Brodhead City (part 1 of 2)

Brodhead City

In the extreme eastern portion of Green county lies the village of Brodhead - one of the most important business centers in the southern part of the State. It is beautifully located, on an undulating prairie, which extends eastward from the Sugar river. The civil town in which the village is located is one of the banner subdivisions of Green county. The Sugar river, which winds its course to the west of the village, furnishes excellent water privileges here, which have been utilized, and now comprise a valuable concomitant of the village in propelling a vast amount of machinery. The inhabitants here are almost wholly Americans - people from the New England and northern States, who have brought with them the culture and refinement of the eastern States, the absence of which, in some portions of the west, is so painfully apparent. Brodhead is by no means an old town, yet a quarter of a century and more has passed since its inception. Almost a generation has come and gone since Brodhead became a fixed fact. While there is nothing remarkable in the changes that have been wrought, there is a great deal to occupy the attention of the historian and attract the interest of the reader.

The plat of Brodhead covers all of section 25, and portions of sections 24 and 36, township 2 north, range 9 east. The Mineral Point branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway passes through the village from east to west, and a branch of that line of railway has been extended from this place to Albany. The Sugar river touches the northwest corner

The Beginning

Early in 1856 E. D. Clinton, agent for the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad, started west from Janesville to secure the right of way for the railroad through Green county, and also get subscriptions for stock. Arriving in the eastern part of the county, he went to Decatur to see what he could do in the way of "inducement" for the railroad. He received no encouragement there, however, neither as to right of way or taking stock. At that time Decatur was quite an important point. The stage road from Janesville to Monroe passed through the village, and this was the commercial center of all this country, there being a number of stores, a hotel, wagon, blacksmith, shoe and other shops, a postoffice, and all the concomitants of a healthy, thriving village. Here it was supposed the railroad must come, and the people of Decatur did not imagine that the railroad could afford to leave them in the cold. Deacon Clinton negotiated with them for some time, but could not arrive at anything satisfactory. He then visited several villages in this region, and held public meetings in many of the school houses. He finally arrived at the present site of Brodhead, and determined, if possible, to secure a site and right of way here. The owners of the land here - John L. Thomas, I. F. Mack and Erastus Smith - refused to donate right of way and depot grounds; but offered to sell three-fourths of the land, and proposed then that all the owners give their share. This was agreed to, and after negotiations closed and the bargain was completed the proprietors of Brodhead were: Edward Brodhead, of Milwaukee, then chief engineer of the railroad; E. D. Clinton, John P. Dixon, of Janesville, John L. McNair, I. F. Mack, Erastus Smith and John L. V. Thomas. The town proprietors donated the railroad company a right of way and depot grounds. The village was platted into lots and blocks by the railroad company's surveyor in 1856, the original plat occupying all of section 25; eight blocks on section 36, and four blocks on section 24, Since that time additions have been made by Mr. Pierce and J. P. Dixon on the north; E. D. Clinton on the south; and Day & West on the west.

Before the interests of the proprietors were divided, a lot was donated to John P. Dixon conditioned upon his erecting a store building. He at once erected a double frame building, two stories high, about 40x60 feet in size. It stood on block 88. This was the first building of any size erected on Uae site. In this building the first business in the village was established, by Sherman, Clinton & Co. They moved their stock of general merchandise into the south room of the Dixon building, in the spring of 1856. Shortly afterward Edson C. Clinton established a hardware store in the north room of Dixon's building. The old building, a few years ago, was replaced by a neat brick building.

In 1857 James Sherman bought out the interest of Mr. Clinton, in the firm of Sherman, Clinton & Co., and the firm became J. T. Sherman & Co. They continued for about two years, when they were bought out by Edson C. Clinton, who, as stated, was running a hardware store in the other part of the building. Me ran both stores for a number of years.

During the summer of 1856, Dr. M. L. Burnham came from the east and put up a building on Centre street, about a block north, on the opposite side of the street from the Dixon building. It was a two story building, the upper story being occupied as a dwelling. In the lower story. Dr. Burnham opened a drug store. A few years later, he erected a store building on the east side of Centre street, and moved his stock of drugs into it. Joshua Nanscawn succeeded Dr. Burnham in the drug business, and after continuing for several years, moved his stock of goods to Fort Howard, Wis. C. J. Shermaii now runs a hardware" store in the old Burnham building.

In the fall of 1856, E. D. Clinton, Ransom Taft and Jacob Ten Eycke, erected a hotel on Thomas street. It was a good sized frame building, being 30x60 feet in size, with an "L" to the rear, 24x50 feet in size. It was two stories high with basement, and cost about $3,500, including the erection of the barn. Ransom Taft opened the building as a hotel, and ran it for three or four years, when the other owners took it, Mr. Clinton, at this time, having a two-thirds interest. They sold to James Campbell, then president of the Sugar River Valley Railroad Company, and he moved the building to Cresco, iowa. This was known as the Clinton House, and the building, when taken down for removal, was so carefully handled and marked, that when it was again put up in Iowa, the name, which had been painted on the side, read the same, without a letter or shade being out of place.

Late in 1856 I. W. Thayer commenced the erection of a hotel on the south side of the railroad track. The building was finished in 1857, and was opened to the public for hotel purposes by Mr. Thayer. He sold to W. B. Manley, who in turn sold to J. B. Searles. Mr. Searles owned the building until it was burned to the ground.

Ransom Taft, during the season of 1856, erected a dwelling, which stood where Deacon Clinton's residence is now located. James Sherman bought the building, and it was moved to

History Of Green Cotjkty

During the same season, (ISSfi), dwellings were erected by Edson C. and Henry P. Clinton. The former put up a dwelling on Clinton street, in which his widow still lives. Henry erected a building on the same street, about two blocks farther north. He lived and died in that dwelling. It is now occupied by H. P. Clark.

In 185fi Mr. Wade erected the Farmers Hotel. He sold to James G. Patton. It is now owned by J. V. Patrick, and is still used for hotel purposes.

Business Development

Thus the growth of the village progressed. Times grewbetteras the financial panic of 1857 was passed. Then came the outbreak of the Rebellion with its attendant demand for men and money. But through all this, Brodhead had a steady and permanent growth, until to-day it has become one of the best points for trade in southern Wisconsin. As trade increased and the business of the village began to assume city proi)ortions, the general merchandise business - which, in early days, is one of the features of every village - began to separate, and instead of the stores handling a little of everything they took one line exclusively.

As has been stated, the first stock of general merchandise in Brodhead was owned by Sherman, Clinton & Co., wlio established business in 1856.

Martin Mitchell, a Decatur merchant, was the second. He removed his goods to this place in 1858, and continued in trade until his death. The firm of Wheaton & Mitchell, successors to Martin Mitchell, were in business until the death of Mr. Wheaton.

The third merchant to carry a general stock was Myron Halstead. He built a store building on the south side of the railroad track in 1857, and in the spring of 1858 removed his stock of goods from the old town of Clarence where he had been in trade, and located at Brodhead. He

B. R. Clawson and B. F. Roderick established business in 1862. In 1865 Mr. Roderick purchased his partner's interest and continued alone until February, 1867, when W. W. Roderick and Sylvester Stewart purchased a half interest in the business and the firm became B. F. Roderick and Co. In about 1870 B. F. Roderick withdrew and the firm name changed to Stewart & Roderick. About three years later Sylvester Stewart became sole proprietor and in December, 1877, removed the stock of goods to Zumbrota, Minn.

In 1884 the dealers in general merchandise at Brodhead were: W. W. Roderick, Aurand & Terry, Gould & Iverson, J. G. Orr, and the Brodhead Mercantile Association.

W. W. Roderick, general merchant, began business in Brodhead as a clerk, in 1865, for B. F. Roderick, now of Sioux Falls, Dak. In 1867 he engaged as a partner in the business, the firm name becoming B. F. Roderick & Co. This firm existed about three years, when B. F. retiring, the firm became Stewart & Roderick. Four years later Mr. Roderick retired from the business, and in January, 1878, established his present business. He keeps a complete general stock, including dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, etc. Mr. Roderick was born in Fayette Co., Penn., in 1844, His father, Jacob Roderick, Sr., came to this county with his family, in 1861, and settled in the town of .Jefferson. Mr, Roderick was a soldier in the War for the Union, enlisting in January, 1864, in comijany D, 36th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served till the end of the Rebellion. He joined Gen. Grant's army at Spottsylvania, which was the first battle in which he was engaged. He participated in the siege of Petersburg, where he was slightly wounded. He also witnessed the finishing stroke of the Rebellion, the surrender of Lee at Appomattox Court House. His father now lives in Nebraska.

The family of children consists of five, four sons and one daughter - Mrs. Mary A. Blytlie, in Nebraska; B. F., at Sioux Falls, Dak.; John M., in Nebraska; W, W. and G. B., the latter in Minnesota. Mr. Roderick married Anna Lyman, born in Walworth Co., Wis. They have two children - Maud and an infant son.

The first to embark in the drug trade at Brodhead was Dr. N. L. Burnhara. In 1857 ho erected a store and dwelling, and established business. The building which he erected i.s now occupied as a dwelling by B. R. Clawson. Dr. Burnham soon as.sociated Mr. Bliss as partner, built a new store building and carried a stock of groceries in connection witli the drugs. Within a few years Burnham & Bliss dissolved partnership, Bliss taking the groceries and Barnham the drugs. The latter was succeeded in business by J. Nanscawn & Son, who removed the stock to Fort Howard, Wis.

The second drug business was established by. Taylor & Nanscawn. The latter named gentleman sold his interest to Mr. Mitchell, and the firm became Taylor & Mitchell. About fifteen months later D. W. H. Taylor became sole proprietor. Mr. Taylor had his brother associated with him a short time, but his interest was soon purchased by E. J. Hutchinson, and the firm of Taylor & Hutchinson continued until D. W. H. Taylor again became sole proprietor. He closed out the stock.

The third druggists were Morris & Persons. They estatblished business and continued about six months, when Persons withdrew and R. Morris continued alone for a sliort time, when he was succeeded by Clark & Walling. This firm, in 1872, changed to Clark, Towne & Co. Two years later the firm became Clark & Towne, and so continued until February, 1884, since which it has been L. E. Towne & Son.

E. C. Clinton, the pioneer hardware dealer, came from Waukesha and established business here in 1856. He sold in 1857 to Taf t & Clinton, who closed out in 1860.

Taylor & Eyer opened a store on the south side of the railroad in 1858. They afterwards removed to the north side, and in about I860 closed business.

Leonard Lakin came from Janesville and established business here in 1859. He continued several years, then sold the tin and stove department to Spaulding & Brown, and the liardware to M. Morse. The latter gentleman afterwards also bought out Spaulding & Brown, and continued in trade until 1871, when he was succeeded by l^loom & Roach. Mr. Roach afterwards withdrew from the firm, and Mr. Bloom removed the stock to Monroe.

George T. Spaulding established business in 1872. He was succeeded in 1883 by G. A. Metcalf & Co., and this firm in the spring of 18-^4 by Sherman & Moore, who are still in trade.

Mitchell & Durgon entered into trade in 1866. Mr. Mitchell soon sold his interest to G. R, Monell, and the firm became Monell & Durgon. In about 1870 G. R. Monell became sole propiietor, and two years later closed outthe stock.

Agricultural Implements

The first to become an exclusive dealer in agricultural implements and farm machinery was Mr. Eastman. He established business in 1870 and continued about two years. This line is now represented by J. B. Searles and George T Spaulding.

J. I). Searles has been a resident of Green county since 1859, and was here temjiorarily in 1856. He is a native of Camillus, Onondaga, Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1836. In 1846 his father, E. Li. Searles, started westward with his family, his objective point being the town of Sylvester, in Green county, where a brother, J. M. Searles, had already located. He shipped his goods to Chicago by steamboat, and with his family traveled with team and wagon. On reaching Michigan he was induced, by the glowing accounts of the country, to locate in the Grand river country, in that State, where he remained till his death. His wife with the younger children of the family removed to Kansas, where she still resides. J. B. Searles was the eldest of the family of seven children. He left home when twenty-three years of age, and did not accompany his mother to Kansas, but came to this county, as before stated, in 1859. He has a brother, Robert D., living in the town of Sylvester. J. B. Searles located in Jefferson where he lived until he came to Brodhead. He has been very successful in business. and is the owner of two good farms in the town of Jefferson, also valuable real estate elsewhere in the county. He is engaged in selling farm machinery and does a large and profitable business. His wife was Charlotte A. Patrick, daughter of C. V. Patrick, of Brodhead. Mr. and Mrs. Searles have three children - Charles, Elijah H. and Frank.

George T. Spaulding, of Brodhead, was born in Proct(>rsville, Vt., in 18.33; his father was Ira Spaulding. He was one of the early business men of Brodhead, having come here in 1856. He was for some time engaged as tinner in the hardware store of E. C. Clinton, He served his country during the War of the Rebellion, first enlisting in the 3d regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, as a member of the regimental band, July 2, 1861, serving in that capacity under Gen. Patterson, at Harper's Ferry during the first battle of Bull Run, then under Gen. Banks in the Luray and Shenandoah Valleys, Va., taking part in his advances and in his retreat from Strasburg, Va., to Williamsport, Penn., in 1862, soon after being mustered out of service by an act of Congress, discharging all regimental bands and only allowing brigade bands, afterwards re-enlisted in the 1st brigade, third division, fifteenth army corps, as a member of the 1st brigade band. He participated in a number of important cam paigns, including Atlanta and "Shermans march to the sea." After the war he was engaged in the hardware business, in the firm name of Spaulding & Brown, for two years. From 1870 to 1883, he conducted the hardware trade alone, being succeeded by the firm of Metcalf & Sherman. His principal business at this time is selling farm machinery, and he has an extensive trade; his sales for 1883 amounted to about $25,000. He is an excellent business man and has accumulated a fine property. He still owns the store building in which he conducted the hardware business and other valuable property. He is the town treasurer for 1884, a position he has held for eight successive years. In 1860 Mr. Spaulding returned to Vermont and was married to Fidelia Shedd, a native of that State. They have two daughters - Lena and Carrie.

The first person to sell cabinet work in Brodhead was Joseph Merrill. He opened a shop in 1857, and continued for about two years. The first regular cabinet shop was opened by Samuel Bennett, late in 1857, and he manufac tured tlie first work of this character here. Ht conducted the shop until 1866, when he was succeeded by E. L. Ryan, who continued a number of years, then sold to R. M. Smith. He worked at the business for about one year, when it wadiscontinued. Bennett & Barnes opened a shi ]> in 1872. One year later Mr. Bennett sold to F, B. Smith. Tliis firm continued for a year or two, when Mr. Barnes sold to F. B. Smith and went to Dakota. Mr. Smith continued four or five years, when Barnes returned, and again the two became associated together. In 1881 Mr. Barnes purchased Mr. Smith's interest, and contirmed in the business until 1883, when he was succeeded by Payne & Payne, who still conduct the business.

E. W. Payne, of the firm of Payne & Payne, who represent the furniture business in Brodhead, was born at Monroe, in this county, in lw59, and is a son of Willard Payne, of tliat city. He learned the business of cabinet making in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he served an apprenticeship of three years. His wife was Nellie Campbell, also of Monroe. F. W^. Payne, his cousin, and partner, was born in Monroe, and is a son of Calvin Payne, and his wife was Carrie Parks, of Monroe. Payne & Payne engaged in business in Brodhead, in April, 1883, succeeding Ira Barnes. These gentlemen are both young men, enterprising and thoroughly acquainted with their business. They keep a complete general stock of goods, and are establishing an excellent business.

The Young House was built in 1868 by John A. Young, and was first opened to the public in May, 1869, although not fully completed until August of said year. It is a brick structure, 52x62 feet in size, including kitchen, and is fortyfive feet high - three stories. The building cost about $10,000, the site costing |2,500, and the furniture $4,000. The house has good fire escapes, and first-class accommodations to fortyfive persons. A larger number, however, lias frequently been entertained. It is the leading hotel in Green county.

John A. Young, owner and proprietor of the "Young House" at Brodhead, was born in the town of Berne, Albany Co., N. Y., Aug. 5, 1832. He removed with his parents to the town of New Scotland, when a child. His father was a carpenter by trade, and in limited circumstances, and John began early to earn his own living, thereby acquiring those habits of industry and frugality which have attended him through life, enabling him to secure a competence. At the age of fifteen he engaged in work upon a farm at $4 per month. At the end of the year his employer presented him with $2 in addition to his wages, making $50 for his services for a year. He was employed the next year by the same farmer, at $8 per month, commanding higher wages on account of scarcity of laborers, caused by the prevalence of cholera that season. Though but a lad at this time, he was entrusted by the farmer with the carrying of products of the farm, dairy, etc., to the Albany market, receiving pay for the same, and returning frequently before daylight in the morning. He engaged for the third year with the same farmer, but owing to illness, was compelled to return to his father's, who, in the meantime, had removed to the town of Guiiderland, in the same county. John remained in that town till after his marriage, which occurred June 18, 1852. The year following his marriage he worked as a farm hand, for which he received a compensation of $150. He then leased a farm of 300 acres, which he conducted for two years, after whicli he worked a farm of his father's one year. In the spring of 1858, having sold what personal property he had accumulated, he came to Wisconsin for the purpose, of locating if pleased with the country. He brought his family to this State in the spring of 1859, living in the town of Lima, Rock county, in a log house with flooring in only one half of the house till the autumn of that year, when he engaged in the occupation of painting. He then rented a farm in Johnstown, near the village of Johnstown Centre, where they lived one and a half years. In the spring of 1861, he began keeping hotel at Johnstown Centre. This was Mr. i oung's first experience in hotel keeping. Nov. 4, 1863, he came to Brodhead and bought an undivided half of the 'Manley House,' of William B. Manley, for which he paid ^l,60u. The following^ winter he bought the remaining interest of Mr. Britton, for which he paid the same amount. These investments involved Mr. Young considerably in debt, but he soon established his success as a hotel man by removing his indebtedness, and has ever since continued to advance in the direction of success. He kei)t this hotel several years, and sold it about a year previous to beginning the erection of his present hotel. Mrs. Young was formerly Maria Groat, born in the town of Guilderland, Albany Co., N. Y., in 18c<8. Her father was noted for many years throughout New York and New England as the owner of superior race horses - known as Sorrel Pony and Black Maria. Mr. and Mrs. Young have four children - Alice^ Manley, Maud and Florence, all of whom were born in Wisconsin. Mr. Young is a man of much natural ability, and aided by his estimable wife, has established a reputation as a hotel man second to none.

The Exchange House was built by L. S. Fisher, in 1867. It is a frame structui-e and cost about $3,500. It was enlarged in 1869. The house is still owned by Mr. Fisher, but is leased to Charles H. Lewis.

The first bank at Brodhead was established in August, 1869, under firm name of Bowen & Co. K. Bowen, president, and J. V. Richardson, cashier. I'he stockholders were: E. Bowen, J. V. Richardson, A. Ludlow, J. W. Stewart, As;i Richavdson, Thomas Hendrie and S. C Pierce. In 1871 this bank was chartered as the First National Bank of JJrodhead, with a capital stock of $50,000. It continued as a National Bank until 1875, when the charter was given up and it again resumed the name of Bank of Brodhead, the firm being Bowen & Co. After the National Bank charter was given up several of the stockholders withdrew, and it was finally owned by E. Bowen and J. V. Richardson. In March, 1879, E. Bowen became sole proprietor, and conducted the business until August, 1881, when, on account of failing health, he sold out,

The Brodhead postoftice was established in the fall of 1856 and John B. Sawyer was appointed postmaster. Mr. Sawyer resided in the country, but was the most available democrat at that time. The office was kept at the store of Taft & Clinton, S. P. Taft, acting as deputy postmaster. Mr. Sawyer was succeeded in oflice by E. A. McNair, who for a time kept the ofiice on the south side of the railroad track. C. W. Clinton became successor to Mr. McNair, and he was succeeded by H. P. Clinton, who retained the commission until his death, when his widow, Eleanor Clinton, was appointed postmistress. Mrs. Clinton was succeeded in June, 1871, by Burr Sprague, and he, on .Ian. 10, 1879, by B. W. Beebe, the present incumbent. It \* as made a money order office July 17,1869. The first order was issued to Spaulding & Brown; amount $50. The first order paid was to Kimberley & Tyrrell; amount, $4.

B. W. Beebe, postmaster at lirodhead, has been a resident of the village since 1872, and has held his present office since Jan. 10, 1879. Mr. Beebe was born in Racine county, in this State, in 1843. When about three years old he removed with his parents to Dane county. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he was clerking in a store at Janesville. He enlisted in company D, -2d regiment of Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, when less than eighteen years of age, and reached the seat of war in time to participate in the first battle of Bidl Run. Dur- ing McClellan's peninsula campaign he wns stationed with his regiment at Fredericksburg. He took part in the battle of Gainsville, where his regiment lost its colonel and suffered a great loss of men, and also in the second battle of Bull Run. At the battle of South Mountain he was severely wounded by the fragment of a a shell that exploded within a few feet of him, killing and wounding fifteen men. His right thigh was badly injured, the main artery beingsevered, and it was only by the prompt attention of his comrades, who removed him instantly to a surgeons' quarters near by, that his life was saved. Amputation would have been resorted to had it not been for the fact that the wound was so near his body that it was deemed impossible without producing a fatal result. He also by the same missile lost a part of his left hand. He remained in the hospital seven months. After about one year, when he had sufficiently recovered to enable him to get about again, he was employed in the provost marshal's office at Janesville for a year. In 1865 he accepted an appointment in the paymaster-general's office of the war department, at Washington, where he remained two years. He then returned to Wisconsin and engaged in general merchandising at Oregon, Dane county. He was married Dec. 24, 18G5, to Gertrude E. Tipple, daughter of David Tipple, an early settler of Dane county. They have two children - Cora E. and Grace. The former was born in Wasliiiigton, D. C, and the latter in Oregon, Wis.

Brodhead City Mill And Water Power

Nature did not supply a water power at this place, but through the energy of its citizens Brodhead can now boast of one of the best hydraulic powers in the county. The history (.f this enterprise dates from 18C0. At that time two brothers, Thomas and John Hendrii-, owned and operated the old mill at iK^catur,but as that once thriving village was fast passing away, the Hendrie Brothers became desirous of removing. The people of Brodhead were anxious to have a mill in their thriving business place, and thus pursuaded the Hendrie Brothers to take hold of the enterprise. It was no small undertaking, for in order to get a water power at this place it was necessary to construct a race from the old mill dam at Decatur, a distance of three and one-half miles. The Hendrie Brothers w^ere in limited circumstances, and as it required considerable capital to undertake this enterprise, and as it would be a great benefit to the village, the citizens of Brodhead and others interested agreed to give the sum of $8,000 as a bonus to carry on the work. This amount was raised by subscription. The following named persons paying $100 or more:

A contract was then let to construct a race, as above stated. Sixty-five feet wide at the bottom, and eighty feet wide at the top, and eight feet in depth. Work was pushed forward, and by 1862 the task was about two-thirds completed. Now arose another difficulty. All the money that could be collected on the subscriptions had been expended, and the Hendrie Brothers were unable to go on with the enterprise. It was at this time that H. B. Stewart and S. C. Pierce purchased a one-half interest in the property, paying $7,000 for the same.

John Hendrie withdrew from the partnership, and the tirm now became Hendrie, Stewart & Pierce. Work was resumed with renewed ', vigor, and in May, 1863, after three years labor and a capital of $28,000 invested, a flouring mill was put in operation. The original mill building was a wooden structure, 40x60 feet in size, and four stories in height, including basement, and cost, including machinery, from $12,- 000 to $13,000. During the year of 1863 the firm of Hendrie, Stewart & Pierce operated the mill, and were rewarded with large profits. In 1864-5 Thomas Hendrie rented the mill, but as the chinch bug destroyed large amounts of wheat, the profits realized were not as large as were expected. In 1806 the owners again operated the mill, and as the wheat crop was excellent, large profits were realized. Jan. 1, ISO?, H. B. Stewart sold his interest to the other members of the firm, and withdrew. The firm now became Hendrie & Pierce, and as the year 1867 proved very profitable, the firm in 1868 enlarged the mill and made improvements, at an expense of about $5,000.

In 1870 S. C Pierce became sole proprietor, at which date the property was valued at about $40,000. The mill now has five run of stone. It has six turbine wheels, one of which, by means of a cable, furnishes the power used by the plow works, 130 feet distant. The mill is operated both as a custom and merchant mill.

Stephen C. Pierce, the owner of the Brodhead flouring mill, was born in Washington Co., Vt., in 1825. In 1841 his father, Prosper A Pierce, removed to the vicinity of Janesville, in this State, settling on land located the previous year. He resided there until the time of his decease, March 18, 1875. iMr. Pierce, of this sketch, went in 1849 to California. The parly with whom he went started from Janesville with ox teams, traveling the entire distance by that mode of conveyance, the journey requiring six months. He was absent three years, returning in 1^52. He then located on a farm in Rock county. He has been a resident of Brodhead since its beginning, having come here vVpril 3, 1856, and is the oldest resident on the town plat. He at first engaged in farming, but on the arrival of the railroad, in 1857, he engaged in the lumber and grain trade. He continued to deal in lumber for about three years, but has been continuously in the grain trade since the fall of 1857. He became -connected with the mill in 1862, and has been sole proprietor of the same since December, 1870. Mrs. Pierce was formerly Sarah A. Green, born in Cornwall, Orange Co., N. Y. Their children are - George M., Frank F., Arthur P., Ella M., John and Stephen. The eldest two were born in Rock county. The others were born in Brodhead.

Foundry And Machine Shop

The first to engage in this business, at Brodhead, were Carpenter & Rood, who commenced in is72. They were together about three years, when Judson Rood, of Monroe, abrother of one of the founders, purchased the business and was proprietor for a short time. He was succeeded by Rugg & Gosling, who continued for several years. Then Ed. Carpenter purchased the foundry and Frank Pierce bought the machine shops. The latter was burned out, Mr. Pierce losing about, $3,000. Carpenter & Campbell connected a machine shop with their foundry, and they are still proprietors. From six to eight hands are employed.

Brodhead Creamery

The Brodhead Dairy Company was organized in January, 1882, by the principal farmers living in the village. The following were the first subscribers of stock to the enterprise: H. B. Stewart, Broughton Brothers, David Dunwiddie, S. C. Pierce, William Smith, Joseph Murphey, John Douglass, Joseph Westlake, Edward Knudtson, A. M. Bowen, Joseph G. Orr, Mrs. H. B. Stewart and T. H. Burtness.

In April, 1882, a frame building was erected, 30x50 feet in size, one story high, with basement, and wing for engine and boiler room. A five» horse power, and all modern machinery was put in for the manufacture of butter. During the first year, about 75,000 pounds of butter was manufactured. In the season of 1883, about 14,000 pounds were made. The stockholders in 1884 were the same as when it started, except that J. W. Westlake and A. M. Bo wen had sold to H. B. Stewart and Broughton Brothers These gentlemen now own over one-half of the stock. The first officers were: H. B. Stewart, president; A. M. Bowen, secretary; J. G. Orr, treasurer. In 1884 the officers were: H. B. Stewart, president; R. Broughton, secretary; J. A, Broughton, ti'easurer.

Norwegian Plow Works

The Norwegian Plow Company, of Brodhead, was organized in 1874, by W, A. Wheaton, C. W. Mitchell, H. C. Putnam and Hans H. Sater. Mr. Sater was a plow maker by trade, having learned the business in Norway. The business was started with a capital of $6,000. At the end of the second year the capital stock amounted to $20,000. A frame building, 46x70 feet in size and a ware house for the storage of plows, 24x80 feet in size, were erected at a cost of about $3,000. During the first year about ten hands were employed, and 300 plows were made. The business continued for five years, increasing so that in the fifth year 2,000 plows were manufactured. The plow was an excellent one, and came into quite general use in this and other States. The metal was extremely hard, and of excellent quality, and the plows rapidly grew in favor. H. C. Putnam engaged as salesman on the road, selling the first 200 plows manufactured. At the end of the third year, Mr. Putnam retired, selling his interest to W. C. Chamberlain, of Dubuque. At ihe same time Mr. Wheaton sold to C, W. Mitchell. At the end of two yeais more the business was removed to Dubuque, where to-day the Norwegian Plow Manufacturing Company is one of the loading manufacturing concerns. Messrs. Mitchell & Sater still retain their interest in the business. The object of removing the factory to Dubuque was to secure

Tobacco Factort

William M. Fleek, packer and dealer in Havana leaf tobacco, began business in January, 1880. The business has been steadily increasing and has become one of the most important industrial enterprises of Brodhead. The amount of money handled in the business daring the first year was $75,000. Mr. Fleek employs about forty hands, twenty-one of whom are young ladies. The tobacco is all raised in this State, and is bought in green condition from the producers, and is cured and prepared for manufacturing purposes. The warehouse and factory is 30x116 feet in size. Mr. Fleek sells his tobacco to jobbers principally.

W. M. Fleek, proprietor of the leaf tobacco warehouse, is a son of R. G. B. Fleek, and was born in the town of Decatur, May 8, 1854. He lived with his father until Sept. 8, 1875, when he engaged in the manufacture of cigars in Brodhead, which business he continued until Jan. 21, Ib80,when he quit the manufacture of cigars and engaged in the business of leaf tobacco. Commencing in a small way in a building, 24x40 feet, the business has increased until he is now located in a fine two-story warehouse 30x116 feet in dimensions, with a capacity of handling 2,000 cases of tobacco a year, and works a force of forty hands eight months of the year. He was married Oct. 25, 1875, to Viola M. Atwood, daughter of P. Atwood, of the town of Spring Grove. By this union they have two sons - E. O., born Nov. 3, 1877; and Dickie, born Sept. 20, 1882.

Wagon And Carriage Manufacturers

The first to manufacture wagons at Brodhead was William Spencer, who commenced here in 1857. He manufactured a few wagons and continued in the busiiK'ss until the war broke out, when he enlisted in the 18th Wisconsin regiment, and went into the service. At the battle of Sliiloh he was severely wounded; removed

A man named Perkins commenced making wagons about the same time as did Sj)encer. Ho also went to the war in the "18th Wisconsin regiment," and died in the service in 1862, of homesickness.

In 1860 James Barnes engaged in this business. In 1861 R. H. Rugg became a partner. Barnes & Rugg were together for one year, and then Mr. Rugg conducted the business alone for eight years, hiring four or five hands. M. H. Williams came in 1862 and worked for Mr. Rugg until 1868, when the latter gentleman, with S. M. Gosling, engaged in the foundry business and ceased the manufacture of wagons.

The next to engage in the manufacture of wagons and carriages was Williams & Ballou, in 1868. Mr. Ballou for three years previous had been engaged in the blackstJiith business. The firm at once commenced operations. On the 15th of October, 1881, they were burned out, losing $2,700; their insurance was$l,7uO. A large part of the stock and tools were saved. Williams & Ballou soon afterward purchased the old stand of Mr. Rugg, fronting Excliange street, and adjoining the railroad grounds in the rear. 'J'wo weeks after the fire they resumed work. Tiieir main building, at present, is 24x50 feet in size, two stories high. Tiie first floor is used for the wood work, and the second as a paint shop. Their blacksmith and general jobbing shop is 20x42 feet in size. Their main depository is 22x50 feet, two stories; a smaller one, 14x30 feet, and a trimming shop 16x36 feet. The firm carries a large stock of material and use nothing but the best. They manufacture carriages, top buggies, and wagons of all kinds; including sleighs. The factory employs from ten to fifteen hands.

Manly H. Williams, of the firm of Williams & Ballou, is a native of 'J'ompkins Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1835. His father, Justin F, Williams, removed with his family to Cuba, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1842. Justin

F. Williams was a native of Massachusetts. In 1855 he removed with his family from Cuba, N. Y., to Middleton. Dane Co., Wis., where he continued to reside until his decease, March 10, 1883. Manly II. Williams learned the trade of carnage and wagon maker of his father, and has followed the business since he was a boy. He was married to Elizabeth Witter, a daughter of Robert Witter, an early settler in Exeter, in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have one daughter - Mary L., born in 1872. They lost one son - Frank A., who died in 1877, at the age of ten years. Robert Witter, father of Mrs. Williams, settled with his family in the town of Exeter in 1842. He was born in the town of Scipio, Cayuga Co., X. Y., July 26, 1802. His father was a native of Connecticut. Mr. Witter was married in 1823, in the town of Scipio, to Lorana Rude, a native of Connecticut. They removed in 1834 to Genesee Co., N. Y., coming from there to Wisconsin and settling, as before stated, in the town of Exeter, where they resided till 1882, then he and his wife came to Brodhead to reside with their sonin-law, Mr. Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Witter, having been married in 1823, have journeyed through life together for a period of more than sixty years. They have had eleven children, eight of whom are living,

Lee Ballou, of the firm of Williams & Ballou, has been a resident of Wisconsin since 1843. He was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1830. He resided several years at Beloit, where he learned his trade. He afterward worked at his trade at Avon for two years, then returned to Beloit. He enlisted in 1864, in company 1), 38th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. His regiment joined Grant's army at Cold Harbor, participating in the siege of Petersburg and at the surrender of Gen. Lee at Appomattox. He was severely wounded at the battle of Hatcher's Run, where he was shot through the body by a rebel sharpsiiooter. He has never fully recovered from the effects of the wonnd. He came to Brod- head in 1865, and engaged in blacksmithing with Haskell Crosby. He afterward bought out Mr. Crosby and continued the business until 1868, when the present firm was formed. Mr. Ballou was married to Mary H. Beals, a daughter of William C. Beals. They have two children - Willie and Harry.

Bartlett & Sons, wagon and carriage makers, engaged in business in 1869, coming from Albany, where L. C. Bartlett had been in business since 1856. In the fall of 1865, the present firm was formed, and they now do a good business. The main workshop is frame, 31x51 feet in size, two stories in height. The lower story is used for wood work, and upper story for paint shop. They have a blacksmith shop, 24x50 feet and show room 18x32 feet, two stories high. From six to ten hands are employed. The sales of carriages per year amount to $5,000, while the blacksmith jobbing and repairing amounts to about the same.

L. C. Bartlett, of the firm of Bartlett & Son, wagon and carriage manufacturers, engaged at business at Broadhead in 1869, coming here from Albany, where he engaged in the wagon making business in 1856. He was born in the town of Waterford, Caledonia Co., Vt., in 1821. He went to Saratoga Co., N. Y., in the fall of 1840, where he learned his trade, and where he was engaged in business till he came to Wisconsin in 1856. His wife was Jane Ann Ellsworth, born in Northumberland, Saratoga Co., N. Y. Mrs. Bartlett is a cousin of Col. Ellsworth who was killed at Alexander, Va., in the early part of the rebellion. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett have seven children, six sons and one daughter. Eugene, who is associated with his father in business, was born in Schuylerville, N. Y., Jan. 7, 1844, and came to this county with his father Aug. 2, 1862. He enlisted in the 31st regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He participated in the siege of Atlanta, Shermans march to the sea, battle of Bentonville, and other minor engagements. He married Augusta Davison,

Lanby & Durner established their business Oct. 6, 1881. Their principal buildings are the wood work and blacksmith shops. The wood work . shop is 44x44 feet in size, two stories high; the upper part being used for a paint and trimming shop; the lower story for wood work. They manufacture about fifty vehicles each year, and do general repair and blacksmithing work.

Incorporation And Proceedings Of Village Board

The village of Brodhead was granted a corporation charter by the State legislature on the 9th of March, 1870. The first election was held on the first ]V[onday in May, and the follow" ing were elected trustees for the ensuing year: I. F. Mack, George R. Monell, H. T. Moore, Wyatt A. Wheaton and A. C. Douglas. At the first meeting of the board of trustees held on the 6th of May following their election, I F. Mack was elected president of the board, and J. P. Vance was elected clerk. The second meeting of the board was held May 9, at which time president I. F. Mack presented the following communication:

"Gentlemen of the board of trustees: - Called asl have been by the generous suffrage of my fellow citizens to aid in giving force to the provisions of the village charter, and by your partiality to preside over the municipal relations of our thriving village I enter upon the duties with feelings akin to your own feeling of mingled gratitude and distrust; gratitude for the confidence and personal kindness of the electors and of this board, and distrust of my own ability to fully meet the confidence in the dischaige of the delicate duties of the double office thus kindly imposed upon me. "Gentlemen: - Our village although just passed the first decade has already attained an important rank among the inland towns of the roble State of Wisconsin, with a population of about

2,000 inhabitants, and an assessment list of $400,000, it is entitled to the respect even if it does not excite the envy of much older and at present more populous neighboring villages or cities. In our municipal legislation we are to exercise guardianship over the intelligence, the manner, and the habits of the people, drawn together from various sections of our own and foreign lands, presenting in miniature the phases and diversity of a city population. Over this diversity good and wholesome influence should ever have predominence as this alone can make secure the enjoyment of 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'

"While our gratitude is due to an over ruling Providence that no signal acts of crime, or insubordination to law have yet marred our history as ;i village, we are all sensible that the time has arrived when special legislation is necessary to the future peace and quiet of the people, and to the future growth and prosperity of the town. The charter of which we are for the time being made the executors, provides for legislation on the following important subjects. For the government and good order of the village, for the suppression of vice, for the prevention of tires, for the benefit of trade and commerce, and for the health of the village. It also provides for imposing penalties against any person who shall violate any ordinance, rule or by-law, enacted by this board, for the formation of the above objects. Thus giving to such ordinances, rules, and by-laws the force of law. The subjects upon which this board is authorized to legislate are specifically set forth in the charter, and enumerated in Chapter IV, under twenty-five distinct heads, to which the attention of the board is respectfully directed. Among the powers specifically granted is that of appointing and removing, at pleasure, the following officers: Clerk, marshal, chief engineer of fire department, two fire wardens and as many assistants as the board may deem necessary, a surveyor, a sealer of weights and measures, a street commissioner, and a poundkeeper, and to require bonds for the faithful discharge of the duties of their respective offices. While the charter made no specific provisions for the election or appointment of a village attorney, I regard the general powers warranted as embracing ample authority for the permanent employment, or retention, by the board of all instrumentalities necessary to give effect to the municipal laws. I therefore respectfully suggest the propriety of designating a suitable legal agent, as village attorney, to be thus permanently retained in the interest of the village and in the duty of enforcing obedience to its laws and ordinances. Gentlemen! As lying at the foundation of our future prosperity and well-being, all must regard the cause of popular education. The real prosperity of a village is not measured by its wealth, or its number. Genuine manhood and universal intelligence are the only true indications of a popular wealth of prosperity. While the cause of education in the village is especially entrusted to the board of education, it is eminently fit that this board co-operate and lend its influence in the adoption and prosecution of the wisest means of conveying instruction to every child, accompanied with healthful morals, inculcations, and of providing the most sure and ready means for repressing juvenile vices and insubordination in the schools or elsewhere, by some well-timed ordinance on that subject. Gentlemen! I feel (doubtless in common with you) a strong desire that the burden of taxation be rendered as light as possible, consistent with the general good. No more delicate duty devolves upon us than to rightly discriminate in our official action between the rights of the individual citizen and the public weal. The stringency of the times admonishes us to avoid, so far as we can, consistent with the general welfare of the village, local and special taxation. It is far better to walk bare shod over nature's path out of debt than with gilded slippers over encumbered pavements.

"Gentlemen, intemperance in our village has certainly, of late, made fearful strides, and demand at our hands such stringent regulations as are imperatively needed to preserve temperance and good order. The experiment, 'No license' has failed to accomplish it, and it becomes our duty to impose such tax upon traffic in intoxicating drinks, with such checks and guards as shall secure greater quiet and security against the horrid revelry and noisy demonstrations which have recently and often resulted from the evil of drunkenness, and have disgraced our village.

"Tendering to you all, gentlemen, the assurance of my esteem and respect, 1 may be permitted to express the hope that our official, as well as private intercourse will ever be marked by mutual confidence and kindness. My endeavor will be at all times to faitiifiilly do whatever may appropriately fall within the line of official duty, and to aid, fearless of personal consequence, in whatever the board may undertake to contribute to the welfare of our village, and to carry il forward in tlie cause of moral, intellectual and physical iniprovements, so essential to the promotion of our own happiness and the future growth of the village, by the attraction hither of intelligent citizens. Respectfully,

At the same meeting W. A. Wheaton was appointed chief engineer of the fire department; K. H. Kugg and M. S. Twining, tire wardens; C. Seeber, surveyor; M. Morris, sealer of weights and measures; M. M. McNair, street commissioner; C. D. Wooster, marshal; and Fred Smith, pound keeper. I. F. Mack, G. R. Monell and H. T. Moore were appointed a committee on rules, regulations and by-laws. Saloon licenses were fixed at 8100 each, and druggist license to sell for medicinal purposes at 125 each. C N. Carpenter was appointed village attorney.

faithfully at all times. Jan. 27, 1871, I. F. Mack resigned the office of president, also that of trustee, and A. C. Douglas was elected president.

At the election in May, 1871, the following officers were elected: Trustees, A. C. Douglas, J. V. Richardson, M. S. Twining, N. E. Usher and L. E. Towne. May 6, 1871, the board elected J. V. Richardson president, but as he declined to serve, A. C. Douglas was elected in his stead. O. S. Putnam was appointed clerk. Liquor license was fixed at the same rate as the previous year. May 9 the board elected W. A. Wheaton street commissioner, and M. M. Mc- Nair marshal. An ordinance was passed imposing a fine of $100 and costs of prosecution upon any person found guilty of running or riding a velocipede upon the sidewalks within the village corporation. May 19 an ordinance was passed prohibiting live stock from running at large within the corporation. December 7, hook and ladder company reported organized, and the following officers elected: Foreman, J. W. Woodward; first assistant, C. W. Mitchell; second assistant, T. H. Brown; secretary, O. S. Putnam; treasurer, Ira Barnes. On motion the organization was accepted by the board. Fire extinguishers were purchased at a cost of $245.25.

At the election May 6, 1872, the following officers were elected: Trustees, C. W. Mitchell, S. M. Gosling, H. T. Moore, P. Clawson and J. C. Chase; treasurer, H. T. Dickinson. This board elected J. C. Chase, president, and P. J. Clawson, clerk. Licenses were fixed as before. W. A. Wheaton was appointed marshal, G. B. Wooster, pound master; H. W. McNair, street commissioner; J. W. Woodward, chief of fire department. P. J. Clawson resigned, and E. O. Kinperley was elected clerk. For the year ending April 30, 1873, the village treasurer received S8 14.33, and the amount paid out was $696.60.

T. Spaulding, F. B. Smith, M. Williams and Burr Sprague; treasurer, J. F. Dickinson; supervisor, W. A. Wheaton. Tlie board elected Burr Sprague, president; H. Kimberley, clerk; M. M. McNair, street commissioner; G. B. Wooster, pound keeper; J, W. Woodward, chief of fire department; J. F. Dickinson and C. W. Mitchell, fire wardens; and Alfred Wood, marshal. The board refused to grant license to sell intoxicating liquors. Burr Sprague and E. Bowen resigned, and at a special election, held Jan. 16, 1874, W. H. Barnes and A. C. Douglas were elected to fill vacancies. The board elected G. T. Spaulding as pi'esident. In February the board granted liquor license for the remainder of the year at $25 each. The treasurer's report for the year ending April 30, 18V4, shows that $1,273. 72 was received, and 1889.27 paid out.

At the election May 3, 1875, the following officers were elected: Trustees, G. T. Spaulding, W. H. Barnes, G. S. Parlin, J. B. Blanchard and Peter Kurtz; treasurer, John Taylor; supervisor, W. A. Wheaton; justice of peace, L. H. Lassell; constable, L. Slade. It was also voted not to purchase a fire engine by a vote of 165 to 13. The board elected G. T. Spaulding, president; II. Kimberley, clerk; M. Slade, street commissioner; Alfred Wood, marshal; J. A. Broughton, pouud keeper; G. B. Wooster, chief of fire departmer.t; and J. F. Dickinson and G. W. Chase, fire wardens. Liquor licetise was fixed at $100 each. An ordinance was passed not to allow any wooden building to be erected on blocks 88, 100, 101, and lots 8, 9, 10, block 87, and lots 2, 3, 4 and 5, of block 99. The report of the treasurer for April 30, 1876, shows: Money received, $1,105.90; money paid out, $681.25.

At the election of May 1, 1876, the following officers were elected: Trustees, J. V. Richardson, W. II. Barnes, T. D. Laird, Judson Bowen and Gilbert Ross; treasurer, M. Roach; supervisor, W. A. Wheaton; justice of the peace, L. H. Lassell; constable, Cady Murray. The board elected the following officers: President, J. V. Riciiardson; clerk, H. Kimberley; marshal, Alfred Wood ; pound keeper, John Broughton; chief of fire department, G. B. Wooster; fire wardens, J. F. Dickinson and G. W. Chase. Liquor license was fixed at $100. Ordinances were passed to guard against fire and accidents, on the 4th of July. The report of treasurer for April 30, 1877, shows: Money received, $1,102.01; money paid out, $645.53.

Putnam; constable, H. H Ilinkley. The board elected the following officers: President, C. W. Mitchell; clerk, H. Kiraberley; street commissioner, G. W. Cronk; marshal, G. W. Crouk; cliief of tire department, Jacob lirant; tire wardens, C. W. Lucas and J. J. Witting. No liquor license granted. The report of the treasurer for April 30, 1879, shows: Money received, 1607.36; money paid out, $523.74.

At the election of May 5, 1879, the following officers were elected: Trustees, R. W. Golden, C. W. Mitchell, S. M. Gosling, F. R. Derrick and John Douglas; treasurer, John Kurtz; supervisor, S. C. Pierce; justice of the peace, Joseph Thompson; constable, E. Adams. The board elected the following officers: President, C. VV. Mitchell; clerk, H. Kimberley; street commissioner, B. Wooster ; marshal, H. H, Hinkley. No liquor license granted. The report of the treasurer for April 30, 1880, shows: Money received, 1649.32; money paid out, $433.87.

At the election of May 8, 1880, the following officers were elected: Trustees, D. Dunwiddie, M. H. Williams, A. S. Clark, John Douglas and T. C. Johnson; treasurer, John Kurtz; supervisor, L. C. Pierce; justice of the peace, O. S. Putnam; constable, G. B. Wooster. The board elected the following officers: President, M. H. Williams; clerk, H. Kimberle} ; street commissioner, G. B. Wooster; pound keeper, John Broughton; marshal, E Adams. No license to sell intoxicating liquor was granted. The report of the treasurer for the year ending April 30, 1881, shows: Money received, $643.20; money paid out, $432.01.

At the election May 1, 1882, the following officers were elected: Trustees, E. Bowen, J. B. Searles, G. T. Spaulding, M. S. Twining and A. C. Douglas; treasurer, E. P. Hassinger; supervisor, J. V. Richardson; constable, Alfred Wood. Officers elected by the board: President, E. Bowen; clerk, H. Kimberley. May 9, 1882, license to retail intoxicating liquor was tixed at $150, and wholesale at $50. But on May 16 the rates were reduced to $75 and $25 respectively. The report of the treasurer for April 30, 1 883,shows: Money received, $2, 664. 43; money paid out, $2,202.07.

In early days, the children in this part of Decatur attended school just across the line in Itock county. But in 1857 school district No. 6, now the Independant district of Brodhead, was organized, and at the first election, held August 15, of said year, E. A. West was elected director; J. T. Sherman, treasurer, and A. Hitchcock, clerk of the district. A room was rented and a school taught. The district needed a new school house, but the people could not agree upon the cost of the building or location. But in 1859 they purchased a building (now the Catholic church) and arranged it into three departments. They afterwards also built a small school house, on block 149, which is now used as a primary department. But tlie leading citizens were anxious to possess better school facilities, and thus at school meetings would pass resolutions to that effect, but as a general thing the same would be rescinded at the next meeting.

Oct. 20, 1866, the citizens of Brodhead met at the Central school house, for the purpose of organizing a corporation for the purpose of building an academy. It was agreed that the capital stock should be $20,000, divided into shares of $50 each. I. F. Mack was elected president; E. D. Clinton, vice-president; C. W. Mitchell, secretary, and H. B. Stewart, treasurer. Several thousand dollars was subscribed towards this enterprise, when, in accordance with the advice of Hon. John M. Mynn, superintendent of schools, the scheme was abandoned, and an application made to the legislature of the State of Wisconsin for a special charter for the organization of a school district in Brodhead, and provide for the establishment of a high school therein, in connection with primary schools, all to be sustained by tax, and made free. The charter was granted March 27, 1867, and Brodhead became an Independant district.

The first school commissioners elected were: H. B. Stewart, R. Morris, L. Lakin, R. H. Rugg, L. E. Towne and T. J. Balis. Steps were immediately taken to build a school house. The district was bonded to the amount of $6,000, and the present school building, located on block 83, was completed in 1868. This building is a brick structure, 50x70 feet in size, three stories high and cost, including furniture, about $15,000. The school is divided into six departments, consisting of high school, intermediate and primary and employs seven teachers. The schools are well graded.

Prof. O. N. Wagley, principal of lirodhead graded and high school, was born in the town of Plymouth, Rock Co., Wis., in 1849. His father, N. O. Wagley, settled in Rock county in 1841. He attended the State University at Madison, three terms, and began teaching in

1871. In the fall of 1873, he entered the State Normal School, at Whitewater, in this State, graduating in 1h78. He taught three years at Necedah, Juneau county, and came here in the fall of 1881.

The other teachers in 1884 were: Elsie Saulsbury, assistant in high school; and in the higher grammar department, Maria Fenton; lower grammar department, E. Rockwood; higher intermediate department, Addie M. Bowen; lower intermediate department, Lillian Holcolmb; higher primary department, Bertie Sprague; lower primary department, Addie liinkley; south side primary, Lucy Kingman.

Religious Matters Congregational

The first services of this denomination were held by Rev. James Jamison, at the house of Henry Clinton, in the summer of 1856. The Church was organized by the same minister on the 28th of February, 1857, services being held in the dining hall of the Clinton Hotel. The society was designated the "First Congregational Church of Brodhead." The first members were as follows: E. D. Clinton, Amanda Clinton, James T. Sherman, Abby T. Sherman, John L. McN<iir, Caroline P. McNair, J. W. Thayer, Anna E I'liayer, John C. Wingate, Eliza Wingate, MiloL. Burnham, Ellen D. Burnham, Ichabod Dimick, Catharine Dimick, George Frary, Harriet Frary, Martha Love, Mary J. Wingate, Nancy Foster, Harriet M. Foster, Martha A. Sherman, Ella H. Clinton, Electa Sexton, Friphena Taft, I. F. Mack, Frances D. Mack and Charles M. Griswold. The first ofiicers were: Deacons, E. D. Clinton, I. W. Thayer and John V. Wingate; clerk, I. F. Mack; treasurer, John L. McNair; trustees, I. W. Thayer, R. E. Taft, M. L. Burnham, E. C. Clinton, H. P. Clinton and R. Love. Services were held at the Clinton House until the erection of the school house, which was then used by the society as a place of worship until 1861 when the church edifice was built. It is a neat frame building, 36x60 feet in size, with a seating capacity of about 300, and cost about $2,000. It was dedicated Dec. 17, 1861. The Rev. James Jamison, who organized the Church, was a missionary. The first pastor was Rev. Hiram Foote, who came in October, 1858, and remained one year. In September, 1859, Rev. W. Cochran became pastor, remaining until succeeded by Rev. James Strong, in October, 1862. He remained two years and was followed by Rev. Ottman, who only staid a few months. After this the Church was without a pastor until the fall of 1865, when Rev. William Bernard was called to the pastoral charge, and remained one year. Then came Rev. Edward Morris. In tiie fall of 1868 Rev. D. W. Webb took charge, and remained until the fall of 1870. In April, 1871, Rev. Hiram Foote became pastor and served for four years. In the fall of 1875 the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches united for worship. Rev. Edward Dickinson, a Presbyterian clergyman, preached for both societies for three years, services being held at the different churches alternately. After this time there was no pastor until the spring of 1879, when Rev. Wallace Bruce accepted a call, and remained one year. He was followed by Rev. William Cutler, who staid one year. In July, 1881, Rev. H. S. Sanford took pastoral charge and remained until the time of his death in July, 1882. In 1883, Rev. Francis Wrigley became pastor, and is still in charge. The present membership of the Church is thirty-eight, only five of whom are males, thirty-three being women. In 1884 the deacons were: E. D. Clinton, C. Matter, George Frary and J. T. Sherman. The trustees are E. D. Clinton, Deacon Matter, George Spaulding and Edwin Charlton. A Sabbath school has always been sustained, and is now in good condition.

Advent Christian Church

near Brodhead. In August, 1867, Rev. Joshua V. Hines, assisted by William Sheldon, held a very successful tent meeting, when it was found that a goodly number of people had formerly, while in the east, held these views and a Church was organized. There where twenty-six members, and the following were the officers: Elders, H. T. Moore and H. Crosby; secretary, H. Kimberley. The following, short, yet comprehensive creed was adopted: "The Bible, as it reads (literally); one, only, rule of faith, and practice and Christian character; one, only, test of fellowship." Rev. William Sheldon settled here, later, and preached for the society. Elder George Thompson, of Monroe, was the first regular pastor. Elder Isaac Adrian, who was a gifted man, was the next. In 1869 the next meetings of note were held - a general Advent conference being held in the Congregational church, at which were present many eminent men from several States. A four days discussion was held between Miles Grant, of Boston, and Rev. Mr. Crawford, a Universalist minister of Brodhead. In 1873 Elder Samuel Thurber held a successful series of revival meetings, eighty persons professing. Elders Preston, Hitchcock, Godfrey, Howard, Wilbur, Warner, Bennett, Button, Phelps and others supplied the pulpit at different times; but the Church declined until November, 1880, when Elder D. S. Clark, of Amboy, III., held meetings for eighty consecutive evenings with excellent results, and the Church was rescued from oblivion. Elder Clark was pastor for nearly a year. In November, 1881, Elder George M. Button became pastor on trial of six months, and his services have been so satisfactory that he still retains the position. Under his work the interest is healthy and good. The society have rented the Baptist building, one of the finest church edifices in Brodhead. The Church now numbers thirty-five members.

tur," and two miles west of Brodhead. His father was H. W. Button. When seventeen years of age he ran away from home and went to Marquette, Mich., but returned in three months and attended the academy in Brodhead three years; the Milton College one year, and the State Univei'sity one year. Being, as he believed, called to preach, and being counselled and encouraged by Senator H. T. Moore, he commenced bis life work near Baraboo, Sauk county, before twenty-one years of age. Later for four years he preached on a circuit in Illinois. In May, 1878, he married Abbie Lee Watson, of De Kalb, 111. After this for two years he was pastor of a Church at Afton, 111. He then went to Turner Co., Dak., for his health, and upon his return, became pastor of the Church at Brodhead.

Methodist Episcopal

The first class of this denomination was organized in June, 1856. Nathaniel Wheeler was the preacher in charge and William Teal, assistant. The class consisted of eleven members, among whom were: F. Van Curen, Timothy Lewis, Eleanor Lewis, F. Nash, Eliza Nash, B. F. Stevens, Norah Stevens, Sarah Lewis and Almon Lewis, the latter being a local preacher. In 1857 the charge was supplied by Almon Lewis, who still resides here. In 1858 Rev. Henry Coleman, then connected with the seminary at Evansville, was placed in charge, but not being able to close his connection with the school immediately, John L. Williams, a superannuated ])reacher, supplied this place for a few months. In the fall of 1858 J. P. Dixon, of Janesville, donated to the society two lots, on which the present church was erected. This church edifice was finished and paid for in three months. It cost 12,300. It was dedicated by the Rev. Hooper Crews. A Meneeley bell, weighing 795 pounds, which cost $400, was donated by Edward H. Brodhead, of Milwaukee, on the condition that it should be used only in Brodhead. This class was organized and meetings were held at the county line school house, just across the line in Rock county. Afterward services were held in Brodhead in a hall on Center street, northeast of the present church, which has now been removed. Sometime previous to the erection of the M. E. church, parties in the interest of the Congregational Church made a move toward building, and a subscription of several thousand dollars was raised, but through a slight difference among the heaviest subscribers, the enterprise was abandoned. It was at this time that Mr. Brodhead promised a bell to the first church that should be erected in the village, and the Methodists were successful. Rev. D. H. Budlong was appointed to this charge in the spring of 1859; but during the succeeding winter his health failed and his place was supplied by Jacob Miller, of Cadiz. In 1860 Rev. Nelson Butler became pastor, and in 1861 was succeeded by W. H. Wilson. He was returned in 1862. Soon after, however, the presiding elder placed Rev. A. Callender in charge and removed Mr. Wilson to Madison. In 1863 L. W. Pike appears on the minutes as pastor, but it seems he failed to come, and E. B. Russell, then either a local or a superannuated preacher, was sent as a supply and filled out the year. In 1864 Rev. II. Chadeayne was appointed to this charge. During this year the parsonage was built at a cost of about $1,200. In 1866 William J. Wilson became pastor and remained two years, when he was succeeded by Rev. Aspinwall, who remained three years. In 1871 Rev. AV. II. Kellogg became pastor and remained two years. After this in succession came: Rev. T. M. Fullerton, three years; Rev. Joseph D. Brothers, three years; Rev. John Knipps, one year; Rev. J. E. Irish, one year; Rev. Whitney, eight months; J. I. McLaughlin, four months; and Rev. G. W. Nuzem was appointed to this charge in September, 1882, and is the present pastur. During the summer, 1874, two side parlors, each twenty feet square, were added to the church, and other improvements were made costing all together $1,100. The Church num-

Episcopal

The first Episcopal services in thifi town were held at the house of Mr, Kettle, in the winter of 1848-9, by Rev. Mr. Humphrey, of Beloit. There were but few here belonging to this denomination at that time. Services were held at Decatur until after Brodhead was started. Among the earliest Episcopalians were the Kettle family, Mr. Bridgeman and M. B. Edson. Occasional services were held until 1875, when they secured a resident clergyman in the person of Rev. Ross, who resided here for several years, services being held in the halls of the village. The society was organized in 1875. The Church now hold occasional services and support a good Sunday school. They have no church building.

Presbyterian

The Presbyterian church at Brodhead was built in 1866. It is a brick building and cost about $6,000. The first services in the build ng were held Jan. 20, 1 867. The building was dedicated Feb. 21, 1807, by Rev. J. W. Dinsmore. The first pastor was Rev. A. R. Day, who was here when the church was erected. He was suceeeded by A. A. Joss, and then in turn came Revs. R. G. Thompson, S. I. McKee, A, R. Day, E. Dickinson and J. S. Bingham. In 1884 the Church was without a pastor. The first Presbyterian services held in this town were held at the village of Decatur, in 1849 or 1850, by Rev. Fox. He Avas a resident of Oregon, Dane county, who preached only occasionally and he effected an organization of this Church at Decatur. The first resident pastor was Rev. Frazer, who preached for about three years. Uthi rs who preached at Decatur were Rev. Bachus, Dr. Nichols and Rev. Bascom. 'I'he first elders were Alexander C'lark, William Oliver and Mr. Kirkpatrick. Originally tliere were about twenty members; it afterward increased to fifty. When Decatur died,

Catholic

The first services of the Catholic denomination were held in 1857 by a priest whose name has been forgotten, for the benefit of the railroad employes. Rev. Conroy was the second priest. Rev. Richard Sullivan, then of Monroe, came here occasionally in 1859 and 1860 The first services were held at private houses. Rev James J. Kinsella, now at Shullsbiirg, was the first resident pastor, and remained here about three years, leaving in 1863. He was here when the church and parsonage were erected. The pastors in succession have been: Revs. J. J. Kinsella, N. Stehlehan, M. Wrynn and James Hegerty. Father Hegerty, the present pastor, came here in 1880. He is also pastor of churches at Footville and Albany. The catholic Church building was formerly the public school building of Brodhead. It was purchased by this society in 18 67, and converted into a church.

Baptist

The Baptist Church of Brodhead was organized Feb. 20, 1867, at a meeting held in the Congregational church. Rev. D. Alcott was president of the meeting and B. F. Roderick was clerk. The following is a list of those who became members at that time: Rev. D. Alcott, Almira Stewart, Julius Hnrlburt, Sarah M^. Hurlburt, Joshua Nanscawn, F. B. Smith, Setli Green, Eliza Green, Maria Harris, James Potter, Nancy Potter, M. D. Warren, Margaret Warren, B. F. Roderick, EHen W. Roderick, S. Kurtz, George Tayler, O. Dorn, Eliza Dorn, Caleb Nanscawn, Ella Harding, Rosanna Worcester and Alexander Shafer. The first deacons were Jnlius Hurlburt and F. B. Smith. Only one of the original members is now here, George Taylor. Tlie others are either dead or have removed. Services were held in Gomber's hall for some time and in September, 1867, Cole's hall was leased for one year. The chnrcli was ei'ected in the fall of 187-^. It is a frame building, vaneered with brick, and cost about $4,000, The pastors in succession were: Revs. Alcott, Robert Smith, George Annis, Joseph Douglass, Joseph Mountain and George Lincoln. At present the Church is without a pastor, and no services are held.

Civic Societies

Upon the petition of Henry P. Clinton, Edson C. Clinton, James W. Overbaugh, A. J. Laird, John H. Overbaugh, Newman II. Potter, Henry W. Sherman, H. U. Burlingame and Caleb Knowls, and recommendation of Albany Lodge, No. 36, Brother Henry S. Baird, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Wisconsin, granted liis dispensation to the above named brethren to form a lodge of Master Masons, in the village of Brodliead, to be named Diamond Lodge, and the Grand Master appointed Henry P. Clinton, W. M.; Henry W. Sherman, S. W., and James W. Overbaugh, J. W.; and on the 11th day of September, A. D. 1857, and A. L.5857, the first regular communication was held, and the following additional officers was elected : Edson C. Clinton was elected treasurer; A. J. Laird, secretary; John H. Overbaugh, S. D.; Newman H. Potter, J. D.; H. V. Burlingame, tyler; Caleb Knowls and A. J. Laird, stewards. There were initiated, passed and raised, during this year and up to date of receiving a charter, Joseph Merrell, S. W. Coffin, I. F. Mack, Thomas D. Laird and Charles W. Clinton, and the following Master Masons were admitted : Joseph Huntly, Alfred Wood and George Golden. At a regular communication held June 4, 1858, the lodge voted to petition tlie Grand Lodge to cliajige the name to " Bicknell," and on June 18, 1858, Bicknell Lodge, No. 94, A. F. & A. M., met in regular communication for the first time under a charter granted by the Grand Lodge,

List of presiding officers and time served under dispensation : *IIenry P. Clinton, W. M., nine months during time of working; *George Golden, one and a half years; *Charles W. Clinton, one year; C. Seeber, one yeai-; John H. Overbaugh, two years; E. W. Blish, two years; Thomas D. Laird, one year; L. E. Towne, two years; Leonard Lakin, one year; C. N. Carpenter, five years; C. W. Mitchell, one year; *W. H. Barnes, two years; C. W, Lucas, two years; Burr Sprague, four years, and now serving his fifih year. Deaths of members, thirteen. Total membership since organization of lodge, 163. Present membership, seventy. Master Masons, Fellow Crafts, two, and four entered apprentices. The success of the lodge has been good, and its present condition is first-class. It is one of the best working lodges in the State, and numbers among its members many of the most influential citizens in the county. As a body, we claim to be a law-abiding and charitable brotherhood, ever ready to help the needy and suffering, be tliey Masons or worthy fellow-beings outside of our circle. Our present officers are : Burr Sprague, W. M.; Joseph Thompson, S. W; A. M. Bowen, J. W.; J. J. Pfisterer, treasurer; W. B. Mack, secretary; C. W. Lucas, tyler;

At the last annual election J. V. Roberts was elected master for the year 1884, and Mr. Atherton, secretary. The present officers are as follows: W. Master, J. V. Roberts; W. Overseer, J. B. Kirkpatrick; W. Lecturer, E. A. Rose; W. Steward, A. Murrey; W. Assistant S., H. C. Atherton; W. Chaplain, L. Kingman; W. Treasurer, A. E. Atherton; Secretary, W. Atherton; Gate Keeper, A. G. B. Fleek; Ceres, Linzey; Pomona, P. M. Wooster; Flora, Katie May Wooster; T. Assistant Steward, K. C. Wooster. For three years after its organization the grange was very prosperous. During the next five years there was a marked decline in interest and attendance. It now numbers sixty members, and at no time has more interest been manifested than at the present.

Sons Of Temperance

Hopeful Division, 196, of the S. of T., Rrodhead, was organized by Mrs. S. A. Pinkhara, the 20th of November, 1882, with the following officers: O. N. Wagley, W. P.; Mrs. Burr Sprague, W. A.; Rev. George Button, R. S.; O. G. Briggs, Assistant R. S.; Addie Hinckley, Treasurer ; F. Van Curen, Caplain; Louis Sprague, Conductor; Thomascene Hendrie, Assistant Conductor; Mrs. M. M. Kowell, I. S.; Mrs. J. G. Orr, P. W. P.; Hon. A. N. Randall, W. Deputy.

O. N. Wagley was the first presiding officer of the division, and held that office from its organization till June, 1883. He was again reelected in January, 1884. From June till October, the division was presided over by P. E. Derrick, and from October till January, 18«4, by Hon. B. Sprague. The total membership has been 185, and the present membership i.s about 140. No deaths have occurred, and only six expulsions. At the beginning of the present year, the'divisiou leased a hall of Mrs W. Stewart, the conditions being that the division should have the use of it two years by putting it in order; about $200 have been exi)ended in adorning it and fitting it up, and tl)eir division room is now one of the finest in the State. The success of the organization has been good; many of the most prominent and influential citizens of Brodhead are members. Several persons who were in the habit of getting intoxicated have joined the order, and have kept their pledge inviolate. Several public entertainments have been given under the auspices of the division, that have been very favorably received, and all have been a financial success.

Biographical

Samuel Truax, of Brodhead, came to Green county, April 19, 1839, from Vermilion Co., 111. Several families and a number of young men came at the same time. Among them were Asa

Brown, whose wife was an aunt of Mr. Truax; Dickson Bailey and family; Thomas Morton and family Mrs. Ruth Morton and family, and the young men, Solomon Bishop and Isaac Crahil. Mr. Truax was a young, unmarried man at this time. He lived in the town of Adams for two years, then sold out and bought a farm near Monroe, which in June, 1877, he sold, and it is now known as the county .farm. After selling his farm he removed to the city of Monroe. He came to Brodhead to reside in August, 1881. Mr. Truax was born in Nelson Co., Ky., May I'J, 1818. He removed to Indiana with his parents, in 1822, the family settling in Owen county, in that State, where they remained five years, then removed to Vermilion Co., 111. There the subject of this sketch resided with his father's family, till he came here. His mother died in Illinois, in January, 1839. His father came, several years later, to this county, and settled in the town of Mount Pleasant, where he lived until his decease. In September, 1841, Mr. Truax. of this sketch, returned to Illinois and was married to Mary Ann Whitesitt, who was born in Jefferson Co., Ind., inl824. Her father, Samuel Whitesitt, was an early settler in the town of Mount Pleasant, in this county, where he died, Dec. 27 1879. His widow now lives with Mr. Truax. Mr. and Mrs. Truax have had no children, but have brought up, from infancy to maturity, fiv.' adopted children - Samuel M. and George K Truax, sons of his brother, Charles H. ai <1 Daniel W. Carter, and an adopted daughtt i . Flora Belle Whitesitt. Mr. Truax has givi :i his adopted sons, all of whom have left home, a good education, and enabled them to start well in life. Charles H. Carter is a physician, a graduate of the State University, at Madison, also of Rush Medical College, in Chicago.

John B. Sawyer, of Brodhead, came to th" Territory of Wisconsin, in the spring of 183^, and to Green county in 1840. He was born in the State of New Hampshire, Sept 17, 1817, and is a son of Joseph Sawyer, who was also a native of that State. In 1837 John B. left homo and went to New York, where he staid till April, 1838. He then came west and lived two years at Milwaukee, after which he came to Green county, and with Charles Stevens, of Janesville, built a furnace for the smelting lead ore, at Exeter. About the same time he erected a log tavern, which was used principally for boarding the men employed in the smelter, which was sold to J. and L. Ward, of Milwaukee, as soon as built. This tavern he sold to Ezra Durgan. In 1842 he built a bridge across the Sugar river, at Albany, which was one of the first bridges built in the county. He engaged for a number of years in bridge building, in this and adjoining counties. He bought a farm in the town of Exeter, in 1843, on which he erected a frame house and barn the same year. With Dr. Stearns he built the first hotel in the village of Albany. He afterwards owned the farm now owned by Hollis Button. From this farm he removed to Decatur and engaged in mercantile and produce business. In fact, Mr. Sawyer has led a very busy life and was variously engaged in produce and stock buying at Decatur, Clarence and Footville, for many years. He has lived in the village of Brodhead since 1862. lie was married in Albany, Green county, to Julia Copp, a native of the State of New York. They have nine children, four sons and five daughters. They have lost two children - Daniel, who died in New Mexico, in 1882, at tlie age of twentyeight years, and Julia, who died in September, 1883, at the age of twenty-three years. He was postmaster at Clarence, before the starting of Brodhead, and when the postoflice was discontinued at Clarence he was appointed first postmaster at Brodhead.

Franklin II. Derrick, of Brodhead, is a son of Rodolphus Derrick. The latter was born Aug. 8, 1793, and was reared in Herkimer C^o., N. Y. His parents, the grandparents of Franklin II., were natives of the (-Ireen Mountain State. When a young man, Rodf)lphns D. Derrick removed to Erie Co., N. Y., where he was married to Lorenda Sheldon. In 1820, in company with two brothers-in-law, the latter being accompanied by their families, he went down the Alleghany river in a flat boat and thence down the Ohio, to Morgan Co., 111., where his brothersin-law settled. The following spring he returned to New York. In 1836 he came to Green county and purchased for himself and other parties, 1,200 acres of land in the present towns of Spring Grove and Decatur. In the fall of 1838 he removed with his family to Wisconsin, stopping at White Oak Springs, in what is now Lafayette county, where his two sons, Frederick and Alonzo, were at work in the lead mines^ Here he remained until spring, keeping a boarding house during the winter. He then removed to Illinois, locating near Savannah. In 1840 he sent his son, Alonzo, with a hired man and team, to his land in Green county, who broke land preparatory to a crop the following year. In April, 1841, lie removed with his family to to the town of Spring Grove, and there resided until his death, which occurred Sept. 29, 1860. His wife survived her husband for niany years, departing this life at the residence of her son, Franklin H., at Monroe, Jan. 14, 1874. '"Squire Derrick," as he was familiarly known, is well remembered by the early setilers, for his many excellent qualities. He was a man o.f much general information, was justice of the peace for many years, and otherwise connected officially with the affairs of his town. He had eight children, five of whom, three sons and two daughters, are still living. Franklin H. is the only resident of the county, at this time. The names of tlie children, all of whom grew to maturity, except the youngest, are - Frederick, now in California; Harriet, deceased; Alonzo, in California; Franklin --H., Statira, deceased; Pauline and Elvira, in Nebraska; and Hollen Irene, deceased. Franklin H., wlio owns the homestead, was born in Erie Co., N. Y., in January, 1824, and was in his sixteenth year when he enme to Greeii county. In 1850 he went to California by the overland route, returning by

Nicaragua route, after a residence of two years, in the land of gold. He was slierift" of C4reeTi county from 1873 to 1875, during which time he lived in Monroe, the county seat, 'lill his removal to Brodhead, in September, 1883, except two years in California, and his two years in Monroe, he had been a constant resident of the homestead farm since his father's settlement there in 1841. He has been twice married. His first wife was Harriet Boslaw, daughter of John Boslaw, who settled in Spring Grove about 1845. He was married in 1846, and his wife died in October, 1871. His present wife was Mrs. Mary A. (Williams) Northrup, a native of Erie Co., N. Y., where she was first married, and with her husband, settled in Rock Co., Wis., in 1847. The latter died in 1869. Mr. Derrick has six children by his former marriage - Theodore J., who lives on the homestead farm; Franklin K., a dentist of Brodhead; Mary L., wife of John C. Balis, in Nebraska; Levi F., also on the farm; Harriet E., wife of J. T. Lamsoii; and Peter E. Josiah V. Richardson, one of the prominent citizens of Brodhead and one of the early settlers of Green county, was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, 1820. His parents were Asa and Mary (Adams) Richardson, natives of New Hampshire, who removed to the State of New York about 1807. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, having commenced work on the farm when eight years old. He was tluis early in life trained to habits of industry and economy, wiiich were the characteristic features of his after life. His education was acquired mostly by his own energy at his own exi)ense. In his youth while engaged u])on the farm he attended the primitive district school as he had opportunity during the three months term of each winter. Duriiig the summer he was obliged to work. He came to this county in 1841, first locating at Monroe, of which place he was a prominent citizen foiniany years. There he engaged in surveyini.', and the first two winters taught s«',liool, holding the office of county surveyor a part of the time until 1848, when he was elected county register of deeds, after which he entered into a co-partnership with A. Ludlow and B. Chenoweth in merchandising for a short time; then he engaged in farming six years; and returning to Monroe, was engaged in various speculations, principally dealing in lands. He has held several county offices, having been county commissioner and member of the board of supervisors a number of years, and these positions have been filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. He came to Brodhead in 1869 and engaged in banking. He was married in 1850 to Lydia Sanderson, a native of the State of Massachusetts. They have five ehildren, two of whom are married - Clara, the elder, to G. F. Claycomb; and Emma, the third, to George Palmer; Sidney, his only son, is engaged with his two brothers-in-law in an extensive lumber trade, in southwestern Iowa. His remaining children live with him. Like many other early settlers who have attained to prominence in life, Mr. Richardson began his career in limited circumstances, for upon his arrival in Monroe in 1841, he was in debt $25, which amount he found much difficulty in paying, as times were liard and money extremely scarce. He found work and earned money but could not get it. His capital was not money, but consisted of a good head with willing hands, and by industry with good judgment he has succeeded in business, and accumulated a competence of this world's goods, and what is better, having placed himself in this position honestly, he has the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. He has now retired from active business life.

George West, of Brodhead, has been a resident of Green county since 1838. He was born in the town of Brant, Erie Co., N. Y., Jan. 7, 1818. His father, John West, was born in the town of Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., and was of Irish descent. His mother, Avie (Bowen) West was of Scotch origin and a native of Vermont. His father died in Erie county in 1876; his mi>ther still survives. The parents of George had ten children of whom he was the eldest. In 1838, when in his twenty-first year, he started westward, his destination beingthe town of Clarno in this county, where two maternal uncles, Thomas S. and William Bowen, had already located. At Buffalo he took a' deck passage for Chicago on the steamer Michigan, commanded by Capt Perry, paying from his small stock of money |5 for the passage. From Chicago he proceeded most of the way on foot to the home of his relatives in Clarno. In the fall of 1839 he returned to his native State and married Susan Winchell of the town of Brant, Erie county, and 'on the 1st day of February, 1840, started on his return, accompanied by his wife. They came the entire distance with a team, being one month and four days on the journey. He first settled on the land presented him by his uncle, where they remained until 1842, when he sold his land and removed to what is now the town of Sylvester, where he made a claim of 160 acres which he improved and which became the homestead of his family and which he still owns, but he retired from farming in 18*72 and removed to Brodhead. His son, Samuel, now occupies the homestead farm. Mrs. West's parents were Ira and Betsy Winchell. The latter was born in Tioga Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. West have had ten children, six of whom are now living - Samuel, born March 11, 1843; Louisa B., deceased, born Sept. 29, 1844; George F., born Jan. 14, 1846, deceased; Avis E., born Nov. 29, 1847, now the wife of John W. Watt; Clara, born Sept. V, 1849, widow of G. N. Trousdale; Mary, born April 24, 1853. wife of J. B. Nance; Alice E., born Nov. 29, 1853, wife of F. P. Northcraft; Ida M., born July 10, 1857; Nelson P., born Nov. 4, 1859, died at the age of nineteen; and Minnie, born Nov. 2, 1865, deceased.

M. T. Gleason, of Brodhead, is the son of Robert Gleason, who came to Albany with his family in 1846. Robert Gleason was born in Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y., about 1805. He was engaged the greater part of his life in mechanical work. He removed with his family to Lake Co., 111., where he resided two years, previous to coming to Green county. He erected a saw mill in 1846, for Nichols & Pond, which was the first mill built in the town of Albany. He died the following year. His wife survived until 1870. Seven children of this family accompanied their parents to this county, five sons and two daughters. Two of the sons have since died. M. T. Gleason was born in Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y., in 1830, and came with the family to this county in 1846. He was engaged in merchandising for many years, at Monticello, Albany and Brodhead. Mrs. Gleason was Ellen Corey, a daughter of M. Corey, who settled near Monticello in 1856, and in 1876 removed to Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Gleason have two children - Charles F. and Nettie, both of whom are married. The former lives at Princeton, Minn., and the latter is the wife of L. A. Towne, of Brodhead.

Francis Woodling, of Brodhead, settled in the town of Jefferson, Green county, in the spring of 1846, where he entered eighty acres of land, also forty acres in the town of Spring Grove. He lived in the town of Jefferson about twelve years, when he sold his farm and removed to the town of Decatur, and settled on a farm, where he lived till September, 1865, when he removed to the village of Brodhead. Mr. Woodling was born in Montgomery Co., Penn., in 1814. He removed to the State of Indiana with his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Woodling. His father died in Indiana. His mother came to Green county and lived with her children till her decease. Mr. Woodling was married in 1839, in Indiana, to Ruth Biedleman, born in Indiana in 1822. Her parents were Samuel and Sarah Biedleman, natives of the State of New York, and removed to Indiana, where they lived till death. Mr. and Mrs. Woodling have been blessed with ten children, five of whom are living. The following are the names of their children, living and deceased - Levi S., born Jan. 11, 1841, enlisted in the army in August, 1862, and was mortallywounded at the battle of Resaca, surviving but two or three days after the fight; Cyrus H died in 1859, at the age of sixteen years; Sarah M. is the wife of W. H. H. Fleek; Homer R. died at the age of thirty-one years; Marion H. lives in_,Iovva; Marvin E. is a physician, located at Minneapolis,Minn.; Charles J. died at the age of six years; Mary L. and Martha L. were twins - the former is deceased; their youngest child is Annie R