Rock County, Wisconsin - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 3 of those read), 1908 (part 10 of 11)

This place was some distance from the old home of Gravdal and located in another parish. So when he came to join the Ansten Natesta party, consisting largely of neighbors from his old home, to them he was still Gravdal and the name Holt only appears on the first two patents. In the third patent he gives his name simply as Gullik Olsen. This was what may be termed the common every day style of Norwegian signature, by the Christian name and the "Far's-navm" (Father's name) which consisted of the father's Christian name plus son or sen. Many would not sign their full name except when extreme accuracy or particularly important documents were supposed to require it. This is also customary at the present. Very few people ordinarily sign their full name; most sign by initials and family name, except when requested to make signatures on documents of record. Ole Gulak, Mr. Gravdal 's oldest son, adopted Gulack as his family name and among those that now represent the name of old Mr. Gullek is the Hon. Gilbert Gulack, ex-Senator of North Dakota, a grandson of Gullik Gravdal on his father's side and grandson of widow Gunnil on his mother's side. The younger son Tollev, changed to Tolle by phonetic spelling, took Gravdal for his family name, and old Gravdal 's name is represented by Gilbert Gravdal, a prominent and wealthy farmer of Newark. Again, others have translated the old country farm or home name, for instance, the Newhouse families of Clinton were Nyhus. Ny equals new and hus equals house, and we have Newhouse. Haugen translated has become Hill, and we have Halvor P. Hill, of Janesville, a grandson of Halvor Pederson Haugen, of the "Amelia" party. Mr. Hill's uncle, son of Halvor Pederson Haugen, took the middle name of his father Pederson, changed it to Peterson and adopted that as his family name, and we find him in history as the Hon. Halvor H. Peterson, representing the first district of Rock county in the legislative assembly, 1871. Mr. Peterson is now living in Alta, Buena Vista county, Iowa, and is one of the few survivors of the thirty-niners. The following is a partial list of the various ways of changing names. Those who are in need of a new name can take their choice :

Two well known families can trace the origin of their family name to a large spring, located near the center of the north half of Sec. 4, Town of Newark. This fine spring soon attracted the attention of the early homeseekers, and in September, 1841, Gullik Knndsen and Gunnel Stordock, with their families, located near this spring, which as a land mark was already known as the "Big Spring." Stordock with his family lived in a haystack for three months while he built a house. In 1843 he sold his interest in the place to Gunder Knudson, a brother of Gullik Knudson; so we have the tAvo brothers, Gullik and Gunder Knudson, living near "Spring-en" (the spring). This place already having a name, they were referred to as Gullik Springen and Gunder Springen. As their families grew up they continued the name Springen. And Ansten Springen still owns the farm of his father Gullik. The well known K. G. Springen and his sons, prominent business men of Mayville, N. D., represent Gunder Springen. Perhaps the most singular and apparently unexplainable mutilation of a name is that of widow Odegarden, as her name appears upon the government land records. In examining the entries of land in Rock county I find that Gisle Seberson Hallan became a freeholder in Rock county, November 29, 1839, and on the same date Gooneal G. Doctor took title to her first land. Now the question is how can we change the "Doctor" to the widow Gunnil Odegarden? The explanation is this: Undoubtedly Mrs. Odegarden sent with Mr. Hallan money to purchase this piece of land, and when the clerk at the land office asked for the name of the person to whom the patent should be made Mr. Hallan gave the name Gunnil Gjermunds-datter. This to the clerk would sound as a name of three words, and following the custom then as now common, to only give the initial of the middle name G, he then mistook the datter for Doctor, and there you are.

A study of these records shows that Gisle Sebjornsen Hallan was the first Scandinavian land owner in Eock county, while the widow Odegarden undoubtedly was the second, as her entry was of the same date as Mr. Kalian's. Dating the settlement by freehold Eock Prairie, in Eock county, is older than Jefferson Prairie. The earliest date of Scandinavian freehold in Clinton is by Ansten Knudsen (Natesta) and Thorsten Nilsen, dated December 25, 1839. Ole Knudsen Natesta did not take title to his land until November 25, 1842. We have seen that the greater part of the early emigrants left Norway to get away from religious intolerance. As a rule they were strongly religious, each one tenacious of his own particular and often peculiar idea. In the earliest colonies many had already allied themselves to the various American church societies, with which they came in contact. No effort at church organization among the Norwegians had been made until Elling Eielson arrived in 1839. (15)

An enthusiastic Hougian Evangelist, he had traveled extensively both in Norway and Denmark, preaching everywhere repentance and the forgiveness of sins. At some places he was endorsed and encouraged by the resident clergy; at others he was bitterly opposed and denounced as a dangerous heretic. This culminated in his arrest and imprisonment while in Denmark; but even in prison he could not be silenced. He was continually admonishing his fellow prisoners to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus. Prince Kristian and Princess Karoline Amalia took his part and procured his release from prison. He returned to Norway, where he continued his itinerant preaching. His characteristic boldness and unqualified denunciation of church ritualism and secular interference in religious matters caused continuous conflict and opposition by the state church. On arrival in this country he immediately commenced his religious work. Gathering around him the few Scandinavian residents of the then small village of Chicago he held his first "Christelig Samling" (Christian assembly), as he termed his meetings, and vigorously exhorted to repentance and faith in "Christ and His Crucified." From Chicago he visited the scattered Norwegians in Illinois and Wisconsin. At the Jefferson and Rock Prairie settlements he found sympathetic audiences. Some were pronounced Hougians and the rest were at least liberally inclined. At first Eielson had no opposition and naturally assumed the leadership. A number of religious exhorters and lay preachers flocked to his standard and each recognized the other as a "Brother in Christ." While on a visit at Rock Prairie, 1842, at a meeting held with Mrs. Odegarden, who was an active Hougian, the necessity of providing for the religious education of the young people was considered. All agreed that this was of great importance and something must be done immediately. Finding but one of Pontoppidan's explanations of Luther's catechism, and but one or two catechisms in the settlement, with a similar scarcity of supply in the other communities, it was decided that Eielson must go to New York and make arrangement for the printing of an edition of these necessary books. Eielson was a man of action and forthwith departed on his errand. It was late in the fall before he was ready to return from New York, over a thousand-mile journey, and the canal boats and steamboats were laid up for winter - but the walking was good. And so, with knapsack on back, he walked all the way back to Jefferson Prairie (16) and arrived there shortly after New Years, 1843. On the 3d of July, the same year, he married Sigri Nilsen, of Muskego, Eacine county.

In an autobiography Mrs. Eielson speaks of the "simple life" of those early days as follows: "Eielson bought a piece of land near my father's, where he built a small log house. Our household furniture was of the simplest kind ; the emigrant chest served as table for two years, when a neighbor presented us with a home made table. I was alone most all the time. Eielson was doing missionary work, constantly traveling from place to place. I was strong and loved to work. I planted trees and made garden, spun and wove linen from flax, that we raised ourselves; also made cloth from wool and prepared our own garments. In 1846 we moved to Jefferson Prairie, where we lived with a kind Norwegian family for three years. Then we again purchased a piece of land, built a small cabin, just one room, and our furniture still consisted of the big chest, home made table and several benches."

Early realizing the urgent demand for some kind of parochial organization of the scattered clusters of his countrymen he sought church orders and was ordained at Chicago October 3, 1843, by the Lutheran pastor, Eev. Hoffman. J\Iany of the lay preachers or exhorters, who conducted religious services in the early days of the colonies, followed Eielson 's advice and example and later became Lutheran clergymen. But, fifteen days later than Eielson, C. L. Clausen was ordained at Buffalo by Eev. L. F. E. Krause. Ole Andrewson, who was a co-laborer with Eielson and Clausen in early pioneer days, came to America in 1841 and located at Jefferson Prairie in 1844, "where he settled on a piece of land, at the same time ministering to the spiritual wants of his countrymen who had settled there." He was ordained for the ministry in 1846. For four years previous to this time he devoted himself entirely to gospel work, traveling from place to place in the Norwegian settlements in Illinois and Wisconsin. From 1846 to 1856 he organized congregations at Mission Point, Lisbon, Leland and Fox River, Ills.; also at Racine, Milwaukee and Muskego, Wis. In 1856 he became a resident pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Clinton, Wis. ; serving also other congregations at Muskego, Queen Anne Prairie, Leland and Rock Prairie. For nearly thirty years he continued to serve these places with remarkable. faithfulness and ability up to his death, which occurred February 23, 1885. He was a laborious worker, a good preacher, made many long missionary journeys, was charitable to those of different opinions and was beloved by all who made his acquaintance.

These early leaders earnestly advised their friends to Americanize as fast as possible. They realized the impracticability of building little Norways on AYisconsin prairies. They prepared themselves to conduct religious services in the English language. Prominent among these was Paul Anderson, who came to America in 1843. He had acquired a fair knowledge of English in Norway. A devout Christian of the Hougian type, he soon became acquainted with Eielson, Ole Andrewson, Clausen and others and joined them in their active missionary work. Realizing the need of English teachers among his countrymen he soon became a student at the Beloit Seminary and, while attending school there, often conducted religious services at the home of Lars H. Skavlem, in Rock Prairie. He afterwards spoke of this place as a home to him during his school days at Beloit. (He was often at our house and my father had a high regard for him. - Ed.) In 1848 Anderson's missionary work resulted in the organization of a congregation in Chicago. He was ordained at Schohairie, N. Y., during the summer of 1848, and returning to Chicago began his pastoral duties. He soon introduced regular English services in his congregation, placing the English on an equal footing with the Norwegian. He established the first Sunday school among his people, which was also conducted in English ; thus he gathered around him the young people.

The four names that will stand at the head of the list of that band of Christian workers whose influence had so much to do with the early shaping of the social, moral and religious progress of the Norse- Americans in this country, must be Eielson, Clausen,

Andrewson and Anderson, and in 1846 all these were residents of Rock county. Eielson and Andrewson lived at Jefferson Prairie, Anderson at Beloit and C. L. Clausen became the resident pastor at Rock Prairie.

Rev. Mr. Anderson's congregation increased year by year and soon became the largest city congregation of Scandinavians in the country. Paul Anderson was born in Vang Valders, Norway, August 24, 1821, and died October 11, 1891, at Norland Farm, La Jara, Col. AYe have already recorded the arrival of Deidrichson at Koshkonong in 1844 and listened to the words of warning in his first sermon. He came as a missionary of his church - not as an immigrant - he had no idea of becoming an American. He loved his native land and its institutions with the strength of a young patriot, and above all he had just dedicated his young life, his all, to his great mother, the church. He found his countrymen here in a strange land, scattering flocks without a shepherd, under the influence of men whose proper place, from his viewpoint, was the prison and not the pulpit. Many had already been led astray by Americans in to the "many other" erroneous sects found among the Americans. Surely here was work to do, and that of the strenuous kind. Here was the opportunity and he was the man of the hour. And he went at it, like the Viking that he was, with sledge hammer blows. He warned his hearers to beware of the false teaching of Eielson and his fanatical associates, to keep clear of the Americans and their many heresies, and especially to guard their children from the bad influence of the godless common schools. He urged the Norwegians to organize and support their own parochial schools and send to Norway for good orthodox teachers. The first church organization on Rock Prairie was the one organized by Diedrichson in 1845, and Lars H. Skavlem was one of its members. All went smoothly for a while. Then came the parochial school organization, with C. L. Clausen as their pastor. This was slow and up-hill work, but it was finally launched, and the school was to circulate from house to house, so many days at each place. In due time it came to Mr. Skavlem 's house, some time in the early '50s, after Clausen had moved to Iowa. The scholars were all seated on benches around the room. When the teacher discovered that "Bergit" (17) (a nurse girl in the family of Mr. Skavlem) was missing. He questioned Mr. Skavlem as to the whereabouts of the missing scholar and Skavlem replied that the Yankee school had just begun and that he had sent her there. The good teacher took Mr. Skavlem to task for his carelessness of the spiritual welfare of his ward. Skavlem retorted that fortunately he was now in a country where he had a right to his own opinion on such matters, and the arguments grew long and waxed warmer until the scene, which stamped itself indelibly upon my memory, though I was then a mere child, was enacted. I can still see that cold steel blue glint in his eye as my father looked the pedagogue squarely in the face and slowly said in the Norwegian language what translated would be "You can not plant Norway on these Wisconsin prairies," and his fist came down on the table with such a force that it would have been destruction to anything but a home made piece of furniture. "If this is your religion I am done with you and your church." This was the first and last Norwegian parochial school in Mr. Skavlem 's house, and perhaps the first serious clash between the two contending forces, destined to a long and often bitter struggle, the outcome of which has never been in doubt. Nobody now wants to build Norway on these Wisconsin prairies. The conservatism and ultra Norse-Nationalism of that portion of the Scandinavian immigrants, completely dominated by the so-called State Church, can only retard the complete Americanization of its members for perhaps another generation. And this may be a "blessing in disguise," True evolution is slow of growth and too rapid changes are apt to produce many freaks and abnormal individuals. The early pioneers were more than half Americanized before they left their native land ; not so with the mass of the later arrivals ; the longer time in transition may be necessary to the best results.

Limited space allows but brief notice of the political affiliations of the early Scandinavian pioneer. Ole Rynning's little book undoubtedly had much to do w4th the anti-democratic lineup of many of the first settlers. The Free-soil and Liberty parties got the first vote of many of them. Later on, during the late '40s and early '50s, the bulk of the Scandinavian vote went to the Democrats, The first Norwegian newspaper published was called "Nordlyset" (Northlight). This made its appearance in 1847, was published in Racine county, Wisconsin; James 0. Raymert, editor, and was an exponent of the "Free-soil" party. In 1849 Knud Langeland and 0. I. Hatlestad became the owners of the paper and changed its name to " Demokraten " ; but it was to be ''Free-soil Democrat." This proved a failure and it died, aged 1 year and 6 months. The printing establishment was now divided between Langeland and Hatlestad, and Langeland was induced to move his part of the outfit to Janesville, Eock county, Wis., where he was to be assisted by C. L. Clausen, then resident pastor at Eock Prairie, in the publication of "Maanedstidende," a religious monthly magazine. This was also a losing enterprise and after about a year's struggle Langeland decided to sell out. Langeland says that his office force in Janesville consisted of a young boy apprentice and one printer, named Conradi, a brother of the renowned professor of the same name.

This boy printer was Eev. Amon Johnson, A. M. In 1850 his father moved to Dane county and Amon, at the age of 13 years, learned the printer's trade at the office of the "Maanedstidende," in Janesville, and afterwards in the "Emigranten's" office at Eock Prairie, "Wis. In the latter place were a few earnest Christians who met for prayer and mutual edification on Sundays. One of these families, Lars Skavlem and his wife, Groe Skavlem, having heard of him, the lady came to the house where he boarded and invited him to the meeting, the Sunday following, at their house. He went and this family became interested in him. Through their efforts and recommendation they sent him to the Illinois State University of Springfield, 111., in 1854.

A stock company was organized and the printing outfit again moved, this time to Eock Prairie. "Inmansville," as Langeland has it in his book, "Normandene i Amerika." Inmansville was the name of the postoffice, located a mile and a half northwest of where the printing office was first established, at the house of Gunder Springen, near the northeast corner of S. E. i/4, of N. W. %, Sec. 4, Town of Newark. Here the first issue of the "Emigranten," C. L. Clausen editor, made its appearance in January, 1853. Its politics were Democratic and it was said to have received financial aid from A. Hyatt Smith and other leading Democratic politicians of Janesville. When the Eepublican party made its appearance the ''Emigranten," as well as the bulk of the Norwegians, joined its ranks, and ever since they have been an element of strength to that party in localities where their number had weight. At the breaking out of the Eebellion the

Jacob Lund, of Kock Prairie, is but one sample of many "old Norwegians" who went to the war. Lund was a quiet, religious person, a deacon of the little society to which he belonged, and a leader in the prayer and lay meetings which were held at the homes of its members. His son, Ole J. Lunn, had signed his name at the recruiting office at Beloit, and came home to tell his father that he was going to the war. For a while the old man was silent. Then he quietly said: "Yes, Ole, there are two of us and the country needs men; one of us must go; but you are too young. You must stay at home and take care of mother and the farm. I will go myself." So Jacob Lund took the place of his son in the ranks of the Twenty-second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, Company I. In an encounter with the enemy near Chattanooga, in March, 1863, our troops were driven back. At roll call Jacob Lund failed to answer. Some of his comrades reported they had passed him sitting on the ground holding a twisted handkerchief around his shattered limb with one hand, while in the other he held the Bible, out of which he appeared to be reading, and the curtain goes down. His country called - he responded, did his duty as he saw it. This was all. (Jacob Lund was taken prisoner at Thomson's Station and died of wounds, March 11, 1863, at Columbia, Tenn, - Ed.)

His son Ole took good "care of Mother" until the summons came for her to join the patriot in the life beyond. Ole J. Lunn is still taking care of the farm, an honored citizen of the town of Beloit.

And now, dear reader, if you are not already tired of "ye olden tales," I am pleased to introduce you to one who was an eye witness and active participant in the scenes and activities so briefly chronicled in the preceding pages, the Mrs. Groe Skavlem, mentioned above.

"Away back on the title page of memory's album, almost three score years and ten ago, I see the quaint homestead of my father, Halvor Nilsson, situated on the rocky bank of a mountain stream, where it makes its final plunge into the quiet waters of the lake below.

"Near the little parsonage of Nore, in the southern part of Norway, my childhood days were spent. Father possessed considerable mechanical ingenuity (he was a goldsmith and clockmaker by trade). In addition to his regular work he had built himself quite a shop, or factory. By the arrangement of a large water wheel he secured the power to drive his machinery, all of which he himself made. I remember he had some contrivance for fulling and finishing the cloth that every housewife then made on a hand loom. Then there were the wire making machines. From the wires he made needles.

"In his younger days the itineracy of his trade had given him a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, principally among the wealthy and better informed classes. By these associations he became conversant with the activities of the outside world. Consequently he was looked upon as a man of more than ordinary learning. His stay-at-home neighbors sometimes forgot themselves so far as to assert that the goldsmith knew more than the preacher !

"Among my pleasant recollections were my oft repeated visits to the kind hearted parson, where I would get a bundle of missionary papers, as well as the regular weekly Christiania newspapers. These I would read to father while he worked.

"The Natesta brothers, the Skavlem boys, K. Fossebrake, Gunnel Stordock, Widow Odegarden, with her family of four girls, Gisle and Tarrus Sebjurson, Gullick Gravedale and several others whose names I do not now recall, formed the advance guard of the greatest Scandinavian migration in the early '40s and '50s.

"Among the very earliest emigrants to America from our neighborhood were the brothers Ole and Ansten Natesta. In 1837 they had found their way to the then much talked of Rock

Cyuus D. Fox

River Valley. Ole built his first cabin on the place still known as the Natesta farm, situated several miles south of the village of Clinton, in this county.

"Ansten, returning to Norway in 1838, spent the winter in relating to his friends and neighbors the wonderful advantages and resources of 'Nerd America.' People came long distances to hear and see the man who had been to 'Oiskonsin.'

"The next spring Mr. Natesta returned to America, accompanied by a number of his friends. Among these were the Skavlem brothers, Lars, Gjermond and Herbrand.

"I remember father saying that if he had been a younger man he would have gone with them. How vividly it all comes back to me. Those never-to-be-forgotten evenings when, the day's work finished, mother and I would draw our wheels before the fireplace and by the light of the blazing logs sit spinning far out into the night. At a short distance from us, surrounded by a confused assortment of tools, sat father. A host of tiny candles burned blinkingly all about him, throwing stray gleams upon the spoons with filigree handles, the quaint brooches and other articles of dainty filigree, which he fashioned with such delicate skill As w^e worked we talked of America and conjectured as to the possible fate of our many friends who had gone to make for themselves on its vast, unsettled prairies new homes and greater fortunes.

g'But only three years intervened before we, too, father then sixty-one years old, accompanied by wife and only child (I was fifteen years of age), embarked upon the vessel Eleida, commanded by Captain Johnson, outward bound for New York.

"We left Drammen in May, 1842, arriving at New York the following September - four long and weary months on the sea. Our food supplies grew scanty. The ship leaked. To add to the general misery, sickness attacked the passengers. Out of 120, 12 were buried at sea.

"Did we have any remarkable adventure on the ocean? "Well, yes. But for the inquisitiveness of a Haacon Paulson, who called the officers' attention to something spectre-like, dimly visible through the enveloping fog, the Eleida with all on board would certainly have gone to the bottom. Without replying to Mr. Paulson's question the mate gave a series of sharp, incisive orders. Before we realized what had transpired we found ourselves sliding along, close to the side of an enormous iceberg. Then we saw a sight that filled us with awe mingled with thanksgiving, as we realized the hair-breadth escape of our little vessel from a similar fate to the one that had overtaken that other, whose mast, with penant still flying, was projecting above the icy slush. The unknown vessel was either wedged in or lodged upon a projecting shelf of ice so far below the water line that nothing but the top of the masts, with their little streamers still fluttering in the breeze, remained to tell us of the probable fate of its crew. Yes, Emma Paulson, one of your high school teachers, is a daughter of this same Paulson.

"We went up the Hudson river, and then through the Erie canal to Buffalo by means of canal boats. From Milwaukee our journey was to be overland. We wished to reach Jefferson Prairie, which lay somewhere along the Rock River valley. Father hired a team to convey us and our baggage to our destination. The huge unyielding chests, containing all our worldly possessions, we tumbled together upon the wagon. Atop l^is wabbly pile, elevated to an unapproachable and uncomfortable state, sat mother and I. Father would walk beside the team with the driver, traveling the eighty miles or more to our journey's end on foot.

"The first four miles lay through woods and swamps. The swamps would have been impassable save for the rude roads built over them. Forest trees stripped of their limbs and branches were used in the making of these. Of various sizes and lengths these logs placed thus in close juxtaposition afforded unlimited opportunities for trying the springs and tempers of both conveyance and travelers. Weak and enfeebled from our recent illness, mother and I suffered untold tortures as we bumped and jostled over these 'corduroy roads.' We also experienced considerable

"Eventually we reached a sort of habitation, dwelling house and hotel combined. This, together with an adjoining stable, was graced by the name 'Delavan.' The night spent at this tavern was without exception the most dismal one of our whole journey.

"The inmates refused us admittance into their house. When we asked for lodgings they pointed to the road. They would give us nothing to eat or drink. The driver, however, fared better; he was one of their own people.

"In one of our chests we had some 'flatbread' and butter which we had brought with us from the old country. Father managed after considerable trouble to raise the lid, and so we got something to eat. As night drew on our driver came to us bringing some fresh water with him ; under his arm he carried a bundle of straw. He motioned us toward the stable - our communications carried on chiefly by signs and unintelligible murmurs - signifying that we might sleep there in an empty stall, where he threw the straw. Then he left us.

"Tired, humiliated and homesick, mother and I presented a most dejected pair. But father's intrepid spirit and courage bitoyed him over these petty misfortunes. He was not to be disheartened, and set about trying to cheer and comfort us. Listening to him we forgot our disappointments, and dreamed only of what the future had in store for us.

"From Delavan to Beloit was the next stage of our journey. Beloit then consisted of one or two stores and quite a number of houses. We crossed the river by means of boats. The bridge was not yet built. Here we chanced upon friends and from them learned that it would be nearer to reach the settlement west of town than to retrace our steps to Jefferson Prairie. So we at last ended our Gypsy-like rovings. We stayed for a short time with the Widow Odegarden, whose cabin was the second one built in what is now the township of Newark. Father soon made arrangements with Lars Skavlem and Knudt Chrispinson to occupy their house with them during the winter. We were soon comfortably settled and father busy getting out logs to build a house of his own on an adjoining piece of land, which he purchased from the government. During the winter months we kept great logs burning continually in the fireplace. But on the mornings following extra cold nights we would find the milk frozen into solid cakes of ice. The milk was kept on hanging shelves. These swung directly over the fireplace. The warm clothes and bedding we had brought with us from our northern home protected us well from the cold.

"In striking contrast to these cheerless surroundings are the luxury and ease which encompass the children of today - the grandchildren of these early pioneers. Father still continued to make clocks and silverware. In 1845 he perfected the first clock made in Wisconsin. It was one of those old fashioned kind, the case of which reached from the floor to the ceiling. One of them still remains intact in the Chrispenson homestead, in the township of Newark. In these early days we were very careful of our food supplies. We went to Beloit only two or three times a year, to replenish our stock of provisions. I recollect we brought with us from our old home a little sack of coffee and a bag of fine flour. We were so choice of these that they lasted us for over a year. In the meadows we found an herb we called slough-tea (pybably mountain mint), the leaves of which we steeped into a kind of tea. The flour we used was a very coarse meal. This disguised in numerous mixtures of a pudding-like consistency, together with potatoes, occupied a most prominent place in our larder.

"As to the Indians, when we came to Wisconsin only a few stragglers remained upon their hunting ground. We could see them in twos or threes noiselessly slipping about the woods. They were an agreeable disappointment to us. Before coming to America we had read in the missionary papers of the depredations committed by the savage red men. For them we had cultivated a feeling of fear and horror, which vanished, however, when we had once stood face to face with the originals. One evening - it was about dusk - mother sent me upon an errand to the underground stable, which was built a short distance from the house. "When ready to return I pushed the door back and stepped out upon the ground. There, directly in front of me, gun in hand and dog beside him, stood an Indian. I think he was as startled at the apparition of a young girl springing suddenly from the ground, as it were, as I was frightened by being thus confronted by the actual living presence of one of those beings my imagination had distorted into a terrifying bugbear. For a moment we looked steadily at each other. Then a faint grin dispersed itself over his countenance as he slowly backed off in the direction of the woods, while I as deliberately retreated towards the house.

"The wolves had not yet been frightened away from their favorite haunts. Civilization had no terrors for them. With a most contemptuous disregard of the respect due us in our role of conquering invaders, they held nightly vigils in the woods behind our house with old time energy and vim. Their unearthly wailing cries were not the most pleasant of serenades. I do not remember of their making any very savage attacks upon the settlers. In those early times the woods and prairies swarmed with foxes and wild game; prairie chickens, quails and wild turkeys were numerous.

"I was now married and lived with my husband, Lars Skavlefn, in our own cabin. AVe had a chore boy living with us. He had just come over from Norway and belonged to the more ignorant and superstitious class of emigrants. The first Sunday he took his hymn book and strolled off into the woods. Before very long we saw him coming across the opening at a break-neck speed, evidently laboring under some great excitement. When he reached us he was all out of breath.

" 'What's the matter?' asked my husband. 'I have - have seen the devil,' gasped the terrified boy. 'I was lying on the ground reading my hymn book when I heard a slight noise which caused me to look up, and there he stood, more terrible than I have ever seen his picture. He was green, blue, yellow, black.

and a great red thing hung down from his neck, and such claws, I know it was the devil.' And he really did believe he had caught a glimpse of his Satanic Majesty. My husband tried to explain to him that it was undoubtedly a wild turkey gobbler he had seen, but he ever insisted that he had seen the devil in the Skavlem woods.

"Father lived fifteen years after coming to this country. Mother died when she was ninety. She is still remembered by her great-grandchildren. In the little girl of these rambling notes, I am now the old grandma of seventy. As we grow older memory waves her kaleidoscopic garments before our dreamy eyes and we live over again the scenes of other days. In the words of Diderot, 'My dear friends let us tell tales. While we are telling tales the tale of life approaches its end and we are happy.' "

Supplementary Notes

Ole Knudsen Nattestad (Natesta) was born in Nummedal, Norway, December 24, 1807. Died in the town of Clinton, Eock county, Wis., May 28, 1886. (1)

Ole EjTining's book had a good description of our land surveys, with full instructions for looking up and locating government land the procedure necessary for the purchase of the same ; consequently the newcomers were well posted in this line, and often could help out their Yankee neighbors. The Hon. Gunnuf Tollefson, of Dane county, many years ago told how he got his first piece of land. "In '49 I left Eock Prairie in search of government land, which I found in the town of Primrose, Dane county. I found a large 'Witness Tree' that had the following letters and numbers plainly marked on it: N. W. y^, S. 23, T. 5, N. Eange 6 E. There was no pen nor paper within miles, so I cut down a small poplar, hewed it down to a thin piece of board, then with my 'tollekniv' cut the letters and numbers exactly as they were on the tree, and with this under my arm I started for the land office. This document and the money I presented to the officials, which

Gullik Olsen Gravdal was born on the farm Kjemhue in Vegli, Nummedal, Norway, September 26, 1802, and died at Rock Prairie, July 17, 1873. (4)

Gunnil Gjermundsdatter Odegarden was a widow with a family of four young girls when she came to America in 1839. Her husband became lost and perished in an effort to cross a range of mountains in the winter time several years before. He left his family well provided for, so that when she came to this country she had some means with which to provide her new home and assist those that were in need of help. She died of the cholera during the epidemic of that disease in 1854. (6)

Knud Chrisbinusen was born in Vegli, Norway, about the year 1820, and died in the town of Newark, Rock county. Wis., some twenty-five years ago. (9)

Knudt Chrispensen Fossebrekke was born in Rollagannex, Nummedal, Norway, 1816. He died in the town of Newark, Rock county. Wis., December 9, 1888.

The Hougians were followers of Hans Nielson Houge, a reformer, born in Smaalenene, in Norway, April 3, 1771. He protested strongly against the rationalism and secularization then prevalent among the clergy of Norway. He advocated the right of laymen to preach, and laid special stress upon the spiritual priesthood of all true believers. His opponents charged him with an extravagant undervaluation of an educated ministry, and as opposed to ordination and the ceremonies of the State Church. He was imprisoned in 1804, though not guilty of any crime known to the code of morality, and although he was one of the most earnest and sincere christians in all the land, he, like John Bunyan, of England, was made to languish within prison walls, simply because he held profound religious views and insisted on practicing them. He died March 24, 1824. The persecution of the Quakers is equally a dark chapter in the ecclesiastical history of Norway. These people were fined for not going to the Holy Communion; parents were compelled to have their children confirmed, and even the dead were exhumed from their graves to be again buried according to the Lutheran ritual, and no doubt this disgraceful intolerance was one of the main causes of the migration to America in the 30s and early 40s. (See "Norwegian Emigration, 1821-1840," pp. 49.) (10)

J. W. C. Dietrichson was bom at Fredrikstad, Norway, April 4, 1815. He first came to America in 1844, returned to Norway the next year and came back to America the second time in 1846. He remained until 1850, when he again returned to Norway. He died at Copenhagen, Denmark, November 14, 1883, (11)

Halvor H. Husemoen was born in Hallingdal, Norway, 1833, and came to Rock Prairie in 1845, with his father, Hans Halvorsen Husemoen. Mr. Husemoen was one of the first Norwegians to hold a town office and has been a prominent leader both in religious and political affairs for many years, and until advancing age compelled him to retire from the more strenuous activities of life. He still lives on the old farm, where as a boy of twelve he began his pioneer work - more than half a century ago - honored and respected by all who know him. (12)

Hon. Halvor Sleophas was born in Norway, 1842; came with his parents to Newark, 1843. Educated in the common schools, he has become a thorough American. For many years he was a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and in 1901-1902 represented his district in the legislative assembly. He now resides at Beloit, Rock county. (13)

Saber Gesley, inventor of farm machinery and founder of the Gesley Manufacturing Company of Beloit, Wis., was born in the town of Beloit, February 24, 1842, and died at the same place January 7, 1886. (14)

Reverend EUing Eielson, was born at Vos, in the diocese of Bergen, Norway, September 19, 1804. Died at his home at Chicago, January 10, 1883. His last words to his wife were these : "Tell my friends and acquaintances that I die in the faith of my Savior." - Eielson 's Life and Labors. (15) from Eielson's biography, prepared by Reverends Chr. 0. Brohough and I. Eisteinsen, published at Chicago, 1883. There must be some errors in the dates there given. My mother, Mrs. Groe Skavlem, had the identical book, "Pontapidan's Explanations of Luther's Catechism," that Eielson is alleged to have carried with him to New York and there reprinted in 1842. This book was presented to the Seminary of the United Norwegian Lutheran church, at St. Anthony's Park, Minn., by Mr. Skavlem in 1890.

On the inside of the first cover is, in Mrs. Skavlem 's handwriting, her maiden name, Groe Halvors Datter Aaen - 1839. Born 13 January, 1827. Opposite the first inside cover is the following "Attestation," in Norwegian, which translated into English would read about as follow: This copy of "Sanhed til Gudfrygtighed" is a present to the United Churches Seminary Museum, from Mrs. Groe Skavlem, Beloit, Wis. Her father, Halvor Nilsen Aaen, brought this book with him from Norway in 1842. In 1843 he loaned it to Elling Eielsen, who in the spring of 1843 made the long journey from Chicago to New York, mostly afoot, for the special purpose of having a reprinted edition made from this book.

The alleged reprint of this book appears to be a myth. That Eielsen intended to have this done, there is no doubt; that he got the book from the mother or grandfather of Nelsen in the spring of 1843, can hardly be disputed. He undoubtedly carried it with him for some time after this, and may have reached New York in the spring of 184£, but no copy of any such reprint has ever been found.

Prof. R. B. Anderson, of Madison, Wis., who has been indefatigable in his search for all data bearing on the history of the Scandinavian colony, unhesitatingly asserts that no such reprint has been issued. (17)

Bergit Cevats-Datter (Betsy Cevats) was an orphan waif who found a home in the family of Lars H. Skavlem. She married Halvor Knudson St j ernes (Sterns) and is now the aged mother of Rev. Gustav Sterns, Church of the Ascension, Milwaukee, Wis.

Historical records of the early settlement of Wisconsin are strangely silent concerning the noble work of the pioneer mothers. Brief mention is made of a few, but many are "unhonored and missing." Civilization made a phenomenal and pathetic advance when after the Black Hawk War the tide of emigration flowed into southern Wisconsin. It was phenomenal in its resistless force, and pathetic because it surged onward over the smouldering camp-fires of the fugitive Indians who were leaving behind them the homeland of their fathers. Many settlers came from the eastern states, accompanied by their wives, sweethearts and sisters. To these women should be given a grateful tribute of remembrance. By their gentle ministration and patient fortitude they were a source of strength to the pioneers in their hard struggle with primitive conditions.

Mrs. Samuel St, John was the first white woman settler in Rock county. In the latter part of December, 1835, after the Inman-IIolmes party had made their first settlement, Mr, St. John brought his wife and three children to the valley.

It was intensely cold, and the sufferings of the mother and her children can better be imagined than described. All the anticipated romance of establishing a new home in this "El Dorado of the West" terminated in a sad tragedy. The family found temporary shelter in the log cabin of the Holmes brothers. As soon as possible Mr. St. John erected a log house sixteen feet square on the east side of the flat below the bend of the river. The floor was of rude slabs, and through many a crevice the chill winds whistled. Here, in January, 1836, a little babe was born. He was named Seth, and was the first white child born within the limits of the present city of Janesville. He is now living in the northern part of the state. There was "dearth of woman's nursing" and insufficient medical service for this poor young mother, and in a few short months she died and was buried on the hill south of her home. The coffin which contained her remains was made of rough boards which had formerly been used as a wagon box.

Soon after this sad bereavement Mr, St. John journeyed back to Vermont, his native state, and returned to Janesville, bringing with him a second wife. She, too, soon died and was buried upon the hill beside the first wife. Again Mr. St. John entered the matrimonial state, but at last death, the conqueror, claimed him and he was interred between his two "first loves," leaving a widow to mourn his demise.

In the spring of 1836, W. H. H. Bailey, John P. Dickson, Dr. Heath and Henry Janes arrived with their wives and families. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were enjoying their wedding journey. They drove in their wagon from Ohio to Wisconsin. Mr. Bailey built a commodious log cabin on a point of land now called "Spring Brook." Here their first child was born, now Mrs. Robert Bostwick, of Janesville. This new white baby was a wonder to the Indians and squaws, who often called and examined it critically. Mrs. Bailey died several years ago at the home of her daughter in Janesville.

Both Mrs. Janes and Mrs. Heath are described as exceedingly active and resourceful women. In those early days before the construction of the ferry the river was forded by travelers just above the line of rocks in upper Monterey.

One evening Dr. Heath in attempting to cross the river upon horseback was carried away by the current. Losing his equilibrium, he floated downstream. Mrs. Heath followed him on the river bank, through tangled vines, water-holes and brambles, until at last by the aid of a long pole she towed her exhausted spouse to the shore. His saddlebags sank to the bottom, supplying the surprised fishes with allopathic doses of calomel and ipecac. Mr. and Mrs. Janes removed to California, Dr. and Mrs. Heath to Iowa. All are now dead.

There are living now in Janesville two ladies whose lives are identified with the earliest history of woman 's life in Rock county. They are Mrs. Volney Atwood and Mrs. Laura Kendall. It is interesting and educative to visit these dear old ladies and hear

On the 9th of March, 1836, there came to the Rock River valley Judge "William Holmes and wife, vs^ith their daughter, Catherine A. Holmes, and two sons, John and Joshua. Catherine A. Holmes was born in Marion, Ohio, August 9, 1819. She was the first young lady to arrive in the county and was the belle of the village. She is now the wife of Volney Atwood. Their home is a commodious residence located near the center of the original claim of Judge Holmes, which embraced nearly one-half of the city of Janesville. Mrs. Holmes-Atwood possesses a rare gift of language and gives vivid word pictures of her first home and surroundings.

The beautiful valley of the Werashanagra (River of Rocks) was a vision of beauty when spring spread her emerald mantle over the hills. Wild flowers peeped from every tuft of grass, and their vivid hues brightened the sombre green of the sloping hillsides. The river like a silver ribbon roamed in and out between cliff and lowland.

"We left Laporte, Ind., passed through Chicago about the first of March, 1836, following an Indian trail to the Rock river. We stopped at three different places between Chicago and Janesville, the only houses on our way.

"The party consisted of nine people, five males and four females ; three two-horse wagons, yoke of oxen, two saddle horses, six cows, calves, pigs, etc. Previous to the starting of our party there were sent ahead six loads of provisions and household goods and a rowboat. William Holmes, my brother, came in 1835. We stopped at Turtle, now Beloit, to get warm, ax the cabin of Thebeau, the Frenchman. He had several squaw wives which he turned out of doors, but, full of curiosity, they were constantly peeping in ax every crevice. Half way between Beloit and this place we lost our trail. All the men in the party started out to find it, leaving the women to drive. The one who should find it was to stand still and shout, and by calling back and forth we were at last reunited and started on our journey. At Turtle there were many Indians camping, of the Pottawatomies and Winnebago tribes. All the last day of our journey was bitter cold and snowing. My brother, who was here with Samuel St.

Johx B. Henry

John's family, heard our dinner horn blowing, answered us, and hung a lantern on the chimney of the house and came out to meet us. We arrived at nine o'clock at night, and the snow was nearly two feet deep. Nineteen people remained in the one-room log house, about sixteen feet square, for five days."

"The end of the room was curtained off with carpets for the ladies. There was one bed in the corner and plenty of straw on the floor. The men laid 'spoon fashion.' The last to retire was nearest the door, and of necessity arose first in the morning. For six months we lived with my brother William in a log house on his claim on the bluff where the river is crossed by the railroad bridge at Monterey. That summer my father built a frame house near what is now the Fourth Ward Park. The lumber was whip-sawed by Robert and Daniel Stone. The windows, doors and shingles were brought from Chicago, teams going every month. Our nearest neighbor was Dr. Heath.

"The first school house, of logs, was near where Mrs. A. C. Bailey now lives. The first teacher was Hiram Brown, from Pennsylvania. The first religious services were held under the shade of a large tree and were in charge of an itinerant Methodist minister. That essential of all services in those days, a collection, was not omitted. We always had abundance of provisions and all the necessaries of life. The Indians gave us no trouble. They called occasionally, but would gaze up at the ceiling and see six or eight guns and a long bugle horn strapped up there, would count them and talk among themselves and leave. They would go very quickly if the horn was blown."

Mrs. Laura Arms Kendall is the oldest living woman pioneer in Janesville. She arrived in 1838 with her husband, Theodore Kendall. She is nearly eighty-eight years of age - a tiny, darkeyed woman, clear in mind, sufficiently active physically to live alone in half of a double house, attending to her own domestic duties. W^hen asked for her story of old times, "Ah," she said, "I will write it all out. I can write plainer than you can."

Mrs. Laura Arms Kendall was born in Duxbury, Vt., December 24, 1811, and was married to Theodore Kendall in Lowell, Vt., May 16, 1836. They came with their team to Buffalo from

Vermont, thence by boat to Detroit, thence with others in an emigrant train to Janesville. They found but two frame houses in Janesville. The frame of a hotel was on the Myers House corner, and Mr. Kendall bought a lot on the opposite corner and built a frame house.

"The first court was held in the hotel and the jury met in our house. When the hotel building was just completed they had a fine ball, the first in the county. Young people came from as far as Racine, and I had the honor of leading in the first cotillion with Volney Atwood."

How unreal and dreamy it all seemed ! Prom the tiny, withered old lady standing on the borderland of another life, back to the misty years to the dainty, dark-haired girl wife, was only a brief span bridged by golden memories.

Mr. Kendall died April 2, 1891, leaving his wife in affluent circumstances. Mrs. Kendall still retains an acute interest in all the beneficent and religious interests of the city.

"You built the present Congregational parsonage?" said the writer. "I always say the workmen built it," she replied facetiously, "but my two thousand dollars helped."

North of Janesville on the river road is the quaint old "Strunk homestead." Nestled almost under the overhanging hill, it has withstood the wintry blasts for sixty years. It is built of stone, one story high, and has received few alterations.

Mrs. Eleanor McNitt Strunk was born in Chenango county. New York, March 11, 1811. She was of Scotch-Irish descent. She was married November 29, 1829, to John Strunk. They came from Jamestown, N. Y., to Janesville in 1839. Here in the new stone house, just built from the neighboring quarry, Mr. Strunk died, August 2, 1844. The widow was left with five small children to care for and with the responsibilities of a large farm.

Happily, the three eldest were boys, who soon aided their mother. Mrs. Strunk was called the mother of the Congregational church of Janesville, because her vote decided the tie at its organization.

The first vote upon this question was a tie. But one, Eleanor Strunk, had not voted. Tradition says that she hesitated because she did not believe in women taking part in church matters. Something had to be done, and the presiding officer said to Mrs. Strunk: "You must vote. Your vote is necessary to decide this question." "Very well," replied Mrs. Strunk. "If it depends on me, a Congregational church it will be." And a Congregational church it has been for half a century. Thus early in history did the destiny of a church depend upon a woman's decision. When the first Congregational church edifice was erected Mrs. Strunk 's contribution was a hundred bushels of lime. Her son, John Strunk, writes from Riverside, Cal. : "My mother remained an active and consistent member of the Janesville church until her removal to Minneapolis in 1882."

Mrs. Strunk died November 2, 1888, at Lake Crystal, Minn., where she was visiting a grandson. She is resting in beautiful "Oak Hill," overlooking her cottage home just across the river, where she spent so many useful years.

Mrs. Lamira Lacy Culver was born at Cambridge, N. Y., July 24, 1802. She was educated at a seminary in Bennington, Vt. She was married to Colonel Henry Culver, March 20, 1820, at Chili, N. Y. In the autumn of 1842 Colonel Culver and his two sons came to Janesville, on combined runners and wheels, and located their future home in the beautiful oak openings on the east bank of the Rock. Mrs. Culver and her daughter Harriet came a few months later.

Mrs. Culver was a woman of refinement and culture, always charitable and "abounding in good works." In the infirmities of old age she was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Mrs. Harriet Marshall. She passed away April 24, 1889.

Mrs. Lydia Ellsworth Spaulding was a woman of sweet characteristics whose memory dwells in the hearts of many. The two brothers, Joseph and William Spaulding, came to Janesville in 1837 and entered adjoining claims four miles north of the village. February 7, 1839, Joseph Spaulding returned to the

East (Berlin, Conn.), where he married Lydia Ellsworth. They prospered in their new home. "When land came into market in 1842 the Spaulding brothers purchased 1,040 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Spaulding 's home was always the center of good-cheer and liberal hospitality.

From their bounty they gave liberally to church work, subscribing two thousand dollars to the first Congregational church edifice. Mrs. Spaulding removed to Janesville after the death of her husband, August 12, 1877. She was loved by all who knew her. She passed away March 20, 1884. She left four daughters, Mrs. Mary Cassoday, of Madison; Mrs. Martha Dow, since deceased ; Mrs. Emma Hanchett, of Janesville, and Mrs. Anna Coe, of Whitewater.

Mrs. Judith Coleman Dean was born in Byfield, Mass., March 7, 1795. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Dean removed to Emerald Grove, Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1840. This household, true to their New England heritage, believed in going to church, and to church they went, crossing ten miles of prairie between Emerald Grove and Milton. Mr. James W. Dean, a son, writes from Orange, Cal. : "It made a long day in winter, and tried the patience of the younger members of the family, but mother said she could not think of bringing up her family without the help of the church. Tonight I look back over more than fifty years and bless her for it." Mrs. Dean is sleeping in the pleasant cemetery at Emerald Grove.

Mrs. Frances Chesebrough Dean was born in Stonington, Conn. She came with her parents to Emerald Grove, Wis., in 1844. She was married to Chester Dean in February, 1844, the service being performed by the Rev. Stephen Peet.

This family also believed in going to church, at any sacrifice. They drove to services in Janesville in a two-wheeled ox cart brought from Connecticut. It was seated with chairs, and on their arrival at the church was backed up to the steps, the endboard was let down, and the ladies assisted out. Mr. Dean often brought his little melodeon to church to lead the music. After the death of her husband in Louisiana in 1860 Mrs. Dean returned to Stonington, Conn., where she died in 1887.

"Soon after their marriage our parents journeyed to Wisconsin. Their first home was north of Janesville near the Spauldings. The house, of logs, about sixteen by twenty feet, was built on the edge of the openings. Here they remained three years, when father was elected register of deeds, and they moved to the village of Janesville, in a little house on Main street, one room of which served as an office, the other as a living room. During the Civil War mother was always ready to work for the soldier boys. The ladies had rooms in the Jackman block where they met every Thursday to sew. Mother was chief cutter, and the whole day she gave to this work.

"September 6, 1845, mother united with the Congregational church, and was always an active church worker. She was called home without illness, March 10, 1884, three years after my father's death, while visiting at my home in Canton. She had five children who lived to adult age. In our hearts she will dwell forever in sainted memory."

Mrs. Eliza Andrews Wood was born in Lowell, Mass., in 1825. She journeyed with an emigrant train to Wisconsin in 1841. Mr. Royal Wood came first to Janesville, and drove to Chicago to meet his promised bride. There they were married, April 4, 1841.

"Our first home," said Mrs. W^ood, "was on the bank of the river near the upper bridge. There were no bridges then. We often shot ducks from our back door." Mrs. Wood is still living in Janesville. She is especially bright and entertaining, although she is almost deaf and is losing her sight. She bears her infirmities with great patience.

Mrs. Almira Stiles Dewey, the adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Morrill, came to Janesville in the fall of 1844. She was born at St. Johnsbury, Vt., August 8, 1826, and was married to Alfred Dewey, March 17, 1847. They have lived in Janesville since, honored and respected by all. Mrs. Dewey has been confined to an upper chamber many years by invalidism. She is a charter member of the Congregational church.

Mrs. Betsy True Prichard and Mrs. Mary True Arnold were born in Perry, Wyoming county, New York, and were educated there and in Janesville. June 6, 1840, Elijah True with his family journeyed around the lakes and landed at Racine. From thence they came by wagon to their new home in Fulton, eight miles north of Janesville. They all picked strawberries as soon as they stepped upon the shore. The father and oldest brother came to Wisconsin in 1839 and built a large log house with one room and old-fashioned fireplace. Only one house was in sight - William Foster's. North was a large farm owned by Robert and Daniel Stone, both old bachelors. The first school the sisters attended was taught by Rollin Head. Mrs. Arnold taught fourteen miles west of her home when she was fourteen years old. Mrs. Prichard taught in Catfish, two miles up the river. While she was teaching here one bright summer day in 1844 a steamboat from St. Louis, 130 feet in length, went up the Rock river to Jefferson, taking on and discharging passengers at various points. They stopped opposite the little log school house on the bank of the river. The school was summarily dismissed and the teacher joined the merry crowd on board. This was the last steamer from the Mississippi to reach Rock county.

"The first winter (1840) father and brothers killed fortyseven deer, besides wolves, foxes and other game. It was not an unusual sight to see fifty deer come down to the west side of the river to drink. They would hang their game on the limb of a large tree near the front door. The wolves would howl all night around the house. All candles were made from deer tallow which was nearly as white and hard as sperm. Coon oil was used in glass lamps. It was as clear as water. Those were the happiest days of our lives when father, mother and eight children gathered around the large table laden with venison. In summer we could fill large wooden pails with luscious strawberries in a short time. The stems came as high as the grass, and the large sweet berries would drop over. AYild blackberries were found in abundance. We locked our doors in the primitive way, with a button and by pulling in a latchstring.

Betty and Mary True were married in the little log house. Mary married Josiah Arnold, December 12, 1846, and Betty married Moses Prichard, October 27, 1847. Both were married by Mr. Ruger. the first rector of Trinity church of Janesville. Mrs. Arnold died in North Chicago, where she was visiting her son.

Among the first settlers in ]\Iilton, Rock county, Wisconsin, were the honored Walker family. Three brothers - Aaron, Jason and Alfred - came in 1839 and took up large claims. The father, mother and younger children came later. Judith Sanborn Walker, wife of Aaron Walker, Sr., was born at Pucham, Vt. The family came all the way to Wisconsin in wagons. Mrs. Walker was very strict in her religious principles. The children, twelve in number, were all given scriptural names. Moses and Aaron were twins. One son was for many years a missionary in Africa. The first home of the family was situated on a small lake one mile east of Milton. They had but one chair - grandmother's - which they brought with them from Vermont. The first year of their residence in Wisconsin the potato crop failed and the family subsisted on turnips, with game and fish. A granddaughter remembers one of their valued possessions - a large leather-covered, brass-nailed trunk. One morning this was left out of doors and some stray Indians quietly removed every brass-headed nail. They left the trunk.

The following is a letter received from Mrs. Diana Bostwick, of Shopiere, Wis. She is now (1899) eighty years of age and exceptionally vigorous mentally and physically:

"I will try and tell you of the memories and experiences that progress and the many changes of years have nearly defaced from mind. I can assure you they were not very delightful, living as 1 did on a boundless prairie where Indians and wolves were more numerous than neighbors. I was born in Watertown, N. Y., March 9, 1819. Eight years after my father and family emigrated to Tecumseh, Mich. From Michigan I came to Wisconsin, in 1837, coming all the way in a lumber wagon, a distance of four hundred miles, with three other passengers. We came through sand banks and over sloughs on causeways. We crossed the Calumet on a floating bridge of logs, the horses and men sinking into the water two feet. Now the city of South Chicago is there. After riding in this way two weeks we arrived at Turtle, October 23, 1837. I remember of entering a piece of ten-mile woods at sundown. It was a dark night. The lady accompanying me carried her baby on a pillow. One of the men took the pillow on his back and walked before the horses' heads. We could see nothing but the pillow and called to him to "blow up his pillow." At ten o'clock we found a Hoosier's shanty where we were treated to the best they had, consisting of cornmeal bread, which our appetites converted into something very grateful. We had a refreshing sleep on a pole bedstead and straw bed. Slowly pursuing our westward way, we arrived at our destination. To say that I was homesick would convey only a- faint impression of the effect of my environments ; my heart was numb with pain. My home was a decent log house of two stories ; the only passage to the upper story was a ladder of poles. Our menu consisted of cornbread and game. Flour was a luxury, there being no mills nearer than Galena. In the spring of 1838 I was hired to teach the first school in the town of Turtle. We had to cross the river on a foot-bridge. There were no newspapers in Kock county and only six houses in Janesville. Religious services were held in the houses; we had small congregations. I was married to Merritt Bostwick, January 7, 1840. Mr. Bostwick passed on to the better world January, 1894, leaving me to finish my pilgrimage alone. Perhaps I have helped the great world on a little. I feel as if all things old have passed away, leaving a new heaven and a new earth advanced from the tallow dip to the electric light. We always kept a candle burning in our west window for the benefit of the benighted traveler.

The sweet singers, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Cheney, will long be remembered by Christian workers of southern Wisconsin. They sang together until three years after their golden wedding day, when one was taken and the other left. Mrs. Cheney resides in Janesville with her daughter, Mrs. E. Lowell, and gives many interesting reminiscenses of her first years in the state.

Martha Lea Fowie was born in Caledonia, Livingston county, New York, May 29, 1821; was married to Russell Cheney, May 10, 1838. They started from Genesee county. New York, for Wisconsin, ]\Iay 31, 1843; arrived in Yorkville, Racine county, June 27. On their journey they rode over the "corduroy road" built over the Maumee swamp a distance of thirty miles, afterwards crossing the Maumee river in a ferry boat, from thence riding five miles farther over log ways where the logs would roll under the horses' feet. After residing in Racine county a year and a half, in May, 1845, Mr. and Mrs. Cheney removed to Emerald Grove, Wis., where they lived for forty-seven years. At this time all the region for miles south and west was broken prairie. There were only three families at the Grove.

December 6, 1846, the Congregational Society was organized in Erastus Dean's kitchen. The Congregational church edifice was erected in 1854, the Methodists building two years later.

Mrs. Job Barker, nee Phoebe Upton Smith, was born at Rutland, Vt., in 1803, living there until her fourteenth year, when she went to Buffalo with her mother soon after her father's death. She was married at Buffalo at the age of twenty.

In the spring of 1839 Mr. Barker purchased thirteen hundred acres of land near Janesville, Wis. His glowing accounts of the country aroused the pioneer spirit in Mrs. Barker. In 1840 the family started westward in three canvas-covered wagons. The one prepared for the family was provided with "cribs and bunks" and conveniences for eating, and was draAvn by a pair of fine Duroc horses. This wagon also had a double bottom, space being left to carry the coin needed to complete payments on land, as there were no banks to be trusted, and sharpers were watching for the unwary. The household goods were sent by way of the lakes, and some rare old pieces of furniture are now in the possession of their heirs. In 1842 a stone cottage, forty feet square, with an ell and carriage house, was built on what is now "Barker's Corners." The stone was obtained only a mile away in a quarry near the village of Janesville. Eastward was rolling prairie ; westward and north, beautiful woodland. The nearest neighbors were Anson and Virgil Pope and David Hume. Others were Messrs. Strunk, Pound, Spaulding, Southwick, Scofield, and Chapin. A little log school house was built on what is now the Shoemaker farm. The first teacher was Dr. John Warren. In 1846 Mr. Barker was one of many to succumb to fever, incident to the new country, and after a brief illness he died. Then commenced the widow's tragedy.

Mrs. Barker was a true mother and tried to bring up her children without change, as their father advised. Having been taught in early youth the peculiar doctrines of the "Friends," Mrs. Barker possessed liberal religious views more akin to those of this day than her own. She resided until her death, October 19, 1879, on the farm to which she came in 1840. Her last years were cheered by the love and devotion of her children.

Cynthia Maria Cowan was born in Scipio, Cayuga county, New York, July 28, 1826. She was married to Silas Hurd, September 2, 1841. Emigrating westward, they came as far as Buffalo on the Erie canal and completed the trip to Milwaukee by the lakes. They arrived in Rock county about the middle of September, 1841. Their log cabin, consisting of two rooms, was located only a few feet from the "Black Hawk trail" on the banks of the Rock river one mile east of Indian Ford. Mrs. Hurd was a Universalist. She always resided where they first located. By thrift and good business plans Mr. Hurd became one of the wealthiest farmers in Rock county. Mrs. Hurd died July 13, 1880.

Gray haired men are living today who cherish in sacred remembrance the love and patient fortitude of wives and mothers whose presence shed sunshine in the little log cabins in the clearing.

In a letter written in 1839 to eastern friends by Mrs. William Wyman, a pioneer woman of Bradford township, Rock county, where these lines :

A few of the noble women whose sketches are given here are with us still, crowned with the glory of years, but many have been called into the unknown land. In a few years the story of their hardships will be "as a tale that is told," only dimly remembered.

For much of the information which is contained in the sketches which follow I am indebted to the "History of Rock County," compiled by Colonel Orrin Guernsey and Hon. J. F. Willard, father of Frances Willard, published fifty years ago, and which was loaned me by the venerable Volney Atwood, now in his ninety-fifth year, who came to Janesville in 1837, to whom my thanks are due.

Half a century ago there were seventeen physicians in Janesville, two in Evansville, four in Johnstown, fifteen in Beloit, one at Footville, three at Milton, one at Magnolia, one at Cooksville, one at Shopiere and one at Union, besides a number of others in different parts of Rock county, who, owing to the scarcity of inhabitants, and the salubrity of the climate, being unable to find employment in the practice of their profession, engaged in the more lucrative pursuits of agriculture.

As this was but twenty years after the first settler came to Rock county it clearly illustrates the fact that among the sturdy pioneers who entered the wilderness for its redemption was a goodly number of medical men intent on establishing themselves in their chosen profession, and thoroughly in earnest in offering their services to the community for the betterment of their fellowmen, and in assisting in establishing courts, schools and everything necessary for opening and building up a newly settled country.

Everywhere they made their presence felt and were frequently chosen by their fellow citizens to positions of trust and honor and were prominent in every enterprise that made for the betterment and advancement of the community.

of Beloit ; the beautiful little city of Evansville was named after John M. Evans, its first physician; Porter township perpetuates the name of Dr. John Porter, he being a large owner of land, part of which he purchased of the famous Daniel "Webster ; Dr. James Heath gave the village of Emerald Grove the name it still bears ; the first water power at Indian Ford was developed by Dr. Guy Stoughton.

Doctors served in the state legislature, and they were especially active in establishing schools, many of the townships electing physicians as superintendents of schools.

The warrior and the stateman are loudly acclaimed and richly rewarded by their fellow citizens, but the physician does not so attract public attention as he quietly seeks to alleviate human suffering, his life being largely a history of private benevolence, full of charitable acts and deeds of kindness, which, while they do not elicit public acclaim, still endear him to those whom he helps during their hours of suffering and bereavement, and while his work rarely enriches him, it does reward him with the gratitude of his neighbors as a benefactor of his fellowmen.

The names of the early practitioners of Rock county should be rescued from the oblivion which is rapidly covering them; of many of them very little can now be ascertained after the lapse of half a century.

This incomplete record, therefore, will be a series of short biographical sketches of the early physicians of Rock county, concerning some of whom very little information could be obtained.

The first physician coming to Rock county was Dr. James Heath. Dr. Heath and wife came to Janesville from Vermont in January, 1836, spending the winter with the family of Samuel St. John, in the first cabin built in Janesville, opposite the "Big Rock." Dr. Heath gave the name Emerald Grove to that village. In the spring of 1836 he built his house, 16x16, at East Wisconsin City, which stood on the east bank of Rock river, half a mile below where the state school for the blind now stands, and of which city nothing now remains, though it was once a formidable rival of Beloit and Janesville for the county seat.

later removing the latter to another building as business increased. A stage made regular trips between Dr. Heath's "stage house" and Racine. Besides being tavern keeper, merchant and farmer, Dr. Heath practiced medicine and is said to have been a skillful physician.

The story is told by old settlers that one dark night he had a call to attend a sick person on the opposite side of Rock river, which was at high water mark, and attempted to swim his horse across, but was swept from the horse's back and nearly drowned, being carried almost two miles by the sw^ift current ; his wife, attracted by his calls, plunging through the bushes along the shore, encouraging him to continue the struggle. His saddle bags containing his medicine case were found several years later miles below where he effected his landing.

Dr. Daniel C. Babcock w-as born in New York state in 1818, and graduated first from the Castleton, Vt., Medical College and then from one of the New York city medical colleges in 1842, coming west and settling at Johnston, Rock county, in 1843, thus being one of the first physicians to engage in the practice of medicine in southern Wisconsin. A few years later Dr. Babcock removed to Milton, Rock county, from which district he was elected to the state legislative assembly in 1847 and 1848.

Dr. John M. Evans. Dr. Evans was the first physician at "The Grove," as the one frame house, one double log cabin and log school house was called when he settled there in April, 1846. When a postoffice was established there in 1849 it was called "Evansville" in his honor. Dr. Evans was elected to the Wisconsin legislature in 1853 and again in 1873.

Part of the present city of Janesville is built on w^hat was formerly Dr. Mitchell's farm. In 1851 Dr. Mitchell established ''The Democratic Standard," which newspaper he conducted for several years.

Dr. Mitchell was president of the Wisconsin State Medical Society in 1855, having previously been vice president. He was mayor of Janesville in 1864-5. Dr. Mitchell died May 23, 1885. His daughter still resides in Janesville.

George W. Chittenden was born in New York state, February 3, 1820. He graduated from the Albany Medical College in 1846, and the Homeopathic Medical College of Philadelphia in 1850.

Dr. Robert Byron Treat. One of Janesville 's early physicians was Dr. R. B. Treat, who was born in New York state August 2, 1824, graduated from the Eclectic Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1847, and began practice in Janesville in ^848, driving from La Porte, Ind., where he was married, through Michigan City, Chicago and Beloit.

Dr. Treat was one of the founders of the Janesville Daily and Weekly "Free Press" in 1853, and was mayor of the city in 1860, and again in 1863.

In 1871 Dr. Treat removed to Chicago, where he was in practive up to within a year of his death, which occurred December 20, 1897. His widow and son are still residing in Janesville.

practiced his profession in Milton and its vicinity. He graduated from the medical college at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1849, and came to the village of Milton in 1854.

During the Civil War Dr. Borden was surgeon of the First Wisconsin heavy artillery, and for years preceding his death he was a member of the board of pension examiners at Janesville.

Dr. Palmer was born in New York state in 1827, graduated from Albany Medical College in 1854 and came to Janesville in 1856. At the beginning of the Civil War Dr. Palmer entered the volunteer service as surgeon of the Seventh Wisconsin infantry. In 1862 he was made surgeon of the celebrated "Iron Brigade," and later was placed in charge of the largest military hospital in the United States, at York, Pa. In 1864 he was appointed medical inspector of the Eighth army corps; in 1865 was detailed to close up the affairs of the hospital at Camp Douglas, Chicago, 111., and was mustered out with the brevet rank of lieutenant colonel.

Dr. Palmer, after his return to civil life, became prominent as a surgeon. He was professor of clinical surgery in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Chicago (now the Medical Department of the University of Illinois), from its organization until his death, which occurred January 15, 1895.

Dr. Palmer was mayor of Janesville in 1866 and 1867, was vice president of the American Medical Association and was surgeon general of Wisconsin for ten years.

the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, and came to Edgerton in 1858. During the Civil War Dr. Lord served as assistant surgeon of the Thirteenth Wisconsin infantry, and surgeon of the Thirty-second Wisconsin infantry.

Dr. Joseph Bellamy Whiting. For nearly half a century the tall, erect, commanding figure of Dr. Whiting was familiar to the people of Janesville.

Dr. Whiting was gifted with a silvery tongue, and Henry Ward Beecher said of him - that the most pleasing presentation to an audience that he ever had was when Dr. Whiting introduced him to the people of Janesville.

During the Civil War Dr. Whiting was appointed surgeon of the Thirty-third Wisconsin infantry. Later he was placed in charge of the large hospital at Milliken's Bend, near Vicksburg, and soon after he was made surgeon-in-chief of the military district of Natchez, Miss., and also appointed military major of Natchez. Owing to disabilities incurred in the service, from which he never fully recovered, he resigned in 1864, and returned to Janesville.

In 1875 he was president of the Wisconsin State Medical Society. For years he was a trustee for the state school for the blind, and also a member of the city board of education. For many years before his death he served as president of the United States pension examining board.

In an address delivered a short time before he died he said: "1 am standing very near that mystic line which separates the present from the future. I am nearer than you ; so near that with hushed breath I sometimes try to look into that beyond and devotedly ask 'What?' No answer comes back; but I believe in God, His mercy, His goodness, His loving kindness, and I believe if we do our duty here it will be well in the hereafter. ' '

Robert More Medical History 471

Dr. Samuel S. Judd was formerly one of the best known physicians in Rock county. He was born in Connecticut in 1828, graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College in 1857, and began practice in Janesville in 1864. Dr. Judd served the city as alderman several times, as has his son. Dr. William H. Judd, now in practice in Janesville.

Dr. S. S. Judd was appointed surgeon of the Second Ohio regiment of cavalry during the Civil War, but was unable to serve, owing to ill health.

Below is a list of the physicians who were practicing in Rock county in 1856 and their locations, and following that is a list of those now practicing in Rock county - fifty years later:

In Janesville in 1856 were Doctors W. Amer, L. J. Barrows, D. C. Bennett, M. L. Burnham, G. W. Chittenden, A. P. Coryell, J. Grafton, A. S. Jones, J. S. Lane, Erastus Lewis, Stephen Martin, John Mitchell, John Paine, C. G. Pease, 0. P. Robinson, T. E. St. John and R. B. Treat.

In Beloit were Doctors A. J. Bennett, G. W. Bicknell, George H. Carey, A. Clark, E. N. Clark, J. W. Evans, Jesse Gage, L. Merriman, Jesse Moore, Richards, H. Smith, H. P. Strong, S. Spencer, E. J. Taggert, J. M. Tillepaugh and A. Teale.

In Janesville are Doctors Edith Bartlett, Samuel B. Buckmaster, A. Lovelle Burdick, George G. Chittenden, Michael A. Cunningham, Edward H. Dudley, Corydon G. Dwight, Ransom W. Edden, Frank B. Farnsworth, George "W. Fifield, George H. Fox, James Gibson, William H. Judd, Egbert E. Loomis, Walter D. Merritt, James Mills, Thomas H. ]\IcCarthy, Clara Normington, William H. Palmer, John F. Pember, Robert A. Schlernitzauer, James W. St. John, Quincy 0., Charles H. and Frederick E. Sutherland, James P. Thome, Guy C. Waufle, George H. AVebster and Edmund F. Woods.

In Clinton are Doctors J. B. Crandall, DeWitt C. Griswold, John Jones, Ulysess G. Latta, Mary Montgomery, Julia Mclljohn, Albert S. Parker, William 0. Thomas and 0. P. Wright.

In Evansville are Doctors Fred E. Colony, John M, Evans, Mary L. Ewing, G. Newman, Josie Ocasek, Charles M. Smith, Sr., Charles M. Smith, Jr., and George F. Spencer.

Dr. Samuel Bruce Buckmaster, writer of the above article, was born at Lima, Ohio, April 26, 1853. When eighteen years old he went to California and taught school three years at Yreka, near the lava beds, where the Modoc war occurred and the peace commissioners, including Major General Canby, were murdered by Captain Jack and his bloodthirsty Modocs. Mr. Buckmaster went into the lava beds as a volunteer in that war and one of his chums was captured by the Modocs and tortured to death.

Returning east Mr. Buckmaster began the study of medicine with Dr. Henry Palmer, at Janesville, Wis., and graduated from the medical department of the University of Virginia in 1879. He then attended the University of the City of New York, taking special courses, also, at Bellevue. In the spring of 1880 he was appointed third assistant physician at the State Hospital for the Insane, at Madison, Wis.; a year later became second assistant, and, in another year, was made first assistant. July 1, 1884, though one of the youngest men in the United States to hold such a position, he was unanimously chosen by the state board of supervision for superintendent of that state hospital. He was the first western superintendent to adopt the non-restraint system.

After serving at the hospital for nearly ten years Dr. Buckmaster resigned, that he might give his children better school advantages, and removed to Chicago, where he was elected professor of physiology in the College of Physicians and Surgeons (now the medical department of the University of Illinois). He was also elected president of the West Side Free Dispensary, which treated about twenty-five thousand patients every year.

In 1894 Dr. Buckmaster accepted the superintendency of the sanatorium at Hudson, Wis., and in 1897 assumed the position of superintendent of the Oakwood Retreat at Lake Geneva, Wis.

Dr. Buekmaster has twice been president of the Rock County Medical Society, and for several years has been secretary of the United States pension examining board. He is a member of the Janesville board of education and is president of that body. - Ed.

Dr. Samuel Bell was born in Saratoga county, New York, May 31, 1841, the son of Adam and Jane (Yates) Bell. Baptized by Domine Van Dusen, of the Dutch Reform Church.

When the subject of our sketch grew to manhood, receiving such education as he could secure in the public schools of New York and Wisconsin, in September, 1860, he entered the office of Dr. Corydon Farr, of Shopiere, Rock county, with whom and under whose direction he remained in close touch for most of the time for four years. Attending regular nine month courses of lectures at the medical department of the University of Michigan, and spending his vacations as contract surgeon in Carver Hospital, Camp Convalescent, Arlington Heights and the Old Red Tavern Hospital, at Alexandria, Va., and Nashville, Tenn., where he was placed in charge of 'Svard I," hospital No. 1, a gangrene ward, with 131 beds of hospital gangrene.

After receiving a commission from Governor Lewis as first assistant surgeon of the Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry he joined that regiment on their march to Atlanta and remained until the regiment was mustered out in 1865. After the last battle at Nashville Dr. Bell was detailed to take charge of the giving of anaesthetics in the field operating hospital, and gave and superintended the giving for three days continuously. He was then appointed surgeon of the Fifty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteers, a regiment that his colonel, 0. C. Johnson, had reorganized ; but the regiment was not called into service.

On leaving the army the doctor engaged in professional work at Prairie du Sac, Sauk county. Wis., remaining until January, 1868, when he located at Shopiere, w^here he soon built up an extensive practice, and during ^vhich time he was appointed postmaster, which office he held during his stay there. In 1874 he moved his family to Beloit, still holding much of the practice about the country and in Clinton, that he had acquired from his former location, which practice he was soon obliged to relinquish because of the demand upon his time in the city. The doctor served as health officer for six years and resigned the office because of the demands along professional lines. His interest in educational affairs is shown by eight years of efficient work as a member of the school board and treasurer of district No. 1. Professionally he is a member of the State Medical Society, the Central "Wisconsin Medical Society, and is the present president of the Rock County Medical Society, a member of the American Medical Association, International Association of Railway Surgeons and the Milwaukee and St. Paul Association of Railway Surgeons.

At his class reunion at Ann Arbor in 1904 the doctor was made president of his class association, which aim to meet every five years during commencement week at Ann Arbor.

April 25, 1890, the doctor was appointed an examining surgeon on the pension board at Janesville, which appointment he resigned eight years after, because of professional demands on his time.

When in 1897 the laws of the state required the appointment of state medical examining board, Dr. Bell was honored by Gov. Edward Scofield with an appointment, and was made the first president of the board. The appointment was renewed for four years in 1899, which was the limit of the law in time of service.

Dr. Bell has been a surgeon for the Chicago & North-Western railroad continuously since 1868, and for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad since 1874, and president of Strong Emergency Hospital staff, which hospital he organized and opened in 1899. He has always been actively abreast of the times in everything new in his profession, and a close student and observer of the best operators in the land. For years he has been spending all his vacations in hospital work.

Socially he is a member of Beloit Commandery, Knights Templar, a companion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, a comrade of L. H. D. Crane Post, G. A. R., which order at its forty-first encampment, held at Oshkosh, June 3-6, 1907, unanimously elected him department medical director of the state of Wisconsin.

of Janesville, "Wis., daughter of the late Hon. Hiram Bowen, manyyears a leading citizen of "Wisconsin and editor of the "Janesville Gazette" and "Milwaukee Sentinel." Two daughters, Nettie Evelyn and Martha Wheeler, comprise their family.

During the pioneer life of preterritorial days in Wisconsin, drug stores were few and far between, the remedies used being of the household kind, or such as a traveling physician could carry in his saddle bag. The mother of the house was the principal drug or herb collector, while the occasional physician was his own dispenser, and even the drug store, when established, was far different from the pharmacy of today. Aloes, epsom salts, senna leaves, calomel and castor oil were the general standbys, while quinine was sold in large quantities.

The first record we have of a regular drug store is when Messrs. Holden & Kemp hung out a (Irug sign in Janesville in 1849, and the old store is still in existence. This firm issued a family almanac, copies of which are still in some of the houses of Janesville.

E. B. Heimstreet is the oldest druggist at the present time. At this time Janesville has several of the best equipped pharmacies in the state, as follows: E. B. Heimstreet, J. P. Baker, E. O. Smith & Co., George E. King & Co., McCue & Buss, William Pfennig, H. E, Ranous & Co., and W. T. Sherer. Palmer & Stevens did a large drug business from 1893 to 1898, when they sold out to George E. King & Co,

In 1878 E. B. Heimstreet, a druggist of Janesville, conceived the idea of organizing a society of druggists of Rock county, and visited each one and fixed a date for a meeting to be held in Janesville. The druggists responded well, and on June 4, 1879, the first meeting was held and the Rock County Pharmaceutical Society organized, with Dr. C. M. Smith, an old druggist of Evansville, as president, and E. B. Heimstreet, of Janesville, as secretary. Meetings were held quarterly, the interest increasing and druggists from other counties coming in until 1880, when it was decided to call a state meeting at Madison, which was done, and on July 15 the State Pharmaceutical Association was organized. This led to the adoption of the pharmacy law and regulation of pharmacy in Wisconsin, all coming from the efforts of the Kock county druggists. The Eock county society still holds its meetings quarterly, and has the reputation of being the most successful in its work of any of the Wisconsin associations. The meetings are conducted in a social way, a dinner always preceding work, and every druggist in the county is a member of the society. The present officers are : J. M. Farnsworth, Beloit, president, and E. B. Heimstreet, Janesville, secretary and treasurer.

H. M. Haven returned from the Civil War as hospital steward of the Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, and started the first drug store. He died about 1872, and was succeeded by Dr. 0. Allen, who afterward moved his stock to Milton Junction. In March, 1875, W. P. Clarke opened a regular pharmacy and is still in business. Mr. Clarke has been quite active in pharmacy work and is one of the oldest druggists in the state. Dr. Charles Badger had a small drug stock in the 80s for a year or so.

A drug store was put in by Dr. Wing, who carried on the business for several years, selling to Button Brothers, who afterwards sold to W. H. Gates, who has conducted the business since. Mr. Will Thorpe also has a finely equipped pharmacy. A. 0. Allen in business in 1878.

Evans & Smith opened the pioneer drug store about 1872, and continued the business until Dr. Evans' death, when Dr. Smith retired and his work was taken up by Dr. J. M. Evans, Jr., who is still in business. George H. Eeed had a drug store for a number of years, which store was established in 1867 by Messrs. Lucas & Palmer. S. H. Cowles also did a drug business here for several years. F. M. Crow, who had charge of the pioneer drug store for years, has a nice pharmacy now, and Lew Van Warp also has a good drug store.

Matthew Croft opened the first drug store in this city many years ago and had a large business in this line for many years. He was succeeded by the Willson Brothers, who in addition to their drug business, do a large manufacturing business in proprietary goods. Charles Banks and George Doty both had drug stores here for years. Dr. Stillman is also remembered by the older people as a druggist. J. W. Stangl now has a nice store here.