Boscobel City (part 2 of 3)

It should, however, be observed that mineral had been discovered by hunters in 1829, when ' lioat" was found in the roots of a tree that had been blown down by the wind on the hill opposite the new Catholic Church ; also that a hut had been erected in the same year at the mouth of the Hollow by Tom Hymer. But owing to Indian troubles and other exigencies, an important factor in the sum of events in Potosi, the Hon. J. W. Seaton, says : " He was a man of athletic build, of fine form, and though advanced in years and broken in health at the time I knew him, the indomitable energy of his nature was unquenched, and would show itself in the strong sententious language that expressed the independence of his thoughts and the energy of that will which laughed at the difficulties that subdue and conquer weaker minds. Of his early life and personal history previous to his entrance to the mines, I am uninformed. He was among the very first that reached 'Snake Hollow,' as the Potosi mines were then called, and, by a lucky turn in Fortune's wheel, he was one of the first she smiled upon, and the place where she opened up her glittering treasures to his wondering gaze is still known as 'St. John's cave." It is said to have turned out a million of mineral, but that is a 'big pile,' and some allowance must be made for the authority of the story and the number of times it has been told. At all events it proved a valuable lode, and has been profitably worked down to a recent date. Its site is near the summit of the bluff opposite the place where the Catholic Church now stands. On the opposite side of the road, he built what was known as an 'ash furnace,' and did his own smelting. He was soon enabled to purchase real estate and other valuable property, and was long esteemed for his great generosity, kindness and manly traits of character. The Methodist preachers, who follow in the wake of civilization, soon found him out, and they never lacked for their favorite dish - yellow-legged chicken - while his roost was full. They taught him, too, their favorite texts, 'God loveth the cheerful giver,' 'Oast your bread upon the water,' etc., and St. John was the man ever ready to practice all good precepts. Through his instrumentality the Methodist Episcopal Church at Van Buren was built, and the quarterly dues of the local preachers and Elders were promptly met ; and all went smoothly on till there came a crisis in the monetary affairs of the State Bank of Illinois. This, with other reverses of fortune, crushed the old man with its accumulated weight of trouble, and he never rose again. I have often listened to his sad story, which he would repeat with thrilling effect, and wondered at the mysterious Providence that could thus cast him off. He felt keenly the loss of the property that once gave him influence and position, but more keenly the cold shoulder and averted looks of those whom he had once befriended. Poverty, with all its deprivations, he could endure, but the neglect of those who should have given him succor in the hour of need, galled his high spirit and made him curse the race of man. He was warm and genial in his friendships, but bitter in his hates and scathing in his imprecations. For years the shadow of his once strong frame might have been seen moving slowly and sadly about our streets - a wronged and ruined man - emaciated by disease and only awaiting the end he knew was drawing nigh.

" St. John was at rest. The spirit of a good and just man had returned to God who gave it." That year 1832, Whitaker and his wife lived in a cabin he built on the present Lewis farm. There was then no Potosi; the only objective point to speculators and the "spring run" was Oceola, some miles distant from Snake Hollow. During that and subsequent years the number and prominence of arrivals was both limited and of a pro forma character ; among the first were Ruel Morrill and Sam Druen, already mentioned, and some others unknown to the present generation. In the spring of 1835, the miners began to flock in with regularity and charming frequency to those who were ambitious for their aid and muscular prowess. Among these were Joe Wooley, Bob Templeton, W. T. Ennor, Bill Clark, Myron Harper (who became one of the first merchants in the settlement, and kept a store on the present site of Joe Schneider's residence in Potosi), John Lyons and family, David Gillispie and family, William Woods, Theodore Barber, (now of Lancaster), William Gary, S. B. Chase,

)avid Goodrich and some few others who located at what subsequently became Van Buren, hich then for the first time put in its appearance as the rival of Osceola. The latter had Bceived as accessions during 1832-33, Elisha Brock, Tarleton T. Brock, Judge J. P. Cox, 'eleg Hull, Mrs. Floyd, Terrence Coyle, Peter Coyle, etc. The latter was a noted character 1 his day, and founded the first store, which followed Van Buren in the direction of Potosi. le also arose to the dignity of a Justice of the Peace, and upon one occasion his court was onored by the presence of two distinguished barristers, the Hon. William Hull and Judge iord. The defendant let fall some observation which suggested a lack of respect to His Honor, rhen the latter pulled his nose and afterward greased it with a burning candle, remarking that e would teach him to respect the court. Coyle was a keen, shrewd and intelligent man. He ubsequently went to the Missouri mines, and died at Neosho.

The discovery of the cave, it might be said indeed soon peopled the ridges and hollows with liners intent upon their search for the precious ore. Many were successful - fortunes were oade and spent in a day's race with time - and the towns succeeding weeks gave birth to wereluilded by the magic of the mines.

The Postmaster

In the fall of 1835," C. Kaltenbach, who has been Postmaster at Potosi continuously for brty-four years, came to the village with his wife, and settled permanently on the site of Hail's irewery. In the following winter, or early the succeeding spring, occurred the first death, hat of a miner, whose name is forgotten, but who was buried at the mouth of the Hollow. That ipring, the vicinity of Potosi for miles around was peopled with miners. Life was, at best, in hose days, nothing if not rapid, eccentric, strange, of a capacity for unlimited results, if unlimited jpportunities could be afforded. Men and women and youths, fresh from the kindly influence ind sacred association of home, came in, wrestled for a brief season and were heard of no more, )r went back to the Lares and Penates of their lives, armored and cuirassed for struggles with joverty and oppression.

First Birth

On December 20, 1835, Mary, a daughter, was born to C. and Louise Kaltenbach - the Srst birth in the future village. She grew to young ladyhood, when she became Mrs. Hyman Block, and going with her husband to St. Louis, still is a prosperous resident of that city.

Early Life In The Mines

The spring of 1836 opened auspiciously, and brought with it many additions to the population of Van Buren and La Fayette, the rival of that municipality. James F. Chapman and his family came in that season, as also did Bray ton Bushee, with his family. The former took possession of the log house erected by Peleg Hull, while the latter secured quarters at another home equally hospitable. Among the others who came this year were George Maderie, Simpson and Tyre Oldham, John and Ira Dodson, all of whom united their fortunes with those of the Tillage of Van Buren. In addition to these, Andrew J. Green, Anthony G. Street, a " sport," James Threlfeld, Patrick McKenny, Thomas Mudd, Richard Wilmers, William Casey, Alexanto Walker, Alexander Polkenhorn, Owen McLaughlin and others identified themselves with "'her portions of the vicinage. Long Range and other very prominent leads were discovered year, and life bore its most cheerful colors. The old Bell tavern was elevated into P'PPJ'i^nce this year, being built by Mrs. Fulton, and conducted by a man named Kibbe, a 'Mftless character, who abandoned his wife and "slid off"' to escape others to whom he had ontessed obligations. It was a story and a half log, containing a " big" fire-place, and suroantedby a "big" bell that discoursed most eloquently. These were the beginning of flush the mines, and these flush times were not infrequently the causes of wild lives of dissipation, and tnnriTT fl-nw, tVinrv, .l^^nar^A^A i-^ v, J , A dollars ; their successors millions. They were the occupants of a cabin at the head of the Hollow, relates an observer of their ways, wherein upon one day Thomas Moore was found in his straw bunk stretched in the arms of death. A deal table, a chair, and the garments worn by deceased, hanging by his side, bespoke at once the poverty and wants of the aged friends. A little company of associates gathered at the cabin, upon a Sabbath Day in early spring, a few brief words closed the ceremonies at the grave, and his poor companion returned to his cheerless cabin, where after spending a few days in mourning for " Master Moore," he two wearied of his lonely life, and laying down upon his pallet of straw a generous spirit, but one who had been afforded generous opportunities, fled to the mansions of rest.

In 1837, Osceola was practically dead, and Van Buren and La Fayette left to battle each other alone. The arrivals were the most numerous of any that had succeeded the foundings of corporate existence in this vicinity. Work was carried on with gratifying results in the mines, but improvements were not of a character correspondingly felicitous. W, A. Coons, John Van Dyke, Joseph Hall and others were among the prominent arrivals. John R. Coons established the firm afterward known as Coons, Wooley & Co., at La Fayette ; Cook & Brenneman opened a store at the same place, as also did Brayton Bushee and Millechop & Co.; David T. Anderson and H. C. Green pleaded law; C. D. Crockwell, M. D., and Allen Hill, M. D., mixed pills, and the daily lives of men of influence and men of brawn were made up of cock-fighting, horseracing, dog-baiting and hunting ducks. This continued through the season or until the panic of that year became an established fact, and dissipated the remembrance of days that were gone in pleasure, and profitless. The next year the largest and most elegant commercial establishments that had been raised up to that time were built in La Fayette, which was at this period the landing-place for steamboats upon which the lead from neighboring mines was shipped to market. Van Buren, however, had the post office. These houses included stores by Bushee, Coons, Wooley & Co., Millichops & Co., Snaer & Long's Hotel, Mr. Craigs store-house. Coons' dwelling and other places of note which have long since yielded to the inevitable. Big lodes were discovered, too, that year, and during the winter dealers ran out of whisky.

In addition to these experiences two murders occurred. James Short was murdered by a man named Gardner, and his body thrown over the bluff where it was discovered weeks after by Crows, secured and buried. The murderer was apprehended at Jacksonville, 111., three year after, and hanged for the murder of one Miles, confessing on the scaffold that he had "crooked" Jimmy Short. The other murder was that of Jim Crow and caused the most intense excitement.

Potosi Receives Its Name

Cabins were accumulating at Van Buren, La Fayette, and at the head of the hollow since known as Potosi. In 1839, a meeting was held at the former place to procure the consolidation of these three places, and the concentration of business at one of them. The convention is represented as having been largely attended, and the question lucidly discussed. But after a free and frequent canvass of the situation, the head of the hollow bore off the palm of victory, and was named Potosi. Another authority insists that this is all unworthy of belief or reputation. He states that the town of Potosi followed the moves made by miners toward Dutch Hollow, and one of the first to appreciate the necessity for change was Owen McLaughlin, in whose saloon Jim Crow danced his final bar.

Immigration in 1839 was immense; coming chiefly from Missouri and Illinois. Among these < were S. E. Lewis, J. D. Merrit, William Hewitt, Robert Porter, Henry Webster, William ) McDaniel, Ezra Hall, Hiram Hallowell, Isaac Martin, William Hosmer, William Kinney, Alfred k Kinney, witli their families ; Samuel Yenawine, Thomas Harrison, Thomas Smith, Myron Pat- « terson, C. C. Drake, Cornelius 'Kennedy, a Revolutionary soldier and the first pedagogue in the (- village; Briar Davis, Charles Davis, Newton Morris and some others. The improvements included storehouses by J. F. Chapman and S. B. Lewis ; a dwelling by J. D. Merritt. The

Methodist Church, etc., and the village began to bear the appearance of life and activity it soon after bore for a period of nearly ten years.

In 1840, after it became evident that the movement made to establish Potosi would not fail of accomplishment, buildings went up rapidly, and improvements were projected and concluded by way of intimating earnestness in the cause with few delays. Woods & Massey opened a store in the building adjoining that in which Jim Crow was shot, and the succeeding year Langworthy & Massey erected a frame building for commercial purposes, which is still standing. In 1841, brick was substituted in some cases for frame in Potosi, when Solon M. Langworthy built a residence of that material, now owned and occupied by George Kinney.

During that year the present Banfil House was commenced by Cox & Groshong, but its completion was delayed until 1842, when it was in part occupied by Buchanan's saloon, and, in part, by the boarding-house of James Hudson. At this period there were two stores remaining in La Fayette, those of Brayton Bushee and D. A. McKenzie, and that of George Maderie in Van Buren, the balance of the commercial world having located at Potosi and represented by Langworthy & Massey, S. B. Lewis & Co., Lawther & Dyer, I. G. Ury and Mr. Brenneman. The improvements in both the former places ceased, while those in Potosi continued though with less frequency than during the year previous. In 1841, James White, who came to the region in 1836, erected a stone house for blacksmithing purposes, which was this year, i. e., 1842, remodeled and made a residence of. John Simplot built a brick house on Main street, now used as a harness-shop, and some other building was commenced and completed in 1843, when the Wisconsin House, now the residence of the Hon. J. W. Seaton, the brick building now used as the post oflSce was erected by Henderson & Bell, and Dr. Hewett's brick dwelling, were added to the architectural features of the village.

A Duel

About this time an exciting and fatal duel was fought by residents of Potosi, which is brieily referred to here because of its local significance. One evening in the month of February, 1845, Charles Latimer, an Englishman of brilliant but erratic character, was seated in Clark & Wood's Saloon in a condition of inebriety, which found expression in a song the sentiment of which was that the " lion was the king of beasts," whether haired or feathered. The saloon was filled with the usual number of customers at the time, many of whom were admirers of the " noble bird," who took immediate umbrage at the affront offered. Col. White, a Kentuckian by birth, and a man of accomplished education and manners, demanded an apology which was refused, when the Colonel challenged Latimer, who accepted, the terms being rifles at a hundred yards, on the Mississippi, opposite Weld's Landing, at 6 o'clock on the following morning. The meeting was had as arranged, Latimer attended by Deacon Kaltenback, and White by a Kentuckian named Glouster, but as the principals were placed, Sam Morris, an acting Constable, James F. Chapman, Justice of the Peace, and Maj. John R. Coons, accompanied by others, appeared upon the scene and negotiated a settlement without an exchange of shots. The party returned to Potosi, where Latimer drank himself into, a condition of mind where revenge became the predominant motive. The succeeding morning, he appeared on the street with two revolvers, one only of which was loaded, and perceiving Glouster, the friend of Col. White, opened fire. The weapon happened to be the one that was loaded only with powder, and Glouster demanded a " square deal," alleging he was unarmed. "Go and arm yourself then," replied Latimer, " for, by God, one of us must die." This the prospective victim did, and returned to discover his intended murderer whittling a stick with his bowie knife. Latimer rushed upon Glouster, who retreated until his further progress was stayed, when he warned the Englishman to halt, and failing, fired upon him when the latter fell dead in the arms of Samuel Wilson, his friend, who had during the morning made unsuccessful efforts to dissuade him from his purpose.

Glouster surrendered himself to the authorities, was tried and acquitted on the ground that he acted in self-defense, and removed to Chicago, where he subsequently died.

Incorporation Of The Village

During 1845, Potosi became an incorporated village. At that time it contained three churches - Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian - the two latter of brick, the former of frame, well sustained schools, St. Mathew's Female Seminary, under the direction of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin ; a male academy, in connection with the Catholic Church, under the direction of James Ryan, formerly Professor of JMathematics at St. Vincent's Academy, Cape Girardeau, 2 lawyers, 3 magistrates, 3 physicians, 2 drug stores, 8 dry goods stores, 3 taverns, 1 watchmaker, 2 saddlers, 1 stove merchant, 1 fanning-mill maker, 1 chairmaker, 4 cabinet-maker's shops, 2 wagon-makers' shops, 2 bakers, 2 copper and tinsmiths, 2 milliners and dressmakers, 1 tan-yard, 2 tailors, 3 blacksmiths, 2 butchers, 1 dentist, 25 joiners, 12 masons, 1 confectionery, 6 groceries, a Masonic Lodge and Odd Fellows' Lodge, 1 painter, 1 livery stable, 2 brick -yards, 1 barber and 4 lead furnaces. The population was estimated at about 1,300, including 292 children between the ages of four and sixteen years, and a total vote of 400.

The Early Mining Interests

The furnaces were run night and day, and were begun as early as 1834, when Willis St- John established a "log contrivance" in the hollow opposite the cave. This was followed by the furnace erected by Wooly, Ham & Spensley, on Rigsby's Branch. The same firm built the first blast furnace on the site of that erected at this time on Rigsby's Branch in 1837, which, in 1845, was owned and operated by Petty, Lightfoot & Pallisier. The French furnace erected by Francis Cholvin, in 1839, and the Snowden furnace, were also worked at the time mentioned.

At this time, the prominent residents in the village included the Hons. William Hull, T. J. Emmerson and C. K. Lord, Dr. G. N. Bicknell and family, Edwin Bicknell and family. Miss Bmeline Fisher, subsequently prominently identified with educational interests. Dr. Bennett Armstrong, D. A. McKinzey, Samuel Wilson, Samuel Vance, William Lightfoot, T. and J. Pallisier, Joel Peddler, Martin Ennor, William McCulloch, L. D. Lewis, Thomas J. Kerling, A. B. Southworth, John P. Lewis, Levi Brown, Celestine Kaltenbach, James Wolfolk, Allen Wolfolk, John Swale, C. Smith, T. D. Connor, C. G. Hanscomb, T. W. Lakin, John Sweeney, Connors Sweeney, with many others.

In 1839, the village was visited by an epidemic of malarial fever, which carried off a large number, and again, in 1852, by the cholera. This latter experience is said to have been both extensive and fatal beyond the epidemic of 1839, and many a man who had led desperate charges across the treacherous days of that year, went down in the contest of 1852. Fear inspired all, and, notwithstanding the constant presence of that foe to health and care and humanity, many survived the calamitous occurrence through the Samaritan agencies employed for its alleviation. Men and women went about, it is said, with their lives in hand, ready to offer help - the consolations of prayer - to aid convalescence or shun for the tomb one who had made a pillow of his trials, and laid down to that eternal rest. ,

During the epidemic not less than thirty lives were lost out of a materially diminished number by removals, to an extent readily appreciated when it is told that every one who was able to do so left Potosi during previous years for California, and when the epidemic threatened, those left behind sought safety elsewhere.

From 1845 to 1850, little if any building was done, and beyond the erection of the Henderson Block, a handsome three-story brick edifice, put up in 1847, or thereabouts, no improvements of other than a transitory character were undertaken. Yet business, it seemed, increased, and everything accessible to predicate an opinion upon lent to the conclusion that Potosi had but scarcely entered upon the first quarter of success. Commercial transactions involving millions annually lent themselves to promote a healthy growth ; mining, with apparently inexhaustible resources, was as popular as it seemed twenty years previous. The promise of more than successful rivalship to Dubuque, on the western shore of the Father of Waters, was hourly being realized. Farming, too, contributed to swell the universal prosper- tv of the country, and the causes of education and morality had been substituted for the liperfect systems of law and order which had obtained in years gone by.

But while this outward semblance of the landscape was cheering, there was that behind he glitter and color of finish indicating the life of the village, so to speak, as a finished poem. Converted from a sort of wild life on the edge of a wilderness to a musical, rythmical arrange- Qent, with apparently endless sources of variety, it was soon to become as a tale that is told, and levoid of interest. The cause of this was due almost entirely to the California gold mines, fhich attracted the millions from the eastern confines of the Rocky Mountains, who toiled hrough sunshine and shadow, to attain their wish in other lands, and revel in pleasures of ither climes. To very many, like the Prophet of old, the sight of the promised land was lenied them. Many laid down and died as its limits were revealed to their excited and fevered ;aze. Some few reached the El Dorado of their hopes, a very few were successful, and all were lisappointed.

When the news reached Potosi of the existence of these rich deposits, it found a populaion made up of promiscuous nationalities and characteristics. The largest proportion of them lad been identified with mining and mining interests almost from their birth, and with the mnouncement that hidden wealth accessible to the quality of skill which furnished a comforta- )le living here awaited their undertakings, a panic was created in the Potosi mines, the like of Yhioh cannot be conceived. Age forgot it^ crutch, labor its task, and all who were able to juckle on their sandals preparatory to flight thither did so, and left. After the first rush had ipent its force, the village began a new lease of existence, and began once more to prosper. At Ms juncture, cheering accounts reached those left behind of the prosperity of those who had ;one, and a second exodus occurred which completely paralyzed trade and business, from the jffects of which recovery is not visible to-day. Thence forward, Potosi lost the coign of rantage she had held for nearly twenty years. Dubuque observing the advantage that might iccrue by the exercise of enterprise, undertook a manifestation of that element, and has since become what it was thought Potosi ultimately would be, previous to the California fever.

From 1855 to 1860, nothing was lacking to attract patronage to Snake Hollow, but without results. Then the war broke out, and a passing excitement usurped the place of complete quiescence, which existed. Potosi responded to such calls as were made upon her resources by the authorities, watched the chances of success, mourned defeat, rejoiced at victory, and wel- 3omed the return of those who went out to fight from her households. Then came silence once more. Last year an unusual activity was taken in business, and considerable enterprise was manifested by her citizens. A number of improvements were completed, and considerable Wding concluded, and the citizens and those who visit this vale of pleasure and quiet wherein the lines of Potosi's life are laid, contemplate a future for the village that is not without promise.

The incorporation of the village was repealed early during the fifties, and the Clerk's book bs disappeared, hence no official record of the village could be obtained.

The Schools

The minds of citizens were exercised at an early day on the subject of education, and no pains were spared to provide this element of civilization for the youth of both sexes after the matters of the law had been taken care of. Had this been wanting, however, the wvent at an early day of some settlers who appreciated the force of that argument, the premises m conclusion of which is "we must educate ; we must educate" would have prevailed to prefent laches in this behalf.

terms for which he engaged and retired from active service, so far as can be ascertained, with the good wishes of all immediately interested.

In 1839, a pedagogue named Eayers came into the country from the East and introduced himself as a candidate for public favor and patronage as "a school teacher." He opened for instruction in a miner's cabin under the hill at Van Buren and succeeded in maintaining order, as also in the propagation, for some months.

Early in 1840, C. C. Drake dismounted from the stage and took up the birch as a public educator in Van Buren, where he remained, it is thought, for the period of six months, when he removed to the Bull's tavern in La Fayette, in which historic premises he concluded his noviate as a teacher within the vicinity of Potosi. His absence was supplied meanwhile by a Mr. Johnson, in whose care and under whose direction a school was prepared for in a house that was built for and occupied, at one time during its probably checkered experience, as Clark & Wood's saloon. Following Drake came 0. S. D. Crockwell in the old log Methodist Church, who in turn yielded place to Miss Emeline Fisher. The next school heard of was located in an unpretentious log cabin of limited dimensions at the head of the hollow, which was presided over by Edward Story and his successors with varying results until 1846, when the brick school house in the hollow was completed at a cost of $1,500 ; and a brother of Angus Cameron, the present Senator of Wisconsin in the Congress of the United States, accepted charge of the trust.

Along about 1845, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin opened a school in the Catholic parsonage adjoining the church of that denomination, and for several years afforded superior facilities to an average daily attendance of scholars quoted at about 56.

In 1847, the Hon. J. W. Seaton, who has since resided in Potosi, came here and identified himself prominently with the material interests of the home of his adoption, making that of furnishing the most complete system of education available at the time an important feature. The same year he was placed in charge of the brick school and for two years directed ita success and prosperity with unswerving fidelity. He retired in 1849 to enter upon the discharge of his duties as an attorney, and the schools have since endeavored to maintain the high order of scholarship, discipline and excellence which he established.

Up to the building of the brick schoolhouse in 1846, it is thought the schools taught in Potosi were those of a private character, and carried on under private auspices and by private subscriptions. With that event, however, this system no longer generally obtained, and was succeeded by the system provided for by legislative enactment.

The little brick did excellent service, it is said, from the days when rugged youth inhaled the dreamy air of idleness within its walls, to those when village Hampdens and future legislators and statesmen first comprehended the rule of three behind its portals. But schools, like men, arrive at an age when their usefulness is past, and, like men, they are cast aside as the phantom of an hour, to sparkle in the sunlight of a more prosperous candidate.

This was the experience of the little old brick, which was vacated in 1867, when the new schoolhouse on North East street was completed and publicly dedicated to the cause for which the inconveniences of its honored but cramped predecessor necessitated its building. The new house is of brick, two stories high, of convenient dimensions, containing three departments, and cost a total of $7,500.

In the departments of primary, intermediate and high, requiring three years to complete, a student can obtain an education that will fit him or her for any position in life where modest merit always commands an audience. The school year consists of two terms, attended by monthly and terminal examinations, enjoys an average daily attendance of 160 pupils, and requires an annual outlay of $1,300 in the liquidation of obligations thus incurred.

It is under the control of three teachers, who are jointly and severally responsible to a Board of Trustees, at present composed of John A. Nevill, E. S. Rockwell and W. H. Hunt.

The Press

2%e Potosi Republican. - During the month of May, 1847, the absence of a weekly pape in the then thriving village was supplied by the issue of the Republican. It was a folio, witl seven columns to the page, politically Democratic, and conceived and brought forth at a timi when its'necessity was sufficiently apparent to justify the venture. Its success is said to hav been instant and general, but the sequel of its birth was not equal to the promise that even imported.

The paper, it is said, was ably edited by the Hon. J. M. Denton, by Seaton & McKee, bi Seaton & Paul, and others, and with the exodus of miners and others to California - a perioc running through the years 1849-52, interest in the enterprise began to wane, and after endur ing a checkered experience until 1855, when it was overtaken by the calamity of suspension and disappeared from view.

Potosi Signal - Was established by David & Robert MoKee, sons of Stewart McKee, wh( built the McKee Mills, and the first number issued on the 13th of July, 1852, from an office ii the Langworthy building. The founders procured their material at St. Louis, whence came th( printers and other auxiliaries indispensable to a newspaper office. It was edited by the McKe( Brothers for a brief period, then by McKee & Seaton, and by others, and still enjoys the repu tation of having been the brightest, spiciest, newsiest paper ever published in the lead mines After a year, the experiment was found to be a losing one, when the publication of the Signa was abandoned, the materials removed to Shullsburg, and the ShuUsburg Chronicle quickeuec into life.

The Village Post Office

This usual and indispensable adjunct to village life has enjoyed a continued and happj existence, having been established for nearly half a century and free from the official and othei annoyances peculiar to public service. Its history is brief, and can be told without exhaustive verbiage. The office was established in 1837, half way between the Head of the Hollow anc Van Buren, where it remained nine months, under the administration of Peter Coyle. At th( expiration of that period, Celestine Kaltenbach was appointed, and removed the office to Van Buren. He has now been in the service for forty-three years, and has followed the drifting changes of the tide from Van Buren to La Fayette, to Potosi with his charge, and is at present located in one of the brick buildings erected on Main street in 1843, where he will remain unti] his terms of office are finished, and his record is certified to the Great Master.

The Methodist Ohuroh was established in 1839, and after thirty years' labors yielded tc the inevitable about ten years ago. In 1839, a class was formed in La Fayette, composed 6i Thomas Clayton, leader ; with Thomas J. Crockwell, John Crockwell, Catharine C. Crockwell. George Maderie and wife, James R. Short and wife, and John Peddler and wife, as members. Weekly prayer meeting was established, and semi-monthly preaching enjoyed for some time in the small residence of J. R. Short. Finally, a log meeting-house was erected, and served its purpose until 1845. During that year a brick structure erected for Mormon purposes, in the Hollow, was purchased and removed up town, where it was occupied for five years. In 1850, the edifice now known as a Temperance Hall was built, and up to early in the seventies was known as the Methodist Church. At that period, however, or rather in 1877, the cause of Wesleyanism in Potosi, which had for some years previous been on the wane, failed to rally, and yielded up the ghost. The church was sold, and the sect has no existence now.

St. Thomas' Catholic Church. - The first Catholic society organized in Potosi bears date some time in the year 1837. Early in that season Celestine Kaltenbach and family, Peter Coyle and family, Michael Lawler and family, John Tobin and family, and some few others, communicants or the Churcli of Rome, established a beginning and heard mass in tlie residences of the several members. This was continued until 1838, when a small, inconvenient log church, on the site of the present church, was completed at a cost of $500, and taken possession of and used without formal consecration. For a period the congregation was compelled to depend upon the services of missionary evangelists, but upon the completion of the church as mentioned, the Rev. Father Caussi was ordered hither, where he remained until 1852 in the discharge of his sacred ofiBces.

During his administration the capacity of the edifice was sorely taxed, so large became his parish ; and in 1847 the present handsomely proportioned and furnished brick church was built, a large and commodious brick parsonage adjoining having been finished in 1845. The church is 36x56, surmounted by a stately steeple, and cost, with the parsonage, a total of $11,000.

The church was solemnly dedicated to the service of God by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Henni, Bishop of the Diocese, and has since been so appropriated. After the Rev. Father Caussi resigned his pastorate, he was succeeded by the following prelates, though the church is now dependent upon mission services : Father Gibson, the Rev. Joseph Albert, Father Nurts, Thomas Hodnet, William Bernard, and J. C. Devine, who died in the service in 1880.

The First Congregational Qhurch. - This society was organized as the first Presbyterian Church of Potosi, on December 20, 1840, and under the direction of the Rev. S. Chaffee. Owing to some unexplained and unexplainable, not less lamentable fact, no record of the success or failure of these Calvinists is preserved, and hence the historian is denied the pleasure of such presentation. The last Pastors who served were the Rev. James P\ Mitchell, who came September 1, 1872, and resigned August, 1874 ; the Rev. N. Mayne from November, 1874, until 1875. He was followed by the Rev. D. W. Gilmor, under whose pastorate, and, on Tuesday, February 29, 1876, the church was formally changed from Presbyterian with forty-four members. Mr. Gilmor was retained until August, 1872, working with success in his chosen labor, when he resigned to accept a call elsewhere. On the 19th of October of the same year, the Rev. J. A. Ball took charge, and is still in the service.

It is proper to add that the Waterloo Church is an ofl'shoot of the Potosi Congregational Church, having been organized June 14, 1875, with sixteen members, and yet prospers.

Business Enterpbises

Potosi Flouring Mills. - The solitary manufacturing establishment in the village was established August 19, 1879, by C. Peacock and G. G. Bonus and is proving a valuable investment. Kaltenbach's building opposite the Banfil House was reconstructed by these gentlemen and stocked with machinery, including four run of buhrs, one set of crushers, two separators, etc., together with an engine of forty horse power, at a total cost of $5,000.

The capacity of the mill is fifty barrels of flour per diem and one bushel of feed per minute. The firm manufactures all grades of flour, as also patent and fancy patent and do a business of $45,000 per year.

The Potosi Brewery - Located one mile west of the village, was erected in 1855 by Gabriel Hail, who came to America from Memmingin, Bavaria, and was a well known and influential citizen of Potosi for the period of a quarter of a century. The premises are of stone, two stories high, and furnished with cellars, coolers and equipments for the manufacture of beer unsurpassed in the West. The brewery costs $10,000, and has, since the death of its founder, been operated by the heirs.

Mendota Lodge, A. 0. M. - A temperance organization chartered on the 9th of June, 1877, by the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, and organized by Grand Sachem Morrell, with twenty members and the following officers : H. G. Green, Sachem ; Mrs. D. Banfill, Queen ; William Oibson, Prophet; Mrs. George Lewis, Priestess; E. J. Bilderback, Writer; Mrs. Eliza Kendrick, Treasurer, and William Mains, Guide.

Meetings were held at regular intervals up to 1878 in Lower Masonic Hall ; during that year the order purchased the vacant Methodist Church for f 225, and have convened since that event in the hall last designated.

The present members number 25. Meetings are held weekly on Saturday nights, and the present officers are : John A. Nevill, Sachem ; Mrs. David Burch, Queen ; Rev. J. A. Ball, Prophet ; Mrs. D. Banfill, Priestess ; Mrs. George Lewis, Treasurer ; Willis Rockwell, Writer ; Miss Lottie Goodrich, Guide. Lodge property is valued at $500.

Warren Lodge, No. 4-, F. ^- A. M. - The records of this lodge show that the first meeting of the order held in Potosi was on the 20th of October, 1844, to take into consideration the propriety of organizing a subordinate lodge. Enos G. Wood was chosen Chairman, and J. D. Spaulding, Secretary.

The first regular communication was designated " Warren Lodge of Ancient York Masons," and was held in a room or place over Coons & Wooley's store in La Fayette, on the 2d of May, 1844. It was held under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the Territory, signed by B. F. Kavanaugh, Grand Master, attested by Ben C. Eastman, Grand Scribe.

The following officers were appointed : Bro. Enos P. Wood, W. M.; Bro. Marcus Wainwright, S. W.; Simon E. Lewis, J. W. The by-laws of Melody Lodge, No. 2, were adopted for their government, and the following subordinate officers elected : Bro. Thomas J. Taylor, Treas.; Bro. George Maderie, Sec; Bro. S. B. Keene, S. D.; Bro. D. W. Hall, J. D.; Bros. Samuel Alexander and Myron Patterson, Stewards ; and Bro. John R. Seaton, Tiler. The following are the names of brethren present in addition to the officers elect : William H. Wood, H. R. Coulter and John R. Spaulding.

The lodge continued working under this dispensation until January 10, 1845, when it was fully organized under a charter from the Grand Lodge of the State, and on the 24th of the same month, the first regular officers of the lodge were installed by Grand Master B. T. Kavanaugh, and Asa E. Hough, Acting Deputv Grand Marshal, as follows: George W. Bicknell, W. M.; H. R. Coulter, S. W.; George Maderie, J. W.; Thomas Palliser, Treas.; William H. Wood, Sec; Simon E. Lewis, S. D.; D. W. Hall, J. D.; J. H. Barnett, Tiler. At this communication Bros. Robert Templeton and D. A. McKenzie were passed to the degree of Fellowcrafts.

During the year 1845, Bros. Joseph Petty, James F. Chapman, Lewis Reynolds, Gendower M. Price, Jos^h Woolley, Cyrus K. Lord, William McDaniel, and many other well-known citizens of the county, made application for admission to the lodge, and were raised to the sublime degree of Master Masons.

In June, of the same year, a contract was made with the I. 0. 0. F. for an undivided half mterest of their hall, and thereafter the lodge held its monthly meetings in the building which they still occupy.

Of the charter members, and those who were connected with the lodge during the first year, none are now living, if we except Joseph Petty, the present Superintendent of the County Poor Farm, and Judge C. K. Lord, of La Crosse. All have taken their last dimit of earthly things, and gone, as we cherish the hope, to become true and faithful communicants of the Celestial Lodge above.

Only a few members of Warren Lodge were engaged in the recent war, as most of them were of that age, at the commencement of the rebellion, when the infirmities of human life forbid active military service, notwithstanding their loyalty and devotion to the cause of the Union was ever manifest by their good words and works ; and while the young men fought the battles of their country, the old men contributed, with open heart and hand, to the support of their poor, distressed brethren, their widows and orphans.

Three of its present membership were in the military service, viz.: John Liken (since dead), John D. Canheld and Robert H. Kendrick, the latter of whom has served several terms as Master of the Lodge since the close of the war. Mr. Kendrick enlisted as a private in Company H, Twenty-fifth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, August 12, li^62, and was elected Second Corporal. The company left immediately for the regiment, which was ordered to Minnesota to quell the Indian disturbances. After scouting two or three months on the frontiers, they prepared to go into winter quarters, building log and sod cabins, and supplying themselves with potatoes and other vegetables from the abandoned farms of the settlers. They had scarcely got in their winter's supplies, however, when they were ordered to report at Madison, and from there were ordered South in the vicinity of Vicksburg. Midsummer of the next year found them on the Yazoo Bottoms, where all were soon taken sick and many died. On the death of First Lieutenant Wise, Mr. K. was promoted to the office made vacant, and served in this capacity until the close of the war. He was captured by the enemy at Atlanta, Ga., on the 22d of July, 1864, and taken to Macon, where he remained a close prisoner for two months. From here he was removed to Charleston, S. C, where he was kept in close confinement two months longer. While here, in company with five hundred other officers who were prisoners, he was placed under the fire of Foster's guns to prevent our fleet from shelling the city. He was next removed to Columbia and placed in a State asylum, called by our boys " Camp Sorghum," to commemorate the fact that all the prisoners were fed on corn meal and sorghum molasses ; thence they were taken to " Camp Bacon " (so-called from another memorable fact that it was the first place they had tasted bacon in four months), at Charlotte, N. C. On the 5th of March, 1865, he was exchanged, and returned home the mere wreck and shadow of a man. Mr. Kendrick was a true and faithful soldier, as he is a man and Mason.

The present membership is forty. The present officers are : William Honnsel, W. M. ; James Bradbury, S. W.; John Chester, J. W.; George Kinney, Treas.; J. W. Seaton, Sec; R. H. Kendrick, S. D.; Lafe Casbey, J. D., and William Palliser, Tiler.

All are held sacred in the eyes of the world, all contain the loved emblems of mortality, who, if the teachings of inspiration are accepted as the true faith, wait for those that are left behind, on the shores of the beautiful river. They are appropriately laid out, handsomely ornamented with shrubberies and flowers, and evince a taste in their picturesqueness and surroundings, at once happy and appropriate.

Adjoining Settlements

Supplementary, and it might be added tributary to Potosi Village, are points of settlement contiguous thereto, though their race with prosperity was decided years ago. Among these are Dutch Hollow, a mile to the east of Potosi, British Hollow and Rockville to the northeast, distant a mile and a half and three miles respectively.

Dutch Hollow

This is a pleasant settlement largely composed of Germans, as it nomenclature would indicate, containing a number of residences, a school and St. Andrew's Church.

In 1845, a Catholic society was established in this vicinity, which was the germ of the present large congregation. The society was organized by Father Andrew Tusch, to whose diligence and labors the subsequent success observable was mainly due.

In 1846, with the aid of his congregation, and subscriptions obtained from the piously inclinec he erected a brick church edifice, and for thirty years worshiped with his people therein. I 1851, Father Tusch resigned his pastorate, and was succeeded by Father Nicholas Thiele. I 1876, the erection of the present edifice was commenced, and labor expended thereon until it completion. The building is of brick, 48x110, and surmounted by a steeple 135 feet from th ground. It is one of the most commodious and elegant houses of worship of any denomins tion in the county, and cost a total of $25,000 before its dedication, which occurred in 1877.

Dutch Hollow is the scene of no inconsiderable thrift, peculiar to the character of th inhabitants, and is a pleasing spot for business or residence purposes.

British Hollow

British Hollow was among the earliest settlements in the county, and where Thomas Hyme erected his cabin within its present precincts in 1827. Subsequently there was a large influ of emigration of miners, who developed the wealth of the region, and contributed to whateve of prosperity that has survived its flush of youth, so to speak.

The village proper was brought first into prominence through the efforts and enterprise c J. R. Vineyard, James Lancaster, Edward Thwaites, R. Urvine and others, and while contain ing several stores, a hotel, etc., has lost its prestige as a town these many years. It is supplie with a school and Methodist Church, which, with business transacted annually of but limite proportions, are the chief points of interest to residents and strangers.

The Methodist Episcopal Church - Is a handsome frame, about 25x30 in dimensions, wit a capacity for 200, and was built in 1859, at a cost of $600. It is attached to the Georgetow: Circuit, and services are held there semi-monthly, under the pastorate of the Rev. T. J. Lewis

The system of schools in use here is the same as that established throughout the countj The school edifice, however, is one of the most commodious, architecturally handsome and othei wise attractive in this portion of the State. The main building is composed of stone, 27x3f completely furnished, and was erected in 1868, at a cost of $1,200. The addition is also of ston« 21x30 and was erected as a primary department in 1875, costing an amount similar to tha paid for the main building.

The course of instruction is complete, with a view to affording desirable opportunities fo the acquisition of an education. It enjoys an average daily attendance of thirty, and $400 i expended annually in its support.

This village, situated three and a half miles from Potosi, nine miles from Lancaster, an ten miles from Platteville was located about 1850, when the post office was removed hither froi Pin Hook.

The early settlers in this vicinity include the Hon. A. W. Emery, who came to the vicinit in 1832 ; Jacob Dawson, in about 1840 ; Samual Druen in about 1830 ; D. C. Phillips, th discoverer and operator of "Phillip's Range," in 1844; Joel Stephens, and Birch and Cheste in 1845 ; Thomas Carthew, Edward Ivy, Andrew Jackson, James Jackson, Hudd Smith an Bradley in 1847, and some others. The village was, in those days, the center of a minin region of vast resources, and to-day is made up of one store, a tavern, school, two churches an about one dozen residences.

The School - Was erected in 1872, at a cost of $2,600. It is of frame 26x36, and contain a primary and grammar department, giving employment to two teachers, and have an averag attendance of eighty pupils.

It is under the control of a Board of Directors, consisting of John Carthew, Joseph Walkt and Samuel Stephens, and requires an annual expenditure of $600.

The Methodist Episcopal Church - Was erected in 1854, is attached to the Georgetown Ci: cuit, and enjoys a liberal attendance upon days when services are held by the Rev. T. J. Lewii

German Presbyterian Ohureh - Was organized by the Germans and Americans about 1850. The organization as thus constituted, continued for a number of years, when a separation occurred, the Germans affecting a separate organization. The church is of brick, of limited dimensions, and handsomely situated on the brow of a hill. The congregation at present numbers forty-three members, the church property is valued at $1,000, and the following Pastors have served since its foundation : The Revs. John BeuUy, J. Liesfeld, J. Burk and A. 0. Stark..

St. Andrew's Qatholic Benevolent Society was organized February il8, 1875, by the Rev. N. A. Thill. The first officers were : William Mechler, President ; Anton Zeller, Vice President; Theo. Mikesch, Secretary; John P. Friesen, Treasurer; W. Schmitz, Marshal; C. Simon, Assistant Marshal. Present officers are: H. B. Uppena, President; B. Marino, Vice President; Rev. J. A. Dries, Secretary ; B. H. Uppena, Treasurer ; William Schmitz, Marshal ; William jVIechler, Banner-bearer. The society is in a prosperous condition.

going citizens, came near having a disastrous ending. The firm of Benham & Glines had been succeeded by Benham & Osborne, the senior partner of which one winter's day was called upon for some machine oil. This, unfortunately, was contained in a can similar in size and shape to to the can which held powder, the store being, as was customary in those days, one of those all-embracing afiairs where anything, from a needle to a horse and dray, was to be had. Mr. Benham seized, as he supposed, the oil can, but finding the oil would not run, sat it upon the stove in the store to warm. Taking it up in a few moments, he turned the can up to see if the oil would run, when there poured forth a stream of powder, followed by a blinding flash and a loud report, which brought those in the vicinity quickly to the scene. A strange sight met their eyes; the front of the store was shattered and torn as if it had been the target for a heavy bombardment ; the force of the concussion had lifted the plates which supported the rafters, and -displaced them several inches, besides raising the studding from the floor, while the innocent cause of the disaster lay blinded and senseless on the floor. He was carried to his home, where it was found that the sight of one eye would be permanently destroyed, but from other effects of the explosion he soon recovered.

The second affair of the kind followed only a short time later, at a donation party given to Elder Lewis, in the "mill-house.'' While all were assembled on the upper floor, engaged in conversation and the harmless sports characteristic of these gatherings in early days, the floor suddenly gave way in the center, forming a gigantic mill-hopper, down which the assembled throng were thrown helter-skelter to the floor below. The tables that had been in preparation for the coming meal saved the victims of the accident from anything worse than a few contusions and a bad scare. The oyster soup was also placed hors du combat by the introduction of a foreign substance, but aside from a few trifles of this nature, the damages were merely nominal, and the incident was afterward productive of more mirth than grief

During the years of the war, the town seemed to show no signs of standing still, but, on the contrary, appeared to put on new life. In the years succeeding the war, when the prices of farm products began to decline, bringing as it did disastrous consequences to those who had not been wise enough to foresee the inevitable result, and so trim their sails as not to feel the full effects of the blow, Bloomington, for the first time since its first settlement, showed signs of going backward. With the re-adjustment of values, prosperity again shone bright and fair upon the village, which once more resumed its growth, which has been steady and without incident up to the present time.

As regards this steady progress, with hardly a perceptible drawback, the history of Bloomington is somewhat peculiar. Probably no town in the southwestern portion of the State can show so spontaneous a growth. This is due in a great measure to the fertile country that surrounds it on every side, possessed of a soil which will rank in productiveness with that of any portion of the State. Bloomington is in the center of a gold mine, but the precious metal lies on the top of the ground, and not underneath. Bloomington at present contains four general merchandise stores, one co-operative store, formerly a grange store, one drug-store, two hardware Btores, two butcher-shops, three shoemakers, two saddler-shops, three blacksmith-shops, one wagon-shop, one confectionery store, six milliners' shops, four saloons, one bank, one paper, the Bloomington Record, and one machine-shop.

Up to the year 1880, Bloomington had remained unincorporated. In the fall of that year, a meeting was held in the Record ofiSce, for the purpose of considering the question of incorporating the village. Mr. Samuel Woodhouse was chosen Chairman, and Mr. Jesse Brooks Secretary. After some desultory talk, a committee of five was appointed to take the initiatory steps toward incorporation. A petition was prepared and forwarded to Judge Cothern, Judge of the District, and a charter was granted by him. The first election was held under this cha,rter November 22, 1880. Below is given a list of town and village officers, from the organisation of the town to the present time :

Town Officers

I860 - Supervisors, B. F. Hilton, Chairman, William Whellan, Horace Lord ; Clerk, Roswell Brooks ; Treasurer, J. L. Benhiam ; Assessor, A. C. Stiles ; Superintendent of Schools, Cyrus Sargeant ; Justices of the Peace, Samuel Tracy, P. A. Simpkin, William Holford, Isaac Lander ; Constables, S. Breeze, JefiF. Handy, A Frances, J. W. Brackett.

C. C. Tobie ; Justices of the Peace, William Holford, S. A. Taylor, I. C. Lander, to fill a vacancy ; Constables, S. Breeze, James Well ware, George Well ware.

1862 - Supervisors, J. T. Murphy, Chairman, G. W. Harger, G. W. Fennel ; Clerk, S. A. Campbell ; Treasurer, A. Francis ; Assessor, Henry Lord ; Justices of the Peace, William Whellans, A. C. Stiles, G. H. Chambers, to fill vacancy ; Constables, A. Breeze, J. Burton, G. Batie.

1863 - Supervisors, William Whellans, Chairman, G. W. Fennel, I. C. Turner; Clerk, S. A. Campbell ; Treasurer, A. Francis ; Assessor, Samuel Tracy ; Justices of the Peace, G. H. Chambers, George Engle ; Constables, T. Osborne, G. Balie, J. Handy.

1864 - Supervisors, J. T. Murphy, Chairman, Henry Ford, M. Woods ; Clerk, G. H. Chambers; Treasurer, George Engle; Assessor, A. C. Stiles ; Justices of the Peace, George Engle, G. H. Chambers; Constables, T. Osborne, William Johnston, J. Handy.

1865 - Supervisors - J. L. Murphy, Chairman, H. Ford, M. Woods; Clerk, G. H. Chambers ; Treasurer, George Engle ; Assessor, A. C. Stiles ; Justices of the Peace, George Engle, G. H. Chambers ; Constables, T. Osborne, William Johnston, J. Handy.

1866 - Supervisors, G. Harger, Chairman, A. Francis, W. B. Slocum ; Clerk, L. Brown ; Treasurer, J. Woodhouse ; Assessor, A. C. Stiles ; Justices of the Peace, G. W. Chambers, L. R. Bingham (A. C. Stiles, to fill vacancy) ; Constables, T. Osborne, A. Green, J. Burton.

1867 - Supwvisors, J. T. Murphy, Chairman, H. Lord, A. Francis ; Clerk, Levi Brown ; Treasurer, James Woodhouse ; Assessor, A. C. Stiles ; Justices of the Peace, George Chambers,

1868 - Supervisors, Henry Lord, Chairman, George Fennel, A. Francis; Clerk, Jesse Brooks ; Treasurer, James Woodhouse ; Assessor, George Harger ; Justices of the Peace, Horace Lord. J. C. Orr ; Constables, T. Osborne, J. Burton, E. Briggs.

1869 - Supervisors, Henry Lord, Chairman, A. Francis, George Fennel ; Clerk, A. S. Osborne ; Treasurer, D. F. Brown ; Assessor, J. W. Brackett ; Justices of the Peace, Jesse Brooks, James Kenyon ; Constables, J. Batie, D. R. Allen, J. Stone.

1870 - Supervisors, G. H. Chambers, Chairman, W. H. Harvey ; Clerk, A. C. Morse ; Treasurer, George Nevins ; Assessor, George Hazard ; Justices of the Peace, G. H. Chambers, J. T. Murphy ; Constables, B. EUidge, James Burton.

1871 - Supervisors, Henry Lord, Chairman, Charles Thomas, James Kenyon ; Clerk, A. C. Morse ; Treasurer, D. D. Brown ; Assessor, George A. Hazard ; Justices of the Peace, Jesse Brooks, James Kenyon (George Fennel, to fill vacancy) ; Constables, B. Ellidge, G. Lumpkins, E. Merrill, A. lil. Cilley.

1872 - Supervisors, Henry Lord, Chairman, George H. Greer, George Fennel ; Clerk, A. C. Morse ; Treasurer, D. F. Brown ; Assessor, George Hazard ; Jjistices of the Peace, J. W. Brackett, Homer Beardsley (J. T. Murphy, to fill vacancy) ; Constables, L. Sawyer, William Bennetts, William Peck.

1874 - Supervisors, D. F. Brown, Chairman, James Kenyon, A. Handy ; Clerk, C. N. Holford ; Treasurer, F. Greer ; Justices of the Peace, E. S. Tubbs, L. D Holford ; Constables, J. R. Carroll, J. Dodge, William Peck, Charles Stone.

1876 - Supervisors, W. B. Clark, Chairman, James Kenyon, J. Schreiner : Clerk, Jesse Brooks; Treasurer, L. Woodhouse; Assessor, A. Osborne; Justices of the Peace, Jesse Brooks, 0. J. Wobd, two years; E. J. Tubbs, James Kenyon, one year; Constables, L. Sawyer, F. Murphy, J. R. Carroll.

1877 - Supervisors, W. B. Clark, Chairman, William Whellan, Charles W. Wheeler ; Clerk, Jesse Brooks ; Treasurer, L. Woodhouse ; Assessor, Henry Lord ; Justices of the Peace, F. VanderhofiF, A. C. Tubbs ; Constables, J. R. Carroll, F. Handy, E. P. Finney.

1879 - Supervisors, W. B. Clark, Chairman, Henry Lord, James Kenyon ; Clerk, Jesse Brooks ; Treasurer, L. Woodhouse ; Assessor, George A. Hazard ; Justices of the Peace, F. Vanderhoff, George W. Fennel ; Constables, F. Hill, J. R. Carroll, L. Sawyer.

Village Officers Schools And Churches

The first school district in what is now the township of Bloomington was organized in the year 1844. The first schoolhouse built in the township was built in District No. 4, and was a log structure. The building at this point was afterward known, and is yet, as the " old red schoolhouse," and could its old walls speak they would have many a wierd tale to pass in slow procession before the astonished listener. The first teacher to hold rule on the wooden throne and deal out " birchings " and learning with impartial hand was D. Angerlist. The schoolhouse first used by the children of the young village was located about three-fourths of a mile west of the village, but, in 1857, it was moved into town and placed on the site of the present one, where It remained until outgrown by the rapidly advancing tide of emigration flowing into the new town, where the present building - a plain stone structure, two stories in height with accommodations for one hundred and fifty pupils - was erected at a cost of between $6,000 and $7,000. The number of children of school age in the township is 433, of which number, 208, or nearly onehalf, reside within the confines of D strict No. 1. The present school is classed as a graded school, employing three teachers. A portion of the old schoolhouse still remains, serving as the rear portion of Mr. Max Kolb's residence.

Tafton Collegiate Seminary. - As has been seen, the higher institution of learning at Bloomington was the Blake's Prairie Institute, opened by Rev. M. T. Allen, M. A., in the early part of January, 1857. The school afterward passed under the charge of Prof. Parsons and Mrs. Parsons, both of whom had achieved a high reputation as educators. The school was first held in the Cole Building, on Congress street. The Trustees of the school, however, did not allow it to remain here for any great length of time, but, recognizing the advantages that would undoubtedly accrue to the village by the establishment of such a seat of learning as was plainly possible with Prof. Parsons, as its guiding spirit, commenced the erection of a two-story frame structure that was afterward, for many years, known as the academy. Upon its completion, the school was removed to this location, and had soon established a reputation that was much more than local. Students flocked in from every quarter, the academy having at one time an attendance of over two hundred. This added in attracting attention to the village. The English branches, mathematics and languages were taught at the academy, employing several teachers in addition to Mr. Parsons and wife. Unfortunately, just at the time the institution was at its zenith of excellence, diflferences broke out between the Professor and his supporters, which resulted in the former retiring from the Principalship. Mrs. Parsons continued in charge for a short time, when she in turn retired. Prof. Parsons afterward left Bloomington and took charge of the schools a,t Dubuque, going from there to Freeport, where he remained for some time, being at present engaged in the insurance business at Detroit, Mich. After Mrs. Parsons, came a succession of teachers who taught for a short period each, including Messrs. Lukens, Brooks and others. The building remained standing on the original site until 1873, when it was purchased by the Congregational society and remodeled for church purposes. It now serves as the abiding-place of the First Congregational society of Bloomington.

First Congregational Church - This church was organized on the 10th of April, 1847, at Patch Grove, in the house of Hugh Garside, consisting of fourteen members. The organizers were the Revs. 0. Littlefield and J. D. Stevens. Mr. Littlefield became the first Pastor, preaching half the time at Beetown. He remained until February, 1849. During the months next following, the church was without a Pastor, but in November the church extended an invitation to Rev. C. W. Monroe, of Boston, a young man in the ministry ; December 25, he was ordained. A parsonage was in process of construction, but the building went so slow that Mr. Monroe took it into his own hands and held it as his own property. Rev. Mr. Monroe left in 1850, and for about a year the church was without a Pastor. During this interval, the Rev. S. W. Eaton, of Lancaster, looked after the spiritual needs of the little flock. In October, 1851, Rev. Ira Tracy became Pastor at a salary of $400. Mr. Tracy first preached at Patch Grove and the " Red Schoolhouse " alternately, but afterward changed so as to include other points. In 1855, the question of erecting a church building was taken up and a site selected a mile and a half south of the present village of Bloomington. The congregation was aided by private subscriptions and supplies from the Congregational Building Fund, the cost of the building being $1,400. April, 1856, Rev. Mr. Tracy took his departure, going to Spring Valley, Minn., where he remained until his health failed. August of the same year Rev. A. M. Dixon commenced his pastorate, the church membership at this time being about fifty. During the nine years of Mr. Dixon's stay! this membership was doubled. Following Rev. Mr. Dixon came Revs. George Smith, William A. Lyman, Julian Dixon and A. E. Tracy. Nine members of the church entered the army ; seven returned ; two, Charles Bingham and Ira Tracy, Jr., remained behind awaiting the great reveille. Rev. Mr. Dixon's eiforts were heartily seconded by faithful workers, and, during his pastorate. Sabbath schools were established at Beetown, Patch Grove and Glen Haven.

During the winter of 1865-66, the church extended a call to Rev. C. T. Melvin, which was accepted. About this time, the congregation was strengthened by the addition of several members previously connected with the Scotch Presbyterian Church of Canada. In June, 1866, Rev. A. A. Young became the Pastor of the church, remaining five years. He was aided during the last part of his ministry by the Rev. W. H. Marble.

At its first organization, the church had been called the First Presbyterian, but this name bad soon after been changed to Blake's Prairie Congregational Church. Daring the pastorate jf Mr. Young, the name was again changed to the First , Congregational Church of Tafton. Rev. Mr. Young closed his labors May 20, 1871, and the church was without a Pastor for a little over a year. In June, 1872, the Rev. David Wirt received a unanimous call, which was iccepted, and the reverend gentleman remained one year as Pastor. During this year, it was determined that the well-being of the church demanded that it should have one organized center R,t Bloomington and another on the prairie. The old academy was purchased and remodeled md improved at a cost of $1,160, and at the same time another church edifice was erected on the prairie ; the Bloomington Church was dedicated August 24, 1873 ; at that time there was a deficit of $600, but of this amount $512 were pledged at this time. The second church was dedicated October 12, 1873. During this same year. Rev. Charles Willey came to the pastorate and remained as Pastor for two years, during which time, twenty were received into the church. The first Sabbath in November, 1875, Rev. Smith Norton occupied the pulpit in both churches, and the week following the Rev. Ira Tracy, former Pastor, passed on to the shore beyond.

Baptist Church. - As the Beetown and Bloomington Baptist Churches are one and the same, the early history of the church and its beginning will be found in another place connected with the Beetown history. This organization was effected June 21, 1845, and it continued as a branch church until January 2, 1847, when a council was convened at Beetown, of which Elder J. P. Parsons was Moderator, and Elder William Stillwell was Clerk. The church organized as a separate church, with Elder Chapin as Pastor. Elder Chapin continued to divide his time between Beetown and Lancaster until November 30, 1850, when he accepted a call to devote his whole labor to the newer organization. He remained until the close of the following year, when be tendered his resignation, which was accepted with much regret. During his pastorate, meetings had been held alternately between Beetown and the " Red Schoolhouse." In 1852, Rev. D. Matlock preached alternately at Lancaster and at Beetown, and at the close of his labors Elder Miles preached for the church six months. He was followed by Rev. William Wallace. In May, 1855, Rev. E. M. Lewis was called to preach one-half the time. Previous to this, a revival added seventeen to the church. An attempt was made during this year to erect a church, but the project came to naught. In the spring of 1857, a series of meetings was held at Tafton, then a rising village, and the church removed to that place. In 1858, Elder Lewis severed his connection with the church. The congregation remained without a Pastor until April, 1859, when F. G. Thearle, a licentiate of the Darlington Church, assumed pastoral care in accordance with a call that had been extended to him. He devoted a portion of his time to the church at Wyalusing, but in October was ordained as Pastor. The name of the church was changed in this year from Beetown Baptist Church to Tafton Baptist Church, and work was commenced on a new church building, and completed some time after in 1863. Elder fhearle remained until 1864, when he was succeeded by Elder B. Law, who remained until April, 1867. The church was again without a Pastor until 1869, when Elder W. T. Hill took charge of the congregation, devoting a portion of his time to Wyalusing. Elder Hill resigned in August, 1870, his resignation was not acted upon until March, 1871, and in May he closed his labors. April, 1872, Rev. G. F. Strong was called to the pastorate, and, accepting, began his labors in May ; they were cut short by his untimely death in September of the same year. In November, J. C. Webb preached for a few Sabbaths, and was asked to continue six months, Md, m December, was asked to continue one year, he having been ordained in October by a council called for the purpose. Elder Webb closed his work in June, 1874, and the same month

The present officers of the church are as follows : Pastor, G. D. Stevens ; Deacons, James L. Woodruff, Homer Beardsley, Peter N. Thornton ; Clerk, Homer Beardsley. The Deacons also act as Trustees of #ie Church.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first Methodist class was organized in the fall of 1857, and consisted of H. K. Wells, Mrs. Wells, Jeremiah Gee, Mrs. Gee, Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Osborne, Miss Annette Wilson, Miss Minnie Gordon, Mrs. N. Wilder, Luke Parsons and William Crosley. H. K. Wells was class-leader. Service was held every two weeks, the new organization being attached to Patch Grove. The ministers having the little flock under their care were the Rev. W. F. DeLapp and Rev. Knibbs, who were associated together on the circuit. Mr. De Lapp was followed by Rev. C. Cook in the spring of 1859, who had associated with him Rev. Alfred Brunson, followed in the fall of the same year by Rev. C P. Hackney. In the fall of 1860, Rev. R. R. Wood succeeded Rev. Mr. Cook, and was, in 1862, followed by Rev. W. F. De Lapp, who returned for a second time. He remained two years, and was succeeded, in 1864, by Rev. B. S. Bunce. In 1866, Z. S. Hurd came to the circuit, remaining one year, when he was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Kellogg. Rev. C. Bushby took charge of the circuit in 1868. Up to this time, the congregation had been without a church. The first meetings had been held in the old schoolhouse, and, after the erection of the Baptist Church, service had been held there for a few times, and afterward Brown's Hall had been leased for the use of the church. In 1868, however, the present church building was erected, and the congregation, after numerous vicissitudes, at last was vouchsafed a permanent abiding-place. Rev. Mr. Bushby remained three years, and was followed, in 1871, by the Rev. J. D. Brothers, who also served a term of three years. In 1874, Rev. E. M. McGinley came to the charge, followed, in 1875, by Rev. D. L. Hubbard. In 1876, the church, expressing a desire for the services of Rev. R. Hoskins, then at Bloomington, with the permission of Rev. Mr. Hubbard and the Presiding Elder of the district, Mr. Hoskins took charge of the church, being the first resident Pastor. The church was, in 1877, separated from Patch Grove and organized as a distinct body, Rev. James Ward being appointed to the new charge. Rev. Mr. Hoskins afterward sailed for India as a missionary. Rev. Mr. Ward was followed in the fall of 1878 by Rev. A. Charles, who remained as Pastor until 1880, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Lawson. Previous to his coming, Mr. Lawson had announced himself as willing to serve as missionary to the far-off east, and soon after his arrival at Bloomington notice was received by him that his offer had been accepted, ^hich necessitated his severing his connection with his charge, leaving the church for the present without a Pastor. The present officers of the church are : Trustees, L. S. Osborne and J. D. Clayton ; a vacancy exists caused by the death of Mr. Milo Higgins, who formed the third member of the board ; Secretary, L. S. Osborne.

Bloomington Record. - The initial number of the Record was printed July 15, 1880, Mr. C. J. Glasier being the editor and proprietor. The paper was issued as an eight-column folio, which size it has since retained. Mr. Glasier has served his time at the " case," and for a time, with his sister, had charge of the Richland Observer. By perseverance and good management, he has placed the Record upon a stable footing, and, although a comparatively new venture, it has evidently "come to stay." The Record is conservatively Republican in politics, and furnishes for the citizens of Blake's Prairie just what they need in the shape of a bright local paper.

In conjunction with the Bloomington press must be mentioned the West G-rant Advocate, which was started at Bloomington some years ago, and then transferred to Lancaster, where it ended its existence with the new year of 1877. The type and other material, after many changes and vicissitudes, now assist in heralding the hews to Bloomingtonians through the columns of the Record.

Bl00Min6T0N Bank

Thia institution first opened its doors as a financial agency for the people of Bloomington and surrounding country in 1871. The bank was then located over Greer's store, in the building now occupied by Mr. Stanley. Humphrey & Clark, William Humphrey and W. B. Clark, were the incorporators. In 1873, a more suitable and commodious building was erected on Canal street, into which the bank was moved the same year. In this building it has since remained. A simple private banking business is all that the proprietors aspire to at present, and in the line chosen they have been eminently successful, commanding the respect and confidence of all their numerous patrons.

Bloomington Lodge, No. 159, 1. 0. 0. F. - Was instituted December 9, 1868. The charter members were T. J. Brooks, E. Mount, Jesse Brooks, F. F. Grant, George W. Nevins and Alonzo Wilson. The lodge was instituted by D. D. G. M. H. Favor, of Boscobel. The first initiates were Brothers S. Woodhouse, D. L. Riley, I. McWilliams, G. W. Harger, C. R. Thomas, Robert Hicks and L. Hoskins. As ancients, Alfred Green, John Woodhouse, H. N. Johnson, M. Hadley and J. H. Sneclode. Of the first elective oflBcers, T. J. Brooks has ceased to be a member. Brother Mount has long since slept the sleep that knows no waking. Brother F. F. Grant remains and also Mr. Jesse Brooks. Of the first initiates three have ceased to be members, but all are living. Of those who first joined as A. 0., Brother John Woodhouse has joined that lodge whose Master's rulings have no mistakes. Brothers Grant, Kidd and Nevina were the first on whom degrees were conferred ; Brothers Grant, Hadley and Riley constituted the first committee to draft a constitution and by-laws. The second elective officers were Brothers Mount, N. G.; M. Hadley, V. G.; C. R. Thomas, R. G.; and R. Hicks, Treasurer. The Secretaries, with rare exceptions, have succeeded to the V. G.'s Chair, and, with more rare exceptions, the V. G.'s to the N. G.'s Chair. The receipts of the lodge for the first term amounted to $468.12, and the expenditures to $372.23.

One of the most pleasant and profitable features of the institution has been the Rebecca meetings. The tact and taste of the Daughters of Rebecca in the management of these social gatherings, together with the intellectual treats occasionally given by them, will long be remembered by those present.

Thus, from small beginnings, has Lodge No. 159 raised itself to a commanding position morally, socially, numerically and pecuniarily. The lodge has at present sixty-two members in good standing, and the Rebeccas twenty-six members. -

The first lodge of Good Templars was organized in Bloomington, or Tafton, as it was then known, December 9, 1859. During the continuance of the Academy," the lodge prospered and flourished, having a strong membership, and exerted a powerful influence for good. Upon the downfall of the institution of learning, the lodge also felt the blighting influences, and about ten years after its first organization, yielded up the ghost. An efibrt was made some time after to resuscitate it, and for nearly a year the lodge struggled on, but the powers that were proved in the end too strong, and it was numbered among the things of the past. A lodge of the Sons of Temperance followed in course of time, but it had no stable foundation, and in turn succumbed. The present lodge was organized August 29, 1879, when the following officers were installed: R. W. C, Rev. Alfred Charles; W. V., E. J. M. Newcomb; W. C, Rev. R. L. Cheney; F. S., Mary Halford ; Rec. Sec, L. S. Osborne; Asst., W. L. Osborne; Treas., Mrs. Mary Clayton; W. M., Harry Grant; J. G., Nellie Osborne; Sent., Thomas Smith; Lodge Deputy, William Burnetts. At the same date, a lodge of Juvenile Templars was started, with a goodly membership. The present officers of the lodge (May, 1881) are R. W. C, Rev. RL. Cheney; W. V., Mrs. Mary Clayton; W. C, Mrs. Grant; Sec, M. M. Osborne; F.

August 1, 1868, a meeting was held at Brown's Hall, to consider the advisibility of organizing a fair association. Mr. George Ballentine was chosen Chairman, and Mr. Jesse Brooks, Secretary. After appointing a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws, the meeting adjourned to August 15, at the same place. At this adjourned meeting, the following resolution was adopted :

Resolved, That we deem it advisable to organize an agricultural society, and to hold an industrial fair the coming fall ; to open books for membership at one dollar annually, or ten dollars for life, and that the name thereof be called " The Blake's Prairie Agricultural Society," the first fair to be held in the village of Blooraington, on the 16th and 17th days of September.

Officers were then elected as follows : President, William Humphrey ; Vice Presidents, James Milner, John Batie ; Treasurer, D. F. Brown ; Cor. Secretary, Jesse Brooks ; Executive Committee, J. M. Hickok, R. Glenn, R. Newman, L. M. Okey, A. A. Bennett. The society, since its organization, has held an annual fair, having leased a tract of ground immediately adjacent to the village. The present officers are : President, James Kenyon ; Vice Presidents, N. Austin, J. A. Davis; Secretary, F. Greer; Treasurer, G. Sprague; Executive Committee, P. Thornton, W. Howard, J. M. Kilborn, George Whiteside, j! Honefal, J. S. Moore, A. M. Cilley, R. A. Welsh, A. B. Gates, H. F. Young.

Towns And Villages

village of jamestown, in the town of Jamestown, being located in the northeastern portion thereof, distant three miles from Fair Play and four miles from Georgetown to the north, is an unpretentious village, quietly nestling among the hills and valleys, which relieve the monotony of the scenery in that section of the county.

This portion of the town was settled as early as 1827, when James Boyce made the first discovery of mineral in the center of what afterward became Section 12, one quarter of a mile from the village site. James Gilmore and family came in the same year and opened a farm near the present village, the first in this portion of the township. A large number of discoveries of leads, the McKnight mine on the Joseph Pinch farm among the rest, were made during 1827, and as a result, the old settlers say that miners swarmed into the vicinity and began prospecting. Many were successful ; a larger number failed in their objects, and but very few of those who came permanently identified themselves with the town. Those who came were mostly from Vinegar Hill, Hard Scrabble, ShuUsburg, and other points, whence they returned when it was certain they had been unable to improve their prospects at home. In addition to this fact, a law was passed during the winter of 1827-28 placing a tariff on lead, to take eflfect in June of the latter year. Prior to that date, immense quantities of mineral were gotten out, and with shipments of lead from Spain, so reduced the price of the commodity as to entail loss upon all engaged in mining. At this the prospectors abandoned Jamestown as a field of operations ; the discoveries made prior to this calamity were worked out, but no new ones sought for.

During 1828, Silas Brooks settled on the village site, as also did Benjamin Kilbourn, the latter opening a farm eight years later, which is now on the confines of 'South Jamestown.

The Black Hawk war, a few years later later, diminished the population and confirmed the section in no small degree to the absence of a prosperity that was visible at other points in the county less advantageou jly located. There were no troubles during its continuance, and no recruits entered the service from future Jamestown. But all residents left the vicinity and hurried to Galena an,d elsewhere for protection, very few beyond those already mentioned returning when the war was over. From this date on until after the completion of the railroad from the lakes to the Mississippi, remarked one of those who came in 1827, there was no emigration to speak of, and a village was regarded as beyond the range of possibilities. Nevertheless, within five years after the battle of the Bad Ax, enterprising prospectors visited the mines and began the building of what subsequently gravitated into a post office known as Centerville, afterward as Jamestown.

It is thought that Thomas Webb became a citizen of the future village as early as 1838, though it is contended that he postponed the conferment of this distinguished honor until some years later. At all events, he put up the first house in the village as late as 1840. It was of logs, still standing, and with improvements and additions subsequently made, has since become the homestead of Warden Anderson, a merchant in North Jamestown.

About the same time, or, perhaps a year later, James Gilmore built on his farm, a short distance north of Mr. Webb's residence, and Henry Van Vleck erected a cottage to the south of Webb's. A year later, or in 1844, Sylvester Gridley, a merchant of Platteville, subsequently opened the first store in the place, locating it across the street from the Webb place, from which it might be said all improvements of that time seemed " to Orient." In 1845, the house now owned by Silas Brooks was built, and the following year H. H. Howe erected the commodious frame on the Stage road to Platteville, still standing and known as the " Jamestown Hotel. " Mr. Howe designed the premises for caravansary purposes, and as travel at that time was regular and generous, his accommodations were no^ unfrequently taxed, though the building was what is known as a " double building " two and one-half stories high. The same year John Matthews and Abraham Wood built a large frame house on the west end of the Cape & Taylor lot, which was considered one of the most elaborate and roomy in this portion of the county, and gained for its projectors the fullest meed of praise as citizens of enterprise and character, calculated to inspire the citizens with a noble ambition, and whose labors and improvements would enhance the value of property by the attraction of capital and other material aids in that behalf. From this date to 1850 there was very little building, and with the exception of a brick residence put up on the present site of James Sheffield's house, and some other improvements of minor detail, nothing was done.

In 1850, people began to build on the line between Sections 1 and 12, about where (and further south) South Jamestown or " Puckerville " rose up. The same year Thomas Beasley established a home as also did N. Ritchie, both houses being located west of the Webb premises. Between that and 1860, a parsonage for the Methodist minister was built ; James Mackay, erected a dwelling house, which, with other less important ventures, are all that has since been accomplished save the erection of the Congregational and Lutheran Churches, and the schoolhouse.

Prior to the war a log cabin stood on the Fair Play road nearly opposite the present store of Louis Reifsteck. At that time, as also to-day, the residents of Jamestown proper refused to permit the sale of liquor within their bailiwick, and to escape the penalty for a violation of this prohibition a grocery was opened in the log house, and the " forbidden fruit " dealt over the counter to all who applied without regard to race, sex or existing condition. Soon after, Decatur Peyton put up a residence on the highway and lived there for a number of years, and during the sixties, James Floyd built the " Jamestown House " on the site of the log dram-shop. In time, Mr. Peyton vacated his residence, which was changed to the " Union Hotel," and swelled the places of entertainment to be found in "Puckerville" by the addition of one. Mr. Reifsteck built a large frame structure in which he opened a store, one or two residences lined the streets, a blacksmith and wagon shop was erected, and South Jamestown, in place of existing on the map only, became an established fact.

North and South Jamestown to-day contain two church edifices and three congregations, one schoolhouse, two general stores, one blacksmith-shop, and a population of one hundred and fifty.

Educational. - There seems to be some dispute as to when the first school was opened, some arguing that it was early in 1840, and others contending that this important event did not come to pass until some years later. AH agree, however, that its location was on the White place west of Jamestown, where it was maintained until the convenience of patrons compelled its removal to a more central locality. Thereupon it was drawn over to South Jamestown and set up where it served its purposes until 1875. In that year a new schoolhouse was substituted and is still used. It is of frame, two stories high, furnished with every convenience, and cost $700.

At present one teacher is employed, the average daily attendance of pupils being about thirty, and the annual expense of conducting the institution not less than $350.

The Post Office - Was first established in 1838, it is thought, and Centerville designated on the route as the name by which it should be known. After a brief experience it was discontinued and for some time citizens were obliged to depend upon other depots for mail facilities.

During the service of Gen. G. W. Jones as Representative in Congress, the office was reestablished at his instance, though under the name in now bears. During the interval, " Cen- terville" was donated to another point, and upon the resumption of communication with the outside world it was called "Jamestown" after James Gilmore, then, as under the former regime, Postmaster.

At present the mail facilities are full and complete, and the following gentlemen have served as Postmasters at intervals : James Gilmore, Benjamin Kilbourn, Chauncey Skinner, James Collegan, and Warden Anderson, the present official.

The Congregational Society - Was first organized at Fair Play in 1843, and at one time was prominent and influential in that vicinity. In subsequent years the society built a frame at Fair Play and remained as occupants until 1858, when the congregation removed to Jamestown, leaving its edifice to the use and occupation of the Methodist Bpiscopals and Primitives. The same year the handsome frame church near the Jamestown Hotel was built and dedicated and has until within a year been occupied on alternate Sabbaths by the Methodists. The building is 32x85, with a capacity for seating about 200 auditors, and cost $900.

The society numbers twe ity members, the church property is valued at $1,000 and the following pastors have severally served since 1843 : The Rev. J. C. Holbrook, Mr. Dixon, Loran Robbins, William Hassell, Mr. Strong, William Stoddard and Nicholas Mayne.

The Jamestown Lutheran Church. - This society was organized in 1862 and composed of Louis Reifsteck and family ; George Hefiner and family ; Anton Weighle and family ; George and John Leben and families ; August and Bernard Eckert and families ; Schultz and family ; John Hofiman and family and some others.

Services at first were held in the residences of members, and so continued until 1868, when the present frame church of the association was erected in South Jamestown, and has since been occupied. It is 20x30, will seat upward of 150 worshipers and cost $1,200.

The Jamestown Cemetery Association. - A society for the providing of lots for the burial of the dead was organized in 1840, it is thought, and originally owned two acres of land to the south of the village, most of which since that date has been disposed of to purchasers. The grounds are appropriately laid out, handsomely planted with flowers, shrubberies and ornamental trees, and decorated with a number of elaborately sculptured monuments.

The aflairs of the association are intrusted to a Board of Directors, at present composed of Frank Lester, Rufus Hannum, Edward Burns, Louis Reifsteck and Benjamin Kilbourn.

The Jamestown Methodist Episcopal Church - Was organized during 1847, through the efforts of the Rev. Mr. Smith, a traveling evangelist, and has steadily though slowly grown in numbers and influence. The class was at first composed of communicants from the surrounding country, including William P. Cline and wife, Jacob Cline and wife, Harrison Cline and wifp, Benjamin Peck and wife, Peter Saddler and wife, Milo Higgins and wife, Isaac Williams and wife and some few others, and services were had in what was known as the " Puckerville Schoolhouse," where the society remained until 1860. In the meantime, the Congregationalists had erected the handsome frame church, at present belonging to that denomination, and, in the year mentioned, permission was accorded the Methodists to occupy the same on alternate Sabbaths, which privilege was availed of, and is still indulged.

The Revs. Mr. Smith, Robert Langley, John Murrish, William Sommersides, John Bean, Mr. Bunce, Stephen Pike, John Trezgedar, William Cook, James Simms, William Howarth, Mr. Jefferson, William Sheppard and T. J. Lewis, at present in charge.

Village Of Georgetown

This village was, until 1870, known as the village of Smelser, and is located in the southern portion of the township of that name, among the later settled of the townships in Grant County. Who came into the vicinity in advance of all others cannot be correctly stated. Big Patch and Sheet Leads, located in the vicinity, attracted the usual compliment of miners, and, while a limited number still remain, the great majority have gone the way of all miners, i. e., to California and other points, where the pursuit of gold is attended with more remunerative results than delving for lead mineral.

Among those who arrived here at an early day, and settled near the present village, was William Bowmer, who, it is thought, came in 1828 ; J. M. Smelser, who came in 1833, and settled on Section 22; Lysander Gilmore, who arrived the same year, as also did Hamilton Gilmore, the former securing a claim on Section 34, and the latter on Section 33 ; D. B. Patterson, an arrival of 1836 ; Hugh Patterson, who came at an earlier date ; George E. Cabanis, who came in 1838 ; William and James Brandon and P. J. Neal ; Jonas Jones, who made his advent in 1843 ; George Wineman, who settled on Section 27, in 1845, and some others, whose names cannot be recalled.

Though the arrivals were reasonably numerous, improvements on the present village site were proportionately slow, and the precedent thus established has obtained to the present day ; yet, Georgetown is pleasantly located, handsomely laid out and as handsomely built. In these respects it is surpassed by no village in the county. The houses are homes of comfort and independence, and give to the village an appearance of elegance and taste seldom witnessed in thfr make-up of Western villages.

The first house erected was of log, a story and a half high, the main building being 15x20, with an " L " 12x14 of frame attached. This was in 1848, and George Wineman still living, was the architect and builder. In the log house he opened a store the same year, for the sale of notions, varieties, etc., which is now recurred to as the first commercial venture in the village. The log and its frame addition have long since been torn down, and their absence supplied by the tasty frame residence of Mr. Wineman, which occupies their site, on the present corner of Main and Water streets. For upward of a year, this was the solitary house on the prairie ; the advance guard as it were, of the improvements which were to follow fast, and follow faster within the ensuing ten years. The " store " gradually became known throughout this portion of the township and as a place of resort so popular that, one yiear later, a post ofiice was established there, and Mr. Wineman appointed to take charge of the ofiice.

Soon after, settlers began to leave their distant homes and crowd closer together in the present village. Late in 1849, Mr. Wineman sold an acre of ground adjoining his store to Jared Todd, who erected a frame house on his purchase, 16x20, and established the pioneer blacksmith-shop of the village therein. In time, the vendor became the vendee of the premises, and the improvements, after having been moved uncerimoniously about the village limits, were returned to the spot upon which they originated, and are now occupied by Michael Oakleaf.