Sauk County, Wisconsin - Chapter 11: The Sauk Villages, 1880 (part 2 of 2)

The fine establishment of Philip Hoefer was begun in 1867, the first part, 24x40, being built hvj]. P. Tarnutzer at that time. In 1870, Mr. Hoefer became owner, and, between 1872 and 1H74, he made improvements on the building by adding another story and putting up an addition. His business from the first having been prosperous, he finally determined to increase the capacity of the mill very largely, by putting up a large building and adding the latest and best machinery to be had. Having perfected his plans, he began the first of this year and -erected a large building, in addition to what he already had, 40x80, with lean-to 18x40. The machinery, which is very complete in every particular, 'is driven by a thirty-horse-power engine, winch Mr. II. says is the best he ever saw. The engine is thoroughly protected by a substantial atone house, 28x82, erected in 1876. The mill has a capacity of fifty doors or 100 sash or hlmds per day. This is said to be the finest factory of its kind in the county. Mr. Lachmund has a planing-mill here, established by him in connection with his lumber-yard in 1877. This null IS used exclusively for planing and making molding, and is completely fitted throughout for lis worK.

Physicians and Attorneys. The following physicians have resided in Prairie du Sac : Dr. Nichols, A. P. Cummings, Stephen Coburn, Corydon Farr, Samuel Bell, Fred H. Conger, D. H. Whitford, Dr. Hooper, fcamuel II. l.assenger, Samuel M. Blake, Jonathan Watring and Charles P Reily.

The post office was established here in rather an original manner. At the time Simeon Dean was appointed, about 1851 or 1852, the office was at Prairie du Sac, and had been there always before that time, but, as Mr. Dean was a resident of Sauk City, it was proposed to move the office down there rather than have the Postmaster move to Prairie du Sac. Accordingly twenty or twenty-five men from Sauk City went up to Prairie du Sac one day and took the office paraphernalia - " will you, nill you ? " - and moved it to Sauk City. The office was kept in Mr. Dean's store until about 1854, when the store burned. It was then moved into a stone warehouse, now a part of Mr. Schoenfeldt's store. In 1854, Mr. Dean resigned, and F. A. Hoffman was immediately appointed. The people were very much displeased at this change, and requested Mr. Dean not to relinquish the office until they could send a petition to the Postmaster General to have some one else appointed. A petition was circulated, and all but seven of the citizens signed it, to have E. C. Watson appointed, which was done soon after. Mr. Watson did not hold the office long before J. S. Tripp was appointed, who kept post office in his present office. In 1861, after Lincoln's election, the Republicans of this section held a meeting and took a vote as to whom they would like to have for Postmaster ; this vote resulted in the election of William H. Guett, who, being appointed, kept the office where Mrs. Lemm's millinery store now is. Mr. Guett held the office until 1866, when Conrad Kuoni succeeded him. At that time, C. Obrecht put up a small room, an addition to the store he was then keeping, to be used as a post office. This store is now a tin-shop and the post office room a barber shop. Eventually, Mr. Kuoni, who still holds the office, moved it to his store, where the office now is.

The first method of crossing the Wisconsin here was on a sort of flatboat, built by B. Hany in 1839, which had to be poled over. This institution, with rights and privileges, was purchased by Count Haraszthy after he came. This method of transportation was largely improved by him, but was not then, or for many years subsequent, satisfactory or desirable. But when the first charter was granted, in 1854, a radical improvement was made by constructing a levee from the east bank of the river, and by running a convenient ferry-boat from the island over the principal channel to the town. This method of transportation satisfied the people for a time, but, as Prairie du Sac had a bridge, they wanted one also. This the Upper Town folks opposed, but at last, by the amendment of 1858. they secured the right to raise funds and build a bridge. Immediately after the right was granted by the Legislature, bids for building were advertised for by the town authorities, and within a short time the contract for doing the work was let to J. B. Woodruff. Mr. Woodruff went to work and succeeded in getting two spans done next the west bank, then failed. The bridge interest then passed into the hands of Marcus Warren. In August of 1860, the bridge was finished. After Warren, H. Miller and Mr. Worthington had control of it, and eventually Miller became sole proprietor. He soon after sold to Charles Nabel. Mr. Nabel had had the bridge but a few weeks, when on came a freshet and swept out two spans ; he then sold back to Miller. Soon after this, in July, 1866, Max Stingelhammer bought in ; they then rebuilt the two spans, and also replaced the draw. The following year, Mr. Stingelhammer bought out Mr. Miller. In 1878, a terrible storm came, and so affected the draw and two west spans that they had to be rebuilt. This time they were built of iron by a Milwaukee firm, the cost, with repairing of piers, etc., being about $9,000. The village advanced |4,000 on bonds, and gave $1,000 toward this work. The whole cost of repairing and rebuilding since Mr. S has been connected with the bridge has been $32,000. The old part of the bridge will be replaced by iron eventually. The rates of toll are provided by the charter. The bridge paid from $5,000 to $6,000 per annum at one time, but does not now pay more than $3,000. The village furnish the funds necessary to maintain it in part and take security on the bridge. At some future day it may become the property of the corporation ; then it will probably be a free bridge.

The records of this school (District No. 5) date back to 1847 only. But, as previously stated there was a school here as early as 1841. Who the first teacher was, or what the number of pupils, remains unknown. The first male teacher, recorded as having been employed here, taught in the winter of 1850-51. The schoolhouse at that time was valued at $500, with half an acre of land on which it stood. It had two rooms, with entry.

In 1860, a committee of carpenters and masons was appointed, at the annual meeting, to draft a plan for a new schoolhouse and make an estimate of costs. This being done, and the tax- payers approving, a contract was let to Charles Nabel, Jan. 27, 1861, to build according to plan. The house is a substantial structure, built of brick, having two rooms and entries. It was finished in 1860, and cost, when completed, $2,096.22 In January of 1862, it was consecrated by a celebration in honor of educational interests, on which occasion F. G. J. Lueders was principal speaker. In 1871, and in 1874, additional frame buildings were erected. The one erected in 1871 cost about $750 ; the other, with hall, cost about $650. In 1877, a high school dejiartraent was established, the Principal having supervision over the lower departments, which are three. The estimated value of the property is at present $3,825, besides a school library containing 326 volumes. The first recorded treasurer's bond was $200, now it is $6,000. Total money raised in 1850, for school expenses, was $250.17 ; on the other hand, the sum expended on the school this year (1880), amounts to $2,123.68. The number of male school children in 1850 was 85, females 88; the average attendance 97. Now the number of school children in tiie district is 185 males and 217 females, with an average attendance of 262. The first male teacher received $50 for teaching the winter school in 1850. Now the Principal here commands from $800 to $1,200 per annum. Several meetings were held this year (1880) for the purpose of making arrangements for erecting a commodious new school building. However, nothing has been accomplished thus far. It should be mentioned that a French and English boardingschool was opened here in the spring of 1854 by H. J. Turner, which run a few years, accommodating not more than thirty pupils at any time.

Previous to 1854. there was neither a fire extinguisher nor fire company in Sauk City, much as they may have been needed, and then, in all probability, there would not have been either, had not J. J. Heller, on realizing the unprotected condition of property, had a small hand-engine constructed, during the early portion of that year, for his individual use. This extinguisher though small and somewhat rude in construction, was, nevertheless, quite ingeniously gotten up, embracing the salient principles embodied in the best of engines, and was vastly superior to no engine at all.

On the Fourth of July, 1854, the oldest house in town caught fire, while the tenants were away celebrating, and before it was discovered, it had so far advanced, that, had not the little come to the rescue, it must needs have perished. Thus to the work of this primitive affair is Mr. llendtorfl' indebted for the jjreservation of this relic of by gone days. It is said that troubles never come singly, and sure enough, again this year, on November 21, there was another fire. This time Simeon Dean's store, tin-shop, barn and four horses were destroyed, and Cliarles Nabel's house and store and Mr. Klutch's cooper-shop were also burned. This fire, for so young a town, was a very large one, and caused the men of the place to think it about time that they should prepare some sort of a defense against this common enemy. Accordingly, a public meeting was held December 2o, 1854, to consider the question. Charles 0. Baxter and Cyrus Leiand wisre elected President and Secretary, and a committee was appointed to consider a plan of action. The committee, after due deliberation, recommended an organization consisting of four (iepartmenls ; first, an engine corps ; second, hook and ladder; third, bucket company ; fourth, rescue and protection, with a (Captain of entire company, and Captain to each department. The second meeting was held January 2, 1855, when the previous recommendations were acted upon, and the company permanently organized. John A. Hantzsch was elected provisional Captain of the company ; J. J. Heller, Captain first department ; W. Cook, Captain second department ; F. Frenzel, Captain third department. The fourth department was filled by the rifle company, who volunteered to supply the place. Soon after this the company, out of personal funds, provided hooks, ladders, and tin buckets. September 20, 1857, the company was recognized, and incorporated by the town authorities, in conformity with the provisions of the amended charter of that year. In August, 1859, a hook and ladder wagon was purchased. With these few appliances the company got along for nearly three years more, then $225 was raised, partly by subscription, to purchase a small hand-engine. This was bought in Milwaukee, and arrived here on the 21st of April, 1862. Then the company for the first time felt that they were prepared to render really efficient service. The balance of the money needed to pay for the engine was raised by giving a picnic in Stinglehammer's grove. The company also purchased a lot for their use this spring (1862), and succeeded in persuading the town authorities to build an engine-house. A few years subsequent, the village purchased a large hand-engine, and various equipments, from the Madison Fire Department, costing about $1,200, so that now, considering the needs of the place, the company is very fairly provided for. The company has on all occasions given evidence of willingness to do and has, through its exertions, has saved a good deal of valuable property at different times. About the first house saved was J. J. Heller's, in May, 1862. In 1867, Mr. Hoffman's house, now the Catholic priest's dwelling, was saved. Very soon after the company succeeded in putting the fire out at Lenz's brewery. While Viedt & Lachmund were keeping store where Van Eschen now is, on May 2, 1875, the building caught on fire and was saved. When the fire of June 3, 1877, broke out, and burned Charles Nebel's store, erected in 1851, and William Phillips' and Nick Truckenbrodt's buildings, south of the old Astor House first known as the Leibig house, the fire company managed to save the hotel, which is yet standing, and Mr. Conradi's drug store. Taken all in all, the record of the company is first-class.

Singing Society. - German social life is never complete without social singing, or singing societies ; and nothing conduces more to harmony of feeling than engaging in evoking the almost divine harmonies of sound that have been evolved by the master minds in music during past ages. Germany is the land of great composers, and where the people are all lovers of the sublime art, and her sons and daughters, wherever we find them, still maintain the national excellence in this particular. When the first gathering for social singing was convened here, no one can tell, but doubtless at a very early day ; and even the exact date when a permanent organization was formed, cannot be given, as the Secretary's books were burned in Truckenbrodt's fine hall three years ago. However, the society is about twenty-six years old, being one of the oldest in the State. The first members were, as nearly as can be ascertained, Robert Morsback, John Klutch, Edward Rendtorff, Max Stinglehammer, H. Schlegelmilch, Edward Kuehn, Theodore Schramm and D. Heick. Robert Morsback was Leader. There are now forty-six members, twenty-five of whom are singers, the remainder being passive members. Charles Naftz is Leader. The present officers are H. Schlegelmilch, President ; Max Stingelhammer, Vice President ; John Buerki, Secretary ; Edward Rendtorff, Treasurer ; Edward Stadelmann. Librarian ; H. W. Thede, Standard Bearer. The officers are elected annually. The first standard was presented by the ladies in 1862. Last New Year's the society celebrated for their twenty-fifth anniversary.

Benevolent Society. - The Sauk City Benevolent Society was started in 1874, the first movers in the matter being Andrew Kahn and John Buerki. The first meeting was held at Truckenbrodt's hall, March 4, 1874, there being about twenty persons present. They then organized, and elected John Buerki President ; John Baertsch, Vice President ; Andrew Kahn, Secretary; Henry Trueb, Treasurer; Gasper Steuber and Edward Neidiker, Bysiters. Of the first members five or six have withdrawn, but, on the other hand, new members have come in, until now there is a membership of thirty-two. The society is strictly a mutual protective organization, with no secrets or password. If a member is not able to work he gets a regular appropriation of §3 a week. In case of the death of a man, the heirs get $30 from the treasury and 50 cents each from the members. When a man's wife dies, he gets $15 from the treasury and 25 cents each from the members. A man cannot be over fifty-five to join, and must be in good health. The membershij) fee is $3. The meetings of the society are held once a week.

Sauk City Brass Band. - A brass band was first organized here at about the time the old military company was formed. There were at first but five members - John Junge, D. Schramm, A. Vogel, Ed Kuehn and Henry Schegolmilch, J. Junge being the leader. In 1856, the band number was augmented by the addition of Samuel Kleiner and Peter Bernhardt. With the exception of a few changes, the band continued until 1868 or 1869, when it broke up, never havin(» been more than nine or ten strong at any time, and seldom more than the first seven. In the present band, organized but a short time, there are ten members: Samuel Kleiner, leader, and V. Wuerth, E. Van Eschen, Rudolph Kleiner, Nic Muller, A. Marguart, M. Bohnsak, Charles Schlungbaum, Ed Stadelmann and John Meyer.

Cemetery Association. - The Sauk County Cemetery Association was organized at the schoolhouse, July 27, 1852. The Trustees elected were Henry Wild, Thomas Cook, L. Accola, T. Hitzmier and Curtis Bates. On the 6th of September following, the land of the cemetery was purchased from John Gallard for $50, and soon after was platted. At present, lots sell for from $S to $10, according to location. At present, P. Lachmund is President ; F. G. J. Lueders, Treasurer ; Ed Rendtorft', Secretary. Mr. Rendtorff has been Secretary of the society for twenty-four years. Mr. Lueder is now Superintendent of the grounds, which are tastefully laid off and ornamented with shrubbery.

A. 0. U. W. Society. - The only secret society now in Sauk City is the lodge of United Workingmen, No. 62, A. 0. U. W. This order was organized here May 1, 1879, with eighteen charter members, which have since increased to thirty-eight. The charter ofiicers were H. Muhlburg, P. M. W. ; John Bach, M. W. ; A. Fischer, V.; J. Shaddi, G. F. ; H. Meyer, Secretary ; M. Loddi, Treasurer ; J. Just, Financier. The officers now remain the same, with the exception that A. Ferber is now G. F., and Samuel Kleiner, Secretary.

Humanists. - The society of the " Free German Association " held their first meeting, according to various accounts, as early as 1842, at which time they styled themselves "Humanists,' the name which is now commonly applied to them. Charles Duer, now deceased, was their first speaker, but the society was not regularly founded until the 24th of October, 1852, after Mr. Edward Schroeder became speaker. The society was incorporated June 3, 1853, as the "Free German Association of Sauk County." At first the organization met with strong opposition from church people, which has become modified during the passage of time. The congregation has no settled dogma, neitlier do the members recognize any authority as being infallible, and to be explicitly followed. The works of nature, and the revelations of human experience in history, serve as foundations for whatever opinions may be entertained, subject to the analysis and conclusions arrived at by reason. The chief principles acted upon are for the advancement of general intelligence, and the maintenance of sincerity, honesty and truth in all things, as opposed to hypocrisy and falsehood. All members stand on a footing of perfect equality, without regard to sex. The speaker is the teacher of the old and young, and the general exercises consist in lectures, singing, declamation and the instruction of the children in morals, under his supervision. The congregation belongs to the Wisconsin Union of Free (.'ongregations, and to the Union of Free Congregations of America, and to tiie North American Union of Radicals. The society owns two halls, one at Sauk City and one at Honey Creek. Their speaker, Mr. Edward Shroeder, has recently gone to Kurope !us the Delegate for the German Free-Thinkers of America to the Free-Thinkers' Congress at Brussels,

The (Jatholic Church and Society. - Sauk City St. Moysius Congregation is the oldest Catholic congregation in Satik County, and one of the oldest in Western VVisconsin. It was founded in the year 1S44. The first baptism recorded is that of Catharina Holbleib, baptized

'2d of October, 1844. The first Catholic priest was Rev. Albert Inaraa, of the order of the PrtBmonstratensians, of the Convent Welten, near Innsbruck, Tyrol, who died 1879, in Roxbury Town, Dane County, Wis. The first Catholic Church was built in Sauk City in 1845. It was a small frame building, and was burnt down by an accident in the following year. During that year Count Haraszthy, an Hungarian nobleman, gave lots to the Catholic congregation for building purposes, the deed of said lots being dated 17th of February, 1846. In the same year. Rev. Maximilian Gaertner, of the same order as Rev. Inama, arrived and took charge of the congregation remaining until 1858, when he retired to his home country, Tyrol, Avhere he afterward died. In 1851, the 29th of May, first steps were taken to erect the new Catholic Church building which is now in use. Catholics and non-Catholics united for this purpose, and $380 were subscribed. On the 21st of July, 1851, the corner-stone was laid, and Mr. Stingelhammer did the mason work. Messrs. Werner, Kraus and Mertens were building committee. The rear or brick part was first finished, then the work stopped because of lack of funds. In 1853, work was recommenced, and the church finished under the supervision of Rev. Gaertner and Rev. Weinhardt. The building is 103x50 feet and thirty feet high (walls inside clear thirty-nine feet), and cost about $13,000, all of which is now paid. The Rev. Weinhardt left in 1861. His successor, Rev. Voessem, finished the plastering and left in 1865. Since then several priests have had charge of the congregation, which consists of about 130 families, of which twenty-five are Irish. A Catholic school is attached numbering about seventy Catholic children. There is also a mission belonging to this congregation situated in town of Honey Creek, consisting of about forty Catholic families. They have just finished a stone church 50x28 feet, eighteen feet high ; steeple, seventy-six feet, at a cost of about $1,800. The Rev. Herman Grosse is now the Priest.

G-erman Reformed Congregation. - The first preaching of this society was held in the old schoolhouse as early as 1850, the Rev. Mr. Spangler being the minister. He continued here until 1856, when Rev. Mr. Knoepfel came. After him in 1858, the Rev. Etter was minister. Then in 1859, Rev. R. Ruetenick became Pastor. During Mr. Ruetenick's time the society was regularly organized. He was succeeded by Rev. A. Winter, in 1860. The church was built in 1861, at a cost of $2,000, during the pastorate of the Rev. Winter. In 1864, the Rev. J. Brecht became minister. He remained until 1869, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. Herold. After him in 1869, came the Rev. F. Kuenzler, who served until 1877, Avhen the Rev. J. Gruenigan superseded him. In 1875, the Rev. S. S. Thalers, the present Pastor, was installed.

Evangelical Association. - The first services of this denomination were held here in the schoolhouse in 1844, by Bishop Johannes Seybert, the first Bishop of the German Evangelical Association of America. With him came the Rev. Mr. Miller, who afterward came out here for some time every four Aveeks. A few years after their services were held every Sunday, the place of meeting being changed to the house of Mrs. J. E. Wright, at Saukville. The church was built in 1871, by John Thilke, and was consecrated by Bishop Escher. The society here is a branch of the Salem Church, at Honey Creek, and is supplied by their minister. There are fifty-five members here.

Attorneys Axd Physicians

The following is a list of attorneys that have practiced here : William H. Clark, James S. Alban, Cvrus Leland, J. Stephens Tripp, John B. Quimby and J. W. Johnson.

Saukville, Or Middle Sauk

This little village lies midway between Upper and Lower Town. The most that has ever been done here toward erecting a village is the work of J. E.Wright, now deceased, but, owing to the unfa- vonible locution, just between the villages of Prairie du Sac and Sauk City, very little more than niakiiiL' a fair start has ever been accomplished, for, as the trite old saying expresses it, '' that which stands between two stools must needs fall to the ground." It is not beyond the possibilities that at some future time a railroad may pass directly through here; then who can say but that that which has heretofore shown smalfvitality may suddenly take new life unto itself, and withal outstri]) its more fiivored competitors. At least, whatever may occur, it is always well to look on the bright side, and hope for the best. And furthermore, that the village of Sauk City and Prairie du'Sac may some time be united by the growth of a village here, is to be devoutly desired, for then the interests of the two places may become identical, and correspondingly strong and influential abroad.

A huge brick chimney and a dilapidated wooden structure now mark the spot where, in l.So2. J. E. Wright, in company with P. Tinker, a practical machinist, began the erection of a steam saw and grist mill combined. "^In 1853, Soreno Wright came on from the East and purchased J. E. Wright's interest in the mill, and, with Mr. Tinker, went on and completed it. The mill began running in 1H54, and for that early time was a large institution and did an extensive business. The mill continued in active operation until October, 1858, when it was burned (cause unknown), with a loss of ^5,000. After the building of the mill, in 1854, J. E. Wright, Sr., put up a large store building, which is yet standing near the road on the handsome property of his estimable lady. This store was first occupied by a Mr. Forbes, of Portage City. Subsequently, after having been used several years as a store, it was converted to its present use as a private dwelling. Shortly after the buildnig of the mill and store, blacksmith-shops, wagonshops, etc., were started. Of those that were started early, none are left, and, to sum up, the business of the jjlace is now represented solely by the blacksmith and wagon shop of Mr. Ilabermann.

After the burning of the mill, Soreno Wright immediately began building a steamboat, for a good boat with a special home interest at this point was then very much needed. She was ninety feet long, twenty-two feet beam, and eighteen inch draft when loaded, being constructed esjiecially for navigating the Wisconsin. A large part of the machinery was made at the old foundry and machine shop of Mr. Rosche. The boat was launched in July, 1859, and made her trial trip in a satisfactory manner, with about two hundred and fifty on board. She was first called tlie Wisconsin Pioneer, but the name was subsequently changed to the Sauk City Enterprise. This boat was for many years one of the principal craft on the river, as well as the representative boat of this section.

The Sauk Battle

At a very early day, in the career of Sauk City, the raftsmen made a practice of tying up hero at ni^'lit when they could, and going up town en masse to rampage and bum, perhaps the whole night through, constituting themselves a law unto themselves, to the terror of the saloonists and the law-abiding citizens. It was but the common turn of affairs for them to run the Buloon-keepers out of tlieir places, and to bid defiance to all restraints, and to indulge in the most indecent routs conceivable.

Tliis sort of tiling couhl not last always ; so, after long suffering, the Germans, who are slow to anger, but determined when they get started, turned out in strong numbers one night, nntl, arnieil with cudgels, attacked a large gang of raftsmen. The engagement was a hotlycontested and bloody one, but a worse whi]tped and used-up crowd of rowdies it would be hard to find ; bloody noses, cracked skulls and broken bones was tlieir condition generally. Some of the worst injured ones brought suit against the Germans for damages, but when it came to be tried, the lawyer who acted for ))laintiffs was chased from Lower to Upper Town by the infuriated