Iowa County, Wisconsin - Chapter 9, 1881

The Tornado Of 1878

The storm of May "23, 1878, will long be remembered by the inhabitants of Central Iowa, Soutliern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, as the most destructive that ravaged their districts from time immemorial. The tornado was occasioned by a conflict of various elements in an upper-air stratum, where, becoming surcharged with vapor, the cloud-center was depressed to a lower level. It first struck the ground on the farm of J. VV. Rewey, two miles south of Mifflin Village, in the northwest quarter of Section 8, in the town of Mifflin. The storm pursued a northeasterly course through Iowa County, sweeping along the northern boundary of the city of Mineral Point, thence into Dane and Jefferson Counties. When the storm encroached on Iowa County, it signalized its advent by a destructive passage through the farm of J. W. Rewey, two miles south of Mifflin Village, and fifteen miles southwest of Mineral Point.

Leaving the Rewey farm, the storm struck the house of Edwani Williams, inflicting damage to the extent of several hundred dollars. The residence of Mrs. Hannah Jones, mother of Judge J. I. Jones, next attracted a share of attention, the house being carried away in mid-air. Among the various places visited were the following houses, which received damage of a more or less serious nature : The residences of John M. and Frank Owens, P. D. Thomas. J. Evans, Stephen Thomas, John Lewis, Mrs. Phillips, M. Hughes and David R. Davis. Mrs. Frank Owens was seriously injured, but recovered. Mrs. Phillips, whose injuries were anticipated to be fatal, likewise recovered.

From the Welsh settlement, the storm swept across the country to Lost Grove, leaving a trail of devastated homesteads in its rear to define its progress. At Lost Grove, .James Howe's domicile was demolished. The family, consisting of husband, wife and children, occupied the house at the time, and, being unprepared, Mrs. Howe was transported over a distance of several rods, and deposited on the ground with such violence that she succumbed to her injuries. At the first alarm, Joseph Howe caught his infant child in his .arms, and both were dashed about furiously in different directions, but, happily, escaped unscathed, and the child was uplifted and gently borne to an adjacent slough, where it was comfortably buried in the accommodating mire. To this circumstance is to be attributed the child's escape from death. It also crossed the farms of Mrs. McCormick, .John L. Miller and James F. Brown, doing considerable damage on each place. A house occupied by Mr. Doney was swept away, in company with a valuable line of fencing. The loss here was estimated at $2,000. Thomas Kealey's new house, which had just assumed a look of substantial comfort, winged its flight, in minute sections, to another portion of the county. Mr. Kaley's old house, occupied by himself and family, was damaged, the family singularly escaping by retreating to the cellar. Bearing around the bluff, the tornado was diverted from its direct course for seventy or eighty rods, and, coming in contact with a new barn erected on Hugh Phillips' farm, shattered it into minute fragments, and damaged other property in the vicinity to the sum of §l,oOO. This appeared to have changed its course, for, reversing, the storm careened down the valley in its former easterly direction.

Castle Rock, a massive projection of sandstone, corresponding somewhat to the ruins of an ancient castle, was tlie providential means of saving Mineral Point from being laid in ruins. Striking this natural barrier, further progress was temporarily arrested by the unmovable obstruction. The scene at this point was grandly sublime beyond the power of expression. The infiSS HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

flaced storm-cloud swayed and surged around the rock, as if determined to compass the destruction of a foe with sufficient temerity to bar its triumphal march. The wild conflict of the elements lasted for the space of several minutes, when the tornado was perceived to have again altered its course, and was then proceeding in a northeasterly direction. Departing on a tangent from its previous course, the storm overwhelmed James Spensley's furnace, involving a loss of 31.000.

J. Coleman's house was bodily lifted into the air, injuring all the occupants. Mr. Coleman, wife and daughter, and John Allen, were in the house. The first mentioned was dangerously injured, and his recovery was at first regarded as doubtful.

The large frame house of John Spensley was uplifted and crushed in the remorseless m:r.v of the aerial monster, the remains being distributed over a wide range of country. At the time, there were twelve persons in the house, including William Coates, a visitor from Dubuque. Seeing the portentous black clouds approaching, witli their Cimmerian darkness illuminated with intermittent flashes of forked lightning, the family and their guests hastened into the cellar, running down a stairway leading from the dining-room. All succeeded in gaining the basement, except IMrs. T. C. Roberts and Mrs. Maria Waller. The latter occupied a position on the stairs, urging the former lady to follow her down, but suddenly it occurred to Mrs. Roberts that one of her four children remained up-stairs. The two ladies started together to recover the child. Simultaneously the storm struck the house, which oscillated and cracked violently, while the stairs on which Mrs. Roberts stood, swayed to and fro in an ominous manner. Tiie ladies then retreated to the cellar stairs. The windows of the house were blown in, and the glass was showered around the females like hail. The following instant, the house was torn into two sections, and the whirlwind, penetrating, seized Mrs. VValler, and bearing that hapless female through the air for 400 yards, dashed her lifeless body to the earth, in a terribly bruised condition. Her feet were denuded of shoes and stockings, which were carried away. The house was forcibly removed from its foundation, leaving the terrified women and children unharmed in the basement. A part of the house was on the ensuing day found one mile away, and a rafter was discovered over a mile distant, driven five feet into the soil. A commodious barn and carriage house, situated about three hundred feet northeast of the house, together with its contents, proved a total loss. One horse alone escaped. One of the hubs of Mr. Waller's buggy, was cut out of the wheel, with all the apparent precision of work accomplished with the aid of mechanical ingenuity. The ruins of the barn were elevated into the air, where, seized by a cross current, they were borne toward the southwest.

The farmhouse of John and Calvert Spensley, occupied by George Leonard, was also carried off", and Mrs. Leonard almost instantly killed. Her body was recovered in a ravine, about 100 yards from the house, in a terribly mangled condition. Another house, the property of Mr. Addington, was swept away, and the stone residence of John Francis, situated adjacent, w.as unroofed. One of the inmates of the latter house was slightly injured. Benjamin C. Bennet's house suffered the fate of its numerous predecessors, and was blotted from the surface of the earth. Mrs. Bennet was the sole occupant when the dreadful blast involved her in it.= folds. She wa.s carried across an open area, and dashed with violence against a wood pile, escaping with trifling wounds. William Jacka's abode was shifte-l from its foundation several feet, the terrified dwellers escaping uninjured. James Prince's house suff'ered the loss of the roof A barn belonging to John Lanyon was utterly demolished. The predatory mood of the winds directed the course of the storm through the German Catholic Cemetery, where havoc and desolation, marked by numerous decapitated monuments and broken tombstones, illustrated the fury of the incursion. C. Gillmann's brewery was laid in ruins. Twelve persons were in .Mr. Gillmann's house when warned by the roar of the approaching hurricane, they sought a timely refuge in the cellar. They all escaped save Miss Alice Zimmer, of Eden, who sustained injuries which ultimately resulted in her death. The brewery was completely prostrated. At the first touch, the roof was borne away, and shattered to pieces in the air ; the stone walls were overthrown, and two adjoining barns were leveled to the ground. Mr. Gillmann's residence was- obliterated, and his thriving orchard denuded of foliage and bark. A number of persons, including all the employes, who had taken refuge in the brewery, miraculously escaped without a blemish. Among the refugees was the driver of the Arena stage, who, confiding in the stability of the brewery, had hurried thither with his vehicle in search of shelter. Overtaken by the storm, the driver jumped down from his elevated perch, and, seizing the spokes of the rear wheel, tenaciously clung to them with a vise-like grip. The stage was whirled around several times without relaxing the driver's grasp, or perpetrating any material injury. The mail bag was preserved uninjured, but a package was picked up out of the coach and carried into Waldwick, a distance of twelve miles, where it was discovered the next day. Frank Bowen's homestead was lifted from the ground, and carried backward for several rods, where, by the violence of the wind, it was crushed, and fell to the earth a chaotic mass of splintered timber. By this visitation, Mrs. Bohan was deprived of life. Miss Annie Bohan, Frank Bohan and his son Peter, were severely lacerated about the head and face. At John Jeuck's summer garden. Mrs. Myers was finally injured. John Beardsley's house, situated on the brow of a hill east of the brewery, was also carried away. A neighboring schoolhouse was wrecked. Miss Mcllhon and fifteen scholars were inside the building, but, through some fortuitous circumstance, the majority of the pupils were rescued from the ruins unharmed. The only fatalities were the cases of Oliver and Eliza Beardsley. The latter, enfolded in the teacher's arms, was carried for several rods, and met her death by being forcibly dashed to the ground. Miss Mcllhon was but slightly hurt. William Cooking's house, barn and farm appurtenances were all destroyed, and the proprietor and his wife both badly wounded. Cocking was found in an apple-tree unconscious.

The following is a carefully compiled statement of the individual losses and casualties, several of which are recapitulated to complete the table of disasters: The house owned by Edward Williams, in the Welsh settlement, was first struck, and completely destroyed ; loss $300. Three houses in a row, owned by Mrs. Phillips, Frank Owens and Mrs. Jones, mother of John I. Jones, Judge of Iowa County Court, were then struck and leveled, and a house across the road was unroofed ; loss to the four, .$1,.500. John Davis" house was also blown down; loss, §3.50 ; Steven Thomas' house and outhouses were blown down; loss, §2-50. The next was John Lewis' outhouses and part of his dwelling ; loss. $300. Hugh Hughes' dwelling and outhouses were also wrecked ; loss, $450. David R. Davis' house, cultivator, buggy, wagon and reaper, blown away; loss, $1,000. The next was David Thomas' stone house, which was unroofed ; damage, $100. Stephen Thomas' house blown down ; loss, $300. No one was killed, and only two seriously injured - Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Owens - at this place. Mrs. McCormick's place, two miles west of here, was next struck by the storm, which carried off part of the house and outbuildings ; loss, $2-50. A bridge, situated about a quarter of a mile from this place, was carried one mile. John J. Ross suflfered damages on his farm to the extent of $1..')00. Thomas Keeley, adjoining, had his house, stable and wagon demolished; loss, $1,300, Mrs. Howe's place, in Lost Grove, was demolished, killing Mrs. Howe; loss, $200. James Speiisley's furnace was destroyed. Hugh Phillips' place was stj-uck, demolishing a new barn and killing five head of cattle, besides destroying two miles of fence; loss, $1,.500. John Coleman's house was next wrecked, seriously injuring Coleman and his daughter ; loss, $300. John Spensley's residence and barn, and a house occupied by George Leonard, were razed. Mrs. Waller and Mrs. Leonard being killed; loss, $12,000. John Francis' stone house was damaged to the extent of $200. John Addington had $-50 in money and $150 in property destroyed. Benjamin Bennett's house and barn were both swept away; loss, §1,200. J. Lanvon's barn was blown down, two men beinj; in it at the time, one of them - John Oates - receiving injuries about the hips ; loss, $75. A. Jenkins' house was unroofed : bss, $75. S. Webb's house, occupied by James Prince, was blown over ; loss, $500. William .Tacka's house, barn and woodshed, partially carried away ; loss, $700. .Judge Cothren's and .John Hutchinson's fences blown away ; loss, $300. S. Adam's house unroofed ; loss, $400. C. Gillman's house, stables and brewery, damaged to the extent of $20,000. About a quarter of a mile from this place.

F. Bohan's new house was carried away, killing his wife and fatally injuring his daughter: loss, $1,000. John Jeuck's summer garden and Solomon Myers' residence were blown away, killing Mrs. Myers; loss, $1,200. About half a mile east of this place, John Beardsley's hop house, barn and orchard were razed to the ground ; loss, §1,.300. William Cocking's place was next struck and damaged to the amount of 31.000. The schoolhouse was carried away completely. Out of fifteen scholars in the building when it was struck, Oliver and Eliza Beardslev, brother and sister, were killed, and one boy was badly injured by being deprived of his scalp; loss, $700. M. O'Dowd's house, barn and outhouses were totally demolished; loss, §1.200. William Salmon had his house, orchard and farm destroyed ; loss, §1,000. Steplien Terrill's barn, blacksmith-shop, a new buggy, threshing machine and outhouses were destroyed; loss. $800. At William Terrill's, 500 cords of wood were scattered, but no damage inflicted to dwellings. John Kreamer's house, at a distance of si-x miles, was blown over, killing William Ooley ; loss, $1,-500. William Targuson's house and outhouses were leveled to the ground. Miss Libbie Campbell, daughter of Senator Campbell, received injuries from which she died on the following day. Mrs. Targuson and three daughters were terribly bruised. Loss to the property, $1,.300. Mrs. Marcy had her house blown down ; loss, $800. John Powers' house was carried away, and outhouses blown down ; loss, $700. David Powers' house, barn, reaper and granary were destroyed and himself and wife seriously wounded. Crossing Blue Mound Branch, the tornado struck Peter Petersen's farm, unroofing the house and otherwise injuring the building ; loss, $400.

Ole Swansen's residence was completely demolished, and $100 in money blown away. Mr. Swansen was found with a rail driven through his body, and his head frightfully bruised. Mrs. Swansen was found dead about six rods from the house, with her baby, uninjured, clasped in her arms. George Swansen had his leg broken. Loss to property, $3,000. Kettle Paulson's house was blown over ; loss, $i50. George Paulson, Chairman of the town of Moscow, had his house blown away ; loss, $1,.500. Louis Ilovred had part of his house unroofed, and barn and outhouses demolished ; loss, $300. Holver Hailey's house blown over; loss, $400. John Wild had his house unroofed, and barn, outhouses and two miles of fencing destroyed ; loss, $500. Rev. A. Jacobson, Pastor of the Norwegian Church at Perry, had part of his house carried away, and outhouses destroyed. Haly Waring, a friend stopping at the house, was killed, and Mrs. Jacobson received slight injuries. The church adjoining was unroofed ; loss, $1,000. Dr. McFarland's house was destroyed, killing one man and injuring another.

The appearance of the storm-cloud, while moving along the earth's surface, varied with the account of each individual. The most reliable testimony is the statement of William T. Henry, of Mineral Point, and Prof. Chamberlain. On the day in question, both gentlemen had ascended a high blufl', and, while there, were favored with an unobstructed view of the cloud as it appeared several miles distant. He describes it as being much narrower at the base than at the summit, otherwise presenting a funnel-shaped appearance, composed of dark, heavy clouds, united by centrifugal action. S. Terrell, of Mineral Point, who observed the cloud approaching his place, depicts it as a column of black clouds, reaching to the ground, and filled with trees, leaves, shrubs, timber, etc., which were hurled about in indescribable confusion.

The appearance of the cloud was very unusual, as indicated by the large number of persons who saw it, and, fearing danger, sought safety for themselves. It has been a matter of surprise that so few of those who saw the storm could give an adequate description of its appearance. Lightning and thunder seem to have begun about an hour before the advent of the tornado, and to have grown more frequent and violent until its approach, when they were almost continuous. Many saw clouds from the north come in contact with clouds from the south, producing the tornado. This phenomenon was witnessed by observers along the entire line of the storm. Very little rain fell with the tornado, but after it had passed, variously estimated from five to thirty minutes, rain fell in torrents, and continued to do so for an hour. The amount of rain which fell directly in the line of the storm was recorded nowhere except at Milwaukee, where it was 1.13 inches. But, as the winds were mucii less violent for forty miles before reaching Milwaukee, the storm, as a whole, was doubtlessly being dissipated throughout that distance, and the rainfall was consequently less than further wiwt. At Madison, nine miles north of the path of the storm. 1.48 inches of rain fell from 4.10 to 5:45 P. M.

This tornado was a whirlwind of unusual proportions, its motion being revolutionary, and in a direction opposite to that of the sun, or from the east to the north, west, south, to the east again. This fact was very evident to one following its path for any distance, and it is believed that the following observations will substantiate the point beyond question :

The opportunities for ascertaining the motion of the wind, by the direction in which the trees were prostrated, was not relied upon to a great extent, on account of the peculiar nature of the timber which, with one exception, to be mentioned later, was oak, much of it of second growth and consequently small, very tough, and the trees so close together that the wind could neither turn them over nor twist them off. However, in many places, there were clumps of oaks interspersed with popular. In such places, frequently nothing would be left standing, and the wind's motion could be easily studied. No observations with a compass, of the direction in which trees had fallen, and of the angles at which they had crossed each other, were taken. All the trees southward of the axis of the tornado, fell eastward. Most of them fell north of east, and the angle to the north gradually increased from the southern limit of the storm northward, somewhat beyond the axis where they lay north or nearly north. A few trees in the southern course of the storm fell with their tops pointing south of east. These trees, when crossing those pointing northeast, were invariably uppermost, showing that they were last in falling. On the north side of the track, extending twofifths of its width inward from the northern limit, there was much less uniformity in the direction in which these trees were prostrated, than upon the south. Quite a large number of trees fell to the northwest, others directly west, a few to the southwest and a still greater number to the southeast. The bodies of trees very frequently lay across each other in this portion of the storm's track. The order in which they crossed each other is well illustrated by a group of three black oaks which fell on the land of J. S. Frary, near the east lino of Section 3, town of Oregon, Dane County. The angles are as nearly correct as could be estimated by reference to a northand-south feoce near by. The tree at the bottom pointed north, 45° west; the middle tree south, 50° west ; the upper tree, south, 40° east, the latter two lying at right angles with each other. These trees were seventy paces south of the north boundary of the tornado.

Another proof that the storm was a whirlwind, is found in the directions in which fences were blown down. Nortli-andsouth fences in the south two-thirds of the path were always thrown east ; in the north one-third they were generally thrown east, but frequently were thrown west. East-and-west fences south of the storm's center, were carried north ; near the north limit of the storm they were, perhaps, most frequently thrown north, but were very often prostrated to the south.

It has often been noticed that the severity and destructive violence of tornadoes were much greater in some portions of their jiath than in others. This peculiarity was frequently observed in the present storm. Very often there were trees left standing, while all timber in their vicinity was leveled. Such a phenomenon was witnessed where the tornado climbed the bluff southeast of James Spensley's furnace, near Mineral Point. The same peculiarity was noticed with regard to buildings. In the town of Mineral Point, Stephen Terrill's house, contiguous to the center of the storm's track, was uninjured, although his barn, fifteen rods west, was reduced to fragments.

In the adjoining counties, this feature was more strongly accentuated. In the town of Oregon the residence of H. Palmer was not injured, while his stables and granary, ten rods northeast of the house, were swept away, and a house across the road south entirely demolished. In many places where there was continuous timber there would be strips from ten to thirty rods long, in a direction parallel to the axis of the storm, where nearly every tree was prostrated, then an interval where little damage was done, and again another piece where all were down. Very frecjuently, these plats so completely prostrated were on ground descending to the east, or just at the bottom of such a slope. Tracts of interrupted violence frequently reached entirely across the track of the tornado, but they usually extended only partially across. The damage occasioned by this visitation was as follows :

The largest individual losses are accredited to Mr. Gillman and John Spensley, respectively, ?20,000 and 311,000, both of Mineral Point City.

The number of fatalities, divided among the respective counties were, in Iowa County, thirteen ; Dane County, six ; .Jefferson County, one. To these are to be added the deaths from injuries and wounds received during the storm. The number is incalculable, as in many instances the sufferers survived in agony for months subsequent to the date of infliction.

The broad and liberal maxims of benevolence, which teach men to bury local enmities and assist each other in the moment of common danger, were observed in the darkest hours of the disaster. The news of the terrible misfortune had hardly been promulgated, when, with magnetic influence and unsparing speed, the citizens set about repairing their shattered fortunes. A central collection committee was organized in Mineral Point on May 24, 1878, under the name of the Tornado Fund Committee. The following gentlemen compose the committee: Mayor Calvert Spensley, William T. Henry, Treasurer ; Joseph Gundry, R. D. Pulford, J. M. Hadfield, Cyrus Lanyon and John Hoard.

Those who lost all and were represented to be in a state of positive need, were as follows, the amount accompanying each name representing the extent of their possessions at that time : John Coleman, $800 ; George Leonard, §800 ; George Addington, S-3.50 ; John Menger, $200 ; Ben C. Bennett, §900 ; Patrick Bohan, §800 ; William Cocking, §.500 ; Martin O'Dowd, §800;

On April 12. 1879, the Tornado Fund Committee submitted a final report of moneys received and disbursed from funds under their control. The receipts were §2,921.25, and vouchers for that amount were presented and duly audited. The committee was then discharged.

County Officers

1855 - L. M. Strong, .Jud!»e. Owing to irregularity, either in elections or through the neglect of the County Clerk, there is no further record of officers until

1866 - William Wigham, Sheriff; Alexander Wilson, District Attorney; 0. P.Ashley, Clerk of Court; Francis Vivian, Treasurer; Kearton Coates, Register; G. H. Otis, County Clerk ; J. D. Adams, Surveyor ; Thomas Thomas, Coroner ; J. W. Rewey and L. W. Joiner, Supervisors of First and Third Districts.

1870 - James Ryan, Sheriff; J. M. Smith, District Attorney; Christian Kersler, Clerk of Court; Francis Vivian, Treasurer; Richard Dunston, Register of Deeds ; Orville Strong, County Clerk ; Henry Moddin, Surveyor ; Charles Hope, Coroner. 1871 - Thomas Patifield. Superintendent of Schools.

Second session convened at Burlington, Iowa, November 6, 1837; adjourned January 20, 1838. Levi Sterling, Sergeant at Arms; other rejiresentatives remained the same.

First session of the second Legislative Assembly convened at Madison, November 26, 1838, and adjourned December 22, 1838. All subsequent sessions convened at this point. James Collins and Levi Sterling, Councilmen: Russell Baldwin, John W. Blackstone. Henry M. Billings and Thomas Jenkins, Representatives.

Fourth Legislative Assembly, 1842-43 - Moses M. Strong, President and Councilman; Robert M. Long, Moses Meeker and William S. Hamilton, Representatives.

Fifth Legislative Assembly, 1847 - John Bevins. Sergeant at Arms ; William Singer, Councilman ; Timothy Burns, J. D. Jenkins and Thomas Chilton. Representatives.

The first Constitutional Convention assembled at Madison on the 5th day of October, 1846, and adjourned on the 16th dav of December, 1846, liaviiitr framed a constitution which was submitted to the people, and rejected on the first Tuesday in April, 1847.

Second convention assembled at Madison on the 15th day of December, 1847, and adjourned on the 1st day of February, 1848, having frameil a constitution which was submitted to a vote of the people and adopted on the seconil Monday in March, f'lliowing.

First session of the State Legislature conveneil at Madison June 5, 1848, adjourned August 1, 1848. H. M. Billings, of Highland. Senator; Thomas Jenkins and Abner Nichols, Assemblymen; John Mullanpiiy, Speaker.

Secon<l session, 1849 - M. M. Cothren, of Mineral Point, Senator; Jabez Pierce and Timothy Burns, Assemblymen; William R. Smith, Clerk of Senate.

Third session. 1850 - William R. Smith, Clerk of Senate; M. M. Cothren, of Mineral Point, Senator; Moses M. Strong and T. Fullerton, Assemblymen; Moses M. Strong, Speaker.

United States Senators, Henry Dodge, 1848 to 1851; Amasa Cobb, 1865 to 1869. United States District Attorney, Moses M. Strong, appointed 1838. Governor of State, Henry Dodo;e, 1836 to 1841. Secretary of State, Francis J. Dunn. 1841; D.W.Jones, 1856 to 1860; T. S. Allen, 1866 to 1870. Attorney General of State, M. M. Jackson, 1842 ; William R. Smith, 1856 to 1858; Alexander Wilson, 1877, still in office. State Bank Comptroller, Joel C. Squires. President of Territorial Council, Moses M. Strong, 1842 to 1845. Clerk of the Senate, William R. Smith, 1849 and 1850. Speaker of the House, Timothy Barns, 1848; Moses M. Strong, 1850; Amasa Cobb, 1861. Sergeant-at-Arras, Levi Sterling, 1837 and 1838. Associate Justice of Supreme Court, M. M. Justice, 1848 to 1853; Samuel Crawford, 1853 to 1855. Delegates to Congress, George W. Jones, 1836 to 1838; Henry Dodge, 1843 to 1845. Presidential Elector, M. M. Cothren, 1852.

And Slbi0H8

CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL FARM PRODUCTS GROWN IN THE COUNTY OF IOWA, FOR THE YEAR 1879, AS COMPILED BY THE COUNTY CLERK, AUGUST, 1880

Number Of Bushels

In June, 1851, a number of citizens, resident in Mineral Point and surrounding districts, organized the pioneer agricultural society of this county. The officers were H. L. Leffingwell, President; Henry M. Billings, Levi Sterling, P. O'Dowd, John Hand, F. J. Dunn and George Goldthorp, Vice Presidents ; William R. Smith, Secretary ; Samuel Crawford, Treasurer. The new association held its inaugural fair in October of the same year. C. C. Washburn and Francis J. Dunn delivered addresses on that occasion, and the exhibition was characterized as an unqualified success. However that may be, the October meeting was the first and last gathering under the above auspices. Individual exertion revived the defunct society in June, 18.5(3, when, at a "mass convention " in Dodgeville, re-organization was effected. H. M. Billings, John Ellwood and Joseph Mortell were appointed to report and draft a constitution. In the interim the following officers were elected: Hon. H. M. Billings, President; Samuel Hendy, Levi Sterling and L. W. Joiner, Vice Presidents; George Messersmith, Recording Secretary; L. H. D. Crane, Corresponding Secretary ; Phillip Eddy, Treasurer. The committee on a constitution reported, and, in accordance with their report, the appended names of Representatives were added to the Executive Committee; John James, Waidvvick ; John Baker, Linden; (Jaleb Sylvester, Mifflin ; David McFarland, Highland ; Watkin Watkins, Dodgeville ; Jo.seph Roberts, Ridgeway; W. A. Brisbane, Arena; 0. F. Savage, Wyoming; David Bigelow, Clyde; Asa Patterson, Pulaski, Thomas Berry, Mineral Point.

An inclosure of five acres contiguous to the town hall, was prepared for the reception of live stock, and the adjoining town hall was utilized for a display of treasures selected from the kingdoms of art, manufactures and agriculture. The premium list aggregated $138.75. President Billings delivered the opening oration. The fair was held on October 1, 1856. In the ensuing year, none but members were allowed to exhibit, but as each exhibitor could qualify on payment of $1, the objection provided a profitable income to the society. The dates of this exhibit were September 10 and IT, 1857. The rate of admission was limited to one dime. The fairs of 1858 and 185!) occupied the original location. The latter exhibition was painfully marked by a regrettable accident, which resulted in the death of a Miss Wells, who, by the collapse of a revolving swing, sustained fatal injuries. During 1859, the society purchased twenty acres of land of Col. Tuomiis Stephens for a fair ground. Four acre? were sold, and the money thus provided was expended in the construction of fences and suitable buildings. Here the fair has been held up to date. Hon. H. M. Billing^ held the oflSce of President up to 1862, when he Was succeeded by L. W. Joiner.

1864 - President, James Toay ; Vice Presidents, John Ellwood, James McFarland, John Adams; Secretary, J. A. Slye ; Treasurer, Samuel Hoskins. Fair held October 13, 14 and 15; receipts, $834.62 ; disbursements, $617.64.

1867 - President, .John Ellwood ; Vice Presidents, Robert Wilson, A. J. Slye, R. Arundell; Secretary, Henry Dunstan; Treasurer, Samuel Hoskins. Fair held October 2 and 3; receipts, $1,518.05; disbursements, $1,518.05.

Early Voting Points

The following is a synopsis of the voting precincts established in the county of Iowa, previous to the erection of the various towns, according to the act of the Wisconsin Legislature approved :

The first precincts or elective districts were Mineral Point, Doilgeville, Diamond Grove, Blue River, now the town of Highland, Porter's Grove, now the town of Ridgeway, and Old Helena.

To define just how much territory was included separately in those districts, is not necessary, and is scarcely possible. Suffice to say, the people of the nortii part of the county voted either at Helena or at Porter's Grove; those of the west and southwest parts either at Blue River or Diamond Grove, in what is now the town of Linden : those of the south and southeast parts, at Mineral Point ; those of the east part, at Porter's Grove, and those of the center at Dodgeville. The first recorde<l election was held at the above points on the 7th day of May, 18:i8, when 500 votes were cast, all told. Subsequently the Helena precinct was discontinued. Porter's Grove, Dodgeville and Blue River then becoming tiie only polling places available for the voters of the north part of the county. However, from 1838 until 1846, there were but few voters in that section of the county to require a voting point.

In 1844, Diamond Grove, which include<l what are now the towns of Linden and Mifflin, was changed to Peddler's Creek Precinct. During the same year, the territory now known as Waldwick and Moscow Towns, was also constituted a precinct called Yellow Stone. In 1845, the precinct of Peddler's Creek was divided, that part which is now Mifflin being erected into a precinct entitled Dallas. In 1846, a precinct called Rcevesville was set off in the northeast part of the county, the present town of Arena, and one called Percussion, now the town of Wyoming. That section of the county now known as Pulaski, was constituted a precinct called Wisconsin, in 1848, and at the same time the precinct of Otter Creek wa.s erected, what is nowknown as the town of Clyde. The precinct of Mineral Point was erected in 1836, and was first called Pecatonica, atul then constituted the chief polling place in the county.

Diamond Grove, well known as an early smelting point, still retains the name, probably given on account of the shape of the clump of timber. Peddlers Creek was the original name of the village of Linden, and received the appellation from a peddler having first discovered mineral there. Dallas was the name of a small hamlet in the town of Mifflin, now extinct. Blue River, the name of a stream in the west part of the county. Dodgeville, so called after Gov. Dodge, who was one of the very first to locate in that section. Porter's Grove, so designated from a grove named after the first settler at that point. Helena, the name given in honor of some lady, by one of the early founders, to the first laid-out village in the county. Percussion, so styled, owing to the appearance of a rock which stands in the town of Wyoming, and which resembles a percussion furnace. Otter Creek, after the principal stream that traverses the town of Clyde. Yellow Stone, the name of a hamlet in the north part of what is now La Fayette County. Reevesville and Arena, the former after the name of the manager of the British Emigration Society, Charles Reeves, the latter meaning a sandy place.

The Press

The Miners' Free Press. - Early in the spring of 1838, Henry B. Welsh and Henry Plowman, having made up their minds to come West and establish a newspaper somewhere, met and consulted friends fioin Wisconsin, and were induced, from their representation of the then very sparsely settled Territory of Wisconsin, to wend their way to the "lead mines," of which Mineral Point was the emporium, and leading town in the Territory. On their way West, these pioneer printers stopped at Cincinnati, Ohio, and, having purchased type and press, loaded them on a steamboat bound for Galena, 111., the distributing center for all freight, and the receiving point for all mineral. From Galena, the press and type were hauled to Mineral Point by ox teams. After surmounting many difficulties, an " office " was leased, wherein the printing establishment was erected, with a corner table set off" for an editorial sanctum. With frontier energy, the proprietors manfully discarde<l their coats, and, in shirt sleeves, exerted themselves toward reducing the inchoate group of machinery to working order. This was ultimately accomplished, and, on July 24, 1838, the first number of the Miners' Free Press startled the mining regions by discussing, in a terse, masterly style, the local topics of paramount importance. In the absence of files to guide us, it is fair to presume that the subject of Government lands was not overlooked. This paper met with mediocre support from the constituents whose cause it championed. Messrs. Welsh and Plowman continued the publication for upward of two years, with wavering success, when they disposed of the business to John Delaney. Delaney, after an ephemeral e.xistence of two months, relinquished the control and recommitted the establishment and the paper to its original owners. On this transfer, the name was changed to the Mineral Point Free Press, and the paper was regularly issued under the auspices of Messrs. Welsh and Plowman. Two years subsequently, C. C. Brett purchased the printing office, and, disliking the lengthy nomenclature of the journal, altered the head-line to read Mineral Point Democrat. He continued the publication during the summer of 1845, and then sold out to Beriah Brown, who removed the outfit to Madison, where it became part of the Madison Democrat establishment. Such is the history of the first newspaper founded in the Wisconsin mineral district. The tribulations and vicissitudes of the editor were multifarious and of a character common to frontier settlements. When grievances were to be redressed, or a fancied insult avenged, the editor's finer feelings were appealed to through the significant agency of a horse pistol or a murderous-looking rifle. The editor was not always to be intimidated by this display of persuasive force, and frequently he would dispute the dictate, and, with a celerity acquired by experience, bring his shooting-irons on a range with the head of his adversary. An incident illustrating the bellicose disposition of such persons is recounted in the general history of Mineral Point. The encounter in question occurred between Henry B. Welsh and Charles Bracken, editor of a cotemporary journal.

The Wisconsin {now Mineral Point) Tribune. - A weekly quarto, of Whig antecedents, but Republican at present, of the stalwart type ; issued on Thursdays at Mineral Point City, and enjoying a reputable prestige as also a generous support. The Tribime owes its birth and subsequent education and experience, so to speak, for many years, to tlie enterprise and public spirit of George W. Bliss, a pioneer typo at Mineral Point, whose ambition seems to have been to establish an organ and contribute to the development of the Territory. This was undertiiken, and the sequel of its inquisition proves that the judgment of Mr. Bliss was predicated upon substantial premises. The first number was issued on Friday, September 4, 1847, and, with a few exceptional suspensions caused by the occurrence of events that could not be avoided, its publication has been continuous and uninterrupted. Quoting from the salutatory : The name chosen for the paper was sufficiently indicative of its editor's purpose to support the cause of the people and of the enlarged ami comprehensive views which should obtain in the discussion of the various topics and questions of public concernment which legitimately engross the columns of a free and independent press. The aim would be to advance the best interests of society, to aid the prosperity of all classes by laboring to disseminate sound principles, to uphold wise measures; promote the cause of popular education, and encourage the useful arts. The interests of the miner, the farmer, the mechanic and the laborer, would be faithfully protected and encouraged. " The greatest good to the greatest number " would be, in short, the polar star that would guide and govern the editor in his labors. The endeavor would be made to render the Tribune worthy of support, and to make this portion of the State the seat of a dense as well as a thrifty population. In politics, the paper would support the principles of the Whig party, illustrated by Washington, Jefferson and Madison, as they lie at the foundation of public prosperity, believing this, it would faithfully labor to diffuse them, seeking alone the good of those who differ from the editor, and cherishing for them only feelings of respect and good will. Reason and argument alone would be employed to make proselytes, and opponents would be treated with courtesy and candor, and victories sought to be achieved by the dissemination of light and knowledge.

With this brief but forcible exposition of news and principles, the journalistic bark was committed to the sea, with the pleasing hope that its sails would -'belly" with propitious breezes, and be speedily wafted to the liaven of a liberal constituency. Mr. Bliss surely comprehended the duty of an editor and the objects of a newspaper - to enunciate and promulgate thoughts as immortal as love, pure as the morning's dew ; thoughts that should cheer human endeavor, console iiuman sorrow, exalt human life, and cause the heart of a people to beat with patriotic exultation. He seems to have been alive to the elevating influence of the press. He realized its power as deep, strong, abiding. The soldier fights for his native land, but the editor touches that land with the charm that makes it worth fighting for, and fires the warrior's heart with the fierce energy that makes his blow invincible. The statesman enlarges and orders liberty in the State, but the editor fosters the love of liberty in the citizen's heart ; the inventor multiplies the facilities of life, but the editor makes life better worth living for. Conscious of these advantages and obligations, Mr. Bliss began the venture in a field as yet comparatively uncultivated ; and among tiie trees and flowers where birds caroled, children played, lovers whis])ered, and the various streams of human life flowed by, he laid the pedestal to what has proven his monument, lo I these many years. Tlie paper was, in those days, a folio of twenty-four columns, printed in brevier and nonpareil. The first page was devoted to an article on river and harbor improvements, poetry and story-telling. The second page contained foreign news from various sources, editorials, selections, and the Whig ticket, which is here reproduced, as follows : For Delegate to Congress. John Tweedy ; 0. C. Lockhart. for the Council ; Charles Pole, C. C. Rynerson and L. C. McKenney, for Representatives; Francis C. Kirkpatrick, Albert A. Camp and John H. Suddith, for County Commissioners ; Charles L. Stephenson, for County Treasurer; S. Forrest Seabury, for Commissioners' Clerk; Edwin B. Carson, Register of Deeds; William B. Foster,. Collector ; F. A. Hill, Surveyor; Ezra A. Hall, Thomas Riddle and John Wasley, School Commissioners; Edward Combe, Nicholas Code and James J. Bayse, Assessors, and William Thomas, Coroner. The third page contained additional selections, a limited number of "ads," and the "hotch-potch" usual to similar enterprises, while the fourth page was utilized to the appropriation ot more poetry and story-telling. The paper was issued to subscribers at $2..')0 per annum, and in appearance commended itself to the encouragement sought. Its office was located on High street, in a two-story frame building, still standing, and now owned by J. F. Miller, at present occupied as a photograph gallery, a shoe-store and other briiiichcs of business. The succeeding numbers e(|ualed reasonable expectations, and met the promises of the editor, so that, when the yellow leaves of autumn began to fall tliickly. the youthful charge had put off its swaddling clothes, freed itself from the care of a nurse, and was able to walk alone, and thenceforward this treasure, laid up in Mineral Point, has never been corrupted by the moth and rust of failure. In its labors, the paper aimed to conserve public morality, further the causes of education, temperance and religion; agitate improvements, not alone in the village and county, but also in the State and nation, and, by the efforts made, to urge the adoption of all means necessary to the attainment of such ends, contributed very largely to the success which followed many undertakings. At this time, the .Mexican war was in progress, and the Tribune supported its prosecution in emphatic utterances. The hope was expressed that it might be brought to a speedy close, but not by a refusal of the Whig majority in Congress to vote men and money for its continuance. With regard to the education of the people, the paper insisted that adecjuate means for that purpose must be raised. The Territory of Wisconsin, with a population of 200,000, was about to seek admission into the confederacy ; her inexhaustible mines were yielding abundant returns ; religious and benevolent institutions were supported, without the aid of compulsory laws, and the education of the youth, into whose hands the affairs of this vast republic would shortly be intrusted, must be instructed in such branches as would (|ualify them to discharge the important duties thereto attaching. The building of railroads, to afford easier access to the ambitious world, only waiting for the means of conveyance to become residents of the county and Territory, were also elaborated in the Tribune. It was a subject that should call forth united action, and the necessity for a communii-ation of this kind between the mining region and the lakes was imperative. Adopting this view of the situation, the building of a road from Mineral Point eastwardly was agitated and advocated until the work became an accomplished fact. Upon the subject of temperance, Mr. Bliss defined the status of the Tribune in terms utterly devoid of ambiguity. The trust was indulged that the eflort in progress to dethrone King Alcohol might be attended with success, and that not only those who used ardent spirits to excess, but those who profess to use it in moderation, might be induced to abandon the practice, and further, that those who dealt in the article for the sake of profit, might be constrained to forsake the business and resort to a more honorable means of obtaining a livelihood. The friends of temperance were continually admonished to make united efl'orts in advancing the cause and urging all classes to shun the dramshop as a viper that stingeth unto death. The first volume was closed with a balance to the credit side of the establishment. Success had been the weekly accompaniment of the Tribune, and this, too, notwithstanding that its editor had opposed the political opinions of many of the citizens of the county. These manifestations of friendship served to encourage the editor in his daily walks, and inspire him to renewed exertions in behalf of the trust committed to his care. New type was piircha.sed with which to print the initial and succeeding numbers of Volume II, improved mat'hinory procured, and the equipments of the composing room so increased as to make the office one of the most complete in the State.

The following volume, which practically began the renewed lease of life made to the paper on October 12, 1849, gave evidence that its success during the previous year had been even more pronounced than the most enthusiastic friend could have hoped for. The paper was enlarged in dimensions, one column was added to each page, and the remunerative "ad," which has been ([uoted as " limited," was materially increased by large additions. This was continued during the ensuing years, though Mr. Bliss doubtless experienced more than a pilgrim's trials in his endeavor to edit and publish a weekly chronicle of current events, such as was put forth in that day, without assistance. This labor became onerous in time, and, in spite of his attention to business, observes one familiar with the situation, began to evidence its effect to the public. During the latter half of 1851, the editor, realizing the necessities of the occasion, decided to secure the services of an assistant, and succeeded in obtaining Josiah B. Chaney for that position. He became a partner January 1, 1852, and did the mechanical work on the paper while such partnership existed. The effects of this association became apparent in the improved appearance of the paper as a medium for advertising, as also in its columns devoted to the acquisition of news. A new dress was awarded the "sheet," and leaded nonpareil was required and substituted for brevier, so valuable had "space " become. The partnership indicated remained in esse until September 30, 1854, when it was dissolved, Mr. Chaney surrendering his title to Mr. Bliss and retiring from the assistant management of the concern. As early as 1853, the editor began to exhibit evidences of a change in his political fiiith in the support of principles which have since crystallized into those of the Republican party. In the canvass of 1854, the issue presented by Mr. Bliss was the extension of slavery into the Territories. To the candidates of the Democracy as men, the paper made no opposition, but "principles before friendship " should be the watchword of every friend of freedom, and, as such, the paper could not approve the Nebraska measures of Pierce and Douglas. When the result was announced, the JRepublicans were congratulated upon a triumph of the principles for which they had contended. With the close of 1854, the price of the paper was reduced 20 per cent, and on December 6, 1854, the ofEce was removed to the third story of Milton's stone building, corner of High and Chestnut streets, in connection with which Mr. Bliss established a reading-room that was supplied with papers, magazines, etc., from all parts of the country, to which the public was afforded access and cordially welcomed to the perusal. During 1855, a temporary suspension of the weekly issue occurred, but, as the number containing the causes which compelled this hiatus is missing, the same are reserved to the opinions of readers. On Tuesday morning, December 18, of that year, however, the publication was resumed in a new dress and appearance, metaphorically speaking, decidedly chic. The editor embraced the occasion to assure the public that the Tribune was no joint concern, nor the offspring of any political organization. Yet its continuance was dependent upon such support as would be extended by the Republican party. If sustained, the paper would be regularly issued ; if not, some more favorable opening would be sought, and the Republicans of Iowa County would have to look to some other source for an organ. Mr. Bliss assured the subscribers and his political aids that, while he was willing to be economical, he was unable to live and labor on wind, and it remained for them to decide as to whether or not the " Tribune should be sustained." The "subscribers and political aids" heedeil this suggestion, and evidenced their disinclination to look elsewhere for "an organ " by yiefdirfg a support to that provided by Mr. Bliss, who was thereby spared the calamity of failure. In the campaign of 1856, the Republican platform was accepted by the Tribune because it was broad as the Declaration of Independence, yet sufficiently definite to be understood by all. Though sustaining defeat, the editor was by no means discouraged, but, buckling on the armor of faith, contemplated future successes. In December, 1857, the ofiice was once more removed, this time to the third floor of Thomas' Block, on High street, where the Tribune was conducted until its base of operations was changed, two years later, to premises opposite Whittlesey's Bank. In January, 1858, Edward U. Bliss became a partner in the publication of the paper. He was a son of the proprietor, a practical printer, and, by his labors and experience, contributed materially to rendering the sheet an acceptable family paper. In the discharge of their duties, they furnished a paper worthy of patronage ; not professing to be perfect, they nevertiieless so disposed of their ability in a professional sense as to merit encouragement, and, when weighed in the balance of public opinion, if not in all degrees equaling the standard of human perfection, tliey were ever regarded as men who would cheerfully yield when convinced that they were on the wrong road or in the wrong pew. During their administration, which -extended into Volume XXII, the Tribune was made tlie faithful and vigilant exponent of the best interests of the people, morally, educationally and commercially, and also as the dis.-erainator of news. Through its columns, the public was made familiar with the happenings at home and with the affairs of other lands. Politically, the paper was Republican of the most radical ntiil aggressive school, regarding the leading exponents of that party as " supporters of a cause worthy the alliance of angels and the Christian world." In short, to express it euphoniously, tliey "had it bad." On January 0, 1869, the paper attained its twenty-first birthday and was presented to its patrons in an enlarged form and with satisfactory improvements. The enlargement increased the amount of reading matter seven columns, or one full page of the old size, and, in its general appearance and make-up. all things seemed to combine to render the Tribune a cheerful and acceptable companion. The firm was known as Bliss & Son until June 2, 18*39, when it ceased, and was succeeded by that of Bennett & Teasdale. On that day, the senior editor issued his valedictory, and retired from the duties of his office after a service of nearly twenty-two years. The new managers, William H. Bennett and John B. Teasdale, assumed charge at once, fully conscious of the responsibilities they had laden themselves with, but hoping, by a consistent course in all things, courtesy to all parties, untiring industry and proper management, to secure the confidence and support of the community. During 1869, the "folio" was abandoned and the " quarto make-up " adopted. Having done thus much toward giving their subscribers a first-class local organ, the publishers sought from the former an indication that their eflbrts had not been vain. This was accomplished through repeated reminders in that behalf, by a thorough canvass of the county, and by other means the journalist, ambitious of substantial recognition, knows so well how to employ. In October, 1869, the ofl!ice was again removed to its present location, and in March, 1871, Mr. Bennett became sole owner of the enterprise, remaining as such, until January 1, 1881, when his brother, B. J. Bennett, entered as partner. The Tribune is now in the thirty-fifth year of its experience. It has not grown rapidly, but steadily, and, by faithful endeavor to fill the station allotted it and merit public indorsement, has conquered a success where similar undertakings have failed. William H. Bennett, the leading spirit of the paper, through his editorial career, has rendered the Tribune, politically speaking, one of the most influential periodicals in Southern Wisconsin. Being an enthusiastic Republican politician, he has held various positions in the State, offices not the least of which was that of Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue, to which he was appointed in 1873, and held it four years. In 1878, he was appointed to a lucrative position in the State Land Office, where he is still occupied. G. W. Bliss, the founder, subsequent to his abandonment of the editorial tripod, became a member of the Legislature of Wisconsin from Mineral Point, in which capacity he served his constituency satisfactorily. In November, 1870, he removed to Neosho, Mo., where he died a few years since. The old W;vshington press on which the Tribune was first printed is said to be among the articles of interest in the rooms of the Historical Society at Madison. The paper to-day enjoys a circulation of eight hundred, and represents a valuation estimated at $3,500.

The Iowa County Democrat (then National Democrat) was established in August, 1866, with John Herron and William H. Peck editors and proprietors. The paper was afterward owned and published by T. Scott Ansley for one year, and by W. H. Peck for a number of years. In November, 1874. the office was purchased from Mr. Peck by Albert Watkins and George Crawford. In May, 1877, Mr. Watkins sold his half-interest in the office to Robert M. Crawford, and George and Robert M. Crawford became proprietors, since which time the office has been owned and the paper published by them. The Democrat has a large and increasing circulation in Iowa County. It is independent in politics, neutral in religion, and its primary object is to furnish its readers with all the local news possible. The enterprise is valued at $4,000.

The Dodgeville Chronicle - Now and heretofore the only newspaper in the village is an outgrowth of the county-seat war. The people of Dodgeville, realizing that Mineral Point had the advantage of them in possessing organs to advocate their claims, commenced to agitate the matter. It came to pass that about this time, one Hoxie, a speculative genius, left Baraboo, Wis., with a printing press, type, etc., for Iowa. An unusual amount of rain had fallen that season, and the clayey roads of Iowa County were perfect quagmires. Proceeding as far as the farm of W. P. Ruggles, in Ridgeway, Hoxie became "stalled." Leaving his press in the lat.

ter gentleman's barn, he proceeded to Dodgeville to negotiate. Among others, Messrs. Samuel Hoskins, S. W. Reese, N. Arthur, Jacob Miller, Henry Madden and B. F. Thomas interested themselves. John T. Jones, the present County Judge, then a practical printer in Mineral Point, happened to visit Dodgeville, and was commissioned by them to call at the Ruggles farm, examine the press, and give an estimate of its value. This he did, and the result was the formation of a stock company, and the purchase of the press for the sum of $1,200 ; $50 shares were first issued, the shares afterward being divided into $25 each. Thirty or more of the wealthy men of the village subscribed ; the press was set up in the second story of the Farmers' and Miners' store building, and Francis J. Rowe, then on the Mineral Point Tribune, was employed as editor and business manager. Half the capital stock was donated to him, and the Iowa County Advocate, thus founded, made its appearance on August 19, 1858.

In March, 1861, it was found necessary to establish 'another friendly paper here, in order to comply with the law re((uiring the publication of the local law - the notice to voters - in two papers of the county. The Iowa County Herald was then founded, and enough editions published to fulfill the requirements of the law. A number of copies are still in preservation on which a map of the county is rudely drafted. The map gives Dodgeville a location in closer proximity to the center of the county, while Mineral Point occupies a position on the extreme county confines. The paper was edited by Henry Madden and P. D. Wigginton. In September,

Chronicle. Dr. Cowan was a local preacher and the publisher of a monthly pamphlet in the interest of Primitive Methodism. Cowan owned at least half the stock, and, thinking himself master of the situation, decided to remove the paper to Mineral Point, and actually loaded part of the press on a wagon for that purpose, when a number of the stockholders, headed by Dr. Bishop and Nicholas Arthur, convinced him that it was wiser to return the press to the room where it was first set up. E. W. Corns, of Mazomanie, Wis., was the next editor, and he published the paper in the Casserly building, now a part of the Northey building, on Iowa street. In 1860, W. J. Wrigglesworth bought the paper, and published it until 1870, in the town hall. He then set up the press in what is now the telegraph office, over Reese's bank. At one time, W. L. Abbott was associated with Wrigglesworth. His interest was purchased by E. T. Wrigglesworth, the brothers continuing the publication for some time. In 1870, they compiled and published the first sectional map of Iowa County, and, later, dissolved partnership. On the 2d of January, 1874, A. S. Ilearn, of Cadiz, Ohio, reached Dodgeville, and, after carefully scrutinizing the business, purchased the establishment and took possession of the office as editor and proprietor, March 1, 1874. On the Isc of December following, he removed the office to the B. F. Thomas hall, where it was published until June 1, 1877, when the forms and material were removed to the present Chronicle office in the Jones & Owens block. On the 15th of June, Mr. Hearn published the first edition ever printed in Iowa County with a cylinder press. This is now in use in his office, while the press, rescued from the mud by Judge Jones twenty-two years ago, is now in an office in Niobrara, Neb. The Chronicle is a four-page eight-column weekly. Republican in politics, and is devoted to the interests of the entire county.

The Arena Star. - Unheralded by any flourish of trumpets, the Arena Star burst forth oa the horizon of county politics on June 26, 187*1. It came as a feeler of the popular mind, and at once met with a happy reception. W. H. Goodlad and Dr. Flower stood at the helm, both men of energy and business ability. A good advertising patronage was secured, and it became a quickly recognized fact that the Star was not destined for an ephemeral existence. The business cares of the two managers dictated the advisability of a change which occurred five months later. Then the stock and good will were surrendered to others, who after a month's experience, invoked the aid of greater capital by organizing the Star Company under the stock name of Meffert k Peavy. This step demonstrated beyond a doubt its expediency, as during the following six months, the advertising and subscription patronage expanded greatly. With the initial number of Volume II, Burnett & Son associated with the company as publishers with Messrs. Meffert & Peavy, editors. This organization remained unchanged until the con- elusion of the third volume, when a vacancy was created by the withdrawal of W. C. Meffert. VV. H. Jones replaced him on the editorial staff. At the close of Volume IV, Jones & Peavy bade adieu to their patrons and friends, and confided the interests of the Star and a constantly increasing patronage to J. T. Shumwav, at that time traveling agent of the Dodgeville Chronicle. The Star, which had hitherto maintained an aggressively independent stand in politics, was thenceforward to be a partisan organ of the National Greenback party, and was at once indorsed by the party as its county organ. After eighteen months of prosperous work, Mr. Shumway was borne to his final resting-place, and by the intervention of death the Star was deprived of its operative ability. At this critical juncture, D. H. Williams and E. J. Edwards constituted themselves foster guides, consequently no issue was lost. Eventually, the charge was intrusted to D. H. Williams, who made his bow to the people and assumed the duties of editor. Under his supervision, the Star has attained its largest circulation, and is now paying a regular dividend over and above all expenses. The paper has been returned to its former stand of political independence, and is the only free and untrammeled organ in the county.