Iowa County, Wisconsin - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 15 of those read), 1881 (part 2 of 2)

At this time, it was resolved by the vestry to erect a chrirch costing about $5,000, and a committee was appointed to circulate a subscription list and solicit funds. The first day $860 were subscribed. A building committee was also appointed, and, suitable plans having been obtained, the present building was commenced, and the work continued until its completion. The church is 35x45 feet in area ; basement walls, five feet in heiglit, one of stone, and the superstructure walls, about sixteen feet in height, are of brick. It is neatly finished and furnished, but shows the marks of age.

The Rev. E. Williams continued with the parish until November 17, 1849, when he resigned. On the 10th of December following, the Rev. James De Pui was invited by ilie Vestry to take charge of the church, and accepted. He remained Rector until .January 3, 1851. when he resigned, and, on the 21st of April of the above year, the Rev. Josiah Phelps, of Delphi, Ind., was called to the charge.

During the rectorship of Mr. Phelps, the church was fully completed, and, in August of 1855, it was consecrated by Bishop Kemper, assisted by the clergy of the Diocese of Wisconsin.

The Rev. Mr. Phelps resigned on the 4th of April, 1859, and on the 23d of June following, the Rev. Gardner M. Skinner was elected Rector. He remained until September 13, 1862, and then resigned. After this there was no regular minister until .July 27, 1863, when the Rev. Louis P. Tschiifely was chosen Rector. Mr. TschiSely oSiciated until July 19, 1864. Subsequent to his departure, several ministers were called, but no one was secured until March 14, 1865, when the Rev. Lyman Phelps was called, and, responding, was installed Rector.

During Mr. Phelps' rectorate, the rectory was built, and the parish school organized, and schoolhouse erected. The rectory, which is an elegant and substantial structure, Gothic in style, was completed at a cost of $8,000. The material used in the construction of the walls, being the brown sandstone of this country. The school-building was erected in 1869, at a cost of $3,000. This is a plain but commodious one-story frame building ; is well lighted and ventilated, and capable of seating 150 pupils. Mrs. Phelps, the minister's wife, was the first teacher here, and continued in charge until her death, which occurred in 1872. Mrs. Phelps is remembered as one of earth's loveliest daughters, a woman who, by her Christian spirit and assiduous labors, endeared herself to all classes of people. Her death proved so great a blow to her husband that he never recovered from the shock, but gradually fiiiled until his health compelled him to resign on April 10, 1874.

Mr. Phelps was succeeded by the Rev. A. F. Samuels, who remained with the church until the 1st of May, 1875. He was followed by the present able and eloquent Rector, the Rev. A. W. Seabrase, who, in response to a unanimous call of the Vestry, took charge of the parish August 29, 1875, a position which he has thus far held agreeably to himself and acceptably and beneficially to his people.

Of the original Vestrymen, M. M. Strong is the only survivor. Of the church Wardens, Dr. R. D. Pulford has served the longest, he having oflSciated in that capacity since 1846. In reading the list of early Vestrymen, one finds the names of some of the leading men in the State twenty-five to fifty years ago. Thus it may be said that this is not only one of the oldest churches established in the State, but it was started by the pioneer Bishop of the West, and included some of the ablest men in the Northwest.

At present, the church is in a flourishing condition, the regular attendance being large, the Sunday school being well supported, and the church property being unincumbered. That this condition of things may long maintain is to be devotedly desired.

St. PauVg Catholic Church. - To properly trace the history of this denomination, the historian must necessai'ily go back to the pioneer days of Iowa County, when the excitement of the lead region was at its zenith, and when the morals of the people were notorious for their laxity. About the years 1836 to 1840, the village of Mineral Point was a fine picture of a

Western mining town. The community was composed of all classes, creeds and nationalities, and, from possessing all the concomitants of the Western frontier, it afforded a rich field for missionary labor.

Among the settlers were Catholics of nearly every nationality, but principally Irishmen, who, being accustomed to mining either in Ireland or England, sought fortune and a congenial pursuit in the mines of Wisconsin. Although, during the earliest phase of development of the diggings, there were Catholics in this village or its vicinity, yet several years elapsed from the opening of the mines before they were organized into a congregation.

Wisconsin, in the early days, belonged to the diocese of Detroit, but the southwestern part of the State was generally attended by priests belonging to the diocese of Dubuque, for the reason that it was in close proximity to the latter place. Dubuque was erected into a diocese in 1837, seven years prior to the appointment of a Bishop to Milwaukee ; consequently it naturally followed that this section of Wisconsin fell ad interim to the spiritual charge of the Bishop of the diocese and his clergy.

The first Catholic Priest to visit Mineral Point was Rev. Father Mazzuchelli, an Italian clergyman of the Dubuque Diocese, who visited most of the Catholic settlements between this place and the Mississippi River. He subsequently became Pastor of Benton, La Fayette County, where he built a church and eventually founded the Third Order of St. Dominic, whose sisters are at present located at Sinsinawa Mound, Grant County. This order is now in a flourishing condition, having over one hundred and fifty sisters, a large young ladies' academy, besides hav^ ing charge of many and important schools in Wisconsin. Illinois and Minnesota.

The first time the holy sacrifice of the mass was celebrated in Mineral Point dates back to the year 1839, the officiator being Rev. Father Mazzuchelli. This service was held in an old log shanty situated near the present German Catholic Church, at that time owned by an Englishwoman, Mrs. Uren, but occupied by an Irish Catholic, James Smith. Mass was afterward celebrated in the residence of the same Mr. Smith, located in the rear of the present city hall. Shortly after, a new house of larger dimensions, erected on the hill near the present Second Ward Schoolhouse by Mr. Crawford, was rented by the Catholics for church purposes. This building they occupied about a year, when the Rev. Father Mazzuchelli built a church. Owing to his numerous missions in this part of the State, the pious Mazzuchelli visited his newly organized congregation in Mineral Point very irregularly, thus giving the Catholics of this vicinity but few opportunities of hearing mass and approaching the holy sacraments of the church. On these visits, he was the guest of George W. Jones, a Protestant, but whose wife was a practical Catholic. Here he was most hospitably and respectfully entertained.

The Catholics were thus attended at intervals until 1841, when Rev. Mazzuchelli ceased visiting them, and Mineral Point fell to the charge of Rev. James Causse, a French priest, stationed then at Potosi, Wis. He said mass in James Smith's house, and new house of Mr. Crawford. This was the first time this congregation received regular attendance and was recog^ nized as a mission, having mass once a month. The Catholics were thus administered to for one or two years previous to the erection of any building by the society for church purposes.

In 1842, four lots for a church site were donated - John F. O'Neil two lots, Thomas P, Burnet one, and Frank J. Dunne one lot. This and another lot bought recently is the present amount of church property immediately adjoining the church, upon which is located the church, priest's residence and sisters' school.

The first Catholic Church in Mineral Point was built in 1842, under the charge of Rev, James Causse. This was 40,x20 feet, constructed of limestone and sand rock, then the most convenient and substantial material at hand. It is said that to this church numbers of the old settlers drove twenty-five and thirty miles with ox-teams, coming the day before and remaining two nights in town, and returning the third day. Those were the Christian spirits that laid the foundation of Catholicity in this section.

On September 24, 1846, J. M. Henni, then Bishop of Milwaukee, relieved Rev. Cousse, and placed Rev. Victor Jouanneault, a French priest, in charge of the Mineral Point mission,

The prospects of this new Pastor were far from encouraging ; the mission then included the territory now embraced by the counties of Iowa, Grant, La Fayette and Green. His first effort was to secure a residence; the one he erected during the first year of his pastorate is now occupied by the sisters. He was succeeded in August, 1849, by Rev. Michael McFaul, who continued until April, 1850. Rev. James Causse was then appointed his successor, and officiated as Pastor until 1855. The Catholic school was established under the pastorate of Rev. Jounanneault and taught by himself, and continued under Rev. Causse's administration. In 1851, Rev. William B. Dougherty was appointed to assist Rev. Causse in his duties, and remained until 1852. (He died in Kenosha in 1876.) He was succeeded as assistant bv Rev. Arthur O'Connor in 1853 to 1854.

It is a remarkable fact that, during the cholera epidemic of 1849-50, not a single death occurred from this scourge among the Catholic congregation. This remarkable preservation is attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, under whose protection they had placed themselves.

The sacrament of confirmation was first administered to this congregation July 26, 1851, by Rev. J. M. Henni, Bishop of Milwaukee. January 21, 1851, the Hibernian Temperance Association was organized, and flourished for a few years only. During the year 1855, the first choir was established. In May, 1855, the corner-stone for a new church was laid, which was not completed, however, until in 1860. It was dedicated in June of that year. This church building is 40x80 feet, and is still occupied for church purposes. In -January, 1856, Rev. James Cousse was succeeded by Rev. M. Kundig, who continued until March of the same year, when he was succeeded by Rev. M. P. Kenney. He was followed in May by Rev. James Mc- Gowan, who was succeeded in September by Rev. F. G. Bonduel, a French priest. He continued until May, 1857, when Rev. Francis McGann took charge of the mission and continued here until his death, Sept. 18, 1870. During his administration, in the year 1868, the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa Mound were procured and placed in charge of the Catholic school, which has since been carried on with flattering success by them. During the early part of the year 1870, the German element of the congregation withdrew and organized a society and erected their present church building.

After the death of Rev. James McGann, Rev. James O'Keefe, the present Pastor, was appointed his successor, and took charge October 1, 1870. During Father O'Keefe's pastorate, this congregation, guided by his superior judgment, extended experience and liberal education, have made many and valuable improvements in connection with the church, sisters' school, priest's residence and church property, and has long been one of the leading congregations of the county.

First Presbyterian Church. - This church was organized June 13, 1839, at Mineral Point, by the Rev. James E. Quaw, A. M., Bishop of the Reformed Dutch Church, and pioneer preacher of considerable note. The following were the constituent members : Curtis Beech, Sophia Beech, Elihu Hall, Sarah Hall, Calvin Frink, Lydia Frink, Mary E. Frink, Eliza A. Frink, George Hickcox, Catherine Kellogg, Joshua Kellogg. The first officers of the church were Curtis Beech, George W. Hickcox, Judah Hall, Elders ; Calvin Frink and Judah Hall, Deacons. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered to the constituent members June 13, 1839. The Rev. James E. Quaw continued to preach for the newly established church until October, 1839, when he left for the East. The first sermons of this congregation were conducted at the residences of the members until the fall of 1839, when devotions were held in the court house, now city hall. From October, 1839, to July, 1840, the congregation was without a Pastor, though meetings were regularly held, the sermons being read by the diff'erent members of the church. During this interval, a regularly appointed Sabbath school was established, and weekly prayer meetings held. On July 15, 1840, a meeting of the congregation extended an invitation to the Rev. Solomon Chaffee, who accepted the call and commenced his labors on the third Sabbath of July. 1840. During the pastorate of Mr. Chaffee, the church which now adorns High street was erected and dedicated November, 1844. December 30, 1844,

Rev. Solomon ChaflFee was succeeded by Rev. Zachariah Eddy, who was in turn replaced in 1856 by the Rev. D. C. Lyon. Mr. Lyon resigned the pastorate August 5, 1851, and was followed by Rev. David T. Noyes, who served one year, and was succeeded by the Rev. Charles Boynton. The resignation of Rev. Boynton was accepted January 30, 1860, and April 1, 1860, Rev. H. H. Benson took charge of the church. September 20, 1863, Mr. Benson resigned, and February 18, 1864, Rev. Goodnow was employed for three months. July 25, 1864, Rev. E. B. Miner, of Baraboo, assumed his labors among the flock, and January 11, 1867, he was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Bernard, who served as Pastor until April, 1869. Rev. A. S. Yale accepted a call to this charge July 5, 1869, and served until October, 1871, when Rev. G. W. Evans entered upon the duties as Pastor. December 10, 1874, was the date of the acceptance the call by Rev. A. S. Reed who resigned April 1, 1877, and was succeeded in February, 1878, by Rev. J. Emery Fisher. In September, 1878, Mr. Fisher resigned, and November 9, 1878, Rev. Louis H. Jenkins, the present Pastor, entered upon his duties. In 1878, the church edifice was raised, and a stone basement constructed with room 33 feet square. The church proper is 36x56 feet, and has long since taken its place among the principal church edifices in Mineral Point. The Elders of the church are T. J. Campbell, John Clowney and Neil Mc- Vicker ; Trustees, T. J. Campbell, John Clowney, Neil McVicker, George Keuheuan, Robert Hughes, John Ghundman ; Clerk, T. J. Campbell ; Treasurer, Neil McVicker. In 1847, a united conference of the Presbyterian and Congregational denominations was held at the Presbyterian Church in Mineral Point, the Revs. D. Clary, of Beloit, and J. J. White, of Milwaukee, preached. The conference was convened October 11. 1847, by selecting Rev. A. L. Chapin, of Milwaukee, Moderator, and Rev. C. Warner, of Elk Horn, Clerk. Various subjects were discussed during the conference, which lasted a week, and some interesting statistics relating to the mission in Wisconsin Territory were presented by Rev. Stephen Peet. Revs. A. L. Chapin and J. J. Miter, of Milwaukee, spoke on the same subject ; Rev. L. H. Loss, of Beloit, and Mr. George F. McGoun, formerly Principal of Platteville Academy spoke on education. The proceedings of the convention created kindly and harmonious feeling, and the different delegates departed for their homes with pleasant recollections of their generous reception at Mineral Point.

St. Mary's German Catholic Society. - This parish was originally a part of what is termed the " Irish congregation," but the church edifice becoming too small, and the German element desiring a pastor of their own nationality, in 1870, organized the St. Mary's congregation. During the same year, the church property, consisting of three acres, was purchased of John Bracken, the consideration being $2,000. The society immediately proceeded to the erection of a church and presbytery. Both buildings were completed and taken possession of August 1, 1870. The church and residence were erected at a cost of $10,000. In the fall of 1871, the parish school, a large two-story edifice, with accommodation for one hundred and fifty scholars, was erected at a cost of $2,0(30. There are eno;a";ed here as teachers, three Sisters of the Dominican order, of Racine, Wis. The first Pastor of this congregation was Rev. Franz X. Weinhard, who served from 1870 to 1878. In October, 1878, Rev. George Weidlich took charge of the parish, and continued until April, 1879. Rev. Joseph Huber, the present incumbent, became pastor May 1, 1879. Connected with this congregation is the parish cemetery, consisting of four acres of land, located one mile from the city, on the Dodgeville road. This cemetery was established in 1873. The first person buried here was Sister Seraphine. The total number buried here since its establishment, aggregates ninety. St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, composed of members of St. Mary's German Catholic congregation, was organized March 19, l871. The first ofiicers were, Peter Freiden, President ; Joseph Ellingen, Vice President ; Matt Schmitt, Secretary ; Edward Ellingen, Treasurer. The society now numbers fifty-three members, with the following officers : John Jeuck, President ; John Amberg, Vice President ; Phillip Wiedenfeller, Secretary ; Peter Freiden, Treasurer.

One of the chief acts performed by any civilized community, is the providing of a suitableand permanent place for the interment of its dead ; but, when a country is new and sparsely settled, and deaths few, very little attention is given to the subject, almost any sightly burialplace being considered good enough. In the early history of Mineral Point, about the year 18.30(?), one of the many miners here at that time was wont to remark that when he died, he desired to be buried beneath the "big tree" on the hill. This land-mark was on the grounds now fenced in and known as the City burying-ground.

According to the request of the miner, he was buried beneath the "big tree," and thus was established the first burying-ground in Mineral Point. This being a sightly place for a cemetery, others were buried here, and so close to the big tree were the graves located that it soon died from injuries received while digging the graves.

This ground is in what is known as " Irvin and others' " addition to Mineral Point, and not being a legalized burying-ground, was, in the first place, surveyed and platted into village lots, streets and alleys.

After the village had negotiated for years, in 1856, William T. Henry, then Clerk, purchased the land for the city, which has since controlled it. This cemetery is located in the heart of the city, on an elevated ground overlooking the business portion of the village, and in the summer time, the graves, walks and avenues are tastefully ornamented with flowers and shrubbery, forming a very attractive and picturesque sight.

St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery. - Up to 1850, the Catholic congregation had no graveyard proper. The dead were buried in the church lot adjoining the Priest's house. When the clmrch property was donated, it was located some distance from the vill(\ge ; but, in 1851, the growth of the village having been rapid, residences were being built in close proximity to the church, consequently it became necessary to procure other burial-grounds. With a view to the accomplishment of this idea, Father Cousse called a meeting of the congregation July 6, 1851. Eventually, Father Causse was enabled to purchase a piece of land, about one acre, formerly owned by Rev. Jouannault, a short distance south, on the Galena road. The first burials here were the remains of those disinterred and removed from the old burial ground at the church.

In September, 1852, the new cemetery was fenced in, and has since been carefully guarded. This cemetery, conveniently located on the Galena road, in the limits of the city, is still used for burial purposes, and the numerous mounds and tombstones give evidence that the hand of death has not been still.

Graceland Cemetery. - Not quite a mile from the business center of the city is located a handsome plat of ground, consisting of 10 acres, laid and surveyed by Moses Strong, Jr., in 1875, for a burial-ground. The Graceland Cemetery, as it is called, is beautifully and conveniently located, and there are few spots in the city that could be so readily adorned and beautified by the hand of man. The little groves of evergreens strewn about in elegant profusion, combined with the symmetrical walks, avenues and drives, form a picture equaled by but few such places in this community, and one which in the near future will compare favorably with the finest cemeteries in Southwestern Wisconsin.

The burial-ground was purchased and is owned by the " Graceland Cemetery Association," which was organized March 17, 1874. with forty charter members ; consisting of persons from the different Protestant congregations in the city. The organization was eff'ected by the election of the following ofiicers and Trustees : Moses M. Strong, President ; J. H. Vivian, Treasurer ; T. S. Ansley, Secretary. Trustees - James Hutchison, Joseph Gundry, Methodist Episcopal Church ; T. J. Campbell, John Clowney, Presbyterian Church ; P. Allen, Sr., James Toay, Primitive Methodist Church ; J. H. Vivian, Moses M. Strong, R. D. Pulford, Episcopal Church. The ground was purchased by the association May 24, 1875, from Mr. Cooper, the consideration being $1,500. The cemetery is located on the northwest quarter of northeast quarter of Section 1, Town 4, Range 2 east.

The association was organized under the laws of the State, governing " cemetery associations," and any person becoming a lot owner is entitled to membership in the society. Lots are sold for $25 each, and a deed given to each purchaser, subject to the rules of the association. A small portion of the grounds is laid out and known as the free burial-place, intended for paupers. Of the 708 lots contained in the cemetery, ninety have been sold. The first person buried here was Robert Robinson. Among the prominent men buried here maybe mentioned Moses Strong, Jr., who in 1877, at the age of thirty-one years, was drowned in the Flambeau River, while pursuing his avocation as Assistant State Geologist. The present officers of the association are Moses M. Strong, President ; J. H. Vivian, Treasurer ; T. S. Ansley, Secretary. Trustees - P. Allen, Sr., M. Strong, R. D. Pulford, James Toay, J. H. Vivian, John Spensley, James Hutchinson, John Clowney, Joseph Gundry. " .

Official Roster

1838-30. - Thomas McKnight, President; Abner Nichols, Cromwell Lloyd, Charles V. B. Burris and William Prideaux, Trustees ; D. W. Jones, Treasurer ; D. G. Fenlon, Clerk ; J. B. Latham and William Henry, Assessors, Collectors and Constables ; Edwai-d McSheney, Justice. Subsequently, John Phillips and William Henry were elected in place of Thomas McKnight and William Prideaux.

1844-45 - F. J. Dunn, Esq., President; Francis Vivian, William Bennett, G. B. Morrison and John Carter, Trustees ; J. B. Bowden, Clerk ; William Prideaux, Treasurer ; William Henry, Sr., Justice of the Peace.

1845-46 - F. J. Dunn, President; A. Nichols, Jabez Pierce, James James and Samuel Rich, Trustees ; J. S. Bowden, Clerk ; William Prideaux, Treasurer ; and subsequently John Bracken, Clerk.

1846-47 - -Parley Eaton, President ; Thomas Riddell, Cyrus Woodman, William Sublitt and David Ross, Trustees ; John Bracken, Clerk ; P. W. Thomas, Treasurer ; A. W. Comfort, Assessor.

1848-49 - Samuel Crawford, President; William Langon, A. Nancolas, S. Thomas and William J. Tilley, Trustees ; James Hutchman, Clerk; Richard Thomas, Treasurer; A. W. Comfort, Assessor.

1855-56 - Charles Temple, President ; Joseph Smith, Samuel Wheeler, John Bracken and Ed Prideaux, Trustees; Joseph Clary, Clerk; Ed Coad. Treasurer; J. A. Piatt, A.ssessor. On June 12, of this year, a special election was held to fill the vacancy of President; Dr. Harmon Van Dusen was elected.

1857 - 58 - Charles F. Legate, Mayor; John Bracken, William A. Pierce, Caspar Ehat, Joseph Munster, Barney Mcllhon and Alfred Jenkin, Aldermen ; Harmon Van Dusen, Superintendent of Schools : John Jenkins, Treasurer ; W. T. Henry and Samuel Jenkins, Assessors ; William T. Henry, Clerk ; Emory Healy, Marshal ; R. L. Reed and Earnest Weiser, Justices ; Theodore Inglis and Daniel Kober, Constables.

1858-59 - John Clawny, Mayor ; Francis Vivian, Caspar Ehat, William A. Pierce, Joseph Munster, Bernard Mcllhon and Edward Corrish, Aldermen; Herman Van Dusen, Superintendent of Schools ; John Jenkins, Treasurer ; William T. Henry, Assessor and Clerk ; E. S. Sprague and John Issey, Constables.

1859-60 - Henry Plowman, Mayor ; William A. Pierce, Edward Corrish, Francis Vivian, J. W. Dickerson, Caspar Ehat and Bernard Mcllhon, Aldermen; R. D. Pulford, Superintendent of Schools; John Jenkins, Treasurer; William Lanyon, Assessor; William T. Henry, Clerk; Ed Blanchard and Phillip Weidenfeller, Police Justices; I. P. Trammel and Earnest Weiser, Justices; Phillip Weidenfeller and John Ivey, Constables.

1871-72 - David W. Jones, Municipal Judge ; James Argall, David Jacka, Albert Sprattler, Charles Gillman, James Brewer and S. E. Sheppard, Aldermen ; William H. Peck, Superintendent of Public Schools; Thomas Jenkins, Treasurer; George Wilkinson, Assessor; W. H. Curry, Clerk ; Alexander Guigon, Street Commissioner; R. L. Reed and Samuel Thomas. Justices ; Samuel Hitchins and Hugh Connoughton, Constables ; H. Van Dusen and Samuel Jenkins, Supervisors.

187-3-74 - William T. Henry, Municipal Judge ; James Brewer, Charles Rau, S. E. Sheppard, Charles Gillraan, George Jenck and John Spensley, Aldermen ; William H. Curry, Superintendent of Schools ; Phillip Eden, Treasurer; George Wilkinson, Assessor; William H. Curry, Clerk ; Samuel Hitchins, Street Commissioner ; J. P. Traniel and Samuel Thomas, Justices; Edward Prideaux and Hugh Connoughton, Constables; H. Van Deusen and John James, Supervisors.

1875-76 - James Hutchison, Municipal Judge ; William Langon, James V. Mayhew, John Spensley, William H. Curry, George Jenck and M. W. Prater, Aldermen ; Thomas Priestly, Superintendent of Schools; Thomas Hankey, Treasurer; William J. Healey, Assessor; J. B. Teasdale, Clerk; James Taag, Street Commissioner; J. P. Tramel and Samuel Thomas, Justices ; Thomas Dunn and Hugh Connoughton, Constables ; Calvert Spensley and John H. Vivian, Supervisors.

1878-79 - Calvert Spensley, Municipal Judge ; A. B. Ferris, James D. James, Alfred Jenkins, Charles Gillman, T. S. Ansley and George Jenck, Aldermen ; James B. Moffit, Superintendent of Public Schools ; Nicholas Schmidt, Treasurer ; George Priestly, Assessor ; J. P. Tramel, Clerk ; Edward Brown, Street Commissioner ; Samuel Jacka and Hugh Connoughton, Constables; S. E. Sheppard and William N. Curry, Supervisors.

1879-80 - J. M. Smith, Municipal Judge; Hymen Joseph, Samuel Jenkins, A. B. Ferris, James D. James, Alfred Jenkins and Charles Gillman, Aldermen ; Herman Van Dasen, Superintendent of Schools; Nicholas Smith, Treasurer; George Priestly, Assessor; J. P. Tramel, Clerk ; Edward Brown, Street Commissioner ; J. P. Tramel and Samuel Thomas, Justices ; William J. Healy and A. C. Ansley, Constables ; Joseph Ganary and John H. Vivian, Supervisors.

1880 - J. M. Smith, Municipal Judge: -Joseph Prideau.^, Charles Gillman, Hymen Joseph, Samuel Jenkins, A. B. Ferris and James D. James, Aldermen ; Herman Van Dasen, Superintendent of Schools; Nicholas Smith, Treasurer; Michael Crawford, Assessor; J. P. Tramel, Clerk ; Edward Brawn, Street Commissioner; John Daniels and A. C. Ansley, Constables ; J. J. Ross and George Jenck, Supervisors.

Business Summary And Conclusion

We hear of no serious pecuniary difficulties existing while the panic of 1873 was convulsing the Eastern cities, so it may be safely inferred that the commercial atmosphere has been uniformly clear and prosperous. Business transactions of exceptional magnitude seldom, if ever, occur here to set the people agog with envy, and to cause useless and unprofitable agitation in commercial, manufacturing and mining circles; yet, those of every-day occurrence are sufficiently large and remunerative to provide a constant and observable gain. As a consequence, the city has come to be regarded as one of the most solidly wealthy in this county or in the State ; and had it not been for the railroad bond incubus, under which the place has labored and writhed for so many years, it is but fair to suppose that the community would to-day be in a still more prosperous condition. We have slowly traced the picture of the growing community from the first faint lines of civilization, up through the various gradations of color and shape, until at last the scene becomes comparatively complete in a large and happy family, enjoying the amenities and comforts of modern home life in completeness. The elements of disorder and inharmony characteristic of fifty years ago, have given place to law and order, and a serenity and peacefulness has long existed, which it is to be hoped, is but an earnest of the future success and development of this locality and people.

In conclusion, we have to say that many points of interest have necessarily been omitted for want of space, and to make room for those of greater importance, and that would clearly indicate the condition of the community. However, it has been our aim from the first to last to take a fair and impartial survey of everything, and to omit nothing of real and permanent value.