Jefferson County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1879 (part 19 of 28)

" The first post office in Fort Atkinson was established in 1838, Dwight Foster being the first Postmaster, and Solomon Hudson, mail carrier, his route being from Janesville to Watertown and return. These were the first facilities for receiving the mail, except as some one from the neighborhood went to Milwaukee, taking with them a list comprising the names of settlers and procuring their papers or letters. At that time, postage on letters to and from the Eastern States was 25 cents.

"George P. Marston came to the fort in 1838, also, and was the defendant in the first jury trial of record in the settlement, Mary Bennett being plaintiff. She sued him for the amount of a wash bill, and the hearing of the facts was had at the house of Charles Rockwell, first Justice of the Peace.

" The first sermon preached in the settlement was by the Rev. Mr. Pilsbury, a Methodist clergyman, in the winter of 1837, at the house of E. N. Foster. Afterward, the Revs. Pilsbury and Halstead preached occasionally. The first Congregational society was formed in 1842, at the residence of Milo Jones, by the Rev. Mr. Peet, with a membership of fourteen persons, and Dr. Arms as the preacher in charge. The first Sabbath school was held at the house of Dr. Morrison in 1840 or 1841, Cornelia Veeder being Superintendent.

" The first steamboat was built at Aztalan, by Nelson P. Hawks ; came down the river in 1839, and went to the Mississippi, where it afterward ran."

The history of the first financial panic is related by Mrs. Southwell, as follows : " Jefferson County was first organized under the Commissioners' system ; among the first necessities was that of claim regulation, which required all claims of land made by settlers to be registered, whereby all trespass was forbidden, and all differences adjusted. E. N. Foster was the first Register of Claims, and the estate of William Prichard, wlio died August 12, 18311, was the first estate to be administered upon, Milo Jones being the administrator. The land sale of 1839 was held in the fall, and many of the settlers were unable to attend in consequence of fever and ague. Being an.xious to secure their homes, they intrusted the money to pay in their names to E. N. Foster, who proceeded to Milwaukee for that purpose, with §200 in specie in his saddlebags, and the balance in treasury notes in his pocket. Honest himself, and supposing every one else to be as honest, he gave the saddle-bags to the landlord to take care of, who put them under his wife's bed. When inquired for, the money was missing, and no trace of it could be found until the ne.xt spring, when the saddle-bags and §300 were found in the root-house of Mr. Vail. The hostler of the house was accused of the theft, arrested, tried, found guilty and sentenced to three months' imprisonment in the county jail. The loss at that time was a terrible blow to the little settlement." There has always been a general impression that the hostler was innocent.

"In the year 1839, there were new accessions to the neighborhood in the families of Chester JVIay, Sr , Dr. Morrison, A. F. Snell, Freeman Morrison, Mrs. Barrie and two sons, with others.

" The first frame house in the vicinity was built by Asad Dean Williams for Chester May. Sr., on the farm recently owned by William Benham. Mr. May had part of the house fitted up as a .store, and brought in a stock of goods.

"In the spring of 1840, Charles Rockwell, the first carpenter locating at the fort, built a house for Dr. Morrison, the first practicing physician. In the same spring, Mr. Rockwell also built the first framed house in the village, near tlie present corner of River and Main streets. The same spring, Mr. Rockwell purchased a block of land for $20 of D wight Foster. In 1841, he built the frame house now occupied as a millinery store, at the corner of Main and Milwaukee streets, and sold it to Lyman Hickcox, who brought the first stock of goods ever sold in the village. The same year, Mr. Rockwell built a residence for himself adjoining the grocery store of Hickcox, which, subsequently, was occupied by the family of H. E. Southwell, and was the scene of the first prayer-meeting and Episcopal service held in the village. Mr. Humphrey, from Beloit, delivered the first Fourth of July oration ; Mi's. Dwight Foster prepared the dinner, the day's festivities closing with a dance in the evening, at the house of D. Foster." E. N. Foster built what was, at the date of Mrs. Southwell's address, known as the Eagle Hotel, on the North Side, subsequently destroyed by fire.

" The first school was taught by Jane Crane, in the spring of 1839, on the north side of the river, in what was known as the ' Barrie boys' shanty,' on the bluff a little west of the railroad crossing. The first schoolhouse was built by Charles Rockwell, in 1844; the first summer school was taught by Martha Rankin ; the first winter term by the Rev. Simeon Bicknell ; the first select or high school was taught by Benjamin F. Adams. The first jeweler was Perry Hickcox, who occupied a desk in the store of Lyman Hickcox.

" George Cooper's was the first cooper-shop, standing on the site of the house subsequently occupied by Mr. Warnschneider ; George Dix was the first shoemaker; R. Covey, the first wagonmaker ; R. C. Dodge's the first blacksmith-shop; Robert Bruce, the first tinsmith; Robert Greives, first tailor ; Edward Rankin taught the first singing school ; Franklin Utter brought the first job printing press ; T. W. and Emma Brown published the first newspaper, the Wisconsin Chief, and, in 1850, Charles Rockwell built the first church erected in the village."

Supplementary to Mrs. Southwell's address, it may be added that some claim that the first hotel in the village was built by Dwight Foster, in 1841, on Main street, opposite the Green Mountain House, on the corner now occupied by H. A. Porter's grocery. During the same year, E. N. Foster erected the hotel above referred to, which, with the bachelors' hall of William Barrie, on the West Side, and Rufus Dodge's blacksmith-shop, were the only buildings to be seen at that time.

The first shoemaker, it is also claimed, was not George Dix but Owen Duffey, who maintained a shop on the left bank of the river east of the bridge, and the first cabinet-maker was Josiah Goodrich, who is remembered as coming here about 1843.

The point on Rock River, now spanned by the bridge, which connects north and south towns was, as is already known, originally a ferry. The first bridge was projected in the fall of 1842. During that winter, the settlers went into the forest and "got out" tlie timber for its construction. It was of the truss pattern with oak bents and stringers, and completed so that teams could cross about June, 1843. In the winter of 1844-5, a man residing in Dodge County, while driving cattle across the bridge, was kicked by an animal of his herd, falling upon the ice and receiving injuries from which death resulted saon after. The structure was worn out in time, and has been succeeded by several bridges of different patterns, the last being completed some seven years ago.

Main street was originally an old Territorial road from Racine to Madison, but changed into its present form at an early day and annually improved. Milwaukee was the first cross street surveyed, laid out and put in order for travel.

During the decade from 1840 to 18'/0, the first harness-shop, in addition to other business interests cited, was established by Joel L. Walker ; a military company was improvised, but fell through ; the Green Mountain House, Congregational Church and other buildings were erected.

During the succeeding ten years, the future city improved materially, schoolhouses were built, manufacturing interests established and other ventures which have since grown into extensive corporations, though limited, were objects of special importance.

The Mormons

In the summer of 1852, a number of Mormon saints from Beaver Island, in Lake Michigan, on a proselyting tour, made their appearance in the vicinity of the fort and attracted a number of converts from the settlement. They established themselves on the northwest side of Lake Koshkonong, whence they made predatory levies, their former neighbors being the victims. These felonious incursions were endured for a season, but culminated when the mob broke into the house of Joseph Horan one night, and at the muzzle of a gun robbed him of various household articles. This aroused the village to an appreciation of the situation and induced pursuit, resulting in the capture of Preston Downing, and a man named Heth, former residents of Koshkonong, who were tried, convicted and imprisoned in the penitentiary. This prompt interference was the means of breaking up the raids, as also Mormon influence in this vicinity.

Horse-Thieves

In the winter of 1855, John Conway, a peripatetic adventurer, but known to modern enactment as a "tramp," visited the house of Rufus Dodge, craving hospitality and rest. His wants were supplied, and in the evening, while his host's back was turned, the ungrateful mendicant slipped into the barn and fled upon one of Mr. Dodge's horses. He was pursued southward along Rock River into Illinois, but escaped, the horse being captured by P. G. Bowen, of Fort Atkinson, and this circumstance was the prime cause of the creation of the " Anti-Horse- Thief Society," an organization still in existence, and represented all over the Northwest.

The First Training

The first "militia training" is spoken of by the old settlers with some humor. This historic event, according to their statements, was unaccompanied by much of the spirit ordinarily attendant upon " grim- visaged war." It occurred about 1841. The settlers were ordered by Gov. Dodge to rendezvous at a stated place. Arms were scarce, but their absence was supplied by an excess of canteens. Capt. Finch commanded, and, there being no subordinate officers, he appointed them, including a Corporal. This latter, unappreciative of the distinguished honor, and unmindful of his obligations to obey, resented what he considered an affront, and, as the chronicler relates, "booted the Captain." No arrests were made, but the company disbanded without leaving any record to guide the historian regarding its future engagements.

Items Of Interest

Many other events of importance occurred in the early days of the city, but, owing to the defective memory of those who should be familiar with the facts, their elaboration is denied the historian.

During the war, Fort Atkinson and her citizens were fully alive to the demands of the Government, and contributed men and money to the support of the Union arms. After the war, the vast manufacturing interests which are now maintained in that vicinity received a new impetus, and have grown into values of great proportions.

Situated in the valley of Rock River, almost within sight of a sheet of water equaling in beauty and history the lakes of the Old World, about which cluster hallowed memories and romantic associations. Fort Atkinson contemplates a future as peaceful in its surroundings aa '- Sweet Auburn," the home of wealth and influence, and a happiness born of simplicity, as elegant as it is unusual ; inseparable from true worth, and a golden age of social superiority.

Among the pioneers who still survive are the following, whose names have been collected for the city's history : Stephen A. Rice, Laura Rice, Milo Jones, Charles Rockwell, Rufus Dodge, Rebecca Dodge, H. S. Prichard, Sarah L. Prichard, Mrs. Martha Lewis, Darwin and Alonzo Morrison, of Denver; Mrs. Maria ^lorrison, Mrs. Sophia Wilcox, Edward and Mariette Foster, of Fond du Lac ; Aaron and Sarah Rankin, Mrs. Caroline Snell, Mrs. Aaron Allen, of St. Paul ; Mrs. Dwight Foster, of Milwaukee ; Mrs. C. A. Southwell, of Milwaukee; Mrs. Fidelia Shepherd, of San Diego, Cal. ; Dr. Joseph Winslow, A. Winslow, Milton Snell, Wirt Snell, Newton Snell, of Missouri ; Mrs. Anna Wheeler, of Janesville : Misses Susan and Maria Snell, of Janesville ; Mrs. Ellen Carey, of Fond du Lac ; Chester May, E. P. May, George May, Mrs. Elizabeth Caswell, Alvaron Allen, of St. Paul ; Quincy Allen, of Memphis ; Mrs. Mary Foster, of Appleton ; L. M. Roberts, Samuel and Daniel Finch, of Cambridge, Iowa ; Lewis and John Waldref, of Oxford, Mo. ; William Wheeler, Lyman Hickcox, Joseph Morrison, M. L. Bates, Mrs. Martha Bates, of Salem, Mo.; Gerard Crane, of Pennsylvania ; James Crane, of Neosho ; Edward Rankin and Mrs. Amelia M. Rankin, daughter of Milo Jones ; Adna J. Rankin, Thomas Crane, Deborah Crane, Newton Jones, Geneva, Ohio ; Harrison and Eli Kinney ; James Bliss and wife ; Joshua Kirkland and wife, Carlos Curtis, Mrs. H. E. Caswell ; Mrs. A. E. May, Mrs. Cordelia Warne, Whitewater, and others.

At the request of the editor of the Union, Mr. Charles Rockwell, one of the pioneers of Fort Atkinson, who died Oct. T, 1879, contributed the following incident of the early history of the city to the columns of that paper :

'-At the time of the occurrence narrated here, the writer had selected for his 'home in the wilderness' Section 11, Town 5, Range 14, comprising at this date the farms now owned by J. F. Morrison, James McPherson, A. Strong and H. Merriman. My log cabin I built new, near Bark River, on account of two beautiful springs, on the land owned by J. F. Morrison. This has ever been to me a consecrated spot, and is the place where the farmers and Old Settlers held their picnic last Fourth of July. When I located my claims, in 1837. the land was not in market, neither had the Indians been removed from their old and favorite hunting-grounds in this vicinity ; Bark River was a hunter's paradise to them, and, as soon as the ice was out in the spring, fleets of canoes were seen on the river. Whenever they passed the shemokoman s cabin, they were pretty sure to call. Their stock in trade was furs, venison and fish, with an occasional Indian-tanned buckskin, brought out from under the old squaw's blanket. An Indian never traded, if he owned a squaw ; still there were exceptions, as the sequel will show. I give this story the name of

" One day in the spring of 18-38, myself and hired man had gone to the woods to prepare for sugar-making. To find a good bush, we had to cross the river opposite my cabin and go four miles into the big woods. We selected a bush that suited us, near which were encamped about forty Indians, big and little. They would frequently come to the cabin to trade with the 'shemokoman's squaw ' (white man's wife). We had a large dog that was death on Indians if they meddled with anything about the cabin, and he usually stayed at home with my wife and little boy, two years old. On the day on which occurred the incident I am about to relate, the dog went with us to the woods. We were gone all d:iy, and when we returned to the cabin that night, my wife said to me, 'That Tonta Buck and his brother have been here today.' These were two powerful Indians, about thirty years of age, and both splendid specimens of the Pottawatomie tribe. Tonta had been to the cabin before, to swap venison, honey and fish for flour and poik. This time he had honey. Both Indians came in and sat down awhile, waiting till they were satisfied the dog was gone. Tonta offered to swap honey for pork, and said : ' Heap kokosh (pork), heap honey.' My wife said she saw he was bound to have things his own way. She got him some pork and flour, and told him she would give him so much for his honey. He said, 'No! swap petite' (too little), and began to flourish his knife. We had a fire-place at that time, and we had brought with us from the East the old New England shovel and tongues. The shovel was about four feet long, with a wide, strong blade. My wife .saw her chance, and placed herself between the shovel and the Indian. She saw he intended to scare her, so that she would run from the cabin, like most of the other women of the settlement ; but in this he was sadly mistaken, for, as he came toward her, she reached for the shovel, and, with a swift motion, brought it down with a sounding whack on his ugly head. He gave a grunt and retreated, saying : ' How ! Nishashin shemokoman's squaw ; me nishashin ashanobba ; ' which meant: Good white man's squaw, me good Indian. ' Me swap and puckachee wigwam ' (me trade and leave house). His brother, who had been a looker-on all this time, gave a loud laugh and called Tonta a squaw, and said : ' Heap brave shemokoman's squaw.' They took the pork and flour my wife had first ofl'ered, left their honey and ' puckacheed.' Never after that did the Indians dictate about trading in my cabin. I did not tell my wife she was a little heroine of a woman, but I thought so, nevertheless. I felt proud of being the husband of a woman who dared defend her home and property from such devils. Two weeks after this occurrence, a party of Indians came to a neighbor's house and found the wife all alone ; they made a few demonstrations, and the woman fled through the woods to my house, half dead with fright. The Indians gobbled ten bushels of potatoes and all the other provisions. My neighbor brought his wife to my house until we got through making sugar, and she had a fit of sickness consequent upon her fright. This is one of many incidents of like character, that marked the pioneer life of this town at that early day."

As an evidence of the city's growth and prosperity, the following figures are taken from the annual exhibit of the city's progress, published in 1878 : The sales of goods, wares and merchandise are .stated at about $1,000,000 ; 680 messages were sent and 887 received at the telegraph office dining the year; tlie bank paid $586,143 in drafts, and the business men $17,377 for hired help during the year.

Town Meetings

The first record of any town meeting, according to the statements made regarding old settlers, and published in the Union .luly 7, 1876, was held April 5, 1842, at the house of Chester May, Sr., at which Charles Rockwell presided as Moderator, and George P. Marston, Clerk. One hundred dollars was "raised for town expenses. J. Bliss, A. Finch, P. S. West and Milo Jones were appointed Pathmasters, and the Commissioners of Highways laid out nine road districts that year.

April 4, 1843, the town meeting was held at S. Waldo's house, J. T. Ilaight, Moderator; Milo Jones, P. F. Morrison and James Bliss, Supervisors ; John A. Morrison, Clerk, and Chester May, Treasurer.

Thereafter until May 20, 1860, when Fort Atkinson was incorporated as a village, the settlement was under township organization, and the following oflicers were elected : Supervisors - E. H. Bingham, Chairman in 1844, William Waldruff, Jr., P. S. AVest and D. H. Peck receiving a tie vote, no choice was made; 1845, Norman Horton, M. L. Bates and P. L. Morrison; 1846, the same officers; 1847, David Wood, D. Foster and James Bliss; 1848, D. Wood, Anson Stone and P. S. West ; 1849, A. F. Snell, P. F. West and X. Horton ; 1850,

Oeorge P. Marston, C. May and E. T. Sheffield; 1851, Alva Stewart, N. Needliam and Squire Dunn ; 1852, John W. McPherson, E. H. Bingham and Charles Hummel ; 1853, E. B. King, W. T. Davis and Daniel Finch ; 1854, Daniel Finch and John Wentworth ; 1855, no record ; 1856, E. P. May, Charles Hummel and Joseph Widner; 1857, Charles Rockwell, Edward Rice and Gustuf Melberg ; 1858, Edward Rice, W. M. Dunn and Daniel Finch ; 1859, David Wood, William Simonds and J. F. Morrison.

The records of Fort Atkinson, from the incorporation of the village until the 18th of 6ctober, 1870, and everything belonging to the Village Clerk's office, was contained in Lohmiller's block, corner of North Main and Germany streets, and entirely consumed by fire on the morning of the 13th of October, 1870.

At an election held in the spring following, the officers chosen for the village for that and subsequent years, were recorded and preserved, as will be noticed from the subjoined roster:

Trustees of the Village - 1871, W. E. Smith, D. G. Snover, R. Emery, 0. S. Cornish, D. Bullock and J. C. Widmann ; 1872, N. F. Hopkins, R. S. White, Phil Eckhardt, Robert Barrie, John Wilderman and Jerry INIason ; 1873, D. Bullock, A. J. Rankin, A. Winslow, J. Widmann and Samuel Bishop ; 1874, D. Bullock, John Wilderman, S. A. Bridges, A. J. Rankin, Samuel Bishop and W. E. Smith ; 1875, Francis H. Allen, J. F. MuUer, Joseph Winslow, J. C. Widmann, Stephen Payne and Gilman Sargeant ; 1876, N. F. Hopkins, L. M. Roberts, Robert Barrie, George Landgraf, Jerry Mason and Thomas Brown ; 1877, G. W. Burchard, J. W. Lohmiller, D. Bullock, S. A. Bridges, E. E. Sheldon and F. Longholff.

The City Roster

As stated above. Fort Atkinson was incorporated as a city April 5, 1878, and at an election held in accordance with the provisions of the act thereof, the following officers were chosen for that year : Mayor, Milo Jones ; Police Justice, H. A. Porter ; Treasurer, A. Winslow ; Clerk, A. E. Baldwin : Supervisors - E. P. May, of the First Ward ; D. H. Walker, of the Second, and J. W. Lohmiller, of the Third ; Aldermen - R. S. White and F. M. Allen, of the First Ward ; T. T. Proctor and George H. Pounder, of the Second, and S. Payne and J. C. Widmann, of the Third ; C. A. Caswell appointed City Attorney ; A. E. Jaycox, City Marshal ; Adelbert Rockwell and J. D. Flint, Street Commissioners.

The election of 1879 resulted in the followint; choice : Mayor, S. S. Curtis; Treasurer, . W. Hanson; Clerk, D. G. Craig; Supervisors - E. P. May, of the First Ward; E. P. Hull, . the Second, and W. H. Rogers, of the Third; Aldermen - N. F. Hopkins and L. B. Royce, < the First Ward ; G. H. Pounder and L. Gooselin, of the Second, and D. W. Curtis and Joh Wilderman of the Third.

After the organization was completed, the following officers were elected, and they still hoi their positions, the only change being the appointment of a Vice President, Mr. E. P. Ma having been called upon to fill that position about a year ago. They are Messrs. J. D. Clap} President ; and L. B. Caswell, Cashier.

This bank has the honor of being the third organized in the State of Wisconsin, and th one hundred and fifty-seventh in the United States. The surplus stock now amounts to §16,00(

The cash dividends paid to stockiiolders thus far aggregate upward of §10,000 in exce? of the amount paid in by them on the §75,000 subscribed, and the undivided surplus earning amount to fully 50 per cent of the capital stock.

In September, 1878, the wagon and carriage business of Widdmann, Wandschneider & C( and the foundry and machine business of the Foundry and Machine Company, were absorbed b the Fiirniture Company, and the name changed to the Northwestern Manufacturing Company §25,000 additional capital invested an<l the erection of buildings (since completed) to acconc modate the increased business commenced. These include a fictory 40x50, three storie higli, for wood working machinery adapted to the manufacture of wagons ; machine-shop 30x40 : blacksmith-shop 80x40. and a foundry, 28x38, all of brick, substantially built an covered with tin roofs. In addition, the Company has erected a wooden building for the stoi age of hardware, etc., 30x36, and a paint shop 32xti0, three stories high, the buildings of th old foundry company. 120x3(3, and 20x40, being used for the manufacture of cutters. Durin, the year 1879, additional warehouses and sheds for the storage of wagons, lumber and materials were erected, both at Fort Atkinson and Seymour, also a warehouse 100x40 for the protectioi and storage of wagons and carriage-;. During that year, the Company purchased the busines and stock of the Whitewater Cutter Works, in which is manirfactured. under the direction of J A. Chapman, from one thousand to fifteen hundred cutters of various styles, annually, am innumerable varieties of light sunshades and buggy tops.

The entire buildings now owned and occupied by the Company for manufacturing and storag purposes, have upward of 125.000 feet of floor surface, and their increase of business render the erection of additional buildings in the near future a matter of necessity.

Tlie company also own a saw-mill at Seymour, in Outagamie County, in tliebest hardwood lumber district in the State, where they have a shop 30x40, two stories iiigh, equipped with machinery for sawing, turning and shaping wood material for furniture and wagons. There the lumber is sawed, piled, seasoned and cut into shape, thus avoiding the heavy freights incident to carrying so much unwrouglit lumber.

The factory is supplied with the latest and best improved machinery throughout, and with its wide range of capabilities in working wood and iron into the various implements and wares manufactured, constitutes one of the most complete establishments in the West. From one hundred and fifty to two hundred hands are employed, at an annual cost of from $40,000 to$;")0,000 per year, and all features combine to render this one of the most important industrial forces in Jefferson County, of the strong and enduring character of which the citizens are justly proud.

The present officers are John Burnham, President ; L. B. Caswell Secretary and Treasurer, and D. Bullock, Superintendent. The capital represented is stated at $100,000.

Fcrt Aikinson Tannery was established in the spring of 1867, by L. B. Caswell and S. D. Rickard. These gentlemen, alive to the manufacturing interests of the city, in the winter of 1807, erected a substantial frame building on River street, pi-ovided with all the mechanical equipments necessary to a thorough success, at a cost of $7,500, and, in the spring foUowino', commenced business.

The premises occupy an acre and a half at the locality designated, in which is built the tannery proper, run by an engine of thirty-horse power, a bark-mill, two bark leaches, etc., in complete order for business. The tannery contains sixteen tan-vats, two lime, one water and one bait vat, with force and liquor pumps, with capacity to employ the daily services of twelve men to supply and run properly, at a monthly cost of about $450.

The stock turned out includes all grades of boot, shoe and harness leather, and the several qualities of mitt and glove stock, in short, every line of goods demanded by the trade except finislied morocco.

Tlie Fort Atkinson Cheese Factory was begun in the sjiring of 1868, by Daniel Holmes, who erected the buildings on South Main street at present devoted to the uses to which they were adapted by the builder. Mr. Holmes carried on the business until his death, in 1873, when it was left in charge of W. E. Church, his son-in-law, who effected a disposition of the good will of the concern to Q. C. Olin, C. P. Crossfield, T. C. Blanchard and Robert Roberts, comprising the firm of Olin, Crossfield & Co., at present in occupation.

The Company manufacture what is known as the " Full Cream Chedder,'' for the New York and Liverpool markets, where it is in constant demand, the 3,600 cheeses shipped annually being scarcely sufficient to su]iply the call made by buyers. In the manufacture of this commodity, the firm use about fifteen thousand pounds of milk dail}', and employ three men at a monthly salary of $150.

The Rectangular Churn Manufactory of 0. S. Cornish and D. W. Curtis is located on the North Side, and represents a valuable and prominent interest in the business of the city. The partnership for the manufacture of this article, indispensable to domestic economy, was formed on November 1, 1872, and preparation for carrying on the business, such as the erection of houses, supplying them with machinery, etc., involved the investment of $20,000 ; the firm turn out twenty churns each week, of what are known as the " Whipple patent ; " employ a force of ten men, whose services entail a weekly cost of $120, and the business transacted each year is stated at $10,000.

In addition to this specialty, the firm also manufactures the '' Lever Butter Worker," an invention of their own, and the " Rectangular Mixer," for the thorough compounding of medicines, pulverized spices, baking-powder and ground goods.

Fort Atkinson Mills. - The largest ami most complete flouring-mills in the township weri first erected by T. T. Proctor and J. A. Head, in 1860, at their present site on River street The mills were completed in October, 1860, and run until the following May, when thei were destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of §:i4.000. They were at once rebuilt by the sami parties, being completed in February, 1862, and operated in the spring of 1863, when Mr Head disposed of his interest to H. E. Southwell for §4,000. In 1864. the firm of Proctor i Southwell sold the mills to a man named Mitchell for §7,000. who continued their operatioi until 1866, when they came into possession of the First National Bank of Fort Atkinson, unde foreclosure proceedings, and were by that corporation sold to E. P. May, J. D. Waterbury an( F. M. Allen, who ran them under the firm name of May, Waterbury it Co. until April 5, 1877 when Mr. Allen purchased the interest of his partners for §10,000, associated his son with him. and has conducted the business as F, M. Allen & Son from that day until now.

The mills are, as stated, among the most e.xtensive in this portion of the State, containino four run of stone, propelled by steam-power, with a capacity of turning out sixty-eight barrel; of flour daily, furnishing employment to six men at a monthly expense for wages of $250.

The stock placed on the market is made of the best qualities of wheat, rye and corn, an( includes some of the most approved grades of flour, including "Allen's Favorite," " Lega Tender," " Golden Chit," etc., which are in constant demand on the Chicago market.

Dalton <f- G-rassmuck's Bretocry was built in 1850 on its present site, West Milwaukee street, by George Lewis, who. in conjunction with H. S. Prichard and D. S. Morrison, ha operated the venture successfully until within the past six months, " Prichard's Ale " bein; esteemed for its quality and purity all over the country.

On the 1st of January, 1879, A. Dalton, of Chicago, and H. Grassmuck purchased th' investment, and, during the year, completed improvements for extending and diversifying th^ business.

The present capacity of the works is for the malting of twenty-two thousand bushels o malt and the manufacture of eighteen barrels of beer and ale daily.

To do this requires the ser\ ices of five men at a weekly salary amolinting to §50 an( immense quantities of hops and cereals necessitating the outlay of large sums.

Fort Atkinson Brickyard was organized in the summer of 186T by L. M. Roberts, b] whom the undertaking has since been conducted with a success not more gratifying than deserved When runniniT full force, which he does during the months when '- brickmaking " is carried on he employs twenty men at a weekly salary of §200, turning out nearly one hundred thousan( brick of qualities from common to superior.

Secret Societies History Of Jeffersox Couxtt

/. 0. 0. F., Fort Atkinson Lodge, No. 2^., was re-organized April 27, 1869, the re-organization and re-issue of a charter being rendered necessary by the collapse of an older Lodge about tweptv years prior to the above date. The petitioners for the re-organization were Joseph Winslow, George Prestidge, J. C. Keeney, Darwin Morrison and Milo Jones. The first officers were: J. Winslow, N. G. ; George A. Jenkins. Y. G. ; A. H. Sweetser, R. S. ; E. 0. Morrison, T. The present officers are C. A. Caswell, N. G. ; A. E. Baldwin. V. G. ; E. Peirce. Secretary ; D. G. Craig, P. S. : S. D. Rickard, T. ; Charles Rice, R. S. N. G.: W. C. Metcalf, S. S.: Marvin Roberts, tV. ; Robert Roberts, C. : N. D. Harding, R. S- S. ; John McPherson, S. S. S. ; A. Hollenbach, 0. G. ; H. D. Wales, 1. G. ; A. H. Noyes, R. S. V. G. ; Theo Le Doux, L S. V. G. ; Trustees, Albert Roberts, S. Gosselin. G. A. Jenkins : Finance Committee. Marvin Roberts, D. B. Peck, Charles Rice. The present membership is eighty.

A. 0. U. W., Fort Atkinson Lodge. No. 35. - This branch of the Ancient Order of United Workingmen was instituted on Julv 16, 1878, with the following charter members : E. W. Stone. A. D. Wilcox, R. S. White, Charles Learned, J. H. Davis, T. M. Stackus, George H. Pounder, D. W. Curtis. J. W. Foote, Clarence Curtis, D. S. White. H. A. Smith, A. B. Fitch, E. L. Fuller, I. G. Stone, J. Williams, A. E. .Jaycox, C. H. Converse, R. Jay Coe. O. S. Cornish. G. A. Pratt, C. H. Roberts, Thomas Brown, Thomas Sla^g. James Brett, William G. Palmer. H. R. Root, W. Y. Wentworth, W. D. Hoard, Asa Foote, (X B. Lawrence, D. H. Brown,

7. 0. G. T., Fort Atkinson Lodge, was organized on November 10, 18-57. with the following charter members : J. Allen Shepherd. Asa F. Snell. George S. Hurd, AVillian\_ I. Barrie, Peter Eiipibroadt, Thomas Crane. Weslev AV. Root, Garide Crane, Henry I. AVhitney. Jonathan C. Keenev. Lucien B. Caswell. H. H. Wilds. Fidelia Kinnev. Marv I. AVhitneyand Gertrude Rankin. The following were the first officers: AV. C. T., J. A. Shepherd . W. A^ T.. Mary J. AVhitney ; AV. R. S.. We.<lev AV. Root: W. F. S.. Henry J. AVhitney; W. T.. Fidelia Kinnev; W. M.,

H. II. Wilds; VV. I. G., George S. Hurd; W. 0. G., Garide Crane; W. C, Asa F. Snell. The Lodge has now a membership of seventy-four, and is in a very prosperous condition. Following are the names of the present officers: W. C. T., Charles M. Porter; W. V. T., Lizzie Esseltyne: W. R. S., Emma Brown; W. F. S., H. I. Ilellin; W. T.. LiUie Roberts; W. M., Henrv Smith ; W. I. G., Allie Morrison ; W. 0. G., Edward Conners ; W. C, Geo. D. Telfer.

The Fort Atkinson Anti-IIorse- Thief Society was first organized in 18.33, it is said, and rumoi must be taken in the absence of facts, there being no records bearing upon the subject, compelling this admission. The object of the Society is stated to be the recovery of stolen horses and their return to their lawful owners, but more especially to arrest horse-thieves with their aiders and abettors. Its protection is confined to citizens of Koshkonong, Cold Spring, Hebron, Oakland, Jefferson and Sumner.

The Society was re-organized on .January 10, 1874, when the following board of officers was elected, and the duties disposed of so satisfactorily as to commend the continuance, growth and influence of the organization: Robert Barrie, President; E. Rankin, Vice President; J. D. Clapp, Treasurer ; D. W. Curtis, Secretary ; H. G. Tousley, P. G. Brown and 0. S. Cornish. Vigilance Committee.

The present officers are : J. H. Davis, President ; E. Jacobus, Vice President ; D. W. Curtis, Secretary ; 0. S. Cornish, Treasurer ; S. E. Bright, Milo Morrison and Joseph Dobbins, Vigilance Committee.

Fort Atkingon Band was organized in 1866 ; is composed of thirteen pieces, and bears an enviable reputation throughout the State for the excellence of its collections and execution. The present members have been enlisted from time to time, scarcely any of the original organization remaining, and are as follows : S. Abbott, Leader; Herman Zeuchner, Treasurer; Charles Leonard, Secretary; S. A. Bridges, Cheney May, William Zeuchner, Fritz Ilerkel, John W, Foote, Frank Hoffman, Clarence Curtis, A. E. Baldwin, Charles Bingham and Frank Zeuchner,

The cause of education early found an abiding-place in Koshkonong, and the first faini glimmerings of the light of this advance type of civilization has, under the benign influence e.xerted, long since risen to noonday splendor. The pioneers who began, in a simple way, th( building-np of what is to-dav the superior system of learning, accessible to the most humble, labored with a faith and love which has brought forth an abundant harvest. Though gone their works do follow them, and the present generation, when contemplating a future picturei: with promise, faifnot to rise up and bless the memory of th.ose who have long since crossed ovei the beautiful river and sleep beneath the shade of trees which line its banks.

In presenting this cursory review of the schools of Fort Atkinson, nothing has beer attempted beyond the collection of such fiicts, bearing upon the subject, as were open to inquiry and examination, and the historian desires, in limine, to here make his acknowledgments to Miss Lillie Roberts, of that city, for appropriations from her carefully prepared article on the schools, published in the edition of the Jefferson County Union of June 27, 1879 ; to Mrs. Edward Rankin, for valuable notes, and also to others, whose generous contributions of information have rendered the task, as a summer's day, full of sunshine and pleasant memories.

The first school opened in the present city was taught by .Jane Crane, in the summer of 1839, in a log cabin on the North Side, owned and occupied by the Barrie boys. At the conclusion of the summer term, the advent of Mrs. Barrie, mother of the " boys," necessitated a removal, and, during the winter of 1839-40, she maintained her presence in the private residence of Milo .Jones, her pupils being Elizabeth May, Amelia Jones, Newton Jones, Susan Snell, Celeste Foster and Mary Ann Foster.

In the summer of 1840, Miss Anna Snell succeeded to the charge, teaching in the residence of Asa Snell, her father, Mr. William .J. Barrie following her in the winter. During the summer of 1841, Mrs. Charles ^arnsworth took possession of a shanty on the farm at present owned by Mr. Wood, and devoted its occupation to educational purposes. In the winter of 1841-42, Dr. Henry Morrison taught in a log house belonging to Calvin West, his labors continuing until summer, when Miss Rhoe West was substituted. The ensuing winter witnessed the school's return to its first habitation - the cabin of the Barrie boys, where Mr. Moore, assisted by Mr. Farnum, presided. During the summer of that year, another move was made to a room in Charles Rockwell s residence, the teacher being Miss Malvina Stewart, \Vm. J. Barrie succeeding Miss Stewart in the winter, who, by the way, was the first teacher awarded a certificate.

In the spring of 1844, Charles Rockwell built the first schoolhouse proper erected in Koshkonong. It was of frame, 25.\30, located opposite the present site of Tousley's livery stable, costing $100, and is now occupied as a dwelling. Besides being used as a schoolhouse, religious and other meetings were held there, and the following list of teachers instructed pupils in the then modest curriculum : In the winter of 1844-45, Rev. Simeon Bicknell ; Miss Martha Rankin, summer of 1845; the Rev. Simeon Bicknell. winter of 1845-46; David Brewer, winter of 1846-47 and summer of 1847 ; George H. Stafford, winter of 1847-48 and summer of 1848; Miss Jerusha E. Swain, winter of 1848-49 and summer of 1849, and Lyman Stewart, during the winter of 1849-50. These do not include all the teachers, some being omitted, owing to the absence of records. In 1851, the number of scholars enrolled was 106, being an increase of 80 in ten years. Miss Swain, after completing her duties in Fort Atkinson, visited her parents, and went as a missionary to the Indian Territory, where, after remaining a number of years, she returned home to die of cancer.

During the early school days, two men named Stanley came to the village, pretending to be deaf and dumb, and opened a writing-school. They remained here about three months, boarding at the Green Mountain House, at that time kept by Milo Jones, and succeeded in attracting a generous patronage, as much by their merit as by the sympathy their aftiiction excited. They left, and went to Jefferson, but failing to impress the residents of that vicinity with their worth, continued on to Watertown. En route thither, the coach in which they embarked succumbed to hard roads and weak timber, when the Stanleys charged about like dismantled chimpanzees, uttering imprecations so emphatic and original as to not only establish a new school of profanity, but also to unbosom a fraud that had only lain dormant.

In 1851 or thereabouts, the district was, for some unexplained reason, divided. That on the South Side remained' in the building opposite Tousley's stable, while the school on the North Side was kept, most of the time, in private houses, as it was not until 1858 that the brick house, which stood near the Furniture Company's buildings, was erected. The following are some of the teachers who taught in this schoolhou.se from 1858 to 1867 : Miss Hamilton, 1858 - 59 ; Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson and .Joseph Snell, 1861-02; Miss Adelaide Rankin, winter of 1862-63. and summers of 1863-64 ; Mark Curtis, winter of 1863-64 ; Dr. Stone ami Miss Emma Everdell, 1866-67. In the South Side School, Mr. Lamphear, Misses Eliza Ingerson and Elizabeth May taught.

During the time when schools were taught in the first public schoolhouse, private schools were opened in private houses, but chiefly in the basempnt of the old Congregational Church. During the winters of 1849-50, the Rev. Meliser Montague maintained a private school at his residence on Whitewater avenue, patronized chiefly by young lads from Milwaukee. In 1848, B. F. Adams opened a school near where Merriam & Siraonds' store stands, now the postofEce building, and afterward in what is known as the " gravel house," nearly opposite J. D. Clapp's residence. iMiss Simmons began, in the spring of 18-56, in the Congregational Church basement, and continued her school until 1858. This was a large institution, requiring an assistant part of the time. Others who taught were the Rev. Mr. Atherton, Mr. Maxon, G. Southwell, Cordelia Curtis and Adelaide Rankin.

In 1859, the first brick schoolhouse on the South Side was completed, at a cost of $5,500. The upper rooms were leased to J. K. Purdy, who had previously taught a private school in a building that stood on the present site of J. Kirkland's store, the lower rooms being used by the city.

In 18GG, the two districts were again united, and the site for a high-school building purchased. The edifice was soon after commenced and completed, at a cost (with the property on which it stood) of §13,850. It is a two-story brick structure, containing five rooms, well lighted and heated, 'and possessing ample facilities for school purposes. The building is also provided with an assembly-room that will comfortably seat 120 scholars. Three teachers - a principal and two assistants - are employed. About the same time, the brick schoolhouse on the North Side was built for about $3,200, and completely and appropriately furnished.

These schools furnish the means of education from the department of primary to the higher branches, to all who desire to avail themselves of their benefits. The school year is divided into three terms. At the close of each, the students are required to submit to and pass a written e.xamination in the course which has been pursued. Scholars who go through the prescribed studies creditably receive a diploma. The class of 1871 was the first that held graduating exercises, and thus far seven classes have graduated, containing, respectively, five, five, ten, seven, fourteen, nine and fifteen members each, - making, in all, sixty-five who have graduated at the graded schools of Fort Atkinson.

The salaries paid teachers are : Principal of High School, $1,300 per annum, with two assistants at $45 per month each. On the south side of the river there are one grammar, one intermediate and first and second primaries, giving employment to four teachers, one of which receives $40 per month, one $30, and two $28 each. On the North Side, the departments, teachers and salaries are the same. On the south branch of the river, there is a " mixed school," embracing first and second primaries and intermediate, all under one teacher, who receives $28 per month.

The present value of school property is $30,000. The present School Board is made up of A. D. Wilcox, Director; M. H. Gaiiong, Clerk, and L. B. Caswell, Treasurer.

In attempting to prepare a history of the press in Fort Atkinson, the historian has encountered the utmost difficulty and innumerable cmbargos against a successful undertaking that could not be overcome. There were no files of the papers heretofore issued to be had, or, if obtainable, were imperfect, afl^iirding the sparsest aid to direct the pursuit of facts or guide the pursuer in his labors ; with this knowledge, the reader is able to appreciate the causes which liave served to render thisdcpartraent of the work seemingly imperfect, but not so in fact, when it is considered that without files or authentic information on the subject from those who should be familiar with its every detail, the matter has been arranged and is submitted.

The Wisconsin Cliicf, now in its twenty-second volume, is a four-column folio, edited and lublished by Emma Brown, surviving sister of Thurlow Weed Brown, its founder.

The paper was brought from New York over twenty years ago and set up in Fort Atkinson, ince when, through storm and sunshine, it has maintained its presence, commanding the honorble regard of its immediate associates, and the esteem of its cotemporaries.

The Wisconsin Chief is the lineal descendant of the Cayut/a Chief, a paper of distin- ;uished reputation a quarter of a century ago, published at that time in Geneva, N. Y., to whose fForts in the cause of temperance, whatever of success that cause attained, is mainly due.

In 1852, Mr. Brown visited the West to attend a temperance convention held during that ear in Chicago, and repeated his visit the following summer, when he passed several weeks at lebron, near Fort Atkinson, in rebuilding a system enfeebled by professional labors. The enefit thus derived persuaded Mr. B. to establish himself at Hebron, and, after a season, to love the paper of which he was the head to his new field of labor. This was done, and he first Western issue of the Cayuga Chief published on Wednesday, October 15, 1856, from i'ort Atkinson, the office being that now devoted to the use of the Jefferson County Union.

Soon after, its name was changed to the Wisconsin Chief, under which it has since been nown. It was a folio 24x36, of six columns, issued weekly on Tuesdays and edited by T. W. Jrown, assisted by Emma, his sister, who, as stated, still directs the editorial and business mangement. The first object of the publishers was the promotion of the cause of temperance. Politically, the Chief was foremost in its support of Republican principles, as enunciated in he platform upon which Fremont and Dayton were nominated.

In 1859, the place of publication was removed to a building further west on Milwaukee treet, where it has since remained. The Adams power-press of the paper, the first of that attern, by the way, brought into Wisconsin, not only serves its owners here but patrons from the urrounding country.

In 1861, the publication of the weekly edition was abandoned, and an issue put forth lonthly in its stead. This was continued about one year, when the paper became semilonthly. The death of Mr. Brown occurred in May, 1866, when Miss Emma Brown ssumed the management, resuming the issue of the weekly edition, which was, however, again bandoned in 1870, and the monthly once more substituted.

Jt is still a " monthly periodical," devoted to the temperance cause, literary selections and riginal matter of merit on subjects of general import, but more particularly on that with which he paper is so cordially in harmony. The monthly edition is stated at 600.

In 1859, the Standard was started, by J. A. Shepherd, a folio of six columns. Repubcan in politics, and ambitious of success. After a brief proprietorship, Mr. Shepherd isposed of his venture to J. C. Keeney, under whose administration the publication was suscndcd. The files of this paper were not preserved; and save a few which contain nothing caring upon the subject in hand, all have disappeared, thus preventing a detailed account of he origin, rise and final demise of the Standai-d.

Fort Atkinson Hei-ald.^Whnt has been stated .regarding the Standard is also true of this Durnalistic venture. Little remains of its existence to indicate much beyond the bare fact that ; was started, so says general rumor, in the summer of 1867, by H. S. Ehrman, in the building t present occupied by Hoflhians shoe store, on Milwaukee street. A reasonably lengthy ojourn here was fijllowed by its i-emoval to a building on Milwaukee street, immediately east f the Green Mountain House, where it survived until H. M. Kutchin,^now of the Fond du iac CommonwealtlL, became the owner, and in turn sold to J. C. Keeney, who took the aper's effects to Sharort, \Vis., thence to Weyauwega, also in this State, where they serve their urjioses in the weekly issue of the Chronicle. In size, the Herald is said to have been a sixoluiun folio. Republican in politics, and a fair medium of news, national and local.

The Jefferson County Union was born at Lake Mills on St. Patrick's Day. 1870, W. D. loard, the present editor, introducing the '' new revelation " and vouching for its purity, perlanence and Republicanism, though the circumstances under which the " puling " journalistic infant was thus put forward, the guardian asserts, were in the last degree discouraging. Mr Hoard knew nothing of printing or journalism ; was more familiar, he says, with the variou grades of " garden sass " than type ; but, having lost heavily in a " hop speculation," venturei into the newspaper business in a condition of desperation which he regarded in the light of i dernier resort.

Having concluded upon the move, a contract was closed with J. H. Keyes, of the Water town liepublicaa, by the terms of which Mr. Keyes was to furnish the paper and do the printini for a consideration of two-thirds of the receipts. The first edition numbered three hundrei copies, and was awaited by the editor and subscribers in Lake Mills with an an.xiety approach iiig the ridiculous. When it came, the copy was warmly welcomed, and increased in strengtl from the day of its introduction.

Politically, it was square-toed Republican, and so continues. But, as an agricultural paper devoted more particularly to the interest of farmers and especially to dairying, has the paper beei found invaluable. Under this wise policy, the Union soon found favor with a large class who up to its issue, had never subscribed for a paper, and gained in circulation with a rapidity almos unprecedented.

In 1872, the Wisconsin Dairymen's Association was organized at Watertown, largel; aided through the Union s influence, which was made the official organ of the Association.

In April, 1873, a copartnersKip was formed by Mr. Hoard with Charles Fullerton, of th Lodi Journal, whereby the Jownal and Union were consolidated. This proved a prosperou move, as, on the 1st of January, 1874, the circulation of the consolidation was found to b fifteen hundred. At that date, Mr. Hoard purchased Fullerton's interest, and has since con ducted the paper alone. The sheet is Republican politically, interesting locally, prosperou financially and steadily maintains an enviable position among the papers of the county.

Post Office

The old post office of Fort Atkinson, used in the early days of the settlement, is a fane bo.x, the property of Mrs. C. E. Southwell, of Milwaukee, but, at present writing (1879), in th possession of the family of Rufus Dodge, by whom it is treasured as a valuable reminder of day lang syne.

This was some time about 1840, when Dwight Foster was the power behind the throne, an transacted the office business in his private house; but, as there was but one mail a week, born on the back of an Indian pony, directed by Silas Stevens, the official business was not of character that deprived him of sleep.

Mr. Foster remained in charge for some years, being succeeded by John T. Ilaight, whc in turn, gave place to D. S. Morrison, who retained possession until 1850, when Milo Jones wa substituted, and remained the incumbent until 1858. In that year, A. J. Rankin was appointed and retained the office until April. 18G1, yielding precedence to A. M. Hurd, who remained ii power until 18(35, and was succeeded by ^I. H. Ganong, who "still lives" in possession of th fees anil emoluments attending the office of Postmaster.

When Mr. Ganong assumed charge, the office was located in the store two doors south c the present location of Wolf's .saloon, where, in April, 18(36, it was completely destroyed by fir Thereafter, it was removed until the present location was settled upon, and has since been retained

Since 18(36, the business has increased almost double and the quarters now used will soo: have to be enlarged to accommodate the growing demand. In that year, the gross receipts wer 31,582.35; to-day, they will aggregate fully $3,200. From the pony mail of 1S40, there ar to day three daily mails from Milwaukee and Chicago, one from Cambridge and a tri-weekl mail from Hebron and Cold Springs. The money-order business was established in 1867, ani is weekly increasing.

From January 1, 1878, to January 1, 1879, there was received from the sale of stamp! envelopes, etc., the sum of $2,763.91 ; from other sources, $356.18. There were 276 registere ettors sent and 382 received; money orders amounting to ^25,071.76 issued and money orders )aid aggregating $17,498.49. The annual salary is $1,400.

Methodist Church. - The nucleus of the present Methodist Episcopal Church of Fort Atkinon was a class organized in 1840, at the residence of Jesse Roberts, north of the village, conisting of the following persons : Jesse Roberts and wife, F. J. Roberts and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Vdams, Mr. and Mrs. Carter, and Mr. and Mrs. Wade with their two daughters. The preachng was sometimes at Mrs. Robert's house, but more generally in the village at private houses, iccasionally in a cooper-shop and subsefjuently in tlje schoolhouse. The diocese was origindly an appointment on the old Aztalan Circuit, which was organized in 1837, then within the Uinois Circuit.

In 1852, the congregation erected a church, and, in 1854, Fort Atkinson becamea separate iharge, and has so remained from that date, the congregation worshiping in their own church m South Main street.

The church is a neat and commodious building, well furnished, supplied with a pedal-baT<e Estey organ, a clear-toned bell and. is valued at $5,000.

The Congregational Church. - This, the oldest religious organization in the city, was first jonvened at the residence of Phineas F. Morrison on the 2d of October, 1841. One week thereifter a meeting was held at the residence of Milo Jones, when the organization was perfected ind the following enrolled as members: Phineas F. Morrison, Laura Morrison, Lucy Mor- -ison, Charles Rockwell, Caroline Barrie, John Brown, Margaret Brown, Nancy M. Barron, Caroline Veeder, Susan Prichard, Semantha West, Sally Jones, Asa F. Snell and Louisa Snell.

The first regular minister of the faith to officiate was the Rev. William Arms, who remained mtil September, 1842, after which the Rev. Daniel Smith preached once a fortnight for a year, ind was foUowed by the Rev. 0. P. Clinton, who served one year also. The Revs. Arms and Smith divided their labors with the Church at Aztalan.

On November 1, 1844. the Rev. Mr. Montague accepted a call to the Church which, up to ;hat time as stated, had been held in private residences. Thereafter, and until 1852, the village ichoolliouse was their place of worship.

In 1851. the Rev. S. S. Bicknell supplied the Church one year, when the Rev. Mr. Mon- ;ague returned and was retained until October 2, 1854. During his administration, the first jhurch edifice, an ordinary frame 36x47, with a capacity for seating about three hundred persons and costing $3,000, was completed and occupied.

The Rev. 0. S. Powell was the next incumbent, coming in November, 1854, but dying ii July following. On September 2, of the same year, the Rev. D. C. Curtis was chosen minister and served eiglit years, being followed by the Rev. Mv. Blanchard, who filled the pulpit unti September 80. 1864, when the Rev. W. C. Scofield was called. The Rev. C. Caverno otriciate( during the winter of 1805-06.

In March, 1800, the present commodious church on Milwaukee street wiis completed an( dedicated, ready for occupation, and has since been used for religious worship by the sect. I is built of frame, 43x67, with a lecture-room addition 38.\20. The main room is neatb furnished, has capacity for a congregation of 400, and co.st ST, 000.

The present value of the church property is stated by one of the Church officers to b( about ^5,000. Since the resignation of E. J. Montague, the Church has been without a Pastor

The German M. E. Society was organized in 1841), by Rev. P. Salk, with the following charter members: George Schneider, Sr., Christina Schneider, Sr., Christina Schneider Sophia Schneider, Jacob Huppert, Sr., Jacob Huppert, Jr., B. Huppert, Sophia Huppert Christina Huppert, Susanna Huppert, M. Weyer, Anna Weyer and J. Hertel. For upwarc of nine years, the little band struggled along, meeting in a schoolhouse distant about threi miles from the fort, and again in private houses, whose owners were sufficiently interested t( place them at their disposal. At the expiration of that time, viz., in 1858, the members whose numbers had been largely re-enforced, built the present church, at a cost of §1,225 the lot upon which it stands costing §125. It is a frame building, and will seat about two hun drcd persons. Following is a list of the Pastors from the date of the organization to the present time :

Universalisit Church. - The nucleus of this body was formed on February 11. 1866, undei the style and title of the First Liberal Christian Society of Fort Atkinson, the members constituting it being as follows : A. Winslow, F. Anderson, W. M. Smith, Carlos Curtis, Leandei Goosselin, Nancy Bartholomew, M. M. Winslow, C. A. Curtis, M. J. Frissell, P. Frisseli, L. A. Bartholamew, A. J. Baldwin, E. P. Mav, 0. S. Cornish. D. S. Damuth, G. F. Whitfield, J, D. Ciapp, A. C. May, W. C. Casler, R. C. Dodge, E. Frissell, Catherine Barnes and C. Smith,

The Society was the result of a combination between the Unitarians and Universalists, and although they elected Trustees, viz., 0. S. Cornish, Carlos Curtis and Leander Goosselin, with the intention of making it permanent, the Society does not appear to have lasted more than one year, as upon the record under date of March 3, 1807, appears the notice of a meeting whereat was formed the Universalist Society, witli seventy-nine members. This organization is still in existence^ and plays a very important part in the well-ordering of society. Out of this grew the Church which was organized on April 2, 1869, with the following charter members: Albert Winslow, L. Goosselin, R. C. Dodge, Mrs. M. I. Roberts, Mrs. R. A. Holmes, J. P. Curtis, Mrs. Betsy Dodge, S. A. Rice, Mrs. liaura Rice, Mrs. Sophia Benson, Mrs. Mary M. Winslow. Mrs. Celinda A. Curtis. Miss Effie Avery and Mrs. Hannah Foster. The church was built in 1S68, by the Societj', but at what cost or by whom the services were conducted, does not appear upon tlie records, which have been very irregularly kept. Added to this is a lack of memory on the part of persons who should know all about it, and a disinclination to trouble themselves on the part of others, so that we must be held blameless in the premises.

In the early days of Fort Atkinson, the few burials that took place were made at a point on Section 3, a short distance up the river, on a hill, from the corner of which the city and surrounding country for miles around were distinctly visible. In these grounds, consecrated to the occupation of those of the pioneers who wen-t before to be seen no more forever, the burial of Edward Foster on the 13th of October. 1837, was the first; William Prichard was buried two years later, and, with one other, was all that were therein interred. When the spot now known as Evergreen Cemetery was first utilized as a burying-ground, their bodies were removed to that locality, where they now sleep in sanctified repose.

In 1842, a cemetery was established on ground west of the city donated by Milo Jones, in which a sister of Philetus West was among the first burials, followed by that of Betsey Crane. On or about September 12, 1846, another cemetery was opened in the immediate vicinity, in which that of Olive, the wife of Thomas Crane, was among the first interments.

On the 24th of May, 1866, a meeting w;R hehj for the purpose of organizing a cemetery association and procuring the purchase of seventeen acres of ground on tlie Janesville road, about one mile from the city, in a southerly direction. No action was decided upon at that meeting, but, subsequently, Daniel Holmes, E. P. May, G. P. Marston, L. B. Caswell, J. D. Clapp, Milo Jones, Stephen Davis and C. Brigham purchased the property to be adapted to the uses contemplated. In the mean time, the organization of Evergreen Cemetery Association was perfected. Since the land was first oft'ered, about forty lots have been taken up by purchasers, in which from seventy-five to one hundred interments have been made.

The Evergreen Association was organized at a meeting held on Saturday evening, January 24, 1863, attended by many prominent citizens, including Jared Ailing, Milton Snell, Jesse Dodge, W. J. Barrie, Rufus Dodge, S. A. Rice, B. Roberts, Newton Snell, F. J. Roberts, William Avery, John and William Strong, W. W. Snell and B. Rhodes. Jared Ailing presided and M. Snell ofiiciatcd as Secretary, and the object accomplished, as set forth in the constitution adopted, was the formation of an association for the purpose of procuring lands to be used exclusively for cemetery purposes. Jesse Dodge was elected President of the Association; Milton Snell, Secretary, and S. A. Rice, Treasurer, with Rufus Dodge, Newton Snell, W. J. Barrie, Milton Snell, Jesse Dodge and S. A. Rice as Board of Trustees.

Land was procured at various times from Jesse Dodge, Perry H. Smith, Thomas Barrie, Newton Snell, Levi Tooker, J. W. Hatch, Frederick Bolt and others until the Association now awns about twenty-five acres about three-quarters of a mile from the city's center, beautifully located, the grounds handsomely laid out, planted with flowers and trees and decorated with tombs and monuments of elaborate design and exquisite finish. No city in the State possesses a more attractive place of sepulture for its dead, nor is there a cemetery in the Northwest upon which care and attention are more lavishly expended than upon that within sight of the city by the lake.

This section of Jefferson County affords some interesting and important history. In size md topography it is not unlike other towns, containing an area of thirty-six square miles of land, of a rolling or undulating nature, well ada])ted to agriculture. Nearly one-half of the town is yet in a primitive state. Extensive forests of ash, oak, maple, basswood and tamarack ire still in existence, anl will furnish material for the woodman's axe for generations to come.

There are four post offices in the town, viz.: Rome, Erfurt, Sullivan and Oak Hill. Rome is an unincorporated village of about three hundred inhabitants, beautifully situated on Bark, River, in Section 17. It was laid out and recorded by Ambrose Seely on the 9th of September,

1848, and contains an area of 7,000 square rods. It ia under town government, its populatioi not.being numerous enough to entitle it to corporate privileges. Mr. H. D. Sprague, one of th oldest iiiliabitants, settled in Rome in January, 1846. He puichased a lot three rods wide b; six in length, upon which stood a log cabin, built by Peter Knochker. The population at tha date is given as follows : D. Secly, wife and two children : Davis Scely, wife and two children Joseph Hibbard. wife and two children : AVilliam Arms and mother ; Sandford Burdick, wif and four children : Peter Knochker, wife and three children. Mr. Davis Seely had thre children, but one of them, a boy, was killed a mile and a half from Rome, when the family wa moving in. A leaning tree, beneath which the teamster drove, crushed the unfortunate child' head against a box in the wagon. Schools, churches and mills were soon established, and Rom has ever since been made to '' howl '' with the ceaseless noise of progress. The first school wa taught by Cynthia Moulthrop, now Mrs. Cusiiman. The young idea was taught to shoot withii the confines of a diminutive log hT)use, built in 1846 for educational purposes. There are noA two public schoolhouses, with bells and belfrys. Mr. Sprague has been identified with ever effort to nurture the tree of knowledge in Rome.

The first church services were held in the house of Joseph Hibbard in the fall of 1846. b; a Methodist divi\ie named Hiram Frinck. The log schoolhouse was subse((uently used for relig ious purposes until 1859, when a commodious church edifice was erected by the Methodista Among the ministers of this denomination who have preached in Rome may be mentioned th Revs. Fox, Latin, MofBt and Lawton. The next religious organization was that of the Free Will Baptists, which took place in 1854, with the Rev. John G. Hull as Pastor, Elder Parkin and Phincas Jai|uith following successively in the charge. In 1873, the society reared a churcl edifice. Mr. Hull has been recalled. In 1864, the German Methodists ciTected an organiza tion, and in 186!l built a church. The society is included in the Whitewater Circuit. In 185'J the Bible Christians formed a society and purchased a church site, but soon afterward relin ((uished 'their efforts to form a permanent organization.

In 1842, Myron Smith and S. D. Tenny built a saw-mill and dam on Bark River. Th mill was soon afterward destroyed by fire; but the demand for building material promptei Charles De Witt to immediately rear a similar concern upon the smoldering debris of th original. After long years of useful service, the De Witt Mill was torn away, and, in 1853, i grist-mill was erected upon the site by Thomas Hooper. The property subsequently passed t the hands of the Notebohm Brothers, and, in 1864, it was replaced by a new structure am improved machinery. Messrs. Ponburg & Foljahn are the proprietors. In 1847. Ambros Seely built a saw-raiil on the dam. The successive proprietors of this institution were Spragu & Foss, A. Seely, H. M. Dibble & Brothers. J. J. Kent and D. Force. Mr. Kent agaii obtained control of the property and is its present owner, having added machinery for th manufacture of feed and cider. In 1848, David Seely built a turning-shop, and, after a fex years of successful operation, it was destroyed by fire. Then Moulthrop i.*i: Dibble reared ; similar concern near the site of the old one. This was also burned. David Force was the nex enterprising individual to make a venture in this direction. To the present time, his shop ha escaped the devouring elements.

A post office was established at Rome in 1848, Aaron J. Ball being the first Po.stmaster His successors have been Orceraus Bramon. Smith Tubbs, H. M. Dibble, William Lyman am Eugene Shakshesky. W. H. Sprague is Mr. Shakshesky's Deputy. Postmaster Tubbs wa the first to locate it in a place of security. Prior to that time, the mail-pouch was dropped b; the carrier at the side of the road a short distance north of the village, the changes being mad beneath the shades of an oak.

The first hotel in Rome was built in 1848 by Silas Sears. It stood on the site and was i part of the Rome Exchange, and was known by the very suggestive and alliterative name o " Live and Let Live.." Peter Tubbs. Henry Horndon, Gilbert Allen, John Anthony and Johi Smith have been the proprietors. Smith died in 1867, and his widow now does the honors. ^ few years ago, George Ungermyre built a large structure for the purposes of a hotel, but th business did not warrant its success. The property is now owned by Mrs. K. L. Piper, of Watertown. The upper portion has been converted to the uses of the Good Templars and Odd Fellows.

Among the leading and most prominent persons in Rome may be mentioned the following : Eugene Shakshesky, merchant ; L. Shakshesky and John Treidel, merchants : George Bick. merchant ; John Koche. merchant : Cartwright & Lippert. cheese-factory ; H. D. Sprague. blacksmith and .Justice of the Peace; Kinion Meeller, harness; Miss Emma Sprague, milliner; Mrs. Rothel, milliner; J. J. Daniels, boot and shoe maker; C. J. Collier. ex-County Superintendent of Schools ; C. Wheeler, the inventor of a machine that will make a rope any length in a room' tep feet square, spinning from the raw^ material ; John Walsh, school-teacher ; M. Rothel. brickmaker ; W. Stone, blacksmith ; Jacob Lambrich, blacksmith ; William McCann, carpenter and Justice of the Peace; Henry Landgraf, wagon-maker; George Smith, wagonmaker.

The first post office established in what is now the town of Sullivan was Oak Hill, more famili.Trly known to the early settlers as " Pumpkin Hollow.'' The Postmasters have been Charles De Witt, Norton Blackmer, Austin Longley and William Webster. Almond Steele. David Waite, David Piatt and Seth Dustin were among the early settlers at Oak Hill. At present, the place consists of a cheese-factory, a sorghum-mill, two blacksmith-shops and one store. It is located in Section 34.

Erfurt Post Office, in Section 14, dates back to pioneer days. Rudolph Shuber has held the office of Postmaster since its establishment by the Postmaster General. There is a gristmill at Erfurt, built in 1845, by William Warren as a saw-mill, and afterward converted into a flouring-mill by John Heath ; also a store, a blacksmith-shop and a cider-mill. Bark River furnishes an excellent water-power.

In 18.50. Sullivan Post Office, in Section 29, was established. James Riddle being the first, and William Riddle the present. Postmaster. Welcome Henry, Ruben Terwilliger, John Nutter, H. D. Sprague, Nelson Hubbell and James Riddle were among the earlier settlers in that vicinity. James Riddle died during the presidency'of the lamented Lincoln. When he voted at the Presidential election of 1860, he was heard to say: "I have always been a Democrat, but I begin to realize my mistake ; and, as I know I shall not live much longer, I shall try to wipe out my political sins by voting for Abraham Lincoln ; then I can die in peace."

The first election for officers in the town of Sullivan was held in the spring of 1846, at the house of John Nutter, in the eastern portion of the town, near what is noAv Sullivan Post Office. That section of the town was then known as " Hardscrabble " among the old settlers. At that election, Charles De Witt was chosen Treasurer, and Myron Smith, Clerk. There were also elected three Supervisors, four Justices of the Peace, one Assessor, three Road Commissioners, three Constables, three Fence Viewers and one Sealer of Weights and Measures.

School District No. 8, town of Sullivan, has a war record that will compare favorably with any place of equal population in the Union. Eighty-three soldiers enlisted in the cause of the preservation of free institutions ; and, what is more remarkable, but one of this number was killeil, while four died of disease. Gen. Henry Harnden, now a revenue officer at Madison, while a resident of Rome, enlisted as a private in the First Wisconsin Cavalry, and was rapidly promoted. While filling the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he was sent in pursuit of Jeft" Davis, and, but for the unofficerlike conduct of Col. Pritchard, of the Fourth Michigan Cavairy, would have captured the arch-traitor, petticoats and all.

A Tkrrible Experience

In the quiet village of Rome lives an aged lady, athwart whose path of life has fallen a multitude of sorrows. Every one knows "Aunt Betsy" Sears. She is sixty-four years of age. and lives alone in a neat little room, over the door of which, on the outside, is this sign : "Job Printer." In one corner of the room are three or four cases of type, each letter standing

Job Printer Jefferson Street , Rome . Wis

Some years ago, Mrs. Sears wrote an account of the trials and tribulations experienced b; herself and family when they came to Wisconsin. It is a true picture of pioneer life, vividl; portrayed, and full of the sad impressions that only can be wrought upon the minds of ihos who braved the dangers and trials of early days and suffered the adversities that beset the pionee in almost every clime. The extensive length of the paper will not admit of its publication ii its entireity in these already overcrowded pages, but the most essential parts are given :

On the 22d of October, 1843, we left our former home in the town of Camden, County of Oneida, State of Ne' York, with our four little children, to go to the Far West. Arriving at Buffalo, we found thai no vessel was goin through to Milwaukee short of three or four days, but the " .lulia I'almer" was about to sail for Detroit, and w were induced to take passage upon her. We were told that we would find plenty of boats at Detroit that would tak us through to Milwaukee, but when we arrived at the Michigan metropolis, we found it necessary to wait for tli same vessels we left at Buffalo, and when they came they were so heavily loaded they could not take us on l>oarc and it was the htst trip they were going to make, .\fter remaining in Detroit five days, at a cost of §10, there cam a man to the tavern with a team and double wagon without any cover on it. He w:is accompanied by his wife, an ihey were going to .Milwaukee. They agreed to take our family through for ?2il, we to bear our own expenses; s< on the 3d of November, we set out upon a journey in an open wagon, for which we were little prepared. Th ground had frozen very hard the night before, and upon it had fallen about four inches of snow. For two weeki we had very severe weather, when it moderated and the ground and snow thawed together; then it was nothin but mud. Thus we traveled around Lake .Michigan through snow and mud and rain and shine, until we reache Racine. There we heard that the smallpox prevailed in Milwaukee, anil so we hired the man to take us across Ih country to Prairieville (now Waukesha). I had two brothers living at Cienesee, in that direction ; hut when we g< within three miles of their place we heard that they also had the sni.allpox in both families, and had each lost child 'with it. There we were, worn out with fatigue, and my little children sick from the lime we first put fool o ihe steamboat at Bufl'alo ; lotking forward to an hour of rest, the society of friends and a temporary home ; then i a uiomenl to have our hopes dashed to earth - it was too much. It seemed as though I must sink down and die. W had then traveled eighteen days, and I had carrie<l my little babe, twenty-two months old, almost all the way in m lap : for it was so cold I had to keep her under my cloak. The youngest of our three litlle boys was very ill, requi) ing the constant attention of his father, who frequently stoppeil by the roadside with him, and was then compelle to run to overtake the wagon : for our teamster displayeil his kindness by refHsing to slop for anything or anybod; When we stopped at night, instead of rest I had to cook our suppers, for it would have cost us all we had to live i ihe taverns.

When we heard the terrible news of my broihers' misfortunes, we stopped at a house on the road and had oi children vaccinated. We remained over night in the house with a very kind family. I shall never forget how I fe when the good mother spread a warm biscuit with butler and divided it among my half-starved children. It brougl the tears of joy to my eyes. It was the first morsel, except one, that they had received without money, in five week;

In the morning, my husband set out for my brothers' homes, but before reaching there he met one of them going to Prairieville. They were overjoyed to learn of our safe arrival. They had expected us three weeks before, but, not having any intelligence of us, had given us up for lost, and believed we were drowued while crossing the lake. My brother said there was no danger of our taking the smallpox, as they were well of it, and had thorouglily disinfected their houses. So we went home with him, but it seemed to me as if I was carrying my children to the grave. When we arrived, we found that his wife was nursing a lady with the disease, and therefore we were right in the midst of it. Within nine days, I was taken with the varioloid ; two days later, my little girl was taken sick, and the next day our youngest boy took his bed with the terrible disease The day before I was taken, my husband started off to look for a farm, and, as he remained away longer than we expected he would, we liegan to feel uneasy about him. When we started from Detroit, we gave orders to have our goods sent on to Milwaukee on a schooner, but up to the time we were taken down with the smallpox we had not heard anything from them. Never before nor since have I experienced such feelings of sorrow and misery. Three of us sick with a dreadful disease, my husband absent, I knew not where, and every indication that our meager stock of clothing and bedding had been lost on the lake. While I lay groaning in my utter wretchedness, this thought occurred to my mind :

I Stopped weeping and began to hope. Thought I, it may be that my husband is safe ; the children are not dead yet, and, possibly, some lucky wave may waft our goods ashore. That day, my husband came home ; the children began to appear better, and my brother came from Milwaukee and said he had found our goods, and that they were ou the way home. I began to take courage and think that all would yet be well. But alas ! how soon are blooming hopes cut off. On Wednesday, my husband came home full of bright prospects. He had found a good location, and had stayed and put up a house, calculating to move his family into it the next Monday, little dreaming of what a situation we were in at home. When he came, there we were in a pile, three of us in one bed, and nine of us in a little shanty 12x14 feet in size. Our two sick children looked so loathsome we could scarcely bear the sight of them. The next day, they grew worse, and on Sunday, at 11 o'clock, the little gir^ died ; on Monday, at 12 o'clock, her little brother followed her. It had always seemed to me that, if I should ever lose a child, I could never let it go out of my arms ; but now two of my loves were dead, and what mother cannot imagine my feelings when I looked upon their innocent faces, covered with the repulsive marks of a terrible disease? They must be hurried into the ground as quick as possible, and I not able to see them buried. But God strengthened my almost exhausted endurance, and I became resigned to my fate. I believe He is too wise to be mistaken, too good to be unkind.

Two weeks from the day my little boy died, we started, in company with the family of my brother, Davia Seely, for Bark Woods. By some means, tlie teams took different roads, and we became separated. Our team came . through Waterville, while my brother's went through the bluffs. 1 was very feeble from my recent sickness, and everything seemed to conspire against us as we wended our way through the woods, with no guide save now and then a freshly-marked tree. At the end of the second day, we reached our destination ; but what had become of my brother and his family ? This annoyed us very much all night. The next morning, we saw Davis coming slowly through the woods, but the woful look upon his face told us plainer than words that something terrible had happened. His little four-year-old boy had been killed the day before by a leaning tree under %vhich the teamster drove. We thought that our cup of sorrow was already full, but now it was running over. Picture to yourself a family of weary emigrants, looking forward with eager eyes and longing hearts to the time when they should reach their final destination, and be shebered from the chilling rain that was descending in torrents upon them, and urging forward their jaded beasts as fast as their weary limbs and the roughness of the ground would permit. Suddenly there is a crash. Oh 1 what a sound to the father's ears, when, from a distance in the rear, he sees it is the head of his son. He has seen the danger and hallooed to the teamster, but too late. He rushes forward and catches the lifeless body of his boy. " Oh ! Mr. De Jayne," he says, "you have killed my son ! You have killed my son 1

Onward, through the mud and brush, he bore his bleeding child, in agony too great to give vent to tears. They found their way to a little shanty belonging to Mr. Tinney, and there watched and mourned the remainder of the night. * * * The next day, the funeral took place from Mr. Crowder's tavern. I believe it was the first meeting of any kind ever held in these woods.

When we left my brother Dempster's, on the 1st of January, 1844, he calculated to come out in a few days and bring us .some provisions. Consequently, we did not fetch anything but a bag of flour and about a pound of butter that I put in my work-basket. But Dempster did not come for four weeks, and, during that time, we had very short allowances. We succeeded in getting three bushels of flat turnips, at 18 pence a bushel. This was all we could get for love or money. Potatoes, there we e none to be had, .and as for meat, I borrowed three pounds of pork of an old settler, and I used to cut two very small slices of it and fry them, and take a little flour and water and make a sort of paste or gravy with which to moisten our bread and turnips. I did not dare to cook bat two turnips apiece, and they were very small, and I did not dare to peel them before they were cooked, because it would be such a waste. So, with our two turnips and bread and paste we made our breakfast, and, with a little water porridge made of "middlings" and sweetened with black molasses, and very poor at that, and a slice of toasted bread, we made our dinner. For supper, we had stewed dried .apples and bread ; and sometimes, for a change, we ate our bread plain. This kind of fare lasted for four weeks, when my brother came and brought us some flour, a " porker" that weighed 160 pounds, and forty pounds of butter that we brought with us from York State. Then we had something to eat.

When we arrived at Mr. Crowder's, we had but $20. Our shanty had neither floor nor windows ; so we were obliged to stay at the tavern till our bill amounted to S3 ; then we had SIT to live upon the rest of the year. By the last of May, we were eating our last bushel of flour. My husband had cleared a small piece of land, and he could not leave it to go out to work to get somelliing to eat, for he must plant it or go without another year. One night, my brother came to our house on his way to Genesee. I could not sleep that night for thinking of our miserable situation. In the morniag. I rememt)ered, when we moved in, we passed a house about two miles beyond Walerville where I saw eighteen hogs' plucks hanging up. It occurred to me that, if they had so many hog.*, they must have something else. So I told my husband that I was going to run away. He asked me where I was going, but I told him I could not tell him where ; I was going to seek my fortune. I filled my satchel with a few articles of my own manufacture, and started with my brother toward Genesee. We were all day going fourteen miles. The musquitoes were so thick that we could not breathe without inhaling them, unless we had something over our faces. We got out at Mr. Davenport's (for that was where I saw the hogs' plucks) just about sundown. They gave us some supper, and my brother went on. I told Mrs. Davenport I would like to stay all night with them, but she said she did not see how she could keep me. I told her I would sleep any place, if she would only let me stay, ami she finally consented to do so. She made a bed on the floor for one of her little girls, and I was assigned a place with her sister, who, during the night, probably taking me for an intruder, turned her heel battery upon me with such ferocity that I was compelled to retreat as far as the limits of the bed would permit, and there lay motionless for fear of another attack. In the morning, I began to press my suit, having laid my case before them the night before. I told them that we had just moved into the woods : that our money was all gone; our provisions were nearly exhausted, and we had no means of procuring any more : that I had come out there in search of something to do that I might earn some flour. Mrs. Davenport said she had no work for me lo do, but told me of several in the neighborhood who hired their sewing done. Then I exhibited the arlicles I had in my satchel - knit caps, knit edging, and some white painted standcloths. When she saw the edging, she said that was just the thing she wanted, for she had just bought a damask linen table-cloth, and wanted that to trim it with. I sold her fourteen yards of the lace andone of the standcloths, for S3. 50. Wasn't I rich then ! 1 felt wealthier than ever before. I was fourteen miles from home, and expected to go all the way on foot ; but I felt so much lighter that it was a pleasure to walk. I traveled about six miles that day, and called at every house I came to in search of work, but none could I find. Night overtook me at the house of a family named Cobb, and there I remained until the following afternoon, when Mr. Cobb took me in his wagon to the house of Mr. Churchill, where I stayed all night. In the morning, I explained my business, and told of my success at Mrs. Davenport's. Mr. Churchill said he was going to .Jefferson in a few days, and would get me some wheal, have it ground and bring the flour to us. I told him I had a new pair of boots I brought from Viirk Stale wilh me, that were too small, and that I would let him have them fur his wife to pay him for his trouble. That was just the thing he wanted ; so, when I got ready to go, he sent his brother with a team to take me home. You may be sure there was joy in the camp when I got back and reported what 1 had done. In a day or two, Mr. Churchill came along, going to .Jefferson, and took my money (which amounted to $4, as I had 4 shillings a man gave me for mending his coat). We had one bushel of wheat that we intended to sow, but the season was so far advanced we thought best not to waste it in that way. With the $4 we got eight bushels of beautiful winter wheat ground and fetched to our door (and the one we had made nine bushels), all paid for, and Mr. Churchill allowed us a shillings in cash to boot on the boots. This lasted till almost harvest, and Mr. Churchill gave us an order for a barrel of flour at .Jefferson, and that held out till corn was ripe, and then we had johnny-cake of our own raising. ****»»*

The following spring, I painted a table-cloth for Mrs. Davenport, for which she paid me $1, and on my way home I met a man [Mr. Sawyer, of the Sawyer House, Jefferson] who had some hams to sell, and with my dollar I bought a small one, which lasted us til! summer, for I did not dare to cook a piece of it unless a traveler came along and wanted to buy a meal. When the ham gave out, we had 40 cents, all in cash, and my husband took it and went to Melinda's I'rairie, and bought five pounds of pork.

The first cow we had cost us SH- The man from whom we bought her owed us $'i, and I sold my shawl and a fine large pair of tailor's shears to finish paying for her. The first pig we had cost us $1. It was about the size of a cat, and my husband carried it in a bag from Golden Lake, a distance of eight miles.

In September, 1S4.5, our second son, ten years old, took a very severe cold and almost choked to dealh before we could reach a doctor with him. The nearest physician lived at Golden Lake, and when we got there with our dying child he was away. Returning the next day, he said he could do nothing for him, and at 9 o'clock the little sufi'erer passed away. My heart, still bleeding from my former bereavement, was now torn open afresh. I thought the past was nothing compared wilh this ; for it seemed my affections had been doubly entwined about our two boys after the others had been snatched from us. An awful task now lay before us ; we must return to our friends with our dead boy. The doctor's daughter and her husband returned wilh us and remained till after the funeral. Two or three weeks later, my husband was taken wilh the ague, and was not able to do a day's work for three months. The only Son who had been spared to me and myself had to harvest the corn and draw in the potatoes and turnips and prepare our winter's wood. Oa the :i9lh of November, 1840, a little Badger boy, weighing eleven pounds, came to our fireside.

Before I close this narrative, I will give you a little sketch of the commencement of religious meetings in these woods. Wiien we moved in, there was a man and his wife here who were professors of religion. My brother Davis, my husband and myself completed the little band of five. We began our prayer-meetings soon after we arrived, and have kept them up pretty much ever since. The first sermon that was ever preached in this place [the town of Sullivan] was by Brother Allen, a Methodist colporteur, at our house. The first regular preacher we had was Hiram Frinck, and the first quarterly meeting was held in my brother's saw-mill.