Black Earth Town

Black Earth Town

Tlie surface of the town is somewhat varied in character, being for the most part beautifully undulating upland prairie lands, diversified by hills, limestone ridges, and valleys. The altitude of this township is higher than that of the average towns, as it is situated on the highlands that divide the Wisconsin from the Rook River, and is a correspondingly healthy locality.

The soil is usually a rich, deep loam, very productive and easily kept up and tilled. In former days, when wheat was the chief article produced, forty bushels to the acre was not considered a remarkable crop. There is but little marsh land in the town, and scarcely any part that is not adapted to agricultural purposes.

The town is scantily supplied with water, that being the only drawback to the general excellence of this locality. There are some springs and two small creeks; one in the southwest part of the town, and one in the southeast part of the town, which empties into the Yahara.

The timber supply is good, the prairies and hills in different sections being covered by fin e groves ; the most noted of which are Robertson's Grove, in the north part of town. One Hundred Mile Grove, in the northwest part ; and Norway Grove, in the central part. There are also fine groves in the east part. The best timber grows in the central part. One Hundred Mile Grove received its name because this point was designated by the Surveyors as being 100 miles from Fort Crawford (Prairie du Chien), on the old military road. The timber is composed principally of varieties of oak, interspersed with other kinds.

The population now embraces several different nationalities, the Norwegian being the predominating element. The foreigners have come in very rapidly for the last twenty-fi!ve years, having to a large extent taken the place of the Americans who were the first settlers. There are several churches of different tenets, and good schools in the town, which betokens general prosperity, and a superior moral and intellectual condition. Agriculture is the general occupation. The population in 1870 was 1,177 ; it is now 1,062.

The first white man to lay a claim in this town was William G. Simons, who located on the southeast quarter of Section 21, in 1838. The first year he plowed some land, the first soil turned by the plowshare in this town. The following year Mr. Simons erected a house on his claim, with the intention of opening a tavern for travelers, as he then supposed that the old road from Madison to Fort Winnebago would pass by his house, but the road was laid out on another route, and Mr. Simons' anticipations were not realized.

Louis Montandon then purchased Mr. Simon's claim, and moved into the house, bringing I wife Electa, who was the first white woman to live in the town. For the next two years this oily was the only one in the town ; then they moved away, and for the three following years there were no white residents here.

In 1845, Thomas Lindsay and David Robertson came into the town, and located on Section 1- Their coming was really the beginning of a permanent settlement. Soon after this, L. Nicholson came into town.

During the following year, .1846, Joseph Dunning, Willard Fisher, Ira Simons and H. P. Wheaton settled in town, the first two on Section 21, the last town on Section 6. Also, during year, a number of- Englishmen and their families, who came out, in connection with many others that year, under the auspices of the British Emigration Society, located in Vienna, wentually several of these settlers moved away. Of those who remained may be mentioned W. Plackett, William Crow, J. Poynor and Jabez Weston.

In 1847, the Norwegians began to emigrate hither. Among the first who arrived were Michael and Erick Johnson and their families. From this time on, the influx of settlers W^n^^ '^I'ge- Of those who first came, were A. A. Boyce, Aaron Lamb, Adam Paton, Stanly, Benjamin Nesmith, Robert and Isaac Mann, R. M. Chesney, M. 0. Dwyer, »- i'ashly A. & T. Paton, R. B. Kellogg, W. 0. and William Fisher, Henry Nelson, T. E. »n>e83, Ole Hemundson, Lars Sampson, J. Ollis, Aaron Cooledge, J. and"W. Howsie, T.

A postoffice was established in the town, at Norway Grove, in 1869, Helge Toleson being appbinted first Postmaster. He was succeeded by Henry Nelson, and he in turn by the incumbent, Joseph Dunning, in January, 1880. With the exception of the year 1862, Mr. Dunning has been Town Clerk since the organization of the town.

Vienna is well supplied with churches, there being five of diiFerent denominations. The first one erected was the Lutheran, built in 1854, on Section 24. After this came the Methodist, which stands on Section 31 ; then the Catholic and Seventh-Day Advent Churches, both of which are located on Section 9; and subsequently the Episcopal Church, which is situated on Section 32.

Town Of Westport

The town is watered by the Yahara River, which enters the northeast part of the town on Section 13, and flows southwesterly into Lake Mendota, and also by Six Mile Creek, which enters the town on the northwestern part, on Section 6, flows southeasterly and empties into the Catfish on Section 27. The northeastern part of Westport is prairie land, the central and southeasterly portions marsh, and the remaining parts oak openings and prairie. Lake Mendota covers a part of five sections on the southern part.

Louis Montandon, a Frenchman, and Edward Boyles, an Irishman, were the first settlers in the town, coming here in the fall of 1845. They built their cabin on Section 20. In 1846, a number of others came in, among whom were Messrs. Burdick, Tower, Bradbury, Rodgers, O'Malley, Collins, Fitzgibbon and Ruddy. Still later came Matthew Roach, P. R. Tierney, J. Welsh, William O'Keefe, Lawrence O'Keefe and Martin Reade. Although the first settlers were mostly Irish, and that nationality predominates at this time, a large number of Americans, Germans, Norwegians and representatives of other nations, have made here their homes.

On Six Mile Creek is a grist-mill, built by E. D. Churchill, in 1860, who sold to William Packbrom, who run it until 1876, when it was sold to John Bowerman.

The town is well supplied with quarries, and the cream stone, used in the building of the Government Court House and Post Office in Madison, was obtained from the quarry on Section 11, and which the United States Government purchased for that purpose. The stone was exhibited and much admired at the Centennial, as were also some of the other products of the town.

A branch of the Chicago & North-Western Railway passes through the town, from northwest to southeast, with Mendota station on the hospital farm, and Waunakee on Sections 5 and 8, on the northwest.

The town was, on March 31, 1849, set off from Vienna, and organized on the third Monday of April of that year, by the election of the following among other officers : Thomas R. HiH, Chairman; W. W. Wells, Martin Reade, Supervisors; William Keefe, Clerk; Lawrence Rodgers, Treasurer; Amos Rodgers, Assessor.

It has for its territory Township 8 north, of Range 9 east, except so much as is covered by the waters of Lake Mendota, which is a part of the city of Madison.

Village of Waunahee. - In December, 1880, Lewis Baker, G. C. Fish, and S. P. Mardin had surveyed and laid out in lots a portion of Section 8, Township 8 north. Range 9 east, for the Tillage of Waunakee.

The first building erected was in the spring of 1871, and was built by Fred Buhlman for the purpose of a general store. On completion of the building, Mr. Buhlman put in a stock of goods; in September following, he admitted his brother, J. Buhlman, as a partner, the firm yet being in business in the place.

In the fall of 1871, Charles Hudson, who was doing business about two and a half miles south, in the town of Vienna, removed to the village. Mr. Hudson was Postmaster, the ofiice being known as the Lester Post Ofiice, and when he came into the village, by consent of the Post Office Department, the office was also removed, the name being changed to that of the village, and Mr. Hudson continuing as Postmaster.

There are three churches in the village - German Catholic, German Lutheran and Presbyterian, services in the latter being held in the English language. The Catholic Church is a mission one, the officiating priest residing in the town of Westport. The Presbyterian society was organized July 16, 1877, with E. J. Foster, J. Buhlman, C. Gossman, I. P. Bacon and N. Martin, Trustees. A church building was commenced the same fall, but not finished until the following year. Rev. Mr. Riley, of Lodi, has served as Pastor of the society sipce its organization. The Lutheran Evangelical Church was organized July, 1877, with twenty-five members. The present membership is about the same. Rev. Mr. Reuling, of Cottage Grove, is the Pastor.

The business of the place is represented by three general stores, one grocery, one confec- . tionery, one furniture, one hardware, two meat-shops, four saloons, two carpenters and builders, two blacksmiths, two wagon-shops, one elevator, one feed-mill, two shoe-shops and two harness- Bhops. -

Town Of Berry

This territory was first brought under town government as a part of the town of Madison. On the 2d day of August, 1848, it was, along with the township adjoining it on the west, erected into the town of Parmersville, the name of the latter being changed to Black Earth on February 1,1851. Previous to this, however, in 1850, Berry was erected into a separate town.

The first town meeting was held on the 2d day of April, 1850, in the old log schoolhouse of District No. 1, on Section 4. At that meeting the town was regularly organized and the following officers elected :

Joseph Bowman, Chairman ; John Whiteman and Thomas Haynes, Side Supervisors ; John uray, Clerk ; George Draper, Assessor ; Thomas Barber, Treasurer. There were twenty-four votes cast. At the ballot for Clerk, Samuel Hawley and John Gray received eleven votes each, »no to decide the selection, they drew cuts, Mr. Gray being the winning party. Mr. Gray was elected Clerk for ten consecutive years.

The first year, upon motion, $60 was voted for town expenses, and 2^ mills on the dollar lor schools, and 5 mills on the dollar for road purposes.

Ihere are six school districts and fourteen road districts at present. , r-"^ general surface of the country in this town is very broken and uneven - hills and dales, gwches, prairies, pockets, and precipitous and rocky bluffs follow each other in quick succession i

What is known as Half Way Prairie (so called by the early settlers, because it lies nearly half-way between Cross Plains and Sauk), a strip of tolerably level land, extends from east to west through the northern portion of the town, and is the best part.

There is also anpther small prairie in the western central part of the town, called " Poverty Hollow," probably from some old association, which is also a very fertile section, and especially worthy of mention.

The soil is slightly variable, consisting for the most part of clay loam and limestone marl, and is in the main highly productive, being very good throughout, with the exception of the northwest corner, which is sandy.

The country, in its native condition, was timbered principally with oak, there being heavv growths of white oak on the high lands, and burr oak openings, on the bottom lands ; but now the scene is entirely changed, nearly all of the available land being cultivated to furnish the fruits of civilization. Still there is enough timber left, of old and young growth, to supply the present generation and many more.

The water supply is good, but not exceptional ; there are three spring streams flowing west through the northern, central and southern parts, two of which head near the north and middle portion, which appears to be slightly higher than the remainder of the town. In the northwest part, on Sections 2 and 11, is a small body of swampy water, known as Indian Lake, that has neither inlet nor outlet perceivable, and which is a favorite resort for water-fowl and their enemies.

This town, like nearly all of the towns in the county, abounds in pre-historic mounds and Indian relics. On Section 29, on what is called table bluff, they are most numerous and peculiar in character. On Sections 21 and 29, are evidences of former mining operations, to be seen in large excavations, but what for must remain unknown.

The inhabitants now comprise several nationalities, but at the very first they were Americans and English, excepting the Indians. In the northwest gart is an English and American settlement, of the Baptist and Methodist faith chiefly. There are also a good many Americans and English in other parts of the town. In the southwest part, and in the northeast corner, the people are principally German Lutherans, with a slight sprinkling of " Humanists," or " Free- Thinkers," and, in the east and southeast parts, they are generally German Catholic. The people are thrifty and enterprising, as is evinced by their well-cultivated farms and comfortable houses, which are constructed largely of stone, of which there are large quantities, and brick.

The chief product of the county, fifteen and twenty years ago, was wheat ; but now lighter grains and corn and stock are the chief articles raised. There are no manufactures in the town, unless we except a fiour-mill, the manufacture of beer and sorghum molasses, and general mechanical work. '

The very first settlers are said to have located in the Black Earth Valley in 1843 ; they were Albert Skinner, J. Mills, Amos Heald, J. Rogerson and perhaps one or two others.

Very soon after them, Moses Barnes and his son-in-law, Samuel Ayers, came on to Half- Way Prairie. Mr. Barnes brought in a large family, and, with his son-in-law, located on Section 4, where Mr. Walser now lives, on the old road between Sauk and Madison. This was the first road through the town, and consequently a large amount of travel passed over it, and, therefore, the first best thing to be done by the new-comers was to build their cabins, and proceed to supply such lodgment for man and beast as a new country generally afibrds. This was for over two years the only stopping-place in the town, not only, but these were the only families in the tpwn, their only neighbors being the wild animals and the aboriginies. After living here a few years, and when the town became partially settled, they moved away, probably to a newer country.

The next comers were the English colonists, called the " British Temperance Emigration Society," organized in Liverpool by a wealthy Englishman by the name of Hayorth, who, like John Bright, was a philanthropist and reformer, and who sought to improve the condition of tne English laboring classes by inducing them to unite themselves into temperance emigration jpci- eties. The party that came to Dane County was made up principally of mechanics, who arrived here in 1845, and a part of them settled in this town and remained permanently. They were William, John and Joseph Bowman, John Gray, J. W. Ford, John Wightman, John Medd, George Stevens, W. Andrews, Samuel Hawley and his son, Thomas Hawley, George Draper, William Crowther, James Saville, and perhaps two or three others, came in this year.

From 1846 to 1850, there was a large increase in the population, and, during 1847, the first of the Germans settled in town. The following are the names of all who came here before 1860 that are not mentioned, as nearly as can be ascertained :

Joseph Harrison, H. Battleford, J. H. Robberts, Henry Garden, A. Davis, Edmund Ellis, Otto Kerl, William Sisson, Conrad Shelle, George Dimend, Thomas Haines, and Samuel, Edward and Thomas Barber. Subsequently, the settlement was very rapid, and, in a few years, all of the land in the town had been entered.

Of those mentioned, but seven are now living in the town, as follows : William Bowman, John Gray, Thomas Hawley, John Wightman, Otto Kerl, Conrad Shelle and William Sisson.

In 1846, nearly all of the settlers were smitten with ague; so great, indeed, was the prevalence of the disease, that there were not enough well ones to care for the sick, and it is said that but one family in the entire town escaped from the disease.

At this time, a bachelor by the name of Mumford, who was stricken with the ague, died. He lay almost alone and unattended from the first ; some of his neighbors, who were not much better than he, managed to drag themselves to his cabin just as death' came to his relief. This was the first death in the town.

The first to unite in the bonds of wedlock here were John Gray and Elizabeth Harrison, who were married by Squire Wilson, of Black Earth, in June, 1846. They are both living in the enjoyment of a prosperous old age. The early dead were buried here and there throughout the town, as there were no cemeteries for several years after the first settlement.

Religious services were held here very soon after. the arrival of the English colonists, as J. W. Ford and Joseph Bowman were preachers, Mr. Ford being a Methodist and Mr. Bowman a Baptist. Their meetings were held on alternate Sundays, first in the settlers' cabins, then in the log schoolhouse of District No. 1.

At the present time, the services of the above denominations are held irregularly, by ministers from Mazomanie, Black Earth and other points ; but a Sabbath school is well maintained, John Ford being Superintendent.

The market for the northwest portion of the town was for many years the Sauk villages, as products could be shipped from those points on the Wisconsin River.

, Not until 1859 was there a blacksmith-shop in town, the settlers having previously to go to Madison, or the aforesaid places, to get their plows sharpened or repairing done. The first shop was started by the Hagaman brothers, at the corners of Sections 3 and 4, and 9 and 10, near where a large blacksmith and wagon shop is now carried on.

About the same time, Hartwig Meyer erected a building at this point and opened a small store and saloon combined, and kept travelers. The building is now used for a saloon and (lance-hall.

inere was a post office in town, established before the war, and kept first by Joseph Bowman, then by Mr. Meyers, which has long since ceased to exist.

. first thrashing-machine owned in town, and about the first to come to town, was an old-fa^ioned circular traveler (so called) the property of Abijah Davis.

Walter Davis brought an evaporator into town for the manufacture of sorghum in 1865 ; nrst It was not a success ; but now, with the new varieties of cane, a good article of sirup can e made. The apparatus is at present owned by Christopher Obrecht.

In 1851, Otto Kerl started a brewery on his place, which was run until the beginning of the late rebellion. The absence of that brewery was supplied by another, built in 1863, in the southeast part of the town, on Section 34, which is being operated still.

There is at present a flouring-mill in the southwest corner of the town, on Section 31 built by Conrad Shelle as successor to a steam flouring-mill built by him on his farm several years ago, and which now stands disused for milling purposes.

There has been a limekiln in town for several years, which wa? opened by Peter Rouls. At different times, there have been shoe-shops and tailor-shops in the town.

The Berry Mutual Fire Insurance Company. - On the 29th day of January, 1876, a meeting of the citizens of Berry and Ro-xbury was held at Schn^yer's Hall, and the company organized and the following directors and oflicers were elected. Directors, Otto Kerl, John Brosmer, F. Schumann, Edwin Dimend, J. C. Fisher and Carl Fehland. Fred "Schumann, President ; Otto Kerl, Secretary ; John Brosemer, Treasurer, and John Ford and John Brosemer, Assessors. Up to this time, 234 policies have been issued, with liabilities amounting to ^319,609. Losses thus far have been $84.84 ; this has been paid, and all other expenses out of the survey and policy fees, which is $2 for each person, and there is yet on hand $68.41.

Churches and Cemeteries. - There are at present, two churches in the town, the Catholic and Lutheran, and three cemeteries, the English, Catholic and Lutheran, The English cemetery, an acre of land on the northwest corner of Section 8, is owned by an association of English and Americans, and has been in use over twenty years ; the other cemeteries are connected with the churches.

The Grerman Lutheran Church, on Section 17, was built in 1860, at a cost of $600, Gustave Herring giving the land for the cemetery, and making the principle contribution toward paying for the building ; there are about forty families in connection, Charles Schenck being the Pastor;

The Catholic Church of the Town of Berry. - The Catholic congregation was organized in 1853, and in that year a log church was built. Before that time, the people were sometimes visited by the Rev. Father Zuorna. On the 29th of October, 1854, Rev. L. Conrad was sent out by the M. R. Bishop as the first Presiding Pastor. The congregation then had twenty-five families. Together with the erection of the church, a Catholic German school was founded, which is now in a flourishing condition. The priests of the congregation have been Rev. L. Conrad, who served until 1858 ; then Rev. Teif until 1859 ; then Rev. M. Gernhauer served until February, 1862, he built the first part of the stone schoolhouse and the large stone parish house ; after him. Rev. W. Bernard ofiiciated until July, 1863 ; then Rev. A. Foekler was priest until December, 1863 ; then Rev. T. J. Voissem served from June, 1864, until April, 1869. He built the second part of the schoolhouse and commenced the new stone church building; after him. Rev. H. Jernsen served from May, 1869, until July, 1877. He finished the church edifice ; then came the Rev. J. Friend, who 1-emained from November, 1873, until January, 1878, after him. Rev. S. Tuork served from February, 1878, till February, 1879 ; then in May, 1879, the present priest. Rev. J. W. Blum, came. The congregation numbers now about one hundred and twenty families. The church building is 154x54 feet m area, and is Gothic in style. The tower will be completed in the spring of 1881.

Town Of Blooming Gkovb

When this township first came under town government, it was a portion of the town of Madison. This was in 1846. It remained a part of the last-mentioned town until the spring of 1850, when it became a separate town, and was named Blooming Grove. This town was the only one in the county which, when constituted a separate town, and named, contained less territory than one township. It first lacked all of that part of Township 7 north, of Range lU east, lying north of Lake Monona. Tlie part thus wanting was a portion of the town and city of Madison until March 30, 1861, when Section 5, the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 6, all of fractional Section 7 lying east of the city of Madison, and the northwest fractional quarter of Section 8, were attached to and made a part of the town of Blooming Grove. It thus assumed its present size and shape, which is quite irregular, owing to the fact that a considerable portion of the town is covered by Lake Monona, which belongs to the city of Madison.

On the 2d day of April, 1852, the first town meeting was held at tha house of R. W. Lansin", when the town was organized, and the following officers elected: N. J. Tompkins, Chairman; W. J. Reece and J. L. Lewis, Supervisors; Dr. H. A. Tiffany, Clerk; B. W. Caswell, Treasurer ; J. Lansing, Assessor ; Rev. J. G. Miller, Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Miller resigned soon after, arid R. W. Lansing was appointed in his place.

The surface of this town is somewhat hilly and marshy in the south part, while in the northern portion it is principally gently undulating and arable prairie land. The soil throughout, especially in the north part, is fertile, being, for the most part, a rich clay loam and marl.

A part of the town is. covered by watei'. Lake Monona takes considerable off from the west side, and in the south part Lake Waubesa covers a portion of four sections. These lakes, with the Yahara, which unites them, and the Nine Springs Creek in the southwest part, and one other small stream that crosses Section 5, together with the springs in town, constitute the water supply.

There are but few natural curiosities in the town to attract the eye, but the general scenery IS sufficiently charming to engross the attention of the most fastidious, while the lakes furnish excellent sport for ambitious Nimrods and disciples of Walton. In an early day, there was but little timber in this town in common with localities adjacent, and what there was was used with the utmost prudence. Some of the farmers sowed locust seed to raise timber, but nature soon supplied the want, and now there is enough and to spare of white, black and red oak and other kinds.

The people generally follow agricultural pursuits, and that they succeed well is attested by their fine farms and comfortable-looking houses and barns. There is a large amount of excellent stock raised in the town, and one farm, owned by C. R. Clark, is devoted entirely to raising thoroughbreds. Foreigners constitute a majority of the people, they are largely Germans and Norwegians. The population in 1870 was 1,010 ; it is now 929. The town has a good brick hall built in 1870, located on Section 17.

The first white settler was Abraham Wood, who came into this town certainly as early as the first part of the year 1837, for, during the spring of that year, he was employed to superintend the building of the first house inhabited in the city of Madison, and which was erected for Eben Peck, and first occupied by him. Wood had for his wife a daughter of the famous Winnebago chief, DeKaury, on the northeast fractional quarter of Section 19, which contains fiftytwo acres. This land, which juts into Lake Monona, has been variously known as Old Indian Garden, Wood's Point, Strawberry Point, Straw Point, and a portion of it is now called Winnequah. The first name was derived from the fact that Indians cultivated the land in this vicinity before the advent of the whites, the evidences of which have not yet entirely disappeared.

Mr. Wood remained there until the summer of 1889, when he, with Wallace Rowan, then living at Poynette, went to Sauk County and built the first saw-mill at Baraboo.

Wood was a natural borderer, being a large, powerful man, of a fierce, turbulent and adventurous nature, and well suited to pioneer life and experiences. He was peaceable enough when Bober, but when tipsy he went prowling around the country in a lawless way, helping himself to Mything he desired, and taking vengeance on those whom he did not like. One night, he entered a cabin belonging to a family by the name of Webster, and carried off a keg of beer, tie was discovered in the act by Mrs. Webster, who grabbed him in the back by his shirt, he eing ooatless, and demanded that he should relinquish the beer. This he showed no disposition <loing,and, her grip being a firm one, he dragged her a considerable distance, bawling out the while at the top of his voice, " Keep fast hold, madam, and I'll take you straight to h - 1 ! " His taking of a Mississippi River steamboat at an early day is quite amusing, and shows the fearlessness of the man's nature. He and three others, who styled themselves the "Baraboo Rushers," took passage on a steamboat for St. Louis. On the way, one of the boatmen took ill with the cholera, which was raging at the time. The idea of cholera on board caused much consternation, and it was decided to leave the sick man on shore. But none of the crew would venture near him, so great was their fear of the disease. Then up spoke Abe : " Give us a blanket, and we, the Baraboo Rushers, will take him ashore. We ain't afered of man or devil much less a gripe in the stomach." A blanket was furnished, and at the next landing the four men took the victim oflF, carrying him straight to the hotel. " We want a bed for a sick man," said Abe to the landlord. "Beds all full," was the reply. "Show me one, I'll empty it d - d quick," retorted Abe. But the landlord was not disposed to do so. Meanwhile, the captain, considering that the "Baraboo Rushers" were exposed to the infection, concluded that then was his time to get rid of them ; and without a touch of the bell put the boat out from the landing and continued the journey. The " Rushers," seeing the state of affairs, dropped the sick man on the hotel porch, and started after the boat. They were all good swimmers, and in a very short time they "overhauled her." To say they were angry does not half express what their feelings were. As soon as he touched the deck, Abe began to swear, and such swearing even those boatmen had never heard. He cursed all the crew from the highest to lowest, up and down and every other way. At last, the captain threatened to put him ashore. This was the signal for a row. The "Rushers" were armed after the manner of backwoodsmen, with tomahawks, knives and revolvers. Flourishing these, they sprang forward for a battle. The suddenness of the attack and the daring of the men, so surprised the captain and crew that they surrendered without a struggle. When he had them completely at his mercy, Abe flourished his tomahawk over the captain's head and cried : " We don't want your d - d old rickety boat, but we intend to teach you that the Baraboo Rushers are not to be trifled with. This craft never lands again until we say so, nor starts till we get ready. If that don't suit you, we will run her to h - 1 in spite of you." The captain was very willing to agree to the terms, and for the remainder of the' trip the " Rushers " had things their own way.

The next comer in the town was W. A. Wheeler, who located on Section 5 in the spring pf 1841, bringing his family with him. During the summer of that year, Mr. Wheeler, in conjunction with Simeon MillSj erected a dam across a small stream that flows into Lake Moiiona, and built a saw-mill, which was abandoned many years ago. Scarcely anything now remains t» mark the spot.

Soon after Mr. Wheeler came, the Taylor brothers made a claim not far from the mill, where one of them lived for several years. The first breaking in town was done here. About this time, Elisha Wheeler also settled in the town.

In 1844, Philo Dunning, who had assisted in building the old mill, became purchaser of the property, and a resident of the town, with his family. Previous to this time, however, a large family of Nelsons came in.

From 1844 to 1850, a good many settled here, of whom we are enabled to mention E. Grover, S. Catlin, 0. and B. W. Caswell, S. Eastman, E. Smith, J. and R. W. Lansing, M. J.

The Rev. J. G. Miller came into the State as a missionary for the German Evangelical Association as early as 1845. The town received its name from him, the title being suggested as appropriate at a time when the groves of oak were interspersed with waving grass and blooming flowers.

A post office was established in the town before 1850, with R. W. Lansing as Postmaster. After having been continued for several years, it was suspended, and there is now no post office in the town.

The Cottage Grove Fire Insurance Company, which includes Blooming Grove and other towns, was organized. March 24, 1875, with thirty-five incorporators. The first officers elected were William T. UphofF, President ; Daniel Bechtel, Secretary ; J. S. Daily, Treasurer ; M. E. Emerson, Henry Peters, G. Timmerman, James Bell and J. S. Gallagher, Directors. The company began business with a capital of $100,000, which has since increased to more than three times that amount. The losses thus far have been light, and the company is in a flourishing condition.

A German Evangelical Association was organized in 1853, the Rev. J. H. Ragatz officiating as the first Pastor. The congregation has a church and cemetery in the southeast part of the town. The Rev. J. C. Brindle is the present Pastor.

Tonyawaiha Spring Hotel. - This delightful summer idling-place was opened to the public in 1879. It was erected by Dr. William Jacobs, as an adjunct to the Park Hotel of Madison. It is situated opposite to Madison, commanding a splendid view of the city, and is surrounded by a beautiful forest. The hotel is furnished with bathing facilities, and the general appointments are first-class throughout. During the summer, a steamboat goes back and forth to Madison, hourly each day. Besides, there is a telephone connection with the city. Near the building a large spring called Tonyawatha (healing waters), gushes forth to gladden the sight and heal the infirm.

There is a Grange in the town, the Blooming Grove, No. 250. It was organized in 1874. Weekly meetmgs are held at the town hall. There was a Good Templars' Society here a few years ago, but it has been discontinued.

Town Of Perry

The territory now constituting the town of Perry was first brought under town government as a part of the town of Madison. Afterward, when Montrose was set oflT into a separate town, it formed one of its three townships. Finally, by an act of the State Legislature, approved March 21, 1849, Township 5 north, of Range 6 east, was set ofi" from the town of Montrose, and called Perry. It was, by the same act, attached to the town of Primrose for all town purposes. Perry was organized under its own town government in 1854, and the first town meeting was held on the 4th day of April of that year, at the house of A. Sanderson, when the following officers were elected : B. F. Denson, Chairman ; A. Sanderson and 0. Dahlby, Supervisors ; 0. B. Dahle, Town Clerk ; H. J. Dahle, Treasurer, and 0. 0. Bakken, fhe surface of the town is largely rolling prairie, broken at difl'erent points by bluffs and stony ridges. The best portion for agricultural purposes is in the northeast part, which is principally undulating prairie. The southern part, on the other hand, being made up more of bluffs and low-lying bottoms, is better adapted to stock-raising. In the northeast corner is a cave, which 18 the most remarkable physical feature. It served as a place of refuge for drafted men during ne late war. There are large amounts of limestone in the bluffs, that can be easily obtained or building purposes or for making lime. The ridge alone which passed the old territorial, is ""^ %^^ conspicuous features in the northeast corner of the town.

ihe soil is very fertile, being composed principally of alluvial deposits in the bottoms, and pyand marl on the high lands, and the only thing that detracts in any way from its excel- ^oce, 18 the washing and gullying of the bluffs and ridges, caused by the rainfalls.

The town in its native state was covered with brush and grabs, there being scarcely enough timber at the first to supply the wants of the pioneers, but now there is an abundance of young timber, the growth of the last thirty-five years. It consists principally of white, black and red oak, including other kinds indigenous to this part of the country.

The town is splendidly watered, especially in the southern and central parts, where several small streams rise and flow in a southwesterly direction and eventually unite, forminc the East Branch of the Pecatonica, and also supplying very good mill privileges, which remain unimproved. In- the northwest part there is also a small stream which flows into the Pecatonica.

The population is now composed of iTorwegians, with the exception of a few Germans who reside on Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 10 and 11. They are in a thriving condition, having good houses, barns and well-cultivated fields, and being supplied with good educational and religious privileges. The political sentiment is strongly Republican. The population in 1870 was 1,051. It is now 924.

The first permanent white settler of whom there is any account, was John Brown, a native of Indiana, who came into the town in 1846. and located in the south part on Section 34. He was followed, in 1847, by B. K. Berry, who settled on Section 31, and Mr. Van Dyke, who made ^ claim on Section 34.

Early in the season of 1848, B. F. Denson, of North Carolina; John Sears and Shute Rudy, of Kentucky ; S. 0. Campbell, of Virginia, and John Anton and Hobart Keller, the first Germans, came into the town. The first named located on Section 34, the second on Section 33, the fourth on Section 31, and the remainder on Sections 3 and 10. In August of 1848, Ola 0. Bakken, the first Norwegian, emigrated hither, and settled on Section. 4, buying the claim of a non-resident. During the fall of that year, the following persons came : H. 0. Milsteen (located on Section 19), Lars Langemyr, (Section 17), Mr. Kasper (Section 4), John Eastman, from Ohio, who settled in the south part of the town, and Lars Halvors and T. Thompson, who settled on Section 17, and Hans Johnson, on Section 4.

In 1849, Torger Hastwedt located on Section 17 ; H. J. Dahle, on Section 20 ; Benjamin Lyon, of Virginia, on Section 31 ; Juul Havrud, with eight children, on Section 18 ; Reiar Mugstue, on Section 10 ; Ole Gangsei, on Section 6 ; A. Levang, on Section 10, and Jacob Oarhuns, on Section 9. From 1849, the town settled up very rapidly, and within a very few years the Government lands were all taken. Ole 0. Bakken is now the veteran pioneer of the town, being the only one left of the very early comers.

The first school district was organized March 9, 1850. The ofiicers elected were : B. K. Berry, Director ; J. B. Brown, Clerk ; and B. F. Denson, Treasurer. Mr. Berry could not read, but, nevertheless, he was eventually elected Justice of the Peace. The schoolhouse, lox 18 feet, built of logs, was soon after erected, and during the summer a three-months' school was taught by Sarah E. Wildeman at ^5.50 per month. The next separate school was commenced in the summer of 1852, by Ligoi Dustrud, who taught six or eight urchins their ab's in the old Norwegian Lutheran Church. There are now five schoolhouses in the town, and three full and eight joint districts.

The first post ofiSce was established in 1850, on the old Territorial road. Section 31, and called Turkey Grove, S. C. Campbell being appointed Postmaster. Four or five years later, this office was moved to Moscow, Iowa Co. After the removal of that post office, some of the settlers took turns regularly in bringing the mail from Blue Mounds, it being distributed from the store of 0. B. Dahle.

In 1857, Perry Post Office was established, with A. Sanderson as Postmaster, who held the office until 1871, when the present incumbent, 0. B. Dahle was appointed Postmaster, the office now being in his store. In 1872, Forward Post Office was established, it being kept on Section 23, by C. Evanson, who keeps a store there, and is the only Postmaster this office has had.

The retail store of 0. B. Dahle, which was opened by him in 1853, was the first store in town, and is situated on the southwest corner of Section 8. At this point there is quite a little hamlet, which is known in common parlance as DahleviHe. There are two blacksmith-shops, a wagon-shop, a shoe-shop and a physician and surgeon established here, and in close proximity is situated the large, new Lutheran Church and a commodious frame schoolhouse.

The first house of worship in the town was the old Norwegian Church, erected in 1851, on Section 8. It was twenty feet square, built of logs, and here, in the winter of 1852, the first religious service was held by the Rev. A. C. Preus.

On the 28d of May, 1878, a tornado swept over the town of Perry, doing a great deal of damage, and among other things ruined the stone church. As soon thereafter as practicable, the present fine structure was erected. It is 46x64|- feet in area, and is surmounted by a steeple 132 feet in height. The church is also provided with a bell and organ. The more prominent Pastors have been A. C. Preus, G. F. Diedrichson, H. 0. Stub, H. A. Preus P. M. Brodahl (who was the first regularly appointed Pastor, in 1856), and, after him, A. Jacobson and Adolph Bredesen, the present Pastor.

The first meeting of the Catholic denomination was held in 1855, at the house of John Keller, the Rev. L. Conrad saying mass. Occasional services were held after this, until 1859, when the Rev. Father Hyder came to administer at the death of Caroline Keller, the sister of Lawrence Post. Soon after this, the small but tasteful St. Salvador Church was erected, the Keller and Gobel families leading in the work. The congregation now numbers twenty families.

Town Of Burke

The town of Burke lies in the northern part of the county. It is watered in the northwest part by Token Creek, which enters the town on Section 3, and empties into the Yahara River on Section 7, and is diversified with oak openings, prairie and marsh land, divided somewhat as follows : The west half is generally marsh land, with a few oak groves ; the northeast purt is generally prairie ; the central portion the same ; the remainder about equally divided with prairie, openings and marsh.

The Watertown line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad passes through the town, and also the Madison & Portage line of the same road..

The surface is about equally divided between prairie and timber. There are two railroads which pass through the town - the Milwaukee & St. Paul (Watertown line), which enters on Section 33, and runs northeast into Sun Prairie on Section 13 ; the Milwaukee & St. Paul Kailroad (Madison & Portage line), which enters the town on Section 31, and runs north through the western part of the town, leaving the town on Section 5.

Token Creek ; he kept a hotel there for a number of years. The first physician in the town was Dr. R. K. Bell. The first store in the town was opened by Messrs. Hanchett & Harris, at Token Creek, in 1848. The upper room of this store was used by two Englishmen, Messrs. Robinson & Davy, as a shoe-shop. John Douglas built the first store in the town in 1847. The first blacksmiths were E. C. Bullis and Goodrich. In 1854, Mr. S. L. Sheldon settled here on Sections 32 and 33. Mr. Sheldon taught school for a time in an old log house on his farm, but in 1857, he left the farm, and engaged in selling agricultural machinery. He is now one of the largest dealers in the United States. Among other early settlers were A. D. Goodrich, on Section 9 ; F. H. Talcott, on Section 15 ; George and C. M. Nichols, on Section 36 ; H. D. Goodenough and James Sullivan, on Section 34 ; Thomas Rathbun, on Section 11 ; J. P. W. Hill and Thomas Sandon, on Section 5 ; T. W. Thompson, on Section 12 ; Torkel Gulekspn and Gunder Olson, on Section 24, and Martin. Lewis, on Section 1. In 1849, David C. Butterfield com^ menced a grist-mill on Section 5 ; it was completed by Loomis & Rasdali. Rasdall was one of the old pioneer settlers and Indian traders ; he was afterward accidentally killed in his mill. David Prindle was an early settler on Section 26 ; he died at the advanced age of 90.

There are but two post offices in the town, one, Sanderson Station, situated in the southwest quarter of Section 17, on the line of the Madison & Portage Railroad, and Token Greek, situated on the line between the towns of Burke and Windsor on Section 3.

In 1852, Burke was set off from Windsor, and erected into a separate town, having, for its territory. Township 8 north, of Range 10 east, of the. United States survey. The first town election was held at the house of Adam Smith, when the following, among other officers, were elected : Adam Smith, Chairman ; J. P. W. Hill and John Vroman, Trustees ; John Douglass^ Clerk ; Charles G. Lewis, Treasurer, and A. T. Cady, Assessor.

Town Of Vermont

The territory run off by the United States Surveyors into Townships 6 and 7 north, of Range 6 east, although at first included in the town of Madison, was, by an act of the Territorial Legislature, approved March 11, 1848, erected into the town of Blue Mounds ; but in 1855 the north half of this territory was formed into a separate town called Vermont.

At the first town meeting, held on the first Tuesday of April, 1855, the town was organized, and the following officers were elected : Whalen Hasbrook, Chairman ; J. C. Steele and John Caldwell, Supervisors, and Aaron Dana, Clerk.

The surface of this town is highly diversified in character, there being sharp ridges, deep pockets, stony bluffs and fertile valleys throughout, with much land that is very good for cultivation, and none so very rough that it cannot be made available for the purposes of timber raising or pasturage. There are few pre-historic remains here, but there are somewhat phenomenal conditions existing in the town, in the form of three unexplored holes or caves ; two on Section 16, and one on Section 30. In the winter, the streams from these holes can be seen for a long distance. j j

The soil is usually very productive, particularly in the valleys, where corn, hay and oats do very well. Wheat does better on the higher ground, which is usually a sandy loam or limestone marl, according to the height, the very highest ridges being composed of limestone, and the lower ridges of sandstone. The best soil in town is on Section 36 and adjoining. That which the farmers most regret is the washing of the hills, which has very materially damaged the arable land throughout this section. . largest of the streams is the East Blue Mound Creek, which enters the town on Section 6i, ana, flowing northwest, passes out on Section 6. The land, through which this creek flows, is cauea the saw*mill bottoms, and is very fertile. This stream supplies excellent mill privileges, wtuoa have been partly improved. All of the other streams, of which there are several, are tributary to the Bast Blue Mounds Creek, with the exception of one, which, rising on Section 25, flows northerly, passing out of the town on Section 2, and empties into the Black Earth Creek.

When the first settlers came, there was but little timber in the town, the hills and valleys being covered principally with brush and saplings. Now there is an abundance of several different kinds, as oak, walnut, butternut, hickory, ash and poplar.

A majority of the inhabitants are Norwegians, the northeast part being very thickly settled by them. In the southwest part of the town there is a settlement of Irish. Besides there are a few families of Americans and English, and quite a number of Prussians and Austrians. There are two churches and several schools which are well supported, and to all appearances the condition of the people is excellent throughout the entire town. The population of 1870 was 1,244 ; it is now 963.

The products are such as are usually supplied by the agricultural districts of the county, there being no manufacturing done in the town to any extent.

The first white settler was a Pennsylvania Dutchman by the name of Joseph Harmony, who settled here in 1846. He was an old man when he came here, and had neither money to help himself with nor team to plow his land. So he had to erect a cabin as best he could with 8X and auger, and plow his land with the spade and hoe. The old man and his still older wife had a hard time of it, and we find that after they had been here about nine years, they had only succeeded in getting three acres of land under cultivation, and the forty acres which constituted the claim was yet unpaid' for. About this time some one bought the claim from the Government, and the old gentleman had no home. At this juncture, his neighbors charitably joined together and raised $50, and bought forty acres of land on Section 31, and presented it to the veteran pioneer. He died about the beginning of the great rebellion.

After Mr. Harmony there were no settlers until 1847, when Mathew Rasback, Samuel Batty, John Caldwell and Samuel Lattimer settled in different parts of the town. During the following four years, J. Stuhltrewers, Mr. Perry, Barney Burrows, J. C. Steele, E. K. Liverad, the first Norwegian, Paul Capley, Mr. Barlow, Henry Brown, John Smith, Thomas Buffe, Nelson Daniels, John Olner, A. B. Erbe, E. Odell and Mahlen Hasbrock with a few others came in. Subsequently, the . settlers poured in very rapidly until within a few years the town was thickly settled.

Of the earliest comers who are now living here, we mention M. Rasback, S. Batty, J. C. Steele, John Smith, John Olner, A. B. Erbe and Aaron Denney, all of whom are in comfortable circumstances and some of them fore-handed.

The first death in the town occurred in 1852, when the cholera swept through this section of the country and killed several in Vermont. The first of these was old Mr. Rasback.

The marriage of E. B. Erbe and Anna Christina in 1852 was the first in the town. They were engaged before coming to this country, but as they belonged to different provinces it would liave cost $40 to cosummate their union, so it was deferred until they reached America. They were married at E. Brigham's place, in Blue Mounds, by Squire Dale, who charged them 30 cents for a certificate and the treats for those who were present at the ceremony.

The first school district was organized in 1850, and the first schoolhouse was built on the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 17. The first teacher was A. Campbell.

There are now six school districts in the town, with six sections to a district. The schoolnouses are frame, the best of which is the one in District No. 3.

The first Pathmaster in town was Mahlen Hasbrock. Then the road district included the entire town ; now the town is divided into thirteen districts.

The first road that traversed the town was from Pokerville, or Brigham's mines, to the Wisconsin River, and was doubtless in use forty-five years ago.

Mahlen Hasbrock brought in thirty head of cattle when he came, intending to start a dairy and stock farm, but, neglecting to provide feed enough for them, they nearly all died the first winter. During this time, Mr. Hasbrock and a brother were hunting deer, and killed 103 before the winter was over.

Immediately after his arrival, in 1847, Mr. Samuel Lattimer built a saw-mill on Section 21. Mr. Lattimer operated the saw-mill until 1865, when he sold the property to S. Goodell and J. B. Kehl. They repaired the building and converted it into a grist-mill, putting in two run of stone. In 1876, the mill passed into the hands of Charles Elver, who added another run of stone. He still runs the mill, which does first-class work. In 1851, Thomas Steele erected a saw-mill on Section 28. After passing through several hands, it was abandoned, and finally rotted down.

A sorghum evaporator was brought into town two years ago, by C. A. Andleman, who resides on Section 7. This year he made a large amount of sirup for himself and others.

A post oiBce was established on Section 21, last year, with John Lohrs as Postmaster. It is an unpaid office, and receives mail but orice a week. Mr. Lohrs has a grocery and saloon at this point, the only ones in the town.

The Catholic Church (St. Simon's). - This church is situated on Section 29. It has aresident priest and a large congregation. The St. Simon's Total Abstinence Society was organized in 1877. The officers are Michael Denun, President; E. Keating, Vice President ; George Blake, Secretary ; D. Keleher, Treasurer ; William Frawley, Librarian. There are now forty members.

The Norwegian Lutheran Church. - This church, situated on Section 11, was built in 1868. The congregation now numbers about ninety families. The first minister of the Lutheran faith to preach in the town was P. H. Rasmusson. After him, in 1860, John Fjeld, the present Pastor, came.

Each of the churches has a cemetery in connection, besides there is a commonwealth cemetery on Section 6, near the schoolhouse of District No. 3.

Town Oe Mazomanie

The town of Mazomanie is located in the northwest corner of the county. The northern portion, bordering on the Wisconsin River, is low and marshy ; the remaining parts are prairie with some openings. The soil is rich and productive, and watered by Black Earth Creek. It is traversed in the southwest portion by the Prairie du Chien Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, which enters on Section 16, and passes out on Section 18. The town was formerly a part of the town of Black Earth, and comprises the north half of Township 8, Range 6 east, and fractional part of Township 9, Range 6 east, lying south and east of the Wisconsin River. It was organized into a separate town in 1858.

The first settlement made in this town was in 1843, when large quantities of Government land were entered by the British Temperance Emigration Society.

Among the first settlers, were Charles Wilson, Joshua Rhodes, Alfred Senior, John Holmes, James Bay, George Robbins, John and William Wriggles worth, Francis Wilson, Robert North, John Royston, William Thompson, Christopher Bennett, John Kerr, Charles Reeve, Robert Leach, John Linley and Robert Liman, with their families. William Summerville was also of the number.

Village Of Mazomanie

The village of Mazomanie was laid out on the lands of Edward Brodhead, Anson Eldred, Moses S. Scott and Eliphalet Cramer, situated on Section 16, in June, 1855, and plat acknowledged by the several parties on July 2, of same year. John Hudson made an addition in July of this year, and, also, an addition was made by John Catlin, Edward Barber and A. W. Curtiss, which is known as Prairie Addition. In October following, William Robinson filed an additional plat. In January, 1856, Alfred Senier recorded a plat, to which he made a second addition in the following June. In 1857, Henry Walker made a record of an addition. In March, 1859, William Robinson and D. W. Bronson recorded an addition ; and, again, April, 1873, D. W. Bronson added farther to the original plat. The village now covers a large portion of Sections 16, 9 and 8.

The first settlers in the village were D. W. Bronson and family, David and W. H. Whitney, all of whom lived in a small house situated in the rear of the site upon which the Carlisle House now stands.

The first store was opened by S. Holbrook and John Martin, followed soon after by that S. E. Waterhouse and D. W. Bronson. George Butler built and opened the first hotel, under the name of the " American House." This was the first frame building erected in the village.

Among those who came here in 1855 were the Saulsbury brothers, Mr. Parsons, John Robinson, C. D. Haven, G. T. Whitney, Allen and Angus Macdonald, W. U. Hover, L. D. Brooks, A. S. Sanborn, William Allen, S. H. Vedder and Edward Huggins.

6. T. Whitney was the first Postmaster. The second was William L. Freeman. D. W. Bronson was appointed in 1861, and held the office a period of sixteen years, being succeeded in 1877, by Henry Schildt. The office was made a money-order office in 1878.

As already stated, the first school building in the town, and likewise in the village, was erected in 1849. This was used for ten years, when, becoming too small to accommodate the increase of pupils consequent upon the growth of the village, a frame schoolhouse was erected large enough to meet the demands, as was supposed. The building was barely finished when it was found another room was demanded. In 1861, was commenced the erection of a brick edifice, 50x50 feet, two stories in height. This was occupied the following year, when the school was first organized under the graded system. In 1868, an addition was built, 30x50 feet, of the same height, making a building 50x80 feet, which was arranged for five departments. In 1876, however, it was again found necessary to occupy the former building and to establish a primary -school near the Wisconsin River. In 1876, a free high school was established in the district.

First Congregational Church and Society. - A society was organized in the old log schoplhouse, in 1853, by Rev. David M. Jones, of Arena. Through his labors a church building was erected 11 1855, which subsequently became the property of the Evangelical Association, by whom it was used until 1874. The society disbanded after a time, and was re-organized February 16, 1867. Rev. A. S. Allen, Moderator ; John Murrish, Clerk. Those subscribing to the articles of covenant were Thomas Ellis, Darius T. Boardman, Joseph B. Barney, Mrs. Sarah C. Barney, John Murrish, Mrs. Jane Murrish, Mrs. Sarah Jones, Mrs. Minerva Chapman, James ^ays, Asa M. Seymour and Mrs. Charlotte M. Stickney. Of this number, but one. Deacon ames Hays, was a member of the former congregation. The new organization elected James nays, Deacon, and John Murrish, Clerk. A call was extended to Rev. T. B. Jervis, and he became the first Pastor of the church. It was through his instrumentality the church edifice whi TT^ '"^ *' * °"®' °^ $2,500. In 1877, Rev. M. Martin offered his resignation, en, by a vote of the church and society, was not accepted, but a leave of absence was given him for one year, in the hope that, by the expiration of the time, his health, which had failed him would be improved, and he could return to the work. Mr. Martin never returned. In 1880 the officers of the church were Alvah Whitney and George B. Clifford, Deacons ; Alice Stickney, Church Clerk ; Alvah Whitney, Sunday School Superintendent ; E. A. Brown, Walter Johnson H. J. Goddard, D. N. Smith, Harry Lathrop, Trustees; Harry Lathrop, Secretary of the society.

Baptist. - This church was organized on the 11th day of April, 1857, by Elder Moses Rowley, one of the pioneer ministers of this State. Fifteen men and women signed the articles of covenant - Moses Rowley, Lydia Rowley, William Robinson, Desire Barrill, Ira Swett and Sarah Nace, Miss Henry, Miss Martin, Nelson Bentley and wife, Harry Crooks and wife, Mrs. Hunt and Francis Lyman. William Robinson was chosen Deacon and Clerk. Elder Moses Rowley was the first Pastor of the church, and labored with it in word and in doctrine for several years. During the first year, the church was greatly blessed by accessions to its numbers. Elder Luther Humphrey was called to the pastorate in 1862, and remained two years, being succeeded by Rev. W. C. Wright, as supply, for one year. In March, 1865, Rev. Moses. Pickett accepted a call to the pastorate of the church, and remained two years. For a few months the church was without a pastor, but in September, 1867, Rev. R. S. Powers came and labored for a year. In October, 1868, Rev. Joseph Wassail assumed pastoral charge, and continued for two years, when he was succeeded by Rev. William H. Brisbane, who also served two years. Again the church was without a pastor for a time, but in September, 1873, secured the services of Rev. A. VonPuttcamer, who remained one year. In 1874, Elder Joseph Bowman was called, and served until February 18, 1878, when Rev. E. Prouty became the Pastor. The present membership of the church is thirty-eight, with Rev. E. Prouty, Pastor; C. E. Whelan, Deacon and Clerk. A Sunday school was organized at the same time with the church, and had a continuous existence. The present Superintendent is E. Prouty. Average attendance, thirty-two. . A neat and comfortable church edifice was erected in .1865, at a cost of $4,000. In size, it is 32x44, and has, in addition to its main audience room, a basement designed for lectures, prayer meetings and Sunday schools.

Methodist Episcopal. - This church was organized in the fall of 1856, by Rev. Robert Rowbotham, at the house of Barney Campbell. Those composing the first class were Barney -Campbell, Nancy Campbell, Charles Richards, Mrs. M. Richards, Mr. Bacon, Mr. and Mrs. Coon, Harvey Cheney and Julia Cheney. Barney Campbell was the first class leader and first steward of the church. The Pastors in order have been Robert Rowbotham, two years ; Edwin H. Buck, two years ; John Murrish, two years ; Mr. Chadeayane, one year ; Mr. Blessing, one year ; W. W. Smith, one year ; B. C. Hammond, one year ; J. D. Searles, three years ; A. D. Dexter, one year ; James Sims, two years ; G. W. Kellogg, one year ; J. D. Brothers, two years ; B. T. Briggs, one year ; H. Dockham, one year ; F. W. Hall, one year : T. M. Evans, present Pastor. Previous to building the church edifice, the congregation met in what was called Haskell's University, an institution no trace of which now remains ; afterward in the town hall. The corner-stone of the church building was laid by Gen. Fallows, in June, 1866, and the building was completed and dedicated to the service of the living God, in August, 1868, by Bishop Simpson and Dr. Minor Raymond. In the next month, the West Wisconsin Conference convened in Mazomanie, Bishop Ames, presiding. During this session, by resolution, one evening "Was set apart to hear Senator Carpenter on the political issues of the day. At the close of Mr. Carpenter's speech, Dr. Hass and Rev. Mr. Waldron each spoke in behalf of the election of Grant to the Presidency. The church building is 40x60 feet, and cost $6,000. The present officers of the church are W. U. Hover, David Harup, Joseph Bennett, T. F. Stair, John Porter, Stillman Moulton, Trustees ; Henry Schildt, James Cooley, Mrs. S. Moulton, Mrs. T. F. Stair, Mrs. Keeley, Stewards ; T. F. Stair, Class Leader. Its membership is sixty.

Hvangelieal Association. - The first regular preacher of this denomination was Rev. Henry Ragartz, who preached here in 1843. The society was organized in 1845. Services were usually held at the residence of diff'erent members, until 1864. when they purchased the church building formerly owned by the Congregational Society. This they occupied until 1874, when they found, from the growth of the society, that they needed more room. They built a very pretty and substantial stone church on Hudson street, which was dedicated on the 29th of October of the same year, by Bishop Jacob Escher. The house is 36x44 feet, and cost, when finished, $3,600. Since its organization, the following-named persons have served as Pastors : Revs. George Swants, George Fleischer, Godfreid Umbrecht, George Von Eschen, Peter Speich, Peter Massueger, H. Huelster, George Brockmuehl, Peter Held, Lemeon Kortemeyer and Henry Clement, the latter being the present Pastor. Samuel Shower, John Parman and Christian Parman, Trustees.

Episoopal. - St. Luke's Mission was organized January 8, 1868, by Rev. J. B. Pradt, called as missionary. For two years services were held in the town hall. In 1869, they erected a fine brick edifice at a cost of $2,500, and in December of that year occupied it for the first time. The first officers of the church were E. W. Cornes, Deacon; Richard Black, Treasurer. Rev. J. B. Pradt was the first Pastor,, and was succeeded by Rev. W. E. Spalding, who remained six months, and was followed by Rev. S. P. Eldred, who served eighteen months. Rev. Mr. Huntington then entered upon the work, continuing six months, when Rev. Henry M. Green came and labored three years. Rev. P. B. Morrison is the present Pastor.

Masonic. - A dispensation was granted, December 5, 1857, for the organization of a Masonic Lodge, and, on the 9th day of June of the following year, a charter was granted to Crescent Lodge, No. 97, A., F. & A. M. ; with Alden S. Sanborn, its first Master, and John B. Stiokney, its first Secretary. The membership of this lodge has increased gradually, until it now numbers sixty-five members. Their lodge-room and entire furniture and records were destroyed by fire May 2, 1865. They had bought and paid for the third story of the building erected by J. Warren & Co. This gave them a large and commodious hall, and was well furnished. The last jJayment on the hall was made but a few weeks previous to the fire. The Grand Lodge of the State granted a new charter in lieu of the one destroyed by fire, with George High, W. M. ; Luther Clark, S. W. ; E. Wood Cornes, J. W. Since its organization the chair of the W. M. has been filled by Alden S. Sanborn, Barney Campbell, M. G. Todd, George High, Luther Clark, E. Wood Cornes, Norman Clark, Theodore Yager, B. R. Cowdery, John Forrest, Henry Z. Moulton and Eugene A. Brown. Ten members of the lodge have been removed by death previous to June 1, 1880 - Warren Hill, Isaac D. Sweat, Jonas E. Haseltine, Philo W. Jones, William L. Freeman, S. E. Waterhouse, Isaac N. Briggs, Bela Warner, Daniel Clark and Daniel W. Bronson. The present officers of the Lodge are Eugene A. Brown, W. M. ; Edward J. Whitney, S. W. ; S. E. Bronson, J. W. ; George Elliott, Treasurer ; James H. Greening, Secretary ; Hugh A. Stewart, S. D. ; Deville W. Campbell, J. D. ; Manville D. Alvord, Steward ; Frank Robinson, Steward ; Curtis E. Whelan, Tiler.

Scientific and Literary Association of Mazomanie and Blach Earth. - This association was organized in the spring of 1878, for the purposes of discussing scientific and literary subjects, and hold meetings twice each month in Good Templars' Hall in Mazomanie. The meetings have usually been well attended, and the time spent in an agreeable and profitable manner. The present officers are Henry Howarth, Mazomanie, President ; U. P. Stair, Black Earth, vice President ; S. E. Bronson, Mazomanie, Secretary.

(xood Templars. - Mazomanie Lodge, No. 65, I. 0. G. T. (afterward changed to No. 14), was instituted January 15, 1868, with William Robinson, W. C. T., and John Howarth, W. R. The membership is ninety-seven. The charter members of this lodge were Rev. Moses K r^o^' ^°''®'''' Robotham, William Robinson, Henry Howarth, Barney Campbell, Mary Campbell, Samuel L. Hooker, Ellen Hooker, N. T. Davies, Lydia Rowley, Eliza Hall, Martha High, James High, Wells High, Lorenzo Eaton, Samantha Eaton, Milo Dietz and John Howarth. nis lodge had its records burned some years ago. In 1877, the lodge organized a public rary, and now own about two hundred volumes of choice literature, which it loans to any who Mire to avail themselves of the privilege for five cents a volume per week. The officers of the iMge for the term commencing May 1 were Howard Elliott, W. C. T. ; Lillie Peck, W. V. T. ;

Patrons of Husbandry. - Mazomanie (jrange. No 318, P. of H., was organized by Deputy W. C. Williams. The charter members of the Grange were Stillman Moulton and wife, George F. Clifford and wife, Luther Clark and wife, Frederick Diment and wife, 0. B. Hazeltine and wife, George Seston and wife, L. 0. Roberts and wife, S. 0. Davis and wife, John Greening and wife, Charles P. Kerr and wife, Henry Powell and wife, 0. W. Hazeltine, John C. Fisher, John Gray, John Ford, Samuel Hawley, Lewis Seston, Reuben Whitcher, Patrick Cory, George Alford and William Bowman - total, 32. On the first election for officers there were elected: George F. Clifford, Master; Luther Clark, Overseer ; Stillman Moulton, Lecturer ; William Bowman, Treasurer ; 0. B. Hazeltine, Secretary ; Frederick Diment, Steward ; John Ford, Assistant Steward ; John Gray, Chaplain ; Charles Kerr, Gate Keeper ; Mrs. John Greening, Stewardess ; Mrs. George F. Clifford,. Ceres; Mrs. Charles P. Kerr, Flora; Mrs. L. 0. Roberts, Pomona. From the organization of the Grange till June 1, 1880, there were admitted, by initiation, 33, making a total membership of 65. Of this number the Grange has lost, by removal and otherwise, 25; leaving a membership of 40. It is now on a good substantial basis, its members being firm believers in the principles of the order, and they are willing to make sacrifices for its best interests. At the regular meetings, subjects are discussed of practical interest, politics and religion being tabooed. George F. Clifford held the office of Master during the years 1874 and' 1876 ; Stillman Moulton, 1875 ; Henry Powell, 1877, 1878 and 1879. James H. Greening is the present Master, with the following-named officers : George F. Clifford, Overseer ; A. M. Benedict, Lecturer ; Joseph Bennett, Steward ; Henry Keely, Assistant Steward ; S. S. Humphrey, Chaplain ; Charles Kerr, Treasurer; 0. B. Hazeltine, Secretary ; John Burchill, Gate Keeper ; Nellie Benedict, Ceres ; Mrs. M. A. Powell, Pomona; Mrs. Laura Greening, Flora ; Mrs. M. E Hazeltine, Lady Assistant Steward.

Fire Department. - In the latter part of the year 1873, a subscription paper was circulated for the purpose of securing money for the purchase of a hook and ladder outfit. About $76 was raised, a truck wagon, hooks, ladders and buckets purchased, and, on the 25th of May, 1874, an organization was effected under the name of Mazomanie Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, and William Butterfield was elected Foreman ; John Forrest, First Assistant ; N. T. Davies, Second Assistant ;. D. W. Bronson, Treasurer ; Richard Black, Secretary. These officers were continued until 1876, when Charles J. Trager was elected Foreman; D. R. Preston, First Assistant ; J. A. J. Showers, Second Assistant ; Richard Black, Secretary ; T. W. Wilson, Treasurer.

Steps were now taken to procure an engine and hose cart. The village not being incorporated, the town was appealed to for aid, which was refused. The subscription paper was again brought into requisition, and, through ithe special exertions of Charles J. Trager, Rienard Black anfi T. W. Wilson, some $1,200 was raised. In the spring of 1877, a hand-engine was purchased, together with a hose cart and 500 feet of rubber hose. Just before the arrival ot the engine, and on the 10th day of May, 1877, the large manufacturing establishment of N. T. Davies caught fire from the upsetting of a kerosene lamp, destroying one wing of the building and causing a loss of $4,500. Through the heroic exertions of the hook and ladder company, assisted by citizens, the main building was saved. There was no insurance.

At the annual election, May, 1877, Charles J. Trager was again elected Foreman ; J. A. J. Shower, First Assistant ; T. Huntington, Second Assistant ; L. C. Oulmann, Secretary ; T. W. Wilson, Treasurer. The first fire at which the engine was brought into requisition was that of a shed adjoining the barn of Mr. Murrish, which occurred June 1, 1877. Luckily, the fire was soon extinguished, with a very nominal loss. The cause of the fire was unknown. On the 7th of September, of the same year, the warehouse adjoining the lumber-yard was burned, at a loss of $120. From this warehouse the fire spread to the lumber-yard, but was soon extinguished by the fire department, the owner of the yard experiencing a loss of $350. How the fire originated was never known. On the 16th of June previous, the barn of W. U. Hover was burned, at a loss on the barn of $75, and a like amount for a horse.

The department elected for its oiBcers, in 1878, Charles J. Trager, Foreman ; J. A. J. Shower, First Assistant; George Wightman, Second Assistant; N. T. Davies, Third Assistant; 0. B. Vosburgh, Secretary ; T. W. Wilson, Treasurer. At this time, the' engine company and the hook and ladder company were consolidated into one fire department, the Third Assistant acting as Foreman of the hook and ladder company. During this yearj the department was called out a number of times, the first being August 12, 1878, when the grocery stores of Robson and Pearson were destroyed, the buildings occupied by each being owned by J. A. Schmitz. Mr. Schmitz's loss was $750, covered by insurance; Pearson's, $350 ; Robson's, $450. On the 28th day of June, 1878, the barn of James Carlisle was burned, by which he incurred a loss of $800. This was supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. September 22, of the same year, Otto Geise's jewelry store was discovered on fire, but it was soon extinguished, with a nominal loss.

At the election of officers of the department. May, 1879, Charles J. Trager was elected Chief; J. A. J. Shower, Foreman; John Preston, First Assistant; George Wightman, Second Assistant; N. T. Davies, Third Assistant; H. R. Learnard, Secretary; T. W. Wilson, Treasurer. The department was called out four times this year, and performed some effective service. The first time the alarm was given was on the 30th day of May, 1879, on which occasion the town hall was struck by lightning and burned to the ground, resulting in a loss of $500, with no insurance. On the 24th of June foHowing, the brewery of Tinker & Schleuch was burned, resulting in a loss of $3,000, with $1,000 insurance. The cause of the fire is unknown. S. P. Waldron, living about three-fourths of a mile outside the village limits, was the next sufferer, his barn being destroyed, with a loss of $200, covered by insurance.

March 16, 1880, the dwelling-house of Herman Steffon was burned. Loss, $200; no insurance. In May, this year, the following-named officers were elected : Charles J. Trager, Chief; Thomas Woolrich, Foreman; J. A. J. Shower, First Assistant; George Wightman, Second Assistant ; N. T. Davies, Third Assistant; H. R. Learnard, Secretary; T. W.Wilson, Treasurer.

Oarlide House. - This was the first public house erected in the village, and was built by ueorge Butler in 1855, and was run by him for some time, under the name of the American House. It has passed successively into the hands of Samuel Hoskins, Mr. Yager, George I8fi7 ^^^ E. Carlisle, and has been leased by several parties at different times. In od7, it passed into the hands of Mr. Carlisle, who made extensive additions to it, refurnished ' gave the house the reputation of being first- class. The house has an excellent sample room for commercial travelers, and a good livery in connection, under the management of J. F.

April, 1873, when it was leased by Theodore Freeman, who changed its name to the Freeman House. In 1876, Mr. Freeman purchased the property, and still continues to provide entertainment for numerous guests.

Commercial Rouse. - This house was erected in 1857, shortly after the completion of the railroad, by Charles Williams, who continued to entertain travelers here until his death, when it was purchased by John Lester and run by him awhile, then leased to various parties, and finally, in 1877, sold to John Westhauser. Additions have been built to the house, from time to time, until now it has rooms for the accommodation of about twenty guests.

Schmitzs Block - This is one of the most pretentious business blocks in the city, and was erected in 1879. It has a frontage of forty-four feet and a depth of fifty-three feet. It is two stories, with a basement. The building is occupied by Mr. Schmitz, with the exception of the upper part, which is fitted up as a public hall.

Schmitz s Hall. - This hall is 44x50 feet, has a sixteen-foot ceiling, and will accommodate about 500 people. It hae a large stage for concerts, theatrical and other entertainments. The hall was built in the summer of 1879, and opened to the public in October following. J. A. Schmitz, proprietor.

Mazomanie Mills. - In 1857, Lynch and Walker, of Milwaukee, became the owners of the fine water-power on Section 16, and erected thereon a large and commodious flouringmill. Some time after, William Sanderson became the owner, disposing of the same in a short time to William Thompson, who for many years transacted a large and profitable milling busi ness, giving employment to a great number of operatives. In 1876, the mill passed into the hands of E. Sanderson & Co., who made extensive alterations and improvements, at an outlay of $15,000. The mill has eight run of stone, and manufactures but two grades of flour. It is one of the best water-powers in the State, and is built close to the railroad track. Having ready access to the markets and the large grain-growing districts of Iowa and Minnesota, it is enabled to do a large and profitable business. John B. Hicks is the present superintendent of the mill. ^^

Mazomanie Custom Mills. - This mill was built in the town of Berry, by Cropper k Jacobi, and removed by them to this place in 1864, and operated by Mr. Cropper until 1876, when he sold his interest to Robert Patterson. The firm of Patterson & Jacobi continued for about two years, when Mr. Patterson sold to R. H. Rung, who remained interested for one year, when, in January, 1880, it passed into the hands of August Jacobi. The mill does custom work almost exclusively, and has two run of stone.

Mazomanie Brewery. - In 1858, Peter Wert erected a frame building, 30x22 feet, two stories, with basement, and began the manufacture of lager beer. For some ten years he continued in the business, and then disposed of it to Herman Black, who in turn sold to Charles Schlew in 1875. Mr. Schlew successfully conducted the business until June 24, 1879, when the building was burned, causing a loss of |3,000. Undaunted, he at once began rebuilding on a more extensive scale, erecting a stone structure, 98x45 feet, two stories, with basement, which was finished in about four months from the time of the fire. In May, 1880, Mr. Schlew sold to Ambrose Lang, the present proprietor.

Manufacturing. - In 1860, John Warren, Nathaniel and Stillman Moulton built a large three-story brick and stone building for this purpose, with steam power and machinery for planing, matching, sawing, etc. A large business was established, which steadily increased from year to year ; but on the 2d day of May, 1865, a great calamity befell them, in the loss by fire of their building and entire stock, prepared during the preceding winter ready for " setting up mto mills. N. Moulton having withdrawn in 1863, the loss, amounting to $4,000,_fell upon the other members of the firm, and was very severe, there being no insurance. In 1867, George and JN. T. Davies, the successors of J. Warren & Co., rebuilt the premises and made extensive additions and improvements, both in buildings and machinery, including the establishment of a ""^'^^ and machine shop. Among their improvements was a 20-horse power engine. In 1874, JN. 1. Davies bought the interest of his brother George, and continued the business alone. On the lOth day of May, 1877, the shop was again burned, Mr. Davies losing some $4,000, on which there was no insurance. With commendable energy, he rebuilt and proceeded with his business aa though nothing had happened. In busy seasons, he has employed as high as twenty five hands in the various departments of his business.

Carriage Shop. - Charles J. Trager commenced business on a small scale in 1864, in the rear of a blacksmith shop, but by industry and integrity won the confidence of the community, 80 much so that the increase in his business caused him to erect, in 1868, his present commodious shop for his own special use. This shop is of brick, the wood-shop being 25x25, on the ground floor, and the blacksmith-shop 28x50. The building is two stories, the upper being used as a paint and finishing shop. Mr. Trager usually employs eight men, and has always made a specialty of fine carriage-work and fine sleighs in their season. About two-thirds of his work is upon orders, the balance for the general trade.

Carriage Shop. - John Parman commenced business on a small scale in 1858, and in 1864, being unable to fill his orders from the little shop then occupied by him, he erected a large two-story brick, and commenced manufacturing on a more extensive scale. While doing all kinds of wood work, he has for several years turned his attention specially to the manufacture of carriages, his work in that line giving good satisfaction. Six men find employment in his

Wagon and Blacksmith Shop. - C. E. Whelan, in 1859, moved to the village and opened a repair shop, continuing in that line for six years, when he commenced manufacturing wagons and carriages. In January, 1878, his shop was burned, causing a loss of $800, with no insurance. He immediately re-erected a larger and better shop upon the same site.

Badger State Creamery and Cheese Factory. - This important enterprise was put in operation in the spring of 1875, by Humphrey & Sherwin, under the name of Mazomanie Cheese Factory, The firm continued to operate it two years, when Mr. Sherwin retired. Daniel Humphrey then continued the business two years longer, when, in the spring of 1879, a joint stock company was organized under the name of Badger State Creamery and Cheese Factory, with a capital stock of $2,500. Their factory is well arranged for the manufacture of butter and cheese, and they now continue in operation during the entire year, turning their attention to either the one article or the other, as the market may demand. At their annual election in the spring of 1880, Daniel Humphrey was elected President ; A. Benedict, Secretary ; Samuel Meurrish, Treasurer.