Sauk County, Wisconsin - Chapter 11: The Sauk Villages, 1880 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 11: The Sauk Villages

Early History - Prairie du Sac, or Upper Sauk: Early Settlement and Subsequent Growth - The Old Court House - The First Staging - General Notes - The Bridge - postoffice and postmasters - scpiools - manufacturing - hotels - societies - churches. Sauk City, or Lower Sauk: Early Settlement and Growth - Causus Celebre - The Old Military Company - A Murder - Comparative Notes - Government - Hotels - Manufactories - Post Office - The Bridge - Public School - Fire Company and Fires - Socie, ties and Churches - Saukville, or Middle Sauk.

This locality, including the above villages, or village and burgs, with their euphonious titles, may be justly called the site of the parent settlement of Sauk County ; for here the first emigrants pitched their tents, in 1838 and 1839, and here the first improvements that ^amounted to anything were made, and for many years these points were a sort of commercial metropolis or center for the entire adjoining county.

When the surveyors for the " Superior City " fiasco came to the old tramping-grounds of Black Hawk, on the bold and imposing bluffs extending along the east bank of the Wisconsin, they beheld spread out before them to the west, as far as their vision could reach beyond the river, one of nature's most beautiful panoramas; a land to them then denied, which gave promise, through the perfection of its natural resources, of a future that would some day become excellent in every detail of civilization, if not celebrated in the annals of history. That condition, then only so dimly foreshadowed, has at last been realized; scarcely half a decade has passed by, and the scenes that then only resounded to the savage cries of wild animals, and the blood-curdling yells of the aborigines, now re-echo the plow-boy's whistle, the faithful call of domestic animals, the constant whir of busy machinery, and the joyous shouts of happy school children, or the laborer's voice.

Forty years ago, the wild flowers bloomed in countless profusion and variety on these prairies, and civilized man had scarcely invaded the precincts of virgin nature ; now all is changed; tjie whole country teems with the fruits of peace and industry, and myriads of houses dot the landscape, the dwellings of happy families. What a marvelous transformation is this, and how sec'iiiingly im[)osHible ; and yet the country is almost aged already, so precocious has been its development; anil very many of those who began the work of taming the wilderness, and thus gave the first impetus to the steps of infant progress, are now no more. Fortunately for them and their successors, history comes to the rescue and furnishes a meed of praise, and perpetuates the record of their efforts and achievements for the instruction and entertainment of their posterity.

When we pause to think that this beautiful country - now completely conquered by the white man's hand, and yicMiiig abundantly the various productions needed to supply the demands of his growth - was but a few short years ago only a haunt for wild beasts and the unrestrained sons of the forest, we can scarcely comprehend the change. Neither can the efforts of those who first invaded the land and turned up the native soil to the sun's mellowing rays be understood by the young of to-day. Only those who have been here from the first, and seen the gradual progress that the passing years have wrought, can fully realize the change and appreciate the struggles and sufferings of nearly half a decade in tlie'^past. Tiien, men hero had almost to fight day by day for the barest necessities wiiilo they were making homes for themselves and their successors, and paving the way for a future of successful effort, in the work of utilizing nature's resources, to supply man's necessities. Of the men who first came here in adventurous youth, but few remain to tell the tales of living in a " dug-out," or lying down to sleep with the canopy of heaven for a covering, and the howls of wolves to disturb their slumbers.

All the past seems but a phantom of the mind, a creation of some idle moment when compared with the realities of to-day ; yet such is the history of progress and civilization almost everywhere; the scenes of the past forty-one years' growth here are but a repetition in the main of the vast work of development that has been going on for nearly three hundred years in this country, and that even now is coursing onward through the mighty West.

Those who first stuck claim-stakes here were Americans, or Yankees, a restless, adventurous kind of people, who are ever fond of change and new scenes, and for whom a pioneer life is replete with a certain wild enjoyment. Many of these, disliking the restraints and incumbrances of an older civilization, as the country improves go on farther to the front, and finally end their lives far from the place of beginning, perchance, in a wild, new country. Had they but located permanently somewhere, and let the youths of their families do the advance work, they might have lived to see and enjoy the results of their early efforts. Yet, perhaps it is well that the country is large enough, and life broad enough, to allow every man at this age to select a place to suit his fancy and convenience, even though his notion may not be productive of lasting good to himself, or those who may have to depend on him.

The Early History

It is said that Jonathan Hatch, one of the Superior City surveying party, crossed over to Sauk Prairie, at or near this point, at the time the survey of that paper city was being made, on a prospecting expedition ; but, as the land had not been secured as yet by treaty from its Indian owners and occupants, he did not remain. However, nothing absolutely authentic relating to this matter is known, and, as Mr. Hatch is dead, nothing further will be known.

Who the parties actually were who came here and made the first claims, it is not easy to decide, owing to difierent accounts ; but that none came here before 1838 seems very evident, for the treaty securing these lands from the Indians was not ratified before that time, and, consequently, any settler coming here previously would have been in danger of losing his life.

It appears to be the prevailing opinion that James S. Alban with his wife and three children were the first family that settled here ; they, it is said, arrived here in December, 1838, and crossed the river on the ice. Although they were, in all probability, the first white" family who came, yet they were by no means the first white persons, for their advent was heralded by a number of young and old men, who had come, during the spring and summer of 1838, and made claims extending back from the banks of the Wisconsin, and who were living in a dug-out near the banks of the river, where the thrifty town of Sauk City now stands. Perhaps a brief description of this primitive habitation will not come amiss here. The dug-out is a mode of dwelling often adopted on the frontiers, when the people have little time and less money with which to put up a comfortable house, or whore there is so little certainty of life and property being left unmolested by Indian depredations and prairie fires, that it does not appear advisable to erect anything more expensive ; they are usually made by digging a hole in the ground to the depth of three or four feet, then rolling up logs around and above this hole, and covering the whole with almost anything that will keep the water out. This sort of habitation is used almost exclusively on the plains, owing to the scarcity of timber, etc., but though it furnishes protection from sun, wind and rain, yet it is but a poor excuse for a dwelling, and is hardly to be tolerated by any but the hardy frontiersman and hunters, who can eat or sleep almost anywhere.

The "dug-out" of our subject, is said to have been made by James Ensminger and Thomas Sanser, in June "or July, 1838, they having come here to do some breaking (the first done there) for a Mr. Berry Haney, who, 'with Jonathan Taylor and Solomon Shore, came to this point quite early in the spring of 1838. Haney laid claim to the land where Sauk City now stands, and Shore and Taylor made each a claim next above Haney's. During this summer and the following winter and spring, H. F. Grossman, William May, D. B.. Crocker, Burk Fairchild, I. B. Harner, N. Lathrop, Mr. Hunter and a few others came in.

In the spring or summer of 1839, Albert Skinner put in an appearance with his family, and settled at Lower Sauk, and built, or bought out J. S. Alban, and took the single men to board, a blessing to them, as they would testify, were they here. This was the second family that settled here. Soon after, Charles Parks and family came and built, or moved into a house built by D. B. Crocker, on his claim, a part of which is now a part of " Prairie du Sac " Village. This was the first house erected at Prairie du Sac, but as to who really built it, that must remain unknown ; suffice it to say, it stood on the lot now occupied by Jacob Ochsner. About the last of June, Jonathan Hatch and family moved in, going at once into a large cabin which Mr. Hatch and H. F. Crossman had previously erected, where a house now stands, on the property of Miles Keyser, a little south of Prairie du Sac, or Upper Sauk. During this season, Charles 0. Baxter, Joseph Denson, William G. Simmons and Mr. Haney and family, and Cyrus Leland and George Cargel and their families moved in, with perhaps a few others, making, in 1839, a settlement on the present village sites and adjacent, of not more than forty persons, all told. However, considering the difficulties to be met and overcome by emigrants at that time, when the greater part of the entire State was unbroken wilderness, traveled by Indian trails alone, this may be regarded as a very good showing, and speaks volumes for the enterprise and push of the pioneers.

Of those mentioned above, not a single individual now lives here, unless we mention Mrs. Judge Quimby, one of the family of Cyrus Leland, then a mere child, and Mrs. A. Hill, daughter of J. Hatch. The majority of the first comers are dead ; the others have moved away, and their places have been filled by new forms and faces during the constant changes which time is working everywhere.

The first celebration and jollification in the county, according to the white man's idea, was indulged in here on the 4th of July, 1839, and probably every settler in the county participated in commemoration of the great national event. About twenty-five grown persons are said to have been present, including the few women in the community. That they had a glorious time cannot be doubted, although they had neither cannon nor fireworks, nor the present national plague, the small boy and fire-cracker ; neither did a brass band regale their senses, and, very likely, not even the military fife and drum stirred the patriotic pulse; yet it was an occasion of good-fellowship, and an expression of sincere patriotism. The demolition of baked beans and corn bread, together with the recounting of their various experiences, it may be supposed, constituted the chief business of the day.

Prairie Du Sac, Or Upper Sauk

This village is one of the most naturally attractive, as well as pleasantly located, in the county. The streets are nearly all broad, and richly shaded with stately trees, the growth of forty years; and the entire aspect of the place is one that Goldsmith would have delighted to describe, so quietly restful and peaceful is the scene, and so far removed from the restless and more pretentious activities of large commercial centers. To the north, east and south, the broad Wisconsin trails its lazy, tortuous way throughout the land, basking like a silvery serpent, beneath the sun's glorious beams, while to the west extends Sauk Prairie, the richest portion of Sauk County, presenting to the eye a most magnificent rural view. Any lover of nature will acknowledge the perfection and beauty of the whole picture, and, perchance, may indulge a sigli that all the world, and every place in particular, is not so happily conditioned.

ihe inhabitants here arc, with a few exceptions, of the stanch old New England stock, or are representatives of the Eastern States, all well known in our vernacular as Yankees, who have dropped out of the ever westward-flowing tide of their brotherhood, and settled down here, borne of them, but a few, however, cartie to the country previous to 1845, there being, all told not more than four or five. Tlicy are Archie Hill, J. I. Waterbury, George Owens and D. K.

Baxter. The remainder are recruits of a much later day. The intellectual and moral standing of the inhabitants are exceptionally good, there being, for a place of its size, excellent educational facilities, and besides, two flourishing churches, and one other church, now not in a healthy condition.

The amount of business transacted here, and goods sold, is equal to that of any place of its size in the county, and, in point of fact, it is claimed by many that the place has a more extensive trade by far than any other of equal size in the county. Almost every class of business is represented and will be mentioned further on.

In 1839, D. B, Crocker, who first laid claim to the land where the principal part of the village now stands, laid out a part of his claim in village lots and streets, thereby taking the initial step toward the upbuilding of a village. From this time forward, this point began to assume proportions, and, for a time, was the leading burg on Sauk Prairie.

In the fall of 1839 or the spring of 1840, Mr. Crocker, who, it appears, was quite enterprising, put up a log building and brought in a small stock of merchandise, this being not only the first store in the county, but the first one, according to all accounts, this side of Madison. Such an undertaking was then attended with a great deal of difficulty, for nearly everything had to be brought from Milwaukee over the most abominable roads imaginable. The store building stood a little south of the Baxter House, and was torn down two years ago. During the above-mentioned time, John LeMeassure and William Frink came and bought an undivided half of Mr. Crocker's claim, and proceeded to erect cabins. The winter of 1839-40 was very severe.

In 1840, Joshua Abbott came here, and, with Mr. Archie Hill, who also came this year, erected a frame building for a hotel, the land upon which it stood being donated by 1). B. Crocker & Co. In the spring of 1841, Mr. Abbott moved his family here and opened the hotel, this being the first frame building, as well as tavern, in the county. The building was maintained in this capacity but a few years, it being converted, eventually, into a tenant house. It is now owned by Mrs. Drew, and occupied as a photograph gallery and the residence of Dr. Whitford.

In 1840, William Frink built and started that much-needed thing on the frontiers, a blacksmith-shop. This shop stood where his successor, T. Kelsey"s, shop now stands. The officiating mechanic was a man by the name of Axtell, who came about this time. Here, all the first settlers came to get their plows, chains, etc., mended, and, very likely, many of them received here their first inti'oduction to the weight and virtues of a sledge-hammer, when it had to be wielded for a couple of hours or so.

During this year, 1840, William Simmons went off and brought back a wife, then bought out Charles Parks, and went to keeping house ; this was the first marriage of any one in these parts.

The first mail received in the county was brought here in 1840, from Madison, by William Frink, who carried it on horseback. It is related that, in coming through at one time, he lost the road and wandered over the hills, until finally, at night, he came to the banks of the Wisconsin, where he lay out in a terrible storm, not knowing where to cross. The mail was, at that time, distributed by Cyrus Leland.

In 1840, Lyman Crossman was appointed Justice of the Peace, and about two years after, having married two or three couples, he was married himself, his wife being the present Mrs. George Owens. About the time of his marriage, he was appointed Postmaster, and very soon after he went to keej)ing hotel in the building which had been Mr. Crocker's store. This hotel had been started the year before, by two new-comers, who bought out Crocker, Hubbard and Seymour ; they soon after disposed of it to a Mr. Shaw, from whom Mr. Crossman took it. Here the first regular post office was kept. The building, after passing through several hands, was finally demolished two years ago.

Previous to this, in 1840 or 1841, a Methodist itinerant preacher, a Mr. Fullerton, put in his appearance, and held the first religious services here, probably at the house of Charles Parks. Since those first devotional exercises, so very many years ago, various thriving societies have sprung into existence, and where once great difficulty was experienced in the enjoyment of religious privileges, now every opportunity is offered for divine worship; such are the present blessings, and such is the state of advancement.

A wagon-shop was one of the first mechanical institutions of the place. It was opened by George Owen, in 1843, and to this gentleman belongs the distinction of having made the first wagon, constructed on modern principles, made in the county. As in those days, everything was made in a very thorough manner, of the best material to be had, this wagon was, doubtless, a first-class vehicle.

To trace out connectedly the various business developments as well as social conditions of the place from year to year as they came into existence, is almost literally impossible ; however, it is the purpose of the work to give a fair index to the general early growth by tracing out subjects, not individuals solely, in an impartial manner. Messrs. Hubbard & Seymour, when they came in, purchased a part of the Crocker claim, to which they added a wing, and continued the store until they disposed of their interest.

After Hubbard & Seymour, it is said H. Chapman and a Capt. Esterly with him, came here from the West Indies, in 1844 or 1845, and opened a small store in the house which Mr. Le- Meassure built in 1839. This house was afterward sided over, and now stands on Front street, ami is used for a warehouse. It is the oldest house that is of any value now in the county. The firm of Chapman was but short lived, as the founder had more money than experience. While Chapman kept store, he often, as most dealers did, sold liquor by the quantity, and, it was thought, at retail as well without a proper license. At any rate, it was known that he sold liquor, and George Skinner, of Lower Town, not being particularly friendly toward Chapman, determined, so to speak, that he would make the place too hot to hold him, and, to carry out this intention, brought suit against him for retailing liquor without a license. When the case came off, it was sworn away from this point by the defendants, and Skinner was beaten, proving that you are never sure of anything except costs in law. This circumstance is narrated particularly because it was one of the first, if not the first, of the kind in the county, and because a few parties in this locality labor under the impression that Chapman was beaten and forced to leave owing to the result of the suit.

In 1843, the county seat was located here as the most desirable and accessible point in the county. The owners of the town site gave their interest in what is now the public square to the county for a court house square, and the people contributed from their slender means to build a court house and presented that also, on condition that the county seat should remain here, but their most sanguine hopes in this direction were eventually doomed and the county seat removed to Baraboo. Had this not occurred, the place would now have been a much larger town, the center of pr(jsperous manufacturing industries and extensive commercial transactions, and would doul)tless have had a railroad, and such advantages for development as ready outside communication brings would have been secured beyond a peradventure.

During one of the first court sessions here, while Judge Irwin presided, a rumor came in that a large number of hhick bears were roaming around through the country but a short distance from the village. The Judge, being something of a sportsman, suspended the administration of justice, and Judge, jury, officers, prisoners and all, it is said, went hunting. The Judge, before starting out, told Mrs. Grossman (now Mrs. Owens) not to get dinner until they returned, for they would bring in bruin, and sure enough they did return with a monster bear, as black as jet, that mcasiirod fifteen inches from the tij) of li'is toes to the last joint above in the foot. This illustrates the free-and-easy nature of judicial proceedings on the frontier. The jurymen, it is said, came in, in ringed, streaked and speckled attire, looking like a lot of bushwhackers bent upon making a raid upon the village.

In 1844, the first stage was run between this point and Madison, by Prescott Brigham as proprietor, jehu, and mail and express man. Subsequently, the stage business became one of the chief necessities of the community, and lines were established running to Mazo Manie, Baraboo and Merrimack, and, perhaps, at times to other localities. Prescott Brigham was the first Register of Deeds in the county.

Some time in the year 1844, the steamer Otter, Capt. Cook commanding, came to Lower Sauk, and finally pulled up at Prairie du Sac for repairs, as she could go no further. She was a rather old hulk, and had for load and ballast a cargo of Norway rats, the first ever seen here. These proceeded to unload themselves and disperse around town, to the great disgust and annoyance of the townspeople, immediately after the boat arrived. The people were then very much in need of some means by which they could get goods brought to the place cheaply, and were only too ready to listen to Capt. Cook, when he proposed, if they would assist him in rebuilding his vessel, to run the boat regularly between this and various points on the Mississippi River. Thereupon, the people took the matter in hand, and fitted him out in shape with a good boat. The Captain proved to be an unreliable and ungrateful wretch ; for, after making two or three trips, he was never seen again, and his benefactors were left to do as best they could, Capt. Cook having sailed for other shores with boat, money, good-will and all.

About 1846 or 1847, Cyrus and Eleazer Leland erected a building, and Messrs. Howard and Leland put in a stock of merchandise, dry goods and groceries, and began keeping store, but did not continue business long before selling out. The parties succeeding them were Messrs. Baxter and William Hubbard, Mr. Baxter being the backbone of the institution. After running for a brief period, the store and goods either passed out of their hands, or the business was discontinued, and the building, after being the property of various parties, was at last converted to its present use as post office and book store.

The firm of Keyser & Morrel started here about 1848, and continued for a few months only, when they were succeeded by the firm of Green & Morrel, who kept quite a large assortment of goods. What other firms may have sprung into existence here before 1850, if there were any, cannot be ascertained, and, as everything in the way of commercial enterprise seemed to spring into life here and pass away like mushrooms, it is not to be wondered at.

A disciple of St. Crispin located here at an early date, in the person of Mr. Crane, and, from that time to the present, the last and awl mechanic has been here, ever ready to supply feet coverings or soles for the wayfarer. Various other mechanics doubtless came in before 1850.

In the spring of 1850, M. S. Moore came here from the East, and opened a store in the present post office building, which he occupied until he could erect a new building, the one which is now occupied by E. C. Moore, son of M. S. Moore, and successor in the business started by his father nearly thirty years ago. This establishment is one of the old stand bys, and the proprietor is one of the oldest merchants who began business in the county, and one of the most influential in his locality, having been responsibly connected with nearly all of the local enterprises of the village that have been on the tapis since he became a citizen.

The land here was entered in 1843 by William Hubbard, for the settlers, and was afterward divided among them. M. E. Moore started a lumber-yard in 1851 ; he was succeeded by C. Obrecht, who has a yard here now. Mrs. S. R. Mathews conducted a store here as early as 1850, which had been established by her husband about where Congar Bros.' store now stands. Dr. Bassenger started a drug store as early as 1853. A. F. Ansel had a store here in 1855. The firm of M. E. Moore & Smith was running here from 1854 to 1857, now M. E. Moore alone. After Ansel, H. B. Stanes kept store for a time, when Mercer & Weight came, and subsequently, in 1860, Mr. Belle.

In 1860, it is said there were five dry-good stores running here, one hardware and tin store, two boot and shoe stores, three blacksmiths, one wagon-maker and four saloons. There are now four general stores, two drug stores, one furniture store, one hardware and tin shop, one book store, four blacksmiths, four shoemakers, two harness-makers, one wagon-maker, three dressmakers, two milliners, one tailor, one broom-maker, one photographer, one marble-cutter, one meat market, one poultry dealer, one paint-shop and undertaker, one dealer in pumps and windmills, one dentist, one dealer in farm machinery, one dealer in organs and sewing machines, one saloon. The hotels and manufacturing interests are mentioned elsewhere. Of physicians, there are two There is also a newspaper, a spicy sheet, called the Sauk County Netvs, conducted by S. W. Corwith. In 1850, D. Morrell started a tannery, a little west of the village, and did a good business for many years.

Previous to the arrival of M. S. Moore & Son, a bridge charter, securing rights and provisions for building a bridge, had been obtained, but nothing further had been done. A bridge across the Wisconsin at that early day was a very great desideratum, as the difficulty and slowness attending a ferry-boat passage over was very great, and retarded a great many from coming here to trade, besides being a great hindrance and annoyance to the inhabitants of the village, who had to go and come over the river when they made trips to the cities for supplies. But, notwitlistanding this condition of things and the charter privileges, nothing was done, no one having been found ready to take shares and advance money enough to push the thing through u7A'\] Mr. Moore came. He at once took hold of the matter, for if anything was to be done it must be done without delay, as the charter would soon expire; and owing to the rivalry existing between Upper and Lower Town at that time, the chances were that they could not get another charter ; therefore, without delay the enterprise must be, and was, started during the fall of 18.50, under the direct supervision of Mr. Moore, the engineer or chief mechanic being Thomas Worthington. Very little was done this year, but in 1851 the work was begun in good earnest. At first spiles were driven into the hard-pan about twelve feet beneath the bed of the stream or sand surface, and on these the bridge was built, there being no other foundation. The result was as had been predicted - the ice and spring freshet nearly swept the entire bridge away ; so the stockholders could do nothing but start the work again in the spring. This time the foundation was supported by putting in stone piers at convenient distances, and making the bridge as strong as possibly can be done when wood is the material used. The bridge was about eighty rods long, with a suitable draw, and originally cost about .^1,500. It has been repaired occasionally, owing usually to the effects of ice or a lumber raft striking the piers, which has been by no means unfrequent, for the raftsmen at first seemed not to care to avoid a collision with the bridge ; and even at the present time it occasionally occurs. The bridge, it is .estimated, has never been a paying investment for the stockholders, although a liberal toll is jisked. In conclusion, it may be added that this bridge was the first crossing over the Wisconsin, and remained so for several years.

One of the most interested parties in the bridge was E. B. Crane, now dead. He was a resident of Bloomfield, N. J. A. M. Morell was the first President; M. S. Moore, first Vice ami Secretary ; A. Ostrander, first Treasui*er.

There has been no change in the above officers since, with the exception that E. C. Moore was elected Secretary in 1868 ; and J. I. Waterbury President in 1878.

The Directors at various times since the organization of the Bridge Company, have been J. P. Wiswell, Hiram Perkins, W. H. Hubbard, P. B. Stamatz, Isaac Morehouse, J. I. Waterbury, A. J. Lewis, 0. Morehouse, E. B. Crane, E. P. Taylor, John Dennett, A. M. Moore, Cyrus Hill, William Dunlap, John Whitehead, D. T. Noyes, Thomas Ambler, N. H. Drew, S. H. Condit, C. E,. Akers, A. M. Baldwin, Fred Harris, H. C. Beach, S. S. Mather, the latter being the present Director.

Frank Crossman, as has been stated, was the first Postmaster here ; he was considered a very worthy man, and was a member of the Territorial Council at one time. The Germans of Lower Town held him in high estimation, so much so, in fact, that on a Fourth of July, about 1840, a large number of them turned out early in the morning and marched up to Prairie du Sac and gave him a rousing salute of musketry and "three cheers for 'Squire Crossman," with a "long life and many blessings." He has been dead these many years. George Cargel succeeded Mr. Crossman, and held the office until his death, having performed in a faithful and satisfactory manner the duties of his position, and was succeeded by his widow, an amiable and worthy woman, who conducted the affairs of the office until 1851 or 1852, when, Simeon Dean, of Lower Sauk, was appointed to the office. The office was then removed to Lower Sauk, and the Upper Sauk people were obliged to go to Lower Town for their mail for about six months ; when a new office was established, and G. A. Ostrander, a lawyer, was appointed Postmaster. Mr. Ostrander held the office but a short time, then resigned and went to New York, where he has become signally noted in his profession. After him, in 1853, J. D. Evans was appointed to fill the vacancy. He was a tailor by trade, and kept a shop and bookstore where the post office now is. His was quite an eventful career, and ended in a most deplorable manner. He was a drinking person when he came here, and probably never would have received the position had it not been that one of the churches took him up, believing it to be an act of charity to endeavor to save him. Through their aid he took a start, and married a very estimable lady. He was elected to several town offices and was on a fair way to prosperity, but at last, for some unexplained reason, he shot himself After his death, his wife held the office until August 1, 1861, when Thomas Baker, tlie present incumbent, and a representative man, was appointed to the position. Mr. Baker, since he has held the office, has repeatedly expressed a desire to resign, but to this his townsmen will not listen, believing that an old, tried and efficient officer is better than a novice. The feeling of respect which is almost universally expressed for him is a tribute of which any one may be proud.

The first teacher here was a Scotchman named Quentin Smith, who taught what would be called a select school, in a private dwelling, probably his own, as early as 1843. There was at that time no schoolhouse, and, indeed, so far as can be ascertained, the village did not have a public schoolhouse until the old court house reverted back to its builders. As is often said, "No great loss without some small gain," so, although the place lost its prestige when it lost the county seat, yet the people had a building ready to their hand for a schoolhouse. Who may have been the first pedagogue to train the young idea in this first temple of law and learning remains to us unknown, as the early Secretaries' reports have disappeared. But Q. Smith was, in all probability, the teacher. The old court house supplied the educational needs of the burg until 1856, when the present neat and substantial stone structure was erected on the site of the old schoolhouse, that having been sold to F. Myers for $112 and converted into a workshop. It is now used for a barn ; so has it descended from the topmost round of usefulness. The stone schoolhouse, 30x40, cost |1,200, I. Morehouse being builder. Nothing was added in the way of accommodations for pupils until the district purchased the old academy when the academy organization suspended operations. This building was purchased for $1,450, and removed to its present site during the spring of 1871. The school is now divided into three departments, and is said to maintain a very fair standard of excellence.

The Academy Association. - This is one of the has beens, the absence or loss of which must be a source of regret to many, although in the loss of the academy the public school has been undoubtedly benefited, for, where private institutions of learning are maintained, the public schools usually suffer in direct proportion to their prosperity. The first movement toward starting an academical school was caused almost entirely by the severely felt want of a good school. A meeting was first held by the citizens of the place, at the schoolhouse, June 10, 1863. At this meeting twelve corporators were elected, and all the preliminary steps taken toward organizing a joint-stock company. The corporators were: S. S. Wilkinson, L. Tabor, R. Meriher, J. Werner, L. F. Smith, E. Watson, M. S. Moore, I. D. Evans, J. Dennett, J. Perkins, J. Leverell and D. Conger. The corporation elected S. S. Wilkinson, President ; M. S. Moore, Vice; D. Conger, Secretary, and I. D. Evans, Treasurer. The Capital stock was put at $2,000, with shares at $25 each, the institution to be called Prairie du Sac Academy Association. Soon after, a committee was appointed to sell shares, and fifty were disposed of. A committee was also appointed immediately after this to select a site for building and report on same. When this committee reported, it was decided by the corporation to increase the stock $500. October 31, a meeting of the stockholders was held, and nine Trustees were elected, and subsequently a schoolhouse site was purchased for $100, from S. S. Wilkinson, Lots 1 and 2 and 8 and 9 in Block 12. A school building was completed in August, 1864, the property being mortgaged to raise the funds needed that were not supplied by the stockholders. The building cost $1,809.50. The compensation for teachers was not to exceed the tuition received. The first Principal was John Lovewell ; school commenced September 12, 1864. After the school had run a few years, it was stopped and the house sold to the district, as before stated.

M. S. Moore, as early as 1853, erected a building to be used as a warehouse. In 1860, this building was fitted up and machinery put in by a Mr. Rowell, the same to be run as a steam-mill. The engine was twenty-five or thirty horse-power. Two or three runs of stone were soon put in for grain grinding, after which it was run for a time, but, like all of the mills that have been started in this locality, it did not pay ; consequently the venture was not a success, and the mill had to cease operations. The machinery was subsequently sold and removed, and the building converted to its present use as a tin and hardware shop.

Eureka MiU. - 'nus mill was built by J. Werner in 1864, for the firm of T. West & Co. It was started first as aplaning-mill, but in 1868 two sets of buhrs were put in and the milling business begun. This continued for about two years, when the mill suspended operations. Nothing further was done for three or four years ; then 0. Burnett bought the establishment. He ran it until about 1879, then stopped it. Conger Brothers then bought the machinery, and soon after sold it to Mr. Bloom, of Bloom Station, who ran the mill for a short time, then removed the fixtures, leaving the mill as it now stands, vacant, waiting for some enterprising person to convert it to some useful purpose.

The Christian Plow Manufactory/. - The plow-shop of James Christian was built in 1858, by the present proprietor. Mr. Christian is a practical workman and inventor, and deserves a wider field for effort than is here offered. The machinery of the establishment, from the powerful and novel horse-power to the drill, was all made by him, and usually differs very materially from what is generally used, and is also very ingenious, perfect and strong in every detail of construction. He has ready at hand everything needed by a mechanic in his business, besides mechanical appliances for various other uses. There are from fifty to seventyfive plows a year made here, beside the repairing which is done, one man only, the proprietor, doing the work. The plows are all sold in this vicinity, and are said to be thorouglily good in every respect.

Warehouse and Elevator. - The largest grain warehouse and elevator in the county, and the only one in this section, stands on the river bank at this point. It was erected, in 1869, by M. H. Keyser & Co., at a cost of $10,000. The foundation is of stone, sixteen feet high, 40x40. Upon this is erected a massive frame about forty-four feet in height. One hundred and fifty thousand feet of the best lumber and over one hundred kegs of spikes entered into the construction of the building, besides the various other articles used. It has a capacity for the storage of about 50,000 bushels of grain. This being the only grain-shipping point in this part of the county, an enormous shipment is made annually, the amount sometimes exceeding 100,000 bushels per annum. The proprietors of the warehouse are also owners of the steamer Ellen Hardy, a boat of 150,000 tons. She is one hundred and twenty feet long by twenty-three feet beam, and draws but sixteen inches. Besides shipping grain, the firm ship annually about two hundred car-loads of livestock, both grain and stock being sent to market by way of Portage on the Ellen Hardy, and the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad.

Reaper Maymfactory . - The manufacture of reapers by J. Werner is one of the industries carried on at this point that will probably become very large in the future, although now only in its infancy. The machine manufactured is called the Challenge Harvester, and is, in its chief points of excellence, the invention of Mr. Werner, the same being covered by patents. These are principally a double adjustable reel with serrated beaters, an endless chain and slatted platform, and a lever arrangement for raising or lowering the entire machine at will. In addition, it may be said of this machine and for the inventor that it is said to be unexcelled by anything now in use in the general excellence of its mechanism and the material used.

Hotels. One of the oldest hotels in the county is the Baxter House, D. K. Baxter, one of the pioneers and probably the oldest landlord in the county, being its proprietor. The hotel was built by the firm of Steinmetz & Fife, who kept the old hotel here for some years prior to that time. Of them, it may be said in this connection that they were, in their day, called the prime landlords between Madison and Prairie du Chien. Soon after the hotel was completed, Mr. Baxter purchased it and christened it. It is a large and commodious building, and is well managed.

Cemetery Association. - The first meeting of the people for the purpose of organizing a cemetery association here, was convened November 11, 1859, at the schoolhouse. After preliminaries, an organization was effected and the following Trustees elected : Nath. Kenison, Samuel Kelsey, M. S. Moore, Samuel H. Bassinger, George Owen, J. E. Wright and I. Morehouse. These Trustees were so divided that ^ portion of them could be elected each year. Six days after this, a meeting of the Trustees was called, and committees were appointed to select grounds and draft by-laws. Nath. Kenison was elected President; I. Morehouse, Secretary, and M. S. Moore, Treasurer. February 20 following, another meeting was held and arrangements made to purchase three acres of land, from Mr. Kenison for a cemetery, and to have the same platted and laid out in lots each side of a central avenue. The lots were priced at $5, $7, and ^10, according to location. But little more than twenty years have passed since that time, and yet these grounds are now thickly studded with tablets reared to the memory of the departed, telling us how rapid is the flight of time and how fleeting our existence. The grounds are well kept and present an attractive appearance to the passer-by.

Prairie Lodge, No. IS, 1. 0, G. T'. - Was organized December 22, 1857, with twenty-two charter members. This lodge has withstood the changes and incidents of twenty-three years, and has now a membership of sixty-six, but of the first members, one only is now left. The old standby of the institution, Charles Evans, has labored at all times, and many times successfully, to prevent the lodge from sinking, and has at intervals occupied nearly all of the positions of trust and distinction that the order has to off"er. The first officers were : Nath. Kenison, W. C; M. A. Wadsworth, W. V.; J. D. Evans, Secretary ; R. W. Sawyer, Marshal, and E. C. Miller, Chaplain. At one time a division of feeling arose here on the temperance question, or with regard to running the lodge, and a new lodge was organized called the Excelsior. It lasted but a few years. There was also a lodge of the I. 0. 0. F. here a few years ago, but it also suspended, and is now no more.

Sauk Prairie Bible Society. - The Prairie du Sac Bible Society, was organized on the 13th day of February, 1853. The first officers were : Curtis Bates, President ; F. Jones, Vice ; C. Stuzaker, Secretary ; Rev. E. G. Miner, Treasurer, In 1854, officers were : C. Bates, President ; E. Kellogg, Vice ; J. S. Hart, Secretary ; Rev. E. G. Miner, Treasurer. In 1855, S. H. Bassenger was President ; E. Watson, Vice ; L. A. Cooper, Secretary ; I. D. Evans, Treasurer. This year the name of the society was changed to Sauk Prairie Bible Society, and became an auxiliary to the American Bible Society. In 1856, the officers were: M. S.Moore, President; Thomas P>. Cowles, Vice; I. Smith, Secretary; I. D. Evans, Treasurer. 1857. - M. S. Moore, President; R. H. Davis, Vice; I. Smith, Secretary; I. D. Evans, Treasurer; Rev. Noyes, General Agent. 1858 - There was no change made in the officers. 1859 - The officers the same, excepting S. H. Bassenger being elected Secretary instead of I. Smith, and the Rev. R. B. Seymour becoming general agent. In 1861, M. S. Moore, President; J. S. Tripp, Vice; S. II. Bassenger, Secretary; I. D, Evans still retaining the office of Treasurer, and Rev. R. B. M. Seymour, General Agent. In 1862, the only changes made were in R. M. Merrihue being elected Vice President, and A. M. Seymour, Secretary. In 1863, I. F. Smith was elected Secretary in place of A. M. Seymour. In 1864, L. T. Stowell became Vice President, the balance of the officers remaining as heretofore. In 1865, L. T. Stowell was elected President ; J. I. Waterbury, Vice; the balance of the officers retaining their former positions. No change was made until 1808, when M. S. Moore was elected President; Rev. D. C. Miller, Vice; E. C. Moore, Secretary ; I. D. Evans, Treasurer. There was no further change in officers until 1870, when Rev. B. F. McKinniy succeeded Rev. D. C. Miller as Vice President. In 1871, Rev. W. H. Blair bocaiiie Vice President, and Thomas Baker, Treasurer. In 1873, the only change made was !'>. F. McKiiiney, he being elected Vice President, In 1874, Rev. E. C. Hall was elected Vice President. In 1875, Rev, G. F. LeClere succeeded Rev. Hall as Vice President. In 1877, Rev. A. Reid was elected Vice President. In 1878, H. Glarner was made Vice President. Sinco that time, no change has been made in the officers of the society.

The Presbyterian Ohurch of Prairie du *Sae.* - Two brief extracts from the earliest records of this church will best show the main facts concerning its organization. " In the winter of 1841, Rev. S. Chaffee, by request of the few members of the Church of Christ who had emigrated to Prairie du Sac, and who were living without being organized into a church, visited the place, preached one sermon, and organized a Presbyterian Church. "

" Prairie du Sac, January 22, 1841. At a meeting for religious purposes, after the sermon, the following members of the different branches of the Cliurch of Jesus Christ were in due form constituted the First Presbyterian Church of Prairie du Sac, by Rev. Solomon Chaffee." These original members, eight in number, were Calvin Frink, Mrs. Lydia L. Frink, Mary E. Frink. Charles F. Parks, Burke Fairchild, John C. Kellogg, Nathan Kellogg and Mrs. Jane Axtell, None of them are now here.

On November 29, 1844, the church was by unanimous vote, made Congregational. Arba M. Seymour (who joined the church December 4, 1842) was a leading mover in this change. On April 4, 1864, the church was, by a large majority vote, made fully Presbyterian, and so remains. Martin S. Moure (who joined the church January 14, 1851) was. prominent in this change. Till 1864, the church was connected with the Presbyterian and Congregational Convention of Wisconsin. On October 8, 1864, it united with the Dane Presbytery. It now belongs to the Presbytery of Wisconsin River.

The first minister of the church began to preach here in February, 1842. The list of ministers is as follows : Philip W. Nichols, E. G. Bradford, W. Cochran, E. G. Miner, J. G. Kanouse, D. T. Noyes (who, some time after ceasing his ministry, became Lieutenant of artillery in the late war, was killed in the service, and is buried at Prairie du Sac), Henry Hutchins, J. Silsby, Charles Thompson, Rufus P. Wells, John W. Densraore, Henry W. Woods, William H. Blair, Erwin C. Hull, George F. Le Clerc, Archibald S. Reid (now preaching here ; September 1880). Elders (Presbyterian) prior to November, 1844, were Calvin Frink, Nathan Kellogg, Charles F. Parks, Burke Fairchild ; since April, 1864, Martin S. Moore, Arba M. Seymour, David Congar, Luther T. Stowell, Isaac F. Smith, Daniel Wells, Lavalette V. Tabor, John Wotring, David S. Congar, Richard L. Hand, E. Conway Moore. Deacons (Congregational) from 1844 to 1864, were Calvin Frink, Nathan Kellogg, Arba M. Seymour, Elias B. Crane, Martin S. Moore, S. H. Bassinger. Luther Keysar. Deacons (Presbyterian) before 1844, were Calvin Frink, Nathan Kellogg, Quentin Smith, John S. Mann; since 1864, Isaac F. Smith, George T. Moore.

The first house of worship, quite a small one, of the value, probably, of $500, was built in 1851, and dedicated in October of that year, Rev. J. G. Kanouse preaching the sermon. It was afterward considerably enlarged. On May 30, 1867, it was sold for .$200, to the Free- Will Baptists, and by them soon removed to its present site. The second house of worship, that now used (1880), was built just after a marked revival, in 1867, during the ministry of Rev. J. W, Densmore, and dedicated on February 14, 1868, Rev. Edward G. Read, then of Madison, preaching the sermon. It is in size 37x57, cost near $5,000, and seits nearly 300. It is comfortable, commodious, and attractive, and will probably suffice for many years to come.

The Sunday school has long been a very pleasant and flourishing one. The whole number of church members received, including the original ones, has been 2t29. The present membership is fifty-two. The church has passed through some trying and some very cheering phases of experience. It has exerted and still exerts a strong influence for good in the community. Like all persons and all institutions, it must be known by its fruits. Long may it produce those both good and abundant, showing itself faithful to God and to all His truth.

The Union Unitarian and Universalist Parish of Prairie Du Sax; - Was organized on the 25th of August, 1867, with E. W. Young, Joseph Keysar, John Dennett, John Werner, Miles H. Keysar and Joshua Perkins for Trustees. The names of the original members are as follows :

A church in connection with the parish was instituted April 30, 1871, wnth the following oflRcers and membership: E. W. Young, Moderator; Edward Oertel, Treasurer; Elisha Tabor, Joshua Perkins, Deacons ; Rev. M. G. Todd, temporary Pastor and Clerk ; Isaac Tabor, S. M. Blake, John Werner, Elvin Wiswell, Mrs. M. A. Watson, H. W. Perkins, Hannah Tabor, Cynthia Cumraings, Fanny Coburn, Mary D. Benton, J. Werner, Mrs. Young, Miss M. C. Morrell, Mina Perkins, Emma Miller, Elmeda Wiswell.

Universalism was first preached in Prairie du Sac, by Revs. M. G. Todd and J. C. Crawford. The first settled minister was Rev. J. M. H. Smith, who, after a brief pastorate, was succeeded by Mr. Todd. In 1873, Rev. B. F. Rogers became the minister of the parish, but resigned his office after one year's service. During the succeeding years until 1877, it had no minister, and only an occasional supply of its pulpit by Rev. Mr. Hesselgrave, of West Point. In this year, Rev. A. Constantino Barry, D. D., was called to the vacant pastorate, and under his judicious labors the broken fortunes of the parish have been gradually repaired, and something of the old prosperity restored. It is free of debt, owns a neat and commodious house of worship costing ^5,000; is turning attention again to abandoned or neglected enterprises, and equipping itself anew for the Master's work.

One would scarcely think, upon a cursory glance when first visiting this thriving village, that here was the first site of any permanent habitation for a white man in the county, and still less would he realize that more than forty-one years have since come and gone, " like birds in the night," so quiet has been the passage of Time and so lightly has he touched each spot with his ageil fingers. And yet the town and county are old - old in civilization as a part of the white man's domain, and old in the history of its former tenants, the aborigines, who, it is said, had once a large village just at this point. Their history, though for them unpenned, is told in the legends of hunters and travelers, and their unique mound farms, and the relics of a rude architecture, and by the weapons and various utensils left, that mark, with unerring certainty, their condition before the white man came.

Those who have virtually made a success of the growth of this place and given it its present stability are principally Germans, the community to-day being essentially Teutonic, and expressive, in all its operations, of the Gf-'rinau life, feeling and intelligence, and embodying the various domestic anil social institutions that are necessary to the happiness of this home-abiding, home-loving people. Of the inhabitants here, more than one-tenth are solid, jolly, fun-loving, joyous, generous, honest and industriou.** German people, and they are prosperous, too - a condition that need scarcely be mentioned. The Yankees are wont to say the Germans will thrive where any other cla.sa of people would starve, so well understood is their thrifty way of getting on in the world in si)ite of all obstacles. And this is essentially true, and is a remarkable feature among this people, for they will undoubtedly get on, and get on well and happily, where many other classes would be discouraged ai;d fail. To attempt to account for this is useless ; it is one of the peculiarities natural to tli<; German constitution, and that is a good thing to inherit.

The village site is such that, at any time in the future, should the tide of coming events bring a niilroad, the town eould be built up and extended almost ad libitum. The streets are broad and w(>ll k.'pt, being lined with pretty cottages and fine dwellings, and are beautifully shaded by line, wi-le-sjucinjiiig old trees, the growth of thirty or forty years. Socially, religiously Jind politicnily, there exist here the same difierences that are found almost everywhere, and, in some things, more e.vtrerae differences than in many localities, especially in religious sentiment ; yet the German character, fortunately, is such tliat the happy mean of mutual tolerance and forbearance prevails, and a general harmony of interests seems to obtain, which is doubtless in great part due to the high order of intelligence existing here, and to the liberalizing sentiment that prevails lai^gely everywhere throughout this favored land.

The management of public affairs, while being just and sufficiently generous, in maintaining the interests of all, is withal conducted in a very prudent and economical manner, the system evidently being founded upon the necessities of the whole, and having grown into perfection as the town has grown.

The public schools are an honor to the community, everything obtainable by this method of education being provided to the utmost limit of the law, from the infant department to the high school. Commerce and general business in this village are thrifty and well up, and, considering the location, very large amounts of goods are sold annually.

There are now eight general stores, three hardware stores and tin shops, two drug stores, three notion, grocery and confectionery shops, two furniture stores, three harness-shops, two tailors, two milliners, one jewelry store, five wagon-shops, five blacksmith-shops, five shoe-shops, three meat markets, one photographer, one barber-shop, one livery stable, one tobacconist, eleven saloons, two dealers in agricultural implements, and two lumber dealers, the last-named business being carried on here very extensively, especially by C. Obrecht, the largest dealer in the county ; there is also a green-house here which has been in operation for some time. The manufacturing interests are represented by the above-mentioned mechanics' shops, and more especially by four breweries and two mills, which will be spoken of hereafter.

Although the first-comers (mentioned elsewhere) in the county made claims here as early as 1838, immediately after the treaty with the Winnebagoes was ratified, and did something in the way of starting, as making the dug-out spoken of, getting some land broken, and building a house or two before 18 tO, yet it remained for Count Augoston Haraszthy and William Bryant to give the town the starting impetus in growth that has made it what it now is. The name of the Count and many of his exploits is yet familiar to most of the Germans here. Owing to political troubles, and a certain youthful ambition which stimulated him to come out and see the new world, he embarked in March, 1840, for America, accompanied by his cousin Charles Halasz. Their intention at starting was to go to Florida, but they were diverted from their purpose through seeing one of Capt. Maryatt's novels while on board the ship, which contained descriptions of a trip on the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, and through hearing that the country adjacent abounded in rich mineral deposits, and was so healthy that one could hardly die. So on they came for Wisconsin, and, after employing an interpreter, and buying horses and camp equipage, they started on a prospecting expedition. Suffice it to say of this, they first went to Rock River, near Lake Koshkonong and located, but finding they had taken land already claimed, and after getting burned out, they picked up their traps, such as were left, and started for the Wisconsin River.

After going safely through the various unpleasant as well as the pleasant features attending a tramp through the wilderness, they came, at last, in July, 1840, to the scenes portrayed to them by fiction. The desirable portions of the country being already taken, the Count, if he would stay, where, as he was wont to say, " everything was very splendid," must needs buy a claim. This he did, buying at first a claim made by Burk Fairchild. In the fiill he went to Milwaukee and remained there during the following winter. During this time, he became acquainted with an Englishman by the name of Robert Bryant, who had just come to Milwaukee, and who was well supplied with the needful. The Count, by giving glowing descriptions of the country here, and showing how an immense fortune could be made by building up a town, induced Brvant to embark with him in the scheme.

In the spring of 1841, they came out to Sauk, and immediately purchased a claim of Berry Haney, the first one made here, for $1,000. Very soon after, a force of laborers and mechanics were employed to come here, and the upbuilding of the place began in earnest.

It is said that the only house worth mentioning that stood here before 1841 was a large log building that was burned about 1845 ; here Albert Skinner lived and kept boarders - the workmen of the Count and Bryant. In 1841, a number of buildings were erected and several fresh arrivals heralded.

The first frame, it is said, was built by a man by the name of Morgan, for Haraszthy or Brvant, and which is yet standing here in town, a small affair, owned by Mr Rendtorff, and in which he lived for several years. However, at that time, the different houses were built so nearly at the same time that it is difficult to say, after the lapse of so many years, to which distinctly and beyond doubt belongs the right of first.

The large house on Water street, now owned by Charles Deinnger, was erected in 1841, and at that time was considered a grand affair for the frontier, and even at this time is a handsome and commodious structure. It was intended, at the first, as a dwelling for Mr. Bryant. While it was being built, he lived in a log cabin in the north part of the village. This building was eventually used for a store and hotel kept by Marcus Warren, and finally was purchased by its present owner especially to accommodate his collection of birds, animals, insects, etc. (spoken of in the general history).

After the above house was finished, one of the social customs called house-warmings, peculiar to all new countries, was indulged in, in honor of the new acquisition. The warming took the form of a grand banquet and dance, and nearly everybody in town was jtrcsent from far and near. Speeches were made and toasts drank, to the echo of cheers and laughter and hilarity, and such a sumptuous repast delighted the senses and regaled the appetites of the sturdy frontiersmen as may never be forgotten by those who participated. When evening came, the dancing was ushered in, young and old, if there were any old, faking a hand, and " they danced all night, till broad daylight, and went home with what girls there were in the morning." Although this jollification occurred at so early a day, yet it was not the first one, for Albert Skinner, on the 4th of July previous, had given what in all probability was denominated a grand ball, the first in the county.

In 1841 or 1842, Francis Halbleib erected a house and opened a tavern, and kept liquor. This was the first inn and saloon in the place, and was the only regular public house in the village for several years subsequently. It is now used for a store and photograph gallery by P. J Schadde. During thatyear, the Count had a house built, and various other parties alse built, and some say that the Count opened a store here this year, Ed Rendtorff, who came in the fall of 1840, being the clerk.

At about this time, a young man came here and opened a store. This is said by many to have been the first one in the place, and where the Count afterward kept store for a time. The winding up of this person's life and business occurred soon after, and illustrates how wholly uncertain lif<' is, and how easily our brightest anticipations of success and our various schemes f<)r personal benefit may come to nought. He had been here but a few weeks, and had just got hislittlestock arranged and the opening work done, when one night himself and his establishment were struck by lightning. He was instantly killed, and the store literally disemboweled. This was a sad catastrophe, and was keenly felt by the little community. In all probability, this person's death was the first that occurred in the town or village.

At this time, a great strife for pre-eminence existed between Haraszthy and its rival above, the little village of Prairie du Sac, in which the latter got rather the best of the bargain, seemingly, when the county seat was located there. However, in after years, a change came over the scene in many respects.

In isn (,r 1S42, the first marriage between parties living in both villages was solemnized, and dolui (ialiard, of Lower Sauk (or Haraszthy), and Miss Caroline Hatch, of Upper Sauk Cor Prairie du Sac), were married. Mr. Gallard still lives in the north part of Sauk City, in the enjoyment of a comfortable home, and can tell many a tale of the first days and people of Sauk

One of the early enterprises of the founders of the village was in steamboating, they having an interest in the Rock River, which, under their management, made several trips to various points on the Mississippi.

In 1842, Count Haraszthy went over to Europe and brought out his family, one of whom was the old General, his father, said to have been a man of very fine qualities and great executive abilities.

Some time after the Count's return, about 1844, a brick building was erected by him and Bryant, or by Bryant, who was really the moneyed man of the firm, as when he came to Milwaukee in 1840, he had $90,000, which he proceeded to spend here right and left. The brick for this building were made by Jacob Rasche, in a small yard where a part of C. Obrecht's lumber-yard now is. After the building was finished, it was filled with a stock of goods, some say by Marcus Warren, others by Haraszthy. Be this as it may, they both started stores here at about the same time, one in the brick and the other in a building erected by John Gallard in 1843, for a shoemaker named Daniels. This man Daniels became discouraged while building, it is thought, as he could not get it done, and at last ended his melancholy and dejection by hanging himself. The building stands on Water street, and is now occupied for a private dwelling; but, whether it is visited by the spook of its former owner, and whether the walls sadly resound at the midnight hour, to the rattle of the last, or the tap of his hammer, tradition saith not.

Marcus Warren had not been here a great while before he bought out Mr. Bryant's interest in the town property, it is said, for about $5,000. Bryant then went to Milwaukee and sold property which he had there, and then went to California, having only a little more than enough left of his handsome fortune to get him there. So ended his speculation in building up Sauk City. -

The land at this point was entered at the land sale, by Gen. Haraszthy, and it is said that Bryant was so confiding, and unknowing of the tricks of land buying, that he came near losing everything, and would have lost his claim, had it not been for one of his workmen, who, seeing how his money was going, and how things were going generally with him, interfered in his behalf.

One of the first things was a blacksmith-shop, as a matter of course, for nothing is more needed in a new place. The first smith to open here, according to most accounts, was a sturdy German by the name of Harter ; soon after, another blast and forge were running in opposition, A. Maunk being the operator.

The Count, after having had a hand in nearly every speculation set afoot in the place, from running a steamboat to keeping store, finally, after the advent of Marcus Warren, toward whom the town property seemed to gravitate, as if by mutual attraction, determined to close up his business and go forth to new scenes. This he did, about 1848, and ^o the town lost its most enterprising citizen of early days. His experiences there (many of these are given in his biography) and hereafter savor almost of the character of romance, so peculiar were they.

Charles Halasz, who came with Haraszthy, remained here until his death, which is supposed by many to have been caused by grief over the death of his wife. He was the first regular lumber merchant here, having opened a yard in 1846, and was also one of the first Justices of the Peace. He was a good-natured man and a great story teller, and was wont to beguile the hours for his friends by relating the novel experiences of the early days in Sauk City. Squire Halasz also built the first warehouse here. He was succeeded in his business by Paul Lachmund, his son-in-law.

The name of the place Haraszthy, was at quite an early day changed to that of Westfield, as being more short and appropriate. Then a few years after it was again changed, to be called Sauk City, after the name of the county ; principally because this was the first settlement in the county, and therefore entitled to that distinction. It may be asked what is in a name ? In reply it may be said: Everything! to those who have a right to a name and are worthy of it.

Dr. Woodruff came about 1847, and opened a store in the building now occupied by the United Workingmen. This store, it is said, did not continue long, the proprietor becoming involved, partly through trusting out goods to the workingmen of Bryant and Haraszthy, and partly through inattention to business and poor management.

At about this time or soon after, two or three brick buildings were erected or were being erected, and the town generally was growing quite rapidly.

Previous to 1850, one of the principal industries of Sauk City was commenced, an industry that has since grown very large in dimensions, and that always flourishes among such social and easy-going people as the Germans. Beer-brewing was begun here in a very primitive manner by -Mr. Leinekugel, who, for want of better means, had to begin the work by boiling the materials in a big kettle. How the product of this first process tasted, tradition saith not, but that it was welcome, and not discarded by any, may be well believed. But that it was up to the stantlurd of the article manufactured here at present is not probable ; yet when it came fresh from the old iron kettle, who can say that it was not as sweet and pleasant to take as any, and, withal, what better means of brewing the foaming beverage were in vogue a century or two ago anywhere.

One of the chief features of the olden time which should have been maintained, but that was only introduced for a brief time, and then, like the Arabs, silently took its leave, to be eventually consigned to oblivion, was the telegraph line of the Milwaukee, Green Bay & Madison Telegraph Company, that ran their wires through here in 1850, and established an office in the old store of Marcus Warren, where Van Eschen's furniture store is now kept. The operator was Mr. Conradi, who had but just come here, and was employed by Mr. Warren as clerk. The line did so little business, and paid so poorly, that it was abandoned in two or three years, the operators being paid off in large part by worthless company notes. A telegraph connection with this point to-day would doubtless prove a more profitable investment, and is one of the things that must come here sooner or later, for in the two places. Upper and Lower Towns, there is as much a necessity for the means of quick communication with the outside world as there is for a railroad.

In 1852, a Dr. VVulflT came and started a drug store where Mrs. Caspar Leman keeps. Also about this time, or soon after, J. J. Heller started in business here by keeping a small hardware an<l tin store. From this beginning, he has gradually grown into his present business, which is one of the best in this part of the country. In 1857, he built his present large double store and dwelling-house, which is one of the most substantial structures in the town, and is stocked with a com[)k'te line of general goods.

Very soon after Mr. Heller began business, Mr. Conradi and E. Rendtorff opened a drug store, wiiich is still being conducted by Mr. Conradi, who can now be regarded as one of the oldest permanent fixtures of the place, and who will deal out a dose of medicine or philosophy with c(|Uiil rc'idincss and |)rccision. Mr. Rendtorff, one of the old firm, retired some years ago to rest on his laurels. He has been here since 1840, and it is a question if there are amy living anywhere belonging to the German element of that early day that came before he (li<l. He is yet hale, and enjoys the confidence of his friends and townsmen to an unusual (logrtc, liaving held rcspojisible public positions for many years.

In Novciiilicr, 185;}, the I'innt-cr am Wi^conHin, said to be the oldest German paper piiblishc.l in the State, was estiihlishod here. The advent of the paper was hailed with delight, for a town with .i iir\vs]);ii.('r in it at that time was considered quite advanced, in fact much above the average in enterprise and goaheadativencss.

One "f the most needed of niannfactnring enterprises at an early date was the saw-mill or grist-null. This need was supplied here by the erection of a steam saw-mill of a good capacity, a little south of the village, about 1851, by Garhart Wingen. In 1854, it became the property of the firm of Mann k Pea.sler. for whom it was enlarged and refitted by the millwright Martin Ludi. new machinery being put in. The mill was run but a few years, as the owners, failing to

Another of the early manufacturing enterprises was a foundry by"'.Mr. John Rosche, established in August, 1854. This institution was operated by him until 1868, and at one time, it is said, did a very fine business, casting stoves and various other articles. It passed from him into the hands of a Mr. Frezel, who converted the foundry into a machine-shop, and run it until 1872, when it was abandoned.

There was also a distillery established here as early as 1854, by Robert Hantzsch, which, though small, did a very good business for several years. It subsequently passed into the hands of Mr. C. Obrecht, who run it until the Government placed the tremendous revenue on distilled liquors. The law permitted the stock on hand at the time it was passed to be exempt from tax, after this was used up the still was abandoned. In this connection, an account of an occurrence at the time this still was started will doubtless interest many :

Some of the incidents connected with the war against saloon-keepers made by the women of Baraboo, in May, 1854, may yet be fresh in the memories of a few here; but after the lapse of so many years, it will not be at all singular if those occurrences have been nearly forgotten, although at the time, a prodigious excitement was created here by the affair, and throughout the entire county and country at large. It appears that the women of Baraboo, having become thoroughly incensed at the social condition existing there among the men through intemperate habits, determined at all hazards to drive out the saloon-keepers. So one morning, without previous warning, they turned out, some fifty or sixty strong, and marched to the attack. They first went to the Wisconsin House, kept by one Cornell or Connell, and demanded his liquor. Mr. and Mrs. Cornell and Miss Fanny Heller, who was present, remonstrated, but without avail ; in went the women, and out came whisky barrels, beer kegs, bottles and all, pell niell, the heads of kegs and barrels were knocked in, the belligerents being armed with axes, spades, shovels, hoes, sticks, etc., which they used without ceremony, and the liquor was allowed to "gush." In the melee, the landlord's wife had her arm cut with an ax or hatchet. From this place they went to a grocery store kept by a Mr. Warner, and proceeded to enact the foregoing scene. Mr. Warner met them at the front door and declared that he was going to defend his property to the last, but while he was parleying at the front with some of the women, the others went in at the rear, and gave vent to whatever they could find in the way of whisky or beer. After having achieved two victories, the women felt strong enough to go through the whole town, and thereupon proceeded to storm the principal stronghold of the enemy - a saloon kept by a man called French Pete. Peter, when he saw the female brigade coming, knew what .to expect, and stood prepared to receive them with an ax in hand, but, not feeling this to be sufficient protection, he dropped the ax and run for a gun, then went and got a huge bowieknife, and rushed about like a lunatic, threatening the lives of the whole party. At this, the women became S(jmewhat frightened and called upon the men to help them, but the men refused to have anything to do with the battle. Tliereupon the women plucked up courage and sailed in, determined to carry the day at all hazards. One of them gave Peter a tremendous whack on the head with a spade, and fairly knocked him out of time, while another hit him on the arm. A young man who went to the rescue of Peter, was seized by the collar by one of the invaders ; owing to the bursting of a button, he was left like Adam in Paradise, in less time than it takes to tell it, and within a short time, the entire stock in trade was demolished, and the interior and exterior of the institution left smelling worse than a still. The women, being satisfied by this time, ceased operations,and retired. The news spread like wild-fire through the county, and was for a time the chief topic of conversation ; the people of Sauk City sent messages of condolence, and there seemed to be about an equal division of feeling on the subject in various quarters. Complaint was entered before Squire Halasz, of Sauk City, and six of the women ringleauers were sued. They arrived in Sauk on the 2d day of June, 1854, under charge of Constable Robert Morsback, and were arraigned before the Justice for trial, Mr. Remington, of Baraboo, now dead, and J. S. Tripp being their defense, with J. B. Quiraby as Prosecuting Attorney. The trial lasted two days, when the women were bound over to the Circuit Court in the sum of $200, but, not furnishing the same, they were handed over to Sheriif Munson to be lodged in the county jail. The defense then issued a writ of ''habeas corpus," and secured their liberty until next court session. They appeared at court July 3, 1854, and were tried before Judge Wheeler, who, after listening to the pros and cons of the case, sentenced the six to a fine of $30 each. So

At this time, 1855, there was a population in the village of 700 all told, 390 of whom were males, and 310 females. During the fall of this year, a flatboat-load of potatoes was shipped from here, but did not get far on its way down the river before it ran on a sand-bar, and, being very heavily loaded, went to the bottom ; thus the bed of the Wisconsin was sowed with more than 2,000 bushels of potatoes.

In the spring of 1854, one of the institutions that have long ceased to be, the old Sauk City Rifle Company, was organized, having about sixty-four members when in thorough running order. Robert Hantzsch was Captain ; one Bentine, First Lieutenant, and Jacob Bohn, Second Lieutenant. There were four Sergeants and Corporals, and a brass band of seven instruments besides a drummer. During the winter following, they received their guns and accouterments, Martin Loddi going after them, by order of the Governor, to Mayville, and bringing thciri through. On tlie 15th day of April, 1855, they appeared in uniform for the first time. The rijk'iiien, dressed in gray pants, green coats and glazed caps, being led by their gallant Captain and the bruss band, must have presented a novel and striking appearance. The company continued to be one of the prominent organizations of the place until 1861, when, after the three months' service was over, they enlisted, becoming Company D of the Ninth Volunteer Infantry, Charh's Buciienau being Captain, C E. G. Horn, First Lieutenant, and Jacob Bohn, Second Lieutenant. There were then sixty-five members, all told. The evening before starting, the ladies of the town prepared a grand banquet for them at the Astor House Hall. Patriotic speeches were made, and the whole affair wound up with a grand dance, the last for many a brave fellow. The next day, they left in grand style in a train of fifty-eight wagons, being led on the way to Maz(j iNLuiie by the band. Tiiey first went into camp at Milwaukee. When they were mustered in, they were pronounced the finest company in the gallant Ninth. They afterward diil sjdendid service, and won laurels for themselves and honor for their countrymen.

A Turners' society and theatrical society, two of the social orders common among the Germans, were at one time prominent features here, each having a goodly membership and being in a thriving condition during their best days. They have long ceased to exist.

One of the worst crimes ever perjjetrated in the county was committed here, in the summer of IM56, by William .Millard, who shot James Davis, on the ground that Davis had threatened ids life and was too familiar with his wife. Millard, from a concealed position, discharged a heavily loaded shotgun into Davis' |)erson, which killed him. Millard was tried and sentenced to the penitentiary, Irom which he was pardoned by the Governor on the 3d of December, 1858.

In 1856, flic Sauk City Uank was esta"blished, with M. D. Miller as President and G. B. Burrows as Cashier. ^ The following year, a counterfeiter issued a bill on the bank for $5, but, as the bank did not issue any $5 notes, he was soon caught. After running a few years, the bank discontinued. Its place is now supplied by J. S. Tripp, who for the convenience of his pafmufl and the people at large, does a banking business in connection with his legal practice.

The one hundredth anniversary of Schiller's birth was celebrated this year (November 10) in grand style, Mr. Schroeder, the leader of the Liberal element here, being the speaker.

In 1860, when Abraham Lincoln was elected, a grand demonstration was indulged in, nearly all the people exerting themselves to show their appreciation of the circumstance.

The Sauk County oil excitement raged this year, and culminated in a meeting on the 3d of April, 1861. There are plenty who have stock now laid by to show for that meeting.

February 3, 1863, the Pioneer am Wisconsin office was threatened by maskers celebrating Shrovetide, but they were not permitted to do any harm, the office being defended by the Home Guard and citizens generally.

"In July, 1841," says Mr. Lueders, "there were at Sauk City the following buildings: One frame school and meeting house, one small frame building occupied, a two-story frame partly finished, and six or eight log houses. The pioneers were exceedingly kind and obliging to strangers who came there and to each other, and the whole appearance of the country was charming in nature's garb."

The Pioneer am Wisconsin m an editorial of 1854, says: "Sauk City is a flourishing town on the banks of the Wisconsin, ninety miles from Prairie du Chien, and forty miles from Portage City. There are two saw-mills here, one saw and planing-mill and one saAv and grist mill, besides a distillery, a brick-yard, a printing office, ten stores, hotels, and saloons. There is a Humanist society, and one Catholic, one Lutheran and one Methodist Episcopal Church ; a singing society, a theatrical society and a military company. The population here and in this vicinity are principally German, the most of whom are farmers. Wild land can be bought for from |2 to .$5 per acre." The principal business firms here now are J. J. Heller, Kouni & Co., Mr. Conradi and Mrs. Anna Hamburger.

The village corporation was organized, and a charter secured, by act of Legislature approved March 30, 1854. This charter provided that the voters should meet at the District Schoolhouse, in the village, on the first Saturday of April, 1854, at 10 o'clock A. M., for the purpose of electing officers. Two Judges of Election and a Clerk were to be elected viva voce ; these to superintend the regular ballot election of officers. According to the provisions of charter these officers were, one President, ex officio Trustee, and five Trustees, a Clerk and a Treasurer. Annual elections for ensuing years were to be held on the last Monday in March, for which the Trustees must give ten days' notice, together with place of election.

This charter, it appears, was designed and secured principally for the purpose of enabling the village to obtain funds for the construction of a levee or causeway, from the east shore of the Wisconsin River to and across the island opposite to Sauk City.

The President and Trustees wore authorized to raise any sum of money not exceeding $2,500 on the credit of the corporation, and secured by bonds against the corporation, to be expended on said causeway or levee, and in providing such boats and tackle as might be deemed necessary to connect the causeway with the west shore of the river or Sauk City. The rates of toll allowed for crossing were 25 cents for team of horses or cattle and wagon ; 15 cents for single horse and wagon or buggy ; 10 cents for man and horse ; 5 cents each for horses or oxen, if not in droves ; if m droves 3 cents each ; for foot passengers the same.

On March 9, 1857, an act amendatory to the charter was granted by the Legislature in compliance with a petition of the people of Sauk City. There being no prudential provisions in tli'e draft of the first charter, such measures as were deemed obviously necessary, were detnaiidc'd and incorporated in the charter, by this act. Among the various ordinances adopted, one for the establishment of a fire department may be especially mentioned, as it indicates particularly the prudent character of the people at that early date, for many villages in adjacent localities of equal pretensions to advancement, had nothing of the kind then, nor for many

April 20, 1858, an additional act was passed by the Legislature authorizing the President and Trustees of the town to borrow any sum of money not exceeding $20,000, secured by bonds on the credit of the village, for the purpose of building a bridge across the river from the causeway or levee to the village, providing a majority of the legal voters should indorse the raising of such a sum. The money not to be borrowed for a term of years under two nor exceeding twelve, nor at a rate of interest over 12 per cent per annum.

In March, 1866, another act was passed providing for the maintenance of the bridge. March 4, 1868, an act was passed remodeling and amending the preceding acts of the Legislature. At this time, a police or municipal court was established, the President being Police Justice, and the Marshal being constituted Constable. The establishing of streets, grades and walks was then particularly provided for, the tax-payers being permitted to pay the road tax in labor, money or material at will. J. S. Tripp drafted this amended charter.

March 8, 1870, another amendatory act was passed, by which the President and Trustees received authority to use the money received from the payment of village licenses for village purposes. This last act has proved a capital one in every respect ; as the money thus obtained is more than sufficient to pay all the expenses of the village government, and laying cross walks, digging drains, etc. After having fairly run the gamut of amendments, the town has at last got a good government.

The first village officers elected by ballot were as follows : Simeon Dean, President; J. B. Quimby, Clerk ; Marcus Warner, Treasurer; Charles Nebel, J. H. Hantzsch, Thomas Cook, F. Ilalbleib and A. Class, Trustees.

March 21t, IS^S - Charles 0. Baxter, President ; Robert Morsbach, Clerk ; J. H. Hantzsch, TreasurtT ; A. (Jilmore, C Sytiehr, W. Lenz, J. S. Tripp and J. J. Heller, Trustees.

March 28, 1859 - J. S. Tripp, President ; Robert Morsbach, Clerk ; W. H. Guett, Treasurer ; A. Gilmore, J. J. Heller, J. Veidt, A. Class and J. Gallard, Trustees.

March 2t), ISCO - J. S. Tripj., President: Robert Morsbach, Clerk; C. C. Buchenau, Treasurer; A. Gilmore, J. J. Heller, C. 11. Deininger, A, Class and Ch. Spiehr, Trustees.

March 25, 1861 - J. S. Tripp, President; Dr. H. McKennan, Clerk; C. Buchenau, Treasurer ; A. (Jilmore, A. Class, Charles Deininger, J. J. Heller and Ch. Spiehr, Trustees.

March 31, 1862 - J. S. Tripp, T»resident ; Robert Conradi, Clerk ; F. Sclilungbaum, Treasurer; .v. Gilmore, A. Class, Ch. Spiehr, J. J. Heller and Charles Deininger, Trustees.

March 30, 1863 - J. B. Quimby, President; J. B. Kehl, Clerk; G. B. Burrows, Treasurer ; J. J. Heller, A. Class, A. Gilmore, Charles Nebel and M. Derleth, Trustees.

March 26, 1866 - J. B. Quimby, President; H. Kleinpell, Clerk; C. Bates, Treasurer; A. Class, M. Stingelhammer, C. Obrecht, L. T. Stowel, and B. A. Jacobs, Trustees.

March 3, 1868 - J. S. Tripp, President and Police Justice ; H. Kleinpell, Clerk ; John Buerke, Treasurer ; William H. Guett, A. Class, Charles H. Ross, Ch. Spiehr and Stephen Bernard, Trustees.

March 29, 1869 - J. B. Quimby, President and Police Justice; J. S. Walser, Clerk: Ed Rendtorff, Treasurer ; William H. Guett, Ch. Spiehr, Stephen Bernard, A. Andres and C. Nebel, Trustees; Val Sutter, Constable and Marshal.

March 28, 1870 - J. S. Tripp, President and Police Justice : J. S. Walser, Clerk ; Ed Rendtorft', Treasurer; Ch, Schumm, A. Billiter, K. Derleth, Stephen Bernard and A. Class, Trustees ; S. Amberg, Marshal and Constable ; J. S. Tripp, Village Representative in County Board.

March 25, 1872 - Charles Naffz, President and Police Justice ; J. 8. Walser, Clerk ; Ed Rendtorff, Treasurer ; Nick Truckenbrodt, A. Class, William Lenz, J. Thiehle and John Buerke, Trustees; Martin Leikem, Constable and Marshal; J. S. Tripp, Supervisor County Board.

March 31, 1873 - Charles Naffz, President^ and Police Justice : J. S. Walser, Clerk ; Ed Rendtorff, Treasurer ; William Lenz, Phil Hoefer, N. Truckenbrodt, John Buerke and J. Thiehle, Trustees ; Martin Leikem, Constable and Marshal ; J. S. Tripp, Supervisor County Board.

March 27, 1876 - Charles Naffz, President and Police Justice ; J. S. Walser, Clerk ; Ed Rendtorff, Treasurer; C. Boiler, F. Derleth, F. Commans, William Dresen and John Buerke, Tiustees; M. Leikem, Constable and Marshal; J. S. Tripp, Supervisor County Board.

March 26, 1877 - K. Derleth, President and Police Justice ; J. Bach, Clerk ; Ed Rendtorff, Treasurer ; William Dresen, A. Class, J. Commans, Ch. Spiehr and C. Schumm, Trustees ; J. Derleth, Constable and Marshal ; J. S. Tripp, Supervisor County Board.

March - , 1878 - K. Derleth, President and Police Justice . J. Bach, Clerk ; Ed Rendtorff, Treasurer ; William Dresen, J. Commans, A. Class, Ch. Spiehr and C. Schumm, Trustees ; J. Derleth, Constable and Marshal ; J. S. Tripp, Supervisor County Board.

March 28, 1880 - Phil Hoefer, President and Police Justice; J. Bach, Clerk; Ed Rendtorff, Treasurer; N. Truckenbrodt, George Roeser, M. Molitor, C. Spiehr and William Dresen, Trustees ; A. Morsbach, Constable and Marshal ; J. S. Tripp, Supervisor County Board.

The present hotels here are the United States Hotel and the Astor House, the latter successor in name to the old Astor House, which is now occupied by N. Truckenbrodt, saloon, whicii was built by M. Loddi, for C. Schreiber & C. Schneider.

The United States Hotel was built by A. Wilde, in 1850 ; he previously kept a sort of tavern and boarding house. After passing through various hands, it at last, in 1877, came into the hands of the present proprietor, Fred Meyer. The hotel is built in a substantial manner, and there are ample accommodations for about forty guests.

McFarland, the man who became notorious through killing Richardson, kept a select school, or sort of academy, here, about 1854, in the upper story of the United States Hotel. Besides the United States Hotel, there is but one other in the place, the Astor House. This is also a substantial brick structure, which has been built for several years. It is now kept in a very satisfactory manner by Chas. Weissenborn

Although several of the old establishments are gone, there are a few left yet, with plenty of room for more. The breweries date back farther than anything else, and of those there are at present four. The oldest of these is Linekugals, which was in operation as early as 1850. At present it has a capacity of about 1,000 barrels per annum, but not more than 500 are manufactured. The next one built was by Charles Deininger, who began operations as early as 1851. This brewery was purchased by William Lenz,inl868. He has enlarged and improved it until it has now a capacity of about 1,200 barrels per annum, but not more than 500 to 800 are made each year. Max Stingelhammer's brewery was built next in 1852, and run by him until he bought the bridge. Since that time it has been run by various parties; George Kazer now owns it. It has a capacity of from 500 to 800 barrels per annum. Joseph Shor built a brewery a little west of the village in 1866. About a year after, Nick Dropon bought in, and within five years was the owner of the institution. His widow now runs it. It has a capacity of from 500 to 800 barrels per annum. The entire product of these breweries is sold here and in this vicinity, and besides, some years there are as many as 500 barrels more brought in from abroad to supply the demand.