribbonbedecked team, to all places where it is known young ladies live, and |»oliteIy invite them to take seats in his carriage ; and, unless there is a prior engagement, the lasses are always ready to comply. When his carriage is full, he drives to the hall at which he is a manager, unloads, and again sallies forth in another direction until a sufficiency of partners is secured, or the supply of lasses are exhausted. His fellow managers in the meanwhile keep order, airange the c<>ni)les, and dii-ect things generally, for the enjoyment and con\fort of all.

every kind, honey is accorded a prominent place. Few there are who do not eat bread and butter and honey on Kilbi. The general good time extends into Tuesday, sometimes, but usually Monday night closes the feast, which not only is kept up by the Swiss, but by American youth from a distance, who have learned to share in the celebration.

The earliest attempt at English education was made under difficulties. The first district was taught in 1847, by Mr. Cowan* - only a short term - in a small log house belonging to Balthasar Schindler. The next school was kept in the house of Matthias Schmidt, in 1848, by a certain James Kilroy, an Irishman, who, as report says, walloped learning into the youth well. But conceive the circumstances : A small log house, a family of nine persons, .an Irish pedagogue and about twenty Swiss scholars, all in one room, and not very large at that. Many are still living in this vicinity who belonged to that primitive school ; and the log house, the scene of these" early pedagogic exhibitions, is still standing.

A school house was built in 1849 in the village, and Peter Jenny was teacher for some six years. Afterwards J. C Zimmerman taught three years; and since, with few intermissions, Matthias Steussy has taught the district, school in the village for the last eighteen years. All these teachers were Swiss. The outlying districts in the township are taught as is usual by different persons almost every term. Several young men of Swiss descent have qualified themselves for teaching at academies elsewhere; but no "school-marm" has New Glarus ever produced. The reason for this is not apparent, unless it be the general l)elief here entertained, that much education for a girl will spoil her for a house-wife. A knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic is considered sufficient for women. A girl is early taught the mysteries of cooking, washing and sewing; and her education is not considered complete unless she also understands milking, making butter and cheese, and binding grain in the harvest field. In consequence of the active out-door labor, which in addition to their household duties the females perform, they are in general more healthy, robust and fit to fight the battle of life that awaits all, than are their American sisters who seldom allow the summer sun to sliine upon their unprotected hands and faces, and who as a rule are hardly allowed the needful exercise which health demands. Weak nerves and hysterics are often the rule with the latter, while with the former they are unknown.

The German schools in the village have been fully as ably conducted as the English. First, a Mr. Ernst and Mr. Tschudy, and then the Rev. Mr. Streissguth, and subsequently Rev. Mr. Zimmerman, taught the German school; and, in addition to the ordinary branches of study, included such religious instruction as the rules of the Church required. In 1867 F. Knobel, a teacher from the canton of Glarus, settled here, and has taught German uninterruptedly since his arrival. Christian Luchsinger has taught a German evening school for those who, more advanced in years, and employed in labor, could not attend in day time. German school books were first brought from the old country; but the supply giving out, American printed boobs were adopted. The desire for education is universal; and, as a whole, the people of New Glarus compare favorably in learning with other rural sections of the country.

The political partialities of the people are largely with the democratic party, two-thirds usually voting that way; and it is another instance of the conservatism of these Swiss settlers that they have adhered, through all changes, to the political creed they first embraced when they settled here. For a man to change his political belief is quite as rare as to change^liis religion. Among the younger generation the leaning is toward the republican party; but members of both parties have almost unanimously supported at the polls deserving persons who were well known to them, without regard to party affiliations.

Politicians are few; politics being a subject not so much discussed as among Americans. Elections are always conducted quietly, with but little of the jobbing and pettifogging usual at some places. J. J. Tschudy was the first Swiss elected to a county office in Green county. He served as recorder, tlien register, and afterward served four terms as county clerk. Matthias Marty was county clerk while Mr. Tschudy was register. John Luchsinger has, for the fourdi time, been elected to represent the north district of Green county in the legislature, and was the first person of Swiss birth sent to the legislature from Green county, and has served longer than any other representative from that county.

No lawyers have ever found any encouragement to locate in the settlement. The few cases where their aid has been required were managed by the Monroe attorneys. There has been little need of the profession, as the people are too busy and economical to think of litigation.

Mr. Tschudy was the first to render assistance to the sick, having some knowledge of medicine and being provided with a stock of medicines from his father, an experienced physician in Old Glarus. Rev. Mr. Streissguth afterwards administered medical aid to the settlers. A perfeon by the name of Bonjour, a French- Swiss, dispensed drugs; but, in 1853, he was displaced by Dr. Samuel Blumer, a good physician, who arrived from Glarus. He remained here until 1866, when he removed to Iowa. His son, J. J. Blumer, M. D., who received his medical education at the University of Pennsylvania, is now located here, and is justly considered an excellent physician.

There is a fine glee club organized, which contains some good voices, and is, as well as the church choir, under the direction of F. Knobel, the German teacher. The songs and ballads of Switzerland are sung with the same pathos and feeling here as there, and seldom any others. A rifle club, consisting of about twenty members, is active in drill, and numbers many excellent shots, who have won prizes at the annual competitions in this and other States. There are no secret societies whatever, and, as far as known, no members of any in this settlement.

When the Civil War broke out, the Swiss in New Glarus and vicinity furnished their full proportion of volunteers, according to the best authority, about ninety-eight boys in blue, who did not dishonor the memory of their sires who fought at St. Jacob, Nafels, Morgarten, and other well-fought fields in the father-land.

The people are very conservative in most things, especially in their adherence to the customs and usages of their ancestors, and in their language, religion and politics. It is illustrated by the fact that the same pastor has preached, and the same schoolmaster taught, for eighteen successive years. There has been scarcely any perceptible change or diminution in the hearty, homely manners of the New Glarus people and their descendants; nor in their disposition to work, to economize and achieve independence in all things. Even dame fashion has been able to make but small inroads among the fair sex ; a ])asque, pin-back overskirt, or any other fashionable contrivance, is looked upon as a snare and an abomination by the elderly women; but their daughters trespass somewhat, in a mild way, in that direction. And happily the barbarous fashion of banged-hair has not yet appeared. Should any girl thus attempt to disfigure herself, there would, without doubt, be banging enough from the unfashionable mater familias.

Attachment to the father-land is strong and sincere. From time to time, fully thirty persons, who have gathered a competency here, have returned to Switzerland, some having been twice and even three times; but not to ex- ceecl half a dozen have returned to remain. The large farms, grand distances, and enlarged thouglit of this country tend to give larger views to both sight and mind; so that, it is said, everything in the Old Country appears close and contracted by comparison; and, as some have expressed it, that there seemed to be hardly room to breathe there. Still the love for the ''old home," as it is still affectionately termed by all, is undying; and few vvho were adults when they came here but cherish the wish and hope to behold their loved native mountains once more before they go hence to the undiscovered country.

How long this reverential feeling will continue, will depend upon circumstances; but it would seem, from past experience in Pennsylvania, Oliio and New Yoik, where many whose ancestors migrated 200 years ago, still speak only German, that unless the iron horse finds his way to these hills and valleys, it is more than likely that 100 years hence will make little change in the language and customs of the New Glarus people. With all this adherence to what is ancient, and aversion to mixing, and inter-marrying with those of other Nationalities, those who read, and few do not, are well informed, and quick to comprehend whatever is of advantage to themstlves, and of general interest. From being almost entirely ignorant of the modes of American fai'miiig, they are now considered the equals of the best farmers in the country, taking advantages of, and purchasing the best labor-saving machinery, and in enterprise and endurance are scarcely equalled by any.

In public spirit they are not lacking. In addition to the fine district school house, there has also been built another in which German is taught. In 1870 when a railroad was projected in the vicinity, the township promptly voted $20,000 to aid in building it, besides $100 in cash to assist in defraying the expense of surveying. As yet there is no prospect of the road beina: built. In 1861 news was received that the town of Glarus, Switzerland, was almost destroyed by fire. In a short time, the sum of $1,250 was contributed, and sent there for distribution among the suffering people.

In 1850 the })arsonage was built of hewn logs and framed. It was then considered the finest house in the village. It is still the parsonage, but it is sadly the worse for wear; and we may safely conclude, that in the onward march of improvement, it will soon be supplanted by a much belter one.

In 1852 the scarlet fever raged in the colony, and in a short time seventeen children died. In 1854 a new comer anived, by the way of Fieeport, 111., who was infected with the cholera; and the disease spread, and proved a very sad scourge, no less than twenty-two persons, adults, dying in a siiort time from its ravages.

The town of New Glarus was organized in April, 1850; prior to whicli, the settlement had been generally known as the Swiss colony, but to those ill Switzerland as New Glarus. The territory comprising it had been hitherto attached, for all civil purposes, to the adjoining town of York. The village of New Glarus was laid out and platted, in 1851, by Mr. Spangler, of Monroe. During the year, the first framed house was erected by Ott Bros., since of Madison, who o}>ened the first store; and the same year Joshua Wild built a saw mill with an undershot wheel. 'J'he first hotel was erected by Baumgartnei' Brothers in 1858. In 1862 David Klaessy built a grist mill, with two run of stones, propelled by water power; and with this mill was probably connected the first barley hulling machine in Wisconsin. The demand warranted the outlay, as hulled barley soup is a favorite dish among the New Glarus people. In 1867, a brewery was built by Dr. Blumer & Co ; and beer has been brewed since, supplying the settlement, which formerly received its national beverage from Madison and Monroe.

was sold; but dairy cheese making has given way to the factory system. The first cheese factory was established in 1870; and since then eight others, large and small, have gone into operation. Three-fourths of the cheese made is Limburger, and is said to pay the maker better than any other variety. The number of oows whose milk is brought to these factories is about 2,500; and fully 600,000 pounds of cheese are now made in a season in the township of New Glarus alone. It is a branch of farming that, on these rolling lands, assures the farmer a steady income. There are no fortunes made quickly by it, but it gives a surer return for labor than any other branch of farming industry, and is a direct benefit to the soil, more land being in grass, and better manured than with grain culture.

The factories are built by the farmers, and leased to cheese makers, who buy the milk at a fixed price, thus differing from many other places, where the farmers hire the cheese maker and divide the net proceeds. Some Swiss cheese is still made here, but not to compare with former years in quantity. Of the cheese product, the most was formerly shipped to Milwaukee, Chicago and St. Louis; but of late, cheese has been sent to Great Britain, and, incredible as it may seem, some even to Switzerland, that land of cheese.

In the year 1849 the stock in the colony, according to the report of the Rev. Mr. Streissguth, consisted of oue horse, one' bull, fortyone oxen, forty-nine cows, forty heifers and steers two years old, fifty-one calves, fiiteeii sheep and 482 hogs. Tlie crop of that year was sixty-five bushels of oats, 545 of corn and 495 of potatoes - the product of 104 acres of cultivated land. The population was then rated at 125.

Bilten is the name of a branch of this colony, in the adjoining town of Washington, and was founded in 1847 by the authorities of the parish of Bilten, in Glarus, Switzerland. In that year sufficient funds were sent to Fridolin Streiff, one of the pioneers of New Glarus, to purchase seventeen forty acre tracts; and in the same year twelve families, mostly from the above named parish, settled thereon. The Bilten settlement has shared with the main colony in reputation for thrift and industry; and the people, as a class, are doing well. They have by purchase extended the original boundaries, which were about five miles from New Glarus, so that now the two settlements have blended into one, with no intervening settlers of other nationalities.

The pastors of New Glarus formerly held divine service in Bilten once in four weeks ; but for some years this has been discontinued, and those who do not come to New Glarus for worship have themselves built a handsome church, at which preacliers from Monroe officiate. The chief branch of farming in this settlement is also the making bf cheese, for which the land is well adapted, being rolling, and well watered by brooks and springs ; and it now comprises about one-half of the township, being the northern and rougher portion.

Thus, from feeble beginnings, has the New Glarus colon^^, with its adjacent Swiss settlements, expanded from something over 100 poverty-stricken people, to fully 4,000 in number; and from 1,280 acres of wild, uncultivated land, to over 60,000 acres, transformed into comfortrble homes, with all the conveniences, and many of the luxuries of life. With comfortable residences and barns, churches and sshoolhouses, fruitful orchards, well cultured fields of golden grain, well filled granaries, with herds on many a hill-side, horses and carriages, and pianos and melodeons scattered here and there through the settlement, the people of New Glarus and their descendants have abundant cause to thank God for the success of the past, and put their trust in him for the future.

Additional Notes On New Glarus

of the canton of Glarus, in Switzerland, who organized themselves into a society under the sanction of the government of the canton, in the year 1844 ; and had the following aims or purposes in view for the benefit of the overcrowded population of that small and mountainous canton, which are copied from the records :

1. The emigration shall be executed in common, and directed to one of the States in the northwestern portion of the United States. The idea is to found a community similar to that of the canton of Glarus. The States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri shall be first explored in seeking for a suitable locality for the colony.

2. In the course of 1844, two agents shall be sent to visit those States for the purpose of selecting a tract of land large enough for the experiment, and to arrange the necessary steps to execute the plan in view. These agents shall have the necessary instriictions for their work, and be fully empowered to carry the design into execution.

3. Every family willing to emigrate shall receive twenty acres of land ; the money to pay for the land shall be advanced by the association. All the expenses of the voyage or emigration must be provided for by the emigrants themselves.

These resolutions were ratified by the several communities, and by the government of the canton, who also donated a large part of the expenses of the agents, say about |600. A committee was appointed who drew up the regulations for the rule of the association, which were accepted and ratified; and in the persons of Messrs Nicholas Duerstand Fridolin Streiff, were found and selected the agents for the important trust. They departed for their far-away field of responsible labor the 8th day of March, 1845; and, after a stormy and disagreeable voyage, landed on the shores of the New World, where they were directed to consult a commercial house in New Y^ork, and an old countryman, Mr. Blumer,in Allentown,Penn., who would assist them with counsel and every needful help. Mr, Blumer secured Joshua Fry, a man able to speak English, to accompany the agents to the far west, and to aid them in carrying out their instructions, which were as follows:

2. They will find an amountof money (about $2,500) deposited with a house in New York, sufiicient to buy a certain quantity of land for the emigrants, according to the respective shares to which they will be entitled.

3. This money they will not draw before they have selected and bought the land, or are ready to buy; and shall be guided in this matter by the counsel or advice of Mr. Blumer, of Al'entown.

4. As soon as they arrive in New Y^ork, the agents will proceed to the said Mr. Blumer, and ask him either to accompany them, or aid them with his knowledge of the relative advantages of the country in the northwest.

5. In regard to the purchase of the lands, the agents will consider the climate and the nature of the soil, which ought to be as near as possible similar to those in the old country, and suitable for the production of grain and cattle.

6. The agents are not positively bound to purchase government land; but they shall, if possible, try to secure enough that each colonist may have twenty acres, for the amount of money, $1.25 per acre, which is the price of government land.

7. The agents shall try to buy all the land in one tract, well situated in regard to communications with the rest of the State, by means of roads, etc.

9. The ao;ents will take charge oi the emigrants from St. Louis, where they will wait for them; and wlien they arrive on the land, the lots shall be equitably distributed to each family.

10. The agents will also liave the oversight of the families on their first arrival in the colony; but the emigrants must defray their own expenses.

11. In all important matters, the agents must consult, besides Mr. Blumer, the heads of the commercial house in New York, from which they draw the money.

12. It will be necessary to provide for the breaking up of some land to raise produce for man and beast, for which the agents shall make provisions.

13. The purchase of the land shall be made in the name of the "Emigration Society of the Cairton of Glarus." Mr. Duerst will have a plat made of the lands, divided into lots, and numbered, with the names of the owners. The head of every family will draw his lot of twenty acres, and be the exclusive owner. The price thereof, as well as advances made afterwards, must be repaid within ten years, without interest. Mr. Streifif will keep a copy of said plat, and all the papers; also keep an accurate record of the names of all owners, their increase or decrease, etc.

14. The agents will do their utmost to provide, as soon as possible, for the establishment of a Church and school, and for the relief of the poor of the colony.

15. When the agents think that they have executed these instructions according to the best of their ability, Mr. Duerst will promptly return to his father-land.

16. Mr. Streiff will remain with the colonists, and report to the association concerning everything of interest from time to time; he will also keep accounts of all expenses, etc.

17. Mr. Duerst shall receive for iiis service $1 per day till his return, with all expenses. Mr. Streiff shall have his ))ersonal expenses paid from his departure from home until Mr. Duerst returns to Switzerland; after which he shall receive such remuneration for his services as the executive committee of the association sliall consider just and proper.

When the people arrived on tlie land, in August, 1845, wholly destitute of money, and unable to live through the approaching winter without help, the agents drew on the association, which honored the draft, to the amount of $1,000, which was used to make advances to the families in provisions, cattle, tools, seed, etc. This money had to be refunded, with the price of the lots, within ten years from the foundation of the colony. In 1855, all these debts were fully paid and cancelled, and deeds issued by the association to each owner. Messrs. Fridolin Streift' and Fridolin Egger were at that time the agents representing the association, with full authority to settle with every colonist. The last ])apers were issued, if I am not mistaken, in 1856; and from that time the so-called colony was perfectly independent of the parent association, alttiough there existed, and yet exists, only the kindest remembrances and relations.

In the fall of 1846, a successor to Mr. Duerst, and assistant to Mr. Streiff, was sent from the old country by the association, in the person of J. J. Tschuddy, who arrived at New Glarus, in October, when he at once proceeded to collect some statistics in relation to the financial and agricultural })rogress of the colony up to that time. On a visit made to every cabin, he found that, altliough some families were suffering from sickness, and liad yet only poor accommodations, still, in general, there was a steady improvement, a hopeful out-look for the future, and reasonable contentment with the new home and tlie progress thus far made. The winter of 1846-47 was a hard one. From January till the spring of 1847, men and beasts suf- fered much from exposure in the rough, unfinished huts and stables, and with scarcity of fodder for the cattle. Still, spring found all well, and ready to go to work with a will, and with new courage, to break land, plant and improve according to their best ability. They were, however, often hindered and retarded for want of teams, tools, and other necessaries, which were provided, as far as possible, by advances from the association.

As information was sent by the parent association that more emigrants would be sent in the spring of 1847, the agents bought, by instructions given them, another tract of land in the adjoining town of Washington, on the south, which was also divided into twenty acre lots, and distributed among the new comers in that year. But this second colony never kept together so exclusively as did the men of New Giarus, who named the whole township after their old country home, together with the village therein. The settlers of New Giarus founded their own Church - the Reformed Church - according to the rights and usages of the Old Country; and had their German school from the beginning, as well as an English one.

In 1853, the first celebration of the 4th of July was held by a few of the colonists, associating with it the vivid remembrance of a day of festival kept in their father-land - very similar to the American holiday; and, from that time, Independance day has been celebrated every year more or less in the village by all the people, old and young. A number of the primitive settlers have gone to their everlasting rest; but those remaining may be seen on these festive occasions, taking part in the celebration of the 4th of July, which serves to remind them of their native land, and of the battle-dav which delivered their ancestors from the tyranny of their oppressors on the 9th of April, 1388, when 800 men of Giarus defeated several thousand Austrians.

I now append the statistics of the colony as I took them on my arrival in the autumn of 1846: Land broken for tillage, 100 acres, which I think was well done under the circumstances, oxen and plows being owned in common, and had necessarily to be used in rotation, making it often rather difficult to keep the work all going on in peace and harmony. Up to Nov. 20, 1846, there were two births and seven deaths in the settlement. On the 19th of November, in that year, Mr. Streiff brought the first sheep to New Giarus. Lot No. 13 was" selected as the village plat, and had thirteen cabins at the time. There were then twenty cabins in the whole colony. Poultry was largely kept, but no enumeration of the number was taken. Garden produce of various kinds was planted on all lots cultivated, and gave very rich returns.

There were at that time in the colony of New Giarus 129 persons, men, women and children; and the number of twenty acre lots taken, and partly improved, twenty-nine. One settler had two horses, while another was the owner of a bull; four yoke of working oxen were held in common by the whole settlement; eighteen cows were held separately, fifteen heifers, twenty-five calves and 199 hogs. Their first harvest, that of 1846, yielded the settlers 700 bushels of corn, and enough potatoes for the use of the colony. All things considered, this was a good showing for the first year's operations, and all seemed satisfied with the results, trusting in the good providence of God that still better days were yet in store for them. Nor were their hopes disappointed.