Rock County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1856 (part 3 of 7)

The progress of this town has been slow in comparison with other towns in the county, Almost all its inhabitants are farmers. No lawyers or pettifoggers, and but one man who bears the title of Doctor, and he is one of our largest farmers. The Eev, Mr. Curtiss, the Congregational; minister at Emerald Grove, resides within the limits of LaPrairje ; so that we can say, that we have one minister of the gospel.

Officers For 1855

This is the most North-eastern town in the County, was organised in 1846. It is divided into thirteen School Districts, ten of which are .joint districts ; eleven school houses and 353 scholars. In the year 1854 the, town received from the State School Fund $244,80 ; in 1855 $284,16. Paul Crandall, Esq., one of the Delegatgs from this County to form the present State Constitution, was a citizen of this town. Azel Kinney, Esq., member^of As-

The principal religious denominations in town, are Congregational in the N. E. part, the Calvinistic, Free-will and Seventh-day Baptist in the South and Western part, on the Milwaukee and Mississippi Rail Road, is the only village in the town. Here is Lima Post OflBce, also two Groceries, a Blacksmith shop, a Ware house for storing produce and sever.il dwelling houses. It receives its name from being situated on the farm of John Child, Esq."

The township of Lima, town 4, range 14 East, is the North-east comer town of the County, has Whitewater, Walworth Co. on the East, Koshkpnong, Jeff. Co., on the North, Milton on the West, and Johnstown on the South.

The surface is gently rolling, covered mainly with Bur and White Oak openings, the bur oak greatly predominating. Ncarl}' one-sixth of the area is mareh ; the largest is that which is known as the " Qtter Creek'' marsh, commencing at the centre and extending nearly to the line west, and in which rises the stream of that name. One mile East of the head of " Otter Creek marsh," one of the branches of the Whitewater has its source, and on which two miles below its head was built the saw mill,, known as " Harrington's Mill." The town embraces the Western border of Whitewater Prairie on the North-east, and the Eastern border of Prairie du Lac on the South-west. The first claim made was by James M. Burgess, on Section 17, in the summer of 1836, who, with a partner, were the only persons as near as I can leani, that made any stay in the town during that season. - After staying through the seasoti, and making some improvements, they retumeJto the East and have not been residents here since that time.

In the summer of 1837, Messrs. Thomas Vaii Horn and Solomon L. Harrington came into the town, and in the fall put up a saw mill on sec. 24, apd near the line East. During the same season Messrs. Joseph Nichols, Samuel Hall, Major Phillips, Geo. B. Hall. Giblct and Grover made claims and becamo residents. When the county was organized into towns, for town purposes, this township was included with Milton, By an act approved Feb. 24th, 1845, this was set oflFintoa separate town. The first town meeting was held April 1st., succeeding, when the folloyfing named persons were elected as officers of the town.

Supervisors. - Prosper Cravath, Chairman ; John Child, Abram Allen, Paul CrandaU, Town Clerk. Wm. P. Stillman, Treasurer. John H. Twining, Collector. Bryce Hall, Abrnm Allen, Nelson Salisbury, Commissioners of Highways. Ebenezer Rider, Paul Crandall, Azel Kinney, Com. of Com. Schools. Prosper Cravath, Sealer of Weights and Measures. John H. Twining, Giles Kinney, Constables. John Child, Horace G-. Hamilton, Justices of the Peace.

Officeks Fob 1854

Supervisors. - ^ohn Child, Chairman ; James Hall, Leander Allen, Azel Kinney, Town Clerk. Mark A. Child, Superintendent. Mark A. Child, Treasurer. Joshua Cobb, Rensselaer Child, E. L. Burdick, Assessors. Levi Kinney, Harry Weed, Alpha Warren, Wm. Hassenger, Justices of the Peace. Yours, &o.,

Azel Kinney Names Of A Few Of The Largest Takmers Ih Lima

Is town 4, North of Range 1 3 E. and N. E. from Janesville. Prairie du LaCj (Lake Prairie,) is mostly in this town and is one of the richest and most beautiful varied and picturesque in the western country. Timber is contiguous and frequently jutting out into the prairie, making the farms conveniently supplied with wood in connection with prairie, or near by. Here are several veiy fine small lakes on this prairie, hence its name. The soil on this prairie is alluvial, deep, rich and productive. Otter Creek runs through the North part, and Lake Koshkonong extends into the North-western part near George W. Ogderi's farm. A small section of Rock River is in this town also ; these together with springs, small streams and small marshes, furnish a good supply of water for all fanning purposes. The northern part of the town is mostly openings and quite roUiiig. Southern part ptairio and openings. The population in 1850 was 1032, in 1655, 1324. It has H School districts and 6 school houses. The number of scholars is 495, This town receives the present year from the State School Fund $335,68. Last year 318,24. Number of Farms in 1835 in this town is 104. This town was organized in 1842, includiug Lima, The first board of oflBcers were: Supervisors, N. ©.Stan's, Chairman; P, A. Cravath, G. W. Ogden, O. W. Norton, Town Clerk.

The village is situated at the forks of the M. & M. Railroad. The inhabitants are noted for their industry, peaoeableness and temperate habits, there not being a place in the township where ardent spirits are sold. Here are five stores, one grocery, two public houses, one saloon, two cabinet shops, two joiner shops, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop with steam pOwer, five carpenters, three masons, three shoemakers, one shoo shop, one saddle and harness maker, one tinman, one daguorreian gallery, one surveyor, one lumber merchant, one livery stable, five wheat buyers, several warehouses for storing produce, three churches and tour ministers. The Congregational church was organized in 1838, and now numbers 38 membei-s.

Here is a new, beautiful and commodious Academy, on an eminence overlooking the village, under the management of Prof. A. C. Spicer, prin., one of the most superior teachers in the western country. This school is in a very flourishing condition, having four teachers and 130 students. Besides this there is a district school in the village.

The Milton Post Office here was established in 1839. The present post master is W. T. Morgan, Esq. Teotsa Post Office near the foot of lake Koshkonong, is within the limits of this town.

Professional Men

Hon. Joseph Goodrich resides and keeps a public house at this place. To. the, enterprise, energy and indomitable perseverance of whom Milton owe* much of her present prosperity. It was mainly through his tact and sup<s-. rior managcmept thet the M. & M. R.R. was located through the place, th,e itnportancQ of which can hardly be reaUzed. Mr. G. is one of those men who is a/ways ready for every good work and reform. This assembly district last year did themselves the honor of sending him to the legislature, an office in which he did credit to himself and his constituents. Here, also, resides our present county treasurer, M. T. Walker, Esq., and his immediate predecessor, E. F. Eraser. Col. J. E. Culver, also post master next previous to the present incumbent, is one of the most enterprising and enlight^ ened citizens of our county.

On the fourth day of March, 1837, a company of us took a team and sleigh and started for Otter Creek, to make claims. D. F. Smith made his claim where the Mil. and Mineral Point Eoad crosses the creek, on the lot where I new reside. It was at that time considered valuable as a waterpower ; was selected for the purpose of building mills, as well as to make a farm. I made a claim on Prairie du Lac, on what is now occupied as a farm by Joseph Goodrich and John Alexander. The 27th of the same month I hired a team and some men to come here and help mo put up a cabin for a family to move into. The weather was cold, and as we had to camp on the ground, we worked lively to make as short a job as possible. In our haste in preparing our camp equipage and eatables we forgot the article to raise our hoecake and were obliged to eat it in an unleavened state. That would have satisfied the most rigid Jew of old,

We put up two cabins, each fourteen feet square, and covered them with shakes as long shingles were then called, the gable ends being finished with logsj and the shingles held to their places by weight poles on top instead of nails. That style of building is fast going out of practice, and if we do not preserve a description of these primitive cabins on paper, the people will soon forget the style of western pioneer cabins. I took up my residence hero the tenth of April in company with a man named Lyman C. Smith, but in one week's time ho tired of our way of living, and I bought him out. My nearest neighbor south was Daniel Smiley, where Col. H. P. Culver now resides, and on the North was John Allen, above Lake Koshkonong. I lived by myself until D. F. Smith moved his family here, about the 25th of May the the same Spring. Like all early settlers, I was pleased to have those seeking locations, call, and if I could show them a place that suited them for a farm, to do so. Sometimes my family was large for a house of this size, as I had no chamber room, and the cabin but /owcieera feet square, and to show you how many can stay in a small house I will give the names of my family. - On one occasion for a couple of nights it consisted of the following persons;

D. F. Smith, L. C. Smith, Simon Smiley, Franklin Griffeth, William Voice, John B. Babcoct and three others. There came up a severe thunderstorm. D. F. Smith had a small Indian pony, that he paid a high price for, said it too bad for the pony to stay out in such a storm, so I moved my dishes and it was led in and tied to my cupboard, or rather a pin in the log, that was part of my cupboard. Eastern housekeepers will be curious to know how we slept, as I had but one bedstead and that, but one post, (wont our friends Morse & Martin laugh,) the logs of the house answering instead of the other three posts. Three of us lay on the bed, and as many under it, while the rest ranged around the fire in one comer, and the pony in the other. The flour that I used was made at Adamsville, in Cass county, Michigan, and hauled on wagons by the way of Chicago and Racine to this place and was current at twenty dollars per baiTel. Pork was worth forty-five dollars per barrel ; Potatoes four dollars per bushel.

One day while I was gone to my former boarding place, where I still had my washing done, a neighbor some eight miles distant, came near my cabin looking for his horses, that had-strayed, and being very hungry, called to get some thing to eat, but finding the door fastened on the inside, (a precautiop that I had taken to keep the Indians from taking my eatables) he looked for another place to enter, thinking if I got out he could get m, so climbing to the top of the house and taking off some shingles, was soonmakinga fire to cook supper for himself, which with what I had on hand and some prairie chickens' eggs that he had found, made a rare supper for a new country. On leaving, he went out as he came in and the next time I saw him, he told me he had helped himself, and of course, it was all right.

I think Jason Walker was the next one that came to this town, and soon after that G. B. Hall, and J. Giblet, settled above us on the creek. N. G. Ston-s, S. D. Butz and G. Tl Mackey came in soon after, but I am unable to say which one first, or at what time. G. W. Ogden was one of the first in the west part of this town.

After our first supply of flour gave out, we were obliged to go to mill, down to Aurora, on Fox river, in what is now Kane Co., or in some cases, to Green's Mills at what is now called Dayton, within three miles of Ottawa, La Salle Co., 111.

Our breaking plow, was made by Mr. Stevens of Pleasant Prairie, near Kenosha, and when worn until it needed a new lay, it could not be had short of Racine, and D. F. Smith took two yoke of oxen and started with it for the shop, sixty-five miles offi The people, at and around Rochester had raised a bridge at that place across Fox River and got one track planked, and when he drove his team on, the leaders were afraid, and seeing the danger of their falling Off he unhooked the chain just in time, for one ox pushed his mate over and he held him by the neck, his mate hanging down toward the water. Smith put his shoulder to the other and tumbled him off too. Both cattle strWk the wAter with their backs down. Then he jumped in, and succeeded in unyoking them and getting both out. After getting the plow fixed he started at noon from Racine, and it was dark when he came to the river, and not liking the bridge thought best to ford it, and found when too late, that the rivef had raised sO' as to make fording dangerous. The cattle had to swiin some and the wagon box was like to leave, but by holding the stakes he kept it on, but the groceries were worse for water that lay in the box.

Getting On A Bust

Janes sent a man to Racine with three yoke of oxen and wagon and when there, he met several of his old acquaintances who had not the practical importance of the Maine Law before their eyes, and after drinking awhile it occurred to the said driver, that it would be wisdom in him to look out well for the cattle, least they should stray while he was drinking with his party. He put a bell on one ox, and to make sure, chained him to a tree, thinking the others would not leave the bell. When he went to yoke his team the bell ox was all that could be foimd. This vexed him much, and he started for the old place where they had been kept before moving to Rock River, and being somewhat cast down with his eiTor he passed a yard in which a man had turned the cattle (as they had started back) but not seeing them he went eight miles to the old place and then to Janesville, thinking they had gone home. He footed it to Janesville and then back, and finally found his team after several days' delay. . A few more of such snaps would make an advocate of the Maine Law, of almost any man.

Histoky Of Miltqn By A. W. Baldwin, Esq

, In giving a brief record of the early settlement,- progress and present con- <dition of this township, I shall be unable to give such an account as will create any great sensation in the historical world, for a number of reasons : first, my own inability ; second, the brief time allotted me to collect such desirable information ao would be necessary ; third, that this portion of the country was settled so recently, that those scenes of savage cruelty and foreign interference, which have lent such thrilling interest to the pages of history in other states, had all passed fi-om its borders. Yet as late as the years 1832-34, the Indian tribes made a few feeble and ineffectual attempts to regain their lost territory. But the campaign of that time, entitled the Sauk war, clearly effaced all their hopes of reclaiming it. At this time this portion of the country was unsettled, then shining forth in all its pristine beauty. It inspired the soldiery with its beauty and fertility, and from their glowing and romantic descriptions of Wisconsin, and in fact of this very township, our first settlers inspired the " malaria " incipient to the true " Wisconsin Fever."

- Milton is located in the Northern tier of Townships in Rock County,, being eight miles North of the City of JanesviUe, thirty-six miles South-east of Madison, the Capitol of the, State, thirteen miles South of Fort Atkinson on Rock River, and sixty miles West of Lake Michigan.

It contains about 2,3000 acres of territory, but owing to a number of small lakes scattered throughout its borders, and a portion of Kpshkonong Lake occupying a portion of sections 5, 6 and 7, about 1000 acres is rendered useless. And still another 1000 acres is marsh land, which reduces the arable land to a little less than 21000 acres. Koshkonong Lake is formed by the expansion of Rock River, being about nine miles in length and three miles in width, and lying principally in Jefferson County ; a small portion only including its outlet being in this township. The mai-sh land above referred to lies principally around this lake. Another lake called Deer Lake (clear, lake) is situated on Section Twenty, and is a beautiful sheet of pure water, of nearly circular form, averaging about half a mile in diameter. Its bed and shore is composed of gravel and white sand, and being clear and deep with dry bluffy shore, it is indeed beautiful as well as of utility to the farming community near it. Other small lakes furnishing water for farming purposes are situated on sections 25 and 26.

The only stream of water of which this town can boast, is a small stream called " Otter Creek." This creek rises in the Township east of this and running through this town in a North-westerly direction, empties into the the above mentioned Koshkonong lake. In consequence of the levelness of the country through which it flows, and generally having low banks, no very valuable water power is obtained. Yet Daniel F. Smith, who by the way was the first settler who brought his family into this town, constructed a dam with a ditch or race, by which means a tolerable water power was obtained, whereupon he built a saw mill, which was of great service and convenience to the first settlers in this part of the country. But from scarcity of suitable timber, and also from opposition by other mills of later origin and of greater pretensions, this has been neglected and is now silent; yet many remember the " old mUV with pleasure, even if supplanted by fast growing " Yo'ing America."

Along the southern boundary of this town lies a small prairie called "Du Lac prairie." This is about five miles in length and ranging from ^ mile to \\ miles in width. Near the centre of this prairie and near the village of Milton is a table land of nearly circular form, of about a mile in diameter, "rising about 75 or 80 feet. The top of this table land is level, and like the rest of this prairie has a rich, black loamy soil, fertile and productive.

The timber in this part, like the most of the Southern portion of this State, is bur-oak, white-oak and black-oak, with an occasional bass, poplar and soft-maple, in and about the low lands. Koshkonong lake together with some of the smaller lakes, produces an abundance of wild-rice, (Zizania Aquatica) vthich although formerly used as an article of food by the Natives, now only furnishes food for wild Geese and Ducks, which frequent these lakes in great numbers.

As I have hetofore stated, the first settlers came to this town in 1836 - among whom, were D. F. Smith, Stephen D. Butz, Aaron T. Walker, Alfred "Walker, Peter McEwan, Geo. W. Ogden, Elias Ogden, I. T. Smith and E. Hazzard. Although some of those came in the years 1 837-'38. These men nevertheless were the first settlers, the pioneers of this settlement. At that time the now city of JanesviUe was only occupied by two cabins. Samuel St. John occupied one, and the other was occupied by H. F. Janes from whom that town took or derived its name. Their place of market was Chicago. Even Milwaukee was of but humble pretensions, and none only those who have tried its realities, can appreciate the pleasures of packmg provisions even in scanty supplies from the frontier settlements, fqr an hundred miles back into a wilderness country, there to gladden the hearts of friends who had frequently felt conscious of other demands of human nature than beautiful country and a clear shy, and before the country itself could support human life, trees had to be felled, cabins reared, and the soil had to be " broken" and prepared, and crops sown ; and even then the laborer had to await the harvest. Many were the days of toil and anxiety attended with deprivations of every kind tending to ease and comfort, that the first settlei-s endured, and they were only rendered tolerahle,\>j smiling Hope as she whispered of comfortable homes and plenty in future. And indeed at this day they have all been realized; The pereon who can claim the honor of having done the first " breaking" (plowing) in this town, is Stephen D. Butz. He, with his sister, constituted the second family in this town. This " breaking" was done in 1836, on section 28. Peter McEwan made the first rail fence in this town, but to the Messrs. Walkers can be ascribed the honor of enclosing the fii'st field, raising the first crop of wheat and potatoes. The wheat was from 2 bushels sowing. The first potatoes were bought by A. T. Walker, from an old miner on Sugar River, and " packed" home on horseback. While on his way home he was offered $5 for, his bushel, by Mr. Janes, of Janesville; but money was no object in comparison to the much coveted potatoes.

I think in the year 1838, the few settlers were favored with that valuable acquisition to all neighborhoods, a blacksmith. Onin Sprague, during that year established a blacksmith shop on Prairie du Lac, near where Mr. Fraser's warehouse now stands. He, being a man of ingenuity and mechanical skill, was just such a man as the times required. He could mend a plow or make one ; or do any other work in his line which was required by the farmer. He made many plows, and made them so faultless that he acquired the reputation of being the only man in this section who could make a "breaking plow'' that would " run to a charm." And without giving him anything more than his due, I can say from personal knowledge, that he fairly and faithfully won <Aa< reputation. About the year 1839, quite a number of families came into this town from Alleghany county, N. Y. Among them was Joseph Goodrich, H. B. Crandall, James Pierce and Ebenezer Phelps. And as Joseph Goodrich has been, and is quite a prominent man in town, it may not be out of place to give a few thoughts to him ptrsonally. He is a man of a bold, energetic character, free and benevolent when occasion demands assistance, and actuated by a high senseof moral integrity and rectitude. Yet he understands about as well how to turn his pennies, to win, as any other man.

He came to this part, with the iirst stock of goods that ever graced this town, although it was not such a stock as the glaring hand-bills of the present day exhibit, yet, it met the wants of the few settlers who then lived here. He also kept the fii'st public House or tavern, and many can testify of his generous hospitality to the poor emigrant as he tendered to them his " substance" free of charge. He is a man of great eccentricity, and for many years clMmed the euphonious title of " mule man" ; in consequence of his great partiality to the use of mules for farming purposes in opposition to horses. But as this novelty wore away, he commenced the construction of " gravel buildings" ; the success of which experiment can now be seen in this tovra, by what is now known as the " GraVel Block" ; also by a number of other buildings in and around the village of Milton. For this reason he acquired the still more novel cognomen of " Oravel Man" ; (perhaps it would be improper to attribute these different titles to the fact of any such personal qualifications^

And as he is noted for his pubho spirit; when Rail Roads began to claim the attention of the public in this vicinity, he at once entered into the subject with energy ; and has since worked in that cause with a hearty good will. And to-day he would claim no higher title than " Railroad Man" - Whether this is the ultimatum of this chain of " odd titles," the future only can reveal. And in conclusion I will say, that almost the entire success of the present village of Milton can be attributed to his efforts and liberality.

This township was not organized until the year 1842, when with many other towns it organized under an act of our territorial Legislature. At that time, this township and the now town of Lima were both united under the name of Milton. Lima was organized separately as a town in 1845.

As early as 1838, the settlers without regard to sectarianism, united and supported religioiis meetings. They gave to their minister such of their substance as they could spare, and their subscriptions for the support of ministerial labors were duly paid in " labor, produce, (wheat, com and oats then being an acceded legal tender) and cash" ; the last of which articles, so scanty, that when it touched the palm of the extended hand of the official, it felt truly spiritual.

But at the present time, with the increase of population and wealth, we are blessed with the salutary influence of 3 organized churches, eaoh having a separate edifice for their devotions. The " Seventh-day-baptist" church (a sect who observe the seventh instead of the first day of the week as the Sabbath) numbers 180 members. The Presbyterian church, numbera about

An Academy was established in this village in the year 1844, by Jos. Gioodrich, its founder and patron, and commenced its work of educating the youth, under the care and guidance of Rev. Betheal C. Church, a man of most exemplary character, and a truly efficient teacher. This institution, though of but humble pretensions, was in fact a great accession and benefit to this town. In the year 1848, it was chartered under the name of Du Lac Academy^ by which name it was known until the year 1854 ; the charter was then renewed under the name of " The Milton Academy," by which name it is now known. A large, spacious and substantial building was erected in the year 1855 ; and it is now in a flourishing condition, and under the guidance of Prof. A. C. Spicer. It can with safety be said, to be sec- 07idto none in the State.

This town now numbers between 1,300 and 1,400 inhabitants, of which between 300 and 400 reside in the so-called village of Milton. We are now .benefited by the " Milwaukee & Mississippi railroad," and also this village being the junction of the " Janesville branch," alias Southern Wis. railroad, with the above mentioned railroad. The benefits of a speedy market, and ready communication with the East and South, are apparent. Property has increased rapidly in value ; money more plenty, and consequently business is brisk; and every branch of industry is on the progressive principle.

This town has ever been noted for its health, and even its morals have not been overlooked. Its fii-st settlers having a tincture of the blood of our Pilgrim Fathers coursing in their veins, have studiously and piously endeavored to keep those hot-beds of sin and iniquity - grog-shops - out of this town. And until the present they have succeeded; and yet they feel like waging war upon the infernal traffic, until not even a solitary jug shall be seen to wend its way to Janesville, there to be filled with the genuine K G., and then return to its bloated-visaged devotee, and through him render an innocent family miserable and unhappy.

Politically, this town has heretofore seen many hard-fought battles between the Whig and Democratic parties, which have been quite equally balanced. But at present, Milton can tell a tale, which though it causes " petty tyrants " to jeer, yet its moral, causes them to quake with apprehensions of danger.

And now in conclusion, considering the steady advancement of this town in wealth and general prosperity, and its success in those few years it has been settled, what may we not expect when another eighteen years shall have rolled away ? Her now many broad acres of uncultivated soil, rich and fertile by nature, then yielding their abundance her many orchards, bending^ under the delicious fruits of this climate; her statalj farm-houses, sending forth the hum of happy families, supplied with every comfort and luxury ; capacious barns and granaries, filled with the fruits of honest toil; herds of fine cattle, and fleet horses, whoso glossy coats bespeak no drouths or fastings; contented porkers, snoring in happy concert over their abundant supply of golden meal; and even voracious Shanghais, standing in moody silence, that their capacious crops can hold no more ; while the industrious farmer, even then, with well-filled purse, can count them aJl mine. And the busy mechanics, actively beating time to the tune of three dollars per day, making our village ring with the chimos of hammer, saw, maWet and plane, while the machine shops are daily changing the rough ore into useful tools and machinery, and the log is metamorphosed into houses, furniture &c., and finally everything bespeaking the blessings of God, and the powers of Man. A. W. BALDWIN,

Supervisors - ^Daniel Babcock, Chairman; Allen Holmes, Joel Wood; Henry Colman, Town Clerk; Joel Wood and James McCuin, Assessors; M. T. Walker, Phillip Marquart, James Pierce and Abel D. Bond, Justices of the Peace.

Supervisors - Allen Holmes, Chairman; Phillip Marquart, S. D. Butts; A. W. Baldwin, Town Clerk; Silas W. Crandall, Treasurer; Milo Smith and Alfred Walker, Assessoi-s ; H. G. Greenman, Asa Weaver, Phillip Marquart and James Pierce, Justices of the Peace,

Isaac T, Smith raised 50 bush, apples and 100 tons of hay; J. E. Culver raised 10 bush, apples and 6 bush, plums; George W. Ogden raised 40 bush, apples; Luke Holmes raised 130 bush, apples and 100 tons hay; Henry Green made 2300 lbs, cheese and 300 lbs. butter, also raised 30 bush, apples.

Magnolia

Is about fifteen miles west from JanesviUe, The face of the oountry mostly undulating, bur oak openings, with a mixture of some prairie ; making many very desirable farms. It is well watered by springs of the purest quality ; here is also a fine creek and considerable first quahty marsh, inexhaustible iu richness, producing heavy crops of gi'ass. The soil is a sandy loam, on a sub-soil of clay, producing abundant crops. This town is somewhat noted for its grass seed, which it produces in considerable quantities, and is shipped east. Here are some of the best stock farms in the State. The settlers were mostly from New York foi-rnerly. It has a good water power - six feet head; and one grist mill and one saw mill.

The first settlers were John N. Palmer, Joseph Prentice, Andrew Cotter, Washington Adams, Wendall Fockler, Abram Fox, Jonathan Cook, Edmund Basy, Ambrose Moore, George McKenzie, Widow Hines and her son Wm. L. Hines, and, Sanford P. Hammond.

The population in 1850, was 630; in. 1855, 989. It has nine school dis-. tricts, and seven good stone and-frame school houses; 446 scholara, and receives the present year from the State School Fund, $296,

One CoBgregational church, Rev. J. J, Jameson, pastor; one Free- Will Baptist church, organized in this town and Spring Valleys Rev. James E. Pope, preacher. The Methodists also have meetings here ; Elders Butler and Webster, preachers. The UniversaUsts have regular meetings ; Rev. G. W. Lavfrence, preacher.

The Congregationalists only have a church edifice ; in the building of which, they were assisted by the Baptists, Methodists and Universalists, It was constructed in 1854.

Supervisor* - Joseph Doohttle, Chairman ; A. U. Thomas, James A. Robson. Joshua Dunbar, Town Clerk. Andrew Cotter, Ambrose Spenser, Frederic Barrett, Assessors. James Jones, Treasurer; Arba Townsend, Superintendent. John Howe, N. B. Howard, Seth J. Cain and George Patch-, en, Justices of the Peace.

Town Officers For 1865

Supervisors - Joseph Doohttle, Chairman; N. B..Howard, James A. Robson. Joshua Dunbar, Town Clerk ; C. N, Moon, Treasurer; Arba Townsend, Superintendenti N. B. Howard, Geo, Patchen, John S. Niles, Justices, of the Peace.

N. B. Howard, Esq., member of the Assembly from his district, in 1 854, resides in this town. Col. Ezra Miller, also a member of the Senate fronoi the I7th district, for the years 1853 and 1854, resides in this town, and has a very fine, well regulated farm.

The Foixowino Abe Among The First Farmers In Magnolia

This town adjoins Beloit, and is town one north, of range 11 cast, and thirteen miles southwest from JanesvUle. It was organized in the spring of 1846. The population in 1850 was 798; now, 1855, 1,117. It has nine school districts and seven school houses. The present number of scholai-s is 415, and receives the present year from the State School fund, $314 75. - Newark Post Office is in this town.

The following commuiiication from F. Curtice, Esq., of Newark, gives a brief, but very good sketeb of the early history and present state of the town:

Dear Sir: - Yours of the 1st of Januar}-, requesting the early history,' &c., of this town, was received; but-not havinghad an opportunity, I have aeglected to attend to it, and consider myself now wholly unqualified tofurnish such an article as you desire. , But if the following statement, or any part of it, will be of any service to you, it is at your disposal.

In the; year 1842, Mrs. Gunale, a Norwegian widow lady, made the first location- made in this town. To her belongs the honor of having erected the fii-st log cabin in the town of Newark. , In the year 1843, she was followed by several of her countrymen, whose names I have not been able to ascertain." In the year 1844, Nathaniel Strong, , J. B. Smyth, John Stephens, Peter Me Vain, A. Gr^ Fblt, P. P. Chase, and others, made purchases, and erected houses, all of whom are among the most prominent citizens at this. present time. Since the year 1844 the town has increased steadily in population until it numbers at the present timo about 1,100 inhabitants.

Three religious societies have at different times been organized within the limits of this town. :A,Ba,ptist organization in -184 9; a Congregational in 1845, and a Lutheran in 1844. The last mentioned, have a, ve?y ijespectable _.house of worship, and regular preaching. This society includes the Norwegian population, which constitute about one fourth of the whole population, of '.the town. , ; . .

The town of Newark Was organized. and elected her first set of "ofBCers on the- 1st of April, in the year 1846. Prior to that time, I believe it had been included in the town of Beloit. Wo have a good- supply of good mechanics in lOur town, but no professional men whatever.

No mills or manufswturing establishments of any kind ; the entire population being engaged in agricultural pureuits, the profits of which are perfectly satisfactory at present

The soil is what is Usually termed a sandy loam. The principal and the only stream of any iconsequence is Coon creek, running nearly through the center of the tx)wn, on which is a superior water power - fonnerly used to run a distillery, but now unoccupied, the distillery having been burned some three- years since-^-the property of Goodhue & Co. The town is, however, well watered by numerous springs and smaller streams.

About four-fifths of the surface is what is tei-med bur oak openings. The balance consists of about equal portions of prairie and marsh, including n small portion of what is usually called Gould Smith prairie, in the southwest bomer; also a small neck of Rock prairie, in the northeast. Surface of the town is very slightly undulating"."- I think about one-fourth, or nearly, is at present under cultivation - cultivated in small parcels - no person cultivating over one hundred and fifty acres, and only two or three over eighty. - The majority of settlers coming here with very limited means, or none at all, were not able to purchase very large tracts of land. Principal articles produced are wheat and com, the former of very superior quality.. Most farmera have planted fruit trees and are beginning to produce some fruit, &c. (fee.. The following is a list of officers, elected in Newai'k> for the years 1854 and 1855,

Town Officers Fob 1854

P. S. - The above is all that occurs to my mind at this time. There ar» older settleis in this town, better qualified to furnish you with what you want I know pf no incidents in the history of the town very peculiar or Interesting, F. C^

With The Amount Of Crops And Stock Raised By Each

Was at first included in the organization at, and constituted a part of Union. In 1846-^by Legislative ^t it ws»s orgsnijsed into a separate towu corporation by llie name of Oak. By that organic act Cookville, the only village in the Township, was reserved and still continued a part of Union. - ' This was unsatisfactory k) the people of the town, who considered that they were unjustly treated in having their township dismembered. The representative from that Assembly District, who resided in Union, was .accused of being mainly instrumental in, that matter. They however organized, and the next Legislature amended the act, granting them the whole township, and changed the name to Porter, in honor of one of the principal land pro' prietors in the town - Dr. John Porter. This town is North-west from Janesvijle about twelve miles.

The first Settlers were Joshua Webb, Wm. Webb, John Rhinchart, John Winston, Joseph. Osborn, Robinson B'ent, Charles Stokes, Solomon Griggs, John R. Bpyce, John Cook, and Daniel. Cooki

The smface of this- town is about equally divided between prairie and the finest kind of oak openings - Catfish Prairie is the principal prairie - Catfish River, the outlet of the Pour Lakes passes through this town - 'onw hich are some good water-powers. Harrison Stebbins, Esq., has recently pur'- chased a very fine water-power on this stream, which he is making an-ange^ ments to improve next season. The Messrs. Sayre also have a sawmill oii this river.

Han'ison Stebbins, Esq., who represented his Assembly District in the Legislature a few yeare since, resides in this town, and has one of the most desirable, situations in the county.

Cookville,; (Wiaucoma Village,) is situated on the Badfish - a small streani which passes thi'oijgli this town, afibrding thxee good watep-powers, on© e.-^* pecially at Cookville, which is improved. Here is a sawmill and gi-istmill owned by Mr. Longbonie - ^built by Messrs. Chambers ^ Lovejoy. This village is very pleasantly located on the edge of a broad and gei>tly slopinoprairie.

One Tavern, three Stores, one Sash and Door Factory, one Wagon Shop, one Harness Shop, two Shoe Shops, one Blacksmith Shop, one Tailor Shop, one Cabinet Shop, one Post Office-^John B. Collins, Post Master. The

Thepopulationinl8£0 was 881, in 195S, 1165. It has 10 school districts, 8 school bouses and 452 scholare. This town receives this year $^359 school money from State Fund,

Supervisors - ^John Winston, Chairman ; Horace Fessend«n, Thomas Van Patten ; Harrison Stebbins, Town Clerk ; John R. Boyce, Treasurer ; Edward GiUey, Assessor; W. W. Blackman, Superintendent ; Benjamin Hoxie and John R. Boyoe, Justices of the Peace.

Supervisors - Harrison Stebbins, Chairman ; Elliot Barnard, Rodman Ide ; J. E. P. Porter, Town Clerk ; Horace Fessenden, Treasurer ; Jason B. Miller, Superintendent ; John Stevens, Assessor ; John W. Fisher and Benjamin Hoxie, Justices of the Peace,

Plymouth

Is town 2 North of range 11 East; about 11 miles South-west from Janes' ville, and is well and truly described by the following communication from

Dear Sir :: - The town of Plymotith was first settled in the Spring of '41. David Dou^ass, Stephen C. Douglass, and Samuel Colby arrived with their families from Michigan on the 3 1st day of May, and pitched their tent near the centei"of section 2, on the bank of a branch of Bass Creek.

They mad(i use of, their tent and covered wagons, of which they had three, for a habitatioij, until they were enabled to build a house for the elder Douglass, which was but partially roofed when they removed into it with all of their oflFects. It was destitute of doors, windows and chinking. On my arrival on the eighth day" of July, {(Movrmg, I found them as above stated, and though the population was rather dense, room was made; and we domiciled with them. Our nearest neighbors east, were Jasper P. Sears, Esq., on Rock Kiver, and Judge Hdmes and family, wHo lived on the farm now owned by David Noggle, Esq. We^t was John Crall, Abraham Fox, John D. Holmes, ' Alanson Clawson, Wendel Fockler and George W. Adams, and old Mr. Adams his father, and their families, some nine miles distant. Souths I believe it was eleven miles to a settler, and north, seven miles to Lem- ' uel Warren, Esq. Over this area of country embracing some six or eight townships the beast's of the forest, the wild-cat and wolf, held undisputed sway. I speak of them because the saucy rascals have more than once taken my fat pigs from my door,and were unwilling to give them up even, when followed up in hot pursuit. The first civil office in the town of Center, (or that part of old Center now called Plymouth, for in those days we had no town government) was held by appointment from the Governor and Council in winter of 1841-'2 ; the incumbent was the writer. The winter of 1842- ''43 was extremely severe. The first snow fell on the night of the eighth of November, and continued until the 7th of April, a period of five months with uninterrupted good sleighingi Much of the time was severely cold, with strong winds and drifting snow ; which continued to increase until it had attained to a depth of nearly two feet. Koiid tracks across the prairies would catch the drifting snow until they attained to an elevation of two to four feet, which veiy much endangered the safety of meeting teams, as in turning out, the horse that stepped from the path would often sink and plunge so deep, that the mate would fall on to, or over him and both be floundering for life in the deep snow, with more or less icy crusts to cut and maim them. Freeport lay some forty miles South-west of us, to which place we used to go to get our corn and oats to feed, plant and sow. In a snow storm it was rather a hazardous route to travel. I may as well speak here of one of the many little incidents of that winter.

So that it will be seen that the pioneers of Plymouth are the old pioneers of Center. The first town meeting of Plymouth was held on the twentyeighth day of August, 1848. The names of those elected to hold the offices of the town, at that election were as follows :

Plymouth at the last annual town meeting, polled one hundred and fifteen votes, the largest ever polled in the town, as will be seen by reference to its poll books. At the general election in 1850, it polled 107 votes; in 1852, it polled 110; in 1853, it polled 71; in 1854, it polled 78; and in 1855, ic polled 74 votes. This town is now capable of polling two hundred and fifty votes.

Li the brief space of thirteen years, what a change has come over the country. That portion of the county that cotnprised the town of Center, is now divided off into three or four towns, each numbering its hundreds of in^ habitants, and some of them their hundreds of voters. Five or six villages and one-half of the city of Janesville, numbering its thousands, have sprung up within its borders. And its entire area is inhabited by as intelligent, industrious and enterprising and prosperous community as can be found any where in the west. They are all on the high road to wealth. Perhaps there is no other portion of Eook county equal in extent, combining so many ad' vantages for growing gi-ain and stock, and for carrying on all other branches of husbandry peculiar to the west, as that portion which constituted the town of Center as it was first oi^anized.

The town of Plymouth is well adapted to the raising of wheat. It haa a very suitable share of rich and rolling prairi&, is well supplied with fine gi-oves of timber, and as well watered perhaps with durable streams and beautiful springs as any town in the county, while its extensive meadows yield an inexhaustible supply of the best of native grass for stock.

It has two Railroads passing through it, crossing each other at a point on Bass creek, called Bass Creek, nearly in its geographical center, on section fourteen, where there is a water power capable of driving two run of stone. A grist mill is already erected, and is expected to be doing busi^ negs early in the coming season^ It is expected a large business will be done here as soon as the two roads are completed and in active operation, as each will build a depot at this point. They are not to run on each other's track; consequently more or less re-shipping will be done here.

Plymouth contains three villages, Bass Creek, Footville and Bornitz. - They are all yet in their infancy. Bass Creek, at the junction mentioned above, is situated on Bass creek. The site for the village, which is now laid off into lots, five to the acre, is owned by John L> V. Thomas, Esq., the present incumbent of the office of Clerk of Board of Supervisors for Rock county. There are now some ten faiuilies in the village of Bass Creek, with a fan: prospect of a speedy and rapid increase, as the Milwaukee & Mississippi railroad is to be completed to that point early in the coming season.

Footville is a th^^g place, situated upon a beautiful slope of land in the valley of, and near, Bass creek. It is the present terminus of the Beloit & Madison railroad. It contains some 40 families. It has two stores, two groceries,, two taverns, a post pflSce, one blacksmith shop, one shoemaker's shop, one Odd Fellows' hall and one meeting house. A steam saw miU is about being built there by one of the old and enterprising settlers, Julius Gilbert, Esq. There are many large and commodious dwelling houses in the place. It has every appearance of enterprise and thrift. Bornits is a village lying on the south line of the town, in section thirty-three. It is settled by some very gentlemanly citizens from Norway. It comprises a few commodious stone dwellings, a printing office with a power press, a parsonage, &C. <fec. It lies in the heart of a splendid farming country on section thirty-three. Here rich and beautifully undulating prairies and abundant groves are marked with innumerable perennial springs, whoso waters form beautiful rivulets that discharge themselves into Coon Creek, one of the tributaries of Sugar River.

Plymouth has perhaps as little waste land as any town in the State. - Every acre - the poorest Of its surface - has long since been sold at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. Its most extensive marshes that are

Unfortunately, however, for its inhabitants, quite a lai^e tract of its surface is in the hands of Wall Street speculators, who refuse to sell. It em^ braces, I think, some five to seven sections of the very best portion of the toTivn.

I have yet to learn that there ever has been the first acre of arable land brought into a state of cultivation in the town of Plymouth, that has not, by thorough cultivation, proved itself to be very productive. And in short, when its resources shall be fully developed, it will be fiiUy entitled to the ap' pellation of town No. 1, in Rock county.

It has 8 school distribts, 6 school houses and 363 scholars over 4 and under 20 years of age, and receives $207,69 from the State School Fund the present year.

A Norwegian Paper

Samuel Smiley-, Caleb Imna,n, J. Fisher, A. Smiley, James Whitehead, -J. G. Scofield, A. C. Douglas, S. F. Chipman, Daniel Bemis, John Arnold,

Spring Valley

This town contains very little prairie. Its surface is gently undulatiug and covered with a scattering growth of large bur oaks, with more or less hickory, and altogether a vety good agricultural town, well watered, well wooded, a good productive soil with a reasonable portion of good, natural meadow for cutting hay, making it altogether a very desirable location for a farmer who wishes the conveniences for a farm - rather than to have an extensive one. The Southern Wisconsin Railroad will pass through this town, and will have a station here. They havein this town one Store, [one Tavern, kept by Col. E. Clapp and' Dr. S. W. Abbott. A Post Office,

The population of ttis town in 1850 was T66 ; in 1856 it was 1,006. It has ten School Districts and six School Houses. The number of scholars is 361. This town receives the sum of $2T5 from the State School Fund the present year.

The first settlers in this town were James Kirkpatrick, Erastus C. Smith, Robert Taylor, Roderick M. Smith, James Bradshaw, Almerin Sprague, Amos Remington, Allen Hurlbnt, S. G. Milk, and Solomon Rose.

Churches - ^A Free Will Baptist - a Primitive Methodist and a Presbyterian - -have been oj'ganized and each have stated preaching, although neither have a churph building. Quite a portion of this town is settled by Norwegians, who make very good citizens. Many of them are quite large farmers. They are uniformly Lutherans in their religion.

Turtle

This town is South-east from Janesville and east-T-adjoining Beloit - is one of the finest townships in the county, possessing in her own limits a plenty of wood, timber, limestone, clay for bricks, creeks, water-power, and ftQ excellent soil, properly proportioned between timber and openings, all well watered. Turtle Creek passes through this town from North-east to South-west. There are several very fine water-powers on this stream, two or three already improved. Mr. Daniel Bennett has a very good waterpower on his farnt, near the west line of the town.

town and empties into the Turtle. The Kaeine and Beloit Eailroad passes down the valley of this creek. , Egery Creek receives its name from Daniel B. Egeiy, Esq., from Vermont, who first settled on this creek in 1838 - where ho now resides. This creek rises in Milton and runs about South-west through a portion of this town into Illinois and thence emptying into Rock River. Otter Creek also rises in the east part of Clinton, runs west and unites with Egery Creek in Sec. 34. There is a fine water-power on this creek, with a fall of 21 feet in a race of 200 rods, owned by D. B. Egery & Son. Some very fine quarries a^e found on these streams. Mr. John Benedict has a quarry of very fine building stone on his farm, also a limekiln, in which he manufactures annually about one thousand bushels lime. The first settlers in this town were D. B. Egery, Daniel Bennett,- Chancy Tuttle, John Lewis, Abel Lewis, Samuel G. Colley, Richard Dole, and John Hopkins.

Is a beautiful village in this town on Section 3. It is 9 miles South-east from Janesville, on Turtle jCreek, which gives.a water-power here of 9 feet head and fall, and is'. a very reliable' stream for supply of water. Here is a stone flouring mil), 4 stories high, running three pairs of burrs, and is completely finished throughout; cost $18,000i and built and owned by Hon, L. P. Harv6y and J. H. Randall. This mill grinds SOiOOO btishels of grain annually. A saw mill af this place, also, owned by the same; cuts annually'! 50,000 feet of oak lumber ; cdst $'2,000. Turtleville flouring mill is one mile below on the same stream. North of this village stretches Rock Prairie. South an extensive tract of timbered land, extending 7 miles. Abundance of excellent lime Stone is found in this vicinity, from whict the village' receives its name - a corruption of the French Chaux, (Sho,) signifying lime - pierre, signifying stone. Lime is made here of very expellerit quality. The Chicago, St. Pauls aud Fond du Lac Railroad passes through this place, crossing the Turtle on a fine, substantial bridge constructed by Hon. L. P. Harvey. The first settlers of this village were Caleb E. Culver, John Hopkins, J. H. Randall, A. W. Allyn, James Chamberlain and John Spencer. At aa early day, while Wis. was in its transition state from savage to civilized life, a distillery was established here, but wa.s discontinued after a few years, through the exertions and sacrifice of John Hopkins, Esq. ; to his credit be it said.

Churches - A Congregational Church was organized here in 1843 - which has recently erected a stone edifice for worship, at an expense of $2,00(*. Rev. Mr. Wel'lsj Congregational Minister. The Universalists also have contracted for tbe building of a Church here. Here is one Tavern' one Store, one Grocery two Blacksmith Shops, one Wheelwright Shop, two Shoemaker's Shops, and one Tailor Shop.

Hon. L. P. Harvey - State Senator from 18th Senatorial District - resides here. Mr. Harvey has served the public in various capacities - Shaving been a Delegate from this county to form the present State Constitution - represented his district in the Assembly - and one term of two years in the Senate - has recently been re-elected to the Senate. He is held in high esteem bj" the people, and was a candidate in the last Legislature for U. S. Senator.

Town Officers Fok 1854

Supervisors - R F. Murray, Chairman ; Samuel Gardiner, A. W. AUyn ; J. H. Rogers, Town Clerk ; H. J. Murray, Superintendent Com. Schools ; Jacob Dunn, Treasurer; P. M. HinmSn, J. A. Harris, M. P. Cogswell, Justices of the Peace.

Turtle was organizedln '46, previous to which it constituted a part of Beloit. The population in 1850 was 1005, in 1855, 1271. It has eleven School Districts and 470 scholars over four and under twenty years of age. This town has eight School Houses. It receives $367 88 from the State School Fund the present year.

Sir : - Having received a hne from you requesting me to write the early history of the town of Turtle - although this call from you was quite unexpected, yet I will endeavor to give a few historical facts, more particularly of tbe notthertt part of the town, including Shopiere and Turtleville. The first settlers) it setenls, were a colony from Beloit " For up the Turtle," and consisted of William Smith, Horace Bice, and Hudson Case. This was in 1836, The first Grove on the south side of the Turtle - known as Cross's Grove - was by a mutual agreement claimed by Mr. Smith. Mr. Rice claimed the next Grove on the north side of the Turtle, now owned by Mack and others. Mr. Case claimed the next Grove on the north side of the stream now owned by Stark and others. They, as was usual at that time, each claimed all the land adjoining their several claims. Soon after this settlement was commenced, Mr. Smith had a son born, which was the first child born in this section of Rook County. At, or about this time, a family from Penn., /ormeWy, by the name of Meeks, claimed where Shopiere now is situated, and built a shanty near where Eacher's store now stands. This family, which consisted of Father, Mother, five Sons and five Daughters, was rather remarkable for size - the whole number averaging about 200 lbs each. They belonged to that class, in the western country, that keeps a little ahead of civilization - known as " Borderers," a sort of connecting link between civilization and barbarism. They first stopped in Oliio, then moved to Ind., then to 111., and at this time hauled up here in Wis., on the Turtle, only to again remove - when "neighbors got within 40 miles of them." This class of people can never do too many kindnesses for their fiiends nor too many injuries to their enemies. About this time a company was formed in Connecticut, and claimed on the north side of the Turtle, opposite Shopiere, This colony was composed of people of an entirely different character and disposition, having brought along with them many of those peculiar notions, for which that State is noted. The reader can readily imagine the consequences resulting from the proximity of two such settlements and of such contrasting characters. The Meekers soon dubbed the Conn, people with two quaint sobriquets - " Pussy " and "Whale," - the former from the fact that they brought in a lot of cats and gold to the settlers ; and the other from the fact that some of them had been engaged in a whale"- fishery, and were great at "spinning yams." Things went on without any open rupture until the latter part of the summer of 1837, when both parties commenced cutting hay on the bottoms on the north side of the stream. The yankees proving to be the smartest workers, were like to monopolize all the hay, and thus rob old Brindle - the only stuck possessed by the Meekevs - of her rights, and subject her to a winter of browsing. This was too much for a generous nature to bear, with any degree of equanimity. Uncle John, from his cabin door discovered the true state of things, and sounded the bugle for a general parade of the colony. They got together all the fire-arms about the premises - charged them heavily - and a log, extending Irom one corner of their cabin eight or tan feet, served as a resting place for their muskets and rifles - all ready for a discharge upon the offending yankees - while he, with stentorian voice, worthy of a general officer, ordered them to disperse and leave the hay, or in case they neglected to obey, he would discharge a broadside into them; but the yankees, reckless of consequences, did not heed the threat ; but continued the work of raking and carting off the hay. Matters were now coming to an " awful " crisis. It was thought best to hold a council of war at the "' Meeker fort," when it was thought best to ditipatch a detachment consisting of the old lady and her five daughters to attempt to drive the marauders from the ground, while Uncle John and the five sons were to keep possession of the " fort." The old Lady, armed with a long-tined' pitch fork, the daughters each with a fish speer, actuated by the strongest sympathy for " poor old Brindle," presented no mean battle array on the south bank of the Turtle, each one lull ' six feet in their shoes. Having arrived at the stream theAeroine thus addreasher daughters: "The infernal yankees are the j)est of our lives. We left Penn. for Ohio to get away from them; again we left Ohio for Ind., and then to 111., and at last have arrived at this place, and here they are ; and now I am determined to make a stand and fight, for I will not go any further." " Go it, mother, we will follow you," was the unanimous response ; when, brandishing their weapons, they started to ford the stream. The yankees, observing the warlike movements on the opposite side, had not been idle ; but heroically acting up to the exigency of the circumstances, made choice of " Whale " to command the defense. He at once ordered the hay wagons to be arranged for a breast-work, and thus addressed his compeers : " I sincerely thank you for the honor conferred, in making choice of me for your commander - you who in old Connecticut have been brought up to clam digging and wooden-nutmeg manufacture-^who came all the way from " away down east," to claim the little Territory of Wisconsin - now prepare yourselves to defend your rights; to fight the Meekers mtfwtcZuaWy and collectively - males and females. If in this fearful contest I should be slain, 0, fail not to bear the mournful tidings to my disconsolate widow and fatherless children, and assure them that I fell nobly, defending my rights and those of my fellow citizens," By this time the assailants had approached the breast-works. The old lady ordered her valiant daughters to charge upon the company, while she made an individual onset upon the Captain , which she did, approaching him with the long-tined fork. The Captain drew a pistol and ordered ber to stand - to advance at the peril of her life ; but she was well aware of her safety under cover of the guns as the " fort ; " - 80, rwthing daunted, she pricked him out from behind the raraparte - he continuing to step backwards as she a,dvanced - still threatening to fire if ste advanced " another inch," until ere he was aWare, he backed off the bank of a bayou of the stream, with eight feet of water. She, observing her advantage, gave him a severe thrust as he went down the bank, when he dove and swam beyond the reach of her forki The rest of the company - assailed by the girls-^-stood their ground, courageously defending themselves, until they saw their Captain fall ; and supposing^ that he was killed,; hastily retreated, and left the field to the undisputed victors. They hurrif^d to the settlement to break the sad news to the widow, who, being just in the act of fainting, was joyfully relieved by the presence of the Capt., all dripping with mud and water.

The trophies consisted of three rakes, one fork, one pail of rations, : containing four yankee johnnyeakes, eight cold pota.toes, one jug of w;hisky, &c. From the above mentioned battle the place was ever after known as Waterloo, until changed: - on the establislynent of a Post OflBce - to the present name of Shopiere.

Sometime in the year IBS'? Blodgett purchased the Meeker claim, and soon built a saw mill. The first importation was a distillery. First exports from this place, a load of whisky, sent to Janesville,

About the same time, A. F. Lewis commenced another village, about one mile below on the same stream. Built a saw mill and opened a store; the first one within the present limits of Turtle. These were ever rival towns, and much strife existed between them : Turtleville claiming all the religion and morality; - Waterloo possessing all the whisky, drunkenness and swearings At a meeting of thirty citizens, to agree upon a name for the town, preparatory to an act of incorporation j and separate organization from Beloit, 29 voted for Waterloo* and only one, - B. E. Mack; - voted for the name of Turtle. When the matter went to the Legislature it was found that there was already one town in the State by that name, (Waterloo,) so it was incorporated by its present name. Such are a few early reminiscences of the early times in the history of this town. I am, &c.,

B. E. Mack The Following Ars A. Few Of The Frincpal Farmers In Turtlb

Daniel Bennett raised 130 tons of hay, made 4000 Bos. cheese, sind 600 fts, butter; Daniel B. Egery raised 150 bushels apples, and 70 tons hay; Dwight B. Kgery raised 70 tons hay; B. F. Murray raised 50 bushels apples; Sylvester Murray raised 50 bushels apples; Henry Smith made 400 lbs. butter, and 400 Sis. cheese; Elek Bruce rMsed 47 tons hay.

Union

Is the most North-western town in the County, and 16 miles North- w«st from Janesville. ' The face of country is similar to that of Magnolia, except that it has less prairio; and the land generally iiot so rolling. ' The earliest settlers were Ira Jones, Stephen Jones, Boyd Phelps, Charles McMilleB, Hi- i-am Griffith, John Sayles, Erastus Quivoy, "Washington Higday, Samuel Lenis, Jacob West, John T. Baker, Levi Leonard, Willis T. Bunton. This town was organized in 1842, and at that time included what is now Union, Porter, and north half each of Center and Magnolia.

Is situated on Allen's Creek, ahd has a very good water powef with a sawmill and grist-mill, owned by Wm. Campbell. The site for the village is very beautiful, being on the border of a small prairie and in one of the tinost groves adjoining, that can be found in the County. This place received its name from Dr. 3. M. Evaas, the first physician whio settled there, and who is the present Representative from that Assemby District, having been elected by almost a unanimous vote - a very flattering testimonial of tie regard of his fellow citizen in these exciting political times. Here is a commodious Methodist church, and a very nice Free-will Baptist church, which cost $2,500, on which is a very good bell. Nelson Butler, 0. F. Comfort and Hiram Griffiths, Methodist preachers. J, W. Lawton, Universalist preacher.

Lawtbb, - David L. Mills, who formerly resided in Fulton, and who was one of the delegates from Rock County to form the first State Constitution.

Two Blacksmith shops, one Wheelwright shop, one Livery Stable, one Tavern, two Stores, one Grocery, one Clothing Stoi«, Evansville Post Office, - ' Howe, Postmaster.

Ira Jones, Esq., a gentleman, held in very high esteem by his fellow citizens, resided in this town. He represented his district in Assembly of tha Legislature a few years since, and has for several years been chairman of the

Board of Supervisors, besides holding other offices of trust. Mr. J., during tie past winter, while drawing wood, fell from the load and the wheel of the loaded wagon passed over his body, injuring him so severely, that he died in a few hours.

Union Village

Is situated on the stage road from Janesville to Madison and equi-distant from each. Here are two large commodious Churches, a Calvanistic Baptist and Methodist.

The Following Are Among The Largest Faemeks In Union

Is the next town north of Janesville, being Town 4 Norths Range 12 E, It is divided into 10 school districts-^8 school houses-^nd has 491 scholars. It receives from the State School Fund the present year, $332,46.

Within the, hmits.of this town, are fom- villages. Ford" or Fulton Center, (from the fact of its having been a crossing place for the Indians in their travels up and down the valley of Rock river,) Newville, Fulton and Edgerton.

This town possesses natural advantages hardly excelled in the county elsewhere. It has several small and very beautiful .prairies, with a soil of the most superior quality. The timber is of large growth, suitable for sawing and building purposes. Rock river, which enters this town near the N. E. corner, makes a circuit south-west near the west line, thence bearing east, passes into Janesville in Section 32.

Pulton Cbntkr

There is a good water power on Rpck river at what was at an early day, and even at the present, known as "Indian Ford." Thip water power is owned and improved by Dr. Guy. Stoughton and Wm. T. Hall, Esq. A bridge spans the river at this place. This little village is the most central of any in town, and has a saw mill, a tavern, 3 stores and groceries, 2 blacksmith shops, 2 shoemakers' shops, and a very large school house, which serves for schools and also for holding public meetmgs.

George R. Ramsey, Esq., first setfled on this prairie about the same time that the Messrs. Stone located on the river; hence its name. Mr. R. was a member of Assembly from his district.afpw years since, in the Legislature. He still resides at the same plaw where he made his first claim.

Is thrown across the Rock near the residence of Robert Stone, who, with his brother Daniel, were the two earliest settlers, and among the first in the county. Mr. Stone is one of the largest farmers in the county. They were here in the summer of 1836.

(Formerly known as Catfish village,) is near the^west line of the township, on Section 7, and situated on the Catfish river near its junction with the Rock river. Here is a very superior water power, well improved, and a large flouring mill and a saw mill in operation.

Tliis is a small village in the north-east comer of the town of Fulton. It has a steam saw mill in successful operation, one tavern, one grocery, two blacksmith shops, and eight dwelling houses. Goodrich's bridge crosses Rock river at this place.

The village of Edgerton is located in the town of Fulton, one mile west of Rock river, on the line of the M. & M. R. R. A little over 2 years since, tlio Raili'oad reached this point; since which time has grown up a flourishing little town of 100 dwellings and 500 inhabitants.

There are three public houses, four stores, three groceries, one tin shop, one wagon shop, two blacksmith shops, two shoe shops, one tailor shop, one paint shop, one sash, door and blind factory, one saw-mill, one steam mill, and one grist mill, all under successful operation. There are also two church-i es in contemplation of erection.

The manufacture of bricks is also extensively carried on. The bricks produced are of a milky whiteness, and for beauty and durability, cannot be excelled in the State. The clay from which they are manufactured is very abundant, easily obtained^ and convenient to the Railroad ; afibrding the manufacturer a rare opportunity of transporting them at pleasure.

There are five substantial and commodious ware houses, and more in oontomplation of erection, which speaks well of its agricultural resources.

Considering the advantages by which it is surrounded, and judging tho future by the past, Edgerton must, not many j'ears hence, rank favorably with tho first villages in Rock or adjoining counties,

TOWN orriCKRa for 1855. Supervisors - Asa Root, Chairman, Charles Coon, James S. Hopkins ; S. Si Williftliisj Town Clerk; R. T. liawtoti, Deputy do; Erastus Hopkibs, Treasurer; R. T. Lawtoh, Superintendent of schools; R. T. Lawton, Thad^ deus Bowman, Justices of the Peace.

The Following Ark Among The First Farmers In Fulton Bradford

This is Township 2, North of Range 14 East, and is bounded North by Johnstown, East by Walworth County, South by Clinton and West by La Prairie.

Although the gi-eater part of its surface is prairie, yet the Turtle which passes through the southern part of the town is skirted by fine bur and white oak openings. Also a small oak grove is situated on the West line, mostly in this town, on sections 18 and 19. In addition to the above is that gem of the prairie, " Emerald Grove," situated on section 7 and 8,

Bradford is quite well watered for a prairie town, in fact more than 3-4 of the sections have living water - either the Turtle, its bianches, or springs.

The Turtle enters the town about the center-east line of section 13, runs west of South, through that and section 24, through the comer of section 26 into 35, then takes a turn back into 26, thence pursues a Westerly couree, passing through sections 26, 21, 28, 29, 32 and 31.

The other early settlers were Andrew McC.ullagh, Wm. C. Chase, James Winnegar, Joseph Maxon, Wm. B. Aldrich, C, Dykeman, Wm. Wyman, L, 8. Blaekman and Alva Blackman.

On the first division of this County into ioiras, the South half of this township was included ivith Clinton, and the North half in the town of Janesville, but in 1846 it was organized into a separate township.

Emekald Grove

On the South part of section 6, contains 1 post office, 1 tavern, 1 church 1 blacksmith shop, 1 store, 1 grocery, 1 school house and 15 dwellings.

ts another small village on the east line of the town and county also - the Water power on which MaxOn's mill is situated on the Turtle, being in Walworth County, whereas the village is mainly in Rock. Here is a post ofiBce, tavern, 2 stores, 1 blacksmith shop, a shoe shop and quite a number of

The population in 1850, was 703; in 185S, it was 1,002, There are 12 school districts, 11 school houses, and 356 scholars; They receive this year from the state school fund $266,45. There are one hundred and eigth-one farms in town.

Supervisors.-^Thomas W. Williams, Ch'n., Peter D. Wemple, Stephen Scott, Jr. Wm. C. Scott, Town Clerk. Jacob Fowle, Treasurer. Norman Densmore, Supt. of Schools. Beri Cook, Merrit Case, Wm. A. Wood, Justices of the Peace*

Names Of Some Of Thb Largbbt Farmers In The Town Of Bradford

Frederic Frydendall, 4^ tons broom corn; John A- Fletcher, 100 bu. timothy seed; Daniel Woodman, 5 tons broom com ; Alva Blackman, 1 ton; Cornelius Dykemai), 15 tons; Wm. T. DooHttle, 4 tons; Henry" Dykeman, 4 tons; L. S. Blackman, fths of a ton; Norman Densmore, 140 bu. timothy seed ; Russell Oheney, 100 bushels ; Aaron Briggs, 50 bu, ; Levi Davis, 85 bn. ; Warren Courfewright & John Cummings, 50 bu. ; E. Livingston, 66 bu. ; Jacob Fowle, 110 bu. timothy seed and 20 bu. beans; Stephen Scott, Jr., 40 bu. timothy seed; Lucius Van Allen, 84 bu. timothy seed and 25 bu. beans; David McNair, 5 bu. beans ; John Teachout, 5 bu, do. Number of Farms in 1855, 192.

Township 2, north of Range 12 east. This town is situated on both sides of Rock River, which divides it into two nearly equal portions. That part upon the East side of the river is nearly all prairie, but that upon the West side is mostly timber, some of it being Very good, though the greater part being " oak openings." The soil of the entire town is of excellent quality. It is well watered, especially that part West of the river. Springs and "running brooks," of New England memory, are abundant.. Bass, or Afton creek, enters the town towards its North-west comer and empties itself into Rock River at Afton, not far fi'om its South-easi; corner. Along its margin are extensive meadows of unrivalled luxuriance, affording abundance of that great " Western Staple," " Marsh Hay." For variety and richness of soil, good water, and a plentiful supply; timber properly disposed, and prairie just as it should be, and every other desirable accompaniment to an agricultural town, this town is inferior to none in Rock County, or in the State of Wisconsin. It was oi'ganized in 1842, and contained only its standard limits; six miles square, and was the only town in the County which at that time comprised only its legitimate territory, and ' consequently obtaiifed the " sobriquet" of the "little town of Rock." As to its " ancient history," little is known, but from the "remains" of its fortifications it is judged to have been once the theatre of war, and the " play gi-ound" of the hero ; and subsequently to have been no less the favorite dwelling place of the Horticulturist, the farmer and mechanic, as the "remains" of gardens and fields, tmd specimens of mechanical skill unmistakably indicate; and that this town sustained a vastly larger population in " olden times" than at present, no

The Pottawatamies, Wiimebagos, ahd other tribes of Indians, long had made their home amid its gardens and shady groves, beside its purling brooks and bubbling springs^ beside its noble river, and no where did the hunter find his game more plenty ; for beast and bird, as well as man^ seek their home where nature in her kindest mood, showers most profiisely her be^ -quests to all.

Black Hawk and his wanior band were last to leave, from which period the history of the white man commences. On the 15th day of Nov., 1836, Mr. John Inmau, Thomas Holmes, William Holmes, Joshua Holmes, George S'oUmer and Milo Jones, started from Milwaukee with an Ox team and Wagon containing provisions and farming tools. On the 18th day of the same month, they arrived at what was subsequently , known as the town of Rock, at the point on Rock river opposite the " big rock" on section number one ; there they camped in their wagon until they built a log cabin, and com^ menced keeping house. This was the first settlement of the town, and in fact, the first in the eountyi Mr. Inman and Mr. Holmes had visited the previously, in July.

Arriving at so late a peiiod in "the season, with but little provisions for winter, and no preparations for keeping their team, the first business after erecting the houSe, was to prepare for wiilter. Some went in pursuit of game, Vhile the others went to work to procure forage for the oxen. The grounds Upon the opposite side of the river, which are now nearly covered with water, and which were known as the " Newbury bottoms," presented an " inviting field " for cutting hay. Availing themselves of the hint, they cut and put up, on the very last days of Nov., a number of tons of fine green hay. The " hunt " proving rather successful, they felt quite well stocked with provisions and forage.

On the 18th day of Dec, this little colony was augmented by the arrival of Mr. Samuel St. John and wife - -Mrs. St. John being the first white woman in the county. On the 15th of January, 1836, Dr. James Heath and wife, from the State of Vermont, moved into the already " overflowing " cabin. Here, in a room scarcely sixteen feet square, wintered a family of some ten or a dozen grown up persons. Under any ordinary circumstances, the inconveniences attending such a state of things would seem unbearable ; but they enjoyed the winter much. The excitement always attending any great enterprizes, causes " mountains to dwindle to mole hills," and one is so inspired with hope and life and energy, that he becomes blind to everything except the anticipation of the " wonderful future." There is a trite saying that " no house is wide enough for two families" ; but here we have, dwelling in a Yery narroto house quite a nvmber of families, aiid that, too, upon the most friendly and agi-eeable terms. These met as friends, and parted as such; and we presume that ties were formed there much more enduring than those under ordinary circumstances. During the winter their oxen ' died. In putting up the hay, it being late in the fall and but little " sunshine " in which to make it, they supplied the deficiency by apjslying salt pretty freely ; the cattle eating " salt hay '' became thirsty, and drinking too much water, was supposed to cause the death of the oxen.

In the month of September, 1836, Mr. Hiram Brown and family arrived at the " cabin " ; others having moved out, made room for him. Dr. James Heath built a house 16 by 16, one and a half miles down the river, on Sec. 2, at East Wisconsin City in the spring, where he opened a store and tavern, which were the first in town. Here the " customer " was served, the " travelers and boarders " lodged, while the family and servants found ample room besides. Travelers were laid upon tiers of shelves up the sides of the house like dry goods, while " commoners " took the floor. Business increasing, and the Doctor thinking his house too small for the accommodation of his store and tavern, entered into partnership with Mr. Sexton, (now of SextonvUle,) and removed his goods into another house, which had been erected about eighty rods from the " tavern,'' which afforded more room for the replenished stock of the new fii-m. During this year, (1836,) John Inman & Co. started the first stage. It made its regular trips from Racine to " East Wiscofisin City" during the summer; Dr. Heath keeping the " Stage House." Any person curious in such matters can now be shown that identical " tavern " ; the augur holes into which the pins were put to sustain the " traveler's shelves," and also the " remains " of Heath & Sexton's store, by calling about one half mile west from the Institute of the Blind. True, the landlord will not be there to greet them, n6r will they see, probably, the stages from Racine unloading their passengers, nor the impatient customeiB inquiring for " dry goods and gi-oceries," but they will see the house, empty though it be, and the oak trees, which stood there as faithful sentinels, will now be seen keeping their vigils and sighing over the ruins and desolations of Wisconsin City. While speaking of the commercial interests of this town, we would not forget to mention a store opened by Thomas Holmes, and kept for some time in the house now owned by Judge Bailey, near the " ferry."

launched it for the purpose of establishing a ferry at his placo, but subsequently it was taken up the river to " Hunie's ferry," and there used as a ferryboat.

In Juno, 1836, the iii'st steamboat from the Mississippi made the passage up Rock river. This was an " event " to the settlers along the river, and availing themselves of the opportunity of a steamboat ride, it was found by the time she arrived at Wisconsin City her decks were pretty well crowded with passengers ; but " rounding to " at East Wisconsin City, she took on Dr. Heath and family, and other gentlemen stopping with him, and made her way up the river. It was thought by many that her engines had not sufScient power to overcome the " St. George Rapids,'' and that it would be best not to attempt their passage, but a majority thinking otherwise, it was determined to make the attempt. The boat succeeded admirably, and went on beyond the present site of , Janesville, where it spent some time, and then returned to the Mississippi. In 1839 there was another steamboat trip. On this occasion, the boat tpo^ on passengers at the different "points," and pushed her v/ay up as far as Jefferson. In 1840 there was a small steamer built at Jefferson, which, after plying on the river for a short time, in July, 1841, wgnt down to the "father of waters." Again in 1844 a steam boat 130 feet in length, from St. Louis, passed up the Rock to Jefferson, stopping at various towns along its banks - taking on and discharging passengers at the several villages - many of the inhabitants improving this, their last opportunity of steam boat riding excursions on Rock River.

Thus closed forever, probably, the steam boat navigation of Rook R-iver. Mill-dams and bridges, the sure appendages of progress and improvement, haye so obstructed the stream that it is quite doubtful if its navigation is ever resumed. Dr. Heath, although a tavern keeper, merchant, and farmer, w!is by profession a physician - -and a man, too, skilled in his calling - and in addition to his vjiried and multiplied duties, he was often called upon to administer to the relief of the sick. Being palled upon one very dark night ia the spring of the year, to visit a patient upon the west side of the ri\'er, ho supposing that he could " ford," mounted his horse and plunged into the "surging waters." Soon, his horse was swimming with the current, and by some means the Doctor lost his balance and found himself " afloat " upon the river. His cries for help soon brought his wife to the bank, who was unable to render any assistance, except by encouraging him to try to hold out till help could be procured. Thus matters stood, the Dr. floating down tho river, his wife tearing herself through brushwood and water holes along tho b^uk to keep up with her husband, for nearly two miles, when help was procured and the Doctor rescued, though very much exhausted and chilled, and greatly to the relief of his almost distracted wife. His saddfe-ba^ with the medicine, followed suit in the melee, but held up, near the mouth of Sears' Creek, where they were found some years afterwards, riflfed of their contents, no doubt, by the fishes.

Not far from the time of the Doctor's accident, there was a irian drownetl at Holmes' Ferry, by the name of Connad. This was probably the first death in town.

From this time settlements steadily^^increased until nearly the entire township was in the hands of an industrious and intelligent population. In Nov.

1836, Mr. Rich'd Inman arrived with his family and entered the land upon which he now lives, in Sec. 2V. Mr. Clauson settled on the " Youngs' Farm " in

1837. The farm formerly known as the Delano farm and now as the Eatheram farm, was settled by Jeremiah Roberts in 1 837. The faiin upon which the village of Afton is situated was settled in 1837 by Hiram Brown. - In the year 1838 the first settlements were made on the west side of the river, by Rufns and Ira Washburn, and J. P. Sears. The same year the farm of Maj. Inman was settled by Mr. Fox. G. W. Brittain, Esq., settled in town in 1838. Brestol made first claim upon D. W. Inmans' farm in 1838. In

' 1841, Israel Inman, John Daugherty, and Mr. Burt arrived. In the year 1 840 Col. Ezekiel Clapp, and Prosper A. Pierce, from the State of Vermont, settled on Sec. 2, where the latter now resides. Col. Clapp now lives in Spring Valley of this county. A large part of their purchase is now included within the city limits. About this time Mr. Elijah Noursc settled near " that first log cabin," where he still resides. ,

In 1842, Mr. Van Antwerp. In 1841 J. F. AVillard bought Mr. Warren's claim in Sec. 10, where he now resides. The Messrs. Antisdells Corastocks and Newtons came about the years 1843-44. In 1850 a colony from Rensselaer Co. New York, settled in the N. W. part of the town. - Among them were Col. Z. P. Burdick and M. L. Burdick, his brotherr - Adam Hayner, A. P. Hayner, Israel Smith, and subsequently Mr. J. P. J. Hayner, which has added not a little to our agricultural reputation as a town, they pursuing the " Eastern mode " of farming, which contrasts vei-y favorably with our loose Wisconsin method. The fir^t "breaking ' done in town or in the county, was on the N. W. qr. of Sec. 11, upon the farm of J. F. Willard, by Mr. John Inman, in' the spring of 1836. It wa<? " cropped " with buckwheat, and produced a fair yield. He \vas COUijJfelled to go to Rockford to get his plow sharpened, it taking-two days to make the trip. The first house erected on the west side of the river' was by Mr. Ira Washburn, near the present residence of R. Washburn, Esq., in I83S. Tlio first wedding in towutook plaee at the house of Richard Inirsan, March SO,

Supervisors - Geo. W. Brittain, Ch'n; James Hedth, J. P. Sears; Iw Washbilrn, Town Clerk; Rufus Washbura, Assessor; Richard S^ Inman. Treasurer; J. Wesley Inman, Collector ; Clark Classen, Prosper A. Pierce, William Youngs, Commissioners of Highway; Ira F. Washburn, Geo. W; Brittain,' John Inman, Com. of Common Schools ; Richard 8. Inman, Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Cities And Plotted Towks

If the opinion of speculators, and large real estate operators from the East, is entitled to consideration and I'espect, the town of Rock stsinds number owe, if not inore, in regard to superioi' locations and natural advantages for building up Cities and towns ; for surely no town in the county has figured so largely in this depstrtment as this. " Its Corner and water lots" have mado no smaU figure in "Wall Street"; its lithographed city plats have been honored with a Conspicuous place in all the great land agency offices of the country. At one time this town could boast of as tnany as four laid out platted recorded towris, viz : Wisconsin city, Koshkonong city, Rockport, and Monterey, and subsequently the town of Afton has been added.

Rockport was laid out by Thomas Holmes in Dec. 1835, the first surveyed town in the county. Wisconsin City, by John Inman, Breese and Shepherd, in 1836. City of Khoshkonong, in the summer of 1836, by Kenzio Hunter and Booby. Monterey, by Ira Miltimore, in 1850. By an act of the Legislature of Wisconsin, approved by Gov. Farwell, March 19, 1853, the city of Janesville was incorporated, and by that charter, sections one and two of the town of Rock were incoi-porated into the city limits. Consequently Monterey and Rockport are now a part of the tenitory belonging to Janesville; and, with sections one and two, pass from the town of Rock many of the localities where the scenes herein described transpired.

The village ot Aftoti is situated upon the Beloit & Madison R. R., near the junction of Bass or Afton creek, with the Rock river. It was laid out in July 1854, by S; A. Hudson, John Pi Hoyt, and N. W. Tripp, proprietorSi The location is dry and admirably adapted to the building of a town; Two years ago there was scarcely an inhabitant upon the site ; now it probably contains 200 inhabitants, including those in its immediate vicinity. - *

Here for the present the stages from Janesville intersect with the R. R., and take the passengers to that city, and soon the place will be in direct connection, by rail with Janesville, making the point one of no ordinary importance iu respect to its Railroad facilities, Bass creek affords a good water power for a Saw mill and other machinery, while the Rock River is available to its whole extent, as a water power, under a head and fall of seven feet. A company is formed for the imp7X)vement of this power known as the " Afton Manufacturing Company," who intend to commence operations as soon as the details of their arrangements can be perfected. Afton is 6 miles from Janesville and 1 from Beloit. It has a R. R. Depot, 2 PubUc Houses, 2 Store Houses, 4 Stores and Groceries, 2 Shoe Shops, 2 Blacksmiths Shops, 5 Carpenters, 1 Post Office, C. Pulker, P. M. It has now about 50 buildings with a prospect of a large increase the coming season. It is in contem^ plation to erect a church soon, which with educational and other privileges will make Afton a desirable place to locate.

Churches And Eeligious Privileges

The inhabitants of the towns adjoining Janesville, and especially those parts contiguous to it; have united with the people there, and established churches; and genemlly attend worship at that place. This fact will explain to those unacquainted, the apparent want of church privileges in those, as seen from their " history." The town of Rock, however, aside from the facilities offered by Janesville and Beloit, for church worship, has had two regular church oi^anizations for some years. In 1846, the Episcopal Methodist had an organization of a small class, at Mr. Youngs', which has been supplied with preaching more or less up to the present time, and with some success. In 1850, the Baptist denomination organized a church in Mr. Antisdel's neighborhood, now Afton. This church has had a regular supply of pulpit services to the present, with very great success, embracing now a large number of communicants; and anticipate building a church edifice the coming summer.

The first settlers, although immersed in business and cares, were not unmindful of the importance of providing for the education of their children. - The first school taught in town, the firat also in the county, was kept in a little log cabin, which is now standing on the bank of the river in front of the present residence of Judge Bailey. The school was taught by the Hon. Hiram Brown, at present a resident of Monroe, Green Co. The first school house built in tQwn was that known as tho " Rad school house" on section 1 , near D. W. Cobb's. , Subsequent to ,1846, there had been built additional two small log school hmiaes; one, in Mr. Washburn's district, the other in Mr. Gomstopk's diistrict, but the, town was divided into somo six or seven school dis.triots, where scliooU had baon kopt in private houses, &c. At present there are eight good permanent school houses ; 2 of brick, one of stone, and the bg,Vine6 well finished wooden structures. In all of them, good ,sQhQols are -kept summer and winter.