Center Town

Center Town

Lies west of the town of JanesVille, being town 3 north, rano-e 11 east. Andrew Stevens was the first settler in this town, at a beautiful grove called Black Oak grove. He settled here in October, 1843. At that time he had no neighbors within ten miles west or five iTiiles north. Here is a beautiful creek and several fine springs. Such fine and eligible situations for convenient farms as are found around this grove, are hardly equalled in the countj-.

I'liis town is situated on the west side of Rock prairie, and is mostly prairie land - the northern part oak openings and some very iine mareh for cutting grass-. Tiie following named pei-sons settled in this town soon after Stevens : David Davis, Philander Davis, William Webb, William Wan-en^ Elijah Wood.

The town of Center, 18 miles east and west, nine miles nortb and south, including the present towns of Center, Plymouth, Spring Valley, south half of Magnolia, and that part of Janesville west of the river, was organized in 1842 ; and in 1846 was divided into Center, Spring Valley, Plymoulhj Magnolia, &c., according to the government survey of townships.

In answer to your request to give you a sketch of the early history of the town of Center, pei-mit me to say that at this late day, time will hardly allow me to do justice to myself, to the town, or to the history you are about to publish. The sketch, under the circumstances, must be a hasty one, and of course, subjedt to imperfections. By reference to the acts of the territorial legislature in 1842, it will be found that this town was organized in that year, and embraced the territory now included in the whole tovnis of Plymouth and Spring Valley, the south half of Magnolia, and the present towii of Center, fractional sections one and two, lying north and west of Rock river, in town two, range twelve, and all that part of the present city and town of Janesville which lie in the south half of town three, range twelve.

The first election was held at the house of James H. Knowlton. The town at that time must have embraced about three-and-a-half townships - about nine miles wide from north to south, and running from rock river on the east, to Green county line on the west, nearly eighteen miles.

In 1836, James T. Watson, of the city of New York, bought from the government about eleven hundred acres of land, including the beautiful groves of timber near the corners of the present towns of Centerj Plymouth, Spring Valley and Magnolia. Mr. Watson having hved in " bhssful celibacy," these groves took the name of " Bachelors Grove." Among the early settlers of this early town were Wm. Holmes, Esq,, and &mily, near the present city of Janesville ; Wm. WaiTcn, Esq., in the town of Center, on the present stage road from jTanesville via. Union to Madison ; David Douglass, and 8. F. Chipinaij, Esqs., and Caleb Inman and families, in the present town of Plymouth; John Crall, Robert Taylor and others in Spring Valley.

My first visit to this town was in the spring of 1843. At this early day pohtical excitement ran high. In the spring of 1 844 the whole tenitory within the town was thoroughly canvassed and every voter brought on the ground, except one; thirty-two in all. It being known how every man had voted, there was found to be a tie vote for every office in town. The last one was then sent for, Anthony Partridge, who came, and voted, selecting from the two tickets, electing eveiy man for whom he voted. Those were indeed exciting times, and town offices above par. At this election George Ayres was elected chairman of supervisors; Wm. Holmes had been the former chairman. The neit spring Caleb Inman was elected to that office ; the next five successive years, E. A. Foot; in 1851, Wm. A. Webster; 1862 and 1853, E. A. Foot; 1854 and 1855, Wm. A. Norton. The magistrates in the present town of Center, have been E. A. Foot, ten years; Lewis Davis, one; Wm. R. Warren, one; John Wallihan, seven; Jonathan Cory, six; Wm. A. Norton, six.

But to return to the present limits of the town. In 1843 there was a Ic^ shanty on the south line of section twenty-seven, but who was its builder or occupant I am not informed. In October, of the same year, Andrew Stevens, from Chatauque county, N. Y., moved into this shanty. There may have been other families in the north part of the town, at this time, but I know of none except that of Esq. Warren, on the stage road. In the fall of 1844, Elijah Wood, from Oneida county, N. Y., and David Lyon, from Michigan, settled on the south line of the town, on section 35; Mr. Wood, where he now lives, and Mr. Lyon, on the farm now occupied by Mr. Woodbridge ; Kennedy McOlure, on the s. e. qr. of 36, where he now resides ; and Julius Gilbert and Francis Smith " shantied" on the s. e. qr. of 34, during the winter of 1844-5. Thoy were young men and single. In the spring, A. E. Foot and E-. F. Richards, from Connecticut, commenced on the s. e. qr. of section 32. At this time we found near the center' of the town, John Warren, Wendnl Fockler, and, I think. Dr. Fisher and Seth Fisher. The same sea- F«n came in John N. Smith, James Holms, Abraham Caufman, and others. The next summer, 1846, the lands within the town were mostly taken up and settled by emigrants fi'om New England and Now York. And hers let me remark, to the honor of the inhabitants of this town, and to the instructions of their for.'fathoi's, that tliere has never been sold any ardent spirits, lawfully, with'n the town ; and not a dollar has been expended by the town for the support of paupers.

Tlie first church was organized in 1846, by the Episcopal Methodista. The first members -were E. A. Foot, F. A. Beach, E. F. Richards and wife, Abel Avery and wife, six - now about forty members, and in progress of building chapel 36 by 50 feet, with a basement intended for a district school. The next church organization was the Close Communion Baptist. Number of communicants not known. Shortly after a Congregational church was organized, and in 1854 built a small chapel, on section 34. There is also, near the center of the town, a Free Will Baptist and a Campbellite church organization.

The only store in the town is that of W. Beach, on section 82. The only tavern that of A. Caufman, on section 22. One post-oiEce on section 23; John Wallihan post-master.

The north half of the town, with the exception of a marsh running across it from west to east, is covered with " Bun- oak" timber ; rather level, but good for plowing. The south half mostly beautiful rolling prairie, and is an excellent agricultural town.

The village of Footville is in part situate in this town and partly in Plymouth, embracing portions of section 32 in Center, and sections 4 and 5 in Plymouth. Was surveyed and platted in the fall of 1854, and is the present terminus of the Beloit and Madison railroad, and contains the stationhouse and fixtures, two warehouses, two lumber yards, two taverns, three stores, one gi-ocery, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, one harness and shoe shop, one steam saw-mill unfinished, one post ofiice, one physician, one chapel unfinished, one school-house, and probably sixty families. In the fall of 1853 there were seven families only.

Thus have I given a hasty and imperfect sketch, regretting seriously that I have not time to extend and perfect it, trusting that you will abridge or extend to suit your purpose, I subscribe myself,

E. A. Foot, Esq., now a resident of Footeville, in this town, was a delegate from this county to foi-m the present constitution of the stat?.

Supervisors - W. A. Norton, chairman, Andrew Stevens, Gabriel Crist; Ira Farmleo, Town Clerk;, Charles K. Bennett, Superintendent; E. A. Foot, Jonathan Cory, John Wallihan, W. A. Norton, Justices of the Peace.

Town Officers For 1855

Ira Pai-mlee, Town Clerk; John Wallihan, Treasurer; Calvin Fitch, Superintendent ; John Wallihan, E. A. Foot, Jonathan Cory, W. A. Norton, Justices of the Peace.

Augustus Parker raised, on fifty acres of land, 25 tons of broom corn, the present season, for which he w.as offered $100 per ton. Andrew Stovons raised 100 tons of hay.

Harmony

Contiguous to, and east of Janesville, is the town of Harmony ; beins; township 3 N.-, of I'iange 13 E. The south half of this town lies on the north side of Rock prairie, and contains some of the best farms in the county. There is, however, a lack of water^ except from weUs, as no streams, and very few springs are found within the limits of the town. In the openings in the northern part, however, is a small lake, which affords stock Water for a considerable distance around. The north half of the town is quite heavily wooded with bur oak; furnishing not only an -ample supply of vrood am) fencing stuff for the rest of the town, tut also' for the prairie farms of the towns of LaPrairie and Bradford*. Most of the farmers ot'thesO prairie towns nianage to secure wood lots as near as possible, froni which, at least, they can get their. fire-wood. Very few, however, at the present day, think of cutting their thnher for rails to fence with, preferring rather to preserve it for wood, and buy pine lumber for fencing.

Mount Zion, in the east part of the town, is a beautiful elevation, commanding a view of the country for many miles around. No place in the entire west, probably, presents a more enchanting prospect to the stranger than this. To the west, as the traveler ascends the moiint, along the old Territorial road from Chicago and Milwaukee to Madison, which passes over it, a view of Janesville city burets upon his vision, with the country beyond ; to the south, abroad expanse' of prairie spreads out, bounded only by the horizon. North of this, and extending east and west as far as the eye can reach, is a long belt of timber. East is an extension of the same Rock prairie couur . try, a distance of some eight miles, to where it is bounded by the extensive oak openings of Walworth county. All along this road, and others, is a continuous succession of the most beautiful farms, among the first that were settled in the county. Conspicuous among the rest, are the farms of Elder Babcock, Joseph Spaulding and Wm. Spaulding. ,

Joseph SpauUling, Esq., who represented his a3sem"hly district in 1853, resides in this town. There are 128 farms in the town. It formerly con- . stituted a part of Jaiiesvillc, but in 1850 it waS, organized into a town by itself. The population in 1850 was 840; in 1855, 805. l^ight school districts - 291 scholars over four.aad under twenty years of age. It has seven school houses; This town receives the present year the sum of $284,16 from the State School Fund.

This town was first settled in the year 1'836. The following are the names of some of the early settlers: JosepTi Spaiildiug, Wm. Spaulding, G. H. Williston, John Turner, Harvey Holmes and AnsSl' Dickinson.

The Congregationalists have a church here, near Mount Zion. There is a Free Will Baptist church in this town; Revs. P. W. Belknap and James R. Pope, ministers. The Universalists also have preaching here occasionally, and their preacher is Rev. George W. Lawrence, from JanesvUle.

The only church building over erected in this town, as well as the society, was mainly built up through the agency and influence of Ansel Dickinson, vho did more for the intellectual and religious cultivation of the children of the town than any other man during his life. His death was a serious loss. The church building has been converted into a school house, and the members are scattered abroad. The fact that the town of Harmony is so near Janesville, (forming, indeed, a part of the city,) will explain the absence of any villages or churches.

Town Officers For 1854 Thb Hahes Of A Fkw Of The Pmwtpal Fahsier3 In Harmony

Joseph Spaulding, raised 15 tons of Timothy hay; John Turner, 80 tons { Qurdon Leonard, 16 tons; Godfrey Bishopj 8 tons'; Lewis D, Gage, 20 tons; David B. Wood, 21 tons.

Source changes here: from The History of Rock County, Wisconsin : Containing a History of Rock County, Its Early Settlement, Growth, Development, Resources, Etc., an Extensive and Minute Sketch of Its Cities, Their Improvements, Industries, Manufactories, Churches, Schools, Societies, Etc., Etc., War Record, Biographical Sketches, Portraits of Prominent Men and Early Settlers, Etc., Etc., Etc., Also History of Wisconsin, Constitution of the United States and of Wisconsin, Condensed Abstract of Laws of Wisconsin, Miscellaneous, Etc., Etc, by Wesern Historical Company, Chicago, Pub, published 1879; 4,422 words in this source stream.

Center Town

The town of Center is situated in the northwestern portion of the county, and was organized by act of the Legislature, approved February 17, 1842. It included the present town of Center, and portions of Plymouth, Spring Valley, Magnolia and Janesville, west of Rock River. By an act approved February 2, 184G, the town of Magnolia was set off from it* Subsequently, other changes were made by the formation of new towns, and its present limits are included in the territory known as Township 3 north, of Range 11 east. The first settlement in the town was made by Andrew Stevens in October, 1843, at the grove, called BlackOak Grove. At that time, he had no neighbors within ten miles west, or five miles north. The following persons settled in this town soon after : David Davis, Philander Davis, William Webb, William Warren, Elijah Wood. The first election was held at the house of James V. Knowltoa. The town at that time embraced about three and a half townships, about nine miles wide from north to south, and running from Rock River on the east to the Green County line on the west nearly eighteen miles.

The land of this town is rich and productive, and under Jiigh cultivation. The building improvements are generally of an excellent character. The first church was organized in 1846, by the Methodists. The next church organization was the Baptists, and in 1854, a Congregational denomination built a small chapel on Section 34.

" My visit to this town,** are the words of a pioneer, " was in the spring of 1848. At this early day, political excitement ran high. In the spring of 1844, the whole territory within the town was thoroughly canvassed, and every voter brought on the ground except one (thirty-two in all). It being known how every man had voted, there was found to be a tie vote for every ofiSce in town. The last voter was then sent for - Anthony Partridge - who came and voted, selecting names from the two tickets. Every man for whom he voted was elected."

RICHARD ADEK, farmer^ Sec. 3; P. 0. EvaDSville ; was bora in Delaware Co., N. Y., io 1812. Came to Wisconsin in 1848; married, in 1846, Miss Janette Glendenning; she was bora in New York ; they have four children. Mr. Adee owns 160 acres of land.

D. C BKACH, farmer, P. 0. Footville ; was born in Litchfield, Conn., in 1839; came tu Wisconsin in 1850. In 1859, married Miss Eliza E. Marsh; she was born in New York. They have one son - Georjje H. Mr. and Mrs Beach are .members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Beach b a breeder of the short-horn Durnam cow ; he owns 66 acres of land in fine state of cultivation.

H. G. BEACH, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Footville; was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1832. Came to Wisconsin in 1850, and located in Center. Married, in 1862, Miss Melissa A. Dean, a native of North Carolina; they have five children - Mary, Winfield G., Fred. L., Jennie I. and Charles H. Mr. and Mrs. Beach are members of the M. PI. Church. He owns 91} acres of land.

HOPSOM BEACH, farmer; P. 0. Footville; was bora in Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1824. Came to Wisconsin in 1845, and located in Center. Mr. Beach has served as Constable and minor ofiices since his residence in Center. In 1861, he married Miss Lydia A. Rush, a native of New York. They have lost three children - George A., Clara B. and Frank. Mr. Beach owns 160 acres of land, in good state of cultivation.

JAUES H. BB0WM« farmer, Sec. 35; P. 0. Janesville; was born in Washington Co.. N. Y., in 1824; came to Wisconsin in 1856, located in Janesville, and worked at his trade as carpenter until 1864, when we enlisted in the 2d W. V. C, Co. M, mustered out in 1865, at Austin, Texas ; in 1866. he moved to Center, since which time he has been engaged in farming. Jan. 4, 1864, he married Mif^n Janette Thorburn ; she was bora in New York ; Mr. B. owns 134 acres of land in Sec. 35.

M. n. CARRIER, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Center; was born in Connecticut in 1810 ; came to Wiscon.sin in 1846, and located in Janesville; while there was in the furnace business and built the first furnace built in Janesville ; removed to Center in 1856 ; since, has been engaged in agricultural pursuiUi. Married, in 1849, Miss Lydia Morgan ; they have two children ; Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the M. E. Church ; Mr. Carrier owns fifty acres of land in Sec. 24.

P. Ij. CAL^PMABf, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Center; was born in Center in 1854 ; son of Abram Caufman, who emigrated to WiscoDsin in 1845 ; he is engaged in farming on his father's farm of ninety acres, in Sec. 23.

JOHN COfjWELIi, farmer. Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Evansville; was born in Ireland, in 1816; came to Wisconsin in 1848, and located in Milwaukee ; came to Rock Co., in 1850 ; settled in Center in 1865 : is a member of the Catholic Church ; owns 205 acres of land.

J. IS. CONRAD, Sec. 5 ; P. O. Evansville ; was born in Richland Co., Ohio, in 1835 ; came u* Wisconsin with his parents in 1838; they located at what is now called Janesville. Married, in 1872, Miss M. K. Campbell ; she was born in Illinois ; they have three children ; Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Congregational Church ; Mr. Conrad has served as Town Assessor, Supervisor and other minor ofiices ; he owns 212 acres of land.

ABRA3I CORIEIjIj, farmer, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Janesville; was bora in Seneca Co., N. Y., in 1802 ; emigrated to Wisconsin in 1844. In 1826, married Miss Mary Covert; she was born in Somerset Co., N. Y.; they have five children; Mr. and Mrs. Coriell are members of the Disciples* Church ; Mr. C. owns forty acres of land in a good state of cultivation.

J. CORY, farmer, Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Footville ; was born in Ohio, in 1816; came to Wisconsin in 1846. Married, in 1836, Miss B. Buny, of New York ; they have four children living and have lost two; Mrs. Cory is a member of the Congregational Church ; Mr. Cory is a member of the Masons, Center Grange, Temple of Honor and Aid Society in connection with the Grange, which was organized in 1875 ; Mr. C. helped to organize the Society ; they started with twenty-two members; now have between 1,20 and 1,400, and have paid over $30,000 for benefits. Mr. C. owns 160 acres of land in fine state of eu tivation.

JOSHUA CRAIjIj, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Center; was born in Wisconsin in 1842. Married in 1863; his wife was born in Vermont; they have five children living and have lost two. Mr. (\ is a member of Center Grange and Aid Society. He owns eighty acres of land.

JOHN CBOW, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Center: was bom in Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 1809; came to Wisconsin in 1846. Married, in 1830, Miss Sarah Hartzcl ; she was born in Ohio; they have two children living and have lost two. Mr. and Mrs. Crow are members of the Disciples' Church. Mr. C. has s<3rved two terms on the Town Board of Supervisors ; served also on School Board and as School Director. He owns 100 acres of land.

B. N. CROUCH, farmer, Sec. 3t) ; P. 0. Janesville ; was born in Canada in 1806; removed to Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1813; came to Wisconsin in 1844. Married, in 1826, Miss Catherine Fetherly ; she was born in Oneida Co., N. Y. ; they have eight children living - P^rmelia, Harriet, Sarah A., Amelia L., Ellen G., Henry F., Angle A. and Rosetta ; they have lost three - Stephen, Isaiah and Adeline. Mr. and Mrs. C. adhere to the Universalist faith. Mr. C. owns eighty acres of land in Sec. 36,

A. B. CBOWEIiJL, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Footville ; was born in New York in 1833 ; came to Wisconsin in 1874, and located in Orfordville ; lived there two years and removed to Center. Married, in 1 866, Miss Mary J. Purdy, ol New York ; they have lost one child - Elmer. Mr. C. owns fiHy-six acres of land in fine state of cultivation.

W. H. DEAN, farmer. Sec. 21 ; P. O. Footville; was bom in Ohio in 1834; came to Wisconsin in 1855. Married, in 1859, Miss Martha Taylor; she was born in Cortland Co., N. Y. ; died Aug, 3, 1867; they had four children, three living; in 1869, he married Miss Kate IS. Snyder; she was born in Indiana ; they have had four children. Mr. and Mrs. Dean are members of the Disciples' Church, and he of Center Grange, No. 35 ; Mr. D. is a member of the Temple of Honor. He owds 163 acres of land.

(^EOBC^E W. DIBBLE, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P.O. Evansville; was born in New York in 1837 ; came to Wisconsin in 1845. Married, in 1861, Miss Lucinda Wadaworth ; she was born in Syracuse, N. Y. ; they have one son. In 1864, Mr. D. enlisted in 16th W. V. I., Co. F; was mustered out in 1865, at Louisville, Ky. Was elected Town Treasurer in 1877, which office he still holds. Owns 160 acres of land.

WIMABD DIMG910N, farmer. Sec. 26; P. 0. Footville; was born in Amsterdam, N. Y., in 1817 ; came to Wisconsin in 1847, and located in town of Pleasant Spring, Dane Co. ; attended the first town meeting ever held in the town, and was elected Town Treasurer ; was Supervisor for one year, and Chairman of Town Board of Supervisors for two years. In 1862, he enlisted in 23d W. V. I., Co. I ; was mustered out in 1863, at Lexington, Ky. In September of same year, he removed to his present homestead. Married, in 1839, Miss M. J. Dailey ; she was bom in New York; they have two children living and have lost two. Mr. D. owns seventy acres of land.

D. DOHS, farmer, Sec. 17; P. 0. Center; was born in Germany in 1827; came to America with his parents in 1830. Married in 1858 ; his wife was born in Germany ; they have three children living, and have lost three. Mr. and Mrs. D. are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. D. owns forty acres in Sec. 17, and forty in Sec. 8.

CHBISTOPHEB DBEFAHli, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Center ; was born in Germany in 1815 ; came to Wisconsin in 1864. Married in 1847 ; his wife was born in Germany; they have seven children. Mr. D. owns eighty acres of land.

E. A. FOOT, farmer. Sec. 32; P. 0. Footville ; was born at Goshen, Conn., in 1809. In 1845, he moved to what is now called Footville. His first occupation was farming. In spring of 1846, was elected Chairman of Town Board of Supervisors, which office he held at different times for twelve years. In 1847, was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention. In 1854, he went into the produce business, and had as many as seven warehouses on the road at once. In 1857, he was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly. In 1861-62, was a member of the State Senate, and was Chairman of the Finance Committee those two years. In 1862, was appointed Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of the State Hospital for the Insane ; held tie position of Trustee until he resigned, in 1869. In 1867, he was a mem-, her of the Wisconsin Assembly, and Chairman of the Railroad Committee. In August, 1869, he went to La Cygne, Kan., and remained there seven years. He was the first Mayor of that city, and Police Judge for three years. In the spring of 1876, he again returned to Footville, and, in 1877, was elected Chair^ man of the Board of Supervisors, which position he now holds. Has been a Notary Public for twenty years, both here and in Kansas. June 4, 1829, he married Miss Clarisst^ Beach, daughter of Julius Beach, of Connecticut. They have two children ; have lost one - Ruth R., who died in 1863 ; those living are Louisa B., now Mrs. H. A. Egerton, who resides at the old homestead, and Rev. Joseph I., a resident of La Cygne, Kan. He graduated at Lawrence University, Wis., in the class of 1857; was ordained in 1859, in Conference at Whitewater, by Bishop Ames ; was elected Supervisor of Rock Co. In 1863, was elected Chaplain of the 13th W. V. I.; while in the service was again elected Supervisor of Rock Co. He

Was re-elected in 1867 ; removed to La Cygne, Kan., in 1869. In 1878, was a candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He was admitted to the bar in 1879.

J. C* (i^OOCH, farmer, Sec. 34 ; P. O. Footville ; was born in Vermont in 1815 ; came to Wisconsin in 1855. Married in 1836; his wife was born in Massachusetts; she died in 1852. He married again in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Gooch are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Gooch owns forty acres of land in Sec. 34.

DANIEL HAiimiiLIi, farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. Footville; was bom in Pennsylvania in 1825 ; came to Wisconsin in 1867. Married, in 1849, Miss Rebecca Stover; she was bom in Pennsylvania ; they have five children living, and have lost two. Mr. H. owns eighty acres of land.

ISAAC HAWK, deceased i was born Nov. 27, 1815. He emigrated to Wisconsin in 1856. Married, in 1833, Miss Julia A. Kirkedall (now deceased) ; they had six children, five still living. He married again, in 1852, Miss Jane P. Owen, of Orange Co., N. Y.; they had six children, four still living. Mr. Hawk died in 1878, and is well remembered by the citizens of the town.

SIABK HOME YSETT, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Footville ; was born in England, in 1834 ; came to America in 1849, and located in Ohio, near Cleveland ; came to Wisconsin, in 1850, and located in Center. Married, in 1859, Miss Harriet White ; she was born in New York. Mr. H. has served is Assessor since his residence in the town ; owns 187 ^ acres of land, and is an extensive breeder of stock.

D. N. HOWELIi, farmer. Sec. 20 ; P. O. Footville; born in Amity, Orange Co., N. Y., in 1823 ; followed farming there until 1863 ; then emigrat<!d to Wisconsin. Married, in 1850, Miss Julia A. Owen ; she was bom in Pennsylvania ; they have four children. Mr. and Mrs. H. are inembers of the M. E. Charch and Center Grange. Mr. H. was on the Town Board of Supervisors, in 1876; he owns 120 acres of land in Sec. 20 ; all in good state of cultivation.

HENBY HU&(;}ETT, farmer, Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Footville ; was bom in England, in 1839 ; came to Wisconsin, in 1869, and located at Footville; removed to Center in 1874. Married, in 1860, Miss Harriet Higgins ; she was born in England ; they have seven children living, and have lost three. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the M. E. Church. Is engaged in farming, on Mr. J. N. Smith's farm.

EDWARD JOSHES, farmer. Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Footville ; was born in Austintown, Tramboll Co., Ohio, in 1812 ; lived there and was engaged in stock-raising and farming until 1867; when he removed to Wisconsin ; has engaged in same business since his residence here. Married, in 1835, Miss Orpba Hill, a native of Pennsylvania ; she died in August, 1856 ; they had five children - one is dead. In 1857, he married Mrs. Lucretia Parmley ; she was born in New York ; they have three children - one son aod two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Disciples' Church. Mr. J. owns ninety acres of land.

ANDREW LOWRV, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Center; was born in County Down, Ireland, in 182 i, and came to America in 1840, and iocaced in Newburg, Orange Co., N. Y. ; came to Wisci^nsin in 1853, and located in Janesville ; removed to Center in 1870. Married in 1848; wife was born in Irelaud. Mr. Lowry owns 260 acres of land, 100 situated in Center, and 160 in the town of Janesville.

WILLIAM T. NOTT, farmer, Sec. 17 ; P. O. Evausville ; was born in Wisconsin iu 1848. Married, in 1872, Miss Alice Austin; she was born in Wisconsin; they have two children. Owns eighty acres of land, forty in Sec. 29 and forty in Sec. 17.

W. J* OWEN, Postmaster of Footville ; dealer in dry goods, groceries and general merchandise ; was born in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1818; he came to Wisconsin in 1855, and located in Center; wns engaged iu agricultural pursuits until ISiiO, when he went into the mercantile business. In 1859, he was elected Town Superintendent, and served two terms ; was chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors for two terms ; wjls Justice of the Peace for four years ; School Clerk in his district for six years ; was appointed Postmaster of Footville in 1875, which position he still holds. He owns 146 acres (if land in Center; a store and dwelling house, and three lots in Plymouth. In 1854, he married Miss Elizabeth Wickham ; she was born in Sussex Co., N. J. ; they have five children living - Sarah I., Chancey W., Webster J., Martha A., and Dora M. ; they have lost two children - Charles E. and William H. Mr. and Mrs. Owen are members of the M. E. Church.

<^EO. I. PARKLEY, farmer, Sec. 34; P. 0. Footville; was born in Ohio in 1843; came to Wisconsin with parents in 1849. Married, in 18G4, Miss Jennie M. Scott; she was born in Indiana ; they have three children - Ernest S., Cora B. and Grace; Mr. and Mrs. Parmley are members of the Disciples' Church. Mr. P. owns 100 acres of land.

JAUEN parmley, farmer. Sec. 21 ; P.O. Footville; born in Trumbull Co.. Ohio, in 1820 ; he learned his trade as mason there, and followed it until 1849, when he emigrated to Wwconsin and lr>cated in Center ; since his residence tliere, has followed agricultural pursuits, in connection with hii trade ; he has served as Town Clerk for two years, and various minor offices ; he owns 390 acres of land. Married, in 1842, Miss Lucy A. Root; she was born in Litchfield Co.. Conn., in 1819; they have two children - George I. and Elmer L. Mr. and Mrs. P. are members of the Disciples' Church, and Center Orange, No. 35 ; Mr. Parmloy is also a member of the County Agricultural Society.

CliAKK POPPJLE, farmer. Sec. 25 ; P. O. Janesville ; was bom in Syracuse, N. Y., in 1844; came to Wisconsin in 1856; in 1861, he enlisted in Second Wisconsin Cavalry, Co. M, and was mustered out in 1865, at Austin, Texas. Married, in 1878, Miss Susan Gibson ; she was born in Rock Co., Wis.; they have one son - WMlliam. Mr. P. is a member of the Temple of Honor; owns eighty acres of land in Sec. 25.

J. W. QIJI31BY, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. O. Footville; was born in Lisbon, Grafton Co., N. H., in 1829 ; came to Wisconsin in 1859 ; first located in the town of Rock ; lived there three years, and removed to town of Janesville ; lived there four years, and removed to his present homestead. A)arried Miss Amanda Taylor in 1856 ; she was born in New Hampshire; they have two children - Elmer E. and Olive. Mr. and Mrs. Q. adher^ to the Congregational faith. Mr. Q. owns eighty-five acres of land.

G. SI. RICE, farmer. Sec. 32; P. 0. Footville; vcas born in New York in 1837; he lost his parents at an early age) came to Wisconsin with his grandparents in 1847 ; since his residence here, he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits ; owns thirty-seven acres of land in Sec. 32, in fine state of cultivation.

D. SIIiTERTHOBUT, farmer, Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Footville ; was bom in Warren Co., N. J., in 1821 ; in 1845, he went to Pittston, Penn.; worked at millwrighting lor one year, boat-building for three years ; he came to Wisconsin in 1849 ; after several moves, located on a rented farm in Plymouth ; resided for eleven years, then removed to the farm he now owns. When Mr. S. came to ^yisconsin, he was the possessor of but $50, but, by economy and industry, has gained a competence of a fine farm of sixty acres, which be values at $75 per acre ; his farm is well stocked, and he has a fine variety of fruit. In 1838, he married Miss Martha Huston ; she was born in Monroe Co., Penn.; they have eleven children, seven daughters and four sons. Mrs. S. is a member of the Disciples' Church.

J. T. SILVERTHORM, farmer. Sec. 34; P. O. Footville ; was born in Warren Co., N. J., in 1825 ; when about 3 years of age, his parents removed near Stroudsburg, Penn.; resided there for five years, when they returned to New Jersey ; from there, they removed to New York, near Port Jarvis ; lived there three years ; he left home and went to Pittston, Penn.; worked in a boat-yard for one year; returned home and emigi-ated to Wisconsin with his parents in 1848, and located on his present homestead; he is a son of Nicholas Silverthorn, who died in 1873. In 1856, he married Miss Helen M. Gooch, and settled down to farming. Mrs. S. was born in Chicago. 111. They have five children - Emma L., John L., C, Mina, Etta M. and Albert J. Mr. S. owns 120 acres of land, 80 in Sec. 34, in Center, and 40 in Plynionth, in Sec. 9.

J* 9r« SlillllTlI, farmer. Sec. 34; P. O. Footville; was born in the old town of Paris, Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1805 ; came to Wisconsin in 1845, and located in Center. Married, in 1826, Miss Mary A. Beebe ; she was born in New York ; died in July, 1873 ; they had ten children - Francis B., Eli B., Alfred B., Chas. C, D. Clinton and B. F., living; Sarah A., Chas. C, Elon G. and Elizi, deceased. In 1874, he married Mrs. Sarah A. Briggs, a native of New York. Mr. Smith is a member of the Baptist Church. Was one of the first settlers of the town ; was one of the first Trustees, and helped build the first schoolhouse. He owns eighty acres of land.

WIIililAK C. STEVENS, farmer and State agent for RusselFs Force Pump, Sec. 34; P. O. Footville ; was born in New York in 1843 ; his parents emigrated to Wbconsin when he was but 8 months old. In 1861, ho enlisted in the 5th W. V. I., and engaged in twenty-seven battles;' was mustered out in 1864, at Madison, Wis. Married, in 1868, Miss Harriet M. Crall; she was born in Wisconsin. Mr. Stevens owns 160 acres of land, all in fine state of cultivation.

JACOB STBAMG, farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. Footville; was bom in Putnam Co., N. Y., in 1818 ; came to Wisconsin in 1845, and settled on his present homestead ; engaged in farming, principally, since his residence in the town ; he owned a cheese-factory from 1873 until 1877, in connection with farming. He is a member of Center Grange. In 1848, married Miss Anna E. Spoon ; she was born in Pennsylvania; they have five children living, and have lost three. Mr. Strang owns 400 acres of Und.

WIIiLIASl THOSIFSOIV, farmer; P. 0. Cainville; was born in England in 1828; his t)arents emigrated to America the same year ; he came to Wisconsin in 1852. Married in 1850 ; hb wife was born in Orange Co., N. Y.; they have six children living, and have lost one. Mr. Thompson owns eighty acres of land on Sec. 30.

WLBS. n. n. TBACY (widow of Wesley Tracy)), farmer. Sec. 30 ; P. O. OainTille ; wad boni in Ohio ; came to Wisconsin in 1871. Married, in 1857, Wesley Tracy ; he was bom in Ohio, and died in 1865, at Gilboa, Putnam Co., Ohio; they had three children - Uptc»n, Kate and J. W. Mrs. Tracy is a member of the M. E. Church.

HRS. SUSAN WAJLIilHAN ; P. O. Center; was bom in Pennsylvania in 1A07. In 1823, she married John Wallihan, a native of same place, who was bom in 1797 ; he died Oct. 30, 1876; they had two children, one of whom is dead. Mr. and Mrs. W. emigrated to Wisconsin in 1847. Mr, W. held various town offices ; was Town Assessor, Treasurer and Justice of the Peace ; was Postmaster for thirty-three years. Mrs. W. is a member of the Disciples* Church.

J4IIIM WELIiS, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Footville ; was born in England in 1823 ; came to Wisconsin, 1857. Married, in 1843, Miss Harriet West; she was born in England; they have seven children living, and have lost one. Mr. and Mrs. Wells adhere to the Presbyterian faith. Mr. Welk owns 240 acres of land.

liOREMZO WITHAn, farmer. Sec. 19; P. O. Cainville; born in Bangor, Me., in 1835; came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1844 ; is a son of Ward Witham, a resident of Janesville. Mar* ried, in 1863, Miss Jeanette Rice ; she was born in Illinois ; they have four children - Lendall W., Nettie D., I^enore E. and Jennie A. Mr. Witham owns seventy-six acres of land.