Beloit Town (part 2 of 2)

The command now numbers sixty-eight rank and file, and a corps of eight drummers, organized last July, whose excellent time and style, as they march ahead of the "boys in blue," brings many a thrill to hearts whose owners remember the time when they, too, " followed the drum," hut under somewhat different circumstances.

The company, as a whole, have been the recipients of many well deserved compliments of late, notably from the Adjutant General, who, at the inspection held at the last annual fair, commended them for their soldierly bearing, general appearance and excellence in drill^three qualities in which they excel.

The Guards have one of the finest armories in the State, having two floors of a large building, the upper floor being a commodious hall, suitable for drill and dancing, the lower floor containing reception parlors, dining-room, kitchen and armory proper.

The Old Veterans

On May 22, 1879, the soldiers of the late war organized a society under the title of the Veterans Club, which has for its object the cultivation of a social and friendlv feeling among the survivors of the "difficulty" of 1861; the cherishing of the memories of their dead comrades and the rendering of assistance to each and every member thereof when desired. The impulse to the formation of the Club was given by the knowledge that no record had been kept of the graves in the cetnetery occupied by the remains of Union soldiers, and many of the "vets," considering the fact in the light of a disgrace, organized as above stated. Such has been their anxiety to rectify the error, if error it can be called, that they have spared neither pains nor expense in their search, which has been rewarded by the location of the " honored dust " of thirty-six victims of the war of 1861-65 and five of the war of 1812, none of which will hereafter need any allusion to the much hackneyed request, " to see that my grave is kept green," to remind the patriotic that therein repose the remains of one who gave up "his all, his life," to the service of his country.

Eighty members joined the society at its first meeting, but they have grown in strength even as the young shrub waxeth old, and now number one hundred. The first officers were Col. 0. C. Johnson, Lieut. Col. J. F. Vallee, Maj. J. M. Hoyt. Adjt. Thomas P. Northrop, Paymaster M. Egan, Color Sergt. L. S. Mosely, Sergt. Maj. C. H. Bullock. The present officers are the same, with the exception of those of Lieutenant Colonel and Adjutant, which are now filled, the former by C. "W. Stark, of Shopiere, and the latter by Charles Newburgh, of Beloit. Their stated meetings are the last Friday in every alternate month, beginning with February, and their re-unions are Decoration Day and the occasion of the annual picnic, which was held this year on September 12, but which will hereafter take place on the second Friday in August.

Musical Societies

Prominent among these aids to civilization stands the Philharmonic Society, which was organized January 24, 1879, with twenty-three members, whose object in banding together was the cultivation of good music and pleasure. The first officers were : President, Dr. H. P. Carey ; Vice President, Miss Martha Hazard ; Secretary, Edgar S. Green ; Treasurer, 0. B. Olmstead ; Conductor, J. B. Dow. The Society has given two public rehearsals since its formation, which have been successes in every way. They now number sixty members and are in a prosperous condition. The officers are the same as those already noted, with the exception of the President and Secretary, those offices being filled respectively by J. B. Dow and W. E. Thompson, the former holders having resigned. Rehearsals are held every Monday evening.

The Nonsuch (brass band), was organized in June of the current year, with the following members: Leader, Prof. Z. T. Hulett; Edward Scott, 1st B flat ; B. Madden, 1st E flat; Herbert Merrill, 1st tenor ; H. Sherman, 2d B flat ; Charles Ross, 1st alto : John Adams, baritone ; G. Styles, solo alto ; L. Rosenblatt, bass ; E. W. Kimball, snare drum ; William Maynard, 2d tenor. The band, however, is not yet complete, and is therefore only -' in practice," but next year will probably join forces with the City Band.

The Ci^y Band, a very creditable institution, was re-organized on May 1 of the current year, the re-organization being owing to the fact that every fall their leader, Mr. Hulett, goes' away on private business, not returning until March of the next year, during which period the members go, so to speak, into winter quarters, whence they emerge upon their lestder's return. The present members are Z. T. Hulett, leader, 1st E flat ; William Fitzgerald, 2d E flat ; F. C- Coller, solo B flat ; Henry Barton, 1st B flat ; Will Barton. 2d B flat ; Frank Pratt, solo alto ; Augustus Peck, 2d alto ; William Fairchild,. 1st tenor ; F. D. Wynne, 2d tenor ; George Maxwell, baritone ; George Styles, tuba ; Bruce Thayer, bass-drum and cymbals ; Lawrence Cunningham, snare drum. This organization is a credit to the city by whose residents it is highly respected.

Hulett & Northrop's Orchestra is the title of an organization consisting of five members, which was formed in 1874, by Z. T. Hulett, with the following gentlemen : Z. T. Hulett, 1st violin; D. Ross Murray, 2d violin'; Charles A. Gait, flute; Charles F. Dyke, cornet; Thomas Northrop, bass. It is the ne plus ultra of quadrille bands, as is evidenced by the fact that, from

October to March, its members travel the States of Iowa and Wisconsin, where they meet with many engagements from clubs and private parties.

Bbloit Reading Club

This society, having for its object the inculcation in the minds of its members of the benefits arising from home study and the subsequent discussion in open meeting of the matters read, was organized in the fall of 1878, with about sixty members. The first officers were : President, Rev. Fayette Royce ; Vice President, W. H. Beach ; Secretary, Miss Lilian Brown ; Treasurer, Charles F. Rau, Jr. The Club has become very popular since its organization, and now consists of ninety members.

The Beloit Bible Society was organized on March 22, 1841, the object, as stated by the constitution, being to encourage the circulation of the Scriptures in the vicinity " without note or comment." Subscriptions flowed in very freely, about forty-four persons signing the constitution at the first meeting and contributing $51, which was expended in the purchase of Bibles, by whose aid it is more than probable that many persons had their eyes opened to the goodness and mercy of the all-seeing God. At that meeting the following officers were elected : Mr. S. Kidder, President ; R. B. Carson, Secretary ; T. McElhenny, Treasurer ; Horace Hobart, Depositary. Since that time the Society has prospered, as it deservdfe to have done, and, at the present time, has a stock of Bibles and Testaments in the hands of the Depositary, worth from $300 to $500. Every five or six years an active canvass is made of the city, and those residents who do not possess a copy of the saving word of God are immediately supplied, if they so desire, and in this way the ^.ccumulation of books is disposed of. The following are the present officers: President, Rev. A. L. Chapin, D. D.; Vice President, Rev. J. McLean; Secretary, W. H. Baumes ; Treasurer and Depositary, I. E. Goodall.

Gas-Works

Notwithstanding the fact that there is a gas company and gas-works, furnishing a very fair quality of lighting material, located in Beloit, the citizens, as a general thing, prefer the more economical . kerosene lamp, and the result is that the works are not in as flourishing a condition as the advocates of well-lighted streets and homes could desire. The company, consisting of John Hackett, President, and several Philadelphia gentlemen, commenced operations with $42,000 capital in September, 1859, the principal stockholder being Mr. Hopper, a resident of the above city ; but have not, for the reasons above stated, done a large business. They have about four miles of pipe in use, and import a sufficient quantity of Youghioheny (Pittsburgh) coal to keep their works always going.

The Bridges

In 1842, the Territorial Legislature, having been made aware of the wants of the residents of Beloit, in this direction, passed an act, which was approved February 17, authorizing Selvy Kidder, A. L. Field, C. F. H. Goodhue, Horace White, D. J. Bundy and their associates, as the Beloit Bridge Company, to construct a bridge across Rock River at the foot of School street, or at such other place as was deemed most convenient. The gentlemen chose the place first named, and constructed a trestle bridge, which they then handed over to the village. That bridge remained in use until 1856, when it became too small for the constantly increasing traffic : so a contract was entered into by the authorities with G. A. Houston, now of the Merrill

& Houston Iron Works, for the construction of the present bridge, which was finished the same year, at a cost of $12,000. It is of timber, 30 feet wide and 336 feet long, and is a most satisfactory means of communication between the east and west portions of the city. The second bridge, down near the State line, was constructed in the same year, by Mr. Houston. It was commenced by Messrs. W. T. Goodhue, R. H. Mills and L. Gr. Fisher, for the purpose of improving the value of some projSerty held by them in that neighborhood ; but the city assumed control of it, paying $1,000 toward the cost, and the contract was given to Mr. Houston, who completed it, for the sum of $4,000. It is a trestle bridge, 18 feet wide and 400 feet in length, and serves all the purposes for which it was intended in a most satisfactory manner.

The Cemetery

According to the best information obtainable, the first cemetery was laid out in 1888 ; the ground chosen being what is now the Public Park, which was donated by Caleb Blodgett, the New England Emigration Company, Lucius G. Fisher, Charles Johnson, C. F. H. Goodhue and Tyler H. Moore, who were the original proprietors of the village. The plat was given for cemetery purposes, and the remains of two or three persons were interred there. After the land sale, viz., in 1840, the present ground was laid out, the control of it being in the hands of the town. Subsequently, it passed into the hands of the village authorities ; and, when the city was organized, into the possession of the " City Fathers," who still retain it. With the exception of the salary of the Superintendent, A. M. Belding, no appropriations are made by the city for its maintenance, that duty devolving upon citizens who possess lots here.

There are about twelve acres contained in it, which' are divided into lots and sold as a demand arises. It is filled with handsome monuments and tablets of every description, which mark the last resting-place of those who have drifted out into the unknown sea which washes upon the shores of eternity.

Thanks to the care and attention bestowed upon it by the Superintendent, Mr. Belding, assisted by the efforts of those whose darlings sleep beneath the sod, the grpunds present a beautiful appearance. Large pines and evergreens dot its surface from end to end, while, here and there, large bunches of flowers show themselves, the whole forming a picture which, wTien viewed in the soft radiance of an Indian summer, goes far to rob King Death of many of his terrors.

The Banking Business

The history of the banking business of Beloit is flecked with stories of disasters which have befallen institutions of this character in an early day. Numerous and well organized attempts were made to keep those emblems of prosperity afloat, but, in the generality of cases, times proved too hard, and de|)Ositors or creditors too pressing, and ruin and disaster followed. The first of these attempts was made in the case of the Rock River Bank - the first in Beloit - which was organized with a capital stock of $50,000, by some Pittsburgh (Penn.) gentlemen in 1852. They soon after sold out to Messrs. J. J. Bushnell, Lucius G. Fisher and others, who in turn retired in favor of W. C. Ritchie, who directed its operations as proprietor until 1859, when he was forced to close his doors. Prior, however, to that date, viz., in 1854, Messrs. George B. Sanderson and Louis C. Hyde organized the Bank of Beloit with a capital of $60,000, and continued in successful operation until 1861, when the bank discharged all its liabilities and divided its surplus capital among stock-holders, and sold the franchise to William C. Ritchie, under whose unfortunate management it collapsed. The next venture of the kind was made in 1860, when the Southern Bank of Wisconsin was organized, but it was very short-lived, the proprietors hardly getting into operation before the "grim destroyer " claimed it for his own. This long array of unfortunate ventures rather cooled the ardor of venturesome speculators until 1863, when some one more daring than the rest plunged his hand into the flames and drew out a chestnut in the shape of the Beloit National Bank, which, with a capital of $50,000 at its back, withstood " the slinga and arrows of outrageous fortune " until 1873, when it succumbed to the hard times, ycleped, the panic. Thus the field was again left open ; but not for a length of time, the next aspirant for public. favor being the First National Bank of Beloit, which was organized in 1874, with a capital of $50,000, by Messrs. Louis C. Hyde, M. Brittain, and other gentlemen, and under the able management of the two former as President and Cashier respectively, the affairs of ihe institution are in as satisfactory a state as the most ardent admirer of these gentlemen could desire.

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Beloit was organized in March, 1874. Several public meetings were held and pledges circulated, and much interest aroused. In the spring of 1875, a reading-room was opened, and a Gospel service held every Sabbath afternoon.. These latter have been sustained for more than four years, and have been often of a most interesting character. Last winter, the Union acted as a relief society, and assisted many needy families. Last March, the District Convention of the W. G. L. W. met with the Beloit ladies and enjoyed a good meeting.

The first principal officers were Mrs. E. P. Savage, President ; Mrs. T. C. Chamberlin, Secretary. The present are:' President, Mrs. M. A. Marshall; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Martha Peet ; Recording Secretary, Miss Anna Keep ; Treasurer, Mrs. C. C. Keeler.

Secret Societies

Morning Star Lodge, No. 10, F. ^ A. M., received its charter on January 15, 1847, the principal officers being: W. M., John W. Bicknell ; S. W., P. D. Van Buren ; J. W., Hugh Lee. Owing to the fact that the records fail to show the names of charter members, they are omitted, as it was found impossible to secure them from the memory of even " the oldest inhabitant."

The present membership of the Lodge is 119, and the present officers are: W. M.. H. B> Allen; S. W., John Nichols; J. W., F. Messer; Treasurer, C. P. Whitford ; Secretary, Wl H. Key; S. D., J. L Comstock; J. D., J. McEvoy ; Tiler, 0. H. Perry.

Beloit Chapter, No. 9, B. A. M., received its charter on February 12, 1852, the petitioners for a dispensation being Lyman G. Hatch, Charles G. Otis, Joseph Colley, Joseph Wadsworth, Jr., Thomas Glover, C. R. P. Wentworth, George B. Sanderson, C. L. Martin, Edward Underbill, Henry A. Gaston and George W. Bicknell. The present membership of the chapter is seventy-two, and the present oflBcers are: H. P., Sidney Smith; K., T. A. Harvey; S., Simon Smith; C. of H., J. L Comstock; P. S., J. E. McEvoy; R. A. C, John Nichols; 3d v., E. A. Loomis ; 2d V., William Bryden ; 1st V., I. S. Harvey ; T., H. B. Allen ; Secretary, W. H. Key ; G., 0. H. Perry.

Beloit Commandery, No. 6, K. T., was chartered on January 6, 1864, a dispensation having been granted upon the petition of the following gentlemen : Sir James Collins, A. Sidney Wood, J. W. Stewart, Clinton Babbitt, George S. Ruble, W. R. Wild, George W. Sanborn. George C. Prescott and Joseph Humphrey. The present membership is sixty-six, and the present officers are : E. C, C. F. G. Collins; Gen.. Samuel Bell ; C. G., I. N. Rawson ; Prelate, C. Ingersoll; S. W., J. A. Sherwood; J. W., F. S. Fenton ; T., D. S. Foster; R., W. H. Key ; Standard Bearer, Sidney Smith ; Sword Bearer, John Nichols ; W., H. B. Allen ; Guards, L S. Harvey, T. A. Harvey and E. A. Loomis; S., 0. H. Perry. As these latter orders are but higher branches of the main Order, their property, consisting of furniture, etc., is held in common. That is valued at about $1,500, and, in addition to that, the Chapter has funds to the extent of several hundreds of dollars, from which it may be gathered that the Lodge is in a highly prosperous condition, as, indeed, it is.

C. Townsend, Treasurer. The new Lodge started under very favorable auspices, and when the R. W. G. Lodge of Wisconsin was organized, on the 9th of June, 1847, participated, and its representative, B. A. Kent, P. G., was chosen the first D. G. M. of that grand body, and at this session of the G. L., E-ne-we-shin-e-gras Lodge, No. 10, petitioned to have its name changed to Myrtle, which was granted, and the Lodge has been known ever since as Myrtle, No. 10 ; and for more than thirty-three years it has disseminated the principles of friendship, love and truth.

The Lodge at the present date has on its roll a membership of 119 active workers. The lodge-room is centrally located in the Shaw & Zilley Block. The main lodge-room is forty-five feet long by thirty-eight feet wide, and handsomely furnished with the latest designs in upholstered plush official chairs and a fine organ, and is, without doubt, the finest lodge-room in the State. Connected with the main room is a large reception-room for ladies, furnished in the very finest designs of parlor furniture. In the ante-room for the members is the library, started by the brothers a few years ago. The library at present is not very large, but contains a choice collection of reading matter, embracing fiction, scientific and historical works, beside several large and valuable volumes of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the United States, and every year are added more books, which will linake it a library of some importance before many years.

In fitting up the lodge-rooms the brothers spared neither time nor money to make it comfortable and pleasant to themselves, or those that chanced to visit them, the whole costing them over $2,000. Beside this, they own real estate at present valued at between f 5,000 and $6,000, which places the Lodge in a fine financial condition, and will remain so, as the financial department is placed in careful hands.

Beloit Encampment, No. 7, I. 0. 0. F. - This Encampment was instituted December 17, 1850, by Grand Patriarch Hatch, with the following charter members: B. C. Sewell, A. Lancaster, B. A. Kent, W. H. Howard, C. R. P. Wentworth, W. Bastian and Edwin Bicknell. The Encampment at the present date is in very fine condition, numbering about forty-five members, which is composed of members from Myrtle Lodge, No. 10, Beloit, Wis., and Rock River Lodge, No. 48, Rockton, 111. They meet on the first and third Friday in each month, in Odd Fellows' Hall. It has now been in existence for over twenty-nine years. This, like Myrtle Lodge, has never suspended its charter, but has passed through all of the varied changes that have taken place since 1850, and to-day is moving along in splendid condition. The present elective officers are: C. P.,.W. H. Calvert; H. P., W. H. Fountain; S. W.. R. H. Sharp ; Scribe, W. W. Kinnie ; Treas., W. H. Keys ; J. W., E. E. Searles. Trustees,

/. 0. 0. F. Mutual Life Insurance Company. - Also connected with the Order in this jurisdiction, is the I. 0. 0. F. Mutual Life Insurance Company, which contains now over a thousand members, and adding more daily. This Company was granted a charter by the Legislature of Wisconsin on the 24th day of February, 1869, which makes over ten years since organized, for which it has furnished the brotherhood insurance on their lives at the nominal rate of $8.40 per thousand on all ages, which is a saving of from 100 to 500 per cent as compared with rates charged by regular life insurance companies, at their respective ages, when joining this. At the present date, the membership here aire carrying the amount of $61,631. This is under the charge of Frank E. Race, Secretary, Beloit, Wis.

Ancient Order United Workmen. - Temple Lodge, No. 42, A. 0. U. W., was instituted at Beloit on the 26th day of August, 1868, by D. D. M. W. A. H. Taisey. The charter members were W. H. Key, F. E. Race, H. L. Sherman, John Coates, G. A. Janovin, S. H. Allen, 0. A. Cheney, George West, Byron Philbrick, L. P. Cole, William English, John Braga, William Grinnell, Dr. H. P. Carey, George Robinson, Dr. A. P. Peck, C. L. Vale, Adam Bittel, J. F. Appleby, E. L. Johnson, Chris. Frederick, John Miller, John Franz, W. W. Kinnie, ' William Ham'lin. Following are the first officers : P. M. W., W. H. Key, M. W., F. E. Race ; G. F., W. W. Kinnie; Overseer, H. L. Sherman; Rec. and Fin., L. P. Cole; Receiver, 0. A. Cheney; Guide, George A. Janvrin ; Inside Watch, John Coates; 0. W., William English. Trustees, F. E. Race, S, H. Allen, W. W. Kinnie.

The Lodge now numbers thirty members, and is gaining slowly with good and efficient members. The object of the Order is in common with other secret societies, but the principal feature is to present to each member the amount of $2,000 as insurance, each member being assessed whenever a death occurs in the jurisdiction. It is now only two years since the order was introduced into this State, and it now numbers over 2,400 members. The Lodge in Beloit holds risks to the amount of $60,000, which is carried at low rate,' as compared with regular companies, and the Order is destined to become one of the finest institutions of its time.

Following are the officers for 1879 : P. M. W., F. E. Race ; M. W., A. P. Peck ; G. F., \V. W. Kinnie; Overseer, George West; Rec. and Fin., W. H. Key; Receiver, W. H. Hamlin ; Guide, William English; I. W., John Franz; 0. W., John Miller; Trustees, F. E. Race, S. H. Allen, W. W. Kinnie. F. E. Race was chosen the first Representative to the Grand Lodge, which met at the city of Milwaukee on the 5th day of February, 1879.

Since the 24th day of March, Wisconsin was set apart as a separate jurisdiction, having reached over 2,000 members, which was enough to enable her to pay a full loss of $2,000. Since that time, it has suifered only one loss, making an assessment of $1, which is a good showing at the present date.

Beloit Division Sons of Temperance, No. -IS, was organized on January 20, 1874, with the following charter members : John S. Busier, John Rodgers, S. J. Stockwell, N. A. Clark,

W. H. Bussey, A. M. Adams, D. Y. Westcott, Robert Hall, F. E. Tasker, J. M. Howe, D. Tasker, Parsons E. Johnson, E. M. James, J. G. Hayes, J. W. Prouty, N. D. Colby, G. 0. Hart, F. Webb, J. A. Merrill, Samuel Beck, J. F. Rood, E. S. Scott, F. D. Tread, Robert Wilson, N. N. Stevens, J. G. Luce, A. Castle, E. J. Folant, J. B. Whitcomb, W. B. Westcott and C. B. Ayer. The first officers chosen were : W. P., W. B. Westcott ; W. A., N. A. Clark ; W. K. S., P. Johnson; W. A. S., E. J. Folaflt; W. F. S., C. B. Ayer; W. T., R. Hall; W. C, H. Heath ; W. Cond., R. Wilson ; W. A. C, F. D. Mead ; W. I. S., F. E. Tasker ; W. 0. S., N. A. Stevens. The present membership is about sixty, and it is growing in strength day by day. The officers at the time of writing were : D. G. W. P., Albert F. Ayer ; W. P., Robert Butler ; W. A., Mrs. H. A. Patterson; W. R. S., A. George; W. A. S., Miss Hattie Patterson: W. F, S., John Caldwell; W. T., Mrs. John Caldwell; W. C, N. N. Stevens ; W. Cond., 0. R. Ormsby; W. A. Cond., Miss Alice Fairchild ; W. I. S., Miss Hattie Roberts; W. 0. S., G, Hays. The Lodge holds meetings in Fenton's Hall every Tuesday evening.

The Cadets of Temperance is the title of a juvenile Lodge which was organized by Miss Mary Lunn, on June 20, 1878, with thirty charter members. It has now a membership of about one hundred, the charge of whom, as an organization, has devolved upon Mrs. C. B. Ayer. This lady is devoted to her little band of temperance heroes ; and it is owing to her courage, energy, kindness and general lovable nature that they are, as a body, in such a high state of perfection to-day. The little "men and women," it is said, go through their ceremonies with a gravity far beyond their years, and the complete absence of small "ragamuffins" in and around the streets of, the city is doubtless due to their saving influence. The two principal officers are: W. C, Harry Wright; W. S., George Luce.

Society For Protection Against Horse-Thieves

This Society was organized about 1870. The first Secretary was A. A. Green. The effect of the organization of this Society was almost immediately perceptible. The theft of a horse or other animal from any member of the association was followed by prompt and vigorous measures to recover the property and tO- punish the depredator. Dozens of men were started on the track of the thief, telegrams were sent in every direction, describing the property as accurately as possible, and invoking the aid of the local authorities, thus stimulating them to unusual vigilance and prompting more than ordinary exertion. This policy resulted in the recovery of the property in nearly every instance, and the handing over of the thief to justice. This method of dealing with this class of thieves became more and more successful as time passed on ; the horse-thieves soon discovered that to practice their nefarious vocation in Beloit Township was simply to invite relentless pursuit and certain punishment, and they have found their interest in transferring their activity to other fields. As the result, in the past two years, no member of the association has lost a single animal.

The officers of the association at present are: J. H. Reigart, President; C. 0. Green, First Vice President; S. J. Goodwin, Second Vice President ; J. L. Brenton, Third Vice President ; H. Pentland, Secretary and Treasurer. The association consists now of about one hundred and twenty-five members.

The Libraries

The only libraries of a public character in Beloit are those owned by the fire companies. At one time there was a very good one, consisting of a large number of volumes, but, unfortunately, it fell a victim to the scourge of fire in 1876, and the volumes which were not entirely destroyed - about nine hundred in number - were divided among the difierent branches of the fire department. Thus Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. received 300 volumes, artd on March 11, 1876, opened a library, giving citizens the privilege of using them for 10 cents per volume.

This sum, together with a certain percentage received every spring from the Fire Insurance Companies, is expended in the purchase of new books and in the general maintenance of the library. Owing to the judicious manner in which this money is expended, the subscribers enjoy the privilege of reading many excellent works of fiction for a very small outlay, which would otherwise cost a much larger sum. The gentleman in charge of the library is Mr. S. Coomany, a member of the department.

The library owned by No. 2 is much more pretentious, for the reason that is much older.' It was started in 1865 with about one hundred and fifty books, which were placed in charge of Mr. John Nichols. The Company were also gainers to the extent of 300 volumes by the fire which destroyed the city library. A charge of 10 cents per volume is also exacted from readers, as in the case of the Hook and Ladder Compaiiy, and this sum, together with $100 received annually from the fire insurance companies as percentage, supports it in royal style.

The present librarian is Mr. Samuel Smith, a gentleman who has held that position for the last twelve years. He is very proud of his charge, which now numbers over two thousand volumes.

Engine Company No. 1 has also a very good library, consisting of about one thousand one hundred volumes, three hundred of which were received from the city library. This is maintained in a similar manner to the others, and is in charge pf Mr. H. M. Phillips, a member of the Company.

The Water Power

The Rock River at this point plays a very important part in the " political economy" of Beloit for on its cool and limpid waters many thousands of dollars are garnered in a year by the numerous enterprising firms who have erected upon its banks extensive manufactures, whose power is derived from its pellucid and steadily flowing stream.

It was first heard of in this connection in 1843, when, by an act of the Legislature, approved April 1, Ira Hersey, A. S. Field and others were authorized to erect a dam across it on any land they owned or might own in Section 35 or 26, in Town 1 north. Range 12 east; said dam to be four feet above usual low-water mark. In the following year, these gentlemen assigned their charter to Mr. James H. Hanchett, who erected the dam and controlled the water-power until the next year, when by reason of financial embarrassment, he disposed of his interest to Mr. Charles Walker, of Chicago. That gentleman thereupon entered into an arrangement with gentlemen desirous of manufacturing, by which they were to have the use of the water subject to a pro rata charge for repairs. This arrangement lasted until 1871, when an act was passed by the Legislature, and approved on March 8, incorporating the Beloit Water-Power Company, with a capital of |80,000, iii 800 shares of $100 each, which could be doubled if necessary. The company consisted of the following gentlemen : Soreno T. Merrill, Israel Williams, Charles H. Parker, Gustavus Stone, Frank Koenig; William Blodgett, Orson E. Merrill, 0. B. Olmstead, Judd M. Cobb, James Gray, Nathan B. .Gaston, John Bishop and Ebenezer F. Brown. The whole amount of water in the river at the dam was assumed to be 13,383^ inches, which was divided among the different consumers. In 1874. a re-organization of the company was effected, every consumer along the river being deemed a stockholder, and about that time they entered into an arrangement with the towns of Janesville, Rockton and Rockford, by which they obtained a quarter-interest in the waters of Lake Koshkonong and the reservoir at Indian Ford. Everything then ran smoothly until 1876, when a disagreement occurred among the consumers, some charging that others were using more than they were entitled to. That matter was soon rectified, however, by the appointment of Mr. Charles M. Messer, who divided the water among them by Weir measurement. The actual head is about six feet, which gives ample power to the numberless mills, foundries and other manufactories scattered along its banks.

The following is a list of the oflicers of the company : President, C. F. G. Collins ; Vice President, E. J. Adams; Directors - S. T. Merrill, J. M. Cobb, C. H. Parker, D. H. Treadway, J. B. Merrill and William Blodgett ; Secretary and Treasurer, William Blodgett.

Principal Conflagration

At various times, the whole business center of the city of Beloit has suffered from the ravages of the devouring element in a greater or lesser degree, but what is commonly regarded as the " big fire," occurred on Wednesday, February 1, 1871, when Union Hall wi'th its entire contents was totally destroyed. The flames were first discovered about 5 o'clock A. M., near the front window of the room on the ground floor occupied by the Free Press with its engine, presses and job material. When first seen, they had made but little headway, and could have been easily extinguished by the aid of a few pailfuls of water, but before assistance could be procured or the engines got to work, the fire had made such progress as to be beyond all control, the final result being the total destruction of the building and contents. Finding that nothing could be done to save it, all efforts were directed to the adjoining buildings, with the happy result of their complete salvation.

The loss was as follows : By Mr. Carpenter, owner of the building, about $18,000, insured for $5,000 ; Lawrence & Co., wholesale paper dealers, $18,000, insured for $16,000 ; Free Press ofiice, $3,500, insured for $2,500. It was supposed to have been the work of an incendiary.

The next fire occurred on the morning of Sunday, February 5, of the same -year, and resulted in the destruction of a row of frame buildings on the corner of School and State streets, known as Brown's Block. It was first discovered in the store occupied by Messrs. A. A. Green and J. F. Rood, and, though the alarm was promptly given and speedily responded to, all efforts to save that and adjoining buildings were unavailing, and it was only by the most assiduous efforts on the part of citizens and others that a most disastrous conflagration was avoided. The loss sustained was as follows : B. Brown, $15,000, insured for $5,000 ; A. A. Green, $6,500, insured for $5,000; J. W. Merriam, $300, covered; J. F. Rood, $400, no insurance ; A. P. Waterman, $100 to $200, covered ; W. H. Key, $500, covered ; L. Benjamin, $1,500, insured for $1,050 ; A. W. Peters, $1,500, no insurance ; John Berger, $100 and no insurance. These were, without doubt, the most disastrous fires, although the Rock River Paper Company < sustained a loss of about $12,500 on Monday, August 12, 1878, by the destruction of their West Side paper-mill. Much credit, however, is due to the fire department, for had it not been for their efforts on the two previous occasions, and, indeed, on many others, damages to a very large amount must have resulted.

The First Congregational Church. - On December 30, 1838, a meeting was held in a private house, known as the Blodgett house, for the purpose of organizing a church, the outcome of which was the formation of the First Congregational Church of Beloit. The gentleman who presided over the meeting was the Rev. William M. Adams, who took chacge of its ministrations for upward of two years, dividing his time between Beloit and the neighboring village of Pecatonica, now Rockton.

At that date, the Church contained but twenty-four members, nine males and fifteen females, of whom but two or three remain. During the ministry of Mr. Adams, the congregation worshiped alternately in the schoolhouse and in a dwelling-house, continuing to do so until 1844, when they built a church, which was dedicated in January, 1844, and contained seating accommodation for four hundred persons. That building served all purposes until July 6, 1862, when the present handsome structure was completed, the corner-stone of which was laid in July, 1859. It is of brick, with a seating capacity of twelve hundred, and cost, together with a handsome chapel erected in 1873, $30,000. The present membership is about three hundred and fifty.

Following is a list of the ministers from the date of organization to the present time : 1838-40, Rev. W. M. Adams ; 1840-50, Rev. Dexter Clary ; 1850-52, President A. L. Chapin,

Baptist. - The First Baptist Church of Beloit was organized April 24, 1841, with a membership of fourteen. Rev. Alvah Burges, the first minister, conducted the regular services for a time in a small schoolhouse on North Race street, on the Bast Side. Some time later, the society met for its regular services in a stone schoolhouse on " Tight " street (what is now Bluff street), on the West Side. Occasional services were held by the Baptists in Beloit prior to the organization of the Church, at which Prof S. S. Whitney, of Belvidere, and Rev. Rufus Tapping preached. Mr. Burges was Pastor from April 21, 1841, to the 2d of June following, when Rev. A. B. Winchell succeeded him. Mr. Winchell remained until October 4, 1842, when he resigned, and until April, 1844, the Church had no stated Pastor. Rev. John Trowbridge preached from April 14 to May 4, 1844, and then Rev. R. C. Brayton, after an interval of three months, assumed charge of the Church, remaining until May, 1845. For five years (until April 2, 1850), Rev. Miles Kinne filled the pastorate. The four years following. Rev. E. S. Harris was Pastor. Rev. Daniel Eldredge preached to the Church from January to September, 1855, and December 17, of the same year. Rev. Thomas Holman became Pastor, remaining until March 3, 1860, when Rev. R. R. Prentiss succeeded him. In June, 1861, Mr. Prentiss resigned, and, for several months, there was no stated supply. May 14, 1862, Rev. Levi Parmelyibecame Pastor, and for five years the Church flourished under his ministry. In May, 1867, failing health compelled Mr. Parmely's resignation. Rev. Lewis F. Raymond was called to the Church in June, 1867, and remained with the society until September, 1868. Rev. H. W. Woods became Pastor in May, 1869, and resigned September 15, 1870. Rev. Austin Gibb, who had been a pupil of Spurgeon, in England, then became the Pastor, remaining until April 26, 1872. In July of that year. Rev. E. P. Savage was called to the Church, and for five years, until September 30, 1877, the Church enjoyed a most vigorous and substantial growth. Since Mr. Savage's resignation, the Church has been variously supplied - most of the time by the former Pastor, Rev. Levi Parmely, who, after several years' residence at Baraboo, in this State, had returned to Beloit to reside, and, on the vacancy occurring in the pulpit, was called by his old friends to resume his labors with the Church, so far as his health would permit. His eloquence and kindly pastorship have endeared him to the members of the Church, and, under his charge, the society is enjoying steady progress. The society now has a membership of 200. The present church edifice was erected in 1844, and rebuilt, in 1874, at a cost of $12,000, of which amount, $2,000 constitutes the present indebtedness of the society. The building, as remodeled, is one of unusual beauty, and has a very pleasant, commodious auditorium. In the spire of this church is the town clock, purchased by the citizens of Beloit in 1875.

Second Qongregational. - February 15, 1859, a society was organized to establish a Congregational Church on the West Side, and public services were conducted during the spring and summer by the College Professors. September 11 of the same year, the Church was organized by a council for that purpose, over which Dr. Brinsmade was Moderator, and Dr. Chapin, Scribe. To this society was given the name of the Second Congregational Church of Beloit. It had, at its organization, a membership of forty-one, of whom thirty-four came by letter from the First Congregational Church of Beloit. December 25, 1859, the church building now occupied by the society was dedicated, with a sermon by Dr. Chapin, and assistance in the various services by Dr. Brinsmade^ Revs. Dexter Clary and N. D. Graves. At this time, its membership was sixty-two. The first Pastor was Rev. J. 0. Knapp, but his connection with the Church was rendered uncertain and temporary by threatening ill health, and he was soon compelled to cease his labors. He died July 14, 1860, of consumption. Rev. N. D. Graves was called in December, 1859, and he entered on his duties in January, 1860. At his request, the call " was to remain in the hands of the Trustees one year," and, though he labored successfully, he was never installed as Pastor. In the first month of 1866, after Mr. Graves retired, the pulpit was supplied by members of the College Faculty. June 10, 1866, the present Pastor, Rev. Henry P. Higley began labor with the Church, and June 4, 1867, was installed. His continuous labor with and for the Church has been, in the best respects, successful, and the society has been constantly flourishing and vigorous. In the summer of 1867, a lecture-room was added to the church, and the main audience-room enlarged, increasing the size of the whole edifice about one-third.

Episcopal. - St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church was organized February 28, 1841, at a meeting held at the house of Rev. Aaron Humphrey., Mr. Humphrey was, at this time, well advanced in years, and had been supplying the services and ministrations of his Church in an informal manner during the year prior to the establishment of St. Paul's. At this meeting, C. H. F. Goodhue and G. W. Bicknell were elected Wardens; Otis P. Bicknell, John C. Burr and Leonard R. Humphrey, Vestrymen ; David J. Bundy, Treasurer, and William H. Hobart, Secretary. Rev. Aaron Humphrey became the Rector of St. Paul's, and continued to to labor for the Church until November, 1845, when he was succeeded by Rev. Stephen C. Millctt. Mr. Humphrey died in Beloit October 12, 1858, at the age of ninety. The only official record of his acts as Rector is that of the baptism of Mary Janet, infant daughter of John C. and Jane Burr. The public services of St. Paul's were held, for the first three years, in the village schoolhouse, on School street, and for the subsequent seven years in a brick building erected by Leonard Humphrey for school purposes. At a vestry meeting in May, 1846, during Mr. Millett's rectorship, it was decided to erect a church edifice. In the spring of 1848. the corner-stone of the church was laid, and in December, 1851, the services were first held within its walls. Mr. Millett resigned in February, 1853, on account of ill healfjh, and, for a year and a half, the parish was without a Rector. In July, 1854, Rev. John E. C. Smedes, then a Deacon, assumed charge of the parish, and remained its Rector until July 1, 1858, when he resigned, and, after two months' interval, was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Egar. The record of oflBcial acts and proceedings of the parish seem to have been first kept carefully and orderly in Mr. Smedes' rectorship, and his successors have scrupulously followed his example. Mr. Smedes performed 57 baptisms, presented to the Bishop 17 candidates for confirmation, performed 18 marriages, officiatfed at 19 funerals, and left 75 communicants belonging to the parish when he resigned.

On the 27th of March, 1856, during Mr. Smedes' rectorship, Bishop Kemper consecrated the Church in celebration of its complete relief from all financial incumbrances. During Mr.. Smedes' rectorship, also, the shapely and beautiful spire of St. Paul's was erected, thus completing the symmetry of a very graceful Gothic structure. Mr. Egar resigned February 4, 1861, after a prosperous rectorship. Seven months later. Rev. L. W. Davis became Rector, and continued to serve the Church until his resignation, October 1, 1868. During his rectorship, the society bought a rectory on the corner of Bridge and Bluif streets. November 1, 1868, the Rev. Fayette Royce became the sixth Rector in the history of St. Paul's, and he has remained in charge of the Church up to the present time. The Church now has a membership of 180, and is in a flourishing condition. The present officers are: E. Holmes, Senior Warden ; J. G. Winslow, Junior Warden; J. H. Reigart, H. H. McLenegan, W. J. McDonald, N. B. Gaston, E. A. Loomis and Orville Bennett, Vestrymen.

The First Presbyte.rian Church was organized on March 21, 1849. with forty-six members, under the direction of Rev. Lewis H. Ross, of Rockford, 111., assisted by Rev. D. Clary and Prof. J. J. Bushnell, of Beloit, and Rev. S. Benedict, of Rockford. During the time in which their church was being built, meetings were held in the Race Street Schoolhouse, but it was only for a short period, as the edifice was completed and dedicated on July 30, 1850, at a cost of about f 10,000. ' The present membership is about two" hundred. Following is a list of the Pastors from the date of the organization to the present time: 1849 - 55, Rev. Alfred Eddy; 1855-56, Rev. S. Hawes; 1857-60, Rev. Cha.rles S. Bush; 1861-63, Rev. W. W. Adams; 1864-65, Rev. David C. Beach; 1865-69, Rev. W. Alexander; 1870-71, Rev. A. G. Wilson; 1872-79, Rev. John McLean, the present incumbent. The officers are: Elders, A. P. Waterman, E. N,

Hi-Story Of Rock County

Clark, M. D., H. B. Johnson, M. D., Otis Manchester, Prof. W. H. Beach, Hon. J. A. Holmes; Trustees, H. Pentland, E. N. Clark, M. D., H. B. Johnson, M. D. The present value of the church, owing to recent additions, is about $15,000.

The German Presbyterian Church was organized on iVIay 23, 1869, by the Rev. Jacob Kulb, with the following members : George Hayes, Frank Kuenig, John Reimer, John Kunz, H. Klingelberger, F. Poll, Jacob Weigler, Sr., Carolina Weigler, Jacob Weigler, Menie Weigler, J. R. Krause, R. Mieller, J. K. and F. Reimer, S. Fischer, S. Baum, J. Fasser, J. and H. Scheibel, J. C. and C. Nelson, D. L. Bengemann, Frederick Geng, William Dietrich, J. Bernhard, E. F. Herrion, S. Reimer, F. Klingelberger, John Proescher, K. Proescher and J. Wiegman. The congregation th'en worshiped in the American Presbyterian Church, but only till 1870, when they built the church they at present occupy. It is a frame building, with a seating capacity of 500, and cost $2,464. The present membership is forty-six, and the estimated value of property $2,700. Following is a list of the Pastors: 1869-72, Rev. Jacob Kulb; 1872-74, Rev. Joseph Wittenberger ; 1874-76, Rev. Mr. Winder; 1876-79, Rev. Martin Wittenberger.

The M. E. Church. - The nucleus of this society was formed on October 15, 1842 ; an organization being eifected at that date by the Rev. William Lovesey, who enrolled the following members : Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hoskinson, Thomas McElhenry, Mrs. Moore and sister.

In common with other societies, services were held in the village school, but, in 1846, the present church was erected. During the pastorate of the Rev. C. R. Pattee, from 1870 to 1872, a dissension arose in the Church, which culminated in the formation of the M. P. Church on the West Side.

Following is a list of Pastors from the date of organization to the present time : Rev. Mr. Hodges, Rev. Mr. Warren, Rev. Mr. Allen, Rev. Mr. Lewis, Rev. Mr. Beech, Rev. Mr. Ford, Rev. Mr. Thomas, Rev. Mr. Wood, Rev. Wesley Lattin, Rev. P. B. Pease, Rev. C. D. Pillsbury, Rev. William P. Stowe, Rev. W. W. Case, Rev. C. R. Pattee, Rev. A. C. Higginson, Rev. T. E. Webb, Rev. Mr. Bain, Rev. G. S. Hubbs, Rev. Wesley Lattin and Rev. E. L. Eaton, the latter the present incumbent. The present membership of the Church is 110.

The Methodist Protestant Church. - On February 4, 1873, Messrs. G. Craven, J. L. Brenton, Eddy Cra,ndall, J. L. Jewett and H. J. Fine met together and organized this society under the name of the Bridge Street Church, which, in the same year, was received into the Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church. About the same time, the congregation purchased the church they at present occupy, from the Spiritual Society, paying that body $930, an^, in 1875, made an addition to it at a cost of $800. It is a frame church, with a seating capacity of 400. They have also a very good Sunday school in charge of Mr. E. Crandall, which is attended by about two hundred and twenty scholars.

The Norwegian Church. - This society, vfhich now numbers from seventy-five to one hundred members, was first organized in 1873, though the Rev. G. F. Magelsen, of Orfordville, had preached to the people since 1859. Services were held about once a month in such halls as could be secured, but, in the year 1875, a subscription was started for the erection of a church edifice, each subscriber agreeing to make a monthly payment for two years, the understanding being that the, church should not be built until the amount necessary had been subscribed. In this way a considerable sum was raised, and, in the winter of 1877-78, the contract was let, and, in one year from that date, the church was completed and dedicated, the cost of erection being $3,000. The members pride themselves upon the fact, and justly so, too, that their Church is not one dollar in debt, and has sufficient funds in the treasury to insure the building for three years.

The building itself, whose pulpit Mr. Magelsen still fills, is a handsome frame building, 32x50 feet, with a seating capacity of about one hundred and fifty.

The German Lutheran Church was first organized, in 1872, by the Rev. Mr. Sysner, -with about ten members, among whom were the following : William Samp, John Dos, Jacob Hess, Mr. Seifert and Mr. Pund. In the following spring, the minister died, and, in consequence, the organization was allowed to run down, and it did not pick up again until 1877, when the same gentlemen came together and effected a re-organization.

Up to last July, the Rev. E. E. Meyer "pointed the way" to the little congregation of twenty souls, but, in consequence of a removal on his part, that duty has devolved upon the Rev. William Buehrings.

The society does not possess a church, but very quietly and very attentively listen to the voice of their Pastor as he expounds the Gospel in B. C. Rogers' Hall, where they meet every other Sunday.

The Citizens' National Bank, having its offices on State street;, was incorporated on January 2, 1879, and opened its doors in March. The amount of capital stock is $50,000 in shares of f 100 each, which is held by seventeen persons, the largest holder being Mr. H. P. Taylor, the President.

The business transacted is that of an ordinary bafiking business, and that it is a perfectly safe one will be gathered from the following figures, published On July 16 last :

Following is a list of the directors and officers: Directors - J. R. Reigart, H. P. Strong, C. B. Salmon, W. H. Baumes, S. T. Merrill, John Thompson, A. B. Carpenter, H. P. Taylor; H. P. Taylor, President ; J. R. Reigart, Vice President ; E. S. Greene, Cashier.

Fire Department

Water- Witch' Company No. 1. - The Water-Witch Engine and Hose Company No. 1 was organized November 25, 1855, with the following officers : Foreman, Warren Hodgdon ; Assistant Foreman, J. A. Gordon ; Secretary, D. Sherrill ; Treasurer, George H. Stocking. The engine was purchased by private subscription and was a small-sized " Button." For several years, the engine was kept in a little building on Race street, near State, where the F. N. Davis manufactory now stands. In 1860, a new engine-house was built on School street, east of the Goodwin House, and the company has occupied the building uninterruptedly since. At the outbreak of the war, most of the members enlisted and the organization of the company for a time lapsed, the apparatus remaining in the' custody of Mr. C. F. G. Collins, who kept the engine in order and available for use by the citizens in case of fire. After the war, the company was reorganized. In 1869, the company was disbanded on account of dissensions among the members. June 11, 1872, No. 1 was again organized with fifty-five men, and has maintained the organization continuously since. The following officers were elected at that meeting : Foreman, C. B. Ayer; First Assistant, C Barnes; Second Assistant, A. C. Barker; Company Engineer, Edward McGuire; Secretary, H. G. Heffron ; Treasurer, Samuel Elliott; Librarian,. James King. The present ofiicers of No. 1 are Foreman, C. Crist ; First Assistant, J. T. Greenwood ; Second Assistant, W. Lenegan ; Secretary, A. T. Ayers ; Treasurer, W. F. Beeble ; Librarian and Steward, H. L. Phillips.

History Of Eock Countt. '547

Eoer Ready, No. 2. - In August, 1856, was organized fire company " Ever Ready, No, 2." The company did not receive its engine until February, 1857. The first officers were ; John Palmer, Foreman ; M. P. Cogswell, First Assistant ; W. C. Cook, Second Assistant ; H, B. Malone, Secretary and Treasurer. The building in which they kept their engine stood on the south side of Bridge street, just west of the river bridge. The first fire at which the engine was used was the burning of the " Star " saloon, which stood where J. L. Perkins' hardware store now stands. This fire occurred about the 1st of March, 1857. The membership of the company at this time was about eighty. Before receiving their engine, the members of the company had done very efiBcient service in line-and-bucket work. For about two years, the company occupied quarters in the stone building now used by the Herrick Carriage and Wagon Shop. In 1860, the city purchased of Ambrose Bouse the lots on which the company's building now stands. A frame building was erected, which burned in 1866. This fire destroyed the records and the library of the company. In front of the building was set a high liberty-pole, which was presented the company by the Fremont Club in 1856, and which had stood in front of the old engine house on Bridge street. The present engine house was erected in ~1868. At the State Fair at Janesville in October, 1857, the company won the first prize, a beautiful -silver trumpet, in a tournament in which were companies from Milwaukee, Madison, Janesville and several other places. At Freeport, on the 15th of September, 1871, the company won the first prize of $100 for throwing the largest quantity of water, and the third prize of $50 for distance. On the 4th of July, of the same year, the company won a prize of $100 at Brodhead, but without serious opposition. On the 4th of July, 1878, while attending a celebration at Freeport, a fire broke out, and No. 2, although in a strange city, were first to the spot and had the first stream on. For this promptness and efficiency, the press of Freeport expressed the sincerest gratitude and highest praise. The present roster of the company is : Foreman, John Cunningham ; First Assistant, Williiim English ; Second Assistant, Joseph Barnes ; Secretary, Frank Filbert ; Treasurer, L. E. Cunningham; Steward, Launceston Moses; Librarian, Samuel Smith.

The service of the fire department at the burning of Winslow & Rosenberg's hardware store, in 1876, was so efficient that the city, in reward for the faithfulness of her firemen, presented the city library, containing about 2,000 volumes. This library had been kept in an upper floor of the Winslow & Rosenberg store, and was in the property saved by the firemen. In 1859, "Ever Ready " had established a flourishing library, and it increased to 1,000 volumes, but, in 1866, this library was lost in the fire that destroyed their engine-house.

Tiger Hose Company is the hose department of No. 2 and participates with it in all the concerns of the company. Tiger Hose Company won the first prize held at Beloit September 4, 1879 - an elegant silver trumpet.

Beloit Hook and Ladder Company. - The first Hook and Ladder Company in Beloit was organized March 5, 18T5, with the following roster : Foreman, J. P. Bullock ; First Assistant, H. Hending; Secretary, S. A. Fields: Treasurer, H. C. Powers. At a tournament June 12, 1879, at Freeport, Beloit Hook and Ladder won first prize - a valuable silver trumpet. The present organization of the company is : Foreman, E. W. Tasker ; Assistant, H. Hending ;. Secretary, E. W. Merrill ; Treasurer, G. E. Smith ; Steward and Librarian, S. Cormany.