Green County, Wisconsin - Chapter 38: City of Monroe, 1884 (part 1 of 3)

Chapter 38: City of Monroe

This beautiful and enterprising city had its origin almost half a century ago, when the beautiful and fertile region of southern Wisconsin was just beginning to attract the attention of those in search of homes, and the surroundings were as free and wild almost as the time when the stars of the morning sang anthems of joy at nature's dawn. The changes from the primitive to the developed state have been constant and rapid. It has been comparatively, one continuous change from the moment of its projection until Monroe of to-day stands forth as one of the most beautiful^ as well as most important business cities of the State. While there may have been nothing really remarkable in the development of the past, or nothing peculiarly striking in the present, still there is much that cannot fail to interest and fascinate not only those who have been closely connected and identified with the city in all the various changes that have occurred from year to year, but the general reader as well. Endowed with many natural advantages, aided by the strength of enterprising husbandry. Green county has assumed a high position among the best and wealthiest of her sister counties throughout the State, and Monroe, the first town within her borders, has kept pace with the improvement and advancements.

Monroe is situated a few miles south and west of the center of Green county. One line of railway passes through the city - the southern branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. It passes through from east to west, and furnishes excellent marketing and shipping facili finest and most productive*|^agricultural and stock raising lands in the State, which is a guarantee of a permanent and ever increasing trade.

There are many fine and substantial brick and stone blocks to be seen upon the business thoroughfares, and a stroll through the city discloses many elegant and costly dwellings. There are a number of tine church edifices and and excellent buildings for educational purposes. In respect to religious and educational advantages, Monroe ranks among the best cities in the State of Wisconsin, An abundance of shade trees adorn the streets, which, in summer adds greatly to the beauty of the place. The location is exceedingly healthy, tiie inhabitants are possessed of a high degree of intelligence, and the society is of tiie most refined and desirable character.

The Beginning

The land upon which the city of Monroe has since been built, was entered from the United States government by Joseph Payne and Jarvis Rattan. Payne came here from the southern part of Illinois in 1832, and first settled in the territory, which now comprises the town of Clarno. His earlier movements are treated at length in the chapter upon the history of that town. About 1834, he made a claim on section 35, township 2, range V, taking 160 acres. He piled up a lot of clap-boards upon the land to mark the claim, which, grew to be a "land mark" to the settlers in this region, remaining about two years. In the meantime he had begun improvements on the land, hiring a quasities. The city is surrounded by some of the scout, named Bradley, to break some ground.

During the year 188ti [or as some claim 1837] Payne erected a little log cabin which stood near the present site of Dr. Byers' residence. It was a small building, probably 16x16 feet in size, one story in height, constructed of logs, covered with shakes, and floored with puncheons. A rude affair, yet in those days it was considered a very comfortable dwelling. Payne lived in the village until about 1842, then moved to the town of Cadiz, where he remained for some years, when having got in trouble through killing a man - an affair which is treated at length elsewhere in this volume - he fled the country. He finally drifted to California, where he died in 1881. Prior to his coming to the village, and during his residence in the town of Clarno, he had taken part in all the early transactions and inconveniences of pioneer life in that region ; participating in the Black Hawk War, and all of the scouting expeditions which took place during and growing out of that war.

Jarvis Rattan came here in 1836, from Illinois, and entered eighty acres of land adjoining Payne's claim, building a cabin near the ''Town Spring." He was a single man, but kept house. He lived there for a few years, when he sold a part of his claim to Jacob Ly Brand. He afterward married Miss Pierce and moved to a farm about two miles southeast of the city, lie remained there until 1844, when he removed to the town of Washington. He now lives in California.

Jacob Ly Brand came here from Pennsylvania, in 1837, and purchased a third interest in the town of New Mexico, and some land of Joseph Payne.

Mr. Russell became interested here at about the same time as Mr. Ly Brand. He was a land speculator, fr<nn Rhode Island, and was representing some large company. When the city ol Monroe was platted, he donated eighty acres of land to the county, forty of which was to be used for educational purposes, and this, when platted, look tlie name of Russell's donation.

In 1835 Judge Jacob Andrick came from Indiana and entered land which he subsequently laid out as the village of Is'ew iMexico. Judge Andrick remained here for about twenty years, when lie removed to Kansas. He is now dead.

In IS38, immediately after the organization of the County, there arose a contest for the county seat, which had the effect of preventing emigration while it lasted, and of inducing many who had come, to go away. Shortly before the county was organized. Judge Andrick had laid out his town, which he called New Mexico; but he neglected to have it recorded at the land office at Mineral Point. It was supposed that this town - New Mexico - would be the county seat of the proposed county, and in fact this was the only reason by which Judge Andrick was induced to plat the village. Mr. Payne besought Andrick to sell him an interest in it, which the judge refused to do. Payne then laid out a town, immediately north of An- <1 rick's town, and north of the railroad track.

James Campbell, who was Payne's surveyor, used to tell the story that, while they were surveying, Mr. Payne stopped work to make a last effort to purchase a share in New Mexico, and that he remarked on his return from his fruitless visit to Andrick: "New Mexico isn't recorded, and if that old fool won't let any one else have half the county seat, he shan't have any part of it himself." The act of the Burlington legislature, which made this a county, also located the county seat at New Mexico, referring, of course, to Judge Andrick's town. As soon as this act was passed, Mr. Payne named his town New Mexico, and hastened to the land office at Mineral Point. A few miles behind hira rode Judge Andrick, pursuing him, "compared to which," as Miss Bingham, in her History of Green County, says, "the most rapid movements of the Indians who followed him in 1832, and of the sheriff who sought him in 1844, were as the crawling of a -snail." Mr. Payne reached Mineral Point before Judge Andrick, and got his New Mexico on record firi^t, which made it the county seat by law. But moved by a petition which was presented by Mr. Sutlierland, the member from Green county, thd^legislatnre ' at its next session repealed this law and appointed three commissioners to select a comity seat. These commissioners, after looking the county over, selected a place which they called Roscoe, about two miles northeast of the present city of Monroe. This place was not acceptable to the people of the county. It was then represented to the legislature that the selection of Roscoe as the county seat was improperly secured. However, the former act was repealed and it was decided that the question of county seat should be decided by a vote of the people. In the meantime it was undertaken to dig a well in Mr. Payne's town, but after digging about forty feet, those interested in it became discouraged and gave up the attempt. The belief became general then that the county seat must be at some place where water could be more easily obtained, and Messrs. Payne, Ly Brand and Russell offered to give the county 120 acres of land near the spring. Mr. Russell subsequently gave another forty acres for the benefit of a county seminary. Mr. Andrick had also abandoned the hope of making his town the county seat and united with others in claiming the honor for a site, which was situated a short distance south of Roscoe. At the election in May, 1839, the point at issue seems to have been not as much the comparative merits of the sites under consideration, as the comparative popularity of the men who had selected them, and the tickets of one party were marked: "For Andrick, Wilcoxon and Sutherland," while those of the other party read: "For Payne, Ly Brand and Russell." The vote was a tie. A second election was held in June, and, although there were cast six votes more than at the other election, the result was a second tie. This result, it was said, was inadvertently brought about by Mr. Ly Brand. On election day each party k»iew how many voters it had in town, and knew, too, that Mr. Ly Brand's side had one more man than the other. To make assurance doubly sure Ly Brand sent into the country for another voter, paying his messenger $2.50 for the trip. T'he man, whose name was Elias Luttrell, came, but much to Mr. Ly Brand's surprise, he voted with the opposition. A third election was heid in August. Andrick and Sutherland were now the champions of a site which was almost in the geographical centre of the county, but as votes were cast for the men rather than for the places, it was probable that the election would result like the others, in a tie, when Mr. Ly Brand, taking advantage of the great popularity of a peculiar kind of hat, braided by Mrs. Rust, offered to give one of them to a young man named Porter if he would induce some miners at Sugar River Diggings to come to the polls. The offer was accepted, and the votes thus gained located the county seat. The selection of a name for the town was left to Dr. Harcourt, one of the county commissioners, and he chose the name of Monroe.

In the meantime the growth of Monroe and New Mexico had begun, and signs of business life were visible. The two places were so near together that they will be treated almost as one.

The first business place opened was on the site of New 3Iexico. It was the establishment of O. C. Smith and Mr. Binninger, and was run by O. C. Smith. This was started in 1837. They erected a little hewn log building, 18x20 feet in size, which stood just east and south of the railroad bridge of to-day. They kept a general assortment of goods, making the sale of whisky a specialty, and ran for about two years, when they closed out their business. Smith remained in Monroe until the time of his death. Binninger removed to California.

A short time after Smith & Binninger got into running order, Jacob Lybrand established a store on the west side of what is now Lincoln P.uk. He erected the first frame building on the site, and ran the store - which, for those days, was an unusually good one^for a number of years. He was afterwards associated in partnership with J. W. Rogers. Mr. LyRi:and died in Minnesota.

In 1836 Payne, Benninger & SniiLli put up quite an extensive building just north of the railroad bridge. It was two stories high, about 26x36 feet, with a wing. Payne opened the building as a tavern, keeping a good stock of whisky. He ran the hotel for a few years, after which it was run by various parties. Part of the old building now forms a portion of the planing mill.

John Hart, an Englishman, came here with his family in 1840, and opened a stock of goods in a building which stood a little east and south of the railroad bridge. He soon after moved his building to the north side of the square, where he remained for a time, and then went to Milwaukee.

In the summer of 1840 a building intended for a temporary court house was erected where the United States house is now located. The contract was let to A. J. Sutherland and James Campbell. Before its completion, in the fall, however, it was consumed by fire.

About 1843 the first tavern was put up by John Walling. It stood on the north side, two lots from the west corner. It was an extensive building for those days, being two stories high, and containing a number of rooms. It was opened as a tavern by the proprietor. He was succeeded by Joseph Payne, and the latter by J. Kelly as landlord. It was then closed for a time, and subsequently opened by Thomas Gillette, after whom came Willard Payne. The building was finally moved away. This tavern, while it was open to the public, was the favorite [)lace of resort for all this region, and almost every evening, in pioneer days, the bar room

In 1844 Jacob Ly Brand moved his building to the south side of what now forms the court house square, and kept his store there for a number of years. He then erected a building on the Tiortli side and moved his goods there.

At about the same time, in 1844, Charles Hart started a store on the corner where the bank now stands. He ran there for a few years, then sold out his stock of goods and removed to Rockton, HI.

In 1846, while Ly Brand's store was still running, A. Ludlow opened . a store. Prior to this time he had been driving a peddler's wagon through this region, suj)plying the settlers and stores with goods, all the way from Chicago to Madison. In 1846 he opened a store, using one of the buildings that had been moved to the north side. Mr. Ludlow continued in trade here for a few years, and then rented a building which N. Cornelius had erected on the east side of the square. It was about 22x30 feet in size, and two stories in height, with a basement. In this building Mr. Ludlow carried on the largest part of the business done in Monroe. In 1848 Mr. Ludlow erected a three story brick building, the first building of that material used for business purposes in the village. For a time he was associated with Benjamin Chenowith. He finally sold to George Hoffman.

In 1849 Milton Kelly came here from Pennsylvania and started a store in a building which had been erected for hira by Frank Emerson. It was a fair building, 20x30 feet in size, a story and a half in height, and stood on the east side a little above the center of the block. Mr. Kelly ran a store here for about four or five years. Thus the improvement went on. At the outset the growth of the city met with a severe backset in the financial panic which began in 1837, and continued for several years. Business of all kinds was stagnated, and the most enterprising men became hopeless and de.

spondont. During these years, but little was accomplished, and nothing of importance in the way of business development was done. But as the latter part of the decade between 1840 and 1850 was speeding by business picked up; settlers began to arrive, and from 1850 to 1857 marked progress was made. Then came the financial crash of 1857-8, and again business was almost paralyzed. Immediately succeeding this came the outbreak of the Rebellion, accompanied by the demand for money and men. Times were very hard for Monroe in those days, the darkest days in its history. After tiie close of the war the prospects began to brighten. New faces began to be seen; business revived and the people, too, seemed to have regained some of the business energy and enterpi-ise of olden times. Reinforcements came in from the eastern Slates and across the water, and Monroe and Green county, took a marked forward step. Since that time the growth has been sure and steady, save the brief interruption caused by the financial panic of 1873. Magnificent blocks have been built; elegant dwellings erected; fine schools and Churches established and sustained, and all the concomitants of a healthy, thriving business city have sought their way here until Monroe city of to-day has become the pride of Green county.

Plat Of New Mexico

On the 28th of October, 1836, the town of New Mexico was surveyed by Abner Van Sant, for Joseph Payne, Jacob Binninger and Owen C. Smith. It was platted on section 2, township 11 north, range 7, and contained twenty blocks, one of which was left for a public square. The papers were acknowledged before RobertDougherty, a justice of the peace of Mineral Point.

On the 7th of April, 1839, Jarvis Rattan made an addition to New Mexico. It laid directly north of the original plat, and extended to what was afterward platted as Ly Brand's donation (Monroe). The addition was just the size of

On the 26th of March, 1856, Jacob and John H. Andrick, James Bintliff and F. H. West made an addition to New Mexico, which laid south of the original plat. It was sworn to before J. B. Galusha.

Plat Op The City Op Monroe

On the 24tli of August, 1839, Jacob Ly Brand deeded to the county a tract of land described as the north half of the west half of the southwest quarter of section 35, township 2 north, range 7 east. This was to secure the location of the county seat at this place. This done, a committee was appointed by the citizens of the county to represent them in the matter, and attend to laying out the city. This committee consisted of James Hawthorn, John Chryst and Daniel Harcourt. The land was deeded to them and they accordingly secured the services of William Gravath, the district surveyor, in laying it out into lots and block^. This was done in December, 1839, the plat being recorded on the 23d of that month. This tract of land took the name of "Ly Brand's donation." It embraces the present court house square, which lies directly in the center of the donation.

Russell's and Payne's donations were also deeded and laid out at the same time. Joseph Payne's donation was the same as that of Ly Brand, and laid just east and adjoining it. Russell's donation embraced tlie same amount of land, and laid to the west of Ly Brand's. The streets of the city, as then laid out, were named as follows: Those running north and south, commencing at the east - Adams, Ly Brand, Green, Van Buren, Madison, Jefferson, Jackson, Monroe, Market, Clinton, Fulton and Franklin. Those running east and west, commencing at the north, were named: Payne, Rus sell, Washington and Racine. The streets were about sixty feet, and alleys twenty feet in width. The committee to whom the above lands were deeded, acknowledged the plat before James Riley, justice of the peace. The county com-

In April, 1848, Josiah V. Richardson surveyed Wadsworth Foster's addition to Monroe. It consisted of about five blocks, lying just south of Payne's donation.

In November, 1849, W. M. Tall man made an addition of about ten blocks to the city, lying just north of Ly Brand's donation. Mr. Richardson was the surveyor.

Emerson & Moulton's was the next addition made to the city. It was made in May, 1854, by Francis Emerson and Salena Moulton; being surveyed by Samuel Spangler. It embraced a little over fifteen blocks, and laid just south of Russell's donation, and west of Rattan's addition to New Mexico.

The first railroad addition to Monroe, was made on the 15th of November, 1854. It embraced about five blocks and laid just north of where the track is now located.

In May, 1855, W. Foster made his second addition to Monroe. It laid just east of Rattan's addition to New Mexico, and south of Foster's first addition to Monroe. It embraced about fourteen blocks.

On the 12th of February, 1856, Evans' addition to Monroe was made by Enoch Evans, surveyed by George M. O'Brien. It laid just west of Russell's donation.

Scott's addition to Monroe was surveyed on the 24th of June, 1856, by George M. O'Brien for Jane Scott. It laid west of Evans' addition, and embraced about twelve whole blocks.

Brodhead's addition was surveyed in November, 1856, by W. W. Card. The proprietors were: Edward H. Brodhead, B. Dunwiddie, A. Ludlow and John A. Bingham.

A. Ludlow's addition was made Nov. 20, 1856; surveyed by J. V. Richardson. It embraced about twenty blocks and laid just east of Payne's donation.

Incorporation

During the winter of 1857-8 the question of incorporating Monroe as a village, under the provisions of the statute, was agitated, and it culminated in the spring of 1858 in the election of officers and organization as a village. The first election for village officers was held in April, when the followijig named were chosen: Trustees, John A. Bingham, George E. Dexter, Charles Leissing, Elisha Mosher and John W. Stewart. The first meeting of the board of trustees was held on Aj)ril 14, 1858, when John W. Stewart was elected president, and William W. Wright clerk of the board.

Among ths first official acts of the board, was the passage of the following: "It being creditably represented to this board that the smallpox now prevails in the family of Ulrich Kleb, a resi<lent of Monroe; therefore, it is ordered that the said Ulrich Kleb remain closely within his dwelling, and that he cause each and every member of his family to remain closel J within his dwelling until further order of this board." A penalty of $25 was imposed for the violation of this order, and Mr. Kleb was also instructed to post upon his door a sign printed in German and English, bearing the words "Small Pox Here," as a warning.

Another I'ule was passed at the same time, imposing tine of fifty cents upon each member of the board who should be tardy or absent, "unless a bona fide and satisfactory excuse be rendered.

1862. - Trustees, John A. Bingham, president, Charles Leissing, E. T. Gardner, W. Foster and B. Dunwiddie; assessor, J. V. Richardson; treasui-er, Samuel Chandler; clerk, W. W. Wright; marshal, William Bowers; street commissioner, William Rean; pound-master, William Bowers; sexton, Patrick Collins; chief engineer of the fire department, W. W. Wright; fire warden, Anton Miller.

1863. - Trustees, B. Chenoweth, president, E. T. Gardner, W. Foster, J. B. Treat and B. Dunwiddie; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; assessor, Asa Richardson; clerk, W. W. Wright; marshal, Edmund Hill; street commissioner, William Rean; sexton, Patrick Collins; poundmaster, George P. Hedge; chief engineer of fire department, W. W. Wright; fire warden, Anton Miller.

1865 - Trustees, Lauren Hurlbut, president, Benjamin Chenowith, J. B. Treat, E. E. Carr and D. W. Ball; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; assessor, William Gray; clerk and chief of fire department, W. W. Wright; marshal, J. Smith Smock; street commissioner, P. P. Pinney; pound-master, A. G. Manchester; sexton, Patrick ('ollins; fire warden, Abraham Kobb.

1866 - Trustees, E. P. Treat, president, B. Chenowith, James VanDyke, Antone Miller and J. B. Galusha; assessor, William Gray; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; clerk and chief of fire department, W. W. Wright; street commissioner, William Rean; pound master, A. G. Manchester; sexton, Patrick Collins; fire wardens, Antone Miller and S. W. Abbott.

1867 - Trustees, E. P. Treat, president, J. H. VanDyke, Samuel B. Mack, Barney Becker and Antone Miller; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; assessor, William Gray; clerk and chief of fire department, W. W. Wright; marshal, William Brown; fire wardens, S. W. Abbott and Antone Miller.

1869 - Trustees, B. Dunwiddie, president, Andrew Buehler, George Goodrich, J. F. Pool and E. Mosher; treasurer, John Bolender; assessor, S. W. Abbott; clerk, Edmund Bartlett; chief engineer tire department, Norman Churchhill; sexton, Patrick Collins; street commissioner, John Strawser; marshal, W. H. Brown; pound-master, Moses Gregory; tire wardens, S. W. Abbott and W. W. Wright.

1872 - Trustees, J. K. Eilert, president, J. S. Smock, C. E. Adams, Henry Hoehn and N. B. Treat; assessor and treasurer, William Gray; marshal, Samuel Adams;sexton and pound-master, William Bowers; clerk, Edmund Bartlett.

E. Adams, Andrew Buehler, B. Johnson and George Spangler; assessor and treasurer, William Gray; clerk, Edmund Bartlett; street commissioner, John Strawser.

F. S. Parlin, E. P. Treat, L. Weber and B. Dunwiddie; treasurer, Nathaniel Treat; assessor, William Gray; justice ef the peace, S. W. Abbott; constable, P. P. Pinney; clerk, A. S. Douglas.

1876 - Trustees, William Brown, president, J. C. Barber, George Spangler, John Scannel and L. Weber; treasurer, L. Seltzer; assessor, William Gray; justice of the peace, L. Rote; clerk, A. S. Douglas.

1877 - Trustees, N. Churchill, president, J. H. Bridge, B. Chenoweth, P. Sheehan and J. K. Eilert; justice of the peace, S. W. Abbott; constable, Willard Payne; treasurer, L. Seltzer; assessor, L. Frankenberger; clerk, P. J. Clauson.

1879 - Trustees, L. B.Johnson, president, J. C. Barber, W. S. McCracken, A, Buehler and John Scannel; clerk, Lewis Rote; treasurer, Edward Ruegger; assessor, Thomas Emerson; justice of the peace, S. W. Abbott; constable, Daniel Ilawver.

Monroe was incorporated as a city by an act of the legislature, approved March 25, 1882. The act took effect from and after its passage. The incorporation was a surprise to many. The following is a list of eity officers for that year : W. Wright, mayor ; G. W. Galusha and Lewis Weber, aldermen in 1st ward. Mr. Weber resigned, and Dr. S. W. Abbott was appointed. George Spangler and John Carroll, aldermen in 2d ward ; William Bragg, treasurer ; A. S.

The following is a list of officers for 1883 : W. Wright, mayor ; J. B. Galusha and W. J. Miller, aldermen Ist ward ; J. P. Carroll and George Spangler, aldermen, 2d ward ; Thomas Emmerson, assessor ; A. S. Douglass, clerk ; John Salley, treasurer ; William Rean, street commissioner and marshal.

In 1884 the following gentlemen filled the local offices of this city : George Spangler, mayor; W. J. M iller and W. P. Bragg, aldermen, 1st ward; J. P. Carroll and Stephen Miller, aldermen in 2d ward ; Nelson Darling, treasurer ; Thomas Emmerson, assessor ; A. S. Douglass, clerk; William Rean, street commissioner and marshal.

"On reading and tiling the claim of William Rean for pay for one sheep killed by dogs, and on hearing the testimony of George Phillips' showing that said sheep could not have survived the injuries received by said dogs; and, it appearing that said Rean caused the said sheep to be slaughtered to save its life; and after having read the law on that subject, on diotion it was ordered that there is hereby appropriated out of the dog fund in the village treasury, the snm of $4 to be paid to said William Rean, as provided for by the statute in such cases made and provided."

Business Devblopment

The first stores have already been treated. As a rule they handled general stocks of merchandise, or a little of everything. In a few years, however, as trade increased and the business of Monroe began to assume city proportions, the " general merchandising " gradually separated, and the various stores handled one line exclusively. In 1884, the various lines of trade were represented in Monroe, by the following named firms and individuals.

Groceries and crockery - L. B. Johnson, Treat & Co., D. S. Young & Co., Glascott & Bragg, Roth & Weber, Studley & Lichtenwalner, Carroll Bros. Phifer, Shindler Bros, and Charles B. Churchill. The last named handles crockery exclusively.

Gents furnishing goods and merchant tailoring establishments - Hoehn & Weber, Peter Spahr, Randall, Gibbons & Co., A. Wettengill & Son, J. Cohn and Kneeland & Co.

Wagon, carriage^ and sleigh manufacturers - Monroe Manufacturing Company, P. Miller, Thomas Patterson, Fitzgibbons Bros., Andrew Buchler and Mr. Lantz.

The first bank in the city was established, in 1854, by John A. Bingham, and was known as Bingham's Exchange Bank. The following fall the firm became Ludlow, Bingham & Co., composed of A. Ludlow, J. A. Bingham and Asa

Richardson. In 1856 the company erected a building for banking purposes, during which year J. W. Stewart became interested in the business. His connection with the bank, however, was of short duration.

On the 1st of May, 1856, the bank of Monroe was organized under the State laws, with John A. Bingham, president; A. Ijudlow, vicepresident, and J. B. Galusha, cashier. In 1861 Richardson & Ludlow became sole proprietors.

On the 12th of January, 1864, the First National Bank was organized, and a few years later the Monroe Bank was merged into it. The first ofiicers of the National Bank were: John A. Bingham, president; B. Chenoweth, cashier; directors: G. W. Huffman, Joseph Perrine, John A. Bingham, B. Chenoweth and M. Marty. In June, 1865, Asa Richardson became president and J. B. Galusha, cashier. The directors were: A. Richardson, A. Ludlow, William Brown, G. W. Huffman and Joseph Perrine. Mr. Galusha has since held the position of cashier. In January, 1875, A. Ludlow was elected president and has since retained that position. The present officers are: A. Ludlow, president; Joseph B. Treat, vice-president; J.

B. Galusha, cashier, and Henry Ludlow, assistant cashier. The present condition of the bank is shown by the facts that it has a capital stock paid up of $100,000; surplus fund, $45,000; undivided profits, $3,970; individual deposits subject to check, $110,583; certificates of deposit, $132,947.17; total, $437,501.04. The bank is well equipped with fire and burglar proof safes.

The Citizens Bank, located on the south side of the square, was organized March 19, 1883, and opened on the 1st of April, 1883. The following were the first and are the present officers: Directors, J. Bolender, president; H.

C. Witmer, vice-president; Samuel Lewis, cashier, H. Durst and G. T. Hodges. The bank is a reliable and permanent institution, and does a large business.

This city has six establishments devoted to this branch of business. The first building erected for hotel purposes was the second frame house built in the place, and located in Mexico, near the present site of the railroad bridge. It was built in 1836, and being 26x86 feet, the main part two stories, was considered at that time a fine establishment, and "Our Hotel" was a source of pride to the embryo town, and frequent allusion was made to it, as a substantial improvement, sufficient to meet the wants of the people for a long time to come. In this building was held the first terra of circuit court, and it was used for A'arious purposes many years. This building now constitutes a part of the "Monroe Planing Mill." Boarding houses and small hotels were improvised and variously constructed from time to time, and after a brief existence were merged into other improvements, but during early days the "hotel par excellence" was the one mentioned. It was built by Joseph Payne, Smith and Binninger.

Another hotel of an early day was called the "Monroe House," and was built in 1843 by John Walling, but before entirely finishing it, he sold out to Joseph Payne. In the spring of 1845 it was transferred to Joseph Kelley, who built an addition and improved its appearance generally. In connection he erected a feed stable, and continued in the hotel business there for eleven years, when the property was sold to Willard Payne, and afterward gave way to more pretentious buildings, and was moved back from the north side of the square. It is now occupied partly as a dwelling house and partly as a store house.

Another was the American House, which was originally an old store building, reconstructed and opened by Edward Reynolds some time about 1845. It passed through various hands, and seemed at times to have a sort of precarious existence, having suffered much by fire and disaster. There was a livery stable in connection.

run by J. Campbell. The whole property is excellently located on the southwest corner of the public square, but the building is not in good condition. It was bought in 1862 by Joshua Trickle, who utilizes a portion of it for a saloon and billiard hall. The stable portion is used for a tin shop by Charles French, and the cellar for a pop factory by Louis Stoll.

Another hotel was known by the name of Spring Hotel, and was owned by Rudolph Greenwald, and was located near the present site of the Green County House.

The Green County House is a two story hiproofed building, containing twenty-nine rooms, and was erected in 1866 by Rudolph Greenwald, who was himself the proprietor for a number of years, when he sold out to Emanuel Weisrailler, who continued as landlord a number of years, when the property again changed hands and came into the possession of John Eisley, who ran the same a short time, and traded it to Mr. Freidley. Meanwhile the property had been encumbered, and soon after the latter transfer, fell into the hands of A. Ludlow, who leased it to Jacob and William Osborne, who together managed the affairs of the house for a season, or until Jacob took entire charge. At the expiration of their lease Mr. Ludlow made an arrangement with his brother, Calvin, who immediately assumed the duties of landlord, and continued in the business six years, or until 1882. On the 1st day of March, of that year, Fred Thomm became the owner, and is now the proprietor. The property is valued at $10,000. In connection with the house there is a feed stable, 32x100 feet, where fifty-four horses can be accommodated.

Fred Thomm, proprietor of the Green County House, was born in Switzerland, Dec. 25, 1843. When eight years old he came to America and located in the town of Washington, this county, on a farm, where he remained until 1864, when he went to St. Louis; thence to Illinois, and worked on the river, floating logs on rafts. He then, after a short time, returned to St. Louis and woi-ked in a butcher shop, and subsequently followed the same business in Milwaukee and Monroe. In February, 1868, he went to California, where he engaged in all kinds of work. He also visited Oregon and Washington Territory. In the fall of 18V1 he came to Monroe, and again engaged in the butcher business. In 1882 he bought the Green County House. April 15, 1871, he was married to Maldda Kafer, by whom he has three children - Mary, Freddie and Frankie. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W.

The Monroe House was built by Casper Oswald in 1865, and is located on Jackson street, near the public square. It is a two story frarne building, containing twenty-one rooms. Mr. Oswald ran the house for a time, and then rented it to Casper Baker, his brother in-law. At the expiration of Baker's lease, or before, the property was sold to Peter Zweifel, at a cost of about $4,000. With his brother he managed the house about four years, when it was rented to FredThomm and John Blum for one year, the rental agreed upon being $600, After that Mrs. Zweifel ran it until May, 1883, when Wittwer & Isely, the present proprietors, bought the property for $7,500, and manage the business themselves. They also have a feed stable for the accommodation of patrons, which will hold twenty-seven horses.

The City Hotel is on the corner of Racine and Jackson streets. A part of the building was erected in 1854, and used many years for a furniture shop. It was built and the business carried on by Antoine Miller, who, in 1879, concluded to keep hotel, and after making some improvements and additions, opened it to the public. It is a two story building, containing thirty rooms, and has in connection one of the largest stables in the city. This property is valued at $9,000.

business for a time and was succeeded by E. Reynolds. Robert Witter came next, and was succeeded by Mr. Lambert, followed in turn by E. Hill, E. Mosher and Ruegger & Schuetze. On the 7th of March, 1865, Louis Schuetze purchased the property and is still proprietor and landlord. He is the oldest hotel keeper in the city. The hotel building proper is 88x100 feet in size, two stories and a basement in height, and contains sixteen comfortable sleeping rooms Mr. Schuetze has two other buildings which he runs in connection with the house, making an addition of seventeen rooms. There are four stables in connection, furnishing a capacity for 100 horses.

Louis Schuetze, proj)rietor of the United States Hotel, at Monroe, was born in Prenzlan, Pi-ussia, Jan. 9, 1842. In 1855 he emigrated to America with his parents who located at Stevens Point, Wis,, and there he resided until Aug. 7, 1861, when he enlisted in the 9th Wisconsin Infantry, as private. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of 2d lieutenant. He participated in many engagements, and was aid-de-camp upon Gen. Steele's staff on the Red River expedition. In July, 1863, he was promoted to the rank of 1st lieutenant. In November of the same year he went to Little Rock, Ark. He was mustered out of service by reason of expiration of his term of enlistment, at Milwaukee, Dec, 7, 1864. Then he came to Mouroe and engaged in keeping hotel, which business he has since followed. He was married in Monroe, to Anna Spahr, Dec. 7, 1865, who died ten weeks after. He was again married to Caroline Miller, Oct. 26, 1867. By this union there are six children - George H., Albert J., William H., Louis G., Frederick W, and Alma, Mr, Schuetze is a member of the I. O. O. F., the G. A, R. and of the Turner society. Of the latter he has been an active and useful member. He has been in the hotel business nineteen years.

Noah Phelps, who occupied it as a residence. Some additions were subsequently made to the building, and it was then converted into a watercure establishment. In due course of time the property came into possession of Mr. Glessner, who enlarged the house and opened it as a hotel under the name of the Glessner House. It was run by Mr. Glessner for some years, and then sold to Oscar Warfield, who changed its name to that of the Warfield House. In the summer of 1883 it passed into the hands of its present proprietor, Benjamin Sutherland, who changed its name to the Sutherland House. It has a good run of patrons.

The Monroe Manufacturing Company was established in 1865, by J. B. Treat, Thomas Patterson, H. W. Whitney, L. T. Pullin and Edward Billings. H. W. Whitney was elected president and secretary, and Thomas Patterson general superintendent. They purchased land and buildings in the vicinity of Jefferson and Racine 'streets, and opened up a foundry and machine shop. They manufactured agricultural implements and wagons, and did general repairing. In 1873, they were burned out. A short time afterward a stock company was formed, with $40,000 capital. H. W. Whitney was elected president, and J. B. Treat, treasurer. Commodious buildings were erected, and furnished with the most improved patterns of modern machinery. Wagons, and all kinds of agricultural implements are manufactured. The present officers are as follows : J. B. Treat, president ; H. W. Wliitney, secretary; John Boland, treasurer, and Thomas Wirrich, general superintendent.

The first saw mill in this place was built in 1849 by Bingham & Hulburt. Before completion, however, Mr. Bingham sold out his interest to F. II. West, now of Milwaukee. The mill was then finished and operated for two years, when Hulburt sold out to West. Then Oscar Pinney purchased a one half interest, and the firm became West & Pinney. Pinney was captain inthe 5th Wisconsin Battery, Light Artillery, and was fatally wounded at the battle of Stone River, The mill was next owned by J. V. Roberts, who sold it to Jarvis Rattan, now of California, who laid out Rattan's addition to New Mexico, and will be remembered in connection with the early history of the place. He in turn sold to a Mr. Williams, who run the mill successfully, and engaged in buying black walnut logs and converting them into valuable lumber, for which he received a good price, the venture proving remunerative. Mr. Williams is now farming in California. The property was next purchased by J. T. Dodge, a railroad engineer, but finding his former business better than cutting logs, the mill was abandoned, and has not been in operation since 1880. The premises are now rented by the Planing Mill Company for a log yard.

Near the old saw mill, stands a mill of more recent date and greater capacity. It was built by Churchill, Dodge & Co., in 1874, and has been in operation continually since. J. T. Dodge originally owned a one half interest, but sold out to his brother, A. C. Dodge and Mr. Warrick, since which time it has been operated by Churchill, Warrick & Dodge. They cut annually about three quarters of a million feet of lumber, nearly all of which is used for the manufacture of cheese boxes, and in the manufacture of wagons. The latter class of lumber they sell to dealers, and the former is entirely used by themselves. In connection with this mill they have a factory, known as the Monroe Planing Mill Company Works, which is an industry of considerable importance. It was built in 1858 by N. Churchill, and by him operated until 1866. He then sold a one quarter interest to George Churchill and three quarters to J. T. Dodge. lie soon afterward bought back from Dodge a one quarter interest, which he still liolds. Tliis factory contains a full set of ma- cliinery for planing, making doors, sash, blinds, etc. A set of turning lathes with all needed improvements for a first-class shop, and furnishes employment for about fifteen men, doing a business of about $2,700 annually.

Another mill in the city is known as "Hulburt Saw Mill," which was moved here from Richland Timber in 1872, having previously been set up at Juda. It has always been owned and operated by C. D. Hulburt. It is running only about three months each year. Mr. Hulburt buys logs, and also does custom work. It is equipped with a good engine and a four and one half foot circular saw, and has a capacity of about 5,000 feet per day. Oak and black walnut are the principal logs cut, the former for wagon makers supplies, etc., and the latter for furniture, mainly chairs.

Grist Mill

In 1850 the people of Monroe and vicinity were extremely anxious to have in their midst a flouring mill, and to this end a public meeting was called for consultation, and to devise means for securing the same. Considerable enthusiasm was manifested, and a committee appointed to see what could be done, and $2,000 was raised by subscription for a bonus to any responsible party who would build a good mill. The work was undertaken at once by Isaac R. Moulton and Charles Fish, dry goods merchants, who erected the mill according to contract. It was .35x70 feet, including engine room on the ground, the main part being four stories high, having two run of buhrs, and costing them about $1 2,000, including machinery. About the time of completion they failed in business, having operated the mill but a short time. They sold out, and it was owned by various parties, among whom were Walworth, Moulton and Sutherland. When owned by O. I). Moulton, it was closed out under a mortgage, and again fell into the hands of Walworth, who sold it to (Miun-liil! tfc Bingham. These latter parties went to work with a will, and a determination to make it a aacccsS) and to commence '^cith expended over $10,000 in additions and improvements, adding machinery and increasing its capacity to 750 barrels per week. In 1861 Churchill sold his interest to his partner, Bingham, who continued to operate it, and ran it until the time of his death, in 18G6. After that time it was rented and managed by different parties until about 1875, when it was closed, and has not been in operation since. It belongs to the Bingham estate, and is now considered dead property.

The first postoflice in this vicinity was established in 1838, under the name of "New Mexico." It was kept on the site of that village, now included in the southern part of the city, by A. J. Haughton. A few years later the office was merged into the Monroe postoflice and removed to the site of Monroe. Succeeding Mr. Haughton as postmaster, in turn, came Judge Andrick, Jacob Ly Brand, Demas Beach Charles Hart, John Walworth, C. S. Foster Alfred Goddard, Edmund Bartlett, D. W. Ball Z. H. Howe, Mrs. Howe, D. W. Ball, H. Med berry, D. W. Ball and John S. Ball. The lat ter is present postmaster, and makes one of the most accommodating and eflScient oflScers in the State. Tiie oflice is well equipped and furnished. It is located on the southeast corner of the court house square.

John S. Hall, the present postmaster of Monroe, was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, July 25, 1844, and came with his parents to Green county in 1849. He was educated in the common schools and at Point Bluff Academy, and also took a course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College. In September, 1866, he was married to Ellen M. Bloom, a daughter of J. S. Bloom, of Monroe. They have been blessed with three children - William H., Edith K. and Carrie M. Mr. Ball is a member of the Methodist Ciiurch, where the family worship. He is a strong supporter of the temperance cause.

Monrok Firb Depautment

a fire department in Monroe is found in the records of the village council, under the date of April 14, 1858. At this time the village board passed a resolution authorizing the organization of the German Hook and Ladder Company, to be composed of John Linder, Conrad Ott, J. A. Gleissner, Henry Schneider, Joseph Felber and thirty others.

In 1859 a fire company was organized, which continued in existence some years. In 1861 the secretary of the company ordered an engine from L. Button & Son. The engine came, but the fire company could not pay, and the village would not pay for it, so in 1865 it was returned to the manufacturers. It was used two or three times while here. The early records of the company - if any were kept - cannot now be found. From the records in the hands of the city clerk, it is learned that the following named have served as chief engineer: W. W. Wright, N. Churchill, E. Ruegger and J. S. Harper. The following, at an early day, served as fire wardens: Anton Miller, Abraham Kobb, S. W. Abbott and W. W. Wright.

The first organization was not permanent and for a number of years Monroe was without a very efficient fire organization, but on the 23d of February, 1870, the organization was effected of the present Monroe fire department, and it has since continued in existence, growing in efficiency.

The records in the hands of the secretary of the lire department, so far as relates to the meetings, date from 1873. The rtigular meeting of that year was held on the 4th of September, at which time the following officers were elected: Chief engineer, Norman Chui-chill; treasurer, Anton Miller; secretary, Fred Wettengel; trustees, C. E. Adams, A. Buliler and C. D. Corson.

At the annual meeting of the department, held on Aug. 5, 1874, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Chief engineer) Norman ('hurohill; treasurer, Anton

The next annual meeting was held on the 15th of September, 1875, when officers for the ensuing year were elected, as follows: Chief engineer,N. Churchill; treasurer, Anton Miller; secretary, W. S. Bloom; trustees, Edward Ruegger, C. E. Adams and C. D. Corson. At this meeting the following resolution was passed, and the trustees were appointed a committee to present it to the village board, at its next session:

In view of the fact that your fire department has maintained its organization under discouraging circumstances, for the past six years, performing, in the meantime, a vast amount of hard service, for which they have received nothing,as compensation ;therefore,in justice to ourselves and for the welfare of our departmentjWe ask that the sum of thirty cents per hour, be paid each member of the fire department for actual service rendered in the extinguishment of fires; each member so paid to be required to furnish a certificate of actual service, signed by the chief engineer and secretary."

At about this time, the State law relating to the city council electing the chief of fire departments went into effect. The custom has since been, for the department to recommend the person whom they desired for chief, and have the city council confirm it. At a special meeting, held June 6, 1877, it was voted that Edward Ruegger be recommended to the council for the position of chief.

At the annual meeting held on the 11th of September, 1878, the following officers were elected: Chief engineer, Edward Ruegger; treasurer, Anton Miller; secretary, W. S. Bloom; trustees, George Churchill, one year; Charles D. Corson, two years; Fred Wettergel.

In October, 1879, the following officers were chosen: Chief engineer, J. S. Harper; secretary, R. Kohli; treasurer, Charles Corson; trustee, N. Churchill.

At the annual meeting, held on the 21st of October, 1881, the following officers were chosen: Chief engineer, J. 8. Harper; secretary, J. H. Foster; treasurer, C. D. Corson; trustee, F, Wettengel.

At a meeting held in July, 1883, it was voted to change the time of holding the annual meeting, to the second Wednesday in May, each year. It was further provided that the officers hold over until May, 1884.

In June, 1883, a set of uniforms were purchased by the department at a cost of about $5 each. The uniform consists of a belt cap, and shirt.

The statutes of Wisconsin provide that all insurance agents in the State who insure prop, erty in any incorporated village or city, shall pay to the fire department two per cent, of all the premiums received for the insurance of property. Article viii of the constitution of the Monroe fire department provides that "the funds accorded to the department under the statute * * shall be held as a relief fynd, and shall not be paid out for any purpose except for relief of members of the department." It is further provided, that "no member shall be entitled to draw relief from the funds of the department except for injuries received while in actual service as a fireman, and under the direction of the department. That the amount of relief furnished to any member for injuries received, shall be determined by a two-thirds vote of all tlie members present - the amount not to exceed $10 per week to any member.'' In case of death resulting from injuries received by any member, it is provided that their families shall be cared for in like manner, and $30 be paid to defray funeral expenses. This fund has continued to accummulate, as the department has only paid $100 for relief, and there is not a salaried officer in the department. In September, 1882, the time of the last report, the fund amounted to $1,361. "71.

The first engine used for the extinguishment of fire here was a Button hand engine, purchased by the village in 1870. On the 19th of February, 1883, the present steam fire engine was purchased from the La France Steam. Fire Engine Company, of Elmira, N. Y., at a cost of $3,000. A hose cart was purchased at the same time for about $125. The department now has 1,500 of hose which cost nearly $1 per foot. The water supply in the city is not very good. The reservoir on Spring square, and a cistern at the court house, are the principal places of resort in times of fire.

The engine house is located on Spring square. It was put up a number of years ago by the village. All the meetings of the department and companies are held here. In March, 1884, the contract for building a new engine house was let to Wash. Hill, of Monroe. It is to be about 60x35 feet in size, two stories high, to cost in the neighborhood of $3,000 and to be located near the site of the present engine house.

Engine Company, No. 1

This company has about sixty members. The officers of the company serving the year preceding May, 1884, were as follows: N. B. Treat, foi'eman; John Connery, first assistant foreman; .1. H. Foster, second assistant foreman; A. F. Lichtenwalder, secretary; F. P. Treat, treasurer; Warren Babbitt, Stewart. This company holds its meetings on the secojid Thursday in each month. The following is a list of the members of (his company as it stood in March, 1884: Norman Churchill, Charles Churchill, Robert Miller^ Charles Robertson, C. D. Carson, A. M.

Hook And Ladder Company, No. 1

This company has thirty-three members. It holds its regular meetings the first Friday in each month. The officers of the company in 1883-4 were as follows: Fred Berge, foreman; Daniel German, assistant foreman; A. Schmidt, secretary; Jacob Hefty, treasurer; Jacob Geiger, janitor; R. Fuellemann, ladder section foreman; Peter Yost, hook section foreman. This company in March, 1884, was composed of the following members: Edward Ruegger, Louis Schuetze, Samuel Schuler, Sr., G. Leuenberger, Jacob Schuler, Jacob Hefty, A. Weimann, Daniel German, Gottlieb German, John Weissmiller, Jacob Dick, Charles Frei, R. Fuellemann, Adam Schmidt, Fred Berge, M. Klasey, Rudolf Burry, Henry Dick, John Steinraan, Jacob Tschudy, William Selzer, Henry Angelberger, B. Buerke, Jacob Geiger, George Weimann, Samuel Schuler, Jr., John G. Hofer, William Ilirsig, G. Schild, D. Norder, Richard Maurer, Peter Yost and Jacob lorde.

Record Of Fires

In this connection is presented a brief record of the fires that have occurred in the city since the organization of the present Monroe Fire

Department. The dry details, as far as possible, are omitted, and the estimates of loss and insurance have been verified by the records of the department and memory of those who were interested in many of the fires or suffered loss.

The first fire after the organization of the department, was that of Jacob Steinman's barn which occurred on the l7ih of May, 1870. The department turned out in full force, but upon the arrival of the engine there was no water to be had. So the only thing the foreman could do was to work with the hooks and ladders and buckets, to keep the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings. The loss on the barn was 8150; no insurance.

On the 19th of January, 1871, the Center school house burned. The department turned out, but no water could be got in the neighborhood and the building burned to the ground. Loss $7,000; no insurance.

On the 18th of October, 1871, an alarm of fire was given at about 2 o'clock in the morning. The building known as Treat & Durst's block was all ablaze; but owing to the dryness of the material of the buildings the de|)artmeiit could do nothing to stop liie fire. So they devoted their attention to the surrounding buildings and confined the fire within those limits. The firemen worked four hours. Loss $22,000; insurance, 15,000.

Sept. 15, 1871, A. J. High's dwelling house burned. The department turned out and located the engine at the court house cistern. After putting out all their hose they could not reach the burning building. Loss $1,500; insurance, 61,200.

On the 18th of November, 1871, the dwelling house of Joseph Cross, in the southern portion of the town, burned. The department turned out, but owing to the great distance and the muddy roads, the firemen got there too late to do any good; besides the fact that there was no water to be had. Loss $500; insurance, $400.

Feb. 10, 1872, an alarm was sounded at about 2 o'clock, A. M., the American House, owned by Robert B. Allensworth, being on fire. The department turned out in full force, and the engine was set so as to dra^w from two different cisterns. The firemen worked steadily for four hours, when the fire was put out and the house partially saved. Loss $3,000; insurance, $6,000.

Oi) the 25th of the same month, Ihe dwelling house owned V)y Mrs. M. Buhler, and occupied by Warren Biibbitt, was discovered to be on fire and the alarm was given at about 1 o'clock, A. M. The department turned out, but upon their arrival at the fire no water could be found at which to set the engine. The fire caught the house of Fred Scliriener, which was within four feet of Mrs. Buliler's, and both houses were burned to the ground. Loss about $1,500; insurance, $iOO.

On the 13th of April, 1872, the dwelling house owned and occupied by Samuel Copeland near the fair grounds, caught fire, and the alarm was given at about 9 o'clock, a. m. The department arrived in time to save the building, the roof'and upper story being partially destroyed. Loss $200; insurance, $500.

On the same day another fire alarm sounded, the county barn at the jail being on fire. The fire was put out, however, before the engine arrived.

On the 6th of June, 1872, the dwelling house of A. Krebley caugbt fire, but before it got any headway the engine arrived and it was put out. Loss $50; no insurance.

On the 22d of June, 1872, the buildings of the Monroe Manufacturing Company took fire, and the alarm was given at about 6:30 o'clock, p. m. The department turned out in full force, but owing t.o a scarcity of water they could not work to good advantage. They saved the greater portion of the valuable machinery and kept the fire within limits. It was at one time feared that the fire would reach the south side of the square. Several members of the department were severely hurt by falling timbers. Loss $35,000; insurance, $10,000.

At 1 o'clock, a. m., July 7, 1872, the house of I. C. Solomon took fire and the alarm was sounded. The department turned out and arrived in time to save the house from total destruction. Loss $400; insurance, $800.

On the 5th of October, 1873, the empty dwelling house owned by William Gorham, took fire, and the alarm was given at about 2 o'clock a. m. The department turned out, but upon their arrival no water could be found for the engine ; so they worked with buckets to keep the fire from spreading to other buildings. Loss $600; in surance, $500.

On the 15th of February, 1873, the old Monroe House, owned by Harris Poole took fire, and the alarm was given. The department turned out and extinguished the fire before any damage was done.

On the 6th of March, 1873, the furniture factory of Anton Miller took fire, and the alarm was given. The fireman turned out in full force and worked hard, succeeding in putting out the fire before the entire property was destroyed. Loss $2,000; no insurance.

On June 7, 1873, an alarm was sounded at 2:30 o'clock a. m., the house of David Ressigen being on fire. The department turned out, but were unable to render any assistance on account of the distance and lack of water. The house burned to the ground. Loss, $1,000; insurance, $1,200.

Sept. 10, 1873, the dwelling house of Mrs. Burtis took fire, and the department turned out before any serious damage was done. Loss, $150; insured.

discovered that it was a house owned by Robert B. Allensworth, and as they saw they could not reach it in time, and no water was to be had, they turned back. Loss, $1,000 ; insurance, 11,500.

Aug. 7, 1874, the barn of J. B. Dunlap caught fire at about 4 o'clock a. m. The department turned out; but when they arrived the barn was all in flames, and no water could be got at; so they worked with hooks and buckets, and kept adjoining buildings from taking fire. A span of ponies burned with the barn. Loss, $800; no insurance.

On the 27th of December, 1875, an alarm of fire was sounded at 12:30 o'clock a. m. The brewery of Jacob Hefty was on fire. The weather being very cold, the members could not get more than one stream upon the fire. They work for seven hours, steadily, and finally succeeded in putting it out. Loss, $12,000; insurance, $5,000.

An alarm of fire was given at 9 o'clock a. m., March 2, 1876, and the Commercial House barn was discovered to be on fire. The department turned out and worked hard. There was great danger that the hotel and other buildings would be burned, but the members succeeded in keeping it confined to the barn. A few days before the department was called out for the same barn, but the fire was put out before they arrived.

June 6, 1877, the house of .Fames Fitzgibbons, near the depot, caught fire. The department turned out and extinguished the fire after a damage of $250 had been done.

June 29, 1877, an alarm of fire was sounded, it being the mill of Rood & Co. It was totally destroyed. The department turned out, but there being no water near by, they did what they could to save lumber and other buildings in the vicinity. Loss $5,000 ; no insurance.

On the 22dof May, 1879, fire was discovered at 1 1 o'clock p. M., in the Empire block at the southwest corner of the square. The department was soon at work, but did not succeed in stopping the fire until seven buildings were destroyed.

May 20, 1881, an alarm of fire was given, and the department turned out and extinguished a fire upon a building owned by Peter Wells, on Farmer's street. The building was partially burned.

An alarm was sounded on the 22d of November, 1881. This time it was a building owned by E. R. Copeland, near the northwest corner of the square. The department soon put out the fire. Loss $112.

Aug. 8, 1882, the department turned out in answer to an alarm, and put out a fire in the rear end of the basement of McKee's block, occupied by Mr. Klebl), with a saloon.

Revs. Harcourt and Ash. Meetings were held in an early day at the house of Elijah Austin and Enoch Evans, in the town of Clarno. Shorty after the school house was built on the present site of the city of Monroe, a class was formed there. In January, 1842, Jacob Ly Brand deeded to the trustees, a lot situated on Washington street, in consideration that they build a church there. The following named were the trustees at that time : Rev. Robert De Lap, Asa Brown, Elijah Austin, Enoch Evans and Joseph Wardle. The church was built. It was a plain frame structure, and the first church building erected in the city. In 1858 it was remodeled, and was used until 1869, when the present building was erected at a cost of $17,000. It is a handsome building of Milwaukee brick. The names of the differfiit pastors who have served here are as follows : Allen Dudgeon, Butler Drew, Wilson Williams, McGinley Swetland, Wirrich Sj^ringer, Tasker Burton, Crandall Aspenwall, Wilson Palmer, Kellogg Bushby, Evans Irish and Searles Deite, the present pastor.

United Brethren In Christ

Early in 1883 a series of meetings were held by Rev. D. R. Glover, assisted by George Little, an evangelist from Pennsylvania. Many were converted and a class organized of about fifty members, with Moses Witham, class leader; Elias Walters, Laura Eley and Mrs. Agnes Corson, stewards; Elias Walters, William Ault, E. Woodle, D. A. Duncan and Levi Duncan, trustees. The class was increased to some extent since its organization. They met for worship in the Congregational church. Rev. D. R. Glover is still pastor. A union Sabbath school is held with the Congregationalists.

The German Evangelical Reformed Church

The church building of this denomination was erected in 18G9. The building comn)ittee was Albert Albright and Peter Lichtenwalner; the treasurer, Robert Shaw. This church was organized by Rev. Donmeyer. The first preacher was Rev. John Bloom. The original members of the society were: E, Albright, Robert Shaw, Mary Shaw, Joseph LichtoTiwalner, Peter and Sarah Lichtenwalner, and Benjamin Neaz - five male and two female members. This little band erected the church. The building is 36x40 feet in size, and cost $2,200. Rev. Bloom was succeeded in turn by Rev. Hammon, who remained four years; then Rev. Reese, two years; Rev. Rupley, two years, and Rev. Grosscup, the present pastor. Services are held every Sunday. The society started under very discouraging circumstances, but by perseverance they have succeeded and are now in a flourishing condition. The Sabbath school was organized about thirty years ago.

German Catholic Church

The first members of this Church were Mr. Esser, Jacob Meyers and Andrew Wyraan. The church building was erected in 1859 or 1860, at a cost of $1,000. Father Obermiller was priest at the time the church was built. x\mong the prominent workers in this Church at that time were: .Toseph Gleissner, Andrew VVyman, George Reinhart, Stephen Sickinger, Frank Frey, George Sickinger, Joseph Shaver, Henry Wilbers and Jacob Kimpster. There are now about twenty families members of this Church. Rev. II. O'Brien was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1844. His parents were natives of Ireland and emigrated to America in 1841. When sixteen years old he was sent to St. Francis Seminary, near Milwaukee, where he remained eight years. In 1868 he Was ordained and sent to Watertown, Wis., where he remained a short time and went to Elba, thence to a station near Milwaukee. In the fall of 1883 he came to Monroe, where he has since resided. Father O'Brien is a man of more than ordinaiy ability, and of fine address.

The first mission from which the jiresent Church grew, was established late in the decade between 1830 and 1S40. Father J. Colton, who was tlifu stationed at Shullsburg, came through this ooanty for a number of yearB> holding services. In 1860 a church building was erected and the organization was made permanent. Father R. F. Sullivan was stationed here at the time, and remained six years. He was succeeded by William O'Conuell, who remained one year; then in succession came Thomas Murphy one year; J. Casey three years; Michael Wenker, one year; E. M. McGinnity, until 1880; Rev. Wrynn, until September, 1883, and Father H. O. Brunn, the present pastor. Father Baunn also has charge of the mission in the town of Adams. Among the first and prominent workers in this Church were the following, with their families, some were living in Adams and others in Monroe: Patrick Sheehy, C. Dillon, John Gettings, Patrick Sheau, Roger Getting, Michael Crotty, Martin Mullen, John Michaels, Peter O'Donnell, Daniel Flynn, Edward Burry, Morgan and Moses O'- Brien, John Murphy, Patrick Murphy, John McMiinus, Thomas Coyan, Patrick Masterson, Thomas Maley, Patrick Maley, John and Richard McGraw, Michael McCogg, T. Riley, Walter Dunlavey and James Riley. The church building, as stated, was erected in 1860. It is 40x50 feet in size and cost $3,000. In ISVO the building was enlarged to 40x90 feet. A neat parsonage has been erected at a cost of $1,800. The church is in a good condition, the membership numbering 120 families. In the town of Adams, there are seventy-five families. The present oflicers are: William Hogan, R. Gettings, Michael Heme, Patrick Shean, John Gibbons and William McCurry. There is a Sunday school in connection, which is in a flourishing condition.

Evangelical, Or German Methodist

The first meetings of the Evangelical Association were held in 1859, at the old school house, by Rev. Jacob Sill, then stationed at New Glarus. The Church was organized in 1860, by Rev. Andi'L-as Tarnutzer, with seven members, as follows: John J. Ruegger and wife, John Staller and wife, Catharine Shindler, Mary Glohr and Henry Becker. The pastors have been as follows: Revs. Andreas Tarnutzer, who was stationed at New Glarus; Tenohard Von Wald, resident pastor, remained two years; J. G. Esslinger, two years; W. F. Schnider, one year; C. F. Finger, two years; William Hudster, two years; J. M. Hammeter, two years; Leonard Buchler, three years; J. C. Brendel, two years; Henry Uphoff, three years; Peter Held, two years; C. Grum and A. Lahr, the present pastor, who has been here two years. The first trustees were J. J. Reugger,Ulrich Losli and J. Bowman. The first church building was erected in 1859, by John Staller and Henry Schindler, at a cost of $200, and was known as the "Staller church.'' In 1863 a new church building was erected, 32x48 feet in size, at a cost of $1,400, which is still used. The old church was moved back and used as a parsonage. At present the church is in a good condition, numbering about ninety members. There is a Sabbath school in connection, which has about seventy members. The present trustees of the church are: Herman G. Gloege, Henry Babler and Frederick Cramer. The Sunday school has a library containing 250 volumes. The oflicers are as follows: Herman Gloege, superintendent; Frederick Kramer, assistant; Henry Babler, secretary; Jacob Frantschy, treasurer; ' William Bauman, librarian. There are fifteen teachers.

First Congregational Church

Rev. Charles A. Boardman, late pastor of the Presbyterian Church, in Youngstown, Ohio, in connection with the Presbytery of Trumbull, having arrived at Monroe, Oct. 26, 1854, with the design of spending the remainder of his days under the care of his daughter, Mrs. Orinda S. McEwen, began to preach in Monroe, on Sabbath, Oct. 29, 1854. A remnant of a Presbyterian Church, with two resident elders and a few members - -the whole in a state of disintegration - was found in Monroe; but there was no church edifice belonging to either the Presbyterian or Congregational denomination in the town. A church building occupied by the Christians and one belonging to the Methodists, were the only houses for public worship then in tlie village. By the labors of Deacon Robert Love, who resided here but a few months, the seminary building was obtained as a place for worship, and a small audience regularly assembled on the Sabbath. It was soon decided by a majority of the members that Congregationalism was preferred. Mr. Boardman continued to preach, and after a few weeks the formation of a Congregational Church began to be talked of. and at length, on Sabbath, Dec. 17, 1854, a notice was published from the pulpit, calling a meeting on the following Thursday, of all those interested in the formation of a Congregational Society. This agitation culminated on the 28th of December, 1854, in the organization of a society and the adoption of a constitution. The first members were as follows: Robert Love, Martha M. Love, Benjamin I. and Abigail Tenny, Charles C. and Elizabeth Righter, John H. and Mary Bloom, Thomas Dumars, Ared White, Mrs. Sarah B. Morse, Mrs. Orinda Mc- Ewen, Homer Boardman, George W. Tenny and Thomas M. Dunbar. On March 3, 1855, Benjamin I. Tenny and Robert Love were elected deacons. Rev. Boardman supplied the pulpit until July, 1858, when he was succeeded by Rev. D. H. Blake, of the Union Theological Seminary, New York. On the 19th of December, 1858, Rev. S. E. Miner, became pastor. Since that 1,ime, the following named have filled the pulpit /or the society: Revs. E. Morris, J. B. Fairbanks, George B. Rowley, of Camden, N. Y.; H. A. Miner, of Menasha, Norman McLeod, A. J. Bailey and T. A. Gardner. Services were held in the seminary building, then in the court house, until the erection of their church edifice, in 1860. Death and removals have reduced the membership greatly.

Tjniversalist Church

In 1859 Rev. Jehabad Codding, a Universalist preacher came to Monroe and delivered a course of lectures in the court house. Mr. Codding is well remembered as being one of the most noted abolitionists in the county, and one who trained with such men as Garrison, Sumner, Phillips and Lovejoy. Sumner pronounced him to be one of the most brilliant orators in the United States. It was through his influence that the Universalists of Monroe were brought together. In 1860 a society was organized at the Christian church by Rev. Z. H. Howe. Among the early members were: J. B , N. B. and E. T. Treat, Norman Churchill and wife, Hiram Rust, C. S. Foster and wife, A. Ludlow and wife, J. A. Bingham, Asa and J. V. Richardson, and Peter and Jerry Chandler. Early in 1860 a stock company was formed to build a church, and ground was broken in March of that year. They were unable to pay, and before the building was finished it was sold on a mechanic's lien, but was bought in for the stockholders. A subscription was stai'ted, of which H. W. Whitney was the prime mover. The people subscribed liberally, and the debt was soon cleared up, and to-day, though small in numbers, the organization is strong financially. The building cost about $12,500, including a beautiful pipe organ of seventeen stops. The first services held in this house was the funeral of Oscar F. Pinney, captain of the 5th battery, Wisconsin Light Artillery, killed at the battle of Stone River in 1863. The first minister was Rev. L. Conger, who remained three years. He was succeeded by Rev. Butler, who remained between four and five years. Then came a Unitarian minister - Rev. Powell, who preached here two years. He was succeeded by Rev. Fisher, another Unitarian minister, who remained with them three years. At this time the building was in need of repairs, and for two or three years no services were held. The next to occupy the pulpit was Rev. L W. Brig, liam, who closed his engagement in April, 1884. The first trustees of this Church were H. W, ^V]litney, A. Ludlow and Norman Churchill. Before the completion of the building J. T. Dodge, C. S. Foster and L. Wolcott were also appointed trustees. The present trustees are Henry Ludlow, J. B. Treat and Norman Chur- chill. The lot on which the church stands was donated by Jacob LyBrand, one of the founders of the city of Moni'oe. This was the last piece of land Mr. LyBrand owned in the State of Wisconsin. The chiu'ch is built of brick and stone, in Romanesque style, low tower and circular openings. It was dedicated June 24, 1863. Rev. D. P. Livermore, of Chicago, preached the dedicatory sermon. The congregation at the present time is made up of about equal numbers of Universalists and Unitarians.

Seventh Dat Adventists

The first meeting of this denomination, in Monroe, was held in the court house in 1860, with William S. Ingraham as pastor. The class was organized in October, 1861, with twentyfive members. The first officers were as follows: George Adair, elder; Matthew Hackworth, deacon; and J. H. Franenfelder, clerk. They held services in the court house until 1864, when they purchased a church building of the New Lights or Christians. It was located on Washington street, one block west of the court house square. In 1869 they sold that building and erected a new one on Clinton street, south of the railroad. They now have forty-five members. The present officers are as follows: E. R. Gillett, elder; William Kerr, first deacon; A. C. Atwood, second deacon; and M. S. Gillett, clerk. The pastors who have succeeded each other in charge of this congregation are: William S. Ingraham, Isaac Sanborn, G. C. Tenny and William Sharp. The Sabbath school was organized in 1864 with M. Hackworth as superintendent. A. T. Atwood is the present superintendent.

Episcopal Church

Shortly after the war, three missionaries of the Episcopal faith, from Milwaukee, came to Monroe and held services in the court house. While the people of that denomination were of good cheer, a minister. Rev. Wright, came here from Janesville and organized a class at Temperance Hall. Among the first members were: John J. Cook and wife, Henry George and wife, Dr. Johnson and wife, and George King and wife. Services were held in Temperance Hall for about a year, when a frame church was erected. Many pastors have held forth, in this Church, but at the present time the pulpit is empty.

Christian Or Disciples Op Christ

The first Church of this denomination was organized in about 1848. Among the first members were: James L. Powell and family, George Eley, William Hodges and wife, James and John Ely, and Mr. Parks. The first preacher was Rev. Elijah Gleason, who held the first services at the house of William Hodges. The Church flourished and continued in existence until the breaking out of the war, when many of the families moved away, and the Church was broken up and the organization finally abandoned. In 1871 the members of this denomination again began meeting for worship. On the SOth of November, Rev. Charles W. Sherwood began preaching in the Universal ist house of worship. He continued to hold services irregularly until a Church was organized on the 2d of February, 1872. The charter members were as follows: William Monroe, George Eley, Emily J. Nance, Michael, Felix, Catharine H. and Elizabeth Bennett. The society rented the Baptist church at $1.50 per night and held services there, as the Church record says, "until the Baptists permitted the house to be locked against us, without notice; until our congregation met at the house on the evening of June 24, 1872, and found the house locked." After this services were held in the various churches until 1873 when a church was erected. The building committee was composed of John H. Bridge, William Hodges and William Monroe, and these gentlemen all contributed very liberally toward the erection of the edifice. The building was so nearly completed Sept. 7, 1873, that services were then held in it by Rev. C. W. Sherwood, aided by Rev. R. D. Cotton. The first officers elected were: Secretary,

Nathan A. Loofboiirow; trustees, John li. Bridge, Darius G. Nance and Natlian A. Loofbourow. Rev. C. W. Sherwood was succeeded as pastor in September, 1874, by Rev. D. R. Howe. The first full set of officers elected as shown by the records were as follows: Elders, John II. Jiridge and D. G. Nance; deacons, N. A. Loofbourow, Felix Bennett, Fletcher Buzick and J. B. Vandervoort; treasurer, Felix Bennett; secretary and clerk, J. T. McKibben. The pastors who have had charge of this congregation are Elders D, R. Howe, G. L. Brokaw and Norton. Elder Howe is the present pastor. The cost of the church was $2,600. They have a membership of 100. The present officers are: D. G. Manie, D. R. Howe and J. H.Armstrong, elders; L. U. Vanmatre, Felix Bennett and Grant Sutherland, deacons; and Joseph Mc- Kibben, clerk.

Civic Societies

A lodge of the Sons of Temperance was instituted on the 25th of April, 1848. The charter members were J. V. Richardson, Alfred Goddard, C. S. Fosier, John Walworth, S. P. Condee, Dr. J. C. Crawford, Charles Weaver, A. Ludlow, Fred. F. West, W. C Fillebrown, L. Hurlbut, William Tucker, Milton 11. Reed and F. Emmerson. The first officers were : J. C.Crawford, W. P.; F. F. West, W. A.; J. V. Richardson, R. S.; Charles S. Foster, A. R. S.; A. Ludlow. F. S.; Francis Emerson, 1.; Milton H. Reed, C; W. C. FiUebrow, A. C; S. P. Condee, O. S. S.; John Walworih, chaplain. The whole membership of this lodge during its existence was about 275. 'Ibis order was finally, in about 1858, merged into the Good Templars, and a few years later suspended.

O. F. Penney Post,No. 102,department of Wisconsin, G. A. R., was organized on the 20th of August, 1883, by chief mustering officer, L. O. Holmes, and comrades from W. H. Sargent Post, No. 20, E. Hoyt Post, No. 69, and W. W. Patton Post, No. 90. On motion of comrade S. C. Cheney, the following were selected as a committee to choose a name for the post : W. F. Boyd, Samuel Lewis and A. F. Glascott. The committee reported the name, O. F. Penney Post, No. 102, which was duly accepted. The first officers were as follows : S. C. Cheney, post commander ; S. E. Gardner, senior vice commander; W. J. Miller, junior vice commander ; J. C. Hall, surgeon ; Nelson Darling, officer of the day ; S. P. Shadel, chaplain; A. F. Glascott, quartermaster; C. IL Robinson, officer of the guard ; C. E. Tanberg, adjutant ; J. C. Baker, sergeant major, and M. P. Maine, quartermaster sergeant. The following comrades were mustered : F. W. Byrne, B. S. Kerr, Samuel Lewis, George O. Putzash, Joseph Wetzler and J. C. Smith.

Roster

The post meets on the second and fourth Thursdays in each month, and there are now seventy-two men on the roll call. The post has been in camp twice, at Racine in 1882, and at Janesville in 1883.

The Monroe Brass Band was organized in 1853 with the following members: M. S. Corson, Charles D. Corson, H T. Corson, W. H. Corson, A. V. Corson, Joseph Davies, D. T. Lindley and Jacob Davies. M. S. Corson was leader. The organization was kept together until 1859, when several of the members went to California. There were several others who took an active part in the band - C. A. Booth, George W. Tenny, George Churchill, Joseph Mabott, G. H. King, Jabez Stearns, Hank Rowley, John Zeigler, A.Clark and Daniel Cady. The band was composed of the best young men in the town, and they became quite good musicians. At that time there were but few bands in the State. The band in Monroe at the present time is called Monroe Cornet Band, and is one of the best in the State. They have magnificent uniforms and a splendid set of silver instruments.

Monroe Eifle Club

This club was organized on the 18th of October, 1869, with the following officers: Edward Ruegger, president; B. Tschudy, vice-president; Henry Hoebn, secretary; John Schuler, treasurer. There are at present twenty-two members in good standing. In July, 1882, the Monroe team took part in the tournament at Milwaukee, and carried away the first prize against fourteen other competing teams. In 1876 they were represented in Philadelphia. They have a park of six acres, about a mile and a half east of the city, and a target and shooting house. The club is out of debt, and owns property valued at $1,200. They use the Ballard breech loading guns.

The City Guards

Frank Voight, W. M. Witter and J. ZunBrunen, privates. Since the organization the company has recruited the following men : William Adams, Jesse Coffen, Frank Ely, George E, Faubel, James Faubel, Ernest Fisher, Edward Goddard, Harry Humphrey, D. W. Kun, Jacob Klasey, Jaraes Lockwood, Glaus Lizar, F. J. Mitcheltree, William Monroe, Glaus Shepley, William Sutherland, H. L. Twining, J. A. Woodle, E. C. Copeland, F. G. Collins, Edgar Ludlow, Frank Payne, J. E. Rand, Henry Skelly, Gus Steinman, Roy Booth, John Evans, John Knuland, William Ludlow, Edward Malay, Frank Stall, Edward Wood and Frank Surameryille. They have an arsenal 20x60 feet, with sixty stand of arms. The company is composed of the best of Monroe's young men, and is a company of which the city may well be proud.

The Royal Arcanum

This beneficent order was incorporated under the general laws of Massachusetts, Nov. 5, 1877. The Royal Arcanum is a beneficiary secret order. Several gentlemen, residents of Boston, felt that there was great need of a social order, not altogether unlike existing orders, but, while it should combine all their best points, it should also contain other and prominent features of a purely beneficiary character. It is well calculated to meet the growing demand for a larger death benefitthan any kindred organization existing. While it is intended to be the competitor of none, one of its aims is to labor with all in promoting the cause of benevolence, charity and fraternity. The lapse of time is sure to be followed by cold indifference, seeming unconcern, and to a certain degree, neglect; thus, it was felt, the societies already existing, boasting of ancient origin, even in Biblical times, had become largely negligent of duty, alarmingly indifferent to the just claims of their members, eminently unsocial, even in their closest relations. The charter members of the Royal Arcanum,who laid the foundation of the order,are gentlemen of broad culture and wide experience, representing every secret order in our land worthy of Christian membership; hence they had the broadest field possible, as limitless as the historical past, as expansive as the living present, from which to select the pillars, the essence and strength of their new order. How well they have accomplished their self-imposed task, we leave the candid reader to judge from the fruits of their labor.

The Objects Of The Order

1. To unite fraternally all white men of sound bodily health and good moral character, who are socially acceptable and between twentyone and fifty-five years of age.

5. To establish a Widows' and Orphans' Benefit Fund, from which, upon the satisfactory evidence of the death of a member of the order, w ho has complied with all its lawful i-equirements, a sum not exceeding |3,000 shall be paid to his family or those dependent upon him, as he may direct.

It will be seen upon a careful reading of the above enumerated objects of the order, that a perfect fraternal union, a cemented brotherhood, a united social order has been outlined. One feature is so vital, so characteristically unselfish, that it must claim the attention and receive the plaudits of men, thinking, sober men; the absolutely untrammeled benevolence to the living, suffering brother, the unselfish Christian charity bestowed upon the widow and orphans. The government of the order is under the control of a supreme council, grand council and the local subordinate councils, scattered, as other societies are, wherever they are organized. The supreme council is composed of members elected by State or grand councils. The grand councils, or State councils, are composed of members elected by the local councils; each member of the grand council must be a past regent of a subordinate council.

The order has but one degree, having properly received this, the brother is entitled to all the benefits and emoluments enumerated in constitution and by laws.

We now call attention to and ask a careful consideration of the following condensed table containing the rates for the Widows and Orphans Benefit Fund. It will be perceived that the ages between twenty-one and fifty-five years are given, and the assessments upon members joining, having attained to the specified year of age:

Between the ages of fifty and fifty one, $3.26. Betweeu the ages of fifty one aud fifty-two, $3 42. Betvveeu the ages of fifty two aud fifty-three, $3.60. . Between the ages of fifty-thne and fifty four, $3,80. Betweeu the ages of fil'ty-four and fifty-five, $4.00.

The explanation of the above table is easy: A man at twenty-one years old, not having reached his twenty-second year, will pay an assessment of $1, and receive a benefit certificate for $3,000, or by paying fifty cents per assessment, will receive a benefit certificate for $1,500 to be paid in either case, to widow, orphans, or to whomsoever he may direct, provided always that the one receiving the benefit is a dependent upon the deceased brother, thus cutting off all speculation.

Cost Of Joining The Order

This will be found to vary somewhat. The initiation must be $5, at least - may be more. The dues may be more or less than $4 per annum, governed entirely by the expenses incurred by running the iocal^council. As there is but one degree, but two medical examinations and one benefit certificate, the expense - $8.5(i - will never recur, but dues and assessments must necessarily recur; dues either quarterly, semi-annually or annually, entirely at the option of the local council. The assessment recurs, not at regular intervals, and yet it may be looked for quite regular, at least from seven to ten times per year; the brother has forty days in which to pay the assessment.

Suppose a man joins who is between forty and forty-one, please note the cost to liim the first year, on the supposition that ten assessments ax'e called to the supreme treasury:

This is the total cost each year on a benefit certificate of |3,bOO, or $12.30 on a benefit certificate of $1,500, payable in either case to his widow and orphans at his death, within thirty days. We are aware that this unselfish benevolence, this Christian charity of this noble order, has caused insurance companies to reduce their rates; has invited, or rather called into being, other kindred orders, yet not one of them can present a claim to higher standing as a purely beneficent order, not one of them pays as large a benefit as the Royal Arcanum. Each brother that dies in the order costs the one who joins at twenty-one years of age about two cents. There have died since the organization of the order, in 1877, 1,014 members in good standing, the widows and orphans of whom have received the amount of their benefit certificates, if full benefit, $.'5,000, if one-half benefit, $1,500 each; 1,014 deaths at two cents each amount to $20.28! Again: Each member that dies in good standing costs the man who joins at forty years of age about six cents. The 1,014 deaths at six cents each amount to $60.84! To resume: The one joining at twenty-one years of age in 1877, at the time of the organization of the order, would now hold receipts showing that he has paid, for the benefit of the widows and orphans of deceased brothers, $20.28, and holds his benefit certificate for $3,000, which will be paid to his heirs or devisees within thirty days after his death. Similarly, the man joining at forty years of age would hold receipts showing that he had i)aid $60.84 for the relief of widows and orphans of deceased brothers, and also his benefit certificate, securing to his widow and orphans, or devisees, $3,000, within thirty days after h.is death. Since the organization of the order fifty-seven assessments have been called to the supreme treasury, and an order issued to collectors to collect assessment fifty-eight by June 11, 1884.

We desire to call attention to this last call for members to pay another assessment. I will say right here these calls include about thirtyfive deaths each; the present one, number fiftyeight, includes the number of deaths from Feb. 27, 1884, to April 10, 1884, a period of fortythree days. The order has about 70,000 members at present, hence the death rate is about five members to each 10,000 for the forty-three days. The principal cause for this low rate is the extreme rigidity of the medical examinations. The thirty-five members whose deaths make up the last call paid into the supreme treasury the sum of $1,407.32. Their widows and orphans, or devisees, drew from the supreme treasury, on the benefit certificates held by themselves, $103,500! Kind reader, consider the virtue, mercy, charity of the noble order. Well may it claim for itself leadership in the attempt to establish and maintain an order purely beneficiary. The youngest in this death list of thirty-five was twenty-three when initiated in 1879. As he died March 1, 1884, he had paid $48.60 into the supreme treasury - his heirs have received ere this the $3,000 from the supreme treasury. The oldest in the above list was initiated at fift) -five July 16, 1879, dying Feb. 24, 1884. He had paid into the supreme treasury $180.60 - his heirs have received before this time. May, 1884, the full amount of his benefit certificate, $3,000, from the supreme treasury. When the order was organized the applicant for membership must be between twenty-one and sixty years of age. The requirement now limits the superior number to fiftyfive. The average age in the above death list at initiation was less than forty years, being thirty-nine years and a fraction. Now that avc have given the order in general a brief notice, we invite the attention of the reader to the sub- ordinate council at Monroe, being the only council in Green county. In the summer of 1881 several citizens of Monroe became interested in the Royal Arcanum, and after some weeks consultation, asked Paul Binner, of Occident Council, Milwaukee, Wis., to come and institute a council at Monroe. Accordingly, on Aug. 30, 1881, Perseverance Council, No. 613, Monroe, Green Co., Wis., was organized, embracing some of the most public spirited and intelligent men of the city, eighteen in all. The following is a list of the charter members: N. A. Loofbourow, M. D., E. H, Austin, Charles Ball, S. C. Cheney, William S. Davenport, J. W. Edelman, J. W. Faubell, S. E. Gardner, A. F. Glascott, W. G. Koken, R. F. Lund, Robert Start, A. C. Stuntz, Frank Turner, R. C. Whit comb, William Zilraer and M . C. Twining. The following officers were elected for the year ending Dec. 31, 1881: N. C. Twining, regent; A. F. Glascott, vice-regent; A. C. Stuntz, past regent; W. S. Davenport, secretary; R. F. Lund, collector; W. C. Whitcomb, treasurer; Robert Start, chaplain; E. H. Austin, guide; Frank Turner, warden; W. G. Koken, sentinel.