Rock County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1856 (part 4 of 7)

This town is largely supplied with Railroad facilities, even with those already built, aud in, or about to be in operation. Four distinct independent lines cross the territory of the town. First the Beloit and Madi.3on, now iu operation, which passes through diagonally from South-east to Northwest, with a depot established, afibrding accommodation to all the South-west portion of the town. Second, the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac, R. R. passing through the North-eastern portion ; and third, th3 Southern Wisconsin passing through the North-western portion, intersecting ^the Beloit and Madison but a short distance from the west line of the town, where will be depots and considerable of a town, of which Hon. J. L. V. Thomas, and C . F. Chipman, Esq., are proprietors. Another road from Afton to Janesville, on the west side of the river, will soon be built. Fifth; the Fulton, Janesville, and Beloit Railroad company have a charter up the valley of Rook River, from Beloit, intersecting the M. & M. R. R. near Edgerton. This road connecting with a contemplated road, chartered by the Illinois Legislature, from Mendot?,, in that state, to Beloit, is thoai__ht to be a feajible enterprise and probably will be built soon.

Situated as the town of Rock is, in regard to R. R. accommodations of its own - ^and those afforded by its proximity to the flourishing towns of Janesville and Beloit, one cannot fail to appreciate at a glance its superior position.

On the organization of the city of Janesville, in 1853, sections 1 and 2, including the village of Monterey, the only village then in the town, were severed from Rock, and constituted a part of the city. The population of the entire township in 1850 was 553, in 1855 the population, not including that portion included in Janesville, was 1041, showing a greater increase than any other town in the county during the same period.

Educational Statistics

The town is divided into 10 school districts, and lias 8 school houses. It Las 354: scholars over 4 and under 20 years of age, and receives the present year from the State School Fund $260,82.

Kumber Op Farms

Hon. J. F. Willard, resides in this town. ' He represented his Assembly district in the Legislature in 1849. Israel Inmap, Jr., Esq., who was one of the delegates from Rock Co., to form the first State Constitution, resided in this town. He died on the plains on his way to California. G.

The Following Arb Among Thb Largest Farmers In Rock

Janesville is the County Seat of Rock County. The city is beautifully located on the Rock River, nearly in the center of the county, twelve miles north of the Illinois State line, sixty-five miles west of Racine, the same distance from Milwaukee, and forty miles S. E. of Madison. Its history, so far as known, like most of the towns of the west, is comprised within a compass of twenty years. A silence rests upon the early history of this spot which the antiquarian in vain attempts to break. There are no ancient records of primeval times, no traditionary legends which carry us back to' the dreamy past, not even a national ballad to commemorate the deeds <rf the s;reat and good who here lived and died.

Scattered in clusters on some of the beautiful eminences near town, are to be seen numbers of those mysterious mounds so common at the west, whose very silence points us to a former race who here dwelt, but who have left no other memorials than these hieroglyphics of their existence.

And scarcely more intelligible are the traces left by the Aboriginees which preceded us. It is true the foot-prints of a numerous and powerful people were seen by the early settlers upon this river, and their trails, and burial places, and even fields of agriculture are still visible. But no record hands down to us the names of those who here lived and journeyed and died. No aged chieftain comes back from beyond the " Father of Waters '' to tell us the incidents of the last half century defore the " pale faces" came, or even to give us the name of the Indian village which lay spread out on the bottom land south of the bend in the river. The archives of the past contain little that is intelligible. Here and there a strange character or a mutilated line appears, but like the inscription on some ancient tomb-stone which time has been wearing away, all is indistinct and uncertain.

This portion of the Rock River Valley was first brought distinctly to the notice of the eastern emigrant by those engaged in the Black Hawk war. Volunteers who returned from pursuing the Indians, gave glowing descriptions of the beauty and fertility of the country. As soon as the emigrant could be assured of safety and protection, he was found pushing his way westward from Lake Michigan.

Certain points on tliis. river Lad. secured a prominence and iraportanco first to the Indian from time immemorial, then to the fur-trader as places of rendezvous, and as points where the river could be conveniently forded during most portions of the year. Oneof those points was at the Indian village above referred to in the lower part of oiir town, and the " Big Rook" on the opposite, or north bank of the river, was for years the land-mark to guide the doubting traveller to the spot where he might ford the river in safety. - A I that time, this rock is said to have been one third higher than it is now, and the top covered with a tuft of noble cedaM, which, strange to say, the hand of man destroyed. For some years this point bore the names alternately of 'Holmes' Rapids,' 'St. George's flanidx',' and the " Big Rock ford." The last name was discontinued after bequeathing its geological Mb to our county, from the fact that a town in Illinois thirty miles below upon this river, had assumed the name of Rockford ; while the two former names fell into disuse, after the name adopted by which this town has since been known.

All the lands- in -Rook Go. upon the west side of the river were brought into market by U. S.- Government during the summer of 183'5, and all that port'on of the town up'oQ that side of the river was " entered "by non-residents. Among the purchasers were Thomas A.. Holmes, G. R Page, H. I'ennoyer, Morgan L. Martin, Wm. Holmes, and W. L. Newbury. Hence those who (irst settled upon the river at this point, were obliged to locate their claims upon the east side, and upon Government land.

And here a remark may be made with reference to the pecuniary oiroumstances of the firet settlers, and the motives which influenced them in coming hither.

Few or none of them p&ssesBed wealth; some of them were poor. Speculation in the public lands did not enter into the creed of those who first came here to settle. Much less did they suppose it possible that in less than twenty years a flourishing city of about eight thousand inhabitants would spread itself over the claims they then made and the farms they then cultivated. They came to this spot to secure homes for themselves and families, to till the soil and engage in the various branches of industry.

It is true the non-residents who entered land on the west side of the river early laid out to aus, sold " corner lots " and " water lots," but those who settled on the east side of the river, where commercial business has since centered, were too much absorbed in the stern realities of pioneer life to plot and survey towns, or send agents east to dispose of " steam-boat-dochs " or " mUl-sites."

painful, btlieirs amuskig ; but they would swell this sketeh to too great length for this volume. The privations and hardships which fell to their lot -were small compared with those which the early settlers in other portions of the west endured. They came to occupy beautiful and healthful lands already cleared by the band of nature for the plow, and ready to yield abundant harvests. It is true their cabins admitted the winds of Heaven, and through their shalce roofs the stars could be seen, yet they slept soundly, and ate heartily of venison and fish, Hoosier bacon and hot cakes; and dreamed that in "fifty years, when Rock Prairie should all he bought up," their children would see a large nnd flourishing village at this point.

Sometimes those earliest settlers experienced SiA\^i inconvenience in not finding in their pockets sufficient to pay twenty dollars a barrel for flour, or from thirty to forty doHcirs for u barrel of pork. But they never hungered) or went to bed supperless.

There were streams to be forded, sometimes swollen by rains, and the "camping out," and the prairie storm without a foot print as a guide to some distant cabin - all these, and many other difficulties to be encountered and' overcome, required wisdom and tact, and perseverence, known only to early settlers at the west.

There were the trials of leaving an educated and refined society at the east, for frontier life; trials which parents experienced in having no first class schools and seminaries for their children; trials which the young bride and mother met in being compelled to bend their energies to the humblest labors of the kitchen with scarcely a convenience, and much less a servant to aid them in the duties of their log home; and trials which the christian experienced, deprived of the sanctuary and the sound of the church going bell.

And yet all these were met with a fortitude and cheerfulness, which did honor to the character of those first pilgrims to the Rock River Valley.

Many things might be mentioned which illustrate their prudence and wisdom and fore-thought. The following judicious and precautionary meastires were taken by the early settlers, which deserve a record here.

An association was formed for the mutual adjustment of disputes which might arise between conflicting claimants to the same portions of the public lands, and also to guard the settlers against the aggression of speculators.

all such disputes were referred, and whose judgment was final. They also attended the land sales, and there guarded the rights of each settler. The consequence was that those unhappy animosities and collisions which often occur among settlers on Government land, were prevented. Each one felt measurably as safe on his claim, as upon deeded land, and was sure of obtaining a title ere long from Government.

First Permanent Settlement

In the month of October, 1835, a company started from Milwaukee consisting of John Inman, George Follmer, William Holmes, Jr., and Joshua Holmes. Milo Jones, Esq. accompanied them to this spot, but soon left for Fort Atkinson, where he made a claim and where he still resides.

The four individuals named above, erected a small cabin upon the south bank of the river opposite the "Big Eock," the remains of which are still to be seen.

During the next month, (Nov.) Samuel St. John arrived from Vermont with his wife and three children, this being the first family which came to reside at this spot.

There were now nine persons, constituting one family, all residing under one roof. Thus the winter of 1835-36 commenced. In the month of January our little company was increased by the addition of an infant son to the family of Mr. St. John, who is supposed to be the first white child born in the upper Rock River Valley. His name is Seth B. St. John, and he is BtiU living at Columbus in this state.

In the month of January, 1836, Doct. James Heath arrived with his wife, and took up their abode under the same roof with our first settlers. We have now eleven persons constituting one family in a cabin about eighteen feet long by sixteen wide.

The spfing and autumn of 1836 witnessed the advent of other emigrants to this spot, anlong the most prominent of whom we find the names of Henry F. Janes and family, his brother Edward Janes, John P. Dickson and wife, W. H. H. Bailey and wife, Levi Harness, Curtis Davis, Levi St. John and family. v

Mr. Janes arrived from Racine in the month of June, and made a claim to about half a section ot Government land, embracing the quarter section upon which the county seat was afterwards located.

Mr. Dickson arrived in the month of August from Vermont, and in the month of October Mr. Bailey, from the same state, followed hira. Their first claim was made on the bottom land south of the bend in the river, but subsequently it embraced that portion of the town known as "Dickson's and Bailey's addition."

During the same season the following persons located in the vicinity of the settlement, and became more or less identified with it. Anson W. Pope, Virgil Pope, Daniel Smiley, Marcus Fenton, Jason Walker, Aaron Walker; Alfred Walker, David Hume, George W. Ogden and S. D. Butz.

Soon after the arrival of Mr. Janes he erected a cabin sixteen feet square, upon the spot where " Lappin's Block " now stands. This became the stopping place for travellers crossing the river at this point, and when the addition of a " second and third story upon the ground" (as the early settlers called the lengthening out of the original cabin,) was completed, a most commodious Public House was to be found at "Janes' Ferry,''

This house was first kept by Mr. Janes, who was succeeded by Mr. Chas. Stevens, who also took charge of the ferry, which, in the mean time, had been established by Mn Janes and Aaron Walker. Mr. J. P. Dickson afterwards took charge of the public house and ferry, in which place he continued until the " Janesville Stage House ''was erected, in the fall of 1838, by Mr. Stevens, who was duly installed landlord of one of the first class public houses west of Lake MichigaUi That original building was 30 by 40 feet on the ground, and two stories in perpendicular height.

Previous to the existence of any ferry boat at this point, teams forded the river at the " Big rock)" when the water was at a sufficiently low stage to permit it. But when this could not be done, the team swam the river while the wagon was taken over upon two canoes.

Judge Holmes, however) sawed out lumber with a " whip saw," and soon manufactured a substantial scow, or ferry boat, for crossing the river just below the large bend, and some distance above the " Big Rock." A few months afterward Messrs. Janes and Walker built their boat from lumber sawed in the same manner as above, a charter was obtained, and this ferry was kept in existence until the bridge was built upon the same spot by Messrs. Bailey, Stevens, and Lappin, in 1842, at a cost of 82000.

First Deaths Among The Settlers

Before passing from the records of 1836 we are called upon to chronicle two events of the same nature which carried sorrow and sadness into two family circles and cast a gloom over the little settlement.

It was the death, first of Mrs. St. John, in June, who was the first white woman that came here to settle, and the first to find a grave. In the month of August George Holmes, a son of Judge H., also died.

Yet neither of these deaths resulted from the unhealthitiess of the climate or location. George died in a fit, while the death of Mrs. St. John was caused by a decline of some month's' contiiiuance, induced by the wirit of medical attendance the previous winter, and the shelter and care so necessary to the mother of an infant babe. The spot where her remains were deposited is marked by a tomb-stone upon an eminence near the road leading to Beloit.

This freedom from fatal disease is the best comment that can be given of the healtbfulness of this locality; and the same has been confirmed by the experience of subsequent years.

All but four or five of those who came here to reside during the years 1836 and '36 are still alive, and not one of those who remained here have yet died.

Mr. Samuel St John died a few years since while on a vin't to his brother's near town, and his remains were deposited on the eminence beside those of his wife.

The oldest settler now (March '56) residing within the city limits is Judge Wm. Holmes, who, with a portion of his family, has continued to reside here for the last twenty years.

He erected the first frame dwelling at this point, built the first ferry boat, was the first individual to settle in the county west of Rock River, the first to cultivate a farm there, and he with his family are believed to have been the only individuals who resided within what are now the city limits for five years.

Some of the most prominent individuals that settled here and in the immediate neighborhood during the year 1837 may be named, and are as follows:

Hon. E. V. Whiton, Volney Atwood, Chas. Stevens and family, Doct. G. Stoughton and family, Seymour Stoughton, Theodore Kendall and wife, Harvey Story, Wm. and Joseph Spaulding, Geo. H. Williston, E. J. Haasard, Geo. R. Ramsey, Daniel A. Richardson and family.

We have found the lands west of the river principally owned by nonresidents. St. George's Rapids was considered by many more desirable for a town than the point where Mr. Janes located. As early as the fall of 1835, Thomas Holmes, of Milwaukee, one of the purchasers on the west side of the river, laid out the town of Roekport, now embraced within the limits of this city.

During, the year following, Mr. John Inman, one of the first settlers at the rapid--, in connection with Sidney Breese, Esq,, of Chicago, laid out a town on the west bank of the river, one mile below Roekport, and gave it tlie name of '' Wisconsin City."

The former, as already stated, is now a portion of our city. The second is stiJl in the state of nature with only a small farm house, near the " steam boat dock," which appeared on Inman's and Breese's chart of their city, and the latter is a large and flourishing village upon the south line of our county, ne.xt to Janesville in population.

The county of Rock was set oif from Milwaukee county in 1836, but continued with Walworth, a constituent part of Racine Co., until the Spring of 1 839, when it was fally organized. At the session of the Legislature at Belmont in winter of 1836-7, the location of the county seat was estabhshed upon the same fractional quarter section on which Mr. Janes had located.

Much praise was awarded to Mr. Janes for his diplomatic tact in overcoming the obstacles which other local interests had cast in his way. All was however done honorably and fairly, and as a compliment to Mr. Janes, thd new and undeveloped town was christened Janesville, our name, wHcli is at once significant and euplionions, although if they had been gifted with prophetic vision, they might appropriately liavo swelled it« modest termination " ville" into that of city.

The Village Of Janes Ville

At this period commences the history of our place as a town or - The land on the east side of the river contiguous to the fen-y, was first surveyed and platted in the spring of 1837, by Mr. Janes, and subsequently replatted by the county commissioners in May 1840, about eight months a^ ter the land was brought into market by general Government.

By a law of Congress, the county could secure a pre-emption to any quarter section Upon which a county seat should be located. Of the existence of this law Mr. Janes was not apprised until he found himself a tenant upon lands belonging to the county. A compromise was however easily made by which the county agreed for a nominal sum to deed back portions of the land to the original claimants and settlers.

The first regular circuit court was held in 1839, Judge Irving presiding. - Doct. G. Stoughton was appointed clerk of the court. The court assembled in the Janesville Stage House, using as the grand jury room, the small frame building, still in existence, standing on a prominent pile of masonry, one door north of the residence of C. G. Gillett, having been removed from its former location to permit its more prominent and substantial successor, the " Commercial Block," to stand in its room.

The first county ofBoers elected were Lucius G. Fisher, as sheriff, W. H. H. Bailey, Register of Deeds, and clerk of the board of county commissionci-s', W. S. Murray, Wm. Spaulding and E. J. Hazzard, board of county commissioners. At a much earlier period than this, Daniel Smiley, and Hiram H. Brown were appointed first justices of the peace at this place.

Land Sales

All the lands in Range 12, west of the river, were brought into market in 1835. Range 13 embracing Milton, Harmony, and other towns south, were brought into market in the month of Feb. 1839, while the fractional portion of Range 12 east of the river, embracing the county seat, and the adjacent claims, was not brought into market until the month of Sept. of the same year.

In the mean time several of the claimants on the east side of the river had sold out their interests, so that those lands lying within the city limits were entered by J. P. Dickson, W, H. Hi Bailey, the board of County com-

In the month of Feb. 1841, the county eommissionei-s in accordance with B petition from a large number in the county, took measures for the erection of a court house. D. A. Richardson became the contractor, and in January 1 842 the building was raised and cohered ; and in Eieeember of the same year, agreeably to contract, the building was so far completed that it could be used for county puiposes. It was subsequently fully completed by James Chamberlain.

The care bestowed upon the new, and eminently exalted court house may be leaiTied from the Honofahle a,gw.i employed to repair and furnish it. - In the proceedings of the board oif commissioners, under date of Sept. 1843, is found this minute : " Ordered that James H. Knowlton be authorized to put and keep the court house in repair, and make shutters to the windows of the Register's office, and the oflBoe of the clerk of the district court, to purchase an armed chair for the Judge, and arrange the jury seats in proper order, and also to dear the public square of any rubbish or improper thing that may be found thereon, and also to pnt a railing of posts and scantling, (one;rail) around the front of the court house."

The early settlers at this place received their letters at the post offices in Racihe and Milwaukee. They were not long, however^ in securing an office at their own settlement. Much credit is due Gen. Wm. B. Sheldon, a prominent member of the Territorial legislature, not only for securing the location of the county seat here, but for obtaining, at so early a day, those postal facilities for which Janesville has been noted. At the close of the Territorial legislature, which held its session at Belmont, and at which the county seat was located hero. Gen. S. proceeded to Washington, and immediately secured the establishment of several post routes, centering at Janesville. - The post office bore was then established, and Henry F. Janes was appointed post master. Before his commission arrived, however, the mail was on its way to this place, carried by Joseph Payne.

ries of his office. The doctor had taken the precaution to bring one of Uncle Sam's keys, and with it he opened the mail in presence of the rejoicing citizens. It is true no heavy maiU awaited the lookers on, one letter only being detained by Mr. Janes, the claimant, but it was greeted as that avenue now opened with distant friends, and they were not long in being informed that they were " henceforth to direct their letters to Janesville, Sock counity, Wisconsin," And here, at the new post office, anxious expectants of letters came from ten and even twenty miles distant, and yet the mails were never over-burdened. No long tiers of letter boxes, numbering 500 as now, or drawers of business men, too impatient to wait at pigeon holes for their mail. Instead thereof, post master Janes fastened a ciffar box upon a log in his bar, and in that for some months were deposited the mails of Rock Co. And yet that unpretending receptacle of letters paid to the P. O. department the first year, ninety dollars. This, it will be remembered, was while the high tariff ruled in postal affaii's, and most of the letters to our settlers were marked " 25 cents," mi-paid. And yet who ever grudged the " quarter" (even when obtained for two bushels of com or potatoes,) when it secured the long looked for letter from parents, brothers, or that loved one afar.

The following are the gentlemen who have ofiiciated as post masters at Janesville, and the income of the oflace for the last three or four years :

H. F. Janes resigned in 1838, and D. F. Kimball was appointed, who also resigned in 1840, and J. L. Kimball received the appointment, who held the office until Jan., 1849, when, through a change in the administration, he was removed, and C. S. Jordan was appointed, who, in June of the same year was superceded by Samuel H. Alden, and in the spring of 1 853, he was succeeded by E. H. Strong, the present incumbent.

It was during Mr. Aldcn's term that the second great reduction of postage took place, the law taking effect July 1, 1852. The last quarter precediiitr this date, the gross amount received at the post office was $500. The first quarter after the reduction, the amount only reached $335, and this being the first quarter imder the present rates of postage, is the basis from which the reader will see the rapid growth and prosperity of Janesville.

For the quarter commencing April, 1853, the gross receipts were $461. - The increase since that time has been rapid, especially in tho letter department of the oflBoe, showing, for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 1855, $1248, with an estimated receipt for the present fiscal year, ending July 1, 1856, of over $5000, this being an increase of about 400 per cent, in less than four years.

The early settlers of Janesville brought with them thftt strong love for schools and educational privileges vphich characterises the American people. They had scarcely made their families comfortable in their log cabin, before they opened a school for their children. The first teacher was Hiram H. Brown, Esq., now of Green county in this State, From that time to the present, it has been the effort of our citizens to provide facilities for the education of the rising generation. Two brick school houses were erected years ago, and an Academy was chartered in 1848, and a large stone edifice erected during the following year; since which schools of a high order have been maintained there, and at the other Seminaries and Schools in the place.

Janesville has at present a -' Free Academy," or " Central High School," a " Female Seminary," three " Select Schools," eight " Primary Scools," having at their head competent teachers, and the " State Institution for the Blind." There is also the " Janesville Lyceum" and the " Mechanics' Institute," the former designed for literary improvement, embracing in their design the opening of a Reading Room and the founding of a Library ; the latter meeting for mutual improvement in the arts and sciences and general intelligence.

The Public Schools of the city deserve more than a passing notice, and yet this brief sketch will only permit a word in detail. All the districts within the city limits are so far consolidated as to be placed under a board of school commissioners, appointed by the Common Council. All the pupils residing in the city, who attend these schools, are taught free of charge. - The eight " Primary or Ward Schools," are located in different portions of the city, to which all the younger pupils have access. When they sh»ll have attained a sufficient standing of scholarship, they are transferred to the Central School. In this buildipg are several departments, in each of which suck studies are pursued as are usually taught in our best Academies and higher Seminaries.

Pupils will be able to graduate at this school with a thorough English and elassical education, or they may be fitted to enter upon a more extended course of study at College, or in our Higher Female Seminaries. The whole system is modeled after the best and most approved Public Schools st the East, also organizations for assisting tlw ,poor and unfortunate, for promoting the cause of Temperance and kindred objects. A Cemetery Association was chartered some yeftTs since, iand extensive and delightfril grounds purchased and laid out, one mile north of the present city linlits, called " Oak Hill Cometery."

Relioious Institutions

In the early gettloji^ent of western communities, amid the difficulties and self-denial experienced, the Institutions of religion are too often neglected. T^isto some extent was the case in Janesville. Yet ministers of the gospel were early fpund visiting the infant settlement and proclainjing the words of salvation to attentive and interested hearers. Even before any house of sufficient capacity to hold the congregation was erected, religious meetings were held. The first meeting of the kind was convene^ under some beautiful oak trees, a little east of where the Janesville Stage Hou?e was afterwards erected. The Methodists, those zealous pioneers in the raai'ch of civilization, have the honor of first establishing permanent preaching at this point. Clergymen of other denominations soon shared, in these labors, all exemplifying the spirit of harmony and love, which should ever characterize those engaged in the same great and glorious cause. In process of time the institutions of religion assumed a more organized but equally harmonious fonri.

There are now eight organized societies of Christiaps in the city. The following statistic3, taken from their records, will give a brief view of the period of their organization, the number of original mera'bers, the minister!! who have labored with them, the present number of communicants, the size and value of their house of worship, (fee.

Methodist Episcopal Church

As early as the spring of 1841, a small " Methodist Class" was formed by Rev. Mr. McKane, preacher on this circuit, and placed under the care of Mr. J. P. Wheeler, as leader. During the winter following, all the members of the class removed from the place. The next preacher upon the circuit was Rev. Alpha Warren, who was succeeded by Rev Boyd Phelps. - ^ During his ministry, in the spring of 1843, the fii-st^erma»ieni class was formed, consisting of nine or ten members, and Mr. John Wynn was appointed its leader.

The following preachers have supplied the pulpit of this Society, from 1844 to the present time: Rev. Messrs. Catlin, Adams-, Lucock, Latin^

Snow, Comfort, Stansbury, Mason, Wood and Requa. The prosperity of the Methodist Society in Janesville, may be dated from about the year 1847, when Rev. Wesley Latin became preacher in charge. It was during his labors in 1848, that a small house of worship was erected, of wood, 25 by 35 feet; and about the same time a parsonage was built. These were subsequently disposed of, and the grounds upon which their present bouse, of worship is built, purchased.

This building was commenced in 1 852^ and in July of the following year, so far completed as to be dedicated and used for divine service. It has since been fully completed, and reflects much credit upon those who erected it. - The entire cost, exclusive of the lot, was about $5,500. Its dimensions are 45 by T5 feet.

The present number of communicauts in the church is 204. , A flourishing Sunday School is connected with the society, having a library of 250 volumes.

Episcopal Church

Clergymen of this church had visited Janesville at-stated periods for some time before any orgasiization was effected. Among them, we recognize the name of Bishop Kemper, who here oiBciated and administered the. sacraments.

It was during the ministry of Rev. Thomas J. Ruger, on the 18th day of September, 1844, that Trinity Church, Janesville, was organized. There were then six communicants.

Rev. Mr. Ruger continued Rector of the Parish from its organization until the 9th of April, 1855, and in September of the same year. Rev. James W. Coe became its Rector, which oflBce he still holds. The present^ number of communicants is eighty. There is a flourishing Sunday School connected with this church, having a library of 200 volumes.

Their-house of worship was built in 1847-48, and consecrated on the 14th of June, 1848. It is built of brick, and its dimensions are 42 by 70 feet. Its cost, exclusive of the grounds, was $4000. It ias a good sized bell in the tower, which cost $450.

During the ministiy of Rev. Jeremiah Murphy, on the 13th day of Oct., 1844, the 1st Baptist Church of Janesville was organized with thirteen members.

Rav. Jeremiah Murphy and Rev. J. D. Eldredge, supplied the desk during the years 1846 and '47. In Dec, 1847, Rev. Otis Hacket was called to the pastorate of the church, which office he filled until July, 1849. In the month of Feb., 1850, Mr. O. J. Dearborn commenced preaching, and in December of the same year was ordained and became their pastor. He closed his labors with the church in the month of May, 1854, and in Juno of the same year, was succeeded by Rev. Wm. H. Douglass, who is the present pastor of the church. The present number of members is o«e hvndred and thirty-seven.

During the summer of 1851, their house of worship was built, costing, exclusive of the lot, $^4728. It was dedicated in Dec. of that year. Its sIm i J 44 by 70 feet, built of brick. In the tower is a fine toned bell, which cast $350.

Congrbgatioital Church

Occasional preaching, by ministere of this denomination, had been enjoyed for several years previous to the organization of the church. Rev. C. H. A. Bulkley commenced stated preaching here in the spring of 1844. On the 11th of Feb., 1845, assisted by Rev. S. Peet, he organized the First Congregational Church of Janesville.

The number entering into covenant on that occasion was fifteen. Rev. Mr. Bulkley continued to supply the pulpit of this church until the summer of 1846. In the month of November of the same year. Rev. Hiram Foote commenced his labors with this church, and is its present pastor. The present number of members is one hundred and ninety. There is an interesting and efficient Sunday School connected with the congregation, having a library of 250 volumes.

A house of worship, built of brick, was erected during the years 1849 and 1850. It was dedicated in the month of Oct., 1860. During the following year an addition was made to its length. Its present dimensions are 40 by 75 feet, and its cost, exclusive of the lot, $4500.

Pkimitivb Methodist Church

Rev. Joseph Hewitt commenced preaching as the first minister of this denomination. The origin of this church was commenced in the formation of a class in 1849.

Hewitt -was succeeded by Rev. James Alderson in the spring of 1 852. Kev. Henry Buss commenced Ws labors in the spring of 1853, and was succeeded by Rev Wm. Tompkios the next year, and in June, 1855, the present minister in charge. Rev. Reuben If orth, began his labors.

The present number of members is thirty. A small, but efficient Sunday 3chool, is connected -with the congregation, having a library of about 100 volumes.

Catholic Church

Regular and stated services in accordance with the rites and forms of this church were established in 1850 by Rev. Patrick Kernan. Prior to this period, the Catholics in Janesvillo were occasionally visited by him from Geneva, Walworth county. He was succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. Michael McFaul, in 1852.

The present house of worship is built of brick, 30 by 52 feet. A new stone church has been commenced, which when completed, will be 56 by 110 feet, and will cost 110,000.

Uijiversalist Societt

Clergymen of this denomination visited Janesville and occasionally preached here as early as 1842. Among them we find the names of Rev. S. Barnes and Rev. Q. W. Lawrence. During the year 1845, Rev. C. F. LeFevre, of Milwaukee, delivered a series of discourses in Janesville, and the following year Rev. F. Whittaker took charge of the congregation, preaching alternatively in Janesville and Beloit. In the spring of 1850, Rev. J. Baker commenced preaching here, and soon organized the " First Universalist Society of Janesville." He continued his labors with the society about two yeare, and was soon after succeeded by Rev. C. F. Dodge, of Palmyra, who preached here one year.

Presbyteeian Chuech

On the 6th of May following, he, assisted by Rev. Messrs. Savage, Park and Gardiner, organized the " First Presbyterian Church of the city of Janesville," with twelve members.

A well organized and interesting Sunday School is maintained, having 160 volumes in the libraiy. During the summer of 1855 their house of worship was erected, and on the 15th day of September was dedicated. It is built of wood, 29 by 52 feet, and cost, exclusive of the lot, about $1500.

Most of the above societies maintain public worship twice every Sabhath, collecting large and interesting congregations. Occasional preaching is enjoyed in the Danish and German languages.

Population Of Janbsville

The growth of, the settlement for a few of the first years of its existence was not rapid, and this continued until the lands on the west bank of the river were secured by those interested in the prosperity of the town, and until the water power began to^ be improved. The first census was taken in 1842, which is here given together with the population in subsequent years, as far as it has been preserved :

Janesville became a city with corporate powere under a charter obtained from the Legislature^ in the spring of 1853. Its board of officers elected annually are a Mayor, two Aldermen from each ward, a Clerk, a Treasurer, a a Assessor, a Surveyor, a Marshal, an Attorney, four Justices of the Peace, and a Board of school Commissionei's. A portion of these, with the Common CouncD, are elected by the people, the others are appointed by the Council.

Commerce And Trade

From an early period this has been one of the most important inland towni in the north-west for the sale of goods. A wide extent of country has from the first made this the center of trade. H. F. Janes was the first person who sold goods at this point. For some months he kept a small stock of groceries and a few dry goods in that " 3d story " of his log tavern, but his stock becoming reduced, he at length abandoned the business.

The first regular merchant, with sign, shelves atid counter, and the paraphernalia of a man in trade, was Thomas Lappin. He rented of Mr. V. Atwood the framed building to which allusion has already been made, and there opened his entire stock in trade.

After passing through those trials and reverses which sometimes fall to the lot of the youthful and inexperienced, he boldly launched forth into the purchase of real estate, and secured a title to the lot upon which his block now stands, agreeing to pay for it the sum of one hundred dollars. Another formidable enterprise for those times was the erection of the framed building which until recently occupied that corner. By personal labor and industry he so far completed a portion of his building as to call it a store, and then we find him retufAingfrom Chicago with a stock ofdiy goods, groceries and hardware, all paid for, and Costing him one hmidred and twentyfive dollars!

It is needless to speak of the rapid sales of our popular merchant, and how, without the aid of baiiks, he remitted his funds to Chicago or Galena by st^e drivers, or " some one going in," and received in return a piece of calico or factory cloth, a bag of coffee, a barrel of sugar or a chest of tea.

And our early settlers were easily suited, for there was but a small stock of goods from which to select, and but a small stock of pride to gratify.

As the population of Janesville and vicinity increased, our merchant's stock in trade increased, until his shelves were filled with the best and finest fabrics, and his grocery department was equally well supplied.

To trace the enterprise and success of those who have engaged in trad© for the last ten or twelve years, would not comport with the design of these pages. We therefore pass from that early period of commercial enterprise to give some items of the prfiselit state of business, under the head of " Statistical view of Janesville."

Watbk Power

Mr. Charles Stevens and others had secured a charter previous to this, but they had not decided upon the location for the dam ; when Mr. H. S. Hanchet urged the building of it at the point wliere it now stands. Liberal donations in property were given him including most of the water power itself on condition that a substantial dam should be erected. His work was thoroughly performed, creating a water power of extensive capacity, and capable of propelling a great amount X)f machinery.

. A saw mill was immediately erected by Mr. Stevens. The remainder of the water power was soon sold by Mr. Hanohet, to A. Hyatt Smith, Esq., and W. H. H. Bailey, and in 1845, Mr. James McClurg was engaged to erect a large flouring mill on the race, now known as the " Big Mill." Subsequently, Messrs. Smith, Doe, and Walker became the proprietors of the mill.

About the same period the building erected for a starch factory was purchased and converted into the " Excelsipr Mills," by Mr. Hamilton Richardson.

Besides other machinery for the manufacture of furniture, &c., there has been another saw mill of great capacity and power erected by Mr. A. K. Nonis, and a plow and machine shop by Mr, A, W. Parker, on the East side of the river.

Mr. Miltimore, commencad the house where he now resides, on the 7 th day of Oct., 1848, and completed and moved into it on Christmas day of the same year. This was the fii'st improvement in " Miltimore's addition,'' .or Monterey. He commenced the improvement of the water power about the same time. This power has a head of -8 feet, and 12,600 inches of water. It is but just begun to be used. There is already in operation, a woolen factory, a foundiy, flouring mill, an oil mill, a mill for grinding feed, another for grinding water-lime, and machinery for sawing stone.

Whittaker's Factory, requires about 200 inches to run it. At that rate here is sufficient power to ran 62 such factories; or again, a ran of flouring mill stones sufficient to grind 16 bushels per hour requires 160 inches water; then we here have the requisite water power to propel 80 rans of stones.

The improvement of this water power reflects much credit upon Mr. M. But for his enterprise and energy of character, Monterey prohaUy would not be noticed in this history, from the fact of its having no tangible existence.

Here is probably the best stone quary in the State, and the only one where blue lime-stone is found. The blue lime composes the lower stratas next to the sand stone, and is a superior building material, hard, compact, durable and capable of a fine polish. A single block taken from this quarry last season, measured lOjJ feet in length, 8 feet wide, and 14 inches thick The material for the construction of the Institute for the Blind, is taken from this quary.

A magnificent Railroad Bridge spa,us the river and valley at this place, on the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac, R. R. It is 1200 feet in length, 45 feet above the water, and suppoi-ted by substantial stone piers of superior mason work.

Rail Roads

Janesvillo gives unmistakable evidence of being as noted and conspicuous ^ the great radiating point, of Railroads, as it formerly has been for being the great center of the " Staging" interest of " interior Wisconsin.'' Some "centers" are made so artificially/, others naturally. Janesville is so by the latter process, and will remain so, notwithstanding the large amount of artificial, which has been employed by " out-siders" to unmake it. "What the fates decree, man may not avert."

The Railroad connections already made, and in operation, and those about to be completed - together with those projected and in process of construction, will soon make this city inferior to none in the state in respect to its facilities in this- department. Yet, formerly it had its lights and shadows, its hopes and fears, concerning the results of its R. R. enterprises, and had it Jiot have been one of those "natural centers,'' would not have stood upon the proud eminence it now occupies in this respect. At present, connected with Chicago, via. Milwaukee by continuous rail ; with Chicago, via. Beloit Belvidere, Chicago & Galena R. R. ; and with Galena and Dubuque by Chicago <fe Galena R. R., & 111. Central. By the two former, we have direct communication with New York, and the East, and by these and the Illinois Centra], with Cairo and the whole lower Mississippi in the South.

The connections about to be made, are still more important to the interests of this city than mentioned. The Chicago, St. Paul and Fond du Lac Railroad will be completed to this place, from Chicago, in June next, about two months, which will form nearly an " air hue" connection. The grade of this road is nearly completed, and the iron and ties are on the ground, and being laid as speedily as possible.

This road, when completed, together with its branches, will be the most important Road in the North-west, connecting as it will Chicago with the Lake Superior Mining country ; also with St. Paul, and the Upper Mississippi, and must, eventually, bo a link in the Great Pacific northern R. R. - Any person skeptical as- to this latter proposition, will have only to take a look at a map, in connection with " Gov. Stevens' Report," to be convinced of its truth. A branch of thiss road will connect Janesville with Madison, the Capitol of the State, direct, and that city with Chicago by a route of some sixty miles nearer than at present, via. Milwaukee.

The Southern Wisconsin Railroad, now being built, connecting Janesville with Dubuque on a direct line, is next in importance to the St. Pauls. The contracts on this road are let, and 50 miles of the R6ad via. Monroe, County seat of Green, will be finished this fall. A charter for a Railroad along the east side of Rock River has been obtained, connecting the towns along the river with Rock Island, in Illinois, and Janesville, in Wisconsin. This Railroad gives a direct communication with the Coal Mines of Illinois, which wiU be constructed at an early day. With all these connections complete, it may be said emphatically of our city, that whatever we may lack naturally, is more than made up artifidally.

Advantages And Desirableness Of Location

The central position of Janesville, its immense water powers, its commercial advantages, the agricultural resources of the surrounding country, its situation upon several of the most important railroads at the north-west, are all marked by the stranger as well as citizen. There are other points of great interest to the futiu-e growth and permanent prosperity of the town which may be noted. The varied and charming scenery surrounding the town, the noble river with its rapid current and clean banks, the beautiful spots for residences and parks, the ease with which building materials, such as stone, brick, lime and lumber of all kinds, can be obtained ; the excellent water which is found by digging, and above all, the healthfdlneSs of the place, which is proverbial, make Janesville a most dosirabld place for those seeking a western home.

I arrived with my family at Rock River, Oct. 5th., 1836, and went into a log house on the fann now owned by Mr. Cobb, with my brother, his wife having died the June previous.

The first election in the county was held at my brother's house five days after my arrival. The number of votes cast was very small. I, at that time, knew and traded with every man in the county, having brought in leather.

We procused our jprovisiona with great diflBculty, and were oblio'ed to pay $3 per cwt. for hauling from Milwaul&ee or Chicago, which, added to the cost^mado our flour stand us at $21 and pork $40 per barrel,salt 15 and saleratus 25 cents per pound, and butter from three to six shillings. But the greatest trouble after all was to procure seed for sowing. I rode into Illinois, and at the end of four days' travel, succeeded in obtaining only three bushels of buckwheat, for which I. paid $6,,, and thought myself very fortunate at that. For the first 12 bushels of oats that I sowed, I paid $24.

Bred as I was to the business of fanning and tanning, in the quiet old town of Hubbardton, Vennont, I had very little idea of what vicissitudes a frontier life subjected a man tOi I have frequently camped on the prairies or openings, rolled myself in my blanket and gone to sleep, with nothing to break the stillness of the scene but the howling of the wolves.

At that early day the Indians were quite numerous in this part of Wisconsin. I have frequently visited their camps, gone into their wigvi^aras and bought honey and maple sugar of them.

At times as many as a dozen Indians have rode up to my house armed with tomahawks, knives and loaded guns ; and I have at such limes thought how easy a matter it would be. for them to butcher my family, if they were so disposed. It was reported from time to time that they intended to have a general rising, and massacre all the whites; in fact they did murder a man on Rock river, near its head,, by the name of Burnett, and wounded another. But they were always friendly to me, and I have traded a great deal with them. They learned to be quite shrewd in their traflac. If they had a large lot of peltries or fish to sell, they would only show a few of the poorest at first, and then producing more, and so on until they sold out.

The Indians are remarkably generous, always offering their visitors something to eat. I was generally in the ha,bitof feeding them when they called at my house. I have frequently given a loaf of broad to a company of half a dozen, when the one who received jt would divide it, reserving the largest share for himself. Indians always share together ; no matter whose pappoose it is, he has his spoon in the succotnsh as long as it lasts. But the Indians, together with the deer and wolves, have left.

Statistical View Of The City Of Janesville Prepared By 0. Guernsey

The design of this "view'' is to show the real business facilities and statistical facts of our young inland city. The reader who peruses the preeed' ing pages, will readily perceive the contrast between Janesvillc, under the dynasty of Black Hawk a little more than twenty years since, and its present state. Notwithstanding the immense amount of business, and the unexampled growth of the city, it does not keep pace with the development of the surrounding counti-y, on the improvement and prosperity of which it depends for support. The original village plat covered less than " o whole quarter section," although the county purchased that quantity, simply, because by a law of Congress it could claim that amount of land, not that any one sup. posed at that day it would ever be needed for the " village." Subsequently^ as the village limits have extended, contiguous territory has been platted by the proprietors, until at present we have " Pease's addition ;" " Shaw and Pixley's addition ;" " Bailey and Dickson's addition ;" " Palmer and Sutherland's addition ;" " Smith and Bailey's addition ;" " Smith, Bailey and Stone's addition ;" " Doe's addition ;" "A. Hyatt Smith's addition ;" "Mitchell's addition ;" "Miltimore's addition;" "Croft's addition;" " Hield's addition;" "Noggle's addition;" "Monterey;" " Clark and Withrow's addition," &c.

The chartered limits of the city cover an area of 7-^ square miles, or 4,800 acres; and, although we only claim that we now have a small city, yet the reader doubtless will agree with us, when we insist upon it that we have ample " space" for a larpe one,

The First Tlouring Mill

The first improvement of the water power in Janesville was an auspicious day in its history, in fact an emphatic era, and whatever credit may be due to several of our enterprising and public spirited citizens, Hon. A. Hyatt Smith stands at the head of the list, and is entitled to more praise than any other, or all others, for the improvements at that early date. The projection and building of the " Big Mill" by Mr. Smith, contributed more to the b«siness and growth of the town than any other one event in its history.

" The Janesville Big Mill" owned by Hon. A. Hyatt Smith and M. 0. Walker. It is leased and run at present by L. E. Stone and J. C. Jenkins, at a rent of $4,000 per year.

One-half, or three runs of stones, for the manufacture of merchant work, and the other three for custom and merchant work. The custom wT>rk averages about 250 bushels per day.

Farmers' Mills, Owned by Aid. T. Jackman and S. W. Smith. It has three runs of stones, and manufactures 150 barrels of flour per day. The custom work is about 100 bushels per day.

Excelsior Mill - A. Hyatt Smith, owner. It has two runs of stones, capable of manufacturing 100 barrels of flour per day. 60 by 50 feet, four stories, and cost $20,000.

It has three runs of stones, and does custom work mostly, and grinds about 150 bushels per day. The building is 26 by 50 feet, and two stories.

Monterey Stone Mill - Owned by C. Dustin. The building is of stone, 30 by 45 feet and three stories. It contains an excellent oil mill, a corn and cob crusher, and patent mill for grinding feed, which will grind 180O bushels per montli of corn in the ear; also a run of bur stones for custom In connection with this mill is a stone sawing machine with two gangs of 10 saws each, and average about 100 surface feet per day. At this mill, sand stone, white or blue limestone are sawed to order for all kinds of building purposes. Amount of stone sawed the past year, $6,000. - Amount of rough stone sold from quarry, $6000.

Woolen Factory

F. Whittaker, Esq., the proprietor, built this factory in 1849, and filled it with the best eastern machinery in 1850. The building is of stone. The main part is 37 by 51 feet, four stories, with a wing 30 by 43 feat, two stories, and an addition in the rear 18 by 25 feet, one story.

This factory was designed as a custom mill for the farmers of Rook county and vicinity, and is by them liberally patronized. It is located in the lower part of the city, on one of the best water powers in the west.

First Saw Mill

In meting out credit to our enterprising citizens, we should be guilty of a dereliction of duty, did we neglect to accord to Charles Stevens, Esq., one of our early settlers, his due share.

Mr. Stevens has the credit of having built the first saw mill in Janesville ; he also built the " Old Stage House," the " Old Stevens House," &c. He represented his Assembly District in the Legislature in 1853.

Saw Mills

The old Stevens Mill, owned and nm by I. M. Norton and 0. B. Ford - water power - on the west side of the river. It has one largo circular saw five feet in diameter, and one upright saw. This mill cuts hard wood lumber mostly; has cut about 1,500,000 feet during the past year, and is capable of cutting at least 3,000,000 by running it nights.

A. K. Norris & Co. - Water power and steam mill. The water power cuts 20,000 feet of lumber in 24 hom-s; runs three saws; also a lath machine cutting 10,000 feet per day. . 20 men employed.

Steam Mill cuts 8,000 feet per day; employs six men. These mills run about nine months each year, and saw pine logs only. The logs are rafted

Fcbnittjre Ware Houses And Cabinet Manufactories

Morse & Martin, proprietors - 40 men employed. Machinery - 3 circular saws, two upright saws, one planer, one morticing and tenon machine, four turning lathes and a husk machine - ^water power. Amount manufactured during the past year, $18,000. Amount of sales during the past year, $25,- 000.

faciured 400 steel plows, and 200 harrows and cultivator. They are now prepared to extend their business, having purchased the old distillery and brewery, and rebuilt and fitted it up for the more commendable purpose of manufacturing farming implements of various kinds. The new building, in addition to the old stone building, is 24 by 80 feet, 2 stories high.

Their machinery is propelled by water power - one circular saw and one upright saw, one grinding and polishing machine for finishing plows. They now employ 12 workmen, and when spring opens intend to increase the number to 20.

Janksville Iron Works

Joseph H. Budd, proprietor: This is a very extensive manufacturing establishment ; and the gentlemanly proprietor is entitled to much credit for his enterprise in manufacturing, Farming and Mechanical Implements, thus keeping much money in the country that formerly was sent to the eastern manufacturers, and our farmers should consider their obligation to sustain so commendable an enterprise.

The buildings consist of a brick machine shop, three stories high, iron front 35 by 55 feet; wood finishing shop, 30 by 40 feet, two stories: blacksmith shop 30 by 70 feet 1^ story ; foundry 45 feet square ; pattern shop 22 feet square, 3 stories; 2 store-houses 24 feet square, two stories; boiler room 12 by 30 feet, one story, and 150 feet of sheds.

Seventy-five men have been employed during the past season in the various branches of this establishment, and thoy have manufactured machinery and farming implements, chiefly the latter, to the amount bf $70,000. - During the past season $6,000 worth of tools, patterns, and out buildings, were added to the manufactory. There is now in process of construction $30,000 worth of Machinery and Castings. The facilities for doing work have been doubled the past season, and the shop is now capable of employing 120 hands, suificient to manufacture $120,000 worth of work.

Hume, Booth & Co., proprietors. - Their main building is 112 feet on Center Street, and 26 feet on River Street, and a wing on the South side 35 by feot, all two stories high, also an engine room 25 by 22 feet.

Machinery. - 1 Woodworth Flooring Maeliine ; 1 Norcross Surfacing Machine; 1 Daniels' Traversing Machine; 1 Edging Saw. One Siding Saw. Three Circular Saws. One Scroll Saw. One full sett of Fay & Go's. Sash Machinery. One power Morticing Machine. Two foot Morticing Machines,

Machinery. - 3 Circular Saws; 1 Tenon Machine; 1 Sticking Machine. One Grooving Machine. One Rabbeting Machine. One Boring and Mortioeing Machine. One Grind Stone.

They have used the past year about 100,000 feet of lumber, averaging |30 per M. Amount of Manufactures the past year is $8,000. They employ 9 men.

U. C. Vanvlbck. - Employs 6 workmen. His manufactures are most-_ ly monuments and has amounted during the past year to $10,000. His, marble mostly comes fVom Vermont,.

Parker & Smith, employ 7 -tvorkmen,, who manufacture 300 brooms per dayi A, C. Bates, & BrOi, employ 5 meuj they average about 200 brooms per day;

Boot And Shoe Manufactories

Colby <fe Willey, proprietors. They have 1 yard - 1,000,000 apple trees, 6,000 pear trees, 6,000 cheriy trees, 10,000 evergreens, 400 varieties ornamental shrubs and shade trees. They intend to plant two barrels of apple seeds the present spring,

Public Buildings, Manufactories And Business Establishsients

One State Institute for the education of the Blind; 1 Academy; 1 Court House; 1 Jail; 2 County buildings, one of stone, the other brick; 7 Churches; 7 Hotels, and the Stevens House under contract, and will cost at least $140,000; 4 Banks; 4 Flouring Mills ; 1 Cora and cob grinder; 1 Oil mill;

1 Gristmill for custom work entirely ; 5 Lime Kilns; 2* Manufactories of farming implements; 2 Foundories; 1 Steam planing mill; 1 Steam Engine manufactory ; 1 Woolen Factory ; 1 Water-lime mill ; 1 Stone-sawing mill ;

2 Sawmills, water power ; 1 steam saw mill ; 2 Brick yards ; 2 Cora broom factories; 2 Chair factories ; 6 Carriage factories and Wheelwright shops ; 1 Gunshop; 4 Cabinet Manufactories; 1 3 Blacksmith shops ; 1 Fanning mill shop ; 5 Sash, Door and Blind factories ; 8 Shoemakers shops ; 6 Tin and Stove pipe factories; 7 Saddle and Harness shops; 3 Cigar factories; 3 Slaughter Houses ; 1 Cooper shop ; 1 Soap and Candle factory ; 1 Book- bindery; 3 Paint shops ; 3 Barber Shops; 4 Bakeries; 6 Millinery shops ; 2 Whip factories; 2 Confectionary factories; 1 "Water-lime factory; 12 Produce warehouses near Eailroad Depot; 1 Marble factory ; 10 Lumber yards ; S Meat markets ; 5 Livery stables ; 2 Livery stables for the sale of Horses ; 1 Eastern Carriage Repository ; 4 Watchmakers shops ; 1 Stage office; eleven Clothing Stores ; 4 Hardware stores; 11 Dry Goods stores; 3 Drug stores ; 1 Leather store ; 1 Fur store ; 1 Temple of Fancy ; 2 Hat, Cap and Fur stores ; 3 Fruit stores ; 4 Upholstery and Furniture ware-houses; 23 Groceries and provision stores; 1 Book store; 1 Book and Variety store; 2 Music stores; 2 Liquor stores; 4" Shoe stores; 3 Jewelry and Variety stores; 2 Auction stores; 1 Seed and Agricultural implement store; 3 Daguerreian and Ambrotype rooms ; 8 Saloons ; 8 Tailor shops ; 1 Coal yard ; 4 weekly newspapers ; 2 dailies ; 8 ^Nurseries ; 3 Depots, one each, for the sale of Mannys, Atkins, and Morgan & Williams' reapers ; 2 Fire engine houses ; 1 Theatre ; 2 public Halls, " Young America" and " Lappin's" ; 1 Artesian Well company ; 1 Gas company; 1 Hydraulic company; 1 Lafayette Fire and Marine Insurance Co.; 1 Cemetery association; 1 monthly journal.

Benevolent Institutions Literary And Scientific Institutions

-Tanesville Lyceum ; Mechanics Institute ; Janesville Free Academy ; Female Seminary; Instituo for the Blind; Rock County Agricultural Society and Mechanics Institute^ office at Janesville; 3 Select Schools; 8 Primary Schools.

Occupations Of The Citizens Of Janesville

makers; 89 sast, door and blind maters; 89 manufacturers of farming implements and macMnistS; 51 painters; 129 tailors and clothing makers ; 20 ministers; 32 lawyfere; 20 jshysicians and dentists; 2 whip makers; 19 millers; 20 produce buyers ; 16 bank officers; 3 dentists; 9 Daguerreian artists; 2 engravei-s; 2 hatters; 13 butchers; 8 bakers; 9 tavern keepers ; 8 watchmakers; 5 barbers; 6 chairmakers; 2 book binders; 3 coopers; 36 sawyers; 29 lumbermen; 24 school teachers ; 8 founderymen; 21 woden factory operatives ; 4 stone sawyers ; 4 stage agents; 12 ciyil engineers; 18 farmers; 7 tavern clerks and Bartenders; 1 sheriff of the county; 1 under sheriff; 1 register of deeds; '3 deputy registers of deed; 1 deputy clerk of court; 1 clerk of the board of supervisors; 1 county treasurer; '1 senator of the present legislature ; 1 member of assembly of the present legislature ; 1 clerk of present assembly ; 1 sergeant at arms of present senate ; 1 freight agent at depot; 4 reaper agents; 25 produce receivers; 9 railroad men at the depot; 1 chief justice of the supreme court, Hon. E. V. Whiton.

" Jancsville City Guards," htavy infantry ; 46 rank and file. Uniform - Gray, with black facings. Arms - percussioned muskets. OflScejs^ - C. G. Gillett, Capt. Wm. Addy, 1st Lieut. Wm. H, Parker, 2d. Lieut.

Fire Department

Mayor, Edward L. Dimock ; President of the Board, EUery A. Howland ; Clerk, Amos P. Priohai'd; Assistant Clerk, Orriti Guernsey; Marshal, T. C. Sleeper; Treasurer, F. A.Kimball; Attorney, G. W. Gumming; Assessor, Henry 0. Wilson ; Surveyor, A. B. Miller.

JanetviUe Gazette. - 'The first number of the Gazette was published on the 14th, of August, 1845, hy Levi Alden and E. A. Stoddard, the fii-m being known by the name of Alden & Stoddard. On the 6th day of December, 1845, Mr. Stoddard sold his interest in the establishment to Wm. F. Tompkins, and it was thenceforward published by Alden & Tompkins, but its editorial conduct was exclusively under the control of the first named of the firm. Mr. Tompkins sold out his interest the latter part of September, 1846, and Mr. Alden became the sole proprietor, though the name of Mr. H. G. Grattan appeared thereafter as joint proprietor, till the 14th of September, 1848, when Mr. Alden became Sole publisher as well as proprietor. On the 7th of December, 1848, Mr. Chas. Holt purchased one-half interest in the paper, and became joint publisher and editor. It was published by Alden & Holt, until March 19th, 1855, when -Mr. Holt purchased the interest of Mr. Alden, and became sole editor and publisher. The politics of the Glazette were whig until the organization of the republican party in July, 1854, when it united with the organization.

Democratie Standard.'^Tho Rock Co. Democrat was established by Gen. G. W. Crabb, in 1846, and Continued under his management until the fall of 1848, when the Gen. having changed his politics, or in other words, become infected with " Bambunier " notions, was nominated as the Freeseil candidate for member of Congress from his district. He changed the name of the paper to " Freesoil Democrat." After a fevf weeks it went into the hands of Charles S. Jordan, who issued two or three numbers, /when it was suspended until March 1st, 1849, when its publication was resumed under the title of " Rook County Badgftr," by John A. Brown, with A. T. Gray associated with him as Co-editor.' Oct. 20th, 1850, Mr, Gray retired, and Gen. Crabb, associated with Mr. Brown, as editor and publisher, under the firm of Crabb & Brown, and the name changed to " Badger State.'' This arrangement continued until May 17, 1851, when the Gen. retired and Mr. Brown associa.ted his brother D. C. Brown, with him. In the following Oct., 1851, Dr. John Mitchell commenced anew paper called the "Democratic Standard," and soon after by a mutual arrangement the two papers were merged in one, published by Dr. Mitchell, and since been known as the Democratic Standard, Gen. Crabb, assuming the duties of editor.

April 1st., 1852, Crdbb retired from the Editorship of the paper, -and it was continued by Dr. Mitchell, until June 1st., 1858, when it was purchased by D. C. Brown, who associated A. T. Gray with him as editor. Mr. Gray having been elected Secretary of, State, vacated the chair, editorial,; and was succeeded by J. C. Bunner, as co-edjtpr, with Mr. Brown. Mr. Bunner left, Feb. 21st., 1855, and Mr. Brown continued the paper alone until Oct 1st, 1855, when he associated Hon. James Armstrong \*ith him, under the firm of Brown & Armstrong, by whoin it is published at the present time.

Its pohtical character is Democratic, and one of its proprietors, Mr. Aim- Btrong, is the clerk of tte Assembly, of the present Xegislature. The Stai; dard is about to publish a daily paper.

Janesville Free Press. - -This' paper was started January 6th, 1853, by an association of Free Democrats. Among those particularly Instramental in the matter, may be mentioned, J. M. Burgess, J. Baker, R. B. Treat, O, Guernsey, E. A. Rowland. Mr. Baker was appointed editor. Oct. 10th, 185B, Wm. M. Doty, purchased one tmdivided half of the establishment, and the "Press"' was published under the firm of Baker & Doty, untilJune V, 1855, when Mr. Baker purchased the entire interest. Oct. 1st, same year, G. B. Burnett and Andrew J. Hall purchased one half of the concern. Subsequently, Mr. Baker sold Out his entire interest to the said Bumettcfe Hall. Still latter, Mr. E. C. Saokett became sole proprietor; Thomas F. Withrow, Editor. This paper commenced the publication of a Daily sevei-al vofeka

The Family Messenger, commenced Dec. 1 3, 1 855, and was published by Doty, Bushnell & Co., Wm. M. Doty, editor. March~l7, 1856, Wm. M. and Ellis Doty purchased the entire establishment and continued the Messenger as a semi-monthly journal, changing the title to The Wisconsin Family Messenger.

M. C. Smith & Co., Dry Goods and Ready Made Clothing. M. McKey Ar'Bro., do. H. S. Shelton & COi, Dry . Goods, Stoves and Tin-ware. - Jackman, Parker & Co., Dry Goods, &c. O. J. Dearborn & Co., Dry Goods and. Ready Made Clothing. LawrCnCe, A'twood & Co., Dry Goods, Stoves and Hardware. Cooley & BabcoCk, Dry Goods and Crockery. Holden^ Kemp& Co., Ogilvie & Barrows, D. C. Farwell, Drugs, Paints &c. R. t. Richardson, J. A. Wood, Pixley & Kinlball, Hardware, Stoves and Tinware; I. M. Smith, Oi W. Norton, A. & Allen, R. Jenkins, C. G. Gillett, S. li. BeltoD, H. Rice, Conrad & Mtirdock, Z. S. Doty, Clark & Jonks, Groceries and Provisionsi John R. BealOj Hats, Caps and Furs. Charles B. Bacon^

Ym Store. M. C, Smith <fe Co., Harsh, Sonnebom & Bro., C. J. Hays & Co., Wm, Addy, A. Newhoff, Rothchild & May, J. Oppenheimer, J. Deitsch, Eeady Made Clothing, Josiah T. Wright, Leather Store. S. C. Spaulding, A. Townsend, Jewelry, Clocks, Watches and Silver ware. J. Sutherland & Co., Books. V. Jouanneault, Books and Varieties. J. F. Pease & Co., Coon & Bootman, Music Store. J. B. Hyzer, Manufacture of Tinware, and dealer in Stoves. Phillip Solomon <fe Co., Temple of Fancy and Ladies Furnishing Store. Eldred & Barrows, Seed and Agricultural Implements.

Or Now Hold Distinguished Offices

Jttdges of Probaie.-^A.. C. Bailey, Wm. F. Tompkins, C. S. Jordan, James Armstrong, M, S. Prichard. Registen of Deeds. - ^W. H. H. Bailey, G. H. Williston, Royal Wood, Volney Atwood, S. A. Martin, C. R. Gibbs, Sheriffs. - ^Volney Atwood, Alfred Hoskins. Clerks of Board of Supervisors. - W. H. H. Bailey, G. H. Williston, Isaac Woodle, Frank Wheeler, D. I. Daniels, H. O. Wilson, C. P. King. Treasurers. - L. E. Stone, 0. B. Lapham, Wm. A. Lawrence. District Attorneys. - Isaac Woodle, Hiram Taylor, G. B. Ely. Clerks of Courts. - Guy Stougbton, D. F. Kimball, J. L. Kimball, C. R. HoUenbeck, John Nichols, G. W. Crabb. State Senators. - O, W. Norton, Andrew Palmer, James Sutherland. Members of Assembly. - A. W. Pope, Wm. F. Tompkins, W. A. Lawrence, Chas.. Stevens, David Noggle, G. H, Williston, Levi Alden. Members of Conventions: - .A. Hyatt Smith, E. V. Wtiton. Chief Justice of Supreme Court. - E. V. Whiton.

Organization

This Society was organized January 6tli, 1851, at a meeting of the farmers and mechanics of the county, who assembled at the court house, in Jancsville, in pursuance to the following call for that purpose.

First Call

The farmers in the several towns of the county are requested to send delegates, to meet at the court house in Janesville, on the iii'st Monday of January next, at 11 o'clock, A. M., to make arrangements for their own benefit, by association. All other classes associate - why not the Farmers ? Farmers, awake to your interests ! [Signed,]

J. P. Wheeler Agricultural Meeting

At a meeting of the farmers and others of Rook county, held at the court house in the village of Janesville, on the 6th day of January, 1851, for the purpose of organizing an Agricultural Society, J. P. Wheeler, of LaPrairie, was called to the chair, and 0. Deasmore, of Bradford, was appointed secretary.

The object of the meeting was slated in a brief address from the chair, which was followed by remarks from Messrs. Hudson, Neil and Russell, of - Janesville, and E.. A. Fcwte, of Geutor.

The committee consisted of Messrs. Cobb, of Lima; E. R. Cowan, of Fulton; John R. Boyce, of Porter; E. Miller, of Magnolia; J. Hopkins, of Turtle; 0. Densmore, of Bradford; A. M. Carter, of Johnstown; William Spaulding, of Harmony; J. Russell, of Janesville; E. A. Foote, of Center; S. F. Chipman, of Plymouth; J. F. Willard, of Rock; C. C. Cheney and J. P. Wheeler, of LaPrairie.

Constitution

Art. 3. The officers of this Society shall be a President, Six Vice Presidents, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, a Treasurer, and Twenty-five Directors, one of whom shall reside in each town in the county, and one in the city of Janesville, all of whom to be elected at the annual meeting in each year.

Art. 4. The President shall preside in all the meetings of the Society, and may call special meetings thereof at such times as he may deem necessary, and in his absence one of the Vice Presidents shall be designated to preside; and in ease a vacancy shall occur in .the office of President, such vacancy may be filled by the Board of Managers, by ballot, from among the Vice Presidents, by a majority of said Board.

Art. 5. The President, Vice Presidents, Directors, Secretaries and Treasurer, shall constitute a Board of Managers, to transact all the concerns of said Society; shall appoint the necessary committees; shall establish the .amount of premiums to be awarded in each department of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts:; shall fix the time and place for holding annual and regular meetings of their Board and of the Society; shall establish such rules and By-Laws for the government of the Societj', as they may deem proper, subject always to an appeal by any member of the Society, to the Society, which appeal shall be decided by a majority vote of the members thereof, at any regular meeting, present and voting thereon.

Aet. 6. Any person who shall pay one dollar to the Treasurer of this Society, shall be a member thereof for the fiscal year, in which he may pay as aforesaid, and any person who shall pay ten dollars as aforesaid shall thereby be constituted a Life Member thereof

Schedule

For the purpose of organizing this Society, the meeting which adopts this Constitution may elect all the ofiicei's named therein, who shall possess all the powers delegated, and perform all the duties required thereby.

The meeting then proceeded, by nomination, to the election of oflBcers, provided for by the Constitution, which resulted in the election of J. P. Wheeler, President; Wm. F. Tompkins, of Janesville; Ansel Dickenson, of Harmony ; Onin Densmore, of Bradford ; Joseph Goodrich, of Milton ; J. M. Burgess and Anson W. Pope, of Janesville, Vice Presidents; Josiah F. Willard, of Kock, Recording Secretary; Andrew Palmer, Corresponding Secretary, and John Russell, of Janesville, Treasurer.

Wm. Stewart, of Clinton; P. D. Wemple, Bradford; John A. Fletcher, Johnstown; Paul Crandall, Lima; George W. Ogden, Milton; Harvey Holmes, Harmony ; Guy Wheeler, LaPrairie ; John Hopkins, Turtle ; Wm. Yost, Beloit ; Z. P. Burdick, Rock ; L. D. Thompson, Janesville ; R. R. Cowan, Fulton; Daniel Lovejoy, Porter; E. A. Foote, Center; Harrison C. Inman, Plymouth; John L. V. Thomas, Newark; Almon Kenney, Avon; R. R. Hamilton, Spring Valley; Col. Ezra Miller, Magnolia; Hiram Griffiths, Union ; which report was accepted, and on motion of Hon. A. Palmer, those

Resolved, That the President, Secretary and Treasurer, procure 600 printed copies of the Constitution for the use of the offlcers of the Society, who are instructed to solicit subscriptions, receive the money for membership, and pay the same over to the Treasurer, on the first Monday of February next ; and the President is authorized to call a meeting on that day, of the officers of the Society.

Resolved, That our Senator and members of Assembly from this county, be requested to use their efforts to obtain the passage of a bill, at the present session of the Legislature, which shall have for its object the encoui'agement of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts.

Agrictltural Meeting

A meeting of the officers of the Rook County Agricultural Society and Mechanics' Institute, held in pursuance to a call of the President, at the courthouse in Janesville, on the 3d day of February, 1851, was called to order by the President of the Society, J. P. Wheeler.

After a free conversation, conducted by the members present, upon the subject of establishing a Journal devoted to the object of the Society, the following resolution was unanimously adopted :

Resolved, That a committee of _;??;e be appointed to confer with Messrs. Alden & Holt, and Mr. Miller, of Racine, upon the subject of publishinoan Agricultural paper at Janesrille, and to report at the earliest date practicable, through the Janesville Gazette and Badtrer State.

Hesolved, That the prospectus of Alden & Holt, for the Soeh River Valley Farmer, be circulated by the officers of this Society, and that reports of their progress be made monthly to the Gazette office.

The next meeting of the Society was on the 2d day of March, 1851, at v.'hich, the committee appointed for that purpose reported the' following

Section 1. This Society shall hold an Annua] Fair on the fourth Tuesday and Wednesday following, of September in each year, for the Exhibition and Sale or Exchange of Farm stock. Field crops, Garden products - products of the Domestic arts. Agricultural implements, and the products of the Mechanic arts generally.

Sec. 2. There shall be a meeting of the Board of Managers and all i:)ther members of the Society who may choose to attend, at least once in I'ach quarter of the year, viz : on the ffi'st Monday of March, June, September and December, at which meetings there shall be an Essay read by a member of the Society, who shall have been appointed at a previous meeting of the Society, upon such subject as a majority of the members present shall designate. Also, the general business pertaining to the Society, not otherwise provided for, shall h?. transacted.

Seo. 3. The President of the Society shall deliver an address on the first day of each annual Fair, immediately after which the Treasurer shall report tlie amount of funds on hand, the manner in which money has been expended, and in general to make a full exhibit of the financial state of the Treasury.

Sec. 4. The Boai-d of Managers, or a committee appointed hf them, shall, immediately after the closing of the Fair, proceed to apporjion the funds in the Treasury to the respective competitors who shall be entitled to premiums.

Sec. 5. The Recording Secretary shall keep a record of the doings of the Society ; shall keep a Hst of the names of members, embracing the post office address of each, and shall, on the presentation of the Treasurer's receipt of the payment of membership fee, deliver to each member a certified membership, and by order of the Board of Managers, or a committee of them, shall draw orders on the Treasurer for the disbursement of all moneys.

Sec. 6. The Treasurer shall give bond to the approval of the President of The Society, for the faithful discharge of his duties as Treasurer, according to the By-Laws of the Society, and also for the faithfiil disbursement of the funds of the Society in his hands, under the direction of the Board of Managers.

Sec. 7. No article to receive a premium (except at the discretion of the committee,) unless manufactured in Rock county, and no article or animal which has once received the first premium of the Society, can subsequently compete for the same class for the first premium, but may, if considered the best of its class, receive a diploma, with a statement of the reasons why the premium is withheld.

Sec. 8. At the meeting of the Society in June, there shall bo a committee (of such members each as the meeting may determine,) appointed as judges or inspectors of the different classes of Farms, Animals, Field crops or other products or articles designated by the Society as subjects for premiums, at which meeting the Society shall establish all necessary rules and regulations as to time and manner of offering Farms, Animals, or other articles for Exhibition or Premiums.

Sec. 6. Any member of a committee who intends to compete for articles in his Division, shall report that fact to the Board of Managers on or before the morning of the first day of the Fair, in order that his place may be supplied on the committee.

Sec. 10. All animals or articles to be entitled to any premium, (except the Sweepstakes,) must have been actually owned in this county one month previous to the Fair at which it is exhibited : Provided, the committee on unenumerated articles, may award a discretionary premium on any article

Sec. 11. No person shall be permitted to compete for any premium offered by this Society, unless he or she become a member of the same by paying his or her initiation fee.

Sec. 12. The wives and minor children of any member of this Society shall be considered members themselves, so far as the privilege of competition for premiums is concerned.-

Sec. 13. The fiscal year of this Society shall commence on the first Monday of December in each year, at which time the annual election of the officers of the Society shall take place.

This and the succeeding, were the gloomiest years of our agricultural history; the marhed epoch, the like of which, we might hope never more to witness. Sadness and discouragement pervaded the agricultural countenance ; and this accounts for the peculiar spirit and tone of the addresses and essays of these years.

At this time, agriculture in our county, was in a very depressed state. - Most of our fanners came to the West to raise wheat - very little attention being paid to other crops. This was the great staple on which they I'elied. Debts were contracted for improving theii- farriis ; relying upon their wheat crops to pay. But now came on a succession of partial failures of the wheat crop, throughout the country, that added to the extreme low prices of produce, of all kinds, well nigh produced the most disastrous consequences. - Some money lenders from the east, about this time, dare not loan their money on real estate security in Wisconsin; believing that farming here was about to prove a failure, and so took their money back with them, althougli the farmers were ready and willing to pay the most exorbitant rates of interest, to prevent doing woree - losing their farnis entirely.

The wheat crop, up to 1848, had been profitable, and as sure as any other, especially hedge-row ; but this year commenced the blight - rotting while standing in the field. Wheat, during some of these years, was sold as low as 20 cents, in Janesville; and carted to Milwaukee through the mud, and sold for Sli cents. The price . of corn was from 12^ to 16 cents; oats so low as to hardly pay the expense of threshing. The writer well recoUects the reply of one of our livery men, in Janesville, to the inquiry, if he wished to buy some oats to-day, replied that he had been paying 9 cents per bushel, but did not intend to purchase any more, until he could "get them for 8 cents, when he would "lay in" his year's stock."

The manner in which our farmers cultivated their land, at this time, cannot be better described, than by quoting from a communication of James M. Burgess, Esq. He says, "A strict regard for truth compels me to say, that as a general thing, it is rather slovenly. I ask pardon of the fanners, but believe it to be a fact, that in no country but Wisconsin, would it be considered approximating to the science of farming,

" The causes are obvious, the excuse reasonable. First, they have attempted to cultivate too much land, with very hmited means ; next, they have been deluded with the notion that wheat could be gTOwn successfully, for an indefinite period of time ; that manuring, rotating crops, seeding down with timothy, clover, and other grasses ; growing stock, flax, hemp, roots, &c., was altogether unnecessary. To surround a quarter section of land with a sod fence, break, and sow it to wheat, harvest the crop and stack it ; plow the stubble once, and sow again with wheat ; thresh the previous crop, and haul it to the " Lake," was considered good farming in Rock county. Continued from year to year, and hundreds expected to win, by going it bhnd, in this unscientific manner. And for a few years it succeeded, but a short crop or two, with a depressed market, has brought things up all standing. The cry is now heard, what shall we do to be saved ? And for the pui-pose of answering this satisfactorily, an Agricultural Society has been organized in this county, within the past year, and we do hope that a different account from this will be given of us in a very short time ; for I confidently believe, and it is the opinion of others, that with a system of farming, adapted to our soil and climate, scientifically and thoroughly pursued. Rock county can be made to produce an amount equal to that of any other of its size in the State, or perhaps in the Union. Its capacity for growing all kinds of grain, roots, and grasses, is, in my opinion, equaled by but few, either in the Eastern or Western States.

" It wfis genci'ally believed, until the last three years, that grasses could not be gi'own successfully, either on our prairies or oak openings ; but within that time, considerable attention has been paid to this important branch of farming, and with the most complete success. Clover and timothy are the principal kinds of grass which have yet been sown, at least to any extent. - -

The Society now having become fully organized, it was resolved to make the great experiment of holding a Fair, to see whether the faimers of Rock" had sufficient enterprise to get up anything like a creditable show. - The result was highly gratifying, and settled the question to the entire satisfaction of the most doubtful, even. 'Yhis first Fair was the most auspicious era in the fanning and mechanical interests in Rock county,, and when it is considered how yoang our State was, and our county in particular, how recent Black Hawk and his brawny warriors were travereing these unbroken prairies, it reflects great credit upon the enterprise and intelligence of our fanners and mechanics. It was a novel scene - an Agricultural and Mechanical Fair on Rock prairie - and at least five thomand persons turned out to witness it. This Fair was held on the first and second of October, 1851, at Janesville, and it was a triumph- indeed; and those who first moved in the matter, who were the pioneers in the enterprise, are entitled to much credit. They commenced without members, without funds, vfithout patronage from the State, or aid from any source. The infant was feeble, but healthy. No prestige of success enshrouded it, and yet it has grown and developed to manhood, and we anticipate that it yet will even become a giant under the fostering care of the entei-prising Farmers and Mechanics of our county.

At the close of this year, the Treasurer reported the receipt of $292,91. - The expenditm-es for premiums and other expenses, was the sum of $206,00, leaving a balance of $86,00 in the Treasury to be carried to the credit of the next year.

President'S Address

Fellow Citizens and Gentlemen of the Bock Co. Agricultural Society and Mechanics' Institute : The By-Laws of this Society make it the duty of the President to deliver an address on the first day of each annual Fair. I stand before you to perform that duty. The object of this Society, as expressed in the constitution, is "to encourage Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts." - A short motto, presenting a wide field for thought, remark and duty. Wo

It is confidently remarked, that at no time within the last fifty years, have farmers had greater need of encouragemennt, as poor crops and low prices abundantly prove. A few thoughts on the ways and means to accomplish the object for which we have associated, it is, hoped, will not be deemed inappropriate on this occasion.

How present evils are to be remedied, our lost character in wheat and flour to be regained, what we ought not to do and can avoid doing, and what we ought to do and can do as individuals .and as a society, that agriculture and the mechanic aits may be relieved from their burdens, and thereby encouragement given to all, whether in the workshop or the field, town or country, nre questions which no doubt occupy the minds of a large proportion of the gentlemen here present. Good husbandry generally produces good crops, and good mechanism never fails to find a rich reward. We ought, then, to make a strong effort to produce and bring into market, articles of the first quality, in point of usefulness and durability. It should be the steadfast purpose of this association to aim at nothing short of giving tone and character to public opinion, with regai-d to the products of the soil, the shop, the factory and the mill. We ought to fix a dark stigma upon the man who gets a smart name by mixing or adulterating the products of the soil, or by cheating in breadstuffs or provisions of any kind. Wisconsin has suffeved the loss of thousands by the loss of character in wheat and flour alone. It will cost years of exertion to regain what we have lost by mismanagement, as producere of the great staple upon which we have mainly relied to pay for the vast amount of merchandise brought into this country. What we have done, and ought not to do again, comes upon the memory like a dark and blighting vision of the past, but let us forbcai', and suffer past misdoings to sink into silence and forgetfulness, trusting that a strong and abiding admonition will be left upon the mind, never to mix and adulterate, or in any wise corrupt the gifts of the Lord in this thing. We ought, then, as a Society, to take a deep interest in regaining and establishing our character, in every department of our produef ions and manufactures. The moral and physical health of this young and growing community, requires it at our hands. Good economy and good farming teach the consumption of hay, straws, coarse grain and roots. It was thought bad farming in New England to sell hay at five dollars the ton, when the thrifty two-years old would sell in the fall for twelve dollars. If this principle be correct, what shall we say of the farmer who sells oats at one shilling the bushel, or seven dollars' and fifty cents the ton; or corn at twenty cents the bushel, or about the same price per ton ; or wheat at twen- ty-five to thirty cents the bushel, equivalent to from eight to ten dollars the ton. These calculations of necessity bring to mind pork and lard, sheep and wool, tallow and cheese, beef and butter, and it also may be added a vast amount of good living. The home consumption of crops makes a rich farm and good living of course. Ought we to be discouraged because we happen to have a surplus of bread and meat ? It is an old proverb, "that a store is no store" - "trite but true" - the wise man said "that when goods increase, they that consume them increase." The rule is good. It is confidently hoped that every farmer in Eock Co. will live up to the rule, and steadfastly determine that so far as his farm is concerned, consumption of hay and coarse grain shall keep pace with production. Over-stocking is the grand error of New England - over-production the error of our countiy. Were a census of the entire production of the country taken in each year, (say in the month of August,) and presented at the annual meeting in October, a judicious and prudent committee would be prepared to make out a tabular report, thereby enabling every man to form a correct judgment, touching the probabilities of surplus in any of the articles produced - coarse grain or farm stock for instance. We need not despair because we happen to raise a few bushels more of oats than we may want. If Vermont can raise wool and make money, we can make money by raising wool. If the flax cotton project be not :i failure, and our wives and daughters continue "to seek wool and flax willingly with thear hands," we shall not go naked. We ought to work for the mutual benefit of the producers and artificers of our own land, by giving credit and character to the productions of our soil and our workshop. We shall strive in vain to attain a fair and equal rank in this great sisterhood of Republics, if we do not work for ourselves. We are givmg a high premium to eastern artificers, by purchasing their wares at their prices, and paying for them in breadstufl's and provisions, at the tune of twelve bushels of hedgerow for a pair of stogy boots.