Green County, Wisconsin - Town Of^clarno, 1884

Town Of^clarno

The town of Clarno is in the southern tier of towns; bounded on the south by Illinois, on the west by the town of Cadiz, on the north by Monroe, and on the east by Jefferson. It embraces township 1 north, range 7 east, containing 23,222.87 acres of land. The surface of this town is considerably diversified. In places it is quite broken and inclined to be bluffy, yet in but very few localities is it sufficiently abrupt to make it useless for agricultural purposes. Interspersed with the timber land is found, patches of prairie and clearing, and the town contains many of the finest farms in Green county. A local writer in speaking of this town says:

"One of the things worthy of notice in this vicinity is the noted spring on section 11, on the place now occupied by F. H. Smock. It is famous for once having been the head-quarters of Black Hawk, the noted Indian chieftain. By the side of this fountain of sparkling water, the dusky warrior gathered his braves around their council fires, to plan the midnight raids against the pale-faces who had raised their solitary cabins here and there on the hunting grounds of the red man. The spot is lovely and romantic, sloping gently to the south. Near the spring stands an oak tree, whose deep foliage casts a dark shade over the watei*."

It is estimated that there are over 23,000 acres of farming lands, in this town, of average value of $23.06 per acre, and total value $536,- 834. The total value of real and personal proj)- erty in the town is $693,073. The population of the town in 1875 was 1,510; in 1880 1,429.

The stock in the town is as follows: Horses 674, average value $59.09, total $39,831; 3,132 head of cattle, average value $17.91, total $56,- 111; thirteen mules, average value $75.76, total $985; 2,839 sheep, average value $2.41, total $5,674; 3,283 swine, average value $5.30, total $17,418; there are 1,047 milch cows, valued at $21,789. The principal farm products grown in the town in 1882 were as follows: 4,163 bushels of wheat, 161,546 bushels of corn, 84,325 bushels of oats, 540 bushels of barley, 6,050 bushels of rye, 6,772 bushels of potatoes, 723 bushels of root crops, 23^ bushels of cranberries, 3,735 bushels of apples, 49^ bushels of clover seed, 146^ bushels of timothy seed, 31, 000 pounds of tobacco, 4,880^ tons of hay, 64,- 169 pounds of butter, 61,500 pounds of cheese. The acreage of the principal farm products growing in the town of Clarno at the time of making the assessment in 1883 was as follows: 451^ acres of wheat, 4,206 acres of corn, 2,545^ acres of oats, four acres of barley, 623:|^ acres of rye, 119f acres of potatoes, four acres of root crops, 1^ acres of cranberries, 159 acres of apple orchards, 5,088 bearing trees, six acres of tobacco, 2,878 acres of growing timber and 3,- 288 acres of grasses.

Early Settlement

The territory which now comprises the town of Clarno was first explored by whites, with the view of settling, in 1827. During this year, Andrew Clarno came from Illinois, and traveled all over this portion of the State in search of a suitable home for himself and family. In passing through the territory now included in

Green county, he was much impressed with the beauty of the locality, the fertility of the soil and unequalled natural advantages, and finally selected land which afterward became a portion of section 30, township 1, range 1 east. After prospecting for some time he returned to Illinois. In 1832, accompanied by his two sons, O. H. P. and Stephen E., he again came to Wisconsin - this time to stay. Cabins were erected and pioneer life was commenced in earnest. They all settled together on section 30, where the old gentleman, Andrew, remained until the time of his death in 1850. Stephen E., after a few years, entered land on section 29, and remained until 1840, when he went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa; later he returned to Illinois, and located in what is now Logan county, where he lived for a number of years. He is now a resident of McLean Co., Ill, O, H. P, Clarno, at the time of his arrival with his father and brother, was but a lad of fourteen years.

O, H, P. Clarno is a resident of the town of Clarno, where he has resided since 1832. He was born in Sangamon Co., 111., near Springfield, March 10, 1818. He was reared upon a farm and remained in that county till fourteen years of age, when he came to Clarno. He was married to Lucy Huffman, who died May 11, 1853, leaving four children, all of whom are deceased. His second wife was Catharine Solomon, a native of Union Co., Penn. She died Nov. 24, 1876, He was again married to Polly Starr. Mr. Clarno owns 320 acres on sections 29 and 30. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk Wai", serving as a private. Thurraan Crago is an adopted son of Mr. Clarno, with whom he has lived since six years of age. He (Mr. Crago) was married to Emma Clarno, who died June 6, 1881, aged twenty-two years and eleven months. She left two children - Kittie M. and Lewis P. Mr. Crago was again married to Minnie B, Wickwire and they have one child. Although the Clarno party were the first actual and permanent settlers, just before they arrived in 1832, another little party of pioneers had made their appearance and selected homes. The party consisted of Hugh Wallace and family, Joseph Paine and family, and Josiah R. Blackmore. Upon their arrival, early in the spring of 1832, Wallace located on section 19; Payne selected land just east of him, on the same section; and Blackmore took a claim on section 20. Before the pioneers had fairly got settled the Black Hawk War broke out, and upon the news reaching the settlement that the Indians were coming, the entire population fled to neighboring towns, where preparations had been made for defense. In the fall the party returned, to find that the only two cabins in the town had been burned by the red men. However, the cabins were soon rebuilt, and pioneer life began anew. Wallace and Blackmore remained here until 1835, when they J'emoved to Stephenson Co., Ill,, where the former hung himself a few years later in consequence of land troubles. Blackmore remained in Stephenson county, until 1838, when he moved to, and erected a mill on Rock Run, the first in that region. He remained there for a number of years and finally removed to Warren, 111,, where he still lives. Joseph Paine remained in the town of Clarno until 1836, when he removed to the present site of the city of Monroe, and made a claim, erecting a cabin near the present residence of Dr, Byers. Paine opened his house as a tavern, and many were the weary travelers who were sheltered and fed under his hospitable roof. Later he erected the first frame house in the town; it is still standing, now forming a portion of the planing mill. In 1850 Paine got into trouble and left the county.

In 1833 Stephen Hale, a Tennessean, came here from Lafayette Co,, Wis, and settled on section 31. He remained until 1835 when he sold his place to William Bo wen, and moved across the line into the town of Cadiz. He is' now dead. Nicholas Hale came a year or two later, and also removed to Cadiz. They were

James Hawthorn, a native of New York, came here in 1833, from the mining regions near Blue Mounds, Wis., and settled on a farm on sections 9 and 10. He erected a log cabin and for a number of years kept bachelors hall. "Many a time have we eaten mush and milk with him from the old black kettle," says an old settler in speaking of the lonely, yet pleasant days, which "Uncle Jimmie" passed upon the old homestead. Mr. Hawthorn still owns the land. Four of his children still live in this town.

W. B. Hawthorn was born in this county, in the town of Clarno, Sept. 5, 1842. When twenty-four years old he went to Montana and engaged in stock dealing. He also traveled through all the western States, California, New Mexico and Arizona; in the latter place he was in the lumber business. In Idaho he was railroading six years. He spent about ten years in traveling, then returned, and in 1876 went to the centennial, and afterward traveled through the west until 1878. He then bought a farm on section 4, containing 160 acres. He now owns 300 acres of choice land and is extensively engaged in stock raising. He was married at Elk Point, Dak., to Mrs. Hattie (Chenoweth) Jones, a native of Indiana. This event occurred Feb. 3, 1878. They have one child. Mr. Hawthorn is a member of the I. O. O. F., a good citizen and an industrious man.

Andrew J. Hawthorn, a prominent citizen of the county, was born in the town of Clarno, this county, on the old Hawthorn place, where he lived with his parents until twenty-six years old. He is the son of James and Mersey (Boils) Hawthorn. His father is now living in the town of Clarno with his daughter, and his mother is dead and buried in Bethel cemetery. At one time Mr. Hawthorn moved to the town of Cadiz and lived three years, then returned to Clarno and bought eighty acres of land from Isaiah Starr. He now owns 240 acres of superior land and is engaged in mixed farming. He has a tine flock of Shropshire-down sheep. He was married Oct. 19, 1862, to Abigail Chamness, of Monroe. They have four children - CoraL., William I., Edwin E. and Andrew R. The entire family, except the youngest, are members of the Evangelical Church.

John Hawthorn, a brother of W. B. and Andrew, is also a native of this county, having been born here April 10, 1855. He has spent all his life in Green county. Although a young man, he seems to have had business qualifications above the average, and has a good property, consisting of 307 acres of choice land. He has this season erected a tasty farm house, at a cost of $3,000. He has given considerable attention to stock, and now owns some of the l)est breeds of Durham cattle in the county. His farm is excellently watered.

John VV. Deniston and wife and his fatherin-law, Abner Van Sant, came from Missouri in 1834. They settled on section 17, and erected a cabin on the northwest quarter. Their cabin turned out to be on section 16, so on section 17 they built cabins, three in number, all connected together, and this for several years was the favorite place for neighborhood gatherings, dances, meetings, etc. In 1837 they erected a mill on Honey creek, putting up a good building, throwing a brush dam across the stream and putting in one run of stone. For ten years they ran the mill and it finally went into disuse. Messrs. Deniston & Van Sant remained here a few years and then removed to the town of Cadiz where they both died.

James Campbell and Cutler Wilkins also came with the Deniston and Van Sant party. Campbell worked about here for a few years and then started a colony in the northeastern part of the county. About ten years later he removed to Madison where he died. He is noticed at length elsewhere in this volume. Wilkins was a cousin of Deniston's wife, and was a mere lad. He remained ten or twelve

During August and September, 1835, a large number of settlers arrived and found homes in this town among them were: O. J. White, William Bowen, William Baird, Mathew, William and Peter Wells, Joseph and James Kelly and Judge Jacob Andrick.

O. J. White and William Bowen came from Illinois and settled on section 30. Mr. Bowen remained here until 1855, when he went to Richland county, where he died in 1858. Mr. While still resides upon the old homestead.

William Baird selected land in what was then called "Richland Timber." lie lived there for several years and then removed to the town of Sylvester, where he still lives.

The Wells family all settled near together in Richland Timber. Mathew, the old gentleman, died many years ago. William died in Iowa, to which State he removed at an early day. Peter Wells now lives in Monroe.

Judge Andrick came from Indiana, and selected land adjoining the present site of Monroe, on the south. He brought his family in 1836. He remained here for about twenty years, when he went to Kansas. He is now dead.

William Blunt was a native of Ohio. He came here from Illinois, with his family, and settled in Richland Timber. He remained here for about twenty-five years, when he went to Missouri. He returned a few years later and met his death in Clarno, as the result of an accident. Mr. Blunt was a Campbellite preacher, and in early days frequently held services in his neighborhood. Before the war broke out he was a bitter democrat; but while taking a trip through Texas he made a speech or delivered a sermon, which displeased some of his hearers, and he was taken in hand by the crowd and brutally whipped. It was a long time before he recovered from the injuries inflicted by the beating. This changed his politics, and when the war broke out he was very anxious to go into the service and get "some revenge on the southerners." It was with difhculty thathe succeeded in being mustered in as he was too old; but hair dye and lively actions accomplished his object, and he went south with one of the regiments of Wisconsin volunteers. Whether he succeeded in getting the "necessary revenge" is a matter of conjecture. He was honorably discharged, unharmed.

Jacob Stair located on section 34. He was a Virginian, but came here from Indiana. He married here and remained until the time of his death, which occurred shortly after the close of the war.

Joab Enos, an "eastern man" was another of the settlers who came in 1835. He settled in the Richland Timber, and lived there for several years; then moved to the town of Monroe, and a number of years later, started for California; but died on the road.

A man named Brandenberg, came from Ohio in 1835, and for a short time, worked for James Hawthorn, devoting considerable time to hunting deer and bees. He was a single man but was earnestly searching for a wife. He proposed to each of the Deniston girls - the only marriageable ladies in the town - and upon being refused, married an Indian squaw. Heonly remained in this vicinity about one year, and then left the country.

bought land in the towns of Clarno and Cadiz, and also some adjoining in the State of Illinois. In 1837 he came with his family. There was a beautiful spring on his land in Illinois, and he built a log cabin convenient to that. He held services in the neighborhood, and soon became popular, both as a citizen and preacher. About 1859 he sold out and moved to Winslow, 111., where he has since died.

In March, 1836, T. S. Bowen came from New York, and located on section 33. His family arrived in May. Mr. Bowen made this his home until the time of his death in 1883, and his widow still occupies the old homestead.

The Chilton family came from Sangamon Co.. 111., early in the spring of 1836, and also found homes in this town. The father, William, bought the claim of Joseph Paine. His wife and son, James, died here, and he finally removed to Missouri, where he died. The other son, Gus, removed from here to Illinois, where he died.

Julius and Seth Austin, and Rev. Robert De Lap were also settlers of 1836. The Austin's settled west of the city limits. One of tliem died a few years ago ; the other as early as 1852 removed to Minnesota, where he still lives.

Robert De Lap was a Methodist Episcopal preacher. He located near the Austin's and remained in this vicinity for a number of years, when he removed to Richland county, where he died in 1883.

Adam Starr came in the spring of 1836, with his family, and bought the Owen claim. There he and his wife died. One son, Solomon, still lives in the town.

government land on section 33, and then returned to Ohio, leaving Mr. Cameron, who entered land near by. Mr. DeHaven came back in the spring of 1839 and settled upon the land he had selected. Here he lived until 1882, when he moved to Monroe. He still owns the farm. Mr. Cameron yet resides on section 33.

For a number of years the settlement of the town progressed slowly, but a good and industrious class of people came and so this fact, that tlie development was measured, has proved benlicial. Among others who came in prior to 1845 are the following: Bezekiah Blunt, George Adams, Samuel Rayraer, Robert Trickle, Abner, Samuel and Jeff Drake, Joseph Smith, William Brown and Henson Irion.

First Kvknts

The first birth in the town of Clarno was a girl, born to Mr. and Mrs, Nicliolas Hale, in the fall of 1833, at the residence of Andrew Clarno. The girl is now in Texas.

The first marriage in the town, as well as the first in Green county, was that of .Tosiah R. Blackmore, to Nancy Wallace. The ceremony was performed at the residence of the bride's parents, in June, 1834.

The second marriage, in which residents of Clarno were interested, was that of James Hawthorn to Massey Boyls. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Harcourt, a Methodist preacher, at the residence of the bride's parents, in the town of Cadiz. In those days it was fashionable to "put the bridegroom to bed," and in this case that part of the ceremony was performed by O. H. P. Clarno and O. J. White. They undressed Mr. Hawthorn and tucked him in bed beside Mrs. Hawthorn amid a good deal of sport on their side and blushes limits of the town of Clarno, was that of Crawford Million to a young lady who was stopping at Mr, Deniston's. The ceremony was performed in 1«38, at the residence of J. W. Deniston.

The first religious services in the town were held at the house of Mathew Wells, by Rev. Robert De Lap, a Methodist preacher. The first camp meetings in Green county were held at the same place.

The first school in the town was taught by a Mr. Jones, during the winter of 1837-8, in a building that had been erected for the purpose, on section 30. This building was a primitive affair. It was of logs 16x18 feet in size. In the side a hole was cut which was covered with one pane of glass. This served as a window.

The first grain in the town was raised by Andrew Clarno, in 1833. Seed wheat was purchased at Galena for $3 per bushel, and ten acres was sown, which yielded thirty-five bushels per acre. This was what was then called "velvet wheat." In those days such a yield as this was not considered remarkable. In 1843 - following a winter in which there was an average of three feet of snow coveiing the ground - O. J. White raised forty five bushels of wheat per acre, and many of the early settlers report similar yields.

The first blacksmith was Calvin Hale, who opened a shop on section 9, in 1837. He improved land there and remained five or six years, when he sold and moved to the timber, where he died a few years later.

Abner Van Sant made the first fanning mill manufactured in Green county. In 1838 [or 1839] a man named Bean settled on the Deniston place. He was a good mechanic and made a business of manufacturing fanning mills, which he used to peddle through the country.

In 1844, John Shober erected a mill on section 24, near the town line. He put up a frame building, put in an old fashioned "up and down saw," and run the machinery with horse power. For several years he operated the mill, and then sold to Fritz & Beckman ; Charles Timms finally purchased the property, and now runs it with steam power.

Charles Timms, a native of Prussia, was born near Doelitz, Oct. 15, 1845. He is a son of Christ and Mary (Maltzke) Timms. Hismother is now living in Nebraska, and his father is dead and was buried in Prussia. The early life of Charles was spent upon a farm, that being the occupation of his father. At the age of sixteen years he concluded to learn the miller's trade, and was engaged in a saw and grist mill until twenty years old, when he came to America. He first stopped in New York, where he was occupied in running a steam saw mill, thence he came to Juda, in this county, worked on a farm' three months, and then removed to Waukesha county, where he ran a grist mill one year. He then hired out to Messrs. Fritz & Beckman to run their saw mill, where he has since been engaged. He thoroughly understands the business, and has succeeded in changing this mill from an old style inferior machine to one of the best of its size in the country. Mr. Timms was married Oct. 17, 1872, to Augusta Fritz. They have had six children, three of whom are now living - Lydia IL, Mary M. and Hattie A. Mr. Timms owns 140 acres of land where he lives, upon which is a saw mill and cheese factory. He has been a successful business man, and is now in the enjoyment of a competency.

The Black Hawk Wae

In the spring of 1832 there was only one cabin within the present limits of the town of Clarno. This had been erected by - or at least for - Andrew Clarno. It was at that time occupied by Joseph Paine, Hugh Wallace and Josiah Blackmore, as well as the Clarno family. Early in the summer of 1832 the news was re- ceived that the red men were coming. Tlie news raised the greatest excitement among the little band of pioneers, and a "council of war" was at once called. After talking the matter over it was decided that the best plan was to flee. It was understood that the Indians were coming with their war paint, and were murdering and burning everything that came in tlieir patli. Joseph Paine and Hugh Wallace went to Willow Springs, while the Clarno party fled to Wiota. Upon the same day that they left the Indians arrived and burned the cabins. They came from the Rock river country, swimming the Pecatonica river. Previous to this there had been some trouble between the Indian tribes and the whites, and also among the Indians themselves. The friendly and hostile red men were distinguislied by the fact that usually the friendly ones wore a rag or cloth tied about their foreheads. As near as the little band of Glarno pioneers could learn, the depredations through this region and the destruction of their homes was the work of those Indians whom they had supposed were friendly. It was supposed that the Winnebagoes were responsible for it, and the excitement was intense all through this country, as will be seen by the fact that the settlers in township 1, range 7, all fled from twenty-five to fifty miles to escape the impending danger. In the fall they all returned, having spent the summer at the fort. At least that is where the (Jlarno party remained, while the others may have scouted through this region more or less. Mr. Clarno and his son, O. H. P., or "Perry," were on soldier duty most of the summer, guarding the fort; and Perry, notwithstanding the fact that he was only fourteen years of age, was drafted twice. Upon the return of the party in the fall of 1832, they found where there had been a large Indian encampment on section 19. There had been a large spot cleared, and it seemed as though when the Indians had crossed the Pecatonica they had scattered, and then found their way to this spot, which is secluded. They had cut a considerable portion of the brush and thrown it back for breastworks. Although much discouraged at finding their former home in ruins, they at once rebuilt, and set about making permanent improvements. The Black liawk War did not cease, but this was the extent to which Clarno was affected by it.

Religious

The first religious services in the town of Clarno were held at the house of Matthew Wells in the fall of 1835, by Rev. D. Harcourt, a local Methodist preacher, who had located here. He gathered the settlers together and his meetings were attended by many from "clear across the timber."

The first class was formed at the same place, in 1836, by Rev. James McKane, from Ogle Co., 111. Among the members at the time of organization were: Matthew Wells, Sarah Maria Blunt, Jane Wells, wife of Peter Wells, and William Baird. All these had been members in the eastern States. Rev. DeLap was the first resident pastor after Dr. Harcourt. He came here in 1837. This was then a part of the Rock River Conference. In 1838, Rev, T. W. Pope was sent here. Then came Rev. McKane. Among others who preached for the class were: Revs. Pillsbury, James Ash and Charles Mc- Clure. For several years services were held at Matthew Wells' house, and then the house of Daniel Harcourt was used. Finally the class was merged into the Monroe organization.

In 1858, a Reform Church was organized which was afterward united with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Among the Reform ministers who preached here were: Revs. John Hayman, who served seven years; Henry Knepper, six years; C. O. Hulhorst, two years; and F. W. Strunk, six years. Rev. Grosscup is the present pastor.

'J'he Salem English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Shueyville, town of Clarno, was organized in 1868, by Rev. J. K. Bloom, of the Synod of Northern Illinois. He took charge as pastor in 1869. The following is the list of charter members and first officers: Zachaviah Albright, Robert Shaw, Mary Shaw, Peter Lichtenwalner, Sarah Lichteiiwalner, Joseph Lichtenwalner, Benjamin Neese. Robert Shaw, Sr., elder; Joseph S. Lichtenwalner, deacon. Rev. Bloom resigned the congregation in 1870. He was succeeded by Rev. J. L. Hammond, who took charge April 16, 1871, and served four years, resigning Sept. 26, 1875. Rev. James M. Rees took charge Nov. 21, 1876, and resigned April 1, 1880. Rev. D. E. Rupley took charge April 1, 1880, and resigned July 1 1881. Rev. D. P. Grosscup, of the Synod ol Iowa, took charge Aug. 1, 1881, and resigned April 1, 1884. The church building was erected in 1869 by the joint contributions of the Lutheran and German Reformed congregations, costing both parties $2,500. It is a frame building 38x48 feet in size. It was dedicated in December, 1869, by Revs. J. K. Bloom and G. J. Donmeyer of the Lutheran Church, and Rev. Henry Knepper of the Reformed Church. One acre of ground was donated to the church by Albert Albright of the Reformed congregation. The present officers are: Joseph S. Lichtenwalner, elder; Emanuel Painter, deacon. The present membership is nineteen. Beneficial revivals were enjoyed in 1869, and also in 1870.

Methodist Episcopal Chukch

There was occasional preaching in the old log school house as early as 1849. In 1859 Kev. J. C. Brainerd sometimes occupied the frame school house known as Enterprise, a name first given in ridicule to the former log house in the same neighborhood. In 1861 Rev. J. C. Brainerd preached in the Thorpe sciiool house, and formed a class there, with John DeLong leader, and members as follows: Axa DeLoiig, Frances DeLong, Harrison King, Nancy King, George Clingman, Susan Clingman, Annie E. McDowell, Sarah A. Thorpe, Frances H. Simpson, Ephraim Miller, Catharine Clarno and Harriet Iscminiger. This organization was discontinued in 1862, and names transferred to Shueyville, with Alpheus De Haven leader. In

February, 1867, a class was formed at Honey creek. Enterprise school house, by Rev. J. J. Walker, minister, and Eli Chapin, leader, and the following members: Sarah Chapin, Susan M. Chapin, P. Jane Chapin, M. A. Chapin, K. J. Chapin, M. J. Chapin, Samuel Drake, E. Drake and A. E. Anderson. In 1877 a new school house was built, and it was voted at the school meeting that the house should not be used excepting for school purposes. Accordingl)'^, this little band of worshippers, feeling the need of religious instruction for their children, resolved to erect a little church, which was done the same year - in the fall of 1877. It was dedicated sometime in January, 1878, by Rev. D. W. Couch, presiding elder. The plan given by Rev. W. H. Kellogg, minister at that time - size 34x36, and eighteen feet high - cost $1,500. Three-fourths of an acre of land was given by S. Drake, as long as used for church purposes. Rev. J. J. Clifton first occupied the new building, and remained two years. Then Rev. A. L. Tull remained two years as pastor, followed by Rev. P. E Knox, who staid eighteen months and then removed to Faulk Co., D. T., to build him a home, and is there becoming identified witli the e.trly settlers of that part of God's vineyard as a minister, farmer, father of the State, county official, etc. Rev. E. T. Briggs tilled the vacancy until fall, when Rev. W. H. Kellogg was appointed to take charge of the Monroe circuit. There has been but one revival held in the church. This was by Rev. P. E. Knox, and resulted in four conversions. Members in good standing March 31, 1884: Samuel Drake, Eliza Drake, Sarah Truman, William Truman, Kate McDowell, T. B. Wells, Amanda Wells, Garry Wells, Abbie Wells, Dora Wells, Sarah MeCammant, Minnie McCammant, Annie E.Anderson and Etta B. Anderson; Rev. W. H. Kellogg, minister; T. B. Wells, leader; S. Drake, T. J. Anderson and T. B. Wells, trustees; Rev. E. L. Eaton, INIadison, Wis., elder; William Truman and A. A. E. Anderson, stewards. This little society has never been strong either financially or in membership, but in twenty-three years has kept about the same in numbers, and is to-day in a flourishing condition.

Town Organization

The first town meeting in Clarno was held on the first Tuesday in April, 1849, at John Blunt's barn, on section 22. The following is a list of the first town officers - elected at this time: Supervisors, Thomas S. Bowen, chairman, O. J. White and William Boyls; clerk, J. H. Shuey; treasurer, J. II. Blunt; assessor, Barnett Starr; superintendent of schools, William McDonald; justices of the peace, John W. Shuey, Henson Irion, George Adams and Hamilton C. Miller; constables, John M. Bryant, Elijah Otterraan and O. H. P. Clarno.

Among others who have been prominent in town affairs and filled local offices at different times, are the following named: Alpheus De Haven, Hiram Ticknor, Jonathan Snyder, Jacob Mason, Israel Smith, John Fisher, E. P. Eddy, Alfred Wrisberg, Ashford Trickle, Joseph Cattips, John Walter, Samuel Raymer, All)ert Albright, Peter Wells, Oliver Cessna, Edmond Stair, W. I. Hodges, .Jacob Adams, J. H. Eaton, James Roberts, Absalom Huffman, Thomas Bowen, Simon Bartlett, Edward Reugger, Peter Gnagi, William Henthorn, Charles Adams, .Joseph Kleckner, John Raymer and Benjamin Fair.

The Clarno "town house" is a brick structure, located on the southeast corner of section 16. It was erected in 1857, at a cost of about $1,200. The building committee, which was formed in April, 1857, was composed of Alpheus De Haven, George Adams and Hiram Ticknor.

Educational

In 1850 the territory now comprising the town of Clarno was divided into seven school districts In the superintendents report for that year, district No. 1, was not represented; but aside from that there were 237 scholars in the town. The following named were teachers at that time:

In 1884 til ere were eleven school districts in the town, with school houses located as follows: No. 1, on southeast quarter of section 2; No. 2, on southeast quarter of section 16; No. 3, on southwest quarter of section 27; No. 4, on northwest quarter of section 32; No. 5, on northwest quarter of section 20; No. 6, onsouthwest quarter of section 4; No. 7, house in Cadiz; No. 8, on northwest quarter of section 1; No. 9, on southeast quarter of section 26.

Shueyville Postofficb

The postoffice generally called Shuey's Mill, was established in 1859. John H. Shuey was appointed postmaster and served two years, when he was succeeded by Alpheus De Haven, who kept the office until 1876, when he resigned and John Lock wood was appointed. Mr. Lockwood held the office until 1883.

The Clarno Grange

T. H. Eaton, master; Peter Gnagi, overseer; F. M. Hannah, lecturer; Jacob Adams, treasurer; Eli Chapen, chaplain; Charles Wetzles, secretary; William Hodges, steward; W. E. Connet, assistant steward; James Hawthorn, Jr., gatekeeper; Mrs. Alvira Gnage, lady assistant steward; Miss Frank Eaton, Flora; Mrs. T. J. Anderson, Pomona; Miss Malissa Adams, ceres. The grange continued in operation for several years, and was a source of much pleasure and some profit, to its members. The membership was widely scattered, some having a long distance to travel, to attend the meeting of the grange. It was reported, at the last meeting of tlu! grange, that a couple of families had moved into the town who were in very straitened circumstances. There was Considerable money in the treasury. On motion it was voted that the furniture belonging to the grange be sold and the proceeds together with the money in the treasury be divided between the said families, and on vote the grange surrendered its charter to the State grange, together with all the records.