Albany Town (part 1 of 2)

Jordan

In 1S40, five years after he came to the county, James Campbell built the first house in the town of Albany. It was near Sugar river, about a mile farther south than the present village of Albany. The same year, Mr. Higby built a house in Rock County, which was so near the north-east corner of Albany that it has been called the first house in the township. Mr. Campbell did not go to Albany to live until 1S41. It is his opinion, and the opinion of Mr. Christopher Martin, who came from New York in 1S40, and who lived with Mr. Campbell during parts of i84i-'42, that the next comers were Hiram Brown and Samuel Mitchell, both of whom were here before the end of '42, as were also John Broughton and Wm. Burgess. Some of the next settlers were Christopher Minert, Joshua and A. Whitcomb, S. L. Eldred, and Aaron Broughton in '43, Daniel Smiley, Asa Comstock, Wm. Webb, Israel Phillips, and A. S. Holmes in '44. Gilbert McNaught, and Aaron Kellogg, were among those who came in 184.5-46. Among the occasional residents of Albany was Reuben Folsom, or old Reube the wolf hunter, a discharged soldier who came from Fort Winnebago to Sylvester in 1S40, and who would have made a good character for one of Cooper's novels. Kind, generous and brave, with a fund of anecdotes equaled only by his wonderful power to endure hunger and fatigue, he was at home with all the settlers, but his most constant companions were his dogs. A cave in the bank of the river, a few miles from the village of Albany, is pointed out as one of his retreats.

The locality of the village of Albany was first known as Campbell's ford. The land comprised in the village was entered by James Campbell and Thos. Stewart, and through their influence Capt. E. O. Pond and Dr. S. F. Nichols went there in the spuing of 1846, and built a log cabin (the first in the village), which was occupied by the families of both until a frame house could be erected. With a yoke of oxen S. A. Pond, then sixteen years of age, hauled the lumber for the second house from Amos Sylvester's mill, being sometimes obliged to first cut the logs and take them to the mill. Both houses were east of the river, the log house about ten rods from where the dam now is, and the frame house on the ground where Mrs. Pond still resides. At that time there were but two frame, and two log, houses between the ford and Janesville. On a few rough shelves in one corner of Capt. Pond's house, the frame house, were kept the dry goods and the boxes and barrels of groceries constituting Albany's first store. The report that Pond and Nichols were going to build up a village at the ford attracted others. A. R. Bur- gor and John and Nelson Stevenson came with them, and in August, Robert Gleason, who was employed to build the mill the next year, removed there with his family. In '46, with the assistance of J. V. Richardson as surveyor, Pond and Nichols laid out the village of Albany. They also built a saw mill, and succeeded in getting a mail route established from Beloit via Janesville, Albany, and Exeter to Mineral Point. Capt. Pond was the postmaster at Albany. The next year, J. B. Sawyer and Dr. Stearns built the American House, Capt. R. H. Hewitt opened a general store, and several new families came. They all shook with the ague, and all talked proudly of their beautiful country and their noble river. In the mean time, the flattering prospects of Albany had led Messrs. Bugor and Stevenson to lay out the village of Independence, on the river, three-fourths of a mile below Albany, but Independence never grew beyond half a score of houses.

Zebina Warren's grist mill, R. J. & Wm. Richardson's general store, S. A. Pond's book and drug store, and a number of shops were among the acquisitions of Albany in iS49-'5o. A sad occurrence in May, '51, seemed for a time to blast the prospects of the village. Moved by a spirit of wild adventure, Wm. Richardson and S. A. Pond went over the dam in a skiff, and the former lost his life, the latter barely escaping. The Richardson brothers had just bought a large stock of goods, and had made preparations to build a large business block; but the surviving brother was so overcome with sorrow that he closed the store and left the place. But enterprise could not be stopped. J. H., L. H., and E. F. Warren became the successors of the Richardson Brothers, and E. Bowen, Robson and Prentice, Jas. Campbell, Hunter & Kellogg, E. B. Noble, Burt & Harris, John Lemuel, C. T. Barton, J. Johnson, J. Dunkleburg, T. Carrier, V. R. Vancuren, and a score of others were soon identified with the business interests of the village, which promised to become the largest village in the county, and even the death, before 1855, of several leading men, Capt. Pond, Zebina Warren, and Robson and Prentice among them, delayed its progress but a little time. S. A. Pond did a large real estate and brokerage business, and a Madison firm opened the Bank of Albany. S. & A. Johnson erected a sash, door, and blind factory, and T. Kellogg another grist mill. In May, '58, I. S. Dexter and Y. T. Lacy transformed Monroe's languishing "JefFersonian Democrat" into the Albany Times, in the control of which they were succeeded by Joseph Baker.

The tenor of Albany's way has never been even. Fate has doomed her to an astonishing number of reverses and disappointments. Her failure to get the Southern Wisconsin Railroad has been told in another part of the history. Recovering from this disappointment, she fixed her hopes on a Sugar river valley road, and, with James Campbell as the champion of her claims, seemed likely to achieve success. In June, 1857, subscriptions to the road reached nearly $100,000. Depot grounds were purchased at Albany, and failing then, the project has occasionally been revived, and this year, more than for several years past, hopes are entertained that it may sometime be accomplished. The projected road, for which the grading from Albany to the state line has long been done, is to form a connecting link between the road from Madison to Portage, and the road from Rockford to Rochelle.

The crisis of 1S57 ruined some of the business men of Albany, and the decline in southern securities caused the failure of the bank in 1861 ; in 1S66 the river carried away the saw mill, the sash and and blind factory, and the bridge; a freshet of 1S6S destroyed the Warren store and flour mill, damaged the Kellogg mill, and again took away the bridge, and a fire that year destroved five stores. Messrs. Warren, Tompkins, and Eroe, vS. A. Pond, Parker & Kellogg, J. F. Lacy, [ohn Hahn, and J. Lemuel rebuilt that same year, and in a manner that made the change a great improvement to the village, all the buildings destroyed in 1S6S; but the loss from fires which in 1S69 and '71 destroved a hotel, a gun shop, and five stores, has been put partially repaired. The Albany Times came to an end when its editor entered the army, and its only successor, Messrs. Osgood & Bartlett's Albany Journal, was published only from October, 1865, to May, 1866. There is no bank in the village, and the number of stores - which may fairly be taken as an indication of the prosperity of the village - is smaller now than of old, including only those of Bartlett and Roberts, H. B. Jobes, J. M. Dodge, and John Lemuel. Brodhead, Evansville, and

Brooklyn have dispelled the brightest of Albany's visions, at least for a time; but they can not destroy her good water power, which is even now persuading Messrs. J. H. and E. F. Warren, and S. A. Pond to build a large woolen mill there; nor can they entirely destroy her hope of a railroad, the realization of which would, she thinks, restore to her all her old life and activity.

At the present time Albany ranks first among the unincorporated villages of the count}-. In 1S76 the village lots in the town of Albany were appraised at $43,065. Those of other towns followed in this order: Jefferson $30,270; New Glarus $20,49^; Mount Pleasant $18,006; Brooklyn $16,010; Exeter $8,573; Cadiz $3,285; while lots in Monroe and Brodhead were valued at $696,075, and $253,826.

Source changes here: from History of Green County, Wisconsin, by Union Publishing Company, Springfield, Ill., Pub. [from Old Catalog], published 1884; 24,500 words in this source stream.

Albany Town

This is the third village in importance in Green county. It is located on section 28, of the town of Albany, on the banks of Sugar river. A branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, extending from Brodhead connects Albany with the main line of railway, and affords excellent shipping facilities. The Sugar river at this point furnishes a valuable water power, which is now fully utilized and improved. About the village lies some of the most valuable farming and stock raising lands in Wisconsin. The farmers, as well as the inhabitants of tiie village, are well to do, as a rule, and this is a guarantee of permanent, ever increasing trade.

The Beginning

The locality which is now known as the village of Albany was first called "Campbell's Ford," the land having been entered by James Campbell and Thomas Stewart. The excellent water power at this point they agreed to donate to any one who would erect a saw and grist mill, and it was this proposition which first attracted Dr. Samuel F. Nichols and Capt. Erastus O. Pond to this place. Of these two gentlemen, Dr. Nichols was the first to move his family. He came in March, 1846, and erected a double log house on what is now block 13, and thus became the first settler. Capt. Pond arrived with his family the following June, and lived in the log cabin with Dr. Nichols until iie could build a frame house. With a yoke of oxen, S. A. Pond, a son of E. O., then sixteen years of age, hauled the lumber for their new house from Amos Sylvester's mill, being obliged frequently to first cut the logs, then take them to the mill to be transformed into lumber. But notwithstanding the attendant disadvantages, in about three weeks the building, which was 16x24 feet in size, was completed and the family moved into the same. This house was also located on what is now block 13. In one corner of the building Mr. Pond opened Albany's first store, having brought the limited stock of goods all the way from Newark, N. Y.

Erastus O. Pond, one of the founders of the village of Albany, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Aug. 4, 1799. When a young man he was a sailor on the lakes, and finally became master of a ship. He was married Aug. 6, 1826, to Margaret L. Bartle, who was born in Chenango Co., N. Y. They settled in Wayne county, where he purchased a woolen mill and operated that tvvelve years. He then moved to Newark, in the same county, and engaged in the manufacture of carding machines, remaining there until 1846. In that year he came to Wisconsin. He stopped a few weeks in Rock county, then came to Green county and settled on the present site of the village of Albany, of which he was one of the founders. He was the first postmaster and merchant, and was prominently identified with the interests of the town and village until the time of his death, Oct. 19, 1854. Mrs. Pond died Feb. 19, 1881. They were the parents of three children - Maria, now the wife of C. S. Tibbetts; Chloe, wife of R. H. Hewitt, of St. Louis, and Samuel A,, now of Janesville.

Another family named Hills, came with the Pond party, but after shaking with the ague for a few months they returned to the place from whence they came.

Tliere was no further additions to the settlement in 1846; but in 1847 several families arrived, and it was not long until Albany had taken a position of importance among the villages in this region.

Village Plat

made the necessary survey and laid out twenty blocks into village lots. The population increased rapidly and it soon became necessary to make additions to the plat, which has been done from time to time. Of the several additions there were annexed by Pond and Nichols, one by J. H. Warren and one by the Railroad Company.

The village was governed by the same laws and under the same authority as the town of Albany, until 1883, when the territory which comprises section 28 was incorporated as a village, and the first village election held on the 17th of October, 1883, resulted in the election* of the following named officers: L. H. Warren, president; William Green, W. W. Hill, E. Van Patten, W. H. Knapp, D. Osborn and F. J. Carle, trustees ; J. B. Perry, clerk ; T. G. Mitchell, treasurer; H. B. Jobes, supervisor; C. S. Tibbitts, marshal ; Warren Howard, police justice; Gabriel Jackson, justice of the peace.

Early Events

The first building on the plat of the village was erected on what is now block 13, in March, 1846. It was a double log cabin, and was erected and occupied by Dr. Samuel F. Nichols.

The first frame building was erected in June, 1848. It was also located on what is now block 13. It was occupied as a store and dwelling by Erastus O. Pond.

The first brick building was the dwelling house of Zebina Warren, which was erected by him in the spring of 1851. It was located on lot 4, block 13. In 1884 it was owned and occupied by C. S. Tibbitts.

The first marriage in the village was solemnized in 1847. The contracting parties were Daniel Baxter and Chloe Nichols. '1 he ceremony was performed at the house of the bride's father, Dr. Samuel F.Nichols, by Hiram Brown, a justice of the peace. Mrs. Baxter is still a resident of Albany.

The first death was that of Thomas McVee, which occurred in 1846. His remains were buried in the grounds now occupied by the village cemetery.

Business Development

The first general store in the village was opened in June, 1846, by Erastus O. Pond. He kept goceries, dry goods, drugs, etc., and remained in business for about two years.

Shortly afterward R. J. and William Richardson established a general mercantile business and made arrangements to open a large stock of goods; but on the 1st of June, 1851, William was drowned, after which R. J. became disheartened and closing out his business left the place.

J. T. Chapman opened a store in 1853 in the south part of the village. In October, 1861, Mr. Chapman enlisted in company A., 13th reginient, Wisconsin Volunteers. He was commissioned major, was promoted to the rank of of lieutenant-colonel, and served until November, 1864.

Many changes have taken place during the past twenty-five years and it is impossible to trace with any degree of accuracy the history in detail of any line of business. Among others who have been prominent in the general mercantile trade here, are the following: Troy & Kellogg, E. Bowen, Jobes & Dolson, H. B. Jobes, Burt & Harris and Charles Campbell. In 1884 this line was represented by W. H. Knapp & Co., J, F. Litel, William Green and Beukirk

The first hardware store on the present site of Albany was established by Zebina Warren in 1853. E. B. Noble was the second hardware merchant and continued in trade about twentyfive years, then closed out and left the State R. H. Hewitt, the third hardware dealer, continued in trade until he enlisted in the army. When Mr. Noble closed out his business, Roach & Bloom, of Monroe, established a branch store at this place. They were succeeded in turn by C. O. French, French & Lemuel and French & Brodrick. The latter firm sold to John Lemuel, who continued until the disastrous fire of 1883. In 1884 the hardware trade was represented by Lemuel & Clemons and Osborne & Howard.

Warren Howard, of the firm of Osborne & Howard, dealers in hardware, farming implements of all kinds, wagons and carriages, also dealer in leaf tobacco, was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Feb. 27, 1849. His parents emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in Rock county, when he was but an infant. He received his education in the district school and at the Evansville Seminai-y. When twenty-one years old he engaged in teaching, and followed that occupation during the winter season for ten years, being engaged in agricultural pursuits and manufacturer of spring bed bottoms the rest of the time. In 1881 he came to Albany and established his 'present business. He was married Dec. 25, 1871, to Jane E. Budlong. They have three children - Ella, Alice and Emmett B.

The first man to deal in drugs at this place was E. O. Pond, who kept a few necessary drugs in connection with his general stock of goods. S. A. Pond succeeded him in this line and also kept books, after which the following firms were in the business: Dr. Shavalia Fayette, Parker & Drake, H. Medbery, Robinson & Dodge, C. Robinson, Gillett & Dolson, Winston & Roberts, Winston & Pludson, Hudson & Bartlett and Bartlett & Roberts. This business is now (1884) represented by G. W. Bartlett, successor to Bartlett & Roberts and J. W. Hicks, successor to G. W. Roberts.

G. W. Bartlett, druggist, was born at Schuy lersville, Saratoga Co., N. Y., April 10, 1845. He is a son of L. C. Bartlett, who is now a resident of Brodhead. G. W. Bartlett was thirteen years old when he came with his parents to Wisconsin. They located in Beloit, where they remained two years, then came to Albany. At the age of sixteen years, he began clerking for Freeman Lewis. He afterward clerked for other parties, and was thus employed until 1869, when he engaged in trade in company with W. H. Hudson. Mr. Hudson afterwards sold out to Dr. G. W. Roberts, with whom Mr. Bartlett was associated until 1879. He then purchased his partner's interest, and has since carried on business alone. He was burned out by the fire of November, 1883, but soon resumed business. In addition to drugs, he carries a stockof groceries, books, stationery and notions. He was married in 1865, to Kate A. Dolsen, and they have had three children - Franky, who died in infancy, Robert E. and Willie.

J. W. Hicks, druggist, commenced business in Albany, in August, 1883, and in March moved into the Murray block, where he is at present located. He keeps a full line of drugs, toilet articles, paints and oils, also a stock of groceries. He was born in the town of Rushford, Winnebaga Co., Wis., Dec. 18, 1856. He obtained his early education in the schools at Eureka, graduating from the high school in that place, in 1875. He then taught until 1876, when he entered the State University at Madison, where he graduated in 1880. He then again engaged in teaching, which he continued until 1883. He was married in June, 1882, to Edith Stearns, a native of Green county. Mr. Hicks' father, Oliver Hicks, was a native of New York. He was married to Sarah Powell, a native of the same State, and ia 1846 came to the Territory of Wisconsin, and settled in Winnebago county, wliere he purchased land of the ' Fox River Improvement Company," and improved a farm, making it his residence until the time of his death in 1882. His widow resides in the village of Omro.

Sampson and Edward Tilley, in 1852, erected a slab building, 14x20 feet in dimension, with a thatclied roof, and here opened tlte tirst wagon shop in the village. After a space of three years they erected a better building, and in 1884 they were still enjoying a large patronage, being engaged in the manufacture of wagons, buggies and sleighs, besides running a general repair shop.

The tirst blacksmith was C harles Barton; the second was Peter Parsolon; the third was E. B. Dorr. Mr. Dorr opened a shop in 1851, also worked as a millwright, and continued in business until the tire of 1883. This trade is now represented by J. S. Smith.

Daniel S. Smith was born in Orleans Co., Vt., Jan. 7, 1807. When a young man, he learned the blacksmith trade in his native State. When twenty-two years of age, he located in Madison Co., N. Y., opened a shop and worked at his trade. He remained there until 1836, then removed to Pennsylvania, and settled in the city of Erie, where he followed his trade for eleven years. In 1847, he removed to the 'J'erritory of \^'isconsin, and located in Beloit, where he was joined by his family one year later. He was one of the tirst blacksmiths in that town. He remained there, working at his trade, until 1850, when he came to Green county, and located in Clarence, remaining there until 1854, then removed to Albany and opened a shop. His health becoming bad, he had to stop work. In a few years he removed to Kansas. His home is now in Springtield, Dak. He was married in 1830, to Algina Wentworlh, a native oC Vermont. This union was blessed with nine children, eight of whom are now living.

He came to Wisconsin with his parents, and made his home with them until seventeen years of age. He had learned the blacksmith trade of his father, and engaged in that business in Beloit. He remained in Beloit four years, then went to Janesville. In 1854, he removed to Albany and commenced work at his trade. In 1864, he went to Idalio and Montana, working at his trade while there. After remaining there about a year and a half, he went to Michigan, and located in Plainwell, Allegan county. He run a shop there for about two years, and returned to Albany, where he has since resided. In 1858, he was united in marriage with May J. Hess, born in Herkimer Co., N. Y. This union has been blessed with two children - Nellie and Frank.

The tirst livery barn was opened in 1855, by Harry Van Wart. It was located on block 17. In about 1857; Mr. Van Wart closed the barn and took his horses across the plains to California. This line of business is now represented by Frank Warren.

The tirst shoe maker to locate in Albany, was William Lee. The second was J. A. Hahn, who came in 1855, and, in 1884, was still in business. Austin Darling also runs a shop.

Dr. Samuel F. Nichols was the first to administer medicine to the sick at this place. Since then the following have been located in the village and practiced medicine: Shavalia Fayette, Dr. Lewis, E. H. Winston, William Fayette, Horace T. Persons, Robert Van Dusen and Marvin Bemis. The present physicians are: G. W. Roberts and W. E. Ziegenfuss.

Samuel F. Nichols, one of tl»e pioneers of the town of Albany, and one of the founders of the village, was a native of the Green Mountain State, born at Bennington, Nov. 14, 1801. His father was a sea captain, and an early settler in Bennington. Samuel was educated in the common schools, and at the age of seventeen years he engaged in teaching, thus obtaining money with which to advance his education, and entered Castleton Seminary, from whence he graduated. He then turned his attention to the study of medicine, and graduated from the Castleton Medical Institute. He then went to Newark, Wayne Co., N, Y., and commenced practice. He was there married in 1826 to Julia Bartle, born in Newark, in 1811. He continued to reside in Newark until 1845, then came to Wisconsin and engaged in the practice of his profession at Janesville, one year. He then came to Green county and settled on the site of the present village of Albany. Soon after coming here, he was obliged, on account of failing health, to discontinue his practice, and he engaged as mail contractor, and did an extensive business in that line, his routes extending to four different States and Territories, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. He employed hundreds of men and horses. This business he continued until 1868. In 1866 he purchased a fruit farm in New Jersey, and spent the fall and winter seasons there. In September, 1874, he visited Colorado Springs, in the liope of finding relief from asthma, from which he was suffering, but he grew steadily worse and died there on the 14th of November following. His remains were brought back to Albany, and placed in the family vault. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols had seven children - Cliloe J., Martin V., Louisa A., Rartle W., Philander K., Louis A. and Maggie. Dr. Nichols was one of the Presidential electors of district No. 2, in 1848, in the State of Wisconsin, and was chosen to transmit the result to the seat of government.

Louis A. Nichols, their youngest son, was born at the Nicliols House, Albany, Feb. :i, 1849. His early education was obtained in tin* common schools of liis native town, after whic.li he spent five terms :i( EvansviMc Seininaiy. In 1«7U he went to Philadelphia and entered

Philadelphia College, and studied one year. He then went to- Madelia, Minn., Avhere he remained one year, and from thence to Chicago, and was clerk in a real estate office until 1874, when he went again to Philadelphia and grail uated from the Philadelphia Dental College. He went to St. Louis and commenced practice, but, his health failing, he remained but a short time. He went from there to Colorado and spent nearly a year, then returned to Albany, where he was married, in 1875, to Ella Warren, daughter of Zebina and Maria (Pond) Warren. He has erected a fine residence on the west bank of the river, and has his office in his house.

The first attorney in the vicinity of Albany was Hiram Brown. The second was J. B. Perry, who is still in practice; the third, E. L. Warner; and the fourth, H. Medbery.

During the first few years of the settlement, of course every one who had a home was willing to entertain strangers without money or price. But as people came flocking in faster and faster, it became necessary to establish some public stopping place. In 1847 John B. Sawyer and A. K. Stearns erected a buildingon what is now lot 2, block 18, corner of Mill and Main streets, it now forming the upright part of the Nichols House. In 1848 Dr. Samuel Nichols purchased the property, completed the building and opened it to the public for hotel purposes, and it is still used as such. In 18f^l tlie building was enlarged by a brick addition, and it now presents quite an attractive appearance. The property is now owned by M. V. Nichols and Mrs. J. H. Warren. It is leased by S. S. Hills, a gentleman well qualiHed for the place, and under whose management the Nichols House has become a favorite of the traveling jiublic and the pride of the citizens of the village.

gaged in farming until 1838. He then started with two teams for Wisconsin, taking liis family and household goods. He drove to Buffalo, where they embarked upon the lake and went to Toledo, completing the journey from that point to Green county with the teams. He bought government land in what is now the town of Sylvester, erected a log house and commenced improvements. He was a natural mechanic, and manufactured many of the articles of furniture used by his own and his neighbors' families; also built a loom and spinning wheel, which were used by the women of the family for weaving cloth from flax, which was raised upon the farm. There were maple trees upon the place, from which they obtained sugar, which, with the wild honey that they gathered, furnished the sweets used by the family. Game and fish were abundant at this time, and nearly all the articles they were obliged to buy were tea and tobacco. He lived upon this place two years, then bought a prairie farm in the same town, on which he built a log house and frame barn. The latter was built in 1841, and the boards with which it was covered were hauled with teams from Chicago; the shingles were made of oak and rived by hand. In 1856 he sold this farm and removed to section 29, in the town of Albany, where he purchased land and remained several years, then sold his farm and removed to the village, and there remained until his death, which occurred Feb. 25, 1881. He was twice married. His first wife was formerly Chloe Webster, and they were married in Onondaga Co., N. Y. Eleven children blessed this union, nine of whom are now living - William, Asliael, Price, Lorinda, Miranda, Nelson, Elizar, Betsey and Electa. Mrs. Hills died March G, 1832. Mr. Hills' second wife was Hannah Sutherland, a native of Vermont. She was a woman of much ability, and in her youth was a school teacher, which occupation she followed in her native State, and alterwards in. New York, where she became accpiainted with Mr. Hills, to whom she was married, Dec. 27,

1832. She was noted for her kindness in cases of sickness or distress, and seemed to feel the misfortunes of others more than her own. She lived to a ripe old age, each succeeding year adding new acts of kindness and generosity to her children and friends. Her memory, always remarkable, was especially so in her old age, and up to almost the day of her death she retained a perfect recollection of past events, and of the names and ages of all the people residing in the neighborhood where she was brought up. She died Oct. 27, 1882. Her children were - Sylvester S., born Dec. 17,1833; Chloe P., born Jan. 28, 1836; and Isabelle M., born June 6, 1838.

Syvester S. Hills is the present landlord of the Nichols House, at Albany. He was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Dec. 17, 1833, and was but four years old when he began pioneer life in Green county, where he grew to manhood. In 1852, in company with a brother and cousin, he opened a tin shop in the village of Monticello. Soon after he purchased the interest of his partners and then purchased a stock of merchandise from Mathias Marty, continuing in business there until 1857. He then sold out, and the following year went to Mitchell (^o., Iowa, and opened a tin thop at St. Ansgar, where he remained but a short time, then sold out and went to Minnesota, stopped there a short time and entered 160 acres of land in Freeborn county, after which he spent one year in Kansas and Nebraska. He then returned to Green county and was there married April 18, 1S61, to Sarah A,, daughter of Jeptha and Harriet (Conger) Davis. She was born in Varys burg, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Oct. 28, 1838. After marriage, Mr. Hills went to Cross Plains, where he engaged in buying and shipping produce one year, then went to Woodman, Grant county, and engaged in the same business, also acted as station agent. He continued to follow the sime business at different points on the (vliiciigo, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad for a rnunber of years, after which he was employed by the Victor Scale Company as general agent, and traveled in the interest of that firm two years in the northwestern States. He then resumed railroading, becoming station agent at Plainfield, on the Wisconsin Central road. In 1880 he leased the hotel at Evansville and engaged in hotel keeping, which he continued there three years, then came to Albany and leased the Nichols House. As a landlord Mr. Hills is a decided success, his house bearing the reputation of being the best hotel in Green county. Mr. and Mrs. Hills have had three children, only one of whom is now living - Elmer E., who was born Oct. 27, 1867. Erwin F. was born July 13, 1866, and died Sept. 9, of the same year. Their eldest son, Arthur, was born Nov. 10, 1862. He was an unusually precocious child and when twelve years of age became messenger boy in the State Senate of Wisconsin, which position he filled during two sessions. He was so honest and trustworthy that, at the age of fifteen, he was appointed station agent on the Wisconsin Central Railroad, having entire charge of the station, including express and telegraph business. He resigned this position to accept a situation as telegraph operator in the city of Milwaukee, in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, where he soon after met his death, Oct. 13, 1879, in a railroad accident. This young man was universally esteemed, and the High School at Evansville, of which he had been a member, thus expressed themselves:

Since (irod has, by a mysterious providence, allowed death to come into our midst and has taken away one, who, but lately, went in and out among us, we. the members of the High School, desire to express our sorrow and deep sympathy with the family so suddenly bereft, and to add our testimony that, while with us, Arthur was always cheerful in spirit, of obliging dispofition, and faithful in iLeperformarce of duty.

Ashael Hills, son of Sylvester and Chloe (Webster) Hills, and pioneer of Green county, was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., March 31, 1815. He was married in 1837 to Julia A. Shults, a native of Montgomery Co., N. Y. In 1839 they removed to Steuben county and lived until 1849. They then came to Green county and purchased a farm on sections 29 and 32, of the town of Albany. There was a log house on the place, in which the family lived two years. He then erected a frame house. He improved a large farm here, and erected a large frame barn. He still resides upon the place. Mrs. Hills died Feb. 12, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Hills were among the first members of the M. E. Church at Albany. They had one child - Helen, now the wife of William H. Hudson.

The second hotel was built in 1850, by J. B. Perry and Aaron Kellogg. It was located on lot 3, block 19. When first opened, it was known as the "Green County House," and J. B. Perry was the accommodating landlord. In August, 1853, Z. Warren purchased the property and it was used as a dwelling until 1879, when William Hayden bought the same and again opened it as a hotel. The building was enlarged and neatly refitted in 1882, and in 1884 it was owned by Peter Benston. It is known as the "Central House" and is an excellent place to stop at.

Manufacturing Interests

The water power furnished by Sugar river at this point was purchased from the' government by James Campbell and Thomas Stewart. From them it passed to Dr. S. F. Nichols and E. O. Pond, in 1846, and the following year these gentlemen improved the power. During the fall of 1847 they erected a saw mill, putting in one of the old fashioned sash saws, and thus for several years furnished the settlers with lumber. In 1848 Z. Warren purchased an interest in the water power and during the winter fob lowing erected the first grist mill. The mill used three run of stone and was operated as a custom mill by Mr. Warren until his death in 1854. After this it was owned by his heirs until washed away by the flood of 18G7, After the flood the property was purchased by E. F. Warren and C. W. Tomkins. These gentlemen rebuilt the mill, and in 1881, enlarged the same, so that it is now 30x74 feet in size, two and a half stories high. It has three run of stone and is equipped with all modern machinery fordoing first-class work. It is still owned by Warren & Tomkins, who operate it as a custom and merchant mill.

Charles W. Tomkins, manager of the Albany flour mills, of which he is a one-half owner, is a native of Ireland, born in county Wicklow, Feb. 29, 1832. His father was the owner of a flour mill in which the subject of this sketch went to work as soon as large enough to be of assistance, and continued to work until he was eighteen years old, when he came to America, He first located at Janesville, where he engaged at his trade until 1852, when he came to Albany, where he had been previously engaged by Zabina Warren to operate his mill. In 1853 he went to Jo Daviess Co., 111., and lived one year, then returned and engaged again in the Warren mill, which he continued to operate until 1860, when he rented the "Kellogg mill" and operated that on shares two years, then again returned to the Warren mill and run it until it was washed away in 1867. In 1868 the firm of Warren, Tomkins & Erolc was formed, and the present mill was built, and has since been under *the supervision of Mr. Tomkins, who bought Erolc's interest in 1879, since which time the firm name of Warren & Tomkins was adopted, and has secured for it an enviable reputation. He w^as married in 1860, to Lucy A. Hoyt, from the State of Maine. They have had three children born to them - Estella, Warren and Arthur. The former, Estella, was the only daughter, she was born in 1861 and died in 1873.

The second grist mill was erected in 1857 by T. Kellogg, and was located on the west side of the river. This mill was 40x60 feet in size and used three run of buhrs, Mr. Kellogg owned the mill about ten years then sold to William Nye and J. Montgomery, who, in 1877, removed the machinery and sold the building and water privilege to the Albany Woolen Manufacturing Company. This company put in the necessary machinery and established the "Albany Woolen Mills." In 1881 E. F. Warren, then superintendent, purchased the property and has since operated the same. The line of goods manufactured embraces flannels,blankets, yarns and skirts. The mill furnishes employment to about eighteen operatives.

In the fall of 1883 Lemuel Warren added a saw mill to the woolen mill, which is also in operation. Thus it will be seen that the water power is being well utilized; but there is still room for more as Sugar river is a never-failing stream and at this point furnishes an eight foot head of water

Prominent among the names identified with the history of Green county, that of Warren stands conspicuous from the early history to the present time. The ancestors of these Warrens were natives of New England for a number of generations. Their great-grandfather, a blacksmith by occupation, having served as a soldier in the French and Indian War, participating in the battle of Quebec. The grandfather, Lovewell Warren, was born in Marlborough, Mass., Oct. 2, 1764, and was of a family of Howes, and was married to Ama Holden. She was born at Charlestown, N. H., in 1794 and was of a family of Adams. Lovewell Warren removed from Leominster, Mass., and settled at Montpelier, Vt., purchased government land, and became a pioneer in the place. The land lie improved is still owned by a family of Warrens - his descendents. It was there that Lemuel Warren was born Oct. 27, 1791, and hisearly life was spent on his father's farm. When a young man he wont to Franklin Co., N. Y., where he formed the acquaintance of Betsy R. Richardson, to whom he was married in 1817. She was born in Granville, Washington county, Aug. 1, 1793. Lemuel Warren was overseer of Hogan's mills, and remained a resident of Franklin county until 1836, then removed to Chautauqua county, and two years later with liis family emigrated to Wisconsin, landing at Milwaukee on the 5th of July, 1838. They proceeded to Janesville which was at that time but a small town, where, although times were hard, they succeeded in making a living. In 1841 they settled on a farm in the town of Union, now known as Center, situated on the Madison road at a distance of twelve miles from Janesville. At that time there were eight children, five sons and three daughters, of whom several had attained their majority, and the older boys - William, Zebina and John H,, left home to battle with the world on their own account. Sept 13, 1846, the father died, and a few years subsequently the family were stricken with grief by the death of the three daughters. Those of the family who remained could hardly recover from such a blow, but they struggled on and finally succeeded in paying for the farm by hard work and prudent economy. The mother afterwards came to Albany, this county, to reside with her sons, where her remaining days were spent. She died Aug. 17, 1870.

Zebina, the second son, was born at Hogansburg, Franklin Co., N. Y., May 2, 1821. When sixteen years old he went to Michigan, and lived one year in Kalamazoo; then in 1838 joined his parents in Rock county and lived with them two years, then made a claim of government land in the town of Center, Rock county, but not having money to pay for it, started out in search of employment. He drove to Milwaukee, and arrived there with money enough to pay for one horse feed. He soon found employment at various things, among others he took a contract from the government to dig a well at the light house, and by winter he had made enough money to outer his land.

In December of that year he engaged as bookkeeper for the firm of Holton & Goodell, and remained with them three years, then returned to Rock county and settled on his land, where he continued to live until 1847, when he came to Albany and erected a grist mill. In 1851 he engaged in the mercantile trade in company with his brother. His death occurred in December, 1854. He was married to Maria, daughter of Erastus and Margaret (Bartle) Pond. Two children blessed that union, one of whom is now living - Ella, now the wife of L. A. Nichols. Mr. Warren was a man of good education and fine business qualifications. He was prominently identified with the interests of both town and village, and was in ofiice from the time of the town organization.

Lemuel IT., the fourth son, was born at Hogansburg, Franklin Co., N. Y., Sept. 30, 1830, and was but eight years old when the family came to Wisconsin, and he grew to manhood in Rock county. In 1850 he came to Albany and engaged in clerking for his brotlier two years, then in 1854 he engaged in mercantile trade in company with his brothers, J II. and E. F., and continued that business until 1865, when he sold his interests and engaged in the lumber trade five years. He then became a mail contractor and has, while attending to that business, traveled extensively. In 1882 lie bought a farm near Madison, where he lived one year and then returned to Albany. He was married March 26, 185i, to Martha Stanley, who was born in Susquehanna Co., Penn. Four children blessed this union - Frank, Carrie, Fred and Eva. The former, Frank S., was born in the village of Albany, where he grew to manhood, his younger days being spent in school and assisting his father in the store. When eighteen years old he was engaged as clerk in E. F. Warren's store. At twenty years of age he was married to Clara Trousdale, who was born in the village of Fayette, Lafayette Co., Wis. They then went to Monroe, where he engaged as clerk for F. S. Parlirt a few months, then went to Yankton, D. T., in company with his father, who was going there to look after his stage interests. In 1878 he had full charge of tbe stage line from Yankton to Sioux Falls, and remained there until 18*79, when he returned to Monroe, bought a livery stock and managed a stable two years, then, in the spring of 1881, he started west and visited Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska. Returning in the fall, he bought the omnibus line at Monroe and ran that during the winter of 1881-2. In the spring of 1882 he went to Dane county and purchased a farm in company with his father, and lived there one year, then returned to Albany, and during the summer was in the employ of the Western Stage Company. In the fall of 1883 he bought the livery stock of E. F. Warren, and is now engaged in the livery lousiness. Mr. and Mrs. Frank S. Warren are the parents of two children (twins) - Bessie and Jessie. He is a good business man, accommodating and affable, and has many friends.

Of the five sons, Eugene F. Warren was the youngest. He was born at Fort Covington, N. Y., June 30, 1833, came with the family to Wisconsin, and at an early age commenced those minor duties of farm life which his extreme youth could compass, and in which he displayed great energy and facility. He was but thirteen years old when his father died, but as his older brothers had left home, the care of the farm naturally devolved on him, and he found little time or opportunity to attend school, spending but three months each winter, in that manner. Fortunately his mother was a woman of refinement and education, knd he received from her the most important elements of early instruction. After acting one year as express messenger on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, at the age of twenty-one, with a capital of $500 he came to Albany, and entered into a co-partnership with his brothers, John H. and Lemuel, in mercantile business, which he pursued for sixteen years, when he bought out the interests of his partners, and continued in the trade alone for five years. Meanwhile, in 1861, he assisted j in recruiting company E, 13th Wisconsin Volunteers, and was mustered in as 1st lieutenant of the company. In 1862 he was in the army of Kansas, where there was no hard fighting, but long and tedious marches to be endured, over the ice and snow clad prairies, and the following year being sent to the army of the Tennessee, he was engaged in fighting "bush-whackers," and in scouting most of the time at Forts Henry and Donelson While there, he was detailed as judge-advocate of a general court-martial which continued in session for three months, fifty-two cases being tried, and five men receiving the sentence of death. In the fall of 1863, he was ordered to Huntsville, Ala., thence to Stephenson, Ala., where after a long and weary march, on short rations, he remained until November, when he left that place and encamped in the village of Edgeville, opposite Nashville, Tenn., where he remained until the summer of 1864, and then returned to his family and business. He had been at home but one week, however, when he received, from the secretary of war, an appointment to a captaincy, in Major-Gen. Hancock's corps, but as one of his brothers had accepted an appointment to the position of United States revenue collector, and the other was in very poor health, and his business in consequence was left entirely in the hands of employes, he was obliged to decline the appointment. Mr. Warren was a brave soldier, competent for any position, and repeatedly refused promotion, having promised to remain with the boys with whom he enlisted and among whom he was a great favorite. In 1869, he built the flouring mill of Warren & Tomkins, and in 1881 purchased the Albany Woolen Mill. He has, also with his brothers, been engaged in the mail and stage business, which furnishes employment to hundreds of men, and requires hundreds of horses, their lines extending from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Slope. Mr. Warren is a republican in [jolilics, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in his religious views, broad and liberal, holding to the belief of universal salvation. His business success is attributable to honesty, industry, perseverance and the good advice early given him by his parents. Mrs. Warren was formerly Sarah S. Gleason, and was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., and was married to E. F. AVarren, Sept. 9, 1855. In the year 1863, she shared equally with her husband the hardships and privations of camp life, thus showing that constancy and affection, which has rendered their union one of happiness. They have been blessed with five children - Mary, Nelly, Willie, (who died in 1867, aged three years) Grace and Charles.

The postoflice at Albany was established in 1848, Erastus O. Pond being appointed the first postmaster. The office was kept in his store, on block IH. Mr. Pond was succeeded as postmaster by E. F. Warren, and he in turn by Andrew Burgor, Hiram Brown, Charles Campbell, Ferdinand Eldred, Hamilton Coates and John Lemmel, the present incumbent. Mr. Lemmel took the office on the 7th of August, 1866. In 1868, the office building was destroyed by fire, but Mr. Lemmel was successful in saving all mail records and postage stamps. Nov. 27, 1883, the office building was again consumed by fire. Mr. Lemmel, this time, succeeded in saving the mail, but some postage stamps and the Old records were destroyed. The office became a money order department Oct. 28, 1878, and up to March 18, 1884, had issued 9,286 orders. The income of the office is about $500 annually.

John Lemmel, postmaster at Albany, and a prominent citizen of this county, was appointed to that position in 1866, and has since continued to serve the people in that capacity in a satisfactory manner. He is a native of France, born in Hiertigheim, near Strassburg, Nov. 2, 1825. He attended school as he had opportunity, until sixteen years old, when he was apprenticed to an older brother to learn the trade of tailor. After serving his time, he went to Strassburg and worked as journeyman for some time, then opened a shop at Hiertigheim, and continued in tlie business until 1853, when he left bis native land and came to America, landing at New York, October 29, of that year. In June, 1854, he came west to Madison, Wis., and thence to New Glarus, where he purchased a farm, on which his father and only daughter settled. He then went to the town of Sylvester and worked in the store of C. F. Thompson seven months, then engaged with S. S. Hills, at Monticello a few months, then came to Albany and had a position with Charles Campbell until 1862, when he opened a shop and carried on the business of merchant tailor until the fall of 1864, when at his country's call, he enlisted in the old 5th Wisconsin Volunteers, company I, Capt. Thomas Flint being his captain. He belonged to the sixtli army corps, Army of the Potomac, Gen. Meade commanding. On tlie 2d day of April, 1865, he was seriously wounded at the battle of Petersburg, After being seven months in the hospital, he returned again to iiis family, who had in the meanwhile lived in the country with his father-in-law. He settled again in the village of Albany, and engaged in in his old trade - nn reliant tailor - and did a flourishing business. InlF82, he sold out and only retained the postoffice. He has been twice married. His first wife was Eva Baszler, who bore him two children, one of whom is now living. Mrs. Lemmel and an infant son died on the ocean while on the way to America. His second wife was Orphia Stauffacher, born in Switzerland, coming to this country when six years old. Six children blessed this union - Lydia, Mary E, William T., Emma, Ella and John. Mr. Lemmel has the confidence and esteem of his fellow men to a goodly degree, and belongs to the best class of Green county citizens.

Civic Societies

There are several societies represented in this village, and the most of them are in a prosperous condition. The A. F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F. fraternities had the misfortune of having their charters and all records destroyed by the fire on Nov. 27, 1883, and thus in order to obtain their history, the historian is obliged to rely on the memories of the older members. Albany Lodge, No. 75,1. 0. O.F,, was organized on the 19th of February, 1854, with the following named charter members : Hiram Brown, J. H. Warren, Ira S. Dexter, C. S. Gleason, Yates Lacy, Charles Robertson, E. L. Warner and A. Thomas. The lodge was in a flourishing condition, and in 1861, its membership numbered nearly ninety. But when the Civil War broke out, and our Nation was calling for brave and patriotic citizens, so many of the leading members responded, that the lodge had its last meeting on the 20th day of July, 1861. In October, 1865, the members returning from the field of battle, re-organized, and the lodge in a short time regained its former vigor. Their lodge room, with contents, was destroyed by the fire. But as they had money in their treasury, they at once rebuilt without calling for or accepting aid from other lodges. Their present room cost them about $750, which amount has been fully paid. The following named members of the lodge are past noble grands : John H. Warner,Thomas Flint, J. B. Perry, C. W. Burns, M. T. Gloason, Ira S. Dexter, S. A. Pond, C. S. Gleason, L. A. Nichols, L. H. Warren, E. F. Warren, C. S. Tibbitts, W. H. Howard, Thomas Gravenor, Richard Glennon, N. B. Murray,

- Albany Lodge, No. 36, A. F. & A. M., was organized under dispensation March 1, 1851, and was granted its charter June 9, 1852. H. B. Jobes is the present W. M., and Thomas Gravenor, secretary. Regular meetings are

Hiram B. Jobes, a native of the town of Brant, Erie Co., N. Y., was born Jan. 30, 1838. In his childhood he attended the district school until twelve years of age. He then entered a printing oftice in the village of Gowanda where he served three years. In 1855 he came to Albany and engaged as clerk with his uncle, E. Boweuj by whom he was employed nine years; then in company with E. W. Persons boughthis uncle's stock of goods and they carried on business together one year. His partner then sold his interest to Hiram Bowen, who was succeeded one year later by Gilbert Dolson, with whom Mr. Jobes continued in business u)itil 1871. In that year they were burned out, and Mr. Jobes purchased his partner's interest in the stock that was saved. He continued business alone until September, 1883, when he sold out to J. F. Litel. He has been three times married. His first wife, Ophelia H. Stetson, of Erie Co., N. Y., was born March 8, 1837, and died July 19, 1870. He was again married in 1871 to Sarah Van Curen, who died in the spring of

1874, to Mrs. Frances Usher Banks, who was born in Alexandria, Licking Co., Ohio. Mr. Jobes is a member of Albany Lodge, No. 36, of A. F. & A. M. and has been connected with temperance work for a number of years.

Thomas Gravenor, the present clerk of the town of Albany, is a native of Wales, born March 17, 1840. He attended school in his native country until eleven years old, was then apprenticed to a shoemaker to learn the trade. He served four years, then at the age of fifteen years he came to America with his parents, with whom he remained until the death of his father, which occurred in Monroe Co., Wis., Feb. 9, 1859. The family then came to Green county, where he traded for a farm in the town of Mount Pleasant and engaged in farming. In 1864 he went to Colorado, and engaged in mining three years, then returned and resumed farming. In IS^e, on account of failing health, he moved with his family to California and remained one year. He then went to New Mexico and engaged in the livery business, while his family returned to Green county. A few months later he returned to Albany and engaged in the grocery and provision business, in which he still continues. He still owns his farm in Mount Pleasant, which he rents. Mr. Gravenor has been twice married, first to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Ann Pryce who died Aug, 21, 1872, leaving one child - William J. He was again married April 25, 187o, to Araminta Dorman and they have one child - Jesse Thomas. Mr. Gravenor's father, William Gravenor, was born in the southern part of Wales. In 1855 he emigrated to America and first settled in Mount Pleasant, Green county, where he purchased a small improved farm, and lived there three years. He then sold out and moved to Monroe county, where he died in 1859, soon after which his family returned to Green county where his widow, Margaret Gravenor, died in 1866. They had four children - William, Jane, Thomas and Margaret. William is dead; Jane is the wife of W. L. Baldwin and lives in Minnesota; Margaret is the wife of Amos St. John, and lives in Mount Pleasant.

Erastus Hoyt Post, No. 69, G. A. R., was organized on the 24th day of March, 1883. The officiating officer being L. O. Holmes of Baraboo; mustering officer deputy of Wisconsin. He was assisted by comrades James Brown, Wallace Eastman, Delos Williams and Wilson Brown of Evansville. The following were elected as the first officers: Capt. Thomas Flint, commander; Capt. C. W, Burns, S. V. C; Capt. J. F. Annis, J. V. C; F. J. Carle, adjutant; John Gillett, quartermaster; N. B. Murrey, officer of the day; Peter Benson, officer of the guard; S. F. Smith, sergeant-major, his associates. He entered the employment of Timothy Kellogg, as teamster, and in a short time united in marriage with Betsy Kellogg, a sister of his employer. When the Civil War broke out he responded to the call of his country by enlisting under Capt. C. W, Burns, in the old company F., 31st regiment, Wisconsin Volteers, in August, 1 862. While on duty as a soldier, he contracted that dreadful disease, chronic diarrhoea, which resulted in death, while he was yet in service, and his body now lies mouldering by the side of other brave comrades in the village cemetery. He is justly entitled to the tribute of respect shown him by his surviving comrades. He was born in 1840, and died in 1863.

In the fall of 1859, the first literary society was organized in the village of Albany, Wis. - the Albany Lyceum, which held its first meeting on Nov. 2, 1859, at high school building on east side of Sugar river. It was presided over by J. H. Warren, who was chosen president and William Gould, secretary. A constitution and by-laws were submitted and adopted. Prominent among the members who took an active part in the deliberations, may be mentioned the names of H. Medbery, Jr., C. W. Tomkins, Ira Dexter, J. B. Perry, E. R. Rock wood, H. B. Jobes, William Gould, J. H. Warren, J. H. Barnes, Gustave Klaesy, N, D, Tibbitts, H. A. Elliott, E, F. Warren and Warren Osgood. The following question chosen for discussion at a subsequent meeting of the society, reflects great credit for the mark of appreciation and esteem bestowed on the gentler sex :

The society expended its forces in a little over two years, and was known as an event of the past, October 15, 1880 witnessed a re-organization, and a new membership, virtually a distinct society, as it embraced only three of the original members - J. B. Perry, C. W. Tomkins and H, B. Jobes, but retained the name and adopted the same constitution and by-laws which governed the first. H. Medbery, Jr., again became a member in the winter of 1883. The present membership includes the above, also Prof. J. L. Sherron, Aaron Broughton, Warren Ploward, S. S. Hills, Richard Glennan, Warren Tomkins and others. The society has made rapid progress in the pursuit of useful knowledge. It holds regular meeting each week, in Grange Hall, Albany.

The leading citizens of Albany have always opposed the liquor traffic, and have thus kept up a continual battle with the demon alcohol. The first temperance society organized was Albany Lodge, No. 38, I. O. G. T., which was chartered Dec. 25, 1856. This was succeeded in June 10, 1857, by Rescue Lodge, 117, I. O. G. T. Among the charter members of Rescue Lodge were : Mr. and Mrs. L. Warren, E. F. Warren, Mrs. Maria Warren, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Tibbitts and Mrs. Werner. This lodge surrendered its charter after a few years, as likewise did several succeeding Good Templar lodges and was repeatedly resurrected. The lodge, in 1884, was known as Crystal Fountain Lodge.

Religious

There were no ministers of the gospel among the early settlers, but through the untiring efforts of Chloe Pond, Louisa M. Nichols and Maria I. Pond,* who canvassed every family in the neighborhood, a Sabbath school was organized in 1846. The meetings were at first held in a log school house west of the village. But when cold weather set in they met in the village. The people all took an active interest, and by prompt attendance, a wide-awake and instructive Sabbath school was continued for several years.

Rev. J. D. Stevens was the first Congregational preacher to hold services at Albany. He came here first in 1853. Elder G. R. Patton, a Baptist preacher from near Juda, was the first minister of the gospel to preach west of the river in Albany. He held services in the little log school house in 1847. Rev. Church, a Presbyterian, preached the first sermon in the village of Albany proper, in 1848, in a small frame building located where J. B. Perry's office now stands. This was his only visit to this place.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Albany was organized at the stone school house in 1855. Among the first members of the class were: Mrs. Ann Eliza Jobes, V. H. Vancuren and wife, D. S. Smith and wife, Ashael Hills and wife, and Henry Dickinson and wife. Among the preachers who have fiilled the pulpit for this class are the following: Revs. Cauley, Ferguson, Wheeler, Coleman, Budlong, Butler, Wilde, Hammond, [The last named served during the war as chaplain of the 5th Wis

Chloe Pond is now the wife of R. H. Hewitt ; Louisa M. Nichols is now the wife of Dr. J. H. Warren; Maria I. Pond is now the wife of C. S. Tibbetts.

consin regiment. He is now post chaplain in the U. S. Army.] Russell, Smith, Allen, Benedict, Haskins, Lewis, J. J. Walker, Pengilly, Clifton, Evans, Briggs, Tnll, Allen and Rev. Mr. Tyacke. The last named is the present pastor. The class met for worship in the Congregational church until 1883, when they erected a frame church building, valued at $2,000. Francis Atkinson is the present class leader.

Francis Atkinson was born in Yorkshire, England, May 28, 1837. He is a son of Richard and Mary (Nelson) Atkinson, pioneers of Green county. In 1842 they emigrated to America and located in Champaign Co., Ohio. In 1846 they removed to Wisconsin, locating in the town of Albany, this county. Francis helped his father and older brothers fence and clear a farm; working on thefairm in the summer and attending school in the winter, until the winter of 1859-60, when he commenced work for himself. He was mari-ied in the spring of 1860 to Sarah, daughter of John and Sarah (Wilding) Jones. He rented a farm in the town of Decatur, and at the end of one year, purchased the same farm. In 1871 he bought 145 acres more. He followed teaching in the winter time for five years. In 1882 he purchased 170 acres in the town of Albany, adjoining his old farm, and moved thereon, and in 1883 erected a new barn. He is engaged in raising grain and stock, Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson were both converted in early life, and joined the Church, He joined the United Brethren Church, when meetings were held in the old log school house. He served as class steward for a number of years. In 1877 he joined the M. E. Church, and has since been appointed class-leader. Mr, and Mrs. Atkinson are the parents of eight children - Owen O., William F., Russell B., Mary A,, Annie M., Lillian M,, Nellie W, and Ettie May,

On the 11th of June, 1854, a Congregational society was organized by Rev. J, D. Stevens in the old stone school house. Among the first members were: Everett Dodge and wife, John

Flint and wife, Thomas Flint and wife, Mrs. Julia Nichols, Mrs. Dr. Fayette, Mrs. Chloe Baxter, Mrs. John Burt and E. S. Gillies and wife. The first deacons were Everett Dodge and John Flint. For a number of years the society met at the school house, and then a frame church was built. This church was erected by the people as a union church and was to be open to all denominations. Rev. J. D. Stevens was the first pastor of the Congregational Church. Af. ter him came Revs. James Jameson, Mr. Webb, Mr. Foot and Mr. Jameson. As most of the members have left, this organization has been abandoned.

A union Sunday school was organized at about the same time that the Congregational society was organized, Chauncy Hurlburt was the first superintendent. This Sunday school is still in existence and is in a flourishing condi tion. The following named have acted as superintendent: Chauncey Hurlburt, James Barnes, Thomas Flint, Marshall Kellogg, Thomas Flint, G. W. Roberts and Thomas Flint. The latter is the present superintendent.

Albany Cemeteky

Albany cemetery is located in the southwestern portion of the village plat between Warren's addition and the Monroe road. It is triangular in form and contains about five acres. The ground was donated to the village for burial ])urpose8 in 1851, by Erastus O. Pond and Dr. Samuel F. Nichols.

OUR nation's birthday. The first celebration of our Nation's birthday, at Albany, took place July 4, 1846. On that day the people from miles around met on the east bank of Sugar river, near the residence of Erastus O. Pond. There were present at this gathering, counting old and young, large and small, just seventy-five souls. Dr. Samuel F. Nichols was orator of the day, and the young ladies furnished the music, which consisted of singing the "Star Spangled Banner." All present enjoyed themselves and went to

Loss Of Life By Accident

The first fatal accident in the town, occurred on the Ist of June, 1851. On that day William Richardson, a merchant, was drowned in Sugar river while attempting to cross in a small boat. He was accompanied by S. A. Pond. When they reached the river, Richardson said he would return to the house for his rubbers, as he didn't want to wet his feet, "if he did get drowned." In the middle of the stream the current was too strong for them and they were swept over the dam. The boat went over all right, but the under current drew it back under the falls and it was then capsized. Pond was a good swimmer and struck out for the shore, but the current was swift and he was carried below the bridge before he could reach shore. Richardson could not swim and was drowned. Although every possible effort was put forth, his body was not found until June 21, when it was accidentally discovered, lodged against some drift-wood a few miles below the village. Isaac T. Armsbury, a farmer by occupation, was missed from his home in 1858. Diligent search was made in the surrounding country and the river was dragged with grapples and after unceasing efforts, his body was found in Sugar river.

In 1858 a son of William Firm, age, thirteen years, took off his clothes, jumped into the river and was drowned. It is thought the boy did not know that the water was deep enough to drown him.

In 1866 Herbert Atkinson was accidentally shot with a revolver in the hands of John Pace, Jr. The shooting took place in a saloon. Mr. Atkinson was a promising young man, about nineteen years of age.

John McFarland, while in the employ of the C, M. & St. P. R. R. Co., as brakeman, was killed near the depot, on Dec. 8, 1883. He was in the act of coupling cars, when he was caught between the locomotive and a flat car, the coupling link passing through his body, causing death in a few hours. He was thirty-four years of age, and left a wife and two children.

Fires At Albany

Few towns have been so unfortunate with fires as Albany. For, although only a village of about 400 inhabitants, it has suffered the loss of over $100,000 worth of property by fire.

The first large fire occurred in 1866, when the Charles Campbell block, at the time occupied as a hotel, was destroyed; loss, about $2,500. Two years later five stores, including postoffice, were consumed; loss, nearly $20,000. In 1872 five more stores were destroyed, and a loss of about $20,000 sustained, and in June, 1880, the Warren block, occupied as a hardware store, was laid in ashes, causing a loss of $8,000. But the largest and most destructive of the conflagrations occurred in 1883, and was accompanied by loss of life.

At an early hour Tuesday morning, Nov. 27, 1883, the family of J. A. Lockridge, who were occupying rooms on the second floor of Murrey's block, were startled by discovering that their rooms were filled with smoke so dense as to almost suffocate. The family had barely time to give the alarm to J. E. Flood's family, occupying an adjoining suite of rooms, clothe

History Of Green-County

Theory of "Fire! Fire! Fire!" rang out on the night air, and before many minutes nearly all the inhabitants of the village were at the scene of disaster. The flames spread with such rapidity that all efforts to stay their progress proved futile, and the work of saving goods was begun, but this was soon cut off by the fire breaking through the upper floors.

While the citizens were performing eflicient work in the store of John Lemrael, carrying out goods, an explosion occurred from gunpowder stored on the premises, tearing down a portion of the walls of Murrey's building, throwing the end walls into the street and instantly killing Eddie Dodge, a promising son of J. M. Dodge, who, with others, was occupied in carrying out goods. He had just reached the sidewalk when the crash came, and he was almost buried in the debris. His skull was crushed and a terrible gash cut in the right side of his neck, thus causing instant death. The iron columns in front of the building remained standing, otherwise the loss of life would have been much greater. However, a number of persons were precipitated into the cellar and narrowly escaped with their lives. Some would have perished had they not been extricated from their perilous position.

Excitement now ran high. Union block and Murrey's block were one sheet of flames. The flre crossed the street and destroyed several wooden buildings, and it was with herculean efforts that the mill of Warren & Tomkins was saved.

The financial loss by this fire was about $00,- 000; insurance, $20,000. Those who suffered the loss were: N. B. Murrey, Murrey block; John Lemmel, hardware and building; J. A, Lockridge, restaurant; J. F. Litel, general store; G. W. Bartlett, drugs and building; J. Benkirk, clothing ; John Hahn, boots and shoes; C. S. Tibbitts, harness; A. Darling, boots and shoes; A\ha,nj Journal; Alha,nv Vindicator; S. A. Pond, Pond's Hall; A. F. & A. M. Hall; I. O. O. F. Hall; E. B. Dorr, blacksmith; Parker Dodge, J. F. Maynard, furniture; Humes & Bliss, harness; Charles Humphrey and E. Bagley. The following sustained bodily injury: Thomas Dorman, collar bone broken; Charles Mathews, bruised about the head; Thomas Gravenor, face cut; Richard Glennan, Fred Roberts, Will Roberts, John Lemmel, Charles Roberts and others, sustained more or less injury. How the fire originated is a mystery, but was no doubt accidental.

On The Death Of Eddie Dodge

Little Eddie was killed in his heroic efforts in the great fire at Albany, on the night of Nov^ 26, 1883. Just after returning from ringing the church bell, to arouse the citizens.

In the spring of 1867 the ice in Sugar river was thirty inches in thickness, and when the thaw came it broke up and went out with a rush causing high water. The ice went out with such force as to destroy everything it came in contact with. Thus all the bridges in the town were swept away, outbuildings were removed and the "Albany Grist Mill" was destroyed. The damage done in the town of Albany amounted to at least $40,000. The milldestroyed being valued at about one-half that amount.

The greatest flood, however, occurred on the 30th of June, 1880. on which date Sugar river was about eiglit feet above low water mark and thus flooded nearly all of the streets in the

Albany In 1854

"In regard to population Albany ranks as the second town in Green county - Monroe being the first - yet Albany is a small village and one would get but a very inadequate idea of its business importance from the number of its inhabitants. The population of Albany is greatly disproportionate to the amount of its business. In fact it can be safely said that there is no other town, of its size, in the State of Wisconsin whose business transactions equal that of this village. The reason of this is found in a great measure in the extremely favorable position this village occupies. It is a central point in reference to a large and populous section of country whose trade isbest acsommodated here, being sufiiciently distant from any surrounding village which can pretend to offer this place any effective rivalry. This village possesses another advantage the importance of which cannot be overlooked by business men. It has a capital vmter power. It is with no desire to make invidious comparisons, or with any unfriendly feelings toward other villages that the statement is made, that, all things considered, the hydraulic power of this place is superior to any other on Sugar river. There is one large flouring mill already in operation and there will probably be another erected here the coming season. There is also a good saw mill at this place, and there is to be a cabinet and carriage manufactory built here the ensuing spring which will make use of some of this water power. But all of the above -{JTll fall far short of exhausting it.

"In regard to th.e country immUdiate'iy surrounding Albany, no higher praise can be accorded it than to say, it is as good, as rich, and as productive as any in Wisconsin. It is such a

"That Albany is bound to increase rapidly in wealth and population there can be no doubt, unless, indeed, some unwise policy, or rather, obstacle is interposed to avert for the time its 'manifest destiny.' The statistics given below have been caref uly collected by J. B. Perry, Esq., and they can be relied upon as correct. They will be found, we think, to substantiate the claims we have made for Albany:

Pioneer Settlers And Prominent Citizens

The following named are those composing the bone and sinew of the town and village of Albany. If not early settlers, they are citizens who by their enterprise and general popularity are deserving of mention in the annals of progress. Their names occur in order of their settlement as near as possible:

William P. Murrey, one of the pioneers of Green county, was a native of New York, born in the Mohawk valley, July 16, 1814. When a young man he emigrated to Michigan and settled in Hilldale county, where he was married to Susan A. Wright, a native of Oneida Co., N. Y., born in 1821. They lived in Hillsdale county until 1844, then came to the Territory of Wisconsin. He rented land in Waukesha county and put in a crop, then came to Green county and entered land on sections 2 and 11, township 2, range 9 east, now known as Decatur. He then returned to Waukesha county and harvested his crop. In the fall he came back to Decatur and built a log cabin, and worked through the winter at rail-splitting. In the spring of 1845 he was joined by his family. He continued to live upon this farm until 1861. In September of that year, he enlisted in company E, of the 13th Wisconsin regiment, and served until after the close of the war. He was discharged in the fall of 18&5, when he returned home and resumed farming. He died in April, 1881. In the fall of 1882 his widow removed to Colorado where she resides at present. Five children were born to them - Napoleon B., William li., Albert W., Lou P. and Emeline A. Napoleon B. Murrey was born in Michigan, Aug. 29, 1840, and was four years old when he came with his parents to Wisconsin. His early life was spent in the town of Decatur. He enlisted on the day that he was twenty-one years old, in the 5th Wisconsin Light Artillery, and served until the expiration of his term of enlistment. Among the more important battles in which he participated are: Island No. 10, siege of Corinth and Jackson, in Mississippi; Perryville, Ky., Stone River and Chattanooga. He was taken sick at Chattanooga and sent to the hospital, where he remained three months. He was then sent to Murfreesboro and was there one year, then again joined his command at Atlanta, where, after participating in the capture of that city, he was honorably discharged, and returned home. He engaged in farming until 1871, when he went to Texas and remained two years, then returned to Green county. In 1874 he removed to the village of Albany, where he now lives. In 1881 he erected a business house on block 13, which was destroyed by tire Nov. 27, 1883. He then built a brick block, 40x90 feet, with a hall in the second story. He was married in June, 1865, to Abby Caleff, a native of Dixon, 111.

Daniel Hill started, in 1845, from Pennsyl vania for Wisconsin, with one horse and a wagon. He was accompanied by his wife and four children. Mr. Hill was taken sick the day he started, but kept on until he reached Trumbull Co., Ohio. There he stopped, and a few days later, died. His remains were there buried. After the funeral, the family again started on their lonely way for the Territory of Wisconsin. Having cooking utensils with them, they camped and cooked by the road-side. After a long and tedious journey, they reached Green county and located in the town of Sylvester, where three of the children had previously settled. The family lived there for several years. In 1874 Mrs. Hill went to Monticello to live with her daughter, Mrs. Hanford Selleck. She lived with her until the time of her death. Mr. Hill was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., in 1796. Mrs. Hill's maiden name was Margaret Shaner. She was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., in 1798. There were eleven children born to them, six of whom are now living - Eliza, married to Nathaniel Edgar, lives in Iowa; Mary, wife of A. White, living in Monroe; Julia A., wife of J. T. Sutherland, resides in Grant county; Sarah J,, wife of H. M. Selleck, of Monticello; William, born in Northumberland Co., Penn., June 9, 1833, and Henry, born in Northumberland Co., Penn., in 1855. The two boys went to work for an older brother, to raise means to keep the family together. They remained with him between two and three years, then William engaged to work at $10 per month, for J. J. Dawson, of Decatur, on his farm. At the end of fourteen months, Henry rented the farm, and his mother and two sisters moved thereon. They remained there six years, when the two brothers purchased a farm on section 4, in the town of Sylvester. In about four years afterward, William purchased Henry's interest in the farm, and continued farming until 1875, when he removed to Brodhead and engaged in the lumber business. He remained there in business until 1883, when he removed to Albany and engaged in the same business, with H. E. Burnham as partner. He was married on the 17th of November, 1863, to Miss F. L. Whitlier, born in Greenfield, Franklin Co., Mass. They had three children - Harry B., Charlie and Willie II.

Arden H. Colton, son of Pliny and Rizpah Colton,was born in the town of Ripley, N. Y., Sept. 6,- 1822. When he was three years old his parents moved to Erie Co., Penn., where they lived ten years, then moved to Mercer county in the same State. When the subject of this sketch was twenty-two years old, he started for the west. He traveled by way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, to Belleville, Iowa, thence to Jackson county, of the same State. He engaged in driving a breaking team until harvest, then worked at harvesting until fall. He then returned to Pennsylvania and worked through the winter in an iron furnance. In the spring he went again to Jackson Co., Iowa, rented land, and engaged in farming. In the fall of 1845 he came to Green county and drove team from Exeter, to different points, which business he continued fourteen months. He was married March 22, 1847, to Margaret J. Rima, daughter of John and Armelia (Fuller) Rima. She was born in Pennsylvania. At this time he bought a piece of timber land on section 10, and soon after traded twenty acres of this land for forty acres of prairie land on section 10, where he erected a log house and commenced housekeeping'. They lived there two years, then traded for forty acres one mile north, to which they removed. One year later he sold that land and bought eighty acres in the town of Exeter, erected a log house and lived there one year, then sold, and in the fall of 1854, removed to Richland county and bought 240 acres in the town of Willow. He built a log house in which he lived four years, then erected a frame house, and lived there until 1859. He then traded his farm for land in Floyd Co., Iowa, returned to Green county and rented land in the town of Mount Pleasant. He lived there through the summer and then bought fifty acres on section 11, which he lost. He lived there through the winter and in the spring rented a farm adjoining, and worked that summer. In the fall he removed to Monticello and rented a house during the winter, then went to look after his Iowa land. He lost pretty near all he had there, and traded what interest he had left for forty acres in the town of Jefferson, Green county, built a frame house and lived there two years, then bought eighty acres in the town of "Washington, on which he lived six years, then sold and bought a farm on section 11, of Mount Pleasant, where he remained ten years, then traded for a farm of eighty acres on section 10. He lived there one year, then rented out his land and removed to Albany, where he rented a farm three years, then bought a farm on sections 16 and 20, also the lots in block 18, of the new addition to Albany, and sold his farm on section 10, town of Mount Pleasant. He erected a frame house and barn and has since made this his home. Mr. and Mrs. Coltonhave five children - Rizpah A., Mary E., Armelia, Sarah J. and Phebe D.

Richard Hamer, a pioneer of Green county, was born atGlanravon, in the pai-ish of Llanbadarn-fCynydd Radnorshire, South Wales, March 23, 181Y. He was reared to agricultural pursuits until he was eighteen years old, when he was apprenticed to Benjamin Davis, of Moughke, blacksmith, with whom he served two years. He afterwards worked at Dolver and Llanbadarn, as journeyman. He, however, returned to farming, at which he remained until he emigrated to America. On the 1st of May, 1845, he was married to Mary larman, daughter of Ezekiel and Maria larman, of Bryngwain, in the parish of Llandinam, Montgomeryshire, North Wales, and on the 7th day of May, in the same year, they took passage across the Atlantic from Liverpool, in the sailing ship, John Bentley. After a voyage of six weeks and three days they landed at Quebec, Canada. He, however, was for two weeks laid up in the quarantine, suffering from rheumatism. From

Quebec he started and traveled by steamer to Kenosha. They then traveled by ox team from Kenosha to Burlington and Green county, to the same spot where he has ever since resided. The first night in his new home was one that will ever be remembered by him and his wife, they having to encounter a terrific thunder storm, the like of which they had never seen before or since. The only shelter was a wagon, and the vivid flashes of lightning served them as a lantern. Mr. Hamer pre-empted land on section 14, of township 3, range 9 east, now known as the town of Albany. He erected a log cabin and covered it with hay; the next summer he undertook to cover it with boards, but having only half enough, a portion of the original hay roof remained on through the summer. A blanket was hung in the doorway which answered the purpose of the more modern and substantial wooden door. He found employment in the neighborhood, working for fifty cents a day. At harvest he undertook to cut grain by the acre, getting fifty cents an acre. In this way he cut 1094^ acres. That same year (1846), a dutchman named Shomaker cut 111 acres, it taking him three days longer than Mr. Hamer. In the fall of 1846, Mr. Hamer and his wife had the ague very bad, Mrs. Hamer suffering with it for seven months ; at this time they felt the necessity of having a good house, for their house had no door, and the roof only half covered, and no stove whatever, only a little fire on the ground in one corner and the smoke finding its way out between the logs as best it could. Mr. Hamer did considerable work digging out cellars and wells and fencing. He made 11,000 rails in the winter of 1847. He also undertook to cut out a cellar 18x24 feet and six and one half feet deep, for $5, which task he completed in four and one half days. It was that winter that he assisted to build the first house (which belonged to Dr. Nichols) ever raised in Albany. He also worked out, earning $9 a month. In the spring of this year, by his saving and industry, he had been enabled to buy his second forty acres, giving twenty-five per cent for tlie money with which to pay for it. The following season he raised the first crop of wheat, at the same time working out whenever an opportunity offered itself. In this way he was soon able to get a little stock, and an ox team, with which he worked his farm for twenty years or thereabouts. At the present time he has a good, new house standing on a splendid farm of 160 acres, fitted up with all modern improvements. Richard and Mary Hamer have been blessed with thirteen children, eight of whom are now living - Henry G., Mary Ann, John R., Ada Eliza, Thomas D., Eli M., James A. and Willie R.

George W. Bagley, one of the early settlers of Green county, was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., May 12, 1818. There he made his home nntil twenty-one years old, then went to Michigan and located in Jackson county, where he was engaged in railroading and farming. In 1842 he came to Wisconsin making the greater part of the way thither on foot. He entered eighty acres of timber land, forty acres of which was on section 30, township 3 north, range 9 east, and forty acres on section 25, townshi]* 3 north, range 8 east. He returned to Michigan and there remained until 1846, then came back to Green county and entered land on section 32. He erected a frame house, and commenced to improve the land. In 1848 he returned again to Michigan, and was married to Mary A. Weed. She was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., July 15, 1821. He then returned with his bride to their new home. Here he improved a farm, erected a good set of buildings, and made his residence until the time of his death, which occurred June 1, 1883. He has been prominently identified with the county and its interests, and was a member of the first board of supervisors of the town of Albany, and later held other offices of trust. He left a widow and three children to mourn his death. The children were - Hattie, Orastus P. and Lorrain L. The son, Lorrain L., now occupies the homestead. He had charge of the farm some time previous to his father's death. He was born in the town of Albany, May 30, 1856, and always made his home with his parents, his younger days having been spent in school, and in assisting his father on the farm. He was married in 1876, to Susan Reese, also a native of Albany. They have one child - Harry J.