Clinton Town

Clinton Town

Clinton is situated on the northern line of the county and comprises congressional township 14, range 3 west, containing 23,139 acres of land. The general surface of this town is very broken and hilly, composed largely of valleys and ridges. The bluffs along the streams present almost per|)endicular fronts, rising in many instances, to a great height from the rivers' bed. The soil in the valleys is of a black sandy character, and very productive; the upland in the northern part of the town, produces excellent crops of wheat, oats and other cereals. In the southern part of the town is found a black loam with a clay sub-soil. All of this town was originally covered with timber, except about forty acres in the northeast corner; this was on section 11, and was included in tlie original entry of John Masterson, the first sottier of tlie town. The chief varieties of timber are the white, red and burr oak, with some hard maple, bass wood and butternut. The heaviest growth of timber extends in a belt from the northwest to the southeast corner of the town, and embraces about four-fifths of the entire area of the town.

The principal stream flowing through Clinton, is the west branch of the Kickapoo river, which rises on section G, its source being a large spring pond, on the farm of Charles Jersey; it runs south from its source, to the middle of section 7, then flows west into the town of Christiana, re-entering the town of Clinton on the southwest quarter of section 19, thence in a southeasterly direction, leaving the town from section 31. This river has several branches in the town. The first in importance, of these, is the "Chaplain branch," consisting of two streams, one rising on the northwest corner of section 4, and the other on section 15; they unite on section 8, and taking a southwesterly course, enter the main stream on section 30. What is known as the "Gillett branch" of the Kickapoo river, rises on section 16, runs southwest, and unites with the main stream on the southeast quarter of section 30. The "Pierce branch" takes its rise on section 3 t, and leaves the town from section 32, entering the main stream in the town of Webster. Weister creek is a smaller stream, which also has a number of small branches, which unite in the southeast part of the town, thus forming a good sized stream before they leave the borders of the town, from section 36. Another small stream, a branch of Hrush creek, has its rise on the west side of section 2, and leaves the town from section 1.

Karlt Settlkmbnt

The first man to make an actual settlement in the town of Clinton was John Masterson, who in May, 18.54, located on the northwest quarter of section 1 1 He was an Irishman by birth, born in the county of Mayo. He went to Canada, when young, and from there to Ohio, from which State he came to this locality. At the time he settled here his family consisted of his wife and four children - Mary Jane, William, Michael and Eliza. He resided where he first located till his death, al)out twenty years later. He was twice married ; his second wife survived him, and in 1884 was a resident of La-

Crosse. Michael, the only one of the family in the town, was born in Ohio, May 27, 1838. He served in the 12th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, during the Rebellion.

At the time of the organization of the town of Clinton, an effort was made by Mr. Masterson and his friends to have the town named after his father, as he was the first settler within ^he bounds of the town. This name was applied for several years, and the clerk's records in the early history of the town so gives the name ; but the later Ijoard of supervisors failed to sustain the claim of Mr. Masterson and his friends, and the name Clinton was adopted by that body.

Later in the year, 1 854, Ingebret Bjorseth and Lars Morterud, two Norwegians, began the improvement of the water power at Bloomingdale, and a little later still, Ole Hallingstad located on eighty acres of land on section 31.

In 1855 the population was increased by a number of settlers ; C. A. Hunt, afterward of Monroe county, located that year, at what was afterward Bloomingdale. He was one of the active men of the town in those early days.

L. B. Perkins came in October, 1854 and made an entry of land, on section 12, but did not settle on the same till in March, 1856 ; he afterward sold to T. J. Seaman and moved to section P.

Another settler of 1855 was John Norris, who settled on section 26. His father, James Norris, came to Vernon county in 1854, spent two years in the town of Viroqua, and then removed to the town of Webster, where he died in February, 1883, He was a native of

Maryland, born in 1799, and moved to Ohio, with his parents, when a mere boy, where he lived till the time of his coming to Vernon county. His wife, Susan (Hudson) Norris, died in 1881. There were six children in the family when they came to Vernon county. John was born in Ohio, in 1823. He was married in Ohio, his wife bore him seven children - Clarissa Almira, Phoebe, Cyrus, Susan, Margaret, Jasper and Lydia.

Hans Hanson, another pioneer of 1855, came in June, and settled on section 31, where he lived till 1871, when he exchanged his farm for a half interest in the mill property at Bloomingdale. He was born in Norway, in 1822, and came to America in 1850. He lived in Jefferson county, this State, till he came to the town of Clinton. His family consists of a wife and seven children, three boys and four girls - Maren O., Peter, Karen, Hannah M., Charley G. and Ida M.

Samuel H. Bugbee settled on section 1 2, in March. He was from the State of New York. He purchased eighty acres of land from his brother, Elijah L. Bugbee. He died Nov. 21, 1872.

The Currier brothers, Samuel and Alexander, in 1884, were occupying land claimed by their father, Abner Currier, in June, 1856. Abner Currier's family consisted of his wife and six children, all of whom had grown to manhood. The father died in November, 1872.

A. J. Gift and B. Banker settled in 1857. The latter located on section 1. He was afterward a soldier of the 25th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. After the close of the Rebellion he moved to the town of Whitestown, where he died in November, 1882.

Patrick Brody came to the town of Clinton in 1859. He purchased his first eighty acres of land of Jonathan Adams. By birth he was an Irishman. He came to America in 1847. He lived in Columbia and Ontario counties, N. Y., till he came to this town in 1859. In 1884 he possessed 480 acres of land and was engaged in farming and stock raising.

During the years 1856, 1857 and 185S, the increase of population was rapid. In 1880 the United States census gave the number of inhabitants of the town as 1008, including the village of Bloomingdale, which was given as ninety-six.

First Events

The first house built in the town of Clinton was erected on seciion 31, on the present plat of Bloomingdale. It was built by Ingebrei Bjorseth, in 18.51. Here the first school in llu town was taught in the suuinier of 1857 h\ Mrs. Sarah Roy.

The first sermon was preached in this hons( also, by Rev. John Whitworth. a Methodist c'ergyman. This was some time before the village of Bloomingdale was platted.

Organic

Clinton was set off from the town of Christiana, in 1856. The first election was held in the village of Boomingdale, when the following named were elected as town officers: C. H. Hunt, (chairman) T. J. Seaman, and B. F. Vanduzee, supervisors; Dr. Amos Carpenter, town

Educational

District No. 1 was then using a log house, which was situated in a picturesque place, with fine play grounds adjoining. The population is made up of American, Irish and a few Norwe" gians.

No. 2 also contained a log building, which was situated in the heart of a fertile, well developed farming community. Here the Irish predominate; they send to school mostly in the winter season. This district while they are abundantly able to erect a school house which would be an ornament to the community and befitting their actual needs, seem to prefer the old halt decayed log cabin, which has served them a quarter of a century.

The school house in district No. 3 is located near Dell postoffice, near Weister creek. This is another ](ioneer landmark; a log structure, old and dilapidated; most of the pupils in this district are American.

District No. 5 is on the west bank of the Kickapoo river, a few miles from Bloomingdale. This is provided with a log school house. The population are maiidy Americans with an occasional Norwegian family. In the summer of 1883 the old log house was being superceded by a neat frame building, more in keeping with the times.

District No. 6 is composed chiefly of an American settlement. The school house known as "North Clinton," is pleasantly located, much interest is manifested in this district in

District No. "7 or "Sugar Grove" school has a .good frame building, well furnished and stands in a beautiful location. The American element predominates.

Joint district No. 13, is situated near the village I if Bloomingdale. Here a frame house is provided, located on a hill near the village. This district is composed largely of Norwegians.

The church building of the Methodists is located on section 28. It is a log house erected in 1871. A class was organized the same year in which this house was built. Rev. William McMillan officiated, and the following named comprised the first membership: M. D. Adams, P. J. Owen and wife, S. R. Curry and wife, Samuel AVakeman and wife, Joseph Hughes and wife, 'Squire H. Mossholder and wife, Mrs. Harry Hall, Mrs. Betsy Hughes, Mrs. E. Cary, Mrs. Headly, Mrs. Frances Wakeman, Mrs. Fidelia Calhoun, Mrs. Ellen Wakeman and, perhaps, a few whose names are not here mentioned.. Rev. McMillan preached for this Church a year, and was succeeded in their turn by the following named ministers : Rev. N. C. Bradley, Rev. Thompson, Rev. Smith, Rev. Frank Nuzum, Rev. R. S. Mockett, Rev. C. A. CliflE and Rev. L. N. Wooley. M. D. Adams was the first class leader, and continued to fill that office till his death, which took place Feb. 20, 1883. This is one of the largest classes on the Viola circuit, and was greatly increased by a revival held early in 1883.

The first meetings held in the town by the United Brethren were at the house of James C. Smith, on section 25, in 1857. A class was then formed by Rev. R. Powell, composed of James C. Smith and wife, Laor King and wife, Cornelius Blower and wife, Mrs. Ann Fish, Robert

Campton and wife, besides a few others whose names are now forgotten. Meetings were held at private houses about a year, and then at the school house in district No. 3, till the church on section 35 was erected.

Rev. E. S. Alderman is the pastor in charge of the United Brethren congregation of Clinton town, and owns and resides on an eighty acre farm on section 35. He is a son of Elijah and Mary Alderman, and was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, April 12, 1830. He received a good common school education, supplemented with an academic course of study at Galena, Delaware Co., Ohio. He was married Sept. 5, 1852, in Athens Co., Ohio, to Miss F. D. Wakeman, and in 1859 both united with the United Brethren Church. In 1860 Mr. Alderman was licensed to preach, and traveled as an itinerant minister in the Sciota conference of Ohio for two years. In tlie fall of 1864 he was transferred to Wisconsin and joined the conference of that State. He finally made a permanent settlement in Vernon county, and has there resided during the greater portion of his ministerial work. His labors in the cause of his Master have been mostly confined to Vernon, Richland, Sauk, Jefferson, Monroe and Dane counties. He has been the direct means of receiving 500 converts into the Church, and administering the rite of baptism to over 400; also solemnizing 111 marriages. He has preached an average of twice each week for twenty-three years, and is still an earnest worker in the vineyard of Christ. Himself .and wife have had six children born to them, losing one in infancy.

Another class of this denomination was formed in the town at a later period, and a log church was built on section 28, and called "Hughes' Chapel." Meetings were held in this till about 1882, when many of the members had removed, while others had united with the Weister Church.

feet, with an 18 foot ceiling. The first services held by the Catholics in this town were at private houses in 1862. The earliest officiating pastor was Rev. Patrick Murphy, who was also pastor at Rising Sun. Tlie following named pastors have since served the Church: Rev. Father Marco, Rev. Nicholas Steeley, Rev. Michael Heiss, Rev. II. Gro.sse, who was pastor when the church was erected; he was succeeded by Rev. W. Hacklier, then came Rev. Father Wicker. The trustees at the time the church was built were: Patrick Brody, Michael Navin, John Masterson, Hugh Donahue and Timothy Dwyer. The entire cost of the church building was $2,000.

- The first cemetery in the town was situated near Bloomingdale and was open in 1857, fenced and improved. The next was the Catholic burying ground near their church on section 13. The third was located on Weister creek and owned by the United I5rethren Church Another cemetery is situated in school distric No. 6, known -is "North Clinton Cemelery.'

The numerous streams throughout this town, which have an abrupt descent, afford ampk \vater-])o\ver privileges, which have been quite well improved and made a great source of interest to the town, even from its earliest history.

The first mill was begun by I. Bjorseth and L. Morterud, in 1854; but before its completion the site with the half finished mill was sold to Evan Olson, who in 1855 sold a half interest to C. A. Hunt. The mill was finished and put in operation by this gentleman, in 1856. In 1884 this ]>roperty was owned by Marion Osborn.

Marion Osborn is owner and proprietor of the grist mill at Bloomingdale, and also of saw-mill in the town of Webster, on this branch of the Kickapoo river, tie bought the grist mill in August, 1877, of Hans Hanson and Frederick Olson. Mr. Osborn is a native of

Indiana. He came to this county with his father in 1858. He has had large experience in the milling business. He learned the trade of his father who owtied a mill in the town of Kickapoo. He purchased the mill of his father in 1866, and run it for seven years, and then engaged in farming in the t'lwn of Kickapoo, which he continued four years, when he sold his farm and bought this mill property as stated. The mill at Bloomingdale has two run of stone, and does all kinds of custom work. Mr. Osborn was a member of the 46th Wisconsin regiment, Volunteer Infantry in the war of the Rebellion, serving about one year. Mrs. Osborn was formerly Miss Hannah McKettrick.

From time to time there has been a number of saw mills in operation, within this town, including some run by steam, the principal one of which was brought in and set up by Ransom and A. P. Gillett, about 1855. This mill was located on the "Gillett branch" of the Kickapoo river, on section 20; it was operated at that point a number of years, and then moved to various points in the town as occasion seemed to require, and was finally discontinued. The engine, by which the mill was propelled, was afterward used in the Si)ringville flouring mill of the town of Jefferson.

The first saw mill operated by water power, was erected by John and John S. Dickson, father and son, on section 30; it was on the west branch of the Kickapoo river. James Dickson, another son, did the carpenter work, and afterward owned the premises. This mill was fitted up, for work, in 1856, and was run till July, 1881, when the dam was washed away and never rebuilt.

A saw mill was operated by Alexander Swim, on section 30, in 1865 or 1866. In 1884 it was owned by H. W. Knapp, and was still doing a good business.

timber, with which the town abounded. There was also a considerable amount of pine timber on sections 17 and 21, which liad mostly disappeared prior to 1880. A large amount of hard maple was also cut into lumber, by these mills; this was mostly used for the manufacture of furniture and wagon axles.

Another important enterprise is the bedstead factory of Andrew IJakken, which was erected in 1881, but not fully completed to its present capacity till 1883. This is situated on the west branch of the Kickapoo river, on the south part of section 30. Here Mr. Bakken manufactures all kinds of turned bedsteads. The dimensions of this factory are 24x36 feet. The machinery is propelled by a fineturbine water wheel, which transmits its power to the various machinery by means of a wire cable 150 feet in length.

Andrew Bakken is the owner of the bedstead and turning works on section 30, near Bloomingdale. He was born in Norway, in 1848. His father having died in Norway, he came to this country with his mother in 1869. He lived about one year in the town of Viroqua, and then removed to Richland Center, Richland county, where he worked in a bedstead factory about three years; thence to Milwaukee, where he worked for a time, as turner in a sash and door factory. He was then for a time engaged as turner in a furniture establishment at Chicago, 111. He then returned to Richland Center, and came to the town of Clinton in 1879. He married Eliza, daughter of Nels Larson. Mrs, Bakken died in December, 1876, leaving one daughter, Amelia, born in 1875.

The Village Of Bloomingdale

1857, by Charles A. Hunt, Evan Olson and J.E. Palmer, whose names have already been mentioned among the pioneers of this town. The Bloomingdale postoffice was established in

Drs. Hamilton, Lewis and C. M. Poff have practiced in the vicinity of Bloomingdale for a number of years; the latter being the only one there in 1884. His biography appears in the Medical Chapter.

Bloomingdale has always been a good business point. The mill which was the first erected in the town aids in drawing a large trade to the village.

Cliristian A. Morterud, general merchant and grain dealer; C. W. Dyson, general merchant; E. E. Rustad, general store, also keeps the postoffice; H Gihle and Peter Hanson, blacksmiths; Henry A. Hanson, tannery; G. O. Myburg, shoemaker.

Village Of Prestonville

This little village is located on section 26; it was laid out by Obadiah S. Preston in 1866. At about this time R. R. Jenness put up a store and sold goods for about two years. He was succeeded by Thomas Campton, who remained in trade a year and was succeeded by James Wagner, who ran a store for three years; then came Dr. Dennis W. Adams, who continued three years, and was then followed by Harry Pierce, who operated a general store till the time of his death. His wife then carried on the business and was thus engaged in 1884.

Mr. Preston built a saw-mill on Weister creek, at this point, in 1867, and ran it until 1873, when the property passed into the hands of J. Ogg, who rebuilt the dam, which had been washed out, and repaired the mill. He sold to Martin B. Mills, who ran it till 1881, when its use was discontinued.

While this village never has assumed any great pretensions as a business point, yet it has afiForded a handy place for the farming community to trade in a small way.

Biographical

The following personal sketches represent a goodly number of those who have settled in the town since 1855, and, by their energy, enterprise and moral influence have advanced and kept at a high .standard the agricultural, manufacturing and business interests of the entire community.

Charles Hollingstad has resided on section 31 since he was seven years of age. His father, Ole Hollingstad, was a native of Norway, and emigrated with his family to America in 1854. He came direct to this town, and entered eighty acres of government land on section 31, which farm he subsequently increased by the purchase of another eighty. He was the father of seven children, of five whom are living. Charles was born in Norway, in 1847, and has been reared and educated in this county. He married Margaret, the daughter of John Olson Melby. Mr. Hollingstad's farm is the greater portion of the old homestead and contains 120 acres.

Jonathan Potts is one of the pioneers of Vernon county. He entered 120 acres of government land, in the town of Webster, May 5, 1854, and after living on that farm twenty-two years sold it to Franklin Woods, with sixty five acres improved. He came to Clinton town in 1870, and bought of Silas Calhoun his present farm on section 23, which was originally entered by Le Roy Jenness. Mr. Potts was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, and is a son of John and Margaret (Kinder) Potts, who came to Wisconsin with their two sons, Jonathan and George Wesley, in 1854. Tiie father settled on section 21, town of Webster, where he lived till the time of his death, which occurred Nov. 9, 1876. His wife had departed this life several years previous. George W.

settled in Webster town, and still resides there. Jonathan Potts married Theressa N orris, who died June 25, 1883. They have four children - Phebe A., Thomas, William S. and Fannie. William S., who resides with his parents, was born in the town of Webster, in December, 1854.

John W. Appleman one of the energetic and successful farmers of this town, is also one of the earliest settlers. His farm and residence are on section 22, where he has IGO acres of land; he also owns eighty acres on section 18. He bought his farm of John Color in 1870. Mr. Appleman has made good im|)rovemenls on his land, the most of which he has made himself. He is a son of Jesse Appleman, his residence in the county dating from 1856. He was born in Deerfield townshi]), Morgan Co., Ohio, in 1844. He enlisted in company A, 25tli regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and served one year. Company A was first commanded by Col. Butt, and afterward by Capt. J. R. Casson. The first farm Mr. Appleman owned was on section 29. His wife was Sarah Parr, a sister of John Parr, of this town. They have -seven children, two boys and five girls - James W., Ida J., Elizabeth E., Marietta, Charles H., Clara L. and Olive L.

Mr. Appleman's father, Jesse Appleman, resides just across the line in the town of Webster. He is one of the largest land owners in the county. The maiden name of his mother, who has been dead many years, was IJeuIah Pettet.

In the spring of 1855 two brothei-.s, Joiin S., and Hiram Dickson, came to Vernon county from Athens Co., Ohio, being natives of Morgan county. They located at Viroqua, where the former worked at his trade of blacksmiihing. In the fall of the same year their father, John Dickson, followed them and in the spring of 1856', the three located on section 30, in town 14 north, range 3 west, where tliey erected a sawi mill on the Kickapoo river. The father lived I on that farm until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1861. One son, John S., is living at Springville in the town of Jefferson, and Hiram, the other son, is a resident of Richland county. In 1856 these three were joined by another son, James, but he soon after returned to Ohio and did not make a permanent settlement here until the fall of 1860. James Dickson was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, in 1831, and went to Athens Co., Ohio, in 1837, and there resided until he he came to Vernon county in the fall of 1860. In 1861 he purchased the farm which now contains 1 20 acres. He married Nancy, daughter of James Maxwell. They have eight children - Edwin M., Thaddeus, Myra A., Sarah J., Cynthia J., James Emmett, Ira C. and Hattie M. One son, George, is deceased. Mrs. Dickson's father, James Maxwell, was a native of Pennsylvania, but when a child accompanied his parents to Muskingum Co., Ohio. He came to Vernon county with his family in the fall of 1854 and was one of the pioneers of Jefferson town. He located about one mile north of Springville, where he lived till his death in February, 1875. He was the father of nine children, one son and eight daughters. The latter are all living, but the former died when six years old.

John S. Jenness has been a resident of Wisconsin nearly thirty years. His father, Thomas Jenness, was one of the settlers of 1856, in Vernon county. He was born in Orange Co., Vt., where he was reared and married. In April, 1855, he came to Rock Co., VVis., and the following fall to Vernon county. He located on section 14, where he lived till his death. His wife was formerly Clarissa McGlouthin, a native of Massachusetts. Tliey were the parents of four children that reached maturity - three sons and one daughter - John S., in this town, Thomas L. and Robert R., at Windom, Cottonwood Co., Minn., and Abbie, a resident of Denver, Colorado. John S. was born in Orange Co., Vt., in 1834, and came to Wisconsin in September, 1 855. He learned the carpenter and mill-wright trades and worked at them for fifteen years. In 1865 he bought of Thomas Lindley .1 farm on section 17, now containing about 200 acres. Mr. Jenness married Minerva Maxwell, and five children have been given them - Ida M., Mettie, Elsie M., James V. and Nancy J.

James C. Smith came in with the settlers of 1856. He located 160 acres of government land on section 25, in 18.:9, where lie still resides. Mr. Smith was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1818. His father, Nathaniel Smith, was a native of Maryland, but located in Ohio at an early day in the history of the Buckeye State. James C. was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and his entire life has been passed in agricultural pursuits. He has been a member of the United Brethern Congregation for forty-four years, and has ever been prominently identified with the interests of that denomination in this town. Mr. Smith lias been married three times. His first wife was Catharine Wandling, who died previous to his coming to Wisconsin, leaving one son,Nathaniel B. His second wife was Sarah Ben, who came here with her husband, and died in 1862. His third wife was Alzina Merrick, who departed this life in March, 1870. Mr. Smith has two living children by his second wife - Leonard W. and Mary C.

Hon. D. C. Yakey was one of the early teachers of southwestern Wisconsin. He was born in Loudoun county, in the good old State of Virginia, the home of Washington, in 1830. When two years of age, his parents sought a new home in Ohio, and D. C. grew to manhood in Perry and Muskingum counties of the iiuckeye State. His father, Jacob Yakey, is living, and still resides in Ohio. Mr. Yakey received fair educational advantages in his youth, and being of an enquiring turn of mind, thought to see what advantage the famous western country afforded for a young man. On Oct. 6, 1856, he arrived in Bad Ax (now Vernon) county. Soon after his arrival, he was employed to teach, and followed that profession for some years, the greater portion of the time it) Vernon county. He was a thorough teacher and firm disciplinarian, and his success was good. In 1881 he was elected superintendent of the schools of Clinton town, but subsequently enlisted in company A, 25th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the varied fortunes of that regiment through its long and tedious three year's service. In 1866 Mr. Yakey settled on his present farm on section 20. Mr. Yakey married Julia Adams, and seven children have been born to them - Clara, Luna, Laura, Ira, Hattie, Lucy and Byron.

Samuel Russell Curry resides on section 28. He has been a resident of this town since the spring of 1860, when he settled on his present farm, which was entered by his father, William Curry, several years previous to that time. Mr. Curry was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, in 1837, and there lived until 1860, when he came to Vernon county. A sister of Mr. Curry, Mrs. Abi Adams, wife of Mordecai Adams, was the first member of the family who came to the county to reside. Mr. Curry married Martha A. Griffin, a daughter of John Griffin, of Viroqua, born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1844, and came to Vernon county with her parents in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Curry have three children - Albert U., Sarah E. and John W. They have lost three children - George W., their first child, Edward B. and Ida F. Mr. Curry's farm contains 188 acres. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the town of Clinton.

Henry Knapp is one of the well known pioneers of this town. He came here in 1860, and located on section 19, where he still resides. His farm contains 220 acres, and he also owns and operates a saw mill on section 30. Mr. Knapp was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1821. His father, Henry W. Knapp, was alsoa native of Connecticut, and died when his son Henry was a child. Henry was reared on a farm, and also learned a mechanical trade. He was married in his native State, to Lois A.

Rood, whose father, Augustus B. Rood, died in Norfolk, Conn. Mr, Knapp finally concluded to locate in one of the western States, and with liis wife and family came direct to Madison, Wis., in 1855, with his brother-in-law, W. F. Webster, who had preceded him westward only a few months. Mr. Knapp went to Beaver Dam, in January, 1856, and the two engaged in the manufacture of siding lumber. In the fall of 1856, in company with C. P. Clark, Mr. Knapp erected a steam plaining mill, which the firm operated for two years. Mr. Knapp then sold bis interest in the business, rented a farm, and was engaged in farming until he came to Vernon county. He has held nearly all of the town offices, and was chairman of the town board for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have been blessed with three children - Emma, wife of G. W. Martin, Walcott H. and William E.

John Parr came to the town of Clinton, in 1867, bought a farm of Martin Flemmiiig and James Wagner, and settled on section 33. He has been a resident of the county since 1860. He was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, and is a son of Thomas Parr. He married Mary, daughter of Jesse Appleman. She was born in Perry Co., Ohio, and accompanied her father to Vernon county in 1655. They have seven children living - Charles E., Cora E., Nellie C, Beulah J., Jesse J., Arthur O. and Gracie P. One daughter, Mary E., is dead. Mr. Parr's farm contains eighty acres, on which he has made various improvements.

Dr. D. W. Adams, a prominent citizen of Prestonville, in Clinton town, has been a resident of Vernon county since 1861. He was born in Washington Co., Ohio, in 1818, but mostly reared in the adjoining county of Mor gan. He there commenced the study of medi cine in 1845, and prosecuted his studies until 1848, when he commenced practicing. In 1861 he removed to this county and located on section 36, of Clinton town. He abandoned tlie practice of medicine and improved a farm, which he sold in the fall of 1870. He then engaged in the mercantile trade at Prestonville. He resumed the practice of his chosen profession in 1872, and also owns another farm located near his former one. Dr. Adams married Catharine Bailey, a native of Louisiana. Her father was a native of Virginia, but when a young man went to Louisiana, and was there married. His wife died shortly after their union, leaving one child, now Mrs. Dr. Adams. The father was absent at the time of her decease, and the mother gave her child in charge of whom she supposed was a true friend. This person, a Mrs. Blanchavd, was a slave owner, and soon compelled the little girl to associate with the slaves, with the evident intention of reducing her to slavery. The father knew nothing of this, but the facts reached the ears of the Lady Superior of the Orphans' Asylum of New Orleans, who rescued the child, and placed her in that Catholic institution. She remained there six months, and then her father learned of her residence and had her removed to the home of Dr. Norton, with whom she lived until the latter's death. She was then twelve years of age, and went to Ohio with her father, where she was married. Dr. Adams and wife have five living children - Nerana D., Mary J., James Q., Alice A. and Nelson H. D. The eldest son, Isaac M., was a soldier in the 20th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, during the late war, and while assisting with a battery, at the taking of Spanish Fort, was severely injured by the recoil of a cannon, from the effects of which he died in the spring of 1870. A daughter, Harriet F., lost her life by the accidental explosion of a kerosine lamp. She was married, and left one child. Another married daughter, Elvira, died at Prestonville. Several children died in infancy.

William Dolen resides on section 34, where he settled in the fall of 1863. He purchased a quarter section of land of W^illiam Bryson, who located it from the government. He was born in York Co., Penn., in 1814, and there lived until he arrived at the age of manhood. He then removed to Ohio, and worked as a laborer for five years, and subsequently married Susan Forest, a native of Ohio, and engaged in farming on a piece of land which lay both in Washington and Morgan counties. He lived there until 1&63. In 1862 his wife died, leaving him with two children - Mary E. and William, Jr. He lived on the farm one year after his wife's death, and then came to Clinton, Vernon Co., Wis. Mary E. was married in 1866 to James F. Wakeman, a native of Ohio. They resided on the homestead until 1875, and then removed to Curry Co., Oregon. William Jr., married Sarah A., daughter of Lawrence Smith, a native of Sauk Co., Wis., and now resides on the old homestead. Their union has been blessed with three children - Hattie M., Jennie M. and Bertha E.

Christian A. Morterud is the oldest established merchant in the village of Bloomingdale. He is a native of Norway, where he was born in 1833. He was well educated in his native tongue, and reared to a mercantile life. In 1865, when thirty-two years of age, he came to Wisconsin, and for a short time clerked for H. Pierce, then a merchant of Bloomingdale, now deceased. He soon after formed a partnership with his employer, but in a few mouths bought out Mr. Pierce's interest in the stock, and has since conducted the business alone. Mr. Morterud has put into practice all the business qualifications he was taught in his youth, and in connection with years of practical experience, has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative trade and winning the respect and esteem of all his acquaintances. His trade will aggregate $12,000 to 115,000 annually, and the profits of hi.s past business has enabled him to accumulate a fine property. In 1880 he erected his present store building. It is of frame, 24x65 feet in size, and cost about $1,500. Mr. Morterud has served as a member of the school board for several years, treasurer of the town nine years; was justice of the peace two years and declined to serve longer, and has been a notary public since February, 1874. He married Sina, daughter of Ole Svendson. They have five children - Anna, Gustavus, Clara, Oscar and Matilda.

Pearly J. Owen, a native of Ohio, camo in 1866 He bought a farm on section 28, of Henry Pettit, and ))Ut up a log cabin in which he lived until 1871, when he erected his present residence. The farm was covered with a heavy growth of first timber, and Mr. Owen has already cleared about 100 acres out of a total of 212i acres. Pearly J. Owen was born in Washington Co., Ohio, in 1826. He was reared in Athens Co., Ohio, and lived there until 1866, the date of his removal to this county. His father, James Owen, and his mothtr were the parents of seven children, none of whom are residents of Wisconsin except our subject. P. J. Owen married Rosa Ann Hughes, formerly of Ohio. They have two children - Mary E., wife of Edward Allen, and Viola A. Mr. and Mrs. Owen are members of the M. E. Church of this town.

Gaylord S. Wakeman came to Vernon county with his father, Samuel Wakeman, in 1866. He was born in Athens Co., Ohio, in 1848. In 18G0 he settled on his present farm on section 22, which he bought of William Merrill, who entered the farm as government land. Mr. Wakeman's farm contains eighty acres, well improved He married Phebe, daugliter of John Norris, and four children have been given to them - Tessa A., Huldah A., Myrta E. and Charles H.

William Wakeman is a son of Samuel S. Wakeman, who came to Vernon county from Ohio, in March, 1866, and entered eighty acres of land on section 28, of Clinton town. Samuel Wakeman and wife were the parents of six children, five of whom have resided in Vernon county - William, Mrs. Fidelia Callioun, who subsequently returned to Ohio, Mrs. Eveline Snyder, who, at the time the family located here, was Mrs. Patterson Carey. The two youngest were Gaylord and Francis H., the latter of whom returned to Ohio in 1881, and now resides with the eldest daughter, Mrs. Sabra A. Morris, in Athens county. Tiie mother of these children died in this county, Feb. 1, 1881. The father is still a resident of Clinton town. William Wakeman was born in Ohio, in 1839, and made his first visit to Wisconsin in 1861. He was here when the war commenced, and immediately enlisted in the 19th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving three years and three months, and participating in all the battles and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Ohio, his native State, and in 1866 made a permanent settlement in Clinton town, purchasing his present farm of Smith Messer, in 1867. Mr. Wakeman has been twice married. His first wife was Ellen, daughter of Jesse Appleman. Two children were born to them. His present wife was Elizabeth Silbaugh, a daughter of Isaac Silbaugh. Tiiis union has been blessed with three children. Mr. Wakeman's farm comprises eighty acres of land, on which he has made various improvements.

Philip W. Cary resides on section 15, where he settled in the fall of 1868. He purchased a heavily timbered farm of 120 acres of Patrick Brody, eighty-five acres of wliicli Mr. Cary has well improved. He is considered one of tlie substantial citizens of Clinton town; was assessor three terms; has been a member of the board of town trustees for several years, and is its present chairman. He was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, in 1848. His grand-father was a native of the Isle of Guernse-y, and emigrated to America in 1848. Mr. Cary's parents, Henry A. and Dolly (Newton) Cary, were natives respectively of Philadelphia and Massachusetts. Mrs. Cary's ancestors have been residents of New England for several generations past. They were the parents of seven children, two of whom, Philip W. and James P., are the only members of the family that ever located in

Wisconsin. James P. served in the 18th regiment, Ohio Volunteers; was in the army of the Cumberland, and participated in several important engagements. After the war, he returned to Ohio and married Eveline Wakeman. He came to Vernon county in 1866, and settled in Clinton town, where he died Sept. 5, 1869, leaving a wife and two children, a son and a daughter. Philip W. married Clarissa Norris, a daughter of John H. Norris. They are the parents of one son - Cyrus Seward, born Jan. 14, 1873.

C. W. Dyson is engaged in the general mercantile trade at Blooraingdale. He was born in Athens Co., Ohio, in 1842, and was married to Lucy A. Danes, also a native of that county. During the civil war, Mr. Dyson was subject to the orders of the 3d regiment, Kansas Volunteer Infantry, and served one and a half years, guarding the frontier. In 1874 he Ccame to the town of Clinton, and purchased a farm of S. A.

Matson, on sections 17 and 20, with a dwelling house on the latter section. This farm was first settled by Mr. Matson's father-in-law, John Adams. In 1876, Mr. Dyson came to Bloomingdale, and is enjoying a fair trade.

J. M. PofF, eclectic physician and surgeon, Bloomingdale, located here in 1882. His father, Dr. J. J. Poff, came to Wisconsin from Indiana some years ago. He first settled at Tomah, and subsequently in Richland county, at Belle Center, Crawford county, where he died July 6, 1875. Dr. Poif commenced the study of medicine with his brother. Dr. C. M. Poff, of Readstown, and at present is attending lectures at the Bennett Medical College, Chicago, 111., from which he will graduate in the class of 1884. Dr. Poff has been in Bloomingdale about one year, and has secured an extensive and increasing practice. He married Lellah Gates, daughter of Willian Gates, of Readstown.