Jefferson County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1879 (part 18 of 28)

Trustees - 1858 - Charles Stoppenbach, 0. C. Merriman, A. H. Waldo and John Reinel, Jr ; 1859 - E. Schwellenbach, J. M. Miller, N. Kispert and John Seifert ; I860 - D. F.Jones, John Hager, John Reinel, Jr., and Conrad Heger ; 1861 - Alonzo Wing, G. T. Thorn, William Puerner, Jr., and Conrad Heger; 1862 - Alonzo Wing, John Hager, Christian Muck and Eber Stone; 1868 - Franz Aumann, John Reinel, Jr., Christian Muck and Eber Stone; 1864 - Alonzo Wing, William Zoehrlaut, J. AV. Ostrander and Solon Brown ; 1865 - Christian Muck, Joseph Mansfield, J. M. Mueller and Henry Walther ; George L. Chapin, at special election held May 27, 1865 ; 1866 - N. J. Steinaker, Adam Spangler, Nicholas Jung and Jacob Maydole.

In 1867, the charter was amended by dividing the village into four districts and increasing the number of Trustees to eight, upon which basis the election of that and subsequent years until 1878 was held, resulting as follows : For 1867 - Edward Copeland and C. A. Holmes, of the First District; Nelson Bruett and Martin Meyer, of the Second; Nicholas Jung and John Reinel, Jr., of the Third, and Nicholas Haas and George W. Bird, of the Fourth. 1868 - C. A. Holmes and Edward Copeland, of the First District; P. N. Waterbury and William Fanholts, of the Second ; Nicholas Jung and Andrew Fuerner, Jr., of the Third, and John Jung and Joseph Stoppenbach of the Fourth. 1869 - W. P. Forsyth and George L. Ciiapin, of the First District ; Charles Stoppenbach and Adam Smith, of the Second ; George Frommader and Andrew Puerner, Jr., of the Third, and C. K. Zimmerman and Henry Walth6r, of the Fourth. 1870 - Jacob Maydole and Paul Hitchcock, of the First District ; Adams Smith and C. Muck, of the Second ; Andrew Puerner, Jr., and J. M. Mueller, of the Third, and Ira W. Bird and Penry Walther, of the Fourth. 1871 - J. Maydole, William Zoehrlaut, Henry AValther, J. M. Mueller, Henry Mueller, William P. Forsyth, J. Haws and E. Stoppenbach. 1872 - Paul Hitchcock and Marshall Lane, of the First District ; S. T. McKenney and William Zoehrlaut, of the Second; Jacob Breunig and George Frommader, of the Third, and Ernest Schwellenbach and John M. Roessler, of the Fourth. 1873 - G. J. Smith and Marshall Lane, of the First District; William Zoehrlaut and Adams Smith of the Second ; Jacob Breunig and John Reinel, Jr., of the Third, and Martin Friedel and R. Schwellenbach, of the Fourth. 1874 - George Copeland and James Gates of the First District ; William Zoehrlaut and Solon Brown, of the Second ; John Reinel, Jr., and P. McAtee, of the Third, and Martin Freidel and Charles liling, of the Fourth. 1875 - George Copeland and James Gates, of the First District; Solon Brown and Adams Smith, of the Second ; J. M. Mueller and Joseph Loetz, of the Third, and J. F. W. Meyer and Henry Walther of the Fourth. 1876 - Orrin Henry and Philip Wolf, of the First District ; Solon Brown and W. P. Ward, of the Second ; W. C. Waldo and Andrew Puerner, Jr., of the Third, and S. Roessler and F. Jung, of the Fourth. 1877 - Orrin Henry and Phillip Wolf, of the First District ; Solon Brown and Francis Fanholts, of the Second ; W. C. Waldo and G. J. Loetz, of the Third, and Simon Roessler and G. Muck, of the Fourth.

The amendment to the village charter, approved April 4, 1867, provided for the election of a Police Justice, triennially. In accordance therewith, Geritt T. Thorn was chosen at the election held the May following, but failing to iiualify by June 15, a special election was held, at which J. F. W. Meyer was elected his successor, and served until the charter election of 1870, when C. A. Holmes was elected. In 1871, Capt. Nelson Bruett was elected to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Holmes, and in 1872 was elected for a term of three years. In 1875, W. L. McKenney was elected.

County Supervisors - G. W. Bird, 1870 ; no record until 1874, when Charles Stoppenbach was elected, and served until the granting of the city charter.

of the Peace - Elected in accordance with the general law providing for the election of '- one Justice of the Peace and one Constable for each incorporated village," approved March 12, 1874. For 1876, George Crist; 1877. Christopher Grimm.

By an act of the Legislature, approved March 19, 1878, the village of Jefferson was incorporated as a city, divided into three wards, and provision made for the government thereof by the election of a Mayor and Police Justice; also two Aldermen and one Supervisor from each Ward. Elections for Mayor and Aldermen to be annually, for Police Justice, once in three years. All other officers necessary for the management of the city were to be appointed by the Common Council.

In obedience to the provisions of the charter, elections have been held as follows, with the accompanying results : April 9, 1878, Ira W. Bird, Mayor ; W. L. McKenney, Police Justice ; J. W. Ostrander, Supervisor from the First Ward ; Adam Spangler, of the Second Ward, and Christopher Grimm of the Third : George Copeland, William P. Forsyth, Aldermen of the First Ward ; .John Reinel, Jr., and Edward McMahon, of the Second, and G. Muck and S. T. McKenney, of the Third. Pursuant to Section 2, Chapter VII. of the charter, the Common Council convened Tuesday evening, April 16, 1878, organized ami appointed the following officers : Edward McMahon, President ; F. E. lUing, Clerk ; H. Walther, Treasurer ; A. J. Vandewater, Marshal ; W. II. Porter, City Attorney, and A. Hemingway, Street Commissioner.

Aldermen - George Copeland and Orrin Henry, of the First Ward ; William Verhalen and Jacob Breuniff, of the Second, and Ernst Schwellenback and Charles F. Bullwinkel, of the Third.

At a meeting of the Common Council, convened Tuesday evening, April 15, 1879, George Copeland was chosen President of the Board, and the following city officers appointed : F. E. Illiiig, Clerk ; S. Roessler, Treasurer ; A. J. Vandewater, Marshal ; John Lederer, Street Commissioner; D. C. Weymouth, City Attorney; R. M. Clark, Adam Kispert and Christopher Grimm, School Commissionei's.

Fire Department

It was not until the village of Jefferson had sustained several severe losses by fire, involving the destruction of an extensive brick grist-mill, foundry and machine shops, and many other buildings, that its citizens fully appreciated the situation, and agitated the necessity of procuring reliable apparatus for self-protection. In the summer of 1871, a call for a meeting of citizens was issued, for the purpose of taking action in the premises, and, though a meeting was held and largely attended, and though the absolute necessity of immediate action was admitted, a diversity of opinion found expression as to whether a hand or steam fire-engine should be purchased. After the convening of several meetings, and a prolonged debate on the merits of the subjects in hand, the question was finally decided in favor of a steam engine, together with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging, and a committee was appointed to procure a machine of acknowledged merit.

In harmony with the directions made in that behalf, the Committee, after a canvass of the various proposals submitted for its adjudication, concluded a contract with the Silsby Manufacturing Company for the delivery of an engine of the rotary pattern, together with a hose-cart and 1,000 feet of hose, for the sum of $7,813.75.

In the meantime, the organization of a company was in progress, and, on the 14th day of August, 1871, a number of citizens assembled at the furniture store of J. C. Tilton for the purpose of completing such organization. John Hawes occupied the chair. W. H. Porter officiated as Secretary, and a committee was appointed, charged with the duty of enrolling members. The ensuing week a meeting was held, the committee reported and were discharged, and the organization was perfected by the election of the following officers, which was the nucleus of the present Department : Thomas Conan, Foreman ; G. J. Smith, First Assistant ; Paul Kiesling, Second Assistant ; W. H. Porter, Secretary ; J. C. Tilton, Treasurer, and Alvis Beischel, Hose Captain. The Board of Village Trustees confirmed this election, and appointed A. J. Vandewater Engineer, who appointed Martin Friedel and Henry Walther his assistants.

The Village Hoard at once issued plans and specifications for the building of an enginehouse, hooks, ladders, trucks, etc., and, at a meeting held September 3, 1871, the former was let to Charles Stoppenbach for $3,750 ; the latter to Beischel & Reul for $459, who completed their contract, the engine-house being the handsome brick structure which now decorates the corner of Milwaukee and Second streets.

In the montli of November following, a hook and ladder company was organized and the following officers elected : John Bieniang, Foreman ; James Puerner, First Assistant ; Lorenz Meyer, Second Assistant ; Andrew Riess, Secretary, and F. J. Berg, Treasurer.

Since its organization, the Department has responded to more than twenty alarms, and in every instance did excellent work, notwithstanding that, on several occasions, the fire was so located as to threaten the destruction of the most valuable portion of the city, and but for the promptness and labor of the " boys," almost irreparable loss would have been the inevitable result. The dates of the various fires are as follows :

In 1876, it was found that the engine-house was too small for the necessities of the service, and that, owing to architectural defects, there was no means for the proper care of the hose, which became, in consequence of such defects, materially damaged. With a view to remedy the existing evils, it was decided to build an addition to the engine-house; also a hose tower, which was completed, during the year 1877, by Adam Spangler, at a cost of 5>1>356, including §200 paid Mrs. Adam Muck for the realty.

At present, the Department is in perfect order, ample for any requirements in subduing the elements, and consists of an engine. Hook and Ladder and Hose Company, known and officered as follows :

The Hose Company is made up of thirteen men, commanded by Peter Schweiger, the entire force being under the control of Adam Spangler as Chief, with .James R. Garrity, Assistant, being the successors of James W. Ostrander, who was Chief of the Department from its organization to the appointment of Mr. Spangler.

The Department is supported by a tax levied on the assessed property of the city, and water is procured for the extinguishment of fires from cisterns distributed about the city, as also from Rock River.

Water Power

During the session of the Territorial Legislature, convened and held in 1842, an act was passed empowering D. G. and Gilmore Kendall to construct a dam across Rock River for the purposes of improving tbe navigation of that stream and affording motive power, to be applied to the running of mills, etc. The act was approved on the 4th of February, 1842, and, on the 1st of May, the construction of the dam was commenced by D. G. Kendall and E. G. Darling, to whom Gilmore Kendall had conveyed his interest.

The work was done by these gentlemen, assisted by George Crist and others. They constructed a crib-work of logs for piers, at short distances from each other, across the river, on the top of which were placed stringers of heavy logs, surmounted by spars of tamarack timber from eight to twelve inches in thickness and about twenty feet long, one end of which was supported by the stringers, the opposite end slanting down on the up-stream side and resting on the river bed. The interstices were filled up with thin hewn pieces of timber, gravel, etc., and the work was completed during the winter of that or the following year.

During the next spring, Messrs. Darling & Kendall constructed a saw-mill on the east side of the river, near the foot of Dodge street, which was also built under the supervision of Mr. Kendall, who raised the frame on November 1-3, and, during the winter, sawed the boards with which to roof the building. The premises were completed and became the scene of busy labors, continuing many years, until they were torn down in 1877.

On the 8th of July, 1843, Alonzo Wing purchased E. G. Darling's interest in the water power, and, on the loth of the following February, became sole owner of the franchise by the purchase of D. G. Kendall's share, and so remained until 1848. The season of 1844 witnessed an unusual rise in the river, causing some damage to adjoining property, which was made the basis of a suit by the town of Aztalan. During this summer, a steamer made its way from St. Louis to Jefferson, via Rock River, and " tied up" for a few days at a point immediately north of the bridge at present crossing Crawfish River, on the west side, where it remained for a "few hours," an object of special interest, and then returned to the bosom of the Father of Waters.

On the 29th of May, 1845, the dam was indicted as a nuisance by the grand jury of Jefferson County, to which a plea of not guilty was made, and, upon the issue being joined, the case proceeded to trial, resulting in a verdict of acquittal, rendered on the 26th of May, 1846. It might be here observed that four actions have been instituted against the dam at various times by plaintiffs who alleged that they had sustained serious injuries to their lands by reason of overflow, in three of which the plaintiffs have been compelled to pay the costs.

On the 23d of February, 1848, Mr. Wing sold a quarter-interest in the property to Merrick Sawyer, and, with that gentleman, began the erection of a saw-mill on the present site of the woolen-mills. Mr. Wing had charge of its construction, raised the frame in September and the building was completed and in running order in the following winter. The spring-water, which is so much resorted to by invalids now, came out of the ground under the west sill of the mill with such force that it was carried to the second story, where it supplied the mill-hands with drinking and bathing water. The old mill did faithful service until ao;e and rivals unfitted it for duty, when the building was torn down and its site appropriated to the occupation of the Jefferson Woolen Mills.

On the 8th of August, 1849, Wing & Sawyer disposed of three-sixteenths of the dam property to George Hulburt, who, in conjunction with James Wadsworth, put up a large brick flouring-mill. The same year the purchase was made, they dredged a supply canal and utilized the water-power purchased to milling purposes to such advantage that the property now owned by Johnson & Wolf is one of the most valuable and extensive in this section of the State.

On the 21st of January, 1851, Mr. Sawyer purchased an additional interest in the enterprise, and, on the 27th of June, of the same year, the dam was pax-tially carried away by high water, which, however, was rebuilt soon after its destruction by Wadsworth. Hulburt & Wing, who, with Mr. Sawyer, owned the property jointly until March 13, 1852, when Mr. Wing repurchased Mr. Sawyer's interest, and, on December 31 following, sold seven-sixteenths of his estate to Dwight Hillyer and Orrin Henry, who held title until November 1, 1854, when the latter disposed of his share to his partner, and, within a year thereafter, Mr. Wing sold the balance of his interest to John Seifert, who, with Wadsworth & Hulburt and Dwight Hillyer, became owners of the entirety. In 1857, W. D. Hillyer disposed of his interest to Charles Stoppenbach, who, with John Seifert and Wadsworth & Hulburt, were proprietors of the premises until 1864, when David Johnson purchased the latter's shares for $10,000.

On the 19th of May and 21st of July, 1866, Stoppenbach and Seifert sold their stock to the Jefferson Woolen Mills, a corporation chartered in the spring of that year, the buildings of which were immediately erected and have since been run by the power thus afforded.

This season (1879), the water has been unprecedentedly low and many repairs have been completed which will bear fruit for many seasons yet to come.

The dam property is owned by Johnson & Wolf and the woolen mills, in the proportion of five-eighths to three-eighths, and is valued at $24,000.

Jifferson Woolen Manufacturing Company. - This manufacturing industry, one of the most extensive, prosperous and valuable in the county, is located on the west bank of Rock River, from which stream it is supplied with its valuable motive power. The Company was incorporated April 2, 1866, by Alonzo Wing, Edward McMahon, N. Jung, Charles Copeland, Charles Stoppenbach, William A. AVhipple, N. Groh, J. Bruenig and A. Grimm, with a capital stock of $25,000 (privileged to increase the same to $100,000), to be expended in the purchase

On the 8th of May following the act of incorporation, a meeting of the stockholdei-s was held at the Court House in Jeffei-son, at which a Board of Directors was elected, consisting of Alonzo Wing, Conrad Heger, Edward McMahon, Phillip Johnson, Jacob Bruenig, Niciiolas Jung and Charles Stoppenbach. Thereupon, A. Wing was elected President, Edward McMahon, Treasurer, and W. H. Porter, Secretary of the Board, and the erection of the building at present occupied by the works proper, together with dyehouses, warehouses, etc., was begun. These buildings were constructed after the most approved designs, supplied with machinery of the most complete pattern, and, in a year from the organization of the Company, work therein was commenced.

On July 5, 1870, Charles Stoppenbach was elected President, John Mullanney, Secretary, and E. ISIcMahon, Treasurer, which administration was continued until May, 1871, when the offices of Secretary and Treasurer were consolidated, with John Mullanney as incumbent, who served until 187.3, when his interest was purch:ised by Frank Stoppenbach. who succce<led to the duties and preferments of Secretary and Treasurer. During the ensuing years, Mr. Stoppenbach, Sr., purchased the stock of the corporation gradually until July 1, 1879, when he secured all outstanding shares and became the sole proprietor of the mills, with all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging, which ascendency he maintains at the present writing, with Frank Stoppenbach, Secretary, and George W. Dunwell, Superintendent. -

The mills are an institution in Jetferson, and are conducted on the same plan as those in the East, where perfect order is preserved and thorough work "turned out," an incident of the business duplicated by the Jefferson company, which employs thirty-five hands, at a monthly salary aggregating §1,000.

The product of the Company is made up of cassimeres, flannels, blankets, etc., of most excellent quality, from the best grades of wool, warranted, and from designs that reflect credit upon the artistic taste of their manufacturers. About ten thousand yards of these commodities are placed on the market each month, to which not less than seventy-five thousand pounds of wool are devoted annually, the sale of which furnishes a market to producers of the staple in the counties of Jefferson, Rock and Dane, Wis., as also in Minnesota. The manufactured goods are sold strictly to dealers in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, the sales of which the present year will, it is estimated, amount to not less than $75,000. To do this work, the factory runs four single and three double looms, which have been found insufficientto supply the increasing demand. Triple looms will be substituted for the single looms during the year, and additions indispensable to a satisfactory continuance of the business will be completed within the same period of time.

The capital invested is approximated at $50,000, and the prospects of the Company, incomparably promising, reflect credit upon the business enterprise and capacity of its founders.

Wisennsin Mamifacturinij Oempani/. - Another important fiictor in the prosperity of Jefferson was organized in 1866. It was the outgrowth of an extensive furniture factory, inaugurated years ago by Clark, Cole & Ostrander, and has grown from comparative insignificance to mammoth proportions.

The manufacture of chairs and bedsteads, those indispensable conveniences to domestic comfort, was first undertaken in a building at present utilized as a barn by the proprietors of tiie Jefferson House, by Jones & McLean. -' Horse-power" was the motive then employed, and the product was hawked about the country by the ambitious mechanics. But they declined to continue the business, determined to seek their fortune further West, and Waldo Brothers, with Q. C. Cole, began where they left off, in a building at the corner of Main and Dodge streets. Early in 1856, Mr. Cole became associated with Messrs. Clark & Ostrander, who had decided to venture the manufacture of these articles on a more extensive scale, and, during that year, the firm put up a building adapted to their uses, at the western end of the Milwaukee Street Bridge. The year 1857 came, and with it the memorable financial panic which paralyzed business throughout the country. Notwithstanding the adverse circumstances born of tlie "tight times" then prevailing, Clark, Cole and Ostrander kept on, confident that the future would fully reimburse their outlay. They purchased an engine of the Bay State Foundry, Milwaukee, completed a building for manufticturing purposes, and, with their capital increased by the loan of $200 from a " California widow," tided over the dull times, and entered upon the season of ISftS with abundant promise of prosperity. The firm employed twelve men, contributing their individual efforts also to the procuration of material, its manufiicture into substantial chairs and bedsteads, which they transported by wagon to Madison and Whitewater, for shipment to points at which purchasers resided.

The new firm prospered. From the early spring of 1858, business increased, and the demand for goods manufactured by them was greater than they were able to supply. The dark days of uncertainty and financial depression had passed away, and were followed by " flush times." The projectors of the enterprise, within eighteen months from the date of their investment in Mr. Cole's interest, had paid off the debt thereby incurred, and counted their assets, free from incumbrance. They increased their force, enlarged their manufactory, fitted it up with improved machinery, and extended their patronage to localities which had previously depended upon Milwaukee or Chicago for their supplies. In short, having attained the highway of success, they pursued its windings with renewed zeal and determination.

In 1866, so extensive had the business become, that it was found necessary to once more enlarge and improve their facilities. At this time, it was decided to re-organize the business and establish a stock company, which was accordingly done, R. W. Clark, J. W. Ostrander, Dempster Ostrander, Merrick Sawyer and William P. Forsyth being the incorporators, with R. W. Clark, President ; Merrick Sawyer, Vice President ; Dempster Ostrander, Secretary, and J. W. Ostrander, Superintendent. Since that date, the management of the business has been in charge of officers elected annually by the Board of Directors, and the success which has attended their efforts has not been greater than has been merited.

The stock has been, up to the present time, procured from Wolf Creek, whereon the company have erected saw-mills, but these were disposed of in the spring of 1879, and at the present writing, with a large supply on hand, the oSicers of the Company are looking out for available property. The capital stock now is stated at $33,000, having been reduced to that figure from $75,000 during the year 1878. Forty-five men are eraploj'ed, who annually manufacture 6,000 bedsteads, and 40,0iM) chairs, for the labor on which they are paid a matter of $1,500 monthly. In addition to the manufactory proper, the company is supplied with saw-mills, dry-houses, warehouses, etc., representing a valuation of $20,000. The stock is disposed of in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and the Company officers for 1879 are : R. W. Clark, President; P. Hitchcock, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer ; R. W. Clark, P. Hitchcock, W. P. Forsyth, E. Garfield, Yale Henry and John Puerner, Board of Directors.

Jefferson Foundry. - In the spring of 1875, John Gulden, a well-known and capable mechanic of Jefferson, opened a machine and blacksmith shop on East Racine street, near its junction with Darling. He built what was then supposed to be an establishment of sufficient dimensions for his business, fitted it up with an engine and the improved "tools" of his craft, and thus began in a modest way what is now the Jefferson Foundry. In 1876, Mr. Gulden increased the capacity of his building by additions and extended his field of operations so as to include molding and the manufacture of patterns in the several departments of his works.

On the 1st of January, 1877, 0. C. Vaughn, a finished mechanic, became associated with the business and more buildings were added to the original structure, which was again enlarged on May 1, 1878, when S. A. Buchanan, inventor of the sulky cultivator, became a partner ; since which date, the firm has been known as Gulden, Vaughn & Co. During the winter of 1878, larger additions were completed, improved machinery was set up, a new engine put in and the firm now has suflBcient power to furnish employment to fifty hands. In addition to the sulky corn cultivators which they make, they manufticture wagons, plows, harrows, wood-saws and every article made in a first-class machine-shop. They also do a general blacksmithing business, refit steam engines, etc. In the foundry is done all kinds of casting, from gem-irons to tlie heaviest kind of machine work, including the manufacture of what the proprietors claim to be the best steel plow ever placed upon the market. It is a new pattern, cannot be clogged by straw or weeds, well finished and possesses the merits of durability and cheapness.

During the season of 1878, the firm manufactured one hundred cultivators, the same number of plows, fifty wagons, and completed contracts which, with the business proper, produced a revenue of not less than $1,000 per month, and gave employment to twelve men, at an annual cost for labor alone of not less than $12,000.

The capital invested is represented at $5,000. The business has more than doubled during the past six months, and the Jeft'erson Foundry gives promise of becoming one of the first of Jefferson industries, which only requires reasonable time to be realized.

Jefferson Boot and Shoe Factory. - In the spring of 1868, George Copeland and Lewis Ryder, composing the present firm of Copeland & Ryder, proprietors of this important branch of industry in JeflFerson, left Bridgewater, Mass., and emigrated to their present residence. Their object in coming hither was to establish a line of business at that date comparatively unknown in Wisconsin. They consummated arrangements without delay, and, on May 1, of that year, began operations, in a small, unpretentious frame building on First street, West Jeflerson, on the site of their present extensive establishment, employing eight hands. Their attention to business, skill in manufacture and the superior quality of material employed, soon acquired a reputation for the firm that was manifested by numberless orders, and an annual increase of business beyond expectation. Dealers, upon trial, ascertained that they could procure stock at the same rate as in the East, thus dispensing with the cost of transportation and other incidental expenses, which enabled them to effect sales at reasonable figures and with remunerative profit. This knowledge, as stated, increased the business of the firm and necessitated an increase of facilities to supply the demand, which now requires not less than fifteen thousand pairs of boots and shoes annually. Of course, additional buildings were erected, a large force of hands employed and a "trade " extending throughout the Northwest established. At present writing, three large buildings are devoted to the manufacture, finish, storage and sale of their goods, re(juiring the services of thirty-five hands and the outlay in payment for material anil salaries of upward of $42,000 per annum.

The stock manufactured is correspondingly good, there being no cheap work turned out, but the finest grades of calf and kip, which find ready sale throughout Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and California and aggregates $-50,000 a year. Indeed, the fame of the .Jefferson shoe is unequaled. The firm, in putting its goods upon the market, have adopted the plan of giving the agency for its sale to but one house in a village or city where the population does not exceed five thousand, and, in this way, have not only concentrated trade, but can deliver at less cost than if it was generally distributed.

The capital invested is stated at $20,000, and the yearly increase of business justifies the claims of the firm to unsurpassed material and square dealing.

The Jefferson Rope and Cordage Works owes its establishment to Thomas Illing, an experienced ropemaker. He began business in 1865, and continued its pursuit for upward of nine years, attracting an increased patronage with each succeeding year, owing to the superiority of the goods placed upon the the market.

In the year 1875, it became necessary to increase his facilities to supply the demand. Ad<litional buildings were erected and supplied with machinery, and Mr. Illing formed a copartnership with his sons, F. E. and J. C. Illing, since which date the firm name has been that of Thomas Illing & Sons.

The goods turned out by the firm are manufactured from the best qualities of manila, mported from the East Indies, Sisal and American hemp, and embraces every variety of rope md cordage, from wrapping twine to a two-inch cable, and finds ready sale in nearly every vilage, town and city in the State.

As at present constituted, the firm employs a force of nine men, and occupies commodious (uartcrs at the corner of Fourth and Dodge streets.

Tlie raw material worked up into stock each year, necessitates an outlay estimated at ^30,000, and it is disposed of to dealers and manufacturers all over the country.

Johnson .f Wolf's Flouring Mill. - This firm occupies commodious quarters on the west )ank of the Rock River, and is doing an extensive business. The building was erected in L8-19, and is the first venture of the kind made in Jefferson that has continued uninter- 'uptedly from its foundation to the present time. In that year, George Hulburt and James PVadsworth began the business of milling in the newly erected building, which was supplied with ;wo run of stones, propelled by Water-power.

In 1850, Mr. Wadsworth disposed of his interest to his partner, and retired from the field. VIr. Hulburt conducted the business for several seasons in conjunction with his sons, and, in 1865, sold out to David Johnson, senior member of the firm of Johnson & Wolf This was in 1865. In the spring of 1869, Mr. Johnson became associated with John Puerner, and, during ;he summer jf that year, P. Wolf purchased a third interest in the establishment, when the firm yas known as Johnson, Puerner & Wolf. In the following fall, Puerner sold his stock to Yale Henry, whose name was substituted for that of Puerner in the firm, and so continued for about )ne year, when Mr. Henry retired, his investment being purchased by Mr. Johnson.

"in 1867, the firm improved the machinery, put in three turbine wheels, another set of stones, 3tc., and, in 1809, further improved their facilities by another turbine wheel and set of stones.

The mill is now in complete running order, employs six hands, at a monthly cost of $300, md turns out 600 barrels of flour weekly, in addition to large custom supplies.

Neuer .f Geigleins Brewery. - The oldest manufiictory of malt liquor in the city of left'erson is located on East Racine, nearly opposite Marion street, and enjoys a well-deserved reputation for the quality of its production. Stephen Neuer, the founder of the concern, emigrated from the Kingdom of Wurtemberg some twenty-eight years ago, and established himself in Milwaukee as a maltster. He remained there, however, but a short time, when he came to left'erson and opened the brewery which bears his name and is well known all over the county.

Mr. Neuer attended personally to the details of his business, the brewing of the beer, its sale, etc., from the day of its inauguration until his death, on the 30th of August, 1874, when he was succeeded by his son. Christian R. Neuer, who is the present senior partner, having become associated with John C. Geiglein during the year 1878.

The firm manufactures 500 barrels annually, which they dispose of to dealers in the city md surrounding country, the receipts therefor aggregating in the neighborhood of $3,000.

Ddtvner .('- Hegers Brewery was purchased by Henry Downer and Rudolph Heger from Henry Long, about the 1st of October, 1873. It is located on Third street, near the corner of Mechanic, and enjoys a generous patronage from dealers in the city and county, particularly those residing in Cambridge, Johnson's Creek and Fort Atkinson.

Four hands are employed in conjunction with the proprietors, who prepare their own malt, and turn out about one thousand barrels of foaming lager annually. In the manufacture of this, the firm use about two thousand bushels of malt and ten bales of hops, and the yearly sales amount to about $7,000.

Brninig's Brewery. - This prominent feature of Jeff'erson skill and enterprise was first established by Jacob Breunig in 1855, in a frame house, at the corner of Main and Racine streets. In May, 1863. the frame was razed and an immense and costly brick brewery, residence, hall for theatrical entertainments and an icehouse erected on its site, at an aggregate cost of $14,000. The brewery is 84x45, three stories high, and the malting is by a new anc improved process, which is said to materially add to the quality of the beer. The icehouse wa; completed in 1871, is 40x34, and has capacity for sufficient ice to last through an extendei season. The hall for dancing and theatrical purposes is 80x4-5, fitted up with a commodioui stage, scenery, etc., and the appurtenances usual to similar improvements.

Mr. Breunig employs five hands, at a monthly salary of nearly §150, and uses in the manufac ture of his commodity, which averages 1,500 barrels annually, 5,000 bushels of barley and 3,00( pounds of hops.

The manufacture of brick is carried on by John Puerner &; Co. and Michael Kemmeter John Puerner, Anton Stiel and William Hammeson, established in the fall of 1872, occupy extensive premises on North Main street, contiguous to the city limits. The company eraployi a force of seventeen men and four boys, and the yard is driven to its fullest capacity - 1,100,00( brick being burned every year. About 20 per cent of these are the finest qualities of pressed brick the balance being what are known to the trade as "common qualities." Fully three-fourths o the manufacture are shipped to consumers in Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin, tin remaining quarter being appropriated to home consumption. In their preparation for use, liO( cords of wood are required, at a monthly cost of §200, and §600 for the payment of hands, thi yard being in operation on an average about five months in the year.

Michael Kemmeter s Brickyard is located on the east side of the Whitewater pike, aboul half a mile south of the Court House, and occupies three acres of ground. The business waf established at this point by Mr. K. in May, 1869, and during the time that has since elapsed he has built up a large and profitable institution.

His stock consists of pressed and common brick, which is marketed in Chicago, Milwaukee Janesville, Madison and the surrounding country, from the sales of which he aggregates £ revenue for five months' labor of not less than §4,000 per annum.

He employs a force of twelve men and six boys, at an expense, including the cost of material of §125 weekly, and turns out, during the five months' run, 1,100,000 brick, 50,000 of whicl are pressed, using in their preparation for market thousands of tons of a peculiar grade of cla} and 500 cords of wood.

Bairenther's Tannery, located on Block 34, on South Fourth street, was projected by Charles Bairenther i: Co., during the fall of 1874. On January 1, 1875, they began the erection of .i large building appropriated to their business, supplied with twenty-one vats, a 24-horse-powei engine, and other appurtenances, which was completed during the spring of that year at a cosi of §8,000, since when the business has increased at a rate that must have been gratifying and profitable.

The firm now employ eight men, at a monthly salary of §300, and work up about one thousand two hundred hides annually into the various grades of kip, calf, upper, collar, and harness leather. This spring (1879), a horse-collar manufactory has been added to the business.

Material is procured from all parts of the county, the bark used (hemlock) coming from Menominee, Mich., and entails an annual expense of §10,000.

John HennerVs Tannery is situated on Darling street, opposite Water, in close proximity to the river. He began business at that point in the spring of 1863. in a frame building west of his present location, in which he carried on his trade until about six years ago. His increasing sales requiring enlarged facilities, Mr. Hennerl then erected a handsome brick 25x40 feet, containing six vats and other appliances of his trade.

He now employs three hands, at an annual expense of $1,200; tans 1,500 calf-skins and 300 hides each year, which are placed upon the market as the highest grades of pebble-calf, wax-calf and wax-uppers.

The Soda Water Manufacto)-y of Ellis Schweiger & Co. is of recent date, having been established on the 1st of January, 1878, at the corner of Main and Candise streets, by the senior member of the firm, which is composed of Mr. Schweiger and John Batcodt. Their business is transacted entirely during the summer and is daily increasing in voluiue. During the season of 1879, the firm manufactured 36,000 bottles of this refreshing beverage, which was distributed ibout .Jefferson and adjoining counties, producing a revenue to the sellers of $1,500, 50 per cent jf which was profit.

The Riverside Cheese Factory was established May 7, 1877, by Solon Brown, and is now in ictive operation, turning out hundreds of pounds of the appetizing condiment weekly. During the first year of Mr. Brown's experiment, full 4,000 pounds, of milk was used daily, which was increased the succeeding year to double that quantity. In 1877, it was believed that 4,000 pounds would enable the establishment to supply the trade with its commodity.

The cheese manufactured is what is known on the market as " English Chedder," is made of the best material and calculated almost exclusively for foreign consumption, where it is in great demand.

The manufactory is located on the west side of the river, on the road to Fort Atkinson, easily accessible and represents an investment of $2,000.

The Jefferson. County Bank was originally organized under the State law as the Bank of Jefferson, with William M. Dennis, President, Edward McMahon, Cashier, and a capital of 150,000.

In May, 1865, the corporation re-organized under the National banking law, increasing its capital stock to $60,000, and becoming a bank of issue. The charter officers were A. H. Waldo, President ; Edward McMahon, Cashier, and Homer Cook, A. H. Waldo, A. Grimm, E. McMahon and John Jung, Board of Directors.

This organization continued for ten years, when the stockholders surrendered their franchise and, ceasing to transact business as a National Bank, again re-organized under the State law, with a capital, including the surplus, of $50,000. The officers elected under the re-establishment of the institution according to State laws were Charles Stoppenbach, President; Edward McMahon, Cashier, and W. W. Clark, Charles Stoppenbach, Jacob Bruenig, Edward McMahon and Edward Johnson, Directors.

The bank is located on Main street, between Racine and Milwaukee streets, in a substantial one-story brick, 22x65, containing a steel safe with chronometer lock, and two vaults, one being used as a safe depository. The value of the bank property is estimated at $7,500.

Fanners' and Meehanics'' Bank. - During the fall of 1873, the capitalists of Jefferson decided upon establishing another bank, to be known as the " Farmei's' and Merchants' Bank, of Jefferson." Accordingly, application was made and an act of incorporation issued to the following gentleman, bearing date December 22, 1873 : J. W. Ostrander, Robert Fargo, Volney Foster, Charles Grimm, C. Muck, Adam Smith, A. W. Cramer, Alonzo Wing, Charles Copeland, Marshall Lane, Anna Barbara Bullwinkel, E. Garfield, Joseph Stoppenbach, Charles John, W. F. Puerner, E. B. Fargo, G. M. Bird, G. C. Mansfield, James Morse, W. B. Harvey, W. W. Woodman, J. D. Bullock, P. Hitchcock, Yale Henry, J. H. Myers, G. Seitz, J. N. Friedel, A. Grimm, Henry Haskell and A. Kispert.

On the day following, December 23, 1873, a meeting of the stockholders was held, at whic A. Grimm, J. W. Ostrander, A. Wing, Yale Henry, Paul Hitchcock. J. D. Bullock and R Fargo were elected a Board of Directors, of whom Yale Henry was elected President ; A. Win| Vice President ; A. Grimm, Cashier, and George J. Kispert, Teller.

The corporation immediately purchased the building on East Main street (now known a the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank), of A. Grimm, for ^6,400 ; and on February 2, 187-1 began business. Since that day, the career of the undertaking has been one of success, the caj ital stock increased to §60,000 paid up, and public confidence resulted, that is ever the attend ant of energy, business capacity and merit.

The present Board of Directors is composed of Y'^ale Henry, Charles Bullwinkel. J. TV Ostrander, Adam Kispert, J. H. Myers, J. D. Bullock and Marshall Lane, with J. W. Ostrau der, President, J. D. Bullock, Vice President ; Yale Henry, Cashier, and George J. Kisperi Assistant Cashier.

Odd Fellows

Jefferson Lodge, No. 29. - This is the oldest Lodge in the city, having been organized on th 30th of August, 1848. On that day, authority to establish a Chapter of the fraternity wa granted to John E. Holmes, M. Haskell, Henry Haskell, Harvey Sanborn and J. W. Ostrandei These gentlemen perfected the organization and elected the following officers : John E. Holmes N. G. ; Harvey Sanborn, V. G ; M. Haskell, Treasurer, and J. W. Ostrander, Secretary.

The Society flourished under the several administrations, until the years of the war, whe the meetings were suspended and so remained till 1866, when a re-organization was effected, an the Lodge is to-day in the enjoyment of a gratifying prosperity.

The present officers are : W. H. Porter, N. G. ; W. A. McFarlane, V. G. ; John Bankei Treasurer, and George Crist, Secretary, with a membership of eighty-five. Meetings are hel weekly in the Odd Fellows' Hall, Main street, between Milwaukee and Racine streets, and th Society owns property valued at about §6,000.

Barbarosa Lodge, No. 202, 1. 0. 0. F., was organized under a dispensation granted Deceni ber 7, 1876, to F. E. Illing, G. Fehrmann, J. Puerner, H. Arnstein and G. D. Puerner. Th first officers were : F. E. Illing, N. G. ; Gustav Fehrmann, V. G. ; Joseph Puerner, Treasurei and Henry Arnstein, Secretary.

The present officers are as follows : G. 0. Schittler, N. G. ; John Schmidt, V. G. ; Josep Freberger, R. S. ; G. Muck, F. S. ; Charles Seifert, Treasurer ; G. Tews, I. G. ; Henr Belman, 0. G. ; M. Prell, Conductor; Ernest Butz, Warden, and H. Arnstein, Charle Boreiter and Jacob Hayes, Trustees.

Ruth Lodge, No. 11, Daughters of Rebecca, was created January 21, 1870, by a dispensation granted to J. W. Ostrander, W. W. Reed, Yale Henry, George Crist, H. W. Brandon, 0. S. Brandon, Solon Brown, E. P. Hatch, David Baker, A. J. Yandewater, George L. Chapin, C. E. Hoyt and Henry Haskell, and Sisters Sybil Yandewater, M. H. Hatch, Sarah Brandon, Elizabeth Brandon, H. M. Reed, Semantha Trucks, T. M. Hoyt, 0. A. Chapin and L. R. Ostrander.

It is found impossible to obtain a list of the charter officers. The present officers are : Mrs. Mary Barr, N. G. ; Mrs. Catharine Ryder, Y. G. ; Mrs. H. M. Reed, Secretary ; Mrs. Marv Whelan, P. S. ; Mrs. R. C. Clark, Treasurer ; R. W. Clark, R. S. ; Mrs. George Trucks, L. S. ; John Tuttle, Warden; Mrs. E. A. Tuttle, Conductor; Alfred Church, 0. G. ; Mrs. H. Church, I. G.

Other Societies

Apollo Lodge, No. I),!, A. 0. U. W., was organized on the evening of August 8, 1878, by A. H. Taisey, D. G. M. of the Order, at a meeting of candidates convened in the law office of N. Bruett, in Stoppenbach's Block, corner of Main and Racine streets. The charter members were composed of N. Steinaker, A. J. Burbank, N. Bruett, W. H. Porter, Dwight Hillyer, R. B. Kirkland, E. S. Kellogg, Charles Illing, J. S. Rottman, G. W. Bird and G. 0. Schittler.

At the election held at a subsequent meeting, N. Bruett was selected as P. M. W. ; W. H. Porter, W. M. ; Dwight Hillyer, Recorder; N. Steinaker, Financier; R. B. Kirkland, 0. W.; J. S. Rottman, J. W. ; and G. 0. Schittler, N. Bruett and A. J. Burbank, Trustees, who are yet in office.

Jefferson Workingmens Benevolent Association was incorporated by an act of the Legislature approved March 27, 1867, with the objects of affording aid and relief to their members, cariri^ for their sick, and burying the dead. The charter members were : J. A. Puerner, N. Kispert, John Meyer, Peter Buchta, John Purriker, C. Muck, George Heilman and B. Kiesling. Of these, John A. Puerner was President, N. Kispert, Yice President, C. Muck, Treasurer, and George Heilman, Secretary.

The initiation fee is $5, and the annual dues $3. Each member of the Association is entitled to $3.50 per week when sick, and the payment of funeral expenses when death ensues.

The following are the present officers : J. A. Puerner, President ; Frederick Jung, Yice President; Peter Buchta, Treasurer, and Andrew Seidel, Secretary. The present membership numbers si.\ty-three. Meetings are held monthly in Yerhallen's Hall on Racine street, and the property of the Association is valued at $1,500.

Religious

St. Laivrence Roman Catholic Church. - The Catholic denomination in Jefferson and cicinity comprehends fully 50 per cent of the population. They are provided with two :hurches, two schools, and a convent, and are apparently the most prosperous sect in this portion Df the county. They were among the first settlers, and began holding services as early as 1842 in the log cabin of John Haas, a short distance west of St. Lawrence Church, on the Milwaukee pike, one mile east of the city. At that time, the congregation was dependent upon tiie occasional visits of the Rev. Father Maximillian Gardner, a missionary stationed at Roxbury, in Sauk County, who officiated in the parishes of Watertown, Jefferson, and elsewhere, holding services in St. Lawrence Diocese five times a year.

As the congregation increased in numbers, and a more commodious house of worship was 1 ereby necessitated, a move was made to the hill whereon the present church is situated, and a small log church built. The church was dedicated and opened for services on December, 4, 185C with the Rev. Father Michael Heider, as Pastor, who i-emained until March 28. 18-56, when h was succeeded by the Rev. Father J. F. Minderer. During his pastorate, the congregation became s numerous that it was decided to organize a second parish and establish the church at some poin more accessible to worshipers residing in the city. With this end in view, the parish of St. Job the Baptist was created, and the church at the corner of Center and Church streets (thereafte known until the erection of the new church as St. John's), purchased of the Universalisti services being conducted by Father Minderer in conjunction with the discharge of his priestl offices in St. Lawrence parish. Early in 1861, Father W. Bernard .succeeded to the charge c St. Lawrence Church, and was in turn followed by Father Michael Berter, who remained unt April, 1864, when Father Hubert Jansen became the incumbent, and acted until January, 186' when he was succeeded by Father Francois Xavier Obermueller, who was the first priest regu larly assigned to the congregation.

In the fall of 1861, it was decided to erect a new church edifice, and in January, 186: subscriptions for that purpose were received. Plans and specifications were submitted, contract for the building executed, and the work was soon after commenced under the supervision of ^\ D. Ilillj'er. The work progressed satisfactorily from time to time until January 15, 1865, whe its completion was reached, and the church delivered to the congregation at a cost of $4,508.7t The edifice is of brick, simple but substantial, architecturally, plainly but neatly finished, and i surmounted by a steeple seventy-five feet in height.

The following is the list of Pastors who have served since its dedication : F. X. Obermuellei from 1866 to September. 1871 ; Thomas Vonder Thaunen, from September 17, 1871, to Januar 1, 1872; V. Rademacher, until July, 1872; A. Michels, until iSfovember, 1872; J. ^^ Buerger, until March 15, 1873; Ferdinand Zuber, to January 1, 1875; C. Hergenroethei from July, 1875, until January 1, 1877; M. J. Joerger, six weeks; H. Reinhart, the preser incumbent, from March 8, 1877.

Attached to the diocese are the St. Lawrence School and Convent of Saint Francis. Th former was begun in 1868, and completed in 1870, costing §3,086.78. Father Reinhart is Prii cipal, being assisted by two Sisters of the Order of Saint Francis D* Assisi. The daily attendant averages seventy-five pupils of both sexes, and the course of instruction is similar to that taugl in the public schools.

The Convent was established in 18G5. In 1868, a large brick building was built for th needs of the Order, and a parsonage for the Pastor constructed during the same year at a toti cost of §18,000. In 1877, the Church purchased the Convent buildings of the Order for §7,00( which are now occupied by eighteen Sisters - Sister Mary Catharine being the Mother Superic - as tenants of the Church, who maintain a school therein for the education of Sisters i teachers.

St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Congregation. - The organization of this Church h; already been referred to. The old Universalist Church was adapted to the uses of the ne congregation in 1856, which, under the tutorship of the several Pastors who have presided ov( its welfare, has increased in members and wealth beyond the brightest anticipations of its foun< ers. As stated, the Rev. Father Bernard divided his duties between St. John's and St. Lav rence until January 1, 1862, when the Rev. Father Michael Berter was assigned to its charge serving also at St. Lawrence until 1864, when Hubert Jansen relieved him and remained unt July, 1867.

During his ministration, the property whereon St. John's Church now stands was pu chased and the new church erected. The corner-stone was laid in the spring of 1866, and th church completed and dedicated in 1867, at a cost of not less than §25,000, L. Charbonea being the architect. It is a massive and imposing structure, built of pressed brick, finel finished throughout, occupying an elevated site on Church street, between Sanborn and Par streets, and decorated with a lofty steeple, (the marble cross of which, at the extreme apex, is visible for miles), and supplied with chime bells. The ascent to the auditorium is by an easy flight of stone stops, which survived the destruction of the Court House in the great Chicago fire of 1871. The interior of the church is furnished in harmony with the building, and has a capacity for several hundred worshipers.

Succeeding its completion, some difficulty arose between the Trustees and the architect, growing out of it is alleged, the fixilure of the latter to faithfully execute his contract. No satisfactory adjustment of the dispute was attained by the usual course of arbitration, and Mr. Charboneau sought a solution of the difficulty by an appeal to the courts. On September 17, 1870, he filed his complaint in the Circuit Court of Jeft'erson County, against John Jung at al., praying for specific performance, and alleging damages by reason of a failure on the part of the Trustees to comply with the terras of their contract. A change of venue was taken to Dodge County, where, upon the submission of the case to a referee, judgment was rendered, and damages to the amount of $2,G95 entered against the defendants. An appeal was taken to the Supreme Court, which affirmed the judgment; thereupon the same was liquidated.

In May, 1878, the School of the Guardian Angels, a parochial institution attached to the Church, was begun, with Henry Koch, of Milwaukee, as architect, and completed in October of the same year, costing, with the furniture, $5,000. The school is under the direction of Father Joerger, assisted by two Sisters of the Order of St. Francis, of Joliet, and furnishes a course of instruction, both in English and German, to one hundred and fifty pupils.

The parsonage is situated in the church lot to the west of the church edifice, fronting on Sanborn street, and was completed in 1871, at an outlay, with the furniture, of $3,500.

The following is the list of Pastors who have served since the organization of the parish : The Rev. Fathers J. F. Minderer ; W. Bernard, from 1861 until January 1, 18G2 ; Michael Berter until 1864 ; Hubert Jansen until July, 1867 ; A. Sigg until August, 1860 ; M. Gernbauer, one month ; J. Freiul until October, 1873 ; M. J. Joerger, S. T. D., at present in charge.

Attached to the Church is St. John's Society, a Mutual Benevolent Association, consisting of about fifty members, of which Adam Spangler is President.

TI(e Evangelical Association was organized in Jefferson at an early day. The first preaching of which there is any authentic record was by the Rev. J. G. Miller in 1845, who administered services in the house of George Robisch, one mile east of the village, as also at the Hake mansion, two and one-half miles south of the village.

The society built its church (the first church in Jefferson), in the year 1849, during the pastorate of J. G. Escher, the foundations having been laid at a previous date, under the auspices of J. G. Miller. The building was of frame, 32x40, and the congregation numbered fifty worshipers. In the early spring of 1879, the "little church on the corner" was moved away, and its absence supplied by the present handsome brick edifice, 36x60 feet, with 10 feet projection, and a steeple 129 feet in length, which was completed during the fall of the same year, at a cost of $5,500.

Since the establishment of the denomination in Jefferson, the following ministers have served : The Revs. C. Lintner, J. Meyer, J. Trumhaur, J. Meyer, Joseph Harlacher, H. Esch, George Fleisher, I. Kuter, John Meyer, J. Hamweter, G. Zoelhaffer, J. G. Miller, C. A. Schnacke (assisted by Rev. Emanuel Hake), Joseph Harlacher, F. Huelster, J. Karcher, H. Schelp, I. M. Hamweter, Edward Bochmuehl, C. Miller, H. Huelster (under whose pastorate the old parsonage was sold and a new ministerial residence purchased), C. A. Schancke (who died in the service), C. Wigand and Augustus Huelster, the present officiant, under whose supervision the new church was built.

The present Trustees are John Banker, C. Lang and W. H. Hake. Jefferson Circuit has three churches and three hundred and sixty members, the Presiding Elders of which have been the Revs. S. Baumgartner, J. J. Escher (the present Bishop, residing in Chicago), G. A. Blank, A. Huelster, H. Huelster and H. Scheep.

congre^iion observed their Sabbath-Day services in the dwellings of the members, which were continued until the date above designated, when they purchased about two acres of ground on Christ Mountain, two and one-half miles east of Jefferson, on a portion of which they erected a small frame Church, the remainder of the purchase being reserved for burial purposes. The church was completed and consecrated under the name of St. Johns, and served as a place ol worship for sixty-four families, until an increase in the number of parishioners necessitated the erection of a more commodious edifice. The Rev. Mr. Mayer, minister of the Lutheran congr^ation at Helenville. became the first Pastor of that denomination, until the installation ol the Rev. Carl Aug. Biel. his successor (also from Helen viUeX who officiated for several years, being followed by the Rev. Mr. Zink. who ministered to the spiritual wants of the congregations in Jefferson and Helenville until his death.

On the 17th day of January, ISoS. the Rev. Emil Repnow accepted a call to the Church, with which he remained five years, and under whose pastorate the congregation was increased to one hundred and nine &milies. At this date, the church at Christ Mountain became too limited in its capacity, in consequence of which it was decided to erect a brick church in the citv of Jefferson. The church was accordingly begun and. in 1S61, completed, and has since served for the Evangelical Lutherans of Jefferson and vicinity, in conjunction with the cLapel at Christ Mountain, which latter, however, was abandoned in 1873.

During Mr. Repnows pastorate, a house was purchased in the city and a school established, at which childr»i of the church communicants were instructed in the German language, Bible history, the Lutheran catechism, etc.

The Kev. C. T. Goldhammer succeeded Mr. Repnow on the 7th day of March. 1863, and remained seven years, when he accepted a call from the Lutheran congregation at Green Bay.

The Rev. B. fngrcnli, formerly a Missionary to the Cape of Good Hope, but at that date (July 13, 1870 1 Pastor of the St. Matthews Church. Milwaukee, succeeded. the last named and is still minister of St. John's congregation, which, under his careful ministration, is prosperotis, consisting of one hundred and fifty families, and a school affording instruction to one hundred and fifty pupils.

The church property is made up of a handsome and roomy church edifice, parsonage and schoolhouses in the city, and a ft^ame church and cemetery at Christ Mountain, the value of the entirety being estimated at about §10.000.

The UnirenaliM Society. - The Rev. Seth Barnes was the first settled minister of the Universalist &ith in Jefferson who preached the doctrine that all men will be saved. His disooorses were delivered in the Court House at firet, services being commenced there in 18-18. In ISoO. the society was organized. The building of a church was begun in the fall of 1853 and completed during the following spring, when it was dedicated and Mr. Barnes was elected Pastor. He continued his ministrations but a few months, however, going hence to St. Anthony, Minn., whither he was called professionally.

An interval succeeded his resignation, during which the church was without a Pastor, remaining so until the fall of 1854. when the Rev. E. Garfield took charge and discharged the offices of Pastor and friend for eleven year?, which were years of prosperity and happiness to the s-^ciety. He accepted a call to Sioughton, in Dane County, and the vacancy thus created was supplied by the Rev. B. F. Hagers, who remained, meeting with success in the field of his labors, for three years, when the Rev. E. Garfield returned to Jefferson and resume! his relation of Pastor to the Church. At the expiration of three years, he resigned, and for the ensuing jear the society depended upon the occasional visits of ministers and missionaries for its

After several years' sojourn here, the cemetery was removed to a half an acre of ground o North Main street, owned by E. G. Darling, where it remained until 1853, when the propert was purchased by George Crist, and another move was necessitated though not completed unti some time later, when the Greenwood Cemetery Association was proposed. The proposal wa favorably received by those interested, and, on the 9th of July, 1853, its organization wa effected at a meeting held at the office of Dr. W. W. Reed ; W. E. Holmes was elected Chairman Henry F. Pelton acted as Secretary, and tliere were present W. W. Reed, W. P. Ward, D. D Lansing, William Woolcox, Joseph Mansfield, John T. Smith, William M. Watt, N. C. Hulbur and Charles Wade. " The Greenwood Cemetery Association, of Jefferson," was decided upoi as the corporate name, the business affairs of which were to be managed by five Trustees, to bi divided as follows : One until the first annual meeting, two until the second annual meeting, am two until the third annual meeting, to be determined by lot. At that meeting, William P. Wan qualified for one year, John E. Holmes and N. C. Hulburt for two, and W. M. Watt and Johi T. Smith for three years.

On the 9th of January, 1854, a meeting of the Association was held, at which a resolutioi was adopted, providing for the purchase of four acres of ground in the southeast quarter of Sec tion 2. belonging to George Crist, and the Treasurer directed to procure title thereto. This wa done, and the burial ground now known as " Greenwood Cemetery," half a mile from the Cour House, in a northeasterly direction, became the property of the corporation.

The first burials in the present necropolis of Jefferson, were the re-interments of the bodie exhumed from the old cemeteries. Since then, new mounds have been added and monument have been raised above the silent graves of those who sleep forevermore. The grounds ari beautifully located on the brow of a hill overlooking the city, divided into plats and subdividei into lots, "with walks and avenues distributed about the grounds, planted with trees and flowers and ornamented with very many tombs and monuments of exquisite design and finish.

The business of the corporation is transacted by a President and Board of Trustees, whi have exclusive control of affairs, disposal of lots, etc., and in whom the title is vested.

The first Board of officers is cited above. The present Board is : President, J. W Ostrander ; Treasurer, Solon Brown ; Secretary, A. Sanborn ; I. W. Bird and J. W. Ostrander

The Press

The entire absence of records bearing upon this important subject, renders the collation o accurate data in that behalf a labor attended with difficulties and uncertainties. The early settlen in Jeffei'son readilv appreciated the necessity for some medium that would maintain a succinci and comprehensive connecting link, as it were, between the past and present, between the preseni and the future; but it was not until Jefterson had become prosperous that any move was mad« toward the accomplishment of that object. Until then, the inhabitants were dependent for theii weekly record of current events upon the publications issued in neighboring cities, towns and villages.

Durinc the summer of 1851, William M. Watt, an earnest Scotchman, realized the absenct of a weekly paper, and determined by his own efforts, aided by the patronage of those who wert equally alive to the importance of the existence of a "sheet" at the county seat, to supply such "absence." He accordingly procured material, and, after the delays incident to so grave ar undertaking in those days, established the Jeffersonian in the second story of the building h1 the corner of Racine and Main streets, then, as now, in part occupied by Breunig's saloon. The pa])er was a six-column folio. Democratic in politics, and is reported to have furnished its subscribers with full complements of local, legal, legislative and editorial pabulum. Mr. Watt provided the intellectual and financial resources of the establishment, while the composition and mechanical laboi-s were discharged by Charles Hoyt, now a resident of Madison, Webster Colburn and Henry Kelsey, the latter engaged at present in publishing a paper in Minnesota. The " impression " was made on an old-fashioned Washington hand-press, worked by Jesse Nevin.s, who also officiated in the capacity of "head devil," an indispensable unknown quantity, who "ranges" about every well-regulated newspa])or.

The fact that the Jefferson ian continued for ten years to expound tlie inner consciousness of Jeffersonian Democracy ; to detail the various occurrences that happen in a growing town ; to record tlie litigation that found expression in the courts ; the pleas that were made there, the minutes of the Assembly and other authenticated facts, to say nothing of the births, marriages and deaths that its columns promulgated, is evidence conclusive to the least credulous that the editor did his duty by the public. That it "didn't pay," is hinted at, and this suggestion must be considered when it is known that after ten years buft'et with fortune in Jefferson, Mr. Watt retired from the field of journalism in that section and removed with his material to Menasha, accompanied by F. E. and F. J. Illing, then " jours ' in his employ, where he established the Weekly 3fanufacturer. This he published for nearly two years, when he returned to Jefferson and began preparations for the publication of an independent weekly. But after canvassing the situation, and while the paper was in type, he decided that the patronage promised would not justify the venture, and it was accordingly abandoned. He disposed of his type, press, etc., to ambitious publishers in Baraboo and is now a resident of Milwaukee.

The liepublican. - -In 1856 and while the campaign for the election of Fremont and Dayton was at its height in Jefferson County, Alden Sanborn and C. E. Hoyt bethought themselves of the apparently fortuitous times to begin the publication of a campaign sheet in the interest of the Republican candidates, proposing, if their overtures were received with favor, and success attended their undertaking, to make the paper an organ of Republicanism in Jefi'erson County that would be deferred to.

The prospective formulators of Republican opinion procured a press, which had served to disseminate pure Democracy in Watertown for several years under the direction of William Butler, subsequently County Judge of Jefferson County, and bringing the same to the scene of active operations in the city of Jefferson, " set it up " in the second story of the building, corner of Dodge and Second streets. The infant advocate of Fremont's election, though clean and neat and presenting a singular but commendable absence of childish ways, was not received by the public with the enthusiasm expected or deserved. It was considered in the light of a curiosity for a brief period and appeared at occasional intervals in the Locofoco lodges an object of interest rather than apprehension. Thus it ran its raf^e with popularity, but, casting a shoe, so to speak, was distanced on the first quarter and withdrawn. The effort to sustain a Republican weakling on Democratic pap was without precedent and met with the fate of one who if he isked for bread would be given a stone. Its latest breath was drawn when the defeat of Gen. Fremont became assured, and with it died the first attempt in the city of Jefi'erson to air a Republican sheet in Democratic camps.

The remains were tenderly gathered together by J. W. Chubbuck, brother of the well-known luthoress, "Fanny Forrester," and taken to Warsaw, Wis., where they have since remained.

The Jefferson Banner was the second paper that was commended to the people of Jefferson )n the score of its Republican proclivities, and escaped the fate of its predecessor by a political ;hange of base, almost at the hour of final dissolution. The paper then known under the titular nomen o( the Jefferson Counti/ Republican was introduced to public favor in the first instance at Fort Atkinson, as the Wisconsin OA/ef, having previously run the gamut of a variable success n the State of New York, where it was known as the Cayuga Chief, its editorial department leing managed by Thurlow Weed Brown, subsecjuently identified with the cause of teetotalisra. )f which he became an ardent and able advocate. After a sojourn of several years at the Fort, ;he Chief was removed to Jefferson in 1858, where, as stated, it became a candidate for pat- -onage and popularity as the Jefferson County Republican. The length of time ic remained n charge of J. W. Blake, its editor, is not of record ; the files are missing, and, in their absence, the memory of the proverbial "oldest inhabitant" is at fault, and refuses to assist the historian in his efforts to reach a satisfactory solution of the query. Common rumor alleges that Mr. Blake had charge a year or more, when he sold out to George W. Peck (at present engaged in educating his Sun up to the proper standard of excellence required by the readers of the Milwaukee press) and Robert Tompkins. These gentlemen maintained their management of the Republican m\ti[ the breaking-out of the war, when Mr. Peck buckled on his saber and marched with his face to the foe. He was succeeded by W. H. Tousley, now part owner of the Janesville Times, who assisted Mr. Tompkins in supplying their patrons with choice selections, original paragraphs and the Republican platform, until the latter gentleman dropped his " composing stick," and, shouldering a musket, marclied down into Georgia, leaving Mr. Tousley to discharge the duties of editor and proprietor without assistance.

The politics of the paper, however, always an embargo to its success from a monetary standpoint, became about this time an insuperable objection, and its diminished patronage on that account was steadily resolving the concern into a condition of hopeless bankruptcy. At this critical juncture, Mr. Tousley, who had in the mean time become sole owner, acting upon the admonition that was daily proffered, changed the politics of the paper, rechristened it the Jefferson Banner, and with the Hon. Gerrit T. Thorn as editor, made a second bid for populai favor, that was responded to with an earnestness that has increased with years. Under the ne'B regime, the paper was newsy, spicy and interesting ; politically, it favored the true Democratic doctrine, " equal and exact justice to all men." and promulgated such doctrine with each succeeding issue. During the administration of President Andrew Johnson, when that Executive became involved in trouble with the Senate as to the exercise of his Constitutional prerogatives with Grant, regarding the hitter's veracity, and when threatened with impeachment, the Banyiei espoused his cause, and, in a series of editorials, clear and concise as they were convincing, die much to frame public opinion and dissipate prejudices.

With the issue of May 5, 1867, the paper was enlarged to a seven-column sheet, Mr. Tous ley officiating in the double capacity of editor and publisher, advocating the application of Democratic principles, and supporting Seymour and Blair as candidates in 1868.

On Wednesday, November 13, 1872, the publication is made that the Banner has beer sold to Maj. M. G. Tousley, late of Mendota, III., who is represented as an old publisher anc an energetic business man. That gentleman made his salaam to the readers in the same issue assuring them of his intentions, which were to adhere to the interests and fortunes of the Demo cratic party, to the upbuilding of local and county interests, to the improvement and enlighten ment of the young, and the benefiting of all classes.

This was continued until February 26, when, following Miron G. again associated W. H Tousley with him in his efforts to " contribute to the improvement and entertainment of th( young,'' etc., and so labored until May 21, 1873, when Alden Sanborn purchased the establish ment for $2,300 and took personal charge of his investment. He announced the purchase : tha the policy of the Banner would remain unchanged, and, with George W. Bird as politica editor, he was confident that the editorial department would, in its maintenance of right agains wrong, morality against immorality, give entire satisfaction.

In May, 1874, the paper was changed to a quarto, but changed back to a folio in August 1876, though in an enlarged and improved form. The Banner supported Tilden and Hendricki in the memorable campaign of 1876.

On the 1st day of May, 1878, Capt. I. T. Carr, formerly editor and proprietor of thi Green Oounti/ Reformer (the first editor in the Northwest to urge the nomination of Samuel J Tilden), and later, business manager of the Milwaukee Daib/ Commerrial Times, purchased i half-interest in the Banner and contributed materially by his energy and ability in doublin; the subscription list, at the same time maintaining its high standard as a Democratic and loca newspaper.

On the 1st of November last, he became sole owner of the ])aper by the purchase of Mr Sanborn's interest, since which date, he has conducted its editorial and business managemen with signal success. The Jefferson Banner is to-day an ably edited, thoroughly reliable, interesting sheet. Democratic in politics, it goes far toward indexing public sentiment, suggesting remedies for existing evils and promoting public confidence. In its capacity as the truthful chronicler of daily events, the formulator of public opinion, the conservator of local interests and the disseminator of news, the i?a«7U'?' deserves an encouragement and success, which even its enemies admit is its portion. The paper enjoys a weekly circulation of one thousand copies and is valued at .^3,000.

The Independent is of recent origin, having been established by Odell & Hillyer, on the 23d of July, 1879. The paper is a four-column quarto ; its object, or rather the object of its publishers, being to present the news of the day in a condensed form, without any attempt to graduate the quality of the paper by the space filled. The projector of this new journalistic enterprise claims, in the short time during wliich the paper has been in existence, he has received three hundred subscribers and is sanguine of the success of his venture. During August, 1879, Mr. Hillyer withdrew, since when, J. W. Odell has been sole proprietor. Politically, the Independent, as its name indicates, declines any preference, reserving to itself the privilege of advocating the claims of men and principles whom it is assured are beyond reproach. The amount invested is stated at $350.

The Schools

The cause of education early found an abiding-place in Jeiferson, and nurtured and sustained by the liberal patronage of the inhabitants, has grown into features of daily life in this thriving city, the influence of which is not more pronounced than universal.

The first school building, of which there is any existing report, was built in 1839 on a point on the West Side, a few rods west of the present Maydole homestead. It was constructed of logs, supplied by the forests as they then existed, they being the only building material attainable by the hardy pioneers in days when money was scarce and brick and mortar were factors of present improvements, purchasable only in the then growing cities. Dr. Bicknell was the first to undertake the education of the ambitious youth in those times ; and, though but comparatively a brief period of time has since elapsed, few of the fathers and mothers of the pupils who attended yet survive to recall the days when they sat around the household hearth, waiting the return of their boys and girls from the old log schoolhouse with their elementary speller and reader under their arms. The pupils were composed of the children of early settlers, who have since separated, have gone the way of all flesh or are to-day the pioneers who contributed to the building-up of new homes in sections still further west.

The school, according to such information as can be obtained in that connection, prospered for the time, and laid the foundation for futures that have since been realized unto the scholars. But it is difficult to trace the lives of those who taught, or of those wiio listened. They ran the race that was put before them with diligence and profit, and those who yet survive rise up to bless the days when they attended, and were benefited by the impressions they obtained in the old log school.

The next school taught in Jefferson was on the east side of the river, where a modest frame schoolhouse was put up on the lot of land at present occupied by the imposing residence of Charles Stoppenbach. This was early in the forties, when schoolhouses and scholars were exceptions among the settlers who raised their fiimilies in the wilderness. The attendance was small, of course, but, as the fame of the institution came to be bruited abroad, the attendance increased proportionately. During the session of 1848, Clark Walterbury taught the young idea, and curbed the mercurial tendencies of his pupils by wliolesome admonitions and convincing discipline. Among the latter were William H. Hake, Elbert, Egbert, Emma and Elmira Masters, Harriet and Moscow Burton, Mattie and William Sawyer, Aldon, Caroline and Anne Sanborn, Rockwell, Candice, Charles, Milton, Zebulon, Sarah and M. Whipple, Marshal. Edward, Calvin, Grustavus, Harriet and Gloriana Potter, George, Cynthia, Lizette, Lucretia and Anna Crist, Emma and Henry Howe, Lisetta Hannon, and others.

In 1851, as the population increased and the number of pupils seeking to avail themselves of the advantages to be derived from a regular attendance became greater, the school district on the East Side was divided, and a brick school building was erected near the corner of Condire and Main streets. About the same year, a frame schoolhouse was built on the West Side, which was designed to furnish educational facilities to the residents of School District No. 12.

These were continued until 1870, when it again became necessary to enlarge the buildings, when a new brick edifice was erected on Church street, between Sanborn and Center, divided into tiiree departments - elementary, intermediate and high, at a cost, including the price paid for the lot, of $10,000.

District No. 12, emulating the example thus set, built a new sciioolhouse, also, on the West Side, costing, with the property on which it is situated, $7,000.

These were the facilities ofiered, until, in 1879, it became evident that more school room was indispensable for the benefit of the cause of education, and the city, being thereto instructed by a special act of the Legislature, consolidated the city into one district, and purchased the building formerly occupied by the Jefferson Liberal Institute, to be used for the occupation and instruction of the higher grades of pupils.

At present, the schools are under the supervision of a Board of Education, consisting of one member from each ward, appointed by the Common Council, and, as constituted now, consists of W. H. Harke, C. Grimm and Adam Kispert.

The number of pupils enrolled in the city is 249, exclusive of those in attendance upon the schools supported by denominational subscription. The curriculum consists of the regular course of mathematics, physiology, physical geography, history, civil government, etc., and the students are examined at the close of each month and term, the same being conducted in writing. The teaciiers employed for the schools are: One Principal in each, at an annual salary of $700; one teacher in each of the intermediate and one each in the primary departments, at a monthly salary of §30.

The following is the list of teachers employed in the East Side School since 1870: Priacipals - G. A. Williams, from 1870 to 1874 ; B. F. Anderson, to 1876 ; Amos Squier, present incumbent ; Intermediate - Mary Thompson, from 1870 to 1873 ; Miss Kline, during 1874 ; Flora E. Reed, to 1878: E. E. Henry, during 1878. and Charles Fredel, during 1879; Primary - Sarah Brayton, from 1870 to 1874 ; E. E. Henry, 1874 to 1878 ; Lelia Clothier, present employed. West Side: Principals - George Brown, Mr. Hawes, Mr. McConnell. S. S. Cornee, W. F. Bundy, E. Ewing and W. C. Gordon ; Primary, May Perkins, Mary Judd and Ellen Spangler.

The Institute

During the winter of 1865, a meeting of the citizens of Jefferson was held for the purpose of devising means for the promotion of a more perfect system of education than was at that time available. It was largely attended by citizens and friends of the cause, including the Rev. B. F. Rogers, Dr. W. W. Reed, Nelson Bruett, Solon Brown, George W. Bird. C. A. Holmes and G. T. Thorn, but the meeting adjourned without reaching any satisfactory conclusion in behalf of the object for which it had been convened. At a second meeting, held on the 16th of February, 1866, a resolution was adopted favoring the establishment of an institute of learning. Hons. W. W. Reed, G. T. Thorn and Capt. C. A. Holmes, were appointed a committee to draft a charter and procure its granting by the Legislature then in session. The charter of the " Jefferson Liberal Institute," was thus drawn, passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor April 12, 1866. and within twelve days thereafter scliool was opened with the Rev. B. F. Rogers as Principal, assisted by Mrs. F. B. Brewer. The organization of the corporation under its charter followed by the election of the Hon. G. T. Thorn, President ; Rev. B. Rogers, Secretary, and E. McMahon, Treasurer, with E. D. Masters, Alonzo Wing,, J. W. Ostrander,

At the annual State Convention of the Universalists of Wisconsin, held in Columbus in .June, 18l36, it was formally decided by that body to adopt the "Jefferson Liberal Institute" as a denominational school, and erect suitable buildings, provided the sum of $12,000 for tliat purpose should be subscribed by the citizens of Jefferson. Subscription-books were accordingly circulated, and during the year 1867, the requisite amount having been obtained, plans were procured, ground purchased and preparations for the erection of the building on its present site at the intersection of Milwaukee and Second streets were completed under tlie direction of Capt. Nelson Bruett, Chairman of the Committee on Building.

During the winter, the school was conducted in the Watt Building and Universalist Church, with upward of 100 pupils, and the Rev. A. Vedder was engaged to travel and secure subscriptions.

On the 6th of May, 1868, the corner-stone of the Institute was laid with impressive ceremonies, Col. Thomas McMahon officiating as Marshal, and the Hon. G. T. Thorn, Orator of the day.

Meanwhile the direction of the educational departments was delegated to Prof. Elmore Chase and wife, assisted by an able corps of teachers whose administration was attended by most gratifying results.

In course of time, the expenses incurred in the purchase of ground and the erection of the building, had reached a sum approximating $30,000, a part of which had been obtained by loans, the interest on which, together with the heavy cost of carrying on the sciiool, seriously impaired its usefulness.

To pay this indebtedness, the Rev. James Eastand, of Vermont, was, in the spring of 1872. employed as financial agent of the Institute, and, in the spring of that year, commenced a vigorous and successful canvass of the State. During that year and 1873, the Institute liabilities were all discharged, and the school, which, during the pending embarrassments, had been suspended, was re-opened, on September 10, of the latter year, again under the .administration of Prof. Chase, and with a large attendance of students from all parts of the State.

To aid in support of the undertaking, subscriptions to the amount of $1,500 per annum, for the period of five years, had been obtained from those friendly to its objects, but the financial disturbance of 1873, and the business depression that followed, so far interfered with the collection of this subscription that the school soon became embarrassed again, which embarrassment culminated in the year 1876, in the forced sale of the property, which passed into private hands, and was again discontinued. It so continued until the spring of 1879, when the premises were purchased by the city of Jefferson for school purposes, to which it will be appropriated whenever the necessities of the case reiiuire. Prior to its purchase by the city, a portion of the building was occupied by Edwin Marsh for school purposes, and he will doubtless remain in such occupation until the overcrowding of the city schoolhouse capacities necessitates the city's taking possession of the Institute.

The Post Office

Enoch G. Darling was the first Postmaster in Jefferson. The post office was established early in the forties, and the headquarters of the Postmaster was at the Jefferson House, the property of A. T. Holmes. Mr. Darling carried the mail in his hat during the earlier part of his official career. He was succeeded by Mr. Holmes, who removed the " post office " to a small house which stood on the present site of Brandon's store. A. T. Weymouth was the next individual honored with appointment to this important Federal office. He kept it in the store of James Barr, on ground now occupied by Jacob Breunig's saloon, adjoining the Sawyer House. Mr. Weymouth was succeeded by George Trucks, who kept the office in what is now a part of Schweinler's livery stable ; then at the premises now occupied by the office of the American Express Company, and later, on the opposite side of the street. The removal of the office while Mr. Trucks had it, became so frequent that it was quite a piece of pleasantry foi waggish citizens to refer to the matter as a pardonable eccentricity of the Postmaster, '' th( post office being on Trucks any way." James Berger was the successor of Mr. Trucks, wh( was wheeled out of office in accordance with an edict from President Buchanan. Winslow Blake succeeded' Mr. Berger, and held the office till 1869, when Charles A. Holmes wai appointed by President Grant. Mr. Blake removed the office to a small building which stooc where Bullwinkle's store now stands, and, toward the latter part of his term, relocated where i is at the present time. In 1871, W. P. Forsyth received the appointment, and is the presen incumbent, having been re-appointed to the position by President Hayes.

During the year 1878, the total receipts of the office for stamps, rent of boxes, etc. amounted to ^2,458 ; 2,220 money orders, aggregating $30,114.37, were paid out for the sami period, and 1,.330, amounting to $14,037.G8, issued.

Fort Atkinson Early History

Fort Atkinson, one of the most delightful of the many delightful villages that dot the land scape of Jefferson County, is situated on both sides of Rock River, equidistant from Jefferson the county seat, and Lake Koshkonong. The early history of what now lays claim to thi considerations, privileges and immunities of a city is a combination of the romantic, mingled wit) the real features of pioneer life everywhere experienced in the great West; everywhere experi enced as the wheel of human progress advances into the interior of semi-civilization an( barbarism, crushing down with each revolution the bulwarks of that which impedes its progress and substituting in their stead a better, happier and more perfect type of life.

From the statements of the few who now survive, the settlement of the present cit; was begun in December, 1835, by a party representing a land company, having its headquarters a Milwaukee. The company was composed of Milo Jones, Solomon Juneau, Elisha W. Edgerton Henry Hosmer and a Frenchman named Le Tender. Mr. Jones was in the capacity o Government Surveyor, and, in the seven or eight years he was thus engaged, ran lines through out the Northwest. Solomon Juneau was a leading member of the fur companies. Edgertoi and Hosmer afterward settled at Genesee. Le Tonder was Juneau's packman and genera utility man, and withal a good, jolly Frenchman. He was known by his comrades as "General,' for the reason that he exercised a general supervision of the camp.

Mrs. C. A. Southwell delivered an address at a meeting of the old settlers held in 1874 on "Fort Atkinson as It Was," which is said to be correct in detail, and this will be readil; believed when it was remembered that Mrs. S. was known in the early days as Celeste daughter of Dwight Foster, one of the original settlers of Jefferson County, and the firs white girl seen in what was first known as Finchtown, then Koshkonong, and, finally. For Atkinson.

She begins her address by referring to the Black Hawk war, and the building of the fort o stockade from which the city derives its name. " It was constructed," she continues, "of burr oak logs cut in half the ends of wliich were set in the ground so as to stand about eight feet high It was located a little east of north of where the residence of E. P. May now stands. At on^ time, there were 4, .500 United States troops under command of Gen. Atkinson encamped arounc the Fort." Another place of interest to Mrs. Southwell, when a child, was what was known a the " Soldier's Grave " on the hill, a little northeast of the Lutheran Church ; it was, like th fort, picketed with logs, the grave being covered with beautiful pebbles taken from the river bank. At the head of the grave, carved on a barrel-head, was the following inscription :

Lieut. Daniel Dobbs

"What was known as the old army trail ran up through the valley of Rock River, in the vicinity of Janesville, and crossed the river at this place a little east of the fort.

" In 1836, it was a hard-beaten path from six inches to a foot in depth, and wide enough for two to walk abreast, while the Indian trails that crossed the country in every direction were only wide enough for one to follow another in single file. Time with its effacing hand is passing, each year carrying with it some old landmark of the past. Our little circle is drawing closer as it grows less and less ; one after another lays down life with its burdens, until soon there will be none to remember the perils and adventures of the brave and hardy band of pioneers who left comfortable homes in the East to seek new homes in the then almost unknown Northwest. The objective and starting point for all was Milwaukee.

" From there, the early settlers radiated and selected the spot nearest answering their individual wants and ideals for their future homes ; made their claims and erected their houses, which often proved the nucleus around which the cities and vdlages of the present day have grown."

But, as facts connected with the early settlement of Fort Atkinson were wanted, Mrs. Southwell abandons reflection and proceeds to narration in that behalf.

"The Rock River Claim Company," she states, "was organized in 1836, composed of the following members so far as I am able to remember: Solomon Juneau, Sylvester Pettibone, Milo Jones, David Sargeant, Dwight Foster, Alvin Foster, William Barrio and George Sercomb. Some members of the company went out to Rock River on an exploring expedition, and made claims at Fort Atkinson, Jefferson and Hebron. In the summer of 1836, a saw-mill was commenced where the village of Hebron now stands (then called Bark Mills), under the supervision of Samuel Wales, now living at Brodhead.

" Accordingly, Dwight Foster, in company with David Bartlett and William Prichard, visited Fort Atkinson in October and selected the site where E. P. May's house now stands to build a house. Leaving Prichard and Bartlett to build the log cabin, Foster returned to Milwaukee for his family. Returning, he reached the fort November 10, having his family with him ; also Aaron Rankin. Mrs. Foster resided at her new home nearly four months without seeing a white woman.

"In February, 1837, Edward N. and' Alvin Foster settled at the fort with their families, and built them log cabins only a few rods apart, about one mile up Rock River, on the north bank.

" It may not seem amiss here to state that Alvin Foster and Sylvester Pettibone took the first contract for the grading of streets in Milwaukee, Milo Jones surveying the work and establishing the grade. I was," continues Mrs. S., " the first white child brought into Jefferson County, and Edward J. Foster, son of E. N. Foster, was the first one born in the town of Koshkonong. In 1837, Edward Mason and William Reynolds made claims between Koshkonong and Jefferson. R. C. Dodge and family, with Robert Barrie, settled here in June, 1837, and Charles Rockwell, with liis family, came about the 1st of July in the same year, as did, it is believed, Calvin West, Elijah Kinney and James and Gerard Crane.

"Tiie first death among this little band of pioneers was Edward Foster, Sr.,who died at the residence of his son, Edward N. Foster, October 10, 1837, and was buried at Big Bend, on the river, Charles Rockwell reading the burial service of the Episcopal Church.

" The first marriage was that of AVilliam Prichard to Susan Lems, the ceremony being performed in Milwaukee, whither Pricliard went for that purpose, in the summer of 1837, after which he returned to his home, at that day located on the farm now owned by Mr. Wood.

"In the spring of 18-37, th^ Winslow brothers, the Finches and a Mr. Gorton, settled in Koshkonong, and Aaron Allen, with his family, moved into the cabin of John Allen, on what is now the Beemer farm, near Lake Koshkotioiiff, in which -John Allen lived a hermit life, after he came to these parts in 1836.

"This brings us to 1838, during the spring of which year Charles Rockwell bought the first stock of goods, consisting of ready-made clothing, cloth, groceries, etc., he at that time residing at what was known as Rockwell's Crossing, his claim covering the tract of land owned in 1874 by James McPherson, Alvin Strong, Joseph Morrison and others.

"Among those who became settlers in that year were S. A. Rice, Robert Greives and family, Cyrus Curtis, and the family of Milo Jones, Mr. Jones having come at an earlier day and surveyed the country. It might here be mentioned that Dwight Foster kept the first ferry, crossing the river just east of the present May residence. It originally consisted of two large canoes lashed together so as to hold a wagon, the horses and cattle being obliged to swim, and a canoe for the conveyance of foot passengers. In the spring of 1838, a man named Lonsdale built a scow and skiff for ferrying purposes, and moved the ferry site to the point on Main street, where the river is now bridged. The ferry was pulled across the stream by chain ropes, manufactured by R. C. Dodge, who was a blacksmith, and opened a shop in 1841, on Main street, near the bridge.