Jefferson County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1879 (part 12 of 28)

Jefferson County, in common with other portions of Eastern Wisconsin, has two general systems of springs - those that originate in the drift deposits, and those that flow from the rock. The springs of each group occupy several different horizons, which it will be interesting to notice briefly, a,s the subject is one of great importance, it having been abundantly demonstrated that some of the most terrible diseases which afllict mankind are directly attributable to impure water. If unaided nature has provided any means of escape from this prolific source of danger, it is certain to be found in her deep-seated springs.

There are several reasons why spring-water is more likely to be pure than that of wells. On the average, it comes from greater depth, and has passed through a greater extent of the ' deeper strata, which are comparatively free from organic impurities, than has the water of wells, which is usually drawn from the surface of the water-level beneath the location of the w^ells. Artesian fountains are not here taken into account. The water of wells is usually stagnant, while that of springs is active - is " living water." There are some exceptions to the first part of this statement. Occasionally a well is sunk upon an active, flowing, underground stream, in which case the superior character of the water will usually be very marked. Spring-water is not liable to so many sources of contamination, and accidental impurities are more readily discharged.

The lowest noteworthy horizon from which springs arise is the vicinity of the junction of the Potsdam sandstone and the Lower Magnesian limestone. The water from this source usually has a temperature of forty-eight to fifty degrees, and is clear and comparatively free from organic impurities, but contains a small percentage of the carbonate of lime and magnesia, and, in some cases, a very small percentage of iron, with usually some silica, alumina and chloride of sodium. But the combined amount of these is small, and the water is " soit," and very pleasant to the taste. A small amount of free carbonic acid is usually present, which enhances the grateful efl'ect of the water upon the palate and stomach. There are no springs from this horizon in the county, but the water-bearing bed may be reached by wells.

Above this horizon, springs occur but rarely till we reach the junction of the St. Peter's sandstone with the Trenton limestone. Some shaly, impervious layers mark this division, while the limestone above is fissured and the sandstone below is porous. It hence follows that the springs may arise either above or below the impervious stratum, according to circumstances. (1) Water descending from above may be caught and carried out where the strata are cut across to the proper depth : and (2) water that gained access to the sandstone at some distant and more elevated point may rise from below at places where the confining stratum is removed. So that it is proper to include in this group some that issue from ledges somewhere above or below the junction of the formations. These springs are similar in general character to the last, but usually contain a more considerable percentage of the several mineral ingredients, at least that portion of them that are derived from the limestone, which still retains traces of many of the salts that we have reason to suppose were incorparated with it when it was formed beneath the ancient ocean. To this class belong most of the springs that issue from the rock in the western half of the county.

The foregoing are all derived from rocks that were laid down under the ancient Silurian ocean, rocks whose ages are to be reckoned by myriads of years, and from which there has at least been a liberal allowance of time for the removal of whatever soluble matter may have been originally incorporated in them ; and yet, we find in all that have been analyzed varying (juantities of the oceanic salts.

The remainder issue from loose material of much more recent origin, formed by the agency of ice and fresh water, so far as the evidence goes ; and yet, as this material was derived from the preceding oceanic formations in great part, the same ingredients may and do occur in the water. They are, as a class, more superficial than the preceding, and more liable to contamination from surface impurities, and, for a like reason, their temperature is often less constant and their flow less regular. To this class belong those springs that issue from the drift.

Artesian Wells

The term artesian is frequently applied to deep wells, without regard to whether the water flows at the surface or not ; but it will here be applied to flowing wells, without regard to depth. Flowing wells depend upon these requisite conditions: There should be an impervious stratum to prevent the escape of the water below ; a previous water-bearing stratum upon this, to furnish the flow of water ; a second impervious layer upon this, to prevent the escape of water above, it being under pressure from the fountain-head. These must dip, and there must be no adequate outlet for the water at a lower level than the well. There must also be a sufficient collecting area or reservoir in connection with the porous stratum, and it must have sufficient elevation to act as a fountain-head.

Wells of this description in Eastern Wisconsin are divided into six different classes: (1) those that derive their flow entirely from the drift ; (2) those that derive their flow from the junction of the drift with the indurateil rocks below ; (o) tliose that originate in the Niagara limestone; (4) those that arise from the Galena and Trenton limestones; (5) those from the St. Peters sandstone ; and (U) those from the primordial zone. To the fourth and fifth classes belong the Watertown fountains ; the one whicii includes the greater number rising from Trenton limestone ; the other embracing the deeper wells from the St. Peters sandstone. The first class vary in depth from 18 to 100 feet ; the second, from UtO to 215 feet. One of the most interesting of the latter class is located near the shops of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, to whom it belongs. The following is the record of this well :

Water began to flow when a depth of 107 feet was reached, and could be raised ten feet above the surface. Two additional records will sufficiently illustrate this (fifth) class:

If we assume that the flow of the railway well was from the surface of the St. Peters sandstone, the upper face of the sandstone will be 107 feet, 103 and 118 feet, respectively, below the surface at the three wells, facts which may be of service in sinking others. The first one (that belonging to the railway company) is 243 feet above Lake Michigan ; hence, its bottom is 28 feet below the lake level.

The source of supply for both classes (fourth and fifth as previously mentioned) of these wells seem to lie to the west of north, where, both near and distant, occur many depressions entrapped between limestone and drift ridges, giving abundant superficial reservoirs, while in this direction also may be found the out-cropping edge of the sandstone. This sandstone likewise comes to the surface to the west of Watertown, but the low elevation in that region seems to indicate that the flow is not from that quarter. The western edge of the sandstone where it comes to the surface, follows the east bank of the Crawfish River, from Lowell to Aztalan, and at no point between those places has it an elevation much greater than the railroad junction at Watertown. It is not to be expected then that fountains can be obtained from the St. Peters sandstone, which will flow at a much greater elevation than that tdready attained, namely, 253 feet above Lake Michigan. By penetrating the Potsdam sandstone there is a reasonable probability that a flow competent to rise to a iiigher elevation could be obtained. The following is an analysis of the water of one of these fountains : Oraim in i gal.

While these facts are still in mind, it will be convenient to speak of the Palmyra " oil well." Although a failure as a source of oil, this well has proved of some value in demonstrating the possibility of Artesian wells in that and similar situations. It was begun about 250 feet above Lake Michigan and 828 feet above the sea. The following is its record :

Drab or cream-colored sandstone. Soapstone or sliale. Gray sandstone to bottom of well. Bottom of well, being .500 feet below Lake Michigan, 78 above the sea.

l^he flotv of this well is derived from the St. Peters sandstone. It cannot have its source in that formation directly to the West, since the outcrop is lower than the surface of the well. The fountain-head is probably in the same region as that of the Watertown wells of its class.

There are three extensive areas over which there is a reasonable presumption that fountains may be obtained : (1) A belt adjoining Lake Michigan ; (2) Green Bay Valley, from Fond du Lac northward ; and, (8) the Vslley of Rock River. In the last-mentioned valley an elevation of 250 feet must be taken as the upper limit of fivorable chances. The St. Peters sandstone is available for only a portion of the area that falls below that altitude, since, in some parts of it, this formation is deeply eroded by the streams and its fountain-forming possibilities destroyed. Success in these portions will be chiefly dependent on the Potsdam sandstone. As the majority of the deep-seated wells of Eastern Wisconsin derive their flow from the St. Peters sandstone, it is important to know at what elevation the upper face of that formation outcrops. The following list will supply the requisite data for Jefferson County : Lake Mills, Section 3, northwest quarter, 31'J feet; Section 4, northwest quarter, 330 feet. Milford, Section 7, southwest quarter, 251 feet ; Section 33, northeast quarter (estimated) 257 feet. Oakland, Section 18, southeast quarter, 246 feet ; Section 16, northwest corner, 264 feet ; Section 28, middle east line (estimated) 233 feet ; Section 30, northwest quarter, 253 feet. Sumner, Section 18 (estimated) 202 feet; Waterloo, Section 31, county line (estimated) 323 feet ; Section 35, southeast quarter (estimated), 277 feet.

Geological Formations

The northern part of the State is occupied by the oldest formations that are definitely known to geologists by observation, though theoretically there are older ones. These dip down 'beneath the sandstones and limestones that constitute the upper formations in the southern part of the State. They pass beneath Jefferson County at a tlepth of more than a thousand feet, and may be looked upon as forming the great rock floor upon wliich the later formations repose. There lies upon this floor first a great bed of sandstone, to which the name Potsdam has been given. The thickness of this is somewhat irregular, but is sometimes nearly, or quite one thousand feet. It does not appear at the surface anywhere in the county, but was penetrated by the Palmyra "oil well." Upon this sandstone, there lies the Lower Magnesian limestone. This is likewise irregular in thickness, varying in Eastern Wisconsin from about sixty feet to one hundred and fifty feet, while in the western part of the State it is sometimes two hundred and fifty feet thick. The most southerly point in Eastern Wisconsin at which the Lower Magnesian limestone appears is at Waterloo. Along the stream below the lower bridge, at the village, a low ledge presents its rough, weathered face to view. It consists of a coarse, cherty, buff, silicious dolomite, in medium beds of rougli, uneven texture, owing in part to the irregular cavities and granular porous spots, and in part to the presence of nodules of chert. The inequality of structure is exaggerated by the effects of long weathering, giving the surface a very ragged aspect. The exterior of the chert is usually white and rather soft, while the interior is dark or reddish, hard, translucent and flint-like. The outcrop represents the upper portion of the formation.

St. Peters Sandstone

Upon the Lower Magnesian limestone, there rests the St. Peters sandstone, which is also uneven in thickness, the average being, perhaps, seventy-five to one hundred feet. In this sandstone, in the town of Waterloo, occur organic remains. It there has sufficient compactness to serve as a building-stone, but usually it is too soft. The latter fact, however, permits its extensive use as sand for mortar and similar purposes. At most localities, it can be dug with pick and shovel - the mere handling being sufficient to reduce it to safid. On account of its clearness, it is much superior to most drift sand.

Trenton Limestone

Upon the St. Peters sandstone, there lies the Trenton limestone. It has been divided by the State Geologist into four subdivisions, These are the Lower Buff, the Lower Blue, the Upper Buff and the Upper Blue beds. All of these beds are more or less buff near the surface, so that the color is not a wholly reliable guide. Their thickness is as follows : Upper Blue beds, 15 feet ; Upper Buff beds, 55 feet ; Lower Blue beds, 25 feet, and Lower Buff beds, same thickness.

At the lower quarry, belonging to Mr. Krump, near Fort Atkinson, the upper portion of this formation (Trenton) is shown. About two miles below Jefferson, on the west side of Rock River, a little stream has cut down to dark mottled, fine grained, rather thick beds tliat are capable of receiving an excellent polish. Their lithological affinites are with the upper half of the formation. Near Aztalan are several quarries showing the junction of the Lower Buff layers and those above. The surface of the rock is beautifully polished and striated by glacial action. On the north side of Red Cedar Lake, in the town of Oakland, and in the vicinity on the west, the lower beds are displayed, showing a somewhat less firm rock than usual. The most interesting exposure of the Trenton limestone, in the town of Waterloo, is at the quarry of David Crump, in Section 35. The lower four feet are of thick bedded, very serviceable rock, above which lies one foot of thin shaly stone, succeeded by six feet of somewhat irregular layers of medium thickness, upon which are two feet of even bedded stone, overlaid by two and a half feet of thin, greenish, shaly material. The lower portion is to be regardeii as representing the Lower Buff layers, and the upper ones the Lower Blue limestone.

The Galena Limestone

Upon the Trenton limestone, there rests a closely related formation known as the Galena limestone, from the fact that it is the main formation that bears galena or lead ore in the lead region of the southwestern part of the State. It differs from the Trenton limestone in being thicker bedded and having a more irregular texture, so that it weathers into rough, craggy forms and often has a rotten appearance. It is usually a deeper buff than the Trenton beds. Passing by several minor exposures in Jefferson County, we find, about two miles soutiieast of Fort Atkinson, quarries situated in the lower portion of this (the Galena limestone) formation ; and a little to the north, on the southeast quarter of Section 10, in Township 5 north, of Range 1-4 east, a quarry in the Upper Blue limestone. The rock from the former furnishes a good lime and an ordinary building stone. On the west side of Rock River, in the towns of Jefferson and Oakland, are several patches of Galena limestone, forming the nucleus of the prominent hills of that region. On the east side of the river, the heavy drift accumulations effectually conceal the formation.

The Glacial Formations Or Drift

Long after the above formations had been deposited by the Silurian ocean, and had been lifted from the water and eroded into hills and valleys by the elements, the region was subjected to the action of ice and glacial waters, by which a covering of clay, sand, gravel and bowlders was deposited over the face of the region, well-nigh concealing all the strata beneath. This constitutes the drift, or glacial, or quaternary deposits that prevail at the service. They are composed of rounded frrgments and the ground-up material of various kinds of rocks. When carefully studied, it is found that all these fragments were derived from formations lying to the northward and northeastward, and that a great many of them came from the Lake Superior region and beyond, as, for instance, the copper that is occasionally found, sometimes in quite large lumps.

Taken altogether, this is one of the most puzzling formations known to geologists ; and, although the explanations worked out by the recent geological survey in Wisconsin are probably the most satisfactory that have ever been given, it would far transcend our limits to attempt to reproduce them here. Indeed, -we can only mention one important resource to Jeiferson County, springing from the drift - the manufacture of cream-colored brick, several millions of which are annually produced. Concerning the depth of this drift, or the ridges or belts formed of it, reference may be had to recent volumes of the Geology of Wisconsin.

The Soil, the latest geological formation, was produced by the disintegration of the drift and of the rock where it approaches the surface. The sui-face of .Jefferson County, west of the Rock and Crawfish Rivers, is generally covered (where cultivation has not changed it) with oak openings, with a small portion of prairie, and a larger part occupied by marshes - natural wet meadows. The upland is generally wooded with white, burr, and black or red oaks, that is, it was so wooded before cultivation began, with a soil varying with the vegetation found upon it in a state of nature. The prairies have an alluvial surfiice soil of great depth, from eight inches to two feet, with a clay subsoil slightly mixed with sand and lime pebbles. The marshes possess an alluvial soil of great depth, varying from two to ten feet, composed of vegetation in different stages of decomposition, and are underlaid generally with a strata of fine-washed beach sand, overlaying clay or rock. The burr-oak openings occupy a large portion of this region. They are characterized by a dark, alluvial surface soil, mixed with sand, and varying to quite sandy, the substratum less tenacious than that of the prairies, and varying to gravelly clay, rarely to sand and gravel. Next, the black or red oak openings have a surface of sandy loam, with a tenacious subsoil, varying to sandy. White-oak openings, generally occupying the most elevated portions of the west part of the county, have a tenacious soil, like the subsoil of the prairies.

East of Rock, but south of Bark River, a large portion of the county is burr-oak openings, characteristics of which are the same as those west of the first-mentioned stream, with the exception that the land covered by them is rather more sandy, and pretty freely sprinkled with granite bowlders. The white-oak openings also occupy the most elevated portions of this part of the county, as they do to the westward.

East of Rock, but north of Bark River, the soil is generally sandy, or clay loam covered with leaf mold, witli all the variety of subsoil before described as existing in the west portions of the county, interspersed with marshes and tamarack or larch swamp, easily susceptible of improvement by ditching and seeding with timothy or red-top. The upland was originally nearly all covered with a dense growth of miscellaneous timber, including the sugar maple, from which, at an early day, nearly all the sugar used by the inhabitants was manufactured. The same description answers for the larger portion of the tract lying between the Rock and Crawfish Rivers. The sub-stratum is generally composed of less compact materials than other portions, giving the roots of grasses access to the subsoil.

Climatology

The climate of Jefferson County has its counterpart, nearly, in all the southern counties of Wisconsin. It is subject to about the same climatic conditions. What is true of one is quite true of all, especially of those located at some distance from Lake Michigan. The mean temperature for the year is not far from 45° ; for winter, 22° ; for summer, 69°. The average rainfall for the year is 32 inches.

Political Geography

Jefferson County is bounded on the north by the county of Dodge, east by Waukesha County, south by Walworth and Rock, and west b}' the county of Dane. Its eastern boundary is about thirty-five miles west of Lake Michigan ; its western boundary nearly one hundred and eight miles east of the Mississippi. It covers an area of about five hundred and seventy-six square miles. This territory, with all the Northwest, was claimed by France from 1671 to 1763, when it was surrendered to the British. By the "Quebec Act" of 1774, tlie whole was placed under the local administration of Canada. It was, however, practically put under a despotic military rule, and so continued until possession passed to the United States. Before the lastmentioned event, and during and after the Revolution, the conflicting claims of Virginia, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut to portions of the country were relinquished to the General Government. All these claims were based upon chartered rights, and Virginia added to hers the right of conquest of the " Illinois country " during the Revolution. As early as October, 1778, she declared, by an act of her General Assembly, that all the citizens of that commonwealth who were then settled, or should thereafter settle, on the western side of the Ohio, should be included in a distinct county, which should be called Illinois. No Virginians were then settled as far north as what is now Wisconsin ; and, as none thereafter located so far north before she relinquished all her rights to the United States, it follows that no part of our State was included in Illinois County, and that she never exercised any jurisdiction over any portion of Wisconsin ; nor did she make claim to any portion of it by right of conquest.

Notwithstanding the passage of the ordinance of 1787, establishing a government over the territory northwest of the Ohio River, which territory was acquired by the treaty of 1783 from Great Britain, possession only was obtained by the L^nited States of the southern portion, the northern part being held by the British Government until 1796. Arthur St. Clair, in February, 1790, exercising the functions of Governor, and having previously organized a government for the country under the ordinance above mentioned, established, in what is now the State of Illinois, a county which was named St. Clair. But, as this county only extended north "to the mouth of the Little Mackinaw Creek on the Illinois," it did not include, of course, any part of the present Wisconsin, although being the nearest approach thereto of any organized county up to that date.

The next and much nearer approach to Jefferson County was by the organization of Wayne County in 1796, which was made to include, beside much other territory, ail of the present State watered by streams flowing into Lake Micliigan. Still, no part of Rock River Valley had as yet come into any county organization. However, from 1800 to 1809, what are now the limits of Jefferson County were within the Territory of Indiana, and, in the last-mentioned year, passed into the Territory of Illinois. It is probable that Indiana Territory exercised jurisdiction over what is now Wisconsin to the extent of appointing two Justices of the Peace - one for Green Bay and one for Prairie du Chien. In the year 180!t, the Illinois Territorial Government commissioned three Justices of the Peace and two militia officers at Prairie du Chien, St. Clair

County having previously been extended so as to include that point, and probably Green Bay. In the course of time, other Illinois counties had jurisdiction, until in 1818, what is now Wisjonsin became a portion of the Territory of Michigan. Under the government of the latter, the district of country now forming Jefferson County was first included within the limits of the county of Brown, afterward Milwaukee, and so continued until it became itself a county, constituted by name and boundary.

It was not until that portion of Michigan Territory lying west of Lake Michigan, and north of the State of Illinois, had become noted because of its lead mines, that the valley of Rock River above the northern boundary line of the State of Illinois, began to appear upon published maps with any degree of distinctness.

On Farmer's " Map of the Territories of Michigan and Ouisconsin," published in 18-30, Lake Koshkonong is noted as "the lake we live on," - said to be the meaning of Kuskanong, Koskonong, or, as now spelled, Koshkonong. On this map, a Winnebago village is noted on an eastern branch of Rock River - evidently the Burnt Village, or White Crow's Village, previously mentioned in this history. It is indicated in this map as being on the north sile of what is now Bark River, whereas its site was on the south side of that stream.

The first "Map of Wiskonsin Territory, Compiled from Public Surveys," gives Jefferson County as one of the eighteen of its surveyed counties, noting therein Fort Atkinson and Jefferson. But the latter place is located wholly on the east side of Rock River, about a mile above the mouth of Crawfish River. The Milwaukee and Rock River Canal is distinctly marked, striking Rock River on the north side of .Jefferson ; and, immediately across it. on the road leading to W^itertown, is "Ossin." Watertown finds a place more than a mile below the county line, while the "Ancient ruins of Aztalan" are correctly noted.

On a " Map of the Territory of Wisconsin," by David H. Burr, draughtsman to the House of Representatives of the United States, drawn in 1836, to accompany the Hon. Z. Carey's Report, a proposed Railroad is laid down on a straight line from Milwaukee to the " City of the Four Lakes," on the northwest side of the Fourth Lake (Mendota), in Dane County. This road is marked to run across .Jefferson County just above the mouth of the Crawfish River, but that stream is without a name.

The Mound-Builders

Ancient woi'ks e.xist in the valley of Rock River, not only below the State line, but also above it. Indeed, those south, in Illinois, are of much less importance than such as are known to exist to the northward. So far as the valley of this stream is concerned, throughout its whole extent, in Wisconsin, are to be found interesting relics of pre-historic man, - some of the mounds being seen at the very sources of a number of its branches. In the lead region, for some cause, there seem to be few evidences of their existence. In one locality, however, on the Pecatonica, a branch of the Rock River, ancient works are noticed. It is probable that the necessities of these builders did not include lead, and there are no indications of ancient mining of that metal in the lead region, as in the copper mines of Lake Superior. The copper ore associated with lead was beyond the reach of their metallurgic arts. The works on the Pecatonica consist of several oblong, or circular mounds; there is also one tapering mound. The last mentioned is destitute of appendages, or other indications of its relation to any animal form. These mounds are situated on sloping ground, and extend from the top of a hill half way to the Pecatonica. The soil at this point is sandy, being in the district of the sandstone, which crops out occasionally in the vicinity. There is nothing to distinguish these works from others more within the proper region, as it were, of the Mound-Builders. In one of the mounds, bones are said to have been obtained. Indian graves along the margin of the stream, when exposed, furnished a

The valley of Sugar River, a considerable stream between the Pecatonica and Rock Rivers, appeal's also to have been to a great extent avoided by the Mound-Builders. A few unimportant works have been seen, however, on some of the tributaries of that river. In Beloit, on the college grounds, some ancient works were surveyed in 18.52, by Prof S. P. Lathrop. They consisted of circular and oblong mounds. On the east bank of the river, three-quarters of a mile abore the city, he also surveyed, in the same year, some interesting vestiges of the prehistoric race. Some of the mounds here examined were of animal shape. There is a group of earthworks about two and a half miles east of Beloit. in Rock County, on a bluff overlooking Turtle Creek. These mounds represent animals of different kinds.

Proceeding up Rock River, the first works worthy of notice are near the junction of the outlet of the four lakes, at Fulton. At a place known as Indian Hill, about a mile above the mouth of the Yahara (Cattish), Dr. I. A. Lapham, in 1850, surveyed a series of oblong mounds on the steep slope of the hill, converging toward a point where there is a dug-way leading to the river. The hill has an elevation of seventy or eighty feet, and from its summit the valley of the river can be overlooked for several miles above and below. It may be that this was a most important post of observation, and that the peculiar arrangement of the mounds was intended to guard the access to the water from the top of the hill. The hill is quite steep, and the graded way has been increased in depth by running water, but it bears evidence of having originally been constructed by art.

At the intersection of Main and State streets, in the village of Fulton, Dr. Lapham found in 1850, an irregular oval earthwork, consisting of a flat ridge, and resembling tlie roadway of a modern turnpike. The breadth varied from thirty to forty feet, and the elevation from two to three feet in the middle. The diameters of the oval were 500 and 300 feet. Such a structure might have had its usage in some of the public games or ceremonies of uncivilized life; but it would be idle, of course, to undertake to ascertain its particular purpose.

Besides the works already mentioned, in this vicinity. Dr. Lapham found numerous tumuli, of the ordinary circular form, supposed to be sepulchral. They were occasionally arranged in rows, mjre or less regular, along the margin of a brook or valley. Usually, two or three mounds near the middle of the row were found larger than the others. Three of these mounds were found on the east side of the Yahara, half a mile below Fulton, and a group a mile above the village. Two miles above, on Section 11, was found a group of eight, situated on the edge of a prairie, so as to be seen in profile. About a mile below Fulton, there was found a group of fourteen, and another, on the side of Rock River. All these were circular mounds, not accompanied by others of imitative forms. Some had been opened, and were said in most cases to have contained remains of human skeletons, frequently of several persons in the same mounds. In 1834, the Government Surveyors noted eight mounds on tlie west shore of Lake Koshkonong, immediately above where Rock River leaves the lake. Recently, one of these mounds, sixty feet in diameter and eighty feet above the water, was opened by W. C. Whitford and W. P. Clarke, and found to contain some Indian skeletons and relics; also, what are believed to be the skulls of three Mound-Builders.

We now reach Jefferson County in our ascent of Rock River, and are in Township 5 north, of Range 13 east, and, being upon Thiebault's Point on the east side of Lake Koshkonong, are also, of course, in tlie town of Koshkonong. On this point are traces of mounds ; but, a little further up the lake, on Sections 25 and 24, are a series of work sexteiiding about two miles along the highlands which border upon that portion of it. Some represent turtles ; they all have their heads turned toward the lake ; their tails are of diminished lengths. One mound, as seen in 1850. bore some resemblance to a tadpole. In tlie vicinity of Fort Atkinson are several groups of mounds. A half mile below the place, on the right bank of Rock River, are some very large burial tumuli; the largest is ten feet high and sixty feet in diameter. Going another half-mile down the river, on the same (north) side, brings us to a remarkable succession of works of various forms. A mile west of Jefferson, there are the first lizard mounds to be seen on Rock River. A bird and a snake have here their representatives. In and around Jefferson, there are many other traces of mounds. On the north bank of Ripley Lake, in the town of Oakland, is a group of works of the Mound-Builders exhibiting some peculiar features.

Ascending the Crawfish River from Jefferson, we reach the " ancient city of Aztalan " - one of the wonders of the Western world. The importance of the works here seen arises from the fact that they give evidence of greater labor than those at any other locality in the State, and that they resemble the works of Mound-Builders in other parts of the United States. Withput this resemblance we might be led to suppose that the ancient people who lived in Wisconsin were a distinct race from those who lived in Ohio, so different is the general character of their monuments. The ancient remains are located on Sections 16, 17 and 20, in Township 7 north, of Range 14 east, in the town of Aztalan, and immediately south and southeast of the village of the same name ; indeed, some of the mounds are included within the surveyed limits of the last-mentioned place. Nearly all the works are upon the west side of the Crawfish River. These works were first discovered in October, 18-36, and surveyed for the first time by N. F. Hyer, in January, 18-37. He soon afterward published a brief description of them, accompanied by a woodcut, in the Milwaukee Advertiser. The name Aztalan was given to these works by Mr. Hyer, because, according to a tradition of the Aztecs (the ancient inhabitants of Mexico) their ancestors came from a country at the north, which they called Aztalan, and the possibility that these might be the remains of their occupancy, suggested the idea of the name. In 1843, the " ancient city " was again described, this time by Samuel Taylor, in Silliman's Journal. This description was condensed by Squier and Davis in the first volume of the Smithsonian Contributions, published in 1848. In 1855, in a work entitled "The Antiquities of Wisconsin," by I. A. Lapham, published under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution, and on behalf of the American Antiquarian Society, a description, very elaborate and complete, is given of these works.

The main feature of these remains of an extinct race is the inclosure or ridge of earth, extending around three sides of an irregular parallelogi'am, the Crawfish River forming the fourth side on the east. The space thus inclosed is seventeen aci'es and two-thirds. The ridge forming the inclosure is 631 feet long at the north end, 1,419 feet long on the west side, and 700 feet on the south side, makins a total length of wall of 2,750 feet. The ridse or wall is about twenty-two feet wide, and from one foot to five feet in height. The wall of earth is enlarged on the outside, at nearly regular distances, by mounds of the same material. Nearly the whole interior of the inclosure appears to have been either excavated or thrown up into mounds and ridges. Outside the inclosure, north and south, are a number of mounds, others are seen across the river east. These are of various sizes and forms, most of them circular. But the ruins of the " ancient city " are now so changed by cultivation as to present but slight indications of their appearance when first discovered.

In the valley of Rock River, within the county of Jefferson, few traces of the Mound- Builders are found above Aztalan until the town of Ixonia is reached. Here there are, on Section 19, seven or eight mounds along the right bank of the river, on an elevated position, commanding a fine view of the stream above and below. There are other traces of the extinct race in the vicinity. It may be said with truth that nowhere else in Wisconsin do there exist such important remains of the Mound-Builders as in what is now Jefferson County.

Indian Occupancy

As early as the year 1632, the civilized world had knowledge, through vague reports of savages, of a tribe of Indians to the westward and southwestward of Lake Huron, who lived in a country "where there was a quantity of buffaloes." This nation, it is believed, was the one afterward known as the Illinois. They occupied what is now Northern Illinois, extending their occupation, probably, so far to the northward as to include Southern Wisconsin, and the territory now included in Jefferson County. Afterward, they were driven beyond the Mississippi, but subsequently returned to the region of the river which bears their name.

Meanwhile, there commenced an emigration of tribes from Fox River of Green Bay, to the southward. The Mascoutins and their kindred, the Kickapoos and Miamis, moved to the vicinity of tlie south end of Lake Michigan. It is probable that one or more of these tribes had their homes for a time in the Rock River Valley, after the migration of the Illinois across the Mississippi. Following them in, at least, a nominal occupation of Southern Wisconsin, were the Foxes ; but these Indians and their kitidred, the Sacs, instead of migrating toward the south, moved westward and southwestward from the river which commemorates the first-mentioned tribe.

Though there is abundant evidence that the territory now known as Jefferson County was occupied by the Winnebagoes for a considerable time previous to the advent of the whites, it is impossible to fix the exact spots within the present bounds of the county where they located all their villages, and the date of their first occupancy. The character of the country, so admirably suited to all the requirements of a primitive and nomadic people - well watered throughout its wliole extent, and containing a combination of woodland, prairie, openings and natural meadows, upon which grazed herds of game, or which were readily converted into fertile cornfields - affords presumptive evidence that it must have been a favorite abode of a portion of that tribe known as the Rock River Winnebagoes. It is certain, also, that bands of Pottawatomies were resident at different points in what is now Jefferson County.

The prevailing opinion that the Winnebagoes had occupied the valley of the Rock for a great number of years previous to the advent of the whites is an erroneous one. And even as late as 1832, the Rock River band had but one village upon territory now included in Jefferson County. It was called the Burnt Village - known, also, as the White Crow's town - was on the south side of what was then called the Whitewater River (now Bark River), at its most southerly point, on the north half of Section 12, in Township 5 north, of Range 14 east - town of Koshkonong - about two and one-half miles southeast of the present Fort Atkinson. This is the village generally, but incorrectly, stated to have been located upon the north side of Lake Koshkonong, some eight miles distant. When, on the 6th day of July, 1832, Gen. Atkinson, in pursuit of Black Hawk, reached the place, it was found deserted.

There were many tribes of Indians who claimed to be sole owners of all the land embraced in the present State of Wisconsin, when it finally came under the jurisdiction of the United States. This question of aboriginal ownership of the soil was then found to be inextricably complicated by conflicting claims of different tribes to the same land. As will be found fully explained in the general history of the State, the Menomonees, Chippewas, Ottawas, Winnebagoes, Sacs and Foxes and Pottawatomies were all located within the present boundaries of Wisconsin, and the claims of several different tribes were frequently found to embrace the same territory. Thus, for example, the Winnebagoes, the Sacs and Foxes, and the Pottawatomies each claimed an ownership in the Rock River country ; and the particular subdivision of it now known as Jefferson County was claimed by both the Winnebagoes and Pottawatomies.

The first treaty affecting the lands of the Rock River Valley made with the Indians was that between " William Clark, Ninian Edwards and August Choteau, Commissioners Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, on the part and behalf of the said States, of the one part, and the chiefs and warriors of that portion of the Winnebago tribe or nation residing on the Wisconsin River, of the other part," which treaty was proclaimed January 30, 1816. Article II of this treaty stipulated that "'the undersigned chiefs and warriors, for themselves and those they represent, do, by these presents, confirm to the United States all and every cession of land heretofore made by their nation to the British, French or Spanish Governments, within the limits of the United States or Territories, and. also, all and every treaty, contract and agreement heretofore concluded between the United States and the said tribe or nation, as far as their interest in the same extends."

Subsequently, a treaty proclaimed February 6, 1826, was entered into with the Sioux and Chippewa, Sac and Fox, Menomonee, Iowa, Sioux, Winnebago, and a portion of the Ottawa, Chippewa and Pottawatomie tribes, for the purpose of " promoting peace among these tribes, and to establish boundaries among them and the other tribes who live in their vicinity." Article VI of this treaty is to this effect : " It is agreed between the Chippewas and Winnebagoes, so far as they are mutually interested therein, that the southern boundary line of the Chippewa country shall commence on the Chippewa River, half a day's march below the falls of that river, and run thence to the source of Clear Water River, a branch of the Chippewa ; thence south to Black River ; thence to a point where the woods project into the meadows, and thence to the Plover Portage of the Wisconsin."

Article VII stipulates : " It is agreed between the Winnebagoes and the Sioux, Sacs and Foxes, Chippewas and Ottawas, Chippewas and Pottawatomies of the Illinois, that the Winnebago country shall be bounded as follows : Southeasterly by Rock River, from its source near the Winnebago Lake, to the Winnebago village, about forty miles above its mouth; westerly by the 2ast line of the tract lying upon the Mississippi, herein secured to the Ottawa, Chippewa and Pottawatomie Indians of the Illinois ; and also by the high bluff described in the Sioux joundary, and running north to Black River; from this point, the Winnebagoes claim up Black River to a point due west from the source of the left fork of the Wisconsin ; thence to the source of the said fork, and down the same to the Wisconsin ; thence down the Wisconsin to :he portage, and across the portage to Fox River ; thence down Fox River to the Winnebago Lake, and to grand Kau Kaulin, including in their claim the whole of Winnebago Lake."

By a treaty concluded at Rock Island between the LTnited States, by their Commissioner, Maj. Gren. Winfield Scott, and Gov. Reynolds, of Illinois, and the Winnebagoes, proclaimed February 13, 1833, the Winnebagoes, for certain considei-ations of land, money and supplies, ;eded " to the United States, forever, all the lands to which said nation have title or claim, lying ;o the south and east of the Wisconsin River, and the Fox River, of Green Bay."

As, however, the country claimed by the W'innebagoes, under the treaty of February 6, 1826, was bounded on the southeast " by Rock River from its source, near the Winnebago Lake, ;o the Winnebago village, about forty miles above its mouth," it is evident that the land ceded 3y this last treaty (that of February 13, 1838), could not include the whole of Jefferson County IS it now exists. The other moiety of this county was acknowledged to be the property of the United Nation of Chippewa, Ottawa and Pottawatomie Indians ; and, to extinguish their title, I treaty was entered into with them at Chicago September 26, 1833, whereby, for good and vallable considerations, this confederated nation of Indians ceded '' to the United States all their and along the western shore of Lake Michigan, and between this lake and the land ceded to the [Jnited States by the Winnebago nation at the treaty of Fort Armstrong (Rock Island), made )n the loth of September, 1832, bounded on the north by the country lately ceded by the Menomonees, and on the south by the country ceded at the treaty of Prairie du Chien, made on ;he 29th of July, 1829, supposed to contain about five millions of acres.''

Finally, and to remove the possibility of any doubt whatever, as to the validity of the title leld by the United States to the lands lying on both sides of Rock River, a treaty was conduded at Washington City - proclaimed June 16, 1838 - with the Winnebagoes, whereby, in )rief but comprehensive terms, " the Winnebago Nation of Indians cede to the United States all heir land east of the Mississippi River."

With this treaty, the United States obtained an unassailable title to all the lands lying vithin the present bounds of Jefferson County ; but, so fond of their former homes were the ilock River Winnebagoes, that even after they had been removed to the reservation provided or them, they continually revisited them, in small parties, to the great annoyance of the citi- ;ens ; and the Government was finally compelled, in 1841, to send a military detachment to ecure obedience to the order confining them to territory set off to them beyond the Mississippi. 3ut. though forced to leave, they would frequently return in small parties ; and, when these traggling bands would pass their old-time burial places, they would manifest the deepest -everence.

The Black Hawk War

The summer of 1832 was a somewhat notable one in the history of the territory afterward included in .Jefferson County. June and July of that year saw the gathering of Indian hordes within its limits, painted and plumed - at war with the whites. Black Hawk, the leader of the Sacs, had retreated up Rock River until a point was reached - Black Hawk Grove - just outside of what is now the city of Janesville, Rock County, where the savages remained some time in camp. It must not be understood that they were now at their former homes. This was not the case. It was not then the country of the Sacs, but of the Rock River Winnebagoes. The last mentioned had not yet ceded their territory east of Sugar River.

While Black Hawk was in camp at the grove which has received his name, there were brought in two prisoners, Sylvia and Rachel Hall. The particulars of their captivity are given in the words of one of the captives :

" On the 21st of May, 1832, at about 4 o'clnck in the afternoon, as Mr. Pettigrew's and our (Mr. Hall's) family were assembled at the house of William Davis, in In lian Creek settlement, in La Salle County, 111., a party of Indians, about seventy in number, were seen crossing Mr. Davis' fence, about eight or ten paces from the house. As they approached, Mr. Pettigrew attempted to shut the door, but was shot down in doing so. The savages then rushed in and massacred every one present, except mj sister and myself The persons massacred were Mr. Pettigrew, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Pettigrew, Mrs. Hall (my mother) and Miss Davis, a young lady of about fifteen - and si.\ children, four of them boys and two of them girls. These were in the house. Mr. Davis, Mr. Hall (my father), William Norris and Henry George were massacred without; fifteen in all. The time occupied in the massacre was less, probably, than ten minutes. When the Indians entered, my sister and myself were sitting near the door sewing. I got immediately upon the bed and stood there during the massacre. The confusion was such - the terror inspired by the firing of guns in the house, and the shrieks of the wounded and dying so great - that I have no recollections in what manner they were killed.

" As soon as the massacre was over, three Indians seized and dragged me from the bed without much violence, and led me into the yard. I was then taken by two of them about half-way across the creek - fifty paces or more, perhaps, distant. Thence I was led back into the yard in front of the house, where I saw my sister for the first time since our separation.

"We were then taken by four Indians - two having hold of each - and hurried off on foot, in a northern direction, as fast as we could run, for about two miles through timber bordering upon the creek, when we came to a place where the Indians had left their horses previous to the attack. We were then placed, without constraint, upon two of their poorest animals, each of which was led by an Indian, and proceeded as fast as our horses couUl travel in a direction, as I supposed, toward the camp, accompanied by about thirty warriors. We continued traveling in this manner until about midnight, when we halted to rest our horses, the Indians exhibiting all the while .symptoms of great uneasiness, arising apparently from their apprehension of being pursued. After resting for about two hours, we started again on the same horses as before, and traveled at a brisk gait the residue of the night and all next day until about noon, when we halted, and the Indians, having scalded some beans and roasted some acorns, desired us to eat. We ate some of the beans and tasted of the acorns, not from any disposition we had to eat, but to avoid giving offense to our captors. We remained in this place for one or two hours. The Indians, after having finished their scanty meal, busied themselves in dressing the scalps they had taken, stretching them upon small hoops. Among tliem I recognized, by the color of the hair, my own mother's ! It produced a kind of faintness or blindness, and I fell into a swoon, from which I was awakened shortly thereafter .by a summons to set out upon our journey. We traveled on in the same way, but more leisurely than before, until almost night, when the horse I rode gave out, and I was seated behind an Indian who rode a fine horse belonjrincr to Mr. Henderson, taken from the settlement in which we were captured. In this manner, we continued on until about 9

" The Sac camp was on the bank of a small creek, surrounded by low, marshy ground, scattei'ed over with small, burr-oak trees. On our arrival, several squaws came to our assistance, took us from our horses and conducted us into the camp, pi'epared a place for us to sit down, and presented us some parched corn, some meal and maple sugar mixed, and desired us to eat. We did so, more through fear than hunger, and, at their request, threw a small parcel (about a tablespoonful) into the fire, as did also the squaws, and the Indians that accompanied us. There was much apparent rejoicing on our arrival. About 10 o'clock, we were invited by the squaws to lie down, which we did, and enjoyed a kind of confused or disordered slumber, which lasted until after sunrise. The next morning, soon after we arose, our fears of massacre and torture began to abate. We were presented with some boiled beans and sugar for breakfast, and ate a little, having, though almost exhausted, as yet no appetite for food. About 10 o'clock, the camp broke up, and we all moved about five miles acro.ss the creek, and encamped again on an elevated spot, covered with timber, near a small creek. We ti-aveled each upon a separate horse, heavily laden with provisions, blankets, kettles and other furniture required in an Indian camp. We arrived at our new encampment a little before sundown. Here a white pole was stuck in the ground, and the scalps taken when we were captured hung up as trophies. About fifty warriors assembled in the center and commenced a dance, in which a few of the squaws participated. They danced around this pole to the music of a drum and gourds, so prepared as to make a rattling noise. I was invited frequently by the squaws to join in the dance, but refused.

'> The first dance was had in the morning, after our arrival in camp. The same was repeated daily while we continued among them. Soon after we arose, on the first morning after our arrival, some warriors came to our lodge, and took us out, and gave me a red flag, and placed something in the hands of my sister, which I do not recollect, and made us march around through the encampment, passing each wigwam. Then they led us to the center of the spot they had cleared oif to prepare for the dance, near where the white pole was stuck up ; then, placing a blanket upon the earth, and after painting our faces red and black, ordered us to lie down with our faces toward the ground. They then danced around us with war-clubs, tomahawks and spears. Before its conclusion, we were taken away by two squaws, who, we understood, were the wives of Black Hawk. In the evening, as soon as the dance was over, we were presented with a supper, consisting of coffee, fried cakes, boiled corn and fried venison, with fried leeks, of which we ate more freely than before. We continued with them for four days longer, during which we fared in a similar manner, until the two last days, when we got out of flour. When our flour was exhausted, we had coffee, meat and pounded corn made into soup. On being delivered over to the squaws above mentioned, we were separated from each other, but permitted to visit every day, and remain for about two hours without interruption. These squaws encamped near each other, and we were considered as their children, and treated as such. Our encampments were removed five or six miles each day, and my sister and myself were always permitted to ride at such removals. Our fare was usually better than that of others in our wigwam. Our fears of massacre had now subsided, being received and adopted into the family of a chief. We were not required to perform any labor, but were closely watched to prevent our escape.

" On the fifth day after our arrival at the Sac camp, we were told that we must go with some AVinnebago chiefs who had come for us. At that time, the Sac encampment was on a considerable stream [Rock River], the outlet, as I supposed, of a lake [Koshkonong]. There were a number of lakes within its vicinity. The squaws witii whom we lived were apparently distressed at the idea of our leaving them. The Winnebagoes endeavored to make us understand that they were about to take us to the white people. This, however, we did not believe ; but, on the contrary, supposed they intended to take us entirely away from our country, friends and homes.

" We left the Sac encampment with four Winnebagoes the same evening, and traveled about fifteen miles, each of us riding on horseback behind a Winnebago chief; the latter expressing frequently their fears of pursuit by the Sacs, who exhibited great uneasiness at our departure - the prophet having cut two locks of hair from ray head and one from my sisters, just before we left them.

" We reached the Winnebago encampment a little after dark, and were kindly received. It was more comfortable than any we had seen, and we slept sounder and better than before. We rose early next morning ; the Indians, however, had been up some time. We ate breakfast before sunrise, and started in canoes up the river. There were, I believe, eight in company. We continued on our course until nearly sundown, when we landed and encamped on the bank of the river. There were present about a hundred Winnebago warriors. During the next dav, four Sac Indians arrived in camp, dressed in white men's clothes, and desired to talk with us. We were told, however, by the Winnebago chiefs, that we must shut our ears and turn away from them, which we did.

'Blind' [White Crow] and his son left our encampment during the night, and returned early in the morning. Immediately afterward they came to us, and the 'Blind' asked if we thought the whites would hang them if they took us to the fort. We gave them to understand that they would not. They next inquired if we thought the white people would give them anything for taking us to them. We gave them to understand that they would. The ' Blind ' then collected his horses, and with the Whirling Thunder and about twenty of the Winnebagoes we crossed the river and pursued our journey, my sister and myself each on a separate horse. We encamped about dark ; rose early next morning, and, after a hasty meal of pork and potatoes (the first we had seen since our captivity), of which we ate heartily, we traveled on until we reached the fort - the Blue Mounds, Wisconsin Territory. Before our arrival thither, we had become satisfied that our protectors were taking us to our friends, and that we had formerly done them injustice. About three miles from the fort we stopped, and the Indians cooked some venison ; after which they took a white handkerchief which I had, and, tying it to a long pole, three Indians proceeded with it to the fort. About a quarter of a mile thence we were met by a Frenchman [Edward Beouchard]. The Indians formed a ring, and the Frenchman rode into it and hold a talk with our protectors. The latter expressed an unwillingness to give us up until they could see Mr. Gratiot, the Indian agent. Being informed by the Frenchman we should be well treated, and that they should see us daily until Mr. Gratiot's arrival, they delivered us into the Frenchman's care.

-'We repaired inunediately to the fort, where the ladies of the garrison (who in the mean time had assembled) received us with the utmost tenderness. We were thereupon attired once more in the costume of our own country, and next day started for Galena. On reaching a little fort at White Oak Springs, we were met by our eldest brother, who, together with a younger one, was at work in a field near the house when we were captured, and when the massacre began fled, and arrived in safety at Dixon's Ferry. On leaving Galena, we went on board the steamboat Winnebago for St. Louis, which place we reached in five days, and were kindly received by its citizens and hospitably entertained by Gov. Clark. Previous to our leaving Galena, Ave had received an affectionate letter from Rev. Mr. Horn, of Morgan County, 111., inviting us to make his house our future home. We accepted the invitation, and left St. Louis in the steamboat Caroline for Beardstown, on the Illinois River, where we arrived on the third day thereafter. On landing, we were kindly received by the citizens, and, in a few hours, reached the residence of Mr. Horn, five miles distant, in the latter part of July, 1832, when our troubles ended."

The tent-poles, ashes and brands of the Indian camp-fires, where the two captives were given over to the Winnebagoes by the Sac Indians, were plainly discernible when the first settlers located in the vicinity.

Gen. Atkinson having arrived at the mouth of the Pecatonica, in pursuit of the savages, and hearing that Black Hawk was further up Rock River, determined to follow him, with the intention of deciding the war by a general battle, if possible. Black Hawk, judging of his intentions from the report of his spies, broke up his camp, near what is now Janesville, and retreated still farther up the stream to the foot of Lake Koshkonong, where, on the west side of the river, in what is now the town of Milton, Rock County, he again formed a camp. Here he remained some time, when he again removed, this time to an island in the lake, still known as Black Hawk's Island. It is in the southeast corner of the town of Sumner in Jefferson County. He afterward made his way farther up the valley.

The march of Gen. Atkinson in pursuit of Black Hawk through what is now Rock County, and his arrival at Lake Koshkonong, in the present county of Jefferson, where he found the Sac chief had eluded him, is best related by one who was present :

'-The 80th of June, 1832, we passed through the Turtle village [now the city of Beloit], which is a considerable Winnebago town, but it was deserted. We marched on about a mile, and encamped on the open prairie near enough to Rock River to get water from it. We here saw very fresh signs of the Sac Lidians, where they had been apparently fishing on that day. Gen. Atkinson believed we were close to them and apprehended an attack that night. The sentinels fired several times and we were as often paraded and prepared to receive the enemy, but they never came, though from the accounts given by the sentinels to the officers of the day, there was no doubt that Indians had been prowling about the camp.

" July 1. - We had not marched but two ox three miles before an Indian was seen across Rock River at some distance off, on a very high prairie, which, no doubt, was a spy, and likely was one that had been prowling about our encampment the night before. We proceeded a few miles further, and came to the place where the Indians, who had taken the two Misses Hall prisoners, had stayed for several days [near the present city of Janesville]. It was a strong position, where they could have withstood a very powerful force. W^e afterward discovered they always encamped in such places. We had not marched but a few miles from this place before one of our front scouts came back meeting the army in great haste, and stated that tliev had discovered a fresh trail of Indians, where they had just gone along in front of us. Maj. Ewini^, who was in front of the main army some distance, immediately formed his men in line of battle, and marched in that order in advance of the main army, about three-quarters of a mile. We had a very thick wood to march through, where the undergrowth stood very high and thick ; the signs looked very fresh, and we expected every step to be fired upon from the thickets. We marched in this order about two miles, not stopping for the unevenncss of the ground or anythino- else, but keeping in line of battle all the time, until we found the Indians" had scattered, then we resumed our common line of march, which was in three divisions. Soon after we had formed into three divisions, the friendly Indians that were with us raised an alarm, by seven or eight of them shooting at a deer, some little in advance of the army. The whole army here formed for action, but it was soon ascertained that these children of the forest had been at what their whole race seems to have been born for - shooting at the beasts of the forest.

-' We here camped by a small lake [Storr's] this night, and had to drink the water, which was very bad, but it was all that could be found. Here a very bad accident happened. One of the sentinels, mistaking another that was on post, with a blanket wrapped around him, for an Indian, shot him just below the gioin, in the thick of the thigh. At first, the wound was thought mortal. I understood, before I left the army, that the man was nearly well. Here Gen. Atkinson had, on this night, breastworks tlirown up. Avhich was easily done, as we were encamped in thick, heavy timber. This was a precaution which went to show that he set a great deal by the lives of his men, and by no means was any mark of cowardice; for generalship consists more in good management than anything else.

'-July 2. - AVe started this morning at the usual time, but went only a few miles before Maj. Ewing, who was still in front with his battalion, espied a very fresh trail, making off at about a left angle. He dispatched ten men from the battalion, in company with Capt. George Walker and a few Indians, to pursue it and see, if possible, where it went to. He moved on in front of his battalion a short distance further, when we came on the main Sac trail of Black

Hawk's whole army, whict appeared to be about two days old. Capt. Early, who commanded a volunteer independent company, and had got in advance this morning, called a halt; so did Maj. Ewing with his battalion. Then Maj. Ewing sent back one of his staff officers for th6 main army to call a halt for a few minutes. He, with Maj. Anderson, of the infantry, Capt. Early and Jonathan H. Pugh, went a little in advance, when Maj. Anderson, with a telescope, took a view across the lake, as we had now got to Lake Koshkonong. [The army entered what is now Jefferson County, very nearly where, in going north, its south line is crossed by the Chicago & North-Wosteru Railway. The trail, after leaving the southeast quarter of Section 3.5, in Township 0 north, of Range 13 east, ran nearly due north to the southeast corner of Section 26, in the same township and range, where the army reached the lake, in what is now the town of Koshkonong.] They then discovered three Indians apparently in their canoes. Maj. Ewing went himself and informed Gen. Atkinson what discovery was made, and requested Gen. Atkinson to let him take his battalion round through a narrow defile that was between two of those lakes, where we supposed the Indians were. By this time, our scouts, who had taken the trail that led off on our left, returned, bringing with them five white men's scalps. They followed the Indian trail until it took them to a large Indian encampment that they had left a few days before. They reached it ; the scalps were sticking up against some of their wigwams ; some of them were identified, but I do not recollect the names of any, except one, which was said to be an old gentleman of the name of Hall. Maj. Ewing then marched his battalion about a mile, where the pass on the side of the lake appeared so narrow, that he dismounted his men and had the horses all tied, and a few men left to guard them. The rest of us marched on foot about one mile through a narrow defile on the [east] bank of Koshkonong Lake. This was considered a dangerous procedure, but Maj. Ewing, who was in front with Maj. Anderson, would have been first in danger. We now found that we were getting too far in advance of our horses; so Maj. Ewing sent a part of the men back for them. When we mounted our horses, we were joined by Capt. Early and his independent corps. AVe then marched some distance a-round tlie [Koshkonong] lake, and went in between two of them, in a narrow defile until we found another deserted encampment. We now saw clearly that the Indians were gone from the Koshkonong Lake ; so, the next thing to be done was to find in which direction they had steered their course."

Gen. Atkinson having been re-enforced by Gen. Alexander, took up his line of march, arriving at the Burnt Village on the 6th of July. That evening, Gen. Posey's brigade, in company with Col. Dodge's squadron, joined Atkinson. Col. John Ewing and his regiment came within a mile and a half of the main army, and encamped. On the 10th, Gen. Atkinson sent Col. Ewing with his regiment down Rock River to Dixon's; Gen. Posey, with the rest of his brigade, was dispatched to Fort Hamilton ; while Col. Henry and his brigade. Gen. Alexander's brigade and Col. Dodge's squadron were sent to Fort Winnebago, now Portage, Columbia County, for provisions. Atkinson dropped down a short distance from the Burnt Village and built a stockade fort, which he called Fort Koshkonong. It was located on the south side of Rock River, in the eastern outskirts of the present village of Fort Atkinson. Alexander returned from Fort Winnebago by the direct route, while Dodge and Henry took a more easterly one, striking Rock River at a point where there was a small Winnebago village, now Hustisford, Dodge County, which point was reached July 18. Information was here obtained that Black Hawk was at " Cranberry Lake," farther up the river. This was believed to be reliable, and an express was immediately started down the stream to inform Gen. Atkinson of the Sac chiefs whereabouts. The express, consisting of Dr. E. H. Merryman, AV. W. Woodbridge, with Little Thunder, a Winnebago, came very unexpectedly, at a distance of not more than eight miles from their starting-point, upon the trail of Black Hawk, making his way down the river. The express returned to the army with the news, and the next morning, July 19, the pursuit began. The fugitives, leaving the river near what is now the city of Watertown, were followed to the Third Lake (Monona), across the site where the city of Madison now stands. Meanwhile, Atkinson being informed of the movements of Henry and Dodge, broke up his camp and followed on with the main army, leaving Capt. Gideon Low, of the United States Regulars, with thirty or forty men, to hold Fort Koshkonong, afterward known as "Fort Atkinson." The two commands, following so close upon the Sac chief, brought on an engagement on the 21st of July upon the Wisconsin River, mention of which - the battle of " Wisconsin Heights" - has already been made in the general history of the State. After the conclusion of the war, Capt. Low abandoned " Fort Atkinson," proceeding with his men to Fort Winnebago.

United States Surveys And Land Sales

Immediately after the close of the Black Hawk war, and the acquisition by the United States of the Indian title to all the land west of Lake Michigan, not reserved to the Indians or secured to specified individuals by the terms of the several treaties, a survey was commenced by the General Government. The northern boundary of Illinois, which was fixed April 11, 1818, on the parallel of 42° 30' north latitude, became properly the base line of the surveys. A principal north and south line (known as the Fourth Meridian) was also run, extending fromthe base line to Lake Superior. This line was west of the territory now included in Jefferson County, running first between what are now the counties of Grant and La Fayette, then continuing due north to near the mouth of the Montreal River. Parallel lines to this wererun every six miles both on the east and west sides of it. The intervening six miles between these lines are called ranges. Range 1 east, is the first six miles east of the Fourth Meridian ; Range 2 east is the second six miles east ; and so on to Lake Michigan - Jefferson County lying in Ranges 13, 14, 15 and 16 east. Parallel lines north of the base line were run every six miles, which, crossing the ranges at right angles, cut the whole into blocks six miles square, called townships. These are numbered by tiers going north from the base line, as Townships 1 north. Townships 2 north, and so on. As the present territory of Jefferson County begins twenty-four miles north of the base line, and extends twenty-four miles further north, it includes, of course, four tiers of townships, numbered 5, 6, 7 and 8 north. Hence, in speaking of the territory of Jefferson County as surveyed by the General Government, it is said to be in Townships 5, 6, 7 and 8 north, of Ranges 13, 14, 15 and 16 east.

By the end of 183-3, a large amount of the public land in what is now Southern and Eastern Wisconsin, had been surveyed, and the fact being duly reported by the Surveyor General, Congress, by an act approved June 26, 1834, created two land districts. They embraced all that tract north of the State of Illinois, west of Lake Michigan, south and southeast of the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers, included in the then Territory of Michigan. It was divided by a north and south line, drawn from the northern boundary of Illinois, between Ranges 8 and 9, to the Wisconsin River. All east of that line was called the Green Bay Land District; all west, the Wisconsin Land District. Within the first-mentioned district was included the whole of the present county of Jefferson. A Land Office for this Eastern District was established at Green Bay, which was duly opened by the Government, and a notice given of a public sale of all the then surveyed public lands lying south and southeast of the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers. In accordance with this announcement, a sale took place at Green Bay in 1835.

By act of Congress of June 15, 1836, the Milwaukee Land District was erected out of the southern portion of the Green Bay District, including all the land between Range 8 east and Lake Michigan, bounded on the south by the Illinois State line, and extending north so as to reach to and include the tier of townships numbered 10 north; also, Townships 11 and 12 north, of Ranges 21 and 22 east. Tlie Land Office was located at Milwaukee, where the first public sale of Government lands within the new district was held in the spring of 1839. This brought into market all the land that had not previously been disposed of. The history of the surveys of the several townships now included in Jefferson County, will be found on the following page.

General History

The eventful history of Wisconsin has already been made the theme of the orator and panegyrist. The first settlement of the State is said to have been that established in 1639, by the Jesuit Fathers, at Green Bay. In 1783, Prairie du Chien was settled, and, as early as 1800, or a few years later, settlements were made in the southwestern part of the State, by adventurers, attracted by the lead mines in that section. It is generally conceded that the Black Hawk war was instrumental in directing the attention of emigrants to future Wisconsin, and from that date, settlers began to arrive in such numbers that, on the 26th of April, 1836, a Territorial Government was organized by an act of Congress.

These hardy pioneers, isolated from the world, so to speak, in an inhospitable climate, subjected to privations and dangers no limner's magic touch can more than imperfectly illustrate, came to this sterile waste of those days, determined to establish a new home ; and the present high position Wisconsin occupies in the galaxy of States composing the Federal Union, testifies how perfectly they laid the foundations. Through moments of distress and darkness; through hours of solicitude and keen pain, when the heart was heavy with care and life seemed at best a burden too grievous to be borne, they continued in their work, for the future was gilded with a promise that hovered over the picture and the shadows stole away. Insensible and cold and unfeeling the soul that does not warm at the memory of these pioneers who prepared the way for coming generations. Dead the heart that would not throb at such memories. To-day, no shadows stalk across the path of enterprise and industry, as did then ; no sorrows intrude their melancholy presence, no ghastly specter mocks the onward march. There was naught of glitter and glare about the efforts of those men ; all was pure gold. Their lives were cast in heroic molds, and they were strengthened for the contest with uncertainty and fate. Their advance was impeded by every obstacle, their pathway obscured by clouds, which sometimes cleared away only to reveal the unseen sorrows beyond. But they persevered, and the prosperity of to-day is the fruit of their labors. Many of them live to rejoice in the peace and happiness to which they were instrumental in giving birth, and many of them are gone to reap the rewai'd of lives well spent. Some of them died laboring for the welfare of their fellow -men, like a stanch soldier at his post ; some of them died in the quieter walks of life amid associations incomparably precious. But all of them went down to their graves, monumented by an honor rarely achieved in this life - the pure name of true and tender men, without reproach or fear. Their names and the influences of their lives are the heritages left for coming generations to emulate. The tomb cannot contain them, but they will mingle in the daily walks of life, like unseen spirits, guiding and controlling human action. They are not forgotten dead, nor wholly perished from the face of the earth. '' Their bodies are buried in peace, but their names liveth evermore."

Under such auspices, and dii'ected by such agencies, was the settlement of Jefferson County inaugurated upward of forty years ago. The present flourishing country embraced within its geographical limits was at that date a trackless wilderness. No bridges spanned its streams, and the adventurous pilgrim into the wilds of Wisconsin traveled for miles in succession before his heart was gladdened by the sight of a habitation, or the songs of the woodman who had preceded him into the forest.

The county is bounded on the north by Dodge County, east by Waukesha, south by Walworth and Rock Counties, and West by Dane. It is four townships wide and four long, and comprehends an area five hundred and twenty-six square miles. The county seat is at Jefferson, on Rock River, at its junction with the Crawfish, and near the center of the county. It was separated from Milwaukee County by an act of the Territorial Council, approved December 7, 1836, set off as a separate town for judicial purposes by an act, approved January 2, 1838, and polls established at the houses of Nathaniel Finch, David H. Sargent and Geo. J. Goodhue.

In the fall of 1837, a petition was presented to the legislature, praying for the location of the county seat on the point between the two rivers. Instead, it was located on its present site, the act of Congress of May 26, 1824, giving counties the pre-emption of a quarter-section for county seat purposes. On account of the manner of surveying the county-seat site in Jefferson County, nearly two hundred acres were obtained, and H. W. Finch, of Koshkonong, G. J. Goodhue, of Watertown, and Capt. Robt. Masters, residing in the bend of the river below Jefferson, were appointed Commissioners to locate, lay off and sell enough to pay the purchase-price and expenses. The prayer of petitioners was granted by act adopted January 12, 1838. but it was some time after that the Commissioners obtained a certified copy of the same, which when received, was found to contain a blank for the name, which Capt. Masters filled up with "Jefferson," the remaining Commissioners consenting. A surveyor, named West, laid out the village into lots, part of which were sold to pay expenses, the remainder being disposed of to Mr. William Sanborn, since deceased.

The population of the county at this time, according to the statistics, was estimated at 468. The country lying east of Rock and north of Bark River, was heavily timbered ; and what were known as " openings " were distributed throughout other portions, except a few miles square near Whitewater, which were and now are prairie. Within the timbered district there is a remarkable series of ridges running north and south. In a distance of, say nine miles, extending through Range 15, and the west half of range 14, there are no less than sixteen of these parallel ridges at a distance of not more than half a mile apart. They extend from two to five miles in a northerly and southerly direction, and are gradually attenuated at each extremity. Immediately south of these ridges, and along Bark River, there were formerly extensive marshes, which, it is supposed, at one time formed the bottom of a large lake. These have since been drawn off by drainage and other improvements. Other portions of the country are more gently rolling or level, affording excellent facilities for farming and grazing, and are unusually fertile.

Rock River has its source in Fond du Lac County, and, entering Jefferson County at the extreme northeast corner of the town of Ixonia, courses tortuously through that town to the north line of the town of Concord, where it is joined by the Oconomowoc River. It then runs in a northwesterly direction through the town and city of Watertown, passing again into Dodge County, but turns abruptly and flows south back through the town of Watertown, becoming the boundary line between the towns of Milford and Farmington, passing through the towns of Aztalan, Jefferson and Koshkonong, and leaving the county through Lake Koshkonong, one of the most beautiful sheets of water in the Northwest.

The Crawfish or West Branch of Rock River rises in Columbia County, passes through the southwestern portion of Dodge County and enters Jefferson County in the northern portion of the town of Milford, passing tiirough that and the towns of Aztalan an<l Jefferson, and entering Rock River in the limits of the city of Jefferson. About a mile above Aztalan, there is a rapid of two feet fall to the mile, and further north there are a series of rapids. This stream affords abundant water-power for all practical uses, as also does Bark River, which enters the countv from the east and empties into Rock River near Fort Atkinson. Indeed, Jefferson County is peculiarly favored as regards its rivers. In addition to the above, there are Oconomowoc, a considerable stream, the outlet of a series of small lakes in Milwaukee County, the Scuppernong and Whitewater, two important brandies of Bark River, Johnson's Creek, the Koshkonong Creek and a number of other streams which dot the landscape, adding beauty to the scene and contributing to the wealth as also to the health and luxury of their vicinities.

There are two large and many small lakes in the county. Lake Koshkonong is the largest, an " inland sea " of exquisite beauty, where one may pass the sultry days of August in an atmosphere as pure as kissed the cheeks of Eve in Paradise. It is nine miles in length with an average width of about three miles, occupying an area of twenty-one square miles, with a periphery, measuring all the sinuosities of the shore, of about thirty miles. Its waters are clear, from which the shores rise in many places from twenty to sixty feet in height, from the summit of which they slope back gracefully for miles on either side, with stretches of woodland between fields of grain, meadows, orchards and vineyards, presenting in summer a matchless panorama of ever-changing green and gold. Occasionally, these slopes extend to the water's edge, and points of land reach out into the lake, appearing to pleasure seekers on the steamers as they pass on their zigzag course from point to point, like emeralds set in a band of silver. Scarce a minute passes, from sunrise to sunset, that the landscape does not change, the shifting of the shadows revealing new beauties as the hours go by ; and when sunset comes, as seen from the eastern shores, the bright tinted clouds gradually blend with the crimson until the horizon is reached, when the deep, dark lines of the opposite shore shift and change with each breath of wind and each second of time, until darkness draws a veil over all, forming a scene of beauty equal to the poet's dream of heaven. The same scenery is equally beautifnl by moonlight ; the difference being that between the dark paintings of the old masters and the lighter works of the more modern school of art. It is easy of access ; three steamers ply its waters for the convenience of tourists, two commodious hotels supply rest and comfort to the traveler, and the Black Hawk Club House furnishes accommodations for the hunters who are annually attracted to its confines in pursuit of game.

Rock Lake, in Lake Mills Township, is nearly three miles long by one mile wide, and covers an area of not quite 1,700 acres. Its name is derived from the unusual number of rocks which line its shore, in many places several feet in height. It discharges its waters in a northeasterly direction, through a small stream, into the Crawfish.

Ripley and Red Cedar Lakes are both in Oakland ; Goose Lake, Hope Lake, and numberless other expanses of water indent the surface of the county, adding to its beauties and the attraction of its surroundings.

The artificial earthworks (says Dr. I. A. Lapham) located at Aztalan, immediately above the " ancient city " from which it derives its name, have been sources of wonder and scientific inquiry since their alleged discovery by Timothy Johnson, in 1836. They at that time consisted of an oblong inclosure, about 550 yards in length by 275 yards in breadth, lying along the bank of the river. The walls were twenty-three feet wide at the base, and about five feet high, having an exterior semicircular enlargement, or buttress, and a corresponding interior recess every twenty-seven yards. In some parts of the wall, and especially in the buttresses, the earth of which it is composed appeared to have been mixed with straw and burned in such a manner as to resemble slightly burned brick, but there was no evidence that this substance had ever been molded into shape. Within this inclosure there are several mounds and excavations, in addition to an unusual number of mounds to be found in the immediate vicinity, indicating that this spot was once inhabited by a numerous population, which continued to reside there for a great length of time. The derivation of the name of the town has been stated, and a little fancy only is necessary to locate the home of the Aztecs, whence, according to Humboldt, they emigrated to ^Mexico. These works were explored by N. F. Hyer, Esq., soon after their discovery, who published an entertaining paper on their supposed origin, and other particulars therewith connected.

It is a well-known fact that Wisconsin is one of the healthiest States in the Union, and that Jefl'erson is among the healthiest counties in the State. The winters are usually long and severe, but the air is dry, the summers short and cool. These essentials, with the salubrity of the climate and purity of the atmosphere, conspire to render its residents free from disease, and the possession of the fullest complement of happiness which comes from perfect health.

The permanent settlement of the county was begun in 1836, though what point can sustain a claim of precedence in that behalf is almost a mooted question, as it is assorted that occnpntion of Hebron, Watertown and Aztalan was effected either simultaneously or within so short a time of each as to preclude the other from a successful defense of its claim. The evidence, however, inclines to the conclusion that Hebron enjoys the distinguished honor of having been selected as a point at which to establish a colony before the territory of its rivals had been fully explored and decided upon as available for the purposes mentioned. This settlement was made, as is alleged by those assuming to be conversant with the facts, under the auspices of the '' Rock River Claim Company," which perfected claim to half a section of land on Section 2, embracing the water-power of Bark River, about the 25th of December, 1835. This Company consisted of sixteen persons, among whom were Solomon Juneau, Dwiglit Foster, Jonas Folts, Enoch G. Darling, David H. Sargent, Milo Jones, George Hosmer, L. I. Barber, Daniel Wells, William Paine, William Brown, Thomas Holmes and John Gale. By the Company's direction, the first saw-mill erected in JeflPerson County was commenced the following year, under the superintendence of Alvin Foster, and, notwithstanding the many inconveniences resulting from high prices, scarcity of provisions and tlie difficulty of procuring transportation, was urged as a necessity. Though the undertaking had not been commenced when Rufus C. Dodge, at present residing near Fort Atkinson, was employed on its construction, it was completed and ready for work in the winter of 183G-37. In the spring of the latter year, it began operations under the management of Enoch G. Darling, who erected a inillhouse during the summer following, the first frame building "raised" in the county, and was known as the "Bark River Mills." Mr. Darling was at one time the wealthiest man in the city of Jefferson, owning almost the entire place. He served in the Black Hawk war and also in Company E, Fourth Wisconsin, in the War for the preservation of the Usion, and died in Jefferson in 1864.

Johnson'S Migrations, Etc

This small beginning; formed the nucleus of the settlement of Hebron, and is believed to have been the foundation of the present prosperity of Jefferson County, though Timothy Johnson, during his lifetime, claimed to have been the first man who explored the region now comprised within the county limits, with a view to remaining. Tradition relates that a French trader, who employed his time and art in the exchange of needles and Yankee notions with the Indians for their furs, and held court at the junction of the Rock and Crawfish Rivers, anticipated the coming of Johnson for a number of years, but as this is only tradition, it is not cited as fact. Johnson was born at Middletown, Conn., on the 28th of June, 1792, and, when ten years of age, removed with his father to Lewis County, N. Y. After running the gamut of the Southern States, as also the State of New York, he removed to Montville, Medina Co., Ohio, in 1828. He remained there seven years, and then continued his journey westward, reaching Racine, then a village, at that time composed of four shanties, in January, 1836. In February, after visiting Wisconsin City, sojourning a brief time at the house of Samuel St. John, wiiose wife is reputed to have been the first white woman to settle in that portion of the Rock River Valley, and meeting Solomon Juneau, who, with Milo Jones, Thomas Holmes and others, had been prosj)ccting up the river as far as Jefferson, he purchased a stock of provisions, and began his pilgrimage into the woody fastness. During that month, he came up Rock River and built a shanty on the east side of the stream, about two miles below the present city of Jefferson, nearly opposite the first residence of the late Capt. Masters, which at that time had not been constructed ; using this as a base of operations, he made a number of excursions into the surrounding country, visiting Watertown, Aztalan and other points. In June of the same year, he, in company with Richard Miller, Reeve Griswold, Charles Seaton and Philander Baldwin, went Rock River in a canoe in search of a location. Reaching and examining the rapids near lere Watertown now is, and being attracted by the beauty of the location not more than by the advantages presented for settlement, he determined to remain, and made daitns to about one thousand acres of land eligibly situated on both sides of the river. In July following, George J. Goodhue and Tyler Moore came into the country from Beloit, and settled upon Johnson's

3laims on the east side of the river. Johnson was absent at the time, but upon his return Goodbue ife Co. refusing to vacate, a sale of the land was made to thera for $224, Johnson and Gristvold each receiving $112. About the same time, he sold his claim in Aztalan, including the city," to James Brayton and Judge Hyer. During that summer, Mr. Johnson, with the assistance of Philander Baldwin, Reeve Griswold and Charles Seaton, cut a road from Jeft'er- 3on to Watertown, on the east side of the river, and a road from Jefferson to the town of Concord. He also built a cabin on the west side of the river, within the present city of Watertown, and, in the fall, proceeded to Milwaukee to escort his family to their new home. He returned without lelay, and after encountering hardships and privations innumerable, reached Watertown on the 10th of December, 1836, at night, Mrs. Johnson being the first white woman to settle in that cicinity, and the family the second in the county.

Sylvester Wolcott, an early settler in this portion of the county, furnishes some interesting Facts and figures regarding his advent into the Territory, from which the following is appropriated :