Sauk County, Wisconsin - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 12 of those read), 1880 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 12 of those read)

Town of Spring Green - Town of Troy - Town of Bear Creek - Town of Franklin- Toavn of Honey Creek - Town of Merrimack - Town of Prairie du Sac - Town of Sumter.

Town Of Spring Green

The town of Spring Green is located in the extreme southern part of the county. On the south, it is bordered by the Wisconsin ; on the north, by the towns of Bear Creek and Franklin ; on the West, by Richland County, and on the east by the town of Troy. This town is, in great part, one of the best farming districts in the county, a large portion of the lands being well adapted, in every respect, to grain and stock raising. The south half is almost entirely level, while the northern portion is very bluffy, and, on the southern face, very sterile. The bluif district is intersected by numerous valleys, which are usually occupied by farms. The principal of these are the Wilson Creek Valley, Big Hollow and Mondago Valleys. The soil is variable through the town ; near the river it is generally sandy, but, as we approach the bluifs, passing north over what by many is considered the head of an ancient mammoth strenm, we come to a very fertile soil, consisting chiefly of rich alluvial deposits. The soil of the hills is principally clay and sand, and, in the valleys, a rich, dark loam, mixed, in many instances, with sand washed from the hills. The various farm products common to this county, excepting fruits, are raised here in abundance. In the more sheltered districts, winter wheat is largely sown ; but corn and spring grains are chiefly raised. An industry which is yet comparatively in its infancy - raising sorghum - is being largely pursued here, and, as the soil and climate are well adapted to its growth and perfect maturing, the probabilities are that this will become one of the chief industries. Hop-raising is also followed here, but to a limited extent only, as the general low price of the article at present and excessive fluctuations in value which are constantly liable to occur, besides the cost of raising a crop, prevent anything like extensive investments in this work. The time has been when hop-raising was the great thing to engage in to make money ; then, afterward, as nearly all of the farmers too well know, it became the great avenue for losing money, and, as a result, nearly all of those who made money in them lost what they made, and more too, before they were satisfied to stop.

The town is not so well watered with small streams as some of the adjacent towns, but among the bluffs there may be found a good many choice springs. On Spring Green Prairie there are to be seen evidences of a former stream that flowed from east to west, and which would add greatly to the value of the adjacent lands and be materially beneficial if it were here now. During the summer, the channel that this stream pursued can be easily traced by the crops growing on it and along its border, as in the center of the channel the growth is but little more than half as strong as on the borders and beyond.

The town is well supplied with prehistoric remains and various geological features interesting alike to the archseologist and scientist, and that must be seen to be fully appreciated. One rather singular discovery or development we particularly mention, as it shows how enormous must have been the changes that have been wrought in the condition and topography of the country within a few hundred years : Mr. N. Hood, of Hood's Valley, while digging a well, found fallen timber and shell at a distance of fifty or sixty feet beneath the surface. These remains were so old that when brought to the surface they immediately resolved into dust.

The timber supply is very fair, although not so good as in some localities. There are no creameries or butter factories in town, and probably no regular dairies, although the country is well adapted to stock-raising, for cheese and butter-making purposes. There is sonae fine stock beinf'bred here, but the majority raised are hogs and cattle, solely for the butchers' market.

The first settler to come into this section of the county was Charles Wilson, who settled in what is now known as the town of Troy. The first one to locate in this town, according to the best accounts, was a Mr. Turner, who came about 1841 or 1842 and laid claim to what has long been known as the old Thomas Williams place, on Section 18. Reports regarding Mr. Turner are very meager of reliable information. It is only known that he came at that time, and that he died soon after from the effects of sunstroke. This was probably the first death in town, and occurred before any of the present residents had come, so many will know nothing of it. His wife was the first woman in town, and, when he died, was left alone among the Indians with a small child to care for.

Very soon after Mr. Turner's death, Thomas Williams came, probably as early as 1842, and we learn tiiat. ere many months had passed, he had wooed and won the widow Turner. What sort of a marriage ceremony was performed, or how many presents were given, and guests present, remains unknown. Whether the traditional broomstick came into play, or what was (lone, conjecture only can explain.

Shortly after Mr. Williams' arrival, Evan Jones and family of two sons and two daughters settled here on the banks of the river, a little southwest of where the village of Spring Green stands. Mr. Jones started in with the intention of building up a town, but signally failed. At one time, three men from the East came here on a prospecting expedition, and proposed to purchase Mr. Jones' claim and start a place, but he would not sell. The place, such as it was, was known as Jonesville. A very sad calamity befell a portion of Mr. Jones' family not long after their coming. A son and two daughters were out riding one day in a canoe on the Wisconsin, when, tlirough some unexplained cause, the frail vessel upset, and they were drowned.

Mr. Jones remained here several years, and his remaining son, Thomas, afterward opened a store, probably as early as 1846 or 1847. This was the first store in this section of the county. Before, the people had either to go to Prairie du Sac, Richland City, or over into Iowa County for needed commodities.

T. .). Morgans came into the town as early as 18^4, and settled. Mr. Morgans now lives in the town of" Franklin, and is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, settler in the southwestern part of the county.

Another of the early settlers was E, Goodell, a hunter, who made a claim on Section 7, near Spring Green Village. Goodell, like the majority of hunting characters, was not a person to gather moss, conse(|uenily he went West with tlie tide of emigration.

'JMie Davidson family. Ed, Oraniol and William, came in as early as 1846. It is said that one of these brothers sui)plied the early settlers with the first blacksmith-shop, but, as a cotemporary historian might say, he did not forge out a fortune '"from the much iron" he hammered.

To onnmorate consecutively all of the different early settlers, and give the dates of their arrival entirely correct, would be next to an impossibility, and, besides, it is not necessarily essential or proper, as very many of the first comers left very soon after their arrival, some going fartiier West and others returning to Eastern homes that they deemed themselves foolish in leaving. Also, when the country was new, miasmatic conditions prevailed largely on the jirairie. Chills and fever are always a sure source of misery to the most determined and hopeful, and will (luell the most ardent enthusiasm ; so it is not to be wondered at that people were coming and going constantly, and that but few stayed in proportion to the total number that came and went.

An old assessment roll of 1850 furnishes the following names, some of whom are yet living on the prairie, and nearly all of them enjoying the fruits of early industry and economy, as is attested by their large farms and comfortable homes. There were, besides some of those already mentioned, Amos Mercer, James Watson, Smith Love, James Cass, Samuel Huntly, Evan Evans, Daniel Williams, J. Dalley, J. R. Louis, William Parry, William Bower, H. Anderson, John Oleson, Daniel Evans, AVilliam Barnard, J. Y. McKee, Andrew Bear, Thomas E. Jones, D. B. Young, John Jones, Robert McCune, William Ecker, Alvin Parton, D. Jones, Isaac Blake, George and James Coon, Andrew Rutherford, James Thomas and James Werden. This gives about all that were residents of the town as early as 1850.

To describe fully the extreme deprivations that were endured by many of the people here at an early day, would require a volume of no mean size and that would be intensely interesting. In a general way, none were exempt from bitter experiences, which the following account of Mr. Amos Mercer, if true as given by others, will fully illustrate. It is said, after he had planted some potatoes one season, probably the first, he was obliged to dig them up again for food. At another time, a letter came to Richland City for him, but he had not money to pay for bread, aside from the 25 cents postage, and, had not one of those generous souls that have brightened the earth in all ages, lent him $5, he might have been reduced to a worse condition than having to dig up potato seed. These early struggles were but the clouds of the past, that obscured the sun of to-day, and that have served a useful purpose in creating a thorough appreciation of present blessings.

The first physician here was a Welshman, Dr. Evans, who came before 1850, and, it is said, died not long after. After him came Drs. Hubbard and Davies. James Coon (given abov was the first horse doctor. He came at a time when the horses were principally of the horned variety.

As before mentioned, Thomas Jones kept the first post office. After him the brothers Alfred and Fred Gill, who started a store at Jonesville very early, kept it. Then in the spring of 1855, the Rev. J. Davies took it, and from here it was transferred to the village.

Thomas Williams and a man by the name of Teuton also opened a store in the town about 1850. This establishment afterward broke up in a row, which eventually had to be settled by the neighbors, who met at Dr. Davies and smoothed out the ruffled feathers.

A saloon was started by a man by the name of Anderson, on corner of Section 7, as early as 1850 to 1851, This institution furnished liquor to the county until Spring Green Village came to the rescue, then it subsided.

The first road over the prairie ran from Helena Ferry to Richland City. And the first ferry that crossed the river in this section of the county was a scow-boat, run by Alva Culver, as early as 1841, between Helena and this town. Mr. Culver also boarded the hands of the shot-tower.

A schoolhouse was built in the town as early as 1848 or 1849, on Section 7, nearly opposite to where E. W. Evans now lives. The first teacher was, as nearly as can be ascertained, Miss Minie Cass ; the next, Thomas Watson.

At the eighth annual meeting, April 6, 1858, ninety-five votes were cast. It was voted that three Constables be elected for the ensuing year, and that the township be divided into two road districts. At the general election held November 2, 108 votes were cast. At a meeting of the board, November 30, it was voted that no license be granted to any one for the sale of intoxicating liquors until they have a good, substantial house for a tavern to accommodate travelers. The total amount of tax this year was $1,867.77.

Tiie ninth annual meeting, April 5, 1859, was held in Mr. Simpson's bar-room. Number of votes cast, 147. An appropriation of |57.74 was made for paupers. The taxes voted were 3*200 for town purposes, $300 for school purposes and three mills on the dollar for roads.

The tentb annual meeting, in April, 1860. Taxes voted - $100 for town purposes, $300 for schools, and three mills on the dollar for roads. Stamps were this year procured for the registering of dogs, and notice was also given that all dogs must be licensed. Seven dogs licensed this year.

The eleventh annual meeting, April 2, 1861. Taxes voted - $150 for town purposes ; $300 for school purposes ; three mills on the dollar for roads. At general election, November 5, 1861, number of votes cast for State Governor was eighty-six. At this election, seventy-four votes were cast to amend the banking law.

The twelfth annual. meeting, April 1, 1862; 108 votes were cast at this meeting. Taxes voted - $300 forschool purposes, two mills on the dollar for roads. At general election, held November 4, number of votes cast, 113. On the question of the proposed amendment to Constitution, twenty-seven votes were cast for and none against. On the amendment to banking law, sixtythree were cast for and none against.

The thirteenth annual meeting, April 7, 1863. Number of votes polled, 108. Taxes voted as follows : $300 for school purposes, 1^ mills on dollar for road tax, and $200 for town purposes. At a meeting held December 26, 1863, to raise money for soldiers, the whole number of votes cast was ninety -nine, of which fifty-five were against raising said tax, and fifty-five for raising the same.

FL'l)ruary 24, 1864, a special meeting was held for the purpose of raising $1,400 to pay volunteers. The whole number of votes cast was 106, of which number seventy-two were for the tax, and thirty-four against. On the 26th day of March, 1864, a special meeting was called for the purpose of raising a tax of $1,600 to pay volunteers. Whole number of votes cast was ninety-six, of which fifty were against the tax, and forty-six were for the same.

The fourteenth annual meeting, April 5, 1864. Taxes voted were $500 for school purposes, $150 for town purposes, $50 for pauper purposes and $25 for road purposes. Number of votes cast, 114. October 17, special meeting for the purpose of voting to raise a tax of $l,5O0 to pay volunteers. Whole number of votes, 116, of which seventy-four were for the tax . and forty-two against it. At the Presidential election, November 8, number of votes cast, 146, of which William Field, etc., received 113.

1865 - Special meeting, January 16, 1865, for purpose of voting on tax of $1,600 to pay volunteers to fill the (juota of town under the last call of President. Whole number of votes, sixty-eight, of which sixty were for the tax and eight against.

The fifteenth annual meeting. April 4, 1865. Taxes voted: $300 for school purposes, $150 for town purposes, and 1 mill on dollar for road taxes. SeptembeM 10, dog fund apportioned to school. At the general election, November 8, eighty-two votes were cast.

The sixteenth annual meeting, April 3, 1866. Taxes voted : $150 for town purposes, $300 for school purposes, and three mills on dollar for road taxes. Number of votes cast, thirty-seven.

The .seventeenth aiiimiil meeting, April 2, 1867 ; 150 votes cast. Taxes voted : $175 for t.)\vii |.urpoaes, $450 for town indebtedness, $250 for school purposes, and one mill on dollar for road tax. At general election, held November 5, number of votes cast for Governor, 163, of which Ti. F.iirchild received 127.

The eighteenth annual meeting was held April 7, 1868 ; IMl votes cast. Taxes voted: $i0() for town expenses, three mills on dollar for roads, $300 for schools and $100 for poor fund.

The nineteenth annual meeting, April 6, 1869 ; 204 votes were cast. Taxes voted : $203 for town purposes, $300 for school purposes, $600 for road purposes and $150 for support of poor. April 16, $276 granted B. U. Strong for pauper claim. At general election held November 2, 183 votes were cast for Governor, of which L. Fairchild received 134.

The twentieth annual meeting, April 5, 1870. Taxes voted as follows : $300 for school purposes, $150 for support of the poor, $600 for road purposes and $200 for town purposes. At the general election, November 8, 1870, there were 133 votes cast.

The twenty-first annual meeting, April 4, 1871. Taxes voted were $300 for school purposes, $125 for pauper fund, $175 for town purposes and $400 for road purposes. The law that hogs be restrained from running at large was passed this year, being the third time the question had been up before the town meeting. At a general election, November 7, the whole number of votes cast for Governor was 154, of which C. C. Washburne received 106.

The twenty-second annual meeting, April 2, 1872. A motion was adopted to the effect that $200 of the special road tax then on hand be appropriated for town purposes for the ensuing year, $300 voted for school purposes, and a road tax of one mill on the dollar. Voted that $150 of the special road tax of last year be applied as a part of the $300 for school purposes. At the general election, November 5, the number of votes cast for the elector of President and Vice President was 186, of which 133 were cast for W. E. Cramer, Elector.

The twenty-fourth annual meeting, April 7, 1874. Taxes voted, $250 for town expenses, $300 for school purposes and three mills on the dollar for road purposes. On motion, the Clerk's salary was fixed at $75 per year. General election, Nov. 3, 1874. Number of votes cast, 171.

The twenty-fifth annual meeting, April 6, 1875. Taxes voted were three mills per dollar road tax, $300 for school purposes, and $500 for outstanding and current expenses of town. Number of votes cast, 159. December 4, 1875, the board passed an order for a tax to raise $350 to satisfy awards and damages in opening certain roads.

The twenty-sixth annual meeting, April 4, 1876. Taxes voted, three mills on the dollar for road purposes, $300 for school purposes, $250 for town expenses, $150 for special road- work, $36.80 to pay a road overseer, $100 for purchasing additional ground for cemetery, and a committee was appointed for said purposes. A motion carried to establish a free high school in the town. At the Presidential election, November 7, the whole number of votes cast for electors of President and Vice President was 331, of which number T. W. Weeks received 151.

The twenty-seventh annual meeting, April 3, 1877. Taxes voted were, $300 for school purposes, three mills on the dollar for road purposes and $250 for town expenses. At the general election, November 6, 1877, the number of votes polled was 146.

The twenty-eighth annual meeting was held April 2, 1878. Taxes voted, $250 for town expenses, $3 for school purposes, thr^e mills per dolhir for road purposes, $45.82 to liquidate the indebtedness of the town. At the general election November 5, number of votes cast, 185. The twenty-ninth annual meeting was held April 1, 1879. Taxes voted, $262.50 for town expenses, $3 for town school fund, $54.91 to pay indebtedness of Road District No. 2. At the general election November 4, 1879, 151 votes were polled.

The thirtieth annual meeting was held April 6, 1880. Taxes voted, $250 for town purposes, $14.86 special tax for road in District No. 2, $300 for school purposes, three mills on the dollar road tax, $500 to be applied to the road running south from the village to the river, $150 for purchasing additional ground for a town cemetery.

Total amount raised by the town to pay volunteers in the civil war, $4,600. Special taxes for road purposes, that have been raised frequently, are not given.

In 1876 - J. R. Lewis, Chairman ; E. Mercer and J. Hayes, Side Supervisors ; A. Gill, Clerk ; J. N. Finn, Treasurer ; E. W. Evans, Assessor ; C. Jones, J. G. Thomas ; J. J. Jones, Jr., A. Mercer, S. V. Thornton and D. C. Reed, Road Overseers ; H. R. Johnson, Sealer of Weights ; E. C. Brainerd and E. W. Evans, Justices ; W. H. Lewis and D. L. Talbot, Constables ; J. Dickson, Pound Master.

In 1877 - S. F. Nickey, Chairman ; E. Mercer and J. M. Hayes, Side Supervisors ; A. Gill, Clerk ; S. Jones, Treasurer ; E. W. Evans, Assessor ; C. Jones, T. Fouchs, J. D. Jones, E. Evans, J. Mercer and D. C. Reed, Road Overseers ; H. R. Johnson, Sealer of Weights ; B. U. Strong and W. H. Lewis, Justices; M. R. Hurley, D. L. Talbot and G. A. Sweet, Constables ; J. Dickson, Pound Master.

In 1878 - S. F. Nickey, Chairman ; W. H. Harris and C. Jones, Side Supervisors ; J. A. Taylor, Clerk ; S. Jones, Treasurer; E. W. Evans, Assessor ; D. J. Davis, M. McPhillips, E. B. Evans, J. Mercer and W. Hayes, Road Overseers ; H. R. Johnson, Sealer of Weights ; E. W. Evans and J. McKeeme, Justices ; H. J. Jones, E. P. Noyes, N. B. Hood, Constables ; J. Dickson, Pound Master ; E. George, Sexton.

Town Of Troy

This town is the largest in area of any of the towns in the county, there being above fiftythree sections in all. Like the town of Spring Green, it is bordered on the south by the Wisconsin, on the north by the town of Honey Creek, on the east by the town of Prairie du Sac, and on the west by the towns of Spring Green and Franklin. The surface, in some portions, is exceedingly broken. The belt of bluffs that courses along the northern boundary of Spring Green, and which appears to be the boundary of some great body of water, continues its way from east to west, through the south central part of Troy, forming a prominent division between the northern and southern parts of the town. The soil south of these bluffs is generally quite sandy or marshy, the marsh lands being, in many places, entirely impassable for teams, so much so, indeed, that a large part of the road from the town of Prairie du Sac to Spring Green, goes winding deviously along close to the bluffs in order to avoid the marshy places. North of the bluffs, the soil is much better, it being composed principally of clay loam and black sand. In this section are located some of the finest farms in the county, or to be found anywhere. These lands are usually called the Honey Creek bottom lands, but, as in other localities, this town has its different prairies and hollows. One of the points that was first located, lies south of the bluffs and is considered very fertile. That is Cassell Prairie, named after Dr. Cassell, the first settler there. Numerous other points might be mentioned, but they possess a minor interest. The town, in tlu' north part, is splendidly watered by Honey Creek and two or three small branches. In the south. Wilson's Creek and another small stream supply water. Honey and Wilson's Creeks 8ui)i)ly fair water-powers for milling purposes. Troy, like all of the towns, has its tumuli and various natur.il curiosities. The timber supply, especially among the bluffs, is excellent. These bliills, with their pockets, are all owned principally by foreigners. The population is mixed, the German element preponderating. The people are sober, industrious and frugal ; they have good schools, and there are three churches, the latter being liberally supported. The general tone of feeling prevailing among the people is decidedly good and probably somewhat above the average.

Early Settlers. '

The very first settler in this town was Thomas Wilson, a Scotchman. He selected land in the southwestern part of the town, on a small stream, Wilson's Creek, called after him. Mr. Wilson was a somewhat restless and adventurous person in his youth, and had, before he came here, in his more advanced years, "been about a good bit" here and there. Gov. Washburn and partner employed him to come from St. Louis to Helena to work in their shot-tower, at a very early day, and, being so close after the treaty with the Winnebagoes was concluded, he must needs come over the river and examine the country. Upon seeing it, he determined to locate. How early it might have been when he first came over prospecting cannot be determined, but, possibly, in the spring of 1838. Afterward, as early as 1840, we learn he had moved in his family and was living here permanently. The old Government canoe that used to carry provisions up the Wisconsin to the forts, and that was cut out of a log, and which was large enough to carry fifty barrels of flour and the men to row, was in Mr. Wilson's possession, and served him in navigating the river, after having served Uncle Sara. Mr. Wilson was a man of no mean ability and talents. He was something of a scholar, and could paint, draw and carve very artistically. Alexander Stuart has a Scotch highland scene, painted admirably, and there are many other relics of his genius scattered about the country. He has been dead a good many years.

The first white persons to come into the north part of the town and settle permanently were J. A. Sprecher and Nick Darnutzer, two Swiss, who emigrated hither very early in the spring of 1846. They came in by way of Prairie du Sac, and had to build a bridge over Honey Creek before they could reach the goal of their ambition. They came with a load of lumber to make a cabin, and, no sooner were they over the bridge, than they had their first experience in getting stuck, but, in all probability, not the last. There were three yokes of cattle hitched to the load, but they did not avail anything against the " set," so the load had to be carried by hand. A new and splendidly fertile lot of land lay before them to pick from. That they were careful and judicious in making their selection, is shown by their excellent farms.

One day, after they had been here two or three weeks, Mr. Sprecher went out for a ramble, when, what should he discover, but the wagons of a party of new arrivals, camped on Section 18, on a branch of Honey Creek These were Thomas Wells, J. W. Harris, Dewitt Slauter and J. Kifer. They came from Ohio. J. W. Harris made a claim at what was considered an eligible point to start a village, and we learn he did not wait long thereafter before laying out a plat. The remainder of the new-comers drove their stakes in the immediate vicinity, and thus the little party were finally settled. Mr. Harris put up a comfortable house, and opened, within a year or two. as tavern-keeper. Of these four families, not a single one is living here now. as, the village project not proving a success, they sold and emigrated to another town.

Besides those above given came, in or before 1850, A. Harrington, Robert McReady, Ed Mix, John Feller, H. B. Staines. William Young, George Bonham, Samuel Walster, Lem Cooper. William Hasheider, F. Stifer. C. Stifer, F. Darnutzer, S. Miller. L. Buechler, F. Nolds, H. Meyers, J. Schmidt, Daniel Held, J. Bear, H. Haiflisch, James Davis, Frishira M. Dohnson, H. Folkinstine, H. Bear, S. W. Corwith, John Loganfall, J. Young, Alex Stuart and others. Alex Stuart was one of the first settlers on the south of the bluffs; as ear as 1841 saw him pocketed among the hills, where he yet lives.

The first marriage in the town occurred March 4, 1847, when James Taylor, now living in the town of Spring Green, was married to Phebe Harris. Charles 0. Baxter, who oflBciated at a good many early weddings, spliced them.

A school was taught in town in a log-house just west of the Harris settlement, now known as Harrisburg, in 1847 or 1848, Miss Laura Drew being the teacher.

There is a Reformerl Lutheran Church in town that stands at Ilarrisburg. It is a commodious frame buihling. and there is a fair membership. The church is supplied by a minister from Prairie du Sac.

Trov has a Grange Lodge, No. 271, which was established in 1873, with nineteen membeis, to which forty members have since been added. They have a purchasing agent in connection. This was tli'e first Grange in the southern part of the county. Alexander Stuart was Muster the first four years, then S. P. Hoxy one year, then G. W. Proctor.

The first preaching on Cassell Prairie was by a Presbyterian, Elder Adams, in a private iiDUse, in the fall of 1850. About four years after this, Rev. Daniel Phillips came into this neighborhood and organized the first society, a Baptist class of twelve or fifteen members, several of whom were baptized at the time. Shortly after, he moved into the neighborhood and lived and preached here and in the vicinity. He served the society about four years, then removed to Evansville. After his departure, the organization continued to have preaching by difi'erent ministers until l!^(i4 ; then it was merged into a society of Advents. This society was organized under the labors of Rev. George W. Turner and Rev. William Sheldon, to be called the Church of Christ, of Cassell Prairie, taking, by covenant, the Bible as the rule of faith and practice, making a platform large enough for any creed or denomination to rest upon. There were nineteen members in all - seven from the Baptist society, and ten that were baptized at the time, and two from a cluirch at Amboy, 111. 0. Thomas and A. C. Pierce were elected Deacons and ordained by the Rev. William Sheldon. Subsequently, there were enough names added to bring the membership up to twenty-four. At present, there are but twelve or fifteen active members, and services are held quite irregularly. The place of meeting has usually been the schoolhouse of District No. 1.

The Methodist Episcopal Society of Harrisburg was formed in 1849. Rev. Mr. Bunce preached the first sermon. The first teacher at Harrisburg was Miss Ursa True, in 1850.

The (Jernian Reformed Church organized in 1858. Trustees - Fred Schumacher, William Schumacher. U. Schoenemann, H. Schulz, John Rieser. The first Pastor was Rev. Gustave Kiio.'|)f(«l. The church was built in 1868.

Sorghum raising, which lias become quite an extensive industry in the county, was first commenced iti town by O. Thomas and T. C. Chamberlain a few years before the war. They sent to U a.sliir.gton at first to obtain seed, and each planted small patches. When the time came for the cane to be crushe<l. Mr. Ciiamberlain had a wooden roller mill made ready, and a generous yield of the saccharine liuiij was scjueezed from their cane. They then must needs boil the product before it could be eaten, and this was done in large iron kettles; but, alas ! at the last the sirup was not fit to eat, being black and impure. After this attempt, sorghum raising was abandoned as a failure, nothing further being done until the war; then the high price of sugar induced the |)eople to try a;:ain, and, also, by that time, a regular method of boiling the sap had come into vogu.', by which it could be purified by using open pans which were manufoctured expressly for the purpose.

The first one to purchase a boiling apparatus or evaporator for general use in the town, and probably in the county, was Mr. (). Thomas. At that time (1864), Mr. Thomas' neighbors Higneil an article of agreement to raise each a certain amount of cane to place in his hands to be converted into siriip,^ enough being pledged to justify his getting the apparatus. This cost, with null for crusliiiig, ^:]()(). Since that time, a large amount of sirup has been successfully manufactured here each year, varying from 500 to 1.700 gallons per annum, the cane being'brought for miles from every direction.

There is a (Jood Templars' Society in the north part of the town, organized recently. It IS the first of Its dk that has sprung into existence in the town, it is said.

School District No. 1 was organized in the spring of 1851. At the time, Mr. 0. Thomas purchased an old granary, and gave the district the use of it, this being the first schoolhouse. Miss Louisa Adams was employed for teacher, the money for first wages, f 2 per week, being raised by subscription, she, after the fashion of early days, boarding around. The school was taught in Mr. Thomas' building for two seasons ; then, in 1852, the district erected a log schoolhouse. The log house burned a few years afterward, and the present frame was erected.

Until 1858, this town was a part of the towns of Honey Creek and Spring Green. When it came to be set ofl" and organized, a regular opposition to the move was made by a part of the Spring Green people, under the lead of Alex Stuart, to whom were particularly opposed the eastern section of the Spring Green people, under the lead of 0. Thomas. The east section wanted to be set off, and the west did not. The fight was rather a bitter and hotly contested one, the west division, as the sequel proves, being defeated. The soreness of the conflict affected some of them for a long while ; but time is a balm that heals such wounds, and now all is peaceful in the family.

The first town meeting was held April 6, 1858, at Harrisburg - Officers: Alex Stuart, Chairman ; James A. Taylor and J. Sneller, Side Board ; S. W. Corwith, Clerk ; W. J. Hows, Treasurer ; William Bonham, Assessor ; J. Ramey, Superintendent of Schools ; Theo Taylor, B. Ragatz, Justices; W. H. Harris, Ed Cadwell, Solomon Wheeler, Constables; L. W, Corwith, Sealer. A tax of $150 for town purposes, 5 mills on the dollar for schools, and 5 mills on the dollar for roads. Tax to be collected, $2,456.08.

Third town meeting held April 3, 1860 - Officers: James Taylor, Chairman; J. Pattison and H. Leopeble Side Board; J. S. Walser, Clerk; George Bonham, Treasurer; J. Keely, Assessor; W. R. Patchen, Superintendent of Schools. At the Presidential election, 112 votes were cast, the majority being Republican. Tax, $2,275.87.

Fifth annual meeting April 7, 1863 - Officers: Alex Stuart, Chairman; J. A. Sprecher, James A. Taylor, Side Board ; J. S. Walser, A. Sprecher, Treasurers ; J. Sneller, Assessor. Tax assessment, $2,598.37. January 21, a special meeting was held, and a bounty of $200 voted to be paid to every volunteer of the town. February 25, another meeting was held, and a vote was taken as above, with the additional provision that all enlisting above each regular recruit that were accredited to the town, should receive $125. The town borrowed money to pay the bounties.

Sixth annual meeting held April 5, 1864 - J. S. Walser, Chairman ; J. A. Sprecher and E. P. Tabor, Side Board; C. C. Kuntz, Clerk; A. Sprecher, Treasurer; J. Sneller, Assessor. Tax assessment, $5,000.65, of which $2,466.12 were for paying bounties.

Seventh annual meeting April 4, 1865 - Officers: C. C. Kuntz, Chairman; E. P. Tabor and Gustav Baumgarth, Side Board ; J. T. Barker, Clerk ; J. S. Walser, Treasurer ; John Sneller, Assessor. Tax assessment, $9,875.78, of which $6,068.25 was a special tax raised to pay bounties.

Eighth annual election, held April 3, 1866 - Officers: A. Tarnutzer, Chairman; G. Baumgarth and 0. Thomas, Side Board ; P. Sneller, Clerk ; J. S. Walser, Treasurer ; J. Sneller, Assessor. Tax assessment, $5,590.22, of which $2,404.20 was a special tax to finish paying bounty money. Besides the amount raised by tax here, the fund, was increased by about $2,500 private contributions.

There is a grist-mill on Big Bear Creek, near Mr. Ochsner's cheese-factory, built by Mr. Ochsner in 1869, It is 30x40, and accommodates three runs of stone, two for wheat and one for feed. The dam has an eight-foot head, and the water supply is ample. The machinery is propelled by Leffel turbines.

There ife one religious society, the Catholic, which is very large. They have a church located in the north part of the town, and a resident priest.

Bear Creek, with all of the southwest towns, was at first included with Honey Creek, where the first town meetings were held. This town was set off and the first- town meeting held April 5, 1859, in the schoolhouse of District No. 6.

There were ninety votes cast at this election, and the following officers were elected : D. D. Thompson, Chairman ; James L. Wain, S. Giles, Side Supervisors ; A. G. Burnham, Clerk ; H. Giles, Treasurer ; J. Johnson, Superintendent ; R. H. Thurber and J. Johnson, Justices ; R. H. Thurber, Assessor ; M. Herriman, G. W. Giles, P. Donahue, Constables ; Richard Talbot, Sealer ; ^200 were voted to defray the town expenses for the ensuing year. One cent on the dollar was voted and raised for road tax, and hogs were restricted from running at large. At Presidential election, sixty-five votes were cast.

April 3, 1860, this town meeting held at schoolhouse, District No. 6. Officers elected - G. I. Bancroft, Chairman; J. J. Bomm, James Harvey, Side Supervisors; A. G. Burnham, Clerk; William Larkin, Treasurer; J. D. Dewey, Treasurer; J. Craul, F. G. Raynolds, S. A. Phetteplace. Justices ; D. C. Talbot, Superintendent ; F. R. Snow, G. I. Bancroft, C.Jones, Constables; R, Talbot, Sealer ; $200 raised to defray expenses of town, $50 included for the poor. A fund of $50 raised for schools.

The third town meeting, held April 2, 1861, at schoolhouse, District No. 4. Officers - J. D. Dewey, Chairman; S. A. Phetteplace and M. Sullivan, Supervisors; A. G. Burnham, Clerk; William Larkin, Treasurer; R. H. Thurber, Assessor; D. C. Talbot, Superintendent; James L. Ward and R. H. Thurber, Justices ; James Talmadge and G. I. Bancroft, Constables ; Richard Talbot, Sealer. Town expenses as before.

The fourth town meeting held April 1. 1862, at same place as before ; $250 raised for expenses and $50 for the poor. Officers - J. D. Dewey, Chairman ; S. A. Phetteplace and M. Sullivan, Supervisors ; A. G. Burnham, Clerk ; William Larkin, Treasurer ; C. Jones, Assessor ; P. J. Randolph, John Phaler and F. C. Raynolds, Justices ; G. I. Bancroft and M. Herriman, Constables ; Richard Talbot, Sealer.

The fifth election held April 7, 1863, as above ; town expenses and poor fund as above ; road tax as above. Officers - D. D. Thompson, Chairman ; James L. Ward and M. Sullivan, Side Supervisors ; A. G. Burnham, Clerk ; William Larkin, Treasurer ; R. H. Thurber, Assessor ; A. Sweet, R. H. Thurber, Justices ; D. Miller, P. H. Haskins, and A. Hagden, Constables ; R. Talbot, Sealer. At a special meeting held this season, $1,200 were voted for army volunteers. On the 17th of March, 1864, a special meeting held, and $2,000 raised for volunteers, allowing $200 each.

The sixth town meeting held April 5, 1864, as above. Officers^D. D. Thompson, Ciiairman ; James L. Ward and M. Sullivan, Side Supervisors ; A. G. Burnham, Clerk : F. King, Treasurer ; M. Harriman, Assessor; P. J. Kandolph and J. Phalen, Justices; J. King, A. Stratton and E. Finch, Constables; J. D. Dewey, Sealer; town expenses as above.

The seventh town meeting held April 4, 1865, as above ; $350 were raised to defray town expenses. Number of votes, seventy-two. Officers - D. D. Thompson, Chairman ; M. Sullivan and A. 0. Williams, Side Supervisors ; A. G. Burnham, Clerk and Treasurer ; R. H. Thurber, Assessor; R. H. Thurber and A. Sweet, Justices; B. F. Hobart, A. Conally and G. I. Bancroft, Constables ; no Sealers.

The seventh meeting held April 4. 1866, as above. Officers - A. 0. Williams, Chairman ; S. A. Phetteplace and William Larkin, Side Supervisors ; A. G. Burnham, Clerk ; L. E. Sweet, Treasurer ; J. Johnson, Assessor ; C. C. Bowers and J. Phelan, Justices ; George Matheson, B. F. Hobart and A. J. Moss, Constables ; R. Talbot, Sealer.

The eighth town meeting held April 3, 1867. Officers - D. D. Thompson, Chairman ; M. Sullivan and B. F. Brown, Side Supervisors; A. G. Burnham, Clerk; L. E. Sweet, Treasurer; J. J. Bomm, Assessor ; A. Sweet, L. Neimaii, Justice ; J. R. Hazzard and B. F. Hobart^ Constables ; S. A. Phetteplace, Sealer ; town expenses about as during above years.

The ninth town meeting held April 7, 1868, as above. Officers - A. Sweet, Chairman ; William Rooney and J. Johnson, Side Supervisors; A. G. Burnham, Clerk; A. Dwyer, Treaserer ; J. J. Bomm, Assessor ; J. Phelan and Beckwith, Justices ; D. Millane, J. Coen and J. M. Bower, Constables.

The tenth town meeting held April 6, 1869, Officers - D. D. Thompson, Chairman ; M. Sullivan and William Rooney, Side Supervisors ; A. J. Burnham, Clerk ; A. Dwyer, Treasurer ; R. H. Thurber, Assessor ; A. Sweet, G. I. Bancroft and L. Neiman, Justices ; M. Coyne and F. S. Warner, Constables.

The eleventh town meeting held April 5, 1870, as above. Officers - D. D. Thompson, Chairman ; M. Sullivan and William Rooney, Side Supervisors ; A. J. Burnham, Clerk ; A. Dwyer, Treasurer; J. J. Bomm, Assessor; L. Neiman, J. Phelan and W. H. Burnham, Justices ; B. McClosky, B. W. Reynolds and V. C. Young, Constables. Votes recorded this year amount to 146.

Town Of Franklin

geographically considered, is of the same dimensions and shape, and occupies the same relative position in Townships 9 and 10 that Bear Creek does. It is bounded on the north by the towns of Westfield and Washington, on the south by Spring Green, on the oast by the towns of Honey Creek and Troy, and on the west by the town of Bear Creek. Its physical configuration is somewhat similar to that of its twin, Bear Creek, only Franklin has more good tillable lands. What is known as the South Branch of Honey Creek takes its rise in this town, it being made up of numerous small streams that flow from the springs among the hills, and go rippling merrily along to join the brimming river. There is certainly no lack of good water. Along the Honey Creek Branch, and the streams, and in the pockets that lead out from the bottom lands, may be seen splendid farms under an excellent state of cultivation. The soil is similar to that of Bear Creek, but with less of stone or gravel, the result of glacial drifts and streams. The products are principally agricultural. There is a good deal of stock raised here, but not so much for dairying purposes as is the case in some of the towns. There is also some fruit raised, but only to a limited extent. The inhabitants are principally foreigners, there being a very large German representation. The social and moral condition is similar to that of other localities made up largely of Germans. It is something after tiiis fashion : Work hard all the week and have a good ti'me Sundays - or whenever you can, for that matter. They have churches and scliools that are very well supported and patronized in the main, although the j)eople are not extravagant in their devotion to those things. Franklin does quite a large importing business in the way of luxuries, but in all probability there will some time be an end put to tiiis by its manufacture at home, by some enterjjrising Teuton. Headquarters for the article is Plain Post Office, commonly called Loctown, wlicre a thirsty individual can get ninety-two per cent of bitter water fuddled with eighrper cent of alcohol, known as beer, on demand at almost any time.

Dewitt Slauter, formerly a settler in the town of Troy, and one of the first there, was the first settler here, and came in the fall of 1849 and settled in what was known as Sugar Grove, a forest of hard maples on Section 36, taking half a section, but not the pick of the county so far as the lay of the land and quality of soil is concerned ; yet, on the other hand, he had splendid timber, and a fine spring burst out of the ground but a short distance from his cabin. He came originally from the Buckeye State, and brought in a family of eight to endure the hardships of a new country, and to grow up with it and improve it. He lived to see the county partially settled and improved ; then, in March, 1860, he died.

T. J. Morgans was the second settler here. He first came to Spring Green Prairie in 1844, where he bought a claim of a Rev. D. M. Jones, one of the very earliest claimants there, and who left very early. In 1849, Mr. Morgans sold there, and, soon after, came up and located one quarter-section on the fertile bottoms of Sugar Grove Hollow, in the present town of Franklin, where he has since resided and developed one of the finest farms to be found in this section. Mr. Morgans is now the last and oldest of the first settlers here, and also is undoubtedly the oldest permanent settler in the southwest part of the county. When Mr. Morgans came here, the county was a wilderness in toto, and gave little promise of its present condition. The land was covered thickly with brush, trees and grubs that were scarcely intersected by even an Indian trail, and the only road was a bee hunter's trail from Helena, on the Wisconsin, up through the Bear Creek country on the ridge. Mr. Morgans is a native of Wales.

Thomas Wells, one of the early settlers in Troy, settled here in the fall of 1850, on Section 8, but subsequently sold and moved to the town of Westfield. We also find that a few others came in during the above year or soon after.

They were R. A. Davidson, Samuel Richards, John Smith, Charles Lamb, John Noble, Andrew Cooper, Jerry, John and A. Cramer, William Harreraan, N. Mitchell, J. W^hiteis and sons (H. J. and G. M.), A. Moss L. Butt, and perhaps a few others whose names have not been ascertained.

The first religious services were held here as early as 1850, in Thomas Wells' house, the minister being a Rev. Mr. Bunce. He came only three or four times, as his patronage was not very liberal, and, as he said, the people were not Methodistical enough for him, and, besides, they did not shell out the wherewithal, not having it to shell. His weekly presence, it is stated, was not considered a great loss, as his instruction was not of the quality to create a gap by its absence.

The schoolhouse of District No. 1 was built in 1851. The district included and drew its supplies from all the country around for miles. The first teacher was T. J. Morgans, who also taught several subsequent terms to the satisfaction of all parties, small boys not excepted. The compensation for a teacher at that time did not exceed ^15 per month.

In 1850 or 1851, a notable event transpired in town in the marriage of James Davis and Catharine Wells. Davis was afterward, in 1856, shot at Sauk City by a man by the name of Millard, whom Davis had threatened to kill for being intimate with his wife. Davis was shot dead, and Millard was sentenced to State Prison for life, but was pardoned out, after twenty-two months' imprisonment, by the Governor. The wedding will be remembered as having been quite an affair for those days. A good dinner, consisting of chicken, etc., was served, and, if they had no marriage bells, they were at least merry. Mr. Davis wrote out his wedding service, and Daniel Held, a new Justice, read it. While Daniel was tremblingly reading the ceremony, Andrew Cooper stood in the rear spurring him up to the scratch, not gently, with a pin. It is recorded of Held that he endured like a hero, neither running nor backing up.

At first, the mail was distributed in town by John Cramer, the neighbors taking turns in bringing it until a post ofiice was established at White Mound, in 1859 ; then a Mr. Smith was appointed Postmaster, and Jacob Henry carried the mail. Jerry Carpenter is now Postmaster at that point. There is also a post office at Plain, called Logtown, that has been established several (about ten) years. P. Stutz is now Postmaster here.

The blacksmith business was started here as early as the fall of 1850, by G. M. Whiteis. His first shop was mother earth for the floor and the skies for a roof. Before this, the settlers had to go either to Sauk or Richland City to get their work done.

The first store was opened at Logtown, formerly called Cramer's Corners, by Mr. Perry, in 1869. He sold to A. Huter in 1873, who, in turn, in 1875, sold to P. Stutz, the present saloonist. Then, in 1879, Alois Huter built on the corner and started another store. There is also a blacksmith-shop at this point, which may be denominated the metropolis of the town, in one particular (before mentioned).

The first road in here was from Prairie du Sac, via Honey Creek, but, in 1856 or 1857, a pretty direct road was opened by which the people could get over the bluffs to Spring Green.

Deer were very thick here in an early day, and the wolves went for sheep and poultry in a way which they have not yet gotten over, for even now they are troublesome to sheep.

The first bridge in the town was one of nature's formation, a sod causeway over a branch of Honey creek, strong enough to bear the weight of a man.

In connection with the above, an anecdote concerning one of the carpenters will not come amiss. In an early time, when there were no good roads and settlers were few to direct a traveler, J. C. went to Sauk one day and did not start on his homeward way until quite late. Just in the dusk of the evening, when well on his way, he stopped at a settler's cabin to inquire the route, but the man, being a German, could not guide him. So he journeyed on awhile, then came to a house again. The proprietor was duly roused out and the way inquired. Again a German, so he must needs journey on. Two oi' three hours again passed in traveling in the dark, and at last, thank fortune, he came to another cabin. Again he pounded the owner up, who very reluctantly arose, and again he had struck the wrong nation, Germany was still to the fore. What should he or could he do? Nothing but journey on, evidently. A while later, dawn broke over the wilderness, and lo I before him a settler's cabin I lucky circumstance ! Now he would surely learn where he was! But what do these numerous fresh wagon-tracks about the house mean? and who is it that comes out? Only his " Nicht verstane " of the night before. What! Can it be ? traveled all night after himself ? Such are the facts.

During the winter of 1852, E. Mead and John Bear built a saw-mill at the junction of Morgan's and Honey Creek, on Section 5. They were assisted by the people in the vicinity, who, in order to get the mill ready for running as quickly as possible, turned in and helped them get out the timbers and erect it. It was started in the spring. They did a good business for two or three years, then sold out to T. Slinger, who has since run it, doing a poor business. There is talk of building a grist-mill, as there is a good water-power here and a mill is needed.

George Claridge, on Section 17, was sufficiently enterprising to rig up a mill several years ago; although it is a sort of original affair in the get-up, nevertheless, it does pretty fair grinding, and the farmers in the immediate vicinity get work done there.

L. Cooper, in 1877, opened a cheese-factory, which run a couple of years ; then, the property getting into litigation, the factory was closed, and, besides, it is said, that it did not pay.

There is a sorghum refinery on Section 29, owned by George Morgan, established this year, which is doing a very fair business, which will probably be better the coming year. There are no other manufacturing establishments in town than these.

There are two churches in town ; one a Catholic, at Logtown, that has a resident priest, and a Methodist Episcopal Church at White Mound, that has been established for some time, and which is auxiliary to the Spring Green Circuit, being supplied with a minister from that point.

Franklin was a precinct of Honey Creek until April 3, 1855,when, the town having been set off into a separate precinct, the first town meeting was held, and the town regularly organized and officers elected. The meeting was held at School District No. 1. Officers as follows: N. Mitchell, Chairman ; John Johnson and James Henry, Side Board ; T. J. Morgans, Clerk ; J. B. Carpenter, Treasurer ; Justin Carpenter, Assessor ; T. J. Morgans, Superintendent of Schools ; A. Sothard, George Matteson and G. E. Corbin, Justices ; J. Bancroft, R. Remrard, Constables. A tax of $150 was voted to defray town expenses, and seven mills on the dollar for road tax, the same as it yet remains. There were forty-four votes cast at this election.

The second annual meeting was held April 1, 1856. Officers - J. Bear, Chairman ; Sol Cramer and T. C. Peck, Side Board ; T. J. Morgans, Clerk ; J. B. Carpenter, Treasurer ; A. E. Lindly, Assessor ; F. C. Reynolds, Superintendent ; James Harvey, F. C. Reynolds and T. J. Morgans, Justices ; G. P. Howard and M. Ott, Constables.

The third annual meeting held April 7, 1857. Officers - N. Mitchell, Chairman ; H. Dickison and A. Stuthard, Side Board; T. J. Morgans, Clerk; Smith Phetteplace, Treasurer; J. Bear, Assessor and Superintendent ; T. J. Morgans, D. D. Thompson, Justices ; R. Rennard and A. Sweet, Constables.

The fourth annual meeting held April 6, 1858. Officers - J. Bear, Chairman ; D. D. Thompson and Nat Mitchell, Side Board; A. G. Burnham, Clerk; Eli Jones, Treasurer; J. Bear, Assessor ; J. Johnson, Superintendent ; A. G. Burnham, James Harvey, Justices ; R. Rennard, P. Donahue, W. Williams, Constables.

Fourteenth annual meeting held April 7, 1868. Officers - Joseph Bandel, Chairman ; A. Riek and George Gasser, Side Board ; T. J. Morgans, Clerk ; William Clarridge, Treasurer ; William Hudson, Assessor; T. J. Morgans and B. Calkins, Justices; J. Cramer and James Murray, Constables. Presidential election in November, 96 votes.

Town Of Honey Creek

This town is not equal in size to Bear Creek and Franklin, there being forty-eight Sections in Township 10. It is bounded north by Westfield and Freedom, south by Troy, east by Sumter and Prairie du Sac, and we«t by Franklin. In physical formation, it is generally more level than the southern tier of towns ; but is, nevertheless, quite broken in places and somewhat marshy. The soil presents nearly all the varieties to be found elsewhere in the county, only the predominating condition is better than the average for farming purposes, being mainly composed of a sandy loam, very rich in quality, and deep. There are numerous striking natural objects or formations existing in this town, the result of nature's upheavals and glacial streams. The most noticeable of these is a natural bridge, which is really a wonderful and beautiful production. We quote from the description given by R. D. Irving, State Geologist : '- On the northwest quarter of Section 17, a narrow, precipitous spur from a higher bluff", is worn entirely through, forming a natural bridge of considerable dimensions. The arch is about ten feet thick, the under-side being thirty feet from the ground, and the width of the archway thirty to forty feet. The upper portion of the rock is potsdam sandstone, containing the usual calcareous bands, and is highly charged with small pebbles of red quartzite. One thing in this connection, that may be regarded as peculiar in the light of history, is the fact that very many of the people living within a short distance of this beautiful object, have never seen it, and scarcely know that there is such a place. The town is magnificently watered by Honey Creek and numerous small streams that thread the land in all directions, and that flow southerly. How this principal stream came to be called Honey Creek is not positively known; but it is conjectured that it was owing to the large amount of wild honey that used to be found through this portion of the country, by the bee-hunters, who, at one time, made a regular business of gathering it for the market (as elsewhere stated). The obtaining of that kind of sweet cost less in experience, money and labor, than the subsequent manufacture of sweet by the people here, and paid better dividends in the end. The products of the town are very general, not being very exceptional in any particular, unless it be in the absence of beets. The inhabitants are largely German and Swiss, there being enough of other nationalities to fill up the niches. The people seem to be in a uniformly prosperous condition, as is evidenced by their comfortable homes and well-kept and well-tilled farms. The educational, moral and religious conditions are excellent in every respect, although, religiously, a great diversity of opinion prevails. There is not much done in the way of manufacturing, but a good deal of good stock is raiseil here, the country being well adapted to that purpose. In conclusion of these observations, it may be justly said that this town and adjacent country is as good, in most respects, as any in the county.

The settlement of the town began very early, compared with that of some contiguous towns. The very first comers here were Bartholomew Ragatz, and his sons-, Christian and Thomas. They came in and settled on Section 36, where Thomas Ragatz now lives, in July, 1842. There were then no white neighbors on the west or south of them, except Wilson and Turner, at Spring Green, and none nearer on Sauk Prairie than V. Accold and A. Wolf They immediately erected a cabin and proceeded to prepare outhouses and provender for their stock, as Mr. Ragatz brought fifteen head of cattle with him and as many head of hogs, his intention being to following stock-raising and dairying exclusively. At that time, raising pigs, when the woods were infested by famishing wolves, was a very risky undertaking, and one seldom attempted to such an extent by the early settlers. Nevertheless, Mr. Ragatz and sons had the good luck to get along all right with the enterprise, for, Avithin three years, they had fortv head of cattle and 100 hogs.

The Ragatz family also built the first bridge, and run the first road into Honey Creek. The bridge over the creek stood where the present one does.

The land in this town did not come into market until three years after Mr. Ragatz came ; consequently, before they could enter and pay for what they had claimed, they had made a large improvement.

Before they came permanently, Mr. Thilke and wife went on a prospecting tour, to see what they could " find them out." In going in they met with no serious difficulties, but in coming out they decided to return roundabout. When they got to Honey Creek, over which they had crossed all right in the morning, they found themselves in something of a dilemma, the only bridge they could find being a tree fallen over the stream. Mrs. Thilke protested that she could not walk the log, so John said he would crawl over on his hands and knees with his wife on his back. In this manner they started, but alas! when they were about half over, John slipped, and in they went, and were only able to get out with their lives. Mr. Thilke will remember his first, and most unwelcome bath in Honey Creek, to the end of his days.

Very soon after this, the two families came in and settled on what was then called Thilke's Prairie, now known as Little Prairie, one of the choicest tracts of land in the town. The same year they raised corn, potatoes, etc. Mr. Thilke, within a couple of years, sold his claim and moved to Sauk. Mr. Rose still lives here.

In 1847, several families came in nearly together, the heads of said families being F. Haas, M. Tane, H. Clement, George Van Eschen, V. Nold, F. Nold. Besides those above mentioned, there were B. Garish, H. Schneller, J. Saifer, G. F. Grone, Mr. H. Ochsner and several more not known, who came in from 1846 to 1850.

The first schoolhouse built in town is standing yet on Mr. Rose's farm, and yet serves the original purpose. It is an odd-looking little affair, and not well adapted to modern educational work.

A saw-mill was built in town in 1848 or 1840, by a Mr. Leland. It had a large undershot wheel, and was altogether one of those groaning, squeaky old affairs that used to slowly tluash out the lumber.

In 1868, the firm of Koenig & Pazel built a grist-mill at this point. It has two runs of stones, with water-head about seven feet. Turbine wheels are now used. It stands on Section 17.

Mr. Ragatz brought in a horse-team as early as 1845; very many of the first settlers were too poor to own any teams at all, and had to carry everything on their backs or go without.

The first regular breaking-team was run by the Ragatz fiimily; the rig consisted of six yokes of cattle and a thirty-inch breaking plow. They obtained for breaking from $2.25 to $2.75 per acre.

Of the ancient contrivances in vogue here at an early day the wagons made with wheels sawed off from the ends of big logs, were, perhaps, the most conspicuous. With these the Germans would trundle contentedly to town, asking no odds of any one, only their share of the prairies and bluffs to travel on.

Henry Ochsner, brought in a reaper about twenty-five years ago. Before that time, and even after, the ancient sickle, with lame backs to back it, cut the grain, together with the more modern contrivance - a cradle.

When the Ragatz family came into town, the Indians were very plenty, and had a village of sixty or seventy families located on the land that they claimed. This lot of Indians hung around until 1851, in the meantime having moved their village to what is known as Kohl's Hill. At that time, one night, the Bucks got hungry and tried to break into the cabin of Christopher Huerly, a lame tailor, who had no gun. Huerly's cries for assistance at last roused his neighbors, who went to his rescue, firing their guns as they went. At this, the Indians withdrew, blowing their deer-calf signals. The morning after, fifteen or twenty men, armed with guns, went to the Indian camp and told the chief that he must leave. The next day they went and for good, never coming back, only in small parties, to hunt and fish, or to visit some of their white friends and their old homes. The last they still continue to do, occasionally.

An ad\'enture with a wolf, that occurred here, is well worthy of a description. It happened as follows: The Rev, Henry Esch, who was preacher for the German Methodists here in 1850, was almost as fond of hunting or adventure as of his Bible, and, being a man of bulk, brawn and intelligence, he was a power in either direction. He was as fearless as a lion and almost as powerful. One evening, after being out, he returned late to Father Ragatz's, as he is familiarly called, and hearing two large dogs barking fiercely, he thought he would take an ax and go and interview the intruder. When he got to them, what should he find but a huge gray wolf, being assailed by the dogs. The wolf was so occupied watciiing the dogs that he did not heed the approach of Mr. Esch, who managed to get near enough to give the wolf a whack on the head. The blow staggered the wolf but did not lay him out. Esch then jumped a-straddle of his back, and, grabbing the animal by the nape of the neck, succeeding in beating his brains out. He was a monster, measuring seven feet from the point of nose to tip of tail.

Of the various deprivations endured here, it is almost useless to speak. Every one had a share in that kind of experiencCj and all know well enough what it is to endure hunger and want.

On the 28th of July, 1844, the first religious services of this sect were held in the frame schoolhouse in what is now Sauk City, by Johannes Sybert, first Bishop of this denomination in America. With him came Rev. J. G. Mueller, who made an appointment to come and preach here once in four weeks. He came at intervals for two years, then the Rev. Mathias Hauert took his place. Rev. Samuel Baumgartner was the Presiding Elder, after the establishment of the mission, for nearly four years. While the Rev. Hauert was in charge, a Sabbath school was organized in the winter of 1846. The Rev, Hauert continued in charge until 1848, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Christian Lintner, who remained but a year, then Rev. Henry Esch came. On the 12th of October, 1850, a protracted meeting was commenced by him, under the auspices of Bishop Sybert and Rev. S. Baumgartner, at the house of Father Ragatz, and which resulted in the conversion of seventy or eighty persons. The Rev. Henry Esch remained but one year, until 1851, then the Kev. Christian Lintner came. Previous to this time, for about two years, the people had been preparing to build a house of worship, which was finally erected early in 1851, and was dedicated A.pvil8,ofthe above year by the Rev. S. Bauragartner. The land upon which thec\iuvc\\ vfas located was six acres, a gift from Father Ragatz. In 1852, Rev. C. A. Schnake came to the charge. During that year, this mission was converted into a self-supporting circuit, the minister receiving no salary outside his charge. At that time, the Rev. J. J, Escher was Presiding Elder of the district. The first parsonage was completed during the summer of 1852, and on the 15th of September following, the Rev. Schnake and family moved in. The first camp-meeting of the society occurred in the summer of 1853, at which twenty persons were converted. In 1854, the Rev. J. Riegel was stationed here, then in 1855, the Rev. George Fleischer came. At that time, H. Rohland was Presiding Elder. In 1856, the Wisconsin Conference of this denomination was organized.

In 1856, the Rev. C. A. Schnake was re-appointed, the Rev. J. George Escher then being Presiding Elder. In 1857, the Rev. C. Pfeil came. The Wisconsin Conference held its session here in the spring of 1858. Two ministers were then appointed to this circuit, the Rev. 0. Ragatz and Rev. N. Schuck. The Rev. I. Kuter came in 1859. C. A. Schnake was then Presiding Elder. Rev. Goerge Schafer was appointed in 1860 : after him, Rev. James Harlacher and Rev. P. Jenny. In 1852, the Rev. Halacher and Rev. G. Schwantes. In 1863, Rev. F. Huelster and G. Schwantes-: - August Iluelster then Presiding Elder. In 1864, Rev. Huelster and Rev. F. Stroebel. In 1865, J. M. Hammetter and F. Stroebel. In 1866, the Rev. J. M. Hammetter and Rev. F. Moser. In 1867, Rev. P. Held and A. Rasch. In 1868, Rev. P. Held and 0. Kuederling. In 1869, Rev. C. F. Finger and W. Kaun. In 1870, Rev. C F. Finger and H. Uphoif. In 1871, Rev. H. Guelich and H. UphoflF. During that year, the circuit was divided into East and West Sauk Circuits. In 1872, Rev. H. Guelich. In 1873-74-75, Rev. T. Umbreit. In 1875, the present fine church was built, of stone, with a basement, costing $5,500; the present parsonage was built in 1868, at a cost of $2,000. This church is one of the best in the State. In 1876, the Rev. J. C. Brendel. In 1879, P. Speich, the present Pastor, came to the charge. There are 119 members in this society ; in Sauk, 56 ; east part of town, 62 members.

EmanueVs Churcli, of the above denomination, in this town, was built in 1868, during the ministration of Rev. P. Held, of the Salem Circuit. In October, Bishop E. E. Escher dedicated the church. In 1872, the congregation of this church were assigned to the ministrations of the minister of the Bethlehem Church of the town of Troy, which connection they still maintain. The church cost about $600. There are forty members.

Zions Kirche, built of logs, was erected in 1859, at a cost of $350. It is located on William H. Deuzer's land, in this town. The first minister was the Rev. Israel Kuter.

There is also a branch station of the Sauk City Humanists in this town. They have a hall, and are in a thriving condition. The membership is not large. (For further information, see Sauk City.)

The first election recorded for the town of Honey Creek, was held at J. A. Stams' April 3, 1849, when the following officers were elected : J. M. Cass, Chairman ; J. Davis and Dewitt Slauter, Side Board; H. B. Stams, Clerk; James Taylor, Treasurer; H. Kifer, Assessor; D. Capells, Superintendent of Schools ; J. Sprecher, J. Davis and J. Rogu, Justices; A. Hennington, Thomas Wells and Daniel Held, Constables. No appropriations were made at this election, owing to the fact that the voters did not know what they could legally do until they obtained a copy of the town laws.

At the first regular meeting of Supervisors, May 14, it was decided to have a road from the end of the Helena road, on Big Hill, running northeast between Sections 14 and 15 to Little Prairie.

Tax for town expenses was laid at 5 mills on the dollar for town expenses, 2.] mills for support of schools and 5 mills for maintaining roads.

Second annual meeting, held April 2, 1850 ; election held at house of J. W. Harris. Officers - J. Davis, Chairman ; D. Slauter and J. W. Harris, Side Board ; H. B. Stams, Clerk ; James A. Taylor, Treasurer; T. J. Morgans, Assessor; $150 tax for town expenses; 1^- mills on the dollar for schools, and roads as above. Tax collected, $271.18.

Third annual meeting held April 1, 1851. Officers - G. Albertus, Chairman ; J. Ragatz and A. Roll, Side Board ; F. E. Watermeier, Clerk ; H. Ochsner, Treasurer; B. Ragatz ; T. E. Watermeier, Superintendent; three Constables were appointed to keep the discordant elements at peace ; tax, $233.

Eighth annual meeting April 7, 1856. Officers - J. F. Grone. Chairman ; G. F. Albertus, and J. A. Taylor, Side Board ; J. B. Lancamp, Clerk ; M. Leikham, Treasurer ; A. Roll, Assessor ; C. Parker, Superintendent.

Tenth annual meeting April 6, 1858. Officers - G. Nippert, Chairman ; N. Sneller and F. Ragatz, Side Board ; J. J. Gattiker, Clerk ; A. Roll, Treasurer ; U. Henry, Assessor ; A. Wilcox, Superintendent.

Eleventh annual meeting April 5, 1859. Officers - H. Ochsner, Chairman ; G. Jacobs and L. Sneller, Side Board ; A. Hill, Clerk ; A. Roll, Treasurer ; William Klaes, Assessor.

At a special meeting held the 7th of January, 1864, it was voted to offer a bounty of $200 to each person who should volunteer in the town, and, if the United States did not pay a bounty, they would pay $300 to each person necessary to fill out the town quota. The board were authorized to borrow what money should be needed for this purpo.sc. A special meeting was held January 23, 1864, for the purpose of raising money to aid in the support of the families of those who had paid $300 commutation money, and the sum of $25 was voted for each family ; also a motion was made and carried to raise $200 for each family, the head of which was drafted ; $2,000 were paid for bounties this year, besides personal subscriptions.

Sixteenth annual meeting April 5, 1864. Officers - L. Sneller, Chairman ; C. Schumm and A. Hageback, Side Board ; f. F. Grone, Clerk ; J. Schiess, Treasurer ; William Klaes, Assessor. This year $2,000 were paid to volunteers.

Seventeenth annual meeting April 4, 1865. Officers - G. F. Albertus, Chairman ; G. Nippert and A. Hageback, Side Board; J. F. Grone, Clerk; J. Schiess, Treasurer; A. Roll, Assessor. A volunteer fund of $6,883 was raised by special tax this year.

Merrimack, being in the extreme east part of the county, was one of the first settled, and is therefore one of the oldest, towns in the county. It was at first a part of the town of Kingston^ what is now known as Sumter. The town is irregular in shape and small in size, there being not more than twenty-seven sections of land all told. On the southwest it is bordered by the Wisconsin, on the north by Greenfield, on the east by Columbia County, and on the west by Sumter.

The surface is broken, and the soil highly diversified, from the richest alluvial to the poorest quality of light sand. Along the northern boundary of the town extend the Baraboo Bluff's, with their rough and uninviting surface. On the east, along the river, the prevailing character of the soil is light sand, with uneven surface. In the southwestern part, bordering on the river, the soil is better, being made up largely of black sand and rich alluvial deposits. Nature, in shaping this portion of the country, and in contributing a variety of qualities or properties to the soil, seems to have been unusually prodigal, if not thoroughly beneficial, in her bequests. The town is fairly well timbered with the various species indigenous to this portion of the country (as spoken of elsewhere) ; and, taking the general attributes of climate, soil, timber and water into account, there are many worse places to live. The products are principally cereals and stock. Hops are also raised more largely, and sorghum. At one time and another there has been a good deal of milling done, which covers the ground of manufacturing pursued here entirely, unless we except the minor considerations of sorghum molasses making, dairying and the various mechanical pursuits followed. There is much to be seen here that is attractive to the tourist and curiosity seeker, as the cavernous gulches and singular mounds of the prehistoric, which abound here as largely, perhaps, and which are as singular in appearance, as in any other portion of the county. One very peculiar natural formation is Porprey's Glen (named after an original owner) ; another form, the creation of man, is a mound on Section 3, doubtless intended to represent a bird. It is very large, being 240 feet from tip to tip of its wings. Other features might be mentioned in this connection, but it is scarcely necessary, as they are not sufficiently striking or unusual. The inhabitants represent nearly all nationalities, from the hardy Welsh, Scotch, English and Americans in the north, to the Germans and Irish in the south. The social, intellectual and religious status is good ; although almost every shade and diff"erence of opinion prevails. Taking all things into account, the condition of the people is average.

It appears from records that the town was not organized until April 3, 1855, then, according to previous notice, the qualified voters of the then town of Kingston, residing in Township 10 and 11, met at the hall of W. P. Flanders, in the village of Merrimack, at 9 o'clock A. M., for the purpose of organizing a new town. The town was named Merrimack by Mrs. J. B. Train, after the town of Merrimack in New Hampshire. At election, E. G. Buck was Chairman of Inspection, and Samuel W. Hovey and Luther Crosby, Inspectors.

The first officers as follows : M. Quiggle, Chairman ; L. W. W. Hovey and M. Brindlur, Side Supervisors ; H. W. Manly, Assessor ; James G. Train, Treasurer ; Charles Naffy, Clerk ; Norman Wood, Superintendent of Schools ; J. Quiggle, Samuel Shaw, and J. M. Haines, Justices of Peace ; J. M. Emerson, Constable.

When the Baraboo Airline Railroad Company was discussing the project of running through the county, the property-holders and voters of the town convened August 27, 1870, and voted to bond the town to pay the railroad company $10,000, if the road was run through the town. The bonds were accepted by the company, and the railroad run through the town, but up to date they remain unpaid, although, according to some, the railroad has off"ered to compromise for one-half the sum. The chances are now that there will be a suit instituted against the town by the road, to get the money. What will be the termination of the affair cannot be suggested. The townspeople are largely unanimous in repudiating the bonds, and will doubtless make a stiff fight for what they consider right under the circumstances. When the bonds were voted, there were ninety-nine for giving them and sixty-six against.

The first man to emigrate hither and settle permanently was George Wood, who came in 1843 : after him, in 1844, Zaeth Eldridge came in. In 1847, D. B. Randall, who is now the oldest settlor in town, came to Merrimack. Before 1850, as nearly as can be ascertained, there were Chester Mattson, George Grant, Thomas Trott, W. P. Flanders, William Thile, C. Steidtman, Robert Coulborn, S. Hovey, N. Furst, L. Crosby, I. Emerson, Hiram Bailey, Herman Kuntz, George Fris and D. and T. Swartz. There were several more whose names cannot be ascertained, as they have mostly died or departed.

The milling business spoken of is now a thing of the past, the several mills that have been erected having long since ceased to saw or grind ; the first one was a grist-mill, built as early as 1844 or 1845, by H. Searl, on Section 4, on what is known as Searl's Creek, it had not been up more than two months, when a freshet undermined the dam and swept everything to rack and ruin. It was not rebuilt.

The next person to enter the field was David King, who, two or three years after the above disaster, bought whatever was valuable left of the Searl mill, and, building a mill near the bluffs, on the same stream, began operations. Two or three years subsequent the mill burned. He soon after rebuilt a saw-mill, which, subsequently, after his death, in 1855, became the property of a Mr. Naragong. Mr. King also started a distillery, which passed into the hands of Fred Roper.

Mr. Naragong put an engine into the old mill. Previous to this, undershot or overshot wheels had been used here altogether. Mr. Naragong's enterprise proved a failure.

In 1856 or 1857, Fordice Roper built, which soon after passed into the hands of Fred Roper, who moved the still to the mill and refitted it. This institution run for a few years, until the tariff on whisky stopped it.

The Roper Mill passed into the hands of Mr. J. Gibbs about 1860, then afterward Robert Porprey bought it. Before Porfrey got it, it had a forty-foot overshot wheel, which, with various other traps, cost about $3,500. Porprey put in a sixty-foot wheel and run it a while, then changed to turbine, or something similar, and run for a time ; then like the rest, it went quietly to rest.

The Humanist Society started here as early as 1848, with Carl Duer for speaker ; he was also connected with the Sauk City Society of the same name. They have a hall in town, but the society is not very large.

The Methodists have held services here for a good many years, and have organized two different societies, one at Merrimack in 1852, with but few members, and one at the Bluffs in 1856, with five or six members. The class at the Bluffs erected a house of worship, 20x30, in 1860, calling it the Chapel. The society at Merrimack erected one in 1876, as subsequently described.

The first actual settler here is said to have been a man by the name of Brown, who came as early as 1846, and built a cabin, then soon after mysteriously disappeared. After him came Chester Mattson, the originator of the old State road scheme and ferry. He came in 1847, and during the ensuing winter succeeded in getting a charter for a State road and ferry. Soon after this tlie road was regularly laid out, and very soon we find a stage making regular trips over it, and Mattson engaged in transporting teams and passengers over the river. The road was known as Mattti ferry road. Mattson started the second building in the place for a tavern, but did not finish it, although it was occupied by a man by the name of Grant for a brief time. Mattson was appointed Postmaster here as early as 1849, the place receiving the name of the Postmaster General in honor of the circumstance.

In 1849, James Flanders came here and selected a quantity of land, and entered it for W. P. Flanders, his brother, who bought the land for the settlers who could not pay themselves, he taking bonds from them to secure the pay. Of this land, which extended over a large area, there is left, in this immediate vicinity, about twelve hundred acres, a part of this being in a grain and stock farm of 500 acres. Very soon after the purchase of the land, W. P. Flanders came on, and within a short time after, purchased Mattson's interest in the town and ferry for $700. Mr. Flanders also' made arrangements for building and starting a store. At first, a stock of goods was brought on, about 1852, and the store opened in the basement of a building now used for a dwelling-house, in Lot 7, Block 1. of the town plat. In 1852, a store building was started, but before it was entirely completed, it was burned, as was thought, by an incendiary. Not to be discouraged, however, Mr. Flanders immediately commenced another building, which, within a few months, was finished and stocked with goods. This was the first permanent store, with W. P. Flanders as owner, and J. M. Hanes as clerk.

In 1854, Mr. Flanders sold out to J. M. Haines, L. Hodgson and Mr. Sturdevant. This firm continued but a few years, and then sold to James Seville, Jr. While Seville was in possession the store burned up slick and clean ; so ended the first store.

About 1853 or 1854, Mr. Flanders finished building the hotel, which had been started by Mattson. After the hotel was completed it was christened the Ferry House, the first landlord being Mr. Hartwig, This hotel is still running, Mr. Henry Bensens being the proprietor. During the staging days, and when the railroad Avas building, it did an excellent business.

There was a warehouse built down near the river as early as 1851, from which the Sauk City enterprise used to transport various products to market, and bring back such supplies as were not hauled here from Madison and Portage by teams.

In 1855, Mr. T. Emery and Mr. H. Morey built a blacksmith shop for Mr. Flanders. A man by the name of Thatcher was installed first smith, and after him a Mr. Pierce.

Ansel True started a store here after Seville burned out. Soon after came C. C. Noise, then the present L. M. Smith began in trade here, and after him Mr. Tyler and Mr. Jones.

The saw-mill and chair factory of H. M. Jones, which stands on the extreme edge of the village, near the river, was built and started in 1858. The institution, which is now literally rotting down, was gotten up quite elaborately, the building and machinery costing in the neighborhood of $5,000. Mr. Jones conducted the mill about two years, at first ; then, through various involvements with a moneyed partner, it passed from his control, never having been used enough since to pay the interest on the money invested in it. At the present time, it is too far gone to ever be resuscitated. If manufacturing could be done here, it would be well for the place.

In 1872, the railroad arrived here, to the great delight of the residents, who then thought that, in all probability, the place would grow in size quite rapidly. The depot which was built at that time is a very good one, it being unusually large for a small town. Mr. Flanders was largely instrumental in getting the road run through here, he having paid $5,000 down in cash as an inducement to have it cross the river at this point. In connection with the road are a stock-yard and warehouse, but, owing to the large amount of produce shipped at this point, which appears to be increasing yearly, the warehouse is considered, by many, not large enough, and there is, at present, talk of building another, that the accommodations may be ample. From 150 to 200 car loads of stock, and from forty to fifty car loads of grain, are sent to market from this point annually. This is a remarkable showing for so small a place.

The railroad bridge is one of the important and attractive features to be seen here. It is an immense affair, made of iron, and extending a distance of 1,900 feet over the Wisconsin. It was built bj Fox, Howard & Co., of Chicago, in 1877, and stands directly in the path and on the same spot where the wooden bridge stood before, which was built in 1871. The piers on which the bridge rests are supported by piles sunk in the bed of the stream, and which were cut off beneath the surface of the water at the time the piers were built. These are of stone masonry, so built as to resist effectually the effects of the spring freshets. After the bridge was completed, its strength was tested by running three or four engines on one span. The aggregate weight of the engines was much greater than that of the span, but, notwithstanding, they did not settle it more than three-eighths of an inch, so tremendous is the strength of this network of iron. Immediately after they were withdrawn, it returned to its former position, not being affected in the least by the enormous weight placed upon it. It is regarded by good judges as one of the very best bridges in the State, and, mechanically, is considered as being au fait. The total cost was about ^800,000. It is forty-five feet above low-water mark.

The first school Avas taught here in a log schoolhouse, which stood nearly opposite where L. M. Smith's store is now located. After this, about 1854 or 1855, a small frame building was erected, which was used for several years. In 1876, another house was built, and the old one sold to James H. Smith for a dwelling house. In 1879, an addition was made to the last-mentioned building, increasing it in size suflScient to accommodate two departments. The first records were burned, consequently nothing further can be given relating to the early particulars. There are now 128 pupils registered. In 1879, the district was re-organized, as it was then discovered that this district, in common with all but one in the town, had been operating illegally.

Merrimack has a Good Templar's Lodge at present. For many years previous to the starting of this (or the second lodne), there was one in the town, which held its meetings in the chapel. The second lodge. Riverside, No. 129, was organized in 1872, flourished finely for a time, then gradually subsided. The present lodge, Riverside, No. 500, was established last year, by Jenny Nash, and is now in a flourishing condition and has a large membership.

A Grange club also meets here, but, as the genius that instigated that movement has ceased to actuate the farmers, this, like the majority of the lodges, will probably soon be numbered among the have-beens, having perished to give place to some equally injudicious and unnecessary movement.

Merrimack has a fine church, erected by the Methodists in 1876, at a cost of about ^3,000. It is built of brick, and has basement for Sabbath school, etc. This is now used by the town for holding town meetings, there being no town hall. Religious services are not held here regularly at the present time, there not being a settled minister at this point.

In this connection may be mentioned the Park Hill Cemetery Association. This organization was founded and formed December 19, 1865, by the following persons : T. Emery, S. Wheeler, S. Roby, L. N. Smith, L. Wright, William Rutterfield, James Morey and George S. Shepherd. Subsequently, two acres of land were purchased, and laid out suitably in lots, which are sold at $7 each. Mr. Wheeler was the first one buried in the cemetery, but already, since that time, numerous headstones rise from the ground to mark the spot of the final rest.

To sum up briefly, the village was first called Colamar after the Postmaster General who appointed Mattson Postmaster, but' was subsecjuently changed to Merrimack, after the town. The village was platted at quite an early day by Mr. Flanders. The location is suitable for the building up of a handsome village, which may eventually be done. The diflerent Postmasters have been, after Mattson : J. M. Haines, 1855 ; then Messrs. Hodgson, Percy, Terril and True. In 1860, the present Postmaster, D. G. Tyler, was appointed. The business of the place is represented now by four stores, two blacksmiths, one hotel and one saloon.

Town Of Prairie Du Sac

place of settlement in the county. It is considerably below the average m size, it being only about thirty-one sections in area. It is bordered irregularly on the south and east by the Wisconsin, and on the north by the town of Sumter, and on the west by the towns of Honey Creek and Troy. The surface of the country is prairie, interspersed with undulating and slightly hilly tracts. The soil is not above the average, although it is by no means of a poor quality in many localities, or so worthless as to preclude the possibility of a profitable cultivation. It may be generally described as a light, sandy loam, and excellently well adapted to horticultural purposes, it being naturally very warm and friable. However, all kinds of grain are grown here, corn considered the best average crop raised in the way of cereals. Of fruits, an abundance of wild and cultivated grapes, currants and berries, are raised, and stock both for marketing and dairying are grown here extensively. The town is well watered by Honey and Otter Creeks. The latter, a small stream, is entirely absorbed by a desolate sandy tract of land in the south part of the town, and the most worthless in town. Of timber, there is a somewhat limited supply, yet there is enough to supply the wants of the present generating, and, may be, one or two more. The inhabitants are principally German, although there is a liberal sprinkling of other nationalities. The social and moral status is good, and will compare favorably with that of adjoining towns. Churches and schools are liberally provided and well patronized. Of manufacturing in the town, it may be said, there is about all done in that direction that there is a legitimate demand for, from brewing beer to grinding grain, or from making plows to building reapers. Commercial pursuits are and always have been confined to the villages, which, with their early settlement, are fully described in another chapter.

The very early settlement, and events connected therewith, occurred at the villages, and are thus fully mentioned. However, of those who settled on the prairie at an early day, aside from the village residents, we present such names as could be obtained. These were Louis Accola, Mr. Wollf, John McQuacker, Mr. Freeman, George Luetcher, Nat and Josh Perkins, T. Tabor, J. Keyser, H. B. Staines, James Taylor, J. R. Woodruff, R. H. Davis, Ed Tabor, H. Stiver, Mr. Thatcher, the Waterburys, Capt. Watson, Mr. Bryant and a few others. The majority of the first-comers are dead, or departed have to other scenes. By 1850, the country in this section was pretty well settled, and continued to fill up very rapidly until all of the land was taken.