Vernon County, Wisconsin - Village and Town of Viroqua, 1884

Village and Town of Viroqua

A third of a century ago, the beautiful and enterprising village of Viroqua had its origin. While there may be nothing really remarkable in the development of the past, or anything peculiarly striking in the present, still there is much that cannot fail to he of interest to those who have been closely connected and identified with the city in all the various changes that have occurred. To those who have watched the growth and progress from its earliest origin, when Venioii county, then called Bad Ax, was but a wilderness, until the present time, the acoomplishment of by-gone days would Seem now like a great task, but it is, in fact, the sure and legitimate results of an advanced state of civilization.

Viroqua is situated in the civil town of Viroqua, a little southwest of the center_ of the countjr. The village is surrounded by some of the finest and most productive agricultural and stock-raising lands in the western part of the State, which is a guarantee of a permanent and ever increasing trade. This is the terminus of the Viroqua and Sparta branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, and therefore the marketing facilities of the place are fully equal to the necessities of the communit}'.

There are many imposing and substantial brick blocks to be seen upon the business streets and a stroll about tlie place discloses many fine and elegant residences. The location of Viroqua, being upon one of the highest eminences in the county, is exceedingly healthy; the inhabitants are possessed of high intelligence, and the

Early Days

When tlie earliest settlers came upon the site now occupied by the village of Viroqua they found a most inviting spot. As it is expressed by one of the pioneers, the site was a kind of an oak opening, interspersed with large oak trees, scattered irregularly over the surface. Adjacent to the north laid the fertile Round Prairie - as inviting a spot as could be found in the west. The very first settlement uiion the site was made by Moses Decker. In 1846 he came here prospecting and selected land whirh is described as the east half of the southeasi ([uarterof section 32, and the west half of the southeast quarter of section 31, town 13, range 4 west. The same fall his sons Solomon and Reasoner came and erected the first building upon the site of the village. They also did some breaking and began other improvements upon the land. The log cabin which they erected stood about where the door-yard or garden, surrounding the present brick cottage of James H. Layne, now is. After attending to these improvements, the boys returned to Illinois, from whence they had come. In the following year, 1847, the whole family came and moved into the building that had been erected. In 1850 Moses Decker erected another building within a few feet of the first one. This was of hewn logs. Although much improved, having been weather-boarded, this building is still standing, the oldest building in the place. In 1850 Mr. Decker had the original village sur-

Moses Decker, tlie first settler on the plat of the village of Viroqiia, was born in Orange Co., N. Y., of German pirentage. He removed with his parents to Muskingum Co., Ohio, when a boy, where he grew to manhood and was married to Elizabeth Reasoner, subsequently removing with his family to Mercer Co., 111. He had a family of fourteen children, eight of whom, five sons and three daughters, are living. Josei^h and Menry, the two eldest sons, reside in Ohio." Solomon, who had grown to manhood when the family came to Viroqua, and where he lived for many years, is now in California. Lewis R., or "Dede," as he is familiarly known, is in Stevens, Minn. Tiioraas J., the youngest son, is now in Kansas. The daughters are: Eliza J., wife of Ira Stevens, of Victory,in this county; Sarah A. is the wife George Nicholas, of Chain Lakes, Minn., and Elizabeth, wife of Owen Rice, of California.

In the meantime, in 1850, Rufus Dunlap had come from Dane Co., Wis. He brought with him a large family and the remainder of a stock of goods, coming across the country by way of Baraboo, with teams. He purchased two acres of ground where the Park Hotel how stands and erected a log building, with two wings. In this building he placed his stock of goods and opened up a hotel or public house. Duulap'.s was the first store in Viroqua. He kept dry goods, occasionally groceries, and a stock of crockery ware lasted from the time he went in business until the time of his death in 1858.

In 1850 Orin Wisel came to Viroqua from near Liberty Pole, in the town of Franklin, where he had made a claim. He put up a board shanty a few feet north of where the rremont Hotel now stands, hauling lumber from the saw mill in the town of Kickapoo. He was a blacksmith by trade, and opened a shop, here, which he continued for a short time, and then removed to Readstown. He was a strong democrat, quite a politician, and was elected the first county clerk and clerk of the circuit" court of Bad Ax county.

During the same year, 1850, Moses Decker erected the old school, meeting and court house, which stood upon lots now occupied by the Williams Block. This little building was the scene of all public doings in early days; it was used for schools, dances, religious services and as a court house. It is fully described in the chapter upon the courts of the county, the first term of court having been held in it.

During this month William V. Terhune, the first educated lawyer in the county, came with his wife and hicated in the village. He at once became a leading spirit among the settlers While the county had been organized, yet the wheels of county goverment had not yet been fairly put in motion. He became a sort of deputy for the county at large, opening the books for the various offices and otherwise perfecting the SJ^stem of county government. Mrs. Terhune opened a subscription school in the little log court house.

During the same fall, for the accomodation of Judge Terhune, Isaac and Solomon Decker erected a small building about 12x10 feet in size, which stood upon the lot now occupied by the Proctor & Tollefson bnihling. This was the first frame building erected in the village. Judge Terhune occupied the building as a residence during the following winter. This building was afterwards removed to the corner where now stands the Tremont Hotel, and was used as an addition to that building.

During the summer and fall of 1852, the building for years known as the Buckeye House was erected by Terhune & Bullard. This was the first frame building of any size erected in the county. It was constructed of the old timber or barn like frame. A number of the old settlers, among whom were James Foster, S. C. ].iincoln, Cyrus Gillett, Rufus Gillett, Gilbert Herrick and others, worked upon the building under the direction of John Longley and W. A. Bull.ird, who might he called quasi carpenters. In those days there were no genuine carpenters; but any one who could handle a maul or drive a nail, worked at the trade. The lumber was drawn from Readstown, on the Kickapoo, where a saw-mil! had been erected by Daniel Read. The building stood upon the corner directly north of the present store of Clarke Brothers. The building was occupied as a tavern with a wing attached for a law office until 1854, when the front part, was rented to McAuley & Mc- Cormick for a store. They occupied it for a time, then Bullard sold his interest in the building to Dr. James Rusk, who occupied part ol the building a'ld Judge Terhune the balance. This continued until about 18G:i, when Rusl bought Terhune's interest. After the decease of Dr. Rusk, lion. Carson Graham bought the building and owned it until it was burned to the ground, in 1878. Mrs. Carson Graham still owns the lot upon which tlie building stood.

Eai'ly in the spring of 1853 a man named Trott came to the village and bought the lot which is now occupied by the residence of Mrs. Randall. Upon this he erected a small dwelling house; it was frame, boarded up and down and battened.

During 1854 the_ meagre settlement of Viroqua received a number of additions. Among those who came were: James E. Newell, Israel and Aaron White, William Huntington, Joseph Buckley, Johnson. Smith, J. B. Glassforl, Thomas Crawford and Arza and John Strait J. E.. Newell erected a building which stoid just back of where J. H. Tates store ni w is.

Israel White came from Ohio, and died about ten days after his arrival. His son, Aaron, erected a store building upon the corner opposite the Park Hotel; he also purchased a building tliat had been erected by William Huntington. Joseph Buckley erected a dwelling house where William Taylor now lives, which was destroyed by the tornado. Johnson Smith came in May, 1854, and built a dwelling and store where* Layne's machinery depot is now located. J. B. Glassford bought a building that had been erected by Thomas Crawford, and put up a little store upon the lot now occupied by Peter Nelson's grocery. Arza Strait came from Ohio; he erecteda little building near the center of block 14. The dingy little room which the building contained, was the scene of many rough times in early days. John Strait came at about the same time as did Arza, and erected a little house where the widow Day now lives. He died there.

Since 1854 the growth of Viroqua has been steady and sure. It has met and out lived all the difficulties which have in times past impeded the growth of this country. The crash of 1857; the hard times of the war during the sixties, and the financial panic and depression of 1873; all marked epochs or mile posts, as it were, in the history of Viroqua, as a village.

In 1879 the railroad was completed to Viroqua, and since that time the growth of the village has been very rapid . The track was completed to this place during the latter part of August, and the first train reached here early in September. The citizens indulged in a spirited celebration.

Business Development

The starting point in the business life of Viroqua has already been treated at length. For many years the stores were general and all carried almost every class of goods, but as the business of Viroqua began to assume larger proportions, the general merchandise began to separate, and the various stores, as a rule, handled one line exclusively. In this connec- tion will be presented a history of each of the various lines of trade, giving the first and that in 1 -'84, interwoven with the personal history of some of the most prominent business men.

The next general merchandise store was started by Henry Nichols & Sons, in the spring of 1852. They put up a building on the corner now occupied by Clarke Brothers' store, which was the first store building erected in the village. It was about 20x60 feet in size and one story high. This firm continued in business until 1857, when the father retired and the sons under the firm name of L. W. Nichols & Brothers continued the business for one year. At the expiration of this time M. C. Nichols withdrew and bought out Powell & Dawson. Henry Nichols withdrew and started a store at Liberty Pole. L. W. Nichols conducted the business for about one year, when he removed the stock of goods to the Mississippi river. About two years later lie came back to Viroqua and became the partner of M. C. Nichols, as Nichols Brothers. This continued for about five years, when he moved to Iowa. Later, he returned and again went into partnership, remaining until 1877, when he went to Kansas, where he still lives.

Henry Nichols, one of the pioneer merchants of Vernon county, was a native of Providence, R. I., born Nov. 22, 1790. He was the son of a sea captain. After the death of his father, he removed with his mother, whose maiden name was Burnham, to western New I'ork. From there, after the death of his mother, he removed to near White Pigeon, Mich. There he was married. His wife lived but a few years, and after her death, he removed with his only child, George S., to Ohio. Leaving his son there in care of friends, he went to St. Louis, Mo., and joined the Ashley expedition, which was sent in 1823, by the Hudson Bay Company, to trap for furs and trade with the Indians in the Rocky mountain region. About fifty men started on the expedition, and after spending two years traveling over the whole territory between the Yellowstone and Platte rivers, and enduring many hardships and privations, and having many conflicts with hostile Indians and wild animals, he, with but eighteen others, returned. After spending a year or two on the lower Mississippi, he settled in Hancock Co., 111., where he married Delia Whitney, a daughter of Luther Whitney, with whom he lived on a farm near Warsaw until her death, which occurred in 1848. During his residence there, he served one term as probate judge of the county. In 1849 he moved with his family to Le Claire, Scott Co., Iowa, where he commenced his mercantile life. In 1852 he moved to Vernon Co., Wis., where, with his son Luther, under the firm name of H. Nichols & Son, he started the pioneer store of Viroqua. He continued in business until 1857, when he retired. In 1856 he was married to Mrs. Lydia Van Wagnen, with whom he lived utitil her de.ith in 1870. Jle was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than half a century, and took an active part in moral and religious work, and at the advanced age of eighty-five years, loved and respected by all who knew him, he died at his home in Viroqua, June 28, 1876.

In Memory Of The Late Henry Nichols

He was the father of ten children, all of whom, excepting George S., were born in Hancock Co., III. George S., was born near White Pigeon, Mich., and settled in the town of Sterling, in this county, in 1849. He served four years in the 8th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and in 1866, removed to Martin Co., Minn., where he still resides. Chloe died in childhooil. Sophronia married John C. Elliott, and moved to Hamilton, Butler Co., Ohio, where she died in 1856, at the age of thirtj' years. Luther W., went with his father to Iowa; from there to Wisconsin, where he remained until until 1877, when he moved to Speareville, Kan., where lie now resides. He was married in 1855, to Almira C. White, daughter of William F. White, one of' the old settlers of the county. Henry B., went from Iowa to California, in 1850; from there to Wisconsin in 1854. He was married in 1858, to Lizzie Williams, who died a few years aftei'ward. In 1862 he assisted in raising a company of the 19th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry; was commissioned second lieutenant and was subsequently made captain. After the close of the war, he located at Norfolk, Va, where he married Sallie A. Shipp, and where lie still resides. William died in boyhood. Marshall C, is the only one of the family now a resident of Vernon county, a short biography of whom will be found in another page of this history. Mary Ann died in Le Claire, Iowa, in 1851. Josephine and Horatio died in childhood.

The next general merchandise store established was that of Dunlap Brothers. About 1853 they opened up a stock of goods in a temporary building which stood about where the Park Hotel now stands. They remained in business about one year, when they closed out.

The next general merchandise establishment was started by H. W. McAuley, in 1854, in a building which had been erected by Terhune & BuUard upon the corner just north of that occupied by the Nichols store. For a time he was in partnership with George McCormick, and finally closed out.

In 1855 Anson Keeler started a general merchandise store in a building which stood where the Buckeye House is now located. He ran the business alone for a short time, when he associated himself with others under the firm name of Keeler, Fowler & Co. The Co., being John R. Casson. Willliam C. McMichael was also interested in the business for a time. They were finally succeeded by H. Greve, who continued until during the war, when he closed out his stock. He went from here to Sparta, and finally to St. Paul, where he has become very wealthy.

Shortly after, or about the same time that Keeler started, Johnson Smith opened a general merchandise store in the building now occupied by Samuel Layne as an agricultural implement depot, which stands just opposite the bank. Smith remained in business until he failed, a few years later.

In 1865 Add Clark, then of Prairie du Chien, put up a part of the building now occupied by J. II. Tate, and established a general merchandise store. He remained in Ijusiness about two j years, wlien he sold to Isaac Pennell, who moved across the street and purchased a building which stood where Brown's furniture store is now located. Pennell remained in business unil 1864, at which time lie disjiosed of his stock. ,1. H. Tate secured a portion of the stock.

At about the same time Powell & Dawsou established a general merchandise store in the building now occupied by G. W. Morgan as a photograph gallery. In the summer of 1858 they sold to M. C. Nichols, who remained in the same building three years, when he removed to the building now occupied by Peter Nelson's grocery store. In 1873 he removed to the building now occupied by the Clarke Brothers which lie had erected. He continued in business until 1882, when he sold the general mer cbandise department to the Clarke Brothers, and continued the drug business one year, w hen he closed that out. During these years his brothers were at different times in partnership with him.

W. F. Lindemann was about the next to engage in the general merchandise business. About the lime of the breaking out of the war he opened up a slock of goods iu what is now the postotfice building. He is still in trade one door south of the postoffice in the new brick building which he erected a few years ago. Melviu Chase is now his partner, the business being carried on under the firm name of W. F. Lindemann & Co.

In 1864 J. H. Tate established a general merchandise store in the building which had been erected by Add Clarke. He has since moved the old building back and erected the store building which he now occupies; still carrying the same line of goods.

In 1866 I. K. Buck moved in town from his farm and started a general merchandise store in the back part of the building now occupied by Smith & Lytic. He afterwards erected the front part of the building and continued in business until 1869, when he sold to N. McRie. This gentleman conducted the business until 1879, when he closed out all but hardware and drugs. In 1883 he sold the stock of hardware to Smith & Lytle, and moved his drug store one door south, where he still remains.

by the Slade meat market. This building has since been much remodeled. About 1879 H. D. Williams became a partner and the firm became Rogers, Henry & William b. JNIr. Williams erected the fine brick block in which the store is now located.

In 1875 Tollefson & Hazen established a general merchandise store in the building now occupied by O. Tollefson & Co. They continued for several years, when Mr. Hazen bought out the interest of his partner; shortly afterward moved to one door south of N. McRie's drug store, and continued until he closed out his stock in 1S81.

H. II. Wyatt in 1879 started a general merchandise store in the building which had been occupied by Mr. Hazen. He continued a little over two years, when he went out of business.

In 1881 Tollefson & Omundson established themselves in the general merchandise business in the Proctor &, Tollefson building. About one year later Joseph Omundson withdrew and started the store which he still continues. Mr. Tollefson still conducts the original business under the firm name of O. Tollefson & Co.

In 1884 the dealers in general merchandise were: W. F. Lindemann & Co., J. H. Tate, Rogers, Henry & Williams, Clarke Brothers, O. Tollefson & Co. and Joseph Omundson.

The first to handle drugs in the village was Dr. E. W. Tinker, who kept a small stock in his office, which he opened shortly after he came here, in 1854. Powell & Dawson were next to keep drugs and were the first to keep a regular assortment. They opened up a stock in connection with general merchandise, in 1856, in the building now occupied by G. W. Morgan, the photographer. Thev continued in business until 1858, when ihey sold the establishment to M. C. Nichols. Mr. Nichols kept the drugs in connection with other goods until 1883 when he sold the general merchandise department to Clarke Brothers and continued to deal in drugs until the fall of 1883, when he sold the stock and went out of the business

While he was in trade he erected tlie building occupied by the Censor and Clarke Brothers, also the one occupied by W. T. McConnell and Charles Douglass. The next drug store was started by N. McRie in 1868-9 in the building now occupied by Smith & Lytic as a hardware store, which he bought of I. K. Buck. He remained in that building until June, 1883, when he moved one door south, into the brick building which he now occupies. For many years Mr. McRie handled a line of general merchandise. He is still in the drug trade. The next drug store was started in 1879 by G. A. Bacon, of Baraboo, Wis., in a building which he erected and which is now occupied by tile store of Joseph Omundson. Mr. Bacon continued in business about one year when he sold to Thomas Jerman. Mr. Jerman remained in the same building until he completed the brick building which he now occupies. In 1884 the drug trade was represented by N. McRie and Thomas Jerman.

'I'he hardware line for many years was kept in connection with general merchandise. The first exclusive hardware store in the village was started by N. W. Winter. He was a tinner by trade and put a stock of tin and hardware upon the shelves of the Johnson Smith building. He continued in business for about six years when he sold out. The next exclusive hardware store was started by Edward Everett shortly after the close of the war. He opened up in a building which he erected that stood just opposite the present Park Hotel. He continued in business until the summer of 1883, when ho sold to L. W. Ady & Co., who are still in business, occupying a brick building which they erected. L. W. Ady started the next iiardware store in ISVg, in a building erected by Col. Butt. He remained in that building until the summer of 1883, when he moved to the building opposite the Park Hotel, having taken in David Strawn as a partner and bought out Edivard Everett. Smith tt Lytic established the next exclusive hardware store purchasing the hardware department of N. McRie's store and are still in business. In 1884 the representatives of this line were:L. W. Ady & Co. and Smith & Lytle. J. P. Joyce has a tin shop, and keeps a stock of tinware and a little hardware.

The grocery line has always been liandled by the general merchandise stores. The first exclusive grocery store was started by Emanuel Wise, during the war, in the building now occupied by the butcher shop. He continued the grocery business a short time and finally worked into general merchandise. He is now located at Victory. The second exclusive grocery store was started by Calvin E. Morley, in 1879, occupying the present Peter Nelson building. He remained in business about one year, when he sold to Peter Nelson, who is still in the business. William T. McConnell established the next grocery store in the biulding erected by M. 0. Nichols, where he is still in trade. During the summer of 1883 Albert Bliss established his grocery store. In 188-t the exclusive dealers in groceries were: Peter Nelson, William T. McConnell and Albert Bliss.

In an early day there was but little, if any, need for furniture stores, as nearly all the settlers and certainly all the carpenters manufactured home-made furniture. Probably the fir^t in the village to make the manufacturing of furniture a business was Ole Larson. The next was T. J. DeFrees. W. W. Weeden was also engaged in this business in an early day, and afterward he, in company with O. C. Weeden, established a machine shop, equipped it with a turning lathe and made quite an important enterprise of it. They moved into a building that had been erected for a union church, which has since been moved to Main street and fitted up for a dwelling. The first regular cabinet shop in the village was started by Calvin Morley. He worked at the trade for several years, making household furniture and doing other cabinet work. His shop stood near the residence of Judge

Terhune, and is now occupied by Calvin E. Morley as a dwelling. The first regular furniture store was started by T. B. and Charles Brown. T. B. is deceased, but Charles still carries on the business in partnership with Joseph Pulver, occupying the same building. In 1881 C. C. Olson started a furniture store in the old court house building, which has been discontinued.

The first jewelry store was started by D. C. Hope, about 1859, in a building which stood where J. H. Tate's store is now located. He remained in business for several years and then moved his stock of goods to Sparta. He is now in Eau Claire, Wis. J. H. Tate kept a jewelry store in connection with his stock of general merchandise, for a number of years. The next jewelry store was started by Joseph Buckley, who is yet in business. Mr. Leach ran a store of this character for about one year after the close of the war. Charles Douglass started his jewelry store shortly after the railroad was completed to Viroqua. In the fall of 18>.3 Edgar Ely put in a stock of goods and opened a jewelry store in part of Clarke Brothers' store. The three jewelry stores in the village in 1884 were run by Joseph Buckley, Charles Douglass and Edgar Ely.

The clothing line has always been handled in connection with general merchandise, until August, 1883, when A. Grossman, of Sparta, established a branch of his main clothing store here.

The first restaurant or confectionery store in Viroqua was started by Daniel Ainsworth in 1858. He occupied a building which stood where Chapman's restaurant is now located. He remained in business about one year, when he left.

The next store of this character, in Viroqua, was started by Emanuel Wise, in 1864, occupying a building that has since been torn down, which stood near where Slade's building now slands. Later he took up a line of general merchandise and continued in business here until

The next restaurant was started by H H. Chapman, in the building which he still occupies. Among others who have been engaged in this line are: Thomas Allen, A. L. Russell, W. S. White, George Nichols, Fred Holden and L. Cobb. In 1884 this line was represented by H. H. Chapman, P. Palmer, Doxrud Brothers, and W. Mabie. Doxrud Brothers have a bakery in connection.

This first bookstore in the village was started by Mr. Lindley. The second by J. A. Somerby. In 1884 the only bookstore in Viroqua was the extensive establishment of F. M. Towner.

The first meat market in Viroqua was established by W. F. Lindemann. He is the present banker. Among those who have been engaged in this business are: Jere Chapman, A. L. Russell, Joseph Snodgrass, H. H. Chapman and Eugene Custer. In 1884 there was one meat market in Viroqua, owned by Wise & Devlin.

About the first to deal exclusively in agricultural implements at Viroqua, was S. P. Layne, who is still in trade. Fred Holden was also at one time engaged in handling agricultural implements. In 1884 the dealers were: S. P. Layne, A. L. Russell, Coates & Company, Pulver Brothers and Thomas Kelley.

The first lumber yard in Viroqua was established by Wharton Brothers & Lytle, who opened, in 1879, on the ground now occupied by I. W. Blake & Co. They soldT to Dodge & Newbury, and they, in turn, to I. W. Blake & Co. I. W. Blake & Co. started the second yard, and, having absorbed others, are still in business. Dodge & Newbury started the next yard in 1880, and sold to Blake & Co. N. McRie was next in the field, establishing the business which he still continues to run. In 1884 the

The first tailor to locate in Viroqiia was John Everett, who opened a shop here in 1S56 and is still in business. In 1884 the tailors were: John Everett, H. C. Dean and Mr. Meidal.

The first livery stable in Viroqua was started by Edward Coe, in 1858, in a barn which lie erected. He continued in business until 1882, when he sold to Ilewey & McKitrick, who are still in business, using a barn back of the Tre' niont Hotel. E. Goodell established his livery business in July, 1870, occupying the same barn that he now uses.

The first blacksmith to locate at Viroqua was Orin Wisel, the first county clerk, who came here from Liberty Pole, in the town of Franklin, in 1850. He did not erect a shop, but did some blacksmith work out of doors. He remained in the village about one year, when he moved to Readstown. The first regular blacksmith shop in the village was started by L. D. Marsten, who came here in 1852 and opened up in a little log building which he erected near the present location of the Buckeye Hotel. Later, Daniel Hinsworth became a partner. They continued in business three or four years, when Mr. Marsten removed to Crawford county. In 1856 S. A. Robinson came from Liberty Pole, in the town of Franklin, and opened a blacksmith shop in a little building which he put up on the southeast corner of block .3. He ran the shop until the time of his death. David Onstot started the next shop. He was in bu.-4iness for several years, when he removed to Kansas. Among other blacksmiths in Viroqua since that time ai"e: Andrew Russell, J. D. Lawrence, J. H. Tate and Samuel Metcalf. In 1884 the business was represented by the following: E. A. Stark and Pulver Brothers, in connection with wagon making; Benjamin Williams, James Smith and Eugene Gaines.

The first wagon repair shop was started in 1855 by Mr. Gibson, who came from Ohio. The wagon" shops of the village, in 1884, were run by E. A. Stark and Pulver Brothers.

The brick making interest is among the most important of Viroqua's industrial enterprises. The first yard here was started in 1855 by Thomas Giilett and Charles Skippens. Tliey laid out the yard in the southwest part of tlie village, near what has since been called the "brick pond." They remained in the business only a couple of years. Many persons have at different times been interested in this enterprise. In 1884 there was only one brick-yard, which was owned by Moody & Son. It is located just east of the village.

The first harness shop in the village was started by W. S. Purdy in a little building that had been erected by J. E. Newell, which stood just back of Col. Butt's law office. Judge Purdy continued in the business for several years and was finally succeeded by his son, B. F. Purdy, who is yet in business. They erected the building in which the business is now carried on. In 1884 there were two shops in Viroqua - that of B. F. Purdy and Ferguson & Zitzner.

The first barber shop in Viroqua was started in 1862 by Thomas Bryant in the Skippen's Hotel. A little later he went into the service and during his absence Charles Skippens did some barbering. In 1884 there were tliree barber shops in the village.

About the first to make dealing in grain a special business was W. F. Lindemann. The principal dealers in this line in 1884 were: Fred. Eckhart and Coates & Co.

The iirst bank established in Viroqua, was by August Nifenecker, in \8o*i, called tlieMoneike Bank. He occupied the upper story of a building which stood where J. H. Tate's store is now located. Mr. Nifenecker remained in business about one year, when he closed out the bank. A few years later, he removed to Bad Ax, no^v Genoa, where he was ki led by W. S. Tibbitts. An account of the att'air is given cIncwhere.

The second bank was the Bank of Viroqua, which was established by W. F. Lindemann and Jeremiah M. Rusk, in December, I87i). It is still owned by the founders, occupying a substantial brick building, which was erected by W. F. Lindemann.

The tir>t hotel in Viroqua was erected by Rufus Dunlap, in 1850. It stood upon the lot now occupied by the Park Hotel. The main building was about 16.x24 feet in size, and a story and a half in height. A wing was bui t on each side, making the building about 24x36 feet in size. It was originally a h)g building, but was afterward weather-boarded over the logs. It contained six rooms. One room sufficed for kitchen, dining-room and sittingroom, one for the office, the rest being bed roams. Rufus Dunlap opened the house as the Dunlap Hotel, and continued to run it for about six years. After this, it was not used as a hotel, and the timbers were finally utilized in the construction of a barn.

The second hotel erected in Viroqua was the old Buckeye House. It was erected by W. F. Terhune and William A. BuUard in the summer and fall of 1852, and stood upon tlie now vacant lot on the corner just north of Clarke Brothers store. The building was about 24x36 feet in size, and one and a half stories high. The hotel was opened as such by Terhune &

Builnrd. They were succeeded by Jeremiah M. Rusk, the present governor of Wisconsin, as landlord. The next landlord was George Bush, who ran it for several years, when its use for hotel purposes was discontinued. The building was afterwards owned by Dr. James Rusk, and then Carson Graham, whose property it was when destroyed by iire in 1878. Mrs. Graham still owns the lot upon which the building stood.

The next hotel in Viroqua was the North Star House, which was erected in 1854 by Henry Nichols. It was 30x40 feet in size and an excellent building for those days. It was o))ened as a hotel by S. C. Lincoln. Succeeding him as landlord came Mr. Perhara, J. M. Rusk, L. W. Nichols, Mr. Herriek, F. A. Denton, Isaac Pennell, J. A Somerby, Hiram Haskell, J. H. Gordon, L. R. Decker, Nathan Coe, Loyd Coe, Mr. Hewitt and E. W. Hazen. The name of the hotel was changed from North Star to Haskell, and finally Tremont House, which name it still bears.

The present Park Hotel was erected as the Dunlap House in 1858, by Hillier Dunlap and his mother. Its size was 24x36 feet, two stories high. Warren Dunlap opened the building as a hotel and acted as landlord for several years, when he was succeeded by Charles Skippens. Skippens remained landlord until 1865, when Bannister Brothers became proprietors. Hiram Haskell succeeded the Bannisters as landlord. Then came Capt. Connor, who changed the name to the Viroqua House. Orange Lamb Wis the next landlord, and succeeding him came Capt. Connor again, who is the present landlord, the name of the house having been changed to the Park Hotel.

Henry Connor, son of Henry and Sarah Connor, was born in West Chester, Chester Co., Penn. His father died the same year of his birth, and after two years his mother married again. Henry lived with his step-father till he was fourteen years of age, receiving a liberal edncfition. Then leaving home, he liired out to drive a team of mules on the canal. After working for himself for three years, he returned lioiue, and learned the trade of paper stainer, of Ills step-tather, who (in 1857) carried on the most extensive business in that line of trade in Philadelphia. He worked for his step-father for $4 per month. In 1857, he married Amanda M. Bransby of Philadelphia. Their union lias been blessed with three children - Mary Loxly, John Henry and Henry John. His step-father was financially ruined in the panic of 1857, and in consequence of this failure, Henry Connor was thrown upon his own resources without one dollar,bnt by in<lomitable energy, he soon found employment on the Pennsylvania Central railroad, where he remained for one year, at ninety cents per day. At tiiis time he became a citizen of the United States, being twenty-one years old. He oast his tirst vote for Alexander Henry, for Mayor of Philadelphia, the republican nominee, in the spring of 1858. Mr. Connor was then appointed fireman in the city water department, holding that position till 1861, then resigning and enlisting,April 18, as a private in company C, I7th regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was discharged Aug. 2, 1861, at tiie expiration of his enlistment. He then returned to Philadelphia, and accepted his former position in the water department which he held two montiis. At this time the democratic party came into power, and he was notified that his services were no longer needed. He was immediately appointed by the republicans to a posiiion as ins])ector of the gas department in the same city. After holding this position for nine months, he cheerfully gave it up, that he might further serve his country. On the 5tli of August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in eom]>any G, 118th regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers; was promoted as sergeant, Aug. 7, 1862 ; served in that capacity until Dec. 13, 1862; was promoted to 1st sergeant on the battle field of Fredericksburg, Jan. 19 1864; was promoted as 2d lieutenant company C, same regiment, Dec.

21,1864; promoted again as 1st lieutenant of company H, same regiment, March 28, 1865, and subsequently promoted to the captaincy of company E, same regiment. He was with the army of the Potomac and Sept. 30, 1864, was wounded at Poplar Spring Church, through the face and neck. He was absent from duty only six weeks and returned to share tlie hardshi])s of war life with the army until the battle of Gravely Run, March 31, 1866, when he was severely wounded, and suffered the loss of his right leg, which was amputated above the knee. He remained at the hospital until Oct 28, 1865, and was mustered out at his own request, in order to accept the position as chief weighmaster of the Philadelphia gas department. While serving in this position he was nominated by the republican convention, Aug. 31, I8611, to the office of city commissioner, and was elected to said office Oct. 9, 1866, by 10,000 republican majority. He was sworn into office, Dec. 31, 1866, by his Honor, Morton MeMichael, mayor of Philadelphia. He took his seat Jan. 1 , 1867, held the position for three years,givinga bond in the sum of $80,000 for the faithful performance of his official duties. During his official capacity, he disbursed $2,0 00,000 of the city's money. On his retiring from office, he was again employed by the Pennsylvania Cential Railroad Company for four years. In 1878 he came to Boscobel,Wis., to visit his daughter, Mrs. Mary L. Keen. He at once saw a future for this boundless west, and only regrets that he was so unfortunate as not to have cast his lot in with the people of the west twenty-five years ago. He has leased the Park Hotel, in Viroqua, and under his successful management, it has derived a goodly share of the public patronage and established a fame forliountiful hospitality far over the surrounding country.

Tile next hotel in Viroqua was the Buckeye House, which was erected for a hop house by J. H. Layne tfe Sons. It was changed to a dwelling by Lindsley Layne. It was converted into

The tirst school in Viroqna was tauglit by Mrs. Margaret C. Terluine, in the old log court house building during the latter part of the summer and fall of 1851. The school started two or three weeks after the arrival of W. F. Terhune and his wife. There were about sixteen scholars in attendance. The term lasted about three months and was paid for by subscription at $2 for each scholar. During the succeeding winter of 1851-2 Judge Terhune taught the school at the same pl.ace and upon the same 2jlan. Jennie (.'lark, now Mrs. Messersmith had charge during the following summer.

The old log building continued to be used for school purposes about two years, after which rooms were rented for public schools until 1856, when, the district having been organized, a school house was erected. It stood opposite the present residence of Warren Duidap. It was, for those days, a commodious frame building, containing two rooms. School was thi'n iieid in this building. Among the teachers who at different times had charge of the sciiooi while this building was in use were: R. C. Uierce, C. M. Butt, L. M. Perham, O. C. Smith, Mr. Moore, T. B. l^rown and A. D. Chase. This school house was used for school purposes until 1868, when tlie present building was erected and the old one was sold to Charles Brown at auction. He moved it to a block east of his present place of business, where he used it for a shop for some time and finally sold it to J. H. Tate. It is now used as a dwelling house.

The present building, as stated, was erected in 1868. It is a large stone structure, occupying an excellent site a few blocks east of the main part of town.

The Viroqua high school was organized in 18'76. A large brick edifice was erected a little east of the center of town, in 1882, at a cost of

$:i,400 for the high and gramm.ar schools. The lower departments occupy the stone building formerly occupied by all the departments. In 1882-3 new furnaces were placed in both buildings and now the schools are heated and ventilated by the latest improved methods. The grounds surrounding the school are extensive and are beautified with different varieties of trees.

In 188.3 the teachers were as follows: High school, C. J. Smith, principal; Lena Washburn, assistant; grammar department, Emma F. Howell, teacher; first intermediate department, Hattie E. Terrell; second intermediate department, Eliza Haughton; first primary department, Ida B. Coe; second primary, Hattie McRie.

Thus it will be seen that the educational facilities of Viroqua are excellent, and the l)ublic schools are justly a matter of pride to the citizens.

In 1883 the school board consisted of the following gentleman: Director, R. S. McMichael; clerk, II. A. Chase; treasurer. Earl M. Rogers. The committee upon examination of graduating class was composed of O. B. Wyman, William Haughton and C. J. Smith.

Vieoqua Postoffice

The Viroqua postoffice was not established until several years after the village was platted. In 1851 the nearest postoffice was Springville. In the spring of 1852 Hon. W. F. Terhune drew up a petition and procured signatures of most of the early settlers, praying for the establishment of a jjostofKce at this point. This petition, accompanied with a map of the country, was sent to the postoffice department. After considerable delay the petition was granted, and the postoffice of Viroqua was established, S. C. Lincoln being commissioned as the first postmaster. Mr. Lincoln opened the postoffice in the little building that had been erected by Judge Terhune, upon the corner of

Court ami Main streets. He remained postmaster for about ten years, part of tlie time liaving the ofBse in a building where the Park Hotel now stands, and later moving it to the other end of town. In 1864 Dr. James Kusk was appointed postmaster, and he kept the office in t' e old Buckeye House. S. C. Lincoln succeeded Dr. Rusk as postmaster. He removed the office to where Mabie's grocery store is now located. He was succeeded by W. S. Purdy, who removed the office to the building now occupied by A. Bliss' grocery store. On the 1st of January, 1876, Capt. R. S. McMichael was appointed postmaster, taking c'aarge of the office on tlie 4th of January. He was reappointed in December, 1882, and is the present incumbent, making in this, as in all public positions to which he has been chosen, a most efficient and satisfactory official. The office now occupies a building two doors north of the Bank of Viroqua.

The Viroqua postoffice was made a money order office Aug. 8, 1866. The first order was drawn tlie same day, the remitter being L. W. Nichols, payee, H. C. Brown, New York; anount $2.50. After Capt. McMichael took charge of the office, the first order was drawn Jan. 4, 1876; remitter, S. P. Layne; payee, A. A. Abbott & Co., Chicago, 111; amount $20. The total number of orders drawn up to Dec. 5, 1883, was 25,080.

Robert S. McMichael, postmaster at Viroqua, is one of the pioneers of Vernon county, his residence in the county dating from April 10, 1850. He was born in -Muskingum Co., Ohio, in 1827. His father, William McMichael, was born in Washington Co., Penn., but removed to Ohio when quite a young man. R. S., was brought up to the business of farming. On coming to Vernon county, he located at Springville, in the town of JefEerson, and engaged in farming. In 1855 he went to Newton in the town of Harmony, and engaged in the lumber business. He enlisted Nov. 21, 1861, in company C, 18th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. On the organization of the company he was made 2d sergeant, and finally, in February, 1864, he was promoted to the captaincy of the company. He was actively engaged in the service during the whole progress of the war; participated in the siege of Corinth, in May, 1862 - was at the battles of luka and Corinth, Miss, Grant's campaign against Vicksburg; battles of Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, etc. After the war, he served one term as sheriff of the county, was under-sheriff for a number of years; in fact was engaged in sheriff's duty most of the time, from the close of the war, till his appointment as postmaster, Jan. 1, 1876. Capt. McMichael has been twice married. His first wife was Orla Ann Sperry, a native of Trumbull Co , Ohio. She died at Newton in 1865. His present wife was Mrs. Frances J. (Gibbs) Swan. He has three children by his first marriage - William A., in Dakota, Eu-iice L., now Mrs. Westwick, of Dubuque, and Ella, wife of John Aikin. He has one daughter by his present wife - Nettie. Capt. McMichael was deputy Tnited States marshal of this county, from 1870 to 1873, and was in government employ at Washington, during the winter of 1873-4. Several other members- of Capt. McMichael's family have been residents of Vernon county. His brother, William C, who is noticed elsewhere in this work, came to Springville in 1847. Another brother, Samuel, came with R. S., to Springville, and settled at Viroqua, in 1803. He was a member of company C, 18th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Shiloh, and died a prisoner at Macon, Ga. Two sisters, also, came at the same time. Mrs. Mary A. Graham, who lost her husband and married Jesse Appleman. She died at Bloomingdale, town of Clinton, in March, 1883; Isabella, who married Harrison Sayre, now of Nebraska.

Fraternal Societies Religious

The Methodist Episcopal Church was the pioneer Church of Vernon county, and gave to Viroqua and vicinity the first religious services. The first class formed at Viroqua was organized at a camp meeting held in a grove near the residence of James A. Cooke, east of the village, conducted by Rev. Jesse Pardun in the autumn of 1848. James A.Cooke was appointed leader, and among the members were: James A. Cooke and wife, James Foster and wife, George A. Swain and wife, Daniel Criime and wife, William Crume and wife, George Crume and wife, Peter Hay and wife and Mr. Gillett. To these were soon added Rev. John Whitworth and wife, Henry Nichols, long and reverentially known as "Fatlier" Nichols; and others. At first tiie class met at private houses, then in a log school house near what is now Brookville, and later in the log court house, school and cliurch building in Viroqua. The first circuit of which Viroqua was a part comprised the entire county, the preacher in charge being aided in liis arduous work bj' local preachers; notably, Rev. John Whitworth, James A. Cooke and James Bishop. The preachers successively upon the work, with regular appointments at Viroqua, have been as follows: Jesse Pardun, 1849-50; Rev. Stevens, 1851; Nicholas Mayne, 1852-;3; A. Cooley, 1854; Jesse Pardun and Rev. Mclndoe, 1855; George Hartshorn, 1856; James Fitch, 1857-8; A. Foster, 1859; J. E. Irish, 1860: George W. Nuzum, 1861-2; Samuel Dodge, 1863-4-5; W. F. De Lap, R. Fancher, 1867: Thomas Manuel, 1868; I. S. Leavitt, 1869; W. R. Irish, 1870; W. F. De Lap, 1871- 2-.3; Jacob Miller, 1874; E. L. Seraans, 1n75-6-7; George Nuzum, 1878-9; Charles Irish, 1880; J. T. Morgans, lb81; I. B. Bickford, 1882-;3. The different presiding elders have been Chauncy Hobart, Alfred Brunson, R. R. Wood, A. H. Walters, W. B. Ilazeltine, J. T. Pryor, R. Dudgeon, W. F. De Lap, J. D. Searles, E. E. Clough and J. B. Balch. The first church building was erected in 1856 ujjon a lot deeded to the society by Henry Nichols. This was entirely destroyed by the tornado of 1865, and the present building was erected upon the same site at a cost of about $:i,000, in 1866, being dedicated Feb. 17, 1867, President Steele, of Lawrence University, preaching ihe dedicatory sermon. The remarkable zeal and laborious efforts of Rev. Samuel Dodge in the rebuilding of the church at this time, when the entire community was depressed financially and otherwise, by the destructive tornado, deserves special mention and grateful remembrance. Gen. J. M. Kusk presented the Church with a fine 500 pound bell from the Buckeye Foundry, at Cincinnati. A notable revival occurred under the pastorate of Rev. W. F De Lap, during the winter of 1867, and the society became distinctively strong in numbers and spirituality. The present officers of the Chuich are as follows: Pastor, Rev. I. B. Bickford; class leader, P. J. Layne; stewards, John W. Curry, J. B. Richards, John Everett, S. P. Layne; recording steward, P. J. Layne; district steward, J. W. Curry; trustet-s, William Strieker, S. P. Layne, J. B. Richards, John Everett, D. A. Barnard and C. J. Chetrington. During 1883 the audience room of the church was papered and ceiled, the jjiilpit and platform remodeled, and now presents a very tasteful appearance. Being the most commodious and centrally located church in the village it is in frequent use for temperance meetings and public school exercises.

Tiie Sunday school was organized during the summer of 1867, upon a denominational basis, a union school having, up to this time, been conducted by this and other Churches. The Sunday school in 1883 was officered as follows: Superintendent, P. J. Layne; secretary and treasurer. Dr. J. Ij. Rirhards. Jessie Richards is organist for botli Church and school. The Cliurch now has an eflective membership of about fifty. The enrolled membership of the school is about fifty, with an average attendance of about forty.

Rev. I. B. Bickford, present pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at V^iroqua, was born June 7, 1847. When five years of age he. accompanied his parents to Illinois. He was educated in the public schools of that State, and at Hillsdale College, Mich. Previous to entering the ministry he was engaged as a newspaper publisher for some time. He published the Creton Times in Ogle Co., 111., for a couple of years, and was editor of the Byron Neics, in the same county, for three years. He entered the ministry in 1879, and was admitted to the Western Wisconsin Conference, at La- Crosse, Sept. 24, 1879. He was stationed at Onalaska three years before coming to Viroqua

The first services by the Christian Church were held in 1852, by Rev. Daniel Parkinson, who organized a society here in 1854. It had forty members. The first elders were David Ayersand Charles Wright. John Gardner was one of the first deacons. Some of the leading members of the Cliurch then were : Thomas Cheatham and wife, John Dawsoji, Stephen Powell, Elijah Powell, Elizabeth Goode and Mary Parkinson. The year following the organization, the society neai'ly doubled in number.s. It was at that time the leading Church in Viroqua. Rev. Parkinson died in September, 18.t6. He was a man of fine ability. He was succeeded by the Rev. Henry Howe, who preached for the society for two years. He died several years ago. The next minister was their present one. Rev. John Hurd, wiio at that time remained with the Cliurch about two years, until May, 186:-i. Since that time the following ministers have served the society : Revs. Henry Anderson, R. D. Cotton, George G. Hamilton and Florence Reece, who was succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. John Hurd.

The present membership of the Church is seventy-five. The church building was erected in 1856. It is a frame building, 30x40 feet in size, neatly finished and will comfortably seat 25.0 persons. The society lias had a Sunday school in operation most of the tifte since its organization, and both Church and Sunday school are now in a flourishing condition. The present officers are as following : Pastor, John Hurd ; elders, Philip Bidison, Edward MinfAall and Elijah Powell; deacons, Ellis Thoni])- son and 'Squire Tony.

Rev. John Hurd was born in England in 1823. He came to the United States with his parents when a child, settling in Ohio. In the fall of 1836 he removed to Michigan. He was educated at Hiram. College, Ohio ; during two years of his attendance at that institution, James A. Garfield was its president. Mr. Hurd began preaching in 1860, and has been engaged in the work ever since. He is an earnest and faithful worker for the cause of Christianity.

The first Congregational society of Viroqua was organized on the 12th of May, 1855. There being present. Revs. L. L. Radcliff, of Viroqua, W. F. Avery, of Sparta, and Warren Bigelow, of Black River Falls. The following were the first members of the Church: Mrs. Jane S. Weeden, Mrs. Abbie S. Weeden, Mrs. Mary L. Radcliflf, W. A. Herron, Mrs. Mary Herron and Mrs. N. B. Palmer. Rev. L. L. Radcliff was the first pastor, having been sent here by the American Home Missionary Society. He commenced his labors on the 5lh of October,1854,and continued his labors witli the Church until Oct. 1, 1855, when he removed to Prairie du Chien. The Church remained without a pastor, only enjoying occasional preaching, until May, 1859, when Rev. G. C. Judson became pastor, remaining with the Church until September, 1861. He was succeeded by Rev. B. S. Baxter in October, 186-2, who remained with the Church for two years. In November, 1866, Rev. L. L. Radcliff again became pastor of the Church, but owing to ilifficulties arising in the Cliurch and society, his labors terminated in May, 1869. May 1, 1870, Rev. John G. Taylor, a member of the Chicago Theological Seminary, became acting pastor and served as such until Oct. 1, 1870, when Rev. S. E. Lathrop was called to the pastorflte. The present pastor is the Rev. Mr. Horn. The society has a very neat frame building located just east of the main part of town on the corner of Court and Yancy streets.

The first Sunday school organization in Viroqua was effected by Rev. L. L. Radcliff, m May, 1855. James E. Newell was elected superintendent and R. C. Bierce assistant. Mrs. .Mary L. Radciiff, H. Trowbridge, Mrs. Abbie S. Weeden and R. C. Bierce, were teacliers. It was organized as a union school and kept as such until the Methodist society organized a school of their own in the winter af 1866. The following persons were at various times superintendents of the union school: Henry Nichols, R. C Bierce, H. Trowbridge, Alson Keeler, L. W. Nichols and J. D. Brothers.

The Congregational Sunday school was organized in 1866. Among the early superintendents were: E. C. Smith, A. K. Burrell, L. W. Nichols and R. C. Bierce. The school is now in a most flourishing condition.

Rev. O. P. Peterson, the present presiding elder, first introduced the Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church to his countrymen in Veinon county by preaching at the private residence of Ole Running in the year 185-2. Coon and Round Prairies, with other territory extending into adjoining counties, was organized into a mission known then and now as the Coon Prairie mission, with Rev. O. B. Knudson as preacher in charge, and the first organization of a class was by him at the Asbury school house on section 23, town 13, range 4 west, in July, 1S54. John C. Spellum was appointed class leader, and of the members were: Ole Running and wife, John C. Spellum and wife, Ole Hanson and wife, John Meyer and wife, Osten Kjelland and wife, Beriit 'J'iiompson and wife

From this beginning the work gradually extended throughout the Norwegian settlements in the county, different points being from time to time opened up by the earnest, aggressive missionary spirit and labors of the ministers in charge. The Norwegian people, almost without exception, came to the county trained and indoctrinated in the Lutheran Church, the State Ciiurch of Norway, and their conversion to Methodist doctrines and usages has been attended with peculiar difliculties; and especially so when later the Lutheran Church founded a society, with a resident priest on Coon Prairie, and interposed strenuous opposition to the introduction of Methodism.

Classes were formed at Bad Ax, Chaseburg, Enterprise and Esofea and are still maintained. The membersliip being scattered it is customary in addition to the regular services at the points named to hold grove and camp-meetings eacli summer and preaching in different school houses and private residences througliout tlie the year.

A church building was erected in 1866 on section 26, town 14, range 4 west, the site for the church and a burying ground having been donated to the society by Christian Songstad in 1863, at which time the burying ground was formally dedicated.

The buildinar was 24x36 feet and cost 1800 and was erected under the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Johnson and presiding eldership of Rev. O. P. Peterson; the dedication occurred in 1866 and was conducted by Rev. Mr. Wrigiit, of Sparta. The board of trustees consisted of John C. Spellum, Soren Paulson and Lars Peterson. This church is now being re])laced by one in process of erection at the village of Westby, 28x40 feet in dimensions, to cost about $1,200 and of ornamental design.

The Church has truly come up to its present standing and strength under great diiBculties, having to contend with popular prejudice on the part of the ])eople among whom the work has been done, in addition to the obstacles always incident to pioneer %vork, and the success attending the efforts put forth has been wrought largely by the piety and perseyerance of the men in charge.

Circumstances have been unfavorable to Sunday school woik, though something has been done in this direction, and plans for the future coricmplate special efforts.

Viroqua was incorporated in the spring of 1866. The first meeting of the council wa^ held on the 1st of June, 1866. The first ofBcer^ of the incorporation were as follows : Carson Graham, president; W. S. S. White, I. K. Buck and C. M. Butt, trustees; .John R. Casson, clerk ; A. K. Burrell, constable; J. S. Tinker street commissioner; John Dawson, treasurer.

1867 - Carson Graham, president ; Edward C'oe, J. H. Tate and J. E. Newell, trustees; J. R. Casson, clerk; Warren Dunl.ap, ' marshal and street commissioner.

1871 - William Nelson, president; A. L. Russell, Calvin Morley and W. A. Gott, trustees ; John Dawson, treasurer ; John Gordon, marshal and street commissioner ; P. J. Layne, clerk.

1872 - William Nelson, president; C. M. Butt, Carson Graham and O. C. Weeden, trustees ; P. J. Layne, clerk; John Dawson, treasurer; J. E. Newell, justice ; E. S. Goodell, marshal and street commissioner.

1873 - William Nelson, president ; Carson- Graham, C. M. Butt and O. C. Weeden, trus tees ; P. J. Layne, clerk ; John Dawson, treasurer; James E. Newell, justice ; E. S. Goodell, marshal and street commissioner.

The town of Viroqua embraces all of congressional township 13, range 4 west, the two northern tiers of sections, and sections 13,14, 23 and 24 of township 12, range 4 west. It is bounded on the north by the town of Christiana; on the east by Webster and Liberty ; on the south by Kickapoo and Franklin ; and on the west by Franklin and Jefferson. The surface of this town is generally broken and hilly yet it contains some of the finest agricultural lands in the county. The eastern and northeastern parts of the town are made up of rolling prairie, interspersed, here and there, with small groves. The balance of the town was originally covered with heavy timber; but much, if not the greater part of this, has been cleared a«ay by the thrifty and enterprising settlers, and there are now valuable farms in all parts I if the town.

Kaely Settlement

The early history of this town is to a great degree identical with that of the village, as most of the early settlers clustered about Viroqua. However, some of the most prominent first settlers will be noted.

The first settlement in the town was made in 1846. During August, of this year, George Ensign and Samuel Ingram came and located upon farms in this town. Mr. Ensign sold out about twenty years ago and left the country. Samuel Ingram remained until 1880, when he sold out and moved to California.

T. J. DeFrees, Solomon Decker and John Harrison came during the same year. The two former are treated elsewhere at length. John Harrison took a claim which included what is now known as the See Spring. The farm he located upon is now owned by Elijah Tilton. Harrison erected a saw mill on the west branch of the Kickapoo which was one of the first in the county. He afterward sold out and went to Missouri.

Religious

The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church on Coon Prairie, was organized in 1853, by Rev. II. A. Stub. The first members were: Ole A. Running, John C. Spellum, P. Eggen, Michael Larson, Svend Svendson, Erik Torkilsen, Hans Jenson, Gullik Olsen, Bernt Larson, Hover Sig-

The first officers of the Church were: H. A. Stub, pastor; Tjostol Amundson, Thomas Johnson and Lars Christoferson, trustees. The first religious service was held in Han's Naprud's house, now belonging to his son E. H. Naprud.

H. A. Stub served as pastor from 1854 to 18C1, when he resigned on account of failing health. He is still living, in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where his congregations at present are situated. Rev. Stub's successor was Rev. A. C. Preus, who served as pastor from 1863 to 1872, when failing healtli compelled him to resign his position and return to Norwaj^, where he died, as bishop, in 1878. After Rev. Preus oirae Rev. H. Halvorsen, the present pastor.

The first house of worship was a small frame building, 55x3-2 feet, costing about S2,000. It was dedicated in 1858. This church soon became unable to accommodate the growing number of the congregation, and in 1875 the erection of a capacious stone building, in the gothic style of architecturci was commenced.

This is without doubt the grandest church building in Vernon county, its size being 100x50 feet, tower projecting nine feet; height of spire 150 feet. Its present cost is $20,000. It stands on a beautiful elevation, overlooking Coon Prairie, and the surrounding country. The present condition of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church is prosperous, the number of tiie voting members is 200. The present olficers of the Cburch are: H. Halvorson, pastor; P. P. {[ekloen, secretary and treasurer; .John

Clemmetson, C. A. Morterud, Anders Jenson Peder Halvorson, Edward Theige, Nils T. Nilson, Lars Hovde and Ole G. Hanson, trustees. The Methodist Episcopal society was organized in 1854, by the Reverend Bishop, with twenty-two members. Philip Adams was class leader. The membership was afterwards increased to sixty. A log church was erected in IStiO, on section 22, which is still in use. The Church is not at present in a very flourishing condition, as many of the members have gone elsewhere, while others attend Church at Viroqua. The following are among the pastors who have filled the pulpit for the society at different times: Revs. Bishop, Purdun, Cooley, Fitch and Hartshorn.

District No. 2 is a joint district. It has a fair building, in a pleasant location, which is well furnished. 'J he school has a good attendance.

District No. 6 will soon abandon the old school building, as a new one is being erected at a cost of about 1400, which will be ready for the winter term of school in 1883-4.

District No. 8 has a small but comfortable school building pleasantly located on Coon Prairie. The population here is almost wholly Norwegian .

The name of the town of Viroqua was formerly Farwell. As a general chapter is devoted to the creation and changes of name and boundaries of towns, it is unnecessary to here refer to the various changes through which the town of Viroqua has passed in assuming its present limits.