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

Messrs. Covert & Cheever opened a drug store in 1868 and did quite a large business for many years. Hollister & Woodward were succeeded by 0. L. Woodward, who has continued in service for the past twenty-seven years.

Before the enactment of the free banking law of the state of Wisconsin, banking business in Janesville was carried on by merchants in their stores, or by private bankers and brokers.

The late J. Bodwell Doe stated in a letter written in 1864 that he at one time carried on a banking business in his store, on the spot where the First National bank of Janesville now stands, writing out his drafts and certificates of deposit and carrying home the assets of the bank in his pocket at night.

In the fall of 1852 Mr, Doe had an office in the Stevens house block on West Milwaukee street, where he advertised the business of "Banker and Exchange Broker," He probably continued the business at that place until the Stevens house was burned, in April, 1853. After occupying for two months the front room over the store, which is now known as No. 109 West Milwaukee street, Mr. Doe moved late in 1853 into the building erected that year by William M. Tallman, now known as No. 15 West Milwaukee street, where he continued as a private banker until September, 1855. From January, 1853, Mr. Doe used the name "Central Bank of Wisconsin," for reasons which will be shown later on in this article.

The firm of McCrea, Bell & Co. opened a "Banking Exchange and Collection Office" in Janesville about January 1, 1851, their first advertisement appearing in the "Janesville Gazette" in the issue of January 2, 1851. The office of this firm was in a small stone building situated about where No. 9 North Main street now stands.

The free banking law was passed by the legislature of 1852, and approved on April 19 of that year. William A. Lawrence, of this city, was on the committee which reported that bill, and,

Banking In Janesville 481

Articles of association, dated November 4, 1852, were filed in the office of register of deeds for Rock county, to organize the "Central Bank of Wisconsin." The capital stock was $25,000, and the incorporators were William M. Tallman and Joseph B, Doe. Later a supplementary certificate, dated February 7, 1853, was filed, increasing the capital stock to $100,000, and naming William M. Tallman, W. E. Chittenden, Joseph B. Doe and A. . Hyatt Smith as incorporators. Mr. W. E. Chittenden, who was a resident of New York city, was expected to furnish the capital needed for placing with the bank comptroller the securities on which circulating notes would be issued. Mr. Chittenden failed before these securities were obtained, and the enterprise was abandoned. Mr. Doe continued the business as a private banker until September, 1855, using the title "Central Bank of Wisconsin." In August, 1855, the interested parties filed a paper relinquishing all rights in the Central bank organization mentioned above.

July 19, 1853, articles were recorded incorporating the Badger State bank with a capital of $25,000, the incorporators being Edward L. Dimock, William J. Bell and Augustus L. McCrea. Messrs. Bell and McCrea were residents of Milwaukee, and owned the private bank of McCrea, Bell & Co., already mentioned. The Badger State bank commenced business September 1, 1853, in the office until then occupied by McCrea, Bell & Co., who withdrew from business the same day. About January 1, 1856, after the completion of Lappin's block, the Badger State bank moved into the corner, which is now occupied by the Bower City bank.

The first report made by this bank to the comptroller in January, 1854, gives its loans as amounting to $53,000, and its demand deposits as $56,000. William J. Bell was president and E. L. Dimock cashier. Mr. Bell was at his time also president of banks in Milwaukee, Racine and Fond du Lac. In June, 1855, the capital of the Badger State bank was increased to $50,000, and from this date E. L. Dimock was its president and Henry C. Matteson its cashier. This bank was not able to withstand the financial

After the closing of the Badger State bank, the same banking office was occupied for a year or more by J. P. Hoyt & Co., private bankers. This firm, which opened business in January, 1857, moved in March of that year into the office formerly occupied by the Janesville City bank in the Lappin's block.

February 12, 1855, articles were recorded to organize the Janesville City bank with a capital of $25,000. The shareholders were Henry D. Bunster and Arthur W. Bunster. This bank opened for business on Main street, a few doors south of the present location of the Bower City bank. While Lappin's block was being built, the "City Bank" occupied quarters on the north side of East Milwaukee street, at the east end of the bridge, and moved across the street into Lappin's block on the completion of that building in December, 1855. H. D. Bunster was the first president, and Samuel Lightbody, cashier. July 7, 1855, they reported to the comptroller, $127,000 "due to depositors on demand and to others," and $79,000 in loans. One year later this bank appeared to be in a very flourishing condition, its demand deposits being over $170,000. After that its business declined rapidly and its ownership and control changed hands several times. This bank apparently ceased doing business in March, 1857, and its place was taken by J. P. Hoyt & Co., private bankers.

The Rock County Bank was organized by articles dated October 16, 1855, with a capital of $50,000, the stockholders being John J. R. Pease, J. B. Crosby, Timothy Jackman, Shubael W. Smith, Andrew Palmer, Lewis E. Stone, John Kimball, B. F. Pixley, John C. Jenkins, J. Lang Kimball, Morris C. Smith, Peter Myers, Jesse Miles. The first directors were Timothy Jackman, J. B. Crosby, Andrew Palmer, L. E. Stone, J. L. Kimball, B. F, Pixley, J. C. Jenkins, M. C. Smith, J. J. R. Pease. Timothy Jackman was the president; Andrew Palmer, vice-president, and J. B. Crosby, cashier. The first report to the bank comptroller was made July 7, 1856, showing a capital of $50,000, deposits, $66,000, loans $99,000. The Rock county bank commenced business in a frame building at the east end of Milwaukee street bridge on the spot where the Rock County National bank has been located for many years, removing thence to a two-story frame building on the northwest corner of Main and Milwaukee streets in February, 1857. After temporary occupancy in the Myers House block, this bank in 1851 moved into permanent quarters in the new Jackman block, where the Rock County bank and its successor, the Rock County National bank, has continued to the present day.

The Producer's Bank was organized June 20, 1857, by Alex T. Gray, Edward M. Hunter and William A. Barstow, with a capital of $100,000. Alex T. Gray and E. M. Hunter wre president and cashier respectively. Its office was in the Hyatt house, on the spot where the American Express Company's office is now located. January 4, 1858, this bank made its first and only report to the comptroller, reporting loans of $94,000, demand deposits of $11,000, and a small amount of circulation. It was reported officially as closed in 1858.

If Janesville could ever be called a "boom" town, it was such in the "fifties." Real estate speculation was very active, and by 1857 prices were unreasonably high. The panic of 1857 was followed by a shrinkage of values in real estate, and all commodities, which has not been equaled in any subsequent financial crisis.

The business conditions are clearly reflected in the bank statements of that period. In July, 1856, four banks in Janesville had a combined capital of $175,000, $522,000 in deposits and loans amounting to $373,000. July 6, 1857, three banks reported in the aggregate $200,000 capital, $422,000 "due to depositors on demand and others," and $425,000 of loans. July 5, 1858, there were two incorporated banks left, having a combined capital of $150,000, and reporting $115,000 due to depositors and to others, and $185,000 in loans. Such a shrinkage of deposits could only have been endured by banks doing business largely on their own cash capital. For eighteen years following the fateful year of 1857, there were but two commercial banks in Janesville.

The Central Bank of Wisconsin, by a vote of its stockholders, entered the national banking system in September, 1863, with a paid-up capital of $125,000, taking the title "First National Bank

The first directors of the First National bank were : E. R. Doe. F. S. Eldred, Joseph Spaulding, H. S. Conger, H. K. Whiton, S. G. Williams and J. D. Rexford. E. R. Doe was president, F. S. Eldred, vice-president, and J. B. Doe, cashier. In July, 1862, a new charter was obtained under the title, "The First National Bank of Janesville," with a charter No. "2748."

Here are the names of all who have been at any time officers of the Central bank and its successors, the two First National banks, from 1855 to this day. The names are given in the order of the first terms of service, the last named in each class being the present officers :

The Rock County Bank was converted into a national bank with a capital of $100,000 in January, 1865, taking the title ' ' Rock County National bank ' ' and charter No. ' ' 749. ' '. The first directors of the Rock County National bank were : Timothy Jackman, J. J, R. Pease, Shubael W. Smith, B. B. Eldredge, J. B. Crosby. Timothy Jackman was president and J. B. Crosby, cashier.

Below are the names of all who have been officers of the Rock County bank and the Rock County National bank, including the present officers :

Vice-presidents - Andrew Palmer, J. J. R. Pease, S. W. Smith, A. C. Bates, B. B. Eldredge, John Watson, James A. Webb, C. S. Jackman, C. W. Jackman, A. P. Burnham.

Banking In Janesville 485

The Wisconsin Savings Bank began business about June 1, 1873, in Lippin's block on East Milwaukee street. This was a private bank, the proprietors being Edward McKey and F. F. Stevens. Mr. McKey was president and Mr. Stevens cashier. They did not solicit any commercial business, but issued savings bank pass books of the usual form, with rules and regulations printed in English, German and Norwegian, At first they paid interest at from five to six per cent (according to the amount of the deposit) on deposits of one dollar or more which remained one month or longer. Later the rate of interest was reduced to three per cent. On account of the death of Edward McKey, the Wisconsin Savings bank ceased business and paid off its deposits in 1875.

The Merchant's & Mechanic's Savings Bank was organized in September, 1875, with an authorized capital of $100,000. The incorporators w^ere H. G. Keichwald, F. S. Lawrence, L. L. Robinson, Alex Graham, James Sutherland, N. Smith, A. A. Jackson, James Hintliff, Henry Palmer, Fenner Kimball, J. A. Dennistor, H. S. Hogoboom, A. H. Sheldon, Charles Noyes, William H. Tallman, Levi B, Carle, William MacLoon, U. Schutt, David Jeffris. The first directors were Levi B. Carle, Seth Fisher, A. A. Jackson, David Jeffris, F. S. Lawrence, Frank Leland, Henry Palmer, H. G. Reichwald, A. H. Sheldon. David Jeffris was president and H, G. Reichwald was cashier.

This bank opened for business in October, 1875, in Lappin's block, in the office formerly occupied by the Wisconsin Savings bank. Their first report under date of December 7, 1875, shows capital paid in $20,000; deposits, $47,000; loans, $37,000. The "Merchant's & Mechanic's" was the first bank in Janesville to attempt a combined commercial and savings bank business. In 1881 this bank removed to the building which it still occupies at No. 10 West Milwaukee street, at the west end of the bridge.

The Bower City Bank was organized January 19, 1895, with an authorized capital of $50,000, the incorporators being Fenner Kimball, James Shearer, J. W. Sale, I. C. Brownell, William Bladon. The first directors were Fenner Kimball, James Shearer, William Bladon, William G. Heller, George G. Sutherland, I. C. Brownell, J. W. Sale. Fenner Kimball was elected president, James Shearer, vice-president; William Bladon, cashier. Before this bank opened for business, William Bladon resigned as cashier, and Albert E. Bingham was elected to fill the vacancy.

The Bower City bank opened for business April 1, 1895, in the room formerly occupied by the "Merchant's & Mechanic's" bank in Lappin's block, removing thence in May, 1897, into the corner store of the same block, now called the "Hayes block," which location it still occupies.

The growth of the banking business in Janesville is illustrated by the figures given below. The first column shows the combined capital, surplus and net undivided profits; the second column, the combined deposits of all the Janesville banks on one certain date in each of the years stated. These figures are taken from the first published reports in the years given :

Charles M Glauciilix History Of Banking In Beloit, Wis

The first banking business in this place was connected with Mr. Alvin B. Carpenter, who came to Beloit in 1845. Soon after that date he began loaning money, the usual rate of interest then being three per cent a month. After several years' absence he again conducted a banking business here during the years 1854 to 1857, and weathered the financial storm of that last disastrous year, but then went into voluntary liquidation. His residence and office at that time was a frame building south of Race street on the west side of South State street, the premises, No. 144, now occupied by the Columbia block.

When the E. D. Murray block (S. W. corner of Turtle and Race streets) burned on the morning of April 6, 1854, Mr. Carpenter hastily placed his money and valuable papers in a wooden box and hid it under his front sidewalk. Fortunately the wind, which was from the southwest, drove the flames and sparks away from his location and the sidewalk, with its deposit, as well as his home, was saved.

The first regular banking institution of Beloit was the Rock River bank, organized by capitalists from Pittsburg, Pa. They soon disposed of their interests, which came into the possession of William C. Ritchie, William M. Newcomb and John Doolittle, who in 1858 started the Frontier bank under the firm name of Ritchie, Newcomb & Co. Later William C. Ritchie alone continued it as the Rock River bank and was its president until that institution failed in 1859.

Returning from California in the fall of 1855 (some said with $30,000 in gold). Dr. E. N. Clark, his brother. Dexter Clark, of Rockford and others, with E. R. Wadsworth, organized the Wadsworth, Clark & Co. bank, located in the Bushnell block (later Goodwin house), at what is now 403 East Grand avenue.

in the sense of having one taken off. At that time, when $100 would secure eighty acres of government farm land, he had loaned one of the incorporators $2,000 on an unsecured note of hand, and in the published list of liabilities occurred the modest item, "Benj. Brown, $2,000." As he never received anything in return, that fact illustrates some of the trying experiences that even our capable business pioneers passed through. Mr. John Doolittle (called familiarly Uncle Jack Doolittle) also lost heavily then.

In the year 1863, H. N. Davis, F. K. Davis and others, from Kenosha, Wis., organized the Beloit National bank, with a capital of $50,000. This continued in business ten years, until the panic of 1873 closed its doors.

Soon after that date, Messrs. Crim and Starkweather rented their premises and opened a private bank, which continued, however, only about two years.

In January, 1879, the Citizens National bank of Beloit was started with the following officers: President, H. P. Taylor; vice-president, John E. Eeigart; cashier, W. H. Baumes. The directors were S. T. Merrill, A. B. Carpenter, J. E. Eeigart, H. P. Taylor, C. B. Salmon, W. H. Baumes. The Manufacturer's bank, started in 1880 by C. B. Salmon & Co., J. H. French, cashier, was in 1881 merged into the Citizens National bank, which continued until 1886 and then closed up its business by going into voluntary liquidation.

The Second National Bank was organized in July, 1882, with a capital stock of $50,000. President, Charles H. Parker; vicepresident, Samuel H. Slaymaker; cashier, Frank H. Starkweather; assistant cashier, L. Holden Parker. In December, 1899, William B. Strong secured a controlling interest and became its president, with F. M. Strong, vice-president, and B. P. Eldred, cashier. The present officers (1908) are F. M. Strong, president ; E. J. Burge, vice-president ; B. P. Eldred, cashier. The present capital stock is $50,000, and the surplus and undivided profits are about $57,000.

The Beloit State Bank was established in Beloit, Wis., in the year 1892, with a capital stock of $75,000, which was afterward reduced, and now stands at $60,000. The original incorporators were John Paley, of Beloit, Wis., formerly of Lanark, Carroll county, Illinois ; 0. F. McKenney, G. D. Campbell, R. H. Campbell and J. M. Rinewalt, of Mt. Carroll, 111., and L. M. Bent, of Morrison, 111. The officers were : President, John Paley ; vice-president, J. M. Rinewalt; cashier, G. S. Whitford. The board of directors consisted of Mr. Paley, Mr. McKenney, Mr. Rinewalt, Mr. G. D. Campbell and Mr. R. H. Campbell. A very short time afterward Mr. G. D. Campbell became cashier, with C. H. Paley as assistant cashier, and C. H. Paley became director in the place of J. M. Rinewalt. These directors were later succeeded by John Paley, C. H. Paley, A. L. Paley, G. D. Campbell and 0. F. Mc- Kenney, with John Paley acting as both president and cashier.

Owing to the death, in 1904, of Mr. John Paley, Mr. R. E. Meech, of Beloit, and Mr. H. A. von Oven, of Iowa, were entered upon the books as stockholders, and the board of directors was as follows : Mrs. John Paley, Miss Paley, Mr. H. A. von Oven, Mr. G. D. Campbell and Mr. 0. F. McKenney. The officers were chosen as follows : President, H. A. von Oven ; vice-president, G. D. Campbell; cashier, C. H. Paley; assistant cashier, R. E. Meech. The above named board of directors and officers have served since the election of 1905, and have been reelected at each annual meeting.

Hyde & Brittan. The one banking institution of Beloit, which, begun in an early day, has survived all the changes of fifty-four years and still enjoys a vigorous existence, is connected with the names of Hyde & Brittan. In the earlier days of Beloit, Mr. Louis C. Hyde conducted a private banking business in a little office on the west side of lower State street, just north of Race. (In the same room Lawyer W. C. Spaulding had a desk and professed to loan money, but had no connection whatever with Mr. Hyde). In the year 1854 Louis C. Hyde and George B. Sanderson organized the Bank of Beloit with a capital of $60,000. The bank premises were on the east side of State street, where the Branigan hotel block now stands, No. 205. The officers of the bank were George B. Sanderson, president; J. G. Winslow, vice-president ; Louis C. Hyde, cashier. Shortly after this organization of the Bank of Beloit, Mr. Hyde withdrew and on the opposite side of the street (about No. 202 State, now occupied by the John Burger market) started a private bank in his own name. This bank continued in his name up to the year 1873, when he took

After the Beloit National bank had closed its doors in the fall of 1873, the general call for a national bank in our city was responded to by Hyde & Brittan, who in the year 1874 organized the First National bank of Beloit, succeeding the L. C. Hyde & Brittan bank. Of that First National bank, L. C. Hyde was president; Anson P. "Waterman, vice-president, and Walter M. Brittan, cashier; the capital was $50,000. That bank located in the southwest corner of the Goodwin house building (northeast corner of State street and School, now East Grand avenue), became, as it still remains, an integral part of the regular and conservative business life of our city. After ten years of business, this First National bank, in the year 1884, went into voluntary liquidation and was succeeded in business by the private bank of L. C. Hyde & Brittan. After the death of Banker Louis C. Hyde in 1899 this bank, reorganized and incorporated under the state banking laws of Wisconsin, was continued as the L. C. Hyde & Brittan bank, Walter M. Brittan, president ; E. S. Green, cashier ; R. K. Rockwell, assistant cashier. (Mr. Ed Green says that he began service in the Beloit National bank when he was fifteen years old, but does not say whether that start was thirty-five or was forty years ago. It is enough that he has kept right on in that connection with banking ever since and is here yet to serve you.) In 1904 this bank purchased the Carpenter block at the east end of the bridge on the north side of East Grand avenue, and moved to that locality, which it still occupies.

The Beloit Savings Bank. The establishment of this bank was largely due to the influence and efforts of Hon. Sereno T. Merrill, who was well seconded by John A. Holmes.

March 21, 1881, at a meeting of twenty-six citizens, held in the city council room, Hon. J. H. Reigart, chairman, and Booth M. Malone, Esq., secretary; Hon. S. T. Merrill, the prime mover, stated the object of the meeting and, articles of incorporation having been previously prepared and signed, the Beloit Savings bank was duly organized according to the Wisconsin statutes of 1876. The first president was Sereno T. Merrill; secretary and treasurer. Elder John A. Holmes. The office of the bank, located at first on the second floor of the block of D. S. Foster (357 East

Banking In Beloit 491

Grand avenue), who donated that first year's rent, was moved in 1886 to a rear room in the Citizens bank (Salmon's Postoflfice block), in 1887 to a second story rear room in the same block and in 1888 to a front ofiSce of that block. In 1890 the bank moved to A. P. Waterman's office in the Goodwin block on School street (now East Grand avenue). Then in 1891 it was removed to the Ritcher block, 355 East Grand avenue, where it remained until the present location. No. 348 East Grand avenue, having been purchased, was entered upon, January 1, 1900.

This bank has paid semi-annual dividends at the rate of three and one-half per cent per annum. Its first published report, that for July 1, 1881, showed that there were forty-one accounts opened and that the deposits received amounted then to $1,983.02, Ten years later, January 1, 1891, there were 1,285 open accounts and the amount due depositors was $72,616.84. According to the report for January, 1908, there are now some 6,000 deposit accounts and the amount due depositors December 31, 1907, was $1,179,565, an increase during the previous year, notwithstanding the panic, of about $53,000 over the deposits for 1906. The total amount paid in dividends to depositors up to January, 1908, inelusive, is $284,173.84.

The present officers (May, 1908) are : President, David H. Pollock ; vice presidents, A. N. Bort, J. T. Johnson ; secretary and treasurer, Edward F. Hanson.

The present record of the four banks of the city of Beloit, February, 1908, is : Amount of capital and undivided profits, including the guarantee fund of the savings bank, $337,860. The amount of deposits is $2,895,280.

Edgerton Banks

The First National Bank, of Edgerton, Wis., was organized in the year 1903 by George W, Doty, W. McChesney, John Mawhinney, Theodore A. Clarke, E. G. Bussey, Samuel Hall and U. G. Miller.

It began business with a paid up capital of $25,000. For four months it was managed by V. S. Kidd, cashier, who was then succeeded by Wirt Wright, elected cashier and coming to Edgerton from a Chicago bank.

The absence by death or removal of witnesses to interview, the general chaos of records, and the conflict of authorities upon points where agreement might reasonably be expected, are some of the difficulties to be met with. When names and dates are wanted I find the oldest inhabitant very accommodating and sympathetic, but his memory is woefully defective. I have endeavored to make this research complete, but cannot vouch for its absolute correctness. But why should certainty of detail be expected concerning a paper the very name of which is lost beyond recovery?

Janesville has had several of this class, and four-fifths of the newspapers that once existed here have disappeared, together with the men who published them, without leaving a vestige of their history. Some of these papers were doubtless brilliant, and the oldest inhabitant is fond of quoting them as models for coming generations to imitate, but no one seems to have preserved the files of his favorite organ.

I have probably interviewed personally or by letter a hundred persons, and the files of existing papers have been freely placed at my disposal; yet with all this willing assistance securing the necessary facts has been extremely difficult. I am nevertheless under great obligations to all who have assisted in any way, and especially to Hon. B. B. Eldredge, for the use of his collection of early records. I have listed fifty-six publications, whereas the annotated catalogue of the State Historical Society credits Janesville with only about twenty, since 1845.

The Press

I herewith submit a list of Janesville publications, with date of first issue, etc., also purposes of publication, politics, etc., where known:

1846. "Rock County Democrat," weekly, Democrat. Suspended in 1848. 1849. "Rock County Badger," weekly, Democrat, changed to 1851. "Badger State," weekly. Democrat, consolidated with 1851. "The Democratic Standard," weekly. Democrat, suspended in 1858. 1856. "The Daily Standard," Democrat, weekly, suspended in

1886. "The Janesville Signal," weekly, literary and news, absorbed by Family Friend Publishing Company, 1892. 1878. "The Penny Post," daily, Independent Republican, suspended about 1879 or 1880.

1867. "North-Western Advance," weekly, temperance, transferred to Milwaukee, 1870, 1874. "The Bulletin of Progress," monthly, telegraphy, still issued.

church, removed to Milwaukee in 1896. 1868. "The Spiritualist," weekly, discontinued 1869. 1880. "The Chronicle," daily. Republican. 1900. "Irish-American Star," weekly, now "Catholic Star."

"The Janesville Gazette," weekly, was the first newspaper published in Janesville, and made its initial appearance August 14, 1845, while AYisconsin was still a territory and Janesville but a country village.

Levi Alden and a partner named Stoddard were the publishers, and as this event antedated the Republican party, the "Gazette" became the exponent of Whig doctrines.

In December of 1845 W. F. Tompkins succeeded Stoddard in the business, and he sold to Mr. Alden. The firm of Alden & Grattan then appeared as publishers, Grattan having a nominal interest until September, 1848, when he withdrew.

In December, 1848, Charles Holt bought a half interest and became joint editor, an arrangement which was continued with Blight interruption until August, 1859, when Hiram Bowen and Daniel Wilcox came in, the new firm doing business under the title of Holt, Bowen & Wilcox, It may be of interest to many of the older residents to know that the senior member, Mr. Holt, is still living at Kankakee, 111. In reply to a letter asking for personal recollections Mr. Holt says (letter of June 21, 1899) :

"I might beat you in personal recollections when the 'Gazette' combatted General Crabb, Andrew Palmer, Alexander T. Gray, James Armstrong, Dan Brown, G. H. Bishop and others as Democratic opponents and newspaper competitors, but who can combine the present with the past much better than I can."

It is self-evident, judging from the familiarity with which he quotes these names of Janesville citizens long since dead, that Mr. Holt's mind is still vigorous and in good working order.

July 4, 1854, a six-column daily was issued, but at the end of three months was suspended. In March, 1857, Mr. Holt bought the "Janesville Free Press," consolidating it with the "Gazette," and began the publication of a morning daily of seven columns, and for some time subsequently the weekly issue was called the "Gazette and Free Press."

Holt & Bowen composed the firm of the "Morning Gazette" publishers, and it would seem that there were some changes of proprietorship previous to this not mentioned in the records.

It appears, however, that the name "Free Press" was dropped from the weekly about 1864, when the new firm, consisting of A. M. Thompson, W. G. Roberts and Daniel Wilcox, took charge and started the "Semi-weekly Gazette." In December, 1863, Holt and Bowen retired, and the business was apportioned as follows : Mr. Thompson as managing editor, Mr. Roberts city editor and Mr, Wilcox business manager. The daily was changed from a morning issue to an evening paper on March 19, 1860, and this arrangement continued till 1870. July 1, 1870, the "Gazette" outfit was purchased by General James Bintliff and R. L. and A. W. Colvin, forming the new Gazette Printing Company. General Bintliff became chief editor, W. S, Bowen local editor, A. M. Colvin secretary and R. L. Colvin treasurer and business manager. The prosperity of the "Gazette" was now widely recognized throughout the state, its previous able management being fully sustained by the new company in all respects. General Bintliff may not have been Mr. Thompson's equal as a farsighted political editor, but the general was a man of refined tastes, a patient scholar, and always a welcome ^est at local entertainments, of which there were many in his time, both musical and literary. It is with much regret that I learn that he is nearly blind and past work at his home in Chicago. (1900.)

And about this time there appeared upon the scene a finely educated Englishman by the name of Charles E. Jones, who for a brief season earned his daily bread by doing local work on the "Gazette." Mr. Jones was a ripe scholar and a gentleman of distinguished abilities as a writer and lecturer, but he was not created for local editor on a city newspaper, and soon drifted away to Australia, where he became a member of parliament.

For some time after Mr. Bowen retired to take charge of a paper at Yankton, Dak., there was no regularly installed city editor on the "Gazette" force, but the work was done by John C. Spencer, foreman of the news room, C. E. Jones and Alexander Pierce.

In September, 1874, Nicholas Smith became the regular local editor, and when General Bintliff retired in 1878 Mr. Smith became chief editor. In 1878 a new company was formed, officered as follows: Isaac Farnsworth, president; Frank Barnett, secretary, and E. B. Farnsworth, treasurer. Howard W. Tilton became city editor, but in the following March Messrs. Barnett and E. B. Farnsworth were succeeded by A. M. and R. L. Colvin as secretary and treasurer respectively.

Of the parties here named it may be mentioned that Mr. Tilton finally retired to accept a position on the Omaha "Bee," which, I believe, he still holds. Mr. Bowen has acquired a reputation in South Dakota. Mr. Colvin has long been engaged in other business. Colonel Smith, now of Milwaukee, "Wis., has ceased work as a newspaper writer, but has prepared and published an interesting history of hymns and their authors. In reply to a letter asking for personal recollections in connection with the "Gazette" he informed me in June last that he was compelled to quit work and seek rest and treatment. He refers to certain acts with evident pride, among them being that the "Gazette" under his management was foremost in championing biennial sessions of the legislature and in turning public senti-

In 1883 H. F. Bliss purchased the "Gazette" and assumed its management in April of that year, and the local editors were John C. Spencer and B. F. Nowlan. The record shows that the company still existed, with the following titles : Nicholas Smith, president and managing editor; H. F. Bliss, treasurer and manager; William Bladon, secretary; John C. Spencer, city editor. Mr. Nowlan came in October, 1889. From July, 1890, to 1898 J. C. Wilmarth was managing editor, with J. C. Spencer local editor and B. F. Nowlan assistant. In 1895 Spencer retired and Nowlan became city editor, with W. W. Watt reporter. In 1898 Mr. Nowlan became chief editor and J. C. Wilmarth business manager. At this writing the "Gazette" staff consists of B. F. Nowlan, chief editor; Fred Puhler, city editor, and W. W. Watt, reporter. W. C. Wilmarth was quite recently compelled to retire from active work on account of ill health. (1900.)

A portion of the "Gazette" files were somewhat damaged by fire not long since, and it is to be regretted that they are not kept in a fireproof vault, as they constitute the most conservative history of Janesville in existence from 1845 to the present time.

"The Free Press" weekly was established June 6, 1853, by a group of men calling themselves Free Democrats. They consisted of James W. Burgess, Joseph Baker, R. B. Treat, Orrin Guernsey, E. A. Howland and others, Mr. Baker acting as editor. As a matter of fact the "Free Press" was a sort of advance courier of those political doctrines which a little later culminated in the formation of the present Republican party of the nation. In October, 1853, William M. Doty bought a half interest and Baker & Doty appeared as the publishers until June 7, 1855, when Baker became sole proprietor. In October G. B. Burnett and A. J. Hall took a half interest and issued a daily and weekly. Baker sold to Burnett and Hall, and E. C. Sackett bought the entire plant, employing E. F. Winthrow as editor. Soon after Fre-

"The Rock County Democrat," weekly. In August, 1846, George W. Crabb issued the "Rock County Democrat," which was suspended following the presidential election of 1848.

"The Rock County Badger," weekly, was started in 1849 by John A. Brown as a Democratic paper to take the place of the "Rock County Democrat." Alex T. Gray was coeditor until October, 1850, when Messrs. George W. Crabb and John A. Brown formed a partnership, changing the name of the paper to that of

"Badger State," weekly. In 1851 George W. Crabb was succeeded by D. C. Brown, a brother of John A. Brown, as publisher, who conducted this paper but a short time, when it was consolidated with the "Democratic Standard."

"The Democratic Standard," weekly, was started by Dr. John Mitchell October 11, 1851, with George W. Crabb editor. After absorbing the "Badger State" the new firm continued until April, 1852, when Dr. Mitchell became editor until he sold the paper to D. C. Brown June 1, 1853.

Alex T. Gray filled the editorial chair until he was elected secretary of state, and J. C. Bunner assumed the position until February, 1855. In October, 1855, James Armstrong became a partner and soon afterwards the firm issued a daily edition, which they maintained until February, 1858, when G. H. Bishop assumed control, with C. E. "Wright editor. In October, 1858, it gave way to the correctness of dates and titles of these publications there is some conflict of authority. For instance, in addition to facts here stated it appears that General Crabb changed the name of the "Rock County Democrat" to "Free Soil Democrat," also that after a few weeks the last-named sheet went into the hands of Charles S. Jordon, a well-known attorney, who issued only two or three numbers previous to changing the name to ''Badger State." These matters are of no great consequence except that they convey some idea of the confusion of political parties at that time and the evident difficulty in getting men to fit the papers and papers to fit the daily changes that were taking place in the political ranks. It will be readily noticed that these were all so-called Democratic papers, published at a period when men were lining up, so to speak, in anticipation of the great political revolution of 1860. [A. O. W.]

It is also proper to call attention to the fact that the "Janesville Times" here referred to should not be confounded with the "'Janesville City Times," started by myself in 1869. Coming here a total stranger in 1867, my attention had not been directed to the fact that a paper of similar name had previously been published.

Although Bishop and the Wright brothers seem to have published the "Times" until January 26, 1859, when J. F. Erving bought an interest, I am unable to give the date when the paper w^as finally discontinued, but probably about 1859 or 1860,

"The Picayune," monthly, published by George R. Curtiss in the early 70s and devoted to the drug business and current politics. Supported O'Connor in the Grant-Greeley campaign of 1872. Discontinued about 1873.

"The Demokraten, " weekly, a Norwegian paper, was brought to Janesville from Racine and issued here from June 18 to October 3, 1851, by Knud Langland. It will doubtless be an interesting news item to even the older inhabitants to learn that a paper in the Norse language was ever printed here, yet such is the fact, and for even this brief bit of information I am indebted to Professor Rasmus B. Anderson, the well-known master of languages of Madison, Wis.

"Whether or not this paper is to be confounded with another Norwegian publication referred to in some of the Rock county histories as the "Emigranten," I am unable to say. Professor Anderson is supposed to be unquestioned authority on the subject of Norse literature in Wisconsin, but in reply to my question he mentions only one paper, the "Demokraten."

"Rock County Republican," weekly, in December, 1860, with Horace R. Hobart assistant editor. In June, 1861, Joseph Baker entered the firm, and the paper was suspended a few months subsequently.

"The Monitor," weekly. Published during the Civil War, in the early '60s, by A. and G. D. Palmer, with Andrew Palmer editor. The "Monitor" appears to have been a paper of considerable prominence, and very ably edited, but unfortunately no record of it was obtainable. Probably discontinued soon after the war.

A letter from Mrs. Mary Schalernnitezauer, a daughter of A. Palmer (Honorable), dated Milstadt, 111., July 20, 1899, says: "I am sorry I cannot give you the exact dates of starting and discontinuance of the 'Monitor,' which my father and his brother Garret published in Janesville during a period of two or three years. Am sorry I cannot give you a bound volume to refer to. The paper was published, I think, early in the '60s, during the Civil War."

"The Wisconsin and Iowa Farmer and North-Western Cultivator" was founded in May, 1849, by Mark Miller, at Racine, Wis. Removed to Janesville and published here by Mark Miller and S. P. Lathrop until the latter 's death, which took place in January, 1855. Subsequently removed to Madison, Wis.

"The Northern Fanner," a weekly paper, was brought to Janesville from Fond du Lac, Wis., in the summer of 1869 and published by Messrs. 0. F. Stafford and F. D. Carson for a short time, when the latter withdrew and Mr. Stafford became both editor and proprietor. The office was equipped in expensive style and became too burdensome for its owners, who permitted foreclosure proceedings on most of the material in the fall of 1870, when the paper was suspended.

"The Wisconsin Journal of Education," a monthly publication, was established in January of 1855 by G. S. Dodge and Hon. James Sutherland, with Julia A. Viers assistant editor. From the records it appears that after a year's growth the paper was transferred by Mr. Sutherland to the State Teachers' Association, who continued the same at Racine, Wis., with a board of editors to conduct it. It was again removed to Madison, Wis. (State records public library.) Note: Same paper still published.

It is probable that the educational field has from time to time produced numerous other journals which have completely dropped out of sight and recollection. Janesville has supported several institutions of an educational character, which very likely were represented in their day by weekly or monthly papers. But as no one has ever taken interest enough to preserve their files it is simply impossible for the historian of our own time to obtain a trace of them. I am of the opinion also that the same can be said of our churches, and of the medical profession in particular.

"The Commercial Union," a weekly publication devoted to business quotations, was started by W. B. Cushman in March, 1884. Sold to P. J. Mouat in the following July, and after a few months was again sold to T. J. Cairns, who disposed of it to a stock company. The "Journal" was finally moved to Chicago, where it is still published.

"The Signal," weekly, was issued September 5, 1886, by the late Garret Veeder, and was edited by Mr. and Mrs. Veeder. The "Signal" was strictly a family paper, and sparkled with literary taste, Mrs. Veeder having special qualifications for this department of the work. In May, 1892, the paper was sold to L. 0. Smith, of Ohio, who acted as editor until October, 1892, when

"The Penny Post" was a small daily issued about the year 1878 by Clarence Baker, who later removed to Chattanooga, Tenn. Letter of inquiry sent to Mr. Baker not returned to writer and not answered.

"The Janesville Democrat," by E. B. Bolens, was established about the year 1866 (files not accessible) and continued by him as a weekly until the summer of 1869, when he removed the plant to Juneau, Dodge county, "Wis., where its publication was resumed by him. The paper was of decided Democratic proclivities, and Mr, Bolens filled the dual position of editor and publisher. This paper also has the distinction of being one of the last in Janesville to be printed upon a hand press. (Facts from personal recollections.)

It is related of Editor Bolens that once upon a time he entertained a visiting scientist, with whom he walked about town trying to discover where drive wells could be sunk with the best prospects of obtaining fresh water. It so happened that a female temperance convention was in session, and as the water prospector passed the hall where the ladies were congregated his witch-hazel pointed unerringly in their direction, and the professor shouted, "Cold water here in abundance."

"The North-Western Advance," weekly, was founded in June, 1867, by an association of Good Templars, and edited by J. M. May until December, 1869, he being assisted by H, N. Comstock, J. S. Bliss, John Hicks and C, D. Pillsbury, It was transferred to Milwaukee and sold to Starr & Son in January, 1870, who retained Mr, Pillsbury as editor until June, 1871, when it was suspended.

Rev. D. C. Pillsbury was a Methodist preacher of decided ability and force of character, an educated gentleman of the old school of preachers, and is well remembered by the writer, who first knew him in the state of Maine more than forty years ago.

"The Rock County Recorder," weekly. This paper was first issued September 1, 1869, by Messrs. Veeder and St. John, as independent politically, with the late Colonel Charles W. Mc-

Henry political editor and the late F. S. Lawrence local scribe. Colonel McHenry withdrew in less than three months and the paper became straight out Republican. St. John retired at the end of three years, and Mr. Veeder became sole proprietor for about a year, when W. H. Leonard bought a half interest. March 11, 1878, the firm issued a daily edition which is still in existence and is known far and wide as "The Daily Recorder." Mr. G. Fred Selleck became local editor, and both the daily and weekly at once assumed a very prominent position in the community. The daily was started as a small affair, but it was the second morning paper that Janesville has ever known, and as a test of public interest in morning news it proved to be an eminent success.

At first the daily was rather non-political, but as that did not work very well with a Republican weekly, it soon became an outspoken advocate of Republican principles. This feature was the more conspicuous when the well-known attorney Thomas S. Nowlan became a member of the printing company and filled the editorial chair. It became more positively Republican still later when Major S. S. Rockwood became editor. The size of the daily was enlarged twice in rapid succession, and although several different persons held the position of local editor from time to time, it remained for Mr. O. H. Brand to create a record which few newspaper men in this state can approach. He assumed the position in 1881, and although praised and buffeted by turns, as is the fate of all who enter the profession, he still (1900) retains the post, and challenges attention for his tact and industry. In November, 1885, chiefly through the instrumentality of Clarence L. Clark, a stock company was formed known as the Recorder Printing Company, reorganized, the object being to secure control of the "Recorder" daily and weekly, not alone as a business venture, but primarily in the interests of the Democratic party. T. T. Croft was made president, W. D. McKey vice-president, B. J. Daly secretary, W. H. Leonard treasurer and C. L. Clark business manager. The directors were John Winans, J. B. Whiting, J. "W. St. John, J. B. Doe, Jr., and Alexander Richardson. Mr. Veeder retired from the business and the "Recorder" at once appeared as a Democratic newspaper, with J. B. Doe, Jr., in the editorial chair, but without change in its local department.

This arrangement continued until March 24, 1886, when the announcement was made of the purchase of the good will and business of the "Janesville Times," the latter being consolidated with the "Recorder," and 0. A. Wilson, the "Times" publisher, became editor of the "Recorder" in the place of Mr. Doe, whose law business required all his time. Mr. Wilson continued as editor until January 1, 1894, a period of nearly eight years, when he assumed the duties of postmaster at Janesville. January 1, 1890, C. L. Clark retired as business manager and Peter J. Mouat was chosen president of the company and business manager, a position which he has filled with marked ability. Since 1894 he has also added to his many other duties that of political editor, and under his management the paper has assumed a very extensive patronage and as an institution has become indispensable to a well-ordered community.

The Religious Press of Janesville has generally been confined to the churches individually, that is, each church supporting its own mainly. The idea of combining their forces in one daily or weekly seems never to have met with favor. Possibly it has never been considered, for reasons which suggest themselves.

"Our Church Home." Rev. S. P. Wilder, of the Congregational church, in November, 1889, began the publication of a sixteen-page monthly called "Our Church Home," which continued until October, 1892.

Five hundred copies were sent to the church members and the congregation, including absent members. Mr. Wilder says it was financially a success and very useful, but that he felt compelled to discontinue its publication on account of growing work in the church and for the want of "helpers to take charge of it."

"The Sentinel," of Trinity parish, was strictly a parish paper, issued quarterly, commencing October, 1894, but did not complete its third year.

(See Rev. Barrington's letter for facts stated.) "The Angelus," a monthly paper issued from Christ church rectory by the Rev. A. H. Barrington, rector and editor, is in all respects a credit to this class of publications. Its purpose is to increase communication with Christ Church parish and to record news of the Episcopal church in this city and vicinity.

Date of first issue, November, 1894. This paper also furnishes indubitable proof that while professional editors rarely make good preachers, the pulpit does occasionally produce an interesting editor.

"The Free Religious Leaflet" was first issued in September, 1896, and continued for about six months, by the Rev. Victor E. Southworth, pastor of All Souls' (Unitarian) church. According to its published statement (October, 1896) it was to be "an exponent of what is good and true in all systems of religion." "Our aim is to help lift religion out of the sectarian and ecclesiastical entanglements into which it has fallen." Printed monthly.

"Church Echoes" is the title of a monthly publication in pamphlet form issued in behalf of the First Baptist church of Janesville. It was commenced in March, 1898, and has for its motto "A church home for everybody."

The present management is scheduled as follows : Editor, Arthur C. Kempton, pastor of the church ; business managers, J. T. Fitchett, C. S. Cleland, W. E. Clinton. As may be readily inferred, this publication is devoted strictly to the church interests, and is ably managed.

"The Lamp-Lighter," a monthly organ of the Methodist Episcopal church, was established here in January, 1888, by the Rev. P. W. Peterson, presiding elder. Removed to Milwaukee in 1896.

"The Spiritualist" was also a monthly journal, brought to Janesville from Appleton, Wis., in October, 1868, and for a short time issued here as a weekly, by Rev. Joseph Baker. "The Spiritualist" was established at Appleton in January, 1868, and was probably suspended on account of Mr. Baker's death.

In October, 1895, the students of the Janesville high school issued a paper called "The Vedette," with John B. McElroy chief editor. This paper was suspended during the winter of 1896-97, but revived as ''The Phoenix" in March, 1898, with Ray Owen editor-in-chief.

A paper called "Our Own" was also issued February 8, 1886, by high school pupils, which survived long enough to print five numbers, the last containing the graduating essays. Editor-inchief, Ella Croft, first number; Margaret Mouat, vacation number. Other officers connected with this publication consisted of: Mamie Jones, secretary; Mary Lugg, treasurer; and Harry Carle, George Bliss, Fred Merritt and Sara Hickey as business committee. I surmise that still other papers have been issued from the high school, but as the method of preserving records in that institution was very faulty up to the time when the present structure was completed, there is nothing to prove their existence.

"Our Folks at Home" was the title of a well-printed monthly published by F. D. Carson, formerly of the "Northern Farmer," in 1870. The paper was edited by George E. Leland, a fine speciment of the young man genius, often seen in those days, who had a specialty of arriving suddenly from nowhere in particular, and to remain only a short time. The paper stopped abruptly for lack of support and the editor, a brilliant jotter, died shortly afterward in Iowa.

"The Janesville Weekly Republican" was started in September, 1891, by E. M. Hardy and E. 0. Kimberly. The latter retired at the end of one year.

"The Daily Republican" was started by Mr. Hardy in 1892, both papers advocating Republican principles. A few years later Mr. Hidden, of Madison, became a member of the printing company. In April, 1899, creditors of the concern foreclosed and the material was sold to Chicago parties. Both papers were suspended.

(From statement of E. 0. Kimberly and recollections of the writer, who, by consent of the creditors, had charge of the plant for two weeks previous to its sale and removal.)

The Janesville Peess 509

92 that celebrated "promoter" appeared in Janesville, known as J. W. Hamilton. He came well recommended and the price of town lots began to boom. Among other investments Hamilton was said to be owner of a big "monthly" at Springfield, Ohio, which he wished to transfer to Janesville. Thus it was that "The Family Friend" became credited with a circulation of 40,000 copies. E. M. Hardy, of the "Janesville Republican," joined in the rush for wealth at his own cost, but there was trouble with the postoffice department and the paper ceased to exist.

"The Janesville Journal" is a weekly paper printed in the German language, a seven-column quarto, established in 1889 by H, AV. Frick, who still retains control as editor and publisher. Mr. Frick started his paper in a moderate way and has built up the business literally from one subscriber to his present wellpaying list. This could hardly be done without painstaking industry and good business qualifications, both of which Mr. Frick possesses in ample degree. The concern also has a first-class job office connected with the paper and is believed to be in a prosperous condition, as it richly deserves.

In October, 1899, the "Journal" began the publication of a Beloit edition, printed in the German language, called the "Beloit Deutsche Zeitung."

"Spirit of the Turf." In the fall of 1869 Mr. Frank H. Dunton issued from the office of the "Northern Farmer" a paper devoted to horse breeding, which was obliged to suspend publication about one year later when the "Farmer" office was wound up by foreclosure proceedings. Mr. Dunton subsequently revived his paper industry in Chicago, where " Dunton 's Spirit of the Turf" became worth fully $100,000.

"The Daily Chronicle" was launched upon the peaceful shores of time during the winter of 1886. T. S. Nowlan, Esq., was the prime mover in the enterprise, but after a brief experience he disposed of its good will and business to the Recorder Printing Company.

"The Sunday Mirror," a weekly paper devoted to society gossip, local literature and crisp comment, was started December 16, 1894, by J. L. Mahoney, the well-known lawyer. He con- tinued its publication with marked ability until February, 1895, when it was sold to George Baird, who conducted the same for a year or more, when it was merged with the '' Janesville Weekly Republican" and with the latter was discontinued in the spring of 1899.

"The Bulletin of Progress," a monthly paper, was first issued in 1874 from the Valentine Brothers' School of Telegraphy, as a one-page sheet printed from a stencil made with an electric pen. The first regularly printed number was issued in 1877, and it has been issued monthly ever since.

"The Janesville Sun" was first issued in the spring of 1887, as a weekly, devoted to business and news, by John Nicholson, who sold it to J. B. Silsbee in the spring of 1888. It was finally consolidated with the "Janesville Signal," owned by the late Garret Veeder.

During Professor Silsbee 's proprietorship the "Sun" was mainly devoted to the interests of the commercial college of which he was the head.

"Nick's Commercial Guide" for the state of Wisconsin was originated and published for several years by John H. Nicholson, of this city. It required a good newspaper man to originate and arrange the plan of this elegant hand-book.

"The Wisconsin Tobacco Leaf," a weekly devoted to the tobacco interests, was first issued by B. F. Willey December 9, 1889. Mr. Willey continued as editor and publisher until June, 1895, when a stock company took charge, of which S. B. Heddles assumed the presidency and management. Later Mr. Heddles appeared as sole owner of the plant and continued the publication until June 29, 1899, when it was discontinued.

The Janesville Peess 511

"The Farm and Home," a weekly paper, devoted, as its name implies, to farm interests, was first published July 1, 1898, by J. F. AVilley, who also assumed the editorship. He still continues as proprietor and editor, and furnishes a very excellent production, the paper being issued from the office of the "Janesville Journal."

"The Wisconsin Druggist's Exchange," monthly, was started January 10, 1892, by E. B. Heimstreet, secretary of the state board of pharmacy, who still continues as editor and publisher. The paper is an eight-page publication using enameled stock. It furnishes the drug news of the state, also a list of examination questions, contains portraits and sketches of prominent druggists, traveling agents, etc., and is the official paper of the "Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Association, comprising a majority of the druggists in the state. It is now firmly established as an institution and pays handsome profits for well-rendered service to its patrons.

"The Wisconsin Medical Recorder," a monthly journal of medicine and surgery, for the whole profession (see title page), was issued first in January, 1898, and although still youthful, has proved to be a decided success. J. P. Thorne, M.D., editor and "William Hall, manager, comprise the firm of Hall & Thorne, publishers. This publication in pamphlet form is devoted exclusively to the medical profession, as its name implies, and is filled with original ideas and suggestions.

"Pebbles" was a small weekly published by Mr. "Cy Young" about the years 1895-96. It was evidently intended as a reform organ, and its publisher was doubtless an honest man. At least he apparently sympathized with the poor, tendering the service of an attorney free of cost, by the name of "Cy," which, however, they never accepted. Needless to remark, his career was brief though pyrotechnic. Discontinued in 1896.

"The Workingman's Friend" was a small weekly paper issued for a few months by the late James M. Burgess in 1870. Mr. Burgess was an original thinker in his way and injected considerable of his forceful originality into his newspaper, but the public was obdurate and the paper went the way of many others-rinto the yawning cavity of oblivion.

Resumed as a campaign paper in September of the same year, with slight interruption it was published by A. O. Wilson until March, 1886, when it was sold to the Recorder Printing Company, merging with the "Weekly Recorder," and is still issued as the "Recorder and Times." At first the "Times" was printed at the office of the "Northern Farmer," but when the latter was foreclosed the "Times" also suspended for about four months, resuming publication in the spring of 1870 with its own material.

In May, 1877, W. H. Tousley, of Fond du Lac, became a partner, remaining for six years, when he retired, leaving Mr. Wilson sole proprietor.

The firm of Wilson & Tousley issued a small daily "Times" for almost two years from October, 1878. The "Weekly Times" was the official paper of the city for ten years or more, and was so designated at the time of its sale.

During my newspaper experience in Janesville, covering a period from 1869 to 1894, as editor and publisher, a vast array of actors appeared upon the newspaper stage, passed rapidly in review, only to disappear no more to return. Some, it is true, are engaged in other pursuits; others may be engaged in the same business in unknown fields ; a few, such, for instance, as Wheeler Bowen, of Yankton, S. D., formerly of the "Gazette," are now working in prominent locations ; but the majority have long ago crossed the dark river or await the final summons only for a brief season.

Coming to Janesville in 1867, it will be observed that I am the connecting link between the present and the past. Thus it is that I have had personal acquaintance with most of the characters engaged in newspaper enterprises since the first paper made its appearance. These include such well-known persons as Levi Alden, Charles Holt, Hiram Bowen, A. M. Thomson, Daniel Wilcox, G. H. Bishop, Dan Brown, Andrew Palmer, Dr. John Mitchell, Rev. Joseph Baker, and possibly others much of whose active work was finished before I became a resident. While on the other hand I might reasonably be expected to recollect from personal observation the doings of those who were engaged in the business on my arrival, or whose coming was later than my own, still the facts presented were gleaned mostly through the medium of letters, personal interviews, and such scraps of information as have appeared from time to time in the so-called local histories. When these have failed and personal recollections could not be drawn upon, the fact is so stated in footnotes. One thing is certain : I have strenuously avoided the voluntary opinion or mere guesswork, and have sought to do exact justice to each paper and its publishers. If anything erroneous is submitted I am ready to apologize, but only with the plain understanding that such errors are unintentional wholly and absolutely. Again, it will doubtless appear that I have omitted mention of certain publications altogether, where possibly the fact might have been easily obtainable provided a man knew exactly where to look. But such provisos are fatal, as I am not a mind reader and therefore cannot pretend to fathom the occult mysteries of the publisher who when he disappeared from public view thought he was doing the community a favor by taking his files with him. Very respectfully,

A. O. Wilson

"The Irish- American Star, by J. L. Mahoney & Co., publishers. This paper made its initial appearance on March 17, St. Patrick's day, and announces itself Catholic in religion and Democratic in polities. To be issued weekly.

The early population was derived very largely from the New England states and the state of New York. It would not be an extravagant estimate to set the proportion of the early settlers from these states at three-fourths of the whole, and of these threefourths fully two-thirds were from New York. The largest proportion of these settlers came to Rock county with fixed politics, and there was a very large preponderance in favor of the principles and policies of the Whig party. There were, indeed, many strong and influential members of the Democratic party, and these were able in those days to control a large element of foreigners who had sought the fertile lands for which the county is pre-eminent. This was particularly the case with the Norwegians and Irish, great numbers of whom had taken up their abode in the county. But the great middle class, of whom we first spoke, mostly from New York and the eastern states, were the controlling political element, and it only needed the proper leader to organize this element to enable it to take the control of the political afi'airs of the county.

Rock county could scarcely be said to have a separate organization until 1845. Before that time Rock and "Walworth counties united in their representatives in the legislature ; yet each had its own county officers. But that year Rock county was set off by itself, in a separate legislative district, and it became conspicuous at once for being the only county in the then territory in which the Whigs were permanently and reliably the ruling party. From that time, with only a few exceptions, the Whigs of the county maintained their ascendency until the absorption of the party by the formation of the Republican party in 1854.

The few exceptions which happened were mostly brought about by the representation, by the Whigs, occasionally, of an illy selected and unfairly distributed ticket. There was always a rivalry betw^een Janesville and Beloit for the best places upon the ticket, and wlien Jaiiesville succeeded, as happened once or twice, in securing an exceedingly unfair distribution, Beloit threw her influence against the ticket and thereby effected its defeat; but these cases were exceptional in the history of the party.

What added much to the stability, success and perpetuity of the party w^as, first, the possession of men for leaders who were thoroughly imbued with the correctness of Whig principles, who conscientiously believed their political doctrines were right, and who possessed the intelligence, the rectitude and the integrity to give them force and win for them the respect of the people ; and, second, a newspaper, which gave expressions to their principles, which stood by them thoroughly, promulgated them authoritatively, and never allowed itself to be led astray from the old Whig doctrines by side issues or local politics. These instrumentalities were the factors which took up the grand material at hand, out of which to build up, unite and consolidate one of the proudest, firmest, most harmonious and beneficent political organizations which ever existed in any republic.

First and foremost among these leaders was the Hon. Edward V. Whiton, who was also among the very first settlers in the county. He was a native of Massachusetts, was a thorough-going Whig of the Webster school, and, as early as 1838, he was sent to the territorial legislature to represent Rock county. The next year he was chosen speaker of the house, a position which he was eminently qualified to fill. He was subsequently elected to the territorial council for several terms, in which body, at one time, he was the sole Whig member. His eminent abilities as a statesman and a jurist, and his strict integrity as a man, finally pointed him out as a person fit for the justiceship of the supreme court, and his long brilliant and useful career in that position is a matter of record. As a political leader he possessed qualities of the first order. He was too high minded to descend to the tricks of the partisan, but he influenced and led men by the force of his character, by the strength with which he advocated his measures, and by the simple rectitude of his example. He was always in attendance and took an active part in all the primary meetings and conventions of his party, and his wise and healthful counsels in these gatherings were seldom disregarded. As a leader he was prudent, honorable, cautious, yet inflexible, and he pushed his measures with a will power and determination which generally secured success. A great element in his strength was the evident honesty and uprightness of his political convictions, and he had a rare power in enforcing the soundness of his opinions upon his hearers.

But so eminent and efficient a leader could hardly hope to organize and keep together a party single-handed, and Judge Whiton was not left to fight the political battles alone. He had the ablest and best of coadjutors in the work ; helpers who themselves were capable of leading, w^ho also Avere actuated by the same high principles and motives for and by which he so gallantly and disinterestedly contended. Without any memorandum of the names of the leading Whigs of the early days of the county, who so grandly laid the foundations of the party, we will not attempt to give a list of them.

Of the instrumentality of the press in conserving the principles of the party, of being their exponent and constant advocate, too much can hardly be said, and the " Janesville Gazette," edited by Levi Alden, assisted after 1848 by Charles Holt, was, from the date of its first issue until there was no longer any Whig party, an able, efficient, unfaltering and consistent defender of that party. It was the political gospel, wherein was the word of life and the assurance of faith to the votaries of that grand old organization, and the influence of its early teachings still live in the compact, harmonious, invincible party which today is predominant in Rock county. And there was another helpful paper. Justice would not be done to that other Whig organ, "The Beloit Journal," edited by J. R. Briggs, without a most honorable mention here. Coming later into the field, with a circulation not as general, it still did efficient and valuable service in the party as a co-worker with its older colleague. Always able and candid, it never became factious, as is too often the case with rival organs of the same party when the conflict of interest might at times seem to justify factiousness. It fought its own battles and fought them well, and it, too, must share in the glory of having done good and faithful work in and for a party whose history is most honorably closed ; but those traditions will always remain a bright and conspicuous chapter in the annals of American politics.

The record of the Eepublican party of Rock county is as brilliant in its successes as that of the Republican party of the nation. For over fifty years it has gallantly held the fort in old Rock and at the age of fifty-four is as honorable in principle, as strong in faith and as powerful in numbers as when it swept the county in 1854. The first Republican county convention was held in the court house in Janesville, on October 12, 1854. The call was signed by L. P. Harvey (afterwards secretary of state and governor), John Howe, George H. Williston, Peter Schmitz, J. H. Budd, S. G. Colley, A. Hoskins, J. Dawson and E. Vincent. The call invited 'Hhe electors of Rock county, who are determined to support no man for office who is not positively and fully committed to the support of the principles announced in the Republican platform adopted at Madison on the 13th of July last, to meet at the court house on the 12th of October to effect a thorough organization of the Republican party." The convention was largely attended, and a spirit of signal enthusiasm pervaded the assemblage. The candidate for state senator on the Republican ticket was James Sutherland, who was an early settler and had already become a prominent business man. Judge Noggle was his opponent, who ran independent. Mr. Sutherland received 1,011 votes, and Judge Noggle 760. All the Republican candidates for the assembly were elected. George H. Williston was elected over John J. R. Pease by 25 majority. S. G. Colley was elected over John Hackett by 224 majority. Joseph Goodrich and N. B. Howard had no opposition. The candidates for county offices were : Sheriff, A. Hoskins, then of La Prairie ; register of deeds, Charles R. Gibbs, then of Plarmony; clerk of the court, E. P. King, of Beloit; clerk of the board, J. L. V. Thomas, of Newark ; treasurer, M. T. Walker, of Milton ; district attorney, S. J. Todd. Mr. Todd withdrew from the canvass. He believed the fugitive slave law unconstitutional, and avowed he would perform no duties under it if elected sheriff, and therefore refused to be a candidate. All the Republican candidates were elected by large majorities. Matt Carpenter was the Democratic candidate for district attorney, and G. B. Ely ran independent. Each received 1,109 votes, and Todd 782. For some irregularity the town of Turtle was thrown out, Avhich gave the election to Ely and he received the certificate. Washburn ran for congress against Otis Hoyt, Democrat, and carried the county by 1,419 majority.

state senators. In 1856 Fremont's majority was 2,743; Washburn, for congress, had a majority of 2,762. Mr. Sutherland ran for the state senate against Ezra Miller, and defeated him by 1,247 majority. The entire Republican county ticket was elected by a large majority. Since 1854 the following Republicans were in the state senate, up to 1879, named in the order in which they served : James Sutherland, four years ; L. P. Harvey, four years ; Z. P. Burdick, two years; Ezra A. Foot, two years; William A. Lawrence, four years ; S. J. Todd, two years ; Charles G. Williams, four years ; H. N. Davis, four years ; Hamilton Richardson, four years.

In the assembly the persons who served as Republicans, 1854 to 1879, were as follows, with their years of service: N. B. Howard, two years; George H. Williston, one (two years as a Whig) ; S. G. Colley, one ; Joseph Goodrich, one ; Levi Alden one ; John Child, one ; John M. Evans, two ; H. J. Murray, two ; L G. Fisher, one; David Noggle, one; Ezra A. Foot, one; W. H Tripp, one ; G. R. Atherton, one ; K. W. Bemis, one ; Z. P. Burdick three ; J. H. Knowlton, one ; George Irish, one ; W. H. Stark, three E. L. Carpenter, one; J. P. Dickson, two; W. E. Wheeler, two J. K. P. Porter, one ; Edward Vincent, one ; T. C. Westby, one Jeremiah Johnson, one ; G. Golden, one ; S. S. Northrop, one B. F. Carey, one ; Alexander Graham, three ; A. W. Pope, two James Kirkpatrick, one ; E. Palmer, one ; Samuel Miller, one John Bannister, one ; A. C. Bates, three ; Orrin Guernsey, one J. Corey, one ; Joseph Spaulding, one ; Jacob Fowle, one ; C. M. Treat, one ; D. Alcott, one ; Thomas Earle, one ; Thomas II. Goodhue, two ; Guy Wheeler, one ; Perry Bostwick, one ; H. Richardson, one ; J. Burbank, one ; Daniel Johnson, one ; S. C. Carr, two ; H. S. Wooster, two ; E. P. King, two ; J. B. Cassoday, two (speaker) ; Daniel Mowe, one ; A. W. Pope, one ; Burrows Burdick, one ; A. C. Douglas, one; J. T. Dow, one; Pliny Norcross, one; Burr Sprague, one ; W. C. Whitf ord, one ; C. H. Parker, two years as Republican and one as Greenback; A. jM. Thomson, two (speaker) ; Seth Fisher, one ; D. E. Maxon, one ; Adelmorn Sherman, three ; I. M. Bennett, two ; John Hammond, two ; H. H. Peterson, one ; R. T. Powell, one; Willard Merrill, one; O. F. Wallihan, one; D. G. Cheever, two ; E. K. Felt, two ; David F. Sayre, one ; H. A. Patterson, one ; ]\Iarvin Osborne, two ; Andrew Barlass, three ; A. Henderson, one ; George II. Crosby, one ; Hiram Merrill, one ; L. T. PuUen, inde- dependent Republican, one; George Gleason, one; S. T, Merrill, two; G. E. Newman, one; Fenner Kimball, one; A. P. Lovejoy, one ; R. J. Burge, one ; William Gardiner, one.

The Democratic party, by a Rock county Democrat. In the light of admitted facts, we may, indeed, affirm that before Rock county, as such, existed, even while its fertile lands were under "government jurisdiction," the votaries of Democracy found here an abiding place ; and here, too, as everywhere else, they reckoned themselves a part of the Great National Democratic Party, as founded by Thomas Jefferson, and taught by Silas Wright, Thomas H. Benton and Stephen A. Douglas. These were leaders %vhose followers were not bounded by states, or hemmed in by territorial legislation ; and, in the early history of the county, no less than at present, we find the leaders of the Rock County Democracy, and its rank and file men of nerve and sagacity. In an early day the county was Democratic, in fact, remained so practically without variation until a Free-Soil boom, which here, as elsewhere, revolutionized communities, and finally converted the majority to the principles of a new Republican party, whose ascendency has ever since been maintained.

Within thirty or thirty-five years, covering the period of which we write, a generation has passed, and yet, during all this period, eventful without precedent in our country's history, the Rock county Democrats have maintained, whether in the majority or in the face of discouraging odds, the same steady devotion to Democratic principles and party discipline which has commanded the admiration of all intelligent men, regardless of political status. If scores and hundreds of Rock county's Democrats forsook the party and joined another it shows that they were thinking, reading men, and, as such, they still share our respect. Our space forbids mention of their names, but many of them well adorn the walks of life, thus clearly evincing the power of early Democratic teachings and examples; many others, still wiser, if we may express it so, have returned to their first "love," where, we trust, perpetual sunshine awaits them. David Noggle, John Hackett, A. Hyatt Smith, C. S. Jordon, Matt H. Carpenter, Dr. John Mitchel, J. M. Burgess, Rush Beardsley, Robert Stone, H. B. Johnson, H. W. Cator, N. P. Bump and brothers, J. M. Haselton,

Hamilton Richardson, W. T. Hall, Colonel Ezra Miller, J. W. Phillips, M. C. Smith, James Murwin, Anson Rogers, Dr. J. B. Whiting, Sol. Hutson, A. D. Wickham, J. W. St. John, A. 0. Wilson, William Smith, W. Skelly and brothers, the MeKey brothers, Judge Parker, Dr. 0. P. Robinson, C. S. Decker, J. A. Blount, A. D. Maxfield, Moses S. Priehard, Frank Biddies, John and B. Speuce, D. Davies, E. H. Davies, John Winans, H. McElroy, J. R. Hunter, Clinton Babbitt, Paul Meagher and brothers, Ira Maltimore, Paul Broder, C. Sexton, J. J. R. Pease, Dr. W. H. Borden, John Livingston, Matthew Smith, A. Broughton, Colonel Russell, J. B. Doe, Evan Thomas, T. T. Croft, William Cox, Robert Johnson, Edward Ryan, E. G. Newhall, Joseph A. Wood, James Church, Edward Connell, J. W. Bishop, S. G. Williams are or were some of them - but space forbids further mention of names. It is sufficient if, by this list (both living and dead), the reader can gain some idea of the men and material forming the ranks of the Rock county Democracy since the county was organized. We regret that other names equally as well known could not be obtained at this writing. But within even this limited number the resident reader will not only find many who helped lay the foundation of our commercial and intellectual progress, but may also note many earnest and faithful builders, whose work is yet unfinished. If, within the last twenty years, the Democrats of Rock county have not figured much in mere local government, they have, at least, made their share of sacrifice for the good of all. As citizens they are respected ; as taxpayers their counsel is sought the more when difficulties appear.